《Salvos (A Monster Evolution LitRPG)》
Chapter Art Gallery
Chapter Art Gallery
So, I finally decided to create a gallery of all the Salvos arts I''vemissioned in chronological order. It is not a chapter. Just for your guys'' viewing pleasure. Also, fanarts at the bottom
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD
Commissioned Art
By teguhsuwanda on Fiverr
By Bobo_Snofo on Twitter
By Vitaly S Alexius on RoyalRoad
By Bobo_Snofo on Twitter
By Wenart on Artstation
By dinoderpp on Instagram
By Tsurot on [emailprotected]
By Vitaly S Alexius on RoyalRoad
By KrazeKode on RoyalRoad
Fanart (Only two so far)
By Brack on ko-fi
By Cacaphony on Discord (Join us for the Dingventures!)
Chapter : Advent
Chapter : Advent
Preface
Hello! I''d just like to quickly preface this by saying that while the Portal Fantasy/Isekai tag is there, this story is only technically a Portal Fantasy (notice how there is no Reincarnation tag). In fact, I''d say it''s a Portal Fantasy with a double technicality. A Portal Fantasy**, if you will.
Nevertheless, I do hope you check it out. And if you didn''t know, this is my first time writing a LitRPG, and my second ever story. It''s inspired by the first Web Novel I read, Kumo Desu Ga, Nani Ka?, as well as others I really liked like Apotheosis of a Demon, The Wandering Inn, and Azarinth Healer.
This story is very slow paced at the start, but I assure you, it does progress! I hope you read it at least until it gets going! Anyway, that''s enough rambling from me, I hope you enjoy it!
0. Advent
The cycle of Advent has begun.
Regnorex spoke into theher; the Demon King turned his fiendish gaze toward the swirling sable clouds forming in the distance. His servants waited reverently for his next words, clinging onto each one as though their life depended on it.
Genesis shalle, but only Destion awaits them.
He withdrew from his high balcony, returning to the grand throne that was carved in resemnce to the mortal kings he had once met and envied. Now, heughed at thevish wants of such short-sighted men, content with only the luxuries of life.
The Devil will y his tricks on the fools, and the Beast shall once again feast upon the weak that invade itsnds. All will be destruction. All will be death. They will learn quickly that there is only hell.
The first of the ck raindrops fell from the sky, the precipitation wetting the barrennds with life, yet corrupting the pure, white surface into a dark ooze.
Settling onto his throne, Regnorex finally addressed his servants gathered before him: the Archdemons, the Greater Demons, and even the Lesser Demons. They were all below his station. Of course they were. To them, he was their master.To them, he was their god.
There shall be chaos. There shall be death. But there shall be survivors.
The Demons stirred at his speech one which he had delivered a thousand times before. Yet, they treated it with the same awe and fear they did when they first heard it.
The ck torrent was now violently raging on, almost as if prefiguring what was toe. The Demon King ignored it, focusing only on what had to be done. The room darkened as the storm swept over the Netherworld, yet Regnorexs eyes still lit aze in the color of the bloodied sky above.
Find the survivors, bring them to my demesne, for all who obeys my will shall be rewarded.
And they did. The Demons scoured thends, searching, finding all those who survived. It was not a kindness those who survived were the only ones who were worthy. The only ones who were special among the masses born from the Genesis.
No one would escape: they would either live under the Demon Kings rule, or die under the harshndscape of the Netherworld.
No one.
As the Genesis came to an end and the final stage of Advent began, the dark clouds above faded away; the pools of ck slowly receded into nothing. And out from thest of these pools, a survivor came into existence.
Salvos was born.
Chapter 1: Rocks
Chapter 1: Rocks
1. Rocks
A sea of infinite void engulfed me; I found myself wriggling, struggling to break free of the eternal darkness. I pushed myself forward, closer and closer to the edge of the dome that encapsted my very world.
I had thought it would be hard to break. I had expected it to be a hardened shell, tempered by the eternity of its existence. I never hoped to escape from the boundless abyss drowning in the ocean of nothingness, forever trapped to unbirth.
And yet, I broke through the surface so easily, I didnt even realize I was finally free. Only the words that filled my head made me realize I was finally alive.
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 1
General Skills:
[Identification] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 5
[Strength]: 5
[Endurance]: 5
[Wisdom]: 5
[Agility]: 5
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Unused Skill Slot] x5
These words resounded not as a voice, but as a breadth of information that I intuitively knew: I did not have to be told that my name was Salvos I was simply Salvos.
Iy there for what felt like an immortal moment, choosing not to move, choosing to revel in my existence. Finally, I opened my eyes, taking in the world around me.
Up above, darkling clouds blotched out the crimson sky. The red glow of the heavens itself came down mostly unimpeded; only a piece of it was covered by the eddying overcast that seemed to grow fainter through the passage of time.
I was floating atop an inky, ck liquid; what I had thought to be a vast ocean proved now to be nothing more than a mere pool a puddle that I couldnt even sink myself into.
I flopped my way out of the sable water, hoping it wouldnt open up and swallow my being back into nonexistence. My body finally reached the pure, white surface of solid ground, the ck liquid dripping off my body almost too easily, returning to whence it came.
The mass ofnd was far more expansive than the tiny pool of my birth; I looked curiously at the world around me, seeing distant sinuous crests and jutting peaks that piqued my interest. What is that?
I had an inkling of an idea of what they could be: I couldprehend the rough concepts of these shapes, but their true nature evaded me. I was captivated by it. I was drawn towards this strange, new world I had found myself in.
I nced onest time back at the void that had borne me, and saw nothing staring back at me. I no longer belonged to that world. Somehow, someway, I had squirmed my way out of it. And I would never go back.
--
I dragged myself through the barrenndscape, stopping every so often to investigate anything that I took a fascination to. The ck clouds overhead were now nothing more than a speck in the distance, but strangely enough, the ce of my birth had receded and vanished altogether.
It was gone. I was not sure why it was gone. I vaguely understood that it was possible for objects to disappear but still remain in existence. However, something told me that that was not the case here.
It mattered not to me. I continued my crawl across the chalky and rocky floor. It was not the mostfortable thing I had experienced certainly, having no senses meant such disagreeable feelings would never be felt.
This was not something I just knew. This was something I had just learned for myself.
I did not enjoy the poking sensation that came when I was crawling over these tiny rock bits that were scattered all throughout the floor. It almost made me want to return to the puddle simply floating as time passed was an absolute bliss, unlike this.
But I remembered the overwhelming fear I had of falling back into the abyss. It was not something I wanted. I was alive now, and I treasured that. So I made do with these minor inconveniences, choosing to bear this burden that came with life, pressing forward into the unknown.
...
I only got a little bit further before it got too much for me.
These small objects did not exactly hurt me; they did not pierce through my skin, leaving only brief indents before falling back off onto the floor. My health did not drop from this, yet I was sick and tired of navigating through this rough terrain.
I lowered my face down to one of these rocks, investigating its features and anything else that stood out to me. Surely something about it would clue me into a way to crawl over them without hurting!
I stared at the first rock, studying its every protrusion on its uneven surface. After pondering it over, I decided this rock was useless on its own I needed a wider array of observations before a conclusion was made and moved on to the next.
The second rock was bigger than the first, but just as haphazardly arranged in its shape. I looked over it for another indefinite period of time before looking over the third.
I was contemting how the third was seemingly as rugged as the first and second on one side of its surface, yetpletely smooth on the other, when more words suddenly filled my head.
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 1] -> [Identification - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I jerked, immediately losing concentration as I considered the implications of what the words meant. I had leveled a General Skill? How did I do that? I was just trying to understand a rock
My vision snapped back at the smooth yet rugged rock I had been eyeing. Whatever nuance that made the third rock distinct from the first and second was beyond my current understanding of the world. But of course, I had Skills I could use. Skills that were supposed to aid me in aplishing certain tasks.
I barely parsed the use for [Identification] beforehand; its purpose was not something I truly understood. Now, however, I realized it was for identifying objects. It was to give me a better grip of things that were unknown to me.
So I focused onto the rock, my eyes never leaving the specific rock I had picked out as I activated the Skill.
[Identification]!
The word shed through my mind. Whether it was by choice or whether it came from using the Skill, I did not know. However, information flooded my head as finally, I could unfurl the mysteries behind this peculiar object.
[Rock - It is a rock.]
...was that it?
No, that couldnt be. There had to be something more to it than that!
There was a secret here there was a reason why it was not like the other two rocks I had seen. It was special. It had to be special.
But why did [Identification] not tell me what this secret was? It made no sense. I felt uneasy about my understanding of the Skill, doubts forming in my mind that it was what I thought it was. However, I had been certain I used it right.
Something had told me that [Identification]s purpose was to identify things. It was the same thing that had told me what I was. It was the same thing that told me what I was capable of.
Perhaps
I trailed off. Connections were being formed in my head. An epiphany was being made. I finally understood what I had gotten wrong.
The problem is not in the Skill itself, but in the Skills level!
That was the only conclusion I coulde to. That was why it did not tell me more information than I had already known. If I leveled the Skill, it would surely reveal the truth behind rocks!
I turned my attention to another pile of rocks to my left. These ones were significantly smaller. They were pebbles miniscule rocks with fine features that were hard to make out without getting extremely close to it. But that was fine. I had chosen those to investigate since I knew I could learn more from them.
I had gone through two dozen of these pebbles before the words I had been anticipating came.
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 2] -> [Identification - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 2]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
I finally did it! And I also leveled as a [Demon Larva] thanks to the experience gained from leveling [Identification]! It was a total sess!
I could distribute my Stat Points and Skill Pointter. For now, I focused on what was important. I nced at the pebble closest to me and activated my [Identification]
[Rock - It is a rock.]
...what?
That couldnt be right. [Identification] had just hit its second level. It should be telling me more than before, not the exact same thing. Unless
I looked at another pebble, once again using [Identification] on it.
[Rock - It is a rock.]
No!
[Rock - It is a rock.]
No! No! No!
[Rock - It is a rock.]
Everywhere I checked every pebble, stone, and rock I used [Identification] on all produced the same result. It was all the same. All of them except for that third rock. The special rock.
I hadnt checked it yet, but it had to be different. It was different. I saw it with my own eyes.
I cast my gaze back to where I had once been, but was only met by an endless sea of small pieces of rocks spread throughout the emptyndscape. I couldnt make out the rock that had me pondering over what made it different. Over what made it special.
It should be here! It has to be
Then the realization sunk in. The bits of rock and pebbles uniformly crinkling the ground all around me were just that: rocks.
Nothing set one apart from the other. Rocks were rocks, even if there were some minute differences from one to the other. It is a rock, the words echoed in my mind.
Slowly but dejectedly, I epted this piece of information; I had spent so much time chasing after an answer that had always been in front of me. It felt like a waste.
I crawled away from the spot I had hovered over for so long, wading through the rocks despondently. I paused.
Wait, rocks?
Yes, there were rocks all around me. Rocks that had been so meddling. Rocks that made every movement so ufortable.
Rocks that I didnt even register are there anymore.
I had been moving through rocks for such an extended period of time, it was not an issue anymore. I no longer felt the pokings of the rocks on my body. It was just like the dichotomy between the cool stone surface and the strong heat radiated from all around me which I initially felt when I left my puddle, but I had gotten used to it.
I thought such an ustomance applied only to that specific circumstance. Now I understood it could apply to a wide array of things possibly more than the two I had just experienced. So I didn''t care anymore.
I happily continued my squirming through the white ground, unsure whether I should head to those small hillocks or tall mountains in the distance which my [Identification] didnt work on for some reason, but stopped when I noticed something.
Firstly, I felt my gaze was sharper than before. It was subtle, I would not have been able to tell the difference if I didnt spot them in the distance.
I had been musing about what I would do with my Stat Points and Skill Point. But now, all of those thoughts were gone as my attention was drawn to the bright colorful shapes moving in the otherwise deste and in world.
It was the others.
Just like me.
And there were a dozen of them.
Chapter 2: The Others
Chapter 2: The Others
2. The Others
I saw the others for the first time. There were many of them, all grouped together and wandering mindlessly through the emptyndscape. They stood out in the white background their vibrant colors stood out in sharp contrast to the ndness of thendscape, making them almost seem inviting. But I did not approach.
I waited in the near distance, watching to see what they would do. There were all sorts of them most of them like me, but with slight variations in their forms. One of them had ck and yellow spots on its back, despite the rest of its writhing mass of a body being red in color.
Another one had only a single eye on its face instead of the two I had, with a pair of long protrusions right above it. And another one had multiple small protrusions at the bottom of its body, wiggling and moving in a way that somehow made it faster than the rest.
It almost reminded me of the rocks wrinkling the ground we were all the same, only slightly different. Was I then just like a rock with absolutely no individual characteristics to me? Was I not special in any way? Somehow, the very thought of that terrified me.
At first, my interest had been piqued from encountering these other creatures, but now I wanted to run away from them. I had to be different. I had to have something that differentiated myself from the others!
I was just about to flee from the group of colorful beings that looked just like me when I remembered the words that resounded in my head when I was first born. No I wasnt remembering the same words. It was different now, but I knew it was the words that defined me. And it was
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 2
That was right. I had leveled up, which was why I was Level 2 now. But that wasnt why I checked my Status. I did it because I could use it topare myself with the others. If I used [Identification] on them, would the results be the same just like with the rocks?
I was uncertain, but I had to know. I felt my entire body quiver as I focused on the nearest of the others the one with the colored spots patterned throughout its body. I hesitated for a moment, however went ahead with activating my Skill anyway.
[Identification]!
The words appeared in my head: the information that described the being for what it was. My entire body tensed as I processed it all
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
I found my entire body sagging, feeling the tension that once held me disappear. This sensation, it was relief? I wasnt entirely sure just yet what it was, but I liked the feeling. It was nice.
This Demon [Demon Larva]? or whatever it was, was evidently the same Species and Subspecies as me. And yet, I was higher leveled than it. It was different from the rocks which all produced the same results. There was a distinction between myself and the others. I was not an object, but a subject just like I thought I was. And somehow, that thought calmed me down.
Wait, that means
I carefully approached the group of Demons that had taken notice of me and were now just staring at me; some of them had a curious look on their face, almost as if they were waiting to see what I would do, while others seemedpletely uninterested and were just following whatever the group was doing.
I got closer to them and began using [Identification] on each and every single one of them. I might have been unlike a rock in that I was unique, but I was not sure if that applied to these Demons too. Perhaps they might have all been the same, which in that case, meant they were just more rocks. That was almost the conclusion I came to where I checked the first three Demons.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
I was just about to stop using my Skill, deciding that these Demons were all the same, when I saw the Demon with the protrusions the legs take a step closer to me. I met that Demons eyes and used [Identification] on it.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]
It was Level 3? It was higher leveled than me!
I stared at that Demon in shock and another feeling for a moment. Why was it Level 3 and I was only Level 2? That was unfair. I wanted to be Level 3 as well!
For some reason, I was discontent with being lower leveled than this Demon. I wanted to possess the same or better qualities than it her!
She was a her.. I intuitively knew she was a her. And she was better than me.
However, she seemed to pay no mind to that fact, and was instead moving her legs, gesturing between herself and me. She... wanted me to go with them?
I nced about at the others, again taking in their stats with [Identification]. In that group of a dozen, there were three other Demons at Level 2 the same as me and one more at Level 3. The rest were Level 1, and apart from the one with colored spots on its back, they didnt seem too interested in anything really.
They were just following the group. But why were they doing that?
I pondered it over for a moment, as the group began to head off, led by the other Level 3 Demon. The one with legs waited for me as Iy there, considering these questions in my mind.
Perhaps, I thought, as the Demon finally started after herpanions. Perhaps theyre following the Level 3 Demons to learn how to get to that level too?
That was the only line of reasoning that made sense to me. I could not rationalize any other train of thought that would lead them to group up like that. After all, the moment I met that Demon, I immediately wanted to reach the same level as her, so it made sense that the others felt the same way!
I hurried after the group as they got further and further away. They didnt slow down for me, even though a few noticed me trailing after them. Not that it mattered. I was still with the group until they once again gathered as a group, attracted to something new and interesting.
They huddled around something that was lying motionless on the ground, just at the foot of a small hill; I tried to see what it was, but they were blocking my vision. I had to go around them up to an elevated position to clearly see what they were investigating.
Was this how they leveled up? I did level up from inspecting rocks on the ground. Perhaps simply going around and poking at whatever new thing you came across was what helped you to level. Maybe the more peculiar an object it was, the more experience you gained from looking at it?
I peeked down at what the others were studying, when I realized I had been mistaken as to what it was they say. Instead of seeing a weird rock like I had imagined, I saw another [Demon Larva] lying on the ground, motionless.
The others had formed a circle around it, curiously looking on at it, but still keeping a small distance away from it. It was almost a repeat of when they had met me, except that they didnt approach it any further. Why was it not moving? Why was it just lying there? These were questions that crossed my mind, and I was sure they held simr thoughts to these too.
Suddenly, the [Demon Larva] jerked. It straightened its body, snapping its head up as the others backed away from this sudden movement. This [Demon Larva] looked different. It was not like the ones in the group the ones that were about my size with small variations in form. Instead, it was thicker than us, it was than us, and it had a longer body than us.
Noticing this fact, I had my interest piqued and I decided to inch closer to it. I got till I was about as far away from it as the others before I used [Identification] on it. The results it produced surprised me.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]
It was Level 5? That was more than twice my level! It was 2 levels higher than the highest leveled Demon in the group!
I had to know its secret; it was so huge almost twice my size and so high leveled as well. I didnt want to be Level 3 anymore I wanted to be Level 5 if it meant I could get that big!
The others must have shared the same thought. One of the Level 3 Demons the one with the legs slowly stepped forward to the Level 5 [Demon Larva]. The only thing that stopped me from rushing up to it as well was a sudden thought.
It was a random thought, but I wondered to myself: why was it alone? Did it not follow any other Demon to reach its level? And did it not encounter any other Demon that wanted to follow it to reach its level?
It was these thoughts that made me a moment slower than the legged Demon to reach therge Demon. She stopped right in front of it as it loomed over her. She tilted her head slowly, and proffered one of her tiny limbs out
And it crushed her.
In a single motion, therge Demon crushed her with its head. The Level 3 Demon the one that had waited for me as the rest of her group left me behind was squished in an instant. All that was left of her was a broken body with ck liquid oozing out of it.
I stared in shock for a moment, still trying to process what had happened. And I wasnt the only one. The others were as taken aback as I was. The only thing that saved us from being immediately killed as well was the change that went over therge Demons body.
Therge Demon wriggled as it began to morph and grow bigger in size. That brief reprieve was what allowed us to finally react to this unexpected development. Three of the Level 1 Demons and one of the Level 2 Demons charged at therge Demon, throwing themselves at its body in abined attack.
It reeled back from the hit, bruises forming on its body where it had been struck. They continued to assault its body as the others began to join in. For some reason, I was alsopelled to help them fight therge Demon, but that feeling was quickly squashed as it crushed the Level 2 Demon. It swiped its body at two of the Level 1 Demons, breaking their bodies and sending them flying.
Upon seeing that, the rally against therge Demon quickly turned into a retreat; I watched as the Level 1 and Level 2 Demons that started at therge Demon in a charge scramble away from it as it crushed thest of the Demons that had attacked it.
It was too high leveled for us to take down! We were less than half its level, so of course it would be able to take us out with ease. But there was still the other Level 3 Demon, the one with the feelers on its head
I cast my gaze around, looking for the Level 3 Demon. He was running away? No he wasnt just running away, he had been running the entire time.
I must not have noticed because I was distracted, but the moment therge Demon killed the first Level 3 Demon, he turned tails and ran for it. That was why he was already disappearing into the distance while the others were still within the vicinity of therge Demon.
I panicked. I was going to be crushed too! I didnt want to be crushed! I didnt want to die. I had just been born. Dying now was something I absolutely did not want!
I started after the Level 3 Demon, trying to catch up to him. But he was faster than me barely faster, but definitely faster. I crawled alongside the other fleeing Demons as we tried to get away from therge Demon. I craned my head around as I did, just in time to see it catch and crush another Level 1 Demon.
It was faster than us too! For some reason, even with such arge body, it moved quicker than me. Why was it so fast? Why was it so strong? I didnt know. I dont know
Then, as if by instinct or by deduction, I realized why it was faster than me. It had a higher [Agility] than me. That had to be it.
It had leveled up and used its Stat points to raise its [Agility]. And that was probably why it was its size too. One of its Stat points either [Vitality] or [Strength] was also raised to make it bigger. Therge Demon was about to catch up to me when I hurriedly recalled my Stats.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 5
[Strength]: 5
[Endurance]: 5
[Wisdom]: 5
[Agility]: 5
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Unused Skill Slot] x5
I had received 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill point from leveling up. I had nothing to spend my Skill Points on, so I ignored it and focused only on my Stats.
Each of my Stats already had 5 points in it, but I now had 5 more I could distribute amongst them. I had a rough idea of what each did, but only two of them would help me in the moment: [Strength] and [Agility].
If I spent my Stat Points on [Strength], perhaps I could match the attack power of therge Demon. However, that still meant it outmatched me in speed, so it wouldnd more hits on me and kill me faster. So that was out of the question.
So I decided. [Agility] it is. I spent all 5 of my Stat Points straight into [Agility], and instantly felt an odd sensation wash over my body.
I didnt sprout legs, per se, though I did gain small limbs that helped push me forward. I also felt lighter. My body was more slick. Like even if I didnt use my limbs and just crawled ahead, I would still move twice as fast as I did before.
I wasted no time trying to ustom myself to my body and sped ahead. I ran past the other Demons ahead of me, feeling relief knowing that I would escape with my life. That was, until I heard the crunch that came from another Level 1 Demon being crushed by therge Demon.
I stopped in my tracks and turned around. Therge Demon was catching up to the others. It was going to kill them all none of them, except for the Level 3 Demon, were going to escape. They were all going to die.
That didnt bother me so much. As long as I lived, why did it matter if they died? And yet, I was running from thisrge Demon. Thisrge Demon that attacked and killed us for no reason. The others were running from it, fearing for their life, when they probably would have been able to take it down if they worked together from the very beginning.
In fact, one of the Level 2 Demons realized this. He realized that they could not escape, and the only chance they stood was if they banded together. He tried to rouse the others to turn around and fight. Squish. He died as the others ignored him and continued to flee.
Was I really like these other Demons, running like a coward from something I could beat? Surely I was not just a rock that therge Demon used to level up before tossing me aside like the other dozen rocks it looked at, right? And if I really wanted to reach the same level as thatrge Demon if I wanted to hit Level 5 no, Level 6 like it I shouldnt be running away from a fight like this, should I?
So I stopped running away from thisrge Demon and charged back at it. It was about to crush another Demon the one with the colorful spots in his back when I tackled it, striking it across the face.
Therge Demon turned its attention to me as I struck it with my entire body once again. This time, it took the brunt of the hit and brought its head down to squish me like it did the others. However, I skittered away from the attack, dodging it with rtive ease.
I backed up as it tried a follow up attack, swiping at me from the side, trying to use its size to its advantage. I barely avoided this attack. If it had hit me there, I probably would have been squished. But I survived it, and saw a wide opening.
As therge Demon tried to reorient itself, I saw the perfect chance to strike once again. I aimed for the bruise that had already been made by the first of the others that attacked it, smashing my head down onto it.
This proved effective as it staggered from the blow, pulling itself back to try and gain some distance between myself and it. I did not let up, however. I used my new limbs to hold onto its body as backed away, continuing to hammer my head into its body.
It lurched from the repeated strikes, trying to shake me off. When it couldnt do that, it straightened its body and brought its head up and over me. It tried to smash me, but I easily slithered away as it hurt itself. But instead of getting off therge Demon, I made my way up of it.
It twisted its body in confusion as I climbed up to its head. It was wary of attacking me now that it realized it was able to inflict damage on itself with me on it. And in that moment of uncertainty, I seized therge Demon by the head.
I wrapped my body around just below the head of therge Demon. It thrashed about to get me off it, but I simply squeezed my body tighter, using my limbs to stop myself from falling off. It spun and squirmed in a panic, but I did not let go.
I wasnt sure how long I held that position I wasnt sure how much harder I tried to curl myself under its head but eventually, there was a pop. The head of therge Demon fell limply off its body, its ck blood getting all over me.
I copsed alongside the body of therge Demon, and Iy there triumphant as the words of victory rang in my head.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Abundant experience is awarded for defeating an enemy three times your level!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 2] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 3] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
I did it! I leveled up twice! I...
Wait, why am I only Level 4? It was Level 6, right? I beat it! It was Level 6! Shouldnt I be Level 6 now too?!
Chapter 3: Learning Experience
Chapter 3: Learning Experience
3. Learning Experience
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 4
General Skills:
[Identification] - Lvl. 3
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 5
[Strength]: 5
[Endurance]: 5
[Wisdom]: 5
[Agility]: 10
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Unused Skill Slot] x5
I evaluated my Status after having killed the Level 6 [Demon Larva] by myself. The others the survivors from the encounter had left without me. None of them turned around to try and help me when I confronted therge Demon.
Not that it mattered to me; somehow I knew that if they had helped out, I would have gained less experience from killing it, which would have given me less levels too. So I actually preferred that they stayed out of the fight.
Anyway, it was not like I was happy with the amount of levels I gained in the first ce. I had doubled my levels, going from Level 2 to Level 4. And while that seemed like quite the achievement at first, I still wasnt satisfied. Therge Demon was Level 6 since I killed it, shouldnt I be at least Level 6 too?
Something told me that that wasnt how it worked. But it should!
I might not have been as big as it, and I might not have had as many levels as it, but I killed it when the others failed or fled. The fact that I deserved more of a reward than what I got led me to conclude that the world wasnt fair. Which was unfortunate, but it wasnt something I was going to dwell on. Instead, I focused on my Status.
Currently, I had 3 avable Skill Points and 10 avable Stat Points. I still had no Skills for me to invest my Skill Points in which confused me in more ways than one. For example, how was I supposed to gain a Skill? How was it different from a General Skill? Why couldnt I use my Skill Points on my General Skills?
Unable to solve this mystery behind Skills, I then decided to simply look at my Stat Points for now. As I had figured out earlier, [Agility] was something that made me faster in addition to other things I couldnt parse right now. When I had spent all 5 of my Stat Points on [Agility], my body changed kind of like how therge Demons body changed after it had leveled.
I grew these limbs. They ran down the side of my body, not exactly forming full rows of them, but still rather numerous. It was a strange feeling, suddenly changing forms. It was something I was probably going to get used to for now, whenever I spent Stat Points.
I considered the other Stats I had: [Vitality], [Strength], [Endurance], and [Wisdom]. I could guess vaguely what each of these Stats did by themselves. There were other facets to these Stats, but I was certain [Vitality] would give me more health, [Strength] would make me stronger, [Endurance] would increase my durability, and [Wisdom]... would grow my magic power?
I puzzled over this idea of magic for a moment, until my mind drew a link between magic and the Skill Slots I had avable. Apparently, magic was something every living being was capable of doing, but was aided by the Skills and General Skills they learned.
That was interesting. I had been curious about what these Skills were just a moment ago, and now knowing that having more [Wisdom] was somehow connected to them made me decide to experiment with it. For now, I was going to spend 3 of my Stat Points on [Wisdom], 2 on [Vitality], and keep the remaining 5 to figure out forter.
Immediately after using the Stat Points, my body began to quiver. It started to shift, changing in size as I grew slightly bigger. It wasnt as drastic as a growth therge Demon went through something told me that not only would differentbinations of Stats result in different changes to the body, but the individuality of myself and the others made the changes we underwent specific to us as well.
However, while the change that came over me from increasing my [Vitality] was made apparent to me in more ways than one, I was left confused by my [Wisdom]. I did not feel smarter or anything too tant like that. In fact, I almost thought that nothing had happened from growing my [Wisdom] for a moment.
That was until I stopped focusing on myself, and turned my attention to the world around me. After I became Level 2 from leveling in [Identification] twice, I had thought my perception of things was more sharp. And while that didnt change this time, I felt like my vision was now piercing through some veil that I didnt even know was there before.
There were lines? Or something else. A thing called mana was cutting through the world. It was not doing so intrusively, but rather in a way that kept it together. It was like strings woven together and into each other to create something that was whole.
I tried to reach out and grab one of these strings, but found my physical limb simply passing over through it. It was hard to touch; I knew my body would not be able to interact with it in this simple of a way. I had to understand it more. I had to learn about them follow these strings to get a better grasp of what they were, so I could actually touch and move them.
So that was what I did. Very quickly, I spent the rest of my Stat Points between [Strength], [Endurance], and [Agility]. For now, I was content with my speed so I only increased it by a single point, while splitting the rest equally between [Strength] and [Endurance].
Once again, the changes from these Stats were more tangible and obvious at first, but I intuitively knew that the changes I experienced went beyond simple physical changes.
--
I would have thought it would take a while for me to have to get used to my new, bigger body; with extra parts to meing in the limbs as well as a longer form, it was quite a significant change to what I was before. And yet, I did not find it ufortable using my limbs to move through the rocky terrain.
The bits and pieces of rock sticking out of my limbs were barely a nuisance, and I could even move faster now. And while that sped up my process of simply moving, apparently moving faster somehow corrted with meeting other Demons faster. Unfortunately however, these Demons I met werent like the first group I had encountered.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 4] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
That was the third Demon I had seen since I defeated therge Demon, and just like therge Demon, all of these Demons attacked me mindlessly. I had approached the first one a Level 2 Demon because it didnt seem too dangerous.
And while it wasnt dangerous per se, it did try to tackle me. I didnt have much difficulty dodging the surprise attack, although dispatching it wasnt as quick of an endeavour. With my rtively low [Strength], I couldnt crush it in a single blow and relied on multiple strikes to beat it.
After that, I approached the other Demons more cautiously, but still they charged at me. And while they were all lower leveled than me, they didnt even hesitate in their attack. At first, I had considered it to be a bit of a nuisance, but after I leveled, I decided it was a good thing in a way.
While I risked dying whenever these Demons came after me, if I defeated them I gained experience which would help me level up myself. And not only was leveling up a satisfying thing, it made me stronger.
With this strength, I could defend myself better. With this strength, I could survive!
But that was boring. There wasnt really anything for me to do; I had tried investigating more strangely shaped rocks, but I lost interest in them far faster than before. Eventually, I turned my attention to thoserge rocks in the distance those mountains.
It was strange. These tall, massive shapes became smaller as I went further away from them they didnt sink into the ground, but instead appeared to almost simply shrink in size. I had not traveled to one before, however after making this observation, I decided to traverse up one of the smaller hills.
I had known that a hill becamerger as I approached one, but it was still such a jarring sight seeing it turn from this vague outline into this towering shape before me. Putting 2 of my Stat points into [Wisdom] and [Agility], with thest remaining point into [Strength], I scurried my way up.
I didnt do nothing on this trek; I was being productive. I raised one of my limbs up, running it through the invisible strings of mana as I continued trying to acquaint myself with it. It wasnt exactly telling me anything in specific, but I felt like I was learning more about it. My vision of the mana wasntpletely clear just yet, however
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a General Skill!
I stopped right in my tracks as the words resounded in my head; I tilted my body, trying to figure out what just happened. I learned a General Skill? That was right, it was still a Level 1 Skill. But that was better than nothing. Now I knew I was capable of learning General Skills that was how I gained them.
It might not have been the exact same process for Skills, but it was probably a somewhat simr one. I lifted one of my limbs and tugged at the mana strings, and instead of just passing through nothing, I felt the barest sense of something being there.
It was a slight feeling something that showed me nothing, while opening up endless possibilities at the same time. And it happened just as I crested the top of the hill.
I rested there, at the peak of this massive rock. I cast my gaze around thendscape, at the nds down below, and at the other mountains that rose above the one I was on. I was Level 5, and while it was satisfying to know that I had reached a level simr to therge Demon, it still frustrated that I was not at its level yet.
In a way, I was like this hill. Tall, but not the tallest. Not anywhere close. Something zed within me; a decision that I came to naturally. I wanted to level not just to Level 6 or some other arbitrary level. I wanted to keep leveling until I could not anymore.
I wasnt sure if there was a limit, and if there was one, I did not know how high I could even go. And yet, it gave me something to do. I wanted more in my life than to simply exist. The rocks and thend they were interesting at first, but they lost their novelty after a while. Seeing the same thing over and over again became dull over time.
So I gave myself a goal. It was my will. And when I went down the hill, back to the tndscape, I was not just wandering aimlessly anymore. I was on the hunt. Searching for those mindless Demons that destroyed everything they saw.
And it wasnt long before I saw the next ones ahead. I let go of the strands of mana I was holding onto the entire time apparently [Basic Mana Maniption] was a hard General Skill to level since it was still at Level 1 and focused on the lumbering Demon. It charged me, of course. That was what all these wild Demons did.
As for me? I leveled.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 2]!
Less experience is awarded
Chapter 4: Magic Attack
Chapter 4: Magic Attack
4. Magic Attack
Up until now, all of the mindless, lumbering Demons I had seen were alone. It was odd; the only time I had encountered a group of Demons had been shortly rtively speaking after I was born.
So based on this single observation, I came to the broad conclusion that only others like me would clump up together. And while applying that general rule too hastily might seem like a bad idea in retrospect, the logic made sense to me when I decided to approach the four Demons traveling next to each other.
Well, I knew better now.
I skittered around therge boulder as the remaining three Demons chased after me. They had caught me by surprise by attacking me when I had thought they were friendly, but I still managed to take one out.
The Demons werent as fast as me, although they still managed to keep up with my speed. They followed after me, whirling around the corner
And I was not there. The Demons paused, confused at my sudden disappearance. They cast their gazes around, scanning thendscape for any signs of me to no avail. Slowly but surely, the three began to spread out, slightly further away from each other.
From atop the boulder, I leapt down at the closest Demon. I wriggled below my feet as I struck it twice with my forefront limbs. The other two Demons noticed this and tried to rush me. I pushed myself off the first Demon as something bright went off right at its antennae.
Circling around them, I easily put distance between us as they tried to tackle me. Instead, I swung my entire body around, knocking one of them back, before charging the second. The Demon struggled as I jabbed all my limbs into it, forcing its ck blood out of its body. I brought my head down on it once, twice
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy half your level!
Once I received the words in my head, I quickly pried myself off the Demon and just barely evaded a strike from itspanion. Pushing it back with my limbs, I was just about to do the same thing to it when I felt a sharp shock run through my body.
I spun around and backed away as fast as I could from the Demon I had dropped on. That was electricity? Light was shing between its antennae, sparks dangerously dancing off the side like the ssh of blood that came from being crushed. It hurts!
I warily regarded thest two Demons as they approached me. There was no coordination between them. They had no thought behind their actions. So when they charged me again, one after the other, I shoved the first one back to the other.
It did not matter which came first. What ended up happening either ways was the Demon using magic shocking the other. And in that moment where the non-magic Demon was incapacitated, I threw everything I had at the magic Demon, wrapping my body around it and crushed it.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Then it was just me and thest remaining Demon. It got back up, and I waited for it to charge me. I would have expected it to continue foolishly attacking me like it had before as others like it had always done. But instead, it spun around and ran away.
For a moment just a brief moment I was left stunned. Not because I had been zapped or anything. But because it was running.
Why was it running? They never ran!
I was puzzled by this. That had never happened before; it was another thing that went against the norm established by observations I made in the past. By the time I thought to chase after it, it was already long gone.
I felt my entire body vibrate, slightly annoyed that I didnt get the experience from defeating it. It wasnt as high leveled as the magic Demon, but when I evaluated my status, something told me it might have given me enough experience to level up again.
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 6
General Skills:
[Identification] - Lvl. 3
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 8
[Strength]: 8
[Endurance]: 7
[Wisdom]: 12
[Agility]: 15
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 5]
[Unused Skill Slot] x5
Ever since I had decided to focus on leveling myself up, I had only gained a single level, going from Level 5 to Level 6. It wasnt easy leveling up when everything I fought was lower leveled than me.
It didnt bother me too much I was still making steady progress. It was visible both in my Status as well as on my physical body: as my [Agility] increased, some of my limbs grew longer. In fact, I would have been wholly satisfieding off this encounter in spite of letting one escape, had I not realized that one of those mindless Demons was capable of using magic and I still was not.
That frustrated me. Perhaps I wasnt trying hard enough? Sure, I was focusing more on fighting now than trying to do magic. But the periods of reprieve in between were all spent with my frontal limbs pointed up to the red sky, trying to touch the intangible lines of mana all around me.
I wascking something. Every single time I raised my [Wisdom], I knew something was changing within me. However there was aponent of magic that I just wasnt grasping right.
I tried once again grabbing at the mana in my surroundings, but nothing happened. I pushed at it, pulled at it, and even tried chasing after it. Still, I wasnt able to do magic. After I had expended my Stat Points into [Wisdom], it wasnt working. I stopped caring after a moment.
It was infuriating, sure. But I was close to a level up! So instead of wasting my time lying here and aplishing nothing, I decided to mull over it as I scurried in search of a potential enemy.
It didnt take long. At least,pared to how much time passed before I met the first group of Demons. It seemed that wherever I was was more popted than where I had been born.
When I spotted the Demon from a distance, I had almost assumed it was only a single one. Great! It was more likely to be one that would attack me, rather than approach me out of interest. And yet, when I got closer and closer to it, I soon realized it wasnt a single Demon but two wrapped together in a battle.
I stopped a ways away from the fight, choosing first to survey what was going on. Of course, the first thing I did was use [Identification] which required me to get to a certain distance from the target of the Skill.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]
The higher leveled Demon was, as expected, winning the fight. It had pinned the other Demon to the ground, and was smashing its head onto him? I paused, noting the distinction. He was certainly not an it, but a him, like how I was a her.
That was a peculiar observation. What exactly about him made him a him? I had met other hims and hers before, however only at the beginning, and ever since then all the other Demons I had met were its. What made the other Demons its?
It was fascinating. It was something for me to ponder about.The implications of which I had to take time to absorb and parse. And as I was busy with this revtion, the Demon continued smashing him on the head.
Was it because they were incapable of thought?
Smash.
Certainly not. The most recent Demon I had encountered thought to run away instead of fighting me once it realized it was outmatched, and it was an it.
Smash. Smash. Smash.
So clearly it could think, but an instinctual drive
Smash.
Youre too loud! I cant think! Can you stop?
Smash.
I snapped. I had enough of this. The other Demon had a lot of health. He probably had raised his [Vitality] incredibly high so he could take a lot of hits. He was struggling,nding a few of his own on hits back on it. But it was winning, and it was making a lot of noise.
So I finally decided to intervene. I threw it off of him, tackling it to the ground and striking it with my own limbs. I aimed for its weak spots where it had already visibly taken damage from fighting the other Demon. And yet, it wasnt falling.
It iled back at me, thrashing its entire body about, before managing to pry me off it. It charged me with its head, knocking me into a daze as I staggered back away from it. Thats hard! It had a hard head possibly having a high [Vitality] too? Whatever the case was, I was angry.
It managed tond a hit on me! No one had been able to hit me before by themselves. Sure, it was because I decided to carelessly attack it, and sure, it was the highest leveled Demon I have seen since therge Demon. But still, it hit me!
I backed up as the Demon whiffed two swings with its body, before it tried rushing me with its head again. I went around it, going for its back andnded a quick strike on it. Once again, my limbs barely left a dent on its tough skin, less so than before since I hadnt aimed for a bruised spot.
I could hurt it. Just barely hurt it. I couldnt wrap my body around it and squeeze it since it was about my size, it would easily be able to throw me off it. So there was no quick way for me to defeat it. All I could do now was whittle it down with multiple strikes, until I won. Perhaps if I had a higher attack
I dodged another charge, just barely this time, as I realized that I actually did have a way to hurt it. That was the reason I had been raising my [Wisdom]. A magical attack.
But I didnt know how to do one. I had been trying to figure it out, but it was difficult. It was like I was paying attention to the wrong thing. To the magic around me?
That seemed wrong, didnt it? There was no magic in the empty space filled with mana. The mana was just there, but it wasnt magic. Instead, the magical attack created by the Demon from earlier came from within it, did it not?
I tried to think back to my previous fight; it was an intense moment, but I did pay attention to how the magic Demon created the electric shock. I saw the magic the mana around it moving, like strings manipted by it. And yet, it wasnt actuallying from around it. It wasing from inside the magic Demon.
It was like the magic Demon had attached its own strings onto the lines of mana. It exerted the mana inside of it to do magic, and the mana in the surroundings only served as an assisting medium. So instead of tugging at the mana strings there, I pulled the mana from inside of me with my front limbs. And it worked.
Instantly, I felt something leaving my body and a slight exhaustion sink in. However, there was now also a power right where I concentrated the mana into. I could do magic now.
The Demon once again charged me, but this time I did not even pay attention to it. I focused on the mana, trying to shape it into something I wanted. Right now, I was frustrated. I was burning with anger against the annoying Demon as well as burning with excitement now knowing how to cast magic. I also wanted to hurt it I wanted something with the power to prate its strong defenses.
And from that desire, I shaped the magical attack. Fire plumed into existence on my front two limbs, covering it with an intense heat I could feel but did not burn me. The mindless Demon did not even stop to take this in, and continued its attack. Instead of trying to go for a counterattack, I decided to be reckless once again.
I swung my two limbs forward at it as it came at me. I struck first into its head, which normally would have done nothing to stop it. But the fire zed upon impact, and the Demon recoiled. Again, I brought my two fiery limbs down at it, and again it was hurt from the strikes.
I was actually doing damage to it! This magical attack was doing far more than I possibly could have with just my limbs alone. The Demon recognized this and tried to back up, but I was relentless.
I pressed the Demon with my new magical attack, continuously hitting it until its defenses gave in and ck blood finally poured out. At that point, it had failed in trying to escape due to my significantly faster movement, and weakly tried to fight back. I took a few strikes due to how wildly I was attacking it, but it didnt matter. I won in the end as the words filled my head.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 6] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 7]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Skill [Basic Fire Conjuration] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
Skill [Fire Strike] Obtained!
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 1] -> [Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I gained two Skills and leveled up? That was amazing! Although I didnt gain any experience from learning the second one, which was odd.
Perhaps it was because I gained the Skill from leveling? That might have been the difference between learning a Skill and obtaining one; so there was no experience to be gained from thetter.
I quickly looked over my Skills and Stats in my Status as I considered what to do next.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 8
[Strength]: 8
[Endurance]: 7
[Wisdom]: 12
[Agility]: 15
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Basic Fire Conjuration] - Lvl. 1
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
For my Stats, I put 2 Stat Points into [Vitality] and the remaining 3 into [Agility] because I was unhappy with how much damage I took from this fight. I had to be faster, and I had to be able to take more hits. If not I would die.
I wasnt able to take blows like that Demon had been able to, nor did I n to do so. But I would rather not lose because I wasnt able to survive a single blow. And I could put off raising my [Strength] and [Wisdom] for now, since I just gained these brand new Skills which would significantly alter the way I fought.
I had considered increasing my [Endurance] I was absolutely exhausted right now, something which Imonly found myself suffering from after a fight, but even more so now that I used magic. But that was something I could raiseter. I did not think I would be able to die from exhaustion.
As for my Skill Points...
The Skill names were rather self exnatory, and I had just used them for myself. But I was not exactly sure how much of a difference a Skill Point made. Was a Level 2 [Fire Strike] twice as powerful as a Level 1 [Fire Strike]? And wasnt it possible for me to gain a more powerful Skill than [Fire Strike] in the future? For now, I simply raised both my new Skills by 1 Skill Point each, choosing to save my Skill Points once I understood my Skills more and had a wider array of them.
Satisfied, I looked back down from where I had been distractedly staring at in the sky while in thought, and found myself jumping as a pair of eyes stared back at me. The other Demon the one that had been losing the fight prior to my intervention was just standing in front of me. And he was not moving.
...do I fight you too?
Chapter 5: Not Like Me
Chapter 5: Not Like Me
5. Not Like me
I stared down the [Demon Larva] that I had just saved as he stood in front of me. At first I had thought he was about to attack me too, but when he did not move, I concluded that that was not the case. However, as to what he was really trying to do? I had no clue.
He had been on the verge of death before I interrupted his battle with the other Demon the one that I recognized as an it and not a him or her. I still didnt fully parse this distinction, but that did not matter at the moment. Because right now, I was trying to figure out what to do with this Demon.
It was odd for some reason, he seemed to have recovered from his injuries rather quickly. I would have thought earlier that I would be able to defeat him with a few regr attacks, but with the way he was looking now, it would probably take more than just a [Fire Strike] to take him down.
In fact, he was not only looking better than before, he was also slightly bigger. His body appeared to be more solid. Perhaps
I used [Identification] on him.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]
It seemed that my musing had been right; this Demon had leveled up, which healed him somewhat from his injuries. Not only that, he had probably spent a significant amount of his Stat Points on his [Vitality], further regaining his health, as well as giving him a bigger form than before.
But how did he level? Was it because he had contributed in hurting the other Demon before I had defeated it? Was my experience shared with him because he damaged it beforehand?
I intuited that that was probably the case. And that irked me somewhat.
This Demon, who barely did anything and who I had inadvertently saved, had taken some of the precious experience I deserved from me? I had fought and struggled to gain that experience, and he reaped part of that reward? That was ridiculous!
I was irritated at him. He was simply just standing there uselessly in front of me, as if he was gloating that he was able to... to... steal from me. If I defeated him, Id get the experience back from him, right? That made sense, did it not?
But something held me back; I recognized him?
That was right. He looked slightly different now he had limbs where he did not before. His entire body was red, which was not an unusual color; I had seen others of that color before. But the ck and yellow spots on his back were what clued me into the fact that I had met him before.
He was one of the others! The ones in the first group of Demons I had met!
If I recalled correctly, he was only Level 2 back then. And now he was Level 5, after having escaped thatrge Demon that ughtered the others...
Apprehension seized me, stopping me from raising my limbs at him. Wouldnt I just be like therge Demon if I attacked him now? It attacked us without reason, other than maybe the desire to level and grow. Just like the other corybantic Demons. I did not want to be like them! I wasnt an it. I was a she!
They were not like me!
I felt my irritation dissolve as a slight fear stopped me from doing anything to him. I took a look at his clueless face onest time before I whirled around. Im not doing it. I started away from him. I will not do it!
With that resolve ingrained within me, I began my search for the next group of corybantic Demons to fight. As I did, I decided to test my new Skills out. First of all, I had leveled in [Basic Mana Maniption]. It was now Level 2, which I could infer meant that I could manipte mana better?
Sure enough, I could feel the flow of mana within and around me far better; it wasnt the most drastic change, but it was noticeable. I decided to leave it be for now I looked over at the first regr Skills I had. These werent General Skills, but Skills I gained because they came with my Subspecies? I wasnt entirely certain, however there was a limit to how many I could have.
Right now, I had two of them. [Fire Strike] and [Basic Fire Conjuration]. I had distributed a Skill Point to each of them, and they were now both at Level 2.
[Fire Strike]. It wasnt exactly what I used to defeat that Demon from earlier. It was simr, but while what I did was rough, simple, and differed with each hit I could tell that this Skill was a lot more refined and consistent.
I raised a single limb, activating the Skill as I thrusted it forward. For a moment, red fire surrounded the nub I had swung, and with it came a power. A force that I knew dealt more damage than I could do just by swinging my limbs by itself. At the same time, I felt an equal amount of energy deplete from within me; the mana I had just felt surging through me earlier was less now by a small, but significant amount.
Alright, I already knew what that Skill was and could do. What I was more fascinated by was the other one [Basic Fire Conjuration]. Judging from its name, I could extrapte that it allowed me to conjure fire?
I had to test that out. I was almost giddy in excitement as I brought my forefront limbs out and focused. [Basic Fire Conjuration]!
I tried to create a fire. I was curious, but still reserved. So at first, I conjured a small me. A tiny bead of crimson me came to life between my limbs, staring up at me like a glowing eye. It reminded me of my own eyes red, zing.
Seeing what I had been able to create, I felt emboldened to do more. I was capable of more! I didnt want a small fire anymore, now I wanted a big fire! One the size of me!
I felt a chunk of mana leave my body into the surroundings, before it connected to the fire I held. The fire red
And my entire body sagged. I stopped in my tracks, feeling utter exhaustion set in. I could barely even hold up my limbs to keep the mes from falling onto me. And it was not even like the fire was that big. It was only about half the size of my head now, not anywhere near asrge as I wanted it to be.
This was bad. I was sopletely tired, I could barely even move. If I was attacked now
Something bumped into me.
I spun around in a panic, throwing the fire at whatever had hit me. The fire simply fell to the white ground, lighting the rocky floor up for a moment before it was snuffed out. I stared at where my fire once was. This Skill was useless! I couldnt even use it as an attack!
I stomped my limbs on where it had once been, more annoyed than anything that it had been a dud. I almostpletely forgot that I had been bumped, and only remembered that happened when I saw the Demon from earlier tilting his body at me.
He had followed me. Why did he follow me? I nced up at him curiously; was he nning on attacking me? I did not think so. Not only had I never been attacked by a Demon like him before, but he clearly did not mean to bump into me since it was so light I hadnt even taken damage from that.
I dragged my tired body a tiny bit closer to him, and he did not move. He did not prepare to fight. He was just staring at me at every one of my movements. I paused for a moment, considering this. Only a single logical conclusion crossed my mind.
He must be following me to learn how I became Level 7!
That had to be it. I remembered following the Level 3 Demons because I wanted to find out how they reached the level. It only made sense that he was doing the same here.
I looked at him at his levels and his appearance and decided that there was no harm if he followed me. So I waited there with him until I felt the exhaustion leave my body; that was something I had to deal withter. I had an inkling of an idea that I could increase the mana capacity in my body by raising my [Endurance]. But to do that, I had to level.
So once I was well rested, I turned once again, facing away from him, and continued my hunt for those wild Demons.
--
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy half your level or less!
This wasnt working out.
I had defeated a lot of Demons, many of them close to my level, and yet I still hadnt leveled up yet. Normally, I wouldve probably reached Level 8 by now, and would be on the way to Level 9. But because of that Demon with the ck and yellow spots following me, I was still at Level 7!
He would always rush in to attack any Demon that charged at me before I could defeat them myself. And maybe it was because he raised his [Strength] or something, but he was doing enough damage to them that I was apparently only getting less experience from these encounters.
Of course, I was faster than him, so I would always be able to reach a Demon before him. But I would only be able to quickly defeat the lower leveled ones before he came which made no difference since those gave me less experience anyway!
Because of this, my progress had slowed. And I really didnt like that my progress had slowed. I needed to get rid of him somehow. But he was relentless.
Even if I moved at my top speed, trying to get away from him, he would always eventually catch up to me. And what was worse was that he realized that he had to keep up with me, so when he eventually leveled from these encounters against Demons more powerful than him, he increased his [Agility]. Now it was even harder to put distance between us!
It was almost like he was just following me to siphon free experience from the Demons I defeated.
I had been at a loss on what to do. I had contemted maybe injuring him badly, letting me get away from him before he could catch up. But I remembered he had a lot of health. I would have to attack him for a while and what would happen if he fought back?
These were difficult questions for me: I did not like having to think about this. So I put it off for the moment, having spotted a group of Demons in the distance. There were about five of them, and they were gathered at the foot of the small hill I had just finished cresting.
I was nearing a level up. I could tell I was almost there. So I approached them, looking to at least hit Level 8 before I decided on how to deal with the Demon following me.
However, as I got closer close enough to use [Identification] on them I realized these werent wild Demons. They were Demons like me.
He no, thats a she is Level 5. She is Level 4. He is Level 6. Sheyes, shes Level 6. And hes Level 9?!
The highest out of all of them was even higher leveled than me. I was impressed, as well as curious. What did he do to get so high leveled? I knew now how to level unlike before, but still it struck me as odd that he was able to reach that level even with a group following him. Was there a special trick to it?
I wanted to go down there I wanted to follow him to see what he did differently from me. But then, from my peripheral vision, I saw the Demon with ck and yellow spots sidle up next to me. Then I remembered how little experience I would gain if I joined and fought alongside this group.
So I thought to leave; I thought I had no reason to approach them any further, since I was neither nning on following them or attacking them. However, as I was about to scuttle around the Demon with ck and yellow spots, I realized he was looking longingly down at the group. Then I had a brilliant idea!
I had been about to go and he had begun to follow after me, but now I turned back around. I started down the hill, making sure that he came with me as I approached the group of Demons down below.
They all looked up as I arrived with him, turning to face me with slight confusion in their faces. A Demon, the highest leveled one who had a pair of odd, jagged protrusions on his head were they horns? stepped forward, ncing between the two of us.
I wasnt sure what he was thinking, but that did not matter. I scurried behind the Demon with ck and yellow spots, ushering him forward. The horned Demon cocked his head, as his group exchanged nces with one another.
I stopped right in front of him, raising my front limbs and pointing them at my unwantedpanion. Take him! He can join your group! That was what I tried to convey.
I wasnt sure if it worked. In fact, I thought it didnt work when the Demons at the back just stared at the Demon with ck and yellow spots, unmoving. He didnt move forward either; he just looked at me with the rest of them.
I was left frustrated, frantically gesturing at him and at the group, until the horned Demon raised one of his long, sharp limbs. He held it there until I took notice of it and stopped moving, then he slowly aimed it in the direction of the Demon with ck and yellow spots.
The horned Demon made his way towards him, as I backed up, and gently rested a limb on him. He patted him on the back once, and raised a limb in the direction of his group.
My unwantedpanion looked back at me hesitantly. He pointed at me, but the horned Demon just nodded in my direction as if he understood what I had been trying to do. I eagerly copied that gesture, nodding my head in return.
Three of his Demons came forward and began to lead the Demon with ck and yellow spots to the rest of his group. I continued my enthusiastic nodding, as I watched my unwantedpanion join the group.
I was ovee with relief I could finally level myself without any trouble from him. It could go back to gaining regr amounts of experience for defeating the wild Demons. I was just about to leave, when the horned Demon raised his limb again as if asking me to stop.
I was grateful for what he did for me, so I halted as he approached me. He began making weird signals with his limbs, ones that I did not understand this time. I stared at him in confusion. What does he want? I wasnt entirely sure.
I had been trying to decipher the meaning behind his actions when he finally reached me. He brought two of his limbs up
And he struck me.
His sharp limb cut through my skin, spraying ck out at him. I jerked in pain as he drew his limbs back up, as if to attack me once again. I just barely dodged it, putting a small distance between me and him.
The Demon with ck and yellow spots had been staring in horror at what had happened, when suddenly the Demons at his sides assailed him too. My gaze snapped between the horned Demon and his group of Demons, as my mind slowly registered what was happening.
They werent the wild Demons who attacked everything without thought. They were Demons capable of thought. They were Demons like mypanion. They were Demons like me.
And they had just attacked us.
Chapter 6: Red Fire
Chapter 6: Red Fire
6. Red Fire
My body was aching; I had just been attacked, and it hurt a lot. ck liquid blood was pouring from the cut running down the side of my face to my body I had been injured before, but not this badly. And worst of all, I was being attacked by Demons like me.
Why did they attack me? Was it an ident
There was a loud thud. The Demon with ck and yellow spots was knocked back by the three Demons that were next to him. This was no ident; this was done with intent. But I could not understand why they were doing this. And I didnt even have time to try and understand it.
The horned Demon rushed at me, all of its spiky limbsshing out at once. I evaded it, pushing myself off the ground and back with all my strength. He pressed forward, continuing slicing out in all directions as I kept my distance between him.
I was faster than him, but the way he was moving, I couldnt get close. And I almost didnt want to want to get close. I didnt want to fight him! I didnt want to fight them! I was just giving them a newpanion did they not like the Demon with ck and yellow spots either?
Perhaps they knew he stole experience from others. Maybe that was why they were angry and attacking me now. But I was not like that!
I tried to get the horned Demons attention; I waved my limbs up and down like had done earlier, frantically nodding my head to him. He did not let up.
He swung and missed me by just a tiny bit. I was only barely able to keep him away from me. Why isnt it working? I dodged another attack, and from the side, I saw something white flying towards me at high speeds.
A rock struck me on the face, where I had been wounded, and I recoiled. More blood spurted out, as I defensively covered the injury with my limbs. As I did, the horned Demon closed the distance and sliced at me.
I couldnt dodge it in time, but I wasntpletely unprepared like earlier. I managed to react by bringing one of my limbs to block the attack, and instead of being cut on my body, the limb was lopped off. I stared in horror as more blood oozed out of that nub where my limb once was.
Reflexively, I struck out. [Fire Strike]! I managed tond a hit back at the horned Demon before he could follow through with his next attack. He staggered for a moment, before recovering himself and charging at me with more vigor. Instead of using his limbs however, he lowered his head, pointing his horns in my direction, and rushed forward.
I drew myself to the side and he missed me. But another rock struck me to the side, and I turned to face where it came from. Next to where the three Demons were fighting with mypanion, I saw thest Demon in their group pointing his antennae at me.
The antennae swayed, then glowed. A rock twice the size of my eyes flew up and shot out at me. This time, having seen it, I managed to evade the attack. I whirled back to the horned Demon, expecting him to follow up from this attack, but only saw him ring at the magic Demon.
He swung one limb down, stabbing the ground, and pointed another at her. She flinched, nodded, then turned to help the other two Demons in their group fight the Demon with ck and yellow spots. I looked at this, confused.
He was ordering her to not help him? But why would he do that? He wasnt able to hit me without her help! If he wanted to kill me so badly, hed have her pelt me with rocks as he engaged me up close. That was unless
He wanted the experience from defeating me all for himself.
I nced between the horned Demon and his group. They were attacking us for experience. They werent mindless like the wild Demons, nor were they angry at us. They did not care that we were like them, and only saw us as an opportunity to level themselves. That that was ridiculous!
I felt a sh of anger burn within me. Here I was thinking they were like me, but they were not. They only cared to level. I wanted to level, but I didnt attack them! We were different we werent the same after all.
The horned Demon shed at me, and I went under the attack. Inded a [Fire Strike] to his side, before backing away from his follow up swing. It nicked me, leaving a small cut where it touched. I wasnt able topletely dodge it; my missing limb made me significantly slower than before.
I hade to these Demons, seeking to help them. I mean, sure, I was trying to get rid of an unwantedpanion, but I had no intentions to harm them. But they saw me, and they thought only of the experience. If that was how they were going to think of me, then I was going to do the same to them!
I skittered away from the horned Demons subsequent attacks, ncing back at the group fighting away from us. I saw the Demon with ck and yellow spots struggling as they held him down and struck him. He had a high [Vitality], but I did not think he would be able to hold out much longer.
He pushed one of the Demons off him thenshed out at the other two twice. Before he could fully right himself, rocks hit him at the side, knocking him back down. They continued beating him as he was down, squirming to get away from them.
I focused on the magic Demon, hurling rocks at the side, then back to the horned Demon. My attacks were barely hurting the horned Demon I would have to use a lot of mana just to deal with him, let alone the others.But I had noticed something earlier. I had seen all their levels, and I realized something now. A n quickly formed in my mind.
The horned Demon approached me, but instead of backing away, I raised my limbs. A small ball of red fire was conjured right in front of me. He paused, just for a moment, as the fire grew slightly bigger. I drew my limbs back, and he braced himself. I threw the fire as he tried to dodge to the side.
He stared as the fire limply dropped just in front of me.
I rushed the magic Demon before he could react. She nced up as I scurried up next to her, and hit her with a [Fire Strike]. She lurched back, and I struck her with the Skill once again. Her skin changed color. It was burned where she had been hurt. But I did not let up.
One thing I had noticed earlier even before I decided to approach the group was that she was Level 4. And despite being barely more than half my level, she was capable of using magic. I hadnt even been able to use magic until I was Level 6. I smashed my head on her.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 7] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 8]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
And that meant she had to have used a significant amount of her Stat Points on [Wisdom] instead of [Vitality].
I whirled around, quickly backing up and away from the horned Demon as he swung for me once again. The words I had been waiting for came, and I hurriedly distributed my Stat Points out. I raised my [Agility] by 2, my [Endurance] by 2, and my [Vitality] by 1. Then I spent the single Skill Point I gained on [Fire Strike].
I couldve used more Skill Points on my [Fire Strike], but I decided against it, since I wasnt entirely sure how it would affect the Skill. If it made it more powerful, it couldve used up more mana, and that was something I couldnt afford to waste right now.
That was why I had raised my [Endurance] instead of my [Vitality]; if I had given myself more health, I was sure some of my injuries would have been healed perhaps even my missing limb would have grown back. But having more health wouldnt matter if I couldnt deal the damage necessary to beat them.
And strangely enough, raising my [Agility] shifted my body to adapt without that missing limb. Some of my limbs grew longer, more sturdy, while the others almost seemed to have sunk back inwards to my body. So even in spite of my injuries, I was able to move faster than before.
The horned Demon swung at me once again, and I managed to counter him with a [Fire Strike] to the face, followed by a regr attack. He drew back and I pressed forward. Inded another of my [Fire Strike] on him, before pulling his body up and closing all of his sharpened limbs on me.
I pulled away just in time to avoid getting caught by him, but still suffered a dozen scratches on my sides from that. If he had caught me with that, I definitely would not have survived. He dealt a lot of damage with each hit, while I was only just hurting him with each of my attacks. I had to whittle him down to beat him. But... I nced at the fighting happening a small ways away from me. I cant do it on my own.
I readied myself as the horned Demon prepared for another charge. We repeated the same moves as earlier, with mending two hits on him. Then when he backed up to bait me in, I turned around and rushed to mypanion''s aid.
I got there as quick as I could; the three Demons were beating him as he curled up in a defensive position to protect himself. I pushed myself off the ground,nding on the back of the closest Demon I could. Immediately, I jabbed two limbs forward, hitting him with two [Fire Strikes] at once.
I managed to get onest hit in before the other two Demons whirled around to engage with me. I hopped off the Demon I had been on, and backed away as they came at me. The two Demons spread out, trying to prevent me from going around them to the Demon I had injured, and when I turned around to flee, I saw the horned Demon closing in on me too.
I was surrounded. Trapped by them. If I tried to flee, one of them would surely catch me. Then it would be me against three of them at once, and I couldnt possibly win. My best option would be to charge either side, to fight as few of them as possible before I had to fight them all. They knew this too, so the horned Demon started forward, making his two minions wait behind me to cut off my escape.
Unfortunately, he forgot about his third minion.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
The Demon with ck and yellow spots crushed the head of the fallen Demon, and immediately his body shifted. Did he get a level up? It was possible in fact, that was what I had been hoping for.
He grewrger once again, his body more tough and his limbs more hard. I wasnt sure what he raised, but I had hoped he used his Stat Points on his [Strength]. Because I needed him to take out at least another one of the Demons for us to win this.
While I was staring triumphantly at mypanions new level and the two minion Demons were caught in surprise, the horned Demon took this as an opportunity to attack me. He charged me with his horns, trying to skewer me.
I backed up to dodge it, but as expected, the two minion Demons intercepted me from behind. I found one of them directly at my back, and the other a little off to the side. The horned Demon reached me
And I threw myself to the side at thest moment. Inded right next to the other Demon at my nk, and was met with multiple blunt strikes to the face. However, I saw blood pouring out from the Demon that had been behind me as the horned Demon rammed into her with his horns instead.
I fought back with three uses of [Fire Strike], as the horned Demon pulled himself off his minion. I was down half my mana now, having used my Skills so much, and I had meant for that to at least serve as a moments distraction to keep him away from me. But he didnt hesitate. He ignored his injured minion and rushed me.
I was locked inbat with this Demon in front of me. She and I would have probably fought for longer if I didnt decide there and then to use [Fire Strike] for every single one of my attacks on her. She dropped as I felt my mana rapidly deplete.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I waspletely exhausted now. I didnt manage to dodge the horned Demons next attack, taking most of it head on tond my own hit on him. I backed up, blood spilling out of another wound just below my face.
I stared into the red eyes of the horned Demon, as he prepared to charge me once again. I was tired. He knew I was tired. This would be his win. If I used my [Fire Strike] again, I would truly be out of mana. And while using up my mana regrly didnt exactly drain me of my energy my stamina it started to take a toll on my body when I used up too much. It made me more sluggish.
He was just about toe forward, when he suddenly stopped. Words appeared notifications of defeating an enemy came. But it was not for me. It had resounded in his head.
The horned Demon turned slowly, to the corpse of where hisst minion had been. The Demon with ck and yellow spots mypanion had finished her off, and he, having injured her, was notified of it. I didnt receive any experience, because I hadnt done enough damage to her. But that didnt matter to me.
Because now, it was just him and the two of us left.
He was still looking at mypanion in surprise when I threw myself onto his back. With my now-longer limbs, I was able to leap even further and higher than before. I wrapped my two front limbs around his horns, keeping me from falling off him as he struggled to get me off him. He couldnt get a proper hit on me with his sharp limbs, although he was able to cut and scratch at me.
I brought my head down on him a few times as we squirmed around on the spot. I wasnt sure how much damage I was doing to him, but I didnt have to use mana for this. Then, when he had almost gotten a good grip of me on his back, mypanion arrived.
He swung his blunt limbs at the horned Demons face twice as I followed up with my continued attacks. The horned Demon tried to fight back against him, but I wrapped enough of my limbs around the base of his to keep him fromnding any proper hits. And even if he did, mypanion had enough [Vitality] to survive them.
The horned Demon continued to struggle as the two of usid into him, until finally, he couldnt move anymore.
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 2] -> [Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 9]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 8] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 9]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Chapter 7: Rest
Chapter 7: Rest
7. Rest
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 9
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 3
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 11
[Strength]: 8
[Endurance]: 11
[Wisdom]: 13
[Agility]: 22
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Basic Fire Conjuration] - Lvl. 2
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 4
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
After having spent the Skill and Stat Points I had gained from my most recent level up, I slowly straightened, satisfied. Needless to say, I wasnt exactly feeling too adventurous with distributing them, considering the battle I had just fought I could have died!
So looking at where I hadcked duringbat, I decided to raise my [Agility], [Endurance], and [Wisdom], in addition to increasing the level of [Fire Strike]. My [Basic Fire Conjuration] did help as a distraction, but I did not think it would be useful for the time being. Maybe I would use up the Skill Points I had been saving up on it in the future, but for now, I saw no practical use for it.
Slowly, I turned to the Demon which had also been lying immobile next to me: the Demon with ck and yellow spots had leveled up too. I had used [Identification] on him earlier, and saw that he was now Level 8.
Yes, he was Level 8: a single level below me. I felt that it was a bit unfair that he had gone from Level 4 to Level 8 doubling in levels since I had saved him, while I had only gone from Level 6 to Level 9.
It was probably due to the fact that he had been mostly defeating enemies higher level than him; even if he had gained less experience because I was there, it would be subtracted from arger experience pool than he would have gotten from fighting an enemy his level. Meanwhile, not only did I not get experience from one of the Demons in ourst battle, but I got less experience because most of them were lower leveled than me.
And while I was envious of mypanions rapid growth, I took some constion knowing that we were both Level 2 when we had first met before therge Demon attacked our group and I was still higher leveled than him. Furthermore, my envy was stymied because of what had just happened.
Those Demons that I thought had been like me attacked us because they wanted experience. It was like those wild Demons!
But unlike those wild Demons who were incapable of acting beyond their instinct, they did it after putting careful thought into their actions. Somehow, that made it worse to me.
So my disdain for the horned Demon and his minions made me put thoughts of levels away for now. I pushed my limbs on the ground, trying to get up
When the Demon with ck and yellow spots jerked. He raised a limb and I panicked, thinking he was about to attack me too. However, instead of swatting at me with hisrge limbs, he simply waved them at me.
I found myself staring at that gesture, confused. I continued getting up, but he began to sway his limbs faster. Examining his bodynguage inquisitively, I saw him pointing at the ground?
He was trying to tell me to stay. To not move? But why?
Then upon closer inspection, I noticed something about his body; when he had been badly wounded earlier, most of the cuts and marks on his body were now gone. I nced back down at myself, then noticed that most of my wounds were still there.
How was he able to recover that quickly, while I was still hurt and low on health. Sure, I had leveled and regained some of my lost health, but not a significant enough amount to close the injuries I had sustained. The Demon with ck and yellow spots must have read the confusion in my face as he began shaking his limbs harder, clearly indicating the ground.
Deciding that there was no harm listening to him, Iy back down and simply stayed there. As time passed, I tried getting up twice, but each time he stopped me and forced me back down. Eventually, when I had gotten bored and was counting the rocks on the ground, I heard words appear in my head.
General Skill [Rest] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a General Skill!
I perked up excitedly. I had just gotten a General Skill! I wasnt sure what it did at first, until I realized that half of my wounds were gone. Gradually, without me noticing, I had healed up during that period I had been motionless.
The Demon with ck and yellow spots looked over at me, realizing I had finally gotten the General Skill. He must have gotten it somehow before, and was trying to get me to learn it too. I gratefully nodded my head in his direction, to which he nodded back.
Feeling a sense of happiness within me, I lowered my body once again. While he had mostly regained his health, as evident by his fully healed body, I was still halfway there. So he waited for me to finish recovering, until finally we were ready to go.
--
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 6]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
After I had fully recovered my health, the two of us left the foot of the hill back into the t, whitends ahead. The moment we had put ourselves in the open, a group of wild Demons attacked us; I wasnt even prepared for the encounter, but it happened quickly.
Because neither of us had been ready for it, we suffered more damage than I feltfortable fighting with. So I led mypanion back to another hill one that had a t top. I realized now that being in the open would lead to being noticed, especially with his vibrant colors, so I wanted to [Rest] up in a ce we were safe.
We crested up the teau, and after taking a quick look around at the top and seeing no one, I decided we would stay there for a bit. I had only recovered some of my health when I heard a noise.
It was an unusual sound not especially since I didnt often hear anything when there was no fighting. Curious at this, I listened carefully, trying to pinpoint where the sound wasing from. After a moment, I realized it wasing from over the edge across the teau. Gesturing at mypanion to follow me, I made my way over to see what it was.
He didnt seem interested in it, although he did follow me as usual. The closer I got to the edge, the louder the noise became. And it wasnt like the sound of fighting it was a lot more repetitive. There was a short interval between each time the sound was made, and it was almost always the same noise or something simr.
Peeking over the edge, I looked down at what was a narrow passage between another hill. It was a valley, and down in the valley were moving shapes. Figures, not ones I had ever seen before, were entering this valley.
I heard the noise again, and this time, not only was it clearer, but I felt something happening inside of me. As if the noise was affecting me somehow. I felt my mind whirl as if a Skill was being used
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension]
Keep on moving! If you break, you will be killed!
These words registered in my head, and unlike the words that simply appeared in my head, I was hearing them. Someone was speaking shouting, even. And I could understand them.
I looked at the source of the voice, focusing on arge, gray figure at the front of the group. He wasnt like any other Demon I had seen before, but I intuitively knew he was one. He only had four limbs unlike my dozen and only needed two of them under him to walk. He had a long head, with two crooked horns protruding out of the side. And behind him, were other Demons, ones that walked on four limbs, ones that held strange items weapons with them, and ones of different stature. But still, they were mostly the same most had four limbs, and most were nearly the same height, with only some outliers. Although, even from this distance, I did notice that they all had a weird ringed object attached to them somewhere.
I was immediately drawn to these Demons. This was something new! I wanted to know what they were I wanted to get close enough to use [Identification] on them.
However, as I ced a limb forward, I felt mypanion hold me back with one of hisrge limbs. I angrily turned to him for stopping me, almost swinging at him in the process, but stopped when I realized he was pointing past me.
I followed it, finding my eyesnding on a second group of Demons ones that I was more familiar with. They were [Demon Larvae], traveling together as a pack right behind the first, new group of Demons. I immediately felt my curiosity and anger disappear and felt relief that I hadnt gone forward to investigate the Demons.
These Demons could attack me! Maybe those new Demons wouldnt, but I knew now to be more cautious around [Demon Larvae] for they were willing to attack me even if they could think. So I held back, instead choosing to observe the interaction of this group from afar.
The Demon with the crooked horns at the front of the group continued his shouting, as they made their way through the valley.
Keep on moving! Keep on
Suddenly, he was cut off as a loud piercing noise. It was very high pitched, sounding almost like a screech. Immediately, all the Demons turned their attention to the source of the noise that seemed toe from the other side of the valley. The first group of Demons seemed more alert to this sound, while the second group of Demons just looked around in confusion.
I also found myself staring down the valley. What is that noise? It continued for a moment, before being followed by more sounds. More noises. And they came at different pitches: some were deep and long, others were high and fast. Whatever was making the noise, I did not think it was only one thing.
And it wasnt.
From the other side of the valley came pouring Demons. Wild Demons. Ones that were also new to me, but unlike the mostly uniform group of Demons, these ones were truly distinct. They came in all shapes and sizes, with very little consistency among them. Some had long, sinuous bodies with dozens of limbs, while others had bulbous bodies and only a quarter as many limbs. And mixed among them too were what I recognized to be wild [Demon Larvae].
These wild Demons charged down the valley, rushing at the Demons that had been traveling down that path. They roared, they howled, they growled, and they made all kinds of noises none of them making any sense to me, despite my Racial Skill.
I watched as theserge, terrifying Demons reached the first group of Demons. I had expected a ughter. The wild Demons were huge. They outnumbered them. And yet, before they could even sh, I saw the Demon with crooked horns raise his two hanging limbs his arms.
A ball of mes appeared in front of him. A massive one that shot forward, and instantly obliterated half of theing wild Demons. Then once the explosion had gone away when the bright light had disappeared and the reverberation through the ground had stopped I looked up and saw something else appear in his hand.
It was a long pointed object. One that was burning, with wisps of meing off it. He swung this spear at the closest wild Demon, skewering it in an instant, before pulling it off and slicing another one in half. He kicked the next, before pointing his spear forward and bellowing.
y these Lesser Demons!
Behind him, the other Demons of his group yelled out and charged the remainder of the wild Demons. The ones with weapons swung their weapons, and the wild Demons died; the ones with extra limbs conjured out fire and stone, and the wild Demons died; and even the ones that were simplyrge looking as though they had nothing special to them attacked, and the wild Demons died.
It was aplete ughter, except for the other side. The wild Lesser Demons fell in droves, only managing to bring down half a dozen of these Demons with them. And finally, when thest of the wild Demons whether they had been Lesser Demons or Infant Demons died, these Demons returned to the second group. The [Demon Larvae].
I paused, staring at the second group. There was less than before, even though they hadnt taken part in the fighting. Where did the others go? I nced around the valley, before spotting a small group of the [Demon Larvae] had broken off, and were heading for the valleys exit.
I looked at them in confusion. They were running? Had they been scared off by the attack of wild Demons? But they had won now, so why were they still trying to flee?
I spotted a Demon, and felt my question had been answered. Even amongst the group of [Demon Larvae] did he stand out, because I recognized him. He was only slightly different from when I hadst seen him, but he still had his feelers on him.
He was the Level 3 Demon who instantly fled from therge Demon back when I had been with the others.
So he once again ran when he saw an enemy; he never wanted to fight. He was a coward. Of course he would have taken any opportunity to escape, even if they won
I watched as a spear shot through him, pinning him into the hill wall.
It was the fire spear the Demon with crooked horns had. He had thrown it at the coward Demon, instantly killing him. I stared in shock at this turn of events. Werent they on the same side? And continued to watch as he raised a hand and pointed at the rest of the fleeing group.
I had warned you! I warned you you would be killed! Learn this lesson, the rest of you the survivors. Know that you can not run from me!
And a ball of fire shot out at them. It wasnt as big as the one he conjured up against the wild Demons, but it was enough to instantly wipe out the dozen [Demon Larvae] that had been trying to flee.
I watched as the mes detonated, engulfing the Demons, killing them all before they could even leave the valley. Then I slowly turned back to the Demon with crooked horns in fear. Wha why?!
He had killed them too easily; they didnt even couldnt even put up a fight. That meant he wasnt gaining much experience from this. And yet, he killed them.
He walked back to the remainder of the second group of Demons, creating another spear with what I could tell was a Skill, and mming its bottom on the hard, white ground.
Now move! For if you break, you will be killed!
And the [Demon Larvae] obeyed. They continued following the first group of Demons led by the Demon with crooked horns, as they made their way through the valley. I just watched this procession pass through from atop the teau, trying to register what had happened.
Only when they finally left, did I feel the tension in my body leave, and I could slump over to the floor. I wasnt sure what was going on, but I knew that if I had carelessly decided to approach those Demons, I would have been forced into following them against my will.
I turned to mypanion, the Demon with ck and yellow spots, and once again nodded gratefully at him. Thank you. I tried to tell him.
He only seemed to have been terrified by what he had just witnessed; he looked at me as well, and even though neither of us could speak like the Demon with crooked horns could, I felt that we could still read each others thoughts.
Those Demons are dangerous. Avoid them no matter what!
Chapter 8: Lesser Demon
Chapter 8: Lesser Demon
8. Lesser Demon
It was a while before either the Demon with ck and yellow spots or I dared to move; we had seen those new Demons headed by the Demon with crooked horns force other Infant Demons those just like us to follow them. Neither of us knew where they were being herded to, but we did not want to follow them.
Because they were dangerous.
They ughtered the other Infant Demons that tried to escape. Wherever they were being led to, I did not think they wanted to go there. And knowing that, I decided that I did not want to go there either.
I had been tense after having watched what happened, but after those Demons left, mypanion and I were able to [Rest]. So we had recovered our health and were ready to leave. However, I nced onest time back at the valley where the wild Demons and Infant Demons were killed, resolving not to end up like them
Whats that?
I spotted an object amidst the corpses and ck blood. It stood out even amongst the colorful bodies because of what it was glowing.
It was a spear!
It was the spear the Demon with crooked horns created out of fire and threw!
How did he do that? I wasnt entirely sure how he did that probably a Skill but I was still curious about it. Why did he use it? Was it more effective than simply swinging his hands at his enemies like I did with my limbs?
I wanted to know. So I nced surreptitiously down either side of the valley; I saw no Demons on either side, and decided that it was safe. I wanted to know more about the spear. And maybe, if it was really special, I wanted to use it for myself.
I started forward down the hill. The Demon with ck and yellow spots gave me a look a warning look but did not stop me; he followed me apprehensively down the side of the valley, as we struggled to crawl down the steep incline.
We were halfway down the slope when part of the ground gave way below mypanion. He was toorge to take the same path as me apparently, and neither of us considered that. He rolled the rest of the way, taking bits of white rocks with him before he crashed to the bottom. I had gotten out of the way just in time, but quickly scuttled over to him to check if he was fine.
He was already getting up when I reached him; I looked him once over, seeing no obvious cuts of scratches on his body. I nodded at him for confirmation that he hadnt taken damage and he nodded back.
Having been reassured, I decided to leave him to check on the spear. It was still protruding from the rock wall, where it had skewered the Demon with the feelers. I stopped right before the body, looking it over to investigate it momentarily before I came to a conclusion.
Hes dead, I made the diagnosis.
I confirmed it with a quick use of [Identification]. It told me that it was a body. And while it did not specify whether he was dead or alive, I was fairly certain that I was right in my observation. So I turned my attention to why I hade down here the spear.
I inspected it carefully, noting every detail I could. It was almost as if it were made of fire, except solid; specks of embers ked off it as if it would be snuffed out over time, but after a moment of staring at it, I saw that it had not diminished in size at all. Finally, I decided to use [Identification] on it.
And for the first time, the results of the Skill surprised me.
[Spear of mes: Medium Grade - ???]
...
What?
What was ??? supposed to mean? That told me nothing!
I stared at the Spear of mes, mildly annoyed. What secret are you hiding? I reached out to touch it, only to realize toote that I might get burnt
And nothing happened. I wrapped one limb around the spear carefully, afraid that it might suddenly burn me despite not having done so thus far. But again, I did not feel the searing pain of fire on my limb. Realizing that I would be fine with trying to use it, I pulled at the spear to dislodge it from the wall.
My limb slipped right off.
...huh?
I wrapped two limbs around the spear and pulled at the spear again, and again, it slid right through my limbs. I couldnt get a proper grip on it!
I was no longer irritated now. I was confused. Perplexed. I wrapped more limbs around the spear and failed once more. I nced up at it, peeved at my inability to use the spear. Was it somehow rted to me being unable to identify it?
I eyed the spear again. Maybe if I used [Identification] again, this time it would not hide information from me.
[Identification]!
[Spear of mes: Medium Grade - ???]
It didnt work. But I tried again.
[Spear of mes: Medium Grade - ???]
Again!
[Spear of mes: Medium Grade - ???]
It should be working! Maybe if I did it one more time
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 3] -> [Identification - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I jerked as those words registered in my head, followed by results from the spear.
[Spear of mes: Medium Grade Weapon - A spear made of magical mes that allows the wielder to inflict additional damage.]
Wait, what? I leveled my [Identification]! I hadnt done that in a while, so I waspletely caught off guard by it! And wait, I was yes, I knew now what the spear did!
So my [Identification] wasnt at the needed level to learn about its abilities; that was interesting. If I had to guess, it had something to do with the Medium Gradebel on the spear. Nevertheless, now that I knew the spears information, I would be able to pull it off the wall, right?
Wrong.
I failed once more to pry the spear of the wall. Why wasnt it working? I saw the Demon swing the spear around without a problem! All he did was hold it with his hands.
I stared down at the nubby protrusions that were my limbs. Then I slid it along the spears body, feeling how little resistance my limbs were met with. I was simply unable to grasp the spear, which was why I couldnt pull it out.
I backed away from the spear, unsure of what to do. Mypanion came up to me, and when I turned to him for some help, he didnt seem like he even understood what the problem was. Well, that wasnt any help.
I carefully considered this problem: I couldnt pry the spear out of the wall because I couldnt get a grip on it. So the solution would be to find a way to do so without gripping it.
Then, from where I was, I saw a way to do it. If I could push the edge of the spear that was sticking out down, I could swing its tip upwards, forcing it out of the wall!
That would work. I was certain that would work that was simply how swinging things worked. It was using the fulcrum to pivot it upwards. So I would do it. In fact, I was just about to do it when I heard thud behind me.
Mypanion and I whirled around, looking in alert at what had made the sound. I didnt see anythinge from either side of the valley! How did something get here?
And my question was immediately answered as I heard another thud. And another. And another. Before finally, I saw the figure rise up from the ground from amongst the pile of bodies and ck blood.
A Demon had survived the battle one of the wild Lesser Demons. It had stayed hidden as the other wild Demons were killed, healing up by itself. It emerged from the corpses, standing up on all four of its feet, baring hundreds of sharp teeth at us as its dark red body red wide open threateningly.
It howled and charged us.
My first instinct was to stand my ground and fight, but my second instinct immediately called my first instinct out for its stupidity and tossed the first instinct aside.
I knew mypanion wouldnt be able to move out of the way in time, so I threw myself at him, shoving him and myself away from the Lesser Demons path. We just barely dodged out of the way of its attack, its sharp ws missing its mark as it sped past us.
I whirled around as it stopped itself, readying for another charge. I quickly gathered myself, using [Identification] on it as I did. The results of the Skill, however, was not something I wanted to know.
[Hellhound - Lvl. 15]
It was Level 15! Thergest numerical gap between myself and an opposing Demon so far!
Sure, it wasnt three times my level, as the first wild Demon I encountered had been. But this wasnt even an Infant Demon anymore it was a Lesser Demon! Somehow, I was able to intuit that that meant it was a superior kind of Demon to myself or mypanion, making the gap between our levels even more wide than it appeared to be.
The [Hellhound] growled as it pawed the ground once, then came bounding at me once again. This time, I couldnt even push mypanion out of the way. It was suddenly fast. Even faster than I was now.
It struck out with its two front ws the attack turning to a blur, moving far more quickly than it should have barely grazing me while sinking its sharp talons into the skin of mypanion. I backed up warily, reading a [Fire Strike] as I prepared for it to press me further. It, however, had other ns.
It decided that mypanion who was staggering back from it was an easier target, so itshed out at him as he tried to strike back. Hended a few hits in as the [Hellhound] as it tried to ravage his body, managing to keep it from closing its mouth on him. But it was still digging its ws into him.
ck blood sprayed all around him, even as I came rushing to his side to attack the [Hellhound] from behind. I repeatedly swung at it with [Fire Strike] before suddenly, it produced a fifth limb a tail and whipped me flying back to a pile of bodies behind.
Mypanion managed to strike the [Hellhound] one more time,nding it cleanly across the wild Demons face, before it snapped its teeth around the limb. It pressed his body down to the ground and pulled with its head, tearing his limb straight off. He struggled as blood poured out of the wound, but his attacks were much weaker now. He was barely wriggling as it raised its w up at him.
I saw this happening and realized it was about to finish him off. I leapt forward, further than I ever had, closing the distance between myself and the [Hellhound] in an instant as I crashed into it just in time. I used [Fire Strike] once again when wended, but it struck out at me too.
My attack reached it at the same time as its attack reached me, and while it was only just hurt from my Skill, I went flying back andnded in a shower of my own blood. I was lucky. Its paw came into contact with me first so its ws couldnt fully shear into my skin and yet, I was already this badly injured.
I nced up at the [Hellhound] as it got up. I could barely hurt it. Mypanion could barely hurt it. Neither of us could do enough damage to it to kill it. But neither of us had to be able to do that.
I looked back at the spear, still sticking out of the rock wall. I remembered what my [Identification] had told me it was a Medium Grade Weapon capable of doing more damage. What that meant, I wasnt entirely certain. However it definitely did mean it would let me hurt this Lesser Demon more than I was currently able to.
But even if I pulled it out, that didnt mean I would be able to use it. Then, I had a thought. And I realized I didnt need to use it myself.
The [Hellhound] bounded for me once again, but I dodged to the side. It was keeping pace with me. At its current speed, it was probably as fast as me. And with the physical distance between us, it wouldnt be able to reach me as long as I wasnt distracted.
I had noticed earlier that it was able to increase its speed drastically. I recognized it then to be a Skill. Now, I just had to wait for it to use the Skill again.
I positioned myself in front of the spear, waiting for the sign. And I saw it. The [Hellhound] scraped its front right leg against the ground, before speeding up. It charged me. It would reach me before I could even dodge. But I didnt have to dodge.
I simply backed up, lowering my body below the spear. The wild Demon crashed into the back edge of the spear. It went staggering back from the self inflicted blow, exacerbated by whatever effects the Spear of mes did.
And the spear didnt just stay rigid against the wall either. The spear tilted up from the impact, before detaching itself off the wall and flew up above me. I saw it spinning and turning as the [Hellhound] was still reeling from its injury. I took this as my chance.
I hurriedly skittered up the slope of the hill before hurling myself up after the spear. I could have missed, but I didnt. I caught the Spear of mes with my entire body, hugging it with all the limbs I had so it would not slip out of my grip. Then as I fell, I aimed for the Lesser Demon that was just getting up.
It looked up, seeing me fall from the sky at it. The [Hellhound] growled, baring its dangerous maw at me. And the spear went through the open mouth, skewing it whole as I fell on it.
I felt myself losing grip of the spear as Inded, rolling on the ground as the [Hellhound] exploded into a pool of ck ooze. I got up triumphantly, feeling the victory rush as its defeat was vocalized in my head.
Defeated [Striker Hellhound - Lvl. 15]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 9] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 10]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 10] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 11]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
It was less experience, because I had mypanions help in the fight against it, but I somehow knew it was still a lot more experience than I would have gotten for even defeating a Demon at my level. It showed in how I leveled not just once, but twice from this encounter.
I turned to check on mypanion, and saw that he was already up and crawling towards me. I checked his level, as I usually did, and found that he had only leveled once to Level 9. He probably didnt do enough damage to gain enough experience to level two times. And I also managed to level as much as I did because I was halfway to leveling in the first ce.
So as heid himself down to [Rest], I decided to quickly distribute my Stat Points before I noticed something. It wasnt too ring, but there were words hanging in the back of my head, waiting for me to spot it.
And I found myself curiously inspecting it, before I realized what it was.
[Evolution Avable]
Chapter Poll: Which blurb is the best?
Chapter Poll: Which blurb is the best?
Hello everyone, this is a poll for me to finally decide and pick which blurb I''m going to stick with. Please vote for whichever blurb you like the best, or whichever blurb made you decide to pick up the story. I''m really indecisive so I can''t choose for myself. Thanks for reading!
Blurb 1
Born in a world of chaos, Salvos seeks to not only distinguish herself from the others, but to survive the constant bloodshed and death all around her. She will fight, she will learn, and she will evolve as she grows up in this harsh world.
Also shes a Demon.
--
Salvos is a story about action, adventure, and evolution. It follows a Demon''s journey from her birth and onwards as she grows and gains experience from encountering new things through the various lenses of her life.
Blurb 2
Salvos knew she was different from the moment she was born. She was indomitable. She was curious. She was always longing for more.
When faced with adversity, she would never fold. When met with something new, she would always learn. And when she crested to the top, reaching where none had ever reached, she would never be satisfied.
But that was not why she was special. There were others in the Netherworld other Demons amidst the mindless masses who fought like her, who thought like her, and a neverending desire like her.
And yet, she still stood apart from them. She was still special.
Why?
Because she was a survivor.
--
Survivorship bias or survival bias is the logical error of concentrating on the people or things that made it past some selection process and overlooking those that did not, typically because of theirck of visibility. This can lead to false conclusions in several different ways. It is a form of selection bias that can lead to the false belief that the sesses in a group have some special property, rather than just coincidence.
Now the question is: why do some survive where others just as capable as them fail?
Is it hard work? Is it destiny? Or is it just chance?
...does it really matter?
Salvos is a story about action, adventure, and evolution. It follows a Demon''s journey from her birth and onwards as she grows and gains experience from encountering new things through the various lenses of her life.
Blurb 3
The Netherworld: a hellishndscape inhabited only by Demons, creatures born from the dark abyss. It is a ce of chaos, of anarchy, and of survival. In this world, a Demon is born; she will have to fight, she will have to learn, and she will have to evolve. And perhaps, eventually, she will leave this world behind for a better ce. But... is that what Salvos even wants?
Thew of evolution is the survival of the fittest, and Salvos is a survivor.
--
Salvos is a story about action, adventure, and evolution. It follows a Demon''s journey from her birth and onwards as she grows and gains experience from encountering new things through the various lenses of her life.
Blurb 4
To survive the constant bloodshed and death all around her, Salvos must distinguish herself.
A newly born demon must struggle to rise above.
She will fight, she will learn, and she will evolve as she grows in this harsh world.
Will Salvos be dragged back to the cold dark world of death?
Or will she grow and be more?
--
Salvos is a story about action, adventure, and evolution. It follows a Demon''s journey from her birth and onwards as she grows and gains experience from encountering new things through the various lenses of her life.
Chapter 9: Evolution
Chapter 9: Evolution
9. Evolution
Salvos
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 11
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 11
[Strength]: 8
[Endurance]: 11
[Wisdom]: 13
[Agility]: 22
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Basic Fire Conjuration] - Lvl. 2
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 4
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
Iy next to the Demon with ck and yellow spots as we both restored our health slowly with [Rest]. He was healing faster than me probably because he had gotten the General Skill before me and had already leveled it.
But that didn''t matter to me. All that mattered to me was the additional option avable in my mind now. The option for me to evolve.
[Evolution Avable]
I sidled up to mypanion before I decided to see what the option would provide me with; I didnt want to be distracted and snuck up on when I was investigating this new intriguing thing. I had an idea as to what it would do I was an Infant Demon now, and the [Hellhound] I had just killed was a Lesser Demon. Considering that I was now past Level 10, I assumed I now had the chance to be a Lesser Demon too.
I couldnt wait any further I trusted mypanion to guard me as I focused on the words. Then it expanded.
Species Evolution:
[Infant Demon] -> [Lesser Demon]
Requirements for five Subspecies evolutions have been met!
It seemed that I only had a static option for my Species; I could only go from an Infant Demon to a Lesser Demon, and nothing else. However my Subspecies had various distinct evolution paths to go.
A list of options made itself avable to me and I carefully studied each one.
Subspecies Evolution:
[Fiend]
A [Fiend] is a Subspecies of Demon thates in many different forms and has a diverse set of abilities. Mostly well rounded, a [Fiend] would be able fight most foes without a significant disadvantage.
+2 to [Vitality]
+2 to [Strength]
+2 to [Endurance]
+2 to [Wisdom]
+2 to [Agility]
That was an enticing evolution for me to pick. Although it kept vague the kind of form I would take I wondered what I would be if I picked this?
I almost chose it right away, but held back as it didnt feel like it was describing me. It was advantageous, but there was a dissonance between the Subspecies and me. So I decided to see the other options avable to me first.
[Fire Fiend]
A [Fire Fiend] is a specialized Demon Subspecies form of a [Fiend] that focuses on fire magic. A [Fire Fiend] departs from the traditional [Fiend] early on, but has the advantage of being specialized with only a minor disadvantage in other areas.
+5 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Endurance]
+1 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Strength]
+1 to [Agility]
So this was a [Fiend], but just more suited for magic? This evolution appeared better than thest at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it didnt suit me even more. Magic was one of my main modes ofbat, but I felt that this Subspecies would overemphasize it.
I moved on to the next.
[Hellhound]
A [Hellhound] is a Demon subspecies that is fast and has a ferocious way of fighting. A pack fighter, a [Hellhound] makes up for their overspecialization by relying on a group.
+5 to [Agility]
+3 to [Strength]
Bonus: 20% of [Wisdom] Stat is permanently removed and added to [Strength]
Absolutely not!
Losing my [Wisdom]? Relying on others? Sure, I had the Demon with ck and yellow spots as mypanion, but I did not want to be dependent on him for my survival. If I was ever separated from him, I would like to be able to be perfectly capable of defending myself.
Also, I had just beaten a Level 15 [Hellhound]. It did not seem too impressive to me. So I mentally ced aside this option as a never, and checked the next.
[Imp]
An [Imp] is a Subspecies of Demon that is mischievous and has a natural affinity to fire. Small and weak due to its nature as a Lesser Demon, an [Imp]s greatest strength is their magic.
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Wisdom]
I found myself feeling the same way about this as I did for the [Fire Fiend]. First of all, I did not want to only cast magic to fight. Even against the [Hellhound], my magic attack wasnt what defeated it. It was only because I had investigated the spear earlier, did I know to use it against the wild Demon.
So far, only the [Fiend] really interested me, and even then, I was not fully convinced it was the best one for me.
I had onest evolution avable which I had not yet seen; I hoped it would be a good one as I focused on it.
[Zelus Imp]
A [Zelus Imp] is a Demon Subspecies form of an [Imp], carrying the same affinity to fire, but with a greater resourcefulness due to their intelligence. Still small and weak, a [Zelus Imp] reces their mischievousness with a zeal that drives them above situations with unlikely odds.
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Agility]
That actually described me! At least, somewhat. I did not think I was small or weak! But I was certainly capable of oveing more powerful Demons than me as evinced by the dead [Hellhound] lying just ahead of me.
I considered each evolution path I had once again: [Fiend], [Fire Fiend], [Hellhound], [Imp], and [Zelus Imp]. None of them seemed more suitable for me than [Zelus Imp]. And it offered me the most Stats too. So I made my decision.
I concentrated hard on the option for [Zelus Imp], then suddenly I felt my head going light. My body went numb as I slumped over on the ground, limp. I tried to get up, but all my senses were so far away from me. I couldnt move. I couldnt think.
I was not sure how long Iy there as I grappled to get control of myself once again. Before finally, I got hold of something and pushed myself up. I bore through the invisible barrier separating me from my body, tearing my way back to consciousness.
Evolution Complete!
Species [Infant Demon] evolved to [Lesser Demon]!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] has evolved to [Zelus Imp]!
Gained 5 Stat Points!
[Endurance] +5
[Wisdom] +5
[Agility] +3
Gained 2 Skill Slots!
Gained 3 Skill Points!
Skill [Basic Fire Conjuration - Lvl. 2] bes [Basic Fire Creation - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Double Step] is now avable.
Skill [Fire st] is now avable.
Skill [Passive - General Tool Proficiency] is now avable.
I stood up, blinking away the ck liquid partially obscuring my vision; I looked down at the puddle in the silver skin I had shed, oozing with the same ck liquid that was dripping off my body. Slowly, I lifted a short wed hand up and inspected it.
I was an [Imp] now. A [Zelus Imp]. I had be something else while inside of my old body, before breaking out of it to attain this new form. This form with four limbs, that only needed two of them to stand.
I was almost like one of the Demons in the procession I had seen earlier except much smaller. And yet, I was still bigger than I had been as a [Demon Larva]. I patted my body down, feeling the much rougher skin I now had.
I was a Lesser Demon! I finally evolved! I threw myself up in the air, pushing off the ground with my brand new feet. I hopped around excitedly, ustoming myself to my new body at the same time. I paused as I realized mypanion was just staring at me.
He looked confused almost shocked to see that I had changed. He nced down at my old body, poking it a few times, before turning back to me. Did he did he think that I was just killed? No, no, no, no. I waved my hand at him, pointing back at myself.
Im your
I jerked, surprising myself as I spoke for the first time. I nced down at myself, feeling my mouth open and close, touching the side of my cheeks as I moved it. I could speak! I could nowmunicate with mypanion with more than just gestures!
Mypanion backed up as I approached him, offering a hand out. I spoke slowly, trying to coax him forward to me.
Its me. Yourpanion! I''m... Salvos.
I savored the word as I nodded at him; the Demon with ck and yellow spots mimicked the movement we had learned together, and I did it once again for him to see. He stopped cowering as we nodded at each other a few more times, before he finally crawled towards me.
See? Companion!
He nodded onest time, finally at ease around me; I felt my lips curling up, satisfied that I hadnt scared him off, before remembering the other words that were now hanging in the back of my head.
I had three new Skills avable for me I didnt just obtain them, like the ones I had gotten thest time I obtained a Skill. Instead, it was just waiting for me to choose whether I wanted to actually have them or not.
Not only that, my 15 avable Stat Points were just waiting for me to spend them. Very quickly, I distributed 4 to [Strength], 4 to [Vitality], 4 to [Agility], and 3 to [Wisdom]. I was content with my [Endurance] for now, and decided to focus on the other Stats which I was currentlycking in just a bit.
Then I went back to the Skills that I had avable. I considered each of them carefully: [Double Step], [Fire st], and [Passive - General Tool Proficiency]. I could kind of infer what the first and third Skills did [Double Step] was probably a simr Skill to what the [Hellhound] I fought used, while [Passive - General Tool Proficiency] would help me use tools better. But [Fire st] was vague.
Did it mean I just sent a st of fire out in all directions? Or was it a concentration of mes that would st out when it came into contact with something? I wasnt entirely sure, but considering that I had more than enough Unused Skill Slots for all these Skills, I decided to obtain them all anyway and figure it out myself.
Skill [Double Step] Obtained!
Skill [Fire st] Obtained!
Skill [Passive - General Tool Proficiency] Obtained!
I didnt feel any immediate changes ovee me. It wasnt like an evolution or even leveling up as a [Demon Larva]. But I knew that the effects of these Skills would be made apparentter on.
I was just about to start testing out the abilities of each Skill, before I distributed my Skill Points out, when I heard the sound of moving rocks from behind me. I whirled around, facing past the body of the dead [Hellhound], to the end of the valley.
I heard a light growling noise as a figure made itself visible, entering the valley slowly, one paw after the other.
[Hellhound - Lvl. 13]
It was another one. A live one. I wasnt sure why it was here, but I saw this as the perfect opportunity for me. I could test my Skills out on a proper opponent to determine which is the best.
I raised a hand up, indicating to mypanion to stay back and continue his [Rest], as I picked up the Spear of mes twice as tall as I was with my other hand. I stepped forward, swinging the spear around and ustoming myself to it the Passive Skill I got really did work!
I was just about to use [Double Step] to rush at the [Hellhound], when I heard more growling. Another [Hellhound] stepped forward from behind the first, baring its teeth at me as well. Then another. And another. And another.
[Hellhound - Lvl. 10]
[Hellhound - Lvl. 11]
[Hellhound - Lvl. 10]
[Hellhound - Lvl. 12]
Why werent they stopping?!
More and more [Hellhounds] appeared from behind the first. All of them were around my level, and none as high leveled as the first. But where did theye from? This was an entire pack of them!
I stopped, ncing down at the dead [Hellhound]. The Level 15 [Striker Hellhound]. When it attacked us, it came alone despite supposedly being a Demon that relied on numbers. But what if it wasnt alone what if it came first by itself, and alerted its pack toe to it with a howl?
I realized that now, toote to do anything about it. The [Striker Hellhound] had called its pack to it, and we should have left before they arrived. But we didnt.
The first [Hellhound] bounded forward at me, shing its ws as they glowed red. I backed up, swinging the spear as I did and knocking it aside. More came forward, and in the heat of the moment, I used [Fire st] in hopes that it would do something to help.
And it did do something.
An arc of fire burst out at where I had pointed, knocking three of the charging [Hellhounds] back. It had repelled the first line of them, but did little else. I did not think they were heavily injured they had just been stunned momentarily.
The first [Hellhound] gathered itself and leapt at me. Its ws sank into my shoulder, inflicting some damage. I swung back at it with my left w, using [Fire Strike] as I did. It reeled from the hit, allowing me to follow up with a second attack.
I used [Fire Strike] on instinct as I stabbed the spear forward, and suddenly the already ming spear was engulfed in even more mes. The tip of the weapon plunged straight through the [Hellhound], far deeper than it did before.
Defeated [Spiked Hellhound - Lvl. 13]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I blinked, surprised at how easy that was; the spear had allowed me to inflict more damage than I would be able to alone, andbined with my Skill, it finished off the [Hellhound] quickly.
Once again, my lips curled up into a grin, as I prepared for the next attack. I swatted a [Hellhound] away with a [Fire Strike] from my spear, and ran through another one. It did not die instantly, but it was injured enough for me to finish it off with a regr hit. Before I couldnd the blow, however, two more [Hellhounds] pounced at me from the side.
I kicked the first one off of me, but struggled to get the second one as it bit at my spear. I pointed at it, unleashing a [Fire st] that knocked it away, but was then wed from behind by another [Hellhound].
I backed up as the pack of wild Demons pressed me. I swung my spear, keeping them back and used [Fire st] on those that dared jump in. It seemed like the perfect way to win this fight, until I realized how much damage I had already taken in such a short amount of time.
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 10]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 11] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 12]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
One of my [Fire sts] actually managed to kill a lower leveled [Hellhound], but that was one out of over a dozen. I was getting overwhelmed from their sheer numbers. And I was already running low on mana.
I was going to lose, even with the level up. I could not win. I nced back at mypanion who was hiding behind me, having listened to me when I told him to stay back. He was still injured he could not help me here. Our only option now was to flee flee down the valley, out of the exit at the other side.
But I hesitated. Thats where the Demon procession went! I did not want to go after them, yet I was left with no choice. I sent another [Fire st] out as the [Hellhounds] tried to leap at me again, before I spent all my Stat Points on [Agility], whirled around, and ran.
I lowered a wed hand as I passed mypanion, picking him up and throwing him over my shoulders. He had been bigger than me when I was a [Demon Larva], but not anymore. I gripped him tightly with one arm wrapped around him and the other holding the spear, and quickly spoke out.
Hold on. Dont let go!
I ced one foot ahead of me and used [Double Step]. Instantly, I sped up, traveling far faster than I had before. I managed to double the distance between me and the chasing [Hellhounds] by the time the Skill ended.
I felt my stamina drain as I returned to my regr speed, running as fast as I could away from our pursuers. They were slowly catching up, but if I could just get out of this valley, Id be able to lose them in the hills and mountains on the other side.
But just before I could reach the exit, I saw a figure appear. Another wild Demon entered the valley from this side, blocking my path from escaping. It was big nearly four times the size of me.
It ces its two wed arms down in front of it, lowering its neck and head as it opened its gaping maw to roar.
[Hellbeast - Lvl. 22]
I stared at this massive wild Demon that suddenly appeared. I was trapped. It began walking slowly forward, blocking my exitpletely.
I nced back at the bounding [Hellhounds], then forward at the lumbering [Hellbeast]. Either side was death. But one side was perhaps slower than the other.
So I pressed forward. I tried to dash past the [Hellbeast] using [Double Step] once again, but it crashed one of its massive ws down onto the ground, sending white rocks flying everywhere. I circled around the attack, but saw it ready another swing. This time, I couldnt dodge. My Skills effect had worn off once more, and I couldnt use it so soon after using it again.
I brought my spear up to parry the hit once, then twice. Each time the spear came into contact with the [Hellbeast]s ws, I found myself reeling back, barely keeping myself from flying to the rock wall. The [Hellbeast] raised two of its ws and I helplessly raised my spear. It was going to crush me
And the [Hellhounds] leapt onto the [Hellbeast]. Four [Hellhounds] jumped straight onto it, and began wing and biting at it. I stared at this for a moment, almost thinking that they were helping me, before one of the [Hellhounds] bounded at me as well.
Nope, theyre just out to get everyone, I quickly surmised.
I ran the [Hellhound] through with the spear enhanced by [Fire Strike], almost instantly killing it. It tried to w at me, still stuck on the spear. Before I could finish it off, a red limb struck it across the face, killing it for me.
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 11]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I looked down at mypanion who did that while still on my shoulder. And I watched his body begin to change. He must have leveled up from that he must have known he was close to leveling up. So he went for what little experience he could get.
He would evolve and help me. But I locked eyes with him.
No.
Mypanion paused, as I knocked back another [Hellhound]. I looked over at the [Hellbeast] which crushed two of the smaller wild Demons easily.
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 12]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 10]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I was gaining experience from it doing all the work, but only a little bit. It would wipe out this pack of [Hellhounds], and when it was finished, it would kill us too.
We run. We cant fight. We will die.
I made the decision for us. If he chose to evolve now, I would have to put him down I couldnt carry him with me anymore. So we had to flee.
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 11]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I killed another [Hellhound], as I felt my [Double Step] make itself avable for use.
I ced a foot forward, feeling more of my stamina drain as I ran away from the fighting. Some [Hellhounds] chased us, but others stayed back to fight the [Hellbeast]. I was not sure how the battle would go, however all I could focus on was surviving for now.
We ran into more Demons, of course into more fights. But we survived.
Chapter 10: Gratitude
Chapter 10: Gratitude
10. Gratitude
Defeated [Spindly Hellhound - Lvl. 11]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 13]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 12] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 13]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Defeated [Gadarenes - Lvl. 14]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Bone Breaker Gadarenes - Lvl. 15]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 13] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 14]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I pried the spear off the body of thest of the [Gadarenes]. I stared at the pile of bodies at the trail that stretched back as far as I could see. After I left the [Hellbeast] behind, the half of the [Hellhounds] that chased me attracted more Demons with their constant growling and howling.
I tried to lead them to some [Demon Larvae] I had spotted, but those were quickly defeated before they could escape. Then came a single [Fiend], which attacked both me and the [Hellhounds] without distinguishing a target. The [Hellhounds] tore it apart, giving me an opportunity to flee until the [Gadarenes] showed up.
An entire group of them, all of them taking on different forms, attacked me. Then the [Hellhounds] caught up to me, and it was an all out battle from there, which I somehow survived. I had to thank mypanion even though he was still on my shoulder, he saved me a few times by knocking any Demons that got too close to me. And now that the fighting had finished I had leveled twice to Level 14.
I ced mypanion down, nodding to him to begin his evolution. He had leveled as well, and was now Level 11. He started to shift his body morphing and as he did, I started to distribute my Stat Points.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 17
[Strength]: 12
[Endurance]: 18
[Wisdom]: 22
[Agility]: 34
When I leveled the first time, I spent 2 Stat Points on [Vitality] and [Endurance], and 1 on [Wisdom]. It was out of necessity. My health, stamina, and mana was running too low; if I had not done that, I wouldnt have survived.
Now though, I was able to distribute them however I wanted. And I still spent 2 on [Endurance]. I needed it for the future in case I had to fight for such an extended period of time again. Then I spent 2 on [Wisdom] and 1 on [Agility].
Satisfied with that, I moved on to my Skills. I didnt have time to decide what to expend my Skill Points on, so they were still untouched. So I had known I would have quite a few avable even still, I was shocked to see just how much that was.
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 15]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 1
[Double Step] - Lvl. 1
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 4
[Fire st] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 1
15 Skill Points?! How did I get that many? Last I remembered, I had 6 Skill Points!
Then I paused. I tried to think back to all the times I had leveled after getting my evolution before that, I received 3 Skill Points for evolving, which I thought was just a one time thing. But apparently I was getting 3 Skill Points now that I had evolved.
I was happy about that. I didnt need to be so sparing with my Skill Points now, and could experiment more. But wait
If I started to receive more Skill Points now that I was a Lesser Demon, did that mean I missed out on getting 2 additional Skill Points by going from Level 9 straight to Level 11? That sucked!
Oh well, I couldnt do anything about it. Something told me that the next time I evolved wouldnt just be ten levels from now. It felt like I would get my next evolution somewhere around Level 40. So I made sure to keep that in mind the next time I had an evolution avable.
For now, I considered the Skills I had. Four of them were at Level 1, with only [Fire Strike] at Level 4. That was a useful Skill if not for it, I probably wouldnt have survived. The Spear of mes was a good weapon, but by itself it wouldnt have done as much damage as with the Skill. I decided to figure out what to do with itst, going to the new Skills I had avable.
I had tested most of the Skills I had obtained in battle, so I felt like I knew what I wanted to do with them. First was [Double Step]. I liked what it did, but the cooldown between uses made it lose some of its effectiveness. I was already faster than most Demons I met, after all. I raised it by 2 Skill Points, bringing it to Level 3 before moving to the next.
Next was [Fire st]. It helped me quite a lot earlier if not for it, I wouldnt have been able to hold off the [Hellhounds] for as long as I did. However, it didnt do much damage, and could serve its purpose at its current level. But maybe it would increase in damage if I raised it, so I decided to raise it by 2 Skill Points, also bringing it to Level 3.
Then came [Passive - General Tool Proficiency]. It wasnt exactly the best Skill I had, even though it let me use the spear better. But even if I didnt have this Skill, I was pretty sure I knew how to swing the spear, just from seeing the Demon with crooked horns swing it around. So I gave it less Skill Points, only raising it to Level 2 with 1 Skill Point.
After that was [Basic Fire Creation] the only Skill I didnt use in battle. I could infer what it did based on its name, but I wanted to test how useful it was rather than wasting Skill Points on another useless Skill like [Basic Fire Conjuration] had been.
I brought my hands forward, trying to create a simple ball of mes. I focused and even though I did not try to create anything tooplex I felt a significant amount of mana disappear. I had thought it was enough mana to create a ball of mes the size of my head, but when I looked down at it, all I saw was a tiny ze floating on the palm of my hand.
I stared at it, disappointed. That wasnt impressive at all! It was worse than [Basic Fire Conjuration]! Why would my Skill change to that?!
I tossed the small ball of mes aside, annoyed. I had expected it to extinguish the moment it left my hand, but to my surprise, it dropped on the ground intact and rolled. I paused, looking down at the small ball of mes.
Then I quickly picked it up.
Amazing! I held it between two of my wed fingers, inspecting it carefully. It was a ball of mes. A solid ball of mes. It wasnt acting like how fire normally acted at all almost like the Spear of mes! It was notpletely solid, although it felt solid enough that my wed finger couldnt just pass through it. But it was fragile. I felt that if I pressed too hard on it, it would break.
I wasnt sure what would happen when it broke, but I wasnt going to just crush it on the palm of my hands. That was dangerous! I could burn myself if it decided to be regr fire, no longer under my control. So I decided to throw it.
Aiming at arge rock a small distance away, I hurled the small ball of mes with all my strength. It broke on impact, just as I had expected. But as I watched it break, I saw it staying solid for just a moment as it shattered into dozens ofrge pieces, before losing its form and turning to normal embers.
I stepped forward to therge rock, investigating the damage. It seemed that there was a slight burn from when the small ball of mes was still solid, before leaving proper scorches when it turned back to embers. That was a good Skill.
I wanted to test it out further. I tried to conjure a spear one simr to the Spear of mes I was carrying with me. To my disappointment, all I could create was a small spiked object, and it cost a lot of mana once again.
I decided to use 3 Skill Points on it for now, bringing it to Level 4. I liked what it did and it seemed useful. However the main reason I spent more on it was because I was hoping to possibly create my own Spear of mes in the future.
That Skill had been the best one so far, and it made me excited to level more in the future. And now that I was done experimenting with it, I could finally go back to [Fire Strike].
I still had 7 Skill Points. 7 Skill Points I could use. I had seen how effective [Fire Strike] wasbined with the Spear of mes, let alone how useful it was by itself. And if it worked on my own fire creations then it was best to keep it as strong as possible.
So I made a rash decision. I chose to spend all of my Skill Points onto [Fire Strike], knowing full well I couldnt reverse it. I raised to Level 5, then Level 7, then Level 10
And it stopped. I still had 1 Skill Point left, but I wasnt able to use it on [Fire Strike]. But why? I checked my Skills, confused then I saw the reason why I wasnt able to increase it any further.
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 4
[Double Step] - Lvl. 3
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
It was maxed. It had reached its maximum level at Level 10 and I couldnt raise it any further. I felt my lips curling down as I realized this. I slowly raised my hand, then quickly struck forward with the Skill.
[Fire Strike]!
I watched as messh out along with my ws. The fire seemed almost sharper than before. And it took up less mana too. But other than that, it didnt change much.
It was more powerful, sure. However, that was it. It didnt cause immense destruction like that Demon with crooked horns had been able to do it was just a stronger version of [Fire Strike]. I had thought a maxed Skill would be more significant than that.
So this was the limit of that Skill? If that was it, I could have just tried to learn a more powerful Skill and reced [Fire Strike] with it, before maxing it out. Unless
Intuitively, I realized that I could upgrade my Skill. Just like how [Basic Fire Conjuration] had changed to a more powerful Skill, I could also change, or even upgrade, [Fire Strike] to something else. But that required more than just spending a Skill Point on it.
It was an interesting thing to learn. I felt my annoyance disappear as I decided to keep my 1 Skill Point for the future I didnt know what to use it on now, and could use itter. It was not like I had to spend it immediately. With that settled, I finally turned my attention to mypanion just in time to see his evolution finish.
A tall red figure emerged from the lump of flesh that had once been his body. He stood on two feet, just like me; he raised his arms inspecting them as he closed and opened them. He didnt have any ws, although the size of his arms made me think that a hit from that would be able to do more damage than whatever my short ws were capable of inflicting.
He was over half my height taller than me, with a broad chest that was almost as wide as me if I held up both my arms to the side. His long ck hair with yellow streaks swayed as he turned to face me, and his lips curled up into a smile.
Hello.
I knew he was mypanion. I had gone through drastic changes myself, but even still, I approached him cautiously. It was apparently different from knowing something and experiencing it myself.
Hi?
He looked at how I was approaching him, then nodded his head as we did to each other. I checked him with [Identification], just to make sure onest time that he was mypanion.
[Fiend - Lvl. 11]
He was still the same level as I hadst remembered, so that was good. Slowly, I stepped next to him and lifted one w to poke him with. He made a sound and I jerked back. He continued making the sound as I edged away from him, thinking that I had either hurt him or angered him. It took me a moment to realize what sound he was making.
He was
He wasughing at me for the way I was acting. I red and pointed a wed finger at him.
You were the same way too!
Mypanion continued to chuckle as I drew my lips down into a frown and huffed.
Stopughing!
Alright, alright.
That was all he said as he straightened his body. I continued eyeing at him, slightly annoyed, as he finally stopped hisughter. Then he pointed a finger at me.
Youre Salvos.
Yes I am.
I replied matter-of-factly. I was Salvos and no one else was Salvos. That was what I had concluded the moment I was born. And I was happy to see him affirming that belief of mine by nodding in agreement.
Slowly, he jerked a finger back at himself. I cocked my head, confused by this gesture before he spoke out.
Youre Salvos. But me? Im Haec.
Blinking, I slowly raised a hand and pointed at him too.
Youre Haec?
Yes. My name is Haec.
I looked at mypanion at Haec trying to parse him. He gave me a confused look, uncertain as to why I was having difficulty understanding this. And it was not like there was much to process. He had a name of course he had a name. I just never once considered that he had one, only referring to him as mypanion.
Whats wrong?
He asked me the question almost worriedly. I hesitated, almost wanting not to answer it to seem stupid. But as the concern on his face grew, I forced a reply out.
I didnt think you had a name I didnt even think of giving you a name. I always just thought of you as mypanion.
I looked up at him guiltily. I wasnt sure why I was feeling guilty perhaps it was because I hadnt fully recognized him as separate from me until now. I knew I would be upset if someone treated me that way. However instead of getting mad, Haec justughed again.
As yourpanion huh? Thats fitting. You are our leader, after all.
Leader?
I gave him a nk stare. I knew what that word meant a leader was someone in charge of others. Like the horned Demon or the Demon with crooked horns had been. Those were leaders. But me? I didnt think I was a leader.
Yet, Haec seemed to disagree.
Yes, youre my leader. I follow you and do what you tell me to do. Then you protect me and we both level.
That was perfectly logical. When he put it that way, I was definitely the leader in this rtionship, even if I never thought of it like that. But in the first ce
Why did you follow me in the first ce?
I had wanted to ask him that from after I saved him from the wild Demon. In fact, I wanted to know why some Demons followed each other, even back when I first met him in the group with the others.
Haec seemed to consider the question for a moment, raising his head up to the crimson sky. He spoke slowly, choosing each word carefully.
Because I am grateful to you you saved me. You saved my life. So I follow you to help you in return.
But you followed the others too! Remember? Before we were attacked by therge Demon.
I wasnt sure if he understood what I was referring to; now more than ever, I was aware that mybels for everything I had encountered was my somber.
Yes, the others. I followed them because I was born with them.
Wait, you were born at the same time as the others?
He shook his head.
No. Not all of them. But with most of them. I cant tell you why more joined our group, but we were already a group from the start. Only you joined us by yourself.
Huh.
I had no otherment on that. It seemed that I wouldnt be able to learn why some Demons formed groups while others didnt. I decided to just ascribe it to their natural instinct.
And it was not like they were alive anyway. So it didnt matter; I was curious, but after so long, my curiosity was gone. But still, it seemed to bother Haec as he still had a grim look on his face. Slowly, I poked him.
Are you ok? Why are you looking like that?
He jerked, looking up at me.
Oh, I was just feeling sad.
Why?
I eyed him inquisitively. Why was he sad? He seemed happy just earlier, but now he was suddenly sad. He shook his head as he answered.
Because I was thinking of the others. They were my group but now we arent anymore. Theyre gone.
I still wasnt sure why he was sad he told me that as if it would make sense, however I was just as lost as I had been before he replied. But he was sad and I knew he was sad. So I decided to reassure him, poking him again so he would face me, then I smiled.
The others may be gone, but Im still here. Im your leader follow me and youll be safe, right?
I gestured around us, at the bodies on the ground; then picking up the Spear of mes, I pointed past them.
So dont be sad, because wherever we go, well be together. Well fight together. Well level together.
I looked at Haec expectantly. I wasnt sure if what I said would work. Perhaps it would only anger him, or make him even more sad. I wasn''t even sure why I said it; why did I even care about him? But I saw him smile just slightly, and that made me feel better too.
Youre right. As long as were together, well be fine, right?
I stepped backwards, walking without looking as he followed me. I wasnt even sure where I was going I couldnt see ahead because my back was turned, after all. But still, I felt my smile turning into a grin.
Of course. Well be fine no matter what. Im the leader, after all. I will protect you
I wasnt able to finish what I was saying and stopped. I had been interrupted, not by anything made by any Demon around us, but by the words in my head.
Now Entering [Demon Kings Domain].
Chapter 11: My Companion
Chapter 11: My Companion
11. My Companion
Now!
I yelled at Haec as I flung myself out of the way of therge fangs bearing down on me. Mypanion struck the [Arachne] on its hind legs. The giant Demon with eight jointed appendages fell, its two back legs broken by his [Crushing Blow].
I leapt up to the head of the wild Demon as all of its dozen eyes snapped towards me. It tried tosh out with a spray of a dangerous liquid that melted through even the rocks on the ground. This acid went past me as Inded on its face, slicing down at its neck with my Spear of mes. The spear jammed halfway through before I activated [Fire Strike], allowing me to shear the rest of it off before I lost grip of the weapon.
The [Arachne] copsed, dead.
Defeated [So Arachne - Lvl. 17]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 14] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 15]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Inded nimbly on my two feet, havingpletely ustomed myself to this body now. ck blood spilled behind me, pouring out of the decapitated Demons head in a deluge. I turned to Haec as he approached me.
Did you finally level?
Yep!
I replied, grinning at him. Then I narrowed my eyes.
You leveled too!
I pointed out. He nodded eagerly, smiling and gesturing at himself.
Im Level 13 now, after thatst encounter.
I folded my arms instinctively, in what I recognized was a petnt action. I saw no reason not to act that way, so I did it.
Hey! You leveled twice while I only leveled once! And in only two encounters too? Thats unfair!
Haec simply raised his shoulders in a shrug.
Those [Gadarenes] were all higher leveled than me, and so was this [Arachne]. Even though we beat them together, their experience is worth more to me as I was only Level 11 and 12.
I know.
I lowered my arms and picked up my spear. I spun it around and inspected it it seemed weaker now. It was still considered a Medium Grade Weapon, yet I knew it was degrading with each use, probably as a result of it being a fully magically created weapon.
I shook my head and turned to mypanion.
I just want to level faster.
I was still higher leveled than him, but I couldnt help but feel slightly envious that his rate of leveling was faster than me once again; I had felt this way before, and now I felt that way again. He would probably slow down in leveling speed once he was close to my level, but for now, he would level twice for every level I gained.
Maybe we should leave this ce then?
Mypanion opined, ncing at the distant mountains behind us.
Weve barely encountered any of those wild Demons as you call them, since wevee here.
But weve barely even explored this [Demon Kings Domain]!
I protested, waving my hands up and down. I gestured at the hillocks the sinuousndscape around us.
Come on! Arent you curious about what makes this ce different? Its a new area it has even got its own name!
I know where youreing from, Salvos
I perked up as he mentioned my name.
or at least, I can try to see what you mean. But look at this ce.
The two of us looked at the ground around us. At the ce we were at, and at the ce we hade from.
So far, there hasnt been anything different about this [Demon Kings Domain] and out there. Its all the samendscape all the same hills.
Haec turned back to me, a worried look drawn on his face as he continued.
Dont get me wrong. Ill do whatever you want to do. Youre our leader. But I dont know I just dont have a good feeling about this ce.
I considered this for a moment, torn between finding what made the [Demon Kings Domain] so special that it had its own name, and going back to a ce where I could level faster. I rested the butt of my spear on the ground and huffed.
Fine.
Mypanion brightened as I spoke hesitantly.
Youre right. I just wanted to see what made this ce different, but I guess so far thats nothing. Anyway, its probably dangerous here. I had a feeling this might have been where that procession of Demons went and if they find us, theyll force us to follow them. And I dont want that.
Haec paused, staring at me. I cocked my head.
What?
Oh I just never considered that.
I stared up at the Demon with ck hair and yellow streaks as he shifted his feet.
Wasnt that why you were apprehensive of this ce?
No. I just didnt like it because it was different.
Huh.
I wasnt sure how to respond to that, so I just made a noise. I turned around, picking up my spear and gestured for him to follow me.
Come on then. Lets just go.
He was fain to do that, having stood there and averting his gaze from me for a bit. We left the body of the [Arachne] as we started back to the distant valley we hade from or at least, I thought that was what that ce was. Everything looked the same to me, so I wasnt entirely sure if this was the right direction. Fortunately, the words in my head informed me that we were at least heading somewhere else.
Now Leaving [Demon Kings Domain].
I swung my spear around casually to ustom myself to using it and also because it was fun. As I did, I began distributing my current Skill Points and Stat Points, having just leveled up again.
Alright, so I have 4 Skill Points and 5 Stat Points to use. I want to raise [Basic Fire Creation] because thats good, so Ill add 1 Skill Point to it. Hm, I also like [Fire st] its useful when fighting packs of [Hellhounds] or groups of [Gadarenes], so Ill give it 1 as well. I havent had a need for either [Double Step] or [Passive - General Tool Proficiency], so Ill leave those for now. I guess Ill just keep 2 Skill Points forter. And as for my Stat Points
Oh, I got a new Skill.
I looked back at Haec as he spoke up. Mypanion stopped in ce and I gave him an eye.
Really? Whatd you get?
[Passive - Tough Body]. I feel like I can take more damage now with it. And my skin feels more rough. Its my fourth Skill I got it from leveling up.
Wait, you got it from a regr level up?
I gaped at him as he nodded slowly. He had a confused look on his face.
Yes. Whats wrong?
Ive only learned Skills or gotten them from my evolution! Thats unfair! Howd you get that?
I dont know. Its the second one I got from leveling up the other two came from my evolution.
I found myself frowning, but he went on.
Im just a [Tank Fiend]. Your Subspecies seems far more rare than mine almost like that [Arachne] we had just killed. Perhaps thats why you arent getting Skills from regr level ups? Because youre learning them on your own, which lets you get a rarer Subspecies, which in turn gives you only the rare opportunities to get better Skills?
I gave him a dubious look. I wasnt sure if that fully made sense, but I epted the exnation as I had none of my own.
Maybe.
He was probably telling the truth or at least, believed that that was the truth. He did tell me he got [Tank Fiend] from his evolution, even though I only saw him as a [Fiend]. But that had been how my [Identification] had worked against those wild Demons as well. So I believed him.
He was mypanion, after all.
We continued cresting up the small hill we were on as I nced up to the sky, a thought crossing my mind.
Hey, ever wondered what makes us different from those wild Demons?
Different?
Like are we different just because were different? What makes me Salvos, and what makes them them? If its just instinct
I paused as a shadow loomed over me. I nced up at the top of a hill, seeing arge light blue figure standing there. He was huge twice the size of Haec, even. Asrge as the [Arachne] we had just killed.
The figure had straight ck hair tied around the back of his head and facial hair that only ran down his chin. He was also wearing a strange piece of cloth around his legs and chest, an odd glowing ringed object around his neck, and he had on his hand a spiked weapon a mace.
I took a step back as the figure spoke.
Oho, whats this? Two survivors and Lesser Demons at that? Thats quite a feat, evolving even before the Destion hase to an end.
Haec backed up behind me, speaking in a warning voice.
That Demon I cant see his level. What is he?
What? I whirled around and to face the blue Demon, quickling using [Identification] on him as I raised my spear warily.
[Djinn - Lvl. 42]
I can see his level just fine? What is Haec talking about? As I nced back at mypanion, confused, the [Djinn] bellowed inughter.
Of course not, measly [Fiend]. I am a Greater Demon far above your level. You cant fathom the power I hold as opposed to you.
Haec tensed, but I spoke reassuringly to him.
Dont worry. I can see his level. Hes a Level 42 [Djinn]. I I dont think we can fight him.
The [Djinn] cast his gaze to me, eyeing me with sudden contempt.
You I see, you mustve spent quite some time raising the level of your [Identification]. Hrmph, an unexpected ability to level. But it would only make you more valuable.
I jabbed my spear in the direction of the Greater Demon, bringing a hand out in front of mypanion as I shouted at him.
What do you want, [Djinn]? We do not wish to fight you, and you have no reason to fight us. Even if you defeat us, the experience you gain will be meager. Leave us we will not bother you.
Bother me?
Heughed once more, this time cing his hands on his rotund belly and bending over.
You wont even be able to harm me if you tried. No I have no reason to fight you either, imp. So follow me, or I will make you.
I''m not just an imp. I''m Salvos."
I bared my teeth dangerously, mimicking a [Hellhound].
"Where will you take us if we go with you?"
I was on my way to a contract. So first, Ill bring you to myir. Then I shall bestow you to our King, Regnorex. He shall greatly reward me if you prove yourselves useful to him.
King? As in Demon King? So he wanted to take us back to the [Demon Kings Domain]. I had my interest slightly piqued by this: I wanted to ask this Demon King what he did to get such a vast piece ofnd to himself.
I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked over at mypanion as he whispered to me, panic in his voice.
Maybe we should just listen to him, Salvos. Hes more than twice our level and perhaps this Regnorex will be nice to us.
I was tempted to agree, although I had a warning voice in the back of my head telling me not to, because the Greater Demon might have been with those dangerous Demons we had seen in the valley. I was still in thought when I snapped my head to the side. The [Djinn] blurred forward, suddenly towering over Haec.
Wretch!
The Greater Demon struck down at mypanion, striking him across the chest with a fist and forcing blood out of his mouth. I stared at this, aghast.
Haec!
I sliced my spear at the [Djinn], but even at his size, he managed to dodge it. I ran over to Haec as the [Djinn] backed away.
Are you alright?
Im fine. I just agh.
He coughed up more blood as I held him by his back. The [Djinn] simply shook his hand as he muttered.
Hrmph, more durable than I thought.
I red up at him.
Why did you do that?! We said we would go with you!
I raised my Spear of me in his direction, yelling at him.
You did. But you disrespected our King. That is a sin deserving of death. Be grateful that I only struck you once. Perhaps you shall remember to never refer to King Regnorex with familiarity.
You attacked us for that?
I looked at the [Djinn] disbelievingly. Then I turned back down to mypanion who was struggling to stand up.
Yes. Nowe. We dont have time to waste I shallplete this contract quickly, and you shall present yourselves to our King.
I slowly turned away from Haec as he got on his feet. He tried to say something, but clutched his chest as I patted him on the shoulder. Then I stared up at the [Djinn] with defiance.
No.
The [Djinn] narrowed his gaze. Then he sighed.
I see.
The Greater Demon crashed his mace to the ground, sending a plume of smoldering gas in my direction. I leapt to the side, going around it and rushing in at him. I closed the distance as fast as I could, then shed at where he stood
And he wasnt there.
I whirled around as the [Djinn] appeared behind me.
Fast, but not fast enough.
He swept the ground with his giant mace, cracking the ground as it came at me. He was faster than me. I watched the weapone at me, too fast for me to dodge.
[Double Step].
I just barely moved out the way in time. But the [Djinn] wasnt finished. He charged after me, swinging his mace wildly. I tried to parry the attack with the Spear of mes and while the weapon absorbed most of the impact, the hit still sent me flying.
Inded at the bottom of the hill, rolling for a moment before I forced myself up. I nced up to see the [Djinn] running down after me. I pointed and sent a [Fire st] at him. The Greater Demon justughed.
Pathetic.
He didnt block the attack. He let the fire burn at his skin, only leaving a slight mark on his exposed stomach. I stepped back, creating a small ball of fire and threw it at him instead. He frowned, then knocked it aside.
A fire creation Skill? Hrmph, so a rare evolution then.
He then reached to grab me.
Come now, or I shall have to break your legs.
The [Djinn]s palms hovered over me, about to close on me. Then I stabbed it with my spear and he howled, backing up.
What is that?!
I spun the spear around, grinning.
A Spear of me. And [Fire Strike]. Also, you talk too much.
Wh
He didnt get to finish his sentence as Haec leapt on him from behind.
[Crushing Blow]!
The Greater Demon recoiled, staggering forward as I rushed forward at him, aiming for his eyes
[Burning Haze].
An explosion of fiery smoke burst out around him, sending Haec and I flying back. I tumbled on the ground, skin king off from the heat. I finally came to a stop, but as I tried to stand up, the [Djinn] was there. He swung out at me once again and I tried to dodge
And I did, but the Spear of mes went sailing away as the mace struck it out of my hands. My eyes widened as I saw this, and before I could run to get it, he picked it up slowly.
A Medium Grade Weapon how did you get this?
As if Ill tell you!
I flung another small ball of fire at him, and this time he took it. He actually flinched as it broke on his chest, leaving burn marks where it struck. But other than that, he was unharmed.
Fine.
He gripped the spear which seemed rtively small on his hand and pointed it at me.
If you wonte Ill just kill you and take the [Fiend] instead. One is better than none.
A ball of smoke shot out at me. I used [Double Step] to dodge to the side, but the impact still knocked me back. It felt almost physical no, it was physical. Ash? It was ash! And it was burning off my skin!
The [Djinn] was preparing another attack. I saw it, but I was already hurt. Even when it missed, it damaged me significantly. If it actually hit me I would die. I didnt know what to do. I almost stood there, frozen, when a voice broke me out of my stupor.
Run, Salvos!
Haec leapt onto the back of the [Djinn], knocking him off bnce and making the ball of ash go wide. I blinked, unsure of what to do for a moment. Then I saw the Greater Demon struggle to pull mypanion off his back as mypanion pointed.
Escape! You can do it!
I hesitated then I obeyed.
I spun on my heels, dashing up the hill and away as fast as I could. I heard the [Djinn] shout and a loud crash as he threw Haec off his back. He tried to run after me, sending balls of ash in my direction.
But I remember. At this moment, I spent all 5 of my Stat Points on [Agility] and all 2 of my Skill Points on [Double Step]. I activated the Skill as enough time had passed, and crested the hill, escaping from the ash balls flying over my head.
I continued running even when the attacks stopped. Even when I turned around and saw no one there, I continued to run. Then finally, I stopped.
--
I had escaped the Greater Demons pursuit. I wasnt sure when he stopped chasing after me, but he did. And he had taken off with mypanion Haec.
I walked around in a daze, as though a veil were hanging over my head, and at a loss of what to do. Was [Rest] working at the speed I was moving? I didnt really know. All I knew was that I was alone now.
Was that so bad? I had been alone for most of the time I had been alive. Even the time I had spent with Haec was minute inparison to the time I had spent on my own.
He did save me. He helped me escape. And now he would be taken to some king Regnorex. Perhaps it wasnt so bad. Perhaps the Demon King would help him be a Greater Demon too. That was always a possibility, right?
But then, what would I do? That seemed simple, right? I would just level, like I had always done!
And I saw myself an [Imp], just standing there alone. I was throwing fire at my enemies, killing them solely for their experience. Just to level up, again and again. There was nothing else to my actions. To my existence.
Was leveling all there really was to my life?
No I had to have a better reason than that. I enjoyed leveling. Everytime I evolved, I felt more But that was notme. I was already me. If I were to act only on my instinct to be something else, I would be no different from the mass of wild Demons.
I had to have some sort of discerning quality beyond my physical appearance that distinguished me as myself. I was not just another rock lying amongst an endless sea of rocks. I would not drown in my own revel that came from evolution. I had to be more than another piece of the rubble that came from the mindless breakings of life. That was why I decided not to kill Haec in the first ce.
He was mypanion. I didnt really think of myself as his leader but perhaps I had been. Whether or not that was true didnt matter. We both agreed that we werepanions, and he was the only one who ever recognized me as me.
Salvos.
Maybe we would not always be together. Maybe something could happen in the future that would separate us. But that didnt matter, because he had acknowledged me, I, too, would have to acknowledge him.
I slowly felt myself regaining control of my movements, no longer in a thin-stringed trance. I stepped forward and finally sheared the [Imp] in half, my ws breaking into its face as it struggled, trying to burn me. I finished the wild Demon off, and got up.
Defeated [Imp - Lvl. 20]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 15] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 16]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
With those words of victory in my head, I started back in the direction I hade from, searching for Haec.
Chapter 12: Two of Us
Chapter 12: Two of Us
12. Two of Us
I returned to the scene where I had left Haec behind, fleeing to save my own life from the [Djinn]. The magical ash on the ground was still there, but it was vanishing the magic holding it together diffusing back to the surroundings. My footsteps dispersed what was left of the ashes as I stepped to the small pool of ck liquid at the base of the hill.
There was a trail here; the wound I had left on the Greater Demon, while not severe, drew enough blood to leave a path to follow. So I followed it, distributing my Stat and Skill Points as I did.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 17
[Strength]: 12
[Endurance]: 20
[Wisdom]: 24
[Agility]: 40
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5
[Double Step] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
I thought about it, just barely. I had been as fast as the [Djinn] was or maybe even slightly slower before I raised my [Agility] as I fled. But I spent everything I had on it, and while I was probably faster now, it couldnt hurt to raise it even more. So I spent another 2 Stat Points on it.
[Strength] was useless here. And so was [Endurance]. That left [Vitality] and [Wisdom]. Which would I spend more on?
[Vitality] seemed tempting I was fain to raise it after having nearly died just earlier. But then I wouldnt be able to harm the [Djinn]. And I did have a way to harm him.
[Basic Fire Creation].
It was a taxing Skill. And I couldnt conjure up asrge of a me as I was able to with even [Basic Fire Conjuration]. Yet it could hurt the Greater Demon, even if slightly. With that in mind, I decided: I added all of my Skill Points to [Basic Fire Creation] and 2 Stat Points to my [Wisdom], leaving thest Stat Point to [Vitality].
Satisfied, I nced back up at the terrain around me, still following the trail of blood the [Djinn] had left behind. It was more difficult to track now. But I was getting close.
Now Entering [Demon Kings Domain].
I continued my run even with the notification in my head, not even pausing slightly as the words settled in and phased out. And finally, I arrived.
The trail of blood led to an opening on the side of the hill. I stopped right outside of it, staring into the illuminated cavern; crystals of light hung on the side of the white walls, shining as bright as a fire. Taking onest look around to ensure the same trail I had been following led me into the cave, I entered it.
Now Entering [Lair: Lucernas Lamp].
This ce was air? I eyed the side of the seemingly natural walls dubiously; it definitely seemed to be smoothed out but refined, not made. The [Djinn] was his name Lucerna? had appropriated this ce as his own. I thought for a moment to ask him how he did that, but dismissed it quickly.
No, I told myself, materializing a small spike made of fire. All that matters now is I get Haec out of here.
Maybe we could have our ownir to ourselves in the future. But that wasnt important at the moment. I could not lose focus. And I was d I didnt.
My ears perked up as I heard a distant voice echoing from the end of the tunnel. I tensed, backing up thinking that Lucerna had found me out. But then I realized he was not calling me out he was talking to someone.
I hugged the side of the wall and crept up slowly to the end of the tunnel before it expanded into arge cave chamber. I stopped as I saw arge shadow moving just ahead of me. The shadow stopped as a booming voice spoke out.
Yes, yes. This is certainly a weapon fitting a Greater Demon such as I. Smaller than Im used to, but its advantages it is terrific.
There was a pause a moment of silence. Then a second, more familiar voice came.
...Salvos told me it was a Medium Grade Weapon. Doesnt sound too terrific to me.
Haec. I tried to peer over the corner to get a nce of mypanion. But I moved back as therge shadow of the [Djinn] moved.
Hrmph, perhaps to a simpleminded fool such as you.
Lucerna harrumphed as he moved further away from me, his shadow disappearing towards the end of the cave chamber. I edged closer as he continued.
Tell me, [Fiend]. When you pick up a rock and identify it, does it tell you the Grade of the rock? Or does it simply describe it as it is a rock?
I peeked over the corner and caught a glimpse of mypanion, confined inside of a structure of bars made of metal. It was a cage a cell to hold him in. While the [Djinn]s back was turned, I waved at mypanion, getting his attention. Haecs eyes widened as he saw me.
No response? Maybe Ive overestimated even your intelligence. It is expected for a newborn to be ignorant, but as undiscerning as you?
I backed up as Lucerna dropped something heavy loudly onto the ground. He turned back to Haec, strutting up to the cage.
Think, [Fiend]. A rock can be used as a weapon, yet it has no Grade. No only a weapon crafted with at least a modicum of skill and mastery would be qualified as a Low Grade Weapon. A simple mass produced sword by a low leveled [cksmith] wouldnt ever get a Grade.
Mypanion just stared up at the Greater Demon, staying silent. Lucerna scoffed, stepping back and away from him.
My Burning Mace has been a useful weapon. A rather powerful weapon for being Low Grade. But evenpared to this
The [Djinn] held up the Spear of mes, admiring it against a crystal of light.
To think someone was capable of magically creating such a weapon. It willst till the end of the Destion, even as it degrades to below a Low Grade Weapon by then. Is it is it perhaps the work of an Archdemon?
He mused to himself before shaking his head. As he did this, I finally stepped into the room and ducked behind the cover of some tall rocks.
I poked my head out briefly, getting a full view of the room for once. There was a stack of cages to the right of the room, closest to me and where Haec was being held in. To the left was where Lucerna was standing, by arge table of stone with a pile of objects strewn all over. There were clumps of small items made of gold and silver; weapons of various shapes and sizes; and other cloth things that seemed simr to what he wore clothes?
I ducked my head back down as the [Djinn] looked back down. I kept my head low as I slowly edged around the side to more rocks, getting close to mypanion. As I did, I caught a glimpse of what was at the end of the room. There was something drawn onto the ground. A ck kind of ink forming a circle with symbols within was it blood? I couldnt really tell. But it was there.
Haec turned to me as I stopped a few rocks away from him. I gestured at him to remain quiet as the [Djinn] walked to the end of the room. There was something on the bars of his cage something that I could tell was preventing him from just swinging it open. I gave him a look and he pointed towards a ringed object with a glistening object on it. It was a key.
I could sense the mana emanating off it. There was something about it that made it magical. And so was there something that made the cage magical. Well, there were a lot of magical things in the room, like the circle that was on the ground. But it was mypanions insistent nodding that made me decide that the key was necessary to open the cage.
I started to the left side of the room, still keeping low and hoping that Lucerna didnt see me. The Greater Demon was now standing over the circle, inspecting the symbols on it. The ringed object around his neck suddenly glowed. He nodded to himself.
Well then, lets see what contract there is for me.
Lucerna tapped on the object and it stopped glowing. Suddenly, the circle shed. I felt an immense amount of mana more than I had ever felt before tear into the ground. Then the symbols on it shift. It spun faster and faster, the circle seemingly sinking into the ground, until finally it stopped. The circle vanished, and in its ce was suddenly an image.
The [Djinn] looked down at the image and I could almost hear him frown.
Whats this? This is the contract that I had been offered? The sacrifice that I hade back here for? Ridiculous.
I had just reached the table and was about to grab the key when he whirled around. I caught myself, ducking back into cover just time.
Do they really believe that such a sacrifice is worthy of me. A Greater Demon? As if being a virgin makes a woman give any more experience or mana. No I require more. A family, at least. And even that is an offering to a Lesser Demon. Or perhaps if she were higher leveled. But s, it was a waste of time toe here. Come, [Fiend]. You get to meet your King sooner than expected.
I panicked as I realized the [Djinn] was heading for the key. What do I do? He could discover me. And even if he didnt discover me, he was going to just grab Haec and leave once again. Did I attack him once he let mypanion go? I didnt think things would go differently fromst time if it came down to that. Luckily for me, I didnt need to do anything as mypanion spoke out, stopping him in his tracks.
What are you going to do to me?
The Greater Demon paused, just before the table. Then he turned around and started back in the direction of the cage. Haec must have realized my dilemma and was trying to distract him. This was my chance!
I got up and quickly grabbed the key before disappearing back behind the rocks as Lucerna stopped right in front of the cage.
What am I going to do to you? Are you not listening, fool? I will take you to our King. And when you meet him, make sure that youve learned your lesson and address him with respect. King Regnorex is sure to reward me if I bring back even a single Lesser Demon but if you prove your worthlessness by insulting him? You will be killed on the spot, and I shall be punished too.
Mypanion didnt respond immediately, which seemed to anger the [Djinn]. The Greater Demon banged once on the cage, rocking it and knocking the stack of cages behind him onto the ground.
Do you understand? Or will I have to make you understand again?
...I understand.
Good.
Lucerna left mypanion and went back to the stone table. The moment he did, I leapt out from behind the rocks and started to fumble at the rocks with the key. I nodded at Haec to not say a word as I tried to get him out, as the Greater Demon was angrily muttering to himself.
Now where did I leave it? I know I left it here somewhere
Click.
The key turned and the door swung open. But before that could happen as I unlocked the cage there was a sound. A sound that alerted the [Djinn]. He whirled around as I yelled.
Whats
Run!
I threw the me spike I had on my hand at Lucerna, aiming for his eyes. I wasnt sure how, but I somehow knew how to throw it in a way that made it dart through the air faster than even I could move. He blinked then reached up to cover his face. But he was too slow. He screamed in pain as the small spike pierced into his eye.
Aggggggggggghhhh!
Haec burst out of the cage behind me, sprinting as fast as he could for the tunnel that would lead to the exit. He had a brief head start, but even then I caught up to him quickly enough. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him as I ran ahead, trying to make him go faster.
A ball of ash flew over our heads, exploding right before the tunnel. I stopped just in time to avoid the impact of the st. Even if I had healed somewhat, that would have still killed me. Before I could try to continue past the cloud of smoldering ash left behind from the attack, arge mace came crashing between me and mypanion.
I rolled to the side, picking myself up as fast as I could while Haec rubbed at his bloodied arms.
You
The Greater Demon grabbed his stone table, lifting the entire thing with everything still on it, and flung it at me.
You dare my pay!
He backed up and almost stumbled onto the image on the ground. The [Djinn] caught himself and I narrowed my eyes. But before I could do anything, the table crashed to the side of me, just barely missing me.
He wasnt able to see well I had blinded him in one eye. If we wanted to escape I spun to mypanion.
Go! Ill catch up to you!
But
Haec stopped himself. He eyed me hesitantly, but eventually nodded. He ran for the door as the [Djinn] raced to stop him. I flung another two more fire spikes at the Greater Demon, stopping him as he sessfully blocked his face this time.
Lucerna angrily turned his gaze to me. His one remaining eye was bulging with hatred, almost as if it was about to explode. He brought his spear to the ground, sending a line of burning smoke at me. I jumped over it,nding amongst the scattered pile of cages.
The Greater Demon sent more balls of ash at me, but I weaved between the cages. The umtion of ash formed a light haze where I was. I grinned as my n began to work.
Where are you?!
He bellowed, stopping after he sent onest ball of ash. It exploded, but this time, not anywhere close to me. I lowered my body behind some rocks, away from the cages. He wasnt able to see me anymore, his vision too obscured by his own ash.
I saw Haec begin to turn the corner, finally reaching the tunnel. Lucernas gaze snapped to this and I threw a fire spike at him. The Greater Demon jumped back, having anticipated this. Then I leapt out of my cover, running across the room to mypanions side
The [Djinn] grinned.
[Burning Haze].
Smoke burst out in all directions around him. I was thrown back as the hot smoke burned my skin. I screamed as I felt the scalding heat exacerbate the wounds I had previously suffered. I copsed to the ground, my vision a blur and ears ringing.
I thought I heard Haec call out to me, but everything was spinning. I struggled to get to my feet but a shadow loomed over me. I looked up and saw Lucerna raising my spear at me.
Goodbye, imp.
I saw the ash appear and begin to form a ball. My eyes widened and I almost went straight to what my instinct told me to do. [Double Step]! Get out of the way no, I wouldnt be able to get far enough to avoid the impact. The st would still reach me. And if it didnt kill me right off, whatever came next from him would.
There was a scream from behind me. Mypanion was shouting and running to help me. But he would be too slow. There was nothing I could do. I would die here. At least, that was what I thought until I looked between the [Djinn]s legs.
Behind him was the image on the ground. The circle that became a hole. It was the reason he hade back here except he didnt think it was worthing back over now. And when he almost fell into it, he panicked, even for just a moment.
I nced back up at Lucerna, the ball of ash finally finished forming. Then back at mypanion who was still halfway to me. Then I made my decision.
[Double Step]!
I pushed myself off the ground, charging forward at the Greater Demon. I struck him across the chest with all my shoulder, throwing my entire body behind it together with my increased speed. The [Djinn] went staggering back, losing his bnce as I pushed him with what little strength I had.
There was a forced exhale as his ball of ashunched to the ceiling of the cave. He stumbled as he tried to regain his footing on the edge of the circle and I ran into him once again, this time unaided by Skill. He slipped and fell into the hole on the floor.
I wasnt sure if it would work. I had no idea what it would do. But as the Greater Demon went falling into the hole, the image vanished and was reced by a void of darkness. The ring around his neck shed as he screamed at me.
I tried to back up to get away from the hole before it would consume me too. But suddenly a hand grabbed me by the leg. I looked down, and to my horror, I saw Lucerna clutching at my leg.
He was pulling me with him. I tried to w at the ground stop myself from falling with him. But he was bigger than me. He was heavier than me. And he dragged me with him.
I went falling through the hole too. I tried to w the Greater Demons hands off me, but he wasughing cackling like crazy. [Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! Eventually, he lost his grip. Then from the top of the hole, I heard a voice.
Salvos grab my hand!
I nced up and saw Haec reaching for me. I tried to swim out of the darkness out of the ck ocean that was closing in on me. Mypanion reached out for me and I reached for him
And the circle closed.
Everything went ck. There was no more light. I felt like I was being born once again, stuck in an infinite void. I tried to break out of it. I swung my arms, scratching at the surface, but nothing broke. Nothing except for the silence in my head.
Now Leaving [Lair: Lucernas Lamp].
Now Leaving [Demon Kings Domain].
.
.
.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Netherworld].
After those words came, there was nothing for a moment. Just a moment.
Then I heard a crack.
Now Entering [Nexeus: Mortal Realm].
I suddenly found myself on solid ground, bent over on my hands and knees. I was staring at a circle on the floor a ck circle with some red liquid spilling by my ws. I nced up at the [Cultist] who was spreading his arms wide in a deration.
Oh mighty Lucerna! Greater Demon of the Netherworld! Youve epted this offering, and now we implore you
The man paused. He looked down at me, then looked past me. He blinked.
Wait, why are there two of you?
Did we just get two for the price of one? Awesome!
Chapter 13: Awesome!
Chapter 13: Awesome!
13. Awesome!
I stared at the group of people gathered in front of me. They were people but not Demons like me. They had pale, fleshy skin, with dark hooded robes covering most of their body. They were Humans.
The lead Human stepped forward and I tensed.
[Cultist - Lvl. 45]
He was high leveled. Very high leveled. And I was exhausted my entire body ached from having fought and ran nonstop since I had first encountered the [Djinn]. I did not get a moment of rest or [Rest] at all, and my health was running dangerously low. Fortunately for me, it didnt seem like he was about to attack me.
The [Cultist] turned around, spreading his arms wide to address the others in the room with him.
I told you all it would work! A virgin sacrifice. Yes, yes. Demons love it. Thats why weve been bestowed with two of them, and not just one!
The other Humans all of them were [Cultists] as well, just lower leveled nodded their heads. They spoke hushed whispers, almost as though they were chanting some sort of praise to the lead Human.
Satisfied with their reaction, he turned around and approached me. I warily raised a w as he pointed a finger at me, then past me. I followed it to see the [Djinn], Lucerna, bent over behind me staring at something in his hand.
Great Lucerna and your minion [Imp] I have given you this sacrifice and epted the terms of our contract, now I ask you to fulfill my bidding!
The Greater Demon didnt respond, continuing to look down at the object in the palm of his hands. I narrowed my eyes as I realized what it was. Thats the ring around his neck? It had been glowing early it shone when it sucked me in together with him to this ce. But now, it was broken.
The [Cultist] went on, ignorant of this, as his followers bowed down together in sick reverence.
You see, in the town of Dawnwind, there was this girl, Lucy. She was a pretty little thing who always knew how to steal a boys heart, but no boy could ever get her because theyd have to get the approval of her father, the [Baker]. And if you tried and failed, well, lets just say you wont be getting any bread for the rest of the year, which was actually really good. You know, he made this delicious cheese bread that
He trailed off, blinking as he realized he had lost his audience. Even his followers were giving him looks. The man cleared his throat and quickly turned back to face the [Djinn].
Sorry, I went on a bit of a tangent. Anyways, as I was saying, Lucy would y with the feelings of all the boys in town, and I was one of them. Luckily for me, I had been an errand boy for the [Baker] and was able to get on his good side. I eventually worked up the courage to ask for his approval and I got it. I was ted! I was going to ask Lucy out the very next day, but
He took a deep breath as his brows arched darkly over his eyes.
The next day, a group of Gold Ranked adventurers passed through our town led by the mighty warrior Nn, and Lucy fell for him! The [Baker] didnt approve of this rtionship, but she ran away with his party instead, leaving me behind and with a broken heart. Now, mighty Lucerna, I ask of you to destroy Nn and his band of Adventurers. Make him pay for what he did to me!
He made this deration, dramatically pointing at the [Djinn] behind me. I wasnt sure why I was listening to this mans story. Perhaps it was because I was tired and this gave me a brief reprieve. But now, Lucerna finally moved. He stood up and I jumped back. I spun around, about to make a break for it.
But the [Cultists] were blocking my path! There were over a dozen of them, all within my level range. I couldnt just get through all of them, especially if they expected me to kill this Nn man like I had been asked to do. However, a voice spoke out from the side.
Wait, Chris, didnt you tell us that we were doing all this so we could get revenge on King Hale for the unfair tax he has put on us?
The lead man, Chris, scoffed and folded his arms.
Come on, did you really think that would work? A Greater Demon may be powerful, but theres no way one can destroy an entire
A ferocious roar cut him off from behind. Lucerna turned an angry gaze towards me, smoke billowing out of his body as he pointed.
You you broke it! I will I will
He didnt even finish his sentence. There was nothing left there but hate in his one open eye. He had no words left to speak only a guttural scream left his mouth. He swung at me with the Spear of mes, but I backed out of the way. I whirled around and dashed past Chris to leave the room.
As I had expected, the lead man moved to block my way.
Hey, what are you doing
I shed my burning ws through his chest and he recoiled. Blood poured out of the wound as he staggered back, injured by the attack. I had expected him to do something to me, but he simply shouted.
I said, I you to
An explosion of smoke interrupted him. He erected a red barrier around him, stumbling back in confusion as Lucerna charged at me. He spun in the direction of the [Djinn] and raised a pointed object at him.
Halt!
Once again, his words did nothing and he was left with a confused look on his face. Then in frustration, he conjured a ball of fire and threw it at the Greater Demon.
Obey me! Your contract obligates you to listen to mymands!
The other [Cultists] huddled up beside the lead man, chanting with their hands held together. A crack opened on the ground just in front of Lucerna, forcing him to a halt as a wall of fire burst out. Chris shouted at the rest of his followers.
Stop the [Imp]!
Three [Cultists] moved to block my path. Light crackled between the fingers of the first and zapped in my direction. I dodged away from this electricity, meeting the other two as they raised their swords.
[Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! [Fire
I stopped myself as I realized two of the ones blocking me were lying on the floor and bleeding, and thest was stumbling away from me, clutching at his shoulder.
They were not dead just yet; I was about to finish them off for the experience when more ran at me from behind and I sent a [Fire st] at them, keeping them back. I backed up, finally reaching the only exit in the room as Chris was creating another ball of fire and aiming it at me. Then the wall of fire exploded.
The Greater Demon tore through the barrier blocking his path and roared. The lead man hurriedly turned his attention to the [Djinn] as three of his followers were crushed in a single swing.
My pursuers stopped, going back to help their allies as Lucerna rampaged through the [Cultists]. I saw this as my only chance my opportunity to escape. Using thest of my energy, I sprinted out of the room and down a winding tunnel with [Double Step]. And I continued running and running as fast as I could, even as my feet bled and my body screamed for me to stop, I continued to run.
I burst out of the cave, into a dark and cold world, escaping into a dense group of brown and green protrusions from the ground. I ran and ran until only these trees surrounded me, but I did not stop even as the words no longer filled my head. With onest [Double Step], I broke into a small opening within the forest and copsed.
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 19]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 23]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cult Acolyte - Lvl. 20]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cult Leader - Lvl. 45]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 16] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 17]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 17] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 18]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Bonus Stats is awarded for the following feats:
Surviving at near death for a prolonged period of time!
+2 [Vitality]
Performing feats of strength far greater than your physical limits!
+2 [Strength]
Showing physical and magical durability even when stamina and mana are depleted!
+2 [Endurance]
...huh.
Then everything went ck.
--
It was an odd feeling, passing out. I had been awake ever since I was born, but for the very first time, I lost my consciousness. I didn''t even know I was physically capable of doing that, but apparently I was.
So when I woke up, I was confused. Extremely confused at why everything went dark, and extremely confused at the blue sky overhead. Where was I? What happened?
It took me a moment to regain a sense of my surroundings. Ist remembered leveling up gaining additional Stat Points and copsing. But before that I had been
Haec.
I jumped to my feet, ncing around for mypanion. He wasnt here, of course. He had been at the Lair Lucernas Lamp. And that had been in the Demon Kings Domain, which was in the Netherworld. And I? I wasnt in the Netherworld anymore.
I was currently in the Mortal Realm wherever that was. And all around me were things I had never seen before; things I intuitively knew, but had never actually known about it before now. It was like seeing a rock again for the first time, except so much more.
There were trees, there was grass, there was dirt. There were clouds in the sky, and above that, a bright source of light that shone down brighter than the red sky of the Netherworld ever had the sun. It was too much information to process all at once, so I stood there for a moment, just taking it all in.
Then I heard a sound a rustling of the bushes. I snapped my gaze at the source of the noise, only to see tiny winged creatures pping their wings and flying off to the sky. Birds. I felt my shoulders sag as I realized that it wasnt the [Djinn] catching up to me.
If it had been Lucerna, I would have to run as fast as I could once again; I didnt have a chance of defeating him as I was now. Even though I had leveled twice, I would still be less than half his levels. And that was assuming he had not leveled from ughtering those Humans.
I slowly sat down on the dirt ground, feeling myself rx as I decided to distribute my Skill and Stat Points, since no one was activelying after me.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 20
[Strength]: 14
[Endurance]: 22
[Wisdom]: 26
[Agility]: 42
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 8
[Double Step] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
First thing I noticed that my [Vitality], [Strength], and [Endurance] was indeed higher than it had been before; the feats I did running, fighting at the brink of death, and overpowering the Greater Demon briefly seemed to have been what determined the boost in Stat Points.
Regardless, I was already quite fast, so I decided to only raise my [Agility] by 3 Stat Points this time, while putting 4 into [Wisdom] to further raise my attack power. I split the remaining 3 evenly between [Vitality], [Strength], and [Endurance], deciding that it didnt hurt to have those raised, even after their increase.
As for my Skill Points, I added 2 to [Basic Fire Creation], thinking that it would have been maxed out at Level 10, but was surprised to find that I could raise it even more. Hesitantly, I added another Skill Point to it, before adding 1 Skill Point to [Double Step] and [Fire st], saving thest Skill Point for any future needs.
With that settled, I got back up and looked around. I was in a strange ce a different world? Somehow, that didnt seempletely right, even if it was technically correct. This wasnt the Netherworld. This wasnt where I had been born, I could tell that much.
But even though I had no real attachment to the Netherworld itself, I still left mypanion behind to himself.
This was a new world: a new ce for me. And while I was curious about it while I wanted to explore it, like I had done in the Netherworld I had a reason to go back. So as the wind blew at my face and I took in my surroundings, I made my decision.
I need to find a way back to the Netherworld!
Chapter 14.1. Wolves?
Chapter 14.1. Wolves?
14.1. Wolves
Find a way back to the Netherworld.
I made the decision to return to Haec somehow find mypanion who was deep inside the Demon Kings Domain. I had to cross nes to this; somehow carry out the same ritual that the [Cultists] did to bring myself and Lucerna over here. But right now, I was chasing butterflies.
Ooo!
I watched as the insect with brightly colored wings flitted over to a flower and rested on it for a moment. It stuck its proboscis deep within the petals until it was satisfied, before flying off to another bush. I started after it but paused as I passed by a small tree and saw something moving on the leaves.
Looks like mini Demons!
I observed, peering at the squishy blobs crawling over the leaf surface. Theservae were not nearly as colorful as the [Demon Larvae] I had met in the Netherworld they were mostly green, like the color of the leaves. Was it to disguise themselves from any wild Demons? Or rather, wild butterflies that would try and kill them to level?
I wasnt entirely sure, but it was interesting to think about. After a while of staring at theservae crawl along, I eventually got bored and walked away. I nced up as a white cloud covered the sun in the sky, casting a brief shadow over me as the wind blew at my face.
Why is the sky blue? Shouldnt it be red?
I wondered aloud, continuing through the forest bursting with life. I had hoped my voice would attract someone anyone to me; perhaps they would be able to tell me the way back to the Netherworld, as I had no idea where to even start.
And it was not like making a lot of noise was dangerous. I had been careful at first to be as quiet as possible to not attract any wild Demons to me. I didnt know the level of the Demons in the area, and it would be bad if they were all Greater Demons that wanted to capture or kill me like Lucerna had been. However, not only have I not encountered any Demons thus far, nothing here seemed interested in attacking me.
And on the flip side, nothing here seemed interested in answering my question.
I looked back down, staring ahead through the endless thicket of trees all around me; I had no directionality I was more lost than I had been in the Netherworld. There, everything looked the same to me so there was nothing to be confused about. But here, everything kept changing nothing seemed the same, which made me think I was at a different ce, but I couldnt even be sure of that.
Sighing, I copsed to the floor and spread my arms open wide. I saw a bird soaring through the sky above me but I had no interest in it anymore. I had already chased after one until the bright blue sky became a dark blue sky, before it became a bright blue sky again. Speaking of which
Why does the sky keep changing colors? First its blue, then its orange, then it''s blue again but darker, then its orange again but more red, then its blue again cant it stick to one?!
The sky of the Netherworld never once changed its hue, even though I had been there for a long time. I had been here for a short amount of time, but it had already changed a dozen different times!
I didnt I couldnt understand this Mortal Realm. It was aplete mystery to me. And while that would be enough to pique my curiosity most of the time and it had for a bit I was currently looking for a way to leave this ce. Maybe once I found a way to do that, I could return with Haec and properly explore and try to understand everything here.
I exhaled deeply once again, an act I knew meant I was frustrated.
Cant somebody help me?!
I called out, my voice echoing through the suddenly empty forest. I looked around and saw no one approach no one answered my call. I waited for a moment before getting up.
Maybe this ce just has no intelligent people.
I paused, remembering the Human [Cultists] that had brought me here.
Or maybe no one likes me.
I corrected myself with a click of my ws. I was just about to start in a random direction, hoping that it would lead me somewhere, when I heard a sound from behind me.
It was a light sound. A very soft sound. It was like the rustling of the leaves that came whenever a strong wind came pushing at me except, the wind was gone. I narrowed my eyes and turned around.
Whos there?
I saw a slight movement from a bush an almost glowing eye sink back into the darkness before the leaves fell to the ground and three figures stepped out from it.
[Dark Wolf - Lvl. 18]
[Dark Wolf - Lvl. 17]
[Dark Wolf - Lvl. 23]
These creatures these wolves looked almost like [Hellhounds]. But they were smaller, and they had a coat of fur dark colored covering their body. They growled at me and took a step forward closer to me.
I raised my hands up defensively and spoke out.
I dont want to fight you. If you can speak, just tell me where I can find the Netherworld and Ill leave you alone.
It was probably a stupid thing to say; I had already noted these [Dark Wolves] simrities to the wild Demons back in the Netherworld. And yet, they were still notpletely the same, which was why I tried to talk wild Demons had no sex, but these creatures did.
Nevertheless, these creatures still didnt back down. They approached me slowly, encroaching around me from all sides. They werent like the wild Demons that came at me without thought these monsters could think and coordinate. And they were all around my level or higher. This would be a dangerous fight. I might have to run if they overwhelm me
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 18]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 17]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Hunter Dark Wolf - Lvl. 23]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Huh.
I blinked as I lowered my hands.
That was easy.
I remarked as the magical mes left my ws, leaving a searing cut across the wolves corpses. I looked down at the blood on my hands red blood and flicked it off. Why is the blood red? I mused to myself, but dismissed the thought. Blood is blood, doesnt matter what color it is.
It still meant I had killed a thing or hurt them, at least although these [Dark Wolves] were almost certainly dead. I wondered why they were so weak in fact, I was expecting those [Cultists] to be stronger when I fought them, but even the Level 45 [Cult Leader] was hurt from a single [Fire Strike]. He seemed like the type to neglect [Vitality] in favor of [Wisdom], but still I did not expect to damage him as much as I did.
I shrugged and continued on my way, in search of anything, really.
Chapter 14.2. Wolves?
Chapter 14.2. Wolves?
14.2. Wolves?
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 14]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Stalker Dark Wolf - Lvl. 20]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 3] -> [Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 18] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 19]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
These [Dark Wolves] wont stoping.
I sat on a rock, letting go of the small fire spike I had created as it dissipated into nothing. Wisps of ember were carried away by the light breeze, extinguishing whatever remained of the temporary crude weapon.
I finally leveled [Basic Mana Maniption] again. It had been a while since itst gained a level was it because of my use of [Basic Fire Creation]? The two seemed intrinsically tied, considering I had used the former to gain the basis of thetter. I shook my head as I decided to distribute my Skill and Stat Points.
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 15
[Endurance]: 23
[Wisdom]: 30
[Agility]: 45
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 11
[Double Step] - Lvl. 6
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
I decided to give [Endurance] and [Wisdom] 2 Stat Points each, giving the remaining 1 Stat Point to [Agility]. As for my Skill Points, I gave 1 Skill Point to both [Fire st] and [Passive - General Tool Proficiency].
I didnt put as much thought into it as I usually did; these [Dark Wolves] really were not that much of a threat to my life. I might have to decide on some sort of a basic distribution for the future, when I didnt feel like I wascking in anything specifically. But for now, I just raised what I felt was right.
I got up from the rock, walking past the half a dozen bodies strewn all around me. It was dark now, the sun had set and it was now night. I had been encountering these [Dark Wolves] all day and only now did I level. It seemed to me that even though these monsters were far weaker than the wild Demons in the Netherworld despite being the same level, they gave out far less experience too.
It wasnt something I was explicitly told, but something I had inferred from fighting them. If these had all been [Hellhounds] of the same level Id probably be Level 21 or higher by now.
But it was good that these werent [Hellhounds]. Even though I wasnt gaining as much experience, I was not taking as much damage either. I had only been struck a few times in all these encounters, and none of their attacks dealt as significant damage as [Hellhounds] did. That was not to mention the [Arachne] which probably could have killed me in two hits back when I fought it, or the [Gadarenes] which were slower but stronger than the [Hellhounds].
I did take damage though; that was why I had stopped to sit for a moment. I needed to [Rest] to heal the umtion of cuts and scratches I had taken from these [Dark Wolves]. I was once again about to start heading in a random direction when I heard a light growl.
I spun around, expecting to be pounced at, only to see a smaller, lighter wolf baring its teeth. It she howled in my direction, but stayed back, never once trying to attack me. I cocked my head.
[Wolf]
She had no levels? No she wasnt a [Dark Wolf] either. But why couldnt I see her levels? I wanted to approach her and ask her the question, but the moment I opened my mouth, she whimpered, turned tail, and ran away.
Wait, dont go
I paused as I heard another, louder growling from behind me. I whirled around and this time, I was faced with a [Dark Wolf]. He wasrger than the ones I had encountered previously, and he had a keen look in his eyes that almost seemed to challenge me. He came with a dozen others, following him from behind.
[Dark Wolf - Lvl. 30]
He seemed like a leader. A pack leader. And he was furious.
His gaze zed over the dead [Dark Wolves] surrounding me, before snapping in my direction. I tensed, raising my hands up and creating two fire spikes.
They attacked me first. Like wild Demons!
I tried to argue, but he didnt care. He stepped forward and howled, raising his head up to the night sky illuminated by the dim light of the moon. His pack charged at me all at once.
I threw my two spikes at the oing monsters. I backed up, sending two [Fire sts] at once.
Defeated [Hunter Dark Wolf - Lvl. 21]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 15]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
The [Dark Wolves] encroached on me, surrounding me from all sides. They leapt at me all at once and I jumped into the air above them. I spun over the head of one of the leaping wolves and wed its back as mes wisped off my sharp ws.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 17]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Inded nimbly on the ground as the monsters turned, and sent another [Fire st] at them.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 12]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 14]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
The rest charged me as I created another, longer sharp de of fire. I stepped to the side and shed my de across the thick pelt of a [Dark Wolf]
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 13]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
And whirled around to jam the fire dagger through the face of another.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 15]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
One struck me from behind as another tried to jump on me. She snapped at my face as I held her maws back with my ws. I aimed at her neck. [Fire Strike]!
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 14]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I pushed the body off me as blood sshed across my face and grabbed the other [Dark Wolf] before he could pounce on me, before hurling him at another charging wolf. I threw two small balls of fire at them as they tried to get up, only killing one.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 12]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Before I was scratched across the chest. I stumbled back as the [Dark Wolf] yanked his ws off me. I whirled around and struck it across the face without a Skill.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 10]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
These ones were low leveled! But still, they overwhelmed me. And there was still the pack leader
I found myself staggering forward as a ck blur pounced one me. The pack leader swung two rapid shadowed ws at me. I parried the first but was knocked back by the second, ck blood pouring out of the wound on my face.
The pack leader stepped forward, hisst two remaining pack members behind him. One was injured with a limp, while the other had not been hurt at all. I felt my eyes burning as I created two more fire daggers.
Is this thest of your pack?
I asked him as I backed up while the three spread out around me.
Thats why theyre so low leveled, isnt it? I killed the rest of your pack.
He didnt respond. Of course he didnt. He stared at me with a hate filled gaze. But I grinned.
You shouldnt have sent them after me in the first ce. Thats why theyre all dead. And thats why you will all be dead.
The pack leader barked and was about to rush me with his twost pack members, when suddenly a figure burst out from the bushes. The wolf from earlier returned and pounced onto the injured [Dark Wolf]. The instant I saw this happen, I turned to the other pack member to my right.
[Double Step]!
I rushed forward, jamming both my daggers to the side of the monsters head. She struggled for a moment, trying to bite at me, but I brought my w onest time and finished her off. The pack leader leapt at me from behind, letting off a guttural howl.
I whirled around and knocked him back with a small ball of fire. He got up, body turning ck once again as his speed increased. I didnt need to track where he went. I sent a [Fire st], knocking him back and the darkness off him.
The pack leader picked himself up but I was on him in a moment. I knocked one of his shadowed ws to the side countered with my own [Fire Strike]. My ws dug into his skin but I didnt just shear through. I closed my hands, gripping into his body as I pulled myself into him.
Hended onest hit on me, drawing blood, as I pulled myself on top of him. I grasped myself firmly on his back and produced a fire dagger with a serrated edge. I shed the magically created weapon across his neck, cutting open his skin. It didnt dig all the way through but that was enough. Raising my ws up, I struck it down with a [Fire Strike], tearing into the [Dark Wolf]s neck slowly as he struggled underneath me, until finally
Defeated [Alpha Dark Wolf - Lvl. 30]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 19] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 20]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I copsed to the ground, exhausted and injured. Iy there for a moment, letting [Rest] take over me as the wolf that came to help me walked off from thest [Dark Wolf]s corpse.
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 13]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I looked at her with a defiant gaze.
Do you want to fight too, huh?
I challenged her, but then she lowered her head and her body, almost gratefully? I wasnt sure how intentional the gesture was did she even know about how Haec and I would nod at each other? I didnt think so. But I still interpreted this action this way.
These [Dark Wolves] were threatening you, werent they?
I smiled as the wolf simply looked up to me, panting with her tongue sticking out. I nodded at her.
Well, its no problem they were attacking me too, so I beat them. Thats all. But if you could help me, do you know where I can find the way back to the Netherworld?
She stopped panting and stood up. I was expecting her to start leading me somewhere, but she simply stared at me.
Oh, you dont.
I deted, feeling my shoulders sag. I sighed, before giving onest attempt at speaking to her.
Do you at least know where I can find someone who does?
She didnt react at first. In fact, she started walking around in circles with her face to the floor something which greatly confused me. Finally, she stopped and she turned to her left, her gaze sharpening as it faced a thinner thicket of trees. Then she howled.
Why are you howling? Is that can I find someone who can help me there?
The wolf barked once, before she ran off. I stared at her as she went, then looked back at the direction she had pointed out. I shrugged.
I dont really have anywhere else to go, so I guess Ill trust you. Thanks!
I waved at her as she left and she stopped. She looked back at me once, before disappearing back into the forest. I stayed there for a moment, healing up and distributing my Stat Points and Skill Points. Finally, when I was ready, I headed into the thin thicket of trees.
Chapter 15.1. An Attack
Chapter 15.1. An Attack
15.1. An Attack
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 20
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 4
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 16
[Endurance]: 26
[Wisdom]: 33
[Agility]: 48
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 11
[Double Step] - Lvl. 8
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
The sun was rising up into the sky by the time I saw the opening beyond the trees; I had fully healed after some [Rest], and had already distributed my Stat and Skill Points ordingly, before going down the way the wolf directed me in. I wasnt sure at first if she understood me, but now that I could see the dirt path ahead, I knew she did.
I stopped right by the edge of the trees as I saw some figures moving through a road. They were [Traders]! Humans!
How has it been two months since those invasive Dusk Wolves came to Falisfield, and not a single adventurer has taken them out yet!
Cant me them. They tore up thest two parties sent to exterminate them. [Dark Wolves], I hear. Not as dangerous as their [Shadow Wolf] evolution, but still there has to be dozens of them around the area!
Silvers. Dont they know theyve gotta earn their pay if they wanna move up to Gold or tinum?
If theyre Gold, they wouldnt even be anywhere near our country let alone tinum. Most of our Gold Ranked adventurers are already hired out by the Inoria Empire and Elutra Kingdom because of their war, remember? Any adventurer with a brain would stay away from Nixa and go straight there.
Whyre they hiring adventurers again?
To protect their towns and cities from monster attacks. All their soldiers and able bodied men are at the front lines, so they have to rely on adventurers to protect their citizens.
Bah, of course. And its not like the stupid [King] is doing anything to draw them here whats the point of all this tax if hes not even going to secure our roads?!
There, there.
The second [Trader] leaned over and patted the shoulder of the first, as the first grumbled under his breath. I waited for a moment, following right in between the two wooden vehicles pulled by those brown animals as they trotted along at a meandering pace. When the lull in the conversation seemed like it wouldst, I finally decided to speak up.
Hey!
Hm?
The second [Trader] pulled his hand back from the first who still had his face buried in his knees and turned around. He blinked, before his face immediately paled. He failed to work his jaw as he pointed at me and hurriedly tapped the other mans shoulder.
D-D-D-D-D-D
Do you know where I can find my way to the Netherworld?
I eyed the second [Trader] as three quarters of his body was reaching out of his wagon, trying even harder to get the attention of the first [Trader].
What? Huh? D-D-D-what? The Nether-what? What are you two talking about?
The first [Trader] finally turned around, shrugging off the constant tapping of the second [Trader]. He stared at me with a narrowed gaze, then his face lit up inprehension.
Oh. I get what you mean now.
I brightened as he took a deep breath.
You mean you know where the Netherworld is?
He screamed.
Deeeeeeeeeeeemmmoooonnnnn!
I jumped back, startled by the sudden shout. Was that some sort of battle cry? Was he trying to attack me? I created two fire daggers and warily raised my arms as the [Traders] jumped off the side of their wagons.
The first [Trader] was Level 16 while the second was Level 25. If they try to nk me from both sides, Ill rush the first with [Double Step] and
Blinking, I lowered my hands as I watched the two [Traders] scurry away on foot. They fled down the road, screaming and shouting as they abandoned their horses and carts behind.
I knew it! That bitch has finally snapped and summoned a Demon to kill me
I dont want to die! I dont want to fucking die
I was about to chase after them I would have very easily caught up to the two. But I stopped myself as their words slowly sunk into my head.
...did they think I was attacking them?
That made no sense: if I had wanted to attack them, I would have just done so and they would be dead. Yet, that was the only thing that I could infer from the way they reacted and the things they said. So I was perplexed by this.
I slowly walked forward past the wagon, annoyed that the only people I met that could talk ran away from me. Then I paused and turned back to the horses just standing there.
Do you know the way to the Netherworld?
They just snorted and kicked some dirt with their hooves.
Didnt think so.
Chapter 15.2. An Attack
Chapter 15.2. An Attack
15.2. An Attack
I followed the dirt road all the way down, hoping that I would run into more people. And I did. But every single one of them reacted in the same way the first two [Traders] did, which left me even more irritated.
I folded my arms, fire daggers still in hand as it did not cost me anything to keep them there mana was expended when they were created, so I might as well have had it on me until they dissipated. Is this some sort of Human thing? Do all Humans act like this when they meet a Demon?
That wasnt true, of course I knew it wasnt true myself. I had met those [Cultists], and they showed no fear towards me or even Lucerna. In fact, they were so fearless that they still kept trying to order him around when he was killing them all. But perhaps that was just an isted incident an outlier?
I didnt entirely parse this concept, but I could see it somewhat. I saw myself as an outlier too distinct from all the other Demons I had met so far. Even Haec was not the same as me, and this applied especially to the wild Demons. Maybe that was why Humans were so scared of me: they thought I was a wild Demon.
I shook my head, deciding that the first thing I would do when I saw the next Human was exin that I wasnt a wild Demon. Then they wouldnt run from me and would be able to tell me how I could go back to the Netherworld.
Determined to make myself heard by the next person I saw, I hurried down the road in search of someone. That was until I saw those tall structures in the distance.
Things made of stone and wood rose up from the ground above the trees. It was a monument no, a wall. Arge wall that encircled even more structures made of stone and wood within. Buildings.
This was a city? Or was it a town? For some reason, I wasnt entirely certain. My intuition told me it was one or the other as the definitions werent so concrete.
Either way, seeing a city for the first time distracted me long enough to not notice the group of Humans gathered around the front of it.
...and are you sure what you saw was an [Imp]? Our reports indicate that arge Demon was the one responsible for destroying Fairdale.
Yes, yes! It was an [Imp]! It was swinging two bloody daggers wildly as it chased after me look there it is!
The Human in metal armor looked up and nearly dropped his spear. He reached for it in a panic and whirled around as he shouted at more armored Humans.
Demon! A Demon is attacking Silvergrove! Sound the rm! Call the guild to send adventurers!
I tried running up to the group of Humans as the [Trader] I had spooked earlier screamed and ran into the city. I waved my hands in the air as I called out to them.
Hi! Stop shouting Im Salvos, an [Imp] trying to find her way back to the Netherworld. I am not a wild Demon, so you dont need to worry. I will not attack you why are you still shouting?!
I narrowed my eyes and halted in my step as the man with the spear pointed it at me.
Stay away Demon!
[Warrior - Lvl. 28]
I tried nodding at the man to defuse the situation. I walked slowly towards him, speaking slowly.
I will not attack you unless you attack me. So if you will just help me
He jabbed the spear in my direction and I parried it.
Fine then!
I stepped forward and dipped down under his followup strike. He backed up as other armored Humans ran to his aid. I pointed at them, sending a [Fire st] to keep them back. I rushed up to the [Warrior] and raised a dagger.
[Piercing
[Fire Strike]. I swung the dagger down, slicing his spear in half. He recoiled as the wooden shaft splintered, before I jammed my w through his stomach. He doubled over as I was about to finish him.
[Power Shot]!
I nced up as I saw a glinting projectile zip at me. I dodged my head out of the way just in time as the arrow whizzed past my face, only slightly grazing my cheek. I easily moved out of the way of three more slower arrows as the armored men on the walls loosed shots at me.
I eyed the Human who had managed to hit me.
[Archer - Lvl. 21]
He nocked another arrow on the strings of a curved piece of wood. He pulled the bowstrings back
And screamed as a fire dagger stuck out of his shoulder. He copsed to the floor, writhing in pain as I knocked another armored man charging at me away, before two more tried stabbing at me. I ducked under their spears, bending forward as I noticed a glow just ahead.
[Mage - Lvl. 18]
[Double Step]. I ran straight at the woman conjuring a sphere of sparks, striking her across the face and dispersing the magical attack. She let out a guttural scream as I kicked her away, flipping through the air andnding on the back of a spearman with a [Fire Strike] infused step.
The man groaned as I got off him, grinning at how easily it had been going. There was a dozen of them and I had barely taken any damage. And now I had already taken down five of them, leaving only
I frowned as I counted the number of Humans I was now engaged with. There weren''t this many before, was there? And then I saw moreing, pouring out of the walls and the gates of the city.
[Warrior - Lvl. 15]
[Warrior - Lvl. 17]
[Warrior - Lvl. 13]
[Warrior - Lvl. 10]
[Warrior - Lvl. 12]
[Archer - Lvl. 13]
[Archer - Lvl. 11]
[Archer - Lvl. 16]
[Archer - Lvl. 13]
[Mage - Lvl. 10]
[Mage - Lvl. 12]
And that wasnt just it either. I looked past these uniformly dressed Humans, at the small but separate groups of Humansing over wearing vibrant clothing and armor.
Adventurers! Its time to protect Silvergrove! The one who kills the Demon gets 50 gold coins!
[Warrior - Lvl. 25]
[Warrior - Lvl. 16]
[Archer - Lvl. 23]
[Mage - Lvl. 17]
[Warrior - Lvl. 14]
[Rogue - Lvl. 12]
[Archer - Lvl. 14]
[Mage - Lvl. 16]
Wha where did all these Humanse from? There are so many of them! I created a ball of fire as my gaze warily swept over all the new enemiesing at me. Can I even win
My thoughts were interrupted as a st of electricity knocked me back. I staggered away from the man I was standing over, feeling my body seize up momentarily. I quickly regained control over myself as I red at the [Mage] who did that.
[Mage - Lvl. 18]
Huh? How is she standing? Didnt I almost kill her
I saw the glinting once again, and this time parried the arrow as it came at me. My gaze snapped at the Level 21 [Archer] as he rubbed at his shoulder. Why isnt he bleeding anymore? Where is my fire dagger?
[Piercing Blow]!
I leapt back just in time to avoid most of the damage from the attack. The spearhead barely cut into my shoulder, but I felt more ck blood pouring out of the wound than there should have been.
I looked up at the [Warrior] the first man that I had left dying on the ground as he drew his spear back. He held up a vial of red liquid and poured it over the back of the man I had been standing over. My eyes widened as the burn marks on the mans skin disappeared.
Take it easy, thats all I can spare for now.
I stared in horror as the man got up, almostpletely uninjured, before picking up his spear and aiming at me again. I nced around at all the Humans at all the people I had nearly killed but were now somehow no longer injured and had a thought.
Hold back its fast! Wait until captain Nathan gets here. Hes Level 50
[Double Step]!
I spun around and made a break for it.
Dont let it escape!
I weaved around the arrows and spells that flew over my shoulder, grasping at the wounds I had taken. That was unfair! Why wasnt I able to heal myself like that? And a Level 50 Human too? There was no way I would win that fight!
I scowled as I activated the speed Skill once again, easily putting more distance between me and my pursuers. I craned my neck around, watching as thest of them disappeared behind the trees, unable to keep up with me.
I only stopped running when I noticed the sky change color again; it was now orange, soon to be dark blue. I copsed to the ground with a thud, scaring a small gray animal into some bushes away from me. I eyed the hare as it ran far away from me and sprawled myself on the dirt.
At least you arent attacking me, right?
I sighed as I felt [Rest] take over, slowly healing my injuries over time. Iy there for a moment, thinking back about the events of the day: I had been overpowered and forced to flee again. I had to survive, so I did what I had to do. But it was annoying having to run away from people stronger than me.
So I sat up and dug a w into the earth.
If they arent going to tell me where the Netherworld is and attack me instead fine! I will just have to make them tell me.
And all I had to do to achieve that was be stronger than them.
Chapter 16: Not Rocks
Chapter 16: Not Rocks
16. Not Rocks
I wandered the forest as the colors in the sky changed; I was getting used to such a sight now. I had been fascinated by this day-night cycle at first, but now I realized how predictable it was. If there had been any variances between the amount of time it took for day or night to change it was too minute for me to notice.
Also, I was rather preupied.
Defeated [Green Stag - Lvl. 24]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 20] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 21]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I retracted my w from the monsters back, letting go of his horns as I limply rolled away from his corpse. Iy on the grassy floor, spreading my arms wide as I started my [Rest].
This wasnt the first monster I had killed if he was, I wouldnt have leveled just from defeating him. No there was an entire herd of them which tossed me around and charged me no matter what I did. Fire? Why would they be scared of that? They ran straight through it and rammed me no matter what I did.
They were relentless. So eventually, I resorted to jumping on their backs to make them hit each other. It worked out to my favor somehow; they were not apprehensive about killing their own at all to get to me. I gained less experience from doing that, but I managed to survive and even level.
I sat up, evaluating my Skills and Stats.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 16
[Endurance]: 26
[Wisdom]: 33
[Agility]: 48
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 5]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 11
[Double Step] - Lvl. 8
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
I had thought about it for a while: distributing different Skill and Stat Points every single time became a hassle when it wasnt absolutely necessary. So for my next few levels, all I would raise was [Endurance] by 2 Stat Points, [Wisdom] by 2 Stat Points, and [Agility] by 1 Stat Points. And as for my Skills, I would evenly split all 3 Skill Points I gained from leveling between [Basic Fire Creation], [Double Step], and [Fire st].
I would keep doing this until my Stat and Skill Points were needed elsewhere or for some other reason. For now, I did just that before resuming my leveling session. It wasnt progressing as quickly as I hoped; I would have to defeat dozens of monsters around my level to even gain a single level. And if that was the only issue, I wouldnt have cared as much, because the real problem wasnt the danger but
My head snapped to the side as I heard a crunch. I stared at the deer as she stepped over some twigs and fallen tree branches, breaking them with her hooves. I felt my lips drawing to a frown.
The real problem is that theres no monsters!
When I had been in the Netherworld, wild Demons were all over the ce. Wherever I went, I would eventually encounter a wild Demon or a group of them. Even when I was searching for wild Demons in the Demon Kings Doman they were far more rare there, but still more plentiful than the monsters here.
I narrowed my eyes as I watched the deer or [Deer] hop over some rocks and into a thicket. Maybe I could gain experience from But no. She had no levels, which I found to be incredibly odd. She was almost like a rock: no levels or interest to gain levels. I wondered why that was maybe animals are just moving rocks. I paused, then looked at a tree to my left. Are trees like rocks too?
I walked up the tree, carefully inspecting it for a moment, until I felt a light drip of cold liquid fall on my back. I nced around trying to find the source of what I thought was blood. Then I blinked as something sshed on my face, before cing a wed finger to wipe the clear liquid away. This is water?
Suddenly there was more water falling down on me. At first, it was only a few drops, but it quickly doubled and tripled as the sky darkened above my head, shadowed over by clouds. It was raining water was falling at me like the wind!
At first, I tried to get closer to the source of this, curious at how water was justing from nowhere. Then I started to find the light tapping feeling all over my body annoying, trying to find a way to get out of it. And finally, I got used to it.
I trudged through the muddying ground of the forest, searching for more monsters to fight. It was strange once the rain started, it was almost like the forest became a different ce. I didnt see the same animals I did scurrying about when there had been no water, nor did I see the fluttering birds or skittering insects on the sky or earth before the rain had fallen.
I watched a rabbit hastily hop its way through some bushes, dancing around rocks and navigating around trees before he dove into a hole on the ground. Is he trying to get away from the rain? I decided to follow him and tried to stick my head into the hole.
I failed.
So instead, I decided to find holes that wererge enough to fit me to shelter me from this rain. I did not think the rain was dangerous I had been under it for quite a while and took no damage. But I thought that if everything in the forest was trying to hide from the rain, then monsters might have been doing the same too.
I found a cave shortly after as the downpour began to worsen; I entered the dank, dark environment and created a ball of fire to see as I called out.
Hello? Is anyone there? If youre Human, can you tell me where the Netherworld is? And if you''re a monster, can you fight me please?
I cast the fire light along the cavern wall, revealing a lichen stained surface that stretched out to the end of the cave; I could still hear the muffled patter of rain behind me as I saw all there was to see.
Huh.
It waspletely empty not only was the cave shallow, but it was devoid of any kind of animal or life beyond the moss growing on the walls. The only thing that stood out in here were the glistening gray rocks thaty lifeless, haphazardly scattered around me. I turned around to leave when I heard a single drop of water fall behind me.
I nced back, cocking my head.
Did did the rocks just move?
I doubled back into the cave, confused at what I had just seen. Rocks couldnt move not unless someone else picked them up and moved them. But I was fairly certain that rock over there had not been there just earlier. If these rocks could move if something really made them different I wanted to know. So I used [Identification] on them.
[Golem - Lvl. 25]
Golem? No a monster.
I jumped back as the pile of rocks suddenly shifted. It picked itself up and swung at me. I stared at the four limbed creature as it stood now its two arms long enough to reach down its sides, halfway past its legs. It turned a single, glowing eye to me.
Youre a monster, right?
I asked onest time, just to make sure I was right; I had thought it was a rock, after all. But it didnt really matter to me. If you were a monster, a Human, an animal, or even a rock as long as you attacked me, I would attack you back!
The [Golem] brought itsrge arms over me. I rushed forward, dodging past the attack and shed at its face. [Fire Strike]! My ws were wrapped in fire as it drew close to it and
I stumbled back and grasped my w in pain. That hurt! I stared up at the light scratch on the [Golem]s face.
Wait, are you actually a rock?
It didnt respond, choosing to simply swing once again at me. I ducked under the swing, this time creating a fire dagger and shed at its body. The weapon bounced off, leaving a mark where it struck but doing no apparent damage to it.
I frowned as I backed up. Im not hurting it. I sent a [Fire st] at the [Golem], knocking it away as it tried to charge me. The force from the magical attack sent it stumbling, yet it was still unhurt. Maybe if I try create a sharper dagger
My thoughts were interrupted as I caught a glimpse of another rocky hand swinging at me. I went under the attack, spinning around with a kick that swept the second [Golem] of its feet. I held my fire dagger up and paused.
[Golem - Lvl. 21]
[Golem - Lvl. 26]
[Golem - Lvl. 18]
[Golem - Lvl. 25]
...
Huh. Theres a lot of you.
[Golems] surrounded me in all directions,ing from the end of the cave as well as barring the cave exit. I threw the fire dagger at one of the [Golems] and watched it leave nothing more than a small crack on its stone body. They outnumbered me. They were strong unable to be damaged. And they lumbered forward, encroaching on me slowly.
Slowly, I thought, grinning. They were moving slowly, so even if I wasnt able to hurt them, they werent able to hurt me either. So all I had to do was figure out how I was going to be able to defeat them before I tired out.
I threw fire spikes at the [Golems] as they came. I dodged their attacks and sent [Fire sts] their way. I made them hit each other, breaking themselves down so I could finish them offter.
I observed how their limbs would break first, discerning that the stone at the joints were thin to allow for better movement. So I targeted those. I tore their arms off with my ws; I kicked at them knees with [Fire Strike]. I made them fall and I made them break as my stamina drained.
Defeated [Stone Golem - Lvl. 19]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Stone Golem - Lvl. 22]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 21] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 22]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I tried striking at a [Golem]s shoulder with a dagger. It took multiple hits, but eventually I shattered the joint. But that was too inefficient. So instead, I created a hard ball of fire and struck at them with that.
I lowered the fire ball I had created, instead picking up a broken limb from one of the [Golems]. I waved it at the [Golem] nearest to me, taunting it.
This... this is a much better weapon than I can create right now.
I swung at the [Golem] hard. Rock smashed against rock and rock broke apart. I picked up more rocks and continued swinging rocks at more rocks. More rocks fell and more rocks broke. And I had more rocks to swing and to throw.
Defeated [Stone Golem - Lvl. 26]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Stone Golem - Lvl. 15]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 22] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 23]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I nced out the cave, noting that the rain had finally stopped, after I finished off thest of the [Golems]. They nowy dead, scattered haphazardly around me. I threw aside my impromptu weapon, seeing that it was nothing more than a crumbling piece of stone now, and sat on the rubble.
I had barely taken damage the entire fight I was both tired physically and magically, but rtively unharmed. But I still needed [Rest]. It did not just heal my health, but it increased the regeneration of my mana and stamina too.
It was not long after the General Skill began to take effect and I had already distributed my Skill and Stat Points when I saw a shadowing in from the cave exit. It stopped right at the front of the cave, looking over the dead [Golems] for a moment.
I thought I heard some loud noisesing from in here
The figure suddenly stopped, turning to me with a wary look. He hurriedly drew a sword on his side and pointed it at me.
Demon!
I stood up, suddenly on guard as I used [Identification] on him.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
...uh oh.
Chapter 17.1. ???
Chapter 17.1. ???
17.1. ???
[??? - Lvl. ???]
I stared up at the man who entered the cave as he aimed a sword in my direction. He wore a cloak with a hood over his head, which somehow seemed to shadow over most of his facial features from me. His de gleamed in the sunlighting from the outside as he tightly gripped the weapon with both his hands.
You an [Imp]? Youre the one who destroyed Fairdale! And you attacked Silvergrove, didnt you?
I took a step back, slowly trying to circle around him. I wasnt going to attack him; I could not see his level, and that made me incredibly wary. I had been able to see Lucernas level despite the [Djinn] being almost 30 levels over me, but I couldnt see this mans level. That meant this man had to be extremely high leveled.
Plus he hadnt attacked me yet, even if he was clearly being hostile. I tried to reason with him as I eyed the cave exit.
I did not attack anyone! Nor did I destroy anything! These [Golems] attacked me first just like those [Green Stags] and [Dark Wolves].
The man almost jumped as I spoke, backing away from me and blocking my only path to escape. If I used [Double Step], I might have been able to get around him. Thisst level up brought it to its max at Level 10, leaving me with an extra unspent Skill Point to save. But if he was really higher leveled than Lucerna, I had no doubts he would be able to catch me easily. So I held back.
You you can talk?!
He sputtered as he raised his sword even higher. I frowned and crossed my arms.
Of course I can. Ive been trying to talk to you Humans the entire time, but you keep running from me. And when I tried to get you all to tell me the way back to the Netherworld, you all attacked me!
Get back to the Nether what?
The man shook his head.
Attacked you for no reason? You burnt Fairdale to the ground.
I considered this for a moment, then I cocked my head.
...whats a Fairdale?
His shadowed gaze stared at me, bbergasted.
The vige to the northeast of here! You ughtered the people! You left no one alive you monster!
...that wasnt me.
He paused, shuffling his feet for a moment as if in thought. Then he stepped forward and charged me.
As if Ill believe a Demon!
My eyes widened as I saw himing forward. I braced myself, preparing for his attack. And he swung wide.
I watched the de miss mepletely as I went around him. I struck him across the back, but my ws got caught in his cloak. The cloth material did not tear it protected him from the attack as he stumbled back.
Damn it.
He spun around, thrusting his de forward, overextending his shoulders. I ducked under the attack, before bringing a fire dagger up towards his face. He flinched and dropped his weapon as a ring on his finger shed.
I found my fire dagger flying through the air, rebounding off a flickering aura as the light vanished. I narrowed my eyes. What is that? The man was still in a daze when I kicked him with a [Fire Strike]. Again, his ring shed as an invisible barrier protected him. My attack still sent him staggering back before falling to the floor.
I nced down at my ws, tapping them together as I felt a slight numbness that came from hitting too many hard things with them. I saw a glint of light from the corner of my eyes and grinned.
The man picked himself up, rubbing at the side of his head.
Owowow
He yelped as I swung his sword at him. He leapt to the side as the de only nicked the side of his cloak, unable to cut through whatever it was made of. Fine, I thought to myself as he raised both his hands defensively. I dont have to cut it
[Basic Mana Maniption]. [Basic Fire Creation].
I just have to burn it.
A thinyer of fire wrapped itself around the de of the sword. The man made a noise as he stepped back. I spun the weapon in my hand.
If you tell me where the Netherworld is, I wont kill you.
Kill me? Like you killed all the innocent people and children in Fairdale?!
I growled.
I dont know what that is!
I charged him and raised the de up. I aimed for his head, looking to slice in in half. But as I got close, I heard him whisper to himself.
Gotcha [Quick Strike]!
His fists blurred forward, suddenly appearing right in front of my face. I was reckless; I couldnt react in time as I found the world suddenly spinning before I rolled to a stop. I got up, wiping the ck blood off my cheek as I did. It wasnt a lot of damage, but it still hurt a lot.
The man picked up his sword, wielding it once again.
I Im not a violent person. I dont even know why Im doing this. But I cant just let a monster like you walk freely. Too many people have already died by your hands. I will
He took a deep breath,posing himself before he raised his de.
I will stop you!
I saw the air around the man shift. As if an invisible power suddenly pushed the wind around him back. Even though he was standing deep within the cave, his sword was now reflecting more light than it was before. In fact, it almost seemed like it was glowing.
[H
[Double Step]!
I rushed forward, knocking the weapon off his hands, before throwing him off his feet. The impact knocked the air out of his lungs as he gasped, before I stomped on his stomach with a fiery blow. Thest of the barrier surrounding him dissipated as I raised a burning w.
Please, I dont want to die
I brought my w down at his neck then stopped, yelling as loud as I could.
I did not kill anyone! I dont know what a Silverdale is! And I just want to go back to the Netherworld!
The man stared up at me with dark brown eyes, his hood having fallen to the side to reveal a head of ck hair.
...its Fairdale, not Silverdale.
I sighed and kicked him in the back of the head hard.
Chapter 17.2. ???
Chapter 17.2. ???
17.2. ???
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 4] -> [Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Skill [me Coat] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
I lowered the sword, letting the fire outlining the sword dissipate and leaned against the cave wall. I nced out at the blue moon hanging over the night sky. I had spent a lot of time trying to learn that Skill I wasnt even sure if there was a Skill for that in the first ce, but I had to try.
It was a convenient Skill: one that extended beyond the uses of a [Fire Strike]. It created a hungry, raging me that covered an object any object without burning the object itself. But unlike a [Fire Strike] whichsted only a moment, the [me Coat] did not extinguish until I stopped feeding it mana.
Iid the sword down to the ground as its metal de clinked against the floor as I evaluated my Status.
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 23
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 16
[Endurance]: 32
[Wisdom]: 39
[Agility]: 51
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 14
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 10
[me Coat] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
I didnt level from what I just did, but I still had 3 additional Skill Points carried over from past levels. I decided to expend 2 of them now for [me Coat], considering the current drain the Skill had on my mana, raising it to Level 3. Finally satisfied, I let [Rest] take over and began to heal.
The moon continued to make its way through the dark sky as time went on, until finally, the man lying next to me shifted, grousing as he got up.
Im Im alive?
He rubbed at his eyes then stared at the palm of his hands. He opened and closed them slowly, before jumping up and throwing a fist in the air.
Im alive!
Yes you are.
He yelped as I appeared next to him, almost falling back to the ground. He reached for something around his waist, but stopped himself when he saw my holding his sword against his neck.
I uh, I can negotiate.
He raised his hands up, thumbing for something on his fingers. Then he stopped, ncing up at his hands.
My my ring!
You mean this?
I held up the ring that had been on his finger, inspecting it under the moonlight seeping into the cave.
A Ring of Lesser Protection Medium Grade. Protects the user from a certain amount of damage. Recharges over time.
The man stared at it, aghast. His jaw hung loose on his face as he tried to work it, but nothing came out.
It seems important to you, huh?
He gritted his teeth as I twirled the ring between my fingers yfully. He nodded.
Its important, yes. Please give it back to me.
I continued twirling the ring as he watched, before I abruptly closed it within my palm.
No. Its mine now.
But
I pointed the sword at his face, swaying it from side to side.
I won. I defeated you after you attacked me! I should have killed you and gotten an abundant amount of experience, but I did not! So if you want to walk out of here alive, you will tell me where the Netherworld is.
I edged the sword dangerously close to his neck, backing the man up to the cave wall. He made a sound as the cool metal of his de touched his neck, reflecting the light of the moon on its surface.
I I dont know! I really dont know.
You dont know?
I cocked my head.
Thats where Demons are from, right? Ive never been there! Please, you have to believe me. Just dont kill me.
He closed his eyes shut as his body shook, craning his head back as far away from me as possible. I lowered the sword.
I see. Well if you dont know where the Netherworld is, I guess it cant be helped, right?
The man opened his eyes and blinked. He looked at me hesitantly as I tossed his sword aside. I didnt need the weapon it wasnt anything special.
You believe me? Youre really letting me go?
Why shouldnt I believe you? And as long as you dont attack me again, you can leave. But if you do try to attack me again, I will kill you.
He apprehensively picked up his sword and cloak, holding them against his chest in disbelief as he threw wary nces at me.
G-got it. Thank you.
I shrugged and turned around. I started out of the cave, about to leave, when the man called out to me.
Did you really not destroy Fairdale and burn it to the ground?
I gave him an annoyed look.
I told you I did not. Unless Fairdale is what you call those [Golems] or that herd of [Green Stags] or that pack of [Dark Wolves], I did not destroy it.
The man slowly nodded.
I was just making sure.
He fidgeted as he threw his cloak over his shoulders and sheathed his sword in its hilt. I watched him for a moment, murmuring quietly to himself; he seemed conflicted about something, although I was not sure what. Then I began to walk away again when he suddenly called out to me.
Wait I think I can help you.
I halted in my tracks, instantly spinning around.
You can? Wait, do you mean you lied to me?
I narrowed my eyes, considering this. He said he had been telling the truth, but was it possible that he wasnt? Surely not, right? The man continued.
I mean that I think I can help you get back to the Netherworld thats what youre trying to do right? Return to your home?
To my home?
I shook my head.
No, I just need to return to mypanion. Then maybe Ill bring him here so we can explore this ce together.
Return but you wont be killing anyone, right?
The man paused as I was about to respond, but quickly spoke over me, rifying himself.
I mean, any Humans. You wont be killing any Humans that didnt attack you, right?
Yes.
He nodded to himself, taking a deep breath.
Then Ill help you. I may not be able to get you back to the Netherworld myself, but Im sure I can find a way. If you juste with me, I will help you.
I looked at the man as he scratched the back of his head; he met my gaze with slight apprehension, but did not look away as I considered this.
Sure.
And if you wait, sure?
Yes, sure. Where are we going?
I walked up to the man, stopping right beside him as he took a step back, before straightening himself.
Oh, uh, were going to Hazelbury. Its a city just a few miles to the north.
I nodded as he pointed in a direction; he turned back to me, slowly putting a hand out.
By the way, uh Im Daniel.
He surreptitiously lowered his hand when I simply looked past it and at his face.
Daniel? Thats your name?
It is. And whats your name?
He paused, then raised an eyebrow.
You have a name, right?
Of course.
I licked my lips as I spoke slowly.
Salvos. Im Salvos.
I eagerly waited for him to repeat it, and found myself grinning when he did.
Salvos, huh? Thats an interesting name. Not one Im familiar with. Since well be together until we get you back to the Netherworld, I guess lll have to get used to it.
Its a goodname. Its my name.
Right.
He nced away from me, at the forest just ahead.
Then lets get going, shall we?
I nodded.
To Hazelbury!
I marched forward, entering the canopy of trees as I walked ahead of Daniel. Then I walked back to him, scratching the side of my head.
...wheres north again?
Chapter 18: Hazelbury
Chapter 18: Hazelbury
18. Hazelbury
The suns rising.
I turned back to Daniel. The Human man had halted right behind me and began fumbling with his cloak. I nced over at the horizon, seeing an inkling of daylight seeping into the canvas above. I cocked my head.
Is that unusual?
No I
He sighed, rubbing at his temples.
Here, just put this on. Itll be bright soon, and we dont want anyone to see you.
Why not?
I asked the question as he threw his cloak over me. I found myself wrapped in the dark cloth, its bottom edges folding into a wrinkle on the ground. I lifted an arm up, inspecting the strange material.
[Cloak of Shadows: Medium Grade Armor - A ck cloak that obscures your face; it also has a resistance to cutting.]
Daniel hesitated as he pulled something out of his pocket. He muttered under his breath.
Good thing I took a spare
He turned and handed a link of tiny metal rings interlocked to form a circle. It held on it a golden shell wrapped around a crimson crystalline object which seemed to shimmer even in the dark.
If anyone sees you, theyll probably freak out and try to kill you just like I did. Demons are notuh, liked here in this world. So you have toy low.
The Human man unlinked the chain, before apprehensively proffering the ne to me.
W-wear this. Even with the cloak on, people can still use [Identification] to figure out youre a Demon. This is a Ne of Lesser Obfuscation. You can use it to hide or change either your ss or your levels.
I quickly grabbed it off his hands and raised it up. I stared at it, then him.
Is this why my [Identification] doesnt work on you?! I thought you were Level 60 or something!
No Im not Im barely your level. The reason you cant see thats because of my Ne of Greater Obfuscation. It can hide and change both my ss and my levels in the eyes of others. Although if I make myself appear as a Level 50, it wont do anything to actually make me stronger it just dissuades low leveled bandits from attacking me.
I nodded along, listening to the mans exnation. That was why he was so weak! I was starting to think that I was actually stronger than even Level 60s and 70s here in the Mortal Realm I was thinking of finding a monster of that level and fighting them! It was a good thing I knew better now.
I see whats a ss by the way?
Daniel blinked.
You dont know what a ss is? Wait do you even have a ss?
Is it a kind of way to sort things by amon factor? Because if so, I dont think Ive ever done that.
No not that kind of ss. I mean a ss. The reason you can use Skills and stuff you have one, right?
I gave him a nk look.
I dont.
O-oh
But I do have a Subspecies though, if youre talking about Skills. I got three when I evolved into an [Imp], and my intuition is telling me I couldnt have gotten my first two if I wasnt a [Demon Larva].
The Human man frowned as I peered at him curiously. Whats he confused about? Doesnt he have a Subspecies? But he shook his head.
I thought only monsters had nevermind. Just put on that ne. Tap on it and channel mana into it until it turns blue. It will hide your Subspecies so no one can see that youre an [Imp].
I followed his instructions, feeling some mana pour into it. Its color shifted, turning slowly to an azure blue that gleamed like the sky during the day. Daniel gave me a satisfied look, before turning to continue on our path through the trees. I followed after him as the vermillion glow of the sun rose ever so slowly.
The Human man said nothing, although he asionally peeked back at me with a nervous look. I waited for him to turn back before I decided to ask him a question that I suddenly had.
Is being a Demon bad?
He jerked, taking a few more steps forward before stopping.
B-bad?
I nodded as he continued to stare at me for a moment, before he slowly answered.
No not bad. In fact, I dont even think Demons are considered monsters. There arent any open bounties for themst I checked, though Im not entirely sure. However, Demon summoning is ouwed in most ces due to the nature of the ritual.
So whats wrong if people see me?
I mean
Daniel trailed off, ncing to the side as he ced a hand right below his mouth, before finally looking back at me.
You told me yourself, right? You were attacked in Silvergrove because Humans got scared of you. Maybe that wouldnt have happened normally maybe, Im not too sure but right now, theres a Demon on the loose destroying viges and attacking travellers. Because of that, everyones on edge and I dont think they would react too amicably to you.
What does that mean?
I mean theyll attack you.
Huh.
I considered this, casting my gaze to the sky as I tapped my chin with a wed finger, mimicking his previous gesture. Then I crossed my arms defiantly.
If anyone attacks me, Ill kill them.
And thats exactly what we dont want to happen. So far, you havent killed anyone, right? No Humans, just monsters?
I nodded. That was what I had told him numerous times before!
No Humans, no animals. Just monsters. Although I shouldve killed those Humans back in that city, but they somehow healed themselves so quickly!
R-right, but you dont kill them. Which is a good thing there is no real bounty on you, so you wont be hunted down. If that ever happens, youll have all kinds of adventurers, soldiers, guardsmen everyoneing after you. Because they think youre bad.
Then Ill just
He quickly spoke over me.
And thatll be bad because then no one can help you go back to the Netherworld, right? And you dont want that, right?
I paused. I definitely did not want that to happen; Haec was mypanion and he recognized me as such. I had to get back to him to bring him with me.
I guess
Exactly! We want to keep anyone from attacking you so you can return to the Netherworld. Makes sense, right?
Right.
So when we get to Hazelbury, make sure you keep that hood over your head and stick close to me. Dont leave my sight because Im telling you right now, you will somehow get into trouble, and you might get found out. Got it?
I sighed as Daniel pointed a finger at me. Nodding, I felt my shoulders sag forward as I replied.
Yes.
He looked at me once over before lowering his arm, satisfied. I continued to follow him with the oversized cloak blocking half of my vision. He paused, suddenly having a thought.
By the way, since I gave you my cloak and my ne, can I have my ring back?
I stared up at the Human man with a t look.
No.
--
I cant believe its already day. Wasnt it evening when we fought? How long was I knocked out?
Not for long after I kicked you, I thought you died so I shook you a few times and you woke up. But then you blinked, screamed, and fell unconscious.
...did that really happen? Youre pulling my leg, right?
Im not pulling your leg. If I was, my hands would be on your leg. And yes, that really did happen.
Oh, well thats embarrassing. Please dont tell anyone about that.
Dont do this, dont do that I might as well not do anything!
I grumbled, walking right beside Daniel as we reached the city. He eyed me with a sidelong nce right before we reached the gates of the city and an armored man called out to us.
You know I wasnt actually asking you to hey! Adventurer here. Just entering the city with my friend.
Adventurer, huh? You a part of the Iron Champions Company?
No, just an independent.
Then its 5 silver each. Nopany pass means you still have to pay the fee.
Right.
Daniel reached into a pouch hanging around his belt, digging into it as it clinked with the sound of metal, before he pulled out a handful of glinting round objects.
Here.
In you go. Come on, dont block the way. Others are trying to leave!
The armored man pushed Daniel into the gate as I followed behind him. He tried to reach for me to shove me too but I easily dodged it. I red back at him as he scoffed, turning away from me.
I dont like him. He tried to attack me.
Hes just paid to do that be rough with any Adventurer not part of the Iron Champions Company. Its one of those perks signing up with them.
Iron Champions Company?
Yeah, its the localpany adventurers. Well, I say local, but they more or less have control of all the adventurers around the area. Theyre only contested by small, minorpany which dont have enough power to even challenge their authority by any substantive means.
...whats an adventurer?
Daniel stopped right next to a fountain, turning to stare at me. There was a moment of silence except it was not silent, as the sound of sshing water filled the background. I looked back at him, cocking my head.
What?
Nothing. I just have a lot of exining to do, dont I?
-
The two of us entered a building called an inn. It was apparently a ce where Humans went to rest or sleep for the night, so they would not have to worry about being attacked by a monster or the weather.
Why do you need to sleep?
Thats just how Humans are.
And so what if its cold?
We can get sick listen, us Humans are just built differently from you, ok? These are things you dont need to know about.
Daniel chugged down the liquid he called an ale, before mming it down on the wooden table. He raised the mug, swinging his hand in the air as he called at a Human woman passing by.
Youre drinking early, arent you?
Just had a busy night.
She refilled his mug, pouring more of the drink until the ss was filled to the brim. Then she leaned over to him, and quickly closed one of her eyes.
How about tonight? Will you be busy then?
The Human man shifted ufortably in his seat, averting his gaze from the woman.
S-sorry, Im taken.
Aw, poor me. I wouldve liked to have been the lucky woman.
Daniel fidgeted as she left and reached for his drink. He paused, staring at the mug for a moment, before pulling his hand back. Does he not want to drink anymore? I thought, looking at this.He sighed.
Salvos
I perked up.
Thats me!
Listen, when I said I would exin things to you, I didnt mean I would exin everything. Im telling you right now, Im about just as clueless you are about almost everything. The only questions I can answer right now are simple questions.
Like about adventurers?
He leaned back on his chair, now turning his attention to the te of meat in front of him. He cut a small piece of this food and put it in his mouth.
Yes mm, this is delicious. Want some? No? Alright.
He continued chewing on the food, cutting more and more meat off, until it finally disappeared from his te. Whats he doing to it? Wheres it going?! I watched this happen in shock as Daniel spoke.
Adventuring is a job. Its what Humans do to protect our cities from the monsters threatening it. We also do it to raid Dungeons and get rich off the loot in it but that doesnt matter right now. Basically, to be an adventurer is to put your life on the line to fight monsters.
However, then there is the question: what does an adventurer have to gain from doing this? Well, the answer is simple. We get paid to do this. Whether it be by selling monster parts in the market or by taking up local monster bounties. But then what makes being an adventurer any different from being a mercenary or just some kind of monster hunter?
I looked at him inquisitively. He waited for my response as I thought about it. Then I shrugged.
I dont know.
Figures.
Daniel swallowed the food in his mouth and drank from a different cup full of water.
Thats where thepanieslocations.
I listened attentively as he continued to delve further into the subject.
Working as an adventurer requires you to sign with the Adventurers Guild. But there are probably tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of adventurers out there. Such arge organization cant manage every single tiny detail when ites to adventuring. So thats where adventuringpaniese in, all with their own individual perks and benefits. They make deals with the local government and form partnerships with local businesses, making bigpanies dominate the adventuring sphere where theyre located. And while there aremonalities amongst allpanies, anyone can run their ownpany however they want as long as they sign with the Adventurers Guild.
However, its not like you even have to be a part of apany to work with them. In fact, a significant portion of adventurers are probably independent like me. Mostpanies try to appeal to independents by offering them enticing jobs and prices which would draw them into joining thepany. I had actually epted a request from the Iron Champions Company to cull the poption of Stamped Elks which I now just realize you dealt with.
Stampede Elks?
I stared at him, confused.
Thats the Species name of those [Green Stags] you killed. Theyre known for quickly overpopting, which leads torge stampedes that can wipe out whole towns and viges. Very invasive. Very territorial.
Huh. You dont have to worry about them anymore, I think.
Daniel shook his head, sitting up on his seat as he finished his food.
Thought so.
He leaned forward, cing his arms on the table and holding his hands together right in front of his chin.
So, thats the basic run down of an adventurer and what an adventurer does. Any questions?
I nodded and he sighed.
Questions pertaining to adventuring.
I slowly stopped nodding and scratched the side of my hooded head.
Nope! None at all.
Good.
Daniel stood up and ced a handful of coins on the table. They ttered on the wooden surface for a moment as I peered at the brown and silver items.
And those are coins. Money. Do you know what that is?
I think so. Theyre used as a medium to exchange stuff, right?
That is correct. Nowe, lets go up to my room.
To your room?
I hurried after him as he started up the stairs of the inn, leaving behind the serving woman who gasped when she saw the money.
Didnt you say you would help me return to the Netherworld? Can we do that in your room?
Not now. I need to rest. Get some sleep because of the rough night. But tomorrow when I wake up I promise you, I will find you a way back to get back to the Netherworld.
He ced a hand on my shoulder and slowly met my gaze. I looked back at him, seeing determination in his eyes. I frowned.
Wait, are you asking me to do nothing until you wake up again?!
Uh, yes?
I stared at him and he gulped.
P-please dont kill me.
Chapter 19.1. Adventurers Guild
Chapter 19.1. Adventurers Guild
19.1. Adventurers Guild
I sat cross legged, staring at therge object sitting in the corner of the room. I ran a wed hand down its smooth sides, feeling the texture of the material from top to bottom; I was taking in every single detail I could, going over all the creases and bumps on it. I turned it around momentarily to inspect its behind, before leaning it back against the wall.
After some time passed, I took a step back and nodded to myself in satisfaction.
Alright, this is it.
I squinted, focusing only on the object. I visualized the object as if it were right in front of me, imagining that I was still holding it in my hands. Then I felt my entire body tense
[Identification]!
[Cupboard - It is a piece of furniture used for storage purposes.]
Nothing?
Was there no level up?
I sighed, letting my body droop to the floor. Iy there for a moment, facing nothing but the wooden ceiling above. I felt my eye twitch as I heard a light snoreing from the side as I reflected on how my efforts had been in vain.
Ever since Daniel went to sleep because it was a biological necessity for him as a Human, I had been left with nothing to do in his room. He had specifically told me not to go out and interact with anyone without him, leading me to try and level my [Identification]. But despite doing everything I had previously done to level the General Skill, it simply refused to level up this time.
I nced over to the window and out into the dark sky; it had turned from evening to night since Daniel had wrapped himself in that thin sheet of cloth on the rectangr framework of wood. He told me we would be leaving early in the morning to begin finding a way back to the Netherworld for me. And based on my experiences with previous nights, I could tell that it was going to be day soon.
So I decided to just wait the remainder of the night out, letting myself fully recover for the first time in a while.
.
.
.
General Skill [Rest] Level Up!
[Rest - Lvl. 1] -> [Rest - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh.
--
Well be going to the Adventurers Guild today.
Daniel told me as he put on a gambeson over his shirt. He buttoned the padded jacket firmly so it would not fall before turning to face me. I frowned.
Wait, arent we supposed to be going to the Netherworld?
Yes, but that requires us to go to the Adventurers Guild. I told you this, Salvos, but I dont actually know how to send you there. If there is a ritual to do it I cant say. So well be asking the adventurers there who know more than me some questions to gather the necessary information to help you.
I crossed my arms, feeling as a little annoyed at his exnation, but epting it nheless. He grabbed a few pieces of clothing off a closet and tossed it to me.
Here, wear this.
I looked down at the in dark shirt and pants, then back up at him.
Whats this?
Clothes. I know you dont need it since there isnt anything to see. Honestly your body is kind of like a in ma marble statue. Not really any features, just kind of pale. And the Cloak of Shadows would prevent anyone from seeing your body in the first ce. But its better to be safe than sorry.
I blinked.
Huh?
Your ws are mostly like hands of course. Those look like long, ck fingernails more than anything. Maybe you should wear gloves, but I highly doubt youll need it as long as you dont wave your hands around for everyone to see. Even then, it probably wont be too much of a problem.
I simply stared at him. He sighed.
Just put it on.
Fine.
I begrudgingly did as I was told while the Human man adjusted the ne around his neck.
What are you doing?
Changing the appearance of my ss its kind of like your Subspecies, I think? Its what you see me as when you use [Identification] on me. Right now, you wont be able to see anything because Ive set it to hide both my ss and levels, but if I do this, youll get a different result.
I cocked my head, not fully understanding his exnation. He sighed and gestured at himself.
Come on, just use [Identification] on me now.
Ok
I spoke slowly and did as I was told. I didnt level the General Skill even after an entire nights worth of using it, so I shouldnt have gotten anything different to the non-result of yesterday. And yet, I did.
[Warrior - Lvl. 15]
I jumped, at first surprised that I got anything more than a ???, before focusing on his level.
Youre only Level 15?!
No, I I just exined it to you. Im using the Ne of Greater Obfuscation to make it seem like Im Level 15. Im actually not. Im higher leveled than that.
But why would you want to hide your levels?
Well
He trailed off, ncing out the window and at a building in the distance.
Youll see when you get there.
...why dont you just tell me now?
--
I made Daniel exin himself as we made our way to the Adventurers Guild building in Hazelbury. After hearing his reason, I concluded that it made sense for him to want to hide his levels.
Apparently most adventuringpanies were always trying to recruit new members into their group at the Adventurers Guild, and they made it a point to target people who were higher leveled than the local average. ording to Daniel, this would usually result in being constantly pestered by some sort of recruiter, but sometimes, somepanies would employ dirty tactics to force the person to join them.
I wasnt entirely sure what being dirty had anything to do with this. Maybe they sling mud and dirt at them, making them dirty? I thought to myself.
Anyway, the Iron Champions Company was one suchpany that did this sort of thing, and it just so happened the average level of adventurers in the area was 18, making anyone above that level a prime target for their mud-slinging harassment. And that was why Daniel told me that I would see what he meant when I reached the guild hall. I was Level 23, and I couldnt hide my level.
Focus on the ss you want. I know you dont have a ss, but just think of a [Rogue] or a [Warrior]. Then channel your thoughts along with your mana into the ne.
But why? Isnt it already hiding that Im an [Imp]?
Daniel quickly nced around the busy street full of people going in all directions without attacking each other. I wanted to watch this massive procession pass through to learn how exactly such arge gathering could ur without there being a single wild Human, but he wouldnt let me.
The Human man ced a finger on his lips.
Dont say that so loud what if somebody hears you?
I blinked.
Huh, I never considered that.
Its fine, just be quieter next time.
He took a deep breath before continuing down the road; his voice filled my ears alongside the chatter of a hundred others from my surroundings. And whats that? Among this eclectic of noises, I took note of the other distinctive sounds from the bleating of the herded sheep and the whinnies of the packhorses. Why are the animals just listening to the Humans?
Questions raced through my head, but I did not vocalize them as Daniel went on; I didn''t focus on what he said, instead choosing to take in everything around me. I let my very being be absorbed into this web of constant, incessant social interactions, until even the footsteps were like a mor in my head, and I missed every single word the Human man had said.
...and thats why you should hide your ss.
He finished and turned back to me. I looked at him as he waited expectantly for me to give a response. I nodded.
I didnt hear you, I got distracted. What were you saying?
Sighing, Daniel rubbed at his temples.
They might think youre trying to hide a special ss and would try to recruit you even harder, so you should just show them a fake one instead.
Got it.
I felt myself pouring mana into the Ne of Lesser Obfuscation, thinking about the sses he listed out; a ss was different from my Subspecies, but simr enough that I could quickly grasp the concept. The Human man had told me to be either a [Warrior] or [Rogue]. I wasnt sure what either exactly was, but since he was a [Warrior] and I wasnt him, I chose to be a [Rogue] instead.
We stopped right outside the building he had pointed out as the Adventurers Guild. The main hall was open for anyone to enter, but apparently there was a private area in the back reserved only for members.
This is it. Remember stick close to me and dont tell anyone anything important.
I nodded my head slowly as he took a deep breath. Daniel pushed the door open, entering the guild as I followed behind him.
Immediately, we were met with a bustling crowd. I rubbed at my eyes as I took in the number of people squeezed into the room. And it was not like it was a tiny room either this was one of the most spacious rooms I had ever been in. It was twice asrge as Lucernas Lamp!
[Warrior - Lvl. 13]
[Warrior - Lvl. 17]
[Table - It is a piece of furniture with a t top and four legs.]
[Mage - Lvl. 12]
[Archer - Lvl. 15]
[Clock - It tells the time.]
[Rogue - Lvl. 20]
[Warrior - Lvl. 16]
[Rogue - Lvl. 17]
[Counter - It is a piece of furniture that is long, t, and fixated to the ground.]
[Mage - Lvl. 21]
[Warrior - Lvl. 18]
[Archer - Lvl. 25]
[Mirror - It is a
But still, there were so many people. I felt my hearing block up slightly as my body had to take a moment to adjust to this; I was being inundated with far too many new things I wanted to explore at once. And I tried to use [Identification] on them all! I blinked as Daniel looked back at me.
Whats wrong?
I cant see.
That wasnt exactly right, but it conveyed the necessary information. The Human man furrowed his brows.
What do you mean? D-do you need help or something?
He had a worried look on his face, and I wasnt entirely sure if that was for me. It didnt matter though; I was scratching the side of my head in a daze when someone called out to him.
Look who it is! Its Daniel, back from trying to hunt those Stampede Elks! And by his empty hands, it doesnt look like it went so well, huh?
Daniel groused, turning to face the man who approached us. I narrowed my eyes and identified him.
[Warrior - Lvl. 26]
What do you want, ke?
Just here to see what my favorite newbie is doing. What? Still stuck at Level 15?
Ill have you know I hit Level 15 a year ago when I was only 19 years old.
And yet, you havent progressed at all since then, huh?
The average person doesnt reach their first advancement. Im already almost halfway there and Im younger than you.
I had ater start than you, and only people who dont have the guts to go beyond Silver make excuses like that, Dan
Dont call me Dan
I wandered off, steadying myself on the sidewall as I felt myself get enraptured by my surroundings. There were so many new things to take in at once! That was a cupboard I wasnt interested in that anymore; I already had a good understanding of what it was and what it did. But that what were those people doing?
I wanted to know what those people lining up in front of that counter were doing. I wanted to see what was in the room in the back. I saw a group of Humans dressed in robes in the corner, discussing something as they each flipped through a thickyer of pages bound together in a leather cover, and I wanted to know what they were talking about!
And there were so many people too, busying about and hurrying around the building. Where were they going? What were they up to? I wasnt able to fully form these questions earlier as I was overwhelmed into a trance while I was outside, but in here, things were more enclosed and I could focus more.
I stumbled up to a glinting object, forcing me to cover my eyes as I tried to see what it was. It was the mirror from earlier? I peered at it, curious as to what it did. I wasnt sure if I had identified it properly, so I wanted to see what it did now. But when my head crossed the wooden border holding it in ce, I jerked back as I saw a figure appear on its surface.
The figure was dressed in a ck hood that was slightly too big for her. She was staring at me as I stared back at her. She raised a silvery-gray hand as I did too, and we both tapped a wed finger onto each other. I frowned, pulling my hood slightly back to reveal the hidden figure. I stared.
Thats me! Wait what?!
Chapter 19.2. Adventurers Guild
Chapter 19.2. Adventurers Guild
19.2. Adventurers Guild
I took a step back, aghast. Who is that? How did she be me?Surely that isnt me, right? But she was mimicking me every movement and had the exact same things I had. Not only that, her skinplexion was no different from mine. But was that what I looked like?
I had never seen my own face before, and was caught off guard to see that I had horns. Two small protrusions poking out of my scalp, slightly obscured by the silver-gray hair falling to my shoulders. I poked them, trying to see what they did, but found that they were simply just there, leaving a bump in my skin.
And my eyes I narrowed them, seeing the pair of golden irises contract as my slit-like pupils expanded. It was almost glittering in the shadow of my hood, but there wasnt an actual glow.
This was this was me. But it wasnt me either. It was an impostor! This was someone who had stolen what I looked like and was now pretending to be me! But even if she took my appearance, she couldnt possibly have taken my name either, right?!
I wasnt sure, but I instantly felt aggressive towards her. I raised my w to attack and paused to quickly identify her. If shes higher leveled than me
[Mirror - It is a ss surface used to reflect a clear image.]
I blinked. Huh, I thought, lowering my ws. I felt my tension wash away as relief flooded in, reassured that I hadnt just had myself taken from me.
Managing to recollect myself, I remembered that Daniel had told me not to stray away from him. So I turned around and started back to the Human man who was looking around for me as the other man from earlier pestered him from behind.
Salvos there you are. Where did you go?
I was looking in the mirror.
I did not borate on that, feeling slightly embarrassed that I had gotten angry at an object for doing what it was supposed to do. Daniel grabbed my hand and began pulling me out the door.
Lets just go
Whos this? Found yourself a girlfriend to go along with you, huh?
I looked up at the other man who stood a head above Daniel who was also a head above me. Daniel shook his head, trying to pull me to the door but I slipped out of his grasps. The other manughed.
Cant even keep a girl, huh? Too bad. But I dont me her no one would want to get themselves killed with you. And its not like youre even actually going to try and find that Demon. Youll just wuss out in thest second like the coward you are.
I nced between the two Humans as Daniels lips drew into a line. I turned to him.
Is this man apanion of yours?
Daniel continued ring at the other man.
Hes ke, and no he isn''t. In fact, hes an asshole Id rather not be associated with.
Ass...hole?
Daniel sighed and just looked at me pleadingly.
Hes just someone I cant stand. Look can we just leave? I shouldve known better than toe here.
Why not?
I peered at him curiously, but he just took a deep breath. ke decided to chime in, pping Daniels back as he leaned closer to me.
Because he wanted toe here and brag about trying to do jobs he cant possibly do. Thats why he- wait. Youre not...
ke narrowed his eyes, looming over me. Daniel saw this and gulped.
Uh oh.
The other man immediately grasped me by the shoulders.
Youre not just a random girl! Youre a Level 23 [Rogue]! How old are you no, wait. Why arent you a part of the Iron Champions Company yet? Were looking for new recruits to join ourpany. Were cheap and we know special locations around Silvergrove and throughout all of Falisfield. ces you can go to train and level. What do you say? Want to join us and get ess to a newly discovered Dungeon?
His eyes were glinting as he spoke, suddenly far more friendly towards me. I nced over at Daniel who was breathing a sigh of relief. I cocked my head at him.
You dont like this man, right?
I uh, what...? Oh, yeah. I dont like him.
Ok.
I smiled at Daniel even though he couldnt see it, then turned to ke.
My answer is no. I will not join your stupidpany.
kes brows snapped together. He tried to pull me with him but I slipped away again. He reached for me with one hand, as the other pointed damningly at Daniel.
Why are you with that newbie? The Iron Champions Company may not be one of the big no.
I curled my wed hand into a ball and jabbed it between his legs. I didnt aim for that region on purpose it was simply the height differential that made me do that.
But apparently it made my attack more than effective; the moment my fist plunged into hisher region, he howled and doubled over. He fell to the ground, clutching at where I had hit as he groaned in pain.
Daniel flinched, and so did a number of other Human men who saw this. I turned to him.
Lets go, Daniel.
R-right.
He hurried after me as I left the Adventurers Guild. I heard ke hurling a volley of words at me, which I could infer did not mean anything nice. But I ignored it.
Daniel ran up next to me as we walked down the road. He looked at me hesitantly as we continued aimlessly.
You attacked ke.
He finally broke the silence by pointing out the obvious. I nodded.
Only because he tried to force me to go with him. It reminds me of someone else, and I dont like it.
The Human man hesitated, ncing at me warily.
But I thought you said you werent going to attack anyone.
I said I wouldnt kill anyone. You didnt say there was anything wrong with hurting them. All I did was punch him I didnt even use my ws.
I know, but you hit him in the uh, a weak spot.
He fidgeted as his arms moved slightly closer together at his waist. I paused, considering this.
Huh. Thats a good thing to know.
Please dont ever hit me there.
I grinned.
As long as you dont give me a reason to, I wont.
Daniel sighed, rubbing at his forehead.
Thats the best Im going to get out of you, huh?
I nodded and that was that. We continued walking for a moment longer before I finally decided to ask the question in my mind.
So, how do I go back?
I emphasized thest word, trying to get him to see through the subtlety of my question. He jerked, snapping his head at me.
Oh, that.
I gave him an annoyed look and threw my hands up in the air.
Did you not do anything in the Adventurers Guild?!
I couldnt get anything out of anyone in the Adventurers Guild because of ke! But this was just the first stop next up is the library. Thats a more secluded ce and we could perhaps gather information. And if nothing turns up there
He trailed off, averting his gaze from me. Theres always another thing. I found myself getting slightly irritated that there were so many steps just to go back to the Netherworld, buting here was so simple.
Is that all?
No theres this ce. Its usually used for summonings, but not the kind that matters to you. And Im not entirely sure if they can help you, and it might be dangerous.
If anyone attacks me
Youll kill them, right. But Im not even sure if they will attack you. Maybe if they know what you actually are? But I dont know
I crossed my arms, interrupting him as he thered on.
What is it already?
He halted in his step and scratched the side of his head. He averted his gaze from me.
Its the local temple. And there are [Priests] there which wont be a problem unless your cover is revealed. But theres more. There are Spirits. They are kind of like Demons in that they are summoned into a contract.
So? Whats wrong with that?
The thing is
I red at him and he hurried it up.
If they can tell that youre a Demon, they might attack you.
...huh.
Chapter 20: Temple
Chapter 20: Temple
20. Temple
The library was a ce of books.
A lot of books.
Lots and lots of books.
I didnt know how else to describe it all I knew was that we once again left it with no new information on how to get me back to the Netherworld.
Im sorry, Salvos. I thought they would have had some information in there about it.
And they didnt?
They did, but nothing beyond the bare basics.
Apparently what the bare basics meant was just Human summons Demon with a sacrifice, Human and Demon form contract, Demonpletes contract then goes back. It was not something I had known prior to this, but it was just so vague that I almost felt like I was no more knowledgeable now about it than before.
So we were now headed to the local temple. Daniel had exined what they were to me briefly while we were still in the library. Hepared them to be Demon-like creatures except they were not?
They came from what he called the Spirit ne, which seemed something akin to the Netherworld for me. I asked the Human man to describe it, but he didnt really grasp the idea either. He just knew that that was where Spirits came from connecting to the Mortal Realm through temples.
The [Priests] of the temple maintained this connection although it wasnt active at all times; they simply ensured that the connection was ready to be made for whenever a Spirit summoning ritual was needed for whatever reason. And apparently, some Spirits liked to stay in these temples, choosing not to return to the Spirit ne.
And that was what worried Daniel.
Do you think theyll be able to see through this ne you gave me?
No but dont you think its possible they can tell youre a Demon just by looking at you?
I stared at him, face nk.
No.
But why not? Isnt there like, some sort of intuition that tells you whether someone is a Demon or not? Wouldnt it be the same thing for Spirits?
I scratched the side of my head, considering this.
I dont think so. If a [Fiend] wore this Cloak of Shadows and hid their Subspecies, nothing would tell me that theyre a Demon and not a Human.
Are you sure?
Daniel looked at me uncertainly. I nodded.
Im sure. Now lets just go to the temple. I want to go back already.
Not much time had actually passed since we began trekking through Hazelbury in search for a way to get me back to the Netherworld. The sun was still high up in the sky. Andpared to the amount of time I had spent running around fighting monsters, the morning we wasted in the Adventurers Guild and library was like a small rock in a pile ofrge rocks.
So clearly, my drive to return to the Netherworld wasnt the most pressing ce. That ce I want to go to! You know?
Yes, Salvos. Youre about as subtle as a hammer.
I nodded, not really understanding what that saying meant at first. Then it hit me, and I frowned. But I was too distracted by my surroundings to respond as I found my head turning at every corner, staring at the pristine, white walls of the temple. Is this made out of the same rocks in the Netherworld? I thought, starting to feel excited at the prospect of going back. If they got this from the Netherworld, then they must be able to help me go back!
I nearly jumped as a man greeted us.
Wee visitors. What business do you have at our humble Sanctuary of Fauna?
I warily backed up, identifying him.
[Priest - Lvl. 31]
He was almost 10 levels higher than me! But I narrowed my eyes. Why is his face so wrinkly?
Daniel quickly patted me in the shoulder, not-so-subtly pushing my hands down because he wasnt a subtle person unlike me.
Are you the head [Priest] of this temple? Were just here to learn more about your summoning rituals.
Of course, wed be delighted to show anyone interested in the Spirits the magnificent way theyve be connected to and a part of our world. And while Im not the head [Priest], I do hope my service would be to your satisfaction.
The [Priest] gestured at us to follow and we did. We walked down the halls of the temple, entering a spacious, open area with a pond on either side of it. There was flora growing out of the rocks lining the bank of the small body of water, with buzzing insects and tiny animals fluttering or scurrying around this miniature garden.
Every temple belonging to our sect has an area reserved to let nature flow through our sacrednds. This practice was first done to preserve nature, but now it has be a ce of rest. Of recovery.
His gaze turned to a group of Human women to the left. There were seven of them in total, all of them ranging in appearance and height one of them was a head shorter than me. They were huddled around the pond there, all dressed in simple white robes as they quietly spoke to each other. It wasn''t the raucous conversation that defined the Adventurers Guild, nor was it just the demanding silence that filled the library. It almost felt somber.
I nced at Daniel as his brows arched darkly over his eyes.
Whats wrong with them?
I theyve just had terrible things happen to them, alright? Sorry Salvos, but could you save your questions forter?
I nodded, not getting why he was suddenly morose; we continued following the [Priest], entering another, smaller building across from the main templeplex. As we did, we passed by a group of [Priests] helping four men out into the garden. I would have thought nothing of this sight if two of them werent missing their legs and the other was missing an arm and an eye.
I wanted to question Daniel, but he had just told me not to. So I didnt.
We walked into arge, spacious room with a nk white wall stretching around all four corners; in the center of the room, there was another body of water. But unlike the ponds outside, this one was not onlyrge, it was also shallow.
This, my dear visitors, is the summoning pool the Sanctuary of Fauna uses to aid us in summoning our Spirits.
A pool?
Daniel stared down at his reflection on the glistening surface.
How does that work?
Water is one of the most fundamental things in nature that is often overlooked, you see. Without water, life can not sustain itself. Only the Spirits are capable of thriving without it. So we use water as a medium to form an understanding to lure in the Spirits that are most concerned with life. So we know that those thate through our portal will be our allies.
You say theres a portal how does it work?
The [Priest] raised an eyebrow.
You seem awfully curious about the exact details of our summoning ritual, visitor. I will oblige your question, but before that, let me ask one of my own: why do you seek this wisdom? Is there something you wish to do with it?
Uh, thats
The Human man trailed off, ncing down at me. He looked at me expectedly, and I just shrugged. What do you want me to say? He sighed, turning back to the [Priest].
Were adventurers, and weve been meaning to take the contract to y the Demon that has been ravaging the towns and viges in Falisfield. But as you can see were not that high leveled just yet. So we were thinking that we could maybe work around fighting it. Maybe we could banish it straight back to the Netherworld?
He said thest part like a question, looking unsure of himself. And I was surprised too. He was lying? That was odd. Could you really just say that you were doing something you didnt n on even doing?
Im afraid I do not believe that is even possible. You see, the very nature of Spirit summon differs from Demon summoning greatly. Not only are Demon contracts only ever short term, the one who summons the Demon does not decide whether the Demon returns to where it came from. Only the Demon decides for itself.
The [Priest] responded to Daniel as he asked more questions. But I didnt hear it as I considered the ramifications of what I just learned. Is is it possible that Daniel is lying to me right now? Maybe he isnt actually helping me return to the Netherworld! Maybe hes tricking me to to to kill me for experience!
I remembered, for a moment, the horned Demon that attacked Haec and I. But I quickly fixated on something else. And what about Haec? Hes mypanion, right? What if hes lying to me too!
My thoughts were interrupted as there was a ssh, followed by a ripple forming in the water surface of the pool. I nced up as the conversation between Daniel and the [Priest] was abruptly cut off.
Ah, Sakura.
I stared at the four legged creature that was striding through the water slowly towards me. She looked like a wolf, but evenrger. She had pink fur covered in streaks of red, and a white mane that wrapped around her neck. I cocked my head as she approached me.
[Beastkin - Lvl. 42]
Daniel warily backed up and called my name.
Uh, Salvos.
I just met the [Beastkin]s gaze as she approached, prompting the Human man to add more caution in this voice.
Salvos.
Salvos. That is an interesting name.
The [Beastkin] spoke, emerging from the shallow water and stepping lithely onto solid ground. She walked around me, her elegant tail swaying from side to side as she inspected me closely, but she never once touched me. I nodded with crity.
Thats my name! Do you like it?
I wouldnt say I like it, but it is unique.
Daniel had his hand on his hilt now, as he nced between us in a panic. The [Priest]ughed.
Dont be afraid. This is Sakura the guardian Spirit of our temple. She offered her services to guard it, a long time ago when it was first established. And even when the [Priest] who summoned her passed, she yet remains. That is the contract between us and Spirits.
She walked up to him, lying on all fours in front of him. Heughed and slowly stroked her head, before bringing his hand under one of her ears. He scratched it as Sakura kicked one of her legs back and forth.
...are you supposed to be doing that with her?
Daniel asked apprehensively. The [Priest] stopped as the [Beastkin] got up.
And why not? She enjoys it. If she doesnt she would never let me near her.
But dont you guys worship the [Beastkin]? This seems like its overstepping a few boundaries
The [Priest] snorted.
We do not worship the [Beastkin]. We believe nature is a sacred thing, just like how the Sanctum of Elements see the essence as a thing of itself. And the only Spirits that share this view with us are the [Beastkin]. So we share a kinship through this. That is all.
I see.
Daniel stared at Sakura as she nuzzled me, bringing her head very close to me. I tried to back up, realizing this, but it was toote.
The cloak fools eyes, but not the nose. I can still smell it. The scent of ash. The smell of your blood.
The [Beastkin] spoke softly into my ear, adding nothing more. I blinked as she pulled away, turning back to Daniel who she called.
You speak of wanting to y the Demon that is ravaging thesends, adventurer. But while youre here wasting time searching for foolish tricks to y, he is out there, getting stronger.
Daniel looked taken aback, opening his mouth to say something before mming it shut. Sakura turned around, meeting my gaze slowly.
The Demon shall not stop. He shall destroy all he can destroy, until he destroys everything, or he is destroyed. For no Demons that truly walk this ne will ever survive. It is only he, and no more. Until he is no more.
The [Priest] was nodding along, rubbing his chin as the [Beastkin] spoke. But when she finished, he opened his mouth to ask a question and she ran.
She nimbly exited the building, returning to wherever she came from. The [Priest] put a hand out, calling to her.
Sakura, wait!
She didnt respond. He sighed, rubbing at his temples.
Sorry, she does that sometimes. She probably wouldve been able to answer any other questions you had better than I, but shes gone now. If you want, I can
--
We left the temple shortly after, learning everything they could tell us. Once again, the Humans there were of no help to me. And yet, I remembered the brief conversation we had with the [Beastkin]. The one thing that stuck out to me.
It is only he, and no more.
No Demons lived in this world. Perhaps they were summoned for a contract, but only temporarily. This was everything I had just learned today.
Then it finally clicked.
That Demon attacking your Human ces thats Lucerna!
Uh, what?
Daniel turned back to me looking perplexed. I quickly spoke, exining what I figured out to him.
Lucerna. Hes a [Djinn] that was summoned by some [Cultists] to kill a king or something? I dont exactly remember because I was tired and thinking of a way to escape. But hes the one you guys keep talking about.
The Human man frowned, furrowing his brows. He gave me an using nce, which I didnt exactly like.
How do you know this? And why didnt you tell me this sooner? We couldve told the Adventurers Guild inform the guards to send word to other towns. Maybe even tell the Iron Champions Guild.
I was summoned with him. I didnt want to go, but he dragged me with him. And I didnt know! So what if I didnt tell you?
He folded his arms, snapping.
How could you not know? And if you told me sooner, wed have been able to raise a warning about it being a [Djinn] yesterday. Not only is that a Greater Demon which no one knew, thats a rare one. Incredibly dangerous and dedicated to their contracts. You heard what Sakura said its your fault those people are dying right now!
I started getting annoyed. Why is he suddenly talking to me like that? I didnt know, but I didnt like it one bit, so I punched him below the waist.
Oh what the fuck!
I stared down at him as hey on the ground, clutching his pants. I spoke casually, ignoring his grunts of pain.
I didnt know there were no other Demons here. I thought there were others you Humans kept talking about Demons, so I assumed this was like the Netherworld and there were plenty of Demons around.
But you knew that Demons have to be summoned here.
This time, I was the one to cross my arms.
And why would that mean there arent any Demons here?
The Human man opened his mouth, but I cut him off, jabbing a finger in his face.
Listen, Im telling you now that Lucerna is the one doing all these bad things to you Humans. So you can either do something about it or shut up. Stop trying to get mad at me for no reason. I do not like it, and unlike you, I will do something about it.
I balled my wed hands into a fist once again, waving it in front of his face. Daniel grimaced, but slowly got up. He averted his gaze from me slowly, rubbing the back of his head.
I right. Sorry. I got a little heated there because...
He trailed off. I shook my head, walking ahead of him.
Anyway, youre the one who keeps telling me you can bring me back to the Netherworld.
The streets were empty here, so I spoke without hiding my voice.
And yet, here we are still as lost as we were in the beginning. Tell me: were you lying to me when you said that?
No I just didnt think it would be this difficult, Salvos. I didnt think that no one would be able to help us.
I narrowed my eyes.
So you arent a liar then?
Daniel flinched at the usation. But he met my eyes as he responded.
I did not lie to you, Salvos.
I peered at him carefully, trying to determine whether I believed him or not. Realizing that I had no way to discern a lie from a truth, I decided that he was telling the truth.
Fine.
Plus, I was already over it; lying seemed bad at first, but as long as it didnt hurt me, I saw no reason to worry over things like lies. The Human man was walking next to me once again, no longer as riled up as he was before.
I will help you, but we just have to do this first.
Do what?
I cocked my head.
We need to go to the Adventurers Guild. Itll take a minute, but we need to tell them about what you know.
I looked at him dubiously, but acquiesced.
Then lets hurry up and do it then. As long as we dont have to go to five different ces for the rest of the day to achieve nothing, I dont really care.
He nodded and we changed course. We started heading back to the Adventurers Guild, turning corners and going down streets until we were back where we started in the morning. However, instead of just entering it like we did then, we stopped right outside.
Whats going on?
There was a crowd gathered in front of the Adventurers Guild. A tall man turned, noticing us as we approached.
Oh look whos back Its Daniel and the bitch who hit me in the balls and ran.
I frowned, readying myself to hit the man again. But Daniel quickly stopped me.
Whats going on, ke? Whys everyone out here.
Thats what you get for fleeing like a coward this morning, Dan. You missed out on your chance to earn some recognition for yourself.
keughed, then stopped. He ced a hand on his chin as if in thought.
Although if you were there, you wouldve made a fool out of yourself. And that wouldve been hrious to see.
What scene? What are you talking about?
Daniel raised an eyebrow as ke slowly responded.
The stupid Demon that has been attacking small viges and travelers around Falisfield? Yeah, its dead. Or at least, its going to be dead. It attacked Maplewell just a few miles east of here. And unfortunately for it, Hazelbury got the news as soon as it happened. A Gold Ranked team left a bit ago to exterminate it.
Chapter 21.1. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
Chapter 21.1. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
21.1. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
But why must we go to Maplewell?
Daniel protested, following behind me. I did not turn around as I continued my march down the dirt path.
Because hes there. And if what ke says is true and this Gold Ranked team is going to kill him, then we have to stop them.
He? Do you mean the Greater Demon? Luc Luci
Lucerna.
I stopped as the road split into two. I nced back at the Human man as he too halted.
Which way is this Maplewell?
I dont know. And I dont want to go there. What happens if the Gold Ranked team finds out youre a Demon too? Theyll think youre trying to aid it him.
He paused, narrowing his eyes.
Wait, are you trying to help that Demon?
No! I dont even like Lucerna. He tried to kill me and I couldnt kill him.
Then why do you want to save him? Let the Gold Ranked team take care of him its a win-win situation for us all!
I stared at Daniel, trying to articte my thoughts. It was not that I wanted Lucerna to live; he was a menace, and he should have died to the [Cultists]. But he was strong and he killed them all instead. Just like he would have killed me if I hadnt fled in time. And yet...
Hes the only one who knows how to get me back to the Netherworld. You you Humans havent been any help at all. But Lucerna was the one who brought me here in the first ce. He would know how to bring me back.
And you think hell just tell you?
He wont, but we can make him if the Gold Ranked team defeats him. Then you guys can kill him for killing all your Humanpanions in Silverdale and Fairgrove!
Its Silvergrove and Fairdale are you doing that on purpose?
I shook my head, ignoring his question; I cast my gaze back to the forked path. It was getting dark again. We had spent too much time asking questions in the city about the Demon attack again. I was starting to see a pattern here, and I was not sure if I liked it.
In the far left, above the vast canopy of trees that stretched to the horizon, I spotted a speck in the twilight sky. Billowing up to the white clouds above was a column of smoke; it blew strongly with the wind, slowly being carried higher and higher. I pointed at it.
There thats smoke!
Daniel grimaced as I excitedly ran back to him.
That means thats where Maplewell is. Lucerna uses smoke!
I tried to wave him forward, gesturing for him to hurry up as he simply stood there.
What are you doing? If we dont hurry it up, were not going to make it there in time!
The Human man hesitated, biting his lower lip. I cocked my head, confused at the way he was acting.
I
He started, then stopped. I frowned.
What? What do you want to say?
He sighed, ncing away from the smoke and down at me.
I dont think thats smoke from magic, Salvos. And I dont think well be getting the answer you want anytime soon.
...seriously? Am I going to have to wait longer again?!
--
We arrived at Maplewell to find it a pile of ashes. Well, the pile was specifically concentrated around the center of what once was a vige. The rest of the ruined vige had a smallyer over it though.
What kind of a spell did that?
Daniel spoke, voice quivering as he pointed at the pile of ash. It rose up to my waist so it was not as high as a hill, but it was spread so wide that it was thinned out.
Lucerna must have done that. He had a Skill that could create these big balls of ash that burnt my skin off!
But could it do this?
I looked at the destruction at the burning houses and trees all throughout. I shook my head.
I dont think he could have created all that ash. At least, not when we met. And I dont think he was able to create fire too.
Daniel nced around, gritting his teeth.
We need to search for survivors. There has to be someone who survived this attack.
He started forward, covering his mouth as he stalked through the mes and smoke. I followed behind him, mimicking what he was doing, although I was unsure of what it was for.
We trudged between burnt and burning buildings, leaving a trail of footprints in the ashened floor; the fire was not raging wildly, but it tried to consume whatever it could before it would extinguish itself. Whatever Skill or magic Lucerna used to cause these mes was not a powerful one it just so happened that no one could stop them from spreading, which made the situation what it was.
I took this all in, noting how different a ce of Humans could be after a battle urred in it; I had never seen a vige before, but I had an idea based on the city.
Daniel stopped abruptly and I nearly bumped into him. I caught myself just in time and peered over his shoulder.
Whats wrong?
The Human man ignored me, instead choosing to bend over to the ground. He leaned over to a body on the ground, touching it slowly.
Is he alive?
He didnt respond. He closed his eyes, muttering something under his breath. Then he got up and continued past the body. I nced onest time at the body at the small body that was nked on both sides by two bigger bodies and decided that I should do something as well. So I nodded at them as I would to apanion, before catching up to Daniel.
I found someone.
The Human man called out to me just as I reached him. He was holding a red haired woman wearing robes in his arms carefully. I identified her as he grabbed for a bottle around his belt.
[Mage - Lvl. 45]
Shes high level! I noted as he held it over her, uncorking the bottle. He poured a familiar red liquid down on her drip by drip, stopping only when she began to release a series of sharp exhales.
Her coughing died down, but she didnt get up. He slowlyid her against the side of an intact wall. He turned to me.
I cant use all of my healing potion on her or Ill run out. Ill look for more survivors, so just wait here and watch over her.
Ok!
I waved at him as he left, trying out one Human gesture I had observed while in Hazelbury. I thought I did it right but if I did, he would have waved back. I nced down at my hand and frowned. Do I have to do it like this? Or like this? I wiggled my hand in different ways as I waited for Daniel to return.
More time passed as the moon fully asserted itself into the sky. I watched the lingering mes around me slowly snuff out, leaving nothing but the light from up above to illuminate my surroundings. I had gotten bored of waving my hand a while ago, and was now in the process of trying to figure out how to make my fingers create that snapping sound someone in the Adventurers Guild made. All I got was a clicking sound from my ws knocking into each other.
I looked up from this arduous task as I heard a groan. The woman in robes was sitting up and rubbing her face.
...where am I?
Hello!
I greeted her enthusiastically, d that I could finally direct my attention at something else. She jerked back, caught off guard by me.
Wha whats going on? Who are you?
Daniel found you lying by that pile of bodies there, so he helped you get better before leaving me to look after you. Im Salvos!
I pointed at the corpses strewn about where she had once been as she slowly turned. She blinked a few times as her mouth hung her open. Then she jumped up, knocking ash into the air.
That [Djinn]! Where is it? What happened?!
She nced around frantically, reaching for something at her side but found nothing.
Wheres my team?!
Your team?
I cocked my head inquisitively. She sputtered, pointing at herself.
My team Paul, Eloy, Silvia! Where are they?!
Theyre dead..
I whirled around, seeing Daniel walk over with a somber look on his face. He bowed his head slightly.
Im sorry. But your team was killed by the Greater Demon attacking this town. There are no other survivors but you.
Her eyes widened as she took a step back. She looked like she wanted to deny it to call Daniel a liar. But she stopped. She spoke softly as she nodded.
I see...
Daniel averted his gaze from the woman.
Im sorry, but there was nothing I could do. Maybe if Salvos and I hade an hour earlier but no. The [Djinn] was long gone when we arrived.
The woman took a deep breath, shaking her head.
Right, I heard you the first time. Both your exnation and your apology. You don''t have to repeat yourself."
He clenched his fists as the woman looked down at the ground, a shadow arched darkly over her eyes. I nced between the two before pointing at Daniel.
You did! I heard you both times too!
The two nced back at me as I cocked my head.
What?
Chapter 21.2. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
Chapter 21.2. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
21.2. Ashes. Lots of Ashes.
Is this your staff?
Yes thank you. At least something survived the battle.
We were taking shelter in one of the less damaged houses in the vige. It waste, and Daniel and the woman decided we should only head back to Hazelbury in the morning. They were now huddled around a fire I helped create as only the crackling mes filled the deathly silence that hung over them after herment.
Daniel said nothing, choosing only to poke the fire with a piece of wood. I watched as it began to burn up before he threw it in where the rest of the woody.
You know, I can always just create more fire.
I pointed out, but he did not respond. I watched him quietly sit there while the woman drew her knees in with a sigh.
...we werent even supposed to be here.
She whispered, her voice cracking with the mes.
Ourpany sent us here to Falisdale because we heard the Iron Champions had found a Dungeon. They were trying to keep it to themselves as they always do, and we heard rumors that the monsters in there were at least Level 50. We just had to investigate whether this was true, nothing else.
It was a simple mission. A safe mission. It was not even an adventuring job. But they assigned it to me because I had just be a Gold Rank, and they wanted me to just get used to being one. Most Silvers who are promoted to Gold act recklessly because they usually justpleted a ss advancement. They think they can take on any threat, and they pay for it. I wasnt going to be one of them or at least, that was what I thought.
Im a [Summoner]. I had gone through dozens of contracts in the past with many different Spirits. But I finally got one that stuck one that helped me reach Level 40. And then I met my team. They were always there for me. I had only known them for a few months, but I thought this was the start of something new. I thought we could ovee anything together. So when I heard about this Demon attacking small viges I thought I insisted
Daniel reached out and patted her on the shoulder as she sniffed.
Its not your fault.
She looked up at him, learning forward, her face now illuminated by the firelight. I blinked as I saw drops of water streaming down from her eyes to the side of her cheeks. She was crying? I didnt understand it at all.
Why are you crying?
Her gaze snapped in my direction.
Why am I crying? My friends are dead. My Spirits are all dead. And that Demon is still on the loose. Why would I not be crying?!
Daniel held out a hand as she red at me.
Calm down. Salvos didnt mean anything by asking you that. Shes just... entric.
Hey! I am not entric.
Myment seemed to not have been heard by him as he continued talking to the woman.
Look, miss
Edithe.
She nced up at him, finally turning away from me. He nodded.
Edithe then. I know youre feeling a lot of things right now, but please dont direct your anger towards her. Please.
Fine.
She leaned back, looking up past the half copsed ceiling and at the nights sky.
But Im not angry.
Daniel just looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
Im not just angry. Im furious. I feel every single part of my soul raging against that [Djinn] that killed my friends. He was only Level 50, and yet he killed us all.
Level 50? I thought, cocking my head. Thats not right.
If I were just angry, I would get over it in a few hours or a day. No Im not angry. I want revenge. I will not stop until that fucking is Demon bent over by my feet, dying, and begging for mercy. And then Ill watch as it chokes and drowns in its own blood while it fucking bleeds to death.
There was a brief lull in the conversation, so I saw my chance to speak.
But Lucernas only Level
Daniel spoke over me.
You want revenge, I know. And you can get it in the future. For now, we should just sleep. Its gettingte, and I want us to leave as soon as possible tomorrow.
I nced at Daniel, taken aback. Why did he interrupt me? In fact, I didnt think he acknowledged a single thing I had said since we came to this shelter. I was about to point that out, but then I realized something.
They were making it a point to ignore me! I wasnt entirely sure why; it almost seemed like they were annoyed at me? I had gotten annoyed before I was annoyed at Daniel for not bringing me back to the Netherworld as he said he would but I never considered that he could be annoyed at me.
But why? What did I do? I tried to reflect on my actions narrow down which part of our interaction resulted in both the Humans getting annoyed with me. At first, I thought it was because I was asking too many questions. Daniel didnt like that from what I remembered. He kept telling me to stop that.
Then I thought about it a moment longer, and I realized they werent exactly upset with me in the first ce. They had already been upset before that, but I didnt care for it. I didnt acknowledge the way they were feeling. But what was I even supposed to do in that situation?
I paused, and I remembered someone else. Mypanion, Haec, had recounted his time with the others once. He was sad about the deaths of his original Demonpanions. And I didnt like seeing him sad, so I tried to reassure him.
Was that what I was supposed to be doing here? I nced up at Daniel, and realized that that was what he had been trying to do all along. What I had been saying didnt help, so he had been getting annoyed with me because of that. And Edithe might have been getting annoyed with me because I was interrupting Daniels attempts to reassure her. Thats it!
I clicked my ws together as the two Humans finished their conversation.
...but with all the bodies, monsters will surelye wandering to the vige. Im not sure if I can sleep easy knowing that if I could even sleep at all.
Youre right, one of us needs to keep watch.
I can do it!
I jumped between Daniel and Edithe, staring at the woman then the man.
I can keep watch.
The Human woman folded her arms, meeting my gaze with her hazel-green eyes.
All night? Are you being serious right now? Why should I trust you wont fall asleep while keeping watch?
I felt myself grinning as Daniel opened his mouth. He reached for me.
Salvos
I ignored him and threw my hood back. I jerked a thumb at myself.
I wont fall asleep because I don''t need sleep. Im not Human, after all. See?
Edithe screamed and swung her staff at me.
I dodged, of course.
Chapter 22: Recognition
Chapter 22: Recognition
22. Recognition
I stared at the fire I held in my hands as it moved. I was manipting it shaping it to be what I wanted it to be. The small ball of fire like a pebble in my hand shifted. It grew in size as I poured mana into it, feeling it drain from my body like blood flowing out from arge wound.
The magical mes first turned into a spike, then into a dagger. I narrowed my eyes as I reached the limits of what I could do with it. I tried to shape it into a de one as long as Daniels but I couldnt. It would not not ept the mana. Or at least, [Basic Fire Creation] wouldnt.
So I rxed; I dismissed the Skill as I tried to maintain the form of the fire weapon I had created. It wiggled at first, losing the stability the Skill gave it. But I knew what the feeling was like I knew how to keep it from snuffing out in my hands. Then I slowly ran a wed finger through it.
The tip of my w dragged across the fire dagger, finally reaching its edge before I pulled my finger away. I watched as the tip of the weapon extended with increasing vtility. I tugged at the strings of mana, manipting it to remain a solid. I wasnt sure if it would work, but I tried.
And the magically created weapon grew longer and longer, increasing in length until it was about half the size I wanted it to be. I stopped not because I wanted to but because my entire body was quivering; I was concentrating only on the spell and nothing else. If I even could stabilize it I probably wouldnt have been able to swing it around. But perhaps if I did this, I could level a Skill. Or perhaps I could learn a new Skill
There was a shriek, and I jerked.
I lost control of the magic holding it together; the short de of fire plumed out and up, lighting up my surroundings very briefly as it zed through the air. Then it vanished.
I sighed as I turned to the source of the noise. Arge, dark creature came falling from the sky. It nearly crashed into the earth, only spreading its wings open just in time to slow itsnding. I stood up, readying for an attack.
The monster turned its crimson eyes to me, still a dozen paces away next to a broken down house. I cocked my head as he bared his sharp fangs, hunching over to reveal thin, long nails on either side of his wings.
[Vurat - Lvl. 16]
Well?
I asked him curiously, waiting to see what he would do. Slowly, he turned away from me, before abruptly grabbing a body off the ground and flying away.
Huh.
I had nothing else toment about that. I wasnt sure why he was grabbing the bodies at first, but then I remembered Daniel. He had been eating pieces of dead animals to fill himself with energy, or something. That was probably what the [Vurat] was doing feeding.
Thats creepy, I thought, grimacing. Eating is creepy. And weird!
Later that night, more [Vurat] came, iming the bodies of the dead strewn about the vige. But none attacked me. So I didnt attack them either.
--
The two Humans emerged from the half copsed house when the sun rose, bringing with it the brightness of day and an upset looking Edithe. The woman held her staff up warily when she saw me, but did not take a swing at me. Why would she? I had nearly wed her face off when she tried itst night.
The only thing that stopped me from killing her for trying to attack me multiple times was Daniel, who convinced me that she wasnt trying to kill me. She was shaken or something. She had just fought Lucerna, so she might have known where he went. More than that too, she could help us defeat him if we did track him down. I needed to find him so he could tell me how to go back to the Netherworld since Daniel and the other Humans weren''t able to help me anyway.
So our group of three started out of the destroyed vige, heading back down the road to Hazelbury. We walked in silence for a bit as I stared around at the foresting alive with the morning. A small, green bird with a red stripe on its head flitted down from a tree at me. I cocked my head, lifting a hand out to touch him, but he turned and flew away.
Aw. I was just trying to say hi.
I nced back ahead, seeing Edithe trudging ahead as she asionally opened her mouth and to take a deep breath.
Sorry aboutst night.
Daniel slowed down, walking beside me. I blinked, facing him as he averted his gaze slightly and spoke softly.
Last night?
About what happened with you and Edithe. I know she tried to attack you even though you were trying to help us but thats because youre a Demon, you know?
I frowned, looking up at him.
No, I dont know. What do you mean?
I mean, you dont really understand how social interactions work, right?
I shrugged.
I am curious about it, but I dont care if I cant understand it. Its not like Ill need to know it once I leave the Mortal Realm.
I know, its just
He hesitated, trying to think of what to say. He gave up eventually, and just muttered under his breath.
I guess I shouldnt have discriminated against you just because youre a Demon.
I wasnt sure what that meant, but I epted it. We continued walking for a bit as the sun creeped higher up into the sky. Then I had a thought.
Why must we go back to Hazelbury? Arent we trying to find where Lucerna went?
If we track him down now, I dont think wed be able to win. Especially since Edithe would barely be able to help us without any summons she says she knows some spells, but nothing that would be able to harm a Level 50 Greater Demon.
I paused, considering this. Then I gave him a nk look.
A summon?
Spirits.
Oh like Sakura?
Yes. [Summoners] are a type of [Mage] that forms a contract with Spirits to fight for them. Since Spirits, like Demons, are naturally stronger than simr leveled monsters in the Mortal Realm, they would be able to fight enemies 10 levels above them and gain more experience from it. Because of this, most Spirits pair with [Summoners] higher leveled than them, to split the experience they gain from fighting together against stronger enemies.
I raised a brow.
Why should a [Summoner] gain any experience if its just the Spirits fighting for them?
Because [Summoners] have Skills that boost the fighting abilities of their summons. Its a symbiotic rtionship both sides win from this arrangement.
What does a Spirit gain from this? I dont understand.
He shrugged, giving a nomittal answer.
Theyre also given a small amount of mana each day. I dont really know what they do with it, but its simr to Demon summonings, I guess?
Edithe, who had been walking up ahead the entire time, suddenly whirled around. She snapped at Daniel, pointing a finger at him.
A Spirit summoning is nothing like a Demon summoning.
The Human man was taken aback. He raised a hand catingly at her.
Thats not what I meant
Yes it is! Comparing our sacred rituals for Spirits who have fought alongside us for thousands of years with a sacrificial Demon summoning? It is nothing alike! What is wrong with you?!
The woman used him, her anger visible on her face. Then she directed her fury to me.
And look at it! How could you be so friendly with that that thing! To even get here, it must have eaten a person just to feed its appetite! How can you be so vile to associate yourself with it?
Look, I just told her I would help her. She wants to get back to the Netherworld and
Daniel backed up, sputtering, unsure of what to say. But I folded my arms.
I did not eat anyone to get here. Thats disgusting! I would never do that!
She spoke simply, giving me a re.
You would and you did. Thats what all Demons are like. All of you are the same evil creatures that only kill and destroy.
I narrowed my eyes, looking at her with defiance.
I am not a Demon. I am Salvos.
I dont care what your name is. To me, youre just another monster
An arrownded on the ground between us, and I lowered my ws. I blinked, staring at the projectile as it shone.
Whats that
Shit, that''s
And it exploded.
Chapter 23: Unwarranted Attack
Chapter 23: Unwarranted Attack
23. Unwarranted Attack
Good shot, Joe.
My names not Joe, boss. Its Nazzareno.
Im not pronouncing that, so youre Joe to me.
The Level 25 [Archer] sighed, lowering his bow as the Level 31 [Warrior] heaved a maul off his back.
The [Mage] was able to set up a barrier in time, but you did get her. Although it seems the other two werent as close to the st radius and survived.
Its only a Low Grade Explosive Bolt, boss. It wouldn''t have killed anyone who wasnt standing right on it. Especially not a Level 45 [Mage].
The man called boss turned to another Human behind him. There were a dozen other Humans standing there, but this one was by far thergest.
Well, all we have to do now is finish them off. Hebert use your [Draw Attention] on the [Mage], get her to attack you while we take care of the two others. The [Rogue] might be a problem, but the [Warrior] is weak. Hell probably try to run away once he sees us and our levels.
You sure, boss? Shes more than 15 levels higher than me
Dont sweat it. You just have to use it at the beginning of the battle. Its not like itsts longer than a couple of moments anyways. Once we kill them all, well have lots of good, expensive loot to share and Ill make sure you...
Wait boss!
The [Archer] called out, pointing at the small crater where the dust of smoke had just cleared from.
The [Rogue] shes gone!
Huh
[Fire Strike]!
Ished out at the boss with a fire dagger, aiming for his chest. The Human man recoiled, trying to swing at me, but he was too slow. The de plunged into body, drawing blood as he tried to back up. I wed at his face, ducking under the maul as it swung over my head. He roared as he tried to grab me, but I grinned.
[Double Step].
I nimbly slipped away from his reach, putting arge gap between me and the group that had attacked us. I had waited just long enough for the Skill to make itself avable for us again, before I attacked them. After all, I used it the moment Daniel gave me the warning.
The boss backed up, clutching at his wound as he grabbed for something at his belt. I knew what it was I had made the mistake before to let it happen, so I was prepared for it this time. I flicked my wrist as the other Humans tried to gather in front of him. The dagger darted between all of them and plunged into the head of the boss as he uncorked the vial.
Defeated [Maulwielder Warrior - Lvl. 31]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
He dropped, dead. I grinned, creating another two fire daggers as the group approached me.
You you killed him!
The [Archer] pointed out the obvious. He pulled an arrow out of his quiver, nocking it onto his bow. The group charged as he aimed at me
And a bolt of lightning struck Nazzareno before he could loose it. Edithe raised her staff and shouted as Daniel ran up behind her.
Bandits! Damn brigands, trying to capitalize on the destruction of a vige? Have you no shame?!
Her fingers sparkled with electricity as she sent a smaller bolt of lightning at the group. A [Mage] raised a small stick a wand and aimed in the direction of the oing attack.
[Rock Wall]!
The spell met the barrier Skill and was dispersed to its surroundings. Edithe clicked her tongue as Daniel charged ahead, running up to help me. I whirled around as a woman quickly approached me, holding a dagger in each hand.
She shed at me with her first de as I backed up. I swung at her as she lifted her other de.
[Double Stab]!
The de blurred as I parried the first swing, but a second hit nicked me on the shoulder. I growled, headbutting her away from me. She was fast, but not nearly as fast as me. And she was weaker than me too. I was about to follow up with another attack, but suddenly I feltpelled to turn my attention away from her.
[Draw Attention]. Come at me!
I ran away from the [Rogue], heading straight at another [Warrior] as he held up a huge shield and a short sword. I dodged and ducked under the swings of the other bandits, countering them as quickly as I could. Something made me run towards the [Warrior], but I realized that I didnt have to attack him.
I reached him eventually, running past the [Mage] and an [Archer] embroiled in a long ranged battle with Edithe. Daniel shed into the bandits behind me as I struck at the [Warrior]. He blocked the attack with his shield. He pulled therge object back.
[Shield blow]!
He swung it at me as I ran stupidly at it. I went flying back, rolling on the ground. I was still lying on the ground when the [Rogue] reached me. She stabbed for my face as my body wanted to run at the [Warrior], but I grabbed her hand mid strike.
My ws dug deep into her wrists as she screamed, dropping the first de. I pulled her with me as I ran at the [Warrior]. I threw her at him and his eyes widened. He lifted his shield.
Jess
I slid under his defenses, sweeping him off his feet as he pushed the [Rogue] away. The man fell to the ground as I followed up with a [Fire Strike], aiming at his unprotected face. He yelled in pain as my ws dug into one of his eyes, half-blinding him. And as that happened, I felt his Skills effects wear off.
The [Rogue] tried picking herself up, but I kicked her back to the ground. She fell forward,nding t on her face before I nailed it to the ground with a fire dagger.
Defeated [Rogue - Lvl. 27]!
Experience is awarded for
I ignored the words as even more popped up in my head from Daniel fighting three of the bandits at once. He jabbed one of them on the chest with a [Quick Strike], knocking her back, before swinging at the other two.
[Crescent de].
His sword went down at the legs of the first, before slicing upwards at the chest of the other. The first fell to the ground, reeling from the attack, but the second managed to parry it. He fell a momentter as Daniel stabbed him through the chest.
I nced back at the [Warrior] with the shield as he tried to pick himself up. He shook his head, reaching for his short sword before I leapt onto him. The man yelped, trying to push me off him. My ws dug on firmly into his skin as I bit at his face.
He screamed, now missing an ear and an eye. And in that moment his mouth went wide, I jammed a fire spike into his throat. He limply stopped struggling as I heard another sound in my head in addition to defeating him.
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 23] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 24]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I distributed the points as I usually did.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 16
[Endurance]: 34
[Wisdom]: 41
[Agility]: 52
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 15
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 11
[me Coat] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Then I quickly got up and ran to help Daniel. He finished off another bandit, but was getting overwhelmed by three more as they surrounded him. He hesitated, holding up his de as if about to use a Skill. But I charged in, pointing at the two closest to me.
[Fire st]!
One was knocked back by the Skill, while the other shouted his own.
[Steady Stance].
I jumped on him as he stood there, extending both my legs out as mes appeared on my toes. He took the brunt of the hit head on, but groaned in pain from the hit. He tried to swing at me, but the de nced off my cloak as I spun around. It ignited into mes, causing him to stumble and fall to his feet by himself.
I threw two fire spikes at him and finished him off with a [Fire Strike]. I turned to Daniel, seeing him finish off the two he was fighting. These members of the group had been slightly lower leveled than us, only reaching the low-to-mid 20s. So I was dissatisfied with the experience they gave me.
I looked up, seeing thest man getting up. He looked between me and Daniel standing over the bodies of his deadpanions, mouth agape. He turned to run. I rushed after him.
Wait, Salvos we need to help Edithe!
My ws dug through the back of thest man as I tore into his body. Daniel pulled back, turning and dashing to help the Human woman as she was overwhelmed by the remaining three bandits.
I picked myself up, seeing Edithe finish off a [Mage], before being struck by an arrow from an [Archer]. Another [Mage] conjured a ball of fire and hurled it at her.
[Fireball]!
[Ice Shield]
It exploded on the barrier, sending shards of ice flying in all directions. Edithe staggered back, hurt and tired from the fighting. She had no summons no Spirits to help her. She could only rely on her magic, and she was injured from the initial Explosive Bolt.
I ran past Daniel, feeling my pace pick up. [Double Step]. The Skill could be used again, letting me reach the [Mage] just in time as he created another ball of fire.
Wha
I flicked a small ball of fire at his face just before he sent it, causing it to shoot off to the side. I ignored him as he stumbled forward, grasping at the small burn mark on his face. The [Archer] fired an arrow at me, but I knocked it off the air with my ws. She reached for a dagger at her belt and I jabbed a wed finger at her abdomen.
She doubled over, dropping the de as I stood over her. I picked up the dagger and she looked up.
No, please
The weapon lodged itself halfway through her neck as she sputtered. I did not bother pushing it through the rest of the way. I whirled around, dodging the ming arrow as it whizzed past me. The [Mage] screamed as he hurled more projectiles as I ran at him.
I did not use any Skills. I did not use any magic. I was drained. But I was faster than him I was stronger than him. He couldnt do anything once I reached him, and he copsed too. Thest of the words rang in my head before I got up off the body.
Defeated [Fire Mage - Lvl. 26]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Archer - Lvl. 29]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 24] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 25]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Daniel slowed down, seeing that we had won. He nced at the dead bandit bodies strewn all around us. There had been a dozen of them, and I had gotten experience for killing them all. Even if some gave less than others because I had only slightly hurt them I still got enough to level twice.
I looked down at my exhausted and injured body, then up at Edithe. She was wounded burned and cut all around her. Daniel was in better shape, but he was hurt too.
That was
He trailed off, grimacing at the sight of the corpses. I ignored them, walking up to Edithe as she coughed. She looked up at me.
I you saved me
I punched her between the legs. The Human woman fell over, but did not scream in pain like Daniel or ke had. I frowned, unsure why that was. Maybe its because Im tired. I shook my head as she cursed.
What the fuck is wrong with you, you Demon? What was that for?!
I ignored her, kicking her on the stomach. She screamed as Daniel ran up to me.
What
I am Salvos. Not Lucerna, not Haec, and especially not one of those stupid, wild Demons.
I pointed over at the bodies of the bandits and pointed at them.
Do you see this? These people that tried to attack us? They were Humans. They were like you. They were like him.
I nced over at Daniel as Edithe stars, aghast at what I was doing.
Every single Human I have met has attacked me or run from me so far. You, Daniel, these bandits, those people in Silverflower but I do not treat you all the same. I do not approach every Human as though they would attack me. Because I recognize that you arent like a wild Demon.
I eyed Daniel who averted his gaze, muttering its not Silverflower under his breath, then looked back down at Edithe.
If you want to treat me like some sort of object so much like a rock among a pile of rocks then I will do the same to you.
I leaned over her, bringing my ws dangerously close to her face as I grabbed her by neck.
I will use you to level. I will use you to evolve. I will kill you. I dont care what your name is, I dont care what you are. Thats what I will do if I were a wild Demon.
I pulled back, letting her go and fall back to the ground. She rubbed at her neck, staring up at me.
...what are you saying?
Her voice still held some of the hostility from before, but none of the strength behind it anymore.
Im saying that I am Salvos. I am not a Demon. I am not a monster. I am not an evil creature. So start treating me as me. Otherwise
I pointed a wed finger at her, then balled it into a fist.
I will make you.
Daniel stared at me as I made my deration, and Edithe slowly nodded. I did not care that it was a begrudging one I got what I wanted. So I nced between the two Humans, satisfied. I folded my arms.
Good. Now lets go to Hazelbury and get you your Spirits, find Lucerna and kill him together, then get me back to the Netherworld so were all happy.
Chapter 24.1. Divvying Loot
Chapter 24.1. Divvying Loot
24.1.Divvying Loot
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 25
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 21
[Strength]: 16
[Endurance]: 34
[Wisdom]: 41
[Agility]: 52
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 5]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 15
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 11
[me Coat] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
I evaluated my Status, having leveled up twice in thest battle; we had been attacked by a lot of bandits as Edithe and Daniel called them most of whom I managed tond a hit on before they were taken out by me or the two Humans with me. And it was not like these bandits were low leveled either.
Most of them had been in the low 20s, with some being in the upper 20s or even low 30s. Furthermore, I had probably been close to another level up before the fight even began, since I had been gaining experience from training my General Skills in the lull of action since I went to Hazelbury.
Previously, I had decided to distribute my Stat Points in a way that allowed my [Wisdom] and [Endurance] to catch up with my [Agility]. However, now that they had closed the gap a little, I felt it was time to change which Stats I would raise.
First of all, I would increase the amount of Stat Points I spent on [Agility] from 1 to 2. I did not like how that [Rogue] had kept up with me in terms of speed, even if she had been distinctly weaker than me in other areas. If I could get hurt by a single [Rogue] in a fight, then I worried about what a group of [Rogues] could do to me. Perhaps she had been focusing mostly on raising her [Agility] hence why she was rather weak but I still didnt like the idea of facing many of her at once.
Then I looked at myself. I had barely taken any hits in that fight, but I was still injured all over. My body felt broken, and it probably would have been more broken if I hadnt taken out the Level 31 [Warrior] before the battle started. So I raised my [Vitality] by 2.
Finally, I used myst Stat Point on [Strength]. I didnt have much of a reason for it it just seemed like it was being neglected so I gave it a pity point.
With that settled, I moved on to my Skill Points. I split 3 Skill Points evenly between [Basic Fire Creation], [Fire st], and [me Coat]. Then that was done too.
Are you guys done? Whats taking so long?
I called out, looking at the Edithe and Daniel as the two were bent over the bodies of the bandits. I had taken my time to make my decisions, but they still were not finished! The Human man nced up, grimacing as he tossed aside a bloodied pouch.
Not yet. We still have a few more bodies to look through!
Whats taking so long? Ive already spent all my Skill and Stat Points! And Im also all healed up see?
Well, maybe if you help us, wed be done quicker.
He retorted, before going back to what he was doing. The two Humans were rummaging through the corpses, trying to find something? I wasnt entirely sure.
They tried to exin it to me that they could find loot off the bodies? And if they could find any proof of their bandit group, they could possibly im a bounty too?
Sighing, I got up and walked up to Daniel as he rummaged through the bag of the [Maulwielder Warrior]. He lowered the sack, pulling out a glinting object from it as he held it up to the sky.
A tinum coin, huh? These guys were rich.
Of course they were.
Edithe shook her head, leaving the body of the [Mage] I had killed. She had a book under her arms as she pocketed a bracelet into her robes.
These guys were the lowest of the lows. They were probably nning on looting what was left of Maplewell, as well as killing and robbing from the bodies of any survivors they can find. I wouldnt be surprised if they were following the path of destruction that evil Demon left behind just to prey on easy targets.
She hesitated, casting a nce at me.
Uh, no offense. I didnt mean that a-all Demons were evil
I dont care.
I shrugged simply.
As long as you recognize that Im Salvos and not just a Demon, I dont care what you think about the others.
R-right.
The Human woman turned to loot another body as Daniel picked up the maul lying at his feet, frowning as he inspected it.
Hm, this is a Low Grade Weapon. I think it can sell for quite a bit actually, is there anything you want from these bandits, Salvos?
He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. I paused, looking over the items strewn across between the corpses.
I dont know. Are there any Medium Grade Weapons here?
Nope, sorry. Best thing here is this maul, that wand Edithe found, and these three arrows that were on the archer. All of them are Low Grade.
I eyed the maul he was carrying with a single hand. I reached to grab it.
Youre right! Why havent I gotten anything urk... what is this?
The Human man let go of the maul as I held it with both hands. Immediately, I almost felt my hands give way to it. I barely held it up over my chest, using all of my strength just to swing it once.
This is heavy!
Ah, right.
He scratched the back of his head.
Seems like its got a weight enchantment on it without any of the countervailing enchantments to make it lighter. Thats probably why its Low Grade and not Medium Grade. I bet it can hit as hard as any Medium Grade maul, but its not anywhere near as easy to use.
How did you hold it so easily?
He hesitated, biting his lower lip.
Uh, Im strong I guess?
Huh.
I stared at Daniel for a moment, before shoving the maul back to his chest.
Take it, I dont want it. Its heavy! Is there anything lighter for me to keep?
Uh, right.
He nced around, unsure.
I didnt know you wanted to keep something for yourself. I thought Demons I mean, you said nothing so far. And you owned basically nothing before I met you. If I had known, I wouldve kept an eye out for anything you might want.
I dont know either. I just thought I should get something since you guys are taking things for yourself.
I paused, remembering something.
And Lucerna owned lots of things! So I guess I should too?
I spoke with uncertainty; I had no idea if I even wanted anything from these bandits. There were shiny objects, weirdly shaped items, and other such trinkets. But none of them interested me beyond a cursory nce. They were almost like rocks. I just had no use for any of them.
I took the three arrows Daniel offered me.
Ill take these for now just so I can have something too!
The Human man nodded.
Alright then. Are we ready to go?
He turned to Edithe. The Human woman walked up to us and nodded.
Yeah. Lets return to Hazelbury.
Lets go!
I excitedly spoke out, pumping a hand in the air. I marched forward as the two exchanged a nce. Daniel sighed.
Uh, Salvos, thats not the direction to Hazelbury. Thats where we came from. Hazelbury is this way.
I blinked.
Oh, thats where I meant to go... dont look at me like that!
Chapter 24.2. Divvying Loot
Chapter 24.2. Divvying Loot
24.2. DivvyingLoot
It was evening by the time we returned to the Human city. The sun was setting over the horizon, bringing with it the brief crimson twilight that almost reminded me of the Netherworld. It wasnt exactly the same sight, but I thought it was close enough. Maybe if I ran towards the sun during dusk or dawn, I would somehow find myself back there!
I made the suggestion to Daniel, and he nearly called me stupid. He quickly cut himself off something which I noticed he did when speaking to me instead making a more benignment about my curiosity. I wondered why he did that, but did not press the issue.
I started for the Sanctuary of Fauna, but was once again called back by the two Humans with me.
I thought we were going to get you new Spirits?
I looked inquisitively at Edithe. She nodded, but gestured at what she had been carrying.
We will. But first, we need to store this somewhere. I think we can keep it in my inn for now, if thats alright with you, Daniel. It has a little bit of a vacancy.
She bit her lower lip as she said that. The Human man nodded.
Of course, wed appreciate it.
Then well head to the temple?
No.
Edithe shook her head.
Then we go to the Adventurers Guild report about what happened with the bandits. And what happened in Maplewell..
She trailed off, her gaze growing more distant now. Daniel stepped in, taking over for her.
Salvos, were adventurers. So we have to do these kinds of things before we can tend to our own personal needs. We need to make reports, give the guild information, and maybe rest too, before we can upgrade our gear, get new weapons, or even sell off any loot we found.
The Human woman collected herself, facing me as we headed to her inn.
Right, what Daniel said. And even though Im a [Summoner], getting new Spirits isnt at the top of my priority list. Especially when were in a city. As long as I get one before I leave, there isnt any need to rush. Plus, I can use regr magic too. As good as any Level 20 [Mage] or even better.
She paused, ncing at me then Daniel.
Which reminds me. How are you so strong at such a low level? I can understand why Salvos is as capable as she is at her level but you were able to take on five of them on your own for quite a while.
He hesitated, looking around the streets. He noticed it was empty enough, and that the people that were even here were not paying attention to us. Then he pulled the cor of his down, revealing his Ne of Obfuscation.
This is why.
Oh.
Edithe nodded slowly. She looked like she wanted to ask more questions, but decided against it. And Daniel seemed relieved that she chose not to press him further. I observed this, wondering how the Human woman was able to tell that that was what he wanted.
We finally reached the inn, leaving behind the loot we gathered. I decided to keep my arrows with me. The two Piercing Arrows and the one Explosive Bolt were not too difficult to carry. Plus, I had also taken a quiver to sling around my back and keep them in.
When we left the inn however, Edithe still brought with her an extra bag. I wanted to peer into it, but she refused to let me take a look. She told me they werent her things, so she had no right to decide whether I could see them.
If theyre not yours, whose are they?
The Human womans face immediately darkened again, and this time, I tried to emte what I noticed the two did whenever the other gave an odd reaction.
If you dont want to talk about it, its fine?
Edithe nced at me, and I tried grinning. She couldnt see the smile though, because I was sure she would have approved of the expression if not for my cloak. Humans liked to smile, after all!
You know, that doesnt work as well if you sound like youre asking a question?
I cocked my head, to which she sighed.
Nevermind and these belong to my team. Their weapons, their equipment, and anything sentimental of theirs they had on them when they died. Im giving it to the guild to send back to ourpany. Theyll give it back to their families.
I eagerly listened, nodding as she exined it to me. She held up a handful of small, carved pieces of metal.
And these badges serve as proof that they have passed.
She gripped the objects tightly in her hand. I looked at this, turning to Daniel as he shifted ufortably. I nced between the two, realizing that I might have made things worse.
We continued walking for a moment in silence. I wasnt sure what to do I didnt know how to make things better. But I remembered something Edithe said in the night before.
I carefully ced a hand on the Human womans shoulder. She looked back at me slightly, raising a brow.
Dont worry. Well get your revenge on Lucerna. No matter what.
I spoke in the very same way I spoke to Haec when he was sad. And while I wasnt entirely sure if Edithe was sad, I hoped speaking in this way would also work to cheer her up. Somehow, someway, it did.
She straightened, walking with more vigor than before. She nodded as she turned away from me.
Right. He will pay for what he did. No matter what.
Chapter 25: Dialogue and Preparation
Chapter 25: Dialogue and Preparation
25. Dialogue and Preparation
Daniel and I stood to the side, watching Edithe as she handed the bag she was carrying to the woman standing across the counter of the Adventurers Guild. The woman a receptionist, apparently nodded as Edithe showed her the bloodied badges she held on her hand.
The two continued conversing for a moment as a deathly silence hung over the hall of the guild; there were hushed whispers happening throughout, but nothing more than that. I stared enviously at the receptionist as she was allowed through the contents of the bag when I had not, but shortly after found myself gaping when she pulled out a long sword from the tiny bag.
What? Huh?! How did that even fit in there?! How does that work?!
I turned to Daniel to question him, but he spoke before I could.
You know, Salvos, you took my Ring of Lesser Protection from me, right?
I paused, registering what he said and forgetting my own queries. I slowly nodded.
I did why?
I eyed him suspiciously. Thest time he brought it up, he tried to take it back from me but I wanted it! I would not give it back!
Oh, I was just wondering why you didnt use it during the battle against the bandits.
Use it?
I cocked my head. I raised my hand, revealing the ring hanging loosely off the edge of one of my sharp ws.
Im using it right now, see? It fell off during the fight, but I found it and put it back on.
No thats
He trailed off, scratching at his chin. He sighed.
Thats not how you use it.
I raised a brow.
What do you mean? I have it on exactly as you did.
Look, youve got to put it on your fingers. You cant just have it wedged into your nails ws whatever they are. The artifacts enchantments wont take effect and it will not protect you. So you just end up taking hits like you did and get hurt.
I stared at the Human man as he took the ring from my hand and shoved it down his finger. A brief flicker of light ran over his body before disappearing.
See?
Huh.
I took this in slowly, trying to register what just happened and what I did wrong. So thats why I was still badly injured after fighting those bandits! I immediately put out a hand.
Give it to me! I want to try!
Dont be so loud here!
He handed the Ring of Lesser Protection back to me. I quickly took it and copied what the Human man did earlier. I pushed the ring through my ws it almost didnt fit through the base of it but once it touched skin, I managed to squeeze it through. Instantly, I felt a wave of mana wash over me; invisible strands of mana wrapped around me without actually touching me. My eyes widened as I held my finger up, admiring the ring in it. I made a sound.
Woah.
Pretty cool, right? When I put it on for the first time, I didnt expect to feel anything different. But now, you should be able to take any hits physical, magical, or whatever kind of attacks there are a good few times before youre actually harmed. But dont think youre invincible just because you have it on. You can still be thrown and knocked around. It just wont hurt you.
Its amazing! Where did you get this? I want more!
I turned excitedly to Daniel. He hesitated, shifting ufortably on his feet as he scratched the back of his head.
Uh I stole it
Its done.
Edithe spoke softly as she walked over to us. Her face was shadowed over and her hands were balled into a fist. She took a deep breath, rxing her body as she looked up at us.
What were you two talking about?
Rings
Nothing.
I nced over at Daniel, at first annoyed that he had cut me off. Then I paused, thinking for a moment, before realizing that he did not want me to mention what we had just been discussing. So I nodded.
Yes, we were talking about nothing at all! We were just silently standing here next to each other.
The Human man sighed as Edithe suppressed a grin.
Alright then. Lets go back, shall we?
We headed out of the Adventurers Guild as the quiet conversations slowly grew louder and louder; by the time we exited the building, I could hear panicked voices and loud groansing from adventurers discussing the news.
It was big news, apparently; a Gold Ranked team was not supposed to go down that easily that was what Daniel told me. Everyone had expected the Demon attacking and destroying the viges to be in by Edithe and herpanions, but now they were expecting a lot more destruction to happen before the Demon was finally put down.
I did not understand their shock. I had known Lucerna was strong he had killed all those [Cultists] even after Haec and I fought him together. From what I was told, an adventurer qualified for Gold Rank at around Level 40, so I could easily see how the [Djinn] was able to take out four of them by himself.
We started in the direction of Edithes inn, walking through the empty, night streets. It seemed so different from what it looked like during the day I stared around curiously, taking in the dirt road and side houses for the first time. Without seeing Humans everywhere I turned, I could actually take in the details of the city.
We passed by a building that was brimming with light from the inside. There was a piece of wood that hung over the door with words written on it. I narrowed my eyes and pointed at it.
Come inside for a night of fun and pleasure. What does that mean?
Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. The Human man started.
Uh, it means how old were you again, Salvos?
I paused.
How old am I?
I frowned, considering the question. Individually, each word made sense to me but when it was strung together into the sentence he had asked, I I dont get it.
Edithe saw me struggling withing up with an answer, so she spoke up, trying to borate on what Daniel had said.
Your age. Hes asking how long you have been. alive?
How long have I been alive?
I looked up at the sable dome overhead, being reminded of the darkness that was my very world before I had been born. I thought back to how much time had passed between then and now, before realizing that I never really thought about it before.
I dont know?
Daniel raised an eyebrow, but Edithe simply nodded.
I thought so.
You knew that she wouldnt be able to tell us her age?
I expected it. All the Spirits I have had only ever measured their age when they were in the Mortal Realm. There isnt any way to keep track of time in the Spirit ne no day and no night. So I assumed the Netherworld was the same.
She turned to me and I eagerly bobbed my head up and down.
The sky doesnt ever change color, and theres no sun or moon too! None of those twinkling lights those stars either! Just the crimson, glowing sky above.
The Human man stared at me, shocked.
And yourepletely fine with this? How do you not go insane if you cant keep track of time? How do you even n or schedule anything there?
n? Schedule?
I gave him a nk look. He opened and closed his mouth, trying toe up with something to say, but nothing came out. I shrugged.
If I wanted to do something, I would always just do it. Mypanion was always with me, so there was no need to n anything. And I never cared about my age, so I didnt think about it. But if you must know
I tried remembering all the times I saw the sky changed colors since I first woke up after escaping Lucerna.
Ive been in the Mortal Realm for 34 days.
Over a month, huh? Fairdale was found burnt to the ground around a month ago. If what you say was true and you did get summoned along with the [Djinn], then that sounds about right.
Daniel mused, rubbing a hand on his chin.
How does thatpare to the amount of time youve spent in the Netherworld?
I thought about it for a moment.
Not long maybe 20 times shorter?
Edithe halted in her step as Daniels gaze snapped in my direction. The two stared at me, and I scratched the back of my head as Daniel often did when he was unsure.
You mean youre only two years old?
Maybe? I dont know. It might only be 10 times shorter? When I had first been born, I felt like I spent a lot of time by myself before I met the others. And after they died, I was by myself again for a really long while. But maybe it wasnt as long as I thought?
Daniel sighed.
So youre only one years old?
Yes?
For some reason, I felt like that didnt ameliorate anything for them.
Whats wrong?
Its nothing.
The Human man shook his head as we continued down the road. The two remained silent as we turned a corner, finally arriving back at Edithes inn. I turned back to them.
Were here now hurry up and sleep! We need to find Lucerna before he gets too far away!
Daniel looked at the Human woman.
Well be heading back to our inn. Do you want to meet back here tomorrow?
She jolted, ncing up as her eyes darted between us.
Huh? What? Oh uh, yeah. Meet back here tomorrow.
Whats wrong?
He looked at her with a furrowed brow. She chewed her lower lip, slowly mustering up a reply.
...are we really going to do this?
I cocked my head.
What do you mean?
Edithe hesitated, ncing between the two of us.
Are we really going to face this Lucerna together? I dont mean to doubt either of your abilities, but do you really think youll really be able to defeat Lucerna? Salvos, youre only Level 25 and one or two years old. Sure, Ive seen what you could do you could maybe beat some Gold Ranked adventurers in a fight. But this [Djinn] were going after is twice your level and probably has a hundred times thebat experience you have. And as for you, Daniel
She paused, frowning as her eyes flickered.
I dont know what your real level is, although I can tell that youre strong. But Paul is had been stronger than you. I dont mean to belittle you, Im just trying to say that he was a great [Warrior] a Level 53 [Warrior] and still, he was killed by the [Djinn].
Daniel nced over at me, then back at the Human woman.
I dont actually want to do this either.
She eyed him dubiously.
Then why are you doing this?
Because I promised Salvos I would help her get back to her home because of reasons. I how about you, Edithe? If you think we cant beat this Lucerna, how did you think you were going to be able to beat him alone?
Edithe stared at him, steadfast.
Because I have to. Why else did I live when my friends did not? And if I cant? Then I would die trying.
Then thats settled then, right?
I piped up casually.
Daniel promised he would help me. You want to kill Lucerna. I want to get back to the Netherworld. What else is there to it?
The two blinked, turning to face me.
We knew all these things already, didnt we?
We did. But I guess I was just trying to confirm if we really were going to do this.
So do you really want to find Lucerna to get your revenge?
Edithe replied instantly.
I do.
I looked at Daniel.
And do you really want to help me get back to the Netherworld for whatever reason you had and arent lying to me at this moment for whatever reason?
He took a moment longer to respond, slowly registering what I said.
Uh, no? Wait, I mean yes.
I folded my arms, satisfied.
Good. Then lets get you two Humans your needed sleep, go to the temple and get Edithe her Spirits, then we go find Lucerna. Simple as that.
The two slowly nodded as I nced between them. Then I sighed, shaking my head as I muttered under my breath.
You Humans are weird.
Chapter 26.1. Spirits
Chapter 26.1. Spirits
26.1. Spirits
The next day, we met up with Edithe at the lobby of her inn in the morning as it was closer to the temple; she was dressed in different clothes from before her bloodied and ashened white robe was now reced with brown cloth garments. Apparently her robes were enchanted she only used it forbat. This was considered her casual clothing. whatever that meant.
We started in the direction of the Sanctuary of Fauna, no longer questioning whether we would be going after Lucerna. The only thing in our mind now was how we were going to be going after him.
He was a powerful [Djinn]. Supposedly, he was now Level 50 gaining over 8 levels since I hadst seen him. That was a big jump; I had gained only 8 levels during that time, and I had mostly been fighting since I arrived at the Mortal Realm.
We had to be stronger, so the first thing we were going to do was get Edithe new summons new Spirits. We reached the white temple building as the streets began to busy itself with Human life; we caught some nces from passersby, although none of them seemed to focus on me. They all focused on Edithe because of her level?
Its normal. People stare at me because Im a Gold Ranked adventurer.
I cocked my head, confused.
Whats a Gold Ranked adventurer anyway? I keep hearing you guys talk about it, but no one ever told me.
Daniel sighed, shaking his head. But Edithe just exined.
The job of an adventurer is divided into various different ranks: Silver, Gold, tinum, and Diamond. Generally speaking, adventurers are promoted when they reach their next ss advancement. That means usually Levels 10 to 40 will be Silver, Levels 40 to 70 will be Gold, 70 to 100 will be tinum, and 100 to 150 will be Diamond. Anyone above Level 150 is no longer ranked by the Adventurers Guild, considered to be Elites however they are rare. Only a few dozen Humans reach that level every generation. Maybe a handful of those are adventurers.
I looked at her curiously.
So why are people staring at you? Youre only Gold, right? It doesnt seem too amazingpared to any of the others ranks.
Because arge majority of adventurers only ever stay in Silver, Salvos. Maybe they might get Gold in their lifetime, but only when theyre twice my age or older. The same goes for nonbat sses too in fact, its even worse for them. And especially in a smaller city like Hazelbury, someone my age at my level walking around is kind of noteworthy.
I nodded slowly, following the Human woman as she guided us through the halls of the temple. The [Priest] we had met the other day was here; he saw us, then Edithe. He stepped aside as she bowed slightly at him, before we crossed through the garden.
And your sses are like Subspecies, right?
That was what I had been told by Daniel; he didnt exin it too much in detail, but I got the gist of it.
Yes. Us Humans dont have a Subspecies like you Demons, Spirits, or monsters do. We just have sses we can choose once we hit Level 10. Sometimes, people wait a few more levels to hopefully get a more specialized ss. But that would result in them having a slower start since we dont get Stat or Skill Points until we choose a ss.
So you have no sses at all until then?
None at all. Just Levels and General Skills. Thats it.
Huh.
I caught a glimpse of the girl I had seen when I wasst here. She was lying on thep of a woman, eyes closed. I narrowed my eyes and identified her.
[Human]
As it turned out, I didnt even see her level. It was like looking at an animal or a tree. There was no description attached either; she was just a Human ording to my General Skill.
We pushed open the door to the smaller building disconnected from the main temple, finding ourselves standing in front of the summoning pool as two [Priests] were tending to it. Sakura was floating faceup on the water surface. She nced over at us with her vulpine eyes as we entered and I nodded at her. The [Beastkin] got up and nodded my way, before leaving the room.
I smiled, happy she recognized me, before turning my attention to Edithe as showed her badge and spoke with the [Priests].
...for Level 30 Spirits.
One of the first [Priest] stroked the hair protruding down from his chin.
We certainly can tune the summoning pool to do that. But this is a smaller branch in a small city, Miss. Were not sure if youll even get very many options this way. Maybe if we set the lower limit to Level 25
Its fine. Im already putting those Level 30s in danger. I should only be epting those that are at least Level 35, but I have no other choice.
If you say so.
The two [Priests] went to either end of the summoning pool. They ced their hands on a stone tablet there, with strange symbols and markings on them. They opened their mouths, beginning a slow chant as I felt mana surging through the water.
Chapter 26.2. Spirits
Chapter 26.2. Spirits
26.2. Spirits
I stared curiously at the summoning pool, almost leaning into my reflection before Daniel pulled me back.
Careful Salvos, it might be dangerous.
Its not.
Edithe shook her head.
These summoning pools are designed to only allow Spirits through. No mortal, monster, or Demon should be able to pass through it.
I nced between the two, before a shimmer of light caught my eye. I looked back at the water as a glow overcame it; lines and shapes started to form inside the summoning pool, weaving into each other and changing the surface into something more.
My eyes widened as suddenly, an image appeared where my reflection on the water had been. It was no longer just a picture of me, or even another person. Instead, I saw a location on the other side. There was a green sky, colorful trees, and
Spirits.
The Spirits came rushing through the summoning circle. I nearly backed up, thinking they were charging in to attack us. Were they wild Spirits? I had been told Spirits and Demons were simr. If these were wild Spirits
But they were not.
Two Spirits came through the portal, bursting out of the water and sending a small wave in my direction. I shielded my eyes and body with my cloak, before lowering it and looking up at the two floating creatures hovering above the summoning pool.
[Elemental - Lvl. 34]
[Elemental - lvl. 31]
They were both just staring at us, surveying the room as the image in the water changed again. Their bodies took the shape almost of a Human, except without a lower body to support them. The first was made out of ice hands, face, chest, every part of her body was frozen solid with a dozen long pointed shards sticking out of her body below where the legs should be, and wisps of ethereal smokeing off her. The second was made out of ash and fire his arms zing with heat as a trail of mes shot out below his torso, while his upper body was madepletely out of hardened ash.
An [Ice Elemental] and [Fire Elemental], huh? Interesting. Whats next?
The [Priests] poured more mana into the summoning pool as the pool glowed with the new image. This time, the water did not ssh out. Instead it slowly rippled as a lumbering creature pulled itself out of the summoning pool. His body was made entirely out of wood, although he did not look like a tree.
He looked rather Human, again. Except for the four arms sticking out of his body. He towered over anyone I had seen barring Lucerna, standing a head taller than even Haec. He was not alone, however.
On his shoulder, a little creature poked its head out. She ran down the side of one of his arms, running on all fours until she reached the palm of his hand. She cocked her head at us as he slowly lowered her down.
[Yaksha - Lvl. 30]
[Sprite - Lvl. 38]
Is that all?
Edithe looked over at the [Priests] as they focused all their magic into the stone tablets. There was a grunt, then a sigh as they shook their heads. The [Sprite]ughed.
That is all,dy of wisdom. No others thought it desirable to offer themselves to the task of someone at the level of you. And the [Beastkin] will not impinge on the territory of one of their own. So if you think it worth the cost, you shall have to make do with us.
The Human woman was taken aback.
No I mean not offense, Spirit of magic. I just thought
Spare us the titles. Pick your partners and be done with it. But be aware, we all have our stiptions.
Stiptions?
She narrowed her eyes. The [Sprite] nodded, standing now on only two legs as she folded her leg-like arms together.
The [Yaksha] has none. He will go with you if you choose him, for he is the lowest leveled of us all. The [Elementals] will not partner. Only one goes, not the other. And as for me?
The blue skinned Spirit pointed to herself.
I shall go alone or not go at all. So be quick and take your pick.
Edithe blinked, ncing between them. She tried to protest.
Wait, cant you at least tell me your Skills? Your specializations?
We will, only if you choose us. That is how the contract always works, no?
Yes... but I never usually have this few to choose from!
The [Sprite] shook her head, turning back to the other Spirits.
Hurry it up,dy of wisdom. Else I grow bored and resign myself from this queue.
Edithe bit her lower lip.
...fine. I pick the [Yaksha] and the [Ice Elemental].
So you choose them. Very well. Then it is settled.
The two Spirits she had chosen stepped forward as the other two turned back to the summoning pool. The [Fire Elemental] slowly descended back in, but the [Sprite] simply hopped off the arm of the [Yaksha], disappearing into the Spirit ne without so much of a word.
The Human woman watched them go, almost longingly. However she shook her head, focusing on the Spirits that came forward to her. The [Mage] held a hand out, a magic circle forming on the palm of her hands. A symbol marked on the bodies of both Spirits glowed as she began to speak.
Spirits, sign this temporary contract. Let us once again form this bond which has tied Humanity with you and your Lord for thest thousand years. Fight alongside me, Edithe Phyros, and we shall reap the rewards of battle together. This I promise you as your new master.
The [Yaksha] bent to one knee while the [Elemental] bowed her head. Only she spoke, but she spoke for the both of them.
We ept this contract, master.
Then for the next six months, we shall be allies on the battlefield. What are your names?
His name is Druma. Mine is Mistshard.
Druma, Mistshard.
Edithe nodded, a smile drawing itself on her face. She lowered a hand as the symbols on the Spirits bodies stopped glowing, now filled in with another mark.
Its good to meet you both.
They exchanged a nce, almost uncertain. But Edithe proffered a hand this time, not just holding it up to cast magic. Slowly, they both took it. I watched as the Human woman flinched when the icy cold hand of the [Elemental] touched her, before getting engulfed by therge hand of the [Yaksha].
We left the temple shortly after she acquired her two new Spirits. They did not follow her. Instead, returning to the summoning pool and disappearing back to the Spirit ne.
I stared at Edithe, confused.
Wait, why did they go back? Didnt youe here for them?
I formed a contract with them, Salvos. Now, I can call them whenever I want. Well, I can only really call one of them whenever I want with [Quick Summon]. [Summon Partner] takes longer to cast it requires preparation before a battle. But I dont just have them with me when Im, say, walking around the inside of a city.
Why cant you just have them with you at all times?
Because then Id be spending mana to keep them with me. I can probably counteract the passive drain on my mana with an hour of [Rest], but its still tiring to just feel your mana be sucked out of you.
Huh.
The three of us were now walking through the streets of Hazelbury, having bade farewell to the [Priests] who did the summoning ritual. Daniel frowned, turning to the Human woman.
Edithe, I know youre the [Mage] and [Summoner] here, but why did you not choose the [Sprite]. She was the highest leveled if we really want to fight Lucerna, shed be more help than the other twobined.
Youre right. The [Sprite] was the highest leveled. She could have helped us the most against the [Djinn]... Lucerna. But she was just one. And she would level far too slowly. These two? We can still train them. Get them to level up.
Level them?
He gave her a dubious look.
And how exactly are we going to do that in a few days?
Perhaps not a few days. But were going to train as much as we can. Level up quickly.
I turned to her excitedly.
You know how to level quickly?
Yes.
How? Tell me!
Were going to a Dungeon.
Chapter 27: Are You Evil?
Chapter 27: Are You Evil?
27. Are You Evil?
A Dungeon.
I wasnt exactly sure what that was; I asked questions, but I mostly glossed over everything that had been exined to me except for the first thing I had been told. And that was how fast you could level in a Dungeon.
That was amazing! I was ted! I wanted to go to one right away. If I could quickly go from Level 25 to Level 50 be a Greater Demon like Lucerna I would surely be able to beat him on my own. But it didnt work that way.
Daniel borated for me as Edithe sold off some of the loot she took off the bandits bodies.
Theres nothing special about a Dungeon that specifically makes you level faster. Theres no bonus experience awarded for killing a monster in one versus outside of one. The only reason why its sought after is because its a ce where monsters gather.
I cocked my head questioningly.
Why do monsters gather in a Dungeon?
Dungeons are simply a collection of monster Lairs, and monsters form Lairs where there is high ambient mana. Theyre attracted to it. In a way, every living being is. But theres an instinctual drive for monsters to go to it. And so there are plenty of monsters to kill in a Dungeon. To train on.
The Human man wagged a finger as he exined. I frowned and looked up at him usingly.
So you go find and attack them just to level?
Yes I mean, kind of? We do go out of our way to exterminate them, but its not because we want to level. Well, most Humans do it to level. And for the monster parts they can sell, or for the money they can earn. But its mostly due to the nature of how Dungeons work.
And that is?
If a Dungeon gets too big, monster hordes will form. And those can and have destroyed towns and cities in the past. So we have a need to cull their poption.
I nodded.
I see.
Still trying to understand how Dungeons work? Or have you already figured it out?
Edithe walked over, pocketing a bag of coins into her pants pocket. Daniel looked at me, raising an eyebrow.
I dont know. Do you still have questions, Salvos?
Nope actually, yes. Where can we find a Dungeon?
I piped up excitedly. The two didnt look at each other like I expected them too. Instead, Edithe rolled her eyes and Daniel sighed.
Thats what were trying to figure out right now, right?
My team was sent here to do just that. The Iron Champions Company has a history of keeping a monopoly on Dungeons. In fact, their first Dungeon was the Millcliff Iron Mines, which was how they got their name. They profited off selling the iron from the [Iron Golems] while they leveled. We wanted to expose the location of this newly found Dungeon around Falisfield, but
The Human woman didnt exactly clench her fist or grit her teeth as before, but she still trailed off.
Well, you know what happened.
Why did you even want to do that, anyway? Does yourpany have something to gain from it?
Daniel asked, raising a hand hesitantly.
Were the Valiant Dreamers Company. Were kind of idealistic its even in our name. We believe that evenpanies did not always squabble for influence or resources such as Dungeons it would be better for everybody. Adventurers, cities, countries. Everyone.
Oh. Thats very nice uh, noble of you guys.
It is.
I nodded along, listening to their conversation. I had wanted to speak up for a bit, but chose not to say anything, remembering how they didnt like it when I interrupted them when they were speaking. But now, I saw my chance.
Lets ask them!
Edithe nced back at me.
...pardon?
I grinned happily underneath my hood.
You said the Iron Champions Company knows where this Dungeon is, right?
I received two slow nods in return.
Then lets ask them!
Uh, Salvos, I dont think theyll just tell us
Daniel spoke as he scratched the back of his head. Edithe murmured an agreement from behind him.
Why not?
I scoffed, shaking my head. Everyone I have questioned so far eventually answered, as long as they didnt think I was a Demon. I had gone around Hazelbury with Daniel and spoken to a lot of people they would always give a response, even if they didnt know.
And ording to Edithe, they knew where the Dungeon was. So they would surely tell us where it was!
Theyll tell us, trust me. Even ke offered to show it to me, and he was part of the Iron Champions Company, right? We just have to ask them and well get our answer!
--
Absolutely not.
ke leaned back on his chair, a scowl forming on his face. I ced one hand on the table, protesting.
Why not? You said you would let me see your Dungeon!
That was before you hit me in the balls!
The adventurer stood up, knocking his chair back to the ground; a few faces turned and stared as the tall Human man jabbed a finger in my direction.
I should make you pay for what you did do you really think there will be no consequences for your actions? Not only did you reject my generous offer for you to join the Iron Champions Company, you attacked me too.
I crossed my arms, staring defiantly up at him.
Try it.
Ok, Salvos. Thats enough.
Daniel stepped in, cing a hand on my shoulder. I turned to him, an annoyed look on my face.
Why are you defending ke? Isnt he the one you didnt like?
Yes, but we have no reason to start a fight here. Look, people are already staring at you.
I nced around, seeing more faces now watching on with keen interest as ke tried to loom over me. I was about to retort, but then I remembered how I was supposed to keep a low profile. I scowled, whirling around and stalking away from him.
Fine.
Daniel followed me as we joined Edithe who opted to stay out of the entire confrontation; ke turned and resumed a conversation with a group of adventurers that had been with him, pointing in our direction as heughed. Sighing, I looked at the Human woman.
What do we do now?
That didnt work out exactly as nned as I thought it would. So that just means we do things the hard way.
And what is that?
Edithe pushed herself off the wall of the guild, ncing between Daniel and I.
We search for it.
I nodded, but the Human man immediately took a step back.
Wait, you want us to search all of Falisfield for it? You do realize that this province stretches from Silverdale to Bouldergarde, right? Thatd be days just to travel between those two cities in a straight line. It would take us months to stumble upon a random Dungeon.
We have no other choice. At least well be moving and possibly exterminating any monsters wee across, rather than just sitting in this city doing nothing. Only the Iron Champions Company has a map to the Dungeon, and they wont share it with us. Its far more efficient than camping out the city and following every one of their adventuring teams that goes out, hoping its not a mundane mission and theyre trying out the Dungeon.
But
I raised a hand, imitating Daniel earlier. The two immediately closed their mouths shut, looking over at me warily. I tilted my head, frowning.
Im not going to attack you, dont react that way. I just had a question.
Oh, uh, go ahead and ask it then.
I faced Edithe, slowly lowering my wed hand as she eyed the movement.
You said the Iron Champions Company has a map?
Yes.
To the Dungeon?
Uh, yeah.
Daniel answered for her.
They have to keep track of its location, otherwise theyll be just as lost as we are.
I nodded eagerly, looking between both of them.
Then why dont we just take the map?
The two looked at each other, hesitation clearly written on their faces. I folded my arms. Why dont they like this idea?
Salvos we cant just do that.
Why not?
Because listen us Humans think its bad to take things that aren''t yours. Its considered stealing. It breaks thew. Its evil. Do you want to be evil, Salvos?
She spoke softly, trying to convince me against my ingenious n. I shrugged.
Sure.
Edithe blinked a few times.
Didnt you say youre not an evil creature?
I am not, yes. I am Salvos.
But doing that would make you evil.
That makes sense to me.
The Human woman was rubbing her forehead now, almost as confused if not more confused than I was.
If youre evil, wouldnt you just be an evil creature?
I wouldnt! Id be an evil Salvos, but not an evil creature!
I I see
Besides, its not like Id be a wild Demon if I took something that isnt mine. They ignored the Spear of mes even though it was right there in front of them. They dont care about anything but leveling. They just want to use others and me to evolve. I dont do that.
It made sense to me; I didnt understand Edithe was staring at me wide eyed, or why Daniel had his face buried in his hands. I opened my mouth to question them further, but the Human man spoke first.
Salvos.
He looked up, face turning serious. I cocked my head as he leaned closer, speaking at almost a whisper.
If you want to do this, then fine. We cant stop you. But promise me this: you wont kill anyone no matter what happens.
I looked at him. I met his brown eyes as they stared pleadingly at me. I nodded, smiling as I answered as truthfully as I could.
I promise!
--
I wasnt sure why the two Humans expressed as much apprehension as they did. I was fast. I was quick. I would just go into the Iron Champions Companys building, grab the map, then go out.
It was so simple. But theyplicated things even more.
They made me wait until night came before I could do any of that. They reminded me that I was not to kill anyone, to which I reassured them I wouldnt. Normally, I would kill those who attacked me first. But I only did so to level and evolve myself, which going to a Dungeon would aid in tremendously. So I made an exception here. Then they made me wear a piece of cloth on my face a mask telling me not to get caught.
It was a lot of nning; I didnt understand any of it.
I was just d I could finally just get this over with. I climbed up a tree, reaching to the side of the building with three floors. I hung on a branch, eyeing a room through the second floor window. I slowly pulled it open, keeping quiet as I was told to by Daniel, before lowering myself in front of a desk with pieces of paper strewn across it.
Map? Any map here?
I paused, realizing I had no idea what a map looked like. I understood what they meant when they talked about maps, but I hadnt actually seen one. It was a diagram of thend? A diagram of thend leading to a Dungeon?
I wasnt entirely sure. All I knew was that I didnt see anything resembling what I thought what one would look like lying on the table.
I dont know what it looks like or where it is. What do I do? I know!
I softly pushed the door open, looking down either end of the dark hallway. I caught a glimpse of a figure moving down the other side. I ran up to them, grabbing them from behind, quietly tripping him and pinning him to the ground.
Wha ha
Shhh.
I covered his mouth.
Im supposed to be quiet, so dont shout. Or else.
His eyes widened as the fire dagger slowly lowered onto his face.
Tell me what I want, and I wont kill you.
He frantically nodded and I grinned. He thinks I will actually kill him! He doesnt know that Im lying!
Wheres the map?
W-what map?
The map to your Dungeon. The one you guys are keeping from everyone.
The man blinked.
To the Silkfalls Crevice? Its in that room over there. First cab from the bottom!
He eximed, but I held his mouth shut. I nodded slowly, smiling.
Thanks.
I got up, pushing the door open and entered the room. The man stared after me, confused.
Wait, I can go?
Of course. I wont kill you. Im not allowed to I lied, see?
Oh
I shook my head, feeling satisfied with myself as he immediately disappeared. What an idiot. He actually thought I was telling the truth, even when I had already let him go. In the first ce, he didnt attack me. In the second, I had no ns of killing anyone here.
I pulled open the cab, finding the map which I had identified as a map. I lifted it up, reading the word Dungeon written on it before folding it under my arms. Ive got it, now I just have to
There was a moring, then footsteps rushing down the hallway.
Time to go, I dont want to get caught.
I flung the window open and jumped outside as a few figures turned the corner. They called after me but I ignored them, quickly lowering myself down to the ground. I could see their shadows rushing down after me, but they were too slow. Far too slow. They would not catch me.
I ran off, running to the two Humans that I had left behind.
Salvos whats going on?
Edithe looked at me with panic in her eyes as I ran around the corner to the alley she had been waiting in. Daniel was with her, a nervous look on his face as the chattering from the Iron Champions Company building grew louder.
Did you get caught?
I didnt get caught. See?
I gestured at myself, then held up the thing I was holding.
And I have the map with me. Come on, lets go!
Shouts broke out behind me as I showed the map to them.
Then why are they after you?
Because the man I asked called hispanions. But its fine, they move slow. I outran them so they couldnt catch me.
Neither Humans said anything. They both just had a resigned look on their faces. Edithe ced a hand on Daniels shoulder.
How did you deal with her by yourself before this?
Thats the thing: I did not.
Ah.
Yeah.
Chapter 28.1. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
Chapter 28.1. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
28.1. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
You know, its my fault. I should have known this would have happened.
How could anyone have known this would happen?
I mean, aside from always expecting the worst oue in any possible situation? I shouldve been more specific I couldve chosen my words better too.
True. But I thought our exnation was sufficient as well. Neither of us could have predicted this. The me belongs to neither of us.
Well, Ive known Salvos hasckedmon sense for a while
Hey, I heard that!
I raised a wed hand in the air at Daniel. He flinched, murmuring an apology.
S-sorry. I didnt think youd take offense to that.
I grinned, dismissively waving it off.
Im not offended. I just thought thats how a Human would react. You guys seem to be pretty quick to get mad after all.
Normally, Id defend my kind actually, I probably wouldnt. Humans suck. But youre making a great point here
An explosion resounded behind us, cutting him off. Edithe clicked her tongue, ncing back at our pursuers. Adventurers from the Iron Champions Company chased after us, hurling magical attacks and firing arrows in our direction as we ran down the gravel road. Daniel shouted back at them.
What are you guys, crazy?! That couldve killed us!
His words reached them, but their reply did not reach us; only arge variety of words I had been told were bad made it through their moring. He sighed.
I cant believe this. They might really be trying to kill us. Over a Dungeon
I cocked my head, confused by the dilemma.
Why cant we just k
Because we would get in trouble for breaking thew. Also Id rather not kill any more people unnecessarily. Its just too much.
I nced over at him, still running, but not saying a word. An arrow whizzed past my head,nding on the ground just ahead of me with a thunk. Apparently they could attack us without consequences yet we couldnt do the same to them. It had something to do with them being the Iron Champions Company? And because I stole from them? I didnt really know.
A ball of fire exploded above our heads and Edithe scowled. She cursed under her breath as she spun around.
Alright, fuck this. Ive had enough.
What are you
[Quick Summon].
The [Mage] that was actually a [Summoner] raised her staff above her head as a glyph formed in the air in front of her. It took shape quickly, giving off an ethereal glow as wisps of light gathered in the center of it. A few moments passed Edithe just standing there as our pursuers closed the distance. Then a misty being shot out of the summoning circle.
The [Elemental] made of ice hovered between Edithe and the charging adventurers; her frosted arms were crossed in front of her chest as the Human woman addressed her.
Mistshard, freeze the road but dont hurt them. Make sure they cant take a step without slipping and falling on their heads.
As youmand, master.
The Spirit spun around and flew towards the dozen-or-so people chasing after us. I watched as a beam of ice shot out of her arms,nding on the ground just ahead of them, forming a thin sheet of ice on the road. It spread out quickly, extending even to the surrounding forest. The adventurers tumbled and fell, shouting and screaming as they did, while Mistshard returned to us.
Edithe nodded.
Thatll distract them for a while. Come on into the trees!
We swerved away from the road, hiding under the tall, green canopy overhead. I watched as the light from the torches carried by the adventurers slowly faded into the distance, only darkness covering us now as we escaped their pursuit.
--
I dont think theyre after us anymore.
Good. Now we just have to be prepared for an ambush at the entrance to the Dungeon.
Think they will go that far?
Probably not. Its not worth the effort when they can just wait for us to return to the city. Or any city around Falisfied, really. Theyve probably notified every branch of theirpany by now.
I nced between the two Humans as they put out the campfire. I frowned, realizing what was going to happen next.
Wait we just left the city. Are you really going to sleep now?
Daniel smiled at me apologetically? It clearly wasnt one out of happiness it had more of an apprehensive and regretful look to it, if I was studying it right.
Sorry, Salvos. Were Humans. Unlike you, we need sleep whether we want to or not.
And youre going to make me sit here and do nothing until the sunes up again?
I mean, you can try to sleep if you want. Mistshard will keep watch for us. Edithe still
He eyed the Human woman and she pursed her lips. Neither said anything and I folded my arms.
Fine, maybe I will.
He quirked an eyebrow.
Ok good luck.
I watched the Human man lie down, covering himself in a thin cloth nket. I copied his movement, turning to my side as he did and closed my eyes.
I sat up a whileter, bored, and searched for something else to do.
Chapter 28.2. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
Chapter 28.2. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
28.2. Liar Liar, I Make Fire
I inspected a flower sprouting out from a bush. There were dozens of buds protruding from it, but only a single one had be a flower. I used [Identification] on it, confirming that the others had not be flowers yet. Only the one with the lc spread wide open telling me that it was a [Flower].
I grabbed it, peering inside of the nt. I saw the way the petals folded or could have folded and turned to one of the buds. I gripped the closed flower with my wed hands and pried it open.
I ripped the petals off the bud by ident, tearing it apart, and watched as my [Identification] stopped working on it.
I I killed it
I didnt mean to attack it! It was just so fragile. I thought I could turn it into a [Flower] from a [Flower Bud], but I killed it!
I stepped back, aghast. Am I a wild Demon? I looked at my wed hands, staring at the pieces shredded pieces of petal stuck on my long nails. No I didnt mean to
Then I paused, realizing I hadnt gained any experience for the kill. I hadnt attacked it for no reason just to evolve. I simply let my curiosity get the better of me and killed it by ident.
I shrugged.
That means Im not a wild Demon then. Good!
I nced up, relieved at this, and relieved at seeing the sun rise above the horizon. I looked over at Edithe and Daniel, sleeping under the hovering [Ice Elemental] as she watched over them. I shouted.
Wake up! Its time to go!
The two jumped out of their beds, grabbing for their weapons.
Wh huh?
Whats going on? An attack?
I stood in front of the two, hands on my hips like one of those women I had seen standing at the side of the streets of Hazelbury, talking in a loud voice to some shorter Humans. I grinned.
No attack. Its morning.
They blinked, exchanging a nce. I simply gestured past them.
Come on, its time to go! The Dungeon is waiting for us!
Daniel sighed and Edithe rubbed at her temples.
Salvos, the Dungeon is that way.
Huh.
I turned around and corrected myself.
Lets go! This way to the Dungeon!
They shook their heads, but said nothing else. Instead, they slowly got up and began packing up their things. Soon enough, we were off and headed to the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon.
We trudged through the foliage, eventually exiting the forest and back onto a road a different road. Edithe led the way as we followed behind her; we had given her the map, since apparently she was the one who was most familiar with Falisfield.
Daniel had been in Hazelbury for a few months, but he did not study the geography of the area before he arrived. Meanwhile, Edithe had only been here for a month, however she actually had to learn of the different cities, towns, and ces of note before she came. Learning that information was necessary for why she came here.
She nced back at the Human man as he wiped at his forehead.
You alright?
Im fine its just a little bit hot. Thats all.
Here, Ill help you. Mistshard.
The Human woman nodded at her Spirit. The [Elemental] flew closer to Daniel, before suddenly emanating a cold aura that I could feel even from where I was walking. I grasped at my shoulders, turning to the Spirit.
Thats cold.
Apologies. As a Demon with an affinity to fire, I know this makes you ufortable. However I am not skilled or high leveled enough to concentrate my cold aura to only Daniel. I suggest you put some distance between us to get away from the cold.
Edithe had already told Mistshard and Druma of me being a Demon; contrary to what Daniel had been afraid of, neither Spirits cared that I was a Demon. Maybe they would have if Edithe had a problem with it, but otherwise, they treated me the same way they treated Daniel.
We eventually reached a fork in the road and made a right, heading uphill to a mountain range in the distance. We continued on that path for a bit, cresting up the first hill. We found ourselves in t ground before immediately deviating from the road, making a hard left.
It should be somewhere here. Thats what the map says, at least.
Is it a cave? We should keep a lookout for any entrances if thats the case.
Daniel supplied the suggestion.
No, its not. Its a crevice. A hole in the ground. Just keep a lookout for it and dont fall into one. So watch your step.
The Human woman didnt exactly say my name, but I felt like she was talking to me by the way she looked over at me. I nodded, before my eyes fixated on something.
Is that it?
I pointed in the direction of the thin wrinkle on the ground, quite a distance away. The two Humans squinted, trying to see what I had mentioned. Edithe frowned.
I think it is. Good spot, Salvos. How did you catch that?
I smiled back at her.
My [Identification] is at Level 4. It helps me see better, I think.
Well, thats not exactly how it works. But that is a high level, especially considering your age. Although I feel like I should mention that most people dont just reveal their levels and Skills. Its considered private information.
Whys that?
Ill exin it to you next time.
Edithe turned back to the crevice as we reached it. She peeked over the edge, ncing down the dark hole. She held out a hand and sent a small ball of me tumbling down the ravine.
That is deep.
She looked over at us and held up her hands.
I dont think any of us can make that jump. And I wasnt exactly prepared to leave Hazelbury when we were chased out. We might have to go to a nearby town to buy some rope.
Rope?
I cocked my head. I immediately protested, wanting to enter the Dungeon as soon as possible.
Why cant we just climb down?
Its too dangerous. For me, at least. And Daniel too, maybe. If he was a higher leveled [Warrior], he could probably make it down with just his [Strength] or [Vitality] alone.
She shook her head.
These are risks Id rather neither of us take. Sorry Salvos. I know youre excited to enter a Dungeon for the first time, but our safetyes first.
I wanted to argue even more what if the town didnt have rope? What if the Iron Champions Company finds us in the town? What if Lucerna dies while were wasting our time on getting rope? There were so many things I wanted to say, but I couldnt say any of it because Daniel piped up.
I have rope.
Edithe stared at him.
You do?
Yeah. In my bag right here.
He held up his bag, pulling out a thick rope strands of string were twisted and tied together to form it. He nced around and walked up to a rock, beginning to tie the rope onto it.
I watched in shock as the rope kepting out of the bag. There was so much rope! And it was all kept in that tiny bag!
How is that possible?
I spoke softly. Edithe looked over at me.
How is what possible?
That! How does he keep all that in his bag?! What kind of magic is that?
Oh that?
Sheughed, putting a hand on her mouth as she did.
Youre confused about that?
I stared at her, feeling my face heat up a little. I wasnt sure why, but I didnt exactly like how she wasughing at me.
Whats wrong?
I eyed her with crossed arms. Edithe waved a hand, wiping a tear from her eye with the other as she replied.
Its nothing you really are like a child, huh? Thats not magic. Well, what Daniel is doing isnt magic. Its just rope in a normal bag. All he did was roll it up so it would fit.
Blinking, I carefully looked at how the rope slid out of the bag. Certainly it seemed like it was being unraveled as Daniel pulled it out. But
Then how about your bag? You were able to keep all those weapons and armor in it!
Thats different. That was a Bag of Holding a storage item. It does have magic in it. But Daniels does not.
I slowly nodded. Daniel pulled out the rest of the rope and finished tying it on the rock as I scratched the side of my head.
...can I take a look at it?
My Bag of Holding? Sure. Its only Low Grade. Some basic space magic. Which is actually quite difficult for [Mages] to cast at a lower level. But still Low Grade.
I put a hand out, however Edithe nced over at Daniel.
Ill show it to youter. I told you, I didnt bring it with me because I was not prepared to leave. Come on, you want to enter the Dungeon, right? I think hes done.
Sure enough, the Human man called out for us a momentter. I deted just for a moment when Edithe pulled the bag away from me, but jumped up and ran to Daniel when he said he was done.
Its finished? We can enter the Dungeon now?
Yeah. We have to be careful though. We dont know whats down there. Ive heard it might be a Gold Ranked Dungeon.
Thats right. We need to set up camp here too, with some traps in case we need to quickly escape. And I still have to summon Druma. Itll take a while.
I frowned, ncing between the two Humans as more dys popped up. Then I had an idea.
Why dont I go down there first, then?
Daniel raised a brow.
Its dangerous
Its fine, Ill just take a look around. We want to be prepared, right? Im fast so I can probably escape whatever is down there. I escaped Lucerna and hes at this Gold Ranked level, remember? Ill just see what monsters there are and go back up.
He hesitated, looking between me and the hole in the ground. He turned back to Edithe.
Should we let her?
I dont see why not. Shes capable of defending herself. Were not her carers. And its just a quick look, right?
Daniel sighed, looking back at me.
Fine. But promise me you wont attack any monster down there.
I smiled innocently at them.
Of course. I promise I won''tattack any monsters without a reason.
He shook his head, walking up to the rope and held it up for me.
Come on, Ill lower you down.
I jumped up, excitedly running up to it and firmly gripped it.
Yay! Hurry it up!
I held on tight to the rope as he slowly released it, lowering me further and further down to the crevice below. I held up a hand, creating a small ball of fire to illuminate my path. I looked up, seeing the daylight from above slowly disappear as the words shed in my head.
Now Entering [Dungeon: Silkfalls Crevice].
I grinned to myself. Heh, I promised I wont attack any monsters without reason. But if a monster attacks me, Ill have no choice but to fight back.
Chapter 29: Silkfalls Crevice
Chapter 29: Silkfall''s Crevice
29. Silkfall''s Crevice
Now Entering [Dungeon: Silkfalls Crevice]
The words resounded in my mind as I was lowered further down into the dark ravine. The light of day had disappeared far above; only the ball of fire on the palm of my hand illuminated the way down.
It was not long until I could see the bottom of the crevice. The gray stone floor was littered with strange dull white objects. They were ivory? Bones. There were all kinds of them spread throughout some vaguely resembled the size of a Human, while others seemed more like animals, or even monsters.
My feet touched the ground right next to a pile of bones with a skull stacked on top of it. I inspected it for a moment using [Identification] to see if I could learn more about it. I was hoping to possibly figure out how a Human died and lost all their fleshy bits.
All the Skill told me was that it was a skull.
I cast my fires light around me, seeing the ravine sloped into a damp and dark tunnel that curved downwards. I carefully stepped over the pieces of bones strewn about, trying to remain quiet just in case whatever was in this Dungeon was far beyond my level. I would probably be able to escape anything that was even 10 levels higher than me. Maybe even 20.
I had spent a lot of Stat Points on my [Agility], I had a Skill that was perfect for running away, and I was told that Demons typically could handle creatures in the Mortal Realm that were higher leveled than them. I stepped into the tunnel, following it as it led me further down and away from the rope. I paused after the first turn, narrowing my eyes as a strange, white pattern blocked my path.
I identified it before touching it, feeling its hard and stringy texture as my finger pressed into it.
[Web - Awork of fine threads formed by a kind of spider, typically to catch prey.]
I frowned as I tried to pull my hand back, realizing that it was stuck to the silky substance. I dissipated the fire I was using for light as I pulled back hard with one hand tugging on the other to free it from the spiderweb. Eventually, I broke free, although a piece of thread still clung to the tip of my finger.
What is this? Why is it so annoying?!
I brought my w down on the spiderweb blocking my path, shearing the intricate design into pieces I tore into it. It gave way with less resistance than Human flesh, but was strong enough that it didnt feel like I was just swinging at air. I pulled my hands back and stared at the fine threads that were stuck on my ws, clinging onto it as it draped to the floor.
Ok, Ive had enough of this.[me Coat]!
Fire came to life on my hands as I felt the magic take over; it incinerated the strands of silk or whatever else kind of string it was that clung to me, before spreading to the falling web on the ground. I watched in satisfaction as the fire quickly took care of the web blocking my path, only to hear a light skittering sound above my head.
I nced up slowly, only to see four pairs of glowing red eyes stare down at me.
[Drop Spider - Lvl. 41]
Uh, hi
He dropped down at me.
The [Drop Spider] closed his eight legs shut as his body reached me. I would have been crushed under the grip of the monster had I not leapt out of the way each of its legs were as tall as Daniel, their width the size of a thin tree trunk.
He whirled around as I created a dagger made of mes with one hand, holding up my ming ws with the other as I tried to get a better look at him. Is he just by himself? There were no other giant spiders with him. He faced me alone, having nearly snuck up on me when I was distracted by his webs.
I growled like a [Hellhound], baring my teeth as he charged at me.
The monster reached me a momentter, moving far slower than I had expected him to move as he swung one of his thick limbs at me. I ducked under the first swing and blocked the second with my dagger. The impact of the attack nearly caused me to stumble, but I quickly gathered myself and shed back at him.
My burning w was empowered by a [Fire Strike] as it cut deep into the [Drop Spider]s face. He reeled back and swung once again, but I dodged it easily. I had gauged his speed and determined he was not fast, at all.
I sent a quick [Fire st] to the wound on his head, forcing him back before I closed the distance and slid under him. My fire dagger sliced open the bottom of the monster, digging deep and spilling green ichor all behind me. Just as I reached the other side of therge spider and picked myself up, he mmed onto me with his entire backside.
I went flying back as an aura flickered around me, dropping my fire dagger in the process. I slid to the stop as the wall touched my back, my eyes widening as I watched the [Drop Spider] leap at me. I kicked against the wall and activated [Double Step]. I stumbled quickly under therge, falling spider. He crashed onto the rock wall as I spun around a ze already floating on the palm of my hand.
I had remembered what the bandit [Fire Mage] did I had seen the exploding balls of fire he had thrown. I wasnt entirely sure if what I created her was the same thing, but I tried making one anyway. I poured arge amount of mana into the fireball as it doubled in size and danced wilder than any fire I had ever conjured, before I hurled it at the [Drop Spider].
He saw iting, but he was not fast enough to get out of the way. The fireball exploded, shaking the tunnel and almost burning me. It had been arger explosion than the fireball the bandit [Fire Mage] was able to create, but I was expecting the monster to shatter into a flurry of parts with the amount of mana I spent into the attack. Instead, the st was underwhelming, only copsing him into a sizzling corpse.
Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 41]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
...was that not even worth a level?
I sighed, leaning against the wall. A retort made me jump and spin around in a panic.
And you said you wouldnt attack any monsters.
Daniel stood behind me, a sword and torch in each of his hands as he shook his head. I scratched the back of my head.
Uh I lied?
...at least youre honest.
--
Edithe came down shortly after, having not finished her summoning spell for Durma before Daniel went after me. Both Humans somehow suspected me of lying, and decided it was for the best if the Human man followed behind me after he had lowered me to the Dungeon.
How did you know I was lying?
I stared at him,pletely in shock that he could see through my carefully selected words of deceit.
You said you wouldnt attack any monsters and just check things out. And, well, whenever a child promises something, they''ll probably find a way to break it in a way that doesn''t actually ''break it''."
A child? I narrowed my eyes. A child is the young of a species like an infant.
I folded my arms.
I am not a child. I am a Lesser Demon.
Edithe stepped forward, interrupting Daniel before he could reply.
That doesnt matter. Demons and Spirits dont mature like we do, so yes youre not a child. But Salvos, the way you said it was really mischievous. Anyone would know you were lying if you speak that way.
I cocked my head to the side.
Am I not a good liar?
You arent. And maybe thats for the best. Anyway, what level was that Giant Spider you fought? Its big. Looks like it could be a second evolution form, but I just want to be sure.
The two Humans looked at me inquisitively as we stood at the ravine amongst the piles of bones. Druma and Mistshard waited by the tunnel going further down, just in case any monsters tried to sneak up on us. I scowled, remembering the [Drop Spider]s level.
He was Level 41. He gave me more experience but I didnt even level from it. That makes no sense.
I kicked a piece of bone and sent it flying to the other side of the ravine. It knocked over another pile of bones, causing a light echo as they crashed to the ground. Edithe ced a hand on her chin as she considered this.
So definitely a Gold Ranked Dungeon. This will be a little bit dangerous with only just me at above Level 40. Salvos youre a Demon so you can probably stand up to most of the lower leveled monsters in here. But Daniel, do you think youll be able to survive?
The Human man nodded as he firmly grasped his sword.
Dont worry about me. I can hold my own.
Are you sure? You have no reason to do this.
He turned to me slightly.
I promised her I would help her get back to her home. So far, I havent done anything at all to do that. Right now, finding and beating Lucerna seems to be the only way to do that. And I wanted to get stronger too.
I raised a brow. Huh, Ipletely forgot about that. I wondered for a moment why Daniel even wanted to help me in the first ce. He offered me his help after I had beaten him in a fight, but I never once asked him why it would even help him if he did that. Edithe nodded.
Alright then. Just be prepared to run if things seem like theyre going south. I dont want to be responsible for anything that could happen to you here just because you wanted to help a Demon uh, Salvos.
Is there really anything wrong with helping a Demon even if it wasnt Salvos?
The Human woman considered it for a moment before shrugging.
Probably. Im still questioning why Im even helping her she says shes fine with being evil after all. But I guess our interests line up, so it works out for the both of us.
I looked at Edithe as she nced away, before turning to Daniel who was rubbing at his forehead. I raised a hand.
Now can we go into the tunnel?
Yes, yes. Well go and kill some monsters now, Salvos.
I brightened and rushed in. Daniel called out after me.
She meant together, Salvos.
I paused right next to Durma who gave me a curious look. I turned around and smiled sheepishly.
Right. Were supposed to fight together.
Our group of five entered the wide tunnel and passed the first charred body of the [Drop Spider] that attacked me. We made sure to keep our eyes to the ceiling in case there were more, but found nothing waiting for us overhead. We continued onward for a little while, turning left at a fork in our path until we reached another thick spiderweb blocking our path.
I quickly took care of it by burning it up, but we soon came across anotheryer just ahead of it. I had just been about to burn it too when I noticed a few creatures about the size of my head caught and stuck on it. Daniel stopped me.
These are [Crimson Bats]. Level 20-ish. What do we do?
Theyre monsters. Just kill them, Salvos. They wont give me much experience, but a few of them would probably push you over the edge to your next level up.
I frowned.
But why should I kill them? They havent attacked me.
They
She sighed and shook her head.
Do whatever you want.
I nced over at Daniel who just shrugged.
Just burn the web, I guess. If they attack us after theyre free, we can deal with them.
I nodded and touched the spiderweb with a burning w. It immediately lit up and freed the [Crimson Bats]. They fell to the ground for a moment, squirming and rolling before they fluttered up.
The six monsters screeched and charged at our party
Defeated [Crimson Bat - Lvl. 18]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Crimson Bat - Lvl. 21]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I sliced two of them in half as they reached me while Daniel ran one through with his sword. Edithes Spirit, Mistshard, simply froze the other three before they even got close. The monsters fell dead as we continued past them.
That was easy.
The Human manmented as we continued strolling through the dark tunnel illuminated by the fire on my ws and a magical ball of light Edithe conjured. Her eyes darted around as she spoke softly.
Keep it down. And yes, that was easy. Some monsters are weaker than others even if theyre at the same level. Shade Swarmers are especially weak at theirmon evolutions like [Crimson Bats], relying more on a numerical superiority to overwhelm their enemies. They be dangerous at the higher levels however, and when you have to face an entire swarm of them? Even tinum Ranked teams will perish to them without any backup.
I frowned, looking at the blood staining my ck ws.
I didnt level from that.
Youll level soon. Probably. Look there are more webs ahead.
Sure enough, the tunnel curved further down into what appeared to be a solid wall of webs; I couldnt even see through the thick, white sheet ahead of me. But even though I could not see through it, I could hear what was beyond.
Clicking. Dozens of soft clicking noises echoed from whatever was past the wall of webs. I whirled around as a click also came from my side, but it was only Edithe clicking her tongue. She had a worried look on her face.
Whats wrong? Do you know what that is?
She sighed, lifting up her staff as both her Spirits readied themselves ahead of us. The Human woman turned to me and spoke in a nervous voice.
Its a Lair. Probably belonging to the Giant Spiders. I didnt think wed run into one so soon. We should turn back whatever is inside will overwhelm us.
Chapter 30.1. Screech
Chapter 30.1. Screech
30.1. Screech
A Lair?
I frowned. Lucerna had a Lair. And here, in front of us, was what Edithe was calling a monster Lair.
Yes. Lairs are where monstersy their nest, where they im as their dens, or where they mark their territory. The first and third scenarios be dangerous for any towns nearby because the monsters are then unusually aggressive and dangerous. But when multiple Lairs are made in the same ce, a ce bes a Dungeon.
You told me that if theyre bad for you Humans, lets just go destroy it and level.
The Human woman shook her head.
Thats not a good idea. Giant Spider nests can get big. And if theyre all really around the same level as the one you fought, well be overrun in minutes. I did not expect there to be a Lair this close to the entrance of the Dungeon. We should turn back now. Leave this Dungeon and find somece else to level.
What?
I stared at her in shock. She could not be serious! We just came here and fought a few monsters, before suddenly, we were going to leave. I hadnt even leveled yet!
I was just about to protest when Daniel spoke up.
I dont think we should be too hasty. Theres still that other path we hadnt followed.
You mean the tunnel that went even further down the Dungeon?
Edithe gave him a dubious look; the Human man simply shook his head.
It makes no sense for a Lair to be so close to the surface and not have been a problem for any of the towns nearby. This is probably just an alternate entrance to it one that only the more adult and higher leveled Giant Spiders can leave from. Im sure that if we go down the other tunnel, wed find easier monsters to deal with rather than stronger ones.
And how do you know that?
He shrugged.
Just a hunch. We should at least take a look since were already in here.
I quickly backed him up.
Daniel is right! Were already in the Dungeon! We cant just leave now!
Well, technically thats not how it works
I red at him and he shut up. Why are you arguing against yourself, idiot? He was weird. Humans were weird.
Edithe nced between the two of us before she sighed.
Fine. Well take a look. But if anything happens if there are monsters far beyond what I can handle I will not hesitate to leave either of you here.
She paused, fixating a look on me.
Although I highly doubt one of you will need help to escape.
I grinned, satisfied that we could continue exploring the Dungeon; we turned around and made our way back to where the tunnel split into two. I eagerly walked ahead of the two Humans, stepping up beside Druma who had been ordered to take the lead. They called him their tank he was strong and had a high [Vitality] apparently.
We began our descent to a lower part of the Dungeon until eventually we saw our first Giant Spider. He was not asrge as the first one I saw, and his appendages were not as thick either. Instead, he had long, spindly legs that made its body rise up to my head level.
It was secreting a thread, spinning it around a four legged creature that was the size of a wolf. But she wasnt a wolf she had a hairless body, and hand-like feet with sharp nails protruding out of its four finger-toes. She struggled, trying to tear herself free from the bindings.
[Weaving Spider - Lvl. 43]
[Howre - Lvl. 25]
Huh.
I stared at how tightly the Giant Spider was tying up the other monster, but when he heard me speak, he immediately whirled around and dropped her. He snarled and fired three needles made of silk. I stepped back, but Druma was already moving forward.
The [Yaksha] brought his hands forward, the wood on his arms suddenly extending, almost forming a shield. He blocked the iing attack as Edithe shouted.
Druma, keep it distracted! Mistshard, nk it from the side!
Her Spirits did as they were told as Daniel rushed forward. I saw the Humans and Spirits begin attacking the creature, and frowned. Oh no you dont! You wont be keeping the experience for yourselves!
Before Daniel even reached the monster as Mistshard released a plume of icy air at the Giant Spider I dashed forward, faster than my legs could take me. The gray rock walls blurred around me as the Skill carried me forward, right under the face of the [Weaving Spider]. Inded a [Fire Strike] on his head before strings appeared around me.
I flipped out of the way as the threads closed in, right as Daniel reached him and sliced off one of his left legs with a Skill. Mistshard began freezing the monsters right side as he struggled to fend off the Human man. I threw a few orbs of fire at him from a distance as Druma fired off some wood spikes of his own. Then finally, the Giant Spider fell dead.
Defeated [Weaving Spider - Lvl. 43]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 25] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 26]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Chapter 30.2. Screech
Chapter 30.2. Screech
30.2. Screech
I distributed my Stat and Skill Points as I hadst decided to do it. 2 to [Agility], 2 to [Vitality], 1 to [Strength], and my Skill Points split between Basic Fire Creation], [Fire st], and [me Coat]. Satisfied, I looked up and found Edithe ncing over at me.
You leveled?
I grinned.
I did. Im Level 26 now.
I can see that.
The Human woman hesitated, looking me once over; she nced down for a moment, noting the still-tied [Howre] squirming on the ground. Then she shook her head.
Salvos, why didnt you say anything? No why did you say something, but not alert us that there was a monster ahead.
What do you mean?
I cocked my head, confused.
That monster you made a noise. Made it aware that we were there without telling us that there was something there. If it had been higher leveled or more dangerous that could have gone badly for us. Youre our [Rogue]... well, a stand-in for one. You should have warned us. We werent ready for that at all.
But it hadnt attacked us yet. Why would I have to say anything?
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Then she paused, her eyes widening before she turned to me.
You said something about wild Demons before, didnt you? What what exactly are they?
Theyre these stupid Demons that attack me for no reason. They just want to level and evolve which I do too but they want nothing else. I dont like them.
I folded my arms as a hint of a smile appeared on Edithes face.
Then these monsters are the same. Theyre like wild Demons. Just think of them as that. Every single monster you see in a Dungeon is out to kill you, got it?
Huh.
I considered this for a moment, ncing down at the [Howre] as she thrashed more and more violently. I looked back up and nodded slowly.
I that makes sense. I think I got it.
Good. Now
Guys, we havepany!
Daniel called out to us as he raised his sword. The [Howre] was practically screeching now, but it wasnt alone in making the noise.
Dozens of four legged creatures rushed up the stone hallway, rushing at us as they nipped at the air. They made odd-pitched sounds ones that made me grasp at my ear. I wasnt alone in doing so as Daniel, Edithe, and even Mistshard recoiled. The only one that didnt react was Druma. He stepped forward once again, intercepting the monsters before they reached us.
Damnit, Ground Cravers! A whole pack of them! We need to take out their [Howres]. Their sound magic is weak when only a few of them do it!
She lifted up her staff and a ball of blue energy shot out into the middle of the pack. It sshed over a group of them, knocking them over and stopping their screeches. It alleviated the noise and pain in my ears. I pulled my hands back, seeing a smudge of ck blood on the palm of my hands before I looked at the charging monsters.
You guys are loud! Shut up!
I ran into the pack, shing and wing at them with and without Skills. Daniel joined in after me, his longsword swinging in wide arcs and slicing up the creatures faster than even me. Apparently he had a high damage output for his level he was strong, after all.
One of the [Howres] leapt for me. I was about to strike him midair, but then I had a thought. I focused my [Basic Fire Creation], trying to form a piece of string. It worked it wasnt as hard to create as a sword or even a dagger. The fire thread extended across my shoulder as I held it over my head, ducking under the monster and catching it. I tried to wrap up the [Howre] as the Giant Spider did, but had difficulty keeping it in ce. Eventually I gave up and just kicked him with a few [Fire Strikes] until he died.
When I was finished, all the screeching but one stopped; the entire pack was dead.
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 20]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 26]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Around my level or lower, so not good for experience, I thought. I shook my head, d that I was at least getting some experience. I hadnt gotten any during the few days we spent in Hazelbury; I had been looking forward to this, especially since it yed into getting me back to the Netherworld. Its like killing two wild Demons with one Spear of mes! I made that up on the spot, feeling proud of how appropriate it was.
The screeching of a [Howre] continued for a moment. I turned around, seeing Edithe loom over the tied up female monster.
Shes still shouting.
Imented casually. The Human woman nodded.
Thats how the female calls out to the males for help. Silence it, else more wille.
I eagerly stepped forward, but Edithe stopped me. She pointed to Daniel.
I was talking about him.
Wait, why cant I do it?
Hes lower leveled than you. So he gets first priority when ites to these kinds of free kills.
I scowled.
That makes no sense! Whoever gets the kill should get the kill! And if I get it first, then I should get the kill!
Thats just how us Humans do it, Salvos. Youre in a party with us now. If you really want to work with us, you cant just do whatever you want.
I stared defiantly at the Human woman. I did not want to listen to her and I wasnt going to. But Daniel stepped in between us.
Ill finish off this [Howre] before it calls any more of its kind to us. But we dont really have to do it that way, right? Come on, we can alternate between Salvos and I. Im pretty close to her level anyways.
I looked over at him, thinking it over for a moment. Then I nodded before relenting.
Sounds good to me.
Edithe however, did not exactly seem pleased to hear that; she red at Daniel, making sure to make her dissatisfaction known before she agreed.
Fine.
With that settled, we resumed traversing through the tunnel as it branched out once again to three different routes. We decided to stick with the path bringing us further down into the Dungeon, since it was the one we would least likely get lost in.
Edithe made sure to mark the walls with her magic every so often, just in case that happened.
We encountered a few more groups of monsters. They were mostly [Howres] or [Crimson Bats], both of which were rather low leveled. We only found five more Giant Spiders two of them were by themselves, while the other three were actually grouped together for once. We defeated them all, although it took us some time to take out all three Giant Spiders.
Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 40]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Crimson Bat - Lvl. 24]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 26] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 27]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Thats odd.
Danielmented, lifting his bloodied sword from the body of the dead Shade Swarmer. We had been setting up camp in a small alcove alongside the stone wall when they attacked. They were taken care of easily as usual, having numbered in only a dozen.
What is?
I turned to him, not fully paying attention to what he was saying as I evaluated my Status and distributed my points as usual. Edithe lowered her staff, facing him with more attention than me.
These monsters. Theyre all so weak.
Weak? These monsters are around both your levels, arent they?
The Human woman raised a brow dubiously. He nodded.
Yeah, they are. But were supposed to be in a Gold Ranked Dungeon, arent we? So far, the only monsters above Level 40 have been those Giant Spiders. And even then, they were barely above 40.
Youre right. This is high Silver at most.
She agreed as she returned to the small alcove and sat down. Daniel and I followed after her as I still was focused on my Status.
But why theint? If this was a full-blown Gold Ranked Dungeon, you and Salvos would be struggling a lot more.
Wed have leveled more too.
And one of you would probably have died. Be grateful, Daniel. Didnt you say this was your first time going into a Dungeon?
It is. And I am grateful. I leveled twice today, which is more than what most people get to say about a month.
He sat down on the ground, setting down his sheathed sword with a sigh. He rubbed at his temples as he spoke slowly.
I just have a bad feeling about this. We should be prepared. There might be higher leveled and stronger monsters than just the ones weve seen.
The two exchanged serious looks. A foreboding silence hung in the air for a moment, before I perked up, finally tuning into the conversation.
Stronger monsters? That means more experience! Where can I find them?
Chapter Poll: Book 1 Title
Chapter Poll: Book 1 Title
Hello, so as per usual I am not good ating up with these kinds of things. So, I let my patrons decide to choose between the titles I came up with for Salvos Volume 1. There were a bunch of very bad titles, some of them not receiving any votes, I think. However these ones were the ones that were the most voted on:
Salvos Volume 1: The Netherworld
Salvos Volume 1: Advent
Salvos Volume 1: Lost but Curious
Salvos Volume 1: The Beginning
Now I know these aren''t the best, so if you have your own suggestions leave them in thements below. Otherwise, vote for the one you think is best. If an option is close in votes, I''ll choose the one that received more votes in the patron poll. If I see a suggestion I really like, I''ll use my own discretion and pick that instead.
Next chapter on monday, of course! Poll ends before then, so vote now!
This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.is is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter.This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter.
Chapter Poll: LAST TITLE POLL
Chapter Poll: LAST TITLE POLL
Heya, sorry for the troubles again with my indecisiveness. I saw a title option in thements of thest poll that I really like called Curious Beginnings by user EngageBook. Now I''d feel like a bit of an ass if I decided to choose this random title over the ones you voted for, so here''s my final poll:
Do you guys prefer:
Curious Beginnings
Or
Lost but Curious
P.S. I won''t be having anything "Demon" rted in my title because of facebook ads stuff and how other authors I know ran into problems because of it.
To make up for these constant polls, here''s a sneak preview for Salvos Volume 1''s cover art, which goes all the way up to Chapter 40. It''s a cropped image, so this isn''t the full thing.
By Vitaly S. Alexius, AKA Creator of Romantically Apocalyptic
Image might look weird on mobile? Also, Salvos is standing on elevated ground. She is shorter than both Daniel and Edithe.
Chapter 31.1. Grinding and Learning
Chapter 31.1. Grinding and Learning
31.1. Grinding and Learning
I listened to Daniel as he gave me a warning not to fight any monsters I couldnt beat; he stayed up for a bit longer than Edithe to ensure that I would not get myself killed while exploring the Dungeon alone. The Human woman had already gone to sleep, so it was just me, him, Mistshard, and Druma.
Izily heeded Daniels words, already aware of the consequences of facing things that were stronger than me.
Are you even listening, Salvos?
He gave me a questioning look as I dug at an ear.
Not really.
I answered honestly. The Human man pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed.
Salvos, you
He paused and shook his head.
Just dont die, alright?
I nodded, actually listening to him as he said that. I grinned and gave him a reassuring thumbs-up.
Dont worry, I wont.
...thats more intimidating than anything. Your ws arent exactly reassuring. Dont do that in front of any other Human please.
Fine.
I crossed my arms and got up in a huff. Then I started past the two Spirits standing at the edge of the alcove. The [Yaksha] nodded at me while the [Elemental] simply watched me go. I waved at Druma as I left, going further down the stone hallway with nothing but the fire at my hand lighting the way.
Unlike the two Humans, I did not need sleep. So I suggested I delve deeper into the Dungeon while they were busy resting; Edithe had not been too open to the idea for whatever reason, but she eventually acquiesced when she realized I would do it whether she liked it or not. Meanwhile Daniel had been worried something which I found rather interesting. Wasnt he wary of me because I was a Demon?
That still seemed to be the case, just slightly less so now for whatever reason. I probably should ask him why in the future I didnt ask him now because he never likes it when I inundate him with questions.
But it was interesting, observing these two Humans interact. They were both Humans, but they were just so distinct. It almost reminded me of how different I had been to Haec. If there are different types of Humans, I wonder if there are any wild Humans? I mused quietly to myself as I strolled down the Dungeon.
I hadnt seen any so far, but it was always a possibility, right?
It was not long before I encountered a group of Shade Swarmers those [Crimson Bats] that littered every new area of the Dungeon. They came flying at me in a swarm, as befitted the name of their Species, but this Subspecies of theirs was apparently weak. A single [Fire st] knocked a handful of them off the air. They fell on the ground, burning, not dead but incapacitated long enough for me to deal with the rest that came.
They zipped and bit at me as my ws tore through the group. It was not long before I finished them all off, however apparently the sound of my fighting attracted a group of [Howres]. The three four legged creatures ran at me as they screamed their sound magic, but it was not enough to leave me reeling even if I felt my head ache with every second I heard their screech.
I pounced at the one closest to me, aiming for his mouth to stop the excruciatingly painful noise. Then I conjured fire spikes and threw them at the other two, once again trying to stop their sound magic. I took care of them as quickly as I took care of the Shade Swarmers three of them had been as difficult to deal with as a dozen of those monster bats.
Defeated [Crimson Bat - Lvl. 19]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 25]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
No level.
I sighed as I got up. I flicked away the blood on my ws as I continued my descent, alone in this supposed Gold Ranked Dungeon.
--
I only encountered two Giant Spiders in my lone exploration of the Dungeon; the first was a [Weaving Spider] at Level 43. She was in the middle of eating some [Crimson Bats]. Gross, the thought crossed my mind as I sent a ball of fire at her.
She was far easier to kill by myself than a [Drop Spider] of a simr level. Perhaps it was because of how much weaker she was, so I didnt actually have to get up close and take hits to hurt her.
The next Giant Spider I saw was the aforementioned [Drop Spider]. After the first time I was ambushed by one, I made sure to check the ceiling for any monsters lying in wait; I caught sight of him dangling next to a stctite, waiting to prey on any unknowing monster or person that walked under him.
I was about to throw a fireball at him, but caught myself. First of all, it probably wouldnt have killed him even if he didnt dodge the slow attack. Secondly, it was a waste of mana too I would have exhausted too much mana for an attack that wasnt nearly worth it. So I had an idea.
I grabbed one of the Piercing Arrows from the quiver slung over my shoulder; I held it on one hand as I activated my [Basic Fire Creation] to form a fiery string, before molding a more sturdy crescent shape around it. I held up the crude fire bow, feeling that it was probably fine to use and aimed it at the [Drop Spider].
I nocked the Low Grade arrow and loosed it at the monster. He screeched and fell hard onto the ground from the attack and wriggled on the floor. I rushed him and struck at his weak underside before he could fully recover,nding a few [Fire Strikes] on him. He stopped, dead from the attacks.
I stood, triumphant from having beaten him. I looked through his corpse, searching for the arrow, only to find it was broken and lodged deep into his carapace. Maybe I shouldnt do that too often, I thought, ncing at the remaining two arrows I had. Should save it for Lucerna.
I imagined firing one of those enchanted bolts in between the eyes of the [Djinn] as I continued scouring the Dungeon. Eventually, when I felt enough time had passed, I returned back in the direction of Edithe and Daniel.
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 23]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 45]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 27] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 28]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 28] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 29]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 29
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 31
[Strength]: 21
[Endurance]: 34
[Wisdom]: 41
[Agility]: 62
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 20
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 16
[me Coat] - Lvl. 8
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 3
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
I made sure to mark the walls with my ws when I went exploring the Dungeon on my own so I wouldnt get lost. I returned to the two Humans who had just woken up and were getting ready for the day. I greeted Mistshard but paused at Druma who was sitting and leaning against a wall.
Whats he doing?
I questioned the [Elemental] as she simply floated there, arms folded in front of the alcove. She turned to me as if she had just noticed I was there.
Hes sleeping. [Yakshas] require at least an hour of sleep a day, so hes resting while he can.
But you dont have to sleep. Why does he need to do that?
She replied icily not in an aggressive manner, but simply in her usual, blunt voice.
Not all Spirits can forego rest. The same with Demons. Both our Species require no sleep in our Infant stage, but the subsequent evolutions alter our bodies in ways that are typically helpful, but also detrimental in other respects. Requiring sleep is simply one such example.
Huh.
I decided to choose my next evolution very carefully. I did not want to have to sleep every day like the Humans; it seemed like too much of a hindrance for any advantage to fully offset.
Daniel nced up as I entered the alcove. He nodded at me.
Leveled, didnt you?
I put up two fingers and grinned.
Twice.
Good job, Salvos.
He remarked simply, before resuming munching on his food. Edithe stared at me for a moment, not really saying anything. I sat down across from her.
I also made sure to mark the tunnel walls. So we dont go to where Ive already been. I didnt see any Lairs, but there was a one hall full of [Crimson Bats]. Too many for me to handle. I think we can clear them out together after this.
She started, blinking at me as I smiled.
You oh.
Although theyre pretty low leveledpared to you. If you dont want to deal with them we can just skip that room entirely.
The Human woman finally broke out of her stupor, taking a deep breath.
I its fine, Salvos. We can clear them out together. Im sure Druma and Mistshard would benefit from the experience too.
She hesitated, chewing her lower lip as I simply sat there.
Uh, good job
I nodded back at her, and sprawled on the ground, letting [Rest] take over me. When the two Humans were finally ready, I had enough of my health, mana, and stamina to continue fighting through the Dungeon.
Chapter 31.2. Grinding and Learning
Chapter 31.2. Grinding and Learning
31.2. Grinding and Learning
The alcove became our temporary ce of stay while in the Dungeon. We well, the Humans would leave and return to the alcove every day as we explored and mapped out the Dungeon. Daniel had brought with him a piece of paper to draw out our routes on, which slowed our progress at first, but proved to be helpfulter on.
Every night or we thought it was night Edithe and Daniel would rest in the alcove as I went out to level on my own. Even though I had been consistently doing this, it seemed that the gains I got in terms of experience and levels were quickly decreasing due to a number of reasons. The main one being how we encountered less and less Giant Spiders as time went on.
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 27]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I shook my head, walking away from the dead monsters all around me. No levels today. I was Level 32 now, after a week of training in the Dungeon nonstop. I had maxed my [me Coat] at Level 10, now having a surplus of 3 Skill Points up from 2.
It was tiring, and I had nearly died on multiple asions. The only thing that saved me was my party that was what the two Humans had been calling us and my increased [Vitality]. I was incredibly d I focused on raising it just before entering the Dungeon, because I definitely would have died if not for that. The Ring of Lesser Protection had absorbed all the hits it could and was now recharging slowly. Supposedly, it would take a week before I could use it again unless I had a magic tool to directly pour mana into it; however, Daniel said it would probably be usable again soon since we were a Dungeon with plenty of ambient mana to speed up its process.
I stalked through the tunnels, returning to the little alcove with Druma and Mistshard standing guard over. The two Spirits were now Level 36 and 33 respectively, leveling far slower than me since I started at a lower level than them. Edithe had only gained a single level, and I still wasnt sure what level Daniel was due to his Ne of Obfuscation.
I found the Human man awake when I entered the alcove, sitting by the campfire and writing on a leatherbound book. He didnt turn to me, even when I walked up next to him and peered over his shoulders.
Whats this?
Daniel jumped and whirled around.
Salvos, dont sneak up on me like that!
Sorry. I thought you noticed me but werent saying anything.
Its fine. You dont have to apologize. Just dont do that again please.
He exhaled deeply, a hand on his chest and his book mmed shut. I nodded.
Good. I wasnt actually sorry. I only said it because I assumed that was what you Humans would say in that situation.
You wait no. When did youe back? You usually return only a few hours from now.
I raised my shoulders in a shrug.
I was bored of killing monsters that couldnt fight back. They attack me, but they can barely hurt me. Not like the Giant Spiders.
I almost felt like a wild Demon when I actively searched for a small group of [Howres] or [Crimson Bats] to kill. Sure, they would charge at me almost mindlessly. But I was just so much stronger than them I had no reason to even fight them in the first ce. Maybe if there were more of them that they would actually be a threat I wouldnt have felt that way. However the groups I found were all small. So I came back early for tonight.
I see
Daniel scooched away from me, holding his book close to himself. He waited, but I said nothing more. Eventually, he lifted the book back up and continued scribbling away on its paper. I turned away from him and stared at the campfire.
I watched the way the small me danced in its little area; the way it flickered and snapped even without a wind to push it about. It seemed so weak. So I touched it.
W-what are you doing, Salvos?
I nced up at the Human man as I felt a prickling sensatione over my finger. It was hot burning, even. But not as much as other mes I had felt before. Daniel blinked.
Do you have some sort of heat resistance or something?
Maybe.
You dont have a Skill for it?
Nope.
I answered simply as I pulled my finger back. It started to hurt it was burning me after all. The Human man murmured to himself.
Hm, I guess it would make sense for a Demon to be more resilient to fire. But no resistance Skills? Or are you trying to gain one
I cocked my head, not really understanding what he said. I was only testing the heat of the me; I wanted my [Basic Fire Creation] to get stronger to produce deadlier fires. That was the only reason why I did it.
Daniel muttered a nevermind under his breath before he continued writing on his book, making sure its in cover was facing me. I just stared at him for a moment, until he put the book down and raised a brow.
Uh, did you need something?
No. I was just thinking.
I said nothing more and he gave me a confused look.
...what were you thinking about?
You tried to kill me when we first met. You thought I was Lucerna. But after you found out that I was trying to go back to the Netherworld, you offered to help me. Youre still helping me, even now. Why?
He paused. He slowly lowered his book down, cing it on the stone floor as he drew his knees to his chest. He hugged them tight as he spoke softly, his gaze boring into the red mes.
You really ask the most annoying questions, dont you?
I cocked my head again but he turned to me. I met his hesitant brown eyes with very own curiosity, waiting for his answer toe out.
At first, I had thought you were the Demon that destroyed Fairdale. The one who killed the innocent men, women, and children living there. I dont know why, but at the time, I felt obligated to stop you. Even though you were higher leveled than me, I thought I could beat you. I tried to beat you.
But I did not. I tried and failed to stop you, the destroyer of Fairdale. Even when you said you werent the one to do all that, I didnt believe you. I mean, Demons are supposed to be evil creatures, right? Youre supposed to lie, cheat, and trick Humans to get what you want. Then you spared me.
You spared me. I thought I was going to die, but I lived. It made me realize you were telling the truth. That you really wanted to return to the Netherworld. And I guess I empathize with that. The desire the longing to return to your home. So I decided to help you do just that.
Daniel finished, slowly averting his gaze from me. He stared down at the palm of his hands as he softy repeated himself.
To return home.
There was a moment of silence; only the crackling of the campfire made any noise in the quiet Dungeon tunnel. Then I nodded.
Huh.
The Human man blinked. He turned to me and frowned.
Is that all you have to say no more questions? Nothing?
Nope.
I shook my head simply. He sighed and leaned back on the rock wall.
And here I thought you were going to prod me even more. Honestly I wasn''t sure whether I could answer any more questions.
Dont worry, I dont care.
That kind of hurts, you know? I just poured out a lot of my personal thoughts for you, and your reply is that you dont care.
I shrugged nonchntly.
You answered my question. Im satisfied.
I replied bluntly; I was pretty sure I was supposed to be more delicate in my response here. However, Daniel clearly didnt want to share more than he already did, so I thought this was the appropriate reaction. Maybe not. Humans are weird!
Thats for the best, I guess.
Daniel reached for his book.
Also
I spoke up, remembering something else Humans said when someone did something for them.
Thanks.
Oh, uh, no problem.
Chapter 32: Monster Lair
Chapter 32: Monster Lair
32. Monster Lair
Its a nest.
Dont you mean its a Lair?
Same thing, different meanings.
And whats the difference?
I looked curiously at Edithe. The Human woman did not retort. She did not flinch when she faced me. Although she did hesitate a little.
Nests are dangerous. Lairs arent necessarily so.
Huh.
I grinned.
Then I guess we should fight everything inside!
As expected.
Daniel spoke up from behind me. I frowned, turning back to him.
What does that mean?
Youre not as unpredictable as I initially thought.
And is that a bad thing?
I peered at him with a raised brow; he smiled back at me. He replied in a cheerful tone, almost reminiscent of the way I spoke.
Nope.
I nodded slowly, not sure what to think of that. I had been observing the two Humans and how they acted for a while, but now they were starting to change. They were more at ease with me? Which seemed like a good thing at first, until I realized I wasnt sure how to interpret their reactions or words any longer.
Good. Now lets take care of this nest.
I opted for dealing with what was ahead of us.
Now Entering [Lair: Shade Swarmers Nest].
Thats a lot of them. We draw them out, funnel them through the exit!
Edithe stepped back as Mistshard began preparing dozens of small ice spikes with her magic. The [Summoner] turned to Druma as the [Yaksha] positioned himself by the entryway.
[Boost Stat: Vitality]. Pull back if they overwhelm you I see some evolved forms there!
Sure enough, flying amongst the swirling red mass in the cavern hall ahead were some different colored bats. [Azure Bats]. I had only seen one in the time we had been in the Dungeon, and she had been Level 41.
I readied myself for the iing swarm, activating [me Coat] on my cloak as well as slipping on the fully-charged Ring of Lesser Protection onto my finger. Daniel stood next to the Druma with his sword drawn as Edithe raised her staff.
Fireball.
The explosion blew apart the first wave, before the second was frozen solid by Mistshard. The third was met by the two men standing in front as I stood behind them, cutting down those that slipped through.
Supposedly, this nest would have been dangerous to nearby Human settlements if it was allowed to grow in size. As it was currently, it was quite small. And yet, there were over a hundred of them flying and zipping all around us in this cave.
[Fire sts] took down groups of weaker [Crimson Bats], but the [Azure Bats] proved to be the real difficulty with exterminating this nest. One of them came down at me, wing at my face with a feral rage. I struck back, but she was quick. Faster than even I was.
However I was stronger than her. All I had to do was touch her once, and it was over. I grabbed her by the wing and flung her to the ground. I stamped a [Fire Strike]-powered foot onto her body before I tore her apart.
Then more Shade Swarmers came, more [Crimson Bats] died, and thest of the [Azure Bats] fell to their death.
Defeated [Crimson Bat - Lvl. 16]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels under you!
Defeated [Azure Bat - Lvl. 44]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Cleared [Lair: Shade Swarmers Nest]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 32] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 33]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Over a hundred monstersy dead on the floor all around me, and yet I only gained a single level. Each [Crimson Bat] already gave me less experience due to our level difference, but that was exacerbated even more by my partys help.
Only the [Azure Bats] and clearing the Lair truly helped me in reaching my next level, however there were only a few dozen of them. So I only leveled once.
I evaluated my Status and found both my [Vitality] and [Strength] to have finally reached a decent amount. An amount that I was satisfied with. So I decided to return to divvying my Stat Points evenly between [Wisdom] and [Endurance], sparing thest for [Agility].
I split my 3 Skill Points between [Basic Fire Creation], [Passive - General Tool Proficiency], and [Fire st] thest of which I finally maxed out at Level 20. For the future, I was going to add 2 Skill Points to [Basic Fire Creation] and only 1 Skill Point for my passive Skill. It was thanks to that Skill I was able to use my fire bow, even if I could only hit still targets.
With that finished, I turned back to Edithe who I found entering the Lair which was no longer a Lair. The words that had hung in my head indicating it was one disappeared. Now it was just any other cave chamber connected to the Dungeon tunnel.
What are you doing?
I called out to her as she nced about. She paused as she caught sight of a group of stgmites in the corner. She rushed over to it as I followed behind her, before Daniel decided to join us. He was clearly confused too.
The Human woman made a sound.
Aha! There is it.
Did you find something?
Is it more monsters?
I added excitedly, standing on the tip of my toes as I tried to nce over her shoulder. Edithe shook her head as she gestured at the strange white objects lying next to a pile of worn out items.
Eggs. A lot of them. And some loot too they mustve stolen it off the corpses that fell to the crevice.
Oh, I can store them in my, uh, Bag of Hol... but eggs?
The Human man furrowed his brows. He frowned as he looked at the dozens of round shapes resting on the rocks.
Bats donty eggs.
They dont?
Edithe blinked, then shook her head.
Well it doesnt matter. These arent bats. Theyre Shade Swarmers. And theyy eggs. Ill burn them once we grab everything valuable here.
I watched as the two Humans began grabbing for the pile; they tossed some of the items aside while putting others inside of Daniels bag. He held it close to himself as he did so, picking up a rusted hammer with a scowl. He was about to throw it aside when I stopped him.
I want that.
I pointed at it. He paused, staring at the hammer then at me.
Its just a regr hammer used for building. Why do you want it?
Because I want it!
I snatched the hammer off his hands as he shrugged.
Sure.
I scurried off to the side while the Humans did their thing I waited for them as I inspected the hammer with keen interest. It was small. The wooden handle rested easily on the palm of my hand, and the head was not too heavy. It was exactly what I needed!
I raised my other hand and activated [Basic Fire Creation] with a grin.
--
Edithe stared at the fire hammer I was holding up and blinked.
You made that?
I did! Now I can use something other than a fire dagger to fight!
The Human woman rubbed at her temples as Daniel nced between the two of us.
Why are you sighing, Edithe?
Come on, Daniel. Dont you recognize that? Its a creation Skill.
I turned to her.
Whats wrong with a creation Skill?
Theres nothing wrong with it. Its just very rare. For a [Mage] without a creation Skill to learn any kind of creation magic, it would take years. Decades even. Its no wonder youre so strong, Salvos, even for a Demon.
I perked up at the praise, twirling the hammer in my hand with my tool Skill as I giggled.
Of course! Im not just a Demon, after all! Im Salvos!
Daniel grinned.
Starting to warm up to her, are you Edithe? I didnt expect you topliment a Demon.
That wasnt apliment.
The Human woman scoffed, turning away from me. Not that I noticed. I was busy smiling with my chin raised as I marched down the tunnel ahead.
I was just pointing out how dangerous Salvos is. Nothing more.
So you havent changed your mind about her yet? Even after fighting alongside her. Even after she helped save your life against those bandits?
Were only allies of circumstance, Daniel. That is all. Our enemy is Lucerna, and we will work together until he is dead. Then well probably never see or speak to each other ever again.
I stopped midstep, halting my crity as I had a thought. I heard Daniel sigh as I turned slowly. Then I looked at Edithe.
What?
She had an ufortable look on her face. I cocked my head.
Why?
Huh?
I paused, trying to figure out the question I had in my head; I never thought about it when I first met her, just like I had with Daniel. But now, for whatever reason, I was curious.
Why do you want to kill Lucerna?
The Human woman drew her lips to a thin line as her face twisted. She hesitated, then spoke simply.
I told you, didnt I? Its for revenge.
But why?
Why what? Why do I want revenge?
I nodded. Edithe took in an exasperated breath as she realized what I was asking her. I wasnt even sure why I wanted to know the answer to this. However, after observing her as I had observed Daniel I had to know.
Why do you want anything, Salvos? Why do you want to level? Why do you want to go back to the Netherworld?
I replied instantly.
I want to level because with each level, I be moreplete. I want to go back to the Netherworld because mypanion is there, and I dont want to lose him.
She took a step back, not expecting me to answer so quickly. She was about to retort, but stopped herself. She stood there for a moment, not saying anything as I stared at her with a tilted head. Eventually, she spoke softly.
That [Djinn]... Lucerna killed my friends. My Spirits. My partners. And yet, I lived. Even though we faced him together, I survived.
Edithe cast her gaze up to the ceiling, a morose look passing through her face.
I couldnt protect them. They protected me Paul saved me. He loved me, and he died for me. Then I froze up. I couldnt do anything. And Hana took me away as that Demon overwhelmed us. As it ughtered the rest of them, then finally Hana herself.
Each word she spoke was mixed with grief and regret; the bitter look on her face was only directed at herself, and no one else.
It was my fault we lost. It was my fault they died. And yet, I am the only one still here. If I cant avenge my friends if I cant stop that Demons rampage then what reason did I have to live?
I slowly took this in. I said nothing, remembering Daniels annoyance at my reaction to him. I simply listened.
Why else did I have to live?
Silence hung over our party as we walked down the tunnel, only the footsteps echoing against the rock walls made any sound. We quietly continued through the Dungeon, sadness on Edithes face, a longing look on Daniels, and a thoughtful expression written on mine as I parsed this information.
Humans were weird.
And interesting.
Chapter "Salvos: Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings" NOW LIVE ON AMAZON KINDLE! (Read up to: for $2.99!)
Chapter "Salvos: Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings" NOW LIVE ON AMAZON KINDLE! (Read up to: for $2.99!)
Hello everyone!
I know most of you won''t care for this, but I am very excited to announce that Salvos: Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings is now avable to you in the Kindle eBook store! The book goes up to Chapter 40, so if you want to read ahead for only $2.99, do consider buying it and leaving an amazon review. You don''t need to buy it to leave a review, but do consider it because IT''S MY FIRST TIME EVER PUBLISHING! I have worked so hard over thest month to get this out there. and I''m d that it''s finally done!
I''ve gone against pretty much all the best advice of all the best authors I know by publishing it not on KDP Select/Unlimited when I can''t guarantee sales. But it''s a gambit. Like in chess. Going wide will allow me to reach new audiences. I''ve even spent $700 on the cover art alone, and am pretty much spending everything I have ever made on patreon so far on getting it out there. I don''t even n on making a huge profit on sales from this, which is why I''ve chosen to price the book at $2.99, the bare minimum for Amazon''s second royalties program. I would just like the story to do well and reach as much of an audience as possible.
So please, consider buying the story or leaving it a review on amazon. I would genuinely appreciate it so very much <>
You can check it out by clicking here.
P.S, My amazon author name is a pen name, not my real name.
This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter. This is not a chapter.
Chapter 33: Led into a Trap
Chapter 33: Led into a Trap
33. Led into a Trap
We strode in silence through the dark, stone tunnel lit only by the fire hammer I held; our party of three five including the Spirits walked deeper and deeper into the Dungeon. I was rather used to the quiet, having not even been able to speak until rtively recently.
But apparently theck of noise made Humans ufortable. I noticed how Edithe and Daniel looked they warily nced around, their gazes darting to every shadowed corner not illuminated by my me. I tried being considerate of how Humans acted and said nothing after the Human woman told me her reasoning for wanting revenge. But I was bored now!
So want to clear another Lair?
I spoke up, ending the veil of silence hanging over our heads. The two Humans exchanged a nce as I continued.
That Shade Swarmers Lair gave me more experience. It helped me level! I want to level some more before we face Lucerna. This Dungeon isnt as fast as you made it out to be!
We never said it would be fast, Salvos. We just said it would be faster than hunting every rampaging monster outside of Dungeons. And besides, youve already leveled plenty sinceing here.
I scowled and crossed my arms.
Its not enough. Lucerna leveled 8 times from when Ist saw him to when he attacked Maplewell. He is leveling far faster than me, even at a higher level. We need to get stronger.
I wasnt going to get beaten up and thrown around like the first two times I fought him; I refused to lose this time. Mostly because I needed to beat him to tell me what I wanted to know.
What do you suggest, then?
Daniel gave me a hesitant, but not doubting, look.
Weve already cleared out probably half of the Dungeon. The Shade Swarmers Lair is gone, and we dont know where the Ground Cravers areing from. Theyre probably burrowed in a little hole somewhere, hiding away. And the Giant Spiders arent exactly showing themselves to us en masse.
But they are.
I grinned as Edithes eyes widened.
Wait, youre not saying
We attack their Lair.
I spoke simply. The two Humans didnt seem to get it though as they gave me confused looks.
Salvos those monsters are far above our level. Its not just two or three Giant Spiders like weve been encountering. But hundreds. Its a Lair just like a Shade Swarmers nest it probably has a hundred of those Level 40 [Weaving Spiders] or [Drop Spiders]... each. We cant fight that, let alone the hundreds of babies or lower leveled Subspecies in there.
We dont have to fight them all though.
What do you mean?
I remembered the [Hellhounds] chasing Haec and I. I recalled how the pack would split off when other wild Demons showed up. How some would just stray away. And how others would simply give up.
It was the same principle here; there was no reason to draw the wrath of the entire Lair of Giant Spiders. All we had to do was get some of them.
I smiled.
Daniel, Edithe, Mistshard, Druma wait, you cant speak just nod or shake your head how fast do you think I am?
The four of them considered this as I exined the strategy I had in mind. They were apprehensive; they pointed out the ws in it. But they went with it. Because they knew it was the best chance we got at outleveling Lucerna.
--
I walked past the destroyed spiderwebs. The ones I had torn and burned no longer barred my path. I approached thest remainingyer of the white substance, covering a hole in the wall that held behind it a monsters nest.
Slowly, I created the fiery weapon in my one hand as I walked up to the final web. It was thick; it had been woven over itself again and again, making it difficult to even cut through. But I did not need to cut it.
I brought a wed finger to the spiderweb and activated [me Coat]. I tapped its surface and it burned, the silky excrement of the Giant Spiders quickly fading away with the mes that ran through it. I readied myself, preparing for a wave of Giant Spiders toe at me. But none came.
I watched as the solid veil disappeared, revealing what was behind it. Stretching down into a pit was the Lair of the Giant Spiders. It was not just a single chamber with a nest somewhere hidden away. The entire Lair was a nest, with floor after floor made of webs descending to the bottommostyer of the Dungeon.
Instantly, all eyes in the floors nearest to me snapped in my direction. Giant Spiders those of the Subspecies I had seen and hadnt seen immediately swarmed in my direction. There were dozens of them. Some were as low as Level 10, while others were close to Level 50. They were all too much for us to handle, and yet, it was not all of them.
Those further down the Lair did not react; they did not follow their fellow Giant Spiders in their charge because they did not see what they were charging at. So theyy dormant as only a few dozen Giant Spiders came my way.
I immediately backed up, putting as much distance from myself and the hole in the wall as possible. The Giant Spiders quickly began funneling through it, chasing after me as I raised my weapon. I nocked the Explosive Bolt onto the fire bow and released it at the first wave.
The enchanted munition sted apart the lower leveled monsters, and even killed a Level 40 [Weaving Spider]. But that was only seven out of all those that came. I hurled a crudely made fireball at them before spinning around and running as fast as I could.
The highest leveled of the Giant Spiders closed the distance, reaching me before long, but I grinned and used [Double Step] to widen the gap once more as I turned the first corner. The stone walls blurred around me as I focused only on staying alive. My feet carried me away from the monsters as the slowest of them disappeared from my line of sight, leaving only the fastest of them on my tail as I entered therge cave room.
A [Drop Spider] leapt at me as I whirled around. I sent a [Fire st] at him, which only bounced off his carapace
Then arge wooden limb struck him down midair. He fell to the ground as a thinyer of ice spread throughout his body. He tried getting up, breaking himself free, only to be met by a sword slicing off his head.
More areing! Focus on the highest leveled ones first!
I shouted at my party as I created fire spikes to throw at an angry [Weaving Spider]. Out of the dozens of Giant Spiders that initially pursued me, only a dozen remained. Many of them were higher leveled than me, butpared to earlier, this was a much fairer fight. It was maybe even lopsided in our favor as unlike the monsters, we worked and coordinated with each other.
I saved Daniel from a [Weaving Spider]s threads, only to be protected from a group of lower leveled Giant Spiders by Mistshard. Edithe stayed behind Druma who worked with her to easily dispatch any monster that approached them, as I rushed in and out of the groups of Giant Spiders.
Eventually, we killed them all.
Defeated [Weaving Spider - Lvl. 40]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Skittering Spider - Lvl. 21]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels under you!
I didnt level from the fight, although I noticed Daniel was unusually quiet for a few moments after the battle ended. Edithe wiped the beads of water forming on her forehead as she exhaled.
That was a crazy n. I cant believe it actually worked.
I gave the Human woman a triumphant look as she turned to me.
I told you. Im fast.
And apparently mad.
Then she paused, as if remembering something.
But I guess Im mad too for even agreeing with that n. And its not too different from what my team would have suggested.
What would they have suggested?
Daniel finally joined in the conversation as he was finished with distributing his Stat and Skill Points. Edithe had a thoughtful look on her face.
Eloy was a [Geomancer], and Silvia a [Rogue]. They would have probably suggested the same thing Salvos did, but instead of fighting them head on once the Giant Spiders reached this room, we would drop them down a pit. And attack them as they tried to mber up with magic and projectiles. Paul would haveined that he barely got any kills, but deep down he would be d that no one got hurt.
What about Hana?
I cocked my head. A small smile slipped onto Edithes face as she remembered her Spirit.
Hana would have been ecstatic about the n. She would get to kill so many monsters gain so many levels and barely be in danger. She would have wanted us to do it again and again for weeks, until the experience each Giant Spider gave her was a pittance, and only then would she want to leave the Dungeon.
The Human woman paused as her face twisted. But before the grim look could spread any further, I spoke up.
I like Hana. She seems nice.
Edithe nced up, the shadow disappearing off the arches of her brow; her lips rxing as it released the frown it had been holding in.
She was very nice indeed.
I nodded eagerly.
And smart. We should do just that. We fight, again!
I turned around to provoke more Giant Spiders into chasing after us, but Daniel and Edithe grabbed me by my shoulders and pulled me back.
You do that
but only after we [Rest], alright?
I sighed, letting them take me.
Fine.
--
We repeated the strategy twice more that day, before retiring to the same alcove as before for the night. I did not go out and do any exploration of my own, instead choosing to rx in the camp. I chatted with Daniel and Edithe before they went to sleep, then stayed up to keep watch.
The two Spirits were not here, having been sent back to the Spirit ne by Edithe with [Return Summon]. Other than the initial few nights we spent in the Dungeon, only Mistshard had remained summoned for the night; the Human woman found it too taxing to keep Druma around when we were not exploring the Dungeon. And after the exhausting fights we had earlier, she couldnt maintain Mistshards mana supply either tonight. So for the first time since I met her, Edithe was trusting me to keep watch as she slept.
I didnt mind it too much. I hadnt nned to go out on my own, so this gave me something to do. Plus, I could distribute my Stat and Skill Points from hitting Level 34 in the meantime. Eventually however, the two Humans woke up. Edithe re-summoned her Spirits, and we were off to fight more Giant Spiders for another day.
You know, each time we do this, it bes more dangerous, right?
The Human womanmented as we prepared ourselves in the same room as before. We were at the bottom of the crevice the ce that had been littered with Human and animal bones. It was now also littered with dead Giant Spider bodies.
Why is that?
I inquisitively turned to Edithe as I waited for her exnation. Apparently, monsters were not exactly mindless they would adapt to such traps over time. She said that many adventurers would try a trick too many times, only for it to backfire eventually. So the use of this strategy should be limited.
But you said Hana would do it as many times as possible!
I did not say we would have listened to her though. Honestly Salvos, as much as I like the idea of gaining a dozen levels from doing this, it is not sustainable. I suggest we only try this for another two more days before we leave this Dungeon. It is not a Gold Ranked Dungeon like mypany had thought. High Silver, but not Gold.
Certainly, other than the Giant Spiders, this Dungeon did not feel dangerous. At least,pared to the Netherworld whenever I was attacked by wild Demons I nearly died many times! But I survived.
And now I was going once again to a potentially deadly situation. I walked up to the hole in the wall the spiderweb concealing the Lair now gone. I peered through it, expecting to draw the attention of dozens of Giant Spiders at once again
But nothing came.
I looked around, realizing that there were no Giant Spiders on the webbed floor closest to me. Even the ceiling above was empty of any [Drop Spiders]. Their intricate webbing was clear, with only the egg sacs left behind.
I nced further back down as I heard a moring from below. It sounded indistinct at first like an array of noise joined together to make something iprehensible. However I quickly recognized what it was.
Its the sound of fighting.
Down, past theyers of webs closest to me, I saw figures moving. Hundreds of Giant Spiders were swarming at something at the bottommost area of their Lair. No, not something. Some things.
There were long, undting creatures mixed with the fighting below. They were fast they skittered around and through the mass of Giant Spiders, sending clumps of them flying to the air. I leaned closer and narrowed my eyes, trying to get a glimpse of what it was that was assailing this Lair.
Then I felt something hit me from behind. A small rock dropped from the ceiling, bouncing off the back of my head and to the monsters below.
I nced up, confused as to what made it fall. And the stone wall above burst open. Elongated creatures with segmented bodies came pouring through the earth, raining down onto the sea of Giant Spiders. They charged at the faraway monsters, streaming down the walls before pausing.
These monsters caught a glimpse of a closer target. Something that was not a Giant Spider, but as much as a target as they were.
I stepped back, eyes widening as I identified these new monsters.
[Junior Centinel - Lvl. 56]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl. 53]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl. 61]
The ones closest to me the ones running down the walls turned. And they rushed me.
Chapter 34: Centinels
Chapter 34: Centinels
34. Centinels
The Centinels came at me fast.
I immediately spun around and used [Double Step] to put as much distance between myself and the high leveled monsters as possible. Perhaps if it were only a single one, I would have tried to fight him. However, there were too many for me to handle.
Over a dozen Level 50 to 60 monsters pursued me down the stone hallway. These creatures moved at incredibly fast speeds, nearly catching up to me more than once. Some of them had some kind of speed Skill their mandibles nicking the back of my cloak as it lit up in mes.
I turned a corner and saw the opening up ahead. Daniel, Edithe, Mistshard, and Druma were lying in wait there, but even with their help it wouldnt have been enough to win. I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted as loud as I could.
Run! Get out of the Dungeon! Theres too many of them!
A head peeked around the corner; Daniel blinked as he took in the elongated monsters with dozens of dark segmented parts of their body, and a hundred horn-like crimson legs. These Centinels almost reminded me of the horned Demon only they had a far longer andrger body, with terrifying mandibles the size of my forearm that threatened to shear me in two with each snap.
The Human man paled. He whirled around and yelled at the rest of our party to flee.
Centinels! [Junior Centinels] we cant take them! Shit
He made a break for the rope still dangling down the crevice from above. But it was a long way up. And these monsters could climb up walls.
I burst into the room just in time to see Mistshard grabbing Edithe and flying up and away, while Druma waited for me by the rope. My mind raced with my body as I formed the only n I could at the moment.
Druma, carry me and climb as fast as you can!
The [Yaksha] paused, looking at me for a moment. He might have been conflicted, because he wasnt ordered to listen to me by his master. And yet, his life probably took precedence over all else.
So the tree-like creature grabbed hold of the rope and stayed just a moment longer as Daniel climbed further up, casting a quick, hesitant nce at the two of us. But he continued the moment he saw the Centinelse scuttling out of the tunnel.
I leapt onto Drumas back and he immediately began climbing as fast as he could. The first of the Centinels reached us a momentter, jumping up after us as we ascended. My [Fire st] knocked them back onto the ground.
The others skittered out of the way as theynded, wriggling on their backs for a moment before righting themselves. The monsters nced up at us, seeing our party make our escape. Then they charged up the walls.
I looked around me; Daniel was pulling himself up the ropes as fast as he could. He could not help he had no ranged attacks. Mistshard on the other hand, had magic. But she was distracted.
Just fly! Ill keep them off you!
Edithe yelled as the [Elemental] carried her by her shoulders, slowly flying upwards. Mistshard was capable of flight, but it was more of a hover she could not speed up and out of the Dungeon.
The Human woman aimed her staff at the closest Centinel scurrying up the rock wall and unleashed a streak of electricity. The monster stopped, falling down as his entire body writhed and wriggled, the discharge running through his body. Then he picked himself up and continued his pursuit.
It was up to Edithe and I to hold these Centinels off. No one else could do anything.
I clung onto Drumas back, sting mes at the closest ones leaping off the walls for us. The [Fire st] barely singed the shell of the Centinels, but it was enough to keep them back.
I watched as a cluster of them gathered together and ran up the wall parallel to us. They were trying to attack us as a group, so my magic wouldnt be able to knock them all back. I created a ball of fire and flung it at the Centinels before they had the chance to even jump in our direction.
The Centinels fell. Some of them broke their shells. Blood leaked out and oozed onto the floor below. But they picked themselves up and ran back up after us.
They wont stoping! What do we do?!
Daniel shouted down at us right as we saw light leaking down from above. We were close to the top of the pit. The Dungeon was behind us entirely.
Now Leaving [Dungeon: Silkfalls Crevice].
Yet, the Centinels came; they charged mindlessly at us, never giving up no matter what we did.
If these monsters attack a nearby town hundreds of people are going to be killed!
Editheunched a volley of ice arrows at a weakened Centinel. I saw his shell crack I watched him bleed as he ran through the hail without a care in the world but to kill us. He threw himself at the Human woman
And my fire arrow struck him middair. The bolt was weak, but it hit the exposed part of his body. Then the Centinel fell.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 56]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
He sttered onto the ground, no shell left to protect him from the fall. I grinned, looking around at skittering Centinels.
We dont have to run. We can fight!
Daniel pulled himself up to the top of the crevice. He looked down at me dubiously for a moment, then his eyes widened as he realized my n. Edithe saw it too. She had Mistshard set her down across the hole in the ground from Daniel. The [Elemental] simply hovered above.
Knock them down! Every time they reach the surface, send them tumbling back down to their Dungeon! They will fall and die, or they will give up! Either way, we will win!
The Humans nodded as I hopped off Druma,nding on solid ground with a momentary stumble. I righted myself and nced down the crevice into the Dungeon as the monsters came skittering up the walls after us.
I grinned and sent a [Fire st] down at the closest one. He fell, but no notification came. The next came quickly after, and again I did the same thing.
More Centinels came too much for me to handle but Daniel stepped up next to me, carrying arge rock on his hands. He hurled it at a Centinels face, knocking it loose off the walls and down back into the Dungeon.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 54]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I exchanged a nce with Daniel. He gave me a reassuring smile and ran for more rocks to throw. I sent sts of me down the hole asional fireballs needed to knock down a group of them while Daniel supported me with his rocks. Edithe, Mistshard, and Druma stood on their edge of the crevice doing the same thing. Although it seemed like the two Spirits were doing most of the work. Edithe seemed exhausted, having to boost her two summons as well as directly participating in thebat.
A few times, a Centinel would scurry past the [Fire sts] and the rocks we threw on them, blurring at high speeds upwards. They would breach out of the Dungeon, pulling themselves up onto the surface. But we were prepared for that. A [Fire Strike] kick or a [Quick Strike] from Daniel would knock them off bnce enough for us to throw them back into the crevice.
The Centinels continued their mindless endeavour as time passed, before eventually, they stopped. Whether they all perished or they gave up didnt matter. We won.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 55]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 34] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 35]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I sprawled myself onto the ground with a triumphant sigh. Over a dozen kills and over 20 levels above me but only a single level, huh? It wasnt the best gains I had gotten in the Dungeon. However it felt good to level so soon after a previous level up just the day before.
So I didnt let it bother me.
Daniel panted in relief, letting his sword dig into the ground next to me.
That was dangerous.
But good for experience.
I straightened and shot him a smirk. The Human man shook his head, murmuring under his breath.
Not if we died.
We didnt die.
Edithe spoke simply as she strode over to us; Mistshard and Druma were gone the Human woman unable to sustain them after the battle was over. It took a bit of time for her to use the [Return Summon] Skill, but now it was done and she took a seat next to me in our makeshift camp from weeks ago.
The experience was rewarding, however we didnt do it just for that.
She nodded at me.
Thanks to your quick thinking, Salvos, we were able to take out those Centinels here and now. If they had reached even a city like Hazelbury there would have been a lot of innocent lives lost before they would be taken down.
Huh.
I looked at her, then at the broken body of one of the few Centinels that crested to the top.
Are they that dangerous?
Anything above Level 50 is dangerous. Even those Giant Spiders weve been fighting are dangerous to any of the nearby towns. Thats why its wrong for the Iron Champions Company to keep a Dungeon such as this hidden. And Centinels too?
Edithe sighed and rubbed at her temples.
Theyre especially dangerous because they can dig through the ground. Theyll just go under the city walls and attack anything they see. If there really is a nest or a Lair of them down in the Dungeon we need to return to Hazelbury and notify the authorities. These may only be Juniors, but Seniors wouldnt even have to dig under a wall to get through it.
I nodded.
Dangerous then.
Right.
Theres probably a Lair, I think. There were a lot of them they were attacking the Giant Spiders. Dozens of them.
Then all the more reason we should return to Hazelbury as soon as possible. Come on.
Edithe hauled her sack over her shoulder and looked over at us expectantly. Daniel sighed, gathering his things.
Why didnt they burrow through the earth? I mean, you said they can do that, right?
Im not really sure
They wouldnt.
I spoke simply. The two Humans exchanged a nce as we started away from the Dungeon. Daniel raised an eyebrow.
Why not?
Because theyre stupid. I saw the way they acted. Other monsters like the Giant Spiders they would only protect their territory. Most would give up chasing me after a while. But these Centinels? None gave up. They didnt think whether a dozen of them breaking away from the rest to attack me was worth it for them. They just saw me and wanted to kill me. Like wild Demons.
Edithe smiled.
You really have a thing against these wild Demons, dont you?
I folded my arms across my chest.
Of course! Theyre mindless Demons! They just want to kill me! I have no reason to like them.
The Human woman nodded. Then she lightly ced her hand on my head.
Well, Salvos, its a good thing you arent like them, arent you?
I paused, staring up at the Human woman, then at Daniel. They both looked at me with a soft facepletely different from when I first met either of them. And I felt as if they were finally looking at me.
Slowly, I smiled.
Yep!
-
and thats why you came to hate wild Demons?
Yes! She was just there one moment, then it crushed her!
...the Netherworld sounds like an incredibly harsh ce. Why do you even want to go back there?
Daniel turned to me, his brows were creased and a grimace stered onto his face.
Because Haec is there.
I spoke simply. Daniel blinked, but Edithe justughed.
You know, Salvos, youre actually quite simple arent you?
Hey!
I looked over at the Human woman with a re, however she didnt nche. She didnt step back in fear or wariness. Instead, she just waved a hand off lightly.
Its not a bad thing, really. Honestly, us Humans are often soplicated, it gets really tiring sometimes.
Yeah, you can say that again.
Daniel muttered with a sigh. I nced between the two Humans, my lips curled up as I shook my head.
I agree. You Humans are weird! But thats not really a bad thing.
You think?
The Human man eyed me dubiously. I nodded eagerly.
Youre not like rocks at all.
I dont even know where to start with that.
Well, its a good thing you dont hate us. Youre going to be around lots of us again soon. Come on, Hazelbury is just up ahead.
We continued walking up the dirt road; neither Mistshard nor Druma were with us since Edithe had no reason to summon them. The three of us had been traveling at a slower pace than it took us to get to the Dungeon, and after a few days, we had finally arrived, cresting up the tall hill a few miles from the city.
I stopped as the two halted midstep. Edithes eyes bulged out of their sockets while Daniel just stared in shock at the sight before us. I blinked as I took in the state of Hazelbury.
The gates of the cityy broken, the walls covered in ash. Smoke billowed up from the city ahead.
So as the sun rose from the horizon, mypanions and I returned to Hazelbury only to find the city had been attacked.
By Lucerna.
Chapter 35.1. Blame
Chapter 35.1. me
35.1. me
Hazelbury had been attacked.
The gates had been destroyed the iron bars were torn open by some great force. And following it into the city was destruction.
The city did noty in ruins as Maplewell did, however the once bustling settlement was now empty. People hid in their homes, staying away from the streets. Houses and buildings were burning or burnt down, having suffered tremendous damage in various parts of the city. Parts of the tall city walls were copsed, and Human guards mixed with adventurers manned the battlements with extreme wariness.
Halt! Who goes there!
One of them yelled out. Edithe raised her hand, shing a gleaming yellow badge.
Adventurers! Gold Ranked! I what happened here?
She looked around, her eyes wide and filled with shock. Her gaze paused on theyer of ash spread across the rubble and a dark look came over her face.
Our city was attacked. The Demon the one has been rampaging across Falisfield. It came here. It did all this.
No way
Daniel breathed, ncing at the havoc that had been wrought. My eyes shed as I whispered a name.
Lucerna.
The Human man turned to me, sputtering as he did.
But but wasnt it he only Level 50?
He must have grown stronger. Just like we did.
I spoke simply. I called out to the guards as they let us through the gates.
What level was he?
Level 60. He came through this wing of the walls. Took out all the guards in the area. Then proceeded to ravage the city for an hour before fleeing.
And where did he go?
The guard shook his head.
Somewhere south. But you shouldnt pursue the Demon. I dont think even a Gold Ranked team can take it out now. We need tinums. Or a small army.
I nodded at him before I turned to enter the city. I walked alongside my twopanions, only a deathly silence held between us.
I looked around, staring at the ash covered rooftops. The burnt houses. And buildings crushed and trampled under the [Djinn]s wrath. Edithe murmured softly.
Level 60
Her gaze darkened. Daniel just stared, face unmoving. I looked at the two, not understanding them at all.
I had expected this; since I heard about Lucerna from Edithe in Maplewell, I realized the [Djinn] was leveling at a faster pace than me. Despite being higher leveled than me in the first ce, he was able to grow at a rate I couldnt even match.
Now, however, it was different. Since Maplewell, he had grown by 10 levels, while I had grown by 13. I was outleveling him now, and that was a good thing. I still couldnt possibly beat him alone, however with Edithe, Daniel, Mistshard, and Drumas help, I believed it was now something we could do.
We just had to find him first.
Mypanions and I continued making our way to the Adventurers Guild. They had to make their report share the location of Silkfalls Crevice and of the Centinels lying beneath the earth. However the dour mood held by the two Humans only worsened when they entered the guild hall.
Look who returned.
ke stood up from his table, rising a head taller than all the others in the guild. He pointed a finger in our direction as faces spun our way.
Its the thieves that robbed from us and ran away.
Daniel scowled.
What do you want, ke? We dont have time to deal with your crap today.
Oh, but you do. Its because of you three that our city is in this state.
Cut the bullshit. How exactly are we responsible for what happened here? Its like you said, we were busy running. We werent even in Hazelbury when this happened.
The tall man smiled it was not a kind smile. Something about it was different; I saw his lips quivering while he spoke, as if something within him was waiting to burst out.
Well, you werent. But because you stole from us and made the Iron Champions Company chase after you, only half of our adventurers were in Hazelbury when that destroyer attacked the city. We tried toe back however it was toote.
His eyes shed as he continued, gesturing at the adventurers surrounding us.
Its because of you their friends and teammates are dead!
Edithe paled as the words sunk in. Daniels mouth hung open, his jaw looking like it wanted to fall from his face.
I nced around and finally noticed the tension in the air; the adventurers here were upset. They reminded me of Edithe when I had first met her burning with anger and needing something to spread it to. And as of this moment, it seemed like they wanted to burn us.
I took a wary step back, slowly raising my ws. Then I paused. I shouldnt fight them, I thought, my eyes trailing off to my twopanions. But how do I
My eyes widened as I had an idea. I grinned and walked up to ke. The tall looked down at me with a dark gaze as the res of the other adventurers bore into me. I kept my hood up, adjusting it slightly as I nodded at him. Then I turned to the nearby receptionist.
Hey.
The Human woman sat up in a panic. She quickly sputtered a reply.
Y yes? Did you need something?
I smiled cheerfully beneath my Cloak of Shadows. They couldnt see my face but I didnt care. I simply spoke as loudly as I could.
Wed like to report the location of a Dungeon the Iron Champions Company has been hiding. Its a Gold Rank Dungeon called the Silkfalls Crevice it holds many dangerous monsters like Giant Spiders and Shade Swarmers. It even has a Centinel Lair with many many many Level 60 [Junior Centinels]. Very dangerous stuff. If they get out and attack a city, itll be real bad, right?
Heads snapped in the direction of ke as he blinked. The receptionist slowly worked her mouth.
I itll be very bad. A Gold Rank Dungeon? Are you sure about this? Wheres it at?
I pointed vaguely in a direction.
I think there. And there are many towns near it!
I eximed as I spread my arms out wide. A few murmurs broke out as adventurers spoke to each other.
The Iron Champions Company kept the Dungeon a secret. If Edithe, Daniel, and I hadnt killed them, they would have destroyed it all! So many people would have died because they wanted to keep the experience and levels for themselves.
I wasnt lying although I wasnt averse to lying in this situation.
Uh, of course. That is rather rming. To think thered be such a dangerous Dungeon close by. But its not something the guild can just ept without proof. If you can tell us its exact location and not just a direction
Sure!
I turned to Edithe and gestured at the receptionist. The Human woman blinked, ncing around at the far less hostile guild many were now ring at ke whose face was bulging with veins.
Right.
She quickly reached into her bag and produced the map we had stolen from the Iron Champions Company. The receptionist epted, studying it for a moment before nodding.
Well send a member of the guild to confirm this. But if this is true well, its not exactly illegal to keep the location of Dungeons secret. But its irresponsible, especially if they werent guarding it themselves.
They werent. Its a newly discovered one theyve been using it to get new recruits and nothing more.
Edithe exined. The receptionist sighed.
Then once we get this checked out, the guild will have to send an official letter to the Iron Champions Company, urging them to take better precautions and at least share such information with us.... not like itll do anything.
I watched as the map was rolled up and handed to another receptionist. I looked over at Daniel and Edithe, then at the others in the room. They no longer had their attention on us, which was exactly what I wanted.
I was just about to turn triumphantly to Daniel as he walked over to us when a voice cut through the crowd at us.
You!
Chapter 35.2. Blame
Chapter 35.2. me
35.2. me
ke stormed past a group of Silver Ranked adventurers. He knocked one aside, spilling a drink as he angrily approached me. I cocked my head.
Me?
Youre the one that broke into ourpany building for the map, werent you? I knew it. I shouldnt have told you about the Dungeon. Damnit. Damn you!
He stared at me with bloodshot eyes. I shrugged.
I did. And?
You and?!
The tall man lowered his hand to a mace at his waist. I narrowed my eyes and spoke a single word.
Dont.
He hesitated, his hand hovering over the weapon. There was a tense silence between us; he was only Level 27. He did not level even once since Ist saw him. I would have killed him easily then, and it was no different now. However I knew that mypanions wouldnt like it, so I gave him one warning.
Adventurers looked on from where they sat as this confrontation happened. Then, before ke could make a decision, a noise stopped him. A loud dong broke everyone from their stupor. Another one resounded and instantly, the once-still adventurers burst into action, rushing out of the doors of the guild.
Blinking, I watched the Adventurers Guild empty out as ke clicked his tongue.
If the town guards werent so overwhelmed right now, I would have you three arrested on the spot.
He stalked out of the hall, following the stream of people pouring away. I turned to Edithe as she frowned.
Two bells.
What does that mean?
I looked up at her inquisitively. She shook her head and raised her staff.
It means theres a monster horde approaching the city. Hazelbury is under attack.
--
Apparently, monsters came to cities when they were vulnerable. They werent entirely mindless like wild Demons or at least, most of them werent. They would often know when something or someone was too dangerous to attack. And most of the time, cities, with their vast poption of Humans, were something they avoided as certain death.
However, after Lucernas attack on Hazelbury, Humans hid in their homes. They did not wander about as busily as they did before I left for the Dungeon. I noticed this, and so did the monsters.
So a horde of them came for the weakened city. Stampede Elks hundreds of them.
Didnt you say you took care of them when I first met you?
I killed only a few dozen. There werent this many in that group I fought.
So a different herd then. Well, its a good thing I didnt end up doing the job. I would have died!
Maybe back then you would have. Now, I think you can deal with a hundred of them just fine.
I am not as confident in me as you are.
I shook my head, turning back to a figure standing behind the walls. Edithe was chanting quietly to herself as an intricate glowing circle formed on the ground before her. I sighed as she continued her summoning Skill.
Is she not done yet? Look the adventures and guards are already approaching the monsters!
Sure enough, a group of Humans sallied forth from the city to engage the Stampede Elks before they reached the city walls. They could jump high. If they reached the city, they would be able to go over the defenses and attack the civilians living within.
Not that I cared about that. I just saw the chance of gaining experience in fighting these monsters.
You know, you dont have to wait for us, right? You can just go and help fend them off.
Really?
I brightened and immediately stuck one foot over the crions of the walls. Daniel hesitated, looking back at Edithe then at me.
Yeah, I think youll be fine. As long as you dont expose yourself or kill any Humans
Yeah, yeah.
I spoke in the same ng he did and waved a hand dismissively.
Dont do this, Salvos. Dont do that. I know by now! I wont get in trouble, promise! Now if youll excuse me.
I hopped off the city walls,nding nimbly on my two feet before running to join the battle. I didnt even wait to finish hearing Daniel speak. I knew what he wanted from me by now probably.
I dashed into the fighting the group of Humans already locked inbat with the monsters. I leapt straight into the first Stampede Elk I saw. My ws tore into his body, quickly killing him as the words appeared in my head.
I spun and sliced apart another group of [Green Stags]. They copsed before the fallen Human guard before them. He stared at me for a moment, before fumbling for his weapon and picking himself up.
I continued on, wing at groups and groups of the low leveled monsters. I heard a familiar voice bellow. I nced slightly to my right, only to see ke and a group of adventurers surrounding arger and different colored Stampede Elk.
They backed up as the monster charged them, sending magic and arrows at the Level 41 [Charge Deer]. They dodged out of the way in time and surrounded the monster. After continuing their barrage of attacks on the [Charge Deer], they finally killed it.
However, before they could rx, another [Charge Deer] burst out from the group of Stampede Elks. Before they could even brace themselves however, I threw myself onto the oing monster. I clung onto his back as I ripped into him with a few [Fire Strikes] mixed with regr hits. The [Charge Deer] tried to fling me off, but I held on until he fell dead.
Defeated [Charge Deer - Lvl. 43]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I got off the corpse of the monster and smirked in the direction of ke. I saw him looking at me with wide eyes before I spun around and ran into more fighting. Most of the monsters here were lower leveled than me; only the [Charge Deers] seemed to be an actual threat. But they were rare enough that I could deal with them without a problem.
Defeated [Green Stag - Lvl. 18]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
...
Defeated [Charge Deer - Lvl. 40]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
It wasnt much experience, but it was more than doing nothing in the city.
Chapter 36.1. City Under Attack
Chapter 36.1. City Under Attack
36.1. City Under Attack
For the next week, Daniel, Edithe, and I helped Hazelbury fend off waves and waves of monster hordes. They didnt attack the city every day, however it was frequent enough that it kept us busy in between trying to gather information on Lucernas location and abilities. The experience gained wasnt nearlyparable with what we gained in the Dungeon, however it was at least something.
In fact, it was thanks to fighting a pack of angry Stonedomed Beetles, Mistshard was able to reach her evolution. She became a Greater Spirit after having reached Level 40, her body morphing into that of arge four-winged bird, bing slightly bigger than her almost-Human form of before. Her feathers were icy prickly to touch although they looked just like snow. Or at least, that was what Daniel told me.
I knew what snow was. I didnt need him to exin the concept to me. However, even though I couldprehend what it was, I couldnt visualize it. Despite the Human mans best attempts at giving me a vivid description of what it was, I just couldnt see it. All I knew was that snow was white, soft, and wet only the first of which resembled Mistshards new form.
Realizing how close I was to bing a Greater Demon however, I spent more time fighting the hordes of monsters than helping my two Humanpanions walk around the city and talk to people. It was only when a small group of Dusk Wolves attacked the city something the city guards should have been able to handle themselves from their walls did I finally level.
I ran out of the broken city gates, ignoring the cries of a few Humans standing on the walls with their bows calling for me to go back. I intercepted the mere ten monsters as they were felled by arrows from afar, although they still insisted on taking the city.
Two [Fire Strikes] instantly brought down the injured [Alpha Dark Wolf] before his pack surrounded me. They came at me from all sides, leaping at me at once. A [Fire st] knocked a few back while I easily dispatched the ones that avoided the attack.
I spun around, slicing the monsters into pieces, and was finished before the group of spear-wielding Human guards even reached me.
Defeated [Alpha Dark Wolf - Lvl. 34]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Dark Wolf - Lvl. 16]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] Level Up!
[Zelus Imp - Lvl. 35] -> [Zelus Imp - Lvl. 36]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I grinned victoriously at the notification, and casually strode past the group of staring Humans. They couldnt see my face, of course. However, they did recognize me from my participation in all the battles in thest week.
Did you see that? She took out the whole pack.... by herself.
She has to be a Gold Rank, at least. Theres no way any Silver would be able to do that let alone dare to do that.
But shes only Level 36!
She might have a special ss. Or she got an advancement at an earlier level.
Is that even possible
I simply nodded in their direction, immediately shutting them up. I frowned. I didnt ask you to stop talking about me. I quite enjoyed hearing their chatter, even if I knew it was all untrue.
I continued past the group and entered the city, no longer interested in their conversation as it abruptly shifted to dealing with the dead Dusk Wolves. I focused on managing my Status instead, specifically my Skill Points.
I had, of course, spent my Stat Points mostly between [Wisdom] and [Endurance], leaving the remainder to [Agility]. Things became interesting however, when I got to my Skills. Because with this most recent level up, I finally maxed my [Basic Fire Creation].
I wasnt really sure what I was expecting. I thought something would happen once it got to Level 30. However, that didnt happen. What happened was what usually happened when I maxed out a Skill.
I could no longer raise its level.
That was it.
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 36
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 37
[Strength]: 24
[Endurance]: 42
[Wisdom]: 49
[Agility]: 72
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[me Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 7
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
I tried messing with the Skill as I walked through the city. There werent very many people about, however those that were around stared as I formed various weapons with my red fire. I could even create a fire sword now, although it consumed too much mana for it to be useful currently. I could always just use a regr sword after all.
There you are.
I turned around and nced up at Daniel as he stopped right behind me. He was panting, bent over and catching his breath.
Oh hey. I was just going to return to the inn. You dont have to worry, I was not going to cause any trouble!
I paused.
...unless ke wants to try something. Then I wouldnt mind getting into trouble. But I wont be the one causing it.
The Human man sighed, not bothering to respond to that.
You ran off the moment you heard the city was being attacked. I was just worried about you, thats all.
It was just a bunch of Dusk Wolves. I took care of them easily.
I grinned, but he couldnt see it.
Well, Im d youre safe. Bute on. We were just about to head to the temple.
The temple? You mean the Fauna one, right?
Yes, the Sanctuary of Fauna.
I cocked my head.
Whyre we going there?
That was thest ce Lucerna attacked. Before he was forced to escape Hazelbury. Edithe thinks we might find some clues about his goals or where he went there. Then we can pursue him.
Chapter 36.2. City Under Attack
Chapter 36.2. City Under Attack
36.2. City Under Attack
Leveled again?
Edithe raised a brow. I nodded eagerly as I identified mypanions.
[Mage - Level 49]
[Warrior - Level 20]
Hey!
I frowned, turning to Daniel.
You still have your ne block your real level.
Yeah. And Im not going to turn it off anytime soon. So youll have to deal with seeing me this way.
I crossed my arms and stomped a foot down petntly.
How would I know if youve passed me in levels then?
You wont. Thats the point.
He smirked as I red at him. Edithe rolled her eyes.
Dont encourage her, Daniel.
Then she turned to me.
And Salvos, dont do that.
Why? I see Humans do it all the time!
Children do it. Youve said it yourself, didnt you? Youre not a child.
I
I scowled.
Fine.
We entered the damaged temple building as its sturdy pirs held up the remains of the half copsed roof above. Rubble and ash littered the front entrance, however that seemed to be where most of the destruction had been kept to. Lucerna was fought back here. The [Priests], while nobatants, were able to band together with adventurers and guards to force him to flee.
And it was not just them. They also had the help of
Sakura!
I ran up to the [Beastkin]. She limply stood up, turning to me as I approached. I paused right before her, staring at the stump where her foot was supposed to be.
What happened?
It seems you have been busy since west met, Salvos.
I nodded.
I have been. We went to a Dungeon fought Centinels and Giant Spiders. But nevermind that. Whats wrong with your leg?
The wolf-like creature stood up. Even without her front left leg, she was able to stand without a problem; it might have impeded her movements if she were running or fighting, but it didnt seem to bother her currently.
I underestimated the [Djinn]. I thought he had been hurt, overwhelmed by the sheerbined force of hundreds of Humans and myself. However I was wrong. I foolishly pursued him, and paid the price.
She raised what remained of her leg and shook her head, her white mane still as majestic as before despite her current look.
But cant you restore it? Use one of those red liquids Humans use?
There had been a few times in the Dungeon when Daniel had to share his bottles with me. However he was hesitant, since he didnt bring much with him.
Healing potions are not cure-alls, Salvos. They mend open wounds, and they may even reattach some body parts, but they will not bring back lost limbs. And they are expensive. [Alchemists] require extremely rare ingredients to create them. It is cheaper to get a [Mage] capable of healing spells to fix you than to pay an [Alchemist] to suit every single guard in the city with one. And unfortunately, the city guards did not think it was best to waste their resources on me.
So they only sent someone to heal you?
No.
Sakura replied softly.
They left me as is.
What?
I stared at the [Beastkin], aghast. Why would they do that? She helped them chase Lucerna away! But why wouldnt they do that either?
I paused, considering why I even thought it was awful the Humans didnt help Sakura; by the sounds of it, it was the most logical thing for them to do. It was like if I still had my Spear of mes and gave it to a random Demon instead of Haec it made no sense.
Still, I didnt like that they left Sakura in her injured state.
I recovered on my own, through [Rest] and time. I will never be able to fight the same again, but it matters not. My only job is to guard this temple, and if that means I die doing so, then I will do it.
I see.
I nodded slowly.
Well, Im d to see that youre alive.
Indeed. Now what is it you need of me?
Sakura tilted her head and her gaze bore into me. I blinked, ncing between my Humanpanions and the [Beastkin], before remembering why we came here.
Right. We were, uh, wondering about Lucerna...
The [Djinn]. Is there anything you can tell us about him?
Edithe took up after me.
Where was he headed? What were his Skills? And was he really Level 60?
To answer your first question: I do not know. As for his Skills, you must have seen them yourself when your team fought him, no? He uses ash and smoke he can conjure deadly balls of ash that would kill any Human below Level 40 in an instant. He summons pirs of ash thate crashing to the ground, causing immense destruction. And he flees in a mist of smoke, disappearing within the shroud he creates.
The Human woman nodded along. Daniel piped up.
Isnt that the same Skills you mentioned, Edithe?
It is. So he hasnt gained any new Skills since. Thats good for us. We know what to expect.
I shook my head.
No I never saw him use half of those Skills you mentioned when I fought him. And I fought him twice. Those Skills of his theyre new. He might have been inexperienced with them when he first fought you. We cant expect him to fight the same way.
Sakura looked at me, then at the two Humans.
Salvos is correct. He is dangerous, do not take him lightly. That was the mistake I made.
She paused for a moment before finishing.
And yes, he was Level 60 when Ist saw him. But he might be higher now. Be wary.
We will.
Edithe answered firmly, her voice full of resolve.
We just need to know where he went. So we can put a stop to him before he causes too much destruction and death.
It is toote. He is already the Destroyer. But that doesnt mean he cant be stopped. As we speak, the king of Nixa is calling his lords to mobilize their armies. The people are unhappy. Unrest is at an all time high. And now a crisis has struck hisrgest province. He will act. The [Djinn] will die. All that remains to be seen is who will y him and when.
Then tell us where Lucerna went. You had to have found out what he wanted from fighting him, right?
The Human woman gave her a pleading look. But Sakura simply lowered her head.
I know not where he went, but I know what he wants.
And what does he want?
I peered at Sakura as she faced me. Lucerna had gone on a rampage since he was summoned to the Mortal Realm. He didn''t listen to the [Cultists], even though they were the ones who brought him here. Instead, he ughtered them in a rage. He attacked every town, vige, and city he came across, leaving behind rubble and ash. He had to have a goal. He had to have a reason for doing all this. But what was it?
The [Beastkin] opened her mouth
And was interrupted by a [Priest] running down the halls of the temple.
Move aside! Urgent message received from wait, youre adventurers arent you?
The man stopped right before us. He was the one who showed Daniel and I around the temple when we first came here. We slowly nodded as he sighed in relief.
Good. Then you can ry this message for me to the Adventurers Guild.
Message?
I cocked my head. The [Priest] nodded as he passed me a piece of paper with something written on it.
Its an official missive from the Sanctuary of Faunas branch in Silvergrove. The [Djinn] was spotted from their walls 15 minutes ago. It is currently trying to breach the gates.
I looked at the pale, wrinkled face of the older man, then down at the letter in my hand. He spoke at the same time as I read the message on it.
Silvergrove is under attack.
Chapter 37: Race to Silvergrove
Chapter 37: Race to Silvergrove
37. Race to Silvergrove
Silvergrove was under attack.
It was a city around 30 miles to the southeast of Hazelbury. I wasnt exactly sure how far a mile was, nor was I sure where southeast was, but I knew that meant he was close by. It would, however, take a few hours for us to reach the city if we went now. Or at least, with Daniel and Edithes running speeds.
Again, I wasnt exactly sure how long a few hours was, but I knew that it was far too long. By the time we arrived, Lucerna would be gone or dead. Apparently the king of Nixa himself would be riding out himself with his most elite bodyguards to y the Demon destroying hisnds. The capital city of Nightsveil was a little bit further away, at the other side of the Falisfield province. So we only had a short period of time to reach Silvergrove and face Lucerna ourselves before my only chance of going back to the Netherworld is gone.
For good.
That meant we had to get to the city as soon as possible, which was why Daniel and I were at a stable. It was a ce with a lot of horses, and a Human managing said horses. Currently, we were waiting for the Human to return from the back with his four fastest horses. I spoke hurriedly to Daniel.
Can we hurry up?
We are, Salvos. Thats why were getting horses. The stablemaster is getting his best ones right now. Hes a Level 35 [Beast Tamer], so theyll be faster than even you.
I raised an eyebrow dubiously.
Are you sure about that?
I nced over at a nearby horse and narrowed my eyes. The animal whinnied and stomped a foot on the ground, huffing air out of his nose.
[Race Horse - Lvl. 12]
Youre only Level 12. I can beat you.
The Human man sighed.
In a fight, sure. But horses are fast, and with a ss, theyll be even faster.
I turned back to Daniel and gave him a confused look.
How does he have a ss, anyway? Ive never seen an animal with a ss before.
I told you. The stablemaster has a [Beast Tamer] ss. On their own, animals dont generally have the sapience or drive to level up. Most never hit Level 10 in their lives, and those that do dont bother to ept the sses given to them. But a [Beast Tamer] can train an animal, level it up, and even urge it to receive a ss. Of course, even the highest leveled [Beast Masters] cant raise the level of their animals to equal theirs.
Well, its a good thing you dont need such high leveled horses.
The stablemaster spoke up as he returned to us with a single horse in tow behind him. I looked at the Level 13 horse as she softly whinnied, then back him.
Unfortunately, Betty here, and Chase over there are all the horses I can lend you. Theyre the fastest ones I have. There are Shirley and Johnson, but theyre [Pack Horses], they cant help you out.
But we need at least three. Are you sure you cant get us another? Well pay. Weve got the gold for it.
Daniel looked at the elderly man pleadingly.
Im sorry, but my ss has its limits. I can only train so many animals to even this level. I can get you a regr horse, but hell not be able to keep up with these two.
But
Its fine.
I looked at the [Beast Tamer] and nodded reassuringly.
Two is enough.
But Salvos
Its fine.
I ced my hand lightly on Daniels shoulder. I tilted my hood up slightly and met his gaze; I spoke softly but resolutely.
I can outrun a horse, trust me.
He hesitated, ncing between me and the stablemaster. He opened his mouth
Please, is there any other [Beast Tamers] around Hazelbury that can help us?
Wait why dont you trust me?!
--
Unfortunately, we could only get two horses Edithe.
The Human woman looked up from the summoning circle, wiping sweat off her forehead. She furrowed her brows.
Only two? But Druma cant possibly share a seat with one of us. Hes too heavy. And the three of us wont be able to fit on only a single saddle.
Mistshard wasnt here. The [Ice Elemental] or rather, the [Winged Elemental of Frost] now would eventually freeze the back of a horse if she rode on one for too long, even if she weakened her natural cold aura. It was not something she could disablepletely.
And since Edithe only had a single [Quick Summon] a day, she could call the [Elemental] out when arrive in Silvergrove. It would have taken too much time to cast [Summon Partner] twice once we arrived there.
And Druma will be getting his own horse. Salvos is going to be running there.
I nodded eagerly beside Daniel and pointed a wed thumb at myself.
Thats right! Ill get there even before Chase or Betty does.
The two horses didnt visibly react, but I was certain that was because they didnt believe me. Well see whos the fastest one here, I thought, giving Chase a sidelong nce. [Race Horse]? More like [Slow Horse] once I win!
I
Edithe sighed resignedly.
Fine.
I blinked.
Huh. I expected you to be more against it. Even Daniel argued for a whole minute before we came back here.
I just know how to choose my battles wisely. And
The Human woman walked up to Betty, saddling herself on the horse and proffering a hand to Daniel.
Theres a more important battle awaiting me in Silvergrove.
Her gaze was steady. Even as she helped the Human man up, her eyes did not break from the city gates ahead. He murmured from his seat behind her.
Are you sure Druma can ride a horse?
He can. I asked.
Thats a really useful skill for him to know.
She shrugged, uncaring.
Hes a Spirit. A [Yaksha] to be exact. Most of them cant speak, but that doesnt mean they arent incredibly intelligent and resourceful.
I looked over at Druma inquisitively, seeing him easily with more flourish than even Edithe get on Chase. The horse did not exactly strain from him, but it was quite obvious that Druma was not exactly an easy person to carry.
I made sure everyone was ready, looking over mypanions. Then I smiled.
Alright then, now lets see whos faster.
...dont you mean save Silvergrove? Or kill Lucerna?
Oh, that too.
--
I ran alongside the two horses as they galloped down the dirt road, heading southeast of Hazelbury. I kept pace with them as we traveled quickly across Falisfield, past an almost familiar dirt road closer and closer to Silvergrove.
I could see the smoke rising up in the sky as the horizon turned blood-red at the dawn of dusk. Night was falling soon, and only the stars and moon would illuminate our path from then on out. But we were looking to arrive in the attacked city before then.
I looked over at mypanions as they quietly rode on their horses; it was not unusual to see Druma remain silent, however hearing no chattering from the Humans stood out to me. Even when we had just found Edithe in Maplewell, she and Daniel actually engaged in some conversation. Now, a deathly silence held them and nothing else.
I decided not to break this tense atmosphere, recognizing that they preferred we didnt speak. This was an important moment for Edithe she had lost her previouspanions to Lucerna, and I could tell she was afraid it would happen again when we met him. And Daniel was nervous. I did not know why, but he seemed nervous to me.
So I focused on only one thing: running slightly faster than Chase and Betty.
At the very beginning, I had used [Double Step] to speed ahead of the two horses. However, that led them to activate their own Skills and reach me. Then they began to get tired, and Edithe told me to stop.
I just had to be satisfied with barely beating them in this race. I could keep up this pace for quite a while, after all.
We continued on until we came across a group of felled trees. There was a plume of smoke, but it wasing from something to the side. A carriagey broken and burnt off the road. Bodies were strewn all around it Humans and horses both dead, having tried to escape whatever it was that attacked them. Ash covered the ground, and I knew it was Lucerna who had done this.
Come on, lets go.
Edithe spoke softly, not even ncing at the destruction caused by the Greater Demon. We went around the minor obstacle, finally able to fully see Silvergrove now. Now that I had a good view of it, I finally realized that the billowing smoke I had seen earlier came not just from the city, but the forest around it too.
Destroyed caravans made up the path leading to the city; Humans and animals were all indiscriminately killed and buried under piles of ashes. The fire from a burning cart had spread to the nearby trees, setting it aze. Animals had tried to escape the forest fire, and they too were ughtered by Lucerna.
I caught a glimpse of a group of dead gray animals. Wolves. An entire pack of them. They were all killed, except for a single one I recognized. I stopped for a moment, letting Betty and Chase pass me. The wolf limply stood up and looked at me. I looked into her amber canine eyes before nodding.
Dont worry. Once I make him tell me how to return to the Netherworld, Ill kill him.
She made no sound; she just stared at me as I ran off towards Silvergrove. My destinationy just ahead, at the burning city with Humans streaming out of its gates. All I had to do now was defeat Lucerna.
I knew I would beat him. If not for my confidence in how much I had grown or in my newfoundpanions, then for the simple fact that I knew what he wanted. Sakura had told me his goal she hadnt told me the reason behind it, but it was all I needed to know.
The reason why Lucerna had destroyed so many towns and cities the reason he had killed so many people and the reason why he had called forth the fury of the king of Nixa was simple:
He wants to die.
So I decided that I would be the one to do it for him.
Chapter 38: Reunion
Chapter 38: Reunion
38. Reunion
Wait here.
I spoke softly to Chase and Betty both of whom I beat in the race to Silvergrove as they were being tied to a tree. We had stopped just outside of the walls of the city, and were now preparing to enter it.
[Quick Summon].
Edithe raised her staff, and Mistshard came to her side. The [Elemental] pped her wings as she hovered just above her master. I turned to the damaged but still standing gates, then to a hole in the city walls a bit aways from it; a few Humans ran through it, stumbling across the rubble as they fled the city. The Human woman stepped up beside me.
The gate here is still up. Seems like Lucerna decided to go around and force his way in there.
Why would he do that?
Daniel frowned. I looked over at him, remembering thest time I hade to this city.
I think its because of all the adventurers. There were a lot of them more than Hazelbury too many for him to handle all at once. So he went around.
That would have allowed him to get in the middle of a crowd of nonbat ss Humans, making the adventurers and guards hesitant to attack him; if I knew one thing about Humans after being around them for so long, it was that they mostly didnt like killing each other. Mostly, I thought, thinking back to the bandits.
Then Lucerna would have been able to eliminate the adventurers slowly, while causing havoc and damage, gaining experience from killing those who cant fight back.
And why do you know that?
Thats what I wouldve done.
The two Humans stared at me. I shrugged.
They attacked me when I first came here. And this was the only ce I knew where Humans gathered. So I had thought ofing back eventually.
I am not even going toment on that.
Daniel shook his head, turning back to the copsed wall. He unsheathed his gleaming sword.
Come on, before he causes any more destruction. Lets put a stop to his rampage.
Edithe whispered softly under her breath, grasping tightly at herpanys badge.
This is it. I will avenge you guys. I promise.
I stepped forward, creating two daggers made of fire. I simply grinned as I walked ahead of my twopanions. We entered the city as a group of Humans ran past us in a hurry. I took in the surroundings of Silvergrove once, it had been bustling with life. Now the cityy empty. Smoke rose up from various ces in the distance, and the orange glow of the sunset was only entuated by the mes spreading wildly unhindered through the city.
Hes stronger than us, you know?
I spoke bluntly. Mypanions all faced me. Daniel to my left, Edithe and her Spirits to my right. I looked over at the still-standing gates chains hung loosely down to the side of the portcullis. I shook my head.
Hes higher leveled than us. Hes more experienced than us. Hes killed more than us.
I turned around, meeting their gazes steadily.
However, levels arent all that matters. They arent the most important thing ever. Maybe to wild Demons but not to me.
Daniel nodded slowly while Edithes face rxed a little.
Well take him down, just as we did the Centinels, and just as we did the Giant Spiders.
Right.
Of course.
I smiled, ncing back at the long metallic chain lying next to the damaged gates. Just as I took down thatrge Demon too. Levels only matter so much.
--
Captain!
Get back, guardsman!
A man adorned in thick metal armor shouted. He pushed the guardsman back, stumbling away from the ball of ash that exploded at his back. His enchanted temail took the brunt of the hit, however judging by the damage it had taken, this wasnt the first time he had been struck by the [Djinn]s deadly Skills.
The Greater Demon roared as he charged the two Humans, but another voice resounded from the side.
Loose!
Arrows pelted the Greater Demons back, temporarily drawing his attention away from the captain and the guard as they stumbled to the side. A group of adventurers intercepted Lucerna before he could sh with the squad of archers.
Captain Nathan, sir! Are you alright?
What are you doing here? Ive ordered all Level 20batants not to approach the Demon. Youll only die and give it experience to grow.
I know, sir. Ive brought you this thest of the healing potions from the west gate.
Nathan chewed his lower lip for a moment, staring at the leather bag held out by the rather young looking Human man. Then he quickly epted it, taking a gulp of the healing potion as it closed his most grievous wounds, and nodded.
Thanks. I whats your name?
Cai, sir.
Cai, you did a good thing today. But this is the only time youll ever break from your orders, got it?
Yes, sir
Watch out!
A streak of hot smoke came rushing at the two Humans as they conversed. Nathans eyes widened as he saw iting. He grabbed Cai and pulled him out of the way just in time. However, just as they were getting up, there was a scream. An adventurer went flying as the archers ran back in terror.
The [Djinn] raised his fiery spear, summoning a gray column from the twilight sky. The archers cried out in pain as they were engulfed in the burning ash, before they were quickly silenced. Nathan stared as thest of the adventurers spun around, broken and fleeing the battle.
Damn those Silver Ranks. Cai, you get out of here right now
He paused, blinking as suddenly all the Greater Demon saw was him and the guard. He cursed.
Go!
The captain raised his sword.
[Threefold Slice]!
His de suddenly extended, turning into three silvery lines as the Greater Demon reached them. The guard scrambled back as the Skill struck true.
The [Djinn] bled, ck blood pouring out of the wounds left behind. Nathan parried the strike from the fiery spear, but was knocked back from the impact. He tried to get up, however he was too slow. The [Djinn] spoke softly with raised hands.
[Pir of
No
Nathan cried out. Then he stared as a glinting arrow cut through the air, suddenly jutting out of the Greater Demons chest.
Lucerna!
I shouted from a nearby roof. I lowered my fire bow, letting it dissipate as I created a fire spike on each hand instead.
Long time no see! Youre still missing that eye, huh?
I threw the small projectiles at him. He took the hits, pointing my Spear of mes at me.
Imp, you shall die here! [Sphere of Ash and Cinder]!
I leapt out of the way just in time for the gray ball to wipe out all the tiles on the roof, recing it with ayer of scalding ash. Im faster than him now. I grinned.
Inded on the street just ahead of Lucerna. I spread my arms out wide as the two Humans behind him got up.
Come on! You couldnt kill me twice. What makes you think that you can now just because youre Level
I narrowed my eyes.
Level 68! Woah, youve been leveling a lot, huh?
The gap between us had widened what had been a 25-26 numerical difference between us was now 32. He certainly had been staying busy, considering all the towns and cities he had attacked and all the people he ughtered. And yet, when he had been more than double my levels in the past, he was no longer even twice mine now. Easier fight than therge Demon, I tried to reassure myself.
Lucerna stared at me, his eye burning with the same smoldering mes behind him. He pulled the arrow off his chest, releasing a deluge of blood from the open wound. His fury rampaged with him, destroying the city even when he stood unmoving. Why was he so mad? Didnt he want to die
Take this!
The Human in te armor swung at the [Djinn]s feet as the other guard got up and ran off. I blinked.
What are you doing?!
He yelled as he brought his de down at the Demon more than twice his height once again. Lucerna took a step back and swiped at his face. Nathan stumbled back, clutching at his bleeding head as his helmet was knocked off.
The Greater Demon towered over him and raised the Spear of mes.
Die, pest.
[Double Step]!
The world spun around me as I sped up everything became a glowing orange blur, except for the shiny armored man in front of me. I grabbed him and pulled him out of the way from Lucernas killing blow.
The [Djinn] whirled up to face me in shock. I hadpletely blown past him in terms of speed. I had been a short distance away, and yet, I managed to move past him before he could even lower his hand. It was with a Skill, of course, but still he realized how much I had grown. I grinned as I saw his eye sh. He opened his mouth
Die you evil monster!
Ice and lightning crashed down onto the Greater Demon. Edithe and Mistshard came down an alley, hurling theirbined magic at Lucerna all at once. The attacks sent him flying through a nearby building, copsing the burning wooden structure down on him.
My ears perked up as a voice drew me away from the fighting.
You you saved me.
I stared down at the Human man.
[Warrior - Lvl. 50]
He was one of the highest leveled Humans I have seen so far. However and maybe it was because he was already injured when I got here I wasnt too impressed with him. Daniel can probably take him.
I ignored what he said, instead taking the bag of potions off him.
Ill be taking this.
...what?
Now get out of here. Youll only be in the way.
But
Do you want to help him level?
I eyed him and he hesitated. He looked back at the volley of magical projectiles Mistshard and Edithe flung at Lucerna.
Remember me, you Demon?! You killed my friends! You killed them all! But you failed to kill me, and now youll pay for that
Then he looked back at me.
I-Ill rally the remaining guards. And Ille back. It is my duty to protect Silvergrove, but I thank you for your help
He looked at me expectantly; I gave him a confused look for a moment, then I realized what he was asking from me.
Salvos. My name is Salvos.
Then I thank you, Miss Salvos. For saving my life.
I nodded once at him, watching him turn, following in the direction of the other Human guard. Then I nced down at the bag on my hand. I tossed aside the now-empty quiver, no longer needing to carry it around, and slung the bag of healing potions around my shoulder.
I hope I dont have to use all this. The thought crossed my mind just in time to watch an ash explosion repel the attacksing from Mistshard and the panting Edithe. Debris and rubble were knocked into the air as Lucerna got up. He roared in anger, his booming voice sounding nothing like it had been when I first met him.
He dodged the hail of ice Mistshard threw at him, quickly circling around the building and rushing at the alley. Just as he reached the mouth of the alley, a figure burst out of the corner and grappled at him. Druma, therge four armed [Yaksha], held the Greater Demon back for a moment, long enough for a figure to drop down from the roof.
[Crescent de]!
Daniels sword curved as it shed across Lucernas face. He screamed in agony, stumbling away with Druma as Edithe and Mistshard continued their barrage on his back.
I sprinted up at therge Greater Demon as he pushed the [Yaksha] away from him. He blocked a st of magic from Edithe with his Spear of mes, but was too slow to react to me as I jumped up at his face. I raked a burning wed hand across his cheek, just below his one good eye as I flew past him.
Lucerna took a swing at me and missed. Inded on the ground a bit aways from him, rolling to a stop as I spun back around. I took a moment to look at the burn mark on his face. Thest time I fought him, I was barely able to hurt him with a [Fire Strike], but now, just look at him. He had felt that, and he didnt like it one bit.
The [Djinn] pointed at me. I saw smoke begin to appear from the tip of his fingers, but before anything could happen, Daniel swung at him from behind once again. Lucerna took the first hit and parried the second. He kicked the Human away just in time to have Druma on his back once again.
He grasped for the [Yaksha] clinging onto his shoulder while Edithe and Mistshard ran up to his open front, continuing their assault on him from closer now. Daniel picked himself up and rushed the Demon, cutting at the thick legs with his de. I ran around Lucerna, creating multiple small balls of fire on the tip of each of my fingers, tossing it at his exposed and already injured parts wherever I could.
We surrounded the Greater Demon. A Demon far more powerful andrger than each one of us individually. Once, I had been part of a group that fought against a Demon just like that. Yet, none of us worked together we could have defeated it, but instead we fled to save our own lives. Those who fought, fought alone, and they died as a result.
I was the only one who fought that survived. And I knew from watching that we could have all lived if we had only cooperated. Just as mypanions and I were doing here. We were overwhelming Lucerna. He could barely fight back.
Perhaps things back then could have gone differently, but unfortunately, it didnt. Now though, it would go differently. I had not been stronger than therge Demon then, but I had been faster than it just as I was faster than thisrge Demon now. In fact, I was faster than I have ever been. We would beat thisrge Demon together, and none of us would die
[Smoldering Return]!
Lucerna screamed, and the ground beneath him exploded. Ash and smoke burst out, knocking all of us back at once.
Mistshard and Edithey coughing on the ground, on the other side of the street from me, while Daniel had been thrown back into an alley from the attack. Druma was the most hurt by it, his body burnt and charred from the attack as he flew and crashed onto the roof of a small house.
I slowly picked myself up, mostly unhurt. I had been far enough away that I was the least affected by the Skill. Plus, my Ring of Lesser Protection took some of the impact for me. I narrowed my eyes, looking at the hulking figure standing within the smoke.
A single glowing eye stared back at me; it was then I realized that I was not the only one who had grown since west met. Lucerna might not have be too much faster, but that just meant he spent his Stat Points on something else.
The Skill he just used sent back everything we threw at him back to us in the form of ash and cinder. He had taken all the hits on purpose. He could tell it was not nearly enough to kill him. And I knew now it had been his [Vitality].
I stared at the wounds covering his body, then back up at his face as the smoke cleared away. Lucerna grinned savagely.
[Pir of Eruption].
I stared as a cloud of molten ash gathered above me. Then I watched as everything came crashing down.
Chapter Poll: Cover Art
Chapter Poll: Cover Art
Hello again!
This is going to be a quick little poll on which cover art I should use for my story considering that I have three different onces for RR right now. I am actually quite uncertain whether the cover art should be something I just update every single time a new Volume starts or Salvos gets a new evolution. But well, that''s something I''ll leave for the future. For now, which of these three cover arts do you guys like the best? And I mean what do you like, not what do you think will give spoilers or etcetera. Because let''s face it, a lot of book covers and movie posters give spoilers so that doesn''t really matter.
Do keep in mind that they will be much lower quality when seen on the RR page since they''d be scaled down and even cropped to fit their specifications perfectly.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
The poll will be over in a week so vote now!
Chapter 39: Lament of Lucerna
Chapter 39: Lament of Lucerna
39. Lament of Lucerna
Hot, burning ash came falling down on me. It was molten almost liquid and it poured down like rain. The column crashed down as I activated [Double Step], throwing myself into a nearby building. The wooden roof of the house immediately burst into mes, the weakened structure already on the brink of copse from the weight of the ash.
Drips of the molten ash seeped through the ceiling, sliding off an invisible barrier on my shoulder. I grimaced. It felt hot, even through the magical aura protecting me. However, I had to get a move on. I nced out the broken window and saw Lucerna aiming a finger at me.
Smoke shot out in a plume straight in my direction. It had enough force to break through what was left of the window, and nearly struck me. I moved out of the way in time, hurriedly tossing myself out of the building as it finally copsed under all the damage it had taken.
I exploded out of the falling structure just in time to see the [Djinn] barring my path. He turned a single eye towards me.
Die!
He brought down my Spear of mes, aiming for my head. I rolled under the attack and swiped at his legs with two [Fire Strikes]. He roared as I went under his legs, whirling back around to stab him with a fire hammer I just created
[Burning Haze].
An explosion of smoke sent me flying back. I caught a glimpse of my Ring of Lesser Protection flickering, the barrier acting as a second skin momentarily overwhelmed and letting some of the smoldering gas through. It burned parts of my body, although it wasnt as bad as I remembered it back when I fought Lucerna thest time.
My clothes were set on fire, but it quickly snuffed out as I rolled on the ground to a stop. I nced up at the [Djinn], aiming a wed finger at him as he loomed over me. [Fire st]!
The streak of mes knocked him off bnce for just a moment, long enough for me to hurriedly put some distance between the two of us. I felt the ring on my finger, sensing the little amount of mana it had left. Only a few more hits, then Ill be fully exposed.
I whirled around as Lucerna charged me, sprinting down the street and turning a corner. Balls of ash flew over my shoulder, the [Djinn] screaming in a rage as they missed. Once I was around the corner, I took a moment to grab a healing potion from my bag and chugged it. I frowned at the taste, but ignored it and watched as the burns on my body vanished.
So it really does work, huh? I mused to myself as I heard the approaching heavy footfalls. I readied two fire daggers as Lucerna followed right after me
And an ice beam sted him back. Mistshard flew over the [Djinn], sendingrge icicles down at him. His gaze snapped up and he took a swing at the [Elemental]. He missed and bellowed as she led him further down another street.
I sighed in relief, watching the Greater Demon crash into a building while chasing Mistshard. However I did not get to rest for long. Edithe stumbled down the street towards me, helping Druma hobble over my way.
Salvos. Hes hurt he needs a healing potion, now!
I nodded and quickly threw two vials of red liquid their way. The Human woman caught the first and immediately handed it to her summon. She took the next, but she didnt drink it. Instead, she pocketed it.
I have my own.
Right.
That was a powerful Skill.
Imented simply.
It is. Lets hope he wont be able to use it again anytime soon.
I looked over at Edithe as I created orbs of fire and tossed it at Lucerna, still being distracted by the bird-like Spirit in the distance.
He wont. If he could, hed have used it immediately.
Right.
Wheres Daniel?
One of the small fire orbs knocked the [Djinn]s head back. He whirled around and red at me, only to be met by a st of wind by Edithe.
I dont know. Go find him, see if hes hurt. Youve got the potions, Ill hold this Demon off in the meanwhile.
You sure?
I nced back at the Human woman. She wasnt even looking at me. All I saw there was a hate filled gaze pointed in the direction of Lucerna. I nodded.
Alright. Well be back soon. Stick to the n!
I know.
I quickly scrambled out of the way as a roar resounded at us. Lucerna had been barreling at me, until a ball of fire exploded on his face.
Im your target here! Come at me and die!
She screamed, drawing the attention of the Greater Demon with a volley of magical projectiles as I ran back in the direction I hade from. My footsteps marked itself on the ashyering the brick road, leaving a trail for Lucerna to follow me from. However, I wasnt concerned about that. What I needed at the moment was to find my other Humanpanion.
I returned to the epicenter of the explosion that had sted apart the ground. I looked around, searching for where Daniel could have gone. I heard a groan as he peeked out of an alleyway.
Daniel!
I ran up to him, pausing right in front of him and staring at the blood pouring down his side. His gambeson had been torn open, exposing arge wound to the left of his abdomen.
Got a bit too close
He gasped, nearly falling to the floor. I caught him from falling, steadying him back up.
Smashed all my potions damn Demon
Here!
I handed him my bag of healing potions. He quickly dug one up and poured it over himself. I watched the wounds on his body stitch itself close as his breathing rxed.
Man, its such a good thing these things exist. Id be dead many times over otherwise.
I know.
There was an explosion. I nced back at where Edithe had been fighting. Smoke and ash now filled the air but not the same kind that had been unleashed earlier. It was a regr [Burning Haze] st.
Come on. I can finally use [Double Step] again.
We returned to the scene of the battle. Lucerna was cut and wounded all over, but Mistshard was flying away. She had picked up Edithe and was fleeing as Druma ran under them. The Greater Demon had been pursuing them until we arrived. He turned to me and screamed.
This is all your fault!
A plume of smoke shot out my way. I stepped out of the way as the Human man raised his sword to block it. The gas was split in half, cut from the de he swung down. The [Djinn] ran up to us as we readied ourselves for his charge.
He tried to rush at me, but Daniel intercepted him. The Human man parried a hit from his spear as I stepped forward, striking a fiery fist at hisher region. Lucerna barely flinched and I scowled. Doesnt work on him, huh? Shouldve expected it.
I went under a kick as Daniel sliced at his abdomen. It barely grazed his skin, spilling no blood and only revealing the ck insides of the Greater Demon. I threw two ming daggers at his face, aiming for his one remaining eye, but he blocked it. Daniel stabbed at his kneecaps
And Lucerna grabbed the sword mid strike. He picked Daniel up by the hand and flung him into a zing fire. I watched him disappear amongst the mes as the Greater Demon turned to me.
Just you and I now. No more [Fiend]. No more Humans.
He grinned savagely down at me as I stared back up at him with a single dagger.
What are you doing to do about it?
I ran.
Come back here, coward!
The [Djinn] pursued me as I made a break for it. I spun around city corners as he chased after me, the gray and orangendscape melding into one jumbled mess in my eyes with only the blue Demon clearly defined in this blurry world. Twice, he nearly caught up to me using his [Spheres of Ash and Cinder] to cut me off. The first time, I evaded him with a [Double Step] into a nearby alley. The second time however, I wasnt so lucky.
I still couldnt use the Skill. I whirled around, sending a [Fire st] at his face, aiming for his eye. He ducked under it and punched me. I was sent reeling back as a sh filled my vision the aura of protection around finally dissipated.
I raised my fire dagger up and struck twice at the Greater Demons legs. He ignored it and brought the Spear of mes down at me. I tried to deflect the hit, but it still knocked me back. I stumbled and managed to parry the next one as well. However, I didnt see the kicking.
I found my back against a broken wall, screaming in pain at me as I turned my dizzy head up. I saw the city walls just in the near distance. It was only up ahead, standing next to the gate we had passed. I tried to get up, however Lucerna loomed over me. Im so close
I rolled away from the strike that copsed the rest of the wall. I flicked fire spikes at the one eye of the [Djinn] while backing up, however he simply raised a single hand to cover his face as he pressed forward. [Fire sts] bounced harmlessly off his skin, and even the fire orbs left nothing more than a scorched mark on him.
My fire weapons would not be able to deal much more damage than that. Heughed at me as he stepped forward. He swung and I jumped back. I need to be able to hurt him. I need my fire to be hotter!
I pointed a finger at him while backing up, sending a wave of mes at him, not a [Fire st] but created by [Basic Fire Creation]. The fire deterred him more than anything else I had thrown at him. But still, it did not bring him down. It only slowed him.
You cant kill me. No Skill or magic of yours can even harm me. You are too weak!
I found myself only empowered by his words. I poured everything I could into the mes at once, feeling it burn more and more. The red fire shifted. It morphed, changing colors. It turned into a more focused me glowing with a contrasting pale blue to the orange surroundings.
It was hot now. I could feel the heat emanating off my own mes. And yet, it didnt even stop Lucerna. He came forward still, a mad smile spread across his face. When he got close enough, an explosion of smoke knocked me back as the [Djinn] pointed to the sky.
Your Skill is on cooldown. You wont be able to escape this this time. [Pir of Er
I wont let you take any more innocent lives!
Daniel yelled as he ran up to the Greater Demon from behind. Wisps of energy flowed through him as he pushed Lucerna, knocking him off bnce. His eyes widened as a brilliant glow engulfed the Human mans sword.
What is this
[Heros sh]!
Mypanions de arced up. It cut deep into the flesh of the [Djinn], spilling more blood than I had seen from any other attack before. The shining sword grew longer, even going as far as to slice off half of Lucernas right shoulder.
He stepped back, dropping the Spear of mes and grasping at his limply hanging arm. Daniel stumbled forward, panting withbored breath. The Human man raised his sword once again and stepped into the Demons guard.
[Q
You wretch!
Lucerna kicked Daniel, sending him flying back into the air. I watched as mypanion crashed into the rubble of the city walls. The [Djinn] aimed at him.
[Pir of Eruption].
No!
I shouted, throwing myself at the Greater Demon. I used as much force as I could to make him miss. It must have worked, since the column of molten ash crashed into the city walls next to Daniel. I grappled onto him, holding on as he tried to pull me from his back.
I struggled to cling on, scratching at his skin, while he stumbled just in front of the city gates. I felt his entire body tense, and I knew what to expect. I threw myself off him as the explosion of smoke came, propelling me even further.
I felt the searing pain covering my entire body. It scalded me even if it was one of his weaker Skills, the level difference made it that much more painful. I held back a scream as I grabbed what I was aiming for just as Inded.
He whirled around as I grinned, holding up the Spear of mes. He opened his eyes wide.
Catch this!
I threw it as hard as I could at him. The Greater Demon raised his good arm, blocking his face as he tried to duck. It came fast, and pierced through his good hand. Blood sttered on his one eye as he tried to blink it away.
Lucerna screamed, looking down at his bloodied palm. His gaze snapped back up at me, but I was no longer there. [Double Step] had brought me right under him, and he turned back down just in time to see me jumping up with a wed [Fire Strike] to his eye.
Agggggggggh!
He staggered back as Inded back onto the ground lithely. I avoided therge bumbling Demons footsteps, quickly going around him and grabbing for the chains hanging loosely off the gates.
I picked it up, avoiding one of Lucernas wild swings as I hopped onto his back. He grasped for me while I climbed further up onto him, eventually reaching his neck. I tugged at the chain even more, pulling the portcullis up and giving me more to work with. I wrapped the iron links around his neck once, twice
And I leapt off the Greater Demons back as he exploded in a haze once again. I pulled the chains with me, setting ame the metal closest to his neck ame with [me Coat]. Lucerna couldnt grab the chains with his stabbed hand, as the spear still protruded from it. So he raised his limp arm, reaching for the chains. He flinched as he came into contact with it, but still he pulled.
I felt my entire body almost fly in his direction with his first tug. But before he could pull harder, I tossed the chains at the two figures waiting atop the crions on the city walls. Druma and Daniel caught the chain mid air and together, they pulled at the chain holding Lucerna.
Therge Demon was lifted off his feet. He hung off the ground, pulled by my two strongpanions on one end, and the city gates itself on the other. I watched him struggle, like I was a Giant Spider and he was the prey tied in my strings.
Mistshard flew down from the city walls, carrying Edithe with her. The Human woman was let down next to me, giving me a nod.
Took a bit, especially after Daniel took a bad hit. But we got them up there. Now all thats left is
She nced over at Mistshard. I nodded back.
Aim for his joints. Theyre the most vulnerable spots, even if your opponent is made out of rocks. Especially his right shoulder it''s weak.
Got it.
Mistshard readied her beam of ice as Edithe raised her staff to her face. She closed her eyes, and whispered softly.
[Borrow Skill: Mistshard].
The Human woman and the [Elemental] aimed at the struggling Lucerna. He raised his right arm, trying to pry the Spear of mes from his left palm. Dual beams of ice shot out at him, freezing over the limp shoulder.
He screamed in pain as all movement was lost on that hand. He tried to melt the ice off with a smoldering gas, but the two continued their assault. I created a fire hammer with thest of my mana, waiting for the moment the icepletely took the threads of skin holding his arm onto his body. There!
I threw the hammer as hard as I could at the ice. It shattered, and off came Lucernas right arm with it. He screamed and roared, exploding into gas, then ash as he dangled there. But none of his Skills reached us.
He couldnt tear the chain off him. He couldnt even close his one remaining hand with the Spear of mes sticking out of it. All he could do was swing and shout, wasting all his Skills as we waited. Until finally, there was a snap.
Lucerna stopped moving. He stopped struggling. His body was just there, hanging. Then Daniel and Druma let go, and it fell onto the ground with a loud thud. I finally sighed, releasing the breath I didnt even know I had been holding.
I nced over at my exhaustedpanions, letting a small smile slip onto my face. Then it slipped off as I remembered what I came here to do. Slowly, I walked up to Lucerna.
I stared down at the fallen Greater Demon. He was dying. Somehow, he was still alive. Of course with his [Vitality], even this wasnt enough topletely finish him. But he could no longer move his body it was far too broken. Edithe stepped up beside me as I grasped his neck with my wed hand.
Tell me how to get back to the Netherworld, and I will give you what you want.
He did not look back at me. Both his eyes were gone. And yet, I could still feel his gaze boring into me, as if he was scrutinizing my every movement. He said nothing for a long time, even after I repeated the question. Finally, when I lowered his head, he spoke.
To return to the Netherworld, you need a summoning cor.
A summoning cor?
I cocked my head, confused for a moment. The [Djinn] smiled.
Yes. A summoning cor. It is a gift my King bestows to all his loyal followers. It was what allowed me toe to the Mortal Realm numerous times. However
He spat, and ck bloodnded on my face. I wiped it off, frowning.
You broke it! You came with me when only one can travel through the nes of the Nexeus with it! You destroyed our only hopes of returning to the Netherworld!
I blinked, slowly registering his words as he broke intoughter.
Thats right. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to return! And knowing that you will suffer and die here in the Mortal Realm and that knowledge will continue to bring me joy, even in death! Now end it. Finish me as you promised, imp! And when you join me in death, Ill be waiting
Shut up.
Edithe spoke sharply, cutting him off. Ance of ice went down his throat. He convulsed, struggling to lift up his one remaining arm, but he couldnt even move. The Human woman stared at him for a moment, watching him bleed and die.
Finally, after Lucerna stopped moving, she turned to me as if she was about to say something, but stopped. I continued staring, opening and closing my eyes in rapid session as I tried to process what just happened. I turned to Daniel who had just arrived behind me. He had a dark look on his face.
Hes lying, right?
I nced between my two Humanpanions. Neither spoke up.
He was lying, wasnt he? I mean, why would he be telling the truth? There has to be a way to return.
They remained silent as my voice grew more frantic. And yet, there were no reassuring words. There was nothing I hade to expect from Humans from them.
But what about Haec? Hes still in the Netherworld! I cant just leave him alone hes mypanion!
I Im sorry, Salvos.
Daniel steadied me. He met my gaze, and I knew it was true. Lucerna did not lie. He had relished in his words. He had embraced death, knowing that it woulde. I
I cant return to the Netherworld.
Chapter 40: Survivor (End of Book 1)
Chapter 40: Survivor (End of Book 1)
40. Survivor
Skill [Passive - Blue mes] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
Defeated [Ghastly Djinn (Destroyer) - Lvl. 68]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the Title Destroyer!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Experience is awarded for saving the city of Silvergrove!
More experience is awarded for liberating the province of Falisfield from the Destroyers rampage!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 36] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 37]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 37] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 38]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 38] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 39]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[Zelus Imp Lvl. 39] -> [Zelus Imp Lvl. 40]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos
Species: [Lesser Demon]
Subspecies: [Zelus Imp] - Lvl. 40
General Skills:
[Basic Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 37
[Strength]: 24
[Endurance]: 50
[Wisdom]: 57
[Agility]: 76
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 12]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Double Step] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire st] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[me Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Evolution Avable]
[Titles Avable]
Species Evolution:
[Lesser Demon] -> [Greater Demon]
Requirements for five Subspecies evolutions have been met!
Subspecies Evolution:
[Changeling]
A [Changeling] is a Subspecies of Demon that uses deceit and trickery to fool enemies. As a natural Greater Demon, [Changelings] are rare and powerful, able to change their forms to that of other Demons as part of their natural abilities.
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Agility]
+3 to [Vitality]
+3 to [Endurance]
[Fiend of Infernos]
A [Fiend of Infernos] is a [Fiend] that aspires to master fire magic. Fighting with a storm of mes, a [Fiend of Infernos] has be one with fire and is thus more resilient to it.
+8 to [Wisdom]
+7 to [Endurance]
+1 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Strength]
+1 to [Agility]
[Midday Changeling]
A [Midday Changeling] is a [Changeling] that has interacted a great amount with mortals, asking many questions about their ways. Curious and adaptive, a [Midday Changeling] may not be as powerful as a [Changeling], but they are just as dangerous due to their cunning mind. They are able to change their forms to that of mortals to live amongst them, or kill them if necessary.
+6 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Vitality]
+3 to [Strength]
+3 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Agility]
[Subus]
A [Subus] is a Greater Demon that tends to use wit and intelligence to solve their problems, although they typically have strong magic too. [Subus] are only female, and can make minor adjustments to their biology as they see fit.
+8 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Endurance]
+2 to [Vitality]
+2 to [Agility]
+1 to [Strength]
[Valefor Hellhound]
A [Valefor Hellhound] is one of the rarest forms a [Hellhound] can take. Fast above all else, a [Valefor Hellhound] uses their sharp ws to rip apart their enemies. While four legged, they are able to walk on just two if need be, however it would inhibit their speed and movement greatly.
+10 to [Agility]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+1 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Wisdom]
Titles for Great Feats:
Requirements for two Titles have been met!
Titles:
(Death of the Destroyer)
You have in the one called the Destroyer in battle! You have proven yourself and seeded where many others have failed, defeating one with a Title where you have none! Your abilities are thus made even more exceptional!
+5 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Agility]
(Savior of Falisfield)
You have liberated Nixasrgest province of Falisfield from a rampaging Greater Demon! You have saved the city of Silvergrove from falling, and avenged all those who have been killed in the destruction! You are a hero in the peoples eyes!
+3 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Agility]
Ever since I came to the Mortal Realm, I had been fruitlessly trying to find my way back to the Netherworld. I was worried about Haec mypanion. I feared that he would be lost without me. That a wild Demon would kill him now that he was alone.
So I tried my hardest to return; I spoke to everyone who would speak to me, I inquired wherever I could. But none could produce an answer I wanted.
It was then not unexpected now to hear that I wouldnt be able to make it back; Edithe reassured me that there had to be another way, and Daniel promised he would continue to help me. However, as I focused on my Subspecies evolution and Titles, I knew only one thing: I was going to be stuck in the Mortal Realm for a while.
There was nothing I could do about it. I was not sure how long it would take me to return to the Netherworld to mypanion. I just had to trust that Haec was capable of fending for himself. He had been considered to be special by Lucerna, after all. It only made sense that he would then be able to survive without my help.
For now, I did not focus on what could possibly have happened. Instead, I reveled in the moment. Edithe, Daniel, Druma, Mistshard, and I walked out of the city gates with Lucernas body in tow. The surviving guards stared at the corpse, then at us.
For a moment, no one spoke a word. Then, the Level 50 [Warrior] guard I saw earlier opened his mouth.
These brave adventurers have saved Silvergrove! The Destroyer is dead!
Guards, adventurers, and civilians broke out into a cheer. Some hugged each other in relief, while others jumped up in the air. Only a few copsed to the ground, with tears streaming out of their eyes.
I looked around at all the Humans. They all recognized me. They saw me, even when I had my hood up. It was such a cathartic feeling, one that curled my lips up.
I nced at these celebrating Humans. They had all been terrified of Lucerna. Mostly because he had been terrorizing them and killing their people, but also because he was a Demon. I didnt know why, but apparently Demons werent liked by Humans even when they werent destroying everything.
So I was now stranded in a ce where I would be in constant danger. It was a ce where even would have eventually fell even if I hadnt intervened. Lucerna, a Greater Demon that was stronger than me. A Level 68 [Djinn] that outpaced even my leveling speed.
He was strong, and yet he died here. In this Mortal Realm that I was now left in, I would have to do whatever it took to survive. I was not as strong as Lucerna. But Lucerna made foolish choices. He wanted to die.
I would not do the same. I was Salvos, not Lucerna. I would make decisions that would increase my odds of survival. Being higher leveled may not guarantee survival as evinced by him, however it would increase my chances. There would never be a perfect chance of surviving, but that was the same as it had been in the Netherworld. The Mortal Realm was no different in that sense, every day was a risk in both. And just like in the Netherworld until I returned to the Netherworld I knew that I...
Evolution Complete!
[Lesser Demon] -> [Greater Demon]
Subspecies [Zelus Imp] has evolved to [Midday Changeling]!
Gained 10 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] +6
[Vitality] +3
[Strength] +3
[Endurance] +3
[Agility] +3
Gained 2 Skill Slots!
Gained 3 Skill Points!
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption - Lvl. 5] bes [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 1]!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Lvl. 1] Obtained!
Skill [Basic Fire Creation - Lvl. 30] bes [Advanced Fire Creation - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Double Step - Lvl. 10] bes [Self Haste - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Fire st - Lvl. 20] bes [Scorching Wave - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Passive - General Tool Proficiency - Lvl. 10] bes [Passive - Weapon Mastery - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Charge of Embers] is now avable.
Skill [Fiery Hail] is now avable.
Skill [Ignition] is now avable.
Skill [Passive - Deadly Instincts] is now avable.
Title Gained!
(Death of the Destroyer)
[Vitality] (+5)
[Strength] (+5)
[Endurance] (+5)
[Wisdom] (+5)
[Agility] (+5)
General Skill [Title Skill: Zealous Call] Obtained!
I will survive!
End of Volume 1.
Author''s Note:
I hope you all enjoyed Volume 1 of Salvos. I often worry about how well I execute my climaxes, especially considering how the first major climax I had for my other story, Ms, resulted in a almost 10 0.5 stars in a few days and a drop in rankings from 300 to 600 at the time. I feel like while both Ms and Salvos are different stories with different themes and different characters, I did manage to execute Volume 1 of Salvos better than Book 1 of Ms. I''m not entirely certain whether that''s true, but that''s personally how I feel about it.
Also, I somehow managed to maintain this 5 chaps a week schedule even with another web serial and school. Especially school. Man it''s difficult. Honestly, am pretty exhausted most days, but I did it! Hopefully it keeps up.
Onto the actual contents of Volume 1... well, first of all the support for the eBook version has blown me away. We haven''t hit my goal just yet, but we''re close! So thank you all for that.
V1 has went kind of differently from how I first nned out the story back when I wrote Chapter 0. Back then, I nned for both Salvos and Haec to be isekai''d to the Mortal Realm together, and what would have happened was quite a different story, with Haec and Salvos killing Lucerna during the fight with the [Cultists]. But I decided to go a different route starting around Chapter 5-ish.
As for this chapter: the [Midday Changeling] evolution is vaguely inspired by Lady Midday. That''s pretty much all I have to say on it right now.
Anyway, now that Volume 1 is over, I would like to ask once again for anyone who hasn''t rated the story to possibly leave a rating. If you''d like to write a review or an advanced review, or if you''ve already written a review, I hope you''d be willing to update it and I would genuinely appreciate it as well. I am so close to reaching the sond page of Best Rated on RR, and while there is no achievement for it, being there would genuinely blow me away since this is my second ever story. Also, it would most definitely help new people discover the story XD
Thank you all for reading <>
Chapter 41: Daniels Dilemma (Start of Book 2)
Chapter 41: Daniel''s Dilemma (Start of Book 2)
41. Daniel''s Dilemma
Daniel blinked his bleary brown eyes as beams from the sun seeped into the room through the blinds of the window. He got up with a sigh, clutching at the invisible wound on his side. He wasnt hurt no, there was only the vague feeling of an injury there.
The ck haired man had been burned, bruised, and cut up by the Greater Demon called Lucerna, and yet, with healing potions he was now left without so much of a scratch. Well, at least physically he was fine. Mentally speaking, he wasnt really sure how he felt. Sure, he was ok now, but wasnt he on the cusp of death just yesterday?
It was a strange thing to think about it was something that sometimes kept him up. He had never thought that it would ever be possible to recover from that much blood loss. And yet, he continued fighting. He had been able to pick himself up from the rubble and rocks with a nearly broken body, and healed himselfpletely with thest of the healing potions Salvos had given him. Then Mistshard picked him up, carrying him to the battlements where Druma was already at.
After that, everything had been a blur. They managed to catch Lucerna in their trap, strangling him until his neck or spine broke. Daniel wasnt even sure if Demons had spines, but something happened to paralyze the [Djinn]. With that, Edithe finally got her revenge, and Salvos her answer:
She cant return to the Netherworld.
The young man remembered seeing her face when she heard that. He had never seen her look so shocked since he met her; even as he got out of bed, he couldnt help but feel apprehensive about seeing her in themon room of the inn.
He packed his things and got dressed as worrying thoughts raced through his mind. Will she still be broken up about it? Will she be even more confused than before? Will she be lost, without a clue on what to do? Or will she
Daniel hesitated, chewing his lowering lip as he considered thest possibility.
Will she hate you, for lying to her? You promised her, after all. You said you would help bring her back to the Netherworld, and now she thinks its impossible. She might even kill you
He shook his head and pushed the door to his room open. That wouldnt happen; Salvos was not the kind of Demon or uh, person to attack someone unprovoked. She had made it extremely clear. Daniel tried to reassure himself as he walked down the stairs. And yet, the thought remained: what if Salvos went mad? What if she had some kind of Demon instincts within her that suddenly took over? What if those wild Demons she talked about were really the true forms of a Demon, and he woulde down to find a bloodied inn
Took you long enough!
Salvos marched up to the young man and jabbed a finger at his chest. He blinked as he looked her over.
How long do you Humans need to sleep? Seriously, the sun is already high up in the sky! You must have slept for, uh 200 hours!
Thats I dont think theres that many hours in a day, Salvos.
Edithe sighed as she walked up to the two. The red haired [Summoner] dressed in her usual robes ced a hand on the Demons shoulder and lowered it.
Give us a break. And dont be so loud. I know the innkeeper is out right now, but what if someone passing by hears us?
Dont worry. They wont suspect a thing.
Salvos grinned and twirled around. The cloak that used to loosely hang over her shoulder was now almost a proper fit to her body, its hood no longer masking her face too. Daniel just stared at her as she turned to a stop.
I look just like a Human now, see? You think so too, right Daniel? Uh Daniel?
She cocked her head and Daniel blinked. He quickly turned his gaze to the wooden floorboards as he felt his face burn up.
Yeah you do.
Previously, Salvos had an impish look to her. She had been short, not even up to his shoulders at five foot two inches. Her skin was pale almost like that of a dead body, which was hardly her most inhuman feature. Shecked any parts, for the most part. She had no chest, and nothing below her waist. It had reminded him of the most simple and in mannequins, ones that only had the vague shape of a woman he thought she had been more androgynous than anything. And that was everything about her that had even seemed Human.
Seeing her clearly back then, it was unmistakable she was a Demon. Two small horns had protruded from her gray-silver hair. Her face had been rather rotund, without much of a jawline under her sharp teeth. And while her ck nail-like ws were not that terrifyingly long and usually hidden under her cloak, Daniel had seen what they could do and he didnt want any of it.
But now, after her recent evolution, he was staring at a Human woman standing on a pair of long, sculpted legs letting the top of her head reach past his chin. Her waist was tapered, curving up to a slim figure that would draw all eyes male or female to it out of lust or envy. She had her arms folded across her chest, which now had the mens shirt wrapping around it tighter than the loose garments of before.
Her golden eyes were enchanting, almost like there was something magical to it in fact, there probably was something magical to it. Her chin was sharper too, like a sleek steel knife after it had been delicately washed and polished. When she curled her fuschia-pink lips up, Daniel could almost see his own reflection on her mirror-like pearly whites. And he only saw himself gawking.
Salvos no longer had anything about her that screamed Demon. Her hands were normal she had no ws, no sharp nails. She even now had a pale-olive skinplexion that matched how alive she normally carried herself.
Daniel caught himself as she nodded, eagerly turning to Edithe.
See? I told you.
Edithe simply gave Daniel a judging look which he tried to ignore. He failed, feeling the embarrassment take over. Fortunately for him, Salvos didnt pick up on this, instead spinning around and heading out of the inn.
Come on, Betty and Chase are waiting for us! I cant wait to race them back to Hazelbury and beat them again. Im much faster now, you know?
The two exchanged a nce. Daniel shook her head and Edithe just rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hasnt changed at all, huh? He followed after her, scratching the back of his head.
You know, Salvos, since we dont need either Druma or Mistshard to be with us now, you can just always ride on the horse with us.
With me.
Edithe shot him a sharp look and he blushed.
I didnt mean it like that, but yeah. Youve already proved yourself faster than them, right?
Huh. I didnt think of that.
Salvos paused, thoughtfully tapping a hand on her chin. The three continued down the busy streets of Silvergrove. People were up and about, already trying to rebuild their city from the destruction caused by Lucernas attack.
A few faces turned to them, pointing and whispering to each other. However, none approached them, which Daniel was grateful for. He wasnt really someone who could handle too much attention, although Salvos seemed to be the opposite.
She noticed the hushed conversation and nodded in the direction of a group of carpenters. Immediately, they quietened. Salvos scowled, before turning back as she heard a chuckle.
What?
Edithe suppressed an amused look.
Nothing.
Salvos raised a brow but said nothing more. They finally reached the stable holding their horses and saddled on to leave the city. There would be no celebrations today there had already been plenty on the days before. But now, they needed to go back to Hazelbury mostly to return the horses they borrowed from a stable in the other city. And once they were back in Hazelbury
Daniel frowned, looking over at Salvos.
So, uh what will you be doing now?
She nced back over at him, seating behind Edithe.
What do you mean?
You know, you cant go back to the Netherworld, right? So what will you be doing?
Salvos blinked a few times, registering his words.
I cant go back? Why not?
Lucerna said you cant. He said you needed a summoning cor, and you dont have one. So
He trailed off, wondering if he made it awkward. Why did you have to bring that up? Moron! However, Salvos didnt seem offended by it. Instead, she scoffed.
If Lucerna says I cant go back without one of those summoning cor thingies, then I just have to get one, dont I?
I I dont think itll be that simple.
She shrugged and turned away from him.
I didnt say it will be simple. I said I just have to do it. I like this ce the Mortal Realm. But I need to return to the Netherworld. Haec is there. He can wait a little longer, but not forever.
And Haec is
Mypanion.
Salvos spoke simply, as if that told him was supposed to tell him everything he needed to know. And maybe Salvos thought it was enough that this Haec was reason enough to try so hard to go back to the Netherworld. But honestly, was there a need for a deep reason to want to go back home?
Daniel didnt think so. In fact, he thought he understood how Salvos felt. She might not see it in the same way he does, but the fact of the matter was that the Netherworld is her home. Of course she would want to go back. He smiled.
Well, its probably going to be difficult is all Im saying. But I made you a promise, and Im going to keep it.
Salvos nodded as if she hadnt expected him to say anything otherwise. And maybe for her, it seemed that way. He told her he would help her, and he had done so thus far why would he suddenly change his mind?
That was something she was going to have to learn about Humans or well, mortals from spending more time in the Mortal Realm. But for now, Daniel would help her in her quest to go back home.
It was not for any particr reason. He just understood the feeling he could empathize with her. The longing to return to where you belonged was something he knew all too well.
After all, he was a [Hero] from another world.
Chapter 42: Journey Back
Chapter 42: Journey Back
42. Journey Back
I sat just behind Edithe on the back of Betty, the Level 13 [Traveler Horse], as we rode to Hazelbury. I felt the wind blowing at my face my now longer hair flowing with the wind. I was in my Human form now. I had evolved and be a Greater Demon. My Subspecies was now a [Midday Changeling]. I had chosen it because it was the best Subspecies to help me blend in and survive while I was stuck here in the Mortal Realm.
Everything felt different. This body felt different. It was bigger than my previous, yet it was somehow more lithe. I slowly nced down at myself, clenching my fist as I took in this new feeling. I softly closed my eyes, curling my lips while leaning back. This body, this new form
I hate it! It sucks! I feel so weak!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 40
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 40 (+5) (-7)
[Strength]: 27 (+5) (-7)
[Endurance]: 53 (+5) (-7)
[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) (-2)
[Agility]: 79 (+5) (-7)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 15]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 1
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[me Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 1
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
I had so many new Skills. My Status was almostpletely different now, with a Title that provided me with additional Stats and even a General Skill. However, I was stuck in this Human form which severely inhibited me!
Not only did it just take away most of the benefits I got from my Title, I didnt even have ws anymore! What am I supposed to do now? Punch people?! Thats stupid!
I sighed and slumped over onto Edithes back. The Human woman turned back slightly and raised an eyebrow.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
I dont want to be a Human anymore
I murmured under my breath. Daniel looked over at me from his horse before quickly darting his eyes away. He hesitated.
Wh why not?
Because it sucks. Everything about it sucks. I dont have my ws, I dont have my horns. I dont even look like myself anymore. And... why do I even have these things on me?
The Human man immediately averted his gaze as I gestured down. Editheughed, shaking her head.
Salvos, you have to understand its necessary for your own protection. Demons are treated as monsters, I guess. Sure, not everyone will immediately attack you if they see you as a Demon, especially if youre higher leveled than them, but still, what happens if they do?
I scoffed, replying simply.
Ill fight back and kill them, of course.
Then youll get in trouble with the authorities. And therell be a lot ofplications because of that. Trust me, its better for you to stay like this, at least while in the cities.
I narrowed my eyes hopped off Betty,nding on the dirt road as the two continued on for a moment longer. They whirled around, giving me a confused look.
What are you doing, Salvos?
We arent in one of your Human cities anymore, right? Im going to change back.
Wait
I ignored the two as they protested. I focused on the General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] and deactivated it. Immediately, I felt my body growing and turning whiter. The ground suddenly shrunk below me as I felt my clothes tighten around my body except for my chest, it actually became looser there. My hair didnt recede, instead growing even longer than before.
There was a cracking sound, like that of rocks being broken on each other, as onest ripple went through my nownky body. Two horns sprouted from my head and they werent just small protrusions peeking out of my hair. These were long, crooked horns. Almost like the one that Demon who made the Spear of mes had back in the Netherworld.
My arms were much longer now too, nearly falling down to my knees when standing upright. Which was harder to do now; my body felt like it didnt want to be straight. I looked down at my wed hands my white hands and smiled. Sharp. Sharper than as an [Imp]. I turned to Daniel who I was now taller than even, and shot him a thumbs up.
See? I feel much better already.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 40 (+5)
[Strength]: 27 (+5)
[Endurance]: 53 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 63 (+5)
[Agility]: 79 (+5)
No more of those debuffs. I felt satisfied at that. However, I noticed that both Daniel and Edithe visibly paled. I folded my arms.
Whats wrong? Are you two really scared by this? Come on, Im still Salvos! You werent afraid of me back when I was a [Zelus Imp]!
The Human man swallowed, exchanging a look with Edithe.
We know, uh, that. But this is just a bit much.
I frowned.
You werent scared of Lucerna.
Lucerna wasnt as terrifying as you.
He muttered, facing away from me again. I brightened at that.
Really? You think so?
Thats not a good thing, Salvos.
Edithe pointed out with a sigh.
Not for you Humans, maybe. But I like it. Im sure even those [Hellhounds] would think twice about messing with me!
I paused, looking up. If they can even think at all, I added in my head. I spun around, feeling my cloak get swept up by the wind as I spread my wed hands out wide.
This is who I am. Maybe being a Human is better for whatever reason, but its not me. I dont like it
I turned to a stop and stared. A family of three stared back at me. A Human man, a Human woman, and a Human child. They stood on the dirt pathing from Hazelbury, eyes wide open in shock. I hesitated, then waved a wed hand.
Uh, hi?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Demon! Another Demon is attacking our country!
The woman screamed and the man shouted. The child cried as her parents picked her up and ran away. I grinned nervously, turning back to my two Humanpanions.
...maybe this wasnt a good idea.
You think?
Did I mention I can only change my form every hour?
Edithe sighed and Daniel just smacked his forehead.
--
We waited out until I could transform to a Human again by hiding deep in the forest, away from any Human life. Edithe chastised me for a moment, mulling over having to deal with any possible repercussions from this. I didnt see why it mattered this wasnt the first time I had been seen by Humans. As far as Silvergrove and Hazelbury knew, a wild [Imp] was still running around somewhere in Falisfield, plotting somethingpletely and totally evil.
And perhaps they were right. I might be nning something evil. However, I wasnt an [Imp] anymore, so actually theyd still be wrong.
During this hour wait, I decided to finally spend my avable Stat and Skill Points, while figuring out what my evolution entailed. The first thing I did was distribute 5 Stat Points to [Agility], because it couldnt hurt to be even faster than I already was. Then I spent 2 on [Endurance], 2 on [Vitality], and the remaining 1 on [Strength].
For now, I neglected my [Wisdom]. My Subspecies evolution had given me quite a nice boost to it, and it being in my Mortal Form didnt decrease it as much as the rest.
As for my Skills, I had to figure out what each did. [Advanced Fire Creation] seemed rather self exnatory, so I just dumped 4 Skill Points straight into it. The new Skill I gained while fighting Lucerna [Passive - Blue mes] seemed to drastically increase the damage of my fire magic, while only draining a little bit more mana than usual.
I raised a hand, watching the bright blue wisps coalesce, forming a fire the shape of a raindrop on the palm of my hand. It did not flow with the wind like my regr mes had instead, it seemed to almost hold still, like a solid rock bracing against a strong force pushing it. I grinned, thinking of how powerful this new Skill was, and added 4 Skill Points to it. That left me with 7 more to spend.
I moved on to see [Passive - Weapon Mastery] would do. I turned the blue me into a deadly fire longsword. It no longer took all my focus to create a weapon longer than a dagger now I held up the glowing de in one hand and swung it around. I frowned as I realized this was hardly different to [Passive - General Tool Proficiency]. Sure, I could swing the weapon better than before, but not that good.
I only gave it no Skill Points.
After that disappointment, I didnt really have high expectations for my remaining two newly changed Skills. And sure enough, [Scorching Wave] didnt seem any different from [Fire st]. The only difference between the former and thetter being how I could change the intensity of the attack depending on the mana I poured into it, and how the mes came out as a wave and not a quick st thatsted only a few moments. Decent, I thought. A better use of mana than doing the same with [Advanced Fire Creation].
I left [Scorching Wave] at Level 2 for now, seeing no reason to spend more on it. Next up was [Self Haste]. I activated the Skill without expecting much from it, and was surprised to immediately feel it take over me. It was as if the world suddenly became slower.
I slowly lifted a wed finger up, only for it to snap straight into position in an instant. I nced around, realizing how much slower Daniel and Edithe were moving. The two spoke with slurred speech, like they had a few days ago after we defeated Lucerna and they drank a lot of that alcohol liquid.
I walked up to them at a casual pace, however they jumped when I suddenly appeared by their side.
Salvos! Dont run at us like that.
Is there a problem?
The two looked at me and I grinned.
NopetheresnoproblemIjustusedthisSkillcalled[SelfHaste]andapparentlyitmakes
Daniel blinked.
Woah, slow down there. Could you repeat what you said?
The Human woman narrowed her eyes as I nodded eagerly.
OfcourseIsaidthatthisnewSkillIgotmakeseverything
I dont understand what shes saying at all. Do you?
Not a word.
I frowned, annoyed. I waved a wed hand at them and pointed at myself.
Justwatchthis!
I dashed forward, running as fast as I could to a nearby tree. I whirled around, talking excitedly as wind blew at my face while my feet carried me forward, closing half the distance to my target in an instant.
Everythingissomuchslowernow aw.
I stumbled to a halt.
It ran out.
Daniel just stared at me in shock.
Wha what was that?
He sputtered, turning to Edithe. She looked at me for a moment, then shut her eyes.
Its a [Haste] Skill. Very rare. Even rarer than the potions and spells that can imitate its effects.
The Human woman shook her head as I walked back up to them, arms widespread.
Did you see? That was amazing right?!
Yes, Salvos. Thats actually amazing.
She nodded, and I felt my lips curling up. I turned to Daniel who averted his gaze.
Uh, can you not smile at me like that? Its terrifying.
I crossed my arms and red at him. It only made him look away from me more. I sighed, deciding to do him a favor as I felt enough time had finally passed for me to use [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] again.
A ripple ran through my body, and a few momentster, I appeared Human again.
It was not as much of a speed boost as with [Double Step]. But it seems tost longer than it and also affects more than just my running speed. I like it.
I quickly spent 2 Skill Points on it, saving the rest for my two potential new Skills. I was about to choose the Skills I had avable to obtain, when Edithe smiled.
Well, it seems like you had your fun. And youve managed to test out a few new Skills. Now its time for us to actually go back to Hazelbury.
Why the rush? Cant we stay here for a bit longer?
I turned to the Human woman, giving her what I recognized was a childish pout. I had seen Human children use this to convince their parents to give them what they wanted. Unfortunately, it didnt work for me.
Well, other than the fact that its getting dark and I dont want to camp out in the woods when we can easily sleep in a nice inn
She looked me over once, then nced over at Daniel. The Human man nodded and he faced me.
Salvos, weve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of bing an adventurer?
Chapter 43.1. Adventurer
Chapter 43.1. Adventurer
43.1. Adventurer
Salvos, weve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of bing an adventurer?
The Human man spoke slowly and nervously, unsure of his own words. Daniel looked back at Edithe for some support, and she nodded in affirmation.
We know you might be averse to this idea. You dont have ns to remain in this realm after all. And being around adventurers all the time might be dangerous to you, since youre a Demon. However we think its currently whats best for you.
I blinked, ncing between the two Humans as Daniel took over for Edithe once again.
You can earn actual money for yourself while fighting monsters. Its actually really good for you, since you can do what you enjoy the most leveling while giving yourself the opportunity to live afortable life while stuck here. Its not really any massive obligation, so I think you should at least consider this.
The two exchanged another hesitant look as I considered this. I saw Daniel open his mouth slowly.
Sure.
Of course, you dont have to make your decision now wait, sure?
I grinned.
Yes, sure. That sounds interesting! I want to be an adventurer!
But it could be dangerous for you, Salvos.
I dont really know how your Subspecies works, but if someone can see through your [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Human], they could expose you!
And?
I cocked my head.
And if that happens, they could try and get you killed
I gave him a look and he snapped his mouth shut.
...ah, right.
I shook my head, looking first at Edithe then at Daniel.
I know you think being an adventurer is dangerous and all, for whatever reasons, and maybe it is. However, I survived in the Mortal Realm so far as an [Imp]. Back then, I couldnt even disguise myself as one of you Humans who keep attacking me for my looks, but now I can. Furthermore, the dangers here are nothing Almost every single Demon I met in the Netherworld tried to kill me. Yet, I survived. And most of all
I spun around, facing away from the two. I raised a hand, pointing it forward and up at the sky as a grin spread across my face.
I want to do it! Do I need any other reason?
I paused, letting my words sink it for the two. Then I had a thought.
Plus, werent you two the ones trying to make me be an adventurer?
--
We werent against the idea of you being an adventurer, Salvos. We just wanted to make sure you knew the consequences and dangers of being one.
I know about danger. I know about adventurers. I think its simple enough.
I crossed my arms and stared at Daniel. He sighed, shaking his head.
Maybe you know each individually. But Salvos, sometimes you can be quite impulsive. Immature. As in, make bad decisions that could have potentially devastating effects.
I dont do that.
You dont?
Edithe looked at me with a nk face. She gestured behind her at the road leading out of Hazelbury then at my clothing.
Exin what happened earlier with that family. And exin your clothes if these hadnt been too big for you, youd be walking around naked right now.
I scoffed, keeping my head up and my gaze away from the Human womans judging look as the three of us strolled into the Adventurers Guild of Hazelbury.
So what? Ive scared Humans multiple times before, and its never turned out bad. Plus, whats wrong with being naked?
The two Humans exchanged a nce. Daniel raised a hand defensively.
Im not going to exin it to her. Youre both women you do it.
Edithe did not grace him with a retort. Instead, she led me straight past the sea of staring adventurers and to the receptionist. I tried to catch what the Humans were saying they were whispering and pointing at us but unfortunately I could only make out a few nonsensical words.
...defeated the [Djinn].
...no way, how did...
...its that bitch
I nced over at the voice that said that. I saw ke the tall adventurer from the local Iron Champions Company sitting over at a table towards the edge of the room, surrounded by a group of adventurers dressed in simr clothing as him. They all wore the same crest on their chest a sword and a pickaxe crossed together.
I frowned as I considered his remark. A bitch? I am not a female dog. Im a Demon! I wanted to pull away from Edithe and confront him, however the Human womans grip did not let up. She stopped me right in front of the receptionist.
Hi.
She ced a few silver coins on the counter and gestured over at me.
Id like to register her as an adventurer, please.
The receptionist blinked, ncing between me and Edithe. She squinted as she looked at me was she identifying me? then smiled slowly.
Of course. And will you be signing with us as a part of anypany, or would you prefer to be independent?
I cocked my head.
Uh
Independent.
Edithe spoke over me before I could decide. I decided to go with it, although the receptionist seemed insistent on me joining apany.
Are you certain? Joining apanyes with many benefits. For example, the fee to sign up as an adventurer would be halved, since mostpanies will take up the cost for you. And
She leaned across the counter, eyeing ke and his group with a sidelong nce before whispering.
You dont have to join the Iron Champions Company. As long as you have a member of apany anypany to vouch for your recruitment, wed cut the price upfront and bill thepany instead. Like, say, the Valiant Dreamers Company?
The receptionist gave Edithe a look. However mypanion shook her head.
Im already paying the fee for her. And if she wants to join mypany, she can do so in the future. For now, she should experience what its like to be an independent adventurer first, before she decides on joining anypany.
Suit yourself. Let me just fill out these documents your name is Salvos, correct?
Thats me! Im Salvos!
I grinned at the receptionist and jerked a thumb at myself. Edithe quickly lowered my hand and spoke quietly into my ear.
You said youre not immature, right? Dont be so loud. Id rather us not draw anymore attention to ourselves than were already getting.
Why not?
I looked at her, confused. I like the attention. But apparently she didnt, and she didnt seem like she wanted to exin why it was bad. So I just obliged.
Fine.
Thanks.
I turned back to the receptionist who was now scribbling on a piece of paper and smiled normally, speaking softly this time.
I am Salvos, and as mypanion said, I would prefer not to be a part of apany.
Uh right.
She raised a brow and gave me a weird look. I shot mypanion a wink, to which she simply pinched the bridge of her nose. Did I do something wrong? I spoke as proper as I could! I heard Daniel sigh, muttering under his breath behind me.
...sounded like a robot
I wanted to ask him what that even was, but the receptionist was already proffering a piece of paper.
Just sign here, and youll be set.
Alright.
I picked up the pen and frowned.
How do I sign this?
I trailed off, giving Edithe a pleading look. I heard an adventurer sitting close by guffaw and spill his drink on the floor. The Human woman just closed her eyes and pinched her nose harder. Before either she or the receptionist could respond, a voice interrupted them.
So these are the heroes of Silvergrove, huh?
Chapter 43.2. Adventurer
Chapter 43.2. Adventurer
43.2. Adventurer
So these are the heroes of Silvergrove, huh?
A man that had been sitting at kes table got up and strutted over to us. Hispanions immediately followed after him, keeping a small distance behind from him as they made their approach.
Equipment seems rather mediocre shabby, even. Levels are decent, but nothing particrly impressive. Im surprised you three managed to take out that so-called Destroyer that rampaged through Falisfield.
The receptionist shrunk in her desk as he came to a stop just before us. He wore the same clothing that ke and the others wore, however it was different somehow. It seemed more decorated? As in he had jewels adorned into parts of his vest, and the crest on his chest had a helmet added in between the pickaxe and the sword. He produced a gleaming silver badge and smiled.
Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss Salvos. Im Stephen, a tinum Rank adventurer from the Iron Champions Company.
I blinked and identified him.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Does he have a Ne of Obfuscation too? No I didnt see anything hanging around his neck. I had a feeling his level was just too high for me to see.
I had heard about the havoc this Greater Demon had been causing to my home province, so I rushed back as quickly as I could. But it seems I arrived a little toote, since I came back to hear only the singing of praises for the three adventurers that yed the [Djinn].
He brought a hand forward with a smile and I stared at it. It took me a moment to remember Edithes lesson on Human courtesy and how you should always shake an outstretched hand, but I quickly recovered and took it.
Hi, Im Salvos.
...I know.
Stephens lips twitched as he brought his hand back after we shook. He gestured at us, then back at the group behind him adventurers who I assumed were part of hispany with ke.
Ive heard many things about you, Miss Salvos. Nothing good, really. That youre rather brutish and prone to violence, causing trouble in the guild even though you werent and still arent an adventurer. Especially your unpleasant run-ins with some of my members.
He gave ke a sharp look at the tall adventurer flinched.
However, Id like to confirm such things myself: are any of these rumors true? Did you, perhaps, hit my friend here in a rather demeaning ce when you two first met?
I nodded and replied simply.
I did.
Stephen quirked an eyebrow, looking me over.
And why exactly did you do such a thing?
He deserved it, thats why.
Hm, perhaps.
The tinum Ranked adventurer turned around, evaluating ke who nched at the offhand remark from him. Then he faced me.
Such things are possible. I do admit that our criteria for epting new members arent very strict. However, Ive heard other things about you too. For example, you broke into ourpany building here in Hazelbury and stole a rather important resource to us and distributed it to the public. Is that true?
I opened my mouth to answer, but Edithe stepped in front of me and brought an arm out.
Alright, cut it out. What do you want?
Hrmph, Miss Edithe, was it? Gold Rank adventurer from that annoying Valiant Dreamers Company. I take it that that theft was your doing then?
So what if it is? Hoarding the location of dangerous Dungeons is not something the guild likes.
But it isnt banned by the guild either, is it not?
He chuckled as Edithe just red at him. At this point, Daniel thought to join in.
Just because its allowed, doesnt mean its right.
And the knight in shining armordecides to step in to save hisdies. Tell me, Mister Daniel, how many people do you think youre fooling with that artifact of yours? Or did you think hiding your level also hides that Ne of Obfuscation hanging around your neck?
kes eyes widened and Daniel clenched his fist.
Leave us alone. Were just minding our own business.
Ah, but your business is my business, you see?
Stephen walked around Daniel and Edithe and approached me with a smile. He gestured at me before turning back to the two.
What you have here is someone special. Someone extremely rare. Or did you think no one noticed how she has doubled her level in the span of two months since she first came here?
A susurration broke out in the crowd of adventurers watching this scene; Edithe grimaced and Daniel nced around with a frown. Stephen continued, ignoring either of their reactions.
Of course, leveling at such speeds is only possible in the lower levels. However, to do so requires a level of risk and talent, something which over 99% of adventurers at even Goldck. So Id like to offer this deal to you, Miss Salvos: join the Iron Champions Company, and not only will all your past transgressions to us be forgiven, but youll have ess to all resources we can offer. Locations of Dungeons, Medium Grade and even High Grade equipment, and even the best mentors anyone can offer. It will all be free, specifically for you, as long as you decide to join ourpany here and now.
I stared at the Human man, blinking as he went on.
It is a generous offer, Miss Salvos. Something we dont give everyone. Wed be treating you as we would a tinum Rank, despite you having only just reached Gold. Itd be wise to ept this if you truly wish to reach such high levels in no time. Additionally, if theres anything you might want, well be able to pool together our vast resources to help you get it. We might not be one of the Honorable Companies, but Id say were getting close to their size.
In your dreams. The Iron Champions Company is nowhere nearrge enough to stand amongst those three
Was I talking to you?
Stephen spoke over Edithe and gave her a dark look. She flinched, instinctively raising her staff. He did nothing else, turning back to face me.
So Miss Salvos, what about it? Will you join us?
I looked at Stephens outstretched hand, before directing my gaze over his shoulder. Edithe was chewing her lower lip, and Daniel had nothing to offer me either: both seemed resigned, unable to say anything.
I turned back to the tinum Rank adventurer. If I join the Iron Champions Company, Id be able to level faster. And maybe I can make them find a way to reach the Netherworld. There was almost no downside to this offer; everything about it seemed right to me.
So I smiled, raising my hand and epting the proffered handshake by Stephen. Daniel sighed, and Edithe averted her gaze. Stephen was smirking, while ke had a look of terror on his face. I opened my mouth
No.
...pardon?
Stephen lowered his hand as I brought my hands back to my hips. I spoke again, slower this time.
I said no.
Uh, but you took my hand
Because itsmon courtesy to do so, of course. However, I do not want to join yourpany.
The tinum Ranked adventurer slowly blinked. He sputtered in indignation.
But why? You have only things to gain from joining us! I am literally offering to give you a VIP treatment that only the closest friends of our founders get. What sane reason could you give to reject such a deal?!
I shrugged.
Mypanions dont like you, and I dont like you either. Also, Id probably have to leave them if I joined yourpany. I dont want that.
He opened his mouth in fury then slowly closed it. He shook his head, resting his forehead on the palm of his hand.
I shouldve known you would say this from the way I saw you act. Youre like a child. A petnt, bratty child.
I am not a child. I am a Gr
Daniel and Edithe snapped their gazes to me. I quickly corrected myself mid word.
Grown woman!
Stephen stared at me as I shook a fist at him. He just sighed.
s, such potential is wasted on a fool such as you. Unfortunate.
He turned around and began to stalk off. However, he paused right at the edge of earshot distance and craned his neck fractionally to face us.
You will regret this decision, Miss Salvos. And as for you, Miss Edithe. Your Valiant Dreamers Company will get whatsing for them. Or did you really think ourpany will take all your interference in stride?
Edithe grit her teeth, biting back a reply. Then the tinum Rank adventurer and his group left the guild hall. And all that was left was silence.
So, uh, how do I sign again?
Chapter 44: Weird Human Things
Chapter 44: Weird Human Things
44. Weird Human Things
With Daniels help, I managed to scribble my name down on the piece of paper the receptionist of the Adventurers Guild slid over to me. The hall remained deathly quiet after Stephen left, and there was not even a snicker from the closest adventurers tracking my every move.
I should probably worry about that. What if they try to steal my name? I huddled over my signature as I handed it back to the receptionist.
She looked it over a few times before nodding.
Alright, youre all set. Well just get your guild badge ready, and youll be good to go.
Guild badge?
I cocked my head. The receptionist produced something from behind the counter.
Its what we use to identify your Rank. Whether youre Silver, Gold, tinum, or Diamond. Elites those above Level 150 use the same badge as a Diamond, but theyre usually famous enough that they dont even need an adventurers badge in the first ce.
And I am
I gave her an expectant look. She gestured at the yellow stripes at the edge of the metal badge.
Youre a Gold Rank.
Aw, only?
My shoulders sagged. I immediately straightened however, remembering that Edithe told me to behave proper.
Well, I guess I just have to get to Level 70 quickly. Thats what tinum is, right?
The receptionist gave me a weird look.
Uh, yeah.
I nodded and epted the badge gratefully. I muttered a thanks once again keeping to my proper behavior and hurriedly turned back to Edithe and Daniel. The two were still distractedly staring after Stephen, even though he had left quite a while ago.
Look!
I presented my badge to the two. I had expected them to step back, aghast. Shocked. Blown away by my high Rank despite having just be an adventurer. Neither one batted an eye.
Ah, youre finished.
Edithemented as she nced out the door of the guild onest time; I scowled, although she didnt notice it.
Well, its about time we return to our inns. Weve had a long day of travel, and after thatst encounter, I dont think I want to be staying around the Adventurers Guild in Hazelbury for the next few days. Or weeks.
We made our way out of the guild hall, tracked only by the prying eyes of a few curious individuals. I nodded at one, and they all immediately spun away, pretending to be preupied with something else. Daniel spoke thoughtfully.
Yeah, that guy just gives me bad vibes. Think hell try something?
Not immediately.
What do you mean?
I think he has something nned but its not anytime soon. Well just have to wait and see. Its not like we can do anything about it anyway.
Right
The Human man trailed off as we came to a stop a few streets away from the Adventurers Guild. He nced over at me and scratched the back of his head.
You know, Im surprised you were soposed throughout that, Salvos.
I cocked my head, confused. He borated.
I expected you to punch him in the balls or something. Honestly, that would have been quite the sight to see.
I stepped back and stared at him with wide eyes.
What? No! Are you serious?
The two Humans gave me a look as I raised my hands defensively.
He wouldve killed me. Why would I do such a thing?!
Ah
So you do havemon sense, huh?
Edithe remarked with a raised brow.
Its a survival sense. Im not going to fight a Demon a hundred levels above me. Ill die!
Dont you frequently fight monsters higher leveled than you?
Daniel looked at me dubiously. I scoffed and crossed my arms.
Only if it seems like I can beat them. If I attacked every single monster or wild Demon stronger than me, Id be dead right now in fact, when those Centinels attacked us in that Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon, the first thing I did was run!
Daniel simply shrugged while Editheughed.
It was a joke, Salvos. Dont take it so seriously.
...how does that work? You were saying Im dumb enough to get myself killed!
There is a truth to it. Its not the whole truth, but an exaggeration of it. Thats how jokes work.
Huh.
I paused, considering this. Jokes humor. Another curious thing about Humans. I had seen Haec, mypanion,ugh once; he found how I acted to be funny. It felt demeaning at the time, but perhaps he didnt mean it that way. Just like how Edithe and Daniel meant no harm in their words now.
Anyway, its about time we split off. Salvos, youll be staying with me again tonight.
Wait, why?
I peered at Edithe, perplexed. She nced over at Daniel who flushed, although neither exchanged any words. She sighed.
We dont want you to have any idents. Youre still not used to a Human body, and Id rather you not strip yourself naked or do anythingpromising to yourself until you learn how to take care of yourself fully as a Human.
Im not even a Human though. This is just my Mortal Form. Im not a real mortal.I dont even have to eat or sleep like you two.
I put in happily; Edithe shook her head.
But you have at least one Human feature or well, a pair listen, well have to talk about things eventually. But in private, with just the two of us. For now, youll also be staying with me since well be going shopping tomorrow.
Shopping?
Yes. These clothes youre wearing are Daniels right? Theyre still too loose for you. We need to get something that fits you better.
Oh, that sounds interesting. Lets do it!
--
I hate this.
I scowled as the Human woman not Edithe wrapped the tight piece of garment around me. She pulled it back as now Edithe peeked in through the curtains.
Hows it fit?
Oh, dear, it fits perfectly. I dont know why she hates it.
Because its too tight!
I threw my hands up in the air. The woman a tailor and the owner of the shop we were in jerked back, not expecting the sudden move.
Please, keep your hands down. There are many sharp needles here, we wouldnt want you to hurt yourself on one now do we?
They cant hurt me
I murmured under my breath as I grudgingly crossed my arms across my chest; it was not just me saying the opposite of her out of annoyance I really couldnt be hurt by such small needles. My [Vitality] was too high for that. Not unless someone else with high [Strength], like Daniel, jammed them onto me. But even then, it would just be a little bit painful and nothing else.
How about this?
The tailor lifted up a single frilly piece of clothing and held it over my body. It was not like the clothes Daniel had provided me which had two parts to it this could cover me entirely by itself. Edithe frowned and ced a hand on her chin.
It looks good but I dont think shed want that.
I think shed look perfect in a dress.
Unfortunately, Salvos is an adventurer. A [Rogue] at that. Itd be inconvenient to wear such restrictive clothing.
Oh please, Ive seen [Rogues] run across rooftops dressed in more restrictive clothing than this.
Well Salvos isnt your typical [Rogue], alright?
Edithe gave the tailor a pleading look. The tailor huffed, turning around.
Fine. Well get thisdy here some [Rogue] clothes. Although I dont see why anyone would like those types of clothing. Theyre always so dark and broody looking...
Eventually, the tailor came back with a pair of shirt and pants that fit me better; it was still tight. I preferred Daniels loose clothing. But maybe that was because I was used to wearing them. Whatever the case was, I left the shop with Edithe with my shoulders slumped.
Ugh, this is terrible
Dont be so down, Salvos. You look good. Stand tall and proud.
How can I stand tall and proud when these annoying shoes are so tight?
I gestured at the brown shoes at my feet. I could barely even move my toes!
I think its a good thing, really. You arent running around barefoot anymore like some kind of I dont know, weird barefoot runner?
Then how about these clothes then? Theyre like a Giant Spiders strings! Theyre tying me down!
Dont let them tie you down. How can you be caught by some low leveled Giant Spider? Youre Salvos, arent you? The Savior of Falisfield!
The Human woman giggled as I shot her a look.
Hey! You got that Title too. And I told you, I didnt ept it.
Yeah, yeah. Im still mad that I didnt get the Title Death of the Destroyer. Technically speaking, I was the one who finished off Lucerna, the Destroyer.
But I made the n.
Your n was just to tie him up by the neck. There was no real substance to it.
It worked against therge Demon.
Which was Level 6 as you said. Hardly the same thing as a Level 68.
Well, uh it worked, didnt it?
That it did.
Edithe smiled as she led me down the street into a restaurant. We took a seat at a corner table, and she ordered some food for herself as I gave her a judging look. While waiting for the food to arrive, I finally decided to inquire on what was in my mind.
Wheres Daniel? I havent seen him all day.
Hes busy dealing with selling the loot we got from Silvergrove. Remember when the city let us pick out from that pile of items? We cant use everything we picked out, but we can certainly sell them.
After we saved the city from Lucerna, they threw a feast which I didnt attend because of how disgusted I was by it also because I was evolving to celebrate. They gave us a lot of rewards, but there honestly wasnt anything of use for me. The only thing I had wanted was my Spear of mes that Lucerna stole back, however it had dissipated shortly after we killed him because it had run out of mana from overuse.
I was still kind of upset about that.
A Human woman came back with some food, cing the food at the table. I pushed the ones closest to me away towards Edithe; she watched me do it with a smile.
You really hate food, huh?
Its just so weird. What do you even do with it?
We eat it for energy. It helps us survive.
That makes no sense.
Edithe shrugged, leaning back on her chair as she took a bite of meat.
Youre a Demon, not a mortal like us. So you wouldnt know. But try it, at least. Its delicious.
I hesitated, eyeing the steak she was eating; I slowly reached out, grabbing the fork and quickly put a piece of it into my mouth. I immediately grimaced and spit it out.
Gross!
Edithe stood up.
Salvos! Dont do that!
But its disgusting!
You
The Human woman cut herself off and sat back down. She softened her gaze as she faced me, speaking slower this time.
You cant just spit something out because you think its disgusting.
Why not?
I cocked my head. She hesitated, chewing her lower lip for a moment before she continued.
Because people will then think youre disgusting. You dont want that, right? To be like food to you.
I found myself nodding as she exined the logic to me; it made other Humans think lowly of you which might not seem like it mattered, but it did if I wanted to pretend to be a Human well. After Edithe finished her exnation, she quickly added that I shouldnt take off my clothes in front of Human men too.
Then she quickly changed subjects.
Still, Salvos, I think you have to learn to pretend to eat. Its not really normal for a Human or any species for that matter, be it the Elves, Cyclops, Dwarves, or even Kobolds to go without eating. Well, there are rumors that at the higher levels you can forego food. And great [Mages] can learn spells to feed themselves without meat. But still youre only Level 40.
Im only Level 40 right now.
I corrected her. She waved a hand dismissively.
Doesnt change the fact that youre Level 40, and if youre around other people, theyll think youre weird for not eating.
I considered this for a moment.
Wait, why would I be around other
Hey.
A voice interrupted me. Edithe and I nced up as two men approached our table. The first one the one that spoke smiled and put out a hand.
Would youdies mind if we joined you?
Chapter 45.1. Emotions and Stuff
Chapter 45.1. Emotions and Stuff
45.1. Emotions and Stuff
Would youdies mind if we joined you?
A tall,nky man asked as his shorter, more rotundpanion followed behind him. Edithe nced up at them, not even batting an eysh.
Apologies, but we are rather preupied with ourselves.
Oh,e on. I see that youre both adventurers too. Cant you spare some time for us fine gentlemen?
I narrowed my eyes. Adventurers? I quickly identified them.
[Mage - Lvl. 27]
[Archer - Lvl. 24]
I blinked. Too...? What do they mean by too...? Theyre so weak! I opened my mouth and raised a finger, but Edithe stopped me. She gave me a telling smile before simply shaking her head at them.
Unfortunately, we are busy.
Let yourdy friend speak what do you say?
He turned to me, ignoring the red haired woman as her smile disappeared off her face. He leaned closer to me.
If you can convince your friend to join us, well treat you both to a fancy restaurant not in this dull part of Hazelbury. Just give us a chance.
He spoke with a wink and a grin, holding out a hand. I cocked my head.
Huh?
Theres no need to be coy with us. We have the gold, dont worry.
No. I dont get what youre saying at all.
The man blinked.
Uh, excuse me?
I nodded, standing up.
How are you going to treat us to a restaurant? Dont you eat in a restaurant, not get eaten by the restaurant? Plus, youre both low leveled. Even if you try to force feed us to a restaurant, we wont let you.
I raised a hand menacingly.
Not without a fight.
He stared at me. Edithe smacked her forehead. The man turned to his shorterpanion.
What is she on about?
I dont know man. We should just leave. I told you its not worth it.
But look at them, how can you pass up this chance?
Thenky man looked back over to me. He reached out and lowered my hand, tugging me with him.
Itll just be a quick meal. We can find a ce to stay after if you want
Edithe finally stood up. She ced a hand on the table quickly but gently, fixating them with a gaze that slowly turned to a re.
Excuse me, boys no, not gentlemen, because gentlemen introduce themselves first my friend and I are not in the mood to deal with either of you. Ive tried turning you down nicely, but now I will have to ask you to leave.
Oh, how scary. I like my women strong.
You should be scared of Salvos, not me.
He blinked.
Wait, isnt that
I punched the man in theher region. He screamed it was a high pitched scream, losing all of the deepness to his voice. He doubled over, letting go of my right hand. I grabbed his arm before it could fall limply to the ground and pulled him up into the air.
He hovered there for a moment, before I mmed back down to the table.
Thenky man groaned on the now splintered wood, with food and drinks covering him. Heads snapped to us and hispanion stepped back. I turned to the other man.
You want to try it too, huh? I will not let you treat me to a restaurant!
H-h-what?
He paused for a second to give me a confused look, then the sound of a food slopping to hispanions face drew his attention. He stared at the state of hispanion then me.
He ran.
Other Humans in the room turned to stare at us. An angry man burst out of the back, screaming and yelling at me.
What is going on?! Someone call the guards!
A person scrambled for the door, shouting for the Human guardsmen attention. A patrol of armed men and women came in, weapons drawn and aimed at me as I tensed. Then the man leading them paused.
Arent you the Savior of Falisfield? The one who slew the Destroyer?
I eyed his weapon, lowering my hands slowly.
Yes.
Hm, I only caught a glimpse of you back when you helped defend our city... youre a bit taller than I remembered. But that doesnt matter right now why would you attack a random Silver?
I shrugged as thenky man groaned on the floor, wiping the sludge of disgusting food off his head.
He wanted to feed me to a building!
Edithe burst outughing.
--
So how did you think a restaurant was going to eat you?
I dont know it could be a building monster? A wild building? No one ever told me that rocks can attack you, but they can!
Thats a fair point, I guess.
Edithe chuckled, wiping tears out of her eyes. She had exined the situation to the guards, telling them that the two Human men were harassing us. However, due to my overreaction we were fined quite a bit of money two gold coins.
I wasnt sure how much that was worth, but it was apparently worth a lot.
I probably should have stopped you, to be honest. I feel a little bit bad. But I just wanted to see what you would do and how you would react.
And you found it humorous?
Its nice seeing assholes get what they deserve. Sure, he was only bothering us. However, were both over 10 levels above him. Imagine if it was two poor Level 15 adventurers here what would he have done?
I thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
I dont care.
Well, lets just say hed have been more insistent. So Im d I let you have at him.
The two of us strolled down the streets of Hazelbury; she was still hungry having not had enough to eat. We stopped by a small wooden box and she bought some food on sticks from the man inside of it.
These market street vendors are always so good. Do you want some?
She grabbed a chicken wing and scrunched into it, gesturing at another one still on the stick. I grimaced.
You eat a lot.
Hey, are you calling me fat?
Editheughed and I cocked my head. She waved a hand off.
And before you take me literally and say no I am not, it was a joke.
Huh.
The red haired woman continued chewing into her food as we just walked and talked.
These are good, but honestly they cantpare to the street food you can find in a Cyclops city. Those are phenomenal.
A Cyclops city?
Well, I say cities, but theyre more like small settlements? Only the coastal ones even get as big as Hazelbury. Cyclops dont live in very dense poptions. And to add to it, many of them travel and leave their homes.
She turned her gaze up, sighing wistfully.
I was in Ajih one of their bigger cities. I had these squishy white things on sticks. They called it fishballs, I think. You should try it and with the sauce too. It was so delicious.
I grimaced, imagining the thought of biting a small white rock with some ck ooze over it. No never. Edithe just smiled at my reaction.
Chapter 45.2. Emotions and Stuff
Chapter 45.2. Emotions and Stuff
45.2. Emotions and Stuff
What are we even doing, anyway?
I turned to her half an hourter. We were now passing by street merchants [Traders] people selling their wares and goods, shouting and moring to be heard over all the noise.
What do you mean?
The Human nced back at me, holding a ne up around her neck.
Does this look good?
That looks like a red rock wrapped in metal.
Its a ruby pendant. But do you like the way it matches my hair?
Edithe raised the jewel up slightly, putting it just next to her fiery locks. I nodded slowly.
I yes. I think it looks kind of nice?
I wasnt really sure how to articte it, however I thought it was pleasing to the eye. She grinned, turning back to the merchant.
Ill take it.
She returned to me momentster and looked at me inquisitively.
So, what were you saying again, Salvos?
What are we doing? Weve just been walking around doing nothing.
What do you mean? We are doing something.
Which is?
Rxing. Spending a girls day out.
Edithe paused as I cocked my head, confused. She averted her gaze slightly.
Plus, Ive got to teach you a few things about being a girl.
--
Guys like those two earlier are quitemon. Many men think that just because were women, they can push us around. You cant let them do that.
Of course if they push me, Ill punch them back!
No. Not that kind of pushing. Its the kind where they make you do what they want to do. Youve got to stand your ground and do what you want instead.
I cocked my head.
Huh.
She sighed.
I can see how this is kind of confusing for you. Of course it is. But youve got to know how to protect yourself as a girl. Not as an adventurer and not as a fighter. As a Human woman.
But Im not a Human woman.
Still, Id rather you not do something stupid or something youll regret in the future. You probably wont ever care for it this is more for my own conscience, I guess.
Edithe mused to herself as we sat on the edge of a fountain. I could feel some light droplets trickling onto my face from the constant sshing of the water. Nodding, I smiled.
I think I can understand what youre saying. Its like Lucerna when I met him, he was trying to make Haec and I do what he wanted us to do. He didnt care for what we wanted at all!
Thats not exactly right. But close enough.
She giggled. Not annoyed, not angry. She seemed happy she was enjoying herself. I looked at this and I felt my lips curling up. I found myselfughing with her, not really sure what she found so humorous or entertaining, but finding it nheless.
After a moment longer of just staying there, rxing, Edithe spoke up.
So, Salvos, what will you be doing?
What will I be doing?
Yes. You cant really get to where you want to go for the foreseeable future. So, what now?
I didnt even think to respond.
Ill level, of course.
Edithe shook her head, muttering under her breath.
I dont know why I expected anything else.
I grinned and she chuckled.
Well, if you really do want to level, theres still the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon. Its not that far, and its a ce you already know. It wont be too dangerous for you, plus it''s still a good ce for you to earn levels.
I nodded slowly as she continued.
Ive spoken around. Talked to adventurers. It seems like that while not a lot of adventurers are swarming to tackle this newfound Dungeon, a few high Silvers are trying their luck. You could probably team up with them if it gets too dangerous.
I raised my head up and down and stopped.
But why would I team up with them when Im with you, Daniel, Mistshard, and Druma?
The Human woman sighed. She looked over at me as her gaze shadowed over. She chewed her lip hesitantly, but eventually spoke out.
Salvos Ill be leaving in a few days.
Leaving?
I cocked my head.
To return to mypany. The Valiant Dreamers. Ive already aplished what I was sent here to do by them and more. But now, with the Iron Champions Company threatening us or at least, Stephen did I need to go back. Tell them about what happened with him. Just in case thepany really tries something.
I stared at her, not really processing what she was saying.
I wasnt really sure how to tell you this. Honestly, telling it to Daniel was pretty easy. Were both adventurers, so he simply took it as it is. But you? I wasnt sure how youd react.
Wait but why?
I blurted out, mind racing. Shes leaving? Arent wepanions? Why does she have to go?
Why cant you stay?
I told you. Im needed back home. And my team is dead. I have to go back. Talk to their families. Their friends. And we need to grieve. Together.
I opened my mouth and Edithe hugged me. I flinched, reflexively reaching out to push her back. Then I stopped, slowly embracing her.
Im sorry, Salvos. I know its sudden. And I know you wouldnt want toe with me. Its more weird Human stuff you cant possibly understand. But I have to go. Return home.
Let me follow you!
I sputtered, not even knowing what I was saying. Edithe cocked her head.
Are you sure about that? Itll be full of boring Human stuff. We wont be fighting, or leveling, or doing anything in particr. Therell be lots of sleeping and lots of eating. I dont think youd like that.
I uh, nevermind.
I slowly deted. She sighed, grinning.
Thought so.
Slowly, the Human woman let go of me. I spoke up first.
I good luck.
Edithe blinked. I hesitated, but managed to continue.
Going back its tough. Takes a long time. So, good luck.
She looked at me, perplexed. Then her eyes widened, and a reassuring smile formed on her face.
Its not like your whole ordeal. Its very simple. Ill be back in less than a month, dont worry.
Are you sure?
Of course. Im more worried about you anyway. Just focus on yourself. Dont jump into a Lair of Centinels because you think you can take them all. If theres a Level 70 or 100 Centinel they can get dangerous.
I lifted an arm up.
Ill only do it if I know I can take them.
That does not inspire any confidence in me, but I do trust you. So Ill take your word for it.
I smiled. But I still felt uneasy.
When will I see you again?
Whenever you want, Salvos. Juste visit me at the Valiant Dreamers headquarters at Viechester. Its arge city west of here in the Sunmere Republic not the Capital, since thats where the Rising Veterans are located.
The Sunmere Republic?
Yes. Salvos youve only been in the Mortal Realm for a few months. And youve mostly stayed around Falisfield. But this ce is much bigger than you can imagine. Go explore it, and find a way back to your friend. Well meet again in the future, I promise.
I nodded, looking at the red haired woman one more time. She had the pendant she bought around her neck and it really did suit her. She shook her head and chuckled.
Anyway, thats enough of that for now. Its not like Ill be leaving immediately. Its still a few days. I need to go to the temple and send a ry message back first
--
And yet, a few days came quickly. It passed like the wind carried by the breeze not like an unmoving, static rock. It came and went, and so did Edithe.
Daniel and I bade her farewell. She left through the gates of Hazelbury with Mistshard by her side. I had already spoken to Druma the [Yaksha] hadnt evolved yet, but he was close. I hoped he would be a Greater Spirit the next time I saw him.
And as for [Elemental] she nodded my way and I nodded back. That was more than enough for the two of us.
I watched as Edithes figure disappeared as the night did with the sunrise; she waved at us on the back of a horse, until she was no longer in view. I stayed there by the gates until it was noon, and Daniel returned to usher me away.
Shes gone, Salvos. Come on, lets go.
For now.
I spoke softly, following the Human man as he led me away from the city gates and the staring guards.
But Ill meet her again. Just like how Ill meet Haec again. I know it.
Chapter 46: Gold Rank
Chapter 46: Gold Rank
46. Gold Rank
Absolutely not!
But why?
I stared at the Human man as he vehemently refused me; he stamped his foot to the ground, not budging even as I gave him a pleading look.
Thest time we went to the Dungeon, I almost died multiple times. And then again with Lucerna.
And?
I stared at him, nk faced. Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples.
I need a break. I cant deal with fighting and almost dying on a daily basis. Besides, you had already gotten your evolution, but I still havent got my ss advancement. I just have a little bit more to go I was thinking of doing simple, easy jobs around Hazelbury until I be Gold Ranked.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to identify him. Nope, only Level 30 to me. He was still hiding his levels although I had no idea why he would even do that at this point. Most people knew he was one of the ones involved in saving Silvergrove. So why pretend he was weaker than he actually was?
Well if you have only a little bit more to go, lets go to the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon then! Youll hit 40 in no time!
I just told you
He shook his head.
Listen, Salvos, if I go with you to the Dungeon, I wont be able to research more about Demons and the Netherworld. I know youre excited to fight and level, but if you and I are both out there, how will you ever go back?
Uh
I tilted my head back.
Ill summon Haec here instead?
He doesnt have a summoning cor.
Daniel spoke simply. I grimaced. Right, I told him that, didnt I? I threw my hands up in the air.
Then Ill summon another Demon here and steal their cor!
I nodded affirmatively to myself. Thatll work. I can just take two of those cors and put one on. Then Ill go back and give Haec the other cor. Well be able toe and go from the Mortal Realm whenever we want together! I thought it was a good n. Daniel however, wasnt as enthused about it as me.
Thats not a bad idea, but the problem remains: how are you going to do that if you dont even know how a Demon summoning ritual works?
I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Exactly.
Fine.
I scowled, crossing my arms.
If you dont want to go with me, then stay here! But you better not be gone when Ie back, alright?
Im not going anywhere I did promise you Ill help you, remember?
First Haec, then Edithe. And now you too. All mypanions keep leaving me!
I murmured under my breath as I turned to leave. Daniel watched me go. Just as I reached the door however, he called out.
Its something youll have to learn, Salvos. Peoplee and go even if you dont want them to leave.
I turned around, eyeing the Human man standing there. His gaze was longing facing something that wasnt there. I jabbed a finger in his direction.
Well too bad for you, Ill be leaving you behind! Ill be Level 100 when Ie back next month!
...thats not going to happen.
Well see.
I grinned and threw the door to our room open. I was staying with him once again ever since Edithe left; although she made sure to tell me a list of things I should and shouldnt do in front of him. And for whatever reason, Daniel profusely begged me to listen to her instructions with utmost care.
But now, I didnt have to worry about that any longer. Because I was not going to see him as well for a little bit. It was only until I returned from the Dungeon, satisfied with whatever gains I could get from it. That was one of two reasons for my insistence to go.
The other reason was well, it was what impelled me to want to go now.
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[me Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 2
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
[Charge of Embers]. [Fiery Hail]. [Ignition]. [Passive - Deadly Instincts].
Lets test out my new Skills!
--
I ran down the streets of Hazelbury, dodging and weaving through the crowd of Humans that filled it. There were gasps, there were curses, and there were shouts. But I ignored them, and eventually reached the gates of the city. Too bad for you! I need to get used to moving in these clothes!
I dashed past the group of onlooking guards stationed there; a few of them called out to me, recognizing me from when I fought alongside them to protect the city from the hordes of monsters that came after Lucerna attacked. Well, they recognized my cloak billowing behind me. It was dark ck. Not that notable. However, I was certain my speed and level was.
Ho, Salvos! Good luck on your journey!
Off to save another town in danger, eh?
I simply nodded back at them, feeling my boots impact the ground with a thudding sound. It was ufortable restrictive. But I would get used to it. Like I got used to wading through the ocean of rocks in the Netherworld.
I continued speeding past travelers, [Traders], and other Humans on horseback as they came for or left the city of Hazelbury. I was supposed to be heading to Silkfalls Crevice, which was from what Daniel told me, in the mountain right next to Bouldergarde. Unfortunately, I didnt know where Bouldergarde was.
Hey!
I stopped right in front of a family of three.
Wha
The father jumped as the mother stepped protectively in front of the child.
What do you want?
Wait, dont I know you?
I squinted, forgetting my question for a moment. Then I shrugged.
Actually, nevermind. Do you know the way to Bouldergarde?
The father blinked.
Uh, yes. Its on the other side of Falisfield. About 50 miles?
He pointed in a vague direction. I nodded.
Thanks!
Wait, before you go youre a Gold Ranked adventurer, arent you?
I paused mid step and turned back to them, brightening.
How did you know?
Oh, uh, because youre Level 40. So I just assumed you were.
I grinned at them and pointed a finger back at myself.
Well, I am Gold Rank. My name is Salvos, nice to meet you!
Salvos as in one of the three adventurers who defeated that ghastly fiend rampaging through the country?
I nodded excitedly. The childs eyes widened, staring at me in amazement. I felt my lips curl up as she pulled away from her mother and up to me.
Youre the one that saved us!
I am?
Yes! That scary Demon was attacking our city, and you defeated it!
The mother walked up to the child, pulling her back slightly away from me.
Now, dont be rude. But yes, we couldnt evacuate in time because it was all so sudden. And we heard you fighting. We werent there when you beat it, but we were close. We only came out when we heard the cheers then we knew it was over.
The father nodded, bowing his head slightly.
Thank you, for saving us.
I grinned.
Of course!
I wanted him to continue praising me, however his face turned serious.
Im sorry to ask you for so much, even after all youve done for us, but we spotted another Demon a Greater Demon, just like thest one somewhere between Silvergrove and Hazelbury. We went back to Silvergrove to report it, and they sent out an alert. If you see it, please, dont let another disaster happen again.
Please, Miss Salvos.
The girl tugged at my arm. I cocked my head. Another Greater Demon? Why would I attack one for no reason? But since theyre asking me to.
Sure!
Then maybe I could steal his or her cor and use it to go back. It would save me some time. I stood there, chatting with the family for a while longer, until I noticed that the sun was now high up in the sky.
Oh! Its noon! I have to go now. Id like to get to Bouldergarde before its dark.
I started to leave. Dont want to get lost. Everything looks the same when theres no light! I thought to myself. The father smiled and waved at me.
Thank you, again. And for spending the time to talk with us. Stay safe, and good luck on your journey!
I waved back, now resuming my run to Bouldergarde. A whileter, I realized I forgot where the father said the city was and that I was lost.
--
Hey, is that Bouldergarde?
I called out to a group of [Traders] as they passed me on the road. I pointed at the city in the distance, and they turned to face it.
Nope, sorry Miss. This is Silvergrove.
Silver...grove?!
I stared at him, aghast. Isnt that on the other side of Falisfield?! I sighed, looking over at the sun as it made its way down the sky, on its way to the horizon.
Do you know which road takes me to Bouldergarde?
I looked at the [Traders] pleadingly. One of them nodded and handed me a map.
You just got to follow these lines here. Itll take you straight to the city.
I see thanks!
I was about to continue on my way when another [Trader] spoke out.
Actually Miss, youre a Gold Rank adventurer, arent you?
Yep! Im Salvos.
Salvos? Oh, youre the one who killed that [Djinn] that attacked Silvergrove. We just heard a lot about you, you see.
Really? People are talking about me?
I perked up, thinking about what they could be saying. The [Trader] however, interrupted my imagination.
They were. You know, its still kind of dangerous around these parts. We hear talks about more Demons. Tell you what you dont need to pay for the map if you just help escort us to Cliffglen.
I wrinkled a brow.
...pay you? Escort you?
The map wouldve cost 8 silver. Its quite detailed. But if you juste with us for a little bit, well give it to you for free.
I
I hesitated, ncing down at where Bouldergarde was marked on the map. Then I looked back up at the [Traders]. I can just run away. They wont be able to catch me. But no Edithe told me that stealing should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It would make me get in trouble, which could cascade into me getting in trouble for being a Demon and dying to a lot of angry Humans.
The [Trader] continued.
Its not that far, just to the next town over. Promise!
I sighed.
Sure.
--
Is this Bouldergarde?!
I came to a stop right in front of a man dressed in armor. He looked like a city guard, although they werent as well equipped as the ones in Hazelbury were. He jerked, straightening when I appeared and rubbing his eyes.
Hu what? Oh this? Yeah, this is Bouldergarde. What do you want? Passing through or looking to stay in the city?
Oh, finally! And neither of those. I just want to go to the Dungeon.
The Dungeon you mean the new one? Silkfalls Crevice? Its right up that hill over there.
The guard pointed at the lumbering mountain in the distance, stered over the dark sky. A road went up the slope, leading to a small crest before it continued further up.
But are you sure you want to go there? Its a Gold Rank Dungeon, Miss. Its not a ce for someone like you
His eyes widened as he pointed at me.
Wait, Level 40? Youre a Gold Rank adventurer?!
I looked at him then at the direction of the Dungeon. I smiled back his way.
Nope!
But youre Level 40, arent you? And youre going to the Dungeon! If you could
Nope!
I spoke over the man, still smiling. The man blinked, slowly lowering his arm.
I uh, see. I must be mistaken.
You are!
I helpfully added. The man shyly scratched the back of his head.
Well, uh, good luck with the Dungeon, I guess.
Thanks!
I waved at him once, then spun around and dashed up the road. I found myself standing on t ground quickly enough, and broke off from the road in the direction of where I remembered the Dungeon to be. But it was night now. The sun had set. And I realized I was lost again.
That was, until I saw the smoke rising in the distance. Bright light shone and illuminated the night sky from below. I felt relief was through me as I saw what it was. A camp arge one, with a few dozen Humans. But it was not just located at any random part of the hill.
It was right next to Silkfalls Crevice.
Finally, Im here.
Chapter 47.1. New and Familiar
Chapter 47.1. New and Familiar
47.1. New and familiar
I strolled into the camp set up around therge crack running through the ground that was the Dungeon. It was Silkfalls Crevice. A Gold Rank Dungeon. And here were the adventurers who dared to challenge it.
Dozens of rugged, tough Humans clumped together in their own small grounds, around their own campfires, and feasting on their own food. But they were all here for the same reason the same goal. They were the only ones who had the gall, who had the courage, who had the strength to face the threats inside the Dungeon
Why is everyone so weak?!
[Warrior - Lvl. 24]
[Mage - Lvl. 29]
[Warrior - Lvl. 21]
[Rogue - Lvl. 30]
[Archer - Lvl. 19]
I stared at those who have gathered here, and I found myself especially unimpressed. Isnt this a Gold Rank Dungeon? Arent these Humans Silvers? I thought for a moment. Then I remembered how I had only been around Level 20 when I first entered Silkfalls Crevice. Maybe theyre strong, well see.
It was not like levels or power really even mattered to me; I was here to test out my new Skills, and gain some levels while I was at it. It was exciting I couldnt wait to jump straight into the Dungeon. In fact, I waltzed past all the adventurers, ignoring the closest faces that turned to identify me before hurriedly whispering to their teammates.
I stopped just before the hole in the ground, about to jump in. Isnt that dangerous? I thought for a moment. Then I shrugged. Ill just climb then. I stepped forward
Oi!
A loud, booming voice called out to me. I whirled around and saw a group of three approach me. I cocked my head as they approached, led by a bulky man at the fore.
The man leading them was not a Human. He had dark green skin and no hair, with four thick arms and two legs. Hisrge jaw bit over his upper lip, revealing two sharp teeth protruding from his mouth. I narrowed my eyes as he turned a single eye towards me. Hes a Cyclops.
He looked me over as I identified him and his twopanions.
[Warrior - Lvl. 51]
[Mage - Lvl. 46]
[Archer - Lvl. 47]
The [Mage] and the [Archer] were both Humans one was a man, the other a woman. These adventurers were Gold Rank. The first ones I had ever seen outside of Edithe.
The Cyclops loomed over me, his twopanions standing behind him with their arms folded. They focused their calcting gaze over me as if they were trying to pry me open with their eyes open.
I took a single step back, readying a wed hand, only to realize I had no ws. Would a [Fire Strike] work that well as a punch? I wasnt entirely sure. And that''s what I came here to find out. I just hadnt expected it to happen even before I entered the Dungeon.
The tall, one-eyed man folded his arm and released a loud grunt. He opened his mouth as I tensed and spoke softly.
I apologize for that. I didnt mean to shout and scare you. I just panicked when I saw what you were doing.
His voice was gentle almost like how I imagined a delicate flower would sound like. If I could hold his voice, I was sure I would snap it in half by ident.
What was I doing?
I gave him an inquisitive look. Panic? Why would he panic? He didnt borate, however, instead giving me a wide, crooked smile.
Miss if I may call you that I see that youre a Gold Rank adventurer. Im sure youve heard the rumors of Silkfalls Crevice not actually being a Gold Rank Dungeon, with its threat level being blown out of proportion. But I can assure you that it is dangerous down there. If you were hoping to scout ahead of your team, I suggest you wait for them. And if you dont have a team and were hoping to level by yourself
He turned back to his twopanions and nodded at them. The Human woman nodded back, but the Human man had his arm crossed across his chest with his staff in hand and refused to meet the gaze of the Cyclops.
I have a spot in my team open. Itll mean that well have to split our experience even more than before, but Id rather you not go down there by yourself and get hurt.
I blinked.
But I wont get hurt.
The Cyclops frowned, rubbing his chin.
Thats very unlikely
Hah.
The Human man scoffed, shaking his head. He nced over at the Cyclops then at the [Mage].
I told you two we shouldnt have said anything. Its just another newbie Gold who thinks they can take anything now that theyre Level 40. I say just leave her. Let her learn the lesson that hard way.
Lesson?
I gave him a confused look. The Human man sneered.
Of course. The lesson that every arrogant Silver gets when they first get their Gold badge that being Gold doesnt mean shit. You may be stronger than a majority of adventurers, but youre still weaker than 90% of the monsters out there.
Zack!
The Human woman looked at him, horrified. He shrugged.
What? Its true. Let her go down there and get herself killed. If shes lucky, she might only get maimed and lose an arm.
But that doesnt mean you had to say anything!
Jaakkos wasting his time if he thinks this conversation would go any different than it did with that team of high Silvers that went down there alonest week. They shouldve cooperated with the other teams and formed an expedition but no. They were almost Gold, and this was their chance at glory. See where theyre at now.
The Cyclops, Jaakko, frowned and rubbed his chin. He looked at Zack, choosing not to speak sharply, but to keep his cool voice from before.
I understand your concerns but that is no reason to disrespect the dead, or disrespect this youngdy to her face.
He turned back to me and bowed his head.
I apologize for my teammates harsh words. But please, I urge you to consider working with us. It would only benefit the both of us.
Zack snorted.
Shes not going to change her mind
Sure!
I piped up cheerfully. The Human man blinked.
Uh, what?
I continued as he gave me a nk gaze.
Ive never met a Cyclops before, and you three are kind of interesting. I dont mind going with you down to the Dungeon.
Jaakko sighed, cing a hand on his chest in relief. Zack continued blinking as the Human woman smiled my way.
See? Maybe if you werent such a jerk all the time, things wouldnt be so difficult.
I but
He turned to her.
Helen, you didnt actually think she would change her mind so easily, did you? Noone ever does that!
Only because you cant keep your mouth shut.
But she told us she would go down there and not get hurt!
But I wont get hurt.
I spoke simply, interrupting the two. They paused, turning to me with a confused look. Even Jaakko blinked this time his single eye closing and opening slower than a Humans would.
What?
Look at that she still thinks this Dungeon isnt dangerous!
It is dangerous.
I nodded.
But for you. Not for me. So if you want to join me, lets go. Because were going down there right now.
Ok, I changed my mind. She isnt just some arrogant new Gold Rank. Shes just stupid or insane.
Chapter 47.2. New and Familiar
Chapter 47.2. New and Familiar
47.2. New and Familiar
Now entering [Dungeon: Silkfalls Crevice].
I hopped off thedder andnded on solid ground, followed right after by the three adventurers I had just met. The Human man, Zack, was thest one toe down. He walked right past me, ignoring me and murmuring under his breath.
This is so stupid. Why do we have to go in now at this hour? We already spent four hours down here this afternoon...
I cocked my head. Why would you even go back up? I thought, not understanding hisints. I initially was under the impression that none of the adventurers above had ventured into the Dungeon yet, but apparently they all had gone in at least once. It was just that they went in very quickly and went out.
Dont mind him. Hes just grumpy because he didnt get enough sleepst night.
A female voice spoke out. I turned and saw the [Archer] standing there, her bow already out. She smiled at me, proffering a hand.
Helen. Sorry we didnt get to properly introduce ourselves.
I smiled back.
Its fine. Im Salvos.
Salvos? Hm, I couldve sworn Ive heard that name before. Oh well, that jerk [Mage] over there is Zack. And our team leader here is Jaakko, as Im sure youve already surmised.
Greetings.
Jaakko nodded my way. Meanwhile, Zack was off in the distance, flipping through the pages of a book and mumbling to himself. Helen sighed.
Anyway, I hope we didnte off as too imposing earlier. Jaakko is usually very reserved and cool headed which is why hes our leader but he worries about others a little too much.
So you three are Gold Ranks?
I looked over at them curiously. Then I focused on therge green man.
And you''re a Cyclops.
Indeed.
This is the first time Ive seen a Cyclops. In fact, I only heard about your kind a week ago.
Jaakko wrinkled a brow.
My kind may not be asmon as you Humans, especially here in the eastern part of the continent where Humans are plentiful. But we do travel around. I am surprised to hear that youve never even heard of us until recently.
I nodded eagerly. I peered at him, leaning closer.
I have a lot of questions. I know nothing about Cyclops at all!
Are we going in or what?
Zack called back to us, standing at the sole tunnel leading further down the Dungeon; Helen sighed and shook her head.
Yes, we are. Come on, lets walk and talk so he doesnt get agitated any further.
The four of us started making our way through Silkfalls Crevice the dim hallway illuminated by the torch Jaakko was carrying. I had offered to create a fire, but they told me to save my mana.
So, do you guys need to eat? Do you need to sleep? Do you have sses as well or something else?
I began listing off the questions in my head as we walked through the familiar Dungeon; I had been here before, and I was expecting to see a fork in the tunnel soon.
That is a lot of questions all at once. But unfortunately, I only have a simple answer to all of them: yes.
Yes?
I cocked my head.
Indeed. Us Cyclops are no different from you Humans. I apologize that I cannot give you a more interesting response.
Aw its fine. I was just curious.
If he had a Subspecies instead of a ss, I wanted to press him more to learn about how exactly it actually worked; being around Humans for so long, I learned that there was quite a detailed understanding on how sses and their advancements functioned.
I had other questions for him. However, before I could ask them, Zack who had been walking ahead halted. He raised a hand and backed up.
Wait look! Our barricades been breached.
I nced over at what he was pointing at down the hallway, there was a split just as I had expected. One of the tunnels led further down the Dungeon, while the other was a straight line to the Lair of Giant Spiders. Built in front of the tunnel leading to the Lair were wood and stone, now smashed and broken into pieces. Helen cursed.
Damn. Think the Centinels did it?
It must have been. Giant Spiders are very territorial. They wouldnt just break a barrier for their Lair without a reason. Either some Centinels forced a group of them to flee, or the Centinels themselves destroyed it.
I inspected the damage done to the wood and stone now lying on the ground; it hadnt been smashed past or rather, it hadnt just been smashed through. It was cut up then it was burrowed through.
The Centinels definitely did this.
I spoke up simply. The [Mage] turned back and frowned.
And how would you know that?
Because Centinels have a hundred sharp legs while Giant Spiders have blunt, thick legs. It doesnt matter that they didnt destroy it though. Its been opened and now theyreing.
I pointed into the tunnel as dozens of red eyes appeared in the darkness. The quick sounds of skittering filled the moist air as suddenly, a swarm of Giant Spiders came rushing down at us. Helen, Jaakko, and Zack immediately backed up and raised their weapons.
The Cyclops quickly spat out orders.
Helen, use your Explosive Bolts before they get close! Zack, form a partial barrier to funnel them through. I will focus on the stronger ones that reach us.
Got it!
Helen grabbed three arrows and nocked it onto her bow immediately. Zack raised his book and aimed a finger at the earth just ahead as the first Giant Spider reached us..
Fuck! I knew we shouldnt havee here
I rushed the monster as my entire body lit up, zing with an intense blue me that raged around me.
Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 43]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I got up and off the first dead Giant Spider as the three adventurers stared. I looked down at the dissipating mes and grinned.
So, thats what [Charge of Embers] does, huh? Not bad. Kind of like if [Double Step] wasbined with [Fire Strike].
The dozens of Giant Spiders stopped for only a second as their watched theirpanion died, before they resumed their descent upon us.
One more Skill Slot. Now which of my other Skills should I try out on you?
Chapter 48: Testing Out Skills
Chapter 48: Testing Out Skills
48. Testing Out Skills
Zack stared at the silver haired woman as she struck down the first Giant Spider. Her body had been engulfed in mes for a moment as she dashed forward, then it was gone and the monster was dead.
She was quick. The Gold Rank adventurer had seen Level 50 [Rogues] before, and she outpaced even them. How the fuck did she do that? Was it a special Skill? Perhaps she had gotten lucky during her ss advancement and gained a higher leveled Skill.
That certainly seemed to be the case since she wasnt activating it again. Zack clicked his tongue, instead focusing on his list of spells. Im not a damn [Barrier Mage]. I dont have any Skills for that! But that didnt mean he couldnt cast a spell that did something simr.
Rock Wall!
Zack pointed past the silver haired woman and the ground shot up, cutting off part of the tunnels entrance.
Dont be stupid and get back here! Youve already shown off, now theres no need to get yourself killed!
He shouted at her as his teammates readied themselves for the impending horde of Giant Spiders. The silver haired woman turned fractionally back towards him, giving him an uncaring look. Why are you just standing there, idiot?! Then suddenly, as the monsters drew closer, she smiled.
[Fiery Hail].
Dozens of sparks suddenly came to existence above her silver hair. The blue mes took the shape of spikes, each about a few inches in length. It rained down at the Giant Spiders, striking down the lower leveled monsters before they even came close.
Huh.
That was all she said. The burning blue projectiles bounced off the carapace of the Level 40 as they approached, ignoring the attack and funneling through the narrow path left for them. Three Explosive Bolts blew apart the first group, and Helen nocked another arrow onto her fancy bow.
Theyreing through!
Jaakko marched forward and drew arge scythe-like weapon, engaging the next wave as they came through. Meanwhile, the silver haired woman remained standing there, unperturbed by nearing Giant Spiders. What is she doing? Get out of the way
The first [Drop Spider] leapt at her, and Zack cursed, realizing that he hadnt been doing his job either. He had been too distracted by her weird antics. He aimed a finger at the falling Giant Spider but he was too slow. It snapped its massive limbs shut
And she dodged out of the way with a single step. The silver haired woman brought a hand up and punched therge monster with a fiery blow. It flew against the stone wall, its carapace cracking with the force of the hit.
With a frown, she nced down at the palm of her hand.
Punching sucks.
Then she conjured a fiery hammer and tossed it at the downed Giant Spider. It reeled back as it tried to get up, but the silver haired woman was over it in a second. She raised a leg up as wisps of me danced around her foot before crushing its head.
Zacks eyes widened. That was fire creation magic? How a Skill?!
The silver haired woman straightened then seemingly began to mull over something. Her gaze wandered off as she muttered to herself.
...should I? It isnt even as good as. actually let me test it.
She turned to the gap where the Giant Spiders were crawling out of as Jaakko backed up, having taken two down but was cut up as well. She called out to him.
Jaakko, move out of the way!
The Cyclops looked at her for a second, then nodded and ran back to Helen. The [Archer] hesitated, eyeing the silver haired woman hesitantly.
What are you trying to do, Salvos?
Wait, Salvos?
Testing out which Skill is better.
The silver haired woman raised an arm and released a wave of scorching blue mes down the tunnel. The Giant Spiders slowed as the wave burned them, and unlike with the previous hail of fire, none of the lower leveled monsters survived this time. Only the [Weaving Spiders] and [Drop Spiders] survived, but they didnte off unscathed.
Two [Weaving Spiders] dropped dead as the mes continued burning them, until the foremost [Drop Spider] reached her. It struck out at her with its long limbs. She stepped back, evading and countering the monster with a single movement.
Her kick was once again covered in the blue embers, and it sent the [Drop Spider] back onto another Giant Spider skittering along the walls. Two more [Weaving Spiders] shot threads out at her, but two long fire daggers appeared by her side and she snapped it at them as she leapt over the attack.
The silver haired woman rushed forward at the two [Weaving Spiders] as her daggersnded on their carapace, creating a ming longsword before slicing their front legs off. They fell and she finished them off quickly.
I think I prefer a spear.
The weapon changed as Zack blinked, morphing into a longer pointed shape as three Giant Spiders came at her at once. Thats not just a creation Skill, how is she doing that so easily?!
She swung wide, knocking two back and running the third throughpletely with the fire spear. Then she hopped over the other two, releasing another wave of mes at them, incinerating them and finishing them off beforending on the one on the wall and jamming the weapon through its head.
Shended nimbly back onto the ground with a smile and she flourished the spear behind her back. Thest Giant Spider the one she had kicked at first hobbled over to her as she cocked her head.
Yourpanions are dead, are you really going to try this?
She spoke to the monster as if it could understand her. And perhaps it could because she was a monster. She had to be a monster. How could she not be?
Zack was not that far off in his assessment.
Unfortunately for the Giant Spider, it either didnt understand the silver haired woman, or it didnt care. It readied for an attack
And Jaakko tossed a heavy chain around its neck, dragging it to him. He brought his scythe-like weapon down once, twice and the Giant Spider stopped struggling. Salvos blinked.
Woah.
She nced between the Cyclops and the kusarigama.
I want that.
That weapon was so cool!
It had heavy chains protruding out of the bottom of its hilt, letting Jaakko tie up the Giant Spider when he attacked! If I had a weapon like that when I fought against Lucerna with maybe even longer chains we wouldnt have had to lead him all the way to the city gates to beat him!
The hilt was about the size of my arm which was quite long for me, but not too much for the Cyclops man since he was about Haecs height and the protruding curve de at the top was just as long. I eagerly ran up to him, eyes glittering as I took a look at his weapon. It was a kusarigama, and I wanted it!
You want it?
Jaakko gave me a curious look and I nodded.
Im not going to take yours, since stealing is something I should avoid doing apparently. But I can make my own I think.
I brought a hand out and began to concentrate, creating fire and molding it to the outline of the weapon. However, just as the mes stopped being a nebulous blob and started to take the shape of the kusarigama, a voice broke my focus and the fire dissipated.
You!
I nced back as Zack walked up to me, eyes wide. He paused, as if realizing something. Then he took a step back and spoke softer.
Youre Salvos?
Im Salvos!
I happily agreed with him.
As in the Salvos, Savior of Falisfield?!
Yep.
You know her?
Helen interjected, blinking. The Human man turned to her, opening and closing his mouth slowly.
Yes! How can you not recognize that Title?! She was the one who killed the Demon ravaging thesends!
I found myself grinning at the sudden shift in personality in him. Recognize me more! Praise me more! I thought with my chin up. Helen just shrugged.
I dont really pay attention to the news.
How about you?
Zack whirled around to the Cyclops man.
Did you know who Salvos was?!
Yes.
Jaakko replied without hesitation. Zack paused, blinking.
The moment she introduced herself to me, I knew who she was.
Wha why didnt you say anything?!
The Human man sputtered.
I saw no reason to. She may be the Savior of Falisfield, but working together as a team is still the best option.
You couldve at least told me who she was! I
Zack looked back at me and I cocked my head. He bowed.
I apologize Miss Salvos for my disrespectfulments earlier. I had misjudged you, and for that, Im sorry.
Uh ok?
He was being dismissive of me, however I did not think he did anything disrespectful. If I didnt like the way he was acting, I would have made it known by punching him at least once. He didnt even try to attack me! Why is he apologizing?
I shook my head, ncing down the corridor that didnt lead us to the Lair of the Giant Spiders.
Lets just continue.
I still had two other Skills to try out. And I wasnt particrly pleased with what I currently had. [Charge of Embers] was fine, but it had a long cool down as [Double Step] did. Its biggest advantage was that it was much stronger than a [Fire Strike] so I might keep it. Meanwhile, [Fiery Hail] was just bad.
I probably was going to rece it.
--
We descended further into the Dungeon and I had the chance to use my two new Skills twice more, before I finally decided to rece [Fiery Hail]. It only proved most effective against groups of lower leveled enemies, and even then, I could just use [Scorching Wave] to achieve the same effect.
Curious as to what the passive did, I chose to test out [Passive - Deadly Instincts] instead. The moment I removed [Fiery Hail], I felt the Skill vanish entirely. So, I cant just remove a Skill and add it back if I decide I actually like it. That was good to know.
The moment [Passive - Deadly Instincts] activated, I felt my vision and hearing grow sharper. Nothing was louder and nothing was clearer than before, so I wasnt really sure what it did. However, the moment we came across a group of Ground Cravers appeared, I realized its use.
Without even thinking, I knew to go straight for the [Howres] with their deadly sound magic; I dashed forward, taking them out with a single strike each. And it wasnt just because of the level difference, somethingpelled me to go for the areas that I knew were vulnerable but couldnt exactly make the decision to aim for at the moment.
We wiped out the monsters in moments, because they were so low leveled.
I think thats enough for tonight.
Jaakko spoke softly, turning to his twopanions. Zack and Helen agreed, but I simply nodded.
Go ahead and go back. I still want to continue.
I wanted to see just how good this Skill, so I wouldnt retire just yet. However, the Cyclops man frowned.
Salvos, I know youre powerful, however everyone needs to eat and rest. Come, you can return tomorrow. Lets go back up to camp.
I blinked. I forgot about that! I chewed my lower lip as I tried to think up an excuse.
I, uh, have food with me. I can just sleep down here. So dont worry!
Food? You dont even have a bag on you
Zack pointed out. I blinked.
Thats right! I wanted to smack my forehead like Edithe often did. What do I do? I didnt want to go back just yet, but I couldnt think of an excuse. Maybe if I just start running very fast they wont be able to catch up to me.
His eyes widened.
Unless
He nced over at me, his eyes focusing on my ne. I covered it and stepped back, and he immediately averted his gaze.
Sorry thats not what I was looking at. I is that a dimensional storage item? A Ne of Keeping?
...yes?
I see. Im sorry for asking.
Zack turned back to hispanions and nodded their way.
I think shell be fine. If she has such a High Grade Item, she would surely have some protections on her too. I was wrong to assume she wouldnt survive down here on her own. But the same isnt true for us.
Wait, you think we should just leave her here?!
Helen snapped at him.
Of course! Thats what she wants.
But
If Salvos insists on staying, then we cant force her back. Come, Helen, Zack. We shall return to the camp.
Jaakko nodded at me and I smiled back.
Ill be fine! Plus, I want to take a look at your weapon some more. I still cant create a kusarigama with fire!
The way it was designed made it difficult to replicate; it took too much mana for me to make the chains exactly as it was supposed to be. They were heavy dense. The best I could do was just create the upper half of it the sickle.
The Cyclops man bade me farewell and turned to leave. Zack was right behind him, although he stopped for just a moment to bow and apologize to me one more time. Helen wasst to go, hesitating as she nced back at me.
...dont die.
I gave her a thumbs up something I was told by Daniel was meant to reassure people.
I wont.
Then they were gone, and it was just me left in the Dungeon. I sighed as the information that had been building up from earlier finally came pouring out as I evaluated my Status.
Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 45]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 29]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 40] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 41]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 41
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 42 (+5) (-7)
[Strength]: 28 (+5) (-7)
[Endurance]: 55 (+5) (-7)
[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) (-2)
[Agility]: 84 (+5) (-7)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 7]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 1
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[me Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 2
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1
I was surprised I had even gained a single level from all that fighting; it was probably because of all the Giant Spiders I had killed at the beginning. But still, fighting these lower leveled monsters was not going to help me level too much. I had to find the Centinels to do that.
For now, I spent 3 Stat Points on [Agility] and the remaining 2 on [Endurance]. I left my Skill Points alone, since I still had [Ignition] to test out, and I was not sure if I wanted to remove [Charge of Embers] for it I was definitely going to keep [Passive - Deadly Instincts].
I focused on the one Skill I still hadnt tested that I could test. I hadnt tried it out because I wasnt sure what it did and if it would be harmful to those nearby. But now that the three Gold Rank adventurers were gone, I was going to try out a [Zealous Call].
I opened my mouth to speak but something told me that was wrong. I closed my mouth slowly, trying to figure out what I was supposed to do. I had to make a sound? I had to infuse the Skill into a specific kind of noise.
But I wasnt sure what. I shrugged and decided to just shout.
Zealous Call!
Nothing happened. Or rather, the shout sent an echo going down the tunnel, but I knew the Skill failed to work.
Huh.
I started walking forward as my shout continued echoing in the distance. Then I stopped. I felt the ground shake slightly. The earth trembled, as if something was moving it as if something was moving inside of it.
I jumped back as the ground shot upwards.
Centinels? I thought excitedly.
And dozens of Ground Cravers came pouring out. The low leveled monsters turned to me, angry that someone had interrupted their sleep, and began ring their sound magic in my direction. I grimaced as the magic took effect, but still rushed them
But suddenly, a louder, more piercing screech came over me. It made me fall to my knees and cover my ears. Then from out of the hole came arger, more terrifying looking [Howre]. She had four legs, of course, and a long snouty mouth.
The only difference between her and the others was that she was bigger. And her magic was far more powerful.
[Queen Howre - Lvl. 61]
...huh.
Chapter 49: Ignition
Chapter 49: Ignition
49. Ignition
The collective of [Howres] erupted into a scream, sending their sound magic straight at me. I reeled back, sping at my ears as a ripple went over my body. My Ring of Lesser Protection held out for a moment just long enough for me to send a [Scorching Wave] at the [Queen Howre].
She halted her sound magic, letting me gather myself long enough to dash forward with a [Charge of Embers]. My attack knocked her off bnce, but before I could follow up with [Fire Strike], the defenses from the ring dissipated the sound magic from the [Howres] too overwhelming. I fell back to the ground and their queen dug back into the earth.
Why didnt I go for them first? I thought, directing another wave of blue mes at them. My [Passive - Deadly Instincts] made me go for her first. It must have recognized her as the bigger threat perhaps if her sound magic had prated my rings magical aura, it would have hurt me. A lot.
The screeching of the [Howres] turned to cries as I easily took care of a dozen in a moment. But I felt the ground rumble once again before the [Queen Howre] popped back out of the earth. More Ground Cravers came with her not just the sound magic variants, but a few sent bits of stone flying at me.
Another [Scorching Wave] swept over the monsters as the [Queen Howre] readied another scream. But as she opened her mouth, the world slowed. [Self Haste] activated, and I sped up towards the giant monster.
The sound magic red and I found myself grimacing midstep, stumbling and ducking under arge wed hand. Fire daggers appeared in both my hands and I tossed the first at her open mouth. The magic stoppeding and I leapt in the air,nding on her face and plunging the dagger as it shifted into a longsword into the side of her snout.
The [Queen Howre] screamed this time in pain and shook me off her. Inded lithely on the ground, leaving my weapon behind as she disappeared back underground. And in that brief reprieve, my body shifted.
A ripple ran through my body, arms growing longer and ws forming on my fingers. There was a crackle of pops as my back lengthened, then turned slightly crooked while horns sprouted from the side of my head. I heard a tear although I ignored it, instead waiting for where the monster woulde from next.
The ground ahead cracked, and in an instant I was looming over the [Queen Howre]. Her eyes widened as she saw me her apanying group of Ground Cravers screeching the moment they saw me but I shrugged off the attack. Two [Fire Strikes] tore into her body, before she grabbed both my arms and held them to the side.
I pushed forward, trying to overpower her as wisps of mes flicked off my ws, but she was stronger than me. I felt myself giving ground, ears bleeding as the [Howres] continued their screaming. I scowled, taking a step back
Then my back straightened and my mouth opened wide. Dozens of sharp teeth crunched down onto the face of the [Queen Howre]. She screeched, letting go of me before I sent her flying back with a fiery kick. I nced down at the remaining [Howres] and incinerated them once and for all.
Then as the [Queen Howre] began to burrow back into the ground, the gray world around me blurred a bright blue. I reached the monster in an instant, tackling her with [Charge of Embers] and following her as she tried to escape.
Now Entering [Lair: Hole of Ground Cravers].
We both popped out over a narrow open space, not too far off from where I had been walking. So this is why you came, huh? I thought, jabbing a wed hand into her open mouth before she could scream her sound magic again.
I pushed her off me and she fell to the ground with a hard crash. [Self Haste] had run out before I used [Charge of Embers], so everything was moving normally now. And yet, the [Queen Howre] picked herself up slowly too slowly.
Inded on the ground just ahead of her, crouching with my hands pressed on the floor. I cocked my head as I saw the monster back up, covering something behind her.
What are you doing?
The [Queen Howre] didnt respond. Instead, I heard a dozen tiny screams no, cries. I stood up straight and tried to peer around her shoulder from where I stood. I saw tiny figures, squirming and wailing as the [Queen Howre] stood over them.
Are those your infants? Infant Ground Cravers?
She just stared at me. Her eyes fixed to whatever little movement I made. I sighed.
When I shouted, I wasnt trying to attack your Lair. You were the one that came at me first.
What would Edithe have done in this situation? Probably kill the [Queen Howre]. Humans dont like monsters very much. But I wasnt a Human especially with the way I was currently. I like this form, but
I nced down at my white figure. My clothes had been ripped apart by the transformation. They werentpletely gone however I didnt think Daniel or Edithe would have approved of it regardless.
I really want the experience, you know? But I came here to test out my Skills more than anything. Levels evolving while nice, isnt everything. So if you really want, Ill just leave you and your infants alone, ok?
The [Queen Howre] eyed me cautiously. She tilted her head as if she was considering what I saw. Then she opened her mouth
And more sound magic red. I reeled back for a moment before clicking my teeth.
Fine!
I dashed forward on all four, dodging the sound magic as it came at me. I leapt to the side and pushed myself off the wall beforending on the [Queen Howre]. She screamed then stopped as my ws dug into her throat.
Therge monster struggled, trying to pry me off her, but I continued tearing into her. Until finally, she stopped moving.
Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 24]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Queen Howre - Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Cleared [Lair: Hole of Ground Cravers]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 41] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 42]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 42] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 43]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
The infant Ground Cravers continued their wailing while I spent my Stat Points as I did before 3 for [Agility] and 2 for [Endurance] with each level. I looked over my Skill Points, unsure of what to do. I still wanted to see what [Ignition] did, but [Charge of Embers] was useful.
The only thing I could think of recing was [me Coat]. And that wasnt because it wasnt a good Skill per se, but something told me that [Ignition] was a simr Skill to it.
It was then I made a rash decision. I reced [me Coat] with [Ignition], permanently losing the former Skill. I lifted a hand and spoke softly.
[Ignition].
And an aura of mes engulfed me. The brilliant blue fire lit up the dark room, covering me entirely. It was like a [me Coat] except I dont need to anchor the mes on something.
My body was the anchor, and it did not burn me nor my clothes. I let the fire dissipate and tried concentrating it onto my dark cloak. Unfortunately, it did not work. So I cant set other things on fire anymore, but I can set myself on fire. Considering that most of what I did with [me Coat] was just lighting my clothes on fire to protect myself, it seemed like a good trade off. Especially when I was not in my Mortal Form.
I nced down at the tattered clothing at my Demonic self. And I sighed.
Now Ive got to wait an hour to do anything else.
Helen wasnt sure why she found herself worrying about the silver haired girl from yesterday. ording to both Jaakko and Zack, she was famous?
The [Archer] wasnt really sure. She did not keep up with current events. However, she had seen what Salvos could do, and she could definitely hold her own in the Dungeon. So why was Helen worried?
Perhaps it was because Salvos was young. She might have been high leveled she might have even had a rare ss. But that only made Helen more worried. That will only make her more reckless. And one mistake can cost any Gold Rank their life. A thought crossed her mind, but she shook it away.
So Helen had insisted to her team that they left for the Dungeon as soon as they woke up the next day. And much to Zacks chagrin, they were back down in Silkfalls Crevice as the sun was rising.
I dont get you, Helen. Salvos uh, I mean Miss Salvos is a veteran adventurer. Im sure she knows what shes doing when she says she can take care of herself.
But you dont know that, Zack. You saw how she acted yesterday shes kind of naive? Innocent. I think she might have lived a sheltered life.
Are you saying shes a noble?
Jaakko spoke up, the first time during the entire argument on the way down the Dungeon.
I am not too aware of your Human customs, but I have been taught by my people that your nobility tends to be strict with their children.
Helen chewed her lower lip.
Maybe look, Im not saying anything. I dont want to specte on her background we just met, after all.
Zack harrumphed.
What do you suggest we do then? We cant babysit a runaway noble girl the entire time especially one as capable as her. Weve got to get to Elutra, remember? We signed a contract. I dont even know why we stopped by this stupid Dungeon in the first ce.
The Cyclops frowned, looking at the haughty brown haired [Mage].
You know as well as I do that we cant leave until we confirm whether there is a Centinels Lair.
Thats right.
Helen grimaced. If there really is a Centinels Lair like the rumor says I just hope Salvos doesnt stumble into one. The [Archer] sighed, finding herself twiddling with her blonde bangs falling down the side of her face. She clicked her tongue and caught herself. Stupid bad habits, she thought, readjusting the band keeping her hair tied together in a bun. Even after two decades of adventuring, you still do this.
The group of Gold Ranked adventurers continued their descent in silence apart from Zacks asionalints. Helen however, no longer indulged him. It was a few hours of walking and fighting off the small groups of Giant Spiders until they came across anything else.
Do you hear that?
Helen turned to her teammates. Both exchanged a look.
No.
We dont have your [Enhanced Hearing] Skill, Helen. What do you hear?
It sounds like fighting. Up ahead!
Could it be Salvos? Helen wasnt sure. But she found herself dashing forward, both relieved and worried for the silver haired girl.
Jaakko and Zack were a step behind her, and that might have been a good thing. Because when Helen turned the corner, she found herself staring. For a moment. Then her face turned red as she spun around back to the two men right behind her.
Stop! Stop where you are!
The Cyclops stopped in his tracks, but the dumb [Mage] walked a few more steps forward while blinking.
What?
Before he could turn the corner, Helen whipped out her bow and nocked an arrow. She pointed it at him, ring.
I said stop!
Woah, alright! Calm down, Helen.
He backed up, raising his hands catingly. Helen herself had her back to what she saw, her cheeks still burning at the sight. She didnt even turn around when the familiar voice called out.
Helen? Is that you? And Jaakko and Zack too.
Salvos yes, its us!
Oh, good. Uh can I borrow some clothes?
The blonde woman sighed, slowly turning around. Zacks eyes widened and he backed up even more, face turning red as he realized what was just around the corner.
Yes. I have a spare.
Helen cast a sidelong nce back at Zack, muttering under her breath.
And you wonder why I was worried
I think I see your point now, yes.
Chapter 50: Hardest Hurdle
Chapter 50: Hardest Hurdle
50. Hardest Hurdle
For the next few weeks, I continued testing out my new Skills while exploring the Dungeon with Helen, Jaakko, and Zack. We mostly encountered Giant Spiders alongside the stray Ground Cravers or surviving Shade Swarmer, but other than that we found no Centinels or anything else at least 10 levels above me.
As such, I only leveled once. My Stats was split as I had already nned, but as for my Skill Points, I finally made my decision. With 16 points total, I first spent 2 on [Self Haste], 2 on [Charge of Embers], 2 on [Ignition], and 2 on [Passive - Deadly Instincts]. Then I split 6 points between [Advanced Fire Creation] and [Scorching Wave], leaving 2 Skill Points for me to save.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 44
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 42 (+5) (-7)
[Strength]: 28 (+5) (-7)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5) (-7)
[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) (-2)
[Agility]: 96 (+5) (-7)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 8
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 3
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1
For now, I left [Passive - Weapon Mastery] alone, seeing no reason why I needed to improve it. Perhaps if I managed to create a kusarigama, I would need it. But my [Advanced Fire Creation] was too low leveled to sessfully do it.
Or perhaps its my [Advanced Mana Maniption], I mused to myself as I followed the three Gold Ranks out of Silkfalls Crevice.
As per Edithes advice, I had to pretend I was a Human; I couldnt just wander around the Dungeon aimlessly by myself else I would arouse suspicion. She had been adamant I prioritize my safety and I was rather invested in my own survival as well. So I had to asionally go up with Jaakko and hispanions.
Unfortunately, I was not prepared for the horrors that awaited me above.
Uh do I have to eat this?
I stared down at the bowl of soup and into my own reflection. I was wide eyed, mouth open, and more or less in shock from being handed the food by Helen. The Human woman blinked.
Is something wrong with it?
I looked up at her, then at Zack who was giving me an intense stare. I hesitated, chewing my lower lip.
N-no. Its fine.
I slowly lifted up the spoon. This is for your own sake, I tried lying to myself. Somehow, someway, I managed to down the entire bowl. I was grimacing the entire time, and I heard Zack mutter to himself at one point.
...shes definitely a noble
Helen bonked him on the head with the woodendle before smiling widely at me as I finished the soup. I handed the empty bowl back to her, mustering up a smile in return.
I-I finished it.
Of course.
I rxed as I saw her take the bowl away. Then immediately tensed up when she brought over a te full of meat.
I know that appetizer wasnt too appetizing, so I made sure to choose some of the fresher cuts of meat for the main course.
I blinked.
...main course?
The blonde Human nodded.
Yep. Just a single bowl of soup isnt enough to fill anybody. Especially after spending a whole day down in the Dungeon. Dont worry about manners and all that eat up. I promise you its good.
I nced at Helen, then at Zack and Jaakko both digging into their own individual tes. I sighed.
...thanks.
Later that night, I snuck out of the camp and hurled everything I ate.
--
So, if you dont mind me asking, where are you from Miss Salvos?
Just Salvos is fine.
I nodded at Zack with a smile. The [Mage] was sitting on a rock, wiping some sweat off his brows while Jaakko and Helen were sifting through the six Human corpses we had found in this small cave room. Apparently a group of Silver Ranked adventurers must have thought this was a good alcove to rest, not expecting to be attacked by a dozen [Drop Spiders] at once.
The four of us took care of the monsters fairly easily, especially since we were prepared for an ambush when we came into the room; I could have taken them all on my own, but I decided to share some experience instead.
I came from Hazelbury. Its somewhere north from here?
I tested my memory, and it seemed it was right since the [Mage] didnt visibly react.
Hazelbury, huh? Well have to pass through it eventually. Last I heard, it was an average sized city. Not too big, so I guess there could be a few nobles living there.
He seemed to be talking to himself more than to me.
And you were born there and not Neros, the Capital?
I shook my head.
I was born neither in Neros nor Hazelbury. I was born somewhere else.
I cringed, realizing I should have just gone along with it. Zack however, seemed to ept this.
An illegitimate child then. I see, I see. And you managed to take out a [Queen Howre] on your own, or so you imed. Interesting.
Were done.
Helen called over to us. She walked over, holding a handful of badges on her hand. Behind her, Jaakko had some crests with him too.
These guys were definitely the adventurers we spoke to a few weeks ago. Theyre from the Iron Champions Company well need to report it to the next Adventurers Guild we pass through.
The Cyclops man nodded.
It is truly an unfortunate end. I wish their souls rest well.
He closed his eyes, bowing his head in the direction of the corpses. Zack got up and brushed off his robes. He opened his mouth but before he could say anything, Helen spoke over him.
Dont say anything insensitive, Zack.
I was not going to.
He sighed, shaking his head. He nced over at the corpses, his lips twisting before turning away.
I was going to say that since we cant give them a proper burial, closure for their families is the best we can do. Im d we found them, at least. I thought theyd have been eaten up by Centinels.
Its quite odd, actually. We havent run into any Centinels since we came here. Maybe the rumors really werent true.
Rumors?
I cocked my head. Helen nodded.
The Adventurers Guild supplied us with information about this Dungeon that it might have a Lair of Centinels in it. It was nothing confirmed, but it gave the people of Bouldergarde enough of a scare that we decided to investigate it ourselves.
If there really are Centinels in this Dungeon well, lets just say the Iron Champions Company will being out of this with more than just a p on the wrist from King Hale. He gives them a lot of passes, but Centinels? Theyre dangerous.
Are they really that bad?
I gave Zack an inquisitive look. The [Mage] coughed into the palm of his hand.
Yes. Theyre one of the few swarm monsters around the central continent that arent just weak. Theyre like the Exodutae that gue the Dwarves off the eastern coast of the continent. Each Centinel is strong, and it is not unusual for one to reach above Level 70. Theyre rare, sure. But itsmon enough that cities have been wiped out because theyre unknowingly built near a Centinel Lair.
Huh.
I considered this for a moment, tilting my head up. Then I looked back over at the three Gold Ranks.
Well, it is not a rumor.
Pardon?
The Centinels theyre actually in this Dungeon.
Zack and Helen exchanged a nce.
What do you mean, Miss uh, Salvos?
I mean that Ive seen them myself. I saw theming dropping onto the Giant Spiders.
Youve been to this Dungeon before?
The [Archer] gave me a worried look. I simply smiled.
Thats why I returned here. To fight the Centinels. They were Level 50 to 60 I dont know if they got up to over 70. But they definitely were here.
Zack furrowed his brows.
Didnt you say you just reached Level 40? You mean to tell me you fought Level 60 monsters while you were Level 30?
I nodded eagerly.
Yep!
He sighed, rubbing at his temples.
Well, I guess I shouldve expected it.
Jaakko stepped forward, frowning.
You said the Centinels were attacking the Giant Spiders did you mean they were invading their Lair?
Thats what they were doing. Why?
The Cyclops man scratched his oversized chin and folded one hand across his chest.
I see. So its a Lair war?
A Lair war?
I cocked my head and he nodded.
Yes. Thats what happens when multiple monster Lairs are formed too close to each other. They will encroach on each others territory. And when that happens, theyll get into a Lair war.
If this is true, then that means the only thing that has been stopping the Centinels from spreading out and leaving the Dungeon are the Giant Spiders. However, this is also an opportunity for us.
Helen nced over at me, an idea written on her face. I blinked, realizing what she was thinking. I stood up raising a hand.
You want us to help the Giant Spiders!
I got a nk stare from the three of them.
Uh, no.
Oh.
I mean, in a way? I just thought about using them as bait.
I scowled, crossing my arms.
Same thing.
--
We didnt immediately head to the Giant Spiders Lair. Jaakko told us we not only needed to prepare, but we also had to return the badges they found. I decided to follow them to the city, resolving on buying myself a few healing potions of my own.
Daniel had given me some gold before I left. I looked down at the 30 glimmering yellow coins, then at the cost of a potion. Huh, thats expensive.
I ended up only leaving with three before I met up with Helen by the city gates. She had a grim look on her face as Jaakko was talking to a man in armor a city guard that looked vaguely familiar. The Human man broke down, crying, as Jaakko patted his shoulder.
Wheres Zack?
I spoke to her, breaking her from her stupor. She blinked a few times, then shook her head.
Hes getting some extra protection. The local temple gives [Blessings of Lesser Protection] for a 25 gold, and we''ve got some extra coins from the Dungeon so
I nodded.
He wants to increase his chance of survival.
Right.
Eventually, Zack returned and we were ready to leave. We went back to the Dungeon and crossed through the camp with only a simple warning to the Silvers there: we were going to face Centinels. It was a warning for them just in case Centinels broke out so they would be prepared to fight.
Then we entered the Dungeon and came up close to the Lair of the Giant Spiders. There were no sounds of fighting instead, all we heard were the usual clicking of the monsters. We then set up a small camp and a barricade behind us, with a way for us to quickly pass through, before lying in wait.
We waited, listening. Each of us took turns watching the hole in the wall, just in case a Giant Spider or Centinel came out, but none came. A whole entire day went by with nothing happening, until suddenly, we heard the sounds of clicking rapidly increase in the Lair.
I slowly approached the entrance to the Lair and peered over. Then just as before, the walls of the Lair the ceiling, the sides, the ground burst open. Centinels came pouring down on the Giant Spiders, swarming them from every possible angle.
The Centinels were back.
Chapter 51: Centinels Camp
Chapter 51: Centinels Camp
51. Centinels Camp
The Centinels the long creatures with a hundred spiky legs and a hard shell came pouring down at the Giant Spiders. They came in various sizes, however all of them were farrger than me. I watched as one Level 65 Centinel fell onto a [Weaving Spider] and killed her with a single bite of the mandibles.
I watched this go on for a little bit, making sure I was away from the view of any Centinels nearby. Helen scooted over next to me, lying prone as I was with her bowid out in front of her.
You dont have to worry too much about their sight. They cant see very well. I mean, they can probably see us if we stand up and wave our hands in the air but otherwise, they wont be able to see us here.
The tunnels.
I pointed out at one of the holes where the Centinels were streaming out of.
How do we get there?
Ive got this, dont worry.
The [Archer] pulled out a thick arrow and tied a piece of rope onto it. She nocked her bow and loosed the bolt across the Lair,nding it right inside the narrow passageway.
Alright. Now lets hope no more Centinelse that way.
Dont worry, Ive got this.
Zack stepped forward and aimed a finger at the tunnel ahead. The earth just beyond the arrow shifted, before closingpletely.
Well at least have a moment to react if one decides to burrow out of there again. Nowe, lets go.
I was the first to step out once the Centinels stopped droppin from the ceiling. They were mixed with the Giant Spiders now, fighting a Lair war down below. Hundreds of Giant Spiders and dozens of Centinels, mixed up into a mass of monsters tearing each other apart that was what I saw when I peered down below.
I nced up and waited for a moment. Then another flurry of Centinels came falling or urrying down while I backed up back into the wall. I waited for them to pass before looking out once again.
I think its clear.
Ill keep a lookout for you.
Helen nodded, resting a hand on my shoulder. I grabbed onto the rope and began climbing over to the other side. I kept an eye down at the fighting and another at the ceiling; I did not want to be knocked off by a falling Centinel andnd amid the pit of fighting. Ill definitely die, I thought, a nervous sweat falling down my shoulder.
Now Entering [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].
I made it across without any problems and waved back at the three Gold Ranks. Next up was Jaakko. The Cyclops man took longer than me to cross, but he eventually made it too. Then came Zack.
The [Mage] was halfway through to our side when the ceiling burst open once again. Centinels came down at the Giant Spiders once more and I heard him curse.
Fuck.
Helen immediately loosed three bolts at the ones falling past him, snapping at him with their mandibles. Those were knocked aside without much of an issue. One came close to biting the Human man, but he sent a gust of wind to blow it away midfall.
The problematic Centinels were the ones scurrying down the walls. They first came for the rope, thinking to go for Zack. But when they got closer to the hole, they saw us. Jaakko and I readied ourselves. The Cyclops man tossed his kusarigama at the closest one and tugged at his chains, lifting the monster off the wall and flinging it down into the Giant Spiders Lair.
I sent a [Scorching Wave] across the rock wall, burning the other Centinels that made their approach and slowing them. Helen couldnt help us, dealing with her own albeit far more easily than us since she could knock them off from a distance.
Jaakko threw his kusarigama, continuing to pry them off the walls and hurling them off the pit. In spite of this, five Centinels reached us from above. I stopped my [Scorching Wave] and conjured two fire hammers one on each hand.
The first Centinelshed out at me, his entire body whipping forward as his arms tried to snap shut on me. I kicked him with a [Fire Strike], knocking him back before mming both hammers together on the face of another Centinel. The monster squirmed, its armor crushed as it reeled back. But it didnt die from the attack. I clicked my tongue and flipped over another Centinel that tried toe at me from the side.
The Cyclops man engaged the other two, being backed up against the magically made wall Zack had put up.
I tossed one hammer down at the Centinels head I smashed, keeping it back as I struck out at the one closing in on me with two [Fire Strikes]. I ducked under his mandibles, throwing a punch up at his underbelly as I pushed off the ground with all my strength.
The Centinel tried to grab me with his spiky legs, but my body burst into mes. [Ignition]. The blue mes burned him and he reeled back. My body sped up as [Self Haste] activated alongside it. Inded a hard hit of the hammer on a weakened part of his shell, breaking it before I dug in with a [Fire Strike] induced punch.
Green blood sprayed out as a screeching sound came from the monsters mandibles. He struggled in my hands before I jabbed two more [Fire Strikes] into him and he fell, dead.
The other two Centinels came at me from behind, skittering on the ground and the side of the wall. But they seemed so slow. Back when I was Level 30, they were much faster than me. I could only flee from them with [Double Step]. But now they were so slow
The one on the ceiling the one with the smashed armor blurred, suddenly matching my speed as he fell down at me. My eyes widened but my body moved without thought. Instinct took over me as a sickle made of blue mes appeared on my hand.
I leapt up at the oing Centinel and sliced his head clean off his armor too broken to block the attack. It didnt take me long to dispose of thest Centinel before I turned to Jaakko. The Cyclops man had managed to defeat his two Centinels, but he had been injured. His arm was cut up bad, blood pouring down his shoulder.
He chugged down a healing potion and the wounds slowly closed up. Zack finished his climb and Helen followed shortly after all the Centinels having been defeated all knocked off down into the Lair.
Not even a scratch, Salvos. Youre really something else.
The Human [Mage] sighed, wiping the sweat off his brow. I shrugged.
If I let them hit me, Id be in a lot worse shape than Jaakko.
I guess. Still, Ive never seen a Level 40 [Rogue] move as fast as you do. If I couldnt see your level, Id have assumed you were 50 60 even.
I grinned, flipping the fire hammer on my hand.
Maybe Im just strong. Or youre just weak.
Hey!
He scowled and Helenughed. She patted him on the back.
Come on, [Weak Mage]. At least pull your weight and bring that wall you put up down.
If you guys are so strong, why not just do it yourself.
Zack muttered under his breath as he began casting his spell.
--
We walked down the tunnel the Centinels made, going up then down then left then right. There were a lot of twists and turns I felt my head starting to go dizzy after a while. So instead of thinking of all the different ways we were going, I focused on my Status and the notifications I had gotten and I kept getting.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
...
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 65]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 44] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 45]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Overall, I had gotten a dozen kill notifications. Only the first three were the ones I knew I killed. The others must have been the ones I burnt before they fell to the Lair of Giant Spiders. More experience for me! Thanks Giant Spiders!
Even though I killed three of them by myself in addition to that, I had only gained a single level. They somehow gave less experience than the [Queen Howre], although considering the [Queen Howre] was much stronger than them, maybe that made sense.
I raised both [Advanced Fire Creation] and [Passive - Deadly Instincts] by 1 Skill Points. Thetter really helped me in that fight there, so I made sure to pay particr attention to it. Then just for this level, I gave my [Agility] 4 Stat Points, rounding it up to 100, before giving the remaining 1 for [Vitality].
Now Entering [Lair: Centinels Camp].
Just as I finished dealing with my Status, we arrived. The tunnel opened up to arger cavern, one filled with many unmoving figures along the walls.
Centinels. [Younger Centinels]. Only around Level 20.
Theyre sleeping.
I observed with narrow eyes. So monsters need sleep too, huh? I shook my head, disappointed in them. Zack shook his head.
Doesnt matter. In fact, this is better for us. Lets exterminate them now.
Jaakko nodded and drew his kusarigama. Helen prepared a few Explosive Bolts and the [Mage] began preparing a spell. I cocked my head.
Wait whats that?
I pointed a hand at a slowly moving figure. A [Younger Centinel] was crawling along the walls, wide awake and moving amongst his brethren. He opened his mandibles and I expected him to screech
But the [Younger Centinel] simply chomped down at another Centinel. He killed the other one in his sleep before moving onto the next.
I saw more [Younger Centinels] doing the same thing, realizing that not all of them were asleep. Some of them didnt even bother attacking the sleeping ones, going straight for each other without discrimination.
Theyre... killing each other?
The blonde womans eyes widened. Zack and Jaakko watched on in horror while I simply narrowed my gaze. I opened my mouth, voice uncaring as I spoke one word.
Wild.
Then a [Scorching Wave] washed over the Centinels. Those that were asleep fell before they could even wake up, while the ones that were awake tried toe at me. They screamed and died before they could even get close, my blue mes too much for them to handle.
The Gold Ranks managed to blink themselves out of their stupor to aid me in the extermination of the mindless monsters. Even when we were clearly attacking them and wiping them out en masse, some Centinels still went for each other, trying to tear each other apart.
We took care of the [Younger Centinels] in what I felt was only 30 minutes, getting hundreds of kills with little effort. It was even easier than the time I attacked a Shade Swarmers Lair because unlike the Centinels, the [Crimson Bats] never tried to kill each other.
Defeated [Younger Centinel Lvl. 31]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
...
Defeated [Younger Centinel Lvl. 19]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I didnt gain a level, although I did feel like I was already close to another level up from such a simple task. Zack sighed.
No one told me that clearing a Centinels Lair was such a simple task.
Were not done just yet. Come, we have to find the eggs. Destroy them before they hatch hundreds more of these creatures.
Jaakko spoke simply, marching forward as we hurried to match his pace. I looked over at Helen, raising a brow.
You three never fought Centinels before?
We never cleared a Lair before. Centinels are a pest well, thats not really the right way to say it. Theyre a frequent threat to civilization and settlements. So weve had to deal with them before.
I see.
I nodded slowly, ncing down at the burnt corpses lying on the floor. Most of the [Younger Centinels] had only been the size of my arm or leg. They were certainly far smaller than their [Junior Centinel] evolution, but they did vary in size despite all being the same Subspecies.
It almost reminded me of the wild Demons in the Netherworld. None of them looked the same every one of them was unique. And yet, they killed each other. They killed the others. And they tried to kill me and mypanion.
What if there was a Centinel amongst these that was like Haec and I? That thought sent a shudder down my spine. I wasnt sure why I reacted that way or why it mattered to me but I felt bothered by it somehow.
There.
Jaakko pointed his kusarigama in the direction of a pile of round purple objects against the cavern wall. We walked up to the eggs and I inspected them.
My [Identification] told me they were eggs.
Now this is the part where we get attacked by some Level 70 [Older Centinel], right?
You read too much books, Zack. Thats not going to happen.
Helen snorted, shaking her head. The Human [Mage] raised an eyebrow.
Too many books. And Im just being cautious. What if there are higher leveled evolutions in here, huh? Or if were in the middle of destroying their nest and the ones attacking the Giant Spiderse back and we get trapped?
Then lets get a hurry on
I conjured up a ball of bright blue mes and tossed it at the pile of eggs. The purple objects exploded and whatever remained was caught on fire. I pped my hands together and turned to the three Gold Ranks with a bright smile.
Done.
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 45] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 46]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Well, that was anticlimactic.
Chapter 52: Expanding Vocab— Uh... Inventory?
Chapter 52: Expanding Vocab¡ª Uh... Inventory?
52. Expanding Vocab Uh... Inventory?
The blue mes turned red as they continued to burn the eggs of the Centinels in the background. We did not leave just yet, instead choosing to scour the Lair for just a little longer to see if there are any hidden eggs.
While a few dozen [Newborn Centinels] wont be much of a problem, we just have to make sure we arent overlooking a hundred.
But weve already cleared the Lair I cant even tell that were in a Lair anymore!
Of course, Salvos. But we just have to be sure.
Jaakko exined the logic to me while we did our search. I nced over at the other side of the cavernous room at the burrowed holes that littered the rock wall.
What about the [Junior Centinels] that arent here? Wont they be a problem?
They will be a pest, yes. But with only a few left to fight the Giant Spiders, thetter will win out eventually.
I scowled, crossing my arms.
But thatd be a waste of good experience!
The Cyclops man paused, rubbing at his chin. His lips peeled back, revealing the rest of his sharp teeth hidden within as he mulled over a thought.
If you wish to join in the Lair war right now, I will not stop you, Salvos. I have seen your abilities seen how fast youve been able to level. I trust in your capacity to take care of yourself for an hour.
I blinked for a moment, processing what he said. Then my eyes widened and my lips curled up into a smile.
Really, Jaakko?
I nced excitedly down one of the pitch ck tunnels before turning my gaze back to him. Attacking dozens of Centinels while they were embroiled in a fight against the Giant Spiders would certainly be much easier than taking them on all by myself. And if anything went bad, I would always be able to run away. With both [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers] thetter of which was an attack Skill, but could be reappropriated for fleeing Id be able to escape with ease.
As long as you dont draw a horde of monsters to us, yes.
Jaakko smiled at me reassuringly. I felt my feet bouncing under me as I whirled around to leave. I paused midstep, ncing back at him for a moment. I remembered something from a few days ago a gesture Edithe showed me.
I quickly ran back and hugged him from behind, much to his surprise.
I promise I wont get you three killed!
That is yes, Ill take your word for it.
I nodded at him then ran off, waving at Helen and Zack goodbye. I would be back in an hour which was not even that long before we would head off. I crawled through the same tunnel we came through, heading back to the Giant Spiders Nest.
Sounds of fighting slowly filled my ears as I returned to where Jaakko and I defeated those [Junior Centinels] from earlier. I peeked over the hole hanging high atop the Lair and nced down below.
Now Entering [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].
Hundreds of Giant Spiders were mixed with dozens upon dozens of Centinels both sides had their dead scattered all across the various levels of the long pit filled with a dozen webbedyers and floors.
I narrowed my eyes as I saw the monsters closest to me; they were clumped together along the walls just a short distance from me. However, I couldnt walk on the walls. If I tried to attack them, I would fall!
So I thought for a moment. How was I to join in the fighting without dropping down to the bottom of the pit and get caught in therge battle there? I just needed a ranged weapon!
I created a fire bow in one hand and focused on creating an arrow in my other. It took me a moment to emte the feeling of an arrow, however it wasnt really thatplex. Even a fire dagger was simpler to make than it.
Slowly, I nocked the fire arrow and loosed it at the closest Centinel to me. I aimed for his eye and missed. The mes bounced off his shell, doing nothing more than draw his attention for a moment. I frowned and considered this. So thats not going to kill them.
The distracted Centinel was swarmed by a group of Giant Spiders and killed shortly after, but I received no experience for it. Is it no experience, or too little experience to matter? I mused momentarily before shifting my focus on what I could do.
[Advanced Mana Maniption]. [Advanced Fire Creation].
I created another fire arrow and looked at it. I could do so much more than just make this sharp object. I remembered the Piercing Arrows and Explosive Bolts I had. I couldnt exactly create those with my Skill, however I could try to create something simr.
I focused on refining the fire arrow I held in the palm of my hand. I poured more mana into it, keeping it stable as it grew brighter and wilder. Then the corybantic mes calmed. It began to exude a sizzling sound as it vibrated on the spot. And I gasped, exhausted.
That took a lot from me. I hope this works.
I once again nocked the arrow the zing Bolt and aimed at a Centinel skittering along the walls. I released it, and it shot straight towards the monster. It pierced his shell and knocked him off into an angry [Drop Spider] which bludgeoned him to death.
Huh.
I smirked and turned my gaze to my free hand.
Another one.
I repeated the same process, draining quite a lot of mana from me with each zing Bolt I created. They all produced the same effect they cracked the armor of the Centinels, piercing into their body sending them into the Giant Spiders.
It was tiring and it took a while. However, it had a dual effect. Firing down at the Centinels allowed me to gain some experience from a safe distance, but it also drew the attention from the ones close enough to reach me.
I fought those head on, defeating them by myself and gaining more experience than I would have if I simply damaged them before they were killed.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 67]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 1] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 46] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 47]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I leaned back against the wall, panting and puffing as I watched thest of the Centinels flee from the Lair of Giant Spiders. There had been dozens maybe even over a hundred but now only a few remained. They were routed, fully andpletely defeated by thebined efforts of myself and the hundreds of Giant Spiders.
However, it was not like the Giant Spiders made off with no casualties. More than half of their nest had been wiped out by the Centinels. I nced down at the survivors and smiled at them.
Hey, thanks for the help!
I called out, waving. The monsters didnt respond. They didnt react. But they didnt swarm me either, like they often would in the past. I was about to take a seat and [Rest] when a voice drew my attention from behind.
Who are you talking to, Salvos?
Helen walked up to me, followed by Jaakko and Zack. The three looked the same as when I hadst seen them. Good, so the fleeing Centinels didnt attack them. I waved a hand off dismissively.
The Giant Spiders. We beat all the Centinels.
Zacks eyes widened.
You killed all of them?!
Well, I didnt do it by myself. And not all of them. A few escaped and burrowed through the walls.
I paused, tilting my head up slightly.
Is that bad?
Its not bad, Salvos. You did a good job. Its impossible to wipe out every single rat in an infestation, however we did our duty and did out best. As you have seen, Centinels arent very intelligent. They wouldnt even realize their Lair had been destroyed and search for something else to kill. Then they would die slowly by the other monsters in the Dungeon.
Jaakko spoke reassuringly. I hesitated, twirling my thumbs.
Uh about that. I dont think theres very many monsters left in Silkfalls Crevice.
And there arent very many Centinels left. Theres no need to worry.
He smiled and rested a hand on my shoulder. I nodded, then turned to Helen as she peered down into the Giant Spiders Lair.
So, how are we going to cross through? Wont they be a problem.
They wont. I helped them, so they wont attack us.
She exchanged a nce with Zack.
Salvos, I dont think they know that. Giant Spiders arent very intelligent.
I scowled, crossing my arms.
Then why are they just leaving us be, huh? And theyre much smarter than Centinels.
Thats true, but
She trailed off, not meeting my gaze. I watched as she gave Zack a pleading look and he just shrugged. Jaakko stepped forward, nodding at me then Helen.
Salvos is right. Maybe not for the right reasons, however the Giant Spiders wont attack us. Not with how their Lair is currently. Theyll be busy repairing patching up the holes made by the Centinels with their webs. This is our chance to pass through.
The Human [Archer] opened her mouth before looking over at me. I stared back at her, arms still folded, and she sighed.
Alright. I didnt mean to argue with you, Salvos. Just lets just go.
Now Leaving [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].
The three of them went and I followed from a distance, sulking. Zack walked ahead of me, muttering under his breath.
I told you she has to be a noble. Who else would believe that monsters can think.
Shut up. She can hear you. And yes, some monsters can think.
Not Giant Spiders though
I said be quiet!
She punched him on the arm and he yelped; I continued walking behind them after we made it past the Giant Spiders Lair. I nced back at it onest time before turning the corner and saw a [Weaving Spider] hop up and begin unfurling a thick web where the hole had been. I waved back at her slightly, and she paused to stare for a moment, before continuing her work.
They know, see?
I reassured myself, smiling. Then finally, we left the Dungeon too.
Now Leaving [Dungeon: Silkfalls Crevice].
It was night by the time we found ourselves back at the camp set up just outside of the Dungeon; most of the Silvers were mulling about, eating their dinners or sleeping. Boring, I thought, meeting the eyes of a young Human man.
He immediately nced away as hispanionsughed at him. I waited behind the three Gold Ranks, still not talking while they had a discussion.
Are you sure we should be leaving the Giant Spiders alone?
They arent like Centinels. They do not overbreed nor do they actively seek to destroy settlements.
What about the Silvers? Itll be dangerous to them.
Now theyll actually be able to face the Dungeon without worry of Centinels, and the Giant Spiders are barely above 40 at the highest. Id say Silkfalls Crevice is now only a high Silver Ranked Dungeon.
But
You worry too much, Helen. That is one of your best attributes, but you need to know when not to interfere.
Helen sighed, rubbing at her temples.
Youre right.
She murmured before turning to me.
What about you, Salvos? What will you be doing now?
I believe shell be going back to Hazelbury, since thats where shes from.
Zack spoke up simply. The blonde woman wrinkled a brow.
Hazelbury? Isnt that one of the cities well be passing through up north?
Yes, and? Wait, dont tell me
Salvos.
Helen walked up to me and grabbed me by the hand. I cocked my head, confused.
Huh?
Let us escort you back to your city. Were heading in the same direction as you, and well be able to have a proper goodbye there.
Come on, Helen. Youve already seen her fight dont you realize she can take care of herself?
Zack protested. He turned to the Cyclops man who was rubbing at his chin.
If that is what Helen wants, and Salvos doesnt disagree, I dont see why thatd be a problem.
The [Mage] groaned, smacking his forehead.
I looked at this and thought about it for a moment. I wasnt really in any rush to return. And I needed to take a better look at Jaakkos kusarigama if I wanted to emte it better with my [Advanced Fire Creation] especially after [Advanced Mana Maniption] leveled up. I may be able to make it now. But most important of all...
Do you know the way to Hazelbury?
I nced up at Helen. She blinked.
...yes? Do you know the way there?
Nope!
I spoke simply. Zack sighed and Jaakko smiled.
Then its settled then. Well be in thepany of each other for a little while longer.
The [Mage] grumbled, walking past me as the grin on my face began to slip.
We better not make any more unnecessary detours. We have a contract to fulfill!
The Cyclops man followed after him and Helenughed as she patted his back. My eyes widened, realizing that I had made a tactical blunder.
Wait are you going to sleep?!
Uh, yes?
I opened my mouth and raised a hand. Then I lowered my hand slowly, remembering a word that fit this situation perfectly as I sighed.
Fuck.
Chapter 53.1. Escort
Chapter 53.1. Escort
53.1. Escort
Overall, I had not only ustomed myself to my Skills quite nicely during the time I spent clearing out Silkfalls Crevice, I also made off with more levels than I expected. The Centinels provided me with a lot of experience as expected, while the surprise encounters such as with the [Queen Howre] and clearing her Lair added only to it.
Satisfied with my [Agility] and [Endurance] for now especially with both [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers] I decided to split my Stat Points between [Vitality], [Strength], and [Wisdom]. For my Skills however, I focused on my [Passive - Deadly Instincts] while raising both [Blue mes] and [Advanced Fire Creation] because those were my most useful Skills as of right now.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 47
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 47 (+5) (-7)
[Strength]: 32 (+5) (-7)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5) (-7)
[Wisdom]: 65 (+5) (-2)
[Agility]: 100 (+5) (-7)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 11
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 6
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1
Honestly, I had expected the trip back from Silkfalls Crevice to take a while I had seen how Human [Traders] walked. They were slow. Fortunately for me, it didnt take us long to get to Hazelbury. The three Gold Ranks proved to be faster than those [Traders] much to my relief. Sure, it took longer than it would have if I had gone off on my own... but at least I didnt get lost!
I was also lucky that I wasnt the only one rushing for us to get a move on; Zack was all too happy to push hispanions to speed up their pace, considering they had to do a job in the Elutra Kingdom. We traveled for three days before we finally saw the city approaching in the distance.
I felt my lips curl up into a smile as I realized I was finally going to see Daniel again. I wonder if hes finally reached Level 40? I thought, tilting my head up towards the orange twilight sky. Probably not. I shrugged and marched on.
We walked past the grassy green fields surrounding the Human city, down the brown dirt path leading up to its gates as thendscape lost its tints with the setting of the sun. The guard waved us through after each of us had to pay an entrance fee I was out of gold and almost couldnt get it, but Helen paid it off for me.
Thank you.
I spoke courteously, d that I decided to have gone with them that she offered to apany me here. I would have been stuck outside of the city with no way to get in if I went back on my own!
Well, I probably would have just snuck in. However, that would have been a hassle which would end with Daniel lecturing me over something stupid.
Its fine. You dont have to pay me back, its only a few silver.
Helen waved a hand off and I cocked my head. Pay you back? The thought hadnt even crossed my mind; I assumed that I wouldnt have had to give her anything from the start. Huh.
I still had a lot to learn about Humans.
So, where are you staying, Salvos?
She nced back at me as we waded our way through the busy street I caught a glimpse of a few people looking my way before I faced her.
Where am I staying?
Zack groaned as his shoulders sagged.
Dont tell me you dont know where youre staying either.
I do!
I threw my hands up in protest. I looked around the busy street, trying to pick out any familiar looking buildings. Its a building with about three floors a lobby a lot of people going in and out very busy I perked up and snapped a hand out.
There!
The three Gold Ranks turned and stared at the building I pointed out. Helens face grew beet red and Zack burst outughing. Even Jaakko couldnt suppress a light smile.
There? Youre staying there?!
Uh I think? Whats wrong with that ce?
Thats a brothel. Not a ce youd be staying at.
I frowned and crossed my arms.
And how would you know that?
I think you should just drop the act, Salvos. Theres no shame in admitting you dont know something.
Helen spoke catingly. Zack snorted.
Except that she doesnt know anything ouch.
She punched him on the shoulder.
Shut up!
Im right, arent I?
Who cares.
The blonde woman turned to me, offering a smile.
Well help you find where youre staying, but first we need to get an inn of our own. So juste with us for a little longer, ok?
Sure.
--
We found an inn shortly after it was in a different part of Hazelbury. The buildings here werent the same dull wooden ones I was used to seeing. They were decorated and colorful, full of life. Carriages passed through the cobbled streets, the clopping of the hooves muffling as we entered therge inn, light now filling my vision.
Woah.
I blinked, staring around the gilded hall.
This is nice.
You like it? This is one of the best inns in the city, apparently. And I believe it. You can tell by thosemps right there see? Enchanted and powered entirely through magic.
Huh.
I walked up to one of themps sitting right beside a hallway that led further into the building. It had a long, thin body that was as tall as I was, with a gleaming golden light held at the top. I saw the intricate ways the lines of mana wove itself into the runes etched on the surface of the crystal orb.
I identified it and continued trying to decipher the symbols and how it emitted magic.
Its actually quite a simple artifact most [Enchanters] can craft it. But its expensive. So shes not even listening to me, is she?
Definitely not.
I heard a sigh.
Just stay here, Salvos. Well talk to the [Innkeeper] and get you your own room. Then well be back.
Why do we have to pay for her room?
She doesnt have any money.
That doesnt mean we have to. And shes not a child shes a runaway noble who survived this long by herself.
You dont know that.
But its true that she doesnt need us to babysit her
It doesnt matter, Helen, Zack. Helen wants to pay out of her own pocket and it is her own decision to do so. Unless shes asking you to
The voices trailed off as the three Gold Ranks slowly left me, going to the counter at the other side of therge room.
I continued my inspection of the magical object, perplexed and amazed by how it worked. Can I make something like this with [Advanced Fire Creation]? Perhaps in the future for now, I had to focus on making a kusarigama first. I wasnt sure how much time I spent looking at it if it was a long time at all but eventually
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 4] -> [Identification - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I jerked back, blinking.
Huh.
That hadnt happened in a while. I didnt expect to get it from identifying something for a few minutes after having identified hundreds of things before, but I guess it was because I identified hundreds of things before? I shook my head, ncing around the room.
Now where did Helen and the others go again?
I started in a vague direction, passing by the hallway that led further into the inn when a figure turned the corner. The figure almost stumbled into me, but I moved out of the way just in time.
Sorry wait, Salvos?
Chapter 53.2. Escort
Chapter 53.2. Escort
53.2. Escort
Sorry wait, Salvos?
I blinked.
Daniel? What are you doing here.
The ck haired Human man stared at me for a moment. He rubbed at his eyes before looking me over once again.
You are Salvos.
Hello. Thats me.
His eyes widened in shock as he just stood there. I cocked my head, confused.
Ive been waiting for you for I thought you died out there! Didnt you say you just wanted to test out your Skills a little bit?
I did. It went great!
I smiled, giving him a reassuring nod. He paused, opening his mouth. Then he sighed and grabbed my arm.
Well, its a good thing youre here. Theres a job I signed us both up for an escort mission. They wanted Gold Ranks, and well be heading in the same direction, so might as well earn some gold while we can. The only reason they even waited for us is because were kinda well known in the area since yknow? And there''s been rumors of another Greater Demon in the area after you yknow?
No, I do not know.
He sighed, shaking his head.
Come on, you dont need to sleep, right? Lets go now before they just
Hold it right there.
Daniel blinked, turning to the voice. He immediately paled, backing up.
Woah, wait whats going on?
Mypanion let go of me and raised both his hands; Helen did not lower the bow however, keeping it trained on his chest.
Who are you and what are you doing with Salvos?
Im just taking her to meet with wait, you know her?
Yes. And you? What is your rtionship with her?
Shes my
Werepanions!
I piped up, grinning. Helen blinked and Daniels face turned red.
Oh, uh sorry, I had no idea that you were her
The Human mans face burned furiously as he waved his hands over his face.
She means friends. Were friends!
Ah
Helen slowly lowered her bow, putting the arrow back in her quiver. Daniel sighed in relief as two more figures approached from behind the [Archer].
Is there trouble, Helen?
No, it was just a misunderstanding.
I see youve made a few new friends while you were gone, Salvos.
Daniel turned to me, raising a brow. I nodded.
Yep! Daniel, this is Helen, Jaakko, and Zack. Helen, Jaako, and Zack, this is Daniel.
Daniel?
Zack blinked.
Youre one of the others who saved Silvergrove, arent you? I didnt expect you to be Level 50. Although, you look kind of familiar
I nced at Daniel. Level 50? Hes not
[Warrior - Lvl. 51]
Huh.
It took me a moment to catch on, but he was disguising his levels to be higher than it actually was. Why is he doing that though? The Human man noticed my confusion and quickly leaned in to whisper.
I have to look stronger than I actually am because of our job. Since its just the two of us and all.
He turned back to the three Gold Ranks.
Sorry Zack, right? I dont believe weve met before. Its nice to meet you.
Its a pleasure to make the acquaintance of you too. Tell me, are you her bodyguard or her steward?
Uh
He thinks Im a noble or something.
I quickly whispered to Daniel. He sighed.
Well, you certainly doe off as sheltered as one.
Hey!
Dont feign offense, I know you dont know what that means.
But I can tell its meant to be an insult.
I crossed my arms and red at him. He ignored it, instead going over to greet the other two. They shook hands and Helen profusely apologized.
Sorry again, for what happened earlier. Salvos seems kind of so I thought you were
Its fine, I know what you mean.
They both shared a light chuckle. Then the smile vanished from Daniels face, being reced by a nervous trickle running down his face as he spoke to Jaakko.
Uh, hi, Mr Jaakko.
Please, just Jaakko is fine.
He seemed rather intimidated by the Cyclops man and that made no sense, considering that he was higher leveled than Jaakko. But Humans acted weirdly all the time, especially Daniel. So I didnt question it.
Where are you staying, Daniel? We couldnt get a room in this inn because its fully booked apparently some noble booked out all the avable rooms for themselves.
Oh, Im staying at a cheap inn on the other side of the city. I wont actually be staying the night, but I think you might be able to get a room here since the person who
So this is the Gold Ranked team you promised me, Daniel?
A loud voice interrupted him as a rather young looking Human woman walked over to us apanied by armored guards. Her high heels cked against the marble floor with each step as her long, dark frilly dress trailed behind her. She had her long pink hair tied into what resembled a horsetail, reaching down to her waist.
Helen, Zack, Jaako, and I blinked as she ced her hands on her hips and nodded.
Well, it seems like I didnt waste my time waiting for you to deliver, after all. Come on, we leave now.
The three Gold Ranks actually, two since Jaakko cocked his shead immediately erupted into a flurry of protests, demanding an exnation from the woman. Daniel rubbed at his temples as I turned to him.
Whos that?
Thats Saffron Merryster, third daughter and fifth child of Nixas Merryster Dukedom. And shes who well be escorting further up north to Warrington.
Huh, so thats a noble.
Chapter 54.1. Noble
Chapter 54.1. Noble
54.1. Noble
There was a discussion an argument amongst the Humans and the single Cyclops man as they protested the sudden decision imposed on them. Zack turned to Daniel usingly, but Jaakko spoke over them calmly. He drew the attention of the noble, Saffron Merryster. The pink haired Human woman said a number, and all arguments ceased.
An hourter, I found myself sitting on the back of a horse, riding with Daniel as we followed a gilded carriage make its way down a gravel road. We werent the only ones following it Helen, Jaakko, and Zack had their own horses too. And there were a few other riders dressed in full te armor, escorting the coach from the side.
They were Saffrons bodyguards, donning the sigil of their familys house. I had never seen anything resembling the symbol before, but apparently it was supposed to be a vulture. To me, it just looked like a big bird.
We travelled at a rtively fast and steady pace, the twinkling dots in the broad night sky turning into lines as our horse galloped to keep up with the magically enchanted carriage. The whispering of the trees from the hushed breeze turned into a howl as we blew straight into the wind; only the dinning of the hooves could drown out this suffocating noise. But I was used to such a feeling. I nced down at the horse.
Im faster than you.
I spoke simply, poking at his side. Daniel turned around and opened his mouth. He paused, thinking for a moment. Then he sighed.
Im not even going toment on that.
I grinned.
Because its true!
I continued blithely swaying from side to side on the back of the horse as we made our approach to the dimly lit town just ahead.
You know, I like her.
Uh, pardon?
He blinked, looking back at me as the horse slowed.
What do you mean by like?
She only had to say one thing and you Humans immediately listened to her. I want to be able to do that. I want to be a noble!
Ah.
He quickly faced the front, focusing once again on riding.
Well, I dont think you can be a noble, Salvos. Thats something you have to be born into. And as we both know, youre not even yknow?
But I can pretend, cant I? Im pretending to be a Human [Rogue] right now!
Its not that simple.
Why not? Look listen.
I cleared my throat and raised my chin. With a hand on my chin and my back straight, I spoke haughtily.
Cease your rowdy squabbling. I, Salvos Merryster, will pay you 10 tinum coins to bring me to the city of Warrington right this moment.
Thats not bad, actually. But you cant just use someone elses family name and pass it off as your own. Youll have to provide proof for that. Also you dont have 10 tinum coins.
I waved a hand dismissively.
That was just an example, I can just make up one of my own. And if they demand payment, Ill just run off!
And if theye after you?
Ill kill them, of course.
Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaling deeply. He nced back at me with a single pleading eye.
Please, Salvos. Dont try something like that. Ever.
Fine.
I scowled, crossing my arms.
Youre lying, arent you?
I failed to suppress a grin.
Yep!
--
We reached the town soon after. It was not Warrington that city was still another four days ride from where we were. This was a town close to Hazelbury. Saffron had been in a rush to leave, having dyed her stay there due to the news of a Greater Demon running amok in Falisfield.
This town was apparently outside of Falisfield, which was why she wanted to get here as soon as possible.
Goodness gracious, this inn is rancid. And youre certain this is the best around?
Apologies, Lady Saffron. This establishment may be of poor quality, but it is the highest one that this town can provide.
Her servant, a Human man named Matthew, bowed his head and spoke apologetically.
Well, it is certainly better than staying in that cramped city, worrying over threats that might not actually exist. Honestly, it was suffocating hearing you worry on and on about that mysterious Demon that hasnt actually done anything.
Apologies, Lady Saffron
Saffron walked past me as a cloying scent wafted to me. I wrinkled my nose.
What is that smell?
Salvos
Are you speaking to me, adventurer?
The noble stopped a few feet ahead of me. She craned her neck back, turning an assessing eye to me.
No, I was asking Daniel. But if you can tell me too, Id appreciate it.
I smiled innocently at her; she frowned.
If you must know, it is the scent of my perfume. Alchemically made not your cheap, ordinary market bought perfumemoners tend to use.
Huh.
I cocked my head.
Its a bit strong, but I like it. Smells far better than blood and dead bodies.
You
Saffron trailed off, wrinkling a brow. She took a few steps towards us and Daniel gulped. He opened his mouth, but the inchoate sound forming in his throat was cut off as she spoke.
Youre the [Rogue] that killed that Greater Demon, the [Djinn], arent you?
I am! My name is Salvos.
I nodded with crity. The noble huffed.
I am aware. I have heard your name mentioned numerous times since I passed through Silvergrove. And you have a fire creation Skill, dont you?
She folded her arms, her frilly sleevesced with golden lines scrunching together.
Salvos, I dont think you should just tell people
I do!
I see then.
Saffron tilted her head back, cing a hand on her lip. Her lips curled up as her red eyes stared out the window at the moon.
Thank you for being honest with me, unlike your friend with his trinket there.
Daniel winced, covering the ne around his neck.
Y-you knew?
Sheughed, turning around and beginning to take her leave as Helen, Jaakko, and Zack returned from the nearby stable and entered themon room of the inn. The [Archer] nced at me then at the noble.
Is something wrong?
No, nothing is wrong. However, I will be borrowing your friend here. Tomorrow, Salvos, you will be riding with me.
Helen blinked.
Wait, why?
I want her to show me her Skill.
Saffron replied dismissively, walking up the steps to the rooms above. The Gold Ranks just stared, confused.
Uh, what just happened?
I dont know. But I like her.
Then they stared at me. Daniel sighed.
She doesnt mean it like that.
Chapter 54.2. Noble
Chapter 54.2. Noble
52.2. Noble
I sat inside the velvet coach, brows furrowed and a bead of sweat dripping down the side of my head as I focused on the mes held in my hand. Saffron had weed into her carriage the next morning, just as she said she would, and requested me to demonstrate the capabilities of my fire creation Skill to her.
She sat across from me, with Matthew by her side as she leaned over and peered into the morphing blue mes.
And youre saying this is an advanced version of the Skill?
Yep. Its [Advanced Fire Creation]. Pretty amazing, right?
I remembered how terrible [Basic Fire Conjuration] had been the fact that I was able to now create the delicate shape of a flower with fire attested to the name of the Skill.
Interesting. So you must have a rare ss then.
I uh, do?
I cocked my head, unsure of how to answer the question. Saffron smiled, tapping a hand on her lips.
I apologize if Im prying. Its just umon for a [Mage] even to get such a rare Skill, you see. And yet, youre a [Rogue] who has one. A hybrid ss may not be too umon, but considering all these factorsbined well, lets just say that you certainly live up to your reputation.
Do that many people talk about me?
Perhaps only in Nixa. More so in Falisfield, however. Youre celebrated as a local hero for ending the Destroyers rampage. I, myself, am grateful for your actions. It is thanks to you I could finally leave the Nightsveil, the Capital, and begin my journey to Shedos.
Shedos?
I gave the noble an inquisitive nce. She borated.
Its a country northeast of Nixa, past Elutra and neighbouring the Eastern Kingdoms. Its rtively unknown, apart from its famous Mavos Academy, which Im sure you''ve heard of.
I shook my head. An academy? Thats a ce to study? Train? Receive education. I rubbed my head, confused.
Nope.
Hm. Well, perhaps I underestimated the education of amoner. Nevertheless, it is an academy located off the coast of Shedos. Famous for its world ss [Mages]. A prestigious institution, it only epts students above Level 40, and after four years of education, most graduates leave the academy at Level 70.
Four years to get to Level 70?
I narrowed my eyes. Thats so slow!
It is fast, is it not?
Uh yeah!
I lied, trying to keep a straight face. I looked at the pinked haired noble, identifying her once again. I frowned.
Wait, you said that [Mages] there have to be at least Level 40. Arent you only at Level 35?
Indeed.
Saffron smiled slyly. For the first time in the entire ride, Matthew made a sound. He coughed into a hand, looking at her.
Apologies, Lady Saffron. But I believe this is not something you should be talking about.
Its fine.
She waved a hand, turning away from him. She looked over at me with eager eyes.
I thought you wouldnt notice. See, Mavos Academy doesnt just admit Level 40 students. No, their criteria is that you have to at least have reached your first ss advancement. That way, youll already be specialized enough that they dont have to teach you the fundamentals, instead refining what you already know while teaching you new things.
But I thought your ss only advances at Level 40!
She leaned back, a satisfied look on her face.
Perhaps thats what themon folk tout. But the truth is, if you meet a certain set of requirements, you can reach your first advancement early as I did.
I blinked. Is this true for Demons and their evolutions too? As far as I could tell, it probably was.
And what are these requirements? Do they also apply to the next advancements?
I leaned forward, sitting on the edge of my seat until my face was next to hers. Matthew cleared his throat again.
Apologies, Lady Saffron
I know, I know.
Saffron sighed. She put a single finger out and slowly pushed my face back.
Personal space. And no. I will not tell you the answer to those questions. Ive already told you enough. Nowe. As unrefined as your fundamental control over magic is, the Skill makes up for most of your wasted mana use.
But I have [Advanced Mana Maniption]!
I protested, defending myself. She scoffed, haughtily raising her head.
If a Skill is all it takes to learn something, then thered be no reason to go to an academy to learn. Your fire creation Skill, while certainly special, is not the greatest thing in existence considering I can just learn fire creation magic. And maybe, Ill get a Skill for it in my next advancement myself or before then.
You can do that?
I blinked. Isnt that how I learned [Basic Fire Conjuration] in the first ce? It just got upgraded when I evolved. But I did not use any Skill to use my first magic attacks. And I did not use a Skill to learn how to manipte mana I gained most of those Skills only after the fact.
Yes, why else would I be interested in your magic? Show me what you can and cannot do.
I did just that; I made weapons made of fire, from swords to bows. I showed her my zing Bolts, and she actually praised me for it. However, when it came to the kusarigama, she began to lecture me for not beingpetent enough with my Skill.
A [Mage] at your level and with the Skill should be able to make a kusarigama. Thats aplex weapon, yes. But its only a regr weapon, no? Its not even a Low Grade weapon like your zing Bolts are.
I am not a [Mage].
I crossed my arms, scowling.
Maybe thats the problem. Or maybe you dont quite understand how that Cyclops weapon works well enough to recreate it. Hrmph. Could you try making the fire chains heavier?
I did as I was told, however the weapon lost form. The mana diffused to the surroundings and I felt my body sag as a slight exhaustion take hold of me. Saffron made a dissatisfied sound. Matthew once again cleared his throat.
Apologies, Lady Saffron, but thats not a verydy-like noise for you to make. And I do not believe it is rmended you experiment magic while in the carriage. Need I remind you the enchantments on the vehicle are expensive, and your father will not appreciate having to repair any such damages possibly inflicted on it.
Yes, Matthew.
She sighed, shaking her head. I looked at the rather odd looking Human man with his gray hair and wrinkles. Then I turned back to Saffron.
Is that all that he can say? Apologies, Lady Saffron.
Sometimes, I think it is. Hes my butler hes supposed to watch over me and mind my manners for me. But it gets annoying quite often.
Matthew said nothing, seemingly satisfied by the fact that I wasnt trying to make something I could not with my Skill anymore. I continued showing the noble the extent of my Skill, until she lost interest in it and began asking me other questions.
Youre quite young yourself, arent you? What are you doing being an adventurer at your age.
I have to make money to survive!
I answered simply with a nod. She raised an eyebrow, unamused by my curt response.
While that logic seems to be counterintuitive, I will not question it. Instead, I will ask you this: why do you do something you do not enjoy?
I dont enjoy being an adventurer?
Yes. You said it yourself, didnt you? You dislike the stench of death and blood.
I remembered the conversation from yesterday, sniffing as I realized that Saffron was no longer wearing her perfume.
I dont actually dislike it. Its just smelly? And your perfume had a different smell than I am used. But youre not using it. You smell like
The carriage jolted, and suddenly came to a halt. The noble fell forward into my arms as I caught her. Matthew protectively covered her with his body as I helped her back to her seat.
What was that? What is going on?!
She threw the door of the carriage open and I followed behind her as she marched out, Matthew already ahead of her.
There was an explosion as Helen loosed an arrow. I heard the sound of a chain flying through the air as Jaakko uncharacteristically bellowed, and Zack fumbled on the ground for his book. Daniel was ahead, alongside the other Merryster bodyguards and already engaged with somethinging out of the trees.
Monster attack!
A voice shouted as the first creaturended on top of the carriage. Saffron paled as the monster snarled.
[Rancer Mite - Lvl. 51].
Chapter Important Patreon Poll (Please Respond Honestly)
Chapter Important Patreon Poll (Please Respond Honestly)
So, after some experiences I had with a patronst month who identally patron''d to me for $10, I''ve been considering this for a while, but basically I want to consolidate my patreon tiers to only $5 for all advance chapters. First however, I have to ask: are you more likely to donate to my patreon if I lower my tiers for advance chapters to only a single $5 tier?
I''ve kind of realized that having a $10 tier as my main tier on patreon is kind of... expensive for most folks. Like I''m not going to name names, but I was told that a $10 was best for making money as an author. And while it''s good for me, I''vee to realize that considering the climate of today, with the whole pandemic and lockdown and everything, it costs... a lot. Sure, it''d be better for me, like look at some authors on RoyalRoad doing that. But I just kind of feel bad about it. And after speaking with my patrons, they kind of agree with my reasoning.
However, I am also afraid ofpromising my own financial situation if I decide to do this. So I need to hear your honest responses to this poll. This is a non-binding poll, of course. And it''s for my own personal use so the results will be hidden. But please answer honestly.
I can''t lie and say this isn''t motivated by my own selfishness. I think it was pirateaba who initially told me not to have multiple tiers for advance chapters as it would split readership, but I did not listen and realize now I should have listened. Also, it will be less work for me having to give out different rewards for different tiers on patreon because man, that eats up a lot of my time since patreon sucks.
Currently, my patreon has 17 chapters (soon to be 20) for $10 and 10 chapters for $5. However, if I make this change, it would be all 17 chapters (soon to be 20) ahead for only $5, and maybe I might give Side Story chapters for my $10 patrons as a reward. But the question for me, however, is it worth it to make the change?
Hence, this poll. It feels very awkward for me to make since it feels like I''m asking people to donate when I''m not, but I''d rather not screw myself over because I felt bad about something for a month.
If you vote ''yes'' but your financial situation changes tomorrow or next week, don''t feel obligated to follow through with what you said. I just ask for your honesty so I can make a good judgement moving forward on what to do.
Chapter 55.1. Crest
Chapter 55.1. Crest
55.1. Crest
The [Rancer Mite] loomed over us, herrge round body about half the size of the carriage, and her weight creaking the wood and metal of the horse drawn vehicle. She stood up, straightening her hunched back as she snarled.
Saffron backed up and Matthew put a hand out, covering hisdy. The monster leapt
And a [Fire Strike] sent the [Rancer Mite] flying back towards a tree. The wooden trunk snapped and she rolled to a stop. I slowly drew my open hand back, wincing as I shook the pain off my fingers.
Right, I dont have ws.
I created two fire daggers, one on each hand, readying myself for the next attack from the monster. However, instead of charging us again, the [Rancer Mite] threw herself back into the forest and disappeared.
I slowly lowered my weapons.
Huh.
Another explosion resounded in the background and I whirled around; Helen sted apart a small thicket with an enchanted bolt, sending three [Rancer Mites] hopping out and into the road. The [Archer] drew another three bolts, nocking it onto her bow and aiming at the closest monster.
Her arrows shed and something came over them. She loosed the bolts and they split off each bolt glowing and finding their way to each of the [Rancer Mites]. They struck through, digging themselves into the hard shell of the monsters. They screeched and leapt back into the forest.
Theyre tough! Theyre not supposed to be swarm monsters. Why are there so many of them?
Zack shouted, conjuring a ball of wind and shooting it out into the trees. The air burst out into slicing des of wind that cut apart the trees in the surrounding area. The sounds of falling trees boomed around me as I narrowed my eyes. They retreat when theyre hurt. And yet, they insist on attacking us.
I ran forward, leaving Saffron and Matthew behind. The butler cursed, calling me back. But I ignored him.
I found Daniel amidst the fighting a [Rancer Mite] was on him, her mandibles biting and gnawing on his de. I kicked the monster with a [Fire Strike], before jabbing both my daggers down onto her side. I heard a crack as her shell broke open. She tried to close her sharpened limbs on me when Daniel sliced her head clean off.
Thanks
There is a Lair nearby.
I spoke simply, turning to face him. He blinked and nced off towards the trees.
Yeah, I think so too.
No I know theres a Lair nearby. These [Rancer Mites] well, they look like weird spiders. And those Giant Spiders back in Silkfalls Crevice only attack people intruding into their Lair!
So you believe its the same thing here? That were riding past their Lair so they got mad?
I nodded and he frowned. He ced a hand on his chin, considering this. Our eyes met and a thought crossed through both our minds. He opened his mouth and I grinned.
That means we have to
go and destroy their Lair!
...wait, that wasnt what I was going to suggest at all.
I cocked my head.
What do you suggest we do then?
Uh, run away? Go around their Lair? I dont know theres too many of them and were supposed to be protecting our client.
Oh, were supposed to do that?
Yeah. Wait, if youre here
He nced back at where Saffron had been and sighed in relief. Jaakko was standing over the noble, fighting beside Matthew as [Rancer Mites] leapt around them.
I feel like you mightve lost us some points by just leaving her there. Whatever, now we just have to get out of this mess.
Im not the one who brought us into this mess!
I scowled, sending a [Scorching Wave] into the air at some [Rancer Mites]. A few dropped, alive, but on the ground and writhing in pain. Saffrons bodyguards rushed in and finished them off.
Also I want the experience!
Im sorry, Salvos. But our jobes first. Guys, you need to get a move on! Get as far away from the forest as possible! Theyll leave you alone if you leave! Well hold them off for a moment until we can follow after you!
Helen, Zack, and Jaakko immediately burst into action. The Cyclops man escorted the terrified noble back into her carriage and ordered the driver to move as he sat in the front. Matthew apanied Saffron in as they took off, while the other bodyguards jumped back to their horses and began galloping away.
The [Rancer Mites] threw themselves straight at the carriage and the horse riders even as Daniel, Helen, Zack, and I stayed back for a moment to hold them off. One of the monsters nearly knocked the carriage over, throwing herself straight at it.
Why are they still attacking them?
Helen screamed, drawing another arrow. Unlike thest few ones she had been firing, this one was enchanted. It struck the back shell of a [Rancer Mite] attacking the carriage, and immediately the monster fell.
The [Rancer Mite] did not die did not writhe in pain but simply fell straight to the ground, like a heavy weight was on his back.
Daniel brought his de down and the air rippled as something cut a [Rancer Mite] in half. He wasnt even standing close to the monster. He whirled back to me, panting.
This isnt working, Salvos!
Of course not! Youre going straight to their Lair!
What? But were just continuing down the road
His eyes widened as the realization hit him. I cocked my head.
Their Lair is down the road.
The Human man muttered a curse as I happily shot a [Rancer Mite] down with a zing Bolt. The carriage was rapidly traveling down the road now, almost out of sign from us. I was aiming another zing Bolt onto my fire bow when he turned to me.
Salvos youre fast, arent you? Can you catch up with the Saffron before they drive straight to the Lair and tell them to go off road?
I paused, slowly lowering my weapon. Then the mes dissipated as I grinned.
Of course!
The moment the words left my mouth, the world slowed. [Self Haste]. I didnt wait for his reply as I dashed forward, ducking under a leaping [Rancer Mite] as she threw herself at Zack. Another tried jumping straight at me, but I easily sidestepped the attack, never losing my footing as I barreled forward towards the carriage.
The carriage sped up as Jaakko tossed his kusarigama at a [Rancer Mite] on the vehicles wheel, knocking off the monster, and I frowned.
[Charge of Embers].
In an instant, I found myself just behind the moving carriage as it picked up its pace to escape a pursuing group of [Rancer Mites]. These monsters barred my path, chasing the tails of the coach with their clicks and shrieks.
I threw myself into the air, flying over them and burning them with a wave of hissing blue mes. The fire kept me in the air for just a moment longer, and Inded lightly on the roof of the carriage.
Hello!
Jaakko nced back at me.
Salvos, what are you doing?
Im here to tell you to turn the carriage!
But why? If we turn back, theyll only be angered even further.
No, not turn back turn into the trees! Youre heading straight to their Lair!
The Cyclops man blinked his single eye. Then he nodded.
How astute. Very well.
He spoke to the carriage driver who gave him an incredulous look. However, when the carriage hit another bump thanks to an angry [Rancer Mites], he made his choice to listen and swerved the carriage into the forest. And it was just in time.
Up ahead of us, I saw dozens of ck figures waiting at a spot in the road. They looked like the [Rancer Mites], but smaller. And they covered the dirt road, the trees, and the broken down wagons and carts ahead.
Corpses were strewn about, some of them being munched on by the smallest variants of the [Rancer Mites]. I grimaced as I saw one turn his head towards me with his open mouth. Gross. Eating is gross!
The carriage began to run into hits and bumps, the already rocky ride bing even rockier as we made our way under the thick tree canopy. Saffrons bodyguards followed right behind us while Daniel, Helen, and Zack were a little slower. But the monsters calmed. They began to back away from us, leaving us alone one by one until none remained.
And we were free to make the rest of our trip to Warrington.
Chapter 55.2. Crest
Chapter 55.2. Crest
55.2. Crest
Defeated [Rancer Mite Lvl. 51]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Rancer Mite Lvl. 49]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 47] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 48]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
That was terrible!
Saffron spoke in a panicked voice to her butler, losing all of the elegance in her speech from earlier.
Those vile monsters nearly got me! How could you allow this to happen, Matthew?!
Apologies, Lady Saffron. We were not made aware of any monster Lairs in the road to Warrington.
Made aware?! You should have investigated the matter yourself rather than rely on some foolish townspeople''s information
Huh.
I cocked my head and Daniel turned to me, still bent over and cleaning his boots with a towel.
What do you find so interesting this time, Salvos?
Nothing. Im just surprised Saffron was so scared. I thought she was supposed to be a noble.
He blinked and nced over at the angry woman. Her pink hair was now a mess, almost as if it was lit on fire and burning behind her while she reprimanded her servants, pointing at the damage done to the previously gilded coach. He shrugged.
I guess thats how nobles are. I think? If anything doesnt go their way, they get impatient. Angry. Or scared. Saffron being no different isnt much of a surprise to me.
But she
I snapped my mouth shut. But she has an advanced ss! I wanted to say it, but I remembered how Matthew reacted when she shared it to me. Is this a secret? I decided that it was, and chose not to share it.
Instead, I quickly corrected myself.
But shes Level 35 and a noble! Wouldnt she have gotten some [Mage] training in an academy like Mavos Academy even if shes not met their level criteria, or something?
Thats oddly specific.
I lied wlessly. And I heard a snort from behind. Zack walked up to us, dusting down his untainted robes as the shouting in the background slowly stopped.
First of all, she isnt a student of Mavos Academy. Only those above Level 40 can be admitted to the institution. Secondly, even if she was one, Im not surprised she reacted that way to a fight. [Mages] trained in these academies usually never experience true battles. Everything is simted, there is always a safety, and they always prance about the theories of how things should work without knowing how anything actually does work.
Im assuming you dont have a high opinion of these [Mage] academies.
Daniel straightened and flopped the towel over his shoulder. Zack crossed his arms.
Indeed. But dont assume its because I was rejected from one no, I was invited by Mavos Academy on a schrship basis for being such an excellent practitioner of magic at a young age. They recognized my talent for hitting Level 40 before I turned 25, although I turned them down. And yet, here you are, a Level 50 [Warrior] whos ostensibly younger than me, apanying Salvos who is also a rather talented fighter herself.
Id say shes even more talented than me, but what are you getting at, Zack?
Nothing. Ive just heard rumors. From my client up in the Elutra Kingdom.
Mypanion froze the moment he heard the countrys name. He kept his face steeled.
...what kind of rumors?
Rumors of a certain wanted man. And a runaway princess. Both disappearing at roughly the same time.
Zacks eyes slowly turned to me. I blinked. Princess thats a kind of noble! I frowned and lifted a hand, interrupting the twos standoff.
I am not a princess I am not even a noble! I wouldnt want to be a noble!
Especially not after that disy by Saffron earlier I would rather be not Salvos if that was what a noble Salvos would act like!
Zack shook his head and Zack sighed, although neither man seemed to release their tense postures.
There goes all subtlety and insinuations, huh? I''d like to believe you, Salvos. But I cant just take your word for it either.
What are you going to do, Zack?
Daniel narrowed his eyes. The [Mage] shrugged.
Nothing. Just something Ill be keeping in mind.
He turned and returned to his team. Helen had been sorting what arrows she had left on her quiver, but she now realized that Zack had been with us. They exchanged a few words and she punched him in the arm, annoyed. She came over to apologize a momentter and that was that. But I realized after how Daniel was acting more stiff around the Gold Ranks.
--
We continued our journey to Warrington, with me in the carriage once again and a quiet Matthew by my side this time. Saffron and I continued our chat from before the noble pretending that she hadnt just lost her cool earlier.
The day after we arrived at the city, just after we left the inn, she sent Matthew to report to the local guards about the monster Lair obstructing the road. And while he was gone, Daniel and I began bidding our farewells to everyone.
We told Saffron that well only be going this far. You three are going to Elutra for a job, right?
Yes. Since well be heading the same direction anyway, well continue escorting Saffron at least part way through her journey. Shes offering to pay us more to protect her, after what just happened.
Helen hesitated, ncing back at her teammates as they waited next to the carriage with the other bodyguards.
Sorry about Zack earlier. I know he said some weird things, but hes just like that sometimes, you know?
I shook my head.
No, I dont know.
Sheughed, nodding.
Neither do I. But Ive still got to apologize on his behalf.
You should apologize to Daniel instead. Hes been acting weird since then.
Daniel frowned. He was standing right next to me.
What?
Its true!
Shes right. I have to apologize to you.
Helen turned to mypanion.
Sorry for what Zack said, if any of it offended you.
Its fine. Its understandable that hed be curious about us since Salvos is Salvos, and Im not the most conspicuous individual either even if I try to be
He muttered thest part softly to himself.
I did not take offense. So dont worry about it.
He smiled at Helen and she smiled back.
It was short, but it was good meeting both of you. But thats how it is with us adventurers, right? Many passing encounters are part of the adventure.
Daniel hesitated, but slowly he nodded.
It is.
We shook hands and she turned away. Helen paused, as if she wanted to say something. But a figure brushed past her and spoke out.
Salvos.
Saffron stopped just in front of me. She cast a quick nce at Daniel and nodded his way before turning back to me.
Ive spoken to every single one of my bodyguards, and they all told me the same thing.
And that is?
I cocked my head.
It was your quick thinking that saved our life. You discerned that it was not just a defensive attack from monsters protecting their Lair, but that their Lair was just up ahead on the road. Id be dead now if not for you.
I shrugged. The first was rather obvious I was sure someone would have made that realization if they werent caught up in the sudden battle. But the second [Passive - Deadly Instincts], so you can also tell whether Im wandering straight to a monster Lair, huh? That Skill was proving more and more useful with each passing day.
Saffron suddenly bowed and Daniel blinked. I stared down at the pinked haired noble.
For saving my life, I would like to offer you my gratitude.
She offered me something held in her hand. I stared at the crystal object a symbol of a vulture was ingrained onto it.
This is the crest my family gives to our allies. Call on if you ever have any favor to ask of me.
Call on it?
I took the crest with a hand and stared at it. I squinted as I noticed the strands of mana running through the air curve as it came into contact with it.
Its enchanted?
It is indeed.
How do I use it?
Saffron raised her head, offering me a sly smile.
It is something you will have to figure out on your own. Maybe you might even level up your mana maniption that way.
She straightened, adjusting her posture and carrying herself with the same poise as before. She no longer seemed like the scared girl I had seen just before, but was now the regal noble I had originally met.
It was a pleasure to have met you.
Saffron twirled around gracefully, returning to the coach where she came from. Helen paused for just a moment, but realized the pinked haired noble was already about to leave. She waved goodbye at me and quickly left.
Daniel and I waved back at the group as they began to leave the city Matthew returning just in time. Was she trying to leave him behind? Probably.
Once they were gone, mypanion looked down at me, a longing gaze still fixed on my face. He scratched the back of his head, speaking slowly.
I know it must feel weird, huh? Meeting people for the first time and suddenly theyre gone. First your Demon friend, then Edithe, and now these guys. But its normal, I guess? You might get used to it, you might now. I know Im still not fully used to it the reality of life.
I continued staring, unmoving. Daniel hesitated.
Salvos, I know youre Salvos?
I blinked and nced back at him.
Huh, oh what? You were talking to me?
Yeah, I is something on your mind?
I paused, tapping a finger on my lip as I considered this for a moment. Then I grinned.
I changed my mind. I want to be a noble again! You must now refer to me as Princess Salvos!
No.
Aw.
Chapter Announcement: Patreon Update (Follow up to the poll)
Chapter Announcement: Patreon Update (Follow up to the poll)
This will be thest of these kind of posts for a long while! Please bear with me onest time!
So, following yesterday''s poll and having more chats with my patrons, I''ve finally decided to make the change so that all 17 (soon to be 20) advance chapters will be avable to the $5 tier on my patreon. It''s honestly a bit expensive, especially considering the economic climate of today. One of the main reasons why I''m honestly apprehensive and might not go to Law School despite being epted is the job hunt that will have toe after. And I''m sure many people feel the same way about the world today.
Hence why I''m trying to make these changes.
The changes made will thus be this: my current $10 tier will be mostly there only for those who want to support me, its only reward will be the asional Side Story chapters that may or may not include characters like H*ec or S*ffron. My main tier will then be the $5 tier with all advance chapters I''ve written essible there.
I will be trying to give out as many bonus and extra chapters before the end fo the month too to make up for all these update and poll posts. I can''t promise anything, but I''ll be flying soon so I''ll be able to write without any distractions.
However, if I do end up screwing myself over financially, I apologize, but I''ll have no choice but to revert these changes I''d like to make before next month. I am still quite young and in Uni, so I hope it''s understandable that I''m a bit nervous about doing this whole writing thing.
Do consider checking out my patreon here if you''d like to read 17 chapters (soon to be 20) ahead for $5.
I know most people won''t and will never patron, but I appreciate your support regardless. As always, thanks for reading and stay safe!
MsD, also known as Delta.
Chapter 56: Human
Chapter 56: Human
56. Human
The reason we hade to Warrington was not something I had known until we finally arrived; Daniel didnt have the time to talk to me privately during the entirety of our journey. Not only were we escorting Saffron alongside Helen, Zack, and Jaakko Saffron had also whisked me into her coach for most of the journey.
Now, however, he exined why we were here.
I hadnt just been idle while you were in the Dungeon. The first thing I did was find out more information about any possible [Cultists] in the area while Demon summonings are illegal, theyre not really in the priority list for most countries, so information on them would usually be hard to find. However, after being hit hard by a rampaging Demon, pretty much every city in Nixa has been on a lookout for [Cultist] activity.
I suppose that is one such oue, yes.
I nodded along as he continued.
Apparently, there have been rumors of a cult in the towns outlying Warrington. The city guards have investigated these rumors, and while nothing has turned up for them, theyve had an open call for adventurers to take up the job too. But since most adventurers currently in Nixa are Silvers
They havent been answering the call.
I made the ingenious deduction. He pretended that it was nothing special and resumed his inane chatter.
Thats why I thought it was best for us to investigate it. Not only would we be making some money which, considering our limited funds, is something we should be focusing on right now. But wed also be helping you possibly find a way back. I thought it was fortunate that you were taking so long to return at first, since it gave me time to level and advance my ss. However, now Im not sure if theres anything left to investigate. If some reckless Silver Ranked team decided to take the job
Oh, worry not Daniel. It is very much expected of the to revel in their mediocrity. If they actually
Alright, you can stop now, Salvos.
He spoke over me and put a hand up. I stared at him, appalled.
Its Princess Salvos to you, peasant!
Where did you even learn to talk like that nevermind. Salvos, Im trying to help you out here. Can you be serious for just one minute?
Fine!
I scowled and sat down with my arms folded. Daniel opened his mouth to continue, then paused. He looked at me, just sitting there.
My Humanpanion pinched the bridge of his nose.
And I was not being literal when I said one minute. You can stop counting down the seconds in your head now.
I groaned and threw my hands up in the air.
Then what do you mean by that?!
Im asking you to focus, Salvos. Were here in Warrington to investigate [Cultists]. You know, the people who can get you back to the Netherworld?
I know
Sighing, I picked myself up. The two of us were sharing a room once again we were no longer in the inn Saffron had provided us. That was apparently too expensive for Daniel to afford; he said it was because I had spent a quarter of his gold in a single transaction. Then he murmured to himself about how he should have expected it, and how he only had himself to me.
So, were going to go find these [Cultists] or something?
I waited expectantly for Daniel by the door. The Human man started after me, blinking.
Man, you walk fast.
Im not a man. Im Salvos.
I know, I know. Youve got to stop taking me so literally, Salvos.
I grinned and waved a hand dismissively.
Its more fun that way!
Daniel paused mid step and stared at me. He rubbed at his ears, slowly registering what I said. His eyes widened.
...are you being serious right now? Have you been messing with me this whole time?!
I smiled and turned, leaving him behind in the room speechless.
--
Didnt you say were going to be searching for [Cultists]?
Mm, I did.
So why are we just sitting here and doing nothing?!
A few heads turned and stared at our table, some with less-than-kind faces. I ignored them, instead ring at Daniel with crossed arms. The Human man nced up from his food, still chewing as I waited impatiently for him to respond.
He took his time before finally swallowing down what was in his mouth apparently talking with your mouth full was considered bad manners ording to him, but I hadnt seen very many people adhering to that supposed rule.
I have to eat, Salvos. Weve been over this a thousand times.
No we havent.
He snorted, wiping his mouth with a napkin. Ignoring me, he raised a hand and waved down one of the barmaids. A brown haired woman came over and took his te.
Done with your food already? Is your girlfriend not getting anything?
Daniel blinked and nced at me. His face turned a slight shade of red as he brought a hand up.
Ah, shes not my
Im not his girlfriend!
I helpfully put out with a smile. The Human woman perked up and Daniel deted.
I know its true, but you dont have to say it so cheerfully.
But thats what you said thest time someone asked you that.
I cocked my head, confused. He sighed and jerked back as the barmaid leaned forward further.
So, youre single then. My names Lucy, whats yours?
Uh, no, I-Im actually ta
His names Daniel!
Daniel red at me and I just cocked my head even further.
What?
Nothing. Yes, my name is Daniel. But sorry, Im not avable.
Aw. Thats unfortunate. But I guess girls are always fawning over Gold Ranks like you, huh?
...you can say that again.
But I had a Gold Rank as a boyfriend once. He dumped me, of course. When he found another prettier girl. At least youre loyal.
The Human woman Lucy smiled at him. I frowned. Wait Daniel just shifted ufortably in his seat.
Oh, uh, Im sorry to hear that.
Yeah, well, I always knew Nn would do that. But it didnt hurt any less when it actually happened, you know?
Right you know, we have to get
I snapped my fingers and pointed at the barmaid.
You!
She blinked as I stood up.
I know you!
You do? Im sorry, I dont believe weve ever met before.
No weve never met. Ive heard about you though. That Human Chris talked about you!
Chris? Wait you mean from back in Dawnwind? That Chris?
I think so?
Lucy rested her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her arm. Daniel scooched back as she sighed wistfully.
Oh, Chris was such a sweetheart. How did you meet him? Was he still in Dawnwind? And he talked about me?
Yep. He
I snapped my mouth shut, realizing what I was just about to say. Chris was one of the [Cultists] who summoned me to the Mortal Realm. He went on a tirade about some Gold Rank named Nning to his town and taking a Lucy from him. He wanted Lucerna and I to kill Nn for that!
Even though I wasnt particrly familiar with theplexities of Human social rtionships, I was fairly certain that wasnt something I was supposed to be saying. I opened my mouth slowly.
We didnt meet in Dawnwind. But he talked about you about how brown your hair is!
Daniel gave me a weird look but Lucy just sighed even harder.
Honestly, I liked Chris. I knew I shouldnt have left him. But I didnt want to do what my dad told me to, you know? So, I made a dumb decision to leave. Now I probably cant go back. Hows he doing now?
Hes doing great!
Better than he was just before Lucerna killed him.
Id love to get back together with him. I wonder if he feels the same
Lucys eyes just zed over as she melted onto the table. Daniel cleared his throat and stood up.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms Lucy. But Salvos and I have got to go now.
He started out of the inn and nced back at me as I hesitated back at the table.
Youing, Salvos?
Yes wait.
I looked back at Lucy, feeling uncertain whether I should say anything. I took a deep breath and just spoke up.
Chris said that he felt the same. Ok, I have to go. Bye!
I hurried after Daniel as the barmaid sat up, blinking. Then the two of us exited the building out into the busy afternoon streets of Warrington. I slowly walked behind my Humanpanion as we made our way to the Adventurers Guild, finally ready to investigate the rumors of [Cultists].
Daniel paused and I nearly bumped into him.
...you were lying, werent you?
I stared at his back, then I shrugged.
Yep.
I hope you didnt hide anything bad.
Nope at least, I dont think so? Chris was a [Cultist].
I whispered thest part. He nodded understandingly.
I thought itd be something like that.
The two of us continued walking on quietly, rounding a corner just before the Guild.
You know, Salvos,tely youve been a lot more Human.
I blinked, slowly processing his words. Then I frowned.
I am not a Human. Im Salvos!
I know and I didnt mean it in a bad way. Its a good thing, honestly. Youre a lot more empathetic.
Why do Humans have to be empathetic? Why cant I just be an empathetic Salvos.
I gave him a questioning stare. He shrugged.
Im telling you, I didnt mean to put down your identity. Its apliment.
He walked ahead, entering the Adventurers Guild. I watched after him for a moment, then I murmured under my breath.
Well I dont think I like thatpliment.
And I wasnt sure why I felt that way.
--
The receptionist at the Adventurers Guild wasnt very helpful. We were redirected to find more information about [Cultists] from the city guards. So we left that building and entered another building this time, we got what we needed.
Yes. Just northeast from here, there have been talks about travellers going missing. And a few scared folks are saying its because of [Cultists]. Theyre kidnapping people to sacrifice for another summoning. A big one.
The guard captain sighed, rubbing at his forehead. Daniel ced a hand on his chin.
Do you really think these rumors hold any credence?
I dont know. As far as I know, these are regr monster attacks. People go missing all the time. Cant differentiate if its done by monsters or some crazy Humans.
Well, I guess thats for us to have to figure out, huh Salvos?
My Humanpanion turned to me and I nodded. The guard captain just sat back onto his chair, scratching the back of his head.
I didnt expect the saviors of Silvergrove themselves toe here and investigate these rumors. Man am I lucky. Do you two have like a [Demon yer] ss or something?
I furrowed my brows.
Why would we have [Demon yer] sses?
I dunno. Just thought you were like dedicated Demon hunters or something.
Daniel and I exchanged a nce and he shrugged. I shook my head, turning to leave the room without a word. My Humanpanion quickly muttered a thank you then followed after me.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
He asked me after we left the city. I sighed.
Nothing. I if I didnt look like a Human right now, you Humans would hate me, huh?
Uh yeah, I think that was established on day one.
Well, I dont think I like that!
Why not?
The Human man stared at me, perplexed. I shrugged.
Its nothing. Lets just go find these [Cultists].
I couldnt wait to meet another Haec again.
Chapter 57: Breaking In
Chapter 57: Breaking In
57. Breaking In
I wasnt really sure where northeast was. ording to Daniel, if you walked to the sun as it rose and broke off to the left, you would be heading southeast. He even showed me a magicpass that pointed north.
Apparently,passes can only work by magic. And it doesnt matter how far south you go the method of following the sun always works. Because the world is t?
I nodded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Yep.
But it cant be t.
The Human man spoke tly. I cocked my head.
Why not?
Because then how would physics work? How would you be standing here, and be nted onto the ground? How would the sun revolve around the sky? What are the stars then?
I dont know.
I shrugged. He wagged a finger as the two of us continued trudging down the dirt road.
Exactly. So the world isnt t.
But why?
I just told you look, do you see that? The sky is blue. Do you know why? Because the light from the sun is scattered through the world, but blue light bounces off air best. So it bes blue.
Huh.
I paused, tilting my head up.
Then why is the sky in the Netherworld red?
Thats because
He paused, furrowing his brows. Daniel frowned, bringing his hand to his chin.
Youre right. Why is the Netherworld red and always glowing?
I dont know.
The Human man contemted this for a moment. Then he threw his hands up in the air.
That doesnt matter! Its magic or something, alright? Look, the world just isnt t.
Huh. I just realized I dont actually care.
Haaa
Daniel pressed his fingers onto his temples, massaging it slowly. The two of us continued walking in silence; it was only when we encountered more Human travellers did one of us speak.
Hello
Hey!
I waved a hand in the air, shouting over him. Daniel grimaced and covered his ear.
You dont have to yell.
You dont have to be so annoying.
Uh, thats unwarranted?
I stuck my tongue out at him before running ahead. My Humanpanion stared after me, confused for a moment, then he hurried after me as I reached the [Traders].
Have any of you Humans heard anything about [Cultists] around heretely?
An elderly looking Human man turned to face me. He wrinkled a brow and stroked his bushy beard.
I dont believe I have. How about you, Smith?
I concur, John. I have not heard anything about [Cultists] around these parts.
Oh
I deted. Daniel caught up to me, speaking in an exasperated voice.
Whats with that, Salvos? Dont you remember what Edithe said about being childish? Youre not
Oh!
Smith snapped a finger.
Actually, I do remember hearing about such a thing.
Really?
I perked up and Daniel blinked. The elderly [Trader] continued.
Yes, why I do remember such a thing. It was about a Demon, was it not?
Thats right, Smith! Youngdy, you best be careful if youre heading to Falisfield. I heard about a Demon summoned by [Cultists] rampagining there. Although wasnt the Demon in just a month ago?
Hrm, I do believe thats the case, John. It seems like our age is finally getting to us, huh old fellow?
Wait, so have you heard anything else anything about [Cultists] here?
I stared at them. They shook their heads.
Apologies, young Miss. You can ask around in Stanlow. Its just down this road.
I sighed and dejectedly walked past them, heading to the town. Daniel quickly thanked the two and ran after me. He followed me for a little bit before speaking up.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
What do you mean?
I mean, youve been acting weird all day. Are you upset that Helen, Saffron, and Jaakko left?
What about Zack?
I raised an eyebrow.
What about him?
I shrugged.
I dont know. They left and sure thats annoying that everyone keeps leaving. But, well what do they even think about me?
Daniel paused midstep. He stared as me and I turned around, flustered.
What?
Youre starting to grow up.
Huh?
He grinned.
Youre actually caring what others think about you! Youre no longer the selfish, bratty, only-cares-about-herself Demon I met a few months ago. Youve changed.
I shrunk back defensively.
Thats not what I meant!
The Human man shook his head and chuckled while I tried to exin myself.
Its Humans like you and Edithe. You two are mypanions for a reason. You recognize me. And Mistshard and Druma too Sakuras nice. But Helen, Zack, Jaakko, and Saffron. It wasnt the same.
Im sure youll figure it out, Salvos. Dont worry too much about it. Youre still young
Im a Greater Demon.
I corrected him with a cross look. He waved a hand dismissively.
Anyways, next time dont run off by yourself. Its dangerous.
They were [Traders].
Yes, but some people have Second sses. Or they might be using a Ne of Obfuscation like me. You never know what level someone actually is so its better for us to stay safe and stick together. They might have been the [Cultists] responsible for the disappearances, after all.
Daniel and I continued on to Stanlow together. He was convinced that I was growing up or maturing or whatever weird evolving process Humans went through without leveling. But I knew that wasnt right.
Something made me upset, and I was not sure how to express it or even make sense of it. However, I had been uneasy. I knew what made me uneasy. It was what Daniel told me earlier.
Youve been a lot more Human.
--
Stanlow was not arge town by any means; it was about the size of Maplewell, if I had to guess. Even though Maplewell had been burnt to the ground when I got there, I could still see the rough outline of it.
Daniel took the lead in asking questions this time he said I was a bit too upfront about it. Even though we were supposed to be here as Gold Rank adventurers, we had to be subtle.
We dont know who these [Cultists] are. If the townspeople here are the ones responsible for all the disappearances who knows what they might try to do to us in our sleeps.
But I dont sleep.
...good point. Still, just follow my lead.
I nodded as Daniel brought me to an inn in the center of town. It wasnt very crowded. Even the Adventurers Guild back in Silvergrove as sparsely upied as it had been, since many had died to Lucerna had more Humans in it than the inn.
The [Innkeeper] greeted us with a smile. He uncrossed his burly arms and heartily mmed a mug of ale onto the bar counter.
Wee! My name is Eren, and wee to the Travellers Inn!
What a cliche name.
Daniel murmured. He quickly steeled himself and walked up to the man, dly epting the drink and offering his own coins. The [Innkeeper], Eren, just chuckled.
Dont worry, its on the house.
He picked up another mug and began wiping it down with a piece of cloth. He nced between both Daniel and I.
So, what brings you two Gold Rank adventurers to our small town? Let me guess: youre here about the kidnappings?
Daniel spat out his drink and I turned to face him. I gave him a judging look.
So much for subtlety.
I forgot people can do that, alright?
He sighed, pulling up a high stool. I sat down next to him as he spoke with resignation.
Yes, were Gold Ranks here on that job. Why, have others been showing up?
Nope! Youre the first ones Ive seen. But some guards from Warrington dropped by just the other week, asking us questions about the mysterious disappearances. I couldnt help them, but they didnt seem like they even wanted to do the job. I assumed they would just delegate it to adventurers after that, and seems like I was right.
Lazy government workers things are the same everywhere, huh?
Daniel shook his head and leaned on the counter. The [Innkeeper] nced over at me, raising his mug.
Want a drink to, youngdy?
I grimaced.
Gross. No.
Your loss.
Eren sat the mug down and wiped his hand down with a wet towel. He ced his hands on the counter and leaned over.
So, what can I do for you?
Uh do you know anything about these rumors then?
Nope!
He beamed happily at Daniel. Mypanion stared at him, then at my expectant look.
...this is like dealing with another Salvos. Alright, if you want to say something so bad, go ahead.
I grinned and turned to the [Innkeeper]. Eren gave me a curious look as I spread my arms on the counter, outside of his.
Demons.
Dont know anything.
[Cultists]?
No clue.
Kidnappings.
Heard some things, but dont know anything about it.
Angry Humans!
Eren paused. He folded his arms, ruminating over my statement for a moment.
Well, if thats what youre looking for, I know that Mr Joseph living at the edge of town has been having money problems since his wife left him for some Gold Rank adventurer a few years back. Last I heard, hes gotten into trouble with debt collectors since he hasnt been able to support himself or his daughter.
Think they might be responsible for the disappearance?
I raised a brow and he nodded.
Possibly. I think its worth checking out.
Alright. Thanks! Come on, Daniel.
I got up and nodded back at the [Innkeeper]. He smiled, waving at us as we left the inn. We turned a street from the Travellers Inn and Daniel stopped. He stared at me.
...how the fuck did that work?
--
After asking for directions, we found ourselves outside of a ramshackle hut right at the edge of town. Apparently, this Joseph Human had grown reclusive and more and more agitated ever since he borrowed gold from some shady individuals.
I was not sure how people who gave shade from the sunlight were involved in this, and Daniel just sighed when I asked him.
The Human man instead just knocked on the creaky wooden door and called out.
Hello? Is this a Mr Josephs house?
Silence. There was no response. I frowned.
Didnt the people we asked say that he doesnt usually leave his home?
Yeah, but he could be out in the nearby forest or something. Doesnt mean they have to be lying. Lets just knock again.
I shrugged.
I didnt say they were.
Daniel rapped on the door once more, calling out with the same words as before; there was nothing. I tapped a foot impatiently on the ground and shouted.
Were Gold Ranks! We hear youve been having trouble with shades or something! Can you open up?
You didnt have to yell.
I shook my head, ignoring him as he rubbed at an ear. Suddenly, I heard the sounds of muffled footsteps. It was slow and steady as if someone had just gotten up from their chair and wasing over now. The wooden boards underneath their feet croaked softly as Daniel and I waited for the door to open.
The piece of wood barring out paths swung open fractionally. A head poked out, staring at us with suspicious eyes.
W-what do you two want?
A Human man Joseph gave us a wary look. Daniel gave him a disarming smile.
Theres no need to be afraid. As my friend here said, were Gold Ranks. Were just here to investigate the mysterious disappearances that have been reported around the area.
Disappearances? I dont know anything about those.
Of course. Were not ming you for anything, Mr Joseph. But weve heard that youve run into some unruly folks? People who are trying to extort you.
I narrowed my eyes as I watched Joseph bite his lower lip. Humans do that when theyre nervous, I noted. I nced at Daniel and he seemed to notice it too. Joseph spat at us.
What kind of usations is this? Me? Mixed up with debt collectors? Hah, give me a break!
He mmed the door shut but I caught it and pushed it open.
Listen here, youre obviously lying and were not stupid. If these people are bad for you, why not just tell us?
Tell you? Are you mad? Its because
There was a loud crash from behind the house. I blinked and looked over at the source of the noise. A figure had jumped out of the second floor of the house, carrying a smaller figure over their arms. Daniels eyes widened and he reached for his sword.
Salvos thats his daughter? A kidnapping!
I cocked my head.
You think thats a [Cultist]?
For a moment, the running figure was close enough for my [Identification] to work on them. They were a [Rogue], I was fairly certain of it. But Daniel just dashed forward.
It doesnt matter
A hand grabbed him from behind. Joseph tried to pull him back.
Let them take Rachel! If you bring her back theylle back for more! Let them go!
Daniel stared for a moment. He was caught off guard, and he had a shocked looke over his face. Then slowly, his brows arched darkly above his eyes. He clenched a fist and punched the other Human man. Joseph fell to the ground, limp. He was unconscious.
Mypanion turned to me.
Salvos. We need to go after that person. But dont stop them or kill them just follow them, alright? Can you do that?
I turned my gaze to the disappearing figure in the distance. They were fast, and they had a big lead on me. They were only getting further and further away with each passing moment.
I nodded, shooting him a grin.
Easy.
Chapter 58: Cultists
Chapter 58: Cultists
58. Cultists
I dashed through the woods feeling the wind brush past my face; I ran past bushes and trees, ducking under branches and leapt over logs. I watched as the single figure ahead continued their pace, ncing back asionally at me.
I dropped another small ball made of fire smoke rose from the ground as it touched the fallen leaves crinkling the ground, yet they didnt catch on fire. They simply burned, the heat from the fire orb incinerating the withered nts. Daniel can see these, right? They were quite bright, so they would be hard to miss.
I turned my gaze back at the figure just in time to see a hail of needles flying my way.
Huh.
[Self Haste]. The rain of metal slowed and I leapt from tree to tree, using the thick trunks as cover from the attack. I ran out from a thicket
And my eyes widened. A single ck object hovered in the air above me.
[Bomb - It explodes.].
It exploded.
The figure paused for a moment, waiting for the smoke to clear up. They saw the crater the burning and falling trees. They scoffed and turned around, continuing their run back to their hideout.
I watched him go from the top of a tree. I shrugged. I guess Ill just follow him like this.
He was slow. A Level 43 [Rogue]. I could take my time.
--
Is this the ce?
Daniel asked, raising a brow as he walked up to my side.
Yep! I followed the [Rogue] here. He entered that cave there. I think this might be where the [Cultists] hideout is.
Well, we dont know if these are [Cultists] or just some brigands.
But [Cultists] like caves!
So do bandits.
I crossed my arms and huffed.
I think Im right though.
Im just saying, well have to see first.
The Human man got up, drawing his sword. I created a sickle and a dagger on each hand, both glowing brilliantly in the night. He eyed my weapons.
With those subtlety might not be an option here.
Was it ever an option with you, Mr noisy [Warrior]?
I grinned, spinning the sickle and flicking the dagger in the air. I almost didnt catch it. Huh, maybe I should start raising [Passive - Weapon Mastery]. I could use two daggers just fine I could use a sickle on its own just fine. But wielding two nonplementary weapons?
I let the dagger disappear.
Youre getting mouthy recently.
Mouthy Salvos. But that doesn''t mean Im a Human.
I walked off ahead of him and he sighed, following after me.
Is that whats been bothering you, that Oi! Who goes there!
The two of us strolled up to the cave as a group of masked Humans carrying various weapons blocked our way. One Human at the front raised arge spiked mace.
What are you, Gold Ranks here to investigate us? Its already toote
If youre wondering whether I liked it? Of course not. Being a Human is limiting. Most of my Titles buffs are gone! And I still cant get [Zealous Call] to work.
[Zealous Call]? You mean you got a Title Skill?
Hey, were talking to you
I snorted, crossing one arm as I waved the sickle in the air.
Didnt you?
No my Title is pretty generic, I think. I thought only Kings and the like got Title Skills.
If youre not going to listen, just die!
The man with the mace yelled. He swung it down at me but I just stepped to the left. The weapon shone and it crashed into the ground, knocking up dust into the air. By the time the dust settled, hey dead on the floor.
Damn those bastards
I brought my sickle up and sliced off an arm. There was a scream as Daniel swung his sword wide and three Humans fell back.
Kings get Titles? I wonder if theres a Princess Title too.
Well, its not usually just King. The Titles tend to be King of the Harvest or King of War. Im not really sure about princes or princesses. Its kind of rare, but there are a few Barons and Duke type Titles too.
He grunted as a blue de of energy shot out from his sword and sted five of them apart. I threw my weapon and it struck down two more charging enemies, before I sent a [Scorching Wave] out.
Huh. Also, see how noisy you are? Im far quieter.
Oh, shut up. Your mouth is the loudest thing here.
My mes stopped pouring out and Daniel brought up his longsword to his back. Thest of the Humans attacking usy dead on the floor a few ran, but I easily took them out with a few fire daggers to the back.
They were mostly around Level 30. I cant believe we were this weak just before we fought Lerna.
A 10 level difference is a lot. And its not like we werent already taking on enemies above our levels when we were at Level 30. Youre a Demon a special Demon and Im well, special too.
I raised a brow dubiously.
No, really?
I shouldve expected that response. Youre like a child learning about sarcasm for the first time.
Im not a child. Im Salvos, a Greater Demon.
--
The two of us continued into the cave, fighting the angry Humans as they tried to stop us. Most of them didnt even havebat sses; about half of those we had just killed were [Cultists], which confirmed my suspicions.
I told you they were [Cultists].
And I didnt say otherwise. I was just putting the possibility of them being something else out there.
Well, you were wrong.
Another [Scorching Wave] sted apart a group of angry [Cultists]. Their very own fireballs and [Fireballs] were destroyed by my blue mes before it reached us. The smoke cleared up and suddenly a hail of needles came flying at us.
My eyes widened as they multiplied midair.
[Steadfast Stance].
Daniel called out and readied himself. I spun around, letting my Cloak of Shadows take the hit. The needles bounced off my cloak and bounced off Daniels skin.
I nced over at him.
Since when could you do that?
Since I got my ss evolution. I have a good ss, alright?
I shrugged and dashed forward. I saw the [Rogue] up ahead, face no longer obscured revealing an older looking man. He was standing behind a group of archers as they drew their arrows back and loosed. He shouted.
Youre toote! The ritual has already begun! This is the first of many, and soon our King shall
[Charge of Embers].
I sped past the flying arrows and appeared on top of the [Rogue]. He stumbled back from the attack and managed to parry my first swing. He blocked the second too, but the third nicked his wrist, forcing him to drop his weapon. My fourth swing took off his head.
Defeated [Cult Acolyte - Lvl. 32]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Needlemaster Rogue - Lvl. 43]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 48] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 49]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Oo, I leveled up.
I turned back to Daniel as he finished off the archers behind me. He nced up with an indifferent look on his face.
Ah, congrattions.
I cocked my head.
Thank you?
What are you confused for?
Is it normal to congratte others for leveling?
I stared at him curiously. He shrugged.
Dunno. I just said it out of habit, I guess. Lets continue.
Alright.
So, what do you think [Zealous Call] does?
It sounds like it would make you excited or something.
Do you know how I can use it?
Have you tried saying its name
Already did that.
Ah. Then no clue.
We both walked until we reached the end of the stone corridor, finding ourselves in arge cavernous room. There, we saw arge group of [Cultists] gathered together in a circle.
Thats a lot of [Cultists]. Far more than when Lucerna and I were summoned.
And theyre high leveled too. Think there might be a conspiracy?
They are obviously nning something.
No I mean nevermind.
I narrowed my eyes as I saw a pile of bodies in the corner of the room; they were white, almost as if they were drained off blood. There was arge summoning circle etched onto the floor it was made from some red ink.
In the center of the circley a small figure. A girl. She was tied up, unmoving, as a man stood over her. Daniel snapped his gaze at me.
Salvos the girl. Save her!
I blinked.
Why
Just do it!
I nodded and activated [Self Haste]. I ran forward as a line of [Cultists] stepped up to intercept me. I let my sickle dissipate as I focused on creating another two objects on each hand a bow and arrow.
I leapt over the file of Humans barring my path, flipping over a volley of magical spells and arrows from the angry [Cultists]. I nocked the bow midair and aimed at the [Cultist] standing in the circle. He brought a crooked dagger up above his head as he began chanting.
Oh great [Fiends] of the Netherworld, heed my call. We have offered many sacrifices to you, and let this be thest. Send a Greater Demon to aid us in your Kings cause. The Mortal Realm shall
The arrow stuck itself through the Human mans head. He screamed, stumbling back. He reached for his head and pulled out the lodge bolt it had barely pierced through his skull. High [Vitality] then, huh? At around Level 60 too. Cant kill him easily.
A [Scorching Wave] kept me afloat for a moment longer, boosting me past the bulk of the [Cultists] while Daniel ran into them. He swung his sword and a bright light came over it. Half of them vanished in an instant.
Inded lithely amongst a group of armed Humans and easily dispatched them with a few [Fire Strikes]. Then I activated [Ignition], setting my body aze the mes not eating at my clothes and ran past the rest towards the fumbling head [Cultist].
I reached him a momentter before he could plunge the crooked dagger into the little girl. I grabbed her, letting my mes over my body dissipate, before easily dodging an angry punch from him. He was slow. A [Fire Strike] powered kick sent him flying back before I ran back at Daniel.
Dozens of [Cultists]y dead at his feet as he continued cutting through the ones ahead of him. With me charging their nks, the rest were easily put down by us and I found myself standing beside Daniel.
Put her down here. Ill cut the ropes.
I nodded and ced the Human girl by his feet. Daniel freed her before quickly cing a hand on her neck.
Shes breathing. Still alive. Do you have any Low Grade healing potions? Mine are all High Grade. Just want to make sure shes fine.
I produced one from a small satchel on my side and he took it, pouring it down the girls throat. Then he took a quick swig of it and handed it back to me.
You dont need any?
They were too slow. I was only hit a few times, but not enough to break my Ring of Lesser Protection. Good thing too if the protective aura broke, Id need to find a Dungeon to recharge it quickly. Unless itll take another week before I can use it again.
There are tools for that, you know? Some [Enchanters] or [Runesmiths] have magic tools that can restore all of an artifact''s uses in a few minutes.
Lets buy it then!
We dont have the gold.
I mean after we finish off thest of the [Cultists].
Yeah. Speaking of which
The two of us nced over at the remaining Humans in the room. There were only four of them left one being the head [Cultist] who was ring at us with bloodshot eyes. He jabbed a finger angrily at us.
You you did all this! You ruined everything!
How so?
I cocked my head.
We had nned this for months.Ever since he gave us what we needed toplete the ritual. We had a Greater Demon right at our grasps. Now its ruined.
Huh.
I tilted my head back as Daniel raised his sword dangerously.
Weve stopped your ns, [Cultists]. I dont know what you wanted to do, but you shall not kill any more innocent lives!
I could see his face burn red as he gave his speech; I patted him on the shoulder and pulled his arm back.
Uh, Salvos what are you doing?
Me? Well, he said he wanted a Greater Demon, no?
My Humanpanion furrowed his brows.
Wait, you dont mean
Im going to give him one.
I stepped forward and my body twisted. My back cracked as it grew longer, growing more hunched. I found my arms touching the floor as I walked forward, and heard my clothes barring my Cloak of Shadows ripping and tearing. Two long crooked horns protruded from my head as my hands returned back to the nostalgic sensation of having ws.
My face longer and I grinned, baring my sharp teeth at the terrified [Cultists].
Youre
I took out my Ne of Obfuscation and my satchel, tossing it back to Daniel.
A [Changeling]. Yes, Im a Greater Demon.
I spoke out in a soft, gravelly voice each sentence ended followed by a sharp, piercing whistling sound. And I could tell my speech was slightly distorted.
A [Cultist] a Level 26 Human woman took a step back and bumped into the head [Cultist]. She turned to him with a pale face.
What do we do?
He stabbed her with the crooked knife.
Oh, Demon King Regnorex, we beseech you, send us one of your great [Fiends]! Help us y this traitorous Demon for your wonderful cause!
Salvos hespleting the summoning ritual. Stop him!
I nced back at Daniel as the summoning circle the blood drawn pentagram filled with sigils and symbols began to glow. I smiled.
No.
My Humanpanion stared at me for a moment, in shock. Then he realized what I was doing.
Oh. Right. Well, lets hope whoever gets summoned isnt too powerful.
I stood there, back in an arch, as I waited for the summoning to finish. The empty ground at the center of the summoning circle began to glow, and a name appeared there.
Yes! Yes! Ignavare, great [Fiend] of the Netherworld,e and destroy this traitor!
Then there was a sh. The glowing stopped. A thin veil of smoke hung over the air around the summoning circle for a moment, and a figure stepped forward.
I grinned savagely and stood up as Daniel readied himself.
[Fiend - Lvl. 52]
Chapter 59: Ignavare
Chapter 59: Ignavare
59. Ignavare
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 49
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 51 (+5)
[Strength]: 36 (+5)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 67 (+5)
[Agility]: 100 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 13
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 6
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 9
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 6
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 2
I stared down the Level 52 [Fiend] standing before me. Ignavare was his name and he had a summoning cor wrapped around his hand. Thats what I want. He also had orange-green skin and ck hair, with a single horn with a spiral design protruding from his head. He turned two uncaring green eyes towards me and snorted.
Human, have you really summoned me to fight another one of my kind? Even if it is a [Changeling], its still one thats lower leveled than me even. And I am not your ordinary [Fiend].
Well, I am not your ordinary [Changeling] either.
I bared my teeth menacingly at him; he shook his head, facing the head [Cultist].
I was under the impression that this summoning was for another reason. Otherwise, I never would havee here for such mere pittance of an offering.
The [Cultists] paled.
No great Ignavare, weve gathered you a sacrifice of blood and bodies. Here lies a hundred dead people, all for your use!
A hundred Humans, all ranging from having no sses to being low leveled. Only five of them were above Level 20. And one was above Level 30. Yet, I did not even gain the full experience from her. Hrmph, I stand by my words. A mere pittance.
I-I apologize, great Ignavare. Please forgive us. He did not tell us
Then you have fallen for his tricks. Our King will not forgive you for such foolishness when he warned you of the dangers of working with him.
B-but our King sent him
Hey!
I called out, waving a hand to grab their attention. The [Fiend] gave me a sidelong nce and the [Cultists] readied their weapons.
Are you going to keep talking, or are we going to fight?
Uh, Salvos, why didnt we just attack them while they were talking?
Why didnt you do that?
...point.
I shrugged, looking away from Daniel as I stood upright and pointed a finger at the [Fiend].
I am not a wild Demon, and I have no reason to attack you at this moment. However, I do want your summoning cor. Plus, that Human is asking you to fight us. So, that could change real quick.
Oh, she doesnt have a summoning cor. How did she get here if not through the gifts of my King?
Ignavare took a step forward, peering at me curiously; he was not too tall, unlike Haec, and he was shorter than me. But he was still taller than Daniel.
The [Fiend] nced over at the head [Cultist], causing him to jump. He spoke out in a quivering voice, almost backing away from Ignavare.
I-Im not sure. But she has to be a traitor to our cause, right? All Demons who dont obey our King are traitors!
No.
The head [Cultist] blinked as Ignavare shook his head nonchntly. He flicked his hand through his ck hair, almost ying with it between his fingers.
The wild Demons of the Netherworld bow to no one. And our King has no interest in raising those cattle. Even still youre not a wild Demon, huh?
His gaze bore into me as I readied myself. My body burst into mes and Daniels sword gleamed with an iridescent light. The [Fiend] stepped forward and his cor suddenly started to shimmer.
Very well, then I shall ept your contract and dispose of this [Changeling]. Now, show me what tricks you have. Will you transform into a [Hellbeast] if youve seen one or are you going to y tricks on me and turn into a [Fiend] too? I must warn you, none of it will work on me...
Do you want to take care of the [Fiend]? Ill deal with the [Cultists] for you.
I nced back at my Humanpanion who was giving me an eye.
Absolutely not. Help me if Im struggling.
Ah. I thought you would want to fight him yourself.
What am I, stupid? I dont want to die. Sure, getting more experience is fine but
Ignavareshed out at us I wasnt sure what I was expecting from him, but I certainly didnt expect his entire form to sink into his own shadow. Daniel rushed forward, charging at the [Cultists] as they braced for him, while I leapt in the air and clung onto the side of the cavern wall.
I watched as the shadow rushed up the wall after me before a dark arm poked out of it. I kicked off the rock wall just in time to avoid a ck de swinging for my neck. What kind of magic is this, shadow creation?
Inded back on the ground with a heavy thud as I faced the shadow, now on the side of the cavernous room. Ignavare slowly rose out from the shadow, standing perpendicr to the wall before pointing a finger at me.
[Darkling Toll].
Behind me, Daniel cringed, although I didnt see it.I watched as the ground around me began to fade and a mist of shadow form around me. It happened so fast but I was faster.
[Charge of Embers].
I was on the [Fiend] in an instant I struck him across the chest and he recoiled back. The ground where I stood burst out into some physical darkness, however I was no longer there. I raised a wed hand tond another hit on him a [Fire Strike] but he hopped off the side of the wall andnded on the ground. I jumped after him, only to find myself striking a dome of darkness.
[Dome of Shadows].
Daniel groaned loudly, and this time I heard him. I nced up at my Humanpanion.
Do you need help
[Harrowing Dusk].
A st of orange ck sent me flying back, extinguishing the mes around my body. I saw flicker and felt my body curling up in pain as the Ring of Lesser Protection gave out to the attack.
Salvos!
Hrmph. More durable than I thought.
I picked myself up, looking over at Daniel who kicked a [Cultist] into the rock wall.
I thought you needed help! Why did you make that sound!
I growled at him while still keeping my focus on the [Fiend] ahead of me.
I, uh
The head [Cultist] grappled him from behind and he stumbled forward; I ignored that, bounding forward at Ignavare as spikes made of darkness formed around him. Hes not fast, and he can use a lot of magic so high [Wisdom] then. Maybe [Endurance] too. Probably low [Vitality]. I quickly surmised what I could as I dodged the hail of shadow projectiles.
I leapt up into the air and pounced on him. Ished at him with [Fire Strikes], digging my ws into his body and tearing off his skin. He screamed and pushed my hands off strong. I tried to nip at him, however he crossed his arms while holding me back. His forearms were held against my neck, keeping me from biting onto him.
I paused. Then I opened my mouth.
[Scorching Wave].
Gahhhhhhh!
He screamed and kicked me off. I stumbled back while the [Fiend] grasped at his face he was only slightly burned. My Skill was not the strongest I had. But he still turned two hate-filled eyes towards me.
I dashed forward at him
And he sunk back into the shadows. So, he has a cooldown for that Skill then? I just need to wait a little more for
I watched as the shadow zipped through the ground away from me. I sent another [Scorching Wave] at him, however the fire just harmlessly sshed off the earth floor.
Huh.
I created a bow and nocked a zing Bolt onto it.
How about this then?
I panted, feeling exhaustion begin to set in. I loosed the arrow and it st the ground open; Ignavare was tossed out of his shadow and out into the air, his body burnt and bloodied. However, he was still alive.
I charged at him as he held out a hand, creating an axe made of shadows. I brought a [Fire Strike] down at him. He parried the attack and my eyes widened as I took a glimpse of the weapon. In that moment of distraction, dark spikes rained down on me from above.
Urk
The dark spikes pierced my arms and shoulders as I shelled up, before Ignavare sliced his axe up at my head. I stepped back, barely dodging the first swing, and managed to create a fire sickle just in time to block the second.
Whats wrong, [Changeling]? I heard your kind was strong. But Im not impressed so far. Why not try changing into something more powerful!
He grunted and swung hard hard, shattering my weapon. I stumbled back as he walked forward, swinging the axe wildly with one hand as he cast magical attacks with the other. I managed to dodge most of them, but some nicked me, drawing blood. I backed up even more while he continued his assault.
Come on! Show me what you can do!
I stepped back and paused as a wave of darkness came at me. I stared as the attack came
Now [Self Haste]!
I ran around the attack, using all four of my limbs to propel myself as quickly as possible. The [Fiend] screamed, redirecting his dark spikes at me, but they were too slow.
I reached him a momentter as fire came to life in one of my hands. He swung his axe down at me, but I caught it with what I created. It was not a sword, a sickle, a dagger, or a spear. I created something simple chains.
I wrapped the fire chains around the axe handle and pulled it away from Ignavare. The weapon was ripped out of his palms, forcing him to stumble forward into my [Fire Strike] fist. His head snapped back and he spat out a tooth.
Was that a punch? That barely hurt
I sliced his head off with a swing of his axe.
Defeated [Abaddon Shade Fiend - Lvl. 52]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 49] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 50]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
His head dropped to the ground as I dropped the shadow axe down to the ground, too tired to carry it any longer. I copsed to the ground, panting and heaving.
I heard shouts terrified screams then the smashing and breaking of rocks with a few groans. Footsteps approached me and a voice called out for me.
Salvos!
Daniel that was difficult. Why didnt you help me?
Why didnt you help me?
Im too tired. And in a lot of pain. I need to [Rest].
He barely cut you. Why are you overreacting like this.
Daniel stopped just in front of me and crossed his arms. I scowled.
His magic its better than mine. He was able to create a Medium Grade Weapon. See?
I pointed at the shadow axe and my Humanpanion squinted. It was already dissipating unlike the Spear of mes that didnt need to be fed mana constantly to maintain its form, this weapon disappeared without a mana source.
How did you know it was a Medium Grade Weapon? Did you identify it in the middle of fighting?
[Deadly Instincts] told me to check. It warned me the weapon was dangerous.
So, he was some kind of [Mage]?
I shook my head.
No. He was an [Abaddon Shade Fiend]. Probably specializes in magic, which was why he can create such a powerful weapon. But he was physically strong too. That meant he had a low [Vitality] though, kind of like me. And I almost died!
Daniel sighed, shaking his head. He grabbed my bag and took out my second healing potion from it.
Sorry I couldnt help you, but I was preupied. Here.
He sshed it on me and I gratefully epted it, feeling the most of the wounds all over my body recover slowly.
Thanks.
It was a tough fight. But now, youve got what you want.
I nced past the vanishing axe at the dead [Fiend]. I nodded.
Can you help take it for me?
Ugh, fine.
I watched as the Human man slowly walked over to grab the summoning cor as I rxed. Finally, I can see Haec again. It was a nice thought a happy thought. One which felt particrly cathartic, especially if I ignored how it would probably take me Mortal Realm years to even find him again in the Netherworld.
Daniel reached for the summoning cor on Ignavares wrist
And it shone. His entire body glowed an ethereal gray; the ground around him lit up as a thin cloak of mist grew around the body. I shouted at Daniel.
Stop it!
W-what?
Mypanion panicked and grabbed hold of the body, but it didnt matter. The body vanished, and the cor was gone along with it. Even the head of Ignavare had been whisked away.
Why? Why?! Why did that happen?
Holy shit I thought it would take me to the Netherworld.
I got up and grabbed Daniel by the shoulders. He backed up, face turning white as I red at him.
But why didnt it take you? It grabbed me it brought me to the Mortal Realm!
I I dont know. I think some sort of failsafe mechanism was activated?
I stared, aghast at where the body had been. I got up onto one knee, eyes wide open.
Daniel
Salvos I dont think I did anything! I swear!
I turned my gaze to him he had been pale, a bit scared. But his face softened once he saw the expression I had on.
Are you alright?
I was so close. I couldve gone back what went wrong?
The two of us stood there, unmoving. My Humanpanion averted his gaze, slowly chewing his lips. There was a silence. He opened his mouth and took a step forward
I
And a small voice interrupted him.
Uh
The two of us nced over at the side. A figure stood there, looking at us curiously. The Human girl blinked.
...who are you?
Chapter 60.1. Rachel
Chapter 60.1. Rachel
60.1. Rachel
...who are you?
Daniel and I stared at the Human child standing off to the side with her head tilted to the side; she had dirty brown hair and amber eyes. Her one-piece smock was tattered and bloodied it might have been pretty sky blue once, but now the color had faded and mixed into a ugly dark gray.
She was the girl we had saved from the [Cultists] the one who had almost been sacrificed. We had given her a healing potion when she was unconscious before our fight with Ignavare, and now she was awake. I exchanged a nce with Daniel before he stepped forward.
Hi, uh, dont be afraid. Were here to help you adventurers. Gold Ranks, see?
He quickly produced a badge and showed it to the girl. He tried smiling reassuringly while approaching her. The girl did not move away.
Wheres daddy?
Your father
My Humanpanion paused, grimacing as his face darkened. The girl peered at him with a puzzled expression before I slowly walked past him. He blinked and reached out for me.
Wait, Salvos
Are you talking about Joseph?
I stopped just in front of her and bent over. I cocked my head and she mirrored the gesture.
...I think so.
He gave you to these [Cultists]. He didnt want you anymore.
Oh.
She blinked, then slowly lowered her gaze.
I see.
Daniel hurried over with a worried look on his face.
Salvos, I dont think you should be imposing yourself onto her. You might scare her.
I nced back at him and frowned. I opened my mouth.
Why shouldnt I
Miss.
The girl spoke over me, looking back up.
Youre a monster?
I couldnt tell if she was asking me a question or making an observation. I shook my head.
Im not a monster. Im Salvos.
Salvos? Is that a type of monster?
No, thats my name.
I see.
The girl spoke softly and nodded. I slowly brought my face closer to her.
Whats your name?
Rachel.
Thats a nice name.
Thank you.
She said nothing else for a moment; I thought thatpliment would have made her feel better, however she didnt visibly react. The girl looked over at Daniel who was still standing off to the side, then back at me.
Will you eat me, Ms Salvos?
Why would I eat you?
Thats what monsters do.
I am not a monster. I am Salvos.
I see.
I dont think this is going anywhere.
My Humanpanion spoke up as he stepped beside me. He got down on one knee and brought a hand out to Rachel.
Hi, Im Daniel. Salvos here isnt a monster, and neither of us are going to harm you. Were here to save you.
Save me?
She stared at him, unblinking.
Like a [Hero]?
Daniel hesitated, nearly lowering his proffered hand. However, he steeled himself and gave her a smile.
Yes. Like a [Hero].
I see.
Rachel slowly epted his hand and held onto it;
Im sure you''re hungry. And well find you a ce where you can eat without anything distracting.
He nced around at the corpses scattered around therge cavernous room before looking back at the Human girl. She nodded and followed him as he ushered her away. As he slowly walked away, he turned to me.
In the meantime, Salvos, you can tie up the [Cultists] over there.
You didnt kill them?
I looked over at the copsed bodies. Two of themy there, unconscious, while the third the head [Cultist] had been smashed into the wall and was now stuck there.
No, I let some of them live. Just in case we needed
He averted his gaze, looking over at the summoning circle. I made the connection a momentter and nodded.
Sacrifices.
Yeah
And once youre done with that I have some spare clothes too. Its a bit too big for you, but it should work for now.
I cocked my head. His face turned red as he murmured.
After your transform back to your Mortal Form. Youll need clothes honestly, I dont know why we havent bought you your own spares. Or enchanted clothing.
I shrugged.
I dont see what the problem is.
Well, I do! Just please, wear some clothes when you change back.
Why cant I just stay like this?
For her sake.
He gestured at Rachel who was now hugging his legs and staring at me with an odd look on her face. I couldnt tell if she was suddenly scared or curious but it seemed that she now fully realized that I wasnt Human.
I scowled, sighing.
Fine.
--
The ropes Daniel gave me were apparently enchanted with some sort of durability spell it was the same rope he used to get us down to Silkfalls Crevice. So even the head [Cultist] wouldnt have been able to rip himself free.
I tied them up and tossed the three surviving [Cultists] into another room in the caveplex. Then, after turning back to my Mortal Form and dressing myself in his baggy clothing, I found Daniel investigating the rest of the cave he was in arge room full of bones jutting out of the earth like broken teeth.
He surmised that this ce had been a Lair for monsters once. Judging by the broken carapace and chitin, he thought it might even have been home to the [Rancer Mites] that had attacked us on the way to Warrington.
There were a few other rooms ones filled with books and rolls of paper. They were banned books apparently, things [Cultists] used to cast their magic and summon Demons. I quickly grabbed one of them and began flipping through it, trying to figure out how the rituals worked.
After we were finished scouring the rest of the cave, we returned to Rachel who was holed up in a room with a few beds strewn about. She did not jump up and run to Daniel, nor did she give me anything more than a confused look. The girl simply blinked and pointed at me.
Are you Ms Salvos?
I nodded.
Yes, and youre Rachel!
I see.
She said nothing else as Daniel produced some food for her; she epted it and ate quietly by herself while I wrinkled my nose in disgust to the side.
Gross.
Rachel paused and nced over at me.
Do you not like food, Ms Salvos?
No, I find it disgusting.
Do you like eating Humans then, Ms Salvos?
I grimaced and crossed my arms.
Absolutely not Ive tried. They dont taste nice.
I see.
Rachel nodded and went back to eating the bits of meat she had been given. I shook my head, carrying the stack of books we found from the cult and cing them down next to a bed. Then I looked back and found Daniel staring at me.
You what?
What?
I cocked my head. He rubbed at his temples and walked off to the side.
When did you even try to eat a Human before?
Oh, just now.
He stumbled forward and caught himself. He sighed with resignation.
Ill just pretend I didnt hear that.
I shrugged.
I wasnt in my Mortal Form and I was curious, ok?
Chapter 60.2. Rachel
Chapter 60.2. Rachel
60.2. Rachel
...it is the summoning cor of a Demon that lets them cross to our ne, the Mortal Realm, from the Netherworld and back; it is the same summoning cor that binds them to the sacrifices made by the [Cultist] to form a contract. Only Demons with a cor bestowed to them by our King can make this trip or go back those who can do so without it are rare exceptions.
However, if a Demones to the Mortal Realm and decides the sacrifice isnt worthy, no contract will be formed and theyll be able to return to the Netherworld as they please. They will not be able to leave their summoning circle until such a contract is formed, kept back by the magical link between the summoning circles and summoning cors.
I leafed through therge tome, reading its contents slowly as I tried to figure out how these Demon summoning rituals worked. Lots of long and big words. Maybe I should try speaking like that!
I had tried speaking with the surviving [Cultists] and making them tell me how I could do one, but they refused to speak. And Daniel did not let me force it out of them, citing something about how torture is hical even if it can be aruged that killing is necessary.
I did not care enough to argue with him since I realized these books kept by the [Cultists] had all the information I needed. I simply read through it, letting him deal with stupid things like feeding the prisoners so they wouldnt starve.
I put down the book I had read through the night and started a new one, more focused on the sacrificial part of the summoning rituals.
Demonse to the Mortal Realm for the same reason as Spirits: to harvest mana and experience. And that is why Humans, as a master of mana, are considered the best sacrifices for a Demon in a ritual. No other sapient species not the Elves or the Kobolds are born with as much inherent magical potential as a Human. The highest natural Stat of a Human is their [Wisdom], and it is because their [Wisdom] that Demons prefer Humans to be used in their rituals.
Of course, monsters known for their magic would suffice too. A Mindreaper or a Behulder would offer more mana than even a great [Mage] would. But the difference in experience awarded from sapient beings and mindless monsters would counteract any additional mana offered in sacrificing a monster. Furthermore, due to the sacrificial nature of the rituals, the experience awarded from their deaths would not be lessened by any level differentials between Demon and Human.
It is, therefore, more practical to sacrifice a dozen low leveled Humans than to sacrifice a single high leveled Mindreaper
So, if I wanted to carry out a summoning ritual, the best sacrifice would always be a Human. Good thing we have three Humans tied up in the other room. Daniel was open to the idea of using them for me to summon a low leveled Demon so I could just rip their summoning cors off them to return, but he wanted it to be done in a humane manner where they were asleep and it was done quickly.
However, having dozens of Humans sacrificed all at once would be impractical in any scenario, and it would be even more difficult if it were arge amount of monsters that were being sacrificed. Tomence a ritual without such impracticalities, [Cultists] would have to have all but one sacrifice killed beforehand, and mix their blood and mana signature into the ink used to create the summoning circle.
This will allow a Demon to
What are you reading?
I nced up and saw Rachel peering at me; the Human girl had been staying with us over these past few days while I went over everything I needed to prepare for a Demon summoning ritual. I wasnt going to just give up, after all.
Im reading.
She paused, tilting her head up to the ceiling for a moment to consider this. I had expected her to respond with an I see, but instead she came back with another question.
What are you reading?
Slowly, I raised the book up and gestured for her toe closer. She stepped forward and sat down next to me on the bed as I showed her the contents of the tome.
Im reading about how to sacrifice Humans to summon Demons into the Mortal Realm.
Arent you already a Demon, Ms Salvos?
Yes I am.
So, why do you want to summon another Demon?
I cocked my head and she mirrored the gesture. I spoke simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Because mypanion is stuck in the Netherworld.
Rachel cocked her head even further. She spoke softly.
Are you lonely?
Blinking, I furrowed my brows.
No, why would I be lonely?
Because youre a Demon. There arent many Demons here in the Mortal Realm. At least, that was what mommy told me when I was young. Before she left daddy and called him one of them. Since there are no Demons here, I thought youd be lonely.
I crossed my arms and huffed.
Well, I am not lonely. I have Human and Spiritpanions here too! Like Daniel! And they all know that Im a Demon, so its fine.
Where are your otherpanions then, Ms Salvos?
She looked at me inquisitively it was not meant to be an attack, just a question. However, I couldnt help but hesitate before responding to her.
Theyre not here right now. But I know other Humans too! Like Helen and Saffron! They arent mypanions, but theyre my friends? I think.
Do they know that youre a Demon?
I stared at Rachel for a moment, then I deted.
No.
I sighed, slumping back onto the thin mattress. Rachel just looked at me with her big copper-colored eyes. She was curious, and maybe slightly afraid still not processing that her father had left her. Daniel had told me that it was apparently a big deal for a Human to have their parents leave them.
I never had any parents so I didnt get it.
But so what? They know that Im Salvos! Thats all that matters, right?
I threw my hands in the air and sat back upright. I looked at Rachel for confirmation, but she simply stared back at me.
I dont think so, Ms Salvos. Many people knew my name they knew who I was and who daddy was but I dont think they cared. Ive been gone missing with you and Mr Daniel for a while, but before that, daddy didnt let me go out for a long time. He kept me at home and no one came to see me.
I watched as the Human girl brought a small hand up and fixed her gaze onto it. Her voice cracked as she spoke, sniffling and struggling to get the words out, but she managed topose herself by the end.
I caught a glint of light from Rachels eyes there was water forming at the edge of her eyelids, above the dark circles underneath her eyes. They did not stream down her face like I had expected them to, but instead a single blink sent a tiny ssh in all directions before she lowered her hand.
She was so delicate. I realized that one wrong word now could break her, just like a flower. She wasnt a rock that was hard and sturdy I didnt need to target her joins to shatter like as I would with a Golem. I had to be careful with her.
I did not know why, but I slowly lowered myself to meet her gaze and offered her a reassuring smile one that almost reminded me of Edithe.
I dont know what the other Humans in your vige are like, but they sound stupid. How can they not see you? Youre like a flower! A pretty flower! Anyone would spot you poking out of the bushes! It makes me want to pluck you!
Rachel paused, eyeing me with an odd look. I grinned and grabbed her by the shoulders, helping her up.
Um, Ms Salvos, what are you doing
Im bored. Ive been doing nothing but reading for a week! I have this General Skill a Title Skill I want to learn. Come on, lets go outside and try it out.
I took a step forward, pulling her with me. The little girl blinked and followed me, slightly confused. I stopped for a moment and nced back at her with a smile.
Also, stop calling me Ms Salvos. Im Salvos. If you want to call me anything, call me Princess Salvos!
...p-princess Salvos?
No not just a princess. Princess Salvos! With a Title and all!
I-I see. Princess Salvos I
Rachel closed her mouth, hesitating. Then she shut her eyes and spoke out louder than she had ever spoken before.
I think youre weird!
Iughed and she giggled, following me.
Well, I think you Humans are weird too!
Daniel had been feeding the head [Cultist] or well, trying to feed him since he refused to eat when he heard an odd noiseing from the stone corridor that led out of the cave. He frowned and grabbed his sword.
Whats that sound, he thought hurrying out of the cave, attackers? More [Cultists]?
He paused mid step as light from the evening sun shone down on him and stared at the chaotic scene ahead. He saw two girls one young woman and a childughing and shouting at each other as they ran around just outside of the mouth of the cave.
Salvos pointed at Rachel as she ran from the little girl.
Zealous Call!
Didnt work!
The young man looked on as the scene continued. Salvos easily avoided the little girl as she tried grabbing for her legs, calling out once more.
Oh yeah, how about this? Title Skill: Zealous Call!
Nope! Youre stupid! You dont even know how your Skill works!
Hey! Im trying!
The young woman paused, cing her hands on her hips, and was immediately pounced on by Rachel.
I caught you! Youre so slow!
No I caught you!
Salvos grabbed the girl, and pulled her up into the air. Rachel squirmed andughed as she was spun around by the young woman. Rachel the girl that had almost been sacrificed by [Cultists] just a week before. The same girl that had been abandoned by both her parents.
Daniel had tried everything to get her to even just smile, but she refused. She barely even spoke to him. And now, here she was ying with Salvos, happily beaming and giggling as they rolled on the dirt together in a hug.
If someone catches you or annoys you, make sure you punch them like this
The young man from Earth shook his head, a smile stered on his face as he turned around and entered the cave.
Just like her, huh? Except, a little more childish.
Chapter 61: Double Battle
Chapter 61: Double Battle
61. Double Battle
Alright, I think this is it.
I got up and wiped the ck ink off my hands onto my shirt. Daniel scowled, sighing.
That was my favorite shirt
I ignored him, instead beholding my wonderful creation in its full glory; whaty before me was made with my heart and soul. Also my desire to finally get this over with.
Summoning circle done! And I did it all by myself.
I mean, its not like I had to go back to Warrington and buy some ink for you
He murmured under his breath. I looked back at him standing off to the side with Rachel by his side. I cocked my head.
But you didnt want to help me make this.
I spoke simply; he opened his mouth, then stopped himself. Slowly, Daniel scratched the back of his head.
Sorry. Im just, uh, a little bit grumpy. About whats going to happen.
He nced off to the side at the unconscious Human man lying in the corner of the room. He was the head [Cultist] around Level 60. And I was going to sacrifice him to summon a Demon.
Apparently, Daniel didnt like it. He was fine with killing people who were in the process of doing bad things, but he became apprehensive when it came to killing them after the fact. I tried prodding him for his reasoning, however he couldnt articte anything that made sense. So, he was going to take Rachel and wait just outside of the cave for me to finish the ritual.
Also
Daniel paused right before the tunnel leading out of this [Cultist]ir that wasnt actually a Lair.
When I was in Warrington, I asked around for orphanages and temples any ce willing to take Rachel in. And I think I found a ce for her to stay. Where shell have good people caring for her.
I blinked and the girl tilted her head.
A ce to take her in?
Yes to give her a loving home and good food. To keep her safe.
But why cant I stay with Salvos? She can give me all that and more! Shes a Princess, after all!
Rachel tugged at the Human mans sleeves; he sighed, rubbing at his temples.
Im telling you Rachel, shes not actually a Princess. Or even a princess.
I stared on as she pouted. Daniel looked at me pleadingly.
Salvos, if you tell her its fine
Dont worry about it!
I spoke over him and waved a hand dismissively. Daniel blinked and Rachel stared at me, aghast.
I didnt expect you to ept it so easily.
But Salvos!
I hesitated, looking at the little girl as she tried to pry herself from Daniels grasps. Nodding, I gave her a reassuring smile.
Dont worry about it now. Well figure it outter, alright?
My Humanpanion sighed. He picked Rachel up and hefted the squirming girl over his shoulder.
Shouldve known. Fine. Well talkter. Come on, Rachel.
She groaned, but stopped wriggling; I nced onest time back at the two as they left the room before turning my attention to the task at hand. Time to do this!
I picked up the sacrifice and ced him in the middle of the summoning circle; I held up the sacrificial dagger and closed my eyes. He has high [Vitality], this will take a moment. I brought it down as I remembered the process necessary for summoning Demons.
The most important thing and the reason why I was using a high leveled Human was the level of the sacrifice; I could probably summon a Level 40 or 50 Greater Demon with this Level 60 Human man. However, that was not a good idea for me considering I wanted to fight whoever I was going to summon.
So, I was not going to summon a single high leveled Demon. Instead, I was going to summon multiple low leveled Demons. There was an important caveat in summoning rituals that I was surprised to find out, and that was: uncontracted Demons could return to the Netherworld at will.
I prepared myself for that, then, by choosing to summon multiple Demons. Ones that I knew werent fast or strong, and only had the advantage of numbers over others.
The sacrificial dagger finally did its job as the [Cultist] convulsed. Stepping back, I tossed the de aside and began to transform. Daniel had given me rather loose fitting clothes, so it wouldnt tear so easily.
There was a rip, and my clothes partially tore, but it was not shredded like my own clothes had been after I fought Ignavare.
I watched the summoning circle glow a deep red, and the Demons I had chosen finally appeared. Their names magically etched themselves around the center of the ritual, but I ignored it. Because they were all the same thing.
Legion.
More specifically, they were [Lesser Legions]. Because they were Greater Demons. It was odd they didnt exist as individuals. They were all the same? The books I read was very vague about how it worked, however when I saw them make their entrance, I felt like I understood what it meant.
A dozen pink creatures appeared before me. They werent tall they stood on two short, stubby legs up to my waist. They had long, bulky arms with square shaped fists at the end, and a weird rectangr-like protrusion on their face. That was their nose? I had seen an animal with a face like that before I believed it was called a pig!
The Legions nced around the room, looking for the one who summoned them. Their heads turned in the same direction, and they all stopped at me at the same time. They raised their hands and spoke with the same voice.
You. Greater Demon. What have you done with the girl who summoned us?
I cocked my head innocently.
Whoever could you be talking about?
The Human who had been standing there
They paused. They didnt speak entirely in sync, so their words slowly cut off one after another. But they all said the same thing, and they all made the same realization. Then they broke out into a babble of different and repeating voices.
[Changeling]! She mimicked a Human.
Shes given us a fake contract!
[Changeling]!
Weve been deceived!
She mimicked a Human.
Shes given us a face contract!
Weve been
I dashed with my [Charge of Embers] at the nearest [Legion]. His eyes widened as I came close, but before I could w my way through him, he vanished. I clicked my tongue, finding my ws shearing through nothing but smoke.
I nced around and saw a second [Legion] disappear. Then a third. And a fourth
I thought if there was a group of them, I could get at least one killed before they left. However, it seemed returning to the Netherworld wasnt as much of a task asing to the Mortal Realm. My n was quickly falling apart.
But I had a backup n.
I took a deep breath and bared my teeth, emitting an ear piercing sound. The remaining [Lesser Legions] paused and focused their gazes on me. This was the main reason why Daniel took Rachel out of the cave. It was because
[Title Skill: Zealous Call].
The Legions all charged at me in a frenzy. I braced myself, hoping that the two Humans were far enough away that they didnt hear the shrieking growl I had just made. I first used it on Rachel by ident.
We had been ying outside while Daniel was in Warrington, and I was only pretending to use the Title Skill on her. But she pounced on me, forcing an odd grunt from me. And that was when she started hitting me. I was caught off guard I almost sliced her head off!
But a momentter, she stopped.
I couldnt use it again for the whole day. But when I tested it again this time, on the [Cultists] I counted the time that passed and knew itsted for only ten seconds.
So, I had ten seconds to restrain these Legions. To kill them and grab their cors. I grinned, activating [Self Haste]. I only need five!
A [Scorching Wave] sted three [Lesser Legions] back before I leapt onto another and chomped on his head with a [Fire Strike]. I tossed the body aside and wed the next two closest to me.
Facing thest running mindlessly at me, I created a pair of sickles and threw it at them. They fell
Defeated [Lesser Legion - Lvl. 21]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Lesser Legion - Lvl. 27]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
And thest of the Legionsy dead at my feet. They had all been around Level 20 to 30. So they didnt give much experience at all.
However, I looked at the glinting bits of metal attached to each Lesser Demon. Exactly what I need. I quickly nced up down the tunnel Daniel and Rachel had gone down. I hope neither heard me use the Skill. They probably were far enough that they didnt.
I bent over to grab the nearest summoning cor from the body of a dead [Legion]. Then I hesitated. When Daniel did this I touched the cor with a wed finger
And the body vanished.
Huh.
I knew that was going to happen, but it still shocked me to see how quickly the summoning cor brought the dead [Legion] back to the Netherworld. How about if I do this.
I tried using a fire sickle to pry the cor off the body of another, but the same thing happened. I crossed my arms, frustrated. Five more bodies. Five more tries.
I decided to try a different method this time. Rather than directly touch the cor, I picked up a body of a [Legion]. And he vanished.
I threw my hands up in the air, exasperated.
Why isnt it letting me take off the cors!
Because its designed that way. As long as anything disturbs the body of a dead Demon, the summoning cor will activate and send itself and the body back to Regnorex.
Regnorex?
The Demon King.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin. If its designed that way, how am I supposed to I paused and nced over at Daniel.
Wait, how do you know
I jumped back and raised my ws menacingly.
Who are you? Why do you sound like Daniel?!
A red man stood before me; he had long ck hair falling down to his shoulders and a pointed goatee on his chin. Twirling a fork-like spear a pitchfork he approached me with two ck horse-like legs.
[??? - ???]
I backed up, evaluating him. He had a pair of horns pointed straight up and no clothes, revealing a thin but sculpted body. Fluttering his eyshes, he smiled and sent a shudder down my spine. His eyes where are they?
A pair of endless voids stared back at me, uncaring, unfeeling, like the feeling of nonexistence before I had been born.
Whoever could you be talking about?
I jerked back, hearing my own voice speak to me.
Wha how?!
Wha how?!
He mimicked me once again. I grit my teeth, hunching over and cing both my ws on the ground. Why is he here? Is he a Demon? But no, more importantly
You! Why are you stealing my voice? Who are you?!
You! Why are you stealing my voice? Who are you?!
I growled and the Demonughed. There was a shift in his voice slowly, the texture of his voice grew more rough, but the pitch stayed the same high it had been when he spoke like me. He shook his head, wiping a nonexistent tear from his eyes.
Thats hrious. Honestly, I hoped you would take longer to notice I was there, but that confusion? Then that scared look on your face? And your reaction after that steal your voice? That was still quite entertaining. So I apud you, Salvos. Just for that, Ill let you live.
I blinked.
What?
You heard me. I was going to kill you for killing good old John over there. But it seems like youre interesting, so I changed my mind.
I stared at the Demon as he waved a hand dismissively.
...who?
He gestured at the [Cultist] I had sacrificed to summon the Legions. He paused and stroked his goatee.
John! Or was it Jacob? He was funny. He thought that Regnorex actually cared about what he was trying to do. Isnt that funny?
He giggled to himself as I just looked on, unsure of what to say. I worked my mouth slowly.
I uh, who are you? Do you work for Regnorex? The Demon King?
Oh, now thats hrious! Hah!
The Demon guffawed and doubled over. His pitchfork disappeared and he grasped at his stomach.
Me? Working for that boy? Funny! Youre just like Johncob, arent you?
...thanks?
I wasnt really sure what to say. He sighed wistfully.
Anyways, this was fun. But I have to go now. Oh, and Ill be taking these with me.
He wagged his finger and the remaining cors broke off from the dead [Lesser Legions]. It took me a moment to process this, but then I raised a wed hand.
Hey! Those are mine!
No, theseare mine. And as I said, trying to grab is a waste of time. Youll have just failed another four times and disappointed yourself. This way, Ill just take them and you wont be sad, see?
I narrowed my eyes.
No, I dont see. Give it back!
I ran forward and grabbed for the summoning cors. They were hovering in the air above him. But as I got close to them, they simply moved out of the way.
Tsk, I told you you cant
I leapt in the air, activating [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers]. I aimed for the nearest summoning cor and grabbed it from whatever it was holding it up. I grinned, holding up my prize.
I got it
And suddenly, I found myself face down on the ground. I tried to get up, but a foot was keeping me down. I heard a sigh as my [Deadly Instincts] screamed in my ears. Youre going to die!
I told you, you cant have them. These are mine.
He emphasized thest word as he clinked his finger against the cor I had grabbed, now in the palm of his hands. I craned my neck back, staring terrified at him.
W-who are you?
He smiled and slowly lifted his leg from me. I stopped up, rubbing at my back, but not standing full in front of the Demon. He cocked his head.
Oh, Im nobody special. But if you really want to know, Im known as the Devil.
The Devil?
Wait, you dont know who I am? That sucks.
I slowly lowered my head.
I-Im sorry for attacking you Mr Devil. But can I please have one of the summoning cors. I need it, please.
So you can go back and find your friend, right?
I blinked.
How did you
Sorry, but no. Anyways, you have more pressing things to worry about beyond going back to the Netherworld or getting one of these summoning cors.
What do you mean?
Oh, dont you know? Your friends outside yeah, theyre in trouble. Anyways, Ill go now. Tata.
The Devil turned around and the world around him warped. He did not dissipate into a poof of smoke, but instead his body twisted until he was gone. I stared at where he had been.
Wait, Daniels in trouble?
Daniel ced a hand over Rachel as she clung to his leg, making a soft whimpering sound. He held his long sword in his other hand and nced at trees around him. His eyes darted to the side and he bellowed.
Show yourselves!
The figures moved through the trees. They were fast and quiet. Shadows that moved through the darkness. The young man felt his grip tightening around the hilt of his de.
If he had been the only one here, he could have made a dash for the cave. Call Salvos for help. But he wasnt. Rachel was here too, and he had to protect her. If he ran, they would have killed her. So slowly, he patted the girl on the head.
Its alright. Youre going to be alright.
She sniffled, saying nothing. It wasnt exactly a lie, what he said; he knew it was true it would be true as long as he did not leave her alone. Because these werent random bandits attacking them. He knew who they were and what they were after.
No, it was not Salvos they were after. And they certainly werent after Rachel. They were here for one person and one person only.
They were here for him.
Chapter 62: Bounty Hunters
Chapter 62: Bounty Hunters
62. Bounty Hunters
The gray-brown stone walls of the tunnel turned blurred around me as I hurried my way out of the cave. I wasnt sure why I was rushing I didnt know what I was running into. But that Demon the Devil told me that Daniel and Rachel were in trouble.
So, I moved. Impelled by my desires to save mypanions, my feet quickly pushed off the ground and propelled me forward.
I turned a corner, then another corner, and I finally found myself entering the outside world; light blinded my vision momentarily, but I quickly limated to what I was seeing. To what I was hearing.
There was fighting. The Devil had been right. Someone was attacking mypanions. No not someone, someones.
Multiple shadow figures darted out of the trees, leaping around and at Daniel. He blocked their attacks, swinging wildly back at his attackers to keep them back. His sword shone for a moment and a de of white light shot out, slicing one of his attackers in half.
He stumbled, panting from whatever energy that Skill took out of him. In that moment, a [Rogue] kicked him from behind. Losing his bnce, Daniel fell to the ground and dropped his weapon. Rachel screamed and rushed to his side, but the [Rogue] was already on him.
The [Rogue] a masked figure dressed in a dark hooded robe raised a double ded dagger
And pounced on him from behind. I tore into him with [Fire Strike] after [Fire Strike]. My ws dug into his skin as I bit and scratched him. He struggled, trying to push me off, but he was too weak.
I knocked away his hdie and pinned both his arms down. I opened my mouth wide and aimed for his neck. But [Deadly Instincts] told me not to go for the kill. Instead, I kicked myself off the ground and bounded away back to Daniel and Rachel. Not too soon after, a hail of ice spears rained down where I had been, killing the [Rogue] without so much of a scream.
Defeated [Harkening Hunter - Lvl. 53]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
They dont care about theirpanions? It reminded me of the horned Demon the one who attacked Haec and I back when we were still Infant Demons. Not wild or mindless, but calcting.
Salvos!
Rachel ran up to me and hugged my leg; she did not even hesitate despite seeing me outside of my Mortal Form. Daniel lurched up, holding his longsword with one hand and grasping his shoulder with another.
Whats going on? Who are these people?
Bounty hunters. And from the looks of it, theyre the Harrowed Vindicators.
The Harrowed Vindicators?
I cocked my head. A [Mage]nded next to the dead [Rogue] and a [Warrior] walked up behind her with a saber in hand. Another appeared behind us an [Archer] but he did nothing but stand there. They all wore dark hooded robes with a sigil of a red hand on it, but their faces were obscured. Cloak of Shadows?
Before Daniel could respond, the [Mage] pointed a finger at the [Rogue] and he stood up. I blinked and the Human man hissed.
[Necromancer]! Salvos take care of her!
Sure!
I bounded after the [Mage] but a glint caught my eye. A volley of glowing arrows came flying at me the [Archer] loosed bolt after bolt. I weaved through the iing projectiles, hopping and leaping before shing with the [Warrior].
The arrows halted as I heard a loud grunte from Daniel. But I couldnt turn around, suddenly nked by an undead [Rogue]. The [Warrior] and undead [Rogue]shed out at me but I burst into mes.
The [Warrior] simply stumbled back, however the undead [Rogue] screeched. Huh, it doesnt like fire. I sent a scorching wave at the undead [Rogue]. The [Mage] spoke a quick word and the ground before the [Rogue] shot up, protecting it from the attack.
In that moment, I threw myself onto the [Warrior] with the saber. He thrusted his de forward, striking my shoulder. My Ring of Lesser Protection had been depleted, so it pierced through my skin with little resistance. And if that wasnt painful enough, I felt another five cuts appear on my body in ces he didnt evene close to touching. A Skill?
Ished back at him, but he nimbly stepped away from the attack. His saber began to glow red and he swung it, sending a de of red energy in my direction. Now a spell?
I dodged the attack and avoided a lightning bolt from the [Mage]. The [Rogue] was now locked inbat with Daniel, alongside the injured [Archer]. If Daniel can hurt them, I can too!
I swung and missed the [Warrior] as he backed up. I stupidlyshed out one more time, but he quickly countered it with a stab and I moved out of the way from the slow attack.
Wha
[Self Haste].
I grabbed his arm mid strike and wed his face, tearing off his hood. The [Warrior] convulsed as I chomped down on his neck. He was dead before the [Mage] could react.
A [Warrior] should be strong and durable, not fast and using magic.
Defeated [Arcane Spellsword - Lvl. 48]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I turned my attention to the [Mage] now. She spoke a single word and the undead [Rogue] came back to her side. I expected the two of them to attack me. But instead, she spun around and began attacking Daniel while her minion charged me.
He had been fast I saw him sneak up on Daniel from behind when I first burst out of the cave. But as an undead he no longer had any Skills.
It took me a few moments to finish off the undead [Rogue] before I continued on to the [Mage] the [Necromancer]. Daniel finally struck down the [Archer], turning his attention to her as well.
The two of us surrounded her all herpanions now dead. She nced between us, then spoke the first word since she first appeared.
Oh my. A [Hero] and a Demon working together. How ironic.
A [Hero]?
I cocked my head and I heard Rachel gasp. Daniel grit his teeth and aimed his sword at her.
What do you want from me, bounty hunter? If the Elutra Kingdom sent you, go back and tell them I would rather die than go back there.
The Elutra Kingdom?
The [Mage] cackled.
No, we were not sent to bring you anywhere. We were sent to kill you.
The Human mans eyes widened. He slowly lowered his sword and worked his jaw.
...what? Why would they
Dont you understand? We werent sent by your summoners! We were sent by those you were summoned to fight against! And we will never stoping until our contract isplete!
The [Mage] brought two hands up and I readied for whatever magic she had. What I wasnt prepared for however, was the [Mage]busting into green mes. I ran forward to strike her down in case it was a trick. But the notification resounded in my head as her clothes flopped to the ground and burned.
Defeated [Reanimated Harkening Hunter - Lvl. 53]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating a reanimated enemy!
Defeated [Necromancer - Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
General Skill [Basic Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Lvl. 1] -> [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 50] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 51]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I scowled and kicked the ashen remains of the [Necromancer].
She killed herself so we would get less experience!
I shook my head, turning back to Daniel.
Can you believe that
I paused mid step, realizing how Rachel was staring at the Human man. At the dark look on his face. The girl squeaked.
Mr Daniel are you really a [Hero]?
I
He nced down at Rachel, then up at me. Sighing, he nodded.
Salvos. I never wanted to tell you this, but I am a [Hero].
The little girl gasped again, and I stared at him. He slowly averted his gaze as I opened my mouth.
Uh I knew that?
...
Wait, what? For real?
For real!
Chapter 63: Revealing Secrets
Chapter 63: Revealing Secrets
63. Revealing Secrets
So, you heard me shout the name of my Skill while fighting Lucerna and surmised that I was a [Hero], huh?
I nodded as the fire crackled between us.
I didnt know there was a [Hero] ss not until Rachel mentioned it the other day.
Rachel
Daniel nced over at the sleeping girl. Night had fallen, I was back in my Mortal Form, and we were back in the cave now. After the battle finished, she began excitedly asking him a bunch of questions. As he calmed her down, I went through the corpses of the bounty hunter and distributed my Stat and Skill Points.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 51
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 55 (+5) (-6)
[Strength]: 40 (+5) (-6)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5) (-6)
[Wisdom]: 69 (+5) (-1)
[Agility]: 100 (+5) (-6)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 15
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 8
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 12
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 6
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 2
It seemed that with the leveling of my [Racial Skill: Mortal Form], the debuff to my Stats was less now. That means I just need to level it more but why did I level it when I wasnt in my Mortal Form?
That perplexed me. Maybe it required an equal use of both being myself and being in my Mortal Form, and since I had mostly been pretending to be Human, it couldnt level.
Whatever the case was, I dly epted the level to the General Skill. Other than that, I raised my [Strength], [Vitality], [Wisdom], [Advanced Fire Creation], [Passive - Blue mes], and [Self Haste].
Something inside the fire cracked and small bits of embers and ash burst out. Daniel poked a stick through the fire as his piece of meat continued to roast next to the mes.
You know I can just create more fire, right?
Oh, right. Its habit.
Well, it doesnt really matter, I guess.
I gave him a weird look and he nced off to the side. Maybe when everyone is asleep I should just revert from my Mortal Form. That way I can level it faster!
Arent you going to ask anything?
Daniel spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. I blinked and looked up at him.
About what?
I cocked my head. He waved his hands in the air, exasperated.
About everything? Did you not hear what Rachel said? What she asked me about?
No. I wasnt really paying attention.
The Human man sighed, rubbing at his temples. He opened his mouth stopped. Then changed his mind and decided to speak up again.
Salvos.
Thats me!
Listen to me carefully. I am a [Hero].
Yes you are.
I nodded and took a deep breath. He met my haze and continued slowly.
That means, Salvos, that Ie from another world.
I blinked.
Huh
No, dont huh me!
Daniel shot up to his feet and I stared at him, confused. He gesticted, trying to show me something with his hands, but it ended up not making any sense.
Im not just from a different ne in this world. Im not from the Nexeus at all, Salvos. Im from another world. A ce called
He spoke a word and I rubbed my ear.
Can you say that again?
I said, Im from a ce called
One more time.
Earth.
He slowly sat down.
Im from a ce called
He repeated himself. I furrowed my brows. Huh, thats confusing. Hes speaking two differentnguages in one sentence! I couldnt parse it when he spoke like that.
So youre from this ce. Whats wrong with it?
The Human man slumped over and sighed deeply.
Of course you wouldn''t get it. Salvos my world is nothing like this world. Its literallypletely different. I never had to fight to survive. I was forced to kill for the very first time when I came here.
And?
He shook his head.
Nevermind. I just wanted to vent to someone, I guess. Just talk about how ridiculous my situation is.
You talked to Rachel, didnt you?
Shes a child. But I guess the same can be said from you. Im sorry for bringing this up with you.
I frowned and crossed my arms.
I am not! Im a Greater Demon! I can listen and talk, see?
Are you actually going to take this conversation seriously?
I nodded and grinned.
Of course!
Daniel sighed again. Harder.
Im going to trust you, Salvos. So, Ie from another world. This world is very different from mine, and I never did anything of just any of this, back in my world. But when I came here when I was summoned here I was suddenly made into a [Hero].
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Wait, you mean you werent a [Hero] before you came?
No. My world is different, as I said. We dont have sses. We dont have Subspecies. No Demons. No monsters. None of that at least, not in the way it works in the Nexeus.
Daniel shook his head and began to continue.
[Heroes] donte to this world naturally, Salvos. They have to be summoned from another world. The ss is only bestowed through those circumstances. So all the [Heroes] of the past the God King Alexander, the Oracle of Light Melissa, or even the Quisling Zacharius they came from different worlds that arent the Nexeus itself.
I nodded. I dont know any of those people, I thought. But I said nothing, instead listening to the Human man speak.
I dont know if they came from where I came from. But they came from somewhere else. Just like me. Each [Hero] in history has gone about to do great things Alexander united all of the Humannds and reigned as king for a long time, repelling the first two Great Kobold Invasions and even subjugating the then Laerob Elves for a period of time.
Melissa was known to be the first and only follower of the Fairy Queen herself. And her task was to destroy any and every temple that worshipped Fairies which is why there arent any Fairy temples now. And Zacharius was summoned to y an evil [Necromancer]... but he joined her instead, hence his nickname.
All these people all the things theyve done I cant do any of it. I am just an ordinary person. I can barely even handle tragedy without running away. It made me dream of escaping to another world where Im some kind of hero. But I never actually thought it would happen. And when it did I ran away. Again.
Daniel weakly raised hand and stared at it; his eyes looked hollow. Empty. I was confused, not really understanding anything he was saying. But I knew one thing.
Youre upset.
He snorted.
Of course I am. I dont want any of these responsibilities. I dont want this.
The Human man gestured at his blood stained clothes at the invisible scars on his body, healed by thest of my potions. He sighed and I gave him a puzzled look.
When I came here, I was told I was fighting for a good cause the Elutra Kingdom was being encroached on by the Inoria Empire. They characterized them as evil. Some sort of evil empire versus a good kingdom scenario. I had attractive women fawning for me. I had more strength than I ever had. More money than I ever had. And more poprity than I ever had.
Then I fought my first battle. I killed my first person, and I was horrified. But they forced me to fight again, and again. I kept killing and killing even when I didnt want to. It was all for the sake of the kingdom. For the women. For the gold. But it was all politics.
The women didnt care for me. They saw me as a tool to use. The gold given to me was taken from the poor with high taxes. And finally, the cause of the war? The evil Inoria Empire? It was never evil in the first ce the Elutra Kingdom assassinated one of their dukes as he was visiting their country. So they went to war. And it was then I realized everything I had been fighting for was fake. So I ran.
Daniel chuckled it was not a hearty chuckle, but one that seemed almost ironic. As if the subject of the joke was himself.
And now Im here, and it seems people want to kill me now. That no matter where I run to, life always catches up.
The Harrowed Vindicators.
He nodded, his brows arching darkly over his eyes.
A notorious underworld group I had only heard about them in passing, but I recognized their symbol. They mostly do jobs like assassinations or kidnappings. I thought the Elutra Kingdom hired them to bring me back, but it seems theyre out for me, huh?
But we killed them, didnt we?
I lightly tapped a finger on my chin. There was a pop and Daniel scowled. He picked up his burnt skewered meat, now charred and ckened.
Its not that simple. Beyond just being merciless and taking up cruel jobs, they also dont stop until the job is done. It doesnt matter if the Elutra Kingdom is trying to tie up loose ends or if someone else is after me. Theyll keep sending their assassins and bounty hunters until they exhaust every member they have.
He spoke bitterly. I shrugged.
Then we just kill them whenever theye after you. I dont see what the problem is.
They have Level 100 members, Salvos. You dont actually expect to kill them all, do you?
I shook my head.
No. But what else are we going to do about it?
I I can run. I can go into hiding. Maybe go to the Beastmen ins. Or the Rainforests of Monsters. At least there, Ill be safe from their assassins.
And then what?
I asked him with a dubious nce.
You run, they find you, and youll be alone. Then youll die. But if you stay with me, we can kill them together. Makes sense, right?
I dont want to drag you into my problems, Salvos
Youre not dragging me into anything.
I spoke simply, crossing my arms.
When Haec was in trouble when Lucerna kidnapped him I went back for him. Im not just going to let you deal with this on your own. But Im also not going to follow you to some forest and hide.
But youll
I said: Im not going to hide.
I cut him off and stared defiantly at him. My gaze bore into him and he averted his eyes. He worked his jaw, trying to muster up something to say. I sighed.
Youre from another world, Daniel? Thats nice. Youre a [Hero]? Thats great! But beyond that, youre my Humanpanion. Youve helped me with getting back to the Netherworld, right? And youve never asked for anything in return, like money or favors that other Humans want. So Ill protect you.
It was a promise. Just like with Haec back then. I still had to get back to him, however I wasnt going to forsake Daniel either.
I gave him a reassuring smile and waved a hand dismissively.
If any of those Harrowed Vindicatorse after you again, we can fight them, together.
Daniel stared at me, mouth wide open. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. Lowering his gaze, he turned to where Rachel was lying.
But what about her? We cant involve her with this.
I hesitated. Then I sighed.
Well bring her to that orphanage you were talking about, alright?
I liked her. But she couldnt fight like Daniel. She didnt even have a ss when I identified her, all I saw was [Human]. That meant she wasnt Level 10 yet. Or if she was, she still hadnt epted a ss since that was when one got their first ss options.
Right.
Daniel stood up, tossing his burnt food aside; he looked at me and I cocked my head. The Human man quickly averted his gaze and scratched the back of his head.
T-thanks, Salvos. For what you said. And for saving me earlier.
Iughed, standing up and stretching too.
Dont worry about it. I told you, youre mypanion.
I paused, tilting my head up.
And besides, you dont have to thank me for saving your life. I only knew you were in trouble because the Devil told me.
He nodded.
Right wait, what?
Oh, didnt I tell you? Some Demon calling himself the Devil attacked me while I was trying to get a summoning cor Daniel? Why are you giving me that look? I told you that, right?
Chapter 64: Harrowed Vindicators
Chapter 64: Harrowed Vindicators
64. Harrowed Vindicators
Why didnt you tell me you were attacked?
I, uh, didnt have the time?
And by a powerful Demon too? What was he called the Devil?
Yep. He had red skin, horse-like legs, a pair of horns, and used a pitchfork
Wait, are you talking about S
...who?
I said are you talking about Sn
I dont understand you when you keep switchingnguage mid sentence! Stick with one!
Daniel sighed and shook his head.
Nevermind. Probably not him. And well deal with that tomorrow. Im tired.
And so, another week went by as Daniel, Rachel, and I stayed in the cave, continuing the same activities we did before, but a little more vignt. I conducted another two summoning rituals both were at a far smaller scale than the one with the head [Cultist].
The first attempt brought an [Imp]. She saw me and immediately fled, before I could even use [Title Skill: Zealous Call] on her. The second summoning went much better; I summoned a [Fiend] that I managed to apprehend before he could flee. However, not only was I unable to procure the summoning cor from him the entire time he was unconscious, he attacked me when he woke up, forcing me to kill him.
Then I tried and failed to take the summoning cor from his corpse.
His body vanished. And myst hopes of going back to the Netherworld disappeared with it. For now, I thought, sighing.
Honestly, after the revtion about Daniel the day before, I couldnt help but be worried about leaving him here either. So many people to care about, so troublesome. Daniel and Haec. Both were mypanions. And it was not like Edithe leaving I knew she was fine.
The Netherworld however, was a dangerous ce, even for Haec. And these Harrowed Vindicators were actively hunting Daniel down. For now, I did what I could and helped the one I could.
I met Daniel and Rachel outside; the two had already packed everything they had while I did a clean sweep of everything the [Cultists] hideout. I took everything I found important and left everything else in the cave. Then I sent a Fireball and copsed it.
When did you learn to do that?
Unlike you Humans who are always idle at night, Ive been busy doing things whenever you sleep.
Thats because we need sleep.
Not my problem.
I shrugged; I spent most nights reading through whatever books or grimoires I could outside of my Mortal Form. And because of that, I learned a Human spell that I could conjure without even using a Skill.
But while it was useful the fact that it exploded would help with fighting swarm monsters it was not very strong. I tested it out, and I was pretty sure it did only half as much damage as a [Scorching Wave].
And if I tried to pour more mana into the spell, it would either destabilize and blow up on me, or it would cause only a little bitrger of an explosion. The cost effectiveness of casting it just wasnt there!
I grumbled nonverbally to myself as we started to make our way back to Warrington. Daniel nced over at me, and Rachel peered over from beside him.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
Nope.
Hm, ok.
The two went back to facing the front, walking hand in hand under the canopy of trees. Sunlight seeped through the cracks in the leaves the intermingling foliage not thick enough to blot out the sun. It was a peaceful walk.
I heard the merry chirping of birds in the distance. Even the buzzing of the insects and flies were audible to my ears; I caught sight of a small, brown four legged animal with a single horn protruding from his head. But he quickly scampered off into a bush, rustling its branches as he made his escape from my prying gaze.
The light whistling of the wind brushed against my ears; I brought a hand up and brushed my hair back my dangling bangs blown to tickle my fluttering eyshes. I smiled, waving at an inquisitive squirrel sitting atop a tree as it snacked on a nut
Why are you with Daniel and not me, Rachel? I thought you were my subject!
The Human man jumped but Rachel simply cocked her head.
Wha
Because hes so cool! He protected me from those scary bad guys! And hes from another world too!
Daniel blinked, ncing between us. Then he sighed as I emphatically pointed a finger at myself.
I helped protect you from the Shadow Vindicators as well! And Im also from another uh, not from the Mortal Realm!
But hes a [Hero]! Youre just a Princess
Shes not actually a Princess. Or princess for that matter.
Rachel ignored him, giving me a sorrowful look.
There are very many princesses and queens. But theres no other [Hero] but Daniel.
Aw.
I threw my hands up in the air.
Then what if I told you I was a [Hero] too?
Youd be a liar.
Why?!
Because youre a Demon.
The little girl shook her head, scoffing. She wagged a finger as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Everyone knows Demons cant be [Heroes].
...thats where you draw the line?
Daniel gave her a nk look. She spun around to him and hugged his leg.
Thats why Ill be sad that Mr Daniel is leaving me. I could always summon another Demon
No, dont do that. Youll go to jail.
He sighed, rubbing at his temples. Slowly, he bent over until his gaze was level with Rachel.
Rachel, youll be safe with these people. You cant stay with us. Its dangerous. But promise me when you leave us that you wont tell anyone about me being a [Hero], alright? Or Salvos being a Demon for that matter.
But if you tell everyone, theyll surely like you! Theyll help you with those evil guys chasing after you! And Salvos
She nced at me and I perked up.
Im sure shell be fine if I tell a few people that she''s a Demon. She can run very fast after all.
Wait, no
Daniel began to protest. But I grinned, raising my chin.
Hehe. Of course! I can outrun anyone who chases after me.
I dont think thats what you should be focusing on here.
The Human man smacked his forehead, however I was too focused on the praises she sung for me.
Well, fine. I guess I can forgive your betrayal to Daniels side since you think so highly of me.
Even if you got mad at me, Mr Daniel will protect me.
Oh really?
I stopped walking and turned to face him. Daniel paused mid step, hesitating. We stared at each other for a moment the air was still. A silence hung over us as I crossed my arms.
He stepped back and shook his head.
No way. Ill die.
Aw, you gave up too easily!
But Mr Daniel
But Mr Daniel, youre a [Hero]!
And whats that supposed to mean? Im not immune to death just because Im a [Hero]. I mean, maybe if I had [Plot Armor] as a Skill
[Heroes] are supposed to kill Demons right?
Why are you asking me, I dont know it works.
Dont look at me either
Fools.
A muffled voice spoke softly. The hooded figure turned to hispanions all of four of them dressed in the same shadowy cloak he was wearing. They all bore masks, and while you could see their levels, that was the point. It was intimidation.
The hooded figure shook his head.
To think that Ashul fell to those three idiots. It seems she was far weaker than even I thought.
One of the cloaked figures one of the ones standing furthest away from him spoke up.
But Ven, perhaps we shouldnt underestimate our opponents. One is a [Hero] after all
Silence.
Ven locked his gaze back onto his quarry, eyeing them from this distance through the thicket of trees. The [Hero], Daniel. That was who they were hired to kill. It was an open order, so anyone could take it. However, any and every information about him had to be reported back to the rest of the Harrowed Vindicators.
The three figures walked behind some trees for a moment. And it was then, Ven decided it was time to make their move.
Target the girls. Force the [Hero] to intercede on their behalf. Then when hes distracted, we kill him.
His fivepanions nodded, drawing their weapons and spells, preparing for this ambush. They just had to wait for the three targets to walk through the small grove, then they would strike
I dont think Im the one that needs protecting.
Ven turned around and screamed. A burning wed hand raked through his chest, sending him back towards a tree. He caught himself from crashing through the thick wooden trunk, but his attacker a feral four legged monster bounded onto him a momentter.
Its body was lit aze, and the attack tore through thest of his magical protections. A Skill how? He pushed himself off the monster,nding a few dozen feet away from it while bloodied and bleeding. The monster halted in its tracks as hispanions surrounded it.
It nced around at the five members of the Harrowed Vindicators. One of the assassinsunched a st of ice at it, and another loosed multiple Nadren Zudo bolts at it.
The monster suddenly blurred, escaping the iing projectiles and bounding back into the trees. Ven whirled around, searching for where the monster went, before his eyes widened.
Slowly, his world began to split in half. His vision darkened and severed. Nothing but a grunt left his lips as he fell, dead.
Alright. Leader down.
Daniel hefted his sword back and up as Salvosnded next to him.
Just five moreckies to go.
Aw, you stole my kill!
This is not a video game, Salvos. Theres no such thing as stealing someone else''s kill.
I dont know what that is.
Right.
Is Rachel safe?
Hopefully. But after we deal with them she will definitely be.
That man whoever he was had been Level 65. He was quite high leveled, however he had been a [Rogue]. So he wasnt really the most durable individual. Coupled that with the fact that I had hurt him quite badly through a surprise attack, it was no wonder Daniels Skill could finish him off.
I raised a wed hand menacingly at the remaining Harrowed Vindicators, letting out a small growl.
You you scared all the animals away.
I think we should be more concerned with them trying to kill me than how they disturbed the natural habitat of a crown horned squirrel rat or whatever.
Thats a thing?
No. Its a joke.
Huh. Well, I like animals a lot, ok?
Daniel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He gestured vaguely at the assassins before us.
Can we not do this? Not in front of them.
Whats wrong?
I nced over at the five cloaked figures standing there and staring at us. I waved a hand dismissively.
You dont actually think theyll take this moment to attack us
One of the cloaked figures stepped forward and whipped out a pair of chains with spike metal balls on their ends. He tossed one of them straight at me and I ducked out of the way. I grabbed the chain and yanked it, pulling him towards me.
As the [Warrior] came flying, the [Mage] and [Archer] stepped into action, both preparing a glowing attack. Daniel deflected the attacks while I struck the [Warrior] with a wed [Fire Strike] to the face. His mask broke but I found myself hitting rock-hard skin.
He spun his chains around me, however I hopped out of the way andnded a quick kick on him before flipping next to Daniel. I nced up at Daniel who was now being targeted by both long ranged assassins, and the two [Rogues].
Duck!
I yelled and sent a [Scorching Wave] at the [Rogues]. They stepped back while the fire sshed above mypanion. I ran past him, speaking quickly as I activated [Self Haste].
Switch!
Got it.
Daniel ran at the [Warrior] while I charged the two [Rogues]. I created a pair of fire daggers and flung them at the first, while rushing at the next. I bounded on him, tearing into his body before the expected spells and arrows came.
I leapt out of the way just in time for attacks to kill the assassin. They really dont care about theirpanions at all, do they?
I spun past a throwing dagger flicked at me by the [Rogue] as he turned and ran at Daniel. He can handle two. Ill take care of the [Mage] and [Archer].
A [Charge of Embers] sent me straight between the two assassins. The [Mage] was lower leveled, and I bit into his face. The [Archer] loosed arrow after arrow at me some nicked me. A few even rocked me back. But I picked up the limply fighting back [Mage] and used him as a shield.
The arrows pierced his body and he stopped moving. Then it was just the [Archer] and I. I swiped a w at her and she leapt back. It was like the wind itself swept her off her feet andnded her a dozen paces away from me. I growled, about to charge at her, when I heard Daniel scream.
Salvos!
I nced over at the Human man. What? Does he really need help
Then I spotted the injured [Warrior] holding Daniel back with his chains. And as that happened, the [Rogue] was off running the distance. Running towards
Rachel! Theyre going to use her as a hostage!
My eyes widened. And I was distracted for a moment. An arrow struck me on my shoulder, causing me to stumble back. I red back at the [Archer], then turned to the [Rogue].
Rachel.
I bounded after him as the [Archer] loosed more arrows at me.
Chapter 65: Eye for an Eye
Chapter 65: Eye for an Eye
65. Eye for an Eye
Arrows exploded all around me. These enchanted bolts were bursting into mes, lighting, and ice as they flew over my head ornded behind my back.
Onended right ahead of me, shooting up dirt and debris up in my way. I covered my face as I ran through the tempest of magic and earth. But I could not lose track of where I was going.
I saw the [Rogue] running ahead. He was sprinting full speed in a vague direction was it to Rachel? I had no idea where Rachel was. Nor did I know how he could track her down. But he probably had Skill for that. These were assassins, after all.
I actually didnt know much about assassins. But from the context Daniel gave me, some kind of [Tracking] Skill didnt seem too far fetched.
So I hurried after the [Rogue]. Even as my [Self Haste] finally ran out, I bounded forward on all fours, passing by trees and barreling through thickets to stop him from hurting Rachel. The arrows stopped firing for a moment, and I thought Daniel had bought me a brief reprieve. However, I suddenly found myself being pulled back by chains the [Warrior] had thrown his morning star at me.
The metal almost wrapped around me. I threw myself to the side just in time to dodge it but I wasnt fast enough. The chains caught my cloak, pulling me back as I grunted. I watched the [Rogue] get further and further away. And I was being held back by by this stupid cloak!
Rip.
I tore the cloak, shredding it in half on the spiked ball head of the morning star. I nced back onest time at the [Warrior], sending a growl his way. Then I turned back and chased after the [Rogue].
He was getting away from me again; however, I had already used [Self Haste] to close the distance. And now, I was close enough.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call].
Both the [Rogue] and the [Warrior] immediately spun to face me. The soft growl, emitted like a high pitched shriek, called them to me for a few moments. And it was just a few moments. They came at me bearing the rage of a Greater Demon stranded in the Mortal Realm. Of a [Djinn] that had nothing else left to live for but destruction and revenge.
I dly embraced that hatred and faced them head on. The [Warrior] flung his morning star, and once again the chains extended. I flipped over it and crashed into the charging [Rogue].
He whipped out five daggers on each hand, stabbing and cutting into my body. I grimaced and tore the weapons from his hand. I wed his face and dug into his chest. I felt the heavy morning star strike my back and I nearly doubled over. I red back at the [Warrior] and bared my teeth.
The [Warrior] red back a hate filled gaze stered onto his face. Then he blinked. And he whirled around and ran. Effect wore off, huh?
It was fine. I had the [Rogue] apprehended. I just had to trust Daniel to handle himself; I held the assassin down as he tried wriggling out of my ws. I activated [Ignition] and my entire body was lit aze.
He recoiled, although he didnt scream. Daggers shot out from under his feet and he cut at my leg. I winced, however I took the pain and headbutted him. His mask broke, then with a final [Fire Strike], I finished him off.
You alright, Salvos?
I picked myself up as [Ignition] ran out it drained too much of my mana, even if it was useful. I slowly limped and turned to Daniel. I nodded slowly.
Yes. He just cut deep into my leg.
That was dangerous. You shouldnt have taken both of them at once. Your Ring of
I took care of them, didnt I? Its fine that its protection was gone when we ran in. But you noticed it too didnt you? Everything suddenly became quiet too quickly. Then my [Deadly Instincts] screamed danger to me. And we took out their highest leveled member.
Yeah, I guess.
I sighed and reached into my bag. Out of healing potions gave myst to Daniel a while back. I hobbled over next to him as I went over the kill notifications.
Defeated [Wiremaster Assassin - Lvl. 65]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Hail Sniper - Lvl. 62]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
No level, huh? I lowered my head, disappointed. But it should have been expected since I had just leveled up. Wait
I turned to Daniel as his eyes widened.
You didnt
take care of the [Warrior]?
The two of us stared at each other for a moment. Then there was the nging of chains. And a voice broke us from our stupor.
[Warrior - Lvl. 61]
No.
Let me go!
Rachel squeaked as thest remaining Harrowed Vindicator held her by the neck. He had her chained by the legs with the extending metal links of his morning star. She struggled, but he lowered the spiked ball of his weapon against her face. She paused and eyed the weapon.
Daniel tightly gripped the hilt of his de, although he didnt lift it. He spoke through grit teeth.
What do you want?
Isnt it obvious?
The [Warrior] tilted his head to the side. I narrowed my eyes, ready to activate [Self Haste] whenever it made itself ready. I thought Daniel speaking would stall him, but
Kill yourself. And the Demon too. Do it or she dies.
Mypanions eyes widened and his long sword almost dropped from his hand. But he caught it and shook his head.
No. Ill kill myself. But Salvos gets to go.
I nced over at him.
What? Daniel
Theres no other choice, Salvos.
He turned to me with an apprehensive look. Sweat was dripping off the side of his head mixed with the blood from fighting. He tried to smile.
T-take care of Rachel.
I opened my mouth to protest, but the assassin snapped and smashed his morning star to the ground next to him.
Did I say this was a negotiation? No both of you end your lives. Now!
Daniels eyes widened and I growled, getting on all fours. [Self Haste] isnt ready yet, but [Charge of Embers]... if I hit Rachel
Three!
Wait
Two!
No...
Daniel spoke helplessly as I got ready to leap forward. The assassin raised his morning star and started to speak.
O
Hyah!
Rachel punched the [Warrior] in hisher region. He didnt double over, nor did he scream. But he was caught by surprise. He let go of her for a moment, and that was enough for me.
[Charge of Embers].
I pounced on the Harrowed Vindicator, knocking his morning star off his hands. The two of us went flying through a tree as Daniel caught Rachel. I grabbed him by the arm and struck him across the face. The assassin screamed and kicked me back.
I went rolling back to Daniel and Rachel. The Human man now had his sword drawn and ready for the assassin toe forward. I stood up- on one feet and two hands since I couldnt really feel myst leg any longer and stared defiantly back at the [Warrior].
He looked between us, then at his fallen morning star to my left. He shook his head.
It seems I lost this battle.
You have.
I spoke simply.
And dont you dare kill yourself so well get less experience!
Why ever would I do that?
The [Warrior] tilted his head his gaze behind his mask piercing into Daniel.
Not when I can flee and tell my superiors of what happened here. I will be punished, but
He trailed off and Daniel took a step forward. My Humanpanion raised his sword dangerously against the assassin.
What are you talking about? Doesnt your organization punish you with death?
No. Not if I brought back something valuable to them. And I did.
The Harrowed Vindicator smiled, slowly taking off his mask. What was hidden behind it was a decrepit old Human man his skin was wrinkled and dark, and he stared at us with bloodshot eyes. He broke out into a maniacugh, his crooked teeth looking like the rustling of the leaves during a storm.
But everyone you care and love for will never be safe, [Hero]! You can never have friends, not without fear of losing them! You shouldve listened to me and ended your life there and then!
[Self Haste]. I leapt after the assassin, but he jumped back. I pressed forward, ignoring the pain in my leg. His eyes widened as I wed at his face no mask protecting it any longer and he kicked at me.
My ws dug into his left eye right as his legs came into contact with my abdomen. I was sent flying back once again, and as the world spun around me, I heard a blood curdling scream.
Ahhhhhhhhhh!
The spinning came to a stop anad the screaming went further and further away. I stared up at the orange sky for a moment, unmoving. Then I nced up as Daniel and Rachel rushed to my side.
Salvos, are you ok?!
Salvos
I saw the assassin now in the distance, hopping on the trees and whimpering as he made his escape. I just stared at him as he escaped. Slowly, Daniel spoke up.
Hey, are youalright?
He trailed off, giving me a concerned look. I looked between him and the worried little girl.
I sighed.
I shouldve gone for the neck.
--
Here.
Daniel handed me a bottle of a strange yellow liquid. I nced up at him and cocked my head.
I dont drink.
Its not for drinking. Its a stamina potion.
A stamina potion?
Yeah, its like a healing potion or mana potion. But for your stamina.
Huh.
I epted the bottle and looked it over. Then I slowly uncorked it and drank it. I grimaced. It tasted terrible! But I chugged more anyway, because I hadnt spent enough time for [Rest] to help me recover fully. When I felt more energized, I let my lips leave the bottle.
Gross.
I agree for once.
He chuckled and sat next to me. I was in my Mortal Form. And it was night now the sun had set and we hadnt reached Warrington just yet. So we were camping out in the dark forest.
Hows Rachel?
Shes fine. Shes sleeping now.
Thats good.
Imented simply. Daniel had given her some healing potion he had given the same to the both of us too. It was only a single vial, but it was enough for all of us. Apparently that was how effective a High Grade healing potion. I wanted one for myself, but apparently he was running out.
The two of us said nothing more as we sat before the crackling campfire. He gave me a wary look for a moment, then mumbled something himself and produced a leatherbound book. He began scribbling something into it and I peered at him.
Thats your book? Your secret book.
Right. Its a diary.
A diary?
Yeah, its a ce for me to store my thoughts. I dont write on it everyday, but if something notable happens I just vent into it, I guess.
Huh. Can I see what youve written?
I tried to peek over his shoulder, but he quickly closed the book and averted his gaze.
Uh, sorry. Its private.
Oh, ok.
I sat back down to face the fire, and he nodded.
Thanks.
He slowly ced his diary back into his bag, then he nced over at me. I turned back to him.
Is something the matter?
I uh, no. But your clothes. Its torn.
Its not that bad.
I looked down at the tattered shirt and pants. It still covered most of my body. It just had holes and rips in some ces.
Its been like this for a few days.
But youve had your cloak to cover half of it. And thats now torn too.
He pointed out the obvious. Nodding, I groused and crossed my arms.
That annoying [Warrior] its because of him my Cloak of Shadows is like this. And he almost hurt Rachel too! I cant believe I let him escape!
I was so close too! But at the end of the fight, I was tired so I couldnt think properly. And for some reason, [Passive - Deadly Instinct] didnt work. I spected it was because my stamina was low and after drinking some stamina potion, I was starting to think that was the case.
I was so close to killing him. If only I went for his head. And not his eyes
You did good, Salvos. Youre the reason Rachel is alive. Youre the reason Im alive.
But I want to kill him! He tried to make you kill yourself!
Daniel paused.
...an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind.
Whats that?
Its just a saying. About revenge. I mean, Im not sure if I entirely agree with it. But I dont think trying to hurt others just because they hurt you is a good thing.
You were fine when Edithe wanted revenge.
He shrugged helplessly.
I didnt really know her then. And I didnt want to piss her off.
I scoffed and crossed my arms, turning away from him. He sighed, then paused.
Wait. I have...
Hm?
I turned back to Daniel and saw him hesitate. Then he shook his head.
One second.
He reached into his bag once again and rummaged through it. I watched him look through it for a moment, when I noticed a small spike of manaing from something on his hand. What was
Here. For saving my life.
Daniel pulled out a piece of long sleeved garment. It was mainly ck, with some blue decorated onto it. I blinked as he handed it to me.
This. Its a jacket.
A jacket?
I took it in my hands and identified it.
Its mine. And its usually what you wear when youre cold, but this is special
What?
I jumped up and held the jacket with trembling hands. I stared at Daniel, working my jaw.
This
Yep. Its a Unique Grade item.
Wha how?!
Because its from another world.
I stared at the jacket and identified it again.
[Blue Jacket: Unique Grade Item - A jacket made from another world. Other than being a designer brand that cost Daniel an exorbitant amount of money, its nothing special.]
Oh. Its nothing special.
That was before it got enchanted.
I lowered the jacket and faced the Human man.
What do you mean?
Its Unique Grade. First thing that means is that no one but the wearer can identify it. And secondly, even if it''s worthless, the nobility in the Elutra Kingdom were captivated by it. So they gathered the best [Enchanters] in the country and had them give it a single enchantment.
And that is?
I gave him a curious look.
It repairs itself.
Huh.
Daniel smiled and waved a hand.
It doesnt repair instantly. But when it was ripped in half and burnt, I found it back intact the next day.
Thats amazing!
I pounced on Daniel and hugged him.
Thank you! Youre giving it to me, right? Right?
Wait, Salvos
He quickly pushed me off him and covered his face with one hand.
Too close. Personal space, remember? And yes, Im giving it to you. So if you lose your clothes like you usually do youll still have something to wear.
I grinned and repeated myself.
Thank you!
I threw the jacket around my shoulder. I felt my torn Cloak of Shadows get in the way, so I tossed it over the Blue Jacket. I twirled around and inspected myself.
What do you think?
Oh, uh, I-I think you look great.
Daniel stumbled over his words and I giggled.
I have a Unique Grade Item now.
I continued giggling andughing by myself until my Humanpanion raised a hand and gestured for me to sit back down.
Alright, Salvos. Thats enough. Or youll wake Rachel.
I plopped myself back to the ground with a smile. Then the smile vanished as I nced over at the girl sleeping soundlessly by the campfire.
Daniel.
What is it?
We need to talk about Rachel.
He had been emphatically covering his face with one hand the entire time, but now he slowly straightened and blinked.
Ah. About that.
I nodded.
Shes in danger.
Right. The Harrowed Vindicators arent afraid of hurting innocent bystanders to get what they want. Even if they are children.
We cant leave her alone.
No.
Daniel spoke, undeterred. I protested.
But theylle after her!
Thats exactly why we cant drag her into this. If we bring her to Warrington and find her a home there
Theyll stille after her.
I met the Human mans gaze; he hesitated, slowly clenching his fists.
But shell be in more danger with us
I know.
I sighed, leaning back against a tree trunk and casting my gaze up to the starry night sky. Daniel spoke softly.
She was scared for you, you know? After the fight, when I was treating her, she kept asking me about you.
Really?
I turned to him in surprise and raised a brow.
Yeah, really. I dont think she likes fighting. She grew up in a violent home, apparently.
I shrugged.
We have no choice but to fight.
Right.
I liked Rachel she was fun! And I didnt want anything bad to happen to her. I knew Daniel thought the same, however he was wrong in thinking shell be safe if we left her alone. Haec is still in danger in the Netherworld just because Lucerna and I arent there anymore.
If if we bring her with us
Shell still be in danger too.
I agreed with him. So what we needed to do was bring her with us to some ce safe. A safe ce where we did not necessarily have to separate ourselves from her. A ce I could meet her again, as apanion.
I paused and my eyes widened as I had an idea. I turned to Daniel with crity.
But she doesnt have to be in danger. Not if there are others other high leveled people to keep her safe while we werent there. Then it would be fine.
What are you talking about Salvos? What high leveled people would put themselves in danger to help us or a single little girl
Daniel stopped himself, making the same realization I did. I smiled, speaking the name of one of mypanions.
Edithe.
Slowly, I stood up and spread my arms wide.
And the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Chapter 66: Princess
Chapter 66: Princess
66. Princess
The three of us arrived in Warrington the next afternoon. Unimpeded by assassins from the Harrowed Vindicators, we reached the city without any problems. When we walked through the gates, a guard stopped us and looked us over.
You are the adventurers that went to investigate the [Cultists] in the towns northeast from here, right?
Uh, what seems to be the problem
We are!
I answered without hesitation; Daniel nced over at me and stared. He opened his mouth, but resignedly sighed.
Right, we are.
Hrmph, well, the captain has been awaiting your return. He told us that you should report to him in the eastern barracks of the city. Tell him what you found out.
We dont have to go there immediately, do we?
My Humanpanion nced down at himself. His clothes were torn and bloodied mine was too, however my Blue Jacket covered it all up.
Because, uh, wed rather not present ourselves to your captain dressed like this.
He didnt say when. Just told me to deliver you the message.
I see, thanks.
He nodded at the guard and started to walk off. I followed after him leading Rachel by the hand and slowed once I was next to him.
You were upset.
I pointed out.
No, I wasnt upset by what you did, Salvos. Just wouldve preferred if you werent so open about who we are.
Why not?
I cocked my head. While I was getting better at reading Humans and their emotions, there was still a lot about them I had yet to learn about.
Because were being hunted right now. We dont know how far the reach of the Harrowed Vindicators stretches. If they have some influence in Warrington and that was some kind of trap to get us arrested
Hu
Daniel shot me a nce.
Please dont say huh.
...hm.
Sighing, he rubbed at his temples.
Im just telling you, Salvos. We have to be a little more careful next time, ok?
Sure!
I agree with Princess Salvos!
Rachel piped up from next to me; I grinned and triumphantly held up her hand she chose to walk with me over Daniel this time and showed it to the Human man.
My subject and I will be careful. So theres no need to worry! As long as you follow me, youll never be in trouble, right Rachel? It was because I taught you how to punch an annoying person, grumpy Daniel is still alive.
She happily nodded her head with me.
Im telling you, shes not even a nevermind. Just dont teach her to punch me down there, and well be solid.
But we are solid. See?
I tapped my hand, showing how my skin took the impact of my finger. Then I cocked my head and Rachel copied me.
You know thats not what I meant. And can we be serious for a moment? We have other things to discuss.
Like what?
The Devil.
We were passing through a busy market with voices drowning out any single conversation from being heard, yet Daniel spoke in a hushed whisper. He faced me with a dark look; his eyes were shadowed over, fear and worry written all over his body.
If this person is actually able to beat you just like that. And appear anytime he wants. What if hees back for you like when youre trying to collect summoning cors again.
I huffed and waved a hand off.
He told me he liked me. He found me funny! So he wouldnt kill me.
You dont actually believe that, do you?
...nope.
Daniel gave me a judging look but I just shrugged.
Anyone can die at any time. So why worry about someone who can just teleport behind me and cut off my head before I can even react? Its fine!
I know Im just thinking about what you saidst night, you know?
About the Valiant Dreamers Company?
He nodded.
Yeah, they may be good people and good fighters ording to Edithe but thats exactly why I dont want to give them too much trouble. If they get targeted by both Demons and the Harrowed Vindicators because of us I dont want that.
Well, if you really want, I can get Saffron to help us
I began to reach into my bag, but Daniel grabbed my hand and stopped me. He gave me a pleading look.
Please dont. Once again, we dont know who theyre affiliated with. And I dont know if we can trust a noble.
I frowned.
But shes nice!
I protested as I walked next to him then slowly felt something lightly tugging at my hand and came to a stop. I turned to face Rachel who was standing still. Her arm was extended, pulling me back.
The little girls gaze slowly spun around the busy market. She went from stall to stall, looking at shops and food stands, her eyes bulging and her mouth watering. I bent over next to her and peered past her shoulder.
Do you want something, Rachel?
She jumped and faced me.
Me? I no.
Rachels gaze slid off my face and to the ground. She spoke shyly as she shuffled her feet.
I-its just my first time in a big city. Daddy never brought me to one, but mommy would always tell me stories about it. And theres so many things that she talked about here. I was just awed. Thats all.
Do you want anything?
I gave her a curious look. She backed up and waved her hands in the air.
No, no, no! Its fine! I was just looking. We can continue!
I exchanged a nce with Daniel and he gave me simply wrinkled his brows. I spun back to her and gave her a thumbs up.
I told you, Im a Princess. Ill get you whatever you want.
Rachel slowly perked up. Her eyes widened and she stared at me with those orange-yellow irises of hers. She hesitated for a moment, but eventually spoke up in a squeak.
Then then I want that!
The little girl pointed at a doll being disyed at the front of a small shop set up on the side of the street. I beamed back at her, nodding.
Of course!
Then I turned around.
Daniel, can you get that for her?
You haaa
The Human man shook his head.
You cant even buy her a cheap doll and yet you call yourself a Princess
Listen! From what you told me, Princesses get people to do things for them!
I mean, fair. But you can''t just make promises you arent able to deliver on.
But I can deliver on it. Ill just ask you to buy it, see?
Youre lucky the [Cultists] had some spare money for us. Otherwise, wed be broke right now.
Didnt we just get paid by Saffron?
We used the coins to buy healing potions, remember?
Huh.
The three of us went to the stall and bought the doll from the shopkeep. Rachel jumped up in the air and spun with it. She stared into its ck button eyes, rustled its curly blonde hair, and fluffed its purple dress. Then she hugged it.
Im going to name you Princess!
I blinked and Daniel snickered.
Hey! Wait
Regret your decision now, Salvos?
I scowled and crossed my arms. But Rachel did not even notice me, continuing to y with Princess, waving her in the air.
Hmph! Its fine, but Im sure she knows who the real princess here is. Since I am the one who bought it for her, after all.
Im sure she does.
The girl giggled, twirling the doll around and stopped. She sniffed the air as a scent wafted its way to us. Her stomach rumbled and her face turned red.
I, um
Rachel looked over at us but did not say anything. I realized what was going on toote; Daniel smiled and stepped forward, bending down to meet her gaze.
Whats wrong, are you hungry?
She nodded slowly and Daniel beamed.
Well, thats alright. Come on, thanks to Princess Salvos, you can have anything and everything you want to eat here in the market. Dont be afraid to just point out any food stand you think looks yummy and you can have it.
I stared on, aghast, as the two conspired about having food. I caught Daniel ncing back at me with a wicked face, reveling in his vengeance against me. I jabbed a finger usingly at him.
Whatever happened to an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind?
He shrugged.
Im not Gi.
Who?
--
After spending the whole day walking up and down the market of Warrington, Rachel left the street fully satisfied, hugging Princess and patting her tummy. Meanwhile Daniel and I red at each other, both of us swearing to settle this grudge match at ater date.
For now, we found our way to the captain that had called us to the guard barracks back during the afternoon. It was now evening, and while Daniel was not too ecstatic to make a report despite not getting any rest, he was almost out of money and we were supposed to get paid for our mission.
The guards led us to a small office located on the second floor of the building; there, the three of us entered the room and found the same Human man from before.
Youve returned. And with a friend. I take it this means youve found something?
Yeah. We found the hideout of the [Cultists].
He nodded grimly. Daniel opened his mouth to continue, but the captain raised a hand and cut him off.
Please spare me the details. I dont want to know what kind of atrocities theymitted.
His eyes stayed off of Rachel even though we had bought her new clothes, she was still dirty and slightly bloodied from the fight with the assassins.
I just want to know if theyve been taken care of and where my men can find proof of this.
Right.
Daniel walked up to the captain''s desk and began pointing out on a map the rough location of the cave from the town where the Travellers Inn was located.
Theres a copsed cave there. You wont be able to find much evidence since a lot of things were destroyed in the fighting
He was lying.
However, if you go to the town here, youll find a man who goes by the name of Joseph. The people there know about him or you can ask about him from an innkeeper named Eren theyll lead you to him. He worked with the [Cultists] and even gave his own daughter up to pay off his debts to them.
I see.
The guard captain nodded and smiled gratefully.
Thank you.
Daniel stepped back and raised a brow.
So, wheres our payment?
Your payment yes.
Is something the matter?
I turned to my Humanpanion while Rachel continued to y with Princess behind me. He folded his arms.
I just realized we never negotiated payment for this job.
That you didnt.
The guard captain stood up and reached for something at his waist. Daniel and I tensed, however, he just produced a small bag.
This.
I blinked.
What is it?
50 gold for the investigation and destruction of a cult. Its your reward.
I saw the glittering coins sticking out of the pouch and grinned. I walked up to ept it.
Thanks
But Daniel interrupted me.
Isnt that too little?
Cocking my head, I paused as the guard captain lowered his hands. My Humanpanion stepped past me and ced his hands on the wooden desk.
I believe I just exined to you we not only helped find this cult that has been disturbing the peace of your city and the surrounding towns, but we destroyed it and killed the Greater Demon they summoned. Dont you think that should be worth more than 50 gold? Its 5 tinum I can go to the Adventurers Guild and do five easy Gold Rank jobs for that much.
The guard captain opened his mouth, slowly bobbing it as he struggled to find his voice.
I-Im sorry.
He finally mustered up.
Pardon?
Daniel blinked and I just nced between the two with a puzzled look.
I said Im sorry. But I cant pay you more than that. This was never a job put up by the lord of Warrington. He isnt even in the city right now! I put up the job myself and youre right, I omitted the payment from the contract. Because this was all I could gather. I dipped into our citys budget and my entire savings for this.
The guard captain bowed and my Humanpanion took a step back.
I
Please.
He pleaded with a shaky voice.
I cant offer you anything else. I am sorry.
Daniel stared at the guard captain at the wrinkled man with gray hair as his body trembled and shook. Then he clicked his tongue.
...keep it.
The [Hero] turned around and began to leave. The guard captain stared, eyes wide and jaw hanging as he walked out of the room.
Come on, Salvos, Rachel.
The little girl hurried after him and stopped.
But Salvos isnting.
Daniel nced back at me as I stood in the center of the room, head tilted up facing the ceiling. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Uh, Salvos, what are you doing? Lets go
I dont want to.
He stared at me.
What?
Not yet, at least.
I turned back to the guard captain and pointed at him.
You.
He nearly jumped back as I spoke out.
Y-yes?
You cant pay us because you dont have the money, right?
I-I can! I have 50 gold right here
But ording to Daniel, that is not enough.
I looked back at mypanion for confirmation and he slowly nodded. I beamed and pointed back at him.
And you. You dont want to ept the gold because youd feel bad or something or another.
What are you getting at, Salvos?
He narrowed his eyes as I pped my hands together happily.
Then why dont we juste to apromise?
Apromise?
The two Human men spoke at the same time. This time, they were the ones that were puzzled. However, I just exined myself.
So if he cant pay us enough in coins and we cant ept it because Daniel is too uptight, why dont we just get paid another way?
The guard captain hesitantly raised his hand.
W-what is this another way of payment you speak of?
Easy.
I leaned forward in his desk, right until my face was before his. And I smiled happily.
Give us a carriage.
A what?!
He sputtered, spit flying past my face.
Our city doesnt own any carriages every carriage we have avable is owned by the lord! We can''t possibly give you what isnt ours!
You dont have to give it to us.
I leaned back and snorted.
You just have to lend it to us. Let us use your carriages to go somewhere. Then well return it. Thats it.
But the lord would never permit
He doesnt have to know, does he? After all, hes not even in Warrington right now as you said.
I
The guard captain trailed off and slowly sat back down. Hes starting to get it. I smirked and turned back to Daniel. I knew I had to exin myself to him too.
Mypanion frowned.
Salvos, what are you
Were going to the Sunmere Republic. To Viechester.
You dont mean
His eyes widened and I nodded.
Were going straight to the Valiant Dreamers Company.
He looked at me with dubious eyes.
I dont think thats a good idea.
Well, I think it is. You dont have any better ns, do you? Or are you just going to worry over unseen enemies as we wander about aimlessly with a target in our backs.
I
Daniel sighed.
You couldve at least given me more time to think about it.
Fine. You can think about it. In the meantime, Ill ask Rachel what she thinks.
I walked over to the girl holding the doll to her chest and she cocked her head. I ced my chin between the palm of my hands and met her gaze.
Want to ride on a fancy carriage with me? Well all be like princesses.
Her eyes sparkled and she danced on both legs.
Yay! I want to be like a princess with Salvos and Princess!
I turned back to Daniel.
Now its your choice.
I smiled. He shook his head, muttering under his breath.
Youve really gotten good at this whole people thing, huh?
Im still learning!
I happily supplied. He inhaled deeply and acquiesced.
Fine. Next time however, please give me more of a heads up. Im not good with things like this so suddenly.
Will do.
I shot him a thumbs up and turned back to the guard captain. I ced my hands on my hips as he scratched his beard.
Viechester the Sunmere Republic. Certainly thats not too far away. With a good driver and well-trained horses by a [Beast Tamer]... a fast carriage should be able to go there and back in two weeks. The lord might return by then, however..
I raised an eyebrow.
So, what about it?
The guard captain nodded.
For the saviors of Silvergrove, and now the saviors of Warrington? Id dly take the risk.
I exhaled deeply, releasing a breath I didnt know I was holding. Then I was pounced at by Rachel from behind she hugged me tightly with Princess still held around her arms.
Yay! Thank you Salvos! Were going to be princesses!
I hugged her back andughed.
I told you, Im already a Princess!
...dont they realize that a lowly lords carriage is nothingpared to what a princess would ride
No, dont tell them.
Chapter 67: Road Trip
Chapter 67: Road Trip
67. Road Trip
Are you Miss Salvos and Miss Rachel?
Its Princess Salvos and princess Rachel.
I spoke haughtily as I walked forward, chin up and back straight. Rachel strutted alongside me, her nose held high and a light smile stered on her face.
And princess Princess too!
I eyed the doll in her hand with a disdainful look and huffed.
Very well, and princess Princess too.
The carriage driver raised a brow and slowly nodded.
Uh, right. Well, just hop on in and well be good to go?
He seemed uncertain unsure of his station. Of course he would be; when faced with such majesty, one couldnt help but tremble in awe before my presence!
Rachel and I entered the coach as our servant stopped and began conversing with the carriage driver.
Yeah, Im not with them. Yes, Daniel thanks for doing this. I know it was a favor from the guard captain, but we really appreciate it...
The two Human men paused and eyed us with envious looks from the outside. Daniel sighed wistfully, shaking his head obviously entranced by the rich garments I adorned.
Right, I know theyre a bit dirty, but were a bit low on money right now. Well try not to leave a mess. Thanks.
With that said, our servant finally decided to step into the carriage and join us. He sunk into the seat opposite Rachel and I, his presence actually shrinking from being before us. Averting his gaze in reverence, he spoke softly.
Salvos, youre embarrassing.
Wha
I sputtered and leaned forward.
What did I do?
The way you were acting. Thats going a little bit too far.
What do you mean? I was just behaving the way a Princess would!
But youre not a Princess. And youre being rude to the carriage driver. It was kind of embarrassing.
Daniel sighed again, rubbing at his temples. I protested as the carriage began to get moving.
I didnt do anything Rachel wasnt doing. Why am I the embarrassing one?!
Rachel is a child. Youre a Greater Demon. Theres a difference.
I harrumphed and crossed my arms.
At least Im not being a grumpy Human man.
Im not being grumpy just look at yourself, Salvos.
I nced down at my regal dress: the tattered cloak, the torn and cut pants, and the Blue Jacket that did not exist anywhere else in this world. I shrugged.
Whats wrong with it?
You look like a beggar.
I pouted and turned my head to the side, facing away from Daniel.
Hmph, it is expected of themon folk tock the same pristine taste of the nobility. I think I look wonderful.
You dont even understand how fashion here works.
Neither do you!
I pointed an using finger at him. He opened his mouth to retort, but bit back his tongue. I grinned triumphantly.
See, you know Im right
Something cut me off. I felt a light tug and turned to face the little girl staring up at me with wet eyes.
Salvos Mr Daniel please dont fight. I-Im sorry
Rachel sniffled, wiping at her face with her doll. I blinked and Daniel bit his lower lip.
We we werent actually mad at each other, Rachel. Look, its fine.
He reached over and patted her on the shoulder. Rachel sniffed, but more tears ran down her cheeks; her face was entirely red, and snot and saliva was eeking out of her nose and mouth. I grimaced, however Daniel whispered to me.
Salvos, help mefort her!
What do I do? I dont know what to do!
Just do something!
I hesitated. And then picked Rachel up and hugged her. I said nothing, just holding her crying continued. Daniel opened his mouth but I ced a finger on my lip.
Sh.
He slowly nodded and sat back down. The carriage ran into a bump as we finally left Warrington, and I continued to hug Rachel for a while longer. I wasnt really sure what I was doing. This was what Edithe did to me to make me feel better when she told me she was going to leave. It made me feel better for some reason, and for some reason now, I wanted to make the girl feel better too.
And eventually, she did. Rachel stopped crying and began giggling when I took Princess from her.
Shes mine now!
Stop! The Demon has taken Princess! Do something, [Hero]!
Wait, you want me to join in?
Iughed, holding the doll up to the ceiling of the coach.
Of course if you dare.
I gave him a dangerous smile and he gulped. It was meant to be a joke, however he quickly looked out the window of the carriage and firmly nted himself onto his seat.
Im good here, thanks.
--
The ride was fun, with Rachel and I ying with each other, and Daniel and I engaging in some harmless jokes. In other words, it was rtively uneventful, and one week flew by before I knew it.
Were here.
I nced out the window, staring ahead at the city before us. Rachel was excitedly trying to sneak a peek behind me, however I was blocking her way since she took Princess back from me.
Let me see!
Theres nothing for you to see. It looks just like any other city.
Indeed, the Sunmere Republic had been no different from Nixa. When we crossed the border, I was expecting some kind of change ofndscape, or a change to the sky. However, the sun remained up above, the night was still dark, and the stars remained twinkling, unmoving in dome overhead.
I still want to see!
Rachel protested, crossing her arms with a pout. I sighed and picked her up.
Fine, if you want to see the city here!
Woah.
The walls of Viechestery ahead of us a pristine, white barrier that separated the settlement inside from the world of monsters beyond. I saw nothing special about it, and yet both Rachel and Daniel gaped at the sight before us.
Whats so woah about it?
Thats banclite.
Ban...clite?
I cocked my head and Daniel turned back to me, nodding.
A rare mineral found only in the Motharis Mountain Range in the Human Lands. Its like marble in its texture, but stone in how durable it is. But most importantly, it has powerful anti magic properties. Meaning that having a wall built out of it renders any magical siege nearly useless. Even a Level 100 [Mage] would have some difficulty tearing down that wall.
What about 150? Would a Level 150 [Mage] be able to destroy it easily?
I mean probably?
I shrugged.
Then I just have to be Level 150 then.
You haa you say that like its so easy, but knowing you youll actually go about and do it.
He slumped back into his seat and Rachel had me move her around to get a better view of the city.
Youve been keeping up with my leveling, Daniel, havent you? Even if I werent in my Mortal Form, I dont think Id be able to beat you in a fight very easily.
But I have a General Skill. A cheat Skill, I guess, since Im a [Hero].
And that is?
I quirked an eyebrow. He gave me a helpless look.
[Heros Skill: Bonus Experience]. Everything I do grants me slightly more experience than it would a normal person. Its really not fair.
I stared at Daniel for a moment. Then I raised an angry fist and waved it at him.
You can say that again!
Hey I cant see, move me to the left.
I did as Rachel told me, and turned back to my Humanpanion with a re.
So youre saying that you can be leveling faster than me if you work harder to level up, but instead you choose to spend every night sleeping instead of fighting?!
Thats I still need sleep.
But you still could outlevel me and you dont!
...how do you know I havent outleveled you?
I narrowed my eyes and identified the grinning man.
[Warrior - Lvl. 10]
I scowled.
Good point.
Daniel shook his head and cast his gaze out the window.
I know I can do so much more with my ss, Salvos. Its just that sometimes, when I try to do something right, things just go horribly wrong. Like when I met you for the first time.
You attacked me!
I happily pointed it out.
R-right. And I made a dumb mistake. Sure, terrible things happen without me doing anything either, like with Lucerna. However, I was the reason tens of thousands of lives in the Elutra Kingdom were made worse. I dont want to be responsible for something like that again.
I nodded slowly, deciding that this was not the time to openly speak my mind. Rachel continued admiring the city as the carriage rolled its way through the open gates. Daniel remained solemn for a moment longer as I finally decided on what to say.
So, what do you want to do, Daniel?
What do I want to do?
He repeated after me dumbly. I cocked my head.
What is it that you want?
Thats
He hesitated, then he mustered up a chuckle.
Thats oddly philosophical for you.
I shrugged and cast his gaze down to the palm of his hands. He stared at it and spoke with resignation.
I dont really know what I want. They expect you to know everything you want to do in life by the time youre 18 years old, and Im 20, but Im just lost.
Youre lost?
I dont know what I want to do. I guess, if youre talking about the near future, Ill be helping you get back to your home. Then after that who knows?
I nodded slowly.
I see.
There was a lull in the conversation as we went through the gates without being stopped apparently, traveling was not as difficult in the Sunmere Republic. Then Daniel spoke up, meeting my gaze.
What about you, Salvos?
Me?
What do you want to do with your life, I guess? Any goals, aspirations?
I beamed and answered instantly.
I want to find Haec. I want to be with mypanions, and maybe make morepanions. I want people to recognize me. I want to continue to be Salvos. And I want to level more and more!
He blinked. Then heughed.
I shouldnt have expected anything else from you. Honestly.
He shook his head and smacked his forehead. I grinned as he sighed.
But why do you want to level, Salvos? Is it something ingrained within you? An instinct? Or do you have an actual reasoning behind it.
I actually had to pause to answer his question. I tilted my head back and thought over his question carefully. Then the words came out from my mouth slowly, thoughtfully.
Right now, Im Salvos. But Im iplete. Im not the Salvos I can be.
Youre not the Salvos you can be? Sorry, Im not really getting it.
Rachel eximed and pointed at a group of well dressed adventurers marching down the streets of Viechester. I borated.
I am Salvos, but I can be a moreplete Salvos if I level and evolve. I can feel it whenever I change, whenever I level, whenever I evolve I be more
So, its an instinctual desire then?
Daniel gave me a curious look. I simply shrugged.
I dont know.
You dont think it might be the System having an affect on you, do you? To make you think that way. To want to level.
The System?
The world.
He quickly corrected himself.
Or the voice in your head that isnt actually yours but is there. From when you level.
I dont think the words that appear in my mind arent mine. Theyre as much mine as my thoughts are.
But dont you think its strange that the world is intruding on your head? That when something happens, its received in your mind?
No.
I spoke simply, giving Daniel a puzzled look.
I dont get how its different from touching a rock and feeling its texture. You feel it with your hand, but your mind perceives it too, right?
The [Hero] from another world paused. He rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes.
I never thought about it like that. I guess its like a new sense. A sixth sense? But still, I just find it kind of like what if its making you want to level. That it messes with your mind to feel that way.
The coach rolled to the stop and Rachel excitedly jumped in my arms. I plopped her down back next to me as she spoke excitedly about exploring Viechester. I turned to Daniel and grinned.
Maybe? But thats who I am, and I wouldnt be Salvos if I didnt want to be more Salvos!
Now that, I agree with.
Chapter 68: Viechester
Chapter 68: Viechester
68. Viechester
Bye! Thanks for the ride!
I waved at the carriage as it rolled down the street, having dropped us off at the Adventurers Guild of Viechester. Rachel was ogling the city around us everywhere we turned, we could see the high walls of the city surrounding us. The white banclite rose up to at least 50 feet, standing taller than any city wall I had seen before.
In fact, this city wasrge; it was nothing like Silvergrove or Hazelbury. If Rachel had been captivated by Warrington, a small city on the border of Nixa, she was mesmerized by what Viechester had to offer.
Woah
She gasped as her gaze zed over the scenery around us. I couldnt help but be impressed too.
I didnt know Humans lived in suchrge cities. If Lucerna had attacked this ce
He would have died.
Daniel finished my sentence for me. I nodded, tapping a finger on my chin.
I wonder why he never attacked a ce like this. Didnt he want to die?
He probably wasnt fully resigned just yet. Sometimes, people feel like they want something, but they cant fullymit to doing it just yet. If he really wanted to die, he wouldve just you know?
No, I dont know.
I turned to the Human man with a confused look.
What do you mean?
He stumbled over his words.
You know if he really wanted to die, hed just have d-done it himself.
Blinking, I slowly registered the implications of his words; then I took a step back and stared at Daniel, horrified.
Why would you do that?!
I dont know can we change topics?
Look at that! Look at that!
Rachel piped up over us, hopping up and down excitedly. We turned to her as she pointed at a Human woman waving a small wooden stick a wand in the air. Suddenly, a smokey white bird poofed into existence and took off into the sky. Then it circled back and disappeared into a tall, ck hat.
How is she doing that?
The little girl faced with wide eyes. I scratched the side of my head.
Uh, magic?
More specifically, illusion magic.
Daniel added from the side.
Shes a street performer. Shes casting simple prestidigitation kind of spells to do that nothing above our levels.
I identified the street performer and found her to only be at Level 18.
Huh.
Yeah, look, you can see a few other [Mages] and some [Rogues] showing off tricks down that street too.
He gestured at another road, full of busy pedestrians crossing through as other Humans lined up the sides, performing different kinds of shy and dazzling tricks. A [Rogue] juggled half a dozen daggers, an [Archer] shot an apple mid air, and a [Warrior] carried a huge rock.
Not all of them were impressive many passersby didnt even give them a second look. It mostly drew looks from the children. And Rachel was especially locked to the scene before us. I was staring too, until I noticed this.
I crossed my arms and loudly harrumphed.
I can do that too. Its nothing amazing.
Yes, but youre Salvos.
She spoke simply, giving me an uncaring nce. I threw my hands in the air.
Whats that supposed to mean?
I mean, is she wrong though?
Well, no but I guess theres nothing wrong with that. I am Salvos.
Danielughed and Rachel tugged at his shirt, pointing at a food stand.
Can I can I have that?
But we dont have enough
The girl instantly deted and nodded understandingly.
Oh, I see Im sorry for bothering you Mr Daniel.
He nced at her, then at the judging look I was giving him. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Lets get that real quick. Then well go to the Adventurers Guild, alright?
Yay! Thank you!
Rachel beamed and we headed over to the stall. And when we left it, she was munching on a piece of burnt fish stabbed through by a wooden stick. I ignored that and faced Daniel.
Why are there so many street performers here? I dont think I ever saw one before.
Thats because its banned in Nixa. They find it hard to tax and regte these street performers because of the way they earn their coins. So they dont allow it.
But its allowed here?
I raised a brow, perplexed. He shrugged.
The Sunmere Republic doesnt think its a bad thing. I dont know, never been here before. Everything I knowes from what I was forced to learn when I came here.
Daniel pushed the door of the Adventurers Guild open, letting Rachel and I into therge hall. A few faces turned to us, and I raised my chin, expecting to hear some shocked reactions. I was a Gold Rank adventurer after all!
But other than a few nudges and a few nces, there was no reaction.
Blinking, I took a good look around the room and realized that we werent the only Gold Ranks around. In fact, there were some that were even higher leveled than me! And they were the ones getting all the attention in the room.
I frowned as Daniel walked by me with Rachel by his side, chewing on bits of food.
Something wrong, Salvos?
Its nothing.
I grumbled and marched forward.
Lets ask them about Edithe.
He exchanged a nce with Rachel but she pulled away from him and hurried after me.
I sourly walked up to the receptionists desk with Rachel now by my side, holding my hand. The receptionist a young Human man with an odd object made of ss rested on his nose and clinging onto both his ears sses looked up and almost through me.
Name?
I am Salvos.
Salvos, I dont believe youre local to this guild, are you?
Nope. I came from Warrington, but before that I was from Silvergrove and Hazelbury.
Right, so youre not a local then.
The receptionist spoke bluntly and I scowled. He doesnt even know my name! Everyone around Falisfield knew my name!
Adventurers badge?
Here.
I produced my Gold Rank badge and he nodded, scribbling onto a piece of paper. I waited for a reaction, but none came.
...arent you going to say anything?
No, why would I?
He looked up at me with a bored face. I scowled.
Alright Miss Salvos, what do you need from Viechesters Adventurers Guild?
...
I said nothing,pletely demoralized and defeated by the dismissive attitude of the guild. Daniel stepped up behind me, taking over.
Mypanion and I were looking for a localpany. Or its a rather big one, but its located here. I believe its called the Valiant Dreamers Company.
If youre looking to sign with the Valiant Dreamers Company, I dont believe theyre holding an admission test today. And dont bother trying to haggle Baris to let you in just because you two are Golds. He wont do it.
Baris?
I cocked my head and turned to Daniel. He shrugged.
Probably someone from thepany look, Sir, were not trying to join the Valiant Dreamers Company. We just have a friend whos part of thepany, and were looking to find her.
Her names Edithe! She has red hair, about as tall as me! But she isnt me, of course.
I happily supplied, raising a hand. Rachel copied my gesture, holding up the now-empty wooden stick.
Uh huh.
The receptionist made a sound and strummed his finger on the table.
Very well then. If you want to get to the Valiant Dreamers Company, its a ratherrge warehouse located in the western part of the city. Once you go out of the door, turn right and head straight past the city square till youre halfway to the gate. You can ask for better directions when youre there.
Thank you.
Daniel nodded gratefully at him. Then my Humanpanion paused and nced over at a bulletin board to the side as he shifted ufortably on his feet.
By the way, are there any, uh, open jobs I can take a look at?
Sure. These are the ones we have for the week. But theyre mostly minor tasks, would a Gold Rank like you even need to do this job?
Heughed nervously and I quickly led Rachel out of the guild.
Well, reasons
--
The three of us walked through the busy streets of Viechester. Rachel was enamored by the street performers and other disys of the city, such as a magical fountain that spewed colorful water in the air.
I stopped to stare at it too, analyzing the way the strands of mana in the air were interrupted by some magical sphere within it. Whatever magic enchanted it was not efficient it did not draw any mana from the surroundings at all!
Saffrons basic lessons on mana theory really are helpful, I mused, turning to Daniel.
He was leafing through the pamphlets and pieces of paper we had been given by the receptionist. Apparently the jobs he had taken were ordinary jobs something that was meant to be done by new Silver Ranks.
So, we have a gathering job that requires us to head over to the nearby forest and pick out some zorth mushrooms, an extermination job for giant rats in the sewers, or a simple day guard job where we patrol the nearby roads for any monsters. What do you think?
They all sound boring!
I answered truthfully. Daniel didnt even blink.
I know you think theyre boring, but these are part of their weekly jobs, Salvos. Its good to make some quick money, especially since we have none right now. As opposed to taking a I dont know, a job that requires us to go to the gunds and retrieve the Sacred Sceptre of Nhirad.
My eyes twinkled and I turned excitedly to him.
That sounds interesting! Can we do that?
No.
He spoke simply.
Thats a job for Diamonds. Certainly not for us.
Aw
I deted, but I knew when things were too hard for me to do. It would be like if I were an Infant Demon all over again and I decided to attack a Greater Demon. I most definitely would die.
I guess we can look for those mushrooms
Id have thought youd prefer to exterminate the giant rats.
I wrinkled a brow.
Why would I do that? They wouldnt give me much experience, and fighting them would be boring. But these zorth mushrooms I wonder whats so special about them.
I cast my gaze to the sky, trying to imagine what these mushrooms were like. I had seen mushrooms before, especially when in the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon, and they came in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Is this a big one? Or is it small? Or does it at first seem like a bunch of small little ones gathered together but is actually a very big one?
Theyre just mushrooms. Amon ingredient used by [Alchemists]. Very good absorbents of mana.
Huh.
Being told what it was took out all the fun behind it. I shrugged.
Then can we just live without money?
No, we cant. We wouldnt survive without food or shelter.
But I can!
Daniel ignored thatment as we rounded a corner. He stopped as we came face to face with arge warehouse building. It was fenced in on all sides by brick walls, however I noted a disruption in the flow of mana going through its perimeter.
I wanted to walk up to it and touched it, but Daniel led me to a metal gate instead. It was not as big as the gates on the walls of the city, but it was about twice my current height.
Two Humans stood there. One was a brown haired woman with her hair tied into a ponytail, while the other was a bald man dressed in dark clothing that revealed his abdomen.
[Mage - Lvl. 58]
[Rogue - Lvl. 61]
Halt.
The bald man called out, stepping forward.
ess to this building is authorized only for members of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Produce your guild pass or be turned away.
He gave us a menacing stare a re. And Daniel and I exchanged a look. Rachel quickly hid behind me, hugging Princess tightly as she peered out the side of my legs slightly to see what was going on. Daniel opened his mouth to speak, however the brown haired woman elbowed him and pushed him aside.
Why do you have to be so rude, Ian cant you see they have a child with them? Hey! Sorry for my friend. And you, little girl, dont be afraid. He may look scary, but hes actually a really nice guy.
Rachel peeked out a little more, but stayed silent. She did not look scared, however her eyes were almost expressionless it reminded me of the first time I met her. The [Mage] realized she wasnt going to get a response from her and cleared her throat.
So, are you new recruits or adventurers looking to join thepany? Sorry, we dont recognize your faces, and weve been a bit on edgetely.
Oh, were not part of yourpany.
I replied honestly. She nodded, as if she expected it.
I see, I see. Well, if youre new recruits looking to join us, were not currently holding any admission tests. Weve had problems. We used to hold them every two weeks, as Im sure youve heard, but things have been happening.
The bald man, Ian, grunted from behind her.
Trouble. And I dislike trouble. If theres trouble, I stab it.
Hey, me too!
I nodded respectfully at him.
Well, sometimes I cut them too. Or slice at them. But stabbing is very effective as well.
He just stared at me, not saying anything. The brown haired woman cleared her throat and gave me an uncertain look.
So, uh, unfortunately were going to have to turn you away. Sorry.
Oh, but were not here to join yourpany.
Youre not?
The [Mage] frowned and the [Rogue] tensed.
Then why are you here?
I opened my mouth but Daniel spoke over me, pushing me back.
Were here to meet with a friend of ours. Shes with yourpany. A Gold Rank.
The brown haired woman gave us a dubious look, narrowing her eyes.
And who exactly is your friend?
Daniel began to reply.
Her name is
Edithe!
I shouted over him, stepping forward. My other Humanpanion was talking to a man as they strolled out of the building beyond the gate.
The [Mage] and the [Rogue] blinked, turning back to face the red haired woman. Before either of them could speak however, I ran past them and hurled myself over the gates. I rushed forward and leapt at Edithe.
Its been so long! Its me, do you remember me?
...Salvos?
The Human woman blinked as I threw my hands around her. I kept my arms wrapped around mypanion, clinging onto her for a few passing moments while her eyes widened. Then, as if she realized what was finally happening, Edithe slowly hugged me back and smiled.
"How have you been?"
Chapter 69: Cringe
Chapter 69: Cringe
69. Cringe
I held Edithe in my arms for a moment longer. In the past, before I had evolved, I probably would have only reached up to her neck on my tip toes. However now, I rested my chin lightly over her shoulder since we were close to the same height, it was not difficult at all.
Ive been good!
I beamed and finally let her go. Edithe stepped back, returning my smile.
Seems like youve been busy. Youre already at Level 51. Just a few more levels and youll be past me too.
I ced my hands on my hips and raised my chin.
Of course! Im Salvos, and I havent been idle since west saw each other.
And Daniel is with you too. Hes leveled quite a bit as well wait, whos that girl?
I nced back at past the gates past the two adventurers that had been standing guard trying to open it in a panic and at Rachel.
Oh her? Shes Rachel! A girl we saved from some [Cultists] that had been trying to summon a Greater Demon near Warrington.
Sounds like you have quite the adventurer, huh?
I nodded my head eagerly.
We did
A sound interrupted me. The gates swung wide and the two adventurers rushed in with their weapons drawn. Then the door to the building burst open and more adventurers poured out, all prepared to fight. I blinked as they surrounded me.
But before anything could happen, the Human man that had been with Edithe tapped a wooden stick a cane on the ground, drawing our attention.
Excuse me, Miss Salvos, but youre trespassing on the property of the Valiant Dreamers Company. I do recognize that youre Edithes friend, but I must ask that you do not climb over our gates, triggering our barrier runes by tearing through them, and sending everyone inside into a panic, just to meet her.
I stared at him for a moment, then at Edithe.
Uh did I do something bad for Humans?
Other than what Baris just said? Not really.
Oh good.
Editheughed.
I was being sarcastic, but Im sure you know that.
I grinned and hugged her again. The man, Baris, sighed.
--
Daniel, Rachel, and I found ourselves led to a room somewhere in the building with Edithe at first, just chatting, catching up. After quickly reprimanding Ian and the other girl, Paige, for not stopping me, Baris had to get an [Enchanter] to repair the runes built along the walls, so he was not with us. However, he said he woulde to speak with us when that was finished.
So you felt something blocking your way as you climbed over the gates, but you just went through anyway?
It was a little bit ufortable, but I was so excited to finally meet you again that I ignored it!
You should be a bit more conscious about these kinds of things in the future. The barrier set up was never meant to be a deadly one since were in the city however, if you had been trying to break into our training base a few miles out it couldve been dangerous for you.
I shrugged, leaning back next to Rachel who was snacking on some nuts.
Im sure Id have been fine. I noticed the one here wasnt bad! And I have a Ring of Lesser Protection, see?
I lifted up my finger and showed it to Edithe. The red haired woman shook her head.
I know you have one but still. You worry me with how reckless you are sometimes.
Iughed and scratched the back of my head; Daniel muttered under his breath as he sipped from a cup of a yellow drink tea.
Imagine what its like looking after her nonstop by myself since you left.
Indeed which reminds me, has Daniel done or said anything weird to you, Salvos?
He nearly spit out his drink while Edithe gave me a questioning nce. The Human man opened his mouth, but I spoke over him, tapping at my chin.
I dont think so? If youre talking about the things you told me to watch out for from men, Daniel hasnt tried any of it at all!
Good, good. It seems like you really were trustworthy after all.
Edithe shot him a teasing grin and he just sighed.
Cant believe you thought that lowly of me.
Better safe than sorry anyway, so you found this girl while trying to find Salvos a way back to the Netherworld, correct?
I nodded as Rachel stopped munching on the food and nced up. She saw Edithe looking at her and sidled over to my side, grabbing my arms and giving the red haired woman a wary look.
I patted the girl on the head and smiled.
Edithes fine, shes mypanion. Dont be scared. And yes, we were hunting some [Cultists] and we found her. She was going to be used as a sacrifice to summon that Demon!
Ignavare, right?
Yep! And he was strong. But not as strong as me. I killed him myself and leveled up!
Of course you did.
Edithe shook her head with a smile. She then turned her gaze to the girl by my side and leaned over the table.
And Salvos saved you, didnt she?
Rachel gave her a curt nod, but otherwise said nothing. Daniel spoke apologetically to Edithe.
Sorry, I think shes a bit shy with strangers. She had a rough life, even before she was taken by the [Cultists].
Thats understandable. It mustve been hard on you, huh? Im sorry you went through that.
Edithe turned to Rachel with a sad look. It was almost empathetic. As if she understood how the girl felt.
Daniel nodded and took a deep breath.
Yeah, actually, shes the reason why were here too.
What do you mean?
The Human man hesitated, but opened his mouth to exin himself when the door shot open. Baris finally arrived, dragging in another man a younger man with the same blonde hair and blue eyes as him into the room.
Hadrian, Im warning you if you dont speak with our guests, Ill make you fill out all of thepanys ounts for the next year by yourself.
But dad, you know I cant do that! I can barely even count to ten, let alone deal with all that stuff!
Then shut up and do your job!
The younger man, Hadrian, was thrown by Baris onto the couch. Hended right next to Edithe, with his arms and legs sprawled wide. He paused, blinking as Rachel, Daniel, and I stared at him.
His gaze paused right on me while Baris folded his arms and sat down next to the man. The older man opened his mouth to speak, but Hadrian interrupted him.
This is my
Oh, I do apologize for the mess Ive presented myself in. It seems father failed to inform me that one of the adventurers visiting mypany was of the upper ss. My name is Hadrian, and I am the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. We are truly honored by your presence, Miss, ah, I meandy?
He stood up and slicked his hair back. Bowing before me, he dropped to one knee and held a hand out. Daniel blinked then sat up in protest. Edithe smacked her forehead and Baris frowned.
I grinned.
Hehe, so you recognize that I am a noble then? Well, Im not just any noble. Im Princess Salvos
No shes not. And dont try that with her. All youll do is encourage her even more.
Daniel spoke over me and eyed him. However, the blonde man cast a dismissive nce to my Humanpanion and huffed.
Ah, a jealous rival. But I do apologize, Sir, I wasnt talking to you but the lovelydy here.
Thats enough, Hadrian. Sit down and show some respect to our guests. And you.
Baris nced over at me.
Do not lie to people youvee to request help for. It will only hurt your cause, even if it is a good one.
I scowled and crossed my arms, sinking back to the couch as the older man proceeded to re at his son. Hadrian shrugged helplessly.
I apologize if I mistook her beauty as a sign of a noble heritage. It was my mistake, father
Alright, thats enough from you. Sit down before you embarrass yourself further.
Baris spoke with finality in his voice. The younger man took a seat with a scowl. Edithe sighed and rubbed her temples.
Alright, now that Hadrian has humiliated both himself and thepany, may I begin, Baris?
Yes. You said that these three were here seeking help from the Valiant Dreamers Company?
They are. And in fact, both Daniel and Salvos are the ones Ive told you about.
Youve told them about us?
Daniel raised an eyebrow dubiously. She nodded and nced over at him, then me.
Theyre both adventurers who were only Silvers when I first met them, and yet theyre both Gold now in such a short amount of time. They have potential. And Salvos is the one who wants to find a way to the Netherworld, because her friend is stuck there.
I blinked.
Wait
I know your friend was kidnapped by a Greater Demon, right Salvos? He was dragged into the Netherworld and you couldnt stop it from taking him. So thats why youre interested in finding a way there to save him.
The red haired woman gave me a look and I slowly nodded, picking up on her cue.
Thats right. My friend is stuck in the Netherworld, and I want to get back to him.
I didnt necessarily lie, however, I certainly wasnt telling the whole truth. Edithe smiled, turning to Baris and Hadrian.
And thats why Ive been asking around about it doing research.
Hm, I see. But I dont believe thats why they''re here now, correct? Otherwise, youd have been informed of theiring.
No. I am not aware of why they are here. Or why that child, Rachel, is with them.
Daniel nodded, taking it as his turn to speak up.
We came here because weve run into a little bit of trouble. We rescued Rachel while we were hunting [Cultists], as Salvos mentioned earlier, and unfortunately, weve also run into some other issues that puts her in a lot of danger from being associated with us.
What kind of issues?
Hadrian asked, first time talking since he sat back down. His face was more serious now, however, he still made sure to shoot me a wink after he asked his question.
I cocked my head. Is he trying to get me to lie about something too, like Edithe was?
Its a rather problematic one, but weve heard good things about the Valiant Dreamers Company. That you guys are good people. That you care about helping the weak, and that you have the strength to stand up to those hurting them. Is that correct?
Yes, we do.
Hadrian smiled, this time focusing only on Daniel.
It seems like you have a dire problem. How can we help?
Were being hunted by the Harrowed Vindicators.
My Humanpanion admitted. Rachel nced up at him, her face contorting at the name, while Edithe, Hadrian, and Baris blinked. The older man started, working his jaw.
You mean the underworld group notorious for assassinations and kidnappings?
Daniel nodded grimly.
Thats the one.
None of them had anything to say they took a moment to process this information. Hadrian crossed his arms and furrowed his brows while Baris scratched at a stubble on his chin. Daniel continued.
Were not asking you to help us. But please look after Rachel. We think they might target her to get to us. She wasnt involved in this at all and only got involved because we saved her.
What happened while I was gone?
Edithe sighed, shaking her head. The older man tilted his head up and spoke to his son.
Hadrian, as the head of the Valiant Dreamers Company and an adventurer yourself, Im sure youre aware of the terrible reputation the Harrowed Vindicators have, yes?
Indeed, father. I am very much aware of their reputation and how they stoop to dirty tricks to achieve their goals.
Daniel bit his lower lip as he nced over at me. I gave him a shrug back.
I can take care of Rachel myself, you know? Ill just beat up those assassins like I didst time.
The girl nodded eagerly and clung to my arm, but before he could retort, Baris resumed his monologue.
Hadrian, you remember the reason why I started thispany three decades ago, do you? I made sure to drill it into your head when I had you take over. Or dont tell me youve already forgotten.
Of course not, father.
The younger man the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company stood tall and proud. He fluttered his eyshes, a smirk spreading across his face as he bellowed in a deep voice.
We are the Valiant Dreamers Company: when the world is bleak and unjust, we shall fight for those who are oppressed. We will keep on dreaming, with a valor that will triumph over any evil that stands in our path!
He turned to me reassuringly.
Do not worry, Princess Salvos, we shall keep Rachel safe with us, even if assassins, Demons, or even Kobolds siege us, we will not waver!
I jumped up and turned to Rachel excitedly. She gave me a nk look. Then I turned to Daniel and he was cringing. Edithe had her face buried in her hands, and Baris was pinching the bridge of his nose. I blinked.
Uh, am I not supposed to be excited about this?
No, Salvos
Edithe sighed.
Hes just embarrassing, but yes, well protect Rachel.
The red haired woman my other Humanpanion smiled at the little girl.
Dont worry, well take care of you.
Rachel peered over my side, apprehension still written all over her face. However, she was more rxed than before now. I nodded at her.
Edithe is a good person. Shes very kind.
The girl slowly sat back, but not begrudgingly. She spoke softly.
...ok.
Its settled then. Rachel will stay here, right?
She will.
Baris spoke as he stood up.
My son may have been too excited, with the way he said it. But we are certainly not like thosepanies which put only their own interests over all else. I am aware you''ve encountered the Iron Champions Company before, and I assure you, we are nothing like them.
Those guys sucked! And Stephen is scary!
Well, I have heard of this Stephen from Edithe. And while my son here may not seem all that reliable, he certainly can take on a measly tinum.
I blinked and identified the two blonde Humans. First the father, then the son.
[Mage - Lvl. 81]
[??? - ???]
Huh. Both of you are high leveled.
Hadrian shed me a grin, but it disappeared as he was smacked over the head by Baris. The older man began reprimanding him for the way he was acting as Daniel watched on, a scowl stered on his face.
He almost looked jealous. I shrugged and turned to Rachel. But she was patting the Human man on the shoulder.
Its ok hes a weirdo.
She whispered softly. I was about to ask what was so odd about Hadrian that kept garnering this reaction from everyone else when Edithe tapped me on the shoulder.
Salvos.
Thats me!
It is you. And Im sure Mistshard and Druma would want to see you again too.
Sheughed as I brightened.
They do?
Of course they do. But Im a little busy today, got to run errands and stuff. So, tomorrow, you and Daniel should meet me at the Sanctum of Elements its the shy temple close to the city square. Ill be there with Druma and Mistshard at around noon.
I opened my mouth, but Edithe leaned over my shoulder, whispering quietly to me.
Ive got some information to tell you about the Netherworld.
Chapter 70: Summoning Ritual
Chapter 70: Summoning Ritual
70. Summoning Ritual
Daniel and I were given our own rooms to stay by the Valiant Dreamers Company, with permission from Hadrian. Rachel was going to be staying in Edithes room since she volunteered to take care of the girl once we left. She had to get used to not being around us. However, she was rather shy around the red haired woman, and mostly hung around my room for that day.
But it was fine since we werent in any rush to leave.
On the day after, Rachel was introduced to other members of thepany such as Ian, the [Rogue] who had been guarding the gates, or Paige, the [Mage] that had been with him. Daniel and I left her with them to head down to the citys sewers for the job he had taken from the Adventurers Guild.
I wanted to collect the zorth mushrooms. But because we were meeting with Edithe in the afternoon, there was apparently no time for that. Gathering jobs would take up a whole day to even be worth the effort put into it.
It was a boring task killing these weird, big creatures. These giant rats looked kind of like Ground Cravers, except they scurried around on all fours while making these squeaking noises. They were very aggressive though, so I had no qualms with fighting them. I was pretty sure they were even less intelligent than wild Demons.
I got no levels from them, however it wasnt apletely worthless excursion. Not only did Daniel make the money he so desperately wanted, I was able to test out and experiment with my magic during the time we spent down in the sewers. Strumming my fingers across the strands of mana that were in the air, I tried to create a kusarigama.
I knew I could create a sickle, and I knew I could create chains. But they had to be weighted properly. There was a heavy ball at the end of Jaakkos kusarigama I could almost remember the feeling of holding it and his sickle. But when I conjured it up myself, the feeling was all wrong.
I threw the fiery chains but the weighted ball sunk straight to the ground. It wasnt that I didnt toss it hard enough, it just wasnt counterbnced right. I frowned and experimented with it however, I couldnt figure it out in the end. But there was something else that came from it
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 2] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Maybe I need [Weapon Mastery] to be at a higher level to create a kusarigama. One thing I realized from raising that Passive was how it made me intrinsically understand how each weapon worked better. And while Saffron had told me my mana control was still unrefined, it didnt feel like the whole reason why I couldnt create moreplex weapons.
It was something Icked. And when I brought it up to Daniel, he shrugged.
Probably education. Youre uneducated, so you dont understand how it works, I guess.
Hey! Are you calling me stupid?
Thats not what I meant but I do think youre pretty dumb.
He grinned and I scowled, crossing my arms. The two of us had just left the sewers and got paid in the Adventurers Guild. Now we were heading our way to the Sanctum of Elements.
Well, I think youre weak! Arent you supposed to be a [H
Alright! Alright! I take it back. Dont say that out loud, please.
Daniel gave me a pleading look. I smirked and raised my chin.
Dont say what out loud? You mean the fact that youre a [H
Salvos! Youre being a real Demon right now, arent you?
Hey!
Two can y at that game, you know?
The two of us exchanged quips all the way until we reached the temple. The moment we arrived, we stopped a [Priest] dressed in luxurious blue robes with golden linings. The elderly Human man blinked.
Ah, you must be Edithes friends. She told us that youd be arriving here.
You know her?
He smiled.
Of course. Young Edithe has beening to this temple ever since she was a little street rat running around and causing trouble.
Daniel and I exchanged a nce. The [Priest] extended a hand.
Im William. Its good to meet you.
Im Salvos!
I snatched his hand before Daniel could take it. My Humanpanion sighed and shook his hand after.
Im Daniel. Apologies if shes a bit rude she wasnt really educated on manners when she was a child.
I red at Daniel but he ignored it. Williamughed.
Its fine, its fine. Ive dealt with far more bratty children in my time. Come, Ill bring you to your friend.
He began leading us through the gilded halls of the temple; it was unlike the Sanctuary of Fauna with its in, white walls that reminded me of the dull Netherworld. It was decorated there were statues and paintings lined along the walls, and the walls themselves were colorful too. White, yellow, brass. Vibrant colors that almost shone down at me like the magicalmps that illuminated an iridescent glow.
So, you know Edithe?
Daniel asked, turning to the [Priest] as he continued ahead of us.
Indeed I do. Ive known her for many years. Ive seen her at her lowest, and Ive seen her at her highest. She is almost like a daughter to me.
Almost like a daughter what about her real parents?
My Humanpanion almost hesitated, but he spoke up anyway. I cocked my head, confused at why he would ask the question.
Yes, the girl never knew her father. And her mother had been a prostitute, working hard to provide for her. Unfortunately, because of that line of work, her mother frequently got sick and had to stay at the temple to recover.
Couldnt she just use healing potions or [Rest]?
I piped up, raising a brow.
No. Ailments and illnesses can only be remedied by medicine or cure spells.
Cure spells?
Yes, the magic which us [Priests] specialize in. We are not [Mage Healers] who can fix a broken arm, but we are able to tend to the sick and weak. Not all of us, of course but by the nature of our ss, we are notbatants. Not even specialists in magic. Simply supporters. Helpers. Hence why we help cities ry [Short Range Messages] between cities and towns where our temples reside.
And you helped Edithes mother?
Daniel was the one to speak. William shook his head.
We did what we could.
I see
My Humanpanion trailed off. I wasnt exactly sure what that meant did that mean her mother died? That was what it meant, right? But it didnt seem appropriate to ask, so I said nothing.
We passed through various hallways until we found ourselves in arge room one that reminded me of the summoning room I first met Sakura in back in Hazelbury. But unlike the simpleyout of a circr building with a circr pool in the middle, this room was almost octagonal. It had jagged edges around its perimeters that divided its walls into eight sides, and up above hung a domed roof. One that let light leak in from the sun above.
It was made entirely of ss, but it was not the transparent ones I was used to seeing in inns and shops. The ss was tinted. It was stained in various different colors from blue, to red, to green, to yellow. Rays of sunlight streamed down through these different lenses, coloring the summoning pool in the same hue as the ss ceiling.
Edithe stood there, just before the summoning pool. She had Mistshard hovering above her, and Druma further behind, standing in a wet mess. The [Elemental] and the [Yaksha] both turned as Daniel and I entered the room.
Edithe! Druma! Mistshard!
I eximed, running forward. I hugged Druma as the four armed Spirit nced down at me with curious eyes. Then I tried to jump at Mistshard but she flew out of the way.
Hello, Salvos. It has been a while. It seems you have surpassed even my level.
I blinked and identified the Greater Spirit.
Youre right youre only Level 45! And Druma is Level 41! But I was already higher leveled than him thest time we met. But wait why do you look the same?
He is waiting to get better evolutions. Without any direct threats or dangerous battles to be fought, he thought it wise to get an evolution that suits him rather than settling for what appears best at the moment.
You can do that?
I stared at Mistshard, aghast. Edithe patted me on the shoulder, smiling.
Of course. Its the same with how our sses work. You dont get a new ss choice with every level after youre first given the chance to advance, however if you continue meeting requirements you will be given more and more options.
Then whats stopping you from just doing that until you get the perfect Subs I mean, ss?
I nced at the [Priest] standing to the side then turned back to Edithe.
A lot of people do, but a lot of people dont either.
Why not?
Because if youre a Level 45 [Warrior] who hasnt advanced his ss yet, youll probably be very easily killed by a Level 40 [Warrior] who has a bad advancement. Thats just how it is.
Huh.
I nodded slowly. The red haired woman stepped back and waved at Daniel, quickly greeting him. Then she faced William and lowered her head.
Thank you for your help.
Of course, Edithe. Anything for you.
He smiled kindly at her and took a step back.
I take it you wish to have some privacy now?
Yes, please.
The [Priest] receded back into the hallway we came from. His footfalls disappearing as he vanished from view. Then it was just me, Daniel, Edithe, Mistshard, and Druma. I found my lips curling up as I nced between my familiarpanions.
The red haired woman nodded.
So, Ive done quite a bit of research on [Cultists], Demon summonings, and the Netherworld since Ive returned to Viechester oh, also dont worry about speaking your mind here. William is trustworthy, and he assured me no one will eavesdrop on us here.
You know how to get me back to the Netherworld?
I piped up excitedly. She shook her head.
Not exactly.
She turned around and walked up to the summoning pool. She ran a hand through the water, disrupting the waters surface.
Do you see this? The lines inscribed onto the ground beneath.
I can see trace outlines of a ritual circle. Why?
Its a result of space magic. Its in the same vein as dimensional magic. But dimensional simply reshapes the world around us like creating a Bag of Holding. Meanwhile, space magic alters its very essence. It lets you do things like teleport from one ce to another, send messages to far away locations, or even open a hole through the world itself.
Like a summoning ritual.
Daniel spoke softly. I raised my brow at the way he said it, but Edithe didnt even blink.
Yes. Like a summoning ritual. And while the Spirit ne, the Netherworld, and the Mortal Realm all exist within the same world the Nexeus they do not exist within the same level. Or ne. And a summoning ritual temporarily bridges the gap between the Mortal Realm and either two.
What do you mean?
I frowned, a little bit perplexed. She exined.
I think an easy way to understand this is to think of the world as a house. In this house, there is a first floor, a second floor, and a third floor. Lets say the Netherworld is the first floor, the Mortal Realm is the second floor, and the Spirit ne is the third floor. And lets say youre on the first floor, Daniel and I are on the second floor, and Mistshard and Druma are on the third floor. However, there is no stairway that connects any of the floors. How do we meet each other?
You dig a hole!
I raised a hand, grinning. Edithe paused.
I guess you could dig a hole. Or in more practical terms, build a stairway between the floors. Unfortunately, in this scenario, none of us are good enough at earth magic to build a stairway between the floors. And lets say only someone who is good at earth magic is able to do that. Then what do we do?
Uh, I dont know.
You get someone who is good at earth magic.
She replied simply. Slowly, I began nodding.
That is, every time we try to create a stairway between floors or in other words, carry out a summoning ritual we are borrowing someone elses earth magic or space magic. In the case of the Spirits, the one who does this is the Spirit Lord, and for Demons, its the Demon King.
I dont know this arrangement came to be for Demons, but for Spirits it has been this way since ten thousand years ago, when the Immortal King Alexander made a pact with the Spirit Lord to connect our nes, permanently making Humans and Spirits allies. Of course, they werent able to create a permanent portal between the Mortal Realm and the Spirit ne, not that they wanted one either.
So whenever a summoning ritual is done, we simply tap into the Spirit Lords power, pouring our own magic into executing it on our side so that Spirits are able toe here. But ultimately most of the magices from the Spirit Lord himself, otherwise each Spirit summoning would be far more costly to us than it otherwise is.
I crossed my arms and tapped a finger on my chin.
More costly than it otherwise is?
Seems like you picked up on it.
Edithe pulled her hand back from the summoning pool as water dripped off her fingertips and onto the marble ground.
Yes, it bes more costly to us than it otherwise is. Meaning, we can do it by ourselves. Just that it isnt easy. You told me yesterday that you werent able to grab the summoning cors off the dead Demons, right?
I tried! But that stupid Devil didnt let me.
I paused, ncing around the room. I quickly corrected myself, just in case.
I mean Mr Devil didnt let me.
Right. You met the Devil.
Do you know him?
Ive never heard of him until I started researching Demons and [Cultists]. But theres not much information on him. Not like the information there is about the Demon King.
Regnorex.
Right, him.
Edithe walked up to me and looked me over.Thing is, Salvos, you dont need those summoning cors to make your way back to the Netherworld you dont need the help of the Demon King to do it. You can do it on your own if you master space magic.
And how do I do that?
She took a deep breath.
To master space magic to the extent you can cross back and forth between the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm? Id say itd take you a hundred years.
A hundred years?
I sputtered. I nced down at my hands and began counting my fingers.
One two three thatd be forever!
Right. But unfortunately, thats how it is when ites to learning a magic your ss is not specialized in. For every level of a [Mage] you want to equal without actually having the ss, you need a year of training.
So I have to be a Level 100 [Space Mage] to be able to do that?!
Correct.
But I cant even be a [Mage]... I have to I have to wait a hundred years to see Haec again?
I looked up at Edithe, eyes wide. She smiled.
You have to study for a hundred years. But that is only one way to do it.
What other way is there?
I faced her desperately. Edithe spoke a single word.
Fairies.
I blinked and she raised a finger.
Fairies. The only of the Spirits that never joined the pact the Spirit Lord made with Humans. They say its because theyre loyal only to the Fairy Queen, and she refused to partake in it. But despite not being part of this pact despite not being able to be summoned to the Mortal Realm by Humans Fairies still appear and roam around this ne.
But how?
Because of their magic.
Mistshard spoke up, floating down next to Edithe. I looked up at the [Elemental] as she continued.
I know very little about the nature of Fairies anything beyond their name and existence has always eluded me. But not to my brothers and sisters. I have asked them, and they tell me of the magic that Fairies wield the very same space magic that only powerful Human [Mages] can use. But Fairies are not inherently beings of space magic, so why can they use it?
I dont know!
And thats exactly what you have to ask them.
Edithe nodded at me.
Is it because the Fairy Queen lends them her power? Or is it a special spell or some kind of cheat Skill? You have to figure it out by asking them.
How do I even find them?
I spread my arms around the room.
I dont even know where they are!
But I do.
Mistshard spoke simply. Edithe nodded.
And she told me. I can tell you right now too where they are, but that is only the second option for you to take.
Only the second option?
Yes, there is a third option for you to go back to the Netherworld.
And what is that?
I blinked and she inhaled deeply, cing a hand on the ruby pendant hanging around her neck.
The third option is for me to change my ss. Restart from Level 10. Lose all the progress I have ever made and train to be a Level 100 [Space Mage]. Or hit Level 100 and unlock my second ss, and then train to be a Level 100 [Space Mage]. Both will take time. A lot of time. Although the second one will take even longer. And while Im more apprehensive about doing it the first way, if thats what you want, Ill do it.
I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, Daniel jerked and furrowed his brows.
You cant be serious, Edithe. If you do that, youll lose all the Skills, Stats, and everything youve ever worked for until now. You cant just revert back to being ssless. Thats insane!
Ill still keep my General Skills. And Ill only lose the Stats I gained from leveling up. I wont lose everything.
Still, why would you do that?
To help Salvos, of course. When I swore revenge against that [Djinn] for killing my friends, I had never expected to aplish that task. I assumed I would die trying. Or it would at least take me a long time to do it. Thats why my contract with Mistshard and Druma had been for six months. But in only two months, she helped me grow stronger and get my revenge.
Edithe closed her eyes and slowly bowed her head at me.
Thats why Im willing to do it for you, Salvos.
But
Wait.
I blinked, ncing between the two arguing Humans.
You can do that?
Yes. I just have to get a high leveled [Priest] a [Bishop] to do it for me. They have a Skill for that. With the consent of an individual, they can help anyone go back to when they were Level 10, before they picked out their first ss. Its a kind of chance to restart. People who fought in wars and suffered great trauma tend to be the ones who request for this. But if you want, Salvos, Ill do it.
Edithe stared at me with determined eyes. The same hazel-green eyes that used to look at me with hate. She was really willing to do this for me. She was willing to lose her ss as a Level 55 [Summoner] for me.
Daniel opened his mouth but I was the one to speak.
No.
I shook my head and ced my hands on my hips. Edithe tried to say something, but I didnt want to hear it.
No, Edithe. I will not ask you to do that for me.
Why not? I know it sounds bad, but I just have to work hard and
Thats not it.
I spoke insistently, nting my feet on the ground. I looked at Edithe then I looked at Mistshard and Druma.
First of all, if you do that, youll be very weak. Who will protect Rachel if not you? You volunteered to keep her safe, right?
I did, but
Secondly.
I cut her off.
If you lose your ss, Druma and Mistshard wont be able to stay in the Mortal Realm. Theyll be forced to go back. Then two more of mypanions will be gone again! Ill be trading one for two! I dont want that!
Edithe worked her mouth. She looked over at the two Spirits but neither said a word. Then I finished.
Andstly!
I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes.
I dont want to wait that long! Ill just find Fairies now its faster!
I opened my eyes and saw myself in the reflection of the red jewel resting just above her chest. I met Edithes gaze and waited. The Human womans eyes darkened.
Then sheughed.
Honestly, I dont know why I tried to take this so seriously. I should have known that would be the main reason why youd be against it.
Hey! Its only one of three reasons why!
Edithe wiped a single tear from her eye was that fromughing?
Fine. I guess Ill tell you where you can find some Fairies to speak to. But be aware, they arent always so nice. And its a dangerous ce.
If its dangerous, Ill just have to level up and then I can go there!
I happily opined. The red haired woman mypanion nodded.
Well, I do wonder about that. The ce where you have to go is up in the Motharis Mountain Range. Its just north of Viechester, actually. You cant see it from here, but its not that far off. With how fast you travel, Salvos, I dont think itll take more than a week for you to get there.
Wait, Edithe, you dont expect us to search the entire mountain range for Fairies, right? Its over a thousand miles long!
Daniel protested. She shook her head.
No. The ce youll be going isnt some unknown spot in the mountain. You can actually get a map to the exact location of it from the Valiant Dreamers Company. Its called the Brilsum Ruins
Edithe hesitated, ncing between both the Human man and I. She sighed, rubbing at her temples.
And its also a tinum Rank Dungeon.
Chapter Side Story 1: Survival of the Fittest
Chapter Side Story 1: Survival of the Fittest
Side Story 1: Survival of the Fittest
NYEVETII was scared.
She did not know what being scared meant, or what that feeling even was. But she knew she was scared when she reached the edge of the world.
A dark abyss threatened to swallow her it pulled at her forever. Her being was tugged, then pressed. She wanted this moment to end, yet it continued.
Her thoughts were clouded in fear. She pleaded for some sort of reprieve. And after an eternity passed, she got it.
--
Nyevetii woke up to the sound of sshing. She had been not alive? And now she was.
Existence came and took her like a strong current, pushing her into the waterfall of red against her will. She did not know where she was, just that darkling clouds loomed over her in her little puddle.
The storm continued, a pattering of ck precipitation flooding the whitendscape around her. The sea built up the vast ocean of darkness that held her grew bloated. Until finally, she managed to wriggle her way tond.
Nyevetii
Species: [Infant Demon]
Subspecies: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 1
General Skills:
[Identification] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 5
[Strength]: 5
[Endurance]: 5
[Wisdom]: 5
[Agility]: 5
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Unused Skill Slot] x5
I am Nyevetii, she thought to herself. That was her name! I am Nyevetii!
She excitedly flopped out of the sable water, unsure of what everything else in her head meant, but happy to be herself anyway. The ck raindrops covered her body, still falling, but slowly fading. It did not bother Nyevetii. This ce wherever she was was far better than the ce she had been before!
Nyevetii nced around, finally deciding to take in her surroundings when she spotted the first of the others. Slowly making their way out of the same dark water that held her were a myriad of oddly shaped creatures. They looked like writhing masses of flesh, of different colors but roughly the same oval shape.
She found herself curiously crawling her way towards them. As the first drew itself tond, Nyevetii couldnt help herself but approach it. She peered at it peered at it curiously.
It stared back up at her, confused. It had peculiar green eyes and a dark blue body. It did not move when Nyevetii looked at it. Only when she turned away did it pull itself ashore, following her.
Nyevetii moved on from the dark blue thing to a more vibrant, yellow thing with ck streaks running through its body. Again, she looked at it casually, and again the thing stopped moving. She moved on after a moment, to the next of the things!
How strange, why are they acting like this?
She wasnt entirely sure what these things were, although she really wanted to find out. And she eventually got her answer, right as she went up to one of the things with only a single eye. She inspected it, trying to parse what it was
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
Nyevetii jerked back. What? She backed up as the thing the [Demon Larva] hauled itself onto thend, undeterred by her presence unlike the others. Watching it make its way up to her, Nyevetii paused to think for a moment. Theyre like me?
She tried to look down at herself she tried to see what she looked like. And sure enough, her body was just like theirs. She was a [Demon Larva] too.
They were like her. She was like them.
Casting her gaze around, she saw more and more of these things these creatures like her pop out of the dark water. They were being birthed, just like her, and had the same Subspecies as her.
Something swelled up inside of Nyevetii. She felt a shiver run through her body the feeling, the knowing that something else was like her
It made her excited!
Nyevetii danced around the shore of the ck sea, identifying each and every other Demon that made its way up. Each time, she took their information with the same previous excitement, and each time, they produced the same results.
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]
And yet, this did not deter Nyevetii in the slightest. She was happy excited! She had thought that she would return to being alone in that void of nothingness, but now she was free from it and surrounded by others just like her!
This was a wonderful ce!
--
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 1] -> [Identification - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 2] -> [Identification - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Identification] Level Up!
[Identification - Lvl. 3] -> [Identification - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 1] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 2]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 2] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Nyevetii wasnt sure how much time had passed since the others gathered around her, puzzled by her excited demeanour. But she identified each and every one of them, earning her two whole levels in both her Subspecies and her General Skill!
She distributed her Stats without much thought, and somehow became more. She stretched out the nub-like protrusions that she had just grown as the others gathered around her, mesmerized by the sudden change to her being.
Trying to exin how she leveled without words, she eventually helped a few of them reach a higher level, although most remained stuck at Level 1. Then their journey began!
They travelled through the tumulousndscape, wandering around with the same excitement she felt, surely! The rain continued until it didnt. And the rocks pricked at her skin until she got used to it.
There wasnt much to see, much to explore. But when she saw something new, she felt the excitement within her return. Apparently, they werent the only [Demon Larvae] in this world!
She encountered more one of them was Level 3, just like her!
It had been scared. Afraid of her. But when she approached it, reaching one of her limbs out. It slowly rxed.
It grew out of the rock it was hiding under, and followed her along with the rest of her group. And they pressed on!
Another [Demon Larva], one with light red skin, milled about in the hazy, white sea. But when Nyevetii approached it, it was drawn to her. It followed her, just like everyone else!
There were many others. Of all kinds of shapes and colors. One of them nearly blended in with the white, its silver color too simr to the pure background!
Nyevetii found herself cheerfully approaching each new [Demon Larva] she encountered. They always joined her. They always followed her. It was such a wonderful world, after all.
This ce is paradise! Nyevetii thought to herself as she made her way towards the base of a hill, the other [Demon Larvae] following behind her. There, arge figure blocked the way. At first she had thought it was a rock. But as she got a closer look, she realized it was another [Demon Larva] Level 5!
It was a wee surprise.
Nyevetii scuttled up to it without a second thought. After all, why would she think twice about doing what she had done a dozen times before? This was just another [Demon Larva].
It would look back at her as she peers into it, until eventually deciding to join her too! In her journey through this great ce. Unlike that terrible ce she had been before. The ce where she was alone where time seemed tost for an eternity and a moment at the same time.
She raised a limb and offered it to therge Demon, happy thoughts flying through her head. Her head lost in the sky as therge Demon raised its head. This ce was so unlike where she had been before. There were so many things here for her, and it was so wonderful, she would never go back!
Squish.
VULGUS watched as the Level 3 Demon was crushed by the Level 5 Demon. He did not move at first, perplexed at what just happened. What happened to her? Then a Demon next to him moved a Level 2 Demon.
She charged with an intensity that drew him forward. Just like how the Level 3 Demon had drawn him from the dark water when he had been about to pull himself ashore. The dark blue skin of Vulgus stood out in the red sky as he threw himself at the Level 5 Demon.
His attack bruised at its skin, leaving marks and swellings. Another two Demons, Level 1 Demons, joined them. Thebined attacks of the three pushed the Level 5 Demon back.
The Level 2 Demon rushed forward, radiating an anger that did not need to be said. Her emotions could be felt by Vulgus. And that fueled him. It made him mad too!
And she was crushed.
The Level 5 Demon swiped at Vulgus, battering his body. He flew through the air once more, but this time, nothing more than a broken mess.
The dark blue Demon was squashed and left for dead a moment after.
IGNOM knew therge Demon was trouble the moment he saw it. He wasnt a fool. He had encountered its kind before. Back when he was with his own Foolish, he thought.
Fleeing once more, Ignom escaped death for another moment. There was no use fighting back against these wild Demons. Especially not the [Hellhounds] that tore apart [Demon Larvae] like they were nothing.
Unfortunately, those [Hellhounds] proved to be enemies he couldnt run from.
They chased after him and caught him with ease. They began ripping and tearing into his body as he curled up, desperately trying to escape death. That was until they were all blown apart incinerated by mes that did not touch him.
A figure loomed over him. A blue Demon with a crooked horn. Ignom tried to identify him, but couldnt.
All Ignom knew was that the Demon with crooked horns spoke a word and he was seized. Several pairs of hands carried him and threw him to a group of [Demon Larvae]. But unlike the other groups of [Demon Larvae] he had been a part of, he realized that these ones were like him. Not foolish.
Afraid.
--
Ignom was herded alongside the other [Demon Larvae], not knowing where they were being brought to. However, he stayed in line, the words of the Demon with crooked horns gripping him with fear.
Keep on moving! If you break, you will be killed!
Or at least, that was until the other [Hellhounds], [Hellbeasts], and wild Demons showed up. A swarm of them attacked their procession, and Ignom knew what would happen next. They would be overwhelmed there were so many of them, they came like a wave.
Ignom watched hesitantly at first as the wild Demons charged. But when it became clear they were outnumbered, he did what he would usually do. The smart thing.
He ran.
Ignom broke and fled, along with a number of other [Demon Larvae]. Not foolish, he thought, confirming his assessment from before.
He made the right decision, the only intelligent choice, and ran from the horde of wild Demons. They would be overwhelmed and ughtered, after all. That was what always happened. Or at least, that had been the deluded thoughts of Ignom.
Then reality hit him like a spear. It pierced through his skin and skewered him to a wall. His vision turned ck, like the blood that poured out of his dying corpse. Confusion had taken him for a moment, but a voice broke him from it, making him realize that in the end, he had been the fool.
I had warned you! I warned you you would be killed! Learn this lesson, the rest of you
TABURAS did not understand.
She had wandered the world aimlessly her birth was not apanied by any others. She saw rocks and ck pools forming, and understood not how the rocks were made or why the dark rain fell.
Everything made little sense until she encountered the other Demons like her. And while she perceived their existence, she did not know why they existed. Nor why she existed in the first ce.
That was, until she saw therge Demon. At first, she had been surprised. When the Level 3 Demon was squished, she did not know what to do. It was out of the ordinary. Such a thing had never urred before.
But after fleeing and running into more Demons. More of her kind. Now she understood.
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 1]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 2] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 3]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 3] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 4]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Subspecies [Demon Larva] Level Up!
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 4] -> [Demon Larva - Lvl. 5]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 1 Skill Point!
Taburas saw Demons killing each other, and so she followed. With each level she gained, she felt moreplete. With each Demon she killed, she reveled in pleasure.
Life had a simple meaning, and it was to simply kill and kill and kill and kill
And she never once thought that an enemy would be too strong for her.
Whats this? Another wild Demon?
The st of ice from the tall, green Demon sent her flying back. She tried to get up, but realized her entire body had gone numb. It was supposed to be painful every other time she had been hurt, she had been in pain. Yet, her body felt nothing.
The other Demon a gangly red one with a pair of wingsughed.
Of course its another wild Demon. Did you really think finding any survivors after the Advent would be so easy? You shouldve joined me in hunting for them before the Destion came.
As if a Lesser Demon like me would survive that. Whatever, lets just finish her off and go
Taburas struggled to get up. She red up at the two Demons, not even registering her as a threat. Her instincts drove her forward or was it what she learned from watching how the Netherworld worked? The ideas instilled in her by her surroundings.
She did not know.
But she pushed forward and everything went dark.
HAEC wondered why the others had to die. Why did his group have to be ughtered. It was a thought that sat in the back of his mind as he fled from death.
He had been useless. Helpless to face therge Demon. And he ran like a coward.
That pained him for some reason. It made him feel worthless. Like he had no reason to live. He grappled with that feeling, trying to survive. He fought the wild Demons he could escaped the fights he wouldnt possibly win.
But still, he found himself lost. Without a goal. Eventually face to face with the harsh reality that he, too, would die.
He had been resting at the bottom of a hill when the wild Demon jumped him. He did not know where it came from, just that it struck him from behind. His [Vitality] was high, but this wild Demon was higher leveled than him.
It clung onto him, smashing him as he struggled to break free. He tried to push it off, however it held on and smashed him again. And again. And again.
Why?
The single thought crossed his mind.
Why do I even have to live?
He wanted the question to be answered, but there was nothing to answer it for him. So eventually, he stopped struggling. He epted that he would die, just like the others. He let his vision grow dark and the cold take over him.
His life ended here snuffed out and put to rest.
.
.
.
Then there was fire.
A ze of hope lit up inside him as he watched a silver Demone and defeat the wild Demon. She stood over him, the red sky shining down on her the wisps of mes around her fading slightly, but she was victorious.
The wild Demony dead.
And Haec found a reason to live.
Author''s Note:
3,000 words.
So, I had this very cool idea in my head for the first Side Story, and... it was a lot harder to write than I thought.
Perhaps it''s because this was my first time writing Tragedy. I''m not really sure how to write a tragic short story, so I felt like it fell a little bit t. However, I''m not going to dwell on it. The only way I can improve my writing is to write more and experiment in different genres. This was apletely new genre to me, and I tried my hardest to write it well.
Anyway, these kinds of Side Stories will not bemon. Future Side Stories will mostly follow the typical side character POV type thing, including characters like Haec, Saffron, etc. This is supposed to be the Side Story forst month, and I know I''m a little bitte, however I am unfortunately a tiny bit busy between Uni, Ms, Salvos, and having a life outside of it all.
That means there''ll be another Side Story for this month, however, unlike this Side Story, it will only be avable to the $10 tier. That''s right, this is the first and only Side Story that will be made public. As mentioned before, my patreon tiers have changed and it is now as follows:
$1 - General Support, no reward but my gratitude.
$5 - ess to 19 Salvos chapters ahead on patreon, soon to be 20.
$10 - ess to Side Story chapters and lore stuff.
$20, $50, $69 - Vanity tier and a chance to contribute to the story in a significant way.
If any of this appeals to you, I do hope you consider supporting me on patreon. I am currently a full time student working as a full time author too, and I would really like to make writing my job after I finish Uni (soon this year) instead of going to Law School to be a Lawyer. Because I''ll be honest, I have heard a lot of horror stories from Lawyers I know, and I''d rather not... deal with that.
So consider supporting me here: /MsD
I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know what you think! This was meant to be a Tragedy, provide a bit of backstory on Haec, and explore the Netherworld even more since I really liked writing about that ce and the Demons in it!
The meaning of the names behind some of the characters here were quite obvious, but some are less so. Can you guess all of them?
Chapter 71: Minor Harassments
Chapter 71: Minor Harassments
71. Minor Harassments
And its also a tinum Rank Dungeon.
Edithe looked at me with serious eyes. Her brows arched darkly over her forehead. There was a moment of silence no sounds filled the room except for the beating of Mistshards wings as she flitted in the air above the Human woman.
I nced at Daniel and he slowly nodded. I smiled, turning back to Edithe.
Tell me where.
She sighed.
I knew you would say that. Its going to be dangerous, Salvos. I know youre Level 51, and youre a Demon, but fighting monsters 20 levels above you and not just swarm monsters like Giant Spiders or Shade Swarmers at that is dangerous. This wont be like our excursion into Silkfalls Crevice. You could actually almost lose your life.
I know.
I scoffed, shaking my head as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I pointed a thumb at myself.
I grew up in the Netherworld, Edithe. And every passing moment in that ce was a threat to my life. Every wild Demon I saw? They almost killed me. I would have to lie in the same spot with Haec for whats the equivalent of the Mortal Realms days before [Rest] could even let me move again.
Edithe blinked.
Are you serious?
Yep. I didnt realize how much time passed at first. Everything was so new to me moments passed like it was nothing. But now. Now that Ive spent time in the Mortal Realm
I paused, staring between mypanions all gathered in the room as my remained curled up.
I realize that time is precious. Thats why I will go to the Brilsum Ruins. I will find these Fairies. And I will make them tell me how I can travel between nes. Teach me their secret Skill or spell or whatever.
So youre doing this for your Demon friend. Haec?
And for you and Rachel too.
The Human woman gave me an odd look; I simply exined my reasoning.
Ever since we killed Lucerna, my leveling has slowed. And Daniel? I dont know about him. But Im pretty sure hes not anywhere closer to being stronger than me
Thats true. But Im not insane like you.
However, if I go to this tinum Rank Dungeon if I level just like I did before we fought Lucerna Ill be stronger. More powerful. Maybe I might even get my next evolution Im not sure what Ill be then. But I will be able to fight and defeat any of those Harrowed Vindicators that wille after you.
Her eyes slowly widened. I spoke definitively, doing my best to reassure her. She nced down at the marble floor and opened her mouth.
You dont have to worry so much about me, Salvos. Im a Gold Rank adventurer too, you know?
I know, I know. But I care about you. As do I care about Mistshard, Druma, and Rachel.
What about me?
Daniel piped up from the side. I gave him a stinky eye.
Huh? Who are you again?
Ok, I was just asking for that.
Shouldnt have called me stupid!
I grinned his way. He sighed and Editheughed. Iughed with her as Daniel crossed his arms with a scowl.
Are you on her side now? Arent we both Humans here?
Well, yes, but Salvos and I are both women.
So gender is more important than Species then? Alright, fine! Druma, back me up!
The [Yaksha] cocked his head, confused by what was going on. I giggled and walked up to Daniel, hugging him from behind. He backed up, sputtering.
What are you
I was joking.
I spoke simply, patting him on the back. Then I let go of him before he would get mad and push me off.
I care about you a lot too.
He averted his gaze and covered his face.
T-thanks.
I turned back to Edithe, smiling happily at her.
So, dont worry about us. Just give us a map. Well go to this tinum Dungeon and be back as soon as we can.
The Human woman shook her head, huffing.
Its not like youll listen to me if I tell you not to go, will you?
Nope!
I cheerfully rebuked her.
And here I thought I was going to be losing my ss and breaking my contract with Druma and Mistshard today. Alright you two, you can return to the Spirit ne. Ill call upon youter.
Druma stood up, nodding and stepped into the summoning pool. Edithe raised a hand and mana coalesced around her fingertips. I watched as arge strand of mana was pulled and the pool began to glow.
Dont you need a [Priest] to do that?
Only to start a summoning ritual. Sending them back is far easier.
Mistshard pped her wings, slowly descending down next to the [Yaksha]. I waved at them.
Bye Druma! Bye Mistshard! See you next time!
Goodbye, Salvos. I will miss your presence until then.
The summoning pool shone brighter and an image appeared on the other side. The two sunk through the water and suddenly they were no longer here. A momentter, the image vanished.
Edithe took a step back and pped her hands together.
Well then, lets go back to the Valiant Dreamers Company, shall we?
Yay! Im going to be leveling again!
I turned excitedly to Daniel. For whatever reason, he was not happy about it as I was.
Yay more near death experiences.
At least its better than a death experience!
Well, yes. Because Id be dead.
--
Edithe, Daniel, and I left the Sanctum of Elements after briefly speaking with William. The [Priest] smiled kindly at the Human woman and spoke with her as Daniel and I descended down the steps of the temple.
Im d youve found more people who care about you.
Thank you.
After you came back when you told me about Paul and Hana
Its alright.
She cut him off.
Im fine now. Thank you, William.
The red haired woman nodded at him and he paused. Slowly, he bowed his head.
Then we were off. We passed through the city square, heading back in the direction of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Until we werent.
I saw the building the same warehouse that we left in the morning, which even had Ian and Paige guarding out front but we didnt enter it.
Hey, Paige! Have you seen Baris?
Hes at the training grounds. Left just an hour ago. Are you looking for that map you mentioned this morning?
Edithe nodded.
We are. Does he have it?
Brought it back with him from the Adventurers Guild, but since you werent here he brought it with him so he wouldnt lose it. Those damn assholes came back again today, you know?
They did?
Tried harassing us, but Ian chased them off. Bunch of Silver Ranks. What even is the Iron Champions Company doing sending such idiots to mess with us?
I blinked and turned to Edithe.
Whats happening with the Iron Champions Company?
Nothing in particr. Just some harassment. A bit of vandalism and theft. Nothing too bad.
I stared at her for a moment. She tried to brush it off, but I still picked up on it.
Is this because of what I did because I stole that map?
Edithe hesitated, chewing her lower lip. I gave her a worried look and she sighed.
It is. But its not your fault. The Iron Champions Company and the Valiant Dreamers Company have never gotten along. And dont forget, the reason why I was in Hazelbury was to do exactly what you ended up doing. Just with a little more subtlety.
She grinned and I scowled, throwing my hands up.
You didnt specify!
Well, you know better now, at least.
I do! I think
That does not inspire any confidence in me.
Ediotheughed as I hesitated. She patted my shoulder.
Its fine. The Iron Champions Company wont try anything else. Theyre just trying to intimidate us, thats all.
Yeah! Nothing more than a couple of low levels trying to make some extra silver hase to bother us!
Paige raised an arm, grinning. Edithe nodded.
There you have it.
If you say so
We continued past the warehouse the Valiant Dreamers Companys headquarters and made our way out of the city. I turned to the red haired woman, raising an eyebrow.
Where are we going?
To our training grounds. Its just outside of the city thats where the bulk of our lower leveled members are.
The receptionist at the Adventurers Guild did mention something like that.
Daniel mused out loud.
Were a bigpany. Spread out across multiple countries, although were biggest here in the Sunmere Republic. And especially here in Viechester we get a lot of new recruits every year.
Huh.
I nodded slowly as we trudged up a hill. We soon arrived at argeplex no, it was more than just a singleplex. There were multiple different buildings of different shapes and sizes. One was a long rectangr shaped building with quite a few people going in and out of it probably where they slept since Humans loved sleeping and another appeared to be the main structure in the training grounds.
Is everyone here part of thepany? Because there are a lot of Humans. This is like a small vige!
In a sense, yes. Half of the people here are trainees. They arent exactly part of thepany yet not until they graduate.
So this is like an academy?
Kind of. But not really. Anyway, once you graduate, you be a full, true member of thepany. And thats it were not very hierarchical. All members are dreamers.
More sleeping.
I groaned. Edithe chuckled and led us through herpanys training grounds. Quite a few gazes turned to us as we made our way through some young looking Humans pointed, and others whispered. It wasnt adoration, however. More simply people pointing out a rare sight.
Like if I picked up a ck rock instead of a gray rock.
The other half are mostly people hired to work here. To cook, clean, and maintain the training grounds. And the rest are volunteers from thepany.
You guys dont get paid to do this?
We dont get paid to do a lot of things, Daniel.
Ah, right. I forgot that was your whole shtick.
Its more than just a shtick. Its a principle. If we all just live for the sake of ourselves and our own advancements, wed be no different from the Iron Champions Company.
You really dislike them, dont you?
I used to only dislike them a little bit. Now though after their constant minor harassments I dislike them a lot more.
Of course.
Edithe shrugged and entered the main building, followed by Daniel. I was a step behind them, taking a moment to observe some people swinging at each other out on the other side in a field.
Why are they attacking each other? Are they enemies?
Theyre sparring, Salvos. Training each other to be stronger.
The Human woman replied.
Huh. Why would they do that when they can just level?
It helps train General Skills. And sometimes you might gain an additional Stat bonus. But also, its the whole concept of bad advancements I told you about. People do this to level safely or meet better ss advancement requirements without putting themselves in danger.
Oh! Then they can be some kind of [Super Warrior]!
In a way, yes. We also have books records on what kind General Skills or ss build would lead to certain better sses. But theyre hard. So it takes time.
My gaze zed around therge hall it was some kind of dining room mixed with a hall and stopped at a Human who was staring at me rather intensely. I cocked my head at him, and he quickly turned away. Whats with him?
I wasnt really a part of the Valiant Dreamers Company or at least in any meaningful way until I became Gold. So because of that, I didnt have a good ss advancement. Honestly, a part of me had been hoping you epted my third offer earlier.
For you to revert back to a ssless Level 10?
It would have let me get better advancements. Right now, Im not really anything special notpared to you and Daniel.
The Human man blinked and raised his hand defensively.
Im not special either, Edithe. Salvos is, but certainly not me.
She snorted.
Learn some humility and just ept thepliment, will you? Anyway, were here. Baris is over there talking with some of the trainees.
I saw the old, blonde man standing on some elevated tform a stage as he spoke loudly to a group of Level 10 to 20 adventurers. They listened to his words as he lectured them on the values of thepany and how they should always strive to uphold them.
...and I know many of you are young, and unfortunately, life will trample over you one day. It may be now, or it may be decades from now. But
Lets spar while waiting!
I suggested to Daniel who was grabbing a piece of bread from a nearby table that had food strewn all over it for anyone to take. He gave me a nk look.
Absolutely not.
Baris is giving a speech, but hell be done soon. Plus, youll draw too much of amotion. Just wait a moment and we can grab that map for you.
Edithe chewed on a mouthful of food as I grimaced.
Fine! But I wont eat!
You sure? Its delicious.
She held up a grilled piece of meat stuck onto a wooden stick. I turned away and stepped back.
No oops.
I bumped into a man passing by. He had been carrying a tray with drinks on it and almost spilled it. Somehow, he caught it midair and nced back up at me.
S-sorry.
No, that was my fault wait arent you
He quickly looked up and murmured another apology before hurrying off. I blinked.
Huh.
Whats wrong, Salvos?
That man just now, does he work here?
Not sure. Seems like a helper. Why?
He was giving me a weird look earlier.
Edithe frowned and Daniels gaze snapped at me from the apple he was eyeing.
What? Are you saying hes a creep? Did he try to touch you?
She walked up to me and gave me a worried look. I narrowed my eyes as there was a light apuse in the background.
...and dont forget to dream on!
No, it was a strange look. It seemed like he was trying to identify me. But why would he do that?
He had only been Level 13. In a nonbat ss at that. However, he seemed wary of me. Or was he aware of me?
Daniels eyes widened.
You dont think hes part of the Harrowed Vindicators, do you?
Edithe frowned.
Not a chance. Not only is an Obfuscation artifact like that expensive, we only get new hires around the same time we get new trainees. But we havent gotten any new trainees since the Iron Champions Company began ramping up their petty thefts and
There was a thud, followed by a scream. Voices of panic quickly spread throughout the hall. Edithe gasped as she turned to see the source of the noise.
Barisy copsed on the ground. Someone shouted for a [Healing Mage]. The man from earlier ran across the room, heading for the exit.
All was chaos. Everything was moving so quickly. There was not enough time to register what happened.
And I activated [Self Haste].
Chapter 72: Caught!
Chapter 72: Caught!
72. Caught!
Barisy copsed on the ground with a spilled drink next to him as he sped at his neck. He was turning and writhing while someone shouted for a [Healing Mage]. Another hurried over with a potion, calling and pointing at a quick moving figure running through the room.
The man from earlier the Level 13 nonbatant was speeding through the room. He hopped over tables and chairs with ease, moving past the low leveled adventurers as if they were moving in some kind of slowed state.
Daniel reached for his sword and Edithe raised a hand. But they, too, were very slow. In fact, the man, whoever he was, was not moving very fast either.
After all, I had activated [Self Haste].
So, hes not that much higher leveled than me, huh? He had to have been hiding his true ss and levels. And while he was quick, he either did not specialize in speed, or his level was close to mine. That means not much experience, but
I nced over at my Humanpanions. They were speaking! Not as fast as they usually did. But I already knew what they were going to say.
[Deadly Instincts] did not inform me of what they were going to tell me; it did not make me prescient, and it mostly helped me out inbat situations such as alerting me of threats or vital spots to target. However, I had gotten used to being around Humans. So I knew they were going to ask me to stop the man.
And I did!
[Charge of Embers] sent me flying forward even faster than I could with [Self Haste] alone. I brought my right hand out, trying to strike him with my arm to catch him. However, just mere moments before I reached the man, his eyes widened and he turned fractionally back to face me.
I swung and missed. He went under the attack and I narrowed my eyes. A Skill? It had activated at thest second, allowing him to move out of the way at insane speeds even I couldnt match. However can you do it again?
The blue mes covering my body vanished and I spun around, sweeping at the mans legs. He hopped over it, trying to stumble forward and away from me. A kind of diamond shaped dagger appeared on his right hand as he nced my way.
But he did not expect to see burning chains swinging for his head.
The man managed to move out of the way in time to not get tangled in the magically created bindings, however I twisted it and pulled down at his hand. The chains caught his dagger and pulled it from him, disarming him before he could strike me.
Then, just as he pulled away to flee, a bolt of lightning zapped him in the back. The man staggered right into a long swords sh. The weapon was caught in his clothes it was enchanted but still it tore open and left a gash across his chest.
He jumped back from Daniels followup attack and dodged another spell from Edithe. And I kicked him.
I was on him in moments, [Self Haste] still active, letting me wrestle him onto the ground and knock another dagger off his hand. Then as I created my own fire dagger, he produced another dagger, and it was then my [Passive - Deadly Instincts] red in my head.
He was so close the tip of the de so near to me it could nick me even if I was stronger than him. And if it touched me
Baris groaned in the background as I exploded into mes. [Ignition] burned the man as he tried to stab me. But whatever it was that had been on his dagger no longer worked. The mes burned it off.
I brought my own weapon down. Once, twice
And he stopped moving. I frowned.
Defeated [Poisonviper Assassin - Lvl. 55]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Huh.
That was not enough to kill him. Did he I stood up, stepping away from the body. Daniel walked up to my side as Edithe tried to calm the crowd of onlookers the adventurers here were all low leveled. And the sight of a corpse sent a few reeling back.
An assassin think he was part of the Harrowed Vindicators?
I dont know.
I shook my head.
But he killed himself.
What?
I nodded as Daniel stared at me.
He didnt want to be caught. He did not even want to fight. And the moment I got him he stopped struggling.
The Human man looked down at the dead assassin and frowned. The [Poisonviper Rogue] had been struck by lightning, burned, and cut multiple times. Yet, his eyes were rolled back his head hanging crooked as his mouth foamed open.
He poisoned himself.
Daniel observed and I agreed.
The Harrowed Vindicators did not do that. And they would have no reason to attack Baris.
Then who do you think did this?
Edithe spoke up from behind me. The red haired woman was breathing rtively heavily she hadnt done much, but she had a panicked look on her face, constantly casting nces at Baris who was now receiving treatment from someone.
The Iron Champions Company.
I replied simply. She bit her lower lip, clenching her fists.
And why do you think it is them?
I tilted my head up, remembering Stephen. The threat the tinum Rank had given. He reminded me so much of the horned Demon way back when I was still trying to get rid of Haec. So ruthless.
The only concern there was for his own interests. Even if it meant acting like a wild Demon. That was it.
Because thats how they are.
That was all I said. Edithe and Daniel somehow understood what I meant; I thought they would be weird and be confused, but they epted it.
--
Dad!
Hadrian burst into the room, speaking hurriedly as he nced at the bed Baris was lying in. Daniel, Edithe, and I were standing in a corner as a [Healing Mage] tended to the older blonde man.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company rushed to the side of his father, not even ncing so much at the three of us. The [Healing Mage] held him back.
Hes alive, but sleeping. Dont touch him, or youll wake him up. He needs the rest now.
What happened? Who did this?
He whirled around and turned to Edithe. The red haired woman hesitated.
An assassin. We dont know who did it, but we think it might be the Iron Champions Company.
The Iron Champions Company? Are they insane are they trying to start a war with ourpany?
A war? You cant be serious, Hadrian.
Edithe sputtered, stepping forward.
You know what happens when adventuringpanies go to war, right?
Its nothingpared to a war between nations. We do not attack civilians, and only target their members. Take their jobs. Run them to the ground.
But innocent people will still get hurt. Or do you think a fight between twopanies of our size wont affect anyone uninvolved? Baris wouldnt want this.
Hadrian clicked his tongue and turned away. Neither adventurers said anything. I cocked my head, facing Daniel to ask a question. But before I could say anything, there was a cough.
A voice croaked as a rustle apanied it.
D-dont talk about me as if Ive already died, brat.
Hadrian blinked and all faces turned to Baris. He sat up, coughing into a hand. The [Healing Mage] spoke hurriedly.
Sir, you shouldnt be overexerting yourself
Im fine. I know what I can and cannot do.
I-I yes.
The older blonde man shook his head, coughing once more. He took in a pained breath and sighed.
Whats this about a war, huh?
He looked at Edithe and she blinked.
I, uh, didnt suggest that. It was Hadrian.
Yeah, dad, I think you mixed us up.
Well, my age must be getting to me. But if thats the case, then Edithe is right. Do not go to war with the Iron Champions Company. You know what happened when the Forsaken Company and the Remembered Order Company fought each other.
Hadrian hesitated.
But
My word is final, boy. You may be in charge right now, but I take care of everything else. If you go to war, I will die right here.
Dad!
The younger blonde man sputtered, but Baris justughed.
And its not like you have proof either, do you?
We dont but the assassin
What happened to him?
He shook his head, and turned to me.
You apprehended the assassin, didnt you? I saw you moved fast.
I did!
I eximed, happy that my actions were recognized. Even though I had preemptively acted knowing that Daniel and Edithe would ask me to do something, neither praised me.
How did you see me? I thought you were hurt!
Bah, I was caught off guard. I realized a moment toote that the drink was poisoned. I spat some out, but it took effect quickly. Im guessing the assassin didnt n to give as much of a dosage as he did.
I tapped a finger on my chin, remembering how I identally bumped into him.
He probably did. He messed up, didnt he?
Pretty bad. This is a slow working poison. The kind used to get around [Passive - Poison Resistance]. So its a good thing he botched his attempt. Where is he now?
He killed himself. We didnt catch him, however I got this though!
I held up a ne. It was simr to the ne I had around my neck. Except, it was even better.
[Ne of Greater Obfuscation: High Grade - Used to disguise sses, Levels, and even Subspecies or Species from most appraisals.]
I was pretty sure this was what Daniel had.
Its probably very expensive.
Hrmph. May I see it?
Baris grunted, rubbing his chin as I handed it to him.
You cant keep it though. Its mine.
Of course.
He nodded without much of a reaction. He flipped it around and eyed an inscription at the back of it. His lips curled up.
Ah, there it is.
What is that?
I peered over his shoulder, moving past the [Healing Mage] who tried to pull me back. Hadrian stepped behind me too.
Dad, whats wrong?
This is certainly the work of the Iron Champions Company. Theyre a gaudy bunch. Very arrogant. And they like to mark their creations after all, that was how they rose to fame.
Thats
Their mark. See? Three stripes, like bars of iron. For all the goods and artifacts they produce, they inscribe it somewhere onto it.
Then this is enough proof, isnt it?
Hadrian nced down at his father.
This isnt just any ordinary item. Its expensive. And its not something theyd normally produce. This proves it was them.
And what are you going to do?
The older man raised a brow.
Edithe is right. We cant go to war with them.
But we cant just sit idly by after they did this.
And we arent. We just have to hit back where it hurts
Baris coughed and spat out some blood. Hadrian called out in a panic, but the [Healing Mage] was on the older man in an instant.
This is why I said not to overexert yourself
The [Healing Mage] sighed. Baris coughed again,
Urk, this poison is still in my system. Only Gabriel will know how to get it out.
Gabriel?
I inquired with a curious look. Edithe nodded at me.
Ourpanys highest leveled [Alchemist]. But hes not here right now. He went to the Motharis Mountain Range, didnt he? To gather ingredients.
Yes. He always had terrible timing, urk
Baris copsed onto the bed and the [Healing Mage] quickly began casting a spell.
I cant remove poison. Thats not my specialty.
Then we just need to send someone to get Gabriel back.
Hadrian spoke through gritted teeth.
If we get Ian or Paige but then whod be protecting our headquarters. If the Iron Champions Company decides to try something else
We can do it.
Daniel cut him off. The blonde man blinked, taken aback. And I was too.
Wait what?
Think about it, Salvos. We were nning to go to the Motharis Mountain Range, werent we? And theyre helping us already, arent they? We need to pay them back somehow. This is how.
But we dont even know who this Gabriel is, or where hes at!
I protested. Edithe stepped up.
Neither do we. But we have [Rogues] and [Mages] specialized in tracking. We just have to find him and protect the trackers. We dont even have to bring him back ourselves. He can protect them and head back with them once weve found him.
Wait, dont tell me you want to do this too? I know Daniel is weird, but not you too!
This mypany, Salvos. I
Youre not going anywhere.
Baris interrupted her, craning his neck up. She turned to him with a surprised face.
Baris
Didnt you make a promise to your friends?
What?
Blinking, Edithe turned to ask. She pointed at herself.
I did?
Yes. You told them you were going to protect the girl, werent you? Rachel.
I
She trailed off. I nodded eagerly.
Exactly! And I need to go find some Fairies! So we definitely cant do this!
But its the right thing to do, Salvos.
Daniel spoke up from the side. I stared at him, sputtering.
But why?
He shrugged.
Because thats just how I am. I dont just act out of my own selfish self interest. And you dont too, do you?
I hesitated. I nced down at the lying old man, then at Edithe who wore a worried look on her face. Hadrian was nothing like the man I met just yesterday now, instead clenching his jaw as he held his head in his hands.
Im not a wild Demon, am I? I was not ruthless. And neither was I going to only serve my self interest if it meant being mindlessly tied to what I wanted. I sighed.
Fine, well do it.
Chapter 73: Going on a Trip
Chapter 73: Going on a Trip
73. Going on a Trip
He wont fully recover until he gets an antidote made to directly counteract the poison in his bloodstream. Even with his levels and his Skills aiding him, its a losing battle.
But youre a [Healing Mage], arent you? Cant you do anything about it?
Best I can do is dy the inevitable. And one way I can do that is by ensuring he doesnt force himself too much like he did yesterday.
So, what youre saying is that all we can do right now is wait for Gabriel to return and cure him?
The two Human men craned their necks in my direction, giving me a quick nce. The [Healing Mage], Stannis, nodded.
Yes.
That was all he said. He let the words sink in, leaving Hadrian alone by himself as he took his leave and exited the room. Daniel and I were waiting off to the side we were once again outside of Viechester, at the Valiant Dreamers Companys training grounds located a few miles away from the city.
Hadrian had sent for us he wanted to check on his father onest time before we embarked on our job. And that was to head to the Motharis Mountain Range with trackers from theirpany to find a high leveled [Alchemist] named Gabriel who was gathering ingredients there.
Supposedly, it was convenient for us to do this because we were heading to a Dungeon deep in the mountain range in the first ce. But from my point of view it only made it inconvenient!
Sure, I could understand Daniels argument when he told me we had to do something that went beyond serving our own self interests especially since the Valiant Dreamers Company had opted to help us with protecting Rachel. I also could somewhat see what he meant when he said it was the right thing to do.
But it was anything but convenient!
We werent even sure where this Gabriel was, so we had no idea if he was on the way to the Brilsum Ruins our destination or far off in the opposite direction! We just knew he was somewhere in the Motharis Mountain Range. Which was arge expanse ofnd that stretched a thousand miles!
I did not fullyprehend its size, but I knew I couldnt run the entire way without resting. So that had to be pretty long, right?
Hadrian approached Daniel and I after the [Healing Mage] left, rubbing his temples as he sighed.
I still cant believe this happened.
You did not expect the Iron Champions Company to do this?
I cocked my head and he nodded.
I did not and neither did my father. We were always opposed to them, however to think they would target Baris they want war.
And you wont give it to them.
I spoke simply, remembering the conversation from yesterday.
We will not.
Hadrian nced between me and mypanion we were both dressed to leave, although we still had to return to the city to say our goodbyes to Edithe and Rachel. The blonde man was apprehensive.
Ms Salvos, Mr Daniel
Im Salvos. Or Princess Salvos. Theres no in between.
Right. Salvos. I am putting my trust in you two to save my father. Well have a [Mage] specialized in scrying spells to apany you to track Gabriel down. And a [Hunter] too. Honestly, it would be a lot easier if we just had a high leveled [Scryer], but the best ones we have in the Eastern Kingdoms, helping out the Remembered Order Company. It would take a ry of [Short Range Messages] that takes days to get there, and theyll be too far too effectively pinpoint Gabriels location in a way that is more effective than if you just go now.
Hadrian aired a lot of information at once. Daniel blinked and I simply gave the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company a nk stare. He nced between us and shook his head.
Sorry. Been very stressedtely. Just know that youre doing us a massive favor by doing this. Were incredibly short handed right now and we cant just spare our Gold Ranks by sending them to the Motharis Mountain Range. The Valiant Dreamers Company will be in your debt for this.
He bowed deeply and Daniel ced a hand on his shoulder. They locked gazes as the [Hero] spoke resolutely.
If anything, we owe you for what youve already done for us. And well just be paying back the favor. Dont worry, well find Gabriel and bring him back.
Hadrian straightened, looking more reassured now. He chuckled as he walked out of the room, us following behind him.
You dont have to bring him back. Just find him and tell him to return. He can hold his own.
Wait, isnt he an [Alchemist]?
The blonde man winked.
A high leveled one.
--
We arrived in the city of Viechester soon after, returning to the Valiant Dreamers headquarters. There, we met Rachel and Edithe waiting just outside of the gates with Ian and Paige standing guard as usual.
Hadrian entered through, telling us that he would fetch the two adventurers who would be apanying and helping us find Gabriel. As he left, I walked up to Rachel and Edithe the former of which was struggling to break free from thetters grasps.
Salvos you arent actually going to leave me here, right? Please bring me with you!
I stared at the girl as she desperately fought to get to me. Daniel stepped up behind me.
You cante with us, Rachel. Its too dangerous for you.
But I was with you when you fought that Demon! And when those mean assassins came for you! Please take me with you!
Rachel pulled with all her might onest time and finally gave up. Edithe might have been a [Mage], but she was still Level 55. Her [Strength] very easily quadrupled Rachels who was a ssless [Human] ording to my [Identification].
The little girl sniffled, and turned a pleading snot-covered face to me. I bit my tongue.
I"
I really wanted her toe. However, that was what I wanted. It was not safe for her to follow us. Especially if we were to enter a tinum Ranked Dungeon.
She would surely die.
Im sorry, Rachel.
I spoke softly, lowering myself to meet her gaze. She blinked not realizing what I said for a moment. Then she broke out into tears, wailing and crying as Edithe held her in a hug.
I nced up at the red haired woman.
Please take care of her.
She nodded.
Dont worry. I will protect her with my life.
I shook my head.
Protect yourself too. The Harrowed Vindicators are tough and the Iron Champions Company is ruthless. Dont let your guard down.
Edithes eyes widened slightly. And she took a deep breath.
Right. Well be fine.
I trust you. Youre mypanion.
I smiled and hugged her once again. Then I stepped back and let Daniel say what he had to say too. He tried reassuring the girl that we would be fine, then he hugged Edithe too. And just as he was finishing, Hadrian returned with two adventurers following behind him.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company stopped before me, nodding back at the Level 38 [Archer] and the Level 35 [Mage] with him. High Silvers, I observed. Arent they supposed to be cowardly or something? Are they being forced toe with us?
This is Sophia and Cless. Theyll be the ones searching for Gabriel to bring him back. You just have to keep them safe from the high leveled monsters in the Motharis Mountain Range. Think of it like a kind of escort mission.
The two Humans a woman and a man respectively greeted me without meeting my eyes. I frowned, realizing that they didnt look particrly pleased to meet me. So they are being forced! I deduced with a snap of my fingers.
They nced up at the sound and I waved a hand.
Hello! Im Salvos.
Right Sophia, Cless, this is Salvos and Daniel. They are Gold Ranks. And not just any ordinary Golds. Theyre quite famous adventurers in Nixa.
Well, I wouldnt say were famous. More like famous in one small part of it, and somewhat known in the rest of the country.
Daniel walked up beside me and held out a hand.
Its a pleasure to be working with you.
I had thought his greeting wasnt unusual. In fact, he seemed to be politer than usual. However, neither of the other Humans seemed to take it too kindly.
Sophia clicked her tongue and Cless slowly shook Daniels hand without so much as looking his way.
Cless. Likewise.
Are we going to waste anymore time on saying hello? Or are we going to get going before Baris croaks from old age rather than the poison.
The [Archer] or rather, she was supposed to be some sort of tracker [Hunter] stalked ahead with her arms crossed. Herpanion grunted in agreement and followed after her only turning around to give us a look as if to ask us to hurry it up.
Hadrianughed strangely and scratched the back of his head.
As you can see, theyre a bit overexcited about this. And I cant me them for wanting to rush. Im worried about my father too. I do hope you make this trip with haste and find Gabriel before anything worse happens.
I nodded cheerfully, my face brimming with a smile.
I have [Self Haste]!
Thats not what he meant, Salvos. But yes, well try to get to this [Alchemist] of yours as soon as possible.
Hadrian bowed his head once again.
Thank you.
And with that, Daniel and I were off. Rachel was no longer crying although she was now being carried by Edithe and clinging to her shoulders. The two waved at us as we made our way down the street, following the two Silvers out of the city.
It was only when we left Viechester did I turn to them.
So, you two are good at finding people, huh?
Mhm.
We are.
Sophia made a sound and Cless curtly nodded. I tapped a finger on my chin as the two suddenly sped up, walking ahead of Daniel and I in a faster pace down the sinuous dirt path cutting through a thin forest.
Hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to find someone in the Spirit ne, would you be able to find them?
I stopped right in front of them and they exchanged a nce. The [Archer] harrumphed and quickly stalked past me while the [Mage] frowned.
I dont believe thats possible. Please dont ask us to do impossible things.
Huh.
Cless hurried after hispanion as Daniel slowly made his way to my side once again.
Salvos, are you irritating them on purpose? Or are you just being dense again?
What do you mean? I think they like me!
No.
He spoke simply. As if it were an axiomatic fact of the world.
They do not like us.
Aw. Why not?
Dont know. But I can pick up on simple social cues such as trying to avoid us, unlike you.
Hey! Im getting better!
To be fair, you really are.
I sighed, looking ahead at the two Silver Ranked adventurers as they entered under the canopy of trees, now covered by a light shadow as they were obscured from the sun. I squinted.
I think I know why theyre unhappy.
Because they woke up on the wrong side of the bed?
Id be pretty upset too if I had to sleep! But no, its because theyre being forced to go on this job.
Daniel looked at me dubiously, but I insisted he listened to my point before making a snarkyment.
Look, Silvers are pretty cowardly, right? Thats what Ive been hearing since I came here. The very first Humans I met wereining about Silvers!
man, people really hate Silvers, dont they?
And since theyre Silvers, theyre probably scared of dying to some monsters stronger than them
Im pretty sure everyones scared of dying to a monster thats strong than them
You get my point, right?
I crossed my arms and faced my Humanpanion. He nced ahead at the two adventurers far off in the distance. They were nearly gone from view almost out of sight. Then he slowly nodded.
I think I get it. Youre saying they dont actually want to do this.
Exactly! Theyre either being forced or they have no other choice!
Daniel rubbed at his chin understandingly as I beamed. We both spoke up at the same time.
That means we should
leave them be and just go to the Brilsum Ruins instead!
The Human man stared at me. I blinked innocently back at him. But he continued staring.
Finally, after a moment, I scowled and threw my hands in the air.
...or we can be nice Humans and tell them well protect them and ensure they dont die.
Good girl.
Dont make me punch you.
I was joking. Please dont. Id like to have kids one day.
Sophia nced back at the dirt road behind her and Cless, seeing no one was there. The brown haired woman nodded to herself then turned to the [Mage].
I think we lost them.
Good.
He grunted, not even looking away from the path ahead of them. It made sense that the two adventurers would be able to lose those Gold Ranks that were following them. In the first ce, they werent even being reimbursed for the job, so they probably were only doing this half-heartedly.
In addition to that, Sophia and Cless both had high [Agility]. They might not have been as fast as a [Rogue] at their levels, but they certainly could move faster than any clunky [Warrior] on the battlefield, even if they were Gold Ranks.
Neither of the two were specialized forbat. And that meant the only way they could survive outside of the city was moving quickly and nimbly, avoiding monsters and supporting their allies from the back.
But right now, neither of them really wanted to have anyone else with them.
I still cant believe that that idiot Hadrian didnt listen to us when we told him we could find Gabriel on our own. What does he think of us as babies? We dont need babysitters to apany us. Especially not anyone from outside of thepany. Were almost Gold Ranks ourselves. We can survive a quick trip to the Motharis Mountain Range.
Hes still incapable as a leader. Dont forget that he was only handle the mantle of being the head of the Valiant Dreamers Company just recently, because his father was starting to see signs of his old age catching up to him.
Cless nodded in agreement as Sophia huffed, arms crossed.
I bet it was his fault this happened to Baris too. What kind of ipetent idiot doesnt pass background checks on the servers and chefs were hiring to work at the training grounds of all ces! One poisoned barrel of ale, and the entirepany would have been crippled.
Indeed. Were lucky the Iron Champions Company themselves arent the most intelligent either.
We just have to get this job done and tell Baris of our deeds. Then maybe he will finally promote us to Gold.
Cless wrinkled a brow and turned to her. She blinked.
What?
Nothing. I was just wondering why you havent been promoted just yet. Youve already advanced your ss, havent you?
I have. When I hit Level 35. And only Baris and Hadrian knows about it. It makes no sense to me either! Any otherpany would celebrate and hold a party for the promotion of one of their members if they got a ss advancement before 40. Especially for a rare ss like mine.
[Centinel Hunter], right?
Yep. Got it from tracking down a bunch of [Older Centinels] that had ravaged a town over at the border with Elutra. Led a group of tinum Ranks to a Centinels camp. Thanks to me, they were all found and killed to thest.
Isnt a ss like that a little too specialized?
Sophia shrugged.
It gave good Stats.
Once weve found Gabriel, well have to ask Baris to give you a promotion. Its unfair how Hadrian has had you doing mundane jobs for the past three months after finding out youve advanced. And we dont get our promotion? Well leave thepany.
That stopped the young woman in her tracks. She stared at the man as he finally turned to face her he flicked his red hair back and met her gaze.
You cant be serious, right?
I am.
But weve been in thepany for years!
And we have never been appreciated, nor have they tried to cultivate our talents. Think about it, Soph, there are otherpanies out there that would be more than willing to take us in.
Like who?
She asked, frowning. The [Mage] replied simply.
The Forsaken Company. Theyre one of the Three Honorable Companies. And they ept anyone and everyone into their ranks.
They also have to deal with the undead hordesing out of the gunds! And are the first in line to fight off a Kobold invasion!
I know theyre not the safest to work with. But it was just one suggestion. There are many others we can join too, alright? Just think about it. Once were done with this mission, weve effectively proven ourselves to be Gold Ranks. The Motharis Mountain Range is full of monsters above Level 40. If that still doesnt earn us the recognition we deserve, then nothing will.
Sophia hesitated, chewing her lower lip. Eventually, she felt her shoulders sag as she agreed with Cless.
Youre right. But thats not going to happen. Well prove ourselves here and get our promotion. We just have to find Gabriel.
I hope youre righte on. Once we see those tall mountains in the distance, Ill activate my [Scry Direction] Skill. It should lead us to the general location where that crazy [Alchemist] is at. And once were close by, your tracking Skills should be enough to help us find him.
The two nodded and started forward once again, picking up the pace. They reached the end of the forest path, exiting the canopy of trees and entering back out to bask in the sunlight
There you are!
They stopped in their tracks. Blinking, Sophia rubbed at her eyes as Cless took a step back in shock. In front of them stood the two Gold Ranks Salvos and Daniel waiting by arge rock. Well, one of them was standing beside the boulder and shaking his head, the other was standing on top of it with her hands on her hips.
Salvos hopped off the rock and skipped a step to them. She threw her arms around their shoulders and sighed in relief.
When you two disappeared, I thought you got lost! I searched the entire forest for you but couldnt find you! Then Daniel suggested I climb something to get a better view to see if I could spot you two and it worked!
Corrtion is not causation, Salvos. Also, what I meant was for you to climb a tree. Or something taller than a six foot rock. You couldve climbed on my shoulders to achieve the same results.
Sophia found herself at a loss for words for a moment, then realized she was still being held by the silver haired woman. She struggled to pull herself loose, but found herself locked into a tight grip that refused to budge.
Im so d you two didnt run away.
Salvos sighed, finally releasing them. The [Centinel Hunter] stumbled forward as Cless tripped away and fell to the ground. The two Silvers red at the [Rogue] and sputtered.
What is wrong with you? What are you doing?!
She cocked her head.
Me? I was just worried you two ran away and because of that we wouldnt be able to find Gabriel. Or that you were eaten by some angry monster.
Sophia stared, working her jaw. Does she think that lowly of us just because shes a Gold Rank?! She gritted her teeth.
The young woman opened her mouth, angerpelling her to say many things she probably should not say. But before she could speak, Salvos pped her hands together cheerfully.
I know you two dont want to do this job, but dont worry! Daniel and I promise we will protect you and make sure you dont die! Isnt that right, Daniel?
The other Gold Rank nodded. He gave them a reassuring look.
Salvos may not act like it, but shes incredibly strong. And I am a decent fighter myself. Well do our best to make sure you dont have to fight a single monster in the Motharis Mountain Range.
Salvos and Daniel seemed to give each other a knowing nce. As if they did something they thought was right. Satisfied with what they said, the two turned around and began continuing down the path heading northward.
And they left Sophia and Cless behind, staring and at a loss of words.
Chapter 74: Trial of Fire
Chapter 74: Trial of Fire
74. Trial of Fire
I often wondered why Daniel constantly insisted on doing the right thing. The reason why he attacked me when I first met him was because he thought I was a rampaging Demon and stopping me was the right thing to do. Then he chose to help me go back to the Netherworld because it was the right thing although he has not really been too helpful so far.
And the whole situation with stopping [Cultists] and saving Rachel while all helping us with furthering that goal all yed some part in getting some of the right thing done.
When I found out he was a [Hero], I assumed it had something to do with his ss. Or maybe he felt like it was necessary to live up to his ss. But now I realized that neither of that was the case.
The reason why he wanted to do the right thing every single time was simple: it felt good.
I swayed my head back and forth with crity as Daniel, Sophia, and Cless stared at me from across the campfire. I had help set it up for them with my magic, impressing the two Silvers with my fire creation Skill before they began to do the usual Human thing of eating.
No one had really said anything throughout the dinner. Sophia and Cless were still awed by the speech I had given them earlier and hadnt said much all day. Meanwhile, Daniel tried to tease me into eating some food and I made sure to show my discontent with his joke by punching him.
Lightly.
Unfortunately, it seemed like a Humansher region was really their weak point, since he hadnt been saying much since then.
Maybe I should apologize, I thought, tilting my head up to look at the stars above. Nope. He definitely deserved it, I decided not a moment after.
If getting hit down there was what a Human hated the most, then eating was what I hated the most. It physically made me sick. My body rejected it all.
Once the meal was finished, Daniel retired to bed with a whimper and Cless followed soon after. It left Sophia and I around the campfire, and the Human woman wanted me to go to sleep.
Ill keep watch. I promise. Im a [Hunter]. Im good at spotting things.
I can do it! Just sleep and get your [Rest] up! Ill wake you all up in the morning when its time to leave!
She hesitated, raising an eyebrow at me.
Dont you need to sleep too?
I smiled, not replying to thatment.
Just sleep!
I gently pushed her to her bedroll and patted her on the shoulder. I gave her a reassuring thumbs up and created a fire sickle.
Or else you wont be able to do your tracking thing-y well!
Sophia grimaced and slowly went to lie down, tucking herself into her bedroll without another word of protest. I smiled, looking over all the peacefully sleeping Humans.
I shook my head, a sense of happiness surging through me. Not only could I practice refining my Skills as Saffron told me to, it
It feels good doing the right thing.
Weve arrived.
Sophia spoke quietly, not even turning to face the two Gold Ranks standing to her side. Before themy the vast, sprawlingndscape of the Motharis Mountain Range. The undting crests dug deeply into the ground yet built itself up to touch the clouds above.
It was a wondrous sight; one which Sophia would have usually taken a moment to absorb, if not for the eyes she felt were stabbing into her back. Ever since she and Cless had tried to lose Salvos and Daniel, they had begun watching them like hawks eyeing their every move with needle-like precision.
It was almost scary. But what was even scarier than that was the casual threats the silver haired woman kept giving them. Especially on the first night after their failed escape attempt. Sophia had tried to get the two Gold Ranks to sleep while she did the night shift. She had been nning to wake Cless up and leave with him, but Salvos caught on to her n.
And the threat she made
The silver haired woman stood under the blue moonlight, curling her lips up into a dangerous smile. She ignored Sophias question, almost uncaring of what the Silver Rank thought of her.
Fire blue fire came to life on the palm of her hands, creating a small scythe that shone eerily in the night. Wisps of me caught itself on the grass below, not setting it alight, but leaving behind a faint glow.
Salvos raised the weapon menacingly as Sophia felt a bead of sweat trickle down her forehead.
Just sleep.
She spoke with finality in her voice. There was no argument to be made here, the [Centinel Hunter] knew it. If she tried to push back now, her head would roll on the ground
Or else
Sophia obeyed, not even wanting to hear what would happen to her if she did not listen. And despite lying in bed for the next six hours, she was certain she did not catch a wink of sleep that night.
And now, Sophia was tired. She was exhausted and afraid. And while these feelings drew her attention away from the grand sight before her, thest emotion she felt running through her body was more than enough to distract her from everything else. That was
Anger.
She watched as Salvos and Daniel started ahead, beginning their ascent up the first hill of the Motharis Mountain Range. The silver haired woman craned her neck, turning back and looking down at Sophia who had not moved an inch.
Are youing?
The [Centinel Hunter] hesitated. Does she think me that weak? That such threats will work on me?!
Sophia and Cless were both almost Gold Rank. What was more they were experienced in adventuring and surviving. To think they would be herded around like foolish children.
Cing.
She bit back and insult and followed after them, walking beside Cless as the [Mage] closed his eyes, beginning to cast his first tracking spell.
He was not using his Skill just yet. [Scry Direction] was powerful especially so for someone at his level. And yet, it was not perfect. Once he activated it, it would onlyst a day. So if the Skill ended and they were not close enough for Sophia to pinpoint where Gabriel was they would have to wait week before Cless could use the Skill again.
For now, simple tracking spells worked just fine. Plus, Sophia could help out too.
Look. Footprints.
She observed. It might have sounded like such an obvious statement to make at first, but
Mixed between horse hooves and wagon tracks. Most people who pass through this road would either be hoping to cut through to or from the Helbir ins. They would prioritize speed above all else. Only adventurers or madmen would travel on foot. And those three sets of footprints are about a month old, around the same time Gabriel Viechester.
Give me a moment, let me see if I can determine which one best fits Gabriels description.
Cless began casting a spell as Salvos turned around and walked up to them. She cocked her head.
What is he doing?
Using a simple spell to determine the age of the people who walked through here. He cant do it for every single person that went through, which was why I picked out the three best candidates for him to use it on.
How do you know Gabriel went through here?
Besides this being the mostmon path to enter the Motharis Mountain Range from?
Sophia raised an eyebrow to imply the answer. Salvos did not respond.
We dont.
Huh.
The silver haired woman showed no change of face. But Sophia could sense the judgementing from her. The pretentiousness that exuded the unsaid words of is this really all you can do, rely on chance? and that pissed her off even more.
She sighed, exasperated.
Arent you a [Rogue], anyway? Cant you at least try and help out rather than disturb his concentration?
Nope.
Salvos spoke simply, frustrating Sophia even more. Before the brown haired woman could get herself killed by snapping at the Gold Rank, Cless looked up.
This way.
He pointed in a direction that followed the path only briefly, before breaking off deep into a thicket of trees.
Salvos shrugged and started forward.
Lets go then.
Following behind, Sophia found herself grumbling to Cless.
Are you alright, Soph?
Theyre looking down on us.
You think so?
She almost wanted to scream at the man, but caught herself. She clenched her fist, staring at the silver haired woman walking ahead of them.
Yes. And Im going to prove her wrong.
--
More days passed as the group continued making their way further into the Motharis Mountain Range. It had been rtively uneventful so far. Most of the monsters they had encountered were no higher than Level 40, being taken out with ease by the two Gold Ranks.
Every time Sophia thought to act to prove herself Salvos moved to intercept the monster. Whether it was a pit of Pharaoh Cobras coiling around on the ground harmlessly for the [Centinel Hunter] to kill, or a single lumbering [Earth Golem]. She did everything she could to prevent the Silver Ranked adventurer from doing anything.
Ive got this
Look out!
Salvos sliced the [Vurat] in half. A fucking [Vurat]. The silver haired woman thought that Sophia needed help with a Level 12 monster!
The [Centinel Hunter] knew she was being mocked. That the two Gold Ranks wereughing at her behind her back. She slowly lowered her bow, feeling her grip on the wood tighten. Salvos wiped some nonexistent sweat off her brows and turned to her with a smile.
That [Vurat] was angry. Ive never seen one react like that before. They usually fly off after eating on some bodies. I wonder what made it mad.
Sophia did not respond. Salvos walked past her, sighing.
Anyway, are you sure were heading in the right direction? Dont you think your friend should use his Skill thing now?
Im not sure if thats a good idea just yet. Maybe tomorrow. If Sophia starts picking up a stronger trail.
Daniel nodded condescendingly.
They were chosen specifically to track down Gabriel for us, Salvos. Im sure they know what theyre doing. Stop being so impatient.
What bullshit. Just because youre alright looking doesnt mean you can get away with that patronizing crap. In the first ce, Hadrian is she found her thoughts being interrupted by Cless.
I apologize. We shouldnt be taking this long to find Gabriel. He usually only goes to the Motharis Mountain Range to collect calloused leaves. But were already beyond the point where the trees that grow those would be at.
Sophia blinked and almost sputtered. Arent you supposed to be on my side? What the fuck are you doing? She was seething now. One wrong word and she knew she would lose it. But just as the conversation seemed like it was over, Salvos dumbly piped up.
Maybe hes dead. Isnt he just an [Alchemist]? Even if hes high leveled, I dont know if he can take on the monsters here.
Finally, the [Centinel Hunter] snapped.
Take on the monsters here youre really looking down at us, arent you?!
Uh huh?
Salvos blinked and cocked her head. That reaction only pissed Sophia off even more.
Gabriel is one of the best fighters in ourpany. He has taken this trip many times on his own and hase backpletely unscathed. What makes you think hed die, just like that?
The brown haired woman found herself breathing heavily, her entire body shaking as she took a deep breath and yelled at the silver haired woman once more.
In the first ce, the monsters here havent even been that dangerous! What, do you think a bunch of Level 20 monsters is enough to kill us? Let alone him?! Give me a break. I dont care if you kill me right here and me it on some monsters. I will say it.
Wait, thats not"
Stop looking down at us!
Salvos stared, unmoving as Sophia panted. She raised a trembling hand and looked down at it.
I just want to prove myself, alright? I am I deserve to be a Gold Rank adventurer. But Im still Silver. Even though Ive been working so hard ever since I joined thepany that idiot Hadrian refused to promote me and assigned me to a bunch of boring tasks in Viechester. I am not a child to be taken care of. I am an adventurer
Sophia trailed off, suddenly feeling very stupid. How did half of what she said even rte to the silver haired woman? They had just met and she wasnt even part of the Valiant Dreamers Company. But she still aired on her grievances anyway.
On someone that did not even have a part in any of it.
The brown haired woman looked around, feeling a heavy gaze fall upon her. She saw Cless staring at her, eyes wide. And Daniel was off to the side, decidedly not wanting to partake in whatever this was. She chewed her lower lip as she turned back to Salvos, who was just standing there, judging her.
Sophia opened her mouth.
I
Then Salvos eyes flickered. And she blurred forward. Sophia found herself reaching for her bow but the [Rogue] was far too fast.
No
She felt the words leaving her mouth slowly. Her mind raced and finished the thought for her.
I dont want to die.
Sophia snapped her eyes shut and
The world spun. The ground shook as a thunderous crash echoed through the vast forest. Sophia found herself staring up at Salvos, then at the sky. She was being carried?
Wha
She tried to process what had happened, but a loud roar drew her attention. Sophia turned to face the direction of the sound. At where she had been standing. And there she saw a crater. The ground was broken apart trees were felled where they stood. A gargantuan monster stood before the destroyed earth, straightening its back and reaching above the canopy as it raised its arms.
Daniel had his sword drawn, but was picking himself up from being knocked to the ground. Cless was in slightly worse shape, still sprawled on the floor, red hair frazzled, and grasping at his wand, clearly unprepared for the attack. But Salvos?
She had a weapon a ming sickle already on her hand. She spoke softly.
A [Prima Saeve]. Level 72.
Chapter 75: Giant Ape
Chapter 75: Giant Ape
75. Giant Ape
The [Prima Saeve] loomed over us, raising his gargantuan arm back from where he had intended to crush Sophia. He missed mostly because I had spotted him sneaking up on us. Now, how could a monster nearly twice the size of Lucerna with arms as long as his body possiblye close to us without being noticed?
Probably a Skill.
He had camouged himself amongst the trees somehow. Even though the hair that covered his entire body barring his chest had a vibrant orange tinge to it now, it had been nearly green just moments before. And it was not like it was the first time I fought a monster like him.
In fact, he was probably mad because I kept killing his smallerpanions whenever they tried to attack us at night. It was not my fault they were weak only Level 40 to 50 yet they thought they could fight me!
I had only told Daniel of those encounters so as to not worry the Silvers, but apparently they were unhappy about that? I was slightly confused. Or, well, very confused.
But I put those senseless ruminations aside for now and focused on fighting the Level 72 monster ahead of me. Because that made far more sense to me!
I ced Sophia down on the ground and tried creating chains to attach to the sickle. I failed and sighed.
Stupid kusarigama. I shouldve just taken Jaakkos!
The Human woman nced over at me slowly. She opened her mouth, but I didnt wait for her to speak. [Self Haste] was already activated and would run out soon.
I leapt at the [Prima Saeve], throwing the ming sickle at his face as I created a spear. [Weapon Mastery] told me that it was probably a far better weapon to use in this situation. Not like either even pierced the skin of the monster.
He roared once more, beating his fists on his chests causing the air to shake and sweeping the fallen leaves on the ground up into the air. My sickle nicked the side of the monsters face as my spear plunged lightly into his shoulder. He looked down at me with two ck eyes and I waved nervously.
Uh, hi?
The [Prima Saeve] smashed at where I had been, but I was already gone. I stumbled onto the ground right as Daniel dashed past me, charging with a glowing de. His sword sunk deep into the gargantuan apes feet. He did more damage than I could have in ten minutes with a single Skill, cutting deeply, drawing blood
And lodging itself into the very angry monster.
Daniel pulled and found the de to be stuck inside the bone of the [Prima Saeve]. But before he could let go, the monster raised a leg, carrying my Humanpanion up into the air.
Let him go!
I bellowed, sending a [Scorching Wave] into the [Prima Saeve]s face. It sshed harmlessly off, doing nothing more than drawing the ire of him towards me. He swept a hand across the ground, barely missing me and instead knocking aside a tree that was in the way.
Daniel failed to dislodge his de from the monster, but he did finally decide that clinging onto the leg of a walking monster was less helpful than doing anything else.
A st of magic struck the [Prima Saeve] from the side and I blinked. Thats I nced over at Cless as he readied another spell.
What are you
He shot a Fireball out at the monsters face. The st rocked the lumbering creatures head back. Then drew his attention to the Human man.
The [Prima Saeve] roared and smashed both his hands down at Cless. Dust and debris blew out of the ground as the earth broke open. Cless coughed as the mes around my body dissipated.
That probably hurt you a bit. But I couldnt get to you in time without using [Charge of Embers].
The [Mage] spat out some blood, blinking. I helped him up as I heard Daniel scream. Mypanion punched the monster. And to my surprise, he actually sent the [Primae Saeve] stumbling back for a moment.
Of course, Daniel is strong. But that gigantic monster is stronger!
Although, the [Prima Saeve] was only a little bit bigger than an [Arachne]
Arrows bounced off the face of the creature and I sighed.
Sophia now, too? Ugh, do you want to get yourselves killed?!
I sputtered, turning back to Cless with a scowl. He bit his lower lip, but spoke up anyway.
We dont want to die, Ms Salvos. We just want to prove ourselves to thepany.
Looking him over, I remembered that angry speech that preceded this. I shook my head, creating a zing blue object in one hand and faced the angry [Prima Saeve] as he knocked Daniel aside, and was now chasing the lone [Archer]. Humans why are you always so weird!
I rushed forward and created a bow. I nocked the zing Bolt as the threads of mana finished weaving into itself and aimed at the giant apes ear. I loosed the projectile and it zipped straight at its target.
The arrow flew straight and fast but the [Prima Saeve] did noty unmoving. He walked forward, turning his head and the zing Bolt struck his cheek instead. I let the bow dissipate as I threw myself out of the way of an oing fist.
I leapt right next to Sophia who was struggling to load an arrow onto her bow. Her hands were shaking her eyes were wide. But still, her body moved.
I spoke sharply, breaking her from her focus on the monster.
Sophia.
Huh what?
She stared at me for a moment and dropped her arrow. She cursed and bent over to pick it up. But the [Prima Saeve] was already behind us. I grabbed her and carried her out of the way of another earth shattering attack.
When wended, I dropped her to the floor and held out a hand.
Give me your bow.
what? You
She paused and clenched her fists.
You want me to get out of the way, dont you? You think I cant do anything, just like everyone else.
No.
I spoke simply, eliciting a confused look from the womans face. I held out a hand.
Give me your bow, then Ill ask you to do something very important.
Sophia hesitated, but the ground shook once again. Daniel was trying to fist fight the monster five timesrger than him. And he was losing, of course.
I waved my hand in front of her, waiting. After a final pause, she acquiesced and gave me her main weapon.
Thanks.
What do you want me to do now?
I grinned as I threw the bow around my shoulder, then sped both my hands together and felt powerful, more refined magic surging between my palms. I turned fractionally to the Human woman and told her what to do.
You think youre fast, dont you? Just draw his attention for a minute. Or else Daniel dies, and Id rather that not happen.
Wait, what
You wanted to prove yourself, didnt you? Prove you can survive by hitting the [Prima Saeve] and running from it. Then Ill kill him.
Sophia blinked as Daniel went flying through the air and crashed into the ground. I nodded at her and she took a deep breath.
Fine. I will show you what I can do.
The [Archer] drew a dagger from her belt pocket and ran out, waving and screaming for the monsters attention. The giant ape paid her no mind at first, focusing only at me, until she threw her dagger at his face. It struck his cheek and drew his ire.
Aiming for the eye, huh? She knows how to fight, why is she so obsessed about being proven or whatever. I shook my head. Weird.
Sophia dashed through the trees, running from the [Prima Saeve] as it waded its way through the thicket like it was a bunch of pebbles on the ground. It roared and grabbed a tree trunk, hurling it at her, but she rolled out of the way.
It loomed over her, a mad look in its eyes, but she did not falter. She slid in between his legs, shouting a curse as it barely missed her.
I knew I didnt miss you when you tried sneaking up on me. I sensed your presence! My stupid Skill told me you were there, but I was too mad to notice!
The ground shook and Sophia got back to her feet. But before she could continue fleeing, the monster struck the ground, knocking her off bnce. It stood before her, raising an angry fist as she struggled and panted to get up
And I leapt in the air, propelled by [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers], turning to a blue ball of fire in the sky. I flew over the monster, aiming Sophias bow at him.
I nocked a nearly white arrow with blue embers wisping off it onto the bow, and immediately felt the wooden shaft start to burn. The Refined zing Bolt shot forward at an incredible speed as the [Prima Saeve] blinked.
The monster raised a hand to cover his eyes but I was not aiming for his eyes. The Refined zing Bolt bore a hole straight through the giant apes forehead, breaking through his skull and drilling through his brain in an instant.
The [Prima Saeve]s body stopped moving. Then slowly, he copsed to the ground with a thunderous boom.
Inded lithely next to the body of the monster as the notifications went off in my head.
Defeat [Prima Saeve Progenitor]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 51] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 52]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 52] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 53]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I blinked. Then I felt a grin sweeping through my face. I triumphantly held up the still-burning bow and eximed.
I leveled up twice! Did you see that Daniel
The [Hero]y unconscious on a small crater in the ground. Cless was tending to him, uncorking a healing potion, about to pour it over my Humanpanion. Sophia nced between the dead [Prima Saeve], Daniel, and I.
I shrugged.
He shouldnt have tried punching a giant monster. Hes not Haec.
--
We left the dead [Prima Saeve Progenitor] where he fell neither Sophia nor Cless were too keen about dissecting him for his parts. The Silver Ranks were neither good at dismantling monsters nor were they willing to waste any time trying to cut his skin open.
Its skin would make for good armor. But on the flip side, it will be hard to even turn it into armor. So, it would be best for us to leave it. Maybe we can mark this spot on the map and return for it in the future.
Why dont we move him I mean, it to somewhere where it would be hidden? Like under a rock!
I helpfully suggested. Cless and Sophia exchanged a look.
We cant move him. Can you?
Daniel can but hes still unconscious.
Yeah. I think we should just move on. Before it gets dark.
Cless nodded at me and turned around. Before leaving, he patted hispanion on the shoulder and whispered something to her ear. She flinched, averting her gaze to the side as he went to pick Daniel up.
We proceeded to continue traveling until we could find proper shelter for the night. And I looked through my Status, deciding to spend my Stat Points mostly into [Agility], while giving some Skill Points between my speed Skills and passives.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 53
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 55 (+5) (-6)
[Strength]: 40 (+5) (-6)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5) (-6)
[Wisdom]: 71 (+5) (-1)
[Agility]: 108 (+5) (-6)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 15
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 9
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 12
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 4
We made camp next to arge rock it was a boulder with a nted tree resting against it. Daniel woke up by then, however he immediately decided to go back to sleep once he realized it was night. I shook my head, disappointed but not surprised.
The two Silvers had their dinners in silence, until Cless nudged Sophia before getting up to leave. Then it was just the [Archer] and I, sitting alone across the campfire.
She fidgeted where she sat, opening and closing her mouth a few time as if to say something, but remained quiet until I cocked my head.
Is something wrong?
Sophia nearly jumped. She nced up and saw me staring at her curiously. I blinked.
Youve been acting weird the whole day. I mean, Hu uh, people are usually weird. But youre being extra weird.
I..I what?
She sputtered, the saliva spitting out of her mouth visible in the fire light. Shrugging, I leaned back on both my arms.
I dont know why youre acting this way. I thought you were scared of dying at first, but apparently youre not? You want to prove yourself good enough to yourpany, or something?
Of course I do!
Sophia snapped, standing up. Her eyes grew wide as she realized she was nearly shouting. She quickly sat back down as her face grew red.
I just want to prove myself as a proper member of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Not as some kind of weak Silver Rank who cant even take care of herself. I deserve to be Gold, but they wont promote me.
You want them to recognize you.
I nodded as she looked at me apprehensively.
R-right. I want them to recognize me.
It feels good, doesnt it?
it does.
I smiled, leaning forward and began speaking excitedly.
It gives you an epistemological sense of self. Distinguishing your acumen from others, making you more than just a pebble in an ocean of rocks. This ebullience of your actions holding gravity and knowing you are an actual thinking entity in this tumulous world that is not just a void of nothingness that entangled your inchoate existence before your birth.
Uh
Sophia trailed off, no longer following my train of thought. I sighed, feeling my shoulders sag.
No? Oh well. But you like being recognized, right?
Y-yes.
And you believe that your own actions warrant recognition from others?
I
She hesitated, mulling over whether she should give me a proper response. And after a moments thought, she nodded.
I do.
I pped my hands together lightly and sat back down.
Then thats all that matters.
Sophia stared at me, ck jawed.
Uh what?
I raised a finger knowingly as I exined.
That means you recognize yourself. And thats all that matters. Sure, having others see you too is a nice feeling. Thats why I havepanions! But if you cant live without yourpanions, then you are nothing. However, you arent nothing, so theres no problem here.
I dont really get it.
I sighed, rubbing my temples like Edithe would.
Im saying be confident in yourself. The Valiant Dreamers Company could promote you, but they also could not. But as long as you know youre actually a Gold Rank, it doesnt matter what your adventurers badge color is. Just dont act recklessly, and youll be fine.
I think I get that
Sophia spoke slowly.
But its easier said than done.
I waved a hand, uncaring.
As long as Daniel and I are here, we can make sure you dont get yourself killed. Cant promise anything about after we leave though. So you better learn to do it rather than just say it quick. Now go get your sleep so we can find this Gabriel. I want to go to that ruins ce already!
I got up and turned around. The brown haired woman waited a moment before calling out after me.
Ms Salvos
I turned back to face her. She bit her lower lip then bowed her head.
Thank you. And sorry. For the way Ive been acting.
I stared at her for a moment, thenughed.
Im Salvos. Not Ms Salvos!
Chapter 76: Refinement
Chapter 76: Refinement
76. Refinement
Daniel groused as he slowly drew himself from the bedroll, rubbing at his back and scrunching his face. It was morning, the birds were singing, the wind gently whistled past the trees. And I stood over him with my hands on my hips. I took a deep breath.
I said, wake up!
Alright, alright! I heard you the first time!
He got to his feet and scowled.
Cant an injured man sleep in peace?
You were already healed by potions. And both Cless and Sophia have been awake for over an hour. Its time for us to go!
I hear you stop yelling!
You stop first!
No why am I even doing this?
Dont ask me. Youre supposed to be the reasonable one!
Yeah, I guess. Wait
The Human man widened his eyes, staring me with a dumb look. I grinned and turned around.
Stop being so surprised and lets go already.
I just want to sleep man. (Authors Note: I may or may not have been projecting through Daniel here. I had been suffering from major jetg when I wrote this a month ago.)
He muttered under his breath. With that said, we were ready to leave a few minutes after. The other two non-Defeated [Pengrasa Lvl. 51]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Pengrasa Lvl. 54]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I frowned and faced Daniel.
You took my experience! I had him I mean, it!
You were burning them all by yourself, I assumed you needed some help.
They had been very weak to fire, which I did not expect. My first [Scorching Wave] sent them running back, but the moment I stopped, they came charging at us again. They didnt seem mindless or wild however, just very angry at us.
I wonder why they were mad.
Perhaps they have a Lair nearby and were getting defensive?
Possibly. But even the [Rancor Mites] stopped attacking us once we left.
Daniel shrugged, uncaring.
We took care of them, thats all that matters. They were a danger to any other travellers or adventurers that might pass through.
I didnt even get a level
Iined, hunching my back and folding my arms across my chest. The Human man ignored me, instead ncing over at the two other Humans with us. Cless had begun casting his spell, however, it needed some time to take effect.
Sophia stood by his side, nothing but a dagger in her hand. Her bow had been damaged by my Refined zing Bolt so she was trying not to break it. Apparently, it was a good bow.
But you leveled twice from the [Prima Saeve]. I only leveled once. And even the Silvers didnt level much either.
Thats because I defeated it!
Where did you even learn to create that, anyway? I know youve been practicing your fire creation Skill a bit, but I didnt expect you to create something that strong.
I grinned and raised my chin haughtily. I opened my mouth and he cut me off.
Please answer the question seriously. I heard about how you confused Sophia the other day with big words, trying to sound smart.
Sighing, he brought a hand up to his temples and began circling his fingers over it.
Just because you read a few books
I replied honestly, but unhappily.
If you must know, Ive been practicing. I noticed how Ignavare was able to create a Medium Grade Weapon temporarily it wouldntst like the Spear of mes did, but it was just as powerful.
Right, I was there for that. And youve been practicing it?
It was what Saffron told me to do. Refine my magic. So, I did.
you make it sound like its that simple.
And it is!
I eximed and began strumming my fingers through the air. I tugged at the mana threads weaving its way through the world, a smile fixed on my face as I exined.
Magic is quite simple, actually. Its something youve just got to practicing over and over until you get it right. Remember that Fireball spell I used to burn down the [Cultists] hideout? I did that from practice. If I had a Skill, Id be able to repeat it perfectly each time. But that defeats the whole purpose of practicing.
So, what, you havent been using your [Advanced Mana Maniption] at all?
I have.
I admitted and shied back a little bit. I brought my fingers close together as a slightly nervous expression came across my face.
Just a little bit.
He stared at me, judging. I protested.
I just use it to tell me what I am supposed to do. And get the feel of what its supposed to be like when I do it! Then, I repeat the process over and over again until I can get what I want without the General Skill. Thats what Saffron meant when she said my mana control was unrefined. My magic wasnt as good without [Advanced Mana Maniption]!
So, what about this helped you create that Refined zing Bolt?
I shrugged.
I simply condensed even more magic into the spell in a way that made it strong without making it unstable. If I hadnt learned the intricacies of mana maniption, I wouldnt have been able to do it. Its tiresome though. Drains a lot of mana from me and requires a lot of concentrationwhich was why I needed to borrow Sophias bow to do it.
And I assume youve been doing this as weve been sleeping, huh?
I nodded eagerly.
I have!
Well, its good that you have. And dont call mezy for not being able to defy my bodily needs of sleep.
I scowled, however Daniel ced a hand on my shoulder.
Thank you though. If not for that, I probably would have died to that giant ape.
Nodding, I gave him a thumbs up.
I wouldnt want you to die either! Youre mypanion!
Right by the way, do you know how long its going to Cless to finish casting his Skill?
Daniel nced off to the side Cless had his face twisted into a grimace as he focused, gathering arge amount of ambient mana ahead of him with his wand while Sophia stood on guard nearby him. Watching this for a moment, I decided not to interrupt by asking how long it would take. So, I just lifted my shoulders up lightly.
Dont know.
--
The Human [Mage] finished casting his Skill, and a strange magical aura wrapped around him for the next day. If I focused, I could see almost a fuchsia glowing from his eyes as he studied thendscape.
He pointed at a direction a valley between two hills. One protruded up into a steep incline before teauing into t ground, while the other was shorter and with a rockier surface that almost curved into a hook.
We followed him as I nervously looked about. It almost reminded me of the valley of death in the Netherworld where the Demon with crooked horns executed so many other Demons both wild Demons and sapient Demons alike. If Lucerna was to be believed, that was likely an Archdemon.
Will I be an Archdemon when I next evolve? That doesnt seem right.
I mulled over the thought until I made an odd observation about the topography. While most of the ground had beenyered in white a few rocks jutting out of the ground was only lightly coated in the snow. I frowned and sent a [Scorching Wave] at it.
What are you doing
Daniel paused as the ground shook. I took a step back, conjuring fire hammers on both hands, preparing for what was toe. Cless and Sophia took defensive positions behind us, thetter shouting a warning.
A monster! What is it?
My eyes grew wide as I realized what it was.
Aw. [Golems]? And theyre only Level 30.
The stone monsters gathered themselves and turned to us. They stared at us with eyeless faces. Some failed to get up, having been destroyed by my initial me attack. I gave them a pitiful gaze.
Weak. You two can take care of them, right?
I looked over at the two Silvers. Or rather, the one Gold and the other who was a level away from being Gold. They exchanged a nce.
You want us to take care of them?
Of course.
I spoke simply.
Theyre close to your level. Sure, theres a dozen of them and only two of you. But you can handle it, right?
Raising a brow at them, I waited for their response. Meanwhile, Daniel was standing off to the side, puzzled. Until a [Stone Golem] swung at him. He stumbled back and shook an arm back at Sophia and Cless.
Make your decision quick or Ill kill them all myself!
He red back at the monsters. That was enough to break them from their stupor. Daniel and I took a step back as they rushed at the group of [Stone Golems]. The rock creatures took the charge head on. They stood their ground and fought back as Cless sted them apart with spells.
Sophia was a little more ineffective, using only a dagger to fight them off. But she had at least one Skill with the short ranged weapon, inflicting a hard strike at the chest of a [Stone Golem], causing it to copse entirely. I called out to her and pointed at my shoulder.
Aim for their joints!
I. Know.
The young woman spoke through gritted teeth. Cless fought using spells below his level while Sophia struggled in close quartersbat. Looking at their performance, one would think they were weak. However, that was far from the truth.
The fact that they, who did not specialize inbat, were dealing with a dozen monsters close to their level, even when impeded, spoke of their capabilities. Sophia couldnt use her bow and Cless was distracted by his scrying Skill. And yet, even if they were panting and exhausted by the end of it, they won.
Good job!
I beamed at them. Cless stared at the palm of his hand, speaking disbelievingly.
I-I leveled up
Sophia jolted and turned to him, probably identifying him.
Youre Level 40
I am.
He still had a shock expression locked onto his face. The two were speechless, until I wrapped my arms around both of their shoulders, grinning.
And that means you two are Gold Ranks now. You can speak to Hadrian and tell him to promote you! And if he doesnt, you can quit! Theres nothing stopping you, and youve proven yourself enough.
I
Sophia hesitated, murmuring to herpanion.
I dont know if we should do that.
Cless blinked and turned to her. He opened his mouth but nodded.
Youre right. Were part of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Even if they dont promote us, well stay with them. Until they do.
Do what you will. But just know that what I see here are two Gold Ranks and not Silvers.
I smiled reassuringly at them. The two averted their gazes slightly and muttered.
T-thanks.
Thank you
I drew myself away from them, letting them rest for a moment longer. Danielmented as I walked up to him.
Youre being awfully nice, arent you?
Of course!
I scoffed and spoke in a regal voice.
A Princess
Stop.
I sighed, shoulders sagging.
Youre no fun.
He ignored that remark, instead eyeing the two Gold Ranks.
Do you really think theyre both worthy of being promoted? Dont you think Hadrian would have kept them from being Gold for a reason?
They are.
I nodded confidently.
I would know. The first adventurer rank I got was Gold. So I have a keen eye on this.
Daniel gave me a snide look, thinking I was fooling around. He blinked when he realized I wasnt. Slowly, he looked back at them.
I guess you have a point.
Chapter 77: Finally!
Chapter 77: Finally!
77. Finally!
Were close.
The soft voice of Cless cut through the silence, drawing Daniel and Is attention to the Humans at the front. We were currently even higher up than before there were no longer any trees up here. It was all just rocks in this barrenndscape.
Rocks. So many rocks! So much rocks! I hate love hate love rocks are weird! I decided finally. Then I turned to the [Mage] ahead.
Does your Skill tell you that?
No. But these tracks theyre fresh. And Sophia agrees too.
We were currently cresting a mountain. We could have gone around it, but our trackers told us that it was faster this way. And I was partial to moving fast.
Its just over this hill, I think.
The [Archer] or was she some kind of [Hunter]? spoke back towards us. I raised a hand, but Daniel shot me a look.
What?
I nced over at him, feigning hurt.
Just reminding you not to yell. We dont want to cause an avnche.
Yeah, yeah.
I waved him off dismissively.
I got that. I just had a question.
And that is?
I faced Cless who had a furrowed face, straining to keep up his [Scry Direction] Skill as it was sooning to an end.
Did you advance your ss yet, or are you going to wait for a better one before making a decision?
The Human man blinked and turned to me. He exchanged a look with Sophia who was scanning the surroundingndscape making sure that we were on track to find Gabriel soon. I cocked my head, waiting for an answer.
I uh, have not. But I will make a decision when I get back to Viechester.
Why wait?
Because we have a book a list of quite a few ss advancements for my specialization. It isnt every ss out there, but its quite lengthy, and it details the advantages each advancement give. Ill take a look at that before I make my decision.
Huh.
Pausing, I considered this. I raised hand to my chin and stroked it slowly; I opened my mouth
And Daniel nudged me, whispering.
Dont say what I think youre going to say.
I stared at him, aghast.
I wasnt going to! Oops, I mean: I wasnt going to.
Sputtering at first, I quickly corrected my tone to be much softer. My Humanpanion rubbed his temples.
If you had caused an avnche, the damage would already be done. So whispering after wouldnt change a thing.
I gave him a helpless shrug.
Anyway, Im not going to say anything that tant. But I think its something worth looking into.
Alright then
Daniel stared at me dubiously, butmented nothing else as we scaled to the top of the mountain and circled around its peak. It got even colder up top, but [Ignition] kept me warm. Who knew it would be so useful?!
At the top off the mountain, I had a good view of the vast sprawlingndscape down below. The topography was uneven mountains and mounds of all shapes and sizes jutting out of the ground with thin foliage between them. A few meandering monsters were visible, even at this distance. Some of them were gigantic. Like the [Prima Saeve] had been.
Large behemoths walking on six legs, with a long hose-like nose protruding beside curved tusks reaching out of their faces. These brown monsters walked in small herds, about a dozen clustered together. The uplifted trees just by walking they were even bigger than [Arachnes] had been!
Then there were these smaller two legged creatures covered in snow-like fur hiking up and down the undting crests. They were hard to spot at first, but I saw one standing in front of a gray stone background and noted their presence. These were about the size of trees perhaps asrge as Lucerna had been.
A myriad of creatures filled the Motharis Mountain Range. Bird-like monsters the size of small houses that soared through the blue dome overhead, searching for prey to swoop down on and kill. Fleshy giant worms that dug holes through the ground, leavingrge pits anyone could fall from. And even Golems not like the [Stone Golems] from the day before, but powerful Golems with iron and other minerals sticking out of their bodies. They brought life to the deste world of the Motharis Mountain Range.
Anytime I thought this ce was anything like the Netherworld, I looked around and saw life. The Netherworld had been empty. Barren. I would wander for long, long periods of time without seeing another Demon. And even then, they would always be wild.
I sighed wistfully at the sight, my gaze finally resting upon our destination. Thend thaty before the mountaintop there sat a basin, surrounding all sides by hills just as tall as ours. And at the very bottom of it was ake.
Its entire surface was frozen solid it gave off light sheen that made the Humans beside me avert their eyes. But I stared at the frozen water. It reflected the sky above on its canvas, the beautiful picture of the Mortal Realm captured perfectly in that stasis.
Seeing this and looking at one of my many Humanpanions with me, Daniel made me realize how little I looked forward to returning to the Netherworld. If there was a way to bring Haec here without going back I would do that. However, that was unlikely, and I was willing to scour that hellishndscape for years if that was what it took to find him.
We found him.
A voice broke me out from my thoughts. Cless pointed a finger at a figure down below. The Humans had to squint to see what it was, but even from up here, I could make up the blurry shape enough to know what it was.
A Human. The [Alchemist], Gabriel, waited at the base of the mountain, just by thekes edge. I nodded at the adventurers.
Lets go down
--
[??? - ???]
A rathernky, older Human man stood just before the ice sheet stretching out for hundreds of feet. He wore azure blue robes that stood out in the inndscape, however his thick, white beard matched the snow trickling lightly down from above.
Gabriel stayed crouched as he tilted his head up, but did not even bother to turn towards us as we approached. Our footfalls werent exactly silent, however the lumbering monsters nearby should have been enough to disguise it from him.
What is it that you want?
I looked over at Daniel, expecting him to speak up, however he was just as clueless as to what to say as me. We stayed silent and waited for the two other Gold Ranks to do their job. Sophia realized a momentter that they were the ones who had to talk here, and she quickly fumbled over her words to answer the question.
We uh, were from the Valiant Dreamers Company. S-sent here by Hadrian to go back.
By the kid, huh?
Standing up, the [Alchemist] slowly turned to us, a posy of pink lilies that seemed nearly luminescent under the sunlight held on one hand. He let go of the flowers and they vanished, a slight magical aura left behind for mere moments before that, too, was gone.
I narrowed my eyes, realizing that the sensation felt familiar. Isnt that like when Daniel pretends to put things in his fake Bag of Holding? Before I could ascertain it for sure, Gabriel spoke, turning to me.
Interested in what those were, were you?
I blinked.
Oh yes?
I lied, not really sure what else to say. He was approving, however.
Not many youngsters are interested in alchemy and its ingredients. And you seem to have a keen eye, I can tell.
That was true, but not for the reasons I was pretty sure he had.
Very well, I shall tell you: those were kzoth weeds. They may appear like flowers at first, but in reality, they are parasites. They drain thend around it of its fauna and natural vegetation. And they flourish up here in this part of the Motharis Mountain Range. You may have noticed how barren this ce is, even this high up?
of course!
Thats because of these nts. They are terrible, terrible for any environment they inhabit.
I nodded along, now interested in what he was saying.
How havent they spread further then?
Because they may be bad for other nts, but they are nutritious for the monsters up in these parts. Did you see the Gatho Mammoths? The Scavenger Yetis? They are not aggressive monsters no, because they do not feed on one another. Just a single bite from these kzoth weeds is enough to sustain them for a day.
Wouldnt they still want to level though?
Not all monsters are the same.
He spoke simply as I tapped a finger on my chin. That made sense. I totally agreed with that. However
I see but if theyre so bad, what are you using them for then?
He smiled.
Secret.
Huh. I cocked my head, then frowned. What a tease! I wanted to know more about alchemy first what Daniel told me about those zorth mushrooms, and now these kzoth weeds. Maybe I should borrow a book about it from Edithe when we get back.
With our brief interaction finished, Sophia finally thought it was time for her to speak up again. Cless was too exhausted to speak, slumped over a rock and panting as his Skill finally ended. She hesitated, ncing at me, but I nodded at her.
M Alchemist Gabriel. We were sent her by Hadrian, as I said. And its not for any casual reason. Its urgent.
Then you shouldve told me at the start.
The [Alchemist] looked at her with a scowl. She took a step back, but gathered her resolve and walked forward, telling him of the events that had happened in the Valiant Dreamers training grounds.
Gabriel listened slowly, his face shadowing over as she went on. He folded his arms and remained silent for a moment as she finished.
and none of the healers can cure Baris. Only you can, Gabriel. We need you back to create an antidote.
I see.
He acknowledged her after a few passing moments then started forward. The [Alchemist] walked past her as she took startled step back.
Uh, alchemist Gabriel?
Sophia sounded confused. He stopped and nced back at her with a single eye.
What is it?
Where are you going?
Returning to Viechester, of course. Post haste. Hurry it up you four. You should have told me this sooner.
He marched past her and stopped, waiting for us to follow after him. I exchanged a look with Daniel. Sophia raised a hand.
Theyre not going with us.
Gabriel raised a brow.
Why not?
Theyre not part of the Valiant Dreamers Company. They were just sent her to escort us to find you.
Escort you? Why would Hadrian have Gold Ranks escort other Gold Ranks? Damn kid.
He scoffed, shaking his head. The Human womans eyes grew wide as she slowly processed his words. But he was already off.
Bah, whatever. Youve done your job. Im sure youve already gotten your payment. We shall return now.
Hemanded Sophia and Cless and the two jumped to attention. They hurried after him as he made his way back in the direction we came from. Cless grumbled aint while Sophia hesitated for a moment, ncing back at us.
I smiled and nodded back at her.
Well see you back in Viechester.
R-right.
She chewed her lower lip.
Thank you.
Quickly speaking, she ran off after the other two. Daniel and I watched them go. Their figures slowly growing distant as they scaled around the mountain. Then, blinking, I faced Daniel.
Wait, was that it?
Uh, yeah.
No detours?
No?
Mypanion gave me a confused look.
No other jobs we have to do?
Nope.
I jumped up in the air and pumped a fist.
Finally!
I turned to him, excitedly bouncing on my feet.
Lets go to a tinum Rank Dungeon now!
yay.
Daniel was, for some reason, not as enthused as I.
Chapter 78: Drakes
Chapter 78: Drakes
78. Drakes
Are you sure were heading in the right direction?
Yes, Im sure.
Then why arent we there yet?
Because the map is not to scale, Salvos.
Are you sure?
Daniel stopped midstep, turning to re at me. He held up the map, smacking a finger in the middle of it. Blinking, I took in the illustration of the Motharis Mountain Range: the topography depicted the risings and the failings of the hillyndscape, with a gradient hue to highlight different regions around the vast area.
Can you read the map?
He posed the question simply. I shook my head.
Nope.
Then stopining!
I scowled and crossed my arms.
Fine!
Sighing, Daniel turned around and began leading the way once again; he shoved his way through a thick bush as I followed behind him. We were in a far more foliage dense part of the mountain range. At a far lower altitude, so thend was no longer covered by the thinyer of sleet making it slippery and difficult to walk on.
The nts here werent exactly lush with green, but they existed. Without the parasitic kzoth weeds to drain thend of life, it seemed that some vegetation could grow up in the mountains!
But right now, they were making Daniels life horrible. Muttering curses under is breath, he stomped through the forest while swatting his hand in the air.
Damn bugs.
He pped a hand on his shoulder. St. An insect about the size of his hand went t on his gambeson. The Human man made a face as he wiped it off on a nearby tree.
Does killing those give you any experience?
I finally asked, having seen him y those creatures for the past two days.
They do not. But theyre annoying and killing them gives me a lot of satisfaction.
Huh.
This time, I was the one who stopped mid step. My Humanpanion turned to face me with a raised brow.
What is it?
I pointed an using finger at him.
Youre wild.
No, Im not.
He replied without skipping a beat.
--
Our trek through the Motharis Mountain Range would have been a lot faster if Daniel was not so slow. Unfortunately however, he didnt want me to pick him up and run my way straight to the Brilsum Ruins. So, I had to settle with a long, drawn out trip there.
The trip did not prove to be entirely futile, since we encountered quite a few different Species of monsters on our way there. Many of them were around my level, such as the [yer Vultures] or the [Millenispods]. Thetter being the worm-like monsters I had seen before meeting Gabriel that burrowed through the earth and spat acid.
Defeated [yer Vulture of Hunting - Lvl. 53]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Large Millenispod - Lvl. 49]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
None of those lower leveled monsters gave me a level up. Not until we ran into the Drakes.
A deep, piercing kind of shriek cut through the forest it shook the leaves as small birds burst out of the canopy of trees, fleeing whatever it was that made the sound. The roar was apanied by another one, and another one.
Many booming roars exploded around the forest; my head snapped in the direction where it came from as I narrowed my eyes.
Thats
Coming at us.
Daniel drew his sword as a fire sickle came to life in my hand. I exchanged a nce with him.
Should we run? It sounds dangerous.
Do you want to run?
Nope! I can probably maybe escape whatever it is thatsing for us.
I cant.
Thats why Im asking you.
I shot him a thumbs up my concern for his life showing through that gesture. He shook his head and gripped the hilt of his de with both hands.
Well see what it is.
Heavy, thudding footsteps shook the ground as whatever it was came closer and closer to the small clearing we were in. The trees opened up to reveal arge scaly creature, walking on two thick legs and two stubbier arms. Its body was gray-green in color with small blotches of ck patterned just around the jagged horn-like protrusions running down its spine.
It stood at half the size of the [Prima Saeve], however it was no less menacing when it turned its beady red eyes towards us. Daniel blinked.
Is that a T
It opened its mouth and released a fiery sphere of mes at us. My eyes grew wide as I identified it, before grabbing mypanion and pulling him out of the way.
The st opened a hole in the ground that sent dirt and rubble flying in the air. The fireball bloomed like a flower in the middle of the summer and I didnt like flowers!
Daniel and I picked ourselves up as the monster turned its crimson eyes towards us. I spoke hurriedly to mypanion.
Its a [Horned Drake]. Level 65. And my [Deadly Instincts] is telling me that its dangerous.
A Drake?
He stared at me for a moment, then cursed.
Fuck. Theyre strong. Help me take out its feet so I can get at its head.
I nodded and I sped straight to the monster, leaving him behind. The Drake saw my approach and spat a breath of fire towards me the mes not a concentrated sphere, but a plume that swept up the ground and incinerated the grassy floor. Leaping aside just in time, I sent my own [Scorching Wave] at the monster, smirking knowingly. My fire is definitely hotter than yours!
The mes singed the scales of the Drake, causing it to stumble back but no more. It did not burn it badly, only a light singe left where the mesnded. I scowled and Daniel called out.
Its feet, Salvos!
I got it, I got it.
Rolling my eyes, I rolled away from the gaping maw of the Drake that threatened to crush me. It ate up the dirt ground as a [Charge of Embers] propelled me to the legs of the beast. I swung my fire sickle once
And found it lodged on the hard scales of the monster.
Huh.
The Drake kicked me, instantly knocking out the aura of protection I had from my Ring of Lesser Protection, sending me flying back to a tree. I rubbed at my back and found my eyes widening as a dark shadow loomed over me. Its tail came swinging down and I activated [Self Haste].
I hopped out of the way as a fire bow was conjured on one hand, and focused on creating a zing Bolt with my other hand. Another sphere of destructive fire came hurling at me but it was much easier to dodge now. I loosed zing Bolt after zing Bolt, all going for its legs, and theynded, doing far more damage than my previous attacks had.
The volley of fire drew my breath short, taking a chunk of mana out of me, but it was enough to cause therge monster to stumble forward for a moment. And it was then Daniel leapt up at it and swung his glowing sword.
[Heros sh]!
The de severed the neck of the Drake, shearing through its scales like it was paper, and killing it instantly. It fell with a mighty crash, shaking the ground and scattering any birds that might not already fled.
Defeated [Predatory Horned Drake - Lvl. 65]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 53] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 54]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I leveled up!
I eximed, pumping a fist in the air. Daniel faced me with a smug smirk.
I leveled twice.
Huh how?!
I dealt the finishing blow.
What?!
I stared at Daniel, aghast. I tried identifying him, but once again, his Ne of Obfuscation did not allow me to see his true level or ss.
Youre lying! I did all the work, I should have gotten more experience!
He gave me an uncaring shrug.
Unfortunately, Salvos, thats how it works. The one who gets the kill gets more experience, although he gets less if others contribute enough, they may gain close to as much as he did.
cing a hand over his mouth, he looked at me mockingly.
Maybe you should have hurt it more before letting me finish it off.
I did hurt him I mean, it you just have that stupid cheat Skill
Perks of being a [Hero]. Better luck next time.
I scowled, crossing my arms. Then a thought crossed my mind. Or a memory, in fact. Not one from long ago, but a recent one.
Next time
I grinned and faced Daniel. And as if the world had the same thought as me, a roar once again broke through the forest. My Humanpanion had a stupid look on his face as he registered what that was.
Maybe next time wont be so far from now, after all.
A Drake burst through a nearby thicket of trees, uprooting one of them as it roared a challenge at us. Just before Daniel could curse like he usually did, a second one came crashing behind us too.
[Horned Drake - Lvl. 61]
[Horned Drake - Lvl. 64]
Youve got to be two of them?! But that Skill resets every other day!
Too bad. Lets see if you can deal with one of them on your own.
I raised my fire bow, already with a zing Bolt nocked on and ready to fire as Daniel brought his sword up warily, finally getting his curse out.
The two monsters charged us and we met them in battle. Perhaps if we were two other Gold Ranked adventurers at our levels, we would have been ughtered by these Drakes 10 levels above our own.
But we dealt with them. And we dealt with the ones that came after them. Because we werent ordinary adventurers. We didnt even have regr sses I didnt even have a ss!
Daniel was a [Hero] and I was a Demon.
So, while it was a struggle to take care of these angry Drakes, we did it. Over time. We had to run from some and fought them using tricks and teamwork, using the terrain and our wits to our advantage. After a few days passing through this forest full of Drakes, we were able to survive.
And this time, I was the one to level up twice.
Defeated [Angry Horned Drake - Lvl. 61]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Predatory Horned Drake - Lvl. 59]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 54] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 55]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 55] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 56]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 56
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 58 (+5) (-6)
[Strength]: 40 (+5) (-6)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5) (-6)
[Wisdom]: 77 (+5) (-1)
[Agility]: 114 (+5) (-6)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 18
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 4
Chapter 79: Sleep Sucks!
Chapter 79: Sleep Sucks!
79. Sleep Sucks!
I was Level 56 now. Thanks to the Drakes, I had managed to make up for all the levels I had been missing out on for the past few weeks; it wasnt that I was unhappy dealing with Humans for an extended period of time I really liked Humans or, some of them I just also couldnt wait to be an Archdemon. Which, the more I thought about, seemed like wasnting next.
Once we left the territory of the Drakes, re-entering a more barren region of the Motharis Mountain Range, my leveling stalled once again. No longer were there monsters above Level 60. The one monster Species we met that was above that threshold were docile so we didnt attack those [Ezarbs]. In fact, there was a Level 69 one that was nice.
While we continued traversing, sailing slowly towards our destination, I tested out the Skills I had finally maxed out. [Ignition] and [Self Haste]. The former being maxed let me control the fire coating my body even better I could concentrate it more on different limbs instead of just having it uniformly spread out. Meanwhile, thetter being maxed made me faster.
I was surprised!
Were you really?
Daniel asked, looking at me dubiously.
No!
I beamed back.
Other than that, I wasnt exactly certain how close my remaining Skills were to being maxed. I assumed that [Advanced Fire Creation] was going to have the same number of levels [Basic Fire Creation] did, but I could not know for sure. I tried asking Daniel about it, but
How should I know?! Im as clueless as you about these things!
He wasnt any help.
And finally, after navigating our way through different biomes and parts of the Motharis Mountain Range, we arrived.
This is it.
This is the Brilsum Ruins?
I cocked my head. Whaty before us was a vast canyon multiple rolling valleys cut into each other, forming haphazard intersections of all shapes and sizes. It was like a [Hellhound] had torn into thend, and the thin stream of water flowing through it was the blood dripping from its victim.
The orangendscape a far more vibrant color than the dull gray of the mountain peaks, or the dark green of the forests in between mountains was an almost weing sight; this was our destination. This had been where the city of Brilsum hadin many, many years ago. And this was where it had beenid to rest too.
A city state was what the Humans called it. One that was surrounded by natural barriers, protecting it from other angry Humans or Kobolds, or Elves, or Dwarves
The dangerous monsters in the area served to their advantage, stalling any army that may have tried to invade them, this treacherous trip inflicting too much attrition on their enemies. But it did not stop everyone.
When the Oracle of Light, Melissa, was summoned to the Nexeus, she was to end a great war between the two warring Human empires at the time. But after her job was finished, she journeyed to the Spirit ne and met with the Fairy Queen, beforeing back and destroying every Fairy temple across the Humannds. And since the city of Brilsum had been started from a Fairy temple it suffered from her wrath. The entire city was destroyed.
Such power that is how strong [Heroes] are. To destroy an entire city on her own. And yet
I nced over at my uselesspanion as he scoffed and shook his head, responding to my question.
This isnt the Brilsum Ruins its why are you staring at me like that?
Nothing. Just disappointed.
Wait, what are you disappointed about?!
I ignored him and entered the entrance to the deep crevice. He chased after me, sputtering protests.
Is this about that [Hero] Melissa again? I knew I shouldnt have told you that story! It was just a legend, we dont actually know if its real
--
The two of us spent the day scouring therge gorge, walking alongside the rushing river cutting through it. No monsters attacked us here; there was no living creature to be seen or even heard in this canyon. Only the sshing waters were audible to my ears but even when I stared through the clear ss-like surface
No fishes.
I observed. Daniel nodded.
Yeah, this ce doesnt give me good vibes.
I nced back at him, the words registering oddly to me. It only took me a moment to realize he was speaking in his native tongue English. It was something I asked him to do. To switchnguages from time to time, to try and level up my [Universal Language Comprehension]. So far, there weren''t any substantive results.
It reminds me of the Netherworld. So quiet. So serene. Until a wild Demones out and tries to w your face off.
Well, we dont have to worry about those here. Just gotta look out for monsters, monsters, and more monsters. I f
I rubbed at my ears.
Stop switching betweennguages. You know I stop understanding you when you do that!
I just prefer cursing in English. It sounds so much nicer.
It all sounds the same to me.
And that is?
I shrugged, not really sure how to exin.
They all sound like words.
It made sense to me, however Daniel was confused. Not bothering to elucidate him or try to figure out myself on how my Racial Skill worked, I continued walking past him as the sun set on the horizon.
The orange canvas above slowly turned blue as the twilight settled into night. Soon, only a single thin slit in the dark curtain illuminated thend below, and the dotted, twinkling spots served to onlyplement the crescent moons glow.
Daniels pace slowed as he groggily trudged behind me in the muddied ground. I trooped ahead, undeterred and unaffected by thete night, only stopping when Daniel decided to stop whining and just copse on the ground.
Im too tired, Salvos. We woke up before the sun even rose this morning. Its past midnight now!
Doesnt your [Hero] ss give you any Skills to help you deal with sleep?
No. It doesnt.
He sighed, sprawling himself on the ground like a corpse. Or a really tired Human.
I shook my head and sat myself down. I created a ball of fire an actual ball and ced it on the ground, rolling it to him.
Here.
I spoke simply. He raised a brow and turned to face me.
Whats this for ouch, hot.
Of course its hot. Its fire.
I rolled my eyes. I nced up at the steep incline before me and slowly began undressing.
Wait, Salvos, what are you
The Human man jumped to his feet and covered his eyes. I ignored him as my body began to shift. Cracks resounded in the night, like that of a smattering of rocks being crushed together, as I grew taller andrger.
My now pale skin almost seemed like snow in the moonlight and my golden eyes had an almost luminescent glow to it. I dropped my clothes to the ground, taking a moment to see myself in the river water. I stood tall on two legs. But my arms were long too if I bent over even slightly, they would be touching the floor.
I had a long face almost like that of a [Hellhound]. It wasnt the snout-like protrusion of a dog covered in fur, more like if you took what was underneath all that fur and smacked it on me. That was my face. Except with horns jutting out of the sides.
I turned to face Daniel who was suddenly unbothered by the fact that I was naked, and staring at me with a confused face.
What are you doing?
Im just going to climb up to the top of the canyon. Scale this cliff. See if I can spot anything.
Uh, what about me?
I raised a nonexistent eyebrow at him.
What about you?
What if a monster attacks me when Im sleeping?
I scoffed although it came out more like a wheeze and began to climb up.
Youre not going to be attacked by anything. Theres been no monsters so far! And I wont go too far, so dont worry.
Wait
He tried calling out to me but I was already halfway to the top; I was finished climbing a momentter, and found myself on a kind of teau. I nced back down and saw Daniel had already resigned himself to sleeping alone and was rolling out his bed.
I cast my gaze across the vastndscape, trying to see if I could see the remains of a city anywhere in the many gorges that spread out like a spiderweb etched onto the ground. I saw nothing.
I looked and looked, but found it to be pointless.
The canyon was just that a canyon. It was bare. Empty of life. There was no evidence anything had been here. It was just like the Netherworld, but it left me even more wanting.
I sat there at the edge of the rocky cliff as Daniel slept below. There, I began practicing my mana maniption, fire creation, and a plethora of other Skills I could improve on. I focused on refining my magic in weaving the threads of mana together to form something more than rugged clothing: to create a luxurious dress befitting a Princess like me.
And after weeks and months of practice. I seeded.
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 3] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I stared down at the kusarigama in my hand with wide eyes. I did it! I finally made the same weapon Jaakko had used!
I pumped a fist in the air as the metal from the chains nged in a fiery sound.
I did it! And I leveled up a General Skill too!
I excitedly nced down to tell Daniel and I saw him standing up, walking further into the canyon. I blinked.
Daniel?
I called out to him but got no response. I leapt down to the bottom of the cliff,nding a little heavier than I would have in my Mortal Form. My eyes zed over the camp he had briefly set up, left behind as he disappeared in the distance.
I frowned.
Why would he
I picked up my clothes and tossed it in his bag, quickly gathering his things before I rushed after him. It didnt take me long to catch up to the Human man. He was far slower than me, after all.
I put a hand out and grabbed at his shoulder
But he shrugged me off and continued walking. I frowned and ran around him, speaking.
Daniel, what are you doing? If you could have continued you should have just said so
I paused right as I circled to his front. I stared at mypanion as he walked past me, eyes closed, not a single word of mine reaching him.
Hes sleeping?
Staring after Daniel, I watched as he headed deeper into the canyon, almost disappearing behind a thin veil of mist that hade with the night. I took a moment to gather myself before hurrying after him once again.
Daniel, why are you walking when youre sleeping? Is this a Skill? Or is something else moving you?
I waved a hand in front of him, trying to find any invisible thread that could have been pulling him along. Nope, so it isnt the work of Giant Spiders then. I thought one of them might have been using their threads to control his movements. If that wasnt the case, it was probably some kind of magic. And all I had to do was wake him up!
I raised a hand and smacked Daniel across the face, screaming.
Wake up!
The Human man recoiled, taking the blow and stumbling back. I waited for him to react to snap back a reply. But he stayed in the same position for a moment. I blinked.
Daniel
And he unsheathed his de and swung at me.
Chapter 80: Nightmare
Chapter 80: Nightmare
80. Nightmare
In a single motion, mypanion Daniel, the [Hero] drew his long sword and sliced it in my direction. It was so sudden, I actually didnt react in time. I tried to take a step back. But his swing connected and an aura flickered around me.
My Ring of Lesser Protection absorbed the hit, yet I still stumbled away from the force from the attack. I nced up at him, eyes wide for a moment. I opened my mouth.
Daniel
Then I saw his stance change. His sword blurred as he activated one of his Skills. It was then I broke out of my stupor.
[Crescent
[Self Haste]
I flipped over my Humanpanion,nding lithely at his back. I swiped at his legs with a [Fire Strike], aiming not to kill him but to incapacitate him. The Human man took the brunt of the blow with a grunt my ws dug in only slightly, drawing only some blood.
You have a high [Vitality], huh?
I remarked as his de dragged on the ground beforeing up at me. I leapt back, then bounded to the cliff face to my left, before pouncing on him with a [Charge of Embers].
This attack proved to be far more effective, throwing him in the air, covered with burns and cuts. He sshed into the running stream as I waited with bated breath. He was alive, right? I didnt think it was enough to kill him, however it should have woken him up
A glowing, curved de shot out towards me. It cut split the water and cut the earth, just barely missing me. I growled.
Are you serious
The [Hero] burst out of the water, both hands gripped on his de. His eyes were still snapped shut. No amount of damage I had dealt to him enough to force him awake. He was under a spell! I knew he was. I hadnt seen it before, however now I saw a slight ripple in the mana around him. Perhaps it was because now he wasnt just being controlled to move, but to fight too.
And while I was angry that he could fall for such magic, I wasnt going to kill him. He was mypanion. Just as Haec had been.
I ced both my ws on the ground, preparing myself for his charge. The Human man sprinted at me, swinging wildly like a wild Demon would. I dodged his attacks, pivoting around him before punching him in the face. His head snapped back, but he once again came forward.
I clenched my fist, finding my sharp ws dig slightly into the palm of my hand.
Why wont you wake up?! I told you sleeping is stupid!
I yelled and sent a [Scorching Wave] at him. He could have split the magical attack in half. I knew he was capable of that. But instead, he slid under the mes and swept for my legs. Just as he went under the blue fire, the world sped up. [Self Haste] ended and he tripped me. I watched the world turn before a fist collided with my chest.
I flew back and crashed onto the side of the canyons wall. Once again, there was a flicker around me then a sh. The Ring of Lesser Protection no longer worked.
Stupid ring. You used to be so good. Now you suck!
It was probably due to the fact that I was higher leveled now. Still, I wanted toin because I was frustrated.
I dug a w onto the rock wall as I picked myself up. I red at him.
Fine. If you want to fight for real.
I let out a light growl. Right now, he wasing at me with the Skill and skills he normally would have. But if I can get him to act wildly for a moment
Chains appeared on my left hand, and a sickle on my right. The fire kusarigama my most recent creation rested there. I would have to tie Daniel up. He was strong, so I knew he could break the fire metal. This was, however, the bet n I could think of at the moment.
My growl turned to a shriek as I activated [Zealous Call]. It was almost like the roar of a Drake.
The Title Skill shook the canyon as I prepared for his advance. He took another step forward and his eyes snapped open.
Daniel faced me with a wild gaze. Mad and full of anger. Then he rushed me and I spread the chains wide. I threw it at his de, catching it at the hilt as he raised the long sword. I tried to pull it down, fulcrum on my side, but he was still strong.
He stood his ground and pulled it back as I grit my teeth
Then the Skill ended. [Zealous Call] was over. He now could revert back to his skilled [Hero] self. He rxed his grip of the de as I tried to use that as my chance to pull it away from him. And he blinked.
Salvos what what are you doing? Where am I?
He looked around, at a loss. I stared at him as he rubbed at his eyes.
Are we fighting?
I said nothing. I only walked up to him slowly, letting go of the chains of the kusarigama. The heavy fire links dropped to the ground with a thud as his eyes wandered around in a state of confusion. He looked at the weapon and frowned.
You finally made a kusarigama but wait
I got closed to him and raised a hand. His eyes grew wide as I reached for him. He reflexively flinched.
And I pulled him into a hug.
Im so d.
I sighed, feeling my shoulders sag. Mypanions mouth opened and closed slowly. He worked his jaw.
I-Ill have to admit, I dont know whats going on. But being hugged by you while in this form isnt as frightening as I thought it would be.
Slowly, I let go of him. I beamed at him as he gave me an uneasy smile back. I ced both my hands on his shoulder, sighing once again. He hesitated.
That was nice?
I nodded eagerly.
I thought I was going to have to kill you.
...wait.
--
...and I just wandered off? In my sleep?
You did!
The Human man took a deep breath and sat down against the side of the canyon; I sat next to him not reverting back to my Mortal Form since I had no reason to pretend to be Human now and slumped my shoulders.
I wasnt sure what to do. There was some kind of magic taking hold of you. I didnt notice it it was very well hidden. Only when we began to fight could it no longer hide itself.
As upset as Daniel had been knowing that I was prepared to kill him if the worst came to the worst, I was probably even less happy about it than him. Hes mypanion, I cant just do that! But he was strong too. And if it were between him and I living or dying? I would choose to save myself.
My stomach twisted at the thought, despite knowing it was what I would do. It did not instill any joy in me knowing that I had been close to killing Daniel even if I hadnt yet given up on incapacitating him. Still, I had to know what caused this.
What kind of magic do you think could have done this?
If I had to guess?
He rubbed a cloth dipped in healing potion on his back where I had cut him earlier and winced.
Its probably mind magic.
Thats a thing?!
I stared at him, aghast. He nodded grimly.
Its a terrible kind of magic. Banned from being taught by most magical academies. But its not illegal to use. Not like necromancy or Demon summoning magicks.
And what does it do can it take over your mind?
A terrible feeling crept up my shoulder. The fear of losing myself to someone else struck deep into my very bones. If I even had bones like Humans did. I was pretty sure my bones were ck and sturdier than theirs were.
Daniel, however, reassured me that wasnt possible.
No. Nothing that drastic. Even the greatest Elf mind mages in history cant outright rid you of your free will. In fact, mind magic is a lot better used for offensive attacks since it cant be blocked by most forms of protections.
But you were not waking up and fighting me in your sleep.
I pointed out. He nodded.
That I was. And if I had to guess, that means there was more than just mind magic at y. I believe the mind magic was what kept me asleep. Something else moved my body.
Spider threads?
No.
Daniel furrowed his brows. He ced a hand on his chin as he thought long and hard, trying to remember something.
I had been dreaming. It was a nightmare. Where I was fighting some kind of feral beast.
...was that feral beast me?
I pointed a finger at myself. He exhaled.
I didnt want to call you that, but yes. I think that it was you who showed up in my dream.
I shrugged.
Its better than being a weak Human. At least Ill have the potential to evolve better!
Mypanion ignored thement, choosing instead to mull over the possibilities on how he had been taken over.
I dont think there is a kind of dream magic. Maybe some kind of curse magic? Or illusion magic.
Its abination then. Mind magic to keep you asleep and some kind of magic that controls your dreams to direct your actions.
Right. And it had to be two powerful entities working together to achieve that.
I stood up and paced before the small fire I had set down another fire ball to keep us warm. The night was ending, and the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon. I paused and faced Daniel.
Do you think its some kind of monster from the Dungeon? Or some kind of Fairy magic?
Im not sure. The Dungeon is simply listed as a tinum Rank Dungeon due to the Minotaurs that had taken over the center part of the ruined city. The rest of the city is said to be crawling with other high Gold or low tinum monsters. But nothing else too specific. And Fairies are elusive.
That is concerning.
I tapped a wed finger on my chin. The Human man agreed.
So, we dont know if this is a monster thats stalking us doing this, and we dont know where its trying to lead us to. And this means I cant sleep until we get to the Dungeon.
Or you cant sleep even when we get to the Dungeon, because if whatever is doing this to you is from the Dungeon
I trailed off, letting the implication hang. He understood it immediately and leaned back against the rock wall.
Are you saying I cant get sleep?
You shouldnt need sleep in the first ce!
I shot him a smirk. But I nced about the bright, orange gorge around us I hadpared it to the Netherworld before, but after getting a good look of it the night before, that thought was only further entrenched into me.
I think we should find this monster, or these monsters, first. Its not like we even know where the Dungeon is.
Hey, I know where it is! Its in the center of this canyon!
And do you even know where the center of this canyon is? Because when I was up abovest night, I couldnt even tell where we came from.
...point.
Daniel got up slowly, still tired and injured from the fightst night. Even with both healing potions and [Rest]bined, he was still slightly hurt. They werent close to cure-alls. Not without enough healing potion or enough time with [Rest], at least.
So what do you suggest we do?
Daniel nced over at me, picking up his sword. I smiled innocently. Although my bared teeth did betray my intentions.
Its not that difficult. They do want us to find them, after all.
He blinked.
Oh, Im going to be a bait.
--
It was difficult, trying to keep Daniel awake for the rest of the day. He was azy Human who kept almost dozing off. But I had no idea if this magic would only take control of people sleeping at night, or those sleeping in the afternoon too. So, it was better to keep him awake.
I did everything I could. From sshing water at him to poking him with a ming finger thanks to [Ignition]. He did not appreciate all these methods I worked through to help him, but eventually night fell and I could use [Zealous Call] again. All I had to do then was snap him out from his sleep when we were close to whatever monster it was.
The Title Skill seemed to override that magic, after all. Titles are good!
Mypanion dozed off, but he did not get up immediately. Instead, he stayed there, snoring, for what felt like two hours, before he suddenly got up and groggily made his way through the canyon.
I nodded to myself, please, and began to follow him.
He mindlessly navigated through this rock maze far better than he did when he was awake, making sharp turns and crossing through the river to get to his destination. The gaps between the cliffs grew narrower as the rock walls grew steeper. I could not scale them as easily as I had before, now.
Keeping a slight distance from Daniel, I stalked him through the misty night, following him as he walked through the haze, unimpeded. Finally, he reached an end to his path. Whaty before him was a copsed part of the canyon. Broken and fallen rocks barred his path and atop it stood a creature.
A shadowed figure that waited for him to arrive. The monster that called him to his domained. I narrowed my eyes, trying to identify whatever it was from this distance, before I realized that the broken rocks werent rocks. In fact, they werent even from this canyon.
The translucent white obscured it at first, but I realized now the pale color of the rocks. Marble or limestone. Whatever it was, I recognized that it was a copsed part of a building. I frowned as I followed closer, while Daniel climbed up to meet whoever it was that was leading him to it.
And finally, the words appeared in my head. The ce we had been looking for. The destination I had been trying to reach.
Now entering [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
Chapter 81: Brilsum Ruins
Chapter 81: Brilsum Ruins
81. Brilsum Ruins
Edithe woke up to the sounds of a bookshelf falling over. She jumped to her feet and nced around the room, hand raised and a spell ready to fire. She paused as she saw the little girl standing, backed up against the rightmost wall, barely a feet away from the copsed pile of books.
Rachel turned apprehensively towards Edithe and opened her mouth.
I Im sorry.
She squeaked and braced herself. The red haired woman blinked and slowly lowered her hand.
What happened?
Edithe asked, walking forward slowly. The little girl began mumbling out a response.
I was just trying to I saw a book about it was about Demons and
She trailed off. Edithe stared down at her, and a gentle smile spread across her face. Patting Rachel on the head, she spoke softly.
Its fine. Theres nothing to be worried about. You just made a small mistake, thats all.
But but its ruined.
The two cast their towards the splintered wooden frame and the spilled books. Editheughed.
Honestly, that had been an old bookshelf. Im surprised it took that long to break under the weight of all my damn books.
The red haired woman winced she probably shouldnt have cursed in front of Rachel. Apparently, Salvos had learned how to swear from her. It was not a good example to set for someone so immature. And Rachel, while a little more mature, was still a child.
Edithe swore to herself that shed mind her tongue better in the future, knowing full well shed probably fail the very next day. But that wasnt important now. Right now, she was stroking her hand through the little girls crumpled hair.
You need a bath. When was thest time you washed up?
...I dont know.
You mean Daniel and Salvos didnt bring you to one once you you know?
No. I dont think Salvos knows what a bath is. Whenever Mr Daniel says she smells, she just burns it off with her [Ignition] Skill.
Figures. And I assume thats why Daniel gave her that jacket, huh? Cause she kept going through her clothes.
...yes.
Edithe got up and slowly picked Rachel up by the waist. She met the amber-eyed girls gaze and grinned.
Well, unlikely Salvos and Daniel, Im going to get you all cleaned up. Because I think youre smelly. And little noble girls like you shouldnt be smelly.
Rachel pouted. But she hesitantly nced over at a doll sitting on the bedside table.
...can can Princess bathe with us too?
Of course.
Edithe took the doll too and started out of the room. They made their way through the wooden corridor of the Valiant Dreamers headquarters and down the stairs to the first floor. As Edithe reached the exit just ahead, she halted as she heard a conversation from just beyond between Paige and Ian.
Hey, has there been any news?
On Sophia and Cless? None at all.
They shouldnt take this long to find Gabriel, right?
Nope. They should have returned by now.
Think theyre ok?
Hopefully. But the two Gold Ranks that apanied did not seem too reliable. I dont know what Hadrian was thinking, sending them instead of one of us.
Hes too young as a leader. The Motharis Mountain Range is dangerous. It may be ssed a Gold Rank area, but it has many unknown monsters and creatures in it. If Baris werent
Edithe suddenly pushed the door open, cutting off their conversation. She simply smiled and nodded their way as she carried Rachel through the gates and out into Viechester. The red haired woman found her jaws unclenching as she felt a tuge from the little girl.
Ms Edithe do you think theyll be alright?
She paused in the middle of the cobbled street to stare at the girl. Then slowly, she nodded reassuringly.
Theyll be fine. Im sure of it.
The Edithe raised a handle and lightly pinched Rachels cheeks.
Also, just call me Edithe, alright? Im not old enough to be called a Miss all the time by a child like you.
Ow.
Now entering [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
Grinding to a halt, the words echoed in my mind, causing me to nce about for a moment. Other than the copse building ahead of me, I saw no Dungeon no destroyed city within the vicinity. It was all the same canyon orange rocks and a quiet river.
I decided not to mull over that thought for now, focusing on what was ahead of me. There were two figures hiding in the darkness. Daniel and the monster that was partly controlling him. Finishing his climb to the top of the rubble, he now stood next to the other, more ethereal figure.
Should probably use [Zealous Call] now, but I had no idea what level this monster was. I had to get a little closer. I needed to identify him or her or it before I nned my next course of action.
Creeping up to the base of the decrepit and ruined building, I finally could use [Identification] on the monster. The words resounded in my head and I smiled.
[Nightmare Mindreaper - Lvl. 77]
That was one powerful monster. And apparently the source behind the mind magic keeping Daniel asleep. However, it was also 20 levels above me. So it was risky, but
[Title Skill: Zealous Call].
I let out a piercing, growling shriek. The prolonged cry would have reached any throng of monsters or animals nearby, drawing their ire towards me, but it also would break Daniel out of the nightmare he was in.
Instantly, the two figures Daniel and the Mindreaper snapped their attention at me. They charged mindlessly, a re of mind magic instantly hitting me. My head felt like it was a well swelling up with water, bursting and ready to explode.
But I fought through the pain and sent a [Scorching Wave] pluming into the air. It distracted both Daniel and the Mindreaper long enough for the [Hero] to snap out of the Skill and gather himself back to normal. The Mindreaper, too, broke out of the trance it was in. It had been climbing down the rubble before, but now it slowly floated up and flitted in the air above me.
It looked just as ethereal as it had been before. A pale, purple creature with two wed hands hovered up next to the rubble. It crossed its arms as it cast its green eyes around it furrowed its brows, although there was no hair in its wrinkled and granr forehead.
It also had no mouth and no legs a jawless face that had only an indent where its lips should have been. What reced its legs were half a dozen slim appendages, each one reaching out and curling into itself. These tentacles were not that much longer than its arms, however there was something about it that allowed it to float some kind of evolutionary Racial Skill?
The Mindreaper seemed almost translucent in the thin mist veil hanging over the canyon. But before it could get a good grasp of its surroundings parse what happened to it Daniel found his bearings first. Swinging his long sword as he shouted a Skill, a glowing de shot out of his sword, slicing the air in half, and barely missing the monster.
It red at him angrily, before I leapt up at it, wing for its face. The fiery strike actually tore through its skin, however it almost felt like I was tearing through nothing. Inded back down, frowning.
No blood?
I nced up at the Mindreaper as my Humanpanion ran up next to me, his weapon in hand.
Ive heard about this monster of Mindreapers. Theyre powerful magical beings, mostly made of mana. But they still get hurt by physical attacks. Just less so.
Huh. Well, good thing my attacks all use magical fire.
Not such a good thing for me. And Im the one whos supposed to be dealing more damage in our team.
Were barely even a team theres only two of us!
Thats not the point.
I shook my head as Daniel sighed.
It means youll have to be the one hurting it, and Ill try to lure it in.
Now you know what it feels like, using your all to hit someone, only for them to shrug it off.
Its not my fault my [Strength] is
A wave of mind magic silenced him, sending the both of us reeling. We grasped at our heads as words suddenly appeared to me; thoughts that werent there before.
...how...are....you...awake?
The question seemed to be directed at Daniel, but I heard it too. I narrowed my eyes.
It canmunicate?
Some monsters can and Mindreapers are extremely smart.
Well, if its very smart and it decided to attack us anyway, its nothing more than a horned Demon!
Blood ran down my nose as I bounded ahead, activating [Self Haste] to propel me towards the Mindreaper as fast as I could. It saw my approach, and suddenly the mind magic bearing down at me doubled in intensity. My body felt sluggish, even with my speed Skill pushing me forward.
Leaping up in the air, I let [Charge of Embers] take effect. I reached the Mindreaper in an instant and once again dug my w into its body. It let out a silent scream as more of its body was sheared away, my [Fire Strikes] too much for it to handle.
The Mindreaper raised its own wed hand and struck me across the face, knocking me back down to the ground. Gathering itself, it began to focus its mind magic on me once more
And arge rock struck it in the chest.
It reeled back as Daniel dashed forward, carrying another rock in one hand and hurling it at the Mindreaper. He bellowed a Skill as his sword swung in an arc, going for its tentacle-legs.
Dodging the attack, it flew up, only to be met with a wave of blue fire, burning its entire body. The Mindreaper shelled up with its arms, trying to guard itself from the attack. But a burning fire chain caught its arms and yanked it straight down to the ground.
I used the kusarigama to pull the monster towards me, a savage grin spread across my face as it came closer and closer. It was almost weightless perhaps that was how it was able to float. Not unlike Mistshard even as a Lesser Spirit.
I readied the sickle part of the kusarigama as it came closer to me, frantically sending waves of mind magic my way trying to both hurt me or impel me to sleep. I shrugged off both the attacks and swung the kusarigama up.
The Mindreapers body was torn in half. A final, magicallymunicated, scream left it as it fell to the ground.
Defeated [Nightmare Mindreaper - Lvl. 77]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 56] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 57]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I slumped over to the ground and heaved a sigh of relief.
That was tough! I almost died!
I felt my shoulders sag, exhaustion flowing through me. Reaching into my bag, I produced a healing potion. I chugged it down, slowly feeling the pained feeling my head disappear although the blood pouring out of my mouth and nose remained.
That wasnt that bad.
Daniel remarked from the side, slowly making his way towards me. Giving him a half re, I sprawled myself on the ground.
Its your fault it was even that bad! You started talking when it was right in front of us and let it get a free hit on us!
I was just trying to warn you about its abilities you dragged it on by mulling over every tiny detail.
I crossed my arms.
Well, it barely attacked you. I could feel my life leaving me through my head! If you hadnt attacked it when you did, I would have died.
Your Ring of Lesser Protection didnt protect you at all?
Nope.
I raised my wed finger with the magical artifact on it, showing it to him.
Its out of mana thanks to you. But even if it wasnt, I highly doubt it would have helped.
Oh
He scratched the back of his head, averting his gaze slightly.
That fight went a lot closer than I thought it would have gone. Even if it was a Level 77 monster
There was no way for me to dodge its mind magic. I just had to keep hurting to lessen the pain. But
I grinned, pointing a finger at myself.
At least I leveled up.
Oh, I did too.
Aw.
I felt slightly disappointed, but was reassured too. If were going to be tackling this tinum Rank Dungeon, were going to have to both be strong. I was excited, but I couldnt lie and say I was not worried in the least. Especially if every monster we fight is going to be over Level 70.
I let [Rest] take over for a bit, regaining my stamina and mana naturally, rather than using the mana or stamina potions we had packed for this trip. While I did that, I quickly distributed my Stat and Skill Points to prepare for future battles.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 57
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 60 (+5)
[Strength]: 40 (+5)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 79 (+5)
[Agility]: 115 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 18
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 6
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 7
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 4
Just a little more [Vitality] to be safe, I thought as I finished. Sitting down next to me, Daniel began to rub at his forehead.
So, I still didnt get enough sleep.
Yep.
I agreed. He hesitated and chewed his lower lip as he made a suggestion.
Do you think I can sleep now, or?
Dunno. We are in the Brilsum Ruins, so maybe its fine?
Wait, were already in the Dungeon?
Blinking, Daniel gave me a confused look. I cocked my head.
Didnt you get the notification too? Oh wait, you were sleepwalking at that point.
This is the Dungeon?
He nced around at the canyon ahead, then the rubble behind us.
It doesnt look like much of a Dungeon.
I think we havent fully entered the Dungeon just yet. Well have to see where that Mindreaper was leading you there has to be something over that pile of copsed marble and limestone.
Alright, so we take a quick look around then I sleep?
Sure.
I got up and began scaling the white debris until I reached the top of the small mound. However, as I got to the peak, something made me paused.
Now leaving [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
It, however, wasnt the words that appeared in my head that made me stop in my tracks. And Daniel, who was a few steps behind me, gave me a confused look as he made his way towards me.
Whats wrong, Salvos wait, why arent we in the Dungeon anymore
He trailed off as he saw what I saw.
Whaty beyond the copsed limestone and marble the debris of what was once a building was a deep decline that sunk even below the deepest gorge of the canyon. It was an expansive hole, almost like a crater, that spread out for miles in every direction.
The tall cliffs and teaus of the canyon all ended here, forming a circle around this giant pit. And inside the pit was our destination.
The Brilsum Ruins.
A destroyed city, full of broken buildings and copsed structures that had once been grand. The rubble flowed into the intersecting streets, turning the roads into spilled messes. Shattered limestone and brick wrinkled the ground like rocks on a mountainous path, but even this sight of a fallen city was not what had stopped me.
It was the myriad of monsters, lumbering through the Brilsum Ruins. Drakes, Saeves, Gatho Mammoths many monsters that I had seen on my trek to the Dungeon and others I was seeing for the first time they all littered the tinum Dungeon before me, traveling in packs. Huddled in groups.
And the ones leading them the dozens and dozens of creatures that floated above these Gold Rank monsters that were so numerous here?
They were Mindreapers.
Chapter 82: Return
Chapter 82: Return
82. Return
Rows and rows of monsters marched down the broken streets of the Brilsun Ruins far below us. They walked in haphazard groups throngs of the gargantuan Gatho Mammoths lumbered alongside the far smaller Ground Cravers, identally crushing a few of them once in a while. But the Ground Cravers didnt mind.
These idents didnt even register in the minds of the monsters. Because, to them, they were not doing anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps they thought they were still in their Lairs or in their homes in the Mothatis Mountain Range. It didnt matter what they thought their real senses were shut off as they were kept asleep by the Mindreapers leading them.
The powerful tinum Rank monsters. The Level 70 creatures made of mana, which had powerful mind magic that could even keep a Level whatever Daniels level was [Hero] sleeping in the midst ofbat. They were with these monsters, keeping them from waking and breaking free from whatever spell they were under.
I stared at these mindless masses, eyes wide. Daniel stood next to me, his face furrowed, and his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his sword. He spoke through clenched teeth.
Theyre gathering an army?
They are.
I nodded. The Human man shook his head and just sat down. Rubbing at his temples, he let out a tired sigh.
Seems like I might not be getting any sleep tonight, huh?
Yep.
Or the night after. And the night after. And
He trailed off. He nced over at me hesitantly, trying to peer at my shadowed face.
...do you think we should go back?
What do you mean?
Report this to the Valiant Dreamers Company. No matter how you look at this, this isnt normal. Mindreapers they dont do this. Theyre monsters. And this?
He gestured at a group of [Rancor Mites]. They had been hopping along at a meandering pace until the Mindreaper stopped. Then the creature of magic turned around and pointed at them. Their movements ceased and they dropped to the ground, asleep.
Suddenly, all the other monsters surrounding the sleeping [Rancor Mites] charged at the lower leveled bug-like creatures. They tore them apart where theyy, gaining experience and levels without any resistance or effort. Narrowing my eyes, I turned back to Daniel.
This isnt normal. Theyre trying to level up the stronger monsters. And theyre gathering them too. Thats why the canyon was so empty. I dont know whats going on, Salvos. And we need to go back.
He stared at me with a grim look on his face; he was pleading, hoping for me to see his reason. I opened my mouth
Youre right.
Daniel began to protest but stopped. He blinked.
Uh what?
I felt my shoulders sag as the words left my mouth.
Youre right. This is clearly too much for us to handle. I was expecting to fight a few dozen Minotaurs when we reached this Dungeon. Even if they were higher leveled than me, I knew I could probably move faster than them. The reports we were given at the Adventurers Guild told us they typically had high [Strength] and [Vitality] over all else.
Shaking my head, I nced back at the floating Mindreapers, spread throughout the vast, sprawling sunken city.
Mindreapers on the other hand I cant dodge their attacks. Not at all. And they can hit me from a distance, we saw that with the one we just fought. Even though he had been far away from us, his mind magic reached us in an instant, making my head feel like it wanted to burst.
I took a step forward and crouched down on one knee. cing a wed hand on the ground, I admitted I was out of my depth.
This tinum Rank Dungeon its not at all what I imagined. I expected monsters fighting each other. Minotaurs. Some tinum Rank monsters. But I dont see any Minotaurs. I dont see any tinum Rank monsters. I only see too many Gold Rank monsters for us to fight. And dangerous Mindreapers that would control you in your sleep.
Daniel stared at me with joy in his eyes. He brightened and spoke excitedly.
So youre saying we should go back
No.
I cut him off before he could get his hopes up. I met his gaze and spoke slowly.
We came here for a reason. I wanted to level up too. Maybe be an Archdemon at Level 70 although Im now not really sure if my next evolution will make me one but the main reason we came here is to find the Fairies.
My Humanpanion chewed his lower lip, his eyes darting between me and the Dungeon below. Before he could protest, Iid out my n for him.
We dont have to fight any of these monsters. Not unless its necessary. All we have to do is sneak through the city without them realizing were there.
Thats dangerous, Salvos. If were found out, we could have a horde of monsters chasing after us.
Im sure we could take on one of the smaller groups of Mindreapers.
There were a lot of monsters gathered below, and from what I noticed, many of them werent even Gold Rank threats. Sure, there were still hundreds of monsters like the Saeves or the Drakes. But they were clearly in the minority here.
In fact, if we nned an attack on one of them nicely, I think we could kill a Mindreaper and free the monsters under whatever mind magic they have them under, making them fight the other monsters in the area. And that could serve as our distraction to escape.
Thats true
Trailing off, Daniel still looked uncertain about this. He took a deep breath and sighed.
I dont think this is a bad idea, Salvos. Or at least, not a terrible one. But I will only agree to it under one condition.
I cocked my head.
And that is?
I need to get some sleep.
--
Now leaving [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
My Humanpanion and I made our way back through the canyon, making sure to mark a clear path to the Dungeon so we could get there much quicker next time. I remained out of my Mortal Form, feeling more secure with the extra 6 [Vitality] I had when I was out of it.
I knew that switching back and forth from my Mortal Form would level it up more; that was what I had surmised and assumed from the one level up I got for it. However, if a Mindreaper attacked me from far away, I might not survive to reach it even if I used both [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers]bined.
Agreeing that it was the best move to leave the canyons for now, I followed Daniel until we were at the very edge of the orange rocky cliffs. Then my Humanpanion copsed and got to work sleeping.
Sitting down next to him, I let [Rest] fully take over me and let my wounds recover and close up. Once I was fully healed, I got up and received a surprise notification.
General Skill [Rest] Level Up!
[Rest - Lvl. 2] -> [Rest - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh.
I hadnt got a level in that for a while; it made sense since I was relying on healing potions more than anything now. Plus, I tried my hardest not to get hit in every battle. So, it was leveling far slower than I had hoped.
Feeling energized, I began working on my [Advanced Mana Maniption] as I always did until Daniel awoke from his slumber. It had been daytime when he went to sleep. Now it was dusk, and the sun was setting, burning the horizon with a brilliant orange hue.
I walked up to mypanion as he rubbed at his eyes, blinking.
You know, seeing a scary Demon first thing in the morning is a bit frightening.
It isnt morning. And
I bared my teeth at him.
I prefer it if youre scared.
Sighing, the Human man stood up and stretched his back.
So, what should we do now? We cant just try scouring only tiny parts of the Brilsum Ruins every night before returning here for the rest of the day. Its not feasible. It will take too much time.
Yep!
I nodded enthusiastically and lifted my chin proudly.
Thats why Ive been thinking. About a way to tackle this Dungeon. See, we both know that you dont immediately get taken over by the Mindreapers and whatever other magic is working alongside it when you fall asleep. It takes a while. And the Mindreaper has to leave the Dungeon first.
Do we test the range of the Mindreapers before we try to find a good spot to rest and set up as a checkpoint?
Exactly! And we should also observe them. See what theyre doing at different times of the day.
They just seem like theyre amassing an army to me.
I scoffed and folded my arms across my chest.
We dont know that. That was something you assumed when you saw it. For all we know, they could just be gathering a bunch of high leveled monsters to sacrifice to level up for themselves.
Thats a possibility. A bit unlikely. But it is.
Raising a wed finger, I exined myself.
I think the best thing for us to do now is to observe them. Pay attention to what theyre doing. Then once were at least a little bit familiar with their patterns and movements at different times of day, we can try and sneak past them. Search for the Fairies or draw them out.
Daniel nodded slowly. He reached into his fake Bag of Holding and produced a few sheets of paper.
These are the notes Edithe gave us. The ones she got from researching herself and speaking to Mistshard. Apparently, while Fairies are reportedly sighted by adventurers who have delved into the Brilsum Ruins, they are incredibly rare. And it ispletely random.
So we cant just do some kind of ritual here to summon them?
No. But I do have a bit of an idea on where they can be found.
I gave him a curious look, peering over at the notes. He ced it on the ground for me to see and sighed.
Its not written here by Edithe. Its just something I was told when I was first summoned into this world, I guess. When I was told of the tales about the previous [Heroes].
Melissa.
I spoke her name reverently. If only Daniel were like her we wouldnt have any issue dealing with these Mindreapers. Or better yet, if she reces Daniel, I wontin either. I made the teasing jibe to myself and snickered.
Daniel did not notice it, instead recounting what he thought was important.
You see, all the temples out there the Sanctuary of Fauna, the Sanctum of Elements, the Den of Souls, and even the Court of the Fae they were all founded by Humans and only Humans. They came long before the Spirit Lord made a pact with Alexander as a result of Humans fascination with the Spirit ne. Many Humans, especially those who were uneducated, even worshipped the Spirits as some kind of deity.
Huh. That sounds nice. Id like that to be me.
Ignoring me, he raised a finger.
But the Fairy Queen didnt like that. The Fairies tried to chase the Humans away, but they always returned, worshipping them. If she could, she would have ordered her Fairies to destroy all Humans that approached them. But after the Spirit Lord made a deal with Humanity, she could no longer do so as she did not want to draw his ire. If Spirits even if they were Fairies acted against Humans on their own, the pact would have been at risk.
So she asked one of your own [Heroes] to do it instead?
Exactly.
He shifted ufortably.
I dont know why Melissa agreed to do it. But she did. And now all the Fairy temples are gone. Except for whatever remains of them in the old and destroyed cities that had them. Such as the Brilsum Ruins. I think I think thats our best ce to search for Fairies.
But hasnt it been destroyed?
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Why would the Fairies remain there when its gone?
Because I think that Fairies have a reason to be there. Thats why they couldnt just up and leave when Humans kept forming ces of worship around them. And thats why theyre being spotted in the Brilsum Ruins even now.
I paused, considering this. Daniel gave me a helpless shrug.
Thats the first ce we should start looking for, at least. I dont think it would hurt to try.
Youre right.
I nodded and shot him a grin.
I think thats the best suggestion youve made so far. We should do exactly that!
We locked gazes. This is what we need to do, I thought. Daniel looked at me for a moment, his feet shuffling under him. He hesitated, bobbing his mouth like a fish. Until finally, he spoke.
Why are you being so mean to me recently, Salvos? Also, your grin as a Demon isnt exactly reassuring.
Fine, Ill stop!
When you say youll stop, are you saying youll stop smirking at me in this form or are you saying youll stop making fun of me? Salvos? Hey, Salvos stop ignoring me!
Chapter 83: Observations
Chapter 83: Observations
83. Observations
Are we ready?
I asked Daniel the question as he nced back onest time to the camp we had set up just outside of the rocky canyons in the Motharis Mountain Range. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he turned back to me.
I think so.
He had his long sword sheathed on his waist, with a hand resting on its hilt. I nodded back at him.
Then lets go.
We started making our way back in the direction of the Brilsum Ruins; the tinum Rank Dungeon was not too far away, however, if we took our time getting there, it would still take a few hours to arrive. So, we made haste.
Daniel and I navigated through the deep gorges of the canyon, making sharp turns as we quickly headed back to the entrance to the Dungeon. It only took us an hour with Daniels slower pace to get there.
If we had sprinted full speed, we would have arrived far sooner. But we were also being wary cautious of any Mindreapers that might have been scouring the canyon for any monsters to attack in their sleep. I didnt think that was how they operated, but without any observations, I could note to any proper conclusion.
Climbing up to the top of the stark, white rubble in this orange, barrenndscape, Daniel and I found ourselves staring down at the Brilsum Ruins once again. The sight was familiar a broken city, hundreds of Gold Rank monsters and hundreds more of weaker monsters, and Mindreapers leading them.
They marched up and down the streets, lumbering like the mindless, sleeping creatures they were. I went prone on the ground next to Daniel and faced him.
Anything stands out to you?
Not really. Looks exactly the same as yesterday.
Mindreapers do need to sleep, right?
...maybe?
If they didnt need sleep I would both be d and be disappointed. Disappointed because it would probably make it that much more difficult for us to sneak through the Brilsum Ruins undetected. But d because at least something in the Mortal Realm was capable of fending off the mighty bodily needs that dominated monsters, animals, and sapient creatures alike!
We bothy there, trying to stay out of view, and observed the movements of the Mindreapers and those under their control. The throngs of monsters generally did nothing but follow after the Mindreapers. And that meant keeping to the periphery of the Brilsum Ruins.
At first, I thought it was a coincidence that the Mindreapers stayed away from what looked like the inner part of the city. They kept to the edge close to where the crater started to incline up to the rest of the canyon. Where broken wallsy fallen and crumbled, having been broken by a great [Hero], then eroded over time.
The streets they filled were limited to beyond the second set of broken walls the ones forming a circle around the center of the city. These walls had not been fully copsed: part of it had been felled, taken by nature or by magic, but some of it remained standing. They white sheen they had were familiar, although they were now dusted over to a dirty gray color.
Banclite.
The very same kinds of minerals that made up the walls protecting Viechester. I pointed it out to Daniel who had been focusing on a group led by a Mindreaper flying particrly close to us, but had already gone off to patrol somewhere else.
Banclite. It says here in Edithes notes that thats where the Minotaurs are supposed to be.
So the Mindreapers are scared of the Minotaurs then.
Possibly.
Maybe they want to take the rest of the Dungeon for themselves? Thats why theyre building a monster army.
Furrowing his brows, Daniel got up and began to climb back down from our elevated position. I followed after him with a raised brow.
Where are you going?
Notfortable with talking so close to them. But that is a possibility. I find it unlikely though.
Whys that?
Because Mindreapers are supposed to be solitary monsters. Why would so many of them be working together?
I dunno.
I raised my shoulders in a shrug.
How are they able to control monsters with their mind magic?
Im not sure. But I think something else is aiding them. To enhance their magic and use their own magic to achieve this.
Then maybe that other thing is also making them work together.
I helpfully suggested. Daniels face twisted and he nced back up where we came from. He was staring at the white rubble, but I knew he was actually looking at the city imagining itsyout.
And thats what Im worried about. Come on, lets get back up there. I can stay awake until noones I think.
--
Daniel and I continued observing the movements of the Mindreapers, even as dawn came, opening the curtain of night, and bringing with it the light of the sun. A warm glow once again settled over the orange canyons. The high cliffs and tall teaus behind us were a beautiful and unique sight. To see something so empty of life while not in the Netherworld I was amazed by it.
However, my focus stayed on the Brilsum Ruins; my eyes were locked on the Mindreapers. And sure enough, even throughout the morning, the powerful mind mages kept to the outer part of the city. Despite the inner citys walls being broken and damaged where they could have easily crossed through it they remained moving in haphazard directions away from it.
It was almost noon, and Daniel was yawning now, starting to get tired. I was going to suggest that we go back, having gathered what I thought was enough for us to attempt our first sneak through the city tomorrow. Until something strange happened.
A Mindreaper to the western part of the city suddenly stopped moving. The monsters following it halted in their tracks too, turning their heads in the same direction that the Mindreaper was looking. Then they all copsed to the ground. Every Gatho Mammoth, Ground Craver, and Rancors were now just lying there where they once stood.
Narrowing my eyes, I nudged Daniel to draw his attention to it.
What are they doing?
I dont know. But I think theyre still alive.
How do you know?
I shrugged and turned back to the Mindreaper. It was slowly floating higher and higher up until it was at an even altitude with Daniel and I. The two of us immediately shrunk back, obscuring ourselves slightly behind the rubble.
What is it
The Mindreaper shot forward. It flew as fast as the Mindreaper attacking us had been, far faster than the other slow floating Mindreapers who were still aimlessly traversing the city.
Bing nothing more than a speck in the distance, I watched as the Mindreaper suddenly came to a halt, the dot in the sky no longer getting any further. I frowned as Daniel opened his mouth. Before he could ask his question, I gave an answer.
Its doing what that Mindreaper controlling you had been doing.
The Human man gave me a nk look, until slowly, his eyes grew wide. Realization sunk in and he spoke for me.
Its going to find more monsters to bring back.
Yep.
I eyed the Mindreaper, so far away, and yet its presence felt so close; if it spotted us from there, we would have to flee the collective attack of the monster army down in the Brilsum Ruins below. But we couldnt just leave or sink back into the crevices and cracks, hiding away from sight. We wouldnt be able to see them either. And we had to make sure it was doing what I thought it was. It was risky, and I was willing to take the risk.
Daniel held still, waiting with bated breath for the Mindreaper to make its return. Sure enough, it did. Following it was a flock of [Vurats]. The low leveled flying creatures that feasted on the corpses of the dead, refusing to fight without provocation. Then its horde of monsters rose, still asleep and moving against their will.
I thought that was it. My suspicions had been confirmed. I was willing to take that information for now and return to our little camp. But just as I pulled away to leave, the [Vurats] plunged themselves straight down at the Gold Rank threats. They charged straight at the gargantuan monsters and small monsters alike. I stared as this happened.
For a moment, I thought they managed to break free from the Mindreapers sleep spell. But I realized soon after that it was amand by the Mindreaper. It watched callously as the weak winged creatures were torn apart, dozens of them all killed by the monsters in its horde.
Whys it doing that?
Daniel frowned, watching the massacre go on. He turned to me, speaking angrily.
It could have grown its horde, but it sent them to die.
It wants its stronger monsters to level. We saw that yesterday, didnt we?
But that wasnt nned! This was methodical. It just went straight to a bunch of lower leveled monsters and killed them.
ncing back at Daniel, I gave him a puzzled look. I quizzically arched a brow.
Isnt that what you adventurers do? You exterminate monsters in their Lairs, in their Dungeons, in their homes. This doesnt seem any different.
But we do it because theyre a threat!
I raised a wed finger, covering his mouth.
Youre talking too loud. And only some of you do it because theyre a threat. Other adventurers arent as kind. Or do you think Stephen is the kind of tinum Rank who goes about fighting monsters for the sole purpose of helping people?
I
He hesitated. I eyed thest of the [Vurats] as they were killed, then watched the Mindreaper resume its patrolling of the outer city. I hopped down from the rubble, gesturing for Daniel to follow.
I think thats all we needed to see today. It seems like they dont sleep. So were going to have to test how far their reach goes now.
Daniel slowly followed after me, a scowl stickered onto his face. Patting him on the shoulder, I smiled reassuringly at him.
That means you can sleep!
--
We found a small alcove about halfway between our camp and the Brilsum Ruins which I thought would be a good ce for Daniel to try to rest in. The Human man closed his eyes andy there. I expected him to instantly pass out, tired and exhausted from staying up for so long. However instead, he began tossing and turning, flipping his bedroll around and even resting his head on his own arm then both his arms.
What are you doing?
I finally snapped at him. He creaked one eye open.
Trying to sleep.
Why cant you just sleep already?
Its not that easy!
He harrumphed and flipped around, facing away from me. Crossing my arms, I plopped myself to the ground with a huff.
He keeps talking about sleep but when he gets to sleep he cant even do it
Eventually, Daniel did fall into slumber. The Human mans breathing slowed as hey there in his bedroom, unmoving. Getting up, I nced around the outside of the alcove to see if any Mindreaper was nearby. None so far.
Waiting patiently for an hour, I finally decided that the test was a sess and that at this distance, no Mindreaper was going to control him. I was wrong.
Two hourster, as I was in the middle of identifying a strange, multicolored rock, Daniel stood up with his eyes closed and began marching down the canyon, towards the Brilsum Ruins. Sighing, I activated [Zealous Call] and drew an angry [Hero] towards me. As I began backing up, dodging his crazed swings, a notification popped up in my head.
General Skill [Title Skill: Zealous Call] Level Up!
[Title Skill: Zealous Call - Lvl. 1] -> [Title Skill: Zealous Call - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I blinked.
Huh, I wonder what that does.
Apparently, it meant that it aggroed its target for a longer period of time doubling it to 20 seconds. Which made me have to dodge an angry [Heros sh] from Daniel before the Title Skills effects wore off. But it also felt like I could control its targets better; not entirely choosing who it affected, but so that it wasnt just all epassing like before.
Then when mypanion returned to his senses, he took a moment to assess his surroundings. His gaze swept over the canyon, stopping only at therge de-shaped hole on the side of the rock wall.
Uh
Yeah, you cant use your super [Hero] Skill.
Oh.
He gave me a hesitant look.
Does this mean we have to go to the Dungeon now?
Rubbing at my temples like Edithe, I gestured for him to follow me. I picked up his bedroll and his fake Bag of Holding, and headed in the opposite direction the thin stream of water was running towards.
Come on, lets go back. Get you your full rest. Then well try and sneak into the Brilsums Ruins tomorrow.
The Human man sighed in relief. He spoke in English.
Thank god.
Chapter 84: Doing Bad Things
Chapter 84: Doing Bad Things
84. Doing Bad Things
Daniel and I made our way back through the narrow path between the tall, hanging cliffs, walking alongside the thin stream of water that poured its way towards the Brilsum Ruins; the massive crater in the center of the canyon fell into a steep decline, drawing all water sources straight to it.
It was night now. My Humanpanion had gotten his fill of sleep. And we were going to attempt to sneak into the tinum Rank Dungeon, hopefully to find any traces of Fairies or Fairy temples without alerting the Mindreapers and their hordes.
We crested to the top of the same pile of rubble as before, taking a moment to assess if anything had changed in the broken city. We spotted no difference. The meandering, lumbering monster horde seemed to have not grown in size. No new monsters or creatures had been added to their numbers.
Nodding at Daniel, the two of us went prone on the ground. He took the nonverbal cue without any questions, since we had already discussed what to do beforehand. After our observations yesterday, we had formed a n to hopefully make our way through the Brilsum Ruins undetected. What we decided to do was simple: we wait.
The Mindreapers did not seem to need any sleep. Being magical creatures made of mana, it was possible that they were able to go without sleep, making them more akin to Demons and Spirits than most creatures in the Mortal Realm at least, in that aspect.
And it was not even all Spirits and Demons.I remembered Druma how the [Yaksha] needed sleep despite being a Lesser Spirit. I had asked Mistshard why that was the case, and she simply exined that all Subspecies and even Species of creatures were different.
Unfortunately, that made my respect for the friendly four-armed Spirit go down slightly. Just a tiny bit. He is very nice!
Regardless, we were not going to wait for the Mindreapers to take a nap, especially since it was likely they didnt need it. Instead, we were going to continue making our observations and only attempt to enter the ruined city if the opportunity arose. The opportunity being
All of a sudden, one of the Mindreapers close to the eastern side of the city rose up in the air. It left its horde of monsters sleeping on the ground before speeding off and hovering just above one of the tall teaus further in the distance. I exchanged a nce with Daniel and hee nodded.
Alright, its time.
Just have to wait a little longer
I kept one eye on the Mindreaper hovering in the distance and the other on the Mindreapers closest to us. The moment the patrolling groups turned and went off in another direction, Daniel and I got up and began climbing down to the bottom of the crater. Their absence gave us the freedom to reach the side of the Brilsum Ruins where the distant Mindreaper had abandoned. Hurriedly pulling Daniel along, I dashed forward till we reached the periphery of the broken city.
Once we arrived at the broken and crumbled outer walls, the two of us hunched over and kept low, almost crawling our way along the edge towards the eastern wall. I made sure to keep an eye out on the Mindreaper, still busy pulling in whatever poor monster or animal that decided to sleep close enough to the tinum Rank Dungeon to fall for the Mindreapers magic.
This is why sleep is bad, I remarked to myself.
Reaching the eastern side of the city, Daniel and I began scaling a copsed part of the wall to fully enter the Brilsum Ruins. I brought a foot over arge rock and halted mid step. I nudged Daniel who was a step behind me and ced a finger on my mouth.
Shhh.
The Human man blinked and nced over at what I was gesturing at. Lying before me was a copsed Ground Craver. The small, Level 23 monstery unmoving on the brick street, its body gently raising and falling with each of its peaceful breath.
I swept my gaze around the rest of the street and spotted more sleeping monsters. Drakes, Gatho Mammoths, and other monsters both big and small. This had been where the Mindreaper had been before it flew off to gather more monsters for its horde. I gave Daniel a look, once again non verbally trying tomunicate with him, and he rolled his eyes.
You know we dont have to be quiet, right? We cant wake them up.
Huh. I forgot about that.
Daniel stepped past me, drawing his sword as he entered the street ahead, making his way past all the sleeping monsters without fear of waking any of them. Following behind him, I cast my gaze around the sky, looking out for any other Mindreaper that could possibly be close.
Seems like were in an emptier part of the city.
Or we just got lucky and the other Mindreaper patrols arent here right now.
We made our way around arge, sleeping Saeve, and carefully stepped over a smaller one that looked like its baby. I raised a brow as I identified it.
Level 12. And its barely a child. You Humans sure level slow.
Most of us prefer to live in peace. Unlike monsters that are constantly fighting each other in the wilderness.
Not all monsters are hostile, you saw that with the [Ezrabs]!
Yeah, but they still have to fight to survive from hostile monsters. Humans do too, however we have cities and settlements to keep most of us safe. So, most people barring soldiers, adventurers, or guards have no reason to reach such high levels.
I guess thats true
I trailed off, looking around at the ruined city. At the broken homes, buildings, and what were possibly towers that had been copsed either from the destruction of Brilsum by the Oracle of Light, or eroded and destroyed by time. Or the monsters here identally bumped into it. There were plenty of exnations as to why so much of the city had been damaged or destroyed. But not all of it waspletely lost.
Daniel and I came to a stop right before what was possibly once a grand building. Perhaps it had a gilded entrance, with a garden path leading to its front door. The insides would have been luxuriously decorated, with red carpets leading down every hallway and expensive paintings hanging around the walls. But now, it was just a in, gray building. One of the few ones that remained standing.
Think this could have been a Fairy temple?
Im not sure. But I dont think checking it is a good idea. Were too close to where we started not only will we be screwed if that Mindreaper doese back while were in here, but I dont think a Fairy temple would be this intact.
I nodded and turned back, just making sure the speck floating in the air was still a speck. Daniel and I continued on, making our way through the haphazard streets, and keeping our eyes on the skies so we wouldnt run into the path of the Mindreapers within the city. We passed through more broken buildings some of them half standing, and others nothing more than piles of rubble while keeping ourselves always close to the sides of the roads.
One time, neither of us spotted a Mindreaper who had been floating too close to the ground. We were only made aware of its presence when we felt the light rumbling caused by the mass of monsters following it. Daniel and I quickly threw ourselves into the nearest house. Its front door copsed and the way was blocked, but there was a gaping hole in the side of the building which let us enter.
Pulling ourselves into a room away from the street, we waited, holding our breaths, for the monsters to pass. Daniel and I had considered the possibility of Mindreapers being able to sense our presence through magic alone. Perhaps they had a sphere of mana surrounding them, letting them see anything within it. We werent really sure how their mind magic worked, but we couldnt be too cautious.
However, it turned out that our worries were for naught. The Mindreapers saw with their eyes just like most of the monsters in their hordes. So the procession of Gold Rank threats passed through the street without ever being aware that we were there. Once they were gone, Daniel sighed in relief.
Honestly, why are they even doing this? The more I watch them, the less I think theyre avoiding the inner city and the more I think theyre guarding something within.
I wrinkled my nose, bothered slightly by a strange smell. Standing back up, I faced Daniel.
Maybe. Or they could just be building an army like you said. We dont know what they want, and I dont think youd like my suggestion of just asking them about it.
No, theyll kill us.
See? I knew you wouldnt like it.
I folded my arms in a triumphant way, shooting him a grin as I leaned back against a wall. Daniels eyes grew wide and he put a hand out.
Wait, Salvos
Huh
Without warning, the wall behind me crumbled to dust. It copsed to the ground into a pile of gray rocks, revealing another room within it. I blinked a few times and Daniel nced warily out into the street.
For a moment, he held his breath, waiting for a rush of angry but sleeping monsters toe at us. However, the noise caused from the copse was too sudden. Too soft. It wasnt heard by anybody.
Daniel took a deep breath, cing a hand on his chest.
Fuckign hell, I thought we were screwed.
I cocked my head, not sure why he was speaking in English. I ignored that fact and peered down at the dust lying at my feet.
Whyd that happen?
Its because the buildings around here are old. Theyre very fragile and most of their foundations are weak. You can''t just touch anything, Salvos!
I had no idea
Trailing off, I looked at Daniel, eyes wide. He stared at me for a moment then his face softened.
I didnt mean to snap
Wait, whats that?
I ignored him and walked into the room behind the now-copsed wall. The Human man watched me go for a moment before mumbling something to himself.
Something had caught my eye in this room. In fact, it was the same scent I had sniffed from before, but it was stronger now. I saw something poking out from the corner of the dimly lit room a brown object that almost blended in with the gray in the darkness.
But my eyesight was good, so I didnt miss it. I activated [Ignition] and focused the mes to a wed finger. I waved it in the air before me and narrowed my eyes.
This is
I started and Daniel came to a halt behind me.
What I had seen was a leather boot. But it wasnt just a boot attached to nothing. It was a brown boot that was still worn by a person. More specifically, a Human person.
The Human, whoever they were, was lying against a sturdier looking wall. They sat in a nted position, dressed in ragged and tattered ck clothing. In fact, if I hadnt known any better and wasnt able to sense trace amounts of mana from magical artifacts, I would have assumed they were wearing something simr to my torn Cloak of Shadows that now hung around my neck.
Normally, I would have prodded them or tried to speak to the Human, unless they were asleep. And if it was Daniel doing the sleeping, I might have done so anyway. But while whoever this was wasnt Daniel, they also werent sleeping. They were lying against the wall not out of rest or any reason in particr.
They were just dead.
Huh. So, Humans have been here recently.
I spoke simply. Daniel took a step forward and immediately crouched over the body. He patted his arms around the corpse, his face furrowed.
Its cold but fresh. Obviously from an adventurer who tried to challenge this Dungeon. But the way hes dressed
The Human man began fumbling through the body, trying to find something from it. I gave him a weird look.
What are you doing?
Searching for something, anything. Maybe a diary.
You mean like your one?
Yeah.
Isnt that supposed to be private?
Daniel grimaced as he pulled out a bloodstained book from the inner clothes of the corpse. He turned to me and sighed.
Usually, yes. But this man, or woman, is dead. I dont think they care about anyone looking through their stuff anymore. And while its not unusual for people to die in a Dungeon, this is a tinum Rank Dungeon.
He said it as if I was supposed to understand what that meant. I didnt. However, I tried to wager a guess.
So only powerful Humans go here.
Or adventurers seeking glory. And those would announce to every Adventurers Guild they pass through that theyre going to challenge this Dungeon. But when I spoke to Edithe before we left, she said no one has ventured to this Dungeon in a whole year.
I tapped a finger on my chin, understanding.
You think this isnt an adventurer then?
No. I think he might be one of your friends from before.
My friends?
Daniel opened the book and spoke a word.
[Cultists].
The page turned to a drawing. Arge drawing that took up two whole pages of the book. It was of a circle filled with intricate drawings on its inside a kind of glyph that seemed so familiar to me. A summoning circle.
Huh.
I stared at Daniel with newfound respect.
And you knew this person was a [Cultist] just from his clothes?
The Human man rubbed his nose all too gleefully.
Well, I do have a knack at spotting bad guys.
Is that a [Hero] Skill?!
Uh, no. He was just dressed like one.
I blinked and nced down at the dead [Cultist], remembering how I thought I was dressed like them. I pointed a finger at myself.
Am I a bad guy?
As long as you dont do bad things, youre not one
The Human man was suddenly cut off. A loud crash resounded behind us. Dust blew up in the air as the ceiling of the previous room fell, without anything to support its weight. Daniel and I stared as the front half of the building fell into itself, rubbing and debris piling up with a violent tter.
Instantly, I heard the sound of angry monsters bounding towards us in the distance. The heavy, rushed footfalls echoed in the other previously quiet street, filling the ruined city with a riotous mor. Pointing at the copsed half of the building, I faced Daniel.
Is that a bad thing?
...yes. Yes it is.
Chapter 85: Stampede
Chapter 85: Stampede
85. Stampede
The Mindreapers and their hordes of monsters closed in on us, pouring down the streets in an angry, unstoppable current. This tidal wave came as Daniel and I burst out of the building, casting our gazes around the dark, broken city.
Brilsum Ruins had been thrown into a frenzy; the target of their ire was at the two interlopers who dared enter amidst the cloak of darkness. I spotted the first of the monsters making their way around the street corner. Rabid Rancors were leaping through great distances to get to us.
I raised a hand, aiming it at therge insect-like creatures.
[Scorching Wave].
The bright blue mes ignited and lit up the night. It sent a plume of deadly fire into the air, catching the monsters mid air and setting them aze. I spun around and gestured at Daniel to leave as the charred bodies of the low Gold monsters fell to the ground, dead.
Go!
I called out to him as I ran past him. Daniel however, was fumbling his way slowly behind me despite the head start I had given him.
There was a crash behind us. Therger, more powerful monsters finally turned the corner and caught sight of us, doubling their pace to reach their targets. I red at mypanion and started pulling him along.
Why are you so slow?!
My [Agility] is not as high as you
He started right before a ball of fire flew past our heads.
and you have [Self Haste] active! Its not fair!
His voice drew out like a long and booming st, echoing through the explosion resounding behind us. I glowered but didnt respond. Something else had caught my eyes something of far more importance.
The first Mindreaper had finally made its appearance. The one leading this horde against us. It flew above a pack of Gatho Mammoths, its eyes angrily scanning the area before stopping on us. I knew what wasing next and pushed Daniel to move ahead of me.
Just run! Ill catch up to you in a moment!
What are you
The wave of mind magic washed over me as I growled a shriek.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call]!
I focused the Skill entirely on Daniel. Not because I wanted it to affect him, but because I did not want him to be drawn by it. It was a feeling; something I noted when the General Skill leveled. Perhaps it was [Deadly Instincts] which told me about it. And it worked.
The horde of angry monsters turned even more angry. Their rage to me was doubled tripled even! They bore down on me like a column of burning ash. The eruption of rage, pressured into existence deep beneath the surface of the earth, before spewing out like ava from a volcano.
...I had no idea what a volcano was, but Daniel told me it shot out hotva.
I readied myself for the volley of fiery spheres, for the shaking of the earth and the rising of pirs barring my path. I was hit by the sound that pierced through my ears, for the magic that attacked me straight in my mind.
My senses were overloaded, even with [Self Haste], I could not evade it all in time. In an instant, the protection offered by my ring fizzled out and my body was cut and bleeding. Only [Charge of Embers] saved me, bringing me down a narrow side street. The sound magic and mind magic still struck me, the Mindreaper being the first one to reach me, unencumbered by the buildings and rubble covering the ground.
Letting it make its approach, I sent out a [Scorching Wave] at it in the air. It flinched from the attack, but otherwise suffered little damage from the Skill. Then before it could fly back from me, fire chains caught it by its tentacled legs. I tugged it down from its flight and swung my kusarigama for its face.
[Fire Strike] empowered my attack and it sheared deep through its magical body.
The Mindreaper reeled back before the rest of its horde tore into the side street. I struck out once again, but this time I followed through with the attack and pinned the Mindreaper to the ground. It let out an inaudible screech before turning a hate-filled gaze at me.
Then its eyes cleared. It stared at me for a moment, confused. Its consciousness returned to it and a smile spread across my face.
How what did you?
I leapt back and waved at it, ignoring the telepathic messages it sent my way.
Got to go! Bye!
The Mindreapers eyes grew wide before it sent a wave of mind magic my way. My head felt like it was about to burst as I bled the ck blood of my kind, trying to fight through the attack and escape from its range.
Get back
An explosion cut off the Mindreaper. A ball of fire exploded where the Mindreaper stood, sending broken bricks and earth up into the air. Craning my neck just a little bit, I tried to catch a glimpse of the Mindreapers body. Still alive, huh?
Crunch. Crunch. CRUNCH.
Huh.
A stampede of Gatho Mammoths ran over the Mindreaper. The monsters the Drakes, the Rancors, and the Ground Cravers they had all broken out of their trance. My Title Skill freed them from whatever it was that was taking hold of their body. And now, they were fighting each other.
The Gatho Mammoths had tried fleeing from the ferocious and violent Drakes. The scaled beasts tearing into the smaller creatures with ease the only monsters that could take them on too spooked to take part in the massive battle.
A Drake had its head raised high, creating a powerful ball of fire to burn its enemies. When a pack of Saeves climbed up its legs. These werent [Prima Saeves]. They were the smaller variation the ones I had protected Sophia and Cless from when they were asleep. The night before the giant ape had attacked us.
They were lower leveled around level 40. But they were not easy to deal with, even for me.
While a horde of monsters had been gathered by the Mindreapers and whatever magic empowered them, most of these monsters here werent swarm monsters. They werent like Centinels or Giant Spiders. They formed groups far fewer in numbers than them, making up for their numerical inferiority by their individual superiority.
So the Saeves brought down the Drake, ripping apart its iron-like scales as if they were picking fruits from a tree. More small skirmishes broke out, but I did not stay to watch it. I fled the scene, just like the Gatho Mammoths. Except I was faster.
Stalking through the Brilsum Ruins, I saw the other patrols of Mindreapers and their hordes slowly bear down on the chaos I had left behind. The sounds of fighting drew those nearby, however the ones further away ignored it. Perhaps this was the chance I had to search the city while the Mindreapers were distracted. But there was always tomorrow.
To my relief, I found Daniel safe and alive, waiting for me at the same spot we would spy down onto the Dungeon from. He was sprawled, arms wide on the white floor. I went to lie down next to him, heaving a heavy sigh.
That wasnt fun.
It really wasnt.
I almost died.
I didnt, but I would have if not for you.
He nced over at me, giving me a grateful look. I grinned back and got up.
It was dangerous, but
I pointed down at the Brilsum Ruins where the fighting was happening, although it was subsiding. At the corpse of the Gatho Mammoths, just at the edge of the city.
I have a n, and that n means were going to do that again.
The Human man stared at me in disbelief for a moment.
Are you serious?
I am.
I snorted and crossed my arms.
It serves as a really good distraction. We can sneak through the city undisturbed then. Maybe even go into the inner part of it without any problems.
Daniel frowned. He scratched at his chin as he considered this. Leaning back, I cast my gaze up into the starry sky, a very good feeling passing through me.
Plus, its good for levels.
Defeated [Nightmare Mindreaper - Lvl. 80]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Horned Drake - Lvl. 61]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Rancor Mite - Lvl. 54]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Gatho Mammoth - Lvl. 68]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 57] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 58]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 58] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 59]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 59
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 4
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 60 (+5)
[Strength]: 40 (+5)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 79 (+5)
[Agility]: 115 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 8]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 18
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 6
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 7
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 4
Theyre back!
Edithe and Rachel came down from their room to hear what the source of themotion was about. Something was happening that was making a lot of noise, turning the usually quiet headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company into a mess hall of the Sunmere Republics army.
When the two reached the bottom of the stairs, they realized what all the hubbub had been about. Standing at the gate to the building was Gabriel. Sophia and Cless followed behind him as he entered the headquarters with a singlemand.
Where is Hadrian?
The leader of the Valiant Dreamerspany produced himself in an instant. He spoke in a hurried voice and bowed deeply.
Alchemist Gabriel, my father, Baris has fallen to the ailments of a deadly poison. He is still in the midst of fighting against it, however his situation is dire. I ask for your assistance to take a look at
Ive already taken a look at him, boy.
Gabriel snapped back.
I just returned from the training grounds. And there, I found three more damn nts amongst your staff working as a cook, a groundskeeper, and another server.
Edithe blinked as gasps broke out all around her. Rachel tugged at her shoulder, speaking in a worried voice.
Whats going on?
Its Im not really sure yet.
She hesitated before giving a response. Three more nts as in, from the Iron Champions Company? Hadrian had the same thought.
The Iron Champions Company is sending more assassins at us?
Theyre looking to finish the job.
Gabriel strode past him, almost brushing past his shoulder. Hadrian turned back and called out after the [Alchemist].
These assassins where are they?
Ive dealt with them. They put up a bit of a fight, nearly took Sophia with them.
The young woman lowered her head as Gabriel spoke, not even ncing back at her.
But they wont be bothering anyone ever again. Now if youll excuse me, I have an antidote I have to make.
With those final words, Gabriel entered the building and mmed the door shut behind him. Edithe watched as all the bystanders the members of herpany like Paige, Ian, Glenn begin to break out into their own, panicked discussions. Hadrian approached Cless and Sophia, demanding to know more about what happened.
The red haired woman felt her hands tense around Rachels shoulders. She only realized to rx her grip when the girl looked up at her, amber eyes growing wide.
Theyre talking about assassins?
...yes.
It made no sense to Edithe. Why would the Iron Champions Company send so many assassins to kill Baris? He had been their leader, but he was old and no longer in charge of the Valiant Dreamers.
If it was payback they were looking for they could have hired cheaper assassins to take out other parts of Valiant Dreamers Companys operations. Maybe even target the weaker members. To spend so much gold on these elite assassins they had to be very angry, or have an ulterior motive.
Edithe couldnt help but feel a worried feeling bubbling up inside of her. However, it all vanished when she saw how quiet Rachel had be. She lowered herself to her knees and met the girl''s eyes.
Whats wrong?
I-Is is it my fault?
Rachel nced up at Edithe, her hands tightly clinging to the doll on her chest. Edithe blinked as she continued, tears already pouring down her face.
Are these the assassinsing after me? The Harrowed Vindicators? I Im sorry. Ill leave if Im too much trouble I
Edithe immediately hugged the girl, cutting her off. Slowly patting the back of her head, the red haired woman spoke reassuringly.
Its not your fault. These arent the bad guysing after you. Theyre other bad guys. And well deal with them. So theres no need for you to cry.
Drawing herself away from Rachel, Edithe gave her a smile. She knew what kind of a household the girl had grown up in Salvos was unconcerned, even though she liked the girl. But Daniel had told Edithe. He had told her about how Rachels mother left her, and her father tried to get rid of her.
It was something that Edithe was familiar with, and she knew she had to say something there. Anything, really.
Rachel sniffled and stared up at the red haired woman.
Its its really not my fault?
No.
Edithe spoke simply. As if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Its not."
Chapter 86: The Inner City
Chapter 86: The Inner City
86. The Inner City
For the next week, Daniel and I resumed our strategy from before, waiting for a Mindreaper to leave before attempting to sneak our way through the Brilsum Ruins. I was warier now than before I had known it was dangerous from the very beginning, but after nearly dying to the collective attack of hundreds of monsters, it changed my perspective slightly.
Not only did I choose to raise my [Vitality] by a little more than usual from my levels, I also made sure to stay away from anything that looked like it could be fragile. Which meant everything, really. Everything here is so old and weak!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 59
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 4
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 66 (+5)
[Strength]: 40 (+5)
[Endurance]: 63 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 79 (+5)
[Agility]: 119 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 20
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 7
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 7
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 4
[Charge of Embers] was maxed now too, which meant I had far shorter cooldowns between each use than before. It served to my advantage when it came to running away I hadnt even tested out how much more useful it was as an attack since I didnt think I was ever going to charge into that horde of monsters.
Not as long as the Mindreapers are there.
During this period where we continued searching through rubble and broken homes, we never made the same mistake as the first night we tried entering the Brilsum Ruins. That meant that we never got into a battle except for the one time a Mindreaper flew our way.
It hadnt even noticed us, hiding within the canyon during the dead of night. It was so focused on bringing whatever monster it had caught in its mind magic its way, I managed to get the drop on it with multiple [Fire Strikes]. Then before it could flee, I dragged it down with the chains from my kusarigama and finished it off.
Defeated [Nightmare Mindreaper - Lvl. 78]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Daniel tried to help, but being a non magical fighter, he couldnt really do much. Only a few of his Skills even had any magic to them, and he didnt want to waste them on a fight we could have easily won since some of them like his [Heros sh] could only be used once a day.
As such, his efforts in helping take down the Mindreaper was so minute itted him barely any experience not enough for me to lose any experience from defeating it.
After our search through the Brilsum Ruins outer city proved to be fruitless, Daniel and I had a discussion. The suggestion I had made to him after the first deadly night. We had to try it. So after spending a full day convincing him and nning out what we were going to do, he finally acqueisced and went to sleep.
Daniel and I returned to the Brilsum Ruins the next day after the Human man got his nights rest, before daring to tackle the tinum Rank Dungeon once again.
Now Entering [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
We didnt jump straight back in the n was risky as evinced by how much damage I had sustained from the horde of monsters after I used [Zealous Call]. So, the first thing we did was get a good view of the topography of the city, and sketched out a rough map of the area.
We marked down the basic outlines of the route we had taken and how we avoided the Mindreapers there jotting down the ces where we thought we could hide and take cover in case a patrol passed by. Then with that in mind, we turned our attention fully back to the city and waited for the opportunity to show itself.
We werent just going to have me charge right up to a Mindreaper and activate [Title Skill: Zealous Call]. That was how I got myself killed. Instead, we decided that it would be better for me to wait for the exact same scenario as before to show itself the one where a Mindreaper left its horde along to bring a sleeping creature to the Dungeon then we would act.
I would force all the sleeping monsters the abandoned monsters awake, before making a run for it with Daniel. It would cause chaos unbound, and was sure to attract the attention of all the nearby Mindreapers.
While I would have preferred to simply scour around the area and check each individual building as we had done for the past week, it just didnt seem like something that was efficient if we had a distraction. Nor did it make sense, ording to Daniel, for the Fairy temple to be located anywhere in the outer city.
I know we have been mostly sweeping through the outer city, but thats because we couldnt get near the inner city. Now we can. And I told you, Salvos, Spirits in the past were worshipped by Humans. They were seen as forces of nature. Especially the Fairies. So it wouldnt make sense for them to build a city around their temple only to keep it at the peripheries of the city.
But what if they couldnt do that for whatever reason?
I posed the question to mypanion. I wasnt necessarily trying to disagree with him, rather I was trying to prod at him to understand his logic.
That is possible, but less likely. And weve already determined that simply searching through the entire city is probably unfeasible.
If we spend enough time doing it
I trailed off, not really convincing myself there. I was willing to take however long it was necessary to find the Fairies here in the Brilsum Ruins, however that did not mean I was looking forward to doing it. In fact, I would prefer not to.
Daniel wagged a finger, exining.
If we want to be as efficient as possible, we cant search every nook and cranny for something that might not even be there anymore. What we should do is search where its most likely to be found, and that ce is the inner city.
Nodding slowly, I cast my gaze to the white walls in the distance, half crumbled and only partially standing.
Behind the anti magic walls. Where the Minotaurs are supposed to be.
Yeah
The Human man had a worried look on his face. I raised a nonexistent brow.
Whats wrong?
Its just theyre supposed to be dangerous, Salvos. Mindreapers are powerful, but they dont have high [Vitality]. Meanwhile, Minotaurs are supposed to be both strong and durable.
Hey, thats just like Haec!
Your Demon friend, right. So, imagine if you not only had to fight just one of him, but dozens in their home.
I shrugged.
Who says we have to fight them? They might not attack us, and if they dont, I wont attack them either.
As you normally do. But Minotaurs are just like Giant Spiders they are very territorial.
Im sure they have other things to be worried about.
I eyed a Mindreaper as it came dangerously close to our side of the canyon, its patrol seemingly more diligent than before. I nced back at Daniel and sighed.
Its dangerous. Of course its dangerous. Everything is dangerous!
That, I agree with.
Nodding, mypanion turned his attention back to the broken city. The tinum Rank Dungeon was not entirely on alert. He noticed it too the Mindreapers seemed more aware than before of an intruders presence, but they werent going out of their way to find us.
Do you really think these monsters are intelligent?
Daniel asked me after a while. I thought about it for a moment, not really sure what to say.
Maybe? They donte across as wild to me. In fact, they can even speak to your mind.
Right, they did do that. But if thats the case, why are they doing this?
He shifted in his lying position, almost ufortably.
I read through that [Cultist]s book, you know. Well, not the whole thing since half of it was ruined and undecipherable. But the other half it made it seem like whoever he was, he wasnt here to do anything good.
So hes a bad person then?
Very bad. They were trying to summon a Demon.
I gave Daniel a nk stare. He quickly amended his statement.
A bad Demon. An evil one to do evil things.
What kind of evil things?
Uh
Scratching his cheek, Daniel averted his gaze and conveniently pointed out at something that was happening in the broken city.
Look! That Mindreaper is about to leave.
Sure enough, a Mindreaper in the western part of the city had abandoned its horde, leaving them at rest, before shooting off into the night sky. Daniel and I exchanged a look, the conversation from before forgotten, and the n ready to be executed.
Lets go down there.
Getting up, I almost found myself standing on shaky feet. The nervousness and trepidation running through me it almost reminded me of the time I was attacked by the very first wild Demon I met, therge Demon that ughtered the others.
Fear gripped me, but I shrugged it off. This n of ours was going to be far safer without a Mindreaper around to constantly hurt me with its mind magic. And since we dictated the distance wed be from them I was prepared for it.
Daniel and I climbed our way down to the western part of the city, making our way through to enter the Brilsum Ruins under the guise of night. We stalked past the same copsed buildings, the same fallen houses, and the same mounds of rubble. Until finally, we reached the sleeping monsters. The ones left behind by a Mindreaper, sent away to capture more targets.
I nodded at mypanion and gestured for him to leave; he hurried off to a side street and waited in the far off distance. I followed shortly after him before turning my attention back to the mass of monsters lying in wait. Baring my teeth, I took a deep breath and let out a ferocious shrieking growl.
[Zealous Call] snapped the horde awake. They instantly charged me, their eyes still hazy from the long sleep they had just been in. The monsters did not even stop to think about why they were mad at me. They just were.
It wouldntst long. It should have been only a few moments. And while it might have been a result of [Self Haste] taking effect, it felt like the longest moments of my entire life.
I dodged and leapt out of the way of iing fireballs. des of wind shot out at me at incredibly high speeds,ing from therge [yer Vultures] that took the sky. [Charge of Embers] allowed me to quickly change directions, buying me a moment of relief from the iing projectiles and magic.
Making a sharp turn down a side street, I saw Daniels back appear in view once again as the ground shook behind me. The horde of monsters followed behind us, still enraged
Then the Skill ran out. And they came back to their senses.
Chaos broke out once again. Monsters of all kinds found themselves amidst different Species that they never met before. Amongst rival Species that theypeted against. It was a storm of emotions confusion, anger, fear that resulted into a bloody tempest which I wanted no part of.
The gale from the fighting blew past me and that was it. The rage of the monsters had been forgotten. I was nothing more than a speck in the distance to them. Why would you focus one me far away when an enemy was right next to you?
I bounded across the brick street until I was next to Daniel. The Human man slowed to a stop. We exchanged a nod before sinking into the darkness. Swimming through the shadows, we kept away from the solid main street. And when a procession of monsters led by a Mindreaper came to find the source of themotion in this part of the city. They didn''t see us.
All they saw was a massive battle. One which they quickly joined without any hesitation.
Daniel and I continued breezing through the city, unhindered by the many patrols of Mindreapers, their attention drawn by the distraction we had caused. I had gained no experience from doing this. All it gave us was time and the freedom to move through the city. Towards our destination for the night.
We stopped before the tall, white walls. The anti magic walls, made out of banclite. I took a moment to take in the view of the ancient monolith before pressing forward. I only stopped once more as Daniel hovered back.
Whats wrong?
I cocked my head, puzzled at his apprehension. Shifting in his feet, he spoke hesitantly.
I Im not sure if this is the best idea, Salvos. Were about to enter a Lair of Minotaurs. Many tinum Rank adventurers have tried to clear it, and all of them have died.
You were prepared to do this earlier, werent you? You suggested going into the inner city. Why are you getting scared now?
I was scared too, then. I just
He trailed off and nced back in the distance. A dozen Mindreapers were circling a single area in the sky. The battle was still ongoing, but it was evidently drawing to a close.
I just dont want to die.
The Human man spoke simply. I stared at him for a moment, before happily agreeing.
Me too! Thats why we should go in now, before the Mindreapers return to patrolling near us. Well try to avoid any Minotaurs too. Come on Daniel, were so close. Plus, we might learn more about whatever that [Cultist] was trying to do inside.
I tried to give him as reassuring of a look as I could, although I knew it wasnt very effective since I wasnt in my Mortal Form. In fact, if I tried to calm him down while I was in my Mortal Form, he might have gotten even more nervous for whatever weird reason Humans had.
Daniel, to his credit, managed to steel himself after taking a deep breath. He nodded at me and stepped to my side.
Right. This will help you, and its also the right thing to do.
Maybe. Now, lets see what Minotaurs are made of.
It was a Lair, after all. It was well documented by the many adventurers who dared this Dungeon in the past. A ce where Minotaurs, powerful tinum Rank monsters resided.
So when we walked through a hole in the banclite wall as I traced my hands at the air over the white stone and felt my magic weakening just slightly I was prepared to find some Minotaurs, to enter their Lair, and hear the notification telling me we reached it. But as we continued further and further into the inner city, the words, the Lair, the Minotaurs
Never came.
Chapter 87.1. Cultist Scheme
Chapter 87.1. Cultist Scheme
87.1. Cultist Scheme
Trepidation coursed through my body a tingling sense of nervousness hung around my neck. I had tried to reassure Daniel that everything would be fine, but I found myself doubting my own words now too.
This was supposed to be a Lair of Minotaurs. A ce full of monsters that were like Haec if he were much higher leveled. They had killed many tinum Rank adventurers who had stalked through these halls before. The dark, stone corridor was lit by nothing only the creeping moonlight that seeped through the cracks in the rubble and the walls let us see in this eerie ce.
And what we saw was this: nothing.
There was nothing here. The Minotaurs never came. The notification never came. I was not intuitively told that we were now in a Lair that feeling of confirmation never settled in. So, I felt afraid. Afraid of what had happened.
Daniel, where exactly did you say the Lair was supposed to be located at?
I finally asked the question after we exited the dark hallway, finding ourselves standing in an open area. The ground here was covered in dust, but there was evidently dirt below that grayyer. Was this a garden? If it had been a garden, it would have been a well-kept one.
There was a marble fence crawling with vines those thick green worms covering the entire surface of the broken mansion that was connected to the plot ofnd. Maybe there had been flowers instead of broken bits of stone protruding from a vibrant grassy earth. But now there was nothing but the destruction left behind by the Oracle of Light, Melissa, and the erosion of time itself.
After a moment of silence, as our gaze swept through the inner city hidden behind the tall walls circling our every direction, Daniel responded.
I...Im not sure. The information I was given told me that it was just deep inside the city. I had assumed it meant the inner city of the Brilsum Ruins, but maybe its even further in?
Where else could their Lair be?
Looking at him with a confused look, I tried scanning the area once more. My eyes zed over thendscape as if it was smeared in oil. The oleaginous portrait was bleak and gloomy, the craters strewn about like porous holes on a face it not something I wanted to look at for long. Especially since it almost seemed no different, or even worse off, than the city beyond the banclite walls.
However, my gaze finally settled onto arge structure in the center right of the inner city. It was a like castle, ording to Daniel. And it rose from the ground like a steep cliff, its towers still partially standing although somey fallen to the side, spilling out like the innards spread from a deadly wound.
But perhaps it had a high [Vitality], so the castle remained standing. Even despite the damage it had sustained from whatever magic was wrought to this earth. I raised a wed finger and pointed at the structure.
Do you think thats where the Lair could be located?
Possibly.
The Human man nodded slowly, his eyes flickering around as if he was searching for something.
But thats not our goal, right?
Right. Were searching for the Fairy temple.
Tapping a finger on my chin, I found my eyes breaking away from the broken castle and towards the rest of the area. I was taking a cursory look at the inner city, but I had almost alreadye to my conclusion.
I dont see anything that looks like a temple.
Yeah. Its entirely possible that it had beenpletely disintegrated by Melissa when she came here. However, amongst crater 1 and crater 100, Im not sure where we should start our search.
I shrugged and took a step forward.
Its not like were in any rush.
Yeah, our biggest concern should be keeping quiet and staying alive.
Agreeing with him, I led the way out of the ruined garden and into the damaged streets of the inner city. The cracked, cobbled streets brought us through the haphazardly ced city blocks; it was unlike the outer citys regryout of city blocks, with frequent intersections that cut perpendicrly into one another.
The discontinuous roads here would end at any given moment, bringing us face to face with a tall stone wall, or simply the side of arge house that was once luxurious in the past. Navigating through these ovepping rows of houses exacerbated by the uneven ground that held them made our task far more difficult than it had been in the outer city.
The outer city was nothing more than a ruined a mess, like the spilled remains of a wild Demon after a bloody battle, and it even had dangerous hordes of monsters led by powerful Mindreapers. I found that our search then had been far easier than now.
The looming feeling that something bad could happen at any time whether it be more Mindreapers appearing out of nowhere, [Cultists] doing some kind of ritual, or Minotaurs sat in the back of my head as I peered through the windows of a still-standing home. It wasrge, but it wasnt designed anything like either the Sanctum of Elements or Sanctuary of Fauna had been.
So, we passed by it without even searching the interior of the building. Daniel and I crept through the inner city until day came, and the sun rose with it. The blue sky hung over us now, informing us that we didnt have much time left.
Daniel and I stood at the edge of a crater, neither of us saying much since we began our search. Finally, I turned to him and addressed the biggest obstacle in our path and the one that had been guing me ever since I met the man.
So youre going to need to sleep soon.
Yeah.
And if you go to sleep, youll probably be controlled by those Mindreapers again.
Definitely.
That means well have to leave. Going back through the outer city before we cane back and resume our search.
Right.
I tapped a finger on my chin, in thought. Then I gave him a hesitant nce.
Do you do you think we should just try checking that building there before we leave?
Daniel frowned and faced the tall, towering structure in the distance. The thing he had called a castle, although he wasnt really sure if it was one. He was tired, so there was no wittyment or any outrageous reaction.
The ce where we think the Lair of powerful tinum Rank monsters is at?
Yep.
I spoke simply, eliciting a sigh from him. He folded his arms and sat on the ground.
We dont have to leave yet, Salvos. Honestly, I can probably go another day or two without sleep if I really try. And Id rather we return as soon as possible. But this just sounds reckless.
It is, maybe.
Casting my gaze throughout the inner city illuminated by the light of day, it was a lot clearer now what each building were and would have been. And none of them seemed like they would be a temple.
I just think that thats the likeliest ce well find the Fairies. Its like you said, right? If we want to be as efficient as possible, we have to start our search with ces where we think theyre at. And while Im not sure if that building is the Fairy temple, it has to have something.
and something is better than nothing, right?
I nodded eagerly, d that he understood my point. My Humanpanion sighed once more, ruminating on what to do. After a moment of silence, he made his decision.
Fine.
I brightened and stared at him with twinkling eyes.
You mean it?
Yes. Its not like theres anything else we can do but wander around aimlessly. And why are you so excited, anyways?! We might die from whatever is in there.
Or
I spun around toward the castle.
We can find some friendly Minotaurs and theyll be ourpanions!
Im sure thats going to happen.
Chapter 87.2. Cultist Scheme
Chapter 87.2. Cultist Scheme
87.2. Cultist Scheme
I ignored his sarcastic remark and stepped forward. Gesturing for him to hurry, I bounded down the street and made my way to our new destination.
I halted a few blocks away from the looming structure, and turned around to see Daniel slowly running after me. Eventually catching up to me, Daniel spoke with renewed vigor in between each panting breath.
Salvos, just because I agreed with you doesnt mean were going to throw caution into the wind.
Whats the big deal?
Dismissively waving a hand, I turned the street corner andughed.
We havent seen anything so far, its not like well
My words were interrupted by the sound of footfalls, approaching at a rxed pace. The plodding steps brought my mouth to a stop as Daniel red at me from behind. I tried to give him a helpless shrug, but he pulled me down an alley as whoever was making their approach drew closer.
We waited with bated breath for whoever it was to pass through, peeking just at the edge to see whoever it was making the noise. The footsteps were sharp. They were sparsely spread apart, but each one resounded like a snap to my ears. It certainly wasnt the thudding gait I thought a Minotaur would have.
And sure enough, the shadow that eventually made its appearance did not resemble arge monster with horse-like legs and curled horns on their head. In fact, I caught a small glimpse of the figure, and it looked like
A Human.
Daniel whispered quietly. I nced over at him, wondering why he even needed to say that. Werent we supposed to be sneaky?!
I got my answer a momentter as Daniel clenched his fist and ran out of the cover. Blinking, I was only a step behind him when he drew his de and pointed at the Humans back.
You!
Mypanion called out in a deep voice. The Human came to a stop, not even turning to face us. I identified him and frowned.
[Cultist Lvl. 66]
Narrowing my eyes, I created a fire kusarigama and readied for a fight.
What are you people doing here? What do you [Cultists] hope to achieve by summoning a Demon here, out in the middle of the Motharis Mountain Range?
Daniel continued his interrogation, his hands tightly gripping the hilt of his sword. The [Cultist] once again didnt respond. Instead, they slowly turned around as Daniel spoke through gritted teeth.
Those Mindreapers out there I knew that wasnt natural. And when Salvos found one of your bodies, I knew you had something to do with that. Tell me, why are you
Mypanion was cut off mid sentence, and I cocked my head.
Huh.
Daniels eyes grew wide as he took a step back. He sputtered slowly.
H-hes sleeping?
Sure enough, the [Cultist] faced us with closed eyes. He moved with the same staggered movement of the monster horde outside when they havent beenmanded to fight an enemy. He held something in the palm of his hand, covering it from our view. He was under control of mind magic. And since he was being controlled, this meant
You guys arent the ones behind this?
Daniel asked, aghast. This time, he was answered with a powerful st of magic.
Fire whipped out towards mypanion, snapping out of the ground like a vine falling from a tree. The [Hero] parried the attack with his sword, but the magic wrapped around its de and tugged it towards the [Cultist].
With a grunt, Daniel pulled his sword back before I reached the [Cultist] a momentter. I shed the kusarigama across his chest, drawing a lot of blood, although he didnt even flinch from it. I ducked under a wave of fire that incinerated a building behind me and wrapped my fiery chains around his ankle.
I hopped back and pulled, tripping him to the ground. The [Cultist] fell backwards, straight into the swinging de of Daniel.
Mypanions sword jammed itself hallway through the [Cultist]s abdomen, however he couldnt finish the job. me wrapped around the body of the [Cultist], looking as though he was about to explode in a furious st, before I hurled my kusarigama to the front f his head.
It interrupted the spell, knocking his head back into the powerful fist of a [Hero]. With that, Daniel was able to pull his de free from the [Cultist]s body and lop his head off with a final swing.
Defeated [Cultist Lvl. 66]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I leapt down to the ground next to mypanion and sighed.
That was tough, he had a lot of [Vitality].
But that meant his magic wasnt that powerful.
Rubbing at his singed arm, Daniel nodded. I bent over and quickly patted through the corpse of the [Cultist], before pulling out an odd amulet.
Whats this?
I identified it with a frown. Daniel spoke slowly, repeating the words in my head that was probably in his head too.
Amulet of Strength. A Low Grade artifact.
Slowly tying the amulet around my forearm, I felt a surge of strength well up in me. It gave me an addition (+2) bonus to my [Strength], however I felt the mana inside the artifact begin to already drain.
Seems like it can onlyst a day. So, he wasnt using it then.
He was bringing it to the castle.
Daniels head turn and I followed him. I nced over in the direction the [Cultist] had been walking to before our interruption and we both had the same idea.
I dont think there are any Minotaurs left in there. Do you?
Nope.
I nodded my head in agreement. Then I faced him and looked at him knowingly.
I really think we should check it out, and I dont think youll disagree this time.
I wont.
He spoke simply. With that settled, the two of us continued making our way to the base of the castle, uncertain of what lies ahead. We didnt know if it had Minotaurs or Fairies or whatever we were searching for but we knew something was going on. Something, ording to Daniel, that was bad.
And that was enough to draw my curiosity and Daniels toward it without any more disagreements.
Chapter 88: Minotaurs Found!
Chapter 88: Minotaurs Found!
88. Minotaurs Found!
Hey, Sophia.
Edithes voice tore the young womans eyes from the badge she had been holding. It was adorned in gold well, more like yellow, really. So she finally got promoted, huh?
Yes?
Sophia quickly pocketed the badge and faced Edithe. The red haired woman nodded and smiled.
Congrattions.
Oh, uh, thank you. I just got promoted the other week but Hadrian only sent the request for a new badge for me just yesterday.
You should wear it.
Edithe spoke simply, stepping up beside Sophia. She tilted her head up, feeling the smile threaten to disappear, but continued through it.
When I first became Gold, I was too afraid ofing across as arrogant that I kept it hidden from everyone and anyone I knew. I thought it was the modest thing to do. But Paul told me that most people wouldnt care if you show it in fact, most people would be able to identify me and know that I was Gold.
Talking of her former party leader still made her feel a slight pain in her heart. They had been her only true friends after so long. And theyre now d
Edithe gritted her teeth and turned to Sophia.
Plus, youre not even Level 40 yet. That is an achievement. So, wear it with pride.
O-of course.
The younger woman spoke hesitantly, but quickly took out the badge and pinned it onto her shirt. Edithe gave her an approving look before finally deciding to discuss what she hade here for.
By the way, Sophia, could I ask you one thing?
Sophia instantly froze. Her shoulders slumped as she groaned.
Oh, please dont tell me its going to be about Gabriel and what happened with those Iron Champion assassins the other day. Ive answered so many questions about it you can ask anyone, and I mean anyone, and they can tell you everything I know.
Edithe chuckled and waved a hand.
No, not that.
She turned her head back slightly, towards the small figure hiding behind the crack in the door. Edithe gestured at Rachel toe, however the little girl refused to budge not wanting to talk to anyone except for her.
Its about the two adventurers you traveled with. Salvos and Daniel.
T-the two Gold Ranks?
Sophia stiffened and Edithe raised a brow.
Is something the matter?
Flushing, the young woman averted her gaze slightly and spoke quietly, almost ashamed.
Its nothing. They were very helpful. What do you want to know about them?
Edithe narrowed her eyes, realizing there was a story there. However, she decided not to press it and continued with her question.
They were supposed to head further into the Motharis Mountain Range, after helping find Gabriel. Do you know anything about whether they got there?
Oh, uh, no.
Sophia rxed and scratched the back of her head.
They didnt speak much about what they were doing. I knew they were heading somewhere, but didnt even ask them where.
She blushed again but quickly continued.
However, if youre worried about them, dont be. They took care of all the monsters in the Moharis just fine. Even ones that were far beyond their level ones I couldnt even identify.
Again, there was a story there. But Edithe didnt prod the young woman about it. She nodded her head, and asked just to confirm.
So, you think theyll get to their destination just fine?
If my eyes werent deceiving me and they were actually as strong as they were?
Sophia met Edithes gaze and spoke confidently.
Then yes.
I see.
With that, Edithe thanked the young woman, satisfied. She congratted her once again on her promotion, before walking out of the lunchroom to meet the little girl hiding out in the hallway.
There, youve got your answer.
She bent over and smiled reassuringly at Rachel.
...but they havent returned yet.
The little girl spoke apprehensively, ncing around almost nervously. A few figures appeared down the hall Hadrian was talking to Ian and Paige and passed through, and instantly Rachel steeled herself, her face bing cool and almost uncaring, until they were gone.
Apparently, Edithe was the only one Rachel even trusted here. Was it because Salvos gave her her approval? Edithe wasnt sure. But once they left, Rachel returned to the scared child once again and looked up at Edithe. Or rather, just a normal, worried child.
Salvos said they woulde back. But its been so long and they havent returned!
Its only been a few weeks. Just over a month and a half. Even Sophia and Cless only returned three weeks ago!
Edithe spoke reassuringly, ruffling the palm of her hand through the brown hair of the girl.
Dont worry. You heard what Sophia said. Theyre fine. Nowe.
She pulled Rachels hand gently, bringing her along as she headed out of the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
The others are already leaving, but it seems like Gabriel has finished making his antidote. Hopefully Baris will make a full recovery by tonight. But just in case, well see what happens.
It was a simple and straightforward reason. One that would make enough sense in and of itself. But there was ayer underneath it. That of fear.
Because even though Salvos trusted her, Edithe wasnt sure if she could trust herself. She had failed Paul, Eloy, Silvia, and Hana. They were dead now, because she was too weak. And if she was too weak now if the Harrowed Vindicators showed up she didnt think she would be able to protect Rachel from them herself.
So, what better way to keep the girl safe than to keep her surrounded by a group of high leveled individuals? Hadrian and Gabriel were Diamond. There would be a handful of tinums there too, to watch and see if Baris recovers. Not to mention the numerous amount of Gold Ranks the Valiant Dreamers had.
What could possibly go wrong?
Daniel and I reached the base of therge castle and pushed through the broken gates into the vast chamber within. We had thought it would be empty that maybe there would be a single [Cultist] or two hiding within, and maybe even some Minotaurs that were being controlled by Mindreapers too. We were prepared, however we werent prepared to face just [Cultists].
Level 60 [Cultists]. Those who would have been leaders of their own cults and groups. They weremonce here. A few had been standing sentry rather than just meandering about, collecting trinkets like the first one we had found. They were keeping a keen eye out for us, and despite trying to keep to the shadows, they saw us.
Magic sted our way, and a few drew their crude des and charged us. I ignored those, letting them take my [Hero]panion on in battle, instead rushing the ones casting spells from behind. My ws sheared through these mage-type [Cultists] far easier than it would have the warrior-types, and with my newfound [Strength] artifact, I disposed of them rather easily.
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 64]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 61]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 67]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 59] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 60]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
The battles that took ce entering the castle were won easily. Most of the [Cultists] other than the first few guarding had been busy, and were slow to drop their tasks to attack us. But they did, and we fought back.
Daniel pulled his sword from the chest of a [Cultist] wielding a il. The weapon was clearly not suited for her she seemed like the type to cast spells more than anything. However, she still used it mindlessly, as her ice magic had been countered by my mes.
Wiping a sweat of his brows, he produced a healing potion from his pocket and raised it at me.
Need some?
No thanks.
I spoke simply, looking through the bodies of the [Cultists] I had just finished off. Many of them had been carrying something with them, looking to deliver it to somewhere. But it seemed that we had gotten lucky with the first [Cultist] as he actually had an artifact on him. These ones were carrying old, rusted weapons, useless pieces of jewellery, or even pieces of rocks as if they had any use.
Straightening, I pulled out a ring that looked like it would be useful and identified it. Nope, its just a ring. I sighed and tossed it aside. I raised a wed finger and gestured at it to Daniel.
I can avoid most of their attacks just fine, and those that hit me are absorbed by my Ring of Lesser Protection. Although it just ran out, it wont take too long to recharge since were in a Dungeon.
He nodded and picked up the il.
This looks like its useful. A Medium Grade weapon il of Power. It releases a wave of energy when it strikes an opponent which increases its damage and knocks whoever it hits back.
Ill take it!
I piped up excitedly and bounded right up to his side.
Ive got [Passive - Weapon Mastery]! I can use that!
It would be just like having a Spear of mes all over again! It was very useful, especially when fighting wild Demons higher leveled than me. Although, with only [Cultists] and monsters here, there wasnt too much for me to worry about. I could take on a Level 70 Mindreaper just fine, as long as I didnt waste any time trying to take it down.
Here you go. Its a bit heavy, but Im sure you can handle it just fine.
I snorted and held up the il of Power. Certainly, I would have had trouble using it back when I was a Level 30 [Zelus Imp]. But my [Strength] had more than doubled since then. I could pretty much use any weapons made out of ordinary iron, unless it had some kind of enchantment that made it super heavy or unwieldy to use.
Spinning the chained weapon in the air, I took a minute to limate myself to the weapon. The chains rattled and nged with each other, making it very noisy and not suited for sneaking around. However, just in case I would need it forter if we somehow went up against a Minotaur, which I wasnt looking forward to fighting but still wanted to see I would keep it with me.
I stored the weapon in a Bag of Holding I picked up from an earlier [Cultist], I heaved it around my shoulder and started down a long, gilded corridor. Daniel followed after me, having kept his distance from the spinning weapon when I had tested it.
So, there are a lot of [Cultists] here.
Yep. And no Minotaurs.
I agreed, casting my gaze around just in case my words would suddenly make them appear. Deting slightly when they didnt, I turned back to mypanion.
And theyre all under the same control spellbination that the monsters outside are under. The one that prevents you from sleeping.
He rubbed at his eyes reflexively as he spoke, reminding himself that he probably should sleep soon. However, he could go for days without sleep if he pushed himself, and if anything, I could always wake him back up with [Zealous Call].
You think theres a Mindreaper somewhere in here?
I caught on to what he was saying.
Yeah. There has to be one. At least one Mindreaper to keep them asleep, and one of whatever it is thats controlling their dreams.
With illusion magic.
Or a curse.
He spoke darkly, his face steeled from the moment of drowsiness earlier; he didnt like how he had been controlled twice before. Apparently, having his agency ripped from him was not something he had enjoyed. And I wholeheartedly agreed with that.
Do you think we should try to find whatever it is thats using this curse of illusion magic and stop them?
Tapping a finger on my chin, I asked the question as we slowly rounded a corner. We made sure to peer about first, not to run into any ambush or be caught unprepared by a patrol of [Cultists].
...no.
He finally said after a moments deliberation. I cocked my head.
Why not? Arent you a [Hero]? Isnt it your job to deal with things like this?
That had been the ss description from what I had been told by Daniel and Rachel. The little girl had excitedly told me the various stories of just the Immortal King Alexander. He had been the protector of Humanity for a thousand years, and their ruler. So, he was the most well known [Hero] to Human children.
I am.
Daniel halted to a stop. He nced to his right, right at a torn and discolored banner hanging down the side of the white walls. It wasnt banclite although it must have been designed to look like it.
However, I also know when Im out of my depth. This is something we need to report to the Adventurers Guild. To the Sunmere Republic itself. Maybe if it was just the [Cultists] schemes, we could deal with it ourselves. And I would have suggested that too. But this goes beyond them.
Turning his head in the general direction of where we hade from when we entered the city he spoke slowly.
Its an army out there, Salvos. Dozens of tinum Rank monsters. Hundreds of Gold Rank monsters. Thousands of Silver Rank monsters. And in here, there are dozens maybe even more than a hundred [Cultists], all at Gold Rank or higher. Its not something either of us can or should deal with.
I nodded.
Youre right. I just wanted to meet some Minotaurs, but
Daniel and I paused by a hole in the wall. We looked through it, out into a garden courtyard that led to another wing of the castle. There, a group of [Cultists] were passing through. They caught sight of us and instantly charged, casting spells and drawing their weapons, all the while clinging onto whatever it was they were carrying on them.
All Ive found are more weird Humans.
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 57]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 62]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
--
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 68]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 60] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 61]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Daniel and I swept through the various wings of the castle, mostly trying to stay hidden and only getting into some engagements. However, it seemed we didnt even need to crawl through the cracks and holes to avoid drawing attention to ourselves.
For whatever reason, whenever we got into a fight no matter how loud or explosive the battle was no other [Cultists] came to assail us. They would only react to seeing us, and even then, they took a moment to decide between continuing their delivery or instantly sting us with spells.
So we cleared out all the [Cultists] we could find while keeping an eye out for Fairies. I wasnt sure what they looked like, but Daniel described them as little, flying people who would annoy and trick you for fun. They sounded nice. But we didnt find any of them here.
However, we did eventually find the other Species I was looking for. The Minotaurs. And
Theyre dead.
Daniel pointed out the obvious as we stood before a pile of discarded, rotting bodies that had been stored in a room and left on its own. Theyy by the dozens, theirrge bodies making them obviously not Human. Their two horse-like legs bloodied and cut, as if they had been beaten in battle.
They had the face of a cow or a bull, which Daniel said was a kind of cow, although I hadnt seen one in any of the cities I had been in so far with two white horns protruding from the side of their heads. Their body was muscr, almost like Haec, with a broad chest that extended beyond even my height.
If they had still been alive and standing, they would have easily doubled my current height, even though I was taller than Daniel as I was now!
They might have been Lucernas height. Perhaps just a little bit taller. But despite being so huge and so strong they were dead. And beyond just what Daniel pointed out, they didnt just die randomly. They were
Theyre chained up.
I spoke up, narrowing my eyes. Therge links of metal wrapped around the necks of the Minotaur corpses. They were imbued with powerful magic, so much so that I was certain I couldnt break it either.
Someone locked them up here after beating them in a fight. And then left them to starve.
I thought food was disgusting I didnt like eating. However, I knew most living creatures needed some sort of subsistence to survive. The fact that they were left here without food, abandoned after being defeated it made my skin crawl.
Daniel took a step forward, taking in the sight with a furrowed face. He shook his head and ced a hand on the ground.
I dont think they were just abandoned, Salvos. I think they had already served their purpose then was abandoned. Look, drag marks.
I stared at what he was tracing his finger over. The floor looked like it was scratched, damaged which was what most of the Brilsum Ruins had looked like but it was even newer. As if someone struggled as they were being pulled out of the room against their will.
A thought crossed through my mind.
You think it has something to do with the [Cultists]?
I raised a nonexistent brow towards him. He blinked.
Why would that be? This was probably the working of whatever is responsible for everything weird that has been going on in this Dungeon.
But then why werent they just taken over in their sleep?
The question stumped Daniel. And there was more to it than just that too.
Plus, look at the marks on their body. The Minotaurs died recently enough that they havent turned to bones just yet what was it you called it again?
Dposition.
Yep, that. And thats why you think they starved. But they were also subdued and ced here in the first ce and the kind of injuries they suffered left marks on their skin. On their bodies.
Daniel looked around with a frown. He realized what I was saying a moment after.
So, it was not mind magic that did this.
It looks like the damage was caused by fire magic. Ice magic. Wind magic. And just swords, spears, hammers, ils nothing out of the ordinary. Things Humans would use often.
The [Cultists].
The Human man cast his gaze behind us instinctively. I continued.
And that would exin why they were being kept here. After all, [Cultists] need living creatures usually high level ones or ones with a lot of mana to summon Demons.
Are you saying
His eyes grew wide as I looked down at him grimly. Opening my palms and shrugging, I took a step away from the prison room.
I dont know. However, I do know that not all Demons are bad or evil, and especially not all of us are wild. So, lets not assume the worse, alright?
Daniel hesitated. He eyed me from behind, taking a moment to gather himself and hurry after me.
But Salvos, if what youre trying to say is true, dont you think we should leave right now?
We havent found the Fairies yet.
I spoke simply, although I was a little more conflicted than that in my head. Maybe, just maybe, if there really was an Archdemon here, I could ask them to help me return it was a hopeful thought. One that was probably not going to happen.
However, I was a Demon, right? Just like them. Even Ignavare didnt think to attack me unnecessarily.
Anyway, it was not like we were actively looking for trouble. We were trying to find Fairies, and they had been frequently spotted in this Dungeon. It made no sense to give up just yet.
Daniel disagreed.
Salvos, I know I agreed to help you. I know I came with you this far out of my own volition. But this is starting to get reckless. Staying here, even for another day, is very risky.
Everything has risks.
I know that, but if the [Cultists] really seeded, and there is an Archdemon here
We turned a corner, and the Human man was abruptly cut off. We stared at what was waiting before us. No there was no Archdemon there. In fact, we didnt even stop to stare for long.
Because what we saw was something we had already agreed we would attack immediately. Leading a group of [Cultists], hovering just below the ceiling as it patrolled down the corridors of the castle, was a Mindreaper.
Daniel and I ceased our arguments and immediately rushed forward. Mind magic settled in a momentter, just as we expected, but we were fully prepared this time.
Chapter 89.1. Seeing the Light
Chapter 89.1. Seeing the Light
89.1. Seeing the Light
[Mindreaper - Lvl. 82]
[Cultist - Lvl. 73]
[Cultist - Lvl. 68]
[Cultist - Lvl. 65]
Daniel and I charged the Mindreaper and the three [Cultists] surrounding it. The monster turned its head, taking a moment to recognize us as an intruder, before ring its mind magic at us.
I winced, but fought through the pain as [Self Haste] propelled me forward. Daniel couldnt keep up, however he was in the middle of using his Skill, shing out and sending a de of light in the direction of the flying Mindreaper.
A volley of magical arrows appeared out of thin air, in the air just above the Level 73 [Cultist]. He looked to be a man who was also in his 70s, dressed in ck and red robes, standing out from the other two who wore in ck robes.
These arrows soared through the air and towards me at extreme speeds. They were almost ethereal I swore I could see through them. And I was right, because they were made of pure arcane energy. The magical attack whizzed past me, dozens of themnding all around me. And
One of them nicked me. It pierced through my skin, draining me of mana in an instant. And more left minor cuts throughout my body. I grimaced as another volley readied tounch itself at me. More mind magic sted me, making me want to curl up and hide underneath a rock and scream. But [Charge of Embers] once again proved itself useful as more than just an offensive Skill.
It brought me straight to the Mindreaper, helping me evade the second volley of arcane bolts. Just as I reached it, a de of light Daniels Skill finally reached the Mindreaper too. We had both agreed beforehand to always focus our attacks on these mind mages first. Their attacks were too powerful and their defenses were too weak, making it the best course of action for us.
So the de of light cut through the Mindreapers leathery skin, before my own fiery spear jabbed straight at its chest. It recoiled, trying to dodge the attack, however I let the fiery weapon dissipate and sent a [Scorching Wave] at its open wound.
The monster zipped through the air, trying to put distance myself and it as the [Cultists] below me readied more spells of more than just the arcane, but fire, earth, and ice. Not wanting to be hit by any of them, I bounded out of the way as I began creating a kusarigama.
I first started with the chains, hurling it at one of the Mindreapers tentacled feet, pulling it down with me as Inded back to the ground and [Self Haste] came to an end. Then I tugged the chains while Daniel intercepted the three [Cultists], interrupting their flurry of magic.
The Mindreaper came snapping down like a whip, straight into the sharp edge of the fire sickle, letting out a telepathic scream. It writhed on the floor before me; it let out itsst desperate call for help as it sted me with another, stronger wave of mind magic. But I grabbed it with my ws, my entire body now lit on fire, and began tearing into the monster until it stopped moving.
I did not even stop to take a moment to breathe. The moment I realized the Mindreaper was dead, I rushed to Daniels side. The [Hero] was being overwhelmed by the three [Cultists]bined strength. And why wouldnt he be losing? Each of their levels were far above his.
He was in the middle of grappling the Level 68 [Cultist] as the Level 73 one prepared a powerful ball of arcane energy, when I joined the fray. I interrupted the casting of the spell, immediately unleashing my [Fire Strikes] at the withering man. A sh flickered around him a protective barrier stopped my ws from meeting skin.
An artifact?
It definitely had not been some kind of a barrier he put up. It came into existence too quickly for it to be one.
I managed tond one final [Fire Strike] to break the mans aura of protection before thest [Cultist] sted me back with a st of ice. It froze at my skin, however I bit through the frostbite and pushed myself off the higher leveled [Cultist] and leapt onto the lower leveled one.
I no longer had my kusarigama on me my mana too low from being drained by the earlier arcane arrows and was relying entirely on using my ws and [Fire Strike]. The [Cultist] barely above me level didnt stand a chance even then. She screamed as my ws tore into her face, ripping her to shreds without any magical protection on her.
I was off her in an instant, evading the arcane spells of the old [Cultist]. He tried to block my path by creating a barrier of arcane energy just ahead of me, but I saw the fissure in the air the interwoven threads of mana alerting me of the Skill and I leapt over it before it could halt my pace.
I couldnt stop, not even for a moment. The damage that had been dealt against me was too much. Even with my increased [Vitality] from raising it, I had been inundated by attacks from Level 70 and 80 beings those far stronger than me. All I could do now was rely on my speed.
I continued running, dodging the oing spells as it blew apart the hallway of the castle. Itid waste to the already ruined building. Until finally
Daniel finished off the Level 68 [Cultist]. He drew his sword back and instantly rushed the arcane spellcaster while he was still distracted by me. His de tore into the back of the older man, drawing his attention, and letting me close in on him too.
The two of us hit him from both sides, avoiding his magic easily by splitting his attention in half. Then with that, we easily finished him off. His [Vitality] as a mage-type [Cultist] clearly not as high as if he had been a warrior-type.
Defeated [Nightmare Mindreaper - Lvl. 82]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 73]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 61] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 62]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 62] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 63]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Overall, it had been a quick and bloody battle. It had only been four opponents, and yet I was left just as hurt and injured as when I had been chased by the horde of monsters led by a Mindreaper at the outer city of the Brilsum Ruins.
And unlike back then, Daniel didnte out of this unscathed either. He and I both copsed to the ground, panting and bleeding as we took the moment to gather ourselves. My Humanpanion quickly produced a healing potion, the same one he offered mest time, and spoke up throughbored breath.
Do you want it now?
Managing to muster a nod, I dly epted the healing potion. I chugged it down as quickly as I could while he took another one and drank from it thirstily. I watched the wounds around my body the burns and the cuts and the freezing close, and felt the wounds to my mind disappear as well.
The damage was not fully gone. However, this was a high quality healing potion ording to Daniel. It would have restored even severed limbs if one took it. Even though I did not lose a limb in the fight, I was grateful for its effects.
Iy there not long enough for [Rest] to take effect but long enough until I was satisfied. Then I got up and pulled out a stamina potion and mana potion respectively. I downed both too, before turning back to Daniel who had taken one of each as well.
That was the first Mindreaper in here
I had to take a moment to catch my breath; it had still only been minutes since the fight. We couldnt just waste time here, especially if another patrol of [Cultists] came. My Humanpanion slowly stood up and sheathed his de.
It was. And yet, killing it didnt break the magic on them.
Killing them never did.
I shook my head, remembering how we would kill Mindreapers outside, but the hordes they were controlling would bepletely unaffected.
There are other Mindreapers around. And their magic can reach more than halfway to the edge of the canyon. Im pretty sure another Mindreaper just takes over in keeping the monsters and Humans here asleep once one dies.
I stalked through the ruined hallway, gesturing for Daniel to follow me.
Lets move to some ce more safe and [Rest] for a bit.
I wont argue against that, but
The Human man faced me with a serious look.
We really need to talk after this.
Edithe brought Rachel to the training grounds of the Valiant Dreamers Company. It was crowded even more so than usual since everyone was gathered to hear about the status of Baris.
Not only was he the bookkeeper of thepany, which everyone knew was one of the most important jobs that kept the Valiant Dreamers from running itself into the ground, he had been their founder. And as such, a lot of people looked up to him. Edithe included.
Rachel did not care as much, it was obvious from the look on her face. However, that didnt stop her from following Edithe as she waded through the crowds of people and into the room Baris was in. She knocked on the door lightly, having been let through from the crowd by Ian.
And Paige opened the door, smiling.
Took you long enough! Come on, hes already taken the antidote!
She spoke excitedly, ushering Edithe into the room. Rachel clung onto the red haired womans hand, not wanting to be separated from her amidst all the chaos, and the two were thrust near Hadrian and Gabriel, hovering over the bedridden Baris as the [Healing Mage], Stannis, poured a vial of liquid into his mouth.
Edithe turned to Paige, speaking uncertainly.
Is he, uh, taking it now?
Yes. Gabriel just finished the antidote this morning, and hes certain that it will eliminate all the poison left in Baris body. Hell be fine.
The confidence in her voice reassured the red haired woman. If only a little bit. There was trust here thispany had been built on that very basis. It wasnt like most otherpanies where everyone was there purely for their own financial gain. The Valiant Dreamers were more like a family.
Edithe remembered when she first joined. Paige had been a Silver Rank, close to Gold at the time. And despite being busy with her own schedule trying to do whatever was necessary to cross through the threshold to get promoted Paige never once ignored Edithe when the red haired woman nervously asked for help or advice.
Despite being the loner that she had been, Edithe was weed in thispany. She thought it was a family, and she knew the others thought the same. So, Paige, Edithe, Hadrian, Gabriel everyone in the room watched silently as the antidote went down Baris throat.
It was quiet, so quiet, that they could hear every swallow the founder of the Valiant Dreamers Company made. Thest of the liquid dripped into his mouth and for a moment, everyone held their breath. Then suddenly, there was a cough. And another. And another.
Baris broke out into a fit of coughs as Hadrian rushed in with a panicked voice.
Dad!
Edithe tensed as Paige stepped forward too, worry in her eyes more than anyone else. Baris had been the one who brought her into thepany, after all. He was like a father to her. If anything happened to him, she would surely be the second one after Hadrian to break.
The red haired woman might not have been as attached as Paige, but she was concerned too. A single bead of sweat rolled down her head as she watched nervously. Until Baris sat up, letting out a final, wet cough.
Y-you
Baris sputtered, turning to Hadrian.
Where
The old man trailed off, eyes wide as he looked around. Everyone stared at him expectantly, but he was confused. He had been unconscious for a week thisst time, and the moments he spent awake then had been nothing more than mere moments. So, Baris blinked and tried to take in his surroundings while Edithe sighed in relief along with everyone else.
It worked
Hes fine! The antidote worked!
A few voices cheered, but a single wave of the hand by Gabriel silenced them.
Of course it worked. I told you it would.
Despite brimming with confidence in his voice, the fear in his eyes from earlier definitely betrayed his words now. Editheughed as Baris frowned while being consumed in a hug by Hadrian.
How how long have I been out?
Chapter 89.2. Seeing the Light
Chapter 89.2. Seeing the Light
89.2. Seeing the Light
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 63
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 4
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 70 (+5)
[Strength]: 43 (+5) (+2)
[Endurance]: 65 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 82 (+5)
[Agility]: 126 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 25
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 9
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 5
Daniel and I found a small, secluded room close to where we had our battle with the Mindreaper to [Rest] in. I took the time the General Skill took to take effect to distribute all my Skill and Stat Points in a way that would ensure my survival in the Brilsum Ruins over anything else.
My [Agility] was important, as always, but [Vitality] had shot up to be my third highest Stat. And despite that giant leap over the course of a few weeks, I still wasnt confident in my ability to survive any single encounter with more than one Mindreaper.
That was what Daniel and I had to avoid the most a battle with multiple Mindreapers. But there were other things in mypanions mind, because after we finished settling in, he turned to me and spoke seriously.
Salvos.
Thats me!
I replied cheerfully, although he did not seem entertained by it. Realizing that this was about what he had been discussing with me about before our fight against the Mindreaper, I put on a more serious face too.
You wanted to talk about going back?
I do.
He said the words with finality in his voice. Getting up, he nced quickly over at the half-standing door blocking the entrance to the small room. Only a single sphere of fire I had created lit up the dark room. Night time had once again consumed the day, and there was no natural light to keep the ce illuminated.
Its because of what I said about the [Cultists], isnt it?
Yes. And not just that, its about what Ive found written in the notes of the [Cultists] we killed.
And that is?
That you were right. They seeded in summoning an Archdemon. They used Minotaurs as their sacrifice, and they got what they wanted.
Sighing, I sat down in front of him. I tried to keep a small distance away from him, not to be too intimidating since he preferred me in my Mortal Form. But I didnt look like a Human now. So, I was careful not to bare my teeth or do anything that he would find menacing.
He rubbed at his temples as he exined.
Salvos, I know I was the one who offered to help you go back to the Netherworld in the first ce, and I have no intention of going back on that promise. And I know I tagged along to go to the Brilsum Ruins out of my own volition as well. However, this is something that is even beyond me and you. Were talking about an Archdemon here.
Im a Greater Demon. Close to an Archdemon.
I spoke simply, not disputing or denying anything he said. Just a fact. He shook his head.
Its not the same. This Archdemon has a whole evolution over you. Just like Lucerna. And unlike Lucerna, we dont have an entire city already whittling him down, nor do we have Edithe and her Spirits with us. Were in the middle of its his, her, I dont know territory. It has done something to take over all the [Cultists], Mindreapers, and monsters in the area, and well only die if we face it.
I opened my mouth but he held up a finger.
And we dont even know what level an Archdemon is. You said it yourself, you dont think youre going to be one in your next evolution. So for all we know, it could be Level 100, Level 150, or even Level 200.
Thats
I trailed off and tilted my head towards the ceiling.
Thats something that would easily kill us, yes.
I agreed with him. He was being entirely reasonable here just like how fighting Lucerna alone was suicide for me.
However, we havent reached our goal yet.
And that goal is something that wont disappear if it hasnt already for thousands of years. The Fairies were here when Brilsum was still a city, and the Fairies are apparently still here now. So theyll still be here in the future.
He countered. I cocked my head, considering this. I had been insistent on proceeding with my goal although he had been too, until we brushed by death and found out that a lot of bad things were happening here. And now
Huh.
I spoke the words with a sigh. Feeling my shoulders slump and seeing the logic in what he was saying, I acquiesced.
Youre right. We should go back.
Look, we can tell everyone about whats going on here, then when its cleared out we can
Daniel paused and stared at me.
Wait, youre agreeing with me?
Yep. We should leave. Now. If we stay here, well probably die. Its more than a tinum Rank Dungeon. We werent prepared to face it.
I stood up and he hurriedly got up after me.
But after everything, youre just going to give up?
I eyed Daniel, puzzled as to why he was trying to get me to stay now.
Its like you said, itd be like fighting Lucerna but if he was uninjured and without our otherpanions. I wouldnt do that. I went back once, to face him. I was alone, and that was to free Haec. However, I never nned to fight him. Just like I dont n on fighting an Archdemon now.
I pushed the door open as I took a moment to remember my [Fiend]panion. My reunion with him once again cut short, because of too many unending obstacles.
We didnte here to fight one, nor did wee here to fight Mindreapers leading an army. We came here to find Fairies and maybe fight some Minotaurs. However, even if I can convince an Archdemon not to kill me, I dont think theyll spare you. Theyll probably want to have you under their curse or illusion, and I wont let that happen.
We can still sneak our way around the castle.
For some reason, our roles were reversed now. Or maybe he was just disbelieving that I wanted to return too after being so vehement on staying. But
You need to sleep. And each time we leave and enter the Brilsum Ruins is a huge risk. If I mess up my [Zealous Call] even once, Ill die.
I spoke with resignation as we slowly stalked through the dark hallways, deciding finally that it was not worth it.
Everything has risks, but the risks here are toorge for something were so uncertain about. If I want to live to see Haec again, well have to wait just a little while longer until we cane back here. Or go somewhere else entirely to find these Fairies.
My Humanpanion stared at me for a moment, still in shock. Then slowly, a smile spread across his face. One of relief.
Then lets go back now. Before anything bad happens.
I nodded in agreement right as we entered arge chamber then we stopped. Soft, quiet footfalls made their way towards us. A light at the other end of the room shone,ing down from a grand corridor with an arched entrance way.
Light? But none of the [Cultists] or Mindreapers had needed it before. That was an idle thought. One that was instantly spoken over by another.
Run.
I was taken over by an impending sense of doom. Fear gripped me and pushed me to act. I grabbed Daniels hand, driven to get as far away from whatever this was as possible.
He blinked, following after me, but said nothing. I pulled him back to our hallway as light engulfed the chamber. A shadowed figure continued making its way into the room, walking through it slowly at such a leisurely pace it was like they owned the ce. And perhaps they did.
I hurriedly made it down the corridor, rounding a corner towards the room we had hidden in. I pulled the door open
No.
I took a step back and yanked Daniel away. Where? Where can we hide...
There.
My head snapped in the direction the voice echoed towards. How did I? It was mind magic. It could have been a Mindreaper for all I knew. But I followed it, running into the open courtyard through the crack in the wall as we passed by the body of the Mindreaper and [Cultists] from before.
A voice spoke up behind us. Not the one in my head, but a deep, booming voice.
Hrmph, it seems I had been right. Some pests have been disposing of my Mindreapers.
Daniel nced back while I pulled him ahead. He watched the figure in the now-lit corridor, and the looming shadowed figure within. He opened his mouth as we reached a dead end but something still impelled me to go forward.
Salvos, what are
Just trust me!
I spoke through clenched teeth. If this is a trick
It wasnt.
Daniel and I ran through the wall, and appeared stumbling into a luminescent, cavernous room. We were surrounded by rock walls fully natural. Not like the rubble of the city. And it was here the portal behind us rippled.
It showed the courtyard we had been in. The figure we had been running from stepped out into the courtyard, barely visible to us and speaking with the same echoing, booming voice from before.
Now, where did they
I tried to identify him. But the portal closed. A wall was left in front of us. The dull, gray wall of the cave we were in.
Blinking, I nced around the cave. It was lit up by glowing moss covering parts of the rock wall like sttered paint. I sighed in relief and turned to Daniel. I opened my mouth
And a voice spoke over me.
Now that was close.
The two of us jerked and nced up at the glowing ball of light hovering over us. I stared at it her as she flitted about, zipping through the air above our heads.
You idiots, dont you know how close you came to dying! He wouldve killed you then me if you were a moment slower!
I stared at the ball of light, dumbfounded. Nothing came out of my mouth, and neither did anythinge out from mypanions mouth. The ball of light came down right next to our faces, slowly dimming to reveal a Human-like figure about the size of my hand.
She had golden-blonde hair and yellow skin, both matching the glow around her. Only her eyes were ck, and she snapped them between Daniel and I. She let out a snort.
What? Is this your first time seeing a Fairy? Well, this is what I look like! Now stop staring! Its weird!
[Fairy - Lvl. 103]
Chapter 90: Burning with Excitement
Chapter 90: Burning with Excitement
90. Burning with Excitement
[Fairy - Lvl. 103]
now stop staring! Its weird!
The soft voice cut me free from my stupor and I slowly worked my jaw. I stared at the Fairy, mesmerized as I tried to get a better look at it her?
She crossed her arms, harrumphing as I peered closer.
What did I just say?!
Oh
I took a step back and quickly murmured an apology.
Sorry. Its just that
Trailing off, I shyly scratched a wed finger on the side of my elongated mouth. The Fairy frowned.
What?
Are you a Fairy?
She snorted and zipped up to the front of my face. The Fairy tapped her hand lightly on the top of my nose and pointed back to herself.
Look at me.
I am looking.
Now identify me.
Uh, I already did.
Then isnt it obvious that Im a Fairy?!
Flying back away from me, the Fairy let her features disappear under the ball of light holding her. Or was she holding it? I sensed some kind of magic a type of distortion there. However, I wasnt entirely sure what that was.
I turned excitedly to Daniel and spoke in a hushed voice.
Daniel, shes a Fairy! Shes what weve been looking for this whole time!
The Human man had been nkly staring at the rock wall behind us where the portal had been. My words however, snapped him back to reality and he faced me.
She she is?
Yes
Didnt we just go over this?
The Fairy interrupted me by darting back and forth through the air between the two of us. Once she got our attention, she stopped just above our heads and her light dimmed once more.
I am a Fairy, yes. And I just saved both your lives!
She stared at us expectantly. I looked up at her and opened my mouth.
Youre the one who told me where to go?
Yes, I was the one who did that with my amazing mind magic powers.
And youre the one that opened up the portal?
Obviously, yes!
Speaking impatiently, she gave me a frustrated look. I nodded slowly and spoke softly.
Thats amazing!
Instantly, the Fairy brightened. Literally.
Her ball of light shed for a moment and a giggle broke out from her, turning her frown to a grin.
Why, thank you. I know I am quite amazing.
The Fairy spoke, raising her chin. I nodded in agreement.
You are definitely amazing! How did you do that? You can use both mind magic and space magic?!
Why, of course! Im a Level 103 Fairy thats like child''s y to me!
Woah!
I gasped, staring up at her in astonishment. Daniel eyed me with a dubious look.
Uh, Salvos, arent you being a little bit too obvious with the way youre acting?
I cocked my head.
Acting?
Shes not doing any kind of acting, Mortal fool!
The Fairy scoffed and waved a hand petntly.
I had just saved both of your lives from Belzu such praises are expected.
They are!
I happily agreed with her. Daniel raised an eyebrow at me but said nothing more. I turned back to the Fairy and spoke eagerly.
So, whats your name? Im Salvos!
I tried to proffer a hand, before realizing she had no reason to take it. The Fairy took it even still, her small hand norger than one of my wed fingers wrapped within my palm.
Im Lily. And as youve pointed out earlier, I am a Fairy. But not just any Fairy, Im a Grand Spirit.
I felt my mouth hang open before I quickly put it back together. I sputtered.
A Grand Spirit? What is that?!
To put it simply to you as a Demon, its like an Archdemon, but for Spirits.
Huh.
I had no idea Spirits and Demons eventually split in the kind of evolutionary paths they had for their Species. Since Druma and Mistshard had been Greater Spirits, I assumed they would be Archspirits or something of the like. But apparently not!
That sounds so cool!
It really is. And Im d somebody here understands just how amazing I am.
Lily shot Daniel a dirty look. The Human man blinked and pointed to himself.
Me? What did I do?
Nothing. Which is exactly the problem.
She flitted down to meet his gaze and began to exin.
I had saved your lives from that Archdemon there when I had no reason to. I risked my life for twoplete strangers that is praiseworthy, no? Simple words of admonishment are enough. But since youve been so rude
Lily raised a hand and began casting a spell. She grinned viciously.
Maybe I should send you back to Belzu and let him take care of you.
He paled.
Wait no, I
I was about to step forward and defend mypanion when the Fairyughed.
Im kidding you actually got scared. Are you even a [Hero]?
The Human man flushed then blinked.
Wait, you can see my ss?
Ive got a type of [Appraisal] Skill that lets me see through Obfuscation artifacts. Im pretty great, arent I?
I stared at her in wonder.
You are!
Why are you so fascinated by her?
Daniel asked me tly.
Because its true!
He gave me a nk look, then nced back at the stone wall behind us. Where the portal had been.
That Demon the one you saved us from what did you say its name was again?
His name is Belzu. And he nearly killed both of you and me because you were so slow!
But youre a Level 103 Fairy, how exactly is he going to do that?
Isnt it obvious? Its because hes higher leveled than me! Hes Level 138 35 whole levels above mine!
Wait
Daniel frowned.
But hes an Archdemon and youre a Grand Spirit. He cant be that much stronger than you, right?
Unfortunately, he is.
Lily spoke in a more morose voice all of a sudden. She turned around and began flying down the cavern hallway.
Follow me.
I exchanged a nce with mypanion and he shrugged. We followed after her, heading down a stone corridor as the Fairys voice echoed in the tunnel.
This ce where do you think we are?
Uh, a cave?
Daniel replied stupidly. Lily snorted and I quickly corrected his mistake.
The Brilsum Ruins.
She smiled.
Correct.
How did you know that, Salvos?
I faced the Human man and gave him the simple, obvious answer.
Because if we had left the Dungeon, wed have gotten a notification telling us that we exited it. But we didnt.
Lily nodded as she flitted ahead.
This ce its still inside the Brilsum Ruins. In fact, were still within the inner city of the Dungeon. However, Belzu wont think about checking this ce because he has cleared it out before.
Cleared it out?
The Fairy came to a stop as the tunnel opened up to arge cavern. There was arge buildup of rocks and dirt in the center something which I thought was ruined by the Archdemon. However, I was wrong.
This is my Fairy Mound.
Your Fairy Mound?
I blinked and faced her.
Its still mine it had been built out of the rubble from the Fairy temple that used to be here. It was a nice ce. And my brothers and sisters used to live here with me.
Youre talking about a Lair?
I spoke up, understanding.
Yes.
She turned her head fractionally to look at me.
This had been a Lair full of Fairies at around my level. There had been half a dozen of us. And after Belzu came here, now Im the only one left.
Oh
I nced back over at the Fairy Mound as Lily flew towards it. Climbing up the dirt and rubble, I followed after her with Daniel. It was honestly nothing more than a haphazard mess something which I wouldnt have differentiated from the ruined city outside.
Daniel peered over at one of the many holes holes toorge for either of us to enter, but just enough for a Fairy. Lily darted in and out of a few of these cracks and returned to us, sighing.
Not all of them died, of course. Only two fell to Belzu before the rest escaped.
Escaped, how?
By returning to the Spirit ne.
She replied simply. Blinking, I took a step back. Daniel however, nudged me forward.
I approached the Fairy from behind as she cursed under her breath mad that she had been abandoned by herpanions.
Uh, excuse me Ms Lily, but how exactly did yourpanions go back?
The same way I brought you here with space magic.
She replied matter-of-factly. My eyes grew round as she gave her answer.
You mean they can travel to and from the Spirit ne using their own magic?
Of course! Why do you think us Fairies are sent to the Mortal Realm in the first ce? Wee here to practice our space magic and learn how to go back. Im still in the middle of learning mine. Ive managed to make the return trip once before but it was purely chance. When I tried to do it again, I failed. And I havent gotten a Skill for it either, so now Im stuck here.
Grousing, Lily crossed her arms and swore even more. I tapped a finger on my chin.
And space magic is some sort of attribute thats a part of your Subspecies?
What? No.
She spun to face me and flew up and down, grinning.
Fairies arent born with space magic inherent to their Species. And my Subspecies rtes to mind magic.
Her voice echoed in my mind as I stared up at her in awe. Daniel didnt hear it and he gave me an odd look.
Why are you gawking, Salvos?
I-Its nothing.
Shaking my head, I focused on getting what I wanted. The question I had hoped to have the answer for.
Ms Lily
Just Lily is fine.
Right, Lily.
I cleared my throat, although it came out more of as a growl.
If your Subspecies rtes to mind magic. But you practice space magic. How exactly do you get Skills rted to space magic?
With my ss, of course!
Lily smirked and flew up to my face. She rested both her hands on my nose as she fluttered her eyshes prettily.
Didnt you know? Of course not. Neither the Demon King or Spirit Lord educates their subjects at all. Unlike my Queen who shares everything she can with us. Shes truly glorious.
Oh, uh, Im not with the Demon King.
Hmph, well the point stands since you dont know. But its something that very few knows Spirits and Demons can have a ss on top of having a Subspecies. You just have to meet the necessary requirements for it.
I felt my heart begin racing in my chest as my excitement tripled. I looked at Lily with twinkling eyes as she waited for me to ask the follow up question.
And what are the requirements for it?
She smiled and booped my nose before flying back up.
You just have to hit Level 100, silly!
...what?
...what?
Salvos stared up at the floating Fairy as she hovered in the air with a self-satisfied look on her face. The Demon opened her mouth, but Daniel spoke over her first.
Demons and Spirits can get a ss at Level 100? Like Humans can get a second ss?
Exactly.
Lilys voice was exuberant, almost excited to be talking about it.
Heres the thing Spirits and Demons are not monsters. Were Spirits and Demons. And do you know what makes us different from the monsters with Subspecies that popte the Mortal Realm?
Salvos answered hesitantly.
Uh they still have to eat and sleep?
Thats true for some Spirits and Demons as well. No what makes us different from those monsters is that we can have a ss. At Level 100, monsters mutate as they get a second Subspecies. At Level 100, Humans, Elves, Cyclops grow even stronger as they get a second ss. But at Level 100, Demons and Spirits be more as we get a ss.
Daniel listened on as the Fairy gave her lecture. Honestly, he should have expected it was something like that. Surely there had to have been something Spirits and Demons gained when they hit Level 100. After all, Humans got a second ss. Elves got a second ss. And Kobolds generally got a second ss, although apparently some of them could get a Subspecies at that level.
It was something he was told with the royalty-level of education he got from the Elutra Kingdom.
So, are you saying all Salvos needs to do to make trips between different nes is to get to Level 100 and get a ss on space magic?
Daniel asked after Lily was finally finished. The Fairy shook her head.
Its not that easy. If you really want to make a trip between the different nes by yourself, youll have to then get that ss to Level 100. And even then, you might not get a Skill for it, and casting a portal spell that cuts through the nes isnt easy.
But yourpanions seemed to do it just fine.
My brothers and sisters were Level 100 [Space Mages]. I am not.
Lily answered Salvos question simply as she floated down to her. Daniel frowned.
Arent you going to ask why she even needs to learn such a spell? Youre not worried that she might use it to go to the Spirit ne?
Im not stupid. I can see that she doesnt have a summoning cor. Such things happen asionally. Demons getting stranded in the Mortal Realm although thest time I met one when it happened the Demon grew to be an Archdemon and nearly destroyed every Human kingdom to the west. That was about a thousand years ago.
She then gave the young man a smug smile which he found rather condescending.
And why should we be afraid of a single Demon? Even if the Devil himself showed up in the Spirit ne, my Queen would take care of him.
Even the Devil?!
Salvos stared at Lily, aghast. The Fairy smiled.
Yes, even him.
Daniel wasnt sure how much he believed that, however he could tell by the way Salvos had been pretty much fangirling over the Fairies that she believed every single word of it. Hed probably have to talk to her about people over exaggerating or just t out idolizing others who might not actually be as amazing as they were seen to be, but that was a conversation for another time.
So you have no problem with Demons even after that Archdemon, Belzu, killed two of your brothers and sisters. You still saved us. Why?
Well, first of all
Lily waved a hand in the air as she exined.
I didnt actually like either Arthur or Tania in the first ce. The both of them could have died for all I care!
Daniel exchanged a look with Salvos but the Fairy continued.
And secondly, no. I have nothing against Demons. I know you Humans like to think that all Demons are bad and evil. But us Fairies dont care. I have nothing against any Demons except for Belzu. And thats why I saved you two.
To mess with him.
Daniel spoke knowingly. She grinned.
Exactly.
Fairies really are tricksters when she saved us, I thought that wasnt the case. But now The young man watched as Lily pranced through the air around Salvos,ughing in delight as she recalled what Belzu had been saying before they escaped.
He was being all threatening-like and suddenly, you two were gone! Imagine how stupid he must have felt. I wish I couldve seen the look on his face.
Salvos giggled with her, although the sound that came out of her in her Demon form made Daniel cringe. Shes really terrifying like that.
Lily took note of this as she flew up to his face and tilted her head.
Whats wrong, [Hero]? Scared of your own Demon friend?
What no!
He sputtered and backed up defensively.
Im not scared of her. She just looks a little scary?
The Fairy snorted.
Thats the same thing, isnt it?
No, it isnt. Being scared of her means that I would be actively afraid of her, want to run away from her and have to fight to even stay around her. Thinking she looks terrifying at times just means that that Im not used to how she looks. And she likes that, right?
Daniel nced over at Salvos for assistance, and she bared her teeth back.
Yep!
See? Terrifying!
Lilys gaze swept between the two of them. It zed over Daniel before stopping at Salvos. Slowly, she nodded.
I see. Alright then.
What?
Salvos cocked her head. Lily smiled.
Its nothing its a good thing. That your friend here is fine with you being a Demon. However, not all Humans are like that. Youll eventually be scorned and hated for what you are. Others will find out the truth about you and you will be shunned. Thats what has happened to many Demons before you. And what happens next depends on the Demon themselves.
Daniel remembered what the Fairy said earlier. About the Archdemon from a thousand years ago. He felt a sliver of sweat appear on his forehead as Salvos nodded slowly, not really understanding what Lily was saying. At least, not in the way Daniel understood it.
Lily ced a hand on Salvos snout-like face and spoke softly.
Youre a Demon.
Im Salvos.
Yes, but youre a Demon, Salvos. Be proud of that fact.
Nodding slowly, Salvos didnt argue back this time. However, she did scowl and cast a re at Daniel.
I would but Daniel here keeps on making me stay in my Mortal Form.
And he says hes not scared of you. Maybe he might just be a little bit scared.
Lily whispered conspiratorially to Salvos. The Demon nodded excitedly.
You think?! Thats great!
What a coward of a [Hero].
Ive got a [Hero] scared of me!
I bet he pees his pants
Alright, thats enough. I can hear you two, you know?
They broke up with a giggle and Daniel sighed. He turned to the Fairy as she zipped through the air, carefree andughing.
Lily, do you think you can help Salvos and I escape this ce? If what youre saying is true and were still in the inner city of the Brilsum Ruins, then that means Belzu cane here anytime and kill us.
I told you, he wont search for you here. This is a copsed part of the city anyway. Hes nevere back after that one time and that was because stupid Arthur went ahead and antagonized him.
But youre antagonizing him now?
Daniel pointed out the obvious. She waved a hand dismissively.
He doesnt even know that Im the one who helped you two escape. Since this is a tinum Rank Dungeon, he probably assumed you two had some sort of artifact or something. After all, what kind of adventurer goes into a dangerous Dungeon without some sort of quick escape item?
The young man shifted his feet nervously and Salvos blinked.
Escape item?
You mean the [Hero] never told you?
No. What is that
Its nothing, Salvos. Well talk about thatter.
Truth be told, Daniel had forgotten those existed. And while they were out of his pay grade, he was embarrassed that they never even crossed his mind.
He turned back to Lily.
So, do you think you can help us get out?
Of course. But the furthest I can open you a portal to is just at the edge of the Brilsum Ruins. Anything else would take me some time and effort and I dont wish to spend any more than I already have on you two.
Are you noting with us?
Salvos asked, almost worried.
Youre just going to stay here when that Archdemon can discover you at any time?
Its not like Belzu will stay here forever. Whatever hes doing hell leave eventually. So Ill just wait here, until then. Maybe one of my brothers and sisters would even decide to check on me and help me go back. Although Im sure they think Im dead.
But
Ill be fine, Im amazing, remember?
She stopped and stared at the Fairy. Slowly working her mouth, she nodded.
Yep, youre amazing. I just thought
Salvos trailed off.
Its nothing.
Then get going already!
Wait, onest thing.
Daniel cut off the Fairy as she began to cast a spell. The portal that almost flickered to existence faded away and Lily flew up to him.
What?
This Belzu you fought him, right?
I did. Why?
What kind of magic does he use.
Isnt it obvious with what hes doing?
Uh Salvos and I thought he was using curses or illusions.
Well youre right. Because he uses both.
Daniel blinked, taking a step back. Then he slowly nodded.
I see. Thanks, Lily.
No problem, you weak [Hero]. Now both of you, get out of here. This is a Fairy Mound. Dont you know you Humans are not allowed near our Fairy Mounds anymore? Not after you kept building your temples around them!
Salvos piped up with a raised hand.
But Im not Human!
Well, youre with one.
Lily snorted as the spell finished casting. A portal opened up, leading to the dark, orange canyons just beyond the Brilsum Ruins. Daniel stepped through it without much hesitation, however he noticed how apprehensive Salvos was with going through it.
She thought she had anotherpanion, huh? It got her excited. Now she must say goodbye again.
The Demons voice was soft as she spoke through the portal, even from their side.
Do you think well see you again?
Lily looked at Salvos for a moment, then snorted.
Only if youe back here, because Im not leaving, you are.
I see
Nodding to herself, Salvos waved at the Fairy and the portal closed. Her shoulders sagged as she turned around and trudged after Daniel. They quietly made their way up and away from therge crater that held the Brilsum Ruins, making sure to keep low and away from the Mindreapers.
Now leaving [Dungeon: Brilsum Ruins].
They made their way through the canyon, walking along the deep crevices left with their markings to return to their camp. However, the entire time, Salvos seemed a little down. That was quite the contrast to how she had just been earlier.
Eventually, Daniel couldnt keep silent anymore, and said something.
So you now know how to go back to the Netherworld.
Brightening a little, Salvos nced over at him.
I guess I do, huh?
And its even something you really like leveling.
It is!
The cheery demeanour of the Demon returned once more, and Daniel couldnt help himself butugh. Or maybe that was theck of sleep getting to him.
Whats so funny?
Its nothing. Youre just quite simple, despite being incrediblyplex at times. I find that amusing.
Huh.
Dont just huh me.
He sighed, rubbing at his temples. Then turned back seeing the sun begin to rise on the horizon. As night turned to day and their adventure to the Dungeon over.
You know, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
What do you mean? Lily said we almost died. And I almost died, a lot!
I know, but usually, these kinds of things ends with some kind of a big battle, you know? Compared to that this was
He trailed off and shrugged.
Anticlimactic.
Huh.
And then, they celebrated.
Baris had made a full recovery. Everyone who had been waiting just outside of the room cheered when they heard the news. They had not been anticipating any kind of bad news, however they had been afraid afraid of what could happen.
Edithe had been afraid too. Things could have easily taken a turn for the worst. The poison had crippled a Level 81 [Mage]. Especially [Mages].
While [Mages] were generally weak because of their low [Vitality] although this was a rathermon misconception, [Mages] could have high [Vitality], they just raised their [Endurance] instead as it was good for their mana high level [Mages] knew of this weakness. So, they trained General Skills to make themselves more durable.
Baris had been one of them. He prioritized having a good ss and good Skills above all else. As such, in life, he had been rather slow at leveling. At least,pared to his son who was now Diamond.
But everything went well. The father and son were now chatting happily out in the main hall of the building while excited members of the Valiant Dreamers Company and trainees stood more to the periphery, but were relieved to see their respectable and trustworthy founder alive.
Edithe herself was talking to Paige and a few others, drinking some alcohol and enjoying the light snacks set about. It was a celebration, after all. Almost a party.
and you werent there, Edithe, but Hadrian had beenpletely helpless with dealing with our ounts and clients the whole time!
Right, I was busy with Rachel.
The red haired woman nced over at the little girl, sitting at the edge of their table, saying nothing and keeping to herself. She gestured for Rachel toe a little closer to her, however she simply shrunk further back into her seat.
Paige didnt notice this subtle gesture and downed a mug of ale.
Well, you do you! Im just saying though, shell be fine. Honestly, shespletely safe in the headquarters. Ever since that girl
Salvos.
Yeah, her. Ever since she broke into the building that easily, weve set up some better protective wards. And theres almost always a team of Gold Ranks in there. Even now, Sams team stayed back to oversee the delivery of some Thornserpant parts. Whats there for you to worry about?
She waved a hand drunkenly, and Edithe nodded. That was true. And while the Harrowed Vindicators were dangerous, would they really attempt to siege apany building all for a girl while the people they were really after were nowhere closeby? That wouldnt possibly happen, no matter what kind of scenario it was.
But what Edithe was worried about was Rachel herself. She was always so closed off. So afraid of others except for Edithe. And how much of that was because of Edithes attempts at getting her to open up and how much of it was because Edithe was Salvos friend the red haired woman couldnt tell.
Taking another sip from her mug, Edithe slowly stood up and excused herself.
Sorry, but Ive got to go.
Aw, already? Well, fine. All the more for me!
Paige greedily grabbed more food from the table as the others there fought with her for it. Edithe proffered a hand to Rachel and nodded at her.
Come on, lets go.
O-oh, ok.
The two left the hall and went outside, leaving the noise and crowd behind. Rachel paused mid step and nced back nervously, speaking softly to Edithe.
Where are we going?
Were going back.
A-are you sure? I can stay there longer. You looked like you were having fun with your friends.
Edithe lightly ced a finger on her chin.
Hm, they were too loud. Plus, you didnt look like you were having fun. So, I decided we should both go back.
I-I see
Edithe had been about to take Rachels hand and walk back to the city when the door to the hall opened. Light escaped out into the darkness of night and a tall,nky figure walked out with a grunt. She blinked.
Alchemist Gabriel?
Hrmph, youre
Edithe, Sir.
Just Alchemist Gabriel, is fine.
R-Right.
The [Alchemist] dusted at his coat and stretched his back before stepping up beside both Rachel and Edithe. The three started back into the direction of the city, although the two girls were at an awkward distance away from the man.
Are you going back too, Alchemist Gabriel? So soon after the party began?
Im not one for parties.
He grunted and said nothing else.
Oh, well, were the same.
Edithe noticed how Rachel once again seemed to grow even smaller than she already was with someone else around and was d that she made her decision to take her back. However, she wished that she had made the decision sooner so they wouldnt be in the middle of this awkward walk.
Gabriel said nothing, even as they approached the gates of the city. Dim, orange torches lit up the sides of the walls as a group of guards gathered around the rolled up portcullis. Edithe frowned.
Why are there so many guards? Was there a monster sighting or something?
She approached the first guard but Gabriel reached them before her.
Whats wrong, guard? Whats with the crowd?
Oh, youre with the Valiant Dreamers Company, arent you? We had just been about to send a messenger your guys way.
A messenger? Edithe hurriedly rushed up besides Gabriel and spoke quickly.
Whats going on?
Were not exactly sure right now, but we think theres
Gabriel narrowed his eyes as he looked up beyond the walls. Then he broke out into a run and barged into the city. Edithe blinked and stared up, confused at what made the man react so suddenly.
Then her eyes grew wide.
Smoke? But thats from
Take care of the girl!
Edithe broke out into a run. She dashed past the guards, leaving Rachel behind to the low leveled guards at the gates. If she had been in the right state of mind, she would have realized how stupid that was. The Harrowed Vindicators would have easily ughtered them all and got to the girl.
But she wasn''t in the right state of mind. Her mind was racing along with her as she darted through the streets of Viechester. She turned corner after corner, not even thinking about summoning Druma or Mistshard with [Quick Summon]. Because she had to see if what she saw really wasing from where she thought it was.
And her eyes didnt lie to her.
Edithe came to a stop right before the Valiant Dreamers Company headquarters. The building was lit aze mes rising, raging like the morning sun during dawn. She watched the fire dance, making a corybantic spread throughout the building.
The [Summoner] nearly dropped to her knees, but gathered herself. She ran through the gates, beginning her summoning process for Mistshard.
But just as she made it to the front door, an explosion sted the inside of the building. Figures burst out, trying to flee the scene as a storm gathered in the heavens above.
Rain and lightning fell and Edithe raised a hand, pointing it at the nearest figure.
Stop!
She yelled as a spell sted out. The Gold Rank adventurer was not sure what would have happened. It was a st of ice one she learned from Mistshard.
Everytime she had used it against Paige or another Gold Rank, they would have easily blocked it. It was not a spell used by l [Ice Mages] at her level, but by those 10 or 15 levels below her.
And yet, the figures fleeing the Valiant Dreamers Company headquarters fell. Every single one of them had been struck and downeed by the spell. The magic freezing the first manpletely, while leaving the others incapacitated on the ground.
Edithe had been in the middle of casting her next spell, but she stopped. Every single one of the running figures had been easily halted by her. Were were they even assassins?
Groans broke out from those thaty on the ground, and she slowly walked over to them, suddenly feeling a sudden surge of fear that she might have attacked bystanders. Or worse, members of her ownpany. Trainees who identally got caught in this mess.
And when she got to the frozen man, lying dead on the ground, her eyes did grow wide in recognition. The man there was someone she had known. But not someone she had liked.
ke. Or
The Iron Champions Company.
A voice broke the red haired woman from her thoughts. She spun around, raising a hand warily, but lowered it when all she saw was Gabriel. Behind him, the fire that had taken over the headquarters had been snuffed out by the deluge of water he had summoned, and charred corpses were strewn about in the main lobby of the building.
But those werent corpses from the Valiant Dreamers Company. They were far too many. And the burns were far too deadly.
They had assaulted our headquarters. They hired not assassins they did not even try to pretend they had no hand in this.
Gabriel spoke again, once again snapping Edithes attention to him, and this time, she noticed the body he was carrying. Sam?
The Gold Rank adventurer who volunteered to stay behind and look after the headquarters during the party was dead. And slowly, Edithe met Gabriels gaze.
She watched as his jaw clenched, not even realizing that a small crowd had gathered behind her. Slowly followed by members of her ownpany who had been called from the party. They came and they all saw Gabriel standing there, in front of the damaged building, and asked questions wondering what happened.
Edithe knew. And yet, she couldnt say anything. Her heart frozen in fear at what was toe. At what this meant.
The Iron Champions Company has assaulted ourpanys headquarters! They have in a Gold Rank team and a dozen other Silver Ranks without due cause or warning!
Gabriel bellowed, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. The adventurers, the guards, and the bystanders. Edithe felt her fist clenched into balls as the [Alchemist] finished.
This is war!
Chapter 91: Company War
Chapter 91: Company War
91. Company War
War.
Or more specifically, apany war. It wasnt the same as a war between countries or city-states armies didnt march out to meet each other on the battlefield. There werent battles over city or territory.
Instead,pany wars were smaller in scale. They focused on stealing the resources of anotherpany, siphoning members away from apany and secluding them from the Adventurers Guild. And most importantly killing each other until the otherpany was destroyed.
Because at the end of the day, war was war. Even between adventuringpanies.
And Edithe had never thought it woulde to this. Even a dayter, it made no sense to her. The esction from petty harassment to the cloak and dagger assassination attempts, to a direct attack on the Valiant Dreamers headquarters? No one would have seen iting. At least, not so soon.
To think they would go this far in retaliation for revealing the location of their Dungeons, when hoarding Dungeons is looked down upon in the first ce? And we did not even take it from them, we shared it with the public. I never knew the Iron Champions Company was run by fools.
It doesnt matter, Father. Theyve directly attacked us. Even if they disguised their own members as assassins, it doesnt change the fact that theyve killed four Gold Ranks and a dozen other Silvers. This is war.
Not yet.
Baris snapped, ncing up from therge table showing a map of all the different locations the Iron Champions Company owned. And the various Dungeons and resources they had a monopoly over too.
The meeting room was upied only by the top brass of the Valiant Dreamers Company only Gold Ranks and above were allowed, and even then, only some were let in. Like Edithe.
And that was only because she was familiar with the Iron Champions Company, having been in Silvergrove, Hazelbury, and other cities where they had a lot of influence. Baris, despite having just recovered from a deadly poison, was here too. And he was in charge of this meeting.
Edithe.
His voice instantly drew Edithe to attention. They werent in the military, but she couldnt help but straighten and face him with proper respect.
You say that you recognized one of the assants who tried burning down our headquarters, correct?
Yes. His name was ke. And he had been a prominent member of the Iron Champions Company at least, over in Hazelbury. Im sure if you asked around many other adventurers or even civilians in the city can vouch for that fact.
No.
Baris raised a hand and shook his head.
I am sure the Iron Champions Company has thought of this. They would simply im that this ke had been fired from thepany weeks or even months ago and that he was acting out of his own agency. Same goes for any other member we can identify from the prisoners rounded by the city guards or the others killed by Gabriel although Im not even sure thats possible considering the state he left them in.
The [Alchemist] was not here in the meeting room; apparently, he had other matters to attend to. Edithe did not know what held precedence over thepany being possibly embroiled in a war with anotherpany that was evenrger than theirs, but he was high leveled and usually left to his own devices. So, she did not question it.
Hadrian spoke up, voicing the thoughts that were not just in Edithes head but in many of the others in the room too.
Father, I dont understand. Why wont you just let us dere war on them? They attacked us first. It doesnt matter what the consequences of apany war are if were already in one.
You dont get it, do you?
The older man sighed and pressed his fingers into his eyes. He slowly pulled up a chair and sat back down, sweeping his gaze over the room. A few of Edithes friends were here. Ian, for one, had the privilege of being here as one of the higher leveled Golds in thepany. And some tinums Edithe recognized but did not often talk to Jeremy, Celine, and Evelyn were the ones she could name.
Paige wasnt here. She was back at the Valiant Dreamers Company training grounds, in charge of guard duty there today.
Hadrian frowned.
What do I not get?
The reason why the Iron Champions Company is being so underhanded with attacking us. Its because they want to goad us into dering war on them.
Then lets give them just that
Stop and think for a moment, will you?
Baris cut him off with a loud grunt. He folded his arms and spoke slowly, his words reaching everyone in the room.
Why does the Iron Champions Company want us to be the ones to dere war on them?
Hadrian frowned, cing a hand on his chin. Edithe slowly offered a hand, and Baris turned to her.
Yes, Edithe?
Is it because they realize that they dont have any proper reason for it? That if they dere war with us now, itd be over us giving their hoarded Dungeons to the public? And thatll earn them the ire of otherpanies that look down on that practice?
That is true. And if thats their goal, what exactly would they do to ensure it does not backfire on them?
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company blinked. His eyes widened as he turned to his father. The realization settled in for Edithe too so did for many others in the room.
They prepare for it. They wont just sit around. Theyll make sure theyve got every advantage they have. Such as stationing their members around ourpany, prepared to strike us the moment we dere war on them.
Exactly.
--
So, it wasnt war. The meeting ended, and Edithe left the room realizing that the Valiant Dreamers Company was stuck in a tough spot. If they retaliated now, theyd be struck down in an instant. Their enemy had already drawn their wand, prepared to cast a [Fireball] the instant they unsheathed their de.
It was a preemptive strike one which couldnt be countered. What mattered now was how they reacted, and Edithe knew that if they just waited it out, theyd also suffer just as much from the whittling down and attrition caused by the Iron Champions Company and their assassins. Do they even have assassins? Have they been members of thepany all along?
Edithe wasnt sure. However, she had to clear her mind on these thoughts the moment she returned to the headquarters. Rachel was there, waiting for her in their room. Princess was wrapped in the little girls arms as she ran up to the red-haired woman.
Edithe
She hugged Edithes legs and spoke in a muffled voice, her head buried in Edithes pants.
Youre back.
I am. Sorry, I took so long. The meeting ran a little longer than I thought.
Rachel drew herself back and looked up at Edithe with wide eyes.
Is this about what happened yesterday? Those assassins that tried to burn down the building?
Well, they didnt try. They seeded, if only briefly. And the [Enchanters] and [Mages] of thepany managed to repair all they could. Even then, however, the building was still damaged and burnt in many ces. Luckily, Rachel and Edithes room wasnt one of them, having been guarded by additional protection wards the red-haired woman put in ce.
Not assassins.
Edithe corrected Rachel, running a finger through the girls hair.
The Iron Champions Company.
And they are
The bad guys who have been disturbing us for a while.
Bringing herself down to meet Rachels gaze, Edithe spoke softly.
This has nothing to do with you. Its something that matters only to ourpany.
I-I see.
The little girl nodded as Edithe took her hand and walked her out of their room.
Where are we going?
Its going to be a little bit dangerous around here from now on. And while I think its good to keep you here, safe from any bad guys that might be after you, I dont think this ce is the safest ce you can be right now.
Were leaving?
Edithe stopped at the door and nced back. Rachel had nothing she owned nothing when Daniel and Salvos brought her here. Only the doll in her arms belonged to her. So, there was no need to pack.
For now, youll be staying at a temple, with someone I trust.
A temple?
Rachel cocked her head just like Salvos would. Edithe nodded.
Yes, the Sanctum of Elements. Theres a [Priest] I know there. William. I asked him to take care of you, and he said he would.
Edithe spoke reassuringly as the girl took a hesitant step back, almost like she wanted to run back to her bed and bury herself under the nkets.
Hes someone I trust. And Salvos and Daniel have met him before too. And I promise Ill check up on you every day too.
Why cant I just stay here with you?
Rachel asked, her voice smaller than even she was. Taking a deep breath, Edithe tried to exin.
Because its dangerous. The Iron Champions Company couldve struck this ce while you and I were here. If they did and you got hurt somehow well, Id never be able to forgive myself.
Faces shed through Edithes mind. People she couldnt protect. People she cared for, killed by a rampaging Greater Demon because she insisted they pretend to be [Heroes].
I made a promise to Salvos, Rachel.
Trying to bring up the name of the girls idol, Edithe spoke softly and patted her head gently.
I will keep you safe no matter what. And this is whatll keep you safe.
Rachel remained quiet for a moment. She stood at the doorway, unmoving, as a few people passed through the corridor beyond. Gabriel was one of them however, he ascended the stairs at the end of the hallway, not bothering to even greet Edithe.
Finally, the little girl spoke. And it was a question.
...when is she going toe back?
Salvos?
Edithe blinked and watched Rachel reply with a small nod. The red-haired woman hesitated, then lied through her teeth.
Im sure shell be back soon.
Really?
Yes.
--
Please take care of her, William. And call me if anything happens no matter how minor.
I will, Edithe.
The [Priest] warmly nodded back to her. He stared at her for a moment, his expression almost sorrowful. Edithe shifted her feet ufortably.
W-what?
Its nothing. Youve just grown so much now.
Right, uh, thanks.
Edithe quickly waved back at William and then shouted her goodbyes to Rachel. The girl kept calling out to her, even as she disappeared amongst the crowds of people making their way through therge city square.
Apparently, most of them were unaware of what happenedst night. If they had known that apany war was looming over the horizon, they would surely be a little more afraid. Becausepany wars were deadly, even if mostly to the adventurers in thepanies. Coteral damage still happened especially when it was two high-leveled individuals fighting.
Edithe was Gold Rank, considered already to be a rarity in small cities. Slightly moremon in big cities like Viechester. And if she ended up in a duel with another [Mage] around her level, she wasnt sure if shed be able to avoid harming a passerby around her. And considering that Hadrian was at Diamond
She really didnt like that it hade to this.
The red-haired woman felt her hands shaking. Even now, while in the middle of the day, walking through a crowded street, she felt fear grip her to the very bone the pressure from its grasp caused her knees to go numb. It sshed over her like cold water, making her tremble at what was toe.
War.
And more than that.
Death.
She didnt want to see her friends die again. Edithe still remembered hearing Daniel break the news that her team had died. And it broke her. Revenge had not fixed her. It did not fill the void in her heart.
Clenching her fist, Edithe took a few steady breaths, trying to calm herself. I need to rx. She had been asked by Paige to meet at the training grounds to tell her all about what happened in the meeting, but she did not want to think about that right now.
They had not arranged for a specific time, and Edithe really needed some time to just breathe for a moment. And when a womanplimented her on the ruby pendant around her neck the one Salvos picked out for her then invited her into the cafe she was standing outside of to try one of the delicious coffees they had
Edithe decided it wouldnt hurt to just give a quick taste test. Paige wasnt impatient, after all. She was very easygoing and kind although she wouldve teased Edithe for wasting time on coffee and not some good old-fashioned ale.
So Edithe made her stop. She stayed for a little bit. Maybe fifteen minutes at most. She chatted with the waitress who Edithe was pretty sure was flirting with her. But she didnt swing that way although with how pushy some men were, she sometimes considered it.
Then she took her leave. She started for the Valiant Dreamers training grounds, passing by the headquarters that looked worse for wear but at least wasnt a pile of rubble on the ground. Then she reached the gates of the city. A familiar sight from the day before but this time, it was day.
And there was no smoke billowing in the distance. No burning headquarters. No rush.
That was until Edithe saw the bloodied man stumble up to the front of the gates. The city guards gasped as the man a trainee of the Valiant Dreamers Company sputtered, crying for help.
Whats wrong?
Edithe hurriedly asked, running up to him. However, she already knew the answer. She produced a healing potion and gave it to him quickly. The man a young man, maybe in his early 20s spoke, pointing back towards the training grounds.
A-attack
But she expected it. She had feared the worst. And Edithe ran.
This time, she summoned Mistshard. This time, she was not going to be toote. The Greater Spirit appeared flying next to her, pping her wings and soaring through the air.
Master, what do you need of him?
Mistshard the Valiant Dreamers training grounds. Go there, now!
She ordered her Spirit her summon to fly ahead of her. Maybe that would have left her vulnerable, but
Stop those who are sieging it. Save anyone you can! Hurry!
Mistshard obeyed. She shot up above the canopy of trees lining either side of the dirt road leading to the small settlement. The ce full of new recruits low-leveled adventurers who had not seen truebat just yet. And Edithe continued cutting through the trees, trying to get there as soon as possible.
By the time she arrived, Mistshard was already there. The [Elemental] was sending a hail of ice down onto a group of hooded individuals. Assassins? No they had to be members of the Iron Champions Company, right?
Wrong.
The hooded individuals sent a st of poisonous gas up into the air, pluming it up towards the Greater Spirit, however, Mistshard managed to fly out of the way just in time. Edithe raised a hand and sent a bolt of lightning towards one of the hooded figures the one closest to her.
And the hooded figure fell dead in an instant, already injured?
Defeated [Daggermaster Rogue - Lvl. 51]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Gold Rank? Or high-leveled assassins? But these assassins didnt cloak themselves in the same shadow clothing the Harrowed Vindicators wore. Then who were they?
Edithe didnt know. All she knew was that there were half a dozen of them. And their attention was now turned to the lone Gold Rank adventurer and her summoned Spirit.
One of the hooded individuals drew a crossbow and fired three bolts at Edithe. She took a step back, ready to dodge it, knowing full well that it was tipped with a dangerous venom. But the bolts doubled midair then the shadows tripled.
Her eyes widened as she watched the oing volley. She began preparing a barrier to intercept it but would it be enough?
Then a strong gust of wind blew the bolts aside, sending them flying back at the hooded individuals. Paige stumbled out of one of the damaged buildings nearby, wand raised with one arm and the other limply hanging on the side.
E-Edithe!
She eximed as Mistshard flew down once more, striking the hooded individuals with a st of ice. They leapt back as Edithe ran to her friends side, sending regr Fireballs the way of the assassins to keep them busy.
Paige what happened?
These bastards dozens of them attacked us while we were in the middle of our lunch break. They didnt discriminate, killing everyone they could. So many tried to fight back, but
Paige trailed off, ncing back slightly. Edithes eyes widened as she saw what was in the room the other [Mage] came out from. Bodies.
Littering the entire floor of the cafeteria were corpses. Members of the Valiant Dreamers Company, killed in a surprise attack.
Every single one of them was Gold Rank, at least. Two above Level 70, but they were taken down because we singled them out first.
Edithe hesitated. She reached into her Bag of Holding to grab a healing potion.
Paige, I
Mistshard was sent flying back by an explosion. One of the hooded individuals hurled bombs her way as another rushed forward, drawing two hidden des and leaping up in the air. Edithe clicked her tongue and sent a spear made of ice at the jumping assassin as Paige fired her own spells at the way of the other assassins.
She caught him mid-air, killing him
Defeated [Falenstriker Assassin - Lvl. 61]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
ss [Summoner of
[Summoner of
Gained 5
She leveled up. But she didnt get the chance to even register the notification before a spray of acid came her way. Edithe managed to create a barrier just in time, but when the barrier dissipated, she stared.
The woman beside her had been too slow. She had been casting spells too fighting her hardest. But she had been injured. And now
Paiges skin was melting. She was writhing on the floor, screaming and wing at her face.
Edithe stared at her friend as she cried out in agony. And for a moment, she couldnt move. She couldnt react. Fear gripped her just as it did before. When Paul saved her. When hedied.
And another spray of acid came her way. She nced up, still caught in a daze, stupidly staring
But a barrier of ice formed around her. A dome covered her entirely, breaking her out of her trance. Edithe stepped forward, not knowing where this protection came from if it was Mistshard or someone else who had cast that.
But she fumbled for the healing potion she held in her hand. She uncorked it and stood over her whimpering friend.
Edithe began to pour it, begging, pleading that it would work. That it would bring back all the skin that had been lost. But all that showed was bones. The white ivory underneath a Humans skin.
The screaming face of a woman a friend on the skull that remained.
Edithe stared at her friends corpse. At what Paige had be. Then she dropped to her knees, weeping. sts resounded behind her. Explosions. The sounds of battle.
But she didnt stop crying until it was over. When Baris undid his spell, receding the ice dome back into nothing. When he had killed the assassins that had sieged his training grounds, with the help of the [Ice Elemental].
He looked down at Edithe, crying on the floor, tears pouring out of her face, a deluge of rage within her heart. And she stared up at Baris, speaking through gritted teeth.
This.
She said, meeting his gaze.
This cant go on.
It was a statement. It was not a plea it was clear what she meant. And Edithe knew that Baris agreed with her. They couldnt hold out like this.
That something had to change with them and how they approached the Iron Champions Company, or something else had to happen.
Something happened.
Something else had happened.
It wasnt something that I didnt like. I leveled up! However...
Defeated [Horned Drake - Lvl. 68]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Horned Drake - Lvl. 64]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 63] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 64]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Hey! That was mine!
What do you mean that was yours? It was chasing you down!
I scowled and stepped over the body of therge monster.
I was leading it on, so that I could finish it off with a zing Bolt. Their scales are tough!
It was only Level 64. Just admit it, Salvos. Youre tired and hurt.
So? You are too!
The Human man wiped the grime and dirt from his face he wore a withered expression. The type he usually had when he hadnt slept for a week. However, we had only been traveling through the Drakes territories for a few days.
Thats because you insisted we passed through here before going back. And unlikest time, we went straight past their Lair!
I snorted and shook my head.
At least we didnt attack it. They attacked us and chased us here.
We didnt attack it because there was that huge Level 90 Drake guarding it alongside a dozen others! Wed have died!
Not if you used your [Heros sh] on her while I distracted them with my [Title Skill: Zealous Call]! Then wed have taken them out easily! But no you chose to run instead.
I felt annoyed that we passed out on some good experience. It wasnt our fault they got aggressive just because we came close. Even worse was how they chased us down even now, when we were far away from their Lair.
Wild, I thought, ncing down at the corpse of the Drake.
Whatever.
Daniel muttered and walked ahead, arms crossed.
Well close to the roads now, Salvos. Then well be heading straight back to Viechester.
Fine!
I huffed, following after him. He paused and turned back, facing me with an arched brow.
You know what that means, right?
I blinked. Then the realization hit me.
Aw please, no.
You have to, Salvos.
But didnt you hear what Lily said?
I petntly stomped around him, throwing a fit like I often saw Human children do. Daniel just gave me a nk stare. Sighing, I stopped acting like a child not because of him, but because Edithe had told me once before that I shouldnt do that.
Then I steeled myself and met the Human mans gaze.
Fine.
Slowly, I felt my body shift. Pops resounded off my body like short bursts of thunder. Or rocks being grounded into each other. And the world around me grew.
I shrunk back down, no longer taller than mypanion. My ws disappeared as my skin turned to a less pale color. More olive, but slightly white even still.
Then I faced Daniel and spread my arms wide.
Happy?
The Human man blushed and hurriedly faced away.
What are you not right now! Put on some clothes first!
Chapter 92.1. A Nice Feeling
Chapter 92.1. A Nice Feeling
92.1. A Nice Feeling
...How many times must I tell you to always wear clothes when youre changing back to your Mortal Form?
Uh
I tilted my head up, a single finger pressed up against my upper neck. Thinking for a moment, I began muttering to myself.
Well, the first time you did it was with Edithe. Then after Edithe left you told me to
It was a rhetorical question.
Oh.
I slowly lowered my hand and faced Daniel. Dressed now in the blue jacket he had given me and some pants I had procured from my bag, I was fully clothed, and the Human man was no longer the same color as a tomato.
Honestly, its a good thing you were still wearing that cloak. Even though its torn, it still covered most
He trailed off, blushing once more. Clearing his throat, Daniel walked ahead down the worn dirt path.
Anyways, just remember not to do that next time.
Sure.
I opened my palms and shrugged, not really seeing what bothered him. I knew Humans liked wearing clothes, but I didnt expect it to be such a big deal. Edithe mentioned something about decency however, I didnt think clothes would make me any less decent at fighting than I already was.
The two of us were now heading back to Viechester. We had run into a bunch of Drakes mostly because I wanted to see them briefly and had to fight them off until we left their territory. I was pretty sure we could have taken on their Lair, but I decided we had no reason to attack it.
Going back to Viechester was the most important thing in Daniels mind right now, especially after what we were told by Lily about that Archdemon in the Brilsum Ruins. Level 138. Uses illusion magic and curses.
Not to mention that he had an army of monsters with him too.
So, the [Hero] wanted to go back to a Human settlement and warn people about this threat to Humanity. I wasnt really as bothered by it as he was, but I could see why he would be concerned.
If Belzu attacks Viechester while Edithe and Rachel are in it The thought wasnt a very nice one. It made me feel the same kind of worry I felt for Haec when he had been captured by Lucerna.
Daniel came to a stop as the road split into two. He produced a map from his fake Bag of Holding and studied it for a moment. I peered curiously at the air around it trying to see what kind of disturbance had been made with the mana threads in the air.
Then I realized it was familiar. I opened my mouth and gasped.
Thats space magic!
Blinking, mypanion turned to me.
Uh, what are you talking about?
That.
I pointed at his bag, then at him.
Thats not a Bag of Holding! And what you did just now to make that map appear its the same kind of space magic Lily uses!
I stared at Daniel usingly. He took a few steps back, raising his hands catingly.
Wait, I can exin
I spoke over him.
Youre not a [Hero], youre a [Space Mage]! And you never told me!
Daniel paused. He gave a puzzled look.
Uh
Youre not?
I cocked my head.
No, Im not.
Speaking tly, the Human man made me dete.
Oh but I thought youd have been able to send me back to the Netherworld
Slowly, I felt my shoulders sag. They lowered as if they were being pulled to the ground by some force like that gravity thing Daniel tried to exin to me when he talked about that physics thing that one time.
He sighed.
I never thought anyone would realize it, but its a Dimensional Storage Unit.
A what?
Basically, it keeps things in a pocket dimension. A piece of space thats shrunk down and held within an item. In my case, its this pen I have in my bag.
Daniel produced an ordinary-looking pen the one I had used to sign my name onto the sheet the Adventurers Guild gave me. Other than being slightly decorated, I would have thought nothing else of it. But it was apparently something more.
So, if I just touch it, I can summon anything that Ive stored inside of it. See?
A healing potion poofed into existence in mypanions hand. I blinked a few times, confused at how that just happened. I had thought it was space magic earlier, but now that I knew what to focus on, it wasnt?
And its not space magic.
He confirmed it for me.
Huh.
Yeah, its dimension magic. Instead of changing reality entirely like opening holes in it, it just maniptes it slightly.
How do you know so much about magic?
The Human man sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as if he was remembering something terrible.
Well, I was, uh, tutored about a lot of things when I first came here.
A lot of things?
I gave him a dubious look. He sputtered defensively.
Look, it was a lot of theory and almost nothing practical! If you want me to tell you exactly how big a block of banclite needs to be to repel a spell from a Level 100 [Fire Mage], I can tell you that without a problem!
Sure.
For some reason, that one word only worked him up even more.
Salvos, I know I havent been much help to you when ites to going back to the Netherworld, but its only because thats a very taboo subject. But if you needed help with anything else, Im telling you, I would be a lot more useful!
I believe you.
I nodded and stopped. The two of us were now passing through a valley, having left a lightly forested area to cut through the mountains. The Motharis Mountain Range was vast, spreading out in high waves like an ocean, but with the right paths, we could cut travel time by a lot.
cing a hand on Daniels shoulder, I met his gaze and beamed.
I was just joking earlier. Youve been a lot of help to me, Daniel. Thank you for that.
I spoke simply before turning back around and entering the valley. The Human man halted for a moment, averting his gaze before murmuring a few incoherent words and hurrying after me.
--
Days passed as we made our way through the Motharis, taking just as long to return to Viechester as it did for us to get to the Brilsum Ruins. We werent in any particr rush, and while I could have been even faster if I traveled by myself, I wasnt just going to leave Daniel here alone to fight off the various dangerous monsters that could kill us.
Watch out!
Defeated [yer Vulture of Hunting - Lvl. 58]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I struck down the massive, flying beast. My kusarigamas chains dragged it straight down to the ming ded edge. It sheared the violet and red monster in half, spilling its blood all over the gray stone floor.
I wiped a bead of sweat from my head and turned to Daniel reassuringly.
I saved you.
No, you didnt. That monster wasnt anywhere close to killing me.
The Human man sheathed his sword, sighing. I raised a brow.
Oh, yeah? Then I wasnt anywhere close to dying to that Drake!
Are you still on about that? Ugh, fine. Yes, you saved me.
I beamed and raised my chin.
Praise me more!
What are you, a Fairy?
No, Im Salvos.
I cocked my head and gave him an innocent look. Daniel shook his head, walking forward and continuing down the steep decline. We had crested up to the top of a tall mountain, taking a shortcut that would lead us straight to the edge of the Motharis Mountain Range. Our presence had attracted a few yer Vultures. But they werent exactly the biggest threat to either of us.
Descending the mountains side, I cast my gaze over the vastndscape beyond. We had reached the ever-changing biomes of the Motharis. There had been deep, orange canyons and peaking, snowy mountains juxtaposed with one another. There were vibrant, green forests and dull, gray wastnds leading into each other.
But now, what I saw were in, grassy nds, stretching out beyond the horizon, starting from where the hillocks and hills ended. A single road stabbed through the heart of the tumulousndscape, slicing a brown path through it and towards Human civilization. That was where we were headed. Although, we werent exactly as close to Viechester as we had been when we first entered the mountain range.
Right now, were on the south side of the Motharis. When we came in, we went through the southwest. So itll take us a few days maybe even a week to get back to Viechester.
Cant we just run all the way back? Im sure I can get there in less than a day!
I raised an arm, flexing it like I saw some Human men did when trying to hit a woman. Or was it hit on a woman?
Yeah, you could. But I couldnt. And Id rather not sprint all the way there, Salvos.
Didnt you say were in a rush?
Not exactly. We just have to bring this news back to the Adventurers Guild there. Or bring it to one in a town nearby. As long as word is spread about this Belzu, weve done our job.
I see.
I had thought the [Hero] would be more concerned about directly stopping the evil Archdemon trying to amass an army of monsters and he was, just not in the way I thought he would be.
What?
He snorted as I gave him an odd look.
Did you think Id be leading the charge to y an Archdemon over 70 levels above me? Im not an idiot. Ill let the Diamond Ranks deal with that.
So, were just going to be telling everyone about Belzu, then what?
Then you try and get your ss, I guess. There really isnt much else to do.
I frowned, stopping behind him as he took a few steps further down. He turned back and blinked.
Whats wrong, Salvos?
Dont you want to do anything?
I asked the question which suddenly came to me; I should have thought about it sooner, but I just considered him to be mypanion. But
Are you really just happy with following me around like this?
Daniel frowned and rubbed at his chin. He seemed to ruminate over it for a moment, then raised his shoulders in a helpless shrug.
I dont really know. I mean, what else is there for me to want? This isnt my world. And I dont actually have any friends here except for you and Edithe. So yeah, I guess?
Huh.
I peered at Daniels face, trying to see if he was maybe lying or not. There was no reason for him to lie, but I just wanted to make sure. He backed away when I got a little too close for his liking, then I nodded to myself.
What, Salvos?
Its nothing. Lets just go back for now.
I made the decision and pressed forward. The [Hero] from another world stared after me before catching up. We were right at the edge of the Motharis now. Thendscape was getting tter and tter. The rocks and stone were being reced by dirt and grass.
A light forest of trees smoothened the transition from mountain to nds. But it was only a smattering. Itsted briefly and it was here, we were attacked.
Hey, whats that noise?
Daniel blinked.
What noise
The ground shot open. It exploded into debris and dust, breaking into arge crater with a tunnel at the bottom.
I grabbed Daniel and yanked him out of the way. I watched with wide eyes as arge monster burrowed its way to the top, casting its sweeping gaze at the forest around it. For a moment, I thought it would be a Centinel. But no there would be no reason for a Centinel to be here.
They were destructive monsters. And they would take aim at Human settlements or other monsters habitats.
Instead, what I saw was a four-legged monster. One with sharp ws on its paws, each of them about as long as the finger they were attached to. Its palms were pink and so was its long snout. The rest of its body was covered in gray fur, and it stared down at Daniel and me with beady, ck eyes.
[Musur Craver - Lvl. 82]
It was like a [Howre], butrger.
Wait, is that some kind of an evolution
The [Musur Craver] struck down at us. It loomed over the treetops as tall as a Gatho Mammoth. Its crushing hands did more than just break open the earth, it cut it asunder. I leapt back and away from the attack, pulling Daniel with me.
I red up at the monster that attacked us without any provocation and yelled out.
If you want to fight, then fine! Daniel!
I turned to him. He drew his de and nodded at me.
Its a bit high leveled, but not so muchpared to the Mindreapers. I wont have to use my [Heros sh], so Ill just distract it, and youll take it down with a zing Bolt.
Got it.
I began creating a bow of fire as the [Hero] charged out. Therge Ground Craver some sort of a derivative evolution of the [Howres] we fought in the Silkfalls Crevice struck down at him. He parried the attack, even when it nearly sent him flying.
I focused not on the battle ahead of me, but instead only on the spell I was crafting in my hand. A zing Bolt. Or rather, a Refined zing Bolt. Would I be able to create one together with a bow, all by myself?
I wasnt sure. But I was going to give it a try.
I felt the threads of mana weave together, forming an intricate design. A pattern of magic, forming a furious arrow. One with me wisping out of its side, exuding an intensity that even I could feel. It was like my entire body was on fire as if I had [Ignition] activated and I watched as the ground just under my feet burned up ever so slightly.
I raised the fire bow, holding within it the blinding, brilliant arrow. Daniel blocked another dangerous blow from the [Musur Craver]. He countered it by striking at its feet, cutting a deep wound into it. And it caused the monster to stumble.
It fell forward, right as the Refined zing Bolt cut through the air. It pierced the skies and came flying at the [Musur Craver]. Its eyes widened as the bright light came closer and closer until everything went dark.
Defeated [Musur Craver - Lvl. 82]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
The monster fell, its head blown open by the powerful spell. The attack drained arge amount of mana from me with each use. Sighing, I wiped my brows, swiping aside the beads of sweat forming there.
That
I panted, doubling over as Daniel walked back towards me.
Took a lot of mana.
Tired already?
Heughed and offered me a hand. dly taking it, I straightened myself. The Human man turned around and stared at the body of the monster.
I wonder what pissed it off so badly.
I dont know. But it got what it deserved.
I spoke simply, walking past him. Daniel shrugged as we began to make our way out of the small grove of trees. Until the earth before us exploded once more. A [Musur Craver] crawled its way out of the ground and stared down at us.
I opened my mouth.
Another one?!
Apparently, I must have be a [Summoner] because my words brought the ground behind us up. A second [Musur Craver] loomed over us. Then a third. And a fourth.
Daniel and I stood back to back, surrounded by the Level 80 monsters from all sides. He posed a question to me before the first monster decided to attack us.
So how many more times can you use that Refined zing Bolt?
Maybe a dozen more at most before I deplete myself.
Then lets hope there arent a dozen of them hiding below us.
As long as there isnt a Lair here oh, who am I kidding. There probably is one.
Right
The first [Musur Craver] came swinging down at Daniel and was sheared in half. Daniels sword stopped glowing, the [Heros sh] instantly killing the powerful beast.
Well, I guess we better run then.
The two of us made a break for it. However, the monsters still tried to bar our path. More and more popped out around us, outnumbering even the trees we had left behind. I created zing Bolt after zing Bolt not bothering to refine them to deal more damage. Because I didnt have the time for it. And we ran, fighting, keeping the monsters back, ying some of them. Until eventually...
Defeated [Musur Craver - Lvl. 85]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
...
Defeated [Musur Craver - Lvl. 83]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 64] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 65]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 65] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 66]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Chapter 92.2. A Nice Feeling
Chapter 92.2. A Nice Feeling
92.2. A Nice Feeling
Daniel and I escaped from the grove. Because the Human man wasnt as fast as I was, I had to fight beside him, keeping him with me until we were clear from whatever Lairy underneath the thicket of trees.
The two of us exhausted every Skill we had or could use there were so many of them. All of them over Level 80, and each of them powerful on their own. If they had been swarm monsters, I probably could have taken them all on my own. But they werent.
So we fled and took dozens out until we reached the road we had seen. The dirt path that would eventually lead us to civilization, so far away from the undting hills in the distance.
Watching us from afar until we were nearly out of site, the [Musur Cravers] must have been very territorial, as they only burrowed back into the ground then. I remembered the [Queen Howre] I had fought how she came after me just because I walked close to her Lair.
Theyre very aggressive, I mused as I picked myself off the ground. Daniel had been lying copsed next to me too, but he was slower to get to his feet. The [Hero]s [Endurance] was lower than mine.
That was dangerous. Why are there tinum threat monsters hiding at the edge of the Motharis?!
Shrugging, I helped him up.
I dont know. But we survived, see? And thats all that matters!
That was a bit too close of a call than I would have liked.
He murmured under his breath ungratefully. The two of us didnt exactly escape unscathed. Especially Daniel. He had been wed a few times by the [Musur Cravers]. Deep gashes ran through his body, although they were now closing up as the healing potion he drank took effect.
The Human man tossed the bottle aside as I opened my hand.
What?
He gave me a nk stare.
Can I have one too?
I only have one left, Salvos. And you were barely even injured.
I was swatted aside!
Once.
Daniel rolled his eyes.
And Im pretty sure your Ring of Lesser Protection absorbed most of the damage for you.
It did not!
I lifted up my hands for him to see.
Im not wearing any artifacts right now, look!
Wait, why didnt you isnt that dangerous?
He gave me a worried look, but I just waved a hand off dismissively.
The Amulet of Strength and Ring of Lesser Protection keep running out of mana! I have to recharge them and that always takes a while. So I decided to only use them when necessary.
Thats risky, Salvos.
Everything has a risk.
Youve said that already.
I crossed my arms and spoke simply.
Its true.
Well, I guess its safer now that were out of the Motharis. As long as we dont run into any more nasty surprises like a group of Diamond threat monsters waiting for us further down this road.
cing a hand on Daniels shoulder, I gave him a sorrowful look.
Then Ill be sorry for your loss.
Wait, you dont n on ditching me if that happens, right?
I started ahead, ignoring the man as he made sounds of protests. He followed after, slowly, and we continued on our way to Viechester.
The road leading us through the ins eventually brought us to a heavily forested area. The trees here grew tall and proud the vines reaching down from them covered the canopy above, almost blotting out the sun. And it only grew worse when the sun began to set, and I had to start a fire to light our way ahead.
Are you sure this is the way back to Viechester?
I asked Daniel, one hand held up, fire burning on it with my concentrated use of [Ignition]. He peered down at the map he held, frowning.
It is. And it was marked by Edithe or whoever had this map before she gave it to us as a safe spot. Other than a few animals here and there, it doesnt have anything that could threaten even a team of Silvers.
It certainly doesnt look that way.
ncing around the dark shadows around us, I felt less safe here than even when I was back in the Netherworld. At least there, I could see whenever a wild Demon made its approach. There could be anything hiding in the trees here, and I wouldnt have known.
I think we can trust this map for now. Im a bit tired.
He exhaled deeply, leaning against a tree.
Its been a long journey, Salvos. And if it says were safe, I say we trust it. I need to rest and [Rest] and sleep this pain away. Stamina potions help, but once their effects wear off, you get even more exhausted than before.
I know that!
I scoffed.
I use them all the time. And they taste terrible!
You think everything tastes terrible.
But its true!
The Human man slowly settled himself onto the ground. He ced his back against the tree from before and gave me a pleading look.
So, what do you say? Can we just stop here for the night? All my good Skills were used up, and my legs dont want to move right now.
Sure.
The two of us began setting up camp, and slowly, I felt the effects of [Rest] take over me. The General Skill still refused to level up even after so much time had passed. And I didnt think it was going to level up anytime soon.
It was probably because of my use of healing, stamina, and mana potions. Whenever [Rest] washed over me, it was just as a supplement to what had already been recovered by the alchemical goods.
Once the Human man was lying in bed and snoring, I began to distribute my Skill and Stat Points. Most of it went to [Agility] and [Wisdom] now I no longer had to worry too much about my [Vitality] since I wasnt in constant danger of being sted by mind magic.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 66
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 4
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 70 (+5) (-6)
[Strength]: 43 (+5) (-6)
[Endurance]: 65 (+5) (-6)
[Wisdom]: 88 (+5) (-1)
[Agility]: 135 (+5) (-6)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] - Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 5
All my Skills were maxed too. Only [Passive - Weapon Mastery] remained at Level 5. And while I had been neglecting it somewhat, I didnt really think having the Skill maxed out would make too significant of a change.
But I was going to max it out anyway; from what I had been told by Daniel and Edithe, Skills were likelier to be upgraded during a ss advancement if they were already maxed. It also helped you meet the requirements for rarer sses something which I was sure applied for evolutions and Subspecies as well.
Then when I was finished, I did something different that night. I did not practice my [Advanced Mana Maniption] as I usually did. I didnt even switch between my Mortal Form and back to try and gain a level in it.
What I did was weird.
Having spent a lot of my energy during the day fighting, traveling, and nearly dying, I decided to just sleep. Or at least, I thought to try.
I had passed out once before: I had fallen unconscious after escaping from Lucernas wrath when I first came to the Mortal Realm. So, it wasnt really a stretch to assume that I could sleep.
I leaned against a tree and closed my eyes. I normally would have kept watch throughout the entire night, but Daniel said it was safe here. And I was willing to take the risk if it meant I could get some brief reprieve.
Iy there for what felt like forever, staring into the void with my eyes snapped shut. Until something began to take over me. I almost sumbed to a very serene, peaceful feeling. It felt like all my pain all my worries and concerns were fading away. It was a nice feeling.
Then an inane thought broke me out of it.
Is this what its like to be Human? Its nice.
I jerked up, ncing around in a panic. The voice the words in my head they were entirely mine. I knew I had thought of it myself when I was on the brink of losing my consciousness. But still, I feared for a moment that that had been mind magic. That something else had said that to me, trying to y a trick on me.
Then I stared down at the palm of my hands Human hands. I squeezed them shut and opened them. There were no ws. No natural weapons I could use to hurt my enemies. A [Fire Strike] from a punch delivered far less damage than what a [Fire Strike] from ws would inflict.
And I had penalties for being in my Mortal Form. Maybe if the Racial Skill continued to level, they would be gone, but right now, I was far weaker like this than in my Demon form. No not Demon form. Just as Salvos.
But I had thought being a Human was nice. The thought shook me. I didnt like it at all.
I reflexively clenched my fist, turning it into a ball. If I had done that with ws, I probably would have stabbed myself. If I wasnt careful.
Sighing, I rested my back once more against the tree trunk behind me. My head tilted up, towards the sky there was a clearing in the leaves above. A small hole that revealed the darkling skies above.
I stared at the stars. The beautiful, twinkling dots were littered through the ck canvas, staining it with light. They were so numerous. So pretty.
It was nothing like the Netherworld. The nd, bleak world I had been born in. I had no reason to go back there other than to find Haec. So, what was wrong with just pretending to be a Human here?
I scratched my head, trying to w those thoughts away.
...am I thinking this because of what Lily said?
I had been a little bit bothered since I met the Fairy. I wasnt sure why, but the encounter with her, while nice, left me feeling ufortable for days. And now, I was starting to realize why I felt ufortable.
I shook my head, trying to clear my mind. I stared up at the night sky, not thinking about anything. Just mesmerized by the beautiful sight.
Then, I blinked. My eyes narrowed. I saw something moving. There was a fissure in the portrait. The static scene became dynamic, as a blur ran through it. A blur smoke?
I stood up, looking at the plume of smoke running through the air. Thats a lot of smoke, but small smokes? Climbing up a nearby tree to get a better view, I cast my gaze to the horizon, in the direction where the various trails of fumes marked the sky.
Dozens of torches lit up the edge of the forest. Orange lights that revealed figures that had just entered from the pathway we came from. And they wereing closer. Straight at us.
...Huh. Should I wake up Daniel and tell him about this?
Chapter 93: Stand and Fight
Chapter 93: Stand and Fight
93. Stand and Fight
Something had to happen.
Something had to be done.
But their hands were tied. The Iron Champions Company had nned this for months. They had prepared for this, devoting as many resources as they could to carry out this n. They wanted to cripple the Valiant Dreamers Company, and they were willing to use any underhanded trick to achieve it.
Did anyone expect them to go this far just because the Valiant Dreamers Company had sabotaged a few of their monopolized Dungeons? Perhaps assassins should have been expected. That Baris was poisoned was a failure on the part of every member of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
But everything after that the sieges, the attacks, the massacres. It was not out of the ipetence of theirpany. It was because the Iron Champions Company were even more vindictive, cruel, and evil than Edithe had thought.
Or, at least, that was what she was telling herself.
Starting a war over this? The red-haired woman shook her head, then felt her fists tighten to a ball. Killing my friends over a stupid Dungeon? If someone had warned Edithe a few months ago that this would happen just because a map over a high Silver Rank Dungeon was stolen, she would haveughed in their faces.
But this was the reality. The Iron Champions Company had unofficially dered war. And the moment the Valiant Dreamers Company made it official, they would have been assaulted on all fronts.
The corpses of the assants of the training grounds have been identified, and weve determined that these were assassins. They were not affiliated with the Iron Champions Company in any way, other than a possible contract between the two right now.
But didnt you say that the Iron Champions Company themselves were the ones attacking us?
A voice spoke over Hadrian. Jeremy a tinum Rank adventurer whom Edithe was acquainted with. He pointed an using finger at the leader of the Valiant Dreamers.
We had switched up our guards for the training grounds. We thought that the ones attacking us would be adventurers, not assassins. If we had known that, we wouldve kept Ian on duty that day!
We assumed, from the information we had, that everything that had happened so far was the work of only the Iron Champions Company. But now we know that theyre also hiring outside forces to kill our members. That was a mistake on my part, and I apologize for it, Jeremy.
What about these assassins then?
Another person spoke up. This time, it was someone Edithe was less familiar with. A Gold Rank by the name of Mariah. She wore a scowl on her face like it was the shawl around her neck. A [Summoner] at around the same level as Edithe, the two should have been friends or at least known each other better.
But unfortunately, she never stuck around thepany often.
Could they be those assassins you antagonized? By letting that girl stay with us, youve loosed that pack of dogs, the Harrowed Vindicators, on us!
Edithe felt her jaw clench, mostly to keep herself from speaking up. She was not in the best of moods right now, and she was using every bit of willpower she had to keep herself from pping that woman across the face. Leave Rachel out of this.
But Hadrian spoke for her, a calm and collected voice of reason that almost made him resemble his father.
Weve checked with every contact we have. None of those assassins that attacked us have ever been associated with the Harrowed Vindicators. Were still not sure if theyre even part of a group or individual assassins the Iron Champions Company hired, but we know for a fact this wasnt the Harrowed Vindicators doing.
Mariah sat back, murmuring aint under her breath. Hadrian swept his gaze around the room it wasnt a formal meeting. Not like the one Edithe had been in just yesterday. It was to alleviate the concerns and questions anyone would have had about what was currently happening and what could possibly happen in the future.
Any other questions?
Hadrian asked, waiting for a response. When none came, he nodded and ced his hands on the table.
Then were done for the day. If you have further worries, dont be afraid to speak up. Were the dreamers. Dont forget that.
The room slowly emptied out. The Silver, Gold, and even tinum Ranks streamed out of it, pouring out into the Adventurers Guild below. The ones who attended had mostly been members of the Valiant Dreamers who werent actually as attached to their cause or thepany itself. A few, like Jeremy and Edithe, were part of the core group. But the rest were those who only signed up for the benefits provided by thepany, doing the bare minimum to stay a member.
Edithe, however, stayed behind. Hadrian turned to face her, raising a brow.
You have a question, Edithe?
I do.
She felt apprehension seize her momentarily the doubt and uncertainty of the others from earlier made her second guess whether she should speak now. Hadrian was swamped with those who had beenpletely caught off-guard by what was happening, demanding something to be done, as though he had known this was going to happen.
The truth was, everyone had been taken by surprise by the current events. Even Baris and Hadrian were no exception. So, Edithe felt bad for speaking out against their decisions, but she felt that it was the right thing to say.
This cant go on, Hadrian.
Her words were simple, straight to the point. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company paused. He peered closely at her, not saying anything. Then he nodded.
I know.
She blinked, seeing how empathetic he was to her cause. To the anger she was feeling. Paige. Edithe stepped forward, one hand forming a fist as the other gestured vaguely behind her.
Then why arent we doing anything about it? This is war. That was what Gabriel had said from the start. Why are we just sitting around, letting them cut us down likembs to the ughter?!
Catching her breath, Edithe realized she was yelling. She backed up, quickly murmuring an apology.
I sorry.
No, youre right.
Hadrian sighed. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company still so young and inexperienced took a seat and rubbed at his temples.
I agree with you, Edithe. However, I agree with my father as well. What hes saying the fact that the Iron Champions Company has nned such a long time for this it puts us at a severe disadvantage. Any move we make will result in casualties. But I dont think we should let them act as they please either.
But your father, Baris, thinks we shouldnt strike back.
No. He thinks we should hold out. We have allies. People who will support us in covertly fighting against the Iron Champions Company. But those are far and few amongst the pull we could get if we officially dere war.
Then why dont you dere war?
Edithe stared at him. The tired man. One who was backed up into a corner with nowhere else left to go. He could eithersh out first or stand on guard for the enemy to strike. Both would result in getting beaten and hurt. But which would result in a victory?
Dad thinks that wed minimize the risks if we hold them off. That the attrition wed suffer from many small attacks would be far less than the death toll from a full-scale assault. Thats why he wants me to hold off in dering war.
But hes not the leader of thepany, is he?
Hadrians head snapped up. He met the red-haired womans gaze, her fiery red hair burning like the anger in her heart. Was she being reckless by suggesting this? Was this the same as what happened with Lucerna and her team? No back then, we charged in when no one in our team was hurt. Now, its different. Paige was dead.
And so many others too.
Youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. No matter what Baris says, he cant stop you from pushing your weight as our leader and dering war.
But he wouldnt approve of that.
Because he disagrees with your judgment.
Turning her head to face the window, Edithe saw the sun standing high in the sky. It was still afternoon. In fact, it was barely even noon. The day had just begun, and so many things had already been done. Things had been busy. It proved how productive one could be if they really put in their all to something.
He thinks that dering war is reckless. And despite disagreeing with him, you trust him. Because you believe in him.
Yes. Im still inexperienced, Edithe.
The blond man cast his gaze to an open palm. He clenched it and spoke through gritted teeth.
This all happened with me as the leader of thepany. It never happened with him. He knows more than me, so I have to trust him.
Then why not trust the Baris that made you the leader, Hadrian?
Edithe faced him. She met his eyes, speaking confidently, knowing that she was right.
He entrusted you with this job. Talk to him. Tell him why you think hes wrong. And make preparations for war. Im sure if you do that, Baris will see your point and concede.
But
Hadrian.
She cut him off and spoke not out of anger or fear, but from the passion and certainty that had been cradling in her heart.
This cannot go on.
The young man looked at her. At the truth she was saying. And he slowly nodded.
Youre right.
He eded.
I will talk to him.
Hadrian got up and started out of the door. A small smile spread across Edithes face but was quickly stymied from knowing what was toe next. It would be war. And that was not something she was looking forward to.
Stopping right at the doorway, he nced back at her. Conviction on his face. The n he must have had been fostering secretly ready to be unleashed.
And call every Gold Rank adventurer to be back at the headquarters by tonight. Every Silver to the training grounds. Ill have the tinums be split up personally. Gabriel will be with the Silvers, so dont worry about them.
Wait, tonight? Why?
Because
He stepped out into the hallway, turning away from her.
Were going to be dering war. Tomorrow.
I watched as the dim torches in the distance drew closer. The smoke from the mes filled the night horizon, breaking free from theyer of treetops ahead. They were small, thin lines reaching out to the sky, and I probably would not have noticed them if not for how numerous they were.
Various people wereing at us. People who were making their move in the middle of the night. That set of an rm in my head. The Harrowed Vindicators?
Hopping down from the tree andnding next to Daniel with a soft thud, I immediately shook the Human man awake. He rubbed at his eyes, groggily looking up to face me.
Huh what? Is it morning already?
No. Youve only been asleep for an hour.
He clicked his tongue and snapped his eyes shut.
Salvos, I know you dont like
Its not that!
I spoke hurriedly. One of mypanions eyelids slowly reclined back up he met my gaze and sighed.
Is it urgent?
Yes.
...Am I allowed to sleep for five more minutes?
I paused, tilting my head back up. I saw the fumes in the distance, getting closer. Then I shook my head.
Probably not.
Daniel pulled himself up, drawing himself awake with a deep breath. Abored breath. He grimaced, cing a hand on his knees.
Ouch I think I might need a bit more healing potion if were going to get into a fight. Im still not fully recovered from earlier.
We should run.
I spoke simply, stopping him from summoning a vial of the red liquid. I lowered his hand down and grabbed his stuff.
I think it might be the Harrowed Vindicators.
The the bounty hunters?
I cocked my head.
I thought they were assassins.
Same thing.
He immediately collected his items quickly sweeping up the campsite of everything important and stored it in his Dimensional Storage Unit. I watched as his bedroll, his sk of water everything vanished the moment heid a hand on them.
I want one.
Ill get you one. Butter.
Sheathing his sword onto his side, the Human man turned to meet me. The two of us nodded.
Lets go. Now.
And we were off. In the darkness, under the thick canopy of trees, blocking the dim light from the stars and moon above. We moved quickly and swiftly, darting around the thickets barring our path. I could have moved faster on my own, but Daniel was mypanion.
I wasnt just going to leave him alone.
I held onto his hand, pulling him forward so he could run just a little faster. I also kept an eye locked onto the approaching lines of smoke. They were slowly getting further and further away. They probably had no idea we had already begun getting a move on.
If they did, they would have picked up their pace which they werent doing. So that gave me some confidence. I whispered to Daniels ear as he and I walked out into a small clearing in the forest.
Think we should hide?
Gesturing at some nearby hills peaking over the treetops, I continued.
There are probably some holes or caves we could wait in. Maybe stay there for a day or two until we recover all our Skills, stamina, and mana.
Daniel grimaced as I proposed the idea. He slowly shook his head and looked at me apologetically.
I dont think thats a good idea. If theyvee after us this far, they probably have some kind of tracking Skills or artifacts that would lead them to us no matter what. We should just keep going.
But if they can track us down, wont they keep following us?
Maybe. But as you said, Id rather not fight them until Im back at a hundred percent.
The two of us were still exhausted from the days events. I was less so than Daniel, but if this really was the Harrowed Vindicatorsing after us once again, I didnt think wed be able to take them on until both of us were ready to fight.
Although, both of us have leveled since ourst sh with them I nced back up above the canopy of trees. The smoke was indeeding in our direction once again. They really did have some way to track us down.
I turned back to Daniel and made another suggestion.
Shouldnt we at least have a look at them first? If theyre the same level asst time
They wont be.
Why not?
I cocked my head.
They just wont. Trust me.
He seemed so certain. So certain that I decided to just trust him.
Fine.
Spinning back around, I activated [Self Haste] and swept Daniel off his feet. He sputtered as his arms waved in the air.
What are you doing?!
ImgettingusoutofhereasfastasIcan!
...what did you say? Speak slower
And I ran.
I dashed forward, zipping into and through the trees. Even while carrying him, I moved faster than I would have from dragging him along and running. I had [Self Haste] activated, after all. I was not only faster, but my senses were sharpened.
I ran over the roots that stuck out of the ground and threatened to trip me. I dodged around the groves that grew so dense wouldnt have fit in it. I even avoided stepping on the fallen branches from the trees, careful not to leave anything behind that could let our pursuers follow after us.
I became like the leaves in the wind. The breeze carried me forward did I know where I was going? Absolutely not. And yet, that only served to help us.
If we didnt know where we were going, our pursuers wouldnt either. Their tracking Skills had to end, eventually.
Right?
--
Day came. The sun rose over the horizon. My [Self Haste] had run its course hours ago. And Daniel protested me carrying him like a princess so I let him run by my side on his own. Id like to be carried like a princess, was the inane thought I didnt say to him at the time.
We continued fleeing our pursuers. We made our way out of the dark and dimly lit forest, cutting into rtively clear and open nds. Then back to another forest. An entire day passed the sun began setting low into the sky before we even stopped for a brief reprieve.
Exhaustion was beginning to set in once again. Without any stamina potions to use, we had to rely only on [Rest] to recover. But that would not have been enough. The only reason we dared to take a break was that our Skills were ready now. His Skills, specifically.
We waited for a bit. Just to see if we were still being hunted down, even after all the running we did. And when the dome of light overhead changed into a dome of darkness, we saw the little kindlings of me pop up in the distance. And we got up and began to move again.
There are dozens of them. More than thest time.
Even if theyre all Gold, we can take them.
I spoke confidently, even as I followed him under the nket of leaves.
My worry is that they arent all Gold, Salvos. That theyre all tinum. Do you think wed be able to take them on then?
I chewed my lower lip, uncertain.
...Maybe?
Then what if theres a Diamond too? Someone as powerful as Belzu.
Thats not possible!
I stopped mid-step. The Human man whirled around as I crossed my arms.
Lily was Level 103, and shes a Fairy thats lived for thousands of years! A weird Human cant possibly surpass her in only a few decades!
Well, youre a weird Demon who has surpassed many Humans and Spirits and Demons in only what, two, three years?
Three years.
I corrected him. He raised his shoulders in a shrug.
Its possible, and while not likely, its possible.
Trudging on, the [Hero] spoke in a grim voice. Also, in English.
Unfortunately, you have to fear the worst in these kinds of situations. I knew someone once. She always said it was better to be safe than sorry. That was her favorite catchphrase that she never followed. Still, Id rather not die from a fight we can avoid.
I groaned partly because I didnt expect the change innguage. However, since he kept to English the entire time, I understood what he said without a problem. Even if it was a little bit jarring.
But its not something we can avoid, Daniel. Theyre going to keeping after us. And were going to keep running. We have to fight.
No, we dont. If we can lose them
We cant lose them.
I was vehement about it. They had been following us for an entire day. Even after I had run as fast as I could with Daniel in my arms, they never once lost track of us!
Daniel, if they were really as high leveled as you think, why couldnt they just catch up to us right now? If they were stronger than us, at least one of them has to be faster than you.
I
He bit his tongue, unsure how to respond. I nced back at the trails of smoke that were still far away but getting closer.
Isnt it possible then that theyre just waiting for the best time to attack us, when were exhausted after youve lost days of sleep? Or worse, leading us to a trap?
His eyes grew as I continued, creating a kusarigama and twirling its sickle in my hand. The blue mes from my Skill lit up the forest around us, just barely. It let us see our surroundings better, even if it let others spot us better too.
Thats unlikely.
But its possible.
I turned around, sweeping my gaze through the trees until itnded in the direction of our pursuers.
Theyre going to reach us anyway. Were going to have to fight them. I saw we do it while we can both face them at our best before were both tired and unable to put up a fight.
Mypanion stayed silent for a moment. Just a moment. Were my words persuasive? Did I make a good argument? I was not well versed in Human interaction, but I knew Daniel. And I knew he would agree with me.
His answer came a split second after I took a step forward, already prepared for battle.
I guess youre right
There was a flicker. My eyes snapped to the left, and I leapt back.
Daniel
But I was too slow. The crossbow bolt struck the Human man across the chest. It sent him flying back, as I reached out to grab him, the impact stronger and harder than even a blow from a [Musur Craver].
The world slowed around me. I blinked and everything grew dim for an eternity. Then my head turned at a cial pace towards the source of the attack.
At the shadowed figure hiding with the trees. No not figure, figures.
A dozen figures surrounded my downedpanion and me from all sides. They wore hoods over their faces a dark cloak that obscured their entire body. Weapons were already drawn, a battle already instigated. They had just arrived, and they attacked us instantly.
There was no hesitation behind their actions. That was what assassins did. Bounty hunters hired to hunt down a [Hero].
The Harrowed Vindicators.
Chapter 94: Declaration and Introduction
Chapter 94: Deration and Introduction
94. Deration and Introduction
Yes, Hadrian wants you all to gather in the headquarters by tonight. He has an important announcement to make.
Harper looked at Edithe with narrowed eyes.
An important announcement? With almost no warning? Dont tell me
I dont know.
The red-haired woman spoke simply. She turned her gaze to the rest of Harpers team a Gold Rank team. They all wore nervous looks on their faces. The possibility of what was toe struck fear into the hearts of every single one of them.
Just be prepared for the worst, alright?
With the missive sent, Edithe took her leave, not bothering to listen to the spections and worries Harper and her team might have had. Because the truth was Edithe lied. She knew exactly what the announcement was about. But she couldnt say it here. Not in public where there could be an Iron Champions spy around any corner.
Edithe passed the message on to numerous other teams. Some, like Harper, who heard it took it with fear. But others were prepared, or even excited, for it.
Does this mean we can finally show those Iron Champion bastards what were made of? I had been tired of sitting around and letting them do whatever they want! Has Hadrian finally talked some sense into Baris?
Celine eagerly pressed her face up against Edithe, grasping at her hands. Edithe gently pushed the tinum Rank adventurer back and shook her head.
I do not know.
Fine! But I know youre aware of more than you let on.
Edithe simply smiled and shook her head.
I am as unaware as you, Celine.
Hah, of course, you are! Well, that doesnt change the fact that we can finally teach those assholes a lesson.
Pretending to ignore thement and excuse herself, Edithe couldnt help but mentally agree with the rowdy tinum Rank woman and her team. They were a group of all-[Warriors], rough but caring. And what had been happening over the past few days must have infuriated them even more than it did Edithe.
Hey, Edithe.
Celine spoke up as the red-haired woman exited the bar. Edithe turned back slightly, raising a brow.
Did you need something?
Take care of yourself, alright? Dont push yourself too hard.
Edithe blinked and rubbed at her eyes. Did she look that tired? She definitely did not get enough sleep the night before, the horrors of helplessly seeing Paiges death ingrained in her mind.
Celine continued, snapping Edithes gaze back up.
And dont worry, well get you your revenge.
R-right. Thank you.
Nodding respectfully, Edithe hurriedly left the tinum Ranks alone. There was so much she still had to do, after all. She had to speak with Rachel tell the girl that she probably wouldn''t be able to visit for a while. But also
Well get your revenge.
The sweet words resounded in her head, almost drawing her to it like a bee to honey. The nectar of killing the one you hated the vindication from it was something she had already tasted. And she realized, after Lucernas death, a simple thing.
I still feel so empty.
--
Edithe found the hardest one to speak to that day was not the tinum, Gold, or even Silver Ranks. But a little girl.
Rachel had not limated to the temple well. William said that the only time she would speak was when Edithe visited the Sanctum of Elements. And when Edithe had to break the news that she wouldnt be visiting anymore because of reasons she could not exin, Rachel did not cry. The girl spoke with a small voice but loud enough that it broke Edithes heart.
Oh youre abandoning me too?
Edithe had tried to reassure Rachel that that wasnt the case. But she knew Rachel didnt believe her. Even after an hour of trying to y with the doll, Princess, with her, Edithe knew Rachel was still sad. That the smile Rachel put on was a false one.
But the Gold Rank adventurer had a job to do. She had apany to fight for. So, she eventually had to leave.
Returning to the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company, Edithe found that everyone had gathered as she had instructed. The Golds and tinums gathered here, while the Silvers were on the training grounds. Edithe wasnt worried about the Silvers even though they were the weakest, since Gabriel and a few other tinums like Jeremy were already there with them.
What she was worried about was the reaction to the news that was about to be broken.
Baris arrived in the hall first. He waited at an elevated stage with his arms folded, clearly not pleased, but not unhappy either. Then when Hadrian came a littleter, the older man activated his spells.
Wards were put up around the room, a barrier powered by a tinum Ranked adventurer. When that happened, all the whisperings all the susurrations stopped. Heads turned to face Hadrian as he seriously addressed the room. No more spections.
We have decided.
Hadrian spoke simply. Edithe raised a brow at his choice of an opening but waited for what else he had to say.
For the past few days, ourpany has been attacked. Our members have been killed unjustly. And we have decided no more.
Taking a deep breath, Hadrian swept his gaze across the room. Edithe heard voices begin to break out questions but the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company continued first, speaking over them.
We had thought that it would be best for us to hold them off. Win a battle of attrition. This was a siege they couldnt win, especially when we could hit back with our own allies. But theyre not just sieging us this is already a full-frontal assault!
His words sounded like they would be said by one in anger. But his voice didnt reveal any of it. Because he was calm. This was not retaliation out of anger. It made sense right?
There is nothing covert about this. Theyre doing everything they can to draw us out from our shell, to dere war on them. As if they think were afraid of what they could do to us. Well, even if theyve prepared for this for months, were the Valiant Dreamers Company. We shall not stand idly by as the weak are bullied by the strong. Especially if its our own dreamers.
Hadrians voice grew quiet. And he sighed deeply, finishing his speech as he spoke through gritted teeth.
So, we have decided to make it official. No more hiding. Tomorrow, we shall fight.
It was so sudden. After talking about waiting and biding their time for the past few days, why the sudden shift in ns? Was it bad leadership from a new leader? It should have been jarring. Edithe thought there would have been a bacsh to it. But instead, there were voices of agreement. Then there was a cheer.
Edithe straightened as she stared at the crowd of Gold and tinum Ranks throwing their support behind Hadrian. Baris seemed approving too. Even if his son went against his judgment, his judgment had chosen him to be the leader. And making decisions based on what one thought was best was part of being a leader.
Slowly, Edithe leaned back against the wooden pir next to her. It was covered in runes, enchanted to now be more durable against fire. Only a single thought crossed her head as she cast her gaze to the ceiling above.
Its time then. Lets hope this works out.
And when the morning came, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company went to the Adventurers Guild himself. The Diamond Ranked adventurer left with no one, making the deration for all thepanies and even the Sunmere Republic to hear.
The Valiant Dreamers are at war with the Iron Champions Company!
The Harrowed Vindicators. They were the assassins, the bounty hunters, the ones hunting after us. They had chased Daniel and me down from just beyond the Motharis, to where we stood now. The tall mountains were barely even a speck in the distance at this point they were so far away that it would take me a few hours to run there, even at full speed.
We had made a good headway towards Viechester before being interrupted. And now they had caught up.
Mypaniony copsed on the ground, having been struck by a crossbow bolt with enough force to send him flying back. And the others were readying their weapons against me. But how did they catch up to us so quickly? We had not slowed down for more than a minute to talk. Why were they already here?
It must have been a distraction.
They had been setting this trap to catch us, leading us like we were a horde of monsters and they were a Mindreaper. We couldnt flee anymore. There was nothing else we could do.
Nothing but to stand and fight.
I raised my kusarigama, waiting for the first assassin to make their move. They moved in the shadows they were like shadows. Stalking around me, the Harrowed Vindicators prepared to strike.
There was the sound of metal being pulled. A crossbow being reloaded. My head snapped to the side
And a bolt of lightning came crashing down on me.
[Charge of Embers] carried me straight to the Harrowed Vindicator with the crossbow. His eyes grew wide as I identified him, mere moments before bringing the ming sickle down.
[Archer - Lvl. 65]
He was only at Gold. Not even a tinum threat.
My kusarigama broke his crossbow in half and embedded deep into his chest. He backed away from me. I heard spells being loosed my way, knives being thrown and footfalls moving in a rush, but I did not turn my attention to them.
The chains from my kusarigama yanked the man towards me. I leapt up into the air as the assassin collided with the volley of attacksing from hispanions, the notification in my head resounding, confirming his death.
Defeated [Bloodscarred Hunter - Lvl. 65]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
My gaze swept around the surroundings, at the other enemies who were closing in on me. But I caught a glimpse of a bright light. A sh. It drew mine and the Harrowed Vindicators attention for a moment.
Because it had struck down two of them.
Daniel stood up as the glow around his sword faded away. The assassins standing closest to him had dropped dead. He pulled the crossbow bolt out of his chest no blood spilling out of where it struck. I recognized the Skill the one that made his skin like iron.
Daniel!
I called out to him and sent a [Scorching Wave] at the closest Harrowed Vindicator. They buzzed back, keeping a small distance from the fire but hovering around it like flies.
Landing next to him, I activated [Ignition], and my body grew aze. The fire revealed the shadows stalking around us in the trees, keeping their distance as mypanion and I stood back-to-back. He nced over at me and nodded.
Sorry for scaring you like that.
Its fine Im just d youre alive.
I smiled his way. He paused, then gripped the hilt of his de with two hands.
Thanks. They really caught us by surprise, didnt they?
But now theyre nervous and staying back.
Identifying the assassins closest to me, I found that most of them were Level 60. It had not been like what Daniel feared none of them were even close to the Diamond level. Only one had been above Level 70, and he was keeping his distance, watching us warily.
I took a step forward, widening my stance as I held the sickle of my weapon in one hand and the chains in the other.
They dont seem to be that tough, huh? Well, you guys attacked us, didnt you? Come on!
I snarled then realized I was talking in the voice of a Human woman. And it honestly wasnt that threatening.
Maybe I should change back. The thought crossed my mind before a ball of darkness enveloped Daniel and me.
Blinking, I whirled around to try and find the [Hero]. But he was nowhere to be seen. This was shadow magic. Just like what Ignavare had. But it had been used to block our vision.
I took a few steps back as I heard no sounds either. Only my [Deadly Instinct] was yelling at me, telling me to flee this sphere. And I did.
[Self Haste] took over me as I sped forward, breaking free from the dome of magic. Spells and projectiles were being slung into the dark dome, the assassins sting as blindly into it as we had been inside of it. My eyes snapped over at the caster.
It had been the Level 70 assassin. He was a [Mage], and the reason he had been staying back was clear Hes weak, take him out!
I flung the chains of my kusarigama his way, but more Harrowed Vindicators barred my path. One of them tried rushing me, a knife in hand. But
I grinned, stepping over the decapitated body.
Whos next?
The rest stayed back, and a volley of arrows came my way. But they moved slowly. So slowly. I was already halfway towards them when the first st resounded behind me. I moved amongst the assassins, faster than they ever could be. I danced with my kusarigama, twirling and spinning with the grace of a princess, cutting down those that dared approach me.
At some point, Daniel had burst out of the darkness, bleeding slightly but not having taken too much damage. We had juste from a tinum Rank Dungeon. We had fought Mindreapers and powerful [Cultists]. A powerful Archdemon had set its sight on us too, and we had escaped.
These assassins were like nothing to us. They were trained to kill, not to fight. Each of them whether they were [Warriors], [Mages], [Archers], [Rogues], or something else had focused on their speed and attack power above all else. But unfortunately for them
Im the fastest and strongest one here!
Swinging my fiery weapon wildly, I held onto its chains and let the sickled edge tear apart those that came close. They moved, ebbing and flowing, trying to close the distance but failing each time. And if I was like a wild cyclone, Daniel was an immovable rock. Each assassin that rushed at him was squished onto the surface of the hard stone, their blood coating his long sword.
[Charge of Embers] brought me next to the [Mage] with the shadow magic. He looked up at me in fear as I brought my kusarigama up, limned by the sliver of moonlight above. He tried to fight back.
A magical barrier surrounded him as dark tendrils gripped at my feet. But I burned my [Ignition] at my legs, concentrating the hot mes to keep away the shadow. Inded [Fire Strike] after [Fire Strike] against him.
He tried to back away, casting his magic against me. Offensive spells and defensive spells alike. But it wasnt enough, and he fell too.
Defeated [Hiddende Rogue - Lvl. 64]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [Master of Penumbra - Lvl. 78]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 66] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 67]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 67] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 68]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Daniel had been afraid of what would happen once the Harrowed Vindicators caught up to them. He had thought they would have sent tinums, Diamonds, maybe even Elites!
But all that came were another group of Golds, led only by a single tinum. And they were dispatched with ease. The [Hero] and the Demon fought side by side, aiding each other,plementing each other.
He would open up the ranks of the assassins by pressing forward, while she would pick them off from the side. Just 10 Levels prior, Daniel was certain the two would have died to this group of assassins. But now, even though dozens of the Harrowed Vindicators came after them this time, they were picked apart with ease.
His sword swung in an arc as he activated his Skill. The assassin tried hopping back, but somehow the de connected. Such a thing never would have happened in Daniels world but this was another world. One where superhuman feats he could have only imagined in fantasy were easily performed by him.
It sheared the assassin in half and went on to block a strike from another assassin. The second assassin backed up straight into a [Scorching Wave] by Salvos. He reeled, his entire back half caught ame, and that gave Daniel the opening needed to strike him down.
He cast his gaze around for the remainder of the Harrowed Vindicators, only to see them fleeing into the distance. Three of them ran as the fourth was locked in battle with Daniels Demonpanion.
Salvos!
Daniel yelled, pointing at the ones that fled. She nodded.
Got it.
The Demon quickly disengaged from the assassin madly trying to rush her. She twisted around him and kicked him, sending him flying back. Daniel quickly blocked the assassin from stopping her once more.
They traded blows and the [Hero] won.
Panting, Daniel turned around expecting to see the Demon tearing apart the remaining Harrowed Vindicators as they were drawn to her by her Title Skill. Instead, he saw her in the middle of removing her jacket.
What are you doing?
I need to turn back to use [Zealous Call]! I cant use it in my Mortal Form, so I need to take off my clothes first!
Who cares about your clothes?!
You do!
She scowled and Daniel almost wanted to avert his gaze. But he saw the assassins getting further away in the distance. The three began to split, moving inpletely different directions, so Salvos could not catch all of them.
Theyre going to escape!
I know! Stop distracting me!
He cursed and took off running, knowing full well that he couldnt catch up to any of them in time.
But just as he passed Salvos, he watched as one of the assassins dropped mid-air. A gray object flickered between the trees, nking with the ground as it dragged the body across the dirt and into the darkness.
Then a sh of light caught Daniels eye. The second assassin was pincushioned by a hail of ming arrows. It brought the man down and dimly lit up the surrounding area with the red magical fires aura.
And finally, a shining bolt pierced through thest of the shadows. It shone brightly and brilliantly. The golden glow went straight for the final assassin. It darted around the trees, chasing after the Harrowed Vindicator as they tried to make a sharp turn right at a tree.
They led it into a dead end, to be stuck and caught on the wood, leaving him free to run. But the bolt just broke the tree in half. It was snapped like a twig. And the arrow came for the Harrowed Vindicator. It tore through their body, leaving arge hole in their chest.
Daniel watched as the three assassins were struck down in an instant. Quickly taken care of by three different means. Slowly, he lowered his sword, and Salvos put her jacket on once more.
Huh.
Staring in a moment of shock, the two did nothing when torches appeared around them. Figures moved in the darkness and made their approach. But Daniel broke out of it. He tensed, tightly gripping his weapon by his side, waiting for the figures to reveal themselves.
And they did.
Three of them showed themselves first. One of them was a looming figure far taller than Daniel was. He had dark green skin and only a single eye. A Cyclops.
The second was a brown-haired [Mage], one who carried a book on him and looked like he would be adjusting his sses if he did have one.
And thest was a blonde woman. She had a bow in her hand and her hair tied back into a bun. She looked worriedly around the pile of bodies under her gaze rested on Salvos. She opened her mouth
And another voice cut her off.
Jaakko! Zack! Helen!
Salvos eximed and hurriedly ran forward. She excitedly stopped before the three Gold Ranks. She paused, probably thinking of which of a thousand questions she should ask first. And Daniel was certain she settled on all of them.
Where did youe from? How did you find us? How have you been?
The three of them stared at her, none of them sure of what to say. Until finally, Jaakkoughed.
Salvos, you havent changed a bit since west saw you. Even if youve leveled quite a bit since then.
Zack scoffed and snapped the book he was carrying shut.
She was already the Savior of Silvergrove then. What makes you think shed have matured even a little bit now?
Cant you be nice for one second, Zack?
Helen snorted, then walked forward to the eagerly awaiting Salvos. She cocked her head as the [Archer] ced a hand on her shoulder.
Its good to see you too, Salvos. Looks like youve been well.
I have!
Salvos beamed, adjusting her bloodied jacket from the gruesome battle. Helen nodded, looking down at the assassins.
We were in such a rush to get to you two but we didnt expect you to have taken them all out by yourselves.
Oh, really? Well I am pretty amazing. But you did save us too! You helped stop those three Harrowed Vindicators from escaping!
I guess we arrived just in time, didnt we?
Helenughed, and Salvos giggled as well. Daniel frowned, listening in on the conversation. He slowly approached them not as familiar with them as Salvos was.
Wait, uh, Ms Helen, right?
Yes. And youre
The [Archer] trailed off, ncing over at the other two Gold Ranks, and Daniel nodded.
Im Salvos friend. We met for a bit I dont know if you remember me.
We do remember you.
Her voice was soft. Daniel didnt know why, but she almost seemed wary of him? He scratched the side of his head and continued.
Right. Well, how exactly did you guys find us? And how did you know we were in trouble?
Thats because
Helen hesitated, then the other figures appeared. The ones carrying the orange torches the ones who had been following them for the past day. They came on horses, riding through the thick forest, apanying a gilded carriage as it rolled through and in between the trees.
Thats because of her.
Zack finished what Helen had been saying. He averted his gaze when Daniel turned to him. He narrowed his eyes. Whats wrong with them?
The way they were acting weirded him out. It was almost like they were afraid of him. However, Salvos did not pick up on that social cue, and instead, she excitedly piped up as the carriage came to a stop.
Is that Saffron?
No, its not. Its someone a little more important.
More important than a noble?
Salvos blinked, and Daniels eyes widened. A quiet word escaped his breath as he took a step back.
No
The carriage door was pulled open as a body of guards surrounded it. Then they spread apart as a woman made her way through. She walked forward with the poise of only one who had a noble upbringing since birth. But she surpassed mere nobility. She was grace and beauty incarnate. She was what Salvos wanted to be.
A charming smile spread across the young womans face as she stopped and curtsied in front of the two staringpanions.
I am princess Faith of the Elutra Kingdom, the third in line to the throne of Elutra, it is a pleasure to meet you, Ms Salvos.
Then she turned to the young man from Earth.
And [Hero] Daniel, it has been a while, hasnt it?
Chapter 95.1. Faith
Chapter 95.1. Faith
95.1. Faith
And [Hero] Daniel, it has been a while, hasnt it?
Salvos blinked as Faith said those words. Helen did not expect the princess to be so upfront with Daniels true identity. But if what she told them was to be believed and it should be believed since Zack was certain she was truly the princess of Elutra then that meant Daniel did note from this world.
It was something every child heard about. [Heroes]. They came summoned to the Nexeus by rituals from times long passed. It was not anything that happened anymore, and yet now a real [Hero] was before them.
When they were broken the news, Helen remembered how Zack reacted. The normally haughty [Mage] immediately swore he would apologize to Daniel for the way he had treated him. And Jaakko too Helen had never seen the Cyclops one eye grow that wide.
So now, it was Salvos turn to learn the truth. That herpanion was not who he imed he was. And that the man she was standing next to was actually a [Hero] from another world.
Helen gave the silver-haired woman a sympathetic look as she exchanged a nce between Faith and Daniel. Thetters eyebrows arched darkly over his eyes, even as the former smiled at him. Salvos opened her mouth
Wait, Daniel, is that really a princess? For real? Am I meeting a real princess?!
Zack turned to face Helen as she stared, nk-faced at Salvos. He spoke hesitantly.
...uh, that wasnt the reaction you were expecting either, right?
I bounced on my feet as I regarded Daniel. The Human man looked unhappy, but I didnt care. Because in front of me stood a real princess!
Supposedly, that meant she was like Saffron but even more important. And not only did shee in a carriage that would have put the entire Merryster familys fortune to shame, but she was also from the kingdom that summoned Daniel! That meant they knew each other.
I pointed usingly at Daniel.
Why didnt you tell me you knew a princess?
Helen, Zack, and Jaakko locked onto me with surprised expressions. Mypanions gaze snapped up, finally broken from his stupor. Sighing, he rubbed at his temples.
I did tell you I knew a princess, Salvos. You just forgot.
No, you didnt!
Yes, I did Look, lets not talk about this right now.
Daniel turned his attention back to Faith. The princess was she a Princess with the Title, or just a princess? tilted her head slightly. She still wore that same smile on her face, waiting expectantly for him to say something.
He seemed to struggle to get a word out until finally, he shook his head.
Faith, what do you want from me?
What do I want? I just came here to save you, Daniel. I heard about what the Inoria Empire did. They put a bounty on your head to the Harrowed Vindicators, and now every one of their third-rate assassins ising for you, hoping to earn a few thousand gold.
Thats not why you came here now though.
Stepping forward, mypanion inspected the princess. Behind her, the retinue of guards most of them high Silver in level, although a handful were low Gold tensed. He folded his arms across his chest.
What do you really want, Faith? And you better choose your words carefully. Because I wont believe a fucking word you say unless its something thats purely self-serving.
The words struck the princess like a p to the face. She stumbled back slightly, her face ovee with a look of shock. Not only did her guards react this time, but even Jaakko and his team did too.
Even I stared at Daniel, aghast.
Psst, Daniel, arent you supposed to be respectful to her? Shes a Human princess!
Shes scum, Salvos. She tried to use me only for her own gain when I had been helping the Elutra Kingdom in their war against the Inoria Empire. She manipted. Tricked me. Made me believe things that werent true. Just for politics.
She did?
I turned to Faith, seeing her face contort. The smile vanished, and she frowned.
But thats not true.
Faith spoke over him. She faced me, giving me a pleading look.
Daniel has misjudged me. Ms Salvos, I know weve only just met, but I implore you to convince him to trust me.
I nced back over at Daniel. The Human man seemed repulsed by what Faith was saying. He spoke through gritted teeth without even facing me.
Salvos, shes a snake. A real snake.
You mean shes not Human?
I no. I mean shes conniving, cunning, and cruel. Not the kind of cruel that leaves you for dead, but the kind that makes you distrust people.
Finally, Daniel turned my face.
Youre not exactly the best at social cues. And I have to admit, I am not either. But Im asking you to listen to me. Faith is not someone you should ever put your trust in.
I blinked and stared between the [Hero] and the princess. There was history here between them. And some sort of invisible force was shing here. I could not see what it was, but I could tell that much.
If you help me speak some sense into Daniel, I promise Ill reward you greatly. Anything you ask of me, Ill give it to you.
Salvos, you arent actually thinking of this, are you? Because even if you try to make me work with her, I wont.
Now I had to pick between them. One was mypanion. Someone who I had fought alongside for so long through so much. But the other was a princess!
She was a real-life princess! Maybe even a Princess! And if I sided with her, maybe I could even learn how to be a princess too!
So I beamed. I slowly let my gaze rest on Faith, my lips still curled up. Daniel looked at me disbelievingly as Faith sighed in relief.
Im d you
Absolutely not!
I eximed. Faith blinked as Daniel paused. Then heughed.
I should have expected that. I dont know why I expected anything else from you.
But why?
Faith could not believe what I had just said. She gesticted, her fancy dress ruffling with each movement she made the gems and jewelry decorating gleaming in the moonlight. This was a princess. And I could have won her favor right here. But
Daniel is mypanion. And if he tells me youre bad, then youre bad.
I waved a finger matter-of-factly. It just was how it was. I wouldnt forsake mypanion, even if the Princess of princesses told me to.
The bodyguards apanying Faith sputtered one of them drew a sword and pointed it my way.
You dare insult princess Faith of Elutra?!
I do.
Turning a daring gaze towards them, I bared my teeth in a grin.
And if you want me to take it back, youll have to make me.
The man the highest level of the bodyguards at Level 45 took a step forward. But before he could object further, Helen hurriedly ran to my side.
Salvos, what are you doing? Princess Faith is telling the truth. When Zack started uh, prying around Daniels identity, she was the one to contact us. She told us he was in danger. That the Harrowed Vindicators were after him.
Then she lied to you too.
I spoke simply. Helen opened her mouth, but the bodyguard from before snapped.
Insolence
Enough!
Faith cut the mans sharp voice short by raising her hand. She slowly nced between Daniel and me, the smile wiped from her face, reced with a more serious expression.
[Hero] Daniel.
Stop calling me that!
Mypanion snapped. She nodded.
Daniel, then. I apologize if your interpretation of my past actions has disillusioned you to my true character. However, one of the reasons why I came here was indeed to save you. But you are right: I have another reason too.
He narrowed his eyes.
And that reason is?
To ask you toe back.
Daniel had been expecting those words from her. Faith was so predictable once he understood the exact kind of person she was.
Selfish.
The reason why the [Hero] left the country in the first ce was exactly because of the politics she yed with him. She had been the fifth in line to the throne of Elutra. Now she was third. And that was because she used him.
Everyone there tried to use him but she used him the most.
Feeling his hands slowly tighten into balls, he nced up and shook his head.
I dont know what kind of madness overtook you since west saw each other, but I refuse.
You have to, Daniel. The
No!
He put his foot down as his voice echoed in the darkness. Faith took a step back, shocked by the sudden shouting. Daniel spoke through clenched teeth.
I will not go back. Never.
The eyes of the princess grew dark. Then there was a soft sound a sniffling. Daniel wasnt sure if he had been too loud, but he stood by his words. His anger was justified. She had convinced him that she loved him. His broken heart almost mended. But all she loved was what he got her.
Faith nced back up, and Daniel hesitated, not wanting to see any puppy-eyed look. But instead, all she did was wrinkle her nose. Her gaze swept across the corpses around them, and she grimaced.
Id like to continue this conversation. However, I do not think this is nearly the right ce to carry it out. Would you at least be willing to move this elsewhere? Perhaps my camp. Its no more than half an hours travel that way. And theres food and tea too,
Gesturing behind her, Faith looked at him expectantly. He bit his lower lip, feeling slightly guilty about shouting. But before he could say anything, Salvos piped up.
Food? Tea? No way!
Chapter 95.2. Faith
Chapter 95.2. Faith
95.2. Faith
The two went along with Faith to her camp; it wasnt particrly because Daniel trusted her, nor was it because he was bothered by the corpses littered around the forest floor. It was because he was hungry.
And while he did not trust the princess one bit, he was more than aware of the kind of person she was. She used people, but she did not kill them. No cloaks and daggers, no poisons and assassins. So, the young mans hunger impelled him to her camp, just so he could finally have some good fucking food.
The fact that Helen, Jaakko, and Zack were with her instilled some confidence in his belief that they were safe too.
Salvos trippingly walked alongside the three Gold Ranks each of them several levels higher than they had been when they hadst seen each other but still lower than Daniel and Salvos levels.
Youve grown quite a bit, Salvos. Youre now almost Level 70, arent you? Going to hit tinum even before us, huh?
Yep!
The girl excitedly agreed, not realizing how tone-deaf that kind of a response could be. Their chatter went on apparently, none of the Gold Ranks bothered by the Demonsck of social skills. They were already limated to her, so it was not like they would be surprised by the way she acted.
You mean to tell me you went to the Motharis Mountain Range all by yourself?
Not by myself. With Daniel! And then we entered the Brilsum Ruins and fought some Mindreapers!
Helen stared at Salvos as Zack rubbed a finger on his finger.
Mindreapers and you said they were being controlled?
They were controlling monsters! And [Cultists] too! Some Archdemon named Belzu was leading them.
Jaakko frowned.
If what you say is true, then this is something well have to report to every Adventurers Guild and country surrounding the Motharis. Such a threat is a danger to us all.
Thats what we were going to do! Then those Harrowed Vindicators showed up and stopped our progress
Daniel didnt join in on the conversation himself; he had only known these Gold Ranks for about a week. And even then, he had some friction with one of their members Zack. But mostly because the other man was rightfully suspicious of how secretive Daniel was.
But while Daniel could understand the reason for Zacks prying, he certainly had not appreciated it.
So instead, the [Hero] trudged alone, like a pariah from the group. The only person he knew well here was Salvos. And Faith.
Her carriage rolled alongside them as they arrived at their destination. A ratherrge camp had been set up. However, to Daniels surprise, it was not the kind of luxury one would have expected from a noble, let alone a princess.
Daniel narrowed his eyes as he looked through the camp. A few tents had been set up, but they were fairly ordinary. The eating situation was rather crude as well. It was not what he had been looking forward to, at all.
Faith stepped out of her carriage and peered at him curiously.
Is something the matter, [Her Daniel?
He scowled and turned away from her.
Its nothing.
She shrugged and walked over to a firece that had already been set up. A boiling pot was bubbling over the mes, and she scooped up a spoonful of the soup and took a sip from it. Faith nodded to herself and called over one of her bodyguards.
Elisha, the food is ready. Please prepare it for our guests.
The bodyguard who had exchanged words with Salvos hurriedly did as he was instructed. Faith smiled his way, wiping her mouth with a delicately crafted handkerchief. The embroidery on it was lined with transparent crystal, theirttice surface reflecting twinklings of the fires light to resemble the stars above.
Its delicious. Come, sit.
Faith gestured Salvos and Daniel over. The former happily listened while thetter took a moment longer to follow. He had known Faith. And what he had learned about her was that she was a shrewd person. One with a very good poker face.
And he was certain that the poker face broke when she took a sip from the soup. Poison? A worrying thought crossed his mind.No, that wasnt it. Faith had grimaced?
So, it just tasted bad, then?
Daniel wasnt sure. But when he took a seat around the campfire and epted the bowl of steaming soup. He realized the truth.
It was indeed very foul.
Gross!
That wording from Salvos had not been unusual. But the fact that she stretched it out as she made a face of utter disgust and contempt when she only pretended to drink it made Daniel aware that he wasnt just being a picky eater right then.
Faith quickly downed the entire bowl and smiled the Demons way.
Whats wrong? It tastes just fine.
No, its not! Its one of the worst things Ive ever tried! And Ive tried many things!
Daniel was pretty sure Salvos was referring to Human meat by that. However, the discussion and the fact that everyone else was also apprehensive about consuming the foul soup was a testament to the fact that it was terrible.
Slowly cing down his bowl on the grass, Daniel turned to Faith.
Alright, thats enough fooling around. Why are you serving us bad food, Faith? Its clearly not poisoned, so why this act?
The princess blinked, then she sighed.
This isnt an act, Daniel. These are the rations weve been living off for the past few months, searching for you.
Bullshit.
Well, its the truth.
Faith straightened, adopting a more princess-like posture. Her legs were crossed, and her back formed a ny-degree angle with the ground. She held the bowl in her hand by its base, the other lightly touching its side as if it were a teacup. Right, tea was promised too, wasnt it?
For thest half a year, Ive been trying to track you down, Daniel. I took my personal bodyguards those that were loyal only to me and left the pce. I left Elutra to find you.
Just so you could drag me back and lift up your own name as the princess who returned their runaway [Hero].
No. Ive dragged my name through the dirt just to find you. Or have you not been paying attention to the news?
Daniel raised a brow, and Salvos learned forward. She curiously asked.
What news? Is it the news about the saviors of Silvergrove?
I heard about that. But no thats not what Im referring to. Im referring to the war between Elutra and Inoria. How it is said to be more than decided by now. How the Elutra Kingdom is going to fall to its enemy, and its princess fled the country, shirking her duties to save her own life.
Nodding slowly, Salvos tapped a finger on her chin. Her confusion was evident. But Daniel could tell she was trying to pretend she understood what was being said.
And this princess that ran away was
Me.
Faiths entire body sagged as she said the word. Admitting that she had been the one to flee seemed to have caused the aura of nobility to disappear from her. Or was it the fact that her reputation was now tarnished her future ruined?
Ive given up my wealth. My fortune. My everything. Just toe here. To find you, Daniel.
The young man scowled, annoyed that the topic shifted back to this.
And why do I have to care? Why should I trust you?
Because the truth is out there in the world. If you go look in the right ces, youll find it. In fact, you can find it right here. Look around you. You see it yourself. This is not something befitting a princess, no?
He wanted to disagree. He really didnt trust her. Her words were like honey, but he knew it was truly poison underneath. But he couldnt deny what he had just thought what he had just observed moments earlier.
Daniel.
Hearing his name broke the [Hero] from his thoughts. Faith steadily met his gaze, even as he tried to turn away. She spoke softly.
When I was in Elutra, I did what was best for myself. But now, Im doing whats best for my country.
Daniel hesitated, not sure whether he should offer her a response. He did, anyways.
And that is?
Begging for you toe back.
Faith stood up and bowed deeply at Daniel. Her bodyguards protested Elisha sputtered. Even Jaakko and his team seemed aghast at this action.
The only reason we brought war with the Inoria Empire was that we saw what they were doing. What they were trying to be. They will not just be content with victory. My whole family will be executed. Our people will suffer under their rule. There have been rumors. Whisperings of how the Inoria Empire has been working with Demons to win the war. And if thats true, could you imagine what theyll do with our citizens? The kind of sacrifices theyll make of them?
The mention of Demons and sacrifices drew the attention of Salvos, who had previously been more or less leftpletely clueless at the conversation. Daniel watched as she instantly clung onto the only thing she knew about and spoke up.
Humans are good sacrifices for Demons! Theyll all be killed!
She answered honestly, not realizing how grim that sounded. Grimacing, Daniel expected Faith tosh out at the brutal truth. But instead, the princess agreed.
Yes.
Faith raised her head and met Daniels gaze. Her jade eyes seemed to almost lose its color. Her flowing orange hair that had once made him stop and stare at it as if it were a gorgeous sunrise now instead burned with the conviction in her voice.
I am throwing away all my pride. I have left my status in the gutter. Now, I am asking from one person to another. Not as a princess to a [Hero]. But from Faith to Daniel. Pleasee back. Only you can save us from them.
The words the pleading words of the princess that helped summon him hung over his head as Daniel stood there. She was a [Mage]. Not a weak one at that either at Level 41. Since he hadst seen her, she had leveled a dozen times over. So she certainly had been working hard on her own.
Was it proof of her words? Was it true what she was saying? Perhaps.
He knew the Inoria Empire had been winning the war, even before he left. He had provided a morale boost. And his [Heros sh] had allowed him to kill anyone who had been stronger than him on the battlefield. Hising was what changed the tide of war. Then he left.
Because he was sick and tired of politics, of being used, and of killing.
But now Daniel was still fighting. He was still being hunted. And the fate of hundreds of thousands rested in his hands. At his level, he could maybe even make a difference if he came back.
No, he corrected himself and stared at an open palm, I am more than capable of making a difference.
It was the only sensible decision. He would save hundreds of thousands of lives. He was a [Hero]. There was one logical answer and it was
No.
Daniel spoke the word simply. With the same sincerity that Salvos often carried. Faith stared at him for a moment, her expression unchanging. Then a single reply came back.
Oh.
The Valiant Dreamers were split into two different groups. Just as Hadrian had ordered, all the Silver Ranked dreamers were ced with the trainees in the training grounds just outside of the city, while the Golds were kept in the headquarters within the city. The tinums were split between the two locations. For example, Jeremy and his team were over at the training grounds while Celine and her team were in the headquarters.
There were only two Diamonds in thepany that were near Viechester. Hadrian and Gabriel. They had other Diamonds amongst the Valiant Dreamers a few Edithe could name off the top of her head like nd Gredrun or Ismail Zushad but they were off on their own adventures.
Last she heard, Ismail was exploring the Beastmen ins. Meanwhile, nd was who knows where.
So, it was up to those that were present. It would have been best to keep them all in one spot. But not only were there too many adventurers especially trainees to just fit them all into their headquarters, this was also part of their strategy.
Divide and conquer.
They gave the Iron Champions Company two targets to attack. Each target would have a Diamond Rank stationed there. Gabriel would be at the training grounds while Hadrian would be at the headquarters. This was because not only was Gabriel overall higher leveled than Hadrian, but he also had a second ss suited to protecting others. Hadrians second ss was more for his ownbat prowess.
Additionally, the headquarters would be a smaller area to protect. Perfect for a [Warrior] type like Hadrian to defend. Whereas the training grounds was arge plot ofnd, which betterplemented the [Alchemists] area of effect Skills.
If the Iron Champions Company had really nned to invade and begin sieging the Valiant Dreamers Company the moment war was dered, they would have to split up their adventurers and assassins. They would certainly try to concentrate more forces on at least one of the targets. But there was no way they would know which location was better protected.
It was up to chance for them.
But they had their own allies too as evinced by the assassins who were aiding them.
Edithe wasnt sure what assassin group they were from or who supplied them to the Iron Champions Company. She just knew that many of them had been above Gold Rank. Some of them even had powerful artifacts that allowed them to covertly infiltrate the Valiant Dreamers months prior to this esction. It had been nned and calcted by the Iron Champions since the beginning, and perhaps they were also ready for a counterattack right now.
Hadrian had left the headquarters to dere war. He went by himself, marching down the empty morning streets of Viechester, which seemed more eerie than usual. Perhaps it was the mist that cloaked the roads which made Edithe feel this way or it was the dread that came from the impending siege toe that drew the droplets of sweat down her neck.
Whatever it was, she couldnt help but fear for Hadrians life as he went alone. He was a Diamond Rank. Not even a team of tinums would be able to take him out. But if the Iron Champions dedicated more resources than they thought say, if they had sent multiple Diamond Ranks here too then that would have meant they could y Hadrian the moment he made the deration and left the Adventurers Guild.
It was a tense wait.
Everyone in the building remained silent, despite the fact that it might have been thest time some of them might have seen each other alive ever again. War was being dered while they just waited. Apany war. Not the same as war between countries certainly not something a country was supposed to be involved in. Nor its citizens.
But it was still war. And the adventurers were now soldiers. Normally, they would be fighting over resources. Some kind of an artifact. Maybe an advantage or influence over a certain area. This, however, was a war of revenge.
At least, that was how Edithe initially saw it.
After hearing Hadrian speak the night before, she realized the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company had thought it out. It was not a war of revenge in his mind it was what was necessary to reduce the casualties suffered on both sides. Attrition would only hurt more in the long run, so they had to stand and fight.
The silence that hung over the heads of everyone in the headquarters broke as the gates slowly swung open. A figure appeared within the mist. A shadow covered by the white, wispy vapor that seemed to pull back like a curtain when the figure made their entrance. Edithe watched with bated breath as the figure revealed themselves.
And she sighed in relief. It was Hadrian. And he
He had a severed head in his hands. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company tossed it aside and strutted forward, his de covered in blood like how his body was covered in wounds.
The mist behind him cleared out, revealing whaty before the gates. A dozen hooded individuals, all copsed and cut up. Edithes eyes grew wide as she saw this scene. She did not rush forward like the others like Sophia who worriedly approached the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Hadrian are you alright? What happened. Were they?
Assassins. And no. They werenting for me. I realized that they wouldnt risk attacking me. Instead, they would take their chance toe for the headquarters once I left it unguarded. So I returned as quickly as possible.
There were a few gasps. Those who still couldnt believe that there were that many assassins hiding out there. But it made sense to Edithe. It had been a misty morning but what she had seen was no natural forming mist. It had been magic.
And they were almost ambushed. Fortunately, Hadrian stopped them right in time.
Close the gates.
Hadrian ordered, and a few Gold Ranks quickly got to work. The [Warriors] shut the heavy metal bars while [Mages] activated the runes along the walls. A flicker ran over the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers, covering it almost like a dome. It was not a barrier that could hold out someone like Hadrian but it would only fall if enough Level 40 or Level 50 adventurers iled on it.
Which was why there would be someone standing guard at all times. It was time. The city had been notified of thepany war. Citizens were ordered to hide in their homes. The Valiant Dreamers Company was going into lockdown. War had begun, and Edithe felt her faith from before
Fading away.
Chapter 96: Siege
Chapter 96: Siege
96. Siege
After Daniel rejected Faiths request, he retired straight to bed. I wanted to follow after him, but I didnt need to sleep. Especially not after the night before I did not want to try sleeping again!
However, I almost regretted the decision when dinner continued, and no one said a word. Apparently, his answer was not what they were expecting. But I did not get why they were surprised.
Daniel was mypanion, but he was also a [Hero]. He was obsessed with helping other Humans in fact, he even helped me because I was a Demon. It was in his nature to try and do what he considered was right in that weird Human way.
But what Faith was asking him to do was stupid. It would be like telling him to charge straight at Belzu and y him, just because he had an army of monsters that was threatening the nearby countries.
As evinced by how he and I were not dead in the Brilsum Ruins, he would never do that.
Still, it had left everyone sitting around the fire in silence. I wanted to talk to someone, but they all seemed too deeply engrossed in their disgusting meals to talk. Zack especially. His head almost seemed buried in the bowl.
There was only one person who wasnt busying themselves with their food. Only one person was avable to talk. And that was
I perked up and sidled over to Faiths side.
So, youre a princess, right?
The Human woman jerked as I curiously peered at her. She worked her jaw slowly, unsure of what to say until she finally found her words.
...Yes. I am a princess. At least, thats what I had been when I was in the Elutra Kingdom.
Youre not a princess anymore?
Im not sure. But even if I was, I wouldnt be one for much longer. It seems my only hope for our country to survive has been crushed, and now Ill have to return empty-handed and face my fate.
I nodded along and followed Faith as she looked at the night sky. The wheeling stars above were scintiting, an undting glow that almost seemed to fade beforeing back into existence. ncing back down at her, I saw a simr effect with the light from the flickering mes on her face.
Something was there. It had almost been snuffed out. But it still existed.
I cocked my head.
Why do you need a [Hero] to save your country? Cant you get a Level 100 adventurer or something to do the same thing?
Ms Salvos
Just call me Salvos.
...Salvos. I dont know how much you know about history. Ive been told by your Gold Rank friends that you aren''t the most knowledgeable person on these kinds of subjects.
I am not!
I happily concurred. She blinked but slowly continued.
But Demons are the natural enemy to [Heroes]. Ever since Alexanders reign ten thousand years ago. He had repelled the Kobold invasions, brokered a treaty with the Spirit Lord, and even conquered part of the Elvennds. But his thousand-year rule over the Humannds came to an end by a Demon.
A Demon killed a [Hero]?
Yes.
Faith turned to face me.
The one they call the Demon King slew him.
Regnorex? I blinked, taking in this information.
Thats right. And since then, [Heroes] have been summoned countless times to deal with Demon threats. While there are sometimes different circumstances that lead to summonings, like with Daniel or the Quisling, most have been brought to this world for that very reason. The Oracle of Light, Melissa, had been said to have killed over a hundred Archdemons on her own in singlebat.
Woah.
We can hire adventurers those willing to fight for us. And we have. But theyve always died. We never know how they do. Just that theyre in on the battlefield by some force the Inoria Empire has that we arent aware of.
And you think those are Demons?
They have to be. Otherwise, they would have approached Daniel sooner when he had fought with us.
I frowned and raised a hand.
Why wouldnt they just face him?
Because hes a [Hero]. He has powerful Skills Im sure you had to have seen them before. Even a Greater Demon wouldve fallen to him if they faced him when he was Level 10.
I remembered the battle against Lucerna in Silvergrove. Then I remembered our fight meeting. Nope, I dont think so.
Plus, we always had him wear that ne he has. It would show his level to be far higher than it actually was, and theres no way the Inoria Empire would risk one of their key assets against an unknown threat.
Faith finished her exnation. The moment she did, her face twisted. She bit her lower lip and spoke in a shaking voice.
Thats why we needed him and he said no.
I looked at her. The princess was clearly upset. I barely knew her, but it was normal Human social convention to cheer others up when they were upset, right? So, I shrugged.
I dont think Daniel would make much of a difference. He probably would just die.
She stared up at me in surprise.
You think a [Hero] who was able to take out dozens of assassins at his level or higher than his level wouldnt be able to even do a little thing to change the course of the war? If a high leveled general were to face him, he would surely win the fight.
Not surely. He can win. But he can also die. And if you put him in that situation a hundred times over, what do you think his chances are of surviving?
I
Faith trailed off as I gave her a firm look.
Daniel would die. He wouldnt change anything. So dont worry about it!
Sighing, she hugged her knees.
I dont think that makes me feel any better, but thanks for trying.
No problem!
I sat next to her as she grew quiet. I just looked at her the entire time. Until finally, she eyed me.
Is there something else you need? Youve already made me feel even worse than before.
Yep! I was wondering
I leaned closer, right until my face was next to hers.
What is it like to be a princess?
Faith furrowed her brows. She must have thought something about my intentions before changing her mind. Slowly, she smiled.
Theres a lot of things about it. A lot of things I loved and hated. Would you like to hear about it?
Sure!
When Daniel went to bed, he felt guilty. Ashamed of his cowardice. But not only did he not trust Faith, but he also valued his own life. More than that?
He had seen tragedy once. The act of a real hero. However, death had consequences. And those consequences resulted in those who knew the hero being hurt.
Daniel had been hurt. He understood what that pain felt like. So, he was not going to impart that suffering to Salvos or Rachel.
Pushing open the tents p and exiting into the light of day, Daniel couldnt help but rub at his eyes. He did not get a good nights sleep, even if he hadin in his bedroll for thest twelve hours. It was noon when he awoke. And he wasted more time by hiding, refusing to go out to meet the judging looks.
The nasty gaze of those who saw his actions as selfish.
That was what Daniel expected to meet when he went outside. What he did not expect to see was a princess excitedly chatting with a Demon.
and he actually did that for you?
Well, yes. And I wouldve felt bad if not for the fact that viscount z was just trying to cozy up with my brother. Honestly, being the fifth and secondst in line for the throne sucked.
Faith spoke in a casual cadence. She had dropped almost all pretext of being a princess, her diction sounding almost like that of a regr young woman. Huffing, the young woman crossed her arms.
So many people try to use you, and not even for the power or influence you can give them, but to climb further up thatdder of politics.
Thats rude! Youre not a thing, youre Faith! A princess.
Salvos pointed out. Faith chuckled.
That I am.
The two women paused as Daniel approached them. He lifted a suspicious eyebrow at the princess.
I hope youre not still thinking of trying to use Salvos to convince me to help you. Because I wont.
Standing up, Faith dusted off her dress and replied.
I am unfortunately not as shrewd as you seem to think of me, Daniel. No Salvos and I were just conversing.
A small smile appeared on her face as she cast a nce at the Demon.
As friends.
Yep!
Daniel frowned, looking down at Salvos. She just opened her palms and shrugged.
Shes a princess. Ive always wanted to meet a princess.
Two months is not always, Daniel almost retorted. However, he held it back in and shook his head.
Well, Im d that the two of you are getting along, but Salvos and I have ces to be.
Youre the one who slept for so long!
Salvos argued, raising an using finger at him.
Faith went to bed and woke up in half the time you took to sleep!
And how about you?
Daniel grinned back at her. She hesitated.
Uh I slept too. Just for a bit, though!
A General Skill then?
The princess knowingly touched her chin.
Id love to get one of those. My father has one called [Morning Grace], and it lets him work for most of the day without stopping. It almost lets him be like one of those machines from Daniels world.
The [Hero] from Earth was taken aback. How did Then he remembered all the secrets he told her. All the times he thought that the two of them could
Lets go, Salvos. We should leave as soon as possible.
The Demon tried to object. However, Daniel had already turned and was walking away.
Aw, but cant we stay with them for at least another day! Helen and the others are here too!
Faith ced a hand on her shoulder.
Its fine. Ill let them go with you if you really want. I had hired them as my escorts as they were the ones who told me about Daniel and his general vicinity. Knowing that let me use a scrying artifact I had to find the two of you. But now
Daniel had paused and was waiting for Salvos to follow. Faith eyed him with a sidelong nce.
It seems like theres no need for that or their services any longer.
Salvos brightened, then instantly deted.
Does that mean youre going back to your country?
I have to. Its my duty as a princess.
The pretty words did little to convince Daniel. Salvos didnt care as much as he did and just believed it.
Princesses are amazing! A little bit stupid but amazing!
I do agree with that.
Faithughed. She got up and walked with Salvos as the two approached Daniel, just talking. Like real friends. And Daniel did not think to say anything until the conversation shifted when they stopped right by him.
Where are you headed, by the way? I dont believe I remembered to ask.
Were
Were reporting a very important piece of information to the Adventurers Guild.
Daniel spoke for Salvos, giving her a look. She pouted but let him continue.
Its none of your concern, so please dont follow after us.
I wont. But if its really something important that you have to report, I can help you with that.
Offering him a friendly smile, Faith called for one of her servants. They returned with what was a rolled-up piece of parchment and an almost translucent quill. She unfurled it on a wooden crate and frowned.
Hmm, seems like theres a bit of news for me today.
Whats that?
Salvos asked, leaning over the shoulder of the princess.
Its a Messaging Scroll. A High Grade artifact. My contacts send me any intel or even just news that might be noteworthy with it. Thats how I first found out that the Inoria Empire ced a bounty on Daniel, and that they hired the Harrowed Vindicators to take him out. Look as you can see, after what you two did to themst night, theyve raised the price.
Daniels eyes grew wide at the sum disyed. The number of zeroes there could not be right, could it? But it had to be.
Whatever the Inoria Empire had ced on his head before only attracted Level 60 assassins. Not the tinums or Diamonds he expected. The reward showed here now that was what a Level 80, 90 or even 100 bounty hunter would ept.
Salvos oo-ed at the magical item. Her voice was filled with crity, as usual, ignoring the fact that Daniel was probably a walking dead man right now if assassins at Level 100 came after him.
What else can it do? What else does it say?
I mostly use it to receive information, but its a two-way street. So, I can inform my contact of this report you want to make to the Adventurers Guild.
Oh, alright then. Tell them
Why should we trust you?
Daniel snapped at Faith. She rolled her eyes.
Unless you think this Messaging Scroll doesnt actually work, I dont see whats not to trust.
I
This time, Salvos spoke over him.
Its fine, Daniel. We can always go to an Adventurers Guildter and check if the message has been sent.
He acquiesced.
Fine.
Alright, so tell them this
Salvos exined the situation in the Motharis to the princess. Faiths face grew grim as she heard the story, and she picked up the quill as it glowed with magic.
...and Ill write that this Archdemon is using some kind of illusion and curse magic to do this.
Salvos nodded. Faith scribbled on the magical board easily, and the words shone. They vanished moments after, as whatever magic sent it far somewhere else.
Wait, it just disappears?
The recipient will have about a day to read the message before it disappears. And Ive sent it to quite a few of them, so Im sure one of them will be around to see it and spread word of what I said. Usually, I have one of my servants watching over the Messaging Scroll. The messages sent are encrypted in code, so they wont know what it is. I just have them trace it and jot it down to show it to me if Im busy.
Did you receive anything important today?
Faith shrugged as her eyes scanned through the long scroll.
Not really. Lets see
She began reading out what sounded like news article titles to Daniel as Salvos attentively listened.
Fear of possible Kobold invasion grows as the Forsaken Company wanes in strength. Elven diplomats arrive in Dwarfnds, marking a possible end to Dwarven neutrality. These are the two big news stories of today. There are a few smaller things of note like the Valiant Dreamers dering war with the Iron Champions Company or the typical squabbling with the city-states in the Helbir ins
Salvos had been listening with keen interest while Daniel was off to the side with his arms crossed. But the moment she started listing out the minor news stories, the two of them jerked.
Wait, what did you say?
Daniel asked the question hurriedly. Faith nced up, blinking.
Oh, uh, the Helbir ins
No, not that!
Salvos ced both hands on the scroll and spoke worriedly.
Whats happening between the Valiant Dreamers and Iron Champions?
Faith fumbled at the scroll and reread the part from before.
The twopanies, the Valiant Dreamers and the Iron Champions, are now officially at war after what is allegedly an assassination attempt by thetterpany against the former. There are also usations of sabotage and even murder instigated by the Iron Champions Company, which is why the Valiant Dreamers made the deration of war. It was made this morning, and
Daniel felt his heart racing as the words were read out. But he wasnt prepared for thest part. The part which made Salvos burst into action.
Since the deration has been made, the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company in Viechester has been in lockdown. The Iron Champions Company have begun their siege, and the entire city has been thrown into chaos.
The first hours of war were uneventful. Nothing happened apart from a group of hooded individuals taking away the dead assassins from the morning. Apparently, this group cared about the casualties they suffered enough to remove their bodies. Or perhaps they were looking to retrieve any kind of artifact that might have been kept by the dead.
A few Valiant Dreamers had wanted to loot the corpses, but Baris forbade them from doing so. It could have been a trap. Maybe the bodies were rigged to explode. There was a plethora of possibilities, and it was only by erring on the side of caution during war would victory be best assured.
Edithe had a summoning circle prepared, to summon Druma as soon as it was necessary. Mistshard was already by her side which was only slightly draining to her mana pool. Having two Spirits with her at the same time was a little more difficult to maintain, but Edithe believed she could manage it for a week with some mana potions if necessary.
There was no reason for that, however. So instead, she spoke with Mistshard who was pping her wings slowly, almost like it had some kind of [Slowness] effect on them.
Your contract is ending soon, Mistshard. In a month, if memory serves me right.
You are almost correct, master. The contract ends in just over two weeks. Do you wish to renew it?
The [Elemental] replied simply. She was not at all concerned with the same things Edithe was; all that mattered to her was fulfilling her duties and carrying out her job as a servant of the Spirit Lord.
Edithe shook her head.
Thats not what Im saying. Im saying that you only have less than a month left with me and ourpany is caught up in a war. What could be potentially a very deadly war. One where either of us dies.
If ites to that, I will fight to ensure you do not die.
But thats my point exactly.
Sitting down on a chair with her gaze fixed to a nearby window, Edithe felt wordsing from her mouth words that carried all the fear and uncertainty within her.
You could die, Mistshard. So close to the end of your contract, you could lose your life. All because of stupid Human things. Wouldnt you prefer to end the contract now?
Mistshard turned a sidelong nce to Edithe. Her head did not move, although her eyes were wholly focused on her master almost like a hawk staring at its prey.
You are starting to sound like Salvos, master.
What?
Edithe was taken aback, not expecting that reply. She realized her word choice might have been slightly influenced by the Demon there. But the point stood.
Its true though. You have no involvement in this. It would be better if you just returned now. Let me summon another Spirit which doesnt have as much to lose as you do. Youre almost Level 50, Mistshard. Most Spirits are 10 Levels below their masters. You are not.
Ending the contract now would be a vition of my duty as your summon.
The cool voice of Mistshard left her beaked mouth, no noticeable inflection to indicate if she was lying. Edithe stared up at her summon, still floating there.
But
Master, if I may speak.
...of course.
I understand you are concerned about my wellbeing, especially since my contract is drawing to a close. However, it is my duty to fight for you, and if necessary, die for you. This is the deal we forged the moment I agreed to be your summon. There is no greater honor among Spirits to die carrying out their duty. Remember that.
Trying to work her jaw, Edithe couldnt find any words to speak. Slowly, she nodded her head in shame.
Right.
She had been once again trying to apply her Human morals to a different Species. It was like how she was with Salvos at first. She eventually learned the hard way how growing up in another ne affected how one turned out. So, there was no use in her trying to convince Mistshard to break her contract now.
Shaking her head, Edithe nced over at Mistshard.
If you die in battle will you be memorialized by the Spirit Lord or something?
Yes. Our names will forever be engraved on the Spirit Throne. Remembered for our obligation to our cause.
And what is that cause?
Edithe raised an eyebrow as an uncharacteristic chuckle came from the [Elemental]s mouth.
Thats a secret.
--
Throughout the rest of the day, there were some minor skirmishes. Quick battles fought between members of the Iron Champions Company who now surrounded the building and the Valiant Dreamers keeping watch. Spells were exchanged hails of fire, bolts of lightning, and bullets of earth came from both sides while arrows were loosed inrge volleys. The Gold Rank dreamers managed to down a few of the opposing force, suffering few casualties from their advantageous position.
The barrier surrounding the headquarters was broken and repaired numerous times. But never once did the Iron Champions try to breach the gates. They were trying to fortify their own position first it was clear from the way those stationed here were not assassins but regr adventurers.
Where could the assassins be? was the fearful thought that crossed Edithes head. Are they sieging the training grounds? But nomunication was maintained between both locations. Short-range messages exchanged through artifacts and Skills assured Edithe that there was no major attempt to assault the training grounds just yet.
Those keeping watch were swapped out routinely. Edithe spent an hour standing guard with Mistshard. A few [Warriors] from the Iron Champions Company tried taunting them and were sent fleeing back by a st of ice by the [Elemental].
A few [Mages] returned, trying to take potshots at her. However, her own magic was more than enough to protect herself. She erected a barrier rather than countering, letting a group of [Archers] fire back instead. It was another brushing battle and once again, the Iron Champions Company suffered more casualties.
Edithe returned indoors after; things were looking good to her. The siege had begun, but the Valiant Dreamers had only been winning. However, the enemy was an unknown. How many assassins did the Iron Champions have in their pockets? How many adventurers were they willing to waste on this useless war? She wasnt sure.
She only got her answerter. Only when evening came did the Iron Champions Companymit a significant attack against the headquarters. A brilliant, white ball of fire came sting at the barrier. It struck the very top of the dome, ripping it down in an instant. Almost like a curtain being ripped off a window.
The explosion resounded as an rm went off in Edithes head. That was how the barrier was designed to alert everyone within its perimeter that it had been breached. Instantly, Hadrian snapped an order to a nearby [Mage] with his fingers pressed against his temples.
Inform Gabriel that the Iron Champions Company are attempting an assault at our location.
Got it.
The [Mage] activated a Skill, and ethereal words formed in the air. They blurred and vanished, probably appearing in front of Gabriel at that exact moment. Then, Hadrian drew his sword and stepped outside. Edithe followed after him with a handful of other Golds and tinums he ordered to follow.
The metal gates out front were being bashed open by a group of [Warriors] as they were pelted by spells and arrows from the Valiant Dreamers. Many of them were sted mid-air by returning fire from the opposing side, although a few went through and brought down some enemies.
Mistshard, stay back and assist. Do not engage.
Edithe ordered her summon as she stood amongst the other [Mages], forming a line behind a wide earthen wall. The [Barrier Mage] maintained its form, repairing it as bits of the wall were ripped apart by iing des of wind and spikes of ice.
Casting spells from the rtive safety of her location, Edithe watched as Hadrian led a charge against the rushing Iron Champions. Their ranks were instantly shredded by the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Hadrian swung his sword once, and three Gold Ranks fell. Then he spun around and ran through arge man wielding a giant axe. He moved so simply, barely any Skills needed to take out enemies who were close to Edithes level.
A group of well-armored [Warriors] and [Rogues] approached Hadrian. A Gold Rank from the Valiant Dreamers rushed them and was cut down in an instant. They were tinums. And they were challenging Hadrian.
Edithe tried flinging fireballs and lightning bolts at them, but her attacks were intercepted. The [Rogue] blurred and sliced the spells up in mid-air. Then appearing behind Hadrian, theyshed out with two jagged daggers.
Hadrian parried the attack just in time for two [Warriors] to reach his nk. They swung a maul and a longsword. He ducked under it and kicked the maulwielder, sending them crashing back towards a wall.
More dreamers tried to aid their leader Celines team rushed forward but were cut off by the remaining [Rogue] and [Warrior]. Ice rained down on them too a [Mage] from the Iron Champions was casting powerful spells. Spells that would have destroyed Edithe in a duel.
Edithe felt that sensation again. One of hopelessness. As she could do nothing but look on as Hadrian was surrounded and assaulted by tinums.
He exchanged blows. He blocked their barrage of strikes. They came at him, unrelenting. Skills that let them whip through the air, away from his swinging de. The ground shook as Edithes hand trembled with fear. The maulwielder had just barely missed a powerful blow against Hadrian, crushing the earth and sending bricks flying through the air.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company took a single step. A single pace to his left. Then the [Rogue] appeared behind him once again. Edithe wanted to scream for someone to help him. But
A whirlwind of des exploded around him. The Diamond Rank adventurer used his first Skill, and the [Rogue] fell.
The two [Warriors] staggered away, both cut up and bleeding. The maulwielder wiped at his face. However, he found himself staring straight at the ground. Hadrian sliced off his arm with a single vertical swing, and the stab that came after finished him off.
Thest of the tinums saw this. He tried to flee, but Hadrian was on him in an instant. He frantically brought his weapon up, a blur oveing his entire figure. He struck out, three translucent figures shing at Hadrian from all sides.
Plunging his sword to the ground, Hadrian created a shockwave. A st of red. An aura attack. It wasnt magic, but rather the physical [Strength] of a [Warrior] turned corporeal. It interrupted the attacking tinums Skill, letting Hadrian finish him off.
It was a crushing victory. A team of tinums engaged with Hadrian. Dozens of Golds and Silvers. And they were all ughtered. Edithe had never seen anything like it. She had thought she knew the man and how strong he was. But this was
A scream.
Celine roared and iled in a frenzy against the other tinums attacking her. One of her teammates had been killed. She charged the [Warrior] and [Rogue] but was cut off by a wall of ice.
The two fled, retreating back out of the gates, the remainder of the strike force from the Iron Champions Company following after them. Some of the dreamers tried to follow. They wanted to press forward. This was a victory!
A rout!
But Hadrian shouted out an order.
Dont go any further!
His words caught them where they stood. Edithes eyes widened as she watched the Iron Champions Company regroup. And surrounding them suddenly appeared hooded individuals. Assassins. It had been a trap.
And the Golds and even some of the tinums would have been massacred if they left the gates. The moment they stepped out, they would have died.
Smart call.
A familiar voice broke Edithe out of her stupor. She stared as a person walked out from amongst the group of assassins. Someone she recognized. Who she had met once before.
Stephen.
The tinum Rank who offered Salvos the chance to join the Iron Champions Company. He stood at the head of the adventurers surrounding the headquarters that had been cut off from the rest of the world.
He spread his arms out wide, a sneer on his face.
Good job you saw through our trap. But that was quite the risk, wasnt it? You couldve stayed back, but instead, you charged you at the front lines. What would you have done if an assassin got to you?
No assassin would get to me.
Hadrian replied simply, his sword at his side in a loose grip. Edithe thought Hadrian would have tried something. She assumed he would have had a Skill to cut Stephen down, even from this distance. And yet, he just watched as Stephen paced just beyond the broken gates.
That kind of arrogance gets Diamonds killed on the battlefield, Mr Hadrian.
Dont call me that.
Ah, then how may I address you?
Stephen sped his hands behind his back, stopping and facing down Hadrian. The two adventurers stood a dozen paces apart. Again, Edithe thought Hadrian would have tried something. Again, he did not.
Why isnt he the thought cut itself off as Edithe realized what that meant. Are they really that close in level?
She took a step back involuntarily as Hadrian did not respond. Stephen sighed, rubbing at his temples.
I expected more from the great Hadrian. Ive heard a lot about you. How you reached Diamond before the age of 30. And yet, look at you. Just standing there, like a coward. Even as your allies weep for their dead behind you.
His gaze fixed on Celine. The tinum Rank was cradling a man in her arms. Tears were streaming out of her face as she snapped back at Stephen.
Fuck you!
He turned around.
Honestly, what a disappoint
Edithe caught a glimpse of a fissure in the air. The world itself contorted as the ground underneath Stephen broke apart. The tinum Ranks eyes widened. The air twisted, tearing into itself along with the earth and his body.
Then Stephen appeared panting behind his assassins. The space where he stood continued to spin, until suddenly it burst out. The earth and the air broke into copsed crumbs of space. The powerful spell released, missing its mark just barely.
Who
Tsk.
Baris clicked his tongue, suddenly appearing beside his son.
He used a Skill to escape.
[sh Step]. Not a typical [Rogue]s Skill. Some kind of [Rogue]-[Mage] hybrid ss?
Perhaps. But lets not jump to conclusions too quickly. Well have to see more of his abilities before we can decide.
Right, dad.
The duo stared down Stephen and the dozens of assassins and hundreds of adventurers just beyond the gates. The younger man turned to Baris.
Think we can take them?
Dont be foolish. We would die and there could still be more hiding in the shadows.
Assassins?
Perhaps. Or those like Stephen. Regardless, well repair the barrier for now. Dont let him draw you out, got it?
Yes, father.
Stephen slowly stepped forward, eyeing the [Mage] as he walked up to the nearest wall. cing a hand onto it, Baris began to chant while the apparent speaker of the Iron Champions Company began to shout.
You think you defeat us? Dont underestimate the might of the Iron Champions Company! Well kill every single one of you right now unless you surrender
The barrier shot up, once again encapsting the headquarters. And for whatever reason now, it silenced the voice from the other side.
Baris snorted as he returned, the angrily shouting figure of Stephen visible behind him.
I added a Silence spell too. Just so we dont have to keep hearing him speak.
--
Once she was back inside, Edithe copsed onto a chair, melting into a puddle of sweat. She had been so nervous throughout. Especially when she realized how outmatched she was when the tinums first showed up. And when they killed Celines teammate
Edithe shuddered. Why am I so
Are you alright?
A voice broke her out of her thoughts. Edithe nced up, not recognizing the female voice. She blinked when she saw who it was.
Sophia?
Hello, Edithe. May I have a seat?
The young woman gestured at the empty chair next to her. Edithe hurriedly scootched her chair aside and nodded.
Of course. Theres no one sitting there I think.
Edithe had chosen the closest seat to rest in. And [Rest] in. She didnt even know if someone had been at this table before she came. She just needed to rx and cool down from the first real battle of the night. Thats the first battle, and even though we were winning, already you couldnt do anything. What happens if we actually start losing? If the barrier is fully destroyed and we have to barricade ourselves inside
How was it out there?
The sound of the wooden chair being dragged across the ground was apanied by Sophias voice. She plopped herself down and met Edithes eyes with a worried look on her face.
I heard about what happened. We won but there were a few deaths. Celines team suffered a major loss too.
Yeah
Edithe trailed off, not sure how to respond. The young woman was barely in her twenties, yet she was already a Gold Rank. And now she had to fight in apany war. All because of the Iron Champions Company. Because of what you
She bit her lower lip, shaking away those negative thoughts by herself this time. Sophia continued, not even noticing the fear written on Edithes face.
I honestly did not expect this. I had just be Gold, you know? I thought I could celebrate, go on a few Gold missions. Then suddenly, were at war.
Nodding, Edithe sat up and faced Sophia. She nced down at the palm of her hands, and Edithe finally realized the young woman was shaking.
I thought I was ready. I am now a Gold Rank. Just like you. Just like Ian. Just like Paige had been.
Edithe instinctively clenched her fists. Her friend
But now? Despite not having gone out to fight at all? Look at me.
Sophia whimpered. She finally turned to face Edithe. Her eyes were welling up, her entire body shaking. Edithes eyes widened as she saw the state the young woman was in.
Honestly, I dont even know what Im saying. Im just Im just
Afraid.
cing a hand on the young womans shoulder, Edithe spoke up with a shaky voice.
Youre afraid. Just like me. Just like everybody else in here.
It sounded like her words had been ced on a small, wooden boat thrown into a raging river, rocking its way towards a roaring waterfall.
But still, she spoke. And she tried to reassure the young woman.
Were all afraid. Because this isnt the same as taking a job you chose out from the bulletin board in the Adventurers Guild. This isnt the same as fighting monsters like were used to. Were fighting people. Because they forced us into this. Because they were so so selfish.
Edithe felt the vitriol in her words. The venom that spat out of her tongue. She was seething with anger now. Directed towards the Iron Champions Company for causing all this.
Then she took a deep breath.
However, its fine to be afraid. Especially right now. In this situation, let yourself be afraid. But when the timees for you to stand up, dont back down. Dont let yourself be controlled by fear then. Please.
She wasnt sure if she was telling this to Sophia or to herself. She just had to say it. And she felt her hands tremble. Her grip on the young womans shoulder tightened as tears also blurred her vision.
...please.
Repeating herself, Edithe found her gaze aimed towards the floor. She looked up and realized she was right up against Sophias face. The red-haired woman quickly backed up and murmured an apology.
I sorry.
No its fine.
Sophia wasnt crying anymore. Her eyes were red and swollen. But the tears had dried up. And she seemed calmer now.
Neither woman said anything for a moment until finally, Sophia chuckled.
This is really such a stressful situation, isnt it? And I get overwhelmed too easily. Honestly, I hate this.
You and me both.
Edithe wasnt sure why sheughed. But she did. They joked over something that wasnt even funny, perhaps the ufortableness of the entire situation making it so.
Sophia shook her head and leaned back against her chair. Her gaze swept through the room until itnded on a man caught in a serious conversation. She sighed and rested her chin on her hand.
Hadrian is amazing, isnt he?
Blinking, Edithe nced over at the man too.
You think?
Yes, he should be the most stressed out of all of us. The most afraid. But look at him. Hes still so calm.
Edithe stared at Hadrian as he broke off from talking with Evelyn. The tinum Rank adventurer left the hall to the outside. She had no team she was known to be a lone wolf.
I think he is the most stressed and most afraid out of us all. But he just doesnt let it show.
But how? How can he do that?
Because
The red-haired woman hesitated for a moment. A memory appeared in her head. Paul. Paige. Everyone she had lost. She had failed to protect.
Edithe closed her eyes.
Because he knows that if he freezes up, then someone he cares about will die.
Oh, I see.
Sophia nodded slowly. She sighed again.
Hes honestly amazing, isnt he?
Opening her eyes, Edithe looked at the young woman, face now slightly flushed. Edithe chuckled again.
I guess. But I dont think we mean the same thing.
Yeah wait, what
--
Cless joined Sophia and Edithe in their conversation shortly after. Sophias best friend had been helping out some of the [Mages] in trying to estimate the number of adventurers and assassins the Iron Champions Company had. Their magic led them to conclude the Valiant Dreamers Company were outnumbered by nearly two-to-one.
No one was happy to hear such a ratio. But neither of the two Gold Ranks let it get to them much to the surprise of Cless. He came to them a bit of a mess. But since none of them had guard duty, Edithe managed to cheer him up too before the next assault happened.
This time, Sophia and Cless joined in on the battle. They were kept even further behind the lines than Edithe was, but it allowed them to experience what it was like to at least participate, even if barely.
Halfway through the prolonged fight, Edithe was forced to summon Druma to swap with Mistshard. The [Elemental] had been sted by an invisible spell. It was some kind of wind magic not one Edithe recognized. It probably came from a tinum Rank, and it was a miracle for Mistshard to have even survived the attack.
So, Edithe let her rest. And Druma charged out alongside a group of [Warriors] and [Rogues], shing with the relentless wave from the Iron Champions Company. Assassins stalked through the battlefield too, but Baris was with his son this time. And his spells locked onto these assassins, taking many of them down until they were all forced to retreat once again.
It was over. There was going to be another period of reprieve. Perhaps two hours or maybe even three this time. At least, that was what Edithe was anticipating.
She didnt expect to find herself outside of the building once again so soon when the Iron Champions Company gathered just before the gates.
Stephen had returned despite not showing up in the previous engagement. Hadrian and Baris both came out this time, neither of them hiding themselves from the single tinum. Although how many of those assassins are above Level 70? How many of those adventurers?
Edithe was suspicious of all those inconspicuous individuals surrounding Stephen. Any of them could be tinums. All of them could be tinums. Some of them can even be Diamonds.
This had to be a trap to lure either Hadrian or Baris out, right?
Wrong.
Spreading his arms out wide, Stephen spoke out in a loud voice. His self-satisfaction was evident.
My, my. Youve repelled us twice. The second time, you didnt even have to use a Skill, Hadrian. Very impressive.
What do you want, Stephen?
Hadrian growled, his hand resting on the hilt of his de.
If youre going to charge us with that army of yours, why not just do it now?
Oh, no. Thats not what Im doing. You see, after nearly getting killed by your old man earlier, I decided to take a break from the battlefield. Get a little breather.
You didnt even fight, bastard, Edithe retorted in her mind. Baris raised an eyebrow, seemingly catching on to something here.
Stephen continued.
And while I was out on a stroll, I caught myself a little puppy wandering the streets of Viechester. A worried puppy. Who was actually barricaded in his home.
A pair of hooded figures appeared behind Stephen. They produced a tied-up and blindfolded man, setting him down beside Stephen. Edithe blinked, not sure of who that was. But someone else knew.
Evelyn stepped forward, yelling out a name.
Thomas!
Edithe nced over at the tinum Rank, confused at their rtionship. Then she saw the fear in her eyes. And the way the man had been bruised and taken against his will here. Her boyfriend? Or her husband?
What are you doing? What did you do to him?
Nothing just yet.
Stephen casually walked up to the man named Thomas and crossed his arms. Hadrian narrowed his eyes while Baris snapped.
Youre not allowed to involve innocent civilians in apany war, Stephen. The Sunmere Republic and the Adventurers Guild will not stand for it.
Im not going to do anything to him. Nor is anyone from the Iron Champions Company. But some assassins unaffiliated with ourpany might.
That reasoning wont stand!
Will it? Maybe not. Well see. But I dont think Ms Evelyn cares about that, does she?
Evelyns eyes grew wide as one of the two assassins produced arge knife. They stepped up to the tied-up man as Stephen shrugged.
Coteral damage happens all the time inpany wars. Its unfortunate.
Licking his lips as he saw Evelyn draw her two daggers, Stephen raised a hand.
I wouldnt do anything brash if I were you, Ms Evelyn.
What do you want?
She asked through gritted teeth. He waved a hand nonchntly.
I just want you toe here, over to us, without your weapons. Then Thomas can go. Ill even let your Valiant Dreamer friends take him in. You wouldnt want anything to happen to the only thing you have in your life, right?
Edithe frowned as Evelyne stood there, mulling over his words. How does he? Then the red-haired woman made the realization. Just as Baris and Hadrian did. Hes done research on us.
Each adventurer had at least some of their personal information out in public. That was an unfortunate side effect of having the job. Especially with the higher ranks. It didnt matter if you tried to be as discreet as possible. There was always going to be something out there about you. And this was Evelyns one secret.
And the tinum Ranks weakness.
Dropping her weapons, Evelyne started forward. Hadrian opened his mouth and said her name.
Evelyn
You cant stop me, Hadrian. Just just make sure Thomas is safe.
...right.
The lone adventurer marched out to meet Stephen face to face. He nodded at the assassins behind him, and they kicked Thomas forward, rolling into the Valiant Dreamers Company headquarters.
Evelyn watched Hadrian grab her lover. Then she burst into action. A dagger appeared on her hand as she leapt up to the other tinum Rank.
The two assassins intercepted her. One appeared behind her and the other to her nk. Evelyn spun around and sliced the first in half. She kicked the second back
And Stephen stood in front of her. He drew his sickle back, pulling it away from the womans neck. She fell, her head thumping on the ground and spinning to face Thomas.
Edithe stared in shock as the tinum Rank was easily disposed of by Stephen. A Skill? That was the only exnation. [sh Step] to catch her, and another Skill to finish her off.
Baris red at Stephen wiping the blood off his golden de, walking away nonchntly. The former leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company called out warningly.
You will not get away with this, Stephen.
Oh, we will.
Stephen turned back, a smug look on his face.
And we will continue to get away with it.
What do you
The meaning behind his words took a moment to sink in everyones mind. The eyes of Baris widened as Hadrian stood up, Thomas on his back.
These bastards are going to keep taking our loved ones hostage. While were trapped in here, unable to go out.
Your new leader is smart. Honestly, old man, youre a bit slow in the head. It mightve been better off for yourpany if you had just died from the poison.
Hadrian brought his de down, sending an aura de at Stephen. Another [sh Step] brought him away from the attack.
That was close. But good try.
Then he left. And the figures hiding out in the darkness slowly drew back. They would return. But for now, they let the news settle. The fact that the Iron Champions Company were willing to stoop to even more dirty tricks tricks that could backfire at any time.
And Edithe stood, unmoving, even as the others returned, a fear and mourning on their faces. Hadrian stopped by the red-haired woman, Thomas still on his back.
Edithe, lets go back.
But
She turned to him, a worried look on her face.
Rachel.
--
There was amotion inside the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company. There were many voicing their concerns. Would their family be targeted? Would their friends?
It was unlikely. Only those at tinum had any cause for concern. Gold Ranks in Viechester were almost dared to make this y. They dared to threaten the lives of those dear to the tinum Ranks. And Edithe should not have been worried.
Rachel was not only at the Sanctum of Elements, she was also only rted to Edithe. There was no reason for them to target her. Except Salvos.
Edithe remembered the encounter between Stephen and Salvos. How upset the man had been at her rejection. Would he would he try something?
That was Edithes worry. It was all she could think about even as the Iron Champions Company attacked the headquarters a third time. This distraction nearly caused her death, but Druma saved her just in time.
And when they got their reprieve once again, Edithe heard Hadrian speaking with Baris. They were making ns.
Not all of our tinum Ranks are like Evelyn. They wont charge in the face of death. They wont make that leap across that chasm or fall trying. If their family gets dragged into it, they might not volunteer themselves. But their morale will still break.
Hadrian, I have heard your reasoning before, and youve already convinced me once. But unless you have a solid n of action, I will not approve any such brash decisions!
I know, Father. But we have to do something.
She knew she shouldnt have been listening. But she had to know what they were going to do. Edithe would not just let Rachel die.
Rubbing his temples, Baris let out a tired sigh. The man had just recovered from a poisoning not long ago. The battle had strained him. And now it was clear that his dilemma stumped him too.
What do you propose?
That we break the siege and reunite with Gabriels forces. Then drive the Iron Champions out of the city.
How are we supposed to do that? We are surrounded.
I know. But Ive spoken to a few of the tinums. The brazen ones and the ones worried about their family. Theyre willing theyre willing to make a sacrifice.
Baris took a step back, eyes wide. Hadrian continued.
They will form a spearhead. The one to break their armor.
Were outnumbered. We might lose everything.
Well lose everything regardless.
Edithe heard this, and she couldnt help but speak up.
But what what if we found a chink in their armor?
The two turned to face the sudden guest in their conversation. She burned up for a moment, realizing she probably shouldnt have spoken, but Baris gestured to her to continue.
And what is that?
Edithe turned to face the closest window. She looked through the ss pane, staring into the darkness beyond, remembering something Stephen had said. Then a small smile one of hope or was it madness? spread across her lips.
We know they outnumber us two-to-one. But we think theyre always there, keeping guard. But they also think we wont try to break the siege. That we wont sally forth and face them. So, theyrecent. Stephen said it himself, the assassins are the ones gathering our loved ones in between each of their assaults. One of their biggest advantages is gone when theyre not attacking.
Edithe grinned as Hadrian finally understood what she was saying. He looked her over, slowly nodding.
That could work. That should be when we strike.
Our counterattack.
She agreed. But Baris still seemed undecided. The older man met Edithes gaze, almost studying her.
Edithe, before I say anything, let me ask you: why do you agree with this n?
The red-haired woman stopped. The once feisty, fiery, and short-tempered woman tilted her head up. She spoke slowly, thinking over her words carefully.
Perhaps if you asked me this question a year ago, I would have told you this was for revenge. To make them pay for what they did to Evelyn. But now? The reason is much simpler than that.
And that is?
Edithe looked back down at Baris, speaking softly.
Im tired of doing nothing while my friends die.
Then it was settled.
--
It was past midnight now. It had been no more than an hour since the Iron Champions Company made their third assault. But now, there was a susurration.
It came not from the side of the invaders, but from that of the defenders. There was movement the barrier surrounding the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company was fading. But it was not a failure on the runes powering it. It was being done on purpose.
Everyone had been informed of their change of ns. And while not everyone had been too happy about it, most approved this course of action. Especially the tinums.
Edithe did not stick around to discuss what her role in the battle was going to be. Because she only had one role. She was to act as one of the few in the strike force. Like the cavalry that would open up the ranks of the infantry.
Her job was to charge and tear through the Iron Champions Company alongside Celine and the other tinums, hopefully surviving.
The tinums who wanted to check on their loved ones all volunteered for this job. Not all of them did only about a quarter, which still made up almost a dozen different tinum Rank adventurers. Together, they would have been able to save a city from a monster horde on their own. They would have been able to clear out Dungeons that were threatening nearby towns.
Their efforts would have been better put somewhere else. And yet, they were risking their lives here, against other adventurers who could have done the same.
They were to charge through the gates, followed by the main bulk of their forces, acting as the spearhead being thrust against an enemy. Hadrian assured them he would be right behind them and even cut down any possible threat to them if it showed.
And once they were through, they would scatter. Each to check on their own friends, family, or other loved ones they were worried about. That meant Edithe would be on her own. And that was what worried her.
She looked between Mistshard and Druma, rubbing at the tip of her staff in a nervous tic.
Do you think wed be able to handle any assassins we meet?
As long as theyre not too far above our levels, yes.
That was the logical answer, but not the one Edithe had been looking for.
I know, but never mind.
Edithe turned around, sighing. Then she blinked as she saw the person standing before her.
Sophia.
I heard what you were doing, Edithe.
Edithe stared at the young woman, confusion written on her face. She opened her mouth then realized what was happening.
Youre not going to follow me, are you?
First of all, only a dozen tinum Ranks charging out on their own is stupid. Secondly, its dangerous for you to go alone. So, Iming with.
But
So am I.
Cless walked up behind Sophia. He grinned as he leaned an elbow on the young womans shoulder. She scowled and shook him off. He shrugged.
Im not going to let Sophia here go on her own. And dont worry. Neither of us may be the best fighters, but were good at surviving. At remaining sneaky. Something which Im sure youre not familiar with.
He gestured at her outfit, and Edithe looked down at herself. She sputtered.
These are traditional [Mage] garments
Im a [Mage], and you wont even see me wearing those stupid robes. Seriously, you can barely walk with them!
Edithe nced between the two of them, hesitating. Then she finally asked.
Why?
Sophia shuffled her feet ufortably.
Its, uh, because uh
Because she feels bad about the way she treated those two Gold Ranks, Salvos and Daniel, when they were just helping us out. So, she wants to at least help pay them back by making sure this Rachel is safe.
Hey! You were rude too!
The young woman pointed an using finger at her best friend. Heughed a nervousughter which Edithe saw through. The red-haired woman slowly nodded.
Well, if youre going to insist oning with me, I wont stop you. But its going to be dangerous, you know?
The two paused. They exchanged nces and then grinned.
We know. But were Gold Rank adventurers.
Our very job description is dangerous, so dont worry about us.
Edithe sighed.
If you say so.
But before she could fully process the sudden induction of two new members in her mission, another voice spoke up.
Im following too.
This time, Edithe was caught by surprise with who she saw. Ian, the aloof, bald [Rogue] who she had barely talked to, stood there. She gave him a confused look.
But why?
Because Paige liked that little girl.
...Thats it?
Edithe dubiously eyed him. He nodded curtly.
And you were friends with Paige.
I see.
Apparently, Paige had been close with Ian. She had frequently seen them together. But Edithe wasnt exactly close with him. But because of theirmon friendship, he was helping her. Edithe felt her grip around her staff tighten, just thinking about Paige.
Then she nodded.
Alright then.
And it was settled.
Ian, Sophia, and Cless joined Edithe as they gathered with the tinum Ranks leading the charge. Behind them, the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company were relying on them. Hadrians voice boomed out as he drew his sword.
Tonight, we break this siege! Gabriel will continue holding down the training grounds, waiting for our arrival, then well finally rid the Iron Champions Company from Viechester! They wanted war, but well end this war!
There were cheers. And then, silence. The front doors swung open and before Edithe could do her job, it was first up to the powerful artifacts owned by the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Baris stepped forward, wielding what looked like a pointed spear. He aimed it at the open gates, eyes closed and muttering under his breath.
Latticing re.
A single streak of mes sted out, striking something out in the shadows. Then it spread out in all four directions from where it had struck, breaking into four smaller streaks of mes. This process repeated again and again until the entire battlefield ahead was gridded by the golden mes.
Now its your turn.
Tossing aside the now-depleted Latticing re, Baris nodded Edithes way. Then it was her job. And the job of those with her. They charged out of the gates, following the trail of the powerful artifact that had been loosed on the Iron Champions Company. Mistshard and Druma stayed by her as they rushed straight out of the gates, flinging magic and arrows at their highlighted enemies.
The Iron Champions were caught off guard. They did not expect this assault. The sentries had been ughtered by the initial magical st. And the ones that were ready for battle were mostly Silver; only a handful of Gold met this attack. One survived and rallied the rest of the opposing force into action.
[Warriors], [Rogues], [Mages], [Archers] even [Alchemists] and [Enchanters] tried to stop Edithe as she made a mad dash through her unprepared enemies. But they couldnt just reach her. Not only did the fire spreading throughout the battlefield make it difficult to easily navigate to them, but she sted them with spells, aiding Mistshard who hovered above sending hails of ice.
Druma shielded her, knocking aside any adventurer who got close. At one point, a hooded individual appeared with des at the ready, but Druma and Mistshard both quickly dealt with him, saving Edithe from what was nearly her death.
They tore through the ranks of the Iron Champions Company, meeting almost no resistance until
An explosion nearly sent Edithe flying back. The [Mage] from before the tinum Rank appeared, followed by the other tinums of the Iron Champions Company. Some assassins showed up too. However, their numbers wereckluster. Especiallypared to what they had before.
No signs of Stephen either.
Ignore them! We press on!
Celine bellowed, leading the charge. Edithe followed after. She realized how out of their depths Cless and Sophia were, yet they still tried their best to help. Neither specialized inbat at least, not against people.
A bolt of lightning that cracked the earth caught the attention of the tinums. Baris did not let them get close to Edithe and the others. He was around their level, yes. But he was more experienced. And he had spent decades building up his General Skills. Edithe knew he could take them all on himself.
Then, just as their first obstacle was ovee, another came barring their path. And this one was a mountain.
The ground broke before the charging group as arge broadsword broke the streets of Viechester. It sent a shockwave that knocked them off bnce. And just as Celine got up, an aura of concentrated energy shot out at her.
Her eyes grew wide, but she managed to raise her axe just in time to block the attack. The other tinums gathered themselves, eyeing warily what had halted them all to a stop. Edithe nced up too, feeling fear strike her heart.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
A Diamond Rank adventurer. One from the Iron Champions Company. But not just anyone. It was one Edithe recognized.
One of the current leaders of thepany. One of the original members of the Iron Champions. The ones that were dubbed the champions. They were the ones who exploited the Millcliff Iron Mines to get rich. To get to where they were today.
Orbur Vale.
The purported [Warrior] was dressed in shimmering te armor. Powerful enchantments were no doubt protecting him. He had a helmet on, covering all but the signature scar on his face. A vicious grin spread across his lips.
Oh, seems like the valiant dogs finally decided to stop cowering and bite back. How... foolish.
He raised his weapon that was twice his own size. The patterned runes running through its de limned under the moonlight. Or was that an enchantment?
Edithe wasnt sure, but she didnt hesitate. No more.
She sent an icy spear shooting out at the man. It smashed into his armor, dealing no damage. Like an icicle falling against a metal surface. Heughed.
Did you think that would
[Valorous Charge]!
Hadrians voice cut off Orbur, some Skill propelling him through the air. It was like he had leapt off a building and was falling straight at the other Diamond Rank.
Orbur countered with his own Skill, his sword growingrger as he swung. The two shed, sending a ripple through the battlefield. The nearby Silvers all fell from the blow, and Edithe nearly stumbled as she was standing up.
The two Diamonds traded blows, fighting at a level Edithe couldnt possibly hope to ever reach. She wanted to help Hadrian, but as he kicked Orbur back, sending the other Diamond flying, he nced back at her.
Go!
And that was all he had to say. Edithe dragged Celine who was enraged by Orbur. She had nearly died from that initial attack and wanted to help Hadrian face one of the champions from the Iron Champions Company.
But she would have only hindered him. So Edithe had Druma pick up the woman, much to her chagrin, only putting her down once they were out of sight of the two shing Diamonds. When Celine was back on her feet, she had a scowl on her face. But she didnt say anything to Edithe.
The group reached the end of the Iron Champions line. Thest of the adventurers there were mostly Silver and Gold. They didnt even try fighting, choosing to flee and maybe regroup elsewhere. Edithe would have tried to stop them, but it wasnt worth the effort.
Instead, it was time for them to do what they came for. Their job here was finished, and it was time to move on.
They stopped at an intersection, each of them casting wary gazes at the shadows creeping through the side streets and alleyways of Viechester. They all held the same fear in their mind. Assassins. But none showed up.
Finally, after they were sure they werent being followed, Celine turned to Edithe.
This is where we part ways. I need to check on my little brothers back on my farm. They live just outside the city, so I probably will take a while and cant help you.
The other tinums were already streaming off, going on their own to check on those they cared about. Edithe smiled and nodded at Celine.
Its fine. I have help.
The red-haired woman nced back at the Greater Spirits and Gold Ranks apanying her. Truth be told, Edithe would have preferred if Celine followed them. She was pretty sure Celine could have killed half if not all of them by herself. That was just how big the gap between Gold and tinum was. Yet, Edithe couldnt wait for Celines help.
This was something she had to do on her own.
Go. Check on your family.
You didnt need to say that twice. Good luck.
Celine waved and started sprinting down one of the side streets. She disappeared into the darkness, heading out of the city, whereas Edithe would be heading further in.
The Sanctum of Elements is in the city square. Its usually crowded during the day, but at night its like a ghost town, huh?
Edithe casuallymented as her group Sophia, Ian, and Cless made their way through the streets, arriving at therge courtyard that would be lined with shops during the day. Ian grunted in agreement, although Cless scoffed.
Of course it is. Everyones asleep. No one would be wandering about at night for no good reason.
Sophia rolled her eyes.
That, and the fact that the city has issued a lockdown warning too for the citizens own safety.
Ah, right.
It seemed like such a nonchnt conversation at first. They almost seemed uncaring of Rachel unpressed for time. But they were being cautious.
At any moment, an assassin could strikeout. And that was what they feared. The Spirits too Druma protectively shielded Edithe with his body, while Mistshard flitted around, close to any alleyway and corner where someone might be hiding.
Its fine, guys.
Edithe waved a hand at her summons, pointing at the temple ahead.
Weve arrived, look.
Sure enough, the tall staircase leading up to the Sanctum of Elementsy before them. It was spotless. Cleaned like it was every single day. It certainly looked untouched. As though nothing had actually happened to it, and Edithe had just been paranoid. But as the group made their way up the stairs and into the temple, they found
Nothing.
Chapter A Demons Pride: Salvos Book 2 is now live on Amazon!
Chapter A Demon''s Pride: Salvos Book 2 is now live on Amazon!
No, the story won''t be taken down for KU. It is being published as a non exclusive story.
After two weeks of Amazon screwing me over, I have finally ceded to their demands and changed the title of Salvos Volume 2 from Pride and Prejudice, to Prejudice of Pride, to what it is now: A Demon''s Pride.
It covers chapters 41-100, or roughly 175,000 words, and you can get it for only $2.99 right now! It is at a limited time discount until the weekend, where the price would be increased to $3.99. Meaning if you get it now, you can read the climax of Salvos Volume 2 this instant with a 25% discount!
Also, do consider leaving a review or a rating on Amazon, as that would help with exposure and getting discovered. Thank you all so much for your support. You can get it here:
A Demon''s Pride: Salvos, Volume 2
Chapter 97: Found
Chapter 97: Found
97. Found
I bounded through the dark forest, leaping across the canopy of trees. I tried to stay at the treetop, out of view of anyone that was possibly on the forest floor.
I was no longer in my Mortal Form. I couldnt waste any time. If what I heard from Faith was true then Edithe and Rachel were in danger. Mypanions were in danger.
Daniel tried getting me to wait for him. However, he was too slow. And carrying him would have only slowed me down. So I left, on my own, for Viechester. Unfortunately, I seemed to have run into a minor problem. The same one I always faced whenever I traveled on my own.
...Am I lost?
I wasnt entirely sure if I was heading in the right direction. Daniel had pointed it out on the map for me he had instructed me to head in a straight line without making a single detour. But it was hard to follow a path when there was nothing obvious to lead me.
I had been given his map too. Just in case I got lost. But I barely understood how to read it.
Pushing myself off a thick branch, I grabbed onto the trunk of a tree right at the edge of the forest. I saw a road just before me. Does this road lead to Viechester? I was about to jump down to check when I caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows.
A flicker.
Chains spread through and in between the trees, hurling heavy spiked balls at me. I threw myself from the tree as the nging of the metal echoed above me before Inded on the dirt ground.
I nced up just in time to see a cloaked figure falling after me. It was a Human man. He wore the same shadow cloak of the Harrowed Vindicators, but he bore no mask. His hood was not up, exposing an unbridled fury on his face. He stared down at me with a single eye that nearly burst out of its sockets.
Demon! I have found you, now I will get my revenge
Defeated [ilberserker of Chains - Lvl. 65]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...who was that? Why did he attack me?
I didnt know. But I killed him easily and continued on my way. Maybe hes just another Human mad that Im a Demon. That was probably the case. I saw a sign slightly further down the road indicating that I was indeed heading to Viechester. Maybe I should change to my Mortal Form. Dont want Hadrian or the other Valiant Dreamers attacking me for being a Demon!
The group that stalked through the halls of the temple was gripped by a deathly silence. Edithes eyes zed over the gilded walls, paying attention only to the heavy beating in her chest. The thumping of her heart echoed in her head, almost like a drum. It grew louder and louder almost deafeningly so bing the only thing she could hear.
Calm down, she told herself. So far weve seen nothing, and thats a good thing. If there really were assassins here, they would have left some signs. The [Priests] promised to keep Rachel safe, and even if they werentbatants, they still would be able to put up a fight.
But the question was, would the Iron Champions Company really risk angering the Sanctum of Elements? Certainly, the Den of Souls would not stand for an attack against [Priests], even if they were from a different denomination. The Iron Champions might have been treading a thin line, but they werent idiots.
Despite what Edithe had been telling herself all night, she knew they werent immune to consequences. It had only been a month since they poisoned Baris, then three days since they tried to burn down the headquarters. Whether they would have actually faced bacsh for their actions over what happened in the past night or rather, the past six hours remained to be seen.
Edithe quietly led the group through the familiar corridors leading to Williams quarters. She knew that he slept on the third floor of the [Priests] dormitories. That was because he was one of the higher ranked members of the Sanctum of Elements in Viechester.
The moment the group reached the dorms, Edithe knew what happened. She understood why there were no signs of a scuffle no evidence of fighting. Because the assassins did not attack the [Priests]. Instead, they used some sort of artifact to erect a barrier and cordon off the entire area.
Frowning, Edithe approached the translucent yellow wall of energy and ced a hand on it.
Its a powerful sealing spell. At least, too powerful for me to break. Itll probably dissipate by the time the suns up. But I dont think anyone inside even realizes theyre locked in since it cancels noise too.
Think we can destroy it if webine our magic?
Cless suggested, trying to inspect the barrier too. Edithe shook her head.
No. I say we dont waste time trying to break in. The fact that the Iron Champions Company or their assassins are blocking out this entire area means Rachel and William arent inside.
Where are they then?
Sophia asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
Im a [Hunter]. I can probably track them down if you give me some general directions.
Im not sure. But if I know William, he might have been anywhere from studying away in the temple library or wandering the streets to feed the homeless.
And this Rachel
Ian piped up, narrowing his eyes.
Shes with him?
Yes. Or she should be.
Edithe spoke almost as if she were remembering a fond memory.
When I was little and visited the temple for some of the spare scraps they handed out, William would always bring me around to show me his work. It didnt matter if I wasnt interested or was just trying to bother him he would always be so patient and kind to me, showing me every part of his daily life and teaching me new things.
You grew up in the streets?
Sophia blinked. The red-haired woman nodded.
Yes, and William took care of me. Just like how I trust hell take care of Rachel. So she has to be with him, and if he isnt in the dorms, then well have to sweep through the temple. Find where hes at.
If youre certain Rachel is with him, then I can just use a Skill.
The other [Mage], Cless, offered. Edithe turned to him, raising a brow.
You can?
[Scry Direction]. It has a long cooldown. But I can use it on people whom Ive interacted with. And I used to visit this temple quite a lot too. I probably spoke to William once or twice enough for it to work.
Lets give it a shot then.
Cless nodded and began activating his Skill. Edithe waited, casting wary nces around the area. Once or twice, she thought she saw someone sneaking around. She sent Mistshard over to check, and it turned out it was just her paranoia getting to her.
The assassins wont know that wereing, were fine. Edithe found herself breathing again. Cless finished his casting, and his eyes shone slightly blue as he scanned the surroundings.
Well?
Edithe couldnt help but ask after a moment passed. He raised a finger and pointed down arge corridor.
There.
The group proceeded to follow Cless. They made their way down the winding halls until finally reaching arge, familiar room. It was the summoning room of this temple. The ce where Edithe first summoned Hana.
There, Edithes eyes grew wide as she saw
William and Rachel were standing over the summoning pool. The [Priest] had a book open, reading aloud an excerpt from the Immortal Kings Legacy as the girl rested her head on hisp, her feet lightly kicking against the water.
And it was only when Alexander regaled the wonderful tales from his world to the Council of Cremont did the [Archbishops] at the time allow him to cross through to the Spirit ne
He paused and nced up at the group that approached him. Edithe ran up to him, the relief on her face evident.
William!
Edithe?
The [Priest] stood up, and Rachel jumped, running to meet the red-haired woman. She hugged Edithes legs as William spoke in a confused voice.
What are you doing here?
She came back for me!
Rachel eximed but quickly shied back the moment she noticed there were others in the room. Edithe caressed Rachel and spoke softly.
Yes, I did.
Then the red-haired woman turned back to William.
Is everything alright? We came to check on you two.
Everything has been fine, although weve been worried about you, Edithe. We heard about the deration of war. And there have been some talks of how the siege against the Valiant Dreamers headquarters. But its barely been a day since then. How did you get here?
We fought our way out.
Edithe replied simply.
We werent going to fight on the terms the Iron Champions set anymore. Especially when they started to bring innocents into it. Were the Valiant Dreamers. We fight for the weak against the strong.
Right I get that. Did something happen during the siege?
Of course, William didnt know. But Edithe was d she arrived before he had to find out the hard way.
The Iron Champions have been sending assassins after the friends and family of tinum Ranks. But we were worried they would go after you two as well.
Thats terrible!
He had a horrified look on his face. Edithe concurred with that, but she didnt want to spend any more time exining.
Right, so we have to get out of here as soon as possible.
They cante after us. If they attack us [Priests]
They dont have to harm you.
Edithe shook her head. The assassins had already separated most of the [Priests] from possibly getting involved. Abducting a child from a single old man was not so hard after that.
Theyll just have to grab Rachel and leave. Thats why Rachel needs toe with us.
The girl looked up at Edithe, a confused look on her face.
Are more peopleing after me?
I Yes.
Edithe couldnt help but hesitate for a moment. But instead of striking fear into the girls heart, she seemed to have elicited a different kind of worry.
Am I causing more trouble for you?
No
Biting her lip, Edithe took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
No, you arent. Come, lets get out of here.
She held onto Rachels hand and started down the hallway they came. However, Ian held out a hand and sharply cut her off.
Wait, someonesing.
The [Rogue] drew his daggers. Edithes eyes snapped ahead of her. She couldnt see anything, but she didnt think he meant they were arriving right now.
Assassins?
Possibly. Not the most discreet maybe high Silver or low Gold in level. But I dont think theyre alone.
What do we do?
Sophia spoke, panic clearly heard from her tone of voice. Edithe tightly gripped her staff.
I
Over here!
Williams voice drew the groups attention. He was gesturing towards a wall. Wait, that wasnt just a wall. It was shifting moving. A hidden room?
Go inside. Lets go!
They hurriedly rushed inside before the secret passageway closed. Edithe nced back, relief washing over her.
Thanks, William
She paused when she realized the [Priest] hadnt followed after them. Standing there in shock, Edithe her voices escape through the walls.
Wheres the girl?
A vague voice that sounded like Stephens reached her. And an older one,ing from William, came back.
I do not know what girl youre referring to.
Dont force my hand, [Priest].
You wouldnt dare.
Edithe felt her heart drop. No not William too. She wanted to break through the walls and attack Stephen, even though she knew the tinum Rank would easily kill her. But a chuckle sent her back to her senses.
No, I wouldnt. But that still doesnt change anything.
Footfalls. The echoes of someone leaving the summoning chamber. And a finalmand.
Find the girl. Bring her to me no matter what.
A hand tugged at Edithe. Sophia nodded at her, breaking her from her trance. Breathing deeply, Edithe reassured herself that William was fine, even if she couldnt see him. He wasnt attacked by Stephen, and the assassins with the Iron Champions were now searching for Rachel.
Now all that mattered to the group was getting out of the temple with Rachel. Alive.
Chapter 98: Escape
Chapter 98: Escape
98. Escape
Edithes eyes clung to the doorway behind her even as she ran through the secret corridor. She couldnt help but worry for William despite the fact that she knew the [Priest] was safe. He had been like a father to her. If Stephen did anything to him she wasnt sure what she would do.
Mistshard slowly ushered her forward, trying to keep her from running against the wall as they turned a corner. Ian led the group by scouting ahead; his keen senses as a [Rogue] would alert them to any possible assassins lurking about.
Sophia and Cless took up the middle, the two friends keeping pace with each other as they made their way to the end of the secret corridor. Druma was carrying Rachel a little bit behind them, the little girl hugged around his wooden chest by his four protective arms. Edithe looked at her small group of Gold Ranks and Greater Spirits, wondering if they would be able to even take down a single one of the higher leveled assassins she had seen previously that night.
Certainly, there were many lower leveled ones most of them she had fought were Silver in level, some Gold, only a handful tinum. However, she could not help but worry that their group would run into one of the dangerous ones. A fear predicated in paranoia.
And past experiences.
Clenching her first, Edithe cast her gaze forward as Ian pushed open the door ahead. A bookshelf opened up, revealing the temples library ahead. They came to a halt, taking in their surroundings. The [Rogue] squinted as he took in the room while Sophia blinked.
This is the library? I thought that passage would lead us out of the temple!
Apparently not. It seems all William did was buy us time. Its up to us to get out of here alive on our own.
Edithe answered simply, stepping into the ce of books. Rows and rows of bookshelves filled thisrge chamber; it was a haphazard mess, cluttered with books strewn about in an unorganized manner. The [Priests] of the Sanctum of Elements were gaudy, shy, but also studious. And since they spent all their money on decorating the entrance for visitors, they couldnt really afford to pay for a librarian. At least, that was what William told her once.
Edithe wasnt sure now whether the man had been lying to her. She had been pestering him with incessant questions and such an answer now seemed like something an adult would tell a child just to keep them entertained.
The group weaved through the forest of wood and paper, navigating to one of the entrances of the library. Ian peered outside, holding a hand out to keep them back.
Its clear.
Taking a deep breath, Edithe nodded.
Considering where the library is located in the temple, that means were closer to the back exit that leads out to the alleyways and the side streets rather than the front one leading out to the city square. The front exit will probably be guarded by assassins at this point, so our best bet would be just to sneak out the back exit.
You dont think that assassins will be guarding that part of the temple too, do you?
Cless asked in a worried voice. She shook her head.
They will. But we have no other choice.
If ites to a fight, you two will have to grab the girl and run.
Ian spoke out, turning back to face the group. He gestured at Sophia and Cless, the two lessbat-focused of them all.
Your skills lie in making sure you avoidbat no matter what. Use it to your advantage.
But
Sophia opened her mouth. Her friend stopped her.
Got it. Well do that.
She looked like she wanted to protest, but Cless gave her a look. Slowly, the two came to a non-verbal understanding. Edithe nced between the group, d that they came to a solution. Then they left the library and started down the hall.
They left no footfalls behind. None for anyone to follow. They were adventurers. Even if not all of them were [Rogues], they were used to being discreet. Especially when it came to diving through Dungeons.
The pace they traveled was not the fastest. Nor were they aiming to outrun any assassins. Their job was simple. Get to the exit undetected. Then from there, they would have to see what happened.
The group came upon a long hallway. At the end of it, Edithe could see the deepness of night the dark sky illuminated by the pale, blue moon. The scintiting stars were like the hope she felt for a moment. Until Ian raised a hand.
Stop.
He pointed at the ground. Thin threads were stitched just above the floor, forming an intricate pattern. A design meant to catch whoever was trying to leave the temple.
Wires. Coated in poison and meant to trip an rm. Whoever made this so quickly must be high leveled.
What do we do?
Sophia stared at the trap, wide-eyed. Edithe nced over at Ian. He nodded at her, and she spoke a word.
Mistshard.
Yes, master?
Freeze them.
The Greater Spirit obeyed, flying down the hallway and sending a st of icy waves at the wires. The cold crept up on the steel, forming a coolyer of white over them. Ian took a step forward, avoiding the now clearly visible design on the floor.
Do not step on any of them.
Sophia gulped and slowly followed. Cless was next, then Druma who was still carrying Rachel. Edithe wentst. She cast a wary gaze back at where they came from, confirming that no one was behind them. Then she followed.
The group threaded carefully through the wire maze; it took some time, but eventually, they made it through. Then they were out. The cityid beyond, and with it were assassins.
They burst out of the darkness. They had been lying in wait. And now, their targets were here. Three assassins appeared before the group. One was at around Level 70, and the other two were at around Level 40.
Edithe immediatelyunched a spell at them while Mistshard flew diagonally at them. Sophia and Cless surrounded Druma who protectively covered Rachel, and Ian drew his throwing daggers in an instant. But the assassins didnt strike. At least, not all of them.
The Level 40s vanished, running straight for the temple. The Level 70 assassin tugged at invisible strings on his fingertips, creating awork of wires to block the oing sts. He danced around the plume of cold smoke sent by Mistshard and dodged the weaving daggers flying his way.
They bent in the air, changing directions as Ian directed them with a Skill. But the assassin flipped out of the way. He pulled as if his hands were gripping at Ians feet, and the [Rogue] was swept to his back.
A lightning bolt from Edithe was knocked out of the air, arcing back down to the ground and ripping bricks into the air. Spells and arrows from Cless and Sophia stopped the assassin from targeting Ian, who was still getting back up, his legs covered in small cuts.
Once again, the assassin pulled. And Sophias bow came flying. He weaved his fingers, and invisible threads cut the girl. Cless shouted, seeing his friend cry out in agony.
You bastard!
He dashed forward, hurling fireballs at the assassin running across tiled roofs. The sts missed their mark and exploded in mid-air. The assassin flipped andnded lightly on the ground. He crossed his arms into an x-shape, twisting his hands.
Cless yelled, his body torn from dozens of wires cutting deep into his skin. The assassin let out a snicker before a hail of ice fell on him. It sliced open his dark clothes, and blood sprayed across the stone floor.
He tried to back away from Mistshards barrage, only to realize it was Edithe attacking him.
[Borrow Skill: Mistshard].
She aimed her staff,unching another volley at the man, injuring him and pushing him back. Already moving his hands, he clicked his tongue and faced her. Then a spear of ice caught his back. It plunged deep into his spine, eliciting a sharp and painful scream.
Gah arghhhh.
His wailings became death throes as Mistshard burned him with fire. A line of mesunched straight through him. The man wed at himself in agony, his entire body burning and frozen. A notification sounded through Edithes mind a level gained.
But she didnt waste any time. The [Summoner] raced up to the body of Cless. He was losing blood. Fast.
She uncorked a healing potion and poured it over him, closing up his wounds and stopping the whimpers from escaping his mouth. Sophia limped over in a hurry.
Cless is he ok?
Hell live as long as we get him to a healer as soon as possible.
Edithe nodded at the young woman reassuringly. Sophia sighed in relief. She took a moment to down a healing potion herself before helping Cless up. The mans face contorted, and pain followed every movement he made.
Its fine, I got you.
Sophia spoke softly. Ian hobbled over, his wounds healed but still hurting slightly. His sharp voice cut through the banal conversation being had.
Weve got to go. More areing.
Sure enough, Edithe could see shadows making their way through the far end of the hallway inside the temple. Figures were moving,ing after them. And they had to leave. Now.
But they would be caught. These assassins moved faster than them. Additionally, Edithe could see the pain in each step Cless took. The group had been slowed. There was no escape. Not unless someone held Stephen back.
Go.
Edithe found herself saying. She nced back at the confused looks on Sophia and Ians face.
Bring Rachel to safety. Ill stay.
Sophia opened her mouth.
But youll die!
Maybe.
Shaking her head, Edithe gripped her staff with both hands. Druma was already moving, the [Yaksha] doing as he wasmanded.
But its my turn to do something to save someone elses life. I will not allow those I care about to die any longer.
Sophia hesitated. She wanted to protest, but Ian grabbed her hand.
Lets go.
He pulled her, and they disappeared into an alleyway, right behind Druma. Edithe raised her staff and aimed at the entrance to the temple. Cold smoke sted out at it, coalescing into an ice wall that covered it entirely.
Mistshard pped her wings beside Edithe, copying her. Or was Edithe the one copying Mistshard? She was using the Spirits Skill, after all.
The ice wall was formed, and instantly, a crack formed on it. The people on the other side were already breaking through the barrier. It was nothing more than a bump in the road to them. Edithe spoke slowly, facing her summon.
You go too.
I cant let you stay and die, master.
Edithe chuckled, trying to reinforce the ice wall and fill its cracks. It was hopeless.
You know, Mistshard, when I first got you, I thought you were nothing like Hana.
The red-haired woman cast her gaze to the night sky while her barricade began to crumble. Her voice came out longing, almost regretful.
Youre so polite while she was so rude. She would ignore half the orders I gave her while you would obey mymand no matter what. She was chatty, you rarely even speak. But now I realize youre both the same. She died for me, and you would too.
Mistshard frantically tried to close the fissures that formed, the beating of her wings slowing as the endeavor failed. Edithe shook her head.
She died. But this time. Things will be different.
Raising a hand at Mistshard, Edithe took aim at Mistshard. But no spell came out. Only words.
I am viting the treaty formed between Spirit and Human. I cancel the contract we forged five months ago, and I shall ept whatever penalty I shall have to suffer.
The Spirits eyes widened. A reaction uncharacteristic of her. A morose smile crept across Edithes face.
Goodbye, Mistshard. Return home.
A glow overcame the invisible mark in Mistshards chest. The symbol that formed when she was first summoned was ovee with light. Shining ribbons sprouted from it and enveloped her entire being. A single word escaped the beaked mouth of the Spirit.
Edithe
Then she vanished. The ice wall broke, and it was just Edithe standing there, alone. Stephen marched through the misty entrance, followed by six assassins. Three on each side.
Edithe spun to face them, a spell forming on the tip of her staff. But Stephen appeared before her. A kick to her stomach sent her flying back and away from the temple. She rolled on cool, stone ground before facing up to see him standing there once again.
A sickle was pressed against her neck as the man stared down at her.
Wheres the girl?
Edithe met his eyes. Cold, cruel eyes. He was the kind of man she hated most. A self-serving, callous person who would do anything to get what he wanted. The sharp de of his sickle was pushed further against Edithes skin, drawing a trickle of blood. She grimaced as Stephen repeated the question.
I said: where is the girl?
Edithe took a deep breath. She closed her eyes as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. She felt her mouths utch, words spewing out.
Fuck you.
She sted the ground beneath the two of them. A simple Fireball spell. It sent her flying back in the air, her arms and legs burned by her own magic. Shended back on the ground and nced up at Stephen.
Did it work?
The man stood six paces away from the explosion. He was entirely unharmed. All he got was some dirt on his shoulder which he casually wiped off. Sighing, he turned an uncaring gaze towards her.
Hm, unfortunate. I was actually going to spare you, but I guess not.
Edithe shot to her feet, preparing a force barrier around her. Stephen cocked his head in her direction.
Kill her.
An assassin shot out and hurled a ball at her. It exploded, shattering her barrier in an instant. The magic fell around her like broken ss as the assassin appeared before her, dagger in hand.
Edithes eyes grew wide, and time almost seemed to slow down. This is it, huh? She closed her eyes as the assassin plunged forward. She tried to raise her hands, but she knew it would be pointless. I just hope her mind trailed off.
Sighing, Edithe felt one final wishful thought cross her mind.
I just hope they manage to get away
And blood sttered across the stone floor. A body dropped in the courtyard, just beyond the temple. Death came quick. Almost in an instant. The cool, blue moonlight shone over the corpse, showing its features clearly to Edithes wide eyes.
The assassiny dead. Cinder wisped through the air, illuminating the dark night. A me burned. Blue mes. And Salvos stood there with her blue jacket, over the dead assassin, a fiery scythe in her hand.
She smiled down at Edithe.
Hi.
Chapter 99: Prejudice
Chapter 99: Prejudice
99. Prejudice
I stood over Edithe in the courtyard just before the temple. A ming scythe rested gently in my hand as I twirled it over my shoulder. The assassin had been Level 72. Perhaps he would have been a problem for me before I left Viechester. But now, especially with the element of surprise on my side, he was disposed of in an instant.
Smiling, I greeted mypanion who stared at me with round eyes.
Hi. How have you been?
My words took a moment for her to register; she blinked a few times before opening her mouth, responding to me in an uncertain voice.
I-I Salvos?
Thats me!
I happily nodded. Edithes gaze fixed on me, almost like she couldnt believe I was actually here.
How how did you get here?
I asked for directions! Hadrian told me where you were.
He did? Does that mean the battle is over?
I eagerly nodded my head.
Theyre on their way to the training grounds now. Theyre going to end the siege there too!
They are?
Edithe asked again. Her confusion was evident. Perhaps she had hit her head when that assassin nearly killed her? I gave her a thumbs-up.
Yep
Preposterous!
A voice cut me off. I turned around to face an angry man. He wore a fancy shirt with a familiar crest woven into it. Narrowing my eyes, I took a second look at his face.
...Stephen?
His face was filled with fury. As if someone had interrupted his sleep time or whatever else Humans got mad about.
Are you saying Orbur was defeated? Impossible.
I shrugged, not knowing who this Orbur was.
Thats what I saw when I arrived.
Ridiculous. If hes defeated, then that means the time and resources we spent here were wasted. We cant just return empty-handed, especially not without what we came here for unless
Stephen studied me with a curious expression. Then he spread his arms wide, stepping forward.
Ms Salvos, it seems youve leveled quite a bit since wevest met. Youve almost reached tinum too.
I have. And?
He raised a hand out, smiling with one of those conniving looks Humans had when they were scheming for something. The kind Daniel had on his face when he thought he was sneaky in trying to convince me to let him sleep in. I didnt buy it.
What say you reconsider the offer I made you thest time. I promise you that well be able to provide whats necessary for your ss advancement to be as good as possible. With you in ourpany, I promise you youd be able to hit Diamond even Elite in no time.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
Do you even have an Elite in yourpany?
As far as I was aware, those were Level 150 and above. The Human man drew his lips into a thin line.
No. But you could be the first.
I tilted my head up, considering it.
That does sound tempting. If I do be the first Elite in yourpany, Im sure everyone will respect me very much.
That sounded very nice. Hearing praise everywhere I went was certainly a good thing; it would be like when I first saved Silvergrove and everyone in the city gazed at me with awe and wonder. I liked that.
Stephen smirked.
It certainly would.
You cant be serious, Salvos?
Edithe spoke up in a hushed voice behind me.
These guys just attacked ourpany. They killed so many of our members!
Your members.
I corrected her. I sped my hands together, smiling.
They didnt kill any of mypanions. Although they would have if I was a tad bit slower. Huh.
I nced between Edithe and Stephen.
I guess I probably shouldnt go with them.
Are you really going to turn us down twice? That would be such a foolish choice! And what? Because that woman told you to say no?!
Stephen spat, ring daggers at mypanion. I shook my head.
No. Shes not that woman. Shes mypanion. And I do have another reason for it.
I looked at Stephen. At the way he looked at me. The Human man saw opportunity, not any concern for me. Not any care for Salvos.
It was something I was used to by now. Only mypanions truly cared for me as Salvos. Not Saffron. Not Faith. Not Helen, Jaakko, or Zack.
They all didnt truly see who Salvos was. Who I was.
I bared my teeth back at Stephen. He was Level 81. The assassins behind him were Level 73, 48, 54, 45, and 51. Despite being lower leveled, they instantly tensed, realizing something was off. He didnt and waited for me to spread my arms out wide.
Even if I wanted to join yourpany, let me ask you this question, Stephen: would you even ept me?
He narrowed his eyes, then snorted.
Of course, we would. A recruit with as much potential as you would be dly epted among our ranks. Well even spare your friends too.
No. I dont mean ept me or this.
I gestured at myself.
Whatever this is. No I mean will you ept me?
The man blinked as a savage grin spread across my face. He thought he was recruiting a Human. Maybe someone to be reasoned with. Someone who thought the same way he did.
But I wasnt any of that. My logic was not the same as his. We would never meet eye to eye. It was a simple fact: one which I had known since I was born but never really embraced. But being in this ne and having it suppressed from me kept away from me then speaking to Lily, I finally realized it in its whole truth.
I am a Demon.
No. I dont mean ept me or this. Whatever this is. No I mean will you ept me?
Stephen couldnt help but cock a brow at the odd questioning from the silver-haired woman. She took a step forward, golden eyes shing in the moonlight. Then she let her scythe disappear and grabbed something from her neck.
He frowned as she tossed aside an object. It looked like a Ne of Obfuscation. Has she been hiding her level this whole time? he thought, grabbing for his sickle. But no. His [Identification] worked on her the same, revealing the same level as before.
Only one thing changed about it and that was her ss. She wasnt a [Rogue], she was a
[Mage Lvl. 68]
A [Mage]...? But that wasnt right either. The ss stayed static for a moment before fizzling like a haze spell had been cast in his mind. The words almost grew muddled, shifting changing.
[Mage - Lvl. 68]
Squinting, Stephen tried to identify her once more. And again, he got a different result.
[Changeling - Lvl. 68]
It was less misshapen now. Almost fully formed. He identified her onest time as pops resounded, like powerful firecrackers going off at a cial pace.
[Changeling Lvl. 68]
His eyes grew wide as he realized what it told him. He had focused too much on his [Identification]; he didnt even realize the silver-haired woman was transforming into a silver-haired beast.
No not a beast. A Demon.
Therge,nky Demon straightened. Her spine rippled with cracks, forming tiny bumps lining up the surface of her back. She ced her two wed hands on the ground, each palmrge enough to fit the mans head whole.
Dozens of sharp teeth revealed themselves in the skull-like face of the Demon. It stared down at him with two gleaming eyes. An almost hoarse but eerily soft voice broke Stephen from his stupor. It spoke a single word.
Well?
Stephen drew his sickle and aimed it at the Demon.
Kill it!
Thought so.
The words came from it like an angry growl. Stephen had meant to back away from the Demon, assess the situation and its power. But as he blinked in and out of existence, heshed out, [sh Step] carrying him a dozen paces forward. He wasnt sure why he had no control over his body. Just that he swung the de down vertically, only to slice through air.
He stumbled forward, confusion and fear striking into him. He realized that the Demon was now behind him, its body wreathed in mes. Like a beast of fire.
It streaked its ws against Stephens back. He cried out in pain as blood sttered on the cool ground. The tinum Rank adventurer whirled around, striking for the Demons neck
And it was like his sickle struck stone. Its tip was lightly touching the Demons skin, not even leaving behind a small cut. It grinned, and the fire around its body zed furiously. It seemed to gather around her neck, close to his hand.
It burned him, causing him to drop his weapon and cry out in pain. And yet, somethingpelled him to strike it, even without a weapon as his arms burned with each strike, he attacked it. Why am I doing this Whats going on?! Just as he thought the Demon was going to bite his head off, an assassin appeared behind it and plunged a dagger through its spine.
This time, the attack seemed to work. Stephen wasnt sure why it did, but it gave him the reprieve he needed to back away. He was suddenly able to move on his own. But his still panic-filled mind did not consider the possibility of a Demon using artifacts. Why would it?
The Demon grabbed the assassin, its entire form blurring as it threw him off its back. Then another assassin came, and it tore through her easily. Stephen watched as her body was sheared in half, exploding into a pile of guts and gore.
He stared at the corpse on the ground, at his burned hand and the wed mark dragged across his back, then at the Demon tearing up two more assassins as they approached it. And he made the only logical decision he could.
Stephen ran.
He made a mad dash straight for the temple. Perhaps he could try to escape into the alleyways and side streets to get away from the Demon. But it was somehow faster than him. It would track him down and kill him easily.
So, he continued his path of escape, heading to where he could find reinforcements. He paused only for a moment to look at Edithe. The red-haired woman was lying helplessly on the ground, staring just as he did at the bloodbath happening before her. He could have taken her as a hostage. But what kind of an idiot tried to use a hostage against a Demon?!
Winding down the hallways of the Sanctum of Elements, Stephen desperately hoped he would find some [Priests]. They were specialized in dealing with Demons. They should have been. But when he reached the sleeping quarters of the temple, he realized he wouldnt be able to get their help until dawn.
The entire section was sealed off. A powerful magic that he could not undo was there, blocking him from his only hope. Soft footfalls echoed behind Stephen as a shadow passed through his peripheral vision.
He spun around in a panic and continued running, [sh Step] carrying him as fast as he could away from the pursuing Demon. Stephen turned corner after corner, hearing the footsteps disappear and fade into the distance.
Slowing to a stop, relief and air filled the mans lungs before he heard some voicesing from a nearby chamber. Stephen hurried over to find five assassins some of those he had left behind at the temple keep an eye on William there.
He opened his mouth, ready to give them orders to hunt the Demon down. But he paused. They looked tired. Coated in sweat. Why were they exhausted from just standing around
And the Demon bounded out of the darkness, tearing a head off. The assassins instantly tried to scatter, one of them fruitlessly attacking the Demon only to be easily ripped apart. Stephen stumbled back as its form zipped through the darkness, glowing even brighter than before with brilliant, blue mes.
Another assassin fell. Then its attention turned to him. A series of [sh Steps] carried him straight past a fleeing assassin. Stephen shoved the coward back towards the Demon, shouting.
What are you doing? Kill it!
The poor woman stared at him for a moment, shocked by his order. He didnt expect her to actually stop the Demon she was only Level 42, after all. He just wanted her to slow it.
And she did. For only a moment. Then the Demon was on him again.
Stephens legs carried him as fast as he could through thebyrinth that suddenly was the Sanctum of Elements. No matter where he went, no matter where he hid, the Demon would always find him.
Red liquid sprayed across the ground as he watched thest of his assassins fall to the Demon. Only he was left for it to hunt down. He spun and ran again. Fleeing from the monster he had set upon himself.
I have to get help! Stephen thought as he raced through the temple. I have to get the city guards!
Stephen ran down thest of the hallways until he saw light up ahead, filling the shape of a doorway. It was the front entrance of the temple. The one that led to the city square. Surely there would be someone there to help him!
If he could get the city against this Demon, he would be safe!
A burning pair of chains wrapped around Stephens legs, tying them together and forcing his face to the ground. He tried to pick himself up and scramble forward, but the chains dragged him further back down the tunnel.
Stephen fought helplessly until he came face to face with a terrifying maw. The Demon stared down at him, teeth bared menacingly. An almost cruel grin spread across its face. Stephen whimpered as he threw a punch. He had used up all his mana and could no longer use [sh Step] or half his Skills.
This single [Quick Attack] was all that he could do. It rocked the Demons head back. Only for it to grasp his hands and m them down, digging deep into his skin with its ws. Its mouth opened, stopping just inches from his face as he closed his eyes and leaned back.
P-please... d-dont eat me!
He squeaked. The Demon paused, staring at him curiously. Then a grumbling escaped its lips. Augh?
Im not going to eat you.
It spoke, shaking its head. Stephen almost sagged in relief until he felt a sharp pain run through hisher region. Warm liquid spilled from his waist as he realized the Demons ws were wrapped around his most delicate parts.
Im going to do something even worse.
No
It pulled, and he screamed. He screamed and iled his arms, crying out in pain. For somebody to save him. But no one came.
No one from the city square heard his death. Why would they? It was empty, after all. Apany war was ongoing, and no one wanted to be caught in the crossfire.
Defeated [Dual ded Rogue Lvl. 54]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Vanish Spellsickle - Lvl. 81]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption Lvl. 4] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] Level Up!
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form Lvl. 2] -> [Racial Skill: Mortal Form Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 68] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 69]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 69] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 70]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!
[Midday Changeling Lvl. 70] -> [Midday Changeling Lvl. 71]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon]
Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] Lvl. 71
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] Lvl. 5
[Identification] Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] Lvl. 3
[Rest] Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 70 (+5)
[Strength]: 43 (+5) (+2)
[Endurance]: 65 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 98 (+5)
[Agility]: 150 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Advanced Fire Creation] Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Charge of Embers] Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Strike] Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Ignition] Lvl. 5 (Maxed)
[Scorching Wave] Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive Blue mes] Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive Deadly Instincts] Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive Weapon Mastery] Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Evolution Avable]
Species Evolution:
[Greater Demon] -> [Greater Demon of Pride]
Requirements for four Subspecies evolutions have been met!
Subspecies Evolution:
[Asura Changeling]
An [Asura Changeling] is a [Changeling] that lives amongst Spirits and mortals as friends. A mortal at day and a Demon at night, they appreciate the wonders of a different ne but still hold pride in what they are.
+5 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Agility]
[Serguthy Balruq]
A [Serguthy Balruq] is a [Balruq] thatmands mastery over mes. Nothing can stop their fury once enraged. They will incinerate everything, leaving less than ashes in their wake.
+15 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Agility]
[Fiendish Duke of Belial]
A [Fiendish Duke of Belial] is a [Fiend] thatmands pride and respect from their minions. They show power through strength, paying kindness to their allies tenfold, while repaying cruelty to their enemies a hundredfold.
+15 to [Strength]
+8 to [Vitality]
+2 to [Endurance]
Bonus: 50% of [Wisdom] is permanently removed and added to [Endurance].
[Lamael Subus]
A [Lamael Subus] is a fiery [Subus] that emphasizes passion over wit. Their fire magic zes like an inferno, burning their problems into ashes as they see fit. Their control over their biology is less than a [Subus].
+10 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Endurance]
+5 to [Vitality]
+3 to [Strength]
I paused, getting up from the bloodied corpse at my feet. I considered all the options, cocking my head.
Huh, well thats an obvious choice.
Evolution Complete!
[Greater Demon] -> [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies [Midday Changeling] -> [Asura Changeling]
Gained 20 Stat Points!
[Vitality] +5
[Strength] +5
[Endurance] +5
[Wisdom] +5
[Agility] +5
Gained 2 Skill Slots!
Gained 6 Skill Points!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] Obtained!
Skill [Charge of Embers] bes [me Burst]!
Skill [Fire Strike] bes [Barrage of Cinders]!
Skill [Ignition] bes [Ember Core]!
Skill [Passive Deadly Instincts] bes [Passive A Hunters Sense]!
Skill [ming Breath] is now avable.
Skill [Horrors re] is now avable.
Skill [Intimidation] is now avable.
Skill [Radiant sh] is now avable.
Skill [Passive Keen Eye] is now avable.
Skill [Passive Refined Casting] is now avable.
Chapter 100: Contract (End of Book 2)
Chapter 100: Contract (End of Book 2)
100. Contract
The carriage rushed through the winding road under shelter from the treetops. It was dawn. And Daniel was certain that he would not have made it to Viechester before Salvos.
Unless she had gotten lost, of course. Which was a very likely scenario. But with Edithe and Rachel involved, he was certain she would at least try and take this seriously. She could be extremelypetent outside of just fighting if she wanted to that was what he observed.
Regardless, Daniel didnt enjoy the trip in the carriage. Sure, it was the fastest way for him to arrive in the city walking would have taken him far too long but spending the trip with someone he considered to be his ex? No, that wasnt right. Captor was a better term. Suffice to say, it made him a little bit ufortable.
Faiths eyes glossed over the blur of brown and green passing through the window. She had tried instigating conversation with him at the start of the ride, but when he made it clear he wasnt going to talk to her, she resigned herself to watching the scenery breeze past. That made Daniel feel both better and worse.
He felt better that he didnt actually have to talk to the princess. But he felt worse because he couldnt help but feel bad for her if she wasnt just acting like she had in the past. Still, no amount of pity would drive him to voluntarily converse with her. So, the two sat in silence until finally the carriage came to a stop.
Weve arrived.
Her soft voice broke Daniel out of his thoughts. He watched the door swing open and the princess gesture at it to him. Eyeing her warily, Daniel wasnt sure why she was staying seated. Didnt courtly manners dictate that it was polite to let ady go first?
He realized a momentter the reason why.
Im not staying in this city, Daniel.
...I didnt ask.
You looked like you wanted to.
Faith let out a smallugh, leaning back into her seat as her posture rxed. Daniel stood up and started out of the coach. She spoke out once more.
Ill be returning to my country now. Are you certain there is nothing I can do to bring you back?
The [Hero] didnt even pause before replying.
No. Theres nothing you can do.
Sighing, Faith cast her gaze back towards the window and ran a hand along its gilded edges.
I see. Then I wish you all the best with saving your friends.
That was all she said before the door closed. Daniel waited for a moment for the carriage to leave. He saw Faith disappear into the distance. Her retinue of guards were following her on horseback. Only three of the riders remained.
Jaakko, Helen, and Zack.
We were only paid to escort her to you and Salvos. Our contract with her is finished. We shall stay in Viechester until we find another job.
The Cyclops spoke simply, offering the information willingly. Daniel gave him a nod.
Right, Ill try and find Salvos. See if shes done anything reckless in this war.
Im sure she has.
Snorting, Zack winced as Helen jabbed him in the side.
Tell us if you find her, alright?
I will.
Daniel parted ways with the three Gold Ranks, walking through the mostly empty city of Viechester. Its streets which had once been so full of life with dozens of performers drawing in the attention of small crowds, with vendors which sold delicious smelling food, and just with people busying about their day had be a ghost town.
The city was in lockdown no, not a mandated lockdown by the citys mayor. It was an unofficial announcement that citizens should remain indoors for their own safety. Apany war was something entirely out of the local governments hands. The city guards could deal with Gold Rank threats at most. The fact that thispany war involved hundreds of Silvers and Golds, dozens of tinums, and even Diamonds left it entirely out of their hands to intervene, even if they wanted to.
Thest time tworgepanies fought had been between the Forsaken Company and Remembered Order Company. Two of the Three Honorable Companies. Not only did their squabbling over resources greatly weaken their fighting strength just before the most recent Kobold invasion which resulted in what had once been the Grand Eastern Empires copse into the dozens of small kingdoms it was today, but the attempted intervention by the Vaun Qieur Empire to stop thepany war resulted in many of their top generals dead.
It was not a fun time, essentially.
Which made Daniel question why the Iron Champions Company pushed so hard for war against the Valiant Dreamers despite all the possible consequences for everything. There had to be a reason beyond just revenge for all the petty back and forths between the two in the past. Whatever that reason was, however, eluded him entirely. And it seemed that the Iron Champions ploy failed.
Daniel found himself walking through a street littered with corpses. It was nowhere near as bloody as the first battle he had ever found himself in one which involved thousands ofbatants on both sides but he still found the sight to be gruesome.
Dozens of maybe even over a hundred adventurers had been in just outside of the Valiant Dreamers headquarters. The casualties came from both sides; the Iron Champions Company ostensibly taking up arger share of the dead.
Adventurers Daniel recognized belonging to the Valiant Dreamers were cleaning up the dead. After only a single night, victory had been achieved the siege was broken.
Hadrian was having a discussion with Baris and a few others right next to the broken gates of the headquarters. They were tabting the deaths, trying to figure who survived and who did not from the long night.
...in total, 8 of our tinums were killed, 37 Golds or almost a dozen teams, and over a hundred Silvers. Thatspared to 6 of their tinums, 53 of their Golds, and also over a hundred of their Silvers. 84 assassins have been counted among their dead. About two-thirds of the total number we estimated they brought. Most of them were low leveled.
So many deaths and for what?
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company had a grim look on his face. He clenched his fist as his father took over the conversation, almost drawing himself to the side. Daniel saw this opportunity to approach him.
Hadrian.
You
The blond man turned and blinked at him.
Uh Daniel, right?
Yeah. Have you seen my friend Salvos? Silver hair, wearing a blue jacket? Or maybe Edithe. She was looking for her, I think.
Oh, them. They came back not long ago. Went inside. Not sure where theyre at now.
Daniel nodded and smiled gratefully at him.
Thanks. And sorry that all this had to happen.
The [Hero] truly meant those words, even if he was no longer as disgusted by the sight as he would have been when he first came to this world. The fact that he was desensitized to it was even more infuriating to him than anything else.
But Daniel could only worry now for his friends. He entered the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers, passing by rows of injured bodies lining up the walls. Stopping only once to see Cless be tended to by a [Healing Mage], he continued up the stairs and into the room Rachel and Edithe were staying in.
Nothing.
No one was there. Daniel wanted to head back outside to search for them, but a sudden sense of extreme weariness drew him to the empty bed. His exhaustion of having to deal with Faith, then see the consequences of thepany war drained him of all his energy. And the young man from Earth just slumped over on the mattress.
He rested the back of his hand gently on his forehead, a heavy breath escaping his lips. Thoughts raced through his mind. Concerns which he had never once thought he would ever be worried about. That of war and death. Of heroism and bravery. Of cowardice and survival.
The events of the past few days were heavy. Is Faith actually telling the truth? Will the Valiant Dreamers win thepany war? Is everyone in the Elutra Kingdom really going to be used as a sacrifice?
He didnt want to get involved. He didnt want to be involved. But he was. And it went beyond just that.
What about that Archdemon in the Motharis? What is he going to do with his army? What kind of cmity will he bring if he doese down from the Dungeon?
Daniel was not like Salvos; he considered such possibilities and feltpelled to at least do something about it. Furthermore, he had not enjoyed the multiple near-death experiences during his time in the Brilsum Ruins. It might have been normal for her considering her upbringing, but such events stressed him out.
He shut his eyes as his head hung off the side of the bed. Words escaped his mouth, voicing his inner thoughts for once.
I just want to
Trailing off, Daniel sighed. A voice instantly snapped his eyes open, and he saw a pair of golden eyes staring at him.
You just want to?
Salvos nced up at Daniel from the wooden floor. She was lying down with her arms sprawled wide, a look of confusion on her face.
You didnt finish your sentence. What do you want to do?
Salvos? When did you get in here? What are you what are you doing?
Daniel raised an eyebrow as the Demon shot to her feet.
Nothing! I totally, most definitely wasnt hiding myself while I tried to take a nap like Humans do! Absolutely not!
He did not believe her, but he didntment on it. Because something caught his eye. She looked different.
Then he identified her and realized what had happened.
You evolved?
I did! After I killed Stephen and all those assassins, I reached Level 71, and I got the option to evolve!
So, youre an Archdemon now?
Slowly shifting to a seated position, Daniel regarded the Demon. She shook her head, thumbing a finger at herself excitedly.
Nope! Not yet. But I did get a new, improved Species. Check this out Im now a Greater Demon of Pride!
You are?
Yep! I was shocked at first since I was expecting to get something more like Grand Demon or Super Demon! But instead, I just became a different kind of Greater Demon. But then I realized I really liked it a moment after!
Wait, do you mean to tell me you didnt even get a choice?
No. Why would I?
Salvos gave him a puzzled look; he frowned, crossing his arms.
Thats not right. Are you saying the System I mean, you just became a Greater Demon of Pride against your will?
Shrugging, she took a step forward and sat next to him.
I became a Demon against my will. I was born against my will. Youre a Human against your will. I dont see why it matters.
Daniel scootched slightly away from her, but she leaned forward with round eyes.
So, back to what you were saying what were you saying again?
I was just muttering to myself. It doesnt really matter.
He averted his gaze, uneasily scratching his chin. She eximed.
But it does! You made me curious by talking to yourself in English! And now youre not going to tell me what you meant to say? Thats rude!
Daniel blinked, seeing the pout on the girls face. He sighed.
Thats not what being rude means at all.
Huh.
But I guess I guess I could tell you.
Daniel wasnt sure of what he was saying. But Salvos was not just one of the only people he could speak to about this, knowing that he was from Earth and all. However, she also wouldnt fully grasp his situation. So, it lessened the awkwardness of it all.
I was just feeling unhappy.
He admitted, ncing up at the ceiling.
Unhappy? About what?
Salvos gave him a curious look.
The stress. The pressure. The expectations. Knowing that peoples lives are on the line. That I, as a [Hero], can do something to save them. But I dont. But I cant. But I fail to.
His response did not exactly elucidate anything for her, but before she could open her mouth and interrupt him with questions again, he continued. Words flowed out of his mouth like water from a river.
I had wanted it once. This kind of a life. Being a hero and saving people. I dreamed of such a thing when I was at my lowest. When I felt like my life had no meaning.
Salvos cocked her head, her flowing silver hair swaying to the side. The dam that had clogged up the rushing waters had been broken now it was free to run free.
It was just a silly wish. A desire to escape from reality. I was in college not a good college and my life was going terrible. My grades were bad. I was depressed. All I ever did was spend my time ying video games in my room. But I wasnt always like that. I had been happy once. I had a girlfriend once, you know? Me.
He spilled everything he had been bottling up ever since he came to the Nexeus. The frustrations he felt. The regrets he had from Earth.
You did?
The question was innocent, but it still stung him a little bit.
I mean, it wasnt anything serious. She said it herself that it wasnt serious when we first started dating. And most high school romances do end in break up. But I loved her. She was the only person I truly loved.
What was her name?
Her name was Emily. And she died in an ident towards the end of our senior year just before starting college. That was when I began to lose everything. Lose control of my life. Only now I realize I have so many things back on Earth that I loved. That this world? Being a [Hero]? Its not for me.
Daniel turned to Salvos, not realizing when he had started crying. The tears fell freely down his face, blurring his vision of the girl.
I thought I had everything I had ever wanted when I came here. But now I realize I have nothing. That Faith never loved me. That my ss? Being a [Hero]? It does nothing if Im not actually suited to be a hero. I just want to I just want to
He choked back on his regrets. His desires. Facing the floor, then his palms, he spoke his one wish.
I just want to go home.
And then there was silence; his thoughts finally realized. All that could be heard was his own muffled crying. He didnt know how much time passed. Just that he sat there, head buried in his hands, ovee by sadness.
Then the silence ended. Salvos spoke out, drawing his eyes towards her.
Then lets make a contract.
The words were simple. Straight to the point. Just as she always was. Except, there was something about her voice no, something about her form that was different.
Instead of finding himself face to face with the beautiful woman from before. The enchanting young maiden with piercing golden eyes and flowing silver hair tied into a ponytail. He instead found himself facing a face like a dogs skull. A creature with four wed hands. Flesh like bone. Dozens of piranha-like teeth bared to him.
Daniel would have flinched a few months ago. But he was used to this now. He only spared a nce over at the extra set of arms and the bulkier form.
...what did you say, Salvos?
I said, lets make a contract.
The raspy voice of the Demon came out with crity, showing not a hint of the terrifying creature she appeared to be. But Daniel knew that could change easily.
The two gleaming dots looking down at him curved up, showing a smile that Daniel otherwise would not have picked up.
Youve helped me out a lot, Daniel. In fact, youve already done exactly what you said you would do! I now know the way back to the Netherworld, and its thanks to your help. So, Im going to get a ss, be a [Space Mage], find Haec, then
Salvos rested a hand on the mattress as it pressed down under the weight. She stopped just inches away from Daniels face, finishing with a grin.
Then Ill help you find your way back!
Daniel slowly took this in, not reallyprehending her logic. He rarely did.
But, Salvos, we cant form a contract.
Why not? Demons do it all the time!
You dont have a summoning cor! Or whatever Spirits use to bind them to a master! Without them it wont be a contract, its just words?
Daniel lost himself in his speech. Salvos seemed to see the w in what he was saying too.
Everything Ive seen about Humans revolves around words. You say this gold coin is worth the same as that dagger, and I buy it. I say Ill give you this pendant if you save my daughter, and you save my daughter. Why do these words matter? Anyone can just lie.
Because if you lie, others will stop trusting you. Your words will lose meaning. And if you lie enough times, there may be consequences for it.
Salvos nodded.
Exactly.
She waved a wed finger as she spoke casually.
If I didnt keep my word, you wouldnt trust me. And if you stop trusting me, I lose apanion. Why would I want to do that?
Standing up, she loomed over Daniel and walked in front of him. Light seeping in through the cracks at the window shone behind her as she slowly changed back to a Human. Now, an angel stood before him. One that offered him a deal like the devil.
I, Salvos, Demon of the Netherworld, wish to make a contract with you, Daniel, [Hero] from Earth. That as long as either of us lives, I shall find a way to bring you back to your world. To your home. And for that, you only have a single price to pay.
Daniel hesitated, biting his lower lip to keep himself from giving an immediate answer.
And what is this price, Salvos?
Its simple: even when you go back to Earth, you will never forget me. Salvos. Yourpanion. And you will carry my name with you until you die.
She smiled and put a hand out.
What do you say?
The answer was obvious.
End of Volume 2
Author''s Note:
It is, honestly, demotivating to see my rankings tank constantly from people who are upset that Salvos spends too much time grinding, and from others who are upset that Salvos spends too little time grinding. A lot of my ''good reviews'' are getting downvoted like mad, while the ''bad reviews'' are getting voted up to the top. And if they were actually substantive and constructive bad reviews getting voted, I''d understand. But some of them are just... what? Especially the oneining about Daniel''s screen time... literally, Daniel had less POV time than Edithe, and the entirety of Volume 2 was always rted to what Salvos, her goals, and her desires.
Anyway, my mental health is down the gutter at this point, so if you''re an asshole who can only leave negativements, I don''t care but you''re getting blocked. I had to put up with this bullshit for Ms, and I will not put up with it any longer.
Of course, I am aware that these assholes are the vast minority of my readers. So, to everyone else to all the normal people out there thank you once again for reading. Your support is the only reason why I haven''t just pulled this story for KU where I''ll at least get paid by people who will spew shit my way. Thank you <>
Also, typical plug for patreon, but fun fact, I have the 10% discount for those subscribing for a year open until the end of April. Consider checking my patreon out. I offer 20 chapters ahead for only $5, despite the fact that it would honestly be a lot more financially better for me if I had my patreon rewards mainly centered around the $10 tier. I did the change because I understand a lot of people are struggling financially, especially with today''s climate, so I would rather not charge more than absolutely necessary for what I can offer.
Anyway, check out my patreon here, it offers 10 chapters ahead for my $3 tier, 20 for my $5 tier, side story content for my $10 tier, the chance to contribute to the story for my $15 tier, and the chance to have a character in the story for my $50 tier. There''s a $69 meme tier which has the same rewards as the $50 tier, but it lets you keep a discord role color of your choice permanently, even if you subscribe once.
Also, join my discord and be greeted by my greeter bots!
Volume 3 will be more focused on the monster evolution aspect of the story. Not because of the constantints, but because I had it nned since the very beginning. Thanks for reading!
Consider voting for me on TopWebFiction Salvos | Top Web Fiction
Chapter 101: Consequences (Start of Book 3)
Chapter 101: Consequences (Start of Book 3)
101. Consequences
The night was cold and silent. The ramshackle huty abandoned, forgone to nature. But nature had not reimed this artificial structure; its hollow, echoing quiet was proof it had been lost but found.
A light gust of wind sighed through the trees, the run down wooden door creaked from its pressure. Fire flickered deep within its halls, under the shelter of a staircase leading to a copsed second floor. Huddling around the mes were figures. Small, dark figures dressed in tattered clothing.
They were eating with quiet determination, slurping on their bowls full of a crudely boiled soup. It had begun so well, thiste supper. They had avoided making any noise whatsoever for as long as they could. Until one of them dropped their wooden spoon, feeding the fire by ident.
Laughter ensued. Or garbled sounds that were simr to it. Then the one who had dropped their spoon reached across the firece with their long, thin arms and snatched the spoon of another. A fight broke out.
These hairless, pinkish gray creatures struggled with one another, tumbling across the wooden floorboards. Then they came to a stop by a tall shadow.
The two stared at the creature looming over them. The terrifying four armed Demon that bared its teeth and bent over.
Hi.
I casually greeted them. They stumbled back, drawing their rusted short swords and axes. Noises left their mouth odd, grunting and squeaking noises. These were not words. At least, not to my [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension].
It was like the bark of a dog or the meow of a cat. The roar of an angry beast or the cry of startled man. Taking a step forward, I spread my arms out wide.
Are you four perhaps the Goblins Im looking for?
They didnt answer. They just red up at me. I crossed two of my arms as my other two created swords.
Im only going to give you this one warning: leave this ce and dont return. The Humans here are not happy about how you keep killing them!
The threat was backed by the facts. Each of them were far lower leveled than me; they were Gold Rank, yes. Each of them were around Level 40 or 50. They were marked as low Gold Rank threats or high Silver threats.
Certainly, it was not something I was supposed to be tasked with. I was a tinum Rank after all. And yet, here I was.
Sighing, I shook my head.
I see then.
The Goblins rushed me all at once. The four didnt break out into some kind of a tactical formation; they were not like Human adventurers who would surround me and attack my nk. They simply stabbed at me, despite the fact that I was bigger than them, stronger than them, and higher level than them.
I parried the strikes easily, blocking the attacks with ease. Then my ws sheared through the first Goblin, and the reality of the situation settled into the others.
They backed away from me as I dispelled my own fire weapons. I didnt even need it here. That had been nothing more than to threaten them with. They didnt speak anguage, so I assumed it was fine if I used gestures and objects to convey the message.
But even after I killed the first Goblin, they still didnt understand. One of them let out a garbled war cry. They rushed me, entire body blurring into two as they spun and struck
I grabbed him, it... whatever and tossed him at the stairway. The wood splintered and its foundations copsed, crushing the Goblin entirely. The notifications dinged in my head as I red at the other two.
Yet despite that show of force, they remained undeterred in trying to kill me. Thest two Goblins charged me with all their might. Their screams felt like it shook the entire building. There was a Skill here maybe even multiple working in tandem.
But it didnt stop me from wing through them in an instant.
Well, thats that.
I left the bodies with onest nce before walking out of the hut. Its foundations looked weaker now. Perhaps the fallen staircase was what kept it sturdy even throughout the years it had been abandoned. But now that it was gone, after my battle with the Goblins, it would lead to the entire structures eventual copse in the future.
My body twisted as I passed through the dark trees, heading back to the road Daniel, Edithe, and I agreed to meet in. I arrived at the location now looking like a Human. My silver hair flowed slightly shorter than before, and I stood taller. Literally.
I was as tall as Edithe now. My blue jacket fit me even better than before. It had been given to me by Daniel, so it previously had been too big for me. It still was, but its sleeves no longer covered my hands, and I could actually feel the cool wind of night on my fingertips now.
The red haired woman turned to face me as I arrived. She and Daniel had both been waiting for me. And by the looks on their faces, they probably had been waiting for a while.
Salvos, what took you so why are your clothes slightly torn?
ncing down at myself, I saw that my pants indeed had some holes in it. My shirt was in better shape, and my jacket never ripped as long as I stayed hunched over.
Oops.
Daniel averted his gaze only slightly, scratching his ck hair; apparently the damage done to my clothing was too little for him to be flustered over. Edithe spoke with a frown.
You changed to your Demon form to fight a group of Goblins?
Its not a Demon form. Its my normal form. And yes, I did.
Why would you do that?
The Human woman was not upset. In fact, she regarded me with an inquisitive look more than anything. I opened my palms and shrugged.
I was trying to scare them off.
Did it work out?
Uh
I trailed off and nced between the two of them.
No?
At least you tried, I guess.
Edithe tried to give me a reassuring look, although it ended uping off more as pitiful. She spun around and started down the road, leading the way back to Viechester.
The three of us trudged along the path, our feet grinding against the soft, wet dirt to make a pping sound. It had been raining earlier this afternoon, and it muddied the earth, getting my feet all sticky. My shoes were torn.
I struck up a conversation with the two, asking them about how their end of the mission went.
We exterminated our group of Manticores without a problem. We had to track them down to their nest since they were treating some of the nearby towns as hunting grounds.
You didnt try scaring them off?
I cocked my head and Daniel stared at me.
What about you, didnt you try using your new Skill, [Intimidation] on those Goblins?
I protested, raising my hands defensively.
I havent even chosen any of my new Skills yet! But I dont think thats how [Intimidation] works either!
Well, we certainly havent found any information on such a Skill in any of ourpanys books.
Edithe piped up casually from ahead. I nodded.
Exactly. I dont even know if its good or not! I cant just rece one of my precious Skills with it!
Didnt you gain two new Skills Slots?
Daniel pointed out.
I did! But Im still thinking about it.
And I really was. I had evolved I had broken Level 70 and gotten a new Species, a new Subspecies, and a bunch of new Skills. But despite all that, even after a week had passed, I still remained undecided.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 71
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 3
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 79 (+5) (-5)
[Strength]: 52 (+5) (-5)
[Endurance]: 74 (+5) (-5)
[Wisdom]: 103 (+5) (+5)
[Agility]: 163 (+5) (-5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 7]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 1
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 1
[me Burst] - Lvl. 1
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slots] x2
4 of my Skills had advanced to a better, improved version of themselves. These new Skills were Level 1, and yet they kept most of the advantages of the previous Skills, while opening new opportunities for growth. They were [Ember Core], [me Burst], [Passive - A Hunters Sense], and [Barrage of Cinders].
Again, I had not distributed any of the Skill Points for these them, because I was still ruminating over what other two Skills from my plethora of choices I should add to my repertoire.
[ming Breath], [Horrors re], [Intimidation], [Radiant sh], [Passive - Keen Eye], [Passive - Refined Casting] are all the new Skills I have avable.
Each of them seemed self exnatory. Everything except for [Radiant sh] and [Horrors re]. They were the only ones I could not exactly determine the effects of. Sure, I could extrapte and guess that [Radiant sh] did something simr to Daniels [Heros sh], or [Horrors re] sent some kind of fiery beacon in the air but then why would they be Level 70 Skills?
There had to be more to them than that, and I was certain they would have to have multiple uses.
I was once again mulling over my various Skills and each of their abilities before I bumped into Edithes back. Mypanion turned back to me with a raised brow.
Daydreaming, Salvos? Were already back.
Huh.
My eyes took in the front gate of Viechester; its banclite walls were as white as ever. The anti magic material seemed to dim my vision of the seams of mana in the air. The threads almost looked like they ended on the walls.
Edithe showed herpany pass as well as her Adventurers Guild badge then gestured back at Daniel and I.
Theyre with me.
The guard nodded and let us through, only pausing to take in the state of my clothes. Edithe didnt mind it like she normally would when my clothes were fully torn, so I was assuming they were in decent enough shape for Humans to befortable with and the guard was just wondering what kind of a scuffle I got into that resulted in my appearance.
We made our way to the Adventurers Guild and submitted our contracts. The receptionist over at the counter blinked, looking me over with wide eyes.
Oh, uh, the extermination job assigned with a low Gold Rank level of threat has beenpleted by the tinum Rank adventurer, Salvos. Your reward will be brought out for you shortly, Just, uh, wait in the lobby for a little bit and one of my colleagues will be out shortly.
I nodded gratefully and took my receipt back to the table Edithe and Daniel were seated. They had turned in their job separately from me, since we had taken two different jobs. Both of them were done on behalf of the Valiant Dreamers Company, despite the fact that I was an independent adventurer.
Beaming my way to the table, I plopped myself to the chair across from my twopanions.
You look happy, Salvos.
Edithe observed as she sipped from a mug of ale. Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and exined.
Shes been excited all week. Everyone treats her differently now that shes a tinum. Sheined for days about how the receptionists and adventurers in this guild were dismissive of her for her levels when we first came here. Now, shes being all smug about it.
Im taking pride in my achievements.
I corrected him with a wave of the finger. Raising my chin, I watched the world around me lower itself before my very presence.
They thought I was nothing but a rock before, but now look at the way they stare at me.
And sure enough, a few adventurers were casting nces my way. They were looking at me out of the corner of their eyes, whispering and pointing. Unfortunately however, most of their focus was fixed on Edithe.
...from the Valiant Dreamers Company
...thepany war
...bastards are too busy fighting amongst themselves theyve increased the burden on all of us
They said less than kind things which made Edithe wince every time she heard them. Frowning, I stood up and approached the closest group of gossipers. They were low Gold Ranks at around Level 45. The group paused their talking and faced me.
Hey.
Uh, can we help you Miss
I jammed fire dagger down on the center of their table and they jumped. The wooden board snapped in half from the impact and I let the weapon disappear.
Stop talking bad about mypanion.
The men stared at me. One of them opened their mouth and stood up.
Oi you
He started but was cut off by another who pushed him back to his seat. The second man hurriedly bowed his head and spoke apologetically.
Apologies Miss
I didnt respond. I simply crossed my arms and looked at him. He hesitated, before finally continuing.
We didnt mean to insult your friend
My
Uh, right. We were onlyining about the situation were in because of thepany war. The situation is hard on all of us, yes?
I shook my head and turned around. My eyes scanned over the crowd of adventurers in the guild. Some of them had their hands on their weapons, but most of them were just eyeing me warily.
I dont care. But if anyone here talks bad about Edithe again, I will give you reason to talk bad about me instead.
With that said, I sat back down with mypanions. I murmured under my breath as I instinctively reached for a ss to drink from.
Honestly, sometimes Humans are so
I spat out the liquid and grimaced.
Gross.
That was a habit I probably should not try to keep; I had been pretending to drink and eat since I had to be around Humans all the time, but it was starting to seep into my reflexes.
There was a light cough and I nced up. Edithe shifted ufortably in her seat as her face burned.
Thank you, uh, Salvos. But that wasnt really necessary.
It was!
I spoke simply.
These people have been bad mouthing you all week now. Theyre mad because the Valiant Dreamers Company can no longer help them take care of their stupid problems. But who asked them to be so weak in the first ce?
But
Ill have to agree with Salvos, Edithe.
Daniel added from the side.
Youre one of the few Gold Ranks from the Valiant Dreamers who are actively trying to aid the guild and local adventurers by taking up their excess jobs for them. And its not like its your fault the Valiant Dreamers are now wrapped up in this stupid war with the Iron Champions Company.
Edithe chewed on her lower lip as Daniel rested a hand on her shoulder.
Dont let them get you down. And let us stand up for you.
Yep! Ill beat up any stupid Human who says any mean thing about you!
I grinned and flexed an arm. Unfortunately, it did not look as terrifying as it would if I were not in my Human form. Especially since I only had two arms now. Four arms are great. I remember when I used to have over a dozen limbs
My nostalgia was interrupted by Edithe suddenly standing up. She nodded at us quickly,
Right. Thanks. Both of you. But I think we should be heading back now. Before Rachel gets worried.
Starting out of the guild, Edithe almost left us behind as Daniel and I exchanged a nce. We both followed her, keeping a short distance behind the red haired woman. We had tried cheering her up to no avail.
I nudged Daniel.
This is your fault! You shouldnt have brought up how shes stuck taking care of dumb missions while herpanions are busy with thepany war!
Me? What about you! You shouldnt have made a scene in the first ce!
We spoke in hushed whispers, but the Gold Rank adventurer somehow heard us.
Guys.
She turned around, giving us a pained smile.
Its alright. You dont have to worry so much over me.
I blinked then pointed an using finger at Daniel.
Its his fault!
He red at me while Edithe shook her head.
Its neither of your faults. Would I prefer to be fighting alongside the other dreamers, against those assholes who killed Paige? Yes. Would I prefer if everyone in the Adventurers Guild didnt look at me with such animosity and hate? Yes. But its my own fault that Im in this situation.
Mypanion, the red haired woman named Edithe, sighed as she spun back around. Her gaze turned towards the starry night sky, her voice vulnerable and quiet.
Its my own fault I cant help them. After all, I am a [Summoner] who can no longer summon.
Chapter 102: An Offer
Chapter 102: An Offer
102. An Offer
Its my own fault I cant help them. After all, I am a [Summoner] who can no longer summon.
My heart sank as Edithe said those words; not only was mypanion no longer able to utilize her most important skill set in battle, she also couldnt use half of her ss Skills. She had broken her contract with Mistshard. She ended the contract against the [Elemental]s will, and as a result, she would not be able to summon a Spirit again.
And now Druma and Mistshard were gone. The two could no longer be called by Edithe. Knowing that had hurt me too, but I focused on what was in front of me first. My eyes sharpened as I stared at Edithe.
Its not your fault. You were doing what you thought was best.
I did. But once again, I was wrong.
She raised her towards the stars, her eyes longingly searching the twinkling balls of light for something. Anything. I saw this, and I felt sad.
I was wrong, just like how I was wrong about you, Salvos. Just like how I was wrong about facing Lucerna. Sometimes Im just a bit of an idiot, huh?
I felt my fist tighten into a ball and I shook my head.
No.
Edithe nced over at me, blinking.
Its fine, Salvos, I
It still isnt your fault. And its ok to be wrong. I have been wrong before too! When Haec warned me about the Demon Kings Domain. I should have listened. We shouldnt have wandered in. Because of my insistence, were separated. But its not my fault, just like it isnt yours.
What do you mean?
I waved my hands, exasperated.
The world is just unfair. Thats all that is. If it wasnt, I would be a wild Demon. Or Id be dead, like the others.
Taking a deep breath, I solemnly lowered my hands and spoke slowly.
It is what it is.
Mypanion stared at me, eyes wide. We stood in silence for a moment, neither saying anything. Until finally, my other look.
Even if shes stating the obvious like it was some kind of profound statement.
Hey!
Sputtering, I shook a fist.
It makes sense to me!
It does. And thats why Im saying, Edithe, Salvos and I arent just going to let others put you down, especially when youre already down on the ground and hurt. Well help you up. As Salvos would say, werepanions, right?
Edithe slowly nodded.
Right.
I walked up to Edithe and hugged her. She took a step back, caught off guard. Then I pulled myself away from her, sping my hands behind my back.
And even if you cant summon, even if youre weak now, that just means you can only get stronger. Well help you get there. Well help you level up. Get you a ss advancement that suits your situation.
Her gaze was fixed on me, confusion evident. But I met it back with a look of determination. Then a small smile spread across her lips.
Thank you, Salvos, Daniel.
I beamed, d to see that she was now feeling better. Taking the lead, I marched forward triumphantly.
Then lets go back to Rachel! I want to y with her!
Daniel and Edithe paused. They stared at me judgingly. I blinked and took a defensive step back.
W-what?!
Nothing.
The two spoke at the same time. Despite saying that however, Daniel muttered a snidement under his breath after.
Shes so childish.
Hey! I heard that!
I know.
--
The three of us returned to the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company soon after. It was not as busy as it had been when I first came here back then, adventurers filled the halls, chatting with lively spirit. Only two Golds had been guarding the entrance, and even that was considered unusual due to the circumstances at the time.
Now, a team of Gold and two teams of Silvers stood on watch. The barrier which surrounded the structure was far stronger I could tell how much more delicately woven the threads of mana forming it was. My better mastery of magic and the arcane let me see it. Maybe I wouldnt have noticed a difference had I not trained my mana refinement over thest few months.
We were let through and entered the building; most of the adventurers here recognized Daniel and I by now. Only Edithe was a member of thepany. Since we were with her anyway, we wouldnt have had problems getting in.
The moment we reached Edithes room, Rachel burst out of the door and buried herself into my legs. The little girl stared up at me with her round, amber eyes. I ruffled her brown hair as the look she gave me drew my lips into a smile.
Were back!
What took you guys so long! You said you would be back before the sun set!
I nced past her, out of the window in the room. The sun hung low on the horizon, giving a vibrant, orange tinge in the sky that stood in stark contrast to the dark blue drapes folded to the side of the picture-esque sight.
But the sun hasnt set yet.
I pointed out. Rachel shook her head defiantly and hugged me harder.
Well, it almost did!
Edithe chuckled and pulled Rachel away from me. Holding the girl in her arms, the red haired woman grinned.
How have you been, Rachel? Youre supposed to be focusing on studying.
I have! Its just that I got a little worried thats all.
Rachel pouted as Edithe gave her a dubious look. I raised a brow.
Studying?
Yeah, shes been interested in picking up a ss soon. She wants to be an adventurer and a princess, but thats not going to happen so Ive been giving her books to read and prepare herself for the adventuring life.
Plopping Rachel back on the ground, Edithe faced me. Daniel narrowed his eyes and spoke with a frown.
Youre just letting her be an adventurer? Isnt that dangerous?
If thats what she wants to do, I cant stop her. Besides, Im not just leaving her alone to fight giant rats or something. Im having her read books. And for anything else thats even remotely practical, Ive asked Sophia to tutor her.
And Rachel has been doing an excellent job of learning.
Another voice spoke out. It didnte from me, Daniel, or Edithe. It came from down the hallway. A young Human woman with brown hair tied into a bun turned the corner, her hands dug into her pockets, and a bow hung around her back.
Theres no need to worry too much, as long as she isnt getting herself into dangerous situations. In fact, I think its better for children who want to be adventurers to be educated about it, so they can actually decide when theyre older if its the path they want or not.
Sophia!
I eximed, looking her over. Rachel shied back behind Edithe and Daniel, although she didnt exactly seem to regard the young woman the same way as she would a stranger.
Hi, uh, Salovs, Daniel.
Sophia greeted us both hesitantly for some reason. I grinned and pointed a finger at myself.
Thats me! And I havent seen you all week!
I had only spoken to her briefly when I returned to Viechester. And it was only because I was searching for Rachel after I had saved Edithe. Sophia was an odd Human though and the way she acted reflected that!
Ive been a bit busy. Not as busy as the others since Im not the best at fighting. But Ive still been doing jobs for thepany.
Yep! Ive been helping out too!
Right, thats actually why Im here.
I cocked my head as Sophia exined.
Hadrian asked me to find you and Daniel when you two came back. He wants to speak with the both of you.
Daniel and I exchanged a nce.
What does he need us for?
I dont know. Just said toe talk to him when you have the time. Hes in his office upstairs.
Alright then!
I obligingly started for the stairs, followed by Daniel. Rachel tried following me, but was once again scooped up by Edithe.
Oh no you dont. You and I will be doing some reading.
Aw
I could only spare Rachel one look of sympathy before I rounded the corner. Daniel and I made our way through the corridor until we reached Hadrians office.
What do you think he wants with us?
Mypanion asked. I shrugged.
Dont know. Lets find out.
Knocking on the door, I waited for Hadrians voice to call out beforeing in. His office was arge room that was rather minimalist. I had expected his office to have a lot of books lining its walls like a library, but instead he simply had a desk in the center with arge open space for training.
Is this a training room or an office?
I curiously looked around. Hadrianughed.
Its a bit of both, actually. How are you doing, Salvos, Daniel? Been doing good, I hope?
We nodded as we stopped right before his desk. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company stared at us with his piercing blue eyes. Running a hand through his silky, blonde hair, he gestured at the two chairs in front of us.
Please, take a seat.
Did you want to speak with us, Hadrian?
I asked, raising a hand. He faced me and winked my way.
Well, I wouldve preferred to just speak with you
Daniel scowled for whatever reason. But Hadrian steeled himself and wore a more serious face.
But this matter is in regards to both of you.
ncing over at mypanion for any hint on what this could be, all I found was a seething Human man. I turned back to Hadrian as he began.
As you can tell, ourpany has been very busy recently. Not only are we low on members after the events ofst week, but were still embroiled in a pointlesspany war, trying to force the Iron Champions Company out of the region. Our allies have begun offering us their support Silvers are being sent to help with keeping the monster poption around Viechester from running wild, and some Golds are evening to aid us directly in the war.
He leaned forward in his seat and rested his elbows on the wooden desk.
But the Iron Champions have their own allies too. Support from noble families which are in the Sunmere Republic. We have groups backing us, yes. But were in the unfortunate situation where our sphere of influence cant spread as far as wed like since we share the same country as the Rising Veterans, one of the Three Honorable Companies. Im not saying this puts us in a terribly disadvantageous position, but it is a disadvantage. Even if a minor one.
Huh.
Tapping a finger lightly on my chin, I listened to the Human man speak. He took a deep breath and I piped up.
So, yourpany is in a bad spot. But we already knew that.
Not a bad spot. Im sure the Iron Champions Company faces simr issues and dilemmas as us. Nopany or even a country goes to a war andes out of it unscathed. Were just facing problems that are typical of apany war. And wed like any advantage we can get.
That was certainly true; if I was going to a Dungeon, I would stock up on healing potions, mana potions, and stamina potions so I would lower the risks of losing a fight and dying.
Hadrian broke me out from my thoughts.
Salvos. Daniel.
He sped his hands together, addressing both of us. Daniel was no longer upset; we turned to face Hadrian as he held our gaze.
Both of your presence have been a massive boon to ourpany. You have not only helped us in getting our highest leveled [Alchemist], Gabriel, back when we were in a tight spot, but youve also saved the lives of some of our best members. And now, youre working on behalf of the Valiant Dreamers Company to deal with the excess monster hunting jobs that our members can no longer handle.
Well, were only doing it because were helping Edithe
Daniel nudged me, cutting me off.
Let Hadrian finish. I think hes going somewhere with this.
I blinked and slowly nodded. Hadrian gave Daniel a grateful look then spoke softly.
I would like to formally offer both of you, Salvos and Daniel, the opportunity to join the Valiant Dreamers Company as a dreamer. You have both proven yourselves to uphold the values we preach, and you have aided us greatly before. If you ept, we will give you ess to not only all the resources and contacts we have, and you dont have to pay a thing. This is why I called you here.
Wait
I stared at Hadrian.
Really?
Yes, really.
Huh.
Crossing my arms, I turned to Daniel.
What do we do?
Personally, I dont mind either way. So, its up to you, Salvos.
I frowned; the question posed to me was a little sudden. Hadrian smiled gently and waved a hand.
Take your time. And be honest with yourself. Dont feel obligated to ept it for any reason whatsoever.
It was true that the Valiant Dreamers Company had been good to me. They had protected Rachel as they promised, and Edithee was in thepany too! If I joined them, they would have given me ess to a plethora of things I never would have ess to otherwise too!
It definitely seemed like there were no downsides to joining thepany. So, I felt my lips curl up as I looked up to face Hadrian. A smile spread across my face as I cheerfully gave my answer.
Nope! We refuse!
Chapter 103: Compromising!
Chapter 103: Compromising!
103. Compromising!
Nope! We refuse!
I happily gave my response to Hadrians offer. The blonde man stared at me for a moment, blinking. Then he leaned back on his chair and sighed.
Thought so.
Strumming his fingers on the desk, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company wore a resigned face.
Is there any reason in particr why you dont want to join us? Anything we can do to convince you?
I paused, tilting my head up to the ceiling. A few thoughts came to mind; but it was nothing Daniel would approve. The reason why I had rejected Hadrian was simple: the Valiant Dreamers Company would never ept me in the first ce.
It was the exact same reason why I refused Stephens offer the Iron Champions Company only saw me as a resource. While I doubted the Valiant Dreamers Company would see me the same way, the fact remained they wouldnt actually see me as me. They would see the false skin I bore and assumed that was Salvos.
When in fact, I was a Demon.
I would only join them if and only if I revealed the real Salvos to Hadrian. But judging by the look on Daniels face, that was not an option. So, I shrugged.
There are many reasons! And there are some things you can do to change my mind.
That is?
Hadrian gave me an expectant look. I crossed my arms and sunk into my chair.
Its a secret!
He narrowed his eyes not suspiciously, but with more curiosity than anything. Then heughed.
Well, I guess there goes our two [Heroes].
Daniel visibly flinched from the remark, however he and I both knew Hadrian did not actually think we were [Heroes]. It was one of those things Humans said but didnt mean in a literal sense.
Yep. Sorry! Well help out where we can though!
I offered an apologetic smile. Then I beamed and raised my chin.
In fact, Ive already asked one of my friends to help out where she can!
You have?
Saffron Merryster.
I spoke the name with pride. The noble who I had met and escorted briefly through Nixa. She had given me her familys crest and told me I could ask for her help if the need ever arose. I had thought this was the perfect situation to call on her aid.
Hadrian frowned.
Who?
I deted.
Uh a daughter of the Merryster family?
...
A Dukedom in Nixa!
I sputtered, waving my hands insistently.
Have you really never heard of her?
I cant say I have. But Im not too well versed in politics. My dad deals with that for me.
I stood up and ced both my hands on the table. I held Hadrians gaze, speaking earnestly.
Well, shes a noble! A very powerful noble! Im sure shell be able to help!
Hadrian looked at me for a moment, studying my face. Then he stood up and smiled. He ced a hand on my shoulder and spoke gratefully.
Thank you, Salvos. For your assistance thus far.
Then he closed his eyes and bowed his head.
However, I implore you, could you please listen to onest request we have?
I nced back at Daniel and we exchanged a look. We had been helping with the Valiant Dreamers Company thus far, it really couldnt hurt to help them out a little bit more.
Sure?
Hadrian let out a relieved breath.
I ensure you will properly be reimbursed for this. Its not that difficult, but
Wait.
My voice came out sharp, cutting off his words before he could finish. Tapping a finger on my chin, I had a thought.
We dont need gold.
Salvos, what are you saying?
Daniel piped up in a hurry behind me; he quietly whispered my way.
We have barely any money right now! Everything we made from the Motharis was spent on stocking back up on potions and enchantments!
There had been a few artifacts we took from the Brilsum Ruins that were worth selling. And after we had appraised it and got our gold for it, we proceeded to spend our money all on other kinds of artifacts. One of them was my brand new gold bracelet!
It looked fancy and had jewels sticking out of it. It was perfect for battling Humans in their social field! I could use it to better convince them that I was a Princess, since princesses were very well dressed!
Shaking my head, I raised a finger at Daniel.
Thats exactly why we dont need any more gold.
But but
He was baffled unable toe up with a riposte. Having triumphantly beaten him in this social battle, I shifted my focus back to Hadrian with a jingle of my bracelet.
Hadrian, we dont need payment in gold or anything like that. But we want something else.
That depends. What exactly is it you want?
Looking at me with a puzzled face, Hadrian waited for me to continue. I lightly pped my hands together and smiled.
We want Edithe!
--
Daniel, Edithe, and I said our goodbyes to Rachel the next morning and started our way towards our destination. We were headed for a town just east of Viechester it was called Lulica. They had been dealing with a bandit problem for the past few weeks, although it never amounted to enough to warrant the Adventurer Guilds attention.
But apparently, that was only because of fear of some kind of repercussion from the tinum Ranks in Viechester. Because now, with most of the Valiant Dreamer adventurers busy with thepany war and the unaffiliated adventurers overworked, these bandits hade out in full force and began attacking travelers and carrying out kidnappings for ransom.
They werent even low level too they were said to be around Gold Rank, and their numbers were unknown. So, it was up to the three of us to deal with this threat before we could finally leave Viechester.
But why are we leaving Viechester, Salvos? Whats this deal you made with Hadrian? I dont I dont understand.
Edithe spoke in a worried tone. I grinned back at her and gave her a thumbs up.
I told you, were going to get you stronger first! Daniel and I will get you to Level 70, just you wait.
But I cant even
Youll be fighting at a disadvantage, yes. Which is why we should start leveling you as fast as possible from now!
I eximed excitedly. I could feel something stirring up inside of me; the cup of joy knowing that mypanion was going to be stronger began spilling out into a series of light tippy taps from my feet as I danced around.
Well all be tinum, then Diamond, then Elites together!
While I do agree with that sentiment, I think youre getting a little bit too ahead of yourself there, Salvos.
Daniel added in his usual gloomy self. I waved a hand dismissively and spun to meet Edithes gaze.
Dont worry, once weve got this job over and done with, I promise you well go somewhere else where you can be stronger than ever!
Edithe did not exactly look too enthused, but she slowly nodded.
And where is this ce, Salvos?
I dont think even she knows.
The Human manmented from the side. Ignoring him, I winked back at the red haired woman.
Its a secret. Youll see when you get there.
I had not been idle since returning to Viechester. Sure, I had helped around with the Valiant Dreamers Company with a bunch of things but that didnt include the time I spent at night, awake and with nothing to do.
Ive been doing a lot of reading, you know? And theres so many cool ces you two have never shown me! Well, I need to reach Level 100 as soon as possible too! So, were going to be busy!
I dered as I marched forward. Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce; both of them had the same look of uncertainty on their faces. But neither protested even as we reached Lulica.
The town had a small wooden wall surrounding it, with some guards standing on its battlements. They called out to us, raising their swords, spears, and bows warily our way. A few had wands at the ready, but no spell conjured just yet.
Were adventurers! From Viechester.
I waved a hand at them. Then, shing a badge, I pointed at the gates.
tinum Ranks. Let us through, please!
The guards immediately did as they were told; they opened the city gates and let us through. The captain on duty hurriedly came to greet us.
Adventurers! Are you the ones sent here from the Valiant Dreamers Company? The ones who will help relieve us from this bandit threat?
Thats us!
Waggling his bushy mustache, he let out a deep breath.
Oh thank you. Well give you as much information as we can about them. Please,e to my office.
We followed him to a decorated room with a desk and a few disy cases around the sides. Daniel paused for a moment to inspect a painting, before we began discussing the situation in the city.
For a while now, our city has been dealing with these bandits we thought they were just rogue thugs at first and putting a mp down on their petty crimes and robbery. But when it became clear that it was the same individuals getting away with it over and over again, we knew something was amiss.
You guys didnt call for the Adventurers Guild help then?
Daniel asked, furrowing his brows. The guard captain shook his head.
No. We thought it was just a gang or something a bit more organized than just a few petty criminals. Untilst week when word of thepany war broke out the bandit group revealed themselves and raided the town.
They did?
Narrowing her eyes, Edithe cast a gaze towards the nearby window. I listened intently as the man borated.
It was the whole lot of them. They call themselves the Calhoul Coins. Many of them were Gold Rank in level! My guards could not do anything to stop them! We were ughtered!
They attacked the city and?
I leaned forward, curious about what happened next. The guard captain coughed.
They sacked half of the city. Took many women and children with them. Stole our crops. Our merchants goods. They took everything then left. But they arent gone just yet. Just two days ago, a group of their thugs returned to kidnap more women. Steal more from those who survived the first attack.
I see.
I nodded slowly as he finished. It sounded like a dire situation indeed; I knew Humans didnt like it when their towns and cities were attacked. And the fact that it was attacked twice meant that they were really unhappy about this!
The guard captain bowed his head pleadingly.
Please, adventurers, if theres anything I can do to help you, just ask.
I only have one question.
Daniel finally broke out from his silence. He folded his arms as he addressed the guard captain.
Were you the one who submitted this request for adventurers to the Adventurers Guild?
Blinking, the guard captain slowly shook his head.
I, uh, no. Before I could formally submit a request on behalf of the city, someone else had already done it.
Could you please direct us to him?
Edithe smiled at him. He bobbed his head.
Why of course. Hes a man by the name of Piero. Runs a tavern down in the center of town. Calls it Pieros Bistro.
Got it. Thank you.
Standing up, Edithe started out of the room. Daniel followed behind her and I was a step slower than them. I paused right at the doorway, turning back onest time to wave at the guard captain.
Thanks what was your name again?
Johnathan.
Thats a nice name. Im Salvos! Bye!
The door closed behind us and I realized Daniel and Edithe were already down the street, on their way to the tavern Johnathan pointed out. I quickly caught up to them and cocked my head.
Why the rush? Whats wrong?
The two were acting a bit weird. Edithe hadnt been her usual self the whole week, but this was extra weird. And Daniel was always weird, but now he was weird in a non Human weird way!
Mypanions both turned to face me. And the Human man spoke up.
That guard captain I dont trust him.
Why not?
Because.
Edithe started, his eyes trailing towards the wooden walls of the city.
The citys walls barely look damaged. They look mostly fine, even. As if only the gates were breached, but even then its not in a bad enough way that reflects arge group of Gold Rank equivalents taking it.
Plus, he knew about this problem for a while, and never once brought it up with the Adventurers Guild? Id understand if they didnt have the resources for it, but you saw his office.
I thought about the room for a moment. I remembered the paintings and the vases. The sparkly colors that reminded me of a noble.
It was nice!
Daniel nodded. He spun back around, continuing ahead with Edithe as we reached the center of the town. He spoke softly.
And thats exactly the problem.
Chapter Announcement
Chapter Announcement
I have a new fic called Tian that is currently close to the front page of Trending! Check it out and give it a rating!
Death is a disease.
Tian, a Cultivator at the precipice of ascension, is thwarted in her quest for immortality. Defeated, she escapes to another world with Levels, sses, magic, and monsters. She bes a Lost Soul and her core begins to dwindle, but she does not abandon her goal.
Working with a group of rebels in this new world, she opposes the unkible tyrant Galgom to learn his secrets. Against his army of machines wieldingser guns andser swords, she will cultivate her new powers, achieving Feats as she seeks her cure:
Immortality.
What to expect from this story:
- A rational MC.
- In-depth worldbuilding.
- No harems.
- Badass female lead.
Read Tian here
No, I will not be stopping Salvos in any way whatsoever.
Why did I make an entire post about this? Because y''all don''t read the author''s notes. I did a test. An experiment. And you guys mostly ignore it :p
Anyway, this story is a LitRPGXCultivation fiction I''ve been working on for a bit. If the premise doesn''t catch your attention, check out Ms instead here /amazon/B08WJ8HZ2G
Please give it a rating, I really need it for Trendy <>
Chapter 104: Fancy Disguise
Chapter 104: Fancy Disguise
104. Fancy Disguise
The three of us found Pieros Bistro soon after; the tavern wasnt toorge, but it wasnt too crowded either. Most of the taverns I had been in have always had a busy crowd filling it up with noise and chatter. But this ce was almostpletely empty.
Wee!
A friendly Human man greeted us as we entered the doorway. He was carrying a tray of drinks to a table one of the few upied tables before setting it down and turning to us.
What can I do for you today?
Daniel approached him, nodding.
Were looking for a ce to stay for the night. And to ask some questions. Were adventurers. Here on a job.
The other mans eyes grew wide and he quickly wiped his hands and turned to mypanion.
Wait, are you here for the job I sent to Viechester? Im Piero the one who made the request.
Thats right.
Edithe spoke up, ncing around the room. Her eyes scanned the area, stopping at every person within the tavern. Then she smiled and offered a hand.
Were here to help. Can you tell us anything you know about these bandits?
Of course!
Piero eagerly led us to a table and we began our discussion. He told us most of the same thing the guard captain, Jonathan, did. The bandits had been a problem for a while, but they were only responsible for minor offenses like stealing. There had been a few kidnappings, but nothing so major that anyone thought hiring adventurers were necessary.
And whys that?
I cocked my head, curious at his reasoning. Piero wiped a sweat off his brow he had been working all day. In fact, he was supposed to be working right now. But now that he was talking to us, he had a young Human woman take over for him.
The girl seemed only a few years older than Rachel. If I had to guess, she was about 15 years old. She brought us a tter of food and drinks as Piero exined.
We never had the coin to afford it. Adventurers are expensive, Miss, youve got to understand that. Its a dangerous job, and the reward has to reflect that effort. Maybe if I didnt have a family young, I would have tried my hand at it too. Silvers can earn dozens, if not hundreds, of gold coins a year just by doing the most basic of jobs. But that means I cant possibly put up enough of a reward to draw in any adventurers.
And you can now?
Daniel scratched the bottom of his chin as he peered at Piero. The tavern owner nodded.
I dug into my savings. Ive put in everything I have ever saved up for this request, Mr Daniel. 50 gold coins. I know it may not seem like much to you adventurers. Good enough for a single job, maybe. But thats all my money.
Why now? Why not before?
Edithe prodded the man with crossed arms. His fists tightened into balls as his entire body began to quiver.
Because they took my wife, Miss. They took my sweet Chloe. Ripped her away from my arms. I was helpless to stop them. My only constion is knowing that Sophie managed to escape by hiding in the wine cer. Those bastards were too busy getting drunk to notice her.
A dark shadow was cast over Pieros face. I could tell the mood in the table shifted. Even the girl from before, who was now serving other guests, seemed to have overheard the conversation and been affected by this dour atmosphere.
The silencested a total of a second before I decided to end it. cing a hand on the mans shoulder, I spoke reassuringly.
Dont worry. Well find your wife! Well take care of these bandits. The Calhoul Coins, right? Just tell us where they went.
Piero stared up at me, his eyes watering up. Then he shook his head.
I dont know if I can.
Sniffling, he slumped back to his chair.
They came in the middle of the night. Took the citys walls before anyone noticed. And after that, it was a ughter. It was like we were bugs hiding in the tall grass, trying to escape from the scythe. They came and they left. I dont know where they even went.
Daniel frowned.
We heard that they were ransoming off the hostages.
They are. But not all of those who were kidnapped are being sold back. I know someone Hugh his children were taken from him. They demanded 10 gold coins from him. But they only let him take one back.
This... Hugh.
Leaning forward, Edithe gave Piero an inquiring look.
Where can we find him?
He works at the farm just outside of the city. I dont know if you should visit him now since itste. I think its better if you find him in the morning, when hes out there working and tilling the fields. Although you might catch him visiting tomorrow if you wake up early enough. Hell be doing a delivery for us at dawn.
Well see. For now, we just need a room to sleep in, if you have any avable.
Of course. We have plenty of vacancies.
Piero hesitated, drawing his lips to a thin line.
I, uh, would love to provide you with aplimentary ce to stay. But times are tough right now
Its fine.
Smiling, Daniel produced a small pouch of silver coins.
This is for the food. And the rooms.
The tavern owners eyes grew round at the sight. He gratefully epted the coins and bowed his head profusely.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
With that, we were given a key to our rooms and made our way to the second floor. I was supposed to be sleeping with Edithe while Daniel stayed in a separate room, but
I dont want to!
I protested as Edithe tried to drag me inside. My eyes fixed on the bed, then snapped back to the hallway. I dug my fingers at the door frame and cried out.
Daniel, save me!
Salvos, why wont you just do what you usually do while were sleeping?
The Human man spoke from his doorway.
Because theres nothing to read here! And doing nothing is boring!
Sighing, Edithe let go of my hand and I stumbled forward. I grinned triumphantly.
I am free!
What are you going to do, Salvos? Its night and most people will be asleep.
I spun around to face her, innocently hiding my hands behind my back.
Ill ask around the town about these bandits! And that guard captain, Jonathan! You two dont trust him, right?
Mypanions exchanged a nce. Edithe crossed her arms while Daniel rubbed a hand on his swords hilt.
Its definitely suspicious how the Calhoul Coins were able to take the city walls so easily. Even if they were mostly Golds. It was almost like they were let in.
Yeah. We saw the kind of devastation brought to all the towns and cities he attacked. This was nothing like that. Only the town seemed to have been looted and plundered. I definitely dont trust that guard captain at all.
The two seemed toe to some kind of a mutual agreement; I didnt really see it, but I nodded my head nheless.
Thats exactly why I should investigate!
I dug into my pockets and produced my Ne of Lesser Obfuscation; I had not been wearing it. Apparently, I came across as a [Mage] as long as I was in my Mortal Form. Linking its chains around my neck, I stood proudly before Daniel and Edithe.
Look! Now they wont know Im an adventurer. I can ask any questions I want and I wont rouse suspicion from Jonathan!
...they know what you look like, Salvos.
Daniel pointed out. I scowled and gestured at Edithe.
I can just wear some of her clothes! They wont suspect a thing!
He still seemed unconvinced, until I met his gaze.
Trust me, Daniel. Ill be fine. Im not going to be reckless or stupid. Im just going to look around. Alright?
...fine.
Finally, the Human man acquiesced. Edithe was fine with it too. She provided me with a change of attire; it apparently was used by her for more formal wear. A white, silken dress that was embroidered around its sleeves and cor. Its flounce fell to my knees, frills lightly dangling around my legs.
She gave me a brown hood to wear, along with a sun hat to cover my freely flowing silver hair. Looking at my disguise, I grinned and stepped out of the room. Im a Princess, I thought proudly.
My bracelet was worn for all to see around my forearms, and the Ring of Lesser Obfuscation looked like any ordinary pendant hanging resting on my chest. I tinkered with the artifact, making me appear like a Level 21 [Mage].
See, Daniel? Theres nothing to be worried about!
The Human man was nowhere to be seen. I rapped lightly on his door to no response.
Huh. Did he fall asleep, I wonder.
Edithe chuckled and patted me on the back.
Just go. And stay safe. Make sure to return to the inn by morning.
I beamed and gave her a thumbs up.
Of course! Now, if youll excuse me
Skipping happily down the hallway, I made my way out of Pieros Bistro and to the town square. It was empty.
Night had fallen while we were busy questioning Piero, and now it was eventer since I had to get changed and convince mypanions to let me wander the city. My mood was immediately dampened, like a storm cloud was hanging over my face.
Where is everyone?
Sighing, my slippers sunk into the soft earth as I made my way through the empty town. Lulica was not the biggest Human settlement I had been in. In fact, if I had to liken it to something, it would be like one of those towns surrounding Warrington, but slightlyrger.
There were a few distinct differences between them however, one being the wall surrounding Lulica. It was not the most defensive or sturdiest wall I had seen it was only made of wood but it was present. Just as Edithe had observed, it had not fallen from the bandit attacks, despite being apparently breached twice.
Another difference was the state of Lulica; it was almost like Silvergrove after Lucernas attack. Entire houses were toppled, piles of burnt wood and ashes remain where buildings were, and blood stained the earth where corpses oncey.
I noted a few Humans bundling themselves aroundrge fires. They had no shelter no homes to sleep in. I approached one of these groups and took a seat next to a gruff Human man. He grunted and faced me.
What do you want,dy? Cant you see we have no room at the fire? Take your shy jewels and get a room at one of the nearby inns.
I blinked and stared at the man.
Why would I do that? I want to be here.
Dont be stupid,dy. Do you really think you can walk around dressed like that without running into any trouble?
I cocked my head.
Yes. Why not?
Therge man taller than even Daniel, almost as tall as I was when I was not in my Mortal Form furrowed his brows. His face was scarred. Arge cut ran across one of his cheeks, making the scowl on his face even more sharp.
Fuckin rich people. Fine. Do as you wish. But dont me me if something happens to you.
He turned back to the fire, clearly ignoring my presence there. I looked over at a few of the other Humans huddled around the mes. They pointedly avoided my gaze, focusing on the dancing orange light as if it had caught them in some kind of a trance.
A small chuckle came from behind me and a hooded man stood before me. He ced a hand on my shoulder, tilting his head up to reveal a bright, white smile.
Hey, dont let that man bother you. Hes just upset that he lost his house during the raid.
Im not bothered by it at all.
I gave an honest reply. The hooded man grinned and sat next to me.
Well, thats good. Everyone should feel weed by the fire. But too many people have no ce to sleep, and are envious of those who do.
I nced over at the men, women, and children sitting around the fire. Some were nibbling on scraps of food. Others were just shivering. I found this sight to be slightly unusual, but thought nothing else of it.
Huh.
And the worst part is when the guardse to break us up.
The hooded man sighed. He shook his head in a way Daniel would when upset.
Why would they do that?
I asked, puzzled. Shrugging, the hooded man leaned back.
When a group grows toorge, so does the fire with it. And that bes dangerous, especially if not properly maintained. So, they force us into smaller groups. To break us up and put out the mes.
I cast my gaze back to the flickering, orange light. It was certainly big. But it did not seem like it would be dangerous enough to warrant fear. And I spoke my thoughts truthfully.
That makes no sense.
I guess its not something a noble would understand, huh?
The hooded man chuckled again. I nced back at him as he propped his head up on his hand.
You probably have high level [Mages] deal with everything for you where youe from.
I stared at the Human for a moment. Then I felt my lips curl up as I lifted my chin.
Why of course! And how did you ascertain my heritage, may I ask?
With the way youre dressed and the questions youre asking? It was quite obvious.
I looked myself over one more time, grinning.
Certainly I am dressed to fit my status. You have a very keen eye, Mister
Sebastian. But my friends call me Seb.
Mr Seb then.
I addressed him properly; I lightly rested my hands on my legs and faced him.
I was actually hoping to inquire about the attack on this town. Tell me, do you know anything about these Calhoul Coins?
Seb narrowed his eyes. He opened his mouth
Alright, break it up! This fire is getting toorge!
A deep voice barked as heavy footfalls descended on us. I looked over at the patrol of Human guards arriving with their spears, a [Mage] apanying them with an uncaring face. The [Mage] raised a hand and water shot out. The fire immediately dimmed, groans andints rose amongst the gathered group. But they slowly got up, scattering from the dying mes like wisps of cinder.
Therge man from earlier cursed.
Damn guards, taking away our fuckin fire but not even giving us food or shelter...
Getting up, I started for one of the distant fires. I felt a hand tug me. I turned back to Seb, a smile spreading across his lips.
Miss noble, I actually happen to know a little bit about these Calhoul Coins.
I blinked. Then I jumped excitedly.
You do?!
And is this really all you know about the Calhoul Coins?
Daniel studied the face of the farmer. Hugh wrinkled his brows and ced a hand over his mouth, covering his crooked teeth.
I really dont know, Mister adventurer. When they sold mah boy back to me, they told me to meet them at the river just outside of ta city.
I see.
Sighing, Daniel nodded at the farmer and thanked him. There was almost nothing Hugh said that the [Hero] didnt already know. The only thing he actually learned was the meeting at the river, which didnt actually help at all.
Do you think we should at least search downriver? See if the bandits maybe built some kind of a hideout there?
Daniel suggested. Apparently, Edithe had been lost in her thoughts as she jerked back, a look of surprise on her face for a moment.
Im not sure. Its just a meeting spot. And I guess it doesnt hurt to look. But I cant help but think its a waste of time.
Right. I thought so too.
He agreed with her as she nced around the tavern. Daniel saw her gaze lock onto Piero who was talking to arge man. The tavern owner was giving out some food he had been doing that almost all morning.
Daniel didnt focus on that. Instead, his thoughts focused back onto the guard captain.
Do you think we should try to investigate the town guards instead?
Maybe but will that actually help us? If the guard captain is really affiliated with the Calhoul Coins, hed make sure his tracks are covered, at the very least.
Yeah, I guess.
Narrowing his eyes, Daniel noted how Edithes eyes zed over. Her focus seemed to be elsewhere; her rejection of every option was almost uncharacteristic of her. She had been hotheaded assertive when he first met her. He was used to being the voice of reason, arguing against fighting the Greater Demon with the Title of the Destroyer.
But since he came back to Viechester since the siege of the Valiant Dreamers Company she had been different. Aloof. More reserved. And while Daniel knew the reason behind it, he couldnt help but ask her about it.
Is everything alright, Edithe?
The red haired woman blinked. She faced him as he cocked a brow.
You seem out of it today. Is something wrong?
Taking a deep breath, Edithe slowly answered.
I its Salvos. Im a little worried about her. She said she would return by morning. And shes still not back yet.
Thats what it is? Daniel couldnt help but let out a small giggle at her concerned. Edithe shifted ufortably, crossing one arm across her stomach to grab lock onto her elbow.
What?
Its nothing. I mean, its good that youre concerned about Salvos and all. But I think shes the person you should be worried about.
Im not worried that shell be in danger. Im worried about how oblivious she is sometimes, you know?
Edithes worries became apparent to Daniel. Thats true, he thought for a moment. But he wanted to wave it off. He knew Salvos was not the most socially aware person, but she was sharper than she often came across.
Or at least, thats what the [Hero] tried telling himself. There were some cracks in his confidence, he soon found out. Because momentster, when Piero approached the pair of adventurers with news from the night before, he couldnt help but feel panic seep into his heart.
Hey, uh, Ms Edithe, Mr Daniel? I just spoke with a friend of mine and he told me about this weird girl one whose description seemed awfully simr to your other party member that he metst night. I just wanted to let you know that she was spotted leaving Lulica with a stranger some time after midnight.
Daniel turned to Edithe and saw the worry spread across her face. The [Hero], so confident before, felt only a single word leaving his mouth.
Salvos...
I followed Seb as he led me out of Lulica. I nced back at the walls in the distance, speaking with uncertainty.
Are you sure this is the right way?
We had been walking for a while very slowly at that. He trudged ahead of me, seeming like he was waiting for me to keep up with him.
Of course. My friends who know all about the Calhoul Coins live just outside of the city. If you just follow me, Ill take you there.
I nodded eagerly.
Alright then!
We continued through the forest until the town was no longer in sight; we reached a river and started in the same direction of the running water, before reaching the mouth of a cave just a little bit away from a roaring waterfall.
This is it.
It is?
I cocked my head and followed him into the cave entrance.
Your friends sure live in a weird ce.
They do. But dont worry about that. Theyll tell you everything you wanted to know about the Calhoul Coins. After all
He spread his arms wide as figures appeared around me. Rugged, armored Humans wielding all sorts of weapons cut off my exit. [Mages], [Warriors], [Rogues], [Archers]. A few of them had nonbat sses, but still they came. Dozens of them.
Seb finished.
They are the Calhoul Coins.
Huh.
I looked over at the group of men and women standing before me. They had greed in their eyes; Seb, the man who thought he tricked me, had thrown off his hood. He now wore the same malicious gaze of the others, revealing what I had seen in him the night before.
I paused and crossed my arms.
You are aware of my status, yes?
Seb snarled.
Thats right, you stupid woman! Youve fallen right into our trap! Now hand over all your belongings and tell us what family youre from.
Licking his lips, he drew a dagger.
Or else well have to kill you.
I nodded slowly and reached around my neck. I unhooked the sp of my ne and tossed it at Seb. The Human man happily epted it and took a step forward.
Good. And your gold?
I dont have any gold.
I spoke the truth. He snapped back at me.
What kind of a noble doesnt have gold?! Youre a fucking liar!
Im not a noble.
I shook my head simply. Smiling sweetly back at the bandits surrounding me, I pulled out my bracelet and set it down on the ground gently.
Im a Princess.
I corrected them with a wave of my fingers. Seb sputtered.
Princess? What kind of bullshit is that? Youre not a fucking Princess.
Well, thats what I say I am. A Princess. So show some respect and
I bared my teeth, choosing the first of my new Skills to test out as my body rippled with power.
KNEEL.
Chapter 105: Heathens
Chapter 105: Heathens
105. Heathens
Kneel.
The word left my mouth as [Intimidation] took effect. It was the very first of my newly avable Skills that I used; I assigned it to one of my two avable Skill Slots and activated it. And the moment I did, my voice seemed to echo through the cave despite me speaking casually.
The bandits standing closest to me, especially Seb, dropped to their knees. They cowered and quivered, shaking in their boots even though I hadnt fully transformed out of my Mortal Form yet. Their eyes were glued to the ground they were only able to hear the cracks and pops of my bones as they grew longer and my body grew taller.
My clothes Edithes clothes unfortunately tore as I grew in height. Two extra arms sprouted from my sides, ripping apart thest of the dress I had been given. I would have taken it out first before changing, but Edithes incessant reminders stuck in my head that I should not remove my clothes in front of strangers. So, I didnt.
A pair of crooked, forward-facing horns grew out of my head as my face elongated itself; my hands turned to ws and my skin turned paler, while my hairs bright silver took on a darker tint. The bandits the ones beyond the small circle kneeling around me took a step back.
Their eyes were bulging out of their sockets and their mouths were hanging open. I was expecting them to flee for this to be resolved without any bloodshed but an angry voice called out as a woman pushed her way through the unmoving crowd of bandits.
What are you idiots doing?!
[Warrior - Lvl. 68]
She paused, narrowing her eyes at me. Then she drew two short swords and pointed one my way.
Thats a fucking Demon! Dont just stand there! Kill it!
Sighing, I watched as the first of the frozen bandits broke out of their stupor. They rushed past the kneeling Humans, brushing by them and seemingly breaking them free from my Skill too.
I tried giving you a chance. Oh well.
A grin spread across my face as the first bandit reached me. I raised one of my four arms, and a zing fire wisped itself into existence on my ws. They were lit aze, each holding my fury within them.
Then I swiped out first with my top right w. Then with my top left w. My bottom two ws swung out at the same time, then I turned into a whirlwind of mes. A tempest of fire. A [Barrage of Cinders].
The closest bandits to me were torn apart. Those who dared make the charge were sheared like paper. It was like an amplified [Fire Strike], but repeated over and over and over again.
The Skill never ran out. It would not end until my mana was exhausted. However, I did not want to waste all my mana on a single Skill. Especially when the swarm of bandits was too much for me to just stand there and take on.
A group of [Mages] aimed their spells towards me and loosed a flurry of powerful magic. I disengaged from the [Warriors] and the mes around my hands vanished. Instead, I covered my chest with my four arms and focused my fire there. It was so wild so furious. It was like a raging river. But if I calmed it down, if I tried to cool down the rushing currents, it would freeze. Be solid.
[Ember Core].
A thinyer of solid fire ran through my body. It spread out, enveloping me entirely. It was like armor. But like weak leather armor. Then I concentrated on my forearms and only my forearms. It grew thicker stronger bing like a powerful metal.
The spells struck the ming protection most of the damage had been absorbed by my Skill. But even then, I could see cracks of ck blood forming down my arms. I growled and looked over at the [Mages], past the charging [Warriors] and [Rogues].
With [Self Haste] coursing through my body, I leapt up into the air and burst forward. A cone of mes erupted behind my back as [me Burst] propelled me towards the rock wall. I clung onto it, ncing down at the wave of Humans rushing after me. Then I jumped again and a second [me Burst] boosted me over them straight to the [Mages].
I crashed straight into them as they screamed. A few tried to run, but I inhaled deeply and took up another one of my Skill Slots.
[ming Breath].
I exhaled and a cone of fire covered the bandits closest to me. It was nothing like a [Scorching Wave]! It was way better!
I spun around, feeling the heat in my chest dissipate as my speed slowed. I couldnt use the Skill again instantly, which was a downside. But I still had other Skills to use. A kusarigama came into existence on one of my hands, its chains already flying towards those that tried to flee. It wrapped around their ankles and pulled them all back at once.
They were just about to reach my feet when four des struck my back at once. That was the first direct hit I had taken during the entire fight. I stumbled forward, loosening the chains as the woman from before approached me.
Youve done a number to me and my boys, but dont think you can get out of this alive, Demon!
She spat and readied both her des. I narrowed my eyes as something alerted me to her movements. I was cut four times, but she only has two des. A prescient feeling brought me to focus on her shadows, that was when I saw how it was aimed directly at mine.
The same feeling nagged at me, telling me that the bandits I had caught were escaping. [Passive - A Hunters Sense]? I thought for a moment before the bandit bossshed out.
She swung twice, and I evaded her attacks. Her shadow however, nicked mine and I flinched. I brought my kusarigama up between us and I let its mes burn. My shadow was now casting behind me, while hers was behind her.
I grinned as she instantly backed up. Then I spun around and saw the bandits fleeing. If they escape and tell others about me
I took a step forward and paused. The bandits were cut down by magic and a sword. Edithe and Daniel stood at the caves entryway, weapons raised and ready to fight.
The bandit boss paused for a moment, then she called out to them.
Adventurers! We need your help theres a Demon here, and if we dont y it, itll destroy the nearby towns!
Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. Then they raised their weapons.
Were actually with her.
Yeah
The bandit boss blinked. And at that brief period of confusion, I managed tond abination of [Barrage of Cinders] on her. Then I grabbed her and mmed her against the wall before the remaining bandits reached me.
A [me Burst] carried me away from them and towards my twopanions. They covered me instantly and I raised a hand.
Potions.
They handed me a red and blue potion. It was a healing and mana potion respectively. I downed the both of them as my twopanions held off the group of bandits. I gasped and wiped my mouth.
Thanks! I wasnt really hurt, but its still refreshing!
There were about a dozen bandits above Gold left, the rest were at Silver or below. When I first entered however, there were over a hundred of them. Now, less than 40 bandits stood before us. The highest leveled amongst them was injured.
And they made the only sensible decision. A woman dropped her weapon and got on her knees.
Mercy! Please spare us!
A man followed, then another man. Half a dozen bandits instantly surrendered, and because of that, the remaining ones stood uncertainly.
I frowned, taking on this sight. But then, the bandit boss moved.
Cowards!
She hobbled her way forward as her bandit group drew back. Her gaze swept through herpanions, causing those who surrendered to quiver in fear. She had red in her eyes anger which she then directed towards mypanions.
You! Why are you helping a Demon?!
Daniel took a step and held out his sword.
Were her friends. Why wouldnt we help her?
Humans and Demons working together? Ridiculous!
The bandit boss spat and wiped at her mouth. She shook her head, her red eyes still fixed on me.
Dont you know anything about history? The Demons were responsible for the fall of our Human Empire!
An empire from thousands of years ago.
Edithe raised her staff, aiming it at the other woman.
We dont care about what other Demons did, or what they did a long time ago. This is Salvos. And shes with us.
Narrowing her eyes, the bandit boss grabbed one of her nearbypanions. The man struggled, making a confused sound before she bit into his neck. He paused, eyes wide. Before he went limp.
The bandits around her took a startled step away as she grinned, blood drooling down from her mouth. Then a fiery aura engulfed her and she pointed her sword at me.
Kill the heathens! Kill the Demon! Bring them to justice!
Daniel blinked for a moment. Then he sputtered.
A Vampire? Shes a Vampire?!
Her words somehow brought the bandits to action. Even the ones who surrendered. The red aura she exuded formed a line towards the bandits who surrendered, driving them forward.
The rest followed perhaps in confusion, or perhaps because her words instilled something in them. I stared at the charging bandits.
Uh whats going on? Is this like with the Mindreapers?
Shes a Vampire. As for how shes doing that? I dont know. Just get ready. They seem really angry.
Edithe spoke as she sent sts of ice out. I nodded and created four swords for each of my hands. I could manage it now that [Passive - Weapon Mastery] was maxed.
The bandit wave made its way towards us and the entire frontyer vanished. Daniels sword shone for a moment, the air flickered, and a dozen fell. Then I sent another [ming Breath] out, and more were incinerated too. Edithes magic took out the Silvers easily, and when we were finished, all that remained was the bandit boss.
The Vampire that stared my way with burning, red eyes. Sheshes out, but Daniel easily deflected her swing. Her swords ttered on the ground and she red his way.
Fool! You know this will only bring us destruction! You are so foolish!
What is your problem why do you hate Demons so much?
He asked, frowning as he stepped forward. Certainly, most of the Humans I encountered treated me as a kill on sight. But they were not angry from my encounters in Silvergrove, they simply feared for their life.
Why?
The bandit bossughed.
Because the Demon King is at the gates. Hell make his return. And because you aid his kind, he shall bring destruction to our countries as he did before.
I paused. I studied the mad expression on the woman the Vampires face. I hadnt noticed it earlier, but she had a pair of fangs protruding from her mouth. Or were they even there until just now?
I shook my head, making a slow approach towards her. A hiss left her mouth as I shrugged off Daniels grasp.
Salvos, its dangerous
Its fine.
I nodded back at him and faced the Vampire. I crossed two of my arms and looked her over.
Im Salvos. But youre right I am also a Demon.
And for that, you deserve to be destroyed.
Even if Im not a wild Demon or Lucerna? Even if Im not this Demon King? Even if, instead, Im a Princess?
The woman snarled andunched forward.
Yes!
I see.
I created a scythe and sheared her in half. Her body fell in two pieces, the aura around her vanishing as the notifications in my mind went off.
With that bandit boss dead, I spun around and excitedly made my way back to Daniel and Edithe. I paused as I saw the two staring at me. Then I remembered what I had promised Edithe the night before.
Oh, uh, sorry for noting earlier. I got caught up in something.
Sighing, she took a step forward and chopped a hand on my face. Then she smiled.
Its fine. I know you can take care of yourself. But I cant lie and say I wasnt a little bit worried.
I scratched the back of my head as my twopanions shared a softugh of relief. I smiled too, before turning my attention to the ripped cloth hanging around my body.
Also I kind of destroyed your dress? Sorry!
Edithe stoppedughing.
Chapter 106: Vampires
Chapter 106: Vampires
106. Vampires
Defeated [Mauler - Lvl. 48]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!
Defeated [Valkyrie Bloodsbane - Lvl. 68]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Asura Changeing] Level Up!
[Asura Changeing Lvl. 71] -> [Asura Changeing Lvl. 72]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
That was an expensive dress, Salvos!
I know! Im sorry! I didnt think the Calhoul Coins would actually find me!
You went out looking for them!
I just wanted to explore and look around! Im bored of doing nothing while you two get to sleep all the time!
I crossed my arms and pouted as Edithe shook her head. The two of us were in the cave, rummaging through the bodies of the bandits to find me a fitting pair of clothes. Daniel waited outside, probably pacing around with a flustered face. I did not understand why Humans acted like that.
I finally procured some leather clothing from a woman which looked like it would fit me; I held it over Edithe, just making sure that it was not too tight for her, before I receded back into my Mortal Form. The world around me grewrger and I shrunk down into the shape of a Human. I threw on the clothes and sighed.
Im really sorry, Edithe. I dont actually need or want gold. So, if youd like, you can keep my share of whatever gold or artifacts we find in this hideout.
Mypanion stared at me for a moment, then she rubbed at her temples.
Its fine. I know you didnt mean it. Thank you for the offer, but I think we should first focus on finding all those kidnapped by the Calhoul Coins.
Huh. Youre right, where exactly are they?
I peered down the dark cavern, casting some blue light from a torch I made entirely out of fire. I saw no one there. Nothing but a corridor that led us down.
Narrowing her eyes, Edithe told me to wait for her to return with Daniel before we proceeded; there might have been more bandits further inside. I did as I was told, but I tried calling out just in case anybody heard me.
Hello? Is anybody there?!
Silence.
Were adventurers! We just beat up the bandit guys! Wereing to rescue you!
I listened carefully for a reply. I couldnt hear anything. But then I paused as my eyes limated to the dark stone hallway. I saw tracks? The residual footsteps and signs of something being dragged across the dirt floor.
My twopanions arrived and I raised a hand.
I think I know where they are.
You do?
Daniel raised a brow and Edithe shrugged.
Show us, Salvos.
I beamed and started down the dark path. Only my fire lit the way, however that was enough for me to follow the tracks leading us down a dead end. Daniel eyed me dubiously but Edithe stopped him from making a remark.
Is there something here?
I think so.
I began patting the side of the walls; I was pretty sure the tracks led this way. After a moment of letting me do as I wished, Daniel finally spoke up.
Uh, what exactly are you looking for? And how are you finding it?
I think its my [Passive - A Hunters Sense].
My hands pressed against an oddly shaped rock. I pushed it and stepped back. What had appeared to be a dead end revealed to be a pathway leading into arge cavernous area. I grinned and smugly turned to Daniel.
There!
He stared, scratching the back of his head.
Huh.
Thats my line! Dont take that away from me!
We spent a few minutes searching this area, and found a group of bandits standing guard in front of some cells. The moment we made ourselves known to them, they surrendered. They saw our levels. Our real levels. And they did not have numbers to give them an added confidence against us.
Nor was there a Vampire who, for whatever reason, hated me for being a Demon. I still wondered what her problem was. Too bad she was dead and I could not ask.
The bandits threw down our weapons and handed over the keys. Daniel and Edithe began freeing the Humans trapped inside the iron bars many of them looked starved and hungry. Some of them had torn clothes too for whatever reason, which elicited a re from Edithe towards the bandits.
Dont worry, well bring you all to safety.
She reassured the Humans. Then she nced over at the bandits, causing them to jerk back.
And well bring them to justice.
It wasnt our fault! We were content with just stealing but then that Johnathan came to us! He made a suggestion to the boss, and she said it was a good idea!
Johnathan?
Edithe raised a brow and I happily opined.
The guard captain of Lulica!
I see. Well, well ensure he is brought to justice too.
She turned to the gathered group of Humans, all of them looking at her with wide and weary eyes.
Well be heading to Viechester, not Lulica. Dont worry, Ill ensure you all get the treatment and care you deserve before you return to your homes. Well have to run this through with the proper authorities so that this whole ordeal can be resolved with everyone responsible will be punished.
I simply stood off to the side, uncaring of this. It took a while, but eventually Daniel and Edithe gathered everyone and slowly led them to Viechester. The city was not too far from the hideout of the bandits. But still, with this many people, it took us a day to make the return trip.
When we arrived with our procession of Humans dressed in rags, the guards in Viechester were understandably caught by surprise. They were not sure about what to do until a few representatives from the Adventurers Guild and the Valiant Dreamers Company showed up.
There were long, boring talks which I ignored. Instead, I focused on my new Skills.
For my newly evolved Skills, I found [me Burst] and [Barrage of Cinders] to be quite effective. I gave them both 2 Skill Points, giving only 1 to [Ember Core] and [Passive - A Hunters Sense].
As for [Intimidation] and [ming Breath]... I quite liked how [Intimidation] worked, so I gave it 2 Skill Points. I was not sure if I was going to keep [ming Breath] it certainly was more effective than [Scorching Wave], even though it used up more mana.
I still had a variety of other Skills I could try. The ones I was intrigued about were [Radiant sh] and [Horrors re]. I was not interested in my other Skills. Especially not [Passive - Keen Eye].
[Passive - Refined Casting] seemed like it would be useful, but I could always add itter on in the future. And considering what Saffron had told me about being overly reliant on Skills, I decided it was not something I wanted for now.
I then distributed my Stat Points between [Agility] and [Wisdom], leaving the rest be for now.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride] (Mortal Form - Human)
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 72
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 3
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 79 (+5) (-5)
[Strength]: 52 (+5) (-5)
[Endurance]: 74 (+5) (-5)
[Wisdom]: 105 (+5) (+5)
[Agility]: 166 (+5) (-5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 3
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 2
[me Burst] - Lvl. 3
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
At some point during all the conversations and discussions, Hadrian came to speak to some of the authority figures in the city. There was no lord here but a mayor instead. They spoke about what to do with Johnathan, before finallying to a conclusion.
He was to be removed from his duties as the guard captain for Lulica and be ced under investigation for now. Edithe seemed satisfied with that. I was too. I was getting excited to finally tell mypanions all about my n. About what we were going to do and where we were going. But then Hadrian approached us.
I apologize for this sudden request, Salvos, Daniel. But may I ask for your assistance once again?
I exchanged a look with the [Hero] who had been intently staring at a few of the Humans we brought back who looked to be in bad shape, before my shoulders sagged. Apparently, we had to help deal with cleaning up this mess; it was a simple task. We just had to escort the guards from Viechester to arrest Jonathan and safely bring the kidnapped victims back to Lulica.
However, as I was sulking off to the side, Edithe decided to ask Hadrian a question which piqued my interest.
Hadrian, I didnt mention this in the report, but there was something odd about our encounter with the bandits.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company blinked.
What kind of encounter?
There was a Vampire amongst them. And she was
Edithe trailed off and nced over at me. She scratched her chin.
...violent?
Hadrians forehead creased as he heard this. A dark look came over his face and he raised a hand to cover his mouth.
A Vampire? Why would a descendant of the nobility resort to banditry?
I cocked my head, a little bit confused. Daniel and Edithe had called the bandit boss a Vampire, but I didnt really get it. She looked like a Human to me.
I piped up, interrupting the conversation between Hadrian and Edithe.
Whats a Vampire, anyway?
The two spun to face me. Edithe grimaced.
Right, I forgot to exin it to you.
Hadrian raised a brow.
Im surprised you havent heard of a Vampire, Salvos. The stories of Vampires are rather famous and told often to children. Their tale is one of glory and reward. How hard work reaps you sess.
What do you mean?
Vampires are an interesting Species. There is no single Vampire Species, rather they spread into different other Species. In the past, Vampires were seen as a kind of parasite. A gue, if you will. Fangs on a Human were the pest ban which would result in you being shun from society. Perhaps even killed in some cases.
He exined, almost as if he was extremely familiar with the subject.
However, when the Immortal King Alexander united Humanity, he ouwed such mistreatment of Human Vampires. And when he was in when our Human empire was fractured by the Demon King the Vampires were a key yer that helped repel him back to the Netherworld.
They were rewarded for their efforts. They lost such a great number that they were down to the dozens then. And each of them were granted a great amount of wealth and even Titles. Many Vampires still have sses rted to Demon hunting. Like [Demon yers]. They are a proud people which is why Im surprised a Vampire became a bandit. Perhaps they were disgraced?
Hadrian mused to himself, his head facing towards the sky. I studied his face and he blinked.
What?
Are you a Vampire?
What absolutely not!
He took a step back. Even Edithe eyed him dubiously. Clearing his throat in an incredibly suspicious manner, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company spun around and spoke into his hand.
Listen, you three will have to head back to Lulica tomorrow. Once youre there, you just have to ensure nothing happens and then your job is finished. Which means
He addressed Daniel, Edithe, and I without even facing us.
Edithe.
Hadrian finally turned back and met her gaze.
For the time being, you dont have to worry about the Valiant Dreamers Company. You can go with your friends and take care of yourself. Just promise me that youll be safe.
Mypanion hesitated, but managed to muster up a smile.
I promise. Thank you, Hadrian.
Then I trust you three will take care of this job just fine. Ill be returning to the headquarters and Ill be very busy. Theres no need to see me before you leave once youre finished. I might not even be in Viechester by then.
Edithe nodded and he was off. I waved goodbye at the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company as a thought crossed my mind. Was that why that Vampire was so mad at me? And if it was would Hadrian have epted me if I decided to show him what I truly was like I did with Stephen?
The answer was obvious.
And I did not like it.
Chapter 107: Apologies
Chapter 107: Apologies
107. Apologies
You cant do this to me Ive served Lulica for almost 20 years!
I watched Johnathan protest as he was dragged away by a pair of armed guards. These guards were well dressed they had a sigil showing they were from Viechester on their armor. They were pretty high leveled too, at about Level 50.
The rest of the retinue of guards from Viechester were lower leveled. They were still around Level 30, which was still high Silver definitely higher leveled than the guards in Lulica but we had to escort them just in case something happened. Like if the bandits had backup and decided tounch a surprise attack.
That would have been disastrous for the city of Viechester since arge chunk of their adventurers perhaps a quarter were busy with apany war. It was up to the city itself to defend from possible monster attacks, as unlikely as they were, which meant that such high leveled guards were not expendable.
The scene of the guard captain of Lulica being arrested drew very little attention from the people in the town; most of them were preupied with something else. They were reuniting with their loved ones. Families were embracing each other, crying tears of joy. Others were searching with worried looks. And a few were wailing, after their search had proven fruitless.
Piero was one of the lucky ones. I could see him and his daughter hugging a woman. They were so tightly huddled together, I wondered if they could even separate after they were finished. Therge man who I had seen at the fire the other night was another of the fortunate ones. A small boy sat on his shoulder, clinging on as if his life depended on it.
Daniel and Edithe were fixed on this scene. I did not see the appeal. But I could tell how it made them feel. The Human man seemed almost relieved it wasnt the fact that he was a [Hero] that made him feel this way, it was just how he was. I remembered how he felt on the day he returned to Viechester. It was not anger, but sadness.
Edithe on the other hand, had always been the type to get more upset. Just like when I first met her, a mix of rage and mncholy drove her forward. To kill Lucerna. And while it was not envy on her face, I could tell she was not only happy. There was pity empathy towards those who had lost and were grieving.
We made our way back to Viechester, arriving at the city girdled by banclite walls while the sun was still high in the sky. Johnathan would be trialed by the court here, but that was none of our business. Our job was finished. And we were free to do whatever we wanted.
Just as Hadrian said, he was not in the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Rachel was there, being taught by Sophia in her room. The two were still not exactlyfortable with each other but I could tell the little girl was beginning to warm up to her tutor.
Perhaps she was finally starting to limate to her new environment. This ce was like a home to her. The only worry I had was about the Harrowed Vindicators. But they were unlikely to strike. They hadnt so far, and Daniel would be going far away from Rachel.
We bade our farewells to the members of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Rachel was unhappy that we were leaving, but she did not protest and cry like before. Instead, she simply met my eyes and asked a question.
When will you be back?
I bent over and smiled.
As soon as I hit Level 100. Well be back in Viechester.
She nodded slowly, then she steeled herself.
Well, Ill be Level 40 by then!
No. No you wont.
Sophia grabbed Rachels shoulders and spoke simply.
I will absolutely not allow you to try doing something that crazy.
It was an understandable sentiment; I did not want Rachel to get hurt. However, if she could be strong enough to protect herself, I would have preferred that!
Ill leave her in your care!
I beamed at Sophia and she hesitated.
Ill take care of her. Make sure she doesnt do anything stupid. And its not like Im going to be doing anything too dangerous. Ill have to look after Cless too hes still hurt. So, I guess Ill just be a babysitter then.
A smallugh left her lips, indicating that she was not particrly upset. I trusted her enough to try and keep her words. Ian was there too. He said nothing and only gave me a curt grunt.
I grunted back at him with a smile. Edithe broke away from talking with a burly tinum Rank adventurer. And Daniel was not particrly friendly with most of the people in the Valiant Dreamers Company. Then mypanions and I were off.
But we still had onest ce to drop by before we headed to our destination.
Where are we going, Salvos?
Ill tell youter. But first
My shoes cked on the cobbled street as I spun around and sped my hands behind my back. I looked at Edithe and grinned.
Well be dropping by the Sanctum of Elements!
The red haired woman paused. Then her eyes grew wide.
Wait, you arent saying
--
The three of us met William at the entrance of the temple; he had been waiting for us since I told him we wereing. I whispered quietly to him as I approached him.
Do you have everything prepared?
We have, yes.
Good! Lets hurry then!
Edithe followed behind us, almost looking ufortable. But she tried to make small conversations with William.
Hows everything going with the temple?
If youre talking about the week before, the Sanctum of Elements has not made any official statements on the incident.
Thats bullshit.
Language, youngdy.
The [Priest] shook his head, sighing. We rounded a corner as he continued.
It is because the upper echelons of the Sanctum of Elements have vested interests in working with adventurers andpanies alike. However, the Den of Souls are not as kind. They take any action against one of the two other denominations as an attack against them. They have dered an inquisition.
An inquisition?! What?
Daniel sputtered, staring at William in disbelief. The older man nodded.
Yes, the [Inquisitors] of the Den of Souls will be moving out and taking direct actions against certain members of the Iron Champions Company. They shall be disrupting their supply lines too, to aid the Valiant Dreamers in their war. And other such actions that could hurt and possibly bring the Iron Champions to ruin.
Oh, uh, thats not what I thought it was at all.
The [Priest] wrinkled a brow questioningly at Daniel.
What did you think was going to happen?
Uh, I thought there was going to be something more effective? Like countries rallying around the Den of Souls call.
Unfortunately, us temples are far less influential than you think.
Laughing, William led us down a familiar gilded corridor. I had been here once before, however I was sure Edithe had been here many times. But instead of putting her at ease, it seemed to rattle her nerves even more. The [Priest] finished.
Our temples are merely supplicants to nations. We do not aid them. We connect people across borders, but we do not destroy or determine those borders. Perhaps during the time of Alexander, we could have had more influence, but now, this is what we are.
He stepped aside and gestured for us to enter therge room ahead.
Ill leave you alone, so you can have your conversation in private.
Edithe muttered a thanks and trudged forward. It was almost like she was walking through mud, her feet sinking with every step and slowing her from making it into the room. I waited for her inside, standing next to the two Spirits already in the room.
It was the summoning room.
And Mistshard and Druma were standing by the summoning pool. Or rather, Mistshard was hovering over it, while Druma was seated on the ground like a copsed tree. Edithe stared at her two former summons, fidgeting with her fingers.
She opened and closed her mouth several times, looking like she was unsure of what to say. Finally, Daniel gently pushed her forward and whispered something into her ear. Taking a deep breath, Edithe approached the two Spirits and spoke deliberately.
Hello, Mistshard, Druma.
Druma said nothing as he could not speak. However, he stood up and fixed his gaze on her. Mistshard perched herself on his shoulder and replied coolly.
Greetings, oathbreaker.
Edithe visibly flinched at the words. I red up at Mistshard.
Hey! Thats rude! You said you would be nice.
I am being courteous as I have promised. However, I am required to address the oathbreaker by only one title oathbreaker.
Well you can just not address her, cant you?
Mistshard cocked her bird-like head. She considered it for a moment, before nodding.
That would be agreeable.
The [Elemental] turned back to face Edithe, waiting for the red haired woman to speak.
I know I broke my contract. I know I vited my agreement with the Spirit Lord. My decision was irrational, and I wasnt thinking straight.
After gathering herself from the verbal assault, Edithe managed to squeak out a voice. She did not meet the eyes of her Spirits, but she still continued.
However, I did what I thought was best at the moment. Not to offend you or your Lord. Or the bond we formed for the past half a year. It was because I did not want you to get hurt. Because I was tired of seeing my friends die for me.
She stared at the ground as her hands balled to fists. Sighing, Edithe nced up and opened her mouth
Only for Mistshard to flutter down in front of her and stop her. The [Elemental] stopped right in front of Edithe as luminescent smoke left her ethereal body. The body of a Spirit. Not a Mortal. But a creature like me made from the world itself.
Her eyes almost seemed to glow as they peered into Edithe. They held her attention, stopping her from talking. Until finally, Mistshard spoke.
There is no animosity here.
The words were simple, clear. It did not address anyone; she could not address Edithe without hurting the womans feelings. So, Mistshard just mouthed off to the void.
The contract was broken, and as per our obligations to our Lord we were returned to the Spirit ne. Our duty falls to him and only him. Our personal sentiments our desires to work with certain Humans cannot interfere with his will.
Edithe blinked slowly, uprehending her words. The Greater Spirit lowered her head and closed her eyes, leaning close to the [Summoner]s face.
I am sorry.
Druma stood beside her. The two of them bowed to Edithe, as if they were the ones apologizing. Edithe was left speechless. Then she stepped forward and hugged them.
The three said nothing more. There was nothing left to be said. Some time passed, and eventually the Spirits had to return to the Spirit ne. We had to leave too we could not hog the use of the summoning room freely.
I waved goodbye at Druma and Mistshard. I gestured at my arms and grinned at the [Yaksha].
I have four arms too now! Just like you!
He looked over me and offered me a gentle pat on the head. Then he entered the summoning pool and disappeared into Spirit ne. Mistshard hovered over the water for a moment, eyeing Edithe. Icicles dropped from her eyes, like she was crying but the tears froze upon forming.
Goodbye.
Bye.
Edithe spoke softly and Mistshard was gone. With thest of our farewells made, mypanions and I left the Sanctum of Elements. William simply nodded at Edithe as she left, and she returned the gesture. The two were probably used to this by now.
Finally, we were ready to leave. Edithe stretched her back and let out a small chuckle.
That was exhausting.
I didnt do anything but watch, but even Im tired from that.
Daniel agreed, shaking his head. I stood off to the side, eagerly bouncing from my toes. Mypanions both turned to face me with an inquiring nce.
So, uh, where exactly are we going, Salvos? You haven''t said.
The Human man asked. Edithe made a noise of agreement, the curiosity on her face evident. I giggled and spun around, finally revealing the trip I had nned.
Well be going east! Past Nixa and even the Vaun Qieur Empire!
I pped my hands as they exchanged a nce.
There, well be going to the gunds, where well fight a bunch of those mindless undead I keep hearing about to get stronger, then well be paying a visit to thend of the Kobolds!
What?!
The pair eximed at the same time, probably unable to suppress their excitement.
Chapter 108: Crossing Borders
Chapter 108: Crossing Borders
108. Crossing Borders
Daniel and Edithe followed me as I led them through the winding roads beyond Viechester. With our farewells said and done, there was nothing left for us to do at the city. We had packed everything we needed beforehand; both their storage equipment carried most of it, so we did not need to bring big bags with us.
I wore a few of my new purchases on me. Nothing too fancy. Apparently, Medium Grade items and above were often hard toe upon. I could always just create my own, so I did not bother getting anything that was not simply supplementary.
One of the items I got was a leg bangle. The merchant had called it a Band of Resistance. Daniel almost mistook it for something in his world when I mentioned it to him, but it was apletely different thing. A single chain was wrapped around my leg, with some inscriptions engraved onto it. And apparently, that would have helped me resist against ailment effects like burning or poison.
And blight.
That was what I especially had to look out for, considering we were going to the gunds. Daniel and Edithe, seemingly enthused at first, began to voice their disagreements with the idea as we marched down the gravelly path.
Salvos, I dont think this is a good idea. Look, I know of a few Dungeons around the area. Theyre tinum Rank threats too! Just like the Brilsum Ruins! We can start off there and then maybe work our way up to the gunds?
Yeah, I agree with her. This is, uh, not the best idea you have. In fact, it is probably one of the worst.
I stared at the pair, aghast.
Whats wrong with going to the gunds? I think its a wonderful idea!
They exchanged a look then spoke at the same time.
Its a Diamond Rank area
Exactly!
I beamed back at them. They still did not seem to understand. So, I began to exin.
Ive done a lot of research, since you Humans keep needing to sleep. Ive stayed up all night reading books from your libraries and stuff. And they all say the same thing! The gunds are full of these creatures called undead!
My logic seemed to bounce off some thick shell covering the heads of the Humans. They were perplexed. Confusion was evident on their faces. I crossed my arms.
Skeletons, Ghouls, Wights, Draugrs! They are mindless and wild even more so than Centinels. And the most important part is: they arent even alive!
Comprehension finally settled into mypanions. However, instead of the understanding nods I was expecting, there was a sigh, a shaking of the head. Edithe stepped forward and began to exin.
Look, Salvos, Im not exactly in the best shape to fight right now. I can only cast spells equivalent to someone 10 levels lower than me, and Daniel is just a Level 70 [Warrior]. Maybe you can survive fighting in the gunds, but neither of us can. Even if you prefer this, the fact is well die.
I frowned. Daniel seemed to agree with her. And then I grinned and started around a nearby tree.
What are you doing, Salvos?
Changing!
Wait, here?!
The Human man hurriedly turned away while Edithe tried to stop me. I waved her off.
Weve already left Viechester! Im done keeping secrets. Its not fun.
I winked over at Daniel, and although he didnt see it since he was pointedly facing the ground, he still tensed up. Edithe however, did not pick up on the cue even as my body started to shift.
I was d she did not, because that was meant only for him. It was his choice his secret. However, I have had to pretend to be a Human for so long. And I was getting sick and tired of it.
I stepped forward and ced one of my four hands on the red haired womans shoulder. She looked up at me, hesitating.
This is dangerous. If someone sees you
Well move away from the roads and keep away from Human sight. Plus, I can always change back if I sense anyone approaching us! I have [Passive - A Hunters Sense], after all!
Smiling, I spoke reassuringly to Edithe.
I know you may not think Im the most reliable person, but Ive learned a lot sinceing to the Mortal Realm. I know better than to get in trouble over nothing. The same goes for heading to the gunds. We arent just going to charge in and attack a horde of Level 100 Skeletons! Well be smarter than that. Draw them in slowly. Use teamwork to take them out one by one.
She still seemed uncertain, however my mind was set. She had let me decide where we were going. I had promised Edithe I would make her stronger. She did not want to forego her ss. So, we just had to advance her ss to something even better.
Gesturing at mypanions to follow me, I started into the forest and led them through the country of Nixa.
--
A dayter, Edithe and Daniel took charge of directions.
Aw, why?
Youre terrible at directions, Salvos.
Yeah, at least I know how to use a map.
The Human woman did not get what he meant by that, but she agreed anyway. We made our way through Nixa, staying close to but away from the roads where Humans could possibly see me. The Sunmere Republic disappeared far behind us, and even though I wanted to pay a visit to Silvergrove or Hazelbury just to hear the oos and the ahs from those there who knew me and saw how much I leveled, I knew it was pointless.
We ran into quite a few monsters through our path. However, that was what I had intended; not only could I remain as myself without being forced to constantly wear a Human skin, we could work Edithes way up before reaching the gunds.
Go, Edithe!
I yelled from the side as she cast spells and flung them at the swarm of [Vurats] attacking her. The monsters pped their jagged wings and charged her, but droves of them fell from the Gold Rank adventurers spells.
She panted, hands sped on her knees as she cast a re at me then at Daniel who was ying with his swords scabbard.
You know, you could have helped me, right? Those were fucking Silver Rank threats! Not something that would help me level.
Thats the point!
I grinned back at her. She faced me with a frown as I borated.
Were helping you refine the use of your spells. Since you cant rely on half of your Skills right now, we want you to get used to fighting without them. What better way to test that than by fighting monsters below your level?
Thats oddly well thought out for you, Salvos.
Hey! I take offense to that!
I feigned hurt.
We fought more monsters and continued through the country. Until finally, a month passed and we arrived at the Vaun Qieur Empires borders.
Defeated [Shadow Wolf - Lvl. 43]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!
Defeated [Moss Slime - Lvl. 25]!
Little experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 30 levels below you!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeing Lvl. 72] -> [Asura Changeing Lvl. 73]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
There was a border check we had to go through. I briefly had to revert to my Mortal Form because of that. I folded all four of my arms defiantly at first, turning away from mypanions when they insisted I had to change.
If we go into the country without receiving the proper documentation, wed be criminals. Wanted by thew.
No!
Salvos
Nuh!
Uh, what?
I finally acquiesced. We passed through a bridge with a small, casteted fort sitting on the other side and the guards there studied us thoroughly. They wore rather decorated armor, unlike the ones I had seen in Nixa and the Sunmere Republic. But it was not special. Not like an adventurer or high leveled guards armor.
This was purely aesthetic.
Adventurers?
A guard with a scarred face looked us over with suspicious eyes. I nodded eagerly back at him.
We are! tinum Ranks, see?
I produced my badge and he took note of it. Despite the fact that I was literally twice his level, he pushed me and waved me through. I frowned. Rude.
Just get a move on if youve paid your fee, I dont care if youre tinum or nothin.
Daniel was treated far less harshly for whatever reason. But Edithe received the same shove as me. Narrowing my eyes, I watched as another group showed up at the guardpost. They were merchants, mostly Human barring a single Cyclops.
Lets just go.
Edithe tugged at my arms, but I stood still and watched as everyone in the merchant except for the Cyclops was let through. In fact, the guards at the gates jeered at the Cyclops man and even pushed him back towards the bridge.
One of them the one who pushed me was just about to hurl a rock when I grabbed his arm. He grunted and snapped back to face me.
What do you think youre doing? Let go of me you damn bitch!
Hi. You know, you pushed me, right?
I ignored him as he struggled as Edithe and Daniel watched me from behind; they were caught up in uncertainty, that they were not prepared for what I was about to do next.
I dont like being attacked.
What are you
I punched the Human man in the face, sending him flying a good distance. Just before I delivered the punch, I had activated my Amulet of Strength. Just to add the extra bit of air time.
Everyone stared at what I had just done, including the Cyclops man whose one eye was wide open fixed upon me. I scratched the back of my head and gestured behind me.
You might want to run.
She assaulted a guard of the Vaun Qieur Empire, seize her!
The guards in the fort exploded into action. Edithe looked at me she wanted toe to my aid, but Daniel stopped her.
She asked us to run, lets go!
I watched as they made their escape, but the Cyclops man stood dumbly with his heavy bag on his back. What are you doing? Move! I sighed and then breathed out brilliant blue mes up into the air.
The [Archers] and [Mages] who were taking aim at me from the walls covered their eyes as the re blinded them. The [Warriors] drew back from the intense heat, and in that moment where everyone was inert, [Self Haste] propelled me towards the Cyclops man and I grabbed his arm.
Come on!
He bumbled forward, following me as I pulled him through and past the small fort. Spells exploded overhead and arrowsnded around us. One splintered and broke on my back, tearing through my Unique Grade jacket.
I spun around and sent a simple zing Bolt back their way, missing all of the guards on purpose, but leaving a smoldering hole on the gray stone wall.
That left enough of an impression on the [Archers] to pull back and take cover from my attacks. I smiled and finally pulled the Cyclops man to safety.
I found Daniel and Edithe soon after. The pair wore unhappy looks. The former had his hands buried in his face as he sat on a rock while thetter was pacing around with her arms crossed.
Why did you do that, Salvos?
She stopped and demanded from me. I shrugged.
I didnt like how they were acting. Also, that man pushed me.
Edithe let out a frustrated sigh, however she did not prod me with any more questions. Instead, she shook her head in resignation and turned to the Cyclops man.
I apologize for my friend here. She got you into a lot of trouble. Sometimes shes kind of impulsive?
She spoke hesitantly, unsure of how the Cyclops man would react. Then she blinked as if she remembered something and quickly bowed her head.
The Cyclops man let out a hearty chuckle and waved a hand.
No, no, no. I appreciate her aid. If I could not have gone through this country, I would have been unable to proceed on my journey. Salvos, was it?
He spun to face me and lowered the cap covering his bald head. I nodded.
Thats me!
Thank you for your assistance.
Of course!
I beamed and turned triumphantly to Edithe. Then I focused back to him and cocked my head.
Whats your name anyway? And where are you going?
Me?
He drew back, slowly lowering his arms.
Ah, I am Adan. A traveling merchant. And I wish to take my wares to thend of the Kobolds.
Chapter ???. A Witch and a Demon walk into a...
Chapter ???. A Witch and a Demon walk into a...
END
Author''s Note:
APRIL FOOLS-- wait, this isn''t April 1st, it''s May 1st...
It was supposed to be for April fools, but I, uh, took too long to script the thing. Comic scripting and plotting is difficult, alright? You have to find reference images for every panel, or draw it yourself. And I am not good at either.
This is, of course, non-canon.
Also, this was expensive.
So, yeah... this was a crossover between my own fics! I''m sure many of you saw the six way crossover on RR this year with AH, or the two way crossoverst year with AH. And I thought this was a good idea.
It wasn''t.
Not for my wallet.
Or for my time management.
But it''s done! And I absolutely love it! Big shoutout to the artist, Mabi, for producing this wonderfulic piece in a timely manner. The character designs are wonderful and she captured my characters masterfully! Sincerely, it''s been a pleasure working with her.
Vitaly S [art director], Mabi [illustrator]
Their fiction Somebody Stop Her | Royal Road
You can read Ms here.
You can read Salvos here.
You can read Tian here.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I have an art addiction.
If you''d like to support my art addiction, donate to my patreon here and you can maybe get some rewards like chapters ahead.
Click here to join my Discord
Chapter 109: Big and Scary Demon
Chapter 109: Big and Scary Demon
109. Big and Scary Demon
It was only when we were certain we were far enough away and not being pursued, did we set up camp. As usual, I helped start the fire with my magic while mypanions got to work with preparing their meals and their whole sleepingyout thing.
Once I was finished with my job, I ignored the two Humans and instead sidled up to the Cyclops man I had aided. He was a traveling merchant who just so happened to be heading in the same direction as us.
Adan, right?
I peered into his face inquisitively; he was not like Jaakko, who had a hardened look with arge jaw that extended over his mouth. His face was rounder his entire body was rounder. As if he just had too much to eat.
Ah, yes. And you are Salvos, yes?
Nodding, I refrained from verbally confirming my identity since Daniel told me it was rude. I grinned and leaned over to him.
Do you know Jaakko?
There was a raised brow. A single raised brow, since he only had one eye. That seemed to be enough to answer my question.
Huh, nevermind so, why are you going to thend of the Kobolds?
The Cyclops man raised a tin canister and deliberately sips from it, before taking a refreshed breath and answering the question.
Such inquisitiveness. Most Humans do not possess that when they hear of my destination, they spit at the ground andugh.
Well, Im not most Humans. Im Salvos!
I could not resist the urge. Also, I was not technically lying. Adan bellowed augh, grabbing at his belly and shaking his head.
I can see that. Ah, to think you would actually attack a guard of the Vaun Qieur Empire while in the presence of one of its forts. It was a smaller one, but a fort nheless.
I didnt like how he pushed me!
Of course, Humans have such odd perspectives on gender sometimes. However, to answer your question, I am simply a merchant. I go to wherever I can, selling my goods to anyone who desires to purchase them. And it just so happens that I am stocked up on merchandise that is considered valuable in thosends.
I cocked my head and identified him. He was a Level 56 [Trader]. Not particrly high leveled if he was a [Warrior] or [Mage] or some otherbat ss. But as a nonbat ss, he was one of the highest leveled ones I had seen thus far.
Youre going all the way to thend of the Kobolds just to sell some stuff?
Not any stuff. Look here.
He produced something from his bag. It was white, almost shiny, and I recognized it immediately.
Banclite?
Yes.
Adan pocketed the antimagic piece of ore and leaned back against hisrge sack.
Banclite is not something too umon in the Humannds, and it is even plentiful in the Beastmen ins further to the west. However, these ores are far more rare to the east. Dwarfs are known to be willing to spend an exorbitant sum of gold coins simply to acquire it. And while Kobolds do not trade in coins, they offer other such rpense.
I narrow my eyes for a moment, and then the implication hits me.
So, you give themmon items which are cheap here, formon items there which are rare here, so theyre expensive and
Trailing off, I nced up at Adan.
Did I get that right?
He smiled.
You did.
I beamed, satisfied at myself. However, before I could interrogate the Cyclops man even more, a voice from the side cut us off. Daniel approached us, facing him.
Hey, uh, Mr Adan, would you care to join us for our meal? Just as apologies for the trouble.
I made a face of disgust. Adan did not. He happily epted my Humanpanions offer. I had to join them in pretending to eat or at least, I was doing the pretending before I had to go and pretend to sleep.
--
Since Adan was traveling in the same direction as us, we decided it would be better for us criminals as Daniel called us to go together. We would probably have to go our separate ways some time before the gunds. And while I enjoyed the newpany, I was a little upset because
Yum delicious food is so good
I only barely managed to stop myself from choking on the soup Adan had made. Apparently, it was a delicacy from his culture; the meat he used was not actually meat, but a kind of minced fish or something. To me, it was all the same: terrible.
The Cyclops man eyed me with his single eye almost suspiciously, as if he suspected something was off. I could not me him; I was not even trying to be discreet at all.
I had put in effort in faking it when I was in Viechester, but this was supposed to be my time. I quickly excused myself from the brief lunch meal and went off into a nearby thicket to puke.
Gross.
Are you alright, Salvos?
A voice drew my attention. It was Edithe. She pushed aside a tree branch, rustling its leaves, as she approached me.
You havent seemed well for the past few days.
I scowled and crossed my arms.
Of course not!
The Human woman walked up next to me and took a seat. She studied my face for a moment. Then she sighed.
Is it because youve been forced to to eat and sleep since Adans been around?
Yep, theres that. And also
Taking a deep breath, I began to recount the reason why I was upset; the thing that had been sowing grief within me since we arrived at the Vaun Qieur Empire.
This was supposed to be my trip. Thats why you let me arrange it! It was supposed to be relieving for me I was supposed to be free from pretending.
Free from pretending?
She gave me an inquisitive nce. I shifted my feet ufortably it was not like she could understand what I was feeling. Edithe was a Human who lived amongst Humans. They epted her usually.
Sometimes they acted weird because she was a woman or whatever, but this went beyond that.
All Ive done since I have be a [Changeling] has been pretend. Sure, I do like pretending sometimes. Its fun pretending to be a Princess with Rachel. However, pretending to not be me and pass it off as me is just
You dislike it.
I really do!
I drew my knees into my chest and hugged it.
Jaakko, Helen, and Zack. When Ist saw them before they left Viechester, they called me their friend. That was why they came to help me when they heard Daniel and I were being hunted by the Harrowed Vindicators. And Saffron too, she gave me an artifact to contact her with. Even though she rejected my request for her aid towards the Valiant Dreamers Company, she reassured me that since were friends, she would answer something more personal.
Sighing, I cast my gaze up towards the sky. Edithe followed it, sitting next to me as the clouds above floated freely through the world. The blue skies were its Lair, an ocean where they could go wherever they wanted without worry.
If they ever found out what I truly am, wouldnt they hate me? Hadrian too. Especially him. Since hes a Vampire, wouldnt he want to kill me just like that banditdy did?
There was a moment of silence. Neither of us said anything. Until finally, there was a softugh. Edithe was giggling, her hands covering her mouth and her lips curled up into a smile.
W-what?
I stared at her, shifting back slightly. For a moment, I saw someone else there. My redpanion who loomed over the red haired woman. He wasughing at me and I did not understand why. But then I was back in reality and Edithe was gently grasping my hand.
Its nothing. Im just a little bit surprised to see you worry over such things, thats all.
I worry about a lot of things!
I protested but she waved it off.
Honestly, Salvos, if youre really tired of going around as a Human, we could always split ways with Adan something we suggested but you shot down.
Because I like him
And the only reason hes with us in the first ce is because you decided to cause a fuss which got all of us in trouble. This is just a consequence of your own actions.
She was right. I knew that, and yet I pouted anyway. Edithe smiled however, undeterred by my dour mood. She scooted over closer to me, her voice carrying a kind tone as she lifted my chin.
But it doesnt have to be this way, you know? Sometimes there are solutions. Sometimes, youve just got to ask.
What do you mean? Doesnt everyone hate Demons?
Most Humans do, yes. But fuck them. Who cares about them.
I stared at her judgingly.
You were one of them!
I was. But not anymore. I am often an idiot, so I do think my statement holds true especially to the past me.
A brush of wind swept past as Edithe faced me.
Sometimes, your problems can be resolved if you justmunicate. Not all the time. But this time, you probably can.
Why is that?
Because Cyclops arent like Humans. They dont follow the same traditions we do. You have heard of the stories havent you? The reason why Humans hate Demons.
I shrugged. I did read some things about it, and Daniel had told me some information as well. It just was not something I particrly cared about. The reason did not change the effect, which was how I lived, and how I would have to adapt to survive.
Cyclops society does not have a reason to hate Demons. In fact, I do not think they frequently interact with Spirits either, since the Spirit Lord never made a contract with their Species. So, if you just talk to Adan about it, Im sure he wouldnt have a problem with it.
You think so?
I felt a surge of hope rise up within me. The thought that I would not have to eat or pretend to sleep gave me strength. I nced over at Edithe with big, round eyes.
And she shrugged.
Maybe? I dont fucking know but it probably will work?
Huh.
I pointed an using finger at her.
You lied to me!
I did not. Im just offering you a suggestion, Salvos. Look, it doesnt hurt to try asking him some prodding questions
Liar!
I stuck out a tongue like Rachel sometimes did. Edithe shook her head.
Also, theres no way Hadrian is a Vampire.
He is! He definitely, definitely is
--
After that conversation with Edithe, I found Adan sitting alone in a small clearing. He had his bag ced leaning against a rock as a bunch of trinkets were strewn about, arranging them neatly in rows.
He was rubbing at his chin, murmuring to himself as I walked up behind him.
...perhaps I can sell some of the mithril ores in a Human city before I reach Unarith. Kobolds have no use for metal, after all.
The Cyclops man paused and nced back at me.
Ah, Salvos, did you need something?
I walked up next to him, eyes fixed on the inventory of goods he had. A few bright objects caught my attention, however I focused and turned to him.
Yep. Actually, I wanted to ask you a question.
He waited for a moment as I took a deep breath. There was no point being reticent. I could have skirted around what I wanted to know, slowly trying to direct the conversation to what I wanted, but that was such a weird Human thing to do. So, I spoke simply.
What do you think of Demons? Do you hate them, or are you fine with them?
Adan paused, blinking. He nced over at me with his single eye, thinking for a moment. Then he shrugged.
I am fine with Demons as long as they are fine with me.
I narrowed my eyes. There had to be more than that, right? I tried again.
Even if they are big and scary and with four arms?
Especially if they are big and scary and with four arms.
He chuckled and collected his items, putting them back in his bag. I cocked my head.
A Demon thats big and scary and could rip me in half is one Id rather be on the good side of. Ah, unless being on its side draws the ire of an army of angry Humans. Then I would prefer to be left alonepletely.
I blinked, taking a step back. Then I narrowed my eyes.
Youre not very loyal, are you?
I am what Id like to call pragmatic.
He smiled, drawing out a grin from me. I ced my hands on my hips and stared up at him.
Then what if I told you I was that big and scary Demon?
Adan frowned and folded his arms across his broad chest. Then he let out a lightugh.
That is something I would very much be interested in seeing.
Really?
I perked up. Spinning around, I quickly ran behind a tree.
Wait here for a moment.
I transformed out of my Mortal Form after undressing and returned quickly. I was now as tall as the Cyclops man. He had a look of disbelief on his face. Before a smile cracked up on his lips.
See?
I do see. And it seems I gave the correct answer, didnt I, Ms Big and Scary Demon?
I beamed back at him, happy that I made the right decision too. I was tired of pretending. Maybe I would have to resume pretending once we returned from the gunds. But for now, I was free to be me.
Chapter 110: Blight
Chapter 110: Blight
110. Blight
Salvos, uh
Huh?
I nced over at Daniel as he stared at me. He scratched at his chin as I walked ahead of him next to Adan. The Cyclops man and I were simr of simr height; together, we towered over the two measly Humans apanying us.
Perhaps that was why the [Hero] wore such an ufortable look on his face.
Didnt you say that you were, uh, tired of pretending?
Thats right! Its exhausting pretending to be someone Im not all the time!
I crossed myrge arms. They were bulky, and they covered half my chest with their size alone. Daniel exchanged a look with Edithe, then he raised an uncertain hand.
So, why are you pretending to be a Cyclops?
Blinking my single eye, I looked down at myself.
Ah.
I mimicked what Adan would say, before a smile spread across my face. I twirled around, the traditional dull gray Cyclops robes I had been lent being brushed by the wind as I came to a stop.
I thought it would be fun! Ive never tried to be any other Mortal before, and Adan thought it would be a good idea for when were near roads like right now!
The Human man pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a strained sigh.
After you made such a big deal about it too
Come on Daniel
Edithe jabbed him lightly with her elbow, a slight giggle escaping her lips.
Just admit that youre upset you cant see her as a Human.
Wait, what?! No thats not it at all!
His face turned beet red as she continued to tease him; I focused my attention forward, marching next to Adan as we approached a bridge that cut over a rushing river. I narrowed my single eye as I saw a group of armed figures making their way through.
They were not dressed in the same armor or clothing as the soldiers of the Vaun Qieur Empire. However, they were wearing uniforms, each marked with some kind of emblem that showed a vertical cut running through a w.
Hey, who are those guys?
I interrupted mypanions bickering as I pointed out those Humans who were making their way to us. Edithe paused midughter and turned to them while Daniel shrugged.
Uh, I dont know?
The Human man was seemingly just as clueless as me. But the Cyclops man and my otherpanion spoke up at the same time.
Theyre the Forsaken Company. Ah, one of the Three Honorable Companies.
Thats right, theyre the ones responsible for protecting the Humannds during a Kobold invasion. Theyve even repelled four of them since theirpany was formed, more than both the other Honorable Companies have despite being newer.
And what is an Honorable Company?
I had heard that title tossed around quite often, however I never once bothered to ask about it. It was just a name. I did not think too much about names. Especially since they were only mentioned in passing. Now, however, I identified one of the few adventurers ahead of me as they got within range of my General Skill.
[Warrior - Lvl. 103]
Strong, I thought as I examined the man with the broadsword. He was swinging it around at one of hispanions, yfully swiping at them like a child ying a game.
Edithe shrugged.
Its kind of arbitrary, but the Honorable Companies are said to be the biggest and most influentialpanies out of all adventuringpanies out there. And they have been tasked with the duty to defend us from any outside forces that attack ournds.
Huh.
The group of Diamond Rank and tinum Rank adventurers passed by us, heading down the road we came from as theyughed and yelled at eaech other. Adan kept his head facing forward. It was as if he did not want them to take notice of him. Edithe seemed slightly nervous as well, for whatever reason. Only Daniel and I were not unnerved by their passing at all.
Then one of the adventurers the Human man with the broadsword stopped. He spun around and eyed our group.
Hey, you there!
I paused and turned back.
Me?
Yeah, you tinums. Where are you guys going? I dont recall there being a tinum Ranked Dungeon anywhere around these parts.
Oh, were not going to a tinum Rank Dungeon.
I replied honestly. He narrowed his eyes then took a step forward.
Oi, if youre trying to hide a Dungeon from us you know the Forsaken Company doesnt like that. Especially not in our territory.
Seth, what are you doing?
One of hispanions pulled him back and whispered into his ear. He harrumphed and folded his arms.
Im making sure we arent being swindled by a group of stray adventurers right now. Theres no reason for tinums to be heading in that direction on their own. The only thing that awaits them there is the gunds.
Actually, thats where were
I raised a hand but was cut off suddenly by Edithe.
Actually, we were just helping escort our friend here to Ghostlight. Hes her brother, you see? And a [Trader]. He was worried about getting harassed or attacked if he traveled on his own, so he hired us.
The Human man with the broadsword frowned. He seemed to consider this for a moment, bringing a hand to his chin and rubbing it slowly. Finally, he seemed toe to a conclusion and shrugged.
Sounds about right. Honestly, if you told me you were going to the gunds, I would haveughed at your faces. If you three thought you would have been able to y the Lich when we couldnt even get to it
There was a chuckleing from more than one member of the group. I felt my single brow rise as I considered what he said. A Lich? Their group continued on as we reached the bridge and began crossing over the rushing rapids.
Something poked me from behind and I almost yelped. I spun around to see Daniel ring at me with his arms crossed.
Dont even think about it.
Wha how did you know?!
Edithe piped up from the side.
Anyone who knows you would know what youre thinking.
Aw, but please? Think of how much experience a Lich would give!
--
After spending two days in my Mortal Form as a Cyclops, I got bored of it and returned to being myself. We were no longer near any settlements or roads. The only thing that awaited us was the gunds.
Thend around us started to grow sparse with trees; there was not as much vegetation filling the ground with life. The coarse, brown dirt of the earth almost seemed ckened by somee kind of magic. Even the plentiful roads of Human civilization mostly vanished. Only a single path remained, and it was not one we were headed in.
Adan halted on the gravel ground, his feet burying themselves into the gray road as he turned to face us. He took off hisrge pack and settled it down before leaning against it. I faced him, offering him a smile.
He was not taken aback by my looks, nor was he afraid of my appearance. He returned the gesture like I was just another person he met. And considering that he was a Cyclops who had traveled across the Humannds to get to thend of the Kobolds, it was possible that was what I was to him.
It seems this is where our path splits.
He spoke simply, his deep voiceing out soft and gentle. My shoulders sagged but I still tried to convince him.
Are you sure you cant follow us?
Ah, I apologize. While my [Trader] ss does grant me benefits in hiding from monsters, they would not do much for me in the gunds. It is a dangerous ce. Even if you are a Demon.
I bared my teeth his way.
You think so?
I wouldnt want to antagonize a big and scary Demon like you, so I rescind my statements.
The Cyclops man grinned and shot me with a wink with his one eye. I was not sure how that worked. But it did. Iughed and he did too. Then he turned his attention to both Daniel and Edithe, addressing all of us.
My time with you three was short, however I am grateful for the help you have given me. The gunds is a dangerous ce and not to be underestimated. I know this wont be much, but I have prepared a gift for each of you.
A gift?
I blinked and Daniel held up his hands almost defensively.
We appreciate the offer, Adan, but weve caused you some trouble too and it is fine
Well take it.
Edithe cut him off and stepped forward. He eyed her with a frown before his brows snapped together in understanding.
Oh.
She nodded.
I need it.
Right.
She was Level 59 now. She had leveled twice since we left Viechester. But only twice. I was certain she was close to another level up soon though, which made me excited for finally reaching the gunds.
Adan produced three rings. Each of them looked no different from the other. They were made of metal, nothing too shiny, but the runes inscripted on them radiated power. A kind of magic I did not recognize.
This is to ward off curses.
He said as he handed one to each of us individually.
It does not protect you against the blight there, however I do not doubt you wouldnt be wise enough to avoid such magic. But curses. Those are the hallmark of the undead. Be wary of it.
Thank you.
I gratefully epted my gift and slipped it into one of my wed fingers. It almost did not fit, until it somehow expanded and perfectly limated itself to my size. I beamed as I held up my hand against the sun.
Edithe bowed her head at the Cyclops man.
We appreciate what youve done for us. Especially in regards to herding Salvos around. Shes a little difficult to handle sometimes.
Hey!
Ah, I should be saying that to you. Thank you, kind adventurers. Perhaps we might meet again, but in thend of the Kobolds. Unarith is not too far off from the gunds, after all. Although I may only be able to speak to one of you then.
He looked over at me before hefting his bag over his shoulder. I waved all four of my arms at him as he wandered off, until he was heading down the road into the horizon. Daniel, Edithe, and I start away from the path. Our road took us down a different direction, past decaying trees into a barrenndscape oozing with a thick miasma.
Insects buzzed and circled around strange rocks jutting out of the ground. I paused and took a second look, realizing that those were not rocks. Although they did look kind of simr to the white rocks of the Netherworld.
I sighed and shook my head as Daniel coughed, covering his nose. The Human man was still trying to get used to the stench, although Edithe was unbothered.
How are you guys fine with this smell?
He gagged and spoke through a cloth. Edithe looked over at me.
Well, Im pretty sure Salvos is fine with it because shes Salvos. But I grew up in less than kind conditions. I dont mind this very much.
Daniel stared at her, as if he had found some newfound respect. However, it caused him to get a big whiff of air, forcing the contents out of his stomach.
Sucks, doesnt it?
I made the idlement as I walked past him.
Leave me alone, will you?
I giggled beforeing to a stop. Whaty before me was the edge of a cliff. A steep decline led down about a hundred feet, before expanding into a vast, sprawling field. Much to me and mypanions surprise, this was not an empty field covered with corpses as we had expected.
That was what I had read about the gunds; it was covered with the undead, like it was a sea. Yet, here was a field of flowers. They were strangely colored however I had never seen these colors before. Their stalks were the color of the void. A ckness that seemed to suck in the light from its surroundings. Their flowers were throned too, and the petals were a pure white like the ivory of bones.
And the miasma the brown gas which seemed so transparent earlier filled the air like a liquid, exuding from these nts. This was the blight. The dangerous magic which would hamper the Stats of anyone who fell into it. That would supposedly halve your health, mana, and stamina. The telltale sign that you had finally entered the gunds.
Were here.
Daniel puked again.
Hah!
Shut up.
Chapter 111: Spooky Skeletons
Chapter 111: Spooky Skeletons
111. Spooky Skeletons
A thickyer of miasma was exuded from the field of flowers spreading out as far as I could see below the cliff. The brown gas seemed almost solid from up here its noxious smell reaching us and forcing Daniel to throw up beside me.
The effects of this blight did not reach us. Only its vulgar aroma made its way this high; I had done my research and I determined that the blight was only deadly if we were within a dozen feet from it. Perhaps if we were a hundred feet from the blight, we would face some decrease in stamina or mana or even health.
But as long as we kept ourselves far from it, we would not run into any issues.
Come on.
I gently patted Daniels back.
Lets go around it.
He looked up at me, eyes welling up. His gratitude was evident. The [Hero] walked with wobbly feet after Edithe and me the red-haired woman almostpletely unaffected by the stench.
Are you ok?
I gave her a worried look, although I was pretty sure she could not tell from my face. Humans were bad at detecting facial expression from Demons!
She nodded as she cast a sidelong nce to Daniel.
Im fine, since I grew up in the streets. It smells bad, but its no different from rotten garbage being left out for months on end without anyone cleaning it up.
Edithe made an over exaggerated face of disgust. I giggled and stuck my tongue out.
Well, the Netherworld never smelled like anything, but this still doesn''t bother me!
Yet, you gag at the sight of food.
Its disgusting!
And this smell isnt? Maybe you should try eating garbage perhaps you might like it.
I scowl.
Hey!
That was apparently what animals like rats did. And Humans did not like rats, which meant that was an insult!
I paused as I tapped a finger on my chin.
Maybe I should try what it tastes like, though.
Edithe stared at me judgingly. I shrugged, and Daniel puked.
Can we please get out of here?
Rolling my eyes, I picked up the pace as we continued around the cliff. This was not the entirety of the gunds. This was just the very beginning of it.
My eyes zed over the vastndscape. It was ckened. The dirt here was of a dull color, almost as if the life was sucked out of it. Dirt did not have any life. But neither did rocks, however that did not stop the smattering of pebbles from being tinted with a ck-ish hue.
Whys everything here so dark?
I murmured as the sun began to set over the distant horizon. We descended down the side of a steep hill, far away from where the blight flowers had been. There were bodies lying at the bottom of the drop, corpses that had rotted and turned to bone and dust. Their loot what they owned as adventurers were no longer with them.
It was just a pile of fake-rocks now.
We reached the bottom and started past the littered corpses, marching through the undting, barrenndscape of the gunds. The vague shape of hills filled my vision wherever I turned. It was not much of a sight. Not yet.
Should we make camp soon?
Daniel finally asked after having gathered his wits.
We dont want to progress too far into the gunds. Especially not during the night.
Why not?
My feet crinkled over some bones. For some reason, I looked down at them. They were white, unsullied. Without any clothing or items on them.
Do they get some kind of advantage at night?
Not really, however undead are known to
Watch out!
I yelled and leapt over to him. I grabbed him with two of my arms as my other two conjured a ming scythe. It cut through the ground, shearing through the bones like grass. The Skeleton reeled back, its arms severed at the joins, staring at me with hollow eyes.
These are Skeletons, not corpses!
I spun around as [Ember Core] lit my body aze with fiery armor. The ground cracked open, dirt shot up, and white, spindly figures dug themselves from the earth.
Edithe was faster to react than Daniel. She sent sts of ice down at the Skeletons. However, her spells did nothing.
[Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 95]
[Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 93]
[Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 97]
You can take care of yourself, right?
I hurriedly faced Daniel who only just drew his sword. He nodded and his sword shone. But it was not the kind of glow emitted when he used [Heros sh]. My eyes grew wide as the realization sunk in: he had advanced his ss.
I can. Go help Edithe.
Got it.
I took a deep breath and a plume of me bloomed out. The [ming Breath] razed the bones of the Skeletons as they rose to their feet. They were charred now ck kes pouring off their pure white.
However, that was not enough. Not by itself. Edithe drew her staff back as arge orb of electricity charged itself. She loosed it on a single Skeleton that just drew itself onto its feet, sting it in half.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl 89]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
So, my Skills brought it to the brink, then? I narrowed my eyes before activating [Self Haste]. [me Burst] brought me forward next to her as she tried fruitlessly to harm the Skeletons with weaker spells. She was panting, breathing heavy, eachbored breath showing how much these magical attacks exerted her. Yet, other than the first Skeleton, none of the others fell.
My scythe decapitated the skull of one of the Skeletons just as they reached Edithe. Inded next to her, the weapon in my hand changing to a smaller sickle, chains already wrapped around my forearm.
I hurled the kusarigama out and spun, striking everything over a wide distance. A Skeleton caught it by the chains, but I tugged it and yanked the undead over to me. [Barrage of Cinders] took over as I crushed its bones to dust, grinding its skull, and breaking it by the joints. It was far more fragile than a Golem.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl 95]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I stepped over the dead Skeleton, a re crossing over my face. I bared my teeth and spoke.
Kneel!
[Intimidation] was sent echoing through the night. My voice caused their bones to shake, rattling from the vibration in the air. It even dispelled the trace amounts of miasma floating around me; I shouted as loud as I could, focusing the Skill only on the Skeletons.
They did not even pause. They stumbled after me, swinging their fists in a wild charge.
Mindless things!
I traded blows with one that was slightly lower leveled than the rest. And yet, when their fists made contact with me, I flinched. My [Ember Core] rippled and there was a flicker of aura around my body.
Crushing the Skeleton with four quick strikes, I moved on to the next as I bounded forward as fast as I could. While my [Self Haste] was still active, I had to act. These Skeletons dealt a lot of damage for ostensibly harmless strikes.
My Ring of Lesser Protection would not hold up to the umted damage. One of the Skeletons however, blurred forward. Its strike came fast. Like it had some kind of speed Skill itself. I flinched, preparing to brace myself for the blow.
And a gust of wind knocked it aside. Edithe lowered her staff, fixing me with a determined look.
If I cant hurt them, Ill keep them off you!
Thanks!
I grinned and continued my assault. Daniels de shed asionally just as my mes lit up the night. I took a step back at one point as [ming Breath] recharged itself, and loosed it at thest of the Skeletons.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl 97]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl 93]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 73] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 74]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 74
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 3
[Rest] - Lvl. 3
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 10]
[Vitality]: 79 (+5)
[Strength]: 52 (+5)
[Endurance]: 74 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 105 (+5) (+5)
[Agility]: 166 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points:9]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 3
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 2
[me Burst] - Lvl. 3
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I slumped on the ground, all four of my hands sprawled out as I heaved a heavy sigh. The bones of the Skeletons tter around me. Many of them were still intact, only a few joints broken. But they were all dead.
I leveled up!
Barely managing to squeak out those words of victory, I quickly distributed my Stat Points. I spent them on [Strength] and [Endurance] for now. Because that battle drained me.
I refrained from touching my Skill Points for now.
Arent Skeletons supposed to be swarm monsters?
I turned and looked over at Daniel, who was even more exhausted than I. The only one who was still standing was Edithe, and she was more in a bent over position as she leaned against her staff.
They are.
He took a deep breath and his eyes rolled over my way.
And that was a big swarm.
That was a swarm?
We had fought just over a dozen Skeletons. They were most Level 90, which made them all very dangerous. But they were stupid and had no teamwork. Hence why we could beat them.
Also, because Im a Demon with a Title and Daniel is a [Hero] with a Title. And Edithe may be a [Summoner] who cant summon, but she has a Title too.
For undead? Yes.
Huh.
The swarm monsters I had fought so far mostly numbered in the dozens when they came in a group. Others were in the hundreds, like Shade Swarmers. But apparently the cap for what constituted a swarm monster went as low as a dozen in a group.
Come on.
Edithes voice broke us from our rest and [Rest]. She helped pick Daniel up and pointed out a hill close to us.
Well find a ce to properly recover there. If were already seeing Skeletons and were this shallow into the gunds.
She nced over at me, a serious look on her face.
I dont think we should try venturing much further into the gunds, Salvos.
Aw, but look at how much youve leveled
I paused, cutting myself off as I identified her.
Huh. Youre only Level 60.
Only a single level after that encounter. Despite having fought multiple Level 90s, she only leveled once. And that was in addition to the umted experience over the past month of little leveling!
Thats right.
She spoke simply and started forward.
As you can see, I barely gained any experience from that battle. Its just not that easy to help someone else level. Thats all.
Chapter 112: Plaguelands
Chapter 112: gunds
112. gunds
A fire crackled in the damp cavern. Drops of water fell from stctites onto small puddles, this dripping sound recurring almost frequently. I could see the dim glow of the mooning from just around the corner. This cave we found was quite shallow. But it would do.
Edithe and Daniel were both sleeping. They trusted me to keep watch without losing focus, and I was going to ensure their trust was not breached. This ce was dangerous as expected. We knew the gunds was not going to be an easy expedition. The encounter with the Skeletons proved that.
Generally speaking, undead were supposed to be weak. However, the undead here in the gunds were a different story. And that was because of simply how this ce was formed.
A powerful necromancer by the name of Lilian had taken over a small kingdom. The nearby countries were afraid of her, so they performed a [Hero] summoning. The Human man that came, Zacharius, went to y her.
But something happened. His trip took years, when the kings thought it would take months. They sent their men to check, but Lilian had not died.
And when Zacharius returned, he did not return victorious. He returned by Lilians side.
They conquered all the countries that summoned him to kill her, razing it all to the ground, and reanimating the fallen countries into what was now known as the gunds.
Even though Lilian was long dead now, her magic still remained. The Skeletons we had fought were just small showings of her true power.
Id like to meet someone like that
I murmured under my breath. There was a light stirring and Edithes head popped up.
...did you say something, Salvos?
Huh?
Blinking, I turned to face her. The red-haired woman was rubbing at her eyes, a groggy look passed over her face.
You were awake?
Couldnt get good sleep.
She spoke simply as she got to her feet and walked over to me on wobbly legs. Plopping herself down to my left, she leaned against the cave wall.
What were you muttering to yourself about? Who do you want to meet?
Oh, I just wanted to meet someone strong who will be mypanion. Like Lilian was to Zacharius!
But youve got Daniel, dont you?
Yep, but I want someone strong!
Edithe stared at me for a moment.
...Im just going to pretend I didnt hear that.
She shook her head as a lightugh escaped her lips.
I didnt think you knew about the Quisling and his betrayal.
I read books!
I proudly eximed. There were a lot of things I could not do while in Viechester, especially at night. So, I had to settle with what I could do. Which was a lot of reading and just making strange trinkets with my fire.
I could dress myself entirely in fire jewelry now!
You really thought this through then, didnt you?
Sitting up, Edithe faced me with a serious look. I wanted to give a cheerful reply, but I realized she wanted to hold a proper conversation.
I have.
But you understand now that helping me level isnt going to be easy, right? After our most recent fight. I only leveled because I had umted experience from all the fighting I did before. And because I managed to kill one of the Skeletons.
Yep. Its going to be pretty difficult.
And you still want to do this?
She fixed me with a worried look. It was not one that showed fear of dying, however, not like Daniel. Instead, she was worried for me.
Dont you think it would slow your growth? I know you promised to help me get stronger, but if its too difficult, its fine. I can just go back to Viechester, get stronger on my own, I dont need to bring you down
I ced a hand on her shoulder, cutting her off.
Werepanions, Edithe.
I stood up as a smile spread across my face.
Im doing this because I want to, not for any other reason. The question is: do you want this?
W-what?
She sunk back as she drew her knees into a hug. I peered closely at mypanion, inspecting her as she averted her gaze. She started.
Its kind of dangerous, and I dont know if its a good idea. Maybe I might level up all the way to Level 70, but still get a ss advancement that makes me useless. It might be a better, safer idea to just restart from Level 10, you know?
Is that what you want?
Reiterating my question, I waited for her to respond.
What do you mean?
If this isnt what you want, you can go back. No one is forcing you to be here. I do prefer if youre here, Edithe, because I think youre mypanion. However, if you dont want to be here, you dont have to force yourself.
Her eyes went round. She seemed to deliberate over it as her face grew dark. I could not image what kind of thoughts raced through her mind Humans were still so weird to me, even after I had spent so much time with them.
Until finally, she met my gaze and held it.
I want this, Salvos. If theres a chance I can get stronger to help those around me I will take it.
I grinned, without baring my teeth.
Then get some sleep! Youll want to be fully rested for tomorrow!
A small smile broke up on Edithes face. Her lips curled up as she got up, nodding.
I will. Thank you, Salvos.
I beamed.
Thats me!
--
Are we all ready?
I stood outside of the cave with two of my hands on my hip, and my other two folded across my chest. Mypanions dragged themselves out into the light. Both of them were well rested but they still seemed slightly apprehensive.
Uh, how far do you n to go into the gunds, Salvos?
Daniel asked with a raised hand. Shrugging, I turned around and started down the hill.
As far as we can!
You dont think this is a good idea, right Edithe?
He groaned, but the red-haired woman followed after me. He paused and eyed her.
Wait, youre fine with this? Shes being reckless again.
I know.
Pausing mid-step, she took a deep breath and faced him.
But so am I now.
Daniel stared at Edithe and I as we left him behind.
Ohe on, am I the only sane one left here?
Youre the only slow one here! Hurry it up!
The oozing miasma that pervaded thendscape grew thicker as we made our way further into the gunds. There were a few thickets of trees, jutting out of the ground almost like spikes; they were rotten and dead like everything else here.
It was like they had been shriveled up into nothing more than the core of an apple.
[Vurats] filled the skies, but they did not dare to set foot on the deste ground. The asional pieces of broken bones poked out of the earth, their white sheen visible in the sable portrait. We stayed away from it.
We did not know whether these were corpses or undead. Neither did we know their numbers. We would choose our fights wisely.
The sky turned darker, coated by the blight to cast this strange dark-green glow. There was no sound. An eerie silence held this ce, empty of the luscious vegetation and animal-life I saw in the Motharis Mountain Range.
It was almost nostalgic.
A single Skeleton made its presence known with the cking of its bones; I spotted it first and directed mypanions attention to it. It was only Level 87 one of the weaker ones. So, we approached it.
We could not just have Edithe fight it alone. She would die. So, instead, I sent a [Scorching Wave] its way, whittling it down with as much of my mes as I could.
The mes sshed off its bones like it was being hit by water. The Skill barely had any effect. Daniel intercepted it and stuck at its femur. It copsed, and Edithe raised her staff.
Lightning Ball.
She threw the charged ball of electricity and it exploded into a bolt with a thunderous p. The Skeleton spazzed, its entire body vibrating from the lighting. Then it broke into its various pieces, no longer moving.
Did you level?!
I excitedly ran up to Edithe and identified her. She did not even respond before I sighed.
Aw, you didnt.
I told you its going to be hard, Salvos.
But I even used my bad Skill!
Pouting, I crossed all four of my arms. At this point, I was hugging myself forfort.
It must be Daniels fault for taking too much experience!
Wait, what did I do?
You did fine.
Edithe smiled at him gratefully and looked down at her open palms.
Thats one of my best spells, but its draining. I just have to get stronger. Lets go, find more Skeletons to hunt.
And we did. It was almost routine the way I saw to take out the Skeletons. It was no different than finding wild Demons with Haec and killing them.
Back then, I would lure them in with my speed, drawing them to Haec. He would then engage with them as I struck them from the side. It was slightly different now, with me actually being able to hurt these Skeletons.
However, all I had to do was treat Edithe as the me from then and we worked like clockwork.
[Aura of the Sentinel].
Daniel called out his Skill, and his weapon was coated in the same light as the day before. It was golden, not white like from his [Heros sh]. The Skeleton got caught on his de. It grabbed at the aura and it reeled back, seemingly in pain from touching it.
And Edithe finished it off. Its skull popped out of its head as a st of ice struck it. Another notification went off in my head. No level for me. No level for Edithe.
The sun is beginning to set again.
Daniel pointed out, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword as it sunk into the earth.
We should head back.
We had decided the cave would be the ce for us to reconvene, since it was what we knew as a safe ce. Today was far less productive than the day before, however we were still getting used to fighting in the gunds.
Plus, we probably fought less Skeletons than that horde from yesterday since we only took on individual ones. We trekked through thendscape dyed in orange until we saw the familiar hill at the periphery of the gunds. There was a smaller field of the blight flowers off in the distance, on the other side of the hill, but we avoided it.
Inane conversation filled the air between us as we crested to the top. I poked Daniel on the side, annoyed that he did not tell me what his real level was.
When did you get that Skill, even? You just suddenly have it, and youre not telling us!
He fixed me with a re and spoke in a hushed whisper.
You know why I cant say anything, Salvos.
Why not?
His eyes darted over to Edithe, who was leading the way. She had been exhausted, so she could not wait toy in bed and just sleep. He continued.
You know why.
Why cant you just tell her, then?
Because...
He halted to a stop just outside of the cave entrance as the red-haired woman went in with a yawn.
...I dont know how shell take it.
Youre just afraid!
Thanks for pointing out the obvious.
Snorting, Daniel shook his head and gave me a serious look. He took a deep breath, and when he spoke next, he spoke in English.
I cant, like, just tell her. Its not a simple matter. Rachel is a child, and youre you
Im Salvos!
Exactly. So, I cant break the news as simply as with you.
I frowned.
Why not
I started, but was interrupted by a scream followed by a st. I exchanged a look with Daniel for an instant, before bursting into action.
[Self Haste] took over me. [me Burst] thrust me forward. I rounded the corner and saw Edithe surrounded by three Skeletons. She was already bleeding, clutching at her stomach, as if she was caught in a surprise strike.
I was just about to rush forward when I realized that these were not any ordinary Skeletons. Each of them was armed, unlike the ones we fought before. Sword, shield, spear
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 103]
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 100]
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 101]
Chapter 113: Experiments
Chapter 113: Experiments
113. Experiments
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 103]
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 100]
[Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 101]
Three Skeletons surrounded Edithe. Each of them was armed with a weapon of some kind. One had a sword and shield, the other wielded a spear, and thest one had a rusty short sword.
It waspletely different from the [Unarmed Skeletons] we had fought before; those were strong. They could be deadly. However, as long as you did not take a direct blow, you would be mostly safe.
This was different. Edithey on the ground, her stomach bleeding as she fumbled for her staff. They must have gotten the jump on her otherwise she would have called for help.
I growled as a Skeleton raised its weapon, before erupting into a guttural shriek.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call]!
Bounding forth, I drew the attention of all three Skeletons towards me; they were not just slow moving corpses which would have taken a minute to kill her. These were Level 100 undead who would have ended her life in an instant. Fortunately for me, [Zealous Call] did not rely on the primal fear that was inherent in anything with a semnce of intelligence.
It just made them attack me.
The Skeletons charged, almost as if they had forgotten Edithe was even there. [Barrage of Cinders] took over. My wed hands were wreathed in mes. The first came and I struck it in the head, but it did not reel.
It took the blow and struck back. [Ember Core] activated, concentrating on my chest as the short sword sunk itself into the blue fire. But the next [Skeleton Warrior] came up behind me, its spear coated in ck and green. It thrusted its weapon at me as I dodged away
And a cut formed on my skin. The mes were not ripped apart, the magic from my Ring of Lesser Protection still there. My eyes grew wide as the ring around one of my fingers shed. The one Adan had given me as a gift.
A curse?
An offensive curse.
I circled around the Skeletons with a single [me Burst] as they pressed forward. Once Edithe was out of my line of sight, I inhaled deeply. [ming Breath]!
The fiery attack consumed the three [Skeleton Warriors]pletely. It was like they were wrapped in a cyclone of mes. An inferno that brightly lit up the cave.
When the fire let up, the three Skeletons stood, their bones slightly burnt, but still standing. I growled.
Why wont you die?
Thats because theyre already dead!
There was a blur. A flicker in the air. Daniel struck the first from behind, his sword wedging itself onto the spine of the Skeleton with the spear. He grunted as he threw a kick, sending it flying to me.
Salvos!
Right!
I caught it as itnded on my chest. Hugging it tightly with all four of my arms, my body burned and I mmed it by the neck against the hard ground. Its body was smashed into pieces of bones, rolling on the ground and bouncing off the walls.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl 103]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 30 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Two left.
Spinning around, I faced the pair of Skeletons nked by Daniel. I conjured a de made of fire, staring them down as I took a single step forward. The Skeletons ignored the intimidating gesture and split up, one going for mypanion and the othering for me.
I sted a [Scorching Wave] its way as the Skeleton came my way. The fire was even less effective than against the [Unarmed Skeletons]. These were Level 100s. They did not even register the attack.
It reached me as a scowl came across my face. I parried its sword swing with my own, and my three armsid out three subsequent strikes, each after the other, in abination that rattled its entire body. But the [Barrage of Cinders] could not finish it. Not on its own.
I side stepped the next swing and shouted.
Edithe!
Going diagonally around the Skeleton, I watched it stumble as it missed me. And it ran right into the Lightning Ball Edithe had been charging up. The Skeleton exploded into thousand pieces. Its death notification despite being an undead ringed out in my head, while Daniel disposed of his own opponent.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl 100]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl 101]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Are you alright, Edithe?
I hurried over to the red-haired woman as she uncorked a healing potion and drank it down. Her bleeding stopped, and she nced up at me.
Im fine. I was just snuck up on.
She sighed as she picked herself up. My gaze slowlynded on the Skeletons.
How did they get here?
Were in the gunds. They probably just wandered in, I guess?
You mean this ce isnt safe?
No ce is safe here.
Edithe spoke simply, hobbling over to the belongings we had left behind in the morning. I stared at her, wide eyed, until Daniel passed me. He ced a hand lightly on my shoulder as he stood on his tip-toes.
Its a Diamond Rank location, Salvos.
He shook his head and started over to Edithe.
No ce here is safe.
...huh.
--
It was like the Netherworld; I had already known that, however it seemed I had forgotten what the Netherworld truly was like. And that was dangerous.
No matter where I went, I was under threat of an attack. A wild Demon could be hiding under a rock. Or over a rock. Or behind a rock.
They could be anywhere. Enemies were numerous. Only Haec was my ally. And I did not separate from him for one moment.
Not if I wanted either of us to live.
There was no sleep, either. That was the biggest downside to my two Humanpanions; they required their share of rest which made them vulnerable to attacks..
I gave them a judging stare as the pair snored in their bedrolls. Humans, I sighed and shook my head.
Daniel jerked, almost as if he heard me in his sleep, but he continued snoozing like thezy Human he was. I was ying with fire with my two lower arms, shaping the mes into different objects. Kinds of jewelry I recognized and would like to wear.
I wanted to test out creating new, different kinds of weapons. Perhaps some kind of de that was able to cut better than a regr sword. After all, my low [Strength] could only help me so much. Daniel was able to dispose of a [Skeleton Warrior] by himself because he was simply stronger than me and could deal out more damage.
However, to create something like that, it would require experimenting which would certainly wake up either of mypanions. And they wouldin or make their annoying Human noises until they convinced me to let them sleep. So, I could not.
With the free time I had, I finally decided to mess with my Skills. I decided today that [Scorching Wave] was no longer useful. It could just barely hurt an opponent, which was not something I needed out of a Skill.
I could do that myself with my own four hands.
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points:9]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 3
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 2
[me Burst] - Lvl. 3
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 3
[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
If [Scorching Wave] doesnt work, Ill try some of the Passives. The ones I can use now. With that decided, I reced [Scorching Wave] with the one I was least interested in.
[Passive - Keen Eye].
I stepped to the mouth of the cave, blinking as the world around me sharpened. The darkness that nketed the gunds during the dead of night seemed less thick now. I narrowed my eyes, trying to pick out specific objects in the distance.
I could see the smattering of rocks piled up at the base of the hill. There was a [Vurat] pping its wings as it headed in the direction out of the gunds, avoiding the blight filling the air. It wasckluster.
Sure, I could see better. But, it was not even that much better. Maybe if it let me see the rocks off in that thicket of dead trees, I would have thought twice of discarding it. However, it was just like a Skill an [Archer] would get at Level 40.
Meaning, it was not suited for a tinum Rank like me. Which made sense this Skill did not fall into the purview of what I usually did. I probably got it by ident or because I had been acting like some kind of [Hunter].
I reced the Skill with [Passive - Refined Casting]. I felt a surge of energy run through my body. As if my understanding of magic suddenly became better, without actually bing better. It was just an instinct now one which would disappear if I removed the Skill.
My regr vision losts its sharp sight, only to be reced with a better vision of the threads of mana weaving itself through the world. I looked up and saw the blight. The way an intricate web of magic was formed, diffusing through the air and corrupting the magic of whatever it touched.
It did not directly damage the mana of whatever it touched. Instead, it interfered with it, murking its purity so that it would not be so easy to draw from. So, thats how the blight works, I mused.
I kept the Passive Skill for now, although I shelved it in the back of my head that I should not get used to its guidance. But since Im out here and I have it
The biggest advantage, Saffron told me, to having a Skill aid your magic was how it got you limated to the feeling of casting magic you could not cast. Without the Skill, I would not be able to create whatever it was I would be able to create otherwise.
However, it would give me the understanding I needed to build my way back up to it, but better.
My eyes wandered back towards the directions where mypanion slept. They were further inside the cave, not far enough that I would not know if they were attacked. I was right here, after all. And we had already checked the cave for any possible undead.
So, they were safe. A grin spread across my face as I raised a hand, creating fire and wonder.
Daniel woke up to an explosion. He jolted out of his bed, taking a moment longer than Edithe to fumble for his weapon.
The red-haired woman already had her staff in her hand, showing the difference in experience between the two. But of course Daniel would be a step slower; he was not from this world. He grew up living a mostly peaceful life.
What was that?
Edithe asked, a barrier already forming around her. Daniel narrowed his eyes, the realization sinking in from theck of a presence.
Salvos.
The pair of adventurers walked slowly out of the cave. The sun was just starting to rise in the vast ocean sky, spilling its orange glow over the horizon. Right before the entrance, Daniel saw Salvos swinging around a kusarigama which seemed to burn a brilliant white.
What are you doing?
He crossed his arms, and Edithe sighed.
Im experimenting!
And I assume that explosion was from this experiment?
Yes!
Salvos replied brightly. Which he would have thought was cute if she was not in her Demon form.
Spinning the kusarigama by its chains, she hurled it out away from the cave. The sickle edge flew a few feet, before detaching itself from the chains.
Why is that
It exploded.
She beamed and turned back to him.
Look, now I dont need to create a bow just to attack enemies from a distance!
Daniel stared at her, blinking. He raised a hand, trying to think of ament to give. He felt his shoulders sag.
What even inspired you to
He was cut off as a shoulder brushed past him. Edithe had turned around and was heading back into the cave. Daniel raised a brow.
Youre not even going to question this? She woke us up because of this!
Its not like we wouldve been sleeping for much longer, anyway.
Shrugging, Edithe nced back at him briefly.
Plus, shes doing this to help us. Its not like shes a kid ying with a new toy, right?
Daniel paused. He felt his jaw move, trying to work itself. But nothing came out.
R-right.
He followed after Edithe. Salvos continued working on creating more of those kusarigamas in the background, testing how far she could throw them.
Daniels gaze fixed itself on the red-haired woman. He was surprised after all, hadnt she been the one who was very much against working with a Demon just a year ago?
Things change, I guess.
Chapter 114: Ghostlight
Chapter 114: Ghostlight
114. Ghostlight
Back up, Daniel!
I yelled as I whirled my kusarigama in the air. The Human man nced up at me, then disengaged from the [Skeleton Warrior].
Hurling the fiery chains forward, my Sickle Grenade as Daniel called it released itself from the chains,nding on the undead. It sted the Skeleton apart, its bones shattering into thousands of pieces. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 74] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 75]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
That was close. You almost died!
No thanks to you!
Daniel shouted back at me. He raised an angry fist.
I was taking care of it just fine until you nearly killed me!
Its fine.
I waved a hand off dismissively, much to his chagrin. I stepped over the pile of bone and ivory, heading to Edithe. The Human woman was slumped over on the ground, panting and drinking a healing potion.
[Mage - Lvl. 62]
Are you alright?
Bending over to meet her gaze, I offered her a hand. She gratefully epted it and got to her feet.
Im fine. Those Skeletons were just above my level. Sorry.
I didnt expect to find more [Skeleton Warriors] so soon.
I remarked as I helped her up. There was a mixture of [Unarmed Skeletons] and [Skeleton Warriors]. However, after only fighting [Unarmed Skeletons] the day before with the exception of the [Skeleton Warriors] who attacked us in our cave it was definitely a surprise to run into more of the Level 100 variants of the Skeletons all of a sudden.
Plus, they ambushed us. They hid under the miasma of blight before charging us when we got too close. We should keep a further distance away from those blight flowers.
Agreed.
Daniel piped up from behind us. He shuddered, recalling something.
That scene of those Skeletons running at us? Its going to forever be ingrained in my mind.
In a good way?
I blinked.
No, Salvos, not in a good way.
He replied tly. Shrugging, I quickly looked over what the Skeletons were carrying; just in case they had any good equipment. They did not.
The wielded rusty swords and spear, nothing of use to us. Spinning around, I gestured for mypanions to follow me.
Lets go back, shall we?
The sun was beginning to set again. Today had been rather fruitful, what with me leveling and all. So, progress seemed good. Even if it was only a result of this unexpected ambush at the end of the day.
A dangerous ambush; one any of us could have died from. Regardless, we were fine for now and we were going back. Edithe and Daniel followed me as we went past a field of blight flowers. We crossed through thickets of dead trees and rounded around tall hills made of green-ish ck dirt.
Until finally, the earth was no longer a barren wastnd, the sounds of animals began to return, and mypanions spoke at the same time.
Where are we going?
Its not safe in the gunds.
I decided, peering over them. The pair exchanged a nce.
We uh, already knew that?
Im pretty sure we knew that since this ce is a damned Diamond Rank area, Salvos.
Yep!
Crossing two of my four arms, I agreed with them and raised a finger.
That is why we should not be sleeping here! You Humans are too fragile and weak when you sleep! I cant just protect you every night!
So, were just leaving?
Edithe raised a brow, and I beamed.
For now, yes. We go to Ghostlight!
Daniel stared at me in disbelief.
The town?
I nodded eagerly.
That way, you Humans will be safe when sleeping. Theres no point scouring the gunds for Edithe to level up if she dies, right?
But the trip back to the town will take hours. Well be wasting precious time every day.
He pointed out. I spun around, facing him seriously.
Thats better than one of us dying.
Daniel paused. Then he opened his mouth and spoke one word.
Huh.
I keep telling you, stop stealing my line!
Editheughed at me as I shouted in outrage at Daniel. The pair of Humans were amused by my reaction, and a small smile spread across my face.
Once we were fully out of the gunds, I quickly hid behind a bush and changed back to my Mortal Form. I became a Human the same as usual. I was used to this body, as opposed to a Cyclops.
The blight the thick miasma soon disappeared behind us. We crossed through an empty ins, until grass started growing thicker and the foliage reappeared. Vegetation seemed to sprout xenile roots were ripe for the plucking. I heard they were a very useful ingredient for alchemy.
A town showed itself to us in the distance; it had tall wooden walls, but they were cracked. Obvious holes showed themselves, damaged from some kind of attack not too long ago. They were haphazardly repaired. As if they were put back together in a rush.
The gates were guarded by a few Humans wielding weapons that were no better than what the Skeletons had. However, as we made our approach, they huddled together and one of them went behind the wooden walls before returning with a fancily dressed man.
This man was higher leveled. Level 105. His face looked like it was twisted into a permanent scowl. I almost thought the guards woke him up from a nap before bringing him here.
Who goes there?
Were adventurers!
I called out, waving a hand.
Coming from the gunds!
He narrowed his eyes, and snapped at one of the guards.
Those are people, you idiots! Not undead! Not Kobolds! Why would you fucking wake me up?!
I was right! And he was very grumpy. He spent a whole minute reprimanding the guards for bringing him over a non issue, until he stormed back through the gates.
Let them through. And dont call me unless its something important!
Y-yes sir!
Whats his problem?
Edithemented with a frown as we entered the city. One of the guards jerked back and squeaked.
Uh, captain Alex has been stationed here after a recent raid on Ghostlight.
He exined, eyes darting between us and the nds ahead, almost as if he thought something could pop out at any moment.
A group of Kobolds attacked our town just the other week. Were used to dealing with the single stray undead from the gunds, but thats not something we can handle.
Is there any reason why theyd attack? Is itmon for them to do this?
Its not normal, no. And I dont really know. It just kind of happened.
It didnt look like Edithe was going to get any more answers from the guard, so she nodded and thanked him. We finally entered the town. It had a bleak atmosphere, especially so since it was in the middle of the night.
The Humans here walked with sagged shoulders, trudging along as if their feet were sinking into the mud. But there was no mud here. Just regr dirt and stone.
Men hefted sacks of grain around their backs as they walked by us, returning from their days work in the fields. Women tended to their children, many of whom were silently ying with their toys. It was a gloomy sightpared to Viechester.
And yet, there was only one thing here that stood out to me. One thing which was abnormal, unlike any other ce I had been to.
Almost everyone had abat ss.
Most of the town wasposed of Humans who were ready to fight. Their average level was not extremely high, but it was in the 30s. And those in the 40s were not unusual to see. Still rare. Just less so. Like I was in a busy Adventurers Guild.
Daniel stopped a passerby and asked for directions for a ce to stay. She pointed us down to an inn down the street, and we soon found ourselves in a small, single-storeyed tavern with a creaky wooden door.
It swung open, and a head popped out.
Wee to Ghostlights only inn. Ghostlights Inn. Im the [Innkeeper] here, Jaden.
Daniel and Edithe blinked.
Wait
What the fuc
I stepped forward and greeted him cheerfully.
Nice to meet you Jaden! Woah, youre so small. How old are you?
Im ten.
The little boy nodded curtly, pushing the rest of the door open.
Please,e on in.
Ushering us inside, a rather empty lobby is revealed to us. Daniel and Edithe still remained silent, casting the odd nce at Jaden every once in a while. I didnt know why they were so perplexed. Because he was a Level 32 [Innkeeper] at 10 years old? Sure, that was impressive.
But I was even more impressive, and yet they didnt stare at me that way!
Pouting with my arms crossed as the boy went behind a counter, Daniel finally mustered up the courage to speak to Jaden.
Hey, uh, Jaden, where are your
Parents?
He looked at mypanions. The pair nodded dumbly. The boy shrugged.
Theyre dead. Mom was killed by a Skeleton shortly after I was born. Dad died a month ago, when the Kobolds attacked.
I see.
Daniel trailed off. Edithe took over.
And youve been running this inn ever since? Are you sure you can handle it?
Ive been managing the operation of Ghostlights Inn for three years now. How did you think I got to this level?
Jaden spoke simply. He grabbed a pair of keys and ced it on the wooden countertop.
Here. Itll be five silver for a week. Your rooms are down the hall and to the left.
Thank you!
I epted the keys gratefully, bowing my head at him slightly like I sometimes saw Humans did.
Come on guys!
Facing mypanions, I shook my head.
I swear sometimes you two are weird!
They said nothing, instead choosing to follow me in shame. We settled down into our respective rooms Edithe and I sleeping in the room next door to Daniel. I would not sleep, of course.
And Edithe agreed to letting me go out, so long as I stayed away from trouble. I found myself excitedly bouncing on my toes before I swung the door open. Waving bye at mypanions, I rushed past Jaden who was cleaning a beer mug, and burst out of the inn
Only to be me with a misty night. Darkness. There was no one about. Not even guards. Feeling my enthusiasm from before disappearing, I returned back to the inn and sat next to the snoring Edithe as I read a few books.
--
Lets go!
I waved mypanions forward as they dragged their feet on the dirt ground, slowly following after me. I was already waiting by the towns gates, its wooden doors held open for us.
It was early in the morning the sun had not even risen. Yet, we had to leave Ghostlight now. Because of the trek it would take us to return to the gunds.
I skipped past a group of guards as they spoke in murmurs. Their conversations were inane things that did not matter.
...do you think they want a ransom?
Nonsense! Why would Kobolds want a ransom? They dont even use our coins!
Hurry up!
Mypanions picked up the pace as we left Ghostlight, leaving behind the monotonous Human civilization, and returning to the wonder of nature. The gunds made it visible up ahead. If we ran, we would have gotten there quickly.
But Daniel and Edithe did not want to run. They took their time, following after me withbored steps.
The sun was starting to rise by the time we arrived. The blight greeted us once again, and we were safe, prepared, and ready to resume our hunting.
Chapter 115: Depth
Chapter 115: Depth
115. Depth
The trip to and from Ghostlight every day ate up less time than I had expected; it was probably because of me rushing mypanions. Otherwise, they would have trudged along so slowly, night would have fallen before we arrived!
That was an over exaggeration. But it was apt, considering howzy Humans could be from time to time. I did not need their sleep or their rest so, they thought I was the weird one when they were the ones who were weird!
Every time we arrived in the gunds, we would pass by fields of blight flowers. The foul-smelling miasma forced Daniel to wretch each time. It was funny. But he did not like it when Iughed at him for it.
We would usually find and catch stray Skeletons off-guard. With our teamwork, we dismantled those walking bones easily, turning them to dust. There were a few times where we were surprised by a few [Skeleton Warriors]. Those were the ones that were hard to kill.
Even with the three of us.
Especially with the three of us.
Edithe was, unfortunately, a liability in those situations. She would have to stay back from the fighting, keep away from getting hurt. During those battles, she would not level at all. Even though there was such a disparity between her and them. Because there was such a disparity, she could not do much.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 94]!
More Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 101]!
More Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 75] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 76]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 76] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 77]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
It had been a week since we first went to Ghostlight. We now knew when was the best time to leave the gunds and begin heading back to the town before it grew too dark. It was much harder to be ambushed when it was still bright out or at least, bright enough for me to spot the group of Skeletons wandering the ckened earth ahead of us.
I got this.
Beaming at mypanions, I created a bow made of fire. I held it up and pointed at the targets so distant. I was beginning to get used to my [Passive - Refined Casting] now. I was considering changing it to something else since I did not want to be reliant on it. However, at times like these, I found it really useful.
Three zing Bolts nocked itself on the fiery bow. My arms did not shake. My uracy was unperturbed. I loosed the powerful explosives straight at the Skeletons. Theynded on three separate skulls, almost knocking their heads straight off.
Then I changed weapons. In a mere moment, the bow shifted and became a Sickle Grenade. I tossed it forward, sting the Skeletons with a blue explosion. Two notifications rang off in my head, but there were still five of them left.
I discerned thest Skeleton I had attacked with my zing Bolts the one that survived the Sickle Grenade. I pointed at it and turned to Edithe.
There!
She nodded and released her charged spell. A volley of ice rained down on the Skeletons, but they focused mostly on the one that was hurt. It copsed, the umted damage too much for it to handle as the remaining four charged us.
Daniel and I intercepted them. With [Ember Core] burning my body, and Daniels [Aura of the Sentinel] we disposed of thest of them in a few minutes. I tried to help Edithe. She finished off another Skeleton. But otherwise, she mostly stayed back.
With thest of the Skeletons finished, I groaned and crossed my arms.
I didnt even get a level!
Of course not. You just leveled yesterday.
Daniel rolled his eyes. My gaze shifted to Edithe, and I realized her eyes were unfocused.
Edithe?
I blinked. But then I understood what she was doing. I identified her quickly, and I beamed.
Youre Level 65! And it has only been a week! See?
She was leveling at a faster rate than even me; despite the fact that she could not contribute as much in battle. Three levels. Seven days.
Edithe shook her head.
Im leveling fast. For now.
Sighing, she started past me.
But with each level I gain, the growth would slow. If it takes a week to level three times now, it would take two weeks to do the same next time around. Then maybe another month to finally get to Level 70.
Its still, uh, faster than most people.
Daniel piped up from the side. Edithe nodded.
It is. But I guess I do feel kind of inadequate. Since, after all, Impeting with you two.
A wry smile crossed her face. I grimaced. When we had first met, she was higher leveled than me by nearly 20 levels. And now, it was the reverse. I could not me her for how she felt.
cing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, I gestured at myself.
Im Salvos a Demon. So, its not fair for you topare yourself with me!
I paused. My eyesnded on Daniel. He gave me a re, and I shrugged.
Daniel is weird, though.
I said nothing else. Editheughed and shook her head.
Its fine, Salvos. Thank you.
We walked in silence through the barren wastnd of the gunds. I felt my pace slowing, my shoulders sagging, and a general feeling of unwellness at the way Edithe was acting. She was both so motivated and demotivated at the same time.
When we caught sight of the first signs of the lush greenery beyond, an idea sprung itself into my head. Innocently hiding two of my hands behind my back, I craned over to get Edithe and Daniels attention.
Hey!
Whats wrong, Salvos?
The red-haired woman quirked an eyebrow. I sped my other two hands together.
So you two will be needing to sleep and stuff in Ghostlight, right?
Yeah, and?
Daniel furrowed his brows. Edithes eyes widened inprehension.
Wait, dont tell me
Can I explore the gunds while you two are asleep? Please? Pretty please?
I tried giving them the best pleading face I could; the pair did not bite. The Human man frowned.
Why the sudden request? Youve been fine with staying in Ghostlight for the past week. Are you already getting bored?
Nope!
He narrowed his eyes dubiously.
I dont believe you.
Scowling, I drew my arms forward and harrumphed.
Well, if you must know, Im thinking of going even further into the gunds. To look around.
Edithe blinked and took a step forward.
Youre trying to find higher leveled undead for us to fight, arent you?
Maybe
I trailed off, trying to whistle. An odd piercing sound came out instead. She hesitated.
I dont know if thats a good idea, Salvos.
But it is!
I protested.
If we want to help you level fast, weve got to scale the progress! You cant just be fighting Level 100 Skeletons when youre Level 70!
Why not?
Daniel posed the question to me. I turned to him, and opened my mouth.
Because
Because Id level faster. Right.
Edithe ced a hand on her chin, the deliberation evident on her face. Daniel stared at her.
Wait, you cant possibly be considering this, Edithe?
I am. And honestly? Even if we say no, shes going to do it anyway, isnt she?
The Human woman nced at me, and I gave her a small nod. She continued.
And if its something that helps me helps us? I think we should just ept it.
Thats right!
I chimed in, sticking my tongue out at Daniel.
Youre a spoilsport!
The Human mans gaze danced between the two of us, his lips drawn into a thin line. Finally, it settled onto Edithe as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
As long as you dont have us fight this Lich. Ive heard from the townspeople in Ghostlight many Diamond Rank teams have sought him out. Very few of them return.
Yay!
I wrapped my arms around mypanions, cheering. The pair sputtered, trying to pry my four arms from them. I let go of them. Then I stepped back.
I promise I wont stray too far! Ill be safe!
You better.
Daniel murmured under his breath. I shot him a grin.
Maybe you two can learn more about each other in the meantime.
He sputtered, but Edithe just looked confused. Waving at them onest time, I started off. I bounded back into the gunds, using all six of my limbs to carry me forward as fast as I could. Once I began to see the miasma, I slowed down and prowled slowly through the night.
There was a green-ish hue to the gunds when the sun was not up. It was almost like an ethereal glow I would have thought the blight was luminescent. But it was not. It was the light from the stars and the moon far above, limning the diffused gas as it reached up for the sky.
I did not stop to take in this sight; I continue onwards, past the massy hills. The discolored dirt. I nimbly moved through dead forests. Trees, robbed of their life. There were many corpses lying around. I did not stop by any of them. I gave them all a wide berth.
There was only the undead here. If someone died here, their body would be lost forever. These traps were not new to me. However, when I caught the signs of an unusual structure, I was struck by a cool chill.
I spun around, facing the creature standing behind me. It had disguised itself inside a dead tree. But now I could see the sheen despite the darkness of the night. A blue person, looking almost like a Human but not. It faced me with a craned neck, turned so impossibly down I was sure it was dead.
And it was. Because it was an undead.
[Wight - Lvl. 111].
I drew back and bounded away, [me Burst] tripling the gap between us in an instant. I was not impeded by the speed of mypanions here. I did not need to fight. Just like in the Netherworld, I could flee if necessary.
The curse that had struck me slowly vanished it drained me of my mana. There was no direct attack there. I did not know why it chose to steal my mana rather than killing me, but I did not stop to question a wild creature. Their actions had no meaning or sense, otherwise they would not be wild.
I reached the structure I saw from afar. Decrepit, old buildings stood here. The wood had rotted away, leaving behind only the cobble building up its foundations. The cracks between the stone were filled with green moss. A few blight flowers grew here. They exuded their foul stench, covering the area with their miasma of blight.
Heads rose. Skeletons, hiding in the shadows of the ruins drew themselves up. They wielded weapons, and faced me with a keen intelligence I did not recognize. One of them stood taller than the rest. It was almost like a Skeleton except it still had skin? At least, some kind of ckened skin that seemed to recede into its bones like tight clothing.
Two glowing eyes darted at me, and I identified it.
[Ghoul - Lvl. 108].
I frowned. Some kind of smart undead? It bellowed some kind of a guttural scream and the Skeletons chased me. I sent a single [ming Breath] their way before pulling back. I lost the pursuing Skeletons soon enough, passing by a field of blight flowers.
My gaze swept through the only vegetation filling the gunds, and I narrowed my eyes. I saw lumbering figures moving behind the thick mist of blight. They were not shaped like Skeletons, moreplete, but less than a person. They had dark green skin, almost like a Cyclops, but most of them were missing chunks of their body.
I took out a fire bow and sent a single arrow their way.
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 78]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
It fell, its headpletely severed from its body. But the other Zombies twitched. Their necks snapped up to face me. I was already gone.
I rubbed at my chin as I walked through the gunds. I saw more fields of blight flowers. More ruins. More dead forests. Deep into this Diamond Rank area, there were no longer even [Vurats] flying about.
In fact, I saw strangely shaped bats flying. They wererger than me, even. With wicked wings sailing them through the air, parts of their body dposed.
I saw groups clusters of Skeletons surrounding Ghouls. The only intelligent undead I had seen so far seemed to gather the mindless Skeletons. And yet, despite having a semnce of sentience, they still acted the same way wild Demons did. It was just that they were the kind of wild Demons who disguised themselves as otherwise.
Like the horned Demon and his minions.
I paused mid-step when a single drop of liquidnded on my long nose. I nced up, seeing dark clouds gather up in the sky. But when I peer carefully at it, I could see the fizzled weavings of mana. The water that dropped was not any ordinary rain. It was a rain of blight.
The patter of rainfall consumed me. I could feel my body growing weaker. The gunds was still so vast so expansive. I had only seen a glimpse of its depth. Yet, I had to leave now.
Activating [Self Haste], I ran away from the brown rain, away from the lumbering undead, and back in the direction I came. Except, I did not know where I came from. I halted and cocked my head.
Huh. I think Im lost.
Chapter 116: Lost...
Chapter 116: Lost...
116. Lost...
Daniels eyes darted over to the red-haired woman, sitting to his left, twiddling her thumbs around the tip of her staff. She was nervous, he could tell. Anxiety was on the rise the light tapping of her foot was audible in the empty tavern room.
He couldnt me her. Daniel was certain he was as overwhelmed as her maybe even more. His heartbeat resounded loudly in his head. The flow of his blood through his body was a constant, monitoring the amount of time that had passed.
It was almost noon. The sun was high up in the sky. Ghostlight was bustling with life outside. The [Innkeeper] boy was cleaning a mug the squeak of the cloth rubbing against the ss the only other sound in the silent room.
Shes not back yet.
Danel finally spoke up. Edithe nodded.
I realize that.
Do you
He hesitated, biting his lower lip. Taking a deep breath, he continued.
Do you, uh, think shes fine?
She probably got lost.
Edithe sighed and leaned back against the chair.
Its the fucking gunds. Theres no way she didnt get lost in there.
But I even gave her apass and my spare map!
Daniel protested. He was not sure why he was even protesting. Edithe was probably no, definitely, right. It was just hard for him to ept that he was stupid enough to let her go off on her own the day before.
He rubbed at his temples.
So what do we do now?
He watched the red-haired woman grimace. She closed her eyes, as if steeling herself for her own answer. She stood up, and he met her gaze.
Isnt it obvious?
Edithe snorted and started for the door.
Well find her. And well continue doing what we came here to do.
Daniel felt his shoulders sag. He should not have expected anything else in fact, he did not expect anything else. He had known this would have been the decision she woulde to from the very beginning.
There was something about Salvos which inspired that kind of insanity in people. Especially Edithe with how hotheaded she had been since he met her. With Salvos rubbing off on her, she was now just a little bit hotter.
Lets just be a little less reckless, please?
Daniel felt the urge to plead with Edithe. She turned back to him and crossed her arms, snorting.
Who do you think I am?
He stared at her.
Thats exactly why Im begging you you tried to kill a Greater Demon 20 levels above you, remember?
Oh, right.
I was lost. There was no doubt about it at all I had no idea where I was.
I mean, sure, Daniel had given me some things just in case I somehow ended up losing myself in the gunds. He told me to follow the direction of the sun when it rose, take a look at the map with thepass to get to Ghostlight, and maybe even shout and run around so they could find me if I ever lost my way.
However, what he did not and I did not ount for, was how difficult it was to navigate through the deeper parts of the gunds.
Leave me alone!
I yelled and breathed a plume of brilliant, blue mes. The [Skeletons Warriors] recoiled, backing away from the fire as it scorched their bones. I got down on all my limbs and began bounding forward, [me Burst] propelling me away from them.
But an arrow zipped in front of me. It narrowly missed me, traveling through the air even faster than me! The [Skeleton Archer] strung back its blow as I red at it, conjuring my own bow.
Take this, stupid wild thing!
I loosed a zing Bolt at it. The [Skeleton Archer]s head snapped back. Its skull came clean off and it copsed into a pile of bones.
Defeated [Skeleton Archer - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 77] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 78]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Yay! Now to run!
I fled from the horde of undead. They swarmed after me, stopping their pursuit only when I activated [Self Haste]. I was about to head into a forest of dead trees when my [Passive - A Hunters Sense] stopped me.
I narrowed my eyes, catching sight of what almost seemed like wisps of misting from a tree. A [Wight], I sighed and turned around.
The gunds was a vast ce. And it seemed that whenever I tried to start in a specific direction, I would get sidetracked and thrown another waypletely. I passed by another field of blight flowers there were no [Zombies] here. It seemed they only gathered around ones where the miasma was so thick it became almost physical like a nket.
I wonder if they burn?
I cocked my head and sent a small ball of fire into the blight flowers. The mes were snuffed out almost in an instant. I narrowed my eyes and tried again, this time with a stronger fire.
The flowers burned slowly almost like they were not made of leaves like normal flowers. The blight engulfed the mes, trying to put it out, while the fire ate slowly away at the petals themselves. A small section of the flower field was scorched off the earth. It took some time, and I was not going to waste any more attempts trying to purge them after this test.
I spun around only to face a [Ghoul] standing behind me. I leapt back.
Blegh! Leave me alone!
I hurled a Sickle Grenade at it, but it knocked the explosive aside. The st resounded behind the [Ghoul] as it rushed me. It snarled the only undead to have made a sound. It swung at me once but I ducked under the attack and used the chains to trip it.
It fell to the ground as I ran off. The sun was now high in the sky. It cast an eerie glow over the gunds. Not that I particrly thought it was eerie. That was what Edithe and Daniel thought.
Theyre also probably very mad right now.
I sighed as I left the [Ghoul] far behind me its group of Skeletons dragging it down in terms of speed. I had tried fighting one earlier. It was too powerful for me to defeat, even if it was alone.
I was certain I was headed in the right direction. But for whatever reason, it felt like whenever I was derailed, I ended up even further from my destination than when I stated. I caught sight of ruined structures up ahead. It wasrger than the rubbles I discovered the night before.
Extending for at least a mile, I tried to approach it without getting too close to be caught by hiding undead. I stayed far from the pile of bones sticking out of the earth. I would not be fooled by them.
The ruins here were far more intact than the previous one I ran into. There were even some buildings that were still standing they had copsed walls and entire sections fallen into itself. However, this seemed more like the Brilsum Ruins in how they appeared.
I nced around, seeing no undead walking in the open of what was probably once a glorious city. The miasma here grew thinner. The closest blight field was not too far off. I narrowed my eyes as I noticed movement in the distance: in between some of the still-standing buildings.
I immediately took cover. I would not want to be caught by more undead. I was getting tired of running from every single encounter. This ce was nothing like the Netherworld where I would spend so much time seeing nothing but a single Demon. And also, piles of Demon corpses.
However, when the figures got closer, I heard sounds that were not just the cking of bones. It was not the heavy footstep of a [Ghoul], nor the gust-like noises the [Wights] made with each step they took. It sounded like voices. Conversations.
I brightened as I thought I finally found some Humans to direct me towards Ghostlight. I was just about to transform back to my Mortal Form when the first of them became fully visible to me. My eyes widened as I saw the color green round the corner.
There was a tail. Patterned skin no wait, that was not skin. Scales? They had a glossy look to them. They were a Kobold. I recognized that description from the books I read. With their long mouths and their w-like hands, they were depicted to be rather vicious. Almost monstrous in their appearance. I did not think they were that scary they seemed more like monster that was turned into a Human, and made cute-looking.
It was a small group of them. The one I saw was a a she? I could not quite tell. Her body was not very different from the others apanying her. The only noticeable difference was that her tail was shorter, barely poking out, while the others had tails long enough to wrap around their waist.
And they were wrapped around their waists. They walked slowly, carrying spears and shields, as if escorting the female Kobold in the center. I crept a little bit closer, excited to see these new creatures. If I recalled correctly, they did not like Humans. However, that did not mean they would hate me, right?
That logic made sense, however I was cautious before all else. I made sure to identify them before I did anything that would cause Daniel or Edithe to smack their forehead.
[Cultist - Lvl. 105]
[Cultist - Lvl. 95]
[Cultist - Lvl. 98]
[Herbalist - Lvl. 74]
Huh, theyre all [Cultists], except for the Kobold woman. I wondered what they were doing out here in the gunds. The fact that they were [Cultists] emboldened me. Choosing not to approach them as an odd, naked Kobold, I decided to step forward as myself. [Cultists] liked Demons, right?
Apparently, I was wrong.
Hey!
I called out, waving one of my four arms. I did not have my Ne of Obfuscation on, so they could clearly have seen me as a [Changeling]. In fact, I was certain they knew I was sa Demon when they saw me, because that was what they cried out.
Demon!
A Demon in the gunds!
Yes! Im a Demon, and I
I was cut off before I could continue. One of them hurled their spear at me. I barely craned my neck out of the way in time. It missed me, piercing straight through a nearby wall behind me. The building copsed, sending dust and debris up.
I narrowed my eyes as the Level 105 Kobold took a step forward. Smoke wisped out of his mouth as he red my way.
Old Gods give me strength, help me y this Demonic beast who brings the end!
Oh, are you kidding me? You guys hate Demons too?! But youre [Cultists]!
I threw my hands up and sighed. Creating a Sickle Grenade, I braced myself for the Kobolds attack. He inhaled, and
The [Herbalist] kicked him from behind, causing him to stumble. Fire breathed out of his mouth, striking the ground and zing out. It burned brighter and hotter than even my [ming Breath]. I took a step back, staring at the fire engulfing him for a moment.
What are you doing? Run!
I blinked as I watched the Kobold woman hobble over to me. It was only now that I realized her hands were tied behind her back. There were shouts no, barks my vision of everything within that cloud. And by the angry sounds I could hear through it, it was even worse for those inside the cloud.
Woah. I need to get some of that for myself.
Its very rare. Now lets go!
The Kobold woman tugged at one of my arms. I nodded and continued on, bounding on two arms and two legs, while my remaining two arms carried her close to my chest. We left the ruined city behind, soon disappearing behind a dead forest as the miasma of blight grew thicker once we left the area. I nced back asionally. But our pursuers were gone.
Chapter 117: Xidra the [Herbalist]
Chapter 117: Xidra the [Herbalist]
117. Xidra the [Herbalist]
I made sure we were a decent distance away from the ruins before I came to a stop. I lowered the Kobold woman to the ground, shaking my head in relief.
That was dangerous.
I remarked as I beamed her way. I ced my lower two hands on my hips and used a third hand to point a wed thumb to myself.
Luckily, you found me! Or did I find you?
The [Herbalist] picked herself up and dusted herself off. Her clothes were covered in grime and dirt they were slightly torn, revealing some of her vibrant, green scales underneath. They looked so smooth, and I thought they seemed strong. Not like fleshy Human skin.
Her tail faced the sky as she got to her feet, turning to me with her violet eyes. She had slit-like pupilsyered on top of her yellow sclera. They peered into me curiously. I waved at her, excited to finally meet a Kobold. Then I realized I was not in my Mortal Form.
Oh, wait, this
She walked up to me and hugged me.
Thank you. May the Nexeus be saved, thank you so much.
I blinked and stared at her.
Are you not scared of me?
Letting go of me, the Kobold woman took a step back and frowned.
No. Why would I be?
Her tongue stuck out as she spoke. The words came out like a hiss almost as if she were whispering her words. But they were clear and as loud as anyone else I had ever spoken to.
I hesitated.
But Im a Demon. Are Kobolds not scared of us Demons?
You saved my life, Demon. Whether you were a Human, Spirit, Elf, Dwarf, Beastman, or even Goblin or Orc, I would be grateful. However, to answer your question: us Kobolds bear no ill feelings toward your kind, nor do I find you particrly terrifying.
Humans are scared of me all the time!
I felt slightly offended that she did not think I was worth getting scared over. Sure, I liked that she did not scream and run from me or attack me like Humans would. But a middle ground like with Adan where he found my appearance frightening yet bore nothing against me for it would have been better!
Your appearance is certainly alien. Such a sight would be more jarring if we were not in the Dead Zone.
Dead Zone? Dont you mean the gunds?
Perhaps that is what Humans call it.
The Kobold woman picked at one of her scales, as if in thought. I pointed at her, sputtering.
Wait, you think Im less scary than a [Ghoul]?!
...yes?
Fair.
I crossed all four of my arms. I felt like hugging myself to console me from all the hard facts she was saying. I paused, recalling the earlier scene.
If Kobolds are not afraid of Demons, why did those Kobold men attack me?
Not all of my kind share the same sentiments as me, of course. Those who hail from the Cult of the Old Gods view things differently. Their [Cultists] think Demons are one of the bringers of the end. Alongside Spirits, of course.
I cocked my head.
Theyre [Cultists].
Yes.
And they hate Demons?
That is correct.
I felt like Edithe or Daniel right now, when they had to deal with me when I first came to the Mortal Realm. I rubbed at my temples although I felt nothing from doing it. I did not know why either Humans did that when they were upset if it did not help!
Thats confusing.
I finally managed to muster up. The Kobold woman nodded.
Indeed. However, it seems I have forgotten to introduce myself.
Her tail lowered and her chest puffed up. She ced one hand behind her back, and the other on her chest.
I am Xidra, a Level 74 [Herbalist] from Unarith. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Im Salvos! A Demon! From the Netherworld!
I happily greeted her back. Xidras lips did not curl up, however her forked tongue peeked out once again. Was that a smile for Kobolds? I tried copying it.
I am also kind of lost. Im supposed to go back to Ghostlight mypanions are there.
Ghostlight?
The scales on her forehead rose up. I tapped a finger on my chin.
A Human town? It should be somewhere to the west? East? Of here.
Xidra shook her head.
Those are twopletely different directions.
I threw all four of my hands up in the air.
I dont know, ok? Its somewhere!
I am not familiar with the Humannds. I know of a few of those I am acquainted with who are more knowledgeable than me on that topic. But that requires my return to my city first and foremost.
Your city?
I looked at Xidra. Then the realization struck me.
You want me to bring you there?
An escort would be appreciated.
I considered this as the tail of the Kobold swayed behind her back. She was expectant waiting for an answer.
I mean, I guess I could help you? I dont know where your city is, though.
It is fine. I know the directions out of the Dead Zone. I can lead you there.
Alright, then.
I shrugged. I could have wandered around the gunds until I hopefully found Ghostlight. Or maybe Daniel and Edithe would have randomly stumbled across me, and we would have been reunited. But I highly doubted such things would happen.
Helping Xidra was the best option and I wanted to see a Kobold city too! So, it was good all around for me and mypanions. I nodded to myself, satisfied.
Do you want me to carry you? Or can you walk?
Walking is fine.
Xidra spoke confidently. Her tongue almost reached her nose as she met my gaze.
It may not have appeared that way, but I am very much capable of handling myself.
--
Watch out!
I tossed the Sickle Grenade at the [Ghoul] as it leapt for Xidra. The st sent the undead flying back, as she stumbled away after me. A [Skeleton Archer] raised its bow, but I was faster. I loosed my own zing Bolt at it. It fell backwards, but it did not die.
Come on!
I grabbed the Kobold woman by the arm and began pulling her with me. Her feet trudged along the ck dirt. They were wobbly. She could barely walk.
I apologize, it seems my confidence from earlier was misced
Oh, just let me pick you up!
I carried Xidra around my shoulder as the small horde of undead lumbered after us. Night was beginning to set the green glow of the sky returned. The thick miasma was starting to even affect me, slowing my movements.
[Self Haste] managed to bring us away from the undead. I had to flee through a forest of dead trees I nearly fell into the ground when it opened up. I had thought I was walking on sand, but it was apparently what Xidra called quicksand. There were Skeletons at the bottom waiting for me, but I managed to pull myself up before they could drag me down into it.
Night finally fell by the time we found a safe spot in the gunds. We were inside a shallow cave right by a field of blight flowers. I copsed to the ground, sprawling my body like I was some kind of insect.
I hate this blight.
Take this.
Xidra spoke simply. She offered a hand, revealing a bright petal. It was white almost eerily so and it seemed to shine with a cloak of mist. I narrowed my eyes.
What do I do with it?
Eat it.
No way!
I backed up from the Kobold woman as she devoured one of the petals on her own. She wiped at her mouth with her sleeve and faced me with a confused look.
Its from a cleansing flower. It is good for you. It fights off the blight. Take it.
Hesitating, I found my eyes lingering on the glowing petal. It certainly looked more delectable than consuming the meat of a dead person. I picked it up with two fingers, grimacing.
Fine!
I hurriedly stuffed it into my mouth. I chewed on it for a moment and my eyes grew wide. I did not grimace. I did not reel. The taste that was savored with each bite came at me like a powerful wave smashing into a lone rock out in the sea. The stormsted a moment, yet it left its mark. The vor washed through the ptes of my mouth. It was it was
It tasted like nothing.
As if I grabbed a rock and bit into it. I blinked and stared at Xidra.
What is this?
Do you like the taste?
She revealed her tongue and leaned against the cave wall.
It has special properties that bring out the taste of your favorite dish. For me, I can almost feel the texture of the delicious surk cabbages sprinkled with tazko ginger in my mouth.
The Kobold waited for my response. I shrugged.
It tastes like rocks?
At least, that was how I imagined rocks tasted. I had never tried, although I now wondered what they actually would be like to eat. Definitely more edible than the disgusting meats Humans eat.
Thats an oddparison. Unless you actually find the taste of rocks to be pleasing. I apologize, I am not very knowledgeable on how Demons work.
Every Demon is different.
I snorted and sat up. I faced the cave entrance, making sure no undead were trying to sneak up on us. My [Passive - A Hunters Sense] did not alert me to anything.
Im sure if Haec were here, hed have liked eating something. I just find food disgusting, thats all. Maybe wild Demons are all the same. But even Im not sure if that extends beyond them being wild.
Xidras eyes zed over. Her confusion was evident. I exined.
Everyone is different. Im sure you think youre different from those Kobolds who held you captive. The same applies for Demons. Were not just one type of thing. Humans think were all evil that we are all the same. But that cant be further from the truth.
She slowly nodded. cing both her hands together so that her ws dug into her scales, the Kobold woman spoke slowly.
Perhaps I misspoke. I did not intend to offend you by generalizing your Species. I was simply curious about the general traits of a Demon. Apologies.
Its fine.
I waved a hand off.
At least you arent attacking me like a Human would.
I grinned, and she let out what sounded like garbledughter. Rxing slightly, I gave her a curious look.
How about you Kobolds? Do you do you need to sleep?
She blinked, crushing my hope in an instant.
Of course. Why would we not?
Aw
I deted. I started off into a corner to pout when Xidra called out.
Us Kobolds need sleep for only three hours every day. However, I seem to be sensing a theme do you dislike the necessary functions of us mortals?
Perhaps
May I ask why?
She prodded me, which made me ufortable. Daniel and Edithe just epted that I found them weird they never asked why!
Its because I dunno, I just dont think its efficient? Fun? Exciting?
Is that really it?
I twiddled my thumbs.
...I also think that it sets me apart from them. As a Demon, I dont need to do all that. And Im proud of it, ok?
Xidra shook her head. She was disproving. Her voice still like a whisper took on the tone of a lecturing parent. Like Edithe when she realized I did something bad.
You can be proud of yourself of your Species however putting other Species down for what they are is not right. It is the exact kind of mentality those who are pursuing me have. And you saw how they treated you when they saw you, right?
I think so? They wanted to kill me.
I frowned and raised a hand.
Wait, why did those guys even bring you here? Why did they have you tied up?
She did not answer. Instead, she assumed a lying position on the ground. Her tail wrapped itself halfway across her waist as she closed her eyes.
Think it over, Salvos the Demon. For now, I will rest. Perhaps I will answer your questions tomorrow.
I stared at her as she drifted off to sleep. I folded two of my arms across my waist and stuck a tongue out at her.
I was wrong about you. Youre weird too!
Chapter 118: The Scale Guard
Chapter 118: The Scale Guard
118. The Scale Guard
Xidra woke up not too long after she went to sleep. It was still night outside beyond the cave entrance however we decided to get moving now that we were both rested. I did not sleep. I was not weird like Kobolds or Humans!
However, I received a rather surprising notification that night.
General Skill [Rest] Level Up!
[Rest - Lvl. 3] -> [Rest - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh, that hasnt happened in a while. I narrowed my eyes as they drifted towards the pouch on Xidras waist. Is it because I took that cleansing flower? Or because Im recovering from the blight? I did not really know, but gratefully epted the General Skill level and experience regardless.
Today, we shall depart from the Dead Zone.
The Kobold woman spoke as she got to her feet. I cocked my head.
Do you know the way out?
I do not. However, I have a Skill that lets me feel thend. Sense where the blight grows thinner. Where the vegetation grows thick. Where the nts are alive and not dead and rotting like in here.
I raised a nonexistent brow.
Thats a cool Skill.
It is why my captors took me.
She started for the cave entrance, and I followed after her. I faced her, listening to what she was saying until we reached the outside. Something went off in my head just as we took in the night sky.
They needed my Skill. Of course, they wanted me gone too. As I am a rather influential member of the
Watch out!
I grabbed her and leapt to the side. Fire sted the cave entrance. It engulfed the entire area, melting the rocks and forcing a copse. Dust and debris was sent flying into the air as the mes continued pluming forward. It trailed after us only my [me Burst] keeping us from being incinerated by it.
The wall of fire eventually dissipated, revealing three figures standing behind the smoke. Three Kobolds. The [Cultists] of the so-called Old Gods.
How did they find us?
I asked, exasperated. Xidras eyes spun in her head. She was still dibobted, taken entirely by surprise. I inhaled and sent my own [ming Breath] at the Kobolds. Two of them darted off to the side, while the third simply braced for the attack.
The blue fire engulfed him, burning the ground and lighting the death earth aze. It whirled around him like an inferno as Xidra snapped back to reality.
Theyre here.
I noticed!
I panted as the Skill ran its course. The Kobold man standing at the center of the wave stepped forward. His scales were slightly charred, smoke wisping over his body. But other than that, he simply looked mad.
Return Xidra the [Herbalist] to us, Demon! And maybe we will give you a quick death!
I stuck my tongue out and activated [Self Haste].
Who would want to die, stupid?!
A figure rushed me from the side. One of the two Kobolds jumped at me, shing for my leg. I twisted out of the way before kneeing him in the stomach. I followed it up with a [Barrage of Cinders], thebination of strikes sending him reeling back.
The dark sky suddenly lit up, and my eyes widened as I saw a pir of mes crashing down at me. I threw myself to the side just in time as half of the hill was set aze. I red at the first Kobold the one who was Level 105. And I bellowed.
Leave us alone!
There was a loud step from behind me. I nced back, seeing the third Kobold backing away from me with an open jaw. The second Kobold also seemed to be struck with fear. I nearly sighed in relief as I watched the first Kobold hesitate. Then his face was overwhelmed with rage.
Such tricks wont work on me!
He roared and snapped his mouth shut. He seemed to form a small hole with it, and I felt my [Passive - A Hunters Sense] re a panicked rm. I conjured some chains and dashed back, past the third Kobold who just regained his senses. He reached for me just as a cone of smoke left the first Kobolds mouth.
A small sphere of fire shot out. It propelled through the air, leaving a trail of smoke as it rapidly made its approach. The ground was scorched where it flew over,ing with the intensity of a fire storm.
I threw the chains at a nearby dead tree, tugging at it as [me Burst] carried me a step further. The fiery sphere missed me, but I felt its heat burning at my back. Xidra almost screamed in pain as her scales were shadowed with ash, while a blood curling shout could be heard behind me.
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 98]!
More experience is awarded for defeating at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
He killed his ownpanion? I frowned, disgusted by that. Hes wild too. Like the horned Demon. I heard the hissing snarls of the remaining two Kobolds. They called after us, cursing like Edithe did whenever she stubbed her toe on a doorway.
I did not slow down. I continued fleeing from them as the nket of night took over them. They vanished from sight, and Xidra and I made our escape.
--
The sun was up by the time I stopped running. I settled the Kobold woman to the ground, making sure that she was fine. She had been hurt during the battle. Burn marks covered her scales and while they were not that bad, she winced as I tapped a finger on her arm.
Thank you, Salvos the Demon, but I will be fine.
She retracted her arm from me. I reached into the small bag slung over my shoulder. I did not have much only what Daniel and Edithe had given me. But I still had some healing potion to spare.
Here.
I offered it to her. Xidra shook her head.
That is for you, if we were to cross paths with Gexli again. He is strong, and you would need everything you have to escape from him.
I nced behind me.
I think we lost him. Drink.
I tried to insist, but the Kobold woman waved a hand off. She produced some red powder from her pouch and rubbed it on her arm. I watched the burn marks slowly disappear, but the wound remained.
We may have lost him for now. But it seems his tracking abilities are far superior than I have thought. He found us far too soon.
Tracking abilities?
I narrowed my eyes. Xidra nodded.
He may have only recently gotten his evolution, but it grants him great benefits. He has not grown stronger, or faster, or wiser, or anything that would aid him inbat. But he is able to smell better. See better. Feel better.
Thats a bad evolution.
I pointed out. She shook her head.
Not for him. It lets him find me. And it was what let him kidnap me in the first ce.
Huh.
I was not entirely sure what Xidra was saying here. However, it meant that we would be caught up to, eventually. This was just like the situation with the Harrowed Vindicators. I did not want a repeat of that especially since the Kobold woman was not like Daniel who could survive a surprise attack.
Why do they want you?
I finally asked, curiously peering at her.
For many reasons, Salvos the Demon. I am Xidra the [Herbalist], one of the highest leveled of my ss in Unarith. They needed me for my Skills. To find the treasures of the Scale Guard of the past.
I raised a brow, and she exined.
Back before the Dead Zone had still been ruled by Lilian, the [Necromancer], she protected the Humannds from our invasions. We could not cross through thesends without falling to the blight, and she would always bring back our own [Warriors] against us. So, the Scale Guard then created a powerful artifact that could repel the blight. It would cleanse thend entirely, letting them fight at their full potential.
Huh.
I was wondering why the blight seemed thinner where I had found Xidra; I almost thought it was my imagination, or I was reaching the edge of the gunds. She continued.
However, after ying Lilian and Zacharius, a Lich was born from their deaths, and it killed the Scale Guard before they could ever return with their artifacts. It was lost to the Dead Zone, and Gexli wishes to find it.
To fight off the blight?
Yes. And to go to the center of the Dead Zone and kill the Lich finish the job of the old Scale Guard. Because Gexli and the faction he is under believe themselves to be their sessors. That is why they call themselves the Scale Sentinels. They think that if they purge the world of all its heretics and sinners of all the [Heroes], the Demons, and the Spirits that the Old Gods will return and save us from the Apocalypse.
I see?
That was a lot of information for me to take in. It sounded like something maybe Edithe would be interested in knowing. However, I was more concerned about what was happening right now.
So, he wants you because of your Skill, and he will keep chasing us? Why cant he just go after someone else who can help him?
Because of the second reason.
She stuck her tongue out and I flushed, realizing that tht was how Kobolds smiled. I was smiling at them when I thought I was mocking them! I shook my head.
What reason?
I belong to the opposing faction of the Scale Sentinels. The Risen Dragons. We oppose war with the Humans, and we refuse to see the destruction of other Species as a way to avoid the end. And so, he wants me dead as well. Once Im no longer of use to him.
...well, thats problematic.
I pointed out the obvious.
Indeed.
Crossing two of my arms, I tapped my chin with a third hand.
We cant just keep running. Theyll keep chasing after us.
I stated the obvious. Xidra murmured some kind of agreement, but I did not pay attention to it. Instead, my mind raced with thoughts ideas on what could be done.
I looked over my Status. I had been distributing my Stat Points mostly between [Vitality], [Wisdom], and [Agility]. However, my Skill Points had been mostly reserved. I had been apprehensive about spending it, especially since I was not sure which Skills I would keep.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 78
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 3
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 2
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 84 (+5)
[Strength]: 56 (+5)
[Endurance]: 80 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 120 (+5) (+5)
[Agility]: 171 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 9]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 3
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 5
[me Burst] - Lvl. 10
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 5
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Refined Casting] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
It made me have to think wisely about what I was going to do I could have just wasted my Skill Points entirely if I gave it to a Skill I did not want. But now, I had an inkling of an idea in my head. There were two Skills left for me to choose. I had already limated myself to [Passive - Refined Casting] at this point. It would have to go, and it would hamper me a little bit. Perhaps it would have weakened me as much as being afflicted by the blight that was what made it the most difficult to fight in the gunds
I narrowed my eyes, turning to Xidra. An idea formed in my head. I knew what to do. But first, my main focus was on deciding between what I had: [Horrors re] or [Radiant sh]. And I just so happened to have quite a lot of Skill Points to expend.
I grinned at the Kobold woman.
We fight.
--
I was not going to let us get snuck up on like in the morning. We were going to decide the location and when we would battle, rather than being caught off guard. There was a small valley right by a field of blight flowers. That was the location I chose for our battle.
I held a cleansing flower petal in one hand, just waiting for the two remaining Kobolds to show up. Xidra was not with me. I had her hide closeby, away from the battle that was toe. She did not have anything else on her that would help me she already aided me by helping me find this spot.
Gexli and hispanions showed up as the sun began to set. I watched their shadowy figures trek down the horizon. Their scales were ragged and worn, as if they had to fight their way to get here. And perhaps they did. There were a lot of undead here that I had to fight myself.
I chugged down on thest of my healing potions before we settled between the valley. I stood at its entrance now, and crunched on the cleansing flower.
Hey!
I called out to the two as they made their approach. Gexli stepped forward, opening his mouth
And he responded to myment with the same attack as before. A small sphere of zing fire burst out towards me. It burned everything in its path, but I was prepared for it. I tugged the chain I had already prepared and tied to a rock, pulling myself away with a boost from [me Burst].
The second Kobold was already running after me, even as the attack lit up the dark valley behind me. I nced down at him and created a bow made of fire. I nocked a zing Bolt and aimed at him only to quickly switch targets and fire at Gexli.
The attack missed. It was not meant to hit him. Just to draw his ire. His eyes burned as he took a deep breath, before releasing a cone of mes my way. I ducked under the attack,nding right next to the other Kobold man, who was desperately moving out of the way of his leaders st.
[Ember Core] burned brilliantly, encasing me in my own mes as I struck at him with [Barrage of Cinders]. He snarled at me and triedshing out, only to be consumed by Gexlis fire as I hurriedly bounded away.
He screamed as the fire turned his scales ck. He was not dead when the mes let up not until I loosed a second zing Bolt, this time, aimed directly for him. The white arrow snapped his head back, and he copsed.
I turned to Gexli.
You dont care about yourpanions, do you? Youre wild, even though you pretend to be smart.
Quiet, Demon.
He spoke the word like it was some kind of a curse. It carried the same tone Edithe used to direct it towards me. Unlike Edithe however, there was no one stopping him from trying to kill me. So, I had to try talking to him myself.
Whats so bad about being a Demon, huh?
I bent over, cing two of my hands on the ground and sputtered.
Look, sometimes I think you Mortals are weird. You need to do things like sleep, eat, and also wear clothes for whatever reason! But I dont think theres anything wrong with that. Nothings bad about being a Mortal so whats so bad about me being a Demon?!
Gexlis face twisted. He panted out smoke the eddying kes of cinder leaving his mouth in thin trails.
I do not care about what you can or cannot do. Your kind is a scourge to the Mortal Realm! You bring the end! The Apocalypse! There is no ce for you in this world.
I stared at him. The reasoning made no sense I was not doing anything of the sorts! And yet, the usation in his gaze did not leave him. The fire that zed around him as he walked my way. I sighed.
Fine, then.
I bared my teeth and let out a shrieking growl. [Title Skill: Zealous Call]. It was the only Skill I had used that worked regardless of level. Of course it would. Why would someone try and draw the wrath of a higher leveled being? They would die.
The fury in Gexlis face did not change. He still came at me with the same, relentless anger as before. I released a [ming Breath] at him, only for him to tear through the blue fire with his own red mes.
His footfalls rapidly approached me. His webbed feet made little noise when it came into contact with the ckened dirt. Was that a trait of his evolution? I did not see those on Xidra or the other two Kobolds that fought against me.
I raised my ws all four of them and ribbons of fire began to cover them. It was not like the fiery effect of my [Barrage of Cinders]. Of course not. This was a different Skill. I only chose it because it sounded strong like the [Heros sh]. It was a gamble. A risk. But I poured all 9 of my remaining Skill Points into it, and reced [Passive - Refined Casting].
[Radiant sh]!
A de made of light did note over me. It was not a heroic strike not a glowing attack which sheared the darkness with hope. I was not Daniel. I used weapons sometimes, but I did not rely on them.
Instead, my ws were ovee with ck mes. They wreathed my entire forearm with a sable light. The ck void that ate my hands were ovee with a white glow. It was a strange sight. The juxtaposition with utter darkness and the brilliance it shone. I struck forth at Gexli as he charged me.
His mind was ovee with rage. It was not like [Intimidation]. He would not snap out of it. He would charge at me mindlessly, and I would shear him in half
My swing missed the Kobold man as he ducked under the attack. Spinning on his heels, he swiped at me with his own ws. I turned back just in time to crane my neck out of the way with [Self Haste]. I wanted to sh out at him again, but I could feel the effects of the Skill beginning to fade.
He would move out of the way. Just like he did before. There was only one way to stop him from dodging. To get him to hesitate for a split second.
Kneel.
He did not snap out of his rage against me, but for a mere moment, it seemed like he regained his senses and fought back against the fear trying to invade his mind. He stopped moving, then the anger returned.
[Intimidation]. [Self Haste]. [Radiant sh]. [Title Skill: Zealous Call]. [ming Breath].
I found his scales resisting the sh. Even as it burned him. Five of my Skills had been chained together to achieve the best effect it could. But there was still one more I could use. [me Burst] propelled me forward as my four ws dug into his stomach.
And he screamed. Intelligence returned to his wild eyes as he let out a terrible cry. I went through the Kobold man, cutting him entirely in half with that strike carried me past his severed corpse. Gexli fell in twain, his death throes echoing throughout the gunds as I tumbled on the ckened dirt.
General Skill [Title Skill: Zealous Call] Level Up!
[Title Skill: Zealous Call - Lvl. 2] -> [Title Skill: Zealous Call - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl. 95]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cult Vanguard - Lvl. 105]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 78] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 79]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 79] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 80]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Chapter Reminder for this week
Chapter Reminder for this week
Just a quick reminder that I''m going to be taking a week off due to various circumstances with University. I will be returning in 7 days, on May 24, however chapters from then will be thrice a week instead of 5 times a week. Hopefully I will be able to keep it up until Finals before I have to take a real, proper break to finish up this Quarter before graduation. However, I can''t make any promises right now. Sorry.
I also haven''t asked for this in a while, but please consider voting for me on TopWebFiction. It literally takes a second, and it would help me out a ton. You just have to click on this link and vote: Salvos | Top Web Fiction
Thanks for reading. For only $3, you can now read up to 10 chapters ahead! As always, you can read all 20 ahead for $5 which is the full backlog of one month. And you can read Side Stories and some special rewards for $10. There are other rewards at $15 and up too! Consider donating to my patreon here to support me and read ahead!
It is many authors dream to be a full time writer. It is something I, as a current full time student, would love too. I do hope you consider supporting me, as I''m trying really hard to make writing my full time job once I graduate from University! Look at how much I''m writing now, and imagine how much I''d be able to write if this actually became my career :D
Also, join my discord too!
Chapter 119: Unarith
Chapter 119: Unarith
119. Unarith
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 30 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 93]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
ss [Summoner of Guardians] Level Up!
[Summoner of Guardians - Lvl. 65] -> [Summoner of Guardians - Lvl. 66]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Summoner of Guardians] Level Up!
[Summoner of Guardians - Lvl. 66] -> [Summoner of Guardians - Lvl. 67]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Edithe downed the healing potion and tossed its bottle to the ground. The wounds the myriad of cuts throughout her body began to close as she steadied herself on her staff. Daniel nced over at her, a worried look on his face.
Are you alright?
He pulled his sword out of a pile of bones. Wiping the sweat from his brows, he shook his head.
Youve leveled again.
I did. And Im fine.
She replied curtly. In reality, Edithe was not fine. She watched how Daniel disposed of the group of [Unarmed Skeletons]. He barely needed her help all she did was stand at the side and cast a few spells. It frustrated her.
It was one thing seeing Salvos, a Demon,pletely overshadow her. And while she had known Daniel was quite talented considering that he had kept up with Salvos it was a different thing entirely to see him in action without the Demon around.
Lets just go back.
She shook her head, knowing that she should not be upset. He was helping her. He had no reason to be here other than being roped around by Salvos into doing what she wanted. But she was gone, and he was helping Edithe now.
Edithe let out a frustrated sigh. Daniel nced back at her, but said nothing.
The pair made their way back towards Ghostlight in silence. It was almost awkward Edithe realized now that she did not actually know him that well. Sure, they chatted and hung around each other, even when Salvos was not present. But fighting together? Just the two of them? That was apletely new experience.
...maybe we should just wait for Salvos to return.
Daniel finally spoke up. Edithe frowned.
Why?
This is too difficult with just the both of us I mean, sure, were getting more experience with each fight since we dont have to share it with her. But its dangerous. If either of us messes up once there wont be anyone else there to correct our mistake.
That was certainly true. The red-haired woman could not forget that she would be dead right now if it were not for Salvos. And yet, Salvos brought them here so that Edithe could get stronger.
She was not going to let the thought and effort there go to waste.
Well just have to be more cautious, then.
...if you say so.
Daniel shrugged.
Were free!
I threw all four of my hands in the air and rolled on the grassy floor. Xidra eyed me with an intrigued look. She picked her w at her scales.
We have just exited the Dead Zone, Salvos the Demon. However, we are not back at Unarith just yet.
I know that, Xidra the [Herbalist]!
I did not stick my tongue out at her, since that would have conveyed the exact opposite meaning I wanted it to. She started past me, heading up into a valley of rolling hills.
It is not far. Not with your speed. Let us continue.
I got to my feet, ncing back onest time in the direction of the gunds. The miasma was thick there the brown blight which slowed ebbed away at my strength, speed, and magic. A small field of blight flowers was visible in the distance. I had not fallen into one just yet, but I wondered what would happen if I had.
Itd probably cripple me, I thought as I continued on.
Xidra was not slow by any means. She might have had a nonbat ss, but she was rather high leveled. Which meant that she had all the Stat Points a Level 70 would have, and even if she distributed them somewhere else, she would still have some spent into [Agility].
It might not have had the same bonus granted as a [Rogue] or an [Archer]. I was told by Edithe that each Stat served different functions for different sses. A [Seamstress] might have needed the [Agiility] Stat to speed up her weaving, maybe even make her movements more delicate, but it would not help her run faster than a [Rogue] of the same level.
The two of us made good progress. I was not sure if she knew where she was going, however she seemed to be using the suns location in the sky to guide her, as well as a Skill?
Are you sure were going the right way?
I asked her as the sun began to set. We were cresting up to the top of a hill. Thendscape here was moundy a lot of rock and stone. It made for a very boring trek, since all I saw was a dull-gray wherever I looked. A cloud passed overhead as she answered.
It is not far. I can sense the vegetation returning.
What do you mean by vegetation? All I see here are rocks and
I trailed off as we reached the top. I saw peeking over the undting lines of gray the first signs of civilization. They poked out like odd, sharp rocks. Thin and long. They appeared by the dozens filled my view before the city came into sight.
There were no walls girdling around it. It was not a sprawling metropolis like the cities I saw in the Humannds the buildings here were short. Many of them only had a single floor. They were mostly orange or brown in color. Not made out of wood, but some kind of stone with a simr shade.
The only anomaly were those tall towers. None of them were as wide orrge as a clock tower or guard tower. Yet, they filled the city with their presence. I narrowed my eyes and pointed at one of them.
What are those?
Minarets.
Xidra replied simply.
ces of worship for the Old Gods.
I stared at her before crossing my arms.
You keep bringing these Old Gods up. What are they even?
The Kobold womans tongue slithered out of her mouth. The edges of her eyes curled up as she spoke a word.
Dragons. The Old Gods are Dragons.
...what?
--
Apparently, Kobolds worshipped these bigger versions of themselves that had wings and flew around breathing fire. That sounded like me, except I did not have wings.
Can I get an evolution with wings? Thatd be so cool!
I stopped at the bottom of a valley with Xidra. She told me I would have gotten a few angry members of the Scale Sentineling after me if I went in looking like I did. She had me transform into my Mortal Form.
No, not as a Human you told me you could transform into any Species, Salvos the Demon.
Oh. Im just so used to also, I can only transform to some. I cant turn into dogs, but I think I can turn into a Kobold?
I tested it out and it worked. My body shifted and I grew even shorter than I was as a Human. Silver scales covered my body, and a tail sprouted out from my back. ws growed out of my hand, however they were far more dull than what I had normally. I blinked and looked at myself.
I look fancy now, my skin is all weird feeling. But wait
I frowned as I took a look at my Stats.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 84 (+5)
[Strength]: 60 (+5) (-4)
[Endurance]: 84 (+5) (-4)
[Wisdom]: 120 (+5) (+5) (-4)
[Agility]: 173 (+5) (-4)
Huh. I have higher [Vitality] as a Kobold
General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] Level Up!
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Lvl. 3] -> [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!!
I jolted back as Xidra spoke a reply.
Yes, that is what distinguished us Kobolds from Humans. Some say it is what makes us better, but I disagree. Im sure you realize that by now.
Yep! You think Kobolds are the same as Humans. Which is true! You''re both worse than being a Demon!
I nodded before grinning, and sheughed.
Your sense of humor fascinates me. It is like a child if a child knew what she were saying was wrong.
Daniel calls it banter.
And Daniel is your Human friend?
One of mypanions! Edithe is the other!
Yes the ones your wish to return to.
Xidra handed me some clothes and turned around. I quickly put on those robes they were not like the difficult to wear Human clothing. I could get dressed in mere moments. Then I followed after her.
I have acquaintances who shall be able to help you with that.
Yay!
I cheered as I tightened the cloth belt around my waist.
We reached the periphery of the city. Unarith was what Xidra called it. I remembered hearing that name before. From Adan. He told me he was headed here to trade his wares. My head snapped around, ncing between the small buildings, searching for a Cyclops man with arge sack.
I did not see him.
Instead I saw a lot of Kobolds. Many bright colored scales. Blue, green, yellow, red. They did not fill the streets like a Human city would. They were not bustling about their day, rushing to get to work. Instead, it was a lot moreid back atmosphere.
There were no street vendors shouting and pointing at you, trying to get you to buy their goods. It was quiet. Almost serene. We walked past a thin stream of water cutting through the streets. I saw nts growing alongside it some kind of vegetable. Their farnd was integrated into the city. Even in the back of houses, I saw fruits and other kinds of agriculture being grown.
Xidra led me to arge minaret standing at the center of the city. As we walked through, a few faces turned towards her. Many of them were in recognition, while others were in shock at the state of her appearance. She had just returned from the gunds. Her clothes were torn, her scales were cut, and her entire body was covered in grime.
We arrived at the base of the tower and a few Kobold men with spears rushed at us. I thought they were preparing to attack at first, but they quickly bowed at her.
Xidra the [Herbalist]! You have returned!
Nav the [Warrior], I see you have been well.
Where have you been, First Dragonling? Who is this strange woman with you?
I waved at him.
Hi! Im Salvos!
You would be wise to refer to her with some respect, Nav. This is the woman who saved my life. She is a [Mage] of tremendous power.
Xidra spoke, stepping forward. We crossed a small bridge towards the minaret just ahead of us. It was surrounded by water the entire area around it some kind of farnd. The Kobold men sputtered. The one named Nav turned to me, eyes wide.
Wait, saved your life? What happened, First Dragonling?
The Scale Sentinels stole me from my own abode. Gexli was behind it, however she yed him.
She killed Gexli?
Impossible, shes only Level 80
I beamed at their reactions. I had not seen such surprised looks in a while. And with their whispery voice, it made it all the better. Like they were spreading rumors of my greatness behind my back. Nav clenched his ws.
That Gexli he went too far this time.
He bowed my way.
I thank you, Salvos the [Mage], for what you did for the Risen Dragons.
I raised my chin and waved a hand dismissively.
Aw, its fine. I was just passing by
We owe you a great debt. For saving our First Dragonling we cannot thank you enough.
Giggling, I ced a hand over my mouth.
Well, if you insist, then Id like a few things but wait, what do you mean by First Dragonling, anyway?
I nced over at Xidra. She stopped right before the minaret. Her hand was at the door. She turned around, facing me with her tongue out.
Ah, apologies. It seems I never did formally introduce myself. I am Xidra, the highest leveled [Herbalist] and head of the Risen Dragons in this city of Unarith. And for that, I have been granted the Title of First Dragonling.
Nice! So, youre someone important, then?
Chapter 120: Shopping!
Chapter 120: Shopping!
120. Shopping!
Xidra pushed the door open, revealing arge, open chamber. It was not the kind of grand room I would see in the Humannds. There were no glittering walls decorated with paintings. No gilded hallways branched out to the side. It was simple. in. And yet, it seemed sacred, somehow.
I saw a crowd of Kobold men and women, gathered in one corner of the room. They were in the middle of a quiet discussion their whispery voices were actually whispering. Or wait were they even in a discussion?
My ears perked up as I made out the words. It sounded like a chant, more than anything. I narrowed my eyes as I identified a Kobold woman leading the chant.
[Cultist - Lvl. 43]
Huh.
I did not make anotherment. I followed Xidra as she stepped into the room, her tail swishing behind her as she spoke.
Salvos the [Mage], this is your first time back in civilization in years, yes?
The question caught me off-guard. I blinked, wanting to correct her statement. However, I realized she was trying to cover for me. I hurriedly agreed.
Yep! Havent been in Unaris in forever!
Unarith.
I have a lisp.
The Kobold woman wore a puzzled look on her face. The confusion was evident. Did Daniel lie to me about people speaking weirdly? I shook my head and ced my ws behind my back.
So what are we doing here?
First, Id like to return to my quarters and get changed.
She gestured at her clothing the torn and tattered robes that she was wearing before turning to face me with a Kobold smile.
Then, well help you find your friends.
Yay!
Xidra started up a spiral stairway at the center of the room. I followed after her along with her escort of Kobold guards. We stopped at the middle floor. Halfway to the top. She dismissed Nav and the others following after us, before ushering me into the room.
They will wait for you down below. Come, let us get you changed into proper clothes first. We will have to wait for my acquaintance to arrive.
I paused, eyes drifting in the direction of the window. Light seeped in through a window withplex patterns on its wooden frame.
Can I take a look around?
If you wish. Tell Nav to give you a tour of the city that I told him to give you proper treatment.
My eyes went round and I grasped her hand.
Thank you so much! Youre amazing! I didnt even have to argue with you about it!
I was prepared to get into a prolonged discussion about the merits of letting me wander around the city. But she just said yes! She raised a brow.
Of course?
Xidra gave me an odd look as I bounced on my toes, excited. I quickly threw on whatever nice clothing she prepared for me although she forced me into a bath before I could wear them.
This is the uniform of those affiliated with the Risen Dragons. You may not be one of us, but you saved my life, so you are our ally. Please do try to represent us with some elegance.
Wait are you saying Im some kind of Princess, then?
That is a Human Title. I do not believe we have much of an equivalent here. Perhaps my station would be considered something simr. However, I am more akin to your [Priests], and I am not here out of my birth, but my efforts.
Can I go now?
I asked her as I tightened the regal robes around me. Xidra looked at me once over. She was approving.
Yes. I will have to prepare myself. As well as call upon my acquaintances who could help you. They are [Diviners], so there is no need to show them yourpass. Those odd Human trinkets. All you need is to help them guide you, describe what you are searching for.
But mypanions are Humans. Wont your friends get upset?
Of course not. Those of the Risen Dragons harbor no ill will towards the Human Species. We understand that they arecking in what we know. What we seek is reconciliation for the betterment of us all.
Huh. And this thing your Kobold Species knows about is that Apocalypse thing?
She nodded gravely.
Yes. The Apocalypse. The death of the world. The end of all things. Ites, and only by working together can we stop it.
Her grim gaze fixed on me, telling me how serious this was. I could feel the pressure the weight on her shoulder from here. It was almost palpable. I tapped a finger on my chin.
I see anyway, can I go now?
Xidra blinked. Her mouth opened and closed. It took her a moment to find her tongue. Of course it did! If she kept poking it out, she would lose it eventually!
Yes, you may. But be aware, us Kobolds do not end our days once the sun sets. You have noticed we do not need as much sleep as Humans. So, the city is still busy and teeming with life.
Even better for me!
I started out the door, waving goodbye at her as I adjusted the cor of the robes she gave me.
Tight.
--
The First Dragonling asked us to apany you?
I gave Nav an eager nod, before twirling around and showing her my robes.
Look, she even gave me fancy clothes and everything! I just wanna see stuff!
He hesitated. The other two Kobold men with him jabbed him with their elbows and stuck out their tongues. He scowled and nodded.
Very well, if Xidra the [Herbalist] asked me to, I shall act as your escort.
Not escort.
I corrected him with a wave of my silver w.
Tour guide!
He was about to retort, but I grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of therge building. Nav wasrge for a Kobold burly even. He stood taller than me in my current Mortal Form. Almost as tall as Daniel! However, he was not exactly especially tall. Notpared to Jaakko, Addan, or even Haec.
Lucerna was another matter entirely.
The red-scaled Kobold was a Level 93 [Warrior]. He could have resisted, yet for whatever reason he let me pull him from the Risen Dragons Shrine. We stood out in the middle of a street surrounded by orange houses intersected into a field before I stopped. He cleared his throat.
Salvos the [Mage], may I inquire as to whereabouts you wish to visit?
Im not sure
I trailed off, casting my gaze around the city. I pointed at a tower in the distance.
What is that?
That is a minaret.
I know that!
I scoffed, shaking my head with my hands on my hips.
I mean, what is that ce? Is it like your shrine ce?
It is. All the minarets you see here belong to different factions in the city. What youre pointing at is the Shrine of the Winged Warriors. That over there is the Shrine of the Hollow ws. And thatrge one there? Thats the Shrine of the Scaled Sentinels.
Huh.
My gaze rested at a decorated minaret. Its base structure was not as wide as the one belonging to the Risen Dragons, and neither did it have arge area of crops surrounding it. What it did have was the tallest tower in the city. It did not rise up above the clouds like a mountain, however it certainly was taller than any building I had seen the Humannds included.
Are these different denominations or something? I thought you we worshipped Dragons?
The Old Gods are our forefathers. We will always sing praises in their name. However, they did not leave us any rules of governance. It is up to ourselves what we wish to do, so we form our own groups.
He narrowed his eyes.
Every Kobold child knows this, Salvos the [Mage]. It is strange that you do not.
I am uncivilized?
I scratched the back of my head. He wanted to press me further, but I quickly changed the subject.
Anyway, do you know of a Cyclops man who came to this city? Hes my friend. Hes about this tall green skin, one eye?
...every Cyclops looks like that.
His name is Adan. And hes a [Trader]!
Nav let out a small sound of understanding.
I believe someone just like that is currently visiting Unarith, yes. Do you wish to meet him?
Would I!
The mostly empty streets of Unarith were not devoid of life. It was the exact opposite people were not acting like monsters were prowling the street corners, like in a Human city. They went about their day rather casually. It was just that the city was not very densely popted in the first ce.
Nav brought me to a ramshackle hut at the edge of Unarith. I peered through its window to see a familiar green face standing behind a counter. Various goods, items, and equipments were spread out behind him and at tables around him. He was in the middle of a conversation with a Kobold woman when I threw the door open and ran in.
Adan! Youre actually here!
I wrapped my arms around him, beaming. The Cyclops man exchanged a look with the customer he was talking to.
Apologies, Miss. But do I know you?
My shoulders sagged as I backed up.
Aw. You dont remember me?
His single eyebrow lifted up and he ced a hand on his chin.
You do sound familiar, however I will get to you in a moment. I have a customer to attend to.
I dejectedly walked back towards Nav. The Kobold man had his arms crossed as his gaze fixed on Adan.
Are you sure this Cyclops is your friend?
...yes. I guess he doesnt recognize me because I look like this.
By this, do you mean washed and well-dressed?
I shot him a re, and he coughed into his w.
Apologies, I dont know what came over me. That was rude.
It was!
I crossed my arms and huffed. A Princess is always well-dressed no matter what she wears. Because her attire is herself, not what she wears! I waited for Adan to finish up his transaction with the Kobold woman. He handed her what seemed like a magical tablet, receiving some precious jewels in return, before she left.
When he was finished, I approached him and stared up his way.
You dont remember me? At all?
I apologize Miss, but
It isnt Miss! Its Salvos!
He frowned, cing a hand on his jaw.
But
His eyes grew wide at the realization. Adan understood what happened, cing his hands together as if he were piecing together a puzzle.
Ah, Salvos. It has been a while, I almost did not recognize you.
It has, hasnt it!
I grinned and sped my ws together.
How have you been?
I have been well. I arrived in Unarith not too long ago. I did not expect to see you here so soon.
Adan looked over my shoulder at the Kobold man following me, speaking hesitantly.
Is this yourpanion?
Nope! I just met him.
Ah, I see.
Putting his hands together and bowing, Adan greeted Nav courteously.
Greetings, [Warrior] of the Risen Dragons.
At ease, Adan the [Trader]. I am Nav, and I am simply apanying Salvos the [Mage] for her tour around the city. You do not have to address me by my faction.
Thank you, Nav the [Warrior].
The pair of Kobold and Cyclops exchanged pleasantries as my eyes were drawn to the myriad of shiny objects put on disy at the countertop. I ignored those, instead focusing on a dull-looking rock.
Whats this?
I identified it, but it didnt tell me much. Adan smiled.
Ah, that is a piece of stone from the Ring of Fire. The earth that Dungeon is said to be enchanted, with magical properties that can cure disease and illness.
Huh. You have so much new stuff!
Apologies, Adan the [Tradert], but I have not heard of such rumors about these rocks before. Do you mean to tell me they can cure the blight from the Dead Zone?
Not at all.
Adanughed, facing a perplexed Nav.
It is what the Humans say. I was paid this for a previous transaction from a Kobold man who just returned from the Ring of Fire. If I return to the Humannds with this, I could sell it for a hundred gold.
...I am not sure what that equates to.
No matter.
The Cyclops man turned back to me as I sorted through his variety of goods. Most of them were just shiny, aesthetic things which I did not care too much about. Not unless I wanted to dress fancily. Perhaps I would get them if I was headed back to the Humannds. But while I was still here out in the gunds, I would have to get things that actually mattered.
The enchanted equipment he offered were mostly the same as before. He did not make much sales since Ist saw him on that front. And they were not really things I needed. One of them helped with using weapons better, but I already had [Passive - Weapon Mastery] maxed.
My ws were hovering over the goods offered when Adan spoke up.
See anything you like, Salvos? You seem keen on buying something. I am willing to offer you a discount.
I nced up, scratching at my scaled cheeks.
Well, Id like to shop for some stuff since Im here. But a discount? Aw, youre not going to give it to me for free?
I am a [Trader] first and foremost. What is a trade if one side does not receive something?
Pouting, I found myself staring at the wall full of items hanging on hooks. There was an ivory horn sticking out. It drew my vision. Or perhaps it was my [Passive - A Hunters Sense] telling me to get it. I identified it as I pointed it out.
What is that?
That is a Horn of the Caller. It is for those who are lost and seeking civilization. Its re can be heard by someone up to ten miles away. It is not loud on the ears, nor will it scare away monsters. But it can help someone find your general direction.
Huh. And it is Medium Grade too.
I considered its uses. It would certainly help Daniel and Edithe with finding me if I were lost. It did not help with fighting enemies, and it could even draw the attention of angry monsters my way. But I had a Skill that did exactly that, and it had been useful so far.
Ill take it!
Adan was pleased. He rubbed his hands together as he nodded.
Of course. What would you offer for this? It was quite an expensive trade, you see.
Um
I patted myself down, trying to find if I had anything to give him. I produced apass and he shook his head.
That would not be worth the price of anything in this shop.
I dont really have anything else unless!
I hopped over to Nav.
Nav! Can you help pay for this for me, please?
The red-scaled Kobold who had been off to the side, picking at his scales was caught off-guard. He opened his mouth.
Wait
Xidra said you would help me! I saved her life, you know? The First Dragonling!
He mulled over it for a moment. He looked like he wanted to argue, however something led him to decide to eventually acquiesce.
Very well.
He sighed and started for the counter. He produced a bracelet from the pocket of his robes it had a sigil adorned on it. It looked like a Kobold with wings breathing out fire. Except, it was oddly shaped and had arger body and small hands.
This is a bracelet given to every member of the Risen Dragons. It is made entirely out of eloxite an expensive material in the Humannds, yes? And it protects the wielder from poisonous gasses, something I am sure a Dwarf [Alchemist] would want if you decide to visit theirnds. Will this be enough for payment?
The Cyclops man held it up with an appraising gaze.
Why yes, Nav the [Warrior]. This is indeed a fair transaction.
He epted the bracelet, pocketing it before unhooking the Horn of the Caller and giving it to me. I took it and wore it around my neck like a ne. I stared at it, then at the pair standing before me.
I beamed.
Now I wont get lost anymore!
Chapter 121: Diviner
Chapter 121: Diviner
121. Diviner
I happily exited Adans shop, waving goodbye at the Cyclops man as I carried the Horn of the Caller in between my silver ws. It was worn around my neck like a ne, with a string connected around its edge, keeping it attached to me so I would not lose it.
I nced around the street I was in. It was still night; I did stay back to chat with Adan for a few hours, even after multiple other customers came in. However, I did not waste enough time for it to already be daytime.
Nav followed after me with a tired look on his face.
Alright, Salvos the [Mage]... what do you wish to see next of Unarith?
I tapped a finger on my chin as I cast my gaze around the city. There were a multitude of things to see. Not much trade went on here not as much as a Human city. There still were some vendors, as evinced by Adans presence. It just was very different from what I was used to.
I could spend a very long time, just wandering around Unarith, taking in the sights with awe, asking questions to my tour guide, and learning more about Kobolds and their culture. But I was bored!
Lets go back!
I spun back around to face Nav. The red-scaled Kobold blinked. He tried to work his jaw which seemed a lot more difficult than for a Human, since his mouth is elongated.
B-but you just you only visited one ce
He stared at me as I simply cocked my head. He tried to muster up more words before giving up and sighing a raspy breath.
Very well, we shall make our return to the shrine.
Yay!
Leading the way back to where we came from, I skipped behind Nav until we reached the tilled fields and crossed the bridged path to minaret standing tall with a wide base. It was emptier now, than before. There were no groups of Kobold men and women chanting with their hands sped together. Perhaps they finally decided to retire to bed.
Kobolds did need sleep, after all. Not as much as Humans. A light nap,pared to them. Maybe some Humans could get a Skill or a ss that helped them forego sleep entirely. But this was part of the Kobolds Species. They did not need any outside aid to help them be better than Humans this way.
I approved of it!
We went up the spiral staircase in the center of the chamber, back up to where I left Xidra. I rapped lightly against her door and called out.
Xidra the [Herbalist]. Are you there?
I quickly corrected my mistake before Nav could give me an odd look. Or, an even more odd look that he had given me today. The door swung open, revealing a well-dressed Kobold behind it. She wore slender, fitting robes thatplemented her green scales.
She nodded at me, and stepped past us.
Salvos the [Mage], I trust Nav the [Warrior] has taken good care of you?
He sure did!
I agreed, giving the red-scaled Kobold man a thumbs-up. He ignored it, bowing lightly towards Xidra with a hand against his chest.
First Dragonling, I havepleted the task you have given me. May I take my leave?
You may retire from your duties. I wish to speak with Salvos the [Mage] upstairs.
Yes, First Dragonling.
He quickly escaped before I could even wave goodbye at him. I shrugged as I watched him disappear down the stairwell, turning back to Xidra with a smile.
I bought a horn.
I showed the Horn of the Caller to her, lightly raising it from my chest. She fixed a curious gaze at it.
A single Medium Grade item? I would have thought someone such as you would have been better equipped with at least some High Grade equipment.
Nope!
I shook my head and followed her as she started up the stairs. She walked with her hands behind her back, so I mimicked her. To blend in.
I was a master of disguise, no one suspected a thing!
Why do you not have any, if I may ask?
Because theyre expensive.
Expensive?
Yep. They cost a lot and were almost always low on gold, you know?
We as in
Mypanions and I!
We came to the top of the stairwell. We stood on the covered roof of the minaret. There was a domed ceiling above full of brightly colored gems, ced to create an intricate design that did not really mean anything. It was just a nice looking pattern. Xidra stopped and faced me.
That is quite surprising. I would have assumed one at your level could simply scavenge for items.
We dont really need most of the things we get, so we end up selling them. And I buy things I like like this bracelet!
I showed off the golden object wrapped around my forearm. She gave it an approving look.
It is shiny.
Right?
I paused and stared around the mostly empty room. Other than getting a good view of Unarith as well as a weak breeze that brushed against my face there was nothing here. No one here.
Whens your friend arriving, anyway?
I finally asked. The confusion on my face was evident. Xidra gave me a Kobold smile.
He arrives. Look.
She pointed out at the sable sky. I narrowed my eyes and saw something moving amongst the stars. The scintiting light from above limn the figure that was heading straight at us. It looked like a bird? Except, it was farrger.
It was a Kobold. Except, it had wings.
Watchhhhhhhh out!
A voice cried out as the figure rapidly approached us. I grabbed Xidra and pulled her out of the way. The winged Kobold crashed into the top of the tower, sending dust up into the air before he rolled to a stop.
I blinked as a blue-scaled Kobold nced up at me, a surprised look on his face. He was lying upside down, but quickly leapt to his feet.
Oh, uh, sorry about that.
I slowly lowered Xidra back to the ground as he dusted himself off. She gave him a reprimanding look.
Hoxle the [Diviner], why did you do that?
Im still trying to get used to my wings, Xidra.
He did not address her with the same formalities as other Kobolds had shown so far. He was rather carefree, scratching at his scales as he averted his gaze from the First Dragonling.
You arete, and you nearly struck our guest.
Well she handled it just fine, didnt she?
I did!
I agreed, nodding beside him. I beamed as I took a look at the odd Kobold. He was nothing like the others in the city. Which meant I was blending in just fine. Xidra stared at me.
Why are you making that face, Salvos the [Mage]?
Because Im a master of disguise!
She shook her head, letting out a soft sigh.
One would hope so, considering that you can take on the form of a sapient Mortal.
Wait, wait, wait. Is she into me?
Hoxle leaned forward, trying to whisper into Xidras ear. I cocked my head, puzzled.
How do I break it to her that Im not into
Quiet, Hoxle the [Diviner]. This is not a casual setting. You are making a fool out of yourself in front of our guest.
Oh... sorry!
He bowed apologetically my way. I shook my head.
No, its fine. But what are you not into?
Nevermind that.
Xidra sighed, stepping between us.
Salvos the [Mage], this is Hoxle the [Diviner], my nephew, and the one who will be aiding you to yourpanions.
I nced between them.
You two are rted?
That is right. He may not seem capable, but I assure you he very much is.
I identified Hoxle, only to be proven right.
[Diviner - Lvl. 103]
Huh.
I pointed at the wings sprouting from his back, frowning.
Why does he have wings, anyway? Shouldnt you have wings since hes rted to you?
Kobolds are not born with wings, Salvos the [Mage]. It is a result of his evolution that he can now fly.
I blinked and took a step back.
You guys can evolve?
I mentioned it, did I not? Gexlis evolution enabled him to live in the wild, almost like a monster. He could track me even from miles away.
But you have sses!
Hoxle snorted, crossing his arms as his wings folded behind his back.
Why are you asking so many weird questions? Of course we have sses. I just hit Level 100 and unlocked my evolution.
He beamed as his tongue stuck out of his elongated mouth. I hesitated. Was this like how Humans could get a second ss at Level 100? Scratch that was this like how Demons like me could get a ss at Level 100? I wanted to ask more questions this was surprising! But Xidra spoke before I could.
Mind your manners, Hoxle the [Diviner]. Salvos the [Mage] is not someone who is familiar with the ways of Kobold society or our path with the Sesstern.
She shook her head before resting her eyes on me.
That is because she is not a Kobold like us. She is a Demon.
Wait, what?
Hoxle took a step back. He turned to me with wide eyes. I almost thought he was going tosh out at me. And he did.
The Kobold man lunged forward, grasping for me with his ws. I frowned and stepped around it. The [Diviner] fell on the ground.
Hey! Did you just try and attack me?
No I
He crawled my way and grabbed me by my legs. He stared up at me with sparkling eyes as I tried kicking him off.
What is the Netherworld like? Do you have any Demon friends? How did you even get to the Mortal Realm?
I have questions for you too! Let me ask mine first!
Thats enough.
Xidra yanked Hoxle away, forcing him to stand up. Scowling, he followed themands of his aunt.
Salvos the [Mage] is not here to answer your questions. Nor are you here to pester her. I have called you here to aid her.
Gahhh fine, what does she want?
He turned towards me, still unhappy. I fumbled for my robe pocket, producing thepass and map Daniel had given me.
Id like to find mypanions. Theyre over at Ghostlight. A Human city near the gunds Dead Zone?
Oh, this is easy.
He grinned, taking the map from me. Xidra gave him a dubious look.
Hoxle the [Diviner], when did you learn how to read Human cartography?
Ive been doing studying, Xidra.
He waved a hand as he unfurled the map. He ced it on the ground as I peered over. Tracing a wed finger across the map, he came to a stop and tapped at it. I watched with wide eyes as this happened.
Here.
Hoxle stood up. My eyes were fixed on the location he had pointed out.
This is where Ghostlight is.
Fascinating.
Xidra came over, almost looking proud. She ced a hand on her nephews shoulder.
I was hoping to ask you to lend your Skills to help Salvos the [Mage], but it appears that is not necessary, correct?
Um, no?
I finally spoke up. I picked up the map and ced a finger at the spot he had marked.
This is where you said Ghostlight is.
Yeah. Thats where it is!
But its blue.
Of course.
He crossed his arms, a triumphant look on his face. I stared at him. Then I shook my head and sputtered.
Thats the ocean!
Wait, what?
I scowled, throwing the map down to the ground.
Even I know that much!
No, I thought that was but
He trailed off as Xidra sighed. She poked his side.
Hoxle the [Diviner], let us not waste anymore time. Your fascination with Human culture does not help us here.
His shoulders sagged, and I gave him a judging look from the side. How can he not read a map? I folded the map back up, keeping it because I had no idea how to read a map. The Kobold man took a step forward, holding out a hand.
Give me your ass-thing.
I stopped.
Huh?
That ass-thing you have. That metal ass-thing in your hand.
Oh.
I passed over thepass as he grumbled, taking it. I shied away from him and almost hid behind Xidra. Hes weird! I watched him take a deep breath as a glow ovees him.
What is he doing?
He is blessing that item of yours with [Tracking]. Come, it does not take long.
Hoxle walked back towards me as the light engulfing him vanished. Now, only thepass was glowing. He handed the nowmbentpass back to me, and I reached for it. He shook his head.
Touch it.
...ok?
I ced a wed hand over thepass, raising a brow. He sped his hands over mine and snapped his eyes shut. Speaking slowly, he addressed me.
Salvos, tell me, who are you searching for. Envision their faces. Imagine where youst saw them. Think of their rtionship with you.
Nodding, I did as I was told. I remembered Daniel. The [Hero] from another world. He tried helping me find a way back to the Netherworld. And while he was not always helpful, I appreciated the sentiment.
And there was Edithe. The red-haired woman full of fury. Except, she was far more reticent now. Apprehension had gripped her, keeping her from burning with the same passion as before. It would have been nice if I had met this version of Edithe when we first met maybe she would not have hated me then. But now, I wanted to return the fire into her life.
Do you see them?
I do.
Good. Now say their names. Say who they are.
Even though my eyes were closed, I could see shes of light. An iridescent sheen that held my vision. I opened my mouth, speaking simply.
Daniel, mypanion. Edithe, mypanion. I wish to find them.
I waited for something else to happen. For the light to be overwhelming. But it just vanished. I heard the sounds of ws cking together, and opened my eyes to see Hoxle with his hands pped together.
And thats it!
Youre done?
Yeah! You can just look at your ass-thing.
Compass.
I corrected him before looking down at thepass. I blinked as I saw the hands of thepass both pointing in the same direction. It was not a direction I had ever seen them point before. It was directed to my right, and when I tried to reorient it, it moved to face the same direction as before.
The Skill will take a week to wear-off. It will lead you directly to yourpanions, Edithe and Daniel, until then.
Woah.
I stood at the edge of the tower, having followed where it was pointing. I gently ran my hand across it. Like it was some kind of precious jewel. I wanted to cherish it. It was going to save me from getting lost for the next week. And even better it was going to lead me back to mypanions!
Spinning around, I leapt at Hoxle and wrapped my arms around him.
Thank you so much!
Hey! Hands off! I told you Im not interested in women!
I obliged and took a step back. I nced back down at thepass, softly holding onto it.
Ive gotta go, now.
You wish to leave immediately, Salvos the [Mage]?
Of course! Mypanions must be worried. I promised them I would be back days ago! Or was it a week?
I tapped a finger on my chin. I did not exactly keep track of the days. I had no reason to. Not like Humans who felt the need to sleep when it turned night. The two Kobolds led the way as I walked behind them, carefully holding onto thepass like it was some kind of treasure. They chatted casually as I watched thepass hands spin around as we spiraled down the stairway.
By the way, Xidra
Please address me properly, Hoxle the [Diviner].
Right, right. You know, I just want to say sorry that I didnt hunt you down immediately when you disappeared. But I was busy. Those Scale Sentinels targeted me too! I didnt even hear about what happened until you sent me that missive just earlier.
It is fine. They went after you as well?
Yeah. But it seemed like a distraction. I beat up a few of them and wait.
He came to a stop, and I almost ran into him. I blinked, ncing up to face as he turned around.
You said your friends are at Ghostlight, right?
Around there. Why?
The Kobold man paused. He pricked at his scales, an uneasy looking crossing through his face.
Now mayyyy not be the best time to tell you that the Scale Sentinels are nning another attack on Ghostlight.
I stared at him, in shock. He shifted his feet uneasily as I fixed my look onto him. I opened my mouth, trying to find words toe out. I always wondered how Daniel and Edithe always lost their words. I realized now what it was like.
H-h-how did you?
He shrugged.
I forgot, alright?
Chapter 122: Helping Hand
Chapter 122: Helping Hand
122. Helping Hand
Edithe!
Daniel dashed forward, his sword glowing, ovee with the [Aura of the Sentinel]. He was not sure why he got that Skill when his ss advanced; it was more than just the bright coat covering his de. It could move. It could do more.
He pointed his sword forward, and the golden auranced forth. It did not tear into the ground. Instead, it extended out, forming a shield that intercepted the charging [Skeleton Warrior]s attack.
The red-haired woman stumbled back as the undeads strikended against the barrier. Daniel swiped the [Skeleton Warrior] off its feet and dug his sword down into its skull.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Are you alright?
He walked up to Edithe. She was bent over, panting and bleeding. She nced up and raised a hand.
I just need a potion, and Ill be fine.
Nodding, he gave her one of his healing potions. She gratefully downed it, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. The young mans gaze turned to the sky, then to the destendscape of the gunds.
Maybe we should go back. Weve ventured deeper into the gunds than weve ever done before.
Its not even the evening.
Edithe corked the bottle and handed it back to him. Her eyes were determined. She was fixed on her goal. Daniel sighed.
Well press on for a bit more. But dont be reckless, Edithe. If Salvos were here well, she would ask us to be even more reckless. But she isnt here. We can afford to be a littlex, cant we?
...right.
She nodded after a moment. Then she pressed her hands against her temples.
Damn, shes really rubbing off on me, isnt she?
Daniel grinned.
She really is.
He ced a hand on Edithes shoulder.
But thats not a bad thing.
She stared at him.
Not yet.
I ran through the gunds the Kobold robes I had been given tied around my neck alongside my jacket, over my torn cloak. I was no longer in my Mortal Form. I would not risk traversing this ce alone in a weakened state.
Sure, I could change back at any point in time. But I would have torn the only piece of clothing I had. Which would have made it awkward for me to exin when I finally found Daniel and Edithe.
My eyes snapped towards thepass in my hand. It was pointing towards a direction. I could not just follow it in a straight line. There were fields of blight flowers often blocking my path. Sometimes a horde of undead would intercept me too. There were so many obstacles here that I could not just activate [Self Haste] and [me Burst] my way to mypanions.
I avoided a group of [Ghouls] bounding towards me. This was the first time I saw more than one gathered together. Their curses would have been problematic. I still had yet to face one alone, but I was pretty sure I could take one out by myself.
Go away!
I sent a [ming Breath] at a flying undead bird thing. It was a [Nightscourer]. Its wings were tattered torn with holes in them. It had deep violet skin, with a lighter shade of purple in some parts. Although it had beady red eyes which almost seemed to shine eerily, it was not that aggressive.
Probably because it was only Level 102. Not high leveled. But a pest, regardless.
The sun crept across the sky as I made my way through this Dead Zone. The gunds full of undead. At one point, I spotted what seemed to be a sprawling castle in the distance. It peaked up, above clouds of the miasma of blight. Almost like if I was in an ocean, staring towards the shore, and seeing a vast city. But there was too much blight for me to even attempt to see what it was. So, I moved on.
I was in a hurry. I needed to ensure that mypanions were fine. That they were at least not in Ghostlight. The Scale Sentinels were attempting a raid at the Human town. That was what Hoxle told me. If they were anywhere near as high leveled as the ones I fought and if they were far more numerous they would be in trouble.
So, I made haste. I avoided all fighting. I kept the undead away from me. I circumvented the blight, moving quickly on all of my limbs, until the sun was beginning to set. It was then I saw the figures in the distance.
Shadows that moved more fluid than just the stiff undead. It was not mindless milling. The figures were moving with intent.
Edithe! Daniel!
I called out as I ran over to the pair. Daniel nced around, halting mid-step, while Edithe looked up, having been staring at the ground as she walked almost aimlessly. I waved at them.
Its me, Salvos!
The red-haired woman blinked, while the Human man opened his mouth.
Salvos? Where did youe from? Wait, no I mean, where did you go? How did you find us?
I came to a stop as he finished letting out his myriad of questions. I hesitated, not sure which question to answer first.
I got lost?
...we knew that. It was kind of a given.
He shook his head, but a small smile spread across his lips. Edithe stepped past him, relief evident on her face.
Im d to see youre fine, Salvos.
Me too!
I felt my entire body rx. I thought they were in danger. But they were just out here, in the deadly Diamond Rank threat gunds, safe and sound and covered in cuts and blood. Wiping at my forehead in relief, I straightened.
I got worried! When Hoxle told me the Scale Sentinels were going to Ghostlight, I panicked! If it became another situation like Iron Champions Company, but Im toote
They exchanged a nce. Daniel raised a hand catingly.
Slow down, Salvos. Whats going on? And who is Hoxle?
Hes the Kobold man who helped me find you. Look!
I raised thepass its hands were still pointing at mypanions.
See? He did this.
A Kobold helped you?
Edithe stared at me in disbelief. Daniel was less surprised; he was from another world, so he probably did not care as much. I nodded eagerly.
Yep! After I saved his aunt, Xidra, from the Scale Sentinels, she asked him to do this for me.
They both tried toe up with words. I had that experience just a few hours ago. It was not easy, apparently. When you lost something it was difficult to get it back! That was why I would try not to get lost again.
Finally, Daniel spoke in resignation.
So, youve been on quite the adventure since west saw you.
A lot has happened! I nearly died to an angry fire-breathing Kobold man!
Right. And the people who helped you
I helped them. Then they helped me after!
...yes, that. They told you we were in danger?
I waved a hand off, letting out a light chuckle. Did he not listen? Seriously, Daniel, sometimes you were silly.
Not you two. Ghostlight!
I see.
The Human man had an uncertain look on his face, but Edithe was a lot more pressed from this news. She frowned, crossing her arms.
Ghostlight is in danger? From who?
Kobolds, of course!
She narrowed her eyes.
But didnt they help you?
No not them. The ones who helped me are from the Risen Dragons faction. The ones doing this whole attacking thing are from the Scale Sentinels. Entirely different groups!
There was a pregnant pause as the pair processed this. Then it ended. Clicking her tongue, Edithe marched away from us. I hurried after her with Daniel.
It doesnt matter who is behind this. Come on, we need to stop it.
She spoke simply. Daniel agreed.
Yeah, Id have liked our reunion tost a little longer, but innocent peoples lives are at stake.
I shrugged.
More experience for me.
--
Since mypanions were not taking their time to move at a cial pace, we reached Ghostlight just as the sun set. This time, I tried to take note of the various scenery on our way to the Human town. If I could identify anything that was somewhat recognizable, maybe I would not get lost again.
I ignored the rocks, though. They were all the same!
Smoke trailed off in the distance. Despite the dark night, there was a bright orange light visibly shining even from a mile away. A raging fire was spreading through Ghostlight. The walls around the city were set aze. But it was not just on fire.
I spotted iceyering over an entire section of the wall. It was not melting even under the intense heat. A few bloodied Human guardsy at the gates. Their bodies were not alone. I discerned a single Kobold dead amongst them.
So, not as high leveled as Gexli and his followers, huh? That made sense. From what I had seen of Unarith, Kobolds were not especially higher leveled than Humans. There was a slight difference. But not that significant.
A cough caught the attention of Edithe. She ran over to a man, stumbling out of the gates. It was not a guard, but a father with his child. She tended to them and helped them outside. After feeding them a healing potion, she finally asked the Human man.
What happened here?
K-Kobolds dozens of them. Theyre trying to destroy the entire town.
He managed to cough out. Edithe clenched her fist, casting her gaze towards the burning town.
Are they still in there?
Y-yes
What about other survivors?
The Human man managed a nod. He seemed like he almost wanted to copse, but Daniel caught him.
Come on. You should get to safety.
Salvos.
Edithe turned to me as I stared at the burning fire, thinking that I could probably have created hotter mes. I cocked my head.
Yes?
Can you find the survivors? Bring them to us. Well gather them in the forest over there.
Sure!
I nodded. I was in my Mortal Form, now. As a Human. I was wearing Kobold robes that were a bit too small for me. But I had Daniels jacket over it. It would withstand the heat, right? It was Unique Grade, after all.
I activated [Self Haste] and hopped into the fire. Daniel and Edithe disappeared behind me as more survivors streamed out of the town. They followed mypanions instructions and began making for the nearby forest.
Running past the burning buildings, I found a lot of survivors in Ghostlight. The attack must have just happened, since not a lot of people were dead yet. It was not like Lucernas attack on Silvergrove, which had gone on for a while before I arrived.
I simply directed those who seemed capable enough to the forest, while I actually carried those who were injured out of the burning town. This repeated a few times. I even found Jaden the [Innkeeper] boy who managed Ghostlights Inn and brought him to safety.
It was only when I went back into the city after helping him that I caught a glimpse of the first battle. The sounds of sword shing echoed in the distance. A powerful st resounded, and a handful of buildings copsed.
I headed in that direction, leaping up onto a rooftop to get a view of the fighting. I saw a Human man one I recognized as the captain Alex who I had first seen when I came to the town. The Level 105 [Warrior] who recently arrived.
The bodies of two Koboldsy next to him, but a third one slowly walked towards him, almost uncaring. I identified the Kobold she was a woman and found her to be at around his level. The only problem was he was tired and she was not.
Kobold scum. I am Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empire''s elite Swordsguard Forces! I have felled two of your allies here, and three more before. Do you think you can defeat me on your own?
Nir the [Mage] and Kaks the [Warrior] were weak. They had not attained their evolution yet. I have. And I am not
She did not get to finish. I loosed a zing Bolt right at her. The st sent her flying into a building. Inded next to Alex.
Hi, Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces. Im Salvos!
I offered him a hand as he blinked.
Im here to help find survivors and bring them to Daniel and Edithe. Do you want me to carry you, or can you walk by yourself?
Chapter 123: Alex Cromerth, Member of the Vaun Qiuer Empire’s Elite Swordsguard Forces
Chapter 123: Alex Cromerth, Member of the Vaun Qiuer Empire¡¯s Elite Swordsguard Forces
123. Alex Cromerth, Member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires Elite Swordsguard Forces
Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces, stared up at me with wide eyes. He did not respond immediately. I did not know why he was taking so long. I waved a hand impatiently, and he blinked.
I
An explosion of ice shot out my way. I scowled and grabbed him, leaping back away from the breath attack. It froze the houses behind where I had been standing. The entire cobbled ground was covered in a thickyer of sleet. Even the mes that had been raging wildly were snuffed out.
You took too long to reply!
I scowled at Alex Cromerth. He was aghast, still in my arms. Then he threw himself off me.
I dont need the help of a tinum Rank adventurer!
He snapped at me. He drew his sword, a shadowed de trailing its movements, almost like there were two weapons there at once.
If you must, go save the other civilians and guardsmen scattered through the town.
Done most of them!
I crossed both my arms. He looked like he wanted to retort, but the Kobold [Rogue] cast her gaze upon us with maddened eyes.
A weak [Mage] thinks she can sneak up on me? Ridiculous!
I scoffed.
I dont think I can, I did
Sheshed out with two frozen sickles. I ducked under the attack while Alex parried the strike. I watched the ground freeze in the direction she struck at. Frost seemed to form over Alexs steel de. But fire burst out, melting the ice.
Dont think my equipment cant withstand your weak Skills, Kobold scum!
Worthless Human, yourcencies will lead to the end of all things!
The two locked des, almost ignoring me. Their battle was glorious. I watched as the shadow of darkness shed with the bright, white ice. The earth was torn up. I shook my head, conjuring another bow.
You are
A Refined zing Bolt struck the Kobold woman again, but this time, she did not just go sailing. She soared through the air, the st much more powerful. It sent Alex stumbling back. I tossed a chain up into the air, catching the Kobold woman before she could reorient herself.
I tugged her my way, and she was ripped to my direction. She opened her mouth, once again letting out a plume of ice. I narrowed my eyes. Was that part of her evolution? Possibly.
I sidestepped the attack, bringing the kusarigamas de back up.
[Radiant sh].
The blue mes almost seemed to morph in its color. A coat of ck mes oveyed itself on the bright fire, snuffing out its light. It still burned brilliantly. A glow that was almost impossible shone out.
The weapon lodged itself through the Kobold womans chest. She screamed in pain and terror as it sheared through her. I grinned as I followed through with the attack. The strike itself propelled me forward. There was a force there that carried me. That made me stronger than I actually was.
Whos the weak [Mage] now, huh?!
She did not respond. She was dead.
Stupid wild Kobolds. Scale Sentinel jerks!
I muttered, walking back to Alex. The Human man was panting, leaning against his sword. His surprise was evident.
H-How?
Beaming, I raised my chin up and pointed at myself.
Im Salvos! Thats how.
I walked past him, gesturing for him to follow me.
Nowe on, Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces. You said youre here to help find survivors, right?
He shook his head.
No. Im here to y these Kobold scum.
Gripping the hilt of his sword, he got to his feet. He met my gaze and pointed at me.
As the one in charge of Ghostlight, adventurer, I order you to deal with the evacuation. Some of my men are closeby. Find them and ask them to aid you.
I blinked.
Hey! You cant tell me what to do! Youre not even mypanion!
I can, and I will.
He aimed the sword dangerously close to my neck. I frowned. He was annoying me. I wanted to punch him between the legs. But I was not here to fight, anyway.
Fine! Im not doing this because you asked me to. Mypanions did!
I stuck my tongue out at him and almost regretted it. But I remembered I was back in the Humannds. So, I stuck it out again, this time in full force. Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces, clicked his tongue and turned around.
Immature girl.
Stupid weirdo.
I copied his childish insult. We parted ways there, at that courtyard. Maybe I shouldnt have saved him from that Kobold. I assumed Daniel and Edithe wanted me to save and help everyone that was Human. However, if I had let one die, would they have even known?
I let those thoughts pass through me, finding the group of guardsmen I had been directed to not muchter. There were a dozen of them. They were helping a family out of a burning building.
Hi! tinum Rank adventurer Salvos here! Do you need any help?
Yes, Miss
Its Salvos.
Uh, right.
The guards exchanged a few looks. Most of them were decently leveled. They were around Gold Rank. Not Silvers, at least. Those were probably most dead.
This woman says her daughter is still trapped in that house over there.
He pointed at the raging fire. I looked at it, then him.
Why dont you just go in there and save her, then?
Because shes trapped in some ice we cant melt. One of the Kobolds froze half the building over with their magic.
Was it the Kobold woman I just killed? Since it was such high leveled magic, it was likely. I nodded and walked past them, shooting a thumbs-up to the panicked looking Human mother.
Dont worry, I got this!
A single [me Burst] carried me into the inferno. It was hot, but it didnt singe through my blue jacket. Parts of the roof copsed. I sliced it in half with my kusarigama and continued into the house.
I found the frozen section of the building not long after. There was a door covered entirely in a sheet of ice. I swung my weapons de at it hard. But not even a crack formed on the ice. I narrowed my eyes and repeated the strike.
It took a few hits for chinks to even form on the ice. It was solidly strong. I needed something that could damage it even faster. As I wasted time here, more Humans out there were dying. Finally, I took a step back and inhaled deeply.
[ming Breath].
The powerful, blue fire engulfed the doorway. It melted a hole through the area that had already been damaged. The sides around it were weakened, too. But I got what I needed.
I pushed the door open, entering the room. Inside, I saw a shivering, pale girl. She was huddled in the corner covered in a thin nket, her teeth were chattering, and she barely even nced up to see me. I offered her a hand.
W-w-w
She could not even muster up a word. I picked her up gently, cing her on my back. I wrapped my jacket around her, whispering.
Its fine. Come, well get you back to your mom.
I left the burning house with the little girl. She was embraced by her mother the moment I put her down. The guardsmen pulled the mother away, immediately tending to the girls wounds. She looked like she was going to shatter if her mother squeezed any harder.
Theres a safe zone in the forest just to the north east west south? Somewhere over there.
I pointed in a random direction as the guardsmen gave me a confused look.
Youll see a bunch of other survivors heading there. Mypanions will protect you if you bring anyone you can find that way.
They were dubious. But I just helped them save that little girl. So, they nodded.
Well do that. We think the city is mostly cleared out, anyway. We might head there soon.
Good. Keep this family safe, alright?
I watched as the mother held two other children in her arms, tears falling from her face. Was she sad? Why would she be crying? I just saved her third child, did I not? I shook my head.
Otherwise, mypanions will be mad at me.
Yes, Maam!
Im not a Maam, Im Salvos.
I snorted and took off. I continued scouring Ghostlight for a little longer. I found more Human guards wandering around. Some of them were aimless. They were scared as if they wanted to flee like an ordinary citizen. I directed those straight to the forest, not even bothering to ask them to help me in my search.
There were a few Humans non guardsmen or guardswomen who were actually embroiled in battle. I came across a group of Humans dressed as farmers, battling two Kobolds.
The Humans were massively outleveled. It was a group of Silvers against two high Golds. They did not stand a chance at all.
Gahh
A [Warrior] screamed as he fell by the forefront Kobolds ws. A woman shouted in anger, beginning to cast her spell. Before she could loose it, the Kobold was obliterated into a puddle of blood.
I began conjuring another Sickle Grenade, but found that it was not as easy to cast as I remembered. I clicked my tongue. Right, no more [Passive - Refined Casting]. The magic fizzled out as the remaining Kobold angrily shouted at me. He threw a dagger my way which missed before he ran up the side of the wall to get to where I was standing on a houses roof.
I kicked him once, before wrapping him up in chains. He struggled, but a few [Barrage of Cinders] to the face made him go limp.
Stupid Scale Sentinels. I am 20 levels higher than you! Why did you think you could beat me?
It was not like he was me who could take on those 20 levels above me. Of course not! Nobody was me! Only I was Salvos.
The Humans did not immediately flee. They took a moment to shed some tears for their fallenpanions. Once they were finished, I told them the same thing I had told everyone else, and they were off.
I continued searching until I found no other Human left in Ghostlight. I saw a few groups of Kobolds. They were mostly in pairs. Although some were alone. But they did not notice me. I was sneaky.
Satisfied with my job finished, I left the burning town and reconvened with Daniel and Edithe. I saw arge crowd of Humans gathered around, with Human [Warriors], [Mages], and other fighters gathered around the injured, prepared to fight. They were not all guards for Ghostlight.
Many of them were regr workers, traders, farmers, andborers. Yet, they grew up here. They were used to dealing with Kobolds and the stray undead. But never to this scale.
The Kobolds are trying to start a war theyre going to raze down the whole town.
Edithe breathed, standing at the perimeter of the haphazard camp. The fire was far away. Ghostlight was not close by any means. Its zing mes were just so bright, we could see it all the way from where we were.
The Scale Sentinels are trying to start a war.
I corrected her.
Their other factions arent involved in this.
It doesnt matter, Salvos.
Daniel walked up next to me, a grim look on his face. I cocked my head as he exined.
This is not just a matter between nations, its a matter between two Species that have been historically enemies. They will see it as the beginning of a new Kobold invasion to the Humannds.
But Xidra wants peace with Humans!
Edithe shook her head. She gave me a morose look.
I know youre friends with some of them. But none of us here can do anything about what happens next. If war happens, your friends will be wrapped up in this war whether they want to or not.
I scowled.
War this, war that. Why do you Mortals like war so much!
Im asking myself the same question
She nodded. cing a hand on my shoulder, Edithe tried tofort me. It worked. I cheered up in mere moments.
Its not like well be involved, anyway, Salvos. Were meant to be leveling in the gunds, remember? Get me to my next advancement.
Woah, youre quite close, arent you? Youre Level 69!
Nice.
Daniel remarked from the side before he cringed at himself, and I eagerly agreed.
That is very nice!
Edithe nced around, seeing that most of the injured Humans had already recovered. That no more survivors were streaming out of Ghostlight.
I think its time for us to move. Weve gotten everyone we could, and if we stay too long, the remaining Kobolds may find us too.
Sure. Wait wheres Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces?
Mypanions blinked.
Who?
I opened my mouth to respond, when a round object rolled on the ground to my feet. I saw wide eyes staring up at me. A severed heady there. Bloodied, with messy hair. I pointed at it.
Oh, there he is.
A mixture of fire, ice, wind, and air engulfed us, destroying the nearbyndscape, uprooting trees and sending screams throughout the camp.
Chapter 124: Combination
Chapter 124: Combination
124. Combination
The flurry of magic crashed down on us. I grabbed mypanions before it could get close. [Ember Core] was already ring up, wreathing me in my armor of mes. Edithe had created a barrier, while Daniel was shining brilliantly thanks to [Aura of the Sentinel].
But I was not going to risk us taking the brunt of the attack. So, I grabbed them and leapt back with a [me Burst], aided by [Self Haste]. The explosion sted straight up, like some kind of an erupting pir. The iridescent colors mixed together to create a bright light. One that lit up the forest, alerting everyone in the camp of the attack.
Emerging from ground zero of the st were five Kobolds. They were rather high leveled. The one leading them was Level 106, followed by two just around the Level 100 range, and thest two at the mid 90s.
If this was an encounter in the gunds, it would have been an easy victory for us. However, this was not. They were Kobolds. They had sses and a Subspecies evolution. At least, the Level 100s, did.
They would be far stronger than any enemy I had fought. Sure, they might be exhausted. The Kobold woman I fought earlier certainly was exhausted from fighting Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces.
Unfortunately for us, Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qiuer Empires elite Swordsguard Forces, was dead. He had been in by these Kobolds. Alone, against the five of them, of course he would not stand a chance.
The lead Kobold had obsidian ck skin. At least, I thought he did. I had never seen obsidian before. Daniel told me that that was how you described something of an incredibly dark shade.
He stared at us with purple eyes. Appraising. He was not a [Cultist]. Not like Gexli had been. Although the one of the two Level 100s was a [Cultist], she did not seem like she was in charge here. Perhaps a second inmand?
Screams echoed in the background as the lead Kobold took a step forward.
It seems the Humans have conveniently gathered themselves together for us to ughter. How convenient, Zix the [Warrior].
Indeed, Hukba the [Cultist].
Zix the obsidian-scaled Kobold took a step forward. He nced over at the two Level 90s, and nodded.
Kill those who try to escape. Well deal with the defenders.
The pair got to work. They leapt past us, ignoring us as if we were not even there. Edithe raised her staff at them.
Wait
The third Level 100 Koboldshed out. He appeared in front of Edithe, shing at her with his ws. He was a [Rogue], after all. The red-haired woman could barely react in time.
Unfortunately for the Kobold, I could. He stumbled back, a burning, blue sword stabbed through his gut. Blood dripped from the wound as I followed up with a [Barrage of Cinders], but he managed to hop away in time.
S-Salvos?
You will not hurt mypanions.
I narrowed my eyes, meeting the gaze of the Zix the [Warrior]. He had a spear in hand one which he flipped over his head before slithering his tongue out of his mouth in a cocky smile.
Oh, really? The Old Gods curse me, does such a weak Human think she can y us?
I am not a weak Human.
I spoke truthfully. Zix shook his head, unfurling a single wing behind his back, a cruel look on his face.
We shall see.
Before I could retort, the [Rogue] from earlier opened his mouth. A breath of mes came rushing out. I was about to counter it with my own when Daniel stepped forward. He raised his sword and his [Aura of the Sentinel] came out like a shield. It blocked the attack, cutting it in half so the mes would jet out to the sides at the nearby trees.
Daniel, protect Edithe!
I called out to the Human man. He nodded as I rushed out around him. Hukba the [Cultist] had a hand raised as I leapt out to the side. I was expecting magic or some other kind of spell toe from her. However, instead she produced two round objects.
I blinked as she hurled the first at me. I caught it midair with my fire chains and tossed it back at her, intercepting the second ball. They collided and burst out into a web of green energy, covering the ground as smoke sizzled up in the air.
Good thing I didnt touch it. I sent a [ming Breath] at the [Rogue], forcing him back. I was just about to follow up with a strike with my kusarigama when Zix appeared in front of me.
He brought a w down at me, my eyes grew wide. It was like an image of some kind of beast appeared behind him. It looked like a Kobold. It had the eyes of a Kobold. But I could tell it was not a Kobold.
[me Burst] propelled me away from the attack and I crashed at a nearby tree. The ground was torn asunder. Three w marks scarred the earth, trailing out like lightning. I picked myself up and panted.
That was dangerous!
I dashed forward at Zix as he spun around, facing me with an apathetic gaze. I slid under a side sh, wrapping my chains under his legs to trip him. He fell to the ground, and I mmed the sickled edge powered by [Barrage of Cinders] against his back.
The fire kusarigama broke. I stared in shock as my weapon shattered after a few strikes against his scales.
W-what?
Futile attempt.
Zix broke the chains wrapped around his feet as a gust of wind shot out around him. I managed to move away in time to dodge his next swing, but I felt scratches forming on my skin from the mini cyclone. His wings red up as the storm raged on.
An evolutionary Skill? I narrowed my eyes. This was a bad match-up for me. I could not hurt Zix. I did not think his [Vitality] was high. At least, not with the attacks he had been tossing my way. That had to be some kind of High Grade item aiding his defenses.
Perhaps something that hardened his scales?
I shook my head and turned to Daniel. He and Edithe were embroiled in a battle against the [Rogue] and Hukba the [Cultist]. His sword shone as he swung it in arcs, hovering over the red-haired woman like some kind of protector.
Edithe would loose a few spells out mostly at Hukba. However, it seemed to me like Daniel was doing all the work. After all, he was a [Hero] and higher leveled than her. I clicked my tongue and called out to them.
Daniel! Switch!
The Human man blinked as I pointed at Zix who was charging me with an intense fury.
Kneel!
He did note to a halt, let alone drop to his knees. However, there was a brief moment of hesitation. One that allowed me to do the next part uninterrupted. I faced the [Rogue] and Hukba, sprinting forward as I shouted a growl.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call].
Their attention turned towards me. Hukba drew a cross-shaped object and unleashed a whirlwind of frozen snow my way. The [Rogue] danced alongside the oing blizzard, their ws trailing with a red glow.
I grinned over at Daniel.
Hurry!
[Self Haste] had not recovered just yet. All I could rely on was [me Burst] to carry me around the attack. As I did, I watched Daniel rush away from Edithe, charging Zix and leaving her defenseless. However, she was not under threat. At least, not for a moment longer.
In fact, she was emboldened by my Title Skill. She created a ball of fire and electricity and targeted Hukba. The attack sted the [Cultist], sending her flying back. She was mostly uninjured, however, protected by her enchanted armor and items.
I did not let that distraction go to waste. I engaged the [Rogue],nding a [Barrage of Cinders]bination as his attacks missed me. They whiffed just barely grazing by my face. I struck with no kusarigama. Only my fists dealing the blow.
And just as he broke out of his enraged stupor, I conjured a pair of chains and threw them around his neck. I tugged at it, forcing him to stumble towards me. With a kick, I boosted off him and leapt at Hukba.
The edge of the chains shone brilliantly. The [Cultist] was still picking herself up, being sted by spells from Edithe. It almost did not seem to affect the Kobold woman. It was just enough to send her in a daze, but did not prate her defenses.
That would change now.
A sickled edge formed on my chains. It was not an ordinary kusarigama. It was my Sickle Grenade. I could not cast it quickly. Not without [Passive - Refined Casting]. But I could still create it. It just took some time.
Time which I had already spent since I first created these chains.
You Humans darey a hand on me? I am Hukba the [Cultist]! One of the foremost guardians of the Scale Sentinels!
I dont care! I know the First Dragonling, and shes way more important than you!
I spun the chains and hurled the Sickle Grenade at Hukba. Her eyes grew wide as she saw the approaching light. She raised a wed hand as if that would do anything to brace herself from the st.
The explosion caused a ripple on the barrier around her. The aura that had been protecting her from harm''s way fizzled out she was left undefended. Unprotected.
Inded right before her, a grin spreading across my face. I raised a fist
Only for the [Rogue] to w at me from behind. It tore through my blue jacket and that was fine, since it would repair over time. But I still got annoyed about it!
I whirled around, creating a pair of fire daggers in each hand. I traded blows with the Kobold. He was fast, but it seemed some of his Stats went to his attack power rather than his speed. I found my daggers being knocked away, even as I struck him a few times, before I finally could activate [Self Haste].
I dodged away from a furious wed strike that emitted a red energy. It whipped forward, like a kind of extension to his body, although it was not enough to reach me. That was before I heard a shout from behind.
Salvos! Watch out!
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Hukba holding a staff. She was not conjuring a spell. Rather, the staff itself was casting a spell. I saw it float levitate up ovee with a powerful energy. The strands of mana in the air bent around it, before being pulled into the staff.
A streak of ck lightning shot out,ing at me and tearing up the earth. I threw myself to the side, aided by [me Burst] before I found myselfnding next to Edithe. The two Kobolds regrouped as well Hukba offered the [Rogue] a hand, pulling him to his feet.
Edithe spoke softly.
Im sorry. Im not much help here.
Its fine!
I grinned, ignoring the battle between Daniel and Zix in the background. Was Zix winning? Nah. Daniel was strong! He could handle it just fine I think.
I bit my lower lip as I saw both Kobolds make their approach towards us. The [Rogue] was stumbling, not as fast as he originally was. And while that made me eager to deal with him first, I noticed how Hukba stood apprehensively behind him. Before, she confidently approached us. But now, she was keeping her distance.
Ever since I destroyed her defenses.
I nced over at Edithe.
Can you deal with the [Rogue] for a moment? Ill take out Hukba and get back to you quickly.
The red-haired woman hesitated. She chewed her lower lip, thinking about it for a second. Then she nodded.
Dont worry about me. Just do what you have to.
Thanks!
[Self Haste] still ran through my body. It propelled me around as I shot straight for Hukba. The [Rogue] moved to intercept me, but Edithe aimed at him, raising her staff.
Summon Grand Spirit
Both their gazes snapped at her. The [Rogue] growled and changed courses. Perhaps it would not have been effective if we were fighting any other opponents. But it was by chance that Edithe was a [Summoner]. And from what I was told by Xidra, Kobolds hated Spirits and Demons.
I did not turn to watch Edithe hold off the [Rogue]. I trusted in her abilities, so all I did was my job. [Ember Core] red over the front of my body, taking the brunt of the ck lightning as it struck at me. I focused the me armor like a shield. It took the hit as I dashed straight up to Hukba.
She stumbled back, fear in her eyes as I grimaced. The lightning burned my skin. I powered through the attack until I reached her, andnded a kick enhanced by [Barrage of Cinders] on her stomach. I twisted around, creating a spear that red with the Skill as Hukba raised a hand to block it.
You shall not
I was faster than her. I jammed the spear straight through her chest, forcing her to stagger. She let out a groan, but I was not finished. Another fiery knee knocked her head up, and the spear shifted. It turned into a scythe still impaled through her body before I tore it through her side.
Hukba screamed and fell, the life leaving her body as I took a step back. A notification resounded in my head, but I did not waste any time listening to it. I was already running in Edithes direction.
She had a barrier of ice up, holding the [Rogue] back for brief moments. The barrier shattered and the Kobold stood over her, eyes shing with rage.
You heathen! Your foolishness only brings the end closer!
Edithenced out a spear of ice at the [Rogue], but he wed through it easily. He reached for Edithe, grabbing for her throat, but I knocked him aside with a strong kick. He went sailing through the dirt, stopping by a tree trunk.
I stood between the [Rogue] and Edithe, a hand held out.
You did well, Edithe.
She got to her feet, giving me a small smile. The Kobold man got back to his feet, growling.
You shall die together.
He took a deep breath, and let out a cone of mes my way. I narrowed my eyes, before releasing my own [ming Breath] his way. Our fires collided. Blue and red mixed together, burning the earth and the grass.
I watched as my fire slowly gave way to his, his mes stronger than mine. Maybe if I changed out of my Mortal Form... I took a step back, almost losing my bnce, when I felt a hand catch me and steady me. Edithe nodded at me, holding my back.
I cant use most of my Skills, Salvos. But I can still use my magic.
I was not sure what she meant, but she closed her eyes. She inhaled and let out a small sigh.
Take it. Use what you can.
I blinked as power suddenly surged through my body. I felt empowered. The blue mes shooting out of my mouth almost seemed to turn white. It was like I had [Passive - Refined Casting] once again.
I pressed forward as my [ming Breath] raged with more vigor than before. It ate away at the [Rogue]s red mes. He drew back, seeing the wall of whitee his way. He was backed up against a tree, his eyes filled with horror. Then he roared.
Perish, you Human heathens!
I gritted my teeth, walking forward.
I told you
Another surge of energy shot through me. Edithe let go of me, copsing to her knees. The cone of my mes grew wider. Itpletely engulfed his fire, then himself as I screamed.
I am not a Human, you stupid Kobolds!
The [Rogue] let out a cry as he was wreathed in mes. His body burned and dropped as I breathed on, until finally he stopped moving. I let out a sigh, smoke puffing out of my mouth.
That was awesome, Edithe! What was that?
The red-haired woman picked herself up, offering me a soft reply.
Combination casting. Magic from two, not just one.
Woah.
I gasped, looking at her in awe. I was just about to ask her more about it, when I heard a loud grunt from behind me. I turned around, seeing Daniel crash and roll to a stop. He let out a groan.
Urgh
Aw, you lost? Come on, Daniel!
I threw a hand up as I ran over next to him. He gave me a half-re. But he gave up a moment after. I heard the pping of wings. I nced up at Zix as he hovered in the air, looking over us.
Hrmph, it seems Hukba and Dax have failed. So have Gaxo and V.
His gaze turned towards the camp behind us. I spotted the two bodies of the Level 90 Kobolds amongst the myriad of dead Humans that they brought down before they fell. Zix shook a head.
Truly a shame. We must have underestimated the fighting power of Humans. No matter that simply means well have toe back stronger.
Hey!
I raised a fist at Zix. I saw his brows raise fractionally.
Youve got that right! You called me weak! And I killed yourpanions!
Yes, a mistake is a mistake. Do not worry, Human. I will rectify it.
Wait, what do you mean
Zix turned in the air and flew off. I blinked, caught off guard for a moment. Then I dashed after him, creating a fire bow.
You dont get to run!
I loosed Refined zing Bolt after him. The powerful magic flew unimpeded his way. It would not miss. I had good aim. But Zix spun around, once again ovee with that same image behind him. He swatted away the Refined zing Bolt like it was nothing, tearing the ground and the trees up in the process.
I halted to a stop as the attack just barely missed me, and was forced to watch as Zix got away. I sighed, turning around dejected and returning to Daniel and Edithe. I was about to reprimand the [Hero] even more for losing his battle, when I noticed him giving the red-haired woman a weird look.
The pair just stood there, almost unmoving, even as I made my approach. I opened my mouth, but Edithe spoke first.
I leveled up, Salvos.
She slowly turned around, staring at me with round eyes.
I got a ss advancement.
Chapter 125: Edithes Enterprise
Chapter 125: Edithe''s Enterprise
125. Edithe''s Enterprise
[Advancement Avable]
It had been a day since Edithe received that notification in her head. It did not hang over her, like an incessant sound that refused to go away. No it simply sat there, waiting for her to address it, to be ready to make a decision.
She had put it off for a bit. While she aided the people of Ghostlight in recovering what was left of the destroyed town. There had been an importantmodity grown here. The earth was perfect for the kale flowers to grow. Their petals had a strong alchemical property one which would dispel grave diseases like gues and other such illnesses.
There was also the proximity to the gunds. One which allowed kzoth weeds to be grown and harvested without harming any of the natural fauna. After all, the gunds were more barren than any wastnd in the world.
The citizens of Ghostlight had to be relocated. They were refugees, now heading to the nearby city of Huthwaite. Would they even be allowed into the city? Edithe was not entirely sure. The Vaun Qiuer Empire was not the most benevolent country. Unlike the Sunmere Republic which would have seen hundreds of people amodated in one way or another, the Vaun Qiuer Empire might simply leave the townspeople and march to the Koboldnds for war.
Why must we do this?
Salvos whined in the background. Daniel sighed, and began to reprimand her, to which sheined even more.
The young man turned to Edithe for help, but the red-haired woman had none to offer him. She was mulling over the options she had been given.
ss Advancement:
Requirements for four ss advancements have been met!
[Battle Summoner]
A [Battle Summoner] is a [Summoner] who fights alongside their summons as a partner. They shall never abandon their Spirits, risking their life and are even willing to sacrifice themselves to ensure their partners safety inbat.
+10 [Wisdom]
+5 [Vitality]
+5 [Endurance]
+2 [Strength]
+2 [Agility]
[Fallen Summoner of the Genesis]
A [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] is a [Summoner] who has broken their oath with the Spirit King. Now barred from summoning Spirits, a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] has descended into a pariah. They may never summon again. But they will do whatever it takes to gain power, even if it means working with Demons.
+10 [Endurance]
+8 [Wisdom]
+2 [Strength]
[Mystic Enhancer]
A [Mystic Enhancer] is a [Mage] whose role in the party is to act as a support. They do not confront the enemies themselves, instead fighting from the back, whittling down their enemies and boosting their allies in battle.
+12 [Endurance]
+5 [Vitality]
+3 [Wisdom]
[Risen Elemental Spellcaster]
A [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] is a newly-mintedbat [Mage]. Previously of a different, lessbat-oriented ss, they have decided to press on a different path than they initially chose, one that is arduous and straining, rather than starting from the beginning. This divergence may make them weaker than those around their level, but they know that this will only temper their spirit, their past abilities will onlye back to aid them, making them stronger.
+20 [Wisdom]
There certainly was a plethora of options for Edithe to choose. When she realized the options she had been given, she almost felt a kind of mncholy. There was only one true [Summoner]-type ss offered to her.
When she had gotten her first advancement to a Level 40, Edithe had only been given [Summoner]-type sses. She had specialized in summoning. All the options reflected that. But now the options still reflected what she had done, did it not?
Even though Edithe had broken the terms of her contract, she did it only because she wanted to protect Mistshard. That was exactly what a [Battle Summoner] was. Perhaps if she could still summon, she would have chosen this advancement in a heartbeat. s, it was not one fit for her.
Next was a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis]. It was not a particrly ttering description. Edithe was certain it was meant for some kind of [Cultists] or an individual corrupted by power. However, she could not deny how true those words applied to her.
Taking the ss would have made her useful. She would be more than just capable in battle she would actually help Daniel and Salvos while in the gunds. Right now, it was like they were babysitting her. And as much as she appreciated the thought, it was still frustrating for her to be falling so far behind.
Her focus stayed on the advancement for a moment, before she moved on. She was not going to make a decision just yet. She was tempted to. However, she had waited a day. She could wait longer.
Next came [Mystic Enhancer]. While it obviously had the same pros as being a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] even more, in fact, since it allowed her to support Daniel in the high chance that Salvos got lost again it was not one she wanted.
Being a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] might have kept her in a support role, but it alluded to a growth in her abilities as well. The description of a [Mystic Enhancer] did not. It would have relegated her behind the front lines permanently. She would bepletely helpless if she was ever caught alone.
There was a sh. Memories. Arge [Djinn] loomed over her as she stood helpless. A tinum Rank adventurer faced her down in an empty courtyard. Edithe felt so helpless once again.
She did not like that. Not one bit.
The red-haired woman dismissed the ss, leaving her with thest option a [Risen Elemental Spellcaster]. It seemed so simple. It only gave her a boost to her [Wisdom]. As a [Summoner], Edithe was still a [Mage]. However, there was less emphasis on [Wisdom] as a Stat, with more ced on [Endurance]. They had to sustain Spirits. They could not do that with weak [Endurance].
The higher ones [Endurance], therger ones mana pool was.
Of course, it was not a case of an equal amount of increase for every ss. Nonbat sses would not have as much of a mana pool as a [Mage] with the same [Endurance]. In a lessplicated vein, a [Warrior]s [Endurance] would give them more stamina to exert physical activity than a [Mage]s [Endurance] which would conversely give them a bigger mana pool.
Edithe closed her eyes. Certainly, being a [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] sounded tempting, too. However, she was averse to it because it was clear that Edithe would be moving away from what she had worked towards for her whole life.
Notpletely, it seemed. There was a little mention about Edithes past abilities. How her old Skills could potentially help her. That piqued her interest. And that made it an even more difficult choice for Edithe.
[Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] and [Risen Elemental Spellcaster]. An [Elemental Spellcaster] was a simple, slightly rare first ss for most [Mages]. Edithe heard that it was not something you got at Level 10, but if you staved off a few more levels, you would get that offer.
She was not sure how true that was. But it did not matter.
These two sses are almost opposite in name, yet both appeal to me. She shook her head. Edithe opened her eyes, not realizing that it was now night. Camp had been set-up, with most of the refugees from Ghostlight huddled together around arge bonfire.
She looked down at the bowl in her hands. When did I get this? When did we even? She had just been so focused on her new sses, she breezed through the day without even registering half of its events.
I
Edithe sighed. And a head poked over her shoulder.
Hey!
Salvos beamed as she scooted up next to Edithe. The Demon moved in a little too close, bumping into Edithe and almost spilling the bowl of soup. Luckily, Edithe caught it just in time.
Salvos scratched the back of her head.
Oops. Sorry!
Its fine, Salvos.
Edithe ced the bowl down on the grassy floor and faced the Demon.
Is there something you needed, Salvos? Wheres Daniel?
Salvos cocked her head.
Hes off being weird, socializing and other weird stuff. And not really actually, I was just wondering about how youre doing?
How Im... doing?
Edithe blinked.
Yep! You seem kind of out of it, today. You barely responded to any of my quips! And you didnt even side with Daniel in any of the stupid arguments I had with him today!
The red-haired woman narrowed her eyes. Stupid arguments? Quips? Is Salvos actually acting on purpose? Edithe did notment on that. Instead, she found herself answering the question.
I just am considering my options. Im not really sure which advancement to take, you know?
For your sses?
Salvos raised a brow.
Yes, Salvos. The ones I told you aboutst night.
[Battle Summoner], [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis], [Mystic Enhancer], and [Risen Elemental Spellcaster]?
Edithe nodded, leaning against a tree.
Ive already decided against [Battle Summoner] and [Mystic Enhancer]. But Im really not sure which to pick, between [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis] and [Risen Elemental Spellcaster].
Salvos made herselffortable as well. Probably toofortable. She sprawled herself on the ground and looked up at the night sky.
Whys it so difficult? Just pick the one that suits you more.
Its a life-changing decision, Salvos. If I be a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis], anyone with a [True Appraisal] Skill will know that Im some kind of Demon sympathizer?
Theres nothing wrong with that!
Not if you dont want to get in trouble.
Edithe knew Salvos would not understand her plight. It just was aplex situation. And whenever Salvos was in aplex situation, she would simply choose the simplest but most problematic option.
And its not really what I want, I guess?
Edithe admitted.
I want to be stronger. I want to be able to rely on myself more. I appreciate you. I appreciate Daniel. And everyone who has ever helped me. But sometimes, Im just tired of feeling weak. If I advance to a [Risen Elemental Spellcaster], Id be more independent. I would not just be hiding the back, supporting you, and needing to be protected. But if Im a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis], Id be severely limited without you around.
She didn''t mean to offend Salvos. And clearly, Salvos took none. Edithe expected the Demon to pipe up with some kind of cheerful response. An instant reaction. But to her surprise, Salvos actually took the time to deliberate over Edithes issue.
The Demon tapped a finger on her chin, in thought.
You know, Edithe, it sounds like youve already made your decision, havent you?
Edithe nced down at Salvos. The young, silver-haired woman was still star-gazing, but she did have a confident look on her face.
I have?
You sound like you prefer the [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] ss. Why dont you just pick it?
The red-haired woman shifted, slightly ufortable.
Because its not helpful, right? From its description, it tells me that Ill still be weak. That if I wanted to get stronger, Id still have a long way to go. How am I supposed to help you and Daniel in the gunds if I chose that as my ss?
Salvos met Edithes gaze.
But its your ss, isnt it? Its not mine or Daniels. This ss is for you.
But if I were a [Fallen Summoner of the Genesis], Idplement you, Salvos. I can boost your Skills. Like with Mistshard. I can help you fight better. Dont you want that, Salvos?
The Demon thought about it, sitting up. She tilted her head towards the sky.
Thats true Id like that very much. Maybe I can go straight up to that Zixs face and defeat him in one punch!
She thrusted a fist forward, grinning. Then she shook her head.
But thats not what you want. And neither is it something you need.
Edithe blinked. Salvos exined, gesticting
Even if you take this ss to help us, what happens if were not around? If I am not around? As much as Id love to be with you, Daniel, and all mypanions forever, Ivee to realize that can never be a reality. One day, were going to separate, and youd be stuck with a ss that helps me? Thats not what you need, Edithe.
But if I took [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] as my ss, Id still be weighing down our party. Itd be difficult it would take a while for me to even be able to prove myself.
Salvos shrugged.
Everything is difficult. Everything has risks. It would take time, but I dont mind. The question is: do you?
Edithe opened her mouth. She found no words to say. She knew what she wanted, in her heart. Her mind pointed her to [Fallen Fallen Summoner of the Genesis]. But her heart wanted [Risen Elemental Spellcaster]. It would be tough. It would not make much of a change, at first. But
The simplest but most problematic option, huh? Edithe shook her head. A small smile spread across her face. Salvos peered at her.
Have you decided?
Edithe nodded, determined.
I have.
Advancement Complete!
ss [Summoner of Guardians] -> [Risen Elemental Spellcaster]
Gained 20 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] +20
Gained 2 Skill Slots!
Gained 6 Skill Points!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Valkyrie] Obtained!
Skill [Borrow Skill] bes [Lend Skill]!
Skill [Combo of Spirit and Summoner] bes [Restore Skill]!
Skill [Frost st] bes [Storm of Ice and Fire]!
Skill [Quick Summon] bes [Beacon of Guardians]!
Skill [Arrow of the me Elemental] is now avable.
Skill [Fiery Riposte] is now avable.
Skill [Lightning Orb] is now avable.
Skill [Shield of the Misty Lord] is now avable.
Skill [Passive - Champion of Thunder] is now avable.
Skill [Passive - Will of the Earth Elemental] is now avable.
Chapter Announcement: Salvos Vol. 1 now available as an audiobook! Also, graduating today!
Chapter Announcement: Salvos Vol. 1 now avable as an audiobook! Also, graduating today!
Hi! I have two announcements to make today. The first is that Salvos Vol. 1: Curious Beginnings, is now avable as an audiobook for your listening pleasure. If you''re a fan of audiobooks, or if you just want to support me, you can get it niow here https://geni.us/Salvos-1
You can listen to a preview of it here Salvos [A Monster Evolution LitRPG] by MsD | Audiobook Preview - YouTube
The second announcement is that I AM GRADUATING FROM UNIVERSITY TODAY. I haven''t walked yet, but when this goes up, I will be very busy with a bunch of stuff, so apologies but my break willst until next monday.
As always, you can donate to my patreon to read ahead of course. I''m aiming to hit 1,000 patrons now that I''m a full-time author. I really hope to be able to hit that goal. Consider supporting me and donate to my patreon here
Chapter 126: Interloot
Chapter 126: Interloot
126. Interloot
There was not much for us to do on our trip to Huthwaite. There really were not many threats to the caravan rolling down the gravelly road. Well, it was not much of a road around Ghostlight. But the further we went from the town the closer we reached civilization the more well-kept the roads looked.
Vegetation sprouted in a lush, vibrant green. There were flowers here. Flowers! I had seen some flowers around Ghostlight near the gunds. Maybe there had been a few petals growing between rocks in Unarith. However, these were real flowers. The kind I would see in Nixa.
I picked one off the ground, and deted when I realized I killed it.
Aw.
What did you think was going to happen, Salvos?
Daniel gave me a nk look. I shrugged.
I forgot, ok?!
What did you think was going to happen? If I chopped you from your legs, do you think youd be fine?
I was curious and they looked pretty!
He shook his head.
Youre wild.
I am not!
Other than that brief moment of quipping, there really was nothing eventful after Edithe advanced her ss. That was exciting, at least. However, while I had thought she would glow, be ovee with something sparkly, or at least have something happen to her she did not change.
It was not like an evolution. I noticed some minute differences. The most defining trait that was different about Edithe was not anything physical. Instead, the aura of mana she exuded seemed to increase. It was not something I could definitely measure.
But I saw the way the strands of mana in the air bent around her. Like a powerful force field that would disrupt its surroundings. It would not be something I saw from afar. But as herpanion someone who was familiar and up close with her I noticed it.
Do you feel anything different, Edithe?
I asked her, and then poked a finger on her belly. She took a step back, almost as if she was offended by that action. I cocked my head.
What?
Why did you have to poke me, Salvos?
Isnt that what Humans do? I saw some children doing that with a woman earlier.
What? Wait, you mean with Ms Be? Shes pregnant.
I blinked. Hurriedly, I tried to bring an ear to her stomach.
Are you pregnant, Edithe?!
Salvos!
She yelled at me, giving me a re. Iughed and backed away from her before she could swat me away. Once I calmed down a little, I gave her a serious look.
So anything different?
Yes.
Sighing, Edithe rubbed at her shoulder.
Quite a few things, actually.
What kind of things?
Mostly from the Passive Skills I got upon advancing my ss.
She cast her gaze off to the side. We were walking slowly, ambling through the road with the caravan, as if we were taking a nice view of the scenery rather than rushing to get refugees to a safe city.
[Passive - Champion of Thunder] and [Passive - Will of the Earth Elemental]?
Thats right. I dont know why I got the second Passive, but it increases my [Vitality]. My [Endurance]. Not only that, ever since I got the Skill, my sense of earth magic has been heightened. Its an all around boon.
What about the other one?
Thats
Edithe trailed off.
I am not really sure why I got it. Maybe its because I kept using Lightning Ball while in the gunds. But I feel like its Hanas Skill.
Hanas Skill? That was your previous Spirit, right? Before Mistshard.
I raised a brow. She nodded.
She was a [Lightning Elemental]. A quirky, electric friend. She would always buzz around with energy almost like you, but even more stupid at times.
Hey!
Scowling, I crossed my arms. Editheughed and catingly raised her hand.
Thats a joke. Both of you are about equally stupid.
Thank you.
I nodded. Then I frowned.
Wait
I just think this Skill was given to me because of her. As if shes somewhere, out there, watching over me.
I paused, taking in the somber look on her face. She shifted gears quickly. But I adapted well enough by saying nothing. Humans were weird they liked it when others listened to them speak.
I got this Passive Skill, and while it has done nothing for my Stats, I can feel something different. As if I am filled with more energy. More power.
She clenched a fist, speaking the words with a determined voice. I slowly met her gaze. A smile spread across my face.
Thats good.
I ced a hand on her shoulder.
Well be able to test out how much youve changed when we get back to the gunds.
Right.
--
Wait why didnt you tell me we had all of this?
I looked into Edithes Bag of Holding. It was strange. It looked almost as if everything inside of it was tiny. A shrunk version of what they were supposed to be. The red-haired woman began pulling things out, cing them before Daniel and I.
It was night now, and camp had been set up. Most of the refugees had already gone to sleep. Since we were supposed to be guarding them, we stayed up a little bitter. Not like I have to sleep.
I shook away the annoyed thought, instead focusing on what was in front of me, peering over the items that had beenid out by Edithe. There were a lot of things. It was a trove of treasure! Whatever that was.
Edithe sighed.
You never want to deal with loot, Salvos. You always let us deal with the selling and dividing of items.
Thats true, but
I trailed off, ncing down at all the shiny, valuable objects. It was not as wide of a variety as offered by Adan. However, these were better quality.
A lot better.
What is this?!
I held up a pair of gloves. I quickly identified it and eximed.
Frostbitten Gauntlet? Its a Medium Grade armor! But it also can work as a weapon by sending a chilling touch to the recipient!
I held it up, eyes sparkling.
Where did you get this from?!
That [Cultist] Kobold was well equipped in gear. A bit too much gear. To the point where she was over reliant on it.
Edithe ced down a dagger, shaking her head.
Why dont we just keep all of it?
I excitedly started picking out different items. Daniel pped my hand, making me drop them.
We dont need all of it. We need to sell some of them keep only what is necessary.
Aw. But why?
How many times must I exin this to you, Salvos? If we dont have gold, we wont be able to do almost anything in a city.
Go right ahead and keep exining it to her.
Edithe snorted. She pried the Frostbitten Gauntlet from the ground, grinning at us.
Ill get first picks.
No fair!
I hurriedly sifted through the pile of items, looking for whatever piqued my interest. I grabbed the dagger and eyed it with an appraising gaze.
[Fangs of the Devouring Deep: Medium Grade Weapon - A dagger made from the tooth of a Sephim Basilisk. It inflicts additional corrosion damage.]
I scratched the back of my head.
Huh. It looks cool, but
I dont think itd be very effective against the undead, thats for sure.
Daniel rubbed at his chin as he spoke. Edithe nced between the two of us. She yanked it from my hand.
Well, if youre not interested in it
Hey!
I scowled. But that was true. She did need something to protect herself with, beyond just magic. My eyes zed over the other items before us.
There was a Lower Grade ne with a weak Fireball spell enchanted into it. It would only work once a day, which was not very good. Plus, I could easily cast spells far more potent than it in mere moments. I shrugged and handed it to Daniel.
Why are you giving it to me?
Because I thought you wanted it.
Absolutely not.
He rejected my gift, instead throwing it into the pile of items we would sell. And that pile was a lot. There were a handful of weapons that did not even have a grade. Apparently, Daniel and Edithe kept them because they were valuable? Like they were made of some kind of precious materials.
A few more things caught my eyes. Only three more items were valuable. Of course, they were from the Kobolds. At least, from what I could tell by their names.
[Draconic Scalemail: Medium Grade Armor - Made from the scales of a powerful Drake Lord. It is sturdy and grants an addition 5 to [Vitality].]
[Runic Scroll of Starfall: High Grade Weapon - A one-time use scroll. Summons a shower of meteors over an area to turn it into a deste wastnd.]
[Greaves of the Wanderer: Medium Grade Armor - Made of mithril. Does not offer any additional protection to its wielder, however it is enchanted to grant +10% in [Agility] for up to an hour once a week, unless it is refueled with by a high leveled [Enchanter].]
I want all of that!
I greedily gathered all three items in my arms. Daniel frowned.
Wait, do I not get anything?
I gave you that Fireball Ne!
I literally dont need it, Salvos.
But you already got those Bracers of Enhanced Strength! Isnt it only fair that I get the Greaves of the Wanderer?
It is.
He nodded, before his eyes rested on the remaining two items.
So, all thats left is the scroll and the armor. Then well all get two pieces of equipment each.
Thats
Its fair, Salvos.
He crossed his arms. I sighed.
Fine
I looked down at what was left. There was only the Draconic Scalemail and the Runic Scroll of Starfall. Everything else was being sold.
The former item was not bad. It would be a wee addition to my [Ember Core]. I could maybe even experiment with the Skill more if I was confident my chest was protected. However
My eyes drifted to the Runic Scroll of Starfall. It was a High Grade weapon. Even though I could only use it once, there was a certain allure to it. Maybe it was less useful in the long-run,pared to the Draconic Scalemail. In fact, it definitely would not be useful other than in that one tight situation.
But I was reckless. As much as I hated to admit it, my own sense of what was dangerous was skewed from growing up in the Netherworld. Fact of the matter was, I could have died while in the Netherworld at any point in time, and using that as the basis of what was safe and what was not it just was not a goodparison.
I wrapped my hands around the scroll, picking it up. I spoke begrudgingly.
You can keep the scalemail
Thank you, Salvos. Youre too kind.
He rolled his eyes, throwing it over his shoulders. I grumbled as he stalked off to put it on under his gambeson. Grumbling, I opened the scroll and looked at the runes etched on its parchment.
Youre going to be useful when I get into that situation where I almost die but pull you out and you destroy all my enemies Daniel included.
I can hear you.
I know!
I yelled back his way. Edithe ced a hand on my shoulder, peering at the scroll.
You know, you dont have to keep it hidden away until the need for it arises, right?
I blinked. The confusion was evident.
Huh?
Look at the runes, Salvos. Its a bit too advanced for me topletely deconstruct. But you can sort of understand the gist of it, right? How the mana weaves itself onto the paper. How the spell should be cast.
She traced a finger through the scroll. I stared at her.
Nope!
Edithe furrowed her brows. Then she gave me a small nod.
Well, I can help teach you. You can learn to improve your magic from this. Maybe you might even learn a General Skill if you manage to understand even a little bit of how this spell works. And dont feel bad that you dont get it. Most Level 40s wouldnt, either. In fact, they wouldnt be able to use this scroll unless they studied an intermediate amount of magic theory.
Are you saying its more useless than I thought?!
No the opposite. Its not that hard, especially since Im here. First, youll learn how to activate this scroll, then you can study it and extrapte on its magic from there.
She gave me a reassuring smile.
Itll refine your magic and make you a better fighter.
Youre starting to sound like Saffron
I pouted, but she just smiled
Thats your noble friend, right? Im ttered you think that.
I didnt mean that in a good way!
I threw my hands up in the air. Editheughed.
I know.
Chapter 127: SPEED
Chapter 127: SPEED
127. SPEED
We arrived in Huthwaite soon after, bringing with us all the treasures we were prepared to sell. I was not sure why, but the refugee caravan was forced to wait outside of the city walls as a representative came out to meet with them. They were told that they could not enter the city. At least, not yet.
Since Daniel, Edithe, and I were adventurers, we did not have those constraints ced on us. We entered without a hitch, finding a ce to stay within the city, before heading to the markets to sell the loot we did not need to keep. I had my brand new greaves on. I wore it with pride as we marched through the bustling city.
It was not like a full, proper city. It was still rather small probably since it was in the border. I was not sure how that affected its size, but that was what Edithe told me. The architecture here was different from the Sunmere Republic and from Nixa. While those cities were generallyrge especially Viechester they were also well-organized. The buildings were quite uniform, and when seen from far away, they looked no different from the wrinklings of a neat, gravel path.
Meanwhile, this city was a mess. It was like the destendscape of the Netherworld. Not in terms of its expansive size or the emptiness of it all. It just reminded me of when I would investigate the rocks on the ground. They were haphazardly strewn about, many of theming in different shapes and sizes, some were even impeding on each other.
The roads were uneven, the structure of the street irregr, and it was pretty much impossible for me to navigate my way around this city without getting lost.
Luckily, Daniel and Edithe stopped me from wandering around away from them. I saw something sparkly but they yanked me back by my jacket.
Aw
I pouted, but did not protest. If I ended up losing my way and was forced to use my horn, I was pretty sure everyone in the city woulde after me. And it would not be for the same reason Daniel and Edithe would.
It took the better part of the afternoon for us to sell off most of our unneeded equipment. We had to find different vendors, [Traders], and [Merchants] willing to buy used adventurer goods. The local Adventurers Guild had an offer which apparently had them acting as the middleman for the Forsaken Company.
That was thest ce we dropped by to relieve ourselves of thest of our useless baggage, before we found an inn for mypanions to sleep in. Night came and went as it normally did. When the sun finally rose and the day returned, we packed whatever valuables we had left with us as well as our newly acquired items and set off back for the gunds. Our escort mission was over. All that was left for us was to get back to what we were doing.
Daniel was ecstatic. Not over our return trip. His eyes were bulging out of his sockets as he stared down at a bag full of coins. It was everything we earned yesterday.
Be careful showing that around, Daniel. What if someone sees it and tries to rob us?
Edithe frowned at him as we paid the [Innkeeper] and started for the doorway. He snorted.
As if anyone would try to rob tinum Ranks like us. This is barely worth anything to those who can actually beat us in a fight.
Is someone trying to attack us?
I perked up. The pair ignored me. Deting, I trailed behind them until we reached the inns door. We pushed it open, letting the light of day pour in and for us to get out only to stop as a group of armed men stood before us.
A Human woman dressed in decorated te armor stepped forward.
Are you the adventurers Edithe, Daniel, and Salvos?
Uh, whats this about
Yep! Thats us!
I spoke over Daniel before he could give a proper response. The woman furrowed her brow, before pulling out a sheet of paper.
Right. Well, we have a warrant for your arrest. Youll being with us.
The guards behind her drew their weapons as Daniel stepped back.
Wait what did we do?
What did you think happened?
Edithe sighed. Mypanions turned to stare at me as I cocked my head.
What? I didnt do anything!
Funny.
The guard captain shook her head, reading off the parchment.
ording to this piece of report I have, it seems that while crossing an outpost to enter our country, you three assaulted a guard on duty before fleeing with a Cyclops who had not yet paid the border tax.
I blinked as she finished.
Does that sound familiar to you?
Oh, um sorry?
When you did something bad, you had to apologize, right? That was enough to resolve it, right?
--
Our gold
Daniel was depressed. He stared down at the pouch in his hand. It was not as thick as before. Not as full as before. It did not seem like it weighed even half as much as before.
How its all gone
I walked happily in front of him, d that things worked out. I was afraid we would have to end up fighting the Humans there. Luckily, Humans were not wild. They could resolve things peacefully!
They brought us to a dull building before showing us a number, which made Daniel copse to the ground and cry for a moment. But after he collected himself, we pried the coin pouch off him and paid off the fine. After that was finished, we just had to sign a few paperwork, as well as receive an official document from thatdy, before we were free to go.
There, there.
Edithe patted Daniel on the back, speaking in a soft voice.
We still have enough leftover for most necessities. And its not like we wont earn most of it back, anyway.
I know but its just that I thought wed be financially secure for at least a day...
He sobbed. I nced back at him, shrugging.
But we did have that gold for a day, didnt we? So, you were right!
Daniel ignored me. I exchanged a nce with Edithe, and she just gave me a helpless look. There was nothing either of us could do about him. Sometimes, he was whiney. We just had to bear with it.
And we did as the sun crept across the sky, trailing towards the horizon. Because of that brief encounter, we only managed to leave Huthwaite when it was already gettingte. If we continued at our pace, we would not reach the gunds anytime soon.
I paused mid-step, and the upset Human man almost ran into me.
Uh, Salvos
Hey!
I spun around, eximing as I pointed a finger at him. He blinked. Edithe frowned.
What is it, Salvos?
Grinning, I clinked the metallic greaves on my shin together.
We just got a bunch of new items yesterday. Why dont we test it out now?
There isnt anything here for us to test on?
Edithe grew more uncertain as the words came out of her mouth. I waved a hand off dismissively.
Sure, there is! Here!
I beckoned her forward. She stepped approached me, casting her gaze around warily. Daniel was more sluggish. His speed was impeded by his dour mood. I beamed.
You two youre my test dummies!
Before they could even register my words, I picked them both up. I scooped Daniel off his legs, while grabbing Edithe and slinging her over my shoulder.
What the fu
Salvos
[Self Haste]. [me Burst]. And
I focused on my legs. Magic red up, activating the enchantments there.
Greaves of the Wanderer!
I took off down the road, carrying both of mypanions as I sped as fast as I could. I kicked up a cloud of dust behind me as I ran my pace even quicker than I had previously been outside of my Mortal Form. It took us almost a week to reach Huthwaite from the ruins of Ghostlight.
I was going to ensure we reached it before the day even ended. I did not have much time, with howte it was. Yet, I believed in myself. I challenged myself and pushed my limits. As I did, mypanions screamed, cheering me on. They were excited, obviously. Why else would they be screaming?
OhfuckSalvosplease
StopitImgoingtopuke
Daniel was not lying. He left a trail of gross liquid behind on the road behind us, for any poor passersby to see. I eventually came to a stop as I saw the smoking town of Ghostlight in the distance, cing mypanions down slowly to regain their bnce.
The Human man doubled over and threw once again. I smirked, wanting tough at him again for experiencing what it was like for me to eat food, but Edithe fixed me with a re.
Do not do that again.
I shrunk back.
...yes.
I quickly recovered and so did Daniel. I skipped the rest of the way, excited that mypanions and I could resume our training.
Shouldnt we set up camp first, and start tomorrow?
Itll be really quick! And its not like we have any ce closeby to stay. We can just take a quick look around maybe find a good ce for you two weird Humans to sleep!
Edithe raised a brow.
But isnt that dangerous, Salvos? We decided the gunds was not a safe ce.
Nope! At least, it shouldnt be anymore. Not around its edges. Im Level 82, youre Level 72, and Daniel is
I nced over at him. He shook his head as Edithe stared at me, confused.
Hes Level 81, of course. Yep, definitely Level 81!
The Human man sighed in relief, however I decided to talk to him about it in private eventually. He could not just keep hiding his secret from Edithe. She deserved to know.
The Skeletons around this area are around Level 90 to 95. Maybe high 90s at most! As long as we do not stray too far into the gunds, the most dangerous thing well run into are [Skeleton Warriors].
You say that is if they arent dangerous
They arent.
I spoke emphatically, meeting her gaze. The blight around us grew thicker as we trudged through thendscape that seemed to decay with every step we took. Daniel did not voice too manyints; it was Edithes turn to be whining now!
Look. Do you see that?
We caught sight of a few lumbering figures. [Unarmed Skeletons]. Only about three of them. They came charging at us the moment we got too close. Edithe tensed, preparing the spells she had at the ready.
Just support us.
I nodded at her, turning to Daniel. The Human man drew his sword without a word. His bracers did not light up with magic they offered him a passive boost, not anything active like my Greaves of the Wanderer.
The two of us rushed forward as Edithe stood back. She sent a spell ahead of us first, as we got closer.
[Storm of Ice and Fire].
A circle about ten foot in diameter caught the Skeletons beneath their feet. Fire burst up at them as ice hailed down from the sky. It slowed their movements. It caught them in its fury, whittling away at their defenses.
The spell dissipated, and I was the first to reach the Skeleton. I did not even transform out of my Mortal Form. I created a pair of fiery des, assailing the first [Unarmed Skeleton] with a [Barrage of Cinders]. Thebination of blows caused it to stumble back. It could not evennd a single punch on me.
The second [Unarmed Skeleton] rushed after me as Daniel met with the third. I leapt back, engaging the new enemy as I shouted back.
Edithe, now!
[Lightning Orb].
A furious st of lightning struck out. It was not a charged ball of energy like before. Now, it was a concentrated sphere of electricity, followed by a streak of lightning that spread out, almost like it was tracking its target.
The Skillnded right at the first [Unarmed Skeleton]. It blew apart its head, turning it to a pile of bones with just that. Edithes own eyes grew wide as she saw the power of the spell. That her new Skills were actually hurting them.
Sure, I weakened the Skeleton first. And she had used another Skill just before that. But that took far less time than it did when we first arrived. Daniel disposed of his opponent easily enough, leaving only me in battle.
I took a step back, inhaling deeply.
[ming Breath].
The cone of zing, blue mes engulfed thest Skeleton, incinerating its bones until it was ashes. The gray dust was blown away by the wind as I turned back, a wide smile spread across my face as Edithe stared at me with a dumbfounded expression.
See? Not dangerous at all! At least, not until we go further into the gunds.
And I really wanted to do just that.
Chapter 128: Catching Up
Chapter 128: Catching Up
128. Catching Up
The gunds or at least, its peripherals were not dangerous to us anymore. There were no [Ghouls] here. No [Wights]. No [Nightscourers].
Other than the [Nightscourers], most of these other undead were not swarm monsters. That meant that they were stronger than a Skeleton at around their level. It was not as drastic of a difference as with sapient beings like Kobolds and Humans.
For Humans, they got a second ss at Level 100 and above. For Kobolds, apparently they got their evolution. Just like how I would get a ss at that level. It seemed almost like I had more inmon with Kobolds than Humans.
Not that I would tell mypanions that. Daniel and Edithe were not exactly antagonistic towards me for being a Demon, however they did have a slight bias towards their own Species. However, that did not get in the way of our teamwork.
Edithe, now!
I sent a kick powered by [Barrage of Cinders] at the [Skeleton Warrior] it stumbled forward as I circled away from it. The charged lightning strike shot forward the orb at its head sparkling with an intense energy.
It struck the Skeletons back, bursting out into a sh of bright, white light. I waited for the notification to pop up in my head. I watched, patiently, for the undeads bones to copse into a messy pile. However, the [Skeleton Warrior] steadied itself as a red aura was exuded off its body.
It survived? A curse
Leaping back, I avoided the expulsion of energying from it. It did nothing to its surroundings, almost seeming to dissipate as it traveled further and further in arge sphere. What seemed like kes of it touched me, and my Ring of Lesser Curse Protection glowed.
I felt nothing. It was too minute to harm me, probably diffusing too much of its effects away. Still, I growled and bared my teeth.
[Ember Core] zed around me, its solid mes forming an armor of blue. I took a step forward, ready to pounce on the Skeleton. And Daniel cracked his sword on the back of its skull.
It copsed, no longer undead and back to dead.
Aw. That was mine!
No it wasnt.
He snorted.
You werent even supposed to kill it. Edithe was.
Then why did you steal her kill?!
I pointed usingly at him. He opened his mouth, but Edithe walked over to us, waving a hand.
Its fine, Salvos. I still got a level from that.
She trudged over the bones littering the floor. We had just taken out arger group of Skeletons. Most of them were unarmed, but a few like the one Daniel unfairly killed wielded weapons. They were over Level 100. Barely over Level 100. But still quite high leveled.
You did?
I brightened. Then I paused.
Wait, did I level from that?
How should we know? We dont check your level every single time we look at you.
Daniel retorted. I red at him.
Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, huh?
Of course I did. You literally jumped on me before the sun even rose!
Youre still hung up about that? Come on I did it because you were making weird noises!
I was having a nightmare.
Then shouldnt you be happy I saved you from it?
He gave me a t stare.
I was having a nightmare because of you.
Aw. Wait why though?
Must I remind you about how youre the reason why we lost literally half our gold before we even got it?
The two of us exchanged our quips as we started back to a safer, more secure area. We had ventured deeper into the gunds than we did since we returned over a week ago. Even after I had proven to Edithe that we were far stronger than when we first arrived, she was apprehensive. Rightfully so. She still struggled against the [Unarmed Skeletons]. But I was certain that she could now at least beat one of them without our help.
As long as she attacked it first. From far away. And had healing potions and mana potions to aid her.
Honestly, there was not a lot she could do still. She was stronger, yes. But she definitely was not as strong as I was at her level. Even when I was in my Mortal Form which I was not in right now.
We reached our cave not long after. It was not anywhere near asrge as the cave we first found. We wanted it to be as enclosed as possible, so the likelihood of sneak attacks from undead would decrease. The pair of Humans assumed their sleeping positions after consuming their necessary intake of nutrition, and I looked over the experience and levels I had gained since beating the Kobolds in Ghostlight.
Defeated [Scourge of the Frost - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 80] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 81]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
That was from the first Kobold woman I fought in Ghostlight. The one who had been battling that Human man. What was his name again? n? n Cougher? It was pretty long, and he was dead. So, I kind of forgot.
After that, I fought a few more lower leveled Kobolds. They did not give me much experience. And I did not level again until the big battle with the other, stronger Koboldster on.
Defeated [Cult Vanguard - Lvl. 103]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Cinders Fury - Lvl. 104]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 81] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 82]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
After that, I had leveled even more. From fighting in the gunds, I did not gain an exorbitant amount of levels. Especially with Daniel and Edithes cautious warnings. And the fact that swarm monsters gave less experience.
However, it almost seemed like too little. I have gained 2 levels since we came back here. Compared to how quickly I leveled from the Kobolds, it was almost odd. A discrepancy.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 93]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 82] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 83]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 83] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 84]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Daniel told me that it was probably because we were sharing levels and experience. Which made sense, until I realized I mostly shared experience with others when fighting the Kobolds too. It did not add up. Not unless
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Do their evolutions increase the amount of experience they give?
I did not think Skeletons had evolutions. Or sses. Or anything of that sort which would be boosted upon hitting Level 100. They just continued leveling?
I was not really sure how those wild things worked. If that was the case, then I was certain a Level 100 Human would not have too much trouble fighting through the gunds. Or at least they would not struggle more than me.
I was honestly having an easy time, here in the gunds. I could run away from anything stronger than me right now. And I could spot an area with concentrated blight from far away with magic. And looking at my Stats and Skills, I was even more emboldened.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 84
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 85 (+5)
[Strength]: 66 (+5)
[Endurance]: 85 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 130 (+5) (+5)
[Agility]: 175 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 12
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 7
[me Burst] - Lvl. 10
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 5
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 10
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I had distributed all my Skills and Stat Points pretty evenly. I saw no need to focus on anything in specific right now. All I had to do was level more, and Id be solid.
Rxing against the rock wall, I pulled out my Runic Scroll of Starfall. Edithe had been teaching me how to read its runes. The symbols did not have any meaning. What they spoke in was magic.
They were etched into the paper as much as they were woven into the world of mana. Its strands bent as it passed over the scroll, like some great force was distorting the energy there. I ran a hand through one of the strings of mana. My eyes closed as I tried to read it with my fingers.
There was power here. But not just here, it was around it as well. The magic reached out to the world. It was calling for something. Fire. Death. Destruction.
It was a call. It was not answered just yet. And I knew it could be answered. All I had to do was tap its center, and connect myself to it, then I could vocalize its call. And the response would be a spell more powerful than anything I had seen before.
...I wonder why that Kobold woman didnt use this scroll?
Perhaps she was concerned that it would kill herpanions. Or maybe it was just that expensive. Kobolds did not care about gold like Humans did, but they still saw value in objects like this. That was why Adan could trade in Unarith.
Edithe said I could somehow learn things from this spell what exactly am I learning?
It was not clear right now. Sure, she told me that. I knew that whatever I could gleam from this would only be helpful in the future. It was the same thing Saffron said.
But I want to get stronger now too
I grumbled, putting the scroll down. An idea popped up in my head. Something that we could possibly do, to level faster. A smile spread across my face as I decided.
Daniel woke up not with a terrifying Demon with four arms jumping on him, but from the sounds of excited but still terrifying gigglinging from the side. He groggily sat up, rubbing at his eyes, as Edithe got to her feet too.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
The red-haired woman was the first to ask the question. Daniel was too busy trying to see where the sun was through the cave entrance. It was not up just yet, but he thought it would be soon.
Nothing
Salvos trailed off excitedly. Daniel raised a brow, knowing nothing good was going toe from what she had to say. Edithe seemed to realize that too, so she took a deep breath, steeling herself, before asking the follow up question as Daniel readied himself too.
Why are you giggling so loudly for?
Because
The Demon beamed and spread all four of her arms out.
I think we should find the Lich!
Absolutely not!
Daniel snapped, before he even heard what she said.
Chapter 129: Reckless
Chapter 129: Reckless
129. Reckless
I did not get why Daniel was so upset even before he heard what I had to say. I crossed my arms, giving him an annoyed look as he went on.
we dont even know what level this Lich is, let alone where he is! Were wholly unprepared for this excursion, Salvos. What made you think this was a good idea?
Edithe yawned next to him; she had nothing to say, so she was just getting ready for the day. I rolled my eyes.
I did think this through, Daniel the Grouch! Thats right! Thats your Title now.
I shook a fist angrily at him.
And when I said we should find the Lich, I did not mean we should do it immediately. Im saying we should prepare for it. Level up more. Get proper equipment! Then we can find him, determine if hes wild, and fight him if he is!
Daniel went cross-eyed. Almost as if he was so surprised that I was actually capable of nning things. He took a moment to recover, before shaking his head.
We dont even know what level this Lich is, Salvos.
We can find out.
I shrugged. He opened his mouth, but Edithe stalked past us.
The suns rising. Lets not waste any more time. We can talk and walk.
I agreed with that. I followed after the red-haired woman as Daniel glowered. I crossed two of my arms across my chest as my third tapped my chin.
Why are you so against this idea, Daniel? Its not like we will be at this level forever well keep leveling and getting stronger!
First of all, do you even know where this Lich is?
Tilting my head up, I saw the cloudy, blight-covered sky. I remembered a vague shape. One that was poking through the haze of miasma. I made a sound, snapping my fingers.
I saw its castle! When I was searching for you two!
He gave me a t stare.
Do you remember where it was?
Um
I trailed off, scratching my cheeks. I nced down, and out of the corner of my eye, spotted a sh of white in the distance. I pointed at the group of Skeletons.
Look! [Unarmed Skeletons]! Get ready!
We worked as we usually did. Edithe flung spells at them from afar as I loosed the asional Refined zing Bolts their way. When they got too close, I created a Sickle Grenade, tossing it and sting the forefront of the group.
It was only then did Daniel engage them. I scurried around their sides and nked the undead. The two of us would deal with as many Skeletons as we could, leaving a handful weakened ones for Edithe. This was clinical at this point.
We had been in the gunds for a while. Of course we could deal with these lower leveled threats without a hitch.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 96]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 95]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Im just being cautious, Salvos. You get pretty reckless at times.
I know that! Im working on it, ok?
He narrowed his eyes. He was dubious. Just like he always was.
I dont exactly remember where its castle was, but I know some people who do.
Who?
Xidra.
I replied simply. He raised a brow, and even Edithe nced over at me disbelieving. The Human man spoke questioningly.
You expect Kobolds to help us? Were Humans, Salvos.
Shes my friend! And she doesnt mind Humans not like a few others, sure.
You barely even know her.
I scowled.
I saved her life.
Daniel sighed, rubbing at his temples.
You dont just earn someones trust because you saved their life. There is no reason for you to believe anything she says.
I red at him.
She helped me find the both of you, so I trust her word because she hasnt lied to me or anyone I know yet. Unlike someone.
He glowered, but said nothing else. Edithe blinked, ncing between us.
Rx, guys. Come on we shouldnt be fighting each other. There are plenty of other things to fight here.
I nodded at her, smiling.
At least I have Edithe on my side here.
She hesitated.
...Im undecided right now. Lets focus on what we can first, alright?
We continued through the gunds, fighting as we always did against mostly [Unarmed Skeletons], a few [Skeleton Warriors], and even [Skeleton Archers]. I focused mostly on using my magic in this fight. I tried to avoid using any Skills, only utilizing them when necessary.
Perhaps I would even level my General Skills this way.
I leveled again.
Edithe blinked as we finished off a group of undead. I turned to her, excited.
You did! Aw, but I didnt. Although I feel like Im getting close.
It was an odd feeling. I did not know if it was just my mind ying tricks on me perhaps over excitement? I certainly was eager. I acknowledged that.
Should we go back?
Daniel asked from the side, not really meeting my gaze. Edithe shrugged.
If you think youre going to level soon, Salvos, do you want to stay for a little longer?
I narrowed my eyes, ncing between mypanions. It was notte not just yet. The sun was not edging towards the horizon. Although it would soon.
Its fine. Well go back. Were quite deep into the gunds, anyway.
We were more daring than usual today. Probably because we did not exactly run into too many Skeletons at once. The groups they were in numbered no more than half a dozen. Whereas in other days, we could fight over a dozen Skeletons both [Unarmed Skeletons] and [Armed Skeletons multiple times in a row.
I started in one direction, then paused.
Too much blight there.
I could not see the miasma, but I could tell by the concentration of mana in the distance. There was probably a blight flower field that way. Edithe nodded.
Well have to go around. Im already exhausted as is the blight would cause me to copse.
The only other way was to traverse through a dead forest. It was not that much of a danger to us, since we would be able to spot any [Wights] standing out in the middle of the night.
All we had to do was avoid the asional traps of Skeletons hiding in the dirt. And with all the dead branches littering the ground, it was not super easy to spot. However, I was here, and I had rather good eyesight.
Theres a pile of corpses up ahead.
I frowned.
Im not sure if theyre Skeletons or real corpses. They look real to me.
We still went around it, not wanting to take a risk. And yet, I held up a hand no more than five minutester.
Another pit. Im pretty sure this is a Skeleton trap though.
Do we go around again?
Edithe asked with a raised brow.
Yep.
I spun back, only to see mypanions paused, staring at a figure behind us. It was not a Skeleton. Neither was it a [Wight]. It was burly, with dark skin and glowing eyes. I recognized it immediately.
A [Ghoul].
I bared my teeth as mypanions drew their weapons. But before I could activate any of my Skills, I heard the sound of bones rattling. It was only then I realized what was going on.
Were surrounded.
I nced back, seeing the Skeletons crawl out of their hole. The [Ghoul] wasmanding them. It hadin this trap for us. Or at least, for someone to eventually run into it. They were smart even if they were wild.
Salvos.
Edithe spoke through gritted teeth.
Its Level 108. The Skeletons are mostly armed. We have to run.
I shook my head, stepping forward.
If we run, well be chased down until we lose sight of thempletely. And Im tired. Trust me. Even if I pick the both of you up and make a break for it, theyll catch us eventually.
Daniel gave me a doubtful look.
What do you suggest we do, then?
We fight.
I felt magic gathering around my legs. But it was not a spell. It was an enchantment.
Well have to deal with the [Ghoul] its controlling the Skeletons. You two hold them off. Ill take care of it quickly and easily.
Wait, Salvos
I did not listen to the Human mans protest. My Greaves of the Wanderer activated in conjunction with [Self Haste] and [me Burst]. Thebination of my Skills and equipment propelled me forward.
I crossed the distance between myself and the [Ghoul] in an instant. mes shot out behind me. A cone of smoke trailed at my back. Dead branches and leaves shot up into the air as my ws were engulfed in blue mes.
I mmed the first w to its chest. It tried to react it was not slow. Not at all. But I was just too fast. It could not block the attack.
The [Ghoul] stumbled back, making an odd groaning nose. Then I watched as its arm blurred. [Ember Core] red up, covering my body with a ming blue armor.
It took the brunt of the [Ghoul]s strike. If I still had an aura of protection from my Ring of Lesser Protection but no, it was used up from a previous battle. I stumbled back from the undead as it readied a follow up attack.
I grinned as I watched it leap at me. Then I activated [me Burst] again, intercepting it mid air. A voice cried out at me as I met the [Ghoul].
What are you doing
My ws were ovee with ck me. [Radiant sh] glowed its eerie light as I dug into the [Ghoul]s body. Its attack was met by mine. But it was not matched.
I sheared through the right side of the undeads body. It let out a guttural scream. It still sounded like a weak groan, but this time its pain was evident. Inded on the ground, frowning as the [Ghoul] copsed with a thud.
I looked back at Daniel, seeing him give me a worried look as he held off the Skeletons. I stood tall.
Daniel.
My voice called out came out raspy as smoke wisped from my mouth. The [Ghoul] slowly climbed back to its feet, a red glow covering its body. A curse. One that drained me of my health.
I breathed out a brilliant blue fire. The [Ghoul] stumbled back.
I know that I am reckless. I know that, sometimes, I make stupid decisions. But that doesnt mean I am incapable. That doesnt mean I dont know what I am doing.
I brought a hand up, creating a bow out of thin air. Another hand began to conjure chains. My remaining two hands began to circle each other, like I was weaving something. And I was. With the strands of mana, I focused on refining a fiery arrow.
Yes, I am reckless. No I am not ignorant of that. I am trying to put you and Edithe in less dangerous situations, Daniel. But you cant expect me to learn overnight. Nor can you always treat me that way.
I loosed it, and it shot forth. It pierced the left chest of the [Ghoul] as it bumbled forward. It fell to its hands, but it continued, now bounding my way.
I know how to fight. I know when a fight is too much for me. I know when I am outmatched.
For a moment, I thought I saw Lucerna charging at me with his enraged, single eye. But no it was a [Ghoul]. And even if he was here, I could defeat him with ease now. I flipped over the undead,nding on its back as I struck it with a [Barrage of Cinders] from each hand.
If not
The [Ghoul] threw me off, and I crashed onto a tree. I got back up, eyeing the [Ghoul] as I felt the pressure on my body waver. The aura around it flickered. Its body was a mess, barely being held together, failing to stitch itself back into shape.
I yanked on the ming chains in my hand. The Sickle Grenade came flying at the [Ghoul] in an arc from its back. It tried to dodge, but I bellowed.
Kneel.
The [Ghoul] stumbled. It halted for a moment, affected by [Intimidation]. Of course it would feel its effects. Even if minute, it would still slow enough for the attack to hit.
If not, then how could I have survived all this time?
And why would it not be affected? It was a [Ghoul]. Not a Skeleton. It was intelligent. So, it stumbled, and the attack crashed into it. The st engulfed it entirely. The mes shot up above even the treetops. The explosion resounded along with the notification in my head.
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] Level Up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 1] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 5] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Defeated [Ghoul of Despair - Lvl. 108]
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 84] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 85]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 85] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 86]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I ran straight back to mypanions. I was still moving at an incredibly fast speed. With [Self Haste] and my Greaves of the Wanderer, they barely even had time to react before I picked them up and darted away from the Skeletons.
The Skeletons did not give chase. Most of them didnt, anyway. We avoided a few [Wights] before we finally arrived back at our small cave. It was almost like an alcove, really. But we returned, and I settled mypanions down to the ground.
I copsed with a sigh,pletely exhausted. Iy there for a bit, until I saw a potion being held up over me. Daniel stood there, looking slightly reticent.
Thank you.
I epted the stamina potion, downing it gratefully, before moving onto the healing and mana potions. He scratched the back of his head, ncing over at Edithe. She crossed her arms. He sighed.
No problem and uh, sorry.
I shook my head, getting to my feet.
Im not asking for an apology, Daniel. Im just telling you
I took a deep breath, exining.
I dont know my way around because Im unfamiliar with this ce. I never had a reason to know in the Netherworld. But after I got lost, separated from you two, I tried to learn. I took measures and bought this horn.
I tapped the item on my chest.
I can adapt. I know you think of me as like a Human child. But Im not. I can differentiate between what is a game what is just fun and what is seriously deadly. Thats all Im telling you.
Right
He trailed off, not really meeting my gaze. He steeled himself, meeting my eyes.
I still think fighting the Lich is a bad idea.
You think everything is a bad idea.
I snorted. Then I smiled.
But well learn more about it first. And well get stronger. Then well decide what to do from there. It was a suggestion an idea. Not a final decision.
Chapter 130: Blanket
Chapter 130: nket
130. nket
Daniel did not fully agree with my n to find the Lich and fight or befriend it. I could see where he wasing from, and while I was insistent, it did not actually change our current ns and routine.
That was: get up in the morning, fight Skeletons in the gunds, and return for mypanions rest at night.
Only when we were confident enough in our levels would we even inquire on the Lichs whereabouts and his approximate level. I was slightly worried that he might have been so far beyond us that he could kill us with a nce of his eyes, but apparently that was not possible.
Or at least, not possible for him.
The Lich is said to be the remnants of Zacharius the Quisling, created from the [Necromancer] Lilian. Considering that you cant store all of your power within a phctery, he could not be as high leveled as he was in life. Nor can they even level as a Lich.
And how high leveled was he?
I raised a curious brow. Edithe shrugged.
Not as high leveled as Alexander, thats for sure. And Alexander was at the peak of Humanity. He is believed to have been Level 206 in at least one of his sses when he was in by Regnorex.
Woah.
Even if the Lich was at only Level 100, he was still a danger to be taken seriously. He kept his ss from his life. Meaning, he would still be a [Hero] and have ess to his [Hero] Skills. That meant the Lich would be stronger than even Zix who was almost 10 levels above him by a wide margin!
And 10 levels meant a lot. If a Level 30 Human had a special ss and even a Title, it was possible they would be able to take on dozens others at Level 20 at once. Perhaps even a hundred. Nothing was certain, of course. It depended a lot on the ss itself. The quality of their initial advancement, as well as the Title itself. Equipment too. However, it was still something that could happen.
Maybe if they were a [Hero].
Edithe snorted. I nced over at Daniel and a thought crossed my mind. He red at me before I could make ament, so I just grinned instead.
Days passed. We battled more Skeletons as I focused on practicing my magic. I would stay up all night, looking at the Runic Scroll of Starfall, trying to improve my magic.
I had leveled up in a General Skill both [Advanced Mana Maniption] and [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom]. I was certain that the former came from all this studying. Especially with Edithe teaching me how regr, basic spells were formed without a Skill.
Thetter came as a surprise. I had no idea if it came from me practicing my magic, or from something else. Just based on the Skill name alone, I assumed it would have been a result of using my [Wisdom] Stat even if it was done with [Barrage of Cinders]. Yet, I never received the Skill until now.
There was something else to it. It certainly was a rare General Skill, ording to Edithe.
I have heard of individuals gaining such a Skill, but usually it would only beter on in their life. I dont think the Valiant Dreamers Company had much of a record on it either.
I perked up.
Could it be because Im bing more wise?
She exchanged a nce with Daniel. He shrugged. They spoke at the same time.
Maybe?
Perhaps
I blinked.
Huh.
I did not expect them to give a serious answer. However, if I really was bing more wise at least, in the way of how Mortals acted that was a good thing. Maybe I would be able to blend in better. I could impress Xidra the next time around I visited Unarith!
When I first got the General Skill, I received an addition +5 to my [Wisdom] from it. Now, it was a +6. If I got it up to Level 10, would it get to +15?
That was a major boon, if it was how it worked. But considering that General Skills leveled slower and had a lower level cap I was not sure how long it would take me to even get that far.
The single Skill Point did not make a massive difference, but I could tell I was stronger from it. Especially since I was leveling faster now. I could even kill a small group of [Unarmed Skeletons] with a single [ming Breath] now.
It would incinerate them. Turn them to nothing but ashes. It was not as devastating as Gexlis ming breath. In fact, he had two of them. And both were terrifyingly dangerous. One of them worked just like mine, but the other shot out like an arrow, destroying everything in its path.
I tried to remember how the strands of mana coalesced into that ball of great fire. How it was propelled by some powerful force. If I could do something like that with my zing Bolt or Refined zing Bolt it was something to consider. If I weaved the magic into itself again and again, concentrating it into a denser bolt, I could potentially make it stronger, even if more unstable.
It was something I tried whenever we were not busy fighting the undead. I would create a zing Bolt, refine it into a Refined zing Bolt, then continueyering the magic on top of itself. Usually, it would burst out into sparks, failing to be anything I hoped it would be.
Aw.
Salvos, focus Skeletons iing.
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 99]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Ghoul of Dread - Lvl. 106]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 86] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 87]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
We fought some Ghouls too. There were different kinds of Ghouls. It was mostly their curses which had different effects. A [Ghoul of Dread] seemed to drain me of my mana instead. Which was problematic since that was my main source of attack power.
I would have to attack them aggressively. I bounded on all six of my limbs onto them, unleashing a flurry of strikes that would break their curse. It was more effective the more idle they were being, so such tactics worked even if they were dangerous.
So far, Ghouls were the most dangerous thing we had to deal with. However, it seemed we were starting to tread into more risky territory the further into the gunds we went. We had just finished defeating a group of [Skeleton Warriors] and [Skeleton Archers] when we decided it was time to return.
Blight flower fields to the left. Blight flower fields to the right. Blight flower fields everywhere.
I shook my head, turning back to Daniel and Edithe. Thetter seemed slightly weary she had been pushing herself harder and harder with each passing day. She was Level 78 now. Thanks to her persistence, she managed to close the gap between our levels by a significant amount.
I was still almost 10 levels higher than her.
Weve made good progress in two weeks, Salvos. But I think its time we should think about heading back to Huthwaite. Just for respite.
Daniel spoke as he wiped the grime and sweat off his face. Smearing a bit of smudge across his cheeks, he grimaced. I tilted my head up to the sky in thought.
I dont know maybe we should
Salvos.
He sighed, rubbing at his temples. I grinned.
Im kidding. Yep. I was just thinking that myself.
Blinking, he gave me a dubious look. I shrugged and pointed to Edithe.
Shes looking kinda tired. So, I agree.
It took a moment for the red-haired woman to be taken aback.
I I am?
She ced a hand on her chest, surprised. I exchanged a nce with Daniel, and he nodded.
Yeah youre exhausted, Edithe. Even Salvos can tell.
Im just a little bit tired. Look, I dont want to be a burden
Except youre not.
I emphatically rejected that statement. Her face scrunched up. Her confusion was evident. But I was defiant.
Youre not a burden, Edithe. You dont have to push yourself too hard. Were doing this for you, not the other way around.
I
She trailed off. Taking a deep breath, she sagged her shoulders.
Youre right. I know Im being too hard on myselftely. Well take a break. Hang around Huthwaite take a look around.
A small smile spread across her face.
And since were all about that whole changing-growing thingtely, maybe we can even find a food you like, Salvos.
Good luck, because I dont think thatll ever happen.
Daniel scoffed. I crossed my arms, agreeing with him.
Nope! Never gonna happen.
Theyughed, and I giggled too. We needed to rx it was necessary for the Humans. Not really for me. I grew up in a ce exactly like the gunds, but they did not. I had to amodate them more than I did before.
It was a weird quirk! However, I was probably weird to them. So, it evened out.
Unfortunately, it seemed we let our guard down at a bad time. The thing about the gunds and about the Netherworld was that anything could happen at any time. Be it a procession of sapient Demons herding Infant Demons with them, or a sudden attack by a group of [Hellhounds], [Hellbeasts], and [Gadarenes].
Here, in the gunds, there were none of those. But there were still a myriad of dangers lurking about. We were just passing through an abandoned, destroyed town with its mossy cobble foundations left where the buildings once were. The wood had been rotted away, leaving only the framework of what were once houses. Some of them were in better condition than others. Which only obscured the [Wights] even more.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted one of those ethereal creatures poke its disfigured head from behind a wall. I snapped in its direction, conjuring a kusarigama at the ready.
Guys
My warning was interrupted as a second [Wight] popped out of a fallen structure. It pointed a single crooked finger at us and the ground glowed. It shone as a circle girdled us within its perimeter. I leapt back as Daniel and Edithe followed after me, shouting.
[Wights]!
Be careful of their magic!
The red-haired woman pulled away just in time for a frozen ball to crystalize where we had been standing. My eyes grew wide as I saw even more [Wights] lumber forth from where they had been hiding. That spell was powerful.
[Wight - Lvl 109]
[Wight - Lvl. 112]
[Wight - Lvl. 108]
I did not even consider fighting them. I shouted.
Run!
A [ming Breath] spewed out at the oing [Wights]. The blue mes burned at their blue bodies. It was hot it zed more brilliantly than it ever had. I was certain it was at least hurting the undead a little bit. But they did not slow.
They continued forward unimpeded. They were not fast, but their movements were so smooth it was like they were hovering instead of walking. An encroaching chill overcame me as I felt my mana drain from their curses.
I tapped my greaves together, activating its effects and following after mypanions who were already fleeing from the scene. I focused my magic on the sickle edge of my kusarigama, altering the threads of mana within it, before tossing it as a Sickle Grenade at the [Wights].
Kneel!
I roared. The st was powerful. It would have sent a Ghoul flying back. And yet, the [Wights] still came. They were not slowed by its attack. I growled as [Self Haste] took over.
Stupid things! Cant they feel anything?!
It seemed that only the Ghouls were even slightly intelligent here in the gunds, even if they were still wild. I swooped mypanions up into my arms as I sped past them. I saw a thicket of dead trees up ahead, ready to escape into the shadows from our pursuers. But glowing eyes stopped me in my tracks.
A Ghoul no, three Ghouls stepped out from behind the spindly, ck trunks. They had [Skeleton Archers] by their side, bows aimed at the ready. The volley of bolts filled the air. I watched their shadowse our way as I spun around.
A group of [Wights] at our rear,ing from the broken town. Ghouls and Skeletons were waiting for us at the dead forest up ahead. To our right and left fields of blight flowers. I took a deep breath.
Ready your potions.
I gave mypanions a look. They exchanged a knowing nce, steeling themselves for what was toe.
Right.
Daniel pried himself off my arms, giving me a reassuring look as he held onto my hand with one arm, and his sword in the other. Edithe stayed on my shoulders, her staff aimed at the ready.
Lets go.
We broke off to the side, heading for neither the Ghouls nor the [Wights]. Instead, we charged straight for the veil of brown miasma billowing up into the air. It formed a wall. One that had been imprable before. Vile magic was being spewed out from these corrupted flowers. It would afflict us like a curse.
And yet, we had no other choice. This was the only way we could run. I saw no figures inside of blight. Perhaps it was because it was so dense here. Too thick for me to see through. Because I knew they were there. They were the less dangerous foe, but they were present. And they were numerous.
They were here, even if I had not seen them yet. The horde of undead. The ones that hid under this nket, waiting mindlessly, hiding from sight. But ready to swarm anyone who entered at any moment.
Zombies.
Chapter 131: Zombie Horde
Chapter 131: Zombie Horde
131. Zombie Horde
I ran through the brown smog. The blight billowed up from the field of flowers, creating an unending curtain a vast neb that spread out in every direction I could see. I tried to send small bursts of mes out, just to help clear the way for my vision. But the blight snuffed out my fire.
It did more than just blot out my sight. It drained at my mana. My health. My stamina. It was like a curse, if a curse slowly ebbed at your very soul. I was certain the reason why my fire was so ineffective was because the blight unraveled the strands of mana keeping the magic together.
Do you see them behind us?
I asked Edithe, who was still held over my shoulder. She coughed once before replying.
No I dont know if theyre giving chase to us, Salvos.
Daniel could not run as fast as me. He followed us, trailing slightly behind. But he did not seem to be in a panic or at least, I did not hear him shouting and screaming for us toe back to help him.
I was just about to sight in relief, d that the immediate danger of the [Wights] and the Ghouls were gone, when a figure appeared before me. I came to a stop, narrowing my eyes and identifying it.
[Zombie - Lvl. 81]
Yep. Not sure why I expected anything else.
The lumbering undead snapped its head in our direction. It revealed a green face, with parts of its cheeks eaten away. One of its eyes was missing, and it had no hair. The [Zombie] let out a screech
And I tore right through it. My ws were engulfed with [Barrage of Cinders] just briefly. I felt my mana drain in an instant. The strain of both the blight and my already low supply of mana was too much. Edithe must have noticed something because she handed me a mana potion.
Take it!
I quickly uncorked the vial and downed it in a single gulp. My body felt like it was full for just a moment. Then the drain of the blight returned. I grimaced, wiping at my mouth and tossing the vial ahead of me.
I heard the ss crack, and saw a shadow fall just ahead of me. Apparently I must have struck a [Zombie] by ident. However, the figure picked itself up immediately. Or wait
I narrowed my eyes. The [Zombie] had not picked itself up just yet. It was slowly getting to its feet, but struggling with that simple task. It was another one of its kind that took its spot. And there were more. They filled the gaps ahead. They popped up, like a wall being sprouted from thin air.
Daniel! A little help?
But no. The Human man was too far behind me. His fighting-style relied on closing in on the enemy anyway. Only Edithe could be of help against this oing horde.
Edithe, get ready.
A ball of charged lightning struck out in a sh. Edithe spoke through gritted teeth.
Just go!
I burrowed through the wall of [Zombies]. Green flesh and ichor burst out around me as I once again let [Barrage of Cinders] activate. With a single [me Burst] I propelled myself through the ranks of [Zombies].
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 79]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 84]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 74]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Their gore sttered everywhere. I bounded through them as Edithe flung spells around us, keeping the undead at bay. There had to be dozens of them. All gathered around here. They were closing in on us, and I scowled.
Theres too many of them! And I dont have any of my good Skills except for [Radiant sh]!!
I felt at my blue jacket. There was something here I could use. But should I really use it now? Edithe grabbed my hand.
Not yet.
She spoke simply. She cast her gaze behind us. Daniel was still trying to catch up to me; he was only now just crashing into the first rank of [Zombies]. The red-haired woman raised her staff and pointed at him.
[Beacon of Guardians].
A warm glow overcame him. A ribbon of light wrapped around him, shielding him with a yellow aura. Suddenly, Daniels speed doubled. Almost tripled. His weapon swings were not faster. His strikes the arcing shes that ripped apart the [Zombies] were no different.
However, when he ran at us, he moved fast. Like he was gliding through the air. A pir of light streaked through the air above Edithe, and Daniel followed.
Just keep going, Salvos.
I blinked, caught off-guard by the Skill.
Woah.
I breathed, and a [Zombie] threw itself at me. I growled, flinging it aside and stomping on its head a few times.
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 87]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Keep them off me, Edithe. Ill focus on running.
Got it!
[Ember Core] formed an armor on my body. I tried to make it more jagged, with sharp edges that would cut at any undead that tried to touch me. The horde came as we spearheaded through them. At one point, Daniel actually caught up to us thanks to Edithes Skill.
He had his [Aura of the Sentinel] active, fending off the [Zombies] at the side. I nced back at him, speaking through gritted teeth.
You know, a really powerful Skill would be helpful right now.
The Human man looked over at me, the hesitation evident on his face. I shook my head, and Edithe pointed.
Watch out!
Half a dozen [Zombies] tried to bar my path. My ws were ovee with a brilliant glow, as Ished out with a dark light.
[Radiant sh]!
All of them fell in an instant. The ones close to them recoiled from the impact. I eyed Daniel, getting annoyed.
Something like that?
He did not respond to my prodding. Now was not the time for that, but
[Lend Skill: Restore Skill].
I felt my body tense up; something inside of me became more. It was temporary. I knew it would not remain forever. But my Status was different now.
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 15
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 10
[me Burst] - Lvl. 12
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 5
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 12
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Borrowed - Restore Skill] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
A new option made itself avable to me. A Skill I did not previously have. I looked back at Edithe, hanging on my shoulders with a weary face. She downed a mana potion and a stamina potion at the same time, giving me a nod.
Use it.
I was not sure how long I would have this Skill avable to use. But there was no point in waiting. I clenched my teeth, mentally activating its effects, focusing on the Skill I needed.
[Restore Skill: Radiant
I paused as another Skills cooldown ended. More undead popped up from the side. They filled my peripheral vision. [Zombies]. A horde of them were chasing after us now. I knew we could never take them all at once. Especially not when caught in the blight.
The brown cloud we were caught in seemed unending. I grabbed a charging [Zombie] and crushed its head, before sweeping my gaze around me. The [Wights] and Ghouls were truly nowhere to be seen. We had to have lost them in this thick haze.
While they were undead, probably unaffected by the blights effects, they still relied on their vision to see. I think. Shaking away those inane thoughts, I focused not on what I could see with my regr eyes, but with magic.
Cover me for a moment, Daniel, Edithe.
I stood still as mypanions obliged. The red-haired woman unleashed her [Storm of Ice and Fire] at our surroundings, stalling the [Zombie] horde for Daniel to slice apart. His [Aura of the Sentinel] was running out I could see the wavering of the glow around him. Wisps of it came off him, vanishing as his Skill depleted.
But I had to concentrate. I had to pick out the strands of mana that was not warped by the blight. The blight flowers magic was not typical spellwork. Unlike regr spells which were woven intricately with arge amount of mana, the blight simply muddled everything. It was as if a ball of yarn or dozens of balls of yarn had been tangled up and tossed to fill a room.
Now all I had to do was find the exit. I came to a stop as my eyes picked out a single thread. One that was uncorrupted by the blight. I followed this string of mana climbing it like a rope until I saw the wall of pure, untouched mana.
There!
I raised a hand, pointing. Edithe and Daniel stared past my wed hand, both exhausted. I kicked a [Zombie] back and spoke to the red-haired woman.
Can you cast [Beacon of the Guardians] again?
She hesitated, chewing her lower lip. She muttered softly to herself.
I can now.
Huh. Thats a really usefulbination of Skills, isnt it?
It is. Now what?
I turned back to Daniel as more shrieks cut through the veil, reaching for us.
Just keep up with us. Well have to make a break for it.
He nodded, pulling back from a decapitated [Zombie]. I got down on all of my limbs. Taking a deep breath, mypanions and I readied ourselves. Edithe drank another mana potion and activated [Beacon of the Sentinel], while Daniel returned to my side.
[Self Haste]! [me Burst]!
I was catapulted forward, straight into a bumbling group of [Zombies]. I was about to dig my ws into them when a voice cut me off.
[Arrow of the me Elemental].
A zing, golden bolt shot out. It sted forward, almost like it was going faster and faster with each passing moment. It skewered the forefront [Zombies], with a powerful cone of mes trailing behind it, setting the undead it missed alight. Even the blight flowers burned briefly from the magic. It left an opening a trail for me to follow.
Edithe pulled out another vial of mana potion as she coughed.
Go, Salvos!
And I did. I ran as fast as I could, barely impeded by the few [Zombies] that could catch me. They ran slowly after us, an infinite horde. Some even tried to block my path, but I could dispose of them just fine. At one point, I could use [ming Breath] again, and I incinerated arge group of [Zombies] in the inferno of blue fire.
Then [Self Haste] came to an end. My pace slowed, and so did Daniels. He was only keeping up with us thanks to [Beacon of the Guardians], after all. But I knew that. I expected that we would not make it far enough to leave the blight infestedndscape with a single [Self Haste]. So, I gratefully used Edithes Skill.
[Restore Skill: Self Haste].
I instantly activated [Self Haste] once again. My body blurred forward as my stamina drained, both from the fighting and running, as well as the blights effects. I had to quickly down a stamina potion just to keep up the pace. But with Edithe supporting me, and Daniel watching my back, we were eventually able to break free from the blight flower field.
It was like I had burst out of a burning building. The pressure that was sitting on my shoulder seemed to slowly disappear, with only a lingering effect guing me. The horde of [Zombies] tried to give chase, but only a few had followed us this far. We were able to defeat the ones closest to us, halting their advance as we fully carried ourselves away from the undead.
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 84]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Horde Zombie - Lvl. 81]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 87] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 88]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 88] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 89]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I crested to the top of a nearby hill, overlooking the billowing field of blight flowers. It was night now, and the brown tint of the miasma turned into an eerie green under the moons light. Crawling to a stop, I settled Edithe to the ground before me and downed as many potions as I could.
Mypanions did the same. Edithe spoke throughbored breath as she tried to gulp down a mana potion.
The blights.... effects... will remain on us for a while.
She chugged down on the mana potion as I faced her with a tired look. She paused, tensing up and coughing. I frowned, getting back up to face her.
Edithe?
Im fine, I think.
The red-haired woman shook her head, taking another swig of the potion. Daniel got back to his feet, his sword still held at the ready.
Were still deep in the gunds. With how much blight we exposed ourselves to, well have to fully leave the area and rest up for a while. Or else the blight will keep eating away at our abilities.
Come on, get only my back. You guys just [Rest] up, Ill carry us out of here.
I gestured for mypanions toe over. Daniel did so slowly, but Edithe staggered and copsed to the ground. I stared for a moment, in shock. Then I rushed over to her side.
Edithe! Whats wrong?
Her mana potion rolled onto the ground, spilling nothing. She had finished drinking the liquid inside of it. And yet, when I ced a hand on her arm, I realized just how dangerously low her supply of mana was.
She looked up at me with zed-over eyes. She spoke slowly.
It seems I have consumed too many mana potions and gotten myself mana poisoning. I urk.
Chapter 132: Seeking Help
Chapter 132: Seeking Help
132. Seeking Help
The red-haired woman clutched at her stomach, bursting out into a coughing fit. Blood sttered out of her mouth as Daniel and I stood over her. We were helpless. Mana poisoning? I had never heard of such a thing.
I slowly held a hand out over her, a worried look on my face.
Edithe what
I trailed off. Most questions I could ask would be too stupid and pointless for her to answer now. It was tantly clear she was in pain. There was only one question that mattered right now.
What do we need to do?
I stared at her. At the agony she was going through. Her face scrunched up as she spoke through gritted teeth.
The blight and I cant recover my mana.
She panted,boriously taking each breath. However, I connected the dots immediately. The blight ate away at your Status. If she could not restore her mana possibly due to mana poisoning that meant
I did not know what it meant. But it couldnt be good.
I picked Edithe up, hefting her over my shoulders once again.
Come on, Daniel. We have to get out of here. Now.
Right. Well have to return to Huthwaite, and get a healer to look at her.
He nodded, sheathing his sword. I shook my head.
We arent going to Huthwaithe.
I faced him with a defiant gaze. I knew he would want to argue, so I made sure to let him know I was not going to waste any time discussing it.
Were going to Unarith.
--
I had a simple and straightforward logic for wanting to go to the Kobold city with my Humanpanions. First of all, I would not bring them into the city itself. I would keep them a good enough distance away, hidden from sight.
The second and main reason was because of Xidra. She was a high leveled [Herbalist]. She had given me cleansing flowers to cure me from my blight. The most important thing Edithe needed right now was to stop her mana from being entirely depleted. Or even depleted for an extended period of time.
We could put our heads together and try to figure out a way to cure her mana poisoningter. We just had to stop the blight afflicting her right now.
I did not know exactly where Unarith was. But Daniel had a map, and he could read it. While Human maps did not outline the exact location of the Kobold city, it brought us close enough that I began to recognize the familiarndscape.
Oh, I think Ive seen this rocky pir before.
Are you sure?
Daniel gave me a dubious look, which only made me more uncertain.
Um. Maybe? Well, if not, Ill remember it now.
I was trying to make a change within myself; no longer was I going to get lost, worrying mypanions. Perhaps they might even trust me to do things on my own if I proved myselfpetent enough to return to them!
I caught a glimpse of the sprawling city in the distance. Its minarets peaked up, like a beacon for me to see. I left Daniel alone, transforming to my Kobold Mortal Form as I put on some robes, then I started through the tumulousndscape.
Even before I reached the city, I knew I was already being watched. The feeling of eyes clinging to me put me on alert my [Passive - A Hunters Sense] once more proving itself extremely useful. I looked over my Status, ensuring that I had distributed all of my Stats and Skills from my previous levels.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 89
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 6
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5)
[Strength]: 71 (+5) (-5)
[Endurance]: 85 (+5) (-5)
[Wisdom]: 130 (+5) (+6)(-5)
[Agility]: 180 (+5) (-5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 18
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 12
[me Burst] - Lvl. 12
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 5
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 12
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I walked through Unarith, standing out just a little bit due to how dirty I waspared to the Kobold men and women there. However, word of me saving Xidra or the First Dragonling must have spread since a few people whom I had never met looked upon me with recognition in their eyes.
Stopping one of the aforementioned passersby, I asked for directions to the minaret of the Risen Dragons. They pointed me to a structure towards the center of the city. I arrived at the entrance of the ce of worship, before stopping as I recognized a familiar red-scaled Kobold.
Nav
I started, but caught myself from eximing. Clearing my throat, I bowed lightly.
Nav the [Warrior], it is a pleasure to see you again.
The red-scaled Kobold stared at me, puzzled. Hispanions a pair of Kobolds whom I had never met fixed me with a suspicious gaze.
Introduce yourself, [Mage]. How do you know the esteemed Nav?
I narrowed my eyes. Nav was someone important? I never knew that. But instead of letting that expression show on my face, I bowed once more.
I am Salvos the [Mage]. I have only met with Nav the [Warrior] once before, after I saved Xidra the First Dragonling from the captivities of the Scale Sentinels and escorted her back to Unarith.
Is this true, Nav the [Warrior]?
The other Kobolds gave Nav a dubious look. But he slowly nodded, still staring at me in shock.
She is speaking the truth. Salvos Salvos the [Mage].
He cleared his throat.
What brings you back to Unarith. I was told by the First Dragonling that you had taken your leave from the city.
Did Xidra tell him that I was a Demon? I didnt remember telling him myself, but she seemed to trust him. Perhaps not as much as Hoxle. It was better for me not to assume for now.
I took a deep breath, carefully choosing my words before I spoke.
I am in dire need of aid, Nav the [Warrior]. I seek the presence of the First Dragonling herself.
He once again stared at me. Was he rubbing his eyes in confusion? Did Kobolds even have eyelids? I felt the urge to check but instead held still, carrying myself as solemnly as I could. I raised my head slightly and faced him with a pleading look.
Please. Is this favor too much to ask from you?
Finally, Nav sighed.
Very well. I shall take you to the First Dragonling. Come.
The other Kobold guards watched as I was led through the double doors of the building. When I was through, I smiled softly at Nav.
Thank you.
What do you really want?
He asked me with a frown. I shrugged, speaking more casually than before as we were led up the spiral stairway.
I was telling the truth. I need Xidras help.
The First Dragonling cant just entertain everyone who requests to meet her.
I grinned.
Im not just anyone Im Salvos!
Nav didnt respond. We finally stopped at the floor of Xidra''s room. The red-scaled Kobold rapped against the door, speaking.
Xidra the [Herbalist], you have a visitor.
The door slowly shifted open. A familiar face poked out, peering my way. Recognition filled her eyes and she fully stepped from the room.
Salvos the [Mage]. What brings you back here?
She greeted me, and I exined.
I need your help, Xidra. We were in the gunds when we were forced to run into a blight flower field. Now, mypanion is suffering from both the blight and mana poisoning. She cant restore her mana, and I think it might be bad if the blight continues affecting her when she runs out of mana. Please, I need a cleansing flower. For her.
Xidra blinked, then waved her hand as if trying to calm me.
Slow down, Salvos the [Mage]. Exin it again.
I spoke slower this time, gesticting as I started from scratch. Xidra asked a few questions, scratching a w on her chin. I nced over at Nav a few times, seeing how he would react to the mention of my Humanpanions. He did not seem visibly surprised. Which was a good thing.
Finally, Xidra gave me a reassuring nod as she ced a hand on my shoulder.
Worry not, Salvos the [Mage]. Bring me to yourpanion. I will treat both her blight and her mana poisoning.
I smiled gratefully at her. Then I quickly stuck my tongue out that was how Kobolds smiled.
Thank you, Xidra. This really means a lot to me.
You saved my life. It is only natural that I help you in your plight.
She turned back to Nav.
Nav the [Warrior], you shall escort Salvos the [Mage] and I to herpanions. Alone. Do not tell others of the true purpose of this trip.
Yes, First Dragonling.
He did not protest. Xidra returned to her room briefly, to fetch some ingredients. Then she returned with a satchel slung over her shoulder. Waving a w to follow, she started down the stairs.
We were just leaving the vicinity of the Shrine of the Risen Dragons when a crowd appeared before us. The streets were not that busy earlier it was evening, after all. Even if Kobolds did not need as much sleep as Humans, I noticedst time I was here that activity did slightly die down when the sun set.
My gaze focused on the figure moving through the streets, heading our way. It was a familiar figure. I recognized the dark scales anywhere.
Zix.
One of the Scale Sentinels who attacked Ghostlight.
He approached the three of us with his own procession. A dozen other Kobolds both men and women followed behind him. They were dressed in luxurious clothing, with intricate designs patterned on their robes.
His eyes fixed on me, and I felt the same feeling of being watched as when I first entered the city. Was that you? I shrunk back slightly, trying to hide myself behind Xidra. If he recognized me but he couldnt. There was no way he could.
I was a Human when he saw me near Ghostlight. I was a Kobold now. He couldnt possibly have recognized me, right?
And yet, he still stared at me. I did not sense recognition in his gaze only an inkling of suspicion. It was enough to make me nervous.
He bowed at Xidra.
Xidra the [Herbalist]. I see you have decided to leave your high tower for once.
Zix the [Warrior], is there a reason for you to intercept me in the free streets of Unarith?
The obsidian-scaled Kobold shook his head. He bowed, his tongue sneaking out of his mouth almost slyly.
I simply wished to apologize to you. I have heard about what happened with Gexli. I can promise you his actions were not orchestrated by anyone but him. He was acting on his own, and we condemn him for it.
You can condemn him all you want, Zix the [Warrior]. That does not change the events that have urred.
I assure you, we will punish his family and his followers
Save it.
She raised a hand, cutting him off. Xidra red his way, before starting past him.
There is no point getting the uninvolved hurt just to save your face. Your factions failure to kill me and your failure at Ghostlight will not be forgotten simply because you execute a few innocents.
The whisper crowd grew hushed in an instant. Zixspanions sputtered in outrage, filling the silence with their angry voices. I followed Xidra, ncing about warily. Were they going to attack us? I didnt know how Kobold culture worked enough to be sure.
Nav was on guard, so I should be too. I was just about to conjure a fire dagger just in case before Zix spoke out. The gathering wisps of blue me vanished as I gulped.
Who is that with you, Xidra the [Herbalist]?
The First Dragonling paused. She nced back at Zix.
She is the one who saved me from Gexli.
Oh?
His tongue slithered back into his mouth as he folded his arms behind his back in parade rest.
A [Mage] of her level was able to best Gexli inbat? And someone as enchantingly beautiful as her? I am impressed.
I reached to scratch the back of my head and quickly poked at my scales instead. To seem more Kobold-like. Bowing slightly, I tried to be courteous.
Thank you, Zix the [Warrior].
What is your name, if I may ask?
He gave me an inquiring look. I opened my mouth to answer.
I am Sa
She is with me. That is all you need to know about her.
Xidra nced at me with a look. I nodded slowly as she continued walking.
Let us go. And do not bother us any longer, Zix the [Warrior]. I am in a hurry.
The obsidian-scaled Kobold said nothing else. It was only when we left the city did Xidra speak.
Zix is dangerous, Salvos. His evolution offers him a sharp intuition. If he figures out your true identity, he will turn the entire city against you. And there will be nothing I can do to save you.
What?
I stared at her, frowning.
Hell have me killed just because Im a Demon?
I knew the answer even before Xidra spoke. It was one I was used to hearing by now.
Yes.
Chapter 133: Blessing
Chapter 133: Blessing
133. Blessing
Daniel stood up abruptly as I approached him with the pair of Kobolds following after me. It was night now the sun had fully set by the time I returned to mypanions. I raised a hand catingly, ncing back at Xidra and Nav.
Theyre friends.
Uh, right.
The Human man was rightfully apprehensive. He sheathed his sword, although he didnt let go of its hilt. He stepped away from Edithe who was still lying on the ground, unconscious.
Xidra stepped forward, appraising the red-haired womans condition.
Is this the one afflicted by mana poisoning?
She is Im Daniel, by the way.
Daniel nodded warily at her. She bowed back slightly.
Greetings, Daniel the [Warrior], I am Xidra the [Herbalist].
He hesitated.
...I can see that?
She ignored hisment, instead kneeling over Edithe. I pulled Daniel over to the side, whispering to him.
What are you being rude for? Shes helping us!
Wait, I was being rude?
I rolled my eyes.
Are you stupid? Cant you tell that Kobolds are very formal geez, and you say Im bad at reading social cues.
His face turned red as he nced over at Xidra. He opened his mouth, as if to apologize, but I stopped him.
Let her heal Edithe first. You can apologize after.
Xidra the [Herbalist] inspected the red-haired woman for a moment. Her eyes narrowed before she shook her head.
Salvos the [Mage], you never told me the extent of the blights effects on her.
Is it that bad? We were forced to escape through a blight flower field. I thought since I was fine, it shouldnt be that much worse for her too.
Perhaps. However, levels do make a difference when ites to ailments. Your Stats will help alleviate the workings of even poison, if you are at a high enough level. Well, certain kinds of poisons at least.
I started forward, a worried look on my face.
Is that why Edithe is in so much pain?
No. The blight will only exacerbate to this extent if it eats away at too much of your health, mana, and stamina. It grows worse if you do not treat it or at least dy it with potions.
But she drank a lot of potions while we were in the blight flower field.
Yes. She consumed too much, which is why she suffers from mana poisoning. Just be d that it is neither poisoning from drinking too much healing or stamina potions.
I hesitated.
What is healing potion poisoning? Or stamina potion poisoning?
Your muscles begin to rapidly atrophy due to stamina potion poisoning. And as for healing potion poisoning? You will slowly lose your ability to regenerate heal naturally over time. The consequences of both can be permanent if not treated soon enough.
What?
Daniel piped up from the side with a frown.
So, you cant just be some kind of [Healer] who keeps regenerating your limbs in battle?
The circumstances for [Healing Mages] are different. But the result is the same: unfortunately, you will eventually die.
Xidra produced a cleansing flower from her satchel. She held it out, peeling open its petals almost gently. She did not simply pluck out a single petal, but instead she pinched its center. A small droplet of pure, white sap seeped out, and she poured it into a vial of clear liquid.
It was not water I peered over, identifying it.
[Elixir Base - A mixture of various ingredients used to form the base of a potent potion.]
The drip of sap discolored the clear liquid. It grew misty, like it was clouding over, until Xidra shook it. The liquid settled into the same white of the sap, and she nodded.
This will do.
Squeezing her hand, she crushed the cleansing flower and ced it in Edithes mouth. The red-haired woman was no longer coughing, but she still wore a grimaced face in her sleep. Xidra moved her jaw a little, to chew the powder, before tilting her head back and tipping the vial of white liquid into her mouth.
Whats that for?
I asked curiously. The Kobold woman exined.
To cure her from the blight.
I thought you just had to eat the flower.
For more minor cases, yes. But severe situations such as this require more care. She will recover from the blight when she wakes up.
Xidra stood back, dusting off her robes. I raised a brow.
What about her mana poisoning?
That is a process that will take more than a day to fix, Salvos the [Mage].
She backed up, nodding at Nav.
We shall make our return to Unarith for now. When she is better tomorrow, we shall tend to her mana poisoning.
--
The two Kobolds left us alone for a day. Edithe woke up as the sun began to rise, groaning as she rubbed her head. I poked my head from her side with a face full of worry.
Edithe, are you
She screamed.
Gah, Kobold attack
The red-haired woman threw a punch which I instinctively caught and countered with a quick punch. She reeled back from the hit, groaning even louder. Daniel snapped.
What are you doing, Salvos?
Im sorry! I didnt mean iot! She just struck out at me!
Edithe winced, pinching her nose to stop blood from dripping out. Then she blinked.
Wait, Salvos?
I scratched the back of my head hesitantly.
Hi. This is my Kobold Mortal Form.
Oh.
She rubbed at her temples, as if she had a headache from the situation. Or maybe I gave her a headache when I punched her in the face. Who knows, really? It could have been from anything!
You shoulda given me a warning or something. I feel like shit.
Sighing, she tried to get back to her feet. She winced as she pressed her weight on one knee.
Nope. Nevermind. Thats not happening.
She copsed back to the ground. I hovered over her, arms held out as if to catch her. But. she had already fallen back down.
Dont push yourself, Edithe. Youre free from the blight, but the mana poisoning is still there.
The red-haired woman nodded slowly.
How... long have I been out?
Not long at all. We had someone cure you from the blight. They said theyll check back on you again today.
I sat down in front of her. She nced down at her hands they were shaking, trembling ever so slightly.
For the mana potion poisoning. I see.
Yep.
I watched her as she raised a hand. I sensed the movement of mana around her fingers. It was like she was trying to grab for the invisible strings, but they were too sharp for her touch. Like it pricked her every time she tried to get a proper grip on it.
Daniel plopped himself down next to me too. He held a small bowl in his hand. Passing it to Edithe, he spoke softly.
Here.
She epted it gratefully, hungrily scarfing down her meal. When she was finished, she leaned back with a sigh.
That was delicious. What was it?
Just some porridge. Nothing special.
Almost tasted like something I had at a Cyclops town before how did you learn to cook such a meal?
Uh my mom taught me?
I crossed my arms, realizing that that was a dish from his world. I still had to scold him for how he endangered our lives back in the blight flower field. His stubbornness would have to be addressed at one point.
Just not right now.
We exchanged small, lighthearted talk while waiting for Xidra and Nav to arrive. I heard the rustling of a bush behind me and stood up.
Dont panic, alright Edithe? Theyre Kobolds.
I know.
She snorted.
Youve told me this a dozen times.
I stepped forward to greet Xidra who came alone this time. I waved at her.
Xidra! Wait, wheres Nav?
I looked around for the red-scaled Kobold, but didnt see him anywhere.
He did not escort me today.
The Kobold woman stuck her tongue out in her usual smile. Except, it seemed almost yful today.
So, you came alone? Isnt that dangerous
I was cut off as a shadow zipped past me from above. My eyes grew wide at the realization of what was going on. I pped my palm against my forehead as I made an exasperated noise.
Oh no. Its that weirdo!
Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce.
Weirdo?
I conjured a fire bow and drew back an arrow. I aimed it slightly up, trailing at the figure that was rapidly approaching us.
Watchh
No you watch out!
I shouted, losing the zing Bolt at Hoxle. The [Diviner] stared at the oing attack for a moment. He was dumbfounded. Then he sputtered and swerved out of the way.
Oh, king scales
He crashed into a tree instead. And since the foliage here were pretty sparse it meant the trees were thin, and there was not much to shield his fall. He tumbled through a bush, shouting curses until he came to a stop.
Ouch
Xidra didnt bat an eyelid his way. She spoke with the same regal voice she usually carried as she walked up to Edithe.
Hoxle the [Diviner], when you told me you wanted to meet these Humans, I did not believe you intended to make a fool out of yourself in front of them.
He hopped up to his feet, snarling.
That was not my fault. I didnt think that crazy Demon would try and shoot me down!
Hey!
I raised a fist.
I have a name!
Fine. That crazy Salvos just tried to kill me, aunt. Isnt that, like, bad or something?
He corrected himself, and I gave an approving nod. Xidra ignored him, much to his chagrin.
Hey aunt!
He whined, and she instead reprimanded him.
You are disgracing our family and the Risen Dragons with the way you are acting, Hoxle the [Diviner]. Behave.
But
Edithe watched on with round eyes. She drew her lips to a thin line, facing me.
These are Kobolds? The ones you talked about?
Yep. Whats wrong?
Nothing.
She shook her head, turning back to the scene of Xidra lecturing her nephew. Her gaze was fixed on it as she continued.
I just didnt think they would be so Human.
We are not Human, [Mage].
Xidra drew herself from Hoxle, who was scowling with his arms folded. I stuck a tongue out at him, forgetting that was how Kobolds smiled. He harrumphed.
How many times must I tell you? I am not interested oh, hey, a Human man.
He stalked up to Daniel. Mypanion was taken aback by the Kobold withrge wings almost shadowing over him.
Wait, what are you
Youre a [Warrior], huh? Nice sword. Looks kind of brittle though. Do all Humans use such weak equipment? Wait, is that a
I giggled at the sight of Hoxle pestering Daniel. But my attention was pulled towards Xidra, who had kneeled before Edithe.
Greetings,panion of Salvos. I am Xidra the [Herbalist], First Dragonling of the Risen Dragons.
The red-haired woman blinked, taking a second to gather herself.
Im Edithe the [Mage]. Member of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Xidra epted her introduction with an almost-pleased look. She was certainly not as apathetic as she was when meeting Daniel.
I can understand why you hold these sentiments, Edithe the [Mage]. Especially for a Human who has never met a Kobold before. But I can assure you, the resemnce you see lies not in any shared culture between us. It is simply because we are people too, although your kind prefers to see us as monsters.
The [Herbalist] spreads a few ingredients out on a piece of cloth. She seemed to be concocting something. First she grabbed some bright rocks gemstones and crushed them into dust. She set them aside as she churned a few dull-colored mushrooms into a sludge.
Edithe hesitated, chewing her lower lip.
S-sorry. I didnt mean any offense. I just meant that you guys arent all that different from us. I mean I should know that now because of Salvos. Shes
The red-haired woman trailed off. Xidra spoke affirmingly as she mixed more ingredients together.
Yes. You are friends with a Demon. How peculiar, as I was under the impression that Humans and Demons did not get along. Of course, we both hold our prejudices against each others kinds. But I do not take offense.
Sprinkling the gemstone dust into the now-glowing liquid, whatever concoction Xidra made puffed up with smoke. The color from it suddenly disappeared, and all that was left was a transparent drink. She held it up for Edithe.
Drink this.
This is
Mypanion made a disgusted face. But Xidra was insistent.
It will help with your mana poisoning.
Steeling herself with a deep breath, Edithe held up the drink against her face. She looked at it for no longer than a mere moment before quickly downing it. When she was finished, her entire face was scrunched up, lips puckered together like she was on the verge of throwing up.
T-thanks
She barely managed to choke out.
You will begin to feel better in two days. When you do, you will have to consume these berries. They are rich in mana, but they are not designed to restore your reserves. Rather, it does the opposite. It will flush out the excess corrupted mana in your system. After all, mana poisoning happens when your body tries to produce mana from a potion even when it can no longer be sustained. So, the mana in your body bes corrupted.
Wait
I piped up from the side.
Isnt that like the blight?
In a way, yes. However, it does not continuously corrode your mana supplies, Salvos the [Mage]. Not in the way the blight does. It works as a reset. To your flow of mana.
Edithe stared at the rainbow-colored berries on her hand.
These are sageberries, arent they? Theyre incredibly rare, arent they?
Yes.
Xidra spoke simply. Edithe snapped her gaze up at the Kobold woman, the disbelief on her face evident.
W-w-what? But why would you give this to me? If you just leave me be, I can probably recover in a month or two.
Hm, perhaps. However, Salvos asked me to cure you, and I owe her my life.
I beamed as Xidra nced my way. When she continued, expanding on her reasoning, I lost some of that pride. You couldve just stopped right there, you know? Theres no need for you to give another exnation! You could just say it was because of Salvos and thats it!
But, no. There was always more.
Also, many of our kinds hold contempt against each other. Is it not better for us to sit together as friends?
Friends?
Edithe worked her jaw.
But didnt we just meet?
Indeed. So, ept that as a token of my friendship with you. Hoxle the [Diviner] and I came out here to learn more about Humans. We do not wish to wage war with your Species, but to make peace.
I-I think you misunderstand.
The red-haired woman raised her hands, almost defensively.
Were not diplomats from the Vaun Qiuer Empire. Were just ordinary adventurers, here trying to level in the gunds.
And the fact that you are in the Dead Zone working with a Demon shows that you are not ordinary adventurers.
Xidra produced a cup from her satchel, pouring herself a drink. She held up a second cup and offered it to Edithe.
Tea?
Oh, thanks.
And you, Salvos?
Gross, no.
I stopped her from giving me any drink. I was fine with just sitting down and talking. Although, I didnt really get to do much of that as Edithe and Xidra both seemed engrossed in their conversation.
I do not misunderstand anything, Edithe the [Mage]. All I wish is to earn your goodwill. Because I know that you will return from the Dead Zone back to yournds, and when you do, you will not fade into obscurity. But instead, you will rise up into something greater, like a Dragon hatching from an egg.
Thats Salvos for sure. And maybe Daniel. But me? Im not really anyone special.
The red-haired woman shuffled ufortably where she sat. Xidra sipped from her drink, craning her neck slightly towards me.
On the contrary, from what Salvos told me of you, I believe you are the most special one here, Edithe the [Mage].
Hey! What about me?
I frowned. Xidra smiled, but not in a Kobold way. Her lips curled up, revealing her pointed teeth.
Certainly, you are special too. However, Edithe the [Mage] is the one risking her life every single day just to keep up with you, is she not? The fact that she is lower leveled than you, and a Human, speaks volumes of her worth.
Huh. That makes sense.
I looked over at Edithe. She was confused. Like she did not understand what was going on. I grinned.
Youre pretty amazing, arent you, Edithe?
What? I
That snapped her out of her stupor. She blushed furiously as she shrunk back.
I think you guys are giving me too much credit. The only reason why Im even alive right now is thanks to Salvos.
It does not matter whether you ept it. I have lived a long life and I have seen many different characters. Even if you are a Human and not a Kobold, it is all the same. Take my nephew, for example.
We nced over at Hoxle, who was not trying to grab for something on Daniels neck. The Human man was barely able to fight him off, barely keeping the ne on. Xidra turned back to Edithe.
The others in our family rejected him when he was a young adult. They believed he was too immature too childish to ever amount to anything. Now, he is the highest leveled member of our family. One of our greatest prides.
The Kobold woman finished her tea and stood up.
And even if I am wrong about you, you can simply take this as a blessing. That I made a mistake, and you are rewarded for it. So, ept this gift and my words.
Yeah!
I nodded eagerly behind Xidra. Edithe opened her mouth. She held the sageberries in her hands. Then she pocketed it.
I thank you. Again.
Xidra bowed her head slightly.
Of course. It was a pleasure talking to a Human for the first time. Now, Hoxle the [Diviner], it is time to go
She turned around and stopped. She stared at her nephew who was now on the ground, wrestling with Daniel. She spoke tly.
What are you doing, nephew?
The weirdo struggled, speaking in grunts as Daniel swatted him back.
This Human doesnt want to remove his Ne of Obfuscation! What is he even trying to hide his ss for? Doesn''t he know it''s rude?!
I snickered as the [Hero] kicked him back.
Chapter 134: Overzealous
Chapter 134: Overzealous
134. Overzealous
Are you feeling better now?
A little bit.
Edithe held up a hand, conjuring a small candle-like me. The fire danced in her palms, almost like it was locked in battle with the air. She banished the spell and turned to me.
I can start to cast moreplex spells now the sageberries really are helping.
She smiled, and I nodded eagerly.
Theyre expensive, right? Xidra was so nice for giving it to you.
Well, more rare than expensive. [Mages] especially ritualistic and experimental ones tend to hoard them for themselves, so its kind of difficult to find anyone selling it. But if you can find a seller, its not going to be super costly like a Medium or High Grade artifact.
Wait, I thought rare things were expensive.
I cocked my head. Edithe shrugged.
Thats not how it always works anyway, just know that it''splicated, alright?
Huh.
I had always known Humans were weird, but this just confused me more than anything. I sat back down on the ground, deciding to focus on studying my scroll. Edithe had taken her sageberries a few days ago. Xidra checked up on the red-haired woman back then, and was optimistic about her speed of recovery.
A few more days.
I heard Edithe mutter from the side. I nced up at her.
A few more days until what?
Until we can get back to it. Return to the gunds, no longer wasting more time here.
Were not wasting time here, Edithe.
Daniel spoke up from the side.
This is a reprieve for all of us its important that we get proper breaks, unless we get ourselves killed wait, why am I telling you this? Youre not Salvos.
Yeah! You''re not me! Dont steal my lines!
I nodded eagerly, agreeing with the Human man. As much as I hated to admit it, Edithe was beaing a bit overzealous right now. Especially after we had nearly died, and she was nearly crippled from magic.
While I enjoyed and preferred to remain active, I could understand when the situation called for otherwise. Just like right now.
Xidras going to take a look at you again today. So, dont do anything stupid until that happens!
I waved a wed finger at her, as if I was talking to a me. I was still in my Kobold Mortal Form. It was better to remain this way until we were back in the gunds. Or the Dead Zone, since Im supposed to pretend to be a Kobold right now.
Edithe chuckled, making herselffortable as shey back down.
Of course not. Its like you said: Im not you.
I crossed my arms, nodding. Then I blinked.
Hey, wait
Sure enough, Xidra the [Herbalist] returned after the sun had set. Each time she had visited, it was after evening hade and gone. But before morning arrived.
While Kobolds did not need as much sleep as Humans, I assumed that they still spent most of the day busy with activities, slowing down only when night came. I could have been wrong that was what I had seen from the very few times I had been in Unarith.
Daniel stood on guard as Xidra made herself known to us he nced about warily, as if he could be attacked at any moment. But the Kobold woman waved a hand off catingly.
Hoxle the [Diviner] did not follow me today. You can be at ease.
The Human mans shoulder sagged. Nav, the red-scaled Kobold, followed behind Xidra. He had a bored look on his face, leaning against his spear as he stopped by a tree.
Xidra settled herself before Edithe,ying out her belongings in a neat pile.
Take this, Edithe the [Mage]. This drink will help your mana flow ease back into normalcy.
Thank you.
Have you been practicing your magic?
I have
The two broke off into a conversation which I wasnt really interested in. I sidled over to Nav, peering over at him.
So how have you been?
I have been doing my job, Salvos the [Mage].
His voice came out almost like a hiss. He stared at me with a frown.
And I can see you are back to being your normal self.
Yep! Trying to be a proper Kobold is hard.
I do not believe it takes much effort to be more reserved.
Perhaps.
I tilted my head up. Then I grinned.
But its not fun!
I could almost see Daniel give Nav a sympathetic look. However, the red-scaled Kobold did not seem too enthused to receive any kind of pity from the Human man. He kept his gaze pointedly turned away from mypanion, only facing me.
I crossed my arms.
Do you not like Humans?
I am indifferent about his kind. However, I was informed by Hoxle the [Diviner] of your friends disrespectful use of artifacts to hide his true ss.
Is that a bad thing? Arent I technically hiding my Subspecies when I transform to my Mortal Form?
Nav shook his head.
It is a different case. A Skill like you have does not truly alter your identity. It simply matches your Subspecies to your closest ss equivalent.
Huh. But I always thought I was more of a [Rogue] than a [Mage]?
You mainly fight with magic, do you not?
I guess I do.
The red-scaled Kobold cast his gaze back towards Xidra. He spoke softly.
And I know your true Species. Your Subspecies even. So, it matters not.
I scratched the side of my head. Truth be told, I did not quite understand this Kobold fixation on addressing people by their ss. I could obviously tell it was some kind of formality thing and I did see my own Subspecies as a part of my identity but I wouldnt care too much if someone hid their ss from me.
Not unless it was someone I was close to. Or if it was directly detrimental in dire circumstances. I nced over at Daniel, ring. He wasnt even looking my way, but I did so anyway.
Maybe thats it? Kobolds have a different kind of social boundary from Humans lying in such a tant way is considered bad to them? It was something I probably should keep in mind when getting to know other Kobolds.
My thoughts were interrupted as Xidra stood up. I turned my attention to her, blinking.
Are you finished?
I came here today solely to administer the necessary treatment to Edithe the [Mage]. Of course, we have exchanged some idle conversation with each other. And that is why I would like to request your presence, Salvos the [Mage].
I straightened, pointing at myself.
What do you need me for?
Yourpanion has made her intentions clear. She wishes to return to the Dead Zone to continue growing stronger. However, it is dangerous. Especially with the blight. As such, I have advised her to seek out the only thing capable of staving off its effects.
She gestured for me to follow. I stared at her back as she spoke, raising her head to the sky.
You will have to seek out the treasures of the Scale Guardians: the Totem of Incense and the Heralds Brush.
--
Xidra led me back through Unarith. I was caught off-guard by her proposition at first, but she borated on what she meant on the way to the Shrine of the Risen Dragons.
I will not guide you to these artifacts myself, nor will I give them to you for free.
Oh, uh, I dont think we have enough gold wait, do you Kobolds even use gold?
It is not for you to buy, Salvos the [Mage]. It is a trade offer.
She stopped right in the middle of a small bridge, right over a stream that ran down in between fertilend growing with crops. The [Herbalist] looked past me, straight at the tall minaret of the Scale Sentinels.
I have realized how dangerous the Zix and his faction truly are now. They will not stop at anything to bring us to war with the Humans. One such way they intend to do this is with the Totem of Incense.
It removes the blight, right? How does that lead to war?
If the Scale Sentinels get their hands on the Totem of Incense, they will be able to cleanse the Dead Zone of its blight. The buffer between thends will be gone, and an invasion from either side can easily be waged.
Xidra continued on, and I followed her. I felt a tingling in the back of my head as Nav looked around.
Before the Dead Zone was formed by the [Necromancer] Lilian, war between Kobolds and Humans would ur almost every other decade. Of course, the severity of such conflicts varied quite greatly. But since the Dead Zone came about, it was reduced to once every century and now, there hasnt been a war for hundreds of years.
Taking a deep breath, she clenched her wed hand.
If the Dead Zone truly were cleansed and war broke out
Then well be able to put an end to the Human problem. They will be wiped off the face of the world, once and for all.
A deep voice cut her off. Three figures stood before us, cutting us off. Zix stood at the front, his arms were folded, but his single wing was spread out wide.
Would that not be for the best, Xidra the [Herbalist]?
Nav immediately took a step forward, cing a hand over the Kobold woman. She narrowed her eyes, and she did not back down.
The extermination of an entire people is not the solution, Zix the [Warrior].
Would you prefer the end of all things, then? Because I do not see any oue otherwise.
I nced between the two of them. Was this about that whole Apocalypse-thing again? This seemed like something maybe Edithe or Daniel would be interested in not me though.
You are too set in your ways.
Xidra snapped back. She red daggers at the obsidian-scaled Kobold.
You do not believe there is any other solution beyond yours. I believe. And that is why I am trying.
She started around him. Nav cautiously walked by her side, while I slowly slipped behind them. Zix scoffed.
And thats why youre asking this outsider of yours to go on a fetch quest?
She paused mid-step.
Yes.
Xidra spun around to face Zix. Their gazes shed the tension was almost electric.
And when she finds the treasures of the Scale Guardians, I will ask her to do the only thing that should be done.
And what, pray tell, is that?
Her eyes slide off of Zix, turning slowly to me. She faced me with a solemn look.
I will ask her to destroy them.
The obsidian-scaled Kobold stared at her dubiously.
You think someone of her level can destroy some of the greatest artifacts our people have ever made?
No.
Xidra continued forward, speaking softly.
But Dragons me can.
His eyes widened as we left him behind. It took him a moment to gather himself, and when he did, he barked after us and pointed an using finger.
Youre going to waste such powerful magic for that? Youve truly lost your mind Xidra the [Herbalist]
None of us turned back once, even when we reached the Shrine of the Risen Dragons. I could no longer hear Zixs angry shouting, but his rage had been almost palpable I felt like I could still feel it lingering over me.
I looked over at Xidra, raising a brow.
So you want us to find both the Totem of Incense and the Heralds Brush just to destroy them?
Destroy only one of them.
She corrected me.
The Heralds Brush is far weaker. Its effects are only temporary, and it cannot be used to transport an army through the Dead Zone. However, the Totem of Incense will have to be destroyed.
Got it.
It was really none of my business. And if we had something that could help us fend off the blight, it was better for us. I turned inquisitively towards the Kobold woman.
Where are they at, anyway? Are you going to give me another magicpass to show me the path?
No.
Xidra spoke simply, shaking her head. I frowned.
Wait, then how are we supposed to find it?
Hoxle shall use his magic to illuminate a path for you. A vision of the way to go. And with those directions, youll have to search for the treasures yourself.
I stared at Xidra. My jaw dropped, mouth hung fully open. Then I sighed.
Oh no Im so going to get us lost, aren''t I?
The morous double doors of the Shrine of the Scale Sentinels were smashed open. Zix stormed in, followed by his two bodyguards. Bodyguards? As if he needed them.
However, he was d they were with him today. If not for them, no one would have stopped him from killing that cursed Xidra there and then.
That fool!
His shout drew the attention of more than one [Cultist] praying off to the side. They were bowed over a golden fang it was said to be the teeth of thest Dragon, given as a gift to Koboldkind before he departed to fight off the corruption.
A young Kobold woman one of his servants hurried over to him. She lowered her head, bending over almost parallel to the ground as she addressed him.
High Zealot, how may I be of use to you?
Zix turned his fury towards her. Did she not realize that he did not need anything from her right now? She was just like his bodyguards utterly worthless. He was just about to snap when he stopped himself. He ced his wed hand on his chin, speaking slowly.
Yes, Iblo. You can be of use to me.
His tongue slithered out in between his teeth as he smiled.
Gather anyone above Level 90. Anyone who wishes to be of use to the Scale Sentinels. Tell them that I have a job for them.
He nced back at his bodyguards. He couldnt have sent them both one of them would insist on following him around. So, he chose the higher leveled one.
[Rogue - Lvl. 103]
And Tarba. You shall be in charge of them.
What am I to do, High Zealot?
You shall follow that girl the one with Xidra once she leaves Unarith.
Zix spun around, walking to another doorway guarded from either side by [Warriors]. She was familiar. He thought she was familiar, although he couldnt ce it. But it didn''t matter.
Follow her until she finds the treasures of the Scale Guardians. I want you to take it for the Scale Sentinels, and kill her.
Yes, High Zealot.
Chapter 135: Northeast... or Southwest?
Chapter 135: Northeast... or Southwest?
135. Northeast... or Southwest?
The world spun around me I could feel the wind grazing against my scales. The still night was unusually bright, as if some sort of magic limned the shadows creeping in every corner, revealing anything hidden from sight.
I flew higher and higher, away from Unarith. I saw the minarets disappearing below me. Those tall towers which dared to reach for the stars were now nothing but specks in the ground. I was spinning, falling, soaring.
I could not move. I was stuck in ce while the skies and the earth that shifted, moving me towards the gunds. I saw the blight billowing up it covered the vastndscape like a nket of green. Such vile magic, produced from the flowers nted by Lilian.
Craning my head back, I took note of the direction I came from. Unarith was to the southwest? That was right, right? So, I had to head northeast.
I continued sailing through the air, carried through the gunds, seemingly empty of its previous undead inhabitants. That was because this was not real. It was not a representation of reality. It was a vision.
What do you see? a voice asked me. It almost sounded like my own voice as if it were my own thoughts. But I knew the real speaker behind it.
Xidra the [Herbalist].
I see dead forests. Hills, as far as I can see. They look like rocks wrinkling the ground from this height.
Pay attention. Look at your surroundings. Make out anything unique anything you can use to lead you to your destination.
I nodded. Sweeping my gaze through thendscape, I tried to discern anything I could, a sharp and distinctive feature, piercing through the veil of blight for me to see. I spotted a small town. It was run-down, half of it eaten up by a blight flower field. Beyond it was a teau its cliffs were steep, running down its sides in an inverted angle.
What else, Salvos the [Mage]?
There is a valley. The same ce where we confronted Gexli. And a fallen city.
The city I first met Xidra in. Where the blight grew thin its pressure almost entirely alleviated.
I was flying faster and faster. The magic sustaining this vision wasing to an end soon. I could see the mana threads holding it together dissolve, begin to fall apart. I had to get to the Scale Guardians treasures before that happened.
Zipping between the broken buildings, I began to lose track of where I was, or where I was even going. I found myself being tugged along, like I was wrapped in chains, being whipped around sharp turns, yanked further and further into the city. I nced about, trying to reorient myself. What was in my surroundings? There was a tower. Was it a part of a temple? The rest of the structure around ity fallen, however it could have been a grand ce of worship once. Slightly to its left, right at the edge of the city, was a mountain. It stood tall taller than any hills I had seen so far. But just as it seemed to reach its peak, it had a depression digging down into its center. Why was that?
I didnt have any time to ask questions. Because, suddenly, I was falling. I descended through rubble and earth, straight down into darkness. I couldnt see anything. Everything was blotted out. It was not just dark. There also wasnt anything to see.
It was just dirt and stone. This was not a tunnel. I was simply going through the ground. My body was not physical not in a vision.
Everything was a blur. I had no idea what direction was up or down.anymore. I just let it bring me to my destination. I burst through a wall, finding myself in a massive cave chamber. It was damp, with visible moisture filling the air. There was a thinyer of mist,ing from the pool orke thatprised more than half of the floor.
Most of thend stuck to the left, towards a tunnel that led up. And to the right was the water, with an ind in the very middle of it. There, in the center of that small piece of earth,y a body.
The remains of a Kobold poked out of the earth, most of its body buried under the sand and dirt. It clutched onto something at its chest. It was like a spear, except it had long, white feathers sticking out where the spearhead should be. Its color was pure, unsullied from the gunds and from time itself. The long handle was golden, decorated with gemstones and runes.
It was the Heralds Brush.
Do you see it? Xidra asked.
I think so? I dont see the Totem of Incense though.
Find it. It should be with
The womans voice was interrupted as more words popped into my head. Gah! I dont think I can keep it up any longer!
Hoxle
I desperately looked around the cave chamber. The Totem of Incense was supposed to berge. And yet, I saw nothing. There was nothing else here.
Sorry, aunt. Im ending the spelll!
No
I reached a hand out as I tried to protest. But the world was slowly shattered around me. It fell like a curtain of ss, each shard tumbling down into darkness as reality took the ce of what was gone. I blinked, rubbing at my eyes.
And I found myself at the very top of the Risen Dragons Shrine. I was at its roof, under the decorated domed ceiling. I sat up, ncing over at Hoxle. He was panting, bent over and clutching his knees.
Bring me back!
I eximed, pointing at him. He shook his head.
No can do. You already pushed me to my limit.
I nced over at Xidra who had her arms crossed. I gave her a pleading look.
Can you get him some mana potions? I couldnt find the Totem of Incense!
Im sorry. That spell is not constrained by his mana reserves. No he had projected you to a far away location. Somewhere he has never been before. He has no connections to it. It is the distance and the unknown that strains him. Even if he tries again, this time you may not even get to the treasures of the Scale Guardians.
But
Hoxle straightened and adjusted his robes. His exhaustion from before was almost gone. He held up a hand, clearing his throat.
Nope. Sorry. Im not using that Skill again. And even if you somehow convince me to use it, youll have to wait a day.
My shoulders sagged.
Aw.
It matters not, Salvos the [Mage]. You have seen where to go. You haveid eyes on what you needed to. The Totem of Incense should be close. I trust that you will not fail your task.
Xidra spoke catingly, cing a wed hand on my back. I scowled, instinctively poking at the scales on my neck out of frustration. Certainly, I had made sure to pay careful attention as the vision progressed. I just had to ry that information to mypanions, then we would reach the treasures just fine!
I faced the Kobold woman, scratching the back of my head. There was no hair there just rough scales.
So Daniel, Edithe, and I will grab these treasures. Then we return and give you your Totem of Incense, which youll destroy?
That is right.
She nodded, exining.
Once you return with the Totem of Incense, we will destroy the totem in front of all to see. A grand ritual will have to be held. Dragon bone will be crushed, grounded to dust, and turned to a ze which captures the former glory of the Old Gods: Dragon me.
Dragon bone?
I cocked my head to the side. She smiled, ncing up.
Yes.
I followed her gaze. I didnt see anything. Just the gilded ceiling, patterned with gemstones that almost seemed to glow, even in the dark. It limned the mural for me to see I had previously thought it was a nonsensical design just to look aesthetically pleasing, but I now realized that the mural was iplete. Before I could say anything, she turned around, gesturing for me to follow.
Come, Salvos the [Mage]. It is time for you to leave and return to yourpanions. Tak your time. Gather yourselves. And when you are ready when all of you are recovered and prepared for another adventure you may venture into the Dead Zone, in search of our lost treasures.
Xidra did not escort me all the way out of Unarith. She simply brought me out of the shrine, stopping at the double doors at the front, bidding me farewell. I focused my thoughts, repeating the directions from the vision to myself.
Ok, first go northeast no, southwest. Wait, no, I was right the first time. I think? Maybe its southwest. Yep, southwest. Alright, then when I reach the gunds, look for a dead forest
My murmurings stopped as I nced up. I narrowed my eyes, feeling the same sensation of before. That of being watched. [Passive - A Hunters Sense] warned me that someone was not-so-sneakily trying to tail me. Was it Zix?
I looked back, past the few other Kobolds filling the street. None of them seemed to be the culprits. Their colorful scales were quite clear during the day and it was morning so most Kobolds wouldnt exactly be the most inconspicuous unless they had a Skill of sorts.
Pretending to know where I was going, I slipped down in between some houses and walked over a wooden bridge. I passed by some scarcely grown crops, stopping to gaze at some odd-looking nts. The Kobold man who owned thend came out of his house to greet me, and I respectfully inquired him about what they were for.
He told me that they were cyric cacti, for attracting the Jerker Locusts away from their other crops. I listened intently until I saw a sh of green bending over and entering a small hut-like building. I excused myself and hurried after the figure.
I pushed aside the drapes hanging over the doorway, entering the shop. A Cyclops man stood over a counter, turning to face me at the slight jingle of the bells loosely held by a thread at the curtain-tips.
Adan
Pausing for a moment, I corrected myself.
Adan the [Trader], it is a pleasure to see you again.
His one eye blinked as I walked up to the counter. He peered at me curiously, as if he had many questions. But eventually, he decided not to ask any of them.
Salvos the [Mage], how may I help you today?
I ced my hands behind my back as Xidra would, sweeping my gaze around the shop. The feeling of being watched was still there. I ignored it, focusing on what I could see. The disy behind his counter was gone. It was the rows of hooks that held the Horn of the Caller I bought when I previously came here, right next to a side door leading further into the building.
The countertop was clear of goods too. In fact, most of Adans wares had been emptied his stock was running low, and I was pretty sure he would leave Unarith soon. What was left were mostly generic goods. Potions you would find being sold by other [Traders].
I picked a healing potion off a shelf, as if inspecting it.
I was nning on leaving the city soon perhaps in a weeks time to return to the Dead Zone. I am soon reaching my evolution, and I am afraid that my excitement may drive me to recklessness. Do you have anything that could possibly offer me extra protection in this shop?
I shot him an inquiring gaze. The Cyclops man bowed slightly, speaking apologetically.
I apologize, Salvos the [Mage]. As you can see, most of what I have brought to your wonderful city has been bought off me. All I can offer are the potions you see before you.
I see.
I raised a brow slightly.
Very well, I shall take them.
Digging into my robes, I stopped myself from pulling out my coin pouch. That was definitely not what would be used by Kobolds to pay for goods. They did trades and bartering, not transactions.
Mypanions and I were running out of potions, so I did want to buy them off Adan. However, there was nothing I could give him. Nothing but what I had on me. And there was nothing I was readily willing to part with. Definitely not my Greaves of the Wanderer. Maybe my Ring of Lesser Protection. Or my Ne of Obfuscation. There is also the Horn of the Caller, but thats
I paused as I felt at something else around my neck. It was a lesser-used artifact, thanks to it not being very useful, and not being able to be used a lot of the time too. My Amulet of Strength.
I produced the artifact for Adan to see, and gestured at the potion rack.
I will take however many this Amulet of Strength can buy.
He took a few moments to look at it, perhaps using a Skill to discern its worth, before he nodded and closed his hand around it. He gave me a number which I didnt dispute, before grabbing an even spread of healing, mana, and stamina potions for me to keep.
I let him gently store it into my sack as I made small talk.
I very much adore your wares, Adan the [Trader]. Doing business with you is always a pleasure.
Why, of course. It is my delight to be of use to you.
I nodded, smiling as I stuck my tongue out.
However, I was wondering if there was really nothing else you can offer me. Perhaps a kind of Draconic Scalemail? Armor that would greatly boost my defenses?
I apologize again, Salvos the [Mage], but
I nced slightly to the back, the front door right at my peripherals.
Surely there is something more here. Perhaps in your back room?
I nced at the door, almost hidden behind the counter. He frowned and rubbed his chin. His mouth opened, but I spoke over him insistently.
There has to be something valuable, no?
His single eye lit up. He finally got what I was saying. He stuffed thest of my potions into my sack, finally amicable to my suggestion, as if he remembered a High Grade artifact he had been saving to sell at ater date.
Certainly, there is more for you to see. If you, ah, just follow me to the back
Tarba the [Rogue], dont you think we should follow after her?
The gray-scaled Kobold nced back. He saw a younger man peering at him, the uncertainty evident on his face. He was Level 91 a high level for his age. But that also meant ack of experience.
Our target has disappeared into the back room. If we lose sight
Silence.
Tarba held up a wed hand. He felt at the dagger hanging by his waist the poison already coated on its tip. He faced the younger man the others behind him shrinking back at his gaze.
Holdo the [Warrior], do you wish topromise us by revealing ourselves to her?
No, thats not what I meant
The younger man started, but Tarba red his way. He was the one in charge of this mission he had to prove himself to the High Zealot. How could he let a foolish younglings mistakes cause him to fail?
We cannot follow after her. We simply stay put and continue to observe her.
Hesitating, Holdo nced back at the shop.
But what if she already knows were here? What if she realized were following her?
That is nonsense.
Tarba shook his head, looking back into the hut-like building. His keen sight allowed him to see clearly everything that was happening there.
She cannot possibly know were here. She is too low leveled. Look, the Cyclops is returning
He paused. His eyes grew wide, and Holdo blinked.
What do you see, Tarba the
Tarba did not respond. Instead, he burst into action.
Follow me!
In a single jump, he crossed the distance to the shop and circled around it. He felt the womans presence growing weaker and weaker. The others following him were not as fast, barely able to keep up with him. He was fast, after all.
He had been confident in his speed, which was why he decided his evolution at Level 100 should make him stronger instead. He would catch this woman before she even turned another corner. At least, that was what he thought.
How? Tarba turned corner after corner, his sense of where she was going growing fainter and fainter. I am Tarba, [Shroudstalker] and [Enforcer Wyrm]. A low leveled [Mage] shouldnt be able to He ran as fast as he could, finally deciding to activate his Skills. Shouldnt be able to escape from me!
But it was toote. His footsteps slowed and he came to a stop, realizing he had lost her. She was gone.
I skipped my way out of Unarith, d to have gotten rid of that ufortable feeling of being watched. The city was far behind me now the potions I had bought from Adan filling my sack.
I found mypanions where I had left them. Daniel was scribbling in his diary, while Edithe was casting a simple fire spell. The pair turned to face me as I arrived. They opened their mouths and I eximed.
It was northeast! I was wrong, it was definitely northeast!
Chapter 136: Growth
Chapter 136: Growth
136. Growth
I stared down at the Runic Scroll of Starfall, trying to decipher the intricate workings of the mana that weaved its spell. I now understood how it worked or at least, its effects. It would summon a hail of stars? Balls of zing fire. Ones that woulde down with a fury that would ravage thend.
Something that was truly befitting a High Grade artifact.
cing the parchment down on the ground, I straightened and raised a w up. I was still in my Kobold form the hand was more Human-like than my regr hand. It was scaly, up until my palms where it grew softer. I focused on the spell, on trying to replicate it. I knew I couldnt cast the same magic just yet it was beyond my level, and beyond my understanding of magical theory.
Edithe had been teaching me. But even if she was truly a master of magic some kind of [Archmagus] that didnt mean I could learn it all at once. It was not long ago that I didn''t even know what rocks were!
Wisps of me blinked themselves into existence over the palm of my hand. They danced in a circle, chasing after each other, lighting a blue halo in the darkness of night. I slowly lowered my hand, letting the spell carry itself up, floating higher and higher.
It hovered nearly a head above me,bining into a single ball of fire. It was shaped almost like a flower petal about the size of my hand. I pointed forward, releasing the magic.
And it dissipated.
Aw.
I stared at the bits of cinder king down to the floor. The magic within it was mostly gone. I scowled.
I dont think its powerful enough tounch out like small stars.
I had to ask Edithe about it when she woke up. I looked over towards the horizon I couldnt see the orange ball poking its edges out. But I had a feeling it would be rising soon.
No need to rush to wake them up. Theyll get up on their own soon enough.
They didnt like it whenever I did that. So, I let them sleep some more.
--
Thats the thing about these scrolls, Salvos. Theyre designed for a very specific purpose and oue. You can break it down, try to learn from it. But you cant just copy its magic not even when youre transcribing another scroll.
Edithe spoke as she hefted her Bag of Holding over her shoulder. It had been a few days since I returned from Unarith, and now she was fully recovered, ready to tackle the gunds once more. I nodded slowly, back to normal, no longer a Kobold.
Huh. That makes a lot of sense.
Its a simr thing with enchantments although they can be copied. But not with scrolls. Those can have their effects replicated, but not if you use the same runes and magical weaving as the original scroll does.
I conjured the same wisps of me.
So this cantunch out like mini Fireballs?
Not in the same way the Runic Scroll intended.
My shoulders slumped over. That sucked. I glowered as I followed after mypanions. However, Edithe must have noticed my disappointment. She smiled as she gave me a reassuring look.
Well, I think its impressive that you managed to even create this. Who knows? You may find a different use for this spell.
...thanks.
I couldnt lie and say that didnt lift my spirits just a little bit. Daniel held up apass, pointing northeast.
Are you sure this is the way, Salvos?
Yep! I made sure to pay attention to where the sun was!
I tilted my head up, seeing its current location in the sky. It certainly looked like we were heading in the right direction. I gave him a thumbs-up.
Yep! We just have to keep going until we enter the gunds. Therell be a town thats half-eaten by a blight flower field, a valley we have to cross, and a few other things well spot to know if were going the right way.
We returned back to the gunds, greeted by the green-ish mist that covered the sky, and an arrow to the ground before us. A group of [Skeleton Archers] caught sight of us as we walked in, attacking us immediately before we could even react.
They were not the most dangerous undead, however it was still odd to see them so close to the peripheries of the gunds. Was it because we came in from a different side? It was possible.
I charged the Skeletons, supported mypanions from behind. Edithe sted them with her [Storm of Ice and Fire], while Daniel engaged them with his [Aura of the Sentinel].
I had to leap quickly, closing the distance between us, using [me Burst] to snap away from the arrows that curved after me. Some of them even exploded or set the ground on fire. They blurred all around me some even nicked my skin. But I eventually reached them.
I took them apart quickly. The dangerous part had been avoiding their volley of arrows. Each one not so effective at close rangebat. I kept mostly to my [Barrage of Cinders], striking for the Skeletons limbs. Their joints were brittle it was like fighting Golems.
And I could beat Golems rtively easily.
Defeated [Skeleton Archer - Lvl. 100]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Defeated [Skeleton Archer - Lvl. 101]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
No Ghouls were leading them, huh?
The ivory bones crunched under my feet as I returned to Edithe, walking alongside Daniel. The red-haired woman shrugged.
Its better this way. Were back here to find the Heralds Brush and the Totem of Incense. And, um, destroy one of them?
The Totem of Incense. But theyll destroy it themselves. We can keep the Heralds Brush for ourselves.
Its a good thing too
Daniel sighed, rubbing at his shoulders as if they were sore.
Im getting tired of this blight.
Reaching into my sack, I produced a single cleansing flower for mypanions to see.
The blight isnt going to be too much of a problem for now. Especially since Xidra even gave me this. To avoid situations likest time.
Edithe shook her head, speaking in a determined voice.
Its fine, Salvos. Theres no need to worry about me. I feel better than ever.
I eyed the red-haired woman. Usually, I would be dubious of her words whenever she said something like that. But now, I could see that meeting with Xidra had changed something in her. It wasnt a drastic change however, it was enough to reassure me.
Then lets continue.
--
Huh.
Dont copy me! Thats my line!
I folded two of my arms, and pointed usingly at Daniel with one of my free hands. He blinked a few times, before ignoring myment.
You really were telling the truth.
His gaze was fixed on the town. It wasnt even really much of a town anymore. There were a few decrepit buildings scattered about. It made it quite clear that it was never really a massive poption living here perhaps it was some kind of farming town like Ghostlight had been.
Either way, there was arge wall of green gas cutting halfway through the town. It was like a curtain had been pulled over, abruptly blocking half the stage from view. The blight nketed over whatever other remains of the town there was, with blight flowers clearly growing on the rotten wood of copsed houses.
I narrowed my eyes, picking out a few figures lurking within.
Im never going back in there.
Edithe spoke defiantly. I nced back at her and nodded in agreement.
Me neither.
We tried to give the blight flower field a wide berth, warily keeping away from its perimeter so that nothing inside could justunch out and attack us. Unfortunately, that meant we didnt pay attention to the dead forest to our back.
A Ghoul, leading a group of Skeletons, charged out and attacked us from between the spindly trees. I caught sight of the undead the thudding footsteps of the bounding Ghoul, as well as the cking of the Skeletons before calling out a warning.
Daniel, Edithe!
I looked back at the both of them. They were readying their weapons but behind them, I once again saw the shadows lurking in the blight. I remembered what happened thest time around. It was a bad series of events that led us into the blight flower field. We had been nked from multiple sides.
It was the gunds. A ce that was above our level. Anything could happen. Even if we could have won this fight it was only a single Ghoul we might get attacked by something else. So, there was only one smart option to do here.
Run for it!
Mypanions were caught off-guard by what I said. They stopped to exchange a nce, only for me to exasperatedly gesture past them.
Hello? Are you listening? Run!
They made a dash away from the charging undead. I spun around, facing the Ghoul down. It moved fast it had to be at least Level 105. If I used my Greaves of the Wanderer, I could have been able to outrun it. But mypanions wouldnt. So, I just had to distract it for a bit.
Raising a finger, I pointed at the Ghoul as I let out a growl.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call].
I focused only on the Ghoul. Not on the Skeletons or the [Zombies] hiding within the blight. I was not going to call down a horde on me. No I knew better than that. I just had to draw the Ghouls attention. Its Skeletons would bumble after it, and it would leave the other undead in the area out of this.
Activating [Self Haste], I just barely dodged a savage swing from the Ghoul. I circled around it, backing up as its Skeletons came to its side. Then I released a [ming Breath], engulfing them in the cone of blue fire.
The Skeletons faltered, but the Ghoul charged right through. It tore through the mes. But I was no longer there. It spun around, seeing me getting further and further away from it with each [me Burst]. The Ghoul let out a terrifying shriek a ring of gray energy shot out towards me, slowing my pace.
I scowled, realizing that the Ghoul would catch up to me at this rate. I grabbed for the strings of mana in the air around me, immediately weaving it into interlinking chains. A scythes edge ran down one side of the chains the Sickle Grenade was far easier to form now that I was used to creating it.
It was just as I had expected. Sure, [Passive - Refined Casting] was useful for the short-term. But in the long-run, I would be able to cast magic at the same level of efficacy as it with time, practice, and experience. Swinging the Sickle Grenade above my head, I tossed it straight at the Ghoul leading the charge. [Title Skill: Zealous Call] was no longer afflicting it, but I was the only visible enemy within its surroundings.
The first st only sent it stumbling forward, killing a few of its mindless minions. But the second knocked it off the ground I had quickly created another Sickle Grenade, and threw it at the off-bnced Ghoul. More Skeleton bones went flying through the air as the Ghoul was knocked back.
I felt the curse leaving my body. The Ghoul was slightly hurt maybe I could finish it off if I continued fighting it for a little longer. However, I didnt intend on staying separate from mypanions for too long. I took the chance I had and made a break for it. After all, I did level up from that encounter.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Defeated [Unarmed Skeleton - Lvl. 96]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 89] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 90]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
--
I returned to mypanions not long after. They were d to see that I was safe, and our journey continued with not many other interruptions. The gunds were dangerous, yes, but it was also vast, and we knew how to avoid unnecessary fights, especially when they hindered our goal.
It was night by the time we found the valley I had seen. I recognized it immediately since it was where I rested with Xidra before confronting Gexli. With the blights effects weaker here, we thought it was a good ce to set up camp.
They ate their Human foods and exchanged light conversations. Then Edithe retired to bed, while Daniel wrote for a little bit in his diary. I was studying the Runic Scroll of Starfall, messing with the me I could conjure, and trying to figure out a practical use for it when the Human man snapped his book shut.
Im going to head to bed, Salvos. Please dont wake us up in the middle of the night with some kind of explosion.
Of course I wont.
I snorted, letting the dancing fire now more like a twinkling star than burning wisps making a halo dissipate.
You Humans need your sleep, and thats fine. But if something attacks us, Ill shout and scream until youre awake even if you dont want to.
He smiled.
Youve grown quite a lot, havent you? Not only have all your directions been right so far, but you didnt get lost when you went to draw that Ghouls attention.
I beamed and raised my chin up.
I have!
I eagerly agreed with him. Then I paused. I stared at the Human man, remembering recent events. He raised a brow as I addressed him.
And you should too, Daniel.
Uh, what?
The Human man was puzzled or was he only pretending? It was hard to tell. But I turned my gaze towards Edithe, who was sleeping soundly in her bed roll over at the corner of the alcove. I shook my head.
There was nothing I could tell him that would change his mind. I had already made my opinion on the matter clear. So, I just spoke the truth.
I can understand your apprehension, Daniel. Itd be like if I were to reveal my nature as a Demon to someone like Saffron or Hadrian. I dont know what will happen.
He opened his mouth, but I cut him off.
However Edithe is yourpanion as much as she is mine. The both of you have fought alongside each other against a Greater Demon 20 levels above you, and have survived the gunds alone together. It is not like she is someone you cant trust.
Hesitating, Daniel shifted on his feet. He chewed his lower lip, speaking softly.
...I know that, Salvos.
He sighed, zing over at the sleeping woman with a sad look. Then he averted his gaze.
The problem isnt her, but me. Im just afraid.
Getting to my feet, I ced a hand on his shoulder. A shadow was cast over his face, his gaze now resting on the palm of his hand.
I know you are.
I remembered what he told me about his past. About his world. It really was not fair for someone like him to be thrust into this situation. Unfortunately, that didnt matter.
However, if you keep hesitating especially in the most dire of moments eventually, you will make a fatal mistake. Someone might die. You might die. Do you really want that to happen?
He was still uncertain I could see it in his face, in the way he moved back away from me. But at least, this time, he didnt just avoid the issue.
Ill talk to her about it. Not right now. But I promise, I will do it.
Chapter 137: Straight Down
Chapter 137: Straight Down
137. Haunt
More days passed as we traversed through the gunds, getting closer and closer to our destination. While we did prioritize speed by avoiding unnecessary fights, we were still heading to a nebulous location. The fact that I knew of somendmarks to keep an eye out for didnt mean that we were traveling in the exact direction we were supposed to go. Also, we couldnt run from every fight, even if we really tried.
The Ghouls proved themselves to be rather problematic, chasing us with a speed that I could barely even match at times. We made an effort to avoid Ghouls to the best of our abilities, because if we saw them, we knew we would be forced into a prolonged chase or even a battle.
There were other undead in the gunds that were not as fast as the Ghouls. Skeletons, [Wights], and these [Flesh Scum] it was the first time I had seen them, and they were like walking corpses if you only removed their skin, each around Level 110 were rtively slow moving, so we didnt have to fight them. The only other impediment we had to face came from the [Nightscourers].
We didnt see much of them, but when we did, they came in a swarm. Arge flock of [Nightscourers] harassed us for over a day, until we wiped them out entirely. Because of this, I leveled up twice.
Defeated [Ghoul of Fright - Lvl. 106]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [Nightscourer - Lvl. 101]
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 90] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 91]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 91] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 92]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Perhaps it was because we were deep within the gunds now the undead we were facing were tougher, each giving more experience. Especially the Ghouls, since they werent swarm monsters. So, I felt like I was leveling faster.
The drawback was that each battle was more dangerous than against a group of brittle Skeletons, because not only did we still have to deal with the Skeletons, we also had to deal with the other undead in the gunds. It was a trade-off increased risks for increased rewards.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 92
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 6
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5)
[Strength]: 80 (+5)
[Endurance]: 85 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 133 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 183 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 12
[me Burst] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 13
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I raised [me Burst] to its max, considering that it was one of my most useful Skills right now. The same went for [Barrage of Cinders] and [Intimidation]. I also progressed in my own magical abilities not just through leveling, but with what I could do with the spell I had learned. It hovered around me, like some kind of twinkling star.
It was not entirely useful just yet. But I eyed it its potential and I knew there was a lot more to learn about it. Dismissing the ming orb, I turned my attention towards the city before us. Broken buildings jutted out of the ground like dangerous spikes. It had been a proper city once, with a wall that girdled its perimeter, and maybe even a castles keep somewhere within.
Maybe it had streets bustling with life, a rich market full of thriving merchants, and an Adventurers Guild where young men and women pursued their dreams of glory and triumph. It might have even had temples scattered throughout it worshipping the Spirits that were summoned into this ne.
The people living here might have even relied on the adventurers and Spirits to help protect them in the case of a Kobold invasion. The odd-shaped mountain neighboring it would have served as a good natural defense against an attack. Monsters might have lived there, but how was that anything adventurers couldnt deal with?
Regardless, that was all gone now. Whaty before us was a husk of a city. It was in an even worse shape than the towns Lucerna had rampaged through, razed down to nothing but ashes. I had been here once before. However, I was alone and lost. I didnt really pay much attention to its state back then as I was busy trying to find a way back to Ghostlight.
This is it.
I spoke simply, drawing the attention of mypanions. The pair exchanged a nce before facing me.
Are you sure?
Edithe asked, looking back at the city. I was certain she could see what I saw the way the blight almost seemed to disappear around the citys edges. She knew. She just wanted to make sure that I did too.
Im certain.
Stepping forward, I gestured for the two Humans to follow after. They walked at my back without protesting, proof that they trusted my directions, no longer dubious of my navigational skills. Well, I wasnt exactly all that confident of myself. However, in this case, I knew I was right.
We reached the outer edges of the city undisturbed. No undead lurked around this area. Did it have to do with theck of blight? Edithe told me that Skeletons and Ghouls and other such undead could exist outside of the gunds. It was just that they were drawn to a blight, like wild Demons to their prey.
I felt the pressure of the unholy magic leave my shoulder it didnt make me move slower or make me weaker it simply made it more tiring for me to do most things. Which wasnt much of an issue as long as I had a supply of potions. We walked through the empty, broken city, tracing the steps I had taken during that vision. Or the direction I had flown.
You said you went underground, didnt you?
I turned around as Daniel asked the question. He scratched a hand on his chin, staring down at the stone and debris scattered across the dirt ground.
Why dont we just use magic to burrow down?
Edithe shook her head.
Firstly, neither Salvos nor I are [Geomancers]. And even if we were, we wouldnt know where to go. We may just dig straight down and fall off the world.
Daniel raised a brow. He said nothing. Although I knew what he was thinking from what he told me about his world, Earth, it was spherical. Meanwhile, the Nexeus was not, and he found it stupid. I didnt really care either way.
Shrugging, the Human man kicked a pebble aside as he trudged behind us through the deste streets.
I just think its better than searching through every fallen building for a hole that goes straight down to an underground cavern.
I didnt go down a hole, Daniel.
I shook my head, stopping right by a still-standing home. I poked at its side and it copsed, crumbling into a pile of dust.
Why do old things always do that?
Because theyre old.
Daniel crossed his arms. He nced around, sweeping his gaze through the city.
So, if you didnt go down a hole, what happened?
I was snapped around buildings until I was pulled to the ground. I simply went through it was a vision, not reality.
We continued searching, scouring the entirety of the broken city until night fell. When morning came the day after, we finally found the spot I was sucked down.
This temple structure this was what youst saw?
I nced around the ruins there was a pir standing in one corner. It probably made up one of the foundations of the structure before it copsed. And the tower I had seen was there too. It reminded me of a minaret, except the architecture was slightly different.
Tilting my head up slightly, I found myself staring at the mountain with a deep depression at the top. The sun was peeking over it, still rising as it was morning.
Could this have been a Kobold city? Why do they have minarets here, anyway?
Thats not a minaret, Salvos.
Edithe shook her head. She gestured at the tall tower.
Its an obelisk. It belongs to the Den of Souls every one of their temples have an obelisk dedicated to the Spirit Lord. Although, this one seems worn out. The carvings on it too faded. If it wasnt, youd be able to see the Spirit Lord in all his majesty on each side.
Huh.
I nced about.
Well, this was what Ist saw before seeing nothing but darkness. This fallen temple, that obelisk, that weird mountain
Volcano.
Daniel felt the need to correct me too. I nodded.
Right. Volcano. And that fallen part of the citys wall there
I continued listing other things that were around us. I only paused as I realized Edithe was no longer listening, her attention fixed to the rising sun. She spoke softly.
...thats not a volcano, Daniel.
The Human man blinked.
Its not?
Look at its peak thats not a caldera nor a crater. Thats a hole.
She nced back at him.
That was done by magic.
--
Sure enough, we scaled to the top of the mountain and found a massive pit, falling straight down to total darkness. The three of us nced between each other. I took a step forward.
If you guys are too scared, Ill go down first.
I conjured the fiery orb, letting it hover by my side as I started climbing down the cliff face. Following my lead, Edithe created a ball of light while Daniel was forced to rely on her magic to even see. He grumbled as he almost slipped, losing his footing.
Gah I need my own magic. Or a torch.
You know a basic Light spell is easy to learn, right?
Edithe peered at him, climbing at a slightly slower pace than me.
You could always pick up a tome and spend a month or two learning it.
Or I could use a torch.
I wish I had wings.
I sighed as mypanions held their conversation above me. I felt the patter of dust and the asional pebble hitting my head, but it never was more than a minor hindrance. I paused, having an idea. My body was lit aze, and Daniel faced me suspiciously.
What are you doing, Salvos?
Trying something out with [Ember Core]!
The armor slowly receded from most of my body as I focused it on my back. I molded its shape into that of wings the same ones Hoxle had.
You can do that?!
Edithe stared at me, aghast. I looked at my wings.
I guess so? The question is do they work?
Wait, Salvos no
Mypanions called out at the same time. But they were too slow. I let go of the protruding rocksI had been grabbing onto, leaping down into the deep pit. I tried to move the fiery wings. And they did. But they didnt p like the wings of a bird or wings. It was like they were iling instead.
Also, they did nothing to slow my descent.
Huh.
I felt myself falling faster and faster, the light from Edithes spell almost vanishing as only my surroundings were lit up. I quickly created a kusarigama as the hole opened up around me into arger cave chamber. I tossed the sickle edge of the weapon at the rock wall, grabbing tightly onto the chains with my four arms.
The kusarigama wedged itself deep into the stone as I clung on, pulling myself closer to the sloped earth. I slid down the rest of the way before letting the fire weapon dissipate,nding with a roll.
That didnt work.
Scowling, I let the winged [Ember Core] vanish, returning back to the armored form it usually took on. I waited for mypanions to reach the very bottom as well. The pair said nothing, just giving me a judging stare.
What?
I looked between both of them. I spread my arms out defensively.
It was an experiment! Also Im Level 92! I never wouldve died from that!
Lets just continue.
There was only one way to go, and that was through arge passageway leading further down. I was feeling optimistic about it I remembered seeing a tunneled entrance to the cave chamber that held the Heralds Brush.
Mypanions took the lead, to which I begrudgingly allowed. They were too cautious sometimes! Experiments required risks!
Eventually, we found ourselves entering the same massive cavern I had seen in my vision. There were stctites hanging off the ceiling, with a thinyer of mist filling the cave, almost blocking our vision. We waded our way further in, until we could make out the ind sitting in the middle of theke. I spoke softly.
There it is.
How are we going to make it across?
Daniel hesitated, shuffling his feet. Edithe and I looked over at him as he averted his gaze.
I, uh, cant swim.
You cant?
The red-haired woman shot him a piercing gaze. He shrunk back.
I cant swim well. Maybe I can waddle over but thats
Embarrassing.
Her words cut straight through him. He stumbled back.
Look I just never had to learn how to, alright?
I rolled my eyes, dipping a hand into the water.
Its not even that deep, Daniel. Its kind of shallow, actually. We can just walk across
I paused, feet raised and about to step into theke. My eyes grew wide as mypanions turned to me. The words resounded in my head as I took a step back instead, scratching my cheek almost shyly.
Thiske is going to be a tiny bit tough to cross.
The pair didnt even manage to get a word out as the chill ran over us. A kind of frost that cooled at our skin, but didnt actually freeze our bodies. Instead, it cursed us.
Now Entering [Lair: Haunt of the Wights ].
Chapter 138: Haunt
Chapter 138: Haunt
138. Haunt
Now Entering [Lair: Haunt of the Wights ].
I grabbed mypanions, leaping back away from the pool of water ahead. The words resounded in my head once again, this time telling me that I was leaving the Lair as I felt the curses effect dissipate. Daniel and Edithe drew their weapons as I ced them back on the ground, although the confusion was evident on their faces.
Uh, whats going on, Salvos?
There was a curse, Daniel. But Im not sure what it was from.
The pair looked at me, waiting for what I had to say. I fixed my gaze on theke there were figures moving in the water, slowly rising up and forming ripples on its surface. I created a Sickle Grenade and pointed at them.
[Wights]. Look. Im not sure how many of them are there, but
I nced back at mypanions. They were Level 90 and Level 85. We were certainly higher leveled than when west ran into a group of [Wights], however if memory served, these undead were around Level 110. And it was an entire Lair.
We need to get ready. Theyreing!
I hurled the Sickle Grenade forward as the first of the blue creatures dragged itself out of theke. It had a twisted neck a disfigured Kobolds face that hung loosely off its body. It was smaller than even Edithe, and its wed hands almost dragged on the floor as water dripped from a twitching finger.
The explosion didnt knock it back, although it sent a pir of water bursting out of theke. I could see more of the [Wights] now. None of them looked like the corpse of a Human, each of them bumbling forward almost meticulously towards us.
These were not the first undead Kobold I had seen. However, their size and their original Species mattered not. They were [Wights]. And they had their sights set on us.
[Wight - Lvl 107]
[Wight - Lvl. 110]
[Wight - Lvl. 113]
Edithe, Daniel!
The Human mans [Aura of the Sentinel] red up, and Edithe sted the approaching [Wights] with her [Storm of Ice and Fire]. I stepped forward, engulfing the forefront undead with a [ming Breath]. However, it walked through the fire like it wasnt even there and brought a hand out to touch me.
I felt its curse pressing on my shoulders, trying to ground me to the earth. It slowed my movement, a different one form before, not draining my mana. So, they can use different types of curses then? Before it could touch me, I managed to stumble out of the way with [Self Haste] and a proceeding [me Burst].
Just as I hit the ground with a thud, the [Wight] swiped its hand at where I stood. The oppressive feeling bogging down my movements vanished. I felt like I could move at full speed again. And suddenly I felt a wing at my chest. The light from the Ring of Lesser Curse Protection turned into a re shining even more so than before as deep scars formed across my flesh. ck blood trickled down my leg as I grimaced, clutching at the wound.
Stupid curses!
I fumbled for a healing potion from my sack and downed it as Daniel stepped forward, engaging that same [Wight]. His de curved around the undead, avoiding the shing ws and striking straight at its blue sh. His [Aura of the Sentinel] dissipated for a moment as the weapon blurred, slicing off the undeads head.
Defeated [Wight - Lvl. 110]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
One down and thats one of my better Skills used!
The Human man called out as he leapt back, only managing tond a single cut on one of the other approaching [Wights]. I growled, creating a fire bow and a Refined zing Bolt from the back.
Theres over a dozen of them!
It was a Lair. What else did I expect? I loosed the arrow at one of the lumbering [Wights]. The mes sshed over the undeads head. Its movements were not slowed, although I could see its neck snap back from the impact.
A second arrow shot out, cutting through the thinyer of mist, setting the ground alight as it sped to the [Wight]. It didnte from me. Edithe lowered her staff as her Skill struck the undead, ncing over at me and calling out.
Salvos theyre too powerful for our individual Skills!
I can see that!
I yelled as I fired another Refined zing Bolt out. The [Wight] actually moved out of the way in time, and the attack sted another undead behind it. I clicked my tongue, creating another Sickle Grenade instead. That would have hit its mark, even if it did less damage total.
The weapon my grasp over its magic vanished. It flickered out of existence as multiple curses struck me at once. It wasnt the same painful, wing sensation of before. This one simply messed with my control over magic. It undid the threads of mana weaving together, untying the ribbons that made up the Sickle Grenade.
A [Lightning Orb] sted the foremost [Wight], followed by Daniel running it through with his sword. The undead crumpled over, dead for good. But itspanions pressed on. Edithe ran up to me, grabbing me by the arm as Daniel once again drew away from the [Wights].
Back up! Were faster than them we have to take advantage of what we got!
And what is that?
I narrowed my eyes, facing the red-haired woman. I felt a surge of energy run through me my mana was not just replenished, but it felt invigorated. As if I could cast spells even beyond my level. Edithe drew her hand back as she spoke.
Combination casting.
Huh.
Now hurry!
The three of us continued to back away from the [Wights], keeping a good distance away from them as Edithe and I hurled spells their way. Every time they got close enough to inflict their curses upon us, we relocated much further back. It was almost simple; the [Wights] couldnt move fast. It was like they were Infant Demons, slowly crawling towards us.
The problem was that they were relentless. Only one fell each time they caught up to us. It was like the darkness of night, it encroached on the day, no matter what we did to try and stop it. The [Wights] came, even as we fled back down the tunnel.
Edithe supported me as I loosed Refined zing Bolts down at the [Wights]. These ones didnt just shine brilliantly, lighting up the cavern as they soared at their targets. They cut through the air, their white light bouncing off the walls, revealing their almost jagged edges. And unlike previous iterations of the spell, this one didnt just pierce my enemies. Theybusted setting them aze with white mes.
Another [Wight] fell. I downed mana potion after mana potion and so did the woman. We were careful not to push ourselves too hard. Neither of us wanted to get mana potion poisoning. Especially Edithe. Not again.
Dead end,ing up!
I called out as I nced back. The [Wights] had pushed us all the way back to where we started. Right at the bottom of the pit, where I hadnded. Enough time had passed that I was able to send another [ming Breath] down the tunnel. With all the undead clumped up together, I could catch them all with one single attack.
They were starting to falter. Their numbers were down to the single digits. But we were exhausted. I couldnt even escape the blunt strike from one of the [Wights] after I used my Skill.
It knocked me back, tearing straight through my Ring of Lesser Protection. Then I felt the after effects crush my body another kind of curse that broke one of my arms. My Ring of Lesser Curse Protection was no longer active. All my protections, apart from [Ember Core], were gone.
And even then, I was struggling to keep up that Skill. Once it broke, I would have nothing left. I staggered over to mypanions, popping a healing potion open and pouring it over my wounds. Daniel covered me as I did, swinging wildly at the trudging [Wights].
Edithe ran over to my side, helping me back and raising her staff.
Get back!
She called out to the Human man. He was quick to follow her orders. Hurrying after us, he exited the stone passageway to the cave opening. What awaited us was a cliffs face a long way up through a vertical incline. Wed have to climb to even get out of here.
Edithe let go of me, keeping her staff aimed at the tunnel. She closed her eyes as icy wisps gathered around its tip. The entire room grew cold. A chill crept down her arm, covering it with a thinyer of sleet. The spell finally coalesced as she shouted its name.
[Shield of the Misty Lord]!
The [Wights] progress was halted. The tunnel was blocked by a thick wall of ice. It took the shape of a badge, the same kind the Adventurers Guild would give out for each rank. A glow left its center, red light branching out to the edges like a spider web crack.
Edithe nced over at Daniel and I, panting heavily.
That wont hold them off for long. We have to flee, climb out of here before they break through.
But the Heralds Brush
I started, but was cut off as Edithe shook her head.
Well just have to returnter. When were more prepared fuck, how many [Wights] were there?
Too many for us to handle. Its a Lair. Salvos, Edithe is right. Theres no point in taking unnecessary risks now.
I hesitated, looking over at where the [Wights] were. Edithes Skill was still up. It would hold for a moment longer. However
They wont stoping. Theyll give chase. Well keep fleeing. And we might run into more undead.
We have no other choice, Salvos.
Edithe ced a hand on my shoulder. But I was adamant. I ced a hand on my sack, pulling out a thin object.
There is still a way.
She blinked as she saw the rolled-up piece of parchment.
Youre going to use the Runic Scroll of Starfall here?
Thats right. Theres no point in keeping this scroll if Im never going to use it when its needed. And right now
A crack a proper crack formed on the surface of the ice. The red glow flickered, wavering from the banging by the [Wights].
I looked up at the far climb, then back ahead of us. I unfurled the scroll as the glyphs and sigils in it lit up.
Nows the time to use it.
Edithe wanted to protest. I wasnt sure why she was so against using the High Grade artifact.
Even if you use it now, there may still be more [Wights] in the Lair!
I shrugged.
And there may be more [Wights] waiting for us aboveground. Everything has its risks. Im taking mine.
The [Shield of the Misty Lord] shook. The iling of the [Wights] did more than just chip away at its exterior. Their powerful blows sent a trembling through the earth, chipping off pieces of the rock wall along with the ice.
My Runic Scroll of Starfall shone with a scintiting light. The sketchings on its paper began to ovey themselves into reality, forming aplex, almostttice-like pattern in front of me. The ice wall broke, its glow vanishing as tendrils of mist poured in with the [Wights]. I opened my mouth
And Daniel sighed. He stepped past me before I could cast the spell. His sword was drawn, held out at his side. I quickly stopped the scroll from doing anything as he rested his palm on his forehead.
You know, Salvos, you really like to embarrass me, dont you?
What are you doing? Are you crazy
I paused as he held my gaze. The [Wights] came slowly at him from behind, but I said nothing. I realized what he was doing why he stood before me.
Edithe didnt get it. She tried to rush forward. I stopped her as Daniel spun around, taking a deep breath and raising his de.
Salvos, let go of me what is he?
Edithe. There is something I must admit: I havent beenpletely honest with you. Its a lie a white lie, perhaps. But one that has nearly cost our lives many times. I lied because I was scared. Because I was afraid of what could happen. However, I will not run any longer. Because
His sword was wrapped in an incandescent sheen that could be seen from even the top of the mountain. It wasnt just some fancy aura. It exuded power. One that even my greatest Skills couldnt match. Closing his eyes as the first [Wight] reached for him, Daniel let out a deep breath.
Because I am a [Hero].
He blurred forward as Edithes eyes grew wide. A grin spread across my face as he swung his glowing de, striking three of the mighty undead at once.
[Heros sh]!
Chapter 139: The Hero
Chapter 139: The Hero
139. The Hero
A brilliant light overcame Daniels long sword. Its silver edge was wreathed by ribbons of a glowing aura. It coiled up to the tip of the de, radiating power as it covered the weapon in its entirety. With a single swing, the [Hero] sliced apart three [Wights].
The powerful, mighty undead that had pressed us this far. The ones that moved like an indomitable and relentless force. They were killed in an instant.
There was a ringing in my head. The notification that the undead were in tolled like a bell, marking their true deaths. It resounded with an echo as the streak of white light shed forward, its energy dissipating from the initial attack, but still reaching out and pushing the other [Wights] back.
The scattering specks of glowing aura tore into the skin of the undeads. They reeled from the attack more than they ever had from my [ming Breath]. Edithe stared on, mouth hanging agape at the onught unleashed with a single Skill.
The Skill of a [Hero].
I took a step forward, creating a Sickle Grenade. However, as the blue embers coalesced into my hand, Daniel leapt back and raised his sword.
[The Will of the Hero]!
His voice boomed throughout the cavern. He sounded different like he was not the same person I knew. There was something in his words that drew me forward. It empowered me, giving me a surge of strength and determination.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5) (+10%)
[Strength]: 80 (+5) (+10%)
[Endurance]: 85 (+5) (+10%)
[Wisdom]: 133 (+5) (+6) (+10%)
[Agility]: 183 (+5) (+10%)
I moved faster my magic wove together as if I were some kind of master seamstress, working the threads of mana delicately and efficiently to create the explosive weapon. It zed with the fury of the stars itself. I didnt even realize that I hadnt just created the Sickle Grenade by itself. I pulled the mes from the orb hovering around me stealing its wisps to create something new.
The vigor I felt was electric. A hand rested on my shoulder. Edithe straightened, giving me a nod as I held the Refined Sickle Grenade above my head. My visioned fixed on the [Wights] befre us. There were still half a dozen of them left. I hurled the projectile at them, not letting go of the chains. The sickled edge detached from the fiery links,unching at the undead.
A powerful st engulfed the [Wights], swallowing them in the blue mes like it was the deepest depths of the ocean. As the inferno raged before me, I held up the chains still clung onto in my hand. It morphed, shifting forms, as if it were growing another de at its end.
This second Refined Sickle Grenade formed itself far faster than the first. However, just as I was about to toss it at the undead once again, I saw Daniel stepping forward. He met the [Wights] in battle, [Aura of the Sentinel] shining brighter than it ever did. This was his Skill. The Skill of a [Hero].
I let go of the Refined Sickle Grenade. I didnt want to catch him with my attack. So, instead, I let the spell disperse. It receded back into the small, twinkling orb of me it came from. It hovered around me, circling me slowly as it took on another shape. I dashed forward, leaving Edithe behind to support my otherpanion.
The dancing wisp expanded it grew longer, into the vague shape of an arrow. The Refined zing Bolt hung in the air above me, following me as I leapt into battle. It had no bow to guide it. The bowstrings that normally held it were reced by the mana twines, suspending it in the air as I manipted it with my fingers.
The Refined zing Bolt snapped around me as I tugged the magic forward. Itnced out at a [Wight], boring a deep gash on its side before it flew back, spinning around my shoulders andunching forward again like a slingshot. I didnt even have to get close to the undead. I could keep them at bay with the spell it zipped around me like a fly, striking at anything that got too close.
At one point, one of the [Wight]s managed to close the gap between us. I raised a hand and called the Refined zing Bolt back at me. It flew back to my hands, already changing shape back into a kusarigama. But it was not an ordinary kusarigama its mes were white, the same as the Refined zing Bolt. I swung the weapon at the undeads head. It didnt even leave behind a cut it was like it burned straight through their skin.
However, that didnt stop the [Wight] from inflicting me with its curse. I leapt back, feeling the mana rapidly drain from my body. Before the feeling could sink in for long, I saw a tendril of fire snap forward and actually knock the [Wight] back.
[Fiery Riposte]!
Edithe nodded at me, and I grinned. Daniel ran his sword through the falling undead, leaving only a single [Wight] left in the battlefield. He stood across from it, holding his long sword out to the side as he glimmered with a golden aura. There was only one enemy left.
And I was not going to let him get thatst kill. The Human man stepped forward as I charged it from behind.
A ck light oveyed itself on top of my white mes the darkness that shone with a violent intensity formed a de as I leapt at the [Wight]. [me Burst] brought me next to it in an instant. I bared my teeth at it, bringing the kusarigama down straight at its head.
Youre mine [Radiant sh]!
The undead made a hollow noise as it died. It sounded like air escaping from a small tunnel. With that final breath, it copsed to the ground, shearedpletely in half. I grinned, spinning the kusarigama in my hand as I turned around.
It was just Daniel, Edithe, and I now. The [Wights] were defeated. Theyy dead all around us. There was nothing left nothing but an eerie silence. I nced between mypanions, realizing that neither of them were looking at each other.
Daniel shuffled his feet ufortably as he sheathed his sword. He opened his mouth as if he had something to say, but nothing came out. Edithe drew her lips into a thin line, wiping the sweat off her brow. Finally, she sighed.
Well, that was dramatic.
--
Defeated [Wight - Lvl. 112]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Wight - Lvl. 108]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Skill [Star Forge] Learned!
Experience is awarded for learning a Skill!
Cleared [Lair: Haunt of the Wights]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 92] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 93]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 93] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 94]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 94] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 95]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
After a brief [Rest], I got back on my feet and inspected my Status. I had leveled three times from this encounter it wasnt the most dangerous fight I had ever gotten in. However, it was certainly difficult due to how resilient they were, and how powerful each strike theynded was. We managed to avoid their curses and their chilling touches which, ording to Edithe, was very deadly.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 95
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 6
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5)
[Strength]: 80 (+5)
[Endurance]: 88 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 136 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 192 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 15
[me Burst] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I maxed out [ming Breath] and [Radiant sh], while raising [Ember Core] up to 15 Skill Points. As for my Stats, I distributed my avable points to [Endurance], [Wisdom], and [Agility]. With that settled, I focused on the Skills I had avable.
I had two. The first was [Horrors re]. I already knew I had that Skill from when I leveled up. But I had another Skill now. A new one I learned, which came about from studying magic and experimenting. It was [Star Forge] or the orb hovering around me.
I brought a wed hand up, tapping it against the zing wisp of ember. It didnt feel hot it was almost like a liquid, with sparks sshing off as I pressed my finger through it. It was interesting that I was awarded a Skill for something I was able to create by myself. Although, that was how it worked with [Fire Strike], wasnt it?
Maybe if I had avable slots, Id have added it to my array of Skills. Unfortunately, I did not. So, for now, it remained an unused Skill. Just like [Horrors re]. I wonder what it even does. I probably would never find out.
I approached mypanions who were seated across from each other, backs resting on the opposite rock walls of the tunnel. Plopping myself in between them, I listened to their soft conversation.
So youre a [Hero]?
Daniel shifted slightly as Edithe asked the question.
I am.
He met her gaze as he spoke. I nced over at Edithe too. She had heard him call out his Skills she had experienced the incredible boost to our Stats from one of his [Hero] abilities. And yet, it was only starting to sink in for her.
I see.
The red-haired woman drew her knees into her chest, wrapping her arms around them. She said nothing more, and I turned back to Daniel. He opened his mouth, trying to work his jaw. He managed to fix its hinges as he steeled himself. With a deep breath, he spoke out.
I didnt mean to lie to you, Edithe. I know I shouldve said something sooner however, I was used when I first came into this world. Because I was a [Hero]. I thought that that if I told you, youd start to see me differently. That youd use me too.
His exnation seemed to fall on deafs ears. Edithe didnt visibly react. Her face was shadowed over. The Human man bit his lower lip.
I know you wouldnt do that. It was just an irrational fear I had. And even after Salvos kept prodding me about it, I I was just scared.
That was it, really. Daniel might have been a [Hero] now. But he was not born one. From what I heard of the Immortal King Alexander, the Oracle of Light Melissa, and the Quisling Zacharius, they were brave, they were mighty, and they were an unwavering force even in the face of their enemies.
Daniel was nothing like them. Not right now. Perhaps he could be like them in the future. Right now though he was a coward.
No. I shook my head, correcting myself. Hes an ordinary Human, out of his depth in another world. That was why I made that contract to bring him home.
Nevertheless, he was a [Hero] with powerful Skills. I never knew he had more Skills than just his [Heros sh]! And he endangered our lives on more than one asion by not using them, just because he was scared. Sure, we made it out of those situations debatably just fine in the end. However, there was always the possibility that one of us died, and he could have done something about it.
Daniel realized this as well. I had spoken to him about it, and he knew the consequences of his inaction. Gritting his teeth, he turned away from Edithe, almost shame-faced.
I know its not any excuse
And Edithe sighed. It was not a heavy sigh not one of disappointment. Instead, it was one of relief. She swung her head back, resting her palm on her forehead.
Youre really a [Hero], arent you?
The Human man blinked. He gave a hesitant answer..
I am.
She chuckled, shaking her head.
All this time I thought I was but Ive actually just beenpeting with a [Hero] and a Demon. Honestly Xidra was right, wasnt she?
Edithe stood up, back straighter than it ever was before. Wiping a single tear from one eye, she fixed a confident look on the Human man. A smile spread across her lips as she spoke.
Thank you, Daniel. For telling me the truth. And for saving our lives back there.
She ced a hand on his shoulder, giving him a nod. Daniel stared at her. She justughed once more.
A [Hero] and a Demon. And Ive been keeping up with them
Youre not mad at me?
He was perplexed. I was too! I eagerly agreed with him.
Thats right! Youre not mad at him?!
Why would I be?
She nced between us, genuine confusion on her face. I exasperatedly gestured his way.
Hes a [Hero]! He has super [Hero] Skills! But because hes scared you might find him out, he decided to hide it from you even when we needed it, like with Lucerna and the [Zombies]!
Uh, actually I did use [Heros sh] during the fight with Lucerna
Not the point!
I red at him before facing Edithe.
He couldve just used his [The Will of the Hero] Skill from the very beginning! There was no need for us to exhaust ourselves, risking our lives just because he was scared!
Wed still be risking our lives, Salvos. We mightve been overconfident if he had just given us that boost right from the start. In every battle, any of us can die, even if we have a [Hero] on our side.
I shrunk back a little bit.
I know that, but but he couldve reduced that risk.
Shrugging, she started down the tunnel, headed for the cave chamber ahead.
Maybe. But whats passed has passed. We didnt die sure, there were some close calls. Now though, he has told me the truth. And Im just d that I havent actually been falling behind. No not to you, and not to him.
I watched her as she disappeared in the shadows up ahead. Daniel and I exchanged a nce. The Human man made a sound of relief.
That went a lot better than I expected.
I scowled.
Im still mad at you.
You can give me an earfulter lets hurry after her.
--
We cautiously made our way through the cloudy water, making sure that there were no [Wights] left hiding in wait for us. The Lair was gone although we already knew that and the mist filling the massive cavern was starting to subside.
All this means is that you could have told Edithe about it earlier!
I know, I know.
And what even was that Skill, [The Will of the Hero]? We couldve used it when we were in the Brilsum Ruins!
I only got it when I hit Level 70, Salvos. With each ss advancement, I get a new [Hero] Skill. I cant change them once its been chosen, but they also dont use up a Skill slot.
I threw all four of my hands up into the air.
Seriously? Thats so unfair!
He glowered.
Youre not one to talk youre a Demon.
Both of you, shush.
Edithe nced back at us, rolling her eyes.
I swear, you two argue like children sometimes.
She waded her way out of the water, onto the ind at the center of the smallke. I followed right after her, feeling my wet feet sink into the white sand. I focused on the object protruding from the earth just ahead of us.
There it is.
The treasures we came for. What was left behind by the Scale Guardians. The thing that could rid thend of the blight guing it.
The Heralds Brush
My eyes narrowed as they settled onto the corpse grasping tightly to the first artifact.
And the Totem of Incense.
Chapter 140: Skills and Stuff
Chapter 140: Skills and Stuff
140. Skills and Stuff
[Totem of Incense: Mythical Grade - ???]
Is this really the Totem of Incense?
It has to be.
I grunted as I pulled the statue-like figure of a Kobold out of the ground. The sand and dirt covering it fell to the side in a deluge it had been buried deep into the earth, and it took a bit of effort to yank it out.
I mean, I identified it, and its called the Totem of Incense.
I propped it up so that it would stand upright. It was about the size of a Kobold, meaning that it was just about three quarters of my height. About a head or two shorter than Daniel. However, that didnt mean it wasnt still heavy.
It probably had color once. Now though, it was all faded away, leaving behind a white figure with stains that came from time and erosion. Yet, I could sense the powerful magic within it. I knew beyond just the fact that I couldnt see what Grade artifact it was that it was what Xidra said it was.
The Totem of Incense held the Heralds Brush in its hands. It was clutched tightly to its chest, almost like a spear. I pulled the second artifact out, identifying it clearly this time.
[Heralds Brush: Epic Grade Item - A brush that will cleanse the earth, the sea, and the sky from any impurities. Its effects are not permanent, however it does not require an exorbitant amount of mana to wield.]
This is much lighter.
I waved it around the feathers at its tip swaying gracefully about, despite my rough handling of it. I spun it around my back, before jamming its dull edge into the earth.
Yep Ill be carrying this. Daniel, youll carry the Totem of Incense.
The Human man blinked. I crossed two of my arms as the other two held onto the Heralds Brush.
Youre a strong, [Hero], arent you?
Yeah, but
Didnt you get a Skill just for that at Level 40?
He scratched his cheek.
Uh, thats [Passive - Heros Strength].
Thats right! You get some huge bonus to your [Strength]! So, you carry it!
He sighed, reluctantly picking up the Totem of Incense. It didnt seem that heavy when he hefted it over his shoulder. I nodded smugly as I watched him take a step forward.
And the entire Kobold figure disappeared. I stared at him.
What?
What?
He looked back at me, perplexed. I opened my mouth, trying to wrench some words out of it, but Edithe spoke up first.
You have a Dimensional Storage Unit?!
She took a step forward, her eyes lighting up. The Human man hesitated.
Uh, yeah. It was given to me by the Elutra Kingdom when I was first summoned. I use it to keep anything important.
What is its capacity? What Grade is it? Wait, is it anchored onto that ne around your neck?
Thats my Ne of Greater Obfuscation. The Dimensional Storage Unit is this pen here.
This is and what is its capacity?
It can hold up to 200 individual items at a time, although
He held up the object for Edithe to inspect, and the red-haired woman gushed over it. I watched on for a while, feeling my annoyance build up.
Arent you supposed to be mad at Daniel, Edithe?
I red at the [Hero] as I spoke. I gestured at the pen, then vaguely behind us where the dead [Wights]y. The mist filling the cave chamber had slowly dissipated. I could see much more clearly now.
Not only is he a [Hero], but he hid all these cool things from us! Our life couldve been so much easier up until this point!
Daniel shrunk back. Edithe drew her lips into a thin line.
Well, thats definitely true.
She nced between Daniel and me.
Look, well scold himter. For now, we should just leave this ce.
Fine.
I scowled, turning around. I paused as mypanions began after me. Then I doubled back and loomed over Daniel. He apprehensively met my gaze.
Y-yes, Salvos?
Here!
I pushed the Heralds Brush into his arms. He stared at the golden, gleaming item.
Store it in your stupid thingy! Im not going to carry it!
...thats fair.
He didnt protest any further.
--
We returned back up to the top of the mountain, where the crater was located. It was now night. The sun had fallen, and mypanions needed to rest and set up camp before we could traverse through the gunds once more.
Daniel talked about his world, Earth, telling Edithe all about it as I listened to the side. I had heard most of this before. So, I wasnt impressed. Meanwhile, the red-haired woman was fascinated by almost all facets of his old life.
You mean that everyone owns an artifact that can double the speed of a [Beast Master]s horse in their homes?
Well, not everyone and only a few cars can travel that fast. But yes, thats right.
She stared at him with round eyes. It was like when Rachel found out Daniel was a [Hero]. Even though Edithe was an adult, their reactions were not much different. As if they were caught in some kind of a spell.
Daniel went on to list out all the things his world didn''t have, which seemed to break Edithe from the illusion she was in. I rolled a few rocks around on the ground as I snorted.
See? His world isnt that amazing. I think the Netherworld is much better.
The pair turned to face me, giving me a nk look.
You dont actually believe that.
Youre right, I dont.
As much as I hated to admit it, I was curious about this world of Daniels. I would like to visit it one day. Maybe once I reached Level 100 and received my ss, I d be able to just cross worlds whenever I wanted. I could check out Earth for a bit once I dropped him off, maybe take a trip in one of these nes Daniel talked about the ones that could fly across the seas.
If youre able to cross worlds, wouldn''t you probably be able to fly by yourself at that point?
Yep, so?
I stared at Daniel who seemed bewildered for whatever reason.
Uh, nevermind.
It would be cool to have wings, but I also think its cool to fly on a ne! What dont you get, Daniel?
I scoffed, tapping a wed finger on a rock. He didnt say anything in return. After both Humans had their fill from dinner, Daniel went on to scribble in his diary with a relieved look on his face, while Edithe sat next to me as I yed with my Star Forge. Or rather, it was just an orb of fire right now.
Can I see that?
The red-haired woman peered curiously at the magic. I beamed, showing it to her proudly. It floated next to her, not changing shape, but remaining an inert sphere for her to study.
Interesting. Its far more condensed than before. Its almost like a ball of cloth one which you can unravel and change into any shape you want.
Nodding, I poured some magic into the orb, making it change shape. A ripple ran through the white surface. Spikes jutted out in all directions before it receded into a smaller ball. Then finally, it expanded.
A white scythended on my open hands. It felt solid in my fingers, but the mes wisping off it ran like water. It dripped zing embers from the tip of the de and the butt of the pole. The fire did not touch the ground. It simply vanished the moment after it fell. Just like the cinders from a campfire.
Ta-da!
I presented the weapon to Edithe. She ran a finger down the scythe, closely inspecting it.
This is a Lesser Grade Weapon.
It is!
You can create Lesser Grade Weapons now. Out of magic.
Its amazing, right?
Edithe drew back, cing a hand on her chin.
That is certainly incredible. And the mes are white, even though your Passive only lets you create blue mes.
Ill be honest, I dont know what that Skill even does.
I paused, and quickly amended my statement.
Other than the obvious, of course.
Right. Well, from what Ive learned, magical mes have different tiers to them. Its in the same way adventurers have different ranks. Red mes conjured by magic are usually considered to be the weakest from starting [Mages], with white mes being the kind used by Diamond Ranks.
What about golden and ck mes?
There are some exceptions, and those are two of them.
Huh.
I never really thought about it that much. They just looked colorful and pretty to me! I let the Star Forge dissipate. It wasnt a Skill, so keeping it up for protracted periods of time was a little difficult. Also, since I no longer had the Stat boost from Daniels [The Will of the Hero], I found it more taxing to maintain than before.
What should I do with this Skill, anyway? Should I try recing one of my lesser-used Skills with it?
I think you should just keep it for now.
Edithe replied after a moments thought.
Unused Skills do advance with ss advancements, almost like your regr Skills. Of course, its not guaranteed. Youll always have to meet some kind of criteria to have a Skill change into something simr and better.
I tilted my head up slightly, facing the night sky, twinkled by the stars above.
So, both [Star Forge] and [Horrors re] could be useful Skills I could use in the future?
Possibly.
Why didnt anyone tell me this?!
I sputtered, realizing how many Skills I tested and wasted. Edithe shrugged.
Again, its a rare thing. But for something youll likely be using as often as Star Forge, Im sure itll advance along with you.
Scowling, I grumbled about the wasted potential. Well, sure, most of the Skills I discarded were not nearly as good as any of the Skills I had now. But they could be! Edithe smiled, looking at me weirdly.
Honestly, Salvos, theres still so much for you to learn. Magic has almost no limits as long as you keep practicing and improving. While you can grow faster with sses or evolutions, they make youcent, reliant on their abilities. Take your Runic Scroll of Starfall for example. While it is good that you have a scroll on hand that could cast magic above your level, wouldnt it be better if you just knew the spell yourself?
I know that! All you [Mages] keep saying the same thing. First Saffron, then you, and then you again.
She rolled her eyes, although she didnt grace the quip with a response.
While youre growing really quickly, you need to slow down eventually. Otherwise, all your faults and your ws will catch up to you. Look all around us.
I stared at Daniel. The Human man was yawning, looking like he would fall asleep at any moment. Edithe grabbed my head and pivoted it around.
I meant this crater. What do you think caused this?
You said it was done by magic.
Thats right. But its not done by just any magic. It was done by a Skill.
She ran a hand through the rocks. I narrowed my eyes.
How do you know that?
Its too uniform. You can sense the mana in the air. The remnants of its st. It was not spread out, in some kind of haphazard st. Thats what magical Skills do. They regte the oue of the spell. However, with magic of this calibre, how long do you think it will take before whoever who caused this could use the Skill again?
A day?
I wagered a random guess. Edithe shook her head.
It could be a day. Or it could be a week, or a month, or maybe sometimes even a year.
Thats a thing?
I felt my jaw drop.
Theyre rare. But the Immortal King Alexander was said to have a Skill that could level an entire country. And it was one he could only use once a year.
She stood up, starting in the direction of her bedroll. Daniel was already in his, cozily tucked in, passing out the moment he closed his eyes. The red-haired woman nced back at me.
Sure, this Skill, whatever it was, managed to destroy the top of a mountain. ording to Xidra, it was the Lich who killed the Kobolds transporting the Totem of Incense and the Heralds Brush, and he was also probably the one to turn them into [Wights]. However, what would have happened if that one Skill wasnt enough to defeat them all? What, then?
I opened my mouth, but she cut me off.
You dont have to give an answer. I dont have one either. However, its a delicate bncing act, and while youre doing fine so far, what happens if you make a mistake in the future? Its just something for you to think about.
With those words, Edithe went to sleep, leaving me alone, the only one ever awake at night. What she told me made sense; I believed that was why I could still beat Daniel in a fight, even when he was close to my level. I fought him twice, and I won twice.
Daniel. A [Hero].
He was inexperienced, and his ss gave him too many advantages to properly gain those natural abilities and instincts when it came to fighting. Even with his current Skills, I was certain I could beat him in a fight if we were ever forced to do battle again. And if we removed both our Skills I knew I could kill him easily.
As for Edithe, even if she had no Skills, she was still a dangerous fighter. She had proven it not long before, when she hadnt advanced her ss yet. I should slow down eventually, especially with how risky it was to fight monsters and undead far above my level.
...maybe I should go to magic school.
I mused to myself. I nced around at my sleepingpanions, then at the sky and the blight in the distance.
But only after we return from the gunds.
All we had left to do was bring the Totem of Incense to Xidra, and we were done, right?
Chapter 141: Pricks
Chapter 141: Pricks
141. Pricks
Take this!
My voice was carried with the wind as I swung the Heralds Brush with all my strength. It created a gust, a powerful whirlwind which amplified my words, creating an echo that resounded in my ears over and over again.
Take this take this
The fan-head of the artifact was ovee with an ethereal light. The air current spiraling wildly began to sharpen its path. What was nothing more than a blur before became more defined I could see the strong gust cutting apart the distorted strands of mana that was the blight. And slowly, they wove back together in ce, being restored back to what they once were.
Ha! Take that!
I pumped a fist in the air, repeating my cheer. The pressure on my shoulder slowly dissipated. My actions were no longer hindered by the foul spell that had corrupted thend. ncing back at mypanions, I grinned.
Did you see that? I beat it up!
The pair exchanged a look.
We did, yes.
Good job, Salvos, you defeated nothing!
Its not nothing!
I sputtered and crossed two of my arms. I waved my remaining two hands through the air, tugging at the mana strands as if it was something he could see. He couldnt.
I cleared the blight.
And the blight isnt a living thing. Also, you didnt do it, the Heralds Brush did.
Daniel wore a straight face as he made his retort. I red at him, but Edithe started past the both of us.
You two can bicker as we walk. Come on, we have a long way to go.
I followed after her with a scowl, sticking a tongue out at Daniel. He pointedly ignored me as we settled back into the gunds, traversing through the dangerous, blight-filled zone of the dead. Except, now we had a way tobat its invasive blight.
I grinned as I clutched the Heralds Brush tightly in one hand.
--
Our journey back to Unarith was not as long or arduous as our trip to retrieve the treasures of the Scale Guard was. Not only were all of us higher leveled now, we also had two distinct advantages we didn''t have before: the first was the obvious use of the Heralds Brush to clear the blight whenever we fought, and the second was Daniel the [Hero].
[Heros sh]!
The Human man sliced the bounding [Ghoul] in half. Its tough skin was sheared through ,just like that. Previously, I had thought that maybe my [Radiant sh] wasparable to his [Hero]s Skill, but I realized now just how much more powerful his was to mine.
I ripped apart a [Skeleton Warrior], and with a [me Burst],nded next to a group of [Skeleton Archers]. I spun around, [Barrage of Cinders] active as I sent the undead flying. An arrow whizzed past me. I barely ducked under it, only to see it flying straight back at me at thrice the speed.
I brought a hand out as an orb hovered into my palms. It shifted, morphing forms into my own bow and arrow. I danced around the oing projectile as it continued trailing after me, before firing a Refined zing Bolt back at it.
The two arrows shed mid air. There was a spark a sh of light from the collision. While my Refined zing Bolt was a powerful spell, these were Level 105 Skeletons. They were no pushovers.
I still managed to finish off thest of the [Skeleton Archers]. With Edithes help, I managed to get out of the battle taking little damage from them.
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 105]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Defeated [Skeleton Archer - Lvl. 104]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 95] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 96]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Here you go.
I handed the Heralds Brush back to Daniel. The Human man ced a hand on it, frowning.
Are you sure you want me to store it? Itd be a hassle, summoning it every single time we get into battle.
I already expended all of its uses today, so its fine.
Waving a hand off, I gave him a reassuring nod. He shrugged, and the artifact vanished a mere secondter.
While the Heralds Brush was an Epic Grade Item, it had its limits too. I found that out a few days ago, when I tried to use it to clear a blight flower field, but its magic ran out. It wasnt a per-use thing rather, it depended entirely on how much blight it would have to clear.
Perhaps that was why it was considered inferior to the Totem of Incense. Its effects were temporary. Even if I purified a certain area now, the blight would slowly encroach back on it. It wasnt the same with that fallen city we came from that was likely the result of the Totem of Incense.
We pressed on, making our way back towards Unarith. It had been a week, and I only leveled once mostly due to Daniel hogging all of the experience. The Human man no longer wore his Ne of Obfuscation, and I finally got to see his level.
He was lower leveled than me, as I expected. But much to my surprise, he was not that much higher leveled than Edithe.
[Hero - Lvl. 93]
In fact, considering Edithes currently level, he was right in the middle of Edithe and I.
[Mage - Lvl. 89]
Her progress since we arrived in the gunds had been tremendous. However, especially recently, she was leveling at a rate that even I found impressive. That was unlike Daniel, who despite all his advantages, could barely keep up with me.
Since Edithe now knew that Daniel was a [Hero], I didnt have to hold anything back when admonishing him.
She justughed as she watched us exchange quips. Shaking her head, she muttered under her breath.
A Demon and a [Hero]. Honestly
--
We finally reached Unarith a few dayster. I transformed back into my Mortal Form, taking the shape of a Kobold once more. I wrapped my tail around my waist, putting on the robes I had been given over my ripped Cloak of Shadows.
Well, at this point, it was no longer even a Cloak of Shadows; it was just some rags with a bit of residual magic left inside of it.
This is heavy.
I held up the Totem of Incense, feeling my sharp teeth bite into my scales.
Do I just carry this in?
Use this.
Edithe handed me a Bag of Holding. I blinked.
Can this even fit inside of it?
It can. Ive emptied out most of everything I kept inside of it. Trust me.
Dubiously, I tried fitting the Kobold-like totem into the mouth of the sack. Much to my surprise, it sank right in. It stretched unusuallyrge before shrinking back to its regr size. I picked up the Bag of Holding, feeling its weight.
Huh, its light.
If you study dimension magic, this is something youll be able to do too.
I beamed as I hefted it over my shoulder.
Its a good thing thats exactly what Im nning to do then. Ill be back soon!
I left mypanions, walking back to the small city. I saw its peaking towers, even from this distance. It was daytime. The vast, sprawling fields were lush, greener than when I hadst been here. Was it because of the season? Daniel and Edithe told me crops grew better at different times of the year.
I roamed through the streets, searching for the Shrine of the Risen Dragons. I knew it was close to the center of the city, but I got distracted as I thought of Adan. I wanted to show him the Totem of Incense maybe get his opinion, as a [Trader], of its worth.
It was a Mythical Grade artifact. I wanted to at least know what that meant. s, he left the city since Ist saw him. So, I found Xidra no wiser than before.
Nav the [Warrior] led me to her. When I saw him, I greeted him respectfully, as a Kobold woman would. However, he needed a moment to gather himself first.
I-Impossible. Youve surpassed my level?
He stared at me, almost cross-eyed. I bowed respectfully, keeping my voice neutral.
I have risked my life and been through numerous life-and-death situations to carry out this task for the First Dragonling. I implore you, Nav the [Warrior], please let me speak with her.
Sighing, he let me into the shrine. He brought me to Xidras room, although no one was there.
Wait here.
He spun around, leaving me alone. I had been here a few times before, however I never had the chance to properly pke about, investigating whatever I found interesting. When Xidra arrived, she caught me holding up a pendant, mid-[Identification].
I quickly ced it down and scurried back into my seat.
Hi.
I tried to act normal, although Xidra just let out a softugh.
It is good to see you again so soon, Salvos the [Mage]. Although, it is slightly worrying too. How are yourpanions?
Theyre fine well, mostly fine. I think they were getting hungry when I left them. But once they have a stew cooking, theyll be happy.
That is certainly reassuring.
Xidra gave me a Kobold smile tongue out, thin and long with a forked end. I returned the gesture, before holding up the Bag of Holding.
Here.
Her eyes grew wide as I gestured at it.
The Totem of
She quickly cut me off.
Yes, your haul.
Xidra nced warily around the room. There was no one else in here. I could tell I think.
She walked up to me, cing a hand on the sack, lowering it back down. She spoke in a softer voice than before.
May I take a peek, Salvos the [Mage]?
Sure.
I nodded, a bit uncertainly. She opened the Bag of Holding, although she took nothing from it. She stared with round eyes at the object held within and gasped.
You really have it.
Thats what I said?
Xidra closed the Bag of Holding shut, pushing it back into my arms. She held onto my wed hand tightly.
You have done well, Salvos the [Mage]. However, if I may make one more request from you, I would like you to keep it.
Keep it?
Yes, for now.
She turned back, walking to the pendant I had been looking at. She picked it up, before handing it to me.
Here.
I epted it I was bewildered, but that didnt stop me from just taking the item.
[Pendant of Greater Protection: High Grade Armor - A pendant enchanted with a Greater Protection spell.]
Take this. It is your reward.
Wait, wasnt our reward the Heralds the other thingy?
I finally asked her, perplexed. Xidra nodded.
That was your reward forpleting your original task. However, now, I have a second one to ask from you.
To keep the Totem of Incense with me? But thats easy!
It is not.
Xidra took a deep breath.
While you have been gone, Zix has spread word of your mission to the other shrines. He is trying to cause unrest, using the Risen Dragons for desecrating the legacy of the Scale Guardians by destroying their treasures.
Why dont you just destroy it now then?
It is not possible the Totem of Incense is a powerful artifact. It was crafted by some of the most gifted men and women of the past. Only Dragon me can destroy it.
I know! You told me that before. And the Totem of Incense is Mythical Grade!
I crossed my arms.
Mythical Grade? Hm, perhaps it is even greater than I thought.
The Kobold woman pricked a w on her scales.
Nevertheless, we cannot simply call upon Dragon me at any time. A ritual needs to be carried out. We have to make the preparations necessary to do so.
She spoke slowly, her gaze turned towards the ceiling.
As such, I am asking for your help to keep the Totem of Incense safe. If Zix finds out it has been recovered, he will use any means necessary to acquire it. Even if it means calling upon all of the Cult of the Old Gods.
I narrowed my eyes.
So, what do I do?
Did anyone take note of your return to Unarith?
I tried to recall if I felt anyone keeping an eye on me when I arrived. No such memories came to mind.
I dont think so?
Then that is good.
Xidra ced a hand on my shoulder, speaking in a low voice.
Return to yourpanions, Salvos the [Mage]. Leave the city discreetly. Do not be seen or followed. Lest Zix will realize that something is amiss.
She ushered me to follow her, and I did. We left the room and headed down the spiral staircase, going further down until we were beneath the ground.
May the Nexeus be saved Salvos the [Mage], it is of utmost importance that you are not caught. Once we have the ritual prepared, Hoxle will find you. He shall lead you back to Unarith, and at that point, there will be nothing left Zix can do.
We stopped as we reached a decorated double door it wasrge. Almost toorge for a Kobold to walk through. Maybe if it was used by Cyclopes, I would understand its size. But as a Kobold, I couldnt see what the point of such a massive set of doors were for.
Xidra nodded at the guards standing adjacent to it, and they pulled it open.
This is a secret exit, used by the Risen Dragons in the case of an emergency. Follow the tunnel, and it will bring you to a house closer to the edge of the city. We have [Cultists] stationed there at all times. They shall aid your escape.
I stepped through into the tunnel, ncing back at the Kobold woman onest time.
Just leave the city and wait. Thats it?
Yes.
And I get to keep this Pendant of Greater Protection?
Yes.
She repeated herself. I tapped a finger on my chin, then grinned.
Well, thats simple enough.
I wish you the blessing of the Dragons, Salvos the [Mage].
Thanks, but I wont need it.
I waved at Xidra as she headed back up the stairs. When she was gone, all that was left for me to do was take my leave. I quickly equipped the pendant while I could, spreading a rippling aura through my body. The guards began to pull the doors shut, and I entered the tunnel. I took a step forward confidently and felt a prick on my neck scales.
I frowned.
Wait
But the double doors were mmed behind me. There were no handles for me to push no way for me back into the shrine. I narrowed my eyes. Was that my imagination?
I shook the feeling off. The prickling sensation was gone. It was only for a brief moment, but I felt like.
Like I was being watched.
Chapter 142: Myths
Chapter 142: Myths
142. Myths
I watched my back as I made my way out of Unarith. That sensation from before the brief feeling that I was being spied on did not return. I left the tunnel and found myself in a ratherrge house, surrounded by a small field. They gave me some directions some robes to remain inconspicuous.
I gratefully epted their help, and left the city without an issue. I hurriedly made my way through the rocky hills, until I saw the green forest canopy ahead. There was no one following me, I was almost certain of it. So, where did that feelinge from?
I met mypanions as they were eating their meals. Edithe was having a stew made from some nts and mushrooms, while Daniel decided to eat some of the rations he had on him. And by rations, I meant a literal dish served in a restaurant.
Where did you get that?!
I pointed at the filleted fish, seasoned with a brown sauce. He gestured at the pen on hisp, and Edithe sighed.
Apparently, he has a dozen fresh, expensive meals kept in his Dimensional Storage Unit. In case he ever craves some good food, he can just summon one and have it right away.
I blinked.
Huh. That is convenient.
It is. Yet he doesnt want to share any with me.
Why not?
I shot him a questioning look as I sat on my knees, kneeling as Kobolds did. If I wanted to pretend to be a Kobold, I had to get used to acting like one.
Daniel scowled.
Dont do this to me right now, Salvos. I dont have much left, and I am starving, ok? Using my [Hero] Skills isnt as simple as you think its very draining. And the gunds isnt really the nicest ce to be in. Everywhere I go, I smell rotting flesh. I just want a nice, decent meal to rx.
You could share some with her, at least.
He drew his lips into a thin line. ncing over at Edithe, he hesitated for a moment. The red-haired woman tried to avert her gaze, pretending to be apathetic to the food. Finally, his guilty conscience won out and he offered her a slice of the fish.
Here.
She gobbled it down without saying a word. I stared at her in disgust, and Daniel blinked. She lightly covered her mouth with a hand, letting out a soft cough.
Um, thank you.
Right you''re wee.
With that settled, I exined the situation to mypanions. They were surprised to hear that I still had the Totem of Incense on me. I showed them the Bag of Holding, nodding.
Yep. She asked me to take care of it for now. While she sets up the ritual for Dragon me.
Dragon me, huh?
Edithe rubbed her chin. Daniel and I exchanged a nce.
Ive only heard about Dragons in my world as a mythical creature. As in, it doesnt exist.
The first time I heard about them was in Unarith.
I shrugged. We faced Edithe.
Do you know anything about it?
I do. And honestly, what I know about Dragons here isnt too dissimr from what Daniel said.
You mean this world doesnt have Dragons?
Daniel raised a brow. She chewed her lips uncertainly.
Thats what I used to think I mean, there are stories. Tales that came during the Kobold invasions of the past. But they were mostly heard from prisoners. Kobolds we had taken captive, who cursed Humans, iming that their Old Gods would smite our Species for our sins, delivering divine retribution to all of Humankind.
And did that ever happen?
I leaned forward, almost excited.
No.
Aw.
I deted. Edithe rolled her eyes, ignoring my disappointment.
Weve never seen a Dragon before. Weve only heard about their kind from Kobolds, and Ive only read about it in history books. So, I never really thought much about it. However, if these Dragons really exist, then this Dragon me has to be a powerful spell. Grand magic, even.
Well, that makes sense, doesnt it? Any magic that can destroy a Mythical Grade artifact has to be super powerful!
Thats not necessarily true.
Edithe shook her head, and Daniel agreed. He held up his hand, summoning my blue jacket. I had given it to him to keep when I left for Unarith. I didnt want to stand out, after all.
This is a Unique Grade artifact, Salvos. And honestly, it isnt really special.
Other than the fact that it repairs itself over time without using any mana from me.
I folded my arms, giving him a t look. Edithe nodded.
Daniels right. It really isnt that special. Not for a Unique Grade artifact. The only thing that stands out about it is how it draws in mana from its surroundings. Otherwise, thats a simple restoration spell. Nothing out of the ordinary.
I scowled. I knew they werent insulting me, but I couldnt help but feel offended on behalf of my blue jacket. It was mine, so it had to be special! Sure, it belonged to Daniel just a year ago. He did bring it from his world. However, it was mine now! And I was going to take good care of it.
Snatching the blue jacket from Daniel, I cradled it gently in my arms, protectively covering it like it was a Human baby.
There, there.
I whispered. Edithe chuckled, pulling out the Totem of Incense. She ced it down on the ground, steadying it so that it was standing upright. It was white whatever color it once had faded away with time. Patting it on the shoulder, she began to exin.
This isan example of an artifact that befits its status. Ive never heard of such magic that could not just destroy the blight, but repel it in its entirety. Its Mythical Grade, yes, but it can even be considered a higher grade.
She left the statue behind, walking to my sack. She produced a piece of parchment, gesturing at it.
On the other hand, this Runic Scroll of Starfall its something I know should be a higher grade than it is. Perhaps the reason why its considered High Grade and not Mythical is because its a one-time use item.
I felt my jaw drop.
Really?
Yes. At least, if Im reading its enchantments right, I believe the destruction it would cause is superior to most High Grade artifacts out there.
The red-haired woman pointed at the new pendant hanging around my neck.
That Pendant of Greater Protection Xidra gave you is a better example of what a normal High Grade artifact is supposed to be like.
I narrowed my eyes.
You mean it isnt special?
It certainly does what it says it does. You can even test it out, if you want.
I nced over at Daniel. The Human man was listening from the side well, he was pretending to listen. In reality, he was extremely focused on finishing his meal peacefully.
Hey, Daniel.
He raised his head, mouth full of fish, and made a noise.
Mmph?
Punch me.
I tapped my chest, and he blinked. Daniel quickly chewed and swallowed whatever food was in his mouth, before rubbing his ears.
Excuse me, could you repeat that?
I said: punch me. With all your strength. That means dont hold back at all!
But why would I
I stepped up to him, pressing my face up to his.
Just do it!
He scratched his chin, a bit unsure.
If you say so
Daniel raised a fist and struck my chest; the impact knocked me back it sent me stumbling. However, I didnt fly back like I expected myself to. And the punch didnt even hurt that bad. It was like his blow was softened, blocked by something separating us.
There wasnt even a sh I walked back up to Daniel, crossing my arms.
Harder.
Are you sure
I red at him, and he sighed.
Fine.
This time, Daniel steeled himself. He took a step back, pulling his fist back before thrusting it forward. I could tell he put more strength into this. It wasnt a half-hearted hit like before. The thudding blow sent me flying back to a tree. There was a flicker of white aura the same shimmer I saw whenever my Ring of Lesser Protection was damaged.
And yet, I got back to my feet unharmed.
Huh.
I dusted myself off, then grinned.
Youre so weak, Daniel! You didnt even leave a scratch!
He didnt hear the remark. He was too busy wincing, shaking his hand as if in pain.
That that felt like punching a brick wall. Except, I can probably smash past a brick wall without a problem. That what was that?
I stuck my tongue out at him a Kobold smile, but a Human insult.
Maybe if you had been paying attention you would know!
Edithe smiled as she approached me.
Salvos isnt wrong
He glowered, muttering to himself.
...why are both of you against me now?
The red-haired woman gestured at the Pendant of Greater Protection.
The reason why you feel some pain from punching her is because of the Greater Protection enchantment. It reflects some of the damage she would otherwise receive back to the attacker. Most high leveled [Mages] learn the spell because of how useful it is inbat. Although, Im sure theyd prefer a pendant that does the same thing. The spell itself is rather costly in terms of mana upkeep.
Woah.
I gasped, staring down at the little ne with admiration, while Daniel rubbed his hand with a groan. Beaming, I looked up to Edithe.
Thats awesome!
Thats what High Grade artifacts should do. Its the kind of equipment those at Level 100 carry. Of course, as I said, the grade of an artifact doesnt always rte to its usefulness. Your Unique Grade jacket is an example of that.
I hugged the blue jacket defensively.
What do you have against my jacket?!
Nothing. Im just using it as an example.
Why cant you use something else?
I snuggled it back inside my sack, where it would be safe from her insults. Edithe cast her gaze around, before stopping at the Totem of Incense. She had a thoughtful look.
If the Totem of Incense is an example of an artifact that is possibly above its grade, then I guess the Heralds Brush is the opposite. It should be a High Grade artifact at most, honestly. There are known spells used by [Priests] that can clear the blight temporarily and with what Ive seen of the Heralds Brush so far, I dont think its very impressive.
Huh.
I tilted my head up towards the sky, picking at my scales with a wed finger. An idea popped in my head.
If the Totem of Incense is that amazing, why dont we just keep it and run
Absolutely not.
Edithe retorted before I could even finish.
Xidra has done a lot to help all of us, Salvos. There are many things Id like to learn about Kobolds. Ive changed a lot of things since I met you. And I do not wish to betray her trust. Thatd just be wrong.
I know, I know. I was joking
I pouted, plopping myself back down on the ground. Shaking her head, she stored the Totem of Incense back in the Bag of Holding and ced it next to her bedroll.
Its hard to tell with you, sometimes, you know?
--
There wasnt much for us to do once the discussion ended. Daniel and Edithe wanted to simply rx the Human man in particr was strongly in favor of it. And it was not like we could just return to the gunds.
Maybe Hoxle could track us down even if we were that far away from Unarith, but there were a few risks. Could he even survive the undead there? He was a [Diviner]. That meant he didnt have abat ss. Maybe he could fight. But not as effectively as someone with abat ss would.
It wasnt really a risk I wanted to take either, so I agreed with mypanions decision to sit and wait for Xidra to call for us. They went about their usual activities Edithe did some reading and taught me some new concepts about magic, while Daniel wrote in his diary and shared some stories from his world with us. I had almost forgotten about the events of the day when night fell, and they went to sleep.
However, the prickling sensation the same one that always told me that I was being watched returned. I stood up, narrowing my eyes. I thought the feeling would disappear after a moment, but it didnt. This is
I frowned, beginning to grow alert. I conjured my Star Forge and called out to mypanions.
Daniel, Edithe
And a pair of ethereal, glowing chains shot out at me, wrapping itself around my arms and my jaw, cutting me off before I could finish.
Chapter 143: Chains
Chapter 143: Chains
143. Chains
Glowing, almost translucent chains wrapped around me. I fell to the ground, trying to speak, but found my mouth muzzled by the same magical chains holding me down. I struggled, trying to get back up, finding the bindings to be too strong to break.
I let out a muffled noise as I watched figures creep through the trees. They were short with wed hands. It was obvious. They were Kobolds.
How? the thought crossed my mind in a panic. Then I remembered the feeling. The prick on my neck scales as I left the shrine. I was in a tunnel. In an enclosed space. I was certain no one was there. So, how did these Kobolds find me?
As the Kobolds drew closer, there was a stirring. Edithe sat up did the thud from my fall wake her up? Daniel was still sleeping. It was just her. She opened her mouth and raised her staff, but another set of chains shot out.
They came from a Kobold at the back. He had a crooked stick not a staff, per se. It almost looked like he was using it to help him walk. I nced around, identifying each of the Kobolds approaching us.
That Kobold with the stick a [Cultist] was the highest leveled of the group. He was Level 104, and he had a single horn jutting out of his head, like a jagged spike. He turned to another Kobold a [Rogue], the second highest leveled at Level 103.
You Tarba, you never told me she had allies with her.
I was under the impression she was alone, Res the [Cultist]. It seems I was incorrect.
And with Humans too? Disgusting.
Res spat in the direction of Edithe. It seemed that their casual conversation finally woke Daniel up. The Human man sat up, scratching the side of his head, almost in a daze.
W-wha?
He blinked, and was immediately bound in the same chains as Edithe and I. I rolled my eyes as I saw how easily he was apprehended.
Res grimaced.
You are fortunate there were only three of them, lest my Skills will be beyond its limits.
I narrowed my eyes. Then I focused on the wisp of me hovering over me. I still had control over it, which was good. Alright, now grow dimmer.
I could control its shape and its form, after all. Making it smaller was no arduous task for me. I remained unmoving on the floor, lying in wait as the Kobolds walked around the encampment.
It appears there is no one else on the premises.
Tarba surmised after a few moments. He nced down at me and mypanions, fixing us with a hateful gaze.
A Kobold working with Humans? How shameful.
Not just any Human. A [Hero]. One from another world. This is not just any form of heresy. It is heresy of the highest order!
Res voice rose as he walked past me. I gritted my teeth. Just a little closer. He turned and started in the other direction.
To think that the Risen Dragons are working together with Humans that they have a [Hero] on their side
He trailed off as Tarba loomed over Daniel, raising a w.
Lets kill the [Hero] and get this over with. Then we shall deal with their heresy when we return.
No.
Res shook his head. His footfalls slowly approached me; I held still, listening intently to their conversation.
We shall bring them back the High Zealot will want to question them. And they shall serve as proof of the Risen Dragonss heresy.
He loomed over me his scales were a lime green. Dirty. Like a nt that had been exposed in the blight for a day. He raised a hand, cing it on the side of my face. And I smiled.
Now, be a good girl and
A ming spear struck him in his chest. Itshed out in an instant, boring through his robes, eliciting a guttural scream from his mouth. He stumbled back, clutching at his bleeding chest. Tarba started forward as Res reached for the ming spear, but it shifted.
It grew into a pair of chains that went straight for his neck. Res fell to the ground, gasping for his breath as more Kobolds rushed to his side. I felt myself growing frustrated. Die already, will you?
They tried to pull the chains off him, but they failed. It burned them. Seared their scales. Tarba was slowly heading my way as I focused on strangling Res. Arent you a [Cultist]? Why do you have such high [Vitality]?!
Tarbas footnded right to the left of my cheeks. He raised his w, a twisted look on his face. And there was a tter. The sound of metal breaking. A Human mans voice drew the [Rogue]s attention.
How
[Aura of the Sentinel]!
A brilliant glow filled my peripheral vision. Daniel rushed at Tarba, barely missing him with a swing.
The [Rogue] leapt back, joining the other Kobolds as they finally pried Res free of the chains. He got up with a cough. As they did that, Daniel struck down with his de, breaking my bindings as well.
I hurried to my feet, ring his way.
If you couldve just done that, why didnt you do it immediately?!
I sputtered, pointing an using wed finger at his face. He raised his sword and readied himself.
I couldnt. Not until I used [Will of the Hero].
I groaned.
Then what took you so long?
I just woke up, alright? It took me a moment to understand what was going on!
Whatever just free Edithe, alright?
He nodded, running past me for the red-haired woman lying prone on the ground. Res pointed a finger at Daniel, his eyes burning with rage.
Kill him!
No you wont!
I stepped between Daniel and the Kobolds. There were a dozen of them. Each of them were at least Level 90. Some of them were Level 95, and only Res and Tarba were over Level 100. Even if most undead were horde monsters even if a Level 90 Skeleton couldntpare to a Level 90 Kobold. It didnt matter.
I might have been wearing this body right now, but I was a Demon.
[ming Breath]!
The cone of blue mes spewed forth, like a tide washing over thend. It sent the Kobolds back. They scattered around it, avoiding the fire as they bounded after me. The first to reach me was Tarba.
He first tried to w at my face, which I easily dodged. But after a quick spin, he produced a dagger. I saw a green gleam on its tip, and I knew to avoid it no matter what. I clinked my boots together, activating the effects of the Greaves of the Wanderer.
With a [me Burst], I backed away from Tarba in an instant. He didnt even have time to react. I raised a wed hand, conjuring another Star Forge. The [Rogue] came at me once more, but this time he couldnt even reach me.
The zing orb took shape as my body was engulfed in [Ember Core]. From the corner of my eye, I saw Daniel pulling Edithe up and freeing her as well. A group of Kobolds had split off from me and were surrounding them. And beyond that was Res.
He was standing off to the side. The biggest threat here. He must have Skills specialized in capturing powerful targets. I knew he was dangerous. So, I did the only thing that was logical.
I loosed a Refined zing Bolt his way. The [Cultist] didnt even see iting. It zipped past mypanions and the Kobolds surrounding the pair. It left a trail of white mes on the ground, before piercing him through his sides. He screamed right as Tarba appeared to my back.
Wha
[Shadow Step]. Now die
I tried to pull away, but he was too close for me to properly react. He stabbed me in the stomach and I grinned.
There was a sh of light. A shimmering aura protected me. The Kobolds eyes widenedas I grabbed him by the forearm.
My turn. [Radiant sh]!
I aimed for his head, of course. But he was quick. The attack ripped his arm off. He leapt back, whimpering as the limp limb fell to the ground with a thud. I followed up with a flurry of [Barrage of Cinders], but the other Kobolds barred my path. They intercepted me, meeting me five-on-one.
I bared my teeth and made sure to stick out my tongue, smiling in a Kobold way at them. After all, how else would I let them know that I wasnt even worried about them?
My Star Forge darted around me, almost like it was circling me over and over again, as I met these Kobolds in straightbat. The spell didnt even take the form of a weapon at times it simply sttered over them, like a wave of sshing mes, burning at their scales, taking them out one by one.
They tried to fight. They managed to break through my [Ember Core]. But there was another protection that was too much for them to handle. The Pendant of Greater Protection it absorbed their strikes, almost hurting them too, letting me finish them off.
They fell one after another. They werent weak. They were tough. Maybe even tougher than the Level 100 [Skeleton Warriors] and [Skeleton Archers]. s, I could take on over a dozen of the Skeletons by myself, even if I was in my Mortal Form. And that was before taking into ount all the artifacts I was currently using.
It was only after I yed four of the Kobolds did thest one turn to run. But I was not going to let him escape. He had attacked me. They had tried to kill me and mypanions while they were asleep. So, I pointed at the ground.
Kneel.
He did as he was told. I slowly sauntered over to his side and I created an axe. He quivered, before I chopped off his head with a single clean swing. I walked past his body. The effects of my greaves finally dissipating. I cast my gaze back to mypanions it seemed they didnt hold back either.
Daniel used his [Heros sh], and Edithe finished thest of them with her [Arrow of the me Elemental]. All that was left was Tarba. I searched for him amongst the bodies, before spotting a figure running in the distance.
Edithe began conjuring a [Lighting Orb] and called out to me.
Dont let him escape!
Got it!
I dashed after Tarba as she hurled the projectile his way. He somehow sensed iting, spinning around and striking it mid air. It exploded into sparks which showered the grass, setting it aze. My feet put out the small fire as I ran after him.
I was just barely managing to keep up with [me Burst]. That was, until he turned into a blur. It was like he was leaving behind a trail of smoke. Or perhaps it was what was propelling him forward. He vanished behind the trees as I grinned.
Oh, do you want to race, huh? Fine. [Self Haste]!
The world blurred around me. I sped after him, keeping pace no, moving even faster than he was. He craned his neck back, staring at me in shock as each [me Burst] closed the gap between us.
He leapt up into a tree branch, suddenly shifting course, and I followed after. I tugged at the Star Forge keeping pace with me, creating an extended piece of chain. Tarba tried to repeat that trick a few more times. He took sharp turns ones that would put me off.
But when he repeated it the third time, I tossed the chain forward. It didnt have to touch him. He saw iting, and tried to dodge out of the way. He was so focused on not getting caught, he didnt even realize what was attached to the ming chains.
Sickle Grenade.
The st sent him flying. I crashed into him mid air, grabbing him in a tight hug. He struggled as we tumbled back to the ground, rolling over bushes and sharp shrubbery.
You heretic! I will kill you!
Targa struggled and shouted. I said nothing in response. I only opened my mouth a momentter, releasing a [ming Breath]. The fire burned him, finally shutting him up as he fell, dead.
Youre noisy. Itste at night dont you have any decency to all the sleeping Humans?
I murmured under my breath, getting back to my feet.
When I returned to mypanions, I saw them moving the bodies of the Kobolds around. Daniel was, as expected, looting their corpses. Edithe, however, was standing over the [Cultist]. She called out to us.
Hey, guys, I think hes still alive.
We approached her, and sure enough, Res was still twitching on the ground. Daniel crossed his arms.
What do we do with him?
I say we kill him.
I piped up from the side. I created a scythe, swinging it over my head. Mypanions exchanged a nce. But before they could speak, a weird sound interrupted them. It sounded like rapid, pained breaths. Whimpering? No it wasughing?
That was right. Res wasughing as he turned over on the ground, facing us with a crazed look.
You fools the only person who is going to be killed are you three.
What are you talking about? We beat you.
Frowning, I held the scythe over his head. He held up a scroll, tucked beneath his sleeves. It was slowly burning up the parchment being eaten by fire, turning to ash.
I have sent a [Message] to the High Zealot. Zix the [Warrior] knows about your heresy, girl. He knows about what the Risen Dragons are nning to do. Everyone in Unarith shall know that you arent a true Kobold. That you have betrayed your kind. And you shall be punished ordingly.
Daniel and Edithe shared a panicked look. The red-haired woman took a step back.
Fuck, then that means they know were here?
The Human man drew his lips into a thin line.
I what do we do, Salvos? We may have to leave.
But Xidras request
Edithe bit her lower lip, not finishing what she was going to say. Res wasughing maniacally so hard, he began to cough. Shaking my head, I walked past them and lowered my scythe.
Thats going to be problematic for the two of you, huh?
I nced back at mypanions. Then I turned back to Res. He stuck his tongue out at me and I knew he was mocking me.
And punishment? That sounds tough. I wouldnt want to be punished. So
I bared my teeth at him.
Its a good thing Im not a Kobold then, right?
He blinked as my form changed. His mouth hung open and I bit his head off.
Defeated [Shroudstalker - Lvl. 103]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Protector Cultist- Lvl. 104]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 96] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 97]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 97] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 98]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Chapter 144: The Truth
Chapter 144: The Truth
144. The Truth
We gathered the bodies of all the Kobolds that assailed us that night and buried them. Well, first we took their loot. And then we buried them.
They didnt have too many valuable things which we could use; some of them had protection artifacts, or weapons that inflicted extra damage. I had no use for them, especially since I could create my own des that were just as powerful or even more powerful than what they had.
And it was not like I couldyer protection artifacts on top of each other for example, now that I had a Pendant of Greater Protection, the effects of my Ring of Lesser Protection were basically nullified. ording to Daniel, this was because stacking enchantments was not possible. If it were, someone could buy a dozen Ring of Lesser Protections and wield them all to match a Pendant of Greater Protection.
Considering the price of both in the market... I did not know the price of either in the market.
So, while mypanions were busying themselves, sorting out what they got. I focused on my Status.
I was Level 98, getting close to Level 100. At that point, I would not only evolve once more into an Archdemon but also get a ss. Edithe said that I would simply start from Level 10 with the ss. I was likely going to get [Mage] or some kind of basic variation of it.
Although, since I had aplished many different feats, it was possible I would get a rarer, more specialized ss that was befitting of me. Whether or not it would lead towards bing a [Space Mage] was uncertain.
Those were things to think aboutter. For now, I focused on my current Stats and Skills. While I did end up winning the race against that [Rogue], Tarba, I struggled to keep up with him. Even if the Greaves of the Wanderer helped against fast opponents, it was not something I could use very often.
I have also been neglecting my [Wisdom] as ofte. So, the only two Stats I raised were [Agility] and [Wisdom]. As for Skill Points, I raised [Ember Core] to its max, spending the remaining points on [Passive - A Hunters Sense].
It was myst Skill, and I felt like it was close to being maxed out as well. I wondered if it had been maxed out, Id have been able to notice whoever was it that stalked me back to mypanions. Or was I even followed? Perhaps that simply tracked me down.
If they had a decent level [Diviner] or [Tracker], it really wasnt that difficult to find me so close to the city.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 98
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 6
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5)
[Strength]: 80 (+5)
[Endurance]: 88 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 142 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 201 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[me Burst] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 9
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
I returned to mypanions once I was done sorting out my Status. They had piled up every artifact they found that could be of use or sold. The others were disposed of with the bodies.
I sifted through the rings and amulets the swords with sharpening enchantments and the daggers coated with poison. I didnt need those. I needed something magical or protective. Or something that helped me move faster.
Unfortunately, I only found two things of use for me. The first was a staff. It was what Res had on him. The [Cultist] doubled it as both a walking stick and a medium for casting magic. And apparently, it was quite effective at doing thetter.
[Cane of Retribution: Medium Grade Weapon - Significantly enhances the effects of a spell. Can be used three times a day.]
I considered taking this for myself. However, I knew how much more Edithe needed such an item, so I put it aside. And that left this. Whatever it was.
[Dreaded Goblet: High Grade Equipment - Used in rituals to call upon the wisdom of the Old Gods.]
I stared at the artifact. It looked like an oddly shaped cup. I ced a wed finger inside of it, finding that its insides were clean. It had a metallic surface, although its color was a dark green. Not something I saw often in metals.
Maybe this is that metal that Humans think are rare. What was it called again? Ori orical oricalculus?
That was close enough.
I turned to mypanions, raising the Dreaded Goblet.
This! I want this!
The pair exchanged a nce. Edithe shrugged, and Daniel waved a hand off dismissively.
Sure. You can keep it.
Yay!
I eximed, holding up the Dreaded Goblet. I was curious what kind of wisdom the Old Gods or Dragons, as they called it would bestow upon me. Was it a boost to my magic? Or was it some kind of great knowledge? Maybe it was something that I could use to learn everything I needed to master internar travel and find Haec!
With those happy thoughts in my head, I pocketed the Dreaded Goblet, keeping it in my own personal sack of belongings as mypanions divided up the rest of the loot. Edithe took the Cane of Retribution, while Daniel kept a poisoned dagger for himself.
It wasnt something he truly needed however, if he ever lost his long sword, he would at least have something to fight with.
Now that was all that settled, it was time to proceed with our next course of action.
What do we do now?
I finally asked mypanions. This time, neither Daniel nor Edithe made a visible reaction. In fact, they didnt respond, waiting for the other one to speak. I crossed my arms I only had two, since I was still in my Kobold form.
Now that this annoying Zix knows were here, we cant just wait around for him to send more Kobolds after us, right?
But Xidras requisition
Edithe started, but bit her lower lip, cutting herself off.
I understand that you want to help Xidra. Shes my friend too! However, if we stay here, well be in a lot of trouble.
Salvos is right.
Daniel nodded, stepping up beside me.
For all we know, this Zix might being after with a small army of high-leveled bodyguards right now. We need to at least move our camp to somewhere safer.
The red-haired woman was conflicted. Rightfully so. Not only did she owe her life to Xidra, they had gotten along in the brief moments they had with each other. But logic prevailed in the end.
Fine, well relocate.
Edithe sighed, picking up her belongings.
However, were not fleeing. We arent going to shirk our responsibilities. We made a promise, and were going to keep it.
Of course.
I gave her a reassuring nod.
--
The three of us found a cave by the side of a mountain a bit away from the forest. We chose this ce as our hiding spot as it was much harder for anyone to get the jump on us with only a single entrance to our camp. Plus, we had a better view of our surroundings at this elevated ground.
I could stand guard and catch anyone who was approaching the cave from the rolling hills of gray below.
It was still night time. The sun hadnt risen just yet. But mypanions have decided to forego sleep. Apparently, their precious nap time was less important to them than their lives.
I was d that they at least got their priorities straight on that front.
It was a little bit after the sun rose when I spotted the speck in the distance; it was a little ck mark in the blue sky above. I saw it approaching us rapidly, and I narrowed my eyes.
I think we havepany!
I readied a Refined zing Bolt. There was plenty of time to prepare, so I enhanced it further, until its mes were white. The approaching speck soon became clearer as mypanions came to my side I narrowed my eyes as I could finally make out what it was.
Thats Hoxle!
Daniel and Edithe both blinked. They squinted, leaning forward, trying to make out the flying Kobold. The red-haired woman frowned.
Youre right wait, Salvos, what are you doing?
I nocked the arrow on the fiery bowstrings, not ncing at Edithe.
Im going to shoot him down before he can crash on us!
Daniel nodded, approving. But the red-haired woman stopped me from shooting the bow, stepping in front of me, blocking my way.
Edithe, get out of the way! Aw, hes already here.
Hoxle the [Diviner] made an uncharacteristic entrance bynding lightly on just ahead of us. His feet touched the ground with a soft sound not the usual smash and tumble he always did.
He stepped forward, a serious look on his face.
Salvos the [Mage], Edithe the [Mage], and Daniel the [Warrior].
Edithe and I stopped our bickering, and Daniel crossed his arms. I stared at the Kobold man.
Hoxle the [Diviner], is something the matter?
I could make a guess about what had likely urred in Unarith Zix received the missive from the dead [Cultist], and was probably trying to stir some trouble up for the Risen Dragons.
I was right.
Hoxle exined that the Scale Sentinels were gathering an army to scour the ins beyond Unarith for us. They were willing to search every nook and cranny we could be hiding in to y us and retrieve the treasures of the Scale Guardians.
And they are not alone. They have found allies amongst other factions the Hollow ws, the Sacred Fangs those that belong to the Cult of the Gods. They will do everything in their power to kill all three of you.
So, what do we do then?
Xidra the [Herbalist] no longer wishes to burden you with her responsibilities.
I stared at Hoxle, defiant.
We want to help her. Shes our friend.
Edithe stepped up beside me, although Daniel was a little less enthused about it than us. The Kobold man shook his head.
She expected that. That is why she sent me here. To bring you to her.
Before any of us could ask the obvious questions, he began to borate.
Firstly, she would like to take the burden of protecting the Totem of Incense before its destruction off your shoulders. It was a mistake of her to pass it onto you her fear was her own undoing.
Hoxle almost seemed to scowl as he spoke perhaps he and Xidra had shed about this before. I could see the sparks.
Secondly, she would be able to offer you protection in Unarith. The Scale Sentinels wont be able to act so freely against another faction. Especially one as influential as the Risen Dragons. Now that youve been discovered, theres no point in keeping up a nket of secrecy when it would only be to your detriment. Well be able to dy whatever actions the Scale Sentinels will take so that you can escape without being hunted. Even fool them into thinking youre still in the city when youre long gone. There are plenty of things we can do to aid you.
Mypanions and I exchanged a look. Leaving Unarith without an army chasing after us sounded quite nice.
Lastly
Hoxles gaze zed over me. He nced between the two Humans. There was apprehension in his voice as he continued.
Xidra would like to speak to both of you about the truth.
The truth?
Edithe blinked. She turned to Daniel who seemed just as confused as her.
What truth are you talking about?
The Kobold man sighed.
The truth about the end of the world.
Chapter 145: Revelations
Chapter 145: Revtions
145. Revtions
We approached the city of Unarith from high above. The peaking minarets towers that reached for the skies looked like thin sticks poking out of the ground from this height. I felt the wind blowing on my face, and saw the sky like an ocean above me.
I had never actually seen the ocean; the most I saw was a portrait of it, hanging on the wall of an inn or a tavern. I have seenkes other bodies of water. But never the ocean itself.
Edithe told me that it was a beautiful sight: when the sun set over the line where the sky met the sea, an orange glow reflected off the water surface, sparkling, glittering like gold. I wasnt infatuated with gold as Humans were. I didnt see the value in it, other than when I was pretending to be a Princess.
However, I certainly thought that the vast sights to behold in the Mortal Realm were far more captivating than the ndness of the Netherworld. Everything about it was the same. Meanwhile, everywhere I went in the Mortal Realm, I would experience new things.
Like right now, I was experiencing flight for the first time. And so were mypanions. The three of us were being carried by Hoxle into Unarith. He lifted me from under my arms while Daniel and Edithe clung onto his legs; he could have just carried us all in a hug, but it was too ufortable for him.
He didnt enjoy too much physical exposure with others.
So, Hoxle
Daniel started, right as we began our descent to the Shrine of the Risen Dragons. The Kobold ncedzily down at the Human man, his flight uninterrupted, his wings continuing their loud pping behind him.
Did the Scale Sentinels mention anything else about us? Any specifics about our sses or Levels?
Nope. Whatever missive they got must have been short the Scale Sentinels dont seem to know anything beyond where you were located, and that you were Humans working with our faction.
Well, thats good.
The [Hero] adjusted something around his neck. His Ne of Greater Obfuscation. He equipped it after the sneak attackst night. I didnt mind if he kept his ss secret from Xidra or Hoxle they may have been my friends, but they werent hispanions.
We arrived at the Shrine of the Risen Dragons soon after. Hoxle didnt crash by some miracle, instead gently letting us off under its domed roof. Xidra stood there, waiting for us, her hands hidden behind her back.
Salvos the [Mage], Edithe the [Mage], and Daniel the [Warrior], it is a pleasure to see you all again. Although, the circumstances are less than ideal.
I returned the greeting just as a Kobold would. While it was now known that I was working with Humans, I wanted to maintain the guise of being a Kobold. Especially since more eyes would be fixed on me than ever before, and I may not even know it.
Xidra the [Mage], I apologize for the situation were in. I take full responsibility for the problems that have risen overnight.
I didnt actually believe that. It just seemed like the appropriate thing to say. Xidra gestured for us to follow Hoxle included as she headed down the stairs.
Yes, yes.The past nights events have been tumultuous, to say the least. But not unexpected. I have made some precautions in the event that this would happen.
What kind of precautions?
I raised a brow. Xidra paused by a window. She nodded at it, and I peeked through. The Shrine of the Risen Dragons was located in the center of arge plot ofnd it was surrounded by fields, tilled and growing with lush vegetation, the ones that produced a fresh and bountiful harvest.
However, the fields looked different from when Ist saw it. I saw nts moving? Daniel told me all nts moved. He told me that they were alive. However, I have never seen one actually crawl through the dirt, like a predator lying in wait for its prey.
It looked like a flower. Except, its petals formed a face. Its thorns reached out, digging into the earth like tendrils. It was bent over amongst the other undergrowth, about as tall as I was as a Kobold.
This wasnt the only creature lurking in the fields. There were others. Most of them were smaller. They were even more well-hidden. I wouldnt have noticed them if Xidra didnt point them out.
What what is that?
I gaped in awe at these tiny, little creatures. The Kobold woman smiled. A Kobold smile.
These are my guardians. I have called upon them to protect my domain. To keep outsiders away from this shrine.
You can do that?!
It is a part of my ss.
She exined, continuing down the stairway until we were just outside of her room. She pulled the door open, letting us enter before her.
I am a [Hearthkeeper of Fauna]. It may not be abat ss, butbat is a part of what I do as a leader of the Risen Dragons. To ensure the safety of my people, I must fight. And this is one way that can be achieved.
Are they living things?
The critters you saw are not blessed with life, but are animated by mana. It is the same way Golems and undead can move. But my Nature Spawns are even more limited in thought. And their levels are not impressive. The highest among them is 40, while most are barely above 10.
Huh.
I stopped, turning to face the Kobold woman as she entered the room.
Wouldnt Zix be able to just kill all of them?
That is very perceptive of you, Salvos the [Mage].
She shut the door behind her. Hoxle didnt follow after. He seemed to have stopped to cast a spell of some kind outside.
My Nature Spawns are a precaution. They are not there to prevent an assault, only to deter one. I have other such deterrences, such as the simple barrier I had my [Runemages] set up around the shrine. And the small army of guards stationed right at the entrance, of course.
The Kobold woman shook her head, taking a seat across from us on an orange wooden chair. A rounded table separated her from us. It didnt have any refreshments too which, good! Id rather not hear mypanions noisily chomping down on some snacks while we were having an important conversation!
No the main reason why the Scale Sentinels wont be able to act is simple: thew prevents them from doing so.
Daniel and Edithe blinked while I nced between them, confused by their reactions. Xidra chuckled, making herselffortable in her seat.
I am aware that Humans view us Kobolds as rtively primitive. We dont have castles or pces as you do, nor do we have walls protecting our cities. But that is because we do not believe they are necessary. Nature itself can serve as our barriers. Look at where this city is located there are no monsters lurking these ins, no armies marching down our borders. The Dead Zone guards our left, and the tall mountains watch our right.
And if nature itself does not suffice, then magic can do anything that your walls can. That is the difference between Humankind and Koboldkind. We do not focus on creating the appearance of strength, we trust and believe in our strength, acting only out of necessity. Furthermore, we do not war with each other. Not in the same way Humans do.
I cocked my head, asking the question both mypanions probably had in their minds.
Then how do Kobolds make war?
We sh in ideas. In philosophies. In beliefs. Not innd or power. When factions wage war against one another, they do not do it toy im over a shrine. It is because of ideological purposes. After all, ideas persist. They do not erode with time. There is a continuity with ideas that nothing else has. Ideas are true power.
Xidra adjusted her robes, dusting it down, and taking a deep breath.
Enough about that. I have requested to speak with both Humans for a reason. It is a vital one. One which I believe you should know. The reason why Kobolds and Humans have been in war for thousands of years.
I raised my hand.
What about me?
You? You can stay.
Yay!
I beamed, happily cing my hand on myp, swaying like the hands of a broken clock as Daniel and Edithe took over. The Human man was first to speak.
Hoxle the [Diviner] mentioned something about the end of the world. He didnt want to borate any further and told us we should save any questions we had for you.
Indeed. Not all of the younger generations are as invested in the scriptures of old. While Hoxle the [Diviner] may be aware of the basics about what is toe, he would not be able to give either of you answers that I would find satisfactory.
And what is this end of the world, anyways?
Daniel crossed his arm. He was dubious. Or maybe suspicious; I couldnt tell the difference.
It is what it sounds like. It is the end of all things. The final days for every living being that walks the Nexeus. The deletion of the world. The Apocalypse.
I think I have heard about this before.
Edithe leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. She nced over at me and Daniel, beginning to exin.
Its in the history books. Well, some versions of some history books. There are various historians with various different ounts regardless, I once read about this Apocalypse. It was cited to be one of the reasons for the first Kobold invasion of the Humannds. And that Humans were the root cause of it.
For whatever reason, Daniel scowled and muttered something in English under his breath. Something about Humans and destroying the environment?
Xidra faced the red-haired woman with a smile. Except, it was not a Kobold smile. She looked like she was trying to mimic a Human smile. I found it cute endearing but mypanions were slightly horrified by it.
That is correct, Edithe the [Mage]. But only to a certain extent. Certainly, Koboldkind had hoped to prevent the Apocalypse by invading the Humannds. However, that was foolish of us. That should have only been our final option. But we saw your Immortal King, and we were afraid. So, we attacked. We waged war when war wasnt necessary. When talks dialogue between our people would have sufficed.
Wait, so youre saying that us Humans were truly doing things thats causing this Apocalypse?
The Kobold woman tilted her head back, as if in thought.
Causing it? Perhaps not. But exacerbating it? Yes. Your Species has wrought more than you know. And it is not something of the past. It is something Humans continue and will continue to do, unless stopped.
Thats
Edithe frowned. While she definitely wanted toe into this conversation with an open mind, what she was hearing was probably hard for her to ept. If I was understanding this right Xidra basically agreed that Humans, while not responsible, were very much contributors to this whole end of the world thing.
The red-haired woman met the gaze of Xidra, almost challengingly.
And what is the cause for this Apocalypse? What are Humans apparently doing right now that makes you say that?
The First Dragonling; Xidra the [Herbalist]; the Kobold who I saved, and both mine and Edithes friend sighed. She got to her feet, staring at both Humans as she gave her answer.
Summonings.
Xidras voice came out in a whisper. It was soft. Almost distant. It was the way one would speak to a child when telling them the harsh truth. Edithes eyes grew wide, and Daniels hands dropped freely to his sides.
With each summoning ritual your kind conducts for every Spirit, Demon, and [Hero] you bring to this ne to carry out your selfish desires you leave a hole in our world. While each is small, tiny in the grand scheme of things. They umte. And it will destroy everything that keeps the Nexeus intact. It will tear down the very fabric of our reality. When that happens, this world, and everything in it, will fall into the void. Gone, lost outside of time and space.
Chapter 146: Apocalypse
Chapter 146: Apocalypse
146. Apocalypse
Eons ago, when the world was still whole, the Nexeus served as a hub. As a ce for travelers visitors from other worlds to pass through, to find rest and reprieve, a brief stop in their journey across the vast void.
As Xidra spoke, recounting the history of the world, Daniel and Edithe stayed silent. They listened, thoughtful, a stark difference to mere moments ago. Both had been doubtful. Such an usation it was almost too much to believe. And yet, the enormity of it was too much to just ignore. Such a bold im.
Mypanions had to heed the First Dragonlings words.
These are no ordinary folk. They are Worldwalkers, neshoppers, Realityskippers, Gods. and Devils. If our world was left unguarded, they would have been free to do as they wish. Wrought what they desire to our peoples. But the Old Gods, the Dragons, stopped them. They ensured that their stay in the Nexeus was fleeting. That no permanent damage was left behind in the thin fabric of reality that holds this world together.
They were not fools. They saw the potential of what could be done. Every hole that was opened was sealed shut. Every Worldwalker tracked, their actions monitored. If there were Devils and tricksters amongst them, they would be banished, whatever mischief theyve caused would be reversed. But perhaps they never understood the true impact caused by otherworlders.
Daniel drew his lips into a thin line. He faced the Kobold woman, almost apprehensive.
What do you mean by true impact caused by otherworlders?
The space that is torn open will never be the same. No repairs can ever truly be made. Even if each hole is filled, it bes weaker. More vulnerable. But that is not all when an otherworlder stays in the Nexeus, their very presence disrupts our reality. It warps the boundaries of the world. Erodes it. Wears down the very earth they walk in, corrupting the soil and the dirt and the grass and the sand.
There was a gulp. I nced over at the [Hero] the so-called otherworlder in our group. Those were harsh words. But Xidra didnt know of his origins. She wasnt aware that he was a summoned [Hero].
Edithe took over for him. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. The shock from before was mostly gone.
And how do you know this? What makes you certain this is all true?
It was all written in scripture. Left behind by our ancestors. Inscribed in stone on the tablets in the Draconic Peaks. We have copied their writings, preserving it so that all our children should know the truth.
What about Demons?
I piped up, curious. I wasnt particrly worried sure, this seemed like a big deal. Mypanions were concerned. I just didnt care as much about this whole Apocalypse thing as they did.
Isnt the Netherworld, the Spirit ne, and the Mortal Realm all part of the Nexeus? Whats wrong with summoning Spirits and Demons then?
You are correct.
Xidra nodded.
Simple crossings through the variousyers of the same world does not erode the fabric of space. Not by itself. But when the world is already weakened, from the mistakes of time long passed, then each small action especially when carried out by tens of thousands of Humans every year will slowly whittle away at what is left. The loose thread tying our world together will only grow thinner. Even if a single bug cannot destroy a single crop, a swarm of locusts can destroy a field.
Huh.
I didnt understand that analogy. I quickly had the First Dragonling exin it to me. Then I leaned back, finallyprehending.
Edithe and Daniel were concerned. Rightfully so. That meant that both were somewhat responsible for this Apocalypse. They may have made little impact by themselves, but knowing that they contributed to it had to be unnerving.
This is concerning.
The Human man let out a nervous chuckle. Edithe was a lot more poised. Her face was covered in wrinkles.
If this is true, we have to do something about it. But just the three of us alone wont be able to make much of a difference. Well have to speak to Hadrian, Gabriel, Baris. The others anyone we can. This is
She began to list names. Contacts. Anyone she knew. She turned to Daniel, asking him if he knew anyone important. He hesitated, and told her that he would write up a list and give it to herter. I frowned and cut them off.
What can we even do about it?
The question was directed to Xidra, but mypanions overheard it too. Heads turned, facing me. I continued.
This seems important and all, but the question remains: what can we even do about it? In the first ce, isn''t this the job of those Old Gods you keep talking about?
It is. Our ancestors, Dragons, left this continent long ago to halt the end of the world. We know not what happened to them. Just that they left us here, aftering bringing our people to safety.
I raised a brow, and she exined.
This continent Sanctuos was never where us Kobolds lived. We came from the far east. From and that was lost to the void. The same goes for any Species that lives here. Any that isnt a Cyclops, of course.
I nced back at Edithe. She shrugged.
This is the first Im hearing about this too.
Do you Humans not know anything? I thought you had schools and academies!
We do but Ive never been in one. And even if I have, I don''t think Id have learned this. This seems like something big. How can it all just be lost to history? What about the Elves? The Dwarves? The Beastmen? The Cyclopes? Do they not know anything about this?
We know nothing about the Beastmen. Our kind have not interacted with theirs in many millenniums. Cyclopes are dubious; they treat our religion as they treat every other culture that interacts with theirs. But as for the Elves and the Dwarves the Dwarves are vaguely aware of our scripture, but they refuse to ept it. Only Elvenkind knows of the truth. Their long lives let them remember a time long ago. Perhaps slightly differently from us. But they know it is the truth. However, they are too busy squabbling between themselves to care. Not too different from Humans.
Xidra spoke, amenting look on her face. She nced down at the palm of her hand, the scales covering it were old, nearly king off, and it didnt help that she was likely pricking them with her ws when stressed.
This is just a lot to take in, Xidra.
Edithe shook her head, before quickly qualifying.
No offense. I want to believe you. I really do. But this is a lot.
I understand your apprehension, Edithe the [Mage]. That is why I only wished to speak with you, and nothing more.
You dont want us to do anything?
I do not. This is, hopefully, the first step to building a rtionship with Humankind. I wish to reconcile the differences between our Species. Not force you to work with us before we cane to an understanding.
That made sense. Daniel nodded, agreeing with her. Edithe however, bit her lower lip. She looked like she wanted to do something even more. But the Human man ced a hand on her shoulder.
As much as we want to help right now, we have to do our own research first. Im not saying we shouldnt trust Xidra. Perhaps she really believes what she is saying. But it may not actually be true.
Daniel the [Warrior] is correct.
The Kobold woman spoke, much to both mypanions surprises. I peered at her as she continued.
While I have utmost faith in the sacred writings of our ancestors, it is something that could have possibly been tampered with. Interference by zealots to push their own agenda. Other such forgeries. And it is natural of you to be dubious of its origins. So, worry not, Edithe the [Mage]. I have told you what I wanted. What happens next needs not be rushed.
She gestured for us to follow after her. I was quick on my feet, at her side in an instant. Mypanions dragged themselves across the floor,zy, or maybe still caught up in the revtion made by Xidra.
For now, I will do whatever is necessary to ensure your protection. If you need to travel across the gunds, I will have Hoxle
No.
I shook my head, waving a hand at Edithes Bag of Holding.
There is no need for that. We promised you we would keep the Totem of Incense safe until its destruction. Especially if Zix the [Warrior] decides to act brashly. You say that there may bews preventing him from doing as he wishes, however I have seen Humans act outside thew. Humans, Kobolds, Cyclopes, Demons we are fickle beings. Words alone cannot stop us. Especially if we are beyond motivated to act.
Daniel, Edithe, and Xidra stared at me. I cocked my head.
What?
...its nothing.
Xidra sighed, bringing us out of her room.
Very well then. If you insist. We only have a little more preparation to make for the ritual to beplete, but I will ensure that you are properly amodated.
--
For the next two days, me and mypanions stayed in the tall minaret, in guest rooms close to the rooftop. It was not the mostfortable room we had been in. Especially since the three of us had to squeeze together in that small space.
It only made sense. Kobolds were smaller than Humans; they didnt need as much room to sleep in. And this was a ce of worship they didnt prioritize making it fancy or anything like that.
We spent most of that time holed up in our room. We werent Kobolds. I mean, I could have gone out pretending to be a Kobold. It wasnt like I transformed out of my Mortal Form once. But Daniel and Edithe were Humans. Neither of them could do much to hide that fact.
Even if the Risen Dragons were less discriminating against them than other Kobold factions, they still stood out. So, it was better for them not to wander about.
The pair of Humans spent most of their time discussing the details of the Apocalypse. They wrote down everything they found important. Each piece of information they could possibly learn more about. Things they could ask Xidra to borate upon.
However, before either of them had the chance to speak with Xidra once more, there was a ruckus. Something happened which required the First Dragonlings attention.
A mor came from outside. Beyond the barriers set up by the Risen Dragons. The Nature Spawns were riled up. A crowd gathered around the shrine. There was a bellow. A shout.
Let us in! We wish to speak to the First Dragonling!
Zix the [Warrior] stood with a retinue of his followers, arms folded, dressed in decorated garbs. I nced out the patterned window, staring at him as he provoked the crowd around him.
Gaze upon their cowardice, people of Unarith! The Risen Dragons have holed themselves up since their heresy has been revealed! The First Dragonling refuses to show her face. Come out, Xidra the [Herbalist], and ept your crimes!
I nced at mypanions, seeing nervous looks cross through their faces.
Do you think theyll try something?
Im not sure, Salvos. But that Kobold was the one who razed Ghostlight to the ground.
Edithe pursed her lips. Daniel ced a hand on the hilt of his longsword.
We should be prepared for anything.
Right.
I nodded.
I prepared a Star Forge and waited, watching Zix with uncertainty. He could be trying something here. Perhaps he might be trying to build up a mob one that would swarm the Risen Dragons. But that was reckless. Too reckless.
If not, then what else could he be doing?
I soon found out.
Xidra stepped out of the entryway of the shrine, marching up to the angry crowd, nked by high leveled Kobold guards and Hoxle. She stopped right at the edge of the barrier, meeting Zixs gaze. Before she could say anything, he raised a hand and pointed at her.
By the primeval traditions of the Old Gods, I challenge you, Xidra the [Herbalist], First Dragonling and leader of the Risen Dragons, to the Trial of the Scales!
Chapter 147: Trial of the Scales
Chapter 147: Trial of the Scales
147. Trial of the Scales
The Trial of the Scales. It was an ancient Kobold tradition where two Kobolds from opposing factions dueled each other to resolve a dispute. To the death, of course.
Daniel called it barbaric, but I thought that it was a pretty neat idea. It would prevent unnecessary bloodshed from either side excluding one of the two in the Trial who would die! Still, one death is better than a lot more.
Not that I cared too much about that whole Human morality debate. It was simple for me: if you attacked me, I would defend myself and kill you. Not unless I didnt want to kill you.
It wasnt codified, enumerated in some long body of text; there was no point in trying to justify something that was senseless. Especially when wild Demons and monsters were involved. Mortals too, were not excluded from this. While most Humans seemed to be entirely sane, you never knew what was truly going on in their minds.
Many of them acted just as wild Demons did.
The same applied to Kobolds.
Zix was ovee with wrath. He had stormed the Shrine of the Risen Dragons with a mob at his back. They came with the fury of a storm. Xidra couldnt just ignore the fire and brimstone brewing outside of the barrier. She approached him, and he took that as his chance.
In front of the entire city of Unarith, he challenged Xidra to the Trial of the Scales. She was a [Herbalist]. A nonbatant. So, obviously, she refused. Instead, a champion would fight in her stead.
There were a few [Warriors] she considered. But some of them were apprehensive about it.
Tiss the [Warrior], why will you not represent the Risen Dragons in battle?
She wasnt angry, just curious more than anything. The Kobold man was Level 102. Certainly not on the same level as Zix. However, he apparently had a good evolution one which let him stand a chance against the High Zealot.
He shook his head, turning his back to her.
Apologies, First Dragonling. I do not agree with our factions stance to destroy the Totem of Incense. It is a sacred treasure that should be guarded, even if not used to war with the Humans.
There was a moment of hesitation as he nced back at Xidra for a moment.
...perhaps that is the reason why others within the Risen Dragons chose to speak out when they heard of your decision.
Xidra narrowed her eyes.
What does this mean, Tiss the [Warrior]? Exin yourself.
He winced as she fixed him with a re.
I have... made no such actions myself, First Dragonling, but there are others who were unhappy. They were the ones who told the Scale Sentinels of Salvos the [Mage]s return. That is how they knew where to find her.
Traitors, within the Risen Dragons?
A dark look came over her face. She gritted her teeth before waving a hand off.
Begone, Tiss the [Warrior]. We shall discuss this another time. This is not something that can be allowed to continue.
Yes, First Dragonling.
With that, the Kobold man left. He stalked through the open doorway, passing me by, his gaze averted towards the ground. I remained poise, even after he left, waiting for Xidra to call my name before entering the room.
Come in, Salvos the [Mage].
I greeted her with a light bow of the head, stopping in the middle of a colorful, circr carpet. This was not Xidras room, but another ce in the shrine. An office, as Daniel would call it.
What is it that you wished to see me for?
She fixed me with an inquiring gaze. I nodded, gesturing behind me and vaguely in the direction of Tiss.
Xidra the [Herbalist], I was simply concerned about the current circumstance you have found yourself in. Tell me: are you truly going to be dueling Zix the [Warrior] in battle?
I do not wish to battle him myself, for if I do, I would surely lose. Unfortunately, no other [Warrior] in our faction wishes to step up and face him. Not for the stakes that have been set.
Not even Nav the [Warrior]? Or Hoxle the [Diviner]?
Sighing, Xidra took a seat as I remained standing before her. She rested a hand on her head. She was tired. Weary. The suddenness of the past two days was too much for her; especially now that she learned of the traitors within the Risen Dragons.
Nav the [Warrior] is keen eager to fight at my behest. But his level is too low. He would surely be ughtered by Zix the [Warrior]. Only Hoxle the [Diviner] stands a chance, but he is not abatant. Even with his evolution, he likely will lose his life and our efforts will go to waste. s, I do not believe there is much choice. It is either my nephew fights, or no one does.
I tilted my head back, in thought.
What happens if you refuse his challenge?
Refuse the Trial of the Scales?
Yes. What happens if you just dont show up?
Xidra frowned, the face she made making it clear that that was not a possibility.
It would mean humiliation for the Risen Dragons. Perhaps if I had not confronted Zix the [Warrior], this could have been avoided. An open challenge is not the same as one made in-person. I foolishly chose to face him, rather than letting his incendiary words die down with time. Now, all that is left is for me to deal with the consequences myself: I have to give an answer by sundown.
Huh.
Tapping a wed finger on my chin, I paused to consider anything that could help her, any idea or suggestion that would possibly be useful. But it all boiled down to a simple thing: one which I had only known since I was born.
Why dont I fight for you?
She blinked.
Pardon, Salvos the [Mage], but could you repeat yourself?
I said: why dont I fight Zix in this Trial of the Scales?
Youre youre serious, arent you?
Why wouldnt I be serious?
I cocked my head.
Zix the [Warrior] has tried to kill my friends. He has tried to kill me. And now, hes trying to kill you. Im not going to let it happen, even if it means Ill have to face him in this Trial of Scales.
But you are almost 10 levels below him, Salvos the [Mage]. And unlike you, he has an evolution. A high leveled one at that. This will not be an easy fight not for you.
Xidra was worried. Rightly so. I saw what Zix did to Daniel not too long ago; the Human man was incredibly sturdy, and he barely got out of that fight alive. I was outmatched. At least, in my Mortal Form.
I know it wont be easy. Even with all my artifacts even if I borrow mypanions artifacts I still stand a chance of dying. My Greaves of the Wanderer havent even recovered their effects yet! However, I want to do this. I believe I can do this.
I meet her eyes, determined. She wanted to argue. Protest. There were things she wanted to say. But eventually, she just acquiesced.
Very well, Salvos the [Mage]. If you honestly wish to fight for the Rise Dragons, then I will gratefully ept your help. However
She raised a hand, drawing my attention.
Just know that for the Trial of the Scales, no artifacts will be allowed from either of those participating in the duel.
I stared at her in shock. My mouth hung open as she waited for me to respond. I felt my lips quivering. And I smiled.
Good. Thats even better for me.
--
Are you sure you want to do this, Salvos?
Mypanions were concerned. I expected this. They would protest try to convince me not to go and fight. That was why I chose not to tell them about it until after Xidra already agreed to let me represent the Risen Dragons.
There was not much time for arguing; the Trial of the Scales dictated that the duel would happen tonight, after the sun sets. Each side would bring their own champion to fight. Zix, of course, brought himself. He was dressed in the traditional dueling garments. A pair of white robes. Ones that would be stained in the blood of thebatants.
Yep. Im certain.
I gave mypanions a reassuring smile as I patted down my robes. It was a bit of a tight fit, but that was how these robes were supposed to be. Mypanions exchanged a nce, a bit unnerved by how I stuck my tongue out. But that was just how Kobolds smiled; they had to get used to it.
Edithe bit her lower lip.
I know I said I wanted to help Xidra, but this is going a bit far. Zix is strong, Salvos. You remember what he did in Ghostlight, right?
He beat up Daniel, yes.
I gave her a sage nod. The Human man rolled his eyes.
He also burnt that town to the ground. Hes a cruel, merciless bastard.
But Humans do that all the time. And Demons too! I dont see why that matters.
It matters because you know hell use underhanded and dirty tricks anything he can to win.
The red-haired woman nced out of our tent. We were in the center of Unarith, at arge field barren of any nts or vegetation. The ground was rocky, and there was an arena set up out of stone just ahead. Surrounding it was arge crowd of Kobolds possibly half the city itself came to watch this spectacle.
The sky was tinted a burning orange. The sun was beginning its descent, and the Trial of the Scales would start soon. I had to be ready. But mypanions were still worried.
I should be the one worrying over them! There was a group of guards from the Risen Dragons surrounding our tent. And that was not for my safety. It was for the safety of the two Humans. The fact that they were even here even if they were not visible to the public eye had drawn a lot of ire from those who followed the Cult of the Old Gods.
Most of the city was unsettled at worst. But Kobolds were not currently at war with Humans. They didnt just ughter Humans at first sight. At least, not the majority of them. There was an extreme minority which were ready to act. I spotted them inciting unrest and spreading hushed whispers about how Humans were here to corrupt thend.
Its fine.
I shook my head.
I also have a few tricks up my sleeves.
Raising a hand, I created a kusarigama made of white fire. It was a Medium Grade Weapon a Refined Sickle Grenade.
I cant bring any artifacts, but I can make my own!
Its still not enough to level the ying field. Salvos, I
I ced a wed hand on Edithes shoulder, cutting her off. I was rxed, and she could see it. I wasnt a Kobold. I never nned on fighting fair either.
Youre right. I cant just go into this fight unprepared. Thats why both of you are here, rather than waiting up in the Shrine of the Risen Dragons.
She blinked. Then her eyes lit up.
Thats right!
She hurriedly spoke, excitement clear in her voice.
I can lend you one of my Skills probably [Restore Skill]. But thatd be very useful, especially in a duel! And Daniel can give his [The Will of the Hero] to you too, before the fight!
Thats right. Although, Id probably have to give it to you now, just to remain discreet.
The Human man rubbed at his chin. I nced between the two of them; they seemed more agreeable now. I pped my hands together, grinning.
So, is it settled then?
They were still nervous. Why wouldnt they be? I could hear a tiny voice in my head, warning me of the dangers that came from doing this. After all, I had no reason to do this. This didnt matter to me. It brought me no benefits.
But I cared about Xidra. And I wanted to do this. If I only ever did things for my own gain, then I would be no different from a wild Demon, mindlessly killing everything I came across. Mypanions nodded. They met my gaze, and spoke the same words.
Just dont die, Salvos.
--
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5) (+10%)
[Strength]: 80 (+5) (+10%) (-4)
[Endurance]: 88 (+5) (+10%) (-4)
[Wisdom]: 142 (+5) (+6) (+10%) (-4)
[Agility]: 201 (+5) (+10%) (-4)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[me Burst] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 9
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Borrowed Skill - Restore Skill] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Are you ready?
I looked up at Xidra as she approached my tent. Mypanions were no longer by my side. They left me on my own after giving me whatever boons they could. I was simply waiting for the duel to begin.
I am.
Very well. Follow me.
The First Dragonling led me through the thin ps, out into the area. I stepped up the delicately chiseled stone stairway, following behind her as jeers came from the watching crowd. Mypanions were girdled by a group of Kobold guards from the Risen Dragons, out of view from most of the audience, only visible through the gaps between the metallic shoulder armor.
I took a few quick breaths, readying myself for the battle that was toe. Daniels buff would notst forever. Although, the borrowed Skill may not dissipate for a while. I had to end this quickly. I was not looking for a protracted, drawn out battle.
When the bell chimes a third time, the Trial of the Scales shall begin. Salvos the [Mage]...
Xidra faced me pensively. I nodded, reassuring.
Do not worry about me, Xidra the [Herbalist]. Just ensure that mypanions are safe.
I shall join them and make sure their safety is absolutely certain.
She nodded, ncing back in the direction of Edithe and Daniel. There was something else she wanted to say. She opened her mouth but shook her head.
Thank you.
Those were thest words she said before she left. And then it was just myself and Zix. The High Zealot had been in the arena since the sun was still in the sky. He sat, legs crossed, waiting, silent.
I took my ce across from him. We were separated by fifty paces. I could cross that distance in an instant. All I needed was to get one good strike in, and finish the fight.
A gong resounded in the background. It was the first bell. It drowned out all the chattering of the crowd gathered. Most of them were in support of Zix. Of course they were.
The High Zealot slowly got to his feet as the bell was struck a second time.
You, [Mage], why do you serve Xidra? Do you not realize how foolish her ideals are? They will surely lead us to our doom.
Maybe.
I shrugged as I unfurled my tail from around my waist. It wasnt very Kobold-like of me. But I had to prioritize winning the Trial of the Scales over pretending to be a Kobold.
But Im helping Xidra because I want to. And because I dont like you.
His eyes narrowed.
You sound familiar.
What about you?
I looked over at the bell-ringer. He reeled back to strike the third gong. I bared my teeth.
Why are you doing this? Why do you insist on waging war with the Humans?
Isnt it obvious? Its because
The third bell rang. I leapt forward with a [me Burst], activating [Self Haste]. I came forth like a speeding arrow. There was no stopping me. I would hit my target no matter what.
Zixs eyes grew wide. He took a step to his side, but I growled.
No you dont!
For a brief moment, Zix froze. And that was enough for me. I raised a wed hand as it was engulfed in brilliant ck mes. It shone with its sable light so bright that those watching went blind.
Just for a split-second.
[Radiant sh]!
I dug my ws into the High Zealots chest. He was the leader of the Scale Sentinels. One of the leading factions that were a part of the Cult of the Old Gods. I knew what killing him meant. The implications behind it all I was ready to embrace it.
It was one of my greatest Skills. I could shred through a Ghoul with it. The same thing should have happened with Zix, right?
Wrong.
The ck light faded as the Skills effects came to an end. I stared in shock as my ws only barely pierced through the Kobolds skin. It drew blood, yes. He was bleeding, but not profusely. It wasnt just a minor wound. And yet, Zix was unfazed.
It didnt evene close to killing him.
Was that it? How pathetic.
Zix the [Warrior] grabbed me by the arm and flung me to the side. I crashed into the earth, tumbling and breaking through the stone ground as the fire around the arena ignited. It formed a patterned wall, boxing us in this small space.
I stumbled back up, wincing as blood dripped from the cuts all over my scales. The High Zealot walked forward leisurely. His bleeding had already stopped. A savage grin was spread across his face.
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration]. [Passive - Obsidian Scales]. [Passive - Enhanced Vitality]. Did you think that was enough to kill me?
He shook his head, the disappointment clear in his voice. A familiar image seemed to coalesce behind him. It looked like a Kobold but no, I saw it somewhere else. Was it the murals in Shrine of the Risen Dragons?
You ask me why I am doing this? Its because the Apocalypse ising. The world shall end. Not unless I put an end to all the scourges that gues the Nexeus starting with heathens like you.
Zix raised his w, and the image struck down after him. It tore the ground open. It ripped apart the earth, bearing down on me with the fury of a Dragon.
Chapter 148: Darkening Horizons
Chapter 148: Darkening Horizons
148. Darkening Horizons
An ethereal creature came crashing down at me. The image of a Dragon tore apart the earth, shredding through the ground, blending it into mud and spraying it into the air. A [me Burst] pulled me to the side just in time. I barely avoided the attack. It was the kind of Skill I expected a [Hero] to have. Not some random Kobold man!
[Wrath of the Old Gods]. Hrmph, so you survived its fury.
Zix strolled past the carnage he had wrought, casual, ignoring the falling debris and dust around him, each nonchnt stride bringing him closer and closer to me. I growled, activating [Ember Core] as he came to a stop ten paces away from me. With that single Skill, he ravaged half of the area, turning it into a cratered mess jutting out with the asional spiky rocks and rubble, poking out like shattered teeth hiding in the sand.
The crowd was deathly quiet now; the damage Zix inflicted upon thend was enough to even instill fear within the watchers. I couldnt see mypanions from where I was standing, but I had no doubts that they were clutching at their chests and worried for my life.
I shook my head, dusting myself off.
That makes no sense.
I steadied myself, facing down Zix as he loomed over me. He wasrge for a Kobold. His scales were the same color as the night. But that didnt matter. I tugged at the threads at my fingers as I spoke out.
Youre saying that you want to kill all Humans just because a few of them are doing bad things?
No.
He let out a mirthlessugh. It sounded more cruel the kind of chuckle Id expect from a wild Demon. The mes girdling the arena cast a sheen over his obsidian body; the fire danced in his eyes, flickering, swaying, reflecting a burning hatred in them.
I do not simply wish to eradicate all of Humankind. I will bring their [Heroes] to their knees, tear down their monuments to both Spirits and Demons, and cleanse the Mortal Realm of all the heretics who dared challenge the Cult of the Old Gods.
I blinked.
Thats a bit extreme, isnt it?
Perhaps, but it is the only way the world
He didnt get to finish. Once again, Zix was so caught up in his own words, he let his guard down. I dashed forward as the Star Forge came into existence right behind me. Its twinkling form shifted. It contracted, then began to expand as Ished out at the Kobold man with a [Barrage of Cinders].
Bracing himself, Zix held up his arms in a cross. But I pulled away at thest second. [me Burst] yanked me to his right as the erged Star Forge snapped down at him. The warped orb of fire began to twist and turn, spiking out from all sides as a significant chunk of my mana disappeared, before it finallybusted.
The st shot up out of the ground like a white spear. One that consumed everything within it, incinerating even the ghost of the ashes caught within the mes. It lit up the night sky. A beacon for all those around Unarith to see.
But that wasnt all. I stepped back from the raging inferno and unleashed a cone of blue mes into the mix. The zing wave washed over the earth, turning it into a deep ck. If this arena ever had arable soil if it ever was capable of growing crops it was no longer the case now.
Its a good thing Zix talks a lot. It was something I noticed, even back in Ghostlight. He enjoyed hearing himself speak. It was something that resonated with me. The sound of my own voice was alluring, especially when I wasnt in my Mortal Form. And I often made the mistake of speaking too much in battle.
But I wasnt the one making this mistake now.
I was grinning. I created a kusarigama, ready to strike whatever burnt remains of a Kobold came stumbling out of the mes. But the smile soon slipped off my face. My tongue receded back into my mouth as I saw the obsidian-scaled Kobold walking out of the fire. He halted as my magic dissipated. His robes were entirely burnt off, the wound in his chest still there. And his body was singed, covered in light burns. But otherwise, he was unharmed.
I stared at the High Zealot as he showed a grin of his own.
H-how?
***
Edithe couldnt believe her eyes at what she saw. She just witnessed Salvos let loose some of the most powerful magic the Demon had ever cast, only for Zix to shrug it off with only a few scratches to his body.
The red-haired woman knew it was magic above Salvos level. She knew that Salvos could only conjure such powerful mes that quickly thanks to Daniels boon. But it wasnt enough to evene close to killing the Kobold.
Thats fucking bullshit!
Daniel nced her way, startled by the sudden outburst. Edithe didnt feel embarrassed. She couldnt help but curse. That was because she saw something only she could see. Perhaps Salvos might be able to discern it if she really looked for it. But Edithe highly doubted that was high in the Demons priority list right now.
What is wrong, Edithe the [Mage]?
Xidra stepped up to the red-haired womans side.
Whats wrong? You tell me whats wrong how the fuck does Zix have a dozen differentyers of spells protecting him against fire?
Does he?
And its not just regr spells. Theyre Skills! They have to be Skills. There is no way he was able to cast magic that uniform so many times over himself.
Edithe watched as Zix leapt at Salvos. The battle in the arena resumed after the brief interlude. The powerful magic from Salvos had taken many of the onlookers out from their immersion from its intense heat. But now, they were starting a soft chant. A susurration that was slowly spreading through the crowd of Kobolds surrounding the arena.
It pissed off Edithe. Why were they all on his side? There had to be some supporting Salvos, right? Well, if they were present, they were being awfully quiet. Maybe only Xidra and the few guards from the Risen Dragons were actually rooting for Salvos.
And they were here, far to the side, almost entirely separated from the arena.
That is an interesting observation.
Xidras voice drew Edithes attention away from the fighting. Zix was relentlessly pressing Salvos with powerful strikes. The Demon managed to avoid most of them, but failed to rally any sort of proper counter attack which could harm the Kobold. So, they were at a stalemate.
What do you mean? Whats wrong?
The tone of Xidras voice clued Edithe in that something was amiss. Xidra crossed her arms, her face twisting to a scowl.
Zix the [Warrior] may be powerful, however hecks the capacity to cast such magic. His ss is a variation of a [Monk]. He draws power from his own will. He does not use mana or magic in the sense which you are describing. The same goes for his evolution. My nephew can attest to that.
She nced over at Hoxle, and he nodded.
Yep. Were [Drags]. Well, Im just an ordinary [Drag] since I havent gotten past Level 40 yet for it. But even if he somehow reached Level 100 for his evolution, I dont think he couldve possibly been given a super [Mage] kind of an option along the way. Were a very physical Subspecies, you see.
He flexed an arm and spread his wings out wide. Edithe ignored it, instead looking at the arena in anger.
That damn cheater!
She stomped a foot on the ground right as an explosion resounded in the background. Zix took to the skies, avoiding the st of rock and debris that hailed back down from the st.
Hes using others Skills no, artifacts too, to give him his extreme fire resistance. Does that bastard not know honor?
I mean, we did cheat too, but, uh
Daniel spoke in a small voice. Edithe red his way, promptly shutting him up before he could continue.
We have to tell Salvos about this. The only way shell be able to defeat him is if she fights him without using her magic.
She started forward, only for Xidra to put a hand out.
Assisting abatant during the Trial of the Scales is strictly forbidden by its rules. You will vite the sanctity of this duel if you speak up.
Edithe frowned as the chanting in the background grew louder. She wanted to argue but time was running out. Salvos only had half an hour before [The Will of the Hero]s effects came to an end. And while the duel hadnt raged on for that long, the Demon was given the Skill before the fighting started.
Both Zix and Salvos have already broken the rules to this stupid duel. And if their damn chanting is allowed, I dont see why I can''t just shout a few words too. Im going up there, Xidra the [Herbalist], and with all due respect, you cant stop me.
Shaking her head, Edithe stepped past Xidra and shoved her way through the retinue of guards boxing them in. She was going to expose herself by walking out, but she didnt care. Salvos had to win this. After all, the penalty for losing was death.
***
Zix zipped through the air,ing straight for me as I loosed a white Refined zing Bolt his way. I backed away from his flying figure. He barely paid heed to the attack. The fire sshed off his scales like I was pouring some hot water over him. It burned him, yes. But it wasnt evening close to killing him.
Something was wrong. I could tell, something was just not right about this.
He struck the earth like a falling star. The impact sent me stumbling back as he drew himself back to his feet.
You are nothing more than a heathen, lost in your ways, believing the foolish lies of the Risen Dragons. There is no salvation for you. Your only redemption is death.
Zix charged me, once again apanied by a Dragon at his tail. It was a different Dragon from before. While the previous one had silver scales, this one was crimson in color. These were not real Dragons. Merely projections, created from his Skills. But it didnt matter. They brought with them their might, and that was enough to send a chilling fear down my spine.
I desperately threw myself away from the attack. The Kobold man moved as if he was ance being thrust forth. He didnt turn or pull after me. The image vanished as he stopped right by the mes marking the edge of the arena.
I panted as I picked myself up from the pile of rubble Inded in.
Why do you keep calling me that? Im not a heathen!
Oh?
He spun around to face me.
You im not to be a heathen, yet you fight for Xidra. You even work with the scum of Humankind, despite their repeated acts of heresy against our Gods. Tell me, how can you make such a bold assertion with such a straight face?
Its true! And its Xidra the [Herbalist].
I nced over to the side, searching for mypanions. I narrowed my eyes as I spotted a small scuffle happening close to the area. A familiar red-haired woman and ck-haired man were standing there, caught by a crowd. It looked like they were being escorted by a few of the Risen Dragons guards, but were swarmed by a dozen members of the angry audience. Although most of them were too low leveled to do anything against either of them.
Salvos!
Edithe called out, waving an arm as she bounced up and down right by the wall of mes.
Stop using fire magic against Zix he has multipleyers of potent fire resistance magic protecting him!
I paused as the words slowly registered in my mind. There was a roar more Kobolds swarmed mypanions at her words. They were shouting, crying loudly about cheating. Edithe fired back with her own usations as she shoved Kobolds off her.
Zix made an irritated sound.
Hrmph, outside influence? During the Trial of the Scales? Truly, the Risen Dragons have never fallen lower than today.
You say that, but arent you cheating too?
I could feel the effects [The Will of the Hero] waning. I had to settle this fight now. I just had to bait Zix into another monologue
The obsidian-scaled Kobold leapt into the air, carried higher and higher by the single, pping wing at his back. I watched him ascend above even the tallest minaret in all of Unarith. Heads turned. Eyes were fixed on the ck dot in the sky.
Did you think that trick would work three times? Surely you must have expected me to learn about your antics by now.
Thats no fair! Come back down here!
I was about to create another bow and arrow, but stopped myself. Instead, I picked arge rock off the ground one about the size of my head and tossed it his way. He drifted to the left of it almost indifferently as it missed him. Even though I threw it as fast as I could!
This world is filled with wrong. It flows with sin and evil and death. There is much left to cleanse. But I shall fight for what is just. For all thats right, for all thats good. I shall do what I must. Until I take myst and final breath.
An idea crossed my mind. I just had to toss the rock faster so that it would hit him. I created a pair of chains and hooked it around a piece of debris that was my size. Zix continued, but this time, there was power in his words.
[Cmity Shall Come, The World Will End, So May The Old Gods Give Me Strength].
His voice boomed throughout all of Unarith. It drew the attention of the angry crowd that was trying to swarm mypanions. Xidras eyes snapped wide open. Gasps left the mouth of more than a single Kobold.
That is a Grand Skill. His evolution did it already reach past Level 100?!
Someone whispered. Was it Xidra? I wasnt sure.
Then darkness seemed to brew over me. I thought it was just clouds floating over the stars and the moon in the sky? But it wasnt. It was a shadow. One that grewrger andrger over me.
Zix morphed. His arms and legs began to misshapen. Part of his limbs seemed to retreat into his now-bloated body. Then his back curved forward into a hunch. A crooked shape that continued to extend in length. His wing, once alone, was now joined by another. And they spanned twice the size of his new body.
He was he looked like a Dragon.
This is but a peek into the divine power of the Gods! Sing me your hymns, oh little girl. Cry, scream, and beg for forgiveness. Perhaps you will be shown mercy in the afterlife.
Chapter 149: Dragonet
Chapter 149: Drag
149. Drag
I gaped up at Zix as he hovered above me. His body had deformed into a crooked, hunched figure. His arms and legs seemed to sink partway into his body, the limbs losing half of their range of motion from before. He quadrupled in size, and his wings doubled even that in length. Everything about him wasrger. That included the wounds I had previously inflicted on him. The hole in his chest was now the size of my person. The small cuts covering his body were now deep gashes. But that didnt matter. Because
He looked like a Dragon. I have only seen the images of Dragons, but I knew that Zix was meant to look like one. He wasnt entirely simr. For example, his face was not nearly asrge his mouth didnt protrude nearly as far as I wouldve expected. Neither was his tail as long as the ones the Dragons in the murals had.
In fact, his tail looked quite stubby, like the broken stump of a tree sticking out of tall grass. He was supposed to be a Dragon. He was supposed to look simr to it. But his appearance was just obscene.
I took a step back as Zix spread his wings wide.
Tremble, crumble, from my splendor. Falter fool and lose your luster.
Why do you keep speaking weirdly?!
I wrapped my fire chains around arge rock and hurled it up at him. The stone was asrge as me a piece of debris that jutted out of the ground. It had an oblique shape to it. An edge that was rather sharp.
Zixs eyes narrowed. He pped his wings a single time, and the force of air that beat down slowed the projectiles momentum enough that it wouldnt reach him. I braced myself under the force of the wind. It didnt knock me off bnce, but it sent all the pebbles on the ground rolling away from my feet.
Surprisingly, the mes around the arena weren''t snuffed out by the gust of air. They danced violently, whipping back and forth, but otherwise stayed burning with the same ferocity as before.
There was a slight pause as the strong winds came to a stop. Zixs gaze bore down at me, like a hawk eyeing its prey. The stone I threw came crashing behind me as I deactivated [Ember Core]. It was pointless, really. With Zixs current power, hed be able to overwhelm the magical protection with a single blow. And it didnt burn him back either. Right now, it was a drain to my mana.
You still dare challenge me? Even knowing what I truly am?
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Kobolds kneeling, bowing before the floating Kobold man. But that was just it. He wasnt one of their Old Gods. He was
Youre not a Dragon youre just a Kobold pretending to be a Dragon. Look at you! Youre fat and ugly and crude!
Zix blinked. Then he roared.
Insolence!
He swooped down after me. The wind nearly tossed me into the air it was like a cyclone, created by nothing but his wings. A natural disaster from a man alone. But a man he was. Still Mortal. Definitely not one of these Old Gods.
I activated [Self Haste] and jumped. I didnt go in any particr direction. I simply let the hurricane take me like it wanted to. I had a small figure maybe if I wasnt in my Kobold Form, I wouldnt be carried by the whipping winds.
It sent me flying back towards the edge of the arena. Zix pped his wings once more, propelling himself my way. He folded his body and dove at me like an arrow. He moved fast. Too fast to react when I made a sharp turn.
I used [me Burst] at thest second. I avoided the mes, keeping within the arena as I skirted around its perimeter. I watched as Zixs eyes grew wide. He beat his wings in a panic, trying to slow down from hitting the mes.
Zix couldnt stop not without grounding himself. He veered into the earth and tore through it, leaving arge divot as he tumbled to a stop. The tips of his wings touched the fire. I saw a flicker. The dancing mes singed Zixs scales. It burned the Kobold, more than my magic had with my greatest Skills.
So, those arent just regr mes then.
Not staying idle, I dashed forward and seized the only chance I had. Zix tried to take to the air once more. But I managed to reach him. He swatted at me, but missed as I flipped over his ws. Inded on his back and wrangled the chains around his neck.
Zix hissed, letting out an incoherent noise. He wheezed and coughed as he stumbled back. He let out heavy, sharp breaths, but only air came out. There were no mes. No lightning. No ice. It was just his angry panting as he squirmed on the ground.
If fire isnt going to hurt you, how about this?!
I chomped down the back of his head. He let out a guttural scream. It wasnt one of pain, but of pure rage. I tugged at the chains, trying to lead the rampaging Zix into the wall of mes. He thrashed around. He didnt realize what I was doing. Not until he felt the heat washing over him. He growled and burst back up into the sky as I desperately clung onto him.
My chains fell loose. I could only grasp onto the flying Kobolds scales with my ws and my mouth. He spun in the air, twisting, trying to shake me off him. I managed to hold on until everything flipped. Zix growled as he rapidly began to descend back to the ground.
I will crush you!
Uh-oh.
I saw the ground quickly approaching, stone and debris protruding up, ready to skewer me through. I let go of the Kobolds obsidian scales, pushing myself to the side and into my own free fall. The world, once slow due to the effects of [Self Haste], began to speed up. The Skills effect came to an end.
Inded on all fours, but wasnt able to steady myself before Zix was snapping his jaw at me. His gaping mouth closed in on me. I would have been eaten in a single bite. Which was disgusting!
A [me Burst] saved me. But Zix didnt let up. He pressed forward, swiping his ws and bearing down at me with his ravenous teeth. I focused as I saw his flurry of attackse my way. He was toorge. Too quick. I would get hit eventually.
His movements began to decelerate. The watching crowd slowed once more. I could see the dust behind Zix shooting up into the air, a plume that billowed up almostzily.
[Restore Skill: Self Haste]!
I swiftly avoided the rest of Zixs frenzied strikes. I led him closer and closer to the edge of the arena. He frowned and backed away.
Do you really think you can trick me
Nope!
He paused. And I charged forward. I went straight for his chest, aiming for the open wound left behind by my [Radiant sh]. I dug my ws into him, ripping, tearing, trying to burrow into him like some kind of Centinel.
Zix cried out in pain. He reached for me with his stubby arms, and I skittered out of the way, crawling around to his back once more. It was a familiar movement for me. One that was easier now that I actually had arms and legs. Its definitely easier than crawling with just my body!
Whats wrong, cant reach me?
My strength was waning. The buff from Daniel was going toe to an end within the minute. I concentrated on nothing but creating a pair of fiery chains, white and solid, one that didnt waste mana burning, but was reinforced beyond anything I had ever made before.
We were in the sky once more. I could see the sable dome spinning above me. The stars were trailing in circles overhead. Zix was trying to crash into the ground again. He thought tht it would throw me off. But I didnt jump this time.
I threw the chains around his back, around his body, tangling into his wings. I tightened the magical bindings as Zix struggled to spread his wings wide to no avail. He was no longer in control of where we were going. We were both plummeting wildly to the ground now.
You fieeeeeeeeeeeend!
He cursed at me as I let go of him at the veryst moment. The Kobold smashed into the ground, breaking apart the rock and stone below. They pierced his scales and tore apart his wings. He picked himself back up, standing on shaky legs.
You shall feel the wrath of God for your sins! I will make you pay!
I crashed into his back and sent him stumbling forward. He stopped right before the edge of the arena, where the wall of mes was located. He managed to catch himself from falling into it, although he was a scales length away from being burned by the fire. I grabbed the white chains, still wrapped around Zixs back, and bellowed.
I am not a fiend!
He swiped at me, but I leapt over the attack and pulled at the chains with the weight of my entire body. I flipped over the dancing fire,nding on the other side as I hauled Zix over to me. He was tired, angry, and most importantly, off-bnce.
I am Salvos, and I will not let you stop me from seeing mypanion again!
He couldnt brace himself. He wasnt prepared for the searing pain that was toe. He fell face-first into the mes. And that was it. He roared, he floundered, he iled, he screamed, he cried, and he died as the fire burned the scales off him.
The wall of mes lowered itself like a curtain at the end of a y. It revealed the charred corpse of Zix as hey on the ravaged arena, alone. There were gasps. A quiet susurration ran through the crowd of onlookers.
The Divine mes have gone out, the Trial of the Scales is over!
She killed the High Zealot!
Impossible
Those who hade in support of the Scale Sentinels were in disbelief. They thought that their eyes were fooling them. I ignored them asmore important words resounded in my head.
The words of victory.
Defeated [Abbot of the Reckoning (High Zealot) - Lvl. 106]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the Title High Zealot!
Experience is awarded for winning the Trial of the Scales!
That wasnt just it. There was more.
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 6] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 7]
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
But most importantly was what came after.
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 98] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 99]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] Level Up!
[Asura Changeling Lvl. 99] -> [Asura Changeling Lvl. 100]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Greater Demon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Asura Changeling] - Lvl. 100
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 7
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 100 (+5)
[Strength]: 80 (+5) (-4)
[Endurance]: 90 (+5) (-4)
[Wisdom]: 150 (+5) (+6) (-4)
[Agility]: 201 (+5) (-4)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 5]
[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 30 (Maxed)
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Ember Core] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[me Burst] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[ming Breath] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Self Haste] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Evolution Avable]
[Title Avable]
[ss Avable]
Chapter 150: What an Idiot
Chapter 150: What an Idiot
150. What an Idiot
[Evolution Avable]
[Title Avable]
[ss Avable]
That was a lot to take in at once. But it made sense. Level 100 was a massive milestone which very few people ever reached. I have only seen a dozen Humans at over Level 100. Hadrian was one of them. Al n? That was his name, right? n Cromwell of the Vaun Qiuer Empires Elite Spearshield Forces was another I think.
Nevertheless, I could now evolve into an Archdemon. And I now had a ss avable. It was what I have been working towards all this time. I could be a [Space Mage] now.
Uh, its not that simple, Salvos, I could already hear Daniel saying, first youll have to
I didnt care. I was Level 100. I beat Zix. And now, my job here in Unarith was finished.
Mypanions were wading towards me. Xidra could destroy the Totem of Incense. We could return to the gunds
Cheater!
A voice cried out. I blinked and saw an angry Kobold pointing an using finger at me.
You cheated! You went over the Divine mes while it was still up!
There were a few nods in agreement. I took a step back, cing a hand on my chest defensively
I didnt cheat! There was nothing in the rules that said I couldnt leave the arena!
Salvos the [Mage] is right. The Trial of the Scales does not state that leaving the bounds of the Divine mes meant a forfeit. She is the victor.
Xidra stepped up behind me, cing a hand on my shoulder. But that was not enough to cate the audience.
You received outside help! Those damn Humans helped you win!
Thats not allowed!
I frowned.
Well, Zix cheated too! He had uh, artifacts! And Skills from his friends! Thats cheating!
They ignored me. They didnt care for what I had to say. Was Zix cheating? Yes. But they all knew it.
Unarith wasnt a small vige. It was a city with a poption of thousands. Maybe even over ten thousand. As such, it had dozens or even a hundred different factions within its bounds. Only one or two dozen of those factions were part of the Cult of the Old Gods a coalition of factions which the Scale Sentinels were an influential member of.
The other factions were either on the Risen Dragons side, or disinterested parties. The disinterested parties had no reason to show up for the Trial of the Scales, and the Risen Dragons were experiencing inner conflict over the destruction of the Totem of Incense.
As such, most of the Kobolds gathered here were rooting for Zix. They were part of his faction, or they were part of the Cult of the Old Gods.They were the ones who helped him cheat. Or, at the very least, they were aware of what ns he had to win the duel.
This realization sunk in as my eyes darted around, wary. They wouldnt ept the result. Even now, they were trying to block Daniel and Edithe from making their way to me. I hurriedly whispered to Xidra.
First Dragonling, I believe that trying to subdue the audience is a fruitless endeavor.
Now, more than ever, I had to maintain my facade. If these Kobolds found out the truth about me, they would react violently.
Xidra narrowed her eyes. She realized something was amiss too. Her mouth opened, words began toe out
But someone grabbed Daniel. The Human man pushed his attacker off him. But it was already toote. There were gasps. A Kobold held something up in the air a ne. One which hid the sses and Levels of an individual.
It was no longer around Daniels neck. And everybody froze.
I sighed.
Daniel, why are you so f
Hes a [Hero]!
That Human is an otherworlder!
Kill him!
The ice shattered. The once simmering anger erupted out of the geyser, a pir of boiling water bursting into the air. The crowd of Kobolds broke out of their stupor. They roared and charged mypanions. What was once just a brawl turned into something far more deadly.
Their shovings became wed strikes, aimed for the throat. They loosed spells and Skills at mypanions. They screamed for death and violence.
y that otherworlder! Bring an end to the scourge which afflicts our world!
They came at mypanions in a wave, washing over the dirt ground, a flood of fire and fury. It wasnt just directed at them either. Some of their wrath spilled over and came for Xidra and me. I kicked a Level 30 [Warrior] back, cing a protective arm over her.
We need to get out of here!
No.
She spoke simply, shaking her head.
Take yourpanions and flee the city. That is the only ce you will find safety.
What about the Totem of Incense?
I looked at Xidra with wide eyes. The Kobold woman gave me a reassuring look.
Do not worry, Salvos the [Mage]. You have done your part. I will ensure that it is taken care of there will always be pushbacks. Those against what I do. But bringing change was never going to be simple.
She stuck her tongue out in one final smile of farewell.
Know that for what youve done, you will always have my support on your side. If you ever visit ournds again, the Risen Dragons and our allies will offer you shelter and protection. Not just in Unarith, but in Lullin, Hirane, Sarton any of our cities, you will find friends within.
Thank you, Xidra the [Herbalist].
I hugged her tightly as the moring around us intensified. Her bodyguards were surrounding us, keeping us safe and boxed in. Hoxle swooped in from above, knocking away those who were higher leveled before they could evene close.
I leapt over Xidras bodyguards, diving straight into the angry mob. I hopped on their heads and headed straight for mypanions.
Come on! Lets get out of here!
I yelled, offering both of them my hands. Edithe whacked her staff across a green-scaled Kobolds head, while Daniel mmed his fist on the ground and sent a group of Kobolds stumbling back from the impact.
Mypanions grabbed onto me as I flipped over a hail of glowing arrows. We avoided the magic and the Skills and the swinging swords and the spears. The rushing mob couldnt keep up with my speed. After all, most of them werentbatants. They didnte here for a fight. But most importantly, they werent Level 100 either.
They tried to give chase. They were slowly left behind, fading into a multi-colored mass, barely visible in the distance. And we left the city of Unarith behind.
--
Youre an idiot.
I stared at Daniel with my arms crossed. He buried his face in his hands.
I know
Why cant you just do things right for once?!
Im trying.
Try harder!
I threw my arms up in the air, and he just groaned miserably to himself. Edithe walked up behind me, her lips drawn into a thin line.
Im upset too, Salvos, but you cant really me him for what happened. The Kobolds there were just looking for a reason to be angry. Even if Daniel had been more careful, theyd have eventually attacked us all anyway. Whether it be because you cheated, or because I helped you cheat, or because were Humans, or because hes a [Hero]. It would have ended the same way.
Whatever.
I rolled my eyes, breaking away from mypanions.
Im going to go and evolve because Im Level 100 now. Dont let anything attack me while Im doing that.
Alright. And congrattions.
Edithe smiled at me as she took a seat next to Daniel. The Human man was now murmuring abusive words at himself as she patted him in the back. I ignored him, instead transforming back out of my Mortal Form, freeing myself from the very limiting scaled body of a Kobold.
Much better.
I stretched all four of my arms and flexed my wed hands. My ws were far sharper than a Kobolds, with a longer reach too. I enjoyed pretending to be a Kobold for a little while, but just as it was with being a Human, it got dull once enough time passed.
I sat down on a tree stump. The wood was old and rotting not yet shriveled up and withered away like the trees in the gunds, but simply dead, unaffected by any blight.
We were far from the Koboldnds. We ran towards the gunds, of course. But we didnt enter it. We set up camp right at the periphery where the ground began to change, but before the brown smog of blight was even visible. Or smeble.
It wasnt exactly a safe ce. However, we knew the Kobolds wouldnt follow us here. At least, not immediately. So, we had time to rest and recover. Or in my case, evolve.
I couldnt help but grin as I focused on the words in my head.
[Evolution Avable]
Now, what kind of options will you give me this time? I was very excited to see what I got. The world vanished around me as I entered my mind, my consciousness still there, but my vision fading.
Species Evolution:
[Greater Demon of Pride] -> [Archdemon of Pride]
Requirements for three Subspecies evolutions have been met!
Yes! Im finally an Archdemon! I wondered what Lily would say. She was still in the Brilsum ruins, right? Her Fairy friends left her behind, and she couldnt return to the Spirit Realm. I should pay her a visit again maybe teach that jerk Archdemon Belzu while I was at it.
Subspecies Evolution:
[Asmodai Subus]
An [Asmodai Subus] is one of the final evolutionary paths for a [Subus]. Charming but deadly, an [Asmodai Subus] carries herself with pride and intelligence, doing what is necessary to thrive even when shunned and estranged. She doesnt stoop below her station, instead using deceit and power to ovee any obstacle in her path.
+25 to [Wisdom]
+15 to [Endurance]
+10 to [Vitality]
+10 to [Strength]
+5 to [Agility]
[Subus]? Again?
I kept getting it as an option whenever I evolved. It certainly had a good distribution of Stats, But when I asked Daniel about it a while back, he told me to absolutely never choose it as an evolution.
While I took his warnings in stride, I wasnt too entranced by what it offered me. It was too vague, and it would probably take away [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] from me. The only draw it had was the fact that it was one of the final evolutionary paths for a [Subus]. Did that mean the [Subi] evolution only reached Level 100?
It was likely that I would never see the [Subus] option ever again. And that tempted me. My curiosity drew me towards it. If I could evolve into a [Subus] just to see what it was like for a day before making a final decision like with a Skill I would have.
Unfortunately, that wasnt the case. I probably wasnt going to be an [Asmodai Subus]. I had two other options, after all.
[Asura Changeling Matriarch]
An [Asura Changeling Matriarch] is a direct evolution to an [Asura Changeling]. Proving herself to be a powerful Demon worthy of respect, an [Asura Changeling Matriarch] rules over those around her, turning them into her minions. She is a natural ruler, and she will make it be known that she is a Demon above all others by force, if needed.
+20 to [Wisdom]
+15 to [Strength]
+15 to [Endurance]
+15 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Agility]
These evolutions were a lot more personalized than before, huh? They were far less specific, but both evolutions so far offered me what I needed in terms of added Stat Points.
An [Asura Changeling Matriarch] sounded good. It was the natural progression to my current Subspecies, [Asura Changeling]. It was a safe option. Id get to keep [Racial Skill: Mortal Form], and my four current arms.
Maybe I might even be more terrifying. I could scare Daniel a bit at night as punishment for his mistake earlier today, of course.
I also liked its description. Matriarch. That word had a nice ring to it.
Matriarch Salvos.
It was like having a Title without actually having a Title.
I held off impulsively choosing this evolution, and took a look at thest option avable.
[Daeva Cambion]
A [Daeva Cambion] is the next step in a [Changeling]s evolution. A [Daeva Cambion] has learnt what its like to live amongst Mortals and Spirits. Now, she must adapt to truly be epted by their kinds. However, she does not forget her roots. That she is a Demon will always be known by her and those she trusts. It is her essence and her strength.
+20 to [Wisdom]
+20 to [Agility]
+15 to [Vitality]
+15 to [Strength]
+15 to [Endurance]
...alright.
I didnt know what I wanted now. [Daeva Cambion] didnt just offer good Stats all around, it also piqued my interest. Because it came closest to describing me.
Also, it was something new. It was something different. It had the same allure as both [Asura Changeling Matriarch] and [Asmodai Subus]: it not only assured me that I wouldnt undergo drastic changes, but I was also curious about this new experience.
What did it even mean by next step in a [Changeling]s evolution? Did that mean it was better? Surely it was, right?
I was torn between [Daeva Cambion] and [Asura Changeling Matriarch]. On one hand, [Asura Changeling Matriarch] gave me what I wanted. It guaranteed that I wouldnt shrivel up into some kind of two-armed Human-like creature which was probably what choosing [Asmodai Subus] would do while also letting me keep my Mortal Form. It was a good choice. It was the smart choice.
And yet, I found my thoughts drifting towards [Daeva Cambion]. It was shrouded over. I could just barely see it peaking out of the thin mist. I could make out its shape, but not what it was. And I could tell I knew it offered me what I wanted.
The questions I had: I needed it answered. The vyings of my heart brought me towards this veiled goal.
[Daeva Cambion].
I knew not what it was. It simply was all I could think about. Maybe it would be a bad decision. Maybe the uncertainty behind what it offered was too much of a risk to pick. However, there was a chance. There was a possibility that itd be something wonderful.
Plus, it offered the best Stat boost. That couldnt possibly be too bad, right?
Evolution Complete!
[Greater Demon of Pride] -> [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies [Asura Changeling] -> [Daeva Cambion]
Gained 30 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] +20
[Agility] +20
[Vitality] +15
[Strength] +15
[Endurance] +15
Gained 3 Skill Slots!
Gained 9 Skill Points!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] Obtained!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] bes [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality]!
Skill [Self Haste] bes [Haste]!
Skills [Advanced Fire Creation], [Ember Core], [me Burst], and [ming Breath] consolidates and bes [The Primordial Spark]!
Skill [Wings of the Netherworld] is now avable.
Avable Skill [Horrors re] bes [Demons Mark].
Avable Skill [Star Forge] Bes [Nebr Construct].
Chapter 151: The Next Step
Chapter 151: The Next Step
151. The Next Step
When I woke up, I was lying in a puddle of ck liquid, a thin white molt of my skin shed on the ground beneath me. I blinked as I took in the stars above, twinkling in ce, hanging from the sable sky like a mural painted on the ceiling of a domed roof. It was pretty.
I wondered what those stars were supposed to be.
Daniel said they were massive balls of hot gas located very, very, very far away. But they couldnt be. Maybe that was what stars were in his world. However, that couldnt possibly be the case in the Nexeus.
I got to my feet as I wiped myself down. I paused, staring at my arms. There was something different about me. Of course there was. I just evolved. My body changed every single time. And I didnt keep the same base Subspecies. Thest time I evolved from two nearly-unrted Subspecies, I experienced rather drastic changes.
But unlike my most recent evolution, I didnt get a pair of extra arms. Instead, I lost two of my arms!
Wait, what?
I patted myself down, reaching for my back, making sure that they werent hiding from me. Nope. They werent under my shoulders, nor were they at my waist. I even checked my legs, but nothing!
Aw, I cant believe it!
Throwing both my hands in the air, I found the feeling of disappointment was only exacerbated because I now could clearly see what was missing. It didnt feel that weird. It probably wouldnt impede me in fights by that much. Just a few hours ago, I was pretending to be a Kobold, fighting against a fake-Dragon with only a single set of wed hands.
However, I couldnt deny that it was still upsetting.
And my arms are shorter too
In fact, my whole body was smaller. I wasnt an [Imp], running around two heads shorter than Daniel. Neither was I anky creature with a hunched back and hands that reached my knees without bending, looming over most Humans I met like I was some kind of Cyclops.
I was more level, now. I stood as tall as Edithe, only slightly shorter than Daniel. I didnt feel like I needed to stretch my back to stand up straight, and my shoulders werent nearly as broad as they were before. I still had my horns. They protruded from the sides of my head, angling more forward than up. My ws were as sharp as ever and my silver-white skin unchanging in its color.
I narrowed my eyes, raising a hand to touch my cheeks. Rough, I thought. But not hard, like when I was a [Changeling]. I brought my fingers back slightly towards the side of my head, feeling my ears. And pointed.
It seemed like I was back to being an [Imp], now. Or no I was more akin to a typical [Fiend]. I remembered what Haec looked like. The way I was built was more simr to him apart from the size and color, of course.
How is this the next step in a [Changeling]s evolution?
I wondered as I bent over, picking up my blue jacket and ragged cloak. I was naked, but I didnt have any of the body parts Humans had. Or Kobolds. Or Cyclopes. Just a few silver-gray marks and lines that ran over my body.
I wore my clothes so Daniel wouldnt be embarrassed, although I was pretty sure he didnt care as much when I was not pretending to be a Human. Even as an [Imp], he had no issues with me walking around without clothes. He also didnt care for Ignavare or Lucernas naked bodies, so I didnt even know why I was even doing this.
Bad Mortal habits!
Shaking my head, I got dressed as I took in my new Status.
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 100
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 7
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 30]
[Vitality]: 115 (+5)
[Strength]: 95 (+5)
[Endurance]: 105 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 170 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 221 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 14]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x6
Right now, the two things that stood out to me were [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] and [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality]. Thetter drew more of my attention to it. It was curious. It was a change to my original [Racial Skill: Mortal Form]. Its wording made me nervous.
Why did it change from Mortal Formto Partial Mortality. Did that mean I was part Mortal now? Surely not, right? The description of [Daeva Cambion] emphasized that I was a Demon through and through.
I wanted to investigate what it was. But it scared me a little bit. So, I decided to take a look at the former Racial Skill first.
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence]!
I raised my wed hand up in the air as I spoke. Then I waited with bated breath. I expected a ck aura to be exuded from around me a darkness to envelop my being, filling me with power.
I waited for it. I waited for anything to happen. But I just stood there, looking like an idiot until a voice drew my attention from the side.
Salvos?
I turned around, blinking. Edithe stood next to a tree, a hand pushing aside its leaves to the side.
Is that you?
I beamed, pointing a thumb at myself.
Thats me!
You look different. Is this your new evolution? Youre an Archdemon now, I see.
Yep! Im still not sure what I think of this. But Im still Salvos no matter what!
I crossed my arms defiantly, and Edithe rolled her eyes.
I never wouldve thought otherwise. Just didnt expect your evolution to be finished so quickly.
Whys that?
Well, I was just basing it on my own experiences. Im usually knocked out for the whole night whenever I advance my ss.
Huh.
I tilted my head back.
How long was I out?
About an hour Daniel went to sleep a little bit after your skin started shedding. He was too disgusted by it. I stayed up to keep watch.
Thanks.
I smiled at the Human woman as she approached me. She inspected me, walking in a circle around me as I twirled around, showing my new body off.
What do you think? Im a [Daeva Cambion] now!
I think you look much less terrifying than before.
Aw.
My shoulders sagged. Edithe smiled, patting my backfortingly.
If its any constion, you do look scarier than as an [Imp].
Thanks
I murmured, still pouting. She let out a soft chuckle.
So, what were you doing? I heard you shouting the name of a Racial Skill and making a weird pose.
I was trying to figure out how one of my new Skills works. But its not doing anything.
Edithe came to a stop right in front of me.
Its a General Skill, right? Racial Skills are usually General Skills, from what Ive heard.
I nodded.
Its called [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence]. Its a new General Skill I got from evolving.
She ced a hand on her chin, in thought.
Thats a bit tricky. General Skills are a lot less instinctual than Skills you gain from sses or in your case, Subspecies so you cant really intuit what it does. Youll usually have to infer from its name. In this case, maybe try to channel something I dont know, something demonic from within you? Its a better shot than just calling out the Skills name.
Are you sure?
I cocked my head, a little dubious. Edithe shrugged.
You may as well try.
If you say so
I closed my eyes, focusing on anything I could discern as demonic. At first, I tried thinking of ws and horns, but that clearly didnt do anything. It wasnt like ws and horns were exclusive to Demons. When that produced no results, I concentrated harder on my most primal thoughts.
The desire to level up. The wild nature to kill everything in sight. Just for my own gain. Just so I could be something more. There was a tingling sensation within me. Something that tried to break free from my body. But that wasnt right. Not yet.
I was getting close. I tried to grasp for what was there delve deeper into my wildest desires. However, there was nothing else there for me. I may have had some instinctual need to evolve, but it wasnt overwhelming. It never was. That was what made me distinct from the wild Demons.
Instead, my mind was transfixed on the images of the wild Demons. I couldnt help but think of the Hellhounds and the Hellbeasts; the Fiends and the Djinns; the Legions and the Gadarenes. They were all so different. They came in all shapes and sizes. They were never the same, neither in their thoughts nor in their words, not in what they want or in what they try to do.
I was Salvos. I didnt want to be like them. But I could take things from them. I could learn from them. I could use it all to be better. To survive.
And it was in thinking of these Demons, the feeling broke free. My body morphed. My arms shifted. I was not unfamiliar with transforming. And yet, this felt odd. This felt different.
I grew taller, just like when I changed back from my Mortal Form. But I didnt stop growing, even as I reached my previous height. I stood a head above what I did before, my mouth protruding like the skull of a dead animal. My teeth numbered in the dozens, sharp and thin, more than able to rip a Humans head off in a single bite. And my horns were longer than ever.
My transformation didnt stop there. Blood poured out from my sides as something tore free from within me. More arms not just an extra pair, but four individual arms grew out of me. I had six arms, just as I wanted. In fact, this was everything I had wanted and more from my evolution.
I was bigger. My body was more lean, shoulders not as widely spread apart as before, but I had extra arms and a longer set of legs to run faster. My ws were like short daggers, and I could touch the ground by simply bending my back slightly forward.
However, the part which made me smile the most was my Status.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 30]
[Vitality]: 115 (+5) (+5%)
[Strength]: 95 (+5) (+5%)
[Endurance]: 105 (+5) (+5%)
[Wisdom]: 170 (+5) (+6) (+5%)
[Agility]: 221 (+5) (+5%)
This is
My voice came out like a croak. A soft whisper, gravelly, the kind I expected that would leave a Ghouls mouth.
Amazing!
I threw all six of my arms up in the air as Edithe stared at me.
Look at me, Edithe! Are you scared of me?
A little bit. If I didnt know you, Id probably run away, screaming for my life.
Grinning, I waved a hand off yfully.
Oh, stop it, you
That wasnt apliment.
Edithe retorted with a judging stare. I couldnt help but excitedly jump up and down as I took in this transformation. Sure, I would have preferred it if this was my standard form. But I took a chance, and it still gave me what I wanted.
I paused as something caught my eye. It was a sleeping figure. Ity in a bedroll, just behind some trees ahead of me. A yful smirk spread across my face as I looked over at Edithe.
Please dont.
She begged, and I didnt listen
Daniel went to sleep feeling terrible about himself. Not only was he berated by Salvos for the entire trip out of Unarith, he knew she was right and couldnt help but agree with her. Everything was going smoothly until he screwed up.
Salvos won the duel despite Zixs cheating. Xidra was going to cate the crowd and destroy the Totem of Incense without any more trouble. Then Daniel just had to let an angry Kobold steal his Ne of Greater Obfuscation from right under him. Nevermind the fact that Daniel was about 70 levels above the damned thief, the thief was a [Gardener] too!
He messed up. Just as he always did. But Editheforted him. She told him to go to sleep that a good nights rest would make him feel better when he woke up.
He believed her. He truly did. And that was where he messed up a second time. Because he woke up, screaming and scrambling for his sword.
Ahhhhhhhh
Daniel drew his long sword, pointing it at the terrible monster that loomed over him. Then he paused as he heard a garbled sounding from its mouth. He narrowed his eyes, identifying it, and smacked his forehead.
[Cambion - Lvl. 100]
Salvos?
The Demon girl fell to the ground, ovee withughter. She clutched at her stomach with four arms as she wheezed, using thest two to wipe at her forehead and point at him respectively.
Look at your face! You really thought I was some kind of monster! Youre such a coward, Daniel!
The young man stared at theughing Demon. He looked up and saw Edithe standing helplessly at the back. Sighing, he walked up to Salvos who stilly there, defenseless.
And he kicked her in the stomach.
Ouch yep, I deserved that. But it was still funny.
So, thats a new Skill of yours, huh?
Yep. [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence]. It also gives me a big boon to all my Stats! A five percent increase!
I see.
Daniel stroked his chin and looked over at Edithe. The red-haired woman seemed to have the same idea as him as she nodded.
Its probably a timed Skill, like Daniels [The Will of the Hero], Salvos.
Edithe exined, gesturing at the Human man.
You should probably transform back. Do some experiments see how much time is needed before you can use the Skill again. In the meantime, why dont you try out that other Skill of yours?
[Partial Mortality]?
I blinked. Edithe fixed me with a look, and I scowled.
Aw, fine.
I disappeared behind some trees, dragging my clothes with me. My body morphed once as I returned to my regr self, still a Demon, but not as fear-inducing as moments before. Then I focused on my other Skill, [Partial Mortality].
It was a lot easier to learn than [Demonic Essence]. Because it worked just like [Mortal Form]. There was only one slight difference, and it was how my white skin almost seemed to peel back from my fingertips to my chest as the change urred. Previously, it was more of a gradual shift in all my joints. Like my body was being crumpled in, before expanding out. Also, the transformation took much quicker than it normally did.
When it was finished, I looked no different as a Human than I did from back when I was a [Changeling].
I stepped out to meet mypanions, fully clothed,zily raising my hands to my sides.
Happy? Im a Human, yay.
You dont feel anything different?
Daniel raised a brow, arms folded across his chest. I walked towards mypanions and shook my head.
Nope, nothing
I stopped. My eyes grew wide.
Wait, actually
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 30]
[Vitality]: 115 (+5)
[Strength]: 95 (+5)
[Endurance]: 105 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 170 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 221 (+5)
My Status didnt change. I dont have any debuffs to my Stats!
I leapt into the air, pumping a fist.
I can actually fight at full strength while pretending to be a Human!
Mypanions exchanged a nce.
Thats very good, Salvos.
It is.
Daniel yawned in agreement behind Edithe.
However, itste, and I want to go back to sleep. Ill celebrate with you in the morning.
I red his way as he turned around, stumbling back to his bed roll.
Meanie.
To be fair, Salvos, you were the one who scared him awake just a few minutes ago. I can understand his attitude. Didnt you say you were going to be more mature a few weeks ago?
I did! But he deserved that, Edithe! Also cant I have some fun from time to time?
You can. Just like he can be mean from time to time too. Fairs fair.
I frowned and spun around, looking away from the red-haired woman for not siding with me.
Fine. Its not like I needed him, anyway. I have other things to worry about.
Other things like...
[Titles Avable]
[sses Avable]
First my ss. Then my Title.
I paused as the world began to spin around me. My knees grew weak and my body wobbled. I blinked as Edithe peered at me.
Whats wrong, Salvos?
Its nothing!
I tried to wave a hand off, but couldnt suppress an odd sound from leaving my mouth.
I just feel very tired
I couldnt finish what I was trying to say. My legs buckled and I copsed to the ground, snoring, fast asleep.
Chapter 152: A Dime a Dozen
Chapter 152: A Dime a Dozen
152. A Dime a Dozen
Ugh, what happened?
I groaned as I sat up, rubbing my head. There was this dreadful feeling hanging over my head a haze that seemed to cloud my memory of the moments before I copsed. Why did I lose my consciousness? My mind slowly whirred. Was I knocked unconscious?
I blinked, the implications of such a thing settling in. Was I attacked?
I leapt to my feet, ncing around, creating a Star Forge at my side. Readying myself for an attack from any direction, I stood steadfast, peering through the foliage of trees, only to see a bright light peeking over the horizon.
Huh. Its morning?
It is.
I nearly jumped as a voice answered me. Daniel sat under a tree, yawning as he faced me. I looked at him, then at the red-haired woman napping off to the side. Wasnt Edithe the one supposed to be keeping watch?
Why was Daniel the one awake now?
What happened?
I was very confused. Perplexed by the whole situation. The Human man just sighed, speaking bluntly.
You fell asleep, Salvos.
I stared at him.
What?
Yeah, you transformed into a Human and immediately dozed off.
...youre lying.
He shrugged.
Thats what Edithe told me. You can ask her when she wakes up or just go back to sleep. Its up to you.
Standing up, Daniel stretched his arms and legs before sauntering over to the campfire. He produced some foodstuff, no longer looking at me as he spoke.
Since you can sleep now, why not try having some breakfast? Maybe youll actually like it.
I watched the Human man in disbelief. He was lying he had to be lying. And yet, a groggy feeling stopped me from getting to my feet. It made me feelzy. Like I didnt want to move. Like I just wanted to lie down and let darkness take over me.
My eyes widened, and reality shattered.
NOOOOOOO
--
Mypanions stared at me as I rocked back and forth, hugging my legs tightly to my chest. They were having their first meal of the day. Breakfast, or whatever you called it. The smell of the food wafted my way, but I didnt indulge in such disgusting practices like them.
I was a Demon, not a Human!
You sure youre not going to try any, Salvos?
Edithe proffered me some dried meat. I shook my head vehemently.
Absolutely not! I dont have to eat, nor do I want to eat!
She exchanged a dubious look with Daniel. He grinned as he scarfed down his food.
Well of course. You dont have to eat, just like you dont have to sleep too, right?
I red at him.
I dont need to sleep! I stopped feeling sleepy the moment I transformed out of that stupid Human form!
I crossed my arms, scowling. I was now back to being myself, no longer pretending to be a mortal. I had my enchanting horns andforting ws back on me.
Its because of that [Partial Mortality] Skill when I transform into you stupid Mortals, I get your dumb, dumb, dumb needs to sleep and eat too!
I made sure to emphasize thest dumb to make it clear how dumb I thought this dumb situation was. Somehow, Edithe still didnt get it.
Come on, Salvos. It really isnt that bad. Maybe the reason youve always hated food is because you never really had a need for it. You could just transform back to a Human and give it a little taste test, right?
No!
I stood up, stamping a foot on the ground.
I will not do that! Im never going to be a Human, or Kobold, or Cyclops ever again!
Spinning around, I marched five steps and sat down. Mypanions watched mee to a stop, blinking. They spoke at the same time.
What are you doing, Salvos?
I hesitated.
I um, have to choose a ss. So, Ill be cking out now.
ss Avable:
Requirements for twelve sses have been met from reaching Level 100 in your Subspecies!
Twelve?! I had twelve ss options for me to choose from? Edithe told me that most Humans only got five or six sses to choose from during their first ever advancement. I got double that! I excitedly began sifting through my choices.
[Warrior]
A [Warrior] is a beginner ss specializing in meleebat. A [Warrior] fights with their brawn over their brain. They rarely use magic, preferring to bring the fight to their enemies than otherwise.
+3 to [Vitality]
+3 to [Strength]
+1 to [Endurance]
+1 to [Wisdom]
+1 to [Agility]
Huh. That sucked. It was just so basic? There was no way I was choosing the straightforward [Warrior] pick as my ss. Next!
[Mage]
A [Mage] is a beginner ss specializing in magic A [Mage] maniptes mana to do their bidding. They rarely get their hands dirty inbat, using spells to defeat their enemies above all else.
+3 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+1 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Strength]
+1 to [Agility]
Another beginner ss? Alright, moving on.
[Archer]
An [Archer] is a beginner ss specializing in...
Again? Skipped.
[Rogue]
A [Rogue] is a beginner ss specializing in...
Seriously? How many beginner sses were there?
I was Level 100. An Archdemon. I have vanquished thousands of foes and ovee enemies double my level. I have achieved feats that no one else in entire nations could ever hope to match.
From the Netherworld to the gunds, I survived the harshest environments, escaped encounters with the strongest monsters and Demons, and mastered powerful magic through sheer talent alone.
I was Salvos.
I wasnt going to ept any beginner option for my first ever ss!
I still have eight more sses to choose from. The next one better be good!
[Runner]
A [Runner] is a beginner ss of the [Messenger] path...
[Baker Apprentice]
A [Baker Apprentice] is a beginner ss of the [Baker] path...
Three more. Surely there had to be at least one good option
[Deacon]
A [Deacon] is a beginner ss of the [Priest] path
[Smith Apprentice]
A [Smith Apprentice] is a beginner ss of the [Smith] path...
Why?
Isthis happening because I was mean to Daniel?
I promise not to be mean to Daniel ever again.
Please just give me something thats not a beginner ss. It doesnt have to be super special. Anything will do! Just something thats not for beginners!
[Precise Archer]
A [Precise Archer] is an [Archer] who has demonstrated uracy beyond the beginner level. Their marksmanship would beuded by lords anddies, praised for their ability to strike each and every one of their targets without any aid from their Skills.
+5 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Strength]
+3 to [Agility]
+1 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Wisdom]
This was something. It was certainly better than what I was given so far. But I wouldnt really say it was good. It was better. That was it.
Hopefully things kept improving.
[Summoner]
A [Summoner] is a [Mage] specialized in Spirit summoning. They have befriended Spiritkind and made a pact with them. Now, they do not fight alone, instead apanied by the Spirits whom they have found as allies at their side.
+5 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Endurance]
+2 to [Vitality]
+1 to [Strength]
+ 1 to [Agility]
A [Summoner] wasnt a basic ss, huh? I was pretty sure Edithe exined it to me once. One could be a [Summoner] at nearly any level. Its requirements were fairly simple: you simply had to be a practitioner of magic while interacting with Spirits a great deal.
It wasnt really anything special. But if I became a [Summoner], Id be able to summon Mistshard and Druma, wouldnt I?
Or would me being a Demon get in the way of that?
I was definitely considering this path. Maybe it would even help with bing a kind of [Space Mage] in the future!
[Diabolist]
A [Diabolist] is a [Mage] who has studied Demonkind, bing a pariah, living in exile from society. They have seen the destion of the Netherworld, spoken with ambassadors of the Demon King, and met Archdemons of great power. The [Diabolist] seeks this power, learning the ways and magicks of Demons, no longer interested in the teachings of mortal men.
+8 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Endurance]
+2 to [Strength]
+2 to [Agility]
Now this this is good.
This seemed like the kind of ss youd get at Level 40, not Level 10. It was exactly what I was hoping to get, considering everything Ive done. I wouldve chosen it, no questions asked, if not for the description.
Learning the ways and magicks of Demons? This ss maybe it was very beneficial for mortals. However, I was already a Demon. I already knew Demon magic, right?
I still had one more option. I hoped it would be good.
[Adept of the Fae]
A [Adept of the Fae] is a [Mage] who seeks out the mysteries of Fairykind. They wish to learn the mystic arts which make these Fairies so special the secrets which the Oracle of Light, Melissa, kept to herself until her death. This pursuit may be a foolish one, with no teacher to guide them, but a [Adept of the Fae]s curiosity will drive them forward in their path regardless of the consequences.
+10 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Vitality]
...consequences?
This description made me wary. The Stat Points it gave out were very specialized too. Once again, it felt fitting. Like the [Diabolist]. But this took it a step even further.
I was only worried about what it said towards the end. It was ominous. Yet, it would further my goal, no?
Fairies were masters of space magic. That was how they could cross from the Spirit ne to the Mortal Realm all by themselves. I needed to learn how to do that. I scoured the sprawling Motharis Mountain Range in search of the dangerous Brilsum Ruins Dungeon just so I could speak with a Fairy.
It was time for me to choose. I had a dozen options. Most of the sses were worthless to me. Only [Summoner], [Diabolist], and [Adept of the Fae] had any worth.
[Diabolist], however, was almost redundant. It would let me master Demon magic. I was a Demon. I knew Demon magic by default. Maybe it was a ss that Human [Cultists] lost their minds over, if they got the option for it. It definitely had the best Stat boost of all my choices. It might be the strongest of them.
But it was the least useful to me.
So, all that was left was [Summoner] and [Adept of the Fae]. If I chose the former, I might be able to see Mistshard and Druma again. Wed be able to fight alongside each other, just as we once did over a year ago.
Edithe wouldnt have to be upset that she wasnt a [Summoner] any longer, because Id be able to summon her Spirits for her any time she wanted. However, did she want that? Could Mistshard and Druma even keep up with us now that we were around Level 100? And going back a little bit, was it even possible for me to summon Spirits as a Demon?
It was too uncertain. I wanted it. I vied for things to return to what they once were. But I had epted that things changed, and even if I tried to reverse things to the old, it wouldnt be the same.
Honestly, there really was only one option for me the entire time. I was given twelve sses. Only one of them truly suited me.
[Adept of the Fae]. Could it be dangerous? Probably. But a vague, nebulous warning wasnt going to stop me. It gave me what I wanted and needed, both at the same time.
It was the only logical choice for me.
ss Chosen!
You now have the ss [Adept of the Fae]!
Gained 5 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] +10
[Vitality] +5
Gained 3 Secondary Skill Slots!
Gained 3 Secondary Skill Points!
Secondary Skill [Banish] is now avable!
Secondary Skill [Spatial Sight] is now avable!
--
Ouch my head.
Waking up from an evolution never really felt like anything. It was like the world vanished for a moment, reappearing shortly after. However, waking up from getting a ss was painful.
Whatever change that went through me didnt affect my body at all. It only affected my mind, and it made my head ache with intense pain. I nced up, blinking as I saw a figure standing over me.
Daniel had his arms cross, a sneer spread across his face.
Good morning, sleepyhead. How was your nap?
I stared at him. Slowly, I got to my feet, and he braced himself.
Wait, that was a joke, dont
I walked past him, murmuring to myself.
You promised not to be mean to him. Just ignore him. You promised
He blinked as I continued on my way.
...oh thank god, I thought my balls were screwed.
I didnt hit him. I had other things to do. I still had a Title to choose, after all. I got them at Level 100, so they should all be good, right?
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for two Titles have been met!
You now have three Titles avable!
Titles:
(Unariths Fiend)
You have in the High Zealot of Unarith and brought chaos and fear into the city! The terror you have caused makes you a Demon in the eyes of the Cult of the Old Gods, bolstering your spirit and your pride!
+5 to [Vitality]
+7 to [Strength]
+3 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Agility]
(Scale Champion)
You have won the Trial of the Scales, bringing victory on behalf of the Risen Dragons! They see you as their champion, the brave warrior who fought for their cause, earning you their praise and gratitude!
+4 to [Vitality]
+4 to [Strength]
+4 to [Endurance]
+4 to [Wisdom]
+4 to [Agility]
(Savior of Falisfield)
You have liberated Nixasrgest province of Falisfield from a rampaging Greater Demon! You have saved the city of Silvergrove from falling, and avenged all those who have been killed in the destruction! You are a hero in the peoples eyes!
+3 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Agility]
...these Titles sucked.
Im sticking with what I have for now.
Chapter 153.1. Partial Mortality
Chapter 153.1. Partial Mortality
153.1. Partial Mortality
We didnt venture into the gunds now that I was done with my evolution. Instead, I focused mostly on testing out my new Skills. As much as I didnt want to, the first we started with was [Partial Mortality].
Mypanions wanted to investigate further into how it worked and see how often I could transform into a mortal. I was reluctant at first, but after they gave their reasoning, I conceded and began some tests.
We dont know how this works, Salvos. Its far more restricting than your [Mortal Form].
What even good is this dumb Skill? I dont want to use it ever again!
Edithe sighed, rubbing at her temples.
Youre no longer impeded inbat while transformed as a Human. Sure, ites with its own drawbacks to you, such as needing to sleep or eat
You dont know that! Maybe I wont need to eat!
She gave me a nk stare, and I hesitated.
Maybe I wont need to eat?
...anyway, it not only means that you can fight at full strength while a Human, it also means you can blend in better in Human, Kobold, and Cyclops societies too. Its hardly a negative, Salvos.
It is to me.
I grumbled, turning around.
But fine Ill test it out.
I didnt transform into a Human this time. Instead, I wore my Kobold robes with my blue jacket on top of it, and transformed into a Kobold. As I noticed before, the way my body morphed was a lot smoother. It also happened faster, and in mere moments, I was looking up at Edithe as a Kobold.
Now what?
I cocked my head. The red-haired woman exchanged a nce with Daniel. She drew her lips into a thin line.
Now we wait for you to Salvos?
She blinked, and I fell face-first on the ground, asleep.
--
A few days passed as I consistently switched in and out of my various mortal forms. I learned many things during that time first of all, there still wasnt a timer to how long I could remain a Human or Kobold or Cyclops. In that sense and only that sense, it functioned in the same way as my previous [Mortal Form] Skill.
However, it differed in the way it dealt with sleeping and eating. Previously, I wouldnt have to sleep or eat when I transformed. Now, not only did I have to eat and sleep like a mortal, it happened every single time I transformed.
This is stupid!
I threw my hands bulky, Cyclops hands into the air. Edithe, however, was captivated by this.
Interesting, so it forces you to sleep and eat the moment you transform, resetting and starting your eating and sleeping schedules each time for each form. That means you cant just transform to a Human right outside of a city well, you can. But youll just have to sleep seven or eight hours before you can enter.
I scowled.
You Humans are so
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 100
ss: [Adept of the Fae] - Lvl. 10
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 7
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 123 (+5)
[Strength]: 100 (+5)
[Endurance]: 108 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 184 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 241 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 14]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 1
[Haste] - Lvl. 1
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 1
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 1
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 3]
[Banish] - Lvl. 1
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
I had a lot of new Skills. And despite that, I still had a lot of Skill Slots left over.
2 Skills came from my new ss, while 5 came from my evolution. At first, I was surprised I only got 2 Skills from my ss. But Edithe reassured me it was normal. After all, my ss was only at Level 10.
She never heard of [Adept of the Fae] before, which told me as to how special the ss was. In fact, its Skills were certainly above what I expected from a Skill at that level.
[Spatial Sight]!
I snapped my single eye shut as the Skills effects activated. The world around me vanished for a brief moment, only darkness filling my vision. Then, suddenly, everything became more.
I still couldnt see. But it was as if I could absorb the information of what made up my surroundings. It was simr to seeing the threads of mana filling the air, weaving the world into existence. However, instead of focusing on the general mana density around me, the Skill allowed me to pick out the mana exuded from the object and the space it filled in this dimension.
Can you see me?
I heard Edithes voiceing from my left. The red-haired woman was standing six feet away from me, where I hadst seen her.
Yep.
What am I doing?
Youre just standing there no, wait, youre holding onto your staff with your left hand, aiming it at me as if youre about to cast a spell.
There was a pause. She shifted slightly, taking a step back.
How about now?
Nope. Cant tell what youre doing. Cant even see you anymore.
Try bringing your [Spatial Sight] to your left. Like youre looking my way, but without your eyes.
I furrowed my brows.
Alright
Right now, my field of vision epassed everything in a sphere around me. It let me see the grass at my feet, the thicket behind me, and the empty spot where Edithe once stood to my left. I concentrated entirely in that direction, and this bubble changed.
It was like it was being pulled further and further towards the left. The trees vanished from my vision as my view of the left side expanded. Edithes being slowly seeped back into my mind the rough figure of her person stood in the space I was perceiving.
Woah, I see you now.
How about this?
A voice called out. Not Edithe, but Daniel. I heard the sound of something being thrown. A round object, about the size of my fist. It came into my [Spatial Sight] just a secondter. I couldnt fully process what it was, just that it came quickly.
It only had three feet to cross before it hit me from behind. I could catch it. Or dodge it. But I decided to test something out. Raising a hand, I pointed at the flying object.
[Banish].
A hole opened up in my [Spatial Sight]. It sucked whatever it was into it, shooting out of another hole about five feet to my right. It traveled at the same speed as before, unperturbed by the sudden shifting through space.
I blinked as [Spatial Sight] ended. I nced over at the object that was thrown it was an apple, half-eaten by Daniel. He grinned.
Thought you might want to try it, since youre probably getting hungry right now.
I rolled my eyes, not validating him with a response. Although my stomach did rumble a bit.
Instead, I turned to Edithe who was now standing nearly ten feet to my left. Her head was tilted back, as if she were in thought.
Chapter 153.2. Partial Mortality
Chapter 153.2. Partial Mortality
153.2. Partial Mortality
Instead, I turned to Edithe who was now standing nearly ten feet to my left. Her head was tilted back, as if she were in thought.
So, you can keep the Skill up for five minutes. You can perceive everything in a five foot radius around you. You can only use it once a day. And you can expand your vision by sacrificing vision on one side.
I think its only sort of like that. Theres a limit to how much I can shift my [Spatial Sight].
Itll probably be less restrictive the more you level the Skill. The radius too will increase.
I still prefer [Banish].
I nced over at Daniel who had picked up his apple and was in the middle of biting into it. I pointed a finger at it, using the Skill once more.
[Banish]. Look, it only takes a minute before I can use it again!
The Human man blinked as the apple in his hand disappeared. He was almost ashamed when he had to pick it back up again. I raised my head slightly.
Although, I wish it could teleportrger objects. Like people.
Teleportation of any kind isnt really the kind of Skill most people would get at Level 10, let alone Skills that teleport other people. Those are a lot moreplex, and typically require a small ritual to be made or else it wont work.
So, youre saying I cant teleport my enemies very high up into the air so that they fall and die?
Edithe nodded, and I groaned. There went that n.
I had a lot of other Skills to test out. Most of them I did already test out. The only ones I havent had the time to use were [Demons Mark] and [Haste].
I couldnt really use the former. My instincts told me it was something I used on people. And I wasnt going to test it out on mypanions, only to have it curse them with a thousand years of pain or something equally as egregious as that.
But [Haste] on the other hand. I could tell what it did, but I wanted to test it out.
Are you guys ready?
I looked over at mypanions. They shrugged.
As ready as Ill ever be.
Uh, I guess?
Alright.
With a deep breath, I raised a hand and spoke softly.
[Haste].
As expected, the same effects of [Self Haste] overcame me. Each movement I made was far faster than it normally was, speaking included. Sure, I could slow down my speech enough so that others understood me. But it was annoying to do, so unless I really wanted to be heard, I typically just spoke really, really, really fast.
There was no difference. No difference except for the fact that mypanions were moving nearly as quick as I was.
WhatisgoingonthisfeelsveryweirdohfuckImgoingtopuke
Edithe was running around, almost unable to control where she was going. She just barely went around a tree before circling back at me.
SalvosthisisgoodandalllbutIwanttoamekitstop!
I chuckled.
You cant. Youll have to wait for it to end.
Youvegottobefucking
She was cut off as Daniel mmed into her back. They both tumbled onto the ground, and justy there, refusing to get up.
I. Hate. This.
The Human man spoke deliberately, pausing for an elongated period of time before saying each word. I proffered them both my hand.
Come on, youve got to get used to it. Learn to speak like this, and move with [Haste] active like it was your normal speed.
They both begrudgingly got back up. I ran ahead of them, gesturing for them to follow me. They couldnt keep up. Not only was my [Agility] higher than theirs, I was also pretty sure the Skill was slightly less effective for them as it was for me.
Eventually, the Skill ended. And both of them nearly tripped and fell because of the sudden change in speed.
There, there.
I patted both of them on the back as they went to take a seat and rest. The sun was setting, and they already had a fire going from earlier. My stomach growled once more when I smelled the scent of the food cooking over the mes.
I tried not to think about it.
Ill be able to change back out of a Cyclops, then well finally be able to return to the gunds, right?
Yeah. Were leaving tomorrow morning.
Nodding, Edithe bit into a skewer of roasted meat.
Honestly, Im almost not looking forward to it.
Daniel added to the side, waving his own bit of food.
We wont be able to eat good once were back in the gunds. And that stench uh, not a big fan of it at all.
I just stared at him, not saying anything. A small smile spread across his face as he scooched over my way.
Whats wrong, Salvos? Want to give it a try? Theres nothing wrong with eating, you know. And now that you actually need to eat, who knows, maybe youll like it.
I felt my mouth watering as Daniel offered me his skewer. What he said made sense. Certainly, I had a need to eat while I was a Cyclops, or Human, or Kobold. Satiating that hunger was not a bad thing.
But I have made fun of mypanions for eating in the past, despite them giving that exact same reason all the time. Sure, I was never really serious. I understood that they would literally die if they didnt find proper sustenance. It just felt like I would lose something if I tried food now, and found that I liked it.
However, that was a good thing, right? Id be indulging in something that was not only necessary for my survival, but also tasted good or so they imed. A tiny, little bite wouldnt hurt anyone, right? I might as well try it, right?
I took the skewer from Daniel and stared at it at the slightly overcooked sides of the meat, and at the light smoke rising from being recently taken from the fire. It was coated in a sheen of its own oil. Apparently something that was delicious to Humans.
I raised it as I slowly opened my mouth... and threw it at the Human mans face.
Nope! Im not trying it! I will never ever, ever eat your stupid food!
I didn''t bite into a single piece of food, andter transformed back from a Cyclops as mypanions went to sleep.
Chapter 154.1. Blaze of Glory
Chapter 154.1. ze of Glory
154.1. ze of Glory
Are we ready?
I looked over at mypanions. The pair had just finished dismantling the camp, and now they were doing ast second tally of all the equipment we had on us. We didnt have too big a supply of potions, since we never actually got to bring any from Unarith with us before Daniels mess up. However, we did have the Heralds Brush.
And that made all the difference in the world.
The biggest problem with the gunds is the blight. It works like a very slow curse, much less deadly on its own, but very dangerous when it impedes our movement during a fight.
You ignored my question!
I pointed an using finger at the red-haired woman. She scoffed.
And you ignored my exnation. Yes, were ready.
Good.
A grin spread across my face as I took a step forward. I wasnt nearly as tall as I was before, unless I used [Demonic Essence] to transform. But that Skill, just like [Partial Mortality], could only be used once every twelve hours.
It was like the opposite of a consolidation. A single Skill, [Mortal Form], broke off into two different Skills. I was currently my normal self. I wouldnt say this was a transformation. I looked simr to when I was an [Imp], and I kept all the advantages such as mobility.
But right now, I didnt need mobility.
Are you guys ready?
They clearly werent. But they nodded apprehensively anyway. Spreading my arms wide, I spoke softly.
[Wings of the Netherworld].
And there was a crackle. It sounded like the ground itself was being ripped open. ck blood poured out of my back likeva seeping out of the earth. And wings, built like bone and ivory, burst out of the crack.
It was dripping with ck blood. It protruded from my upper back, close to my shoulders. They werent even full wings they were merely the skeletal outlines of one. And yet, they felt real. They felt full. And it hurt.
I grimaced as I moved my wings. It felt like I had just been stabbed, and now the knife was being twisted inside of me. I wasnt actually being damaged from my wings, but it felt painful, just briefly. I spread it wide open as I turned to mypanions, baring my teeth in a smile.
[Haste].
There was a flicker. As if something passed through both Daniel and Edithe. Their movements suddenly sped up. It didnt affect me. I specifically made it exclude me from my own Skill.
Now, lets see if you can keep up. If you guys reach the gunds before me Ill try one of your stupid Human foods.
Edithe didnt really react to that, but Daniel was suddenly brimming with motivation.
Alrightwhenarewegoingtostart
Go!
I exploded up into the air with a single p of my wings. They didnt have feathers. They were like ribs with gaps between each protrusion. And yet, it carried me higher and higher. There was some sort of magic to these wings. I could see it tugging at the threads of mana around it. It even expended some of my mana. Although, it was enough for me to worry about it.
Iughed as I flew up straight into a cloud. I dove straight through the fluffy thing, meeting no resistance as it opened up right around me. Below me, I could see mypanions running through the forest, heading for the gunds in the distance. They zipped through the canopy of green as I soared through the sea of blue and white above.
It was wonderful. Flying felt so liberating. I could see the world spreading out, thendscape neverending, the scenery always changing. Twirling, spinning, grinning, I was in no rush to reach the gunds. I saw a few birds flying on the same level as me. I scowled and flew even higher.
The sky almost seemed to change the higher up I went. The blue dome hanging above became less full. It became deeper, but emptier. Even as the stars filled the sky with their dim glow. I wondered why that was as I continued flying, just with my back facing the ground.
Then I heard a screech. The air changed. It grew fouler around me. A noxious gas rose up, and I knew I reached the gunds. I spun around just in time to spot a violet figure darting straight at me.
I went under the attack, barely dodging the snapping jaws of a [Nightscourer]. The undead birds wings were torn open, simr to mine. However, its body was covered in rotting flesh, a creature of decay and rot staring back at me. And it wasnt alone.
[Nightscourer - Lvl. 103]
[Nightscourer - Lvl. 105]
[Nightscourer - Lvl. 101]
A small flock of the undead gathered around me. They nked me from all sides as I floated right over a dark cloud. I smiled. And there was a sh. My being was wreathed in blue mes. However, it wasnt a raging fire that spread through my arms, my wings, and my legs. It was like a second skin one that wisped off embers and sparks, burning anything that touched it.
The undead didnt react. They simply came at me, unbothered by the heat exuded from my ming armor. Shaking my head, I opened my mouth and unleashed a plume of mes. It burned all around me, an inferno that enveloped the [Nightscourers].
I spun around as the fire raged on. It didnt stop. It wasnt like my [ming Breath], which ended after a few seconds passed. It persisted, like a wildfire, only ending when there was nothing left to burn. I only stopped when a [Nightscourer] crashed into my side.
My armor took the brunt of the attack. It would have held up if the undead didnt suddenly flicker and wrapped its wings around me. My eyes narrowed. I noticed the embers dying. My Pendant of Greater Protection activated, protecting me from whatever draining effect this undead was inflicting upon me.
After a brief moment of struggle, I shoved the [Nightscourer] off me. I took a deep breath, and there was a pause. Something was being built up within me. Four [Nightscourers] flew straight at me right as I released it.
A disc of mes shot out. It came out fast, not an all-consuming fire, but a concentrated attack which tore through the undead before exploding into a lustrous sphere of white. The [Nightscourers] fell all around me as I resumed the faux ming breath. And that was not all I did.
I knew not to let them get close now. So, I conjured sickles, swords, scythes, spears any weapon to ward them off. I didnt just swing the weapons at them, although that worked too. They were created around me, two or three at a time, shooting out, dancing, tracking the fleeing [Nightscourers].
A flock of undead attacked me, and a flock of them died here. They were around my level. They weren''t swarm monsters. But I could kill them even when I was Level 80. Individually, yes. However, I was 20 levels higher now. And this Skill it was only a single Skill. [The Primordial Spark]. It was more than enough to deal with thest of them.
Because it did everything [Advanced Fire Creation], [Ember Core], [ming Breath], and [me Burst] did, and more. I could also see Star Forge in this Skill. It was all-epassing, fitting for the name it had.
Defeated [Nightscourer - Lvl. 105]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Nightscourer - Lvl. 104]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Chapter 154.2. Blaze of Glory
Chapter 154.2. ze of Glory
154.2. ze of Glory
Defeated [Nightscourer - Lvl. 105]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Nightscourer - Lvl. 104]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
No levels? Huh.
They were far too close to my level for [Daeva Cambion] to reach 101. But I expected something from [Adept of the Fae]. I thought Id have leveled 10 times in that ss from defeating a bunch of Level 100 monsters.
Maybe its because I didnt use any of its Skills? Ill have to ask Edithe how it workster.
For now, I descended. I had already reached the gunds, but was caught up in a battle. Mypanions, unfortunately, didnt see it.
Took you long enough.
Daniel grinned as Inded before them.
Looks like we won. You know what that means, right?
I reached the gunds before you! I was just attacked by stupid undead!
No one saw it, doesnt count.
He shrugged. I sighed.
Fine Ill try one of your dumb Human foods.
I raised a finger before he could jump in joy.
However, only after we return from the gunds. Im not going to be transforming into a Human anytime soon. Especially not just to eat your gross stuff.
Daniel paused.
Ill take what I can get, I guess.
Edithe shook her head, walking past the both of us, murmuring.
Both of you are so childish
The Human man blinked. Then he sputtered.
Hey, wait
Heh. Youre such a kid, Daniel.
I smirked as I followed after the red-haired woman. He stared at me as his face turned red in embarrassment. I waved a hand off.
Dont be upset, Ill buy you some toys, ok?
--
Things were different. For me, at least. I noticed how mypanions fought. They were definitely improving and leveling, but there was just a jarring difference between Level 90 and Level 100. A gulf, created from an evolution and getting a ss.
I was propelled far beyond each of their individual strengths. While Edithe had always been far behind me in terms of herbat abilities, Daniel was actually close. I was pretty sure Id beat him each time we fought, even with his [Hero] Skills. However, it would be close.
Not anymore.
[Banish].
The glowing arrow disappeared somewhere to my left. I dashed forward, straight at the [Skeleton Archer] as it almost seemed to frantically nock another arrow on its bow. I reached it before it could do anything else. My wed hands were lit aze as I quickly tore it apart with [Barrage of Cinders].
A dozen. I dismantled a dozen different Skeletons, all in under a minute. On the other hand, mypanions were only just now finishing off the same number of undead. Daniel kicked a [Skeleton Warrior] back, raising his sword.
Wait!
I called out to him, and he paused. I walked up to thest surviving Skeleton. Ity underneath the [Hero]s feet, struggling to get back up.
I want to test something.
cing a hand on its skull, I took a deep breath and uttered the name of a Skill.
[Demons Mark].
I prayed I hoped for the sake of me and mypanions that this was a tracking Skill, something that would let me find Edithe or Daniel if I ever got lost. s, it was not meant to be.
A symbol burned itself on the Skeletons skull. Then it seemed to expand, covering the entire undead in a red sphere. My eyes widened.
Get back!
Mypanions quickly backed away from the Skeleton. I leapt away with a single faux me burst. The undead crawled back to its feet, stumbling forward as the translucent sphere followed after it.
Then a spire of fire shot out of the ground beneath it. It incinerated the Skeleton, turning its bones to dust and ashes. It shone brightly, a pir for all to see, marking the earth with its bright light for an instant.
The mes dissipated, and the sh was gone. Nothing was left of the Skeleton. It couldnt even try to escape from the attack, because it followed after it.
Huh.
I stared at the ground, scorched ck despite the blight. I let out a nervous chuckle as I turned to mypanions.
Its a good thing I didnt test it out on you guys, right?
They didnt say anything. They just silently turned and walked away.
Defeated [Skeleton Archer - Lvl. 101]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Skeleton Warrior - Lvl. 102]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 10] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 11]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 11] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 12]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Chapter 155.1. Wishful Thinking
Chapter 155.1. Wishful Thinking
155.1. Wishful Thinking
As it turned out, I could only use [Demons Mark] once every three hours. I was surprised. A Skill with as much destructive power as that would normally take a whole day before I could use it again. But I was Level 100 now. The next time I was evolving would be at Level 150. It made sense that the Skills gained during my evolution would be somewhat exceptional.
Also, there was more to it.
Unused Skills have both pros and cons, Salvos. Not choosing a Skill you obtained means you may never have the chance to experience what that Skill does, especially if its a good one. However, if you leave it untouched, there is always a chance a Skill would advance or in your case, evolve along with you. And those Skills be extremely valuable, most of the time. After all, upgraded Skills are generally better than new Skills.
Huh. Thats pretty good.
Edithe nodded as she continued.
Thats why I never understood why you always chose and tested all your Skills whenever you evolved. Its better to leave the ones you think are unremarkable untouched. Youre wasting its potential, otherwise.
While she was in a lecturing mood, I decided to prod Edithe about how leveling my ss worked. I leveled a few times since entering the gunds, mostly only when I used its Skills inbat, never really during any other time.
It depends on your ss description. As abat ss, [Adept of the Fae] probably levels from fighting and killing things like most otherbat sses. But since its secondary to your Subspecies, it only gains experience when you actively use it in battle. The more you use your main ss, or Subspecies, itll detract from the leveling speed of your secondary ss. The only other way you can actually level it up is by doing things rted to its description.
I tilted my head back up, pursing my lips.
I dont really remember what it said, but I think it mentioned something about Fairies? And learning from them, maybe?
That sounds right. And it means that its probably not going to be easy to level [Adept of the Fae], since it requires more exceptional circumstances.
Aw, really?
The red-haired woman gave me a wry smile.
Thats the advantage and disadvantage of having a rare ss, Salvos. Beginner sses like [Warrior] may be inferior to [Adept of the Fae], but theyre able to gain experience from simple training and doing basic drills enough times. The requirements for your ss are higher, but the payoff is better.
I scowled at first. But slowly, I let out the biggest grin onto my face as I realized what that meant.
More time in the gunds, yay!
...Edithe, why?
Daniel gave the red-haired woman the most pained expression I have ever seen on his face. She just shrugged.
Youre getting close to Level 100 too, arent you? I dont see the harm in sticking around until youve advanced.
I know that, but just
I pointed usingly at the Human man.
You just want us to return to Humannds as quickly as possible so I have to eat your stupid food!
And you just want to dy it for as long as you can.
He crossed his arms. I rolled my eyes, pausing only when I saw the outlines of Skeletons approaching us from afar. Fire engulfed my body as I turned away from Daniel.
Its not like were in any rush to return anyway, are we?
Fiery des appeared around me. They shot out at the undead, ripping apart their ranks from afar, even before they coulde near us. He sighed.
I am not, no. But Edithe is, isnt she? Which is why Im surprised shes fine with this suggestion.
An arrow zipped our way, and I used [Banish] to divert it away instead of dodging. I had to get whatever experience I could from these encounters for my ss.
We told Hadrian that wed be borrowing her for a while, didnt we?
That was half a year ago, Salvos.
Edithe was the one to speak. Turning to face me, she gave me a rueful look, even as she sted apart the undead from the distance.
A lot of things can happen during that time. I cant lie and say Im not worried about my friends. Id like to return and help the Valiant Dreamers in whatever way I can, especially with the way thepany war was looking before I left.
You guys were winning!
I spoke, exasperated, waving my arms around. Another arrow came speeding at us, and I teleported it away once again. I spotted a Ghoul amongst the Skeletons. It came bounding at us, far faster than the Skeletons could hope to move.
We were winning, only after suffering significant losses, Salvos. The Iron Champions also outnumbered us. I havent received any updates from mypany for a long time. Im worried about them. Just as Im sure theyre worried about me.
My shoulders sagged as I saw Edithes face turn dour. I stopped conjuring weapons to shoot out at the undead, even as the Ghoul was getting closer. Then I shook my head, concentrating at a single ball of fire in the palm of my hand.
It burned red at first, before turning blue, then white, and finally, ck. It expanded into crescent shape, like the moon. A bow, with the same-colored strings attached to it. That was not all. I created an arrow in a simr way, and nocked it onto the bow.
This weapon was made of fire, but it was not burning. It didnt exude any heat. It was entirely physical, created from magic, turned into a solid object.
[Nebr Bow: Medium Grade - A bow created from the Skill, [Nebr Construct].]
[Nebr Arrow: Medium Grade - An arrow created from the Skill, [Nebr Construct].]
I loosed it straight at the Ghoul, and the bolt dug itself deep into the undeads chest. It stumbled from that first hit, before I fired a second one straight at its head. It let out a guttural cry as it tried to gather itself. I simply finished it off with a few more Nebr Arrows sent to its head.
Fine. I guess we can return to the Humannds. I have a ss now, anyway. I could go and speak to Lily for advice, or ask Saffron about enrolling me into one of your Human academies to learn more about space magic.
We finished off the rest of the undead, just like that. Even Ghouls were no longer as difficult to kill as they once were. [Nebr Spark] was a very good Skill. It created weapons that persisted even after a few days. I didnt have to expend any magic to upkeep it. I could collect the Nebr Arrows from the Ghouls dead body and reuse them for future fights.
Edithe ced a hand on my shoulder, giving me a grateful look.
Thank you, Salvos.
I blinked. Then I beamed.
Of course! Youre mypanion, not a minion, after all! I cant just order you around!
Although, I couldnt lie and say I wasnt a little unhappy about it. I mean, this meant I wouldnt get to see the Lich. Which sucked! Because I really wanted to see him!
Chapter 155.2. Wishful Thinking
Chapter 155.2. Wishful Thinking
155.2. Wishful Thinking
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 12] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 13]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
...
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 15] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 16]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 100] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 101]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
My new ss was leveling nicelypared to my Subspecies. [Adept of the Fae] had leveled 6 times in less than a week, while [Daeva Cambion] only leveled once. Granted, I was stepping back during the fighting just a little bit, letting Daniel soak up the experience, so he could get to Level 100 as soon as possible.
We were heading back to the Humannds. We had a map and apass, and two Humans who were able to actually read that stuff. Most of the gunds hadnt been mapped out, so navigating our way back was still a little bit difficult. However, as long as we knew the general direction we were going, wed be able to return to the Vaun Qieuer Empire eventually.
While the gunds was certainly less dangerous to us, especially since I was Level 100 now, we didnt simply throw caution into the wind. Daniel made sure that we camped out in ces where we weren''t just out in the middle of the open for any horde of undead to attack us, and instead had some sort of shelter to protect us.
We cleared out a small, ruined town full of Ghouls and Skeletons before settling down for the night. It was nked by a blight flower field to the left, and a vast, open nd to the right. It waste, and we were forced to make do with what we had.
Mypanions set up their camp as they usually did, but instead of having the usual inane conversations, we were talking about more serious things. Such as what Daniel would do when he returned from the gunds.
You could always just follow me to the Brilsum Ruins, you know?
I offered him the suggestion as he chewed on some dried meat.
While were there, we could deal with that Archdemon problem and speak with Lily kill two wild Demons with one rock.
The expression is kill two birds with one stone.
Daniel snorted, before taking a sip from his sk. Was that alcohol? His face was a little bit redder than usual.
Im just not sure about what I want to do. What if what Faith said really was true? That the Inoria Empire was evil? Shouldnt I go back to help her?
You told us that she manipted and used you in the past, Daniel.
Edithe almost looked annoyed at the Human man.
Youd be fucking stupid to trust her again.
I know that, I know that.
Taking a deep breath, he drew his knees closer to his chest and hugged them.
Its just that I have a responsibility, dont I? Im supposed to be a [Hero]. And yet, people out there are dying because Im too scared to fight. I could make a difference. I could save so many lives. But Im just here. Scared. Afraid.
Yep, youre a coward, Daniel.
I nodded, agreeing with him. He let out a heavy sigh, and Edithe winced.
Not helping, Salvos.
Its the truth.
Perhaps it was because he was drunk, but the Human man didnt make any sort of retort. That was better for me, since I could continue.
However, despite being a coward, youve been by my side, even against all odds, you still fought. You never ran, leaving me alone. Youre a coward. But that has never stopped you from fighting before. It has never stopped you from doing what you want.
It was an attempt at cheering him up. Maybe I could have worded it better, but I had no reason not to be blunt with him. It was better for him to hear things like this. Just like when he kept his secret from Edithe for so long skirting around the issue wouldnt bring any results with Daniel.
As harshly as Salvos is putting it, shes right. You dont have to follow her. You dont have to save the princess
Hey! Im a Princess too!
The red-haired woman ignored me, instead gently resting the tip of her fingers on the back of his hand.
You can do whatever you want. You dont have to decide now. Just think about it, alright?
Daniel looked up at her. He stared at Edithe with a grateful smile. Then it slipped away as he buried his face into his hands once more.
And what about that whole Apocalypse thing? What are we going to do about it? We have to do something, right?
This time, Edithe was stumped too. She hesitated, trying to work her jaw, but nothing came out.
I thats fuck, good question.
Why do you have to do anything?
I fixed both of them with a puzzled look. The question took them by surprise. They both turned to me at the same time.
Uh, because its something that affects all of us?
Everyone will die, Salvos. If what Xidra says is true
Then it doesnt matter.
I raised my shoulders in a shrug. Then I shivered slightly as a cold chill swept over our camp. The fire flickered with the wind, almost growing smaller from the breeze.
If these Dragons couldnt do anything about it, how are we supposed to stop it? Also what if Xidra is wrong? Maybe she thinks shes telling the truth, but maybe someone lied to her. Neither of you have to do anything about it.
There was a pause. Edithe and Daniel exchanged a nce, as if deciding who should speak first. They seemed to settle on the red-haired woman as she started.
Salvos, even if
I raised a hand, cutting her off. A prickling sensation ran through me. The one I always felt when I thought I was being watched. But it was different this time. It felt real. Almost overwhelming.
I leapt to my feet, grabbing my Nebr Bow, nocking it as I turned around. A heavy mist encroached on the ruined town, surrounding it from all sides. The burning fire was snuffed out as another freezing zephyr swept over our camp, and mypanions drew their weapons, growing alert as the veil of darkness fell upon us.
Someone is
I didnt finish. A figure stepped out from the mist. My eyes grew wide as I saw yellow bones. A ck robe. A skull with fire for eyes, glowing a bright green. An ethereal voice left its mouth like a whisper.
Hello, my beautiful Lilian. It has been so long since Ist saw you.
[Lich - Lvl. 143]
Chapter Salvos Book 3 now available on Amazon!
Chapter Salvos Book 3 now avable on Amazon!
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to announce that The gunds: Salvos Volume 3 is now avable for purchase on Amazon!
The book is 180,000 words and goes up to chapter 168, which is about a dozen chapters ahead of what RoyalRoad is at right now. And if you''ve ever been interested in any of the side story chapters I''ve written but couldn''t afford the $10 on patreon, the ones written so far are all added to this version of the boook too!
That means you have chapters dedicated to Saffron, Hadrian, Jaakko, Rachel, and Faith. While these chapters are very much lore and plot relevant, you don''t necessarily have to read them to understand future plot events. But if you do read them, you''ll get a sneak preview of things toe in the future regarding the direction the story is heading.
I do hope you consider buying the book. But if you can''t buy it due to your own financial situation, I ask that you at least leave a review or a rating for the book on Amazon, as it would really help me out a ton <>
Thank you all for reading as always. Chapter will be up tomorrow, per : The gunds: A Monster Evolution LitRPG (Salvos, Volume 3) eBook: Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
If you''d prefer, you can read all these chapters ahead and more in my patreon here | Patreon
Chapter 156: Weak Hero
Chapter 156: Weak Hero
156. Weak Hero
[Lich - Lvl. 143]
Hello, my beautiful Lilian. It has been so long since Ist saw you.
An ethereal voice spoke out, wispy, as if his words were made of smoke. I aimed the Nebr Bow at him, feeling a chill creep up my shoulders, wrangling around my neck, threatening to suffocate me.
Youre the Lich? Theres no one here called Lilian. What do you want?
I was excited to meet him. He was supposed to be a Human who transcended the need to sleep or eat. A [Hero] who came to this world and became incredibly powerful unlike Daniel. However, I was now nervous. Afraid, even.
Because he didnte here to befriend us. The magic I sensed gathering around him it was filled with the intent to kill.
Foolish Demon.
He spoke dismissively, his ming eyes flickering. His sable robes were untouched by the gust of wind billowing behind him, ring like the rms in my head, warning me to flee. I stood my ground as a cackle left his unhinged jaw.
I have in thousands of your kind with only my left hand, and brought down those far above your level with only my right. Do not challenge me or you will perish.
I didnt back down. me and ember engulfed my being as mypanions readied themselves for this powerful enemy.
Tell us why youvee here, Lich.
Daniel boldly stepped forward on wobbly legs. He was still drunk. That idiot.
The Lichs head tilted. He peered at the [Hero]. There was a moments pause as his ming eyes seemed to burn through the Human man. Finally, he shook his head, disappointed.
Pathetic.
Hey! You dont get to call him pathetic!
I stood beside mypanion, nodding. Daniel blinked, facing me.
Salvos
Just because hes weak, and stupid, and very bad at fighting despite being a [Hero], doesnt mean hes pathetic at all! Unlike you, hes still alive!
...why did I think youd actually defend me?
Daniel sighed as I shot him a thumbs-up. The Lich ignored us. His gaze slid over our slipper figures, resting gently at Edithe.
Ah, Lilian, you havent aged a day since Ist saw you.
Edithe narrowed her eyes.
Wait, youre talking to me? Im not Lilian
He almost seemed to hover as he drew closer. We tensed as he continued.
Why did you leave me, my darling? My gorgeous red flower. My
His voice trailed off. A word was said, but I couldnt understand it. I rubbed my ears as Daniel cringed.
Edithe stared at him.
What was that?
My lovely Lilian. Come here
Again, the word was cut off. I cocked my head as I saw Daniel buried his face in his hands.
Whats he saying? Hes speaking English, right?
The Human man nodded. Slowly, he faced me with his red cheeks, murmuring in English.
Hes saying my bae. Hes calling Edithe bae.
Huh.
I didnt really get what was wrong with it, but Daniel was overwhelmed with embarrassment. Edithe was confused as well. But she didnt have time to voice her thoughts as the Lich decided the time for talk was over.
Return my beloved to me, and you will have my eternal gratitude. Keep her, and know that no salvation awaits your future.
He was mad. He thought Edithe was Lilian, ignoring her words that she was not. We had no choice. I wasnt just going to part ways with mypanion because a bag of walking bones told me to. This would be our toughest fight yet. But just as we defeated Lucerna, wed beat him back.
I nced over at Edithe, and she nodded.
No.
I spoke simply, loosing the Nebr Arrow straight at him. The bolt slowed, being covered from its tip in a frozen box. It halted mid-air, before dropping to the ground and shattering into tiny icicles. I narrowed my eyes.
The Nebr Arrow wasnt hot, per se. However, its base form was still created from fire. It shouldnt have been frozen like that. Not that easily.
Weak
The Lich didn''t finish. Edithe leapt to the side, unleashing a zing arrow straight at him. He raised a hand in her direction, creating a wall of solid ice. A powerful st erupted from Edithes Skill, but it left not even a dent on the mirror-like surface.
Daniel!
My body was shifting. I beat my foot forward, cing my two arms on the ground to steady myself. More arms sprouted out next to my shoulders as I morphed into a taller, hunched form with a skull-like face.
The Human man ced a hand on my shoulder, nodding.
[The Will of the Hero]!
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 123 (+5) (+5%) (+10%)
[Strength]: 100 (+5) (+5%) (+10%)
[Endurance]: 108 (+5) (+5%) (+10%)
[Wisdom]: 184 (+5) (+6) (+5%) (+10%)
[Agility]: 241 (+5) (+5%) (+10%)
Edithe was knocked back by a strong gust of icy wind. Her body was coated in a thinyer of ice. However, it didnt freeze her. It shattered her barrier, but the magic grew immensely weaker when it reached her.
I leapt past the flying red-haired woman, my ws being ovee with a ck me. I barreled straight for the Lich, dodging spikes of ice as they shot out of the ground. A burst of me carried me over it, [Haste] taking effect on me and mypanions.
Kneel.
I pointed at the Lich as I descended upon him, a falling star from above. The Lichs fiery eyes dimmed for a moment. He stood still, unable to react.
[Radiant sh]!
And I dug my ws deep into his chest. They tore through his robes there was some kind of protective enchantment there. But it broke under the pressure from my attack. His bones caved in, his ribs shattering, his skull flying off his spine.
A grin spread across my face as I bared my teeth.
But no words resounded in my head.
What?
The fallen skull moved its jaw.
[Rimebloom].
I leapt away as the Lich spoke. But it was toote. The ground beneath the pile of bones turned death-white. A sphere of ice exploded out, instantly freezing everything within its radius. It consumed the whole town, spreading out into the field of blight flowers and the rolling nds, turning it all into a frozen sculpture.
Mypanions perhaps it was because they were far enough away, they managed to react. They used my [Haste] to flee, caught only at the edge of the ice st. But even with my Greaves of the Wanderer, I couldnt avoid the attack. I was sent flying away, my ming armor shattering into pieces, and my Pendant of Greater Protection losing its magic.
A thinyer of frost crept over my body. I tore it away, breathing heavily.
How did he do that?
I stared at the Lich as his body slowly repaired itself, the fallen bones flying back up to his body as he sauntered over to his skull, picking it back up. Edithe coughed as she picked herself back up.
Hes a Lich we cant destroy his body. We have to find the ce where his life force is stored.
But that means
We couldnt kill him. Even if we threw the most powerful spells and attacks his way, the Lich would always survive it.
He couldnt be defeated.
Spinning around, he faced us. He said nothing, his time for talk over. Raising a hand to the sky, he spoke softly.
[Comet Hail
[Heros sh]!
Daniel swung his de over his head. The weapon gleamed with a white energy that lit up the night. The Lich caught the Human man by the arm, a freeze grip that halted his attack entirely. The energy was released past the Lich. The remnants of white light striking out, tearing down the frozen houses to the ground.
I know all your tricks, boy. I have walked your footsteps. I have done more than you could ever hope to aplish.
The [Hero] struck out at the Lich with his free hand. A deafening thud echoed as I rushed over to help him. His fist connected, but it didnt even leave a crack on the skull. The Lich shook his head.
[Comet Hail].
The sky darkened. The mist from before gathered into clouds above. White clouds. One that rained meteors of ice. My eyes widened as I saw chunks of frozen rock falling at the earth, moving faster than even the arrows of the [Skeleton Archers]. It tore apart the earth, a powerful magic that would permanently change thendscape into a field of craters.
I bounded around the falling ice meteors, watching as mypanion struggled helplessly in the Lichs grasps. There was a crack. A scream. And I reached the Lich, striking at him from behind with a [Barrage of Cinders].
It forced him to let go of Daniel. I broke his brittle bones with six rapid strikes. Then I grabbed him and tossed him into one of his own fallingets. Therge chunk of ice smashed him back down. It exploded on him and dug deep into the earth.
But that wasnt all. [Demons Mark]. The pir of crimson mes shot out of the earth, its heat felt even from where I stood. It melted the Lichs ice. The frozen wastnd he turned this ce into was now being dried up in an instant.
I bent over Daniel. He wasnt moving.
Daniel, are you
I paused. His right arm was limp. But more than that, it was entirely shattered. I could see the whites of his bone peeking out of his skin, blood seeping out around it, instantly freezing from the extreme weather.
Healing potion, wheres the healing potion?
Behind you, Salvos!
Edithe called out as she blew apart a fallinget. I spun around, letting out a plume of blue fire from my mouth with a roar. The Lich returned with a cold breath. A zephyr that froze even my most powerful mes.
Begone, Demon.
He flicked a finger, and ance of ice shot at my shoulder. I stumbled back, gritting my teeth.
You
I gathered everything I had. Right now, I was stronger than I have ever been. I raged with my fire, baring my teeth at him. [The Primordial Spark] erupted like a wildfire that spread out at the Lich.
But he shook his head.
[Ray of Frost].
It was a simple sounding Skill. It didnt sound like itd do much. And yet, as he raised his hand, a beam of ice shot out and cut through the earth. It didnt just dig a shallow hole, one that barely scratched the grounds surface. It left a scar behind where it cut.
It opened up a canyon where it touched the earth. A massive crevice that fell deeper than even the deepest caves I have ever been in. It came at me, a magic that made my most powerful mes wink out of existence in a mere moment.
I braced for the attack. It would kill me. But I couldnt dodge it. Not this. It came
Stop!
A voice called out. Edithe stood before me, her arms spread wide. The Lichs magic disappeared. A raviney before her. But she stood in defiance against this destruction.
Ill go with you. Just please, dont hurt my friends.
I stared at her.
What are you doing, Edithe?
She nced back at me, a wry smile on her face. Behind her, the tempest of iceets came to a halt. The Lich approached her, joy clear in his voice.
Youve finallye back to me, Lilian. Yes, they may live. Thank you for bringing her to me. Oh, thank you.
His tone changed. He sounded grateful towards us. I wasnt sure what was going on, but he took Edithe by the arms from behind. I sputtered.
You
Salvos.
She ced a hand on my shoulder. Slowly, both her arms wrapped around my neck. She shook her head and whispered.
Take Daniel and get out of here.
The Lich pulled her away as she drew her hands back. I paused, seeing what was in her hand. Nodding, I hefted the Human man over my shoulder. I ran off before the Lich could change his mind, although he likely wouldnt.
He was too preupied with Edithe. He didnt even look once at me as I disappeared into the distance. I nced back, watching Edithe as she walked away, following after the Lich, heading to the northwest.
And then she was gone.
Chapter 157: Frozen
Chapter 157: Frozen
157. Frozen
Daniel stood in a bustling city. It was an almost nostalgic sight. It was not the nearly medieval buildings he was so familiar with nowadays. There were no gothic towers peeking out of the corner of his eyes. Neither were there tall walls girdling around the city, keeping out the monster from beyond, built to fend off armies of thousands of [Mages].
Instead, it was a modern city. It was filled with the re of traffic cars were honking, screeching down intersections, with drivers shouting at each other for their own bad driving. The sidewalks were bustling with people going about their day. Some of them were staring down at their smartphones, too preupied to even see where they were going. Others were chatting with their friends, practically hugging each other.
But wait, this wasnt right. Wasnt there something a pandemic going on?
The young man was confused. Puzzled. He looked around, trying to find any semnce of reality at what he was seeing. Then he paused. He saw a young woman standing before him. Brown hair. Hazel eyes. A kind smile on her face.
Daniels heart stopped. Arent you? The question crossed his mind. But he threw it aside, reaching out desperately for her.
Emily
And reality shattered.
Blinking, Daniel found himself standing before a grave. There was crying, sobbing. A single teardrop streak down his cheeks, and he was now in his college dorm. His roommate was livid, demanding to switch rooms.
Daniel sat atop a pile of garbage, stic bags, empty pizza boxes, all the trash he hadnt bothered to clean up. He watched his roommate storm out. And he wished he was dead. No he wished to start life anew. In a better world. In a ce where he actually meant something to those around him.
There was a sh. A glint of gold and silver. Daniel covered his eyes, and he was now surrounded by knights, a king sitting on a throne. Beautifuldies flocked to him. Gorgeous women he would never have hoped to show interest in him.
One of them in particr caught his eye. Her orange hair stood out like the sunrise at dawn. Her name was alluring, a beautiful word that seemed to fit her personality.
Faith.
Daniel was caught in a web of lies. He didnt know what the truth was. He was happy content. He was a [Hero]. For the first time in his life, everyone looked up to him. Children stopped him in the streets just to speak with him for a moment. They listened intently to what he said, an illusion he was happy with believing. Until everything came falling down.
The world froze over. Green mes burned away the web that had caught him so tightly in its snare. A powerful blizzard raged all around him. He nced around, searching for his friends.
Salvos? Edithe?
No response came. The sky darkened overhead. The green mes coalesced into bones, building a towering figure over him. His eyes grew wide as a giant skull stared down at him.
You are no [Hero].
The ethereal voice came at him from all sides. He felt his legs giving out. He trembled before the overwhelming enemy. He couldnt do anything.
Daniel spun around, running from the Lich. The Lichughed, and the world around him crumbled. He fell into a pit of darkness, screaming, hoping someone would save him.
That was, until a sharp pain stung him across his face.
--
Daniel! Daniel! Wake up already!
Salvos pped the young man across the face. He leapt to his feet, blinking.
Ouch what is wrong with you, Salvos?!
He looked around. He was in a dark cave, only a small blue fire lit up its interiors. Then he stared at Salvos, and she breathed out in relief.
Oh, youre alive. Good.
No thanks to you. You pped me.
Daniel narrowed his eyes. Salvos raised her ws defensively.
I only did it because you didnt want to wake up!
Shaking his head, he let out a sigh. There were plenty of other ways she couldve tried to wake him up. He knew she probably only pped him because she wanted to. In fact, why did she even need to force him awake?
Daniel paused, the events of earlier racing through his mind. His eyes grew wide.
My hand
Its healed.
Salvos held up his arm. It was wrapped in hastily put together bandages, lying next to a few empty vials of healing potions.
I tried using your healing potions, but they didnt work. I wasnt sure why. I think it had something to do with the Lichs ice it froze your blood. I had to burn it off before I could properly heal you. So, um, sorry for using half of your potions.
She scratched the back of her head, avoiding his gaze. Daniel stared at her.
Uh, thank you.
He felt slightly embarrassed now, for assuming she was messing with him. He looked down at his arm, inspecting it, flexing his hand. There were some scars, but otherwise he could move it without a problem.
Im assuming you used all the high quality healing potions, didnt you?
Salvos grimaced, and he rolled his eyes.
Of course you did.
We still have some lower quality potions! Just not the ones that can regenerate a lost arm.
She gave him an uneasy smile. Daniel shook his head, mentally taking stock of what he had left in his Dimensional Storage Unit.
Alright, so we still have seven medium quality healing potions, nine
Wait, that doesnt matter right now!
Salvos cut him off, waving her arms. He blinked as she spoke hurriedly.
We need to find Edithe. The Lich took her!
The Lich what? Why? How?
The young man didnt know how to react. But she continued.
He wouldve killed us! He had this ice beam which tore the earth apart! But Edithe stopped him she told him to take her and let us go.
Salvos shoulders sagged the more she spoke. Daniel opened his mouth, trying to figure out what to say. But nothing came out.
The Demon girl steeled herself and continued.
We have to find her. Save her from him!
We cant.
Daniel spoke faster than he wouldve wanted. It was a cruel thing to say. Especially to Salvos who would never leave behind herpanions. But the Lich was far beyond their levels. It was suicide.
The oue wont change if we go after him now. Well lose, just as we did before. We have to return to the Humannds, find allies.
Thatll take days, Daniel. What if the Lich does something to her by then?
Hed have already hurt her if he wanted to. He wanted her alive.
Salvos frowned. She crossed her arms, meeting his gaze with a wisdom he didnt know she had.
There are worse things than death, Daniel. You know that better than I do.
He flinched. There was a sh. A memory. Was it because of that nightmare he had that Salvos words stung harder than ever?
Even so, itd be stupid for us to go after the Lich. Weve had this discussion many times, Salvos.
Its different, this time.
She faced him seriously. Daniel frowned.
Why?
Because this is our best chance at finding them.
Salvos stood up, ncing out of the small cavern they were hiding in. She ced a hand on her chest something was off, Daniel could tell.
Edithe told me toe find her after a day passes. I saw where the Lich was taking her. Northwest.
The young man stared at her dubiously.
How are we even going to find the Lich? The gunds isrge. Even if you know the general direction she went, that doesnt mean well be able to find her.
Salvos smiled.
Because Edithe took my Horn of the Caller.
Daniel remained silent. It was ridiculous. They lost to the Lich very easily earlier. Theyd lose again. Edithe was, more often than not, pragmatic. Sometimes shed be stubborn and hardheaded. But when it came to herself, Daniel knew she was the one to sacrifice herself if a situation turned awry. So, why did she do this?
Salvos seemed to know what he was thinking.
When we were fighting the Lich, Edithe told us that there was no use attacking him. It would regenerate from whatever attack we could muster. Not unless we found where his life force is stored.
Daniel tapped a finger on his chin, understanding.
Edithe thinks the Lich will bring her to it. And then we can destroy it together.
Exactly.
Salvos nodded.
This was a risky n. Daniel didnt want to do it. He still felt the sharp pain in his arm from when the Lich crushed it with his icy grip. But they couldnt just leave Edithe, right?
It was foolish. It was a [Hero]s thoughts. Maybe Salvos disagreed. She wasnt a [Hero], nor did she think it was foolish in any way. She thought it through, and she believed it would work out. Daniel, on the other hand, thought it through, and he only saw failure. However, despite their constant disagreements, their arguments and their squabblings, they both agreed on one thing:
It was the right thing to do.
Are you certain about this?
She met his gaze, her golden eyes unwavering.
I am.
Good, then well need this.
Raising a hand, Daniel summoned the Heralds Brush. Salvos blinked. Then a grin spread across the Demon girls face as she saw it. She grabbed a hold of it, nodding.
Then she paused, as if remembering something.
I just hope I dont get teleported to another ne of existence again.
...wait, what?
Do not be afraid.
The Lich held out a hand for Edithe. They stood on a tall stairway, leading up to a ruined castle. Its foundations were falling apart. If not for the immense magical Edithe sensed filling the walls and the bricks of the keep, she was certain it would have copsed by now.
Behind her, the gunds sprawled out, riddled with blight flower fields, the brown smog rising up like a thick nket, covering the sky towards the horizon as well as the rising sun. She saw more undead than she had ever seen in her life on the way to this castle. Hundreds of them. Thousands. Enough to fell a country.
[Zombies], Skeletons, Ghouls, [Wights], [Revenants], Draugr. They all listened to the Lich. They bowed to him as he passed, almost floating, his foot seemingly never leaving the ground and never touching it at the same time. The lowest leveled of the undead were at their 50s. The highest was Level 120.
A pair of [Revenants] guarded the massive gates leading into the keep. They held ethereal weapons in their hands some sort of magic which enchanted a chosen item they touched with power.
Edithe was led through various halls and chambers, each of them in a state of decay, what were once glorious rooms taken over by time and death. She paused right by a painting, the only thing that had its majesty preserved throughout the whole keep.
It depicted a red-haired woman. Not Edithe she had a pair of dazzling purple eyes and a skin so tanned it seemed like she had been working in the sun all her life.
The Lich stepped up behind Edithe.
Ah, Lilian, you have not changed since Ist saw you. Even after all these years.
I I am not Lilian. I dont even look anything like her.
He ignored her, brushing his cool, prickly fingers over her cheeks.
When I came into this world, I had nothing. They took me from my world, took my life away from me, and turned me into their ve. But when I met you, you freed me. You gave me a reason to live. A life without you is a life with nothing.
The Lich continued on his way, musing only to himself, uncaring of what Edithe said. He took her to a room with a set of double doors at the front. She narrowed her eyes as he gestured for her to enter.
What is this ce?
It has been so long since youvest been here, it is no wonder you have forgotten. Enter, my dear, for it is your beloved room. The room where I first met you. Where our love bloomed and the seeds of our future together were sowed.
Edithe hesitated. Thats But she entered anyway.
Her eyes grew wide as she stepped into the room. She froze right by the doorway, her mouth hanging open. The Lich patted her on the back and turned around.
It has been a long day. I am sure you are tired, my beloved. Now rest while I tend to our kingdom.
He mmed the door shut, leaving Edithe behind, all alone in the dark, empty room. Except, if it were empty, Edithe would have happily sat on the violet bed and begun nning her escape. But she wasnt alone.
Of course she wasnt.
Because she stood in a room filled with corpses.
These werent skeletons. If they were, shed be fine. Instead, she was in a room full of bodies of women. All of them with the same fiery red hair Edithe had. And they were frozen, faces full of horror, eyes filled with terror.
Edithe clutched tightly onto the Horn of the Caller hidden in her pocket, ncing out the window, past a frozen figure of a woman longingly staring into the outside.
Wait for the sun to set. When the moon is at its highest. Salvos and Daniel wille for me I know it.
Chapter 158: Mad
Chapter 158: Mad
158. Mad
I wasnt sure how far the Lich would take Edithe. Neither was I the best tracker. In the Netherworld, when Haec was captured by Lucerna, I managed to track him down because of the trail of blood left behind. It was easy to follow, especially since the stone ground was a pure, clean white.
The ck stains stood out in this clean canvas, a direct road to Lucernas Lamp. It worked because there was nothing else to the Netherworld. It was a destendscape full of rocks and wild Demons. Maybe there was more to it. I just never saw it.
The gunds, on the other hand, was far more chaotic. Id run into any number of undead if I wandered aimlessly for a day, unlike the Netherworld where I could go for days seeing nothing else. Also, the blight obfuscated my sight. It was difficult to see beyond the nearest hills, especially this deep in the gunds.
That was not including the way the blight would rot thendscape. Whatever tracks, trails, or paths left behind by the Lich were eaten away by the foul magic. So, Daniel and I were headed in a nebulous direction.
We returned to the site of our defeat. The entire area was torn apart, its face changed by the powerful magic of the Lich. It was not difficult to find this spot, what came next required a lot more care.
Are you absolutely certain, Salvos?
Daniel fixed me with a dubious look. I nodded.
Yep. The Lich took Edithe by the hand and brought her there.
And that direction is
Northwest!
I eximed, gesturing at the sky.
Look, so the sun is up there, so north is there, and west is there, making northwest here!
I dont know, Salvos
Juste with me!
I grabbed him by the arm, yanking him after me. The sun was at its zenith, beginning its descent towards the horizon. Once that happened, the world would return to darkness. And we would have only a few hours before Edithe decided to blow the Horn of the Caller.
Anyone within ten miles of it would be able to hear its call. It was an artifact suited for someone who often found themselves lost, away from their friends, wandering around alone. Like me. But I never had the chance to use it.
And it found a more suitable owner with Edithe. The red-haired woman was captured. Not against her own free will although I was sure Daniel would disagree with that. She said shed use it after a day passed, once we recovered.
The Lich was bringing Edithe somewhere, and we believed it was a ce where we could find its source of its life force and destroy it. We just had to find her.
Ten miles wasnt the vastest distance. However, with the speed the Lich was walking, I believed or hoped that ten miles was enough for us to hear the artifacts effects.
Daniel and I waded through the blight, crawling through the gunds. We moved at a brisk pace not fast enough that wedpletely miss the Lichs Lair, and neither slow enough that we wouldnt keep up with his cial pace.
The blight grew thicker and thicker the deeper we went. Blight flowers stood on their lonesome. Scattered and spindly, a smattering spread wide. Not the sight of a field, but the showing of a foul magics yield.
No ce was free from the blight. The blight was no longer just a billowing walling from a field, diffusing to its surroundings. It came from everywhere. From the fields and thends between. Daniel made a face of disgust. I wasnt bothered by it.
I only focused on one thing. And that was finding Edithe.
Leave us alone!
I cried as my w sheared through the [Wight]. It let out a ghostly scream as the life flickered out of its eyes. Another came forward, reaching to touch me, as if to brush its fingers kindly over my cheeks. I opened my mouth and screamed.
Where is Edithe?
I knew it wouldnt answer. It couldnt answer. I engulfed its entire being with blue mes. Then when it dissipated, I grabbed the [Wight] by the hand and flung it over me. Daniel sliced up, and it fell apart.
Rx, Salvos. And stop shouting youll attract more undead to us.
Arent you mad, Daniel?
I turned to the Human man. He stepped over the dead [Wight]. Thest of the ones we encountered.
The Lich took Edithe.
And if we want to defeat it, well have to conserve our energy.
I narrowed my eyes as I identified him.
[Hero - Lvl. 98]
When was thest time he leveled? I shook my head, pressing forward. I spotted a group of Ghouls bounding after us, readying [The Primordial Spark].
We can rest once we find Edithe. If something happens to her because were toote I cant allow it.
Daniel stared at me. He pursed his lips as he spoke in a hesitant voice.
Youve never lost anyone close to you before, have you?
I blinked.
I have not. Why does it matter?
He readied his sword, not facing me.
Its nothing. Come on, theyre here. Try to kill them without drawing the attention of even more.
I bared my teeth as my fire enveloped the foremost Ghoul.
I wont.
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 16] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 17]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
...
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 19] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 20]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 101] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 102]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 102
ss: [Adept of the Fae] - Lvl. 20
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 7
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 3
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 123 (+5)
[Strength]: 100 (+5)
[Endurance]: 108 (+5)
[Wisdom]: 190 (+5) (+6)
[Agility]: 245 (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 1
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 10
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 5]
[Banish] - Lvl. 10
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 10
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
What did he do to you?
Edithe ced a hand on the ice sculpture. A woman with red hair stood frozen in time. Her hands were ced on her chest, her mouth open, as if she had been talking moments before she was turned to ice.
She wasnt like the other women here. The rest were dressed in adventurers clothing. They had armor and equipment, as if they came to the gunds to do battle, but were captured when they faced a foe far beyond their level. This woman, however, wore a long, silken dress. Like a noble.
There was no reason for someone like her to have been anywhere close to the gunds. It was a story Edithe wouldve loved to hear. It was the kind she read in books and saw in ys. Unfortunately for whoever this woman was, her story ended as a tragedy.
Edithe didnt want that to be her fate. Her fingers tightened around the Horn of the Caller. If only midnight coulde faster. She saw the orange glow of the sunset. The vague shape of an fiery circle pierced through the veil of blight. But she couldnt use the Horn of the Caller. Not yet.
Shey on the violet bed and faced the ceiling. It was the only ce she could look at without seeing a possible future for herself. What did these women do which made the Lich kill them? There were a myriad of possibilities. Shutting her eyes, she tried to think of what she could say to avoid death.
Not long after, exhaustion set in, and she dozed off without thinking of any feasible n.
--
Edithe was startled awake when the door creaked open and a voice red into the room.
Lilian, my dear Lilian.
The Lich drifted towards the red-haired woman, his arms spread wide.
I have tended to our marvelous kingdom. Come, embrace me, for the night has begun and we can share our love once more!
She quickly scrambled to her feet, nearly stumbling back when she saw how vigorously the Lich approached her. Taking a deep breath, she offered him an uneasy smile.
My dear Zacharius?
There was a pause. She waited to see if the Lich would react violently to the name. He did not.
How fares our kingdom? Are the people fine?
They are glorious, my lovely Lilian. This paradise weve built is flourishing, teeming with milk and honey. The other kingdoms may quarrel over us, threaten our borders, but our people know that theyre safe as long as you and I continue to live.
Live, right.
Edithe hoped that she didnt make a weird face. Or if she did, the Lich wouldnt be able to parse it. He ced a hand on her shoulder, and she flinched.
Now, my darling Lilian, that night has settled upon us, shall we partake in our nightly activities?
A shudder ran through Edithe as she realized what this meant. He brushed his finger over her cheek.
I have been feeling tiredtely, my gorgeous Lilian
How about a night stroll, my um, great Zacharius?
The red-haired woman bit her lower lip, cursing that she couldnt think of an appropriate word in time. The Lich, however, didnt pay it any mind.
A stroll, thiste at night?
He tilted his head, and she hurriedly nodded.
Dont you just viefor a change in scenery? See how our beautifulnd is under the sparkling stars of the night?
That is a marvelous idea, my dear Lilian!
The Lich forcefully grabbed Edithe, like an excited child trying to drag his mother along. But Edithe was not his mother. Nor did she find the icy grip of a skeletal hand to beparable to the soft grip of a child.
They headed down the run-down halls, headed for a pair of decrepit double doors up ahead. Edithe paused for a moment as she caught a glimpse of a tall, arched entryway. Rotted red carpets led to the inside, and a throne sat atop an incline of steps at the very end of the room.
She narrowed her eyes as she saw a ck box sitting on the cushioned chair.
Is that the phctery? If it was, then that was likely where the Lichs life force was stored. She had to destroy it.
Edithe spoke up, slightly apprehensive.
My dear Zacharius, how about we take a break?
This early into our walk?
He nced back at her, and she rubbed her shoulders.
I am feeling rather weary today. Perhaps we could rest in the throne room? Ask our servants to bring us ate meal?
These were just suggestions the kind made in casual conversation. Unfortunately, Edithe didnt know the Lich. She barely knew the history of Lilian or Zacharius. They were only ever talked about under the context of Zacharius betrayal, never about what they sought to build.
We do not have servants.
The Lichs words stabbed Edithe like a knife. She felt her legs growing weak, and her voice quivering as she spoke up.
Oh? W-we dont?
The mes in his eyes dimmed. He peered at her, not saying anything else. Was this it? Edithe couldnt just let it all end her. She waved a hand off, letting out a chuckle.
My dear Zacharius, that was a joke. A rather crude joke, of course. Thats right, we dont have servants. After all, this is paradise, yes? Come now, lets just continue our walk.
She hesitated. Should she have said all that? She might be digging herself deeper into her grave here. The Lich remained silent, and Edithe almost closed her eyes in resignation.
Haha hahaha.
The Lich beganughing?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
He bent over, pping his knees as he erupted into terrifyingughter. Shaking his head, he wiped a nonexistent teardrop from his eyes. Edithe took a step back, unable to bring herself tough with him.
My beautiful Lilian, your sense of humor truly has always been far beyond my feebleprehension. Yes, how silly of me, to think that youd ever need to rest. Come, let us enter the garden.
Edithe found herself being pulled along by the Lich, sighing in relief. Now all she had to do was survive for a little longer convince the Lich to keep his hands off her for the night and shed be able to escape with Salvos and Daniel.
She stepped out into the garden and froze. There was a glint. Light reflected from the moon above. She took in the blight flowers, the crumbling stone, and the ice sculptures spread throughout the front patio alone.
Oh no. The realization sunk in that Edithe wasnt the first one to have thought of this n. And that it was not as simple as she thought it would be.
Chapter 159: A Heroic Act
Chapter 159: A Heroic Act
159. A Heroic Act
Edithe felt her heart racing as she followed the Lich down the dpidated steps. They were covered in moss and lichen part of the aesthetic of the ancient garden, overgrowing with dead nts and blight flowers. Taking in a deep breath... she almost puked.
The stench here was far more rancid than anything she had ever smelled before. It was a beautiful perfume of death and disease. The only thing that couldve made this little night stroll better was a few corpses added to the mix.
And there they were. Edithe saw the glints she caught sight of the frozen redheads. They stood in varying degrees of defiance and fear, a stark contrast to the more resigned women in the bedroom.
There were dozens of them. Maybe even over a hundred alone, just out in the garden. This was the fate that awaited Edithe. Faced with the Lich, entrenched in a myriad of lies, there woulde a time when it all came cascading down, and with nothing else to die, she would die.
She was afraid. More than she had ever been before. It wasnt something like thepany war, where there was a chance of fighting back. The Lich was far above her level. Anything she attempted would result in her death.
It is beautiful, is it not, my Lilian?
The Lichs voice was ethereal creepy. It sent shivers down her spine, especially with the cold aura he seemed to exude.
It is indeed beautiful, my Zacharius.
She copied his speech pattern. That was the only hope she had in fooling him long enough for Salvos and Daniel to arrive. Except could they even find her? It wasnt even close to midnight. There were still a few more hours to go before she should blow the Horn of the Caller.
Well, she could try it now. But would her friends even be ready?
Everything we touch turns to gold, my dear Lilian. If only they understood that. Theyre too afraid. They are far too obsessed with doctrine of a time long gone. The Immortal King Alexander fooled them. He has led them all astray.
Edithe heard a crack. She nced down, seeing the balled fists of the Lich. His hand was shaking, trembling, as if ovee with anger. The first real sign of emotion he showed, beyond his deep obsession for Lilian.
The world is ending, but he has erased it all from their memories. Instead, he formed a pact with the Spirit Lord and turned necromancy into a scorned art, just so Spirit summoning may reign. He threatens the very existence of the Nexeus for his own gain. What a capitalistic pig!
The Lichs eyes burned with fury, the kind that chilled Edithe with fear of reprisal just from standing near him. And yet, there was something to what he said which piqued her interest. Against her better judgement, she spoke slowly, drawing the Lichs attention.
And yet, the Kobolds still oppose us.
She flinched when the Lich twisted his neck to face her. But what she said was true. At least, partially. Everyone knew that it was the Kobolds who slew Lilian and Zacharius. With a bated breath, Edithe waited for the Lichs response.
Yes, they oppose us. Even when we offered their Scale Guard peace. A chance to work together for a better future. They met with us and betrayed us. Broke the treaty. Took my life from me. And killed my beautiful Lilian
He paused. Edithes eyes grew wide in fear. Was this it for her?
Why are you?
But the Lich shook his head.
My mistake. They took you away from me. Temporarily. But I have found you now, my darling Lilian. And I have brought you back to me.
Yes
Edithe didnt pry any further. If she said anything else hed have her head. She got lucky, this time. It wouldnt happen again.
They took everything from me. But slowly, I am regaining it all. My memories. My beautiful Lilian. All of it. Once I have it all back, Ill be able to finally do what is right. Ill be able to save the world.
With me by your side, of course, yes?
The Lich nodded, a satisfied look passing over his skull face.
Yes, together.
Edithes heart was beating faster and faster. But it was no longer of fear. What the Kobolds said was true this was all the confirmation she needed. Salvos wouldnt care. However, if she could somehow convince Hadrian and Baris that this was true maybe even find proof in the history books then something could be done.
She was excited. But that feeling was snuffed out as the Lich turned to her.
Ah, yes, Ive almost forgotten. My beautiful Lilian, I have a request for you.
What is it, my h-handsome Zacharius?
He moved his jaw, the teeth ttering with no muscle to move them. But an ethereal voice still seeped out.
I have lost my [Hero] ss in death, my dear Lilian. Without it, I am far too weak to carry out my duty to protect the Nexeus. However, now that youre here, your great magic will surely restore me of what Ive lost, yes?
Edithe froze. What could she say? She highly doubted that even the real Lilian would be able to return his lost ss to him. If it was never preserved in the first ce, that meant that Lilian couldnt do it.
That was the only valid response, right?
I apologize, my dear Zacharius. It is not within my domain of power. If I were able to cast such grand magic
Oh, you jest! You are the greatest [Necromancer] to have walked this world. If not you, then it is impossible.
Edithe jerked as he grabbed her arm. He brought his face close to hers, a peering gaze that stared straight into her soul.
I-I c-cannot
You must jest, my Lilian. Unless you are not truly my Lilian, are you?
Was this how the other women met their end? He made a demand for something that no soul could possibly aplish?
She breathed deeply, trying to steel herself. Speaking catingly, she raised a hand.
My Zacharius, I assure you
Edithe ripped a dagger out of her pocket, stabbing it at the Lichs arms. He hissed as he stumbled back, his bones rapidly decaying as he looked down in shock.
This is corrosion magic?
She pointed at him.
[Arrow of the me Elemental]!
A fiery bolt struck the skull of the Lich. It sent him reeling back, blowing his head off his neck. It didnt smash it into a thousand pieces. It was just something else to dy him.
Spinning around, Edithe pulled out the Horn of the Caller and blew it with all her strength, Then she ran deeper into the garden, hearing the heavy thumping of her heart, and the screams of a maddened Lich behind her.
YyyyYOOuuuuUU aRE NoT mY LILIANNNNNNNNNNN!
Edithe pocketed the Horn of the Caller and the Fangs of the Devouring Deep. It was a good thing she kept the weapon with her. The Lich would heal from any attack inflicted upon him. But the corrosion magic would ay his regeneration.
It would buy her time. Hopefully enough for Salvos and Daniel to arrive.
Snow began to descend from the sky. The ground was covered in a thin sheet of sleet. Edithe sighed a misty breath, knowing that they had toe soon.
***
Defeated [Ghoul of Despair - Lvl. 108]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Wight - Lvl. 109]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 20] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 21]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 21] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 22]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Did you hear that?
I did, Salvos.
I exchanged nces with Daniel. It wasnt midnight. Not even close. And yet, Edithe used the Horn of the Caller. That meant
Shes in trouble. Come on!
Dashing forward, I cast [Haste] on mypanion. He ran forward as I felt a sharp pain running through my back. My [Wings of the Netherworld] spread wide as I took off into the air, the Heralds Brush in one hand, Daniel in the other.
There was a blight flower field ahead of me, in the direction I heard the re of the Horn of the Caller. I couldnt see past it. Not unless I removed the blight.
Be useful, you stupid thing!
I swung the Heralds Brush. The smog with a greenish hue at night slowly vanished. I saw [Nightscourers] flying above me. I downed a mana potion as [The Primordial Spark] red up around me. It was stronger now that I raised its level. I could create up to five weapons at once. Iunched them at the flying undead, keeping them away from me.
Below, I saw a horde of Ghouls, Skeletons, [Zombies], and [Wights] giving chase after us. But they couldnt reach us. I cleared thend of the blight, their flowers wilting rapidly as their foul magic was countered by the Heralds Brush.
The curtain fell, and I spotted a castle in the distance. Ten miles was far. But I was over Level 100. I reached the keep momentster, still carrying Daniel.
A pair of ck undead shot up after us. They were shrouded in a dark mist, wielding ethereal weapons as they came after us. I pursed my lip.
[Revenant - Lvl. 116]
[Revenant - Lvl. 118]
Can you take care of them, Daniel?
Just find Edithe!
I nodded, letting go of him. His sword was wreathed in a bright light as he fell on the first [Revenant]. It let out a shrill screech. The other tried to ignore him, but he pulled it by the leg, dragging it down with him.
I madeps over the decrepit castle, trying to spot the red-haired woman, wherever she could be. I caught glints of blue and white: figures made of ice, standing in courtyards, in balconies, in the garden
A giant wall of ice shot up, and my eyes widened. There. I recognized that Skill it was Edithes [Shield of the Misty Lord]. It was shattered a momentter. Dark clouds gathered over it as I dove straight down.
My body rippled with energy. My form shifted as cracks resounded from my body. I saw a figure looming over Edithe, her legs turning to ice.
I growled.
[Title Skill: Zealous Call]!
His head snapped my way. Edithe blinked as the magical ice stopped forming under her. She broke out as I zipped past the Lich.
Over here, you stupid skeleton!
The Lichs eyes burned with fury and anger. The green mes filled his eye sockets entirely, his gaze trailing after me with pinpoint uracy. I watched Edithe stumble away as the Lich raised a single finger at me.
[Ray of Frost].
I made a sudden turn as the beam of ice shot out. It froze everything in its path. Even the things it didnt touch. Then the ice cracked, and the earth broke with it. [The Primordial Spark] zed around me a sphere of ming armor that protected me from the freezing effects of the attack, even as I managed to avoid it entirely.
My fire froze, slowly breaking apart, just like everything else. But I mostly escaped unscathed. When I nced back at the destruction wrought from that Skill, I saw half of the Lichs keep had crumbled to the ground. The rest was still being kept up by some great magic, one that I didnt spend time investigating the source of.
The Lich let out a roar.
You Demon, how dare you. How DARE YOUUUUUUU!
He was no longer under the effects of [Zealous Call]. And yet, he directed his rage at me. He pped his hands together, and spikes of ice shot up from the ground. I weaved around the magical terrain, avoiding anything that jutted out, barely escaping with only the slightest of scratches.
Salvos!
A voice called out to me. I saw Edithe gesturing towards the keep and running in its direction.
His phctery his life force its in the throne room!
I nodded.
Go destroy it
I was cut off. I stopped flying. I didnt know why, but I started freefalling. I looked back and saw my wings were frozen. Turned to ice. They fell apart behind me, an agonizing pain that apanied my descent. I nced up, barely seeing a sphere of frozen ice falling with me.
The Lich lowered a hand, shaking his head.
I had aimed for your head, but your wings are fine too.
I came crashing down before him as he spread his arms wide.
Now, perish. [Rimebloom].
Chapter 160: Lilian, My Lilian
Chapter 160: Lilian, My Lilian
160. Lilian, My Lilian
[Rimebloom].
The ground beneath the Lich turned white. An explosion of frost shot out, freezing everything within a dome around him. My eyes grew wide as the st came. It chilled my skin, ayer of sleet that almost impeded my movement.
Still, I moved. If I didnt, I would have died. I leapt out of the way, propelled by a burst of mes. Behind me, the wall of ice came. It froze everything it touched, even the me barrier around me. It caught me by my legs, freezing it in an instant. I tumbled to the ground, struggling to move. I still had my six arms, but the damage done to my lower body was undeniable.
I whimpered as the Lich shook his head, approaching me.
You shall suffer, Demon. You will not die a painless death.
There was a sh. I spun around, creating a pair of ming des. They shot out at him, but he simply pointed. A cold breeze knocked up into the air. They exploded a bright st up above. But it didnt touch him.
Did you really think I was lying when I said I have in countless of your kind?
Crawling away, I shot more ming projectiles his way. They barely impeded him. He flicked a finger, and more cold wind sent them up and away from him. But I tugged at them,ncing them around his back. They pierced his spine they tore through his tattered robes.
The Lich still walked. He didnt care. Not for any harm I could inflict upon him. With a grunt, I created a Nebr Sickle Grenade. I hurled it as hard as I could, grasping onto the chains so that it would stay on target.
His eyes dimmed. He knew he wouldnt be able to deflect it. Instead, the Lich raised a wall of ice to block the attack. The explosion shattered the crystalline barrier. It didntpletely tear it down, instead leaving arge hole in the center, concentrated where the attack struck.
I saw the Lich through the hole in his barrier. His ice barrier sheeted over the ground, the garden, and himself. He bore a hateful gaze, one of scorn and fury. His own weapons made of ice formed over him. They came to existence, shards which gleamed in the night.
I will have my Lilian back, even if your king tries to take her from me. I shall
He was cut off as fire and ice rained down on him. I nced over at Edithe, staring at her wide-eyed.
What are you doing? Why did youe back here?
I cant let him kill you, Salvos.
She dashed over to my side, grabbing for me as the Lich was caught in her magic. I groaned as she pulled me to my feet.
Your legs
She blinked. I focused my fire over the ice, trying to burn myself free.
Its no use. His magic is too powerful.
Edithe opened her mouth and was sted back by a plume of cold wind. I fell back to the ground and nced back at the Lich.
My Lilian, youve returned!
She gritted her teeth, shaking off the frost that formed over her skin. The red-haired woman got to her feet, standing next to an ice sculpture, ring at the undead [Hero] before her.
I am not your Lilian, you insane bastard! [Fiery Riposte]!
ming winds, just like the Lichs icy zephyr, shot out towards him. It sted him back, sweeping him off his feet,unching him deep into the thicket of dead trees.
Edithe panted as she stumbled over to me. She hauled me over her shoulders, gasping.
Come on, well destroy his phctery together.
My wings were gone. I tried to grow them back use [Wings of the Netherworld] to force another set of wings out of me. But it didnt want to. Was there a cooldown to the Skills use? That never happened before.
I was slowing Edithe down. She was exhausted. The Lich was behind us, somewhere in the garden, just waiting to strike. I couldnt justy and let her do all the work. I saw a flickering our way.
He was screeching, a shrill shriek that soundedpletely inhuman. The Lichunched out, his wing hands reaching for the red-haired woman.
REEEEEEEEEETURN HER TO ME!
His insanity was beyond my understanding. Did he see Edithe as Lilian, or did he realize she wasnt Lilian? I wouldve thought it was the former, if not for the fact that he was trying to kill us both.
The Lich held a spear made of ice in his hand. It wasnt like any other spear I had seen before. It was the size of a tree trunk, the kind that would tear down a citys walls in an instant, magic resistance or not.
He hurled it our way. Edithe spun around, staring at our impending demise. Any barrier she conjured would be crushed in an instant. Same with me. There was only one thing I could do.
[Demons Mark]. I marked my own arm, before ripping it right off. I winced I still had five more arms, but it hurt. ck blood dripped down as I tossed it at the iing spear. The pir of mes shot up, incinerating even the ice spear, my arm along with it.
I wonder if I can grow that back.
I didnt want to find out. Right now, I had to get up. I had to force myself up or Edithe and I would die here. My mes burned over my legs, but the Lichs ice refused to budge. So, I did something else. I took a deep breath,yering the mes over my leg. Then I tugged at its strings of mana, manipting it just as I did the floating swords and floating spears.
I felt my lower body move. I pushed myself off Edithes shoulder, steadying myself on the ground. I stood taller than before, an extension added to my legs so that it would bend at the tip of my frozen feet into a crooked shape, like the hind legs of a goat or some other animal.
The mes from [Demons Mark] dissipated. The Lich came, a storm of ice creeping up behind him. Edithe ced a hand on my shoulder, nodding. I felt a surge of energy wash over me. I bared my teeth.
[Lend Skill: Restore Skill]. [Beacon of Guardians].
Thanks! Ill be right behind you.
She dashed away as a glow overcame my body; I was too tall to stand straight on two legs. So, I bent over, wing my hands on the ground as the Lich raised a hand. Ice spikes jutted out of the ground as I bounded around it.
Stand still!
Just as before, the Lichs eyes flickered for a very brief moment. It was enough for me to close the distance and radiate a powerful ck me from all of my ws. I barreled straight through the Lich, using [Radiant sh] to rip him apart. Then I spun around.
And now
[Restore Skil: Demons Mark]!
I ced the tip of my finger on the Lichs skull, barely grazing it as I ran for Edithe. The Lichs body began to reform, but a st of mes blew him apart once more.
Edithe was hurrying up a stairwhen when I found her. She threw the double doors into the keep open, charging in as I reached her side.
Where is it?
I asked as we turned corner after corner. She pointed.
There!
I spotted the grand archway leading into the throne room just up ahead. I ran past Edithe, conjuring a Nebr Bow and Arrow as I reached its entrance. A ck box sat on a chair, atop an elevated tform. I aimed and fired a shot
And a hand jutted out of the ground, grabbing the arrow from mid-air. It was a blue hand, cold, almost like that of a [Wight]. But far, farrger.
Out of the ck brick floor, a creature crawled out. It tore its way from the ground, a hulking undead that stood double my height as it currently was. Its head nearly reached the ceiling, a deformed face staring down at me. Its hand caught on fire briefly, the effects of the Nebr arrow afflicting it, but it was snuffed out soon enough.
[Draugr - Lvl. 121]
It roared. Edithe cursed as she stopped behind me.
Fuck thats going to be a problem.
As if that wasnt bad enough, a blizzard entered the hallway behind us. The walls froze over as the Lich made his approach, arms spread wide.
My Lilian, oh my Lilian, why have you betrayed me?
His voice came as a song. A luby, sung to children, to terrify them into an eternal slumber.
First, my family. Then, my friends. Even in this new world, I was sent to my death. Lilian, my Lilian. The Kobolds did this to you, didnt they? They turned you against me, just as they turned against me. I hAd NotHiNG You wERE aLL I HAD! WHY WONT YOU COME BACK?
I turned my Nebr Bow towards him, an arrow already strung and ready to loose. But the Lich halted. Footsteps echoed behind him. A voice spoke up, followed up by the sound of a sword being drawn.
Shes gone, Zach.
Daniel stood behind the Lich, his sword drawn, his body coated with a golden energy. He spoke casually, almost as if he was friends with the Lich. Taking a deep breath, he continued in English.
Let it go, bro.
The fake [Hero] wishes to challenge me again?
The Lich cackled, conjuring dozens of icicles around him. He aimed them at Daniel, each the size of arge spear, as his jaw dislocated in a grin.
You will lose more than your arm, this time, boy.
Daniel shook his head, stepping forth.
I am not a boy. Why not see for yourself?
I narrowed my eyes, and even the Lich paused.
[Hero - Lvl. 100]
He was Level 100 now? But wait
Go, Salvos, Edithe!
He shouted, rushing the Lich. The spears of ice shot out at him as he parried them, closing the gap quickly. I spun around, focusing the Draugr, pelting it with even more Nebr Arrows. It brought a massive hand down, trying to crush me.
I rolled out of the way as Edithe dashed under its legs. She raised a hand, pointing at the phctery. The Draugr raised a foot. Daniel reached the Lich. And I opened my mouth.
A cone of mes sted out, burning the Draugrs face. Daniel swung his sword, meeting the Lichs own frozen de. His sword shattered, and the Lich grabbed him by the neck.
You you have not advanced your ss, have you?
Of course not.
He grinned as ayer of frost creeped over him.
I didnt have the time.
The Draugr stumbled back, falling to the ground as Edithe leapt to the side. Lightning crackled on her fingers, a smirk spreading across her face.
[Lightning Orb]
A ball of lightning shot out, streaking at the unprotected box. There was no barrier around it. Nothing left to keep it safe. Edithes magic obliterated the box entirely, sending a plume of ck smoke into the air. Ashes and dust.
For every woman youve ever kidnapped its over.
Edithe spoke, her voice low.
It was destroyed in an instant. The life force of the Lich was gone. He could no longer regenerate, recover from any attack struck upon his feeble bones.
I nearly breathed out a sigh of relief too. We did it, I thought, rxing slightly.And the Lich dropped Daniel, his ming eyes dimming into mere sparks.
No, no, no, NO, NO, NO!
He rushed past me, swatting me aside with a st of cold wind. I groaned and rubbed my head.
Why isnt he
Edithe sent another [Lightning Orb] at the Lich. It sted apart his left shoulder, but he ignored it. She paused as he hurried up the steps, scrambling for the broken ck box. His bones zipped back at him, reattaching themselves as threads of mana quickly weaved them back together.
I stared, blinking. Edithe was at a loss for words. She lowered her staff as the Lich sweeped up whatever remained of the box into his arms. He spoke slowly and we understood what happened.
You destroyed my Lilian. All that was left of her gone forever
We were wrong.
Chapter 161: Self-Destructive
Chapter 161: Self-Destructive
161. Self-Destructive
No, no, please dont go.
The Lich desperately tried to gather the dust and rubble from the ground, hugging them into his arms, only for it to fall, scattering, dispersing like the pollen of a flower on a beautiful spring day.
Edithe stared at this sight, unable to react. It wasn''t the solemnity of it which caused her to hesitate. No the very weakness Edithe had been targeting proved to be nothing more than a box full of ashes. That meant that the Lich
Why arent you dying?!
Salvos cried out as she loosed more Nebr Arrows at him. It broke his bones, it set him alight, but it never once bothered him, not in his mourning. The Draugr swiped down at Salvos, drawing the Demons attention.
Daniel stumbled over from the hallway, ncing around the chamber as the battle between Salvos and the Draugr raged on. Edithe just stood there, wide-eyed, nearly dropping to her knees.
Were all going to be killed we need to leave, now!
She spun around, only for Daniel to grab her by the hand.
Whats going on?
The Lich is
Give her back.
Edithe was cut off, even before she could exin the situation. There was a moments pause where the Lich stood silent. She took it as her chance to yank Daniel away from whatever came next. And it was a storm of wrath and death.
Give mE bAcK my LiLIAAAAAAAAANNNNNNN!
The Lich spun around, the green in his eyes zing like small suns. His fury directed at the world itself. Rage. Rage against all that had ever wronged him. He brought his hand up towards the heavens, calling forth a cmity from his fingertips.
[Comet Hail]. [Rimebloom]. [Arctic Death].
Spikes of ice shot out of the ground. Frozen boulders tumbled through the air. An explosion of frost froze everything close to the Lich. It was an unbridled anger that did not discriminate between friend or foe.
The Draugr screamed, falling to its knees as it was ripped apart by the Lichs spell. Salvos leapt away as the rooftop came crashing down. The powerful magic that held together the castles walls couldnt withstand the overwhelming tempest brought about by the Lichs anger.
But wait, why didnt the Lich do this sooner? This was the very same power he demonstrated in their first encounter. Why had he been holding back?
Edithe paused, and Daniel shouted.
Edithe!
He pushed her aside as the ground broke open. They narrowly escaped from the massive icible that shot up like a sword. She scrambled to her feet as the pair left for the hallway. ncing back once, Edithe caught sight of ice and fire exploding out of the throne room. Then the entire chamber copsed.
Daniel, this entire castle its not just reinforced by some magic. Its being kept together by the Lichs life force itself!
She spoke as they ran through crumbling corridors. Daniel nced over at her.
Are you certain?
Yes! It has to be. Why else would the Lich hold back for so long? Its his fucking phyalctery
Edithe didnt get to finish. The ground behind them gave way as a crevice ate up the earth. And from beneath the darkness poured out a plume of arctic wind. One that turned everything it touched into ice.
[Open, My Cold Heart, And Freeze Time Itself].
A Grand Skill. One that ripped a hole in the earth, releasing a deluge of white. Edithe saw iting. It rapidly approached her and Daniel.
The [Hero] gritted his teeth and stood before Edithe. His arms were spread wide, and a glow overcame his body.
[The Will of the Hero].
Would it work? Did it work? Daniel didnt know. He was afraid. Very, very afraid. He might have lost his life here. But he had to act. He had to do something. Even if that something was risky.
Daniel didnt know much. He didnt grow up in this world, learning things just as others did, naturally picking things out until it wasmon sense. No, he was summoned to this world, a lost, lonely young man.
He was taught everything he knew in the short span of a few months. One of the things he learned was how powerful a [Hero] was. With each advancement, hed get a [Hero] Skill. [Heros sh], [Passive - A Heros Strength], and [The Will of the Hero] were the ones he got so far. These Skills were special. Faith told him they were. When he asked why, she simply said that they were nearly equal to a Grand Skill.
So, whether it was a foolish attempt at protecting Edithe, Daniel threw himself in front of the Grand Skill that wouldve consumed them both, and prayed for the best. All [The Will of the Hero] did was boost his Stats, right?
But that couldnt be it. Daniel never tested it out, but it had to have done something more. So, he prayed that it would protect them. He hoped that it would somehow save them. A barrier of protection, even if momentarily, would have kept them alive.
There was a sh. As if two great powers collided. He felt a searing cold run through his body, but it somehow didnt kill him in an instant like he thought it would.
But his head spun. The world around him turned into a twisted mess. He found himself lying on the ground, next to debris and dust as Edithe kneeled over him. His Draconic Scalemail was destroyed.
Daniel, Daniel
She shook him awake. He drew himself to his feet, feeling a burning sensation on his hands. But he forced himself up.
What happened?
He tried to view his Stats, only to find that there was no boon. His Skill protected them, and that was it. It ended there and then.
We survived, somehow.
She gave him a small smile, but nced around.
But the castle is still standing. Part of it is. Look.
Pointing past all frozen destion, Edithes gazended on a single tower. The only thing left of the Lichs keep.
Thats Lilians room. We just have to destroy it now and we can defeat the Lich.
Right. But wheres the Lich?
Daniel staggered forward, trying to see if he could find where the Lich was located. There was no signs of the Lich. Not anywhere close to them.
This is our only chance. Hurry!
Edithe ran forward, conjuring a spell in her hand. Her staff was gone. Just like Daniels sword. There was too much destruction. He was surprised that they were even alive.
The red-haired woman loosed a powerful ball of fire at the base of the tower, damaging its brick surface, but not bringing it down. She clicked her tongue.
Help me out here. Its fucking tough!
Daniel nodded and ran up to the tower. He couldnt throw a punch, his hands were too damaged for it. He kicked at it, using his Skills and everything he could muster up. But that was just like a miner picking away at a mountain.
It barely broke apart the brickyer. He was just too tired. Too exhausted. Too injured to tear down the tower. It was reinforced by immense magic if it was a regr wall of stone, Daniel knew he could bring it down.
We need something more powerful. Something that can tear it downpletely.
Edithe grunted as she stepped back, closing her eyes and conjuring an even stronger spell.
Step aside
She tossed the ball of fire and lightning, only for it to freeze mid-air. It exploded into a million pieces of ice as Daniel and Edithe spun to face the Lich. He was hovering in the air behind them, a sorrowful look on his skull face.
This is all thats left. Everything else has been taken away from me. I will not let you rip thest vestiges of Lilian away from me.
The pair of Humans backed up. They were going to die here. Daniel epted that fact. Even as Edithe stared defiantly up at the Lich, he had already given up.
We never took anything from you. You came to us and kidnapped me. My friends only tried to bring me back.
The red-haired woman, even in the face of overwhelming power, did not surrender. Daniel didnt understand it. There was no point trying to reason with the Lich.
That was what he thought until he saw what Edithe saw. A sh of white and silver. A dim glow.
Daniel stepped forward, standing beside Edithe. A man from another world together with a red-haired woman, both opposed to the Lich. That sight made the Lich hesitate. Then scream.
Why? Why? WHY? Why did it all go so wrong?
It was a morose cry. One that threatened the pairs very lives. Swords of ice formed around the Lich. But Daniel spoke out, making the Lich listen before he killed them both.
Did it, Zach?
It was in English. And it made the Lich hesitate.
Maybe youre right. Maybe things didnt go the way you wanted it to. Maybe others were the ones responsible for hurting you. But what you did after was your own fault. We never once threatened you.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke insistently, not letting the Lich get a word in.
Even when Salvos sought you out, she wanted to befriend you. That never happened, because we had to go back. We were finished with the gunds. This destruction you see? The current state youre in? Its because of how you reacted after things all went wrong.
Was Daniel speaking to himself? Or was he speaking to Zacharius? He didnt know. He just knew that his words were getting through to the Lich. It made the Lich think for a moment.
You can end this now, Zach. Thats your real name, isnt it? Or is it Zack with a k? Let us go, and well leave you be.
Daniel drew his lips into a thin line, waiting with bated breath for a response. The Lich had a thoughtful look.
I
But that moment of thought came to an end. Insanity returned to his burning eyes. The Lich spread his arms out towards the air.
For what youve done to me, to my Lilian, you shall die a gruesome death.
It was an eerie calm the Lich spoke with. No longer as crazed as before. But still, insane. Daniel sighed.
Fine.
He grabbed Edithe and jumped to the side, shouting.
Salvos, now!
From behind the Lich, the Demon girl leapt into the air, her hands unfurling a scroll. Its runes were already glowing. They came to life, symbols which filled the air. Then a circle seemed to form, a hole that led to an abyss of nothing.
Runic Scroll of Starfall.
The Lich spun around, confusion clear in his face.
From that darkness, the hoole in the sky, twinkling balls of light shot out. They quickly expanded as they came, like a star that came crashing down to the earth. But they didnt crash from the sky. They came from the hole, a small ball that grew in size the closer they drew to the Lich.
They soared through the air, left, right, up down,ing at him from all directions. At first, the size of a fist, then the size of a head, then the size of a person. It wasnt made of rock or ice or fire. It was a ball of light. Magical. Purely made from mana. It sparkled like the stars in the sky. And it exploded with calm sts, as if it were underwater.
The golden light sted the Lich down into the tower. It blew apart the unsteady foundations of thest remaining structure of the castle. It turned it into rubble and dust as the Lich was caught amid the explosions.
Dozens, hundreds of these little stars came down at the Lich. It swerved around his barriers, whatever he fired back at Salvos didnte into contact with falling stars The Lich screamed as he tried to fight back, but his spells grew weaker and weaker.
His voice lost its ethereal ring. He sounded like a Human. A sad man, broken from millenia of loneliness.
The salvo stopped. And Salvos hopped down next to Daniel and Edithe.
Are you guys ok?
Daniel nodded as he got back to his feet. Edithe wiped at her forehead, letting out a sigh.
That was a close one. Is he?
She nced over at the fallen tower. The dust from the explosions was beginning to settle. A figure stood within. The Lich stumbled out, and Salvos readied her weapon.
Why is he still
Wait, Salvos.
Daniel held out a hand. He walked up to the Lich, meeting the undeads gaze. The green fire in his eyes were gone. There was only a husk standing before them.
I only wanted I just wanted to be happy
We all want the same thing, Zach. Everyone wishes to be happy.
The Lichs hollow eyes bore into Daniel.
So, why did they betray me? Why did everyone?
Daniel shook his head.
Not everyone did. You were hurt and betrayed by others. Because of that, you betrayed everything you had left. You lived, Zach. You survived your betrayal. You couldve continued being a [Hero]. Instead, you did all this.
Gesturing at the fallen castle around them, Daniel turned back to the Lich. The Lich stared at the destruction he had wrought. Then at his own hand. He spoke softly.
I see
And the Lich crumbled to a pile of ashes.
Chapter 162: Its Coming Home!
Chapter 162: It''s Coming Home!
162. It''s Coming Home!
Defeated [Risen Draugr - Lvl. 121]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
...
Defeated [The Remnants of Zacharius (Quisling of Fate) - Lvl. 143]
Abundant experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 40 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the Title Quisling of Fate!
Skill [Faux Limbs] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 22] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 23]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
...
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 25] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 26]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 102] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 103]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 104] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 105]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Oh, I leveled three times!
Pausing, I tilted my head back.
Technically I leveled seven times since my ss leveled four times too!
I nced between mypanions, an excited look on my face. They were tired. The battle had drained them greatly. I was also at the precipice of just falling over and passing out. The well of mana within me was practically exhausted. I had used all the mana potions I had, and was barely able to even cast a spell by the time the battle ended. However, I found my energy returning to me as I went over all the notifications in my head.
Frowning, mypanions sat up.
Wait, how did you level?
Daniel narrowed his eyes, and Edithe smacked her forehead.
Of course.
What?
I identified both of them. They were Level 102 and 95 respectively. I expected them to level at least by 5 levels, considering that they shouldve gained about as much experience as me when they were a lower level. But they did not.
Its because the experience you gain from killing somethinges from how much damage you contribute to defeating it. Its not an equal split, of course. But since the Lich just regenerates before the source of its life force is destroyed, all our contributions dont really count. At least, not as much as after the fact.
Huh. And I was the one to destroy it.
I cocked my head.
But you still leveled twice, right?
Yes, but thats mostly from running and surviving an encounter with something thats literally 50 levels above me. Same with Daniel.
I probably gained more than Edithe because of my experience multiplier as a [Hero].
Daniel shrugged. The red-haired woman nodded. Two levels was still a lot, especially from a single enemy. A total of eleven levels split between the three of us was not an unimpressive number. However, I dealt the finishing blow to the unprotected Lich, which was why I leveled as much as I did.
Seven levels was the most Ive ever gained from a single encounter. Even against thatrge Demon, I only leveled twice. Against Lucerna? Four times. And even with all the other feats added into the mix, the three of us only leveled a total of 10 times back then.
We didnt aplish as many feats for killing the Lich as we did stopping Lucernas path of destruction. It had something to do with the perception we were seen as heroes for stopping Lucerna there and then. While the Lich was far more feared than Lucerna ever would be, he wasnt directly threatening the lives of thousands of people at that moment he died. So, back then, we gained experience for many more things than simply killing a Greater Demon.
Of course, we did more than just level now. As Edithe said, running and surviving from such a powerful enemy was an impressive feat in itself. But it was a personal aplishment. That was the main difference.
Bonus Stats is awarded for the following feats:
Surviving at near death for a prolonged period of time!
+5 [Vitality]
Showing physical and magical durability even when stamina and mana are depleted!
+5 [Endurance]
Performing feats of magic far greater than your magical limits!
+5 [Wisdom]
That was not all, either. I also received a new Title option for defeating the Lich. And it wasnt something I hogged for myself even! Mypanions got it too!
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for one Title have been met!
You now have four Titles avable!
I ignored the other Titles I had already taken a look at, focusing only on the newest one.
Titles:
(Liberator of the gunds)
You have freed the gunds from the thousands of years of rule from the Lich of Zacharius the Quisling. The blight will not vanish in a day, nor will the undead leave theirnds. But with enough time, perhaps life will flourish here once again.
+25 to [Vitality]
+25 to [Strength]
+25 to [Endurance]
+25 to [Wisdom]
+25 to [Agility]
Woah.
I blinked, and mypanions gasped. We exchanged a nce.
Did we all get the same Title?
Seems like it.
Daniel rubbed his temples, for once, not because I was pestering him. But because it was almost too much to take in.
This is awesome!
I pumped a fist in the air.
Im taking it wait, do I lose my previous Title Skill if I change my Titles?
You do, Salvos.
Edithe was smiling. Did she already rece her old Title?
But with these added Stats, its likely that itll be better than what you previously had.
And how do you know?
I peered at her.
Try it.
That was all she said. I was slightly apprehensive. I didnt know what Id get. But Edithe reassured me, so I went ahead with the change anyway. [Zealous Call] had been useful up until now, but maybe it was time for a change.
Title Lost!
(Death of the Destroyer)
[Vitality] -5
[Strength] -5
[Endurance] -5
[Wisdom] -5
[Agility] -5
General Skill [Title Skill: Zealous Call] Removed!
Title Gained!
(Liberator of the gunds)
[Vitality] +25
[Strength] +25
[Endurance] +25
[Wisdom] +25
[Agility] +25
General Skill [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] Obtained!
General Skill [Title Skill: Recall Skill] Obtained!
My eyes grew wide.
Wait, [Recall Skill]...?
Yeah. Its exactly what you think it is.
Edithe grinned. I had to sit down. That was a lot to take in. It meant that any Skill I had in the past could be used again, even if only for a short period of time.
You probably can only use it once a day, if were lucky. Once a week if not. I highly doubt itll allow you to cycle between any of your old Skills within a single battle.
Thats still very impressive!
I looked over at Edithe, waving my arms wildly.
You know what that means, right? I can test out any new Skill I get without worrying about losing it ever again!
Rx, Salvos. Yes, yes, I know what that means. Im a little bit excited about it too.
She giggled, and the realization of what she meant sunk in.
You could try summoning again!
If the Spirit Lord ever decides to forgive me? Yes.
Thats awesome!
I hugged Edithe, and sheughed.
Come on, Salvos. Youre suffocating me.
Oops.
I pulled back away from her and nced over at Daniel. The Human man was smiling too, but not nearly as excited as I thought hed be.
Whats wrong, Daniel? Is something bothering you?
I asked the question as I sidled up next to him. He blinked, then shook his head.
Its nothing.
He paused. His gaze slowly turned to where the Lich once stood. Taking a deep breath, he sighed.
Well, actually, its something. I just feel bad for the Lich, you know?
You feel bad about someone responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocents?
Edithe frowned, crossing her arms. He winced and quickly corrected himself.
No, thats not it. Let me rephrase.
Daniel closed his eyes and ced a hand on his chest as I raised a brow.
I feel worried. That I may fall down the same path as Zacharius. So far, things have gone well for me, Edithe, Salvos. Ever since I realized I was being lied to, things have been getting better in this world. I met the both of you, and you have both been so kind to me. Now I finally feel like I have a ce where I belong. But that wontst forever, will it?
He drew his knees towards his chest, hugging it.
Things wont always go the way I want it to. It pains me to even say this, but one of us may die. All of us couldve died here. We were lucky to even survive, let alone kill the Lich. If something like that happens, would I be able to continue being who I am and not go insane as the Lich did?
Edithe pursed her lips as Daniel finished. She didnt have an answer for him. These were heavy questions veryplex thoughts which required delicacy.
I snorted.
I dont see what the big deal is. If you already know that, theres no need to worry about it. Just try your best not to do the same things he did.
Thats easier said than done, Salvos.
Everything is easier said than done! Stop overthinking things, you idiot!
I lightly bonked Daniels head with a fist, then hugged him.
Anyway, you wont go down the same path as Zacharius because youll return home to your friends and family. I promised you, didnt I? Ill find a way to bring you back.
He stared at me. There was a pause where he didnt say anything. Then he lightly pushed me off him.
You do realize that being hugged by five arms from one person is slightly terrifying, right?
I bared my teeth in a grin.
I have a new Skill now I can hug you with even more.
Please dont.
Daniel whimpered, and that was that.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 105
ss: [Adept of the Fae] - Lvl. 26
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 7
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 1
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 128 (+25)
[Strength]: 105 (+25)
[Endurance]: 113 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 200 (+25) (+6)
[Agility]: 250 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Banish] - Lvl. 20
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 15
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
--
Rest well. I will make sure your families know of what happened here.
Edithe stood before the destroyed garden, bowing. She spoke softly to herself, not meant for anyone in particr to hear, although I still picked it up.
The ice that had frozen over thendscape was gone. The statues had melted, leaving the rapidly decaying corpses of all the women who had been captured by the Lich. There had to be dozens of them in this courtyard alone.
Edithe said there were likely even more in the ruined castle. Most of them looked like adventurers, which was a surprise. The only adventurers that would ever venture this far into the gunds were Diamond Ranks. But it made sense. The Lich must have been doing this for a few millennia.
Zacharius the Quisling came to this world after the Immortal King Alexander and the Oracle of Light Melissa. He was the reason why there was a lull in [Hero] summonings for so long. Never once before did people consider that a [Hero] would betray those who summoned them.
With all the resources that were spent in the summoning ritual, people decided that there were other, more useful grand magic that could be cast instead.
So, what do we do now?
I asked Edithe as she slowly walked back over to us. I nced out into the rest of the gunds, making out far fewer undead surrounding the Lichs keep than before. His magic over them was gone. They had no reason to gather in this specific spot anymore.
I think this adventure of ours hassted long enough.
Edithe spoke simply, ncing over at Daniel. The Human man made a noise in agreement.
Mhm, weve had far too many close calls here in the gunds. I think we should just head straight back to the Humannds.
Aw. Are you sure? Daniels at Level 100 now, Edithe. You just need a few more levels to reach your next advancement! Give it a week of fighting Draugrs or [Revenants]
No.
Both mypanions spoke at the same time. Edithe crossed her arms.
Ive had more near-death experiences in the past year than most people have in their lifetime. Id rather not take any more risks for now.
Then we could just kill those [Unarmed Skeletons]! Maybe itll take a few months at that rate, but...
I paused as I saw the incredibly reluctant looks of mypanions. Daniel raised a hand.
Were just tired of the gunds. The blight, the constant fighting, the undead we just need a breather.
I can reach Level 100 on my own, Salvos. I appreciate the thought, I really do. But were not you. You grew up in the Netherworld, so youre used to it. Were more used to not having a close call with death on a daily basis.
Edithe offered me a wry smile.
I hope you understand.
I scowled.
Fine.
Then I perked up, an idea crossing through my mind.
So, since you guys want to return as quickly as possible what do you think of flying?
Chapter 163: Proudly Awake
Chapter 163: Proudly Awake
163. Proudly Awake
It seemed like it took a day for me to regrow my wings after it was shattered by the Lich. Considering that this was a Skill that produced magical wings, it made sense that it could just regenerate with enough time. My real limbs, on the other hand, couldnt just grow back.
I sighed as I took a look at myself. My body was transformed, [Demonic Essence] taking effect hours ago when the sun rose, making merger, with more arms, a more terrifying appearance all throughout. However, something was missing. The arm I had ripped out and thrown at the Lich was gone. Even after I applied some healing potion on it. Even after I waited a day to transform back.
It wont regrow, Salvos. Thats not how transformations work. If it did, you can recover from any wound you take in your transformed state just by reverting to your normal self.
But my wings
Are made of magic and blood.
Edithe gestured at the ck ooze dripping from my bone-like wings. I grimaced.
At least I have [Faux Limbs] now, right? Although
I focused on the Skill, activating its effects. It could only create up to two limbs at its current level, and they onlysted for about an hour.
Flexing the ming wed arm recing my missing limb, I hesitated.
It feels a bit weird. Like its not at full strength yet.
Thatll probably only happen when you maxed the Skill. Come on, lets go already.
Edithe grabbed hold of one of my arms, and I nodded. I held a hand out for Daniel too, but he scratched the back of his head.
Uh, are we sure this is safe?
Why wouldnt it be?
I cocked my head. He murmured something.
Well, you see, uh, if something happens like, if we you know, drop?
Youll live. You have like 200 [Vitality], dont you?
Just about, yeah. But
And youve got a second ss now, too! Stop whining and hurry up already!
I rolled my eyes, emphatically waving my four free arms at him. He sighed, edging forward.
If I die
Daniel was cut off as I yanked him up into the air. With a single beat of my wings, we were off, the fallen castle disappearing rapidly behind us. I soared over the clouds of blight,ughing as the Human man screamed, begging me to slow down.
I did not. Mypanions wanted to return back to the Humannds as soon as possible, so I would ensure it happened.
I wasnt sure how long the trip would take. I caught sight of the blight flower fields, the ruined viges once home to so many people, and the undead lurking far beneath me. They scoured the barren earth, a relentless hunger driving them, insatiable, in search for something they would never find.
I almost pitied them. They were wild creatures. No thoughts beyond the barest instincts that drove them. Worse than rocks.
It was a long trip. A whole adventure. But finally, it was time for us to leave the gunds, returning stronger than ever.
--
Uh, oh. I spot people.
In the distance, a group of adventurers were entering the gunds. I wasnt sure if they caught sight of me. But I hurriedly dipped down, hiding behind a nket of blight beforending.
Oh thank
Daniel fell to the ground, practically hugging it like he was Zacharius and the earth was Lilian.
I scrambled to put on my clothes. My blue jacket, my pants, my shoes my everything as I transformed back from [Demonic Essence] into my regr form. I tossed the hood over my head, and it got caught by my horns.
Umm, we have to avoid those adventurers!
They were just up ahead. We had to go around them. I frantically gestured to our right, trying to get mypanions to move.
Whats wrong, Salvos?
Edithe blinked as I yanked the fighting Daniel to his feet. He was trying to equip my Ne of Obfuscation. I pointed.
Theyreing!
Cant you just transform?
Yes, but
Hey!
An unfamiliar voice called out. I instantly spun around, hiding behind Edithe as panic settled in. Oh no, if they see me like this
We saw your summon fall from the sky! We just wanted to check if everything was alright?
A group of four approached us. They wore uniforms I recognized these uniforms from somewhere. Were they a part of apany?
The one who spoke was the leader of the group, a rather burly woman with an axe on her back.
Is everything alright?
I couldnt see them, but I was pretty sure she was looking at me. I took a deep breath, and stepped out.
Y-yes, everything is f-fine.
I barely managed to speak. They exchanged a nce. Edithe and Daniel looked over at me. I was a Human now. There was no sound, no slow transformation that alerted others that something was happening. [Partial Mortality] allowed for rapid shapeshifting, unlike [Mortal Form].
Its only downside was
I stumbled forward, grasping at Edithes shoulder. The red-haired woman steadied me, and the adventurers frowned.
Are you alright?
The adventurers they were around Level 105 had looks of concerns on their faces. I was about to fall asleep right there, the drowsiness taking over me, clouding my vision. They seemed to identify each of us, and one of them, a young man, snickered.
These idiots are too low leveled for the gunds. Of course theyre having a hard time dealing with the blight.
I snapped awake.
Impletely fine!
That was a lie. I was doing my best to not fall asleep there and then. But it wasnt because of the stupid blight
Go home, little girl. This isnt the ce for someone at your level.
I narrowed my eyes. The man wore a smug look on his face. He was only a level above me, the lowest of his group. But he adjusted his badge as if it was something important, only for the burly woman to snarl.
Cody, shut up!
Yeah, shut up!
I echoed her sentiment, stepping forward on wobbly feet. I was too angry to fall asleep right now.
Were not low leveled! Ill have you know, we just came back from killing the Lich of the gunds!
Edithe and Daniel stared at me. The red-haired woman hesitated.
Salvos, maybe we shouldnt
I ignored her. Instead, I emphatically stamped a foot on the ground and crossed my arms.
Thats right! We just killed [The Remnants of Zacharius (Quisling of Fate)]! Ill have you know, he probably could kill all four of you with the snap of his bony fingers!
Cody, the jerk who mocked me, paused. He looked back at hispanions. Then he burst outughing.
This girl is actually delusional ha, good one.
Even their leader seemed to be slightly amused. She tried to stymie her teamsughter, but a grin crept across her face betraying her words.
I scowled.
Whats so funny?
Look, Im sorry Miss, while I respect any adventurer willing to take a risk out here in the gunds, what youve said is just, well, ridiculous.
She shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye. I red at her with a single open eye. The other one was shut, the bags underneath my eyes weighing my eyelids down.
Its the truth.
Do you have any proof?
I-I
I didnt think of taking anything. I always created my own weapons, and everything else was provided by mypanions. I had nothing to show.
I pursed my lips, trying to think of anything I could show them to prove I was better than them. Maybe if I challenged them to a duel
Actually, I recovered this.
A voice came from behind me.
Daniel produced an object in his hand. It shed into existence, the magic of his Dimensional Storage Unit conjuring it out of nothing. It was a skull. But not just any ordinary skull. It had a pair of dim green mes glowing in the center of its eye sockets.
I blinked as I realized what that was.
[Skull of Zacharius the Quisling: Unique Grade Item - It is the skull of Zacharius the Quisling. Having been turned into a Lich at the moment of his death, the former [Hero] Zacharius haunted the gunds for many millennia before being vanquished in battle.]
Thats
The burly womans eyes grew wide. Cody stepped back, his jaw hanging open.
T-this has to be a trick!
Its real.
Another man spoke. He adjusted his sses, his voice steady.
The magic emanating from that it cannot be a fake.
But
See? I told you.
I smirked. The burly woman bit her lower lip. Then she took a deep breath, bowing as Cody sputtered.
I apologize for our disrespect, truly. We were just skeptical because the Lich has existed for thousands of years. The idea that it would just perish never crossed our minds.
You are forgiven.
Edithe red at me as I spoke in a haughty voice. The burly woman proffered me a hand.
Im Katie, the leader of our group. It is an honor to meet you, Miss?
Me?
I raised my chin as my eyes closed.
Im Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds.
She shook my hand as I felt satisfied with myself. Now that that was settled and I proved my point...
General Skill [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 1] -> [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh.
The words resounded and I cocked my head. Then I copsed, snoring.
--
When I woke up, I no longer smelled the blight and death. The putrid stench of the gunds was nothing but a memory in my nostrils, something that seemed like from a time long ago. I sat up abruptly, rubbing my head.
Ow, ow, ow. Why does waking up feel so painful? Did I travel through time?
You fell asleep, idiot.
Daniel stared at me. I frowned.
Rude.
Sorry, it sounded funnier in my head.
I nced around at the room we were in. It was a ratherrge room with a desk and three beds. The floor was carpeted. The drapes were a colorful red, hung over the windows. It seemed like the kind of ce Saffron would stay in. By that, I meant rich.
Where are we?
Were in the Crystal Pce, the most expensive inn in Huthwaite.
I narrowed my eyes.
Wait, you have money?
Katie is paying for us. And we will have money once we collect our reward.
Reward for what?
For killing the Lich. The Adventurers Guild and various otherpanies, including the Forsaken Company, have a bounty on the Lichs head. Literally. And since you decided to make a scene earlier Edithes collecting that reward now.
Huh.
Daniel didnt look away from me. I felt like he was ring.
What?
You better not ruin this. If you get us in trouble so we have to pay a thousand tinum fine
I wont, I wont.
I snorted, getting to my feet. I dusted myself down my clothes were especially dirty juxtaposed to the fancy carpeted floor.
How did I get here?
I had to carry you all the way here. You were pretty heavy, you know?
He rubbed his shoulders as he made thement. I didnt react.
Of course you wouldnt care about that.
I stumbled forward, heading for the doorway. Daniel watched me go.
Where are you going?
I gritted my teeth, not feeling like answering him. But my silence was betrayed by the sound that came from my stomach. I nced back at him, apprehensively speaking, not meeting his gaze.
I, um, feel hungry.
And Danielughed.
So, Salvos, are you ready to have some delicious Human food?
For some reason, Daniel was the one with a hungry look on his face. I raised a hand slowly.
Maybe I dont feel so hungry anymore?
My stomach growled.
Fuck
Chapter 164: Cathartic
Chapter 164: Cathartic
164. Cathartic
There was a rumble in my stomach as I sat, waiting for Daniel to return. The Human man had hurriedly gone downstairs to gather a tter of food an array he was going to spread out for me to try.
Hurry up already or Ill transform back!
I groaned, and my stomach groaned with me. He was taking too long. I was getting bored. And even though it had only been about ten hours since I activated [Partial Mortality], I felt like I could already revert forms.
Was that what leveling the Skill did? It would be useful to be able to switch forms far quicker than it currently was. It might have also helped me stave off the need to sleep, and maybe even the need to eat. Initially, at least.
I didnt think that a Skill that was called [Partial Mortality] would ever rid off something mortals apparently needed on a daily basis.
It wasnt that much of a problem, honestly. If I didnt want to eat or sleep, Id just refuse to use the Skill ever again. It wasnt like I never infiltrated a Human settlement as an [Imp]. So, I waited for Daniel to return. I made a bet with him I suggested that if he beat me in a race, Id try one of his Human foods just once and I lost the bet somehow.
He mustve cheated! He had my [Haste] boosting his speed!
But a bet was a bet. And he was finally going to give me a taste of the greatest Human cuisine Id ever find.
After what felt like forever, Daniel finally returned hauling in a cart full of foodstuff. Fancy tes covered in mirror-like cloches were ced on the table before me. He even had a tablecloth thrown over it, with a candle in the middle just to set the mood.
He set out a fine selection of drinks different kinds of alcohol such as ale, wine, whiskey and I knocked them away, spilling it all over the tablecloth.
What are you doing, Salvos?!
Gross, I said Id try your Human food. Not your Human drinks!
I crossed my arms. He scowled.
You didn''t need to do that. You got wine all over the tablecloth!
We dont need a tablecloth! Just hurry up and give me your dumb food!
Sighing, Daniel set the tes down on the sticky table. He had four different tes, each of them covered by the gleaming cloche, just waiting to be opened.
First on the menu: a delectable, medium rare steak.
I blinked as he revealed the first te presented to me. It was a block of meat, sizzling hot, with smoke still rising from its brown exterior. He held up a knife and fork, slicing into the steak, cutting it open to reveal a red interior, some blood dripping down onto the te. He stabbed the fork into the slice of steak and held it up.
So, Salvos, what do you think?
I had to admit, it smelled kind of nice. It was like the perfume Humans used to make themselves smell better, except it was put on the food.
Give me that.
Snatching the fork away from Daniel, I bit into the slice of steak. I didnt want to waste time debating with myself. The moment was now, so I was acting now. I chewed on the piece of steak, my eyes growing wide.
Daniel leaned forward in anticipation.
What do you think
And I spat it back out at his face.
Ew, it tastes nothing like it smells! Its disgusting!
He wiped his face, snapped his eyes shut, and took a deep breath.
Alright that was
Shaking his head, he unveiled the second te.
That didnt go so well. But maybe youre not much of a meat eater. So, how about something simpler? This is a Cyclops delicacy, a bowl of rice with some fish on the side. What do you
Gross, no!
Once again, I spat it out at Daniels face. His left and right cheeks were smeared in saliva and half-chewed food. He grabbed a napkin and cleaned himself.
This time, maybe try swallowing the food before you make a decision, Salvos, ok?
He smiled kindly, although I could tell it was very forced. I nodded.
Fine.
Daniel handed me a bowl with a pair of wooden sticks.
This is something from Earth. My world. Its a home cooked dish, stir-fried noodles with vegetables. Surely youd like it somewhat, right? Its moms recipe after all.
I was dubious at first. It took me a moment to figure out how to use these chopsticks Daniel gave me. I tried a string of this noodle, and I paused.
This
I started to chew slowly, feeling the texture of the noodle in my mouth. I made sure to get a good taste of what it was like, absorbing it into my memory. He peered at me.
Well?
It doesnt taste like anything.
I shook my head.
I think its disgusting.
Seriously?
His shoulders sagged. I nodded.
Seriously! Its like eating a rock have you tried eating a rock?
Have you?
I have.
...I probably shouldve expected that.
Daniel looked exhausted. He wanted to resign to give up. But he steeled himself. He pped himself on his cheeks, readying himself for the final te.
This is thest option. Are you ready? No man on Earth has ever resisted the alluring tastes of its drizzling oil spilling all over your taste buds. I present to you the greatest biological weapon America has ever invented: the burger.
Daniel was proud of himself. He wore a smug look on his face as he exined.
I was never much of a chef back on Earth, but a burger is rtively simple to make. I spoke with a Level 47 [Chef] working in the inn and had him reproduce the exact same
Brughghaehw! Ew! You eat that?! It doesnt even taste like rocks like the others! It tastes like Human excrement!
I give up. Wait, how do you even know how? Actually, nevermind.
The Human man slumped over on a chair, rubbing at his temples. I patted him on the back and tried tofort him.
At least you tried.
I just dont get it. So, this entire time, it wasnt because you were a Demon? You just never liked the taste of food?
I guess? I mean, it smells nice. But it doesnt actually taste anything like how it smells.
Do you have some kind of scent synesthesia or something? Are your taste buds broken?
Daniel seemed to inspect me, poking me on my cheek. I nced over at the half-eaten tes of food. It was a waste. The steak and the noodles actually smelled nice. The rice and the fish didnt have much of a smell to it. The burger smelled like it would kill me from the inside. It tasted like it would kill me from the inside.
In fact, didnt Daniel say something about how burgers were a biological weapon? I wouldnt be surprised if eating burgers was responsible for tens of thousands of deaths a year in his world.
The Human man rambled on about how it made no sense why I couldnt eat most of the Human food when I now had to eat food and all that boring stuff. I ignored him, still feeling hungry. Maybe Id just finish the steak or the noodles to fill my stomach. I brought a hand over to the tes, and hovered it there.
I caught sight of something hiding within the sticky table cloth. Tiny little critters ants, smaller than my fingertips that crawled its way towards the food. My stomach rumbled again.
Salvos, Salvos? Are you even listening? What are you
I picked up a handful of ants and put them in my mouth.
What the fuck are you doing?!
He jumped back, horrified. I crunched down on the insects. And for the first time ever, felt my mouth watering from eating food.
This is delicious!
My eyes went round. I nced over at Daniel who seemed to edge further and further away from me, before turning my attention back to the long line of ants on the table waiting to be eating. I snagged even more of them and began to feast on the critters.
Ive never tasted anything like this before!
It was like I unlocked a new sense. One which I have never experienced before. Was this what eating food was like? It was wonderful!
A fly buzzed by my ear. It was quite big for a fly. It headed straight for the leaves mixed in with the noodles, and I grabbed it out of the air. I chomped down on it.
Daniel, you have to try this
I looked over at the open doorway, hearing the heavy footsteps fade away.
Huh.
--
and then she started eating bugs?
Yes, Edithe. You have to protect me from her. Shes a monster!
Hey! Im not a monster, Im Salvos
I know, I know.
The red-haired woman rolled her eyes and pushed Daniel off her. He stumbled forward, next to me, then hurriedly skittered back behind Edithe for protection. I bared my teeth at him, which made him shrink back since there were ants stuck in them.
Salvos.
Edithe ced a hand on my shoulder, meeting my gaze. A smile spread across her face.
Ignore Daniel. Im d you found something you finally enjoy eating. Just make sure you dont eat something that makes you sick, alright?
I beamed.
I wont! And I found out I can eat without pretending to be a Human too! Isnt that amazing?
I tilted my head back.
I wonder what Centinels taste like.
Sheughed and gestured for me to follow her.
Come on, theres something outside waiting for us.
There is?
Edithe led us down the hallway of the inn. Daniel kept a wide berth away from me as we started down the stairs. I was curious about what was awaiting us down below. I blinked as I saw adventurers gathered in themon room of the inn.
They were all wearing the same uniforms I believed that meant they were of the Forsaken Company? It was apparently a very bigpany. One of the Three Honorable Companies. Each of their fighting power rivaled or even surpassed that of nations.
I nced around at the standing figures. I picked out Cody and Katie amongst them. They all stood respectfully facing us.
Whats going on, Edithe?
The red-haired woman smiled.
Just follow me.
We took a step forward and the adventurers began to p. It came all at once, a cacophony that nearly startled me, blowing me off my feet. I blinked. Then I realized they were pping for me.
No, for all of us.
I slowly walked behind Edithe as she nodded at the adventurers. Most of them were below Level 40. There were only a few who were Gold, with even less tinums. But the Diamonds? There were four of them. And they were the ones who gave us the most respect.
Because they were the only ones who have ever been to the gunds seen the powerful undead that walked the blighted earth. Cody hung his head low, speaking softly.
I am sorry for what I said earlier, Salvos, Liberator of the gunds.
I paused, staring at him. Then I grinned.
It is fine. As long as you understand that.
Theres more, Salvos.
Edithe tugged me along, pushing the double doors of the inn open. I covered my face as the morning light shone in, taking a moment to limate to its brightness.
And the pping grew louder. More than that, there were cheers, hollering, and shouting. I thought I was being attacked. But I saw a massive crowd standing before me. They looked at us with awe and wonder. The people of Huthwaite gathered before us.
People I have never seen before. Or wait, I knew some of them. Were there people from Ghostlight mixed in as well? Yes there were! I saw Jaden, the boy [Innkeeper], standing with the crowd. He was cheering, just as everybody else.
A feeling rose up within me. It was the very same one I felt back when I saved Silvergrove and yed Lucerna. It was pride. Not just the pride of knowing that I aplished something, but the satisfaction that came from being recognized by others. I did not shy away from this.
Daniel looked like he wanted to hide behind Edithe again, but for a different reason. Edithe took it all in stride, not really ashamed, not really enjoying it. But me? I embraced it. I basked in the moment, in the attention and in the praises. I raised my chin higher, smiling from ear to ear.
A man stepped forward from the crowd. I knew the badge on his shirt as signifying that he was in charge of the local Adventurers Guild. He held three badges in his hands, a blue gem in the middle of it.
Salvos, Daniel, and Edithe. For ying the Lich of the gunds, the three of you are hereby promoted to Diamond Rank.
He attached it to our clothes and stepped back.
I know it is not a befitting reward for the feat you have aplished, but unfortunately, the Adventurers Guild is not as resourceful as Id like. If it were, thered be no need forpanies, right?
The man chuckled as a woman took his ce. She seemed almost familiar. It took me a moment to realize she was the guard captain who fined us a few months back. She nodded at us, a vastly different look from what she had then.
The three of you, for your efforts in aiding the Vaun Qiuer Empire and killing [The Remnants of Zacharius], are rewarded the medallion of heroes. It is given by Emperor Nor Maran to only the noblest of individuals, giving you the privilege of having his ear whenever you are in need of help.
These medals were fancy. They were etched withplex symbols and adorned with shiny crystals. I tapped on its hard surface as the guard captain continued.
You will also be given property within the Capital city of Morningvale. It will be issued to you when you fill out these documents
Edithes eyes bulged as she epted the pieces of paper. I ignored it. It didnt matter to me. Daniel seemed uninterested as well. I wasnt sure why it mattered so much to the red-haired woman.
Instead, I took in all the stares. The looks given to me by so many faces. Was it adoration? Admiration? I spread my arms wide, absorbing this feeling. Today, I discovered that eating was not so bad not when I was eating what I liked. But even if it was a new, fascinating thing for me, the taste of food would never rival this.
This was what I loved. Recognition. From others, more than just myself. Of my actions and of what I have done. Knowing that the near-death experiences I had was not something only I knew about, but others were aware of as well.
It might have weirded others out. Humans thought of pride as something vain. They looked down on the idea of arrogance. But I didnt. I wasnt a Human. I was a Demon, and I was going to savor this moment.
I am the Liberator of the gunds, the Death of the Destroyer, the Savior of Falisfield, and many more. But most importantly, I am Salvos, and you will remember my name!
Chapter 165: Companion Construction
Chapter 165: Companion Construction
165. Companion Construction
We left Huthwaite a day after, gold filling our pocket, new titles to our name, and property to own. I didnt see the point of any of this. I much preferred the cheers of people, chanting my name. Id have stayed in the city for longer just because of that.
But we had to leave. We had things to do, ces to go. Edithe had to return to herpany, while I had to speak with Lily. Daniel also finally decided on what he wanted to do.
Wait, are you serious?
I stared at him, in shock. Edithe blinked.
Im with Salvos on this one, are you really sure you want to do this?
Daniel nodded.
I made my decision. Im stronger now. Smarter. I have two sses and a rare Title. Im more experienced and I know about their maniptive tactics. I will return to the Elutra Kingdom.
After all they did to you, youre going back to help them?
It wasnt that I disagreed with his decision. I was just surprised by the suddenness of it. He shook his head.
Im not going to help them. No Faith told me that the Inoria Empire was nning on a mass summoning ritual. One that would sacrifice all the citizens of the Elutra Kingdom. If this is true, then someone has to stop it. Someone has to step in. But only if its true.
So, youre going to investigate first?
I snapped my fingers, and Daniel drew his lips into a thin line.
Ill try. I cant just stand idly by knowing that millions of lives are in danger and I can do something to stop it.
I grinned.
Im impressed. Youre actually sounding like a [Hero] now.
He scoffed, walking forward.
I have always been a [Hero]. But a hero? Thats something Im trying out for the first time.
Then his shoulders sagged.
I just hope I dont die in some dumb heroic sacrifice moment.
Edithe patted him on the back.
Well just have to buy all the equipment you need to ensure that doesnt happen. We have the tinum, after all.
The Human man brightened. He greedily pulled open a pouch full of a hundred tinum. That wasnt all we had. Each of us had a bag of 100 tinum coins on our person. In our bag, we had another 300 gold. That still wasnt it. The rest was too much to carry or collect all at once. So, we stored the remaining 2,700 tinum, 573 gold, and 1045 silver pieces with the Merchants Guild.
Apparently, there were a lot of rewards to be collected for killing the Lich. Daniel said that it should have amounted to over 10,000 tinum coins total, but not everyone wanted to pay up the money. Somepanies or countries or organizations had ced the bounty hundreds of years ago, so they said it was not valid.
Edithe suggested that we tried to press for it, but Daniel thought it wasnt worth it. We were still getting thousands of tinum coins from this.
We have more money than a small country even has!
He sighed wistfully as we sat on a carriage, on the way out of the Vaun Qieur Empire.
Im going to buy all the best equipment. Since that damn Lich broke my longsword, Ive felt practically naked.
But youre wearing clothes?
I cocked my head.
Its a metaphor. Im just so used to having a weapon on me at all times, I dont feelplete without it.
I have to admit, Im the same way.
Edithe chuckled. She gestured at the air, pretending as if she was holding something.
Ever since my staff was destroyed by the Lich, Ive felt oddly vulnerable. Im d you flew us back as quickly as you did, Salvos. We avoided a lot of possible mishaps that way.
I am pretty amazing, arent I?
I beamed, leaning back. Then I peered at mypanions.
But can you guys not fight without your weapons?
We can, Salvos. My staff, however, was enchanted to boost my spellcasting. I do have the Cane of Retribution, but it has more of an active effect than the passive effect of my previous staff.
And my longsword was made out of mithril. Its supposed to be one of the toughest materials out there. Its said to be equivalent to the eldergreen wood used by the Elves or orichalcum used by the Dwarfs.
Huh.
I nced between the pair. They had basic equipment, bought from the local smith in Huthwaite. But they didnt really have anything extravagant. Daniels Draconic Scalemail armor was also destroyed by the Lich. Really, despite being Diamond Rank, the three of us had basically no gear.
We did have some gear when we set out for the gunds the second time, after Ghostlight was destroyed. But after all the battles we had, we now had nothing.
Edithe and Daniel excitedly exchanged ideas on things that they could buy. All the scrolls and potions and equipment they could afford with all the money they had.
If we find a high enough leveled [Alchemist], we could even get a Potion of Regeneration for you, Salvos.
The red-haired woman turned to me, smiling.
A what?
Its a potent potion, far superior to even the highest grade of healing potion. It can help you regrow lost limbs, remove all your scars from your body, and return you pretty much to your physical prime.
My jaw dropped.
Woah. Yes please! Give me that!
Well, well have to find an [Alchemist] capable of brewing one. They require a lot of rare ingredients, so theyre pretty hard to find even amongst the highest leveled [Alchemists]. I know Gabriel has never bothered making one due to how difficult it is.
I was starting to get excited, just like mypanions. Thankfully, our money wasnt ripped away from us like the past few times it happened. Daniel especially was happy. But I didnt really understand why they fussed over the different types of weapons they could buy. I never used them.
I could always make my own weapons. Or, actually, why didnt I just make some weapons for them?
--
We stopped in a few cities on the way out of the Vaun Qieur Empire. Edithe wanted to drop by our given properties in the Capital city, but unfortunately it was close to the northeastern end of the empire. We were headed in the opposite direction, to the west.
So, we would only im ourndster. Edithe was simply happy that she now had ast name. I didnt get what it meant, and she exined.
It means a lot, for amoner like me. I grew up without a father, Salvos. Only my mother looked after me. And she was a prostitute. A nameless whore in the slums of Viechester.
Isnt that rude?
Not really. Thats how she used to refer to herself. Then she died. But now I am not just givennd to call my own, but I can take on the title of a noble too? I, amoner, became part of the nobility in the biggest empire in the world?
Sheughed, shaking her head.
Its like a dreame true for any girl!
Speaking of dreams, since I leveled up in [Partial Mortality], I didnt feel the overwhelming urge to fall asleep whenever I changed to a mortal. I still had the need to sleep. There was no change to the amount of time I needed to sleep as a Human. But I wouldnt just flop over whenever I transformed.
Now it took an hour for the exhaustion to seep in and for my eyes to begin failing me. I wondered if I leveled the General Skill enough, would I be able to dy sleep for up to a day? Maybe even more?
But Id have to sleep eventually. Because that was how you blended in with mortals.
And I tried my best to blend in. I ate their food, even if it was stale, but only when others were around. When I was on my own and hungry? I had a bag full of worms, flies, and other bugs saved up for some munching.
Daniel was disgusted by it. Edithe, not so much. Although she wouldnt try a cockroach even when I offered her one.
Not a lot of things were happening in this journey. We were just going back to Viechester. There, wed split ways. Each of us on our own separate journeys. It was uneventful. But we were spending time together kind of like a family.
But I had a surprise for them. I wasnt idle, even if there wasnt much to do on our trip. Whenever they werent paying attention to me, Id practice my creation magic. So far, I have been using [Nebr Construct] to create Nebr Weapons. Each one, on their own, were Medium Grade. Theysted far longer than any weapon I created previously, the arrows I kept were still usable even after days passed.
Yet, the magic was waning. I knew it would dissipate eventually. I needed something that couldst forever. The Nebr Weapons were like the Spear of mes. They could maybe keep form for a few months. But it would disappear eventually. No I wanted something better than that.
If that Demon with the crooked horn was capable of creating something as powerful of the Spear of mes as only an Archdemon. Or, I assumed he was an Archdemon. Then I should be able to make something even better, right? Because I was Salvos.
I didnt just use [Nebr Construct]. I experimented. [The Primordial Spark] was an amalgamation Skill of various other Skills including [Advanced Fire Creation]. It had to have retained some aspect of that Skill.
So, I used both Skills: [Nebr Construct] and [The Primordial Spark]. I used them together. First, I created a blueprint of what I wanted with [Nebr Construct], then I built over it with [The Primordial Spark]. The process of this weapon creation was not done in a day. Even if I excluded all the failed attempts which took up weeks of my time, the final product took a long time to finish and perfect.
It was like I was a smith, using the mes to heat the sword so it could be tempered. But instead of simply making it stronger, I wanted to make something that would never erode. Something that wouldst for as long as I lived.
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level Up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 7] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 8]
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] Level Up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 2] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 3]
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] Level Up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 3] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 4]
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 26] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 27]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Huh. So, General Skill experience is added to my ss.
Did you say something, Salvos?
Nope!
We were far beyond the borders of the Vaun Qieur Empire now. We switched carriages a few times, no single carriage able to carry us all the way to the Sunmere Republic. We had just crossed through Nixa, entering the borders of the Sunmere Republic, when I decided to finally unveil my gifts to them.
I have something to show the both of you.
I spun around as we entered the fancy bedroom of the inn. They exchanged a nce, slightly wary of what I was hiding behind my back.
Salvos
I ignored Daniel, instead revealing the weapons I had spent the past half a month creating.
Ta-da!
[Primordial Longsword: Medium Grade Weapon - A weapon created by Salvos, gifted to herpanions. It can be enchanted, upgraded, and tempered just as any other weapon. Inflicts minor fire damage.]
They stared at it with wide eyes. Daniel picked up the longsword. It was made of metal throughout, down to the handles. The crossguard jutted out from the hilt like horns, twisted up into the air. The de was lined with a gray, and the rest of it was a pure white.
This is
He swung it once, and what almost seemed like a trail of ck smoke followed behind it.
Youre giving this to us?
I am!
I nodded eagerly. I nced over at Edithe who was inspecting the staff I had given her. It was very much like her old staff, except with a gray and white shape that seemed to coil into each other to the very tip of the staff.
[Primordial Staff: Medium Grade Weapon - A weapon created by Salvos, gifted to herpanions. It can be enchanted, upgraded, and tempered just as any other weapon. Minor enhancement to fire magic.]
You made this, Salvos?
Edithe was baffled. I could see her eyes zing over the intricatework of mana threads used to design the staff.
Yep!
The amount of refinement behind it its made out of magic, but its real. It would take decades for it to even begin to lose form. And its not even difficult to repair you can bring it to an [Enchanter] to restore it whenever it starts to degrade.
She nced over at me, her mouth hanging open.
You could sell this for hundreds of gold.
Its for you.
I shook my head, vehemently forcing it into her hands. She epted it, still in shock.
I
I hugged her. I tightly clung onto the red-haired woman mypanion and spoke softly.
Thank you, Edithe.
Looking over at Daniel, I grabbed him and pulled him into the hug as well.
You too. The both of you are mypanions. You ept me for who I am, more than anyone else in the Mortal Realm. Thank you.
They were surprised at first. They didnt know how to react. But slowly, they epted the hug as I continued.
A part of me will be with the both of you, even when we separate, alright? When youre fighting those jerks in the Iron Champions Company, Ill be there with you, Edithe. When youre killing those jerk [Cultists], Ill be fighting by your side, Daniel. Dont forget it.
I paused, taking a deep breath. Then I eximed.
And especially dont die!
They chuckled. Daniel shook his head as Edithe smiled. She lightly tapped me on the forehead.
We should be the ones saying that to you!
Chapter 166: Knock Knock
Chapter 166: Knock Knock
166. Knock Knock
Vamont was a city located right at the edge of the Sunmere Republic. It was at the border which ran close to Nixa and the Elutra Kingdom. We could see the Motharis Mountain Range from here, the undting crests very close to the city, with a road that ran up one of the shorter mountains.
We were still a while away from Viechester perhaps another three or four days if we traveled non-stop via carriage but we were in no rush. And our driver didnt want to take us all the way to Viechester. He dropped us at Vamont and suddenly had a change of heart after a day.
I apologize, Miss Salvos, but youll have to find another wagon or carriage to bring you to your city. This is as far as Ill go.
What?
I stared at him, nearly dropping my bag. Edithe and Daniel stood behind me, just as surprised at this turn of events as I was. I pointed an using finger at the carriage driver.
You said youd take us to Viechester!
That was before we arrived in Vamont. Im sorry, but Ive heard rumors. Monstersing down from Motharis and attacking travelers. Even entire caravans have beenpletely destroyed. I cant bring you there.
But were Salvos, Daniel, and Edithe! Were the Liberators of the gunds! We were given the medallion of heroes by the Vaun Qieur Empire! We saved Silvergrove!
He shook his head, taking off his cap. The driver was a weary older man, a former [Warrior] who now rode carriages for a living. Apparently, he used to be a soldier for one of the Eastern Kingdoms a long time ago.
Ive seen too many people die in my time. Even if they were the greatestmanders on the field, or the bravest adventurers. I will not take any risks.
With that, he grabbed the reins and took off. I could only watch as our ride left us. I had nothing to say. I was speechless. But Daniel wasnt.
...he didnt even give us back our gold.
--
We got scammed, thats what happened.
Daniel was still not over the fact that the carriage driver stole our money. I didnt care about Humans and their materialistic obsession over those shiny coins. I was just annoyed that we had to take even longer than necessary to get to Viechester!
I was eagerly awaiting to see Rachel once more. She wouldve been absolutely blown away by the fact that I was over Level 100 now! Maybe I could even impress her with tricks from my [Adept of the Fae] ss!
There was so much we had to catch up on. I was so excited but our trip was dyed because we couldnt find any carriages that were willing to bring us to Viechester.
Wait, why not? We have the gold!
I sputtered, and the wagon driver turned away from me. She wasnt that high leveled. Not like our previous carriage driver. Her wagon wasnt even fancy, it could barely even fit all three of us into it, but she was thest one we approached after an entire day of asking around.
Its not about the gold, Miss. Im not getting killed for no damn reason like Kenny did!
She shut the door on us, leaving the three of us stranded. I cocked my head.
Whos Kenny?
It seemed like no one wanted to travel the roads beyond Vamont. In fact, the city was unusually crowded. Vamont was not the biggest city Ive been in, not even close. But its streets were so packed, I almost thought we were in a city twice the size of what it actually was.
This sucks.
I glowered, and mypanions followed after me. They had on them various potions and artifacts. They hadnt been idle. They spent a lot of their time in these cities shopping and buying brand new items.
They had their Primordial weapons with them too the ones I created and gave them just yesterday. I was quite proud of what I made, seeing the white and gray metal held by mypanions.
But that was not all the new equipment they had. Their armor was bought from a famed smith in the Vaun Qieur Empire. It was made of simple steel, tempered with Skills that made itparable to mithril. Low Grade Armor, without any enchantments. After they saw an [Enchanter] in Nixa, it was now easily Medium Grade. I wondered what itd take for it to be High Grade, but they said it would require far more specialization from a Level 70 [Enchanter]. Which were rare.
Other than just armor and weapons, they had rings and nes and other such jewellery too. These mostly had small effects extra resistance to fire magic, ice magic, poison magic, etcetera.
In addition to all those Low Grade Equipment, Edithe got a bracelet too. It matched with mine; it served no purpose besides being purely decorative. I called it a friendship bracelet, and Daniel cringed for whatever reason.
Its not like were in any rush, Salvos. Just enjoy the moment.
Edithe spoke as her attention was drawn by a street performer. A [Mage] was juggling rocks the size of his head, much to the awe of children.
Look. You dont see [Mages] doing such things in other cities, do you? These are sights you can only see in the Sunmere Republic.
I narrowed my eyes, before pointing an using finger.
Hes not even touching the rocks! Hes using magic to toss them around!
Its still entertaining.
The red-haired woman rolled her eyes. I glowered, crossing my arms.
Cant we just walk to Viechester? It really isnt any trouble at all.
We could.
Daniel nodded as he appeared by my side with a stick of meat. It looked like eithermb or beef. Gross.
But we may as well just stay another night. Buy some gifts for our friends in Viechester.
He flipped his hand, revealing a doll.
See? This is for Rachel
I snatched it out of his hand.
For Rachel, from me, right?
The Human man let out a heavy sigh.
Sure, sure. I dont get why you dont just buy your own present for her though.
I um, dont know what she likes?
Get her something any girl her age would love, Salvos.
Edithe smiled as she started ahead, twirling to face me.
Lets see. While I hated to admit it, I was always jealous of other girls with their frilly dresses, while I was stuck with rags and cheap clothing. Im sure Rachel would like something nice like that.
I paused right before a shop a [Tailor], supposedly Level 43. I snapped my fingers.
I should make her feel like a Princess.
Then I had an even better idea.
I should make myself feel like a Princess!
Uh, Salvos
Daniel started, but I ignored him and rushed into the shop. Mypanions exchanged a nce. Edithe shrugged.
That should keep her upied for the next hour or so. Come on, I saw a nice restaurant right around the corner.
--
Thank you!
I left the shop with a pile of clothes in my hands. The [Tailor] waved at me, a big, beaming grin on his face, and a lot of gold in his pockets. I found Daniel and Edithe sitting in a tavern, a few empty mugs on the table,ughing.
and then Hana just lunged straight at the [Rock Golem], ignoring our nspletely. Suffice to say, Paul gave her a long lecture.
Oh man, Hana sounds like she was a massive pain to deal with.
She was definitely a pain in the ass, but Paul was a hardass too. Thats what I liked about both of them.
Edithe sighed wistfully. She was drunk. Daniel was too. Their cheeks were burning with the alcohol a light blush which almost glowed in the dimly lit tavern.
The Human man fidgeted.
Edithe
Hello!
I plopped down on a chair, setting my clothes down on the table. It knocked over their drinks, spilling them on the nice fabric, much to my horror.
Hey! Whyd you ruin my clothes!
Mypanions blinked. Daniel sputtered.
Wait, why are you ming me for that?
You didnt make my clothes disappear!
He stared at me, ck-jacked. The red-haired just giggled.
Enjoyed your shopping spree, Salvos?
I did!
I snatched a bug zipping around the table and stuffed it into my mouth. I spoke as I crunched down on it.
The [Tailor] was annoyed by me at first because I kept asking questions, but when I set a bag of gold on the table, he stopped being rude and kindly gave me everything I wanted.
Money is very, uh, persuasive.
Daniel ced a hand on the pile of clothes, and it vanished. The other customers in the tavern jolted, caught off-guard by it. But they didnt question it. In fact, everyone had already been giving us a wide berth.
No one here was above Level 40. Most of them probably couldnt see our levels. They probably assumed we were high Gold or even tinum. Maybe some even suspected that we were Diamond Ranks. Whatever we mightve been, they thought it best to avoid us entirely for whatever reason.
The Human man faced me.
Now you understand why I value having a disposable ie, right?
I nodded eagerly.
Yep! I cant wait to spend more gold!
...I dont think you get it.
Im d youre thinking of others, Salvos. Im sure Sophia and the others would be grateful for your gift.
I paused as Edithe took a sip from her mug. A bead of sweat trickled down the back of my neck.
Um, yes! I totally meant to buy it for them too!
Honestly, youve matured a lot since we first met.
The red-haired woman lightly ced the mug down on the table.
Im d to see that. I cant lie and say I wasnt a little bit worried for you.
I feltpelled to flex an arm and give her a reassuring grin. But I saw the serious look on Edithes face. Daniel, too, leaned forward, wearing a solemn expression.
Whats wrong?
Nothing. Just feeling sentimental. Especially since we probably wont see each other for a while.
I tried to wave a hand off.
Come on, thats not true. Im just going to go and see Lily, and maybe visit Saffrons magic academy. Enroll for a bit until I reach Level 70 in my ss!
Edithe pursed her lips.
Dont you know, Salvos?
I cocked my head.
Wait, what?
Most magic academies only let you graduate after a few years. They focus on learning and studying, leveling General Skills and, refining your own spellcasting without Skills. Its not the kind of ce which throws you into a tinum Rank Dungeon for you to level up as much as possible. Its for theory and application of said theory, through a very rigorous curriculum.
Daniel nodded.
Even if youve been leveling very quickly for your [Adept of the Fae] ss, that wont be the case for a while. Especially if you want to learn the space magic needed to easily travel between the nes in the Nexeus.
But why?
I was confused. My brows were creased, and I was rubbing my temples, trying toprehend this. The red-haired woman shrugged.
Youre halfway to Level 40, and you still only have two secondary Skills, right? If you level too fast, your growth wont keep up. Academies would ensure youre actually learning new Skills, even if theyre Skills youll never use. This is to produce the best ss advancement you can get, while outfitting you with the best Skills for your style ofbat.
I hesitated. There was a long pause as I absorbed this. Finally, when I could speak, I only said a single word.
Huh.
Edithe leaned back on her chair. She was less drunk now. She tilted her head back.
I spoke about this to Daniel earlier. Im happy to see how much youve grown, Salvos. You can be yful and immature at times but you also know how to act when it really matters. So, Im not worried. I know youll be able to hold your own without us.
I stared at her, trying to find the words to say, only for my lips to quiver. Daniel ced a hand on my shoulder.
Youll be fine. You took care of yourself long before either of us ever met you.
Why was he being so sappy? I nced between both mypanions. They were both making it such a big deal! I could always fly to them, right? Sure, I was bad with directions. And yes, they probably wouldnt be easy to track down, what with Edithe having to deal with apany war, and Daniel having to investigate the Inoria Empire.
But it was always a possibility I could find them! So, why why was I crying?
Mypanions hugged me as tears covered my cheeks. I tightly held onto their hands. I opened my mouth.
I
And there was a gong. A bell rang from across the walls. There were shouts outside. The streets were filled with chaos and panic.
We poured out into a sea of panic. Humans were fleeing into their homes, pointing at the walls as adventurers and patrols of guards headed for the battlements. I quickly wiped my face and grabbed a man.
Whats going on?
He faced me, wide-eyed.
I dont know! But those are siege bells! We cant be out in the streets!
I let go of him as he ran into a nearby building. I turned to mypanions.
What is?
They were just as bewildered as me. The citys gates were barricaded shut as a susurration ran through the walls. Mypanions and I hurried up onto the battlements, shing our Diamond Rank badge to gain quick ess up the steps.
The guard captain on duty was shouting orders as [Archers] drew their bows. I ran up to her.
Hey, why are you guys closing the city? Whats happening?
She shrugged me off, pointing.
Why dont you see for yourself?
I blinked and followed her hand. My gaze settled at the base of the Motharis Mountain Range. I took a step back as I spotted the flood of creatures making their way down, headed straight for the city.
Daniels hands dropped to his sides.
Oh no.
We recognized these monsters. They were the ones that inhabited Motharis. Drakes, Wispcreepers, Saeves, Gatho Mammoths, Ground Cravers, Razorwings, Scavenger Yetis. There were more. Others I have never seen before. But they were a part of this impending horde. And the ones which I was most familiar with hovered over them all, leading them to Vamont.
Mindreapers.
Chapter 167.1. Whos There?
Chapter 167.1. Who''s There?
167.1. Who''s There?
An army encroached on Vamont. It came not from another Human country, but from the Motharis Mountain Range. Monsters of all kinds filled this giant horde. I recognized and fought many of them such as the Drakes and the Saeves. But they werent all that came.
Silver Rank monsters, Gold Rank monsters, and even tinum Rank monsters. Monsters of all shapes and sizes. It was as if all of Motharis itself decided to descend from the tall peaks to trample over the weak Humans lying in wait below.
There has to be tens of thousands of them
Daniel spoke, breathless. I nced over at him, before turning back to the impending army. Both of us have seen this sight before; we had encountered many of them on the way to the Brilsum Ruins Dungeon, when we first sought out a Fairy Temple over a year ago now. They were natural inhabitants of the vast mountain range.
But when we arrived at the Brilsum Ruins, we found a nest of Mindreapers leading the monsters of Motharis, all controlled by an Archdemon by the name of Belzu. There were dozens of Mindreapers then, leading a small army of hundreds. Now, however, their numbers have grown to an exorbitant amount.
It looked like there were more monsters than people in the city. Most of them were smaller, Silver Rank monsters. But there had to be thousands of Gold Ranked monsters mixed amongst them. Maybe even more.
And the Mindreapers that were herding them? Hundreds.
Hundreds of tinum Ranked threats. Each one, on their own, would be able to bring down a town on the outskirts of Nixa. I was pretty sure a single Mindreaper would be able to do more damage than Lucerna, even if they werent nearly as durable as him.
They wereing for Vamont. The city was in lockdown, preparing for a siege. They had archers lining the battlements those above Level 40 already had their bows drawn, raining fire at the army so far away. But they must have only numbered in the bare hundred. Maybe even less.
Its pointless. Vamont will be destroyed.
Edithe whispered, her hands tightening to balls. I met her gaze.
So, do we leave?
Mypanion narrowed her eyes.
Leave?
Yep. Those are a lot of monsters. I dont think Ive ever seen that many monsters in my life! We should run away, right?
I
She hesitated. Daniel clicked his tongue and shook his head.
No, we cant just leave Vamont.
He spoke with finality in his voice.
We have to help evacuate the city. We cant just leave these people to die.
Sure enough, I craned my neck and saw the streets were packed. An evacuation order had been called. Word was spreading of this monster army, and everyone wanted to leave now. City guards were rounding up the terrified citizens with the help of volunteering adventurers.
But there were no orderly lines. A stampede was slowly forming as the march of the monsters drummed closer to Vamont. [Mages] have joined the [Archers] in targeting the monster army from afar, but the monsters were now firing back as well. The wall shook and rumbled with each hit, which struck more fear into the evacuating popce than before.
The only reason why the crions didnt just copse was because of the [Barrier Mages] deflecting the attacks.
I scowled at Daniels deration.
Oh, so now youre trying to be brave.
He ignored myment, and Edithe nodded. She took a swig of a potion before handing it to Daniel. With that drink, the pair shook off thest of the alcohol within their system and resolved themselves.
We fight.
They spoke at the same time. They were resolved to do it, whether or not I stayed. I could have left if I wanted to. They wouldnt force me to do anything they couldnt force me to do anything, if I didnt want to do it. Especially something as incredibly stupid as this.
I stared at them. Then I grinned.
And you guys call me the reckless one.
Edithe and Daniel exchanged a nce. The red-haired woman was the one to speak.
Are you sure about this, Salvos? You dont
I know, I know. But I cant just abandon either of you. So, Im staying.
It was the same thing with Haec. It was the same thing with them. I looked over past the walls at the army of monsters. These poor creatures had no say in what they were doing. Mind magic, illusion magic, and curses drove them to destroy this city. It was unfair to them. But it was us or them.
I chose me, of course.
The three of us marched up to the guard captain as she shouted orders at those on the walls. She was directing supporting adventurers to various different parts of the city, preparing for a battle within these streets. They knew they were going to die.
Guard captain!
Edithe stopped before the rough woman. She was a Level 72 [Warrior], wearing scars on her face. Probably one of the highest leveled individuals in the city besides us, of course. She definitely could see Edithes level. And when she nced over at me and Daniel, she straightened.
Adventurers. Diamond Ranks, I presume?
Yes. Look, theres no time for formalities. Tell us how we can help.
Daniel stepped forward, nodding. The guard captain grunted.
Youre a [Warrior], right? If you can take hits, I need you to position yourself by the gates, for when it falls. Hold the tide of monsters with the other [Warriors]. And you two [Mages], if youre able to use long-range spells, we need you up here for as long as possible. We cant let the walls fall.
Got it.
Edithe immediately took her ce on the crion, at the very fore, and began casting spells that eclipsed the magic of everything within the vicinity. Her [Storm of Ice and Fire] raged on in the distance, sweeping monsters off their feet, ripping apart the very front lines of the oing army. There were gasps and stares as [Archers] and [Mages] couldnt help but look her way. The guard captain snapped, drawing their attention.
Dont let up! We need to hold them off until the city is fully evacuated!
Chapter 167.2. Whos There?
Chapter 167.2. Who''s There?
167.2. Who''s There?
Dont let up! We need to hold them off until the city is fully evacuated!
Judging by the haphazard mess of the streets below, I highly doubted that that would happen anytime soon. I didnt join Edithe as she decimated dozens upon dozens of monsters at a time.
Im not really good at fighting from afar.
The guard captain narrowed her eyes.
I then help your friend down below
But Daniel cut her off.
Salvos, you can fly, cant you?
I paused, tilting my head back.
Yes?
I know its a risk, but
You want me to fly over them and burn them to slow their approach, dont you?
He pursed his lips but did not deny it. I hefted my sack and leaned it against the wall.
Ill do it. Just do your thing, alright?
Thank you.
He ran down the steps as I took a deep breath. There was a spark. A blue glow that descended upon me. I wreathed my body in ming armor. It almost solidified around me, protection equivalent to a Medium Grade Armor. Then I spread my arms wide, the ming armor unfurling behind my back.
It covered the wings that sprouted from my skin, burning the ck blood before anyone could see it oozing off me. Or would it be red blood, since I was partially mortal? A pair of brilliant, burning wings revealed itself as heads turned to face me. I grinned, lying as I whispered.
ming wings.
Was that even a real Skill? I just said it so people would think I wasnt using a Skill that only Demons had. The guard captain seemed fooled by it, at least.
Thats
I patted Edithe on the shoulder before leaping off the walls. The guard captain stared for a moment, before snapping at the other watchers to focus on the monsters.
As I soared through the air and got closer to the army of vicious, terrifying creatures, I readied myself for what was toe. I spotted the Saeves down below, already picking up rocks. The Gatho Mammoths wouldnt be able to reach me, but the Scavenger Yetis had powerful ice magic to toss my way.
And the most worrying one of all were the Mindreapers. I squinted at the figures floating far above the others, like they were somehow better than the others. And they were, in a sense. They were what enabled this army to form.
I knew what to do. But first, I had to draw their attention.
I quickly zipped over the front lines of the army, releasing a ming breath into their numbers. It incinerated everything in an instant as I flew over them, mouth open, spewing powerful, magical mes. Hundreds of monsters died. They stood no chance against me. The ones behind them tried to fight back. They slung magic and projectiles my way, but I mostly managed to avoid their flurry of attacks.
Some struck true. When a thousand pebbles were thrown, even I couldnt avoid all of it. But I wasnt an idiot. I knew what to dodge and what to ignore. The small orbs of fire would ssh off my magical protection. But thences of ice, the boulders that were hurled high up into the air, and the bolts of lightning would have actually been felt if I werent protected.
So, I evaded those. I made sure those didnt touch me. I managed to stave off taking any damage for the longest while until I heard the sound magic ring in my ears.
Ground Cravers leapt up at me, screaming their unavoidable attacks. I blew them apart as fast as I could, seeing the ripple that ran over my body. My Pendant of Greater Protection managed to repel their assault. It was the only thing that stood between myself and the sound magic. It was a strong magical barrier over my body itself. However, it wouldnt hold up against what was toe next.
I looked up at the Mindreapers rapidly descending upon me. They came by the dozens, the mild effects of their mind magic quickly amplifying as they edged closer and closer. I took a deep breath as a hot feeling boiled in my chest. Then I released it with an explosive speed. A sphere of mes shot out and exploded amongst the Mindreapers. A dozen of them dead from that single st.
But more came. And the magic the aura of protection around my body grew weak. I unleashed one more powerful st against the Mindreapers, before fleeing. I felt the Pendant of Greater Protection begin to fail as I sped back to the walls.
Yep. Their mind magic is as annoying as ever.
There had been a lot of close calls when I was in the Brilsum Ruins. And while I have leveled plenty and grown far more durable since then, I was still very much vulnerable to their magic. Back then, I struggled and nearly died fighting single Mindreapers. Now, one of them alone wouldnt be a problem, but there were hundreds, all using their mind magic at the same time.
Nope. Ill definitely die if I engage them for too long. However
I nced back at the army of monsters. A lot of Mindreapers had died. That didnt break the monsters from their sleep-induced hallucinations. That much was clear from my past encounters with them. But now you could break them free with just the right push.
I bared my teeth and pointed.
Kneel before your Princess!
I screamed as loud as I could. My words were carried over the first rows of monsters. All at once, hundreds of monsters were freed from their sleep. It was an effect of [Intimidation]. It wasnt like [Zealous Call], which instantly freed them from their madness. It only freed the ones who were being led by the dead Mindreapers.
They thrashed and turned against one another. Those leading the charge of the army were thrown into disarray. I didnt get the experience for what they did, but that hardly mattered.
It slowed them nheless.
Inded back on the walls,ughing and spreading my arms wide.
That was dangerous. Especially when they all concentrated their magic on me. Good thing Im amazing at surviving, right Edithe? That could have gone very long if I stayed out there for too long.
I nced over at the red-haired woman past the rows of adventurers and guards unleashing what they could at the faraway army. I was expecting them to cheer for me or shout praises for what I aplished, but they were far too engrossed in what they were doing.
I shrugged and went to pick up my sack. I paused when it wasnt there.
Edithe, did you take my potions? Edithe?
She didnt respond. I looked over at her, not paying any attention to me. Then my eyes widened as I looked past her, at the city walls far from where I was.
What?
The crions around me vanished, bubbling into a colorless gas. I spun around in a panic as a shadow loomed over me.
A creature stood there. A winged being with a bulbous body. It had six legs, each bent at odd positions, crooked and wretched. It stared at me with obscenely round eyes, a crimson gaze that bore into my soul.
It was not an it. No it was a he. And he was here. I identified him and saw nothing. But the illusions were enough to clue me in to who he was.
Belzu himself appeared. He looked like an abomination of an insect, doubling me in size and height even when I was overtaken by [Demonic Essence]. And he smiled.
Ah, those wings a [Changeling], then? Or perhaps a [Subus] or a [Cambion]?
Shaking his head, he took a step forward. With the click of his leg, the world around me vanished, and his voice was all I could hear.
It doesnt matter. Youre in the way.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 151]
Chapter 168.1. Nobody
Chapter 168.1. Nobody
168.1. Nobody
Salvos! Salvos, where are you going?!
Edithe screamed as loud as she could, but the Demon girl flew away from the walls, happilynding on a nearby hill instead of the crions. The red-haired woman clicked her tongue. She had to stop Salvos. Whatever was going on, it wasnt good.
She could sense the powerful magic, even amidst the fighting and battle. It drew Salvos to it. And Edithe was determined to stop it. Even if it meant that she had to leave the walls
Salvos winked out of existence.
There was a flicker. Edithe blinked. And her friend was gone.
What?
The red-haired woman couldnt help but stare. She didnt know what happened. One moment, Salvos was there, the next, she was gone. Edithe grew worried. If something bad happened but she couldnt focus on that.
An army of monsters bore down on Vamont. Salvos staved off their approach with her efforts. But at some point during her attack, she must have gotten confused. She started attacking their nk, even as the vanguard pressed onward to the city.
Now, they were here. Edithe bit her lower lip as she saw the first of the Gatho Mammoths charging for the gates. They were followed by leaping [Rancor Mites] and hopping Saeves. The red-haired woman pointed her staff at them, focusing her [Storm of Ice and Fire] to ay their approach. The lower leveled monsters fell by the dozens as the mes and frost gathered in a sphere. A Gatho Mammoth fell, and so did another.
But the third one reached the gates. It mmed the metal bars open just as Edithes magic brought it down. She cursed internally as even more monsters poured through the gates. She had to concentrate all her magic on the broken gates. But something drew her attention.
A terrible pain set over. Edithe sped her head as the [Mages] around her copsed, bleeding from the mouth and screaming. She nced up at the Mindreapers. A dozen of them hovered over her side of the wall. [Archers] and [Mages] struggled to loose their projectiles at them, but were quickly brought to their knees by the powerful mind magic.
Edithe turned her [Storm of Ice and Fire] towards them, but only one was caught within it. The others scattered around, still ring their mind magic. The Mindreaper fell quickly as Edithe narrowed her eyes. Fine, if you want to y it like that
Six Mindreapers circled over Edithe. They coordinated with each other Mindreapers were known to be intelligent monsters. But that was their mistake. They sted her with their mind magic at the same time, and she grinned.
[Fiery Riposte].
All at once, they were engulfed in mes. A powerful fire that could not be dodged. It was a replica of what they struck her with. It wasnt exactly as strong as the magic they used against her, but it was enough to bring them all down.
Edithe hurriedly uncorked a healing potion and took arge gulp from it. She didnt have the highest [Vitality]. And while that assault didn''te close to killing her, she needed to be at full health for the battle. There were tens of thousands of monsters out there. If she even let her guard down once, she could die.
And, unfortunately for Edithe, she did let her guard down. Just briefly with a single sip.
She nced back up just in time to see a Gatho Mammoth ramming into the crions. The stone crumbled over as the red-haired woman was sent tumbling through the air. The walls of the city fell, and the evacuating city was left vulnerable to the encroaching horde.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 151]
The world around me vanished. It was like I was sucked into a darkness. The very same void which held me before I was born. Everything was gone, even if I could still feel the earth and grass beneath my feet. I saw none of it.
H-how?
I shook my head, creating a Nebr Kusarigama. I couldnt hesitate now. Only one thing was clear the magic permeating the air was powerful. I waspletely outmatched. I had to be on guard, ready for anything.
I nced over at the shadows around me, hearing their whispers, threatening tosh out at any moment. I calmed myself, taking a deep breath.
Lily said you were Level 138.
It was a simple statement. I waited for any kind of a response. One came from my left.
Lily? Ah, the Fairy who lived. So, you were one of those two rats she helped escape that night.
I spun around and released a cone of mes in that direction, burning everything that couldve possibly been hiding the darkness. It lit up the void. I saw shes flickers of a tree being burned. The grass was engulfed in my blue mes. But Belzu didnt scream. He only chuckled.
Did you think my illusions are limited to your sight alone? No. I can alter all your senses: what you see, what you hear, what you smell, what you taste, and what you feel. It is but a simple trick to fool a mind, no matter the level of the individual.
His words came in scattered voices. Fragments broke in from below me followed by questions from my right. There was no way for me to discern where Belzu was. I narrowed my eyes.
How are you Level 151 now?
You, yourself, were not an Archdemon, were you? Tell me, [Changeling] are you a [Changeling]?
Im Salvos.
Salvos, then.
Belzu sounded satisfied. At least he was using my name and not calling me other things like girl or fool, as others kept doing.
Do you truly believe you are the only one who levels? The only one who pursues a higher power?
He spoke as something shot out of the shadows. A boulder came sailing at me. I leapt to the side as it shattered on the earth. I stumbled back, snapping my gaze around me. This time, a tree tumbled my way. I raised my Nebr Kusarigama, shing in half, only for it to vanish without feeling.
I blinked, and was struck from behind. I rolled on the ground and turned back, seeing Belzu disappear into the darkness.
I havebored long and hard to reach the Mortal Realm of my own capacity. Now that I am here, I shall not remain idle. I have amassed my army, I have evolved beyond a mere Archdemon, and I shall prepare for his arrival.
His arrival?
The world around me warped. The ground returned, but it was a pale white. Hills and hillocks rose up, towering over me, creating a familiar sight. The sky turned red, and Belzu buzzed overhead.
Your King.
I leapt up after him, pping my wings as rapidly closed the distance. Belzu grinned. And I mmed straight into a wall. I tumbled through the air as the world around me rolled, turning itself over.
Now, I stood on the crimson sky, and straightened.
I serve no King. Only myself.
Oh?
The ground below me shot up, but I didnt flinch. It was an illusion. It faded through me like it was nothing. ording to Lily, Belzu could cast illusion magic and curses. As far as I was concerned, no curses allowed anyone to cast earth magic.
Ah, youck a summoning cor. I should have noticed it before.
I walked through the false attack unharmed. It was as if an entire chunk of the red sky fell out, disced, trying to strike the ground.
I am Salvos. I havepanions. I have friends. But I will do what I want, never what others tell me to do. If I ever listen to something someone else says, its only because I wanted to do it myself.
Such a simple reasoning. So, you do not serve Regnorex then?
I shook my head.
I do not serve the Demon King. Nor do I serve the Devil.
Then you are like the Beast.
Suddenly, the world around me shifted. It was like I was being carried through the Netherworld, seeing the rapidly changingndscape. The mountainous terrain dipped into a massive crater, and a creature rested dormant in the center. Around ity the corpses of thousands of Demons. Infant Demons, Lesser Demons, Greater Demons, and even Archdemons.
[Fiends], [Subi], [Incubi], [Hellbeasts], [Legions], [Gadarenes], [Changelings], [Cambions]. Nothing was spared from this creature. It bore the body of a wolf without fur. Its legs were wed, that of a bear. And from its neck were the heads of many serpents.
Belzus voice echoed as it cracked an eye open.
An untamed creature, obedient only to your fickle desires.
I am not fickle
The Beast roared. It turned its thirteen heads my way and unhinged their crooked jaws. A ck light shone within its mouths, before releasing a dark beam of terrifying energy at me.
It was supposed to be an illusion. I knew it was an illusion. But an intense pain gripped me. It made me curl up into a ball as a seering hit overcame me.
W-what is this?
There are more things than you can understand. More things than you know. Perhaps, if you have never interfered with my business, you could have lived. s, you shall die today.
I screamed as the pain grew worse and worse. I tried to get up. I tried to move. It was too much pain. I knew this feeling it was the magic of the undead. It was a curse.
I writhed and cried while it drained me of my health and mana. Trapped in a bubble of Belzus powerful curse. The level discrepancy between us was clear. He tricked me, toyed with me, and now he was going to kill me. Even with my protections my artifacts and Skills it was it was
My eyes widened, even through the pain. My Pendant of Greater Protection still covered my body. My Ring of Lesser Curse Protection didnt sh its usual light. Even my [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] didnt activate.
The realization settled in, and I knew what this was. It was an illusion. Belzu had trapped me in an illusion of pain. He made me believe I was truly being cursed, once I figured out I didnt have to avoid his false attacks. This pain wouldnt kill me. It didnt even hurt me. It was just a sensation I felt on my skin.
I closed my eyes, immersing myself away from whatever sights Bezlu would conjure up. I had no reason to see what he showed me. It was never real in the first ce. The pain was still there, but the less I focused on it, the more it receded.
I couldnt rely on my senses. Not my five senses, anyway. There were other things I could trust. My instincts and my magic.
[Spatial Sight]. [Passive - A Hunters Sense].
The world opened up around me, even as I ground my teeth in pain. I saw the world through a sphere of space magic. The Skill had leveled since I first used it, and now I could see up to twenty feet in any direction. And I saw no one around me.
There were trees. I sensed the dirt and rock. I was standing on an incline, at the edge of a hill. Powerful magic muddled even my [Spatial Sight], but I could pick out that it was a different thread of mana, one responsible for the illusion.
Next, I focused on my other Skill. It was almost instinctual. It told me when I was being watched with malicious intent, and it let me know if I was in grave danger. Not always, but often enough that I trusted it. And now, it only told me one thing:
Belzu isnt here.
I wasnt in danger. Nothing around me threatened to kill me. The voices I kept hearing what Belzu was saying was nothing but an illusion. This entire time, I had been speaking to myself.
I spread my wings wide open and took off into the sky. I kept going, even through the intense pain, past the web of illusion magic, until I was hundreds of feet in the air. I broke free from the illusion and the pain, before finally opening my eyes.
Where am I?
I nced down, seeing a dark cloud covering the entire hill Belzu had led me to. In it, I sensed his magic, but didnt see him anywhere nearby. I cast my gaze towards the city towards the army of monsters surrounding it and I saw the insect-like figure.
Belzu hadnt been wasting his time with me. He was in Vamont. And his army circled the entire city, cutting off any escape.
Oh no.
With a deep breath, I burst into action, rapidly returning to the city, in search of mypanions.
Chapter 168.2. Nobody (End of V3)
Chapter 168.2. Nobody (End of V3)
168.2. Nobody
Screams echoed throughout the streets of Vamont. A woman ran with a child as a giant monster gave chase. It tore through the buildings, cracking the roads with each step, and letting out a furious roar.
It smashed its fists on the earth, sending a tremor which broke apart the floor beneath the woman. She stumbled, turning around in terror.
No
[Crescent Fury]!
Even from afar, Daniels sword tore through the [Prima Saeve]. The giant ape crumpled to the ground, easily defeated by a single Skill.
The [Hero]nded next to the mother and child, offering them a hand.
Thank you
Get out of here. Go!
He didnt have time to ept their gratitude. He heard the stampedeing their way. A horde of Scavenger Yetis charged down the street, freezing everything in their path. The woman and child scurried away as he braced himself, readying a Skill
[Arrow of the me Elemental].
A single bolt of fire shredded the Scavenger Yetis before they even reached him. A red-haired woman ran up next to Daniel, panting, downing a mana potion.
Are you alright?
Edithe Im fine. I thought you were
Edithe shook her head, dusting herself off.
I took a little fall. Nothing too bad.
She nced around as Daniel sighed in relief.
The city is surrounded from all sides. Half of the monster army broke off to block the only escape. We need to help them break the siege!
The red-haired woman started for the southern gates, but Daniel didnt budge. He looked over the death and destruction around them, speaking softly.
Why are they doing this? Why are they?
Edithe hesitated.
I I wish I knew the reason behind it as well, Daniel. But it doesnt matter right now. What matters is we save as many people sa we can
She was cut off by a scream. It was more like a shrill shriek. Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce, before hurrying over to the source of the noise. They saw a man copsing over some rubble, around a pile of corpses.
Daniel reached for the fallen man.
Are you alright?
Wait!
Edithe grabbed him, pulling him back. He blinked.
What
And the fallen man spun around, wing for Daniel. Edithe sted him back with a [Lightning Orb] before he could touch the [Hero].
Thats a [Crypt Horror]. An undead.
She stared at it. Then she looked over at a figure standing on top of a roof. Daniel identified it.
[Crypt Lord - Lvl. 74]
It raised its arms, and there were more cries. Edithe whispered.
Its raising the dead.
Then she cursed.
Fuck, its bringing the dead back to life. Theyre trying to make an evenrger army!
Before the corpses could turn into [Crypt Horrors], Edithe sted the [Crypt Lord] apart. The twisted bodies dropped back to the ground as the [Crypt Lord] fell. But that wasnt the only one.
Daniel spun as he saw the undead marching down the streets all around them. A city was being turned into an army, all for a Demon to use. Their ns to evacuate Vamont fell apart as its entire poption was decimated. If this was really Belzus doing, he would have an evenrger army once he left this city.
Behind us!
A swarm of [Crypt Horrors] bounded after the pair of adventurers. Edithe raised her staff, conjuring mes and frost. But as Daniel drew his de, he paused. His eyes widened as he looked overhead.
A little help here?
There he is.
Daniel stared at a figure, hovering at the very center of Vamont. He almost thought it was an insect buzzing around him at first. But it was simply because it was a distant figure. But it was there.
The Demon. Belzu. It floated, surrounded by a hundred Mindreapers. It had a bloated body, with a pair of rapidly pping wings. Its red eyes scanned the city, like a careful leader, strategizing, moving his troops to adapt to the evershifting battlefield.
We can end this now.
Daniel stepped forward, a glow oveing his sword, and power rippling through him. Edithe blinked.
Thats both your [Hero] Skills?
But there was more. Daniel steeled himself as he raised his sword. He had reached Level 100. His ss advanced. He gained a second ss. And a new [Hero] Skill. Each equivalent to a Grand Skill.
He would finish Belzu now.
Daniel found himself running forward, his feet carrying him over a great distance in an instant. With a leap, his sword shone. [Heros sh]. A Skill, on its own, that could bring down an opponent many times above his level.
But that wasnt just it, was it? There was more. [Will of the Hero], and
[A Heros Rage].
Daniel was shrouded in glowing te armor. His sword tripled in size as it tore the sky asunder. Lightning and thunder struck Belzu as he brought his de down and sheared the Demon in half.
Die, you Demon!
He saw the Demons eyes bulge wide. It was abination of his greatest Skills. Even an Archdemon would perish to this. Belzus body split in half.
How?
And his lips quirked up.
You missed me.
There was augh as Daniel tumbled back to the ground. He nced up, seeing Belzu appear a dozen feet to the right of where the [Hero] struck.
A [Hero]. How very interesting. I have only heard of your kind in stories and tales.
Danielnded with a crash. He stared at Belzu, mind uprehending. His [Hero] Skills, all gone to waste, just like that? Belzu shook his head and drew closer to Daniel.
Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the Lord of Lies. It is a pleasure to meet you, [Hero].
Get away from him!
An [Arrow of the me Elemental] tore through Belzu, and he once again appeared a dozen feet to the right of where he once was. Edithe ran over to Daniel, pursued by dozens of [Crypt Horrors].
Daniel
And the world around the adventurers shrouded over. A darkness overcame them, with a wicked chuckleing from Belzu. The pair were suddenly trapped in the dark.
Reveal yourself, fiend!
Daniel shouted, as Edithe narrowed her eyes. Belzu gave a simple reply.
No.
And the man was knocked onto the ground. A creature snarled and struck him as Edithe was tackled. The pair of adventurers struggled, trying to fend off their invisible foes.
I cant see. He punched out, feeling something get knocked back. But something bit his shoulder and he winced. He couldnt see. Neither could Edithe. They were attacking everything in a panic. They were surrounded. They had no choice. Not until they could break free from this illusion
A scorching wave washed over Daniel and Edithe as the [Crypt Horrors] screeched and burned. The mes burned at the pair of Humans too, but it was weak. It wouldnt have killed them. Then, before they could react, multiple pairs of hands grabbed them and took off into the air.
Daniel struggled, trying to push himself off whatever vile creature grabbed hold of him. But when they escaped the sphere of illusion, he saw who it was and paused.
Salvos?
The Demon girl was overtaken by her [Demonic Essence]. She carried both Daniel and Edithe with her five arms, wreathed in me armor.
I got you guys!
Salvos flew higher and higher as Mindreapers flew after her. Her eyes were shut tight, but her brows creased as their mind magic settled on the three of them.
Keep them off me, Edithe!
Got it!
The red-haired woman sent them scattering with a wave of her own magic. Belzu almost seemed to squint at them, speaking casually.
So, you escaped. Hrmph.
Salvos soared past the buildings and fallen towers as thest of the Mindreapers were defeated by Edithe. The Demon girl made a sudden turn and flew up as Belzu sighed.
[Desecration of the Mind.]
She screamed as her body shed. A pendant and ring shed, before quickly fizzling out. Salvos bit her lower and whispered.
[Haste].
And they sted into the air, further and further away. Belzu almost seemed amused.
You survived its effects, how interest
Daniel couldnt hear what else he had to say. They were already past the citys walls, quickly leaving behind the city as Salvos almost seemed to fly for the stars. The [Hero] realized what was happening.
What are you doing, Salvos?
Living!
The city was nothing but a speck in the distance. All he could see was the orange glow of the dark sky, painted a furious red by the raging mes. Smoke rose in a single, billowing plume from Vamont. Daniel held out a hand. There had to be thousands of people, still trapped in the city sieged by monsters. But it was toote.
They were far from the city. Salvos wouldnt turn back.
We can end this now! We can
Die. Well die.
Salvos cut him off. She eyed him with a solemn look. He paused.
We ventured to the gunds, Daniel. We met with Kobolds far beyond our levels. We fought a Lich that lost his mind. But each of those battles? They were different.
I
The odds were against us, yes. Perhaps we took greater risks than we should have. However, each time we fought, we stood a chance of winning. Even when we were reckless, we were never suicidal. But this? If we went back to fight Belzu, we would only die. Nobody will be saved. He would add us into his army. That''s it.
Daniel stopped struggling as she finished. He grew silent. The city vanished over the horizon as Salvos continued to fly further into the Sunmere Republic. Edithe said nothing either. She was too exhausted to speak. Neither one spoke for a bit. Not until Salvos whispered.
I want to be like him.
Daniel paused.
What?
He stared at her. Salvos nodded, ncing back.
Him. Belzu. I want to be like him.
Daniel wanted to snap at her. Be like that monster? Belzu, the Demon that wrought all the destruction and death behind them? He was razing an entire city to the ground! But Salvos never cared about that, did she? She was a Demon. And to her, she was thinking of only one thing when she said that.
I want to be stronger.
End of Volume 3
Author''s Note:
End of Volume 3. The longest volume in terms of time in real life so far. I had to take many breaks due to finals and school stuff, but it''s finally over. Even the final chapter took a dy to finish. It even ended up being nearly two thousand words longer than I thought it would be.
3,888 words.
I tried my best to make it ''good'' and give you a sense of how much stronger Belzu ispared to Salvos and herpanions. He isn''t a pushover, nor is he meant to be one. He''s the real deal.
And as for the the volume as a whole? I always intended for this to happen. When I outlined Salvos Volume 3, I had a simple goal: escte the problems until it bes something Salvos and herpanions can''t handle. And while it didn''t end too badly for Salvos and herpanions... well, the people of Vamont ended up suffering a less-than-kind fate.
Also, here''s a poll! Go and check it out and give me your honest opinion on what you thought of V3! End of Salvos Volume 3 poll
Chapter 169: The Return (Start of Book 4)
Chapter 169: The Return (Start of Book 4)
169. The Return
It was night. The fallen cityy dormant, a forgotten husk of what it once was. At the height of its glory, the moonlight would limn the streets with a golden white. The cobbled road had been chiseled with decorative patterns that drew the eyes of nobles and peasants alike, and a steep wall had once girdled the periphery to fend off any invaders who dared to encroach on the city at twilight or dawn.
Tall houses and busy shops nked the streets from both sides. Street vendors would shout at weary travelers and pilgrims as they made their way to the temple lying in the heart of the city. A second, sturdier wall protected this crowded inner city. Only the richest lived there. They collected tribute from those beyond their banclite wall as they yed the facade of [Priests] and lords. The greed of the nobility.
s, it was all gone now. Their greed had driven the city to despair. Their ce of worship wrought the anger of the Fairy Queen herself. The former city of Brilsum was now a Dungeon, imed by monsters and animals and nature. Its gilded roads were cracked and ruined, scarred by the magic of a [Hero]. The only good [Hero] to have walked the Nexeus this world.
Melissa the Oracle of Light.
It wasnt divine retribution. It was simply retaliation. There was a reason why the Fairy Queen herself refused to join the pact with the Spirit Lord. They wished to be left alone, unbothered by mortals. And yet, Humankind thought it wise to bother Fairies, seek out their mounds, and build ces of worship around it. Of course the Fairy Queen wouldnt just let it stand.
Call it revenge or call it unnecessary, the Fairy Queen befriended Melissa and asked her to do one simple thing: fell all the Fairy temples and punish their worshippers. Melissa, for her part, carried out her duty diligently, forever bringing an end to the sphemous Court of the Fae.
Oh, how Lily wished she had met the Oracle of Light. If only once, in the Fairys life, could she meet a Human that wasnt so vile and crude. With a shake of the head, she flew back down to the Brilsum Ruins. Gazing at the beautiful, destroyedndscape was a favorite pastime of hers, only ruined by the pesky [Vurats] that came with the day.
She flitted through its empty streets, darted between crumbled homes, and hovered over the rubble of fallen crions before seeping through the cracks of debris. This pile of rocks was once a temple, with a domed roof top that climbed far beyond any other structure in the city. It stood taller than even a pce. It resembled none of that now.
Lily descended further below, into the basement, down aplex of tunnels dug out long ago. An escape route that had all its exits copsed. She arrived at the central chamber. A mound of stone and dirt resembled the shape of a hive, with small holes barely big enough for Lily to squeeze through. It was a Fairys Mound. This had been where she lived with her brothers and sisters. Not before two of them had been in and they were chased back to the Spirit ne.
With a sigh, Lily nestled herself within the cracks of the Fairy Mound. She wished she could return with them. But her ss was far too low leveled. Yes, her Subspecies was in the 100s. However, only her ss rted to space magic. And as it currently was, she couldnt cross nes within the Nexeus on her own.
She closed her eyes as another day passed. Fairies didnt need sleep. But that didnt mean she couldnt sleep. Especially with how exhausted she felt, just waiting for time to passt for any of her siblings to return for her. Chances were, they thought she was dead. Maybe eventually, it was going to happen. For now, she waited as she sumbed to her dreams
Lily jolted awake as she heard a rumbling from above. The ceiling shook, and she frowned.
What is that?
Why are there so many of you!
I unleashed a furious fireball from my mouth. It sted apart the swarm of [Vurats], the low leveled monsterpletely defenseless against my magic. The problem was, however, there were thousands of them.
I had seen [Vurats] before. They were almost always monsters that appeared on their own, in the middle of the night, to feast on corpses rather than to attack me. These were different. They were
Defeated [Locust Vurat - Lvl. 15]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
[Locust Vurats]. Barely even a Silver Rank threat. They were far smaller than normal [Vurats]. They were each the size of my hand, with rapidly beating wings and w-like legs. These were swarm monsters by every definition of the term swarm. I was pretty sure I stepped on its Lair while on the way to the Brilsum Ruins, because there were a lot of them. Sure, my mes burned them even withouting close to touching them. The heat from my fire itself was enough to light those a dozen feet away aze. But it would take forever to kill them all.
And the worst part? I barely got any experience from killing them.
Ugh, leave me alone!
I wasnt here to fight them. I did plenty of fighting just barely a month ago, thank you very much. I fought through the Motharis Mountain Range and ventured into the Brilsum Ruins for one reason only: to find my friend, Lily!
Be quiet!
[Intimidation] drew hundreds of them to a stop at once. With that brief reprieve, I scampered down an alleyway and hid in a barely standing house. The buzzing of the [Locust Vurats] grew louder as they collected themselves and flew past my building. But they didnt enter it. They continued on, in search of me, too mindless to check every nook and cranny I could be hiding in.
Idiots.
I whispered under my breath as I slumped over on the floor. I didnt touch anything. I learned my lesson from thest time I was here everything was old and decrepit. It coulde falling down in an instant.
The swarm of [Locust Vurats] eventually left entirely; I could no longer hear their swarm passing through. I took this chance to press on, exiting the building and taking in my surroundings.
I was in the Brilsum Ruins, the tinum Rank Dungeon which I visited nearly a year ago now. I had barely been Level 50 when I first arrived. Back then, there were Mindreapers leading hordes and hordes of monsters, patrolling the city, assailing anyone that dared enter its premises. Now, it was empty.
An eerie quiet held the Brilsum Ruins. Other than the swarm of [Locust Vurats], I hadnt encountered a single other monster within this Dungeon. It was like they all just left, vacating the Brilsun Ruins for somewhere else.
And they did. I saw them leave their departure brought them down from Motharis, straight to Vamont, a city at the edge of the Sunmere Republic. Their numbers had exponentially increased by then. The one leading them, Belzu, was above even an Archdemon now. It was a short siege. In the span of under an hour, they tore the city down and razed it to the ground.
So many Humans died that day. And his rampage continued. But for me personally, it meant that I could go to the Brilsum Ruins without having to sneak around in search of what I wanted. Or rather, in search of who I needed to see.
Now, where are you, Lily
Leave, Archdemon!
A voice shouted in my head. I jerked back and spun around,pletely caught off-guard by the mind magic. It took me a moment to regain my bearings, but when I did, I immediately brightened.
Lily? Is that you? Where are you?
I have no reason to reveal myself to you, Archdemon. If Belzu sent you to finish the job, tell him that he would have to find me himself.
What?
I took a step back, offended.
Im not with Belzu! Its me! You dont remember me? I thought we were friends!
I frantically waved my hands around, sputtering, spitting saliva into the air. There was a pause. A moment of silence. I felt my shoulders sag as I thought she left me alone. Then there was a sh, and a little Fairy appeared before me.
You youre Salvos?
Lily blinked as she floated in front of my face. I nodded eagerly.
Thats me!
Her eyes narrowed. She peered into me, as if inspecting a toy or an artifact. It wasnt much of a surprise that she didnt recognize me. While my wed hands and horns remained unchanged from when Ist met her, I no longer stood as tall andnky as I once did, with arms that reached down to my knees, and feet asrge as my head.
My face was no longer like the skull of a dead animal. Instead, it was rtively round and without a snout. My teeth were as sharp as before, but no longer as numerous. In terms of my face alone, I looked just as I did as an [Imp].
You certainly sound like her. But youve changed quite a bit since Ist saw you, havent you?
Yep. I evolved twice! Im higher leveled than you now!
Scoffing, Lily flew back away from me and crossed her arms.
It seems you have been busy. I wouldud such leaps in strength if it were not so needlessly reckless. Youre a Demon, are you not? Time is your ally, not your enemy.
I grinned.
Its good to see you too, Lily.
She giggled, and Iughed.
So, why have you returned, Salvos?
The Fairy shook her head. She was a tiny thing. She was about the size of my head. Slightly smaller. She radiated a bright light, as if her entire being was made of gold. Only her eyes were of a different color. They were like the void a ck which swallowed even her own light.
I really wanted to touch her, but I knew shed p me for it. She was just such an ethereal and pretty thing, I almost lost myself staring at her. But I gathered myself and answered her question before she got annoyed at me.
I need your help
I paused as a ringing in my ear grew louder. Lily groaned as she nced up at the dark shadow pouring over the blue dome overhead. An oppressive buzzing sound encroached on us. I stared at the swarm of [Locust Vurats].
Again, seriously?
Pesky things.
Lily sighed and raised a hand. A portal opened up before us. She gestured for me to enter.
Come, lets speak somewhere where we wont be bothered.
My eyes grew wide as I took in the space magic she cast. I could see the intricate design webwork of mana threads now, thanks to my ss. It wasplex. I wanted to study it. But Lily ushered me in.
Hurry up!
I did as I was told, entering the cave on the other side of the portal, before it shut behind us.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 106
ss: [Adept of the Fae] - Lvl. 28
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 4
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 130 (+25)
[Strength]: 105 (+25)
[Endurance]: 113 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 200 (+25) (+8)
[Agility]: 253 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Banish] - Lvl. 20
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
Chapter 170: Lily the Fairy
Chapter 170: Lily the Fairy
170. Lily the Fairy
I stood at the center of a caveplex, with various tunnels leading away from this chamber, although most of them were copsed and were blocked by rubble. Before me was a Fairy Mound. It was the little Lair Lily lived in. The only way in was through the cracks on the mounds, each so small only a Fairy or a rat could fit through it.
Those [Locust Vurats] wont bother us here.
Lily almost seemed to sigh as she turned to face me. Then she crossed her arms.
So, youvee here to ask for my help.
Yep!
I sat crossed-legged as Lily flitted down to meet my gaze.
I knew that Belzu was no longer in the Brilsum Ruins since he came down and started attacking Human cities. Since it was safe, I decided I could safely seek you out.
She nodded sagely. Then an annoyed look crossed her face.
Let me guess, youre going to ask me to help you defeat Belzu, arent you?
Nope!
Well, Ill tell you its not going to happen. Hes extremely powerful and wait, what did you just say?
Lily stared at me as I shook my head.
I said nope. Im not going to ask for your help to deal with Belzu. In fact, I dont even care about Belzu.
But you said hes destroying cities and rampaging across the Humannds, is he not?
Yep. Poor Humans. I wonder how theyre going to deal with him?
I tilted my head back, in thought. Lily inspected me, and I shrugged.
But it doesnt matter to me. Im not a Human. I dont care if a thousand Humans die, or a million. As long as mypanions are safe.
Are they safe?
Lily narrowed her eyes.
Last time you came here, you were with a Human man. Where is he?
Hes doing his own thing. And so is Edithe. Shes my otherpanion you dont know here. Anyway, I already said my goodbyes to them, and I know they can take care of themselves.
What about others? Do you not have friends who youre worried for?
I have a few. I was worried about them for a bit. But they are in Viechester, and Belzu didnt stay in the Sunmere Republic for long. I waited for a few weeks just in case he decided to attack my friends, but so far, it doesnt seem like theyll be in danger anytime soon.
Where did he go?
He went straight to Nixa, besieging a few more towns and cities on the way. I think he doesnt want to deal with the Rising Veterans Company yet, since, you know, theyre an Honorable Company and all.
She ced a small hand on her chin. I cocked my head as she spoke.
And youre just fine with this? You dont care that hes killing all these Humans? That he could grow strong enough to conquer the Humannds?
Not really. Not unless he threatens my friends or mypanions.
You youre quite simple, arent you?
Im Salvos!
Lily snorted as I waved a fist indignantly at her. cing her hands on her hip, she flew up to the top of her Fairy Mound.
So, tell me, Salvos, why did youe here? What could you possibly need from me, if not to help your Human friends?
To help me, of course!
I stood up, grinning.
As you told mest time, I went ahead and got a ss! It took me a while, but I can now cast space magic.
I pointed to a nearby rock, and it vanished. It appeared a dozen feet to the left as Lily cocked her head.
Ah, so this has to do with your request fromst time.
Yep. I want you to teach me space magic, Lily. Please?
I made sure to remember my manners. Edithe stressed that I maintained an air of respectability even when she wasnt around especially since she wasnt around.
A thin smile spread over the Fairys face. She floated back down to me, hovering right before my face. Then she pped me across the cheek.
Ow what was that for?
First of all, saying please wont change my mind.
She pped me again, and I red at her.
Secondly, reaching Level 100 in under a year from Level 50 is not a while.
Dont hit me!
I reached out to grab her before she could p me again. But she swatted my hand away and flitted back.
Now for your first lesson try and catch me only using your ss.
I blinked.
What?
You heard me. Ill be somewhere in these tunnels!
A portal opened behind Lily and she zipped through it. It took me a moment to react. I raised my hand.
Wait
But she was gone.
Huh.
--
Lily? Lily!
I called out the Fairys name, but she was nowhere to be found. I poked my head into one of the holes of the Fairy Mound, hearing a quick notification that I entered a Lair, before pulling back.
Hm. So, she really wants me to catch her with my Skills. Alright then.
My Subspecies Skills werent allowed. That meant I only had two Skills to work with.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Banish] - Lvl. 20
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
[Banish] was mostly useful for redirecting iing attacks; it would hardly have any application here. That left only [Spatial Sight]. Surely Lily nned something for me to do with that Skill.
...
Wait, did she even know what Skills I had in my ss? Edithe once told me you could only see the Skills of others if you had [Advanced Appraisal]. And that was a very rare Skill to have. I really doubted that Lily would somehow have the Skill.
So, she likely didnt know my Skills. How did she even expect me to catch her? Whatever she wanted me to do, I decided to start with [Spatial Sight].
I closed my eyes, and the world opened up around me. It was a kind of vision which didn''t rely on my vision. It saw through the threadwork of mana specifically, the weavings of space itself. It expanded around me, a sphere that went two dozen feet in every direction.
My senses permeated through this sphere. The stone, the air, and even the damp water dripping off of the ceiling were a part of this grid in space. They existed, taking up different, well, amounts of space. It was hard to exin. It was like the presence of these objects seemed to warp space itself. But only a little bit. And it was through this I could distinguish a pebble at my feet from the Fairy Mound behind me.
That wasnt all, of course. I could also distinguish between the different kinds of mana within my [Spatial Sight]. But it was almost like it only had two groups. The first was the magic that manipted the fabric of space, while the second was a muddled amalgam of all the other magic turned into a vast nket.
I tried to scour through every object thatid within my sphere. Lily wasnt in the Fairy Mound thatd have been too expected. Neither was she hiding inside the walls. Of course she wouldnt be anywhere near me. But how was I going to find her?
Wait, is that? There was a trail of space magic. Almost like a tiny piece of string, left behind by a seamstress after she finished sewing together a beautiful tapestry. I grabbed hold of this string and followed it down a tunnel.
I continued on, only a single lead bringing me closer to Lily. I frowned, before concentrating the sphere in various different directions. It would let me see further to my left or right by taking a more oval shape than it would if [Spatial Sight] remained a perfect sphere. I paused when I sensed something entering the edge of my sphere to the right.
I hurriedly tried to focus my sphere towards it. But even as my [Spatial Sight] spread out to the right, it vanished.
Shes moving around. Shes running away!
I snapped my eyes open and bolted forward, seeing a sharp turn in the corridor just up ahead. Lily might have been a flying Fairy, but I was fast. Even without [Haste].
I caught sight of the glowing ball the moment I spun around the corner. Lily giggled as she waved at me.
Hurry up, slowpoke!
I bared my teeth, epting the challenge. With a single leap, I closed the distance and nearly grabbed the Fairy. Her eyes grew wide as my wed hands closed around her
And she vanished, appearing dozens of feet behind me. I nearly tripped as I turned around. Lily was rapidly disappearing and reappearing, some kind of a teleportation Skill which she could repeatedly use.
Thats cheating!
Nope, it isnt!
Her voice echoed down the corridor as I bounded after her.
Come back here!
Lilys form flickered and popped up just in front of me.
Boo!
I was caught off-guard by the sudden shift in direction. I jerked back, and Lily teleported past me again.
Hey!
It was a chase. One where Lily led me around wherever she wanted me to go. Without her Skills, Lily was slower than me. Far slower than me. But without my Skills, I couldnt keep up with the fast-teleporting Fairy.
But I could see her. I could follow her. So, even when [Spatial Sight] ended, I could still track the trail of space mana threads she left behind in her stead. I wouldnt lose her now. No matter where she tried to hide, I managed to find her.
I wasnt sure what she wanted me to do, just that she wanted me to catch her with my ss Skills. I tried using [Banish] to disrupt her teleportation. The moment she reappeared, I dropped a ratherrge rock on her head. She swerved around it, giving me a brief moment to leap up and reach for her.
But she just pointed at me, and I was suddenly a foot to the right of where I was.
What?
[Disced Space].
Lily grinned at me as teleported away.
I didnt exactly move you, more like I moved the space around you!
Come back here!
This continued for hours and hours. Maybe even a full day. She strung me around thework of tunnels as I desperately clung to the invisible trail of spatial threads she left behind until she came to a halt.
I leapt up into the air, wrapping my hands around her, and copsed back on the ground.
I did it! I caught you!
Lily sighed.
I ran out of mana. So, you only technically caught me.
Wait, you only said I had to catch you!
I let go of the Fairy, sputtering. And she nodded.
You did catch me. Good job. You passed the test, I guess.
I stared at her at the inexpressive face of Lily. I opened my mouth.
Um, is that it?
She smirked, peering into me.
I dont know. Is it?
I expected her to say something to know exactly what she was saying. But all she had was a hunch. And her hunch was right.
I sat back up as I realized I missed a notification during the chase.
Skill [Spectral Tracking] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
I got a new Skill! I got [Spectral Tracking]!
I hopped to my feet, excitedly bouncing up and down. Lilys training actually worked! I was beaming from ear-to-ear as I looked over my Status. Alright, I just have to ept the Skill
Are you serious?
Lily furrowed a brow, and I paused.
What?
Why are you excited over getting that Skill? Dont tell me youre actually going to add it to your Status, are you?
I shifted ufortably on my feet.
Am I not supposed to?
She sighed.
How many secondary Skill Slots do you have avable, Salvos?
I have one left. Why?
Lily crossed her arms, rolling her eyes.
And youre thinking of using it for this random new Skill you got? That defeats the purpose of it entirely!
I tilted my head to the side.
What do you mean?
I mean that youre not going to choose a Skill. You will keep on training for more Skills, but you will not choose one. Not until you get the best Skill you can get!
I was still confused. I stared at Lily, uprehending.
Huh?
What, did you think that youd just get one Skill and that was it? Everything is finished? If things were that simple, anyone could just learn how to travel through space like that!
She brought her small hands together, making a sound more akin to a snap than a p.
You asked me to help train you, Salvos. And I will. When were finished, youll have at least half a dozen new Skills to choose from before your next ss advancement!
Chapter 171: Fairing Well
Chapter 171: Fairing Well
171. Fairing Well
As a Fairy, Lily didnt need to sleep, just like me. But apparently, unlike me, she could fall asleep whenever she wanted to. Which was odd. I didnt understand why youd go to sleep if you could choose not to.
Youre still a young Demon.
Lily flitted over to the Fairy Mound, sitting crossed leg at the very top of the rubble.
When you live for centuries, youll realize that experiencing every moment of it starts to be a bore. Whether we spend most of our lives awake or asleep, it doesnt make a difference for you and me.
Why not?
I cocked my head, and she grinned.
Because time is on our side.
She spread her small arms wide.
Were no mortals, at the mercy of age and illness. Humans, Dwarfs, Elves, Beastmen, and even Kobolds are beholden to their lifespan. If they wish to ovee it, they are pressed to fight, to level, to be something more than just a meager mortal. But Demons? Spirits? Were born free from the shackles of time.
I could only stare at Lily as she made her speech, a satisfied look on her face. My jaw hung open, letting out a single word.
Woah.
The Fairy nodded.
Good. Now if you understand that time is insignificant to us, I will go and take a nap, thank you very much.
She flickered into the Fairy Mound, out of sight. I paused, feeling the sense of wonder slowly fade away and logic return to me.
Wait, did you just give that entire exnation to justify why you should sleep?!
I only heard her snores in return.
--
So, for today
I dont think its been a day. Im pretty sure you only took a few hours of napping.
Lily red at me for speaking over her. She crossed her arms, repeating herself.
So, for today, were going to be continuing your training by doing the same thing.
I raised my hand.
If were going to be doing the same thing, you didnt have to say all that, did you?
She rolled her eyes.
We start... now.
And she vanished. I shrugged.
What? Its a legitimate question!
It was a repeat of just a bit ago. I managed to recover most of my mana and stamina. Lily did too, but since I actively knew how to track her down now, it wasnt so hard finding her. Catching her, on the other hand, proved to be as difficult as before.
Only when she ran out of mana did I manage to get my ws on her. We copsed. The Fairy was in my hand as Iy on the ground, grinning and panting with her.
I did it again! I wait.
Let go of me already!
Lily snorted, and I did as she told me to. She spoke as she dusted herself off.
What is it? Why do you have that confused expression on your face?
I just I didnt get a Skill for it.
That was odd. I got a Skill for catching her earlier. But now I got nothing?
The Fairy wasnt surprised.
Did you think youd get a Skill every single time you chased me and caught me? Or even every time you push yourself to your limits? No Skills are only learned when theres actually something for you to learn!
I blinked.
Um, doesnt that just mean what it means?
Yes, I said what I said!
This confusing conversation is making me confused.
I rubbed at my temples, but Lily sighed. She flitted up to meet my gaze.
Look, let me ask you this: how did you catch me the first time?
I, um, found you with [Spectral but no, I dont have the Skill yet. So, first, I used [Spatial Sight] to familiarize myself with the unperturbed space. After that, I found the disruption in space you created with your magic. Then I followed it until I found you. And finally, I chased you until you gave up while keeping track of where youre going?
I wasnt entirely sure if that was the right course of events, but it sounded like it was right. Lily nodded as if that didnt really matter.
Yes, yes, yes. Now, how did you catch me the second time?
Oh, I just did the same thing! Although, I think I skipped the first step?
You did.
She agreed, and that was apparently where the problemy.
You cant expect to learn anything new by doing the same things over and over again. Refining your Skills or skills has its ce. Its not bad. If we repeat this training lesson ten more times, Im certain youll get faster and faster each time even if barely.
Taking a deep breath, she floated upwards. Further away from me. And she shone brighter as she continued.
But if you truly want to learn new things, youll have to donew things! Youll have to change!
Lily snapped her fingers, and another portal opened behind her. She flew back into it, facing me.
Try to catch me again. This time, dont follow my trail!
It closed shut behind her as I took a moment to register what just happened. I tilted my head back.
So, you dont actually need to take a break?
--
The third time I caught Lily, things yed out the same with only one key difference: I decided to find her with the same tactics, I continued to chase her, and won when she grew tired, but I paid careful attention to her too.
I observed how she moved. The spell she cast each time she teleported. I saw the way it unraveled the threads of mana in the air. Space magic. Something I could hope to replicate. I ran after her as she blinked in and out of existence, repeatedly getting further and further away from me.
I didnt learn it immediately. It took me a few days to learn this Skill, since it happened so briefly each time, I couldnt grasp all of it at once. I dissected each individualponent of the spell, until I learned how to do it. Even then, it wasnt the exact same Skill Lily used. It was my own variation of it, which in turn rewarded me with a more refined and uniform Skill to usepared to my rough magic.
Skill [Short Range Teleport] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 28] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 29]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Even after I learned that Skill, Lily wasnt done with this same routine. We continued this little act as time I wasnt sure how long down in this cave, whether it was days or weeks passed. I learned another Skill. And I even leveled in [Rest] for the first time in a while!
Skill [Astral Grip] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
General Skill [Rest] Level Up!
[Rest - Lvl. 4] -> [Rest - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 29] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 30]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I was pretty sure that was only possible since I no longer downed potions on a daily basis, letting the General Skill actually take effect.
Anyway, during that time where Id be in the middle of a [Rest], Lily would oftentimes go to sleep or hide in her Fairy Mound. But there were the rare asions where shed actuallye out and just chat with me. She rarely ever talked about herself, but instead she prodded me to regale my story of how I reached Level 100. This was one of those times.
...and then Daniel somehow lost his Ne of Greater Obfuscation to a [Gardener]. A [Gardener]! Can you believe that?
Mortals are oftentimes ipetent. Especially Humans. I am not surprised that he made such a blunder.
I threw my arms in the air.
Right?
I continued on to talk about the Lich, Zacharius, and how the three of us me, Edithe, and Daniel freed the gunds from his tyranny. I expected this part of the story to blow the Fairys mind. When I told Rachel about this, the girl literally jumped into the air and screamed in excitement.
Lilly didnt react like anything close to that. She was listening. She wasnt ignoring me. But her mind seemed preupied. The Fairys ball of light flickered, and I cocked my head.
Is something wrong, Lily?
She jerked back, caught off guard by the question.
Something wrong?
Yes.
I nodded and poked a finger at her side.
You look worried about something.
I thats not it.
Lily took a deep breath as she floated up, concealing herself in a brighter sphere. I couldnt make out her features now, but she still spoke.
Why did you evene to me for help, anyway?
I frowned. That question had an obvious answer.
Because you can teach me thats what my ss said!
There was a pause. I was certain she was tilting her head inside of her own glowing bubble.
I dont even know what your ss is.
This time, I was the one to jerk back, takenpletely off guard.
Wait, you dont?
Of course not!
She scoffed so hard, the light around her dissipated. Jabbing a hang in my direction, she spoke usingly.
Youre not even showing me your ss you could be a [Rogue] for all I know! I just see you as a [Cambion].
Huh?
It was a confused huh, not my usual one of understanding something new. This whole time, Lily had been teaching me without knowing anything about me?
But you Ive
I was actually speechless. I pursed my lips and stared at the Fairy.
Do you even know what level I am for my ss?
Nope!
Lily leaned back, lying in the air.
Absolutely clueless.
I see.
She waved a hand, uncaring.
Honestly, I dont even know why you never switched your Status to disy your ss over your Subspecies. Its kind of reckless of you. Although, do you even know how to do that?
I hesitated.
N-no?
Lily narrowed her eyes. I shuffled ufortably where I sat. Then she burst outughing.
Seriously? You mean no one has ever told you?
I just reached Level 100 barely three months ago, ok?
I defensively gesticted, as if that made a difference. She wiped a tear from her eye as she stoppedughing.
Salvos, you really need to stop and take things slowly for once. Youre going to run straight into a wall if you keep going this fast. And trust me, you wont break through it. Youll stter all over it into a mess of ck goo.
You keep saying that.
I scowled.
Ive already started taking things slowly since I left the gunds, alright? Just tell me how to do this already!
Alright, alright.
Lily giggled. I didnt know if it was at my embarrassment or because she found the imagery of me being smashed across the wall funny. After gathering herself, she exined.
Just think of your Status. Once its up, focus on your ss, not your Subspecies. That way, others will see your ss instead of your Subspecies when they use [Identification] on you.
Thats it?
I raised a brow. She gave me an exaggerated nod.
Thats it. Try it.
Snapping my eyes shut, I did as she instructed. It took a single moment, and I was pretty sure it was done. I looked hesitantly at Lily.
Try identifying me now?
Hm. Youre a Level 30 [Mage]. Thats not bad. Youre only about 30 levels below me in your ss.
Only 30 levels below that close?
Sure, that was twice my level. But I expected her to be in the 70s or 80s. Close to 100s.
You must be mistaken about what Im capable of doing, Salvos. If I were better or higher leveled, I wouldnt be stranded here in the Mortal Realm. Id have been able to flee like my brothers and sisters. When Belzu attacked us.
Her face sank for a moment. Lily looked morose. I stared at her, unsure of what to say. I tried to ce a finger on her back tofort her, but she shook her head and flew up.
Looking down at me, she spoke.
I cant teach you the theory and magicalplexities behind space magic. I can only help you learn how to level smarter.Thats why, tomorrow, well be learning the practical applications of your Skills while getting you an even better array of Skills.
I pumped a fist in the air.
Yay!
Chapter 172: Cosmic Compression
Chapter 172: Cosmic Compression
172. Cosmic Compression
I was excited about what Lily had in mind for me tomorrow. She told me that she would give me more specialized training than what we had been doing before. Which made sense, since she was training me without even knowing my ss or levels beforehand. Speaking of, she finally decided to ask me about my ss and Skills now that she was trying to tailor a test for me.
So, youre an [Adept of the Fae]?
She raised a dubious brow, and I nodded.
Yep! I got the ss and everything! It asked me to seek out the secrets of Fairies!
Snorting, the Fairy threw herself back, lying in the air.
Of course itd tell you to do that. Do you know what that ss was originally used for, Salvos?
No, what is it?
It was used for worshipping Fairies.
Huh.
I frowned, tapping a finger at my chin. That meant
It was used by those people who made Fairy Temples?
Yes.
She nodded and flitted up.
Its an archaic ss almost nonexistent these days, probably. But those who sought out the wisdom of us Fairies were the ones who originally built those shrines and monuments on our behalf. They ignored ourints, telling them to leave. They continued to harass us, until our Queen had enough.
I perked up.
Thats when Melissa the Oracle of Light destroyed the city of Brilsum, right?
And many more.
Woah.
I found it amazing, even if Daniel and Edithe didnt. I expected Lily to share the same sentiments as me, but she actually seemed upset over it.
Stupid Humans, wroughting their own destruction.
She sighed.
It was justice. Vindication. I wasnt around during that era, but I spoke to those who were around. You may envy them, Salvos. Think that such praise and worship are something to strive for. But believe me, it wasnt anything youd imagine. It was an obsession. Fairies were being kidnapped and experimented on. They were being dissected, as if something about our birth makes us better at space magic?
Lily paused. Her eyes went hollow.
But the death the misery that came after. We did it to protect ourselves. However, it still was a terrible, terrible thing.
Humans are stupid, yes. But people die every day. Also, its not like it bothered you, right? I dont see what the problem is.
Just because it doesnt affect me doesnt mean I cant feel sympathy towards the suffering of others.
I frowned, cing a finger on my chin.
But why?
Every mistake a person makes is a mistake you can fall into yourself. Every moment of pain, despair, and anger they feel is something you will feel once in your life. Listen carefully Salvos, your ss is not inherently evil. But those who previously walked down that path were so.
She shook her head.
You may walk down their same path. Or diverge from it. It is up to you. Just know that if you continue down this route, you will be reliant on us Fairies. Dependent on us. Maybe even a parasite, like those Humans of the past.
Parasite? That was a harsh word.
Im not a parasite, Im Salvos!
I know.
There was a flicker. She looked away from me.
But youre young. In a decade or a century, who knows how youll be.
Lily flew back to her Fairy Mound, waving at me.
Get your rest. Well be busy tomorrow.
--
Where are we going?
Lily led me out of the cave, back into the Brilsum Ruins. We stood out on a cobbled street. Its stone was cracked, as if chiseled. The lines that cobwebbed the surface were so haphazard but uniform, that I couldnt tell if they were from wear or a deliberate carving.
Youll see.
She was quiet. Her glowing figure led me forward, a bright ball just like the sun. I followed her until we exited the inner city of Brilsum, past the fallen banclite walls the powerful anti-magic materials, nothing more than dust and debris.
I heard a light buzzing growing louder. I narrowed my eyes as I saw the [Locust Vurats] in the distance, a swarm of thousands of them. Maybe even tens of thousands. They were small. Far tinier than the ordinary [Vurat] counterpart, which were more akin to the size of a dog. These were like really big bugs. And they were very annoying.
Ugh, theyreing again.
I prepared to breathe fire at this swarm nketing the sky. But Lily lifted a small hand.
Wait.
She pointed at where they came from. Something in the distance. It looked like it had once been a mansion, so glorious in how it stood. But it was covered in nature and vines. Or at least, it had been, until the [Locust Vurats] came.
Now, it was decorated red and ck. The corpses and bones of dead animals, monsters, and people dyed over the walls of the manor.
Do you see that? Thats the Lair of those annoying [Locust Vurats]. They were attracted by all the corpses littering the Brilsum Ruins the moment Belzu left. But unlike regr [Vurats], they dont just feed on the dead. They see it as a treasure. So, they take it, and hoard it. Not to eat. Not to feast. But to keep.
Huh.
That sounded weirder than storing food to eat forter like Humans did. Why couldnt you just eat whenever you were hungry, rather than keeping it for when you were hungryter? It wasnt so difficult to just grab the bugs off the air and munch on them for a snack.
But the [Locust Vurats] can disperse. Its not difficult to make them flee. All you have to do is take their treasures from them. Thats your task for today, Salvos. Clear that mansion of the corpses. Spread them far and wide. Break up this Lair so the [Locust Vurats] have no reason to stay in this Dungeon any longer.
I blinked and pieced something together in my mind.
Hey! You just want me to deal with your pests for you!
I could wipe out this entire Lair by myself, if I didnt know that their dead would draw out even more of them. No, Salvos. I want you to use your head. Not your ws or your mes. But with your ss and with the magic youve learned. Or will learn.
Lily crossed her arms as she opened a portal behind her. She zipped into it as I protested.
But I dont have any offensive space magic spells!
Thats the point!
The portal closed, and I was left with a swarm of [Locust Vurats] closing in on me.
Well, thats annoying.
And they came. The monsters clouded over me, casting a dark shadow in my surroundings. They were barely in their 10s. Only a few were in their 20s at most. They were very much a Silver Rank threat. A party of Silvers shouldve been able to clear a Lair of them.
Or at least, a smaller Lair. This one was massive. Maybe a Gold Rank threat. But only at most. It was something I could very easily clear now that I knew where they were alling from, considering I was a Diamond Rank. But Lily said no mes. Only my ss.
With a sigh, I darted forward. They [Locust Vurats] gave chase, but they couldnt keep up with me. I didnt run on all fours. It was a simple sprint. Just as Humans did it.
I couldnt even hear their muffled buzzing as I reached the Lair in an instant. No [Haste], no magic. A few hundred feet was simple enough to cross. I avoided the [Locust Vurats] attacks with ease. Then I saw the walls the stained blood and grime. Rotting innards were dangling off the windows and balconies.
It was something I was sure Daniel would find gross. I didnt care. I got to work.
[Banish]. [Banish]. [Banish]
It took about one second between each of the Skills use, now that it was maxed. It could also move objects farrger than an apple. I used the Skill to collect the bodies into a pile in front of the mansion, before heaving it onto my back and dashing off.
The [Locust Vurats] gave chase. But I reached the canyons around the Brilsum Ruins and dumped the pile of bodies into one of the vast gouges. I wasnt bothered by them as I ran back. They were busy buzzing around the pile of corpses I stacked up.
I returned to the manor and cleaned its walls of the bodies, repeating the same action until its exterior was good as new. Well, except for the stained marks and the vegetation growing over it. I made sure to spread the piles of bodies apart as Lily told me to. Then I moved into the inside of therge building, beginning to wade my way through it as well.
It wasnt as easy, trying to avoid the attacks of the [Locust Vurats] while inside. But with my Pendant of Greater Protection, I came outpletely unharmed. I had just finished gathering the first pile of rotting bodies from the inside of the mansion when I spotted another cluster of [Locust Vurats] making their way back to the Brilsum Ruins.
With them, they carried one of the first piles of bodies that I had thrown into the canyon surrounding the Brilsum Ruins. I paused, realization sinking in before spinning around. Just as I anticipated, I spotted another group of the monsters doing the same with their own bundle of corpses.
They returned, pouring the gross body parts atop the mansion as I watched my hard work go to waste.
Are you serious?
I swatted a [Locust Vurat] into a gooey mess as it flew too close to me. I sighed.
This will take a while.
And it would have taken even longer, if I continued trying the same tactic over and over again. The issue here was that the [Locust Vurats] were drawn to the bodies. I had to get rid of them proper.
The first thought that came to mind was to burn it all. But I couldnt use my fire. I had to do something else something with space magic.
My second instinct was to just run even further. Bring the bodies to a ce where even the [Locust Vurats] couldnt reach. Maybe past the canyons, back to the lush forests surrounding the mountainous terrain we were in.
Maybe if the bodies were smaller, I could just toss them all far away individually. But they were big! They took up too much space
I paused. But I use space magic. I nced at the heap of bodies that [Locust Vurats] had now gathered as I casually darted around and avoided the stinging monsters.
And I bared my teeth.
I raised both of my hands, focusing just as I did a few days ago. There were various different ways I managed to catch Lily with, other than just tiring her out. One of them made use of grabbing her, even when I wasnt near her.
Lily said it was equivalent to a basic Levitate-type spell, except reapplied to living beings. She actually praised me for what I managed to do. She said it was a good Skill.
[Astral Grip].
I didnt have that Skill. I wasnt going to add it to my repertoire yet, as Lily rmended. I was certain that having the actual Skill would be far more effective than my poor attempts at using unrefined magic to grab objects with what felt like a very weak invisible hand that could stretch over long distances.
But that was the point of my training. I worked from when the sun was high in the sky until it set and returned the next day. I expanded my grip from not just a simple hand, to something that could entirely wrap itself around a small pile of bodies. Then I squeezed.
I squashed the piles of bodies together until they wererge enough for me to carry. Like balls of ripped flesh and broken bones. Then I ran to the end of the Brilsum Ruins before tossing it with all my might. It went sailing so far and fast that even the [Locust Vurats] couldnt keep up with it. And I repeated this over and over again, returning to the mansion to crush the piles and piles of bodies into many different balls of meat.
I picked up two at a time, running off and throwing it into the sky. The [Locust Vurats] that went chasing after it never came back. And I was finished by the time the sun was setting once more.
Thats a job well done!
I dusted my hands off as I used my new spatial hands to crush any [Locust Vurats] that dared approach me. Since they were actual living creatures, it was harder to get a proper grip around them and squeeze. Especially since they resisted. But they were low-leveled. So, it worked.
It was like some invisible force contorted the insect-like monster even the air seemed to be sucked inwards. Then their bodies would crack and smoosh together after moments of resisting. I grinned as I looked through the notifications in my head while the monsters scattered.
Defeated [Locust Vurat - Lvl. 15]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
Cleared [Lair: Nest of Locust Vurats]
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Skill [Cosmic Compression] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 30] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 31]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
As if that were some sort of cue, I sensed a disturbance in the air around me. A portal opened up and Lily appeared. I beamed at her, wiping away the muck from my face, before shooting her a thumbs-up.
I did it, Lily! That was easy work!
The Fairy said nothing as I excitedly began to tell her how I failed at first, and what I did to learn an actual offensive Skill in space magic.
And its like Im holding it with my hands, right? Except these hands are veryrge and invisible
Salvos.
Lily interrupted me. She wore a solemn face. I didnt know why. Not until I saw the second glowing ball of energy appear from behind her. Another Fairy slightlyrger than Lily, and with a blue glow instead flitted down next to her.
She drew her lips into a thin line as I blinked.
We might have to end your lessons earlier than I expected.
Chapter 173: Remembrance
Chapter 173: Remembrance
173. Remembrance
I sat in the cave filled with dancing lights of iridescent colors. Red. Blue. Green. Yellow. Spheres of varying sizes flitted and floated around the chamber, giggling andughing, like young adventurers who had just reached their first advancement into Gold rank.
Watching them still, I got to my feet. I took a step forward, and they came to a stop. One of the orbs that bore the color of the sun came down to me. Lily. My friend and mentor. Her jubnt smile vanished as she faced me.
Im sorry.
There was nothing else to be said. I lowered my head, speaking only one word.
Why?
My brothers and sisters have returned for me. They know not that I was alive, but now my Queen calls for me. For us all to return.
I see.
If mypanions Daniel or Edithe were here, theyd press Lily further; they were oftentimes engaged with matters that didnt affect them. It was the same with Xidra. It was the same with Lucerna.
Me? I had my answer. Lily had to go back. A dozen other Fairies came back for her. They were each Level 100. One of them the same blue one which apanied her to fetch me was far above my level. I couldnt see her Subspecies or his level. She had to be above Level 156.
What will you do now?
Lily tilted her head, and I shrugged.
Im not really sure. Id like to improve my space magic. Level it until I can travel to the Netherworld and back here, you know? I miss my firstpanion.
I didnt even know if Haec was alive or dead. All I knew was I had to at least try and find him.
I think
My eyes turned towards my bag, resting against the stone wall. There was something inside of it that I had. Something I was piqued by for quite some time.
I might go to a Human academy. One specialized in teaching magic. I have a friend who can help me get into one, I think.
Maybe thats the wisest move for you to make.
She ced her small hand on my shoulder, smiling reassuringly.
As Ive told you before, I am not the best teacher for you if you desire to travel through the nes of the Nexeus. I, myself, struggle with it. Theory is lost to me unlike with mortals who obsess over the intricacies of casting spells. If you do find yourself in one of these academies, maybe you might even find yourself able to cross nes by Level 70.
I bowed my head.
Thank you.
There is no need to thank me. All I did was make you do some chores for a few weeks. Its something you can do yourself, even without me.
She scoffed, but I shook my head.
Your lessons have been invaluable to me. Youre really amazing not just because youre a Fairy, but because youre Lily!
I beamed brightly at her, only for her to lift her chin up high.
Why, of course. You better remember to respect your elders even when you surpass me in total levels next time!
I will!
And with that, it was over. Our short lessons came to an end.
Its time, Lily.
The blue Fairy spoke with a voice of frosty rime. Lily nced back.
Yes, honored Rose.
Flying back up to her brothers and sisters, Lily addressed me without once looking away.
There are many things happening with this world right now. It moves in cogs and pieces. Even Bezlsu himself is only a part of a greater whole. These are things only my Queen understands. She is wise and ancient. Older than even the Spirit Lord or the Demon King. She was there when Worldwalkers roamed the Nexeus. She witnessed it all. And she was never idle.
A portal opened up behind her, revealing a world of ck beyond. It was odd to look at. Something about it just seemed off to me. Not in any physical sense, but the way its space seemed to contort and turn. And it wasnt just nk either. There were smears across this dark canvas glowing clouds of gold and violet and orange. Tiny dust particles, clustered together, glittering, sparkling like the stars.
At least, that was what they looked like. I squinted as I saw them move and shift. They werent just colorful clouds to watch from a distance. They were thousands and thousands of Fairies, flying about in this void of a world. I blinked, and Lily spread her arms wide.
What you see here it is the Celestial Pce of the Fairy Queen. It is the fruits of herbor. It is paradise itself. Perhaps, one day, depending on the path you choose to walk from here on out, you may be able to see me once again. Travel to the Spirit ne. Scour its edges. And you will find all of Fairykind in this sanctuary.
Goodbye, Lily.
I waved at her, but she paused. Even as her brothers and sisters entered the portal. She floated right at the edge of it, the blue Fairy waiting patiently behind her.
Lilys bright face darkened for the first time.
And if we never meet again, Salvos, do not cry and do not weep. You are still young. You may treasure me now as your friend and your mentor. But you shall live a life so long that our time spent together is lost like a single grain of dust in the vast desert of Anis. Memories are a painful thing. It is best for you to simply forget when it hurts.
I stared at her. The Fairy I have known for a short period of time. Evenpared to Haec or Edithe or Daniel. She was a friend, not apanion. And yet, I spoke insistently.
No.
She blinked, and even the blue Fairy paused. Both were intrigued by my response.
I will not forget you, even if this is thest time we speak. As long as I live even if I never die I will remember your name. Lily. Because memory is all that matters. Remembering the face of a person you meet. The way they speak. The way they act. The impact theyve imparted on you. Your interactions with them. It is what makes them distinct. It is what separates them from all the others. Without memories, the world would be a sea of nothing but rocks.
I met her gaze, defiant.
If I should lose my memories, I would rather die.
Lily didnt respond for a moment. Then she chuckled as she spun around, the portal beginning to close. She spoke solemnly as she entered through the hole in the world.
That is true. But that doesnt mean that it cant hurt you. Farewell, Salvos.
Bye.
I watched as the portal closed. The bright lights that lit up the cave were gone. Now, only I remained here. And I sighed.
Ugh. Im going to have to contact her, arent I?
I shuffled over to my Bag of Holding I purchased it with some of the money I was given by Daniel and Edithe and produced a small object, about the size of my hand. It was a round object made of gold, kind of like an oversized gold coin, with a crest engraved onto it.
The symbol itself was of a smiling man picking fruits from a tree. The tree itself stood not on its trunks, but on its roots as if they were legs. It was the insignia of the Merryster Family. A Dukedom in the country of Nixa. And it was given to me by one of their daughters: Saffron.
We met briefly so briefly during an escort mission over a year ago when she was headed to some magic academy. She told me to use it to contact her whenever I needed aid or help, since it was enchanted by some sort ofmunication magic. And now was the time. It was perfect, considering I wanted to enroll in one of these magical academies.
There was, however, a slight problem which had vexed me for a while now.
How am I supposed to get it to work?
--
The thing is, Saffron never told me how to use it.
I scowled as I recounted my story.
Shes like Edithe, always talking about refining your magic. Expanding your understanding of how the world works. At least Lily just made me do things which made sense. How am I supposed to make sense of things I didnt understand?
It upset me. And mypanion for the day was clearly just as upset a I was.
Its stupid, right? Now I have to go find her myself.
I turned to the eagle as it stared at me, perplexed. Iy on my back in the air as my wings casually pped every-so-often, letting me keep pace with it. It tried to dive away, but I dove alongside it.
And I know I gave a whole speech to Lily about remembering things, but I dont actually remember what academy Saffron was going to. Which kind of embarrassing, right?
The eaglended on the edge of a crevice, where branches were haphazardly put together. Eaglets cuddled with each other as their mother stood over them, feeding them pieces of meat. I snapped my finger, and one of the eaglets jerked back, falling from the nest.
I caught it as I spoke.
Youre right! I should go to her home instead! I mean, I know where Nixa is I think. And once Im there, I can ask for them to bring me to Saffron!
The eagle made a high pitch screech, and I rolled my eyes.
Heres your baby. You dont have to be so defensive. Its not like Im going to eat it.
I set the eaglet back into the nest and flew up, nodding at the eagle.
Thanks for your help! And for listening!
I made sure to carefully ascend far into the air before taking off at my full speed. I didnt want a strong gust of wind to knock the eagles nest over. It well, she was nice. I was too used to calling monsters and animals an it at this point, to blend in with Humans.
But unlike most bugs or things like Centinels and undead, animals werent mindless creatures incapable of thinking. Most of them were very smart.
I soared over the Motharis Mountain Range. I flew above its tallest peaks and highest mountains, seeing thend unfurl below me. Forests of green and hills of gray and white. Yet, there was almost a deathly stillness that held Motharis. When I was here before, it was teeming with life. I could see Gatho Mammoths traveling in packs, and the more predatory Drakes hunting on their own.
Now, I barely saw any monsters. There were the asional creatures wandering about. Small animals, yes. But it was still far too empty. Belzu couldnt have emptied the entire mountain range of monsters, could he? I didnt believe that. But if he took such a significant portion of the monster and animal poption with him, the remainders would leave too, wouldnt they?
I arrived at Nixa not long after. I passed bypletely evacuated cities as well as ones trampled over in a path of destruction. There was smoke in the distance, almost all around me. Bezlu wrought death everywhere he went. He did more than just destroy towns and cities. He decimated the entire ecosystem of Motharis. The effects of his actions would be felt for decades toe.
I didnt actually care.
What bothered me was the fact that I needed to transform back into a mortal now that I was back in Humannds.
This sucks!
I transformed right before Inded in a small town not at Belzus path of destruction. The people there were held by an eerie quietus. I ignored it and muttered repeatedly to myself as I entered an inn.
This sucks! This sucks! This sucks!
I mmed the coins down on the countertop before the [Innkeeper] could say a word. I entered a random room, mming the door shut behind me before my body finally sumbed to sleep.
This sucks oh, hey I leveled in [Partial Mortality] again.
General Skill [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 2] -> [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Chapter 174: Attacked Again
Chapter 174: Attacked Again
174. Attacked Again
After getting the needed sleep disguised as a Human, I left the small town and was ready to fly off for the Merryster estates. I didnt need to wait to transform. My cooldown between [Partial Mortality]s use had decreased with each level I gained. Now, it only took five hours before I was able to change forms again.
A voice called out to me as I spread my wings out, disguising it with my blue fire. I turned to an elderly woman. She was being assisted by her grandson as she hobbled over my way.
Please, Ms adventurer.
She bowed her head deeply as passersby stopped to stare.
Is that granny Elia?
Whats she saying to that adventurer?
I cant see that girls level
With a deep breath, the so-called granny Elia spoke.
You who are so powerful and wise beyond your years, a Diamond Rank adventurer who has seen death and destruction unbound. I beseech you, save our town of Sleetrock. Protect us from that vile Demons rampage.
There were gasps. Whispers.
That young girl is a Diamond Rank adventurer?
Can she save us?
Mommy is she a [Hero]?
I looked at her, before turning to the townspeople. It was a small vige. They probably had a hundred people living here at most. They werent in the route of Belzus path of mindless ughter. However, they could be at any point in time. Each and every single one of the people here could be killed by Belzu without being able to put up a fight.
I smiled at them.
Absolutely not!
And I took off.
--
I wasnt being cruel. If Daniel or Edithe were here, theyd certainly say I was being unnecessarily mean or evil or whatever other words mortals liked to make up. First of all, that old woman insulted me by calling Demons vile!
That wasnt very nice.
But beyond just that well, I couldnt kill Belzu for one. And for another, if I helped them, itd be like when I first became Gold Rank all over again. Getting pestered with incessant annoying requests.
I didnt want that!
So, I gave them no aid. I left the town without even once ncing back, headed straight for the Merryster estates. I had, of course, asked the [Innkeeper] for directions. He told me I could find thends of the Merryster Dukedom in the province of Houndmire. It was one of thends adjacent to Falisfield the ce which I saved from Lucerna and close to the Capital city of Nightsveil.
Belzus rampage didnt bring him that close to the Capital. Not just yet. Although I caught sight of a Human army amassing around it. [Archers], for whatever reason, tried to shoot me down from my flight. Some of their bolts came awfully close to me despite being at this high of an altitude, as I spun and twirled out of the way at my full speed.
There had to be some Level 100s standing on the battlements of the sprawling city. One of their arrows even honed in after me, forcing me to use [Banish] to get rid of it. And with that singr act against a possible Level 100, I leveled in my ss.
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 31] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 32]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Huh.
I spread my arms wide, weing the challenge.
Try that again!
But that [Archer] must have given up. Whatever Skill he used to reach me must have had a cooldown. It was definitely a powerful Skill. I was certain it would pierce through the aura of Greater Protection around me if it struck through. I didnt think it would kili me though, if I had ming armor too.
Nevertheless, I continued. Past Nightsveil, over the pce that was gripped in fear. I went to thends beyond. Past rolling fields and farnd, which were still full of [Farmers] tilling away at their fields. I saw thend change and tilted my head.
Is this it?
It was a heavily forested area Inded in. The entire region seemed like it was for logging and gathering timber. The forests werent uniform either. Some of them were marsnds with trees very simr to the crest I had.
I think this might be it.
There was a mansion surrounded by a thick forest and arge plot ofnd around it. I saw figures rushing out as I came closer. Some drew their bows and crossbows, while others wielded wands and staffs as well.
I rolled my eyes.
Seriously?
I didnt want to deal with this, so I dove straight down. As quickly as I could. They could barely get their first volley of projectiles out by the time I crashed, knocking them off their feet with a gust of wind.
Most of the guards here were in their low 20s, and a handful of them were above Gold Rank. I leapt out at the Gold ranks, grabbing them by their necks. There were three of them, so I simply created a [Faux Limb] to hold onto the third.
They struggled and squirmed but they couldnt break free. The other guards readied their weapons, before being swept off their feet by an invisible hand. I didnt even once nce at them as they were lifted off their feet.
Wha
Shes a monster!
Someone screamed, and I bared my teeth.
Well, yes. But no.
I tossed them all aside, marching up to the front door of the mansion. I kicked it open, and a figure stepped forward with a broadsword.
Halt, intruder! You shall not get any further!
He stood before a cowering woman, hugging a boy and a girl. He was tinum Rank in level somewhere in his low 80s. I started forward and he swung his de.
[Shatterstrike]!
I narrowed my eyes and stepped past the attack. It tore apart the tiled floor, like an incredible earthquake concentrated in a small area. He hefted his de, and I spun around and kicked him in the face.
There was a flicker. A sh. He had some kind of protection artifact on. He only stumbled back from the hit. I raised a brow.
How dare you assault the Merryster estates! I am Feirdun Merryster, second heir to the
He flew back as I struck him with a fiery strike. The mes broke whatever enchantment protected him. He smashed into the wall, bleeding from the nose. I was about tond a follow-up attack when I paused.
Wait, Feirdun Merryster?
The man struggled to get to his feet. I stood over him, raising a hand. He winced but I shook his hand.
Hi! Youre Saffrons brother, arent you? Im Saffrons friend! Nice to meet you!
His eyes zed over.
Uh, what?
--
I sat at a couch in the Merryster mansion, kicking my legs up as I spoke casually to the woman and man across from me.
...and you came here to ask where my daughter is?
The woman Zahra Merryster was apparently Saffrons mom. She was dressed in decorated robes which looked like they were merely aesthetics at first, but closer inspection revealed the etchings to be protective enchantments against all kinds of attacks.
Yep! Ipletely forgot where she went! And I need her help, so
Liar!
Feirdun mmed a fist on the table. He quickly epted a cloth dipped in healing potion from a servant and dabbed it on his nose.
You cant possibly believe her lies, do you Mother?
But I have a crest!
I protested, holding up the gold object Saffron gave me. Feirdun scowled.
You couldve stolen it. Just like how you attacked our estate!
I didnt attack anyone! You guys attacked me first!
You
Thats enough.
Zahra spoke with finality in her voice. She kind of reminded me of Edithe, even though her ck hair was nothing like Edithes red. Her tone seemed to startle the boy and the girl sitting beside her, and she ran a hand through their head.
Everything is fine, Lucie, Warren.
They were almost identical, apart from their genders. Tugging at her sleeves, they spoke one after another.
Mother, will she not hurt us?
Shes so high-leveled. But she smells
Its alright, my dears.
Zahra shooshed them and faced me with a gentle smile.
While Id like to believe your story, Ms Salvos
Its just Salvos!
...right. But Id like to voice the same concern as Feirdun. Id like some reassurance that you do not have any malicious intent against my family.
I
There wasnt really anything I could do to prove myself to them. In times like this, I needed someone else to vouch for me. I tilted my head up as I remembered something.
Saffron had a friend? She had someone apanying her when we met! A servant like that man over there!
I pointed at one of the men dressed in a suit, standing to the side of the room. Zahra paused.
Ah, do you mean Matthew?
Yes! Thats his name!
Fetch Matthew for me.
She waved a hand, and her servants ran off. Feirdun red at me with his arms crossed, murmuring under his breath.
If father and brother were here, they wouldnt even entertaain
But theyre not here, Feirdun. They sallied forth to protect our kingdom from that Primeval Demon.
He spat.
They have. And they shall y that evil monster before returning with haste!
Im certain they will. But while theyre gone, you are in charge. You cant be this brash if you hope to be a leader like them.
I
Look.
Zahra nced over at me.
Youve been disrespecting our guest for the past hour. It was a misunderstanding which can be resolved with words alone. Thats one of the most important aspects of being a leader.
Feirdun bit his lower lip. Then he bowed his head deeply.
I apologize for my rude words.
I wanted to just wave a hand off casually. But listening to Zahra really reminded me of listening to Edithe. I could hear one of her lectures already ying in my head. Etiquette. Decency. Etcetera. All the things required to blend in well as a Human. So, I stood up and bowed back.
No, no. Its my fault. I erred in thinking I could simply fly into your estates without rming your guards. I shouldve made my arrival known to prevent any sort of misunderstanding. I sincerely apologize for my actions.
Zahra smiled.
Thank you, Salvos.
With that, the door swung open. A man I recognized entered the room, his eyes flickering towards me but saying nothing. He addressed only Zahra.
Mydy, I heard you have need of my presence.
Yes, Matthew. This youngdy here has spoken in great detail about her rtionship with my daughter, Saffron. While I do not doubt the veracity of her words, I was told you could corroborate her story, is that correct?
It is, mydy.
Then it seems the air has cleared.
I sat back down as Zahra told me where Saffron was. Apparently, she went to a country called Shedos. To the northeast of Nixa. Or east from the Motharis Mountain Range. It was squeezed between the Helbir ins and the Eastern Kingdoms, famous for its enve of Cyclopsnds right by the ocean.
The academy Saffron attended was called Mavos Academy. It specialized heavily in magic, with most of its graduates reaching tinum Rank in level when they were finished with their education.
It is famous enough that you can stop anyone in Shedos and ask for directions to the academy without getting lost. Im sure youll have no trouble finding it.
Thank you,dy Zahra. Or Lady Zahra?
I cocked my head, and sheughed.
Unfortunately, unlike my daughter, I never was quite interested in receiving the Title of Lady. I hold a more prestigious Title than that of a mere noble.
She winked at me before standing up. The boy and girl hopped to their feet and eyed me. They tugged her robes, and she nodded.
Would you like to join us for dinner? Its getting ratherte and Im sure you wouldnt want to make the trip while exhausted.
I looked at Zahra. Then I nced at the pair of curious children. For whatever reason, they wanted me to stay. And I guess it couldnt hurt. Especially since it would only be courteous for me to ept their invitation. But
Sure. But, um, do you serve bugs?
The whole family paused. Feirdun lost his scowl. Even the servants blinked. They stared at me as I scratched the back of my head.
Preferably, raw.
--
The next day, I woke up as the sun rose, all ready to head to Mavos Academy. But a figure stopped me as I stepped out of the front door. Matthew nodded at Zahra before approaching me.
Apologies, Ms Salvos. Butdy Zahra has requested I make a delivery to Lady Saffron.
He lifted up a rather luxurious Bag of Holding, showing something inside of it. It looked like a bottle. I sniffed the air, but he quickly closed it and the smell dissipated.
This is an elixir of great import that I have been tasked to hand to Lady Saffron. I was supposed to leave for Mavos Academy a month ago, but unfortunately the roads have been closed for only the armies of all the noble families to use.
Because of Belzu, right?
Belzu?
He creased a brow, and I pursed my lip.
I mean that Demon.
Yes, Ms Salvos.
Its just Salvos.
I snorted before waving a hand off.
And sure, you cane with me. Just know that I wont fly slow for you, alright?
I will keep that in mind, Ms Salvos. You have my thanks.
I bade the Merryster family farewell as I took off into the air, holding Matthew from under his arms. I nced back down once to see the pair of children excitedly talking to each other. Which was odd, considering they were very quiet even during dinnerst night.
As I looked back up, I caught a glimpse of the Bag of Holding Matthew was holding. It was probably very expensive. I could see the way the mana weaved into it was refined. Space magic that far exceeded my level. But I wasnt focused on that.
There was something else. It bothered me slightly. I barely got a whiff of it. It was stored too quickly for me to properly inspect it. But that elixir Matthew was carrying
Why did it smell of blood?
Chapter 175: Mavos Academy
Chapter 175: Mavos Academy
175. Mavos Academy
Mavos Academy.
It was one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Its name was respected by even the highest-leveled individuals. It was said that Helena Warshade, the leader of the Rising Veterans Company herself, went to Mavos Academy when she was a mere teenager.
She credited her experiences in Shedos as to why she became such apetent leader. She stood out as a [Mage] because she didnt just throw bigger and bigger explosions at her enemy. Rather, she used her magic to work with her allies, boosting them in battle. Even boosting herself in battle.
That was the beauty of magic. It ranged from destruction to enhancement to transmutation to creation; it was such a wonderful thing. And Mavos Academy was the best ce to learn it.
The previous emperor of the Vaun Qieur Empire, Iven Maran, even encouraged the young, burgeoning [Mages] of his Empire to attend Mavos Academy. Of course, with the worsening of rtions between Shedos and Vaun Qieur after his son, Nor Maran, took the throne such rhetoric was no longer a thing in the empire.
Even still, that didnt mean Mavos Academy was any worse than it was a hundred years ago. In fact, its standing had only risen. Research and the umtion of knowledge for a nearly millennium old institution meant that information onlypounded. Humankinds understanding of magical theory only continued to expand. Properly-trained [Mages] of the present day were superior to properly-trained [Mages] of the past. Of course, that stipted that their levels and equipment were equal.
Which would only logically lead to the oue of modern [Mages] winning, since the training of modern [Mages] were far moreprehensive than [Mages] of the past. Because, a thousand years ago, [Mages] only cared about the practical. Five hundred years ago, [Mages] only cared about the theory.
Now, it was both the practical and the theoretical. This was the rigid and harsh curriculum Saffron Merryster had undergone for the past year. Shed wake up, head to training first thing in the morning. Her own magic was rather unique, if she had to say so herself. The maniption of particles. Be it dust or sand or even water.
She could turn liquid into solid, solid into gas. Others less keen-eyed would think she was a kind of [Elementalist]. But theyd be thrown off by herck of control of fire. Saffron saw it as an advantage, especially in training. The other [Mages] in her ss didnt know what to make of her.
Only a few knew of her secret. One of them was Valda. A child prodigy who reached Level 40 at only fourteen years old. While she and Saffron werent really friends, they were acquainted enough to have a quick chat on the way to their lessons after training.
I see youre as elusive as ever in battle, Saffy.
The little girl grinned as she skipped alongside Saffron. The pink-haired woman didnt bother responding to the degrading nickname she had been given.
Elusive is not the term Id use, Valda. The role of a [Mage] is to avoidbat when necessary. And if it does devolve to battle, it is only best to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Isnt that just what elusive means?
The term Id use is intelligent.
Unlike Saffron, Valda was a kind of [Battle Mage]. That meant she preferred getting up close against her enemies. It seemed foolish at first, considering her young age. But when shended a powerful [Stone Fist], those whoughed at her would end up crying on the ground.
While I admire yourbat abilities, Valda. I fear that you are too reckless. Especially with theing storm, it would be wiser for you to learn some control.
Why would I have to do that?
She was as carefree as ever. Her blonde hair was tied into a single braid which bounced up and down with her.
Im still in school. Theres not much for us to worry about, is there? Maybe when were seniors you can lecture me about all the problems of life and whatever you want to say before we graduate. Then I might listen.
Saffron shook her head. Valda was too immature too foolish to understand. The news had already reached Mavos Academy. Everyone was whispering about it. They dreaded it. It was far away. Across many great countries. The Honorable Companies were aware of it. The Eastern Kingdom Alliance was preparing for it. But for now, it was left unattended.
A Primeval Demon hade to the Mortal Realm. And with it, it brought an army of monsters.
It had already brought low dozens ofrge cities, leaving hundreds of thousands of innocents dead. It replenished its numbers with each city it destroyed. The world quaked as they heard of his rampage.
It is already happening, Valda. I fear that we might be called to act sooner rather thanter.
Saffrons father and oldest brother had already left for Nightsveil, the Capital of Nixa. They werent going to engage the Primeval Demon an army of 50,000 from the Sunmere Republic had already been vanquished before it left for Nixa. They knew of its might. A coalition of many great countries was needed to fell it.
It was a ridiculous thought. To think that even Diamond Ranks like her father would be helpless against such a monster. But she knew it was true. She just hoped the Primeval Demon had no ns to march on Nixas Capital anytime soon.
Valda snorted and raised a hand. She snapped a finger, creating an invisible bubble around them. It was a spell to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on them. Even with magic.
Look, Saffy. I know you have a whole [Hero]plex and everything. But were students. We cant do anything about any Demon. Not even a Greater Demon.
It is our heritage. It is because of thiscency this has urred. As [Demon yers]
Vampires.
The little girl spoke simply. She waved a finger, keeping her voice casual.
Were Vampires. Theres no such ss as a [Demon yer] or a [Demon Hunter]. Those are silly sses they made up to convince everyone that us Vampires are good after oppressing our kind for thousands of years.
Saffron hissed. It was supposed to be a secret. If someone powerful enough tried, they could eavesdrop on them!
We served the Immortal King faithfully and were rewarded
Our predecessors did. Not us. We have no obligation to deal with any Demon that shows up just because some dusty old man in my family helped another, even more ancient man ten thousand years ago.
Valda
If a Demon shows up here in Mavos Academy tomorrow even if its a Greater or Lesser Demon as long as its harmless, I see no reason to do anything about it.
The pinked-haired woman opened her mouth. There were a thousand things she wanted to say. But she caught herself. She realized remembered that Valda came not from a noble family. Whatever heritage she had was stripped away.
Of course she wouldnt view the duty of being a Vampire as fondly as Saffron did. Sighing, Saffron snapped her finger and dispelled Valdas spell.
Its just something for you to consider, Valda. I have an alchemy ss to get to, and Im sure youre just as in a rush as me to get to your enchanting ss.
See ya!
Valda scurried off down the gilded hallway, pulling open a thick set of double doors and entering a lecture hall. The bell rang just as Saffron stepped into her alchemyb. She took a seat as the [Alchemist] professor began giving his lecture when something vibrated in her bag.
There was a sound. A soft tune. Like that from a music box.
The [Alchemist] narrowed his eyes, snapping his gaze at Saffron as she hurriedly picked up her bag.
Saffron Merryster. Is that an enchanted toy you brought to this ss?
No, professor Ivem. This is this is
Heads turned to face her as she pulled out the round object she kept in her Bag of Holding at all times. It was a crest. But silver, almost an exact counterpart of another one she had.
This is my receiver?
Its actually working!
I brightened as I saw the crest glow. The inscriptions limned with a wispy light. I watched as the threads of mana seemed to form itself in the air through a great distance, before I heard the voice on the other end.
Who is
Saffron!
There was a pause. A young womans voice came out from the other end.
Salvos?
Its me! Yes, its Salvos!
I beamed, smiling from ear-to-ear as if she could see me. I heard a sounding from the crest. As if someone was talking to Saffron from a distance.
Right, Ill excuse myself. I thought
There were more voices. They sounded like whispers. I couldnt hear what they were saying. But a door mmed shut and they faded away. Saffron spoke up again after a sigh.
I was in ss why are you calling me? Is there an emergency?
Oh, nope!
...nope?
I nodded as I lifted the man I was carrying slightly.
Matthew was just teaching me how to use this artifact you gave me. Apparently, Im supposed to focus the magic on the whole object, not just the inscriptions and runes. Which is weird. Most scrolls Ive used required more precision when activating their effects.
Thats so you dont need anything from me? Wait, why is Matthew there?
Hes just here, guiding me to Mavos Academy. And I do need something from you! But I think itll just be easier for me to exin when Im down.
Guiding you to what? And what do you mean when youre down? Where are you, Salvos?
Oh, Im right above Mavos Academy!
I turned away from the crest, looking straight down at the ptial-like structure lying before me. It reminded me of a castle. Almost simr to the keep that the Lich lived in. But this wasrger. Farrger.
And not just in size alone. Its spires tall towers brimming with mana rose up to meet even the clouds. They werent uniformly colored. Some of them were blue, others were green, and more were ck. They came in different shapes too.
One looked like the kind of tower Id see on a castle wall, while another was more simr to a minaret. Thin. Like a needle jutting from the ground.
The rest of Mavos Academy was just as uniquely shaped, as though a bunch of different buildings and structures were haphazardly put together inside of a castle. It was expansive in its structure alone, not including the vast garden it had at different parts of the academy.
I spotted what looked like a thicket of trees, no different than the one Id see while out in a light forest. But across from it was a dense foliage dangling with vines and a thick canopy. It was murky like a swamp, with a river cutting through it. But the trees were far too tall, rising to a hundred feet in height. And at the base of this jungle were bioluminescent nts.
Huh. This ce is pretty nice. Where are you at?
Im in the east wing of wait, Salvos dont
East wing? Got it! Iming down now!
I swooped down, scanning over all the students I saw milling about. They were walking, chatting, and screaming as they pointed at me.
I ignored them, instead focusing on the artifact in my hand. It tugged on specific threads of mana in the air, traveling through it, creating a rippling and vibrating effect that was so minute but still visible to my eyes.
Following it, Inded by a ck brick building with stained ss windows as its front doors were thrown open. Saffron ran out, her eyes wide.
Salvos
She paused when she saw me slowly descending. My wings receded, and I let the mes covering them dissipate. The pink-haired woman was dressed in a uniform with a knee-height skirt and a white zer. There was an emblem some sort of sigil into her shirt, right over her left breast.
Her mouth failed to work. She just stared at me.
Y-y-y
Its been a while!
I raised a hand as my feet finally touched the ground. There were screams and shouts from all around me. Chaos at the courtyard I flew over. Students were scrambling into buildings as higher leveled [Mages] raced out with weapons raised.
Saffron shook her head, snapping herself out of her stupor. She nced over at her butler.
Matthew, why didnt you sto
She paused. I dropped the man to the ground, and he hadnt gotten back up. His eyes were zed over as his jaw hung open. Hehad fainted at some point in time because I was flying too fast.
I took a step forward, grinning and spreading my arms wide, ready to embrace Saffron. But a voice thundered from above. A dark cloud descended from a tall tower, an elderly man held a sword out, pointing it at me.
WHO DARES INVADE MY ACADEMY?!
I felt a sensation a powerfulpulsion to flee and run from the voice. It was [Intimidation]? Or something simr.
The elderly man leapt from his nimbus cloud andnded just before me. It was not a softnding. The ground shook unnaturally as he approached me. He raised his de. It was a longsword with a crooked guard that curved up like horns.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Light gleamed from its de as he aimed it at me. His white, flowing beard began to whip with an unseen wind as the hair on top of his head stood up. I sensed power from him. A Skill that dwarfed any of mine. It was the same powerful I sensed from only the Lich and Zix before.
A Grand Skill.
And he directed its intensity and fury at me. Even just by standing near me, Saffron dropped to her knees in fear. His voice boomed once more.
NAME YOURSELF, INTRUDER!
Im Salvos!
I replied casually, waving a hand at him. He paused, suddenly uncertain. I scratched the back of my head as he creased a brow.
And Im here to enroll into Mavos Academy?
Chapter 176: Facade
Chapter 176: Facade
176. Facade
Saffron always believed herself to be someone who was raised with poise. She carried herself with ss. Dignity. And she would never grovel before anyone.
But that was not because of her pride; Saffron simply believed that she was someone with enough manners to avoid such situations. She never spoke disrespect to anyone who never deserved it. Always held her chin high, but never above those whod punish her for it. It was grace something she thoroughly refined through her life.
Yet, now she found herself in the exact predicament she strove so hard to stave off.
I apologize for my friends actions!
She bowed deeply, forcing the silver-haired womans head down with her.
Salvos. A young woman with a brightplexion. She had cheerful golden eyes, and an excitable personality that reminded Saffron of a child. And while it was amusing and even endearing at times, it was not a form of entertainment when Saffron was embarrassed because of it.
Headmaster yton Skyshredders gaze bore down on Saffrons shoulders. She didnt look up. Her eyes were faced down, staring at the ss floor below. She could see how high up they were. They stood at the very top of the tallest tower of Mavos Academy. The ce where the Headmaster himself resided.
The tower itself protruded like a needle, growing thinner and thinner until it reached this tform. It was an oval room that was far toorge for how easily it bnced on the tip of the tower. There was magic at y here. One which shouldve reassured her that this wasnt dangerous.
If not for the fact that she could see how high they were above the rest of the academy.
A mile. No maybe even taller. The other towers of Mavos Academy reached up, poking above the low-hanging clouds. But they were merely half the height of this grand structure.
A slight shiver ran down Saffrons spine. She wasnt some sort of [Tank] with a very high [Vitality] who could just duck and roll to survive such a fall. But she felt like with the right spells and preparation shed be able to survive such a fall. Or so she hoped.
Headmaster yton Skyshredder snapped, drawing her full attention to him.
This is not a mistake that can be rectified by a simple apology.
He paced around his desk and ran his hands through his beard.
Your friend
Im Salvos!
Salvos piped up, smiling. He narrowed his eyes.
Yes, you. You didnt make a mere singr error. Yourpse of judgement was conducted for a prolonged period of time.
What do you mean?
She cocked her head, and he red.
First of all, you entered the airspace of Shedos without a flight permit. Flying is only allowed by those who have paid to undergo a rigorous test to learn and understandmon flying etiquette. Without it, youd be allowed free rein to spread terror as you did by flying into Mavos Academy.
Huh. I didnt know that.
Next, when you actually arrived at Mavos Academy, you saw the day barrier over the school and decided to tear your way through it with your own magic. If you had caused significant enough damage, the [Mages] maintaining the spell wouldve thought you to be enough of a threat to expend unnecessary resources for the emergency barrier. That would have been hundreds of tinum wasted for no good reason.
I thought it was there to keep out monsters!
Lastly
The Headmasters brows snapped together.
When students and members of the faculty fled from you in fear, how did you not once think you were making a mistake and paused your course of action?
Uh
She had no reply. Instead, she just scratched her chin.
Because I didnt think about it?
He stared at her. His irritation had bubbled up, simmering like a burning cauldron. But instead of bursting out like a failed alchemical mixture, it released in an exhausted sigh.
This is as expected.
Saffron blinked. As expected? Salvos was also surprised. He continued as he flicked a finger, and papers shot up around him.
Salvos. Savior of Silvergrove. The unknown young woman who yed the Greater Demon terrorizing an entire country two years ago. Who remained unaffiliated with the Adventurers Guild and was immediately granted the Rank of Gold.
He dismissed the first sheets of paper, before more flew up around him.
Salvos, the young woman responsible for eradicating a cult to the northeast of Warrington. Salvos, the ally of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Salvos, the first who reported on the Primeval Demon in Motharis. And most recently, Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds. The one responsible for freeing the gunds from the Lich of Zacharius himself. That is you, correct?
Saffron gaped. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she faced the silver-haired woman, trying to work her jaw. Salvos did all that? Thats impossible! But
Thats me!
Salvos just nodded eagerly, not even a hint of hesitation in her voice. The Headmaster rubbed at his temples.
In a few years, youve aplished what many prominent figures in history could never even rival. For someone to achieve these feats, youd either have to be a genius that outshines even the Immortal King Alexander himself, or be a fool so incredibly lucky that youve managed to survive for this long despite your recklessness.
Hey, thats rude!
She paused. Then she nced at Saffron with uncertainty.
Wait, thats rude, right? Did yton just insult me?
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy took in a deep and annoyed breath.
However, now that I have seen your antics, I am more than certain it is thetter and not the former. So, Ms Salvos, Liberator of the gunds, tell me: what sense possessed you in the past month to decide pursuing a proper education over a suicidal death fighting in the Bloodied Gulf?
There was a moment of hesitation. Salvos didnt know what to say. Eventually, she managed to muster up a shrug.
Its because I Ive never heard of this Bloodied Gulf ce?
yton shut his eyes as Saffron gave her an urgent look. Are you crazy? Do you want to get yourself killed?
Saffron had only seen yton once before, so she wasnt sure what kind of a character he was, but she had heard rumors of his hot temper. He wasnt quick to anger. Yet, when he was truly angered, his wrath was unmatched by anyone else in the world. After all, he was over Level 160. One of the highest-leveled individuals in the world.
And very likely the highest-leveled Human [Mage] in the world.
Also, its because I realize that Im still so weak. Too often, I have had to rely on chance to survive.
Salvos spoke up, serious for the first time. Her gaze zed over for a moment, as if she were recalling something from the past.
Ive seen strength which I cant match. And I wish to attain it for myself. I have goals. Things I want to do and cant do if I continue doing things as I always did.
So, youve had an epiphany. A sudden jolt of wisdom that points out all your ring ws.
The Headmaster crossed his arms, taking a seat. She nodded.
Yes. But it wasnt sudden. It was something I slowly came to. And only fully realized when I fought Belzu.
Belzu?
He frowned, and she shook her head.
The Demon rampaging through Nixa.
Ah, of course. The Primeval Demon. And youre saying you fought it?
I tried to.
Salvos scowled.
He defeated me without even being there. With nothing but his residual magic, I waspletely overwhelmed. I only survived because of the artifacts I had on me, and mypanions.
I see.
yton Skyshredder seemed to consider this for a moment, before turning his attention to Saffron. She tensed up as he spoke.
Saffron Merryster. You are the one who rmended that Salvos enroll in Mavos Academy, are you not?
Y-yes!
She squeaked, much to her own embarrassment.
And why did you think it was a good idea for someone as crass as her to enroll in our fine institution?
I thought
Saffron took a calming breath. She was making a fool out of herself.
I believed that Salvos would have learned much in Mavos Academy. It is as youve said, Headmaster. She is unrefined. The lessons she can be taught here would be invaluable. And itd be a symbiotic rtionship. Mavos Academy could produce someone whose name goes down in history, while shed be able to realize her full potential.
Nodding, yton nced over at Salvos.
And do you agree with Lady Saffron, Ms Salvos?
The silver-haired woman paused. A thoughtful look crossed her face.
I think so?
He clicked his tongue.
Do you believe youd be able to carry the name of Mavos Academy with dignity and respect?
Salvos opened her mouth. But she didnt say anything. She tilted her head up, tapping a finger on her chin. Then she breathed deeply, steeling herself. When she met his gaze, she waspletely cool.
I will.
The Headmaster stood up.
Very well.
Documents and pieces of paper followed him as he walked around his desk, stopping only before the pair of women.
You cannot enroll in Mavos Academys main school itself. Its curriculum is suited for those using a term youd be familiar with who are equivalent to a Gold Rank adventurer. However, Mavos Academy does have a program for individuals who have reached Level 100 and unlocked their second ss. The School of Aspiring Elites.
He snatched a piece of paper out of the air and handed it to Salvos.
The School of Aspiring Elites doesnt ept enrollment once the current ss graduates. But it is currently the beginning of the academic cycle. So, I will be overriding that rule and epting you into the school myself when you have met the regr conditions for entry.
She read it aloud.
A lump sum of 100 tinum. Being at Level 100 for my first ss. And reaching my first ss advancement for my second ss?
Then she squinted at thest bullet point.
And a ten page personal statement as to why I should be epted into the School of Aspiring Elites.
Understand, Ms Salvos, that it will be read and its quality judged by various members of the academic board. So, what you write has to bepelling enough to sway a majority of the readers.
There was no hesitation. She looked up, taking a pen out of the air and signed the sheet.
Ill be ready by next week.
Both the Headmaster and Saffron stared at her. Only the former rspoke.
Recklessness will only serve to punish you.
But I wont be reckless.
She smiled.
After all, Ive learned from my friend Saffron here, and I will reach my next ss advancement at Level 35.
It was a bold im. But it earned a chuckle from yton.
So, you wish to be both the fool and the genius. Very well. I look forward to seeing your academic achievements when you do enroll into the School of Aspiring Elites. Until then, the both of you are dismissed.
He waved a hand off, and the pair left.
--
Youre lucky Headmaster yton Skyshredder enrolled you himself.
Saffron spoke as the pair stood on an enchanted tform, rapidly descending, protected by a bubble-like barrier.
Honestly, even though this was such a hassle, it somehow ended up ending well for you.
Mm, yep.
Salvos nodded, not exactly paying attention. Her head was raised as if she was thinking about something. Saffron nced at her as the descent slowed and they reached the first floor.
He rarely ever speaks with anyone even kings and queens and hes the only one who couldve gotten you into the School of Aspiring Elites. Its a two year program, you know? You would have had to wait two years to try again.
Huh, really?
They stepped out of the tform and left the tower. Matthew greeted them at the front, bowing to Saffron with an ornate Bag of Holding at his back. Saffron recognized what it was immediately. She pursed her lips.
Salvos, Ive missed my ss
Actually, Saffron, Ive got to go.
Spinning around, the silver-haired woman met her gaze.
I want to catch up too, butI have to reach Level 35 as soon as possible and prove to yton that Im not just a reckless idiot.
Oh, right.
Well speak again next time, alright?
She was already waving as she ran off. Saffron blinked and folded her arms.
Well, that was easier than I thought it would be.
Lady Saffron, I have brought a package for you. From your parents.
The young noble nced at him, sighing.
I do wish you brought two bottles with you. After the events of today, I may need a little more.
I apologize, Lady Saffron. But I did try to advise her not to destroy Mavos Academys barrier.
She massaged her temples. Of course Salvos would ignore him Saffron froze.
Wait, Matthew, you told Salvos about the barrier?
I believe I tried to stop her. But she sped up and I mustve lost consciousness at some point after.
But she said that she
Saffron bit her lower lip. Wait, did that mean?
What else did you tell Salvos? Did you tell her about the School of Aspiring Elites? About Mavos Academys Headmaster? And when did you teach her how to use the Communication Crest?
I taught her how to use the Communication Crestst night. And as for Headmaster yton and the School of Aspiring Elites, I spoke to her about it this morning.
You did?
Saffron blinked. And she realized that both she and Headmaster yton Skyshredder were yed by the fool herself.
She did that all on purpose
The young noble scowled.
That idiot.
Chapter 177: Interlude - Daniels Debate
Chapter 177: Interlude - Daniel''s Debate
177. Interlude - Daniel''s Debate
A young man sat in a bar, downing a tankard of ale. It tasted terrible. Iparable to the beer he once drowned himself in years ago. There was a rambunctious atmosphere with peopleughing and dancing and chatting and singing. He didnt partake in any of that.
He was all by himself. Alone. Not just in the sense that he was brooding, with his unkempt ck hair falling down to his shoulders, and his hollow brown eyes staring down at the yellow liquid as he stayed to himself. He was also all by himself, without his friends, in a country he had never been to before.
Salvos and Edithe. Those were the names of his friends. One of them wore the guise of a beautiful young woman with moonlight limned silver hair and a mischievous smile that hid a hint of childlike curiosity. The other was a kind and bold redhead, whose powerful magic rivalled that of her strong personality.
It had only been a few weeks since hest saw them, but they were the only truepany he had for so long. And that was because of thest reason:
He was from another world.
Daniel Song. [Hero]. Coward. And a normal young man who grew up on the civilized called Earth. He didnt have to fight every day of his life. Nor was he responsible for anyone but himself.
But now, he finally returned to the ce where his adventure began. Where he lost everything he thought he had and was given everything he thought he wanted. The Elutra Kingdom.
It was where he was summoned into Nexeus. Told hed be fighting for a grand cause. And realized that it was all nothing but a web of lies.
He left. But he came back. Because of rumors he heard. That of Demons and sacrifices. All he had to do was cross the border up ahead, and hed be able to find out if princess Faith of Elutra had been lying to him again.
It was simple. It was only a ten mile trek. He could evade any guards that tried to stop him. Fend them off, even. Especially considering his level. A Level 103 [Hero]. He had a second ss too. But it wasntparable to his [Hero] ss.
But he hadnt left. A week passed, and he was still here. He stayed in this inn, sitting at its bar, drinking himself to sleep every day. Why didnt he go? He had mustered up the energy the courage to act when he was around his friends. But now that Daniel found himself alone again, he couldnt bring himself to fight.
What even was the point?
He waved a hand, asking for another drink. The [Bartender], for his part, didnt question Daniel. No one bothered him during his time spent wasting away in the inn at this border town in the Inoria Empire. His level was more than twice the highest-leveled individual here.
They simply let him drink to his hearts content.
And drink he did. He ordered another, and another, and another, even as his tab racked up from silver to gold coins. He didnt care. He had the money. Thousands of tinum coins he could easily withdraw from any Merchants Guild.
Was Daniel being a coward? Of course not. He had already resolved himself to going through with this. Just maybe next week. He wasnt in any rush, right?
War wasnt something that wasnt resolved in a year or even two years. He could wait just a little longer. At least, that was what he was telling himself to feel better.
He sighed as heid his head on the table, still gripping his tankard. He wouldve dozed off right there if not for the figure that approached him from his peripheral vision.
Is this seat taken?
A pretty voice asked. Daniel nced up to see a young woman, around his age, with her brown hair tied into a braid. She smiled sweetly at him as he bumbled his way into sitting up.
[Farmer - Lvl 13]
Are you talking to me?
He tried his best not to slur his words, although he was too drunk to be able to tell if he seeded or not. She nodded.
Yes! I was wondering if I could have this seat.
She gestured at the stool next to him, and he slowly shrugged.
I guess?
Great!
Daniel tried to mind his own business. He avoided meeting her gaze as she pulled the seat out and plopped herself onto it. Why was she sitting next to him? There were a dozen other empty seats at the bar, but she chose to sit next to him. Why?
His drunk mind raced through all the possibilities, but it could onlye to one conclusion. And it just made him want to shrink away. But she spoke up.
Im Amanda. Whats your name?
Oh, uh, Im Daniel.
He scratched the back of his head, staring intensely at the cupboard of alcohol ahead.
Ive seen you around. Youve been drinking every day for the past few weeks. Do you like alcohol that much?
She giggled, and Daniel flushed.
T-thats I just have bad memories I want to forget. Thats all.
It wasnt a lie. He sunk his lips into his drink as he tried to wash away his sorrow. He wanted to go back. He wanted to see her again. He wanted to
But he couldnt. He couldnt forget. He couldnt go back. He couldnt see
Youre an adventurer, right?
Amandas cooed, her voice dragging him out of the echoing chamber of his miserable mind.
I am.
I hear its tough work. My Dad used to be an adventurer until he started a farm here. Now, Im just a [Farmhand], trying to help her pops out.
I see.
He didnt feel obliged to give her more than a short response. He downed his tankard, ready to take his leave. But she leaned forward, hugging his hands, holding him down.
Say, if adventuring is bad for you, why not try settling down like my Dad did?
Daniel paused. Settle down? He considered that many times. He even tried, when he had just fled Elutra. But now it was more of an alluring idea than ever.
He didnt know why that was. Just that Amandas words were captivating. He med it on being drunk, so he tried to excuse himself once again.
Im sorry, but I
Why dont you have another drink? Lets just chat for a bit.
She circled around him, smiling.
Ive just been watching you sit all alone, as if you need someone to talk to. Come on, Im sure talking about it will make you feel better, right?
He hesitated. Well, the sun had just set, right? He nced out the window, confirming that it was barely past twilight. Going to bed so early would be a waste of a day. He found himself being settled down by the girl as she ordered him another tankard of ale.
So, tell me about yourself.
--
Amanda was beautiful.
Or at least, Daniel thought she was, even after he sobered up a bit. He stopped drinking as much, and spent more time just speaking with her.
And she wasnt just beautiful in looks alone. The way she spoke, the way sheughed, the way she smiled whenever they made eye contact he thought she had to be someone with a soul as beautiful as she looked.
...and honestly, Im d my Dad asked me to stay
She also wasnt someone overlyplex. She was a simple girl with a simple outlook in life. And that was what attracted Daniel to her the most.
Amanda ced a hand on his shoulder as his face burned from more than just alcohol. She opened her mouth and the [Bartender] mmed an empty ss on the table.
Sorry, bars closed.
Oh, Im so sorry, Jerome.
She stood up, proffering Daniel a hand. He epted it, following her out of the inn. She nced up at the stars.
Its a calm night.
Her voice was cool like the night wind. Amanda nced over in the distance, her face lowering.
Sometimes, you can hear the sounds of armies marching into Elutra. The noises of battle and war. Its just scary.
I
Daniel wasnt sure what to say. He saw her solemn look, and felt inclined to act.
I can walk you home.
She brightened and turned to him.
Really? Youll do that for me?
Yes.
He was just apanying a scared and lonely girl back to her farm, right? She lived just outside of the town, so he was doing what was right. Especially since monsters existed.
Thank you.
She hugged his arm once more and began to lead him down a beaten path.
Say, are you really sure you dont want to just settle down?
Amanda spoke up as they left the small buildings behind them. Daniel pursed his lips.
What do you mean?
With me.
She was blunt, and that only made him blush even harder. He tried to avert his gaze, but she was pressed up to him now.
I think I really like you. I know its only been one night. But I feel like we really connected there.
I
Daniel snapped his mouth shut, before he could say anything hed regret. But it didnt sound so bad, did it? To live a simple life without fighting and killing and war and politics? The life he had back on Earth.
No, he tried to tell himself. You cant. You have a girlfriend
But that wasnt true, was it? Emily was dead. She died years ago, even before he was kidnapped to this world. And this girl she did look like Emily, didnt she?
Daniel wasnt sure if it was because his vision was a haze, but Amandas brown hair, soothing voice, and round eyes reminded him of Emily.
She wasnt an unrivalled beauty like hed never seen before: she was in and pretty. And she had a big, open heart. That entranced him.
But he couldnt
What do you say?
She paused, facing him with a smile. Daniel froze. If he rejected her here, that smile would break. And hed be forced to watch it shatter like ss. He didnt want that.
So, he took a deep breath, taking in the cherry sweet scent of her perfume. It was familiar, somehow. But it only emboldened him to protect her smile. Daniel opened his mouth.
Ye
But he froze. He sniffed once again, standing this close to Amanda. Her perfume was at full force. It tried to choke an answer out of him.
She tilted her head as he pushed her away. The feeling grew muffled, but it was still there.
Youre doing something to me, arent you?
W-what?
Amanda stepped forward, but he shoved her back. Again, the feeling seemed to dissipate. It wasnt fully gone. Not as long as Amanda was around him.
What are you talking about, Daniel?
She stared at him, aghast. He reached for his sword, but realized he mustve left it in his room like a damn idiot.
Stay back!
He raised a fist.
Why are you acting like this? Why
Dont y stupid with me. Ive been affected by mind magic before. By a Skill that makes you lose your senses. I know what its like. You your perfume. Theres something in it. I dont know what kind of alchemical mixture it is, but youre trying to seduce me.
Amandas eyes widened. She tried to work her jaw. She seemed genuinely confused for a moment. Then her gaze darkened.
Ugh, you really shouldve just gone along with it.
Wh
And sheshed out. A double-ded dagger shed into her hand, pulled by some magic, as she swung at him.
He took a step back, barely dodging the attack as it nicked his hair. Poison. He saw the green tips of the weapon. Cant let myself get touched. He jumped away from her as she spun around, pulling a copper ring from her finger. It was had blended in with her skin, like it wasnt even there, and now that it was gone, Daniel could identify her again.
[Rogue - Lvl 117]
She chuckled, shaking her head.
You couldve died a blissful death. In ecstasy. Happy. But now, you''ll have to suffer.
Who are you?
Daniel took up a defensive stance with only his fists.
As I told you, Im Amanda. But others know me as the Silent Serpent. One of the Harrowed Vindicators best assassins.
She shook her head, smirking cruelly, any pretext of a kind girl she had from before gone.
And youre the [Hero] of Elutra, arent you?
He didnt answer, and she cackled.
Say, what did you think would happen to you when you stepped foot into the Inoria Empire. You know, the country thats hired assassins to kill you? Dont you think someones going to decide and take that thousand tinum bounty on your head?
She spread her arms wide.
Im the lucky one who got to you first. But honestly, you were so pathetic that I thought I got the wrong guy. I wont be surprised if Edward the Shadower or Vern the Deft Killer found you first but decided you werent worth killing.
Daniel narrowed his eyes.
Are they also from the Harrowed Vindicators?
Of course.
Amanda snorted.
And there are many more out there searching for you. But Ill be the only one to reap the reward.
Her face twisted as she edged forward. Daniel took a step back, still slightly wobbly and dizzy from the alcohol.
Say, youre a [Hero], arent you? How about you show me what youve got!
She dashed forward, like a bullet tearing through the air. She moved fast. Too fast for Daniel to dodge this time.
[Savage Step]. [Pinpoint Strike]. [Charge of a Thousand de].
Daniel didnt try to dodge. He didnt even try to run. All he did was raise a hand, speaking softly.
[Will of the Hero].
Light engulfed him. Her dagger went flying as his body shed. Amanda blinked and stumbled back, but he grabbed her by the arm.
How
[Heros sh].
Daniel brought his fist down at her face. It was ovee by a gleaming light. It broke through all theyers of protection she wore in an instant. He smashed her into the earth, and a crater opened up below.
Shey crumpled at his feet, barely even twitching. Barely alive.
Hgnh
Amanda tried to stand up, but he forced her back down, tightly squeezing her arms. She screamed.
You tricked me! You yed with my heart! You tried to kill me!
Her agonized cry slowly turned to augh. One that was still clearly in pain.
This is a [Hero]!
Sheughed andughed as blood sputtered out of her mouth. Shaking her head, shepletely ignored Daniels rage.
Seriously, and I thought I could fight this?
He mmed her back down and the ground trembled. But she stillughed.
This is good job, you did what thousands of others have failed to do. You bested me in battle. And with a single blow too!
Do you think this is a joke?
Daniel was in a rage. He had never been this angered before. Perhaps it was because of the feeling of betrayal he felt and all the sorrow he had pent uping out at once. But all he saw was red.
She squirmed underneath his grip as her bones began to break.
May urk be? Its kind of funny. Especially considering that youll still die, anyway.
He paused.
What do you mean?
Oh,e on now.
She mustered up a grin.
Did you think the assassins would stop with me? Youre in the Inoria Empire. And most of Elutra is now a part of the Inoria Empire too. Maybe if you return to the gunds, youll be safe. But here? Youre in our territory.
Daniel frowned.
I see.
He came here to help save Elutra or at least, investigate what Faith had told him. But now, he now had high-leveled assassinsing after him like never before. And they only had one goal: to kill him.
Daniel, as miserable as he sometimes felt, knew he didnt want to die. He wanted to return to Earth some day, and leave this world behind. But if even that was taken away from him? Well, he wouldnt allow it. Not anymore.
Well, its a good thing I have you here. Because youll tell me where the base of the Harrowed Vindicators is. And Ill destroy them.
It was a dy. A short dy. One which would take a few days or weeks or months. But hey, what were a few months in war?
He punched Amanda in the face once more, knocking her out.
Chapter 178: Surprise
Chapter 178: Surprise
178. Surprise
I didnt fly as I left Mavos Academy. I didnt want to get in trouble a second time with yton, especially if it meant losing my chance of getting into the School of Aspiring Elites. I simply walked out. Time wasnt of the essence to me. A week was a lot of time.
I could easily reach Level 35 before a week passed. All I had to do was find a bunch of tough monsters and kill them with only my ss Skills. The more difficult part of this was actually getting a ss advancement at 35.
I asked Saffron about it, as we were on our way down from the tower. She was the first person I met who reached their advancement before 40. She couldnt give me any definitive answer.
Every ss advancement has a different requirement, she had said. To even get a ss advancement, youll have to meet specific requirements. Its just that most of them require you to be Level 40. But there are some rarer ones which only require you to be at Level 30 or 35. Since the level requirements are lower, the actual requirements to get these sses are far more specialized.
Now, all I had to do was do a bit of research and digging. The Mavos Academy library didnt allow non-students in. But there was a city just a few miles to the west.
So, the moment I left the premises of the academy, I ran for it. I stayed away from the roads, of course. I didnt want to scare anyone who saw me sending dust and dirt up into the air as I sprinted for Wimborne.
It was a city right by the ocean, with a glittering beach that ran three quarters of the way around its perimeter. Its walls werent tall. But it had a thin barrier that barely wasted any mana surrounding it like a dome. I was pretty sure the only reason they had it was because they were situated next to Mavos Academy.
I slowed down as I approached the city. I paused, ncing at the long line of people waiting to get in. There was one entrance used for [Traders], and another for adventurers. There werent that many adventurers, but the ones there looked friendly, to say the least.
I wouldve just marched up behind them, however Ive learned my lesson. I closed my eyes and focused.
I was Salvos. Archdemon of Pride. [Daeva Cambion]. And also, [Adept of the Fae].
I just had to concentrate on thatst part and I hoped for the best. I stepped up behind a Level 48 [Mage], tapping him on the shoulder.
Hi!
He turned around.
What
He blinked as he saw me. I hesitated. Does he see my main level? I tried to do what Lily told me. Did I do it wrong?
But the man didnt step back in awe and wonder. He grabbed me by the hand, kissing it.
Ah, greetings. I am Jacob Axworth. An adventurer and a noble. I know, it may seem foolish for someone with my status to pursue adventurer, but it is my passion. Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss?
I cocked my head at the way he was acting.
Oh. Im Salvos. Im new here.
A new adventurer, ah I see. Are you not with a team?
I pointed past him as the line moved, and he shuffled forward without looking.
I have a team! But theyre not with me right now, so Im alone.
Thats terrible! How could they let a fine, young woman such as you wander such a dangerous city on your own?!
He was aghast. He ced a hand on his chest, but I just raised my head slightly.
Is Wimborne that dangerous?
Well, perhaps for someone at your level.
He nodded knowingly.
You see, adventurers are, as always, a rowdy bunch. And many of the men are persistent yet crass. They cant take no for an answer. Normally, in one of the smaller cities, someone at your level would be able to ward them off just by being close to Gold. But s, this city attracts Gold Ranks. Perhaps it is due to our vicinity to the famed and esteemed Mavos Academy, but the average level of adventurers residing here is 35!
I frowned. Then I couldnt help but grin. That was good! So, what I did definitely worked. For some reason, the man smiled as he watched my lips quirk up.
We reached the gates of the city and showed our adventurer badges to the guards. He had apany pass, which got a nod from the guards. But they stopped me.
Those not affiliated with the Storm Swords Company will have to pay a 2 gold fee for entry.
Sure
I was about to dig into my pockets to produce the coins when Jacob spoke up.
Shes with me. Theres no need to worry.
He winked for whatever reason, and the guards reluctantly let me through. I smiled at him.
Thank you.
See, Edithe? I remember my manners! If only she was here to watch me navigate the intricacies of Human social interaction like some sort of master.
Jacob waved a hand off.
It is no issue. I am rather influential within mypany, you see. And I assure you, if you stick with me, youll be fine even amongst the most bovine and rude of men.
He bowed slightly, proffering me his hand. I stared at him.
Nope. Sorry!
He blinked as I dashed past him, waving goodbye.
Thanks for the offer though! Ive gotta run!
I ran off as he watched. Probably speechless by how respectful and well-mannered I was to him.
--
Does the Adventurers Guild really not have any records about this?
I apologize, but we only have a glossary of the local monsters around Wimborne. The kind of information youre looking for is normally provided bypanies or by libraries.
But I already went to the library! I wanted to throw my hands up in frustration, but I stopped myself. I wasnt going to cause a scene. I had to be socially aware, or whatever.
Thanks for your help.
I sighed, bowing my head, before bowing out of the guild. That was a waste of time. Maybe I could go to the localpany. Storm Swords, right? I now had a friend there, anyway. And I was certain hed be kind enough to help me!
I marched up to thepany building at the city square. I knocked on the door, and fortunately for me, Jacob himself opened the door.
Hey
I started, but was cut off as he mmed the door shut.
Um, hello?
I rapped on the door a few more times, but heard no response. I shrugged. Guess hes busy. I headed off, aimlessly searching for anything that could help me.
There were people selling fish. Lots of fish. And some people were selling things like apples and pears and whatever fruits. Some were selling vegetables and bread. But most were selling fish.
I waded my way through the stalls of fishes and the weird whistling sound people kept making as I passed by them, reaching the docks. I walked down its side as [Fishers] shouted, trying to sell more fish.
I didnt care about most of them. But one of them caught my attention. And that was because he wasnt selling fish.
An older man stood atop a small wooden boat. He had a scar across his cheek and a single eyepatch over his left eye. His right leg was missing ,reced with a wooden peg, but he still gesticted wildly with all the energy of a man half his age and all their body parts.
Aye! Listen ere yend dwellers. Ye know not the secrets of the deep! There be legends and stories of the things thaty beyond. The creatures that lurk underneath in the darkness hide secrets and artifacts that will make any man richer than a king!
I halted before him, along with a pair of children and a burly man with crossed arms.
What are you yapping about, old man?
The burly man, a Level 64 [Warrior], frowned. The [Fisher] continued.
Ye see, the ocean holds many things within it. Lost to time from storms and the things thate with it. A hundred years ago, when I was as old as ye, a Cyclops came to this very port to bring his wares to thend of the Elves. He was a fool who had never set sailed even once in his life! And he was in a rush to go. So he bought the vessel of [Fisher] not like I! One who had a crew already with it! And he left during the new moon, when the sea was at its highest and the clouds covered the sky.
The children leaned forward, eagerly listening to his tale. And I did too. But the burly man seemed uninterested. Still, the old man regaled his story.
The Cyclops embarked when all the wise [Fishers] were anchored in Wimborne! But the waves were too harsh. It knocked him off course. Out into the ocean beyond the Enclosed Sea. Where he was never heard from again. Not until now.
The [Fisher] shed a toothy smile as he produced a bottle with a piece of parchment within.
Ive found a map that takes you to the ind where Gukzar was shipwrecked! He leaves notes within it. One that details the path he took and how he went there. He believes himself to be lost a hundred miles off the coast of the Elvennds, to the northwest of here. On a small archipgo with a volcano in thergest ind.
He chuckled, pocketing the bottle.
Of course, Gukzar is long dead. Even if he survived the harsh monsters said to be in the ind, hed have passed from old age. But he imed to still have his wares with him. Treasures so rare that even the Watcher himself would desire them! Secrets of sses that have never been heard before.!
I perked up as the [Fisher] spread his arms wide.
Will you join me in my grand quest?
I stepped forward.
I will!
The [Fisher] blinked. He stared at me, then scoffed, gesturing at the two children.
Go away, girl. y with the children as youre supposed to. Im making this offer to that gentleman over there.
I paused as the burly man rubbed his chin.
Huh?
I am not sure. I dont think the risk is worth it. What level are the monsters on this ind again?
Hello?
They are said to be between Level 40 and Level 70. So, it is surely something youd be able to handle, yes?
I can help
Ill have to consult my team. But this seems far too risky when there isnt any guarantee of a reward.
Why would I want to y with children when I can go?
Oh shut up, girl!
The [Fisher] snapped, ring at me.
If you truly wish to go, then go by yerself! I will not take a girl like ye to a job for men!
Fine!
I took a step back as he took in an annoyed breath.
Its to the northwest, right? An archipgo with a volcano near the Elvennds?
Yes, yes. Leave us alone. Now as I was saying
I produced a map Daniel had given me. He taught me how to read it, and I found Wimborne at the very edge of thend area of the map, to the northwestern side of the Humannds. The Enclosed Sea was the body of water just above the Humannds, while the rest of the ocean beyond was justbeled the deep.
There was an arrow pointing to the Elvennds, although they didnt show the actual detailed geography of where the Elves lived. There was a rough measurement of how much distance a hundred miles is on the map at the bottom right, next to the cardinal directions. And I nodded to myself.
Alright. I can do this. I wont get lost this time.
The [Fisher] continued speaking with the [Warrior] as I readied to depart.
Yes, I assure ye, the reward is ther
He paused as a blue glow overcame the docks. I spread my wings wide open, shielding the boney shape with a coat of mes. Everyone in the docks stared at me as I spread my wings wide, preparing to take off. The [Fisher]s jaw dropped.
Wh
And with a single p of my wings, I was gone. I shot up into the air, trying to ascend as gently as I could so I didnt knock away the crowd at the docks with the strong wind. It only toppled the old [Fisher] over probably because of his peg leg. But I shouted an apology as I flew away.
Huh. I wonder if Ill get in trouble for flying without a permit.
I sure hoped not. But I was already headed for my next destination the archipgo with a volcano.
Chapter 179: Mountain Island
Chapter 179: Mountain Ind
179. Mountain Ind
I soared above the ocean, its pure surface reflecting the sky back up to me. Or was the sky reflecting the ocean? I wasnt actually sure. All I knew was that it was blue just as the sky was blue. And it looked pretty.
It glittered and sparkled like there were thousands of crystals and gems sewn onto theyers of the rippling waves. I flew close to the water as my skin shifted. My body changed. And I was no longer a Human. No longer a mortal.
I was Salvos, a Demon, flying with my wings like bones.
I could do whatever I want! I was free to do whatever I wanted! Even as I cut a hand through the water surface, leaving a trail of sshing water behind in the sea.
Apparently, that was a bad idea.
I saw a shadow emerge from the deep sea. A figure of ck, almost rotund from where I was. [Passive - A Hunters Sense] warned me of what was toe, and I immediately zipped out of the way.
Arge fish shot out of the water. It reminded me of the ones I saw back in Wimborne. Except bigger. Much bigger. It was probably three times the size of a house!
It had four fins, two on each side of its body, and a jagged de-like shape protruding from its back, gleaming ck.
[Hollow Whaleshark - Lvl 43]
Are you serious?
I bared my teeth, epting the challenge as I watched the monster sink back into the sea. It circled around me as the ck de on its back shone.
Do you really think you can
I paused right in the middle of creating a Nebr Bow. Im not supposed to use my Subspecies Right, I forgot about that.
A beam of dark energy shot up, and I flew out of the way.
Huh. How am I supposed to deal with you?
It wasrge. Veryrge for a Level 43 monster. I had only a few Skills for my ss. [Banish] and [Spatial Sight] were of no use. But I knew some space magic. Like how to carry things with invisible hands. Or how to crush them. Or how to teleport.
But I couldnt carry a monster thisrge. Nor could I crush it. Unless
I narrowed my eyes as I watched the Hollow Whaleshark prepare to shoot up into the air. An idea crossed my mind.
Youre gonna wanna try to level up more before you try and eat me, jerk!
I dove down as it exploded from the water. It tried to mp its jaws around me but I teleported past its dozens ofyers of teeth, straight down its throat. Acid poured out of its insides. It began to rise as I went deeper down its gullet, before tearing through the side. I heard a screech as the entire creature shook. But I was too preupied searching for its heart to care.
Probably not going to gain as much experience from doing this!
I found the beating, deformed shape, held up by veins and arteries. I raised a hand from a distance, making a squeezing motion. And magic gripped the heart. It began topress, crushed by space itself. I could feel it in my hands, even if I wasnt actually touching it. It was very, very hard. Solid, like a rock.
Still, even as the entire monsters being shook, I continued to tighten my grip around it. I grunted as I felt mana being inefficiently poured into the spell, tiring me. But I wasnt here to refine my magic or use Skills.
I was here to kill monsters, level, and find a good ss advancement.
Die you stupid thing!
Blood seeped out of pores forming on the surface of the heart. Before it finally exploded.
It burst open from the top and bottom as its side was squished into a pulp. A sound resounded in my head as the monster stopped shaking, suddenly rapidly descending.
Defeated [Hollow Whaleshark - Level 43]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I tore my way out of the giant fish, wondering why I didnt gain any additional experience. Its because I didnt just use my ss, isnt it?
Oh well. There was plenty of time to go. And the best part was? I didnt need to sleep!
I continued to fly over the ocean as the sun set and night fell over the world. Dark clouds gathered over the sky, bringing with it a storm. And soon, I found out, monsters of the deep too.
--
Defeated [Hollow Whaleshark - Level 41]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [The Deeps Tendrils - Level 46]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Aquatic Tigereel - Lvl 35]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 32] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 33]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I thought sea monsters were supposed to remain in the water!
I wasnt averse to fighting. I wouldnt just attack anything without any reason; if there was due cause, Id definitely fight a Human even if they didnt confront me. But there was a spectrum from mindless to creatures which could actually think.
And these underwater creatures seemed to fall into the more mindless side of thinking. Maybe it only seemed that way because they were the ones attacking me, and the ones which were actually smart didnt. Regardless, I held no apprehension about killing them.
They were just really annoying. And they didnt give an amazing amount of experience either!
But eventually, the storm subsided. Light returned to the sky, and I could continue my search.
So, the sun is rising from there, and that means Im supposed to be going there. I see.
I could see snowynds to the east. I was certain that those were the Elvennds Humans kept talking about. As long as I was high enough up and could see it, I had to be traveling in the right direction, right?
An archipgo and a volcano. Im searching for an archipgo and a volcano.
I continued on until the sun was at its zenith. That was when I spotted the first set of inds littering the ocean surface. It formed a semi circle, with the inds growingrger towards the center. I flew over it, narrowing my eyes.
It definitely seems like it was the right distance from the Elvennds. There even were signs of a shipwreck at the very edge of one of the small inds. But something was off.
It doesnt have a volcano!
Instead of a mountainous peak at the center ind, there was a massive depression. A hole. Like a crater. And around this basin was a rocky floor that seemed to almost leak into the ocean. I snapped my fingers.
This cant be it! Time to continue!
I proceeded with my flight, grabbing a handful of snacks quickly as I passed over the ind, nicking the bugs that swarmed over its canopy of trees. Another day passed, although it was filled with less fighting as no storm came at night.
A few monsters attacked me. But these were lower-leveled than the previous ones. So, I disposed of them with ease and no levels gained, crushing them out of the air. I passed by more inds more archipgos and found nothing. A thought crossed my mind that I mightve been lost. I mean, I was going further and further east, wasnt I?
Not until the dawn of the next day. I saw a string of inds, like a line, with hills and valleys on each of them, progressively growing taller until peaking at the center ind, before reducing in height as it continued.
There it is!
I perked up and began to descend. But I paused.
Is that a mountain or a volcano?
I was pretty sure that it was a mountain, not a volcano. Although, werent mountains just volcanos? That was what Daniel told me once. The only difference was volcanos threatened to shootva out from time to time, but not always.
And this perfectly fits the description that [Fisher] gave me. Gukzar the Cyclops had to be here, right? In fact was that his ship over at the center ind?
I headed straight down as I saw specks moving on the pearly white beach. Figures with swords and bows fended off creatures skittering rapidly out of the trees. The undting shapes moved fast, even on the sand. And they dug into it too, leaping out like spring traps all around the beach.
I recognized the monsters immediately.
Centinels.
Their segmented bodies were covered by a thick shell that was always so annoyingly hard to break. They streamed out by the dozens, snapping their dangerous mandibles at the small figures protecting the ship.
I didnt recognize these people. They didnt look like Humans, which was the only reason why I dared approach them without transforming into a mortal. Well Kobolds hated Demons too. But Cyclopes did not, right?
They werent that high-leveled. They were struggling to fight off the [Junior Centinels], so I highly doubted they could do anything against me even if they tried. So, I swooped down anyway, grabbing one of the Centinels as it leapt at a female figure.
She was short about four foot tall, with incredibly pale skin, rosey cheeks, and bright orange hair. Her scream was high-pitched. Shrill. But she stopped when she realized the Centinel was just floating in the air, wriggling. She blinked.
What in
I hurled the Centinel high up into the air, back into the forest, as Inded before her. I ced my hands on my hips, letting my wings return into my body, fixing her with a look.
Hi, Im Salvos!
Erm, h-hi? Im Visanya?
Im here to save you and your leader!
Her small eyes widened as I heard a skittering rapidly approaching me.
Behind
I spun around, digging my ws deep into the [Junior Centinel]s underbelly. Blood oozed around my ws as it struggled, before its entire body snapped in half, and I tossed it aside.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 52]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
They were too tough for me to deal with using my ss. Or at least, too annoying to kill.
Visanya stared at me with her jaw dropped as I let the Centinel for. Another voice deeper in cadence, but just as high-pitched called out to her.
What are you doing, Vis? Pick up your bow! Theyre swarming us!
The man raised a gray staff, aiming it at an iing Centinel. Visanya struggled to her feet, but I shook my head.
Its fine. Ill deal with them.
Before she could say another word, I spun around and opened my mouth.
Burn.
The Centinels froze before they were incinerated. All the dozens of them filling the beach were turned to ash, just like that. The sand, touched by my mes, turned to ss. A blue aura overcame the beach for moments, making it seem like it was the ocean or the sky. But it was over soon after it began.
I took a step back, dusting my hands off. When I spun back around, I saw a dozen little figures gaping at me. The man who spoke to Visanya had his eyes bulging out of its sockets. Then he dropped to his knees.
H-how?
Then he hurriedly bowed.
Oh mighty Demon, immortal of the Netherworld, why have youe here?
The rest followed suit. Visanya too. Her head dropped to the sand as her pointed ears aimed at the sky.
Im here to speak with Gukzar!
I announced. And I sauntered up to him casually, proffering my hand. He hesitated, cracking an eye open as he looked up at me. I tried to smile reassuringly.
And theres no need to be scared. Just call me Salvos, alright?
I-I see, mighty no, Salvos.
He straightened, letting out a soft cough, but he didnt meet my gaze.
I do apologize, but we know not who this Gukzar is.
Hes a Cyclops, I think. Hes supposed to be this tall, one eye? You dont know him?
Unfortunately, our crew hasnt made contact with any Cyclopes any time in this decade.
Aw, that sucks.
I glowered. So, this was the wrong ce, after all! Id have to go searching again, didnt I? I was about to go when I paused, ncing around at these people, barely more than half my height.
What are you, anyway? Ive never seen people like you before.
Us?
He didnt seem too keen to speak, but he did so anyway, oveing whatever apprehension he felt from being around me.
We are worker Elves, serving under the High Ruler Safylosnusa. We were supposed to deliver a shipment of eldergreen wood to the Dwarven states when a storm wrecked our ship a mere two nights ago.
Chapter 180: Centinels are Crap
Chapter 180: Centinels are Crap
180. Centinels are Crap
The Elf man I was speaking to was called Nestern. His voice was squeaky at times, especially when he was stuttering over his words. I crossed my arms, listening to his exnation as he told me the story of how he and his crew ended up on this ind.
His ss wasnt exactly built for fighting. He was a Level 72 [Shipmaster Spellcaster]. He had Skills which were supposed to help navigate the ocean and its rocky seas. But unfortunately, abination of an unnaturally powerful storm and the monsters that came with it tore a hole in the ships hull two nights ago. Which was how they ended up here.
And ever since then, weve been fending off Centinel after Centinel. They keeping, no matter how many we kill
I nced over at the ship, lying on its side from being washed in by the waves. The Elves had pulled it further ind, but still at the beach, away from the dense forest apparently crawling with Centinels.
Sitting atop a broken wooden beam protruding from the sand, I nodded along as Nestern finished his exnation.
We think theres a Lair, deep within that mountain. Theye only in the morning or at night. So, were forced to collect wood in the afternoon to repair whats left of our ship. If we hope to leave this ce alive.
I see, I see. Thats very interesting.
I hopped off back onto the sand and patted a hand on Nesterns back.
Well, good luck with that. I currently have a dilemma myself. Im currently searching for Gukzar. I think I told you this, but hes a Cyclops. Supposed to be tall. And maybe old?
I shrugged as I stepped past the Elf.
Hes not here, even though I thought he would be. I mustve gotten lost somewhere. See you guys around!
I raised an arm as my wings spread out behind me. Nestern didnt say a word he just watched as I was about to leave, but a voice called out.
Wait!
I nced over at the Elf woman running in a hurry. She halted, panting with her hands on her knees. Visanya took a deep breath and gathered herself as I cocked my head.
Yes?
Please dont go!
She sputtered, much to my surprise.
Huh?
If you leave us, well be killed by those Centinels. Our mission is very important to High Ruler Safylosnusa! If we dont, shell be punished by Dominion Astriel!
I dont know who these people are
I tried to recall if Ive even heard of them before today, but I was pretty sure this was my first time.
Dominion Astriel is the newly ordained Matriarch of all of Elvenkind. She entrusted High Ruler Safylosnusa to bring back weapons of war from the Dwarfs. We were the ones who were supposed to supposed to
Visanyas voice trailed off as she nced over at the shipwreck. I followed her gaze.
Im not sure if Im seeing your point?
I was perplexed. Genuinely puzzled by what she was trying to say. Visanya shook her head.
Please, help us!
But why? I dont know you. And Im busy! I have my own problems.
My logic made sense to me; I had no reason to aid these people, especially if it detracted from what I was trying to do. But she was insistent. And her next words actually surprised me.
But you could!
Visanya waved her hands exasperatedly, and I blinked.
What?
You could know us! But not if we die here. You could know High Ruler Safylosnusa, if she isnt executed by Dominion Astriel. Please. You dealt with those Centinels without any trouble. If you could just stay with us and protect us from them until our ship is repaired
Enough, Vis.
It was Nestern who spoke. He shot her a re before facing me.
I apologize on behalf of Vis. She is young, barely a burgeoning adult. I was naive like her when I was her age. Im sure shell grow wiser once she reaches her 50th year.
I went cross-eyed. 50 years old? I wasnt even five years old! Or wait, was I? I was pretty sure I was around that age. But I mightve been under five by just a little bit. Not that I really cared. Years didnt exist in the Netherworld.
Wait, but how are you so young at 50? How long do Elves live? Humans only live until a hundred, dont they?
Nestern turned to me from lecturing Visanya. She made a face at the mention of Humans, but Nestern didnt visibly react.
Ah, those are Human years. We Elves use a different calendar. Or so Ive been told by Dwarfs who have spoken to Humans.
Oh, that exins it.
So, Elves had a shorter calendar than Humans for whatever reason. Nestern looked like he was about to continue scolding the Elf woman, but I shrugged.
I think Ill help you.
I tapped a finger on my chin, and the pair of Elves paused.
You will?
Visanya brightened immediately.
Nestern paused.
But why? Whyd you change your mind?
I turned to the Elf woman. She was half my height. Long and pointed ears that were almost like horns.
Visanya or do you prefer Vis?
Either is wee.
She nodded eagerly. I smiled, cing a hand on her shoulder.
I think you might have a point. I dont know you, but I could get to know you. Thats an interesting thought Ive never considered before. Plus, you guys dont hate me just because Im this.
I gestured at myself, and she shook her head vehemently.
Ive always heard about Demons! Ive never seen one before! Youre the first Ive ever met!
Really? And you Elves dont hate me?
We hear about how you kill Humans lots of Humans. We dont really hate you. I kind of admire it, honestly.
I beamed, raising my chin.
Is that so? Well, since you think that. Ill help you. But I wont just protect your shipwreck. Ill do you one better: Ill kill all the Centinels in this ind. Then youll be safe!
I spread my wings wide as the Elves scattered across the sand watched. I wreathed myself in mes before shooting off into the forest.
Ill be back tomorrow with all of them dead!
I was curious. I havent fought Centinels in a long while. Thest time I went into a Centinel Lair, all I encountered were [Younger Centinels]. I was curious now, if there would be any [Older Centinels] or even [Senior Centinels].
Id like to try them in a fight.
--
[Passive - A Hunter''s Sense] helped me find the source of all the Centinels in the ind with ease. They came from the central mountain, towering over the forest and its lush green canopy. There was arge tunnel halfway up the steep slope, clearly burrowed through by the Centinels.
I saw the [Junior Centinels] lining the ceiling and the side walls. I simply burned them off with my blue mes, and they peeled off as their bodies shriveled up into balls.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 51]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
They werent a threat. Even as they leapt up at me. I easily dodged them and pressed on.
Now entering [Lair: Centinels Camp].
I dealt with all the [Junior Centinels] guarding the entrance and entered arge cave chamber full of Centinel eggs and [Younger Centinels]. I paused as I saw the small, squirming figures, constantly hatching and killing each other in a bloodbath.
Here, Ill help you guys with that!
I gripped a handful of the tiny shapes with space magic and began topress them into each other. There was a squelching sound as they let out a soft shriek, and after a few moments of hard concentration, they were squished.
Defeated [Younger Centinel Lvl. 21]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Younger Centinel Lvl. 34]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I gathered their eggs as well, squeezing them as the figures within struggled to break free. They were squashed, but gave no experience.
Huh. I should just burn them.
I hurled balls of fire down at the eggs poking out like rocks and moved on, focusing only on the [Younger Centinels]. They werent hard to kill, to say the least.
The most dangerous part about this evolution of the Centinels were their speed and their terrible mandibles which could chew through rocks with ease. A party of Silver Ranked adventurers would have a lot of difficulty dealing with them. But I didnt, since I wasnt in danger of their attacks.
I flew out of the way with ease whenever they came leaping at me. Or catch them with my space magic. Or theyd just burn on my armor if they didnd on my back.
It really wasnt much of an issue. The biggest problem was how they seemed so intent on killing each other, that I received less experience than I shouldve for each kill.
I was getting bored of just using my ss to with the [Younger Centinels], wanting to use my mes and be done with it, when I heard a rumbling. The ceiling shook as a creature no, a pair of creatures burst out from the ceiling. More Centinels poured down. A mixture of [Junior Centinels] and [Younger Centinels]. But a main,rge creature which opened up that massive hole stood far taller than the rest.
It was about two dozen feet in length, with multipliedyers of sharp feet on its underbelly, below its shell. Its segmented body was protected by a thick carapace that seemed to sizzle with smoke some sort of acid that could even eat through rock and stone.
[Older Centinel - Lvl. 83]
Huh. Are these your children?
I was answered by an ear-piercing shriek. The [Older Centinel] trampled over the other [Junior Centinels] and [Younger Centinels] as itshed out at me, striking the hard stone wall and shredding it like it was paper.
Woah, youre fast, arent you?
I floated above its head as itpletely missed its attack. Baring my teeth, I grabbed the edge of one of its segments of shell, trying to pry it open with space magic.
And durable too!
It flipped around as acid poured out of its mandibles. I ducked out of the way, seeing that its underbelly, too, was protected.
It was a monster that was Level 83. A tinum Rank threat. But here was the thing about Centinels. Ive learned that while they had a strongyer of protective carapace over their body, their skin itself was far softer and weaker.
So, I just have to rip that stupid shell out of your back, dont I?
I zipped through the air as the Centinel followed me, ripping apart its own children in a rage. Or maybe they werent its children. These were wild creatures. Maybe they just came to existence naturally, just like how I did.
Whatever the case was, I didnt let go of its slowly denting shell on its back, somewhere around the middle of its long figure. Its shell wasnt one long piece of armor, but separated pieces, like temail. So, that meant I didnt have to break its whole back to get to its soft body.
There were a few close calls, where the [Older Centinel] nearly struck me. It wouldve been dangerous. Not only was it not too far below my level, but as often said, Centinels had powerful bites.
My [Vitality] wasnt the highest for my level. I did have a Pendant of Greater Protection and a set of ming armor. But I wasnt going to let myself get hit for no good reason.
It was going to take a while to even open it up for proper attacks. And it would take just as long to kill it.
But its a good thing I have all the time in the world, dont I?
I grinned as it thrashed about, sending corpses of other Centinels flying and sttering on the walls and the ceiling. Laughing, I danced with the [Older Centinel] until it could dance no more. I broke it down bit by bit, slowly, with only my ss and my own Stat superiority.
When I was finished, the Centinels Camp was empty. A whole day had passed of non-stop fighting. But I won.
Defeated [Older Centinel Lvl. 83]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 33] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 34]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 34] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 35]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Adept of the Fae] Level Up!
[Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 35] -> [Adept of the Fae - Lvl. 36]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Advancement Avable]
Chapter 181: Friendship!
Chapter 181: Friendship!
181. Friendship!
[Advancement Avable]
I sat amongst the corpses of the Centinels, sifting through the notifications in my head, and feasting on the meat of the dead monsters.
Blegh, this doesnt taste that good. Or wait...
Shrugging, I tried another chunk of meat, before deciding it wasnt exactly bad.
Tastes better than steak, at least.
ss Advancement:
Requirements for three ss advancements have been met!
Three sses, huh? Thats not as many as I thought thered be. But maybe thats because Im getting my advancement early. Oh well, lets see what they are!
[Dimensional Mage]
A [Dimensional Mage] is a [Mage] specialized in manipting space and reality itself to their own will. Unlike their [Space Mage] counterparts, [Dimensional Mages] focuses on making slight alterations to what is already there rather than rapidly weaving the fabric of space to achieve their goals.
+5 [Wisdom]
+5 [Endurance]
+5 [Agility]
+3 [Strength]
+1 [Vitality]
A [Dimensional Mage]? Interesting.
I scratched my chin and smacked my lips as I finished my meal.
But why didnt I get a [Space Mage] option? Thats what Lily has, right?
It mightve been because I mostly used my spells for offensive purposes. Sure, I did train with Lily to learn other ways to use my magic. Especially creatively. But at the end of the day, I couldnt just teleport a Centinel away when it attacked me. It would keeping unless I killed it.
Whats next? It better be good! I advanced at Level 36, you know? Im amazing, so it must be amazing too!!
And it was.
[Fairy Maiden]
A [Fairy Maiden] is a [Mage] who has earned the trust and blessings of Fairykind. Under the tutge of a Fairy, a [Fairy Maiden] has learned many things. Yet, she still knows not the true secrets of the Fairy Queen or her goals. Perhaps, in time
+10 [Wisdom]
+8 [Endurance]
+1 [Vitality]
+1 [Strength]
+1 [Agility]
Woah
Something about this ss captivated me. Perhaps it was because it piqued my curiosity. I wondered what it meant. Secrets? Lily told me that the Fairy Queen was wise. She told me that there were a lot of things I didnt know.
I couldnt lie and say I wasnt the least bit interested.
But beyond just that, I found the boost in Stats to be alluring as well. While Stats mattered less now that I was Level 100 it yed a bigger role in lower levels, considering how much a single Stat Point would be worth if I only had 30 total Stats, whereas now with almost a thousand, it was worth a lot less they often served as a good indicator of the quality of Skills Id get when I evolved.
Surely it would be simr for a ss advancement, right?
And Id be a Fairy Maiden! Lily would think Im so cool
I paused. I tilted my head up slightly, remembering the warnings Lily gave me. She didnt condone pursuing the path of those who worshipped Fairies to the point of obsession. I didnt think that having a ss would mess with ones mind. So, these people had to have just been insane on their own.
But did I really want to follow the same steps as those who Lily hated?
Well see what thest ss is, then decide.
It proved to be a difficult decision to make.
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus]
A [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] is a [Mage] of renown. The world is their yground. Its inhabitants are their friends, although some are their enemies. For those they abhor, they will show no mercy. But for those they love, they will show kindness evesting. They are free. Not constrained to merely a single location in the vast world. They know there is more to existence than what is before them. Their magic lets them seek out things beyond their periphery, no matter what.
+8 [Endurance]
+8 [Wisdom]
+3 [Vitality]
+3 [Strength]
+3 [Agility]
That that sounds so cool!
I hopped to my feet, pacing around the blood smeared floor.
All three of these options are so good! Is this what it means to reach an advancement early on? I love all these sses!
But I could only choose one. They all seemed perfect for what I wanted, even if theyd achieve it in different ways; they each would bring me a step closer to mastering the magic I needed to know to return to the Netherworld.
It was tailored for me. But that was because I had worked towards it, right? Both [Fairy Maiden] and [Dimensional Mage] seemed like they were sses I had met the conditions for from training with Lily. The only one that couldve been more recent was [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus]. And even that couldve been achieved long ago.
So, there was no secret. I had done everything right; I had listened to those who were more knowledgeable than me, and it all paid off. I just had to reach the right level for it to happen.
I didnt need to find Gukzar then, didnt I?
This fetch quest proved to be nothing more than just motivation for me to reach the level I needed. Which was good! At least I hadnt wasted time doing something I didnt need to do. I had to thank Visanya for convincing me to help her. Although, that was also partially because of Lily, I guess.
Lily was adamant that things mattered even if they didnt affect you. I wasnt sure what that meant. But I was trying to understand it, at least. Maybe if I continued to be kind to strangers, Id be rewarded like this again?
That was possible. But it also seemed stupid at the same time.
Regardless, I liked all these sses. And as I told that [Older Centinel], I had plenty of time. I gave myself a time constraint. A week to return to Mavos Academy. And I was done in half that time.
I wasnt just going to choose a ss now, especially with how exceptional each seemed to be. Id think about it. For now, Id go back.
--
Visanya and the other Elves were sleeping when I returned from the Lair of the Centinels. One of them was up, keeping watch with bleary eyes, but he didnt notice me moving in the darkness. I gave him a little spook by sneaking up behind him. His high-pitched scream woke up everyone and drew them to action.
Its fine, its fine! Its just me, see?
Iughed as a few of the short Elves copsed to their knees, tightly grasping at their hearts. Visanya and Nestern approached me with worried looks on their faces.
Youve returned.
The Elf man spoke in an oddly low voice. I nodded, grinning.
I took care of all the Centinels!
Visanyas eyes widened. She leapt into the air and cheered.
She did it!
All the other Elves dropped to their knees, forming a circle around me. She was thest to follow. Prostrating, she spoke softly.
It is thanks to you, Salvos, Demon of the Netherworld, that we shall be able toplete our journey. I assure you, Dominion Astriel herself will hear about this. Your named would beuded throughout our domain!
I beamed, epting the praise.
Of course, of course. I know that Im great!
The Elves around me sang praises as I was at the very center of their attention. I felt cathartic, as I always did, whenever others revered me. I was so caught up in this moment that I didnt even hear the joyful conversation between Visanya and Nestern off to the side.
Praise the north winds, she did it! Thanks to her, the armies will be armed and ready as nned!
Yes it is truly a wonder that she showed up when she did.
Nestern sighed as I smiled, still not hearing this conversation as a few of the younger-looking Elves approached me with questions and starstruck eyes.
A relieved look crossed his face as I once again considered bing a [Hero]. After all
Now, our invasion of the Humannds will not be dyed. War shalle, and we shall be victorious.
It felt good doing the right thing.
--
I stayed with the Elves until they finished repairing their ship, just in case they had any more trouble with stray Centinels. None showed up, and they departed the next day.
There was plenty of time before I needed to return to Mavos Academy. I wasnt in any rush.
But once I was certain the Elves were safe, I bade farewell to Nestern and Visanya and took off. Thetter girl seemed rather distressed to see me go, but that was probably because she was young and immature. I, who was old and wise in the ways of the world, understood that things were never constant.
Not even rocks.
So, I left them, shedding no tears, simply delighted that I could make new friends and reach my advancement. I soared back towards the Humannds, keeping note of the sun on the horizon. I knew I was headed in the right direction or at least, I thought I was.
I could only confirm it for sure when I saw the archipgo with the cratered ind in the center. It was only then I knew for certain I wasnt lost. I spotted figures on the gray beach of the main ind, with a canoe-like boat anchored just off shore.
I recognized the Humans standing there. It was the [Fisher] who told me about Gukzar. He was apanied by the same bulky man as before, as well as other adventurers I have never met before. And they all looked upset at the [Fisher].
You promised us treasure
No one could have predicted that the volcano would erupt
Oh, right, Im supposed to pretend to be Human.
I didnt hear what they were saying; it was only fortunate that they were too mad to notice me, a Demon, flying above the clouds. Id have loved to give them a little scare, but thatd probably be problematic forter on. I transformed back and continued back to Wimborne.
Once I spotted the port city, I swerved out into a swamp instead. I didnt want to deal with anyone scolding me for flying without a permit. I could get a permit when I was finally enrolled into Mavos Academy.
Right now, I just had to resolve another requirement needed to enroll into the school. And to do that, I had to speak with Saffron.
Saffron Merryster was awake.
It was long past midnight. It was past curfew for the students of Mavos Academy. But she hadnt been in her room. She had been outside, attending a secret meeting with the cabal of other Vampires who attended the academy.
Well, she thought of them as a cabal. But truthfully, there were only two other members alongside Saffron. One of them was the young Valda, who refused to show up. That left only Saffron and thest Vampire.
A former adventurer by the name of Adney. He was gruff and crass, and Saffron would rather not have shared a room with him if he wasnt a Vampire. But he was the only one who saw the same threat of Demons as her.
So, it was together they dined and drank in blood, leveling their Racial Skill of [Vampiric Essence].
It was almost disconcerted, drinking blood. Vampires couldnt get drunk off alcohol. But if they drank even a ss of blood, one would grow tipsy. And that was Human blood. What Matthew had given her was Demon blood.
A single sip was enough for her to grow incredibly drunk. That was why she couldnt consume it all at once. And that was why she decided to share it with other Vampires who could make use of it.
Unfortunately, she mustve had one too many sips today, because she found herself stumbling back to her room, not maintaining even a shred of the stealth needed to not get caught.
Regnorex is at the gates
She slurred her words as she pushed her room door open. Somehow, no lecturer or teacher was out on watch. Which was good, because if she was caught, shed be in a lot of trouble.
My head is a banging drum
Saffron wouldve shut the door and copsed into the nearby couch in an instant if there wasnt a figure already sitting there. She rubbed at her eyes, then blinked.
...Salvos?
Saffron!
The silver-haired girl jumped up in excitement and ran over to the noble Vampire.
Where were you? They said youre supposed to be here!
Wh what? Who did?
Saffron Merryster rubbed at her eyes, hoping that she was hallucinating. She was not. Salvos waved a hand dismissively.
That old guy with the sses. He was upset that you werent here. He went out to search for you, saying that hed bring you back! I wonder where he went?
The noble Vampire paused. Her eyes crossed together as she slowly registered what was being said.
Y-y
Anyway!
Salvos interrupted her, pulling out sheets of parchment and a pen.
Ive got to finish this personal statement thing to enroll, and I need your help writing my words down.
There were a lot of things racing through Saffrons mind. She managed to get words out, although she wasnt sure if that was the question she wanted to ask.
You cant write?
I can write! Daniel taught me!
The silver-haired girl spoke indignantly. But she hesitated a moment after, scratching her right cheek.
But, um, not that well. See?
She held up one of the pieces of paper. Her name had been written on it. Calligraphed across the page in the ugliest and biggest letters Saffron had ever seen.
Look, its just ten pages. Ill just dictate for an hour or so and youll write it down. Its not too much for you, right?
This was too much. Saffron wanted to faint. In fact, she passed out right there.
Hello? Saffron? Are you alr
Chapter 182.1. Personal Statement
Chapter 182.1. Personal Statement
182.1. Personal Statement
Urgh, I mustve had the worst nightmare from
Hello!
I piped up as Saffron jolted back. She crawled away from me, to the other side of herrge bed, desperately hugging a pillow.
S-Salvos?
Yes, its me!
This means that
She trailed off, and I cocked my head. A voice spoke up from the side, drawing both of our attention.
That is correct, Lady Saffron. The events of the previous night were not a dream.
Oh no.
The young noble buried her head in her hands, wanting to melt into her bed. But her butler continued.
I have spoken with hall director Andrew. So there isnt any need to worry. The issue has been resolved.
She blinked.
But how? The rules explicitly state that viting curfew could result in expulsion.
It is only a possibility if it is repeatedly vited. But this is your first time. And you have only been a vitor this once. Also, if word gets out that the esteemed daughter of the Merryster family found herself in trouble at Mavos Academy, itd be a scandal thatd gue the noble circles for years toe.
Saffron narrowed her eyes as I nced between the two.
You bribed him.
If that is what you wish to call it, Lady Saffron.
Sighing, she pulled herself out of her bed. She straightened and dusted her dress.
I am not a child who needs to be pardoned with the help of others, Matthew.
Apologies, Lady Saffron.
Saffron shook her head as I peered at her, waiting for a lull in the conversation. When I found it, I spoke up.
So, anyway
She turned to me, speaking over me.
No.
Um, no?
Im not helping you.
She folded her arms across her chest. I paused.
What do you mean?
Im not going to be your scribe, Salvos. Unfortunately, even if it is the weekend, I still have duties to carry out as a student of Mavos Academy and as the daughter of the Merryster family. Youll have to ask someone else to help you with your personal statement.
Oh, I wasnt talking about that.
I gestured at a few sheets of paper lying on the nearby desk.
Matthew already helped me out!
I did what I had to do, Lady Saffron.
For whatever reason, he sounded defeated. I shrugged, grabbing my personal statement off the table.
I just wanted to ask for your help with reading through it. Maybe tell me what you think?
Saffron seemed more open to this idea.
That is something I can do.
Thanks!
I hefted the pieces of paper over to the noble woman. She sifted through it, furrowing her brows.
Wait, you dictated all this?
Yep! I told him what to write.
This is
She started reading it aloud.
The infant floats in a sea of nothingness, existence but a mere eternity in darkness away from her birth. Logic dictated that this nativity is when the self is born, consciousness seeping into the fore of one''s senses, distinction as a precondition rather than a prefiguration of life. Yet, this truism stiptes the priori of heightened perception: for consciousness being-in-itself as well as being-for-an-other.
I had been alone; no friends; nopanions; nothing more to experience than the infinitude of death. I remember questioning the very verisimilitude of my own lugubrious existence, flummoxed by the superfluous phantasm of life. How could any epistemology hold merit if my own truncated extant was mere frivol?
The moments passed like teardrops, lost to a vast ocean. My life had no meaning I was just another pebble on the ground, to be trampled without care. It was only upon meeting the others did what I perceive truly expand beyond my fringes. They were pulchritudinous things. Colorful. Exuberant. Different.
Subjects that I treated as objects, and subjects that treated me as an object.
I saw none of myself in these strangers
What the fuck?
Saffron ced the first piece of paper down. I hesitated.
Is it that bad?
No, no, I just was caught off guard. This is a lot more coherent than I thought itd be.
I beamed as she continued reading it, not shriveling in disgust at what I had Matthew write down.
I like talking about myself.
You really do, dont you?
She finished going over the entire thing.
This is quite good, Salvos. You didnt just talk about your own achievements, you also mentioned those who helped you and aided you in bing who you are today. Honestly, most students who write these personal statements tend to fixate on themselves or others in their life. You have a good mix of both.
I proudly raised my head, scratching a cheek shyly.
I wouldnt be who I am today if not for those around me.
I do pity these two friends youve extensively mentioned. But as I had suspected since I first met you, you are truly quite a remarkable individual.
Setting my personal statement down, she gave me an approving look.
This would be enough topel me to ept your entrance into Mavos Academy.
Really?
I perked up as she nodded. I believed her assessment, so that was likely settled.
Now, all thats left to do is to get the hundred tinum I need from the Merchants Guild and
Choose my ss.
I was still undecided, but I will have to pick on eventually, right?
[Dimensional Mage], [Fairy Maiden], and [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus].
--
Wimbornes Merchants Guild was quite smallpared to its Adventurers Guild. Apparently, [Traders] and [Merchants] had a lot of autonomy here, considering the importance of the ocean route and the various ways Shedos connected the Eastern Kingdoms to the Helbir city states.
A high-leveled [Banker] had toe and hand me the amount I wished to withdraw, since there were apparently a lot ofplications in suddenly taking arge sum of money with short notice. But it was all resolved, and I headed back to Mavos Academy.
For whatever reason, people were staring at me, whispering, and pointing fingers. I ignored most of them, even though [Passive - A Hunters Sense] made me keenly aware of what they were doing. I walked down an alleyway and a man with a knife followed after me.
I was pretty sure he wanted to attack me, but another man stopped him. After exchanging a few hushed words, they hurried off. Which was strange. They wouldve seen me as a Level 36 [Mage], right?
They were both around Level 50. I wouldve thought theyd be more confident in their abilities. Unless, somehow, they knew I was truly disguising my level. It wasnt like I made a scene any time recently.
Oh wait I remembered what happened at the docks a few days ago. Oops. I didnt mean to make a big deal out of it.
But I just did leave the Merchants Guild with a hundred tinum, didnt I?
Well, things to learn for next time.
Saffron was busy gathering alchemical ingredients or something, so I didnt really have anywhere to go. I decided that I might as well just submit everything to yton now, since I hit all the requirements.
I stood at the base of his tower, a bag of tinum coins in one hand, and a stack of papers tucked neatly under the arm of my other hand. The Headmaster arrived shortly after I spoke to a [Secretary].
He harrumphed as he saw me.
So, youve returned.
Ive done everything you asked me to do!
I handed him the payment and my personal statement, which he didnt ept by hand. They simply floated when I let go of it, hovering up to just above his shoulders.
And youve already reached your next ss advancement?
I have!
He tapped a leg impatiently.
Well, what is it?
Im still kind of undecided?
I gave him a half-hearted look. He stared at me.
Youre undecided?
Yep! I just kind of assumed that, you know, I can choose itter when Im more decided. I mean, the requirement was to reach your next advancement, not undergo it, right?
I didnt even convince myself. And yet, somehow, he conceded.
While one would say that is one in the same, I would admit that the rules are not particrly harsh on such a matter.
Wait, what?
There have been students admitted into our regr curriculum, of course, who chose to stave off their ss advancement. They are typically required to make a decision before the end of their first year, so you are not the only one to havee to this conclusion. However, such a situation has never happened for those applying to the School of Aspiring Elites.
yton was uncertain. He ran a hand through his scruffy beard as I raised a hand.
But thats because most of those who apply for the School of Aspiring Elites are already experienced. Im not, right? Youve said it yourself. I need guidance. And I feel like making a hasty decision would only cost me.
He considered it. He wore a thoughtful look on his face as I shuffled ufortably, waiting in silence. I wanted to add more to it, but it seemed like he had heard enough and just needed to mull it over for a moment. Finally, he nodded.
Very well. I will grant you a month, Salvos the Liberator of the gunds. That is, if you are epted, of course. You will hear back about your admission by the end of the week. Although, due to these extraordinary circumstances, you may receive your results sooner rather thanter.
I smiled in relief, bowing my head.
Thank you, Headmaster yton Skyshredder.
Chapter 182.2. Personal Statement
Chapter 182.2. Personal Statement
182.2. Personal Statement
It was a nerve-wracking few days where there wasplete silence from ytron. I stayed over with Saffron as I debated the merits over each of my sses. I mentioned each of the sses I receive options for and their descriptions. She was, unfortunately, far too fixed on a single one of the sses.
Youre saying you met a Fairy.
Yep.
A rare Spirit that maybe one in every million people have even seen before.
I nodded as she sat back on her couch. She rubbed at her temples before she continued.
And you didn''t just meet one of these archaic creatures only mentioned in history books, youve also made one teach you.
I didnt make Lily do anything! I just asked, and she listened!
That was a vast oversimplification. But thest thing I wanted was for her to find out about my true identity. Maybe this could be something I told her in the future. But I had a thought. Something which rmed me slightly.
But if Matthew really had been delivering blood to Saffron, couldnt she have been some kind of Vampire?
That meant shed probably hate me a lot if she discovered that I was an Archdemon of Pride. I didnt want that! So, I didnt think Id ever tell her the truth.
She could be a [Blood Mage] or some kind of [Cultist].
Those were always possibilities. I just didnt intend on testing anything out.
Saffron sighed.
Befriending a Fairy is something no one has done since Melissa, the Oracle of Light, Salvos. Let alone having it teach you. If there was a ss I had to pick between [Fairy Maiden], [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus], or [Dimensional Mage], Id choose [Fairy Maiden], no questions asked.
But Lily advised against going down that path!
I protested for whatever reason. It wasnt like I couldnt see Saffrons point; I did, I truly did. I was very much intrigued by it as a ss. However, I felt like she was missing my apprehensions about it.
She snorted.
A vague warning would never make me pass up the opportunity of a lifetime. Although, this may have less weight to you as it would for me, since youre rather ustomed to such momentous things. The most I can say is what Ive already told you: it is up to you to decide.
I never really had such a problem with choosing a ss or a Subspecies before now. Everything always seemed so obvious to me. Id just pick what best suited me! But all these sses sounded like theyd be the same. Although they werent.
There were subtle nuances to them which would result in starkly different oues. For one thing, was a [Wordly Mystic of the Nexeus] even rted to space magic?
The safest option seemed to be [Dimensional Mage]. It was what currently appealed to me the most. Yet, it was the one which would not have anything special to it. But was special always better?
I decided to wait a bit longer. Maybe once I spoke to the mentors of Mavos Academy, theyd be able to offer me the wisdom needed to make a decision. Whatever the case was, without a ce to stay, I lived with Saffron, eating bugs and sleeping on her couch until I heard back from yton.
The noble woman didnt exactly say anything about my diet, but I could tell she was slightly disgusted by it.
Eventually, I received a letter from yton himself. It called me to the Tower of Truth an edifice located at the central area of Mavos Academy. It didnt rise up to meet the low-hanging clouds, but it had a domed roof decorated and gilded with gold and jewels.
Saffron saw me off at the entrance before I was brought into arge hall by ytons [Secretary]. She sat me down in the middle of arge ritual circle shrouded in darkness. I saw no one in my surroundings, but I knew there were a dozen people hiding in the shadows.
yton was one of them. His voice boomed out as the ritual circle shone a brilliant red.
Salvos, Liberator of the gunds, Death of the Destroyer, and Savior of Silvergrove. Do you hereby swear that you do not intend to bring harm to Mavos Academy, its students, or any of its faculty?
I cocked my head, surprised by the sudden question. However, I answered truthfully. I sensed the magic around me I knew it had some sort of effect that would discern my words for its veracity.
I am not enrolling into your academy with the intention of harming anyone or anything. I am here to learn.
The ritual circle shed green briefly, before yton continued with his interrogation.
Do you swear that you have met all the requirements necessary to join the School of Aspiring Elites?
I have.
And that, as a part of our student body, you will not act in any manner that is deleterious or detrimental to Mavos Academys reputation?
I will not.
Will you abide by the rules set forth by myself, Headmaster yton Skyshredder, the hundred and third headmaster of Mavos Academy?
I will.
Each time he asked a question, the ritual circle returned to its red glow. But each time I answered, it shone green. The questions kepting for what felt like half an hour, until finally
Mavos Academy is an institution that aims to enrich Humankind and protect us against the terrible monsters living in nature, and the other Species of the Mortal Realm who hope to bring an end to our existence. Do you swear that you are not acting in any way as an agent that would actively aid our enemies, or would actively damage the progress or safety of our Species?
I act for myself, and only myself. I am not an agent of any other Species, nor do Ie here with any desire to harm Humankind as a whole.
It shed green.
There were voices in the darkness. Murmurings. They held a short discussion, before finally yton spoke out once more.
You have passed the screening. You have answered all the questions truthfully, and there is no evidence of any curse or mind-altering magic being cast on you. You are hereby a student of the School of Aspiring Elites.
He stepped out of the veil of darkness, alongside other older men and women. Professors, lecturers, and teachers. They pped softly as the ritual circle dimmed and candles flickered into existence along the walls, lighting up the room.
I felt a wide smile spreading across my face. yton returned the smile as he shook my hand.
Wee to Mavos Academy.
Chapter 183.1. Orientation
Chapter 183.1. Orientation
183.1. Orientation
We shall now begin your orientation.
ytons [Secretary] approached me, producing a sheet of folded paper. I epted it as she adjusted her sses.
Ms Salvos, if you will follow me, I shall give you a brief tour of the academy.
Oh, alright.
I nced over at the Headmaster if he had anything else to add. But after weing me as a student and shaking my hand, he had gone off to the side to speak with a handful of older men and women. They spoke in hushed voices, about things I probably couldnt care about. So, I simply nodded and followed the [Secretary].
Whats your name?
I asked her as we left the Tower of Truth. Apparently thisrge structure held the offices of many of the school faculty. I saw the runes inscribed on the walls and felt the strands of mana contorting around the entire building. I couldnt study it in detail, since there was some other spell oveid on top of it to obfuscate its detailed makeup.
I am Marie Schofen. You may simply address me as [Secretary] Marie. More than that is not necessary.
Sure!
I followed her down the steep white steps leading up to the Tower of Truth. Marie unfolded her own sheet of paper, unveiling a map, and gestured at the courtyard before us.
This is the Central Square of Mavos Academy. It is, as you can surmise from the map, at the very center of the institution.
I see, I see.
I nodded along as she listed the names of the various buildings located around Central Square.
And that is the Thundercage. It is where [Aeromancers] practice their Flight spells and their lightning magic. Theres no need to worry about stray lightning bolts, since the four poles in each corner are effective conductors ced to draw the electricity. Next to it is the House of Amber, a building donated by the Amber family
It wasnt like a city where all the buildings were uniform. But they werent haphazardly built structures either. They were all enhanced by magic. There was a thin tower, almost like a minaret, that reached up to a cloud. There was a dome-like building, holding in it what seemed like a smallke. I saw fish and sea creatures with long and undting bodies floating through its ss panel walls. There were people swimming alongside them, much to my surprise.
There was a floating stadium; a crooked, spiral building; and what looked like a castle all in the Central Square.
Moving on, we shall head to the west wing of the academy.
Wait, just howrge is this ce?
I found my eyes zing over the scenery. It was colorful, vibrant full of life. It wasnt crowded, since students were busy with sses and lessons. However, when I first came through the Central Square, I remembered that it was very much teeming with people rushing to the different buildings, some of them using magic to quicken their pace, only to be stopped by what looked like guards dressed in robes.
Mavos Academy is arge institution. There is an estimated poption of over 20,000 people living here.
That many students? I thought tinum Ranks were rare!
They are. But not everyone living here is a student. And not student graduates. Furthermore, the curriculum is rigorous, and intended to be so. There is a drop-out rate of 73% over the course of all four years. The death rate is 2%, higher than any other academy in the world. In fact, this is the only academy in the world which regrly produces individuals equivalent to tinum Rank. That is why we are sought out by every nation in the Humannds.
Huh.
It was, honestly, like a small city.
Except, magical.
You guys are pretty awesome, arent you?
I heard a sigh from Marie, for whatever reason.
--
We didnt hold much small talk. Marie seemed quite brusque, to be honest. I knew when people didnt like me most of the time. And she clearly disliked me.
It was probably because she was lower-leveled than me.
[Secretary - Lvl 87]
I was surprised that her ss even reached that high of a level. But whatever the case was, she showed me around dutifully. I saw the vibrant botanical gardens in the east wing, and a dull, small desert enclosure in the south wing. There was a small rain forest with its own biome and natural environment on one side, while a fully artificial edifice rose up right next to it, made out of metal as aboratory.
There were multiple libraries located throughout Mavos Academy. Each of them had their own unique design. One was built like a temple, reminiscent of the ostentatious designs the Sanctum of Elements had. Another was more sleek neat. Not a lot of decorations. It showed just where books were, and that was that.
Marie gave me a detailed history of each location and their uses, before the orientation finally came to an end. When it did, she handed me a folder full of documents.
Whats this?
I cocked my head, and she replied.
This is for you to fill out, Ms Salvos. To determine your schedule. Do try to submit this as soon as possible, as sses have already begun, so you are far behind your peers in terms of your education.
Oh, um, what do you rmend?
I had no idea what I was looking at. I saw boxes tables. There were checklists and names. I didnt understand it at all. Marie shook her head.
That is for you to decide.
She turned around, about to leave me alone.
Wait
I raised a hand, blinking.
What about my dormitory?
That was what Saffron called it. Marie answered simply as per usual.
Unfortunately, students in the School of Aspiring Elites typically find their own housing. The dormitories are reserved solely for those attending the College of Aspirations those in the four year program.
Where am I supposed to stay?
There are other housing situations across the campus. However, they will not be partially reimbursed as student housing dormitories are. I suggest finding one now too.
I watched as she left. I crossed my arms, frowning.
As if! Ill just stay with Saffron!
Chapter 183.2. Orientation
Chapter 183.2. Orientation
183.2. Orientation
No.
Please?
Saffron Merryster rubbed her temples as I pleaded with her.
Ill just sleep on the couch! I have nowhere else to go!
Dont you have the coin, Salvos?
Yep! But I dont know how to buy a house!
You dont have to
There was a moment where she tried to work her jaw. Where she tried to speak. But something in her clicked, and she decided against it.
You know what? Fine. But I will not amodate you as I have done so so far. You will not be my guest. You will be a roommate. So, try not to make a mess, or I will be lodging formalints against you.
Yay! Thank you!
I hugged her and entered the room, throwing myself onto the couch. My belongings were still here, since I had been staying over beforehand. Matthew gave me a sidelong nce from the kitchen as he washed the dishes from the night before.
Also, Matthew will no longer be catching your meals for you. You will have to find those bugs by yourself.
Aw. But thats fine.
I got to work, rather than arguing with her. I began sifting through the documents I had been given, trying to figure out what sses I wanted to take for my first term in Mavos Academy.
Ok, so, there are these sses thats a lot of sses. And theyre very specialized, arent they? Although, it looks like these two sses are full, and these other seven sses have been dropped. Hm.
There was, fortunately, a ss on space magic. And another on theoretical dimensional movement. Also, a ss on summonings, which I thought would be relevant to me. So, I chose those three as my main sses.
I had to choose another two, unrted to my concentration. I chose general rune study as one of them, since I was interested in understanding how enchantments worked. I wouldve liked to replicate something simr to the Runic Scroll of Starfall. Since I wasnt an [Enchanter] or a [Runesmith], I highly doubted Id be able to create anything equal to its level.
But Id have been satisfied with being able to create Low Grade artifacts myself.
Lastly, I had to choose ab ss.
What even is ab ss?
I wondered aloud to myself. Saffron nced at me, snorting.
Lab sses are meant for practical learning, as opposed to the more theoretical lessons given from the other lectures. While the regr sses are practical with examinations that test your abilities on the field, those happen only so rarely. Working in aboratory will require almost every lesson to be practical lessons.
Huh. And here theres smithing, alchemy, herbalism, crafting, mining theres a lot of things here. What should I choose?
I suggest alchemy.
Saffron peered over my shoulder.
It is the most useful for someone such as you to learn. When you are out in a Dungeon or far from any civilization, itd be useful to know how to use the ingredients at your surroundings to create your own potions, no?
Youre right!
I looked over at the options listed. Most of the alchemy sses were full, except for two of them. One was by a professor William S. Bradern. The other was by [Alchemist] Raymond.
Which of these sses do you think I should take?
Ive heard good things about professor Bradern. However, he is a harsh teacher. For someone like you, whos more new to all this. Id suggest taking [Alchemist] Raymond instead.
Alright then!
I finished filling out the documents and left to submit them. Before returning, I stopped by one of the gardens to hunt for insects to eat. I snagged a few colorful-lookingrge critters, filling my stomach, and left with a burp.
It was past midnight by the time I was back in Saffrons room. Or our room, now. Matthew didnt stay over in the dormitory. He found his own ce to stay elsewhere in Mavos Academy. Saffron was already asleep, so all I did was copse onto the couch, excited for the day that was toe.
Im finally going to begin school.
It was nerve-wracking. There were still several hours before my first ss started. I didnt feel sleepy, for whatever reason. Did my [Partial Mortality] penalty vanish somehow?
Whatever it was, I didnt sleep. I had no reason to. I didnt feel like it. Instead, I stayed awake, happily nning all the events of the next day. I also considered the pros and cons for my various sses.
[Fairy Maiden] seemed more appealing than ever to my mind, which was slowly growing more and more tired. But [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] sounded cool! And [Dimensional Mage] would raise the least amount of questions.
It was a tough decision. And I yawned.
General Skill [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 3] -> [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
--
Salvos, youre going to bete!
I blearily blinked my eyes open as Saffron pulled me out of the couch. I yawned, and she shoved me out of the door.
Come on Im not going to bete because you overslept!
I stumbled forward, confused at what was going on. Wasnt I awake just a moment ago? I was pretty sure the sun had just risen, and I decided to rest my eyes for a second. But now it was higher up in the sky. It was nearly noon!
Saffron led me out of the dorm building and into the street. We were in the west wing of Mavos Academy, where most of the housing areas and food areas were located. I was still confused when I spotted the name written on a building in the distance.
Your first ss is at that building over there!
She pointed, before running off in another direction.
Dont bete or youll be in trouble!
I watched her go as I mindlessly headed to Shovelers Hall. I didnt run, for whatever reason. I only realized that I was, in fact, five minuteste, when I stepped into my first lecture room. It was the ss on space magic. It was a smaller room,pared to the others I passed by.
There were only a dozen students there, seated rather far apart from each other. The lecturer an olderdy with a single monocle was drawing a circr shape on the chalkboard. They nced over at me as I stood at the doorway, unsure of what to do.
She raised a wrinkled brow.
I take it you are the new student?
I struggled to get words out of my mouth.
I, um, just enrolled yes? Im Salvos?
She nodded and gestured at an empty seat.
Take a seat, young miss. And try not to cause any more interruptions.
Y-yes!
I hurried over to the seat she pointed out. I found myself settling down next to a rather scrawny man who was studiously scribbling down on a piece of paper. He had a few books opened up as he nced between his notes, the chalkboard, and the textbooks he had.
And it was then I realized I forgot to bring my bag.
It was my first ever day in school, and I made such a massive mistake. I was flustered, to say the least. With a deep breath, a single thought crossed through my mind. I condemned the thing that was at fault the most for these series of mishaps.
I hate sleeping!
Chapter 184: First Day!
Chapter 184: First Day!
184. First Day!
ording to the Axiom of Dimensional Truncation, the fabric of reality itself can be utilized to precipitate hastened travel. This idea was first discovered by the great [Space Mage] Helmut Brys. He posttes that since Faunias Second Law
I tried to listen. I did what I could to mentally take notes of everything the lecturer was saying. But not only was I weeks behind in this ss so I didnt know half the terms she discussed, but I also was too tired to even pay attention. I found myself, with nothing to focus my thoughts, nearly dozing off on multiple asions.
It took me a while to even understand the rough idea of what the lecturer was trying to convey. Also I didnt know her name. Sure, it was written down somewhere in the documents I had submitted. But I didnt think about memorizing the individual names of each of my mentors, since there were going to be a lot of them.
I wanted to raise a hand and ask a question, but I didnt even know where to start. This was a bit overwhelming. School was hard and not fun at all!
Here.
A voice drew my attention. I nced over at the man I was sitting next to. He had slick red hair tied into a braid that hung around his shoulder. The clothes he wore were decorated, a gray vest with a pale gold shirt beneath. I looked past the jewelry he had adorned, straight at the badge pinned over his left breast.
It had a simple design the same one I wore on my blue jacket. An A and an E were almost conjoined, although they had a contrasting ck-white. They were separated by an S which slithered down where they met. A bright blue, like the sky. Or a diamond.
It was the badge for the School of Aspiring Elites. We didnt need to wear uniforms unlike the students enrolled in the College of Aspirations; they had different uniforms for different years, too. Saffron was a second year student, so she wore a ck jacket alongside her gray shirt. First year students had white uniforms with a gray sweater. Third year students had ck long-sleeved shirts and long pants with a red zer. Graduating students were only given a badge, simr to us in the School of Aspiring Elites. There was no need for them to wear a uniform, for whatever reason.
Everyone in this ssroom had a badge no uniforms. Half of them, however, seemed to be fourth year students of the College of Aspirations. I wasnt sure how it worked, but they were the only ones who could share sses with us.
My neighboring student was not one of them. He was from the School of Aspiring Elites like me. And he slid over a notebook with a pen.
Take it.
I saw a few notes already scribbled onto the page. But they werent incredibly detailed, nor did they seem like they were of todays lecture. There were terms definitions. And key individuals. The specific books and chapters they were referenced in were written next to it, and the dates of the lectures they were taught to the ss. Essentially, he was giving me a very brief summary of the ss up till today.
Youre giving this to me?
Yes.
That was all he said. He seemed brusque straightforward. Still, I smiled gratefully at him.
Thank you.
He grunted, turning his attention back to the lecturer.
Even with his notes, I still had no idea what was going on in the ss.
--
Whats your name?
I caught the man once ss ended. The lecturer I learned her name was udia at some point left the instant a bell rang. She didnt stay behind to reprimand me or to answer questions. She came, she gave her lecture, and she left. That was it.
The red-haired man was in a hurry too. But I still wanted to get to know him.
Im Salvos.
I have heard about you, Salvos the Liberator of the gunds. I am Lamarr of Traith.
He continued walking, only ncing at me slightly. I cocked my head, notebook still in hand, and following after him.
Traith? Where is that?
It is a country in the Easter Kingdom Alliance.
Huh.
Lamarr didnt borate. He headed down a set of stairs as I walked by his side. He walked briskly, not exactly trying to shun me, which was a good sign! It didnt mean he hated me: it just meant that he was a bit rough. Which made sense, considering
[Warrior - Lvl. 113]
Those tended to have varying extreme personalities. Some were boisterous and loud. Others were more straight-edged, like Lamarr!
So, whyd you decide to be a [Space Mage] for your second ss?
I peered at him as we exited Shovelers Hall. I was pretty sure it god its name by the shape of the building. It looked almost like a shovel. I continued.
Im still undecided for my second ss I only got my advancement optionsst week, and they all kind of sound the same? But theyre different. Ive been thinking about it, but every day, I want to choose a different option. Its very difficult settling on just a single one.
He paused mid-step. Students and teachers and others rushed around us as we stood under amppost. Turning to face me for the first time since I approached him after ss ended, Lamarr spoke simply.
I am not a [Space Mage].
Wait, youre not? Then why are you in that ss?
It is for my general education. There are requirements beyond your ss specialization.
Oh, I knew that.
But for whatever reason, I thought everyone in the ss had been [Space Mages] or of a rted ss. Apparently not.
Most of the students you will find in your lectures wont share your second ss. It ismon in the College of Aspirations. But for the School of Aspiring Elites, where enrollment numbered in less than a hundred, you will not find a lot of ovepping sses with others. Space magic, however, is a popr subject. Which is why the ss was rather crowded.
That was crowded?
There were only a dozen students; it had been anything but crowded. Still, with how many Diamond Ranks there were in the world it made sense why there were so few here.
In response to your question: I am a specialized [Enchanter]. I decided on this ss when I realized my countrycks proper tools of war. Each of our soldiers are poorly equipped, so I thought that Id be able to serve my people beyond the simple rule ofw.
I see, I see wait, rule ofw?
Indeed.
For the first time, I saw a hint of emotion creep up on his face a slight curling of his lips.
I am the Warrior King of Traith.
I blinked, taking a moment to process this. He was a Warrior King? No, wait he was a king. He ruled a country. As in, he led his people. And he wasnt there right now.
But, um, if youre here, then?
I had so many questions. He waved a hand dismissively, starting away from me.
My people are not reliant on only myself. A government ruled only by one man is no government at all. The senate is fully capable of keeping peace while I am gone.
Huh.
I was about to follow him when I heard the tolling of a bell. I nced up at a nearby clocktower. My next ss was about to start!
Ive gotta go
I took off, running past Lamarr. He nodded at me, smiling.
It was a pleasure meeting you. However, I advise you against using your Skills or magic to reach your next ss.
Why not?
I paused as he raised a hand. I looked at where he was pointing. A pair of guards dressed in temail were escorting a first year student of the College of Aspirations away from a building. The student was saying something, but they ignored him and continued leading him to a castle-looking tower.
It would vite Mavos Academys codes of conduct. And if repeatedly broken, it could result in expulsion.
Oh.
Well, that sucked. I was going to bete again, wasnt I?
--
I waste for my next ss. But the lecturer was nowhere to be seen when I arrived. So, I could, with much relief, find a seat andfortably ready myself for the uing lecture.
It was a ss on general rune study. The lecture hall was farrger than my first ss. It was brimming with students from the College of Aspirations, not just fourth years. First years mingled with second and third years, while fourth years were more studious and reserved.
They were quite lively. I was excited to join in on the conversations, when I realized everyone sitting around me had moved away. A few of those who had sat in the same row as me moved to the back of the lecture hall. But the room had been full. So, many of the students were standing with their notes in their hands, refusing to sit near me.
I was perplexed. At least, until the lecturer arrived.
Ah, apologies for myte arrival, ss.
A rather young man hurried in, adjusting his wrinkled shirt andbing his messy hair. He had an apologetic-but-not-really expression on his face. He didnt even nce at us as he dropped his stack of notes on the front desk.
You see and I know Ive said this before but I was collecting different artifacts for us to study. Etching their runes onto my own parchments. But my dastardly nercat decided to knock over my ink pot
He paused when he realized no one was saying anything. It was as if he expected some sort of a response, like groans or jeers. He nced over at us, frowning. Then heid eyes on me.
Ah yes, a new student is joining us today. I am sure some of you are quite apprehensive, but I assure you, you can sit down and act like you usually do.
I blinked as I watched the students standing at the back hesitantly shuffle forward. They murmured and spoke quietly to each other, filling the empty seats. I tried waving at the third year and first year students sitting adjacent to me, but they only returned a small nod.
Whats wrong with them? The lecturer shook his head.
Well, its good to have you here, Ms what was your name again?
Im Salvos.
I helpfully added in a respectful voice: I didnt want to disrespect my teachers, after all. He snapped his fingers.
Ah, right. I am professor Lisbenon. And Im sure I can speak for all of us here that were ttered to have someone as esteemed as you in our ss today.
I beamed.
Thank you
Then I paused. I nced around one more time. And I finally realized I was the only one from the School of Aspiring Elites in the lecture hall.
I have to say, it is my first time teaching someone of your level in a ss of mine. So, I should be the one thanking you for enhancing my resume.
Heughed as if he had made a joke. I wasnt sure whether tough. Normally, Id just join in since it seemed amusing. But the ss was dreadfully silent. He cleared his throat.
Anyways, now that weve got introductions out of the way, let us begin our lecture. As I left offst week
I tried to focus. Pay attention to what was being said. But I had good senses. And I couldnt help but notice the other students were whispering, pointing, and even staring at me. Professor Lisbenon opened a folder, producing a ratherrge sheet of paper. He pinned it against the chalkboard and exined.
This is a foundational rune used back in the Alexandrian Era.
Who is she?
Im not sure if Ive ever heard of a Diamond Rank with her name before.
My older sister told me that shes the Savior of Silvergrove.
Isnt she supposed to be Gold Rank?
Lisbenon droned on, his voice rather monotonous, except for the rare moments where he cracked jokes. I struggled to write down everything he said I even drew the symbols he was showing us.
It continued to remain the dominant form of rune etching used by most [Enchanters] even in the centuries after Alexanders death, during the pre-Melissian Era.
No, that was years ago! Shes much higher-leveled now!
What level is she?
Im not sure, but they call her the Liberator of the gunds.
I hear she fought the Headmaster in a duel to get join the School of Aspiring Elites during the academic year!
Seriously? Shes insane!
My ears twitched as I felt the urge to correct them about what happened. Sure, I wouldve liked that story to be true. But it wasnt. I didnt like falsehoods being made about my person: that wasnt Salvos, that was some fake Salvos!
Compared to the runes used today, you can see the stark difference in how much more simplistic our
Shes gorgeous too. I wonder what her makeup routine is?
Oh, shut up na. Thats all you ever think about.
Dont you naturally be more handsome or beautiful as you level?
You mustve been hideous as a child, Jayden.
You
Go talk to her
How did she kill
By the time professor Lisbenon moved on from the history of the foundational rune also called the Crux Symbol, used in every modern artifact the lecture hall was full of chatter and conversations. He didnt even try to stymie the noise. He simply continued with what he had to say. And while I liked being praise I thoroughly enjoyed hearing others talk about me in a good way I also found it very distracting.
Suffice to say, just like my first ss, I learned nothing in my second ss.
Chapter 185: Aspiring Elites
Chapter 185: Aspiring Elites
185. Aspiring Elites
The Crux Symbol forms the very base of any modern artifact. It is what binds together the subsequent runes etched onto the Clean Medium the object you wish to enchant. There can be minor modifications made to the Crux Symbol, depending on what you wish to do with it. However, its main purpose is to create a funnel for mana to enter and be stored within the artifact. After all, for any artifact to function, it requires the use of magic. The simple act of activating a basic enchantment is something everyone is capable of doing, whether they are a [Mage] or not.
Professor Lisbenon said a lot of things which barely registered in my head; I tried my best to listen. But there was too much chatter. And he didnt bother trying to get anyone to listen to what he was saying.
Im going to approach her after ss.
Thats not a good idea. Diamond Ranks hate it when you do that.
But think of what advice she can
They kept whispering about me. Which was nice. But also distracting. And I was really trying to listen.
So, there is a Crux Symbol, and it looks like this. And its a good conductor of mana, right? Ok, I think I got that. Then I need to imbue it with mana? Wait, that doesnt seem right. Or is it right? Im right, right?
Too frustrated with myself not understanding what was going on, I raised a hand to ask a question. Professor Lisbenon nced at me for a moment, but he continued his lecture. I waved my hands from side to side, trying to draw his attention, and I was pretty sure I did. Still, he continued.
As Im sure youre all aware, mana is woven into the forms of magic we want it to take. The process of enchanting an artifact is simr, in that you want to
The bell rang.
Lisbenon nced up, blinking.
Ah, would you look at the time. It seems ss is dismissed.
He quickly packed his things and left the room. I sat there, hand still raised, eyes twitching.
Seriously?
--
My first day of sses have been bad so far, yes. But it could be better! I knew now that professors and lecturers didnt care too much about helping students for some reason?
Whatever! I was prepared to learn; I didnt care about what these lectures did or did not teach me. I was going to study, regardless. First, I had to
Excuse me, sorry,ing through!
I was just wondering how
No clue, sorry!
I pushed my way through a sea of students trying to assail me questions.
Is it true that youre the one who
Im Salvos! Thats all you need to know! I need to get to my next ss or Ill bete!
I reached the door just in time for a small figure to bar my path. A blonde girl dressed in a second year uniform curtsied, raising the edges of her skirt.
It is a pleasure to meet you, Salvos the Liberator of the gunds. I do hope that is your preferred Title, if not, feel free to correct me for any mistakes I may make.
I blinked.
Um, thats right, but
I am Valda, a young genius such as yourself. As you can see, I am quite high-leveled for my age.
I identified her. She was how old? Maybe fourteen or fifteen? And yet, she was
[Mage - Lvl 53]
I was hoping to ask for any advice you may impart someone who is sure to head down the same journey as
Youre barely even Level 50.
I narrowed my eyes. She paused, taking a step back.
Uh, yes. But thats
Thats quite low, isnt it?
I was at that level when I was only three! Or was I four?
Valda sputtered.
Wha no! Its high for my age?
She seemed less certain than she was just moments ago. Her face burned red as she shrunk back. I shrugged. I guess it was different for Humans who were useless and weak as children.
Smiling, I ced a hand on her shoulder.
Dont do what I do: you can make your own decisions. If youre already in Mavos Academy, you must be doing something right. Im sure youll be someone special.
Valdas eyes widened. Her jaw tried to work, but nothing came out. I ran past her, heading out of the door.
Sorry, gotta run, bye!
--
The next ss was alchemy, held by [Alchemist] Raymond. I wasnt sure what to expect of him. He wasnt a professor, but an [Alchemist]. What was the difference?
I didnt know.
I would soon find out.
I ran into him just as I was about to enter the alchemyb. We were in the Ladder Towers; it had an odd name, although it was fitting. For whatever reason, the building was shaped like adder with two tall buildings connected by multiple thin tubes made of ss. There were different biomes in each of the tubed connectors: some were lush green and overgrown with nts, while others were murky and covered with fungi.
My ss wasnt held in said locations. Rather, it was in a regr room in the left building of the Ladder Towers. [Alchemist] Raymond was an older man, quite high-leveled too. He adjusted a single monocle as he saw me outside of theb room, about to enter.
You! You there! Youre my new student, arent you?
Are you [Alchemist] Raymond?
I nced up at him. He nodded, wheezing augh.
Yes, yes I am! You must be the famed Salvos. I must say, I am surprised that you managed to enroll into the School of Aspiring Elites in the middle of the first academic term. You mustve given Headmaster Skyshredder a good reason!
He pumped a fist. Although with how fragile he was, he barely moved his forearm.
I did, yep! Is this yourb ss?
I gestured at the room ahead of us. The door was still shut, so I pushed it open for him. He nodded.
It is, it is. I am sure your fellow students will be excited to hear of a new ssmate!
I just hope theyre not too excited
I murmured quietly to myself. I stepped in after him and furrowed a brow.
Um, wait, isnt your ss supposed to start in a minute?
Yes, yes its starting.
[Alchemist] Raymond tilted his head slightly, a puzzled expression on his face. I stared at the ssroom.
Its just that why are there only three people here?
Three faces looked up at myself and Raymond. They werent particrly keen or interested. There was a woman who looked like she was twice my age if I was a Human. Seated next to her was a gruff man with a scruffy beard. He had scars all over his cheeks and under his eyes, the clear sign of a grizzled veteran. Thest man looked like he was in his thirties. He flicked his blond hair back and winked at me as I met his gaze.
I ignored that and looked back at the [Alchemist]. He nodded, nonchnt.
This ss is only avable for those in the School of Aspiring Elites. Come,e, we still have some time. Mingle with them and introduce yourself. I will prepare the ss material.
It wasnt just that there were so few people in this ss. Theb room wasrge, with multiple desks full of beakers, vials, and tools for alchemy and potion brewing. Everyone was gathered at the same desk, so I joined them, sitting next to the woman and across from the blond man.
Hi, Im Salvos.
I nodded at each of them. The first to speak was the blond man.
He stood up rather than saying his name. Starting up to me, he kneeled to the ground, a charming smile crossing through his face.
How beautiful. And such an elegant name too. I am Nn you may know me as the Mighty Warrior, but Id prefer you to call me darling.
He took my hand and kissed it. I cocked my head.
Hi, Nn. Its nice to meet you.
I wouldve called him by the name he wanted, but Daniel and Edithe warned me that some people would try to trick me into doing things that I shouldnt do. This, for whatever reason, felt like one of them. Also, his name sounded familiar.
I was pretty sure Id heard of him before, as he said.
With a flourish, he returned to his seat. The next to introduce themselves was the woman. She sat with her back straight, sipping from a cup of tea which wasnt there moments before.
I am Veronica Adash, sole heiress of the city state of Adash. I have not heard of your exploits until today, but I must say, I am very impressed by what I hear.
Thank you wait
I paused, registering what she said in my head. She didnt state it outright, but it was implied. She was a princess! I wanted to exim and point at her however, itd be rude. And princesses liked properness. If I wanted to be her friend, I had to act like an adult!
I truly am humbled by your sentiment, princess of Adash.
I got to my feet and bowed. Nn scowled as I did, but Veronica simply chuckled.
You misunderstand. I am not a princess. I am an heiress: my city has been razed to the ground, and there is nothing left to rule over. Only its remains are left for me to inherit. Nothing more.
I went cross-eyed.
Oh. Im s-sorry?
What else was I supposed to say? Veronica didnt seem bothered by it.
It is fine. Perhaps I should have been more clear.
I turned to thest man. The gruff man. He wore his badge for the School of Aspiring Elites alongside numerous other badges on his uniform. And it was a uniform. Just not for Mavos Academy. It was a ck vest that looked familiar.
He grunted, ncing up to face me with his arms crossed.
I am Gallus of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces.
I blinked. I had been trying to maintain someposure to give my ssmates a good impression. But I couldnt help myself now. I stood up and pointed at him.
You are you Alexs friend?
Gallus who had been so stoic a moment ago nearly fell over in surprise at my sudden action.
I-I who?
Alex Cromerth! He was part of the Vaun Qieur Empires elite Swordsguard Forces too!
It took the gruff man a moment to gather himself. When he did, he cleared his throat.
C-Cromerth? I have heard of that family. A family of formermoners who were rewarded by the Emperor himself to be nobles. Although, I do not know of this Alex myself, I know that their family produces many notable individuals such as Hamlin Cromerth and Brielle Cromerth. If I may ask, how did you meet Alex Cromerth?
Oh, hes dead.
I spoke simply, and Gallus eyes widened.
He is?
Yep! He was my friend I think? But he died repelling some Kobolds from the Vaun Qieur Empire.
Those bastards of course they would act now, when the Watcher has gone to the north. Did he die a valiant death?
I was about to answer bluntly, saying that I had no idea since I only saw his decapitated head. But I was pretty sure that even though Gallus didnt know Alex, there was a sense of camaraderie here, so Gallus mustve wanted a certain response.
I decided to technically tell the truth.
He fought bravely to the very end against those far higher-leveled than him.
Then he has brought honor to his name.
Gallus lowered his head as a moment of silence nketed the table. Nn seemed annoyed that he held the shortest conversation with me. But it wasnt my fault he gave me nothing else to say!
Veronica was uncaring, probably too desensitized by her own circumstances. I didnt care: I just didnt want to blow my cover. I remained quiet even as Gallus leaned back on his chair.
A voice spoke up, drawing all of our attention.
Now, now. Introductions are over. Let us begin our lesson, shall we?
I dutifully turned to face the old man as heid out various vials of colorful liquids onto the table. As he did, Gallus whispered something my way.
And Salvos
He pursed his lips, showing a very different expression from the stone-cold look he had earlier. I cocked my head.
Yes?
It is the Swordsguard Forces. Not the elite Swordsguard Forces.
Huh.
Alex mustve lied to me.
Chapter 186: Alchemy
Chapter 186: Alchemy
186. Alchemy
[Alchemist] Raymond was rather high-leveled, evenpared to the other professors and lecturers in Mavos Academy. Professor Lisbenon was a Level 83 [Enchanter], while the space mage instructor was Level 95. Raymond was Level 124.
That put him at around the same level as Veronica Adash. Meanwhile, Nn, Gallus, and I were all around Level 110. I was the lowest-leveled of the ss, somehow. Not that it mattered! I bet I couldve beat most of them in a fight!
However, I was curious why there was such a stark difference in level between Raymon and Lisbenon. I soon found out when he began his lecture.
As you can see from the distition process of the zorth mushroom fromst week, an extract of what is called the zorth gel is left behind here. It may not seem like much, but it is necessary for the catalytic reaction for the creation of the Potion of Greater Fire Resistance from a Potion of Lesser Fire Resistance.
I blinked. Wait, Potion of Greater Fire Resistance? Wasnt that supposed to be something rare or expensive? Why was he talking about that in a basic alchemy ss? Unless
Yes, yes, Salvos. I can see that youre confused. Worry not: I have prepared the necessary ingredients for you so that you will not fall behind in the ss. The practical nature of ourb sessions makes it necessary, although you will have to study up on the textbook on your own.
Hesitating, I nodded along as if I knew what he was talking about.
R-right. And just remind me, where can I purchase the textbook from?
Youll want to go to Central Square and find Beaker Building, next to the House of Amber. It is made of ss, so it should be quite obvious. There, youll want to purchase the textbook on Advanced Alchemical Composition. Make sure you get the second edition, and not the first edition. There have been major rewrites to the portions of the text on a few key reactive ingredients used for the potion upgrades. Its just far more cost-effective in ingredients now, see?
I smiled nervously, scribbling on my notebook.
Yes the book on Advanced Alchemical Composition, and not Basic, right?
That is correct.
Huh.
I lowered my pen, and screamed internally. I took the wrong ss! The ss name didnt tell me that this would be about advanced alchemy! Its name was just Alchemy 1531: Alchemical Synthesis. Nothing in its name implied that itd beplex things!
I didnt say anything, even as I followed along with the ss and [Alchemist] Raymonds directions. He had us bring ingredients to a bunch of equipment there were vials and syringes and various other tools used to measure the volume of different liquids. I eyed thebels of the different, glowing liquids. Some of them were solid. They had names tagged onto the ss surface.
Manticore blood. Powdered faded grass. Shadelight moss. Kzoth weed extract (DO NOT TOUCH.)
I narrowed my eyes as I spotted the kzoth weed extract. Wasnt that the extremely rare ingredient Gabriel was gathering in Motharis for the Valiant Dreamers Company? I was pretty sure it was it had been abundantly growing near Ghostlight too.
I was given a Potion of Lesser Fire Resistance alongside a few other ingredients such as the zorth mushroom extract and something he called the diluted base.
Um, and what is this diluted base, exactly?
I couldnt help but ask, as I stared at the glowing liquid. The liquid itself was clear, but a dim light seemed to wisp off the sk. Threads of mana gathered around it, almost physical, like a seamstress had woven a thick nket over the diluted base. It was brimming with pure mana.
Gallus was the only one who heard my question. He leaned forward as Veronica and Nn proceeded to get to work with their own potions.
Its created from mixing multiple ingredients rich in mana in water or another low mana base. Through the process of magical conformation which typically takes a year the residual mana from the ingredients will seep into the low mana base, thus creating the diluted base.
Huh. But doesn''t that take a long time?
I cocked my head, and he nodded.
For usyfolks, it does. However, [Alchemists] often have Skills to speed up the process. And they sell the diluted base in abundance you can find it in any [Alchemist] shop in any city. Although this is a rather simple theory, Ms Salvos. Is something the matter?
He had a genuinely perplexed look on his face; I didnt give him an answer, instead turning my attention to [Alchemist] Raymond as the elderly man began to speak.
Look, hes showing us something.
I spoke in a whisper. Raymond was demonstrating something over a rune of fire. He held up the Potion of Lesser Fire Resistance over the open me, smiling.
There is a certain delicacy required in enhancing a lesser-tiered potion. For this Potion of Lesser Fire Resistance, it needs to be bathed in mes equal to what its meant to resist. However, watch too little heat, and nothing happens. But too much
Raymond tapped a finger on the side of the rune. It glowed brightly as the concentrated me grew more and more wild. I narrowed my eyes as the reserved me became a corybantic dancer. It was very hot. If someone below Level 70 was in this room, theyd be reeling from the heat. But since everyone was above Level 100, we simply watched.
The brown liquid in the vial began to bubble. The ss enchanted to withstand the heat cracked. But before it could shatter, the liquid itself sizzled andbusted, lit aze. The vial exploded, ss flying in every direction. I caught a piece of shard as an ear-piercing sound echoed in the room.
Gallus dusted himself off, uncaring of the bits of ss bouncing off his chest. Veronica lowered her minor barrier, uncaring, while Nn shook his head, somehow not a single ss shard flew in his direction.
[Alchemist] Raymondughed.
As you can see, an incredibly violent reaction happens. But if you find the right heat
He activated the rune once more. But instead of ying with the intensity of the me using the rune itself, he pointed at the fire.
[Heat Control].
The size of the me didnt change. He lowered a second vial of Lesser Fire Resistance next to the stable candle-like me. But it burned with an intensity that almost rivalled the previous fire.
The [Alchemist] tipped the solution slightly, circling it as it bubbled, discoloring, and seemingly absorbing specks and motes of the fire into it. Then it turned to a more ruddy color. Like if a rose had melted into a ss. He drew it back, smiling.
Now, now, Im sure this is not a Skill most of you have. But at your levels, I am sure you are more than capable of finding an alternative to achieve the same effect. Once youve ovee this obstacle, you simply have to follow the form I have provided for you. Do not forget that the zorth mushroom extract should be added exactly a minute after it cools down, lest it will not work.
He shook his head, cing the burning hot vial down on a rack for potions. The wood sizzled as it came in contact with the ss, but just like everything else in theboratory, it was all enchanted. Raymond continued.
Beyond just Skills and trust me, us [Alchemists] have a lot of Skills to aid our concoctions there are a lot of other skills and abilities required to be an alchemist. You see, alchemy is something anyone can do to a certain extent because of its formic nature. The greatest benefit of being an [Alchemist] is the speed of our creation. After all, without my help, youd have to wait half a decade for the zorth mushroom to dpose. But as a non-[Alchemist], as long as you have sufficient control over magic, youll be able to replicate what we do with enough time, or enough money to gather all the necessary ingredients in their final states.
I nodded slowly, sort of understanding what he was saying. So, that meant that one of the advantages of actually going to Mavos Academy was gaining ess to the different forme for potion-making since knowledge was concentrated at institutions of learning such as this.
If thats the case, can I make my own healing potions? Mana potions? Or even I had a thought, but Raymonds voice interrupted it.
Now, for todaysb session, youll want to finish the concoction of a Potion of Greater Fire Resistance. Once youre finished, you may leave at any point in time. You can use anything you have at your disposal, including the fire runes. But even these Advanced Burners are difficult to control at a higher intensity. I do not rmend this method as it will take far more trial and error than utilizing other resources. And thats the job of an [Alchemist]: to be resourceful.
That was all Raymond said before he drew away from the table. Returning to his own seat by the chalkboard, he began to read from a rather old tome. I blinked.
Was that it? We just had to act on our own?
I nced around at Veronica, and sure enough, she was already getting to work. She raised a hand, pulling out a piece of parchment out of thin air. I recognized the artifact she was using immediately. A Dimensional Storage Unit. Just like Daniels.
She etched symbols on the surface of the parchment before pouring mana into it. The air above the paper vanished. There was a vacuum there in a small box area. She ced the vial in the center, and pointed.
A stream of fire shot out, but it didnt burn at the paper of the table. She continued burning it, uncaring of what was happening in the background behind her. Gallus had drawn his sword and raised it to the ceiling.
Hah!
He grunted. The de was ovee with white mes, searing hot. He dipped the de into the liquid, and it began to bubble.
Nn stood next to him, ying with the fire rune. When a small me burst out, he smiled and pointed.
[Replicate Skill: Heat Control].
Everyone else was already getting to work, except for me. I bit my lower lip. Surely this had to be an easy task for me, right?
I specialized in fire magic. I could do this I had to do this. All I had to do was do what Raymond did, before proceeding with the instructions listed in the piece of paper handed to me.
I proceeded to burn the bottom of the vial. Taking a deep breath, I recalled the fire Raymond used. The heat it emitted. The way the threads of mana seemed to form a mesh around it. I copied it, and my eyes widened as I saw the same discoloration happening to the liquid.
I did it? I did it!
I hurriedly looked over at the instructions to figure out what to do next and paused when I realized that it was mostly symbols, rather than written words. I scratched the side of my head.
Come on, [Universal Language Comprehension], do your thing! And it did.
I took a step back.
Um, so I want to...
And I realized a minute had passed.
I quickly grabbed another Potion of Lesser Fire Resistance Raymond had kindly provided quite a few to the side and got back to work. As I did, however, I watched as Nn walked away from the table with a smirk.
I have finished.
He dered.
That fast? [Alchemist] Raymond was approving. They held a short conversation, and he was out of the door. I pursed my lips, finishing the heating process of the potion once more. I waited a minute to add the zorth mushroom, and Veronica walked out of the room, finished with her own potion.
I looked through the instructions once again. Alright, first thing I want to do is
Then Gallus left the room too!
And it was just me. I stood alone at the center of the alchemyb. For once, the slowest in a group. Even if it wasnt physical speed. [Alchemist] Raymond looked up, curious.
Are you having trouble, Ms Salvos?
I worked my jaw. Then I sighed.
I thought this was a basic alchemy ss.
I finally admitted. He quirked a brow. Pushing himself to his feet, he hobbled over to me.
I see, I see. Youve identally chosen the wrong ss. It happens from time to time. Here, tell me, what are you unsure of?
I, um, am not really sure what to do?
I gestured at the instructions.
Its telling me to wait for the zorth mushroom extract to fizzle? But its not fizzling.
Hm, that would do it.
He chuckled, shaking his head.
You added too much of the extract, Ms Salvos. Youd like to add a single drop, else it will not react with the solution. And once youre finished with that, youll have to add this new solution to the diluted base
[Alchemist] Raymond led me through the entire process, exining each step. And when I was finished, I held up a Potion of Greater Fire Resistance. I stared at it. Then I turned to him.
Thank you.
It is no issue. However, regarding your enrollment in this ss
He trailed off, and I scowled.
Ill probably have to change sses, won''t I?
It would be a second day of having a first day of ss. Thatd be incredibly annoying! But Raymond tapped a finger on his chin.
Theoretically speaking, you should be able toplete most of the assignments in this ss without taking any basic alchemy theory.
I blinked.
I can?
Yes. Your biggest shoring of today was joiningte in the academic term. However, since theseb sses tend to teach by example, as long as you pay careful attention and do your own studying, youll be fine if not for the final assignment.
The final assignment?
I raised a brow. Raymond nodded.
For the final assignment, youll want toplete the creation of a potion in the greater tier that is not whats covered in ss. For example, a Potion of Greater Cold Resistance. Or a Potion of Greater Protection. Maybe even a Potion of Invisibility or a Potion of Haste. As long as it falls within this list.
He showed me a piece of paper with the names of a few dozen different potions. I paused as I caught sight of a certain potion. One I recognized the name of.
Itd be too difficult for you to concoct such a potion all on your own
Ill do it.
I stated simply. This time, Raymond was the one to blink.
Are you certain, Ms Salvos?
Yep.
I handed him the piece of paper, smiling.
You said it yourself. To be an [Alchemist], I just have to be resourceful, right? Theres no point in giving up before I even try! So, I wont drop this ss.
He was slightly dubious, but he didnt press me. Instead, he simply ask a single question.
I see. If that is the case, I will need to know what you will do for your final assignment.
Ill make
I tilted my head back. This was an advanced ss: I had no basic knowledge on alchemy not yet. But as he said, I could possibly keep up with what was going on as long as I studied and followed his instructions. The issue was the final assignment.
What would I make? There were many different potions that piqued my interest. For one, a Potion of Waking was something I wanted. But there was something else in the list that I found more enticing especially if I learned to make it on my own.
A Potion of Regeneration.
It was a potion that could restore lost limbs and cure curses. Only the most deadly of wounds was irreversible by the Potion of Regeneration. It was not going to be easy to make. And even Raymond seemed surprised by my choice. But I needed it.
I lost an arm in my [Demonic Essence] transformation. It couldnt be recovered without a Potion of Regeneration.
If I may rmend an easier potion for someone like you to create
Nope! You may not rmend it to me.
I grinned. He hesitated.
But a Potion of Regeneration is consideredplex, even for a greater-tier of potion, Ms Salvos.
I know. But
I was stubborn. All mypanions and friends knew that. I wasnt going to fold over just because my first day of ss was a little difficult. Id wee this challenge with open arms and bared teeth.
Id like to learn how to make one. I came to Mavos Academy to learn useful things. Not boring things I didnt care about. And this is something I can learn from this ss. So, why would I leave this ss or choose to learn something else?
I was thest one today. But that was because I had been confused. I was trying to catch up where I was behind. And I especially struggled since I was under the wrong impression of the ss. Now, however, I knew what was going on.
I was fully prepared to work hard to get what I wanted.
Very well.
[Alchemist] Raymond acquiesced.
If you insist, then your final assignment shall be the creation of a Potion of Regeneration. As much as Id advise against it.
Ill do it. Dont worry about me.
It was a deration. Was it even something I could do? I didnt know But that was the point of me enrolling in this academy. I wasnt going to wallow, lost and confused, like some kind of stupid child!
I was Salvos. I had survived the Netherworld where many others didnt. I saved Silvergrove and liberated the gunds! I killed Zix the High Zealot and the Lich of Zacharius!
I wasnt going to lose to some ss in some academy!
--
Thest ss was on dimensional discement theory. Specifically, how objects move through space when teleported by spells such as my [Banish] Skill. I took notes of everything professor Isais said, even things I didnt know the meaning of. I would search up what it meantter.
This ss was mostly filled with fourth year students of the College of Aspirations, and some third years. But there were two others from the School of Aspiring Elites like me. Surprisingly, Gallus was one of them. I didnt get the name of the other, as I was too engrossed in learning.
There were far less stares and whispers because of their presence. And when the ss was finished, I immediately left and headed around Mavos Academy to purchase all the necessary textbooks.
When I returned to Saffrons room, it was only to tell her that Id be spending the night out.
Where are you going?
The pink-haired woman frowned. I waved a hand off, gesturing at my textbooks and notebooks.
To the library to study!
Dont stay out toote. And don''t get caught by the hall director when you return!
I wont!
I waved at her before hurriedly heading out of the dorm, past the various libraries located throughout the campus, and out of Mavos Academy. I headed deep into the forest dozens of miles away from the school before I finally transformed out of [Partial Mortality].
I found myself a nice alcove by the side of a hill to settle into, and ced the various textbooks down in front of me. I had a lot of studying to do a lot of catching up with the different curriculums of my sses. As such, I needed to spend as much time as I could trying to achieve this. And there was a problem with Humans the need to sleep which wasted a lot of time in a day.
I wasnt a Human. I was a Demon. Even if I was in a Human academy, I wasnt going to use my natural advantages to, well, my advantage. I was going to stay up all night, studying, rather than sleeping and dreaming about stupid things like eating bugs!
Lighting a single blue candle, I grabbed my pen and got to work. Studying, reading, learning. It didnt feel like a lot of time passed until the sun was rising again. Only then did I gather my things and prepare to leave. Before I did, I nced back at the alcove. It was a small cave in a nice secluded spot. Id like to return to it again to continue doing this.
Maybe this could be my own personal ce: away from Humans, all for myself
Created [Lair: Study Spot of Salvos]!
Experience is awarded for the creation of a Lair!
What the I can do that?!
I took a step back, grinning.
"That''s so cool!"
Chapter 187: Tiring Learning
Chapter 187: Tiring Learning
187. Tiring Learning
Before leaving my Lair, I made sure to cover up the little alcove with branches and leaves so that no one would find it. One thing I noticed when doing so was how I could feel a surge in the mana within the Lair. Not only that, I could feel a boost to my own abilities.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 130 (+25) (+3%)
[Strength]: 105 (+25) (+3%)
[Endurance]: 113 (+25) (+3%)
[Wisdom]: 200 (+25) (+8) (+3%)
[Agility]: 253 (+25) (+3%)
It wasnt the most significant increase. But it would do a lot to aid me if I ever found myself in battle within my Lair. If I transformed with [Demonic Essence] too the increase would be rather substantial.
If I was ever being chased by someone significantly stronger than me, I could retreat to my Lair for an advantage. Even as I left the forest, transforming back to a Human, and being hit with a slight drowsiness, I knew where my Lair was without even looking or thinking about it.
That is good. That means I wont get lost!
I headed back to Mavos Academy, slightly exhausted, mostly mentally. The need for sleep was oppressive at times. Id consider learning a Potion of Waking to stave off the need for sleep, if I hadnt already chosen the Potion of Regeneration as my final assignment for my ss on alchemy.
I needed my arm back when using [Demonic Essence]. Sure, having five arms was actually more terrifying than having six. But the more arms the better!
I patted myself on the back with [Faux Limbs] it created an ethereal blue arm from my shoulder, and it didnt burn me. Although I was pretty sure itd burn others at least a little bit.
I nodded at Lamarr as I entered my first ss. The King of Traith. He was a nice guy. He returned the gesture as I settled down, notte for ss on my second day.
Lecturer udia arrived a momentter, just as the bell rang and ss began. She started droning on about various axioms of space theory. I dutifully listened, jotting down notes. And unlike yesterday, the ss didnt feel like itsted an eternity. Perhaps it was because of how focused I was, but I didnt expect the lecture to end so soon.
I tried to catch the lecturer before she left, but she simply shook her head.
You can speak with me during my office hours tomorrow.
And that was that.
I still had some time until my next ss, so I stayed to chat with Lamarr. It wasnt anything serious. I was curious what it was like to be a King or how he even got the Title.
I was a diator.
A diator?
He nodded.
A warrior who fought for entertainment. I fought in the Pits of Dread for a decade, killing whatever foul monsters they wished to unleash upon me day after day.
Then what happened?
I peered at the man. He didnt look like the kind of man who fought every day for years on end. He shook his head.
I fought smart. Gained the favor of the public. Never asked for anything for years. And one day, the previous king of Traith offered to grant my wish. Any wish within his power. I asked him for a duel for his crown.
My jaw dropped.
And he epted it? Isnt that stupid?!
He made a foolish choice in the first ce. He made the deration in front of the crowds watching at the Pits of Dread. He couldnt reject me. Even though he cheated, using all the artifacts he could, with his royal guards by his side, he lost. I won. Now, I am a king, and the Pits of Dread are gone.
I cocked my head.
Wait, why are they gone?
I was genuinely puzzled, and so was Lamarr. He was surprised by my question.
Why would I reinforce an institution responsible for my suffering?
But youre free, arent you?
And there are many others who were not. To be king is to view the world beyond just your own eyes. Sit not just on your throne, but to sit at the dinner table with the poor and the hungry. These virtues are what has enabled my country to flourish, even when I am gone.
Lamarr didnt seem mad at me for asking the question. He simply gave me an exnation, and that was it. I slowly digested this information. It was almost simr to what Lily and Visanya had said before, but also not the same.
They were different lenses of the same tint. One which I didnt trulyprehend, as much as I tried.
Lamarr continued to tell me about his duties as the King of Traith, and I asked him various questions. One of them, I was really curious about.
Do you have a daughter?
As of right now, I am unwed and without children.
That means your country doesnt have a princess.
I grinned, and he blinked.
Why does it matter?
I leaned forward, looking at him with pleading eyes.
Adopt me so I can be a princess!
He said no.
--
The next ss was general rune study. Professor Lisbenon was runningte once more. I saw eyes dart towards me, even as I simply took a seat. The whisperings began, and I knew itd distract me. So, I did what I shouldve done on the first day.
I red up at those pointing and talking.
Shut. Up.
They froze. A few first years slid underneath their desks, and some second years hid behind their books. Then I smiled.
Im trying to study. If youd like to talk to me, you can do so when I am free. Id love to chat, of course. I have a lot of things to talk about. But after ss, please.
The students throughout the ssroom hurriedly nodded. I caught sight of a familiar girl Valda. She seemed to stare at me in awe, even as the others shrunk in fear. I shrugged, continuing to prepare for the ss.
Professor Lisbenon arrived, giving some excuse, and began his lecture. One thing I realized from this ss was that there wouldnt be much learned beyond simple theory and history. Sure, some of the things taught could be applied, but this wasnt ab which actually went about to apply it. This was more of an introductory ss.
That didnt mean I couldnt use what I learned. I paid careful attention to what was being said, specifically what I believe I could use when I was out traveling all by myself.
The ss ended, and a flock of students encroached on me.
Hey, Ms Liberator of the gunds, I was wondering if youd like to join our
Ms Savior of Silvergrove, my brother wanted to know, as an adventurer, did you
I said when I was free. Im still busy!
I ran off, ignoring them. I paused at the door and shook a fist.
Also, my name is Salvos!
Then came the ss on alchemy. This was my hardest ss by far. Not only was it an advanced ss rather than an introductory ss, I had no background on the subject at all. I found myself lost, even for todays ss, even after extensive research and studying the night before.
[Alchemist] Raymond didnt slow his ss for me either. And due to this being a ss specifically for the School of Aspirit Elites, each lesson was dense. It had to be. We prepared a dozen different ingredients for the creation of an Elixir of Enhanced Agility.
The difference between a regr potion and an elixir was generally on the duration of the effects. Potions were short term, while elixirs couldst for days, weeks, sometimes even months.
While the Elixir of Enhanced Agility wouldve been useful for me, [Alchemist] Raymond rmended against ingesting it unless necessary. It wouldst for seven days, and the side effects after drinking it was less than kind. It included terrible headaches, nausea, and an exhaustion which would typically take two or three weeks to ovee.
Most adventurers tend to consume such elixirs before delving into Dungeons. And it is not rmended that you consume a Potion of Speed or even Haste during the time the effect is active. The additional effects will add up only by a little, while the side effects will exponentially increase. Sometimes even to the point of being deadly.
That didnt sound nice. And it was not like we even finished preparing the elixir today. It would bepleted next week. We simply prepared the base ingredients and a few of the base potions for it. Normally, such preparation would take weeks or months. But again, [Alchemist] Raymond had prepared everything beforehand so it could be done within the span of the ss.
I left theb, rubbing at my temples, tired and drained from the day. But I still had one more ss to go to. A voice stopped me before I could leave the building. Nn, the Mighty Warrior himself, called out to me, smiling.
Ms Salvos, are you perchance having trouble with [Alchemist] Raymonds lessons?
He swiped his hair back as he approached me. I nodded, sagging slightly.
Kind of, yep.
I was also quite sleepy, which was the worst part about this whole thing. Nn smiled and proffered me a hand.
If it is no issue with you, I would love to provide my services to you. I do believe I am currently at the top of the ss, and I do have a background in alchemy as well. One of my former party members tutored me rather extensively.
Youll help me?
I brightened, and he nodded.
Why, of course. But I am sure you are currently busy, as I am. Will you be free on the weekend?
Yep! I dont think I have anything nned.
Then in the afternoon, in Central Squares library, will you meet me there?
Of course! Thank you so much!
I bowed my head gratefully. Nn simply waved a hand, dismissive.
It is no matter. I have noticed you struggling, so I feel obligated to assist you. I shall see you then.
What a nice guy. I was wondering if Id have to ask someone for help, but it seemed like people were nice and went out of their way to offer their help to me instead!
Thest ss was once again uneventful. There was a moment where I realized what Id been doing on instinct with [Banish] was actuallyplex. Other than that, I returned to Saffrons room, ready to pass out.
You seemed exhausted.
A little bit
I yawned, grabbing a bite to eat. It was a cooked steak, which surprised her.
Not eating bugs today?
I gave her a nomittal shrug.
Hunting for food gets tiring sometimes, and I just need some energy.
I grabbed the rest of my notes once more, preparing to return to my Lair.
Going out to study again?
Yep! Need to catch up. Im still a bit behind in sses.
Saffron narrowed her eyes. She crossed her arms, as if she wanted to say something. But all she ended up doing was bidding me goodnight.
Dont overwork yourself, Salvos.
Ill try.
I mustered up a smile before heading off. I practically ran out of Mavos Academy, back to the forest, transforming back out of [Partial Mortality] to my normal form, just to wash the exhaustion from my body.
I wouldve fallen asleep if I took a moment longer. Once I wasnt a Human anymore, I let out a sigh of relief.
Finally!
I straightened, no longer bothered by the need to sleep. I returned to my Lair, getting my books up, reading through it.
All in all, school was pretty fun. The only issue was the need to sleep. But as morning came, and I transformed back to a Human. I smiled, refreshed.
So, my sleep schedule resets each time I transform. Just as I thought.
That was why I found myself drowsy the instant I transformed, and why there was such a long cooldown before [Partial Mortality] could be used. It was a slight hindrance, when done right, could be exploited such as right now.
The idea of umted sleep was pretty dumb. Why would I umte sleep from being a Demon who didnt need to sleep? That was stupid!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] has leveled up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 4] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Chapter 188.1. Interlude - Edithes Emancipation
Chapter 188.1. Interlude - Edithe''s Emancipation
188.1. Interlude - Edithe''s Emancipation
A young redhead sat in a tavern, drinking her sorrows away. She leant back on her chair and sighed. A man approached her, the third one tonight. A short conversation ensued, slowly turning into an argument as she rejected him, and Edithe finally decided it was time to act.
Edithe, the red-haired adventurer, had been watching the young redhead for the past three hours. Edithe was certain she had found the right person. And now that the man was getting rough with the young redhead, Edithe moved.
Getting to her feet, Edithe marched up to the man, tapping a finger on his shoulder.
Hey, you should leave her alone.
He blinked and nced at her.
Huh? Are you offering yourself up to me, sweetie? Sorry, but youre too old
He tried to grab the young redhead, but Edithe punched him. Edithe wasnt the strongest adventurer for her level; she was a [Mage], first and foremost. But there was one advantage she held over the man.
He was Level 24, while she was Level 96, having leveled since leaving the gunds. Her [Strength] far exceeded his.
The man went flying as the young redhead stumbled back, eyes wide. Heads turned. A few of his friends drew to their feet, pointing at Edithe. She simply red at them, her eyes glowing with magic.
Does anyone else want to bother us?
They hesitated. Then they returned to their seats, murmuring to themselves.
Good.
Edithe smiled, turning back to the young redhead. The other girl stared at her in shock.
W-who are you? What do you want?
Youre Josilyn, arent you?
Y-yes?
The young redhead was nervous, on edge. She didnt look like she was well-off. Her clothes were torn and tattered, clearly suffering wear from overuse. Edithe nodded.
I was hoping to talk to you about your grandmother, Miranda the Infernal Mage.
--
She was a Diamond Rank adventurer. The only one in my family to have ever reached prominence beyond this stupid, small town. Thanks to her, our family lived a luxurious life. At least, until she disappeared, and my idiotic mother threw all our wealth away.
What happened to her?
Edithe brought Josilyn out of the tavern and to a booth in the Adventurers Guild to speak somewhere more private. A waitress briefly popped in, bringing her a ss of water no alcohol.
I dont really know. I remember when she left for the gunds the entire town gathered to watch her go. I was there too, of course. She told me shed be back in a few months. And we never heard from her again. So she probably died to the blight, if Im being honest.
Josilyn shrugged, uncaring. But not really. Edithe could see through the facade.
It happened so long ago, so why does it matter? Did she owe your family money or something? Because we dont have any.
Edithe nodded. She understood how the other redhead felt. Things were shit right now, judging from her appearance, so why would she care about something that happened a decade ago? Even if it was the root cause for what was happening now, there was no reason to dwell on it.
But still, Jocilyn cared. Edithe knew she cared about it, just not in the material sense.
Here.
Edithe ced an object on the table. Truth be told, she knew just as much about both Miranda and Josilyn, even before speaking to the young redhead. Edithe had done her research she was just making sure the facts lined up.
Josilyn blinked as she eyed the glittering pendant, ced on the table.
W-whats that?
Take it. Its yours.
Mine?
It belonged to your grandmother. She had it on her when she died. Its a Durability Charm. Wearing it will enhance your [Vitality] by 10 Stat Points. Its quite the rare and expensive artifact. I believe itd sell for a hundred tinum, minimum.
The young redhead blinked.
Uh, um, erm, what? Why are you giving this to me? Are you serious?
I am. Take it.
Edithe pushed the amulet across the table, insistent. Josilyn hesitated for a second, her hand hovering over the Durability Charm. Her eyes narrowed.
Wait, who are you, anyways?
The red-haired adventurer smiled.
I am Edithe Dawnrise, the Liberator of the gunds, and Diamond Rank Adventurer.
And Josilyns jaw dropped.
Edithe felt satisfied saying that. Not for the reaction that made her feel awkward. But her name. Edithe Dawnrise. It was bestowed upon her by the Vaun Qieur Empire. From a girl living in the slums of Viechester, to now an honorary noble of thergest empire in the world.
She proceeded to answer all of Josilyns questions. And there were a lot of questions. Edithe didnt mind it, even as the night dragged on and the conversation continued.
Josilyn needed closure, and Edithe came here to give it.
Edithe learned about Josilyn too. How the young redhead had wanted to be an adventurer as a child, but after Mirandas disappearance, that dream vanished. Now, Josilyn was stuck working as a librarian a job she hated.
However, despite the time Edithe spared and the answers Edithe gave, there was one thing omitted throughout the conversation. She never once mentioned the state she found Miranda the Infernal Mage in.
Frozen.
An icy statue, standing in the bedroom of a dpidated castle. Fear in her eyes, staring out the window, and longing to go home.
The memory of it alone sent a chill down Edithes spine, although she didnt let it show on her face. Finally, when Josilyn had run out of things to ask, Edithe bade her farewell and took her leave. Before she did, however, she gave the young redhead a hug.
Im sure this is a lot for you to take in. So, I want you to take it all in slowly.
But what do I do with this? Do I just sell it?
Its up to you. You can sell it, or you can keep it. Use it.
Josilyn raised a brow.
Why would I need to use it?
To be an adventurer. You said it was your dream, right?
Its dangerous! And the pay isnt exactly the best Im not sure if thats a good idea.
Edithe nodded, starting away from the booth.
Youre right. Its entirely up to you. If youre ufortable with the idea, afraid of the risks, you shouldnt do it.
Then she nced back, grinning.
But you didnt be a Level 12 [Mage] just sit at a desk all day, did you?
Josilyn hesitated. Then she lowered her head. Edithe nodded, leaving her and exiting the Adventurers Guild.
--
That was tiring.
Edithe sighed, leaving the small town behind her. Belraut. It was a town on the eastern side of the Sunmere Republic. However, it was still further to the west of Viechester. And now, she had to head east. Past Viechester, to where Hadrian, the leader of herpany was.
The reason was simple: the Valiant Dreamers Company herpany was at war with Iron Champions Company. And they were preparing for a proper assault into Nixa.
Youd think with that Primeval Demon razing down the north of the country, this fuckingpany war would at least be postponed.
She muttered, and someone replied in a chipper voice.
Well, if anything the Iron Champions Company did made sense, we wouldnt be at war with them in the first ce.
A gust of wind washed over her. A pair of wings pped softly, like the swaying of the trees during a warm spring breeze. Edithe looked up at the Pegasus as it descended, a pure stallion with dove-like wings. On its back was a man, slightly older than her. He wore a grin on his face, cheery and warm, just like the rising sun behind his back.
Need a ride?
[Beastmaster - Lvl. 117]
She stared at him. A dark skinned man with blue eyes and white hair. Ismail Znd, one of the few Diamond Rank adventurers of the Valiant Dreamers Company. He had been in the Beastmen ins until he was called back by Hadrian. Unlike nd Gredrun or Abdiel who didnt respond to the call, he returned as soon as he could.
Rolling her eyes, Edithe hopped onto the back of the Pegasus.
I still cant believe you found yourself a Pegasus while away from the Humannds. I thought they were only native to Mount Soulcreep.
And I cant believe you reached Diamond Rank from Gold since Ist saw you. Seriously, howd you double your levels in just a few years? Also her names Dorothy, and shes not any ordinary Pegasus. Shes mine.
Yeah, yeah. Sorry, Dorothy.
Edithe ran a hand through the Pegasus mane, even as they soared through the air. They couldve flown faster arrived at their destination in under half an hour. But they took their time. They werent in a rush, and Edithe wasnt fond of flying at high speeds after being taken for a joy ride by Salvos.
Im surprised you even remember me. You were almost Diamond when I first joined. I was barely even Silver.
How could I not? You left quite the impression, cursing Hadrian out for trying to flirt with you.
Ismail chuckled. She glowered.
I didnt know he was the son of Baris, alright? Id have turned him down more nicely if Id known that.
He got what he deserved. And at least hes a lot more mature now that he''s thepany leader.
Edithe pursed her lips, remembering when Hadrian first met Salvos.
Did he, though?
The pair of adventurers arrived at their destination a few hourster. There were hundreds of adventurers gathered most of them were Gold Rank, which meant this force wasposed of only the best of the best.
A few faces looked up, staring at Ismail as he made his entrance with his Pegasus. They pointed and cheered, d to see him there. And for Edithe too.
She didnt realize it until after theynded. But many of the cheers were for her too. They greeted her, calling her name, waving at her as she walked through the camp. Adventurers chatted andughed while others moved boxes and crates around not all of them were of the Valiant Dreamerspany. She recognized otherpanies. Allies.
The Northbury Troops hade to their aid, apanied by the leader, Noah himself. The Crystal Spells sent a regiment of their [Mages] too, helping with the packing process, alongside with creating fortifications around the encampment. The Miners of Graydenn, the Dusk Horns, and even the Steel Crownspanies were here.
Not all of them sent their best. But they sent their aid. And that was enough to raise morale.
Edithe.
Baris approached her. The former leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company smiled, weing her to the encampment.
I take it your meeting went well?
It went as well as it couldve, I suppose. But now that all thats settled, I can finally throw my full weight behind this war.
Very good. Come, Hadrian would like to have a word with you and Ismail.
She nodded at him. While shed wanted to help the Valiant Dreamers Company since she returned, shed been busy finding the rtives of all the victims killed by the Lich. While she had never met those women, she felt a sense of obligation to at least tell their descendants of their ultimate fate.
That was why she had gone through the bodies. When the Lich died, the ice freezing their bodies melted, and their corpses instantly began to decay and rot. But most of them had artifacts trinkets that somehow survived, which Edithe used to identify them.
It wasnt easy. Out of the dozens upon dozens of women killed by the Lich, she had only managed to identify thirteen of them. And she had only been able to trace seven of their family trees to the modern times.
Jocilyn had been thest of them. So, Edithe could now fight for the Valiant Dreamers Company against the Iron Champions without any apprehension.
Baris led both Edithe and Ismail into a tent at the center of the encampment. Apany war was treated like a real war, just with far fewer forces, but typically more specialized and with better fighters. Hadrian sat with a few other tinum Ranks at a meeting table overlooking a map.
Well want to avoid the Demons
They nced up as Ismail waved a hand. Edithe shuffled her feet, slightly ufortable at the stares she still got from the tinums. Especially those she knew like Celine. In a short span of time, she had overtaken them in levels.
It was almost disconcerting. But it wasnt undeserved she knew it wasnt. She remembered every single day she spent in the gunds. Oppressive, exhausting, and near-fatal. She couldve died multiple times a week, only surviving due to pure chance and her friends intervention. And she was rewarded with a high level and a Title that exceeded any of their feats.
Still, she didnt want them to treat her any different.
But they did.
Leave us. I have to speak with Edithe and Ismail in private.
Chapter 188.2. Interlude - Edithes Emancipation
Chapter 188.2. Interlude - Edithe''s Emancipation
188.2. Interlude - Edithe''s Emancipation
Leave us. I have to speak with Edithe and Ismail in private.
The tinum Ranks streamed out. Celine patted Edithe on the shoulder, much to the red-haired womans relief. At least that rtionship was the same. But the one with Hadrian wasnt. Now, Edithe was a strategic asset.
Hello, Edithe, Ismail.
Hadrian greeted them as the tent pped shut, and Baris activated a ritual circle. Edithe saw strands of mana weaving into themselves to form a barrier around the encampment to prevent anyone from eavesdropping, be it magically or not.
Whats going on? Whyd you need to speak with us?
Before I answer that question, I need to ask the both of you one thing: can I trust you?
Edithe exchanged a nce with the [Beastmaster]. Ismail shrugged.
Sure you can. Dont see why not.
Edithe?
He waited for her to respond. She tapped a finger on her chin.
It depends on whether you deserve my trust or not. If you are truly someone who upholds the values of the Valiant Dreamerspany, then I will trust you.
Youre making this more difficult than it needs to be.
Hadrian sighed. He nced over at Baris.
Well, does it work?
The older man produced a scroll from his pocket. Its surface was slightly burned, but it wasntpletely turning to ashes. Which seemed like a good sign, if that scroll was what Edithe thought it was.
The Scroll of Lies did not determine any substantive lie in their statements. They told mostly the truth.
Thats reassuring enough, I guess.
Edithe narrowed her eyes, ncing between Baris and Hadrian.
Wait, why the secrecy? That Scroll of Lies its a High Grade artifact, is it not? Its got to be worth hundreds of tinum. Why would you use it here?
Hadrian took a deep breath.
I know this may seem sudden, but there is quite a pressing matter I need to disclose with the most prominent members of the Valiant Dreamers Company. That which would change the course of thepany war. I needed to know whether I could trust the two of you.
Ismail took a seat, looking at him expectantly.
Enough with the exposition: just tell us what it is already!
Hadrian closed his eyes, speaking as he exhaled.
The truth is Baris and I are Vampires.
Ismails mouth opened
Oh, I already knew that.
Same.
Edithe nodded in agreement. It was quite obvious with how Hadrian had spoken of Vampires in the past. Hadrian blinked.
Wait, you do?
I told you you were never inconspicuous about it.
Baris grunted, and he shrunk back.
Wait, wait, wait. You guys are joking right?
Nope. Not at all.
I mean, I had a strong feeling about it?
Edithe had been less certain than Ismail. But still, she thought it was likely. Vampires often hid their bloodline because the knowledge of their heritage would result in well, people would be afraid of them. After all, with what they could do with their [Vampiric Essence]...
The red-haired woman remembered the Vampire she fought with Salvos and Daniel. How the Vampire seemed to control others. But it wasnt control over actions, but emotions. They could sway how someone felt, which was not something youd like to know before approaching someone.
Sure, the Skill itself wasnt subtle. But still, that didnt stop people from fearing them and treating them differently. Even if it was no longer of scorn as in the past, being secluded was arguably just as bad. So, they hid amongst Humans, as Hadrian did now.
So, neither of you held any contempt for either Baris or I? That we could be manipting you to fight for us?
Look, Ill be honest, I barely even pay attention to what you or the old man says half the time .You couldnt be manipting me even if you tried.
Ismail kicked his legs up onto the table, his shoes scrunching up the map. Shaking her head, Edithe spoke truthfully.
I dont believe either of you have ever tried to manipte us, Hadrian, Baris. And while I am d that you areing out?
No, youre making this sound like something else entirely
I cant see how this matter is important enough for all this secrecy. Just tell us what this is about.
Hadrian frowned. He looked over at Baris who simply nodded.
Very well then.
Snapping his eyes shut, Hadrian spoke softly.
The Iron Champions Company is run by [Cultists], and we believe theyre trying to link up with the Primeval Demon in Nixa.
Edithe paused. Her eyes grew wide, and even Ismail furrowed his brows.
Are you serious?
The [Beastmaster] sat up as he asked. Hadrian nodded.
I am.
How?
Hadrian exined.
A few years ago, a cult appeared in Nixa. An unknown cult that no one has ever heard of. They called themselves the Church of Regnorex. They imed to have direct contact with the Demon King of the Netherworld himself, using that as a means of inducting new members into their group. Normally, such a cult shows up every few years in various countries. Theyre easily dealt with by the localpany, or some Demon Hunters sent by the nobility of the area Vampires.
His eyes flickered as he spoke. Very few nobles were actually Vampires, but most Vampires were nobles. Then he nced down at the map, at the spot where the Iron Champions Companys headquarters was marked.
The Iron Champions themselves investigated the cult. Bn Dishar, one of their founding members, directly oversaw this investigation. No one thought anything of it after all, a Diamond Rank alone couldve wiped out any upstart group of peasants and [Farmers]. But somehow, sometime during thest few years, Bn Dishar vanished from the public eye, and the Church of Regnorex continued to grow until they halted all their activities and disappeared.
Hadrian shook his head.
We thought the Iron Champions Company had dealt with them and that was that, but as time continued to pass, more and more cults began to form in Nixa. They were small cults, just like the one that summoned the Greater Demon that terrorized Falisfield.
Edithe drew her lips into a thin line at the mention of Lucerna. Her entire team was ughtered. Even now, the memory was still there. Hadrian continued.
But now, we believe that the Iron Champions Company was overtaken by the Church of Regnorex that Bn Dishar was murdered by this cult. And they seized control of thepanysmand structure. That is why they dered war with us. Their pettiness is nothing more than a subtext for what they truly desire.
And what is it they want?
Ismail cocked a brow. Hadrian hesitated.
This is something Baris only told me recently. But the reason why he formed the Valiant Dreamers Company went beyond just for the ideals it upholds.
Edithe narrowed her eyes.
What do you mean, Hadrian?
She stared suspiciously at Baris who didnt meet her gaze. Hadrian spoke slowly.
The Valiant Dreamers Company was formed to protect something. A great artifact of many millennia ago. Items entrusted to various of the most prominent Vampire families to safekeep one of them being Baris ancestors. My ancestors.
Ismail leaned forward, and Edithe waited with bated breath.
The treasures of our Immortal King Alexander. The Crown of Alexander. The Sword of Alexander. The Breastte of Alexander. The Greaves of Alexander. And the Boots of Alexander. Each of these five items were kept separate, told only to be gathered when Regnorex is at the gates of our Mortal Realm. They are to be protected and given to the greatest warrior then, to fend off the Demon King once more. Because they knew he would return once more.
Your family was given one of these artifacts?
Ismail stumbled to his feet. Hadrian gave him a nod.
The Sword of Alexander. A Mythical Grade Weapon.
Thats look, if I knew how to use a sword, Id be asking you to lend it to me right now.
The [Beastmaster] was in awe. But Edithe took a step back.
So, youre saying the Iron Champions Company is using thispany war as an excuse to destroy this artifact?
Hadrian closed his eyes, nodding gravely.
Yes.
Edithe gritted her teeth.
People are dying, not knowing what theyre fighting for. For a cause they know nothing about. And you want to keep this a secret? This isnt right, Hadrian.
I agree with you, Edithe. I was more upset than you when I found out about this.
This isnt something to just be upset about. We need to act. We need to tell the rest of thepany about this.
We cant.
Baris spoke up, breaking his silence.
If word gets out of this, many of our allies and our own members will abandon this war. They will not fight not for us Vampires, because theyll believe we tricked them.
Thats because you did.
Edithe red at him, but he didnt flinch.
Why did you have to form thispany? Why didnt you just keep it protected in some vault and hire mercenaries to guard it?
I couldnt afford it, Edithe. My family was disgraced. We lost ournds, our noble titles, our tinums, all because of my fathers indulgence and irresponsibility as a Vampire.
Edithe opened her mouth. But her face twisted when the implication settled in. Baris didnt borate on what act wasmitted, but exined what happened next.
When I formed thispany, I had nothing. I couldnt protect the Sword of Alexander on my own. I needed others to aid me. So, I sought out like-minded adventurers. I instilled the ideals which I truly believed in into each and every one of us dreamers. The very same ideals which drove me to protect the Mythical Grade Weapon, even when I had nothing. Because it was the right thing to do.
Baris stood, entrenched in his position. Edithe wanted to argue. She disagreed with him. But she knew nothing shed say now would make a difference. She was upset, and she needed to cool down to properly think this through.
It isnt. No not when you forced this duty of yours upon us.
She spun around, starting out of the tent. Hadrian tried to bar her path.
You said we had your trust. You cant tell the others, Edithe. Well lose this war and with that Primeval Demon
And you have my trust, Hadrian. I will not tell anyone of this. Not now. But my trust in you is waning. And Baris...
She looked at the older man. His blond hair was almost white, the stress of thepany war and his age umting on him. His face was wrinkled, creased with responsibility.
I used to respect you.
That was all she said before exiting the tent, leaving the three in silence.
--
Even as Edithe pondered it over that night, she knew it wasnt right. She knew this was not something that she could just gloss over. She was going to fight, yes. She wasnt just going to abandon her friends give up on thepany war now that she knew the truth.
She didnt like it: she believed that the rest of thepany should find out the truth, and choose for themselves whether they wanted to fight. However, she couldnt act. If she did as much as she didnt want to believe it, Hadrian and Baris would probably restrain her force her to remain quiet until thepany war was over.
That wasnt an oue she wanted to suffer. Nor did she think it was the best course of action.
Instead, she looked at Hadrian, and she knew he saw what she did. Shed have to convince him. Get him to tell the truth to others rather than keeping it a secret. It was what she had to do to right this wrong. She had to do it somehow.
Or if not if that wasnt possible shed have to win the war all by herself.
...I wish Salvos was here.
Chapter 189: Office and Library
Chapter 189: Office and Library
189. Office and Library
And just like that, the first week of ss passed like it was nothing.
They said time passed quickly when you were having fun. I disagreed: time passed quickly when I was staring at rocks for days or was it weeks? Maybe even months? in the Netherworld, and I wasnt having fun. Rocks were boring and dull, and I wish I found the original rock!
Anyway, I continued to go through the daily routine of my sses. I didnt sleep. Not even once. Each time, Id force myself through the day, gradually growing more and more tired until I could return to being myself at night. Then in my little Lair, Id sift my way through the various books, taking notes, reading into things I didnt understand for my sses andbs.
Daniel and Edithe liked to believe that I had a short attention span; that couldnt be further from the truth. If I cared or wanted to, I could focus on something for hours or days or weeks or months. The reason why they mightve believed I was too energetic probably came from the fact that I was still quite new to the Mortal Realm.
Almost everything I experienced was new.
Whatever the case was, I studied through the night, only transforming into a Human with [Partial Mortality] during the day. Id feel refreshedparatively to before I reached the Lair in the middle of the night. When I returned from Mavos Academy, I would be ready to pass out. When I became a Human for the first time, I simply felt drowsy.
That was the nature of how my [Partial Mortality] Skill worked. When I first got the Skill, the moment I became a mortal, I had to set my sleep schedule. Which was why I often passed out instantly, if I wasnt prepared to be hit by an intense desire to fall over and close my eyes.
My need to sleep didnt umte over the course of me being outside of my Human form. That wouldnt make sense. I didnt need to sleep: that wasnt the nature of my Species or at least, my Subspecies. Apparently, some Species of Demons had to sleep. Like Subi.
I was d I never became a Subi, because apparently they not only had to sleep, but they had to sleep with Human men!
However, now that the General Skill had leveled, and if the transformations were timed right, I could elude sleep entirely. The only problem was that my actions were drawing suspicion from Saffron. Shed ask me questions with narrowed eyes, inquiring about where I was going.
Id lie, of course.
Oh, Im going to the library
Its closed at night, Salvos.
Um, I go out after it closes to study in peace!
Where do you study?
She would tilt her head, puzzled. I hurriedly thought up an excuse.
Just in the parks?
The parks close at
Outside of Mavos Academy! Anyway, I gotta run
That was always how it happened. But she was prodding me more and more. I had to keep up my facade somehow. Id think about itter. For now, there was something else that drew my attention.
I reached Mavos Academy, hurrying through its streets as studentsckadaisically exchanged conversation and wandered around the campus. They werent rushing to their sses, because most of them had no sses today. It was a weekend. And they took this time to rx.
Why? I didnt know!
I had no idea why their days were ssified this way. It was weird to me, but it was what it was.
I was in Mavos Academy because I had a meeting. Nn was going to be tutoring me in the library at Central Square. When I arrived, he greeted me at the entryway, dressed in a fancy suit with his blond hair slicked back.
Hello Ms Salvos.
I crossed my arms.
I told you thest time, its just Salvos!
He chuckled, leading the way into the library. It, like any other library, full of books. But for whatever reason, its shelves were so extremely tall, an ordinary person couldnt reach the top. It was an entire domed chamber, reaching high up to over ten floors, and the walls were filled with books all the way to the top.
The thing was, there were these tforms which floated up and down, letting people reach for the books they liked.
Come now, if I called you Salvos, you wouldnt be giving me such an amusing reaction.
I scowled, then Iughed. Doing things on purpose to tease others was definitely entertaining.
We found ourselves a booth which oversaw the main domed chamber of the library. There was a ss panel which peeked through the bookshelves, where we asionally found ourselves meeting the gaze of those who passed by on their floating tforms. Nevertheless, we focused mostly on learning different alchemical forme. He taught me a lot of the basics things which I never wouldve learned from taking just the Advanced Alchemical Composition ss. But things which wouldve helped me in said ss.
Ive meant to ask, Salvos
He used my proper name now that we were actually studying.
What reason do you have for choosing a Potion of Regeneration as your final project?
What reason?
I cocked my head.
Its because I want to.
Well, yes. But it is one of the hardest greater tiered potions to brew, yes?
It is.
I nodded, and Nn continued.
And you are a, well, rookie in terms of alchemy, correct?
I am.
He leant back on his chair, raising a brow.
So, wouldnt it be more prudent for you to choose an easier greater-tiered potion to brew, such as a Potion of Greater Curse resistance?
It would!
I definitely agreed with what he was saying. His logic was sound.
Then why did you choose a Potion of Regeneration as your project rather than a Potion of Greater Curse Resistance?
Because I want to.
Nn furrowed his brows, and I tilted my head to the side; I didnt understand why he seemed confused.
I see. Well, if you really do wish on proceeding with that, I guess I may be able to procure some study materials that would aid you towards that goal.
You would do that?
I perked up, and he smiled.
Of course. I just ask that you allow me to treat you to a night of dinner, in return.
Um
I didnt really like food. Not most Human foods. But Saffron was already growing suspicious of me. I couldnt have another person prying into me and possibly discovering that I wasnt a Human!
I might get expelled.
Sure?
Nn blinked.
Oh, that was unexpected. Well, when are you avable?
Um how about next week?
Oh no, I had to train myself to eat proper food without throwing up. That was going to be annoying.
Very well. Next week. Let us head out for a meal after one of our study sessions. Sounds good?
I nodded, not really knowing what else to say. I didnt want to think about eating; I hated it. Unless they served bugs. But I highly doubted that they did. I quickly changed the subject.
So, whats your second ss anyway, Nn?
My second ss?
He tapped a finger on his chin, a little put-off by the sudden shift in conversation, but otherwise open to talk about it.
Well, I have told you that I have the Title of Mighty Warrior, yes?
You did, I think.
And while I find mybat proficiency at close range to be quite superb, at long range, I wascking. So I decided I would like to bridge that gap to be a [Mage].
I see. And how did you choose your first advancement after?
It was only a matter of specialization once I became a [Mage]. I saw what fit me the most and decided from there.
What did you be?
A [Cryomancer of the Rime].
Huh.
Was it really that simple? That ss didnt sound too special, which made sense, since it was only a first ss advancement, right?
Although, apparently a lot of people never reached their first ss advancement, content with simply living their day-to-day lives.
I bade Nn farewell once the noon bell rang, heading out to study a different subject space magic theory. But I didnt stay in the library at Central Square. Instead, I headed over to the facultys office, in search of lecturer udia. Her office hours were held today, and I had a few questions I wanted to ask her.
But as I was walking through the office for the department on space magic, I ran into Veronica Adash. I blinked, peering at her.
Hi, Veronica. What are you doing here?
She was gathering her notes as she exited a small office. She smiled at me.
Greetings, Salvos. I am simply gathering my belongings before heading out for lunch.
Gathering your things?
I narrowed my eyes as I caught sight of the name te of the room she came from.
Office of Veronica Adash - Space 141: Theoretical Effects on the Fabric of Space from Summonings / Basic Dimension Theory
Wait, youre a lecturer?
A professor, but yes. Does this surprise you?
It does! I mean, arent you a student?
A student of the School of Aspiring Elites. But that does not bar me from being a professor for those in the College of Aspirations.
Huh.
Is something the matter?
She cocked a brow, and I shook my head, just surprised.
No, I
I paused. A thought crossed my mind.
Wait, actually could you give me some help?
If it is within my abilities, I will offer you some aid.
I sighed in relief.
Alright, so you know how youre supposed to have a second ss which reached its first advancement to apply for the School of Aspiring Elites?
I am aware of that stiption.
Veronica nodded. I hesitated.
Well, you see, I havent really made my decision yet so, Im currently still at my base ss.
She frowned.
Why have you not chosen an advancement yet?
Im not sure what to choose!
I wanted to throw my hands into the air. Veronica nced around the hallway, then she ushered me into her office.
Come, lets speak about this inside.
I followed after her, feeling my shoulder sag slightly.
I just I think theyre all so good! I dont know what to choose!
She shut the door and took a seat across from me, behind a desk.
That is quite the dilemma others would be envious of, but one that is moremon than youd otherwise think for those at our positions.
Veronica gave me a hint of a smile, almost chuckling at her own joke. I rubbed at my temples.
They all help me get what I want I think? At least, they all sound like it.
They sound like it?
Yep! Their descriptions are all so simr but so different at the same time! I almost want to choose the safest option, even though I know it is probably the worst option...?
Thats certainly how it often is.
That the safest is the worst option?
No well, yes. But the fact that all your ss options are unique yet simr.
She rubbed her chin.
Let me tell you something, Salvos. There is one thing you should know thates with being at our levels and having the experiences we do. We are inherently specialized. If there is something you strive to achieve, it will be something you eventually achieve at one point or another.
I pursed my lips.
Um, what does that mean?
The both of us are special perhaps you more than I. But we are still more special than the average person. Not because we are simply born better, but because of where are in our life. We have reached levels that many will never see, and at our stage, we have to consider the umtion of everything weve been through.
I was still confused, and she could tell. So, she exined.
There is a reason underlying your desire for a specific ss, am I right?
Yep.
And is this goal a fancy of yours? Is it a fleeting desire? Or is it something which you truly want? You will vie for it, even if it means working for the rest of your days towards it?
Its thest bit, not the first or second one.
We are both simr in that regard.
Veronica touched a locket hanging around her neck. There was a sigil inscribed onto it the letter A written in cursive, with a shield behind it. Her country. Or former country, since it was destroyed.
So, if this is something which you are striving for and will continue to work towards, naturally, your experiences what you go through and what you learn will rte to this goal of yours. And as long as you stick to it, eventually, your ss will tailor itself to your liking. To reaching your goal.
I paused. Veronica raised a hand, a cup of tea suddenly appearing.
Even if your first advancement does not offer you the options you seek out, that doesnt mean you will never be able to find what youre searching for. You just have to be persistent, determined. It will all work out in the end.
I see.
My eyes widened, and she smiled.
Essentially, what Im saying is: do not fret. Choose the ss advancement which you wish. You have a goal in mind, and you will reach it, even if not now. Trust that it will be so.
I nodded slowly.
Thank you, Veronica. Youre very smart, arent you?
It was no trouble. I would hope to be able to teach someone half my age some wisdom, considering all that Ive been through.
She chuckled, and Iughed too. Mostly because I wasnt actually half her age. After we split ways, I headed to lecturer udias to ask the questions I had get the rification that I needed.
Still, I closed my eyes, rxed, knowing that it was finally time for me to choose my advancement.
[Dimensional Mage]. [Fairy Maiden]. [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus].
Chapter 190: A Mistake
Chapter 190: A Mistake
190. A Mistake
[Dimensional Mage]. [Fairy Maiden]. [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus].
I could only think of my three sses, even as I went about my day, almost mechanical. I was still trying to study and learn whatever I could. Just a little bit distracted.
The thing about [Dimensional Mage] is that it probably wont give me a Skill to travel through nes at this level. Its too simple. Maybe atter levels, when I advance my ss to 100, it may give me what I want.
What was its description again? I tried to recall.
[Dimensional Mage]
A [Dimensional Mage] is a [Mage] specialized in manipting space and reality itself to their own will. Unlike their [Space Mage] counterparts, [Dimensional Mages] focuses on making slight alterations to what is already there rather than rapidly weaving the fabric of space to achieve their goals.
+5 [Wisdom]
+5 [Endurance]
+5 [Agility]
+3 [Strength]
+1 [Vitality]
Right. So it already had pretty good Stats. But it was limited.
The thing was, I wasnt in any rush. I had all the time in the world. I could just choose this, the safe option, and wait until I reached Level 100.
It was as Veronica said: it would work out, eventually. I just had to keep at it.
Which was why [Fairy Maiden] appealed to me.
I thought about the ss, even as I sat through lecturer udias exnation on the various axioms of space theory. I nodded along, trying to parse what she was saying. But my thoughts were ultimately focused on the benefits of choosing a Fairy ss.
I knew the cons were how Fairy sses were scored by Fairies. They often devolved into fanaticism which resulted in actually hurting Fairies something which I didnt want to do. I adored them. Like Lily. They were so different from Humans: I felt a kinship with them.
Nevertheless, I decided to ask udia about what she thought of Fairy sses. Of course, I didnt directly ask the question. I made sure to be elusive about it.
Fairy-rted sses?
She quirked a brow. I made up an excuse.
I was doing some research the other day, and stumbled across the existence of Fairy-rted sses. Those that worship Fairies and gain their natural ability to manipte space to their liking. If thats the case, why exactly have I not heard of anyone with such a ss?
udia furrowed her brows. Her forehead wrinkled as she thought about it, speaking slowly.
Fairy sses are first of all, they are generally banned. Out of fear of invoking the wrath of the Fairy Queen once more, the Den of Souls have imposed a ban on attaining such a ss. But more than that they are far too limited, as far as I understand it.
Limited?
It ismon belief that Fairies are space magic specialists, but that cannot be further from the truth. Only those whoe to the Mortal Realm are skilled space magic users. Those who are not just simply cant cross over. My dissertation was actually on this subject.
I piqued her interest. udia always seemed to be quite monotonous, even when she was teaching space magic theory. But now, she seemed invested.
The kind of space magic youll thus be able to utilize if one goes down such a path with a Fairy-rted ss will face the same limits a Fairy would have. What you learn will aid your ss only if it pertains to Fairies and their magic. It will punish such general space magic theories which are learned and studied here in Mavos Academy.
Huh. I see.
By the sound of it, Fairy-rted sses were far more instinctual than theoretical like Human [Mage] sses. Which sounded like itd be a boon to me, if not for the other downsides.
I didnt know how Fairies worked. Perhaps their magic only let them enter and leave the Spirit ne. If that was the case, I wouldnt be able to see Haec again. And its main drawing point to me
[Fairy Maiden]
A [Fairy Maiden] is a [Mage] who has earned the trust and blessings of Fairykind. Under the tutge of a Fairy, a [Fairy Maiden] has learned many things. Yet, she still knows not the true secrets of the Fairy Queen or her goals. Perhaps, in time
+10 [Wisdom]
+8 [Endurance]
+1 [Vitality]
+1 [Strength]
+1 [Agility]
Was the fact that it spoke of something about the Fairy Queen. My curiosity was piqued. I wondered what that was. But Lily said shed tell me if we ever met again.
So, that wasnt too much of a draw for me anymore.
Thest ss option was [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus].
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus]
A [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] is a [Mage] of renown. The world is their yground. Its inhabitants are their friends, although some are their enemies. For those they abhor, they will show no mercy. But for those they love, they will show kindness evesting. They are free. Not constrained to merely a single location in the vast world. They know there is more to existence than what is before them. Their magic lets them seek out things beyond their periphery, no matter what.
+8 [Endurance]
+8 [Wisdom]
+3 [Vitality]
+3 [Strength]
+3 [Agility]
Truth be told, I just liked its name. And it gave the best Stat Points. Even as I left udias office hours, heading back to the library for somest bit of studying, I could only think of this ss.
It felt like I was already decided.
Yes, I had all the time in the world I could choose [Dimensional Mage] and probably be able to return to the Netherworld.
But Haec didnt. I didnt know what had happened to him, or if he was even alive. I had to know.
[Fairy Maiden] was interesting, but I just didnt feel like it was a fit for me. I liked Fairies, but I didnt worship them.
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] it is.
I mmed my books shut, drawing the attention of a few students studying in the library. I blinked.
Oops.
--
I left the library soon after, knowing what I wanted. I wanted to head to my Lair, but I remembered the main problem with advancing in ss. It would make me fall asleep. That meant I was vulnerable. Even if in my own space.
I didnt like sleeping because of that. So, I returned back to the only ce I knew was safe. Saffrons room.
She wasnt in her room when I entered. But I had the key, so I didnt have any trouble going in. Matthew wasnt there either, so I was free to do as I pleased. I grabbed a quick snack of some insects, before closing my eyes and passing out on the couch.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 106
ss: [Adept of the Fae] - Lvl. 36
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 4
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 130 (+25)
[Strength]: 105 (+25)
[Endurance]: 113 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 200 (+25) (+9)
[Agility]: 253 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 5
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 10]
[Banish] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Spatial Sight] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
[Advancement Avable]
I know what I want. [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus]...
It was a risk. It might not even have been a ss rted to space magic for all I knew. But if it was, it might have helped me reach my goal sooner rather thanter. And I would have had a cool ss.
So, I made my choice.
Advancement Complete!
ss [Adept of the Fae] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus]
Gained 10 Stat Points!
[Endurance] +8
[Wisdom] +8
[Vitality] +3
[Strength] +3
[Agility] +3
Gained 2 Skill Slots!
Gained 3 Skill Points!
Skill [Banish] bes [Scatter Shift]!
Skill [Spatial Sight] and avable Skill [Spectral Tracking] consolidates and bes [nar Navigation]!
Skill [Temporal Distortion] is now avable!
Skill [Object Levitation] is now avable!
Avable Skills [Astral Grip] and [Cosmic Compression] consolidates and bes [Mystical Projection]!
I sat up abruptly, blinking and ncing over at the clock, checking to see how much time had passed. Just as I expected, I had passed out for a few hours thanks to undergoing my advancement. Now, I was awake, looking around the room, trying to see if anything seemed different.
[nar Navigation]. I had an avable Skill and a current Skill consolidate into a single new Skill. That was the first time such a thing happened. Veronica was right when she said that things would work out at our levels due to our specialization!
I didnt see any significant changes with my vision not until I focused, narrowing my eyes. I saw the way everything seemed ever-so-slightly pull themselves into each other. That was a concept Daniel talked about once, right? Gravity.
Everything with even a modicum of mass seemed to slightly tug at the things next to it, even going as far as to affect the space between them as well. It was an odd sight. The objects were almost bending, but they werent, really.
That seemed to be a passive effect of the Skill. I got to my feet, folding my arms together. I shifted slightly, annoyed by the way my wed hands almost dug into my blue jacket.
I closed my eyes, speaking the Skill name softly.
[nar Navigation].
And suddenly, the world opened up. It was like I could see everything around me and how it was oveid into this ne, but not at the same time. I didnt get a sense of the objects themselves or how they moved. Just how they interacted with each other and the world in this dimension.
It was like [Spatial Sight], except it was far more detailed, and extended as far as fifty feet all around me. And even as figures entered and left this area of spatial vision of mine, remnants strands of their being almost seemed to leave itself behind, allowing me to pick up and follow that trail unless enough time passed. And it wasnt just five minutes.
So, it was like an enhanced version of [Spatial Sight] and [Spectral Tracking]. Which was quite good, honestly. This way, I didnt just have to rely on [A Hunters Sense] if someone was stalking me. I sat there, waiting to see how long itd take for the Skill to end, but it turned out that it would remain active until I ran out of mana.
Which would take a while.
There wasnt much to see either. The hallways slowly emptied as people returned to their rooms for the night, chatting and talking, before I decided to deactivate the Skill and activate my next new Skill.
[Scatter Shift].
I raised a hand, pointing at the various books I hadid on the floor. All six of them vanished, appearing in the air where I wanted them to appear, falling back to the ground. I blinked. Then I grinned.
Woah.
Unlike [Banish] which was limited to only moving a single object at once, I seemed to be able to teleport multiple objects at the same time. There was a brief ten second cool down between uses, but I was certain it would decrease as the level of the Skill increased. I was impressed, honestly.
It was a pretty good Skill, all things considered.
Thats not to mention my other new Skills.
I tapped a sharp finger on my chin, mulling over the avable Skills I had.
[Temporal Distortion], [Object Levitation], [Mystical Projection], and [Short Range Teleportation] which didnt improve
The sound of a key turning drew my attention. I nced over at the door, seeing it open, and I beamed.
Wee back, Saffron!
The pink-haired woman stepped through the door, rubbing at her temples. She nced up at me.
Hello, S
Then she paused. She rubbed her eyes, before they widened. She stared at me for a moment as I cocked my head. She dropped down to her knees, pointing a finger. And I nced down at myself.
Oh no.
Somehow, some way, I was not in my Human form. After undergoing my ss advancement, I became well, a
Demon!
Chapter 191.1. Facts Dont Care About Your Feelings
Chapter 191.1. Facts Don''t Care About Your Feelings
191.1. Facts Don''t Care About Your Feelings
Demon!
The word rang out of Saffrons mouth. The noble woman stumbled back, pointing a shaky finger at me. Then she spun around, ready to burst out into the hallway.
I narrowed my eyes.
In an instant, I was next to her. I raised a hand out, seeing my ws retract my skin turning to a more olive or peach-like color, less pale, less silver. Already transformed back into a Human, I grabbed Saffron and shoved her back into the room.
She was wrapped in blue ming chains, including her mouth so that she couldnt speak. The door silently closed softly behind me as a few students of Mavos Academy poked their heads out of the neighboring rooms.
I scratched the back of my head as they looked over at me. I nced around, wearing a confused face.
Did someone say something? Haha, I couldve sworn someone shouted something!
I shrugged, nonchntly returning to the room. There were murmurs annoyed mutterings about their study sessions being interrupted.
Mustve been a prank, right?
I opened the door and hurriedly mmed it shut. I wiped the beads of sweat forming on my forehead, sighing in relief.
Whew, that was close.
Mffmfm! MfmfmmfFMMFFMFMMFFFF
I stared at Saffron, wriggling on the ground, bound and gagged. I ced my hands on my hips.
Now, what do I do with you?
The pink-haired woman red up at me as I ran a hand over the rooms walls. There were runes inscribed onto it magic that would muffle sound from seeping out, and prevent outsiders from peeking it.
I squatted, meeting Saffrons gaze.
Look, its a misunderstanding. Ill let you speak if you promise not to try anything, alright? Then we can talk our way through this.
She stared at me, silent. Obviously. She couldnt speak. I decided that it couldnt hurt to at least let her talk, so we could resolve this without drawing blood.
I tapped a finger on the bands of blue mes covering her mouth. They didnt burn her. I made sure to make it so it wasnt the kind of mes that burnt somehow.
So, Saffron, I am
Unhand me you Demon!
Saffron snapped, speaking over me. A red aura overcame her. It was a familiar one. I saw it once before, back when that Vampire bandit bossmanded her followers to attack me.
And now, this same magic or Skill was being used against me. I stepped back, frowning. I felt a tugging at the back of my head. My sympathy for Saffron and her situation. I hadnt wanted this to happen. Yet, the feeling grew stronger than before. Before it was quelled.
A glint drew my eye. My Ring of Lesser Curse Protection shone. And a Skill no, a Title Skill activated. [General Curse Resistance]. That feeling returned to the back of my head. My brows snapped together as Saffron blinked.
Why isnt my [Vampiric Essence] working?
[Vampiric Essence]?
So, she was a Vampire. I had my suspicions, but this just confirmed it. I leaned forward, and she drew back.
That wont work on me. I just want to talk. Clear this up. Please?
Clear it up?
Saffrons face twisted.
There is nothing to clear up. I saw your Subspecies. I know what you are. You are the enemy of the Human race. Regnorex is at the gates and to think I thought of you as my friend!
We are friends!
I sputtered, waving my hands in the air.
If we werent friends, Id have just killed you and gotten this over with!
Her brows furrowed. Then her eyes widened.
H-how many people have you killed?
I groaned.
No! Ugh, Saffron, listen to me
I grabbed her by her shoulders before she could say anything else. I took a deep breath, trying my best to exin.
I am a Demon, yes. But I am not a wild Demon or a bad Demon like Belzu whos ravaging Nixa. I am just a Demon. Like you are a Human um, Vampire? However that works! I am Salvos. Even if Im a Demon, Im the same Salvos youve known the whole time!
Saffron eyed me. She shook her head,pletely ignoring what I said.
Your kind is responsible for bringing death and destruction unrivaled to the Mortal Realm. Your ruler, Regnorex, yed our guardian and protector, Alexander the Immortal King. His armies ughtered thousands of my ancestors who fought valiantly to save this ne. Even right now, there is a Primeval Demon out there, killing tens of thousands of innocent lives, putting my familys lives in danger. Tell me, Salvos the liar
I pursed my lips at the title she gave me. But I didnt bother responding to that now. I was trying to defuse the situation, not make it worse.
Saffron continued.
With all these facts in ce, why should I trust you? Why should I give a Demon the benefit of the doubt?
I sighed.
Because I havent killed you.
The noble woman paused. And before she could unleash another tirade on me, I spoke simply.
Saffron.
I stared at her. She wore a dubious even mistrusting look. One which wouldnt be convinced by anything I said.
Before I enrolled into Mavos Academy, they made me take a vow. The Headmaster himself carried out this ritual. And I had to swear that I am not an agent for any Species or organization that threatens to undermine Humankind. I passed the test. I am standing here right now, a student of Mavos Academy.
I tapped a finger on my badge. The proof that I was in the School of Aspiring Elites.
If you dont believe me, will you not believe the facts? The truth? Use your logic, Saffron. Dont you Humans pride yourself in being rational creatures?
I could see the tension gripping Saffron abating albeit only slightly. She hesitated, and I continued.
I was the one who killed Lucerna, that Greater Demon rampaging through Falisfield. I was the one who first reported about Belzu to the Adventurers Guild. I have killed over a hundred [Cultists], and I have saved your life once before. I know you perceive the Netherworld as a monolith every Demon there bow down and worship this dumb Demon King. But that cant be further from the truth!
I remembered all the wild Demons and not just them, but the others. Those who had been with Haec. Even that horned Demon that tried to disguise itself in a veil of intelligence, but was no less wild than the other wild Demons.
None of them had served Regnorex. I only encountered a handful of Demons who did. Those who didnt far outnumbered the ones who were under the Demon King. It was not what Humans thought of it at all.
I do not serve anyone but myself, Saffron. And I hold no ill will to Humankind, nor do I wish to harm you. Just think about it for a moment, alright?
Saffron shifted as I finished. She averted her gaze, staying silent for a few moments. I waited for what she had to say I hoped it wasnt some stupid indictment against me because of my Species. Thankfully, her rational side won out.
...fine.
I cocked my head. Then I beamed.
You mean you believe me?
I believe the facts of the situation. Is that enough for you to free me?
No.
I crossed my arms, stepping back.
I need you to promise me you wont tell anyone.
Saffron still avoided my gaze, but she mumbled something.
I
I cant hear you, Saffron. Promise me you wont tell anyone!
Ugh, fine.
The noble woman looked up. She spoke through gritted teeth.
I swear, by the honor of the Merryster family and my lineage as a Vampire, that I will not tell anyone that you are a Demon.
I raised a brow. I wasnt sure if I believed that. But itd have to do for now. I couldnt keep her chained up forever, and I especially didnt want to kill her.
Now let me go!
I let the chains dissipate as Saffron made her demand. She sprawled on the ground, groaning. She rubbed her shoulders, sore from being tightly chained up. I wasnt able to treat her with the utmost care earlier, considering I was in a panic.
She drew herself to her feet, and I tilted my head.
Where are you going?
Im going to my room. Why, is that not allowed?
She harrumphed as she spoke. I stood to the side, letting her march off back to her bedchamber.
No just please dont break your promise, Saffron.
The pink-haired woman paused at the doorway. She nced back at me, then she scowled.
I wont.
And she mmed it shut.
Chapter 191.2. Facts Dont Care About Your Feelings
Chapter 191.2. Facts Don''t Care About Your Feelings
191.2. Facts Don''t Care About Your Feelings
That sucked.
I sighed as Iy on the couch, the back of my right hand covering my eyes. While it might seem like I wasnt really paying attention to my surroundings, truthfully I was using my new Skill, [nar Navigation], to monitor what Saffron was doing.
Id be able to tell if she tried to cast a messaging spell to Matthew, or if she tried to escape through the window. She didnt do either of that, instead opting to retire to bed for the night after a quick bath.
The fact that I was found out by Saffron annoyed me. But I was also d that it didnt be a major issue. If the other students had discovered the truth about me, Id have had to leave Mavos Academy. Fortunately, [Partial Mortality] allowed me to shapeshift between a mortal and a Human in an instant as long as the cooldown time had passed.
If I still had [Mortal Form] as my Racial Skill, Id have transformed too slow. The other students wouldve peeked out of their rooms to see a half-transformed Demon standing out in the corridor. Which was less than ideal.
I had done so well, avoiding being caught as a Demon for so long. And my only mistake was deciding to undergo my ss advancement. It was my first time even advancing a ss and the circumstances differed from when I chose my ss for the first time. My ss choice had urred when I was, well, me. I never wouldve known that Id change back when I underwent a ss advancement.
It was irritating especially having to deal with the consequences of being caught, such as constantly monitoring Saffron. And to put my mind off it, I focused on my new Skills. My Secondary Skills.
[Temporal Distortion], [Object Levitation], [Mystical Projection], and [Short Range Teleportation].
Right now, I had three Skill Slots avable, and 13 Secondary Skill Points to spend. I wasnt intending to do what I usually did, choosing a Skill at random and discarding it if I didnt like it. I had four options, and I was going to choose three, leaving thest for future use.
The first one I decided upon was [Mystical Projection]. I knew I wanted this Skill because it was a consolidation of two good Skills. I concentrated on the Skill, adding it to my Secondary Skills.
Then I sat up, testing what it did.
[Mystical Projection]. I looked around, waiting to see its effects.
Instantly, I saw space bending around me within the vision of my [nar Navigation] sphere. It looked like arms were forming. But not just any ordinary arms. Long and massive arms that could stretch out to either ends of the room and more. It almost looked like wings, protruding from my back.
But they were arms. Invisible to my normal eyes. Yet, they felt as natural as normal arms did. I could pick things up with it, and I could settle them down gently. I could even w at things, although it felt weaker than my regr wing strike.
Huh.
With [Mystical Projection], I snatched a bug crawling on the walls a dozen feet away from me. I quickly retracted my invisible arms, bringing it to my mouth. I dropped the bug and crunched on it, before grinning.
This is a good Skill.
The next Skill I was interested in was [Temporal Distortion]. Unlike [Short Range Teleportation] and [Object Levitation], which were both rather intuitive. I wasnt sure what Temporal Distortion would do. So, I was curious about it, and that was why I chose it.
Now, lets see [Temporal Distortion].
Instantly, the effects of [Mystical Projection] and [nar Navigation] vanished. I blinked, almost in a panic, as I suddenly found myself in a bubble-like sphere. It was as if everything beyond this bubble was the ocean, and I stood in the only pocket of air deep underwater where the sun never shone.
Everything outside this bubble moved slower. I saw antsboriously climb their way up the walls of the room, while the candlelight flickered slowly. It wasnt a bubble I could control. I couldnt move it from where it was ced. I paced around the bubble, trying to do something with it. Nothing happened.
I stepped outside of the bubble and realized that I could feel the effects of my other space Skills again. I looked into the bubble. It didnt pop and disappear. And everything inside of it moved faster.
Interesting. Although this Skill seems like itll be less useful than [Mystical Projection]. But I wonder if I can...
I tugged at the strings of mana connected to the bubble. It was like I turned a switch. The bubble wobbled slightly, before steadying, and now everything inside of it moved slower.
So, I can change the speeds of everything in the bubble, but only in the bubble. I see.
It was like a [Haste] spell confined to a specific location. Except, it could also go slower. And I was pretty sure the speed could be adjusted to be even faster or slower once the Skill leveled.
Very circumstantial. But under the right conditions, it could be very useful.
I let it vanish, sitting back onto the couch.
Now, for thest two Skills.
[Object Levitation] and [Short Range Teleportation]. [Object Levitation] had some uses. If it did what I thought it did.
As for [Short Range Teleportation], it was a Skill that could make me move faster. But not too fast that it would be too significant of a change. Also, I could teleport without the Skill. So, it was ultimately not the most useful Skill to have right now. But it had the potential to be a better Skill, or even consolidate into another one of my Skills.
So, I left it alone.
Instead, I decided on [Object Levitation].
Now, lets see what you do.
I raised a hand, activating the Skill.
And a bunch of cups floated into the air.
Yep. It did what I thought itd do.
With that, I was done choosing my Secondary Skills. I distributed some of my Secondary Skill Points for now, depending on how useful I currently thought theyd be. But if one proved to actually be more useful than I initially thought, Id focus on it more in the future.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 5
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 3
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 4
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 3
Alright.
I nced up, facing Saffrons bedroom.
Now, what is going to happen with that?
She was still sleeping. For now, she might stick to her promise. But was she really nning on keeping quiet forever?
Chapter 192: And Pride
Chapter 192: And Pride
192. And Pride
Saffron Merryster couldnt get a wink of sleep.
She tried she really tried. To ensure ones performance both mentally and physically, one had to get a proper and healthy amount of rest. And she didnt want to underperform, not in Mavos Academy, the academy with the highest dropout rates in the world.
But she couldnt sleep. Because the young noble knew that just beyond her bedrooms door was a Demon. An Archdemon of immense power. One that could end her life at any moment.
Logic told her that if that were the case, Saffron would already be dead. But her fear the unsettling idea that this might just be the idea of a game for the Demon kept her awake. So, she didnt sleep. Shey in her bed with her wand in her hand. Even if she knew it wouldnt save her, she wasnt going to die without a fight.
A Demon, she thought to herself. This whole time, Salvos was a Demon. It almost made sense. The fact that Salvos had been so naive and ignorant of the world wasnt because she was a foolish plebeian who hit her head as a child, but because she was a Demon.
Saffron almost felt betrayed just thinking about it. The fact that she was lied to and tricked it upset her just as much as she now despised towards the Demon.
Salvos had warned her not to tell anyone. But Saffron couldnt possibly remain silent. All Saffron had to do was wait until Salvos was busy which wasnt hard now, was it?
They both had sses tomorrow. All Saffron had to do was pull someone aside and tell them the truth about Salvos. Of course, itd be hard to get anyone to believe Saffron. Somehow, Saffron was going to have to procure a Scroll of Lies. Even with her familys connections which were very limited as of right now due to the Primeval Demon in Nixa shed have a hard time getting such an expensive artifact.
Or maybe She had an idea. It was one that required Headmaster Skyshredders help. She needed ess to the Ritual of Veracity. But going straight to Headmaster Skyshredder just for potential hearsay from a single person was impossible, and getting his approval to use such an expensive ritual was even more difficult. She had to tell someone else first. Preferably, someone she trusted. And she had to prove that Salvos was a Demon to said person. Then her credibility would be increased.
Saffron felt slightly guilty for reneging on her word. But she had to swallow her honor and her pride to do this. For the sake of Humankind as a Demon Hunter, defender of the Mortal Realm shed do anything shed have to do.
No matter what.
Good morning, Saffron!
I cheerfully greeted the pink-haired woman. She stepped out of her room, eyeing me hesitating. I cocked my head, seated at the dining table.
Whats wrong, not going to have breakfast? At least have some tea.
I gestured at the porcin teacup I prepared. I took a sip from it, before spitting it out.
Ugh its delicious.
Saffron chewed her lips, starting past me.
I am fine, Salvos.
She didnt meet my eyes as she spoke. Hefting her bag over her shoulder, she started for the doorway out of the room.
I simplyck the appetite today. If you will excuse me, I shall be headed for my sses.
Alright! Have a good day!
I waved at her. Saffron pulled the door open, pausing only when I spoke up once more.
By the way, you didnt forget about what you promised mest night, did you?
There was dead silence for what felt like an eternity. It dragged out as I tapped my finger on the table.
Well?
I-I
Saffron steeled herself, taking a deep breath.
I didnt forget.
You better not break your promise! Its a promise, you know!
I wont.
Good.
I settled back into my chair, satisfied. She closed the door behind her, hurrying down the hallway as I nodded to myself.
Yep, shes definitely not going to keep her promise.
Saffron had a ss on alchemy today. It was, for multiple reasons some of which might or might not pertain to her being a Vampire the ss she least excelled at. And yet, she was skipping out on her lessons, opting to instead catch one of the few trustworthy people she knew in Mavos Academy.
Valda. A fourteen year old child prodigy. And also a Vampire. Just like Saffron.
She was one of two people Saffron trusted enough to conspire with. Saffron caught her right as she was about to enter her enchanting ss. Pulling her to the side, Saffron nced around to make sure that the hallway was empty before speaking.
We need to talk.
Valda crossed her arms, frowning.
You just kidnapped me from going to my ssroom. Im nowte because of you.
Its important.
The girl rolled her eyes.
Look, Saffy, if youre going to try and convince me to pack up my things to fight that Primeval Demon that could kill us both with a snap of the finger, Im telling you right now: my answer is no.
Thats not it.
Saffron shook her head. She opened her mouth to exin, but felt a terrible feeling run down her spine. It was a prickle, as if ants were pressing their tiny legs onto her back. She nced around, and saw no one. Pursing her lips, she continued.
It is about Salvos.
The Liberator of the gunds?
Valda blinked. Saffron nodded.
So, youve already heard of her?
Of course I do. Everyone is talking about her. A sudden transfer student into the highly regarded School of Aspiring Elites, who won entry into Mavos Academy by dueling Headmaster Skyshredder himself? Of course Ive heard of her.
Well, thats not actually what happened.
Saffron raised a finger, not sure where to even begin. She shook her head.
Look, its something very important about her. And I need you to trust me.
Wait a minute.
Valdas eyes widened.
Are you the supposed lucky roommate who gets to live with Salvos?
I am, and I have discovered a
What the fuck. You lucky bitch!
Valda almost eximed in excitement. Saffron paused. Then she narrowed her eyes.
Hey,nguage.
I am not a child
You are. You literally are, Valda.
Fine. Im not a fancy noble like you, so I dont need to watch what Im saying.
She snorted, and Saffron rubbed her temples.
Whatever. I just need you to listen to me for one moment.
Why? Wait, is this about Salvos?
Yes!
Saffron spoke in an exasperated voice. She continued before Valda could interrupt her once more.
I am her roommate and I met her long before she attended Mavos Academy. And you have to know that she is harboring a dark secret.
Raising a hand, Saffron whispered a word. A bubble began to form around them. One that would block sound from escaping from within the bubble. It would be hard for anyone under Level 70 to scry through this spell. And if they did listen? Well, good. The more who found out, the better.
With a sigh, Saffron spoke in a solemn voice.
Salvos is
Nope.
Valda grabbed Saffrons hand, lowering it and dispelling the spell before it could finish forming. Saffron paused, perplexed.
Uh, what?
Valda pointed an using finger at her face.
I know what youre trying to do. Youre trying to nder her because youre jealous.
Why would I be jealous?
Or maybe youre annoyed youre forced to room with her. I dont know. Point is, she doesnt have any dark secrets, and Im not going to listen to you make up some fake story about her just to get me on your side. Ive read enough books to know where this is going, and I dont want any part of your drama!
Valda began to walk off, only for Saffron to grab her by the hand. Saffron gave her a pleading look.
You have to trust me. It is important. The fate of the world is at risk if you do not help me.
I said no!
Saffron drew back as the girl red at her.
Salvos is an amazing person who has done so much for Humankind. You can hear about her feats the Titles she has gained in such a short time. Even Emperor Nor Maran of the Vaun Qieur Empire has sung her praises! Thats what youre always on about, right? Doing whats best for us Humans?
Valda waved her hands around, before staring down at her palms.
And more than that she was so kind to me. I have seen the way she treated others that kind ofpassion cannot be a facade. While others treat me like an ignorant, petnt child who entered the academy by luck, she gave me respect. I dont care what dark secrets you think shes hiding. You should look up to her, not whatever youre doing. So, dont you dare try and nder her name again!
She ripped her hand free of Saffrons grip, speaking with finality in her voice.
Especially not to me
Valda stormed off, leaving Saffron alone. TSaffron stood there, even as Valda entered her ssroom. The hallway was now empty, and Saffron was speechless.
But I was only trying to tell you the truth
Sometimes, the truth sucks, and its better if you just didnt say anything.
Saffron jerked back as a figure appeared next to her. Salvos grinned, cing a hand over Saffrons lips.
Dont scream. Youll interrupt their ss.
The Demon with a Humans skin gestured at the ssroom next to them. Saffron slowly bobbed her head, feeling the cool touch of her finger. Perspiration dripped off Saffrons face as she met the Demons gaze.
H-how long have you been here?
The whole time. I followed you straight from the room. Kind of annoying, since Im skipping a ss right now. But hey, better to deal with this before it bes a major issue, right?
She chuckled, and Saffron let out a nervousugh. Salvos ushered Saffron forward.
Come on, lets speak outside where well have more privacy.
I almost had to kill you, you know?
I spoke nonchnt, bringing Saffron on a stroll through Mavos Academys campus.
I really didnt want to, and Im d Valda didnt let you say anything. You should thank her. Or maybe I should thank her?
I wondered aloud to myself as the noble woman followed behind me, silent. I tilted my head, ncing back at her.
Are you not going to say anything?
...what do you want me to say?
I dont know anything to make this less awkward?
It was a helpful suggestion. One which elicited the first proper sentence from Saffron.
W-where are we going?
Out of Mavos Academy.
I replied simply. Saffron instantly came to a halt. She almost stumbled back, her entire body trembling.
Y-you
Rx. Im not going to kill you or anything.
My words did nothing to calm her, but still I continued.
You refuse to believe that I can possibly be good, no matter what I say. So, Ill just have to prove it to you. I mean, I have to gather some sagetree sap anyway for my Potion of Regeneration. May as well kill two birds with one stone, right?
Saffron paled, and I sighed.
Its an expression.
A very ominous expression.
I was trying to lighten the mood, ok?
I took a step forward, but Saffron didnt budge. She stared at me, very much dubious, and also quite nervous, shifting on her feet.
How are you exactly going to prove yourself to me?
Well, first of all, with the effort Im putting in trying to convince you, I hope youll believe me by the end of all this.
Then I spun around, baring my teeth as I steadily met Saffrons gaze.
And second of all, I will bring you to Adventurers Guild, ask some questions, find the location of all the damn Demon-worshipping cults in this country, and ughter every singlest one of them in front of you. Now, will that be enough to prove myself to you?
She gulped.
Y-yes?
There was a pause. An eerie silence. Then I smiled.
Good.
I pped my hands together cheerfully, and skipped my way out of the school. Then I tapped a finger on my chin.
Wait, this is like one of those school trip things, right? Daniel told me about them. This is going to be so fun!
Chapter 193: Empathy? Or...?
Chapter 193: Empathy? Or...?
193. Empathy? Or...?
What do you mean you cant help me?
I gave the receptionist behind the desk an exasperated look. He leaned back, speaking apprehensively.
Apologies, Miss, but the Adventurers Guild itself isnt all knowing, and cults are known to be elusive in their operations. We can give you some general directions what we know about the region. But if I may suggest, inquiring with localpanies would likely lead to better results.
Localpanies?
I cocked my head. He nodded.
Yes. The Storm Swords Company
I know.
I scowled.
I went there beforeing here. They dislike me for whatever reason. I thought Jacob was a nice guy, but it turns out hes just a jerk!
I didnt know why he had been so nice to me at first, only to reveal his true colors now and turn me away from hispany. Whatever the case was, I wasnt going to get any help from either the localpany of Wimborne, or the Adventurers Guild here.
I turned back to Saffron who was ufortably standing in the middle of the guild hall. With a sigh, I trudged back to her.
Its no use. Theyre no help at all.
I-I see
She didnt face me, even as I walked past her.
Come on, lets go to the next city. Maybe theirpany will be more helpful.
Saffron followed me out of the Adventurers Guild, into the busy streets of Wimborne. The smell of gross fish perfumed the air, and I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
Ugh, whats with this citys obsession with fish?
Obsession with fish?
The noble woman stared at me, puzzled.
Yep. Why does everyone here sell fish. Theyre gross and stinky!
Thats because were in a port city?
Huh. And?
She didnt say anything as I strolled ahead of her, headed out of Wimborne. I produced a map from my bag, trying to find the next closest city. I murmured to myself for a bit, in thought, when Saffron spoke up.
I believe I may be able to help you locate some [Cultists].
I blinked and turned back to her.
You can?
I have connections. Since I am...
She gestured at herself, and my eyes widened.
Huh.
That made sense. Saffron was a Vampire, so shed likely keep a tab on the various cults around Mavos Academy if there even were any. I smiled politely, offering her a hand.
If you could please help me prove myself to you, Id be very grateful.
Pursing her lips, she eyed my hand with some reluctance. But eventually, she took it.
Follow me. I know a few things off the top of my head, however my information may be outdated. I will have to speak with Matthew for more up to date details.
Sure wait a minute, you arent just trying to trick me, are you?
I narrowed my eyes, and Saffron nched.
No, I swear I am not!
Good. Because I really want us to be friends again, Saffron. Maybe evenpanions, you know?
Cpanions?
Saffron blinked as I ushered her out of the city. I smiled.
Yep. Like Daniel! Werepanions because he knows who I am and he doesnt want to kill me for it!
Daniel? Wait, that man you were with? He knows youre a and hes fine with that?
He is. Although, he did try to kill me when we first met. Edithe too. Hm everyone keeps trying to kill me when they discover that I am who I am. Its kind of annoying.
Well, not everyone. The Elves were nice to me! Adan and Xidra were too! But some of the Kobolds, like Zix, werent as nice, and I wasnt sure what most Cyclopes thought of us Demons. Honestly, maybe I shouldve asked Visanya if there were magic academies in the Elfnds.
I probably shouldve tried attending their school instead. Oh well, I was here in Mavos Academy now, and I had to repair my rtionship with Saffron.
She led me back to Mavos Academy, which reminded me of something.
By the way, can your connections help me get sagetree sap? Oh, oh, I know! How about tempest-fused blood?
Saffron hesitated, biting her lower lip.
Sagetree sap is rare. Youll have to speak with [Traders]ing from the east, since theyre likely the only ones who have them in stock. But as for tempest-fused blood I may be able to help you with that.
I paused. Then I snapped my fingers.
Oh, right, because youre a V
Not so loud!
Saffron ced a finger over her lips, and I smirked.
Oh, so when I do it, its a problem, but you do it, its fine?
She drew her lips into a thin line as I snickered.
I-I
Its fine. Come on, wheres Matthew?
--
Yes, Lady Saffron, I have been keeping tabs on the two main cults here in Shedos. I have marked their general base of operations on the map here, and you may inquire locals for further information. However, I have to say, their activity as ofte has been odd, to say the least.
Matthew had been staying in a hotel in Mavos Academy. Yep, they had hotels, which were pretty much nicer version of inns and why did the campus have a hotel in the first ce? I had no idea!
Odd, how?
Saffron raised a brow. He exined.
The two main cults are the Followers of the Demon King and the Netherworlds Communion. Im sure youve heard of them. And I expected their activities to spike ever since the Primeval Demon came down from Motharis, yet both groups have grown idle.
Idle? Do you mean that theyve halted their activities?
She rubbed a hand on her chin.
Are you certain they arent preparing to leave to join and aid the Primeval Demon in Nixa?
Perhaps that is a possibility with the Netherworlds Communion, as their activities have nearlypletely ceased. But I do not think it is likely for the Followers of the Demon King. You see, they have been sending their members abroad. To Elutra.
The Elutra Kingdom?
I spoke up for the first time since getting here.
Thats where Daniel went! Wait, arent they at war with a bunch of [Cultists] right now?
Saffron shook her head.
There are rumors spread by princess Faith of Elutra that their enemy, the Inoria Empire, has been overtaken by a cult. But there is no clear evidence for such a im. Id have sent some of our thralls to investigate, s the Primeval Demons presence is a more pressing matter to Father. He has rallied all of the thralls under our family.
What are thralls? Is that a type of ss or something?
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Theyre simply our servants. But enhanced and powered by Father. You see, at Level 100, us Vampires dont receive a second ss, like ordinary Humans. We receive a Subspecies. One rted to being a Vampire. And his Subspecies allows him to empower those under his family. Simr to a ss specialized for ruling ormanding.
Huh.
Was that too confusing for you? I could simplify my exnation, if necessary.
She cocked an eyebrow. I waved a hand off.
No. Im just surprised youd be willing to tell me all that.
She blinked. Then she sputtered.
T-thats I
Saffron took a step back, and Iughed, changing the subject as I gestured at Matthew.
Anyway, youve been a lot of help. We dont want to be bothering you, Matthew, so we should be going now.
Matthew nodded.
There is no need to worry. I am unbothered by your requests. I am, however, surprised that you have revealed your nature to Salvos, Lady Saffron.
Thats
She trailed off. I patted a hand on her shoulder, winking.
Lets just say Saffron and I exchanged some secrets the other day.
I grabbed her, practically dragging her out of the room. I waved goodbye to Matthew.
Thanks for the help! Well be going now!
We reached the door right as he called out to us.
If I may inquire, what exactly are you going to do with this information?
Isnt it obvious?
I grinned, ncing over at Saffron.
The both of us are going to destroy these cults!
For whatever reason, that elicited a nervous swallow from the pink-haired woman. I hoped shed stop being so nervous around me. I needed to find a way to help her be more rxed lighten the mood.
An idea crossed my mind as I brought her out of the building. Turning to face Saffron, my lips curled up and I spoke.
Saffron, what do you think of flying?
Uh, what?
--
Ahhhhhhhhh!
Saffron screamed in my ears as we soared over the clouds. Her pink hair, usually neatly kept together in different hairstyles, was now a frazzled mess. Her eyes were bulging out of their sockets, and her gilded dress was covered in dirt and sttered bugs from our ascent.
Iughed, feeling the thrill of flight overwhelm me. Saffron, however, was less than thrilled to be flying.
Please put me down! Please I dont want to die!
Just rx! I wont drop you, promise!
I nced over at her, but my words did nothing to reassure her. I really wasnt trying to frighten her, yet it seemed like everything I did only pushed her closer and closer to the edge. That wasnt good. I was trying to do the opposite of that.
Ill slow down, here.
Saffrons eyes were snapped shut, even as I drifted to a more floating pace of flight. She was wriggling in my arms, struggling, which only made things worse. I held her tightly and gently so she wouldnt fall. I spoke softly into her ears.
Open your eyes. Its not that scary. Look.
I-I
Slowly, she looked down at the world below the clouds. At the vastndscape that sprawled out into rolling hills, dense forests, and towns and cities teeming with life.
See? Its not that bad.
R-right. Its
She nced around. Not just at what was in our surroundings. But at a far-off mountain, peaking high above even the clouds with a snow-white cap. The azure sky looked like it held the ocean above us, sparkling and clear, while clouds fluffed its teething edge, decorating it to be a moreforting sight.
Its beautiful.
Saffron breathed, and I nodded.
It really is.
It was a stunning sight, no matter how many times I flew up and looked down at the world. Perhaps it was because I had grown up in the Netherworld where everything looked the same. However, I truly thought the Mortal Realm was a marvelous ce. It was full of rocks, yes, but also so much more. Meanwhile, the Netherworld was just that.
I wanted to stay here. Not just amongst Humans. I wanted to travel to the Elfnds and meet the Dominion and the High Rulers Visanya talked about. I wanted to visit the Beastmen ins I had heard very little of. I still had yet to see a Cyclops city, and taste the delicious fishballs Edithe told me about. Although I was slightly dubious about the delicious part, I still wanted to give it a try. I tried to trust mypanions words, just as they believed in me as a person.
Saffron.
My voice drew the attention of the noble woman. She looked up at me as I carried her under my arms.
Youre my friend, Saffron. Youve helped me out so much, especially since I enrolled in Mavos Academy. I dont want you to hate me, because I like you. And now that you know the truth about me, we could even bepanions.
She said nothing. I continued.
Just think about it. The Mortal Realm is such a beautiful ce. I really like it here. My friends are here. Mypanions are here. Why would I possibly want to follow that stupid Demon King in trying to destroy it all? That doesnt make any sense.
I murmured more to myself than to her. There was a moment of silence as I let out a sigh. I didnt want to say the next bit I was going to make a promise I might regret. However, I went ahead and said it anyway.
If even after I killed all these [Cultists] to prove myself to you, you still refuse to believe me and choose to tell Matthew or the Headmaster about my nature, I will not kill you. I will leave Mavos Academy and finish my education for space magic somewhere else. Itd be annoying Id probably have to go ask Kobolds or Elves for their help instead. I really dont want to leave, but I dont want to kill you even more.
It was an odd feeling. It felt like something Daniel, Edithe, and Lily kept lecturing me about. Empathy? Perhaps. Or maybe it was the feeling of loss over what could be. Saffron could be mypanion, if she just chose to trust me. I didnt want to be the one responsible for stopping this oue from being a reality.
So, I wont kill you. I will let you decide what you wish to do when we return, and Ill react ordingly.
I finished. Saffron remained silent. There was no visible reaction from the Vampire. However, she didnt meet my gaze. She avoided looking at me as we continued our flight to our destination.
Shortly after that, we reached Mistpire, a province to the southwest of Shedos. This was where the Followers of the Demon King resided. And where I was going to kill these[Cultists] responsible for making us Demons a hated Species in the Mortal Realm.
Chapter 194: Missive
Chapter 194: Missive
194. Missive
Mistpire was a rtively small province, at leastpared to the other provinces I had been in before. That was likely because Shedos itself wasnt arge country. Even Nixa wasrger than Shedos. And I considered Nixa to be quite small.
But that wasnt really the case, since Nixa was actually a big country. Apparently it was bigger than most countries in the Eastern Kingdoms. It was just smaller than the Sunmere Republic or the Vaun Qieur Empire. Which probably exined my skewed perspective.
Regardless, Mistpire was where the supposed Followers of the Demon King operated. I decided on going after them instead of the Netherworlds Communion due to their differing activity levels. Sure, as Matthew said, both had been idle as ofte. But the Netherworlds Communion had almostpletely ceased all their activities, whereas the Followers of the Demon King have apparently been moving members across the border to Elutra.
Wended in the middle of a forest, just before a small farming town. I settled Saffron down beside me as my wings receded, and the me disguising it dissipated. I nced up at the suns position in the sky.
We still have a few hours until sunset. Think well be able to find their hideout before then?
Im not sure if itll be that easy.
Saffron pursed her lips.
[Cultists] are elusive. Their cults are slippery, hard to pin down. Larger ones like the Followers of the Demon King may be easier to locate due to the size and scale of their operations, but it wont take just a day to find them, Salvos. Well be here searching for days. Maybe even weeks.
Really?
I tilted my head to the side as I trudged over the cobbled road. Saffron followed behind me, still wearing her school uniform which, in hindsight, I shouldve asked her to change out of. I spotted travelers [Farmers] on wagons rolling down our way.
I waved a hand, calling out.
Hey! You there!
The [Farmer] eyed us, then he grinned as he pulled his wagon to a stop.
Yes? How may I help you pretty youngdies? And a student from Mavos Academy too my, am I lucky today.
Yep. Can you tell us if you know anything about the Followers of the Demon King? Its a cult. They worship Demons. And were here to beat them up!
I pumped a fist, and he paused. His face scrunched up as he turned away from us.
T-t-the Followers of the Demon King? I-I-I h-have never heard of em in my life.
Are you sure? Theyre supposedly well-known around here.
Yes!
He snapped, before tugging on his horses. With a scowl, he continued on past us.
Now if youll excuse me, I have a delivery to make.
Huh.
See?
Saffron crossed her arms. She sighed, shaking her head.
Its not going to be that simple, Salvos.
I shrugged as more travelers came down the road.
Lets try again!
Wait
She raised her hand, and I ran forward. I gestured to her toe after me.
Come on!
The Vampire took a step forward, unthinking. Then she hesitated. She had been about to run after me as per usual. But she mustve remembered that I was a Demon, which made her demeanor change once more.
So close. I drew my lips into a thin line, even as I continued running up to the oing travelers. We were almost back to normal. This just meant proved that we could be friends again. The only thing stopping her was well, her stubbornness.
Which meant a lot,ing from me.
I continued to ask the next few travelers I sawing from the town about any possible cults in the area. Most of them brushed me off quite rudely, at that before hurrying on. It was obvious that some of them knew what I was talking about. A few of them couldve been annoyed, thinking that I was trying to incite something. But at least half of those I spoke to were at least vaguely aware of the Followers of the Demon King.
The fact that they refused to share anything, even for money, annoyed me.
Saffron followed slowly behind me as I aired myints about them.
Come on! Cant they see that were high-leveled? I mean, sure, Im not showing my real level right now, but I dont want to give up the element of surprise, you know? When we show up to those [Cultists] stupid Lair can they even have Lairs? theyll think were just a couple of Gold Rank chumps, and boom!
I made a punching motion.
Ill kill all of them!
The Vampire averted her gaze, even as I cheerfully talked about killing her mortal enemies, ughtering all of them off the face of the world. For whatever reason, that made her more ufortable. I wanted to sigh. Nothing I was doing was working. Why were Humans so annoyinglyplicated. This sucked.
We walked in silence, passing by the next few travelers without stopping them. It was gettingte. The sky was now tinted orange, and there were fewer passersby than before. I was thinking of maybe using my tracking Skills to somehow find the cult, when Saffron finally spoke up.
I think you shouldnt hide your levels, Salvos.
I blinked, more surprised by the fact that she was talking than her suggestion.
Why not?
Because youre a Diamond Rank.
She wanted to leave it at that, but I cocked my head, clearly confused. She exined after a moment of hesitation.
Maybe your name isnt famous here in the rural outskirts of Shedos, but anyone can recognize that a Diamond Rank adventurer is someone you can trust. Right now, we just look like a couple of naive students trying to get ourselves killed.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin. That made sense. But revealing that I was over Level 100 would mean that the [Cultists] would already be wary of me. I wanted to see the shocked look on their faces when they realized I wasnt just an ordinary Level 36 [Mage]. Unless
I grinned, turning to face Saffron.
I have an idea.
Her eyes widened as I exined the idea. She was vehemently against it, but I was already determined to see it through. I took off my jacket, handing it over to her, and she reluctantly wore it over her uniform.
Alright, now lets find some [Cultists]!
Night fell, and Saffron walked through the empty streets of Farnsworth on her own. She stood next to a burningmp, keeping herself warm even in the cold of the night. Shivering, she adjusted the blue jacket she had been given, and nced around.
The work day was over. Most of the vigers of Farnsworth were returning to their homes from the fields. Theyughed and they exchanged jokes as Saffron heard their rumblings grow closer. Its time She wasnt looking forward to it, but she knew it was probably going to work.
Taking a step forward, she spoke out to draw their attention.
Excuse me! Apologies, I am but a weary traveler, looking for a ce to stay. I do not have silver to spare, and I am hungry.
The [Farmers] paused. One of them snickered and elbowed another. Saffrons actions drew not just the working men, but some of the women from their homes out.
Oh, that poor thing
Shes so young and pretty
Jason, we should
There was now a small crowd. It was perfect. Saffron yed her part, and she was waiting for Salvos to act next. With a deep breath, she tried to stall for time.
Could any of you kind individuals please spare me some of your kindness and
And a shadow descended from the sky. A horrible monster crashed between Saffron and the [Farmers] of Farnsworth. Its back creaked as it straightened. It craned its neck, turning its head that bore the skull of an animal around, taking in the town.
It was like an amalgamation of the worlds most horrible monsters turned into one creature. Multiple limbs protruding from its side, each of them long and spindly, wing the earth. There werent even an equal number of arms on each side of its body. Four of its arms dug into the soil, while its fifth andst arm was raised over its head, like some sort of antennae. Bone-like wings protruded from its back, slowly folding back into its back, cracking like thunder with each bending motion.
Its golden, glowing eyes stared deep into Saffron, and she screamed. The crowd exploded into shouts of terror. The men reached for weapons, while the women ran back into their homes. Children cried at the sight of the monster no, it wasnt a monster. It was a Demon.
Saffron dropped to her knees at the sight of the Demon. It grabbed her before she could move, picking her up and holding a w to her face as she squirmed and gasped. Someone screamed for Saffron to be freed, but the Demon didnt let go.
This had been part of the n the act Saffron had carried out so far. She knew who the Demon was. It was Salvos. Yet, Saffrons reaction was no longer part of the act. Is she going to kill She felt genuine fear here.
That was, until she heard it speak.
I am um the Terror of Shedos! Yes! I am an Archdemon, sent here from Elutra! I, um, uh, erm, bear a message from your great King! Bring me to your cult, Humans! Or I will raze this town to ashes and kill everyone here, starting with her!
Saffron paused. She couldnt suppress her words as she stared at Salvos, whispering.
Seriously? You didnt practice any lines at all before doing this?
I wasnt ready! Youre the one who started before I even transformed! Anyway, its working, see?
A man Saffron recognized him as the one who was snickering earlier put down his weapons, bowing almost reverently at Salvos.
Please... I can help you. I know where they are. Just spare us. I have a family...
Salvos stomped forward, still carrying Saffron threateningly, but the young noble was more at ease now. The Demon leaned forward, baring her teeth.
Show me.
--
I told you that n will work.
Salvos grinned as she flew over the canopy of trees, headed for a distant mountaintop. The [Farmer] had directed them to Sherfil Peak, a small, inconspicuous hill at the base of a mountain range that carried over into Elutra.
This was where the Followers of the Demon King were purportedly located. Saffron believed it cults like these often hid in mountain caverns, clearing out Lairs or Dungeons, appropriating them for their own use.
Saffron sighed, her breath caught in the wind even as Salvos flew at a slower pace for her sake.
I knew that itd work. It was just
Just?
Its nothing.
The Vampire clung onto the back of the Demon as they began their descent. Now was the next part of the n. The part which, for whatever reason, Saffron was dreading.
They were going to enter the den of a cult.
She had been raised all of her life as a Vampire as a burgeoning Demon Hunter. And one of her jobs would be to face [Cultists] for their vile acts. Yet, she had never actually been to a cult before. Father had never allowed her to apany him or his thralls. Even though she had always been eager, she was now ovee with a nervous fear.
...maybe we should turn back.
Her voice came out soft, almost inaudible to her own ears. Still, Salvos heard it.
Why? Were already here.
There was a caldera at the very top of the mountain. Inside of it, Saffron saw dozens and dozens of figures moving about. All dressed in the eerie robes [Cultists] often bore.
If we go back, how else am I going to prove myself to you?
They began their descent, and Saffron grew more and more nervous. She opened her mouth.
It doesnt matter anymore But the words didnte out of her mouth. Truth be told, Salvos had done more than enough to prove herself to Saffron. It wasnt any rationale or logic that kept Saffron afraid of the Demon.
It was just how Saffron was raised. It pained her to admit it, but Salvos mightve truly been good. Or at least, not a servant of Regnorex like Saffron had thought. Unfortunately, the young noble couldnt blurt it out. Not in time.
The [Cultists] gathered around in a circle as Salvosnded, and a man strode forward.
Greetings, oh powerful Archdemon, great [Cambion] of the Netherworld. I am Mikel, leader of this cult. To what may we, the Followers of the Demon King, owe the pleasure?
They werent exactly at ease around Salvos. She was an Archdemon they couldnt exactly control, but they werent just going to anger her by attacking her.
I am Sal Salfos.
Salvos stuttered as she came up with her fake name. Saffron almost wanted to bury her head in her hands when she heard it. Seriously? Thats the best you coulde up with? The [Cultists], however, remained ignorant of this. Salvos continued.
And I havee from your allies in Elutra, with this sacrifice of a powerful [Mage] as a gift, and a message from the Demon King himself.
Our allies in Elutra?
He ran a hand through his beard. Well, it was more of a stubble. Someone a [Cultist] in the back muttered to himself.
So those idiots from the Inoria Empire are finally returning the favor, huh?
Shut up, imbecile.
Mikel red back at him. He shrugged.
What? They just kept on making demands from us. I never thought theyd actually do anything to help urk!
He dropped dead as Mikel lowered a hand. Blood pooled out from the hole in his chest as those around him stumbled back, and the cult leader hurriedly bowed down to Salvos.
I apologize for my minions idiotic ramblings. We mean no offense, and we gratefully ept this sacrifice of yours. We have been, ah, running low on resources.
He nced over at the heavy metal door to the side, and Saffrons eyes widened as she spotted the blood smeared and stained along the outside walls. Her stomach lurched, right before she was ced on the ground.
Of course. Here you go!
Saffron tried to get up to her feet, but Mikel grabbed her by the arm. She tried to pull away, however he yanked her closer. Saffron was too ovee with fear and disgust to even think about using magic. Her knees were too weak. Her hands were shaking and numb.
A beautiful sacrifice. It would be a waste if she were killed right away.
Mikel raised Saffrons chin as she red up at him. He bent over, a smug look on his face. She spat at him, and his face contorted.
He pped her across the cheek as she reeled back. Dusting his hands, he walked around Saffron, still inspecting her. He spoke casually as Saffron cursed.
I am twice your level, woman. You best behave or your death will be, ah, painful.
Y-you
She remembered her training. Magic coalesced at her fingertips. A fire began to form, right before he struck her once again. He pinned her down to the ground, smirking, looking up at Salvos.
Pathetic. And, ah, what is the message?
Oh, right.
Salvos blinked, then tilted her head back as if recalling something.
The message is simple
She bared her teeth.
Die.
And she bit Mikels head off.
Chapter 195: Pot and Kettle
Chapter 195: Pot and Kettle
195. Pot and Kettle
Saffron Merryster (Lady)
Species: [Vampire - Human]
ss: [Evocation Elementalist] - Lvl. 54
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 8
[Racial Skill: Bloodlust] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Vampiric Essence] - Lvl. 7
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
Saffron Merryster was, for her age, considered to be rather high-leveled. She was only neen years old, and she was already Level 54 in her ss. That was talent. Even for a noble. Even for a Vampire like her.
Sure, Valda was even younger than Saffron. But the fifteen-year-old girl was even more of a genius, which was fair. There were varying levels of talent, but Saffron was undoubtedly on the upper end.
Yet, the young noble had never truly been in a real fight. Shed been trained in the art of dueling, yes. However, in a life-and-death situation where her opponent was stronger than her and more than ready to kill her? It never happened before. So, she froze up. Her body tensed. She couldnt react, struck by an unrelenting anxiety that halted all her senses for a moment.
She had beenpletely overpowered. Everything she learned all the sparring and sses she had taken gone to waste in the first face of adversity. The worst part was it happened before. When her carriage had been assailed by [Rancor Mites] on the way to Mavos Academy. And just like thest time around, Salvos had been here to save her.
Die.
The words echoed throughout the open chamber. It forced the [Cultists] to drop to their knees, quaking and quivering helplessly. It was a Skill that struck fear into their hearts. One that, just for a brief moment, snapped them out of reality as their eyes zed over stupidly.
Saffron wasnt sure what kind of magic resulted in that effect. Normally, shed be more analytical try and parse what Salvos was using. But she was too seized with terror to be able to even begin deconstructing it.
That feeling was only worsened a momentter when Salvos chomped off Mikels head with a single bite. The Demon drew her head back, arching her back as she chewed the mans skull, relishing the taste. Then she spat it out.
Gross.
It was a nonchnt voice that left her mouth, betraying the terrible appearance she wore. It almost reassured Saffron. It gave the young noble a modicum of relief, even in this situation, surrounded by hundreds of [Cultists].
The Demons golden eyes darted over the crowd of faces. A cruel grin twisted its way up her skull-like face.
Huh. You guys are still alive. Didnt expect you guys to be so ipetent. Here, let me help you.
She bared her teeth, and the [Cultists] screamed. They unleashed magic on her. She leapt over the waves of fire and ice and stone and lightning, twirling almost gracefully for someone dressed in such a wicked form.
A bloodbath ensued as Salvos ughtered them. The floor and the walls were stained with the crimson color of blood, and [Cultists] screamed in terror and horror as they tried to fend her off. But none of them had been over Level 100. The highest-leveled individual here had been Mikel. He was Level 93, but he had been killed in an instant, when his guard was down due to Saffron.
Saffrons nose wrinkled. The stench of blood permeated the air. It was sweet. Almost intoxicating. Younger Vampires had a stronger sense of smell than adults, and while Saffron was a young adult, she still had some of the residual ability to discern the quality of blood by levels. The higher-leveled someone was, the sweeter their blood smelled. The only exceptions came with the blood of Spirits and Demons. Those, regardless of level, smelled intensely sweet.
Her head went light as she nced up, trying to gather herself to her feet. Her knees were weak. She couldnt get up. She tried to stumble forward, but her senses were overwhelmed by fear and the tasty scent of blood. She tripped on something, falling face first before a body. Mikels headless body.
Blood pooled out of his neck, still fresh, having happened just moments ago. Her eyes widened, and her gaze sharpened as something drew her forward.
[Racial Skill: Bloodlust].
She bit into it, her eyes glowing red.
I had fought hordes and hordes of Skeletons. I had faced down a wave of Zombies, and ughtered hundreds of them at once. I even flew against an army of mindless monsters, killing thousands before I was forced to retreat. These [Cultists] were far harder to kill than any of them. But it was not because of their abilities. Most of them were Silver Rank, with a rather inordinately substantial amount of them being Gold Rank. There were even a few tinum Ranked equivalents mixed into the crowd.
But they were only minor hindrances. The biggest problemy in the fact that they kept running!
Come back here!
I sent a plume of mes forward, incinerating the [Cultists] making a break for it down a stairway. I couldnt let any of them flee. That would be problematic.
But the [Cultists] were scattering everywhere. They must have had a thousand different escape routes prepared if the mountain was ever besieged. And it made hunting them down very annoying.
It was harder to kill a hundred people who only wanted to run, than to kill a hundred people standing and fighting. The [Cultists] knew they werepletely outmatched. So, they ran.
I leapt in front of a group led by a Level 86 cultist. He was a cultist, not a [Cultist], considering his [Mage] ss. I swiped for his head, and he created a barrier.
Run!
He screamed as I ripped the magical aura apart with my ming ws. Itsted longer than I wouldve wanted. But once the barrier was down, he was helpless against me. He pointed at me, and a blue st shot out. It was pure magical energy. One that actually damaged my aura of Greater Protection.
An interesting kind of spellcasting I rarely saw before. That didnt stop me from tearing through his protective armor and killing him.
Defeated [Master of the Arcane Arts - Lvl 86]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy 20 levels below you!
Hm. Maybe I should be using more of my ss.
I ran forward as I activated [Mystical Projection]. I grabbed a pair of [Cultists] before I even reached them with the invisible protruding arms, and dragged them towards me. I sunk my real ws into their chest, quickly dealing with them.
This turned out to be quite effective, with me pulling two [Cultists] at a time back to me, before I finished them off, even as I ran forward.
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl 45]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Cultist - Lvl 61]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Perhaps it was because of abination of using my ss and my Subspecies, but the simple message that popped up per kill was the fact that experience was awarded, rather than less or more depending on their level.
I narrowed my eyes as I watched a [Cultist] run for a metal doorway smeared with blood. It was old blood, and I was pretty sure there were people locked inside on the other side. She tried to pry it open as I finished off another [Cultist], and I simply pointed at her.
[Temporal Distortion].
Her movements slowed. The key clinked as it turned. But I was already next to her. She couldnt even turn around in surprise before I ripped her apart.
I turned around, annoyed that I was caught in my own bubble of slowed time. It let the [Cultists] beyond move faster, even if it only made a minute difference. But tiny little changes to a battlefield often bore great implications.
I stepped out of my [Temporal Distortion] field just in time to see a man grab Saffron by the back of her head, cing a crooked knife to her throat. I paused. My eyes widened.
Saffron!
I called out to her, but the [Cultist] yelled.
Stay back! I will kill her!
I gritted my teeth, seeing him holding my friend hostage. He was a higher level than her. He was around Level 70, and Saffron didnt look like she was in any condition to fight back.
Let her go.
I took a step forward, and he tightened the de around her neck. My mind raced with all the options I had. [Haste] wouldnt help me here. But there was another Skill I had. [Recall Skill] and [Zealous Call]. I was just about to use thatbination, when the man screamed.
Saffron bit into his hand. He cried out in pain, and she spun around, striking his neck with her fingers. Her nails grew outwardly, sharp like knives in each finger. It severed his head right off. She tore into his body, biting off his flesh, like a hungry, rabid dog.
Um, what?
I stared at her as she continued to ravage the man. I hesitated. Then I walked up to her.
Saffron?
The Vampire paused. She looked up at me, her eyes glowing red. There was a hiss and she froze,ing back to her senses.
I-I...
I patted her on the shoulder.
Good job.
She blinked, and I ran off to deal with the remaining [Cultists]. There werent many left now. I managed to finish off the rest before they could escape. Saffron actually helped me, bounding around the open chamber and killing a handful of them herself. Although she seemed to protectively guard the door that probably held prisoners behind it.
And we killed thest of the [Cultists].
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 36] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 37]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 37] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 38]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
--
So
I walked up to Saffron, my [Demonic Essence] transformation ending as I returned to my regr self. I met the noble womans gaze. She tried to look away, wiping the blood off her mouth with the edge of her sleeve. Actually, it was my sleeve, considering that it was my blue jacket.
What was that?
I asked, crossing my arms. She hesitated. She didnt want to meet my gaze. But I pressed her.
Come on, youve got to tell me. That was pretty cool, you know?
Its not cool.
She sighed, closing her eyes. They still glowed red, even now.
[Bloodlust]. It is a Skill us Vampires have. Each of us are born with it, and if we consume the blood of someone of a significantly higher level than us, we be stronger. Temporarily, of course. But also more savage.
That was a little bit more than just savage. More monstrous, if Im being honest.
I spoke in a t voice. She pursed her lips. I could see her fangs peeking through her mouth. She now had a pair of sharp incisors that were over an inch long, and w-like fingers, just like me. I smiled as she shifted ufortably.
But you did a good thing, Saffron.
T-thats Ive never even killed but wait.
She looked past me, headed for the heavy metal door. With her sudden super strength, she ripped it open without any difficulty despite being a [Mage] at her level.
Hey! At least wait for me to change
I frowned. Saffron stared into the room.
Just as I thought.
She shook her head, turning away. The room didnt hold prisoners as I thought it did. It held within it a summoning circle. Empty cells and manacles. And a pile of corpses.
Huh.
Saffron started away, a rueful look on her face.
If only we came a few days earlier we couldve
She trailed off and sat in the middle of the open chamber, right by Mikels body, gazing up at the night sky. I nced back into the room with the pile of corpses. This wasnt a pre-ritual setup. The ritual had beenpleted. A Demon had been summoned.
And the Demon had left. Probably to Elutra or the Inoria Empire or somewhere else. There were a lot of sacrifices here. Enough to summon maybe even an Archdemon. I wasnt sure how Demon summoning worked, to be honest.
Saffron didnt look like she was in any rush to leave, so I quickly looked through the room, searching for anything that piqued my interest. Maybe there might be a clue on how to return to the Netherworld who knew?
There were also vials of blood and tomes regarding banned types of magic. I took them all and stuffed it into my sack. There were some gold and tinum too, but not muchpared to how much I owned.
Then I returned to Saffron, and she stood up. She looked at me, speaking softly.
Lets go back, Salvos. Im tired.
I nodded and spread my wings wide.
--
I gently flitted my way across the night sky, carrying Saffron in my arms. I asked her about what we should do with the dead [Cultists] whether it was something we should report. But she just told me that shed handle it.
Then there was silence. We flew over the misty clouds, slowly, so as to not frighten Saffron. I wasnt sure what to say. I did as I promised, wiping out the Followers of the Demon King. But Saffron didnt seem happy. She was upset. Both at herself and at the deaths of all those innocents in the summoning room.
I spoke up, trying to cheer her up.
Hey, so, um about your [Bloodlust]
She nced up at me, furrowing her brows. She looked slightly annoyed. Like she wanted the topic. And I definitely wasnt going to praise her about it again, since she seemed ufortable about it.
I was thinking, since, you know, Im high-leveled and all, I could maybe share some of my blood with you to keep in case you ever need it?
Saffron paused. Then she looked away from me.
Why would you do that?
I sighed.
To prove myself to you.
With a deep breath, I began to exin.
Look, I know our trip today didnt go exactly well. But Im still willing to do anything to make you believe me! Ill even give you my blood! And I dislike losing my blood! It hurts and stuff!
She didnt say anything, and I drew my lips into a thin line. I was told by Daniel that school trips were supposed to be fun and exciting. He mustve lied to me because this hadnt been fun at all!
I waited for Saffron to respond. After a minute passed and she still remained silent, I began to dete. Then finally, she spoke up in a soft voice.
You already proved yourself to me, you idiot.
I blinked.
I did?
She scowled.
Of course you did. I was just being stubborn. I was wrong. About you. We really arent that different.
I narrowed my eyes. I wanted to open my mouth to protest the fact that I was Salvos and she was not Salvos, but she smiled.
However, if you insist, I will dly ept your offer of a tribute of your Demons blood. Itd aid me greatly in bing stronger.
Saffron met my gaze, and I blinked. Then Iughed.
Yep! Ill help you out! After all, youre now mypanion!
Chapter 196: Naive?
Chapter 196: Naive?
196. Naive?
I brought Saffron back to Mavos Academy. The noble woman was exhausted her [Bloodlust] Skill expended a lot of her energy and impaired her cognitive abilities, just a few of several side effects of the temporary power boost. It wasnt like my [Demonic Essence] Skill, which didnt really have any side effects. Like, at all.
It was a very good Racial Skill and I was d I got it. It could still be improved. I could only stay in my five-armed form for about six hours before I turned back. Although, that was before the Skill leveled up.
Saffron copsed onto her bed immediately, passing out. I left her room, returning to the sofa. I was kind of exhausted as well, and since I couldnt transform out of [Partial Mortality] just yet, meaning I wouldnt be able to stay up all night and study, so I went to sleep.
--
Here you go.
I blinked, looking up as Saffron handed a vial to me. I peered into the liquid inside of the ss. It was crimson like the twilight sky, yet there were dark clouds bubbling up within it. A gray smear moved about the liquid, alive, electric, bouncing from its fringes to the center of the red pool.
Whats this?
Tempest-fused blood, procured as I promised I would. For your Potion of Regeneration.
The noble woman set it down on the table as I lowered my textbook on the basics of weapon enchanting and all that it entailed. My eyes widened, and I excitedly grabbed the vial.
You got this, for me?!
I said I would, did I not? A noble always keeps her promises.
She snorted. I nodded eagerly.
Yep, yep. Well, except for the one time you didnt by almost outing me to Valda. That was yesterday.
Lets not talk about that.
Saffron was just as upset about it as I was. She looked like she was slightly ashamed of her own actions. But things worked out in the end, and she was now mypanion. As mypanion, she was kind enough to get me tempest-fused blood, one of the most important ingredients for the creation of a Potion of Regeneration.
Woah.
I held it up, eyeing the moving liquid.
Be careful with it. That vial is made out of special antimagic ss. Its not as effective as banclite, but it is enough to suppress the effects of the tempest-fused blood from bursting out.
Bursting out?
Yes. Blood bes tempest-fused blood when exposed to a mana storm. Well, any liquid, really. When it bes tempest-fused, it contains the power of the storm within itself. It explodes with lightning, zapping things thate close to it until it expends all the mana it absorbed.
Huh.
I gently lowered the vial.
And whats a mana storm?
Its a natural disaster. Like a powerful volcanic eruption or a terrible tsunami. It is rare. Very rare. It happens only when the stars themselves fall from the sky, marking the earth with its radiance and light.
Wait
I cocked my head.
The stars can fall from the sky?
They can and they do. But it does not ur often. Which is why tempest-fused blood is rare. Of course, there are [Alchemists] out there who are capable of replicating it. But their prices run high. This here is something a friend of mine had on him, passed down from his family. I bought it off him, since he didnt really need or want it.
You bought it for me?
I stared at her, touched. Saffron rolled her eyes.
Consider it an apology gift.
Aw thank you! Whos your friend by the way?
Must I tell you who all my acquaintances are?
Nope. But Im curious!
She sighed, yet she told me.
Hes a Vampire. Like me. Adney, a former adventurer who enrolled into Mavos Academy. Honestly, I tried to use your status as a famous adventurer to coerce him, but he had never heard of you before. So, tinum sufficed.
Thats silly. Im Salvos! Ill introduce myself to him if he really doesnt
Thats not necessary.
Saffron cut me off before I could even finish. She sat across from me on the couch, sipping a cup of tea as she spoke.
So, I have held up to one of my promises to you, Salvos. Now, while I am in no immediate rush, I was wondering if you could possibly fulfill your own promise to me.
My promise?
I gave her a nk stare, and she pursed her lips.
You dont remember?
I remember a lot of things! But no, I dont remember this.
The Vampire gestured at me, then herself.
You promised me that that youd share some of your blood with me.
I rubbed my chin, in thought. She waited, shifting ufortably. Then I snapped my fingers.
Oh!
I paused.
That
Is something the matter?
Well, I dont know. Sharing my blood with you sounds painful
I scratched the side of my head. Saffron blinked. She tried to work her jaw.
But y-you
She started, and I giggled.
Im kidding, Im kidding!
I waved a hand off dismissively.
I was just teasing you. Sure, Ill let you have some of my blood.
I created a small ming dagger, and pricked the very tip of my index finger. A single drop of blood slid down to my palm as I narrowed my eyes. Saffron leaned closer too, frowning.
Whys it red?
She asked, clearly puzzled. Her confusion was evident, and mine was too.
I have no idea. Isnt my blood supposed to be ck?
Thats what I should be asking!
Saffron sputtered as I shrugged.
Maybe its a result of my Skill? I mean, it does force me to sleep and eat neither of which I normally do so maybe it turns my blood into Human blood as well?
She furrowed her brows.
That is indeed Human blood. It smells sweet, befitting of your high level. But
Whats wrong?
I faced her, raising my bloodied palm.
Do you not want to drink this?
If I do, it wouldnt be right now, Salvos. The blood of high-leveled individuals will activate my [Bloodlust] Skill, and itspletely unnecessary unless Im nning on trying to kill you here.
Do you n on
No.
Saffron sat back, ying with an empty vial in her hand.
What I need is Demon blood, not Human blood.
Whats the difference?
The blood of a mortal is not the same as the blood of Spirits or Demons. Mortal blood only gives a temporary increase in abilities. But the effects of drinking Spirit or Demon blood is permanent. And its results will always be the same, regardless of the level of the source of blood. It will empower my [Vampiric Essence] Skill. And if I can max it out before I receive my evolution at Level 100...
She trailed off. Shaking her head, Saffron ced the vial before me.
Im not going to ask you to give your blood to me now. Just whenever you can what are you doing?
I transformed out of [Partial Mortality] before her very eyes, and dug my own w into my skin. ck blood seeped out, quickly filling the vial to the brim. I shut it with a cork, handing it back to the Vampire.
Here you go!
Saffron just stared at me. Then she massaged her temples.
Y-you did you seriously just do that?
What did I do?
I tilted my head to the side.
You just you need to be more wary of others, Salvos. What if this had been a trap by me to reveal you to the Headmaster or a teacher?
You wouldnt do that. Youre mypanion!
Well, what if I lied about that too?
She crossed her arms, but I wasnt too worried.
Its fine! I know that no one is hiding around here. Ive got a Skill.
Since [nar Navigation] wasnt a timed Skill, nor did it have a cooldown, I was free to use it whenever I had to. I got into the habit of frequently activating it just to skim my surroundings for any suspicious activity. Right now, it was active because I was transformed out of [Partial Mortality].
That still doesnt change my point
Sighing, Saffron dejectedly epted my blood.
You shouldnt be so easy to trust others, Salvos.
Thats true. But youre not just others.
I smiled as she raised a brow.
What does that mean?
You were my friend before all this happened, Saffron. You taught me a lot of things, gave me an important family artifact, helped me out with getting into Mavos Academy, and let me stay with you even though Ive inconvenienced you many times. Now, youve epted me for who I am. Why should I still treat you with mistrust?
Because I could potentially trick you and ruin your life?
Iughed, although Saffron was not as amused.
Maybe thats true, but thats the same for anyone and everyone I meet and reveal myself to. But I dont and wont treat Daniel or Edithe that way. Also, the fact that youre even lecturing me about this means you arent nning on tricking me or whatever. So, youre not just some stranger to me, Saffron. Youre mypanion.
She opened her mouth. Then she hesitated. The noble woman shook her head, leaning back on her seat.
You keep saying that, Salvos. What exactly does that mean?
To be mypanion?
Saffron nodded, and I tapped a finger on my chin.
Hmm
Do you not know what it means either?
I do! Its just difficult to put in words.
I folded my arms, scrunching up my face as I wracked my brain for the right words.
To be mypanion is to be more than just a friend. To be someone I can trust in. To be someone who trusts in me and epts me for who I am. To me, they matter more than anyone else in the world. They experience the world with me as I do with them. Even if we arent always together. Even if we sometimes fight or argue. Were still bound together aspanions.
Somewhere, out there, Haec was waiting for me. My first everpanion. I trusted that he believed in my return, just as I trusted that hed wait for me to return. And it was not just him.
Daniel and Edithe were having their own adventures. I wasnt sure when Id ever see them again. But a part of me was always with them. Wed always bepanions, no matter what.
Saffron considered this for a moment before speaking out.
So family?
Family? No Im not rted to mypanions by blood. Unless you can be my sister by drinking my blood?
Frowning, I considered the implications of this. If Saffron could drink my blood and be my sister, did this mean I was the sister of everyone I ate? After all, I usually swallowed their blood whenever I tried eating them.
She scoffed.
No, I dont mean it in that way. By family, I mean it in a figurative sense. A group of people not necessarily a blood rtive whom you can confide with. People whom you know you can rely on, even in times of trouble.
I blinked. Then I gave her an excited nod.
Yep! Thats it! Exactly like that!
Saffron took a deep breath.
You know, now it feels like I have a heavy burden on my shoulder just from being yourpanion.
Hey, its not a Title I give out lightly.
I grinned, and she stared at me.
As in Title, and not title?
Yep!
Even though I dont get any Stat boost from it?
Its not an actual Title now, but it will be.
You are one egotistical girl, arent you? Yet, I dont exactly doubt that as a possibility.
I know.
I wasn''t reallyplimenting you by saying that.
I know.
I repeated myself as I curled my lips. Saffron returned a smile. Then she stood up. Pocketing the vial of Demon blood, she started past me back to her room.
Thank you.
She spoke softly, cing a hand on my shoulder.
For trusting me. Even after I nearly betrayed your trust with Valda. I promise I will not betray your trust again.
I stared at her, meeting her red eyes for a moment.
I trust you.
I nodded confidently. Shaking her head, Saffron continued and stopped by her doorway. She held up the vial of Demon blood.
By the way, Im probably going to drink some of this right now. Just to let you know, it gets me drunk. So, uh, Im probably going to go and pass out.
But its not even sunset.
I know. But yesterday was incredibly stressful, and Id like to intoxicate myself now.
Saffron mmed the door shut. I stared at the closed door.
Huh.
Chapter 197.1. Failure
Chapter 197.1. Failure
197.1. Failure
A few days passed, and the school days blended together. A lot of my time was spent studying, practicing rune crafting, learning alchemical forme, and researching spatial magic. I alternated between staying at the Lair and Saffrons room, since she now knew I was a Demon, I could stay up all night without much worry while on the sofa.
Of course, I remained wary of other intruders possibly entering while I was myself and not a Human. I used [nar Navigation] to keep an eye out, and managed to avoid any incidents. It was still slightly risky. Which was part of the reason why I still preferred studying at my Lair.
Another advantage of being away from Mavos Academy was that I didnt need to keep on guard of potentially being found out. As such, I could use [Temporal Distortion] to create a bubble for me to study in. It was a genius application of the Skill, if I had to say so myself!
Id speed up the time within my Lair, which in turn slowed the time that passed outside of it. The Skill itself could onlyst for fifteen minutes at its current level, and it could only be used once an hour. But that was a significant amount of extra time added to a day or night, considering it was night whenever I went to my Lair which allowed me to make up for the time I lost by going to fight those [Cultists] with Saffron, and more.
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] has leveled up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 5] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh. I wonder if thats from studying or from using [Temporal Distortion] to study.
It could be both. But I happily epted my experience and the additional boost to my [Wisdom] before returning to Mavos Academy.
--
Therefore, space is a fabric.
I sat in myst ss of the day, taking notes as professor Isais wrapped up his lecture.
While theyperson may believe that the world around us exists as a static object, in actuality, it is ever changing. It is malleable. As [Mages], we can then act as [cksmiths] do and mold space to our liking.
He was a middle-aged man. Roughly thirty or forty years old with misty gray hair, and an unkempt beard colored a darker shade of ck. He paced back and forth before his desk, a short distance away from the front row of seats where I sat.
Isais continued.
But as you all know, this ss isnt just about the general theories on the various facets of space. It is about this dimension around us. How it can be bent. How it can be disced.
He snapped his fingers, and there was a sh. An electric screech resounded across the room as a bright light overcame Isais. I blinked, before he was gone. His voice drew my attention,ing from the back of the lecture hall.
If these are all traits of our dimension if it truly is something that can be woven then it is something that can be torn open. And if you bend space in just the right way, ripping a hole on it at the right ce, youll thus be able to move objects, animals, and even people through it just like that.
Heads turned. The third and fourth years students of the College of Aspirations stared at their professor as he stalked back down to the chalkboard. A bell rang in the distance, signaling the end of the ss. But there wasnt a rush to leave. Instead, a susurration grew throughout the lecture hall as students whispered to each other, pointing at professor Isais in awe and shock.
I harrumphed, crossing my arms as Isais began to pack his things.
What a show off. I can do that too! Well ok, maybe I cant teleport as far as he can. And maybe I cant do it as quickly as he can. Maybe it even isnt as shy as his teleportation. But hes over Level 100 as a [Space Mage]! What is there to be surprised about?
I was too busy grumbling to myself that I didnt notice the gathering of mana around his being. I looked up, eyes growing wide. I raised a hand, but it was already toote.
Wait, professor, I have a quest
He teleported out of the room. I tried to use [nar Navigation] to track him down, but he wasnt anywhere within the building. I could follow the traces of thread he left behind with his teleportation, however it was quite clear that he had gone back to his office. And I knew what happened when I visited a professor outside of their allotted office hours.
Oh, Im sorry Ms Salvos, Im currently busy preparing next weeks test, could you please return during my office hours? Ms Salvos, Im currently having my lunch, please see me when I have the free time to assist you. I very much apologize, Ms Salvos, I am not currently avable. What? m on break, Ms Salvos. This is my time to rx.
I mimicked the various voices of my professors as the lecture hall cleared out around me. I packed up my things, stepping out of my seat, before I threw my hands up in the air.
What do you mean youre on break? Youre just sitting there and doing absolutely nothing! Youre literally wasting your life away!
Ahem.
I nced back as I heard a gruff voice cough behind me. I smiled.
Hey Gallus.
Ms Salvos, I apologize, but you seem to be blocking the only exit to the room.
Oops.
I stepped out of the doorway, letting him walk past me.
Sorry.
It is no matter.
Gallus was a member of the Vaun Qieur Empires elite... no, not elite, it was just called the Swordsguard Forces. The man was tall with a rough build and broad shoulders, so he could barely even fit through the doorway. I was in both an alchemyb with him and this ss, which I found quite surprising considering his appearance and ss. He was a [Warrior], so why would he be taking these sses?
He started past me, and I followed after him, driven by idle curiosity.
Did you need something from me, Ms Salvos?
Say, Gallus, why is a [Warrior] like you taking sses on alchemy and space magic?
I was a lot more casual with him now that I had gotten to know him slightly. We were in two sses together, and I knew he was only ostensibly stoic, but with a much softer interior. If I knew he didnt like my casual demeanor, Id have been more respectful in how I carried myself. But despite his seemingly brusque personality, he was quite sociable and nice.
I have always been intrigued by the concoctions the [Alchemists] in my country create. Especially that of Damian the Maddened Artificer. He is the highest-leveled [Alchemist] in the world, and I have seen what he has made. It is not that which any sane mind would think of, yet he is more ingenious than any other Human alive today.
We walked as he talked.
When he was tasked by the previous emperor, Iven Maran, to create an Elixir of Immortality, he instead created a vial of wicked poison that nearly took emperor Ivens life. Apparently, the poison induced an effect that would muddle your sense of time as it shut off your organs. It would drag out dying to what felt like an eternity to the one who drank the poison. Fortunately for emperor Iven, his son forced Damian to create a cure, and the emperor was saved.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin in understanding.
So, youre doing this to poison your emperor. Got it.
Therge man nearly tripped over his own feet. He stumbled back up, adjusting his uniform, decorated with medals from the Vaun Qieur Empire.
T-thats not what I intend or will ever intend to do, Ms Salvos. Please do not joke about that.
I giggled, and he failed to suppress a small smile.
No. I simply wished to learn the thought process behind such great [Alchemists]. Even if a little mad, there is something to learn from them something about alchemy which mustve influenced how their minds worked.
And what about space magic? Why are you taking this ss with professor Isais?
That is a more personal matter.
How so?
I cocked my head. Gallus furrowed his brows. Then he chuckled.
I see personal boundaries are not obstacles for you, Ms Salvos.
Well, Mr Gallus, they are only if theyre there. Youre the one who seems quite excited to talk about it. After all, people like talking about themselves.
I grinned, and he nodded honestly.
While that is true, I cant help but believe that you are recing others desires with your own to reach that conclusion. Nevertheless, while my story is personal, it is not an interesting story.
Im interested.
I leaned in, patiently waiting for him to continue.
I was raised by a family of [Summoners]. However
He was interrupted by the tolling of a bell. Gallus nced up, frowning. He looked at the suns position in the sky. It was going to be setting soon. He shook his head.
It seems that more time passed than I had thought. I will have to tell you this story of mine another time.
Aw.
I deted slightly, and he patted me on the shoulder.
If you are truly interested, Ms Salvos, I can share my story with you another time. And perhaps you could tell me of your own too. That is only if you are interested in speaking about your own self.
I beamed, cing my hands behind my back.
Of course I would! I love talking about myself!
Gallusughed as he bade me farewell. He was, despite his appearance, very nice. I liked him. He was a much better member of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces than Alex Cromerth.
Chapter 197.2. Failure
Chapter 197.2. Failure
197.2. Failure
After my conversation with Gallus, I returned back to my room, ready to eat a quick meal before heading to my Lair. But before I could go, Saffron stopped me.
Salvos, if you have a moment, are you busy this weekend?
I dont think I am. Why?
The noble woman nodded, gesturing at the seat before her. She sat across the small dining table, slicing her way through a barely cooked steak. There was a second te ready for me, and it also had a steak prepared for me.
Come, sit. Matthew prides himself in his cooking, and he insists you do not eat bugs for once.
But I dislike
Youll have to learn to blend in when you attend social events, Salvos. I dont want you to arouse any suspicion about yourself by eating spiders during a party.
I dont even like spiders that much.
I scowled, but she gave me a t stare. Sighing, I sat across from her, copying her mannerisms, straightening my back, gently cutting into the steak and eating it without making a disgusted face. She didnt ask me to mimic her, but I might as well learn something while I could. And what better skill to pick up than the traits needed to be a Princess?
So, what did you want to talk about?
It is regarding the other request you made of me besides tempest-fused blood. For sagetree sap.
Oh, youre looking into that?
I made you a promise, didnt I?
Saffron raised her cup of tea, holding her pinky finger out. I did as she did, although I almost spit out the tea. It tasted like dried leaves.
I have told you before that only [Traders] hailing from eastward sell them in thesends. Well, I have asked Matthew to collect information on such merchants, and he mentioned that a rather noteworthy [Trader] hailing from the Eastern Kingdoms is headed to Wimborne. It is possible that she sells the sagetree sap you need for your Potion of Regeneration.
Really?
I stood up, turning away from Saffron, ready to be done with this impromptu lesson I subjugated myself to.
Lets go see her!
Not just yet, Salvos.
Saffrons words dragged my feet to a stop. I turned to face her, blinking.
Why not?
Because, simply put, she has not arrived yet. She will be visiting and staying for the weekend, selling her regr goods in Wimborne, but also hosting an auction for only her most rare items in Mavos Academys very own Tower of Truth, before traveling further west with her wares. Matthew has managed to secure us both tickets to this event.
Wait
I stared at the noble woman.
Is this why you forced me to eat this steak?
Indeed. I also needed you to preupy yourself with something while I exined the situation.
I rolled my eyes.
Im not a child, Saffron.
Couldve fooled me.
She smiled slyly as she stood up.
Now, Im not saying that this merchant, Ivonne, has the sagetree sap you want. It is only a possibility, but the best one you have right now. However,t even if she doesnt sell it, I promise you I will do everything within my power to help you. Even if it means buying a Potion of Regeneration myself.
I paused. Then I protested.
But this is for my final exam!
And it is also for your missing arm, is it not? That was what you told me a few nights. You could always choose a simpler task for your final examination. I am sure that an Elixir of Enhanced Strength requires far easier ingredients to procure
No.
I interrupted her before she could finish. I vehemently rejected her idea, stamping a foot on the ground with an air of finality.
I want to do this properly. Thats why I enrolled in Mavos Academy. To learn. Not to take things easy. Sure, I mayin sometimes. But Im actually curious about these things. I actually want to be more knowledgeable from my time here. Not cheat my way through it.
Saffron narrowed her eyes. She met my gaze, and I folded my arms, clearly set on seeing this through.
And what happens if you fail, Salvos? You do realize that Mavos Academy has the highest dropout rates in the world? And thats only for the College of Aspirations. The School of Aspiring Elites has even higher standards. You may be academically dismissed for failing a single ss badly enough. It usually only happens once you fail two sses. But not finishing your final assignment would mean youll lose out on a majority of your grade. You might be kicked out of the academy during your first academic term. They have to maintain their reputation, after all.
Shaking my head, I spoke once more with even more determination.
I wont fail, and I wont drop out of Mavos Academy, Saffron. I want to do this. I will do this.
The Vampire mypanion stared at me for a moment, before sighing.
Very well. If that is what you insist on doing, I wont stop you. Just know that you are unnecessarily making things more difficult for yourself. Your pride could be your fall.
Well, its just as you said a few days ago, I am egotistical.
I raised my chin, speaking from my chest.
Im an Archdemon of Pride. So, you should get used to me acting prideful!
Saffron finally acquiesced, and I smiled.
Honestly though, I had no idea I could even be kicked out of Mavos Academy for failing two sses, let alone one. It sounded like something I shouldve been briefed on during my orientation by [Secretary] Marie. But she never mentioned it once, strangely enough.
Oh, also, I was free during this weekend, right? For whatever reason, I felt like I wasnt actually free.
Chapter 198: Forgetting
Chapter 198: Forgetting
198. Forgetting
As it turned out, there was something I did forget. I didnt remember it until the day before the weekend, when I was finishing up myb session on Advanced Alchemical Composition. [Alchemist] Raymond had assigned us into two groups which just meant that we worked with partners, considering the ss wasprised of only four people.
Our assignment for today was to use our previously brewed Potion of Corrosions into a Potion of Corrosive Explosions. Yep, that was right. It was a potion that wasnt meant to be drunk. Its design was to be thrown at someone as a kind of weapon.
It was rtively dangerous. A single-use Medium Grade Weapon. They were always far more effective than multi-use items. It wouldve even been harmful to me! And I was Level 106!
Although, that mightve been due to my rtively low [Vitality]pared to a [Warrior] and the likes. The Potion of Corrosive Explosions wouldve been less lethal to someone who focused more on their [Vitality] at Level 100. For example, Zix could probably rampage through a st of the potion.
Anyway, the dangerous nature of the Potion of Corrosive Explosions was the reason why we were given partners to work with. It was so we couldbine our skills and Skills to ensure that neither of us melted our own faces off. The fact that potion-making was so dangerous was another reason why a non-[Alchemist] was often wary to attempt alchemy at a higher level. [Alchemists] like Raymond had a plethora of Skills to prevent things from going wrong, such as theb being blown up.
Not that it was a very effective preventive measure. Raymond told us that he blows up ab at least once a year due to experimenting and working with dangerous chemicals.
Since we were all Level 100, wed probably survive if something went wrong with todays potion enhancement process. With [Alchemist] Raymond here as well as our own individual Skills, the chances of theb being destroyed in an uncontrolled corrosion explosion wasnt highly likely. That was also the reason why thisb ss wasnt avable to those in the College of Aspirations. Even fourth year student [Alchemists] would have their lives endangered just experimenting with the potions here.
I was paired up with Nn who insisted on handling the dangerous liquids while I made the preparations for the potions tier-enhancement. We spoke casually, already friends from his various tutor sessions with me.
Honestly, I am surprised you skipped out on ss a few days ago. With how much youve been studying, I assumed youd have attended every session.
Well
I trailed off, remembering the events with Saffron justst weekend.
Something came up. I had to spend all day dealing with it.
Mustve been quite important.
He nodded, pouring an extract of effervescent liquid into the base Potion of Corrosion. There was a simmering steam shot up. But nothing dangerous happened.
It was! But I resolved it. So, its fine now.
I smiled, d that I now had a newpanion. I grabbed the pre-prepared ingredients and mixed it into the diluted base to hand to Nn.
Im d for that. I do hope that no other such issues arise before our dinner meeting tomorrow.
He chuckled, taking the now discolored vial of liquid. I blinked.
Dinner?
Then my eyes widened. I finally remembered what I felt like I was forgetting! I had promised, for whatever stupid reason that possessed me at the time, to go with Nn for dinner! I nearly smacked my forehead.
Huh. Oh, um, that you see
Nn raised a brow. I twiddled my thumbs together.
Can we, um, reschedule?
Oh, of course. Are you having another problem?
Nope! I mean, kind of? I kind of forgot about my promise
I paused. Wait, should I have said that? Humans were very delicate about their feelings. I had gotten toofortable around him since he was my friend that my tongue slipped.
Thats
He pursed his lips. Then I quickly waved my hands.
Also! There is another problem! Its actually for this ss, see? I need sagetree saps, so Im going to an auction tomorrow itll be held here, actually, on campus! The famous [Trader] Ivonne will be selling rare stuffs!
Right.
Nn hesitated for a moment before smiling.
That is understandable. You do have a rather difficult task ahead of you, so how about the weekend after instead?
Sure! Im d youre not offended. I was worried there for a second.
I let out a sigh of relief, and Nn chuckled.
Its not a problem at all, Ms Salvos.
Hey its just Salvos!
--
I finished the rest of my sses and prepared to spend the rest of the night studying space magic theory. With the amount of focus I had been putting on alchemy, I was starting to fall behind in my other sses. I didnt want that to happen. Thankfully, I wasnt a Human who needed to sleep.
I packed my books, about to leave for my Lair, when Saffron stopped me.
Just to remind you, Salvos, tomorrows auction will be a proper social event. While adventurers are often given a pass for theirck of refinement. You will be attending as my guest. I do hope you dont sully my name by
She eyed the ratherrge fly buzzing between my fingertips. I blinked. Then I quickly stuffed it into my mouth, crunching it down.
I know, Saffron. You dont need to remind me. Ill have you know, Im very good at dealing with you Humans and your fickle emotions now.
I huffed, crossing my arms, pretending that I hadnt just eaten a bug as big as my fingernails.
Just earlier, I managed to avoid annoying Nn because I forgot about our meeting tomorrow night. We arranged to have dinner next week, and this time, I wont forget.
A dinner?
Saffron blinked. Then her jaw dropped.
Wait, youre going on a date?!
A date?
I cocked my head. She gestured at me.
A social engagement. You know, for individuals hoping to progress romantically.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin as Saffron just stared at me.
I had no idea you were capable of love, Salvos. Im honestly quite impressed. Or wait
She narrowed her eyes, peering at me. I just stood there, my confusion was evident. She folded her arms.
You had no idea you were going on a date. You assumed his invitation for dinner was just an innocuous invitation to eat some food.
Um yes.
I admitted, drawing my lips into a thin line. Saffron massaged her temples.
And you epted it without thinking. I cant believe actually, I can believe it.
Hey! I take offense to that.
She rolled her eyes.
Not only that, you even forgot about your date with him. And youre saying you told him you forgot?
I did. Is that bad?
Saffron groaned, a clearly conflicting reaction. On one hand, she could be groaning because she thought my question on whether it could be bad was stupid, and that the answer was obviously a no. On the other hand, she could be groaning because the answer was instead a yes, and she found my actions to be incredibly foolish.
It was quite difficult to discern which one it was.
Salvos, you do realize that you most definitely offended him with your actions, right? Nothing about what you did is worth bragging about.
Hey I tried my best. I just, um, forgot.
And why did you forget?
Because I didnt actually want to have dinner with him?
I scratched the back of my head. Saffron sighed.
And theres the issue.
She pinched the bridge of her nose, walking back to her room, and gesturing for me to leave.
Ill have to exin this to you some other time. Im going to lie down and inebriate myself with your blood.
Um, alright. See you tomorrow!
I waved at her, heading out of the dormitory. I didnt see what the big issue was. But apparently Saffron found it to be slightly problematic. Nn hadntshed out at me for forgetting about the date, and he clearly wanted to go out with me for dinner when he asked. So, why was there a problem?
--
...as such, space exists all around us. It exists as a whole, just as individuals exist as wholes of themselves. However, this then begs the question, why are there different nes of existence to the Nexeus?
The Spirit ne, the Mortal Realm, and the Netherworld are three distinct ces in space. Or are they? Prior to the Melissian Era, our Mortal Realm was believed to be a separate world from the other two worlds. Summoning a Spirit was viewed as a simr act as summoning a [Hero], just with less resources expended. But after the Oracle of Light herself illuminated the world of the interconnectedness between the three nes, the fundamental understanding of space magic theory changed.
The Nexeus was nowprised of three nes. We all existed in the same fabric of space, just within different folds
I read through my textbook for my ss on space magic theory. The book was called The Origins of the Three nes, and it exined how the worlds understanding of the Mortal Realm shifted throughout the past few millennia. It went in-depth, exining how only the Mortal Realm had been called the Nexeus in the past, while the Spirit ne was given a different name. The Paradius, while the Netherworld had been called the Damnius.
It wasnt just a historical ount, either; it exined the various different axioms that were introduced that resulted in these changes. I found it intriguing. Not just because it was about space magic. But because I could actually link some of what I learned with what I was trying to do.
Professor Isais mentioned something simr. That you had to fold space to move through it. So, if that was the case, couldnt I return to the Netherworld with a powerful enough teleportation spell?
I nced up from my textbook, staring at the overfilled sack of books and parchments just outside of my [Temporal Distortion] field. I stepped out of the quickened zone and sifted through the books. These werent textbooks or even things I could find discussed in Mavos Academy.
It was my personal belongings the things I had on me before I arrived at Mavos Academy, and the things I got from the recent battle with the [Cultists]. I searched through all the worn tomes I could find. Anything that possibly borated on how exactly the Netherworld was then linked to the Mortal Realm or Spirit ne.
Most of these [Cultists] only wrote about how amazing their Demon King, Regnorex, was, and how it was thanks to his gifts that Demons could be summoned to the Mortal Realm. Honestly, there were a lot of books. Too many for me to look through now. Especially considering that it was already sunrise.
I had to go to my professors office hours after this. So, I decided to push this endeavor back for next time. Before I readied to leave, however, I caught sight of my [Temporal Distortion] bubble, still active, and an idea came to me.
I decided to just see for myself how exactly this separation between nes worked. I closed my eyes, activating [nar Navigation]. As expected, I couldnt see into the sphere just before me. It was like vision had a ck spot.
But it was very evidently a ck spot that shouldnt be there, because I could clearly see the space just before me with my very eyes. It was all the same space. However, time within my [Temporal Distortion] moved differently. And it somehow made it different from the space around me.
It was it had to be a fold in space. Something was being done to make it this way, and I wanted to figure out what. To do that, I needed to improve my mastery over these two Skills. As such, I finally decided to expend the Secondary Skill Points I gained from killing those [Cultists] a few days ago.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 5
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 4
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 5
I raised [Temporal Distortion] and [nar Navigation] both to Level 5. Then I nodded as the bubble disappeared, and the sun eked its way up to its zenith. Id investigate it further in the future. For now, I headed to speak with my professors and lecturers, taking down notes, preparing myself for my uing tests.
And then it was time for the auction.
Chapter 199: Class
Chapter 199: ss
199. ss
I met up with Saffron just before the auction, dressed in my usual blue jacket with my torn cloak wrapped around my neck. The noble woman wore not her usual school uniform, instead wearing a long one-piece red dress, tinged with a slight light hue to match her pink tresses.
She stared at me.
Are you seriously going to the auction wearing that?
Yep! Whats wrong?
Saffron sighed.
Its nothing. Your social grace is just as bad as ever.
Hey!
Come on, lets go.
We passed Central Square and stopped right before the Tower of Truth. The streets were full of decorated carriages a rather unusual scene in Mavos Academy. There was a long line that led into the building, with fancily dressed individuals waiting to enter.
Saffron held a slip of paper in her hand, showing it to a guard at the front. I wondered why they even needed such guards he was a Level 80 [Warrior], which was impressive, but not so much sopared to the saturation of other high-leveled individuals here.
There were a handful of other students from Mavos Academy, but it seemed like most of the attendants here came from beyond even just Wimborne. Men in smart suits exchanged polite words with women in frilly dresses. There were nobles and merchants and adventurers, all prolific in their own right. They discussed the auction, driven by an excitement to know what would be sold here.
It has been years since Ivonne Vigilst returned to the Humannds.
I hear she came from the Dwarf mountains. The artifacts she must have returned with surely nothing under High Grade artifacts would be on auction.
I bought the ive of Rampage from herst auction six years ago. Its still my most valuable weapon to this day. She imed it was passed down from a Beastmen tribe as their greatest treasure, before they were lost to a swarm of Centinels.
I heard a lot of excited chattering around me. There were standing tables prepared just outside the Tower of Truth, a ce for social gatherings to take ce. Saffron nodded slightly at a few men and women who passed her by. She only stopped to speak briefly with a man who looked no older than she was.
He had white hair, red eyes, and a charming smile.
Saffron Merryster, it is a delight to see you here.
Gannon Norwood, it has been a while.
She bowed her head slightly as she curtsied respectfully at him. The noble woman nced back at me, and I copied her gesture.
This is Salvos, Diamond Ranked adventurer. I am sure you mustve heard of her.
Greetings, Ms Salvos.
He took my hand, kissing it lightly.
But I do apologize. I am not one who is up to date with the news. I may not have heard of you, however Im sure you are quite the esteemed individual.
I smiled, subtly suppressing the urge to say that that was true because I was Salvos.
Its a pleasure to meet you Lord Gannon?
I assumed he was a Lord because of the way he was dressed. But he just chuckled.
Close. But I wouldnt be caught being called a Lord if at all possible. No, I am but a senator of Shedos. Im here to peruse the treasures of our prestigious Ivonne Vigil. Ive heard many things about her which Id love to see for myself.
I cocked my head slightly.
Huh. How do you and Saffron know each other?
They exchanged a look, and I blinked. I realized, in that instant, how they mustve met. But they both spoke casually as Gannon waved a hand off dismissively.
I have known Saffron since she was a child since Im acquainted with her parents.
Oh.
I paused. Saffron stared at me, and I opened my mouth. Her look grew desperate, before I smiled, carrying on with the conversation.
So, you know Zahra?
Indeed. Im quite impressed by what shes done, raising her five children all on her own, each growing to be such ster young men and women like Saffron here.
Saffronughed softly as he ced a hand on her shoulder.
You really dont keep up with the news, do you, Gannon? Its seven now.
He blinked. Then he shook his head, muttering softly.
Of course, of course, it seems I mustve forgotten or perhaps I wasnt informed
The discussion carried on for a little longer before Gannon excused himself. I nced at his back as I watched him go. Then I turned back to Saffron who was sighing in relief. I grinned at her.
Howd I do?
You nearly gave me a scare, Salvos. I thought you were going to blurt it out loud for everyone to hear.
I snorted, following Saffron as she led me up a short stairway to the entrance of the Tower of Truth.
Hey! I know how to carry myself. I told you yesterday, didnt I? Im very good at carrying myself with poise. I totally wasnt going to shout that he was a V
Saffron red at me, and I smirked.
Very nice person.
She gave me a t stare. Then she rolled her eyes.
Thats not funny.
I found it funny.
Well, with you, I dont know whats a joke and whats not a joke.
The noble woman trudged over the bristly red carpet as she approached the gilded entryway just ahead. She pushed it open.
Look, I know youre trying your best to blend in. But this is a rich event with a lot of famous individuals attending. Just try not to do anything thatll make a scene, please?
I gave her a thumbs-up as we entered the auction hall.
Dont worry. I wont do anything that will
You!
A voice rang out, and a figure stormed through the crowd. I blinked as Saffron snapped her eyes shut in defeat. I stared at the man who marched his way up to me. His face was seething with anger, and I finally realized who he was.
Jacob Axworth?
A scene broke out before Saffron as she watched from the side, massaging her temples. They stood in arge hall one normally used for students with tables and cushioned seats prepared specifically for the auction. It was a prestigious event. Anything that happened here would spread like wildfire throughout the most powerful people in the world, so it would be utterly humiliating if a scene happened here.
Yet, one unfolded before her very eyes. Heads turned and voices whispered as Jacob Axworth, son of marquis Graham one of the most powerful noble families in Shedos came to Salvos shouting and screaming.
I want her out of here, now, Father!
Salvos just cocked her head, confused, utterly in shock as to why this man was shouting at her. Saffron didnt even know what happened, but she could infer it easily enough. At some point, Jacob mustve tried to ask Salvos out. But Salvos, not realizing what it meant, probably dismissed his attempts with well, in her usual Salvos fashion.
That idiot
Whats going on?
A man stepped up from behind Saffron. She spoke as she turned to face him.
My friend just has a bad habit of being impolite, when rejecting men
Then she stopped. Her eyes widened as she stared at the man before her. He was thin, not too ostentatious, apart from his natural red hair that stood out even in the decorated room.
Youre
Im Lamarr of Traith.
He nodded at her, before directing his attention to Salvos who was now being hounded on by the Axworth family. A crowd of rich-looking individuals watched on, clearly judging Salvos for what was going on. This scene held everyones attention. Everyone except for Saffrons.
Her breath caught as she gasped, staring at Lamarr.
The Warrior King of Traith
Saffron hurriedly straightened, fluffing her dress so that shed be more proper. This was one of the most influential kings in the modern era. He was one of the highest-leveled [Warrior] kings in the world, earning the prestige of his infamous Title. The young noble had known that this auction wouldve been full of notorious individuals, but she didnt expect to see someone like Lamarr here.
I-I apologize for my friends
It is fine.
Lamarr shook his head. He watched on for a moment longer as Salvos began to grow defensive, almost looking like she was about tosh out. Saffron wanted to jump in to cool things down maybe stop Salvos from getting kicked out. But the King of Traith spoke again.
Are you telling me that this is happening because that impetuous child cant handle a simple rejection?
His face twisted. Saffron gulped, for whatever reason.
Y-yes?
Hrmph.
He started forward, drawing the attention of Graham Axworth who backed up in surprise, although Jacob himself was still ignorant.
King L-Lamarr
Lamarr ignored marquis Graham, instead cing a hand on the young Axworth man. Jacob nced back, frowning.
Unhand me, you fiend! I want this woman off this auction immediately!
Jacob tried to shrug Lamarr off as Graham hissed. Unfortunately for Jacob, Lamarrs grip was made of steel. The Warrior King squeezed his shoulders, speaking sharply.
Do you not know who you are talking to, child? Do you not have any respect for those around you, entitled brat?
You
His face scrunched up in pain as he dropped to one knee. Now, Lamarr held his attention. He red up at the red-haired man, even through gritted teeth.
I am Jacob Axworth, Gold Ranked adventurer and heir of the Axworth Marq
Quiet, Jacob!
Graham shouted over his son. He gestured at Lamarr, who loomed over Jacob.
That man is the Warrior King of Traith one of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance. You will not speak ill of him.
Lamarr let go of Jacob, and the young man stumbled back. His eyes were wide as he stared up at Lamarr. Those who were watching exchanged hushed words, pointing, wondering why the Warrior King of Traith himself stepped in. Saffron, too, was struck with confusion.
That was, until Salvos blinked.
Oh, hey Lamarr.
Salvos. I hope youre doing well?
He nodded at her. Saffron nced between the two of them, slowly letting the realization sink in that they knew each other. That they were casual with each other.
Im doing fine now that Im not being shouted at by that weirdo. And you were so nice to me the first time we spoke, Jacob. What happened to you?
Shaking her head, she gave Jacob Axworth a look of disappointment. He red at her.
You damn bitch! How do you know the King of Traith? How are you
He trailed off as Lamarr stood over him, crossing his arms. Jacob shrunk back, and Lamarr spoke.
Over a rejection, youd choose to pettily insult someone you dont even know. Do you truly believe you are entitled to anything from others? The person you are addressing is the Liberator of the gunds. Salvos, a Diamond Ranked adventurer,uded by the Emperor of Vaun Qieur himself, and someone far more influential than you or your family.
There was pause. From the onlookers, a few heads exchanged nces. A slow susurration spread over the crowd as the name settled in. Grahams face grew pale, although Jacob didnt visibly react.
Salvos tapped her chin.
I am? Well, I mean, I am Salvos, yes, but am I really more important than them?
Lamarr nodded, turning his gaze to the crowd.
You are. And if anyone deserves to be thrown out of this auction, itd be the Axworth family for the sheer disrespect their heir has shown today. If the marquis himself had any shame, hed punish his son this instant.
But
Jacob opened his mouth, and finally, Graham stormed up to him and grabbed him off the ground.
Silence, boy! You have said enough tonight.
He dragged his son away from the auction hall, harshly reprimanding the young man for what had just urred. This drew the eyes from the onlookers whispers but Graham didnt pay them any mind. Saffron knew that this was the best way hed be able to save face after what Lamarr just did.
When they were gone, Lamarr turned to Salvos. The crowd had returned to minding their own business their loud chatter washing back over the room. But it was quite obvious that part of their attention now settled onto the pair and Saffron.
She stared at Lamarr and Salvos as they conversed.
Thanks for that. I really dont know what got into Jacob. He helped me when I first went to Wimborne!
Unfortunately, those raised in luxury believe that they are owed something by others, when they have done nothing to deserve it.
Lamarr took a deep breath, calming himself. Then he gestured towards the front of the auction hall.
Come, Salvos, lets not be bothered by what happened earlier. I have a table reserved just before the podium. I assume youre here for the auction and not to socialize, yes? Youll have a good view of the artifacts that will be on disy.
Really? Thank you!
And of course, you may bring your friend too.
He nced over at Saffron, who just blinked.
W-wait, me?
Of course. Come on, the auction is starting soon!
Salvos grabbed her by the arm, dragging her up to where Lamarr was waiting. He pulled a chair out for Saffron, and she rigidly sat down, still slightly in shock. She looked around as her mind slowly began to unfreeze itself.
This auction was crowded with people of great import in some way. Individuals who came from around the Humannds, socializing, gathering to get a chance to buy equipment from the famed Ivonne Sigil. That was why Saffron had emphasized propriety to Salvos so as to not make a fool of herself, and Saffron, in front of dozens of influential nobles and adventurers and merchants.
But one thing Saffron had forgotten was that Salvos herself was just as important as many of those in attendance. No Salvos was even more important. Her rise to fame was incredibly recent, so many, like Gannon, still hadnt heard of her. But the feats she aplished were things that put her above even some of the Dukes and Diamond Ranks gathered today.
Salvos. Liberator of the gunds. The Savior of Silvergrove. Diamond Rank adventurer. An Archdemon of Pride. Although thest part was something only known to Saffron.
It was easy to give titles to people. Saffron always knew and understood that Salvos was a Diamond Rank adventurer. But only now did she truly understand what that meant. It meant rubbing shoulders with the likes of the King of Traith.
Honestly, the more she thought about it, the more Saffron was d she reconciled her feelings about Salvos being a Demon.
The auction began soon after.
Chapter 200: Surprise Present!
Chapter 200: Surprise Present!
200. Surprise Presents
I really wasnt sure why Jacob Axworth had been so rude to me every time after I initially met him in Wimborne. Hed been nice, helping me get into the city for free, even offering to show me around since I was new there. I was in a rush though, so I said no and ran off. I just didnt know what happened after that that made him angry at me!
I dont get it, Saffron
Ill... exin it to you next time, alright?
The pink-haired woman sat straight almost too straight and gave me a look. I cocked my head, trying to figure out what she meant. I knew she was telling me something, but I wasnt sure what. I only knew she was on edge, slightly nervous for whatever reason.
Oh well, anyway, I turned to the King of Traith, smiling.
Do you know when the auction will be starting?
It should begin soon.
Lamarr nodded, seated on his chair with his legs crossed. He raised a ss of wine, taking a sip from it. And just as he set it back down onto the table, the lights dimmed. The grand chandeliers me grew smaller, some sort of enchantment that controlled its illumination levels.
The inane chatter that had filled the background ceased, and heads turned to face the stage up front. A man stood there, his arms folded. Someone I recognized. Everyone in this room mustve recognized him. He stood tall, almost looming over everyone present. It sent a wave of susurration through the crowd gathered, with hands being raised, pointing, whispering his name.
yton Skyshredder, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy himself. He cleared his throat, a booming sound enhanced by whatever spells he was using, and everyone silenced themselves once more.
Greetings,dies and gentlemen, the esteemed Ivonne Vigil herself will start the biddings shortly. But before the auction begins, Id like to remind all of you here, whether you are a king or an adventurer, a peasant or a noble, that this event is hosted by Mavos Academy itself. My institution.
His gaze settled on me briefly, and I cocked my head. But he moved on quickly enough, looking over the entire hall.
If any man or woman or child decides to cause amotion here, the responsible party will be ejected and banned from ever stepping onto this campus ever again. I will not repeat myself on this matter. Thank you.
With that, yton left the stage.
Why did he focus on me when he said child? Im not a child, and Im not going to cause any trouble!
I scowled, crossing my arms. Saffron rolled her eyes.
Maybe its because of the little stunt you pulled when you first arrived at the school. It was only about two months ago. Also, there are plenty of children here, so he definitely didnt single you out on that.
Sure enough, I looked around and saw a few of the attending nobility were here with their children. Most of the parents had multiple children there was something about nobles and having a myriad of offspring. There was, however, a lone man some kind of [Trader] who brought nearly a dozen children with him.
I turned my attention back to the stage as the curtains unfurled, revealing a woman standing before a podium. She was dark skinned with her hair tied into dreads. She didnt wear the same luxurious dresses of the women here. It looked Cyclops-like in fashion. It was a two piece dress decorated in patterns and colors.
A thin smile spread across her face as she spread her arms wide.
Wee, dear customers. I am Ivonne Vigil, a humble [Merchant] here today to sell you my wares if you will. Now, please, I am sure wed all like to skip over introductions and just get right into it. So
She pped her hands together, and a pair of burly men brought arge case up to the podium.
Let us begin.
They lifted the case open, revealing within it an ornamental sword. It had a ruby in the center of its hilt. Its de almost seemed to glow red as Ivonne picked it up.
This is the Crimson Aurade, forged by the raging fires of a Dwarven [Magesmith]. It is unenchanted, yet it exudes a mystical effect. Be it a curse imbued onto the sword, or be it a magic unheard of here in the Humannds, I do not know. I simply can tell you that it is a High Grade Weapon, with potential still yet unlocked, fit for any [Warrior] who dares wield it.
I leant back on my chair, not really interested in whatever this was. Saffron narrowed her eyes, trying to inspect the weapon from her seat. Ivonne lowered the sword.
The starting bid is 50 tinum coins.
I bid 55 tinum!
The Crawford family is bidding 65 tinum!
73 tinum
I nced over at Saffron, almost yawning.
How long is this going to take? When are they going to get to selling the sagetree sap?
That was why I hade here, after all. Saffron pursed her lips.
And sold, for 127 tinum
Didnt I tell you, Salvos? Ivonne may not actually be selling sagetree sap. As I told you, its rare. And its mostly sought out by [Alchemists]. Were here for the chance of getting it, not to assuredly procure it. Also, it will probably take a few hours. Maybe until midnight.
Aw. Seriously? This
I watched as the auction continued. Ivonne produced arge goblet, and it poured out an unending stream of wine.
This is the Goblet of
This will take a while.
I sighed.
Ivonne Vigil didnt have a short supply of items to sell tonight. Everything she magically conjured up from the back was sold for dozens of tinum, minimum. Which was surprising, considering how much a single tinum coin was worth.
I wasnt actually sure about that. But from what Daniel and Edithe often said about it, it was worth a lot.
Resting my chin on my hand, I looked over at Lamarr who seemed just as bored as me. Or was he sleeping? No, wait, he was staring intently around the room? So, he was bored then! I decided to have a casual conversation with him.
Hey, Lamarr.
The red-haired man blinked, facing me.
Yes, Salvos?
Have you ever heard of a thing called sagetree sap? Youre a king, right? Surely your country has some of those.
He furrowed his brows, distractedly looking between me and the auction hall. A hammer was struck in the background as Ivonnes voice echoed.
Sold to the man in white!
Sagetree sap? Unfortunately, my country does not have the surplus of high-leveled [Alchemists] necessary to make use of such an ingredient. We are not the Vaun Qieur Empire, known for our alchemy.
But I was told they had sagetree sap to the east. And your country is in the Eastern Kingdom Alliance, right?
Indeed. But sagetree sapes from even further east, Salvos. Beyond the Humannds. In the wilderness between the Dwarven mountains and the Elven forests.
Huh.
I tilted my head back.
Maybe I should just go and find it myself.
It is not easy if you are not attuned with nature. Sagetree sap can only be extracted from an old sagetree, ancient and close to death. Sagetrees themselves are sparse, only capable of growing in mana poornds. The Humannds are rich in mana, which makes it difficult to grow here. There is no other way for you to gather sagetree sap than to find a guide, or to scour those dangerousnds on your own for weeks, possibly even months or years.
Thats Id have graduated by then.
So, that was a no go. If I could speak to a guide, then I might as well just continue asking around if anyone [Merchant] or [Alchemist] was willing to sell it to me. Otherwise, I really was going to fail my ss on alchemy.
I rubbed at my temples, annoyed that this was such aplicated process. Ivonnes smile only seemed to mock me as she pped her hands once again to draw all of our attention on her.
Now this, my dear customers, is one of the rarest items in the world. It is an item thates from the far east. Beyond even the furthest of the Eastern Kingdoms.
I blinked, then my eyes widened. Was this going to be what I thought it was? I eagerly sat up, nearly jumping in my seat.
Ivonne continued as her helpers came forward, bringing with them a barrel.
It cannot be found in the Humannds. It is one of the rarest natural resources in the entire world
I leaned forward, brimming with excitement, hand ready to be raised. Ivonne pulled the lid back, eximing
The Fruits of Ygdrazil!
500 tinum
I lowered my hand as eyes snapped in my direction, staring at me.
Wait.
Saffron sighed audibly, smacking her palm to her forehead. I sat back down and cleared my throat.
Sorry, that was, um, a mistake.
Ivonne simply smiled, facing me with her unchanging face, even as the attention of the room returned to her.
Well, 500 tinum does seem like a fair base price. These are the Fruits of Ygdrazil. The rarest fruit in the world. It is grown only in the home of the Elves, borne from the roots of their great tree Ygdrazil itself, at the hearth of their frozen forests. While consuming one of these fruits will serve to fill your stomach, a delicious delicacy, no doubt. It will also achieve greater results.
She picked one out from the barrel it was about the size of her head. There had to be only around one or two dozen inside of that barrel. The single fruit had an iridescent skin, its color melding beautifully around its oval body.
Consuming it will grant a 30% increase to all your Stats for a day. An increase that may seem negligible at first, until you realize that at the hands of a single Level 100, it can change the tides of an entire battle.
There were gasps. Children tugged at their parents clothes, pointing excitedly at the Fruits of Ygdrazil. They wanted it. Their parents wanted it. Barons and marquises and duchesses and adventurers vied for the fruits. Even Saffron and Lamarr had their interests piqued by it.
The great tree Ygdrazil is said to only bear its fruits once every hundred years. A hundred fruits at least. And it just so happens that I managed to steal a dozen of them to share with the Humannds.
Ivonne tapped the side of the fruit, before cing it back into the barrel. She spread her arms wide.
So, let us begin the bid
Thief!
A squeaky voice cried out. I spun around, staring at the corner of the room. I saw the lone man and his family of children standing to their feet. Then the man copsed, his life leaving his body in an instant. Only the children remained standing, and they pointed at Ivonne who tilted her head.
Kill that desecrator!
I paused. I stared at those little figures as the shapes of their faces changed. They weren''t children, dressed in fancy dresses or handsome suits. They looked much older than that, despite their height. Although, they didnt exactly look Human either.
They had orange and white hair, pale skin, and pointed ears. They carried with them weapons made out of wood bows, swords, and even spears but still very much dangerous nheless. It was like they had been shrouded in some kind of powerful illusion just before. One that I didnt even notice. They werent children. They were
Elves.
Destroy the fruits! Dont let the Humans steal our sacred gifts! For Dominion Astriel!
Oh, they were also all above Level 100.
Chapter 200: Special: Side Character Popularity Poll!
Chapter 200: Special: Side Character Poprity Poll!
200 chapters of Salvos have psed. To celebrate, I''m going to be hosting a poprity poll!
It''ll only be for side characters, because having Salvos herself on it is cheating. She''ll win because, well, she''s Salvos.
Vote on who your favorite character is, and tell me why!
You only have one vote. Choose wisely!
P.S. if you don''t see your favorite character, it''s because the poll is limited to avoid clutter. A lot of people are categorized into groups, and if your character is in that group, choose it. If they''re not on here, just say their name!
Chapter 201: Elf Attack
Chapter 201: Elf Attack
201. Elf Attack
Destroy the fruits! Dont let the Humans steal our sacred gifts! For Dominion Astriel!
A dozen little Elves dashed forth, rushing past the screaming nobles with their weapons drawn, aimed at Ivonne. The Human woman blinked as they charged, not moving or fleeing from the stage. There were shouts screams. It came from throughout the room.
Elves
Why are they here?!
Someone stop them!
An Elf raised her bow, aimed at Ivonne no, at the Fruits of Ygdrazil. They released the arrow, and it burst forward. In an instant, it crossed the distance to the stage. It was powerful. It''d have torn asunder the entire tform. But a figure moved.
Lamarr, the Warrior King of Traith, leapt into action. It was like he was ready for this. He drew a long sword, swinging it forward as it carried him up onto the stage. It was as though his de had yanked him up, moving faster than he could. Then, the image of a shield overcame his entire body. It wasrger than his being it absorbed the arrow into its center, consuming the projectile before the projection vanished.
I blinked, confused by that Skill. Figures moved quickly, the Elves for the barrel of fruits, and the adventurers, nobles, and all those in between to intercept them. A voice called for me as chaos broke out a battle between Humans and Elves.
Salvos!
Saffron shouted, stumbling back. I nced over at her, and she pointed past me.
Protect Ivonne
And she may give me a reward, right.
I nodded. I spun around, activating [Haste] as me built up at my feet. It propelled me into the air, above the fighting. I watched an Elf knock away a charging Human adventurer. They didnt try to engage. They only had one target. Ivonne and the Fruits of Ygdrazil. I descended next to the Human [Merchant], leaving Saffron behind to fend for herself.
Well, thats not what I was going to say, but sure.
The noble woman shrugged.
I grabbed Ivonne right as arge spike of ice streaked towards her. It froze the ground under it, leaving a trail of sleet, colder than my regr blue mes. I ced the [Merchant] down on the ground, looking her over. She dusted herself off.
Are you ok?
I asked, and she simply smiled.
I am. But perhaps you should worry more about yourself.
I cocked my head, and my [Passive - A Hunters Sense] red in my head. I spun on my heels, conjuring a Nebr Dagger in both my hands. I shed up with the ck des, leaving a trail of mes where it swung.
An Elven [Rogue] parried the attack. He was four levels lower than me, but he was fast. He leapt back, throwing his dagger at me. It multiplied mid air, turning into a dozen different flying des. I narrowed my eyes. Those werent just aimed for me, they were aimed for Ivonne too. The Elf snickered, and I grinned.
Nice try!
mes exploded out of my mouth, pouring out like a ssh of water, washing the throwing daggers out of the air. The Elf darted around me, moving faster than I could keep up. He reached Ivonne
Kneel.
He froze for a second. And I sliced apart his back. He screamed, pulling away as I followed up with a second swing. He drew back, dodging it, ring at me with a maddened gaze. I flipped my dagger in my hand, looking at his blood. The feeling of cutting through his skin was unnatural. As though he was protected by some kind of artifact that made his body tougher.
And he was faster than me too. This was going to be annoying, especially since he just had to kill Ivonne.
Can you handle it?
The [Merchant] spoke casually from behind me. I bared my teeth.
Of course I can. I just have to kill him with a single strike.
The Elf eyed me warily as another dagger shed into his hands. He threw it as he darted to the side, and I swiped my hands at the dagger, unfurling a blue streak of mes. It knocked the dagger away before it could even multiply. Then I dashed to the side, cutting off his path as a powerful ck me overcame my weapons
And he vanished. The Elf appeared next to his dagger, grabbing it as a grin shed on his face. He struck for Ivonne, and I cursed. But a small smile crept over my face as his movements slowed.
I activated [Temporal Distortion] right over him, decreasing the speed of everything within the bubble. He didnte to a halt like with [Intimidation], but it allowed me to zip up to him before he could even reach Ivonne, my daggers raised in a cross.
ck-white mes gathered between my daggers, drawing the attention of the Elf as he twisted in the air. I brought the des down at him, shearing through his body.
[Radiant sh]!
It seemed like a long time had passed, but in reality, it only took a few moments. The fight was over. The Elf dropped out of the air in two pieces, a scorched mess burnt by my mes. I turned back to the battlefield, seeing how much had changed in such a short amount of time. Even though my fight with the [Rogue] didnt take long, the earth was now scarred as bodies littered the ground.
This was a battle of Level 100s. Not all the Humans were above Level 100. Many of those at around tinum jumped in the moment they saw the Elves. A few of them had died, alongside some bystanders. Many more Humans wouldve been killed if the Elves werent aiming for a specific target.
You have stolen our treasure! We have caught you, thief
The lead Elf shouted, knocking Lamarr back. He stepped up onto the stage, and something caught him by the leg. An ethereal chain stopped him, wrapping around his body, holding him where he stood. More chains shot out past him, headed for his Elven allies as they tried to avoid them. They were caught, either by these purple, almost transparent bindings, or the swinging des of the other Humans.
It didnt take long, but the battle was already over. The Elves only five of them were left alive were apprehended. A figure hovered above them, bringing down an unbridled raged with him.
You foolish Elves!
Headmaster yton Skyshredder bellowed.
Do you not understand what you have done? Do you not understand what this means, puny Elf?!
Hended right before the leader of the Elves. I took a step back as he seemed to tower over them, more so than he should. Was it an illusion? Magic? Or just the gulf between his levels and theirs?
It didnt make a difference. The leader of the Elves was a mere Level 110. He held ytons gaze for a moment, trapped by the magical bindings of the most powerful Human [Mage] in the world. Then he grinned.
I do, Human filth. It is war.
His chains shattered. The Elf leader broke free from his bindings as yton raised a hand, a powerful ball of mes already forming. But the Elf leader didnt care. He faced only the barrel of fruits before him. He swung a saber, and the ground was split open, the barrel smashing into a thousand pieces along with the Fruits of Ygdrazil. Then he was incinerated.
I stared at the ashen remains of the Elf.
Huh.
And it was over.
Defeated [sh demaster - Lvl. 102]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 106] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 107]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 38] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 39]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 39] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 40]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
--
The battle ended, Saffron, thankfully, was smart and stayed out of the battle. So, she came out unscathed. A few nobles and merchants and lower-leveled adventurers were caught in the fighting. They didnt survive, just out of being unlucky enough to be seated where they were.
yton Skyshredder spoke to Ivonne for a moment before escorting the chained Elves out of the Tower of Truth.
...you knew this would happen.
How could I have possibly known this, dear Headmaster? Im but a humble [Merchant]. I wasnt aware of their presence in the audience as you were.
He clicked his tongue.
You instigated this. You were the one who led them here. I couldnt have stopped them. Not without starting a war.
And now, there is still a war. But it is at the fault of the Elves, no?
Ivonne shook her head, patting him on the shoulder.
Thank you for saving me, dear Headmaster, but it is about time you bring our prisoners out of here. After all, the nobles are growing restless.
Hrmph.
With that, yton was gone.
I stood with Saffron, making sure that she was fine, when I heard the footsteps approaching me from behind. I looked up, seeing Ivonnee to a stop just before me. The dark-skinned woman smiled, bowing her head slightly.
Id like to thank you for saving my life, Ms Salvos. To think that the Liberator of the gunds herself woulde to my rescue I am honored.
Oh, its nothing!
I beamed, giving Saffron a small wink from the side. Your n worked! This was why helping others was good, sometimes. It had its benefits!
Saffron just rolled her eyes in response. Then I faced Ivonne.
So, do you have a reward for me?
She raised an amused brow.
Why, straight to the point are we? Yes, I was hoping to repay my dear savior in kindness. Tell me, what is it that you desire? If it is within my power to obtain, I shall grant it to you.
Well I was hoping to get the ingredients necessary to make a Potion of Regeneration. Say, some sagetree sap?
Ivonne chuckled, turning her hand over. She revealed a tube of glowing golden liquid, one that I instantly identified as what Id been looking for.
Is this what you need?
Yep!
I reached out to snatch it off her fingers, but Saffron cleared her throat. I blinked, remembering my manners. I bowed slightly.
It is, [Merchant] Ivonne. I would truly appreciate it if you could gift such a valuable item to me.
Well, I called her a [Merchant], but that was only because everyone else did. In truth, I couldnt see her levels or her ss. She had some kind of obfuscation artifact, just like Daniel did.
Ivonne waved a hand off, cing the sagetree sap onto my open palm.
This is the least I can do for the one who saved my life.
I gratefully epted the sagetree sap. For something that was so difficult to obtain, it really didnt look like anything special. But I was very much d to have received it anyway.
Alright, so all I need now for my Potion of Regeneration is
I scratched the side of my head as I tried to remember what else I needed. Ivonne helpfully spoke up.
A single shard from an Enigmatic Heart, yes?
Um, yes. Its supposed toe from
A [Lux Golmi]. A type of Golem that is said to be over Level 100. The only type of Golem that is said to reach that level.
Right, that.
A thought crossed through my mind, and I hesitated. I opened my mouth, but the [Merchant] shook her head.
I must apologize, my dear savior, but I do not have such an item on me. Perhaps if I had arrived from the southwest as I did a decade ago s, I came from the east this time. I only have within my wares things you can find from the Elven and Dwarvennds.
Do you know where I can buy this, um,, Enigmatic Heart thing from? I have the money.
Unfortunately, matters are never just about that of wealth. Those who have it tend to be [Alchemists], hoarding resources for their own research. Perhaps an adventurer has recently faced one of these powerful Golems, and has put up its Enigmatic Heart for sale. But this is not something that happens frequently. A rare urrence predicated on chance. Itd be wiser for you to seek out one of these [Lux Golmi] yourself and steal a piece of its heart.
Huh.
That answered pretty much all the questions I had. Well, all except for one.
Where can I find these [Lux Golmi]s?
They reside deep within the Rainforest of Monsters. Im sure your Adventurers Guild can offer you more information. But I must warn you, my dear savior, the Rainforest of Monsters is a dangerous ce. Even for Diamond Ranks such as yourself.
Its fine! Im the Liberator of the gunds, remember? That ce was also a Diamond Rank area, and I came out of it just fine.
I flexed an arm, ignoring the fact that I lost an arm from the gunds, and Ivonne just smiled.
Perhaps the Rainforest of Monsters is even more dangerous than the gunds.
Wait, really?
I looked at Saffron for confirmation, and she shook her head.
Im not certain, but Im under the impression that the Rainforest of Monsters is generally the safest Diamond Ranked zone. Unlike the gunds and the Bloodied Gulf which im many more lives a year.
Yes, yes.
Ivonne nodded.
The Rainforest of Monsters is safer. At least, if you tread carefully, as long as you do not venture into its deepest depths, where sunlight is blotted out by the canopy of trees, and the world is a permanent night. It is dangerous enough for the Watcher himself to warn against delving into the forests heart.
The Watcher?
I looked between the two women, confused. Saffron exined.
Hes supposed to be the protector of the Humannds. The highest-leveled Human in the world. There are rumors that hes actually a summoned [Hero]. I dont really believe these rumors myself, but that could exin why hes nearly Level 200.
Rumors are rumors.
Ivonne stepped back away from us, her arms behind her back.
Is the Watcher truly a [Hero]? Is the Watcher even a Human and not a Spirit? Is the Watcher even a man? These words spread whenever there is interest in an individual, just as Im sure there are rumors being spread of you, my dear savior.
Me?
I tilted my head to the side. Ivonnes eyes flickered.
Indeed. And while Id love to stay and discuss these rumors, I must take my leave now. Once again, I thank you for saving my life, my dear savior.
Oh, sure. And thanks to you too!
I waved at her as she walked off. She approached Lamarr, speaking with him as I raised a brow. I wondered for a moment what they were talking about. But I turned back to Saffron.
So
I pocketed my sagetree sap, grinning.
I just need one more ingredient for my Potion of Regeneration, then I can finally begin work on actually making it.
Saffron eyed me, arms crossed. I wasnt sure why.
Itll probably take a whole day for me to find one of these [Lux Golmi]s. I could try to go tomorrow, but I have a test next week, and I should probably study for it. I should probably go next weekend, then?
She tapped her fingers on her elbow, her gaze boring into me.
Will you, Salvos? Will you really be doing this next weekend, and, I dont know, not something else?
What else would I be doing?
I gave her a puzzled look. Saffron sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
You really forgot again, didnt you?
What did I forget?
You have a date.
She spoke tly, and I blinked. I worked my jaw, raising a finger.
...huh, I do.
I just shrugged.
Ill just postpone
No you wont.
Chapter 202: Interlude - Daniels Demand
Chapter 202: Interlude - Daniel''s Demand
202. Interlude - Daniel''s Demand
Ever since Daniel Song hade to this world, he had been betrayed, traumatized, and hunted. He had been naive and foolish. He had been preyed on by the various factions that wanted to use him or wanted him dead. But now he wasnt just going to roll over and let them trample over all that he had gained.
Perhaps, if he felt as empty as he did when he first arrived, hed simply surrender in the face of adversity. However, he hadnt been idle over the past three years. He didnt spend all his time moping, even though he felt like he did. Daniel had done something even if it didn''t seem like much, it was everything that mattered to him. He had made friends. He had found a purpose. A reason to live.
And if the Harrowed Vindicators were threatening everything he had built, he was going to tear their organization to the ground. He wasnt going to be a [Hero] because some princess from another world asked him to. He was going to be a [Hero] for the sake of himself. Now, all he had to do was find where these assassins were located, and hed end them once and for all.
Unfortunately, itd require a little bit of cooperation.
and Im telling you, youre not getting anything out of me.
Amanda, the Silent Serpent, the assassin that tried to seduce and kill Daniel,y in front of him. Her arms were tied up in enchanted bindings, an artifact she couldnt escape from even at her level. After all, the young man was rather wealthy now. Money was of no object to him he could buy anything he ever needed when he needed it.
Dont you value your life, assassin?
He narrowed his gaze. Raising his sword, he pressed its tip right against her neck. There was a light sizzling a property of the Primordial Longsword he had been given by Salvos. Amanda flinched from the pain, but still managed a sneer.
Oh my. Are you threatening to torture me? How very [Hero]-like of you.
Daniel clicked his tongue, drawing his de back. He stepped away from her and sheathed his longsword. They were in a cave just a few miles away from Elutra, at the very fringe of Inorias borders. It was raining, and dark clouds shrouded the moons ce in the sky, keeping the world in the shadows even as dawn soon approached.
Im not a [Hero]. I never even wanted to be a [Hero].
That wont excuse whatever you intend to do with me.
He nced back at Amanda who was smirking. He red.
I wont torture you. I said Ill kill you. And considering that you tried to murder me just earlier? I dont see how thats a problem.
Again, a truly noble mindset befitting a [Hero] like you. Come on, then. Do your worst.
Daniel gritted his teeth. Holding her gaze, he loomed over as he spoke in an angry whisper.
Do my worst? This is not my worst, assassin.
He spat as he said the word.
Youve heard of the [Heroes] of old, just as I have. The stories they tell of Melissa, the Oracle of Light. How shey waste to entire cities, all on her own. How the Quisling, Zacharius, made a fool out of dozens of kingdoms, repelling their greatest armies alongside his lover, Lilian. And you know of Alexander. The Immortal King. He single handedly united all of the Humannds for the first time in this worlds history. He took on the might of the Kobolds and the Elves, and he won. Thats what [Heroes] are capable of. Thats what I am capable of.
Amanda opened her mouth. Then she paused. Daniel grabbed her by the shoulders, not seeing the misty red light wisping off his body.
If you wont tell me where your headquarters is located, then fine. Ill find it myself, make you watch as I burn it to the ground, then kill you.
Her face paled as he let go of her, letting her drop back to the ground. She didnt speak. Even as he stormed away from her. The young man wondered, for a brief moment, why hed been so ovee with rage. But his rationale reasoned away those thoughts.
Daniel didnt want to die. Maybe he did in the past. However, now, he was going to live. And he was going to return home.
If not? Well he thought of Salvos and Edithe. Or Rachel, Sophia, Cless, and everyone else hed met since he fled Elutra. It wasnt much, but it was enough for him. It was something worth living for.
--
If Daniel wanted to find the Harrowed Vindicators, hed have to start searching the right ces. He entered the city of Roguehollow. It was one of Inoriasrgest cities, located right at the edge of a valley between two small mountains. It also had a reputation for disreputable things.
He paid the entry fee, bringing Amanda with him. It was fortunate that he was in the Inoria Empire. No one questioned why he brought a woman, bound and beaten, into the city. It was, unfortunately, not too umon of a sight here. All he had to do was pay an import tax on goods and services, and that was that.
Pretending that Im your ve. Truly, are you even a [H
Amanda was cut off as he red at her.
Shut. Up.
The assassin pursed her lips before shrugging. Her fear from a week before had mostly dissipated, but she still mouthed off on him a few times. Honestly, Daniel considered buying a muzzle to just silence her entirely. But he didnt want to waste time he just had to nce at her once in a while, and shed know when she went too far.
He stayed in Roguehollow for a few days, digging for information, asking around for any group or organization that was rted to the Harrowed Vindicators. Amanda mocked his attempts.
Just give it up. Do you really think wed be so easy to track? Dont be ridiculous.
Daniel tried to ignore her. But her taunting continued.
Im going to die of boredom before you even get the chance to kill me. What happened to all your determination from before?
If you have nothing useful to add, please just be quiet.
Why dont you just kill me and end my suffering already?
He paused. Amanda smirked.
Come on, dont you want me to shut up? You have nothing to prove to anyone. Just finish me, and this little nuisance on your shoulder will disappear for good. Unless
She tilted her head back. Then she leaned forward, a twisted smile on her face.
You wish to have your way with me?
Daniel scowled and turned away from her.
Youre disgusting.
Whats wrong? Dont tell me that I was right
He mmed the door shut, leaving her behind in the inn. She was wrapped in bindings, unable to escape. And he was tired of being around her for days on end. It wasnt like dealing with Salvos, who ultimately tried not to cross a line when teasing him. Amanda was trying to get him to kill her, or admit defeat. He wasnt going to back down so easily.
The young man headed down to the bar of his inn. He just needed a drink. A good, strong drink. That was all he needed to get back in good spirits. Of course the Harrowed Vindicators would be elusive. Itd be hard for him to find them.
Here you go, young man.
The [Bartender] ced the drink before him. Daniel gratefully epted the mug, downing it in an instant much to the [Bartender]s surprise.
Seems like you have a lot on your te, dont you?
I do, I do. Its just
It was just a pain. How could he find a group that was built around stealth? Itd be impossible. He downed another mug of ale, and the [Bartender] chuckled.
It seems like youve got quite the story to tell, huh? This old fellow doesnt mind giving you an ear, if youre in need of advice.
Im fine. I just need another ss.
Daniel shook his head. It was a practically an impossible task, finding the Harrowed Vindicators. He wouldnt be able to track them down. Not at this rate. Not unless he brought the group to him.
His eyes widened as the [Bartender] shrugged, turning around.
Suit yourself.
Wait
He raised a hand out. The [Bartender] blinked, and Daniel cleared his throat.
S-sorry. That was rude of me. Let me introduce myself. I am Daniel Song, an adventurer. Its a pleasure to meet you.
Daniel Song? Oh, so youre a noble
--
Was it stupid? Was it an unnecessary risk? All Daniel had to do was spread a rumor. But it was one that could cascade wildly out of his control. He could attract a dozen assassins, or a thousand of them. However, he would attract them. That was fully his intention.
They came under the nket of night. It was a typical assassin maneuver. It wouldve worked too, if not for the fact that Daniel was a [Hero]. He had plenty of Skills. What kind of a [Hero] died in their sleep to an assassin?
[Passive: Danger Sense].
He woke up, right as they entered through the window. Daniel Song drew his longsword, parrying a sickle aimed for his neck. There was a loud ng, followed by a soft hiss. The sickle flew back to a man, standing by the window, its edge slightly singed.
The assassin was masked. He did not introduce himself, instead facing Daniel with only the intent to kill. There was a cackle from the side. Amanda grinned as shey bound.
Look who finally decided to show up. Edward the Shadower. Youre about two weeks toote. I got to him first
Her eyes widened as the sickle flew through the air, slicing at her. She ducked under the attack, cursing.
What the fuck are you doing, you bastard?!
Tying up loose ends.
Edwards voice was muffled under his mask. His sickle was connected to a chain, almost like a kusarigama. Except, unlike a kusarigama, it was connected to another sickle at the other end. Daniel raised a brow at Amandas slew of swear words.
Youre a damn asshole, Edward. You mother
The assassin moved, and Daniel readied himself. It was a small space. A room in a regr inn. The [Hero] should have an advantage, since Edward wouldnt be able to move around so much.
But when Edward threw his chains next, it was more than just the glinting metal that moved. The shadows peeled off the walls, forming their own sickles, striking at Daniel from all around him. It tore apart the room.
[Aura of the Sentinel].
Daniel formed a golden shield around himself, repelling the onught of shadowed attacks. They halted, and Daniel widened his stance. He saw Edward through his barrier, readying what looked like a different Skill. It gathered the darkness of the room around the assassin, creating a pitch ck dome of energy that looked ready to burst.
The [Hero] narrowed his eyes. He wasnt a [Mage], but even he could sense the buildup of mana from that. It would cause heavy damage to the inn maybe even cause civilian casualties. He had to end this now, before that happened.
[A Heros Rage]!
Was it a waste of a [Hero]s Skill? Possibly. But it would let him strike Edward before the shadow attack could be used.
A glowing te armor engulfed Daniel as his de grew in length, longer than ever before. It sheared through the darkness around the assassin. Edward tried to leap out of the way, but was nicked on the leg. He screamed in pain as he finally unleashed his Skill.
The [Hero] stared as the attack came. He was toote he braced himself and... his armor absorbed the shadow st. The assassins Skill didnt level the entire inn as Daniel thought it would. It just seeped into Daniels te armor, before he felt an energy build up at the tip of his sword.
He aimed it at Edward, whose eyes widened. A streak of shadow magic shot out, the exact same Skill that had just been absorbed, unleashed upwards, out the window, straight at the assassin.
Defeated [Shadower of Chains - Lvl. 120]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
General Skill [Hero Skill: A Heros Rage] has leveled up!
[Hero Skill: A Heros Rage - Lvl. 1] -> [Hero Skill: A Heros Rage - Lvl 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
It was fortunate, but thankfully, the shadow beam didnt attract any attention from the streets below. It was just a line of darkness, making no sound, no indication that it was even there, and the assassin silently killed alongside it.
Daniel sank to his feet, panting as he let his glowing armor vanish. The coat around his longsword slowly disappeared, and he took in the following notifications that came after. He leveled to 104 as a [Hero] from that. Taking in a deep breath, he paused when he heard a sound.
P-please
It was a womans voice. That of Amanda. But it no longer held the mocking tone it once did. Instead, the assassin was covered in cuts throughout her body, bleeding as she crawled on the floor. She mustve been sliced up by Edwards shadow sickles. And badly, too.
Daniel stared at her as she let out a gasp.
H-help m-me
Daniel raised his sword, wanting to end her suffering for her. That was until he realized she was pointing for a healing potion.
I-Ill help you hunt down the Harrowed just p-please
Should he trust her? Or rather could he trust her? Daniel didnt think his emotions would allow him to offer her even a semnce of trust until now. But he realized that his anger towards Amanda dissipated? He felt exhausted now, more than anything, after the battle with Edward.
In fact, he didnt even think he held as much animosity against Edward as before, despite nearly being killed by the assassin just moments before. Was this a side effect of his Skill? Did it use up his anger? Or rather, did it cause his anger to pent up unnaturally?
Daniel wasn''t entirely sure. He just knew that he was tired, and he really wanted to find the Harrowed Vindicators without getting into any more night brawls. So, he utched the healing potion from his belt.
Fine.
He uncorked it, before kneeling down to meet Amandas gaze.
Ill give this to you.
T-thank
She gratefully reached for it, but he pulled his hand back. He ced a hand on her head, pushing her back slightly. She groaned in pain just from the touch.
Daniel wagged a finger.
But I will not give it to you until you tell me everything you know about the Harrowed Vindicators where theyre located, why theyre working with the Inoria Empire, and what levels are your greatest assassins.
Amanda paused. She worked her jaw slowly.
H-how will I know if youll keep your promise?
You wont.
He replied simply. She hesitated, even as blood pooled out of her stomach. Daniel raised a brow.
Well? Youre going to bleed out. And you better not waste anymore words. I dont think youll have the strength left to speak soon.
I-I
Amanda bit her lower lip. She tried to say something, but caught herself. She sighed. It was suffice to say, she spilled everything she knew.
Chapter 203: Stupid Stuff
Chapter 203: Stupid Stuff
203. Stupid Stuff
Aw,e on, Saffron!
I threw my hands in the air. It was just a date whatever that was. It didnt matter I was sure Nn didnt care that much!
Why cant I just dy it by one more week? Itll be fine!
Absolutely not.
The pink-haired noble marched ahead of me. We were leaving the dorm building, headed for our sses. She spun on her heels and crossed her arms.
Youve seen what happens when you disrespect a potential suitor by dismissing him so brusquely. Im not sure whether Jacob Axworth was the first, but Im going to ensure hes thest.
But nothing bad even came from it!
I spoke, exasperated. Saffron shook her head.
Youve managed to elude the consequences now, especially since Jacob Axworth was extremely petty, even for a noble. However, that doesnt mean youll be so fortunate in the future. What if King Lamarr isnt there to bail you out the next time around? What if you get into real trouble, by angering the wrong person?
Ill just deal with it as I usually do.
I shrugged, and she raised a brow.
By punching them in the face?
By wing them in the face.
I corrected her. She sighed, turning around. Saffron continued down the busy road as I followed after her.
But why should I care about what they do? So what if they retaliate just because Im a little bit rude? Theyre not mypanions. If they attack me because of a few words I said, then Ill be in the right if I defend myself, no?
Unfortunately, the world of the nobility and the rich doesnt work that way, Salvos. What matters is who you know and who knows you. Yes, Ill admit, Ive underestimated just how important you are, despite being aware of your status and achievements. It took the King of Traith intervening for me to fully recognize that.
I beamed and gave her an eager nod.
Why, yes, Im quite important. Im d you finally recognized that.
Thats not what Im saying. Anyway, Im just offering to teach you some basic etiquette. To learn how to behave like a refineddy, befitting that of any noble.
Behave like a noble? And not just pretending to be a noble?
Saffron raised an amused brow as I tapped a finger on my chin.
Youre still new to this world of the upper ss. Every small action you take is recorded. And it will be recorded no one knows much about you other than the fact that the bare basics. You killed a Greater Demon. You fought for the Valiant Dreamers. And you liberated the gunds.
She listed off my most notable feats, crossing off her fingers as she finished.
Now, theyll want to know whats your favorite food? Whats your background like? Who is this Salvos really?
Me? Im Salvos!
Yes. Yes, you are. But they dont know that. And theyll want to know. You remember what Ivonne said rumors spread when there is interest, and you are an interesting individual. Thats why, to prevent any suspicion from ever being raised against you, youll want to learn how to at least behave like a properdy. The first way to do that is to treat your potential suitors like theyre actual suitors. Tell me again, who is it thats attempting to charm you?
Nn.
I answered, and Saffron rolled her eyes.
Yes, yes, Nn. But Nn who? Theres thousands of Nns out there. You cant expect me to know each and every one of them. Who is this Nn? What has he done? What is he like?
He calls himself Nn the Mighty Warrior? I think I may have heard of him before hes probably famous. I just dont remember why he sounds so familiar.
Nn the Mighty Warrior?
Saffron wrinkled her brows. I cocked my head.
Why? Is something the matter?
Ive heard things about his character. Dubious things. Especially regarding women. But thats simply from rumors. Ill have to ask Matthew to carry out a minor investigation into him. You dont want to sully your reputation by romancing with a yboy like him.
I opened my mouth, and she waved a hand off.
Ill exinter. Were both going to bete for our sses. Just tell me, Salvos, are you going to ept my help to deal with this matter delicately? Or are you going to brush him off once more, possibly creating more problems for you to deal with down the line?
I hesitated. Then I raised my hand.
This is what nobles do, right? Like Princesses?
Yes. That is how any refineddy should act.
I sighed.
Fine. Ill go searching for the Enigmatic Heart next time. Ill go on this stupid date with Nn first, if it means I can be a Princess.
Very good. My schedule is already fully booked today, but well meet up again tomorrow. How does that sound?
Sure!
I grinned, and Saffron was off. We both headed to our sses for the rest of the day. I put my mind off this date, focusing on studying for my uing tests.
--
When all my sses were done for the day, I found myself sitting out in a busy park, next to Gallus, scribbling on a notebook as he leaned over, an eyebrow raised.
What are you doing, Ms Salvos?
Im revising. This is the symbolic form professor Isais wants us to remember, right?
I showed it to him. He frowned.
I cant read that, unfortunately. Your handwriting is like a toddler squiggled all over a piece of paper.
Hey! Ill have you know, Ive improved significantly since two months ago.
I dont know if I should be happy for you, or sad for you, Ms Salvos.
His voice was casual, but he still addressed me formally. It was a habit of his, from growing up in the Vaun Qieur Empire. They often used honorifics something Id need to remember for the future. Gallus was fine with me calling him just by his name. But he was Gallus, not everyone else.
A loud buzzing sound drew my attention. The two of us nced up, watching a beetle hawk, one about the size of my head, zip up the side of a tree to the canopy above. It was dark here, even though the sun hadnt fully set just yet. That was because we werent truly in a park. It was more like a botanical garden. Except, it was a miniature rainforest.
I came here because I wanted to know what a rainforest was like. Also, because I asked Gallus if he wanted toe and study with me. We had what was called a midterm this week. It was an examination designed to evaluate our performance at the halfway point of the academic term. It wasnt exactly at the halfway point closer to the two-thirds point but it was supposed to be important.
We exchanged notes to each other, sharing everything we knew about the ss to ensure that wed both perform well. It was the power of teamwork. Id learned this back when I first met Haec: there were some things you couldnt do alone, so you should do it with others!
I asked questions, he answered them.
And what about this symbol? I dont get how thats supposed to make any sense?
Its not something youre truly supposed to create, Ms Salvos. Youre meant to imagine weaving the threads of mana around you into this shape. It may be hard to parse, but thats why it is such
He asked questions, I answered them.
...what exactly do you feel youre doing when you use that Skill?
[Scatter Shift]? Im not too sure. It just feels like Im plopping an item somewhere else? Look you can see how its threads of mana
By the time we were both ran out of questions and answers, the sun had already long since set. We walked out of the misty rainforest, smeared by the ruddy lights of magicalmps that shone only during the night. We were both mentally exhausted, so we spoke of simpler things things of lesser import, unrted to theory and studies.
...so, you went down this path of learning space magic because you met a Fairy as a child?
It was technically the truth. I was, supposedly, still a child. At least, for Humans. I didnt think I was one, but I wasnt averse to lying and bending the truth when the situation required it.
I met the Fairy again more recently. She was very proud to see how far Ivee. However, she couldnt teach me as much as she wanted. Something happened? Im not too sure, honestly. But she rmended that I go to an academy if I really wanted to better improve at space magic.
Fairykind has often remained elusive. Im unsurprised that you were rejected, even if this Fairy was friendly to you. Although, that shed direct you to an academy is interesting. I was under the impression the Fairy Queen had a vendetta against Humans.
I wouldnt say its a personal vendetta just an aversion.
I scratched the back of my head as Gallus scrunched up his face in confusion. I quickly tried to change the subject before he could ask me to borate.
So, what about you? You still never told me why you started learning space magic. Why are you taking this ss with professor Isais?
He chuckled, shaking his head.
You really did remember, huh?
I did tell you: Im interested.
I leaned in, patiently waiting for him to continue. This was the thing I learned about Humans and mortals a long time ago when I first delved into a Dungeon with Daniel and Edithe. It was that they were each, individually, interesting. The problem came when they were in groups and acted irrationally and stupidly. They became dangerous and annoying and often caused problems for both me and them.
I was raised by a family of skilled [Summoners].
Gallus spoke out, his gaze facing the heavens, staring up at the twinkling stars.
However, they knew that not every child born in our family would have an affinity for summoning. So, to ensure that a child is not set down a path they dont wish to pursue, we are raised alongside Spirits until the age of thirteen, where well finally decide on a ss for ourselves. Whether we wish to be a [Summoner], or start down another path. As you can tell by my ss, I went down another path.
He paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath. Then he continued.
But there was a time when I almost became a [Summoner]. You see, I had a hot temper as a child, so I had difficulty bonding with most Spirits. I was more suited to working alone. At least, until I met Shiro.
Shiro?
My first ever summon, and my first ever love.
I cocked my head, even as Gallus was entranced by his own thoughts.
A [Tiger Beastkin]. With fur so white and pure, youd think it was snow. Wed spend so much time together my days seemed to meld into one when I was with him. I dont know if he ever reciprocated my feelings, but I know that I loved him. Which was why it only hurt even more when I was forced to break my contract with him.
You broke your contract with him? Wait
I remembered Edithe and Mistshard. Their contract was broken, and now Edithe could never see Edithe ever again. No Edithe couldnt summon ever again. It was the wrath of the Spirit Lord. I didnt understand it. I also didnt get why Gallus had to break his contract, even when he exined it to me.
I was fifteen when my parents found out about my love for him. They forbade it. I refused to listen, because I knew my feelings were true. So, they forced our contract to end, and my time as a [Summoner], too, ended.
Huh.
I blinked.
Thats weird.
Gallus closed his eyes.
Im sure you find it odd. And I did too, at first. But I truly loved him. Even if he was a [Beastkin]. Even if he was a man
No.
I cut him off, furrowing my brows.
Love sounds weird. You loved Shiro, so you did something that made it so you could never see him again? Thats weird!
I murmured. Was this what Humans did willingly? Was this what Nn or Jacob Axworth supposedly felt towards me? But that wasnt right, was it?
Gallus stared at me for a moment, trying to work his jaw. The bulky man was at a loss for words. Then he sighed, rubbing his temples.
I agree, Ms Salvos. Love works in strange ways. It makes you act irrationally perhaps even foolishly. But I knew what I felt was true. And I couldnt help but stand by my feelings. Now, I learn space magic so that I can see Shiro again. To speak with him, not as strangers in a temple, but to profess my love for him. I dont need anything more than that just a hole through space, a medium for us to speak, to know always that hes safe, and to tell him how Ive felt all these years.
Thats
When Saffron heard that I was going on a date with Nn, she mentioned how she never thought Id be someone who fell in love. And I agreed. Id never fall in love. After all, Gallus was going through all that just to say he loved Shiro? That was
Love is dumb.
Gallus onlyughed.
It really is.
Chapter 204: Fancily Dressed
Chapter 204: Fancily Dressed
204. Fancily Dressed
Saffron was fast asleep when I returned to the dorms after myte-night study session with Gallus. She said she needed to speak with me tomorrow, so I decided to stay here, transforming back from [Partial Mortality] to myself, rather than heading to my Lair.
I knew it was risky, but it was just one night. Id be fine. And I was fine.
I didnt use [Temporal Distortion] to study because itd muddle my [nar Navigation] senses. I just sat there, flipping through my notes, practicing my handwriting, and readying myself for my uing midterms.
When Saffron Merryster woke up, she burst out of her room and pointed a finger at me.
You!
Me?
Yes, you!
Salvos?
I cocked my head, and she marched up to me.
Youll be clearing up all your ns after your sses today. Well be busy.
Um, what?
I stared at Saffron, perplexed.
Didn''t you say youd look into Nn or something? Whats this about?
I did. And it was just as I thought. Hes a yboy.
She waved a hand off as I gave her an even more confused look. Shaking her head, Saffron continued.
Ill tell you moreter. First of all
Saffron gestured at what I was wearing.
You cant be going on a date dressed in those garbs.
I cocked my head.
Why not?
Im saying you need better clothes, Salvos. A dress, tailored for a Princess like you.
She snorted as my eyes widened in excitement. Rolling her eyes, she took me by the arms, dragging me out of the door.
Im taking you shopping.
There was a pause. She spoke thest word emphatically. I blinked before I jumped into the air in excitement, eximing.
Im going to be a Princess!
Saffron frowned.
No, youre not going to be a Princess. You dont even have the Title look, youll just be dressed well, alright?
Aw.
I deted. She hesitated.
...but youll be dressed like a Princess?
Yay!
--
Edithe had taken me shopping a few times before. I never really enjoyed the experiences: shed bring me to buy tight fitting clothes and ufortable dresses. Theyd easily get torn up in battle, and if not, theyd be destroyed the moment I transformed out of [Mortal Form] back when that was a Skill.
As such, I never saw the appeal of shopping. I did enjoy the time I spent with Edithe, just not the act of shopping itself.
However, as I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself, I realized that I actually loved shopping. I just disliked poor people shopping.
Im Im a Princess
No youre not.
I nced back at Saffron whose head was buried in the palm of her hand. The [Tailor] smiled, sping her hands together.
Is it to your liking, Ms Salvos?
I looked back at the mirror: I was adorned in a decorated pink dress, lined with gold at its hems that glinted from the chandelier above. Buttons made of pearls zipped up the dress at the back, as it flowed down past my legs. And it did go past my legs. The fringe of the dress carpeted the floor as I walked back and forth, twirling around.
Yes! I love it! Ill take ten!
The [Tailor] paused. She exchanged a nce with Saffron. The noble woman just shook her head.
Ignore her. Well take one.
We exited the shop, strolling down the streets of Mavos Academy. And yes, we were still in Mavos Academy. They had shops and markets located all around campus, making it practically a small city of its own. Students didnt need to go to Wimborne if they ever needed something important. The only thing the campuscked that cities usually had were the guilds.
There were no Merchants Guild or Adventurers Guild here. It was just by the design of how Mavos Academy was. I was out of the expensive dress it cost Saffron a whole 25 gold coins! Which seemed like a lot, if not for the fact that a tinum was worth a lot more than a single gold.
Alright, now that weve got that out of the way, lets buy you a proper dress for your date this weekend.
Wait, Im not wearing that for this weekend?
I looked over at the Bag of Holding that stored my pink dress. Saffron shook her head.
Its for any future social events you may be attending, likest weeks auction. Were buying you a more modest dress for your date.
Aw.
My shoulders sagged for a moment. Then I realized it meant I could go around looking at more pretty dresses that made me look like a Princess. So, I instantly brightened.
Lets go find more dresses!
Saffron rolled her eyes, leading me around campus, showing me to the various fancy shops she sometimes visited. As she did, she asked me about Nn.
So, how did you even meet him in the first ce?
Nn? Hes in my ss.
And he suddenly asked you out on a date? Why would you say yes? This doesnt sound like you, Salvos.
I pursed my lips.
I wanted to say no. But hes been helping me with my studies! Itd be rude to say no, right? People always get upset about that.
So, the one time you tried being courteous, it backfired. Of course.
Saffron sighed.
Normally, yes, itd be rude to rebuke someone whos helping you, when theyre asking you for help in return, especially when itd be no trouble for you to do so. However, when someone is hm, how do I exin it? This requires more social grace than youre used to, and its not easy to exin in words.
Hey! Rude.
I crossed my arms. She ignored me as she brought me into a shoe shop. I blinked, looking around.
Whats this for?
Shoes. Not those boots you have. But actual shoes. ss slippers and high heels. Try them on.
She gave me a wide array to choose from as I sat down on a chair. I picked one out, slipping it onto my feet. Saffron spoke as I stood up.
When someone is interested in you, you shouldnt lead them on, not especially when youre just doing it when you have something to gain.
She paused.
Well, you could. But it has to be intentional and handled delicately. With poise and care. Otherwise, youd ultimately be losing out from this exchange when you burn your bridge with the man. Youre not a noble, but even still, the most important asset one can have is theirwork their web of social connections. Right now, yours is still rather small. Setting a single thread alight will destroy almost everything youve made so far.
Saffron spoke as I bnced myself on a pair of high heels. It was an odd feeling, walking on these. I wouldnt say that I was in danger of falling over. I simply found the sensation to be off putting like I was crawling over rocks again for the first time after my birth.
Im sure itll be fine.
I removed the high heels, changing to a pair of slippers. Each step I made cked against the marble floor.
I did want his help, but I didnt mean to lead him on, whatever that means. Well just eat and be done with it. Ill turn down his attempts in the future so you wont make such a big deal out of it anymore.
Now, I have to ask you, Salvos. What are your expectations from this? What do you want from Nn? Are you actually interested in him? It doesnt sound like you are. But in the off chance that the date goes well, what do you want to happen?
Am I interested in him?
I frowned.
As in love? Gross, no.
It doesnt have to be love. It can just be a short fling. Something you do for fun. Have you never had a fling before, Salvos?
My [Universal Language Comprehension] worked overtime to trante everything she was saying in a way that made sense. I shook my head.
I have not.
Do you think youd be interested in one?
Why are you asking me these weird questions? Can I get anything from it?
I narrowed my eyes. Saffron shrugged.
Its something I need to know. When I researched Nn, it turns out, as I told you earlier, hes a yboy. Hes someone whos notorious for getting a new girl every month, during his time as an adventurer. Hes said to have once been in a rtionship with four women all at the same time in his party at least, until he got in trouble with the Den of Souls for it in the Eastern Kingdoms. They are strictly against polygamy, and because of them, he eased up on his ways.
Why does that matter?
Im saying that he may only be looking for a quick fling and if youre interested in that too, its honestly not a big problem. So, are you interested in flings, Salvos?
I changed back to my regr shoes, buying a pair of slippers and high heels each. I thought about Saffrons question for a moment.
No. I cant say it sounds very interesting. It just sounds like more boring stuff. I could be studying, you know?!
Only you would say studying is more interesting than being in a rtionship.
She snorted, bringing me to another, less luxurious, dress shop. Here, we hunted for appropriate wear for the night of the date.
And youre not interested in love, as you just said earlier.
Well, I think I love shopping.
I opined, picking out a dark blue dress.
Of course you do. But I mean a romantic type of love. And even if thats what youd fancy, you probably wont find that with Nn, which leads me to my point: youll have to make your intentions clear to Nn during this date.
Make my intentions clear?
I cocked my head, trying the dress on in front of a mirror.
Youll have to find a way to turn him down courteously. Without burning any bridges. Which, now that Im saying it out loud, is probably going to be harder for you than it seems.
Saffron crossed her arms, and a voice spoke from the side.
It looks lovely, Miss.
You think? I think I look lovelier, though.
I thanked thedy working in the shop and paid for the dress. She bowed at me, a big smile on her face at the gold tip I left her, as Saffron and I left the shop.
Look, Salvos, Im sure you have good intentions probably. But you cant just reject him and move on, like you did with Jacob Axworth.
Hey! I had no idea he was even asking me out on a date!
Thats the issue. Youre missing social cues.
Ive been learning as much as I can.
I scowled, and mypanion nodded.
You have. But this is apletely new social sphere youve never dabbled in before. Youll be confused lost. I think itd be best if you simply I dont know, disgust him out so he wouldnt be interested in you anymore.
How do I do that?
I raised a brow. Saffron gestured at a nearby tree, growing at the side of the pavement. I spotted bugs crawling up its trunks. Flies zipped in and out of flowers. And a spider wove its web atop the tree branches. I blinked.
Huh.
--
My midterms proved themselves to be rtively easy. It was hard, of course. But it wasnt as difficult as I had fully expected them to be I thought that theyd have stumped me!
I was so sure I wouldnt even be able to finish most of my tests in time, yet I did. It was thanks to my rigorous studying. I managed to ovee my midterms confidently enough that I didnt think I failed any of my sses. It was a big obstacle in my path, easily cleared thanks to my preparation.
But there was still another obstacle ahead of me. One that I was slightly less prepared for. One that I really didnt want to partake in, and I wasnt even sure if I could ovee.
It was time for the day of the date.
Chapter 205: Date
Chapter 205: Date
205. Date
I really wasnt sure what to expect from a date. By how Saffron described it, I was pretty sure I was going to fumble my way through it entirely, or somehow insult Nn the moment I greeted him. And while it was too early to say whether or not Idpletely screw up this date, so far, things were going alright?
I mean, I greeted Nn and I didnt say anything that made him want to kill me, which was already better than what Saffron was expecting. But beyond just that, we spoke and walked, heading for the restaurant he had chosen out, almost like it was any other day after ss.
Our conversation waspletely normal. It didnt feel any different from when we spoke yesterday, or evenst week. He even called me by my improper name for a moment Ms Salvos like he usually did to tease me, and I called him out for it.
So, where are we going?
I nced over at Nn, following him through Mavos Academys campus.
Were going to the Crimsonbroths Seafood. Its the best seafood restaurant on campus, and trust me, their crabs are to die for.
Oh. Why would you die for the crabs? Must we save them from being killed? I thought this was a date or something?
Nn chuckled, waving a hand off.
Were not going to literally die for them. Its a figure of speech. It means that crabs are their specialty dish.
Huh.
I blinked. Then I giggled too. That was silly of me unfortunately, [Universal Language Comprehension] sometimes made mistakes. I was starting to doubt whether this was really a date, as Saffron kept calling it. It just felt like we were having regr conversation as friends, speaking casually, and making jokes with one another. That was until Nn shook his head.
Im honestly surprised, Ms Salvos.
Its Salvos.
I scoffed.
And whats so surprising about me?
I didnt expect you to actually dress up for the asion.
He smiled. I paused, narrowing my eyes. It took me a moment to resist the urge to ask him what exactly was this asion he was talking about. Instead, I prodded him with a gaugingment.
Well, Id like to look my best when Im out on a date, yes?
Nn halted midstep. He looked over at me, wearing a silken dark blue dress. I raised a brow, and he nodded.
Indeed. You look gorgeous tonight, Salvos.
So, it really was a date.
Huh.
I guess that meant I was going to have to gross him out as Saffron said. She believed it was the best course of action, considering that very few people would believe that I liked bugs. And even if they did, it wasnt really detrimental to an adventurers reputation, unlike some other things I could do to make this date a flop.
We reached the Crimsonbroths Seafood soon after.
Nn was genuinely shocked. Hed gotten to know Salvos quite well over the short few weeks since they met, having helped tutor her in alchemy almost every day after ss. And he was very much under the impression that Salvos, due to her naivety, would bepletely unaware that he was trying to court her.
His interactions with her and his assessment of her character led to that logical conclusion; he thought hed have to exin that this wasnt intended to be an ordinary dinner some time during the evening. But he was left stunned when he caught sight of Salvos at the meeting ce.
She normally wore an odd-looking dark blue jacket, with a bundle of rags wrapped around her neck, and her hair tied into a ponytail. That was not the Salvos that showed up for dinner.
Tonight, she let her silver hair flow freely like a steaming waterfall, curled and knotted by a braid at the very top. Her dress was colored her signature dark blue, although it was ornate, exuding an aura of elegance that was unlike her usual carefree demeanor. She swept across the marble floor in high heels, following Nn with poise as they were led to their table.
Nn had met a myriad of gorgeous women during his travels as an adventurer. But hed never truly seen someone as beautiful as Salvos. Even as he settled into his seat, he could feel a sense of nervousness building up within. His heart pounded like a [cksmith]s hammer in his chest. It was an unusual feeling for him.
But as he looked up from the menu, meeting Salvos gaze, he understood the authenticity of what he felt. He wanted to sigh, watching the way her sharp eyes turned to face their waiter. The way her head tilted to the side whenever she had a question, a simple quirk that seemed to capture her entire character, but was actually an elusive facade.
After all, she wasnt just a clueless girl as she might seem. Salvos had depth, greater than any other character Nn had ever met. She was a Diamond Rank adventurer. A hero in the eyes of many someone who experienced the thrill of adventure as Nn did. She was also a curious young woman, vying for knowledge, never satisfied with what she learned. And even more than that, she was a sophisticated, intelligent, and refineddy who proudly carried herself in a way that just made him respect her.
Salvos smiled at the waiter.
Do you guys, um, serve any bugs?
Nn blinked.
What did she just say?
Yes, I asked if you guys served any bugs.
I nodded as the waiter asked me to rify my question. The man shook his head apologetically.
Im sorry, Miss, but we do not have a dinner option for bugs here.
Well, you should, because Im not going to be eating anything unless it has six legs, antennae, and is squirming on my te, got it?
Well see what we can do.
The water hurriedly left, and I turned to Nn, rolling my eyes.
Bad service, am I right?
Errr right.
He didnt exactly meet my gaze as he flipped through the menu. It took him a while to decide on what he wanted to order. The waiter returned, bowing deeply at me.
I must apologize, but our [Chef]s are unable to amodate this request. Is there nothing on the menu that would suit your tastes?
I looked down at the menu for a second, and tossed it at the table.
Nope! Only bugs. I just love the way they crunch in my mouth. Theyre delicious!
I made a chewing noise as the waiter hesitated. Then Nn spoke out.
Salvos, if I may speak with him.
He ushered the waiter over, exchanging a quiet conversation. The waiter nodded as Nn pointed at the menu, and I watched them.
Was it working?
Saffron told me to just be myself. Which was rude! But it wasnt really untrue. If not for the constraints that came from Human social conventions. Sure, I didnt care about adhering to those most of the time. But it sometimes mattered, just like how Kobold social conventions mattered, and Elven social conventions mattered.
The waiter drew back, nodding at Nn, before taking his leave. I peered at Nn.
What was that about?
Its nothing. I simply tried to get you topromise for you.
He waved a hand off before continuing.
So, Salvos, tell me more about yourself. I must confess, Ive been fascinated by what Ive heard of you, especially with how rapidly youve risen into prominence over the past few years.
Oh, um, so Im Salvos although you already knew that.
I do, yes.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the edge of the table. I tapped a finger on my chin. There were so many things for me to say about myself! I could talk about myself forever. But I caught myself. I was supposed to be trying to disgust him make him lose interest in me. Which meant I should talk about
I really love bugs. Theyre delicious. Have you ever tried them, Nn?
There was a pause. Nn gave me a thin smile as he replied.
Unfortunately, I have not. I dont think
You should try it. Its really good!
I
Have you ever just grabbed a handful of ants and stuffed them in your mouth? The best part is when some of them escape and theyre crawling all over your teeth, so you just lick your tongue all over it.
I sighed wistfully, smacking my lips together.
Delicious.
Im sure?
He shifted ufortably as a server came, pouring us both a ss of wine each. Nn was about to take a sip when I pushed my ss back.
Sorry. Dont like alcohol. Makes me throw up.
With a deep breath, he downed his ss in an instant. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he adjusted his suit and spoke apprehensively.
Is there any reason for your particr tastes, Salvos?
I shrugged.
Its just how I am.
I see.
The two of us sat in silence for a moment. I just stared at him, and he fidgeted, unsure of what to say. Then he tried changing topics.
Did you hear about what happenedst weekend? A group of Elves brazenly assault Mavos Academy, killing dozens of high ranking nobles and tinums. They even killed two Diamonds in the battle.
Oh, yep, I was there.
It is such a tragedy. And now the various families who lost their wait, you were there?
He narrowed his eyes. I nodded.
Yep. I saved Ivonne and everything. Got myself covered in Elf blood too!
The idea of me being covered in blood didnt disgust him, which I shouldve known. He was an adventurer like me, so gore didnt disturb him, even if he appeared and acted like a noble. I tried thinking of linking this topic back to bugs, but his eyes flickered.
Ah. So thats why you postponedst weeks date.
I paused. Then I nodded slowly.
Yep. I had to attend it to get some ingredients for wait, didnt I tell you this?
This does ring a bell.
Nn ced a hand on his chin.
Now I remember. I had forgotten it because I had... other things in my mind at the time.
He left the words unsaid, but he probably was referring to the fact that I had openly told him that I forgot about our date back then. And to think that I believed I handled that well! That just showed I still had a lot to learn about how mortals worked.
Lets not dwell on these serious topics. Im sure youd rather not discuss such an event over dinner. Howd your midterms go, Salvos?
Oh. I did good! I think. I dont know, actually.
So, do you not know or do you think you did well?
Heughed, and I scowled.
Im unsure, alright? I feel like I may have done well, but I also may not? Ive never actually taken a test before.
You have not?
Nn blinked. I paused.
Um, no? Is that odd?
Edithe had once told me that not all Humans went to school. It wasnt weird for me to say that I never went to school before now, right? Nn shook his head.
Ah, no. I was simply surprised because you seem so intelligent, I assumed you received a formal education in your household when growing up.
I beamed.
Well, it may seem like thats the case, but Im actually just very smart!
I was five years old and already in Mavos Academys School of Aspiring Elites. Human five year olds couldnt even read properly, or something.
Indeed you are. Also, our foods arriving.
Nn nodded, turning as a waiter appeared with our dishes. I frowned.
What did you order for me?
A crown tusked crab. Its boiled in a sweet chili sauce which Im sure youll love.
I wrinkled my nose as the meal was ced in front of me.
Hey, didnt I ask for
Something with six legs, antennae, and is squirming in front of you?
Nn grinned. He gestured at the crab.
The crown tusked crab is the only crab in the world with six legs. Imported from the Cyclopsnds, it has a pair of feelers or antennae and also, due to the boiling chili sauce, it gives off the appearance that its squirming, see?
But thats...
What he said was certainly all true. It definitely met the criteria Iid out. But I was obviously alluding to bugs, not to this! I opened my mouth, and Nn spoke over me.
I insist you try it first.
Fine.
I crossed my arms, before grabbing a fork. I stabbed into a piece of the crab, already expecting to grimace from the taste. I bit into it
And paused.
Huh.
I chewed slowly, tasting the rubbery texture of the crab. Nn stared at me. My mouth dropped.
Thats delicious! Well, the crabs delicious. Everything around it isnt as good. If you just served me the crab alone, itd have been way better!
I devoured the crab quickly it tasted very simr to how a beetle or a roach, except it was cooked. It wasnt as good as, say, a wasp. But it was very nice nheless. It could be improved if I ate it raw.
I caught myself when I realized that Nn wasnt saying anything. I cleared my throat, softly cing the fork back down onto the table.
Um, I think its good?
Nn coughed.
Right, but, errr Salvos, youre supposed to eat it without the shell. Its not a soft-shelled crab.
I blinked. I stared at the crab leg I had pulled out. It certainly had been crunchy in my mouth. But
I prefer it this way!
--
Our date continued, and we chatted about school and our own adventures. I left out the parts that implicated me as a Demon, telling him about how I managed to defeat the Lich and save Edithe. Nn shook his head.
So, youre telling me that the Lich, the gue of the gunds, and the remnants of Zacharius the Quisling himself, was actually just enamored over a single girl?
Pretty stupid, right?
He paused. Then he smiled.
I cant say I dont rte with him, but it does seem quite ridiculous when you consider the consequences of his actions over history.
I blinked. I almostpletely forgot that I was supposed to be trying to gross him out. I was just talking to him normally. I really didnt understand was a date supposed to be something special? Or was it another weird concept created by Humans just to make their lives more unnecessarilyplex?
Either way, I was reminded of what I was supposed to do as I strolled with Nn out of Crimsonbroths Seafood.
What did you think of tonight, Salvos?
Nn faced me as a dark cloud hovered over the moon, blotting out its light. I was about to answer honestly, but my mission resounded in my mind, so I just opened my hands and shrugged.
Couldve had more bugs and itd be better.
He paused. His lips were pursed. Nn squinted as he looked at me, and I hesitated.
Yes?
Are you are you doing this on purpose, Salvos?
Am I doing what on purpose?
Youve never once brought up anything like this until well, tonight. Im just wondering if youve been purposefully doing this.
I froze. I really needed to improve my social skills. I had thought I fooled him, but just likest time, I waspletely off base. I averted my gaze.
Maybe?
Why?
Nn asked, not annoyed or angry, just questioning. I scratched the back of my head.
Because my friend, um, said you werent a good person to women? Or something?
Ah. I thought so.
Sighing, Nn sat on a nearby bench as I stood in front of him.
Perhaps youve heard of less-than-kind things about my character. And they may have been true. Once, in the past, I was a young man who was overindulgent in my actions with women. Yes, amongst nobility and the upper ss, such actions are oft looked down upon. But as an adventurer, what I did wasnt out of the ordinary.
He closed his eyes, as if recalling a memory.
But there was one thing I did differently than others. I was always honest with my intentions, Salvos. The women I fooled around with knew it would never be anything serious. I told them outright that I didnt n on settling down with someone yet. And since then, Ive changed. Now, Ive be a romantic. Now, I want to find love.
I shifted ufortably as Nn stood back up. He took my hand, kneeling on the ground.
So, just as I was honest with my intentions in the past, Ill be honest now. I believe that you may be the one for me when I think of you, I know that Im captivated by you. Around you, I am both content and anxious. I feel affection and apprehension when I see you. I know this is sudden, but I truly think I love you, Salvos.
With a kiss on the back of my hand, he stood up. Nn met my gaze as I cocked my head.
And that is why Id like to know your intentions with me, Salvos. Please be honest. Id rather not pressure you into saying anything you dont want to.
Its fine, Nn. Youre not pressuring me.
I drew my hand back as I stepped back. I tilted my chin slightly, thinking for a moment about Nn. He said that the first thing he thought of when he thought of me was how he loved me. So, I focused on what I felt when I thought of him
I think of you as my friend, Nn. Youve been nice to me, youve helped me, and youve treated me well. But I dont love you. At least, not in the same way you do love me.
Nn blinked. His head drooped, and he spoke softly.
I see.
I shook my head.
Its not because of what Ive heard about you actually, when we first met, you asked me if I had heard of you, the Mighty Warrior, before, right? Well, I identally lied when I said I didnt. Ive heard about you before, Nn.
You have?
He raised a brow, and I smiled.
Yep. I met Lucy. I dont know if you remember her. But shes a girl you met back when you were only a Gold Rank. Back when you were passing through a town called Dawnwind.
I only recalled this just the other day, after Saffron told me about Nns women escapades. I didnt think too much about it beyond just remembering it.
Nns eyes widened.
Ah, Lucy. Yes, I remember her. She wanted there to be something more between us, even if knew that we were never going tost. I warned her I even told her to stay in her town. But she insisted oning. And I couldnt just leave her in the wilderness all on her own, could I?
I nodded.
And if youre asking me what I think, I don''t care about that. I dont really care what others say about you, Nn. I know the person I met, and youre not a bad guy. Youre just my friend, thats all.
Nn gave me a pained smile.
When you say it like that, it really does hurt, you know?
Im sure it does. But you asked me to be honest, and thats how I feel.
I spread my arms wide, spinning around.
Even if things arent always going great for me, Ive always feltfortable. Im happy, and I dont think thatll change.
Nn chuckled, massaging his temples.
At least one of us is.
Im sure youll find someone else one day, Nn. Its just not me.
He closed his eyes. With a deep breath, he smiled.
Thank you. And I dont me you, Salvos. I me myself for being foolish enough to dere my love for you on our first date.
He hesitated.
But can I at least walk you back to where you live?
I beamed.
Of course. Were friends, right?
Nn nodded, walking ahead of me.
That we are.
Chapter 206: Cleaning Up
Chapter 206: Cleaning Up
206. Cleaning Up
General Skill [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 4] -> [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh.
The date with Nn tired me out, and I was finished with my midterms, so just for tonight, I gave myself a brief reprieve. That didnt mean Id go to sleep. Sleep wasnt very rxing. Instead, I left the dorm and headed for Wimborne despite my drowsiness, wandering around the city for the night. Unfortunately, it seemed that most Humans were asleep.
I stopped by one of the only open stalls, cocking my head.
Do you guys sell any crabs here? Or, um, shrimps maybe?
Sorry, Miss, we only got fish ere.
Aw. Are there any shops here that sell more than just fish?
The [Fisher] shook his head.
Most of the markets are closed right now, Miss. And were not Cyclopes who have their night markets or wet markets, full of all kinds of seafood. The coast here is shallowpared to their cities. We gotta sell what we can sell.
And thats fish?
I wrinkled my nose. He shrugged.
It is most of what we can catch without going too far out.
It was a shame. I really wanted to try eating a crab without it being coated in that tasteless sauce. Maybe even bite into itpletely raw, just to get the sense of what it tasted like without any of the gross artificial vors Humans liked to add.
I left the market street, heading for the Adventurers Guild. There was a ce I needed to go to during the uing week. I had a short period of time where I didnt need to study as much, since I justpleted my midterms. So, it was best that I headed to the Rainforest of Monsters as soon as possible to acquire an Enigmatic Heart. After all, it was necessary if I really wanted to create a Potion of Regeneration.
The receptionist at the Adventurers Guild barely nced up as I sauntered in. It took me a moment to grab his attention.
Hello? Hello! Im here to ask a question!
Hm?
He put down a book,zily meeting my gaze.
Did you need something, Miss
Its Salvos.
I spoke simply, raising my chin slightly, and waiting for him to recognize my name in awe. He just nodded.
Alright, Ms Salvos. Did you need something?
I blinked. I scratched the back of my head.
Um, do you not know me?
Youre an adventurer who needs something important for your important quest to help someone important, which is important enough for you toe here in the middle of this important night. Yeah, I know your kind.
What?
I sputtered.
No! Thats not it at all! Its about
Yeah, yeah, get on with it already, Miss. I dont care which small lord ordy youre helping with in your quest. Just
I glowered. I wanted to be nice. But this guy was a jerk! So, I mmed my adventurers badge down onto the table.
Here.
Hm?
He paused. His eyes widened.
Wait, this badge is
A few heads turned. The Adventurers Guild wasnt crowded, but there were still a handful of adventurers gathered here. Their eyes were caught by the glinting metal. The badge of a Diamond Ranked adventurer.
My badge.
There were a few gasps and whispers. I bared my teeth, leaning forward.
Now, Mr Receptionist, will you be so kind as to actually listen to me? Or are you going to keep being rude?
He gulped.
U-uh, what did you need, Ms Salvos?
--
The Adventurers Guild of Wimborne didnt have too much information on the Rainforest of Monsters. That was because the Rainforest of Monsters was too far away from Shedos, located all the way down to the southwest of the Humannds. I could probably cover that distance on a good day of flying, but I wanted to learn more about this dangerous ce before going into it.
I learned from the gunds. I had known very little about the gunds, even with Daniel and Edithes guidance and what little cursory research I did beforehand. I thought that was enough, but when I was getting chased around by angry Kobolds for reasons that eluded me and attacked by a Lich that was obsessed with its dead lover, I realized that maybe I should be a bit more thorough to know what the greatest threats were in a single location.
The Adventurers Guild of Wimborne offered me what they knew, and suggested that I inquire more about the Rainforest of Monsters once I was in the country of Odra. It was a small country towards the south of the Sunmere Republic, bordering the Rainforest of Monsters in a sense. They actually bordered an expansive nd which went on for a hundred miles before the terrain would even shift into that of a jungle.
Odra was the leading nation in charge of the Alterian League, so they should have been able to tell me a lot more than what I learned here, considering that that league was in charge of repelling monster hordes from the Rainforest of Monsters.
Regardless, what I learned from my trip to Wimborne was that Humans were rude unless they had something to respect or fear. Oh, also, that the Rainforest of Monsters was farrger than the gunds. But unlike the gunds, it wasnt just a single dangerous ce. There were some parts of the Rainforest of Monsters that were popted with monsters barely at Level 10. The problem was that some of the deeper areas of the Rainforest of Monsters were filled with Level 100 creatures lurking with the keen intelligence an undead would never have.
Also, while Skeletons and Zombies the undead that made up the bulk of the gunds were swarm monsters, many of the monsters in the Rainforest of Monsters were not swarm monsters. Theyd be more equivalent to a Ghoul. But Ghouls, like every other undead, only had a single ss or Subspecies.
Apparently, certain rare Species of monsters underwent the same change that Humans would undergo at Level 100 theyd unlock a second ss. Or in the case of monsters, theyd get a second Subspecies. Centinels were one of such monsters. At Level 100, theyd be so grotesquely deformed due to having two Subspecies instead of just one.
I wanted to get a second Subspecies, if I was being honest, just to see what itd give me. But us Demons got a ss at Level 100, in addition to their Subspecies. And I wasnt unhappy with my ss. It had a very cool name. I just wanted another Subspecies as well.
Maybe I can unlock a second Subspecies at Level 200? Or maybe Level 150!
I returned to my Lair, transforming out of my [Partial Mortality] to refresh myself and clear myself from my need to sleep. I didnt study, instead just sifting through the things I had, taking inventory of everything I kept in my Lair.
I had a lot of books which I still hadnt read, taken from the [Cultists] I killed. Id been meaning to dig into them, but many of them espoused the same things about Regnorex and how amazing he was. It was hard even finding a book that departed from that standard doctrine one which delved into the procedure behind Demon summoning. And Id read all of those at this point.
There were other things I owned. Old artifacts which I took off the corpses or treasures I uncovered. Many of them were worthless. Like this Amulet of Blood Extraction. It apparently was useful for drawing the blood out of the sacrifice used in summoning rituals.
Id never need that. I just kept it in my Lair.
There were other trinkets and objects which I pulled out of my bags. They were dusty, untouched by me for months or even years. I began organizing them, making my Lair look nice, because I wanted to have a nice Lair.
I paused as I grabbed an object from deep inside one of my sacks.
Whats this?
[Dreaded Goblet: High Grade Equipment - Used in rituals to call upon the wisdom of the Old Gods.]
Huh. Oh, what do I do with this?
I remembered getting this back just before I fought Zix in a duel. I didnt think too much about it, but what did it mean by the wisdom of the Old Gods? I was curious. However, I didnt have any rituals to carry out. Well, I did have a lot of books on how to carry out rituals
Id take a look into it next time.
For now, I finished making my Lair look nice and tidy as the sun rose. I crossed my arms, satisfied.
Thats good. Maybe Ill show Saffron my Lair some time.
I still had a week of sses ahead of me. And then once it was all finished, Id finally get thest ingredient I needed for my Potion of Regeneration.
Chapter 207: Break Time!
Chapter 207: Break Time!
207. Break Time!
A week passed, and it was finally time.
When will you be back?
Saffron crossed her arms as I started for the doorway. Spinning around, I held her gaze and waved a hand off.
I dont know, but itll be fine!
You do realize youll only have a week before sses resume, right? Its a one week break. Youll need to keep track of time and actually n when you want to return from the Rainforest of Monsters.
There was only one week of break after midterms for us to take our time off; I was hoping that Id be able to find an Enigmatic Heart quickly enough that I wouldnt return back to school after sses resumed. We were about two-thirds of our way into the academic term. Itd be disastrous if I missed any of my sses now!
I know, I know.
I grinned, patting Saffron on the shoulder. She gave me a dubious look. But I produced something from my pocket.
Oh, by the way. Here
She blinked as I handed her something. It was a metal sk, one used for drinking alcohol. Except, it didnt have alcohol, instead holding within it the siphoned blood of a Demon. My blood.
This is in case you want it.
I handed her a second sk. A vial of red, Human blood. Also my blood, except when I was transformed to a Human.
And this is in case you need it.
Her eyes widened and her mouth watered the moment I handed both to her. Saffron cleared her throat and snatched the two bottles of blood away from me, keeping it in a Bag of Holding. Composing herself, she spoke softly.
Thank you, Salvos. You are truly a dear friend. I bid you good luck on your journey.
Bye! See you in a week!
I waved at her as I ran out the door. I zipped my way through the crowds of students filling the hallway. The College of Aspirations had a week break too, so many of the students were leaving today to go on a short vacation or holiday to visit their friends or family.
Me? While Id love to find Daniel or Edithe to check up on them, I genuinely couldnt due to my own obligations to myself. I had to get a Potion of Regeneration. I felt a slight itch on my shoulder, even though I was a Human right now. Even though the loss of an arm didnt bother me not with [Faux Limbs]. Even though I looked more terrifying with five arms than six.
It just annoyed me that I wasntplete or whole. The scar I bore it was nothing to be proud of. Quite the opposite, really.
--
I drifted above the clouds, seeing Mavos Academy disappear far behind him. It took a while before the tallest tower of the magical school vanished from sight. I flew at a rtively fast pace slow enough not to tire me out and fast enough to get me to my location as quickly as possible.
I just had to head in the right general direction for a few hours. Maybe even for a day. But when I was closer to Odra, Id swoop down to a nearby city and navigate to the country from there. I continued flying, even as the clouds darkened on the horizon. I spotted a wall of smoke rising towards the southeast, and I knew that was where Nixa was. Belzu left behind a trail of destruction one that wrought death and the possibility of death to those disced from this.
The Humans were very angry and very afraid. I heard that they were mobilizing a great number of forces between many different countries. I wondered for a moment, how many possible friends orpanions I couldve made from those who were lost due to this conflict?
So many people from Xidra to Lily to Visanya to Edithe told me that I couldnt just do whatever I wanted and ignore all the problems of the world. And I considered, for a brief moment, about intervening. Then I remembered what happened when I fought Belzu.
The illusions. His curses. How a single attack from him nearly broke through all my protections. How so easily his army felled an entire city.
Even if I wanted to fight against him, I couldnt. I would die.
And I didnt want to fight him either. In fact, the idea of fighting him never even crossed my mind. When I thought of Belzu, I felt not animosity or hatred, but a sense of aspiration. He was someone I wanted to be and surpass.
To do that, first I needed to get stronger.
That was why I continued to Odra, ignoring the razed cities and forests in the distance.
--
I dropped from the sky. Night had fallen, and so did I. Inded at the closest town I could find, transforming to a Cyclops, and getting a room at an inn. It waste enough that the streets were mostly empty. And while a few heads were drawn towards my direction, being a Cyclops and all, nothing came from it.
I simply fell asleep and woke up after a few hours, fully rested, spending much less time in bed than as I would if I were a Human. I departed the next day, not before quickly asking for the way to Odra. I was currently in Florith, right at the edge of the Sunmere Republic. Odra would be directly down south from me. I thanked the [Innkeeper], giving him a gold coin for the room and the help. His eyes widened at its glint, before I ran off.
Thank you, Ms Cyclops!
Its Sal Sal!
I needed to get used toing up with fake names, especially when I didnt want attention drawn to myself. I left the town, soaring up back to the sky, heading straight to the south. Where Odra was.
I continued my flight, watching thendscape unfurl below me. While the Sunmere Republic had a rich and diversendscape of various different ecological systems, the countries to the south had a far more dull and monotonous terrain. Everything just became more brown. The sprawling fields of grass shriveled up into unending fields of dirt and sand, rising up to short hills and valleys, specked with dried nts that barely survived the weather.
It almost reminded me of the gunds. But there was no blight, billowing up, coating thendscape like a nket of brownish-green fog.
It was a desert. It wasnt dry and devoid of all nts. However, with the cloudless skies and the barrenndscape, it didnt look like this was a ce that people would normally live in. And yet, I saw the cities. Farms filled the outskirts of these settlements, growing an abundance of wheat and other agriculture. There were [Farmhelp] tilling the fields as [Farmers] used their Skills to let their crops flourish under the oppressive sun.
I made sure to transform back to a Human in case anyone spotted me. I made frequent stops, asking whether I was in Odra yet, until finally, someone said yes.
Youre in Assain, Miss, right at the border between Odra and Zunus.
Bring me to your Adventurers Guild.
I shed her my badge and some coin. The woman stared. Then she hurriedly acquiesced.
--
The thing about a sort of decentralized Adventurers Guild was that information wasnt nearly as universal as it could be. Each local Adventurers Guild would usually know something the others didnt, mostly because it wasnt of enough import to spread it around because the other Adventurers Guild in other cities didnt care. Fact was, most of the heavy lifting regarding information and threats was handled by the adventuringpanies.
It was only when a threat was sorge like Belzus presence in Motharis over a year ago now that the Adventurers Guild would actively diffuse the news about it. Even then, unlesspanies cared about these problems, nothing would be done about it. Independent adventurers might have been plentiful, but they were also, on average, the lowest-leveled with the highest mortality rate.
When information was withheld from them, they wouldnt be able to prepare themselves as thoroughly as someone from a localpany when delving into a Dungeon. There was also the factor of how theyd be more recklesspared to those inpanies, especially since they didnt have ess to the same resources as adventurers, but that was besides the point.
The point was, I couldnt learn what I really wanted to about the Rainforest of Monsters without joining the Sandsword Company.
I apologize, Ms Salvos, but Ive told you everything the Adventurers Guild knows about the Rainforest of Monsters.
But what about an Enigmatic Heart? Dont you know where I can find these [Lux Golmi] at all?
The receptionist was a woman with tanned skin and curly hair. She gave me an apologetic look, shaking her head.
All we know of the [Lux Golmi] is that it can be found in the deeperyers of the Rainforest. Near mountains orrge rock formations. Other than that, we cant say for sure.
I scowled, pulling my shiny Diamond Rank badge from the counter. Even that wasnt enough to convince the Adventurers Guild to help me. I heard a few murmurs adventurers were pointing and whispering. Someone even approached me to join their team since they were tinum Ranked, but I turned them down.
I thought this was Odra arent you guys part of the Alterian League? Why can neither the town guards or local Adventurers Guild tell me anything about the Rainforest of Monsters?
The receptionist pursed her lips.
The truth is, Ms Salvos, that the Rainforest of Monsters just isnt as big of a threat as you might think it is. There are the asional hordes of monsters that may head for the Humannds once every decade, but its hardly a constant trickling of undead or Centinels like with the gunds or the Bloodied Gulf. We just send our coalition armies to crush the monster hordes, and thats it. We rarely venture into the Rainforest itself.
Thats not very helpful. Nor does it make me feel any better.
W-we can tell you more about the [Lux Golmi] if youd like... or check with the Swordsand Company or Merchants Guild if theres an Enigmatic Heart for sale
Its fine. Its not your fault.
I waved a hand off, interrupting the woman. I grabbed a crawling centipede from the underside of the counter, biting into it with a crunch.
Gross. No just give me whatever notes you have on the [Lux Golmi]. Ill read up on itter. Im hungry now. Do you serve anything good like cockroaches or mosquitos?
Uh
She paled as I munched on the centipede. It really didnt taste that nice. But I was starving, having been flying as a mortal for a while.
W-we dont serve any of those, but we can try to find
How about seafood? Do you have any seafood here?
The receptionist blinked. For whatever reason, she looked at me stupidly. I cocked my head, waiting for her to respond. Finally, she sighed.
Would fried scorpion suffice, Ms Salvos?
Huh. Maybe?
--
Fried scorpion was actually not bad. It wasnt anything amazing. But it didnt taste dull like steak did. And it wasnt disgusting either. So, I happily indulged myself in it before taking off for the Rainforest of Monsters.
I flew at a slower pace, sifting through the documents Id been given by the Adventurers Guild, no longer within the borders of Odra. They gave me a very rough map of the Rainforest, and some information regarding the [Lux Golmi] and other lesser Golem variants. The average level of a [Lux Golmi] was honestly quite high around Level 120. Just like undead, however, they didnt have a second Subspecies or ss once they hit Level 100. So, despite their significantly higher levels, I could probably take one on without as much difficulty as some other monsters.
Like the Goblins or Orcs that popted the Rainforest of Monsters. While I requested no information on them, the Adventurers Guild issued me a free warning about how dangerous those monsters could be.
Id try to avoid fighting them if I ran into them in the Rainforest. For now, I read up about the [Lux Golmi]. Apparently, they specialized in mind magic, just like a Mindreaper. Except, they didnt just try to twist your sense to inflict excruciating mental damage to you. These [Lux Golmi] would unravel your mind as a way to distract you before beating you to death with their, well, deadly stone hands.
They were rarely ever alone, either. So, if I saw a group of high-leveled Golems, theyd likely be somewhere amongst them. I set out to search for any Golems I could first and foremost. I just had to fly quickly and
A screech came from above. The sound itself sent a ripple through my aura of Greater Protection. I instantly activated [The Primordial Spark], forming an armor of mes around my body. I nced up as a hulking falcon swooped down from above.
Its wing talons grabbed for me as it continued its sound magic assault.
[Razorsoul Falcon - Lvl. 105]
I grinned, fire blooming around me.
I havent had a good fight in a while. Care to entertain me for a bit?
Chapter 208: Rainforest of Monsters
Chapter 208: Rainforest of Monsters
208. Rainforest of Monsters
[Razorsoul Falcon - Lvl. 105]
I found myself in an airborne battle, zipping over the rapidly changingndscape, and leading a massive monster after me. It was fast. Somehow, there was a constant gust of wind blowing out from its tail, and it had six wings carrying it forward. I had to admit, even with [Haste] active, I had trouble outflying it. At more than one point, it nearly grabbed me with its talons, even as its sound magic red from its mouth.
Eat this, stupid bird!
A small wisp of blue me twinkled into existence right by my shoulder. It unfurled like a flower, petals of cinder and ember peeling off, before instantly expanding and sting out like a hail of falling stars. The [Razorsoul Falcon] dove up, barely avoiding the attacks, the tip of its steel-like feathers being singed by the heat.
I narrowed my eyes as a shadow engulfed me. The monster pped its wings as it ascended like a rising curtain. It was about a dozen feet from beak to tail, with a wingspan that was even longer than the length of its body. Yet, I couldnt hit it. Its [Agility] was too high. And despite its fast speeds, it also had powerful sound magic.
I dipped down before it could open its beak. I heard the shrill sound echo behind me, but its effects were far weaker over a great distance. The [Razorsoul Falcon] knew this as well, so it gave chase. The ground approached quickly in my descent as the monster trailer after me. Before I could crash into the grassy earth, I turned at the veryst second, flying parallel to the rolling hills.
Thendscape here was no longer that of a desert, turning more lush and green the closer I flew to the Rainforest of Monsters. In fact, I could see the tall trees in the distance, forming a wall of brown with their giant trunks, and marking my destination. I flew straight for that sea of trees. The tall grass brushed against my legs as I stayed low, even as the [Razorsoul Falcon] followed after me.
It closed the distance with each split second that passed. Its screeching grew louder and louder. I nced back at it, unleashing a salvo of ming projectiles. It blew apart thendscape. Blue sts that scarred the earth, tearing up small hills and mounds like they were weeds in a field. The monster avoided the fury of [The Primordial Spark] as it bounced up and down, screeching the whole time.
It was louder now. An ear-piercing sound that sent a ripple over my aura of Greater Protection. Pursing my lips, I felt the wind beating at my face lighten up, and the effects of my [Haste] vanish. A burst of air shot the [Razorsoul Falcon] forward.
I pulled up just before I reached the Rainforest of Monsters, with the monster now snapping for my leg. I flew to the sky as it followed after me
And I smirked.
I pivoted in the air, fire building up at my feet. With a single p of my wings, I shot straight down, a hand raised to the side, pulling a fiery scythe out of a gathering of motes and sparks. I swiped for the [Razorsoul Falcon]. And it dodged to the side. My eyes flickered as its entire massive body nimbly pulled away from me, my scythe shearing off its feathers more than its skin.
I continued falling to the ground as the monster inhaled sharply, readying another st of sound magic. Then I spun around, letting my scythe dissipate, grabbing for the trailing embers from my me Burst behind me. They solidified, forming chains interlinked all at once. They wrapped around the [Razorsoul Falcon] as it let out a panicked sound.
I tugged the chains, tightening it around the giant monster. For a creature of this size, youd assume that it had a hulking physical prowess to back it. But I saw the range of its [Agility] and its [Wisdom] and even its [Vitality]. It couldnt possibly have had incredible [Strength] too.
Just as I thought, the [Razorsoul Falcon] was bound and couldnt break out. It struggled, tumbling out of the air, somehow still barely trying to avoid me even in its state. I held out a single finger, lightly touching the side of its wing. Then it fell as I flew back up.
It screeched once more, falling to the ground. I looked down at it. A glowing symbol etched itself on its skin. The monster red up at me.
Before it exploded.
[Demons Mark].
Defeated [Razorsoul Falcon - Lvl. 105]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
A massive crater was left behind where the [Razorsoul Falcon] fell. Blue mes raged hundreds of feet out from ground zero of the explosion. I settled down next to a burning feather, crossing my arms as my wings receded into my back. With a snap of my fingers, my fire armor and the residual mes from the st vanished. I nced down at the half-burnt feather.
Sound magic and wind magic. It was very strong too. It had to have been Level 100 in both its Subspecies.
Was that why it looked so odd, even for a monster? It certainly didnt look like any falcon Id seen before. Shrugging, I continued forward, entering the Rainforest of Monsters, walking under the tall trees as the sun set behind me.
--
The Rainforest of Monsters.
It was one of the few Diamond Rank regions in the world. It wasnt just a Dungeon. If a Dungeon was a collection of Lairs, then the Rainforest of Monsters was a collection of Dungeons.
The battle with the [Razorsoul Falcon] proved it. It prefigured what was toe or at least, I thought it did. I expected to fight a dozen different monsters, crawling out from the dense foliage, ready to pounce for my head. But so far, there was nothing.
It was like I was strolling through one of the botanical gardens of Mavos Academy. Peaceful. Tranquil. I could hear the soft chirping of crickets, a cacophonous echo that was somehow gentle on the ear. Insects buzzed about, making not a sound, instead shining in the darkness of the night, glowing and dimming every few seconds like sparks from a fire.
I grabbed one of these insects out of the air and bit into it.
Not crunchy.
I shrugged and marched on. My body flickered for a moment as I walked past a tall tree. When I stepped around the other side of it, my skin was pale, not that of a Human anymore. I had a pair of horns protruding from my head, and wed hands that could rip down the trees around me with ease. They really were tall too.
Some of the trees rose up to a hundred feet or more giants that stood taller than the towers in some Human cities. They didnt fully blot out the sky. I could still see some of the stars and even the moon overhead. But these were some of the tallest trees Id ever seen. And apparently, I was only in the fringes of the Rainforest of Monsters.
Alright, Im done walking.
My wings spread wide, crooked bones that didnt send out a gust with each p they made. I didnt need to cover them with my mes any longer either. I flew up once more, this time, just to get a sweeping view of thendscape. Birds burst out of their nests some of them monsters, others just animals, but none of them daring enough to attack me.
How do I find these Golems? Theyre supposed to be around rock formations, right?
I spotted a few mountains and hills in the distance. But they were all forested over, carpeted with a thickyer of fauna. It was going to be hard finding any Golems like this.
So, I just have to search faster.
I exploded over thendscape, eyes darting around to any notablendmark I could investigate. It was an ocean of foliage and trees that just seemed to grow taller and taller. Their barks were wrapped in vines, and their branches were crawling with giant monsters that scrambled to hide as I flew over them.
I continued flying, unperturbed as the stars wheeled in the sable dome above. Then I blinked as a glowing spear seemed to shoot up at me. I caught it out of the air, slowing my flight. A giant silver beetle-like creature red up at me, with what was almost like a harpoon nocked onto its back. It fired a second glowing spear, and I created a Nebr Bow.
Take this!
My Nebr Arrow shot through the air faster than the monsters projectile. I easily flitted to the side of its attack, while my gray bolt lodged itself onto the monsters back. It made a clicking sound as it hopped to the side, firing even more glowing spears my way.
I drew another Nebr Arrow back, this time pouring even more of my mana into the projectile. I descended and dodged its glowing spears with ease, while my Nebr Arrow seemed to be ovee with a blue me. I nocked the zing Nebr Arrow, aiming for the monsters head. I released just as I swooped over it. And it sted apart the creature. Its head went flying as its blood sshed everywhere.
Defeated [Evolved ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 108]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Huh.
The monster was an even higher level than the [Razorsoul Falcon]. Yet, it was far easier to kill. Did that mean it didnt have a second Subspecies? It was almost like fighting a Ghoul back in the gunds, so Id assume so. Or maybe it did have a second Subspecies, but it was just far lower-leveled than what the [Razorsoul Falcon] had.
Either way, I took care of it with ease. Or so I thought.
As I was about to take back to the skies, another glowing projectile shot out at me. It was smaller than the glowing spear, more like the size of a spike, and it fired rapidly with a whistling sound. I didnt even catch it or knock it out of the way. I let [Scatter Shift] teleport them out of the way.
I nced up, grinning.
Oh, theres more of you?
[Armored ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 89]
[Evolved ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 102]
[ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 64]
Dozens of glowing projectiles were aimed at me as these monsters crawled out from beneath the ground. I took a step forward, hearing another notification resound in my head.
Now Entering [Lair: ckspike Beetles Nest].
So, you brought me to your Lair, huh?
I spread my arms wide, baring my teeth. They wouldve unleashed their projectiles at me in an instant, but I spoke simply.
Good.
They all froze for a moment. And it became a ughter.
Defeated [Armored ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 98]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Evolved ckspike Beetle - Lvl. 105]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Cleared [Lair: ckspike Beetles Nest]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 107] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 108]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 40] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 41]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 41] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 42]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 108
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 42
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 5
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 135 (+25)
[Strength]: 110 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 210 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 266 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 8
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 7
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 10
Chapter 209: Raining
Chapter 209: Raining
209. Raining
I leveled up three times across my Subspecies and ss. I gained 1 level in [Daeva Cambion] and 2 levels in [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus], utilizing thetter to a minimum in that battle. I wouldve loved to use my ss more, especially against such high-leveled enemies for the experience that was rewarded, but it barely even helped. Not as it was right now.
I could use [Scatter Shift] and [Mystical Projection] to some degrees of efficacy in battle. But everything else saw little-to-no-use. Even [Temporal Distortion] was only useful in certain situations. Otherwise, Id have leveled in my ss more.
Regardless, I leveled up once more in my Subspecies. I only just recently gained a level for it no more than a week and a half ago during the battle with the Elves and I was happy that I managed to gain another level now. Especially since the fight hadnt been that hard. Unless, of course, I gained an extra experience from the [Razorsoul Falcon] due to its multiple Subspecies being at a high level.
Either way, I distributed most of my Stat Points to [Agility], with a rtively even spread between the remaining Stats, while focusing most of my Skill Points on [Haste] with some for my other Skills. I was kind of upset that I was slower than the [Razorsoul Falcon], and since my Greaves of the Wanderer was destroyed by the Lich, I didnt have an extra artifact to help me move even faster.
I flew back up hundreds of feet up into the air, casting my gaze around the Rainforest of Monsters. Below me was a ravaged nest of ckspike Beetles. Dozens of themy dead, with their shells crushed and open. I mightve even tried to give them a little taste test, only to find that they were too chewy for me. They werent gross just not the best thing I ate today.
Thendscape blurred under me as I continued my flight, tapping a hand on my chin, and trying to make out anything I could even under the nket of night. I spotted a glowing object. It shot up at me not a spear, but an orb of energy. I blinked and dodged out of the way.
Huh.
What looked like a flower dragged itself out of the roots of a tall tree, its petals lined with fangs on its fringes. It let out a screech and shot another orb my way.
[Whomping Eene - Lvl 120]
Huh.
I dipped down as the orb exploded overhead. mes spread out around me, and I bared my teeth.
Alright, you monsters are getting annoying. I much preferred it when I thought this ce was peaceful!
--
Defeated [Whomping Eene - Lvl. 120]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [wing Mantis Striker - Lvl. 99]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 42] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 43]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 43] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 44]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I leveled up two more times in my ss, which shouldve been a good thing, if not for the amount of time it was taking away from me searching the Rainforest of Monsters for any Golems.
The sun began to rise as the night came to an end, and I barely made any progress towards finding a [Lux Golmi]. I wouldve just focused on flying, ignoring the monsters that attacked me, but those that did were often very persistent. So, I ended up engaging anyway.
I had under a week now to acquire the Enigmatic Heart. I really wasnt sure how I was going to find it. I thought Id start seeing these rock formations that was supposedly where Golems gathered, but even as I flew deeper into the Rainforest of Monsters, thendscape didnt change.
Well, actually, it did change. The deeper I went, the forest grew denser. The trees stood even taller, forming a single solid canopy that cast an infinite shadow of night over the earth. The vegetation grew thicker as green, purple, and yellow nts blotted out the soil, smearing their vibrancy across my vision. Perhaps that was why, even as I flew high overhead, I managed to spot the single dull-colored object moving right at the fringes of the treetops.
There was a glint. A small creature pulled an arrow back. I narrowed my eyes.
Thats a Goblin?
It was about to loose the arrow, and I conjured my own ming projectile. Then a figure grabbed it from beneath the treetop, pulling it down into the sea of leaves with a yank. I blinked.
Huh. What just happened?
I probably should have continued on, but I was now confused and curious about what happened to the Goblin. It wasnt like Id be running into a Golem anytime soon, anyway, so I dove down and sshed through the leaves to see what was going on. A small orb sparked into existence right over my shoulder, lighting the darkness, and showing me what was beneath the canopy.
A Goblin was being dragged down the trunk of the tall tree by a taller figure. Except, instead of eating the Goblin or trying to kill it, the other creature seemed almost cating? Both the Goblin and the other creature paused as they saw me. I cocked my head.
Um
The Goblin let out a garbled scream. He raised its bow, and I prepared myself once again, but the taller creature once again stopped it. She made a loud barking-like sound and pped the arm of the Goblin. The Goblin stopped as the other creature turned to face me. I stared at her. She had green skin and red eyes, with a pair of tusks poking out of the side of her face. She stood taller than me, although not nearly as tall as a Cyclopes. Barely taller than Daniels height.
[Busk Orc - Lvl. 75]
Hello?
I descended slowly,nding right next to the Orc and the Goblin right at the base of the tree. The Orc stepped forward, pushing the Goblin behind her, a hand raised with a wooden club. She growled as I nced between them, perplexed.
Can you, um, speak?
She barked once more, standing protectively over the Goblin. I red.
Im asking you a question. Theres no need for you to be so aggressive.
I raised a w, and the Orc paused. She clearly hesitated. But the Goblin snarled. He looked like he was about tosh out, when the Orc grabbed him and yanked him back. I frowned, watching the Orc slowly lower her weapon, whimpering as she raised a hand.
Huh. So, you cant speak then. But you can understand me? Or only sort of understand me.
I couldnt understand them either. The Goblin seemed to squeak and grunt, trying to tell something to the Orc. Or maybe... it wasnt an actualnguage that was being spoken? It was just noises they made with their mouths that conveyed a particr feeling. No real meaning behind it.
Thats interesting. I mean, Ive met some Goblins before, and while I tried to talk to them, they were
I watched the Goblin thrash in the Orcs hands, swinging his hands in the air like a rabid beast, uncaring of our literal 50 level difference.
They were just like you, yep.
I nodded, and the Orc made another whimpering sound. She backed away slowly. She clearly didnt want to be near me, instead wanting to leave and return to somewhere with the Goblin. But I was curious now. The Orc was clearly intelligent. [Identification] read it like it was a monster with a Subspecies, but the way it acted was not like any other monster Id met before.
Are you even a monster?
The Orc, obviously, couldnt give me a proper reply. Even with [Universal Language Comprehension] helping me understand her a little bit and vice versa, we still couldnt properlymunicate. Because, well, she couldnt properlymunicate, could she? Not in an advanced way like I could.
Look, I know Im making you ufortable, but could you maybe help me out here? Im lost, you see, and Id like to find my way to some, um, Golems? Do you know of any Golems around here?
I let my mes dissipate. It only made me seem more dangerous, and there was luminescent moss growing over the forest floor. It wasnt that bright, but it at least enabled me to see. The Orc stepped back. She didnt shake her head or nod those were Human actions. Instead, she let out a soft bark, and spun around.
I watched her drag the Goblin off, leaving me behind. I furrowed my brows.
Is that a yes or a no?
I followed the Orc anyway.
--
I trudged through the muddy ground, heading after the Orc woman as I heard the rainfall patter on the treetops above. The water fell into the earth from various funnels in the canopy, pouring down like a deluge on spots throughout the rainforest, rather than as raindrops all throughout. These streams crashed down like small waterfalls, filling up mini-mudkes around us. They varied in size too, with some as small as a puddle on the ground, formed by a trickling of water seeping in from above, while others were a hundred feet wide, deep and only growing wider.
The Orc woman led me to one such mudke as a heavy deluge was concentrated into it from above. I could hear the roaring of the water, along with the barking and grunting of dozens of other Orcs and Goblins. I nced up at the tall trees, seeing huts and houses built into them, and surrounding therge mudke. It was amune of monsters.
Huh. Do you guys live here?
There were crops being grown at the very edges of the mudke, with Orcs and Goblins alike tending to their wet soil so it wouldnt sink into the murky water. Three hulking figures each of them about the size of Lucerna, taller than a two storey house entered the mudke. Their rock-like ck skin was covered in grime as they reached into the mudke, pulling out what looked like dead animals that were caught up by the storm above.
[Hardened Troll - Lvl. 81]
They nced over at me, their movements very cial, and raised a brow. Their purple eyes bore into me, distrusting, but they didnt speak. Rather, they couldnt speak because of theck of a mouth. But a single bark came from the Orc woman that was leading me, and they returned back to dragging animals out of the water.
Thanks.
I smiled at the Orc woman, but she simply marched on to a nearby tree. She let go of the Goblin she was holding, pushing it away, and he scampered off. Then she climbed the tree as I followed her up.
Youre leading me to a house?
It was made out of wood and mud and leaves, supported by four different trees, big and small alike. It was bigger than the other huts around, hanging off tree branches and filled with Goblins and Orcs.
Are there Golems in here? Because you promised to lead me to Golems! Well I think, at least.
I shrugged as the Orc woman stepped into the hut, pushing aside a door made out of a giant leaf. There was a soft whistling sound as the shoots hanging above the doorway rattled. I entered after her, taking in the interior of the hut. Unlike Human houses or even Kobold houses, there was no furniture here. There were smaller Goblins children huddled together around leaves in various corners of the room. They perked up when they saw me. One of them even tried charging my way, but the Orc woman huffed loudly, and they all backed up.
Whats wrong with you Goblins? Are you guys wild or something?
Clearly, they werent. After all, they listened to the Orc sometimes. But wild Demons didnt even listen to each other: they couldnt think. They acted only on instinct, while these monsters didnt just act on instinct. They had a keener intelligence than many animals, even.
The Orc woman brought me to another section of the hut. It starkly stood out to the other room for a simple reason because it had a boiling pot located at the center of it. And there were tables filled with nts and small animals, kept in bundles or in wooden baskets. A small creature, about half my height, dashed about, moving his mouth.
Oh, Crkrs, I heard youe in. Sorry, i was just
He spun around and paused. We both stared at each other for a moment. He looked like a Goblin he was norger than the Goblin that nearly shot an arrow at me. But here he was, speaking casually like it was a normal thing to do. Not making the same garbled noises as the Goblins in the other room.
Hi?
[Gremlin - Lvl. 115]
The Gremlin dropped a bundle of flowers. His mouth hung open as he pointed at me.
D-Demon?
I nodded and pointed back at him.
You can speak?
He froze. I waved a hand in front of his face.
Um, hello? Wait, are you seriously scared of me because Im a Demon? Come on! Thats stupid! Youre not even a Human or a Kobold!
The Gremlin backed away as I scowled. I threw my hands up in the air out of frustration it was another stupid creature that hated me just because I was a Demon!
Then a smile crept up his lips. He burst outughing, grabbing at his belly, and doubling over on the ground.
Of course not. I fooled you, didnt I? No, Im not like a Human. I dont care that youre a Demon ha! I should be more scared of your levels than anything. Arent they so silly, focusing only on your Species?
He packed himself off the ground as I blinked.
That was a joke?
It is, it is. Frankly, Im not even sure how I even got to know the word, but [Advanced Language Comprehension] works in mysterious ways.
Smirking, he sauntered up to me and patted me on the shoulder. I backed up, confused, ncing between him and the Orc woman. The Orc woman still spoke nothing, instead just looming over in the corner silently.
[Advanced Language Comprehension].... Is that why you can? Sorry, what? Wait, who are you anyway?
The Gremlin tilted his head back and tapped a finger on his chin.
Right, I havent introduced myself, have I? How was it that Humans did it, again?
He swooped low into a bow, even bringing one of his legs back like a noble would. I stared at him, eyes wide.
Im Mngrph, the [Shaman] of this little vige youve stumbled upon. And one of the few Goblins stupid enough to evolve into a [Gremlin] rather than a [Hobgoblin]. How may I help you today?
Chapter 210: Commune
Chapter 210: Commune
210. Commune
Im Mngrph, the [Shaman] of this little vige youve stumbled upon. And one of the few Goblins stupid enough to evolve into a [Gremlin] rather than a [Hobgoblin]. How may I help you today?
I stared at Mngrph. He drew back, still smiling. I blinked.
Wait, but how are you?
I nced between the Gremlin and the Orc woman. She breathed out, almost grunting. I pointed an using finger at her.
Can you talk too?
She said nothing. Mngrphughed.
Unfortunately, Crkrs isnt capable of speech. At least, not in the same way I am. Orcs dont get that evolution choice, not that it really matters. They canmunicate without words just fine.
But cant Goblinsmunicate without words too?
I cocked my head. Every other Goblin Id seen interacted with each other without even uttering a single word, and they did so quite effectively. Why was Mngrph any different?
It is simply a difference between Species. It is the same with Demons, yes? To choose a new Subspecies at each evolution. So, at Level 100, I became a [Gremlin] and gained the [Racial Skill: Advanced Language Comprehension].
Huh. I didnt know other Species had a Skill like that too.
Its nothing asplex and intricate as your very own [Universal Language Comprehension]. But thats enough about me. Tell me about you: who are you and why are you here in our humblemune?
Mngrph smiled, and it wasnt really a kind smile. He looked just like any other Goblin. Short, gray skin, and beady eyes. But for whatever reason, his face was more Human than not. And I meant that he really looked kind of like a Human not like a Kobold or an Elf of a Cyclops. The way his lips curled up while his brows remained the same, that was really Human-like.
It was quite obviously a threat and not a threat at the same time. I didnt want to fight him. I found thismune of monsters quite interesting. So, I just said what I came here for.
Im Salvos, and I need your help. Im searching for a [Lux Golmi] a specific type of Golem. Or any Golems, really.
His eyes flickered. There was a subtle sh. Not anything physical, but magical. Did he cast a spell? I frowned, and he nodded.
I see. I have to say that what youre looking for is not something too elusive. I know of a Dungeon or two that may hold what you need. However, why should I help you?
Because, um actually, thats a good question. Why should you help me?
I tapped my finger on my chin. Mngrph started past me, grabbing a bowl of violet liquid.
Well, if you have no reason to give me for me to help you, then I shall be on my way.
I watched him go. Even Crkrs seemed confused. She blinked, and I turned to her.
Um, what? But didnt you show me to him to get him to help me?
The Orc woman made a whimpering sound. She clearly wasnt aware why the Gremlin turned me down either. I ran past her, heading out of the room. Mngrph stood over a pair of Goblin children, applying the violet liquid on their heads as they quivered and shook under arge leaf.
Hey, I really need your help. This is for something important!
Whats important to you may not be whats important to me. For me, whats important is making sure these kids recover soon.
Whats wrong with them?
I narrowed my eyes, and the violet liquid almost seemed to seep into their skin. It was an odd concoction it didnt look like anything that would be made from alchemy. It was far too crude to be proper alchemy.
Its nothing too bad. They simply strayed too close to a Cursed Thicket. The effects should wear off with time for the higher-leveled, but for those at such low levels, additional care is needed to keep them from dying.
The Goblin children tensed and their gray skin grew discolored. They grunted, turning beneath theirrge leaves in difort. I snapped my fingers.
I know! I can help you gather what you need to help them recover! If I do that, will you help me in return?
Mngrph drew away from the Goblin children, facing me with a grin.
That would be a fair trade if I needed your assistance. As it is right now, I have all the ingredients necessary to continue making this tincture for the next decade.
Huh.
My shoulders sagged as he left the Goblin children alone, even as they made garbled noises. That didnt work. That always worked when Humans were involved. For whatever reason, they were always in need of help, so theyd offer to help me if I helped them. But things worked differently here in the Rainforest of Monsters.
Mngrph walked off, and I scowled. He really wanted me to convince him somehow to help me. I tapped a finger on my chin, trying toe up with any reason. Then I remembered something I was told before.
I know Ill be your friend if you help me!
I ran up beside the Gremlin, waving my hands. He gave me a t stare.
No.
What? Aw.
Shaking his head, he lowered the bowl of violet liquid onto a makeshift table. He snapped his fingers and the mes in his boiling cauldron went out. The suddenness of it startled Crkrs who was standing in the corner of the room.
First of all friends? How very Human of you. I didnt expect a Demon such as yourself to be interested in making friends.
Hey! Im not just a Demon. Im Salvos, I told you!
That is true. And youck a summoning cor too. How peculiar.
He nodded, hefting his cauldron over away from the firece.
Yep, and thats because wait.
I paused. My eyes narrowed.
How do you know so much about Demons? Didnt you grow up here in the Rainforest of Monsters or something?
First of all, rude.
Mngrph feigned being upset. I rolled my eyes, and he continued.
Second of all, not all of us here grew up and lived in this samemune all our lives. Most of us here, like Crkrs there, grew up in differentmunes. We simply moved into thismune at some point after losing our previous homes. As for me, I grew up in the so-called Humannds.
You did?
I cocked my head. He nodded.
Yes. I was a ve.
A ve?
Or rather, not even a ve to them. I was a dog in their dog fights. Pitted against other supposed monsters farrger and stronger than me in underground gambling matches at Odra. Fighting for the entertainment of Humans.
The Gremlin ced his cauldron down at the corner of the room, stirring it, casting a spell to let the heat simmer down. I peered over his shoulder, and he waved a spoon in the air. I saw a marking on his forearm a symbol of a sword in a desert dune. A ves mark.
I managed to break free and kill all my captors beforeing here. Thats how I became a [Gremlin]. They thought just because I was a tiny Goblin, I was harmless. That I survived on luck, not wit. When they woke up with their necks being slit, they learned otherwise.
He scoffed as I stared at him.
Woah. Good job. Im d you escaped though!
Thank you.
He dipped the spoon in the bubbling liquid and paused. He faced me with a wry smile.
Im still not going to help you.
Aw,e on!
He drank from his cauldron. Was it soup? It smelled like some foul food that Id hate, and I wasnt particrly interested in consuming it. But to my surprise, he didnt begin divvying it out and giving it to the children Goblins gathered outside. He started eating it all on his own.
Um, what are you doing?
Im eating.
Arent you going to share it with anyone? Your, um, vige?
Nope.
He slurped up a spoonful of soup, taking a deep breath after.
This is all for me. I made it myself, after all. Im the only [Shaman] here. Im the only one who can cook. Everyone else will have to make do with their grubs. Why should I give them what I made for myself?
The Gremlin spat and snorted. I opened my mouth, but cut myself off. I took a moment to massage my temples, trying to understand his logic.
Wait, so why are you even helping those children?
Because they need my help.
He spoke simply. I blinked.
But you said that you wont
I wont share my food with them because they dont need it. They have their scraps to live off of. But if I left those children afflicted with their curses alone, theyd die.
Huh.
I stared at him, my confusion was evident on my face. I raised a wed hand.
So you should help me! I need your help!
No you dont. You can find your [Lux Golmi] yourself. You dont need my help. My help will only be of some help to you.
But
Nope.
He spun away from me, greedily scarfing down his soup.
Now if youll excuse me, Im a little busy eating. If you can give me a good reason to help you,e againter.
Mngrph spoke with finality in his voice, and I scowled. I drew away from him, huffing.
Fine!
I stomped out of the room, pausing right by Crkrs. I red usingly at the Orc woman.
Didnt you bring me here because he could help me?
She just backed up, looking at the ground. I groaned.
Ugh, I cant even be mad at you.
Crkrs seemed nice. But Mngrph on the other hand? He was a jerk!
--
I left the hut and hopped down from the tree,nding right on top of some spindly roots protruding from the muddied group. I grumbled to myself as I marched on, arms crossed. The monstermune wasnt exactly crowded there were a few dozen Orcs and Goblins out and about, working on their crops, and the Trolls were wading through the mudke as the rain above died down. And so, my presence drew a lot of eyes.
A few of the Orcs growled as I passed by them, although when I looked their way, they immediately quietened. A few of the Goblins, on the other hand, just charged at me. They screamed incoherent sounds, only to be ushered pulled back by some of the other Goblins or Orcs. One of them, a young Goblin, slipped away and nearly reached me. I narrowed my eyes, but arge gray armor swooped out of the air.
A Troll grabbed the Goblin before she could attack me, holding her up by the arm as she frantically thrashed in the air. I looked up at the Troll, arms crossed, as he settled the Goblin down and pushed her away.
What do you want?
[Mountain Troll - Lvl. 95]
He didnt speak. He didnt have any words, just like most of the Goblins and the Orcs. But unlike them, he didnt even have a tongue to make a sound. The Trolls all of the ones in thismunecked a mouth.
The [Mountain Troll] looked at me inquisitively, and I sighed.
Im leaving, Im leaving, alright? That stupid Mngrph wont help me not unless I could give him something. What kind of logic is that?
I walked away from the [Mountain Troll], still glowering. Then I stopped when I heard the ssh. He pulled himself out of the water, his body covered in brown liquid, and looming over me at over five times my height. But he wasnt being intimidating. He just stood right behind me.
What?
He cocked his head. I rolled my eyes.
Mngrphs logic doesnt make sense. Hes like
I paused as I thought about it. It was just weird! And yet, it wasnt exactly illogical either. It wasnt like I didnt quite get what he was saying, it was just very different. Differentpared to the logic of Humans or Kobolds.
I nced around themune, seeing Orcs sit atop tree branches, cleaning the backs of one another, mostly in small groups. Meanwhile, Goblins formedrge clumps together. They were also very aggressive, even to each other. And yet, they werent doing much. They were just idly living their days.
Despite their high levels.
I frowned, then I looked over at the [Mountain Troll]. He kneeled over, still silent, still not speaking.
Look, I know you all have to look out for each other or youll die. Thats why youre all high-leveled, right? In a ce as dangerous as this, you cant afford to be low-leveled. But he could just give me a little bit of help. Why did he have to be so stingy? When people ask for my help, I
The longer I thought about it, I realized what Mngrph said was honestly not that bad. It did make sense. It almost reminded me of myself.
I turned to the [Mountain Troll] with a re.
Hes nothing like me, ok? Hes mean and selfish! At least I have friends andpanions! No, youre not hispanion. Youre just his colleague? Fellow students? Something like that! He doesnt like you guys!
The [Mountain Troll] took a step back, suddenly wary. The other Trolls behind him, still in the water, paused. They dropped everything they had gathered onto their arms back into the water, facing me with apprehension. I shrunk back apologetically.
Im sorry. I didnt actually mean to get mad at you. Youre just curious about me, right? Of course you are. Everything in this rainforest is so aggressive! Theyre always attacking me wherever I fly! And me? Im nice. Unlike that dumb Gremlin.
He pointed at my back, and I blinked.
Do you want to see my wings?
He immediately grew nervous. I wrinkled my brows.
Oh, so you dont want me to use my wings? But why? Is it because its dangerous?
The [Mountain Troll] grew tense for a moment. I nodded, still slightly perplexed.
Huh. I wonder why that is? Although, I did find myself getting into a lot more fights when flying than I was walking.
I ced a hand on my chin, in thought. Then I looked up as the [Mountain Troll] straightened, moving almost without a sound, which was quite odd for a giant such as him. He stopped, facing me again.
Its because I attract too much attention from flying?
His gaze simply bore into me. I found myself sighing.
Well, thatd be even more difficult for me to find some Golems then!
The [Mountain Troll]s gaze turned up. He was looking at a hut the one I had just exited.
Mngrph? You want me to turn to him for help? I just tried! Hes mean! He wont help me!
I grumbled, and the [Mountain Troll] stared down at me. I blinked, pointing at myself. He just continued looking at me. I pursed my lips.
I should still try to convince him, shouldnt I? After all, searching the Rainforest of Monsters for a single type of monster is its going to be nearly impossible, isnt it?
The [Mountain Troll] didnt break away.
I knew that even before I came here! Thats why I kept asking around! But Humans are mean too!
He looked back towards the same hut as before.
Mngrph isnt mean? He seems kind of mean to me. But
I drew my lips into a thin line.
Maybe some people think Im mean too. And Mngrph is nice to you guys. So, I just have to give him a proper reason. Offer him some kind of a trade. That sounds troublesome.
A garbled cry drew my attention. A Goblin charged at me, but the [Mountain Troll] moved to stop it. He looked slightly annoyed at the Goblin, and yet he acted. When he returned, he met my gaze.
Y-yes its necessary! Its going to be annoying. But
He stared at me, and I closed my eyes.
Its necessary. Ill do it, alright? Now stop giving me that look!
I pointed usingly at the [Mountain Troll]. He finally looked away. Then I smiled.
Thank you, though. For your help.
The [Mountain Troll] straightened once more, looking slightly pleased with himself. I called out to him before he could returned to the mudke.
Whats your name, by the way? Im Salvos!
He stared at me again. I paused.
Oh, right.
That was a joke.
He didnt believe me.
Chapter 211: Monster Mindset
Chapter 211: Monster Mindset
211. Monster Mindset
Hey.
I called out to the pair of wolves before me. They spun around, growling dangerously as I approached them. I held my hands out catingly.
Do either of you know where I can find any Golems?
They ignored the question, snarling and leaping at me. With a sigh, I dodged to the side, and created a Nebr bow.
You guys are rude!
I flipped over them as they leapt at me again. Wings spread open from my back, and I shot out into the air, nocking a Nebr zing Bolt. They looked up to face me as I bared my teeth.
Ill just have to find them some other way then.
The Nebr zing Bolt exploded, blowing the monsters apart with ease. They hadnt been that high-leveled. Barely at Level 90, yet somehow bold enough to attack me. I gained some experience not enough to level up, of course. Not even close.
Then I took off, flying back above the tall trees to the clouded sky, and the sun began to rise.
--
The Rainforest of Monsters lived up to its name with how frequently it seemed to, well, rain in the forest. After the first storm passed, I thought thered be a moment of peace and tranquility, with a damp moisture filling the air as insects and birds returned to fill the background with their incessant chirping and buzzing. While this was the case for a very brief moment, it didntst.
The mudke at the center of themune gleamed brown with the crack of light shining down onto its surface. The water shimmered, still flowing, although less deep than when it was raining before. It seeped partially into the ground and dirt, melding together to create the soft floor which I trudged through, my feet sinking with each step.
A gaggle of Goblin children ran by me, making garbled noises as they poked each other with small sticks. I turned my head and watched them with keen interest. My attention seemed to loom over them, scaring them off. They ran, pointing at me, making sounds that were like screams. I tilted my head to the side as a Goblin adult grew angry at me, trying to attack me with a rock.
An Orc woman stopped him. She dragged him away, shoving him back, and turning to me. Crkrs approached me as I waved at her.
Hello!
She sat down on the ground, a fist pressed onto the soft soil. With a huff, she peered at me. I blinked.
Ive only been here for a day. I mean, sure, its rained three times since I got here. But its only been a day, alright?
Crkrs let out a harsh bark, and I nced over to the side. The three Trolls of themune sat in a circle, filling a small clearing of trees with their hulking sizes. They were allrge, with some even bigger than the others. The [Mountain Troll] was the biggest of them all, sitting silently like he was some sort of small hill.
Dozens of Goblin children climbed his huge figure, ying with each other, being caught by the [Mountain Troll] if they fell. I smiled.
Yep. Hes the one who told me to stay. Ive just got to convince Mngrph to help me out somehow. And its not like Im remaining idle, either. Ive been going around the forest, searching the area. Still no signs of any Golems, though!
I sighed, even as I spoke cheerfully. Sinking to my knees, I nced up at the small opening among the canopy of trees above. It let in a dim light that kept themune of monsters lit, although that meant that none of the glowy moss or fungi grew around here.
Im going to speak with that Gremlin again. Ive brought back cool flowers, see?
I held up a purple nt. It barely looked like a flower, but my [Identification] told me that it was a flower. The Orc woman gave me a dubious look, but I shrugged.
Ive got to try something, at least.
I headed up to where Mngrph was, climbing the tree to his hut. I entered it, once again stalking past all the sick Goblin children. Thismune really had a lot of Goblin children. There were Orc children too, but they numbered in a substantially fewer amount. I knocked on the doorway to his room before entering, pushing the big leaf that acted as a door.
Mngrph? Hello. I brought you a gift!
I expected to see the Gremlin working on some wicked concoction, stirring away at his pot, but he wasnt there. I heard a loud and drawn out snorting from the side. I spun around, ws raised, only to see him snoring in the corner of the room.
Um? Mngrph?
He jerked up, blinking. Rubbing at his eyes, he spokezily.
Huh? What? Yes, Im awake. Is someone dying?
Probably somewhere out there, yes? But I dont think anyone is dying around here.
Aw. Then let me go back to sleep.
I gave him a t stare.
Ugh, thats weird.
Whats weird? That I have to sleep? Come on, if you had to spend every day knowing that you could randomly die of old age, youd want to ignore it by sleeping too.
I walked up to him, offering him the flower in my hand.
Here. I have a gift for you.
Whats this?
He narrowed his eyes, staring at it.
An amethyst gembloom?
Yep! It looked rare, and Im sure its something a [Shaman] like you would want, right?
I beamed, waiting for him to excitedly take it. He wrinkled his nose and pushed it away.
Gross. Why would I want that? Its wholly inedible.
Cant you use it to make a potion or something?
I stared at him, the confusion evident on my face. Mngrph shook his head.
Make a potion? What am I, an [Alchemist]? Im a [Shaman]. Thats my ss.
Huh.
The intricacies that made the two sses different was lost on me. I was also perplexed by how he had a ss and a Subspecies.
Dont monsters only have Subspecies? Why do you have a ss anyway?
Again, rude. And not all monsters are the same Species, Salvos. Were not just a Species called monster. No, some of us like us Goblins and Orcs and Trolls get a ss when we hit Level 100. Just like you Demons.
I shrugged, uncaring. I was more focused on the fact that my bribe didnt work.
Is there anything youd want then? Food? I can get food for you.
Are you still trying to get me to help you? I told you, Salvos, youll have to give me a reason to help you. Now shoo, I want to go back to sleep.
Ugh, fine.
Scowling, I spun around and left the Gremlin alone.
--
I sat on the shoulder of the [Mountain Troll], throwing my hands in the air as Iined.
I dont get him! Hes being weird. Im trying to be nice, but he just doesnt care. Hes mean.
The [Mountain Troll] didnt say anything. He simply sat there, listening, and eating. While he didnt have a mouth to speak with, he could still eat through his face. The lower half of his jaw could unhinge, and hed crush his food into muck before shoveling it into a hole. Then hed force it shut once more. It was like his skin and body was made out of rocks.
He turned his gaze towards a group of Goblin children, ying as they ran around him. I raised a brow and watched. The Goblin children poked each other with pointed sticks, drawing blood, screaming and hurting each other more than they yed. Yet, no one stopped them. Even when one of the Goblins was beaten and ganged up on by the others.
Why isnt anyone stopping them?
I nced up, looking at the Orcs sitting on trees, bored and ignoring what was happening. Adult Goblins milled around, sometimes even attacking each other over minor nonverbal disagreements. They snarled and even threatened each other with weapons. It was only when it looked like it could be deadly, did others intervene.
Huh.
It was just such a stark juxtaposition to Human society. Or even, Elf or Kobold society. They did things withw and order. You couldnt just randomly assault a regr person walking down the street. But here, there were nows. There was no order. There werent even streets to walk down.
I thought of a ce. A familiar ce, almost nostalgic in my mind. The skies were dyed with the color of Human blood, and the earth was a pure, untainted white to traverse. Yet, corpses and bodies littered every direction I went. Theyy there, no different from rocks, just another sight to see on any other day.
That was what the Rainforest of Monsters reminded me of: the Netherworld. Where there was only one purpose. To live. Nothing more.
The monsters no, the Orcs and Goblins and Trolls simply just lived with each other. They survived together, against the harsh environment of the Rainforest of Monsters. And it really was dangerous.
I heard a barking followed by some growling. At first, I thought itd been the Orcs getting into a fight. But no, these were more aggressive. Louder. More bestial in nature.
Everyone in themune immediately grew alert as a pack of wolves burst through a thicket of trees. These monsters looked familiar. I immediately recognized them as the same kind of monsters that I fought just earlier. They mustve tracked me down, somehow.
[Shadow Horned Wolf - Lvl. 107]
[Shadow Horned Wolf - Lvl. 83]
...
[Shadow Horned Wolf - Lvl. 95]
Um its not my fault?
I scratched the back of my head. And the highest-leveled [Shadow Horned Wolf] howled. They were hopelessly outnumbered, yet they charged. Goblin children tried to flee, only to be mauled down before they could get away in time. The Trolls shot to their feet, and the Orcs and Goblins leapt down from the tall trees, unleashing a barrage of powerful attacks at the wolves.
But these wolves were high-leveled too. They vanished, seeping into the shadows, moving along the darkness that shrouded over the entire forest. Then they leapt out, already biting at unsuspecting Orcs. They didnt just move in the shadows. The shadows moved on their own too.
They shot out, like spiked tendrils looking to impale the Orcs and Goblins, killing more than a few lower-leveled ones before they could react. Crkrs leapt down from a tree, raising her club and smashing it into the ground. The earth exploded up into dust and debris, forcing a few [Shadow Horned Wolves] out of the darkness.
She thwacked those closest to her, breaking their bones, smashing them away as she snarled. The Orc woman led the charge back against the invading monsters. The [Mountain Troll] followed behind her, lumbering and slow in his movements, but somehow able to take on three Level 90 [Shadow Horned Wolves] at once.
Whether it was just because he was special or because Trolls were special, wasnt something I knew. But he and the other Trolls were like a force of nature on the battlefield. I didnt even see them use any Skills. They just ripped apart the [Shadow Horned Wolves] with ease, wading forward in spite of being bitten and stabbed by the shadows.
The Orcs and Goblins werent as invulnerable. Many of them even the ones at higher levels fell in battle to the [Shadow Horned Wolves]. I leapt down with a Nebr scythe, slicing one of the wolves in half before they could reach a Goblin child. I smiled, nodding at her.
Run.
She just made a weird sound, ignoring mepletely. I paused.
Come on, not even a thank you?
I twirled around, catching another wolf with the tip of my scythe before it could pounce on me. In the background, I saw trees falling from the fighting. These gargantuan trees that rose to over hundreds of feet fell, splintering from strikes by the Orcs and Trolls and Goblins and Wolves. I expected themune to fall apart too, but the ground beneath the area with the huts shone.
Mngrph floated out of his home, raising a wooden staff as a barrier formed around themune, and everything stood strong. His voice bellowed.
You dogs daree to my territory? Begone or perish!
Lightning zipped down from above, curving around through the hole at the treetops. These strikes didnt just electrocute the [Shadow Horned Wolves]. They sted apart thendscape. Everything outside of themune burned or exploded.
I blinked. There was some kind of magic here that protected themune. I watched as the Gremlin unleashed his [Shaman] magic on the wolves.
I was resting peacefully and you damn puppies decided to interrupt my sleep? Die!
Vines shot down from the branches and the earth, wrapping around the [Shadow Horned Wolves] before they could flee into the shadows. The vines slowly tangled and ripped apart the lower-leveled monsters, too tough to break free from for most of them. All except for one.
The leader of the pack the highest-leveled wolf vanished, disappearing not into the shadows, but creating a ball of darkness around itself. Mngrph narrowed his eyes, only to spin around as the wolf appeared at his back. It was apanied by a dozen other shadow-like wolves, clones of its body that assailed the Gremlin from all sides.
Mngrph grunted as he swung his staff,shing out with wed hands, keeping the wolf back. He managed to kill each shadow clone one by one, but not without being bit on the shoulder by the real wolf. He screamed a Skill.
[Thorn Explosion]!
And everything around him burst into brambles. The wolf yelped as it was knocked away, covered in blood from the attack as its shadow clones were destroyed. It whimpered as it drew away from him, limping and hurt. The Gremlin red.
Im not going to show you any mercy, you intolerable, little mutt.
It growled, and pounced at him once more. But he flicked his staff. The earth shot out a giant spike from the ground. And it fell, dead.
The fighting died down soon after, with thest of the [Shadow Horned Wolves] fleeing now that their leader was dead. I kicked one back, hefting my Nebr Scythe over my shoulder as I walked over the corpses and bodies of all kinds of monsters. I took in the aftermath. The [Mountain Troll] and Crkrs were still alive, which was a relief. But a lot of Goblin childreny dead. It was sad. I expected there to be a mourning, but no one really cared.
Everyone tended to themselves. They licked their wounds or returned to what they were doing before the wolves came. I looked through my experience, seeing what I got for killing a few of these monsters.
Defeated [Shadow Horned Wolf - Lvl. 94]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Shadow Horned Wolf - Lvl. 87]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
It wasnt much, but it would help with my next levels. For now, I stopped staring at the aftermath. I stopped gaping at the differences between how thismune worked and how Human society worked. I knew what had to be done. No one med me for bringing the [Shadow Horned Wolves] here. They probably didnt even know I was responsible for it.
This was just another day to them. Getting attacked by other monster groups wasnt umon. Not in a ce literally called the Rainforest of Monsters. And I finally understood what needed to be done.
I stalked past a group of Goblin children. They were already back to ying and fighting with each other now that the wolves were gone. One of them looked like she was about to attack me, but a single re sent her running back. I trudged up to Mngrph.
Mngrph.
I spoke his name simply. He winces as he applied some ointment onto his injured shoulder.
What is it this time
He paused right as I brought the scythe to his face. A few heads turned. The [Mountain Troll] stood up, and Crkrs shrunk back. I bared my teeth at him.
Youll tell me everything you know about the area around thismune, and where Ill most likely be able to find a [Lux Golmi].
The Gremlin stared at me, his lips pressed thinly together.
And what will you do if I dont?
Is that really a question?
I tilted my head to the side, raising my Nebr Scythe.
So, youre threatening me.
Im offering you a chance to save yourself from me.
Exactly what I said: threatening me.
You only have [Advanced Language Comprehension], dont you? Im the one with [Universal Language Comprehension]. Im giving you something you want. You want to live, yes? Give me what I want, and Ill leave you alone.
Mngrph crossed his arms.
Im higher-leveled than you, Demon. And the moment you attack me, every Orc, Goblin, and Troll here wille for you. You will die.
I nced over to the side. Certainly, there was a soft growlinging from more than a single Orc within the vicinity. mes wreathed around my body as I smirked.
Maybe. But are you willing to test that theory out?
That was the thing about these monsters. It was simr to the Netherworld. You lived to survive, even if you had to hurt or kill others. I wasnt a wild Demon. I would never attack someone without a reason. But I had a reason now.
Mngrph knew something I wanted. Hed withhold it for whatever reason he could give, just because he couldnt be bothered and didnt want to help me. He was like me, really. Except, even I had a reason to help others sometimes. I didnt live purely by necessity maybe it was because I spent too much time in society, but I learned what it was like to make friends. To help others without always having a reason to do so. I wouldnt act to my detriment, of course. However, I was more kind and willing to assist those in need than him.
The Gremlin didnt make friends, living entirely for himself and only himself. The reason why he was even in amune was for his own sake. He was selfish, entirely so, and I was going to press him for it. If I was going to deal with Humans like a Human, then Id deal with monsters like a monster. My gaze bore into him as he stared defiantly back at me.
Well?
He closed his eyes. He slowly touched his shoulder, feeling the open wound. Then he sighed.
Very well, you win. Ill tell you what you want.
I let my mes dissipate as the tension around themune vanished.
Good choice.
Chapter 212: Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon
Chapter 212: Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon
212. Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon
The Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon is located about a hundred and fifty miles to the west of ourmune. Im not sure whether it has any [Lux Golmi]s within it not that I want to run into those annoying monsters with their mind magic but I know that there are multiple Subspecies of Golems located within.
Huh.
I cocked my head as Mngrph grunted, leaning against the dark bark of a tree. I frowned.
I couldve sworn I went somewhere in that direction
You flew, didnt you?
He snorted, and I blinked.
You cant possibly see it when flying from above, because its covered by the trees. No, its not an actual fort. Its a deep pit on the ground. It used to be a mudke, but the water eroded the earth and copsed into a cavern. Now, well, its a Dungeon.
I see. That wasnt so hard, right?
Nodding, I patted the Gremlin on the shoulder. He winced, his wound still exposed.
Gah, dont touch me. What are you doing?
Oops, sorry.
I drew back, scratching the back of my head. He cursed and swore just like a drunken sailor at a tavern I didnt know how much that was, but Edithe once told me I should never do that.
You got what you want, now shoo.
Mngrph waved a hand off, ushering me to leave themune. I rolled my eyes he really was a selfish person. It wasnt like I didnt understand him. I totally could empathize with what it felt like, trying to do something on your own, but others kept on bothering you.
But his dismissive attitude was quite odd. At first, I assumed he was like me; the Rainforest of Monsters and the way things worked here truly reminded me of the Netherworld. However, I must have forgotten how, just because two individuals lived in a simr environment, it didnt make them the same person.
He was nothing like me: he didnt thrive in being around others, and he absolutely took no pride in their recognition of his actions. I guess Mngrph wasnt a fan of gratitude. He just wanted to be left alone. Shrugging, I acquiesced to his demands, as a sign of my thanks to him, even if I had threatened to kill him just earlier.
The rest of the monstermune seemed quite wary of me. It was raining again now, and a small deluge was pouring down into the mudke from the opening in the treetops above. I could hear the crashing of the temporary waterfall growing louder as I approached the mudke.
I spotted the [Mountain Troll] sitting right at the fringes of the basin, his arms wrapped around its knees as he stared nkly at the falling water. I approached him, poking him on the side.
Hey.
He turned his head fractionally to face me. I gave him a morose smile.
Ill be going now.
His facial expression didnt change, but I noticed how his gaze bore deeply into me for a brief moment.
It was nice meeting you. Im sorry that I cant stay longer. But I didnte to stay. I have sses and school. Its Im sorry.
Then he turned away. I pursed my lips, walking around him so I could see his face. I ced a hand on his knees, before frowning. Etched on his skin was the faded gray scars of a ve mark. The very same one Mngrph had. A sword in a desert dune.
I narrowed my eyes.
Were you a ve too? Did you grow up in the Humannds?
There was a brief moment where he hesitated. But eventually, he nodded. I tapped a finger on my chin.
I see.
The [Mountain Troll] shifted ufortably, almost not wanting to meet my gaze. I didnt force him to look at me.
Do you have a name?
He shook his head.
Thats a shame. Names make everything better, you know? Id rather not just call you by your Subspecies forever.
He did not move. I beamed, spreading my arms wide.
What about this, how about I give you a name?
Now, the [Mountain Troll] reacted. He nced over at me, a slightly worried look on his face. I grinned, speaking catingly.
Itll be fine! Names are great. Come on how about something like Mngrph or Crkrs Shtrk?
He gave me a t stare. I cocked my head.
Not good? Alright. How about Hrgnmr? No? Or Pllmmrw? Aw, why dont you like any of these names?
It was very obvious that he hated every single one of them. I kicked a pebble into the mudke, scowling.
Oh,e on. Why do you hate all of them? Isnt this simr to what Mngrph calls you guys?
The [Mountain Troll] shook his head. I blinked as he gestured up at the Gremlins hut before shrugging.
Wait, youre saying he makes up random names for you guys?
He nodded.
Thats stupid! Thats rude of him. Hm. Alright, Ill give you a proper name, how about that?
There was a pause. Once again, he nodded. I smiled.
What about
I heard a lot of odd names ever since I came to the Mortal Realm. Humans and Kobolds and Elves and Cyclopes all came up with their own distinctive names, even if they spoke the samenguage. But I had scarcely heard a Demon-like name sinceing here.
I pped my hands together, making a decision.
Mons. How about that?
The [Mountain Troll] tilted his head back. Then his face rxed. He didnt smile, but he seemed to be a little happier as he faced me.
Really? You like it?
Mons nodded, and I jumped into the air.
Yay! I knew youd like it it just felt right.
I hugged his arms before hopping back. I backed away from him, hands behind my back.
Ill go now, Mons. But I promise, Ill visit you, alright?
Mons stood up, waving at me in small motion. I waved back at him, even as I started off. I passed by Crkrs or rather, the Orc woman, since that wasnt her name. I bade her farewell too.
Thanks for your help!
My wings spread out and she barked. I blinked, turning to her with a confused expression. She growled as my wings began to p. Then I nced at my wings.
I shouldnt use my wings?
Now that she mentioned it, I encountered her when I was flying. A Goblin tried attacking me, and she pulled him back. I wondered why that was.
The Orc woman continued her growling, so I slowly let my wings recede.
Alright, alright. But why is that the case?
She stopped growling. I furrowed my brows. Then I snapped my wed fingers together.
Oh. Its because I attract a lot of attention when flying? Or no
I tapped a finger on my chin. She barked once, and my eyes widened.
Im disturbing the peace of the forest!
It was just like the Netherworld. Arge battle would draw the attention of other Demons. ANd my flight would draw the attention of monsters. It made them upset, which was why I kept getting attacked.
That really helps. Thank you
I reached out to hug her, but she backed away. She wasnt so receptive to hugs. Which was fine. I just nodded at her as I ran off. I left themune of monsters far behind me, making sure to leave a few markings on the trees, even if just a little. So, if I ever wanted to find this ce again, I could possibly find it.
It wasnt easy. Everything here looked the same. But even in the expanse of the Netherworld, where everything was a white expanse, I would end up searching for and finding mypanion, Haec. I wasnt one to give up easily.
Id return some day.
--
I knew where I was going. West. It wasnt that hard to navigate with the sun up in the sky to guide me. And, just as the Gremlin said, the Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon was a hole in the ground. But what he didnt say was just how massive of a hole it was.
I stared at the expansive pit, whistling.
Well, how did I not spot you?
I nced up at the single small opening in the treetops. The massive trees of the Rainforest of Monsters rose up to hundreds of feet some maybe to even a thousand. And their branches were reaching far and wide, with their trunks bending to cover most of the Stonefort Labyrinth Dungeon.
But from beneath the canopy, I could see just how harrowinglyrge the hole was.
Now, I wonder whats down there?
With a shrug, I spread my wings wide and leapt down into the Dungeon. mes burst to life, covering my body with their fiery protection.
Now entering [Dungeon: Stonefort Labyrinth].
My fire illuminated the darkness with a bright blue glow. I flew lower and lower, seeing the shadow retreat from my peripheral vision, exposing the overgrowth of vines crawling their way down the vertical sides of the walls. Hidden within the dark green were bug-like monsters, just waiting to pounce.
The first leapt out at me. It had a narrow stick-like body with two scything arms. Its sh missed me as I flew to the side, raising a brow.
Youre not a Golem.
[Leafde Mantis - Lvl. 79]
And youre not even that high-leveled.
It spun around as it seemed to glide its way down, facing me with a snarl. I rolled my eyes as a spark came to life around my shoulder. It burst out, a cone of mes that incinerated the monster.
Leave me alone if youre not a Golem please. Thanks.
Just as I spoke, a dozen different [Leafde Mantis] appeared from behind the vines. I sighed.
Seriously? Well, I may as well get some experience from you guys, right?
Theyshed out, and my mes burned them. A few got close, but I didnt even bother to dodge their attacks. Not at this level. I kept them away using [Mystical Projection], pushing them back slightly, not even for a full shove, but enough to redirect them from hitting me. It gave me enough experience to level a few times by the time I was done killing them all.
Defeated [Leafde Mantis - Lvl. 84]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy.
Defeated [Leafde Mantis - Lvl. 95]
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy.
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 44] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 45]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 45] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 46]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I finally reached the bottom of the pit, and the monsters gave up their chase. I shook an angry fist at them.
Thats right! You guys suck!
Scoffing, I took a step forward crunch. There was something hard beneath my feet. I looked down to see white bones littering the floor as far as I could see. I cocked my head.
Huh. A lot of people must not know how tond.
I walked over the corpses, all of them long dead, nothing more than a bunch of skeletons. I looked around, trying to find any of the monsters that could be hidden here.
Hello? If youre here, donte out. I will kill you if you try to attack me.
It was a warning. One that I was wholly capable of carrying out. I was still carrying my Nebr Scythe from earlier. I had no reason to let it dissipate, since itd be annoyingly difficult to recreate. An unnecessary expenditure of my mana.
The Stonefort Labyrinth was buried deep underground, with a thin mist nketing over it so it was difficult to see even with my blue mes. I walked forward, kicking aside the dusty bones as I spoke, and my voice echoed.
Are there any Golems here? Dont tell me that stupid Gremlin lied to me.
It seemed empty. There were dozens of different passageways tunnels that led to various different ces but I didnt enter any of them. I waited for something toe for me, because that was normally how Dungeons worked. However nothing.
I stood before the entrance of one of the passages, conjuring a ball of me, ready to burn everything that was within.
Look, Im not going to search every bit of this Dungeon to find a [Lux Golmi]. If youre a monster, you better show yourself or Ill burn
I stopped. I heard a soft giggling. That of a girl. It came from all around me. It rose out of every single one of the various tunnels that surrounded me, asking me a question.
Youre here for me, arent you?
The whispered voice spoke like it came from within my head. Almost like my voice now. Mind magic. I narrowed my eyes.
Who are you? Where are you?
My eyes flickered. I heard a bit of rock moving. Something shifted to the side. But when I looked there, I saw nothing.
The voice echoed once more.
They alwayse for me. They alwayse after my heart. But dont they know? I dont want them. I wont give anything to them.
For your heart?
I cocked my head. I nearly tripped on a broken skull. I looked down, and a smile cracked through my lips.
Youre the [Lux Golmi], arent you?
There was augh. It sounded almost twisted bitter. Then it became more cheery as it sang its way to me.
Come and find me if you can~
It faded away, leaving me alone, surrounded by rock and bone and time.
Chapter 213: Wild
Chapter 213: Wild
213. Wild
The cavern was dark and damp and cool, shrouded by a thin fog that glowed under the light of my blue fire. My eyes flickered. I no longer heard the call of the [Lux Golmi]. The voice that echoed in my head faded away, leaving me alone in the main chamber of the Stonefort Labyrinth.
Alright then.
I took a step forward. The [Lux Golmi] had taunted me, telling me to try and find it. I wasnt afraid of it. It couldve been responsible for the deaths of all the skeletal remains here, and I wouldnt be scared. After all, I was always up for a challenge.
Now, where are you hiding?
I closed my eyes, and [nar Navigation] took over my senses. It was space magic. The spell let me see everything that was around me, not in a physical sense, but in the space that each object took up in this ne, weighing down on it. My eyes opened as I saw nothing but rocks around me.
Nothing moved. The Dungeon was empty. It was harder to see with magic here, due to the high density of mana in the air muddling any magical vision. I narrowed my eyes, walking forward.
Did you seriously decide to just stop moving? Come on.
I could tell when anything within the peripheries of my [nar Navigation] Skill was making a movement, but the Dungeon was oddly barren, without any Lairs or monsters within the vicinity. Most of the monsters and Lairs seemed to be on their way down, and the very depth of the Stonefort Labyrinth which I stood at was nothing but a graveyard. I crunched my way through the dirt floor.
Lets fight. Itll be fun,e on. Arent you curious about whos stronger?
No response. I shook my head.
You were here just a moment ago. I know you were. I will find you.
My wings spread open as I nced around. I looked at the closest tunnel, grinning.
This is yourst chance.
I waited. A single beat passed. Then the voice came once more.
I will not give myself to you.
I bared my teeth, head snapping to the side. It was only briefly I picked up the traces of its mana signature. A trail to follow with [nar Navigation].
I dont need you. I just need your heart.
Then I shot out. I exploded into one of the tunnels, propelled by mes and by my wings. I saw stone and rock filling the gray canvas ahead, turning, curving even as I sped through thebyrinth. I followed the sharp corners, a smirk printed on my face. I saw the residual mana it left behind with its mind magic.
There was a figure moving up ahead. One that almost glowed ethereal and white. It pranced about, like a mare in an open pasture, with a backdrop of a clear blue sky speckled by the asional pure clouds. I reached for it. My [Mystical Projection] extended out, wing to grab onto its back. But the figure was too fast. It was just like it was out of reach for me.
It burst out into an open chamber as I rushed after it, teleporting after building up the spell for a moment, using mes to boost me even further. I shouldve been able to catch it. This was a game of speed, and I was one of the fastest around.
A memory shed into my head. I remembered the [Razorsoul Falcon]. It annoyed me because it had been faster than me. I scowled.
Alright, how about this?
I activated [Haste] as I raised a finger. I pointed right at what I thought was the [Lux Golmi] right before it escaped into another tunnel. This was just like the time when I was training with Lily. Except, now, I had an eclectic set of Skills and was even faster than before.
[Temporal Distortion].
I caught the [Lux Golmi] in a bubble of slowed time. Its movements slowed. A grin spread across my face as I reached to grab it
And I blinked. The glowing figure vanished. It evaporated into motes and specks of light, like it wasnt even there.
Huh?
I stared at it for a moment. Then I took in my surroundings. I stood in the exact same chamber I was at before I started my chase. Blinking, I crossed my arms.
Where did it go?
Again, the voice echoed down one of the hallways. A giggle. It taunted me as I struggled to pinpoint where it came from with my [nar Navigation] Skill. I was so certain I had seen it. I almost caught it, even.
And now, it was gone. Its wispy voice vanished, leaving me alone once more. I glowered.
I spent quite a while training with Lily. Dont think Ill give up that easily.
I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath. This time, I didnt use [nar Navigation]. I felt something building up in my core. A great head that was just waiting to erupt, like a volcano. Then it burst out, pouring likeva. White mes. From the [Primordial Spark].
Ill just have to force you out!
I screamed as fire exploded from my mouth weaker blue mes. But it burned together with the white fire. It scorched everything within the cavern, turning dust to ash and incinerating stone. For a moment, the entirety of the Stonefort Labyrinth shone brighter than even the sun during the day. Then I eased the mes, looking around, and panting.
How about that?
There was a crack. I nced up. Part of the ceiling melted from the intense heat. I scratched the back of my head.
Oops.
And the cave copsed on me.
--
That was kind of dumb of me.
I admitted to myself, dusting my jacket off. I looked around, surrounded by rubble and rock and debris, grimacing.
Now what? Did I identally kill that [Lux Golmi]?
I didnt hear any notification resounding off in my head, even as I waited. I wasnt sure if indirectly killing something like this wouldve given me experience. I knew that partial killings would give some. But Id never killed somethingpletely indirectly before.
And if I did but didn''t gain any experience from it, I would never know.
Its Level 100+ though, so I probably didnt kill it.
I was now trapped in what was like a tomb. The ceiling wasnt very tall not like the expansive chamber Id been in earlier. I was still in the Dungeon, considering that I didnt receive any notification that Id left.
[nar Navigation] informed me that I was even further underground than before, buried under a hundred feet of the fallen cave, with an even moreplexbyrinth to follow. I groaned, a bit annoyed. I could try and burn my way out, but thatd risk an even worse cave-in. I scowled.
I hate rocks!
I kicked a nearby pebble, and it echoed down a tunnel. Suddenly, I felt a sh of mind magic wash over me. Not an attack, but another wave of the [Lux Golmi]s voice my voice.
Leave me alone!
It sounded angrier. I mustve hurt it somehow with this idental cave-in. Or maybe my mes reached it somehow. Either way, I did something to make it respond in this way. I grinned, once again tracking it down by following its residual magic.
Whats wrong? Are you scared of me, huh?
I walked forward, ducking under arge piece of rock wedged at the same height as my head. I bared my teeth, spinning my Nebr Scythe behind my back.
Because, well you should be.
You will not have me!
The voice was adamant. I turned my head slightly, seeing the new direction it came from. I followed it, walking over obstacles or pushing aside the boulders that were in my way.
Youre the [Lux Golmi]. I know you are. You have what I want, and Ill take it from you. Its something I need.
I was done ying its games my patience was running thin, and I was going to catch it now. I had thought that since the [Lux Golmi] was supposedly high level, Id be getting into a big fight with it at this point. Yet, all it did was run and flee.
Come on, arent you a Golem? Fight me!
I dashed forward, not flying, not relying on my wings, but instead using my own two legs to carry me forward past the dust permeating the air, leaving a trail in the otherwise smokey background. I readied [Recall Skill], remembering my older Title Skill, [Zealous Call].
I wasnt exactly close to the [Lux Golmi] right now. I knew that its words were nothing but the effects of mind magic, so Id only use the Skillter. When I was closer.
I am not a rock! I am not just a thing for you to trample all over!
I spun around, seeing the shes of its residual mana clearer now. I was close. A wide smirk spread across my face as I bounded forward. Its words barely registered in my head.
I know where you are. You cant run.
There was arge cave chamber up ahead. It seemed to be the bottom of a pit, but not the same one Id been in earlier. This was even deeper underground, at the same level where Id fallen thanks to the copse earlier. I leapt up, pushing myself forward with a whip of mes.
I saw the same figure Id been chasing earlier, a glowing white figure that danced away from me. It wouldnt escape this time. The room revealed itself as I turned the corner. The figure stopped at the very center, facing away from me.
I took a menacing step forward. The pale figure turned slowly, and I paused. It opened its mouth as my eyes widened, forcing me to take a step back in disbelief.
I didnt attack it. I just stared at it. Because I was in shock. Id expect to run into a Golem that the [Lux Golmi] would just be another pile of rocks for me to fight, like all the other Golems Id fought so far. But it wasnt. What I saw wasnt even the shape of a rock. Nor did it it even have anything on its body that resembled a rock.
I saw myself.
Go away! Youre wild!
Chapter 214: Enigmatic Heart
Chapter 214: Enigmatic Heart
214. Enigmatic Heart
Go away! Youre wild!
A Demon stood before me. She had pale skin, almost translucent and white, as pure as the clouds in the sky. Her hair was only a single shade darker than herplexion. It was silver in color, falling down to her shoulders in a disheveled mess. Our golden eyes met as she pointed a wed finger my way.
You cannot have my heart! Its mine and mine alone!
I stood before myself. The Demon matched my height, matched my hair, matched my ws, and matched my eyes. Our ears were both pointed, poking out of the side of our heads. And there, across her face, was a look of defiance that I so often bore.
Yet, despite our simrities, she was nothing like me. I had my hair tied and held up by a band given to me by Edithe. I wore a blue jacket a Unique Grade item from another world. A gift from apanion from another world. But she was not wearing a blue jacket.
She was not wearing clothes, not wearing artifacts, not wearing a hairband.
She was not real. Even if she seemed real. The words she spoke they resounded in my head.
I narrowed my eyes.
Mind magic.
You cant trick me. I know thats not real. I know youre not real.
I am real!
She shouted. Her indignance was evident.
Youre
Not holding a Nebr Scythe. Not wielding ming magic.
Youre just pretending to be me. Youre fake. Show yourself, [Lux Golmi].
My gaze snapped around. It was an illusion. It had to be an illusion. But could Golems even cast illusion magic? This didnt feel like the spell Belzu had cast to trap and ensnare me. My senses werent impeded, leading me to believe that what I smelled, heard, touched, saw, and tasted were real.
It was like what I could feel was diluted. However, I knew it wasnt real.
The voice continued to echo in my mind. And I approached the faux Demon.
Youre trying to trick me.
Trick you? I do not care about you! I just want to be left alone!
You goaded me on!
I pointed usingly at it. It stood there, harmless. A phantasm. She had no way to fight me. No weapon in its hand. No argument that couldpel me to stop.
She wasnt real. She wasnt me. Nopanions. No words.
I raised my Nebr Scythe, and her eyes widened. Her entire body quivered, quaking in fear.
Youre youre wild. I was just I was with the others. And now you want to kill me. Even though Im not a rock
I bit my lower lip. Taking a step back, I red at the Demon.
Why do you keep saying that? Youre a Golem. Youre a literal pile of rocks! Just one that can move! And now, talk for some reason!
So why does that give you the right to kill me?
Because you have something I want.
I needed her its Enigmatic Heart. It was the key ingredient necessary for making my Potion of Regeneration. Without it, Id fail my alchemyb, and risk getting expelled from Mavos Academy. Also, Id still be missing my sixth arm while transformed in [Demonic Essence].
It was no different from fighting a group of Humans or monsters who were in my way, stopping me from achieving my goals. Id skill the [Lux Golmi] and be done with it. But when it spoke once more, I hesitated.
Youre wild!
It repeated the words. The words that ground my movements to a halt. It struck me, a clean-cut wound to my chest that forced me to draw away from it. I red at it, crossing my arms in annoyance.
I
I took a deep breath.
How am I wild? I have a reason to do this. Im not just attacking you because of my instinct. I act with purpose. Im not a wild Demon. Im Salvos.
But youre trying to kill me. Youre the one here to take my life away from me. Im only trying to protect myself.
Was what I was doing wild? For a moment a very brief moment I closed my eyes. I thought about what I was doing. I was here with purpose, yes. To im its Enigmatic Heart for my own gain. But did that make what I was doing right?
From the [Lux Golmi]s perspective, I just barged into its home with a scythe, swinging the weapon and trying to kill it by ripping out its heart. That wasnt the most ttering representation of me. I enjoyed being terrifying. Because, when others feared me, they recognized me as better than them.
Which was all good and true.
Was I in the right here? Was I in the wrong here? Was I evil? Was I good? Did any of that matter? Those were Human ideals. At least, the ones that I was familiar with.
Kobolds had different ideas of what was good and bad; of what was evil and just. They warred with Humans because of it. Humans warred with Humans because they didnt agree on how things were or how things should be.
I couldnt care less about any of that.
I needed to graduate from Mavos Academy. I needed to get my sixth arm back. I needed to see Haec again.
This was what mattered to me. It was what drove me. I wasnt wild. I couldnt be wild. I invented the idea of what was wild. I decided what was wild and what was not I was the arbiter, and I had made my decision.
Youre messing with my head.
I spoke simply. The apparition backed up, and I sliced it in half.
Youre using my own arguments against me. To chase me away. Because youre scared. Youre afraid. You dont want to fight me. But thats obvious. I knew that from your false words. Theres another reason why you want me to keep away why you want me to leave.
It didnt scream as it fell in two. My Nebr Scythe cut through its skin like it was made of water. The body fell in two pieces, each evaporating until nothing was left. A mere simmering of my mind, drawn out by the [Lux Golmi]s mind magic.
I marched forward, dragging the sizzling-edge of my scythe against the ground, scarring it with the smoldering determination I felt in my chest. The cave chamber wasrge. It stretched hundreds of feet across, its fringes dotted with what seemed like fallen rubble.
However, they moved. All at once, the rocks rose from the earth, an iprehensible feat if one didnt discern their true nature. Each and every single one of them that stood were Golems. They came in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some of them were short, barely up to my torso; while others were muchrger, even up to three times my height.
One of them dwarfed the rest. A giant that could be mistaken for a small hill. It dug itself out of the ground, growing taller with each passing second. When it straightened, it was the size of a castles tallest towers. Its hand alone could crush me with its sheer size. It vaguely resembled the shape of a Human, with arms that could touch its legs even when standing straight. Just made up of rocks.
I looked up at it, staring at the pink glow that was the only source of light in the dark cavern.
[Lux Golmi - Lvl. 131]
I was surrounded by a hundred Golems. A sound echoed in my head one that had rang out earlier, but was muffled by the faux voice.
Now entering [Lair: Guard of the Golems].
I saw my goal right before me. The Enigmatic Heart of the [Lux Golmi] glinted, a massive crystal jammed into the chest of the gigantic Golem. It was what I wanted.
But it was not alone. It was surrounded by hundreds of its ownpanions. While I was alone.
It loomed over me, threatening to strike me that instant. I stared defiantly back at it, even as I heard the cacocopy of Golems encroach on me from behind. The [Lux Golmi] spoke in my head once more, this time, in a deep, bellowing voice.
W ?
The words itself wouldve sent me reeling if I didnt steel myself. I brought my scythe up, speaking unwaveringly.
Im here for Haec. For my sses. And most importantly, for myself.
It took a step forward, and the entire cavern shook.
L.
I will not. Not until I have what I want.
I nced around at the Golems. Many of them were barely at Level 20. Only a handful were above Level 70. Theyd be nothing more than a nuisance to me. I felt a sh of emotion wash over me. I knew what the [Lux Golmi] was feeling, thanks to its mind magic.
It was a word that was new to me. But I understood what it meant here.
You... love yourpanions, dont you? Youre doing this to protect them. Well, Im doing the same.
S ?
We dont have to fight.
The [Lux Golmi] cocked its head. I pointed up at its Enigmatic Heart.
I just need a piece of your heart. A single shard. Then Ill go.
It reeled back, and the other Golems tensed. I shook my head.
This is not a threat. I do not want to fight you. I didnt even know that rocks could talk. But here you are. Here we are.
I gestured around, sighing. Love. The [Lux Golmi] tried to chase me away because it loved itspanions. It did it to protect them. The more I focused on that word, the more I could feel what it felt.
Was this the same kind of love Nn said he had for me? Was this the same kind of love that Saffron talked about? Maybe not. But it was close enough.
Im not wild. Im Salvos. And I will fight for myself and mypanions. So will you. But we dont need to fight here. Let me take a single shard.
That was all that I needed for my Potion of Regeneration. Taking the whole Enigmatic Heart would be an utter waste. I tossed aside my Nebr Scythe, once again facing the [Lux Golmi], and offering it an open hand.
Do you trust me? For yourpanions.
The giant Golem hesitated. It mulled over the question for a moment, but I already knew the decision it was about to make. Mind magic echoed in my head.
Y.
With a smile, I approached the [Lux Golmi]. It lowered its guard, even as the other Golems panicked. But it kept them back. Offering me its hand, I climbed onto its open palm. There was rustling beneath my feet. Moss. Softer than grass.
It carried me up to its chest, halting just before the Enigmatic Heart. I ced my hand on it, closing my eyes. Its light glowed and dimmed, like the slow breathing of a child. Now, more than before, I could understand the [Lux Golmi]. There was some kind of connection. It was a result of mind magic, I knew. And yet, it was stronger now that I was gently brushing my fingers against it.
Just a single shard.
I spoke honestly, and it nodded. Its faceless head bore into me with an empty gaze, but I knew that it was afraid. So, I didnt make any sudden movements. I just tapped a single wed finger against the Enigmatic Heart
Crack.
A shard fell off. It clinked onto my own fingers. I took a step back, looking at the pink glow of the [Lux Golmi]s Enigmatic Heart. It flickered. Then it was back to normal.
Thank you.
I tightly gripped onto the shard of the Enigmatic Heart, seeing its osciting pink light. The [Lux Golmi] drew its head back, raising its arm. I blinked and nced up.
Huh. Is that the exit?
There was a narrow hole up above, one that was almost invisible in the darkness. It was a way out of the Lair. My presence still made the [Lux Golmi] ufortable, even if it knew I already had what I wanted. I gave it a reassuring look.
Ill leave now.
Spreading my wings wide, I leapt up into the air. I hovered right by its head, ncing at the fallen tunnel back where I came from.
Hey, at least with the cave-in, people are not going to be able to find you as easily as before, right?
The [Lux Golmi] didnt say anything. I rolled my eyes.
Cant even look at the bright side. Oh well. Goodbye!
I flew up to the hole, leaving the Lair of Golems behind. I heard the notification resound in my head. I continued on, not stopping even as I left the darkness behind me, even as I saw the light. I continued past the entrance of the Dungeon. I continued past the canopy of trees. And I continued to make my way back to Mavos Academy.
I finally had what I needed to make a Potion of Regeneration.
Chapter 215: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (1)
Chapter 215: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (1)
215. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 1
Watch out!
A wall of molten rock crashed from the sky, tearing the streets and shooting rubble high into the sky. Specks of dirt and dust clouded the air. It was difficult to breathe, to see, and to hear. The ground was burned a scorched ck, with a column of ash trailing up to the air, permeating to the rest of the battlefield.
Collins had seen the attacking. He warned the rest of his team, and they managed to get out of the st zone in time. It was a powerful spell; the [Mage] that cast it was nearly 30 levels above him.
We need to get back!
He yelled, raising his great shield. Its size dwarfed even him, but his [Strength] as a Level 50 let him raise it with ease. The enemy [Mage], however, didnt let up. The sky darkened as thunder roared in the distance a fury that would soon befall Collins and his team.
Brace for it, he readied himself.He activated a Skill; it was one of the only ones he could use in this situation. It might not be enough to save his life, but as long as his team was safe, it didnt matter to him. Snapping his eyes shut, Collins waited for the inevitable storm of lightning to befall him.
And it came. Just not where he thought itde from.
A sphere of pure lightning shot up, striking the enemy [Mage] out of the air. The shock of the electricity crackled through the air, a loud ringing in Collinss ears. He staggered away as the sh of light engulfed the sky, before ice and fire coalesced around the Level 80 [Mage].
It was a powerful magic, one that came from an even higher-leveled spellcaster. Someone even above tinum in rank. But who was it? There were only three Diamond Ranks in the field. The first was Hadrian, leader of the Valiant Dreamers himself he was a [Warrior], so it couldnt be him. The second was Ismail Znd, and neither he nor his Pegasus was capable of magic at this level. Then that had to mean it was
Edithe Dawnrise.
Collins spun around, uttering the name.
A red-haired woman stood behind him, her staff raised, and her fiery eyes boring into the enemy [Mage].It was the look which everyone in the Valiant Dreamers Company wore when they readied themselves for battle, but most lost once the fighting actually started. However, even as the redhead stepped past Collins, the look never vanished from her face. It spoke of one thing and one thing only.
Justice for the Valiant Dreamers: bring down the Iron Champions Company!
Edithes mind was in a haze as she engaged in battle, not caring about it in the slightest.
She barely paid attention to the enemy [Mage] as heunched a flurry of spells her way. Her eyes were glossed over the battlefield, not focused on the mayhem that was going on around her. She blocked the attacking spell, countering with her own volley of mes.
A sound resounded in her head. One that she quickly ignored.
Defeated [Magus
Less experience is awarded
The body dropped from the sky, lifeless, flopping over like a fish out of water. Edithe watched it for a few seconds as she tried to gather herself to continue. She felt tired. It was tiring.
How many battles had she fought? How many battles had the Valiant Dreamers fought since arriving in Nixa? So many lives were wasted, and yet, no one knew the real reason why.
It was all that she could think about. The Iron Champions yes, they were evil. But if only her friends understood why they were fighting. She scanned the battlefield. It was the Millcliff Iron Mines. A former Dungeon located at the bottom of a cliff, converted now into a small town for thepany. Corpses were strewn all over the brick houses and factory buildings. Innocent civilians werent involved in this bloodbath, but Edithe still felt guilty about the battle.
The Valiant Dreamers had fought many battles since the revtion about thepanys true purpose was made to her. She hadnt been able to do much beyond just fighting, taking the territories of the Iron Champions Company in bloody battles. To think she believed she could convince Hadrian to understand her perspective
Edithe barely spoke to him since. It was just non-stop fighting and strategizing. The Valiant Dreamers were winning as many battles as they lost stuck in a tug-of-war that involved the loss of too many lives. It had to end soon. The oue of this battle in the Millcliff Iron Mines could possibly change the tide of the war entirely. Now was not the time to hesitate: shed have to deal with Hadrian after this was over.
She nced over at Collins. He was a young-looking man, roughly her age in appearance, if she were to guess. He and his team were caked in blood and dirt from fighting in the side lines, nking the main mining town from the top of the cliff as chaos raged on below. He lowered his great shield, sighing in relief.
Thank you so much
Edithe pushed him aside.
Get down!
She raised her staff, calling forth the [Shield of the Misty Lord]. It was her strongest defensive barrier. And she needed it.
Orbur Vale himself struck down at Edithe. One of the founders of the Iron Champions Company himself unleashed his Skills upon her a Diamond Rank adventurer, glittering with enchanted armor and a giant broadsword.
[Warrior - Lvl. 119]
Edithe identified him and cursed. A lot.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. This is...
There was no way shed be able to best him in battle. She was not a Demon like Salvos, nor was she a [Hero] like Daniel. And neither of them were here right now.
This was Orbur Vale. A champion of the Iron Champions Company. Someone 20 levels above her. He had a Level 100 advancement and a second ss; she had neither. She was so, so very
...fucked.
The image of a glowing de sheared through the ground, nearly slicing off the edge of the cliff Edithe was standing on. The attack halted when it crashed into the [Shield of the Mysty Lord]. Somehow, Edithes greatest defensive barrier held up.
You need to go, now!
She turned to Collins and his team. The Gold Ranks were awe-struck, staring at her as she held off the other Diamond Rank. What were they even doing?!
Gritting her teeth, Edithe readied herself for when her barrier would fall. The Gold Ranks hesitated Collins opened his mouth. But she snapped.
I said: leave!
And they did. They wouldnt have been of any help to her. Their levels were far too low to make a difference. Edithe wasnt even sure if shed be able to defeat Orbur anyway. She just had to hold him off until the Gold Ranks were gone. Then shed have to flee, herself.
The Gold Ranks ran off as her [Shield of the Misty Lord] faltered. Orbur Vale paid them no mind, his eyes fixed only on the red-haired woman standing before him. With a smirk, he spoke casually.
Edithe Dawnrise. Ive been hearing all about you these days. The Diamond Rank adventurer who yed the Lich of the gunds. The fiery redhead who put a stop to a small but high-leveled Kobold incursion into the Vaun Qieur Empie. From these stories told about you I expected you to be some kind of Demon disguising herself as a Human.
Edithe winced. Thats not me, but someone else Shaking her head, she took a step out of her fractured, copsing ice barrier. Her staff was raised, ready for anything Orbur could throw at her. He just shook his head.
But even after hearing all those rumors, I see that youre not even at Level 100.
Dont underestimate your opponents, Orbur Vale. Just because Im Level 98 doesnt mean I havent advanced in my ss. Dont you know? Some special individuals can reach their advancements earlier than others. And you havent seen my second ss either.
It was an obvious bluff. But one that dragged on this moment even longer. The red-haired woman shifted, backing up slowly.
Second ss?
Orbur Vale raised a brow, clearly amused.
Ive heard that you used to fight with summons, and yet, since your return from the gunds, youve only fought alone. Is, perhaps, [Summoner] your second ss?
Edithe felt a spell forming on the tip of her staff. It was the Primordial Staff given to her by Salvos. It was a truly heartwarming gift one that Edithe cherished. But beyond just being a token of gratitude, it also enhanced a specific type of magic. Fire magic.
And that was exactly what Edithe prepared.
The [Warrior] standing across from her never would expect it. He was not a [Mage] who could see the maniption of mana and casting of spells. She hoped to catch him off guard. Orbur Vale tapped his chin, grinning.
Ah wait, that cant be right. After all, you were barred from summoning when you broke your contract, no?
Edithe paused. She stared at him for a moment at the wicked smile of the ck-haired man dressed in shy armor.
Honestly, that is cruel. They trusted you, and you betrayed their trust. They truly must hate you.
There were a thousand different things she wanted to say at that moment. Then she remembered Mistshard and the brief conversation they had. It wasnt much. It ended quickly. And Mistshard wasnt truly talking to Edithe at that moment. But the words resounded in her head.
There is no animosity here.
And Orburs words washed over Edithe like a light drizzle on a warm fall day. It wasnt particrly as cool or refreshing as if it were summer, but it eased the haze that was clouding over her mind, resolving her in the face of his chilling intensity.
Orbur Vale.
He tilted his head to the side, curious. She remembered why she fought. She remembered her friends and those she cared about. She spat.
Fuck you.
[Arrow of the me Elemental].
The spell shot out, a blinding fury that surprised even the [Warrior]. She broke off into a sprint, running from the man before the brilliant explosion took off the cliff face. He shouldve fallen right off into the pits below, however he was a high-leveled individual.
Orbur exploded into the air, his armor scorched and ckened, his hair a disheveled mess, but his face was left untouched, scarred only with a rage directed towards Edithe.
Come here you coward!
His de sliced apart the earth, even from dozens of feet in the air. He swung his sword, and the ground broke apart like a terrible tremor had taken the area. Edithe threw herself to the side, avoiding the attack, yet a deep gash still formed on her arm. She swallowed in pain.
Shit [Fiery Riposte]!
A de of mes shed up at Orbur. And this attack made him pause. He braced himself for it, bringing his de up to parry it from the air as Edithe picked herself up and ran on. I cant take him on. A memory shed. The battle with the Lich.
All Edithe could do back then was escape, even for only a minute. Orbur was lower-leveled than the Lich, and her two strongest spells did more than enough to ay him for longer than the Lich. But it wasnt enough. She needed help, and help wouldnt just find her.
So, shed call it to her.
Raising her staff, Edithe shouted.
[Beacon of Guardians].
Orburnded on his feet as a glow covered Edithe, rising up above the battlefield. His eyes narrowed, and he was fast to react. He knew something was off, but not exactly what.
He charged at her, shouting curses at her, but she just continued as she conjured a [Lightning Orb]. Edithe tossed one back at him, and he easily parried it with a single strike. She clicked her tongue.
She was going to get caught. Spinning on her heels, she faced Orbur which surprised him. He was surprised for just a few moments, before Edithe unleashed a [Storm of Ice and Fire] at him. His head raised slightly, as the cold winds and mes bounced off his aura of protection.
Pathetic.
He cut his de through the air, and somehow dispelled the magic. Edithe blinked.
How?
She stared at him, and he smirked viciously.
Youll never know.
Orburnced forward, suddenly moving twice as fast as before. A Skill? The red-haired womans eyes widened
And from the sky, a majestic mare swooped down at Orbur. It was a white horse with the wings of a swan spreading out of its back. A man rode on the back of the Pegasus, wielding arge battle-axe that glinted with the swing he took. He nearly struck Orbur Vale on the back, but the [Warrior] noticed the attacking in time to dodge.
Ismail Znd one of the Diamond Ranks of the Valiant Dreamers heeded Edithes call and came to save her. Hended right next to her, his axe held high as he nodded.
Need a hand?
More like multiple hands, but yes, I needed that.
d to be of service.
He grinned as his Pegasus, Dorothy, pped her wings and let out a whinny in agreement. Orbur Vale nced between the pair. He harrumphed.
So, two of the Valiant Dreamers Diamond Ranks choose to face me in battle. A Level 98 [Mage] and a Level 118 [Beastmaster].
How astute. Next youre going to point out that Im a man with a beautiful mare, and shes a woman with dazzling red hair, are you?
Ismail chuckled as Edithe rolled her eyes. Orbur just gave them both t stares.
I know when Im outmatched. And the fact that you coulde here, Ismail Znd, is enough of a message.
He nced behind, towards the mining town down deep below the crevice. He sighed.
This battle is lost.
With that said, Orbur turned around and walked off. Edithe watched as he simply headed out of the battlefield, trying to work her jaw. She raised her hand.
Hey, wait
Dont chase after him. Hell try to split us up and take us out one by one. Come on, lets just finish this.
Ismaild stopped her. He gestured down at the Millcliff Iron Mines. Thest of the Iron Champions Company were being overwhelmed. Many of them had already surrendered, throwing down their arms. Only a select few fought to the death, unrelenting for whatever twisted reason.
Hadrian led a charge, rallying the Valiant Dreamers Company to finish off thest of the enemy forces. Edithe turned back in time to see Orbur leap over over the crevice in a single jump, continuing off in a more hurried pace. Hed been trying to bait them, but now he was truly fleeing.
Right. Lets finish this battle.
With a deep breath, Edithe followed Ismail down the deep pit, readying her spells. Even as she walked into battle, her eyes were focused on one man and one man only: Hadrian, her leader.
Then its time to finally speak with him.
ss [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] Level Up!
[Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 98] -> [Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 99]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Chapter 216: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (2)
Chapter 216: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (2)
216. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 2
The battle was over.
The Valiant Dreamers Company imed the Millcliff Iron Mines as their own. It was a victory in two parts: the first was the obvious win over the Iron Champions Company this was a pivotal location, within the southern edge of Nixa, close to where the enemy headquarters was located. It was dangerous, considering they were now deep in enemy territory. And that was not taking in the fact that there was a Primeval Demon rampaging at the northern side of the country. But those factors were irrelevant right now.
The second victory was the victory or morality. With the Millcliff Iron Mines now under the control of the Valiant Dreamers, they finally had a proper reprieve in this war. This was a substantial victory, and the Iron Champions wouldnt be able to bounce back as quickly as they did before from previous losses. The fact of the matter was that this former Dungeon was an important piece of territory for them.
It produced one of their major sources of ie the natural resources which theyd sell to otherpanies and to [Traders]. For example, it wasnt just regr iron ores that came from this Dungeon. The iron ores would be more receptive to enchantments due to being in a mana dense environment, so theyd be easier to create weapons, armor, or even metalwork for building. The discovery and monopoly of the Millcliff Iron Mines was what allowed the Iron Champions Company to begin their rise to prominence, and it was also what gave them their name.
It was a moral victory. The Iron Champions Company would not be pleased about it. And the Valiant Dreamers, on the other hand, were celebrating. It was the first time Edithe had seen a jovial atmosphere amongst her friends.
They were gathered in a hall, drinking, cheering, and rxing. The red-haired woman strolled through therge room, a drink in her hand, nodding, smiling, greeting her fellowpany members as she made her way around.
Hey Johnson did you level up from the fight?
Three times!
Thats amazing! And Jake, youre Level 40 now! Congrattions for hitting Gold! Melinda, I see youve got another scar added to your scar collection. Celine
Edithe paused when she saw her friend. Celine, the tinum Ranked adventurer, was sitting with an arm wrapped around another girl. The other girl was unfamiliar, with blue hair and green eyes. She was a tinum Ranked not from the Valiant Dreamers Company. By the crest on her armor, Edithe assumed she was from the Northbury Troops, an alliedpany to the Valiant Dreamers.
When did this happen?
Oh, uh, meet Nora. Nora, this is Edithe.
Ive heard about her.
Nora gave Edithe an impish grin, still clinging onto Celine.
Edithe Dawnrise. You dont need to tell me about her, Cel. Everyone has heard about her at this point. Its a pleasure to finally meet you.
Likewise.
Edithe nodded, feeling a bit ufortable. It wasnt a bad feeling, per se, but she wasnt used to receiving this kind of attention. Sure, as a Gold Rank in a small city, shed get a few people walking up to her and gushing over hers. However, now, everyone knew about her. Even tinums. And that was disconcerting.
There was a sort of dissonance in her mind that made a tinum Rank praising Edithe and looking up to her that made this feeling bear fruit. Edithe genuinely still looked up to tinum Ranks, because not too long ago, she was only a Gold Rank. To have her role as the one being admired flipped over so quickly to being the one who was admired it was just jarring.
So, uh, are the both of you serious?
She nced between Celine and Nora. The other two women exchanged nces. Then Celine shrugged as Nora beamed.
Not sure, honestly.
We are!
There was a pause. And Edithe instantly knew she had to back away. Both women exchanged a look. Before either of them could speak, Edithe excused herself.
Well, I wish both of you well, but Ive got to go now!
She took off, fleeing from the discord she sowed. A small but disgruntled discussion broke out as Edithe headed down a hallway, leaving the party behind. Finding a quiet balcony, she settled herself against its railings and let out a sigh.
It was night. Her breath was slightly misty under this cool weather, reflecting the light of the moon above. She stared up at the scintiting stars past the cliff face, dazzling and bright, lighting up the night. It was a beautiful sight one that could very easily turn deadly during a star storm.
But Edithe always found the night sky, dotted with those little specks of light, to be entrancing. As a child, she used to sit on the rooftop someone elses rooftop, since she lived in the streets and watch the stars all night. Her mother wouldnt even search for her, being busy with her business and all.
The red-haired woman didnt mind it, then. The more time she had to herself, the happier she was. She didnt understand friendship or camaraderie. Even when Mother died, and she was taken in by the temple and met William, Edithe never really found anyone shed call a true friend.
Then she joined the Valiant Dreamers Company. She met her first long-term summon, Hana. She even fell in love for the very first time. It was all thanks to the Valiant Dreamers Company and to think that the very foundation of everything she believed in was a facade?
It upset her. She had to act. Edithe Dawnrise truly felt betrayed when she found out the truth. Her respect for Baris dissolved. She could excuse Hadrian, since he wasnt aware until recently either. But Baris, the man shed looked up to, the man who had shaped all her ideals?
Edithe clenched a fist. And the door creaked.
What are you doing out here?
A voice drew her attention back towards the doorway.
Hadrian?
Edithe blinked as she turned around. She rubbed her eyes, and Hadrian let out a soft chuckle.
Dont look so surprised to see me. I spotted you fleeing from the party. Just wanted to make sure that everything is alright with you.
He smiled, offering her a ss of wine. The red-haired woman stared at it, biting her lower lip.
I Im fine. Ive just been thinking about things.
About what we spoke about two months ago, right?
While she didnt ept the drink, Hadrian didnt seem offended, instead walking up next to her and leaning against the railing. Edithe hesitated.
...yes.
There were so many things she had to say right now. She wasnt sure if she could even meet his gaze, but she had resolved herself. This was something that affected more than just her. With a deep breath, she opened her mouth
And Hadrian spoke over her.
Its really a predicament, isnt it? Ive been torn about it myself.
She blinked.
You have?
What you said back then it stuck with me.
Edithe tried to remember her words when sheshed out at Baris after the reveal. She confronted Hadrian she told them that they couldnt just sit idly by and allow it to happen. Hadrian had refused at first, but now her words have brought him back to her.
The people of thepany they trust me, Edithe. They believe in me. But everything theyre fighting for its all predicated on a lie.
It is.
She didnt mince words, even as Hadrian sighed.
Every single day I think about this, it eats me up inside. They believe theyre fighting for the right cause and they are. But theyve been misled. I know why Father did what he did, but I dont agree with it. I every single one of their deaths its all my fault.
There was a pause. Hadrian downed his ss as Edithe turned to him. She pursed her lips. She wanted to chastise him for what he was saying. It was only all his fault because he allowed it to be his fault. But Edithe was the same wasnt she?
Closing her eyes, she spoke softly.
Its not your fault, Hadrian. What happened this burden that was ced on your shoulders it wasn''t caused by you.
He stared into his empty ss, lips thinly pressed together.
I
But everything that has happened after since you found out. Im sorry to say this, Hadrian, but youre at fault for it. However, I am too. No one is free from me in this situation. I shouldve acted sooner too, but I was afraid, just as you are.
Neither of them spoke for a moment. They just stood there, out on the balcony, far from the partying and celebrations. Hadrian was clearly conflicted. He felt immense guilt. Which was why he approached her. And Edithe could empathize with how he felt.
Yet, that didnt excuse either of their wrongs.
We can do something about it now. We have to.
Baris is my father. I know that what hes saying is right. It makes sense.
But its not actually good, is it? Its not something we can allow to continue. We need to let thepany decide, for itself, if they want to bear this responsibility. I mean having the Sword
He looked up at her, cing a finger on his lips. She paused. Right. Rolling her eyes, she continued.
He is your father. But youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Ill help you, Hadrian. But we have to do something.
The blond man was apprehensive. Clearly so. Edithe knew that all his life, he listened to everything Baris told him. He was a bit of a yboy a flirt whod mess around with women casually. But hed never disobey his father.
Edithe ced a hand on his shoulder.
Hadrian
What can I do then, Edithe?
You can speak with Baris, Hadrian. Youre his son. Youre the leader of thepany. I know you look up to him, but you have to admit that hes wrong here. We cant just let our friends die for reasons they dont know.
And what if he doesnt listen? If what we say gets out, well be targeted by more than just the Iron Champions Company.
Edithe nodded.
Im aware.
Thatd only make our situation worse.
But itd give our friends the choice whether they want to fight for this cause, Hadrian. It wont be a war brought on by lies or deception. If they choose to fight or choose to leave, itd be their decision. Or are you worried theyll abandon us?
Hadrian hesitated. His uncertainty was evident.
I cant say Im not. I can understand what youre saying, but what if it leads to our downfall, Edithe? What if my decision leads to ourpany being destroyed? Well lose everything and everyone.
I worry about that too, Hadrian.
Edithe nodded, but then she shook her head.
However, we stand to lose everything and everyone too, even as it is now. We cant let that be an excuse for our inaction. Please, Hadrian.
He tried looking away, but their gazes met. She held it as he mulled over it for a minute. Finally, he acquiesced.
Ill see what I can do. Father may not listen to me. And if he does not, Ill still act. Ill still tell the others in thepany. Because thats whats right.
Edithe felt a sense of relief wash over her. She drew away from Hadrian, feeling lighter on her feet.
Thank you, Hadrian.
She shed him a grin.
And its not like we dont have a special, secret weapon on our side. Imagine if we used it on the battlefield if someone like you had your hands on it. Itd turn the tide of any battle easily.
He tapped a finger on his chin.
Perhaps
Then he closed his eyes.
Ill consider that, Edithe. I dont know what its capable of, but it truly could make such a massive difference. And seeing its use alone could ay any other enemies.
He nodded gratefully as he ced a hand on Edithes shoulder.
I should be the one thanking you. Youve helped me.
She shifted slightly, and Hadrian started back for the balcony door.
Well, Im just helping you do the right thing. Thats all.
I know. But still, you have my gratitude.
Then he paused. He halted right before the closed doorway, a hand on the handle.
Also
Hadrian spun around, scratching the back of his head.
After this wholepany war is over, if youre interested in grabbing a cup of coffee with me, I know a good ce.
Edithe stared.
Im only interested in serious rtionships.
Im being serious.
...Ill consider it.
Fair.
With that, he left her alone on the balcony. Edithe was d he approached her, and that she didnt have to approach him for this. Perhaps now, she could fight without the guilt of it all bearing down on her. So that she was not distracted, and truly could protect those she cared about.
Hopefully this was a sign of things getting better. Hopefully thepany war would end soon.
But for now, she returned to the party, letting herself de-stress and rx, finally clear of conscience.
Chapter 217: Back to Studying
Chapter 217: Back to Studying
217. Back to Studying
My trip to the Rainforest of Monsterssted less than a week; I still had the whole weekend to myself before school resumed and I had to attend sses again. Thankfully, I didnt get lost on my way back so, finally, I returned to Mavos Academy.
Well, actually, I returned to my Lair first, making sure no one had broken into it and stolen anything from my collections. It was well hidden. It seemed to be left untouched, which was good. I had covered it up with leaves and branches, since it was a small alcove with an even smaller entrance.
I nodded to myself, pleased to see that it was untouched. Then I transformed back into my [Partial Mortality] form, disguised as a Human, and headed straight for the campus in the distance.
--
Oh, youre actually back on time.
Saffron nced up from a book as I entered our living room. She sat on the decorated couch, sipping on a cup of tea as she faced me.
So, did you get what you needed?
Yep! I got a shard from an Enigmatic Heart!
Beaming, I gave her a thumbs up. She raised a brow as I produced it from my belt pouch.
See?
Even though the small gem was no longer connected to the [Lux Golmi], it was still glowing, shining with the same osciting intensity as before. I smiled, remembering my interaction with the giant Golem. The feelings it held it wasnt exactly the same as mine. But what it felt towards the other Golems reminded me of what I felt towards mypanions.
Was it love? It couldnt possibly be the same thing Nn had been talking about. However, I felt that it was something simr.
Saffron stared at the shard, impressed.
Thats very good, Salvos. But wheres the rest of the Enigmatic Heart?
What do you mean?
I cocked my head. My confusion was evident. She furrowed her brows.
Did you get literally only a single shard, Salvos?
Yep. Thats whats stated in the ingredients list.
Right, but you need
She inhaled deeply, massing her temples.
You need more than just a single shard. What happens if your first attempt at making the Potion of Regeneration fails? Youll have to go back to the Rainforest of Monsters and search for another Enigmatic Heart all over again.
Huh.
The realization sunk in. I looked down at the pink crystal. It was the only one I had the only one which I could use to concoct my Potion of Regeneration. Just as Saffron said, if I somehow messed this up, itd be gone.
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
You didnt even think about that, did you?
I, um thats
Saffron gave me a look, and I crossed my arms, speaking haughtily.
Thats fine! That just means Ill have to get it perfectly right the first time around! Its easy.
Sure.
She spoke tly. I deted. The pink-haired noble stood up, rolling her eyes.
I thought something like this would happen.
You did?
I perked up as Saffron continued past me. There was a stack of lettersid out on a marble countertop right by the front door. She grabbed a handful of the letters, sifting through it one by one, pausing at a gilded letter. I peered over her shoulder and read the words scribbled over the front.
To: Saffron Merryster
From: The Merryster Estates
Update on the State of the War
I raised a brow.
Whats that?
Its nothing. Just something from my family.
She had a worried look on her face, even as she pocketed it, sighing. Saffron continued looking through all her letters until finally cing them back down onto the table.
Seems like Matthew hasnt written back to me just yet. Im sure hell send an update soon.
Where is he?
I asked, blinking. Saffron turned around, giving me a sly grin.
I fully anticipated you to somehow mess up your mission, no offense
Offense taken.
I dont care. Anyway, I sent him off to reach out to some contacts I know. Hell probably send me a letter by the end of the week. Its not assured, but Ill try my best to acquire an additional Enigmatic Heart for you.
The fake pout on my face disappeared, instantly reced with sparkling eyes. I stared at her.
Youll do that. For me?
Of course. We are friends, are we not?
My face exploded into a smile as I wrapped my arms around Saffron.
Aw, thank you so much! Were more than friends, Saffron. Werepanions!
Right, thats what you like to say.
She scoffed. I drew back from her, pausing. I scratched the back of my head.
But, um, why don''t you just use that thing-y you have to keep in contact with Matthew? Or even keep in contact with your family?
I waved a hand in the air. Saffron frowned.
My crest?
Yep. That thing you gave me.
Its not something I can just use as I want, Salvos. Its reserved for emergencies only. It has a limited number of uses.
She shook her head, starting back to the couch.
When you used it to contact me when I was in ss that wasnt an emergency. Even if that little ploy of yours worked out in the end.
I gave her an innocent smile, and she narrowed her eyes.
Ploy? What ploy?
I struggle reading you sometimes, Salvos. I find this book on elemental theory easier to read than you. Nevertheless, I suggest you worry about your Enigmatic Heartter. For now, you still have two days of break left before sses resume. Knowing you, Im sure youd find something to entertain yourself with until then.
Saffron picked up her book, flipping back to the page shest left off. I tapped a finger on my chin. Something to entertain myself with? I had an idea.
--
I studied.
For the next two days, I became a recluse, indulging in books and theory. I tried inviting Nn or Gallus over to study with me, but neither of them were avable. By that, I didnt even mean that they turned me down, I just couldnt find them. So, I studied by myself.
I stayed in my Lair, since that was where I could make best use of my time, without the need to sleep. It was mentally taxing. And yet, I managed to get a lot done over those two days. I made some preparations for the brewing of my Potion of Regeneration. I hadnt started the actual brewing process. I wanted to consult someone like Nn or even Veronica before I began.
Instead, I studied space magic. There was something I couldnt quite understand with space magic. My [nar Navigation] Skill allowed me to see everything around me in a different sense one that perceived the world for how it affected and interacted with each other. It was like I could see a web of tangled dimensions all put together. There were no holes in the fabric. I could perceive everything.
Except for when I called on my [Temporal Distortion] Skill. Now, when I looked with [nar Navigation], I saw nothing where the bubble of time was located. Only when I opened my eyes, I could see the clearly obfuscated region, where everything within moved at a blur be it faster or slower.
I tried to prod at it with my finger. However, I could still tell where my finger was even as it passed through the fringes of the bubble. The fact was that the Skill didnt affect me until I was entirely within it. So, that made sense.
But what made it so different? Why was it that I couldnt see into the [Temporal Distortion] field?
Its probably the same reason why I cant see into the Netherworld.
What was within the [Temporal Distortion] field wasnt truly within this ne. It was somewhere else perhaps just a little fold in space, still a part of this ne, but tucked away. It was like time and space itself was interconnected: intrinsically linked to be one. However, since it wasnt exactly here, that was why time could work differently there.
It functioned simrly to how a short-ranged teleportation worked. But I read something in one of my textbooks about how teleportations required folding space and moving through them. Not exactly the same, but the logic behind the movement of space was simr. I paused for a moment.
What happens if I try to teleport into the [Temporal Distortion] field?
It could potentially be dangerous. But I tried it anyway. After all, the best way to learn was by doing that was what Lily taught me.
Here goes
I cast the spell as I usually did, running straight for the blurred bubble. I closed my eyes, waiting for the usual feeling of warmth to ovee me. The same feeling that would carry me through a small slit in space to the other side, a short distance ahead. It took a moment. The spell activated, and I appeared above the bubble.
Huh?
Something about my [Temporal Distortion] spell forced me away from teleporting into it. I could just step into it without a problem, but actually using a teleportation spell? It was like space itself snapped back, keeping me out of it.
Interesting.
I almost expected that to happen. I fell to the ground, having been floating in the air for a second, before picking myself back up. There was something I remembered something quite significant I hadnt told anyone about, but apparently was super important.
It was about the Kobolds and their theology. They believed that the world was ending because the space itself keeping the Nexeus together was degrading due to repeated summonings. While I didnt care too much about the details, there was one thing that was pertinent to this particr situation from that whole mess.
A hole was ripped through the fabric of space whenever a [Hero] was summoned. It wasnt just a regr hole. It was viscerally torn open, pulling in an individual from another world into the Nexeus. It apparently left a scar that would take a long time to repair itself.
My short-ranged teleportation spell was, ording to Professor Isais, a spell that also bore a hole through space. But the hole itd leave behind would be like that of a needle sewing through fabric. Meanwhile, summoning a [Hero] would be like ripping the fabric in half. It was really iparable in scale.
It was the same reason why a short-ranged teleport, well, short-ranged. If I wanted to teleport even further, the needle used to poke a hole would have to be sharper. The same logic would apply with teleporting into my [Temporal Distortion] field.
I closed my eyes, distributing all of my Secondary Skill Points into [Temporal Distortion]. With each point added to the Skill, I felt like my control over the region grew stronger. It wasnt an absolute maniption over the field. But itd help me with what I was trying to do.
I walked into the [Temporal Distortion] field. Then I sat down, closing my eyes and sensed the space around me. It was like I was trapped in a bubble in the ocean. The rest of the world felt like it waspletely separated from me. It was an odd feeling, being so disconnected from everything else.
I was trapped, and I had to break free. I opened my eyes, activating my teleport to reach the other side of the field
And I appeared right at the fringe of the bubble. I scowled, taking a few steps back and tried again. I repeated the action again and again, failing again and again. I didnt care how itd take me. Id make sure that Id seed, with however long it takes. In fact, Id dictate time itself.
I raised a hand, changing the speed of time around me. I sped up time within the [Temporal Distortion] field so that time outside moved slower. Then I tried breaking free from this bubble again and again and again and again. I watched the shadows of the leaves covering my Lair move with the position of the sun above. Until, finally, when the shadows were gone and night fell, I seeded.
I teleported through the [Temporal Distortion] field, panting and grinning. It felt so satisfying. Like I had freed myself from a tiny hole. Iughed as a notification resounded in my head, flopping over on the ground.
Skill [Partial Phasing] learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 46] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 47]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Alright. Another step closer to crossing nes.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 108
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 47
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 5
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 5
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 135 (+25)
[Strength]: 110 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 210 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 266 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 8
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 7
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
Chapter 218: Smart Salvos
Chapter 218: Smart Salvos
218. Smart Salvos
Then school break was over.
Everyone returned to their sses, filling the campus once more. Well, Mavos Academy was like a small city in itself. Arge majority of their poption came not from students, but from others living here, so even during break, it was never emptied of people.
But now, as I walked through its streets, I saw once again the familiar uniforms of students attending Mavos Academys College of Aspirations. They chatted casually, talking about what they did over the break. Surprisingly, most of them didnt do any studying. Most of them took the time to rx or enjoy themselves, because they were exhausted from school?
I didnt really understand how it worked. Saffron told me that regr Humans apparently had limits, and couldnt just study all night like I did. Sure, they had potions and elixirs that could help them ovee their need for sleep, but it wasnt permanent. And if they abused those potions, there were negative side effects too.
Although, apparently, there were some Skills out there that helped Humans curb sleep. These Skills didnt have any downsides to them like potions did.
Whatever the case was, I greeted Lamarr as I settled onto my seat as my first ss started, excited for another day of sses.
The red-haired man Warrior King of Traith nodded.
Greetings, Salvos.
How was your break, Lamarr?
I returned to my kingdom to oversee any matters of import that were brought up while I was gone.
He unpacked his belongings. His Bag of Holding held within it a dozen different textbooks, while I had only a single notebook inparison.
How about you, Salvos?
Huh, cool. I took a trip to the Rainforest of Monsters and befriended a giant Golem!
Lamarr raised a brow.
I see.
He didnt press me any further, and I nced over at the door as lecturer udia entered the room. Despite having not seen her for a week, she barely gave us a cordial greeting as usual, dragging herself on her feet over to her desk. She set down a stack of papers what was presumably our test results.
When I call your name, youlle up to the front to collect your midterms...
Her voice droned on as she began handing out the papers. I eagerly awaited for my name to be called out, and when it finally happened, I ran up to the front and grabbed it before sitting back down. I didnt even look at my result until I was seated once more.
What did I get?
I stared at the number written at the top of the piece of paper. I got
How?!
My eyes widened as I nearly fell back on my chair. Lamarr leaned over, raising a brow.
What is wrong?
I turned to him, pointing excitedly at my paper. The grade Id gotten was absolutely amazing! I didnt think anyone couldve possibly gotten as high of a grade as me!
I got 78 out of 50! Can you believe that? I got a higher score than even the test itself!
Lamarr blinked. He just stared at me for a few seconds. When I didnt respond, he cleared his throat.
I am unsure if you are making a joke or if you are serious, Salvos.
Why would I be joking?
I cocked my head.
I see.
He crossed his arms, and I frowned. Was something wrong with what I said? He didnt look exactly excited about seeing my fantastic grade. It was possible that he was envious, but Lamarr hadnt shown himself to be that kind of character until now.
I drew back, almost defensive, as he reached for my test paper. He pointed at the number written onto it.
This, Salvos, is not your score out of 50. This is the percentage you scored in the test.
The percentage?
It means that you did not receive 78 points, Salvos. You received 39 points.
Oh.
I deted. I look down at my test paper, seeing the squiggly symbol next to the numbers; it was written so tinily that I didnt even notice it. My shoulders sagged in disappointment, but Lamarr gave me an approving look.
It is quite an impressive score for someone who joined sote into the academic term. A distinction grade. The second highest grade you can get. Id say to raise your chin high, Salvos, for you should be proud of yourself.
What did you get?
I turned to Lamarr, still scowling slightly. He raised his own test paper.
A higher distinction grade.
My jaw dropped as I saw the number written onto his test. He had a 95 percent score for the midterms! That was way better than mine! However, he was convinced Id done well. He tried to exin to me how good i was in the ss, and I refused to listen
Until I heard the conversations happening behind me. A fourth year student from the College of Aspirations was bragging about the score he received on the exam. He lifted his sheet up, showing it to his friends.
Look, I even got the secondst question right
I narrowed my eyes as I saw the number. 68 percent. He had gotten a whole grade score lower than me. And yet, he was excited about it. It wasnt just him, either. I looked around, seeing the other dozen students in the room discussing their results.
74 percent. 44 percent. 57 percent. 35 percent.
I probably was staring too hard because many of the students gre ufortable and quietened down, even though udia hadnt started the lecture yet. I turned back to Lamarr, beaming. He ced a hand on my shoulder.
Mavos Academy is one of the top institutions no, it is the top institution for learning in the world. To thrive here is proof of excellence. Good job, Salvos.
Thank you.
--
Each of my sses today returned my midterm grades. I did quite well for each of them, on average getting a distinction even on the cusp of getting a higher distinction for my ss on enchanting. The only ss which wouldnt return a grade to me today was my ss on alchemy, and that was because it didnt have any midterms.
It had a practical session, so I had gotten back my grade for it two weeks ago. It was, unfortunately, the worst grade Id gotten. But that didnt dampen my mood even as I was about to leave my enchantment ss for my alchemy ss. I waved at Professor Lisbenon, rushing out of the room, only to pause when a blonde girl called out to me.
Valda, one of Saffrons friends and my ssmate, stood with her hands behind her back as she approached. I turned to her.
Hi.
Apologies for troubling you, Ms Salvos
Just Salvos is fine.
I casually waved a hand off. If this were the first time wed met, Id have tried to make a good impression by being more formal, but Id spoken to her a few times before. Valda hesitated. Then she nodded.
R-right, S-Salvos.
Her lips were pursed together. She was clearly ufortable with referring to me without formality. However, I didnt like it when my name was butchered. So, it was between her being ufortable or me being ufortable. I prioritized myself, of course.
Valda continued.
If this is not rude of me to ask, M Salvos, Liberator of the gunds
She used my Title instead, which was fine with me.
I was hoping to inquire about, uh, whether or not you got a distinction for this ss. I-I dont mean to cast aspersions against your character I am certain you received a distinction fairly easily. However
I did, yes.
I interrupted her before she could ramble any further. I proudly showed her my results, and she gaped at it. I lowered the piece of paper, grinning.
What about you?
I got a 64%.
Valda looked dejected as she raised her test results. I nodded, echoing what Lamarr said earlier.
Thats pretty good.
Oh, uh, thank you.
She hesitated as I cocked my head. I wasnt in an extreme rush to get to my alchemy ss I had enough time between sses. But I did want to know what she was so nervous about. I tapped a finger on my elbow as I crossed my arms.
Well?
I-I am one of the highest scorers in the ss, you see? Even with a score like this. A lot of my friends failed.
She squeaked out as my gaze bore into her. I looked over at where she was pointing at. Her friends were gathered at the back of the ss, staring at her with anxiety clearly written on their faces. When I faced them, they averted their gaze.
S-so, if its not a problem with you, we were hoping if youd be able to tutor us. Like, as long as its not a burden. You can say no if you want. Im sure youre very busy, and wed totally understand if you
Valda rambled on again, but I didnt cut her off. I furrowed my brows.
Tutor them? Like Nn was tutoring me? It would take some time away from my own studying. Although, teaching others could help me revise and evenpare notes. Also being asked to tutor her made me feel smart.
And I liked this feeling.
I gave her a thumbs-up, even as she continued.
since youre a Diamond and all youlve probably heard
Sure!
Valda tried to work her jaw.
You will?
Yep! Why wouldnt I?
I waited for her to respond. She took a moment to gather herself. When she did she bowed her head deeply.
Thank you very much. I am very grateful to you for this, Salvos, Liberator of the gunds.
I am quite amazing, yes. But Ive got to go now. Lets discuss this again next time, alright, Valda?
I patted her on the shoulder and headed for the door. The blonde girl just stood there, still bowing, raising her head slightly only to watch me leave.
It was surprising, hearing a self-proimed genius ask for my help. The fact that so many students did badly in the exam was expected this wasnt a ss full of fourth year students, but first and second year students. After all, this was Mavos Academy. It had one of the highest failure rates in the world.
And I did pretty amazing, if I had to say so myself.
--
I hummed happily to myself as I skipped into the alchemyb. I arrived just in time for [Alchemist] Raymond to reach the ss himself. He raised a brow.
Well, well, Ms Salvos. It does appear that youve enjoyed yourself during your break.
I have, yep!
We entered theb, and I found a ce for myself across from Veronica and Nn, sitting next to Gallus. I greeted each of them we hadnt seen each other in a while, so we exchanged pleasant, casual conversation.
Then [Alchemist] Raymond drew our attention, splitting us into pairs. This time, I was paired with Veronica Adash. We werent given any specific task toplete, like we were usually given. Instead, we were provided with a lotof ingredients and even the pre-potions necessary for a greater-tiered potion. Then we were told to create one before ss ended.
Veronica and I decided on creating a Potion of Greater Protection; if we had tried to make the potion ourselves with only the base ingredients, itd have easily taken us years as non-[Alchemists]. But since Raymond had done most of the preparation work for us by turning most of the ingredients into various other base forms for brewing, we just needed to do the final step and wed be done in a few hours.
I had prepared all this over the past three weeks for you guys, so try not to let it go to waste. But this is exactly the kind of ingredients you will want to gather for your final assignment of this ss. None of you here are low-leveled. Each of you have riches and connections beyond imaginable. Use whatever it takes toplete your assignment. You could, of course, borrow or request a certain list of ingredients from me. But it is a limited list. Certainly not the kind of ingredients Id prepare for you in ss.
We got to work, and Veronica and I exchanged casual conversation with each other as we underwent the slow andborious process of turning multiple Potions of Lesser Protection and a Potion of Strength into a Potion of Greater Protection by mixing it with various different tinctures.
You know, Im surprised, you seem happier than your usual self, Salvos. Which is an assertion I never thought Id ever make.
I beamed, raising my chin as I remembered all the praise I received today about how smart I was.
Today has just been a good day. I got back my result for the midterms I did great in all of them. I learned a new Skill called [Partial Phasing]. And I even was praised for being smart!
Thats very good, Salvos
Veronica Adash spoke, slightly distracted as she raised a beaker. Then she paused. She quirked a brow.
You''ve learned [Partial Phasing] with your second ss?
Yep! Do you know that Skill?
I turned to her, curious. Veronica nodded.
Its a Skill [Dimensional Mages] try to learn early on to manipte small pocket dimensions. Its not a [Full Phase] you can work wonders with that. Its more like what [Crafters]mission [Space Mages] to create Bags of Holdings. Its an essential Skill for any kind of [Space Mage] at the lower levels to learn.
I paused.
It helps create Bags of Holding?
Indeed.
Veronica turned her attention back to the beaker, which was now sizzling. She spoke, focused on two tasks at once.
It allows you to do more than just tug at the fabric of space. To fold space, not just in a haphazard manner. But to intricately weave it, even if just a little bit, to your will.
I blinked.
Really?
Its considered a necessary Skill. Although, you can learn it yourself through theory and practice. Especially if you learned the Skill, like you said you did. You probably can manipte the folds of space better than a brand new [Space Mage]. So, its not really a necessary Skill, in my opinion.
I nodded along, only barely listening to what she was saying. Because I had an idea. If what she said was right and that I could manipte a small enough area of space to fold into itself, then I could potentially flip the space of this ne to match with that of another ne. Then Id just have to punch a hole through it.
This seemed like a good idea.
I might actually finally get back to the Netherworld.
It couldnt possibly go wrong.
Chapter 219: Tutor
Chapter 219: Tutor
219. Tutor
Saffron!
I ran through the door, beaming with excitement. The papers in my hand fluttered as I raised them, ready to show mypanion my amazing grades andpare it with hers. However, the pink-haired noble wasnt there. I paused, looking around.
Aw, where is she?
Apparently, she hadnt returned back from her sses yet. I was too early. I scowled, sitting down on the sofa, waiting for her to return.
--
Saffron!
I ran up to mypanion as she stepped in through the door. She blinked, dropping her things.
What is it, Salvos?
Look, look, look, look, look
I waved my test papers in front of her face, and her eyes widened.
You received three distinctions?
I did!
Saffron looked genuinely impressed. She folded her arms across her chest, still staring.
Huh.
Thats my line!
And those are some good grades.
She picked up her things, bringing them over to a table. I nodded proudly, basking in my own greatness. I peered over her shoulder.
So, howd you do for your midterms?
I was one of the top of my ss. While I did not do as well as you did, I also am not able to stay awake all night, studying without sleep every single day.
Hey! I only do that like five or six times a week!
I took a step back defensively. Saffron rolled her eyes.
I do have to say, Salvos, that youve outdone yourself. Even I didnt expect you to excel in your studies more than me.
Im smarter than you!
I grinned, raising my chin.
Perhaps you are in your academics. However, I am far more educated than you in a plethora of ways.
Oh really?
Saffron nodded, making a list.
Socializing, general information, and tending to my own responsibilities as a noble. This is all without your ability to ignore mental exhaustion.
I cant ignore mental exhaustion! I do get tired sometimes.
Sometimes, yes. But us mortals have our limits. Only those at the truly highest levels are capable of casting aside their mortal restraints.
But arent you a Vampire?
I tapped a finger on my chin, and she red at me.
Not so loud, you idiot. And yes, Vampires arent technically mortals. Were part mortals. Those of us who attain our Subspecies at Level 100 can forego their mortal needs. But as you can see, I am not Level 100.
Saffron waved at herself. Indeed, she wasnt even that high-leveled. Maybe as a Human, shed be considered very high-leveled for her age. But I was still better than her!
Thats not a lot of things, Saffron. Just admit it, Im smarter than you!
I huffed. The pink-haired noble scoffed. Then she paused. She turned to give me a sly smile.
I do have other things Im busy with, Salvos.
Oh yeah? What are they?
Indeed. It is quite troublesome, really. In addition to what I said, I busy myself with learning skills such as taking care of my belovedpanion, who has proven herself to be quite the handful so far.
I blinked. Then I raised a fist.
Hey! Im not a handful!
Of course you arent. I was talking about another troublesomepanion of mine named Salfos.
Oh, ok.
I nodded. Then I frowned.
Wait a minute
Anyway, I have had a busy day, Salvos. Id just like to rest now, with my free time.
I harrumphed as she started past me. Saffron sighed, turning back around. She smiled at me.
You did a good job, Salvos. Im proud of you. I really am.
Instantly, I brightened. I smiled from ear to ear, pressing my hands to my cheeks.
Im so great
Then she ced a hand on my shoulder.
However, you shouldnt belittle others even when acknowledging your own sess. I do not particrly mind Ive known you were smarter than you looked for a while now, and Ive seen your hard work. But others who are less familiar with you as Salfos, the immature and prideful Demon
She gestured at me, and I narrowed my eyes. Before I could speak, she continued.
...and are more familiar with you as Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds, may have their image of you shattered if you act as condescendingly as you sometimes do.
I dont want that
I hesitated, shifting slightly.
But I do know how to act appropriately around others.
You do, Salvos. You are capable of putting up a facade. But only briefly. You thaw too quickly, revealing your true nature to those who yourefortable around.
Isnt that a good thing? Daniel says honesty is good.
Not in your case.
She shook her head.
Remember, you have a reputation to uphold now. It may not truly represent you or capture you fully. However, it is far better than to have yourself misrepresented in a bad light rather than a positive light. After all, youd rather others know you as the intelligent Diamond Ranked adventurer over a foolish young woman, do you not?
I do.
So, do take care of yourself and your actions. Dont do anything foolish, alright?
Saffron headed for her room, yawning.
Im going to rest.
Wait do you want to see my Lair?
I asked eagerly. There was a moments pause; she looked like she did want to take a look at it. Unfortunately, she ended up deciding against it.
Maybe some other time, Salvos. Maybe you can show it to me this weekend?
Alright
I wasntpletely dejected with my response. Her dying it gave me time to tidy up my Lair before she paid me a visit. Also, it meant that I could make preparations for the ritual I was nning.
Veronica Adash had given me an idea. It was a good idea. I liked the idea. Id try to cross to the Netherworld with what I had now. It sounded risky, but I liked taking risks.
For now, though, Id just continue my school days as per usual. And one of those included tutoring other students.
***
Valda was a genius.
She was a fifteen years old prodigy, having enrolled at the prestigious Mavos Academy only a year before. Her levels reflected her talent, but what others didnt know was that it required a lot of hard work on her part to get to this point.
Her family was not rich. She wasnt provided a lot of the resources the rich nobles that normally attended Mavos Academy were given. While she came from a lineage of Vampires those of whom were typically wealthy and of high status her family had been disgraced three centuries ago. Now, they were but [Traders] who thrived off selling copperthorn leaves grown from their vineyard.
If Valdas wealth were measured to themon masses, she''d be considered rich. However, she was upper middle ss at most. And her family couldnt even afford her tuition not without some sponsors.
That was right due to Valdas talent, she was partially sponsored for her enrollment to Mavos Academy. It hadnt been easy. It had been difficult, even. She studied night and day just to pass the entrance examination. And things only grew more once sses started.
From dealing with her studies to training herbat skills, she ced herself under a lot of pressure and stress just to get this far. Her achievements were things which she was incredibly proud of. However, that also made it harder for those around her to bond with her.
Other than the Vampires in Mavos Academy there were currently two others, Saffron and Adney, although there was a third, Beatrice, a year ago Valda struggled making any friends over the course of her first year. Even worse was that she was younger than all the other students there. So, she struggled to fit in.
But she had good grades. At least, she was considered a top student in all her sses. Valda was never the top scorer, but she was always within the top dozen or so students in her ss, with arge majority of others failing. While she was not the best in ss, she was a good student. She then decided to take advantage of her position to get to know others better.
Valda approached those who were failing in the ss; they needed help, or else theyd be expelled. And she offered them her help. That was how she made her first friends.
Jeremiah, Marie, Eve, and Jonas.
They were of the nobility ss except for Jonas. His parents were tinum Ranked adventurers who sent him to Mavos Academy. Valdas group of friends werent dumb, per se. But they simply struggled with focusing in ss. And as such, Valda struggled with helping them thus far.
While she was a child prodigy, she wasnt a teacher. She helped a little bit. Not enough for Jonas and Marie to pass their midterms. It hurt her to see them fail. She even med herself a little bit. They didnt, but she did.
In her desperation to help them, Valda turned to one of the most esteemed students in their ss. Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds. It wasnt the first time they spoke; Valda had been confident in herself that shed findmon ground with Salvos. But after a brief interaction, Valda realized just how far above her the Diamond Rank was.
The proceeding times they spoke, it took Valda all the courage she had to approach Salvos. And their conversationssted just as briefly as the first time. And when Valda asked Salvos for tutoring assistance and Salvos actually said yes, the girl couldnt believe it.
She still couldnt believe it, even as she walked behind Salvos, following her to the library. Jeremiah, Marie, Even and Jonas walked beside Valda. None of them dared to even walk at the same pace as Salvos instead, whispering quietly amongst themselves.
Shes really going to teach us.
Do you think she has some sort of secret studying technique?
Dont be stupid shes clearly just a genius. I heard she received no formal education before entering Mavos Academy.
What about her beauty routine? I need to know how she keeps her skin so pure as an adventurer
It was Eve who spokest, causing Valda to hush her. The fifteen year old girl was certain that Salvos could hear them. And her friends were certainly not leaving a good impression on Salvos.
Just look at her Valda turned her gaze to Salvos. The Diamond Ranked adventurer kept her gaze forward, an almost bored maybe even annoyed look on her face. It was obvious. Valda knew that this was going to go badly. She knew that Salvos would never offer to teach them again.
Valda had to apologize now before things got worse. Before Salvos grew ever more annoyed.
***
I was being praised!
I was so happy that finally, someone recognized me for what I was: a genius. I heard what that boy said. Jonas. He called me a genius! And I most definitely was one.
It took all of my willpower to stop myself from dancing and throwing my hands in the air as I shouted. A grin kept creeping up on my face, but I twisted my lips down to suppress it to keep it from showing. Saffrons words weighed in my mind. I knew I had to uphold their perception of me as something good.
So, I said nothing, leading them into the library, cordially greeting the [Librarian] as I entered.
Good to see you again, Ms Salvos.
Likewise.
I carried myself with the aura of the nobility, and Valda and her friends recognized it. They were in awe just from the fact that the [Librarian] recognized me. I was doing such a good job.
I was about to lead them to my usual study spot with Nn, when Valda hurried next to me, speaking in a small voice.
Um, I-I
I nced back, smiling.
Yes, Valda?
I-I apologize if my friends and I have made a poor first impression on you. We are truly grateful for this opportunity youve granted us, despite our i-impositions.
Of course.
I nodded, even as she squeaked.
I am very much unbothered by your request. Do not worry.
She paled.
R-right. O-of course someone like you would find this task unburdensome.
Indeed.
I pursed my lips, stopping myself from beaming. I turned away from her, speaking casually.
Plus, I like you, Valda. So, even if it had been a problem, Id have aided you regardless but its not.
I quickly qualified the statement at the end, emphasizing the fact that I was, well, a genius. She paused, stopping in her tracks, even as her friends followed me into the private study room. I faced her, brows raised.
Are youing?
Valda stood there, blinking, in a slight daze. Then my words broke her out of it, and she rushed in.
Y-yes!
I nodded, closing the door behind her. I looked at my five students, sitting themselves at the table, looking at me with admiration. See that, Saffron? I can maintain their impression of me. That had been easy. Because I was a genius, so of course they''d think I was a genius. But now...
Now was the hard part. Because how exactly was I supposed to teach them?
Chapter 220: Reputation
Chapter 220: Reputation
220. Reputation
Valda sat with her friends in one of the private study rooms of the library at Central Square. It wasnt an unusual ce for her to be in; shed normally bring them to one of Mavos Academys multiple libraries to tutor them for ss. And yet, today, she sat there, nervous.
It was like there was a knot in her throat. She could barely speak. Sometimes, shed forget to breathe. Her fingers trembled like theyd been dipped in a frozenke for all of winter, and her gaze flitted around the room like a butterfly during a warm spring day. Valda was unfocused too anxious to even know how much time had passed since she entered the room.
She was actingpletely differently than she usually was. Her poise was gone. Her aura of confidence was shattered. Because she was faced with someone who was far better than her in every way.
Salvos.
The Diamond Ranked adventurer who liberated the gunds. A true prodigy one who, without any formal education, could ace all her tests in Mavos Academy. She was everything Valda ever wanted to be. And here she was, tutoring Valda and her friends.
There was no way Valda could keep her cool. So, she stared, awe-struck, as Salvos flipped through the pages of the textbook. Itd been a minute. Or three or five or ten or even an hour. Valda didnt know. All she knew was that whatever was going through Salvos mind had to have been nothing but the wisest thoughts. Sage wisdom that Valda couldntprehend.
There Salvos sat, in deep thought. Pondering the quandaries of life. Philosophical ideas a dialectical debate with herself. Surely, any moment now, Salvos would impart her wisdom to Valda and her friends.
Any moment now
I had no idea where to start.
I didnt even know how to teach anyone anything. I looked over the textbook, organizing the information of everything within it in my head. And Id read most of this already five times over. Id even annotated it all and taken notes. It all made sense to me. So, what was the problem here?
If I taught them anything, Id be regurgitating the exact same things they could find in the textbook. I tapped a finger on my chin, trying to figure out what I was supposed to say. Then a voice spoke up.
Jonas. A young man roughly 25 years of age, with about twice that number in his levels raised a hand.
Excuse me, uh, Ms Salvos
Its just Salvos!
I replied, almost by instinct. I pursed my lips. I probably shouldnt have been that informal with them. Smiling, I pped my hands together and leaned forward.
Yes, Jonas? Did you need something?
R-right, Salvos. Are you, uh, going to teach us anything? Youve been sitting there, silent, for the past ten minutes.
Huh? Oh, um, yep! Of course!
I tapped a finger on my chin; I didnt know what to say. Did I begin with how Crux Symbols worked? Surely they knew that much, right? It was pretty much the foundation of the entire ss theory!
I shrugged, deciding to start with something a bit more advanced than the bare basics.
So, does anyone here know about the side effects of a tainted Clean Medium? Do you know the twenty three historical examples, and the crux of their individual cause?
Three people shook their heads. Only two nodded. Valda and Jeremiah. I blinked. That wasnt even that hard yet; Id taken something from the middle of the textbook. I turned to another random page, looking at my abundance of notes before asking my next question.
Oh, um, you dont know that. Hm. Ok, what about
Four of them shook their heads this time. Only Valda nodded.
I cocked my head.
Alright, what about
All five of them shook their heads this time. Valda did it slowly, almost ashamed. I crossed my arms.
I was stumped. I had absolutely no idea what to do here. Alright, thest question was probably the hardest one I didnt even know the answer to it during the midterms. I got partial credit for it, but not full credit. However, upon looking over my test and the answers Professor Lisbenon provided, I now knew what it was.
However, none of them understood it. And as such, I didn''t understand what I was supposed to do. Did I just say the same thing as in the lecture? Did I say something different?
I needed to distract them with something as I tried to figure things out. I nced over at Eves unopened textbook. She looked the most confused out of my five students. Her textbook had some notes in it, but not a lot. Not nearly as much as mine.
I snapped my fingers, an idea crossing through my head.
Alright, to help each of you out individually, I need to know how well youre doing in the ss. Read up on your textbook and Ill give you a short quiz afterwards, alright? Im going to go, um, prepare some study notes outside.
Yes, thatd distract them for long enough for me to work this out. I needed to go around and maybe ask for some advice. After all, I still had no idea what I was doing.
Salvos was a genius.
Valda was convinced that she was a genius. Personalized teaching? That was something that Valda never wouldve thought of. Whenever Valda helped tutor her friends, shed give them all a general outline of how she studied. Of course that wouldnt apply to everyone. It was how she studied, not how they studied.
So, they failed, while Valda passed, just missing out on a distinction grade.
I dont get it.
Marie whispered.
Cant we just show her our tests? She can surmise how well were doing from that, cant she?
What are you saying?!
Valda looked hurriedly towards the door. Salvos didnt teleport back into the room at the disrespect, thankfully. There was no way she could hear them. Or if she did somehow hear them, she didnt care about what they had to say because of how lowly they werepared to her.
The blonde girl shook her head.
Obviously, she cant use our test score because weve learned since then. She expects us to at least improve from our mistakes. Shellpare our current standing with how well we did beforehand, and make an assessment from then.
You think so?
Jonas stared at her, slightly dubious. Valda nodded.
I know so.
Jeremiah and Eve seemed taken by her idea, instantly throwing themselves into their textbooks. The other pair were more hesitant, but Valda pressed them to begin studying.
After all, Valda knew what kind of person Salvos was. Shed return soon, and begin teaching them. So, Valda studied. She read through her textbook, flipping through the pages with determination. The clock ticked in the corner of the room as time continued to pass. Ten minutes became thirty. Thirty minutes became an hour. Salvos would be back with Any time now.
Surely she was just grabbing a cup of coffee on her way back, right?
***
I massaged my temples, at aplete loss of what to do. I went to see Profesor Lisbenon, however he wasnt of any help as per usual. He just recited his ss lectures and sent me on my way. Then I went searching for Saffron, but I couldnt find her.
I didnt know anyone else whod be able to help me here, so I wandered the streets of Mavos Academy, pretending that I couldnt find my way back to the library. I sighed.
Maybe Ill just do as Lisbenon suggested. Just repeat the lecture until they get bored and stopped asking me for my help.
But wait, that would lead to the exact opposite effect Saffron asked me to achieve: Id ruin my own reputation amongst them. I didnt want that.
Should I confuse them instead? Make them think Im too smart for them?
However, they clearly expected me to be able to help them. That was why they asked me to be their tutor.
This sucks. Managing expectations with who you really are sucks.
Why was that even a thing? Why couldnt people just recognize me as who I was? I was Salvos!
I avoided Central Square, instead heading down a street full of shops. Maybe I could just go back? Pretend I forgot. Or say that it was all part of a test!
That was what teachers did, right?
I thought about everyone who taught me in Mavos Academy so far. Certainly, most of them just improvised and seeded. They seemed to go over pretty much all the same motions they previously did, varying it only slightly for their new students.
None of them truly worked with their students. Not like not like Lily did with me. The training I underwent with her was the most refined and tailored lessons Id had so far. She was a good teacher.
I paused as I passed by a shop. My eyes focused on something in its disy.
Huh.
If I wanted to be a good teacher and uphold my reputation, I had to be like Lily.
Valda was beginning to doubt herself. It had been two hours, and Salvos was not back yet. Could Salvos have abandoned them, realizing that they were all so foolish they werent worth teaching? That was what Marie kept saying. The only reason she and Jonas remained was because Valda forced them to stay.
Im telling you, Valda, shes noting back.
She will. She said shed help us.
And Father once said to me that Id be a [Trader] like no other in Warrington. Look at where Im at now. A [Mage] in Mavos Academy.
Valda gritted her teeth. Marie was right. Salvos had a million other better things to do. Why would she waste her time helping them?
There were a multitude of reasons as to why Salvos couldve left them alone. And they all raced through Valdas mind. What if Salvos was attacked on her way out by a group of Elite Elves? What if Salvos was expelled by Headmaster yton Skyshredder for an unfounded reason? What if
The blonde girl hesitated as the worst possibility popped up in her mind.
What if Salvos wasnt actually as much of a genius as Valda thought she was?
The thought simmered in the back of Valdas mind. It couldnt be true. Salvos was a Diamond Ranked adventurer. She was a peer to Valda no, better! And yet, she hadnt told them anything substantive since she brought them to the library. And yet she wasnt here, even after two hours of Valda self-studying. And yet and yet
The door swung open, and Valda looked up with wide eyes. Marie blinked, and Jonas frowned.
Im back!
Salvos sauntered in, carrying with her a Bag of Holding. Jeremiah and Eve looked jerked up, having dozed off while studying on their textbooks. The both of them immediately tried making up some kind of excuse.
I was just resting my eyes
Yep, yep, sure, whatever.
The silver-haired woman cid the Bag of Holding on the table, causing it to shake. It looked heavy, which said a lot, since Bag of Holdings typically had some kind of weight enchantment to keep them light.
Valda went cross-eyed as she stared at it.
Uh, S-Salvos what is that?
This is your study material.
Salvos beamed, opening the bag. Valda exchanged a nce with Jonas who shrugged. He spoke apprehensively.
Ms I mean, Salvos, what exactly is in that bag?
Here, Ill show you.
Salvos poured the contents of it out onto the table. It all fell in a tter, dozens of tools designed to create a basic artifact. Valda furrowed her brows, surprised by the items.
What are these for?
Things designed for enchanting. But not just modern tools. Look, you have old tools as well like this little weaving pin.
The blonde girl watched as Salvos picked out an item from the clutter of tools. Then she reached for what looked like a dead artifact.
And look, this is a real tained Clean Medium. You can see how it has a Crux Symbol etched on it, right? But the enchantment failed totch on because the item itself isnt good for keeping in mana.
She continued to sort out the various items, showing it to Valda and the others. Marie frowned.
Wait, why are you showing this to us?
Because itll help you have a better grasp of how each and every one of these things work. We learned it in ss, right? But we never once did any actual enchantment. Its all theory, no practice. And I believe that, sometimes, its better to learn by doing rather than by, well, studying in a ssroom.
But these cost
Valda spoke softly. These werent just modern artifacts you could buy at any [Crafter]s shop. Many of these were antiques. Things you could no longer find in the current era.
This is from the Melissian Era and this is from the Alexandrian Era. how much did they?
Um, a few dozen tinum?
Salvos scratched the back of her head.
Or something like that. Im not really sure.
Valdas jaw dropped, and even the nobles gaped. That was expensive. Anyone would know that was expensive. Yet, Salvos brushed it off like it was nothing.
Y-you didnt have to do this
The blonde girl pursed her lips, feeling slightly guilty. Salvos shrugged.
Its nothing. I promised Id help you, right? Well, this is one of the best ways I can. Im not just going to put in the minimum effort to help you after offering you my help. Itd reflect poorly on me!
This was Salvos.
Valda stared at her,pletely taken aback. The Diamond Rank went above and beyond for Valda and her friends, going as far as to buy all these items to help teach them. It wasnt just a lesson designed for them. It was more than that.
Salvos ced a hand on Valdas shoulder, smiling like the sun.
Dont worry too much about it. Come on, lets get your friends a passing grade, alright?
Right.
Valda nodded.
--
The tutoring session ended, and Salvos parted ways with Valda and her friends. The five of them were silent, in awe of what Salvos did for them this evening, while letting everything they learned slowly settle in. It was an act of more than just kindness of the kind of altruism discussed in philosophy books.
She was Valdas hero. No
Shes a [Hero]...
Valda whispered. Eve blinked, turning back to face the blonde girl.
Did you say something, Valda?
Salvos is a [Hero].
The blonde girl repeated herself, this time with more confidence. Her four friends looked at her, slightly confused. However, she spoke insistently.
Theres no way someone like her can exist naturally. Think about it. All the [Heroes] of the past share the exact same trait as her. Shes altruistic, shes high-leveled, and shes a genius.
Right, Valda, but we can name literally a dozen other people like that just in this school.
But she''s different. Shes better than them. And
Valda bit her lower lip. This was something that had bothered her for a while now. But the pieces finally fell into ce.
Even more than that no one has ever heard of her before the past few years, and her levels have only rapidly risen since then. Dont you think thats strange? As if she suddenly appeared in this world with no levels, and grew quickly ever since? Kind of like how a [Hero] is summoned?
Her friends opened their mouths. Then they exchanged looks.
That
I can actually see that.
Exactly.
Valda crossed her arms.
Salvos is a [Hero]. Im certain of it.
Chapter 221: Saffrons Sanity
Chapter 221: Saffron''s Sanity
221. Saffron''s Sanity
Saffron Merryster sat in her room and stared at the vial of Demons blood before her. Itd been given to her by Salvos a precious resource which would normally cost a fortune, provided to her every other week. She would drink from it once a day, consuming just enough for her to notpletely pass out from the blood.
Demons blood had that effect on Vampires like her. It didnt take much. A few sips in, and Saffron would be out for the rest of the night. Her memory would be foggy everything from the night before nothing more than a haze to her, especially when she woke up with a headache. It wasnt really the most conducive state to be in when she needed to study.
However, it helped her level. All thanks to drinking Demons blood, Saffron reached Level 56 in her ss, and Level 9 in [Racial Skill: Vampiric Essence]. It was more than shed leveled in in months.
Saffron Merryster (Lady)
Species: [Vampire - Human]
ss: [Evocation Elementalist] - Lvl. 56
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 3
[Identification] - Lvl. 8
[Racial Skill: Bloodlust] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Vampiric Essence] - Lvl. 9
[Rest] - Lvl. 4
Saffron was truly grateful to Salvos for it. There were times where shed still be suspicious or dubious of Salvos due to the silver-haired womans nature as a Demon. But each time, Saffron logically reminded herself that Salvos had no reason to help Saffron. No reason other than the arbitrary title ofpanion Salvos had designated to her.
The meaning of that title was quite intuitive. Saffron knew it was just another word for a close or important friend and yet, Salvos, due to either her naivety or her young age or both, would go through great lengths for the sake of herpanions.
It ttered Saffron, really. But she could also see how such a mindset could potentially be problematic for the Demon in the future she could be used and taken advantage of. So, Saffron was going to make sure it never happened. Shed educate Salvos. Teach her how the world worked.
That was what Saffron had resolved herself to do before she inebriated herself the night before from drinking Demon blood. Even as she got out of bed with a massive headache, taking a quick hangover tonic to recover, she had that in her mind. The young noble approached Salvos as she left her room.
Good morning.
Hi!
Salvos was unexpectedly ready to go to her sses, with her backpack slung around her shoulder and a chipper grin on her face. Saffron raised a brow.
Are you heading out right now? You still have an hour until your sses start, dont you?
Yep! Im going to be helping a friend out with her studies.
I see
Saffron paused. Her eyes narrowed.
Wait, a friend?
Shes nice, dont worry too much about it. Ill see youter, ok? Not immediately after my sses end though, because Ill be going to the library. Bye!
The Demon headed out of the room, waving at Saffron. The young noble shrugged and bade her farewell.
Shes made even more friends? Of course she did. I just hope they dont take advantage of her.
--
Saffron continued on her day, heading to each one of her sses, socializing, talking, learning, and of course, headaching. That was the state her mind was in when she identally drank one sip too many of Demons blood. She spotted Adney hurrying down a corridor. Another Vampire. The only one in Mavos Academy other than Saffron and Valda after the fourth member of their cabal vanished.
Also, she was the only one who considered them a cabal. Everyone else didnt; they held a meeting once in a while, but even that was bing rarer than ever. Saffron had briefly spoken to Gannon, another Vampire, during Ivonnes auction a month ago. Things were looking dire with what was going on in Nixa. The old guard of Vampires didnt care to act. Nay they were afraid to act. Only a few dozen of the lesser families had sent their thralls and resources to aid the Merrysters in facing the Primeval Demon.
The thought annoyed Saffron. The greater families were too scared of losing everything they had all the worth they umted to even help out. It was so ridiculous. And judging by the letters shed been getting from her family, they were upset about it too. For some reason.
Dearest daughter,
I hope your education has been going well. Since I have written to you a month ago, your father has recovered from his injuries
...your brother has been managing the estates
...I implore you to reach out to the other families. While we may send messages to their estates, it will not be the same as a conversation with them. Travel is restricted here due to hordes of wandering monsters, disced by that Demons rampage. Only you can speak to the Norwood and Veridian families.
Else, should our family fall, you shall receive a package. Within it are instructions and all the information you need. Otherwise, do not speak of thisst matter with anyone else.
Lucia and Warren send their regards.
Love,
Zahra Merryster
Just thinking about the letter made her irate. Saffron was supposed to try and convince other Vampire families to help, but it wasnt easy. Even just gathering Valda and Adney to help her was difficult. She tried to grab Valda earlier, but the blonde girl ran off before Saffron could catch her. And Adney she couldnt even get him to stay on topic.
Adney, I need you to listen to me.
He had a gruff figure hed been an adventurer once before, after all. He scowled.
I will not, Saffron. I have heard what you said before, and I am not so suicidal to get myself killed fighting that Primeval Demon.
Thats not what Im asking of you.
Saffron sighed.
I need you to help me find the Crimsondreads. I know youre aware of what happened to them after they lost their estates. Your father was acquainted with them.
My pa only helped them after you rich nobles shunned them from your society. I know nothing about them.
Then at least let me speak to your father.
She met his gaze. The man gritted his teeth together. He was clearly frustrated.
No. I wont.
Adney finally spoke. He spun around, turning to leave Saffron and the bubble they had around them. A spell cast so that no one could scry or listen to them. He paused right at the fringe of the spells bounds.
I suggest you give up your idealistic beliefs, Saffron. Before you get yourself killed. That Demon is far above any of our levels. It has disposed of multiple Diamond Ranks on its own. Even the Amber Mind herself was in in battlest week, and shed nearly been an Elite. Any contribution we have is meaningless.
He turned around, about to continue. Saffron stood there, her gaze shadowing over. She clenched her fists.
Regnorex is at the gates.
Her words drew him to a stop. She looked up, a defiant look on her face.
That is what weve been told by our families since we were children. That Regnorex is at the gates. Its just a saying. A phrase. A figure of speech. Something to remind us of our duty as Vampires. As Demon yers.
Saffron took a deep breath.
Well, guess what? He ising now. This Primeval Demon is but a messenger, and look at what its doing. If even us Vampires cant band together to fend it off, then Humankind has no hope to survive this next invasion.
Adney stared at her. He closed his eyes, whispering.
Perhaps
But then he turned around anyway.
But who am I to stop it?
With those words, he left her alone.
Saffron massaged her temples. Great. She let the spell dissipate. Just great.
Neither Adney nor Valda would help her. The only person she could rely on was herself. And maybe Salvos was willing to do anything for herpanions, right?
The thought crossed her mind for a moment.
Would Saffron be taking advantage of Salvos for that? But no the young noble didnt befriend Salvos for that intention. Shed just be asking for a favor, as friends did.
Now, where did Salvos say she was going to again? The library, right?
--
With some help from a [Librarian], Saffron managed to find where Salvos was. The Demon had booked one of the private study rooms for use. For her to teach her friends.
Saffron knocked on the door, and it opened. She blinked.
Valda?
The blonde girl furrowed her brows.
Saffy? I thought I managed to lose you. How did you find me here?
I wasnt searching for you. I was searching for Salvos?
The young noble looked past Valda who was barring the doorway, meeting the gaze of a familiar silver-haired woman. Salvos cocked her head.
Oh, hi Saffron!
What are you doing here?
Just teaching.
Teaching?
Saffron had a premonition of what Salvos was about to say. But even when the Demon said it, she couldnt help but gape.
Yep. Im teaching Valda, Jeremiah, and Marie. Eve and Jonah couldnt make it today.
The young noble looked over at the other two students in the room she assumed they were Jeremiah and Marie. She thought she recognized Jeremiah from somewhere. Perhaps from a ball. Or maybe another social event. Whatever it was, she was certain Jeremiah was a noble too. She stared at Salvos.
What are you doing, tutoring Valda?
Salvos opened her mouth but Valda spoke over her.
Are you envious, Saffy? I have the Liberator of the gunds herself expounding on her genius and intellect for me.
Saffron tried to work her jaw.
...what?
It is only natural that geniuses such as Salvos and I would mingle and befriend each other. I know that you have been trying to abuse your position as her roommate, keeping her away from others. But while you are merely her friend, I am her protege.
Valda spoke haughtily. She wasnt a noble, but Saffron thought Valda was doing a good job at passing as one. Saffron tried to muster up her words.
I am not why are you even taking lessons from Salvos? Arent you supposed to be a prodigy, Valda?
I am, indeed. But even I have my own shorings. Enchantment theory is not where I truly excel. I may not have achieved a distinction for my midterms, but with the help and lessons of Salvos, I am certain it is achievable without a problem.
And you really trust her? What is she even teaching you?
Saffrons eyes turned to the scene at the study table. There were a bunch of trinkets spilled onto the desk, with messy notes scribbled down on crumpled up pieces of paper. That was normally how Salvos studied, so Saffron was not so surprised by that.
What Saffron was surprised by was how everyone else was taking notes the same way. Even Valda.
Shes teaching us how to be a model student. Shes imparting her wisdom onto us. Her methods are unique and that''s why shes able to stand out in ss despite transferringte into the academic term.
Saffron really didnt like repeating herself, but again she was at a loss for words.
...what?
Salvos piped up, crossing her arms from the study table.
What are you guys talking about over there? It better be about how much of a genius I am!
We are, actually. I was exining to Saffron about how refreshing I find your study techniques to bepared to the dull, inane teachings of Mavos Academy.
Aw, thank you.
Salvos grinned, even as Saffron pinched the bridge of her nose.
This cant be real. This seriously cant be real.
Not only was Salvos continuing on about how much of a genius she was, but others were agreeing with her too? Valda, of all people, was praising parroting that sentiment?
Saffron was pretty sure shed identally drank some Demons blood earlier, passed out, and was now dreaming this whole thing up. But it was real. And that made her want to actually get inebriated.
I think I think I want to leave.
Aw, youre leaving? I need to tell you something real quick, Saffron.
Go ahead and leave, Saffy. Youre interrupting our study session. We have lots to discuss without you.
Valda paused. Then she sneered, leaning in and casting a quick silence spell as she spoke softly.
Plus, I know the secret you wanted to tell me.
Y-you do?
And this time, Saffron reacted instantly. Her gaze snapped up as she felt pinpricks running down her spine. Like ants were crawling on her skin. She spoke apprehensively, backing away from Valda.
How?
Did Salvos tell Valda? Surely Salvos wasnt foolish enough to tell others that she was a Demon. It was something that couldpromise her stay in Mavos Academy. It was something that couldpromise her status. It was something that couldpromise her life.
Or maybe did Salvos screw up again? Saffron opened her mouth, but Valda huffed.
Of course I do. Its the reason why her teachings are out of this world.
And Saffron froze entirely. Valda crossed her arms, as Salvos slowly sauntered over.
No
Yes.
You know that shes a D
Yes, I know that shes a [Hero].
Saffron rubbed her eyes.
Pardon?
You heard what I said.
Valda drew back, letting the spell vanish as Salvos walked up next to her, a cheerful expression on her face as usual.
What were you whispering about?
Its nothing. We were just catching up.
Salvos characteristically tilted her head to the side, but Valda waved at Saffron. The blonde girl returned to Jeremiah and Marie, engaging in excited conversation with them, ncing back at Salvos every so often.
For her part, Saffron just stood there, speechless. Salvos pped her hands together.
So, why did youe, Saffron?
I I dont actually remember.
Huh. Now Im curious. Oh well, if you remember what it is, dont forget to tell me. But
Salvos beamed, cing a hand on Saffrons shoulder.
Anyway, Im free tomorrow, and its a weekday. Want toe see my secret hideout?
By that, Saffron knew Salvos was referring to her Lair. The young noble just sighed, not wanting to be in this room of insanity anymore.
Sure. Lets go take a look at it.
Yay!
Chapter 222: Lair Tour
Chapter 222: Lair Tour
222. Lair Tour
Saffron, youve been getting drunk a lottely, havent you?
The young noble looked up at me with bleary eyes. Shadows stained her eyelids it was like she had spilled my blood, smearing her face with its ck emptiness just under her eyes. She sighed.
And whose fault is that?
I tilted my head back, pondering this question.
I dunno. But I think you should learn some restraint. Itll be healthier for you.
Or so I assumed, based on what I knew about Humans. However, Saffron was a Vampire, so it was entirely possible her body functioned differently.
She shot me a re.
Coming from you, thats rich.
Hey! Im not that rich. I only have a few hundred tinum coins!
And thats hundreds of times more than the average person will make from working their entire lives. Anyway, its a figure of speech.
Im just worried for you.
I watched Saffron as she leant back against her chair, sipping on a cup of tea. Apparently, it was mixed with some potion that was supposed to help cure headaches. I was taking alchemy, so I shouldve known what it was but since I jumped sses straight into advanced alchemy, I had absolutely no idea what it was or how it worked.
I probably could make it if I was given the recipe, just considering theplex concoctions I brewed with [Alchemist] Raymonds lessons. In fact, I probably should make them for Saffron.
How much do those headache potions cost, Saffron?
About ten gold each. It is rather pricey, but it has about a dozen uses per bottle.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Maybe I could make you some.
And how would you do that?
She raised a brow. I beamed.
With my alchemy station! I have one in my Lair I was actually going to show it to you when we left for my Lairter today.
...right. I promised to go, didnt I?
For whatever reason, Saffron didnt seem enthused. In fact, she appeared to be apprehensive, pursing her lips and drinking a sip of the tea instead. She ced the cup town with a soft tter on its te.
Well, Salvos, unfortunately you wont even be able to produce this concoction in your Lair, for this is not made by alchemy, but by herbalism.
Herbalism?
I frowned, and she nodded.
Indeed. It is an entirely different school of magical brewing. One that relies less on the Skills and magic of the brewer, but of the brewed ingredients itself. It is the specialty of those who use nature as their construct.
She waved a hand as she spoke. I creased my brows. What did that mean? Wait wasnt?
Oh, Ive met a [Herbalist] before, actually.
It is a bit of an unusual jobpared to [Alchemists], but Im not surprised you have.
Yep! She was very nice. Her name was Xidra. Shes a Kobold.
Saffron paused. She looked at me, squinting.
Youve met a Kobold?
A lot of them! Some of them were really mean. Others were nicer though! Oh! I also met a Goblin that can talk a Gremlin. Hes a [Shaman]. He wasnt as nice as Xidra and his name is weird. But do you think he dabbles in herbalism too?
I remembered how Mngrph worked with a cauldron to make food. It wasnt for anything potion-like, but it could potentially be used for such.
The noble woman just stared at me. I cocked my head.
Yes?
Youve befriended Kobolds, and you met a talking Goblin?
Yes.
...and you wonder why I inebriate myself.
I didnt know what she meant by that. Saffron drew herself to her feet, sighing.
Come one. Just take me to your Lair, already. I want to get this over with before you give me even more of a headache.
Sure!
I leapt to my feet, excited to finally show Saffron my Lair.
--
I brought the Vampire out of Mavos Academy. She followed me as we entered the forest far from the campus, where only the tallest towers were visible, but also obscured by a ceiling of clouds. And when we stepped under the tall foliage, we could no longer see our school.
Saffron and I waded through trees until finally reaching the small alcove Id hidden under a thickyer of leaves. I dug it open, beaming and spreading my arms wide.
Ta-da!
Now entering [Lair: Study Spot of Salvos]!
Wait
Saffron frowned as she took a step in.
Does it inform you every time you enter it that youre stepping into a Lair?!
Yep! Whats wrong?
I thought you werent being literal when you called it a Lair!
She stared at me, aghast. I was flummoxed. Why was she so surprised? The Vampire waved her arms frantically.
What happens if someone discovers this ce? Theyll know it belongs to you!
And?
I gave her a nk look. She spoke, exasperated.
Humans dont have Lairs, Salvos. Only monsters do and I guess, Demons and Spirits?
She pondered that over before concluding it didnt matter.
Whatever it means that if someone stumbles upon this ce, theyll realize that something is wrong about the Diamond Ranked adventurer Salvos.
Huh.
I just stood there, a finger on my lip, as Saffron paced around and murmured to herself.
If you get in trouble this is so reckless, why does this even
Cant I just change its name then?
She halted mid-step. The Vampire turned to me and blinked.
What?
I repeated myself.
Why cant I just change its name?
You can?
Saffron nearly went cross-eyed. I nodded.
I mean, I think I can. I feel like I can? Let me try
I focused on the name of the Lair. I felt like I could just remove its existence, but I didnt want to do that. It was my Lair it gave me a significant boost in Stats. If it wasbined together with my [Demonic Essence] form and with Daniels [Hero] Skill and also one of those Elf fruits, itd be enough to almost literally double my Stats.
So, instead, I changed its name. I wanted it to be something cooler. Something that was more fitting for me. A ce I could rx and show to those I cared about. I snapped my fingers, and the name changed.
Now entering [Lair: Companion Cave].
How about that?
I grinned, turning to Saffron. She looked around, the worry on her face vanishing.
Oh.
Thats better, right? Now no one will know who this Lair belongs to.
Its still a bit of an odd name.
I gestured for her to enter.
Come on. You havent seen anything yet.
There was a short winding corridor that turned around a corner to where the main chamber of my Lair was. I skipped ahead as Saffron followed slowly behind.
So, was this where you kept your alchemy stati
The Vampire froze when she took a look at the rest of my Lair. I waited for her reaction, but she just paled. She raised a twitching finger as I crossed my arms impatiently.
Well?
Thats uh, this is your Lair?
It is.
I nodded, ncing back at it. It had stacks of old and dirty books piled together in one corner pretty much everything I was nning on reading and another few stacks of old and dirty books in another corner everyone I had already read.
Handing along the wall in between the two corners were various coats and clothes. Outfits Id taken from dead [Cultists] or other people who tried to kill me. Daniel told me to save those to sell, but I liked the decor they provided, like ck curtains covering windows that werent there.
At the adjacent side of the room were artifacts Id ced on pedestals based on what I assumed was their value. The one that was ced on the highest pedestal was the Dreaded Goblet. It had in it some murky water ckened for whatever reason. I was pretty sure it was clear when I poured in the water just this morning! I had to keep recing it every day.
Finally, the center of the room had all my study materials. I had arge cauldron used for alchemy, with various other tools used for alchemyid out on a desk next to it. It was just slightly off center of the chamber, because at the center of the chamber was a circle. Id marked out the diameter of my [Temporal Distortion] Skill before I maxed it out just to see if its size increased. It did, by about five feet in every direction. Which made me mark out an evenrge circle over the first circle.
I spun around, spreading my arms wide.
So, what do think, Saffron?
She worked her mouth. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke.
This this looks like a [Cultist]s hideout, Salvos
...it does?
I cast my gaze around the room, furrowing my brows.
No it doesnt.
Yes it does.
Nope. Its my study spot. My Lair.
Your Lair looks like a ce where [Cultists] converge to summon Demons! Look at it!
She emphatically pointed at the center of the room.
Why do you have a summoning circle etched onto the ground? Why is there blood in that summoning circle?!
Thats not a summoning circle! And that bloods from me I identally spilled some blood when trying to pour it into a vial!
Saffron nced between me and the summoning circle.
Alright, fine, maybe you can exin that to me. But to anyone who stumbles in
She massaged her temples.
Itll look like a hideout for [Cultists]. Adventurers will raid your Lair, Salvos. Youll lose everything you own.
You worry too much, Saffron.
I waved a hand off.
No one has discovered it so far. And were quite deep into the forest! Its unlikely anyone will just find it.
People have Skills, Salvos. A high-leveled [Rogue] may sense that theres treasure. A [Hunter] may smell the hit of blood in the air. There are many things that could happen. Youre not worried enough. Just because no one has discovered it yet, doesnt mean someone wont eventually find it.
Saffron folded her arms. I hesitated. That actually made sense. I tried toe up with an excuse, but I knew she was right. I shrugged.
What do I do about it, then? I cant just use your room what if someone discovers me there? Ill be in even more trouble.
Hm. That is true.
She nced around, scratching her chin.
I could put up runes. Wards that keep this ce more secure and hidden. Ill have to look into a few books. Speak with some [Enchanters].
Wait, Im taking an enchanting ss. Can I possibly help?
I raised a hand, and she nodded.
You could, but your ss is more rted to the creation ofbat artifacts. Wards and runes arent asplex, but may also elude you to a certain extent. It takes a different set of theory you may not know.
I looked at Saffron, grateful.
Thank you, Saffron. Youre great!
I cheered. The Vampire paused. She looked at me for a moment. It was as though a thought cross through her mind. Then she snapped her eyes shut and shook her head.
Were friends, Salvos, and Id rather you not get yourself in trouble.
That was all she said. She took out a notebook and began scribbling out a list of things she had to do. I waited until she was finished. Then I shifted slightly, drawing her attention.
Well other than all that, what do you think?
Saffron cocked an eyebrow.
What do I think?
I mean, other than everything youve said. Do you have any thoughts on my Lair?
Any thoughts?
I nodded eagerly.
Yep! Do you think its cool? Do you think it looks amazing and fancy and nice like the home of Princess?
She stared at me, then stared at the rest of the Lair.
No. Its terribly designed.
Saffron responded without missing a beat.
Aw.
I deted. I felt my shoulders sagging. But then I straightened.
So, um, do you want to see me brew the Potion of Regeneration?
She pressed her lips thinly together. I scratched the back of my head.
Itll be fine?
Ugh, sure. You better not blow both of us up.
Chapter 223: Portals!
Chapter 223: Portals!
223. Portals!
Saffron Merryster watched from the side wary and with an array of protective spells around her as I prepared my concoction. I was working on the Potion of Regeneration. Well, not the Potion of Regeneration itself, but one of the base ingredients thatd create Potion of Regeneration.
There were still a lot of steps I had to take to finish creating it. Right now, I was working with the tempest-fused blood to enhance a simple healing potion into a more potent form. Saffron crossed her arms as I poured the blood slowly into another vial. The second vial was full of healing potion, burning under a soft fire. mes I conjured, weak and cold.
Then I saw the bubbling. The fire increased in intensity. I grabbed a tube of effervescent liquid, pouring it into the soluble potion. I waited, staring intently as the mixture changed. I poured the effervescent liquid into the potion drip by drip/
Youre using your fire maniption to speed up the process.
Saffron observed. I nodded.
Yep! I read about this in the textbook. [Alchemists] would have to use heat control, not fire control, to achieve this. But I have [Advanced Fire Creation]. I can make my mes cold or hot if I wanted to.
Impressive. But I do suggest you be a little more gentle in your handling of the potion. Otherwise something could go wrong.
What could possibly go wrong
Just as I spoke those words, I saw a sizzling rise up from the potion. I blinked. Then I instantly let my mes dissipate. However, it was toote. The liquid burst out a scalding, molten mess that spilled all over my Lair. I leapt back, creating a Nebr Shield to protect me from it. A thinyer of smoke filled the room as I let the ss vial clink to the ground.
Oops.
I turned to Saffron who gave me a t stare. She was safe behind her barriers. I shrugged.
At least I have more tempest-infused blood, right?
You idiot
--
It wasnt a lie that I still had quite a lot of tempest-infused blood to spare. The problem was that I didnt have as much to spare for my other ingredients for example, sagetree sap. While Id been given quite a lot by Ivonne the [Trader] whod held the auction a month or two ago the amount of sagetree sap necessary to create a Potion of Regeneration was substantial.
Each failed attempt would be a big waste.
And especially with my Enigmatic Heart shard
I only had one chance with it. It was the most vital ingredient one of the final few steps that came in making the Potion of Regeneration something that actually restored your missing limbs and body parts. Otherwise, itd have just been a High Grade healing potion.
A voice drew my attention from the side. Saffron stepped out of her barrier of protections.
You made quite a mess, Salvos. You need to be more careful. You cant rush the process when ites to alchemy.
Aw. But I dont have much time left, Saffron. Our midterms and breaks are over. I cant just waste time taking things slowly.
And you cant waste your resources either.
She shook her head.
Its counterintuitive. Either way, youll fail your ss. But at least if you take your time, you increase your chances of passing.
I wont fail. Im a genius!
I scowled. Saffron rolled her eyes.
You also need to stop hanging around Valda. Your head is getting too big, Salvos. Seriously, you need someone to keep you in check.
Hey!
I crossed my arms, defiantly staring at her.
Ive always had a big head! Thats why Im a genius!
...you know what I meant.
The Vampire huffed, letting her spells vanish. I watched as she started for the exit of my Lair, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Regardless, I will ask you to take your time with what youre doing, Salvos. Not to rush the process. I will write a letter to Matthew hopefully he has procured additional Enigmatic Heart shards. It is not a guarantee. I cannot promise you that hell be sessful.
Aw, youre going? Already?
Indeed I am, Salvos.
I felt my shoulders sagging as she headed out of the cavern entrance. She nced back at me, stopping.
I also need to prepare some runes spells that would help you maintain your Lairs secrecy better. I do not want you getting into trouble over your well, yourck of conspicuousness.
But Princesses arent meant to be inconspicuous!
And youre not a Princess. Youre a Demon.
Saffron snorted, spinning on her heels and leaving the Lair. I called out onest time before she finally left.
Did you at least like my Lair?
SHe nced back at me and responded without missing a beat.
No. I cant say I did.
Aw.
And I tried to make it look nice, too.
--
With Saffron gone, I continued my own studies on my own. I decided to halt my brewing attempts for today partially because some of my tools for alchemy were damaged thanks to my earlier failure.
I immersed myself in books. In space magic. I had been carrying out tests. Experiments.
Id bought a bunch of Bag of Holdings and deconstructed them. They were fascinating. Each Bag of Holding varied in price the cheapest one was roughly 50 gold, I found. And yet, they were allplex.
The reason, however, why they were so mass produced or rtively so to theirplexities was purely due to the nature of their creation. One could replicate their form with ease. A [Space Mage] just needed to create the spell for a distortion in space once, before using the exact same spell each time to create a Bag of Holding. Or at least, the same kind of Bag of Holding. So, when [Crafters]missioned Bags of Holdings, [Space Mages] simply sent the form to the [Crafters], and theyd be able to make the Bag of Holding themself.
As such, they could be bought in pretty much any city.
Id spent a few hundred gold on just Bags of Holdings. Which was apparently a lot. If Daniel were here, hed criticize me for my reckless spending. But he wasnt here. Id spend as much as I wanted!
I tried replicating the spells in the exact same way I studied the Runic Scroll of Starfall. Of course, I couldnt make an identical Bag of Holding. But I found that my own Bags of Holdings I created wereparable in quality to the ones I''d bought.
Each could hold multiple times the volume they appeared to be able to hold!
Is this thanks to [Partial Phasing]?
I tapped a finger on my chin. I had that Skill I learned the Skill for my ss. But I didnt add it to my avable Skills, because I had a limited number I could choose from. Plus, as Saffron and Edithe and Lily kept saying, it was better for me to learn magic the proper way, rather than relying on Skills.
The problem with using Skills and only Skills to learn was how itd be harmful for me at higher levels. Granted, I was already quite high-leveled. But I leveled too quickly or whatever, as they always said.
I was taking things slower now, which upset me a little bit, but I understood the logic. I was trying to get to the Netherworld, and that required teleporting through the nes, something which I had to learn. And Id learned a lot in Mavos Academy.
The theories the idea behind the folds in space. Id even been reading through the various books I stole from the dead [Cultists].
They, themselves, werent so sure how Demon summonings worked. Most of them had no clue. They just followed the instructions and killed some people. But there was one book I found that piqued my interest. It was written by a [Cultist] named Keh Cyr.
Hed been fascinated by the way Demon summonings worked. He became a [Cultist] solely to study and understand the power behind it. Everyone knew that it was the Demons cor that made them adhere to the Humansmands. But how exactly did it pull them through space?
I remembered Lucernas Lair. He had an area there that was reserved as a portal. And Keh Cyrs findings seemed to align with what I knew. Portals were created, linked to these specific spots.
Demons couldnt juste to the Mortal Realm from any random location in the Netherworld. They had specific gates and portals to go through now, whether these gates were abundant or numerous wasnt something Keh knew. But judging by what I saw with Lucerna, I assumed they were moremon than not.
So, the magic that was cast was mostly from the side of the Netherworld. The [Cultists] here simply cast a spell from the Mortal Realm that activated the portal.
If someone like Lucerna could have his own personal portal in his Lair, surely I could too.
Which was what I decided to test today. I set up a spot I activated [Temporal Distortion] over a small area. It was about the size of a bag. I couldnt manipte the size of the Skill after it was cast, but I could set it at a certain size and shape before.
And now, I began weaving mana.
I was like a seamstress, working the strands of magic that made up space itself. It was the same form Id use to create a Bag of Holding. Except, I oveid it on top of my [Temporal Distortion].
The reason was simple. Teleportation magic was simply creating a fold in space and pushing through it. These two spells created their own fold in space well, more like pushing into space to create a separate pocket. But if added together, itd be like a fold. A deep fold. One that, if my theorizing was correct, when pierced through, would let me teleport straight through to another ne.
Keh Cyr himself had been an amateur in space magic. And whenever he saw a Demon summoning, he observed, with his specialized eyes, how space itself seemed to warp and fold multiple times into itself, like a receding flower, before copsing into a portal.
As such, I was confident enough to test my theory. I focused on this single spot Id chosen out, before focusing my magic into it. I wanted to teleport into it I wanted to puncture a hole that was strong enough to make it fall into itself.
A regr [Temporal Distortion] field barely looked different to a normal ce in space. It was slightly discolored, but otherwise not something easily distinguishable. But this space it glowed. It shone, glittering like a jewel. But transparent, with a fractal surface around its sides.
I closed my eyes, even as its iridescent light glowed brighter and brighter with each passing moment that I tried to force my way through it.
Come on
I knew how to teleport. Id teleported through my own [Temporal Distortion] field before. This was just a bit harder, right?
The more Id exerted pressure onto it, the brighter it shone. Then pieces began to crack off. Emptiness a dark ck void of nothing stared at me. I narrowed my eyes as even more pieces of this gem-like portal began to break off.
Um, is this supposed to be happening?
It was nothing like all the other portals Id seen. There was always an image on the other side. Either the Spirit ne or the Netherworld. This it was like looking into the darkness of a wicked mouth. Its shadows threatened to swallow me as chipped pieces of ss-like space, reminiscent of broken teeth, fell into it.
This isnt
I tried to deactivate the spell. I tried to remove my enchantment. Nothing worked. It was slowly breaking apart, like a broken windowpane.
This isnt supposed to be happening!
I was no longer trying to teleport through this portal, and yet I still found myself slowly being dragged in. Panic settled in as I realized I couldnt control it. The light that shone from it turned dark thest pieces of the gem-like shape copsed. And the force that tugged me grew stronger.
I gritted my teeth, spreading my wings out. I began pping it as I tried to get away. Yet, I was still pulled closer, unable to fight back. I nced over as I saw my artifacts, standing still, unaffected by this strong pull.
What is going on?!
I screamed as my hand was sucked into the darkness. I tried to pull it out
Then a hand grabbed me. It definitely felt like a hand. I looked down and saw the red arm opposing mine. A face appeared in the darkness a smirk spread across it. I recognized him immediately. And he pulled himself out of the shadows. The ck hole vanished as he came out, one horse-like feet at a time.
My eyes widened as he spoke, still holding onto my hand.
And here I was, wondering who was the idiot who tried to crush themself between space. My, my, it was you. My favorite Demon. Hm. What was your name again?
I tried to take a step back, but his grip on my forearm was unbreakable. I gaped at him, trying to work my mouth.
W-what are you doing here?
And here I thought youd be happy to see me again. Dont you remember me? Its me.
He spread his arms wide.
The Devil.
[???- Lvl. ???]
Chapter 224: Hes Back
Chapter 224: He''s Back
224. He''s Back
A quietus enveloped my Lair as the red figure loomed over me. I felt a tremor wash over my skin. It was like Id been standing on cracked ice, just barely holding my weight, before an earthquake broke its sheet, and I was dipped in the chilled water below. My entire body shivered and shook as I raised a finger, pointing it at the being that emerged from the darkness.
The Devil.
That was his name or at least, what he called himself when I first saw him.
He had blood-crimson skin with ck legs. They were curved back, like the hooves of a horse or a goat. Simr to mine when I was transformed in my [Demonic Essence] form. A pair of wicked horns protruded from his head and a dark goatee that was curled almost up back into itself.
This was the Devil. Id met him once before. Back when I was half my current level. Hed beaten me with ease taken the cors Id tried to steal to bring me back to the Netherworld. My [Deadly Instincts] told me of how dangerous he was then. The spine-prickling feeling of ants crawling their way up my back by the hundreds was never forgotten.
And the same feeling overwhelmed me now. Just with [A Hunters Sense] instead. The Devil took one clopping step forward as she tapped a finger on his chin.
Why, youve grown quite a bit since Ivest seen you. Youre already at Level 100. Thats quite impressive.
He paused, tilting his head to the side.
How long did that take you? A hundred years? Two hundred? A thousand?
Um
I wasnt sure whether to speak or whether to attack him. I knew Id die if I tried. Maybe I could run, but he still had a firm grip on my hand. So, I squeaked.
T-two years?
It was roughly two years. Maybe more, maybe less. I wasnt keeping track of time I didnt care about the concept of birthdays or age like Humans did. Apparently, the Devil didnt care about time all that much either.
Two years? I wasnt that far off.
He raised his shoulders in a shrug. Then finally, he let go of me. I felt the burning iron grip on my arm release and stumbled back to the floor. Then his brows tightened like a fist.
Although, leveling as quickly as that, Im surprised you arent dead yet. Ny-nine point nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine you get what Im saying percent of those who level as quickly as you would be dead by now. Due to sheer recklessness, or sheer chance. You must be quite lucky. Or you must not have died just yet.
His words screamed at me to run for it. This could be where I died. But he just waved a hand dismissively.
Anyway, whats your name again?
I bit my lower lip. Was he being serious? Id already introduced myself to him in the past. Why was he asking for my name again now?
Im, um, Salvos
Ah, thats right, Salvos.
The Devil snapped his fingers with a click. He grinned knowingly.
He recognized me. Not my name. And yet something was off. He knew who I was. But he didnt he didn''t
Then the realization sunk in. I looked down at myself at my blue jacket and my fingers without ws. I was a Human. I wasnt transformed into my [Demonic Essence] form, which was the form most simr to what I wore when I first met him. I wasnt even my regr self; I didnt look like a Demon at all.
But he knew who I was.
H-how?
How?
He cocked a brow. I drew myself to my feet, activating [Haste] as I backed away. This was a trick. This was definitely some sort of game for him. At any moment, he could just
The Devil appeared behind me in the blink of an eye. Not a gust of wind apanied his steps. His hand was firmly nted on my shoulder, stopping me from moving any further. My eyes widened, and he sneered.
How what, Salvos? Come on, you cant just leave me in the dark after saying that.
A bead of sweat trickled down my neck as I met his gaze.
I-I how did you know who I was?
Ah, that.
He had a disappointed look on his face. Did he want me to say something else? What even was there to say?
The Devil spoke uncaringly.
You were pretty funny thest time we met why wouldnt I remember someone whos as funny as you?
Funny?
I didnt remember what I saidst time around which managed to cate him. All I knew was that he left without killing me, and I was grateful for that. But now, I was afraid that one wrong misstep would get him to change his mind.
I, um, am grateful that you find me funny, Mr Devil. B-but I didnt even say anything when you appeared
Oh, dont worry about it too much. You just have a unique mana signature. Everyone does.
Mana signature?
I cocked my head, but the Devil ignored me. He peered around my shoulder, an intrigued look on his face.
Now, tell me, Salvos or whatever your name is
I suppressed the urge to respond immediately, knowing the level difference between us. At some point, my [Haste] Skill dissipated, and the Devil let go of me, taking in the room around him. He continued.
Why exactly were you trying to get yourself killed?
Get myself killed? I was just trying to get to the Netherworld, and then it started sucking me in I dont know what was happening.
Oh, that sucking thing? That was me. I hijacked your spell and pulled you in so you wouldnt run away.
Wha
I stared at him. That was him? He nodded eagerly as I frowned.
Wait, are you saying you ruined my spell?
I did, indeed. You created your own small pocket dimension and tried to break through it. I have no idea what you were trying to do. Thats not how you open a portal to another ne.
I was just trying to tear through it to get to the Netherworld, okay? I didnt know if it would work!
I protested. Then I realized I was raising my voice and ced a hand over my mouth. The Devil, fortunately, didnt seem to be bothered by it.
So you were trying to slip in through the cracks between the nes. I see, I see. That seems quite ingenious. If not for the fact that itd kill you.
I blinked.
Um, what?
The space between nes is very, very narrow. Someone like you would be instantly crushed and mangled and torn apart by how unstable it is. Youre lucky I had my interest piqued by what you were doing and decided to take a look. If I didnt stop you, youd be dead.
Huh.
So, what the Devil was saying was that I was throwing myself straight off a cliff, except I had no levels or Skills to help me survive. I pursed my lips, feeling grateful for a moment. Then I immediately acted on my gratitude, bowing my head.
Thank you. For saving me.
I didnt do it to save you.
He scoffed.
I was just curious who the idiot trying to kill themself was. Turns out, it was you, my favorite jokester. Thats another good one I knew Id like you.
I deted at that.
B-but Im
A genius.
Oh? What are you?
The Devils gaze bore into me, and I paled.
Um, nothing!
I quickly tried to change topics.
But how did you know I was trying to slip in through the cracks between nes? How did you, um, interfere?
Because thats where I live.
He smiled. And I froze.
O-oh.
Its a nice ce, honestly. Maybe I shouldve let youe visit. Show you around the ce. I can bring you there now, if you want?
The Devil spoke in a mocking voice, his face still wearing a twisted smile. I quickly waved my hands.
I must remorsefully reject your offer!
Why?
Because Ill die!
Hm. Right, forgot about that.
He turned and skipped, taking in the rest of the room. I looked at him uncertainly, not sure of what to say. But when I realized he seemed interested in my Lair... I spoke against my better judgment.
Do you, um, like my Lair?
It is peculiar, indeed.
He took it in, his gaze zing over the various artifacts I hadid out, almost uninterested. He only paused to pick up a book, his brows wrinkled.
This is a book on that boy. Hes making quite a name for himself, isnt he?
The Devil looked amused, and I cocked my head.
That boy?
You know him. Hes that one all these [Cultists] like. Your king or whatever.
I paused. My brows creased as I frowned.
Do you mean Regnorex?
Yeah, him.
The Devil made a dissatisfied sound.
His name is just so hard to remember. Regnorex. Thats too many sybles. Why does it have to be so long and not something shorter, like, Reggie? Reggie boy. Thats a good name, dont you think?
I nodded as he turned to face me.
Yep! Reggie boy rolls right off the tongue!
Bah. More boring things about him.
Tossing the book to the side, the Devil strolled around my Lair, picking up my books and artifacts. None of them interested him. Except for one thing. The one that stood on the highest pedestal.
My Dreaded Gobled. The Devil raised a brow.
How did you get this?
I got it from the Koboldnds a [Cultist] tried to kill me, and he had it on him. Ive been carrying it ever since, Mr Devil.
Interesting. So, you survived the Koboldnds full of those murderous zealots.
I did more than that! I also befriended a few Kobolds!
The Devil paused. And I hesitated. My heart leapt in my chest as he turned to face me.
Since he appeared, he looked like hed been having fun. He was trippingly skipping and dancing around my Lair, and now he stumbled. Because of my words. I prepared to run, but he crossed his arms.
You befriend Kobolds?
I-I did?
And they knew that you were a Demon?
Yes is that a bad thing?
Hm.
The Devil stared at the Dreaded Goblet for a moment longer. He had no reflection in the ckened water inside of it. I felt tense, but he eventually shook his head.
No. It is just different. The Mortal Realm has changed quite significantly since Ivest been here proper. Tell me, is Humankind still united? Or have they fractured once more?
I thought about all the different countries Id been to. All the infighting between Humans. Even with Belzu, they struggled to fully that. Hes definitely no Melissa and no Zacharius. Definitely not an Alexander.
From what I heard about the other [Heroes], they were all around awesome. Daniel yep, could never see him doing anything like that.
The Devil blinked. Then heughed.
My, youre really funny, arent you? Just as I thought, its a good thing I didnt kill you thest time we met. I guess Ill spare you again for now.
He spoke casually. So much so that I nearly missed what he said. I chuckled too a nervous chuckle. I felt both relief and despair at hearing that he nned on killing me again.
Anyway, it seems Ive missed a lot. I wonder if the Netherworld has changed much too? Well, probably. Reggie boy is doing what hes doing, pretending to be a king, and the Beast is just killing everything as usual. Not much of a reason to go there.
Does that mean youll go back to your, um, home?
I spoke in a hopeful voice. He pondered it for a moment.
Hm, no.
The Devil shook his head. I blinked.
Um, what?
I felt a terrifying premonition what he said next could be varying levels of disaster. And one of the ones that I feared the most came true.
I think Ill stay.
The Devil spoke simply. I sputtered.
E-excuse me?
You heard what I said. The Mortal Realm seems to have changed quite a lot in the past few thousand years. Ive only dropped by briefly, so Ive never actually taken a good look around. I want to see whats new. So, Ill stay.
His words took a moment to settle in. I rubbed at my temples, fluttering my eyes shut. I said a single word.
Huh.
Well, fuck.
What was I going to tell Saffron?
Chapter 225: Trickery
Chapter 225: Trickery
225. Trickery
Good morning, Salvos.
Saffron greeted me as I entered our room. I paused when I saw her. The noble woman was already dressed in her uniform, ready to leave for ss. Id returned to grab a few of my books before I headed for my own sses.
H-hi, Saffron!
I nodded back at her, fumbling for my books neatly piled up next to the sofa. She quirked a brow.
I havent seen you all weekend. I take it youve been busy with your studies?
I paused. I nced back at her the Vampire was standing by the doorway, her bag slung over her shoulder.
...y-yep! B-been busy drilling the forme for the Potion of Regeneration into my head.
Saffron frowned. She looked me over, and I pursed my lips.
Is something the matter, Salvos?
Huh?
I fluttered my eyes innocently, but Saffron was dubious.
You look tired. I was under the impression that you didnt need sleep. However, you lookpletely exhausted.
Exhausted? Me? Pft!
I waved a hand off, quickly turning back to my bag and packing it with my books. I ran up to Saffron and patted her on the back.
Im great! I cant possibly be tired!
Her eyes narrowed. I ushered her out of the room with me as I spoke excitedly.
Come on, if you keep wasting time, well bete for ss!
...if you say so.
Saffron was dubious. Rightfully so. There were a lot of things to be suspicious about even my own demeanor didnt convince me. However, no matter how discerning she was, shed never know what the real problem was. How could she?
How could anyone guess that the Devil himself was staying at my Lair?
--
Im sorry Valda.
I pped my hands together and bowed my head.
I cant tutor you today. Something came up, so I have to cancel our session.
Oh
The blonde girl stared at me, her shoulders sagging. She had her textbook and notes hugged around her arms. They almost fell as her arms drooped. But she caught them and gave me a slow nod.
I see. I understand.
I felt a pang of guilt as I watched her excited expression from earlier vanish. Her friends couldnt join us today, so it was just the both of us. I tried to gesture catingly at her.
Its not because I dont want to teach you
No, Im sure youre busy.
Valda shook her head, a sad smile on her face.
Youre a very important person, so it makes sense.
But I
The fact that you even considered teaching me today when you have a myriad of other more significant things in your schedule is enough for me.
She bowed deeply, not meeting my gaze.
Thank you for the opportunity, Salvos.
I raised a hand, but she ran off. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I watched her go.
Now I feel bad.
The situation repeated itself once more, with Nn and Gallus. The former was supposed to help me with my alchemy theory he even offered to help me with the process of creating a Potion of Regeneration a few days ago, although I turned him down then. But he was adamant on helping me out, which made me feel bad when I had to tell him I had to cancel our study session today.
Gallus was less obviously upset, unlike Nn or Valda. He nodded, seeing the disheartened expression on my face, and even gave me some encouraging words. It gave me a little bit of strength, but also made me feel bad. These people were so nice to me, and here I was brushing them off.
However, I couldnt do anything. I had my hands tied. The reason was simple it called for me in my Lair. I dragged my feet on the ground as I left Mavos Academy, disappearing into the forest far beyond the campus.
I really didnt want to go there right now. There were so many other things I could be doing. I could be studying or training or doing anything else. But there was something in my Lair that called for my utmost attention.
Well, someone.
The Devil perked up as I returned; I stood awkwardly at the entrance and nced between him and the pile of bodies lying next to him as hey on his side.
Oh, youre back. That was fast.
Um, Ive been gone for twelve hours. Maybe even thirteen or fourteen.
Hm. Has it only been twelve hours? I couldve sworn its been a day or two. Oh well, same thing.
He hopped to his feet, strutting nonchntly around the corpses. I stared at it, and he peered into me.
What are you being weird for? You look like you want to say something spit it out.
How did these monsters?
Oh, them?
He tapped a finger on his chin, blinking.
How did they get in here?
The Devil questioned himself the confusion clearly evident on his face. I drew my lips into a thin line.
...werent you here this whole time?
I was! Or was I? Im not actually sure. I didnt even notice these monsters until you pointed them out.
He shrugged, and I nodded.
Huh.
Anyway
He changed topics, pping as he spun on his heels back to face me. He grinned. A wicked smile. One that immediately sent a chill down my spine.
Y-yes..?
I didnt even know why I was here. Hed asked me to hurry up and finish my sses because he needed something from me. Id rather be anywhere else in the world right now every second I spent with him was every second [A Hunters Sense] screamed at me that Id die.
The Devil walked up to me.
So, Sal Saf Sel Sally? What was your name again?
Its Salvos.
Thats right, Sally.
He snapped his fingers, ignoring me. I balled my fists and bit back any retort I had for him. He was standing too close forfort in a very threatening way, despite his carefree demeanor.
I why are you here again?
The Devil cocked his head. I hesitated. Did I just lie to him and tell him he didnt need anything from me? Maybe I could trick him and get him to leave me alone why was he even here?!
But a flicker in his eyes told me that was a bad idea. I sighed.
You, um, needed me to do something for you?
Ah, thats right!
His eyes lit up and he turned back around.
Thats why I gathered these monsters. I need you to collect a few ingredients for me.
Ingredients?
I tilted my head to the side, and he exined.
I was taking a look around your Lair and I spotted your alchemy station. That gave me an idea. I havent been to the Mortal Realm in quite a while. I havent had the chance to mess with some idiot Humans or Kobolds, so why not start with something simple: Id like to make an Elixir of Immortality.
An Elixir of Immortality?
I blinked. The Devil simply smiled.
Yes!
He sounded excited like a little girl who received their first doll after being abused by her father and given to [Cultists] for a sacrifice. Poor Rachel.
The Devil continued.
I just need a few ingredients for it.
He began counting out on his fingers.
I need a dune-touched petal, a frost droplet, a cracked cranium of sustenance, a soul-forged heart
The list of ingredients went on as I rubbed at my ears. I had never heard of any of these ingredients in my life! I raised a hand, and he paused mid-sentence.
a butter yes? Do you have a question, Sally?
...um, what are these things?
Theyre what I need you to find, of course! Come on, dont be silly. Otherwise, Ill have to call you Silly and not Sally.
He chuckled, bending over as he hugged his stomach.
Get it? Do you get it? Silly? Sally?
I gritted my teeth and nodded.
I get it, but where am I supposed to find these ingredients? Ive never heard of any of these things before in my life.
Surely you know what a dune-touched petal is, right Sally?
...its Salvos
Whatever your name is, Sally.
He waved a hand off.
Only morons and buffoons dont know what these ingredients are. I told you, its to make an Elixir of Immortality! Id surely be able to sell it to some poor schmuck who thinks drinking it means they cant die.
The Devil shook his head, lying back down on the floor. I raised a brow.
Um?
Well, what are you waiting for?
He made a shooing motion.
Get going. Id like to make this potion before the end of the day.
Alright wait, end of the day?!
I nced back towards the outside of my Lair. The sun was setting on the horizon. I had roughly an hour left before the day would be over.
How am I supposed to
I paused. The Devil looked at me expectantly, but an idea crossed my mind.
Yes?
Um, its nothing. So, by the end of today, right?
That is what I said.
Alright. Ill be back in a few hours when the day is over. But I dont want you to be discovered by anyone, you know?
He yawned, uncaring.
If anyone runs into me, Ill just kill them.
But itll be a hassle for you! So, dont mind me, Im just going to cover up my Lair.
I hurriedly covered my Lair so he could no longer see the position of the sun in the sky. I dusted my hands off, ncing back at the sunset.
Yep. Theres still hours. Maybe ten or twelve hours before night falls. Totally.
I muttered to myself loud enough that I was sure the Devil heard me.
Then I ran off, heading straight to the nearby city of Wimborne.
--
The city was hard to get into, as usual. And I didn''t have much time. I was pressed for time, even if I could rely on the Devils poor temporal understanding to give me some extra hours or even days. I needed to get this over with as quickly as possible, lest he killed me.
Or I assumed hed kill me.
He said he liked me, but he also said he wanted to kill me twice now. I just had to find him some of the ingredients he needed. So, I did what I had to do to enter the city. I unted my status as a Diamond Ranked adventurer.
Heads turned and gazes snapped up as I showed off my badge to cut in line.
Im Salvos, Liberator of the gunds, and you will let me in the city right now!
I ordered, and they obeyed. [Traders] and adventurers and regr citizens whispered amongst themselves as I walked by them. However, I couldn''t relish in this moment. I was in a hurry, and I acted in a hurry.
I headed straight to the only ce I knew that could help me find these ingredients. The Adventurers Guild. Running in through the front door, I pushed my way to the receptionists desk and mmed my hands onto the countertop.
I need help!
The receptionist blinked. He looked like he recognized me.
Wait, youre
I need to find the ingredients to make an Elixir of Immortality.
A what?
He was clearly confused, but I didnt have time to deal with that right now. I shook my head vehemently and emphatically pointed down at the desk.
Give me a glossary of all the ingredients this Adventurers Guild knows. I need to find a dune-touched petal, a cracked cranium of sustenance, a frost anything!
Someone tapped me on the shoulder. A Silver Ranked adventurer.
Uh, sorry Miss, but I was here before
I red at her.
Im. In. A. Rush.
She shrunk away, nodding, and I turned back to the receptionist. His face was pale. I spread my hands wide.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go!
The man tried to say something, but he couldnt get a word out. He ran back to grab a stack of books, hurriedly exchanging conversation with the other receptionists.
I waited impatiently, tapping a foot on the ground as they ran around the back. They were taking so long! I nced back at the rest of the guild it was quite crowded at this time. Adventurers were trickling in from, pausing as they saw me holding up the line. My Diamond Rank badge glinted for all to see.
It immediately told those entering to turn around and leave. It gripped most of the lobby with silence. All except for a group of sailor-looking adventurers who drank and chuckled at a nearby table.
Eventually, the receptionist returned, and I huffed.
Finally! What took you so
I paused when I took a look at his face. He was nervous, averting his gaze.
Im sorry, Ms Salvos.
The man spoke apologetically.
Our guild doesnt have the information you are searching for. There are no records of a dune-touched petal or anything simr to it, let alone a cracked cranium of sustenance.
What?
I frowned, and the receptionist hesitated.
Im really sorry but I cannot help you with this. Those are
Come on! Everyone knows about those ingredients!
Right? That was what the Devil said!
Youve gotta help me. I need them urgently.
B-but
The receptionist trailed off as I narrowed my eyes.
I really need them. Please.
Im sorry, but I cant help you.
The man spoke with a quivering breath.
Why not?
I cocked my head, feeling a bit annoyed. Then a hearty voice boomed from behind me. I turned around, facing the sailors from earlier.
Thats because they dont exist!
A burly man with a tattoo on his shoulderughed as he raised a mug of ale.
Wait, what?
I went cross-eyed. He shook his head, mming his mug onto his table.
Aye, those be fake ingredients from a kids tale, girlie!
What?
I repeated myself, bbergasted. That couldnt be right. The Devil said the Devil said
The burly man shook his head.
Its amon prank with em children lot. Fooled me when I was barely thirteen! Never trusted anyone since then. Someone musta put you up to tis, did they?
Those around him chuckled as I looked around the Adventurers Guild. Not everyone seemed to know what he was talking about, but a good portion averted their gaze, clearly in the know. My eyes widened as the realization sunk in.
I was tricked.
Huh.
Apologies, Ms Salvos, but what that man is saying is true.
The receptionist spoke with slight apprehension from behind me. I stiffly turned around to face him as my Diamond Rank badge loosely clung onto my blue jacket. The receptionist didnt meet my gaze, but I could see his eyes looking between my badge as he waited for my response.
I see.
That was all I said.
Pardon my intrusion then.
With a sigh, I left the Adventurers Guild quieter than it was before I came in. But the moment I stepped out, I heard the life and noise slowly return, withughter now added to the mix. My face burned as I tried to ignore it.
This sucks!
The Devil tricked me! He made a fool out of me! He made me waste my time when I couldve been doing other things! He was such a handful to deal with!
I paused as my brows creased.
...is this how Saffron feels when dealing with me?
Chapter 226: Deal with the Devil
Chapter 226: Deal with the Devil
226. Deal with the Devil
You tricked me!
I stormed back into my Lair and pointed usingly at the Devil. He looked up at me, head tilted to the side for a moment, acting confused. Then he burst outughing.
You actually fell for it! Seriously? Thats amazing! How long did it take you to realize those ingredients weren''t real?
I gritted my teeth as the Devil doubled over, rolling on the floor with his heartyugh. He nearly smacked into the pile of corpses. My brows snapped together.
So, this entire thing was fake?
As fake as an Elixir of Immortality, yes. If Humans want to live longer, all they need to do is reach higher levels and get the right General Skills. Simple as that.
And what about these monsters?
I looked over at their bodies. He waved a hand off, and they vanished.
Just a setup for the prank. You know how it is.
I really dont.
The Devil leapt back to his feet, his hooves clopping with the step. He trotted up to me and pped me on the back as I scowled.
Dont tell me youve never done a practical joke before, Sally? Its fun! What else do you spend your free time doing?
I bit my lower lip. I wanted to retort, but something else caught my attention. My eyes settled on past the Devil at the center of my Lair, where I had all my study materials prepared, including my ingredients necessary for my Potion of Regeneration.
My eyes widened.
Wait, my alchemy station?!
Wait, my alchemy station?!
What about it?
He looked puzzled, but I was aghast.
Itspletely destroyed!
So it is.
The Devil nced over at it, nonchnt. I turned to him.
How did this happen?
Oh, I was just messing around with a few ingredients and boom. Something exploded. Im not sure what, though.
You messed around with my ingredients?!
I scrambled over to my alchemy station, sifting through the debris in a panic. The Devil nodded as I ran by him.
I saw a few shiny things and decided to y around with them. Did something go wrong?
I held up a broken vial of purified amethyst essence. It was one of the cheaper ingredients less rare, but necessary nheless.
Thankfully, most of the important ingredients were safe. My Enigmatic Heart shard, most importantly, was unharmed. But still my cauldron and equipment were destroyed. I needed to buy new things!
I red at the Devil.
Did something go wrong? Why dont you take a look and see if something went wrong?!
He gave me an innocuous nce before turning his gaze to the destroyed alchemy station. He shook his head.
I dont see anything wrong at all, Sally.
I paused. It was like something inside of me snapped. Id been growing more and more annoyed with the Devil, but Id only been questioning him. I didnt challenge him. And if I let him do as he pleased, hed continue doing so for the next few days or weeks or maybe even months or years. The very thought of that drove me to act.
I stepped away from the broken bits of ss and metal, meeting the Devils gaze.
My name is Salvos.
Thats what I said: Sally.
I pursed my lips, and his face contorted into a smile. No longer a grin. But what seemed like genuine happiness and my annoyance.
Its Salvos, Mr Devil. Can you please get it right?
I insisted, and he shrugged.
I think its more fun to call you Sally.
My brows snapped together. I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth as the Devil quirked an eyebrow.
Oho, is the Archdemon of Prides ego hurt? Just because I wont call you by your name?
Yes.
I spoke defiantly. He shook his head.
What are you going to do about it?
I am Salvos. And you will acknowledge me.
Then make me.
The Devil loomed over me from across the Lair. He was barely even taller than me, yet he seemed sorge. Everything told me not to take this fight. I probably shouldnt have even spoken up or challenged him. I shouldve just swallowed my words and kept quiet.
But I couldnt do that. Id tried for a whole day. Now, I had enough. And I had a slight advantage that mightve tipped the scales.
Here? This was my Lair. It gave me a boost. +3% to all my Stats. But that wasnt going to help me beat him. No, it wouldnt be enough. I couldnt see his level, but [A Hunters Sense] told me all I knew about how this fight would go.
The Devil gestured for me toe forward.
Well, what are you waiting for?
I bared my teeth.
Im waiting for you to prepare yourself. After all, I dont want this to be an unfair fight.
He chuckled, amused.
Good one. But your hubris will be your fall. I mean do you even think youll be able to touch me?
Well see.
And in that moment, half of my Skills red up. [Demonic Essence] ripped my clothes and changed my body. [The Primordial Spark] whirled around my skin, creating a tempest of mes. [Wings of the Netherworld], [Haste], and [Faux Limbs] activated as well, just as I exploded at the Devil.
I was a wicked creature of a dozen arms and bone-like wings. I left behind a trail of zing blue as I closed in on the Devil. He didnt move from where he stood, which was a good thing, because at the veryst moment, I teleported to his back and cast [Temporal Distortion] so he was standing at the very fringe of a slowed space, while I was still outside.
I brought a w up, [Radiant sh] forming its ck mes. And right as I was about to bring it down, I felt a powerful force fling me away from the Devil. He snapped his fingers, and my [Temporal Distortion] field vanished. Everything in the room was repulsed by a wave, like a strong deluge had crashed into my Lair.
I stumbled back, trying to steady myself against the wall. The Devil turned around, cocking his head.
Well? Was that it?
No.
I spewed a st of sweeping white mes. The Devil crossed his arms, and what looked like attice of ss covered him, blocking the attack, even as it boiled my Lair. I narrowed my eyes. Neither [Intimidation] nor the fierybination of [The Primordial Spark] and [Nebr Construct] with my ming Breath even affected the Devil.
The barrier spell vanished it had been clear as day in my [nar Navigation] senses. Space magic that I couldnt possiblyprehend. I stared at him.
H-how?
Its nothing, really. Youre just that much beneath me, Sally.
The Devil spoke yfully, and I screamed.
I am Salvos!
I rushed him, swinging all five of my real arms alongside my seven other [Faux Limbs] at the Devil. [Barrage of Cinders] took over, and each strike I took lit up the dark cavern. The Devil took a step back, casually ducking under my strikes, dodging them with ease, circling around me as the smirk was stered on his face.
Even with my speed even with [Haste] I couldnt touch him. I flipped and kicked and shed and sliced, but he was untouchable. He even stood still once, and my swing went straight through him. I stumbled past his image and nced back. He was now solid again.
Oops. And I thought you almost had me.
Shut. Up!
I created a dozen Nebr Scythes, one for each of my hands. [The Primordial Spark] began conjuring ming weapons in the air too, a salvo that was instantly unleashed at him. He raised a hand, and the ming weapons stopped mid-air, halted by some sort of invisible force.
But as that happened, I dashed forward bringing all dozen Nebr Scythes down at him. The Devil moved. He grabbed one of the Nebr Scythes off a [Faux Limb], using it to slice the magically created limb in half. I leapt back as he continued pressing forward, a whirlwind of des that tore down each of my [Faux Limbs] from existence.
When I was only left with my real limbs, he tossed aside the Nebr Scythe, winking.
You still have five arms and five scythes left. Try to hit me with all of them. Im sure itll work this time around.
I threw aside four out of five of the Nebr Scythes. The Devil looked slightly perplexed by this.
Aw, did my taunting make you do that?
No.
I spoke simply as I gripped the Nebr Scythe with all my arms. Then I ran straight at the Devil, not even trying to go around him. I brought the weapon down, not apanied by magic or anything else. Just the weapon itself.
He sighed and brought up an arm.
You know, brute force doesnt always work, right?
The Devil caught the edge of my Nebr Scythe. I tried to pull it back, but he just held it in ce.
At least use a Grand Skill or something if youre going to do that. This is starting to bore me.
He crushed the Nebr Scythes de in his grip, and tugged the weapon forward, ripping it free from my five arms. I staggered forward, swinging my ws. He just moved his head back in time to dodge the attack.
Come on, stop hiding your
And I growled.
[Recall Skill: Zealous Call].
His eyes flickered. And his backwards movement changed to a forward movement. The amusement on his face changed to fury. It all happened so fast, I barely even moved an inch before he was already bringing down a ckened pitchfork at me.
The tip of my w barely touched his chest as his weapon swung down at me, closing the distance before I could even properly scratch him. I wouldve been killed there and then, when his legs jerked up. His eyes flickered once more, and he kicked me out of the way.
I crashed into my Dreaded Goblet, spilling the ck water all over a pile of books. I coughed, bent over, grabbing my stomach in pain as the Devil frowned.
That was
Hed already regained his senses. He was the one who knocked me out of the way just before he could impale me with his pitchfork. He wrinkled his brows.
Did you just enchant me to kill you?
Maybe
I grunted as I stood up. Then I grinned for the first time.
But at least it let me touch you.
Wha
[Demons Mark].
He nced down at his chest as a symbol burned on his skin.mes erupted into a sphere. It first exploded into a sphere, engulfing only the Devil in thepressed ball of heat. Then it began to grow, bloating up into what wouldve been my strongest Skill.
A powerful explosion that wouldve destroyed my Lair entirely. One that wouldve hurt even me at this range. But just as the bloated sphere was about to explode into an even bigger st, it began to shrink.
It was like a pond was being drained of its water. My me was being sucked into a single point at the Devils fingertips. It was like a whirlpool of ck. A warped hole in space that seemed to lead to where he came from. It was the same pull that had tugged me and only me to the Devil when he first appeared in my Lair.
It consumed my mes, leaving the Devil standing there unscathed. He dusted himself off. My jaw dropped.
Seriously?
He waspletely unharmed, even though hed been wrapped in my [Demons Mark]s mes for a good moment. The Devil stood there, his gaze darkened over. He ced a foot forward, and I leapt back, feeling sweat trickling down my back.
No, not sweat. I couldnt sweat as a Demon. It was the water from the Dreaded Goblet.
You
His voice was cold and icy. It caused me to tremble like Id been dipped in a frozenke. I created another Nebr Scythe, not sure what thatd even do. He repeated himself as he came closer.
You youre
Stay back!
I warned him, ring up all my remaining Skills in preparation for what would be the final sh. The Devils hollow, ck eyes locked with mine, and he opened his mouth.
Yourepletely fucking insane! You actually used a Skill thatd get you killed just so you couldnd a proper blow on me? Thats the most stupid, ridiculous, and asinine thing anyone has ever done!
He rocked his head back andughed.
I love it!
I blinked.
Um, what?
The Devil continued to himself.
If I didnt have an immunity to curses, I wouldnt have been able to break free from that Skill for another I dont know, two or three seconds? That stupid enchantment effect wouldve taken a solid moment longer for me to undo. I wouldnt have been able to stop myself from killing you. And you did that for what?
...tond a single hit?
Exactly. Tond a single hit.
He repeated after me, cing his hands on his hips. Then his eyes lit up again, and I drew back.
And you you dont have a Grand Skill, do you?
I shook my head.
Nope.
He guffawed.
The fact that you challenged me without a Grand Skill makes you even more insane! Maybe you couldve stood a chance with a Grand Skill, but without it, you may as well have just hanged yourself there and then.
The Devil wiped a tear from his eyes as I just stood there, staring at him nkly, unsure of what to even say.
I like that. No I love that! Youre more than just amusing: youre one of a kind, Salvos.
I raised a brow. Did he just use my real name? Then what he said before that registered in my head. Did he just acknowledge me?
He waved a hand off, letting his pitchfork vanish.
Youre the type of Demon that shouldnt have survived the Destion. And yet, here you are. Good job. I say this with all my heart when I say good job.
Thank you um
I hesitated, but I felt the urge to ask the question.
Does that mean you wont kill me for real this time?
It means I wont kill you ever, Salvos. Thatd be like if I was given an actual Elixir of Immortality the only one in the world and decided to break it into pieces and destroy it. Nope. Thatd be stupid. No, I wont do that. And even better
The Devil leaned forward, getting ufortably close to me. But unlike before, I never once felt the rm of [A Hunters Sense] ring at me. He truly meant his word. And despite knowing that, what he said next surprised me.
How about this?
He smirked, proffering me his hand.
I have nothing better to do, so why dont I take you in as my apprentice?
I went cross-eyed.
Um, huh?!
I can teach you what it means to be a Demon. Youre an Archdemon of Pride. I can get you a Grand Skill befitting your nature! And its not like I have anything else to do. So, this is my deal to you.
The Devil just smiled as he gestured at his hands, waiting for me to shake it. It took me a moment to regain myposure. Everything was happening so quickly. In fact, even though [Haste] was still active, I couldnt keep up with what was going on. I inhaled deeply and looked at his hand.
Finally, [Haste] dissipated as I made a decision. The Devil waited, and I felt my hand twitch. I raised it slightly. Then I lowered it.
Thanks, but no.
The Devil spread his arms wide.
Wonderful! I shall begin your lessons post-haste
He paused.
Wait, what?
Chapter 227: Mentor
Chapter 227: Mentor
227. Mentor
I said no.
I repeated myself, and the Devils brows snapped together. He stared at me, his face contorting into a frown.
What do you mean exactly by no?
It means I dont want you to teach me anything. I want you to leave me alone!
I crossed my arms. He nodded slowly.
I see, I see, I see. Actually I dont see it at all.
What is there not to see?
Raising a brow, he looked at me expectantly.
Well? borate, then.
I mean, youre a bit of a jerk.
The Devil blinked, and I continued.
And also, you pranked me. This could just be another one of your pranks. Or you could prank me down the line by giving me a fake lesson, you know?
...is that it?
Kind of? Those are the big reasons, at least. It means I cant trust you. Why should I let you mentor me if I cant trust you?
He just stared at me as I finished. There was a crackle. My mes danced in the background it burned around my artifacts. Some of them had melted, which kind of annoyed me. But then the Devil snapped a finger, and my eyes widened.
Everything in my room began to recover. The melted metal, the burned books everything that had been damaged was repaired. It wasnt just like they were being fixed. It was like they were being returned to the state they were in before I fought the Devil.
The mes didnt wink out of existence. They almost shrunk back into themselves, returning everything they ate back from ash and dust to paper and wood. I looked around, puzzled in shock.
How?
Youre not the only one who can cast a magical time field. I did it before the battle started, knowing that youd probably wreck your own Lair.
I pursed my lips, but he let his spell finish and folded his arms.
Anyway, let me get this straight: youre rejecting help from me, the Devil, one of the highest-leveled people you will ever get to meet. Someone who has been alive for fifty thousand years; who has seen the time of Dragons and High Elves and Deitiese and go, leaving their continents toe to this sanctuary on their own; who was there when Worldwalkers littered thends, far and wide; who has been to worlds you can only imagine in your wildest dreams, where paradise and torment can be a reality. That is who I am, and that is who youre rejecting because you dont want to be embarrassed if I prank you?
Yep.
I nodded slowly, feeling slightly nervous. Was he mad? Was he going to try and kill me now? [A Hunters Sense] didnt re up, so I felt like I was fine.
His eyes narrowed. The Devil peered at me, his face scrunching up in disbelief. I hesitated.
I mean, I also think youre mean. So, its not just that Ill be embarrassed.
I waited for his reaction. He ced a hand on his chin. Then he arched his back, rocking inughter.
That is HILARIOUS!
The Devil doubled over, pping his knees, pping the floor, and pping his face.
What an utterly ridiculous reason and yet, it makes sense to you too, doesn''t it? Why would an Archdemon of Pride ept such an offer? You fit your mold perfectly, Salvos. The same cant be said for most other Demons.
I watched him as he picked himself up, shaking his head. Again, I didnt feel threatened. Not from his demeanor and not through [A Hunters Sense]. I was optimistic for a moment. Myface brightened.
Does that mean youll finally leave me alone?
The Devil chuckled.
Absolutely not.
My shoulders sagged.
What? Why not?
I said I wanted to teach you, Salvos. Sure, I was being polluted and asking for permission. But I was going to do it anyway whether you liked it or not.
He cheerily twirled around, a wicked grin on his face.
Huh.
I stared at him. Then I sighed.
Well, this really must be how Saffron feels when dealing with me.
--
The Devil didnt leave me alone for the next few days whenever I returned to my Lair. Hed constantly peer over my shoulders, asking me about what I was doing, even if it was something as inane as reading through my notes.
What are you doing?
Reading. I told you this like three times.
But youre reading a different book!
Its all the same stupid subject!
Hed do this constantly, pestering me about whatever I did or was doing. He wouldnt leave me alone, even when I told him anything that could get him to leave.
You know, theres this big and scary Demon called Belzu thats rampaging across Nixa. He works for your good friend, Regnorex. You should pay him a visit!
Hm? Im not friends with Reggie boy. And Belzu?
He raised an amused brow.
So, he finally decided to carry out his n, didnt he?
I blinked.
You know Belzu?
I paid him a visit once. Hes not under Reggie boy though. Very ambitious fellow. Actually, has he hit Level 200?
No, he hasnt wait, hes not?
Thats what Im asking you.
Not that I mean, he isnt a minion of the Demon King?
I furrowed my brows. I had suspected that with the way he spoke about Regnorex, I wasnt sure if he was actually a minion. But that was what everyone had imed. That Regnorex was invading the Mortal Realm once again, or something. Since I didn''t care all that much, I just nodded along with that.
But to receive confirmation
The Devil pped his hands together.
How did you meet him?
Having the Devil himself speaking into my ear was annoying, yes. But the worst part of it all? Sometimes, Id get caught up in conversation with him. And wed waste an entire hour talking about things he wanted to talk about!
Oh, I
I exined the situation with how I first encountered Belzu when I entered the Brilsum Ruins, then with how I met him again. The Devil seemed intrigued by the conversation. His curiosity drove my enthusiasm to exin the story where Id nearly died to Belzu twice!
When I realized Id gone off the rails, Id quickly try and make up for lost study time. Hed still bother me, but whenever I entertained him for a bit, hed be cated and disturb me even less.
The biggest problem from having him in my Lair was not really how he bothered me. I didnt feel like itd ruin my grades. But it definitely was hurting friendships.
--
I did manage to tutor Valda twice this week, but I had to skimp out on two other sessions I had arranged. Nn was the most hurt we usually met up during the weekends, and I couldnt see him then. And Saffron
I have the runes, Salvos. Dont you want to be more inconspicuous?
She gave me a t stare. I drew back.
I do! I do! I just cant, right now, you know?
No, I dont know, Salvos. Did you not already invite me to your Lair once before? What is the problem?
Saffron was perceptive. She knew something was amiss, and I really wanted to tell her what was going on. I shuffled my feet ufortably, hoping that maybe the Devil wouldnt mind if his identity was exposed.
But he was the Devil. He was unpredictable. I nced around Saffrons room: the wards she had set up couldnt possibly protect them against the Devils magic. He could be listening in at this very moment!
Its not something I can say, Saffron. Im so sorry.
She sighed, looking slightly annoyed.
Its fine. If you dont want me to help you for your own good
I grabbed her by the arm.
Youre mypanion. I trust you a lot. But this is something that I genuinely cant speak about. Maybe. Probably not.
Saffron frowned, but I held her gaze, loosening my grip.
Please. For your own good, Saffron. Just until I deal with this problem, alright?
The problem was could I even deal with this problem? I didnt know. Id try. Saffron stared at me for a while, until finally, she nodded.
Very well. If it is disturbing you, then it must be no small matter. I trust you too, Salvos. So, I will leave you alone for now.
I smiled at her.
Thank you.
--
No, no, no, no, no! What even is this?!
Um. Thats my textbook?
I returned to my Lair after speaking with Saffron, only to find the Devil stood over my notes, pacing back and forth as he held up a book. He scowled.
This is what they teach you in Nafis Academy?
Its, um, Mavos Academy
Doesnt matter!
The Devil stormed up to me, pointing at the textbook.
This is what you learn in your space magic sses?
I cocked my head.
Yes?
Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! Its all wrong!
He spun around, throwing the book to the ground. Then he paused.
Well, its not technically incorrect. Its just misinterpreted. Yes. Thats a better word for it misinterpreted.
He licked his lips as he spoke the word. I faced him, the puzzlement evident on my face.
Whats wrong with it?
The basics the fundamentals yes, theyre correct. But what they do with it its inefficient, its over extrapted, and its bad theory!
I shrugged.
Maybe it could just be different from how it works in your world?
The Devil blinked.
My world? What are you talking about?
Daniel told me youre from his world.
I replied simply. His brows creased.
From that [Hero]s world? Wheres he from again?
Um, he called it Earth or something?
He snapped his fingers, nodding.
Earth, right. But which Earth? Hm.
He ran a hand over his goatee.
Is it Earth A314? No that world is ending right now. Is it Earth Z40813? No, no, no. That world has no Humans... full of dinosaurs though, those cute feathered creatures. Hes from hes from Earth A1. Thats right.
The Devil shook his head.
Im not from Earth. Although Ive paid a visit to one of the Earths before it mightve been Earth A1. It doesnt have a god or rather, its god is its world, if you get what I mean? And it doesnt intervene, even if outsiders try to break in. Its just so peaceful, though. It doesnt have much going on for itself. No reason for me to ever visit.
I frowned.
But Daniel said his world has the Devil.
Bah, thats probably what they decided to call another Worldwalker who decided to y a prank. Anyway, my name is not Devil. Thats just my Title. Being a Devil can mean a myriad of things dont just trust the word of an idiot. Trust the word of me, instead.
That was true Daniel was an idiot. But he was mypanion, while the Devil was well, him.
Then where did youe from? That void you tried sucking me into?
That is not a void. Thats just a fold between nes. You should see the real void between worlds. Actual worlds, not just the various levels in a single world. Its well, its nothing! Get it? Because its the void!
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Huh.
The Devil waved a hand dismissively.
Anyway, thats not what matters look, the fact that you dont even know the distinction between the real void and the tiny bit of empty space between two connected nes is proof enough that your academic curriculum is inadequate. Nay, its abhorrent!
I gave him a shrug.
I mean, what can I do about it?
Nothing, really.
He let out a heavy sigh.
You cant do anything about it. But I can.
I paused. My eyes widened slowly as I got the implication. The Devil spread his arms wide.
Dont worry, Salvos. Because tomorrow, Ill be going with you to your school.
Chapter 228: Sal
Chapter 228: Sal
228. Sal
No!
I protested, but the Devil was adamant about it.
Your school sucks, Salvos. Do you want them teaching you bad theory, huh? Huh?
If it gets me to the Netherworld? Then, yes!
And look what happened when you listened to them? You got me! And you hate me!
I do! Leave me alone!
I scowled, spinning around and grabbing my books. It had been a whole day since the Devil decided he wanted to follow me to Mavos Academy. Id been emphatic that he should not so much trouble looking like that.
The Devil shrugged.
If they have a problem, Ill just kill them.
You cant do that!
My jaw dropped, and he furrowed his brows.
Why not?
Because then I wont have a school to go to!
He waved a hand off dismissively, starting past me as I stood there.
Thats a good thing for me, at least. Ill be able to mentor you without anyone else interfering with their bad theories and stupid ideas.
What about my friends?
You can always make new ones. You have all of eternity ahead of you, Salvos. Come on, whats wrong with a few dead friends here and there?
I blinked. Then I crossed my arms. I thought of Saffron. Of Daniel. Of Edithe. And of everyone else Id met. Would I be able to rece them just like that?
No they werent rocks on the ground which could be reced with other, simr rocks. They were all distinct. They all mattered.
Everything will be wrong about it.
I red at the Devil.
I wont let you do that.
He tilted his head to the side, his brows raising. Then he chuckled.
Fine, fine. I was joking. I wont kill anyone, since you insist. But Im still going with you.
And how are you going to do that? Everyone will know that youre some kind of Demon.
He shook his head and waggled a finger.
No, no, no. Im not a Demon. Im the Devil. And
He spread his arms wide.
I can just transform, duh.
He grinned, and I frowned.
Wait, you can?
The Devil tapped one of his hooves on the ground, and his body began to quake. A tremor washed over his skin as he shivered and vibrated. With a pop, his body changed entirely. No longer was there a red-skinned, horned, and terrible Demon standing in front of me. Now, there was a man. A Human man. One who had long ck hair and the same goatee.
He had dark skin and glittering eyes that were mismatched in color: each bore the color of a gem, like a ruby was in his left eye and a sapphire was in his right eye. And somehow, he was even clothed. The Devil was dressed in fancy, silken robes, with bangles of gold and nes of diamond.
Adjusting his sleeve, he smiled at me.
Now, shall we go?
I looked at him. Then I raised a hand, pointing a shaky finger.
What? How did you do that?!
Hm?
He cocked a brow.
I transformed just as you always do. Why are you so surprised?
No!
I shook my head vehemently.
I mean how did you get those clothes?! How did you get those those those jewelry?! That makes no sense!
Oh, these?
He nced down at himself.
Hm where did I get this from?
The Devil wore a confused look on his face; he was absolutely puzzled, taking a moment to inspect and even admire the flower-cut gems woven into his fabric. I watched as he threw his hands up, shrugging.
Mm, yeah I have no idea how I got these.
But you conjured them out of thin air!
Magic, I guess?
I went cross-eyed. I wanted to bang my head against the wall again, I was pretty sure this was how mypanions felt when dealing with me.
Whatever. Sure, you look like a Human now, but are you really going to be following me around campus?
Sure will!
I sighed.
At least give me a fake name so I dont have to keep calling you the Devil the entire time.
Tilting his head back, he tapped a finger on his forearm with his arms crossed.
Now, what would be a good name?
Dont you have a real name?
I do! I think. Ive forgotten what it is, though.
I narrowed my eyes.
How did you forget? Isnt it in your Status?
It disappeared when I forgot.
He shook his head.
Anyway, what about Satan? No no, thats too cliche! And generic. How about Samuel? Wait, no, Im pretty sure thats yeah, nah. I quite like the ring of Saul. Although...
He trailed off, murmuring incessantly to himself as he tried to decide on a name. Then he snapped his fingers together.
I got it!
Well?
I looked at him expectantly. The Devil raised his chin, smiling.
I am Sal!
...thats it?
Sal nodded eagerly.
That is indeed it.
Alright, then.
And with that decided, we headed to Mavos Academy, together.
I just hoped it wouldnt be as much of a disaster as it could be.
--
Sal and I entered Mavos Academy as the sun eked its way over the horizon. As usual, my presence would draw gazes in my direction, although it was less prominent now that Id been enrolled for a while. And since attention was typically on me, people focused on the presence of Sal too.
They whispered quietly and pointed his way.
Who is that with Salvos?
I dont know. Ive never seen him before.
I cant see his level my [Identification] is at Level 10, and I cant see his level!
Do you think he has an obfuscation artifact?
Either that, or hes way high-leveled
I groaned, annoyed that these annoying whispers were making the Devils presence even less muted than it would otherwise be. I was trying to ignore him!
So, Salvos, where exactly will your space magic ss be held?
He nced around at all the tall towers, seemingly uninterested and uncaring at all the attention he was receiving. I rolled my eyes.
Im not going to ss just yet. Ill have to visit mypanion first.
Ah, the Vampire.
My eyes widened and I snapped my gaze towards Sal.
Are you serious? How do you no, why are you even saying that out loud?
Oh, dont worry too much about it. Its not like shed get persecuted and murdered if others found out about her identity I think. Not unless things have drastically changed in the past thousand years or so.
Still
I took in a deep breath, heading straight for the dormitory. Saffron was waiting in her room, having her breakfast as Matthew stood next to her. I raised a brow as I entered the room.
Um, hi Saffron and Matthew?
Greetings, Ms Salvos.
The butler nodded at me. I paused.
When did you get back?
He returned justst night.
Saffron stood up, smiling.
I see you''ve brought a friend, Salvos. Its a pleasure to meet you, Mr?
Just call me Sal.
He shot her a grin.
Sal.
She nodded and turned to face me.
How did you guys meet?
The Devil opened his mouth, but I quickly spoke over him.
We met somewhere! Nowhere important. Dont worry about it, Saffron.
I gave Saffron a look. She narrowed her eyes. Then she nodded slowly, understanding. This was my problem. She knew now, and Id rather her not intervene and get embroiled in this. So, I changed topics.
Anyway! I just dropped by to say hi real quick before running to ss. Ill see youter, alright?
Will do and, Salvos.
Saffron called out to me before I could run off with Sal in tow.
Matthew has, fortunately, been able to procure a few other of the important ingredients youve been searching for your Potion of Regeneration, including an Enigmatic Heart.
He has?
I gaped, and Saffron nodded.
Yes. I do hope all is proceeding well with it?
Her eyes twinkled, and I understood what she meant.
Im fine, Saffron.
I gave her a reassuring nod.
Dont worry about me. Just focus on your own studies, ok?
Very well.
Saffron closed her eyes, turning away from me. I grabbed Sal by the arm and dashed off.
Ive gotta go now, seeya!
The Devil scowled as I brought him down the hallway.
I never got to introduce myself.
I scoffed.
Good! I want you to talk to as few people as possible, alright?
He crossed his arms, pouting. Then his eyes flickered.
Well, that just means I have to make myself memorable.
I didnt know or care about what he meant by that, as long as he didnt hurt anyone.
I arrived at my first ss on time, having made a break for it together with Sal. He looked bored for most of it, until we finally reached the lecture hall, and I greeted Lamarr on the way in.
Hello, Salvos.
Hey, Lamarr.
And who may this be?
The red-haired man nced over my shoulder. I pursed my lips, hoping that Sal wouldnt be rude to Lamarr. I quickly introduced them and stepped aside.
Sal, this is Lamarr, the King of Traith.
The Devil quirked a brow.
The King of Traith?
He tilted his head back as Lamarr proffered a hand. The Devil, fortunately, knew his manners and shook the hand, but he seemed confused even as he muttered to himself.
Traith Traith Traith. Is that a kingdom or an empire?
It is a city state over to the east.
Ah!
Sal eximed. Then he shrugged.
Never heard of it.
I grimaced, worried that Lamarr would take offense to that. But the Warrior King only chuckled.
It is no issue. Our nation is small, and it used to be known only for one thing which I am rather distasteful of. It is better than it remains unknown to you than otherwise.
Sure, sure. Well, Im Sal. Its a pleasure to meet you.
Pleased.
They both nodded at each other, and I nearly sighed in relief. We shuffled our way to our usual seats, except this time, Sal was going to be seated next to me. The two men chatted as we settled down. Lecturer udia hadnt arrived yet, so there was still some time for us to speak.
So, Mr Sal, may I inquire on your rtionship with Salvos?
Lamarr faced Sal, curious.
Hes just a fri
Oh, shes my daughter.
Sal spoke over me, patting my shoulder.
I instantly froze. I wasnt sure how long it took for his words to register in my head it probably took as long as it would for a Level 10 [Fire Mage] to break through a frozenke. My head jerked back to face the Devil in disbelief, but before I could get a word in, Sal was already weaving a tale.
Salvos is my one and only daughter. Im surprised she hasnt told you about me before. Id have thought shed be more proud of her good, old papa.
Lamarr tapped a finger on his chin.
Hrmph, perhaps she did mention you. s, I me my poor memory as the reason why Ive forgotten.
She did? Aw, thank you, my dearest daughter.
Sal pulled me in for a half hug, and I finally managed to work my mouth.
W-what?
But the Devil ignored me, choosing to continue.
Tell me, King Lamarr, how has my daughter been? I know she can be mischievous at times. But I do hope shes been treating you well?
There is no need to worry about your daughters behavior, Mr Sal. She has been an excellent student and an excellent ssmate to me. Id consider us friends, but Id rather not speak for her, myself.
My jaw hung open as Lamarr actually believed him, beginning to ask questions about me.
In fact, Id say shes impressed me more often than not. I am surprised that someone at her age is so talented and studious. Perhaps a little feisty, but that is no drawback to her character.
Oh, yeah. Shes been like that since she was young. You know, when she was a mere little five year old girl, she challenged me to a fight! How ridiculous is that? And she couldve killed me too!
Lamarrughed as Sal massaged his temples, feigning exhaustion.
Somehow, I am not surprised by that.
I nearly shot a re to Lamarr for saying that. But then I heard the susurrations from the rest of the room. Heads turned fourth years from the College of Aspirations looked over at me and spoke amongst themselves.
Thats Salvos father?
He looks handsome.
So thats where she got her looks
My eyes widened. Then they twitched as the rumor began to spread before I could stymie it. I stood up, pointing at Sal and facing the room.
Hes not my father!
I sputtered. Everyone froze. Lamarrs smiled twisted into a frown. And Sal drew back, cing a hand on his chest.
That hurts your old man, daughter. Just because your mother left me
What?!
I nearly shouted, but Lamarr nodded from his side.
Indeed, Salvos. I understand that one at your age oftentimes feels embarrassed about your parents, but he is the man who raised you. You should not disrespect him like this. Especially not in front of others.
I just stared at the King of Traith.
...what?
Sal shook his head, wearing a slightly hurt look, even as he tried to cate Lamarr.
It is no matter, King Lamarr. Im sure my daughter has her reasons for feeling the way she does. Just forget I said anything. I do not wish to humiliate her, you see?
How very noble of you.
Lamarr almost seemed to tear up at that, while Sal was actually sniffling. I wanted to bury my head in my hands and die of embarrassment. I groaned, remembering what Sal said just as we left the dorms.
Ugh, you intended to do this, didnt you?
Whatever could you mean?
He fluttered his eyes innocently, and I recognized the cadence of his voice. It was just like mat times. It really was like dealing with me, if I were my ownpanion.
I clenched a fist... then I exhaled.
Fine. Whatever. Hes my dad, yes. But can we just move on from that? Ugh, this is just horrible. Look udia is arriving.
I turned to the door, and sure enough, the lecturer for my first ss finally arrived. She was apathetic as she usually was, pausing only to adjust her sses when she spotted Sal. Before she could inquire about his presence, the Devils eyes shone.
Ah, so thats your lecturer.
And I knew it could get so much worse.
So much more embarrassing.
Chapter 229: Father
Chapter 229: Father
229. Father
I sat in the lecture hall with my arms crossed and my back halfway slid down the seat as lecturer udia nced over at Sal.
And who might you be? I dont recall such a student being enrolled in my ss.
She narrowed her eyes as she adjusted a pair of ssesid on her face. Sal the Devil, and my apparent father nodded, standing up.
I am Sal, father of this amazing young girl right here.
He gestured at me, and I buried my head in my face.
Please stop.
I whispered, but he ignored me, continuing with his speech.
I have heard much about this prestigious institution from my daughter here, and I decided that Id love to take a look at it myself.
Lecturer udia raised her brows. Her gray hair was tied into a bun, and the wrinkles engraved on her face only deepened.
Hrmph, I do not believe that our academy allows such visits to be held. At least, not visits during lecture sessions. While Imend you for your crity at wanting to learn more about our institution, I will have to ask you to leave my ssroom.
I looked up, hopeful. Was she going to kick Sal out of the ss? Thatd be great. I really wanted him to leave right now to end this annoying facade. But Sal paused.
Your ssroom?
Then he ced a hand on his chest, aghast.
I do apologize, Miss! I did not know that you were the instructor of this course. You just look too young for that!
udia blinked as Sal shook his head.
If Id been aware, Id have been more discreet. I just assumed you were another student here.
Then her face turned red. I stared at her as she flushed. My jaw worked slowly.
Um, what?
Oh dear me. That is oh my
She ced her hands on her cheeks, her frail arms looking like theyd fall off just from being raised at an incline. I nced between my blushing lecturer and the smirking Devil. He ced a hand on his forehead, feigning his disappointment.
I guess Ill have to leave your ssroom, young miss. And it took me a month to get here
Now, dont be in such a rush, Mr Sal.
udia raised her hands catingly.
I guess aodations can be made for special asions. Especially since you traveled far to get here. Itd be a shame if you had to leave so soon, right?
...what?
I repeated myself, but no one heard me. My hope was crushed with a few simple sentences by the Devil. It was such an obvious attempt at ttery. And it somehow worked! How?!
Lamarr nodded as he rubbed a hand on his chin.
That is certainly a long trip. And Im sure Salvos here would be upset if you were kicked out of her ss.
I wanted to protest yes, kick him out! Get him to leave me alone! But udia shook her head.
We wouldnt want that to happen. So, you may stay, Mr Sal.
Then she leaned forward almost conspiratorially.
And if possible, Id love to chat with you about your daughters performance in this ss.
Of course. That would be my pleasure, Ms udia.
The Devil winked at her, and she giggled. Is this for real? I looked between the two of them, gaping. I turned to Sal as he smiled, settling back into his seat.
Arent you d, Salvos? Your father isnt getting kicked out!
I hate you.
I spoke the words simply. Then I shut my eyes.
I really hate you.
He grinned.
I know. Thats the point.
--
Sal wore a bored look on his face as he sat through my first ss. He kept leaning over towards me and whispering.
Is this really what youre learning in ss? Its boring.
Shut up.
I shot him a re, but no one overheard. He had some sort of magic that let him whisper all he wanted without being caught. But I was pretty sure that even if that barrier wasnt up, udia wouldve excused him.
She kept calling him up to ask him questions, even though he wasnt a student in the ss.
Mr Sal, do you know the form to
Yep. Its
He stood up and replied instantly, giving udia a bright smile, as though he wasnt just insulting the ss. Then he sat back down and proceeded to insult udia herself.
And look at that old hag. Well, actually, Im like a thousand times older than her or a few hundred times. Point is, shes old, and she looks old. Who in the right mind would ever be interested in her?
Thats rude.
I crossed my arms, but he waved a hand off.
Come on, now. Youre a Demon, Salvos. Thest thing you should be caring about is treating others with respect.
My brows snapped together.
Im not wild. Im not like you.
Wild, huh? I guess Im pretty radical and cool, arent I? Thats quite the praise from my young daughter.
And I''m not your daughter!
I really, really, really wished Sal had been thrown out of the ssroom. Unfortunately, he wasnt, and the ss ended with him harping into my ear the entire time.
Honestly, Im disappointed in you, daughter
I am not
Id have thought all of this stupid theory wouldvee naturally to you like it did to me.
He waved a hand nonchntly as he followed me out of ss. With a final wink, he waved at udia who muttered something along the lines of asking him to visit again before she copsed into a chair and fanned herself.
I crossed my arms as I turned to face the Devil.
Didnt youe here to lecture my teachers or something? Why do you keep praising them instead, anyway? Thats annoying!
Oh, dont be annoyed because your dad is good-looking and funny and intelligent. I was just being nice. If udia interpreted it as flirting, then its not my fault.
He opened his hands and shrugged as I scowled. Then he shook his head.
Anyway, this isnt the ss thats the problem. While everything they taught you was pretty basic, it wasnt wrong. Not like what I read in your textbook.
Alright, so are you going to leave me alone now?
I asked hopefully. Sal patted me on the shoulder.
Nope. Ill get to the bottom of this eventually. When I find that dumb professor thats been feeding you wrong things, Ill give him a huge earful.
Youll get in real trouble for that. If Headmaster yton Skyshredder is called down, youll be extricated from the academys premises.
Who?
He cocked his head, and I rolled my eyes.
Whatever.
Itd be more entertaining if I had to watch the Devil argue before being kicked out by yton. Although
My eyes narrowed.
I didnt know what level Sal was. Neither did I know what level yton was. Were they even in the same league? One of them could potentially be far higher-leveled than the other. And I feared that the Devil mightve been the stronger one. After all, hed been alive for a long time. That meant he had to be strong, right?
I shook my head, heading to my next ss.
--
Fortunately for me, Sal wasnt let into my next ss. Professor Lisbenon didnt buy the Devils wits and tricks. And since it wasnt a ss on space magic, the Devil didnt bother protesting. He was dragged out, drawing only a few confused looks.
Valda went up to me with a raised brow.
Who is that, Ms Salvos?
That?
I nced between Sal and the girl. I shrugged.
Dunno. Just some weirdo.
Huh. I see.
She nodded and went back to her seat. I breathed in relief, d to have gotten rid of him, at least temporarily.
The ss ended soon after, and I tried sneaking out the back of the ssroom, excusing myself from Valda and her friends. I promised her Id tutor her more on a different date, but first, I had to deal with Sal. I poked my head out of the door and escaped with the crowd, keeping an eye out for the Devil.
I expected him to pop up at any moment. But he didnt appear.
I wrinkled my brows, perplexed hopeful. Maybe he finally decided it wasnt worth it trying to apprentice me. Unfortunately, my dreams were dashed when I caught sight of him standing in front of my next ss on alchemy. He was standing at the front door, chatting with Gallus and Nn.
Oh, there you are!
He turned to face me with an innocuous smile.
Took you long enough. My little girl is always runningte, isnt she?
I stared at him, then at the other two men chuckling. Nn waved a hand off.
Well, she is indeed quite busy, as to be expected for someone as important as her. But tell me, Salvos, why have you never told me about your father?
Gallus grunted.
He is an interesting man. I can see where youve got it from.
Please my Salvos is going to grow up to be much better than this old man. I wont be surprised if she surpasses me in half or even a quarter of the time it took me to get to where I am today!
Sal bowed his head slightly, looking at me with a twinkle in his eyes. I stared at the three of them, then at the open door by their side.
I Im just going to enter the ssroom now.
Alright, see you after ss!
Sal continued to chat with the two men as I entered theboratory. I needed to get rid of him, somehow. He wasnt going to bother me with my alchemy ss, but the next ss was going to be on space magic. And I really didnt want Sal to embarrass me again there.
I spotted someone already sitting in the ssroom. Veronica Adash. I squinted as I remembered her ss. She was a [Space Mage] or something like that. A member of the faculty too! Even if she was a student in the School of Aspiring Elites. Maybe she couldve helped me with Sal talk him out of lecturing my next professor.
I ran up to her as she unpacked her things, slightly distracted and ncing to the side.
Veronica, I need
I started, but she sighed.
Your father is handsome, Salvos.
She didnt even turn to face me, admiring Sal from where she sat. I halted mid-step.
Are you serious?
Yeah. And hes so charming and witty too! I spoke to him for like ten minutes, and time flew by like it was nothing. Youve got to arrange a dinner for us. Tell me what he likes.
I blinked. Then I closed my and sank into my seat.
...s-sure.
Massaging my temples, I ignored Veronica as she droned on about Sal and how great he was and how I somehow resembled him, when I didnt at all. His eyes were multi-colored! Mine was the same gold!
But apparently, I got it from my mother.
Who even was my mother?! I didn''t have a mother! Just like I didnt have a father!
This was the literal worst.
I crossed my arms, harrumphing as Sal waved at me, leaving when [Alchemist] Raymond arrived. I barely even paid attention to what was going on next, dreading only my next ss, where the worst would only be worse and the Devil could finally do what he wanted.
I considered skipping myst ss. But then Sal would just follow me on another day. And Id have to experience this all over again. Gritting my teeth, I finished myb session and stomped out of the ssroom.
Sal was waiting for me outside. He perked up, but before Veronica, Nn, and Gallus could exit after me, I grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away.
Aw, I didn''t get to say goodbye.
I just want to get this over with, alright?
Why?
He pouted, and I red at him.
You know why you keep embarrassing me!
The Devil raised a brow. Then he slipped out of my grip without me even realizing it.
Come on!
He grinned, walking around to face me.
Embarrassing daughters is what fathers do!
I paused. Our gazes met. I saw the smirk twisted across his face. The Devil waited for a moment for my reaction. He knew what I was going to say. And sure, I was going to say it regardless. But I added in some ir too.
I punched him in theher region.
He blinked, looking down at where Id hit him. Then he doubled over.
Ouch.
Im not your daughter! Im Salvos!
I stormed off as hey there for a minute. Then he picked himself up and followed after me. Because it was time for my final ss. My ss on space magic. And the ss where hed do whatever he could to embarrass me the most.
Chapter 230: Oneself
Chapter 230: Oneself
230. Oneself
Thest ss of the day was on dimensional magic theory, taught by Professor Isais. I liked the ss. It was a good ss that helped me learn a lot of things. But apparently, ording to the Devil, the things being taught in the ss were wrong.
Sal saw my notes and my textbooks and he didnt like it. That was why he followed me here which was annoying, because he decided to be annoying.
Come on, my daughter. How could you possibly hurt your own old man?
He followed after me, speaking loudly as I stormed ahead of him. Heads turned in the hallway as other students overheard his words, but I was so over it at this point. I just wanted to push through it until it ended. The Devil continued.
I am hurt not physically, just mentally, but still! It pains me to see what has be of you. After all that time Ive spent raising you, youve just grown to be be be a rebellious teenager!
I paused as I turned down a hallway. He halted mid-step, and I red at him.
I am not a teenager. I literally cannot be a teenager. I am only five years old!
He waved a hand off.
Semantics. I didnt raise you to be such a pedant, Salvos.
I am not your daughter!
I snapped, turning back around. The Devil dramatically ced a hand on his chest as there was a cacophony of gasps from the students around us. Theyd only heard thest bit where I used Sal of not being my father. Everything I said before had been blocked out by his weird magic, except for me shouting at him about not being his daughter.
Apparently, that drew sympathy from various students as they tried to console him. I rolled my eyes, ignoring him, and hoping that Id somehow lose him in the crowd. Except, he somehow found me. Of course he did.
Sal entered myst lecture after I found my seat, and I sighed. It begins. He perked up and skipped in my direction, nimbly slipping around students until he sat next to me.
You thought you could escape me, didnt you?
No.
I spoke, resignedly closing my eyes.
No I didnt.
So, when is your Professor arriving? Come on, I want to see this illiterate, uneducated, bumbling buffoon who decided to teach my wonderful daughter the wrong things. I cant wait to tear him limb from limb, pierce his fingertips with the shards of his own broken teeth, andugh as he
Im not your daughter. And dont harm my professors.
I cut him off, crossing my arms. He threw his hands up in the air.
Fine! Then Ill just embarrass him. How about that?
Ugh.
I groaned, but didnt say anything. I just sank into my chair, waiting for the inevitable. And it finally came as Professor Isais strode through the door. His gazended on Sal instantly, discerning the unusual individual in his ssroom.
And who may you be, Mister?
Sal. But you may just call me Sir.
Professor Isais raised a confused brow.
Uh alright, Sal. And why exactly are you here in my ssroom?
Why, Im here to give you a lesson. Ive heard from my daughter here
The Devil gestured at me, and I covered my face.
Please shut up
He ignored me.
That the things youve been teaching her have been inadequate.
I didnt even say that!
I tried to protest, but Professor Isais narrowed his eyes. My words didnt reach him; hed already been antagonized by Sal.
And what exactly is inadequate about my teaching, Mr Sal?
Everything, my dear Isais.
The Devil smirked as Isais frowned. The rest of the ssroom was deadly quiet as they exchanged uncertain looks at this confrontation.
Alright, Mr Sal, while I appreciate your feedback, I will have to ask you to leave.
I am a parent of a student at this school.
Once again, Sal gestured at me, and the attention was focused in my direction. Normally, Id be weing of any and all attention but that was only for praise. I didnt like this. It wasnt revulsion that others turned to face me. It was just embarrassing!
Professor Isais shook his head.
While you may be the father of one of my students, that doesnt excuse your disruptive behavior.
Disruptive behavior?
The Devil snorted.
Youre just a bad professor. Theres nothing disruptive about correcting your mistakes especially in front of the rest of your ss. I mean, look at this!
He mmed a book on the table. It was the book hed been reading before he decided to follow me to Mavos Academy. The textbook for this ss. Space-Dimension Theory and Its Applications.
This damned textbook was published by you! Who does that? Youre making your students buy your books!
Professor Isais crossed his arms, indignant.
I spent a year researching on the contents of this textbook, Mr Sal. Id appreciate it if you didnt degrade my hard work in producing it.
A year? Thats hardly any time at all no, you shouldve spent at least a hundred
Sal trailed off as I gave him a t stare.
Ten?
I didnt break my gaze from him. He shrugged.
Five?
I rolled my eyes, and the Devil nodded.
Yes, at least five years! Otherwise, it is as ill-prepared, rudimentary, and misleading as whats taught in this textbook!
Isais brows snapped together.
Alright, I have had enough of this nder. I am Isais, the professor of this ss. I was awarded my Title as Dimensional Professor after I constructed my own pocket dimension and disyed it for the world to see. An entire room, twisted and warped to the size of an auditorium. The spell matrix let itst for an entire year thousands of nobles flocked over to get the chance to see it. What do you know about space magic, Mr Sal?
Pocket dimension the size of an auditorium? I was impressed, but the Devil wasnt.
Please, thats something an amateur could do with just a bit of preparation. And Im sure your work was more than inefficient. Tell me, did you ount for the damage youd leave behind when undoing the spell? What about the temporal properties, that affect the spatial surfaces ability to bend and weave more malleably?
Amateur?
The Professor narrowed his eyes, and there were whisperings from around the room. People were speaking in hushed voices.
Did you hear that?
Yeah, Salvos father just called Professor Isais an amateur.
What level is he!
Hes so amazing and dreamy!
Do you think hes even stronger than Salvos?
I buried my head in my hands, hoping that itd finally end. And Professor Isais had enough too.
Mr Sal. This is yourst warning. Leave this ss, or I will be forced to extricate you from the premises.
Make me.
The Devil smirked, and I looked up, eyes wide.
Wait
Fine.
There was a sh. Professor Isais appeared behind Sal, cing a hand on the Devils shoulder.
Now
And the Devil waved a hand off. It was like some forced had pulled Isais and threw him to the side. An invisible force. One that didnt affect anyone else in the room except for the Professor. He went hurling out of the window, smashing through the ss, beforending in a bush in the first floor.
There were gasps all throughout the room. Someone finally ran out to get Headmaster yton Skyshredder. The students there backed away as I sighed.
That went about as expected.
The Devil ced his hands on his hips as he stood over by the window, looking down at the dizzy Professor Isais.
Wh what?
Maybe youll learn to not be so full of yourself, next time, Professor Isais. This is why you Humans are so inept at space magic. Maybe if you were better learners, you wouldnt need the help of Spirits or Demons to create portals into their nes.
Shaking his head, he sauntered back to me. I just sat there, watching him approach. The Devil did what he wanted. At least, until Headmaster yton Skyshredder showed up.
I thought itd have been cathartic, watching him force the Devil out of Mavos Academy. But Sal didnt try anything with yton, not that he cared to try. I narrowed my eyes as I identified their levels. I couldnt see either of their levels, but I knew I just knew that the Devil was stronger.
He simply took that opportunity when faced with yton to emphasize the fact that he was my father, when he was not my father!
It was annoying. Even when he was forced out, I was embarrassed.
I wanted to shrivel up into a ball and die. Well, actually, I didnt want to die. But it was a figure of speech Daniel used sometimes. Which was weird, sure.Why would anyone want to die? But it was less weird than having him flirt with a professor, seeing my friend crush on him, and seeing him embarrass another professor.Seeing my father do all that was just so weird!
I blinked
Hes not my father!
--
Myst ss ended early after the disruption from Sal. Or the Devil. He wasnt anywhere in Mavos Academy when I left my lecture hall, but I knew where hed be waiting. I headed out of campus, returning to my Lair for two reasons.
The first was to confront him for what hed done to my day. And the second was to flee from all the annoying looks and questions people keep inundating me about the Devil. I stormed back into my Lair, wanting to hide my face beneath a stack of books.
But the Devil perked up when he saw me as he leafed through my textbook.
Oh, youre back
I growled and swung at him. He stepped to the side, dodging it easily.
Whew. That was close. Good thing I was prepared for that this time around.
What is wrong with you?!
I red at the Devil, and he shrugged.
What is wrong with you? I helped you out, didnt I?
You embarrassed me in front of everyone!
Why do you care? Youre a Demon, theyre Humans. It doesnt matter.
It matters to me.
I harrumphed, but he was just amused. With a scowl, I grabbed my textbooks from him and piled them up neatly back where they belonged.
Ugh, this has been an annoying day. But finally its over.
I wanted to sigh in relief and copse on the ground. However, the Devil had other ns.
Actually, I had so much fun today, I think Id like to go to Mavos Academy again.
I sat up abruptly, eyes wide.
What?
Yep. Im thinking of apanying you to school every day now. And Id love to speak to whats her name again? Candice? Cloud? That old hag. Shes honestly pretty cute.
Lecturer udia? Are you serious?
Dead serious.
The Devil grinned, and I gritted my teeth.
Absolutely not!
He raised an amused brow as I stood back up.
Absolutely not? What are you going to do, stop me? Come on! Weve already fought once, and I beat you with ease.
I will, if I have to.
The Devil feigned hurt as he closed his eyes, cing a hand on his chest.
My own daughter, how could this have be of his rtionship? Strained and torn! I am in so much pain.
I clenched my fist at his dramatics. Something burned inside of me. It wasnt anger it was something Id felt too much of recently. It was the same feeling that I felt when the [Lux Golmi] used me of being wild. The same feeling Id felt when Saffron had condemned me for being a Demon. The same feeling Id felt when Belzu had bested me in battle.
My pride was in pain. And I was tired of being trampled over.
I am not your daughter.
I stepped forward as mes engulfed my body. It burned with more than just anger as the Devil cocked his head. It was not fury, but my pride that carried me forward. The blue light tinted the room, before changing colors as my feelings were poured into the mes. It twisted, breaking off from my body without me noticing.
It almost circled around the Devil, but I paid no attention to it. All I saw was myself being embarrassed further, and I did not want that.
I am Salvos, and I wont let you mock me any further.
The Devils eyes flickered. He looked around at the golden room. The way the light danced, as if it came from a fire, but shone like it came from the sun itself. Then he smiled.
Ah, so thats what came of this.
I studied the Devil. It was like I could discern each of his actions the small details of him even more than before. I was more keenly aware of how he moved and how he breathed and each step he took. But he didnt approach me, instead heughed.
Alright, I will surcease. But you must admit, my methods, while odd, are quite effective, arent they?
What are you talking about?
I gave him a suspicious look, and he gestured to my sides.
That. Im talking about that.
I was dubious of what he was trying to do, but I looked at where he was pointing anyway. Then I paused. I stared at myself. No not myself. At a projection of myself.
A Salvos made of golden mes stood on my left, with her arms crossed. She had my horns and my hair and even my clothes. But she was made entirely of the wispy motes that illumined the room. She had no face and no mouth, and she could move with only my thoughts. I blinked, and she cocked her head.
What?
The Devil apuded me.
Congrattions. Youve learned a new Skill. Its not a Grand Skill. But its a pretty good Skill a kind of clone? No, thats not right either. But its certainly something.
He walked up to the other me as she zed and burned where she stood, crossing her arms. I frowned.
How did this? How did I create this?
By instinct.
He tried to tap a finger on my clone, but she grabbed his finger because he could touch her. Backing up, the Devil nced over at me.
Whew, feisty. Was that your or was that her?
That was the both of us or just me.
I shook my head.
I dont understand. How did I learn this Skill? I didnt even do anything. Its not like Lilys lesson where I had to do things.
Youre an Archdemon of Pride, arent you? And yet, you have no pride rted Skills. Probably because youve never had your ego truly challenged. Which makes sense, since you are quite young. This is probably the first time you had your pride hurt for an extended period of time. Naturally, your emotions will spill into your Skills and your magic. And this is what it produced. Yourself. Quite narcissistic, if Im being honest. To protect yourself, you dont ask others for help, but you create another of yourself.
He chuckled, and I red.
What is wrong with that?
Nothing. Just seems very self-indulgent, dont you think?
I folded my arms across my chest, and he waved a hand off.
It wasnt an insult. Its an observation. And its good because the higher-leveled you be, the more youll learn, and the more youll lose grasp of yourself. As long as you remember who you are and what defines you, you will continue to evolve and get stronger.
Huh.
I exchanged a nce with my clone, before finally she vanished. I nodded slowly, turning back to the Devil.
I see. Thanks, I guess?
Its fine! I wanted to see what woulde of this, and it is an interesting development. Anyway, dont thank me yet, because next up
He gave me a sly smile.
Next up, well get you a Grand Skill
Skill [Salvo of Vanity] learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 5] -> [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence - Lvl. 2] -> [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence - Lvl. 3] -> [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Identification] has leveled up!
[Identification - Lvl. 5] -> [Identification - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 108] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 109]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 47] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 48]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 48] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 49]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Chapter 231: Interlude - Daniels Devices (1)
Chapter 231: Interlude - Daniel''s Devices (1)
231. Interlude - Daniel''s Destruction Part 1
The Harrowed Vindicators.
They were an elusive assassin group which employed [Warriors], [Mages], [Archers], [Rogues], [Alchemists], [cksmiths], [Bartenders], [Innkeepers] any ss possible to fulfill their goals. And their goals were always simple: kill a target, make some money.
It seemed intuitive since they were, after all, assassins. And they were out for Daniel.
The young man had thought theyd give up eventually. He had not known how long their contractssted, or how they worked. He assumed their dedication in killing him was just a result of their reputation as one of the most elite assassin groups in the world. But now, as he spoke to Amanda, he understood that that was not exactly the case.
The Harrowed Vindicators are hired to put up a bounty on certain individuals. Not all of us will take up the contracts. Were not fools. We know which target to pick and which target is too much of a risk. But for the right price, sometimes, were willing to take a chance.
The brown-haired woman sat before him, back hunched and knees hugging her chest as she spoke. Her clothes were torn and cut, and the wounds and scars she bore, while recently healed, were still fresh marks on her skin. She was an assassin one of the ones whod be sent to kill Daniel. But he defeated her and kept her alive, only for another assassination attempt on his life to leave her close to death.
He offered her a chance: hed save her only if she helped him. He was in search of the Harrowed Vindicators because they threatened his life and the life of his friends. And Amanda chose to live. So, she spilled everything.
The reward they offered was too little in the past. Not for a [Hero]. Not for someone from another world. We didnt act. Not until you hit tinum. But by the time they raised the bounty on your head, you were gone. Youd left for the gunds. A few assassins were foolish enough to seek you out, but they never returned. It was a Diamond Ranked area, after all. We thought youd died there. But you returned as the Liberator of the gunds.
And you thought it was a good idea toe after me?
Daniel crossed his arms. The logic made no sense to him; if hed done what few or none of their assassins could do, why would any of the Harrowed Vindicators seek out his life?
Amanaughed bitterly.
No. No one thought it was a good idea. No one except for the higher ups.
What does that mean?
Things changed, Daniel Song. I dont know why and I dont know how, but things changed starting from three years ago. Our leadership started to order us around. No longer were we paid assassins, contracted for jobs. We were minions. Or at least, the lesser assassins were. I ignored it. We ignored it. Those of us at the higher levels. We thought it was odd, but we believed it wouldnt affect us.
Why not?
Frowning, Daniel took a seat from across Amanda. The pair were in the back of a wagon, headed out of Roguehollow. A city in the Inoria Empire. She sighed.
Were notborers or farmers. What were we supposed to fucking do? Start a union? Are you a moron?
His brows creased, and she shook her head.
Well, maybe we should have done that. Itd have been stupid and embarrassing, but itd be better than what happened.
And what happened?
What did you think?
She snorted.
The higher ups started to give us orders. Theymanded us to obey them, and when we didnt listen, they purged us. Those who failed to obey mysteriously disappeared. The message was clear. And I fell in line, along with the rest.
I see.
Daniel leant back, narrowing his eyes. If what Amanda was saying was true, then that meant shed been forced to kill him. It made him feel slightly bad for the way hed treated her. But that was a big if.
She was an assassin. She killed innocent people for a living. And if she were lying, this wouldnt be the first time she tried to manipte and trick him. So, for now, he took what she said with a grain of salt. It wasnt like shed be able to do much anyway. She was still bound by enchanted shackles, and he could easily overpower her.
Pulling his hood up, Daniel cast his gaze out the back of the wagon.
If what you say is true well, it wont be much of a worry.
Oh?
Amanda turned to him, raising a brow.
And whys that?
Because
He took in a deep breath, meeting her gaze.
Ill end the Harrowed Vindicators once and for all. Simple as that.
After all, with Amandas directions, Daniel was now headed to the headquarters of the Harrowed Vindicators. To, for once and for all, put a stop to their activities. Yet, the brown-haired woman snickered.
Thats a bold n. Now, I wonder how thatll y out for you
He didnt know. He couldnt lie and say he wasnt nervous about it. But he had to. For the sake of his friends. Hed do anything.
Perhaps Im finally starting to be a [Hero], huh? Daniel chuckled as he watched Roguehollow vanish behind him.
--
ording to Amanda, the headquarters of Harrowed Vindicators was located underground. Most of their hideouts were. And there were familiar markings some kind of symbols which only their members would recognize to always indicate if a hideout was nearby for any assassin of the group to visit.
But the main headquarters was not indicated in any such way. It wasnt filled with regr members. Only those higher up like Amanda even knew it existed. And apparently, it was always moving, always changing, and always shifting.
Those at the top of the Harrowed Vindicators are higher-leveled than you, Daniel Song. All a [Mage] at that level has to do is snap their fingers, and the earth bends to their will.
Is this the excuse youre giving?
He turned to her as she shrugged. They stood at the top of a mountain, right before a copsed cave entrance. Amanda had led him here, and he found nothing but rubble and debris.
Im not going to buy your lies, Amanda.
Drawing his sword, he swung it for her neck, stopping only an inch away from her skin. She didnt flinch, but met his gaze.
Believe what you want, [Hero]. I have only told you the truth. Or do you think I do not value my own life?
She spat, and he scowled.
He had trekked many miles to even get here. Hed been dubious of her intentions it couldve been a trap, for all he knew. But it just turned out to be a dead end.
Stop wasting my time, Amanda. I fulfilled my end of the bargain. Now fulfill yours.
Your end of the bargain? You wouldve just let me die like the noble fucking [Hero] you are.
He bit his lower lip, and sheughed.
No I will fulfill my end of the bargain.
She squatted down, taking in the fallen rubble that blocked the cave entrance. Then she turned to face the nearby city. Aysgarth. Right at the edge of the Inoria Empire. Technically, they were in Elutra right now, but this territory had been taken over by Inoria just two years ago. The fact that the Harrowed Vindicators were headquartered here clued Daniel in on one of the many reasons why Elutra fell.
Amanda sighed.
Theres another hideout nearby, Daniel Song. Perhaps you can find those more wise than me in the matter there. But be aware, youd be thrusting yourself in a room full of enemies, and theres nothing I can do to help you.
His eyes snapped to her shackles as she gestured at them. Daniel felt tempted to remove them and ask for her help. However, his rational side won and he shook his head.
Just lead the way, Amanda. Dont get any ideas.
She rolled her eyes.
Shame. Id have hoped you were more foolish than that.
They traversed back to Aysgarth, heading to the north of the small city where thend was t and filled with farnd. There was arge farm that looked abandoned and it was there where Amanda said a hideout for the Harrowed Vindicators could be found. She brushed aside some markings on a wooden fencepost, gesturing at it.
Look, this means theres an entrance to this hideout right there. Remember, its not the headquarters of the Harrowed Vindicators, so dont rush in sword-swinging. You can be discreet, can''t you?
He nodded, still wearing his hooded cloak.
Come on.
They entered the barn and searched the basement until discovering the secret entryway to the hideout. The smell of alcohol and drugs escaped from the entrance, filling it with smoke as they made their way inside. Daniel tugged a hood over Amandas head.
Keep your head down, and dont say anything.
He kept her close, making sure she was next to him with her bounded hands hidden beneath the cloak. There was a bar inside with tables and chairs scattered around the room. It was reminiscent of an Adventurers Guild, except with hooded figures and what was almost like a shadowy spell cast and nketing the area.
Daniel nced around, seeing figures walk by him. They were silent, not chatting or making conversation as they would in an Adventurers Guild. Instead, they kept to themselves, speaking only to the [Bartender] as they grabbed a job or a drink.
See anyone you recognize who may be able to help us?
He whispered to the woman. Her eyes flickered in recognition. She pointed at a man sitting by himself.
Yes. Hes Ivan the Deathtouch. A deadly [Alchemist] whose concoctions can kill you just bying in contact with your skin. Recently reached Level 100. And someone who could help us find their headquarters.
Alright.
Daniel nced over at Amanda. He was sure shed try something, but he had no other choice but to bring her there. He tightened his grip around his Primordial Longsword and shook his head.
Stick close to me, dont say a word, dont move, and dont even do anything.
She chuckled.
My, youre quite possessive arent you?
He red at her but said nothing else. Dragging her over to the table, he nodded at Ivan and pulled up a seat.
Is this seat taken?
The assassin had a ck tophat and a thick trench coat. He grunted, looking up at Daniel from a pair of goggles.
No, it is not.
Daniel waved at the [Bartender].
A drink, please, for the both of us.
The [Bartender] snapped a finger and two mugs floated down to them. Ivan leaned forward as Daniel offered him the mug, his lips twisting into a smile.
So, what do I owe the pleasure of having both my targets approaching me?
Daniel froze. He nced over at Amanda, and she blinked.
I did not do anything.
She quickly said, and he scowled. He turned his attention back to Ivan.
You know who we are?
Of course. I recognized you the moment you came in.
He adjusted his goggles. There was a glint from inside of it. Daniel gritted his teeth as Ivan spoke.
With a single word, I can turn every assassin in this room against you. The both of you have been marked for death, after all.
What do you want?
Oh?
Ivan rxed in his chair, smiling.
And why exactly do you assume I want something?
Because you couldve attacked us the moment we came in. You waited for us toe here before saying anything.
The [Hero]s eyes darted around the room. No one was paying much attention to them. Which was good. He had a thought. An idle thought. A hunch, actually. What Amanda said earlier stood out in his head the assassins didnt truly want him dead. Only the leadership did. They threatened their assassins to act.
That had to be why Ivan didnt attack Daniel or Amanda. He clenched his fist. He had a few cards under his sleeves. Cards he didnt want to show. But now was the time. It was a gambit, but one he had to make. He leaned forward, meeting Ivans gaze.
If you help me, Ill help you. Come on, [Lets Make a Deal].
After all, that was Daniels second ss. Hed been tired of constantly fighting. Of always having to brute force his way through things. Also, he liked money.
That was why he became a [Trader].
Chapter 232: Interlude - Daniels Devices (2)
Chapter 232: Interlude - Daniel''s Devices (2)
232. Interlude - Daniel''s Devices Part 2
[Lets Make a Deal].
Daniel stared down Ivan the Deathtouch. He tilted his head to the side, an amused look passing through his face. Then he crossed his arms, leaning back on his chair.
Did you think that Skill would work on me? What, is that a Level 10 Skill? Nice try, but Id rather we negotiate without any tricks.
The man chuckled as he took a sip from his drink. Then he gently lowered it back to the table and rested his elbows on the table.
Try that again, and things wont end so well next time. But yes, you were right, let us talk.
His gaze bore into Daniel as he snapped a finger. An artifact under the table activated, keeping them in a bubble of secrecy.
Great going, idiot.
Amanda snickered. The young man red at her, but didnt say a word. He shook his head.
Ivan the Deathtouch, Im sure you know about my circumstances. The Harrowed Vindicators are after my life. They are after my friends life.
Hm, yes. And why does that matter to me?
Because I know youre being forced to do this. Amanda told me. How everything changed with your leadership. The threats theyve ced on your life. Even if there is a bounty on my head, you dont want to do this. Youre paid hires, not minions to some shadowy organization.
There was a pause. A moment where Ivan didnt say anything. Those words cut deep, even for Amanda. Daniel held his breath, hoping he broke through to the other man.
Finally, Ivan sighed.
Alright. Youre right about that too. However, that doesnt exin why we should strike a deal. I could just ignore you pretend I never spotted you like I intended to before you came up to me.
You have something I want. I need your help. The reason why you do this is for money, isnt it?
Daniels eyes snapped between Amanda and Ivan. He reached for his Bag of Holding and ced a pouch of coins on the table.
I have money. A lot of money. Just tell me the price theyve put on my head, and Ill pay you double.
Ivan raised a brow as he eyed the coins.
Unfortunately, youll need to offer me more tinum than a small country if you want to do that.
Im a [Hero] the Liberator of the gunds. I will get it somehow. Plus, Ill even let her walk free if you do this.
Daniel gestured at Amanda as met the other mans gaze. Ivan simply pushed the coins back.
I do not want your tinum, [Hero]. I do not care about your friends. And I do not care about her.
He waved a hand dismissively at Amanda.
Fuck you too, asshole.
She snorted. Daniels brows snapped together.
Then what do you want?
What I want is simple, [Hero].
Stop calling me that.
Daniel bit his lower lip, but Ivan smiled.
That is what you are, are you not? A [Hero]. An otherworlder. Someone who will stand akin to the other great [Heroes] of the past. Your existence marks the start of a new era. Your name will go down in history like all the others before you.
Hearing this made Daniel ufortable. He shifted slightly in his seat as Ivan spread his arms wide.
Thus, you have something I desire more than even all the tinum in the world.
What is it?
The assassins smile thinned, almost twisting into a maniacal smirk. He was only a Level 103 [Alchemist]. Someone Daniel couldve handled with ease. And yet, that expression sent a prickling chill down the [Hero]s spine.
Ivan spoke a single word.
Power.
He pointed at Daniel.
You bring down whoever has been responsible for mucking up my work, and I will help you. Its a simple deal. I get to resume doing whatever experiments I want
He held up a sk of glowing liquid.
And you get to free yourself from that bounty on your head. Its a win for all parties involved, isnt it?
Daniel blinked. That was exactly what he wanted. For what felt like the first time in forever, the young man sighed in relief.
Then it seems our interests align.
He held out the hand, and Ivan took it.
Indeed.
With that settled, Ivan leaned forward and told Daniel everything he knew.
--
The headquarters of Harrowed Vindicator was located at the former Deathfall Dungeon. It was supposedly a tinum Rank Dungeon that had been cleared out decades ago, reappropriated by the Inoria Empire for their own use one of them being a production facility for wartime goods before the war with Elutra. Ivan marked its location on a map for Daniel to follow, but Amanda was apprehensive.
Are you serious? Doesnt this mean that were working with the Inoria Empire now?
The brown-haired womans eyes widened, but the other assassin just shrugged.
Weve been their de-facto hitmen for a while, Silent Serpent. This shouldnte as a surprise.
It officializes this. Someone in the Inoria Empire is pulling these strings.
Yes, well, its up to the both of you to deal with it.
Me? Why am I wrapped up in this?
Amanda was aghast, and Daniel crossed his arms as he fixed Ivan with a look.
So, thats it? You give us the location, you let us go, and you leave?
Indeed.
Ivan cocked his head.
Did you think Id help you with bringing them down?
Perhaps.
Daniel spoke slowly, hoping that Ivan wouldve said yes. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed.
No. I am not foolish enough to risk my life against them, just as I am not foolish enough to risk my life against you, [Hero]. But if you really want my help.
Ivan nced over at the side as he stood up. He reached for his artifact beneath the table it was some kind of rune which he lodged onto the underside of the wood. He picked up, deactivating it as he turned back to Daniel.
Ill give you a warning, just to help you out a bit,
What is it?
Daniels eyes flickered, warily gazing around the room. And then he realized that the [Bartender] was gone. Ivan chuckled as he uncorked a potion.
I never said I was the only one who realized who you two were. Good luck.
With that, Ivan drank it and vanished. Amanda stood up abruptly, staring at the entrance of the hideout. She pointed with her shackled hands.
Shit thats
A susurration ran through the room as assassins backed away from the group of men who just entered. There were five of them. Daniel frowned, reaching for his Primordial Longsword. The one in the middle stood the tallest. A man with raven-ck hair.
Whos that?
They called him the Harrowed Inquisitor. Hes the one whos been killing those who havent fallen in line with the rest of the Harrowed Vindicators. I dont know who the others are, but theyre high-leveled too.
Each of the assassins who apanied the Harrowed Inquisitor was dressed in dark and shadowy cloaks. Their faces, their body, even their hands and feet couldnt be seen by some obfuscation magic. Only the Harrowed Inquisitor wasnt afraid to hide his appearance. His gaze fixed on Daniel in an instant, and he pointed.
There you are. Weve been searching for you for years, and youe right back to us. Honestly, you shouldve stayed on the run. You probably would have eluded us for a few more years. s
The Harrowed Inquisitor snapped his fingers and uttered a single word.
Die.
A hail of ming arrows rained down on Daniel. He brought his Primordial Longsword up as a glow overcame his body. [Aura of the Sentinel]. It reflected the oing projectiles as it massacred the assassins in the room.
Amanda stumbled back behind Daniel, protected by his Skill. Her voice came out rasped and in quick breaths.
Why why the fuck is he doing that? Hes killing everyone!
There were screams and shouts as the low-leveled assassins died. The four other assassins apanying the Harrowed Inquisitor spread out, drawing their des and weapons, ready to attack Daniel. The [Hero] shook his head as he took in their levels.
[Mage - Lvl. 113]
[Rogue - Lvl. 103]
[Rogue - Lvl. 101]
[Archer - Lvl. 107]
[Warrior - Lvl. 105]
Theyre not that high-leveled. I can end this quick. I just have to
Daniel blinked as the Harrowed Inquisitor stepped forward, taking in a deep breath. Then he unleashed a ball of raging mes. It was like Salvos old Skill [ming Breath]. Except far, far, far more powerful.
An explosion shook the entire area. It leveled the whole hideout. The hideout had been maybe 50 feet underground, but it was now on the surface. Because arge explosion had copsed the hideout and blown apart the earth. Daniel dusted himself off as he now stood under the moonlight, at the epicenter of arge crater.
The Harrowed Inquisitor and his assassins looked amused. They were the only ones who came out unscathed everyone else had been incinerated except for Daniel and Amanda.
Impressive. I didnt expect you to survive that attack.
[The Will of the Hero].
Daniel pointed his sword at them, eyes narrowed. He nced over at Amanda as she looked around, blinking. Her voice quivered.
T-that was a Grand Skill...
The [Hero] frowned and swung his de once, dispelling the smoke surrounding them.
Why did you do that? You killed your allies for no reason.
It wouldve been for a good cause. Id have killed you too. But it seems that you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Maybe I yed my cards too soon.
The Harrowed Inquisitor chuckled as he created a ming spear. It looked familiar to Daniel, but he didnt focus on that now. He took a step forward.
Youre a monster.
Mm, wont be the first time Ive been called that. Besides, why do you care? Sure, youre a [Hero] and all, but those were assassins. Murderers and killers! Theres no reason to protect them. Seriously.
Daniel furrowed his brows as the Harrowed Inquisitor gestured past him at the brown-haired woman lying behind him.
If you really were smart, you know what you should do? Leave her to die, and itll probably buy you some time to escape.
W-what?
Amanda stared at Daniel.
You wont do that, right? We had a deal! You said youd let me live!
The [Hero] shook his head.
Shut up. Both of you.
His de was coated by a soft glow. His [Aura of the Sentinel] was still in effect.
Ill deal with the five of you myself.
He dashed forward, leaping into the fray. All five of the assassins attacked him at once. From all sides, they struck at him. With arrows and with magic and with daggers and with swords. He fought back with a flurry of des, fending off their assault.
Daniel shouldve won with ease. Most of these assassins were lower-leveled than him. In fact, the Harrowed Inquisitor was lower-leveled than Amanda herself. And yet
He swung at the Harrowed Inquisitor, only for the other man to parry it with ease and thrust his spear forward. The de cut his cheek, nearly taking his head off. Right as Daniel leapt back, another assassin one of the [Rogues] appeared behind him, dagger already aimed for his throat. Cursing, Daniel grabbed the man by the arm and struck him across the face.
The [Rogue] stumbled back, mask broken and grasping at his cheek. Blood oozed out of the wound as he met Daniels gaze, before he vanished. Daniel blinked and was kicked by the Harrowed Inquisitor from the side.
He went flying back to Amanda, clutching at his arm. It wasnt broken, but it hurt a lot.
Daniel Song!
The brown-haired woman called out. She gestured at her manacles enchanted to prevent use of magic. It bound her by her arms and legs, restricting her movement. She spoke hurriedly.
Free me from my chains. I can help you defeat them!
Daniels eyes flickered as he nced between Amanda and the assassins. Specifically, at the [Rogue] he had hit. The man hid behind the rest as the Harrowed Inquisitor sneered.
Come on, now. Are you going to trust the woman who nearly killed you just a few weeks ago?
Dont be foolish or well both die.
Amanda gritted her teeth. Daniel ignored her. His gaze was fixed only on the Harrowed Inquisitor now. He studied each of the other mans movements.
The way the Harrowed Inquisitor smiled. The way he seemed to taunt Daniel. The way he bared his teeth.
And Daniel knew what to do.
No.
Daniel stepped forward, his sword shining with a brilliant light. The Harrowed Inquisitor raised a brow.
Oh? Another one of your [Hero]s Skills?
Ill put an end to this, here and now!
The light from his de lit up the night. He raised it into the air and it seemed to disperse the pir of smoke that billowed from the crater. It shone bright that the moon and the stars above. He shouted in a hallowed voice that echoed throughout the farnds.
[Heros sh]!
The assassins tensed. Even the Harrowed Inquisitor seemed to hesitated for a moment. They braced themselves for his attack an attack that could bring down those higher-leveled than even them. Equal to a Grand Skill, perhaps. Daniel started forward
And he spun around. He turned to Amanda who stared at him in shock. Then he brought his de down.
Wha
Get us out of here!
Amanda looked down at her broken chains at the gleaming metal that leaked magic into the air. Ity on the ground beneath the assassin. She blinked.
Oh.
Kill them!
The Harrowed Inquisitor shouted, but Amanda grabbed Daniel.
[Savage Step]. [Instantaneous Escape]. [Disengage].
And before the assassins could act, the pair vanished.
--
Youre lucky those [Rogues] were the lowest-leveled of the group. If they were higher-leveled, they mightve caught up to us.
Amanda snorted as she let out abored breath. She turned to Daniel who stayed silent for a moment longer, leaning against a tree. They were in a forest somewhere, miles and miles away from the crater. They could still see the smoke billowing up in the air from the explosion, even this far away.
The brown-haired woman sighed.
I still dont get why you wanted to run. The both of us couldve taken those assassins on together. Honestly, if Id known the Harrowed Inquisitor was that low-leveled, I wouldnt be scared of him at all.
Those werent assassins.
Daniel closed his eyes, recalling the [Rogue]s face. Amanda looked up, blinking.
What are you on about? How are they not assassins?
I broke one of their masks. I know. I saw those werent even Humans.
He straightened as he met Amandas gaze.
If they were assassins if they were Human Id have fought them. I probably wouldve been able to beat them all on my own. But I couldnt. I know I couldnt. Because
Her eyes widened as he finished/
Because they were Demons.
Chapter 233: Tournament
Chapter 233: Tournament
233. Tournament
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 109
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 49
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 136 (+25)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 210 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 268 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 10
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 5
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 4]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 7
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
Thanks to the Devil, I had leveled a bunch. I didnt even know why that happened. Just that it did. Apparently he was teaching me something? I didnt believe him. He seemed like he was lying. But I gratefully epted the levels and the new Skill I gained, especially since he now wasnt going to apany me to Mavos Academy anymore.
However, that didnt mean that everything hed done was quickly forgotten. When I stepped onto campus, I was inundated with a deluge of questions from students who heard about the Devil, Sal.
Is it true that the man who apanied you to campus the other day was your father?
What level is he? I couldnt identify him!
Is he single? I heard hes
I shook them all off, denying every question they asked.
No! No! No! No! And no! Wait, maybe yes. I dont know if hes single. You could ask him maybe if he dates you hell be too busy to bother me!
I ran off before I could be barraged by even more inquiries about Sals marital status. I headed straight to Saffrons room, barricading myself shut before anyone could notice me. The pink-haired noble raised a brow as I entered.
Youre here. I thought youd be too busy spending quality time with your father to visit me.
Please don''t say that. Howd you hear about it?
I sighed as I draped myself across the sofa. Saffron scoffed.
I have ears, Salvos. Plus it is the talk of the entire academy. They say that Salvos father paid a visit and schooled one of the lecturers. He even had a confrontation with the Headmaster. Tell, is that true? Or an over exaggeration?
Its not true!
I groaned, then I paused.
Ok, maybe what happened was kind of true. But hes not my father, alright?
Hm, so is this some kind of out-of-wedlock thing or?
Saffron tapped a finger on her chin.
No!
I scowled and red at her.
Hes not rted to me at all. Itsplicated. Just trust me. Its not something I can tell you about.
My eyes flickered as I took in the room around us. I took in the general vicinity with [nar Navigation]. I didnt sense the Devil anywhere nearby me. But I couldnt trust that. I didnt know if he was actually here or not. Because he was far higher-leveled than me. He probably had Skills that let him follow mepletely undetected. Sure, he said hed just mope around in my Lair maybe drop by a city and prank someone but I didnt trust him. I had no reason to trust him.
Id rather not speak about him to anyone. Not even mypanions. Not if hed get upset about it. Or if theyd get upset about it. For now, I kept this secret tight to my chest. All Id tell Saffron was one thing:
Hes like me. Thats all I can tell you.
Saffrons brows snapped together sharply.
Hes a Demon?!
Shhh! Not so loud!
I waved a hand, ncing about warily. There was no one nearby, and Saffrons runes were active. But still, it was better to be cautious.
Yes, he is like me. However, hes not dangerous. At least, not to you. Not with me around here. I am dealing with him the best I can, alright? But hes a bit of a handful.
The Devil wouldnt leave me alone, no matter what I did. It was best to just let him train me teach me a Grand Skill. It was a win-win situation for me. Hed finally go away, and Id have a Grand Skill.
A handful, huh?
Yep.
I let out a frustrated breath, and Saffron peered at me. She looked slightly amused. I blinked.
What?
Its nothing. I want to feel bad for you, but I almost cant.
Wait, why not?
I stared at her as she chuckled.
I dont exactly know what youre going through, Salvos, but it seems tiring. It seems like maybe youre finally starting to understand what I have to go through when dealing with you.
Hey!
She grinned as I shook a fist.
Im not anywhere near as bad as the D as Sal! Alright? And when I annoy you, i dont do it on purpose most of the time. I try to switch between being nice and being annoying! I know my limits!
Saffron gave me a t stare.
Sure you do.
Look
I crossed my arms.
Sal doesnt understand boundaries. He doesnt care about me in the same way I care about you. He just finds me interesting and entertaining hell get bored in a few days or weeks and move on. But until then, I have to deal with his constant, incessant pestering
There was a rapping on the door as I froze. I slowly turned around, facing the doorway as Saffron stood up. She walked over to open the odor and I raised a hand.
Wait
I narrowed my eyes. [nar Navigation] told me that it was a regr man standing out in the doorway. He was a familiar man. But I couldnt ce a finger on why I recognized him. Could it be Sal? Did he overhear what I was saying about him?
Dont open it.
Why not?
I pursed my lips as Saffron creased her brows. She reached for the doorknob regardless, and I spoke quickly.
It could be him. Look, just dont open the door. Let me do it.
I got up as she shrugged, stepping back.
Sure, I guess.
Steeling myself, I closed my eyes as I gripped the door handle. If Sal was on the other side, Id have to lead him away from Saffron before he could try anything. I took in a deep breath and opened the door.
Hey, Sal
I blinked when I saw who was on the other side. It was Matthew. Saffrons butler.
I heaved a heavy sigh in relief as I swung the door open.
Oh, its just you. Come on in.
Greetings to you too, Ms Salvos.
He walked in, speaking in a t tone of voice as I stepped to the side. He carried with him a Bag of Holding and an envelope. Was that another letter for Saffron? I was pretty sure hed been bringing her a lot of thosetely.
Lady Saffron, I have brought you the ingredients as you requested. And another letter for your family.
Saffron smiled at him, gratefully epting the letter. She stared down at it for a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line, before finally, she waved at him distractedly.
Also, you can give that Bag of Holding to Salvos.
To me?
I cocked my head. Matthew nodded as he passed it over my way.
Indeed, Ms Salvos. This package was procured for you. It is a collection of spare ingredients that you may need for the concoction of your Potion of Regeneration. It includes additional tempest-fused blood, and an entire Enigmatic Heart.
Huh.
I stared in the Bag of Holding at therge heart-shaped crystal thatid within it. I nced up at him.
You got all of this for me?
I did not, Ms Salvos. Lady Saffron had ordered me to acquire it for you. It cost her quite a lot and utilized most of her connections. You were fortunate. Items such as the Enigmatic Heart are not so easy toe across. It was mere coincidence that one of her associates had recently fallen into a dire financial situation and was selling his property, including this trophy here.
Matthew gestured at the Enigmatic Heart. I nodded slowly. Then I smiled.
Thank you, Saffron.
I turned to hug her, but I saw how she continued to stare at her letter. She didnt say anything until I repeated her name.
Saffron?
Hm?
She looked up at me, blinking. I hesitated.
Um, thank you for doing this for me. I really appreciate it.
Oh, of course.
Saffron quickly pocketed her letter and returned my smile.
We are, as you say,panions. And with this single Enigmatic Heart, youll be able to probably convert it into a few dozen shards. I do hope youll still err on the side of caution in your brewing. I cannot promise that Ill be able to find these ingredients so easily next time around.
She wagged a finger.
Remember, for potion-making, it is better to be meticulous than to be reckless. Even with your finalsing around, you cannot rush the process. It is better to take your time in concocting your Potion of Regeneration than to fail and have to start the process all over again.
Wait, its my finals soon?
Yes.
Saffron sighed, and I cocked my head.
Huh. It really is my finals soon.
I stared at the calendar pinned on the wall. Saffron massaged her temples.
I dont know if Im more worried whether youll rush your Potion of Regeneration and botch it or take too long and miss the deadline.
I waved a hand off,ughing.
Dont worry about me! Im Salvos, after all!
She pursed her lips, looking up at me.
Normally, Id be reassured by that. But recently, youve been a little out of it, Salvos. Because of Sal, Im sure.
I bit my lower lip, and she ced a hand on my shoulder.
I know I teased you about it earlier, but if you need someone to talk to, Im here.
I met Saffrons gaze, staring into her glinting red eyes. Then I nodded, feeling my lips curl up.
The same goes for you, Saffron. If you feel like Im too much, just tell me. I wont get offended by it.
Somehow, I highly doubt that.
Sheughed, and I giggled. Then I shook my head.
Seriously, Saffron. Youre mypanion. Iif you need any help with anything, just let me know. Ill do all I can to help you. Im pretty strong, you know?
I gave her a thumbs-up, and Saffrons eyes flickered. She nced down at her pocket at the letter she had kept. Then she spoke softly.
Perhaps perhaps
Saffron closed her eyes and nodded.
Thank you, Salvos. But for now, I suggest you focus on your finals. And I will focus on mine too. Everything will be fine.
Im sure.
But I paused. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Although, I cant believe its almost time for finals. Theres still a few weeks left. Huh, I wonder if theres anything else to do until then...
--
Was there really nothing else to do until my finals? I had to finish my Potion of Regeneration which was in the works. And I had a practical for my ss on enchantment. But other than that, I was pretty well prepared. I just had to study and read and do the exact same thing I did for my midterms for my finals.
I walked alongside Valda and her friends as we headed for the library. Id finish all my other sses, so it was time for our usual tutor session finally. It felt like we hadnt done this in a while. Unfortunately, however, she also heard the rumor about Sal. Fortunately, she believed every word I said.
So, hes just a weirdo who ims to be your father?
He is! Seriously, Id have beat him up if he was actually causing any trouble. But he wasnt, so I let it go for a while. Now, he wont be a bother.
Woah.
Valdas eyes sparkled as I finished my story. She excitedly turned to her friends, whispering to them about how amazing I was. I raised my chin, happy that I was finally being praised again instead of being embarrassed. One small part of me was worried that Sal would suddenly show up just because I badmouthed him, but he never came.
Also, it was not like I lied about what happened. I was at least more truthful than the Devil. He was a weirdo. And if he was doing something actually harmful to me, Id try to beat him up, even if Id fail. So, I was mostly telling the truth. Unlike Sal who mostly lied.
We were just about the reach the library when I had a thought.
Hey, Valda this is a bit random, but is there anything in Mavos Academy thatll be happening over the next few weeks?
Anything thats happening?
The blonde girl tilted her head back. I nodded.
Yep. Any extracurricr activities? Anything interesting?
I dont know
She thought for a moment, turning to her friends to exchange a few words. Then they all perked up at the same time, and she turned back to me.
Actually, there is something that might interest you.
Really?
I halted mid-step and leaned in, curious. She nodded eagerly.
Theres a tournament thatll be happening once finals are over. Over break. Anyone of any level can participate. There are various brackets for level groups. I hear a dozen Diamond Ranks are joining this year.
What A dozen other Diamond Ranks?
My eyes widened as Valda smiled.
Yes! Are you interested in joining? Although many of them are higher-leveled than you
She trailed off. I crossed my arms.
Do you think Ill lose or something?
I mean
Valda shifted slightly, and I scoffed. I pped my hands together, activating a Skill.
There was a sh. Golden mes poured out from my body and into the ground. Valda and her friends backed up in a panic, fearing that I was angry. But I wasnt. I simply smirked as I watched motes and wisps break off from the deluge of mes, gathering into the vague shape of a figure.
W-what is?
Valda stared as the golden fire formed a person. The clone stood right next to me, arms folded and staring at her as I spread my arms wide.
[Salvo of Vanity].
Valdas eyes bulged as my clone copied my movements. I continued.
My newest Skill. What do you think?
W-woah
She nced between me and my clone. The blonde girl couldnt say anything. Her friends were dead silent as well. I ced my hands on my hips.
Its more than just a clone. It can do a lot of things. You havent seen it just yet. And I can create another clone with my Skill.
Originally, I could only create one clone at a time. But after expending 4 Skill Points into [Salvo of Vanity] so that itd be at Level 5, I could not create two clones.
Pretty great, huh?
It is amazing!
Valda and her friends gathered around my clone and I. They kept looking between us, inspecting us from afar, although they really looked like they wanted to touch and prod at us. I didnt let them. Instead, I turned to Valda along with my clone.
So, do you still think Ill lose?
No.
She shook her head.
I take everything back. Im sure youll easily win the tournament!
Of course I will! A dozen other Diamond Ranks? And Ill be fighting them? Easy! Where do I sign up?
Valda quickly reached into her bag, producing a piece of paper. She nodded as she handed it to me.
Here this is the sign-up sheet. I was thinking of signing up, but I decided against it. However, youll shock everyone if you do!
I know, Im amazing.
I beamed as I epted the sign-up sheet. I looked it over, already reaching for a pen as my eyes scanned the form quickly. Then I frowned when I read words printed at the bottom.
No killing allowed wait, what? Doesnt that mean I wont gain any experience? I thought to myself. Then I continued reading until it mentioned the next part. With the safety equipment, little-to-no experience will be gained from this event. The only reward will be the 50 tinum prize for each of the bracket winners.
I narrowed my eyes.
Wait, really? Thats it? I dont get any experience from it? Only money?
Yes
Valda peered at me enthusiastically.
Are you still interested in joining?
I tossed the pamphlet aside.
Absolutely not!
Chapter 234: Potion of Regeneration
Chapter 234: Potion of Regeneration
234. Potion of Regeneration
The tournament sounded stupid. And I wasnt going to participate in it. End of story.
There were other things that I could put my focus on. I had to study, I had to work on my Potion of Regeneration, and I had to deal with the Devil. So, I didnt sign up for it. I didnt even care to think or look at it after Valda mentioned it.
That was it.
I proceeded with my next few weeks in school, studying and readying myself for my finals. It wasnt eventful. But it didnt have to be eventful. Months had passed, and the school term was nowing to an end. To be honest, my first few weeks in school were far too eventful for what I had signed up for. I thought itd be rxing. And Id beente for many of my sses on the first day, before finally picking up the ckter on.
But then, Saffron discovered that I was actually a Demon. Which then led to a ton of annoying events which finally let her ept me for who I was. After that, there was the auction, there was the date, and there was the hunt for the [Lux Golmi]. All of that was on top of everything I was obligated to do for school, and the things I had to do to uphold my reputation.
That was not to mention my lessons with Lily before I went to Mavos Academy. And again, the Devil.
Sure, maybe I wasnt as busy in Mavos Academy as I was in, say, the gunds. But that was a different thing. In the gunds, I could just kill wild undead and level up without care. It was fulfilling. Every level I gained made me feel like I was something more. But in Mavos Academy, I was not leveling. At least, not as much as I wanted to.
It didnt matter to me. I could flip through textbooks all day if necessary. As long as it got me what I wanted. I didnt seek out a certificate or even to learn most of the things they taught. I did absorb it all because I found that having ess to a wealth of information wasnt a bad thing. However, I wanted two things. The first was a way to return to the Netherworld so that I could find mypanion, Haec.
And the second was to make a Potion of Regeneration.
--
What are you doing?
The Devil prodded me from behind as I worked on my alchemy station. There was a glow a red, almost pink glow that was exuded from the vial so carefully held up for me to inspect. I nced back at the red-skinned man.
Im doing what Ive been doing for the past few weeks.
And that is?
He cocked a brow. I scowled.
Making my Potion of Regeneration.
Hm. Thats odd. I thought youd be done with it by now.
I ignored him as he sauntered away from me. I was almost finished with this concoction. The deadline for me to submit a Potion of Regeneration for testing by [Alchemist] Raymond wasing up soon. And by soon, I meant a week.
I wanted to finish it before then and submit it so I wouldnt have to deal with it during my finals week. But the Devil kept pestering me he bothered me every single day with his pranks and with his annoying jokes and questions. So, my progress slowed.
Shaking my head, I poured a single droplet of tempest-fused blood into the vial. I waited with bated breath, hoping it wouldnt explode. And it didnt. Instead, it seemed to diffuse into the rest of the mixture. Not in the way ink would spread throughout water. But instead, its dark crimson instantly faded away, bing one with the potion.
Alright, I just have to
Im bored.
The Devil spoke simply. I frowned.
What is it now?
I said: Im bored.
And I think youre being annoying. Im trying to focus here.
I waved a hand at what I was doing as the Devily on a stack of jewelry. I didnt even know where he acquired all of that; he simply pulled it out one day and I epted it as that. There was no point questioning him and his weirdness.
Hm.
The Devil tilted his head back as I returned to focusing on my Potion of Regeneration.
Im gonna go and take a look around.
His voice took a second to reach me, then another second to actually reach me. I blinked, nearly dropping a tap of sagetree sap. I spun around and stared at the Devil.
Youre finally leaving?
I brightened, and he shook his head.
Ill be back in a week. I just want to take a look around teleport to a few ces around the world, maybe even see whats going on at the Ennds. Then Ill be back.
Oh.
The Devil chuckled as I deted.
What, did you think Ill leave you so soon? Youre my daughter! Im not a bad father wholl leave to buy some milk and never return.
Um, what?
I cocked my head, and he snorted.
Nevermind.
The Devil leapt to his feet, bouncing as excitedly as ever.
Anyway, the point is, Im leaving for a week. So, dont get into too much trouble while Im gone.
Sure, sure, whatever. Are you going to go now?
I gave him an expectant look. His shoulders slumped.
Aw, my rebellious teenage daughter doesnt want me here. Fine, Ill leave then.
He feigned a pout as he started for the door. I beamed, watching him leave. Then he paused right at the entrance of my Lair, he looked back at me, smirking.
But before I go, always remember: do your chores, eat your veggies, and most importantly
I groaned as he waggled a finger.
No boys!
Just leave already!
--
The Devil left. Hed return, but for now, he was gone. And with him, he took his antics, which gave me a lot of time to finally get back to work.
I left my Lair, no longer needing to entertain the Devil. I met up with my friends those I hadnt spoken to in a while.
The first I met up with was Nn. I decided to tell him about the progress I made with the Potion of Regeneration. He was impressed he admitted that hed been slightly dubious about my chance of sess with producing one.
So, youre at the final stages of making a Potion of Regeneration, are you?
Yep! I followed all the steps and am close to finishing it.
Thats wow, Im shocked. Howd you turn the High Grade healing potion into an Elixir of Healing? That step shouldve taken a non-[Alchemist] years!
With my Skills, of course.
I grinned, crossing my arms triumphantly. Also, I had a little help from Saffron. A lot of the ingredients I procured werent the raw ingredients, but expensive refined ingredients to the base form I needed them to be. I also cheated, buying some potions like an Elixir of Endurance which needed to be mixed with a mana potion to create an Elixir of Enhanced Endurance. And that was another base ingredient needed for my Potion of Regeneration.
All these things were expensive. And a regr [Alchemist] probably couldnt afford them or if they could, they were high enough leveled to make them quickly enough let alone non-[Alchemists] who werent even tinum Ranked.
So, yes, I cheated. But this ss was designed with that in mind. Otherwise, there wouldnt be an alchemy ss for non-[Alchemists].
Nn gave me an approving look.
Good job, Salvos. Honestly, you should celebrate.
Celebrate? But Im not done yet.
But youre almost done. Surely youd want to treat yourself to a nice dinner meal clear yourself of some of the stress?
He winked at me, and I blinked. My eyes narrowed.
Wait, are you flirting with me?
He paused.
Perhaps.
Huh.
I stared at him. Nn scratched the back of his head.
You know, for someone others call charming, youre pretty awkward.
He took a step back, sputtering.
I am not awkward.
You kind of are.
He hesitated. I shrugged.
I dont know. Maybe its because this is your first time dealing with actual love. And hey, me too. But thats just what I think. And you know
I thought about the [Lux Golmi]. About the way others saw me; how my reputation wasnt really true to me. I shook my head.
Maybe what others think of you doesnt really define who you are. But it does matter. So, stop being awkward!
I pointed a finger at him, and Nn drew back. Then I paused. I took a step back.
Also, thank you, but as I said before, Id rather we just be friends.
Nn stared at me. He fixed his gaze at me for a moment. He waved a hand off.
s I had to give it a try. And perhaps you are right. I was indeed awkward. But in the off-chance that youd change your mind, the offer still stands.
I smiled at him.
Sorry, but I dont think Ill ever change my mind.
Nn chuckled.
Unfortunate.
Even despite that, he did offer me some tips to finish the Potion of Regeneration specifically, so I wouldnt screw up. Not especially so soon to the deadline.
--
What do you want to show me, Salvos?
Three dayster, Saffron followed me to my Lair as I excitedly ushered her forward. I didnt say anything, even until she entered the cave and the notification sounded in her head.
She looked around, narrowing her eyes.
Wheres Sal?
Hes gone for now.
I shrugged it off, instead bringing mypanion to my alchemy station. I felt my lips curling up as I pointed at it.
Look.
And there, on the desk, was a sk that shone with iridescent light. A mixture of colors a rainbow poured into a ss. It sparkled and illumined the cavern, sending rays of light around in hexagonal shapes.
Above it, a pink crystal was held under an ice-cold ember. It didnt burn brilliantly, instead slowly hugging the shard of the Enigmatic Heart with its warmth, melting it away slowly so that droplets of its liquified magic would drip into the mixture slowly.
Its almost done.
I turned to Saffron as she stared at it.
You actually did it, Salvos.
Yep. Worked really hard on it. Just a few more hours, and then itll be done.
I leaned forward, peering into the sk. I saw my reflection on it. I was grinning from ear to ear. I couldnt wait until it wasplete.
Saffron ced a hand on my shoulder, smiling.
Im proud of you, Salvos, you actually managed to do it.
I turned back to her. Then I looked back at the nearlyplete potion. It could still go wrong, but at this point, I was confident it wouldnt. So, I spoke softly in response to Saffron.
Thank you.
And finally, with that final ingredient a piece of an Enigmatic Heart Ipleted my Potion of Regeneration.
Chapter 235: Time for the Finale
Chapter 235: Time for the Finale
235. Time for the Finale
It was finished.
I stared at the Potion of Regeneration. The sk that held inside of it a treasured I sought out for the longest time. The rainbow-colored mixture swished as I shook the ss, glowing a gentle light into the room. My Lair.
A cavern that was far from Mavos Academy. Here, I could do whatever I wanted. And what I wanted to do was simple: to test my Potion of Regeneration. After all, Id finally finished making it.
It lookedpleted. Saffron agreed that it lookedpleted. She even peered over my shoulder with an approving look.
I think its good. At least, the ambient mana I sense from it seems right. And [Identification] is calling it a Potion of Regeneration, not a Sludge of Destruction like I thought it would.
Hey! Did you have that little faith in me?
Is that even a question?
She rolled her eyes, stepping back.
Still, I rmend you be careful with it.
Its fine! The ss is enchanted, see?
I clinked a nail onto the side of the ss. It didnt shatter. Saffron shook her head.
Thats not what I meant, Salvos. Even if [Identification] tells us that its a Potion of Regeneration, sometimes it cannot discern between what is a slightly wed Potion of Regeneration, and what is a perfect Potion of Regeneration.
Whats the difference?
I raised a brow. She pursed her lips.
One heals you, regenerating your body parts and removing all scars. And the other overheals you.
Thats a bad thing?
When your skin constantly grows over itself, pretty much eating itself up, and your body produces more blood than you need yes, it gets pretty bad. Thats not to mention the other possible side effects thats said to have happened such as growing more limbs.
I cocked my head and repeated myself.
Thats a bad thing?
She sighed.
Look, Im saying that it can kill you. So, you should maybe test it out on something else first.
Im sure itll be fine! Come on, dont you trust my alchemy?
Saffron gave me a re stare, and I looked down at the Potion of Regeneration. A moment of hesitation passed, and I looked back up at her.
Ok maybe a quick test.
Good idea, genius.
But what can I test on?
I cast my gaze around the room, searching for something. My eyesnded on a single cockroach crawling down a wall. I grabbed it with ease as it tried to scuttle away, before plucking out one of its legs and showing it to Saffron.
Think itll work?
Give it a single drop, and well see.
She looked slightly nervous. And I couldnt lie and say I wasnt worried that all my hard work led to failure. Id have to start from scratch which, I didnt want to do. With a deep breath, I uncorked the Potion of Regeneration.
The rainbow-colored droplet spilled onto the cockroachs side. Its body vibrated faster than its wings could even beat. I bit my lower lip, hoping that that was a good sign, but I could already see the resigned look on Saffrons face. Then suddenly, the cockroach halted. And a leg sprouted out.
It worked!
I jumped up excitedly, turning to Saffron. She sighed in relief.
You actually did it.
Yep!
I threw my arms round her in a hug.
And I couldnt have done it without you. Youre the best! Thank you, Saffron.
She blinked. Then she smiled and hugged me back.
It was my pleasure.
--
It worked.
I stared at my arm, fully regrown, white as ever. I was in my [Demonic Essence] form, with the face of an animals sku,, and six protruding wicked and wed arms. I stood tall heads above Saffron as she watched me flex my newly regenerated limb.
No matter how many times I see you transformed, I still cant believe youre the same person.
Why not?
I turned to her, speaking in a low, guttural voice. She shrugged.
You are simply terrifying in that form. Not at all the kind of person you truly are.
Aw are you saying Im not usually scary?
Saffron gave me a t stare.
No. No you are not.
I deted, and she sighed.
Youre more unpredictable? Im scared of you, at times. But not scared that youd kill me not without reason. However, you oftentimese close too ufortably close to crossing the line. And the things youd do outside of the line you set is not what others would usually do.
Saffron gave me a helpless shrug.
It is what it is. But youre not terrifying. You only look terrifying sometimes. But inside? Youre really nice.
She patted me on my snout. I scowled.
Its not what matters on the outside but inside that counts!
Come on, lets bring your potion to [Alchemist] Raymond. Before you somehow drop it and break it.
Saffron gestured for me to follow. I rolled my eyes.
I told you, the ss is enchanted!
We left my Lair as I transformed into a Human with [Partial Mortality]. Mavos Academy stood tall and looming as always, the school that held within it a small city. I didnt stuff my Potion of Regeneration into a Bag of Holding, too scared that something could go wrong. Instead, I hugged it tightly as I made my way through the busy streets. Just as we turned a corner, a voice spoke out from behind us and we turned around.
Lady Saffron.
Matthew stood before us, lips pursed. He bowed slightly as she raised a brow.
Is something wrong, Matthew?
Your presence is needed. I have a missive.
Saffron narrowed her eyes. She nced between Matthew and I. Her lips pressing together thinly. I blinked.
What happened?
Its nothing. Just go ahead and submit your Potion of Regeneration, Salvos. I dont want to keep you busy.
Oh, um, sure.
I nodded, continuing down the pavement as I looked over at Saffron and Matthew. They quietly nodded at each other, dark looks on their faces as they left.
Huh, I wonder what thats about.
--
Congrattions, you received full marks.
[Alchemist] Raymond lowered the Potion of Regeneration after inspecting it for about ten minutes. We stood in his office a room made of ss, surrounded by a glowing green liquid. I gave him a confused look.
Are you sure? Dont you have to test it out or something?
Nonsense, nonsense I have an [Alchemists Eye]. I know that there''s little w to the concoction you''ve made. Imend you, Salvos. There are a few side effects to using this Potion of Regeneration, but otherwise, nothing harmful to the user.
Wait, side effects?
My eyes grew wide as Raymond nodded.
Indeed, indeed. It has minor side effects. Like increased drowsiness, increased hunger a myriad of other things which a lower rate [Alchemist] wouldnt be able to prevent. But someone at my level could very easily alter and remove.
He shook his head, returning the Potion of Regeneration back to me.
Why?
I felt my stomach grumble as a yawn escaped my mouth.
Huh.
He fixed me with a look.
Whats wrong?
N-nothing!
--
I found myself dragging my feet through the gilded hallway of Beaker Building. The growling of my stomach grew louder. I was hungry, and I needed to eat something. Unfortunately, there were no bugs here since the [Alchemists] used some sort of potion to keep them all away. I had to get outside where I could scrounge them up from the dirt and the garden trees to satiate this hunger.
But just as I exited Beaker Building, I ran into two individuals. Veronica Adash and Gallus. They both carried with them notes and textbooks. I quickly slipped my way past them as they spoke.
Hello uh, Salvos?
Gallus spoke, caught off guard. I replied quickly.
Sorry! Just got graded for my Potion of Regeneration, and I need to, um, keep it safe!
I tapped on the rainbow-colored potion.
Youve already submitted your final project?
Veronica raised a dubious brow. But Gallus, however, was impressed.
And youve already gotten a grade for it. Here we were, hoping to ask [Alchemist] Raymond for somest-minute advice.
Well, Im pretty amazing
I beamed, and Gallus chuckled. Veronica bowed her head slightly, speaking softly.
Then I must congratte you, Salvos.
Aw, thank you, but Ive gotta go now, bye!
I waved at them as I rushed off. I found myself in one of the botanical gardens not long after, scouring the grass for ants. I was crunching away, filling myself with the delicious and scrumptious taste of insects, when a voice drew my attention.
I didnt expect to run into you here, Salvos. Let alone when you were having an afternoon snack.
Oh, hey Lamarr.
I spoke nonchntly, still chewing on a mouthful of ants. I turned to face the Warrior King of Traith, giving him a smile. He was dressed in his regal robes as usual, without a bag or even a study book with him.
What are you doing here?
I was taking a simple walk. Trying to clear my mind as our final examinations approach us.
Mm, yep, those are stressful.
I nodded as I drew myself to my feet. Not before I took onest mouthful of ants. He tilted his head slightly.
Now, I could be asking you the same question, Salvos. Why are you here?
Isnt it obvious? Im having lunch.
I gestured at the ground, and he chuckled.
Ah, my mistake for asking such a silly question.
Yep! Youre pretty silly.
So, I assume your studying is going well?
It is
Lamarr and I chatted for a bit, exchanging casual conversation until a familiar figure walked by. I waved at her, since she didnt seem to notice me, too immersed in her textbooks as she studied for her finals. Valda paused mid-step as I called out to her.
Valda!
Oh, hello Salvos, and
She blinked as she turned to the red-haired man.
Y-youre
King Lamarr!
I introduced him, stepping aside. He bowed with a smile.
Pleasure to meet you, Ms Valda.
The blonde girl backed up.
W-wait, how do you know Salvos I mean, how do you know about me?
A fifteen years old genius enrolled into Mavos Academy? How can I not have heard of you?
Lamarr smiled, and Valdas eyes zed over. She stared at Lamarr, trying to work her jaw.
I-I
I looked between the both of them. Lamarr and Valda. They seemed like theyd have a lot to say to each other since it was their first time meeting, but I was starting to be ovee with drowsiness. With a smile, I patted the both of them on their backs.
Anyway, you two should hang out maybe you can even give Valda some advice, Lamarr. Shes young and she likes learning things!
Hm, of course. A young mind is always a curious mind.
He tapped a finger on his chin. Valda blinked and turned to me.
W-what?
Yep. You two chat. Ive gotta go now!
Wait, Salvos, dont leave me alone.
She watched me as I ran off, slowly lowering her hand.
I was sure shed be grateful to me for introducing her to Lamarr. But I didn''t need praise right now. I had my fill of food, and now I needed to sleep.
I made a dash back to Saffrons room, throwing the door open and ncing around. The noble Vampire wasnt there. She had gone elsewhere with Matthew. I was curious about what the were talking about, but that was something I could figure outter. For now, I threw myself onto the inviting couch.
I closed my eyes, going to sleep. I didnt usually like to sleep. But for the first time, I found myself rxed and at ease. My time in Mavos Academy mightve been hectic and different. But it wasnt bad. I quite enjoyed my time here.
My finals wereing up, and that would mark the end of my first academic term in Mavos Academy. After that, Id still have another year and a half here. It was a long time. Three more academic terms. But I couldnt say I didnt look forward to it.
I just hoped nothing would happen to derail the time I spent here.
Are you certain?
Saffron clenched a fist as she confided with Matthew in the dark. Runes glowed around them no one would be able to listen in. Not unless they were above Level 100. And at that point, she wouldnt have been able to do anything.
Not that it mattered if they overheard. Because most people would probably be hearing of this news soon enough. After all, everyone had their eyes on Nixa. On the Primeval Demon. And it seemed that that terrible monster had achieved his greatest victory thus far.
An army had been defeated. But not just any army. It had been a coalition between Nixa, the Vaun Qieur Empire, the Sunmere Republic, and many of the smaller kingdoms. Dozens of Level 100 men and women died in that battle. Not just that, but the Elite [Sorceress] herself, Shomozil Windbane, had been in in the hands of the Primeval Demon.
Now now there were reports of the Primeval Demon moving. Emboldened by its victory, and this setback it mustve inflicted on the countries opposing it. It traveled with a smaller force. Headed to a location which Saffron had been monitoring. A smaller-scaled war that happened parallel to this Primeval Demons invasion of the Mortal Realm.
Headed to the ce where the Sword of Alexander was kept. No, headed to the person who kept the Sword of Alexander.
Baris. Former leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Matthew nodded.
The Primeval Demon will ughter them all.
Chapter 236: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (3)
Chapter 236: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (3)
236. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 3
The Sword of Alexander.
It was one of the greatest treasures in the world. A de used by the [Hero] Alexander the Immortal King who united the Humannds when cmity threatened Humankind. Kobolds, Elves, Demons. He fought to repel them all. And for a thousand years, he ruled. For a thousand years, he was victorious.
But eventually, he was in. At the hands of his own de. A tragic end for one as great as he was. However, it also disyed just the might and terror of his sword.
It is said that a single swing from the Sword of Alexander couldve sheared off a mountaintop. That it could tear valleys asunder. That it wrought hurricanes and tore apart tsunamis. A Mythical Grade artifact that only the strongest could wield.
One that could forever scar thendscape with its power.
Edithe Dawnrise couldnt lie and say she never once imagined wielding such a weapon in the grip of her hand. Even though she was a [Mage] and had been a [Summoner] she wondered what itd be like to hold and control such a powerful force. No enemies could ever dare challenge her.
Now, it was no longer a dream. It was something that could be a reality. But only if Baris listened.
Another battle was being fought. This time, Edithe didnt take part. Not in a way she hoped to.
After the victory at the Millcliff Iron Mines, the Valiant Dreamers had been quickly encroaching on the Iron Champions Company. For their part, the Iron Champions didnt try to resist, which eased the Valiant Dreamers advancement. Unfortunately, that retreat had been a tactical one, because now they were fighting back.
It had been nighttime when the Valiant Dreamers camp was assaulted. There were many nobatants present theyd surely get caught in the battle. And because of her Skills and magic, shed been asked to stay behind to protect them. She could only watch from afar as the Valiant Dreamers sallied forth without her.
Sure, she managed to cast the asional [Storm of Ice and Fire] and [Arrow of the me Elemental]. But fighting from afar was different from fighting in the frontlines. She couldnt act to save her friends if they were in danger.
She tightly gripped her Primordial Staff. Her eyes darted around the fighting happening afar. Adventurers and assassins and mercenaries that fought in the trees and in the valleys. Lightning thundered down from above as mes spewed out of the earth. Stone pir spiked up, and glowing arrows zipped across the battlefield.
Shadowed figures flew above with wings or riding on staffs. They cast earth-shaking spells and created bright explosions that lit up the night. Each st shook the earth and the nobatants behind Edithe. Men and women cowered behind her. [Bakers], [Cooks], [Alchemists], [Healing Mages], and others without abat ss hid in their tents as the battle raged on.
Edithe pursed her lips.
Again even now, why must I just watch?
Because the Iron Champions Company are bastards.
A voice replied. Derrill sauntered up to her. He was a tinum Rank [Rogue] a member of the Dusk Horns Company. One of the allies of the Valiant Dreamers. He shook his head.
If we left the encampment alone, theyd surely send assassins to ughter everyone here. Destroy our supplies. Slow us down any way they can.
Edithe clenched her fist. She knew he was right. But that still didnt sit right with her. She nced over at the fighting, creating a [Lightning Orb] and hurling it at a group of lower-leveled [Archers]. They scattered when they saw the impending attack. It tore apart the earth, sending debris into the sky.
Still, they need my help. What if theres someone I could save if I followed? What if what if one of my friends died out there while Im here unable to stop it?
And what if you went out there, and someone here died? Thats just how war is.
Derrill shrugged. Edithe scowled.
I know, I know. Its just fucking stupid.
Whew, I didn''t know the great Edithe Dawnrise had such a potty mouth.
He grinned, and she red at him.
Nows not really the time to crack jokes.
Her eyes flickered. She saw shadows moving ahead, creeping closer.
Someonesing.
Derrill raised a brow.
I dont see
And from the darkness, a heavy figure leapt out of the trees. A giant greatsword crashed down at Derrill before he could react. Edithe raised her staff, creating a powerful ice barrier.
[Shield of the Misty Lord]!
A powerful attack shed with the barrier. Derrill stumbled back just from the impact alone. A crater was formed around the [Shield of the Misty Lord] as the attacker drew back. Edithe narrowed her eyes.
Orbur Vale. Why are you here?
One of the champions of the Iron Champions Company. Edithe had shed with him twice before. Or rather, she was saved by Hadrian the first time around, and saved by Ismail the second time around. Here he was, again, confronting her for the third time.
Except, this time, Edithe had only leveled once since theirst fight.
Edithe Dawnrise. I was so entranced by you in our previous encounter, that I couldnt just get you out of my head.
He dragged his giant greatsword behind him, scarring the earth with each step.
So, I came here to do exactly that: get you out of my head.
A sinister smile spread across his face as Edithe backed up. She took in a shaky breath, ncing down at Derrill who just picked himself up.
W-why
Go and get help. Hadrian. Ismail. Gabriel anyone.
R-right.
Derrill stumbled to his feet and activated his speed Skills. She gritted her teeth as she watched him go. Orbur tried to stop him, but an [Arrow of the me Elemental] interrupted his attack.
The champion brought his de down striking the arrow midair. There was a st a bright sh of light thatsted a few seconds. Until finally, the light dissipated, and Orbur lowered his greatsword. Smoke sizzled out of its side as a scorch mark was left behind where the spell struck.
Edithe shook her head.
Are you seriously just here to kill me?
Of course. Youve made a fool of me, and I will not simply allow that to pass.
In the middle of a war? Thats petty, even for someone like you.
Orbur slowly stalked around her [Shield of the Misty Lord], eyeing the cracks that were formed on it from his previous attack. He was definitely trying to figure out a way to tear it down as quickly as possible. Or even wait it out. But that wasted time was precious time which Edithe needed.
He shrugged.
Well, considering Im going to die regardless of how this war turns out yes. I will carry out every petty act I want.
Her eyes narrowed.
What are you talking about? Why would you die? What is going on?
She felt her magic beginning to weaken. The Skill didnt run on unlimited time, but Edithe could ay its end by supplying it with mana. Orbur fixed her with a dark gaze.
Its none of your concern. The only thing that matters here is whether you live or die. And Id rather itd be thetter.
Finally, he raised his greatsword. He struck once, and the ice cracked again. He struck twice, sending chinks and shards out into the air. Again and again and again. Edithe grunted as she watched the spiderweb creep across her barriers surface.
And it shattered.
The barrier failed as she was knocked back by the impact of the attack. She stumbled to her feet just in time to see Orbur closing the distance and bringing his greatsword into the air. It quadrupled in size, and she sent a chilly wind to slow his approach.
The [Warrior] stepped through the gale slowly, even as frost built up at his feet. He broke through the ice forming over his body, before the wind changed in temperature, bing an inferno instead. He growled and sliced it in half, ending the spell.
His gaze snapped around the area, but Edithe was gone. He squinted and turned to the encampment.
Come out, Edithe Dawnrise. Face me and suffer. Even if I were to perish here, I shall be known for ying the Liberator of the gunds. I wont die quietly like that fool, Bn Dishar.
She didnt respond. He sighed.
Fine. If you wont show yourself, then Ill force you out.
Orbur took a heavy step towards the camp, and a voice called out.
Im here.
He spun around, smirking.
Youve
And he paused. Another ming arrow shot out, too fast for him to dodge. He reached out to block it, but it struck him on the chest. His armor couldnt hold up to the attack as he was engulfed by a looming st of mes.
[Restore Skill: Arrow of the me Element]. Edithe panted. Then she looked down at her staff. It wasnt the Primordial Staff shed been given. It was something else. A gray stick, about a quarter the size of her staff.
[Cane of Retribution: Medium Grade Weapon - Significantly enhances the effects of a spell. Can be used three times a day.]
It was one of the few treasures she kept from her time in the gunds. Edithe had stolen it off the corpse of a Kobold [Cultist]. It boosted her attack enough to actually break through Orburs defenses and his armor.
His breastte was a mess it was torn inward, the enchantment gone. Blood leaked out of Orburs mouth as he stood up, chuckling.
That was good. That was really good.
Edithe threw a [Lightning Orb] at him, and he didnt even bother to block it. It caused him to stagger, nothing more.
But did you really think that was enough to finish me off?
He ran forward as Edithe led him away from the encampment. She barraged him with ice and fire and lightning and any spell she could conjure up. It didnt matter. He never lost his bnce, not even when she used a tree root to grab him by the ankle. Orbur continued his charge, uprooting the tree instead and tearing the wooden stems.
A single jump closed the distance between him and the red-haired woman. She used a strong st of wind to knock herself out of the way, and Orbur descended like a meteor. He left anotherrge crater where hended, snapping his gaze instantly back to Edithe even through the dust.
Are you going to try this again? Come on, at least call for your friends help. Show them where you are. Let theme here, and let my men ughter the rest of the Valiant Dreamers while theyre distracted.
Edithe didnt respond. Orbur was only partially right. Sure, she didnt want to draw too many of herpanions away from the battlefield and to her, hence why she hadnt activated [Beacon of Guardians]. But also, its effects wouldnt reach those fighting from afar.
And what was the point then? Her Skill had a limited range, and those who werent in its area of effect when the spell was cast wouldnt receive its boon. Itd just be a bright light, no different than the mes she spewed at Orbur.
The champion continued his assault. Each swing felled a tree, even if it didnte into contact with the wooden trunks. Each strike tore apart the earth. Try as she might, Edithe could barely harm him, leaving only small scratches for each terrible attack he unleashed.
A swing of his sword nearly hit her. But at thest second, Edithe raised the Cane of Retribution, creating another [Lightning Orb]. The two attacks collided, exploding and sending Edithe flying back. Orbur stood at ground zero of the explosion, more of his armor crippled, but his skin was left mostly unscathed.
Edithe took in a deep breath as she got back up.
Why the fuck cant I hurt you?
Orbur chuckled.
See, thats the difference between you and me. I have decades of experience. Decades of fighting and training, gaining Skills to make myself as strong as possible. I think youll find it harder to pierce my skin than it is to pierce my armor.
I sure hope not. Edithe clutched at something in her belt pouch. Then her eyes flickered as Orbur stepped forth.
Now, you die!
A glowing aura overcame his de as he struck down, vaporizing everything in a cone in front of him. Edithe watched as the attack came and something grabbed her.
She found herself standing a dozen feet away from the st as Derrill dusted his hands off. Edithe blinked.
Derrill?
Im back. And I brought help.
Help? Is it Hadrian
The red-haired womans eyes lit up, only to pause.She instead saw a tall woman leaping at the perplexed Orbur from behind. The man slowly spun around, but was caught by the attack.
[Colossal Cleave]!
A woman swung a longsword at his chest. Celine, the tinum Rank [Warrior], and one of Edithes closest friends, snuck up on Orbur from behind. Her de cut through his skin and wedged itself on his cor bone.
How in the Nexeus
Celine tried to pull her weapon back, but it was stuck in his bone. Orbur scowled.
You!
He backhanded Celine, knocking her away, through a thicket and into a small crater.
Celine!
Edithe yelled, getting back up.
A mere tinum Rank dares attack me?
Orbur pulls the sword out of his chest, cing a hand on the wound. Blood dripped slowly from it, far less than should be pouring out from a wound like that. He closed in on Celines injured form.
She forced herself up, even with a broken arm.
Is that all the mighty Orbur Vale has got? Come on!
Celine raised a single fist, and he shook his head.
Pathetic.
He tossed aside her weapon, readying to use his own to finish her off. Edithe turned hurriedly to Derrill as Celine threw a punch.
Derrill, I need you to distract Orbur for as long as you can.
Me?
Celines fist smashed against Orburs cheeks. He grinned and kneed her. He drew his de close to her neck, and Edithe shouted.
Now!
Alright, alright!
Derrill dashed forward, tossing his throwing knives at Orburs back. The daggers bounced off the champions armor it was only broken at the front, still intact from the back.
He gave Derrill a pitying stare.
Youre even weaker than her.
Orbur sliced out at Derrill, and an aura de shot out. It sheared a copse of trees as Derrill barely ducked out of the way. Grinning, he turned to Orbur.
Well, but Im faster.
The champion gritted his teeth, bringing his sword back up. But he paused as soon as Edithe grabbed Celine. His head snapped to face them.
Dont think youll be getting away so easily
[Rain of Daggers]!
Derrill threw a single knife into the air, and it glowed. It multiplied midair before dropping far faster than it should descend. Orbur frowned and raised his greatsword, using it like an umbre. The falling knives actually scratched his armor and his weapon, leaving marks where they struck.
Hurry up, idiots!
Edithe helped Celine stumble towards the [Rogue] as the attack temporarily halted Orbur in his tracks. But the champion only grew even more enraged.
Enough!
He mmed the t end of his broadsword to the earth, and a white shockwave tted thendscape. Every tree in hundreds of feet was ttened by the single attack. Edithe was certain shed be lying dead on the ground if Celine hadnt managed to grunt a single Skill before the attack reached them.
[Iron Spirit].
It was like Edithe, Celine, and Derrill had temporarily been granted an aura of protection. But Orburs shockwave still managed to break through it, knocking Edithe back.
The red-haired woman got back to her feet as Celine coughed out blood. Even as injured as she was, Celine didnt stay down. Not until Edithe ced a hand on her shoulder.
Its fine, Celine. I can handle this.
Edithe, what are you doing, you damned moron?
Celine raised a hand to stop Edithe, but the red-haired woman simply started past Celine and Derrill to face down Orbur alone. The champion cocked an amused brow.
Sacrificing yourself to save your friends, are you? Ill tell you right now, Ill make sure they wont die painless deaths once Im finished with you.
Im not sacrificing myself. Not anymore.
Edithe tossed aside her Primordial Staff. She held only the Cane of Retribution in one hand, with the other reaching for her belt pouch.
Then whats your y here? Waiting for someone to save you?
Orbur nced over at the fighting in the distance, uncaring.
Because I dont think anyone else is going to show up. Which doesnt surprise me. Im not the only Diamond Rank here from our side. All the other remaining champions are on the battlefield. And Im sure your friends are preupied. At least, the ones that matter.
All the other champions are here?
Edithe creased her forehead.
What happens if you lose? This is incredibly reckless. If all of you die, the Iron Champions Company will be without leadership.
Do you seriously still think were in charge, woman? As if wed ever be foolish enough to start this war.
Heughed bitterly as he hefted his greatsword onto his left shoulder. Not his right shoulder. His right cor bone had been cut by Celine. And while he initially shrugged it off, it looked like it genuinely hurt him.
Well, maybe wed have sent assassins to kill Baris regardless. But no. Not start this war. No one gains anything from this war. No one except for them.
Them?
Edithes eyes widened as she realized what Orbur meant. But she never expected him to say it outright.
Demons.
The champion grinned as he spoke. Celine and Derrill exchanged a nce.
Demons?
That doesnt matter. Not right now.
Edithe cut them off. She raised her Cane of Retribution, speaking in a determined voice.
What matters is stopping you, here and now.
And what are you going to do about it?
Orbur taunted her. And she smiled.
Return what youve dealt to us. [Fiery Riposte]!
Orbur looked at her in horror before hes ovee with the most ferocious mes Edithe had ever seen. She didnt stop there, however. She dashed forward, pulling the other weapon she held out of her pouch.
The champion screamed as the ze continued to eat at him. He tried to break free from it, but the fire followed him wherever he went. His de dropped as he sped at his face. Edithe closed in on him as the mes finally vanished, and he met her gaze, roaring.
Do you think this will kill
She dug the dagger deep into his cor bone. Where Celine had struck him and drew blood. Edithe leapt back, dodging just as he swung at her. He missed, stumbling forward as he pulled out the weapon.
You bitch
Orbur reached for his greatsword. But his right arm simply dangled from his side. He nced down to his side as his hand dropped from his body. A brown aura seemed to eat away at his right shoulder. He stared at it.
W-what is this?
Corrosion magic. A [Necromancer]s magic. But woven into a de.
Edithe raised the dagger. The Fangs of the Devouring Deep.
A weapon that had even hurt the Lich of the gunds.
He blinked. And both Celine and Derrill gaped.
It could hurt the Lich?
It must be a High Grade artifact. Maybe even Epic Grade.
Edithe nced over at them, shaking her head. It was only Medium Grade. The only reason it had affected the Lich was because its bones were as brittle as regr bones.
If the weapon was either of those, itd have probably eaten away at Orburs skin without cutting into it. Maybe even killing him entirely with a single stab. As it was now, the Fangs of the Devouring Deep only ate away at his shoulder. And since Orburs skin was charred and burnt by her [Fiery Riposte], his arm fell.
The champion stared at Edithe, grasping at his shoulder with his remaining arm. Edithe picked up her Primordial Staff as Celine and Derrill rushed to his side. The red-haired woman spoke simply.
You lose, Orbur Vale. Do you really think you can beat us with one arm?
I do, Edithe Dawnrise.
Orbur gave her a wicked smile, and she hesitated. Then he shook his head, dropping to his knees.
But I dont think Ill be able to beat you before your friends arrive.
He gestured past her, and Edithe turned around. She looked at the battlefield, seeing the fighting slowlying to a close. The Valiant Dreamers were winning. And Orbur Vale surrendered.
I lose, Liberator of the gunds. I yield.
Edithe blinked. She looked over at Celine. The other woman was also confused.
Dont look at me, I didnt expect this either.
The Valiant Dreamers won.
ss [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] Level Up!
[Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 99] -> [Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 100]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] Level Up!
[Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 100] -> [Risen Elemental Spellcaster - Lvl. 101]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[Advancement Avable]
Chapter 237: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (4)
Chapter 237: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (4)
237. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 4
[Advancement Avable]
The words resounded in Edithes head as she sat across from Orbur Vale. The man was one of the highest-leveled adventurers of the Iron Champions Company. One of the original founders, and a designated champion too. His name was renowned throughout the world or at least, to adventurers. Such a powerful individual was currently a prisoner of war for the Valiant Dreamers.
Hed surrendered. The Iron Champions attempted an assault at the Valiant Dreamers with their full might. A surprise counterattack. It proved fruitless. Because of a simple reason: they never wanted to fight in this war.
That was what Orbur said, at least, before he lost his arm. Now, he sat there, in front of Edithe, bound in enchanted chains, with a single remaining arm. Edithe was supposed to watch over him. He offered to trade information to the Valiant Dreamers for his life something which wasnt even necessary.
Edithe was pretty sure theyd have spared him the moment he surrendered. But they weren''t going to reject a chance at free information.
Regardless, Orbur didnt look like he was going to attempt anything while captured. Which was good for Edithe. She couldnt even focus on guarding him. Or that she could think about was her advancement. She wanted to deal with it now, not deal with Orbur.
And fortunately, salvation eventually came to her in the form of Hadrian. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company strolled into the tent, nodding approvingly at her.
Good job, Edithe. You may excuse yourself.
Finally!
She leapt to her feet, pausing just by the tent ps. Her eyes darted to Baris who followed his son into the room. Edithe looked over at Hadrian. He shook his head and mouthed something to her.
Not yet.
The red-haired woman sighed, leaving the tent. Celine was outside, chatting with a group of ally adventurers from otherpanies. Derrill was amongst them. He waved at Edithe, and she greeted them.
Celine, Derrill. How are your injuries?
Were fine!
Celine flexed an arm the arm shed broken in battle.
A quick healing potion and poof, Im fully healed.
Im still surprised we came out of that alive.
Derrill massaged his temples.
I thought I was going to die.
Well, Im d the both of you are fine.
Edithe smiled. The same couldnt be said for many others who came away from this war. Her gazended on the corpse pile under arge covering. Groups of lower-leveled men and women carried bodies with them to toss into the pile. The red-haired woman recognized some of those who died.
Collins. Melinda dozens of others. So many dead.
But finally, the war would end. This was the final phase of the war. All that was left was the Iron Champions final stronghold. Then it would be over.
Edithe wished she couldve done more to save her friends and her fellowpany members. Unfortunately, shed barely been strong enough to defeat Orbur Vale with help. If only she advanced her ss sooner...
For now, she retired to her tent, and took what she could get. Her eyes snapped shut and darkness overtook her. Words came to her, echoing the shadows.
ss Advancement:
Requirements for four ss advancements have been met!
Four, huh? Edithe had hoped thered be more. But one thing she knew ever since she was young was that rapid growth came at a price. Perhaps she couldve gotten more options if shed taken her time. Unfortunately, war waited for no one.
So, she got stronger.
[Arcane Mistress]
An [Arcane Mistress] is a master of the magic art. They dominate the arcane, and their experience is unrivaled. Their understanding of magices from their encounters with enemies far beyond their own level. The will of an [Arcane Mistress] will never be disobeyed.
+20 [Wisdom]
+15 [Endurance]
+15 [Strength]
+8[Vitality]
+8 [Agility]
The first option was kind of underwhelming. Its boosts to Edithes Stats wasnt what she expected from a Level 100 advancement, and it didnt exactly sound like a path she wanted to go down.
She was pretty sure [Arcane Mistress] would be herst option. At least, until a worse one presented itself, somehow.
[Arch Battle Mage]
A [Arch Battle Mage] is an [Archmage] of closebat. The pinnacle of magic, an [Archmage] has seen the endless limits of magic, and will not stop until they reach that top. But as a [Battle Mage], they do not allow themselves to falter, even when the enemy closes the distance.
+20 [Strength]
+20 [Wisdom]
+15 [Endurance]
+10 [Vitality]
+10 [Agility]
Now, this was interesting. Edithe considered this option she often found herself in situations where she couldnt solely rely on her spells alone. Like with the Lich or with Orbur. That was one of the fatal ws of a [Mage] they were practically useless once the enemy closed in on them.
If she were a [Battle Mage], shed at least stand a better chance when that happened. Also, it had a good spread of Stats. And shed be an [Archmage]. Honestly, in Edithes wildest dreams, she never imagined shed be one of the fabled [Archmages].
It excited her. But she went on to see the rest.
[Bishop of the Demonic Cult]
A [Bishop of the Demonic Cult] is a [Cultist] who has seen the truth of the world and mastered magic to match the power of a Demon. They have seen the depths of the Netherworlds powers, and they seek that strength for their own. Power corrupts, and their goal is to cleanse the world of this corruption.
+30 [Wisdom]
+20 [Endurance]
+5 [Vitality]
+5 [Strength]
+5 [Agility]
Alright, why the fuck
Edithe didnt even question it. She started questioning it at first, but she realized that it was too stupid to question.
It was simply Salvos fault.
And she moved on.
[Sentinel of the Elements]
A [Sentinel of the Elements] is an [Elemental Mage] who has sworn to be a protector. They do not forsake their values to sacrifice others for any cause; their strength lies in those around them, just as others are empowered by them. For a greater purpose, a [Sentinel of Elements] shall ascend.
+35 [Wisdom]
+20 [Endurance]
+5 [Vitality]
+5 [Strength]
+5 [Agility]
Woah.
Edithe was speechless. That ss description seemed to call to her. Its Stats were excellent. It didnt seem like there was anything wrong with it.
There was a choice to be made. A choice between two sses. Either she became an [Arch Battle Mage] or a [Sentinel of the Elements]. The other choices couldntpare to these two.
A certain level of prestige came with being a kind of [Archmage]. It was, well, the most famous [Mage] ss at over Level 100. It wasnt necessarily better, but it carried with it status that went beyond just being a Diamond Rank.
It was odd. Yet, that was just how it worked. It was like being a Level 40 [Farmer] versus a Level 40 [Warrior] adventurer. People would always look up to the Level 40 [Warrior] adventurer more, even if that ss wasnt intrinsically better than the [Farmer].
But other than this status, there were very few advantages to being an [Arch Battle Mage]. The only advantage Edithe could think of was nullifying [Warriors] who got too close when she was alone.
However, she wouldnt be able to protect her friends better. It was a selfish ss, honestly. The exact opposite of what Edithe wanted to do. Meanwhile, a [Sentinel of the Elements] sounded exactly like what she was looking for.
To be able to protect her allies. Fight alongside them just as she fought alongside her summons.
The choice was difficult, but eventually, she made her decision. Between herself and her friends well, she learned to care for herself more. To never neglect herself. However, that wasnt the same as abandoning her friends.
So, she made her pick.
Advancement Complete!
ss [Risen Elemental Spellcaster] -> [Sentinel of the Elements]
Gained 30 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] +35
[Endurance] +20
[Vitality] +5
[Strength] +5
[Agility] +5
Gained 3 Skill Slots!
Gained 9 Skill Points!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Valkyrie] bes [The Indomitable Valkyrie]!
General Skill [Passive - The Protectors Boon] Obtained!
Skill [Fiery Riposte] bes [Vindication of They]!
Skill [Storm of Ice and Fire] bes [Frostme Vortex]!
Skill [A Guardians Blessing] is now avable.
Skill [Aura of Greater Protection] is now avable.
Skill [Ray of Retribution] is now avable.
Skill [Lend Skill] and [Restore Skill] consolidate to [Patron of the Skills]!
Skill [Passive - Champion of Thunder] and [Passive - Will of the Earth Elemental] consolidate to [Passive - Master of Nature]!
--
Edithe woke up, sitting up in her bed and staring at the palm of her hands. She felt different. No she didnt feel different. She perceived things differently. From the wrinkles on her skin to the linen of the tent wall, she felt like she could discern more details.
It was only a minute after waking up from her advancement, but Edithe already knew the effects of one of her Skills.
[Passive - The Protectors Boon].
It didnt increase her Stats like the name implied. Instead, she was more keenly aware of everything around her. Or at least, around the encampment. It was like she could choose to hear what she wanted within alliednds like she instinctively knew where everything was within friendly territory. She felt like she had a map in her head, even when she didnt.
And in that map, she knew she was safe. She knew that she was surrounded by her friends.
Thats pretty fucky.
She massaged her temples. It took her a while to limate to this feeling. While shey there in bed, she tested out another one of her Skills. One which she knew wouldnt inflict any destruction or harm to the encampment.
[Aura of Greater Protection].
Edithe ced a hand on her chest, and a symbol shone. Golden light wrapped around her wispy ribbons seemed to melt into her skin, before vanishing. When she touched herself next, she found her fingers halting and hovering over herself. Like there was ss surrounding her.
A grin spread across her face.
So, I dont even need an artifact for this.
She wasnt sure if she could cast the spell on more than one person. Probably not at its current level. Maybe it could affect multiple targets once it was maxed. The red-haired woman was just d she no longer needed to spend an exorbitant amount of gold to get an artifact of equal value.
Now, should I test out my other Skills? Or should I?
Before Edithe could make her own decision, a figure entered the tent. She knew who it was before he even walked in.
Hadrian?
She blinked as the blond man walked in, ncing around.
Edithe. I see youve finished your advancement. That was quick.
I have. How long was I out?
About three or so hours.
Hm, not that long. Id have thought Id be asleep for longer. Could this be a result of reaching higher levels?
Hadrian shook his head as he stopped in front of her bed.
No. Thats likely an effect of one of your new Passive Skills. It probably lets you sleep less.
Edithe frowned. The only possible option was [Passive - The Indomitable Valkyrie]. Which, if it was, she was grateful for. While she always rolled her eyes whenever Salvos went on a tirade about the need for sleep, Edithe kind of understood what the Demon meant.
A lot of time was wasted sleeping. If she only needed three or so hours of sleep now, shed very much ept it with open arms.
Hadrian smiled as he looked over the red-haired woman.
Well, regardless, Im d youre awake.
Why? Did something happen?
Edithe raised a brow, and he nodded.
Yes. Weve spoken to Orbur Vale. Extracted some information which will be invaluable. But for now, well be moving. So, you should pack up.
Oh, alright.
The red-haired woman crawled out of bed, still feeling drowsy. Yeah, I definitely understand where Salvos ising from. She yawned as she grabbed a Bag of Holding.
Where are we going, anyway? Why the rush?
Hadrian pursed his lips. He met her gaze as he spoke.
To the headquarters of the Iron Champions Company. Tomorrow, well be ending this war once and for all.
Chapter 238: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (5)
Chapter 238: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (5)
238. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 5
It was finally time to end it all.
Edithe chose her second ss hastily it wasnt like she had too many options to choose from. It was all the basic sses. She didnt want to be an [Archer] or a [Rogue]. She considered double ssing in [Mage], but eventually decided against it.
She settled with [Warrior] for now. Thatd give her the benefits of a [Battle Mage] without actually being a [Battle Mage] once she was higher-leveled. And it wasnt like what she chose now mattered too much. Edithe could always choose another optionter on if she decided she didnt like being a [Warrior].
Resetting her second ss from Level 15 back to Level 10 was less daunting than going from Level 60 back to Level 10. All she had to do was speak with a [Priest], then shed get to try out a new and different ss.
The only reason the red-haired woman made a choice now was because of what was about to happen: the final battle in thispany war between the Valiant Dreamers and the Iron Champions.
The Valiant Dreamers moved. They headed to the headquarters of the Iron Champions Company. Yet, it wasnt going to be a grand, climactic battle to close the curtain on this stage. That was why they moved so quickly.
Hadrian had interrogated Orbur Vale, one of the former leaders of the Iron Champions Company. A so-called champion, ording to their hierarchy. What Orbur Vale said illuminated the inner-workings of the Iron Champions. One of the most important things being how half the champions were killed long before thepany war started.
It sounded insane, to Edithe. But she remembered Orbur saying something simr amidst her battle with him. Orbur had told her that Bn Dishar, the highest-leveled member of the Iron Champions, was in by Demons. And considering what shed been told by Hadrian and Baris, she knew that Orbur was telling the truth.
This information spread throughout thepany like wildfire. It shocked everyone Celine had been bbergasted when she found out. Celine. One of the Edithes closest friends, and someone whod always been carefree and rxed.
That just showed the gravity of the news. It vindicated Edithe, somewhat. But she still felt like more could be done that Hadrian could tell the others the truth.
We need to tell them the reason why thispany war even happened in the first ce, Hadrian. Its finally time.
Hadrian pursed his lips. He nced over at Baris Edithe and Hadrian had finally decided it was time to speak with Baris about their concerns. Unfortunately, Baris was still adamantly against it.
Weve already told the others about the Iron Champions. Thats not a secret we wanted to keep simply a hunch we had very little proof of. And now that Orbur himself shouted it to the world, we can tell the others.
Baris shook his head.
But the Sword of Alexander? My familys lineage as a Vampire? These are not facts to leak to the world. Itll make us targets.
We already are targets.
Edithe ground her teeth hard. It was almost like she could hear the grinding of the topyer of teeth against the lower one if shed been stronger, she probably wouldve been able to dislocate her jaw from that act alone.
The whole reason this war started was because of that. Because everyone except for our ownpany knows about this. Theyre targeting us because they know. Why cant you see that, Baris?
Calm down, Edithe.
Hadrian ced a hand on her shoulder, and she red at him. He spoke catingly, turning towards his Father.
I am on your side, Edithe. And Dad, I truly believe in what shes saying. Dont you think that its a waste to keep an artifact as powerful as the Sword of Alexander hidden away? Especially when this is what theyre after? With it, we could end this war with no more casualties.
And wed paint a target on our backs for all to see.
Baris spoke simply, crossing his arms.
There is no argument here, my son. I know that youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company, and you may do as you wish. Tell the truth to the others. But I shant gift you the Sword of Alexander to wield. There will be no proof no reason for you to do.
Other than the fact that its whats right?
Edithe snapped. Baris sighed.
You may have lost all respect for me, but I still respect you. Perhaps that is why my son decided to side with you. But unfortunately, you are young, Edithe. Power such as this cant be used without the right cause. And this this isnt the right cause. I am sorry.
With that, he spun around and left the room.
Fuck.
Edithe cursed, massaging her temples. Hadrian watched his Father leave. He looked over at the red-haired woman.
We tried, Edithe. If we tell the others about it
We wont have the Sword of Alexander, and well be even bigger targets than we are now.
That was, arguably, a worse position to be in than now. Edithe understood that that was why Baris refused to cooperate. She took a deep breath and faced her leader.
So, what now then?
Hadrian tilted his head back. His eyes flickered.
Maybe maybe we don''t have to tell everyone about it. Not just yet. But those we can trust to remain silent. Do you have any suggestions?
Edithe blinked. Then she nodded.
I know a few.
--
Well, thats a lot to unload on me the night before a huge battle.
Celine stood in a tent under the blue light of an enchantedmp. Hadrian and Edithe had exined the situation to her she was one of the few trusted individuals they decided to divulge this secret on.
It is a lot, yes. When I found out about this, I was shocked. I was in disbelief for days. I thought Id had a nightmare that I dreamt it all. But it is the truth.
Edithe held her friend''s gaze as she spoke. Celine furrowed her brows.
So, this weapon the fabled Sword of Alexander can literally end this war in a single swing. And Baris doesnt want to use it because he doesnt want it to be in the wrong hands?
And he fears that it will draw more unwanted attention to us.
Hadrian nodded. Celine shrugged.
Thats kinda fair, honestly. I dont fault him for it.
Edithe blinked. She exchanged a nce with Hadrian, who was also surprised by the reaction. Celine went on.
Sure, its a bit of a dick move, using us to protect something we know nothing about. But its not ck-and-white, you know? Its more morally gray. Between disclosing this secret and abusing the Sword of Alexanders power, or keeping it stashed away and safe Id be torn too. Maybe Id even agree with him if I had more time to think about this.
You you cant be serious, Celine.
The red-haired woman was speechless, but her friend just chuckled.
Hey, maybe if you told me about this sooner, Id be able to let this settle in better. As it is now, I just want to get out of this final battle alive. And maybe spend some time with Nora tonight if you know what I mean. You can join if you want.
Celine winked at Edithe. Then she turned to Hadrian.
And no, you may not join.
I wasnt going to ask.
Good. I like women, not men.
Celine patted them both on the shoulders, starting out of the tent. The runes around the tent ps dimmed as she reached for it, letting noise from the outside seep in. There was a loud mor from outside cheers and jokes and joy. Adventurers gouging on booze and wine as they feasted. A party before the final battle. Before it finally ended.
After this, there would be no more unnecessary deaths. At least, that was what most of them thought. But Edithe knew that it wouldnt be long before another group targeted the Valiant Dreamers.
What do we do, Hadrian?
She closed her eyes, feeling the exhaustion settle in knowing that there was still a long road ahead of them. Unlike everyone else who thought it was over after this.
Im not sure. But I think we should stave off telling the others for now.
The red-haired womans gaze snapped up.
What?
I mean for after the war is over.
Why?
She was aghast. For a moment, she thought Hadrian had changed his mind. Like Celine, he decided he agreed with Baris more. But no. Hadrian shook his head.
Celine is right. This is a lot to drop on someone the day before a big battle. I know this is important to you, Edithe. You have a strong sense of justice. I know. But this problem isnt really an immediate one.
I
Edithe turned away from Hadrian. Her right hand reached across to grab her left elbow as she shifted.
I really dont know. I just want to protect my friends, Hadrian. Thats all.
And we will protect them. Well try our hardest to do whats right.
But are we really doing whats right? You heard what Celine said maybe were wrong. Maybe
She trailed off. Hadrian stared at her from behind. There was too much responsibility ced on her shoulders. Honestly, she preferred being a Gold Rank adventurer back with Paul and Hana and her original party. As a Diamond Rank, she was burdened with too much. With the strength to change things, and the knowledge that things werent as clear-cut as shed like them to be.
I dont know
Edithe shut her eyes. She heard a shuffling from behind her. Hadrian approached her, and slowly wrapped his arms around her. She felt his warmth as he gently hugged her from behind.
I dont know either, Edithe. This is a lot to take in. But Im sure well figure it out. We have to figure it out. So many lives depend on us. If they can trust us, then cant we trust ourselves?
The red-haired woman felt her worries momentarily burn away. She felt at ease, like she was sitting by a cozy campfire in the middle of a chilly night. Then Hadrian drew back, and she turned to face him.
I
She started. Then she chuckled.
I told you, Im only interested in serious rtionships, Hadrian.
There was a moment of silence before he spoke.
I am serious, Edithe.
Even though Hadrian had let go of her, Edithe still felt some of his warmth, and it crept up to her face. She nodded, starting past him.
Youre right.
He gave her a confused look, and she simply grinned as she waited at the edge of the tent.
Come on, well figure all this out after the battle. Lets just get this over with for now.
Right.
--
And it was time for the final battle.
The battle that would put an end to it all.
The headquarters of the Iron Champions Companyy before Edithe. It was built into the side of a mountain, ten miles north of Holmfirth. Theyd previously been located far closer to Holmfirth, but for whatever reason, they relocated a few years back.
ording to Orbur, that was because of what happened: a Demon yed half of the champions of thepany. Many of those who were in charge were purged and those whoplied were spared. How did it get to that?
Apparently, one of the champions, Bn Dishar, had been investigating a cult the Church of Regnorex and they were far more powerful than the Iron Champions could ever imagine. A Demon had taken Bns life. The same Demon took his ce after. What happened next was a gradual and secretive takeover of thepany. When Orbur found out what happened, it was toote.
So, there are Demons in there.
Celine eyed the base from afar. Edithe nodded.
There are, yes.
You know, Ive never actually seen a Demon before. Youve fought one, right? With your old team.
I did.
Edithe spoke simply. She remembered that fateful day
Run, Edithe!
Paul knocked her aside as a column of smoldering ash crashed down from the sky. The entire vige burned around them a hellscape so terrible that Edithe wouldnt even dream it in her worst nightmares. Panic overtook her. She choked on ash and smoke as Eloy created a stone wall around the party.
The Greater Demon smashed through the earth with a roar. It grabbed Eloy and crushed his head. Edithes screams turned into a coughing fit.
Paul spun around, raising his de. He faced the Greater Demon without any fear in his eyes. His words came out muffled, but Edithe heard it clear as day.
Hana.
The Spirit appeared next to the red-haired woman, facing Paul.
It appears we are so thoroughly screwed, arent we?
That we are.
How? How can they be so calm? Edithe wondered, even as the Greater Demon charged at them. It trampled over Silvias corpse, knocking it aside and into a nearby house. The building copsed.
Paul shook his head, turning to the Spirit.
Take Edithe and get her out of here. Make sure shes safe, no matter what.
I was going to do that regardless of your instructions.
Hana picked Edithe up as she struggled. The Spirit didnt face Paul as he braced himself for the oing attack. With a soft sigh,
An idiot, to the very end. I can see why you fell for him, Edithe.
There was a st. Edithes eyes widened as she saw the man she loved die to an insurmountable force. Hana brought her to a nearby building, hiding her under a pile of rubble.
Edithe tried to speak and nothing came out. Her vision began to blur, exhaustion and pain overwhelming her. She reached out for her best friend
But Im sorry, Im a bit of an idiot too.
With that, Hana dashed off, drawing the ire of the Greater Demon away from her master. And with a terrible crunch, everything went dark.
Edithe returned to the present. The Valiant Dreamers were slowly infiltrating the Iron Champions base. The red-haired woman walked alongside Celine as they entered the cavern fort from the side. She gripped her friends hand tightly.
I wont let anything happen to you, Celine.
Uh, ok?
Celine blinked, not sure where that came from. Edithe was prepared to do whatever it took to protect her friends.
But strangely enough, the base was empty. There was nothing there.
A cool silence gripped Edithe as she stalked down the hallways, hearing only the echoing of her footsteps in the darkness. The chill prickled across her skin like ants poking their tiny little feet into her. Her hair stood at attention as though it could guard her from whatever lurked within the shadows. Celines voice caused Edithe to jump out of surprise.
You think they all left?
The red-haired woman nced over at her friend. She looked around then she saw it down the corridor. A splotch of blood leaking down in azy drool.
I dont think so.
Edithe shook her head. She started forward to investigate the blood, then it was gone. Her eyes narrowed.
Wait, where did it go?
Where did what go?
Celine cocked a brow. Edithe cast her gaze down both sides of the corridor. She saw nothing no more blood painting the floor.
I swear I saw
Edithe shook her head.
Nevermind. Lets continue.
And the pair of adventurers led the way, followed by other lower ranked adventurers. They spread out wide, trying to search every room they could find. The ce wasnt abandoned. It still had most of its equipment and facilities running. So, why was it empty?
Nothing.
Not here either.
I checked all the rooms down that corridor can we move on now?
Various adventurers reported to Edithe. She pursed her lips.
Alright. We should regroup with the others.
She nodded as they began streaming down back towards the entrance. Celine started too, but Edithe grabbed her.
Wait
Hm?
Celine blinked, and Edithe closed her eyes.
[Patron of the Skills].
Uh, what are you doing?
Its one of my new Skills.
Edithe gestured at her.
You can now use any three of my Skills, excluding [Patron of the Skills] itself. Not only that, but you can restore three of your Skills uses immediately.
Wait, what?
Celines eyes grew wide, and Edithe grinned.
Yeah, so I suggest using something like [Aura of Greater Protection] now. You can save the other two Skills forter. No Passives, though.
That is awesome!
Celine quickly shut her eyes and muttered quietly to herself, activating [Aura of Greater Protection]. There was a flicker and now she was protected.
Good, Edithe thought as they left the area. Her group made their way back out, passing through the same hallways as before. She paused at the spot where she caught sight of the blood earlier. She halted.
What are you doing, Edithe?
Just give me a moment, Ill catch up with you guys.
If you say so
Celine and the others continued on as Edithe went to investigate the spot. She knelt down, running a finger on the ground. Drawing back, she inspected her hand.
Nothing.
She rubbed her fingers together. There was no texture or feeling of blood. It was just that. Her fingers being brushed against each other. But that couldnt be right. Not unless Edithes nerves were getting to her.
However, what happened to everyone? Orbur said that thest of the Iron Champions awaited them here, held hostage by Demons. There were no Demons here. No Iron Champions. The Valiant Dreams took over this ce without trouble.
They won?
Edithe narrowed her eyes. No, that couldnt be right. She knew for a fact that this couldnt just be it. After all, she just gained a new Skill. [Passive - The Protectors Boon]. If the Valiant Dreamers had really won and overtaken this fortress, then shed be able to tell where every single one of her allies were.
But she couldnt. She didnt even know where Celine had gone.
The red-haired woman stood up. She nced around at the walls and ceiling. There was nothing there. She wrinkled her nose, smelling nothing.
Nothings wrong. Nothing seems wrong. Which ispletely wrong.
Edithe scowled as she raised her staff. A light illuminated the room, revealing the in floor and walls of the corridor.
There was blood here. I saw blood here. I know I did.
Her eyes flickered. An idea crossed her mind.
Hm. If there really was blood here
She sent a chilling wave of cold wind over the ground. It wasnt cold enough to create ayer of sleet over the stone not unless there was ayer of something that could freeze over it. Edithe took a step onto the cooled ground and she slipped.
The red-haired woman tripped and nearly fell t on her back. She caught herself easily enough, stumbling back to her feet.
That is
She eyed the ground and watched as the clean floor shed away like ayer of paint was peeled back. Ice formed over the stone red ice. Blood ice.
I knew it. I
Edithe blinked when she saw what pooled and mixed with the red blood. A blood-ck void. It was like staring into nothingness. It didnt freeze from her ice, instead still in its liquid form. That was some potion concoction? Spilled ink?
No that was Demons blood. Edithe wouldnt imagine Demons blood. Her nerves werent getting to her. It was the blood of a Demon. And next to it, she saw the corpse of a blue man. Headless.
A dead Demon.
Edithe staggered backwards.
A D-Demon?
She saw the cor around its neck, tightly gripping onto its skin. And Edithe realized what was going on she realized why she couldnt see it in the first ce.
An illusion.
Edithes mouth moved.
B
There was a scream. She heard it echo down the hallway. She rushed forward, speeding down where Celine went. Her staff shone as an [Aura of Greater Protection] overcame her.
No, no, no, no, no!
She turned a corner, nearly mming into a wall. She forced herself to continue, readying all the spells she knew in her repertoire.
Again
Edithe whispered, gritting her teeth. Screams and spells echoed in the distance. Her heart raced with her to get to her friends.
Its happening again.
She finally rounded thest corner, reaching the entrance of the headquarters. And there, hovering high above a crowd of adventurers, limned by the moonlight, was the shape of an insect. A creature that floated with buzzing wings. A rotund and corpulent body.
Belzu, the Primeval Demon.
Chapter Double Announcement
Chapter Double Announcement
First announcement:
Salvos Volume 4 is now avable on the Amazon store! This is not the Amazon book cover, but this is a pretty cool art Imissioned from Wanini a bit ago. God, I love Wani''s art!
Anyway, if you get the ebook, you get to read straight to the end of Salvos Volume 4 at 245. Give it a buy and give it a review please. Thank you : Primeval Knowledge: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Volume 4) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Second announcement
If you can''t buy Salvos Volume 4-- although I highly encourage you to leave a rating/review even if you can''t buy it-- check out my new serial. There''s like 70,000 words right now between patreon and what''s on RR. Give it a follow, favorite, and a rating too! Do note it''s a slow-burn litrpg apocalypse.
Trace Taylor was at a shooting range when Earth was integrated with the multiversal System. Faced with monsters, dungeons packed with monsters, gates that lead to other worlds, an annoying AI, and a lot of insane idiots, how will Tracee to survive this newly-changed?
Trace: A LitRPG Apocalypse | Royal Road
Chapter 239: Interlude - Edithes Evolution (6)
Chapter 239: Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution (6)
239. Interlude - Edithe''s Evolution Part 6
Again. Its happening again.
Edithe stared up into the luminescent night sky: a vast ck expanse that stretched far and wide. Wheeling stars dotted this canvas, twinkling their scintiting light into the mountainousndscape below. And just below it, illuminated by the beautiful rays above, was the abdominous figure of a giant insect.
She knew who it was immediately no, she knew what it was. Everyone did. It was the Primeval Demon that had caused such devastation to the country of Nixa. It left behind in its wake fields of fire andkes of blood. Now, it loomed over the Valiant Dreamers Company as its wings rapidly beat at its side.
Below it, the Valiant Dreamers were scattered. Hundreds of adventurers had gathered here to siege the Iron Champions Company they were prepared to face terrible Demons. But not this.
Edithe saw the looks on their faces. They were scared. Afraid. Terror seized them as many fell to their knees, like they were bowing to the Demons horrible glory. A few adventurers had been foolish enough to attack Belzu when they spotted it fluttering high above. Their corpses now carpeted the ground, stained with blood.
The Primeval Demon raised one of its stick-like hands, bellowing for all to hear.
Enough. I no longer have time for any games. I am here for one reason and one reason only: hand over the Sword of Alexander, and your deaths shall be quick and painless.
A susurration ran through the gathered adventurers as they exchanged confused nces.
What is it talking about?
The Sword of Alexander? Isnt that just a myth?
No, its real. But why would we have it?
The only one who understood what was going on was Edithe, Baris, Hadrian, Ismail, Gabriel, and Celine.
There was a pause in a moment of cold selfishness, Edithe couldnt help but scan the pile of bodies, hoping that she wouldnt see her friend lying down amongst the dead. Then she froze. Her eyes widened as a shudder prickled its way down her spine.
No!
She dashed forward as Belzu continued, casting his gaze around the Valiant Dreamers.
I know it is here. Do not y the fool. Give it to me now, lest I lose my patience and kindness.
No, no, no
Edithe scrambled over to Celines body. She turned her friend over. Blood caked Celines face, and her eyes were tightly shut.
Not again
The red-haired woman gripped her friends shoulders with quivering hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged Celine.
No please
Edithe youre smothering me
She blinked as a muffled voice escaped from under her. Celine cracked an eye open, smiling.
Im going to suffocate if you dont let go.
S-sorry.
Edithe drew back. Then she stared down at her friend.
H-how?
Y-your [Aura of Greater Protection] s-saved me... Id be dead otherwise
Celine let out a weak chuckle. Then she coughed and sputtered out blood.
Still pretty beat up, though.
Relief washed over Edithe like a warm wave. She let out a breath she didnt know shed been holding, as though she just escaped from the depths of the ocean. Then her eyes flickered. She looked towards the other corpses around Celine. Those people definitely were dead. She recognized some faces not anyone she knew personally. But it still angered her.
She handed Celine a healing potion as a voice thundered from above.
This is yourst chance, Humans! Do not try to flee! Hand it over to me and die!
Celine drank the potion down gratefully and forced herself to her feet. Edithe helped her up.
Go to Hadrian.
But
Just do it. Get everyone out of here. Keep them safe.
The sky bled above as the blue dome was colored crimson. An illusion. One that inflicted fear to everyone there. Belzu shook his bulbous head.
Very well. If this is what you want to do
Belzu!
Edithe screamed, raising the Cane of Retribution. It shone brightly and drew the Demons attention.
Oh, a Human trying to y the [Hero]? How generic.
Belzu scoffed, batting a wing in her direction. Edithe narrowed her eyes as a red aura covered her. She nced around, frowning. It closed in on her an intense heat that seemed to burn her without touching.
Edithe!
Hadrian shouted as she was engulfed by it. But she didnt shout. Her eyes flickered. At first, she felt overwhelmed by a terrible pain. Then she gritted her teeth, shaking her head.
This isnt real.
Her pain receptors red as the aura closed in on her. She screamed through it, bringing her staff back down.
This is not real!
And a bright light shed. The red aura around her vanished. She looked around, seeing not a blood-red sky above, but the regr nights sky. Her friends stared at her, blinking. And she turned back to Belzu.
Your illusions dont work on me, Demon.
Belzu frowned or at least, his bug-face seemed to twist and contort. Edithe pointed at him.
I wont let you hurt any more of my friends. I shall face you and defeat you, here and now.
She took a step forward and stopped.
But thats not even you, is it?
The Primeval Demon blinked. Then his body melted away into a white liquid. It spilled to the ground and dissipated.
Hrmph, so you managed to banish the illusion.
His voice thundered all around them. Edithe turned quickly to Hadrian as he ran up to her. She snapped.
What are you doing? Get out of here, all of you!
He hesitated, but the rest of thepany began to flee, led by Celine.
Come on! Weve got our chance!
Edithe cast her gaze around, searching for the real Belzu. And from the headquarters of the Iron Champions Company, he ascended.
I see.
He looked different from when Edithest saw him. No, not like hed evolved. Instead, he looked hurt. One of his wings was missing arge chunk from its side, and his body was scratched and drenched in ck blood. Demons blood.
The battle he had with the Iron Champions no, with the Demons of the Iron Champions took a toll on him. He spoke in a weary voice as she readied a spell.
So, it was a Skill that broke my illusion.
Did Edithe have a Skill that could do that? Surely not but just because she realized it was an illusion, didnt mean she should be able to see through it. Belzu was right. She had a Skill. A new Skill.
[The Indomitable Valkyrie].
No longer was she going to be ruled by her fears and nightmares. She steeled herself before a flying cmity as the Valiant Dreamers fled. The Primeval Demonughed.
My illusions wont work on you, yes. But dont get too arrogant, Human. For I still have my curses.
He pointed at Edithe.
I have in countless men and women just like you. You are nothing more than another pebble at my feet.
Edithe braced herself. Her breath caught as she saw a glyph forming above Belzu. She couldnt help but tremble at its sight alone. No illusion just pure death. Then she closed her eyes.
Yes. Youve killed hundreds of thousands maybe even millions of us. You, who are so cruel and evil. The pain youve left behind. It cannot be rivaled.
Her eyes snapped open as she stared at Belzu.
So, all this suffering all the pain youve inflicted? Why not get a taste of it yourself!
Belzu eyed her.
What are you
[Vindication of They]!
Edithe unleashed her spell her Skill. That which drew from her dead friends around her. Crimson mes of vengeance rose from their corpses, stealing the pain of the dead, and loosing it back at Belzu.
His round eyes grew wider than physically seemed possible as the mes melded together. Ember-motes that coalesced into a shame. That of a giant bug. That of him.
What is this?
Belzu stared at it, his curse flickering above. Even the fleeing Valiant Dreamers turned to stare at the red figure. It hovered over Edithe, the incarnation of vengeance. And it came for that which caused torment.
The Primeval Demon flew back as it descended on him. He tried to evade it, but it moved faster, like a phantom of all those he killeding back to haunt him. It scorched his skin as its eyes zed with sacred fury.
It consumed him. Belzu erupted into a ball of me as the spell consumed him entirely. A terrible screech echoed all around, and Edithe copsed to one knee. She turned back to the fleeing Valiant Dreamers, looking over each of them slowly. Then she saw Baris, paused, eyeing her. She shook her head, facing Belzu once more.
Was that enough?
She hoped she truly wished it had been enough to stop the Primeval Demon. s, the mes wore off, and Belzu was only ked with some burn marks. He flitted down to Edithe.
You
His entire body trembled as his anger bore down on her.
Did you think that was enough to kill
[Ray of Retribution]!
A golden beam shot out, sting Belzu. A brilliant explosion of iridescent colors engulfed him. But Belzu simply flew through the smoke.
He took a deep breath.
Hrmph, not as impressive. Is that all youve got?
I-I
Edithe panted as she swung her staff.
[Frostfl
And Belzu struck her across the face. She went flying as the [Aura of Greater Protection] around her shed. A powerful curse corroded the barrier, leaving her to tumble on the ground and roll to a stop.
Enough. I have taken your most powerful Skill not a Grand Skill. Not yet. But its close.
He shook his head as he buzzed over to her. He picked her up, and she defiantly met his gaze. The Primeval Demon harrumphed.
You have the drive, but youck the power. Even that Skill was nothing more than a reflection of my own power. Nothing more.
Fuck you
Edithe spat, and he raised one of his spiky hands.
Not the most elegantst words
Stop, Demon!
A glowing sword struck Belzu from behind. He stumbled forward, dropping Edithe. Hadrian rushed to the red-haired womans side, only to be sted by a curse of slowness. His movements grew to that of a snails, and Belzu red at him.
Another one of you? Die!
He sted Hadrian back. The man went flying as Edithe screamed.
Hadrian!
The mans armor fell apart as he spawned on the ground. He was still alive and breathing, but not for long as Belzu loomed over him. Edithe tried to cast another spell
And a rain of potions crashed down at them. A white gas covered the area as something swooped down, grabbing Hadrian at thest second. Ismail and Gabriel. A [Beastmaster] and an [Alchemist]. The other Diamond Ranks of the Valiant Dreamers.
Gabriel tossed a flurry of explosive bottles at the Primeval Demon.
Belzu roared.
That is enough!
He pped his wings, dissipating the gas and the explosions. Edithe crawled back to her feet, almost knocked back down by the gust of wind. Belzu nced around at her and the Pegasus flying above. Gabriel, Ismail, and Hadrian flew around the Primeval Demon, heading back for Edithe.
But the Primeval Demon wasnt going to let them do that.
You will all die. [Desecration
And he paused. A beam of white light sliced up and cut the night sky in half. A radiant glow that bathed the area with a kind warmth. Refreshing. Edithe felt stronger just from looking at it.
She stood straighter, ready to fight once more, but Belzu didnt even look in her direction. Instead, the Primeval Demon stared at the light. At the man walking slowly towards him.
Finally, my prize.
Belzus eyes gleamed as he eyed Baris as he eyed what Baris held in his hands.
The Sword of Alexander.
The Primeval Demon breathed. Baris swung the de down, and the pir of light faded away. Yet, the effects stayed. Edithe felt stronger than ever. But she was too confused to act.
What is he doing?
Demon!
Baris challenged Belzu.
Leave my son out of this! Leave mypany alone! And face me!
That that power. Yes, it is as theyve said.
Belzu started forward, leaving Edithe alone as he approached Baris.
Give it to me, Human.
I shall not.
Baris said, voice steady. Then he leapt forward and swung the de. The earth shook with the attack it knocked Belzu back, the Demon grinning in excitement as he only focused on the weapon.
Edithe blinked as Baris stood over her. Her eyes slid off him and onto the weapon, admiring the ornate sword. Its hilt was made of gold and adorned with gems. The de was cut cleanly, glinting and emitting its own soft light. A beautiful light that she could stare at forever.
[The Sword of Alexander: Mythical Grade - ???]
Edithe Dawnrise.
Baris voice snapped her back into reality.
Go and get out of here.
She looked over at him as Belzu rose back up in the distance, cackling.
What?
There was nothing else Edithe could say. She was too caught in both terror and wonder at the weapon Baris was wielding. But the man hung his head low, speaking in a morose tone.
A son shouldnt pay for the sins of his father.
He took a wide stance, holding the Sword of Alexander to his side.
Apany shouldnt pay for the sins of its leader.
What are you saying?
Im asking you to escape with Hadrian and the others. Protect them while I hold this Demon off.
Hold him off?
Edithe blinked as illusions and curses gathered around Belzu. The Primeval Demon multiplied fake forms that surrounded Baris. The man shed down, dispelling the illusions.
When Hadrian wakes up, tell him that I loved him. That I am proud of him. And I trust that hell be a better leader than I ever was.
Baris readied himself for Belzus next attack. Ismail swooped down with his Pegasus, gestuing for Edithe to get on. There were so many things Edithe wanted to say, but the first thing that came to her mind was simple.
We can help
No, you cannot.
Baris shook his head.
Even with this, I am too weak. All of us are. We will die if we face him together. It shouldnt havee to this, but it did.
He bowed deeply at Edithe.
You were right. I have failed all of you. I am sorry,
With those final words, the red-haired woman apprehensively mbered onto the Pegasus. Baris charged at the Primeval Demon, uttering a battle cry that caused Edithe to shiver.
Belzu weed the charge with glee, spreading all his wicked limbs out.
Yes! That is the power I have sought for so long! It shall be mine!
They shed in battle a blur to Edithes eyes. A Level 160 Demon against a lowly tinum Rank Human. But with the Sword of Alexander, Baris stood a chance. Even if Baris wasnt a [Warrior]. Even if there was nearly a 100 level gap between them.
The ground shook and trembled before the battle. Edithe stared behind, watching the fighting slowly disappear in the distance. There was a blinding sh of light for each swing Baris took a light of hope as he held off the Primeval Demon.
There had been a million things Edithe wanted to tell Baris. She didnt me him no, she couldnt. No one could have expected this. Why was Belzu even here? Wasnt he too busy ravaging the rest of Nixa?
It made no sense to her.
And yet, this was reality. Baris was was going to die. Edithe wanted to apologize to him. For the way she med him just a few days before. She didnt mean it she didnt want him to die cing the me on himself.
No, she told herself. You have to hope. Believe. Dream. She watched as the battle raged on from afar, nothing more than shes of light.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. And thirty minutester, the light flickered out.
Baris died as Edithe fled with the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Victory belonged to Belzu, and with it, he won what he was searching for.
The Sword of Alexander was in his hands now.
Chapter 240: Promises Kept
Chapter 240: Promises Kept
240. Promises Kept
The news came just as Saffron thought it would. It was aplete and total wipeout the Valiant Dreamers Company fled Nixa, returning to the Sunmere Republic as the Iron Champions were utterly crushed. Death and destruction. Wherever the Primeval Demon went, it left behind a trail of corpses.
Among them was the former leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company, Baris Slydrift. Or at least, that used to be what he was called when his family was still of the nobility. Their family had been Vampires tasked to protect an artifact of Alexanders. Just like the Merryster Family and the Norwood Family and others. Yet, when the Slydrift family lost everything, no one came to help them. The Sword of Alexander was abandoned.
And now, it was in the hands of the Primeval Demon.
It was ridiculous. Saffron thought it was ridiculous. The old guard were nothing but fools, and her friends wouldnt listen to her. No Vampires would. They were doing their jobs purely out of tradition a formality. Nothing more.
They didnt actually expect the Demons to return. Despite what every Vampire was told since their birth. A phrase that was ingrained forever in Saffrons mind.
Regnorex is at the gates.
The Demon King wasing, and no one was prepared. Well, it was a bit of an over exaggeration to say that absolutely nobody cared about it. However, those who were apathetic far outnumbered those who were readying themselves.
Saffron was one of them. Shed been setting up meetings speaking with those who cared. Gannon Norwood was one of them. Messages were being exchanged, but progress was slower than shed like. But there was progress. Olivier of the Veridian Family, another of the greater Vampire families, had replied to her. Unfortunately, he wasnt as influential as Gannon was in his own family.
Itll all fall apart.
She whispered as she stared at the message inscribed before her. Her eyes flickered. She sat at a bench just outside of her dormitory. A figure walked past her, grinning.
Hey, what are you doing out here? I was searching for you!
Salvos, a Demon disguising herself as a Human, sauntered up to Saffron. Here was a Demon approaching a Vampire without any apprehension. Neither side bore animosity against each other despite knowing of their true natures. It was odd they were supposed to be archenemies, no?
But no. Saffron bore no ill will towards her friend.
Its nothing, Salvos. I was simply getting some fresh air.
In fact, the noble Vampire saw something in Salvos she shouldnt have seen.
Are you sure? If theres a problem, I can help you out, Saffron! Im a genius, remember?
Hope.
Sure you are. Ill hold you to that.
Saffron smiled as she crumpled the piece of paper in her hands.
My finals were in three days'' time, and the Devil hadnt returned. That meant I could focus most of my time studying! I happily skipped my way to ss alongside Saffron, mypanion.
So, are you ready for your finals, Saffron?
I am less prepared than Id like to be.
The noble woman replied after a moment of hesitation. I cocked my head.
Whys that?
Ive just been preupied with some other matters nothing for you to concern yourself with.
She shook her head as she started past me, turning left at the intersection. My eyes narrowed.
Wait, where are you going? Isnt your morning ss that way?
I gestured in the other direction, but she simply waved a hand off.
Ill be there. First, I have to settle something else. See you after sses, alright?
Ok
I trailed off, watching her go. With a shrug, I continued going to my ss. After all, I was busy. Once today ended, there was just a weekend, and Id be busy all of next week. I had to do well for my first final examination for this school term.
So, I remained focused in ss. But unfortunately, not everyone else could maintain the same level of focus as me. Apparently, lecturer udia had other things in her mind. She approached me before our ss started.
Salvos, could I speak to you for a minute?
Um, sure?
She led me out of the lecture hall. I nced around, confused.
Why did you need to speak with me?
Its about what happened a few weeks back.
A few weeks back?
I raised a brow, and she nodded.
Yes. About him.
I paused. My eyes widened and I shifted back.
R-right, about that. I have to apologize for his
Apologize?
The elderly woman gave me a puzzled look. She waved a hand off and squeezed her cheeks.
No, no, no! Theres nothing to apologize for. I was just wondering if your father has already left. Returned home to where he came.
I blinked. I stared at my lecturer as she mumbled to herself. I opened my mouth.
Actually, hes not
You see, I was hoping to invite your father to dinner! Well, not for a date or anything like that. Why would you even suggest that? No, no. I just wanted to give him a full report! About your performance in ss. Im sure hed love to hear about how you did overall this academic term, right?
udia gave me a hopeful look. She was blushing like a young maiden a rose in full bloom. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to say. When nothing came to mind, I simply grabbed her by the shoulders, holding her gaze.
Lecturer udia.
Y-yes?
She jerked back as if shed been knocked out of whatever fantasy that was filling her mind. I spoke simply.
Sal is nevering back. Ever again.
O-oh
Her shoulders sagged, and I started past her.
Now, can we return back to ss? I have a final exam to take next week.
O-of course!
--
Surprisingly and unsurprisingly, that wasnt thest time I had to deal with the consequences of the Devils appearance in Mavos Academy. I had to cate Veronica Adash, and apologize to Professor Isais.
Veronica, somehow, reacted even worse than udias dejected eptance.
Hes nevering back ever again?
She ced a hand on her chin, and I eagerly nodded, pretending to be upset.
Yep. I was bummed out to hear about it, but he had to get some milk or something.
Milk? Cant you get milk at any farm or city?
Not just ordinary milk! He wanted
I hesitated, trying toe up with anything. Then a stroke of genius brushed over me.
Rock milk.
Rock milk?
Thats right! Rock milk. Milk from a piece of rock. Its incredibly rare apparently, its something thats needed to create a Potion of Immortality!
I thought those didnt exist?
Veronica furrowed her brows, and I shrugged.
Dont ask me. Thats what he said. So, hes nevering back, probably.
Hm.
Her expression didnt change. Her face remained scrunched up as if in deep thought. I sighed in relief, hoping that was it, but instead, she snapped her fingers.
Very well then. I guess Ill simply have to find him once I have regained my kingdom.
Um, what?
Veronica nodded with determination to herself.
A princess does not give up on the man she loves.
You only met him once!
And thats how I know its love at first sight.
I groaned. That sounded so dumb. It was the dumbest thing Id ever heard. A princess was supposed to be pretty and elegant like me. Love was stupid. I didnt know why Humans obsessed over it so much.
Now as for Professor Isais despite being the one who was humiliated by the Devil, he responded far better than the former princess insistence of true love.
Im so sorry for what Sal did. I know hepletely derailed ssst time around, but I swear that wont happen again!
It is fine, Salvos.
Isais chuckled as he sat at his desk. ss ended early today after an hour of revision, and he asked to speak with me when it was over. I knew what it was about, so I was preemptive in my response. However, surprisingly, he wasnt upset.
I actually learned from that experience with your father.
Hes not my father, but ok.
What do you mean?
I cocked my head, and Isais went on.
Your father he mentioned something about damaging space itself. And not just that but time too. So, I consulted with an old [Chronomancer] friend of mine. This is still an incredibly early stage of our research, but look.
I stared at the piece of paper he showed me. It was a diagram some kind of grid. In it, I saw what looked like holes sketched onto its surface.
Um?
As you can see, this ispletely different from everything youve learned in your sses.
Different how?
Youve heard of the paper analogy, right? Folding space and poking a hole through it like this.
He thinly bent the paper in half, pretending to poke a hole through it.
This is what I''ve been teaching you.
Then he unfolded the paper, showing me the diagram once more, and gesturing at the diagram once more.
But what we never considered was how another factor yed into space: time.
I see, I see.
I listened as Isais continued to exin.
That means there is anotheryer to it. Its not as simple as we previously thought. While our previous understanding of it is that of a single concept, there is actually another dimension to it. Because of this, everything weve previously done with space magic... perhaps there are dire consequences for our actions. I am not sure, but our preliminary findings so far dont bode well. Its like poking a hole in the floor of a building.
He finally finished. His face was grim, creased with wrinkles. I looked him over, tapping a finger at my chin as Isais heaved a heavy sigh.
Your father I dont know where he got his knowledge from, but he is right. And I have to admit, I was wrong. For that, I wanted to speak with you. To thank him for his contribution to our understanding of space.
Huh.
I nodded slowly. Then I nced over at the door.
Can I go now?
With that, all my sses for the day were done. And hopefully, I wouldnt have to deal with anything that Devil did in Mavos Academy ever again. I was worried that Headmaster yton Skyshredder would approach me too when I passed him as I headed down the hallway. But he simply grunted and greeted me.
I was d for it. I didnt want anything to distract me anymore. Somehow, even though he wasnt here, the Devil both annoyed and distracted me from my studying. I returned back to my room, ready for a full night of studying.
Saffron wasnt seated at the dining table as she usually was, and Matthew was nowhere to be found.
Alright, no more distractions
I started as I opened my school bag and I heard a loud thuding from Saffrons room. I looked up, blinking.
Oh, so she is here.
I walked towards the door, calling out to her.
Saffron! You wouldnt believe what happened today
I paused, narrowing my eyes. There was no response from the other side except for another thud. Softer, this time. But still audible to my ears. I knocked on the door before gently pushing it open.
Saffron?
And I saw the noble woman kneeling in her room with wide eyes. Hermunication artifacty on the ground next to her, just below her drooping arms. Her gaze slowly jerked towards me, and I rushed to her side.
Saffron, whats wrong?!
She said nothing. I grabbed her by the shoulders as her lips quivered. With a weak arm, she tugged my jacket and spoke in a soft voice.
Please, Salvos.
What happened? Did someone attack you? Is it poison?
I leaned closer as she mustered the strength to face me. Mypanion. My friend. A Vampire noble who I truly cared for.
Please help me. My father and my brother theyre in Nightsveil. And and...
I stared at her as tears streamed down her face.
The Primeval Demon is attacking the city. Hundreds of thousands are already dead. Please save them
Chapter 241: Nightsveil (1)
Chapter 241: Nightsveil (1)
241. Nightsveil Part 1
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 109
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 49
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 136 (+25)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 210 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 268 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 5
[Haste] - Lvl. 10
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 5
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 4]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 7
[Object Levitation] - Lvl 1
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
What was there to do? Mypanion asked for my help. She begged me to save her father and brother face the harrowing Primeval Demon in Nightsveil.
I couldnt beat Belzu. I lost to him once before. My otherpanions couldnt aid me, and the Devil wasnt here either. Headmaster yton Skyshredder would ignore my pleas. I was alone.
Yet, I flew out of Mavos Academy. I held Saffron in my arms as I soared over the tallest towers, bursting above the voluminous clouds. They dotted the sky like cotton balls floating in a sea of a dark azure, and I swam in it like a fish heading straight to a sharks Lair.
It was foolish, but I couldnt not do it. Mypanion asked this of me. Saffron wouldve gone and died if I didnt apany her. For her family. For the people she loved.
So, I brought her to a city under siege. The Capital of Nixa. The country where my journey in the Mortal Realm began. Once more, I was heading to a Demon far stronger than me. An evolution above me. One who had beaten me before.
Perhaps it would end likest time around I could defeat him, just like I had beaten Lucerna. It was even a simr scenario, right? A powerful Demon was rampaging throughout Nixa. Mypanion and I raced to face him as he destroyed a city.
Except, there were a few differences. Key distinctions that defined how the battle would go. For one, Belzu had an army of a hundred thousand terrible monsters with him, while Lucerna was on his own. For another, I had no reason to fight Belzu, while I thought I needed to defeat Lucerna to get back. And furthermore
Lucerna wanted to die. Belzu did not.
So, when I entered the burning city, I did not do so to face Belzu. Id simply save Saffrons father and brother as I promised before flying off.
Not only did Ick any reason to fight him, I also would probably lose to him. And that was not to mention thest reason: my otherpanions werent here.
Daniel and Edithe werent with me. There was no Mistshard or Druma to support me. I was with Saffron, and she wouldnt be able to do anything to Belzu. Maybe one day, when I was reunited with my two Humanpanions, Id challenge Belzu again. But not now.
So, this is the Deathfall Dungeon?
Daniel Song bent over and peered into the abyss below. A deep ravine that scarred the earth a mark left on the world by the Immortal King Alexander during the final battle of the first Kobold invasion. During his duel against Prophet Zoszam.
He was here for one ostensible reason: to destroy the Harrowed Vindicators. The assassin group that threatened the life of him and his friends. However, that goal of his was starting to change after an encounter with their Harrowed Inquisitor. The young man had seen through their disguise he saw the face beneath the mask of one of the assassins, and he recognized those features anywhere.
They had to be Demons. Either that, or a grotesquely ugly Human. Regardless, while he was still driven to stop the Harrowed Vindicators, he was also driven by curiosity. By some stupid thing in him which screamed to do the right thing.
This is the Dungeon, yes. And if Ivan is to be believed, also our hideout.
Amanda peered over his shoulder. She was an assassin who tried to kill him he defeated her and took her prisoner for this task. Now, she apanied him to the base of the Harrowed Vindicators.
Nodding, Daniel took a step back.
Alright, its time to
He paused. Amanda stared at him.
What?
He raised a brow. She gestured at the pit.
Well, go ahead. The rest of the Harrowed Vindicators are probably waiting down there.
Daniel watched her as she drew back.
What? That was your goal, wasnt it? Go ahead, Sir [Hero]. Im just going to
Amanda spun around, beginning to walk off. Daniel stopped her and grabbed her by the shoulders.
Youreing with me.
Fuck.
She groaned, shoulders sagging.
Do I really have to?
Yes.
But I do not consent. This is basically ra
Shut. Up.
He red at her. Finally, Amanda shrugged.
Its not like I have a choice. If I try to run away, youll probably kill me. If I actually escape, the Harrowed Vindicators will probably kill me. If I go with you, some Demon will probably kill me. So, I die anyway. Just stick close to me so we at least stand a chance of getting out of this alive.
She raised a hand, muttering a few Skills.
[Vow of Silence]. [Shadowed Veil].
What were those?
Daniel narrowed his eyes. Amanda started down the steep rock surface it was night, and even though the moon was high in the sky, she almost vanished from his sight. He hurried after her before she couldpletely sink into the shadows.
Stealth Skills, obviously.
She scoffed as she climbed down just ahead of Daniel. They reached the bottom of the crevice soon enough, sticking close to the shadows, wreathed in ribbons of darkness. He spotted figures moving up ahead there was a cave entrance with a single torchlight illuminating it. Minecart tracks led in and out of it, creating an intricatework of rails.
Someones there.
Daniel squinted, and Amanda hissed.
I can see that, you idiot. Keep your voice down.
Oh, I thought they wouldnt be able to hear us.
Why are you still look, some people have Skills that can negate other Skills. Now practice what you preach and shut up.
He gritted his teeth, but remained quiet. The two crept closer to the entrance of the cave. Daniel knew he was going in the right direction when he heard a sound in his head.
Now entering [Dungeon: Deathfall]!
They were within ten feet of the figure standing in the darkness when Amanda halted. Her eyes widened when she caught a glimpse of the man. No not a man. A woman? Or sort of a woman. She looked like a woman, but Daniel instantly knew what she was:
A Demon.
Well, that didn''t disqualify her from being a woman. Apparently, Demons had genders too. Salvos was a woman, even though she was a Demon. And Daniel couldnt lie and say she wasnt a good looking woman except for when she was transformed into that six-armed form.
However, this Demon barely even looked Human. She was slightly Humanoid with a feminine build, but her face was more like that of a Kobold with sharp teeth that belonged to a carnivore. And instead of a pair of arms at her side, she had scythe-like limbs that could tear Daniels head off with a single slice. Her skin was red almost chitin-like, illumined by the peeking moon above.
[Azazia - Lvl. 73]
Thats
Amanda stared at it, wide-eyed. Daniel nced over at her, making a shushing motion. She nced over at him, gritting her teeth. She bit back a retort and turned back to the Demon.
Thats really a Demon. You were actually telling the truth.
I was.
He nodded as he eyed the Demon warily. She didnt move. She simply stood there, bored and leaning against the rock wall.
Can we sneak past her?
Well, considering that she hasnt attacked us yet the answer is maybe.
Can we or can we not?
Daniel red at her, and she rolled her eyes.
Why do you have to be such a hardass?
Because you literally tried to kill me.
Oh, right. Forgot about that. That was pretty funny, wasnt it?
He clenched a fist as Amanda chuckled to herself.
But yes we can. Just follow me and dont identally bump into her.
Nodding, Daniel followed the assassin as she snuck past the Demon. He watched the Demons every movement, afraid that shed suddenlysh out and attack them. However, she didnt move.
Once they were a few corridors past her, Daniel breathed a sigh in relief.
Thank
Before he could finish, footsteps echoed down the cavern hallway. Amandas eyes flickered and she grabbed him, pulling him against the wall.
Someonesing.
She whispered. He shut his mouth tightly, grabbing his Primordial Longsword. There were somemps dim magical artifacts that lit up the mineshaft. And they cast long shadows against the crowd of figures that approached them from up ahead. Guttural voices spoke and reverberated in the cavern.
Yes, Lacris is dead. He was killed by the traitor.
I arrive in this wretched ne, and this is the first news I hear? Hmph.
Daniel raised a brow. Traitor? What were they talking about?
They figures came closer as they continued their conversation. One of them had a voice that clicked at the end of every sentence, and another seemed to drag out the letter s when it was at the end of the word.
So, Belzu killed him. And now the Iron Champions Company is gone. Unfortunate.
What will we do now? This is a setback.
A minor one in the grand scheme of things. The Iron Champions had served their purpose the Humans no longer have the Sword of Alexander.
But Belzu has it.
And he shall die with it. Our King shall deal with him when the timees. It matters not if he aplishes his goal. When his kingdomes and our King steps foot on this ne, Belzu will be crushed like the insignificant bug that he is.
The figures turned down the hallway, and Daniel tensed. But they didnt see him. A group of Demons walked and talked casually. One of them had blue skin and a pair of horns on his face. He looked almost familiar to Daniel, but Daniel was certain he never met a Demon like that before.
Each of them had cors like every other summoned Demon. Yet, by the sounds of it, some of them were newly summoned. Daniel narrowed his eyes.
Does that mean theres a summoning circle here?
The Demons passed, and Daniel felt the tension gripping his body release. He slumped over, cing a hand on his chest. He turned to Amanda
And she copsed to her knees. She melted into a pool of sweat, staring at where the Demons went. Her jaw gaped as she worked her mouth.
T-those they were
Archdemons. Every single one of them.
H-how?
Amanda turned to Daniel. She gripped him by the shoulder.
What the fuck are we doing here? Are you insane? We will die. We need to leave. Now!
No.
Daniel shook his head. He looked down where the Demons came from and he thought of their conversation. It was clear. All of these Demons were summoned, and some had been here for a long while. But some of them were newly-summoned. Daniel was certain of that. And the fact that they were here, while there werent any Humans...
Were going to go further in.
What? Whats wrong with you? Just because youre a [Hero] doesnt mean youll be able to take on all those Demons yourself. We literally fled a group of Demons lower-leveled than them just a few days ago!
Amanda stared at him, gesticting wildly. Then she paused. She took a step back, blinking.
You youre not still thinking of killing them all, are you? Are you an idiot? Are you
Im not.
Daniel shook his head. He took in a deep breath as he faced Amanda.
I am not stupid enough to think that Id be able to beat them all in a fight. I came here with that intention, but I realize now that its not a possibility.
He took a step forward as Amanda watched his back.
Now, Im going to figure out whats going on here. And maybe, if I can, find proof of it. Sabotage it. Do whatever I can to ensure that this whole operation is set back.
Chapter Another Announcement
Chapter Another Announcement
So, it''s another announcement! A second one, so soon after the first? Well, I totally didn''t forget that my audiobook for Salvos Volume 2es out today. I was definitely not reminded about it by a patron just 5 minutes ago. So... if you would be so kind, I''d appreciate it if you checked it out and gave it a review.
Thank you as always for your support /pd/A-Demons-Pride-A-LitRPG-Adventure-Audiobook/B09K4P7RR4
Chapter 242: Nightsveil (2)
Chapter 242: Nightsveil (2)
242. Nightsveil Part 2
I saw Nightsveil in the distance. It probably was a grand city once. It had three walls surrounding a ptial center. Steep, sloping walls that rose hundreds of feet into the air, eachyer taller than the other. Maybe the streets had once been full of life with [Traders] and adventurers milling about as familiesughed and children yed.
Now, the streets were simply stained by the blood of the dead. Corpses carpeted the road as mes nketed the buildings. The entirety of the citys first wall had copsed, leaving behind nothing but a ring of rubble that stretched on for miles. Smoke and ash pired into the air, and the scent of death perfumed its way up to me.
I pped my wings as I took in the city.
Huh. Thats quite bad.
Saffron said nothing as she stared down with a horrified look. It wasnt like the city had beenpletely crushed. There were still groups clusters of Humans fighting back or fleeing the city. But it had been almostpletely overrun at this point with monsters and undead marching unperturbed.
An army had stood up to Belzu. A Human army. And now, it was left shattered. There were definitely still quite a few Humans still alive, but therge bulk of the fighting forces were dead. I could see their metal armor and their animals of war piled up at the fallen walls.
So, how are we going to find your father?
I looked over at Saffron. She gritted her teeth. Then she pulled out hermunication artifact and spoke into it.
Cinne, are you there?
Her voice came out cracked, panicked. But she inhaled deeply, steeling herself. There was a pause, and she repeated herself.
Brother
Im here, Saffron.
The voice on the other end was that of a man. He didnt sound too old kind of young, actually. But he was tired, panting heavily with each word. Saffron gripped themunication artifact tighter than before, as if that was her brothers hand.
Where are you? Were here.
Youre here? What are you why are you even here?
Cinnes voice came out exasperated. There was an explosion on the other hand electricity crackled in the background as people shouted.
Just tell me where you are and where Father is. Please. Were here to save you.
I were at the northern edge of the city. Father was injured in battle and we had to pull back. But that thing that monster is after us. If they find us
There was a crash a st that sounded like it toppled a building. Cinne whimpered as his voice grew louder, like he was pressing themunication artifact against his lips.
It killed Bellward the demaster. I saw it he was Level 156, and he was in, just like that save us
With that, the voice cut out. Saffron gritted her teeth, turning to me.
Salvos, did you hear
I saw that!
I looked over to the north and saw a tower copse. A tall bell tower that had been at least three hundred feet tall. It fell over like a giant hand had just swatted it to the ground. Around it, a horde of undead closed in [Crypt Horrors] and [Crypt Lords].
Hold on tight, Saffron, and ready your defensive spells, cause Im flying low!
I swooped down with a single p of my wings. [Haste] took over me and mypanion my ming armor wreathed over her, protecting her as well. I soared between buildings, drawing the attention of everyone who could see me.
Down below, we flew. Over corpses piled over the streets. Monsters ambled over them, turning their gazes towards me. They chased after, roaring and screeching and hurling their magic my way.
I zipped around the attacks. Their magic copsed buildings that were barely even standing. Gatho Mammoths gave chase as giant beetle-like monsters flew up and after me. Hordes and hordes of monsters gathered together, led by Mindreapers from above. They all tried to give chase, and I rolled my eyes.
Seriously? Come on
I exhaled, unleashing a powerful wave of blue mes. It washed over the streets and cleaned it of the infestation of pests below. Not all of them were instantly vaporized, but it was enough to ay their approach.
Most of them were less than half my level. A few were close to tinum. And the ones that exceeded tinum ranked well, I was smart enough to target and kill them before they could do anything. That included the Mindreapers. The terrible monsters that used mind magic controlled by Belzu to control his horde.
Or at least, maintain it.
I created a Nebr Bow and Arrow, using [Faux Limbs] to aim it with two ming hands. With that, I shot down the Mindreapers that drew close. Before they could use their magic to harm myself or Saffron from a distance.
I smirked as I turned an intersection, only for a giant bird-like creature toe tearing its way at me. I blinked, facing it as it was about to sh with me.
[Killbeak - Lvl. 96]
And I dropped out of the way in time. The monster crashed into a building with its reverberating squawk. Debris shot out everywhere as the building fell, and the [Killbeak]unched back out. But just as it rose from the dust, I pulled back a Refined Nebr Arrow.
Nice try, but youre not as fast as me.
Its eyes somehow seemed to widen, even through the haze that clouded its mind. I loosed the bowstring, turning around to fly off as a powerful explosion of blue mes shook the citys streets behind me.
Defeated [Mature Killbeak - Lvl. 96]
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Now, then
I cast my gaze around at the destruction around me. My eyes focused and snapped to my goal.
Come on, Saffron, theyre just up ahead.
Mypanion tightly gripped me by the forearm, even as she held onto my back. We shot forward, crossing over entire sections of the city in mere moments as she whispered softly.
Were close
But right before I couldnd, I spotted a light in the distance. A glowing, shearing attack that tore buildings asunder. A de of pure energy that seemed to rise dozens of feet into the air. Saffron stared at it, gaping.
Whats that?
I cocked my head. She simply pursed her lips.
The Sword of Alexander. Thats where Belzu is at.
Huh.
I shook my head.
I guess were staying away from that, then.
It was over.
Thepany war was finally over. Edithe Dawnrise thought that this wouldve been such a momentous asion that a celebratory party wouldve been thrown with wine bottles being popped as dancers took the floor of an inn. But the ambience here was not that of a party, but that of a funeral.
And it was because of what happened.
The Valiant Dreamers had attacked the headquarters of the Iron Champions Company. What was supposed to be a climactic finale to this whole saga turned out to be nothing more than a massacre. Not just against the Valiant Dreamers, but against the Iron Champions as well.
Belzu, the Primeval Demon himself, showed up at the stage before all the actors were in ce, and he sabotaged the script, killing every Iron Champion there. And in an ambush, he attacked the Valiant Dreamers, demanding they give him one thing: the Sword of Alexander.
Edithe tried to fight, she really did. But even though shed just hit Level 100 even though she had a second ss it was not enough. Nothing she did could hurt Belzu beyond mere scratches. All she did was dy him. She wouldve died, sacrificing herself for just five minutes of running. That was if Baris had not stepped in.
The man or perhaps, the Vampire drew the Sword of Alexander and challenged Belzu to battle. Unfortunately, Baris lost. And now, the Primeval Demon had the Mythical artifact that could y even the Immortal King Alexander himself.
So, yes. The Valiant Dreamers were shattered. They lost so many people in this war, and they lost so many more to the pointless ughter at the end, including their former leader. And more than that, they knew that it was their inadequacy that allowed what was happening now to continue
Belzu had sieged Nightsveil. The Primeval Demon took the Capital city of Nixa in one night. It had been heavily reinforced allies from all around the world came to support them. Two Elites even showed up, after another Elite, Shozomil Windbane, had perished at the hands of Belzu just a week earlier.
Despite all this, the city fell. Despite the powerful artifacts and enchantments that protected its walls, it waspletely razed down. Or at least, it was in the process of being razed down.
One of the Elites, too, had died. Bellward the demaster. The other, upon seeing hispanion fall in battle, fled instantly. And that was how morale crumbled. That was the start of how the battle was lost.
All these lives lost and Edithe couldve prevented it. She gritted her teeth as she stared at the wooden floor. The Valiant Dreamers were all gathered at an inn, and no one spoke a word. Even Celine, the usual carefree friend of Edithe, could only sigh deeply as she hugged Nora.
They were all morose they mourned their dead friends, they mourned their former leader, and they mourned all the lives that were being lost right now. But what was there to do? They saw Belzus power. Alone, he defeated them all.
He was a monster. A flying cmity. A terrible creature. He it that thing had to be stopped somehow. But no one nothing could stop Belzu. Maybe maybe a
A [Hero] can stop it.
A voice spoke up. Edithe blinked, looking up as a man stood to his feet. Noah, leader of the Northbury Troops, straightened. He swept his gaze around the room, gesticting.
You all saw it. It was strong, sure. But its nowhere near as strong as a [Hero], right? Its still weakpared to Melissa or Alexander or even Zacharius!
A susurration ran through the room. Heads raised from facing the floorboards as an almost-excited chatter broke out. But then a riposte came. Gabriel the [Alchemist] crossed his arms.
And where exactly is this [Hero] going toe from?
The noise almost instantly stopped. The hope that was beginning to spark back into existence was smothered before it could be a fire. Edithe tightly gripped the hems of her robes as she looked over at Gabriel.
Murmurs came, agreeing with him.
Hes right. There hasnt been a [Hero] in a millennium.
How do we even know if this [Hero] can defeat Belzu? What if were all dead before they show up?
And what if they turn on us just like Zacharius? What if they join this Demon instead of helping us defeat it?
Noah, however, was insistent.
This is a time of crisis. That damn Demon is destroying an entire country before us. It stole a damn Mythical Grade artifact from us. It may seem hopeless, but it is times like this that a [Hero] is summoned. And that [Hero] whoever he or she is will squash that Demon like a bug. We cant give up hope. We have to believe.
Edithe found herself squeezing her robes even harder than before. There was something she had to say something she knew that they didnt. However, before she could identally open her mouth, the front door swung open.
Hadrian, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company, and Baris son, strolled into the room.
Noahs right.
He stopped right in the middle of the room, standing tall. Edithe blinked as Hadrian spoke with his chest.
The hour is dire, and many lives have been lost. What shouldve been a victory has been robbed from us. But that doesnt change who we are. We cannot give up.
Was this really Hadrian? Edithe had expected him to be broken after the death of his father. But right now, he showed none of that. He wore the face of a leader who was in control something uncharacteristic of him, since he was a bit of a flirt and a yboy. And yet, it was the same man that spoke now.
We cant give up our hope, our dream, just because Father
He cut himself off, biting his lower lip. There was a brief moment where Edithe saw through his demeanour. A facade put up just for this moment. But with a deep breath, he continued and the mask was back on.
Just because Baris is dead, do we give up? No. That would betray everything he taught us. We are the dreamers, are we not? You all of you are dreamers. We are the Valiant Dreamers Company. We shall be strong when others are weak. We shall protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Silence. The room waspletely quiet after that small speech. Torches burned and flickered on the walls as a cool wind brushed over them. Edithe eyed Hadrian as the leader of the Valiant Dreamers took in hispany. Then a sharp voice cut through him,
If thats the case, then why did Baris never tell us about the Sword of Alexander?
A man stood up. Edithe recognized him as Jake. She didnt know him all that well, but she knew that he only recently hit Level 40. He met Hadrians gaze, frowning.
Isnt thispany supposed to be about protecting the weak? Why didnt Baris use that weapon to protect us? We lost so many lives if wed used it since the start of this wholepany war, we couldve dealt with the Iron Champions a long time ago.
Thats
Hadrian started, but the man shook his head and stomped a foot on the ground.
Did you know about it? Did anyone else know about it? Was he keeping this secret from all of us?
Jake scanned the room, furrowing his brows. Celine looked away, and Ismail closed his eyes. Edithe couldnt help but shfit ufortably as Jake turned to her. Then finally, he looked back at Hadrian.
Or did Baris only keep it secret from us lower-leveled folk? You know, the weak.
Thats not how it is. The others only learned about it recently
So, they knew about it, didnt they? And did none of you think of telling us about it? Or telling Baris to use the weapon to end thepany war?
Hadrian lowered his head.
No Father couldnt use it, even if he wanted to. That would defeat the whole purpose of safeguarding it. If others knew about it, then itd be in danger. It had to be kept a secret. It had to be protected
And who were the ones protecting it? Us? Or him?
I
He opened his mouth, but Jake crossed his arms. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers looked around, blinking. Hispany was split voices of disagreement rose throughout the room as he tried to regain control. But it was toote.
Others were joining Jake. And the mans voice was all that they heard. Edithes frowned as he continued.
We were just bait, werent we? You were feeding us lies, using us to hide your precious weapon. Thats
Thats enough, Jake.
Finally, Edithe had enough. She got to her feet, speaking in a soft yet strong voice that overpowered his words. He blinked, looking over at her.
Youre not one to talk
I said, thats enough.
She cut him off, stepping forward.
Youre making a lot of false assumptions about what happened. I suggested what you are suggesting right now, but things were far moreplex than that. And this is hardly the time for this discussion. Were all grieving right now.
I
Jake started, but he hesitated when Edithe red at him. After some internal debate, he shook his head and left the room.
Whatever. Im leaving.
A few others followed Jake, leaving the inn. No one stopped them. No one was going to force them to stay. But Edithe couldnt lie and say she didnt feel hurt watching her allies walk away. Even Gabriel left. He looked over at her, shaking his head. And that left the room half as empty as it was before.
This was it. Cinne knew he was going to die when he heard the sts in the distance. The undead drew closer, and there was nothing he could do to stop them.
He was Level 102. A recently ordained Diamond Rank. He reached this huge milestone five years younger than Father did. That was why he joined this battle. And yet, now, Fathery next to him. Crocus Merryster, a Level 131 [Warrior], had been terribly injured by the Primeval Demon.
A curse afflicted him one caused by the Primeval Demon itself. And because of that, Crocus couldnt move, and Cinne was left in charge of their familys men. But Cinne wasnt the bravest there was. He wasnt stupidly courageous like his younger brother. He saw the tide was turning and ordered his men to flee.
Unfortunately, they couldnt get far. The monsters had surrounded the city, cutting off any escape. And now, here he was, awaiting his demise in a temple. [Priests] and [Healing Mages]y dead around hin. By the time he retreated here, they were all dead. Even the injured. This was not a ce of safety. It was a ce of death. A coffin which he hid in to buy some time.
Cinnes eyes flickered out the broken stained ss window. He saw the undead drawing closer. He saw the shes of light further away, where the Primeval Demon rampaged. And he sighed a resigned breath.
That idiot why is she here?
Yet, his sister came for him. Saffron Merryster, the supposed smart one of the family. She went straight to a warzone to save him.
At least well die together.
He chuckled mirthlessly to himself. And a voice drew his attention from behind. One of his bodyguards a tinum Rank saluted.
Master Cinne. I must apologize, but weve lost the first floor.
That means Boone is dead, isnt he?
I am sorry.
Theres no reason to apologize, Harold. Youve been loyal to me until the end. Thank you.
He hefted his spear over his shoulder, sealing his fate. Harold blinked.
Where are you going, master?
To buy some time. Look after Father, will you?
He gestured at the altar where Crocus wasid. Harold hesitated. Then he bowed deeply at his master.
It was a pleasure, master Cinne.
With that, Cinne epted his fate. He slowly walked down the hallway, twirling his spear. This was it. Soon, an unending horde woulde for his life. All he could do now was buy time hold them off for as long as possible. Perhaps Father could somehow recover in that time period and escape. Maybe hed get to his sisters face onest time before he drew his final breath.
Even if I was a coward, at least I tried to be brave.
Footsteps mbered down the corridor. The undead snarled as they made their way up the stairs to him. He saw their shadows. Wicked creatures,ing for his life. He raised his spear, saluting to himself.
Come at me you bastards!
They poured out of the stairway, scrambling for him. He steeled himself, bring a foot back as he held out his spear. He breathed in, ready to unleash all the Skills he had to his name. And the undead
Ran past him.
They continued down the hallway, falling over each other, almost as if they were running from something. He blinked, turning around.
What?
And there was a sh. A blue light shone as burning waves washed around him. They didnt touch him or harm him, yet he could feel the scorching heat from where he stood. It burned the undead, incinerating them all before they could get any further. In an instant, they were all dead.
And he heard a soft thud as somethingnded behind him. With all the courage he had left in his body, Cinne creaked his neck, facing it.
W-what was?
Before him, he saw a silver-haired woman. She wore an unusual blue shirt? Jacket? And she had wings made of ember, the same color as the night sky behind her.
Who are you?
He stared. And the woman smiled.
Hi! Im Salvos!
Chapter 243: Nightsveil (3)
Chapter 243: Nightsveil (3)
243. Nightsveil Part 3
Brother!
Saffron climbed off my back and dashed forward, hugging the man Id just saved. So, that was her brother, huh? He was pretty strong ording to his levels, but he didnt look strong. In fact, he looked very weak with how scared he was.
I-I Saffron?
He turned to her with a blink. Then he slowly hugged her back.
How are you who is this?
I said: Im Salvos!
I waved at him, and he looked between us. Saffron stepped back, tears streaming out of her eyes.
Shes a friend of mine that doesnt matter for now. Im so d youre alive. I wheres Father?
She looked around, a worried look on her face. Her brother gestured behind him.
Hes there hes fine. I mean, not fine. But were alive. I
He trailed off, scratching his cheek. Saffron exhaled deeply, cing a hand on her chest.
Im so d we arrived in time.
Nodding, he gave her a small smile.
Thank you. And Im d I got to see you again.
Come on, wheres Father?
Saffron started past him, and he quickly showed us the way. Before I continued, however, I looked over at him.
So
Uh
He shrank back as I crossed my arms. I leaned closer, and he began to tremble.
I yes?
He spoke in a shaky voice. I frowned.
Arent you going to introduce yourself? I gave you my name!
Oh.
Saffrons brother blinked.
Im, uh, Cinne.
Well, nice to meet you, Cinne! Im Salvos!
I proffered a hand, and he shook it. He scratched his cheek.
R-right. Youve said that before three times now actually.
I beamed.
I know.
With that settled, I followed Saffron to where her father was. I nced over at Cinne and pointed at thein man.
Whats his name?
Uh, Crocus.
I see.
I turned to thest man in the room a knight who looked relieved to see Saffron. I opened my mouth, but Cinne spoke first.
And that other man there is Harold.
Thank you.
I nodded as Saffron ced a hand on Crocus. She pursed her lips.
What happened to him? Why is he his body is fine, but hes not waking up.
Unfortunately, Lady Saffron, your father was cursed by the Primeval Demon. Weve managed to mitigate most of its effects with what we had on us, but its still not enough. He will remain unconscious until we properly treat him.
Harold spoke with a dour look on his face. Cinne closed his eyes.
And were not sure if well even get the chance for that.
I nced between them.
Are you saying hes cursed?
Yes.
Huh.
I cocked my head back, tapping a finger on my chin. Then I nodded to myself.
Let me try something
I walked past them. Harold and Cinne sputtered, but Saffron stopped them.
Wait, dont stop her.
I sauntered over to the unconscious Crocus. The man waspletely unscathed no, he was recently injured. I could still see the marks on his skin. The signs of a healing potion being applied.
Then I lifted his hand, pulling something out from my own finger. I inserted the ring into his finger. A flicker came over his body as Cinne narrowed his eyes.
What is that?
A Ring of Lesser Curse Resistance. A Cyclops gave it to me.
Harold crossed his arms, snorting.
Did you think that would work? The curse that Primeval Demon used was beyond the power of such trinkets. I suggest you step back and
With a jolt, Crocus sat up.
Nevermind.
Edithe just watched them go. When they were gone and tensions had cooled, she sat down on a stool and massaged her temples.
I need a drink
Here.
A mug was ced in front of her. Hadrian pulled out his own seat, shaking his head.
Thank you, Edithe. For standing up for me.
I didnt do it because of you. I did it because Jake was wrong.
She scoffed as she gratefully epted the drink. She sipped from it before sputtering.
This this is water
I never said it was alcohol.
Hadrian chuckled as he drank from his own mug. Actual ale. Edithe rolled her eyes.
Jake was partially right. You are to me for this mess, but so am I. What he was wrong about was everything else. The Valiant Dreamers Company represents something more than just to protect a sword. After all, Baris sacrificed himself and the weapon to save us.
She shook her head, and Hadrian nodded.
He did
Should I not have said that? Edithe sighed. She didnt know what to say anymore. Everything was fucked. And Hadrian agreed.
Well, I just hope that Noah is right. That a [Hero] would save us all from this entire mess.
Edith pressed her lips thinly together.
Thats
I know a [Hero], and I dont know if he wants to involve himself with Belzu.
She changed the subject.
That Demon he knew about the Sword of Alexander. I just dont understand his its motivations. Why would it go for the sword before destroying Nightsveil? Could it not have done this beforehand? You saw its power you heard about what it did to that coalition army a few weeks before, right?
I have.
Hadrian drank from his mug again.
And I think I know why it went for us first.
Edithe blinked as he closed his eyes with a sigh.
Why, Hadrian?
I believe
He started, but hesitated. He needed a few more gulps of alcohol to inebriate him enough to speak.
I believe that it may be collecting all the pieces of Alexanders artifacts. It targeted us so it can challenge the other treasures powers. The Crown of Alexander. The Breastte of Alexander. The Greaves of Alexander. And the Boots of Alexander. None of them would be able to counter that Demon now that it has the Sword of Alexander.
What do you mean?
She narrowed her eyes.
Shouldnt all of the treasures of Alexander hold the same power?
They do, but they differ in purpose. And only the Sword of Alexander is designed with destruction in mind. The rest is for protection either for oneself, or for ones allies. And so, it doesnt matter which of the artifacts that Demon may encounter in battle. The destructive effects of the Sword of Alexander will negate the protective effects of the others.
And thats its now rampaging without a worry?
Edithe ced a hand on her chin, but Hadrian shook his head to her surprise.
No. Its not just mindlessly killing others. Its rampaging with purpose.
It is?
Thats right.
Hadrian nodded gravely, drinking another mug of ale. Edithe probably shouldve said something about him drinking too much, but she really wanted to join in more than anything, really.
Then whys it there? Whys it attacking Nightsveil of all ces?
Its because of whats in the city the other piece which he must be looking for. He came for the Sword of Alexander, did he not? So, logic would dictate that hed go after the next piece of Alexanders Mythical grade artifacts.
Wait
Edithe blinked.
Why is there another of Alexanders treasures in Nightsveil?
Because the one who carries it has traveled to its aid.
Hadrian exined with a sigh.
The Merryster Family. One of the greater Vampire families charged with protecting one of Alexanders Mythical artifacts. They are in Nightsveil, and they have with them the Breastte of Alexander.
Crocus panted heavily, looking around the room.
W-what is?
Then his eyes widened. He spun around, swinging a fist.
Where is he? Wheres that Demon bastard?!
Father!
Cinne and Saffron eximed at the same time, rushing to their father. They embraced him, and he blinked slowly.
Cinne, youre still and Saffron, what are you?
Alright, now that hes up and able, how about we get out of here now?
I spoke over him, pping my hands together. All four people in the room looked over at me as I gestured out the broken windows.
Because, you know, this ce isnt safe?
Salvos is right. We should leave now.
Saffron stepped towards me.
She can fly us out of here before that Primeval Demones down at us.
Thats Its still alive?
Crocus choked as he stared at me. I nodded.
Yep! Last I checked, he was destroying the city.
Then that means I failed.
He gritted his teeth as he lowered his head. His eyes lowered and closed as Cinne averted his gaze. Saffron looked at them, a pained look on her face.
I understand how you feel, Father. But we cannot stay here any longer.
No.
Crocus spoke defiantly. He stumbled to his feet, pushing his children out of the way.
There is still a chance. We need to get it to Bellward the demaster. If we give it to him, we may still win. Even if that Demon has the Sword of Alexander. Even in spite of the curses. Its magic can abate any curse any foul magic that Demon has to throw at us.
What is this it?
I cocked my head, but Saffron sputtered.
The Breastte of Alexander wont change the tides of the battle. Look around us, Father. You cant be this stubborn weve already lost.
Saffrons right.
Cinne shifted slightly. His gaze darkened as he spoke softly.
Bellward the demaster is dead. And Alder the Elder fled the moment that happened. There is no longer any hope. We need to leave.
Crocus clenched his fist as his own children rebuked his suggestion. I watched from the side, not caring enough to get involved. I just wanted to leave as soon as possible. But before I could once again assert my suggestion, I saw a flicker. The ring I had given Crocus shed, and its magic died.
Agh!
The man copsed as he gripped his chest. I stared at him.
Wait, did my rings enchantment just wear off?
Father!
Both of the Merryster children yelled at the same time. They tried to help Crocus back up, but he was in too much pain on the verge of passing out once more. Cinne cursed as he took in his fathers condition.
We cant leave him like this. Hell die if we dont help him the curse is too powerful.
Saffron stepped back, eyes widening.
No, please Father
I tilted my head back as they fussed over their dying dad. I raised my hand.
What about that thing you were talking about?
They looked over at me, confused, but Harold instantly knew what I meant.
You mean to have master Crocus bear the Breastte of Alexander?
Yep!
I nodded eagerly, exining.
I mean, you said it can defend against curses, right? Well, as far as I can tell, this curse on Crocus is an active curse. Thats why it managed to overpower my Ring of Lesser Curse Resistance. And that means it can be dispelled by a strong enough artifact. So, why not use that strong artifact you guys have?
Saffron and Cinne exchanged hesitant looks.
But thats
We cant use that, Salvos. Were forbidden from using Alexanders treasures.
Huh.
I raised a brow.
I see. Oh well, I guess hell just die then.
You cant just say that!
Cine protested.
We cant just let Father die!
Then stop being so stubborn.
I crossed my arms. He took a step back as I met his gaze.
Do you want to save your father, or do you not? If you do, then put the Breastte of Alexander on him. Otherwise, let him die. Its your choice. Both of your choices.
I slowly faced Saffron, and she pursed her lips. She stood up, reaching for a ne on Crocus neck. Cinne narrowed his eyes.
What are you doing, Saffron?
Im saving Father.
You cant do that!
I can and I will.
She continued fumbling at Crocus ne, furrowing her brows when nothing happened.
I know youre scared of the consequences, brother, so I will do it for you. Let Father punish me for disobeying our sacred rules. Let the other greater Vampire families persecute me. But they should hold themselves ountable too, for their ipetence over the past few centuries their ipetence that let this happen in the first ce.
Saffron scowled when she still couldnt work the ne, so she undid its chain and held it up. Her forehead creased as she tried to figure out what was wrong, but then a hand raised to stop her. She turned to Cinne.
You cant stop me.
I know.
Cinne shuffled his feet ufortably. Steeling himself, he let out a sigh.
Thats why Ill help you.
Brother
Saffrons eyes grew wide before she smiled. She handed over the ne, and Cinne whispered something underneath his breath. The ne shed and it began to glow. He exined.
This is a High Grade storage artifact, Saffron. It cant be easily essed by anyone who gets ahold of it. It has a password one that activates its use. Now, you can summon the Breastte.
Cinne smiled as he passed it back over to Saffron. She nodded at him.
Thank you, brother.
And Im sorry, Saffron. For being a coward. For not being the older brother you deserve. For needing you to save me.
Her eyes welled up as she blinked.
What are you talking about? Youre the one always looking out for me.
Sheughed as she punched him lightly on the arm. They both held a shared moment ofughter as I watched from the side.
Aw.
I felt my lips curling up at this scene. I ced a hand on my chest.
This is very nice. It makes me feel good inside. But, unfortunately, you guys took a little bit too long.
What do you mean, Salvos?
Saffron frowned, turning to me. I gestured out the broken stained ss window at the figure hovering over the temple.
Belzus here.
Chapter 244: Nightsveil (4)
Chapter 244: Nightsveil (4)
244. Nightsveil Part 4
Disimer: This chapter is written in an experimental style. Images will be provided alongside the chapter to show what is meant to be conveyed. For the best reading experience, you can download the pdf of the chapter here.
I already know some of y''all are gonnain about the experimental style. If it''s too difficult for you to read, you can skip over it.
Nightsveily in ruin. Hordes of terrible monsters ambled about its broken streets, carving the roads open with the blood and bodies of the citys inhabitants. There were tens of thousands maybe even hundreds of thousands of these creatures. A pack of Gatho Mammoths stormed through a ptial structure, felling its round towers and coating their fur with the gray of dust. Mindreapers zipped over the clouds just beneath the moonlight, like moths gathering around amp at the dead of night.
Once, this city had been full of life. Now, it was just a shadow of its former self.
There were a few stragglers some survivors. But theyd be dealt with soon enough. Belzu was methodical in his ughter, but not foolish or reckless. That was why he hovered over the temple, casting his gaze down at us from the heavens above.
I saw his silhouette through the cracked stained ss windows. His morbidly corpulent figure yed behind the ornate decorations surrounding the crumbling walls of the Sanctuary of Fauna. He looked like a bug a wicked, giant bug with barbed legs poking out from his sides just beneath his invisible, pping wings.
What was he doing? I wondered why he hadnt just attacked us why he hadnt just sent a thousand curses our way. But then I evaluated him. I saw how exhausted he looked. He was soaked in ck ooze. Demons blood. His own blood
The siege of Nightsveil had taken its toll on the Primeval Demon. Despite his ostensible victory, he was still tired and injured from the fight. That was why he waited. For his army to converge. And for something else
My eyes flickered, turning back to the Merrysters standing behind me. Saffron and Cinne stood over Crocus, protective. The Lady held up the ne
Dont.
Her brother stopped her. Saffron blinked.
Why not? Father needs the Breastte
And that is what that Demon wants. Look.
They faced Belzu, and I saw his bulbous eyes narrow ever-so-slightly. He had with him an ornate sword a de that exuded luminescence brighter than the moon in the dark of the night.
I wondered what that was about.
I stepped forward, creating a Primordial Scythe. I waved it at him through the broken windows of the temple, shouting.
Hey, ugyl! Go away! Were just about to leave, alright?
He red at me with recognition in his eyes, and I gulped.
Um, I take back what I said. You dont look that ugly. You kinda look tasty, actually.
Belzu shook his head, descending like a slowet falling upon the world, bringing with him cmity.
I shall take my leave from this city.
His voice boomed and shook the temple. The Primeval Demons gaze bore into me through me. His gazended on the ne Saffron had been holding.
Not until I have whats mine.
Cinne snatched it from her hands, whispering quickly, and it shed, locking it from Belzus use. But that didnt ay the Primeval Demons approach. He brought one of his crooked arms up, pointing at us.
Give it to me.
Again, the world shook. When Belzu opened his mouth once more, a bright light apanied it, swallowing me whole.
G I V E T O M E M Y S A L V A T I O N.
They took the time to tether together
what seemed sharp and splendor
a whip of scorn and
anger that struck me
with no visible danger
yet it aroused a ngor
within my stoic demeanor
for I found that what they abhorred
was nothing more than just my core.
And when I saw mypanions
something shattered.
My time in this mortal ne
seem so fruitless without gain.
But when I stood in the Netherworld, crying, balled, and curled. I saw a familiar face, amongst this deste ce. He smiled andughed cheerfully, as kind as he used to be. My first ever friend was there with me, following blindly and trusting me. And I believed I truly believed that wed
forev
er
be
t
o
g
e
t
h
e
r
.
U
n
t
i
l
t
h
e
d
r
e
a
m
S H A T T E R E D
And
then
I
was
falling,
turning,
spinning,
whipping
from
side
to
side.
A
crack
sent
me
knocking
back
but
I was on my feet again, this time in a world of white. A nk canvas, left unpainted. I nced around, frowning, only for a sudden w to tear through the empty sheet like it was paper and slice me on the leg.
ck blood blotched the ground, inking this white world ck. Another cut sent a sputtering of scarlet out and splotching the sheet. I spun around, readying myself for the next attack. I tried to create a weapon any weapon. But my magic didnte to life. Not in this dead world of white.
I screamed as I was sliced from every angle. My blood came in all colors blue, green, indigo, violet an iridescent painting that brought this canvas to life. Iy there, bent over and coughing as I tried to gather myself. But before I could even stand, the world was flipped over.
I the world spun back around. But
found before I
myself down could
standing upside not
on was see
my I things
side. Thenright.
Then I was standing up straight once more.
.left things seeing actually was I ,it describe to had I If
.normal to back return ever would things if wondered I .alright ,weird was it ,Well
puno us d u
tuB
eerf nekorb d''I
.erofeb ti morf
dluoc I
.niaga ti od
I closed my eyes, shutting off most of my senses.
It was difficult, trying to ignore the encroaching feeling of magic around.
It smothered my entire being, trying to force its way into my body.
It told me what to feel, what to hear, what to see, what to taste, and what to smell.
But I fought back. I used what he couldnt intrude on. My perception of space.
And I saw the reality of it all.
Saffron, Cinne, and Harold kneeled at the altar as Crocus held up a rainbow-colored breastte that shimmered like the stained ss windows during the day. Belzu descended upon the temple, breaking the ceiling as colorful shards rained onto the marble floor. The Primeval Demon wore a twist smile on his face as he reached out with his wing hands and grabbed for the treasure
Stop!
I broke free from the illusion, swinging at Belzu before he could bear the Breastte of Alexander. To be honest, I didnt even know why he wanted it. Just that it couldnt be good if he wanted it. [Intimidation] halted him in his tracks for a brief moment, long enough for me to swing at his chest with a [Radiant sh].
He screamed and recoiled, knocked back from the attack. Bleeding and wounded. I snapped my fingers and yelled at Saffron and the others.
[Recall Skill: Zealous Call].
They broke free from the illusion in an instant. I growled at them as I prepared for Belzus fury to rain down on us.
[Haste]. Hurry up and put on the breastte!
I cast the spell on all of us as Belzu shook off the [Radiant sh]. His gaze snapped up at me, anger burning in his eyes.
How dare you you mere Arch
I dove backwards, splitting in two and grabbing everyone as Belzu exploded. Id touched him with [Demons Mark] when I shed his chest. The st took out the entire temple and more, but I was no longer there. We were already flying away, heading out of the city by the time the smoke cleared. Cinne blinked as he looked at what was holding him.
W-what is this?
My clone! Its a Skill of mine!
I exined as we dove around buildings and structures. I carried Saffron and her father, while my other self held up Cinne and Harold. We flew side-by-side my clone was more than image of myself. She really did have all my Skills. She even kept up with me as I ascended up to the clouds to escape from Belzu.
But behind, I saw the Primeval Demon rise from the ashes. From the smoke and the debris and the crater, he came, and his fury followed alongside him.
I gritted my teeth. But before I could say anything, I saw his army gather before us. Mindreapers, Vurats, Crypt Horrors, Winged Fangs tens of thousands of them moved to bar our path. It was like someone had just created a new part for a river, and the water was rushing to fill that gap. All around us, monsters came. And I knew wed be caught. I sighed.
Hey, um, Crocus, are you feeling better?
The man groaned as he grabbed his head. He was wearing the Breastte of Alexander apparently it had worked and dispelled whatever curse that had been ced on him.
I am fine. Rtively speaking, at least.
Good. Can I have the breastte next?
He blinked, looking at me with a frown.
I-I
A monster screeched in the distance probably a [Queen Howre] or some other kind of Ground Craver. Whatever protestations he was about to espouse was silenced and he quickly tugged at the straps. He removed the Breastte of Alexander, handing it to me. I happily epted it with a [Faux Limb].
Thank you!
I flew over to my clone as the monsters encroached on us. Belzu sped our way, and Saffron looked over at me, blinking.
What are you doing, Salvos?
I paused. Imanded my clone to create [Faux Limbs], and she did as she was told. I handed Saffron and Crocus over to my clone.
You guys will be getting out of here, while I
I turned to Belzu, raising the Breastte of Alexander. Her eyes widened.
No
Her voice came out, cracked and weak. She reached for me as I was about to fly off.
You cant do that, Salvos. Dont be an idiot!
I shook my head, speaking softly.
It is the only way.
Dont do it!
I didnt face her as she continued. But I could feel the pain in her voice. She shouted at me.
I dont want you to die, either! I didnt ask you toe here to die for us. Dont sacrifice yourself for me, Salvos. Please. I cant possibly live knowing that I forced you to die for me. I I...
I hesitated. I looked over at Saffron as tears streamed down her face. She was incredibly torn up over this. Even her brother and father were surprised at her reaction.
Then I cocked my head.
Um, what are you talking about?
Saffron froze. She looked at me, still with some tears in her eyes.
I arent you going to face that Demon alone?
Face that Demon alone? Are you stupid? Im not stupid! Ill die if I do that!
I scoffed as I crossed my arms. Cinne narrowed his eyes, peering at me.
Wait, then what are you doing?
Isnt it obvious?
I looked back at Belzu as he came a storm of wrath heading our way. I held up the Breastte of Alexander once more. Its bright and colorful metal glinted under the scintiting stars of the night.
Im giving him what he wants.
Chapter Commenting Rules and Etiquette
Chapter Commenting Rules and Etiquette
I never wanted to do this. I really didn''t want to instatementing rules. But holy shit, the negativity is killing my productivity. You can see how my uploadte has slowed recently, and it''s because of the incessant, constantining. Even in mytest Salvos chapter, I had a part which I knew people mayin about, so I specifically said you can skip over it, but I still getints.
For the sake of my productivity in producing chapters, I''m addingmenting rules and those who don''t follow it will be banned.
1. Be polite - If you can''t criticize a story without being polite, you''re banned frommenting.
2. Don''t demean the author - If you can''t criticize a story without negatively alluding to the author, you''re banned frommenting.
3. Majority of yourments should not be criticism - If more than 50% of yourments are criticisms of the story, you''re banned frommenting.
4. Don''t make demands of the author - If you dislike one aspect of the story, you can say you dislike it, but don''t ask me to change anything. You can point out that it feels out of character, you can say it''s a plot hole, but do not tell me how to write my story. If you''re going to backseat write, you''re banned frommenting.
That''s it. Hopefully I''ll start posting chapters on time next week. But my productivity is dead thanks to all the incessant negativity I''ve gotten in my new story and in thements of Salvostely. Seriously, seeing my story drop 30+ ranks is rough, the negativements is rough, and the constantints is rough.
Chapter 245: Nightsveil (5) (End of Book 4)
Chapter 245: Nightsveil (5)(End of Book 4)
245. Nightsveil Part 5
Saffron tried to protest, but my clone took off, flying far into the distance as I watched from where I floated. Belzus approach slowed ever-so-slightly as he watched mypanions escape. His eyes flickered back to me, seeing me hold the Breastte of Alexander up.
And he swerved my way. The monsters came for me, ignoring Saffron and her family. My clone could leave the city unimpeded. It was just me, standing in the middle of this tempest of terrible things. The center of attention, as per usual. I relished these moments when everything revolved around me.
Even if it was kind of dangerous right. With a smirk, I equipped the Breastte of Alexander and summoned a second clone. I could create two clones now considering the level of [Salvo of Vanity]. Even if I was going to try and give Belzu exactly what he wanted, I was going to y it safe. The instant I closed the straps of the Breastte of Alexander, I felt a surge of power wash over me. It was like Id been hit by a wave of magic, and it was now coursing through me and filling me with power.
Temporary General Skill [Greater Status Effect Resistance] Obtained!
Temporary General Skill [Superior Aura of Greater Protection] Obtained!
Temporary General Skill [Repudiation Repulse] Obtained!
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 136 (+25) (+50%)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 210 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 268 (+25)
Huh. Nice.
I flexed an arm, grinning. Then I flew towards Belzu. The Primeval Demon halted as he saw my approach. I readied myself for any curse or illusions hed throw my way, but he simply waited for me. I shouted as I finally met him, above the ruins of Nightsveils pce.
Hey Belzu!
He peered at me as thunder crackled in the background. mes burned below and roared smoke in plumes around us. The entire city was being razed to the ground, but I didnt really care. It wasnt anything that mattered to me too much. I had already saved Saffrons family, now there was no other reason for me to stay here.
Why would I fight and die for people I didnt know or care about?
Id always found that odd about Edithe or Daniel. Or Saffron. Or even Haec. I remembered how upset he was over the death of the others of the [Infant Demons] that had been with him. Maybe I was just weird.
But I was Salvos. I didnt care if I was different.
I didnt care that despite the terror and disaster Belzu brought about, I only had one thing to say to him.
I think youre pretty cool!
He blinked. He actually closed his bulbous eyes and opened them, staring at me inplete and utter shock. His meandering monsters slowed as he tried to regain hisposure. I was pretty sure Belzu thought he was the one caught in an illusion. However, this was the truth. This was reality.
So, do you want this thingy or?
I gestured at the rainbow-colored breastte I was wearing. He nodded slowly, dubious.
Indeed. That is what I seek.
Huh. Alright. If I give this to you, will you let me go free?
That depends.
Belzu brought one of his spindly arms to his rotund face and scratched his chin.
You have tried to foil my projects thrice now, Archdemon.
Hey! I didnt do anything to stop you. I was just helping mypanion out each time. Well, other than the first time where you tried to kill me in the Brilsum Ruins. Although I was trying to find a Fairy to get back to mypanion, so technically I was still trying to help mypanion out then too.
I shrugged.
Anyway, point is, Im not going to try to stop you. Im only going to try and stop you from killing my friends andpanions. Like today. Otherwise, I honestly think youre amazing.
Amazing?
The Primeval Demon crossed all of his arms. I nodded eagerly.
Yep! Youve leveled up so fast and youre so powerful. And everyone says your name in fear, and your people look up to you.
I waved off-handedly at the monsters gathered around him. He frowned.
Are you messing with me?
Nope!
Then I leaned forward slightly, looking at him with round eyes.
But Im curious, Belzu. What is it that you want? Yes, I know you want this thing Im wearing, and Ill give it to you. However, why are you doing all this? It cant just be for this artifact, right?
Belzu hesitated. He didnt answer immediately. Instead, he took a moment to study me to gather each and every one of my subtle changes in facial expression. Finally, when he felt like he had studied enough, he drifted towards me.
Very well. If you want to know why I do this, I will tell you.
I narrowed as Belzu spread his arms wide.
I am doing this to save my kind. To stop the Demon Kings foolish ns. To prevent the merger of the nes.
Daniel and Amanda crept their way further into Deathfalls Dungeon. Torchlight illuminated the stone corridors, ced alongside the railway tracks that made up this system of mineshafts. It was like they were lost in abyrinth, no one to guide them in or out.
Well, apparently Amanda could find her way back out. She was keeping track of where came from. The problem was where they were going: neither of them knew what awaited them further inside. Just that they were going further inside.
There were rooms dorms for [Miners] to sleep. ces set up for meetings. Even equipment left behind by assassins who supposedly stayed here. And that begged the question: where was everyone?
Not once did Daniel spot a Human walking down these halls. He saw only Demons. And he understood why soon enough.
They stumbled upon arge chamber one that was circr with a tall ceiling. In it, thergest summoning circle Daniel had ever seen was inscribed on the ground. And on it were piles of bodies. Amandas eyes widened as she saw the corpses.
Those are
Daniel frowned.
Assassins?
Yes. And not just any assassins.
Her voice droned on, low and full of terror.
Theyre Kedath the Quick Death... Thah the Poison Hands Beva the Forge of Daggers each of them are over Level 100. These are the best assassins of the Harrowed Vindicators. Why are they?
Theyre sacrifices.
Daniel cut her off. He pointed past the dozens of corpses not all of them were over Level 100, some were lower-leveled members, or non-assassins. But they were all used for the same reason.
The summoning circle began to glow as a red aura was sucked from the bodies. Amanda staggered back.
What is this?
A summoning. Theyre summoning Demons.
Daniel crouched down, bracing himself for the wave of powerful energy. And from the center of the summoning circle, a pulse shot out. It shook the ground and nearly knocked Amanda off bnce. He caught her, gripping the hilt of his de. Ready for a fight.
And from the smoke emerged a hulking serpent. It had a long body, coiled together as it stomped forward on dozens of legs. It had a yellow, square-shaped pupil whichnded on the one doing the summoning. Another Demon who bowed before it.
Levithus, wee to the Mortal Realm.
The serpent Demon, Levithus, smiled and bared its teeth.
Ah, so this is our new home.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 171]
Now, where is that traitor Belzu hiding?
To prevent the merger of the nes.
Belzu spoke slowly. His voice was deep and thundering. I listened, waiting for him to continue. When he had nothing else to say, I cocked my head.
Huh. Thats it?
You dont understand, do you, Archdemon?
He shook his head in disappointment.
Our King wants nothing more than to live like mortals. He so desperately desires to be a mortal, he is willing to drag our Species through the nes that separate us from them just to live like them. Such foolishness I shall stop him. And when he lies dead beneath my feet, I shall assume his mantle and lead our kind like a true Demon.
I see, I see.
I nodded along as Belzu finished his short speech. His monsters had stopped moving, but they pretty much surrounded me from all sides, waiting. Mindreapers circled me from above too. There really was nowhere I could escape. Not unless well, it was risky, but Belzu was really bearing down on me here. And he hadnt even promised that hed let me go yet!
Thats cool and all, but can I please go? Ill give you your Breastte of Alexander.
The Primeval Demon produced one of his sharp hands.
I shall let you go once you have given me what is mine.
I already said I would give it to you!
That was not what I was referring to.
His gaze bore into me as he continued.
Pledge fealty to me denounce the Demon King Regnorex and join me in opposing him, then I shall let you go.
Huh.
I stared at Belzu as he gave me an expectant look. Exchanging a nce with my clone, we both had the same thought. Well, we were the same person so we only had one though which was my thought. I turned back to the Primeval Demon and sighed.
First of all
I wagged a finger.
This Demon King whoever he is hes not my king. I dont know him. Ive never even met the guy!
I shrugged as Belzu frowned.
Second of all and I believe Ive told you this before Im a Princess. I rule myself. I obey myself. No one else.
His monsters moved as I raised my hand. My clone created a Primordial Scythe, and Belzu made the sky bleed.
Lastly
I took in a deep breath, meeting the Primeval Demons gaze.
I dont think mortals want this merger either, you know? You could always work with them to stop this. They dont like Demons, and you dont like mortals. Wouldnt it be smarter to work with them than against them to stop this?
Working alongside Humans?
Belzuughed.
Id rather die.
I bared my teeth as I activated a Skill. [Temporal Distortion].
And that, Belzu... that simply makes you wild.
The world around me slowed as he moved towards me. He tried to wrap me up in his illusions, but my clone threw herself at him. He tried to swat her away, and she clung onto him. The mes that made up her body grew wilder and wilder. Belzu struggled until the golden fire engulfed himpletely
And exploded.
A st more powerful than even my [Demons Mark] erupted, shaking the earth even from the sky. I watched as the night sky turned to day briefly as I continued working the spell. The monsters came, and Belzu flitted down, wreathed in mes. He stared at me with a hate-filled gaze.
You
Honestly, I really was going to give you the Breastte of Alexander. I really was. But now, Im going to keep it.
I bent space and altered time itself. I pictured a spot a faraway spot that was close to me. One which Id already yed with. And I reached for it as I looked back towards Belzu and his illusions.
You should have quit while you were ahead, Belzu. Because
A portal opened up and I spread my arms, challenging him.
Im going to kill you.
Then I disappeared into the darkness. Belzu came for me he tried to catch me, but I slipped away. His world of illusions vanished behind me and I popped back through another portal. A hole in this ne, right inside of my Lair. This was the exact same spot Id practiced my [Temporal Distortion] for months. The same spot the Devil came through.
And here Inded,ughing, with the Breastte of Alexander worn around my chest, safely escaping Belzus clutches.
Avable Secondary Skill [Short Ranged Teleportation] bes [Long Ranged Teleportation]!
Experience is awarded for evolving a Skill!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 109] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 110]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 49] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 50]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
...
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 51] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 52]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Nice.
--
A figure stepped into my Lair, looking curiously at me as Iy sprawled on the ground. The Devil crossed his arms as he stood over me.
So, did you do your chores while I was gone? I hope you didnt invite any boys over. Id be really mad if you did.
My eyes rolled up to meet his smirking face, and I actually chuckled.
Well, if a boyes over looking for me anytime tonight, you can chase him away if you want.
Aw, did my little Salvos steal some guys heart?
I stole something else.
I hopped to my feet as the Devilughed.
Now, I dont want to know how you got yourself tangled with Belzus rebellion. But I cant say Im surprised. I knew youd be interesting. And you have good ole Alexanders thingy too! Its pretty sturdy. Good on you.
He beam as he patted me on the shoulder. I shrugged it off, instead looking at the Devil with a grave look.
Sal.
Oh? Were being serious now, are we? Ill have you know, if its something too big, I may just go searching for some milk again. As you can see, I didnt bring back any.
I ignored him as he waved his empty hands around, showing theck-of milk.
If I asked you to kill Belzu for me, would you do it?
His eyes narrowed. He inspected me for a moment as I waited with bated breath. Then finally, he answered.
Nope. I like Belzu, too. I told him I wouldnt kill him, like how I said I wouldnt kill you. So, I wont.
I see.
I sighed, shoulders sagging. The Devil elbowed me with a whisper.
But just between you and me, I think I like you more than him.
I dont care.
I straightened as he stumbled back, feigning hurt. I ignored it and shook my head.
I have changed my mind, Devil. Let us make a deal.
Oh? Why the change of heart? Are you finallying around to your old man?
No.
I spoke in a blunt voice, and he cocked a brow.
Then why?
I exined.
Its because, somewhere out there, mypanions are fighting for what they believe is right.
Saffron Merryster and her family reunited in their mansion as smoke billowed up in the distance. The destruction of Nightsveil could be seen even from hundreds of miles away. The Merrysters quickly gathered their things, nning their next course of action as Salvos clone waited for her nextmand in the courtyard. Saffron paused before the clone, closing her eyes. She hugged the clone, thanking her friend from the bottom of her heart, and cursing herself for ever scorning Salvos.
Or maybe theyre not fighting. Maybe theyre running.
Daniel Song and Amanda fled Deathfalls Dungeon as more Demons were summoned into the Mortal ne. He found out the truth. He knew what was happening. And it terrified him. But it also bolstered him. It gave him a reason to fight to finally return to Elutra.
Maybe theyre recuperating.
Edithe Dawnrise sat in an inn, just resting. Hadrian was passed out across from her, having drank his worries away for now. She was tired. Exhausted. The end of thepany war shouldve given her some reprieve, but all she was given were a myriad of other problems to tackle. And shed deal with them. Just not yet.
Maybe theyre even doing something else. I dont know.
Haec stood in a white wastnd devoid of life. He stepped over the corpses of those hed in littered around like rocks, ncing back as a figurended next to him. They exchanged no words, but a single nod from her told him what to do. He followed her as she flew off towards the crimson horizon. But deep down, he knew he was meant to be following someone else.
Point is, theyre all doing something for themselves. All this time, Ive been doing things for them. And yes, I do care about them and I will continue helping them. But now, I want to do something my own thing.
I walked up to the Devil, extending an arm.
Teach me. Help me learn a Grand Skill. Make me stronger than Belzu so that when the next time we meet, hell be the one running for his life.
I finished. He looked at my proffered hand, eyes twinkling as a grin spread across his face. And, of course, Sal smiled as he took it.
Anything for my daughter.
End of Volume 4
Author''s Note:
There we have it. The longest volume to date. Almost 80 chapters. It was a lot of new and different things-- a lot less action than previous volumes and more character growth. However it turned out, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I''d love to hear your thoughts on it. You even received a shocking little cameo from Haec there towards the end :)
Chapter 246: Begin (Start of Book 5)
Chapter 246: Begin (Start of Book 5)
246. Begin
The Breastte of Alexander was lost. Belzu hovered over the fallen city as his monsters gathered beneath him. The sun rose over the horizon as his silhouette yed against the sky. A little speck from afar his figure no different than that of a bug.
But Belzu was no insect at the feet of a giant. He had proven it. In a short span of time, hed evolved from a mere Archdemon into a Primeval Demon. Now, he had felled one of the great countries of the Mortal Realm. Now, he held with him one of the greatest artifacts in history. Now, all of Nexeus knew his name.
Regnorex shall perish by my hands.
His voice echoed to himself. No one else was left alive in Nightsveil. He wouldn''t spare anyone in the city. Each person he killed would garner him experience more levels to reach even greater heights. And eventually, once he was strong enough, hed rule all the Netherworld himself.
But before Regnorex, I shall have to deal with a smaller, insignificant problem.
His eyes flickered as the world warped around him. A silver-haired Archdemon came to life before his eyes. She sprang up at him, waving a ck scythe. With the snap of his fingers, her head fell off, and his illusion vanished.
Hmph. A tiny Archdemon like her wont be able to stop me. No matter what she does or whatever training she undergoes, I shall recover the Breastte Alexander from her corpse. Then Ill truly be unstoppable.
And his army moved. The ground shook as they stepped in unison a synchronized march away from the former city of Nightsveil. Towards his next goal.
Towards victory.
Id been beaten by Belzu far too many times sent running from him barely surviving thrice now. I had enough.
I was going to do whatever it took to defeat him. To kill him. Even if it meant making a deal with the Devil. I had enlisted Sal as he wanted me to call him to train me and teach me a Grand Skill to achieve my goal. And, well, while he did agree to help me, he also enjoyed messing with me.
So, instead of training me right away, he
You have examsing up, youngdy. I will not have you failing your sses because of some guy!
The Devil was usually a red-skinned man with ck goat-like legs and a pair of crooked horns poking out of his head. Right now, however, he looked like a Human one with multi-colored eyes. Crimson and azure. His skin was tanned, and he walked around without a shirt for whatever reason.
I scowled.
Its not because of some guy. Its Belzu! And I want to kill him!
No buts, youngdy.
He wagged his fingers. I rolled my eyes.
I didnt even say but
I said no buts!
And that was that. I had to finish my finals first before I could begin my training with the Devil. Which I guess would work since I had a month and a half of break before the next academic term began. So, first, Id finish up my sses.
Problem was, I wasnt able to focus. Not only was I excited to get stronger to defeat Belzu. I also had other things in mind. Literally. Here I sat in a lecture hall, doing my final examination for Professor Isais ss, but I was somewhere else too.
There was a Skill Id recently gained thanks to the Devil [Salvo of Vanity] and it allowed me to create clones of myself. I could perceive and sense things through my clone, to a certain extent. And right now, she was far away with mypanion, Saffron Merryster.
Honestly, it felt like everything I saw was through a thick fog. What happened with my clone was being ryed to me, rather than being fully experienced. Saffron, for some reason, had refused to return to Mavos Academy for now. She was skipping her final exams because of what had happened in Nightsveil.
Her family was heading somewhere? To meet with other Vampires or something. I didnt know. They didntmunicate with my clone because my clone couldnt talk. I did try having my clone write something with fire.
Apparently, my clone had even worse handwriting than me.
Anyway, as long as Saffron was safe, it didnt really matter what she did. And if she was ever in danger, I was pretty sure I could teleport to my clone with my new Skill. That was right I had another new Skill. One which I learned.
[Long Ranged Teleportation].
It was a Skill for my second ss. I only had 5 secondary Skill Slots avable, and they were all taken. So, I reced one of my unused secondary Skills with it. [Object Levitation] seemed pretty pointless, considering I had not used it much ever since I got it. Meanwhile, [Long Ranged Teleportation] allowed me to teleport over great distances hundreds or maybe even thousands of miles in an instant.
Of course, I couldnt just teleport to anywhere I wanted. I tested it out, and apparently I could only teleport to ces I could see, or I saw in the past hour. Otherwise, it needed to be a ce I was connected to. Like my Lair.
The Devil said that wasnt all I could do with the Skill, but that was all I had tested out so far. And it was not like it was needed right now. It took up a lot of energy to use, and Saffron wasnt currently in danger.
I pushed my clones perception to the back of my mind as I finished up my final exams. A| week passed as I waited to get back my grades. I spent most of the time just hanging out with my friends in Mavos Academy. Valda, the fifteen-year-old genius, was more than happy to spend time with me.
She and her friends were amazed when they visited my room, even though it wasnt actually my room but Saffrons room.
Woah. As expected of the Liberator of the gunds
This is one of the luxury dorm rooms, isnt it? I hear only the highest of the nobility and the richest [Merchants] can afford this room.
I beamed as Valdas friends, Marie and Jonas, sang praises my way. I conveniently forgot to mention that I was just staying over and sleeping on the couch for free, and that this wasnt actually my room. Matthew was kind enough to provide us snacks, which I gratefully epted.
Valda narrowed her eyes as he bowed and stood off to the side.
Wait, isnt that Saffrons butler?
I quickly nodded and waved a hand dismissively.
Yep, he is! Anyway, what do you guys think of my schedule for the next academic term?
I showed them the list of sses Id chosen. More space magic sses, with a single enchantment ss. They exchanged nces.
Arent you in the School of Aspiring Elites?
Eve furrowed her brows. I cocked my head.
I am, yes. Why?
Jeremiah tilted his head back.
Well, I dont mean to tell you how to structure your schedule, Salvos. But I think that youre taking too few sses at once.
Hes right.
Valda nodded and crossed her arms.
With what youre doing right now, youll hit only the bare minimum number of courses required for your graduation. And thats not considering your dissertation you may take over two years if this is your nned schedule.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin as she exined.
But I took the same number of ssesst term and no one said a thing.
She shrugged.
I was under the impression that you chose to lessen your course load due to enrolling in the middle of the term.
Well, no one told me what I did was bad! Well, not bad. Just not ideal. I didnt want to spend too long in Mavos Academy. It was nice, and I had friends, but I was starting to get bored. I perked up as a realization settled in.
Wait, so theoretically I can finish all my coursework for Mavos Academy and graduate in a single year?
Valda pursed her lips.
You could, but itd be very difficult and its not rmended.
But I am Salvos.
My lips curled up as I amended my schedule. Valda blinked before staring at me. She smiled.
You are. Im sure youll do just fine.
With that decided, I rolled up the piece of paper as Jeremiah hesitantly looked over at me.
By the way, theres a ball being hosted next week and
--
Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to attend these rich, social events and feel like a Princess. I couldnt. Because the week soon passed, and it was finally time for my training with the Devil to begin. I got back thest of my grades and returned to my Lair. I passed all my sses, as expected. I even scored a distinction grade for a few of them.
I held up the report, waving it in the air as I strolled into the cavern.
Hey, Sal, if youre done messing around, Id finally like to learn a Grand Skill
I halted when the familiar notification of entering my Lair didnt ring out in my head. My Lair seemed untouched. I had my books stacked up in a corner, and my treasures disyed against the side wall. Yet, there was something off about the room.
For some reason, the dark cave seemed darker than usual. I lit a me, and it was instantly snuffed out by the smothering damp atmosphere. The flicker of light briefly illuminated the room long enough for me to see the shadows crawling against the walls and reaching for me. I leapt back, readying a Primordial Scythe
But before I could react, the shadows grabbed me.
Everything vanished. My vision faded away as my shouts came out silent. I tried to move, but my body didnt respond. It was like I was back in that sea of nothingness back trying to struggle free into existence. However, I couldnt do anything about it now.
This feelingsted for both an eternity and for a single moment before my senses were restored to me. I found myself lying on the floor of somewhere.
The Devils voice echoed around me.
Alright, good job, Salvos. You did well. You passed your Human, mortal sses. You even did quite well for someone with no formal education, if I had to say so myself. But now, its time for my sses to begin. And, trust me, it will not be as easy as writing a boring essay.
I sat up, baring my teeth.
Good.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 110
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 52
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 136 (+25)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 213 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 270 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 7
[Haste] - Lvl. 10
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 5
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 10
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 5
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
Chapter 247: Accretion
Chapter 247: retion
247. retion
Gold light glinted and glittered off fractal panes, pulsating like the molten surface of a volcano. These panels formed a polyhedron room that shimmered and shifted, constantly rotating as the number of t faces changed. Each spin would turn the room into a different shape. It morphed into a cube. Then a dodecahedron. Then a pyramid. Then an icosidodecahedron.
And it was in this spinning room, I stood straight as I faced the Devil. Somehow, my bnce was unperturbed by the entricity of it. I crouched and ced a hand on the ss-like floor. Beyond thisttice that trapped me was a ck canvas that stretched infinitely outwards. It was haphazardly painted with speckles of mundane objects like shirts or nkets. However, there were other things floating around that made this abstract world even more absurd.
Water that was caught in the process of falling and frozen in ce not ice, but water. A tree floated above it, shaking like its branches were caught in the wind. There was no wind.
Half of a house hovered against the dark. The base of a fountain was in the midst of shattering, but didnt shatter. A stctite hung from a ceiling that wasnt there. Fragments of objects or ces that were ripped out and caught in the pullting silence of this darkness.
And above it all above the polyhedron room I was in came the source of the light.
It was like a ring made from thousands of tons of gold, still burning from the heat of the furnace. I followed its edges as it expanded outwards to eternity. A giant, glowing halo. But it wasnt static; it didnt just float there. It seemed to spin and swirl into itself. Into a single hole that was somehow darker than its surroundings. As though the gold was being sucked into a vortex of nothingness, and everything else around it was in threat of being swallowed as well.
I gaped at this glorious sight. And the Devil chuckled.
Yeah Id advise you against going out there.
Where am I? What is that?
Youre in one of the many folds between the Nexeus nes. It was probably where youd end up when you tried and failed to create that portal to the Netherworld a month or two ago. Well, your crushed remains, at least.
Huh.
I slowly took a step back, making sure I could actually walk on the ss-like surface. It took me a moment to gain my bearings, and when I did, I realized I could no longer sense my clone. It was as he said, this was no longer the Mortal Realm. My connection to my clone was gone.
The Devil continued.
And that thing up there is what you call a supermassive ck hole. But dont worry, its not going to swallow us. Its trapped, just like everything else out there.
Trapped?
Space and time doesn''t work the same way here as it does in the nes of the Nexeus. Dont get me wrong, it does work, unlike the void beyond. Thats how things can even exist. But its broken.
What about this?
I tapped my foot on the floor. It clinked like it was made of some kind of metal.
This is my own pocket dimension. In here, time and space works like normal. I can make it bigger, of course. But that isnt necessary I rarely have guests over, you see.
He shook his head. The Devil was back to his normal self, no longer pretending to be a Human. With a flicker, I joined him and reverted out of my [Partial Mortality] form. He continued.
Anyway, thats enough about me. Its time for your training to begin.
He sauntered over to me and crossed his arms. I cocked my head.
My training? What am I supposed to do in this tiny space?
I gestured around I could probably hop back and forth from one end to another with very little issue. The Devil smiled.
Ah, but there are two facets to every lesson. The first is the theoretical, and the second is the practical. Just like a professor standing in front of a lecture hall, I brought you here to edify you, dear daughter.
Im not your daughter.
Look around. Dont see with your eyes, but see with your mind. You are not grasping just the scale of this ce.
What do you mean? Its pretty big, yes, but
I narrowed my eyes as I activated [nar Navigation]. The Skill normally allowed me to see the world around me through the space it upied. And, well, I found myself staring at what appeared to be a one by one foot of space.
I blinked.
What is?
Now you see what Im talking about.
The Devil grinned as he spread his arms wide.
That is right. This entire world of ck you see around you is norger than your Lair, Salvos. It is tiny. And yet, here you stand. And yet, here we stand. Beneath that monolith of death. An infinite abyss.
But how?
I worked my jaw. Heughed.
Isnt it obvious? Space here is warped, as I said. We are smashed between the nes. Between the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld.
But how are we even here? Shouldnt we be instantly crushed too?
That, my dear daughter, is thanks to space magic. The very same you wish to master.
The Devil twirled around and strutted away from me. He ced his hands on his hips before he continued.
Now that I have shown you theoretically the kind of power you can attain that you can grasp. You, yourself, will have to work towards it.
He snapped his fingers, and everything dissolved around me. In the blink of an eye, I found myself standing at the bottom of a steep cliff. I was inundated by a deluge of light. It washed over me, nearly knocking me over with how bright it waspared to the ce I was in just before.
The cliff that loomed over me oversaw a vast and vibrantndscape. Colorful with stterings of orange and red and yellow. Tall, crooked pirs of stone rose up like trees, covering this rocky forest with sharp shadows. These rock formations were multiyered. Strata that formed a gradient from a brighter shade of red above to a darker shade below.
Canyons and crevices creased the earth like the lines on a leafs surface. But there were no leaves here. No trees. It didnt even look like thered be any rain for days or months.
My brows knitted together into a frown.
Where are we now?
I looked around, taking in this barrenndscape. I was either in a desert at the top of a mountain range, or I was in a deep gouge with tall cliffs and mountains.
This, my little girl, is the Beastmen ins. Or, at least, the entrance to it.
The Devil stepped aside, letting me take in the view. When I was done gawking, he continued.
Your first practical is very simple: you need to grow stronger.
I what?
I stared at him, puzzled. But he didnt care to borate.
Simply put, you are forbidden from using any of your Subspecies Skills here. Instead, you are to level your ss and only your ss.
Um, why? Arent I trying to get a Grand Skill for my Subspecies?
I questioned him further, and he sighed.
A Grand Skill cannot be created from nothing, Salvos. It requires peril and danger and experience and knowledge. Your ss is barely even above 50. The first step you need to make before you can attain a Grand Skill is to garner more experience. Only when you have reached your next ss advancement, can you begin the next step of your training.
What? Seriously?
I threw my hands in the air.
Come on! Why would my ss matter?
Oh, it matters.
His eyes twinkled as he grinned.
It matters more than youd think.
What does that even mean?
I asked. Of course, he didnt answer.
Regardless, I wont just leave you to do as you liked, here. Before I leave, I shall give you a simple goal. Its not tooplicated. A simple hunting mission.
I sighed.
And what is this mission?
Find the Cursed Boulder.
The Devil spoke simply, and I paused. I repeated after him.
Um, find the Cursed Boulder?
Thats right. I want you to find the Cursed Boulder. It lies somewhere beyond thesends within the Beastmen ins. And once you find it, you are to destroy it.
Thats it?
I cocked my head. He nodded.
Thats it. You may track it down as you please. Ask around or simply teleport until you find it. But you cannot leave beyond this point.
He drew a line in the sand behind me.
You are only allowed to go further into the Beastmen ins, not away from it. These are the only stiptions you have.
I see, I see.
I nodded along with a hand on my chin.
But wait what happens if I destroy this Cursed Boulder and I still havent advanced in my ss yet?
That will not be a problem.
The Devil bounced back behind the line and smiled.
So, any more questions?
I tilted my head back. In the back of my mind, I felt a connection return. My clone hadnt vanished while our connection was severed. She had been moving entirely on autopilot without me. And shed been slowly fading away without my supply of mana. However, just like a Primordial Weapon, she would take a while to fully dissipate.
Not unless she was actively fighting in battle. Even then, I was pretty sure she could sustain herself for enough time without me.
I raised my hand.
Actually, am I allowed to continue supplying my clone with
Good.
The Devil pped, and a portal appeared behind him.
Now that Ive answered all your questions, Ill be taking my leave now. Ta-ta!
He leapt into the portal and vanished. I watched him go, feeling my arm droop to the side.
Huh.
I shrugged.
He didnt say no.
It wasnt like my clone used up a lot of energy, anyway. Sure, whenever I initially cast [Salvo of Vanity], itd eat up a huge chunk of my mana. But once that was done, maintaining my clone would be easy.
Alright, I guess its time for me to find that Cursed Boulder, huh?
I looked around me at the innumerous number of possible boulder candidates scattered around. And something clicked in my head.
Wait, is the Devil seriously asking me to find a specific rock? How am I supposed to do that?!
And now, its time for me to sit back and watch.
Sal sat in his own little pocket dimension as one of the fractal panels flickered to life, showing Salvos on the other side. He smirked, leaning back and watching the little girl pick up and turn over every piece of pebble she saw.
He yawned.
This is boring. What about him? What is he up to?
Snapping his fingers, Sal made another of the ss-like panes glow, and a different scene showed itself right next to the first. Belzu flew with his army towards another city, sending hordes and hordes of monsters forward to crush it without lifting a single finger.
These were the two most interesting events that were happening in the Mortal Realm at the moment, but one was subtle, while the other was sending ripples throughout the world. Both were brilliant blips that could potentially shape the future, however only one wouldst.
Both were little specks of mes that were going to sh with each other.
The question is: which of you will burn brightly and quickly, and which of you will scorch the earth and forever leave your mark?
That was something Sal was eager to find out.
Chapter Have art
Chapter Have art
Not a chapter but have art. Take it. I said take it. No takebacks. By Sakomi and Wanini, respectively. They''re both awesome as heck.
I don''t have an art addiction, you have an art addiction.
Shut up.
Just take the art.
It''s Christmas or something.
Chapter 248: Savior
Chapter 248: Savior
248. Savior
Nope!
I shook my head, disappointed. With a crestfallen sigh, I let go of the pebble and it dropped to the ground with a heavy thud.
Just a regr piece of rock. Thats dumb. What about this?
It was an almost perfectly round gray ball. I was excited, thinking it was finally what I was searching for
[Rock - It is a rock.]
But nope. It was just any old rock. Nothing special about it.
Ugh.
I tossed it to the side and sauntered off.
Salvos.
A voice came at me from above. I blinked and looked up to see the Devil hovering beneath the sun. He had his arms crossed and his lips were curled into a frown.
Yes?
I gave him an inquiring look. He sputtered.
What in my name are you doing?
Um, looking for the Cursed Boulder like you asked me to?
I answered him. But he just stared at me, eyes twitching.
Ive been watching you turn over every piece of rock you see for the past three days.
Yep! Thats what Ive been doing! Although three days, huh?
I tilted my head back.
Thats less time than I thought.
Anyway
Sal cut me off, floating down next to me. I frowned.
How are you flying without wings
If you really want to get this job done before your school break is over, I suggest you stop picking up every pebble on the ground and start looking around for people.
Why would I do that? Arent I looking for rocks, not people? Cause rocks aren''t people, Devil.
Youre not looking for a rock. Youre looking for a boulder. A Cursed Boulder.
Yep.
I nodded.
A rock.
A big rock! The size of that!
The Devil gestured at a nearby rock. Bigger than the others, but very much still a rock. I crossed my arms.
I see.
He red at me.
If I have to watch you stare at rocks for the next three days, I will throw you straight to the Ennds for our next lesson.
Ennds?
I looked at the Devil, perplexed. But he just shook his head.
Now, if youll excuse me, I shall take my leave. Go and find someone, Salvos. Before I grow bored of you.
Fine!
I harrumphed and spun around. Without even looking, I knew the Devil was already gone at that point. I glowered as I searched this rocky wastnd. I was at the entrance to the Beastmen ins, or so Sal said. That meant I could find Beasmen around here, right?
Well, first I had to figure out what Beastmen even were. I didnt know what they looked like. But judging from their name, I was going to assume they were people who looked like beasts. Maybe like [Beastkin]? But those were Spirits. And
I nced up at the blue sky dome above.
And I was still very much in the Mortal Realm. Definitely not the Spirit ne. It had a green sky I think.
My thoughts were interrupted as a soft growl crept up on me from behind. I turned to face the source of the noise, finding a pair of beady yellow eyes preying on me from between a set of cliffs. I cocked my head.
Um, can I help you?
I raised a brow, and a creature emerged from the shadows. It had four legs, like a kind of dog. Except if the dogcked fur and was incredibly thin. Also, four times as big as a regr dog. Honestly, it could probably eat a whole dog.
[Gloomcoyote - Lvl. 61]
[Gloomcoyote]? What kind of a name is that?
It didnt respond. Instead, it slowly approached me, circling me. More [Gloomcoyotes] appeared from behind, joining the first to nk me from all sides.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Are you called a [Gloomcoyote] because youre sad? Why are you sad?
My eyes widened.
Did something happen to your family? I know Belzu killed your family, didnt he?
The first [Gloomcoyote] leapt forward, and I easily stepped to the side.
Its a big problem. Hes been killing a lot of people these days.
A second and third [Gloomcoyote] tried to pounce at me. They failed. I skipped away with a grin.
Id feel bad for you and your family, but
I felt a power surge through me. A set of invisible hands reached out, smacking back the first [Gloomcoyote] as it tried for me again. [Mystical Projection] held it in ce as it struggled.
But, unfortunately, youre wild.
With that, I sped forward and sliced its head off. I held up my ws, facing the remaining [Gloomcoyotes]. And I bared my teeth.
So, I dont really care.
They werent the only ones to attack me throughout the day. But no matter what monsters came, I disposed of them quite easily. After all, I was far higher-leveled. Also, I had the Breastte of Alexander on. It was not like any of them could hurt me, even if they were my level.
Defeated [Goomcoyote - Lvl. 61]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 52] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 53]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 54] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 55]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Mountaintooth crept alongside the side of a cliff wall, holding in his breath with trembling lips. Despite his rather intimidating name, he was anything but intimidating. After all, he was but a cub a little lion that walked on two feet without any ws, no more than five years of age.
Behind him, Amberarm and Sharpbraid followed. It was night, and the three children were lost in the mists that gued the ded Mountains. Every cub of their tribe knew better than to venture deep into such a dangerous area, especially when it was dark. But they had no other choice. Their tribe had been in. They were forced to flee to the next vige.
And the fastest way to reach it was by skirting the edges of the ded Mountains. At least, here, their attacker wouldnt pursue them.
Keep it down.
He growled as Amberarm purred in fear. She clutched Sharpbraid by the arm he was the oldest of the three, with a semnce of a mane growing around his neck.
But what if were attacked by a [Gloomcoyote]? Or worse a [Savage Critter]?
Amberarm already had ws, unlike Mountaintooth or Sharpbraid. Female cubs mature earlier than male cubs in regards to ws and fangs. And he ws dug deep into Sharpbraids arm. He yelped.
Ouch! That hurt!
He stumbled back.
Honestly, the only thing Mountaintooth had going for him over the other two was his name, as well as his sense for survival. And right now, his senses were telling him that they were in danger. His round ears perked up as something shifted just ahead of him. He made a quick shushing motion to his friends, backing up against the cliff wall. Practically hugging it.
They followed him right as the thing emerged from the shadows. It trudged over the rocky floor, sending small pebbles down crumbling down the steep decline that oversaw the actual Beastmen ins. It walked on six legs, with pink skin that blended with some of the colorfulndscape. Its head was like a flowerbud, tightly shut with only a pair of nostrils no eyes. And it approached the three cubs.
A [Savage Critter]. Mountaintooths eyes grew wide in recognition and fear. It had to be over Level 70 he couldnt identify it, but it was supposed to be a very high-leveled monster that only the strongest of his tribe could defeat.
Sharpbraid gritted his teeth and red at Amberarm.
You just had to open your big mouth, didnt you?
Youre the one who yelped like a kitten
Quiet. Both of you.
Mountaintooth snarled. He didnt want to speak, but he had no choice. His friends wouldnt shut up, and a [Savage Critter] relied purely on sound. Its head snapped directly towards him, and he tensed.
His friends froze, unable to say anything. He just wanted to stand there and hope for the best too. However, he knew better than to do that. It would kill them. It knew they were there.
The [Savage Critter] stalked their way, each foot followed by another. Like a cacophony of thuds with each step. It sniffed the air as it drew closer. It could smell their fear. The perspiration that wetted Mountaintooths fur it perfumed the air, attracting the monster like a butterfly to a flower.
This is where it ends Mountaintooth closed his eyes. He couldnt warn the other tribes. This was the one thing Papa had tasked him to do. But here he was, going to die to some monster. It was so ridiculous. He he no.
He wouldnt give up here. He looked over at his friends as he peeled himself from the cliffeside.
Run.
That was all he said. They stared at him as he dashed to the side. The [Savage Critter] jerked up to face him in surprise. It took a moment to register the footsteps, not instantly pouncing in case of a trap. They were savage, not stupid, after all.
Mountaintooth didnt really know what he was doing. He didnt even have a ss yet. He was close he was Level 8. But no ss. All he had was his one Racial Skill.
[Lesser Intimidation].
Come here you ugly, deformed dog!
He shouted, and his voice echoed through the ded Mountains, slicing the nket of silence and cutting through the thick mist covering the tall, vertical cliffs.
It caused the monster to pause for a second. A single second. Mountaintooth wasnt even sure if Amberarm and Sharpbraid listened to him. He just needed to draw the [Savage Critter] away from them. Maybe it would even forget about his friends once it finished eating him.
He mmed his eyes shut, epting what was toe with open arms. The [Savage Critter] howled and leapt forward as its face opened up like a terrible flower unfurling to consume him. Mountaintooth waited for his death to arrive. He hoped it would be quick. But it came slowly. So slowly, in fact, that it never arrived.
Blinking, he opened his eyes and stared at the floating [Savage Critter]. It struggled mid-air, held by an invisible arm as it snapped at the air. A figure appeared from the mists. One with silver hair and gleaming golden eyes.
It had a dark blue coat of fur that somehow only reached to its arms and legs not the hands or legs or face with a ck mane-thing around its neck. It vanished and appeared right before the [Savage Critter], baring its not-so-sharp teeth.
Hi. Im Salvos.
For whatever reason, this thing this Salvos seemed to greet the monster. However, the [Savage Critter] broke free from whatever was holding it and struck for the Salvos.
The Salvos ducked under the attack and frowned.
Thats rude, you didnt even tell me your name!
It struck the [Savage Critter] twice, and the monster died. Mountaintooth couldnt help but gawk at that. How?
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Mountaintooth couldnt identify either the Salvos or the [Savage Critter], but the gap between them was sorge, the former couldnt even put up a fight.
He wasnt sure how to react. But it was clear that the Salvos was not there to harm him or if it was, it was intelligent enough to speak. So, it was better off for Mountaintooth not to aggravate it. He got to his feet, stumbling and murmuring under his breath.
I
He inhaled deeply, bowing low.
Thank you, you saved my life
Finally, a person!
Before he could finish saying his thanks, the Salvos picked him up and spun him around.
Wha?
Youre a lifesaver!
It eximed. Mountaintooth blinked.
But youre the one who saved me.
Chapter Quick little COVID update
Chapter Quick little COVID update
So as I saidst update, I got COVID. Fortunately, its the Omnicron and its not as bad as previous variants. Ill probably fully recover by as early as next week, and since Im holed up, I have more time to write which should theoretically mean more chapters for you guys until the new year. Only problem is being ill will make it harder to get back to regrly scheduled chapters on January 1st like I intended. Anyway, hopefully you all stay safe this holiday season! Chapter tomorrow, probs.
Chapter 249: Beastmen
Chapter 249: Beastmen
249. Beastmen
[Lion Beastman - Lvl. 7]
[Lion Beastman - Lvl. 7]
[Lion Beastman - Lvl. 9]
I stared at the three Beastmen standing before me. They were covered in a thickyer of golden fur, wearing brown tunics that were ragged and stained with blood. One of them the highest-leveled boy had a semnce of an orange mane growing around his neck. The other two didnt have it, but I could tell one of them was a male and the other was female.
They gaped at me as I pped hands together.
You dont know how long Ive been searching for someone in this dumb ce! But no. All there are are stupid monsters here! And theyre so dumb! Look at it!
I nced back at the dead [Savage Critter] behind me. It was barely above Level 80. Honestly, not too difficult of a fight for me. But since Id been killing so many monsters well, killing it gave me another level.
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 55] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 56]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I had been scouring this odd mountain range for a whole day! And I didnt find any weird rocks or any people. Not until now, at least.
The first of the [Lion Beastman] the one Id saved walked up to me and bowed his head again.
I-I am grateful that we could be of help to you. And for saving us, I must truly thank you.
His voice came out in a soft growl. But it wasnt an aggressive growl. He just had a guttural way of speaking. His twopanions quickly bowed with him as my eyes darted over to the side. I spotted something something odd poking out of the ground.
The boy continued.
Is there anything we could do to
He started, but I ran off to inspect the object to the side. I peered at it and tapped a wed finger on its side. [Identification] told me that it was an old piece of rock. I deted as the boy hesitated.
Hrr is something wrong?
Its nothing.
I sighed as I walked back to the three children. They looked between themselves, puzzled.
Its just not what Im looking for.
I-I see
Anyway, whatre your names? Im Salvos!
O-oh, Im Mountaintooth.
A-Amberarm.
My name is S-Sharpbraid.
They all spoke in scared voices as I nodded, fixing their names to their faces. I wasnt even transformed, and they were afraid of me. That was good!
Mountaintooth shifted slightly as I beamed happily to myself.
I-I elder Salvos, I
My gaze snapped sharply at him.
Whore you calling an elder?
Wha I didnt mean it like that!
He yelped and backed up. I crossed my arms as he tried to exin.
I was trying to be polite, eld I mean, hrr I
He trailed off. Amberarm quickly stepped in front of him, taking over.
I must apologize if he offended you. But he means no disrespect I dont know what its like in your culture, but our culture teaches us to refer to those much older and wiser than us as an elder.
I furrowed my brows.
Well, where Im from, you just refer to me by my name if you want to be respectful. Putting anything else before or after it is disrespectful!
I wagged my fingers at them, and the three children nodded quickly.
Yes, Salvos.
Anyway
I crossed my arms as they shuffled, averting their gazes.
Even so, you cant refer to me as an elder in your culture.
Why not?
Sharpbraid blinked. I looked at them.
Well, how old are you guys?
Five years old.
Mountaintooth spoke softly. Amberarm nodded.
Im the same age as him.
And Im seven. Almost an adult.
Sharpbraid puffed his chest up. I gestured at them.
See? You cant call me an elder because Im your age! Im six!
Or at least, I thought I was. I was probably around that age range. Still, not much older than them.
Mountaintooths jaw dropped.
What? No way!
Seriously?
But youre
Amberarm and Sharpbraid gawked behind him. I raised my chin, looking down at the three children. I was so much better than them literally ten times better than them. Why couldnt all six year olds be as good as me? Sucks to be them.
Exactly. Im pretty awesome!
They exchanged nces as I basked in my greatness. Then Sharpbraid elbowed the other two. He leaned over and began whispering to them. Amberarm and Mountaintooth looked unconvinced, but Sharpbraid reassured them and turned back to me.
Whats wrong?
I cocked my head. The oldest of the three scratched the back of his mane and approached me.
We, hrr, were thinking that since you were so high-leveled and strong would you be able to help us avenge our tribe?
Avenge your tribe?
My eyes narrowed, and he exined.
You see, wee from the Swift Hill Warriors a tribe that used to live a few dozen miles just outside of this mountain range. However, a few weeks ago, rumors of a terrible monster reached our tribe. One that has been terrorizing the other tribes in the Beastmen ins. As our tribe is full of fighters, we thought we could deal with whatever monster this was without a problem. Unfortunately,st week it showed up and ughtered our entire tribe.
Thats right.
Amberarm lowered her gaze.
We were the only survivors. The eldest of our tribe Mountainfang, Mountaintooths father faced the beast himself. And even he was not strong enough to defeat it.
Mountaintooth turned away as she mentioned his dad. I grew bored as Sharpbraid tried to finish.
Thats right. If we dont stop this monster, itll destroy where are you going?
The oldest [Lion Beastman] paused as I wandered to the side, inspecting a piece of pebble from the ground.
Huh?
I nced up at him.
Oh, nothing. Im searching for something, and I cant find it.
What are you searching for?
Amberarm asked. I waved a hand dismissively.
A Cursed Boulder or something like that. I was told I could find it around here.
I tossed the pebble aside, and she stared at me.
But thats not a boulder.
Yep. And?
I cocked a brow at Amberarm. She hesitated.
Why are you inspecting a pebble if youre looking for a boulder? Shouldnt you be checking bigger rocks instead of smaller rocks?
Because thats what makes it cursed. You cant be sure the curse doesnt turn the boulder into a pebble.
I shook my head.
Children, always so foolish.
I walked back towards Sharpbraid.
Anyway, what were you saying?
He scratched his cheek.
R-right. I was asking if you could help us y this beast terrorizing the ins.
Huh. Is it very strong?
I frowned. He clenched a fist.
Very strong. Stronger than anything Ive ever seen.
Then nope!
I spoke happily. Their shoulders sagged. Mountaintooth gritted his teeth.
I knew we shouldnt have Sharpbraid you idiot
Anyway, if thats it, Im gonna go now!
I waved at the three children and was about to teleport off. But before I did, Mountaintooth leapt forward.
Wait!
He raised his hand towards me. I spun around.
Yes?
Maybe we can help you.
I perked up.
You know where I can find the Cursed Boulder?
N-no. We are young, so we may not know what it is youre looking for. But the elders of the other tribes may know were headed to the Furious Whispers Tribe. If you protect us, we may be able to guide you to them, and they could lead you to the Cursed Boulder.
Huh.
He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath.
I-I know that its just a possibility. That it may not even help you. However, the possibility is still there. If this is something thats infamous in either the ins or the ded Mountains, then surely the elders of the other tribes would be able to aid you. So, please, help us.
Hispanions looked at him, then at me. They eyed me hopefully pleadingly. Mountaintooth himself didnt even meet my gaze, instead choosing to bite his lower lip and wait for a response, bracing himself for a rejection. I grinned.
Makes sense to me. Come on, lets go!
Wha
I grabbed the three children and leapt into the air. They squeaked as I looked around.
So, where is this tribe?
--
They led the way. They showed me the way out of the ded Mountains the ce where Id been to the Beastmen ins. And, well, it seemed no different from any other nds to me. The grass was green and the mounds rose and fell like crashing waves.
Unfortunately, I couldnt just fly over it. Instead, I made a mad dash through the grasnds until I eventually saw the tents jutting out in the distance.
Finally!
It wasnt a tall city like either Unarith or Viechester. Tarps were strapped up next to each other like houses. Theyprised of many different colors red, magenta, azure, gold and they filled a small valley with life. I narrowed my eyes as I saw the various Beastmen strolling throughout the fringes of this tribe.
They werent all the same, like I expected them to be. There was an eclectic of Species of Beastmen. [Tiger Beastman], [Wolf Beastman], [Bear Beastman] many more. They all looked like their respective animals, except they were all bipedal and more proportioned to have stubbier arms and less of their animal-like characteristics.
They saw my approach with the three [Lion Beastman] cubs, and they were quickly stricken by panic. Before they could raise whatever rm they had some kind of weird horn Mountaintooth shouted out.
Wait, elders of the Furious Whispers Tribe! Wee from the Swift Hill Warriors!
At the mention of his tribe, they immediately dropped their guard. Dozens of Beastmen rushed towards us in a worry as I let go of him. They huddled over the boy, speaking quickly in different kinds of voices.
We saw smoke over the horizon, youngling. What happened to your tribe?
A [Wolf Beastman] barked. Mountaintooth closed his eyes.
It was destroyed.
He gnawed his teeth together, and Amberarm struggled out of my arms. She bowed deeply.
We need to speak to your eldest.
A retinue of [Wolf Beastmen] guards led us through the tribe. I really didnt know what else to call it. It didnt have any buildings, only tents. Some wererger than others, but they were all smaller than any old two story building in a city. As we waded our way through this sea of tents, I heard voices whisperingsing from the Beastmen looking at me.
Who is that?
Why is she apanying those younglings from the Swift Hill Warriors?
What is that thing?
I paused. I red at the one who called me a thing. He shrank back as I shook an angry fist.
I am not a thing I am Salvos, and I am a Demon!
I expected to hear gasps. See shocked faces. Either that of fear or of anger like I often received from Humans or Kobolds. Either that, or see looks of admiration like from Elves. Maybe even just curiosity, like from Cyclopes.
However, what I got surprised me. Because they just looked confused.
A Demon? What is that?
Wait, I think Ive heard about it before in a story once. Its a thing that eats Human babies, right?
Hrr, seriously?
No, Ive spoken to a Human before, and they said that Demons actually live among them and drink their blood
I stared at the gossiping faces. The tunic-wearing Beastmen had absolutely no idea what a Demon was. They didnt mention anything about summoning, or anything about the Netherworld. They were utterly clueless.
Um
I looked over at the three [Lion Beastmen] with me.
Hey, Mountaintooth, Amberarm, Sharpbraid. Have any of you heard about Demons before?
They shook their heads.
Never, Salvos.
This is my first time hearing about a Demon.
No.
Huh.
That was an odd feeling. I didnt know what I thought of it. For now, I just apanied them to thergest tent in the tribe. The one that stood at the very center.
...it was still barelyrger than a building at least in terms of width. In height, it wasnt that tall either. Certainly not the size of an arena for fighting.
When I arrived there, an [Ape Beastmen] greeted us at the door. He had white hair that covered all parts of his body except for his face and his hands and his legs. He walked with a slight hunch, greeting us with a high-pitched voice.
Wee, younglings of the Swift Hill Warriors. I am Tuktox, the eldest of the Furious Whispers tribe. I have heard the news. Come, don''t be afraid. We shall ensure you are safe here. And as for your savior
He turned towards me with a toothy smile.
Let us get youfortable. We have food to offer you.
No thanks, I
I paused when I saw the tter they set out for me. There were tes, bowls, baskets, all filled with a wide array of bugs. Ants, flies, mosquitos, locusts all the most delicious things in the world. My mouth watered.
Nevermind. Thank you so much!
I immediately dug in as the three [Lion Beastman] children were led to a tablein on the ground. They all kneeled down and began to talk, discussing amongst themselves.
Your tribe was not alone in its destruction, younglings. This destroyer has been methodical and ruthless, leaving dozens of smaller tribes in ashes. Yours was the first major tribe it wiped out.
A [Wolf Beastmen] grunted.
We didnt know it had gotten this far. We heard about it when it washed ashore it is not the first of its kind but if we knew it would get here as quickly as it did, wed have helped your tribe. For our failure, we apologize.
I grabbed another of the fried bugs and munched on it as they had their conversation in the background.
It will continue its rampage. Let us gather the other major tribes a moot to find the greatest warriors. We cannot remain idle any longer. We have to stop it. We have to stop the Cursed Boulder.
I blinked and dropped my food.
Um, what?
Chapter 250: ---- Boulder
Chapter 250: ---- Boulder
250. ---- Boulder
Wait, so youre telling me that the monster that destroyed Mountaintooths tribe is the Cursed Boulder?
I stared at the [Ape Beastman]. Tuktox, the eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe. He reached a long arm over his head to scratch his other cheek.
Oo, yes. A [Lizard Beastmen] from our tribe heard about this Cursed Boulder a few weeks back when she was visiting the Poison Bugs Horde. It only recently surfaced from the western ocean. We thought itd take longer to get here, but it seems we were mistaken.
He wore a grave look on his face. His face darkened as he continued to scratch his head. Honestly, while his expression was dour, his bodynguage seemed to tell a different tale. Or maybe that was just his tail acting weird.
It kept bouncing around from side to side.
Also, he was a Beastmen. I couldnt use Humans as a standard to measure how he felt. So, I simply nodded.
Huh.
Grr, it destroyed so many lesser tribes. But to think it even reached the Swift Hill Warriors it must be over Level 100, then.
One of the Beastmen elders gathered a [Wolf Beastman] growled, his fangs poking out from his snout. I cocked my head. I seriously never thought that a piece of rock could gain levels.
Well, Golems could. But Golems werent really just pieces of rock. They were alive, too. They even had a heart. The [Lux Golmi] showed me that. I remembered how it felt the fear it showed when it believed I would kill it and itspanions.
Golems werent mere pebble.They were alive. And if this Cursed Boulder was going around, killing others while leveling, then it surely meant it was alive too, right?
I furrowed my brows.
Is it some kind of a Golem?
We arent sure.
Tuktox closed his eyes.
What do you mean youre not sure?
Truth be told, weve never seen a Cursed Boulder before. We have only heard about it from other tribes. It could possibly be a Golem, but its not any weve seen before. And the magic it casts I have never heard of a Golem that can utilize space magic.
Space magic? I was starting to understand why the Devil wanted me to find it and kill it. It was a test of sorts. Although, with the current Skills I had, I wasnt sure how easy thatd be.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 10
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 5
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 5
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 5
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
Well, that didnt mean they were useless. And I could always just w my way through the Cursed Boulder.
I nced over at Mountaintooth and the other two children.
What about you? Youve seen the Cursed Boulder, right? Do you think its a Golem?
Heards turned towards him, and the boy shrank back.
W-what? Me?
He shifted ufortably, trying to muster up any words. Tuktox ced a hand on my shoulder and pulled me back.
Please, elder Salvos
Its just Salvos.
Oo, right. Salvos.
The eldest sighed.
Let us not press the youngling with too many questions after all that hes been through. Please, it will surface bad memories.
Oh, ok.
I drew back, but Mountaintooth gritted his teeth.
I-Im fine!
He stepped forward.
I just didnt get a good look at the beast. None of us did.
His shoulders sagged as he turned back to hispanions. I studied his expression.
What do you mean by that?
He means that we couldnt even see it.
Amberarm spoke up next. She shivered and clutched her shoulders, hugging herself.
It was a blur. No matter where we looked or where it went, everything around it was obscured. Like we couldnt focus on it.
We couldnt even see its level or use [Identification] on it.
Sharpbraid nodded from behind her.
Well, that was odd. Id never heard of that before. Perhaps it was a [Lux Golmi] using illusion magic?
My musings were cut off when Mountaintooth spoke.
Whatever it is, you guys have got to stop it. You have to avenge my father our tribe.
He gestured at Amberarm and Sharpbraid. They nodded in agreement, children wearing dark, hate-filled looks on their faces.
Huh. But isnt revenge bad or something?
At least, that was what Daniel told me. Everyone in the room shook their heads.
No, why would it be?
They replied at pretty much the same time with a simr variation of that. So, Daniel was wrong. Silly Daniel! Always so silly with his morals and ideals and philosophy!
Nice, alright.
I snapped my fingers, making a decision.
Well, you dont need to worry about this Cursed Boulder destroying any more of your tribes. And youll get your revenge.
I grinned as I started for the tents exit. They stared at me, and I nced back at them.
Because Ill be destroying it now.
--
I really didnt know what this Cursed Boulder was. What I did know was that if it was randomly destroying Beastmen tribes for no reason, it was probably wild. Maybe it wasnt Id figure it out for sure when I found it but it probably was.
Wait!
A voice called out to me as I walked amongst the many multi-colored tents of this tribe. Mountaintooth squeezed through the crowd of Beastmen and ran up to me. He tugged at my jacket, and I looked down at him inquiringly.
Whats wrong?
I-I
He panted, gathering his nerves and faced me. I frowned.
Do you want to get your revenge yourself? Because I could let you try...
What? No!
Mountaintooth blinked and took a step back.
Then what happened?
You you dont know where the Cursed Boulder went. You dont even know where it wasst seen!
He eximed. I blinked.
Huh, youre right. I forgot to ask you guys.
I crossed my arms, wondering to myself.
Then where was I even going?
Shrugging, I turned back to Mountaintooth.
Well, youre here now. So, where is it?
Its to the southwest about two hundred miles. Thats where my tribe used to be. It I don''t know where it went, but maybe you can track it down from there?
Thanks!
I bowed back at the boy that was the polite thing to do here for Beastmen, right? and was about to scurry off. But he clung onto my jacket. I gave him a curious look.
Did you need something else?
Y-yes
Mountaintooth took a deep breath and sputtered.
R-revenge doesnt work that way!
Huh?
I stared at him, and he repeated himself.
Revenge doesn''t work that way. You cant just avenge someone on behalf of them. They have to request a kin someone of the same Species to carry it out for them.
He closed his eyes as he spoke, fists balled up in frustration. It was clear that he wanted me to kill the Cursed Boulder and be done with it, but there was some sort of tradition here that stipted this. Another weird mortal thing, probably.
T-thats why I want you to bring me with you. If Im there if I eveny a finger on the Cursed Boulder as you kill it, then my tribe shall be avenged. Their deaths will be vindicated. Please, take me with you.
You want me to bring you to face this power monster where you could possibly die just to fulfill some revenge pact you have?
Yes!
I couldnt help but smack my forehead with the palm of my hands. It was stupid. Mortals were stupid.
Dont be an idiot, Mountaintooth!
Amberarms voice cut through the crowd. She ran up to us, followed slowly by Sharpbraid. The duo huddled around Mountaintooth, but he was adamant about it.
You cant stop me. I was the son of the eldest. This is my duty to our tribe.
It is our duty too.
Sharpbraid harrumphed. Amberarm nodded.
Let us go with you too!
You two
Mountaintooth trailed off as hispanions nodded at him. I watched this y out, rolling my eyes.
This is all veryplicated and dumb.
I pped my hands, and they turned to me in surprise. I raised a hand, cutting them off before they could protest.
Alright, so you just need to request someone to carry out this revenge for you, right?
Our kin.
Someone of the same Species, then.
Thats right.
They nodded. I spread my arms wide.
Then heres a simple solution.
My body shifted as their eyes grew round. Passersby or onlookers, since there were some Beastmen watching this scene from the side stopped to stare at me in amazement as my body changed.
[Partial Mortality] let me transform to most sapient mortal Species. And, well, Beastmen were included in that list. I nced down at my golden arms, covered in ayer of fur. There were gasps people were gaping at how I suddenly became one of them. A [Lion Beastman]... woman.
There. Happy? You can just ask me to kill the Cursed Boulder now and it wouldnt be a problem.
Mountaintooth blinked a few times. He nced over at Amberarm.
Is this allowed?
Who cares if its allowed? Just say it!
Alright hrr, elder Salvos
Its just Salvos!
I scowled.
But I have to call you that because of formalities.
Ugh, fine. Hurry it up.
Elder Salvos, avenge my tribe. Let the Swift Hill Warriors rest and y the Cursed Boulder that ughtered my people.
He went on his knees and lowered his head to touch the dirt in a bow. I nced over at Amberarm.
What do I do now?
Just say I will.
Um, I will.
I spoke, and it seemed like a huge burden disappeared from Mountaintooths shoulders. With a deep sigh, he drew back to his feet and smiled.
Thank you.
Ok, now that thats finished, can I leave now?
You can. I but
Mountaintooth hesitated, and I tapped my left foot impatiently on the ground.
What is it now?
How exactly did you do this?
He asked, gesturing at my [Lion Beastman] form. I blinked and looked down at myself.
This? Oh, its just a Skill. Im a Demon a [Changeling] so I can transform to other Species. See?
I transformed back to myself from [Partial Mortality]. Again, everyone gasped. Mountaintooth flinched at the sudden change. Then his eyes grew wide.
Woah.
Amazing, right?
It is. Demons sure are amazing, Can all Demons do that?
Only some. Like me.
I pointed at myself. Mountaintooth stared at me.
O-oh. Then youre so amazing, Salvos.
I know.
I smirked. With that, I left the Furious Whispers Tribe behind me.
I didnt fly. I wasnt allowed to fly. Not by the Deivl. So, instead, I teleported to the furthest point I could see in the horizon. Which, due to the hillyndscape, wasnt as far as Id have liked. And I wasnt able to teleport again. Even if it was a shorter distance not across thousands of miles which drained me of a lot of mana I had a cooldown between each use of [Long Range Teleportation]. Plus, it used up a lot of mana too, anyway. Inefficientpared to using a dozen Short Range Teleports in a row, which was exactly what I did after.
Once I was far enough away from the tribe, I began to run. I kicked up a trail of dust clouds behind me as I made my way southwest. It took a bit to actually locate my destination. I had to do a bit of searching. But its name the Swift Hill Warriors implied one thing, so I made sure to get to the high ground and check atop every mound I saw.
What I found was nothing but a bunch of copsed tents. Many of them were burned from fallen torches after being crushed and trampled by some kind of traveling disaster. Bodies littered the tribe, and I spent a minute or two investigating.
Not a trace of the Cursed Boulder left behind.
I tapped a finger on my chin. That was odd. Id have expected something like a moving boulder to leave a deep divot on the dirt. There was none of that. I walked around for a bit until I eventually decided to try using magic to detect it.
[nar Navigation] overtook my senses, and instantly, I saw a disturbance in the same around me. It was like something had dragged its way through the ne, altering the space around it as it went. I followed this trail to the north, where a foresty ahead. Trees had been felled, creating a clear path for me to follow.
And it was there, in a clearing in the middle of the forest, I saw my target.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to discern its shape. I could see specks of gray little bits of rock flying about in a concentrated tempest. It shrouded over what was at the center, like the dusty wind girdling the eye of a storm. Except, instead of a dull brown gale sweeping around
At heart of this odd phenomenon my vision unfocused. I could only see a ssh of colorsing together in jagged lines and dots. It covered whatever it was there like a curtain, if the curtain itself was warped into a rough and crooked shape. I could only see the semnce of a silhouette of a round shape with it. But other than that, I knew not what this was. Even [Identification] didnt know what it was.
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
Huh.
Chapter 251: Distortion
Chapter 251: Distortion
251. Distortion
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
Huh.
I stared at the Cursed Boulder. Or the something Boulder. And I wasnt actually staring at it, more like looking in its general direction. I couldnt discern what it was entirely. It was a storm focused on a single spot, blotched and disarrayed by a deformed mixture of vibr ant colors.
It seemed to blur and break at its fringes. The only sign that something was behind this phenomenon was the semnce of a stone-like figure within it. It floated in the sky, and sunlight seemed to seep through it, not leaving a single sign of a shadow.
I crossed my arms, frowning.
Well, I dont even know its level. Should I should I fight it?
This obfuscated tempest raged on before me, tearing up thendscape without any specific target. I spotted small animals flying up alongside uprooted trees and joining the whirlwind before me. But it wasnt actually a whirlwind. Instead, it was some kind of levitation spell. Space magic.
Wait, actually
I didnt know its level. If it was stronger than me far stronger than me I would be caught and suffer the same fate those animals did. However, I did have something that could mitigate that.
I pulled out my Bag of Holding and produced a rainbow-colored chestpiece. The Breastte of Alexander. It glimmered underneath the sunlight, shining with the faint traces of the powerful magic within.
I hefted it over my blue jacket, feeling its effects take over me.
Temporary General Skill [Greater Status Effect Resistance] Obtained!
Temporary General Skill [Superior Aura of Greater Protection] Obtained!
Temporary General Skill [Repudiation Repulse] Obtained!
Alright. Lets try this now.
A barrier overcame my body as I approached the storm. I wanted to test it first. I didnt want to walk into death. When I got closer, I felt a strong tugging feeling like it was trying to yank me into the air towards it. I stood my ground I didnt need any additional help to stay on my feet.
However, it seemed that walking within distance of its magic alerted it of my presence. The Cursed Boulder, or whatever it actually was, suddenly halted. The storm calmed slightly as it seemed to turn towards me. I cocked my head.
Um, hello?
And from the center of the blur, a tree shot out. I leapt out of the way as it crashed into the earth. I frowned.
So, is this how you fight? You throw trees at people?
I was about tond when the pulling feeling returned. I found myself being thrown into the air for a moment, but a quick teleport got me back on the ground.
Now, thats just rude!
I straightened as an eerie echo came from whatever it was I was fighting. My own voice came back a garbled mess, like it was both repeated by it and a reflection of what I actually said. It hurled more trees at me, and I simply stood and let the attackse. It bounced off my [Superior Aura of Greater Protection], thanks to the Breastte of Alexander.
I wouldve just flown straight in and wed this thing in the face, but for whatever reason, it was trying to suck me in. Obviously, I was apprehensive of just striking it right away. I activated [nar Navigation] to figure out what was going on inside that storm.
The Skill told me that there was arge mass at the center, just as Id suspected. However, when I tried to make sense of what it was there with the Skill, my senses failed me. What I perceived caught me by surprise.
It was like Id been trying to run my fingers over a rosebush, but instead of the petal-soft touch of a flower, I was pricked by something sharp. Odd, jarring presences; thorns that poked out like Human teeth, chomping for my flesh while ants crawled up onto my arm before scattering all over my body. This susurration washed over me like I was thrust into the depths of the ocean as my entire body shivered from the coldness of the water and the darkness of the deep.
And the feeling did not end there. Because from the shadows, a horror of the ocean revealed itself to me. An abomination. A being of time itself. Twisted and vile, its power fleeting and overwhelming. A thing of many impossible angles and inverted dimensions that I couldnt even tell what I was looking at, and that even trying to understand it was like sticking needles into my head as it kept shifting and twisting and
And yeah, it was not a nice feeling at all.
What are you?
I narrowed my eyes. As if the thing heard my question, it decided to reveal itself. The cloak of many colors that distorted it was pulled back, showing the monster I was faced with.
It wasnt just arge, spherical piece of rock like Id been led to believe. The name Boulder was very misleading. Sure, it had bits of rocksprising its form but they were fractured. Not a whole, monolithic entity. Multiplerge boulders were mashed together into a craggy and uneven form, with deep cracks lining the edges where they were connected. The separate rocks didnt evene into contact with each other. They were held together by a powerful magic that seemed to warp the air around it.
But that was not all.
There were streaks of an azure-stain blotched over its body. One that melded together with the rocks, like it was sshed over its surface. Like the sky itself had been ripped down and adorned over it like ornaments. Bits of wooden splinters were tossed around it along with the remains of leaves and bushes and dirt. It was odd. That didnt seem like enough wood to havee from the entire forest. What happened to the rest of everything?
My questions were answered when a tree was ripped out of the ground and pulled into that vortex of jumbled things. It reached the distortion at the edges before being torn apart, melted, and pulled into the multi-colored aura covering the main body.
I crossed my arms.
Ok, so I definitely dont want to get close to you
However, the thing wanted to get closer to me. The multi-colored aura struck down at me, whipping out like some kind of whip made of water. Except, it wasnt a liquid that struck down. It was the condensed amalgamation of everything it stole converted into pure energy.
I leapt back as I saw the attacking. I didnt want to wait and see if the Breastte of Alexander was strong enough to withstand it. All I knew was that when it struck the ground, the earth seemed to dissolve in a way Id never seen before. Particles slowly rose up in distinct, blurred shapes before vanishing entirely.
How about this?
I grabbed a nearby rock and flung it straight at the thing. It absorbed it the moment it got closed. I blinked.
Well, what did I expect?
I sighed as it swept over thendscape with its multi-colored limbs. I dodged out of the way from those slow attacks, and it fired trees and debris at me. I didnt try to avoid those. The Breastte of Alexander would at least keep me safe from that.
Ok, if physical attacks dont work
I spread my arms wide, letting [Mystical Projection] protrude from my body. I used it to grab onto a nearby rock to yank me out of the way from the next iing attack. Then I sent the invisible arms towards the tempest, hoping to rip it apart bit by bit.
However, the closer my [Mystical Projection] got, the weaker my control over it felt. It was like my invisible arms were slowly growing more numb. Still, I powered through that oddity and grabbed onto the Cursed Boulders sides. I began to pull, watching as the cracked gaps between the haphazardly melded rocks widened
And the curtain closed around its body, covering it entirely once more. I blinked as my control over [Mystical Projection] dissipated entirely. Like I''d been kicked back and forced out of the spell.
What was that?
I stared as the Cursed Boulder was once again shrouded in a distortion that hid its true form. Then it spread out once again, like the wings of a butterfly reaching out to wrap over me from all sides. I teleported out of the way as it consumed everything within a hundred feet from it.
Seriously?
I nced down at what was left of the forest floor while the tempest grew in size. Everything that had been touched was slowly fading away, and the Cursed Boulder itself wasrger than before. The vortex around it wasrger than before.
I scowled. I really, really, really just wanted to create a storm of mes to counter it. But would that even work? Not that it mattered, since I wasnt allowed to use my Subspecies Skills, ording to the Devil.
The biggest problem right now was the vortex of colors around it. It cut off everything that tried to touch the Boulder itself. However, I noticed there was a short period of time where I could strike it. Potentially. I activated [Mystical Projection] once more as it came for me.
I hopped around, avoiding its simple tendril-like strikes, baiting it into cornering me against a tree. When it thought I was caught, it tried to do the same tactic as before. The vortex spread out, and I struck.
My invisible hands pummeled into the boulder, sending a ripple ofrge cracks over the already existing lines on its body. It reeled back, obviously hurt as its body began to crumble. I bared my teeth.
Not so strong now, are you?
Then the curtains began to close. The window of attack I had shut as it began its own counter. The glowing colors wrapped around me, and I deactivated [Mystical Projection] and nced up towards the sky. With a deep breath, I used [Long Range Teleport] to bring me out of the reaches of the vortex.
I found myself flying through the air, looking down at the distorted tempest far below me. Now, Id just have to regain my bearings, and I could repeat the attack to defeat the Cursed Boulder. I grinned, ready to try it again. But just as I was about to move, the distortion the vortex, the Boulder itself all vanished.
I blinked, and suddenly it was in front of me. It had teleported straight to my back. Before I could react, it caught me in its storm. A brilliant sh came from my armor, protecting me like a shield as a loud whirring was audible to my ears.
It tried to rip me apart tear me limb from limb but the Breastte of Alexander held its own for a moment. And I saw my chance there.
Instead of running, I stood my ground. I was being protected, and I would fight back. I activated [Mystical Projection] once more, grabbing for the core of the Boulder. I pulled it apart before it could tear me apart. The rocks the stone that held that abomination of a thing together fell apart, crumbling as the vortex dissipated.
Around me, chips of stone rained down from the sky as I fell like a falling leaf, gentlynding on the grass floor. Chunks of stone and parts of tree trunks fell inrge clumps, clustered together and shaking the earth as they crashed.
Iughed to myself as I sprawled on the floor, pumping a fist in the air.
Take that, stupid!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 55] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 56]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 56] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 57]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 57] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 58]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Three notifications resounded in my head, the toll of a bell marking the end of this battle. I smiled, d that Id finally taken care of that annoying opponent. But I paused.
Something was wrong. No, it wasnt just the fact that I only leveled up three times from this. It was the fact that I clearly hadnt met the requirements to reach my next advancement, as the Devil demanded. And more than that, Id leveled three times from nothing.
There was nothing telling me Id defeated the Cursed Boulder. Nothing that notified me Id won the battle.
I got to my feet, blinking as suddenly the world around me began to blur. Like a strong gust of wind had swept over thendscape. And from the craters that divoted the ground, the broken pieces of the Boulder rose up. Three of them. Each of them forming their own little tempest of distortion and colors.
My jaw dropped.
Are you serious?
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
Chapter 252: Pebbles
Chapter 252: Pebbles
252. Pebbles
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
[---- Boulder - Lvl.----]
So, how does that work?
I stared at the three Cursed Boulders hovering before me. Each of them were like a miniature version of the one Id just fought. They were smaller, yes. And they werentposed of all the debris thatde from the original Cursed Boulder. Remnants, yes. But many of the shattered pieces of rock and pebble and dirt were scattered around, still lying on the ground. It was just therge chunks thatd risen back up.
And they were ready to fight.
I felt my shoulders slump as the vortex reappeared around them. With only their silhouette, they turned to face me. I crossed my arms and faced the sky.
So, Sal, am I done with my task or not? Because Im supposed to destroy the Cursed Boulders, right? Not three of the Cursed Boulders?
There was no response. And the three remnants attacked.
I flipped through the air as their distorted and multi-colored tendrils struck out at me. They moved slower than before, far easier to dodge now. Somehow, because they were split apart, they were smaller and weaker. I always thought being tinier meant youd be faster, but that wasnt the case here.
One of the remnants teleported before me, trying to capture me within their storm. The same trick the original did. I knew now that the Breastte of Alexander could stave off their attacks. So, I took it head on as a pair of invisible arms grabbed the remnant. I pulled myself towards it with [Mystical Projection] as an aura shimmered around me. And with my ws, I smashed into the center stone.
The strike sent chunks of rock and debris flying everywhere, but it didnt kill the remnant. Not just yet. The other remnants tried to catch me as I spun around. I dodged their attacks, and while still holding onto the first remnant with [Mystical Projection], I began to crush it with my invisible hands.
I fell slowly as it began to crumble from the pressure. Just as it copsed entirely, the other two remnants appeared before me. Another teleportation. This time, in sync. They assailed me with their vortex at the same time, burning straight through the aura around me. I gritted my teeth as I spread my arms wide, gripping both of them at the same time to crush them just like I did with the first.
But Id be too slow. I already saw the aura failing. I realized that itd take too long. That I had to teleport out of there. However, just as I was about to use [Long Range Teleportation], I saw a red glow.
The Breastte of Alexander shifted. It normally glimmered and shone an iridescent wave of colors due to whatever enchantment it had. However, now its color began to grow uniform. Crimson. Like blood. As if it had been bleeding taking the attacks for me and now it was entirely stained from its own wounds.
My eyes narrowed as one of the temporary Skills it granted me echoed in my head.
[Repudiation Repulse].
I tapped a finger on the breastte, pouring my mana into it. I closed my eyes and inhaled.
It exploded.
A wave of force shot out in an instant. It expanded like a disc at first a ring that quickie expanded, followed by a powerful st in all directions. It was an explosion of all colors. One that consumed everything around me.
The two remnants of the Cursed Boulder were instantly obliterated. They were blown apart, turned into dust. There was nothing left behind. Everything that hadprised them had evaporated.
Even the bits of the sky Id seen was gone. I blinked and stared at the Breastte of Alexander.
Huh. Thats a surprise.
No!
A voice shouted. I nced up to see the Devil floating down towards me. He wore a scowl on his face and crossed his arms when hended.
No! No! No! No! No!
Um, whats wrong?
I cocked my head as he continued shouting. Behind him, I watched the remains of the first remnant begin to form another two remnants. I raised a hand to crush them with [Mystical Projection].
Wait, wha
You!
He pointed at me, cutting me off. I nodded.
Salvos.
Yes, Salvos. You. Why did you use the Breastte of Alexander to destroy them? I told you to destroy the Cursed Boulder with your ss Skills!
I mean, you just said I couldnt use my Subspecies Skills. You didnt tell me I couldnt use it.
It was implied
He closed his eyes and massaged his temples. I watched him ruminate over this as the two remnants behind him were fully formed. I shrugged.
Look, you just told me to level up my ss and their Skills. And I did exactly that!
I doubled checked the new notifications in my head
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 58] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 59]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 59] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 60]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Yep, I was Level 60 now. So, I did not defy the Devils instructions at all. I was doing exactly what I was told to do. Why was he upset?
Alright.
He finally spoke in a tired voice.
That breastte gives you a Skill. One thats able to absorb attacks and reflect them to your enemies after a critical point. Thats why itpletely destroyed everything around it.
The remnants rose from the ground as he continued.
However, in doing so, you diminished the number of foes youd have for the future.
What do you mean?
This Cursed Boulder or well, thats what the Beastmen call them. They are not so much cursed. More corrupted, yes. But that doesnt matter for now.
He snapped his fingers, trapping the pair in what appeared to be a ss box before they couldsh out at him. I knew it wasnt a ss box with one nce at it. But it sure looked like one.
What Im saying is that you wont be able to reach your next ss advancement because of this. These two are the smallest theyll go.
He gestured at the remnants. They were pretty much pebbles at this point. Norger than my head.
Once they are gone, youll have no more levels to gain from them.
Huh.
That made sense. I just had no idea that theyd only break down so far. I was expecting them to turn into tiny little dust monsters. Although, if that were the case, would I even be able to destroy all of them? In which case, it would be an impossible task. Toplete the task, it logically meant that theyd stop breaking into smaller pieces at some point. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Well, cant I just reach my next advancement by Level 65?
I gave him a hopeful look. He shook his head.
If you truly wish to achieve that, I advise you to find other ways of defeating them. One that doesnt rely on pure brawn, and one that doesnt rely on your artifacts, either.
The Devil pped his hands lightly, and the two remnants of the corrupted thing began to fly around away from me. I reached out to stop them, but Sal stopped me.
For now, I suggest you let them roam free. Otherwise, you wouldnt even be able to gain five levels from them. Find some other monsters to hunt in the meantime. Whatever it takes toplete this task.
I furrowed my brows.
Wait, so you want me to let them grow big again?
That is correct.
He nodded.
And they can do that just by?
I watched as the remnants gathered dust and small pebbles to reform themselves, very slowly. Gradually. They couldnt lift trees like the original had been able to. These were tiny, and what they could consume were equally as tiny.
Yes, they absorb their surroundings to grow their size. Anything and everything can be a part of them.
I narrowed my eyes, fixing my gaze on the specks of azure on them. Marks of the sky.
Anything?
The Devils eyes glinted knowingly.
Yes.
With a tap of his hoof, he spun around and created a portal. I tapped a finger on my chin as a thought crossed my mind.
Where do they evene from, anyway? Ive never seen or heard of anything like that before.
He paused before the hole in space. The Devil nced back at me.
Theye from the Ennds.
He answered simply.
Or, at least, whats left of the Ennds.
Wheres that?
I cocked my head.
Somewhere far, far away.
With that, he ced one of his hooves through the portal as though he was walking through a doorway. Another thought crossed my mind.
Wait!
He frowned as he stopped once more.
What is it now? More questions?
No, I just
I thought of the Beastmen. The destroyed tribes the vengeance in Mountaintooths eyes.
If I let these corrupted pebbles, or whatever theyre called, run free, wouldnt they kill a lot of people?
They would.
The Devil tilted his head, facing me curiously.
Is that a problem?
I paused. I thought about it for a moment.
No, there isnt a problem.
Good.
And the Devil vanished.
Chapter 253: Height of Hubris
Chapter 253: Height of Hubris
253. Height of Hubris
You actually did it
Mountaintooth stared at me with wide eyes. Around me, the other Beastmen of the Furious Whispers Tribe gathered. Their gaze was fixed on the stone I was holding.
It was like any other pebble. A regr uneven piece of rock that wrinkled the earth. However, there was one thing that distinguished it one thing that made it different. And that was the streak of blue sshed across its surface.
[Corrupted Skystone - ---- ]
Is that really a piece of the sky on it?
Amberarm ced a paw on her mouth as she backed up behind the others.
I think so.
I shrugged. I had picked it up after my battle with the Cursed Boulder once the Devil had left me. It was proof that I did my part and got revenge for Mountaintooth and the Swift Hill Warriors. The boy bowed deeply, prostrating on the ground before me.
Thank you so much.
He didnt meet my gaze as he spoke. Beside him, Tuktox smiled.
You have done us a great honor, Salvos. We thank you on behalf of all the tribes. This act of yours will never be forgotten.
Never be forgotten?
I blinked. The eldest ushered me out of the tent. I followed him to a small clearing in between the mass of tents. There, I paused as I saw a totem being built. One of a [Lion Beastman] with silver fur. And beneath it, a name was inscribed.
Salvos, Avenger of the Swift Hill Warriors.
I blinked.
Huh.
This is but proof of our gratitude.
Tuktox spoke slowly. I could see the slightest hint of regret on his face, mixed in with the smile he ostensibly wore.
We wish wed been there to help you. However, our levels are iparable to your own. And unlike the Swift Hill Warriors, our tribe does notpose of fighters. If we had joined you, wed have been nothing more than burdens.
Its fine!
I was d they didnt follow. If they did, Id have to share my experience with them. And I probably wouldve had to protect them. However
I nced over at the totem. My lips pressed together, forming a thin line.
This
It is the least we can do, after what you have done for us.
Tuktox patted me on the shoulder. I nced over at the Beastmen working on the totem. Then at the passersby. A [Bear Beastman] paused as her cubs pointed at the totem, whispering to their mother. One of the [Ape Beastmen] hammering away waved at them and gestured at the sign. The [Bear Beastmen] read it and gasped.
I sighed, turning to Tuktox.
I mean, you dont have to do all this.
Oo, nonsense. Such is the least we can do for you. Especially after what youve done for us believe me when I say this: it is a boon to all our tribes.
Of course! I am pretty amazing, yep!
I nodded eagerly. But I couldnt help but feel my shoulders sag as a thought crossed my mind. In a sense, I was lying to the Beastmen, wasnt I? I told them I defeated the Cursed Boulder and I did, but I also didnt. Taking credit for something I didnt do just felt
Now,e, rest. You must be tired. And you should prepare yourself for the feast tonight.
It felt wrong.
--
Tuktox showed me to a ceremonial tent and provided me with a set of robes to wear for tonights feast. I thanked him, and he left. However, before taking his leave, he gave me a look over.
Oo, of course, when you attend the feast, we hope that you will show up as a [Lion Beastman]. Im not sure how you performed that trick, and you dont have to force yourself to do it if you do not wish to. We simply feel that itd be more appropriate.
Sure! And therell be bugs at the feast, right?
Plenty.
I smiled and thanked Tuktox. Then he was gone, and I was all by myself in the dimly lit tent. I sat down, crossed my legs, and stared at the dress. It was a beige dress that would go down to my knees. It had beads and other trinkets sewn onto the thread, with sshes of color added into the mix around the neck.
I didnt wear it. Not just yet. Instead, I simply sat there. Silent. Quiet. Not making a sound
Ugh!
I groaned and copsed to the ground. My back pressed against the straw floor as I sighed.
Look, its not lying. I did destroy the Cursed Boulder! I even brought back proof!
I held up the Corrupted Skystone against amp.
Its not my fault that it multiplies whenever it breaks.
My eyes flickered towards the tent ps. I saw Beastmen busying about outside, walking as they talked to each other. Whispering. Their mouths moved, and I heard a name.
Salvos.
They were praising me. They conversed about this great act Id carried out for their tribe. And for the Swift Hill Warriors. But somewhere out there, the remnants of the Cursed Boulder wandered about. Mere pebbles inparison to the original, but with the potential to grow equally as big and powerful.
My shoulders slumped.
Ok, maybe its a bit of a lie. But its not a big lie, right? Its kind of the truth.
I didnt really know who I was talking to. Maybe I was talking to myself. Or maybe I was talking to the words that oft appeared in my head. The ones that defined me.
At any moment, I expected it to resound as it usually did. To hear it echo. But it did not. I closed my eyes and hugged my legs.
Its the truth, so why am I not getting that Title?
Avenger of the Swift Hill Warriors.
That was what they were all saying. That was what Tuktox called me. I shouldve been granted a Title for my feat for defeating the Cursed Boulder and getting revenge on Mountaintooths behalf. That was how it normally worked, right?
Yet, I didnt get anything despite that. No Title was bestowed upon me. And the fact dawned soon enough.
I lied.
I lied to the Furious Whispers Tribe. They all believe I was something I was not. My reputation amongst them was entirely fabricated. It frustrated me. I was being praised something that I normally liked but for all the wrong reasons.
I didnt destroy the Cursed Boulder. I didnt get revenge for the Swift Hill Warriors. Instead, I let the remnants run free to destroy more tribes. What would happen if they found out about this? My reputation here would be in shambles. The lie that predicated what the Beastmen thought of me already annoyed me, and if they found out the truth, it would only exacerbate my annoyance.
Also, Saffron told me about that, didnt she? Something about upholding my reputation. I didnt want to be misrepresented. Especially not negatively, but I also found the idea of being misrepresented positively annoying.
When it was based on facts, I reveled in praise: the fact that I was amazing; the fact that I was Salvos; the fact that I was a Demon; the fact that I was powerful; and the fact that I was a genius.
But this? I hated it.
This sinking feeling continued to bubble up inside of me, even as I got dressed for the feast. I walked around arge bonfire and munched on an eclectic array of bugs, scowling the entire time. Night fell, and I was still upset. It continued to simmer as I tried to avoid chatting with all the Beastmen that thanked me for my help.
I stayed away from the crowd, eating by myself and gouging on food to make myself feel better. And as I stood up to grab another te, I saw a small figure waiting for me.
Mountaintooth shifted slightly as I approached him.
Hey.
I greeted him, not as cheerily as I normally would. The cub lowered his head.
Hrr, hello.
Is there something you need? If its my bugs, Im just about to grab some from Tuktox.
O-oh, no I was just
He averted his gaze, and I blinked. Did he know the truth? Was he here to confront me about it? But no. Mountaintooth spoke softly.
I was wondering if you could teach me to be as strong as you.
I cocked my head.
Huh?
You saved my life. You defeated the Cursed Boulder. You did all of that in a day. Youre amazing, elder hrr, I mean, Salvos.
He shook his head and took a step forward.
Thats so amazing. I was the son of the eldest in my tribe, but I am nothing. My name was given to me in hopes that Id be a strong [Warriors]. An elite fighter of the tribe. That Id grow up to and earn myself a Subspecies, just like my father.
I watched as he helplessly gesticted to himself. Then his expression soured. The cub nced over at hispanions who were off to the side, hiding from the celebration. Even though the atmosphere amongst the Furious Whispers Tribe was jovial, it seemed that the mood didnt spread to the remaining cubs of the Swift Hill Warriors.
Mountaintooth closed his eyes.
I wish to be strong. So that next time this happens, Ill be able to protect my friends.
I paused. I thought for a moment about mypanions how often Id throw myself into danger for them. Then I thought about what would happen if Mountaintooth found out the truth. That I lied.
And I made up my mind.
I walked up to the [Lion Beastman] cub, bending over to meet his gaze. He tried to back up, but I ced both my hands on his shoulder.
You cant be as amazing as me, silly.
Mountaintooths eyes grew wide. He hesitated.
O-oh
But you can still be amazing.
I continued, and he blinked.
What do you mean?
Im saying you can be amazing. Just not like me.
I straightened, letting go of him.
And I cant be amazing like you, either. It makes sense, right? I am Salvos, and you are Mountaintooth. Were not the same person. Were not rocks. Youre not a pebble on the ground, just like all the others.
He continued to stare at me as I looked down at the tiny gray stones carpeting the earth.
And neither are you a pebble to trample over.
I whispered to myself. Mountaintooths ears quirked.
Did you say something else?
Nope!
I beamed and started past him.
Anyway, theres no reason for you to strive to be amazing like me. You cant. But you can strive to be amazing. You can be amazing. Im sure of it.
Mountaintooth looked down at himself at his paws in wonder. Then he spun around as I continued on.
Wait, where are you going?
Im Salvos, Avenger of the Swift Hill Warriors, arent I?
I nced back at him, grinning.
Im off to be amazing!
And I teleported out of the tribe. I sped away from the cluster of tents, waving at Mountaintooth as I went. I ran through the ins up the valleys and mounds, and sprinting over the asional nds.
I arrived back where I fought the Cursed Boulder, or whatever it was called. There, I activated [nar Navigation] to track the remnants down.
They didnt go far. They spent too much time in each area, consuming the earth, the air, the water, and the sky. The two remnants stayed close together, and they were slightly bigger than before. But not massivelyrger in size.
I crossed my arms, greeting them with bare teeth.
Hello! Sorry, I know youre eating, but
They turned towards me, unleashing their distorted vortex my way. I leapt over the attack and flipped over the air. I spread my arms, attempting to crush them with [Mystical Projection]. However, they receded back, covering themselves once again. Like turtles, hiding in their shells.
I narrowed my eyes. I couldnt harm them like this. Not unless I charged straight into their distortion. However, that would hurt me. If I didnt have the Breastte of Alexander, it would inflict serious injuries to me.
I tried to pry open the multi-colored storm with my invisible limbs, but each time I tugged it slightly, it returned to shelling over the corrupted stones. However, I realized one thing when trying to rip its defenses apart. I could physically grab it.
After all, the storm mightve been a deformed mess of everything it absorbed, but it was still made up of actual materials. I could grab onto it. I could move it. And that gave me an idea.
I dashed forward, heading straight for the first remnant. It didnt budge. It refused to fight me. But I was indignant. I pointed at it aiming for the distorted vortex.
[Scatter Shift].
And a bit of the colors covering it vanished. The streaks of blurred objects appeared a dozen feet to the side, wanting to fly back to the remnant. However, I was faster. I leapt in through that hole, shing out with my ws.
All it took next was a few strikes, and the first remnant fell apart. It was only slightlyrger than my head. It didnt put up much of a fight.
The second remnant somehow registered what happened. It realized I could prate its defenses. So, itshed out at me in a panic. I simply snapped my fingers, redirecting its attacks with [Scatter Shift]. Then I used [Mystical Projection] to grab the corrupted stone at the center and pulled it towards me.
I cleaved it in twain, killing both remnants with ease. I waited for a moment carefully watching the fallen debris of the remnants. They didnt budge. It was dead.
Defeated [---- ---- ---- - Lvl.----]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 60] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 61]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 61] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 62]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Title Avable]
Chapter 254: Law of the Netherworld
Chapter 254: Law of the Netherworld
254. Law of the Netherworld
I stood amongst debris of corrupted earth and stone and sky. They faintly glimmered in the dark of the night, almost distorted in the same way [Identification]s results came out with a jumbled mess. I shook my head, instead focusing on the words that resounded in my head.
The first thing I did was distribute my secondary Stat Points. Id leveled significantly for my ss since the Devil assigned this task to me. The Cursed Boulder or corrupted piece of the world or whatever had granted me a lot of experience for each form I killed. 10 levels in such a short amount of time. That was 20 secondary Skill Points.
I maxed out [Mystical Projection], [Scattery Shift], and [nar Navigation], before bringing [Long Range Teleportation] to Level 10. With that, I only had a single secondary Skill left unmaxed. And that was [Long Range Teleportation].
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 110
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 62
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 136 (+25)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 213 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 270 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 7
[Haste] - Lvl. 10
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 5
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 10
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[Titles Avable]
Once I was finished with that, I focused on thest bit in my Status. I had earned a Title or was it Titles, plural?
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for two Titles have been met!
You now have five Titles avable!
Titles:
(Unariths Fiend)
You have in the High Zealot of Unarith and brought chaos and fear into the city! The terror you have caused makes you a Demon in the eyes of the Cult of the Old Gods, bolstering your spirit and your pride!
+5 to [Vitality]
+7 to [Strength]
+3 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+5 to [Agility]
(Scale Champion)
You have won the Trial of the Scales, bringing victory on behalf of the Risen Dragons! They see you as their champion, the brave warrior who fought for their cause, earning you their praise and gratitude!
+4 to [Vitality]
+4 to [Strength]
+4 to [Endurance]
+4 to [Wisdom]
+4 to [Agility]
(Savior of Falisfield)
You have liberated Nixasrgest province of Falisfield from a rampaging Greater Demon! You have saved the city of Silvergrove from falling, and avenged all those who have been killed in the destruction! You are a hero in the peoples eyes!
+3 to [Vitality]
+5 to [Strength]
+5 to [Endurance]
+3 to [Wisdom]
+3 to [Agility]
The first three Titles listed were Titles Id already seen before. Ones Id gained way back a few years ago. When I first fought Lucerna, and when I fought Zix. It felt like such a long time ago. And it was. Years back. Or just over a year back, for the Kobolds.
They were, however, no good to me. I knew that. So, I chose to only focus on the two new Titles I was granted.
(Avenger of the Swift Hill Warriors)
You have enacted revenge on behalf of a Beastmen tribe! Your name has earned renown throughout the Beastmen ins for letting the dead rest after their ughter! You are an Avenger!
+10 to [Vitality]
+15 to [Strength]
+10 to [Endurance]
+10 to [Wisdom]
+10 to [Agility]
The first Title, the Avenger of the Swift Hill Warriors, wasnt bad. It was better than the other Titles I had avable. However, it was iparable to the Title I currently had Liberator of the gunds. The fact that being an Avenger wasnt terrible was a nice surprise, but I saw no reason to forsake my current Title for it.
However, the next avable Title piqued my interest.
(Defender of the Nexeus)
You have destroyed a corrupted piece of the world! It may only be a single piece, but it is more than many have done in dozens of millenia! In doing so, youve taken up the mantle of Dragons in protecting Nexeus from its doom!
+15 to [Vitality]
+15 to [Strength]
+15 to [Endurance]
+15 to [Wisdom]
+15 to [Agility]
Huh, interesting.
I tapped a finger on my chin. Dragons? So, the Kobolds were right! And this thing Id fought was rted to that.
Not that I really cared, honestly. It was just intriguing. Also, the Title itself wasnt as good as my current Title. However, it could possibly offer an even better Title Skill. It certainly sounded very unique. Although, all Titles were supposed to be quite rare in the first ce, anyway.
But even still, this Title was different. I could just tell. It had more gravity to it and it seemed like only the first Title in a line of Titles that would only get better. Now, the question was, did I want a decrease in Stats for the possibility of a better Title Skill?
Before I could make the decision, a voice drew my attention.
You destroyed the Cursed Boulder.
I nced up, and the Devil hovered above me. He had a pair of dark red wings that seemed to glow in the moonlight. They pped gently as he cast his gaze over me. I nodded.
Yep! And
And you havent reached your next ss advancement.
He stared at me in displeasure. I took a step back, hesitating. His voice was deep disappointed. He was not his usual self at all. Crossing his arms, hended and tapped a hoof on the ground.
You failed.
The Devil spoke in a t voice. I opened my mouth to protest
And he snapped his fingers.
--
Everything around me vanished. I felt like I was falling down into the very depths of the ocean. Tumbling, turning trying to take it all without fainting. But this feeling did not ease. Instead, it was exacerbated. It was like I was swimming in a sea of darkness; every direction was meaningless, and a deep silence encroached on me from all sides. The only reprieve I saw was the glimmer of light up ahead. I swam to it, hoping that itd lead me to my salvation. But when I reached it, I found myself caught in a trap. No different from a fish flopping in a trawl.
I opened my eyes, finding my senses returning to me. I was once again in the everchanging fractal box of the Devil. Iy t on my back, staring up at the supermassive ck hole above. I groused and rubbed my head.
Ugh, whyd you do that? You couldve at least given me a warning!
You failed me, my daughter. I gave you a simple task, and you failed.
The Devil repeated himself. I rolled my eyes.
I heard you the first time you said it!
It was not a difficult task. All you had to do was wait a few days. A week, at most. But instead, you were impatient. You destroyed the corrupted debris of the Cursed Boulder before it could grow in size. Why?
His gaze bore into me, and I hesitated. He didnt seem upset more so disappointed. However, I had a perfectly valid exnation and reasoning behind my actions!
I did it because I said Id do it. That is all.
He titled his head, clearly perplexed. I waved a hand off.
Anyway, I thought it wasnt that big of a deal. Its not like thats the only monster like that, right? They called it the Cursed Boulder, but thats not truly what it is, isnt it? Its not cursed. Its corrupted.
His eyes narrowed slightly as I continued.
And if its corrupted, that means that even more things can be corrupted too! If you really want me to reach my next advancement fighting them, why not just bring me to the Ennds? You said it yourself, thats where theye from, right?
I finished. And the Devil harrumphed.
Salvos, do you really think that you can survive even a day in the Ennds?
His face twisted as I blinked.
The Cursed Boulder was but a mere pebble of what you can find there.
He raised a hand and balled it into a fist.
Even I would not find it easy to survive its harsh environment. Imagine a corruption just like the distortion you saw but spread over a vast amount ofnd. Where an entire section of the sky would rip itself free to end your life. To shred your very being to its soul. Storms of uncontrolled, pixted energy. Like the world itself is broken.
I stared at the expression on Sals face. It was one Id never seen before.
Even Lesser Gods can perish there. In fact, many of them have. That is why the Worldwalkers of old abandoned the Nexeus.
The Devil shook his head.
I cannot guarantee that the next corrupted piece of the world will cross the ocean within the next year, decade, or century. Nor can I guarantee that it will be as powerful as the one you saw today. The others that have made it in the past were often ebbed by the monsters of the sea. And perhaps that is a fortune to the mortals in Secely. For if stronger ones make it past the ocean, theyd bring widespread cmity with them.
His eyes flickered as I shifted slightly. I met his gaze with some apprehension, and I finally realized what he was feeling. Disappointment.
Such fortuitous timing for your training ruined. And for what? All because you made a promise to some mortals? Ridiculous.
I watched him sigh. For whatever reason, I felt kind of bad because of that. However, I also felt the need to still defend myself. I gestured at him and protested.
You were the one who said it before I am an Archdemon of Pride. I cannot just stand around and let my reputation be tarnished!
The Devil paused. He tapped a finger on his chin, pondering it for a moment.
Pride in recognition. Of course, it is fitting for you.
Exactly!
I nodded eagerly, d that he got what I was saying. But that wasnt enough for him. The Devil turned around, clicking his tongue.
However, you have forgotten yourself. You have grown too ustomed to living amongst others. And that, perhaps, is my own mistake here.
His voice grew softer towards the end. Like he was airing out his own regrets. Then he spun back to face me.
It is no matter. I told you I would teach you a Grand Skill which I will. All I will have to do is adjust my lessons. Treat you harsher. But most of all, remind you of what truly matters in your life. Above all else.
I couldnt help but feel a prickling feeling crawl up my back as he said that.
Um, what exactly do you mean by that?
I asked, and he smiled.
Tell me, daughter. Do you still wish to undergo my lessons? This is yourst chance to back away from it.
The Devil spoke forebodingly. I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off.
You may die.
And that was enough to make me reconsider my response. Sal peered at me as he tapped a finger on his elbow with folded arms.
However, it is an important lesson. One that you need to learn. Or rather, relearn. Because you seem to have lost sight of it. The onew that governs the Netherworld. The very same thing every Demon learns at their birth. The only thing that truly matters.
He leaned closer to me, whispering.
Your survival.
The Devil pulled away from me and gave me a challenge.
Now, will you stay and learn a Grand Skill, Salvos? Or will you turn tails and flee?
I bit my lower lip. Then I met his gaze, determined.
Ill stay.
Good.
He grinned, and the world disappeared once more.
Chapter 255: Interlude - Saffrons Scripture
Chapter 255: Interlude - Saffron''s Scripture
255. Interlude - Saffron''s Scripture
The night was cold and dark. A small flickering me gave warmth to a young noble-woman as she trudged her way through the forest. Her feet sank with each step. The ground grew murky as though shed entered a swamp. She raised one of her legs, seeing the brown staining the bottom of her boots.
Were getting close.
Saffron Merryster spoke as she pressed on. The three figures following her nodded.
The ball of fire hovered over her hand, expanding slowly to light up the path. They finally made their way out of the dank forest, and a tall castle unveiled itself standing atop a hill. It had high stone walls with crions lining its towers; there was a thinyer of moss and vines creeping over the gray bricks of the fortress, typically a sign of age and neglect, but here it meant something else.
Is this it?
Behind her, her brother, Feirdun Merryster asked. He was the second oldest of the Merryster brothers three years younger than Cinne Merryster, and nearly half a decade older than Saffron herself.
Thats right, youve never been here before, have you?
The third figure turned to Feirdun, curious. Mons Merryster, the eldest daughter and second child of the Merryster Family, peered at her younger brother. She had short ck hair that matched their Mothers, with a calm and inquisitive personality that was closer to their Fathers.
Norweed Keep. Estate of the illustrious Norwood Family. When Saffron was little, I used to bring her to visit every summer. Its a shame that you and Gannons betrothal never went through.
A small, almost nostalgic smile crept its way across her face. Saffron shook her head and flicked back her pink hair.
Perhaps if you had not taught me how to defy Father by marrying amoner, Id be engaged with Gannon today. Anyway, that is not why were here.
Yes, were here to warn them, arent we?
Mons tapped a light finger against her chin. Saffron started towards the castle.
Come on. Let us not waste anymore time.
Her two siblings exchanged a nce.
Ive forgotten how serious she often was.
Well, you miss a lot when youre gone.
Feirdun replied, rolling his eyes. Mons clicked her tongue but didnt retort. They followed after Saffron as the fourth figure slowly trailed behind. They reached the entrance of the castle, and Saffron raised her magical me. A guard appeared atop the wall and shouted.
Halt! Who goes there!
Saffron produced a crest and held it next to her fire.
I am Saffron Merryster of the Merryster Dukedom, and these are my siblings. We are here to speak with senator Gannon Norwood.
The guards eyes flickered some sort of Skill that helped his vision.
Well inform wait
His eyes widened as he stared at something past Saffron.
What is that?
She nced back at the fourth figure and sighed.
Oh no.
Standing there with her arms crossed was Salvos. Or rather, a kind of duplicate of Salvos. One made entirely of gentle gold mes that glowed softly in the night. Shed been apanying Saffron for the past few weeks and guarding her, so her presencepletely slipped the young noble-womans mind.
Its a monster! Raise the al
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!
Saffron yelled, waving her arms at the guards. Her screams drew their attention enough for them to hesitate, and she quickly spoke out.
Shes not dangerous! I mean she wont harm you as long as you dont harm her. Isnt that right, Salvos?
She quickly turned to the Salvos clone, expecting a nod of assurance. Her eyes twitched when she saw the clone was already creating a Primordial Bow.
That
Its going to attack us!
The guards scrambled for the walls enchantments. Saffron tensed as the Salvos clone continued drawing her bow. But a cool voice cut through the chaos.
Let me handle this, sister.
Mons stepped forward and cleared her throat.
[I Believe Theres Been a Misunderstanding].
The effects of a Skill instantly gripped Saffron. She watched as the guards slowed in their movements. A hagglers Skill. One unbefitting a noble like her, but one she had anyway.
Its effects were like a mix of mind and sound magic. For whatever reason, her voice was louder and more imposing than anyone else around. The way her words inflected made her more persuasive or at least, it made them more amenable to hear her out.
That is not a monster. It is a summon. Our summon. So, there is no need to cause a panic.
They paused. They exchanged uneasy nces with each other. However, before they coulde to a decision, another voice spoke out.
Hm, yes, I do believe theres no need to waste my spells.
A woman dressed in nts walked past the guards and leant on the battlements. She peered down at Saffron, smiling.
It has been a while, little Saffron, little Mons. It is a pleasure to see you again.
The young noble-woman blinked.
Zin Norwood?
[Druid - Lvl. 134]
--
Zin Norwood, former matriarch of the Norwood Family, sat before Saffron, Mons, and Feirdun in a room covered in nts. The [Druid] raised a porcin ss as a tree branch poured some herbal tea for her.
So, children of the Merryster Family, what brings you here?
You know why were here. Its about the situation in Nixa.
Saffron replied as she sipped from her own cup of tea.
Ah, of course. Although, now that Nixa has been burnt to the ground, Id say that its a situation for all of the Humannds to deal with.
Zin smiled and lowered her ss. Saffrons lips twisted.
This isnt a light matter,dy Zin.
Please, little Saffron. Im not ady. Just call me aunt Zin.
That was right all the major Vampire families were nobility, except for the Norwood Family. They had been, once, years ago. But they gave up our Ducal privileges for political power when Shedos transitioned to a republic.
After all, I am simply the mother of a senator.
Where is senator Gannon Norwood, anyway?
Feirdun asked, ncing around.
My son is currently at the Capital, attending to matters rted to the Primeval Demon after all, Shedos does not want to be the next to fall.
Saffron gritted her teeth. It was so ridiculous. The countries of the Humannds should be working together, but instead, here they were, devising ns to protect themselves. The only foolproof n to ensure thatd happen would be to assail and defeat the Primeval Demon together.
The same thing had been happening with the Vampire Families. It was a folly of everyone involved. They all wanted to save themselves, so they neglected others. But in doing so, they doomed themselves. Because only by working together could they bring down the Primeval Demon.
Zin tilted her head as Saffron balled her hands into tight fists. The [Druid] spoke softly.
I see that youre upset about the turn of events. And I know things are dire right now, but there is always hope. Your father surviving the attack on Nightsveil is proof of that.
Her words were meant to be reassuring. However, it only made Saffron even more upset. After all, Father wouldnt be alive right now if not for Salvos.
Saffrons eyes flickered to the side. The Salvos clone was stalking a fly as it buzzed its way over the flowers growing on the wall. She snatched it up to bite it, only to dete when she realized she had no mouth.
I am thankful that my family managed to escape the destruction of Nixa mostly unscathed. However, I fear that the same fate could befall the other Vampire Families. And that is why Im here.
The young noble-woman stood up, speaking as Zin raised a curious brow.
Father and Cinne are currently visiting the Veridian Family to deliver the same message. To warn you that the Primeval Demon wille after your families, just like it did ours.
And that made the [Druid] freeze. She stared at Saffron, her expression unchanging, even though the silence was telling. The young noble-woman continued.
It is targeting your family, just like it targeted ours. We have something it wants
The treasures of Alexander.
Zin spoke over her.
Thats right. I how did you know that?
Saffron paused, and Zin snapped a finger. One of the guards standing by shuffled out of the room.
You havent told me, little Saffron, little Mons, who exactly is this friend of yours?
The [Druid]s rxed in her seat as she waited for the guard to return. Mons simply smiled.
I havent had much time to get to know her, either. But Saffron says shes a friend. I believe her name is Salver?
The Salvos clones head snapped up as she raised an arm. She looked like she was trying to protest, but no words came out. Saffron sighed, massaging her temples.
Her name is Salvos. Shes the one who helped save Father during Nightsveils fall. But this isnt really her its a Skill she has.
Interesting. So, this is the famed Liberator of the gunds. Even for a projection? A manifestation? I can tell that shes quite powerful.
Saffron watched as the Salvos clone lit up, beaming even with no face.
Shes not that strong.
Feirdun crossed his arms, grumbling. Apparently, he had some history with Salvos. He wouldnt say what it was, but Mother had exined what happened to Saffron. Apparently, when Salvos visited the Merryster manor around half a year ago, she easily defeated Feirdun in battle.
Zin chuckled, and Mons turned to her with an intrigued look.
Youve heard of her, Ms Zin?
Come on now, I said to call me aunt Zin. And yes, I have. A student of Mavos Academys prestigious School of Aspiring Elites, and one of the three adventurers to destroy the Lich of the gunds.
Thats impressive. Im surprised my dear sister managed to befriend someone so important. But careful, Saffron.
Mons eyes glinted as she faced the young noble-woman.
Your Lady is showing.
Saffron red back.
Salvos is a close friend of mine. I met her before she even gained the level of notoriety she has today. Im not using her for anything.
The Salvos clone cocked her head, clearly confused, and Saffron scowled.
Whatever, that doesnt matter right now Ms Zin, how exactly did you know that the Primeval Demon is going after Alexanders treasures?
Well, beyond simply surmising from the context clues youve given me. Ive also made my own discoveries.
Zin spoke as a rapping resounded from the doorway. The Merryster siblings and the Salvos clone nced over at the sound. The guard returned, dragging with him a heavy sack to Zins side. She dismissed him and got to her feet.
Saffron had an inkling of what was inside the sack before Zin even opened it. But she leaned over, anyway, intently watching as the [Druid] used a vine to untie it. A body flopped out a corpse. Mons blinked, and Feridun stood up with wide eyes.
It seems that this is a coordinated effort.
Zin spoke simply. Saffron pursed her lips.
This is
An Archdemon. One that had made an attempt on my life a week ago. It was after the Greaves of Alexander.
The body hadnt even begun to rot despite being a week old. It was a Demon with beastial qualities. It almost looked like a giant dog, except with six legs instead of just four.
The young noble-woman turned to Feirdun, tapping a finger on her chin.
A week ago. Thats when the Primeval Demon destroyed Nightsveil.
And an Archdemon too it had to have been a coordinated effort.
Feirdunpleted the thought for her. The four Vampires gave each other uneasy looks. Theyd thought that the only threat they had to be wary of was the Primeval Demon. That had been a big enough problem on its own. But now, the realization sank in that that wouldnt be all they had to deal with.
Other Demons woulde for their lives. Theyde for the treasures of Alexander, just as Belzu was doing.
Regnorex is at the gates.
Saffron closed her eyes, whispering. Zin shook her head and ced a hand on Saffrons shoulder.
Im sorry, little Saffron. Youre wrong.
She stepped over the corpse of the Archdemon and tied it back into the sack. A guard hauled it away as her brows arched darkly over her face.
Regnorex is already here.
Chapter 256: Dont Die
Chapter 256: Don''t Die
256. Don''t Die
The Devil had issued me a challenge. Sure, he said a bunch of things too like how Id forgotten something or yada yada yada. I didnt care about most of what he said except for the bit at the end he thought Id run away just because he said a few scary things. Well, I was better than that. And I wanted to learn a Grand Skill. So, I epted this grueling training he offered me.
He snapped his fingers, and his little realityttice vanished around me. I once again found myself immersed in a floating feeling before the ground reappeared beneath my feet. Inded with a wet st. Not exactly the sound I was expecting to hear when my feet touched the dirt.
Also, not the kind of coarse earth Id expected to stand on. Itd have been less jarring if the Devil had just dropped me in the middle of the ocean. As it was now, only the soles of my shoes were ufortably soggy, and the rest of my body remained on drynd. I stared at this odd soil some sort of crimson dirt that sank like mud.
I ced a wed hand on the ground, curious, and found that this red soil was warm to touch. Then I nced around me. I stood at the very bottom of a deep, gaping ravine. Normal ravines were probably about a hundred-or-so feet deep with a ten foot distance between the cliff walls, but not only was I probably thousands feet below the surface, the gap of the ravine was also hundreds of feet wide.
Where exactly am I?
I could barely see an inkling of the sky above me. It was a dark blue with a tinge of orange. Night had ended, and dawn hade to take its ce with the smearings of a soft amber-tipped brush. The golden sphere that would probably be peeking its way out of the horizon was nowhere to be seen from the depths I currently stood at.
However, there was something odd about the sky because I could almost see the translucent image of a glowing orb up above. Which shouldnt be possible. And there was a bit of a re too one that was cast against the azure above in a wrinkling ripple.
Sal smiled as he studied my puzzled expression.
Confused, are you? Were about three miles below the surface in arge air bubble underneath the sea.
Huh. Is that why the sky looks weird?
Hmm, I wouldnt say thats why its discolored. If we were three miles underwater, I would say that light wouldnt even pierce this deep. But, you see, theres no water above us for most of the three miles. The sea ends after only three hundred feet where it breaks into this ravine.
Wait, whats stopping the water from just falling?
I cocked my head. He chuckled.
There wasnt always a ravine here, Salvos. It was carved out over time by a powerful creature, and its residual magic keeps the water from copsing into its Lair.
What powerful creature?
The Devil smiled at me.
Do you want to see?
I hesitated.
Um, sure?
He gestured for me to follow after him, and I did. I walked behind him as he clopped his way forward with his hooves.
Im surprised youve never heard of this ce before.
I dont even know where we are.
They call it the Bloodied Gulf. Partly because of the red soil that mixes like blood when wet, but also because well you see, this creature didnt exist until a couple hundred years ago. And prior to its appearance, this ce had simply been referred to as the Crimson Beach. An exotic location to visit for nobles. Now, the beach and the gulf is painted in the blood of said nobles.
I tapped a finger on my chin as the Devil led me around a corner. He ran a hand over the crimson walls as motes of dirt and rocks tumbled down from his wing ck nails.
They say these creatures were made from a mad [Alchemist]s potion. Or that it was a dead Species brought back to life by a powerful [Necromancer]. But I know the truth. It had always existed. Just not in this continent.
He paused before a cavernous entrance. One that was over a hundred feet in diameter. It opened up like a giant mouth with stctites and stgmites protruding around it like sharp teeth, and the darkness within staring at me with a hungry look, threatening to swallow me in a single bite.
[A Hunters Sense] red for me not to step a single foot into the cavern, and I was smart enough to listen to it. I just watched the Devil enter from the outside.
Tell me, Salvos. Did you ever study history in Mavos Academy?
History? Um, nope. But I know a few things, I guess.
Most of my knowledge came from Humans and Kobolds. Although even they had a conflicting view of many things that supposedly urred.
Xidra told me that the world is ending, or something. Is that rted to this?
Ah, in a sense, it does. But its not really as relevant as you think. This Apocalypse the Kobolds speak of this pertains to matters before it. You see, Secely used to be inhabited only by the Cyclopes.
Um, I think Ive heard about that before? Maybe?
I wasnt too sure. It didnt seem like anything that mattered to me. The Devil nodded.
Yes. It was back when I was quite young maybe a century or two years old. Ah, when Worldwalkers were still wee in the Nexeus. When every continent was dominated only by a single intelligent Species.
He sighed wistfully, turning to face me. He stood right at the edge of the darkness, his face shrouded by the shadows around him.
But everything changed the world began to end, and all the Species of the world fled to the heart of Nexeus, Secely, as their gods left to ay the Apocalypse. Of course, not every Species followed. Most definitely not the monsters that struggled to even think for themselves. They stayed in their own doomed continents, unknowingly waiting for the corruption to take them until it was toote.
Ok, and this thing youre talking about it was consumed by corruption? The same thing that made the Cursed Boulder all distorted and weird?
I raised a brow, and the Devil chuckled.
Youre almost on the right track. But no. Many of this Species of creature died when the corruption came. But a few adapted. They learned to escape, leaving their continent behind for Secely maybe a few ten thousand years after everyone else, but they survived. And while only a dozen arrived at Secely, each one gave birth to dozens of their young each day. They did everything they could so their Species wouldnt go extinct.
He gestured for me toe forward, and I hesitantly stepped towards him. A grin spread over his face as he spoke softly.
Tell me, Salvos: do you know the kind of tenacity thats needed to survive through all that? Apletely mindless monster battling against the world itself, yet still alive it is impressive, dont you think?
I guess?
I was still apprehensive. I didnt want to enter the cave. I halted just a single step beyond the darkness. But the Devil pulled me in. He snapped a finger, whispering directly into my ear. My eyes grew wide as a notification echoed in my head.
No. Its not good enough, Salvos.
Now entering [Lair: Castle of the Centinels].
He leapt into the air as the ground shook and I lost my bnce. The Devil hovered there, looking down at me.
Prove to me that youre better than that! Prove to me that youre better than it!
He yelled as the rumbling grew louder and more pronounced. I straightened, creating a set of Nebr Armor and Weapons. The Devils face grew callous as I nced up and met his gaze.
Two rules. First of all, you cant leave the Bloodied Gulf. And second but more importantly: dont die.
Wait, what am I supposed to do here
I started, but the Devil was gone. My gaze snapped back down towards the darkness as the stctites hanging from the ceiling rattled and fell from the shaking. I backed up as my wings came to existence, sweeping into the air.
I wasnt even sure if I was allowed to use my Subspecies Skills. The Devil hadnt given me any restrictions other than having to stay in the Bloodied Gulf, so I assumed I was allowed to do just that. Also, I was pretty sure I was going to die here from whatever wasing. And that I needed to get out of here as soon as
And from the cave came a deep, consuming darkness. One that swallowed even the shadows from the walls and ate away at the suns light through its sheer size alone. It was armored with segments of carapace-like shells that were colored a dirty, staining red. Each section of its body dwarfed any house Id ever seen, and the creature was made up of very many different sections connected together in an undting, curling shape. A hundred crooked barb-like limbs carried it forward with a chittering of clicks, wing away at the ground as it bared thousands of serrated teeth at me.
possible.
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 162]
I stared at the monster for a moment. I could almost feel the prickling feeling of its mandibles poking into my back, sending the most visceral shiver through my body Id ever felt. I waved at it, smiling nervously.
Um, hi, Im Salvos?
And it shrieked. The monster came for me as I turned and began to flee.
Chapter 257: Bloodied Gulf
Chapter 257: Bloodied Gulf
257. Bloodied Gulf
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 162]
The [Ancient Centinel] came. A giant monster probably a hundreds of feet in length alone scuttled its way towards me. Each step it took tore up the earth, sending kes of the red dirt up into the air like a misty fog.
I spun around propelled myself as fast as I could with my ming wings. My body surged with energy as [Haste] took over me. I snapped my gaze up towards the dome of water above, flying as fast as I could to escape the clicking mandibles of the [Ancient Centinel].
Before I could even think to teleport, I heard a snap. A terrifying crunch. And for a moment, I thought I was dead. It had already caught up to me despite my speed and despite my Skills.
However, an iridescent aura flickered around me. I found the [Ancient Centinel]s teeth hovering just over my chest as a barrier protected me from instant death.
The Breastte of Alexander shone.
That was right. Id still been wearing the Mythical Grade Armor. I was washed over with relief for that brief moment. Until a vile green liquid began to secret from between the [Ancient Centinel]s rows of jagged teeth.
Acid. Terrible acid that sizzled against the barrier protecting me. I pursed my lips and erupted into mes, burning away the acid before it could touch the barrier. The fire also scorched the inner mouth of the [Ancient Centinel]. However, it barely even reacted to my hottest mes.
I struggled to break free from its terrible toothy grasps as it continued trying to chomp at me. It thrashed around, unwilling to let me have even a single inch of freedom. I focused on the tumbling world around me. Beyond the maw of the monster. I saw specks of the world outside of its mouth. Red stone... crimson dirt... an inkling of the sky
And I teleported.
[Long Range Teleport] brought me at least a thousand feet into the air. Not as far as Id have liked to have teleported. However, this was as far as I could see at that moment, and I didnt want to spend another second inside of the mouth of the [Ancient Centinel].
I sighed in relief, looking down at the [Ancient Centinel] with a grin.
Hah! You cant
I paused. The monster was already speeding its way up towards me. It skittered up the side of the ravines walls, moving faster than I ever could in the span of mere moments. I wouldve instantly turned and fled escaped from this crevice and flew up as high as I could into the air where I was probably safe. But I saw the tiny, shadowed figures crawling out from the cracks on the walls.
More Centinels. They came in all shapes and sizes. Their levels varied, and they covered the walls as they swarmed towards me, following the lead of the [Ancient Centinel]. I stared.
Are you serious? How many of you are there?!
Thousands of Centinels bore down at me as their scuttling chased me with a cacophonous echo. The [Ancient Centinel] led the charge. I flew for the line where red and blue shed where air carried water in an impossible act.
I couldnt teleport not yet as there was a cooldown for the Skill. All I could rely on was my wings, enhanced by [Haste]. However, the [Ancient Centinel] was catching up. It would catch up. I could see it drawing closer from my peripheries. It was like a looming death that you knew waited at the corner of your eyes that you dared not turn to fully see as it would finally reach you at that moment.
Terror. This was what I felt. I wasnt ever fond of running from my enemies. Not when they could chase me down, and there was nothing I could do to reason with them.
It was like with therge Demon all over again. But this time, I didnt stand a chance. Not when it had thousands of other Centinels with it. I couldnt even turn back to fight it
Or wait, I could.
I nced back once, shouting.
Leave me alone!
My voice reverberated throughout the ravine. The front row of Centinels halted their ascent for a second, only to be crushed and trampled over as the second and third rows pressed on. The [Ancient Centinel] hesitated for a mere moment, and I pped my hands together.
Go, myself! Hold them off!
[Salvos of Vanity].
Golden mes wrapped around me before peeling away and descending on the Centinels. My clone drew my Nebr Weapons spinning a Nebr Sickle Grenade and tossing it at the [Ancient Centinel]s shell. The st shook the cavern, copsing rocks and debris at the horde of Centinels.
In spite of that, it barely slowed their approach. My clone continued her barrage of Nebr weapons at the Centinels until the [Ancient Centinel] reached her. She didnt turn to run, nor did she even try to dodge the attack.
My clone leapt straight into the mouth of the [Ancient Centinel], growing brighter and wilder. Right as the maw closed around her, she exploded.
A golden explosion consumed everything beneath me. I heard hundreds of notifications go off at once as the bright light reflected on the surface of the water. Like the sun was piercing through that veil that was the ocean above.
I nced down once, hoping that the [Ancient Centinel] somehow died from the st. But I knew from theck of notifications that it was still alive. It emerged from the smoke, reeling slightly, but more angry than anything else.
Ugh, youre annoying!
I shouted at it as I plunged into the sea. My Nebr Armor sizzled as it touched the water, but otherwise was unperturbed by it. I swam and flew through the sea, thinking that Id be safe now that I was out of the ravine. Of course not. Of course Centinels could swim.
The [Ancient Centinel] dove up into the ocean as well a hulking, dark figure that was apanied by hundreds more of its kind. Smaller, but very much dangerous to the aquatic life. Marine animals and monsters tried to swim away, only to be torn apart as the Centinels crossed their path.
I watched as the sea below me was slowly diluted into a dark scarlet. Then I turned all of my attention into getting out of the water as soon as I could. The [Ancient Centinel] drew closer and closer. It snapped its mandibles silently as I saw a light. The glimmering of the sun against the ocean.
And I burst out, breaking the waters surface. Right behind me, the [Ancient Centinel] exploded up. I saw it in its full size as it leapt out of the sea like it was propelled by a spring. Its giant undting body turned and fell back into the ocean, sending a massive ripple of waves out as I found myself hovering amongst the clouds.
My body was drenched, and I was panting heavily as i watched the Centinels color the ocean red under me.
That was
I heaved a heavy breath.
...terrifying.
Defeated [Older Centinel Lvl. 95]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 54]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 110] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 111]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 62] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 63]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
--
My wings pped gently as I floated above the clouds, staring down at the Bloodied Gulf below. The red that stained the blue slowly drifted out of the mouth of the gulf and into the rest of the ocean. I didnt descend. Not just yet. I wanted to make sure that the Centinels were all gone.
The [Ancient Centinel] had quickly retreated back into the ravine, but the smaller Centinels swam through the sea, kiling everything they could find.
Now, the question was could I step foot onnd as long as I stayed along the coast?
The Devil told me not to leave the Bloodied Gulf. However, where exactly did the Bloodied Gulf start, and where exactly did it end?
I saw a beach towards the north. A beach of red sand. A bit further past it was a manor standing at the edge of a cliff. I tapped a finger on my chin.
I mean, thats still part of the gulf, right?
It was debatable. But technically, thend around the sea was what made the gulf a gulf. So, it should be part of the gulf.
Look, if Sal didnt want me to skirt around his rules, he shouldve been more specific. Like, what am I even supposed to do here?
He wanted me to not die? And he also wanted me to prove that I was better than the Centinels? I didnt know what that even meant. For now ,I needed to [Rest]. And using magic to fly in the air wasnt actually very restful. And I wasnt going to dive straight back into the crevice.
Sure, it was a massivework of gargantuan ravines. The [Ancient Centinel] had been at the very center ravine thergest of all the cracks. So, if Inded in one of the side cracks each of which still ran deep and long Id be able to avoid the [Ancient Centinel]pletely.
But there was still some risk here. What if there were more [Ancient Centinels] hiding amongst the other ravines? I didnt want to experience that chase all over again! That was why Inded next to the manor instead of diving straight back in.
I didnt transform to a Human. I didnt feel like it, and I was pretty sure no one lived here. The manor was held up by dpidated walls covered in vines, and its gateid on the ground amongst overgrown grass.
Hello! Does anyone live here?
I called out, walking into the manor. The door creaked as it swung open.
Nope? Thought not.
I shook my head, closing the door shut and clicking my ws together. A ball of me cmae to existence and lit the path. I stood in a vast hall with a fallen spiral stairway at the center. Two tall paintings nked the staircase. The left painting showed a regally dressed woman with her face peeled off, and the second was that of a man with a sword.
It was an almost familiar-looking sword. One with horn-like guards and a silver-tipped de. For whatever reason, it looked like the man was surrounded by white, puffy clouds in the painting. And the paint didnt even wear off, despite the clear age showing on the portrait case.
Huh. He looks cool.
I leapt up to the second floor and ambled down what wouldve once been a decorated hallway. I walked past copsed rooms until I stumbled upon a still-intact study room. The desk at the center of the room was enchanted by a waning magic, and atop the tableid a book. It looked old and worn out, with some pages torn and missing, but it was otherwise still in a pretty good condition for something thatd been left there for probably hundreds of years.
I picked it up, curious, carefully flipping over the pages.
The corner of each page was marked by a symbol an insignia that seemed to be a stylized letter s in the middle of a nimbus cloud.
These people sure liked their clouds.
It was a diary, simply put. Apparently this manor had been here for a hundred years before the Centinels arrived. When the Centinels came to Secely, they ughtered most of the family thatd lived here. The man who wrote this book was one of the few survivors. He titled it: My Revenge.
I cocked my head. That was such a silly name. But it somehow piqued my interest. I had time to kill before I was fully rested, so I made myselffortable and got ready to read through the pages. However, before I could even sit down, I heard a soft clicking behind me. I snapped around, eyes growing wide.
Centinels.
Chapter 258: Evolved
Chapter 258: Evolved
258. Evolved
I waited with bated breath as the clicking noises grew louder. The slow crawling of Centinels drew closer, filling the silence almost like the patter of a light drizzle on a tiled rooftop. I stuffed the diary into my Bag of Holding as mes overcame my ws.
Click. Click. Click.
It wasnt like the wild, rambunctious skittering of most Centinels. Each step it made sounded deliberate. Like it was aware that I was here, and it was walking closer to inflict fear upon me.
Did it think I was scared? I wasnt scared! Not unless it was a Level 150 Centinel, of course!
Enough time had passed since I fled the crevies so I could activate [Haste] again now. I leapt out into the hallway, baring my teeth.
Hurry up and fight me already!
I shouted, ready to attack whatever Centinel was waiting outside. My feetnded lightly against the wood floor as I took in the darkness beyond. I narrowed my eyes and cast the light from my mes across the room. I saw nothing.
Huh.
I lowered my ws like they were weapons which they were.
I couldve sworn
And [A Hunters Sense] red up in my head. It warned me of an iing strike. I flipped back as the ground beneath my feet splintered torn open by an invisible sh.
What?
I stared, befuddled. Completely clueless.
Then I saw the dust part. A click marked a sudden slice, aimed straight for my head. I ducked under the attack, only to move straight into a scythe-like arm. The figure made itself visible as it touched me. It struck for my head as my eyes grew wide
And the Breastte of Alexander shed. It protected me from the attack, creating a barrier that repelled the scythe-like arm. During that brief moment, I could see the outline of the Centinel. It wasnt like a normal, regr Centinel. It didnt even have an undting body. Its body was less segmented. It was built more like a bug with four clearly divided sections to its body, and only a dozen limps.
Sure, a dozen was more than what most bugs had. But Centinels normally had a hundred limbs. Yet, when I used [Identification] on it during that brief moment, it told me that it was in fact a Centinel.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 116]
But also evolved.
I blinked.
What?
And it vanished once again. All I could perceive of the Centinel was the rapid clicking as it backed away from me. It took me a moment to gather myself, but the [Evolved Centinel] was already rushing back towards me.
I knew where itde from from my front so I braced myself. But right as the clicking footsteps reached me, the sound stopped. I blinked.
Where did it
And from behind, another scything-limb struck out. The Breastte of Alexander shed. I stumbled forward as the [Evolved Centinel]nded with a thud. Ished back, swinging a [Barrage of Cinders] at where Id been hit. My w sheared through the air and smashed open a wall.
The ceiling came crumbling down as I backed up.
Ugh, youre so annoying. Where are you?
I turned back around, shouting. The air was filled with dust, but the [Evolved Centinel] mustve realized that I could tell where it was going if it disturbed the flying particles. I saw no shifting. It stood incredibly still, knowing that I couldnt tell where it was.
I growled.
Stop it with this game!
mes exploded all around me. A st that took out the entire section of the mansion. Through the smoke and cinder, I could once again hear the skittering of the [Evolved Centinel] Its carapace shielded from the fire as it sped my way.
A small smile crept over my face as soon as it reached me its outline defined by my blue fire.
Found you.
[Radiant sh]!
I struck out right as the [Evolved Centinel] went for my head. The sable mes seemed to suck in all light as it wreathed itself over my sharp ws. I tore through the center oval-like body of the [Evolved Centinel] with ease its blood instantly sttering all over my ws and evaporating in an instant.
I couldve sworn I sliced it in half entirely, but as it hopped back, I saw merely arge gaping wound leaking out its goo-like blood. It was still alive.
Huh. I thought that wouldve killed you.
Apparently, despite its speed and its invisibility magic, it was quite durable. However, even if I didnt kill the [Evolved Centinel] with that attack, it served its purpose.
I can see you now.
My eyes flickered. It had been stained by its own blood. Its invisibility wouldnt cloak it any longer
The [Evolved Centinel] faded into the background. I blinked.
What?!
It could make the things it was touching go invisible as well! That was stupid! That was so dumb!
I scowled, even as the rapid clicking came for me once again. More mes wisped off my body, but this time, it wasnt just a wild st. [Faux Limbs] created multiple ming arms facing all directions as I readied myself for the [Evolved Centinel]s attack.
It went for my leg. I heard the soft screech of its carapace against wood and leapt over the attack. It wouldve been blocked by the Breastte of Alexanders enchantments, anyway. But I didn''t want to be too reliant on it. Not when its protective magic could dissipate at any moment.
I grabbed for the [Evolved Centinel] as it skidded past me. However, even with all my arms, I found it just barely pulling away from my fingertips. Its figure escaped into nothingness once more, and I grinned.
I touched it.
Even if I couldnt grab it, I managed to touch it. And that was all that was needed.
I leapt into the air, wings spreading wide and exploding to the sky. I went over the smoke from my previous explosion and stared down. A second, farrger explosion took out the entire mansion and more as [Demons Mark] activated. I watched, listening for a notification to resound in my head.
Defeated [Evolved Stealth Centinel Lvl. 116]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
And that was that.
--
I remember the day the first of these monsters washed ashore on the Crimson Beach. I was but a boy no more than ten years of age. My sister and I were ying along the cliffside and we spotted a looming shadow in the middle of the ocean.
At first we thought itd been a sea creature. Perhaps a Giant Spiked Crab or a Gragil Opus. We rushed to the edge of the cliff to get the chance to see them surface. However, when we saw the crystalline water of the sea discolor into a bloody red, we knew that wed see no sea creature there.
Hundreds maybe even a thousand of the terrible monsters made its way to Crimson Beach. I watched them bring ruin to the seaside vis of many great noble families with ease. Their guards were like fodder to this wicked swarm. My family was fortunate enough that our estate was situated where it was so we were not the first to fall to this swarm.
But that didnt matter
I flipped through the pages of the diary as I sat atop a tree. Since Ipletely destroyed the mansion, I had no ce to stay. At least, not a ce with proper shelter. Apparently, the beach in the distance used to be covered in beautiful mansions. Now, though, I saw not a trace of what once was.
Instead, I saw a beach crawling with the asional Centinel. Lower-leveled Centinels, of course. The only proof that life once existed had been the manor I blew up.
Oops.
Anyway, the diary continued on to talk about what the Centinels did when they first arrived. It was pretty much expected. They ughtered everyone the author knew everyone except for him and his sister. It was quite sad. But what I didnt expect to read about was what he did next.
Apparently, the first half of the book was the musings of an adult about his childhood. Musings he thought to write down as he returned to the Bloodied Gulf after the Centinels have made it their home.
After he and his sister escaped, he fought to survive in the slums of Shadowpass. Arge city in the former Valcyrae Empire the powerhouse in the southern edge of the Humannds before the southern edge was well, now there were no countries beyond the Alterian League. Just a lot of ruins.
He eventually found sess as an adventurer repute which brought his noble name back into notoriety. His job as an adventurer gave him the tinum he needed to fund his sisters education. But he could never forget or forgive the massacre of his family. Which was why he returned to the Bloodied Gulf.
I turned the page of the book as I waited for my Skills and my enchanted gear to recharge. I wasnt sure how long the Breastte of Alexander took to be fully restored or how that even worked. I just wanted to be safe. Also, I was pretty engrossed in the diarys contents.
It went on to detail the mans and I knew the author was a man journey back. Most of it was rather banal descriptions of each Centinel he encountered. Something which I didnt care too much about. Not until he reached the former Crimson Beach and encountered a Centinel that was not like the others.
As a child, I had thought they were all mindless, wicked creatures. That all they knew was wanton destruction. But today, I saw something different. A Centinel that didnt simply attack everything it saw.
It watched me from afar as I ughtered its kin. It was almost like it was studying my movements my Skills. It fled without even fighting me. I had never thought Id see something like that before.
A Centinel that had evolved.
I tapped a wed finger on my chin as I flipped over to the next page.
Is that the same Centinel I saw? No it cant be the exact same one. Theres no way it stayed at Level 116 for the past few hundred years, right?
I wanted to get more features about this evolved Centinel the author encountered. Unfortunately, I found myself staring at thest page of the book.
Tonight, I shall head for the crevices below. I can see the Centinels ebbing away at the earth. Slowly day by day. The cracks grow wider. The ravines expand. And their numbers grow.
What had been a mere thousand of their kind now amounts to tens of thousands. They adapt and evolve into more dangerous and intelligent creatures. I cannot stress how much of a danger they are to all of Humankind.
This diary I shall leave it behind at my manor as a warning to the next fool whoes to this bloodied gulf. Turn back warn the world of the threat these Centinels pose. Return only with a [Hero]. With the army of all the nationsbined.
I wish I could return. To see my sister again. But my pride wont let me. I shall not stop until I get my vengeance.
And, perhaps, if I seed, then there is no reason for any warning at all. One can only hope...
I closed the book and sighed.
...well, so much for being a danger to the world, right? Those Centinels totally killed everyone!
I stuffed the diary into my Bag of Holding as I got to my feet.
Also, did he seriously think some random person will just stumble on this diary just because he left it at a desk? Seriously, of course itd take a few hundred years for someone to find it!
Well, I wasnt going toin. I just felt like whoever wrote the diary had been a bit dramatic.
It was an interesting read, anyways. But I guess its about time for me to do as he did and jump straight into the Bloodied Gulf!
I pped myself on the cheek and turned to the sea just ahead. My lips contorted as apprehension briefly gripped me. Clearly, the person who wrote this diary died after he dove into thework of ravines below. I didnt want to die. Thest thing I wanted was to die. I really just wanted to teleport to my clone who was somewhere doing something with Saffron right now.
But the Devil wouldnt let me. One of the rules he gave me was that I couldnt leave the Bloodied Gulf. And sure, while I could just hang around up here on drynd the entire time, hiding from Centinels, I had a feeling that wasnt what he wanted from me.
Prove that youre better than it.
I repeated his words to me.
Does it refer to the [Ancient Centinel]? Does he want me to kill it? Or just beat it in a fight?
Whatever he meant, it definitely required me to go back down beneath the ocean and fight some Centinels.
First, I distributed my Stats. I really needed [Vitality] and [Agility] to survive this, so 2 of my Stat Points went to the former while 3 went to thetter. And as for my Skills, I put all of my 5 Skill Points into [Haste]. Also, all of my secondary Skill Points went into the only avable secondary Skill [Long Ranged Teleportation].
I looked over my Status, readying myself.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 111
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 63
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 138 (+25)
[Strength]: 112 (+25)
[Endurance]: 125 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 213 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 273 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 7
[Haste] - Lvl. 15
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 5
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 0]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 13
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
I was about as ready as I could be.
Alright, time to do this.
Chapter 259: Dissected Paths
Chapter 259: Dissected Paths
259. Dissected Paths
I sank into the water like a rock. The world grew dark as my hearing grew muffled. The Breastte of Alexander glimmered faintly its enchantment still active, although it could potentially fade in the future. For now, I trusted that it would keep me safe, even if I wasnt going to be overly-reliant on it.
Deep below, aplexwork of ravines showed itself. Ity beneath the sea. A world of death, popted by a Species of terrible monsters. Centinels. Millions of them, maybe. Definitely hundreds of thousands, at least.
I wasnt stupid enough to jump straight back into the centermost ravine. It scarred the seafloor like a gaping wound, and the other ravines around it were like small scratches inparison. For now, I waded down to one of the smaller cracks a ten feet wide hole that sank maybe a hundred feet at most.
I plopped out of the water, lithelynding on solid ground. The dirt squelched beneath my feet. Red mud stained the heels of my shoe. The soft sound attracted some movement. I saw slithering out of the corner of my eye. [Younger Centinels] wriggled out from underneath rocks and from the cracks on the walls. None of them were above Level 40. Most of them were at Level 10. Their length ranged from the size of my fist to the length of my arm. Tiny things.
One of them screeched and scuttled towards me. I flicked a finger, sending a tiny bolt of fire at it. It was instantly killed. The other Centinels went over to its charred corpse and began fighting over the remains. I scoffed.
Barely any experience. Stupid wild things.
I stalked down the side of the ravine, letting a ball of me light the way. I stayed on my guard. I didnt even let a single [Younger Centinel] reach me. I washed my blue mes across the rock wall, incinerating the little critters before they could swarm me with their numbers. I wasnt particrly worried that theyd be able to kill me.
I just didnt want them to ebb away at the Breastte of Alexanders enchantments.
The ravine intersected with another, deeper crevice. It was narrower, but it was also dug deeper into the ground. I leaned over the ledge and took in what was below.
Woah.
The entire bottom of the second crevice was carpeted in a gleaming purple. Hundreds of oval-like objects were strewn across the rocks. Eggs. I recognized them as Centinel eggs.
It was a Lair.
Now entering [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
One of the eggs shifted slightly. It cracked open, and an [Infant Centinel] crawled out. It was even smaller than the [Younger Centinel]. It also looked so squishy, without the hard carapace that all Centinels had.
Aw, it actually looks kind of cute.
I stared at it as it wriggled around. Then I tapped a finger on my lips.
And tasty
Before I could even muse about the delicacy of Centinels, there was a chomp. An undting figure moved amongst the eggs, like a deep sea creature swimming in the ocean. It had to be at least a hundred feet long from head to tail. It was, obviously, a Centinel. And it was eating its own children.
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 122]
Huh.
[Infant Centinels] hatched and died in mere moments as the [Senior Centinel] swam across theke of its own eggs. The [Infant Centinels] didnt even have a chance to let out a squeak before they were fed to their progenitor.
I took a step back, blinking.
So does that mean they are tasty?
Of course, I didnt get an answer. Instead, I heard a skittering in return. I spun around as a loud clicking echoed behind me and faced a looming figure.
[Older Centinel - Lvl. 85]
It rose out of the ground at a few dozen feet,shing out with a whip of acid. I flipped over the attack and conjured a Nebr Scythe.
Are we doing this now? Because I''ve tried eating you [Older Centinels] before, and Im pretty sure you wont taste good.
I leapt at the [Older Centinel] as it came down at me with its maw. It snapped its jaw wildly as I sliced up with my Nebr Scythe. A grin spread across my face as a heavy thud resounded. The head of the [Older Centinel] dropped, followed slowly by the rest of its body.
Was that it?
Of course, that wasnt it. More [Older Centinels] crawled out from across the ravine, scuttling and shrieking as they spatrge orbs of acid at me. I breathed out a ming Breath, evaporating the vile liquid before it even reached me. I tossed my Nebr Scythe back, instead creating a pair of Nebr Sickle Grenades in each hand. I tossed them forward, sting apart the oing Centinels before they even reached me.
The explosion resounded throughout the cavern. It shook the ravine I was standing in, and I pursed my lips.
That was a bit too loud.
I nced over behind me, waiting anticipating what was toe. And as expected, a tall shadow ascended from the crevice with the Centinel eggs. The [Senior Centinel] stared at me with its beady ck eyes. A hollow gaze. One without any shred of intelligence behind it. Just a wild need to destroy everything it saw. Even its offspring.
It screeched andshed down at me with its entire body. I backed up as it crushed the earth, sending a pir of dust into the air. The Nebr Scythe Id tossed behind was sent flying. I saw it spinning in the air as the [Senior Centinel] drew back. My eyes flickered, and I moved.
[Haste] overtook my body. My speed increased, but even still, the [Senior Centinel] was incredibly fast. I barely reacted as it whipped back up, snapping for my head. I sent a spurt of me out in the opposite direction to slow my movement, just so its attack would miss.
Then I hopped back up into the air and grabbed my Nebr Scythe. Inded before the [Senior Centinel] as it looped back around to face me.
There were a lot of Skills I could use here to defeat the [Senior Centinel]. It was over 10 Levels above me. It wasnt going to be an easy fight. And it looked way more durable than the [Evolved Centinel] had been.
But as the [Senior Centinel] charged me once more, I didnt use [Demons Mark]. I didnt use [Radiant sh]. I didnt use [Salvo of Vanity]. I couldnt afford to use my best Skills against the first proper challenge I met.
I didnt transform with [Demonic Essence]. Instead, I fought the [Senior Centinel] with nothing more than [Haste] and the Nebr Scythe]. I whittled away at its shell with a couple of [Barrage of Cinders], but otherwise, I was sparse with the Skills I used.
The [Senior Centinel] was fast. However, due to its size, it wasnt as nimble or agile as me. It swung its body around, smashing against rock and stone as I narrowly avoided being squished against the ground.
...well, that was an over exaggeration. Even if I didnt have the Breastte of Alexander, I was pretty sure I wouldnt be killed in a single hit. However, it still looked like itd hurt.
I took my time with this fight. I wasnt in any rush. I made sure to keep aware of my surroundings with [nar Navigation], and I didnt sense any other [Senior Centinel] or high-leveled Centinel approaching.
Five minutes passed, then ten. It was at that moment I finally broke through the [Senior Centinel]s shell. However, it wasnt felled in that instant. It would take another ten minutes before I inflicted enough damage for its movements to be slowed. Then when the half an hour mark came, a notification resounded in my head, apanying the crashing of the giant corpse.
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 122]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 111] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 112]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 63] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 64]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
--
I leveled twice from that battle. IOne for my Subspecies, and one for my ss. didn''t use much of my ss in that fight however, it probably still gave me experience for it since [nar Navigation] was active the whole time. And that was why it leveled.
I was getting close to my ss advancement. I just knew it. I was definitely going to get it before I reached Level 70. The thought of it alone made me sway happily as I sat at the bottom of the second crevice, munching on [Infant Centinels]. Unlike their evolved versions, these tasted delicious.
They would crawl up to me with their tiny shrill squeaks and try to bite my hand off, only for me to pluck them from the ground and stuff them into my mouth.
I gained no experience for it, unfortunately.
You know, I can see why your mother father whatever that was to you ate you. You all taste so nice. Also, youre wild and dumb.
The [Infant Centinels] skittered around, trying to kill each other as they hatched, having no regard to the fact that they were rted. I felt the egg beneath me shift. I sat up as it cracked open, and an [Infant Centinel] wriggled out with a soft shriek. I picked it up and dangled it by its head.
I wonder, why are you all so stupid? What makes you all wild?
It nibbled at my fingertips. My Breastte of Alexander didnt even activate because it couldnt hurt me. I cocked my head.
What does the Devil even want me to prove by being here? All of you look the same. All of you act the same. Youre just a smaller version of the [Ancient Centinel], arent you?
I hurled the [Infant Centinel] against the wall and it went st.
To not die? Because thats not very hard. I can just hide here for a few months and when he returns, Ill show him that Im still alive and well. Fantastic, even!
I puffed my chest up as [Rest] told me that I fully recovered all my stamina and mana from the fight.
However, thats not it. He wants me to prove that Im better than the [Ancient Centinel]? Or just the Centinels in general? Does he want me to wipe out all of you from existence? Because thatd be hard!
If that was my goal here, hed implied something like that. The only thing Id gotten from his words was that I had to fight and beat something. Well, Id beaten the next strongest Centinel here right behind the [Ancient Centinel], didnt I?
A [Senior Centinel].
I probably just had to kill maybe a few hundred to a thousand more, then Id close the gap between myself and the [Ancient Centinels] enough to actually stand a chance against them.
But if it takes me half an hour to beat a single [Senior Centinel]...
Well, Id miss my next academic term in Mavos Academy. And Belzu would run amok and grow a lot stronger by then. So, what am I supposed to do?
I took off, leaving the second ravine. Inded back at the first ravine and nced around. I couldnt see the end of the first ravine. However, I saw slices of smaller or bigger crevices cutting through its path. I approached one of these other gashes on the earth to investigate them, shrugging as I didnt know what else to do.
Then I heard a soft click.
And it was then I realized that I forgot to ount for something when considering the Centinels. It was a new variable, however it wasnt really fresh on my mind since Id experienced a lot of things in just this one day alone.
I thought all Centinels were the same, just resized. But no there was a different kind of Centinel. I remembered the diary. The contents towards the end that described something different about the Centinels. Ones that evolved.
Ones simr to the Centinel that I fought.
I thought of its design. How it was shaped differently from a regr Centinel. And I turned around to face the source of the noise.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 121]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 135]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 113]
Huh.
Chapter 260: Advancing
Chapter 260: Advancing
260. Advancing
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 113]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 121]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 135]
Three Centinels stood before me. Each of them were a departure from the ordinary undting body of a Centinel. Theyd evolved. Be different. Be more.
They were distinct from each other, too. The lowest-leveled of them was ratherrge and bulky with an inted abdomen and a dozen spindly legs. It was like someone had made a model of a giant spider and identally gave it too many limbs.
The Level 121 [Evolved Centinel] had a hunched body. It seemed to roll forward rather than crawl, and its back and front was literally covered in spikes. Barbs that jutted out in all directions. However, despite their sharp appearance, they seemed to flop around as they carried the Centinel forward.
Thest and highest-leveled Centinel had the typical segmented body-type of a regr Centinel. About the size of a [Junior Centinel]. But the upper half of its body bent upwards, morphing into a grotesque form thatcked legs. The carapace grew thinner as it took on almost a Human-like form. With hands. Actual arms that had opposable thumbs. And a head that resembled that of an armored knight.
I stared at it. I waved at it uneasily.
Um, hello?
It peered at me with an intelligent gaze. I knew that it was studying each small movement I made. It knew that I was trying tomunicate with it. I could tell. However, that didnt mean it could talk, unfortunately.
I heard a muffled click as its mandibles snapped together beneath the carapace covering its mouth. The other two Centinels at its side moved. The first leapt into the air as the second barrelled forward with a deep screech.
I scowled.
Ugh, are you seriously going to fight me? Cant we talk?
Apparently not. I leapt to the side, and the second Centinel crashed into the rock wall behind me. The first Centinel intercepted me mid-air, but I simply flipped around it and kicked it back. However, before I couldnd, thest Centinel slithered up to me. It wasnt that fast. Id say that it moved slower than a [Senior Centinel] at its level would.
Well, it definitely moved slower than the [Senior Centinel] Id just fought. However, when it struck out at me, its hands were wreathed in a yellow energy. Magic. Some kind of acid strike.
I raised my Nebr Scythe, barely parrying the attack as I was knocked back. Behind me, the rolling Centinelshed out. It was faster than its twopanions, and it chomped its terrible maw down at me. The Breastte of Alexander shed, protecting me as I growled.
Stop it! Stop trying to eat me!
All three Centinels halted, and my eyes flickered. I was faced with far too many powerful enemies. Each of them seemed to have their own abilities. The highest-leveled Centinel had some sort of magic, the spindly Centinel looked like it would tear me apart if it got to me, and the rolling Centinel was incredibly quick.
I didnt want to take this fight.
At least, not all three of them at the same time. I had to get out of here either separate them and beat them one by one, or escape entirely. First of all however, I had to get the rolling Centinel away from me.
It regained its senses as I tried to fly off into the air. It quickly crawled up the ravines walls, hissing and leaping after me. I dodged out of the way, grinning.
Hah! You cant hit me from down there!
The rolling Centinel picked itself up as the highest-leveled Centinel spread its arms wide. There was a glimmer of yellow light from above me. I blinked, looking up. And a deluge of acid fell on me in raindrop-like shapes.
I exhaled, unleashing blue fire all around the crevice. It was bright enough that it could probably be seen from all the way at either end of this ravine, and maybe even from the intersecting ravines nearby.
Stupid Centinel magic
I started, but was cut off as the spindly Centinel crashed into me. I tumbled down, tangled in a brief battle with it as it continued trying to snap its jaw at me. I nced up for a moment as the thought to use [Long Range Teleport] crossed my mind.
But I decided against it. Instead, I grabbed onto a nearby ledge with [Mystical Projection] as [Faux Limbs] protruded from my sides. With the ming arms, I pushed the spindly Centinel off me, and pulled myself back up into the air with the invisible hands.
I flew back up into the air as the Centinels gathered themselves for another attempt to intercept me. But before they had the chance, I pointed at them. [Temporal Distortion]. The world around the Centinels slowed. They perceived me speeding away from them far faster than they could even react. I sent a final wave of blue mes back at them, blotting out their vision as I finally managed to escape.
--
What was that?
I panted, leaning against the wall. I managed to escape from the [Evolved Centinels] and hid myself away at an alcove I located with [nar Navigation]. Sure, I couldve continued fighting them. Baited them toe at me one after another. Maybe even use up my best Skills to defeat them.
However, I wouldnt have been able to handle what came next. I peeked out of the alcove as a rumble washed over the area I was standing. Hundreds of Centinels skittered their way down the bottom of the ravine, heading to where Id been fighting the [Evolved Centinels].
They werent attracted by the sounds of fighting. No the Bloodied Gulf had an incessant, constant background noise ever since I came here. Fighting, shrieking, and killing. Even now, I could see several Centinels battling with each other for no ostensible reason.
What they were attracted by had been the bright light I sent to the sky. My brilliant blue fire attracted a lot of attention, especially when I used it at a scale asrge as I did earlier. But that rain of acid wouldve done significant damage, and while my Breastte of Alexander still worked, I didnt want to waste its protection.
I sighed.
Ok, I get that they were [Evolved Centinels]. But why were they all so different from each other?
They were all distinct. With their own shapes and abilities. Sure, Centinels werent uniform in what they looked like or what they could do. However, they were simr enough that they were pretty much the same. Like different rocks on the ground.
These [Evolved Centinels] were like carvings. As though someone had picked up a set of three pebbles and molded each into unique shapes like a cross, a star, and a circle.
Do they rte to Sals dumb cryptic assignment?
I really just wished he would be clear with what my goal here was. I sat there, waiting for the cooldown on the Skills I used in the earlier fights to run its course. Outside, the rumbling abated slightly.
I could still hear the clicking feet of Centinels as they passed the alcove. But it wasnt as intense as before. And their footsteps kind of faded into the background noise that was the death zone of the Bloodied Gulf.
Now that I think about it, is this ce really a Diamond Ranked area?
I wondered to myself as another wave of Centinels passed. They had a number of [Senior Centinels] amongst them, too.
That [Ancient Centinel] was an Elite Ranked threat. And with all the Diamond Ranked threats lurking around, shouldnt this be an Elite Ranked area?
I had a lot of questions. Unfortunately, I didnt have ess to many answers. Well, if I really wanted to figure out the truth, I had to go find it myself. The only problem was that it was kind of dangerous. Even hiding in the alcove was risky, just less so than wandering around the open ravines.
I was about to step out of the alcove to continue scouring the crevices for whatever I was looking to do when I suddenly had an idea.
Actually, I dont have to go out on my own, do I?
I snapped a finger, and golden mes formed before me. [Salvo of Vanity] activated an exhausting Skill. One that used up a lot of mana to create a clone, before using a minor amount of mana and concentration consistently to persist.
Ill continue my [Rest] here. Go scout the are around me, will you?
My clone nodded and left the alcove. The moment she stepped out, she drew the attention of several lower-leveled Centinels. It didnt matter to her. She just flew off after burning them to ashes.
It would be hard for her to remain discreet. However, that didnt matter. Even if she were attacked by a dozen [Evolved Centinels]. Because she was my clone. So, she didnt try masking her presence at all, which also meant that she could move as quickly through thework of ravines as possible.
I had her map out the area, even as she was chased down by a horde of Centinels. I mentally took notes of where everything was around me, keeping everything in rtion to where this alcove was. There were quite a few Lairs around the area, which was odd since this wasnt considered a Dungeon. Maybe it was because they were all Lairs of the same Species of monster?
I wasnt sure.
My clone stumbled into one of therger ravines as she tried to lose the Centinels chasing after her. However, it seemed she strayed too close to a familiar location. The entirework of ravines trembled as something dug its way out of the shadows.
The [Ancient Centinel] rose out of a cavern, eyeing my clone with sheer rage. I pursed my lips.
Well, i guess its time to end it.
I sent my clone to blow herself up on the [Ancient Centinel] once again. But before she could even get close, something shed. Her gaze snapped to the side. My eyes grew wide as I saw the same thing she did.
An [Evolved Centinel]. No it was the same one as before. At Level 135. It unleashed a powerful st of acid at my clone, snuffing out the golden mes before she could attack the [Ancient Centinel].
And my senses cut out.
Huh. Well, that was rude.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
So, I definitely shouldnt be flying around like an idiot. That attracts way too much attention.
However, I was definitely going to employ this tactic with my clone to map out more of the ravine. Not right now, though. I both couldnt and didnt want to.
For now, I let [Rest] restore the rest of my abilities. It took a few more hours until I was at a hundred percent. When I was ready, I got to my feet and grinned.
Ok so I just have to go here and
I exited the alcove, sticking close to the ravines walls as I retraced the steps my clone took here.
The Lair should be here somewhere
I kicked away a [Junior Centinel] and paused right before a crack on the wall. My lips curled up as I stepped inside.
There it is.
I walked down a rather long stone hallway that grew narrowed and narrowed until I had to crawl my way through it. Then it opened up into a chamber with arge pit at the bottom. A notification resounded in my head.
Now entering [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Over a dozen [Senior Centinels]. A small Lair in its own enclosed space. I could fight here without worrying too much about attracting the attention of other Centinels. And what was more was that these Centinels were barely even my level. They were definitely not as strong as the first [Senior Centinel] I fought.
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 107]
...
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 113]
I pped my hands together, activating [Mystical Projection] as the [Senior Centinels] stirred. They turned their gazes towards me and screeched. I just used my invisible arms to pull them towards me, bringing them my way faster.
Now, who wants to help me advance my ss?
I bared my teeth at them. They broke free from [Mystical Projection], of course. But it didnt matter much, though. After all
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 105]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 112]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 112] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 113]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 113] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 114]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 64] -> [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 65]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Advancement Avable]
I didnt need much to get my advancement.
Chapter 261: The Devils Apprentice
Chapter 261: The Devil''s Apprentice
261. The Devil''s Apprentice
Before I began with my advancement, I first had to deal with a few minor things. For example, the remainder of my secondary Skill Points. I had 8 to distribute, and only one Skill for it to go to. I wanted to max out [Long Range Teleportation], but surprisingly, even when it hit Level 15, it was still not yet maxed.
Huh. So it has a pretty high cap, then.
I mused aloud to myself as I sat atop the corpses of the [Senior Centinels]. I probably needed 20 or 30 secondary Skill Points to get to its max. So, there was no reason to expend any more secondary Skill Points on it for now. I wanted to save the rest for when I advanced my ss.
I quickly spent my Stat Points, mostly on Agility, but some went to Vitality, Wisdom, Strength, and Endurance as well. As for my regr Skill Points, I focused specifically on my strongestbat Skills. [Salvo of Vanity] and [Demons Mark]. I brought both of them up to Level 10. As expected, they didnt cap at that level. They were some of the best Skills I had for now.
With all that settled, I moved on to my advancement.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 114
ss: [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 65
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 139 (+25)
[Strength]: 115 (+25)
[Endurance]: 128 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 216 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 278 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 15
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 10
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 15
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scatter Shift] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Temporal Distortion] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[Advancement Avable]
ss Advancement:
Requirements for three ss advancements have been met!
There were three advancements, which kind of surprised me. Early ss advancements typically offered fewer options since most sses required you to be a certain level before you can unlock them. While I did receive three options thest time around, too, I also had been quite busy. Id mostly been in Mavos Academy since then.
I guess I aplished a lot more than I thought I did while spending most of my time studying.
Now, what exactly did I do?
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus]
A [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] is a [Mage] who has experienced what the world has to offer. Friends, enemies, and everything in between. They have seen and studied the variousyers to living in the Nexeus. Now, they no longer seek simply knowledge, but power overwhelming magic to forever fell their foes.
+10 [Strength]
+10 [Wisdom]
+10 [Agility]
+3 [Vitality]
+3 [Endurance]
Interesting
It was a direct advancement of my current ss line. Not a tangential advancement. It seemed to offer pretty good Stats, all things considered. It promised me power. Something that would be strong enough to bring down my enemies.
And that piqued my interest.
I wanted to be stronger. I wanted to be able to defeat Belzu in a fight. It gave me exactly what I wanted or so I thought.
The truth was, I didnt actually know what it would do for me. I just knew what it said it would do. And I believe it. It was a roll of the dice as it always was. However, I liked the name of this ss. The reason why I chose [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] was because I liked its name. And [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] sounded even more well, grand.
I still had two other options to choose from, but I already knew this would be one of my top picks.
I moved onto the next.
[Space Sentinel]
A [Space Sentinel] is a [Space Mage] who has used their magic to protect the world. They have been taught by Fairies and the Devil himself. They know of the plight of the Nexeus. With their power, they shall fend off the corruption that has ravaged the Ennds.
+12 [Wisdom]
+8 [Vitality]
+5 [Strength]
+5 [Wisdom]
+5 [Agility]
Hm.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Did I get this because I killed that Cursed Boulder?
It certainly seemed like it. Perhaps that was why I had three ss advancement options offered to me if not for what I did recently, I probably wouldve only met the requirements for one.
As for the ss itself, I thought it was pretty good. It gave good Stats and its description made me curious to learn more about it. The big problem I had with it was that it didnt describe me at all.
And thats important, isnt it?
It was a kind of [Space Mage] ss and I knew that [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] was a branching evolution of the [Space Mage] ss, so itd give me what I wanted. But to be a direct evolution of the [Space Mage] ss? Not yet.
And that was the main reason why I was even interested in it.
Ill consider you. But lets see what thest ss is.
[Diabolus Neophyte]
The [Diabolus Neophyte] is a unique ss of [Cultist] that worships the Devil himself. She has the fortune to gain the interest of the Devil himself, and thanks to his generosity, he has taken her as his apprentice. There is no greater honor than to learn from one as wise as the Devil.
+10 [Vitality]
+10 [Strength]
+10 [Endurance]
+10 [Wisdom]
+10 [Agility]
I blinked.
Excuse me?
I focused on the ss again, and its description remained unchanged. There was a moment where I just sat there in the cavern, doing absolutely nothing. Completely baffled.
Then I stood up.
WHAT THE F
***
Somewhere, in an ever changing space ofttice, the Devil cackled maniacally to himself. Heughed so hard, he doubled over and rolled on the ground for quite a while.
***
I sat back down, burying my head in my hands.
At least it didnt call me his daughter
I muttered to myself. It still took me a few more minutes to get over the ridiculousness of that ss option. When I regained myposure, I actually took a look at the Stat increase the ss gave me. It was suffice to say it was great.
Plus ten to all my Stats. That is huh.
It had my attention. Ignoring the fact that it literally designated me as the Devils apprentice and someone who worshipped him it gave me a good reason to choose it.
So, those were the three sses options Id been given.
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] a direct advancement of my current ss. [Space Sentinel, which was more of a kind of rted advancement. And [Diabolus Neophyte]... apletely unrted advancement to my ss. Or maybe it was tangentially rted. I didnt know. It was just kind of dumb.
There were a lot of pros and cons here to consider. I truly thought each of them had its merits. This was a hard choice to make.
But I guess the first one Id have to eliminate would be [Space Sentinel]. It was mildly interesting, but that was about it. I wasnt really willing to give up the chance of a better ss advancement just for a tiny bit of curiosity. If it was a lot of curiosity, sure Id have done so in an instant.
However, it was only a minute amount of curiosity.
So, that left [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] and [Diabolus Neophyte]. Judging them based on their Stats alone, Id have said that [Diabolus Neophyte] was the far better option. If I wanted to be stronger, I should choose it without a second thought. The promise of power from [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] couldntpare to what [Diabolus Neophyte] quantitatively offered me.
And, in terms of how cool they sounded, I couldnt lie and say that [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] was better than [Diabolus Neophyte].
Everything pointed me towards [Diabolus Neophyte]. It was clearly the better option. And yet, I found myself gravitating towards [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus]. Or rather, I was being repelled from [Diabolus Neophyte].
Having a ss that made me the Devils apprentice wasnt too bad. Especially since he promised hed help me like he was doing now. I knew it wouldnt hurt any of my current goals either defeating Belzu or returning to the Netherworld. However, I just didnt like the idea that I was supposed to worship Sal.
I was not some kind of [Cultist]. If there was anyone who should be worshiped here, it was me. If it was someone else, I mightve considered swallowing my pride just to get the power boost.
Unfortunately, Id swallowed my pride because of the Devil before, hadnt I? I remembered when the Devil first appeared and I made my decision. I leapt to my feet and raised a fist.
Hey, Devil! If youre seeing this I am not going to be a [Diabolus Neophyte]! Do you want to know why?
I leaned forward conspiratorially, as if I was whispering into his ear even though he wasnt here.
Its because you embarrassed me in front of my friends!
It was as simple as that. I focused on [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus], and words appeared in my had.
Advancement Complete!
ss [Worldly Mystic of the Nexeus] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus]
Gained 20 Stat Points!
[Strength] +10
[Wisdom] +10
[Agility] +10
[Vitality] +3
[Endurance] +3
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Slots!
Gained 6 Secondary Skill Points!
Skill [Scatter Shift] bes [Scattering Discement]!
Skill [Temporal Distortion] bes [Warped Time]!
Skill [Cube of Istion] is now avable!
Skill [Dimensional Pocket] is now avable!
Skill [Mass Particte Modification] is now avable!
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 114
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 65
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 20]
[Vitality]: 142 (+25)
[Strength]: 125 (+25)
[Endurance]: 131 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 226 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 288 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 15
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 10
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 8]
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 15
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 1
[Warped Time] - Lvl 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x2
And I passed out.
--
I woke up to the soft sound of ws scraping against dirt. My eyes fluttered open, and I sat up. I felt reinvigorated I had gotten quite a lot of new secondary Skills, and a few of my old secondary Skills were given a boost. I was ready no, excited to test out my abilities as a [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus].
However, the scraping grew louder, and my gaze snapped over to the side.
What is?
And I realized what it was I was hearing. It wasnt scraping it was crawling. Something was making its way towards me. Its sharp legs were what was making that scratching noise. I got up, tensing as something emerged from that small entrance to this former Lair.
Red spider-like legs wed their way out of the darkness. A dozen legs. And they carried a bulky figure of a Centinel. One that could barely fit through the entrance It didnt even have multiple segmented bodies, but instead only a few separate carapace parts and a singlerge abdomen.
I recognized it as one of the Centinels that had attacked me beforehand. One of the three [Evolved Centinels] that gave chase to me.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 113]
I smiled.
So, are you going to be my test dummy for my new secondary Skills?
It answered by leaping forward,shing out at me.
Chapter 262: Warped Time
Chapter 262: Warped Time
262. Warped Time
The former Centinels Lair was a rather enclosed space a circr room with a pit at the center. It only had one entrance, and it was a reclused entrance. Before I had fallen unconscious due to my ss advancement, I made sure that there were no Centinels nearby with [nar Navigation].
Now, though, there was one ready to pounce at me.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 113]
The [Evolved Centinel] soared through the air, closing its spiky legs at me like it was a w. I flipped over the attack as my wings took form. It tried to give chase, but I flew up to the top of the cave chamber and avoided its attack.
It wasnt even that high-leveled,pared to me. And it couldnt keep up with my speed, not unlike itspanions. The most annoying thing about it was how high it could jump. I dipped low as the [Evolved Centinel] flung itself at me once again.
So, which of my new secondary Skills should I test out on you first?
I tried to be courteous and let it choose, but the [Evolved Centinel] only screeched as itnded on the ceiling.
Well, for starters, I guess Ill try out one of my changed Skills.
The [Evolved Centinel] came crashing down again, and I weaved around it. I twirled to face it right as its feet touched the bottom of the pit. Raising a finger, I tested out the first Skill.
[Warped Time].
I watched as the area around the [Evolved Centinel] grew slightly distorted. Just like [Temporal Distortion], time moved at a different speed within a certain space. However, it was shaped more like a bubble now rather than a box. Not only that, I felt like I could make things move slower and faster than what [Temporal Distortion].
Is that it, though?
I cocked my head. Surely that couldnt be the only difference, right?
And it wasnt.
The [Evolved Centinel] curled its body up as it prepared to jump at me once again. I could see it moving at a much slower pace until it finally escaped the bubble. Instinctively, I knew to move the [Warped Time] to follow it.
I stared as the bubble followed the [Evolved Centinel] up as it barreled through the air towards me. It tracked its movements, slowing it so that I could dodge it with even more ease than before. I blinked.
Huh. So, I can move it around.
I narrowed my eyes, moving the [Warped Time] towards me and away from the [Evolved Centinel]. Suddenly, the [Evolved Centinel] picked up the pace to leap at me. Before it could reach me, I immersed myself in the [Warped Time]. I made it so that time moved faster inside the bubble than outside, before gently pping my wings to move back. The [Warped Time] followed me as I saw everything beyond move at a slower speed than before.
This is a pretty good upgrade.
I could even change the size of the bubble, although I saw no need to do that right now. I dismissed the Skill as the [Evolved Centinel]nded right next to me. Its w-like legs snapped at me, and I backed up.
Youre pretty violent. I wonder how I am going to have to deal with you. Lets see, maybe I can [Scattering Discement]!
I focused on the [Evolved Centinel], hoping that the Skill would somehow teleport it into the air or something of the like. But it didnt affect the monster. Of course not.
Instead, it sent the pebbles and boulders lying on the ground behind the [Evolved Centinel] flinging to the air. I scowled.
Seriously? Is that it?
Then I paused when I noticed that the rocks continued to float about. They hovered slowly, bouncing around the walls like they were in the ocean. [nar Navigation] alerted me to the way space bent around the objects and how their threads all connected to me.
I felt my fingers twitch, and I realized what I could do.
The [Evolved Centinel] charged at me once more, but I flicked a finger. One of the floating stones shot down with incredible speed. It struck the back of the [Evolved Centinel], knocking it down briefly as I grinned.
Hey. Want to y a game?
It screeched and got back up. I backed away from it as I began flicking my finger at it.
Try to dodge the rocks its not going to be easy, though! Rocks are annoying and everywhere in this ce!
I spoke simply as one by one, the floating rocksunched at the [Evolved Centinel]. It was like a hail of rapid-moving projectiles something that even Id struggle keeping away from. And they were of all different sizes, some of themrger than even me, while others were as small as a pebble on my fingertips. They came at the [Evolved Centinel] from all directions, battering it before it could reach me.
I was pretty sure that if I tossed a rock at the same speed as they were being propelled, it wouldnt be as painful as with [Scattering Discement]. The space magic gripping the rocks definitely enhanced their ability to inflict damage.
They darted down and dibobted the [Evolved Centinel] each time it tried to draw closer towards me. I smiled, watching the monster snarl at the floating rocks. It spun around to smash another group of rocks as they winded down towards it, and I yanked them back. I made the rocks avoid the whipping legs of the [Evolved Centinel] before crashing them at its back.
This is fun, isnt it? Well, at least for me. I dont know how much fun it is for you.
I closed my fingers into my palm and all the floating rocks mmed into the carapace of the [Evolved Centinel]. That actually seemed to hurt it although, not by a lot. But still, it was hurt by a Skill that was from a ss about 50 levels below it.
Although, since I hurt the [Evolved Centinel], it was now annoyed too. It exploded into the air far faster than it moved before. I watched as it bounced from the floor to the ceiling in mere moments some kind of Skill that greatly enhanced its speed.
It shot out at me before I could react. The Breastte of Alexander shed, protecting me from the attack as I stood my ground. I red at it.
Alright, if you want to y rough, I have a few other Skills Id like to test out.
I tapped a finger on my chin as the [Evolved Centinel] bounced back, readying for another strike.
What about [Mass Particte Modification]?
It was a Skill I had gained, but hadnt added to my Skill Slots. I had three new secondary Skills [Cube of Istion], [Dimensional Pocket], and [Mass Particte Modification] but only two Skill Slots. I decided that the first one Id use would be thest in that list.
[Mass Particte Modification]. I activated the Skill and pointed at the [Evolved Centinel].
Take this!
I yelled.
Nothing happened.
The [Evolved Centinel] nearly crashed into me, but a quick me Burst with a [Haste] helped me evade it entirely.
I scowled and tried to use the Skill again.
Why isnt it working?
The [Evolved Centinel] moved even faster now it blurred and appeared next to me, leaving behind a kind of after-image. I blinked as the Breastte of Alexander shed once again. I actually stumbled this time.
Ugh, youre being annoying!
I swiped my ws at it, but the [Evolved Centinel] leapt back out of the way. I frowned when I missed.
Youre not cooperating! Im supposed to be testing out my Skills on you! Instead, youre trying to wear down my Breastte of Alexander!
It ricocheted off the walls and struck me once more. I scowled and grabbed it by its legs before it could run away.
Stop it!
ck mes wreathed my ws as [Radiant sh] illuminated the dark cavern. Ished back at the [Evolved Centinel], expecting it to finish the job. And the attack did do significantly more damage than [Scattering Discement] did. It even tore off a few legs and smashed open the carapace of the [Evolved Centinel]!
However, it didnt kill it. I blinked as the [Evolved Centinel] managed to pull itself away from me and limply leap away. It was still alive. It was ready to assail me once more.
Why are you?
And I realized Id made a mistake I was taking the [Evolved Centinel] too lightly. I forgot that it was a creature close to me in levels. Not only that, but it was somehow different maybe stronger than a regr Centinel.
I pursed my lips, feeling a bit annoyed at myself for underestimating it. I shook my head as I stepped forward and created a Nebr Scythe.
Fine. If you dont want to help me test out my Skills, then Ill have to ask you to leave me alone.
The [Evolved Centinel] didnt budge. It eyed me with beady eyes, studying my movements.
Youre not going to leave me alone?
I cocked my head, and it answered by snapping at me with its burly mandibles. I parried the attack with my Nebr Scythe as blue mes red around me. It burned at the Centinels broken carapace. At the same time, my other Skills activated.
Then, die!
I scorched the back of the [Evolved Centinel] and sliced its remaining carapace open with my Nebr Scythe. It fought back, of course. It continued bouncing around as I gave chase to it. But it couldnt keep it up forever its armor wouldnt hold.
When thest of its carapace had been pried off, I tore into its body with [Barrage of Cinders]. I grabbed its head and ripped it right off, finishing it off with a satisfied smile.
Defeated [Evolved Spindly Centinel Lvl. 113]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 65] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 66]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
The notifications resounded in my head as the battle came to a close. I tossed the [Evolved Centinel]s head aside, sighing.
It didnt even give me a level up for my Subspecies. What an annoying thing.
Oh, well. Now that it was dealt with, I finally could test out my remaining secondary Skills. [Cube of Istion], [Dimensional Pocket], and [Mass Particte Modification].
She didnt be a [Diabolus Neophyte].
Sal didnt know how he felt about the decision Salvos made. On one hand, he thought it was foolish rejecting a powerful ss over such a petty reason? Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.
But on the other hand, he found it very much amusing.
Honestly though, while there were the asional moments where Sal found himself being entertained in between watching the antics of Salvos and the rebellion of Belzu, he couldnt help but find himself growing bored from time to time.
Something needs to happen to make things more exciting.
He yawned as on one screen, Salvos began figuring out how [Mass Particte Modification] worked, and on another screen, Belzu carefully inspected the Sword of Alexander to ascertain all its secrets. Then an idea crossed Sals mind.
A wager.
He pped his hands together as a yful smile crept over his face.
Yes, that would certainly make this more exciting.
Hopping back onto his feet, a portal opened up before the Devil. He had a few people in mind who he could approach for this wager. The question was would they be happy to see him?
The answer was quite obvious.
No. No, they would not be happy to see him.
Chapter 263: Potential
Chapter 263: Potential
263. Potential
[Cube of Istion]. [Dimensional Pocket]. [Mass Particte Modification].
These were the three remaining secondary Skills I hadnt tested out yet. Id already added thest [Mass Particte Modification] into one of my avable secondary Skill Slots. I attempted to use it in battle against the [Evolved Centinel]. Unfortunately, it ostensibly did nothing against the creature.
Either I was using the Skill wrong, or it didnt affect living things.
I reckoned it was thetter rather than the former. I walked up to the corpse of the [Evolved Centinel] to test it out. Raising a hand, I pointed at it and spoke the Skills name.
[Mass Particte Modification].
My senses were immediately immersed into the [Evolved Centinel]s broken body. It was like I was holding it in the palm of my hands but more than that, it felt like it was made out of y. Like I could mold its shape and change its properties.
I narrowed my eyes. It wasnt that I could make it whatever I wanted it to be. I could not do that. Instead, it felt like I could stretch the body. Orpress it. So, I tried to do exactly just that. I tugged the corpse, feeling like I was pulling it apart. But it didnt break down any further. Instead, it grewrger.
I watched as the [Evolved Centinel] dwarfed my height entirely until I could stretch it no more. My eyes grew round as I stared at it.
Huh.
I could change the size of objects with the Skill!
Wait, actually
I walked up to the erged [Evolved Centinel]s corpse and tried to pick it up.
Ugh, heavy
Its weight seemed to match its size. And that gave me quite a few ideas.
So, if I used [Scattering Discement] together with [Mass Particte Modification]... wait, how frequently can I use both Skills?
As it turned out, I could use both Skills quite often. There wasnt a cooldown between each Skils use for both [Scattering Discement] and [Mass Particte Modification], I could cast the Skills again whenever I wanted if I had enough mana, although the amount of mana used each time depended on what I was doing with the Skills.
It gave me an idea. I activated [Scattering Discement] to send all the rocks in the room flying. They floated about as I then used [Mass Particte Modification] on them. I watched as they spun, changing in size, growingrger and heavier into boulders.
Then if I just do this
I closed my hands into a fist, and the boulders rapidly came crashing together. I grinned, taking a step back.
Thatll do a lot of damage, I think.
Now, it was a goodbination of Skills. But what was [Mass Particte Modification]s use on its own?
I could resize objects, but I didnt see a lot of use on its own. For now, I moved onto my next secondary Skill.
But between [Cube of Istion] and [Dimensional Pocket], which should I try first?
That was the question I had to ask myself. They had very vague names which didnt let me infer much about what they did. I had to choose at random, then, so I decided on [Dimensional Pocket].
Now, lets see
I tapped a finger on my chin, trying to parse what it could do. So far, my Skills seemed to affect other objects rather than myself or other people. I decided to test the Skill on a rock. I picked up a piece of pebble focused on it, peering into it as the [Dimensional Pocket] took effect.
I blinked as it popped out of existence. I was staring straight into my palms. The rock vanished entirely from existence. It was gone.
What? Where did it go?
I waved my hands around, trying to bring it back. With a single thought, it reappeared in the palm of my hand. The pebble appeared unharmed as if it had been in my hand the whole time.
How did that
Then it clicked. I understood what it did it was a Skill that worked just like the Dimensional Storage Unit Daniel had. It was my own personal Bag of Holding that didnt require a bag.
I grabbed a few items from my Bag of Holding and kept them away with my [Dimensional Pocket]. They all vanished without so much of a sound. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew exactly what I had stored.
That is quite useful. That means I can just carry whatever I want with me wherever I go!
However, was it useful enough for me to use up an entire secondary Skill Slot for it? That left me stumped for a bit. [Cube of Istion] sounded like it could be useful if I had to guess what it did, Id assume it would somehow create a spatial box to trap others within. But if I really wanted to know what it did, I couldnt just make guesses. I had to rece one of my secondary Skills with it.
And, well, I liked all the secondary Skills I had right now. It was always a risk to pick and choose a new Skill since itd forever be locked in once the decision was made. Unfortunately, I wasnt feeling particrly risky right now.
Maybe if I somehow acquired a Dimensional Storage Unit like Daniel had, Id remove [Dimensional Pocket] as a Skill. For now, I kept what I had and moved on.
The next thing I did was distribute the secondary Skill Points and Stat Points I got from my ss advancement and level ups. I used my Stat Points to bring [Agility] to a nice 300, and invested the rest into my [Wisdom]. As for my secondary Skills, I increased both [Mass Particte Modification] and [Scattering Discement] to Level 5, since that would be my mai offensive Skillbination with my ss.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 114
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 66
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 8]
[Vitality]: 142 (+25)
[Strength]: 125 (+25)
[Endurance]: 131 (+25)
[Wisdom]: 234 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 300 (+25)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 15
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 10
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 1
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 5
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 15
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl 1
Alright, Im ready.
With that settled, I left the Lair and continued my hunt to get stronger to defeat more Centinels and get a Grand Skill.
That reminds me Id have thought Sal would at least show up to congratte me for reaching my ss advancement.
I cocked my head, curious.
I wonder why he hasnt shown up.
A pce floated above a sable sea. Specks of scintiting lights flocked about the castles ornate walls, flitting down its gilded hallways, and chattering jovially amongst each other. It was a ce far reclused from the rest of the Nexeus a ce that most of the world knew nothing about. Yet, upon entering this space, anyone would instantly know who this pce belonged to. After all, a simple notification would be sure to inform them of it.
Now entering [The Celestial Pce of the Fairy Queen].
It was here that Sal made his first stop for his wager. In the middle of a grand courtroom, where Fairies wereughing and talking in the presence of their Queen, a portal opened up. A red figure stepped out of the portal, much to the astonishment of the Fairies.
Halt! You are not allowed here!
A blue Fairy norger than Sals head flew up to him as her hands glowed with powerful magic.
Out of my way, Im here to speak with Tera.
The Devil flicked a finger, and the golden Fairy went flying. The surrounding Fairies gasped as blue Fairy crashed into a nearby wall.
Honored Rose!
They shouted in terror. Each of them readied their magic, and a wicked smile spread across Sals lips.
Hm, thought that wouldve killed her. Shes quite strong for her level, isnt she? But, s, I dont think any of you will survive that.
He turned his gaze to the other Fairies as their vibrant colors all turned into a paler shade. But before Sal could do anything, a voice cut him off.
Thats enough.
A tall figure emerged from behind a curtain. A golden figure that tripled Sal in height with silvery-translucent wings that dwarfed even her person. She eyed him impetuously and crossed all four of her arms across her chest.
What brings you here, Devil?
She spat with vitriol in her voice. The Devil just spread his arms wide, grinning.
Aw, Tera! Its been so long since west met! How long has it been? A thousand years? Two thousand years? Hows your little Fairy ne project going?
I am Teranialiselisandranovaluxich-sham, the Fairy Queen. I ask that you address me by my proper Title, Devil.
Oh, you cant expect me to say that whole thing! Can I just call you Tera, pretty please?
Her gaze bore into him like daggers. Literally. Sal stumbled back as he created a barrier to dispel her magic before sighing.
What about calling you Fairy Queen?
That is adequate. Now, tell me why youre here and take your leave.
Ugh, youre always such a party-pooper, you know that right?
She stared at him, and he waved a hand off.
That was a joke. Anyway, wouldnt you rather speak in private? Right now, we have an audience.
Sal gestured at the watching Fairies as they cowered behind chairs and tables, listening in on their conversation.
My subjects know everything that I know. There is no need to keep secrets from them.
Well, if you insist. You see, Im here because I want to make a wager.
A wager?
The first sign of an emotion that was not anger showed on Teras face. She tilted her head slightly, and he exined.
I know youd rather stay secluded in your little space here. But there are interesting things happening out there in the rest of the Nexeus right now.
I am aware.
You are?
He blinked, genuinely surprised. She nodded.
Regnorex has begun moving his pieces. His n wille into fruition soon the foolish Demon. And the Spirit Lord shall capitalize on that.
I have absolutely no idea what youre talking about.
Sal gave her a nk look. Tera frowned.
Is this not the subject of your wager?
Nope! I was talking about smaller events.
He snapped his fingers, creating two images before Tera. A Demon in a cave and a Demon over a ruined city. Behind Sal, a Fairy squeaked when she saw thetter.
The Devil continued.
You see these two right here? They are quite special. They have the potential, I believe, to be figures that could shape the future. Something even beyond a generational talent people like you and me.
Tera raised a brow.
That is quite high praiseing from you, Devil.
It really is! Anyway, the problem is that having two such individuals in a single lifetime isnt well, its not impossible, but it certainly isnt likely!
Sal pped his hands together, beaming.
So, knowing that, I was thinking of holding a wager dont worry, it wont be between you and me since I know more about both of them than you. Id be asking others, too! And youd be betting against them. Youre simply the first person I thought to ask since were such good friends.
Tera leaned forward, ignoring thement. She peered at both images, her eyes shing into different shades before a flicker of recognition ran through them.
This is Belzu, isnt it?
You know him?
I know of him. And I know the only reason Regnoex hasnt disposed of that insect is because he believes that Belzu still serves some use for him.
Oh?
Dont y the fool, Devil. You and I both know that Regnorex fears failing against Humankind a second time. With Belzu, he can weaken their defenses before he strikes.
Ill be real, Im not that close with Reggie boy.
He raised a hand to cover his mouth and spoke conspiratorially.
Between you and me, I dont think he likes me.
Tera shook her head, turning to the other screen. She stared at Salvos as her brows snapped together.
Is she staring at a rock?
I
Sal blinked and faced the screen. He watched as Salvos picked up a pebble and focused on it for a moment. Then the Devil scratched the back of his head.
Shes a bit entric?
Hmph.
Tera made a displeased noise and dismissed the images. She turned around, speaking in clear displeasure.
You ask me for my opinion, Devil, and I shall give it to you. I believe that neither of them shalle close to even reaching our levels. They both shall perish and be forgotten about in the next ten thousand years as is the fate of all those who came before them, seeking out greatness.
With that, the Fairy Queen settled back into her throne.
Now leave, Devil. Before I lose my patience.
Alright, alright. I guess I could ask the Beast what it thinks if it doesnt try and kill me. Still, dont you think thats a bit harsh? Surely you think they stand a bit of a chance at reaching their potential, right?
No.
She replied simply.
Do you?
The Devils eyes flickered towards Salvos. He paused for a moment and tapped a finger on his chin.
Maybe.
And with that, he took his leave.
Chapter 264: Cornucopia
Chapter 264: Cornucopia
264. Cornucopia
The Bloodied Gulf was aplexwork of ravines intersecting withrger ravines intersecting withrger ravines. It was a gulf that had been burrowed out beneath a gulf at the southern edge of Secely where the soil was stained a blood red. Centinels crawled through every inch of this dark cave-system. Thanks to [Salvo of Vanity], I was able to map out quite a bit of the area around me so that Id know where I could find the best Centinels to fight for me to level.
I entered the Lairs of these [Senior Centinels]. Many of them were in the lower Level 100s, which didnt pose too much of a threat for me. And since I specifically chose with Lair to enter, I always picked the ones that were more secluded from other Centinels so that my fighting wouldnt attract even more of the monsters towards me. It would mitigate the risk.
Unfortunately, it didnt eliminate the risk factor entirely.
I managed to avoid getting into a fight that was too difficult for a few days, but my luck had run out. Because, right now, I was locked in battle with a higher-leveled [Senior Centinel] Level 130, one of the highest-leveled [Senior Centinel] Id seen so far. And my battle with it had drawn the attention of an unwanted visitor. An [Evolved Centinel]. One Id encountered before. It was Level 121 and had spike-like legs covering its entire as it rolled quickly across the ground, tearing it up.
Maybe I wouldve been able to deal with these two just fine on their own. But they werent alone. There were other [Older Centinels] and [Younger Centinels] here, too. They didnt pose much of a risk more of an annoyance. A hindrance that made it hard to focus on the two main threats here.
They crawled up the walls, giving chase to me with the [Senior Serpentfiend] leading the way. I sent a wave of blue fire at them to keep them back, but the [Evolved Centinel] barreled its way towards me from behind. I flipped over the attack and struck out with my Nebr Scythe. The back ded edge was caught in the spiky limbs of the [Evolved Centinel]. Before I could pull away, the [Senior Centinel] crashed into my side.
I went soaring through the air as the Breastte of Alexander shed. It absorbed the attack, although the impact still knocked me back. I scowled as I tossed the Nebr Scythe, lodging it into the side of the [Senior Centinel]s armored head.
The carapace broke as the [Senior Centinel] raised its undting body in pain. It let out an agonizing screech, spraying acid by sheer instinct. Before I could capitalize on this moment of weakness, the [Evolved Centinel]unched a flurry of spikes at me. I blinked, caught off-guard by the sudden attack. Some kind of Skill that allowed it to detach its limbs? Or no it was firing the very edges of its ws en mass. Rapid sts that I needed [Haste] to avoid.
I was starting to get very annoyed by the constant pressure from both these Centinels. And that was not to mention all the other weaker Centinels that were present here. I had to deal with them before they drew the attention of even more Centinels into the area especially if another [Evolved Centinel] showed up.
Id been reserving my Skills holding back, so to speak. Keeping them for when it was appropriate, rather than using my best Skills against every Centinel I faced. And this moment seemed like the time and ce to use them. I spread my bone-like wings wide as I took off into the air. The Centinels gave chase, but I activated [Warped Time] and moved faster, keeping entirely away from them.
I sent another wave of blue mes, washing over the horde of Centinels as I swooped down, grabbing a [Junior Centinel] that avoided the st. I picked it up with a grin.
Hi! Im Salvos! Mind blowing up for me?
It struggled as I tossed it straight at the [Evolved Centinel]. It seemed to glow its carapace was marked with a shining symbol. The [Evolved Centinel] began to roll away, but I pointed.
Stay.
And it halted. [Demons Mark] engulfed the [Junior Centinel] in bloodied mes beforepressing and exploding into a pir of crimson. It consumed everything within its perimeters, scorching the other Centinels close by.
Alright, thatll hold it for a minute.
I flew back down as I began to morph. My body twisted into something else, growing four more arms as I became taller. My face contorted like it was being tugged out and I bore fangs that were far sharper than my ws before I had transformed. I crashed straight into the [Senior Centinel] as [Demonic Essence] took hold of me.
I bared my teeth, tearing into the shelled body of the [Senior Centinel]. It shrieked as I used [Radiant sh] to slice open its carapace. Then with a flurry of [Barrage of Cinders], I ravaged its soft body with all six of my ws.
The [Senior Centinel] thrashed about, spraying its acid wildly all over the ground as it tried to throw me off its side. [Faux Limbs] protruded from my back and gripped the side of the [Senior Cenintel] so I wouldnt fall off.
I continued assailing the [Senior Centinel] as the crimson mes of [Demons Mark] dissipated. From the corner of my eye, I saw a blur. Something speeding through the red, headed straight towards me. I pried off more of the [Senior Centinel]s armor, revealing its fleshy bits. Then I flipped out of the way.
The [Evolved Centinel] its body was charred and half of its barbed limbs were missing barreled straight at the side of the [Senior Centinel]. It knocked the [Senior Centinel] back, shredding open more of the [Senior Centinel]s skin.
I watched from above as the [Evolved Centinel] tried to gather itself, only for the [Senior Centinel] to turn an angry gaze at it. The [Evolved Centinel] backed up, clearly uncertain as to what to do, but the [Senior Centinel] didnt think twice andshed out at the [Evolved Centinel].
Good, I thought, raising my hand as ck mes began wisp off my fingertips, turning into a Nebr Bow and Arrow. Thatll buy me a moment to do this. Most of the regr Centinels in the Lair were already dead. The rest were being distracted by an onught of [Scattering Discement]. And now that the two main threats were distracted by each other, I could take a deep breath and enhance my Nebr Arrow into something more.
First, sable motes wisped off it like a dark mist as it turned into a Nebr zing Bolt. Then the mist seemed to solidify into jagged edges the ck metal-like arrow somehow grew a shade darker. Symbols began to outline the Nebr zing Bolt, refining it to be far stronger and more controlled.
I aimed the Refined Nebr zing Bolt at the [Senior Centinel] as it crashed into the side of the caverns wall. The entire Lair shook, and I loosed the arrow. The Refined Nebr zing Boltunched out like a single ck beam one that moved so fast it reached its target the instant I let go of the bowstring.
The Refined Nebr zing Bolt tore straight into the weakened side of the [Senior Centinel]. Nothing stopped it from burrowing straight through the flesh and lodging itself deep within the giant monster. Then a beat passed a moment where nothing happened. Before, finally, the arrow exploded.
It was apressed st one that didnt consume nearly as much space as my [Demons Mark]. In fact, it was quite small. It barely expanded beyond the width of the [Senior Centinel]. But it tore the [Senior Centinel] in half. An entire segment of the [Senior Centinel]s body was gone as it copsed in two long pieces.
I grinned, lowering my Nebr Bow. The [Evolved Centinel] paused and stared at its deadpanion. Then it turned and hissed at me. I unloaded a salvo of Nebr Arrows at the [Evolved Centinel] as it shot its own projectiles my way. But before its projectiles could reach me, I redirected the rocks floating around with [Scattering Discement], erging them with [Mass Particte Modification] to intercept the attack.
The projectiles of the [Evolved Centinel] never reached me, but my own arrows stuck out of its sides, recing the limbs it had lost. I spread my arms wide as the [Evolved Centinel] hesitated.
Is that all you got?
It faced me, then looked towards all the dead Centinels around it. Blue, ck, and red fire ebbed away at their corpses, filling the Lair with smoke. Something clicked inside of the [Evolved Centinel]s head, and it moved.
I watched as the [Evolved Centinel] spun around and began to flee. I narrowed my eyes.
Oh, no you dont!
With a beat of my wings, I shot forward towards the [Evolved Centinel]. It was hard to catch, but I simply created a regr ming kusarigama with [The Primordial Spark] and tossed the chains around its side. I caught the [Evolved Centinel] before it could get too far and pulled it my way.
It flopped over on the ground as I loomed over it. It backed up, shaking, trembling in fear as I raised my six ws. It raised its own limbs too, then I paused. My eyes narrowed.
Are you submitting to me?
I stared at the [Evolved Centinel] as it showed me its underbelly. The weakest part of its carapace. It didnt even protect itself with its arms.
I cocked my head.
Now, what should I do with you?
I thought about it for a moment as the [Evolved Centinel] quivered. It looked at me with eyes rounder than usual, with a hint of a glint as if it was tearing up at me. It didnt want to die. It was more intelligent than the other Centinels in that it knew it didnt want to die.
I shrugged.
Ah, well, shouldnt have attacked me in the first ce.
I raised my ws and it shrieked. The [Evolved Centinel] struck back against me, but I ducked under the attack and dug my ws straight into its chest. I ripped it apart and tossed it aside.
Not like you would have spared me if I was the one who lost this fight.
Defeated [Evolved Spiky Centinel Lvl. 121]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 107]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 130]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 114] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 115]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 117] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 118]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 66] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 67]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 71] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 72]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
With the battle finished, I was inundated with a lot of notifications notifications of all the levels Id gained over the past few days. I was close to Level 120 in my Subspecies, and had finally broken past Level 70 with my ss. It was because Id cleared out multiple Centinel Lairs, at this point. Probably dozens of them.
It was odd, honestly. Id have thought itd be a Dungeon with these many Lairs so closely interspersed together. However, not only were all the Lairs called the same thing the Centinels Camp they also all belonged to the same type of monster. Maybe that was why it didnt qualify as a Dungeon?
I shook my head as I turned away from the corpse of the [Evolved Centinel]. I was tired, and the battle had drained me quite a bit. If more Centinels especially stronger Centinels showed up now, Id be very much vulnerable to them. I was just about to take my leave when I spotted a crack on one of the far walls. This Lair had been ratherrgepared to the others. It was like a long tunnel. And at the other side of the tunnel, the walls were beginning to crumble due to the damage my [Demons Mark] did. And it looked like there was something beyond the wall.
[nar Navigation] couldnt reach that far. I had to get closer to get a sense of what was there. I blinked as I sensed odd objects. Ones that seemed to emanate with power, but also not really?
I frowned as I pulled away at more of the wall, revealing what was on the other side. And I saw
Now entering [Lair: Centinels Cornucopia]!
Corpses. Human corpses. Hundreds of them. And on them, they still had their weapons and armors. Artifacts that they brought with them to the Bloodied Gulf.
Huh. Daniel wouldve loved this ce.
Chapter 265: Changing
Chapter 265: Changing
265. Changing
Now entering [Lair: Centinels Cornucopia]!
I peered through the hole in the wall at the rotten remains of hundreds of Humans. But there werent just Humans even though they clearly dominated the pile; there were also corpses of fish and marine life or rather, former life. I was going to assume that, judging from what the Humans wore, they were mostly adventurers.
People who ventured into the Bloodied Gulf for whatever grand quest they sought out. Well, it didnt work out for them considering that they were dead. And since they were dead, the artifacts probably sucked. Seriously, I bet they were Medium Grade at most!
I picked up a bracelet off an arm and used [Identification] on it.
[Cast Fireball of the August Archmage Alyssa: Former High Grade Weapon - A one time use bracelet enchanted with the fiery magic of Archmage Alyssa, founder of Mavos Academy. It has already been used, but its residual magic and enchantment can be studied by a keen [Mage].]
Huh. Nevermind, I guess.
Apparently, the adventurers who came to the Bloodied Gulf were well-prepared. Most of their artifacts were, unfortunately, inert, but they had powerful magic imbued in them once. The adventurers just werent cut out for surviving such a dangerous ce.
I strolled over the corpses, tapping a finger on my chin.
But why is it a Lair? And why are all the corpses gathered here, anyway?
I had many questions. I found it odd as I sifted through the bodies. It was odd Id have thought that most of them would already have dposed by now. However, despite their rotting appearance, none of them seemed any closer to turning into skeletal remains than the others. Not only that, but there was also no stench. Corpses normally radiated a distinct smell which Humans hated. I didnt understand their repulsion to it, but I knew the smell. I recognized the smell.
But I didnt smell anything like that, here.
Even the bodies of sea creatures had the same ckened texture to their corpses. Like theyd been dried of all the moisture in their body desated and left to forever rot in this chamber.
I did manage to gather quite a few artifacts that seemed like theyd be useful, and they actually worked too, which was always good. The first was an axe with a glowing crystalline edge; it was remarkably cleaned and polished, despite the mess of a body I took it from.
[The Juggernauts Bane: High Grade Weapon - An axe that has been enchanted with powerful spatial magic. When its effects are activated, it can grow up to ten times its size and inflict additional spatial magic damage.]
I wasnt sure if Id actually use it in battle, I just knew that itd be good to study, especially since it was a High Grade artifact imbued with a space magic enchantment. And considering that I now knew basic rune work, maybe I could learn a thing or two for my own Nebr or even Primordial weapons.
There were arrows, too. Bolts that were golden and glowing in the dark room. I picked them off a dead [Archer]s body, curious as to their effects. They were another set of High Grade artifacts, of course. But surprisingly enough, they werent one-time use items.
[Recursion Bolt of Greater Piercing: High Grade Weapon - An arrow that is enchanted to teleport back to the user after use. It is also enchanted with greater piercing.]
So, if I do this
I nocked one of the arrows into my Nebr Bow. I only had four of them. I loosed one and it struck against the side wall. With a tug of my finger, I recalled the Recursion Bolt of Greater Piercing back into my bow as I pulled it back once more. The arrow appeared and was instantly fired once more.
Interesting, so I can rapid fire the arrows, huh?
I repeated it multiple times, and the arrows were always instantly nocked and ready to be loosed when I recalled them. I grinned as I kept the first two weapons in my [Dimension Pocket].
Those were good useful, even. Unfortunately, not everything I found was particrly useful. Although, some of them seemed valuable like a Glove of Heat Resistance. I thought theyd give me some sort of Heat Resistance effect, but apparently only the gloves were resistant to heat. Probably something a [cksmith] would use. I kept those too, just to give to Daniel when I next saw him.
Hed probably want me to sell it. Maybe Id trade them for something I really wanted, at most. But I wasnt going to go through the entire process of selling things since that usually took a while.
There were other valuable items. A few protective artifacts, but none of them could be added on to pof the Breastte of Alexander. I kept those, though. Not for selling or giving to Daniel, but in case the Breastte of Alexander broke or something happened to its enchantment.
Other than that, I also got myself a pair of boots and a cloak.
[Speedsters Boots: Medium Grade Armor - Increases [Agility] by +5 and [Endurance] by +3 when worn.]
It wasnt the biggest boost, but it was still helpful. And as for the cloak
[Shrouded Veil: Medium Grade - Makes the user harder to spot when staying hidden.]
That was good. Itd help me hide better if I ever wanted to avoid a fight.
I put on the boots and cloak, grinning as I looked over my new Status. I was much stronger nowpared to when I first arrived in the Bloodied Gulf. Id leveled quite a bit, however I still hadnt gotten a Grand Skill. I was hoping to get a Grand Skill by Level 125 although, considering I had no direction whatsoever here, I wasn''t sure if that was possible.
I continued to explore the Lair, searching for any sign of Centinel life since it was, well, a Lair. And it took me a while to even find the semnce of a Centinel. However, it wasnt what I expected.
Normal Lairs were typically filled with the vibrant eggs of Centinels. This one didnt have any of those. Instead, it was also popted with the corpses of Centinels. I found myself turning over the rotting bodies of the dead Centinels dessicated, no different from the dead bodies of everything else I found here.
Weird.
I tapped a finger on my chin, curious. It wasnt thergest Lair; it was a circr cave chamber that was about a hundred feet from one end to the other. So, I had explored about everything there was to explore at this point. It had piqued my interest. I wanted to know what made this Lair different. So, I decided to wait.
I sat in the shadows, hidden by my new [Shrouded Veil] and waited for a Centinel any Centinel, really to show up in the Centinels Cornucopia. After all, it was a Lair that belonged to them, so surely a Centinel or two would show up at one point, right?
Well, I wasnt sure how long I waited, but even after quite a bit of time had passed, nothing showed up. I grew bored eventually and passed the time looking through the non-valuable items most of the corpses had on them. I found a few books diaries and the like and kept them with [Dimensional Pocket]. Honestly, I was d I got that Skill because it was very convenient.
I could even use it to change what I was wearing in an instant!
After what felt like forever, something finally decided to show up. I heard the soft clicking of Centinel footsteps approach, and I immediately hid myself. I waited patiently for the figure to draw closer. From the shadows, I spotted a familiar [Evolved Centinel] make its way into the Centinels Cornucopia.
It was the Level 135 [Evolved Centinel]. It skittered in with its undting lower body typical of a Centinel, but with an upper body that was more akin to a Human or a Cyclops. It carried in its arms arge sea creature some kind of giant squid that had spikes poking out of its pores.
The [Evolved Centinel] tossed the body onto the top of the pile as its carapace drew back. I blinked, watching tendrils emerge from beneath its carapace and reach for the squid.
Is it eating the body?
Wait, no it wasnt eating the squid. It was sucking something from it? A glow. An aura. But not any kind of magic Id ever seen.
And the [Evolved Centinel]s form changed.
Chapter 266: It Leveled Up
Chapter 266: It Leveled Up
266. It Leveled Up
The [Evolved Centinel]s form changed. Previously, it had been a twisted mix of a Centinel with its slithering and segmented lower body with an anthropomorphic upper body. Now, it began to misshapen even further. Its head grew longer into the shape of an arrow just like that of the squid it had dragged down here. It wasnt exactly a significant change quite subtle, to be honest but it was still a change.
And beyond that there was something different about the [Evolved Centinel] now. Not in anything physical about it, but in that odd aura it absorbed from the sea creatures body. It wasnt mana I could tell it wasnt mana. It was something else. I couldnt see it in the same way I saw the strands of mana weaving through the air to create the foundational fabric of the world. I just saw a flickering and sensed something leaving the desated squid carcass.
Then the ethereal tendrils protruding from beneath the [Evolved Centinel]s shell vanished as its armor closed back up. Its body was once again covered and protected, while a shuddering wave washed over it as it let out a screech. I took a step back, confused.
Huh. I really shouldve taken that opportunity to get the drop on the [Evolved Centinel] but I was too curious about what it was doing to interrupt what it was doing. So, I had watched. And I continued to watch. I observed the [Evolved Centinel] as it skittered around the room, trembling and making soft clicking noises at itself with its mandibles. My head cocked to the side as it seemed to hug itself and shiver.
Then, without warning, it was shrouded over. A ball of ck consumed it and the center of the Lair in its entirety. It was like I was staring into an abyss a deep darkness that seemed to echo with my thoughts as I peered into it. It was not a hole in the world. I didn''t sense any disruptive space magic here, contorting the dimensional fabric in the area. But it was magic. And it was a kind of magic that obscured everything within. Even my [nar Navigation] Skill struggled to properly track the movements of what was within.
I waited, watching as a beat passed, and then another. Finally, after what felt like half an hour, the sphere of darkness vanished. The [Evolved Centinel] emerged from the shadows as if it had taken a bath in a pool of dark ink. It seemed content. Like it had just tested out a new Skill it obtained and was pleased to see its effects werent suboptimal.
That was interesting. I was pretty sure that somehow, someway, the [Evolved Centinel] had absorbed the Skill of that squid? Or at least, a Skill.
And that was what had happened to all the corpses in the room.
I wasnt sure if it was this particr [Evolved Centinel] to have done it to every desated corpse in the Lair, but I knew it was responsible for at least some of them. And that made it quite dangerous.
So, I had to deal with it now before it grew stronger. Especially if it really could absorb Skills like I just observed.
I stepped out of the shadows as mes wreathed my body, creating a matte gray Nebr Armor like a knight. I designed it specifically so that itd resemble the [Evolved Centinel]s own carapace. I waved the Juggernauts Bane at the [Evolved Centinel] as it recoiled and leapt back, readying itself for an attack.
Hi! Im Salvos.
I greeted it happily in a muffled voice. It just eyed me, confused perplexed at how I was even here. I gestured at the body.
So, I was just wondering did you absorb a Skill from that giant monster squid? And can you do that with every corpse you find or?
It didnt respond, of course. I shrugged.
Look, I just want to know if thats what youd nned to do with me. I mean, you do remember attacking me, right?
The [Evolved Centinel] warily circled around me as I mirrored its movements, dragging the Juggernauts Bane behind me. Then the [Evolved Centinel] halted. It suddenly paused, and I tilted my head.
It leaned forward slightly as if it was about to share a secret. I waited, and it spoke in a guttural voice.
Yes.
I blinked, surprised to have actually gotten a reply. The words sounded twisted like crackling of debris falling down a cliff face. It was grating to the ears. And the worst part was that it wasnt spoken in anynguage I knew.
It wasnt the samenguage Id been talking to others in the Nexeus with, and it wasnt English. It was something else. No it was barely even anguage. It couldmunicate, yes. But in a very basic manner that amounted to just that.
I took a step back as the [Evolved Centinel] tilted its body. I bit my lower lip.
Youre different from the other Centinels not just you, but the other [Evolved Centinels]. Youre not actually wild, are you?
It just gave me a confused look, and I frowned. Maybe it was wild? I couldnt quite tell just yet.
Why did you attack me?
I lowered my weapons, trying to show that I meant no harm. It didnt ease up even one little bit.
Because kill
Because you just want to kill me?
I raised a brow, and the [Evolved Centinel] shuddered. It seemed to ponder for a moment, thinking of what to say next. Then it took a step forward, letting out a soft hissing noise.
Kill us you
And I finally understood what it meant.
Huh. So, youre upset because Im killing Centinels?
It didnt reply, and I nodded.
But you kill your own, dont you?
No!
It yelled, angry upset that I even used it of such a thing. I gestured at the other Centinels.
They do, though. Even if you dont, the other Centinels kill each other without a thought they attack me without a thought. Theyre wild!
Doesnt matter!
It faced me angrily as it held its arms out, pouring magic into a yellow, liquid sphere. I tensed as it shouted.
Kill us so I kill you!
The [Evolved Centinel] tossed the acidic orb at me, and I leapt out of the way. My wings spread wide as [Haste] helped me move fast and avoid the magical projectile. I pointed at the [Evolved Centinel] as it created a fireball this time.
[Warped Time]!
I trapped it in a bubble of slowed space so that all of its movements would decelerate. I swooped down at it as the Juggernauts Bane grew to the size of a small house and mmed the axe into the back of the [Evolved Centinel] from afar.
It reeled back from the strike, letting its magic dissipate as it skittered away from the [Warped Time].
Oh, no you dont!
The bubble of slowed space followed it as I gave chase. The [Evolved Centinel] raised its arms, this time casting a different spell. I swung the giant axe at it once more, but all of a sudden the ground beneath me erupted.
I watched as a molten pir shot up and out of the ground at me. It moved so fast, I couldnt move out of the way in time. I had to use a [Long Range Teleport] to pull me far off to the side, away from the st ofva.
I steadied myself, only to see the [Evolved Centinel] suddenly looming over me. It raised its arm as the image of an ice knight appeared behind it. My eyes grew wide, and it sliced down. I wreathed myself in mes to dampen the strike, but it sheared straight through both the blue mes and my Nebr Armor. It only stopped at the Breastte of Alexander which sparked out and knocked the attack back.
That Skill reminded me of the kind of attacks Zix that annoying Kobold Zealot would employ. Powerful. Just like Zix, the [Evolved Centinel] somehow drew the strength of something else. But that was not a Centinels Skill a stolen Skill from some [Mage] it had no, he had killed.
That was right this [Evolved Centinel] wasnt wild. He could think. He wasnt just fighting wildly. I wanted to take a moment to pause and consider this fact. Was this what the Devil intended for me to ovee in the Bloodied Gulf?
But the question would remain unanswered as the [Evolved Centinel] grabbed me by both my arms, preventing me from pulling away. He followed up with a headbutt, and I recoiled.
Kill you! I kill you!
He repeated himself as theva rained down all around us. It didnt scorch him for whatever reason, but I could see the sizzling of my Breastte of Alexander. I grimaced and flipped around, kicking the [Evolved Centinel] in the head.
It let go of me as I pulled away from him. He stumbled back, screeching at me, but I was already giving myself distance away from him. His chest glowed a momentter, and he was engulfed in a crimson st.
I escaped from the Lair as the explosion blew it apart in its entirety. I panted, watching and waiting for the notification in my head. It didnte. And a shadow emerged from the st.
The [Evolved Centinel] staggered forward, its carapace cracked and broken to reveal his malformed insides to me. It didnt look like an ordinary Centinels soft skin instead, it was a mangled mess like it had been scarred from a thousand battles. Many of which had been re-opened from [Demons Mark].
I narrowed my eyes.
Are you still going to insist on fighting? Because I will kill you, you know? Otherwise, we can talk.
He stumbled forward as he met my gaze.
No.
He replied simply. I shrugged.
Very well, then.
I raised my ws, readying a [Radiant sh]. This would not kill him, but it would hurt him quite a bit. Hed still be able to put up a fight even with thebined injuries of both of my strongest Skills. However, the question wasnt whether hed win the question was how long hed survive after?
The [Evolved Centinel] seemed to realize that as well because instead of taking on a fighting stance, he spun around and began to skitter away.
Get back here!
I called out at him, and he froze. Ished out with my [Radiant sh], speeding his way in that second he was unable to react. But before I could make contact with him, he twitched and suddenly everything was dark.
It took me a second to realize what had happened. The [Evolved Centinel] had caught me in the ball of darkness it had created earlier. My movements slowed it was like I was swimming through very heavy water. My movements were half the speed of what they should be. I couldnt see anything. I couldnt hear anything. I tried to wade my way around my inky surroundings, but I didnt know which way was which. What was up and what was down? I didnt know.
So, I struggled in the darkness for a minute. Then two minutes. Until, finally, I broke free. I emerged from the shadows and rolled onto the ground, on guard prepared for a surprise attack. But when I looked around, I saw nothing.
The darkness disappeared, leaving me alone in the cave chamber. The [Evolved Centinel] fled. He ran away.
Huh. Coward.
I shook my head, annoyed that I didnt get to kill him after all his talk about killing me. Well, at least I got some experience from destroying the Lair maybe I even leveled up?
Cleared [Lair: Centinels Cornucopia]!
Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!
General Skill [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension - Lvl. 1] -> [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 118] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 119]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 72] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 73]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I blinked as I took in the second notification again.
Wait what leveled up, now?
Chapter 267: Interlude - Edithes Explanation (1)
Chapter 267: Interlude - Edithe''s Exnation (1)
267. Interlude - Edithe''s Exnation Part 1
It had been a month since the fall of Nightsveil. The news of Nixas destruction was still fresh in everybodys minds; countries were reeling from the fact that they could very much be wiped off the face of the world if they were next in the path of the Primeval Demons rampage. They were readying themselves receding back into their borders and mustering up their armies so they wouldnt be the next ones to fall.
The coalition army that had once been formed was shattered. It had been the most the nations of Humankind had cooperated with each other since the days of Alexander. They had amassed many great armies led by Elites and filled with Diamonds to fell the Primeval Demon. And each time, against all odds, Belzu had beaten back their best. Even outnumbered and outmatched, he would somehowe out victorious.
Edithe Dawnrise had been reading up on the reports the battles that had taken ce between the coalition armies and the Primeval Demon. She couldnt believe what she saw. Some of the greatest generals shed heard of had been in in battle against the Primeval Demon. Powerful adventurers Elites whod aplished only what she could imagine defeated with ease.
Sure, it hadnt been every single great warrior and tactician in the worlding together to face Belzu, but that was nigh impossible to get. In war, you didnt send your countrys army straight into the enemys borders all at once; that was both foolish and difficult to manage.
With what Edithe was reading, she truly thought that theyd have been able to crush Belzu from the very first coalition army they sent. Just he somehow won each time.
It was ridiculous. And now, nations were too afraid to cooperate. The Vaun Qieur Empire was trying to pick up the remains and gather other countries to once again face the Primeval Demon as he barreled up north. Edithe wasnt sure where he was going, but hed fortunately been stalled at the Inoria Empire. For whatever reason, hed been more muted since he crossed the countrys borders. While he was still razing cities to the ground, he wasnt acting as outwardly as before.
Edithe remembered there being something about Inoria being rted to Demons it was both a rumor and something Daniel mentioned. She never really gave it much thought, but judging from Belzus actions now, it probably had some credence to it.
Whatever the case was, this presented an opportunity to prepare for Belzu once he finally navigated through Inorias borders. After all, she knew his next destination.
The Shedos Republic. Or, just Shedos.
Hadrian shook his head as he spoke. He sat across from Edithe as the sun shone from behind his head, casting a shadow over his face. They were back in Viechester, sitting in a cafe at the citys center.
That is what Dad told me the Norwood Family guards the Greaves of Alexander. Their estate is located in Shedos, and they are likely the Primeval Demons next target.
Are you certain?
Edithe asked, leaning forward. He nodded.
The Boots of Alexander is guarded by the Veridian Family, but they are located further up north, so the Primeval Demon will likely target the Norwod Family first before going after the Veridians.
And what about the Crown of Alexander?
Its guarded by a family in the Vaun Qieur Empire but that doesnt really matter. The Crown of Alexander only works when used together with the other treasures of Alexander. On its own, it is useless. The Primeval Demon will save it forst.
I see.
Edithe massaged her temples as Hadrian finished his exnation. She honestly just wanted a drink right now to forget all her problems and it was only noon. But she couldnt just sit around and do nothing, so shed been discussing the next course of action with Hadrian.
Speaking of, he shifted slightly and nced over at her.
So what do you think?
What do I think?
She blinked, and he averted his gaze slightly. Why was he asking her for her advice? Wasnt he the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company? But no she forgot that until recently, while Hadrian had been the leader, he still had the guidance of someone to seek out from. Baris, his father.
But now, Baris was dead. And Hadrian was lost.
Im just not sure what we should do, or if we should even do anything at all, Edithe. Im isnt thispletely out of our hands?
He gestured helplessly behind him. The streets were rtively empty for this time of the day Viechester was a city that relied heavily on trade, and right now, many [Traders] and [Merchants] were too scared to travel with their wares. There were a few children out watching the asional street performer, but it was otherwise quite barrenpared to the usual sigh.
Hadrian continued.
That Primeval Demon has brought all of Humankind to its knees were just somepany in the Sunmere Republic. This this isnt something we can help with, right?
Edithe stared at Hadrian. Shed known he wasnt really feeling like himself after everything hed recently been through, but this was unprecedented. The red-haired woman gritted her teeth and got to her feet.
Im honestly not sure, either. This has been a lot to take in. But if I know one thing, its that were the Valiant Dreamers. We have a duty to do what is right, always.
She shook her head, proffering Hadrian a hand. Her eyes flickered to the left as a little boy pped at the finishing act of a stream performance.
We cannot just let others down. And were not alone in this, are we?
Just as she spoke, four figures appeared down the street. A delegation dressed in ornate clothing, bearing the insignia of apany known all throughout the Humannds.
The Rising Veterans Company. One of the Three Honorable Companies. The so-called protectors of Humankind. And they instantly set their eyes on the two members of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Hadrian shifted and epted Edithes hand.
Right. Thanks, Edithe.
--
Viechester has changed quite a bit since Ivest been here. Its a lot emptier, now.
Leopold idlymented as the group strolled down the streets of the city. Edithe nced over at him as he flicked his long green bangs back. He was one of the members of the delegation from the Rising Veterans Company the leader of the delegation. A Level 131 [Archer]. Apparently, Hadrian had met him a long time ago.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company shook his head
It is. Everyone is scared afraid. They fear what could happen to them after what theyve heard of Nixa.
Hmph, perhaps the politicians back in Varoux should learn a bit from themon folk. They are too busy squabbling amongst themselves for Sunmere to effectively take action against this Primeval Demon threat.
And thats why youre here?
Edithe turned to Leopold and the three adventurers following him. A woman with brown hair, ire, nodded.
Indeed. We were sent by Nikodemus to reach out to yourpany to cooperate. Other delegations have been sent to otherpanies not already allied with the Rising Veterans, of course. This will require thebined efforts of more than just the Honorable Companies.
I think itll require more than justpanies.
The red-haired woman pointed out with a frown. Leopold chuckled.
That is true, but while countries y their politics, well have no choice but to act. We need the strongestpanies on board with us as soon as possible. And the Valiant Dreamers happen to be one of the biggestpanies out there. Unless youre saying yourpany does not wish to fight the Primeval Demon?
Hadrian and Edithe exchanged a nce. They both spoke at the same time with determined voices.
No.
But Hadrian hesitated after a moment.
However, we are still reeling from recent events. Im not sure if wed be as beneficial as you think wed be.
Leopold tapped a finger on his chin.
Reeling? Ah, yes, Ive heard about what happened to your father. You have my condolences.
Thank you, but thats not what I was talking about.
Hadrians eyes darted to what was up ahead. Edithe blinked as she looked up. Then she sighed.
Seriously? Please not right now.
Leopold paused as he eyed the figures waiting up ahead, just outside of the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Who are they?
He asked with a questioning gaze. They slowly approached Edithe, Hadrian, and the delegation from the Rising Veterans Company. The red-haired woman scowled as the man leading them took a step forward and introduced himself.
Greetings, delegation of the Rising Veterans Company. My name is Jake, and were the True Valiants Company. Also, former members of the Valiant Dreamers Company after Baris betrayal.
That was the thing Leopold mightve thought that thered be noplications when gathering adventuringpanies together to face Belzu. But he didnt realize that just like countries,panies too had their own politics and issues. Edithe realized this. And she knew things going forward wouldnt be as simple as taking up arms into battle.
Chapter 268: Interlude - Edithes Explanation (2)
Chapter 268: Interlude - Edithe''s Exnation (2)
268. Interlude - Edithe''s Exnation Part 2
Jake was a rtively young man just a few years older than Edithe whod once been a part of the Valiant Dreamers Company. He was quite talented for his age, having reached Gold Rank under the age of 30. It was a feat. Genuinely. Edithe thought it was a ster achievement. She, herself, took pride in having aplished that very same thing just three and a half years ago, even if she was far above that level at Diamond now.
Perhaps it was said feat that gave Jake the confidence he had to strut up to Leopold without any hesitation and speak as boldly as he did. Still, there was nearly a hundred level difference between them, so maybe it was more foolish than brave.
Leopold seemed disinterested slightly confused, at most but Jake spoke nevertheless.
Ah, this is the delegation from the Rising Veterans Company, is it not? Weve been expecting you. It is unfortunate that you ran into these posers before us.
Posers? True Valiants? Exin, Hadrian.
ire frowned as she nced between the two groups of adventurers. Edithe pursed her lips as Hadrian quickly tried to clear things up.
The True Valiants are a splinter group from ourpany. After Baris death, some of our members decided to form their ownpany.
That is a vast oversimplification of what happened and you know it.
Jake crossed his arms and faced Leopold.
Mr Leopold, I must ask you to listen to our plea this man and the rest of the Valiant Dreamers were aware of the Primeval Demons goals and refused to act. They lied to us and betrayed us. Do you truly want the assistance of such backstabbers in your cause?
There was a pause. ire exchanged an uncertain look with Leopold, and Edithe herself moved to speak up. But it seemed Jake had ignited something within Hadrian as the leader of the Valiant Dreamers stepped forward.
We are not backstabbers. It is true that we lied about some things but we did not do so to mislead, nor did we betray anyone in ourpany. We didnt even know that the Primeval Demon was after the Sword of Alexander. In fact that was exactly what feared and it came to pass.
It was what you feared? So you knew that someone would pursue that weapon, and you did not tell us. Isnt that exactly what I said? Just because you didnt know it would be the Primeval Demon doesnt mean you didnt know it would happen.
Hadrian hesitated.
I
Enough.
Leopold cut them both off.
I do not care about this infighting in yourpany, Hadrian.
He gave the blond a disapproving look as he started past thepanys headquarters.
Id rather you settle this as soon as possible before the morrow. I am here not to resolve your petty politics were here to gatherpanies that are willing to put aside their differences and face amon foe. If you cannot settle this, well be leaving Viechester with neither of yourpanies.
Leopold left for an inn. He would not stay in the city for long. Jake clicked his tongue and turned as well Edithe knew that he probably thought Leopold would see things his way. As it was right now, Leopold and the rest of the delegation from the Rising Veterans Company were just annoyed.
They took their leave, departing from the gates of the Valiant Dreamers Company headquarters.
--
I cant believe Jake would do that.
It was not something Edithe expected just three months ago. It hadnt been long ago that they were together in the battlefield, fighting against amon foe allies that valued and trusted each other above all else.
Now, the Valiant Dreamers Company was torn. Hadrian tried and failed to give the red-haired woman a reassuring smile.
Well be able to resolve it, Edithe. Hes still upset. As are the others. But they are dreamers they will
He hesitated. His words convinced no one. Shaking his head, Hadrian headed back to the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Well figure things outter. For now, Ill have to discuss Leopolds proposal with the others.
Edithe watched him go. She could only clench her fist, unable to do anything else as she stood there in the cobbled streets of Viechester. Alone.
There was not much the red-haired woman could do pursue Jake? Shed tried talking him out of it once before. It didnt work, then. It wouldnt work now. Help Hadrian? He seemed like he wanted to be left alone, and there wasnt much Edithe could do to help other than to brief those not in the headquarters.
There was also Leopold. She couldve followed him. But after such a long trip to reach Viechester only to be met with apanys squabbling, Edithe was certain Leopold would not take to her kindly if she tried to approach him now.
Anyway, while Edithe was mulling over what she could do for others, she didnt stop to consider what she could do for herself. She was only reminded of her own limits when a voice called out to her, breaking her from her thoughts.
Edithe?
She turned to face the source of the voice. A man dressed in white robes stood at the street, staring at the red-haired woman. He had graying hair and a wrinkled face, but a kind smile. One that Edithe recognized. No she more than recognized him. She knew him with great familiarity.
William?
A [Priest]. One who had raised Edithe as a little girl. When her Mother was off with work in the slums of Viechester.
What are you doing here?
The man smiled.
Its been a while since weve spoken. Id have thought youd be happier to see me.
She shifted ufortably, and he chuckled. Before the red-haired woman could protest, a small voice squeaked from behind her.
Old man! Youre here!
Rachel dashed out of the headquarters of the Valiant Dreamers Company, grinning. Edithe blinked.
Wait, whats going on?
--
So, Sophia asked you to take care of her for today?
Edithe looked down at the little brown-haired girl as she happily skipped ahead up the stairs of Viechesters Sanctum of Elements. The temple didnt look asvish or luxurious as the red-haired woman remembered, and she wasnt sure if that was her mind ying tricks on her or if it really was falling into disrepair.
Everything just appeared bleaker these days.
Yes. Since I have cared for Rachel before, Ms Sophia requested for my aid as she had a mission to carry out.
That was right. Thered been an uptick in monster activity as ofte. Sophia left with Cless to clear a [Dark Wolf] pack that had apparently been terrorizing a few towns to the north of Viechester. It wasnt the most difficult task for Gold Ranks like them, but Cless had just barely recovered from his injuries, so he was still taking things slowly.
Well, after all that happened thest time we asked you to look after her
Edithe trailed off, thinking of the whole debacle with Stephen. It truly didnt feel like it happened too long ago, but it had been over two years since then. A lot of time had passed in what felt like a shorter span than it truly was.
Thank you.
It is no trouble.
William shook his head.
Rachel is a delight to watch over. Watching her progress her curiosity that leads her to grow. It truly is astonishing. Have you noticed? She has leveled quite a bit at her age.
Edithe certainly had been keeping the asional tab on Rachel. Seeing the brown-haired girl level was something shed noticed, to a certain extent. But the fact that Rachel was nearly Level 15 and that was something special was lost to Edithe, until William pointed it out.
A prodigy. Truly.
A small smile crept over Williams lips as they strode through the halls of the temple. Suddenly, Rachel paused. She turned to the [Priest] and raised her chin.
Thats right! Im amazing, arent I?
Edithe stared at Rachel as she grinned triumphantly a grin that was quite simr to a certain Demons. Even the words sounded like something a certain Demon would say. The red-haired woman shook her head.
Rachel, Im d youre taking after Salvos. But you really shouldnt be so uncouth with what you say. People may think youre a braggart.
Psh but its true! Even William said it himself!
The [Priest] just shrugged, and Edithe shot him a half-re.
Well, William shouldnt be praising you too much. Theres such thing as too much pride, which, unfortunately, Salvos suffers from.
Rachel gave Edithe a look of astonishment.
What? How can Salvos be too proud? Shes amazing!
The brown-haired girl spun around, continuing to walk ahead as she babbled on about the Demon.
Shes so fast and strong and she always seems to arrive on time you know, I bet she can beat up that ugly Demon everyone is talking about these days!
Edithe pursed her lips. That wasnt true. Even with Edithe and Daniel present, Salvos herself had admitted she didnt stand a chance at beating Belzu.
But the red-haired woman didnt just want to burst the girls bubble. So, she tried to put it lightly.
Salvos is my friend. I trust her with my life. But she isnt
She hesitated, trying toe up with the right words to say. Especially in front of William.
Salvos isnt a [Hero].
The red-haired woman finally settled with that. Rachel nodded, uncaring.
Yep! Shes not a [Hero]. Shes better than a [Hero]!
Whats better than a [Hero]?
A Princess adventurer!
Williamughed as Edithe just sighed. Rachel didnt back down, insisting that it was true as they arrived at the temples library.
The [Priest] spoke as he ushered the girl forward.
I believe you, Rachel. But now its time for you to catch up on your studies. Im sure you can find lots of books about princesses and adventurers in here.
Kay
Rachel scurried off to grab a book to read. Edithe massaged her temples as William gave her a pat on the shoulder.
Let her dream, Edithe. She has someone she looks up to, and theres no need for you to convince her otherwise.
Im not telling her not to look up to Salvos. Just that Salvos has ws, like the rest of us.
Like the rest of us, huh?
William muttered as he took a seat. He offered Edithe a cup of tea, which she gratefully epted. Shed been drinking too much ale as ofte.
What, do you disagree?
I agree with you. But I dont think telling someone that their idol isnt who they make them out to be will just strengthen their beliefs even further. It is counterproductive.
The red-haired woman scowled. She took a sip from the tea and grimaced. Bitter.
What makes you say that?
It is in a persons nature to inherently disagree with someone who ims you are incorrect, no? Otherwise, youd be admitting ignorance over a matter you are impassioned about. And as much as we strive to be modest and openminded, we cannot simply mold ourselves to what others im with certainty, as wed then be no more than a piece of paper for them to draw on.
William spoke as he watched Rachel run between the shelves, quickly sifting through the titles in search of a specific book she couldnt find.
Everyone has a set of beliefs, and if those beliefs are threatened, so is our individuality. That is why we disagree. And that is why changing minds isnt merely a matter of talk.
That made Edithe paused. She thought for a moment about Jake about Hadrian. About both the Valiant Dreamers and the True Valiants. They had been bickering like children. Neither side gave the other any room to speak.
But what Jake had been saying was partially right. Fact of the matter was Baris did have some faults. He wasnt perfect. No one was.
It was just like Edithe said, everyone was wed in some regard. But the way the remaining Valiant Dreamers had been dismissing the True Valiants it was like Baris had done no wrong his entire life. However, he had made mistakes. Even Edithe thought it had been a problem before others found out.
So, why did she have to reject the True Valiantspletely?
Now, what has been troubling you, Edithe? You dont normallye to me unless you need your help.
William chuckled and turned to her with a gentle look. That of a father peering at his daughter, ready tofort her and lend an ears
I its nothing.
She finally realized what needed to be done. The True Valiants were not evil. Theyd beenrades once, and they could berades again. A proper dialogue had to be made. But not just with the True Valiants. Edithe had to speak with the Valiant Dreamers too.
Youve already helped me plenty. Thank you, William.
He smiled.
It is my pleasure.
Edithe got to work, leaving the temple.
Chapter 269: Titan
Chapter 269: Titan
269. Titan
I was still reeling from it processing what had happened. I didnt normally stop to think for more than a second whenever one of my General Skills leveled. Because, after all, General Skills leveled all the time. Sure, they leveled rtively slowly. Sometimes, I wished theyd level faster. But they did level.
At least, most of them did. One of them hadnt leveled at all despite having been a General Skill of mine since the very beginning; it was something I had with me from the moment of my birth. It never once leveled, so I assumed it couldnt level.
Until now.
General Skill [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] has leveled up!
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension - Lvl. 1] -> [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Huh.
What did it? What exactly pushed [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] past the edge so that it could level?
Was it because I spoke to the [Evolved Centinel]? Was it because the [Evolved Centinel] spoke in some strangenguage?
That was possible. But the real question wasnt how [Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] leveled the real question was what could I do now with it?
I quickly distributed all my Stat and Skill Points I had plenty since Id been fighting and leveling a ton and headed out of the Lair.
Just before I left, however, I noticed one thing. The corpses in the former Centinels Cornucopia began to rapidly dpose. It was like they were old, eroded stone statues that were copsing to dust after a bumbling passerby bumped into it.
Huh, so it was the Lair that were keeping their bodies intact. I wonder why.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 119
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 73
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25)
[Strength]: 130 (+25)
[Endurance]: 140 (+25) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 250 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 300 (+25) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 1
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 10
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 15
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 1
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 5
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 10
[Warped Time] - Lvl 6
--
Hello?
I peered into the egg sac. The wriggling creature broke out of the blue shell after a moments struggle. Itnded right at my feet with a wet st and nced up to meet my gaze. I cocked my head, waiting for a reply.
The [Infant Centinel] hissed and chomped at my feet. I scowled, stepping on it before walking off. It died with a squelch a notification. And I was off speaking to another group of Centinels. Higher-leveled Centinels. Maybe an [Infant Centinel] couldnt speak because it was still an infant?
Hi! Can you speak?
I asked the [Junior Centinel] as I held it by the tail. It didnt speak. It just thrashed about, screeching at me. No words. Nothing that even resembled words. Complete, incoherent nonsense.
Ugh, this was a waste of time.
I tossed it hard against a rock wall. It went st. None of the Centinels could speak. Presumably, only the [Evolved Centinel] was capable of articting his thoughts even if it was in a very rough and abstract way.
My wings spread wide as I took off into the air. A horde of Centinels snarled and snapped below me, but I ignored them, flying higher up to a small crack on the ravines walls. Id be moderately safe here. I was still tired from the brief battle with the [Evolved Centinel]. So, I sat down, letting [Rest] course through my body.
As I found myself sitting on the cold floor, I produced the books I had kept away with [Dimensional Pocket]. These had been diaries that belonged to the adventurers who dared venture down to the Bloodied Gulf. Thrilling stories, surely.
But when I sifted through them, I found that a lot of the books were regaling the tales these great [Warriors] or [Mages] had prior to delving into the Bloodied Gulf. It listed their achievements, the powerful friends theyd made, and a bunch of other boring crap that incessantly praised the author.
Seriously! Even I wasnt that prideful!
Edithe should really have a talk with these people. Oh wait, she couldnt because they were dead. So, you guys werent that great then!
I shook my head, chuckling softly. Despite my amusement, I did acknowledge that it was very much possible for me to end up with the same fate that befell these adventurers. I could die. I understood my mortality. I wasnt a fool. I didnt think of myself as an invincible [Hero] of the ages.
They came here to purge the Centinel threat. I was here to survive and killed that annoying [Evolved Centinel]. At least, that was what I thought I was here for.
I continued to turn the pages of the diaries, not out of intrigue, but simply hoping to find anything that would be useful for me. Information that could help me navigate the Bloodied Gulf. I didnt find much of the like, unfortunately. The most useful thing I found was a [Mage]spendium of the various Centinels. He or she even detailed the various evolutions of [Evolved Centinels] encountered in the Bloodied Gulf.
There were four types of [Evolved Centinel]. Variations existed, but there were four broad forms they took on. The first was what they called a Sage Centinel. An intelligent Centinel that adapted to their opponents with different magical Skills kind of like the [Evolved Centinel] Id just fought.
The second was a Titan Centinel. A typicallyrge Centinel that dwarfed even the size of [Older Centinels], but not quite asrge as [Senior Centinels]. I didnt think Id seen one of these yet.
There were also the Gracious Centinels. [Evolved Centinels] that were described to be Human-like in size and fighting prowess. I thought of the first [Evolved Centinel] I fought. That was likely a Gracious Centinel.
Andstly, there were Horror Centinels. These were described to be monstrous taking all kinds of shapes and sizes, with monster-like abilities. These were the other two [Evolved Centinels] Id seen. They were said to be the weakest of the [Evolved Centinels] as the least intelligent of them all.
It was interesting. The fact of the matter was, the [Mage] who wrote thispendium had spent enough time down here to encounter enough [Evolved Centinels] to make these ims. But Id only seen four [Evolved Centinels] so far.
I wondered just how numerous they were.
There were two more pages in thependium. Each was less detailed than the next. The first was a brief description of an [Ancient Centinel]. It was nothing I didnt already know. That it was massive and powerful above Level 150.
And the page after that simply had a name. A ceholder. No description. It simply said: the Progenitor.
I cocked my head, curious.
What is this Progenitor?
I was under the impression that all Centinels couldy eggs and produce offspring. Id seen it, even.
Huh.
I leaned against the rock wall, interest piqued. There were so many mysteries still left uncovered about the Bloodied Gulf. However, I knew what my goal was. I didnt care for a Progenitor, even if I was curious.
I was going to kill that [Evolved Centinel] or Sage Centinel. Whatever he was called, I didnt like him. And once I was through with him, Id deal with Belzu.
I closed the books and let them disappear into my [Dimensional Pocket]. Just as I got to my feet, however, the ground shook. Something tingled inside of me [A Hunters Sense] warned me something wasing.
My eyes grew wide. Was it the [Ancient Centinel]? I was prepared to teleport away from the alcove when arge shadow loomed over the entrance. I blinked.
Thats?
Dozens of sharp teeth pierced through the walls, tearing away at my hiding spot with ferocious intent. I backed up as mes wreathed around me. I narrowed my eyes, not recognizing the gaping maw that tried to dig its way to me. It didnt look like the mandibles of an [Older Centinel] or [Senior Centinel]. And it certainly wasnt an [Ancient Centinel].
The mouth seemed shaped more like that of a beast. One with far fewer teeth than a Centinel, but an elongated jaw that could chomp harder and through tougher materials. I identified the creature, and I got my answer.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 131]
A Titan Centinel? A small smile crept over my face as I realized that this was the one [Evolved Centinel] sub-type I hadnt seen just yet. A fire burned within me. A desire to see how itpared to the other [Evolved Centinels] Id fought so far.
But before I could jump straight into battle with the forming Nebr Scythe, another shadow loomed behind the Titan Centinel. A figure just barelyrger than the Titan Centinel. And it wasnt alone.
I recognized their shapes and forms. Regr Centinels. But not weak ones. [Senior Centinels]. Each of them above Level 120. They apanied the Titan Centinel as they tried to burrow their way to me.
I blinked.
Thats a lot of high-leveled Centinels
I hesitated. Would I be able to beat all of them? Or better yet would I be able to defeat them without attracting even more unwanted attention? I didnt feel confident enough in myself to do that.
That was the thing. This was the Bloodied Gulf. I thought I was safe in this alcove, but somehow, the Titan Centinel found me. And it led a small horde of [Senior Centinels] after rme. Ipletely forgotten the one rule of a ce like this. After all, it was just like the Netherworld.
Nowhere was safe.
It was always dangerous, no matter where you were. You migthve thought youd found a safe haven, but it could bepromised at any moment. Just like right now.
I found my back pressing against the walls as the massive crab-like ws of the Titan Centinel ripped the entirety of the cliffs surface off. I now stood on a small ledge, exposed and surrounded by dozens of Centinels that were equal to or above my level.
The Titan Centinel stared down at me. Its body was like that of a giant tree trunk. Its face was that of a deformed flower with spiky thorns poking out the sides of its neck. It opened its terrible mouth like the unfurling of withering petals and I took my chance.
I teleported above the Centinels before they could bear down on me, wings spreading wide and taking off into the air.
Nice to meet you, but bye!
I exploded straight for the ocean above. I wasnt going to wait to see what itd try to do to me. But the [Senior Centinels] were quick on my tail. They scurried up the cliffside, slowly closing the distance between us even despite my [Haste].
I clicked my tongue as I watched them draw closer. The Titan Centinel turned its lumbering figure and let out a cacophonous roar. One that instantly made me turn my attention above me. I watched as Centinels poured out of the cracks in the cliffside above me. They rained down on me, cutting off my escape as they descended like a wave.
I paused, hesitating as I was nked from both sides. My exit was cut off. I had to fight . Or maybe I could use [Salvo of Vanity] to distract
Before I could make a decision, I heard a high-pitched sound. One that suddenly morphed into something more coherent. Slightly cracked, but still understandable to my ears.
Here!
A voice shouted. My gaze snapped to the side. For whatever reason, I was drawn to a specific portion of the rock wall. It looked gray just like any other part of the ravine. But something about it was off. And I heard the voice again.
Quick!
So I flew straight for it. I sent out a burst of me in all directions with [The Primordial Spark] as I dove for that spot. As I drew closer, I realized what was wrong. [nar Navigation] told me exactly what was wrong. There was no rock wall there.
It was empty, even if I saw something there.
I exploded into the other side of the illusion, tumbling to the ground as my blue mes covered my escape. I waited with bated breath for a moment as I heard the Centinels] pass. They drew eerily close to the entrance, but they didnt think to check it. Not when all they saw was any other part of the rock wall.
I sighed in relief and turned around to thank whoever saved me.
Thanks
Then I paused. A speckle of me hovered over me. One that glowed softly in the dark. It had no shape other than that of fire.
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 121]
Um hi?
Chapter Quick update + HERE IS THE SURPRISE
Chapter Quick update + HERE IS THE SURPRISE
Last week, I was supposed to be flying on the 29th for Chinese New Years to spend time with fam before heading to my cousin''s wedding. However, I was likely still going to posting my chapters, just a bitter than usual. Before the end of the week, or so I thought.
Unfortunately, due to a mixture of my flight being dyed by 3 days due to a blizzard, family matters that came up since then, and getting scammed out of $1,800 thanks to fucking which took up a whole day and a half, I probably will only be able to get 2-3 chapters up at most this week. I''m sorry :(
That''s for Salvos. For Ms and Tian, I probably won''t even be able to get a single chapter written this week. I''ll try. But s, I can''t. I can probably get 1-2 Trace chapters out for Trace fans.
Also, I wrote 140,000 wordsst month, so yay to that at least.
Anyway, here''s the thing I was previewing you of. Y''all thought it was a cat or something. But NO. it''s a Salvos Volume 1 cover redo for the PAPERBACK which I''ll hopefully get up sooooooooon. It was Salvos... and SALVOS AS AN INFANT DEMON.
THAT''S RIGHT. YOU FINALLY GET TO SEE INFANT DEMON SALVOS! HERE IT IS!
ISN''T LARVA SALVOS ADORABLE?
Chapter 270: Hidden Haven
Chapter 270: Hidden Haven
270. Hidden Haven
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 121]
Um hi?
Before me, a small me-like orb hovered with a soft glow. It emenanted a pulsing light, gently growing in intensity before dimming once more. It was cyclical like the tender breathing of a child tucked in a cot.
I peered into the [Will O Wisp] as its color continuously changed. A rainbow of light that painted over the wisping fire of its body. I heard it speak earlier, yet it remained silent now.
Cant you speak?
I waited with bated breath for it to say something, but no words came. Did I imagine it? Was I going crazy? I couldve sworn I heard it utter actual words to me something coherent, holding meaning even if it came in the sound of a high-pitched buzz.
Well, I wasnt actually sure how my newly-leveled [Universal Language Comprehension] Skill worked. Maybe there was a limit to what it could understand? Or maybe it had to be activated for me to understand the words of monsters and animals? In which case
[Universal Language Comprehension]!
I raised a triumphant arm, waiting for the [Will O Wisp]s voice to materialize any moment. But all I got was the feeling of puzzlement. It just floated before me, confused.
Wait, so cant you speak?
I asked, tapping a finger on my chin. The [Will O Wisp] didnt reply, but another voice emerged from the shadows behind it. From further down this tunnel.
It speak. A bit. Not much.
I spun around, raising a w protectively as a snout protruded from the shadows. A green figure appeared one with scales covering its body. Kind of like a Kobold, except taller, more slender, and with a far longer tail. The scales seemed to morph into tes around its neck and back, king out of its body as bone-like protrusions.
I took a step back and blinked.
Wha are you a Kobold?
The green figure paused. It stared at me as a gurgling left its throat.
Hrk, no. Kobold? Whats Kobold?
It no, she pointed at herself as her yellow eyes gleamed in the darkness.
Me [Krokodis]. Me understand you. [Basic Language Comprehension]. Me Skill.
She thumped herself on the chest with a w-like hand. I cocked my head.
Huh? Wait are you a monster?
I peered at her, but before she could respond, the [Will O Wisp] flitted between us. Its color changed as a word echoed in the cavern.
Leave.
The [Krokodis] nodded and gestured for me to follow.
Illusion fall soon. Escape now.
Um, alright.
I nced back at where Ide from. I could hear the skittering of Centinels around the walls just outside of the tunnel. The image of a rock surface still blotted out the entrance, so itd be a while before the Centinels found this ce. It was best to go now.
I followed both the [Will O Wisp] and the [Krokodis] as they made their way down the tunnel. The [Will O Wisp] flew like a Fairy it reminded me of a Spirit. Was it a Spirit? I couldnt quite tell. It wasnt able to speak eloquently, but some Spirits werent able to speak either, like Druma.
Meanwhile, the [Krokodis] crawled on all fours. Shed stood on two legs to briefly talk with me, but she walked with all four of her limbs touching the ground. She certainly wasnt a Kobold like I initially thought she was.
I followed them as the tunnel grew narrower, winding its way deep below. It branched out to multiple more paths, but both the [Krokodis] and the [Will O Wisp] seemed to know where they were going like it was second nature.
So, do you guys have names?
I asked as we continued on for a bit. They both exchanged a confused nce. The [Will O Wisp] said nothing, but the [Krokodis] gave me a puzzled look.
Name?
Yep! Im Salvos! Im a Demon! Thetter is my Species, and the former is my name.
The [Krokodis] blinked slowly, one eye after the other not a simultaneous blinking of the eyes. Meanwhile, the [Will O Wisp] just continued.
Um, I take it you dont have names?
I hurried after them as they resumed their trek. The [Krokodis] spoke without even facing me.
Me not know what name is.
Do you want me to give you one?
Me dont care.
She replied, disinterested. I scowled as I watched them go.
Well, fine. Ill give you one then. How about Willy and Kron? Those are good names, right?
As expected there was no response from either of them. Which that was good enough. They didnt hate the names, at least, and I could refer to them by something that wasnt just their Species.
Finally, the tunnel opened up to arge cave chamber. One that was dimly lit with crystals jutting from the fringes of the chamber. And it was teeming with life. I blinked, paused, and gasped as I saw what was inside.
Huh.
Now entering [Lair: Land of the Lost].
It was amunity. An entire sanctuary filled with monsters. I looked around at the lumbering creatures as they milled about. They were all different Species of monsters. Some of them didnt even look like intelligent ones, like the [Krokodils] or a Goblin or Orc.
There were giant crab-like monsters. Their shells were mossy and covered in grime. They turned their eyes towards me, suspicious, but not much else. There were long maggot creatures. Half of their bodies were hidden in the ground, and they didnt even look at me with any suspicion or wariness. Just hostility.
Yet, they didnt attack. I waved at them.
Hi?
They didnt reply. I turned around as I slowly took in the room there were glowing moss growing on the stctites and stgmites growing on the ceiling and floor. I continued scanning the room until my eyes rested upon arge boulder that seemed to growrger.
Wait, no, it wasnt growingrger. It was just moving closer to me. I backed up warily and froze when I heard a word echo from the boulder.
Hello.
I watched as a small head poked out from a hole in the boulder. A green, amphibious head.
Um, hello?
[Gallias Tortoise - Lvl. 115]
Interesting, you can understand me.
His head quirked as I peered back at him. His mouth barely moved, letting out a squeak or two. Yet, I understood his words perfectly. [Universal Language Comprehension] Level 2 at work. It tranted everything in that brief squeak into something I could understand. After all, he carried meaning with his squeaks, even if he didnt have such advancedmunication abilities.
Yep! I have a Skill!
I gave him a thumbs-up, and he turned to Kron.
Just like her, then. It seems I can finally speak to someone else in this haven.
This haven? What is this ce, anyway?
There really were a lot of monsters here. I saw a bunch of giant rats each of them about half my height walking around on two legs as they ate on what looked like the crunchy remains of [Junior Centinels].
It is as I said: a haven. A ce of safety, away from the vile horror that are the Centinels. Those gathered here are the survivors. Creatures who have fallen to the depths of this gulf, or who were dragged here by force. There are other reasons, of course. Some descend, following those who lead them, like that Spirit over there.
He gestured at Willy who was hovering right next to Kron.
Spirit? Wait, if its a Spirit or he? Hows he here?
The answer didnte from the [Gallias Tortoise], surprisingly enough. My question drew a reaction from Willy himself.
Master. Dead now. Stuck here.
Huh.
So, he was a summon who apanied his master to the Bloodied Gulf, and since his master was dead, he was now trapped here. The [Gallias Tortoise] nodded.
Yes. We are remnants. But we escaped. We survived. And we have formed a home here.
He cast his gaze around the room as I took in all the different monsters gathered together. Id never seen such an eclectic gathering of creatures. Even the Rainforest of Monsters wasnt nearly as diverse as this haven.
And yet, there were few of each kind of Species. Some numbered more than others, but they were like the maggots which could reproduce asexually without any aid. There were also these twisted starfish each of them about the size of my head which had spikes jutting out of their backs by the hundreds, and I was pretty sure they could reproduce without much problem too since there were dozens of them.
And you guys dont just kill each other?
That wasnt how it normally worked, right? Dungeons formed because monster Lairs grew too numerous and feuded with each other. They had topete for resources, or they would prey on each other.
The [Gallias Tortoise] made a noise a long squeak. One I recognized as a chuckle.
We dont kill each other because we share an understanding. We know that, in here, we are prey. We are outnumbered greatly by Centinels. We only persist because we are together. And together, we seek only one thing escape. Salvation.
That makes a lot of sense.
After all, monsters werent normally mindless. Id once worked together with Giant Spiders to kill a bunch of Centinels who were trying to destroy their Lair. They showed me gratitude they didnt attack me once the Centinels were wiped out.
Generally, monsters had intelligence. They had varying degrees of intelligence, but they werent just mindless creatures. Not like the Centinels who were mostly,pletely wild. But even that didnt hold absolutely true, did it?
I thought of the [Evolved Centinels]. Yep. Not all of them are wild.
A susurration drew my attention. I nced up as the [Gallias Tortoise] raised his head.
Ah, she mustve heard of your arrival.
Kron and Willy stepped back, as if they were making way for someone important. A figure moved through the crowd of monsters, and I gave the [Gallias Tortoise] an inquiring look.
She? Whos this?
The one who formed this haven.
There was a clicking. The slow cascading of spiky legs poking the ground as whoever this was made her way towards me. A tingle ran down my spine as I saw the carapace. The red, reflective shell.
Y-youre
I grew alert and stepped back as she scuttled up to me.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 141]
A pair of mandibles spread wide as the familiar undting figure of a Centinel stopped before me.
Greetings, Demon.
Chapter 271: Trapped? Wait...
Chapter 271: Trapped? Wait...
271. Trapped? Wait...
Greetings, Demon.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 141]
An undting, red-shelled creature stopped before me. It had dozens of legs maybe even up to a hundred and separate, segmented bodies that were uniformly spread throughout its long form. It was the familiar shape of a Centinel, except with a few minute differences.
The first difference was that its body seemed to twist into the shape of a Human as it reached its head. It even looked feminine at least, more like a Human female than a Human male. Its or rather, her spindly legs turned to a pair of red arms that were folded across her chest she cast her gaze over me.
And in regards to her gaze, she had the face of a Centinel with a few Human features such as an oval-shaped head and a mouth covering the typical exposed mandibles of a Centinel. She still had a pair of antennae poking out of her head, with a set of beady ck eyes that seemed to reflect nothing but darkness in the hollow, carved-out pupils.
Her form was almost familiar. She looked eerily simr to the [Evolved Centinel] Id shed with twice now. Wait, was she him? No she couldnt be. For one thing, she was a she and he was a he!
But was it possible that he couldve be a she? That was possible, right? I mean, I could transform into a Human and an Elf and a Cyclops, shouldnt it be possible to be a he if you were a she or a she if you were a he? There had to be some Skill out there that could let you do that.
Or maybe a potion.
Either way, I couldnt let my guard down. I tensed, raising my ws. The [Evolved Centinel] slithered forward with just her undting body, walking around me with deliberate steps. Her head and Human-like body stayed in ce.
So, you are the one the [Will O Wisp] risked his life to save.
My eyes narrowed as the glowing me flitted in front of the [Evolved Centinel].
Ally.
That was all he said. She gave him an inquiring look.
And arent Demons sworn enemies of Spirits?
No.
Intriguing. That is not what I was led to believe.
The [Evolved Centinel] shook her head in a surprisingly Human gesture or, mortal gesture? Id seen other mortals shake their heads before to convey the same meaning. But I wasnt sure if all mortals did it. I certainly didnt remember the intelligent monsters of the Rainforest of Monsters shaking their heads for a particr reason.
She turned to me, and I raised a ming w.
Stay back! Im warning you!
The [Gallias Tortoise] stepped forward, speaking hurriedly.
I assure you, she is not like the other Centinels
But I spoke over him.
Look, I dont know how you became a she from a he. Or if you were originally a she and became a he? Or if youre a she who became a he who pretends to be a she so that the others here wont know that youre a he
I trailed off as everyone paused to stare at me. I cocked my head.
Um, what was I saying again?
We dont know.
The [Gallias Tortoise] let out a sigh-like squeak. I furrowed my brows as I tried to work out my logic, but the [Evolved Centinel] stepped forward.
I mean you no harm, Demon.
I blinked as she approached me with both her arms raised.
I may look simr to some of my brethren I am sure you have encountered them here in the Bloodied Gulf but I assure you, I am different. We are merely kin, nothing more.
Different? So, she looked the same to the other [Evolved Centinel] Id fought. Although, she did reassure me that she wasnt here to fight. And to be fair, she was a higher level than him. Also, the monsters gathered here didnt look like they were afraid of her. Which meant
Oh, so youre just a Sage Centinel?
It finally clicked.
Why didn''t you just say that, then?
I pointed at her, and she just stared at me. Slowly, she worked her jaw.
I I have been trying to tell you that, yes.
Well, you couldve told me that faster. I mean just saying that youre a Sage Centinel wouldve cleared that up!
T-thats
She trailed off as I crossed my arms.
You are right, Demon. I apologize. I was simply too eager to introduce myself, I must have forgotten my manners.
Youve got that right!
I nodded with crity. She finally understood what I was trying to say. Good! Seriously, imagine if we ended up fighting because she caused a misunderstanding?
She spoke quite eloquently for a Centinel, surprisingly enough. Compared to the other Sage Centinel Id seen, she was a hundred times more eloquent. She did still have the clicks that marked the end of every sentence which the other Sage Centinel had.
I must introduce myself. I am called Centina, and I am the protector of this haven.
Her upper body lowered in a bow-like gesture it was awkward, nothing like how noble Humans did it, but I could tell she was trying to emte them. I waggled my brows.
Centina? Thats your name?
Hm, perhaps it can be referred to as a name. It is simply what I have been referred to by others.
Her mouth spread wide as she tried to smile. It was kind of a creepy gesture,ing from a Centinel. Definitely not reassuring like it was meant to be.
And who called you that? Actually, why are you even protecting this haven? Arent you a Centinel or something?
But not all Centinels are alike, you see.
Centina scuttled around me, ushering me forward.
Follow me.
I nced over at Willy and Kron. Both of them seemed to have ambled off and were now doing their own thing. The squeaky voice of the [Gallias Tortoise] came from behind me
Go on. Trust Centina. She is good.
I raised a brow. The [Evolved Centinel] was almost threateningly wrapped around behind me. She gently brushed by me to edge me forward, but I raised a hand.
Wait!
She abruptly paused. The [Gallias Tortoise] looked over at me worriedly. I stood my ground, bringing a hand up as I cast a sharp gaze around the room.
Im not going with you.
Centina peered at me with curious eyes. Eyes that were almost threatening. The [Gallias Tortoise] tensed, opening his mouth.
You
Im not going with you
I repeated myself. This time, I spread my arms wide and finished.
Until I introduce myself.
Oh.
This time, the [Gallias Tortoise] really did sigh. It wasnt a squeak. It was a full-on, exasperated sigh.
I beamed.
Im Salvos!
--
Your name is Centina.
That is correct.
I followed the [Evolved Centinel] as she led me down a side passageway, scratching a wed hand on my chin.
And the [Gallias Tortoise] is named Galt.
Indeed. He did not choose his name. Instead, it was given to him, like mine was given to me. After all, he is the only of his kind in this haven, and he is one of the oldest inhabitants.
I see did anyone ever tell the guy who named you that they suck ating up with names?
Centina paused.
...what do you mean by that?
I mean no offense to you, of course but whoever came up with your names is bad at doing it.
I
She stared at me for a moment before turning back around. I followed her as she rolled aside arge boulder, entering a secret room.
We were not named by any single individual. And not everyone is blessed with names, as you have been. Galt was given his name by one of the [Merfolk] whod been dragged down here with him. The [Merfolk] gave no name, other than to Galt. He did not even give us his own name.
Well, hes bad at names. He should be more like me! Im good ating up with names! Like Willy and Kron!
You named the [Will O Wisp] and the [Krokodis]?
Centina sounded amused. I grinned.
Sure did! Wait how did you know that was who I named?
I gave her a nk stare. She made a clicking noise.
Couldnt possibly tell you how. Now,e on in.
I entered the secret passageway as Centina rolled the boulder back behind us. The room was instantly shrouded in darkness. I couldnt see anything, but [Passive - A Hunters Sense] didnt re up, so I knew it wasnt dangerous here.
That didnt mean I let my guard down. This was still the Bloodied Gulf right?
Hey, um, you never told me why Im supposed to be here.
Do not worry. Stand still.
Her voice echoed in the shadows, and I realized she wasnt standing next to me any longer. I felt a prickling sensation run up my arms like that of an ant crawling its way to my fingers, itching for me to just reach out with my ws and flick it off my skin. But I didnt move. Centina told me not to move. And I was going to listen to her for now.
This is simply a standard procedure. I told you, I am the protector of this haven. If you harbor and ill intent towards us, I will expel you back to the ravines teeming with death.
And with the click that apanied her final word, the ground beneath me shone with an eerie golden glow. A ritual circle rose up like the reverse of a curtain, girdling around me as symbols formed in the air. It illuminated the rest of the room. I could see the fringes of books, piled up on a makeshift table. There were scribblings on the walls. Old, dried scribblings some of them written in blood.
Was this some kind of study room? It looked like some old professor had lived here for decades, making a mess out of it doing his research.
The runic symbols hovering around me began to orbit me. They circled faster and faster as they pulsed with light. I saw Centina standing just before a bed, her hands held in the air as though she were casting this spell. No she wasnt casting it. She was simply activating the runes for it.
Suddenly, powerful magic poured out of the runes as they halted. The mana oozed with death magic. It was palpable threatening to strangle and choke me where I stood. The symbols shone a blood-red as they flew in front of my face, like they were inspecting me.
I didnt move. I didnt say a word. Although, I prepared to teleport out of this magic circle if anything went wrong. But the light emitted from the symbols dimmed. It morphed from a crimson to a gentle azure, before falling back to the ground.
The magic circle vanished as the room was once again filled with darkness, and I heard Centina make an approving click.
Good. You are not an enemy of this haven.
What was that?
I asked, slightly disoriented. I raised a hand, creating a ball of me to light up the room. I looked up, only to see Centina looming over me.
That was a spell of Sense Malicious Intent. As the name implies, it would identify any kind of ill will you may harbor against myself or the haven. If you were dangerous, it would have killed you there and then.
I looked down at my feet, seeing multi-colored bloodstains marking the ground.
And I take it that it works?
Centina just shrugged as she ushered me out of the secret room.
It works well enough. Everyone who has passed the test has yet to betray this haven.
Whats the point of it, anyway?
I gave her an inquiring gaze as she rolled the boulder over the entrance of the room. She replied, nonchnt.
As I told you earlier, this is standard procedure. I would simply like to know if you pose a threat to us. We are but a group of survivors. Those who have willingly or unwillingly ended up at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf.
She wore almost a tired look on her face.
Just like you, we are trapped. And we have no one to rely on but each other. We cannot have those whod sabotage us join the haven. For even if our goal to escape sounds like a simple one, a single bad actor would ruin any chance of our survival entirely.
I rubbed a hand on my chin as she finished. My brows snapped together, and I raised a hand.
Wait, you guys are stuck here?
I frowned as Centina nodded.
Yes. We are but prisoners trapped in a world of rock, with the Centinels guarding us from our salvation.
I see.
I scratched the side of my head as I struggled to put the right words together.
But why? I mean I can leave anytime I want.
She blinked.
...what?
Chapter New cover + very quick update
Chapter New cover + very quick update
Last week, I said there''d be fewer chapters due to things popping up with family matters and yadayadayada. Unfortunately, there are still lots of problems I have to deal with. For one thing, I was charged nearly a thousand dors for a Lyft ride I tookstst Sunday which I''m trying to get refunded but can''t since I froze my card paymentsst Tuesday after the scam I talked about in regards to on Monday. Anyway, that''s not really pertinent to what I''m making this post for.
This week, I''m nning to get ten Salvos chapters up by the end of Sunday to make up for theck of chaptersst week. There likely won''t be one until, like, tomorrow or the day after since I won''t be flying back home and have ess to my work station until Wednesday. But once I''m back, I''ll be grinding out as many chapters as possible.
For Ms and Tian fans, I''ll still try and get a chapter out by Sunday. And hopefully two Trace chapters too.
But this is a tentative schedule. No promises that I''ll be able to get 10 Salvos chaps up. That''s my goal. You guys will definitely get more than five this week, though.
Anyway, here''s the new cover for Volume 5 Part 1:
PRETTY ARTS.
Chapter 272: Neat Trick
Chapter 272: Neat Trick
272. Neat Trick
So, let me get this straight.
Centina stared at me as she exasperatedly pped her hands together.
Youre a Demon with wings.
Yes.
I nodded as she looked at me for confirmation.
Which means you can fly.
Yep.
I beamed. She continued.
Which means you can fly out of the Bloodied Gulf anytime you want.
That is right!!
I gave her a thumbs-up. The [Evolved Centinel] closed her eyes and sighed.
So, why havent you left yet?
Because I dont want to, of course!
I cocked my head, confused at her confusion of this whole situation. For whatever reason, she was confused about my confusion about her confusion about this whole situation. It was very confusing.
But why?
Centina scuttled around me, hands pressed together in frustration.
You can leave the Bloodied Gulf no, you have seen the horrors that awaits you down here. You are outmatched, Salvos. Even my level surpasses yours. And I am not even close to being the most dangerous creature here. Yet, you choose to stay?
Well, yeah? I mean, how am I supposed to reach your level if I dont fight?
I gave her a half-hearted shrug. I really didnt get it. What was her point? Apparently, she thought I was doing something weird?
You risk your life, Salvos. No you wouldve lost your l;ife if not for the [Will O Wisp]. Others are trapped here. They wish to be as fortunate as you. But you choose to act with reckless abandon rather than with precaution.
Look, I came here for a reason I think. Or rather, I was brought here for a reason. And until I learn a Grand Skill, Im not leaving the Bloodied Gulf no matter what happens.
I crossed my arms, giving Centina a defiant look.
Besides, I wasnt even close to dying when Willy saved me. I was just in a bit of trouble. But Id have gotten out of it unscathed.
And what makes you think that?
This.
I tapped the Breastte of Alexander. She fixed her gaze on the iridescent metal without saying a word.
Its powerful. It has protected me from everything Ive seen so far, even an [Ancient Centinel].
I smiled when I saw Centinas reaction. First, that of shock. Then that of suspicion. Finally, eptance and disbelief. After all, why would I lie about it? My corpse would be the proof if I was lying.
The [Evolved Centinel] shook her head. She opened her mouth like she wanted to argue, but something stopped her a twinkling in her eyes. A flicker of something. Hints of emotion were there, but it seemed to be a mix of multiple feelings rather than just one thing.
And that was quite odd, considering she was a Centinel. The only emotion Id seen from Centinels was from the other Sage Centinel I encountered, and he seemed more angry than anything.
...very well.
Centina finally said.
I cannot change your mind, nor can I stop you from getting yourself killed without risking my own. Do as you wish, Salvos.
Um, like that was ever a question? I always did whatever I wanted!
But know this
She spoke abruptly, a warning look in her eyes.
I have seen the fate of those like you. Those who have ventured to the Bloodied Gulf with great ambitions. Those who have the means to escape, yet choose to stay for the sake of their stubbornness. It does not end well.
Centina shook her head. She wore a mncholic face at least, it seemed like it. It was entirely possible it mightve meant she was happy rather than sad since she was not a Human and their expressions wouldnt have the same meaning as hers.
Heed my warning, or dont. It is your choice.
She turned around, returning back down the tunnel where the secret room had been. I watched her go for a moment. I heard the sorrow in her voice. I pursed my lips opened my mouth
Hey, before you go, you dont mind if I use this as a resting ce every so often, right? Im about to head back out, but its pretty safe here.
Centina blinked. She looked at me, trying to muster up a response. Eventually, she sighed.
Yes. Just dont risk the safety of this haven with your recklessness.
Alright, thanks!
I waved at her and skipped down the hallway to the rest of the haven.
--
The haven was crowded. It was full of monsters a myriad of Species gathered together. And they were all doing absolutely nothing.
Despite the light from the bioluminescent moss lining the cavern wall, this ce just felt dark, somehow. There was very little movement, other than from the monsters turning to face me. It just had the ambience of dread and exhaustion, which darkened the haven despite it not actually being dark.
A ball of glowing me floated over to me, and I greeted Willy.
Hey, Im back.
Safe?
He didnt even say hi.
Yep, I''m safe. Centina cast that spell-thingy on me and sent me on my way. So, I can do whatever I want now, I guess.
Good.
He turned and began to fly away. I frowned.
Hey, where are you going?
Eat.
I followed after Willy as he navigated around a giant mushroom man who was taking a nap. I didnt know mushrooms could sleep.
What do you eat?
Centinel.
He replied simply. I made a face of disgust.
Gross. You guys should try eating something else. Something nicer.
Willy paused and turned to face me. He stared at me for a moment before a single buzzing sound left his wisping me form.
...how?
Huh. I guess youre right. Theres really only Centinels down here.
He continued flitting over to a corner of the room. I spotted Kron there who was greedily munching on the corpse of a [Junior Centinel]. She had grabbed it from a pit of dead Centinels. Beside her, other monsters were also feasting. They backed away when I approached.
Hey Kron!
I called out to her, but she didnt look up. I tapped her on the shoulder and she finally nced over at me. She wiped her snout.
Yes?
Hi! I passed the test!
Good! You want?
She burped, uncaring, and held up arge leg.
Um, nope.
I backed away slightly, and she turned to Willy.
And you?
Yes!
Willy let out a high-pitched buzz in excitement and suddenly his form changed. His mes red up and a terrible maw protruded from the fire. A single bite was all it took to clean Krons hand of the Centinel leg. And the [Will O Wisp] relegated back to his normal size.
I backed up.
Thats huh.
I didnt know he could do that. That was actually pretty terrifying. He transformed faster than even I could and he turned back just as quickly.
So, um, what do you guys even do around here, anyway?
I asked as the two of them continued eating away at their meal. I scratched my cheek, taking in the rest of the room. As noted before, there really wasnt any activity going on. Everyone was just idle.
Sure, Galt was over by one of the giant crabs, eating away at the moss that was growing on its shell. And yes, there were a bunch of monsters here eating Centinel corpses too. But other than that, they werent active.
Do?
Kron looked up with a mouthful of Centinel. She pointed at Willy, then at herself.
He hunts. Me follow from far. Me only help. Not strong.
Wait, Willy is the one doing the hunting?
I raised a surprised brow. Willy grew in size once more and took a chunk off the side of an [Older Centinel]s side. My eyes narrowed as Kron nodded.
Yes. He hunt. He strong.
But the one with the illusions
Is me.
Kron thumped her chest, giving me a toothy grin. I blinked,
Huh. I thought itd be the other way around. I mean I see it now. But originally
I gave Willy a sidelong nce.
I thought he was the one with illusions, and youd be the physically strong one.
Me? Strong? No! No! No! No!
She shook her head vigorously, pointing at herself.
Me no strong. Me fight Human with pretty woman.
Pretty woman?
I tilted my head, and Kron nodded.
Me make image. Make woman, pretty.
She gestured at her chest, making a circling gesture for whatever reason.
Mane. Adventurer. Stupid man. He try take woman. Then me kill.
Thats smart.
I gave her an approving look. She was quite proud of herself.
Me thank!
Howd you end up here, anyway?
I gestured vaguely at the air.
You know, down here?
Kron actually deted.
Me home attacked. Adventurers angry. Destroy. Chase out of swamp. Then storme. Water take. Centinel swim. Chase. Me escape here.
Oh, thats sad.
Yes. Very sad.
So, what about everyone else? Do they go hunting with you guys, or?
She waved a hand off dismissively.
Level low. Die, them. We, no.
But youre quite low-leveled yourself.
Kron wasnt even Level 100. However, I guess having her illusions helped. And since Willy was by her side, she was fine.
She smiled and nodded at Willy.
Come join. We hunt. You see?
Sure.
The pair ushered me out of the cave chamber, leading me back the way I came. But they didnt follow the exact same route. This time, they broke off down one of the branching tunnels to find a different exit. I waved at Galt as I left.
Now leaving [Lair: Land of the Lost].
Finally, we found ourselves pushing aside a boulder to exit the tunnel. We emerged at the floor of one of the ravines. I nced around, and didnt see any Centinels around the near vicinity.
Its so empty.
I remarked, and Kron nodded.
Centinel noe here. Over there have more.
She pointed past me, at the end of the ravine. This was one of the smaller ravines, so it made sense that it was emptier. I followed Willy as he without much care flew forward. But I stopped when I realized Kron was staying back.
Arent youing?
Me? No. Me use illusion. Me help. But me stay far.
Well, what if they attack you when you''re alone? Isnt that more dangerous?
I stared at her, and she slowly vanished.
Right, illusions.
Yes. Me hide!
So, its just you and me then, Willy.
The [Will O Wisp] didnt respond to his name. Probably because he liked it. I was good with names, after all.
He flew forward, up and up until he had a good view of the next, intersecting ravine. Immediately, he caught sight of a Centinel. A [Junior Centinel]. It screeched and leapt for him as he stayed floating there. My eyes grew wide as I yelled out.
Watch
The [Junior Centinel]s mandibles touched Willy, and it burst into mes. It dropped with a heavy thud, writhing on the ground as it was turned into a charred mess.
Watch um, the ceiling?
Not like there was a ceiling, even. There was a huge ocean above us, but it was far above us.
Willys mes flickered and he turned to me. I could almost see a smug look on his face, even though he didnt have a face. Then he faced the dead [Junior Centinel] and the mes around its body dissipated, only to be reced by green mes.
But the green mes didnt eat away at the body. Instead, it seemed to be undoing some of the damage the original me had inflicted on the corpse. The ckened shell of the [Junior Centinel] was restored to its original shade of red. Although, the [Junior Centinel] remained deceased. Somehow, the green fire undid the superficial damage and only the superficial damage. It was like using a healing potion on a dead body.
Neat trick.
I remarked with an intrigued look.
Thanks.
You''ve got to teach me that.
No.
Chapter 273: Willy
Chapter 273: Willy
273. Willy
Aw,e on!
I protested as Willy flitted between the rock walls of the ravine. A [Junior Centinel] leapt out of an alcove a crack in the wall and snapped for the [Will O Wisp]. He simply zipped out of the way.
The [Junior Centinel]nded with a thud. It got back to its feet, only for an iridescent me to hover right behind it. Then Willys color changed. His wisps morphed into a dark crimson as he grew in sizerger than the [Junior Centinel]. In that single instant, he engulfed it entirely.
I crossed my arms as the [Junior Centinel] was reduced to ashes.
Well?
No.
Willy repeated his answer. I threw my hands in the air.
Why not?
I really wanted him to teach me how he was doing all these different mes. Especially since they were multi-colored. And they had different effects too! Most of my mes just burned stuff. I could make weapons as well, but even then the weapons usually included burning stuff.
Meanwhile, Willys mes did more than just that. His red mes incinerated everything it touched. His blue mes froze most things it touched. His green mes seemed to heal anything it touched. His yellow mes well
An [Older Centinel] burrowed out of the ground, screeching as it sprayed acid at the [Will O Wisp]. Some of the acid rained around me, but a simple wave of mes protected me from it. Willy, however, didnt care about the acid. It evaporated before it even reached him.
He countered the attack with his own yellow mes. And, well, the yellow fire seemed more liquid-y than firey. It sshed across the carapace of the [Older Centinel]s shell, melting the red away as smoke sizzled up into the air. Fire could sometimes melt things like ice or metal but this wasnt something that shouldve been melting. Yet, the carapace still melted.
The [Older Centinel] copsed as the yellow me ate away at its body. Its segmented body fell apart as Willy hurled another globule of yellow me at it.
Huh. Your fire can do anything!
Yes.
Somehow, I could hear the pride in his voice. The [Will O Wisp] changed colors again, this time sending out several balls of purple me. These purple mes turned into wisp-like forms of their own, moving around with purpose as they floated to the corpses of the Centinels.
They seemed to possess the bodies, sinking deep within the carapace as an ethereal glow filled the room. Finally, the corpses flew into the air, hovering back in the direction we came.
Woah.
I stared at the floating bodies as they flew a dozen feet back into the other ravine. Right as they passed through the intersection where the ravine we were standing in cut across the smaller ravine we came from, they vanished. Like theyd been dropped into the ocean and vanished ripples ran across the water, but the water remained clear, unblotted by what had been dropped onto its surface.
Good haul! Good haul!
I heard Krons voice echoing down to us. So, that was how they gathered Centinels to feed the haven. It was good teamwork. Especially with Willys abilities. Speaking of
Why wont you teach me how to do that with your fire?
I turned to him, pouting. He flew in a circle around me before pausing.
Stranger.
Stranger? Oh, right, we did just meet, didnt we?
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Then why did you try to save me earlier if Im a stranger?
Because.
Because?
Master.
Willy spoke in clipped sentences, but I got the gist of it. His master mustve had a typical adventurers creed to save anyone who was in danger, and he had thought I was in danger.
But I can handle myself. I wasnt actually in too much danger. Id have gotten out of that situation somehow!
I waved a w off, but for whatever reason, I felt like Willy was dubious of me.
Youve got to believe me!
Ok.
He flew off, continuing his search for more Centinels. There werent too many Centinels here, popting this area of the Bloodied Gulf. If I had to guess, it was because of how this area was used as a hunting ground for the haven.
I followed Willy as he ventured further and further out, taking out Centinel after Centinel. He didnt even bother to send the lower-leveled ones back to Kron. I continued after him, arms crossed and protesting.
Its not even like youre that much higher-leveled than me! And youre handling yourself just fine, see? Plus, Im a Demon!
He turned to face me as a Centinel leapt at him from behind. Itbusted and died. He stared at me.
Spirit.
..right.
I forgot about that.
Even still, Im not any ordinary Demon. Im a special Demon.
This actually seemed to pique Willys interest. The ground rumbled as a low Level 100 [Senior Centinel] barreled its way down the ravine towards us, but the [Will O Wisp] still spoke to me.
Special?
Hey, guys? Me thinks you loud. Should soft
Kron called out to us from afar, but I continued as I raised a hand.
Yep. Watch this.
I sent a rolling of blue mes at the [Senior Centinel]. A roiling wave that washed the rocky surface of the ravine clean of the lower-leveled Centinels around the area. It didnt instantly kill the [Senior Centinel], but the fire raged on, turning into a pure white, finally clearing the red stain off the Bloodied Gulf.
The notifications for the kills resounded in my head as I grinned.
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 37]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 104]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Didnt even break a sweat.
Weak.
Willy somehow made a snorting noise as he flew up. He sent a pir of fire up into the air, drawing the attention of more Centinels from the nearby crevices. They came. Hundreds of Centinels. A dozen [Older Centinels].
A single [Senior Centinel].
It was nearly Level 120. Close to Willys level. Above me in level. But the [Will O Wisp] didnt budge. In fact, he continued to send the red inferno up above the crevice until it was no longer red, but yellow.
The yellow mes rained down on the approaching Centinels, leaving scathing marks on the earth as they melted the flesh of the lower-leveled Centinels. They hade like a tidal wave of red an avnche of blood and death. Now, they were reduced to mere writhing forms. Shattered. Like a broken iceberg.
Still, it wasnt as effective against the [Senior Centinel]. It was slightly hurt by the raining yellow mes its carapace sizzled as the fire tried to melt its way to its flesh. The [Senior Centinel] reeled and dug beneath the earth, escaping the attack.
I rolled my eyes.
You let it get away.
No.
Willy was insistent. His body shone with the color of the rainbow as the falling yellow mes turned blue. It pattered the floor of the Bloodied Gulf, turning it into a frozen wastnd and stopping the remaining [Older Centinel] in their tracks. They tried to break free, but a hail of red mes finished them off for good.
As for the [Senior Centinel], it exploded out of the ground only to find its legs clicking against a slippery floor. It couldnt get a proper grip and tumbled over, crashing against the side of the ravines wall.
The [Will O Wisp] flew over it as I watched, curious as to what hed do. I expected him to barrage it with red or yellow mes maybe even a different color I hadnt seen yet. What I didnt expect was for Willy to dive straight at the [Senior Centinel].
Um, what?
I stared at him as his body shifted. He grew slowly and slowly, bingrger andrger, until he eventually became asrge as the [Senior Centinel]s head. He engulfed its face with his body. The [Senior Centinel] thrashed on the ground, trying to pick itself back up, but found itself slipping on the ice and falling over and over again.
Willy moved further down the [Senior Centinel] as it tried wing him off it. His mes were physical the sharp legs of the [Senior Centinel] somehow seemed to scratch the [Will O Wisp]. And that was why he moved, burning each of the segmented bodies of the [Senior Centinel] with a greater intensity than even his red mes.
The [Senior Centinel] struggled. It really did. But eventually, it stopped its thrashing as Willy drew back. He left the scorched corpse of the giant Centinel behind and flew my way.
See?
I gave him a t stare.
Not impressed.
Lie.
Nope! Not lying! Im just better!
I stuck my tongue out at Willy, and he returned with a meaningless buzzing sound. A voice interrupted our bickering. It was the amplified words of Kron.
Noisy! Loud! Both you!
Both Willy and I turned our heads well, in Willys case, he turned his body to where we came from. I scowled.
I just think Im better than Willy here.
Wrong!
I can do just that no, wait. I can do even better.
Liar!
Willy fluttered around me, making his buzzing noise as I rolled my eyes.
Unlike you, Im not actually trapped in this dumb ce. I can leave the Bloodied Gulf anytime I want.
I raised my chin, beaming. Willy paused. He stayed silent for a moment before he spoke in a softer, less excited voice than earlier.
Same.
I blinked.
Wait, wha
Before I could finish my sentence, Krons panicked voice repeated, this time much louder than before.
Attention! Attract! Run!
The earth shook and I nearly lost my bnce .I steadied myself against the rock wall as bits of debris fell from the cliff face. My brows snapped together and I spread my wings wide. I flew up above this small ravine followed by WIlly to find the source of the shaking.
It wasnt a single source, I realized. It came from all around us. A tidal wave of Centinels were attracted to our location. But why? They werent that close by. In fact, they wereing from some of therge gorges where the main section of the Bloodied Gulf was located.
Something was calling them here. A screech. A call. One that rallied a small army of Centinels.
A shadow crossed the distance between the ravines. Arge, looming shadow. It came with a terrible crash one that reverberated loudly, causing a small tremor. I narrowed my eyes as I stared at the familiar figure. The one that had discovered my hiding spot.
It was a Centinel with a single rotund body no segmented parts, except for a head carried by just under a hundred legs. By its side was two massive ws, each of which could crush even an [Older Centinel] with ease.
Its face twisted as its elongated head tilted, eyes flickering in recognition at me. I recognized it, too.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 131]
A Titan Centinel. And somehow, it once again called the aid of every Centinel in the near area. Willys iridescent mes morphed into a pale white as he saw it. Krons terrified voice was all I could hear aside from the horrid calls of the giant monster.
Run! Run! We need run!
But I didn''t budge. Even as the Titan Centinel continued its lumbering approach with its army of Centinels.
Instead, I looked over my Status, and smiled.
Hey, Willy, remember when I said I was fine earlier that I didnt need you to save me?
I turned to face him as he halted. He had been about to flee, now he waited for what I had to say next. I bared my teeth in delight as my blue mes wreathed around me, anticipating the battle toe.
Want me to prove it?
Chapter 274: Risk and Reward
Chapter 274: Risk and Reward
274. Risk and Reward
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 131]
What doing? Run!
I heard Krons voice echo in the back of my head illusion magic. She was making herself audible to only myself and Willy, but inaudible to the Centinel army approaching us. I simply floated there.
Fight?
Willy asked with a mix of conflicting emotions. I could tell he was nervous that he thought I was an idiot. I shrugged.
Yep.
The ground shook as the Titan Centinel lumbered its way towards me. I could see the movement of the earth from my vantage point in the air; this was a localized earthquake. Those in the main section of the Bloodied Gulf probably couldnt feel it, but those around the peripheries like where we were would definitely notice something was amiss.
Not like there were anything but Centinels out here. And they all heeded the call of the Titan Centinel. They encroached on us from all directions. Soon, we wouldnt be able to flee without fighting our way through the hordes of monsters.
Stupid.
The [Will O Wisp] spoke up once more as he flitted up to my side. My eyes flickered, and a scythe appeared in my hand. A Nebr Scythe. I had stored it with [Dimensional Pocket] so I wouldnt need to keep creating Nebr Weapons whenever I was about to fight.
My breastte shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow as I descended, bathed in mes.
I cant be stupid. I go to one of the best schools in the entire world!
Willy watched as the mes around me shifted in color. Just like him, I had a few tricks of my own. One of them involved turning blue fire into a more brilliant gold.
Im a genius, after all.
And I activated [Salvo of Vanity]. An image of me emerged from the mes, made entirely out of the golden fire. She smiled as she held up a replica of my scythe, although it was not made of Nebr material. It was simply a gold me and perhaps that was even better.
I gave my clone a nod.
Ill take the ten thousand on the left, you take the ten thousand on the right.
She cocked her head, and I scowled.
What? No the Title Centinel is mine.
I looked over at the huge creature skittering its way, leading the charge. My clone crossed her arms, harrumphing without a sound.
Well, thats too bad for you. Youll just have to settle for those [Senior Centinels] over there.
There were at least a dozen [Senior Centinels] joining this small army. The rest were mostly [Infant Centinels] or [Junior Centinels], so therger, higher-leveled ones stood out by sheer size alone.
The others were far less of a threat, although they would be pretty annoying. I sent wave after wave of mes down at them, diminishing their numbers by as much as I could before I dove closer. A blinking spark zipped around me and forged weapons out of fire. ming swords, spears, arrows
It was a hail of fire. Literally. The salvo tore apart the hordes of Centinels with ease. A ming sword crashed between a group of [Junior Centinels], exploding and sting them into bits. Not all of them exploded on impact. A zipping fiery spear pierced through the shells of [Older Centinels] and danced between the battlefield in search of another target. And with the broken bits of shell and rock that littered the battlefield, Imanded with [Scattering Discement] to quell the lower-leveled tide.
I spotted my clone doing a simr thing on the other side of the battlefield. Although, she wasnt as efficient as me. Of course not!
The Titan Centinel roared a challenge at me as it swung one of its mighty ws my way. I dove out of the way in time, and it ripped apart the earth like a walking natural disaster.
In the distance, Willy could only stare as I took on this army alone.
Well, I was with my clone. But she didnt really count.
I shot the [Will O Wisp] a smirk as I ran up the w of the Titan Centinel,nding a few superficial hits with my [Barrage of Cinders] powered Nebr Scythe before flipping andnding on its face. The gray metal shone with a ck light as I struck down with a [Radiant sh].
The Titan Centinel reeled, letting out a screech of pain and anger. I hopped off it, winking as I raised a hand.
[Demons Mark].
And crimson mes engulfed the Titan Centinel in its entirety. The heat incinerated the Centinels closest to it, and I could even see the ocean high and far above bubbling from the intensity of the mes alone.
I watched as [Demons Mark] burned for a moment longer before dissipating into weak streaks of roiling embers. My first instinct was to beam in victory when I saw that the Titan Centinel was gone. However, amongst the flurry of notifications bombarding my head, I realized one thing
None of them informed me of the Titan Centinels defeat.
The ground beneath me exploded as the Titan Centinel crawled its way out of the ground. I didnt even know how it dug down without leaving much of a hole behind. Somehow, a Skill allowed it to escape into the earth and cover its tracks in mere seconds.
It knocked me back, sending me flying across the small ravines and into a cliff wall. The Breastte of Alexander protected me its aura shimmered from the hit. I peeled myself out of the small crater.
You
I blinked when I realized the Titan Centinel was nowhere to be found again.
Huh?
This time, however, I was more on guard. Perhaps that was why [Passive - A Hunters Sense] red, letting me know that something was about to explode from the cliff behind me.
I teleported out of the way as the Titan Centinel took a massive bite out of the earth. I spun around, unleashing a wave of white me at its shelled body. But it sank into the ground, disappearing once more.
How was it doing that?
It had to have some sort of Skill that let it manipte and navigate through the earth. Was that how it managed to find me earlier?
While I was locked in this one-on-one battle with the Titan Centinel, I hadnt realized that I left my clone to deal with the bulk of the Centinel army. And, well, it seemed like the [Senior Centinels] paired with the thousands of other lower-leveled monsters was too much for her to handle.
A golden explosion erupted behind me. More powerful, but far more contained than [Dermons Mark]. It took out half of the remaining [Senior Centinels] with that, but left the rest to hound me from behind as I shed with the Titan Centinel.
Ugh, are you serious?
I groaned and activated [Haste], diving between the snapping mandibles of the monsters while the Titan Centinel asionally burst out of the ground to take a swipe at me.
The Breastte of Alexander shed as I was knocked around by abination attack from a [Senior Centinel] and the Titan Centinel. I swung once again for thetter, but it disappeared once more.
It was weak. I could tell. Thebined damage Id inflicted on it earlier had left it badly injured. If I could just get to it, Id be able to take it out without the need of even my strongest Skills.
The problem was that I couldnt get to it. The [Senior Centinels] and the other lesser Centinels threw themselves at me, stupidly dying one after another whenever the Titan Centinel fled.
Come back here!
I yelled as I chased after the Titan Centinel. I swung with my Nebr Scythe, only to dig up dirt as it phased through the ground once more. I clicked my tongue, annoyed, and struck the earth out of frustration.
Come back here!
Obviously, the Titan Centinel didnt return. However, something else came in its sead. Behind me, there was a hiss.
A [Senior Centinel]shed out at me with snapping mandibles, spraying its acid in a deluge at me. My eyes grew wide as the ground over me shadowed over
And a blue light overcame the acid. A sh of me. Blue me. But one that froze instead of burned.
Stupid!
Willy?
I blinked as the wave of acid was turned to ice in an instant. The [Senior Centinel]s legs were caught on the ice too, and the [Will O Wisp] flew down to me.
Hey, wait, why are you still here?
He fluttered around me as the ice wave cracked and shattered under its own weight. I ced a hand on my chest.
Aw, do you actually care about me?
No!
Willy sounded indigent. He unleashed red mes at the [Senior Centinel] as it broke free from the ice, keeping it back. I could hear his strained voice, even if it was a soft buzz to someone without [Universal Language Comprehension].
Prove!
Prove?
In the distance, the Titan Centinel resurfaced from the earth. Willy seemed to turned to face it, speaking insistently.
Promised prove
I paused.
You can speak more than one word at a time?
He made an angry buzzing sound that held no meaning other than indicating that he was annoyed. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Ah! You want me to prove that I really can defeat it?
The [Senior Centinel] writhed on the ground, dying, only for another [Seniior Centinel] to take its ce. This time, apanied by [Older Centinels] too. I gave Willy a thumbs-up.
Alright! Just distract them for me for a minute. No less than a minute.
Hurry!
Yep!
A single p of my wings sent me cutting through the air straight for the Titan Centinel]. Without the disturbance from the other Centinels here, I had a lot more freedom to operate. I let the Nebr Scythe vanish back into [Dimensional Pocket], and my body shifted without interruption as I bared my teeth. Three extra pairs of arms grew out from my back as my face protruded out like a skull. My body grew longer, cracking with strength power that surged through my body.
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25) (+10%)
[Strength]: 130 (+25) (+10%)
[Endurance]: 140 (+25) (+3) (+10%)
[Wisdom]: 250 (+25) (+10) (+10%)
[Agility]: 300 (+25) (+5) (+10%)
[Demonic Essence]. And also, [Faux Limbs] in tandem. I grinned, pointing all eight of my arms at the Titan Centinel before it could escape into the earth.
Stay!
My voice reverberated throughout the cavern. Then I activated [Warp Time], extending the period the Titan Centinel would stay under the effects of [Intimidation] as well as slowing its movements.
I crashed against the Titan Centinels chest a mere momentter, grabbing onto its shell with all six of my limbs as it finally snapped free from my Skills. It tried to escape, but it brought me with it. Together, we phased through the ground as the dirt parted like muddy water. I began to pry into its carapace with all six of my wed arms, ripping the Titan Centinel apart.
As we glided through the earth, it was like I could see everything around us. The floor and walls of stone were practically invisible, mere outlines that could reveal intricateyers and levels of tunnels and cave systems throughout the Bloodied Gulf.
I finally tore my way to the Titan Centinels fleshy skin and began biting and wing it with everything I had. When I was down to its innards, I just had to burn it from the inside and incinerate its organs.
Finally, we exploded out of the ground, sending rocks and debris into the air. The Titan Centinel tumbled and rolled beside me as Inded with all ten of my limbs, still in my [Demonic Essence] form. I turned to the body, giving it a sidelong nce. It twitched once and stopped moving.
Defeated [Evolved Centinel Lvl. 131]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
The corpseid there as I basked in my victory. An army of Centinels had been reduced to mere hundreds. The Titan Centinel? Defeated. And there was a flurry of notifications resounding in my head.
Victory was mine. I proved myself, just as I said I would. The remnants of the small Centinel could be dealt with by Willy alone, although I was ready to help her. Without the Titan Centinel, thered be no more coordination, so there was going to be a lot more Centinels killing each other.
Yet, Willy flew away from the remaining Centinels and towards me, speaking in a hurried voice. I spread all eight of my arms wide, smiling.
Hey, did you see that
Run.
Huh?
I stared at him, puzzled. But he didnt borate, flying off back to Kron. And that was when I felt a stronger tremor run through the ravines. One that was familiar. I nced back, eyes growing wide.
Oh.
It was still far off, but I spotted the enormous goliath that was the [Ancient Centinel], exiting thework of ravines of the Bloodied Gulf, heading towards us.
Thats a good idea.
--
I followed Willy as we returned where we came from. Kron was no longer in the ravine, but in the little hidden tunnel that led back to the haven. While the [Krokodis] wasnt anywhere in sight, her illusion had taken over the whole ravine, hiding us from the pursuing Centinel.
I could hear her annoyed voice pestering us to hurry.
Death! Death! Me run if you no run.
We entered the tunnel and rolled the boulder over the entrance. I found the [Krokodis] hiding a little bit further back, and I raised a few cating arms.
Theres no need to panic, were already
And she yelped. Kron backed up, pointing at me and screaming.
Who? Who? Where Salvos?!
I blinked and looked down at myself. At my [Demonic Essence] form.
Oh, right.
With Willys help, I managed to exin the situation to her and calm her down. Although, it would take a lot more than just that to appease her for what I did.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! You stupid!
Kron pointed up above as the ceiling shook.
That death! That kill all!
I know, I know.
I waved a hand off, chuckling.
If the [Ancient Centinel] was there from the very beginning I wouldnt have even thought to fight. Id be the first one out of the Bloodied Gulf like that.
I snapped six of my ws simultaneously to enhance what I meant.
But it wasnt. It was just the Titan Centinel and its weak goons. So, I taught it not to mess with me ever again.
Kron still looked annoyed.
Still stupid.
Yes!
Willy agreed with her, flying around me. I scoffed.
If you think its stupid, whyd you help me?
Because...
The [Will O Wisp] seemed to trail off rather than having an abrupt-cut single-word sentence. His colors changed rapidly and he zipped off.
Stupid!
That was all he said as he left Kron and I alone in the tunnel. I smiled, watching him go.
I think I made a friend.
Unfortunately, I wasnt done being interrogated.
Why do?
Kron fixed me with a slightly-annoyed but also slightly-no-longer-caring look. I raised my chin in thought. Why did I do it? Why did I risk my life challenging an army of Centinels, especially if it could attract the attention of even stronger Centinels?
After all, it was quite a bold move. I used up all of my best Skills just to bring down the Titan Centinel and most of the other lower-leveled Centinels. If the [Ancient Centinel] had somehow caught me before I escaped, Id have nothing left to face it with. No [Long Range Teleportation], no [Salvo of Vanity] no nothing.
It seemed ridiculous. As though Id have a non-answer to Krons rightful interrogation. Yet, I responded without hesitation.
Isnt it obvious?
I looked over my notifications at the progress Id made in such a small amount of timepared to the slow progress as ofte. And I thought of Willy, who kept insisting he was better than me. Even if I liked him, I wouldnt let that stand if it wasnt true.
My body transformed back out of my [Demonic Essence] form as I patted the confused Kron on the shoulder.
I need to get stronger. Thats it.
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 119] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 120]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 122] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 123]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 73] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 74]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 77] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 78]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Defeated [Gallias Lobster - Lvl. 141]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
He had to get stronger.
He knew he had to get stronger. It was a risk. Death was a possibility. Very much a possibility. And yet, he fought. Through the depths of the ocean, he swam. Against sea creatures far stronger than him, he struggled. Against all odds, he won.
Defeated [Astrida Starfish - Lvl. 137]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
But why? Why was he doing this?
It was because hed seen what thosend creatures did to his kin. Again and again. Throughout the ages. Hed seen her suffering from the loss of her children.
The giant tentacled creature fell, painting the sea a crimson mixed with the ck of its ink as he felt himself grow stronger. He bathed in this blood in his vengeance.
Defeated [Ceph of the Deep - Lvl. 149]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
He wouldnt stand for it. Perhaps he couldve acted earlier. But he wascent. However, the encounter with that winged thing had made him realize he was weak. Too weak.
Stronger.
The Sage Centinel grew stronger.
Grand Skill [A
Abundant experience is awarded for learning a Grand Skill
Chapter 275: Interlude - Daniels Desire Part One
Chapter 275: Interlude - Daniel''s Desire Part One
275. Interlude Daniel''s Desire Part One
The Elutra Kingdom. It was a ce familiar to Daniel Song. It was the first country hed stepped foot on when he arrived in this world. Summoned by their [Mages] grand magic that took a toll on the entire countrys resources to even cast.
It was almost nostalgic, returning to where he started. He saw the same monsters that had one threatened that had chased after him when he was too weak and afraid to do anything. Now, they were the ones that fled at his sight.
He spotted the same cities. He walked along the same cobbled roads. He saw the same faces of those who had once turned to him in adoration. Yet, things were different now.
Even with these same sights, the atmosphere hadpletely changed. The Inoria Empire had taken over these cities. A dour mood hung over the former citizens of Elutra. They walked the streets with their heads ducked beneath an overcast sky. So, it was not nostalgic. It was anything but that.
It was a truly depressing sight.
Are we there yet?
A voice drew Daniels attention. He turned around, raising his hood slightly to face his femalepanion. She was not not the friendly Demon girl hed gotten to know over the past few years. And she was certainly not Edithe Dawnrise, the hard-headed but kind-hearted [Mage]. Daniel wouldve preferred theirpany to this woman any day it wasnt even a question.
No, were not.
He gave a curt response, turning back to the city ahead.
So, this isnt Ertos? I thought we were going to the Capital of Elutra seriously, why are we wasting our time here?
Amanda sighed, flicking her brown hair back as she walked up to him.
This is taking forever. If you really wanted to get there as soon as possible, you wouldnt be dilly dallying and stopping by every single city we see. We can just grab a map and sprint straight for Ertos wed have arrived there over a week ago.
I need to assess the situation.
Daniels lips twisted, annoyed by the former assassins incessant pestering.
If you dont want to be here, Amanda, you can just leave.
His eyes didnt depart from what it was following. The guards around the walled city just up ahead stopped a wagon driver they ransacked his cart as he helplessly watched from the side. Once they got what they wanted, they kicked him and let him through.
He clicked his tongue as Amandas face peered over his shoulder.
Does that upset you? Does that draw out your inherent sense of justice, oh great [Hero]?
She spoke in a mocking voice, and he shrugged her off. Chuckling, Amanda shook her head casually.
Im here because theres no other ce for me to go. I cant return to the Harrowed Vindicators because, first of all, I have a bounty on my head. And second of all, our headquarters was taken over by a bunch of Demons wholl kill me and use me as a sacrifice in their blood rituals.
I dont see how thats my problem.
Have some empathy. Youre the only person out there whos strong enough to help me out if Im attacked for betraying the Harrowed Vindicators.
Daniel nced back at her as she followed him down the hill, heading for the city.
And what makes you think Ill help you if an assassin or a Demones for your head?
Well, its a [Hero]s job to save a damsel in distress like me, right?
Amanda feigned like she was falling over, and he gave her a t stare.
No.
She crossed her arms as he turned and continued for the city.
Couldve at least yed along. How dull.
They reached the citys gates not long after. It was Elis one of therger cities not far from the Capital of Ertos. It had only recently been taken over, so the walls were still damaged and many buildingsy copsed. That wasnt surprising to Daniel. War extracted its toll. But what he didnt like was how there didnt seem to be any attempts to repair the damage done.
No [Builders] or [Architects] toiling away to return the city to its former state. Everything was left in disrepair.
Daniel kept his head low as he paid the entrance fee to the guards. They snickered amongst each other, clearly charging him an outrageously exorbitant amount. He didnt protest, instead choosing to ask some questions.
Im looking for the Adventurers Guild in this city. Do you know where its located?
The Adventurers Guild?
The guardsughed, just as Daniel expected.
Sorry, it was destroyed during the battle for the city. Unfortunate, but youll probably want to find work somewhere else. Not like you adventurers are needed around here us soldiers are strong enough to deal with any monster threats around the city.
The young mans eyes flickered. Same answer, huh? The reason why Daniel had wanted to stop at Elis was simple he wanted to investigate if the Inoria Empire was truly as evil as he was led to believe, and he wanted to ascertain the state of the Adventurers Guild.
Hed gone to three former major cities of Elutra. Each one had been captured by Inoria, and coincidentally, the Adventurers Guild had beenpletely wrecked. There was no ce for adventurers to find work or spread information amongst each other. Even though the basis of the Adventurers Guild made it a decentralized organization, theyd at leastmunicate with each other if something truly wrong was happening in a city.
Not that that could be a problem if there was no Adventurers Guild. That made four, now. Four major former cities of Elutra that had lost their Adventurers Guild during their capture. It was beyond mere coincidence now. With what Daniel knew about Inoria or at least, the rumors he had been told he believed that this had been carried out on purpose.
Demons were in charge of the empire. They had to be. And if that was true, then they were going to bring the return of the Demon King himself.
Would they sacrifice all of Elutra? Or, perhaps, theyd only sacrifice the prisoners of war. Maybe even a single city. The scope and scale needed to summon the Demon King wasnt something Daniel understood. He just knew that something had to be done.
He couldnt do it by himself. He needed proof. Evidence. To gather help from nations and adventurers. That was why he continued to investigate.
The young man took a single step through the gates of Elis, only to pause when he heard amotion urring behind him.
Sorry, I dont have enough gold for the entrance fee.
Amanda opened her hands and shrugged as the guards pestered her to make payment for entry. The guard captain crossed his arms.
No payment, no entry.
Well, I dont have any money. Now, if only there were a strong, young man nearby who can help me out.
She winked at Daniel, and he rolled his eyes.
No.
He turned around and continued on, leaving her outside of the city, speechless. She blinked.
Hey, wait
Amanda called out to him, but the guard captain stopped her. He grabbed her by the shoulder, sneering.
I said no payment, no entry.
Then he paused as he took in the brown-haired woman. A creepy smile spread across his face.
Unless, of course, you want to offer some other method of payment.
Daniel halted, and Amanda stared at the guard captain. Her eyes narrowed.
What kind of alternative payment?
The guard captain ogled her with his eyes, reaching a hand for her face.
Oh, how about you follow me to the guardhouse and find
Thats enough.
Daniel grabbed the guard captain by the forearm, tossing a bag of coins at his feet. All of the guards stared. Then one of them barked in outrage.
Don''t you dare talk to the captain like that!
They drew their weapons, surrounding Daniel in an instant. He craned his neck slightly, taking in the levels of his opponents. None of them but the captain were even above Level 70. Although, they did have quite a high average level for a bunch of guards. No these were veteran soldiers whod been given guard duty for the sake of intimidation.
The guard captain red at the young man.
Unhand me this instant, adventurer, and you wont get in trouble.
I have given you more than enough gold for both our entrance into the city. If that is not enough, then I believe I must protest. However I really do not want to cause a scene.
Daniel tightened his grip. The guard captains enchanted gloves bent under the pressure, and his eyes widened. He tried to identify Daniels level, but his true level was hidden under an obfuscation artifact. And Amanda was showing her second ss.
T-thats
I suggest you just take the gold and let us be.
Amanda raised an amused brow as the guard captain struggled to escape Daniels grip. Finally, he acquiesced.
Fine.
Daniel let go of the man, and he spun around.
Let them pass. And pick up this damn gold, you bloody morons.
He shouted at the other guards as they scrambled to collect the payment off the floor. Meanwhile, Daniel just briskly turned and walked away. Amanda followed after him as he entered an alleyway. The moment they were away from view, he grabbed her by her cor and sputtered.
What do you think youre doing? You almost got us both in trouble.
Hey, I asked for your help before it came to that. You didnt butt in then, so things became tense. Its not my fault it turned out that way.
And what about the entrance fee? Arent you some kind of high grade assassin? Whats that load of crap about not being able to afford the entrance fee?
He gritted his teeth, and she gave him an innocent smile.
I used to be a high grade assassin. Not anymore. Also, I couldve been able to pay the entrance fee if someone didnt take all my gold from me when he kept me as his ve.
I didnt keep you as my ve. You were my prisoner.
Same thing. Either way, I was a helpless young woman who had to obey everything you said.
Amanda scoffed, and he drew back.
You can handle yourself, but you just wanted to mess with me so Id get in trouble. If you wanted to, you couldve snuck in after me without even being detected.
She tapped a finger on her chin, speaking indifferently.
I wasnt opposed to letting that man have his way with me. I didnt have any gold, and whats so bad about having a little fun for free stuff?
A small grin spread across her face as Daniel scowled.
Whatever the next time you get yourself in a mess, I wont help you out.
Awbut I enjoyed being saved by you. It was almost like you were an actual [Hero].
He ignored her, leaving the alleyway and heading down the streets of Elis. Just like in the previous three cities hed visited, Daniel found the streets being heavily patrolled by Inorian soldiers. Not to maintain peace. It was clearly a show of force.
They werent acting to prevent crime. If they wanted to do that, theyd have been roaming the back alleyways and keeping a lookout for possible looters at the current citys state. Instead, they marched down the busiest streets, making their presence known while staying far away from where the criminals lurked.
Good, Daniel thought as he passed by arge patrol of chanting soldiers. He kept his head down just like every other citizen in the city, blending in and maintaining a low profile. Amanda, meanwhile, trailed a few feet behind him, not bothering to even pretend to be scared. She stopped a guard just to have a small chat, and helped a crying young boy find his mom. If she wasnt doing it to annoy Daniel, hed have thought she was a good person.
The young man eventually strayed away from the main streets, finding himself in lesser maintained parts of the city. Here, there were broken shops those that had been destroyed during the battle for Elis, or those that had been looted and abandoned in the ensuing chaos in the changing of power. Smoke rose up all sound Daniel, smearing the orange-stained twilight sky with streaks of gray.
Men and women huddled around small fires to keep warm as their homes were no longer standing. Daniel really wished he could help them all, but he had another goal. He stopped a raggedy-looking man, and after a short conversation, gave him a piece of tinum and headed to an even more dubious part of the city.
He nearly thought he lost Amanda when she was swarmed by a bunch of kids for showing off a trick with her knife. However, much to his displeasure, she suddenly appeared next to him as he arrived at his destination.
It was a run-down cksmiths shop. The mes of its forges had died out as the doorway was buried under rubble. But behind the sturdy brick walls of the building, in the empty armory that had been raided by the Inoria Empire, Daniel found a handful of shadowed figures milling about.
One of them spotted his presence and approached him with a gentle smile.
Wee to the unofficial Adventurers Guild of Elis. Tell us, strangers, are you friend?
A curved sword appeared by the mans side as his smile vanished.
Or are you foe?
[Rogue - Lvl. 96]
Chapter 276: Interlude - Daniels Desire Part Two
Chapter 276: Interlude - Daniel''s Desire Part Two
276. Interlude Daniel''s Desire Part Two
[Rogue - Lvl. 96]
The man stood before Daniel with his sword raised threateningly to his side. He tilted his head slightly, a sort of bloodlusting across his face along with an open-teeth smile. The other adventurers gathered in the dimly lit room looked up and tensed. They reached for their weapons
Rx. Im an adventurer.
Daniel produced a badge he had hidden beneath his cloak. The [Rogue] blinked. He peered at the gleaming diamond-shaped object. Then he sighed.
Ah, I guess we wont be having fun tonight. Come on in.
He sheathed his de as the adventurers in the room rxed. They exchanged whispers, pointing and whispering as Daniel entered the brick building.
Did you see his badge?
Hes a Diamond Ranked adventurer
Amanda followed after the [Hero], whistling.
Whew, whys everyone staring? Were just visiting. No need to cause a big scene or anything.
And you should stop talking for once.
Daniel shot her a re. After a moments thought, she replied casually.
Hmm, nah.
He sighed and decided to ignore her once more. Each time he indulged her, shed just get on his nerves. It was on purpose, too. She was just bored and having fun annoying him. A man who looked like he was in his mid-forties approached Daniel, bowing his head.
Sorry about Lucas. Hes just suspicious of everyone who enters the guild. Especially if theyre not anyone we recognize.
He gestured at the [Rogue] whod gone off to the side, cross-armed and scowling that he didnt get a fight. Daniel raised a brow.
Suspicious, why?
Ourst three locations were shut down by Inorian troops. It was a mess, really. Fortunately, no one died.
Inoria is actively shutting down Adventurers Guilds?
Daniel raised an intrigued brow.
Well, unofficial guilds, at least. Theyre saying that its illegal activity, which I dont me them. It is. However, when they wont let officials from the Adventurers Guild into the region because its a warzone then you start to question their intentions.
The middle aged man waved a hand off.
Anyway, thats just politics and an older mans gripes. Tell me, strangers. What are your names? I am Delmon, the former [Bartender] of Elis Adventurers Guild.
Im Dan. And this is Amy.
The young man nodded and gestured at his unwantedpanion. She grinned.
A [Bartender]? Got any good drinks? Dont worry, Dan here will pay for me.
No I wont.
Delmon shook his head, apologetic.
s, we dont have much here in this unofficial Adventurers Guild. At most, we have some ale. But even then we only limit a single mug per adventurer.
Ah, fuck it. Ill take it.
Amanda pped a silver coin on the table. She epted the mug and scurried off to find a table. Daniel was d that he had her off his hands for at least a little bit. He turned to Delmon who brushed his hands off.
So, what are you looking for? Jobs? We have a few posted, but the rewards arent that great, unfortunately. However, most of us are taking what we can get. We also have a few other more mercenary missions avable. I know that technically goes against the creed of being an adventurer, but there are groups who dislike the Inoria Empire that are rich and willing to pay us well.
Daniel didnt even need to press him further to understand the implication rebel groups. Insurrectionists. Loyalists to the Elutra Kingdom.
What about adventuringpanies? What happened to them?
Until the Adventurers Guilds return to Elutra, theyve all been disbanded by Inoria. Sorry, can''t help you there. But if theres anything specific youd want, I can help you out.
Delmon tilted his head, and Daniel closed his eyes.
No, Im fine. Im just looking for information. About Inoria.
Information, eh? Thats hard toe by, these days. However, some of us do keep ears on the ground.
The [Bartender] turned his gaze towards a young girl probably thirteen years old who sat in the corner of the room.
Especially the younguns. Thats Cindy. Shes a little [Informant]. She can help you out for the right incentive.
Daniel nodded and ced a few silver coins on the table.
Thank you, Delmon.
O-oh, you didnt have to
The [Bartender] stared at the coins, wide-eyed, but Daniel was already walking over to Cindy.
Amanda joined Daniel, already done with her drink.
Got what you wanted yet?
No, not yet.
Oh,e the fuck on.
She rolled her eyes.
How much preparation do you need to carry out before you grow a pair and just do something, already. Seriously, do you take this long to go to the bathroom? Must you check if theres any spiders hiding beneath the outhouse before you take a piss? Do you knock on the door three times before entering a room thats empty?
He halted mid-step. He met Amandas bored gaze and opened his mouth, about to reply. Then he took in a deep breath, and strode off with a shrug.
Maybe if you were a little more prepared, youd have seeded in killing me.
Oh, that was actually good.
She smirked.
Daniel walked up to Cindy, crossing his arms.
You Cindy?
Yeah, what about it, ya stinkin geezer?
The girl wrinkled her nose as she stood up, lowering a mug of ale. Should she be drinking ale? Or better yet was she even a reliable source of information?
Youre an [Informant], arent you?
[Gossip] turned [Informant], yeah. Leveled up quite a few times since Elis fell and everyone started asking too much questions. Even got my advancement early.
Cindy smiled as she took a sip from her mug. Amanda peered over Daniels shoulder, staring. The girl shifted slightly.
What? Dont look at me like that. Im fuckin fifteen, asshole.
Youre a sassy little girl, arent you?
Amandas lips curled up as she leaned forward.
I dont care that youre drinking booze. Just hoping that youd share some with, ah, the grownups.
Stop extorting the informant, Amy.
Daniel shoved the former assassin back. Cindy hesitated, taking a step back, but Daniel gave her a reassuring nod.
Im just here to collect some information.
Geez, youreing to an [Informant] for information. How would I have guessed?
Cindy snorted. Daniel pursed his lips. Maybe he should have let Amanda intimidate the little girl for a little longer.
Lets speak outside.
He gestured for her to follow, but Cindy held out a hand.
Wait
She held open a hand, cocking an eyebrow.
First, I need to see some coins.
Daniel blinked as she continued.
This is just to even start talking to me, so, maybe, fifty silver? And depending on what kind of info you want, I could charge you up to five or ten goldter on. Its
He cut her off, cing two tinum coins in her hand. Her eyes grew wide.
T-thats
Is that enough for you?
He folded his arms, and Cindy hurriedly nodded.
R-right.
The group headed out of the unofficial Adventurers Guild. Daniel paused right by the doorway, looking back once as he felt a prickling feeling run up his spine. He spotted Lucas, the [Rogue], standing by the makeshift bar, staring straight at him.
Daniel narrowed his eyes, reaching for his Primordial Longsword. He kept a hand on it even as he left the building. They headed a street away from the cksmiths forge as the young man turned to Amanda.
Keep an eye on our back. Someone could follow us.
The former assassin furrowed her brows.
What makes you say that?
Just a hunch.
Alright, then.
Amanda shrugged. She grew slightly more alert but it was almost imperceptible. As expected of someone of her level. Daniel turned to Cindy as they entered an alleyway.
I need to know whats going on around Elutra.
That is very vague. You couldnt have asked me a vaguer question.
The girl gave him a t stare. He shook his head.
No I mean, how are the citizens of Elutra being treated by Inoria? Have there been any kidnappings? Forced imprisonments? Have you heard of any concentrated effort to transport arge number of prisoners en masse? Things like that.
Cindy tapped a finger on her chin.
These are rather odd questions. Why do you need to know?
It doesnt matter. I just need to know if theres been any such rumors floating around.
Daniel insisted, but she snapped her fingers.
Wait, are you investigating that rumor that runaway princess has been spreading around?
I
Thats right the one that the people of Elutra are going to be sacrificed for some cult.
There were a lot of things the [Hero] could say here. He could dismiss the notion, but Cindy would just bug him about it. Considering how petty shed been so far, she could even refuse to answer his questions until he gave a truthful response. Then there was also the chance shed get offended.
But if Daniel confirmed it, it would arouse suspicion. Spilling secrets to a [Gossip] or [Informant] or whatever was never a good idea. He opened his mouth.
Thats
Theres no use hiding it.
A voice called out from the back. Amanda, whod been standing watch, chuckled.
Youre not very good at keeping secrets, anyway.
He scowled.
Whatever look, Cindy, can you tell me if those rumors are true or not?
Why?
The girl cocked her head.
If its true, are you going to do something about it? Are you investigating on behalf of the Vaun Qieur Empire? Or since youre an adventurer, did the Remembered Order Company send you? I know youre a Vampire, arent you?
She began listing out possibilities options which Daniel didnt even think to consider. He remained coy.
Maybe I am, maybe Im not. Who says its even one or the other? I could be an adventurer and part of a country at the same time.
Dont lie. Youre definitely sent by one of the Vampire Families up north.
Just answer the question.
Good. It was better that she thought he was a Vampire then to know the truth. Cindy scoffed.
Fine. A girl cant be curious these days, huh? Well if you really must know, then the answer is no.
No?
Daniel blinked. She nodded, giving him a toothy grin.
Yep. I havent heard anything of the sort. The Inorian troops are treating citizens kind of badly, but I havent heard of any kidnappings or false imprisonments. They have been handing out harsh punishments for lesser crimes, but that could hardly be considered happening on a systemic scale. More like a bunch of guards going on power trips.
I see.
The [Hero] had feared the worst. He thought that Faiths fears were actually true. That they coulde to pass. It was reasonable, considering what he discovered at the hideout of the Harrowed Vindicators. But hearing this reassured him somewhat.
At least, until Cindy continued.
Anyway, I dont think theres anything of the sort going on. That princess was probably just trying to gather outside support by spreading lies. After all, Ertos wouldnt be surrendering if they thought they were all going to die.
Right wait, what?
Daniel blinked, and she nodded.
Ertos is surrendering. Theyve sued for peace, and Inoria has epted their terms. They will officially be signing the treaty tomorrow at dawn.
The words slowly washed over the young man. He had to take a moment to register what was being said until he finally got it. And it felt odd.
Off, even.
Something didnt sit right with him.
I see. Thats useful to know. Thank you, Cindy.
He flicked an extra tinum coin at the girl which she stumbled to catch.
Woah, woah, wait whats this for?
Consider it a tip for thatst bit of information. Amy, were going now.
Amanda looked back in surprise and followed after the [Hero]. When they were far enough away from Cindy, the former assassin turned to Daniel with a puzzled expression.
Were leaving, so soon?
Yeah, weve got to get to Ertos.
Now? After all your beating around the bush, you finally decide to leave for Ertos now?
She crossed her arms as they turned a street corner.
What made you change your mind?
Somethings going on in Ertos. I dont know what, but I had known the King Credence. He was a stubborn man. He wouldnt surrender to Inoria even if it meant his people had to suffer for it. And yet, they are surrendering.
Daniel closed his eyes,ing to a stop. The same prickling feeling from before ran up his spine and he nced back. He saw no one, and Amanda didnt seem to notice anything either.
This just doesnt feel right.
Shaking his head, the young man let out a sigh.
Come on, lets just hurry before anything goes wrong.
This is my lucky day
Cindy skipped out of the alleyway as she held three gleaming tinum coins. Her face was bursting with a smile until the looming shadowed figure stopped her in her tracks. She blinked, looking up at Lucas as he held a de out.
Hello, Cindy.
He stepped forward, smiling with bloodshot eyes.
It seems you have quite the productive conversation. How about you share some of it with me?
The girl backed up, staring at the man in fear and thenughed.
Id y along, Vide, but there are other matters to discuss.
The man paused as Cindys form changed. She grew taller, bing more like an adult as her skin was stained crimson. A pair of long, curved horns protruded from her face as violet wings spread out from her back.
Lucas no, Vide, pouted.
Aw, youre no fun, is.
He morphed out of his [Mortal Form] too, transforming into a blue-skinned hunched figure with a long tail and sharp ws.
is, the former girl [Informant], stretched her back and patted her partner on the shoulder.
I made a little discovery. One that Simag would be pleased to hear about.
Oho? And what exactly did you learn, exactly?
Vides head craned unnaturally to the side. is proffered a hand to him and he took it.
It seems Ive found our little [Hero], after all. And hell be heading straight for Ertos.
Seriously? You convinced him to head to that death trap?
I did. All it took was a little bit of talking and he ran off like the [Hero] he was. Now,e .Let us inform Simag and get our reward, shall we?
With that, two [Changelings] took off to the sky. Their flying figures drew the attention of a few passersby, but it didnt matter. Not anymore.
Not once Ertos fell, and the royal family of Elutray dead.
Chapter 277: Centina
Chapter 277: Centina
277. Centina
When I returned to the haven, I found myself in a little bit of trouble. Apparently, Centina wasn''t very happy to find out that Id not only recklessly endanger everyone here by challenging the Titan Centinel instead of fleeing, but I also recklessly endangered the lives of everyone here by incurring the wrath of the [Ancient Centinel].
Look, I thought the haven should be safe since it was far enough away deep underground!
I protested. Even still, she was upset.
Do you realize that us Centinels can dig through the earth? The only reason why our haven has yet to be discovered is because I can misdirect them. Keep them away from this ce.
She shook her head.
But my efforts are meaningless if you are chased down here by an army of my kin.
Im sorry
I trailed off. I felt a little bad. I did let my pride get the better of me which, well, made sense since I was an Archdemon of Pride.
But even if I was prideful, I wasnt incapable of self-reflection. Willy and Kron had helped me, and Galt was nice and friendly. Centina kind of reminded me of the Headmaster of Mavos Academy or the professors strict but kind. Someone who was tasked with taking care of others.
The fact that I endangered their lives wasnt lost on me. I liked these monsters, even if Id just met them. Especially Willy even if I was better than him.
If we are found out by an [Evolved Centinel], I truly will not know what to do. This haven will fall.
Centina spoke in a low voice as she began to skitter away back to the tunnel she came from. Where her secret room was located. I nced over at the crowd watching me. By that, I meant Willy, Kron, and Galt. The other monsters here were pretty dumb or couldnt care less; they just wanted to live and this was where they could survive in peace.
Wait
I called out to Centina before she could take her leave. She turned to me, tilting her upper body.
Why do you do this, anyway?
What do you mean?
She gave me a puzzled look.
All this protect this haven? Save monsters youve never even met? Why do you do that? Why do you oppose your own kin?
Do I need a reason?
I mean, itd be weird if you didnt have one and you were just doing it for the fun of it. I guess I can see how it may be more appealing than just killing everything mindlessly, but still, its a pretty dangerous hobby.
I shrugged, hearing a giggle from the side. Willyughed as Kron cocked her head.
Me dont get it.
Galt hushed them both, and I continued.
Im just curious. Im not going to judge you for it, Centina.
Sighing, the [Evolved Centinel] scratched her head.
After such a long time spent protecting this haven, the first one to question my intentions just so happens to be a Demon.
I blinked and turned to Galts.
Wait, have you never asked Centina why shes doing all this?
Unfortunately, the topic never came up.
And you, Willy?
The Spirits mes grew red he was slightly embarrassed.
No.
I looked at Kron. She just stared back at me, confused. I didnt even bother to ask her the question.
If youre that intrigued, thene with me.
I nced over at the others as Centina headed down the passageway shede from, but they werent interested in learning more. They just headed off to [Rest] on their own. Centinas voice echoed as I followed her.
It isplicated. But if you must know, I was not always like this.
She clenched her fist as she spoke, recalling a time long ago. I tapped a finger on my chin.
What do you mean?
I had been just like my kin. I had only known bloodshed and death. To ughter those who ventured to our world and threatened our lives. I was fueled by rage. By an instinct that brought me to destroy everything except my own kind.
But dont Centinels kill each other all the time?
I gave her a puzzled look. She smiled.
Perhaps. But something about me was different. I know not why, but Id always been confused by the erratic actions of my kin. When they ughter themselves without any reason. I was special, and I only discovered why when I became an [Evolved Centinel]. That was when I truly understood that I was not like the others.
I raised a brow, growing more curious as she continued her speech. The way she spoke about things was familiar. It reminded me of someone
So, I tried to do something different. I tried to rally all the other Centinels to exact revenge against the world. To organize some kind of army.
Centinaughed a garbled noise that sounded bitter above all else.
The lesser Centinels obeyed me, of course. They were too foolish to think for themselves. But the stronger ones? Other [Evolved Centinels] like me? They were far harder to convince. And I had to prove my strength to them to win them over to my side.
Huh. Then what happened?
I was hooked now. If this was who Centina usd to be, what could have possibly changed that made her who she was today?
I fought and won, again and again. I grew stronger. Until I decided to approach an [Ancient Centinel].
Hmm, yeah I can show thats a bad idea.
I didnt even challenge him to a fight. The moment I approached his Lair, he wreaked destruction more than I have ever seen before. He killed more of my kin than I had seen in by the visitors from above. Why? What was the reason for it? I didnt know. I still dont know. All I know is that he injured me. He nearly killed me. I escaped only because he didn''t differentiate any of us from each other. I walked away, bleeding. Dying. And I would have died. Until I met him.
Centina reached the end of the tunnel, and I saw the boulder hiding the secret room where she tested me. She rolled it to the side, entering, and I took a step after her.
Who is this him?
He is the one who saved me. Who nursed me back to life. A Human man whod watched the battle from afar. Observed it. And chose to heal me when he had no reason to do so.
I took in the room the books that were stacked against the walls. The sleeping bag that had been ced off to the side, right next to the decrepit wooden desk. There were markings, too. Scribblings against the rock. When I saw it initially, I knew it definitely didnt look like a ce set up by Centinel like Centina.
And this was where this Human man brought you?
Yes.
Her voice was low as she stared nostalgically at the table. She ran her hand over it, taking in a deep breath.
Of course, he kept me restrained. He was doing some kind of research here. To study us. To learn our purpose. And most of all, to destroy us. Our entire kind. Exterminated.
My eyes flickered. Now, that was interesting. A Human man who wanted to kill all the Centinels? Where did I hear something like that before? I remembered the diary Id found in the manor by the cliffside.
Could it be the same guy?
He saved me because he didnt understand why the [Ancient Centinel] had turned on me.In fact, he had been monitoring me. He had seen me raising my army. He needed an answer. Unfortunately, I couldnt give him one.
Centina closed her eyes.
He wanted to kill me there and then out of anger because he thought I was lying. But I convinced him to let me live. That I could help him further his understanding of us Centinels. He relented. Truth be told, I had no intention to help him. I simply wanted a chance to kill him and escape by myself. But I never found the opportunity.
I walked around the edge of the room, picking up and dusting off the books that had belonged to this Human man. A few of them had emblems sigils were reminiscent of nimbus cloud with the letter s in the center.
Yep. Its the same one.
The [Evolved Centinel] continued as I stored a few of the books with [Dimensional Pocket].
Every day, hed return and question me. Interrogate me about things he saw, and ask me why they happened. I never had many answers for him beyond the simple fact that it was normal. Why do Centinels kill each other? It was normal. Why do Centinels kill their young? It was normal. Why do Centinels have no sense for survival? It was normal.
I nodded in agreement. If someone tried to ask me why everything in the Netherworld was so chaotic, I''d probably give a simr answer.
Hed exin how things worked where he came from, hoping to get better answers from me. But it didnt help. Why? Because everything that happened down here was just normal. There was no exnation for it. And he grew frustrated by my non-answers, but I couldnt give him any other. I was afraid hed kill me eventually before I could escape. But for whatever reason, that didnt happen. Instead, we grew closer.
I blinked as Centina chuckled.
What do you mean by that?
Something blossomed between us, Demon. I know not what it was. Maybe it was because he just wanted someone to talk to. But eventually, he stopped gazing at me with eyes full of hate. It became that of pity then that of more. Of love.
Um, what?
I just stared at her.
Love. Love between a Centinel and a Human. Such an odd thing to say, yet it was true. I didnt know what I was feeling at first. I only understood it after reading through some of the books he had given me. I loved him. And he loved me. My name is proof of it.
I wanted to make a face of disgust, but itd be too obvious. I just kept my own personal thoughts to myself. And, well, I thought it was absolutely idiotic.
That it was dumb.
The more I heard about love, the stupider I thought it was.
So, he didnt kill you because he loved you?
Yes. And eventually, he freed me. And Id visit him regrly. When he embraced me those times I came without warning, I knew our love was true.
A smile spread across the Centinels face, only to vanish.
But one day. One foolish day. I didnt realize, but I was being followed. One of my kin an [Evolved Centinel] who I rallied in the past me and also survived the [Ancient Centinel]s wrath followed me down here. She didnt understand why Id given up my desires to destroy all of Humankind. And when she saw him the Human who I loved she attacked. And perhaps it was because Id grown weak, but I couldnt stop her from killing him.
Some weird green liquid dripped down from Centinas face. She wiped them away, and I realized they were tears.
Because of me, he died. Because I was too weak. Because I was foolish.
I see.
She sobbed as I watched from behind. The [Evolved Centinel] cried like a Human maiden with a broken heart, wiping the tears away only for more to pour out.
I ced a hand on her shoulder.
And thats why youre here?
I titled my head.
Because you know this is what he wouldve wanted? To save those who were trapped down here?
Centina blinked away her tears and straightened. She turned to face me, and I lowered my hand.
No.
Her reply surprised me.
No?
What I want is to leave this ce. To show the world above that not all of us Centinels are mindless monsters. That some of us can co-exist with them. And maybe find love again.
Um, then why are you doing this? Why cant you just do that?
I crossed my arms, more confused than anything.
I only save those stranded in the Bloodied Gulf because I, too, am trapped here. Because each time I try to escape, shed stop me.
She? You mean the one who killed the man you loved?
Yes.
Centinas eyes now burned with hate with anger. She clenched her w-like hands, and I could hear the sound of scraping as her nails scratched her carapace on her palms.
Shes stronger than me. And, somehow, she knows whenever I try to leave this ce. She leaves me here, shunned, a pariah of our Species.
I frowned, and she sighed.
I know not why she has not returned here. Just that whenever I resurface, she stops me. She beats me to the brink of death and throws me back to the tunnel I came from. A prisoner.
Huh.
With a deep breath, the [Evolved Centinel] turned around and faced me, walking up to me slowly.
You ask why I do this, Demon, and the reason is simple. Its because I wish to survive. But I also wish not to be alone. So, I protect this ce. It is a haven. But only because she has not returned since.
Centina finally finished. Crossing her arms, she looked at me with a prodding gaze.
Does that answer your question?
Interesting. I think it does. Although
I trailed off, furrowing my brows.
I do have another question.
She harrumphed, sounding slightly annoyed. I waved a hand off.
Dont worry. Im not going to make you recount your life story and relive whatever tragedy youve experienced again. I just wanted to know one thing.
Well, what is it?
She stared at me impatiently, and I gestured at the books around us.
This man you loved what was his name?
His name?
Yep.
For a moment, Centina said nothing. Then she began to chuckle.
After such a long story, that is all you ask of me? You are quite odd, Salvos.
And youre finally calling me by my name.
I snorted. She smirked.
If you must know, the man I loved called himself Erhard.
Erhard?
Centina nodded.
Yes. Erhard Skyshredder.
My eyes narrowed, and I ced a hand on my chin. Skyshredder? Like yton Skyshredder?
I see.
Now, Salvos, if that is all, you may take your leave.
The [Evolved Centinel] ushered me out of the room, but I raised a hand.
Wait.
What is it this time?
I just stood there, thinking. Other than the whole love part, the things Centina talked about felt familiar. Her dream was to be epted. Also, to find love, but that wasnt important to me.
I thought about myself. I thought about Belzu about what the Demons were doing. They were wreaking great havoc throughout the Humannds. Because of that, I was reviled. The one thing I wanted more than anything else was to be epted for being a Demon. Centina wanted the same thing: to be epted as a Centinel.
And that made me sympathetic to her.
Now I can see why you were annoyed by me when I said I could leave anytime I wanted.
Centina gave me a confused look as I turned around.
What are you talking about?
I held her gaze, grinning.
I''ve decided.
She frowned, but before she could ask the obvious question, I spoke over her.
I will help you get out of here.
Her eyes grew wide wider than how wide I thought a Centinels eyes could grow.
What?
I simply repeated myself.
I will help you and every other monster in this Land of the Lost escape from the Bloodied Gulf. Is that clear enough for you?
And this time, Centina was the one to barrage me with questions.
Chapter 278: Planning an Escape
Chapter 278: nning an Escape
278. nning an Escape
I will help you and every other monster in this Land of the Lost escape from the Bloodied Gulf. Is that clear enough for you?
Centina didnt get it. She didnt understand why I decided to help her. I tried to exin my reasoning, but it didnt go through to her. There was some sort of disconnect. My logic was not something she couldprehend.
Exin again why have you decided to help us even though we have just met?
Because I want to.
I shrugged, much to the confusion of the [Evolved Centinel]. Sighing, I crossed my arms.
Look, I feel bad for you I understand what youre going through. At least, with you and your Species. I dont really care about that whole romance or love part.
My eyes flickered as I nced down the hallway, back in the direction of the main cave chamber of the haven.
And I like some of the other monsters here. Theyre nice and fun to be around. Id rather they not die or anything.
I see.
Centina didnt seem particrly convinced by both my reasoning and by my conviction. I could tell she didnt think Id seed in helping them escape, and that Id give up after trying for a little bit.
I have been trapped in this cavern for hundreds of years, Salvos. Unable to surface. Unable to even speak to my own kind. If you truly believe you can achieve this feat which Ive struggled to aplish in this great timespan, I will not stop you. I simply implore that you do not risk the safety of this haven with whatever you have in mind.
Dont worry! I have plenty of ideas.
I waved a hand off as I started out of the secret room.
Im a genius, after all!
--
The first thing I did was recruit some help. Well, actually, the first thing I did was distribute my Stat and Skill Points.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 123
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 78
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25)
[Strength]: 132 (+25)
[Endurance]: 143 (+25) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 255 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 310 (+25) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 8
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 10
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 3]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 5
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 10
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
I leveled up a bunch and had plenty of Stat and Skill Points to spend. I focused mostly on what would help me with leading the monsters in this haven out of the Bloodied Gulf. Speed, [Warped Time], and other such things that would help them move faster.
Then I approached Willy. I waved at the [Will O Wisp], watching him gorge on a bunch of the Centinel spoils wed just returned with.
Hey. Remember what you said about leaving this ce?
Truth.
He turned to me insistently. I nodded.
Yep, I believe you. But I just want to know how exactly are you able to do that?
Fly.
I could almost hear the ming ball snort. I rolled my eyes.
Just like that? Arent you afraid theyll catch you before you escape?
Maybe.
He flitted around me before turning his ming gaze in the direction of one of the tunnels we came from.
Exit high. Be small.
Theres an exit that leads us higher up? And you can make your body smaller so youre less discernible?
I tried to interpret what he meant. The [Will O Wisp] brightened literally.
Yes.
Huh.
That was interesting. I tapped a finger on my chin as I nced around the rest of the haven. I spotted Galt over by a stgmite, lying on the ground and nibbling on the moss growing on the moist stone floor. Behind him, a group of giant crabs were huddled together, pointedly trying to keep away from the writhing, thin maggot-like creatures that were feasting on a pile of Centinel corpses.
There were a lot ofrge monsters here. It wasn''t going to be easy, hiding them from all the Centinels above. Although, maybe we could transport them one by one? At least I could.
I turned to Willy, curious.
Say, I know youre able to make yourselfrger and smaller, but are you able to make yourselfrger to carry others with you?
Easy!
His tone made it sound like it was the stupidest question in the world. I mean, I did expect him to be able to do at least that much he was over Level 120, after all. To be more specific, he was Level 125. Hed leveled quite a bit too from the battle against all the Centinels.
What about that thing you did with your mes?
I gestured at him, then at one of the dead Centinels lying on the ground.
You made them fly. Can you do that with people?
Willy hesitated.
...no.
Aw.
That would have expedited the process quite a bit. I sighed and exined my n to the [Will O Wisp].
I want to help everyone escape this ce the Bloodied Gulf. And Ill need your help.
He faced me, intrigued.
How?
As of right now, I think itd be best to transport everyone one by one. Discreetly.
Interesting.
Willy thought about it from a moment. Then he nced over at Kron.
Help.
You want Krons help, too?
Faster.
I guess if she helps us with her illusions, itll probably make it safer. And itll speed up the process.
I paused. Then I furrowed my brows.
Hey, why didnt you think of this before?
The [Will O Wisp] shrank and looked away.
...d-didnt think.
I cocked my head.
Why not? Is it the same reason why you dont want to leave?
He remained silent for what felt like a full minute. Finally, he responded with some guilt in his voice.
Yes.
I see.
I waited for him to borate, but he said nothing more. I didnt prod him about it since he was clearly averse to discussing it.
Anyway, thats a good idea. Talk to Kron about this idea I''ll speak with Galt.
Galt?
He asked, perplexed. I smiled.
We need a test subject, right? And who better than him? Hes big and hes high-leveled, so he can protect himself if something goes wrong.
Smart.
Well, of course.
The [Will O Wisp] and I split. He spoke to the [Krokodis], while I tried to recruit the [Gallias Tortoise] to trial the first attempt at breaking the monsters out of the Bloodied Gulf.
Hey, Galt!
I called out to him, and he looked up from eating the moss on the walls.
Yes, Salvos?
I was just wondering youre strong, right? I mean, youre one of the highest-leveled monsters here.
I am indeed high-leveled.
The giant tortoise spoke as he got on all four legs, slowly pivoting to face me directly.
However, as to whether I am strong is uncertain. Perhaps my level is considerable, but I do not often partake in battles.
Wait, then how are you Level 115?
I hail from a ce called Gallias Ind. It is my home, but it even rivals parts of the Bloodied Gulf in terms of danger at least, barring the deepest depths.
He shook his head, speaking in his squeaky voice. Unlike Centina and Kron who were speaking an actualnguage, Galt was simply making noises with his mouth. But there was intent and meaning behind the noises, and that was how I understood his intent. I wouldn''t have understood his words before I leveled in [Universal Language Comprehension].
Oh, so you leveled only because you had to survive.
I nodded, understanding. Galt, however, didnt see it that way.
I survived, and that is how I leveled. I did not survive because I leveled. Those are two different things.
Right.
Id prefer to stay in myfort zone, Salvos. I can see that you and the [Will O Wisp] share simr hearts that both of you vie for the challenge. But I do not. If, for the rest of my life, I am forced to remain here in this haven because it is the only ce that is safe, then I will.
I peered curiously at the [Gallias Tortoise] as heid himself back down, finding afortable position with that huge shell on his underbelly.
I have no quarrels with living a life without excitement as long as I am content.
But but are you really content here?
This haven, even if it was the safest ce in the Bloodied Gulf, was absolutely dull. There was nothing here. Even the guarantee of survival. After all, Centinas friend could return whenever for any reason whatsoever.
What do you mean, Salvos?
Galt met my gaze, and I borated.
What if youre given an opportunity to return home? Or maybe not home some ce thats just not here. A ce thats safer.
It sounded too good to be true. Of course it did. The [Gallias Tortoise], even if he had nonguage, was intelligent enough to understand that there was a catch.
That depends on the risk. Would my survival be guaranteed? Would escape even be reasonably usible?
I pursed my lips, turning back to Kron and Willy as their discussion finished. I watched as the [Krokodis] nodded eagerly to the proposal. Then I nodded at Galt.
Its reasonably usible. I have done it myself. The only difference is that Ill be bringing you which may make it riskier, which is why therell be help.
Interesting.
The [Gallias Tortoise mulled over it for a moment. He remained in though, and I was starting to think Id have to find another volunteer. But eventually, he stood back up.
Do you know how I ended up here in the Bloodied Gulf in the first ce, Salvos?
Um, you never told me.
I shifted back as he chuckled squeakily.
I was getting tired of Gallias Ind. My kin are not like me. They are aggressive and violent and territorial not mindless like the Centinels but if you are not one of our kind and they perceive you as a threat, they will kill you. Even though I was safe, thanks to them, I wasntfortable. I wasnt happy living in my home. So, I left.
He closed his eyes, speaking regretfully.
I departed Gallias Ind, knowing that I would have to cross even dangerous waters to get to safety. I took a risk, and unfortunately, things went awry, and I ended up here. Trapped beneath the Bloodied Gulf.
I blinked as Galt opened his eyes, holding my gaze with a look of determination.
But if you told me I could turn back time do it all again and asked me if I took the risk once more? Do you know what my answer would be?
I thought about my regrets how I was separated from Haec and ended up lost in the Mortal Realm. Would I do it all again? I felt my lips curl up.
Yes. After all, it is what you wanted, right?
Indeed.
The [Gallias Tortoise] returned the smile, although with how his mouth was shaped, it was barely even a smile. I pped my hands together.
Good, well get you out of here, Galt. I promise.
I craned my neck, facing the rest of the room all the monsters within.
All of you. Ill help you escape.
I whispered, conviction clear in my voice.
And from behind me, Galtughed.
Well, good luck in convincing the [Talonyers] to listen to your n.
He nodded in the direction of the long, spindly maggots.
Theyre as dumb as rocks.
I blinked.
Seriously?! As dumb as rocks? Thats very, very dumb!
Chapter 279: Calm
Chapter 279: Calm
279. Calm
Centina.
The man spoke as held up the glinting object.
The [Evolved Centinel] stared at her captor. Erhard. A Human man whode to the Bloodied Gulf who swore the destruction of all Centinelkind because of their role in his familys demise. Here he was, chuckling, chatting with one of said Centinels.
She was conflicted. She enjoyed it. Even if she was still trapped in the magical box. Her shackles. Despite clearly being a captive, she held feelings for him. Weird feelings. It was not like anything shed ever felt before. Yet, she felt it.
The books shed been given described it as a feeling called. love.
But was it really love? Perhaps her feelings were muddled because of her containment. Surely if she were free what she felt would go away.
These thoughts gued her, but that didnt matter for now. Instead, she tilted her head at Erhard.
What about Centina?
He repeated himself.
What?
For a name. You said you didnt have a name, right?
Erhard smiled as fiddled with something in his hand. The [Evolved Centinel] scowled.
Was that the best name you coulde up with?
I think it fits. You take pride in being a Centinel, dont you? Having it as a part of your name seemed appropriate.
Well if you say so.
Centina took a moment to savor the name let it sink in. Then she nodded.
It is not a bad name.
Of course not.
Standing to his feet, Erhard held up an odd circr metal object. It looked like the kind of item a Human would wear for their protection. Centina blinked.
Whats this?
Its a ring. It doesnt have any protective enchantments, unfortunately. At least, for you. Its made to be quite durable.
Why are you giving it to me?
She asked, puzzled. He shook his head.
Just something for you to remember me by. Try it on.
Centina epted it, inserting it into one of her w-like fingers. It fit perfectly. And it looked kind of nice. Shed never worn anything like this. Or anything, really. After a moment of admiring the ring, she registered what Erhard had said.
Remember you by? What are you talking about, Erhard?
The smile never left his face, even as he met her gaze. Even as he exined.
Im not going to keep you imprisoned any longer, Centina. Im setting you free.
Centina abruptly sat up. She stared at where shed been lying at the sleeping bag which could barely fit her Human-like half of her body.
I fell asleep
She muttered to herself. At some point after speaking to Salvos, shed dozed off. She wasnt even tired, but she took a short nap. It was probably because she had spoken extensively about Erhard her heart ached, thinking about him. It had been such a long time, and shed mostly been able to move on. At least, in the sense that she didnt live day-to-day thinking about him.
But after that Demon dug up her painful memories, Centina briefly fell into a whirlpool of mental fatigue and mncholy. She curled up in Erhards bed and cried.
Even now, tears trickled down her cheeks which she was quick to wipe off. She didnt care about her appearance since the monsters of the haven didnt understand or care for such things. But for the sake of herself, she had to be strong.
Centina got to her feet and shook her head.
If Salvos keeps her promise
It sounded like salvation. Like paradise, to finally be free after so long. But she knew Centina knew that it was a long and arduous journey ahead of her.
And thats why I have to be strong.
Everyone had a reason why they wanted to do something. No one lived with no purpose or goal in mind, even if it was just to survive. The moment that drive to live vanished, they would no longer be a person.
Theyd be dead.
That was obvious, obviously.
And the fact that everyone in the haven was still alive cemented the fact that they wanted to live. That was why I knew I could convince them to follow through with my n to get them to escape. However, there was a minor problem.
Risk.
It was risky to attempt an escape. This risk went directly against ones desire to survive, which made it hard to get volunteers. After all, they were safe here. My argument against that was that they werent actually safe there was a looming everyday threat that this haven could be discovered by Centinels at any point in time.
But, well
This haven has existed for hundreds of years and still hasnt been discovered. It is safe.
The giant crabs were vehemently against my proposal. I crossed my arms.
That doesnt mean it wont ever be discovered! Thats like saying you have never died before so you wont ever die. Thats not how it works!
They exchanged confused looks before shaking their protruding eyes.
It is safe.
And that left it at that. The other monsters in the haven made the same argument even with Willy and Krons help, I had a hard time finding anyone else who was willing to volunteer after Galt. Some of them werent anywhere near as eloquent as the giant crabs, even.
Come on! Well help you find an even better home!
Food.
I poked the [Talonyers] as they wriggled on the ground. There were dozens of them, each about twice as long as a Human, but only about a foot wide.
You''ll get good food too!
Food.
Please?
Argrableble.
I was pretty sure that wasnt even an attempt tomunicate. It was just making weird noises with no meaning. Sighing, I turned to my friends.
Seems like no one else wants to leave.
I shook my head, and Willy flitted up to me.
Trust.
I blinked.
Right. They dont trust me. Which is stupid! Why wouldnt you trust me? Im me.
Prove.
He replied simply. I narrowed my eyes.
They need proof that Ill ensure theyre safe?
I cast my gaze around the room. Judging by how most of them nced over at me, the monsters interests were piqued by my offer, but Willy was right, they didnt think Id deliver on my promise, not unless I could guarantee they made it out alive.
An idea crossed my mind. I beamed and turned to Galt my first volunteer. And my friend, too. I opened my hands and shrugged as I strolled up to him, speaking loudly.
Well, it seems like no one else but you wants to escape. Lets go, Galt.
Hmm, yes. I suppose it is time we take our leave.
Yep! Although, give me a moment.
I stopped him from exiting down a tunnel. In full view of the other monsters in the haven, I hefted the Breastte of Alexander off me and onto his neck.
What are you doing, Salvos?
This is for extra, added protection. Itll keep you safe. Its very durable.
I watched as the regr-sized breastte seemed to grow, fitting around the [Gallias Tortoise]s neck. A shimmer overcame him as his Temporary Skills took effect.
This is?
His eyes grew wide. A few of the watching monsters shifted. They could sense the power, too. But I had to demonstrate it.
It keeps you safe. So, lets say someonees up to you and tries to hit you. Like this
Ished out at him, my ws ovee with [Barrage of Cinders]. He flinched. But the attack bounced off him as my mes washed over the protective aura.
See? Nothing happens.
Incredible
Galt was not the only one who was surprised. I could see more than one of the giant crabs reacting. Good. They were definitely changing their minds, at least somewhat. Now came the next step actually sessfully getting the [Gallias Tortoise] out of here.
With a smile on my face, I turned to Willy and Kron.
Lets go, guys.
More than a few gazes bore into our backs as we left the Land of the Lost. Although no one said anything, I knew that more than a few of them were thinking believing that maybe, just maybe, with Krons illusions, Willy and my abilities, and the Breastte of Alexander, they could escape this ce once and for all.
--
We emerged from one of the tunnels that brought us higher up closer to the ocean above. It was a ledge that led out to one of the cliff walls, about midway up to the very top of the cliff itself. I took a quick look around with [nar Navigation], finding any and all Centinels that were hiding closeby.
Theres about a dozen down below, and a handful slowly crawling along the wall just at the exit.
I frowned, and Kron nodded.
We wait, yes?
Yep. Give them a bit and theyll pass without a problem.
As we waited, I turned to Galt just to see how he was doing.
Is everything ok?
He had a bit of a worried look on his face.
I am fine. It has just been a while since I have been this far away from the haven.
Dont worry. Well get you out. I promise. You remember the n, right?
He hesitated.
Youll fly me out as Kron covers us with an illusion. Her magic cant reach as high as the sea, so once were out of her range, were on our own.
Thats my side of the n. Im asking if you remember you job.
I rolled my eyes. Galt murmured softly.
Yes. Just stay put. Dont struggle.
Exactly! If you struggle itll make flying more difficult. But if you stay put, I can get you out of here in a jiffy!
I gave him a thumbs-up, and he closed his eyes.
I hope thats true.
There was still some apprehension there. I ced a reassuring hand on his shell.
Its fine. Just trust me.
The [Gallias Tortoise] opened his eyes and met my determined gaze. I thought of Mountaintooth and the brief time I spent in the Beastmen ins. Of my confrontation with Belzu. Of my everything Id been working towards here in the Mortal Realm. Then I got to my feet.
I never break my promises.
I started forward, gesturing for Galt to follow
The Centinels have passed. Willy, youll stay behind this time. Just watch from afar and make sure nothing bad happens to Kron.
In the future, the [Will O Wisp] would be flying with me so we could transport as many monsters as possible at the same time. However, with only Galt, I sufficed.
The [Gas Tortoise] followed me as a brief shimmer ran over us. Krons illusion. It made us invincible or kind of invisible. It wasnt the total invisibility that was achievable through [Alchemist] potions. And it was even less effective since it was covering multiple targets. If a perceptive-enough Centinel peers in the same direction we were flying in, it would notice some w in the illusion. Maybe even enough to see uspletely.
But thats not my main concern.
I spread my wings wide as I hefted Galt from his back. With his side, getting a good grip wasnt easy. So, I created [Faux Limbs] to help with that.
We slowly ascended from the ledge in the middle of the cliff face. I pped my wings slowly, taking my time so Krons illusions could keep up. The instant I was exposed to the Bloodied Gulf, the stench of blood and death overwhelmed my nostrils. The cacophonous clickings were audible, even if distant. And there were even some that were closeby.
I looked down to see a small group of Centinels crawling along the bottom of the ravine. They halted, casting their gaze around as if something was amiss. I hesitated. Were we found out this early into the escape?
But no the ground beneath those Centinels exploded. An [Older Centinel] crawled out of the earth and began to shred them apart. I watched as the undting figures thrashed about, ascending even further up until we passed the top of the crevice. A single [Junior Centinel] stood there, clicking its mandibles by itself.
Even as we directly crossed through its gaze, it didnt notice us. I stared at it as we continued flying up. If it made any weird movements, Id kill it before it could alert any other Centinels.
Only when we were even higher up halfway to the ocean did I think of looking away. And that was when I could rx. For a bit. I cast my gaze around, taking in the sight of the Bloodied Gulf. it spanned dozens maybe even a hundred miles in length. Walls of water rushed down along the edges of the Bloodied Gulf, forming the water dome over theplexwork of deep crevices. There was no way a Centinel could chase us now that we were this high up.
Maybe an [Evolved Centinel] could. But none of the regr Centinels posed a problem.
Well be leaving Krons range soon.
I turned to Galt who wore a wide-eyed gaze. That of disbelief.
Were really leaving the Bloodied Gulf. Just like that.
I shook my head.
Were not out yet. Brace yourself, alright?
He nodded as we flew up a little bit further. Then there was a flicker. I activated [Haste] and [Warped Time] as Krons illusions vanished.
And I burst into the air.
I moved so fast, I crossed the remaining distance into the ocean above before Galt even knew what was going on. It sent a huge ripple through the sea. The Centinels swimming in the water immediately turned to investigate the source of the disturbance.
What they saw was a Demon swim-flying at high speeds for the surface. The lower-leveled Centinels couldnt catch up to me. But there were [Older Centinels] and even a single [Senior Centinel] waiting in the water for me. They moved to block my way, but Id been prepared.
Fiery weapons conjured into existence, sending bubbles through the ocean. Theyunched out, sting apart the Centinels and keeping them back. That wouldve drawn more attention, but it didnt matter. By the time any other Centinel noticed the ripples and the waves, I was already gone.
I took in a deep breath as I hovered high above the Bloodied Gulf, alongside white clouds thatzily crawled through the sky.
Centinels swam down below, as usual, killing any sea creature that swam too close to their territory. I smiled, looking down at Galt as he took in the scene.
Y-you actually did it.
Of course I did!
I raised my chin. The [Gallias Tortoise] was stunned. He couldnt believe his eyes. He slowly cast his gaze around this vibrant picture one he hadnt seen in a very long time before facing me.
Thank you, Salvos. I shouldnt have doubted you, even for a moment.
I beamed at the praise. Then I shook my head.
Well, were not done yet.
Were not?
He gave me a puzzled look.
Yep. Nows the hardest part.
I let out a sigh as I took off, flying further into the ocean.
Finding a safe ce to drop you off.
Ah, right.
More died. More of his kin was in. Who did it?
It happened close to him. Hed been returning from his journey of growth, hoping to show her his growth. But he saw the ripples in the water, followed by the blood. Centinel blood.
Fueled by rage, the Sage Centinel surfaced to find the culprit, but he was toote. All he saw was the figure flying in the sky. Two figures. One was that of a sea creature. But the other was more familiar.
His gaze sharpened into a re as he tracked his enemy. The one that had defeated him. The one that had been responsible for the death of so many of his kin.
The silver Demon.
He was going to get revenge. He was going to make the silver Demon understand his pain.
Chapter 280: Storm
Chapter 280: Storm
280. Storm
Is this really fine?
I took in the scenery the view around me. It was a tropical forest, lush and brimming with life. It melded into a beach with sparkling clear waters. Id flown for a few hours to get here, and this was where Id say goodbye to Galt.
The [Gallias Tortoise] stood on the soft sand, staring around with wide eyes. He no longer wore the Breastte of Alexander I kept it in my [Dimensional Pocket] since it wasnt needed here. He turned to me, a grateful expression on his face.
Thank you, Salvos. I will not forget this debt I owe to you.
Dont worry about it! I like you, Galt. And I made a promise to Centina, too!
I waved a hand off. He still spoke squeakily,municating with me despite having nonguage. But he was intelligent and he had intent, and that was enough for my [Universal Language Comprehension] to trante into words.
It was a lot more coherent than what I was hearing from the fish flopping on the beach, washed up by the waves.
Help. Help. Help. Help. Help.
I snorted and picked it up, tossing it back into the ocean.
Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Than
Well, Ill be going now, Galt. It was a pleasure meeting you, even if it was only a short amount of time.
The same can be said about meeting you.
I took off, spreading my wings wide and ascending to the sky. The [Gallias Tortoise] watched me go. I smiled and waved at him as I soared back to the Bloodied Gulf.
--
I flew above the crowds, rxing, recuperating before I would have to return to the underwater canyons. Then the sky tore open above me. I blinked as a face peered down.
Salvos.
S-Sal?
I stared at the Devil as he ced a hand on his goatee.
Tell me, my daughter, didnt I give you clear instructions against leaving the Bloodied Gulf?
I gulped, remembering his parting words to me. I halted my flight not like it mattered since the crack in space followed me regardless.
Um, I kind of forgot?
His piercing gaze bore into me. He didnt wear an amused face as he usually did. I knew whatever wasing from him next wouldnt have been good. I quickly protested.
But I also thought you meant I couldnt flee from the Bloodied Gulf! To evade my responsibilities and stuff. Ive been diligently training to get stronger than that [Evolved Centinel]! I even nearly killed him!
The Devil crossed his arms, frowning. But he didnt say anything for a moment. After some thought, he sighed.
So you did. But he escaped. So, you have proven nothing. And you still broke the rules.
R-right
I trailed off. If I argued any further, I wouldve made him angrier instead of calming him down. Instead, I scratched my cheek and asked a question.
Why did you want me to fight him, anyway? Hes just a Centinel, isnt he?
Sall shook his head.
Because he is special, too. Just like you. If he continues in his path, well lets say therell be an [Ancient Centinel] rampaging through the Humannds in a decade or so.
Huh.
That sounded like itd be worse than Belzu. So, was the Devil making me do this to protect Humans? Or, wait, was he giving me a mini-Belzu to face before I fought the real Belzu?
Nevertheless, that Sage Centinel lets just call him Sagey, alright?
Id rather not.
Sagey has beaten you once, and you have beaten him once. As far as Im concerned, youre 1 - 1 against each other. Its time to settle the score, Salvos. And I think Ill be giving him a slight advantage, so that youll learn your lesson.
A smile spread across Sals face. My eyes grew wide.
Wait, why?
Because, my daughter, you have gone against my rules twice now, all due to a whimsical promise you made to a bunch of mortals. Tell me, will any of this even matter in a hundred years time? A thousand? Ten thousand?!
He spoke. His wrath was evident. The smile slipped off his face, twisting into something more sinister.
Now, Ill be taking my leave. After I give Sagey some help, I have a meeting with a good ole friend of mine. You may have heard of him Reggie, my boy. Honestly, hese so far. Im actually quite proud of him. But, be warned, daughter, if youre not careful, tonight may be the end of you.
The Devil feigned a sniffle before snapping his fingers. I watched as the portal closed, and I was left alone in the sky.
Well, that was ominous.
--
I returned to the Bloodied Gulf in a slightly more dour mood than before. Nervous, too. I nced around my back, making sure the Sage Centinel Sagey or whatever Sal called him wouldnt just pop up out of nowhere and attack me.
A few Centinels did spot me on my return, giving chase. I dealt with them easily enough. I didnt level up, and I probably wouldnt level up for a while until I killed a lot more Centinels.
Willy and Kron waited for me where I left them. I didnt see them at first, which sent a prickle up my spine. But they stepped out of the [Krokodis] illusion, looking at me anxiously.
How go?
Safe?
I stared at the both of them. My lips pursed as I thought about Sals warning.
Salvos?
Willy repeated himself. I blinked, then beamed.
Oh, Galt? Yep, hes fine. I dropped him off on some beach a few hundred miles in that direction.
I pointed back where I came, and he let out a sigh of relief.
Good.
We go back now, yes?
Kron ushered us back towards the Land of the Lost. Willy started after her, but I hesitated. The [Will O Wisp] paused, staring at me.
Issue?
N-no. But
The Devil didnt like how I protected and saved these mortals. He would surely target that, right? If I followed them, the Sage Centinel was going to somehow discover the haven when trying to kill me. It wasnt safe. Not for them.
At least, not tonight.
I had to deal with the Sage Centinel first. Once I dealt with him, I could return and continue evacuating everyone else.
I promised them. And I wasnt going to break that promise. The Devil was wrong about one thing. He said that this wouldnt matter in a thousand years or more. But that wasnt true. It would matter.
His apathy was the reason why the average person had never even heard of him. Only those who dug up records of the past long gone would find tidbits about him. Even then, it was scarce.
If Sal had been less callous, he wouldnt be forgotten right now.
My goal ever since my birth was simple: to be recognized. By myself, and by others. And until the day I died, I would strive for it, no matter what.
So, I resolved myself.
You guys go ahead.
I gestured for kron and Willy to continue. They exchanged confused nces, but I held out a hand.
Tell everyone I seeded, but I will be busy for today. Just today. Ill return though, so take this as proof of it.
I summoned the Breastte of Alexander with [Dimensional Pocket], handing it to Willy. The [Will O Wisp] was utterly confused. He held it up with his mes as it glimmered with the same colors as him.
Sure?
Yep. Go ahead. And you can even show off its strength. Maybe that will convince others to trust us.
He bobbed his body in a nod. I turned around, watching for a split second as Kron and Willy vanished back down to the Land of the Lost, then I faced the exit of the tunnel. I took in a deep breath and smiled.
Alright. Now, where is that Sage Centinel hiding?
I took off, staying low along the deep cracks. I drew the attention of weaker Centinels, but I know that soon itd draw out my target.
Or at least, I thought it would.
But despite hunting through Centinel Lairs and causing a ruckus with my clones, the Sage Centinel never showed up.
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 102]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!
...
Defeated [Junior Centinel Lvl. 43]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
--
Thats weird
It was night now. I sat at the edge of a cliff, staring up into the ocean view above. I couldnt see the glimmer of the moon it didnt pierce through the water, unlike the sun. So, what hung over me was a purely sable dome. And yet the Bloodied Gulf wasntpletely shadowed over.
There was lichen along the walls a kind of red moss that shone, illuminating parts of thework of crevices with a dim crimson. I watched as Centinels skittered about below, their shadows passing over these lit areas.
Maybe Sal lied. Maybe it was just a dumb threat.
It was entirely possible he couldve lied to me just for the fun of it. It wasnt like that was the first time hed have done something like that. But I didnt let my guard down. It was still night, and until the sun rose back up into the sky, I wasnt going to return to the haven.
I stood up, creating a Nebr Sickle Grenade.
If I try to cause another smallmotion, the Sage Centinel may show up this time around.
Izily tossed it down into the pit below. It detonated, sting apart dozens of Centinels at once. I yawned, not yet leveling up, but I was finally getting close.
Maybe I should just max out [Salvo of Vanity]. Thats my most useful Skill.
I didnt have a clone active right now other than the one with Saffron. But they were dealing with boring stuff. Political stuff. The Vampire was busy writing letters and stuff, meeting with politicians and other people of power.
Honestly, if I thought about what my clone that was with Saffron was doing too much, Id start to feel the same thing she did which was utter boredom.
If I max out [Salvo of Vanity], maybe Ill be able to summon six clones? Or eight if it caps at Level 30.
Right now, at Level 10, I could summon four clones. I started out with being able to summon two clones, so I gained an extra clone for every five levels since.
Id be able to do so much more with eight clones. It was like how having eight hands was better than just two. Seriously, it was so useful. The only minor downside was that it exhausted a lot of mana the most out of any of my Skills.
Still, after a brief [Rest], I was already ready to cast it once again. Themotion I caused didnt attract too many Centinels, unfortunately. In fact, for whatever reason, the Bloodied Gulf seemed more sparse of Centinels than usual.
But before I could cast [Salvo of Vanity], I felt a soft rumbling from beneath my feet. The ground shook as a cacocophy of clicks echoed down the Bloodied Gulf. My eyes narrowed. I ducked back into the shadows, readying my Nebr Scythe for a battle.
Is that him? I wouldnt be surprised if the Devil had helped the Sage Centinel amass an army of Centinels toe after me.
But the swarm of Centinels rushed through the ravine, ignoring mepletely. I watched as their figures and shadows blitzed straight past me.
Whats going on?
I frowned. I kept low as I ran along the edges atop the crevice, following the Centinels as they continued on. There were so many of them. Most of them were lower-leveled Centinels [Younger Centinels] making up the bulk of the force. However, I spotted some [Senior Centinels] among the mix. The proportion, however, was majority [Younger Centinel] and [Junior Centinel], by far.
I had never seen a swarm of Centinels this heavily skewed to the lower levels.
Where are they going?
I peered down at them as this massive swarm slowly came to a halt. It was a familiar spot. They gathered around in a huge mass and began to dig. They sent bits of dirt and rock flying, burrowing beneath the earth by the tens of thousands. No there were even more of them. An entire sea of Centinels.
And it clicked. I realized what was going on. I took a step back, eyes growing wide.
No Sal why would you do this?
They were going for the haven.
Chapter 281: Cleansing
Chapter 281: Cleansing
281. Cleansing
Centina wasnt sure whether to believe it.
ording to the [Will O Wisp] and [Krokodis], Salvos had sessfully brought Galt out of the Bloodied Gulf. It didnt seem possible. And yet, when Centina inspected the rainbow-colored piece of armor, she couldnt help but feel convinced by the facts.
Its enchantments made the wearer nigh-invincible. The [Evolved Centinel] struck it with an acid strike, only for it to bepletely negated. The [Krokodis] grinned, unharmed as she wore the armor.
See? Me strong.
Interesting. So, this is the power of a Mythical Grade artifact.
It baffled Centina, yet she could tell that the armor had a limit too. And it was getting close to reaching its limits.
But, just as any other enchanted tool, it can be worn down after too much use. And it seems Salvos has been overusing it. It is no wonder she is still alive.
Overuse?
The [Will O Wisp] flitted up to Centina. She nodded.
This Breastte of Alexander is in dire need of recharging. While it naturally regenerates mana, especially here where the mana density is high, it is still being actively used, and will lose more than it regains.
So, me not strong?
The [Krokodis] deted.
Maybe for a while. But I do not believe this Breastte of Alexander has enough power left in it to survive five minutes against an [Ancient Centinel], for example.
Centina shook her head. It was still quite significant, but if it were fully-powered, she genuinely believed it would allow even Salvos to take on an [Ancient Centinel] one-on-one and win.
However, in regards to evacuating others, this should be more than enough.
She faced the rest of the haven the other curious, inspecting monsters. One of the [Storm Crustaceans] the giant crabs, as Salvos called them approached Centina.
Safe leave?
The [Evolved Centinel] understood his words thanks to her own [Advanced Language Comprehension]. She hesitated.
It is not entirely safe. But I believe it may be
She thought of Salvos. And she hoped she could trust the Demon.
I believe it may be enough.
She turned around as the monsters in the haven gathered in their own separate groups, discussing this detail. They couldnt allmunicate with each other, of course. Only Centina herself, the [Will O Wisp], and the [Krokodis] couldmunicate cross-Species. They were the ones who disseminated information.
And all of them said the same thing: they could trust Salvos.
It was optimistic. Hopefully. But Centina thought that maybe, just maybe, things would finally change
As the thought crossed her mind, the ceiling shook.
I watched in horror as tens of thousands of Centinels gathered around an intersection between crevices, digging into the earth en masse, sending debris into the air as they rapidly sank down. There were so many of them. I had only ever seen such arge mass of them Centinels once, when the [Ancient Centinel] chased after me. Although, that had been an eclectic mix of Centinels.
This mass wasposed mostly of [Younger Centinels] and [Junior Centinels]. They werent the highest-leveled ones, but they all obeyed amand without much thought. The Sage Centinelsmand.
Sal, why would you do this?
I gritted my teeth. It was infuriating upsetting. He wanted to punish me for breaking the rules he had arbitrarily set? Whether I left or stayed in the Bloodied Gulf made no difference if I returned soon after. It made no sense.
When I asked for his help, I did it because I thought he was going to teach me how to learn a Grand Skill, not because he was going to teach me his principles or morality. I didnt care for that. I cared about what I wanted and if I knew the Devil was going to pull this trick on me, I never wouldve approached him for help.
I jolted as a screech drew my attention. Another group of four [Senior Centinels] joined the mass of Centinels. I had to do something about this. I didnt have the Breastte of Alexander, but I had to stop it.
I made a promise. And I will keep my word.
I closed my eyes, being wrapped in ribbons of gold mes. The brilliant kes wisped off and formed figures that looked just like me. Clones that smiled and fought like me. [Salvo of Vanity].
I nodded at all three of my clones as I created a set of Nebr Armor for myself.
We have to slow them down kill them all before they reach the haven.
My clones smirked confidently and leapt off the cliff, charging straight into battle. I watched as in an instant, an entire wave of reinforcing Centinels were incinerated. The job of my clones was to slow the main bulk of forces as they were lower-leveled. Meanwhile, I assigned myself with a different task take out the stronger Centinels before they could arrive.
I cast my gaze to where the [Senior Centinels] had been. They were rapidly encroaching on the main group. I leapt over to them, cutting them off before they could arrive.
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 103]
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 101]
[Senior Centinel - Lvl. 116]
Hey. Could you please turn around?
I asked nicely, but they responded with an incoherent shriek.
Alright, I guess not.
The leader and highest-leveled member of the packshed out at me, but I slid under the attack, shing for its underbelly with my Nebr Scythe. It recoiled in pained while I went for the others. [Barrage of Cinders] drove me forwarding, letting me rip apart these [Senior Centinels] leg by leg.
They were more durable than a Skeleton in the gunds, even if they were about the same level, but I was far higher-leveled than then, now. I dealt with them with ease.
Thest and highest-leveled [Senior Centinel] let out a blood curdling screech and still came for me despite its injuries. I easily hopped around it, grabbing it by its tail. I flew up into the air, spinning it around and scorching a symbol into its side. Finally letting go, I threw it straight for the masse of Centinels.
Watch out!
I called to my clones. They spotted the flying Centinel they saw the glowing mark on its body. Then they leapt out of the way. The [Senior Centinel] crashed into the center of the gathered horde. Its body shone
And thousands of Centinels were engulfed with a crimson st.
[Demons Mark]. It took out a massive chunk of the Centinel army. Even the ones not caught in the st burned up from the heat of the explosion. Mostly the lower-leveled ones, but that worked since they were all mostly lower-leveled Centinels.
My mind was barraged by notifications from all the kills my clones and I had quickly umted . I looked at my Status, but no levels gained.
Defeated [Senior Centinel Lvl. 115]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Younger Centinel Lvl. 13]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
I needed to level up twice to get what I wanted I needed [Salvo of Vanity] to reach Level 15 to summon another clone. Lest I wouldnt be able to handle this mass of Centinels before they reached the haven. Already, they were hundreds of feet deep in a massive hole that was a at least a hundred feet wide.
What was more, they kepting. The weight of the Centinels would
I shook my head, focusing on what I could do now.
We need to keep them back!
I activated [Mass Particte Modification] and [Scattering Discement], filling the hole back with dirt and rocks as the Centinels continued to amass. While I kept those Skills active in the back of my head, I swooped down low, sending a massive breath of mes at those that still remained in the hole.
As I did that, my clones circled around the crater, using their own mes to keep the oing Centinels from drawing too close. I continued my onught of fiery breath as the numbers thinned, unable to replenish thanks to my clones.
But before I could finish off thest of those gathered in the hole, a flicker caught my eye. A dark figure sped its way towards me, jumping past my clones and striking me from the side. I crashed into the crater, blinking as I took in the figure.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 143]
You?!
I stared at him. It was the Sage Centinel the one who I was supposed to defeat. The one who I fought in the Centinels Cornucopia. His upper torso was just like that of Humans as he previously had been, but his lower half was different. He was less Centinel-like now, with far fewer legs and segmented parts.
Die die die suffer you!
He spoke nonguage, just as before, but his screeching had meaning. I struggled to push him off as a vicious grin spread across his face. I blinked, and suddenly everything vanished.
He let go of me as I was caught in a bubble of darkness. One that I could not see through. I frowned, readying myself for an attack. Just as I anticipated, the Sage Centinel dove straight at me an invisible force that went for my neck.
I repelled the attack just in time, noticing it with the help of [A Hunters Sense]. [nar Navigation] didnt work. Not in this ball of darkness. It was a Skill the Sage Centinel had stolen.
I waited for the next prickling feeling and blocked the Sage Centinels second attack. Then I repelled the third and the fourth, readying a counter for the fifth. I would time it so that I could catch the Sage Centinel before he fled past me, but the attack never came.
And I sensed something else. My clones were in trouble. One of them had been attacked by the Sage Centinel.
It had left this ball of shadows, going after my clones while they were busy keeping off the swarm of Centinels. I gritted my teeth and began wading my way out of this inky zone. It was difficult to move in, just like thest time Id been trapped within it. But thanks to my clones, I knew exactly where to go.
I burst out of the ball of darkness, diving straight for the Sage Centinel. He gripped one of my clones by the neck as she squirmed and swung for his face. Then she glowed shed taken too much damage at this point, and the best course of action was well, exploding.
The Sage Centinel smirked and tossed her to me as she shone even brighter. My eyes widened as he moved for my other clones.
N
And a golden st lit up the Bloodied Gulf. I stared down at the explosion at the bits of golden kes left behind in the air having just barely teleported out of there in time.
Another strong Skill, wasted. I took in the scene, seeing how only one of my clones was left holding off the horde of Centinels, which was unfortunately not going well. The hole started to fill up once more as above them, my other clone was locked in battle with the Sage Centinel.
She was, unfortunately, losing to him, as he had grown a lot stronger since Ist fought him. And while I wanted to help, the more important thing now was to prevent the Centinels from getting any closer to the Land of the Lost. In fact, it was probably better that my clone was distracting the [Evolved Centinel]. He would only get in the way.
I flew back, doing the only thing I could at this point. I had to draw the attention of the Centinels to elsewhere.
Come here, you idiots!
I unleashed a salvo of ming projectiles at them, but they never stopped heading for their goal. I clenched a fist.
Fine, if you wont listen, then
[Recall Skill: Zealous Call].
And next
I let out a high-pitched shriek, drawing the attention of every Centinel that was close by. They turned their ire to me as I grinned, ushering them away from the hole in the ground. But just as I started back, a head snapped towards me.
The Sage Centinel faced me, under the effects of [Zealous Call].
Uh oh.
His eyes zed red as he shrugged my clone off. Raising a hand, he pointed at me, whispering. Only my clone heard it.
[Against All Odds, Ive lived
Thats
I stared at the Sage Centinel, ignoring the snarling and snapping Centinels below.
[Through Bloodshed, Ive Survived
A Grand Skill.
[To Cleanse the World of All that is Vile].
He unleashed it upon me, and all I saw was red.
Chapter Salvos Book 3s audiobook is now available on audible!
Chapter Salvos Book 3''s audiobook is now avable on audible!
Sup. No chapter yet. I literally just woke up lmao. I''ll get to it once I''m done doing all the things I need to market my Salvos Volume 3 audiobook. Which, btw, is now avable on audible here! The gunds by V.A. Lewis | Audiobook |
It''s my highest ranking audiobook so far. I''m so happy with how it''s currently performing. If you have spare audible credits, consider giving it a download and a review!
The gunds by V.A. Lewis | Audiobook |
Chapter 282: Protector of the Haven
Chapter 282: Protector of the Haven
282. Protector of the Haven
Did you feel that?
Centina hurried out to the central chamber of the Land of the Lost. The monsters gathered looked worriedly about, having felt the ground shake as she did. Her gaze snapped towards the [Will O Wisp] who stared only at the ceiling.
Whats going on?
She approached him, and he remained entirely still. He spoke not a word, even as another tremor washed over the earth and knocked a few of the crustacean over. Finally, he turned to the [Krokodis] standing next to him who was still wearing the Breastte of Alexander.
Run.
Both Centina and the [Krokodis] exchanged confused nces, but the earth shook once more, this time, like it had been swept over by a powerful wave during a storm. The stctites hanging above rattled before breaking off, one by one crashing into the earth. Bits of the ceiling drizzled down as the monsters backed away nervously.
The [Evolved Centinel] opened her mouth
What is
But the ceiling finally broke. And down came a rain of red.
The Sage Centinels eyes zed red as he shrugged my clone off. Raising a hand, he pointed at me, whispering something that sent a chill down my spine.
[Against All Odds, Ive lived
Thats
A Grand Skill.
What did I expect? What could a Grand Skill entail?
[Through Bloodshed, Ive Survived
I had only seen two examples of a Grand Skill before. The first was when I dueled Zix, back in Unarith. Hed transformed into the shape of a deformed, bloated Dragon. One that I couldnt hurt. One that withstood all my attacks like it was nothing.
The second time Id seen a Grand Skill, I managed to escape its effects entirely. The Lich had been so distraught, he wanted to destroy everything he could, including himself. It was thanks to his insanity I could even flee in time.
[To Cleanse the World of All that is Vile].
I couldnt teleport away. I didnt have the Breastte of Alexander. I braced myself for it. For the glow that came from his hands. The Sage Centinel clenched a fist
And my clone grabbed him by the arm. Before the Skill could fully activate, she threw herself in between me and the Grand Skill. His eyes widened as he snapped out of [Zealous Call]s effects, but it was toote. My clone was shining brilliantly. Brighter than the sun.
I watched as she erupted into a giant golden cross. One that incinerated everything it came into contact with. It scorched the earth, sending a tremor through the nearby crevices, and killing hundreds of Centinels.
A deluge of notifications inundated my mind. I found myself sighing in relief, d that I wasntpletely overwhelmed by a Grand Skill.
Im alive
The whisper left my mouth. And from the smoke, another voice spoke out.
No. Not for long.
I blinked and looked up as the Sage Centinel ascended, his hand still shining red. He was flying. Previously, he had used different Skills to help him keep up with my flight, but he couldnt actually fly. Now, he hovered there and flew higher and higher.
You survived?
I stared at him at his ragged and injured body, his side torn open due to [Salvo of Vanity]s explosion, but still alive. The ocean above the Bloodied Gulf changed colors, turning into a dark crimson. Droplets of this red liquid rained around me, and I felt my skin burning and freezing at the same time. I quickly cleaned it off with a quick st of blue mes, but the damage had been done.
Some kind of acid? No it wasnt. I didnt see any melted flesh. Instead, the wound inflicted felt familiar. Like it was, fortunately, lessened by something. And as more droplets rained around me, I realized what it was.
General Skill [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] has leveled up!
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance - Lvl. 2] -> [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
A curse. The Sage Centinel had inflicted a curse over this entire area. It had to have caught at least a quarter of the Bloodied Gulf in the effect. Not the entirety of it, but a significant portion. All under the effects of its Grand Skill.
I looked down as the red rain continued to pour down, washing over the dwindled-but-still-massive swarm of Centinels below. And they were revitalized. Those that had been painted with the red liquid moved with more vigor than before. Some kind of boost.
Compared to this growth in power, how many of them had been killed? It had to have at least been half their numbers. And yet, it seemed like this red rain attracted quite a significant number of Centinels to join this battle. These ones were higher-leveled, too. The ones that the Sage Centinel hadnt been able tomand, until now. They came for the power, and they followed the mass moving for the hole in the ground.
Well, there was one thing to look at that was on the bright side. It wasnt exactly a positive, but I leveled up from that.
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 123] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 124]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
I also leveled a few times from my ss, but that was less important.
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 78] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 79]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 84] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 85]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 124
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 85
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] - Lvl. 4
[Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] - Lvl. 6
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25)
[Strength]: 132 (+25)
[Endurance]: 143 (+25) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 260 (+25) (+10)
[Agility]: 310 (+25) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 8
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 14
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x1
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
I quickly distributed everything I was given maxing out [Scattering Discement] and [Mass Particte Modification], as well as bringing [Salvo of Vanity] to Level 14. All my Stat Points went into [Wisdom]. I had to end this. Now.
TheSage Centinel came down to face me. His carapace glistened as hovered right beneath the blood-red ocean, arms spread wide as more of the crimson rain fell, flooding the crevices. His broken body knitted back together as a red aura overcame him he was somehow healing in this cursed zone. Just like how his Centinel army was strengthened. Heughed a terrible, cacklingugh and spoke in a clearly enunciated voice.
This is my world! You shall suffer! You shall feel my pain!
I gritted my teeth, ready to unleash everything I had against him. But just as I was about to move, I heard the ground crack.
A rumbling ran through the earth, and I switched to my clones perception. And through her, I saw the dirt break. A massive cave chamber was revealed beneath the Bloodied Gulf, with terrified and familiar monsters gathered around, staring up with wide eyes.
The swarm of Centinels fell upon them, their crimson carapace sheening when mixed together with the red rain. Ice-blue mes sted up at the Centinels, Willy leading the monsters in holding back the swarm.
I have to help them the thought crossed my mind as I swooped down.
But a spray of acid struck me from behind as I was pelted with more of the red rain. My skin sizzled, and my arms grew heavy from the curse.
No I will not let you! Your people will die, just as mine have!
The Sage Centinel bellowed. He faced me as I narrowed my eyes. I wreathed myself in mes, nodding.
Fine.
Then my body cracked. I grew taller as another set of arms protruded from my sides. My jaw elongated, and dozens of deadly fangs stabbed down from my mouth. I red at the Sage Centinel with golden eyes, furious as I took only my [Demonic Essence] form.
But youll regret making me stay.
Ished out at him, like a reverseet soaring through the blood-red sky. Covered in pure white fire.
Even as we shed in battle, I thought of Willy and the others in the back of my mind. I had promised I would get them out. And I was going to do it, even if the Devil himself interfered.
Centina could only look on in horror as hundreds of her kin fell from the now-exposed sky. The ceiling had caved in, letting this swarm of red fall upon the Land of the Lost. It was her Lair her territory. Yet, it was now being overrun, the haven no longer safe.
No
Her mouth moved, uttering that single word. It was all falling apart. This was the end of it all. Centina knew that this was how she died. She snapped her eyes shut, epting her fate.
Fight.
But a voice called out to her. A singr word, spoken by the spark of hope even now. The [Will O Wisp]s words reached the monsters of the haven. He was a tiny ball of me no bigger than Centinas head. And yet, all by himself, he charged headfirst into the swarm of Centinels.
He sent waves of different-colored mes at them, slowing their approach.
Live!
He spoke louder this time. It drew the attention of even the [Talonyers]. The maggot-like creatures moved at hismand the meaning clear.
The [Storm Crustaceans] aided them, all heading to fight off the falling Centinels. After all, they were the strongest here. They would fight.
And the others? The others would flee. The ones who were weaker. The ones who couldnt fight.
Centina understood what the [Will O Wisp]... Willy, meant. He called for aid from those who were willing, asking the rest to escape from the myriad of tunnel exits around.
She couldnt just stand around, epting ther death either. She turned to the [Krokodis] standing next to her.
Kron, I need you to hand the Breastte of Alexander to me. Youll lead the others out Kron?
But the [Krokodis] wasnt quick to respond. She just raised a hand, pointing at the copsed exits. The tunnels that led out had all fallen, copsed into themselves from all the shaking.
Centina clenched a fist.
Thats
She shook her head.
Just give me the Breastte of Alexander. Ill hold them off. If I face them alone, the others will be able to help you dig your way back out.
The [Krokodis] slowly nodded, sort of hesitating for a moment, before finally handing over the Mythical Grade artifact. Centina wore it, feeling power surge over her. She heard the notification of having a set of temporary Skills bestowed upon her, but she brushed it off quickly enough.
Get the others out. Use your illusions to keep them safe, alright?
Centina skittered past the other monsters, her body glowing with magic. Willy was starting to grow exhausted from leading the charge when she stepped up next to him.
Stay back, Willy.
What do?
He turned to her, mes flickering. And she smiled.
Im the protector of this haven. Its my job to keep you all safe.
With that, she leapt into the fray, falling into the snapping mandibles of hundreds and hundreds of Centinels all at once.
Chapter 283: The Fittest
Chapter 283: The Fittest
283. The Fittest
I faced down the floating Sage Centinel as he rippled with power. An ethereal red aura wisped off him like a bloodied mist. He brimmed with an insatiable desire for vengeance for all the pain and suffering Id inflicted on his kin.
It was what powered his Grand Skill. Something that would empower himself and his allies while draining and hurting his enemies. I lit my body aze, covering myself in fiery armor so the crimson raindrops would not touch me. And there was the aura protecting me too the Pendant of Greater Protection. However, after all the battle Id been through to this point, I was almost certain itd give soon. But it was enough to nullify at least some of the effects of his Grand Skills curse.
Although, I still felt sluggish, just from moving around in this zone. The curse permeated the air, a weaker version of the raindrops that fell from the sky. Even in my [Demonic Essence] form, I knew this would be a far harder fight than the first two times we battled.
General Skill [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] has leveled up!
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance - Lvl. 3] -> [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
My General Skill leveled up again. The Grand Skill really was dangerous.
I raised a hand, twirling my Nebr Scythe around.
You will regret making me stay.
That was all I said before I charged the Sage Centinel. He braced himself as I came crashing at him, a ck light oveing my weapon. His eyes widened when he saw the Skill. The powerful attack.
He dove to the side, trying to dodge it, but I pointed a single finger at him.
Stop.
And he did. Moments after, [Radiant sh] connected and tore open his carapace. His blood sprayed over me as he regained control of his body, backing away.
I narrowed my eyes as I saw the wound slowly begin to heal, even mere moments after I struck him. I didnt stop there. I continued an onught of attacks, striking him with [Barrage of Cinders].
The Sage Centinel let out a deafening shriek before raising both his hands. He swung back at me, faster than I could react. Its ws collided with my armor and protective aura, knocking me back. As I steadied myself mid-air, a deluge of acid shot out one that poured out like a wave. It would even melt the rock below. I zipped around him as I could and avoided his assailing magic.
I rushed in once more while he was distracted, only for him to intercept me once more. I barely teleported out of his wed strike. He was faster than me. Whatever boost he had from his Grand Skill let him surpass even my current speed.
No. I didn''t believe it. I wouldnt allow it. I was faster than him. I had to be.
Activating [Haste] and [Warped Time], I swooped in for the kill and moved to close the distance as quickly as I could.
He made a clicking noise as he raised an orb of acid. He hurled it at me, and it multiplied by dozens. I dove around the mass projectiles, tossing my Nebr Scythe at him as a distraction, but he caught it. He threw it back with pinpoint precision, nearly catching me mid-air, even in my quickened state. I caught it as the weapon nearly impaled me through the chest and quickly stored it into my [Dimensional Pocket].
As the Nebr Scythe vanished, I looked up to see the Sage Centinel smiling wickedly and pointing at me.
[Vindication of They].
Wha
I blinked as a crimson aura was drawn out of the dead Centinels beneath me. Tens of thousands dead of bodies glowed, emitting power that gathered into a single figure. A roiling outline of an [Ancient Centinel]. It rose up into the air, giving chase after me as I sped away.
What was this? How did I fight something like that? It wasnt even real. It was some kind of Skill, simr to my [Salvo of Vanity], except it was unable to do anything except give chase.
I sent a wave of mes at this ethereal creature, but it didn''t slow down once. It wouldnt stop until it reached me, and I didnt think it was going to give me a hug.
No I couldn''t let it get close. [A Hunters Sense] screamed at me to get away from this apparition. It would shred through my aura of Greater Protection like it was nothing.
The Sage Centinel smiled as he watched me flee. It would catch up to me. I knew it would. And he did, too. That was why he turned away from me, casting his gaze down to the deep hole below.
Then he descended, even as I frantically tried to fight off this apparition to get to him. He fell upon the haven as I failed to stop him.
The Centinels poured out of the hole in the ceiling without stopping. They crawled down the side wall before leaping into the Land of the Lost. This haven which Centina had spent centuries building. She would not let them destroy it.
They were strong. Even for their low levels, they managed to put up a fight against her. Something was boosting them in strength a kind of glow overcame them from their wet shells. Still, she barred their path, ripping them up, and parting the waves of Centinels like an ind in the ocean.
Beside her, Willy sent multi-colored mes out to aid her. Ice. Fire. Acid. He exhausted himself of his abilities just to ay this hordes approach.
Willy.
She panted, turning to him.
You need to evacuate the others. I can hold them off
No.
He was insistent. He would not flee, even as the others began to back away. Centina shook her head, ncing back towards the backed up nobatants. Kron was trying to lead them out of the copsed tunnels, but each time they cleared a bit of the debris, the tunnels would copse once more. The only ones who could feasibly dig their way out were the [Talonyers], but they were fighting alongside Centina.
She made a clicking sound.
They need your help. They cannot escape unless someone guides them out.
Willy hesitated, but remained firm.
Cant help.
He sent another st of mes at the ceiling. It burned and burned, raging on and keeping the lower-leveled Centinels back.
Cant dig.
He was more talkative than ever, which just spoke to how dire this situation was. Centina twisted her lips as she grabbed a [Senior Centinel] and shredded it apart with her ws. It didnt even stand a chance.
If we cannot escape, then there is only one thing we have to do.
She stepped forward, weing the storm of Centinels.
We just have to win.
The [Will O Wisp] stared at her as shenced out, spinning and tearing through another wave of Centinels. He zed in agreement.
Yes!
He followed after her, sting apart group after group of Centinels. But just as the pair began to push the Centinels back, a figure unlike the others dropped down. It stood out in the swarm of red a different color from the glinting carpaces.
Centina frowned. She could tell it was powerful. It radiated strength just from being there. A golden light. She readied herself for this new enemy
And blinked when she saw who it was.
S-Salvos?
The figure nced up at her. It looked like the Demon with the same smirk on its face. However, it was made entirely of me. Golden fire. One that drew the attention of everyone in the room.
Then it craned its neck, looking at the Centinels around it. With a flick of its ws, it sent a st of fire and incinerated arge group of them in an instant.
What is this?
Centina didnt know what she was seeing. It was Salvos, but not really Salvos. It had fire, just like her, but it was it wasnt talking. However, it was definitely on their side.
Clone.
Willy spoke as he flitted up towards the fake Salvos. Centina blinked.
Clone?
Lifefire. Essence of soul. Salvos.
She got the gist of what he was saying. It was some kind of copy of Salvos. One she sent down here to help. But that begged the question why wasnt she here herself?
Centina didnt have time to specte as the ceiling shook once more, and more Centinels dropped down. The three of them were quick to intercept these Centinels. They were [Senior Centinels] on the brink of Level 110. But even then they stood no chance.
Salvos
She called out to the clone.
Where are you? Whats going on?
The clone gesticted wildly, but Centina didnt understand what was being conveyed at all. As she continued waving her hands, an [Older Centinel] leapt down at her, and she threw her head back, annoyed. She sted it apart before spreading her arms wide.
Protect!
Willy spoke in a hurried voice. He moved forward, guarding the Salvos clone as more Centinelsshed out at her. Centina was perplexed, but she moved to do as she was asked to do. She ripped apart a group of [Senior Centinels] before casting her gaze around the room. Then she saw what was happening.
The rocks and debris all around the chamber began to hover. They floated up alongside the watching monsters, in awe of what was going on. The Salvos clone was going to clear the tunnels. No not clearing the tunnels.
Centina narrowed her eyes as she saw the rocks grow in size. Some kind of magic to increase their mass and volume. Then the rocks lowered right next to ther watching monsters. Kron blinked as it hovered before her.
What going on?
The Salvos clone pointed up, and Centina understood what was going on. She shouted for all in the haven to hear.
Climb onto the rocks! We will leave the Bloodied Gulf, now! Salvos will get us out of here!
It sounded insane. The only way out now was up to the ceiling where the Centinels came from. To go there was suicide. Yet, as established, it was their only option.
And the mindless monsters and intelligent monsters of the Land of the Lost took it. They grabbed hold of theirst opportunity to live. When it was a choice between life and death, they chose the only one that could potentially save their lives. Even if it meant diving into the unknown.
They wanted to survive. They mbered onto the rocks every single monster. Centina herself, too. Then alongside Willy, the Salvos clone ascended. The rocks carrying the monsters rose up thanks to this magic, slowly exiting up the tunnel.
The Centinels saw their preying at them and were understandably ecstatic. They snarled and snapped and leapt for the rocks. But Willy held them off with his fire. Centina couldnt do much. She could only watch as they rose out of the hole. To face either liberation, or their deaths.
Myst clone reached the haven. She was evacuating the monsters now, using [Mass Particte Modification] and [Scattering Discement] on rocks to carry them out of the massive pit. I was d.
They would survive. I was going to keep my promise. That was good.
A feeling of mncholy passed through me as I looked at my pursuer. No matter where I went, this apparition of an [Ancient Centinel] gave chase to me. The vengeance of all the Centinels Id killed in the past hour. I smile wryly as I grew tired all my Skills exhausted. [Haste] and [Warped Time] had ended. I had only been able to keep away from it thanks to teleportation.
I really didnt know what to do. I was going to die here. It would shred through whatever was left of my Greater Protection aura and tear me into pieces before exploding.
At least, my clone would survive for a while longer. Her mana source was independent from mine, although she would eventually vanish without me to supply her with mana. Just not right away. Hopefully shed be able to get Centina, Willy, and the others out before that happened.
Maybe theyd remember me for my sacrifice. Maybe theyd never forget me.
My smile slipped away as the thought crossed my mind. The apparitions jaw closed in on me, and I made a sharp turn, diving into the ocean. It followed after me as my hearing and vision grew muddled.
I was going to die.
Again, my lips twitched. I watched as the apparition drew closer.
Me.
Die.
I was Salvos. And I was going to die here.
Here?
Die?
Me?
That didnt seem right. That wouldn''t be right. I couldnt ept it. I thought of everything I had ever done. Of everything I hadnt done. My goals. My dreams. My life. All that would be left was just specks of my legacy.
And eventually, it would be all but forgotten.
After all, life was transient. Nothing was ever permanent. Everything, including myself, would all eventually be gone.
No!
My eyes zed in defiance as I spread all four of my arms wide, epting the [Vindication of They]. I shed with the apparitions head and held it back. The sea rippled from the intensity as I pushed, letting out a scream.
The blood-stained water poured around me, a curse that made me grow stronger.
Somewhere else, Saffrony in shock as her assassin was utterly incinerated.
Willy stared in shock
as an entire wave of [Senior Centinels] instantly vanished.
These notifications flooded my head. And something was drawn out from within me.
[My me
The Aura of Greater Protection flickered out, and my skin burned. My defiant screaming turned into that of a pained screech. I felt my body twist and contort as my [Demonic Essence] rapidly left my body. Like it was being drained by something. No like it was being reced
General Skills [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] and [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] consolidate into General Grand Skill [Racial Skill: D
Grand Skill [My me
Abundant experience is awarded for learning a Grand Skill
Centina held onto the rock as it continued to float up, finally reaching the top of the hole. The Salvos clone had cleared the area of Centinels, and they only had a little bit further to go until they were at the ocean above.
Then there was a sh. She raised a hand, covering her face as a ripple ran through the sea.
What is?
But before she could even take a look at what was going on, an angry voice called out to her.
Traitor!
She looked up to see a Sage Centinel descending from the sky. His face was misshapen in rage, and he unleashed a deluge of burning acid at them. Centinas eyes grew wide as she saw the flood befall her.
It wouldnt harm her. Not with the Breastte of Alexander on. But there were others here, too. Kron looked up in horror and watched as the shadow engulfed them. Willys mes flickered as he moved to act, but the first to block the attack was the Salvos clone.
She moved the fastest here, sting apart the deluge with her golden mes. She looked visibly exhausted but still managed to muster a thumbs-up for Centina to see.
Then the Sage Centinel appeared behind her. She wasnt able to react. In that instant, he beheaded her. The Salvos clones body dropped, and he tossed it aside. An explosion shook the earth in the distance as Willy shouted.
No!
He moved to attack the Sage Centinel, but heard the other screams. The rocks began to fell as Centina threw herself off it to stand on the red sand of the Bloodied Gulf.
Willy caught the falling rocks with a barrage of purple mes. These wisps engulfed the rocks for a moment before seeping into the cracks like water. Then the rocks glowed and hovered there, slowly flying higher as the [Will O Wisp] strained.
Willy, bring the others away, I will stay here.
Centina stepped forward, standing before the angry Sage Centinel. His gaze was fixed on her as the red rain poured around him, fueling his anger. However, he wasnt the only one that was enraged.
A myriad of other voices called out.
Betrayer!
Kinyer!
Sinner!
Centina nced up to see five other [Evolved Centinels] waiting down the ravine. They eyed her with spite and fury.
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 136]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 126]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 141]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 131]
[Evolved Centinel - Lvl. 133]
There were two Titan Centinels amongst them, two Horror Centinels, and a Gracious Centinel. The Gracious Centinel stepped forward.
You hurt her! You have hurt her!
Centina hung her head and closed her eyes.
Yes. I have gone against my kin. It is me you want. So, let them go.
She nced back at Willy as he sluggishly made his way up, picking up where the Salvos clone left off with his purple mes.
No.
The Sage Centinel spoke, voice growing clearer by the second.
All of you have hurt our mother. All of you shall pay. All of you shall suffer.
He shook his head.
Kill them all.
Centina clenched a fist as the Gracious Centinelshed out, moving for Willy. The [Will O Wisp] was the only one who could evacuate the remnants of the haven. If he died, all hope of escape was lost. She moved to stop the Gracious Centinel, but the other [Evolved Centinels] blocked her path.
They assailed her with a barrage of Skills. Although the Breastte of Alexander tanked the attacks, she was held back. The smoke cleared as she could only watch the Gracious Centinel leap up, swinging for the ball of iridescent me.
Willy mes grew smaller in fear as the Gracious Centinel shed a scything arm at him
And there was an explosion. The ocean above tore open, raining a sea of red down into the Bloodied Gulf. Centina blinked as a blurred figure tore through the Gracious Centinel before it could reach the [Will O Wisp].
Heads turned to face this sh of silver. Centina quickly identified it, only to stare in confusion.
[Cambion - Lvl. 125]
Salvos?
The Demon stood just at the edge of the pit, holding the crushed body of the Gracious Centinel on one hand.
Centina didnt even know what just happened. The Gracious Centinel was already dead, in a mere instant. Salvos dropped the body into the pit, stepping forward as her body crackled with sparks.
Red me. No yellow me. Then ck. Then silver.
It wasnt just the color of the rainbow. Wisps of all color ked off her body as she stood there, casting a callous gaze to the Sage Centinel. Something about her was different. She almost seemed like her usual self with her pointed ears and Human-like body. Her clothes were gone, yes, but that wasnt it.
Her skin was the usual pale-white except, now that Centina took a careful look at her, her two w-like hands were now ck. It extended up to the very fringe of her forearm, stopping there like some sort of glove. Her horns were longer and curved now. As though she wore a crown around her head. And her eyes they glimmered golden. The slit-like pupil was gone. Just a sheening gold iris.
The Sage Centinel red at her, confused, angry so much more. He opened his mouth.
How did you survive my [V
And without a word, Salvos appeared behind him. Her ws tore through his carapace, shattering his middle body. Centina stared in disbelief as the Sage Centinel fell.
Then finally, the Demon smiled.
"[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
She brought her ck w up as it was wreathed in a silver me.
I cannot die."
My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends,missioned by me :)
Chapter Official Salvos Merchandise!
Chapter Official Salvos Merchandise!
Hello everyone!
I''m so excited to officially announce the first ever set of Salvos merchandise! There are posters, stickers, iPhone cases, face masks... a lot of stuff, but no shirts just yet. I''m not sure if any of it will sell. A lot of this is for myself, more than anything. I already have a poster which I bought and paid extra shipping costs for just to get ASAP lmao.
I can only attest to the quality of the poster I bought for myself from TeeSpring. I have a shop on both RedBubble and TeeSpring. RedBubble because they have a lot more designs to choose from for me to get for myself. And TeeSpring because they have a few specific designs I want and I can select the price for. If you want to see the poster itself, check it out here! Ignore my messy bed.
Yes! This is the Salvos poster on TeeSpring, sold at a cheaper price than avable on RedBubble, will only be avable for a limited time. One month. I can''t do discounts on RedBubble sadly.
Right now, there are currently three artworks avable. TeeSpring is far more limited, but RedBubble has a ton of stuff. The illustrations I''ve chosen are these three:
And of course:
Check it /people/MsD/shop
Chapter 284: Invincible
Chapter 284: Invincible
284. Invincible
I cannot die.
The voice echoed in the throne room a tinny voice, like it was said in a suit of armor. In truth, it was simply an artificial copy of the original words that was spoken through the screen. The fissure in space that showed what was happening in another realm.
The Devil leaned over the moving images, an amused smile spreading across his face.
Interesting.
He pped his hands together and turned to the figure in the room with him.
This is very interesting. You should watch it too!
The figure didnt turn. He wasnt goaded by Sal. Instead, he preupied himself with other matters.
Come on, Reggie boy!
The Devil pouted, but Regnorex simply ignored him. Sighing, Sal turned back to the screen the fissure in space and watched as Salvos fought on.
She attuned herself to the Breastte of Alexanders effects and built upon it with her own magic. Even after wearing it for as long as she did, Im surprised. She can be a rival to even you.
He chuckled, but Regnorex grunted.
Hmph. It was thanks to you, she met the requirements for a Divine Essence. And through that, she gained this power of temporary nigh invulnerability.
The Demon Kings voice was callous cruel. He focused only on one thing: moving the pieces on the table. Surveying the map of the Mortal Realm. His eyes didnt once turn to the screen, even as it shone with iridescent colors.
It is only due to your intervention she hase this far.
Please. My intervention has made a minor impact at most. I simply expedited the process it wouldve happened eventually, what, with her worldly affinity. A Demon whos a friend of mortals and Spirits, who saves monsters and people.
Sal waved a hand off.
And two Grand Skills at once? May daughter youve truly exceeded all of my expectations. Maybe shell even be a Lesser God by Level 150. Imagine that werent you Level 200 when you ascended, Regnorex?
His eyes glinted as he watched Salvos moved with speed unrivaled.
Now, little me. Show me what you have. Burn bright, scorch the world, and forever leave your mark.
General Skills [Racial Skill: Partial Mortality] and [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence] consolidate into General Grand Skill [Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion]!
Grand Skill [My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]!
Abundant experience is awarded for learning a Grand Skill!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 124] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 125]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 85] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 86]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 90] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 91]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I survived. Somehow, I survived.
[Vindication of They] had nearly killed me. I pushed myself to my limits, and my body changed. My soul burned with power a [Divine Essence] I had never met before. I no longer had either [Partial Mortality] or [Demonic Essence]. Instead, I stepped forward as myself. Just as I had as an [Imp], with nothing else on me. There were some changes, of course. My horns sat on my head like a crown, and my ws were longer sharper.
Wings. That was right. My wings these werent the [Wings of the Netherworld]. They didnt have the same bone-like structure. They were proper wings. Like that of a bat. Its edges were lined with ck marks. An onyx color, the same as my hands and legs. My horns, too.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 125
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 91
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 4
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25) (+100)
[Strength]: 135 (+25) (+100)
[Endurance]: 145 (+25) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 260 (+25) (+10) (++100)
[Agility]: 310 (+25) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 8
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 14
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 14]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
This temporary newfound strength was thanks to [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion]. I had another Grand Skill, though. It was what saved me from the [Vindication of They]. While [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] made me stronger, it wouldnt have saved me from the st that the [Ancient Centinel] apparition would engulf me with.
No something else saved me. An aura of me wrapped around my body. Specks of cinder wisped off me, incinerating anything that came close to touching my skin. They came in all the colors of the rainbow and more. ck, white, silver, gray, brass, violet, cyan it was truly a sight to behold. More magnificent than the Breastte of Alexanders iridescent aura, and Willys rainbow-colored me.
I stared down at the Sage Centinel as hey crumpled at my feet. He didnt know what just happened. He was utterly bewildered. I smiled.
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. I cannot die.
Or at least, I was pretty sure I couldnt die. Not right now. Silver mes wisped off my ws as I raised it, looming of the Sage Centinel. Centina and the others stared, baffled at how quickly I had immobilized him.
Y-you
He started, but I didnt let him finish. I interrupted the click of his mandibles and struck him in the stomach once more. Again, his carapace shattered. Again, I tore through his body. He flopped back, clutching at his wounds as they slowly regenerated.
I will not
I went for his neck, next. His eyes grew round as the attack came swiftly, aiming to sever his head. But before it could connect, the ground beneath me burst open.
I narrowed my eyes, ncing down at the Horror Centinel as it clung to my feet. The Sage Centinel stumbled away as Willy called out.
Salvos!
I met the gaze of the Horror Centinel as it clung on with tendril-like limbs. A small smile crept across my face, and I tilted my head.
I wonder how long can you hold on?
The Horror Centinel snapped its jaws, gnawing at my leg as my mes protected me from any harm. Its carapace burned just from being close to me it wriggled in pain, but still it tried to keep me down. I realized why soon after.
The two watching Titan Centinels and the second Horror Centinel closed in on me from all sides. My eyes flickered, watching their sluggish movements with pinpoint precision. I pped my wings once and ascended even as the first Horror Centinel tried to drag me down.
It clung onto my legs with its tendril-like arms and its arms snapped. The fire ate through its carapace and melted its flesh. It let out a terrible screech as I soared above the oing attacks.
The three Centinels crashed into each other as thest oney squirming on the ground. I conjured a ball of golden mes, grinning.
Catch.
All but the injured Horror Centinel leapt out of the way. It looked up as it was abandoned by itspanions, eyes glinting from the quickly approaching yellow glow. The st engulfed its body, incinerating it entirely.
A pir of smoke erupted into the air as the earth shook. The first Titan Centinelnded right at the edge of the pit to the haven, ncing around in search of me. I wasnt flying above it anymore. In fact, I was right behind it.
Hey.
I tapped a finger on its shoulder. It reacted instantly, spinning around and shing a bulky w-like arm for my head. I raised an arm and caught it with ease. The Titan Centinel tried to back up, but I didnt let go.
Whats wrong? Cant escape?
It swung for me with its other w-like arm. I caught that too, twisting my hands and folding it over my chest. With that swift move, I ripped off the first Titan Centinels arms as it stumbled back.
You forgot this.
I tossed the broken limbs at it as it fell to the ground in pain. I nced up at the other two remaining [Evolved Centinels].
Are you guys going to help yourpanion?
I cocked my heat at them, and they exchanged uneasy nces. Then, after a moment of deliberation, they ran. I rolled my eyes.
Whatever happened to your kinship? Or, perhaps, you have never cared about your own kind, have you? You simply want something to hate.
I strolled up to the first Titan Centinel as it desperately tried to back up. Sighing, I brought an arm up.
Thats no different from Humans.
And my arm changed. It rippled, roiling like my skin was made of water. Then it took on a different shape. A silvery glint. One that looked like the metallic-like carapace of a Centinel, except with a different color.
My right arm became a scythe. With it, I sliced the first Titan Centinel in half. Centina stared in shock as my hand returned to normal a moment after. Her jaw dropped.
T-thats
How was she doing that?
Centina could only watch in utter disbelief as Salvos transformed one of her limbs into Centinel parts. No it wasnt even just a random Centinels arms. It was the scything arm of the Gracious Centinel shed killed just earlier. And somehow, it morphed back to her w-like hand without problem
She flexed it as Centina struggled toprehend what she just saw.
Feels a bit weird, but Ill get used to it.
Salvos spoke simply and nced over at the two fleeing [Evolved Centinels]. Her lips twisted, and sheunched forward, giving chase.
I will not let you get away!
She shot past overhead the floating monsters past Centina whoy on the ground, trying to process this. The Demon zipped her way straight to the Horror Centinel first. It spun around, puffing out a plume of green gas. Some kind of poison. She didnt bother diving into it. Instead, she extended her arm, shifting it into the tendril.
Thats the first Horror Centinels arm. Is she copying the abilities of those she killed? Or no, thats not right. In the first ce, natural physical attributes werent something that could be copied. If Salvos was copying them, shed have to copy their physique and body.
Centina knew that some Demons and Spirits were capable of this kind of shapeshifting. However, it always modified their entire appearance. Somehow, Salvos was only altering a single limb at the time for her own use.
She grabbed the remaining Horror Centinel with the tendril-like arm, even from afar. Her gaze snapped to the Titan Centinel, and she bared her teeth.
[Demons Mark].
A symbol burned itself on the Horror Centinels carapace as she tossed it straight at the Titan Centinel. The mark shone brighter and brighter until eventually it erupted into an iridescent inferno. One that twisted its way up in a multitude of colors. Centinas bulbous eyes reflected the glitter of this rainbow explosion as it blew apart the crimson rain falling from above. She could only stare in awe and terror at how powerful Salvos had be.
Amazing
Salvos was really keeping her promise. Centina hadnt put much trust in her, but now she believed. The Demon casually walked away from the s, her gaze focused only on one thing.
Thest [Evolved Centinel]. The one who caused all of this.
The Sage Centinel.
And she was going to kill him. Centina knew Salvos was going to ruthlessly and mercilessly finish him off.
How?
How was he losing?
He couldnt lose.
The Sage Centinel watched as his kin died one after the other. They didnt even stand a chance against the Demon. His mandibles tightly scraped together as he raised a hand.
No! No! No! No!
He shouted, focusing his crimson rain at the Demon. She walked forward, uncaring of the curse, even as it was concentrated around her.
Kill you.
The Sage Centinel had grown strong. He had attained a Grand Skill. One that could make him even more powerful that could weaken his enemies and boost his allies. Yet, in the face of the Demon, the Grand Skill did nothing.
Salvos approached him, taking step after step, the footfalls echoing in the unusually quiet Bloodied Gulf. So many Centinels had died today because of this. He had rallied a hundred thousand of his kin, and they were all gone. All because of the Demon.
He pped his hands together, creating a giant ball of acid.
I will kill you!
He repeated himself as the orb grew, dwarfing him in size.
Then I will destroy everything you cherish. All that you love. So that you will have nothing left even after death!
The Sage Centinel tossed the massive acid sphere, and Salvos frowned. She sidestepped it, closing the distance in an instant. She grabbed him by the throat as he backed up in surprise.
You are mistaken.
Her voice was low. She spoke with an apathy hed never heard before.
All that I love is myself. If you kill me, youd already have taken everything away from me.
The Demon tilted her head, curiously watching the Sage Centinel struggle. He wasn''t going to die here. He was going to kill
But that is only if you kill me.
She ripped his head off, tossing it aside.
Unfortunately for you, you cant kill me when youre dead.
Those words echoed in his flying head, and everything went dark.
Chapter 285: Remembrance
Chapter 285: Remembrance
285. Remembrance
Defeated [Dancing Evolved Centinel Lvl. 126]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
...
Defeated [Vengeful Evolved Centinel Lvl. 143]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 125] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 126]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 126] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 127]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Thanks to learning a Grand Skill, Id been on the verge of leveling up just before battling the [Evolved Centinels]. I was pretty sure Id still have been able to level up if I killed a [Younger Centinel] and gained little-to-no-experience.
Regardless, I quickly distributed my Stat Points and Skill Points before looking over my Status.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 127
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 91
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 4
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 145 (+25) (+100)
[Strength]: 135 (+25) (+100)
[Endurance]: 145 (+25) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+25) (+10) (+100)
[Agility]: 315 (+25) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 14]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
Alright.
I nodded to myself and turned around. I started away from the dead [Evolved Centinels], slowly making my way to Centina and the others gathered around the pit. Willy floated above, staring down at me as his magic held up a dozen massive boulders carrying the monsters of the haven. They watched me as I came to a stop right before Centina.
She looked up at me, blinking a few times. I raised an arm, and she flinched.
S-Salvos?
Hi! Thats me!
I proffered her my hand. She eyed it warily for a moment, then she let out a sigh.
So, youre still the same person, huh? And here I thought something happened to you.
Something did happen to me I finally learned a Grand Skill! Actually, I learned two Grand Skills.
I beamed, and she took my hand.
And yet, youre still the same person underneath urk!
She recoiled as the mes king off me shed with the aura of the Breastte of Alexander. I blinked, looking down at myself at the protective fire covering my body. [My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. This Grand Skill did multiple things. The first thing it did waspletely heal my body. All my previous wounds were gone. It was like I had drunk a Potion of Regeneration.
But the second and more important thing was that it had granted me nigh invulnerability; it repelled any attack sent against me and scorched those who touched me. It let me survive the [Vindication of They] thebined wrath of all the Centinels I had killed, brought back by Sagey.
I scratched the back of my head. Centina wasnt burned since the Superior Aura of Greater Protection of the Breastte of Alexander kept her safe, but others would surely be hurt if they came into contact with me by ident.
Um, let me see. How do I deactivate this Skill?
I tried to focus to let this fiery aura dissipate. But apparently, I didnt need to do that, because momentster they vanished on their own.
Huh.
I looked down at my hand, flexing it into a fist. I was still stronger. Only one Grand Skill ended. The other [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] was still active. So, one had a longer duration than the other, it seemed. I wasnt sure when Id be able to use my Grand Skill again. Id probably have to figure that outter.
Well, anyway, why would you even think Id be different? Im Salvos! Ive always been Salvos and will always be Salvos!
I turned to Centina, grinning. Then I looked up at Willy and the others at Kron who seemed to flinch just when I stared in her general vicinity.
I promised you guys, didnt I? Id make sure you all get out of here just fine.
Centina shook her head, getting up on her own.
Yes you did. I am truly grateful for your help. I am truly forever indebted to you, Salvos.
She bowed deeply, and I raised my chin.
You better be grateful! I am amazing and you shall forever worship me for what I did!
I could feel myself grinning from ear-to-ear as Centina thanked me. Then a glint caught my eye. I watched as a ball of iridescent fire floated down to meet me. Willy stopped just before my gaze, and I waited for him to praise me too.
He spoke usingly.
Copy!
I blinked.
Copy? I didnt copy you! You didnt teach me how to do your rainbow mes, so I learned how to do it on my own, and do it better!
I crossed my arms, indignant, even as the [Will O Wisp] argued back.
Better, me!
Nope! I have more colors than you, so Im better!
Less purpose! More purpose, mine!
He was speaking quite a lot more than usual. I could sense that he was jealous. I smirked, waving a hand off dismissively.
Sorry, I dont speak with anyone whos lower-leveled than me. I mean, what level were you again? Youre only level 126? Aw, look how far youve fallen.
Copy
The [Will O Wisp] flitted around me, angrily hurling one-word insults my way, even as I smugly looked away from him. Centina stepped forward, cutting him off and addressing me.
Salvos, I
But before she could finish, I felt the ground shake. I looked up at the cliffs above as a swarm of Centinels approached us. They no longer had the red glow from the Sage Centinels Grand Skill. The storm clouds gathered above had dissipated, and the crimson rain had all but stopped pouring.
Nevertheless, that didnt make these Centinels any less stupid. They were wild and they moved to attack anything they saw. I rolled my eyes.
Ugh, what do they even think theyre doing? Go away!
I pointed at them, unleashing an inferno of silver and gold mes at them. They were entirely incinerated in mere moments. Even the [Senior Centinel] leading them didnt stand a chance.
It was [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] which granted me the use of these powerful mes. I was pretty sure they would revert to ordinary blue mes or white mes, depending on the intensity behind it once the Grand Skill ran its course.
I wasnt sure when thatd happen, but I had an inkling of a feeling that was how it would work.
We should go.
I turned to Centina and Willy as they exchanged nces. I gestured at the red sand around us, making a point.
Were still in the Bloodied Gulf. Its not safe here. I havent kept my promise until I ensure that everyone here is out and safe, far from this ce.
I faced the [Willy O Wisp].
Will you be able to carry the others out by yourself?
He nodded, making a scoffing noise.
Yes.
Good. And Centina, youll join them too.
I flicked a finger, using [Scattering Discement] to raise a small boulder. With [Mass Particte Modification], I tripled its size so Centina could climb on.
Just hold on and protect the others until youre far enough away from the Bloodied Gulf. If you head northeast for a few hours, maybe youll even be able to find Galt. I dropped him off at a nice tropical beach there if you just stick close to the coast.
She hesitated, clicking her mandibles.
But what about you?
Ill catch up to you guys soon enough. There are more Centinelsing, and I dont want any of them to give chase to you, so Ill distract them.
But are you sure
The [Evolved Centinel] started, but wasnt able to finish. The earth trembled, slowly at first. Then it shook violently. It was like a localized earthquake, except even worse. It caused debris and rocks to fall from the cliffside, and Centina nearly lost her bnce once again.
I caught her, narrowing my eyes as I turned to the source of the shaking. In the distance, a giant Centinel made its way through the Bloodied Gulf. It dwarfed the size of even a [Senior Centinel], its footsteps alone enough to cause this tremor. I gaped.
Centinas eyes widened.
Wait, thats?
The [Ancient Centinel].
I spoke as I gritted my teeth. I turned to Willy and Centina.
Change of ns. Were all getting out of here as soon as possible.
All the fighting mustve attracted its attention. However, as long as we got far enough away, it would stop giving chase. Or at least, that was what I thought.
The [Ancient Centinel] let out an ear piercing screech like it usually did, but this time, it was different. I actually understood its words, and it wasnt just an incoherent war cry.
CENTINNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAA!
It was a name. That of my friend standing next to me. I blinked, turning to her. She hung her head and whispered softly.
Its her.
Her?
I cocked my head. Then I understood what she meant.
You mean
Shes the one who killed the man I loved. Shes the one who killed Erhard.
I stared at her, aghast.
Wait you never said she was an [Ancient Centinel]!
I didnt know.
Centina balled her hands into fists as the quaking grew more intense.
She wasnt an [Ancient Centinel] thest time I saw her. She said shed kill me if I ever tried to leave the Bloodied Gulf. I
I pursed my lips, ncing between the hesitating [Evolved Centinel] and the approaching [Ancient Centinel]. Finally, Centina closed her eyes.
Just go.
She spoke in resignation.
The rest of you can live as long as I stay behind. It is me that the [Ancient Centinel] wants.
I walked up to Centina and grabbed her by the hand.
No.
What?
She tried to protest.
But as long as Im with
I made a promise. My pride would never let me betray my own words.
I stepped forward, creating a multi-colored Nebr Bow.
If you want to pay me back, then praise my name until the day you die. Ensure that your descendants will speak of me and my deeds here forever and ever. But I wont let you die here.
I
She started, but Id already made my decision. Centina knew there was no use arguing, and Willy was starting to get a little distressed.
Hurry? Please?
Very well.
Centina acquiesced. She pulled off the Breastte of Alexander and tossed it to me.
Use this, Salvos
I caught it, quickly storing it with [Dimensional Pocket] before producing it once again. It was already fitted on me when it reappeared. That was handy.
And for what youve done for us today, I will truly never forget this.
She mbered on to a rock as I smiled.
Good.
Then I spread my wings wide. I bared my teeth, facing down the monstrosity barreling its way towards me. The first thing Id encountered in the Bloodied Gulf. And the one that had nearly killed me just for stepping foot into its home.
Hey, remember me?
I called out as my mes burned brilliantly in the dark.
Because I didnt forget you.
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 162]
And we shed.
Chapter 286: Rematch
Chapter 286: Rematch
286. Rematch
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 162]
Before me was a threat Id normally be running from. A walking cmity that would be able to fall an entire nation by itself. It was the guardian of the Bloodied Gulf a beast that swallowed any light seeping from the sea above with its mere shadow. It wore an armored carapace that was smeared crimson by the blood of all that it had killed. An undting creature that was hundreds of feet in length with barbed limbs that wed the very earth beneath it open.
It opened its mandibles, revealing rows and rows of jagged teeth seething with the vitriolic acid that was its saliva. Such a monster. Such a terrifying disaster. And I
I approached it. There was no hesitation here. I had been soundly defeated by it not long ago, forced to flee and escape. But since then, I had grown stronger. I had thrown myself into multiple near-death situations and came out more powerful, earning even a Grand Skill in the process.
Two Grand Skills. Only one was active. [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion]. It gave me the power and confidence needed to face the [Ancient Centinel].
I dove down, drawing its ire alongside thousands and thousands of other Centinels. I loosed iridescent Nebr zing Bolts at it brilliant sts of all colors erupted on its shell, blowing apart the nearby Centinels. The [Ancient Centinel] barely slowed from the attack. It barreled straight through the fire and ash and rose up to meet me.
However, I wasnt totally unprepared for my Nebr zing Bolts to fail. I was already pulling out my Nebr Scythe from [Dimensional Pocket]; it was the dull-gray colored weapon that was typical of my [Nebr Constructs]. Apparently, the multi-colored ir to my Nebr Weapons only applied to when I created it during the effect of my Grand Skill. So, since I made this Nebr Scythe weeks or months ago, it wasnt enhanced to be much stronger.
I crashed straight into its lower jaw of the [Ancient Centinel], unleashing a flurry of [Barrage of Cinders]. I ran along to its underbody and continued my onught of attacks until it attempted to crush me against the cliffside.
Fortunately, I teleported out of the way in time. A Short Range Teleport. One that got me out of the way in time. Unfortunately, the [Ancient Centinel] didnt care for me. It ignored me like I was a fly and heading for the floating figures in the distance.
I stared at its target, hearing its screeching voice echo through the Bloodied Gulf.
Centina! You dare show your face here after your exile? After your betrayal?! You will die!
Uh-oh.
I activated [Haste] and [Warped Time] their cooldown had already ended, as with most of my Skills apart from [Demons Mark] and moved to intercept it once again.
Centina looked back once. She heard the terribly, garbled screech of the [Ancient Centinel]. Her former ally one whod sought the destruction of all other Species with her. Those that had wreaked destruction to their kin.
Should Centina even have been fleeing? She felt like it was entirely selfish of her. To want to live. To want to find love again. But nevertheless, here she was, clinging onto a magically resized boulder that was glowing purple, floating thanks to Willys magic.
They were ascending too slow for her liking. Especially since the [Ancient Centinel] was drawing close now.
Cant we go any faster?
She called out to the [Will O Wisp]. His mes changed to an annoyed red as he spoke in a frustrated voice.
Try ing!
Centina clicked her mandibles, ncing back down as Salvos flew in front of the [Ancient Centinel] and unleashed a storm of silver and golden mes. A wall rose, barring its path. Only for a moment. It tore straight through it, even if its outer shell was singed and burned.
It whipped its tail up, knocking Salvos back as the Breastte of Alexander shed. Its aura flickered, and the Demon was sent sailing to the ground. A massive crater was left where shended.
For a moment, the [Ancient Centinel] was left to assail the floating monsters unimpeded. Centina knew she needed to be distracted even if not for long.
Kron! Your illusions!
Centina looked up, and the [Krokodis] blinked. Kron hesitated, looking at the encroaching [Ancient Centinel]. Then she stood on unsteady feed, spreading her arms wide.
[Fools Copies]!
Hundreds of copies of Centina and the monsters of the haven appeared, floating in the area surrounding them. The [Ancient Centinel] didn''t even pause as she watched those illusions flicker into existence. She simply dove at the closest image of Centina she saw.
Fortunately for the [Evolved Centinel], it wasnt the real her. She watched as the massive Centinel wiped out a hundred illusions with a single bite. It was a momentary dy. One that bought them enough time for Salvos to leap out of the rubble and scream.
Stop!
Centina sighed in relief as the [Ancient Centinel] halted, and Salvos crashed into her side. The monsters of the haven continued their ascent, until eventually, they reached the ocean above. Below, Centina could only watch as Salvos was embroiled in a grand battle with the [Ancient Centinel].
And hope that the Demon would survive.
[Radiant sh]!
I swung my Nebr Scythe at the underbelly of the [Ancient Centinel]. It was supposed to be the weakest part of its body. The carapace here was at its softest. And I dragged the multi-colored ming strike as I ran down the undting creature.
It tore open a long streak across its stomach until I heard a clink. I felt the Nebr Scythe snap, and I was sent tumbling away from the [Ancient Centinel]. It struck me back with its massive body, still screaming.
CeNtInaAAaAAaAaaAAAAAAAAAAA!
But Centina wasnt here right now. She was already gone shed disappeared into the floating sea, and I was the only one left for it to fight.
Focus on me, idiot!
I called out to it as my left arm morphed into a tendril and grabbed onto one of its limbs. I pulled myself towards it, shifting my right arm into the giant w of a Titan Centinel. That attack slowed and enraged the [Ancient Centinel].
Its entire body began to glow some kind of crimson aura. Then it sted out, knocking me back. A pulse of energy that vaporized its own kin. It took me a bit to recover, and when I did, I watched as the [Ancient Centinel] rising higher and higher. From its back, a pair of massive, deformed wings shot out. I stared with wide eyes as it ascended up to the ocean.
What? It can fly?!
I gasped. And that wasnt just it. It could fly fast. With its size and speed, it would reach Centina before me. My effects of [Haste] and [Warped Time] were still active. However, I was at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf, feet touching the ground. Meanwhile, the head of the [Ancient Centinel] was hundreds of feet off the ground due to the sheer size of its body,.
I cursed. I had no choice. Before the [Ancient Centinel] could dive into the sea, I pointed.
[Long Ranged Teleport].
Saffron Merryster sighed as she strolled down the gilded hallway.
It seems that things will be getting more and more chaotic. To think that the Demons would make a move for my life as well.
That would expedite her ns. She wouldnt be able to take the cautious approach anymore, since they were clearly aware of her. Shaking her head, she spun around.
Salvos, I will need to rely on you for
And Saffron faced nothing. She expected to see the fiery clone of Salvos standing behind her, but no one was there. There were only glowing flickering wisps that slowly vanished.
Salvos?
My clone appeared before the [Ancient Centinel], protesting and shaking a fist. I rolled my eyes.
Ill find Saffron once this is all over, alright? For now, help me stop it!
She scowled, but did as she was told. Her mes burned a different color now. She didnt shine with an iridescent light instead, she was a mix of gold and silver mes. And the attacks she produced all burned with the same spiraling light.
Her fire slowed the [Ancient Centinel] long enough for me to reach it from behind, creating six more [Faux Limbs], each of them taking the same ws of a Titan Centinel.
I assailed its sides with [Barrage of Cinder] once again, but this time it seemed to deal even more damage than before. It hurt the [Ancient Centinel] enough to draw its attention. From above, my clone loosed waves of fire, and from below, I attacked it with half a dozen giant ws with fire.
The [Ancient Centinel]s body glowed again.
Pesky Demon! Get out of the way!
It spun around, knocking myself and my clone back. My clone mostly dodged the attack, but still suffered significant damage from the pulse of red energy, while I took it head on. I expected the Breastte of Alexander to absorb most of the attack. But it shimmered dimly this time.
The [Ancient Centinel]s st blew apart my [Faux Limbs], scratching my skin and actual arms. I didnt crash into the earth, managing to steady myself mid-air, but not without taking some damage.
I looked down, staring at the Breastte of Alexander as its aura began to fade. I could sense the magic inside of it leaving. It was going to run out soon. Once that happened, Id have nothing left to protect me against the [Ancient Centinel]s deadly assault.
The state of my clone prefigured what would happen to me once the Breastte of Alexander fully failed me. It was no longer even absorbing all of the oing attacks. The best course of action now would be to flee. However, I couldnt do that. The moment I let this [Ancient Centinel] go, it would give chase to Centina and ughter the monsters of the haven.
So, I straightened. I nked it from the other side with my clone, smirking.
Another near-death experience added to the list, then. Now, how many levels am I going to get from you?
Sal watched, grinning like a madman as Salvos engaged with the [Ancient Centinel]. ck and green blood oozed out of her body. Demons blood and Centinel blood. Actual shapeshifting simr to what the Devil himself was capable of.
You should really watch this, Reggie. Youre missing out on good stuff.
The Demon King didnt look up. He was too focused on moving pieces on the table, but he did respond.
Shes struggling against a mere [Ancient Centinel]. Not even its Progenitor.
Well, yeah? But shes only Level 125! Well, 127 now. But you know what I mean. Dont be such a spoilsport.
The Devil pouted for a moment. Then his eyes flickered back to the fissure in space the screen that glowed brightly from the inferno of mes Salvos was releasing.
Ooo, my daughter is truly the best.
Sals voice, however, was drowned out by the rapping on the doorway. The Demon King looked up, speaking in amanding voice.
Enter.
And the chambers massive double doors slowly swung open. Two figures entered the room. Both humanoid-looking Archdemons one short, barely over four feet tall with light blue skin, and the other was a mass of red muscle, nearly as tall as the Demon King himself, although he kept his head low and bowed.
Regnorex addressed his subjects as Sal gave them a sidelong nce.
Taburas. What is it that you want?
The light blue Demon kneeled before the Demon King.
Your Majesty, I apologize for our intrusion. However, we have returned from the task you had given us. We have in all the wild Demons that have encroached on your Domain.
Hmph. Very good. You may take your leave now and rest.
He waved a dismissive hand, but the pair of Demons didnt leave. Taburas looked up slightly, tilting her head as he frowned.
Your Majesty, if I may make a request, we are growing weary waiting here in the Netherworld, ying nothing but our kind. We know you have ns for us, but we also hope that we may join our brothers and sisters in the Mortal Realm to be of further use to you.
The Demon King shook his head.
No. You are still weak. The both of you have shown the greatest potential out of any Demon birthed in this cycle of Advent. That is why you must grow in strength here before you are allowed to cross the nes.
But
Taburas started, and Regnorex spok with finality in his voice.
I have spoken.
She bowed deeply, apologizing.
I am sorry for questioning you, Your Majesty.
Sal looked over at the pair of Demons at the light blue Demon and the red Demon and chuckled.
Of course theyre weak. I mean, not anyone can be as great as my daughter. Come on, you guys are barely around Level 120 and you stillck Grand Skills.
He shook his head.
Meanwhile, Salvos has two Grand Skills. Two!
Regnorex made a disgruntled sound, and Taburas narrowed her eyes.
Excuse me, but who
However, before she could speak, the red Demon stood up.
What did you say?
Sal smiled, spreading his arms wide..
I said youre weak. That my daughter is stronger than the both of you.
He noticed how the red Demons eyes flickered towards the screen, staring at Salvos as she battled the [Ancient Centinel].
And thats your daughter?
Interested, are you? Well, theres a fifty gold watching fee.
The red Demon shifted back, and Sal chuckled.
Im kidding. Im kidding. You can watch.
The Devil turned back to the screen while red Demon watched the fight from behind, clearly distressed. Sal tapped a finger on his chin.
So, is this your boyfriend? Or, no your brother?
He threw his head back andughed.
Interesting. But, s, hes Reggies son, not mine.
They watched as Salvos continued her duel with the [Ancient Centinel], the Breastte of Alexander fading, and her time running out.
Chapter 287: Despair Part One
Chapter 287: Despair Part One
287. Despair Part One
I attacked the [Ancient Centinel] from both sides. My one remaining clone unleashed a volley of Refined zing Bolts at it from above, while I closed the distance and assailed it from up close. My body shifted as my arms changed one again, bing scythe-like des that were sharper than even my ws. [Faux Limb] copied and multiplied these limbs, aiding me in slicing open the segmented carapace of the giant monster.
I couldnt just grow a dozen different arms when the Gracious Centinel who I borrowed this shape from only had two arms. But even if [Faux Limbs] were merely duplicates made out of fire, they were still powerful. Just like my clone made from [Salvo of Vanity]. All of my Skills and magicks were boosted by [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion], and it let me bring pain to the [Ancient Centinel].
It reeled back, letting out an ear piercing screech as it was slowly overwhelmed.
Go back to your stupid castle, you wild monster!
My face morphed into that of my [Demonic Essence] form. A skull-like head of an animal. I bit into its shell, ripping it off and digging deeper into the [Ancient Centinel]s sides. It thrashed in the air before rapidly descending to crush me against the earth. Meanwhile, my clone stayed a decent distance away and kept up its salvo of Refined zing Bolts.
I could take the risk to get up close and fight with the [Ancient Centinel]. My clone could not. Not only was she naturally less durable than me, she also didnt have the Breastte of Alexander. Because of that, the [Ancient Centinel]s attacks would directly hurt her, just as it did before.
She was already injured, and if she died, shed explode. A powerful explosion that Id rather save for an opportune attack against the [Ancient Centinel].
My clone angrily shook a fist at me, and I scoffed.
Thats your job! Unlike you, I cant blow myself up!
And I wouldnt do that even if I could. I continued to tear away at the [Ancient Centinel] as it called for its allies help. [Older Centinels] and even [Senior Centinels] came to its side, leaping at me to pry me off. I incinerated them with a flick of my scythe-like hands.
Stupid. Centinel. Armor!
I swung my arms like a pick, punctuating each word. The shell finally cracked open, and an entire segment of armor fell off. I flew back, my face returning to normal.
Good, now
I thought of the most powerful fire magic I knew. Anything that would scorch the flesh of the [Ancient Centinel]. A flicker caught my eye, and I nced up in the direction where the monster haven had escaped. Grinning, my arms shifted, burning away into rainbow-colored mes.
My arms became little nubs of fire. As they were now, the length of the mes would be the same length as my normal elbow.
Willy will be so jealous.
I pointed both my now-fiery arms and my [Faux Limbs] at the [Ancient Centinel], unleashing a deluge of vibrant mes. Its flesh was ked and charred by the fire as it screamed in pain. My clone concentrated its attacks on the exposed spot too, and together we pushed the giant monster back.
Come on
I gritted my teeth as I watched more of the [Ancient Centinel] burn, hoping that this would be enough to put the nail in the coffin and finish it off.
Is that really her?
Sal nced over at the source of the voice. The red-skinned Demon watched the screen with round eyes.
Shes grown so much stronger since Im d.
He sighed, cing a hand on his chest. With a smile, the Devil leaned over him and cocked a brow.
Shes really great. Isnt she? Look at her, taking on that [Ancient Centinel]. However, I do fear that it may not be enough.
Not enough?
Yeah. Because, while she may be able to stand up to it with her Grand Skill, youre not ounting for one crucial detail.
The red-skinned Demon frowned. He didnt get it. Disappointing, Sal thought. Even if this Archdemon was Salvos brother or whatever, he didnt share many of her traits that made her who she was.
It was probably Regnorexs fault. The Demon King was a dull man. Unlike Sal, who clearly was the one responsible for Salvos amazing upbringing. With a sigh, the Devil gestured at the [Ancient Centinel] on the screen.
It has a Grand Skill too.
It took a moment, and the Archdemons eyes widened in realization.
Oh.
I watched as the [Ancient Centinel] twisted and contorted, its body turning into itself as it was burned away by thebined mes of myself and my clone.
This is getting tiring. Hey, other me, can you take over for a bit? I want to take a quick break.
She scowled at me, and I rolled my eyes.
It was a joke! A joke
But before I could finish my sentence, the [Ancient Centinel] dug into the earth. I watched as it tried to escape by burrowing away from me. It left behind a massive hole. It was nearly the size of the kind of ravine Id find in the central area of the Bloodied Gulf, and I was pretty sure it was digging to escape.
However, [A Hunters Sense] told me that it was recuperating for just a brief moment. That it was going to attack me. I turned to my clone as I flitted up.
Alright. You stay here and distract it for a bit. Ill fly away and
[Come and See
My clone was about to protest, but a clicking sound echoed from the pit and interrupted me. I narrowed my eyes, looking down.
Wait, thats
[The Depths of Our Despair].
Fuck.
And I watched as a red aura erupted from the pit. I flew back along with my clone, staring as the world rumbled. I could feel the shaking even from where I floated above the ground. Then amongst the red aura, emerged flickers in reality.
It was like the parts of the world were reduced to mosaics odd, obfuscated patterns that shone with a dull crimson. It assailed the rocks and the dirt, sending debris into the air in all directions. But the debris didnt fall. They floated and morphed and twisted, growing into a blur that I could barely discern.
This is like
I narrowed my eyes. I recognized this effect. And when the [Ancient Centinel] emerged from the shadows, I understood what this was.
It had be a literal husk of its former self. Its segmented parts were pried open, dismantled into dozens of different floating sections. Each of them were obscured under the same mosaic-like effect that had ovee the floating debris. Its barbed limbs floated in spiraling patterns, circling around the deformed shells like rings. Together, these former parts of the [Ancient Centinel] made up a curtain of colors and blurred lines that protected something within.
At the center of this mass was a smaller figure. One that looked nearly anthropomorphic. With arms and legs like a Human or an Elf or a Cyclops. A kind of Sage Centinel.
I narrowed my eyes, clenching a fist.
Did you know about this, Sal?
I called out to the Devil who was most definitely watching this scene.
Sall grinned, pointing at the screen.
Shes talking about me!
Then he paused as the red-skinned Archdemon gave him a t stare.
Oh, and I had absolutely no idea this was going to happen. Honestly, she should really run away.
The [Ancient Centinel] was no longer an [Ancient Centinel]. It had be something else. It had corrupted itself.
It was just like the Cursed Boulder. Its body was a storm of warped shapes. Even [Identification] gave me a different result now when I faced it.
[---- Centinel - Lvl. 162]
I stared at this blotched mixture of carapace, teeth, and flesh. A mosaic of red. One that ripped apart the world with its very presence. I turned to my clone.
So, do you have any ideas?
She gesticted wildly, and I nodded in agreement.
Yep. Yep. I see.
When she was finished, I patted her on the shoulder and smiled.
We should really run for it, shouldnt we?
She hurriedly nodded, and we took off. Once again, I was given chase by the [Ancient Centinel]. Even after I had earned a Grand Skill, it was still stronger than me. Although, should it even be considered an [Ancient Centinel] now? Maybe it was more like Corrupted Centinel.
Whatever the case was, I was truly out of cards. All except for one.
Temporary Skills:
[Greater Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Superior Aura of Greater Protection] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Repudiation Repulse] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
The world copsed around me as I considered myst resort against this traveling cmity, hoping that itd work.
Chapter 288: Despair Part Two
Chapter 288: Despair Part Two
288. Despair Part Two
[---- Centinel - Lvl. 162]
The world seemed to warp around me as my vision somehow grew muffled. Bits of rock and sand floated into the air, distorted into odd, jagged shapes that obscured their original form. The rose as obfuscated water descended from the sea above, filling the air with these twisted parts of reality.
It was almost reminiscent of the fold between nes where the Devil lived. Except corrupted.
I dove through this changedndscape, fleeing the Corrupted Centinel with my clone trailing slowly behind. The mass of broken shells and limbs and wings followed after us as parts of its body shot out, propelled by a great force that closed the distance in an instant. My clone and I zipped around each other, like a pair of spiraling wisps, avoiding these attacks as I pointed at her.
What are you still doing here? Distract it for me!
She crossed her arms as she flew around one of the floating corruptions. Another projectile shot out between us, and I nodded, listening to her arguments against that idea.
I see. You think itd be stupid if you just went ahead and died in a few seconds, wasting my only advantage before even formting a proper n of action. I think youre right. As expected of myself, youre a genius!
However, there was one problem there. I wasnt sure what I could even do against this Corrupted Centinel. The Bloodied Gulf itself was copsing and rising, being flipped over and entirely rearranged. Most of my Skills were exhausted. The only idea I had left was to utilize the Breastte of Alexanders Temporary Skills.
Temporary Skills:
[Greater Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Superior Aura of Greater Protection] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Repudiation Repulse] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
I could feel the [Superior Aura of Greater Protection] fading, but I knew the [Greater Status Effect Resistance] would hold up. And then there was [Repudiation Repulse], which had helped me defeat parts of the Cursed Boulder before.
It umted the damage it had taken and unleashed it out onto others. This meant that it had been storing up an unfathomable amount of power for a while now, with all the damage it had taken since I arrived here. I just had to get close and release it all into the center of the Corrupted Centinel where its smaller bodyy.
Alright. Ive decided. Were going to charge straight into it.
My clone gave me a judging look, and I rolled my eyes.
Look, unless you have a better n, I dont think anything else will work.
She acquiesced after a moments deliberation. The wall of water that marked the end of the Bloodied Gulf loomed over us as we rapidly approached it. A ripple ran through the ocean, and I nced back. The Corrupted Centinel was close. Its corruption began to spread to the ocean itself, splitting it in twain.
The sea unfurled like a shorn curtain, divided and contorted. I nodded at my clone.
Now, break!
We flew straight at each other before continuing on, heading in opposite directions. [The Primordial Spark] red around as I unleashed a deluge of blue and red mes at the Corrupted Centinel. It didnt reel back it was protected by the distorted shells floating around it. It concentrated that barrier in my direction, essentially absorbing the mes.
My clone, however, released more precise attacks, aiming straight for the center of the mass. Weapons made of silver-gold me shot out and swerved their way around the outer mosaics. The entirety of the Corrupted Centinel shifted back as its true body was pierced by the salvo of des. It looked like a Sage Centinel, but different.
I could hear a warped screech erupt from it as I continued to circle around it, using my fiery arms to scorch its outside. The Corrupted Centinel twisted. Its outer body exploded out, aiming for myself and my clone.
I dipped down as my clone flew up. Most of its attack was concentrated on her, rather than me. It thought I was the distraction since Id only been annoying it, while my clone had actually hurt it. Well, that was what I wanted it to think.
As the array of obfuscated shells and spikes crashed down towards me, I suddenly changed course. I sent a burst of mes to redirect my trajectory and began to rapidly ascend. Bits of the outer body of the Corrupted Centinel receded to cover its true body, but I focused on it.
[Scattering Discement]. [Mass Particte Modification].
My grip over the flyingyer of [Ancient Centinel] parts was weak. It was just like with the Cursed Boulder. For whatever reason, the corruption distorted my control over space magic in the area. But it was enough of an effect to create a small hole for me to slip through.
I shrank some of therge shells, while prying them aside. Then before it could close in, I entered the inside of the Corrupted Centinels outer body. Immediately, I was afflicted by a strong pressure. One that threatened to tear me apart. My Breastte of Alexander shone, flickering and fading. I could see parts of the iridescent metal dissolve into particles that slowly vanished.
And it wasnt just the Breastte of Alexander. Unfortunately, its protection magic was failing. My skin ebbed too. I watched as bits of my body ked off, being reced with a stinging pain. A ghost feeling taking over for where it used to be.
I grimaced, but I fought through this. My entire body red up in an eclectic ze. Different colors that spiraled around my body, protecting me as much as it was meant to hurt the Corrupted Centinel.
I drew closer to the center of this corrupted mass. More of its outer body receded, moving to intercept me with corrupted projectiles and tendrils of the [Ancient Centinel]s remains encroached around me. I burned it all away, keeping it back as I reached for the true body.
I wasnt going to activate [Repudiation Repulse] until I was close enough that I knew it would have an actual effect on the Corrupted Centinel. Also, I wanted the Breastte of Alexander to absorb as much energy as possible before I released it all back into the world.
My teeth ground together as I burned my way into the heart of the corruption. But just as I was about to reach the true body, I was assailed by a mass of the corrupted carapace. It surrounded me, trying to bury me from all directions. It pulled me back as I struggled to wade my way closer to the small figure at the center.
I met the gaze of the Corrupted Centinels true body. It rose an arm, dismissively waving it as I was tossed back. The Breastte of Alexander dimmed, its light beginning to vanish as it crumpled under the pressure. My body twisted in pain as ck blood seeped out of my skin.
No!
I shouted, eyes flickering. My vision changed as I saw myself wrapped up in a distorted red of shells and flesh, quickly flying away from the Corrupted Centinel. My clone rushed in, despite the corruption damaging her very being. Chunks of her body dissipated as she was impaled by multiple flying barbed parts.
Still, she made her way towards me, flying through this storm until she was nearly within arms length. I smiled as I grabbed her hand. She sighed.
And she exploded.
A st of gold and silver blew apart a quarter of the Corrupted Centinels body. The amalgamation of carapace that had been pulling me back was knocked away, burned by her fire. It was more powerful than even my [Demons Mark], now. At its current level, it was the strongest area of effect Skill I had. Andbined with [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion], it burned everything it touched.
Everything that wasnt the corruption.
Somehow, the corruption couldnt be destroyed. It was protected by something. Or maybe warped to the point that it couldnt be damaged. Whatever the case was, all my clone did was buy me some time. It cleared the area of most of the outeryer of the Corrupted Centinel, but it would recede back into itself soon.
I had to move fast. I was injured and burned by my own clones explosion. The Breastte of Alexander tanked the attack, but its protective barrier was at its veryst leg now. I spread my scorched wings wide and coupled it with the [Wings of the Netherworld]. My scalded and partially disintegrated arms turned into tendrils along with [Faux Limbs], shooting out to grab hold of the Corrupted Centinels true body.
It tore apart my [Faux Limbs] as I pulled myself closer. I flew faster with four pairs of wings, and with a burst of mes propelling me from below, I closed the distance before the corruption could regather around me.
My arms changed back into scythes as I stabbed the true body, clinging onto it. I was face-to-face with the Corrupted Centinel. A kind of deformed Sage Centinel that stared at me with near-lifeless eyes. It attempted to pry me off, but my Breastte of Alexander shimmered onest time. Its arms tore through the barrier, ripping it apart as it tried to hold up with whatever magic it had left inside of it.
The metal copsed, folding inwards as my skin was torn and ripped. But I just smiled, even through the pain.
Hey. Im Salvos.
You!
It screeched back, and I ced a hand on the Breastte of Alexander. It suddenly shone, brighter than ever. Like a star that suddenly filled the night sky. A nova.
And youre dead.
[Repudiation Repulse].
A ring exploded out. A wave. A ripple in the ocean. That of total obliteration. The corruption wasnt safe from this pulse of energy as it rapidly expanded out. A st that inflicted all the damage that it had absorbed over time.
Everything was released at once. The corruption was wiped back and I hoped that it had been enough to destroy the true body itself.
Is it over?
I asked, panting. But it wasnt. Of course it wasnt. A hand reached out from the smoke and grabbed me by the face.
Most of the Corrupted Centinels true body had been destroyed. It was now just a mangled mess with a torso, a single arm, and a head. But it still floated there, regenerating slowly as the corruption took back hold of it.
No.
Its mandibles clicked as it brought me closer.
You will forever be a prey in this world.
I thrashed in its grasps as it bit into me. It shredded the now-inert Breastte of Alexander, flying up as it tried to rip off my head. Its mandibles closed around me as I held out a hand, summoning something with [Dimensional Pocket].
The Corrupted Centinel blinked as it tore into paper? It stared at the thick diary Id produced, temporary staving away the killing blow and confusing it for a moment. Then one of my [Faux Limbs] whipped out and attempted to strangle it.
It ripped apart my [Faux Limb] as my arms changed once again. My left arm morphed into two. The same w-like arms I had in my [Demonic Essence] form. They were longer and could push back against the Corrupted Centinels grip over me. My right arm changed back into a scythe as I sliced open its side, baring my teeth.
You shouldve stayed silent.
My head morphed as the Corrupted Centinel ripped off one of my w-like left arms. I stared down at it with gleaming eyes a silvery face that made it paused for a moment.
How?
It met its own gaze, looking up at itself. At a Demon that wore the head of a Centinel. No its very own head. I clicked my mandibles as I leaned in.
You will be nothing but a memory in my world.
And I chomped down on it. I tore its neck off with a single, clean bite. The Corrupted Centinel struggled for a moment, even without a head. Then its body went limp. The corruption around me dispersed.
I won.
Defeated [---- Centinel - Lvl. 162]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 30 levels above you!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 127] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 128]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 128] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 129]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 129] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 130]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[Title Avable]
Chapter 289: Despair Part Three (End of Book 5 (1))
Chapter 289: Despair Part Three (End of Book 5 (1))
289. Despair Part Three
Salvos she won.
The red-skinned Demon sighed in relief as the girl on the other side of the screen ripped off the head of the Corrupted Centinel. Sal grinned and leaned back.
Thats my daughter for you. Shes great, isnt she? Takes after her old man right here.
Your daughter?
That statement seemed to confuse the Archdemon. He furrowed his brows, turning to face the Devil.
I wasnt aware that she
Who is that, Haec?
Before he could finish, the other Archdemon interrupted him. Taburas crossed her arms with a scowl.
Why are you fascinated with her?
Haec, the red-skinned Demon, drew back.
Shes
Shes better than you.
Sal spoke simply, earning a re from Taburas.
Far better, really. Its not aparison. Of course hed be taken by my daughter and not you, little Ms [Subus].
How dare you
She started, but a booming voice shook the room.
Thats enough.
Regnorex loomed before the two Archdemons. His shadow covered them, and they trembled in his mere presence.
Leave. All of you.
Both Haec and Taburas immediately bowed, speaking hastily.
Yes, my King.
They took their leave. The red-skinned Demon paused as the doorway swung shut. He nced back at the screen once more, a longing in his eyes. Before he finally left.
The Devil justughed.
What a bunch of weaklings. This is the cool kids club. Only those Level 200 and above are allowed here. Am I right, Reggie? Eh? Eh?
The Demon King folded his arms, giving Sal a warning look.
Do not test my patience, Devil. I will not tolerate disrespect, even from you.
Fine, if you want to be like that, Ill go as well. Geez, I thought we were pals. Oh well.
Sals eyes flickered towards the screen. Salvos was slowly falling, drifting back to the ground.
Well, I guess thats my cue.
With a quick curtsy, he took his leave. The Devil vanished, leaving the Demon King alone in his chamber to continue his plots and schemes. A grand war between the nes was unfolding there. It would result in hundreds of thousands and even millions of deaths.
But Sal could hardly care about it. All he cared about right now was well, his daughter.
I did iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.
I flipped and turned as I slowly fell out of the sky. Like a flitting bug that had lost one of its wings. Id lost more than one of my wings. My [Wings of the Netherworld] was bent and broken, and one of my two left arms was gone. My skin was ripped in more ces than one, with ck blood oozing out and trailing behind me as I made my tired descent.
I was so exhausted. I wanted to just pass out there and then. The only thing that kept me awake was the fact that Id gotten a Title.
Yes. Id finally gotten a new Title. I was curious to check out its effects. I dismissed the other additional notifications that popped up in my head although I did take notice of how close I was getting to Level 100 in my ss.
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 91] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 92]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 93] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 94]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Not right now, though. I want to see my Ti
And I paused. I literally paused. I stopped falling through the air,nding in a pair of ck and red arms.
I looked up with bleary eyes, staring at a familiar smirking face. It was Sal. The Devil had caught me just before I touched the ground. Hended lightly and spoke in a soft voice.
Good job, Salv
I didnt let him finish. I sat up, ring daggers at him.
You.
Me?
He cocked his head. My eyes narrowed as my body returned to its normal form. No more scythes, no more [Faux Limbs], and no more [Wings of the Netherworld]. It was just me. And I pointed a wed finger at the Devil.
You are
I stopped. I stared at my hand. My left arm the one which had morphed into two arms before one was ripped off was badly injured. Entire bits of flesh had been ripped off. Which, sure, I was missing my skin in a lot more ces than one. But this was beyond just the damage Id suffered from the corruption and my clones explosion.
An entire chunk of flesh from my forearm to my shoulder was gone. I was missing multiple fingers when I hadn''t been missing a single finger before. Was this caused by the injuries I sustained when my arm was transformed?
It seemed like when the Corrupted Centinel tore one of the two transformed arms off, the damage was brought over to my real body in a very noticeable and significant way. Even the lesser injuries I sustained on my right arm when it was the scythe-like limb were transferred as well. My ws were duller, just as the ded edged had been reduced from repeated use against the hard carapace.
That meant I probably couldnt just shapeshift into something else to hide the injuries. If I created a pair of tendrils with my left arm, one of my tendrils would be missing. If I tried to create a giant w with my right arm, it would definitely be weakened too.
I closed my eyes, sighing as Iy back down.
Youre a jerk, Sal.
The Devil just chuckled.
I had to punish you for breaking the rules, Salvos. There are consequences to every action you take. You should know that, right?
There are. But I made my decision knowing that everything would work out just fine. I thought it through. I just didn''t realize that you were this much of a jerk.
I shrugged, facing away from him.
But you live and you learn, I guess. I now know that youd try to sabotage me if I ever did anything to help anyone thats not myself.
Come on, my daughter. You do realize that none of this will really matter to you at the end of the day, yes? The lives of all those monsters you saved today are utterly meaningless in not just the context of the Nexeus, but in the grand scheme of the multiverse as well.
He shook his head, waving it off dismissively.
Other than to satiate your pride, it was truly pointless.
His words mustve struck a nerve within me because I found myself grinding my teeth together in annoyance.
Youre wrong. Thats not right.
I vehemently rejected his ideals.
What youre saying is that my actions dont matter. That no matter what I do, nothing will ever matter. But my actions do matter. I know that theyll remember me for what I did. Centina. Willy. Kron. Galt..
I listed names. People that mattered to me; people who I knew would remember me for who I am and what Ive done.
Not just them. My friends Rachel, Valda, Lamarr, Hadrian. And mypanions too. Daniel, Edithe, Saffron, and Haec.
But what is the point of a memory if youre dead?
He posed the question, raising a dubious brow.
I looked up at the Devil. He challenged me with a gaze that held within it millennia of experience. Knowledge that I could barelyprehend. Things that I wouldnt understand.
It was like staring into an endless void. One that entranced me that drew me to peer further into that darkness. Tempting me to take a step into that iprehensible world. It was as though it had left me at an impasse, but before I could make a decision, shadowed tendrils grabbed me and dragged me into the darkness, drowning out my senses as I was enveloped in the inky well and washed with small, terrible senses. Like my ears were tormented by the screeching of a serrated knife on a metal brim; like my skin had been riddled with tiny holes of varying sizes, interspersed in an irregr pattern that itched, and wing it would not lead to relief, but bit by bit, force rotten teeth out of these crawling cavities.
It was too much for me.
The Devil had been to the edge of the world. He had seen the source of the corruption. He knew where Daniel came from, and he lived in an unfathomable ce in space. Hed seen other universes, met with Gods and Worldwalkers. The extent of my lifespan was mere frivol to him no more than a pebble at his feet.
So what if they engrave your name in a statue? It will turn to rubble in a thousand years. So what if they write your name in the history books? The ink will fade away in time. None of that matters, my daughter. Or have you heard of my feats? Do they still speak my name in the streets of mortal cities? Tell me: what is the point of being acknowledged if youre not even there?
He asked he challenged. I couldnt deny the vastness of everything that encapsted Sals existence. And yet, with his old age, perhaps he forgot what it meant to truly be alive.
Being acknowledged means I exist, Sal. It means that I matter.
Sal frowned, and I didnt break from his gaze.
To live without any acknowledgement without others knowing about your existence is no different from being dead.
I spoke simply, raising a hand.
If none of your actions, feats, or aplishments are known, then did they truly happen? If no one is there to behold your greatness, then are you really great? And if no one knows that youre alive, are you actually alive?
I balled my hand into a fist and pushed myself off the Devil. I looked into his eyes that had seen an eternity, and this time, I was the one to challenge him.
Maybe thats why no one knows who you are, Sal. Maybe thats why my name is being spoken by the Elves and the Humans and the Cyclopes and the monsters of this world. While your name is reduced to being a folktale amongst [Cultists].
I pointed at him, speaking defiantly and against his beliefs.
Sal, at this very moment, I am more alive than you. And if you continue to waste away, hidden from the world, things will remain that way. You are nothing more than a walking corpse.
I finished.
It took a moment for my words to settle in, and the Devils gaze darkened. His brows creased, forming an arch that cast a shadow over his face. I wasnt sure how hed react to my repudiation of his philosophy, but he didnt look happy.
Sal opened his mouth
And sniffled.
My daughter I cant believe youd lecture your old man like this. I didnt teach you to be a rebel!
He feigned tears, turning away from me as I snorted.
Seriously? This is how you react after I said all that?
The Devilughed and waved a hand off.
Please. I didnt expect anything else from you. Youre really such a self-centered idiot, Salvos.
I am not a self-centered idiot. Im a self-centered genius.
Maybe. But youre still a narcissist. And you didnt even answer my question. What does all this matter if you just die tomorrow? In a thousand years time, youd be forgotten.
I folded my arms, shifting back slightly.
Well, I just have to choose my battles wisely while making sure people know who I am. Its a delicate bnce. Its not all or nothing.
And you think this was a wise battle?
Sal gestured at the remains of the Corrupted Centinel around me. I paused when I took in thendscape it seemed like the corruption was vanishing, and the parts of the Bloodied Gulf that had been flipped over by the corruption were returning back to normal. Although, the parts that were destroyed from the fight remained unchanged.
This is something you instigated. I was being smart before all this.
I bit my lower rip as the Devils gaze bore into me.
...and maybe I got a bit too cocky once I gained my Grand Skills. But still! Its your fault!
Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.
Sal rolled his eyes and stepped forward. Spreading his arms wide, he tilted his head and gave me a mischievous look.
Anyway, I did as I promised, didnt I? As I promised, you now have a Grand Skill. No you have two Grand Skills. I did a pretty excellent job, dont you think? Your father deserves some, ah, acknowledgement, doesnt he? After all, as you said, hescking quite a bit in that department.
I snorted as the Devil tried to tease me. But he was right in this regard. He kept his promise, and I was truly grateful. So, I hugged him and smiled.
Youre right. Thank you, Dad. For all youve done for me.
Sal froze where he stood as Salvos embraced him. He stared down at her, blinking. He was definitely not expecting that. And
Did my heart just miss a beat?
Wait, wait, wait I was kidding!
The Devil pushed me back, and I cocked my head.
But Im not kidding.
Yes, but, youre supposed to I was just
He trailed off. I peered at him inspecting his worried face.
Is something wrong, Dad?
I watched as he backed away from me and covered his face.
No, no, no, no, no, no. This isn''t right. Im supposed to be the one whos teasing you.
But Im not teasing you, Dad.
For whatever reason, Sal melted into the ground and groaned. I poked him on the side, giving him a puzzled look.
Whats wrong, Dad? Are you alright, Dad? Dad? Hey, Dad? Daaaaaad?
He rolled on the ground, making an odd wheezing noise as though he was dying.
Someone please kill me
I just stared at him as hey there for a moment. Then suddenly, I felt the ground shake. My eyes flickered, and the Devil was up in an instant. He stood over me, already holding his pitchfork.
Whats going on?
My iridescent mes came to existence around me as the tremor grew more and more violent. Sal didnt respond, simply remaining on guard. Then, all around us, the ground burst open. Giant, undting shapes exploded from the ground, swarming all around us. Red carapaces and shells. Barbed limbs. Wings. And an all-too-familiar enemy.
Except, dozens more.
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 156]
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 175]
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 161]
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. 183]
My eyes widened at this sight. At the multitude of [Ancient Centinels] that gathered around us. A bead of sweat trickled down my neck as I could only watch theme. They didnt attack right away, just seemingly gathering around us.
And it was from the center of this gather, I saw a lean pink figure emerge. It was no bigger than a Human. Smaller, in fact. Like it had the upper body of a Goblin. Its lower body was reminiscent of a [Younger Centinel], and it was coiled around itself like a snake clinging onto a pole.
It almost looked like a woman. It even had a mass of spiked hairing from its head something Sage Centinels didnt. I quickly used [Identification] on it, and the results only made me more nervous.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
I couldnt see its level.
Sal stepped forward, keeping an arm out so I wouldnt approach it. He bowed and smiled.
Greetings, Matriarch Centinel. It has been a while since wevest seen each other. My, youve leveled quite a bit since the days back in the Ennds, havent you?
It didnt respond to him. Not immediately. Instead, it just stood before us as the mass of [Ancient Centinels] calmed down. The Devil drew back, still gripping onto his weapon.
May I ask what the [Progenitor of Secelys Centinels] wants to do with us? I was under the impression that you were more of a recluse.
It brought an arm up, pointing at me, and I tensed.
Her.
It made clicking noises that were somehow more garbled than anything Id heard from any other Centinel thus far.
Her. Kill. Child. Mine.
She killed your child? Well, yes. Im sure shes killed plenty of your children. Why do you care? They die all the time.
Sal just shrugged, but it wasnt cated by that.
My. Daughter. My. Own. Child.
It hugged itself, digging its fingers into its own shell. It began to cry, but instead of tears pouring down from its face, [Infant Centinels] fell out by the dozens. They crawled away from her before she crushed them all with a whip of her lower body.
I grimaced at that I guess it didnt care about anything that wasnt an [Ancient Centinel].
Kill. Her.
It pointed at me, and Sal stabbed his pitchfork on the ground.
Sorry, you may have lost your child, but you have plenty of others. Im not going to let you have my only daughter.
The Matriarch Centinel let out a horrific screech as it charged us. The [Ancient Centinels] moved, and I readied for a fight. But Sal just grabbed me by the arm, waving at them and creating a portal.
Seeya next time!
And with that, we were gone. The portal closed as they crashed into nothing. When I opened my eyes, I was back in my Dads home.
End of Volume 5 Part 1
Author''s Notes:
If you want to read ahead to the start of Salvos Volume 5 Part 2 right now, check out my patreon. MsD (Ms/Salvos/Tian) is creating Web Novels / Web Serials | Patreon
If you want to, you can check out my merch too. I have a poster! /
Once again, do consider checking out the charity linked to support Ukrainians suffering from war. Donate now (redcrossredcrescent.org)
Otherwise, thanks for reading as always.
Chapter 290: Interlude - Saffrons Savior Part One (Start of Book 5 (2))
Chapter 290: Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part One (Start of Book 5 (2))
290. Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part One
Ever since she was a child, Saffron Merryster had feared only one thing: the idea that the Regnorex, the Demon King of the Netherworld, would make his return during her lifetime. It was a reasonable fear for her. As a Human Vampire, she wouldve likely lived far longer than her non-Vampire Human counterparts a century, at the bare minimum. As long as she didnt get herself killed through reckless means.
It was something to do with Vampire biology that let them live for nearly a millennia. The oldest Vampire in history was said to have lived through all of the Immortal King Alexanders reign; she had been the only responsible for elevating the status of their kind from pests and gues to that of nobility, due to her friendship with him. She died of unknown causes shortly after his death to the Demon King, but before her passing, she warned future generations of Vampires to remain vignte. Beware of the return of the Demons. Beware of their merciless ughter.
Beware of Regnorex, for he is at the gates.
Unfortunately, over the millennia since, the sensibilities of Human Vampires had eroded. Theyd be negligent in their luxury, focusing not on their duties as Vampires as Demon yers and Demons Hunters but on the politics that would ensure their privileged life remained well, privileged.
Saffron hated it. She despised thenguor of politicking and scheming. There was no unity to the actions of the Five Greater Vampire Families. They sabotaged each other, colluded against each other, and even brought each other to destruction. Because of that, there were now only Four Greater Vampire Families left.
Even now, when the situation was dire when an entire country had been razed to ashes by a terrible Primeval Demon the families refused to cooperate. To work together to tackle this threat. They were far too concerned with protecting their own interests.
Sighing, Saffron copsed into her bed as she read the magical transmission she received from her Father. He had gone to the Veridian Familys estate to speak with them about the situation with the Primeval Demon. And what he had gotten was nothing substantive.
It had gone about as well as Saffron meeting with the Norwood Family. Shed arrived at the Norwood estate nearly two months ago, now. There were some members of the family who were willing to work with the Merryster Family, but gaining the goodwill of all the members was next-to-impossible. Even with Zin Norwoods assistance the former Matriarch and mother of the current Patriarch, Gannon Norwood it was hard to rally the supported needed for total cooperation between the Four Greater Vampire Families.
The only way it was feasible was to get the heads of each family to work together. Saffron was friends formerly engaged with Gannon Norwood, so she was certain she could convince him of her cause. After all, thest time she spoke with him about the Primeval Demon, he was very clearly staunchly pro-action.
Unfortunately, since hes also a senator of Shedos, hes currently too busy to speak with us.
Saffron just sprawled herself on her bed, exhausted. Normally, as a noble, she wouldnt let herself be see in this state by others, but the only other person in the room was someone she trusted and also who wouldnt judge her for her actions.
This is so annoying.
She groaned. The glowing figure standing in the corner cocked her head, and Saffron chuckled.
To think that the only person I can reliably trust right now is a Demon. Its almost ironic.
That was right. The figure apanying her was a Demon. Or, kind of a Demon. It was actually a Demons clone, made entirely out of golden fire. The clone of Salvos.
She had aided Saffron throughout this whole ordeal with the Primeval Demon, even going as far as to save Saffrons Father and Brother during the fall of Nightsveil.
Although, I sometimes wish you were actually here.
The Salvos clone waved her arms as Saffron stared at her. She couldnt speak, so Saffron didnt know why Salvos herself couldnte here. With the vague gestures the Salvos clone made and the poor attempts at writing with fire Saffron deduced that Salvos was busy battling Centinels for whatever reason.
Well, either way, Im grateful for all that youve already done, Salvos.
Saffron smiled and rolled over in her bed. Night hade long ago, and after a whole day of inconclusive meetings with Zins rtives and other members of the Norwood Family, the young noble was about ready to pass out.
Her eyes fluttered shut as a yawn escaped her lips. There was no need to set up wards or runes here not only was Norwood Keep enchanted so that even Level 100 assassins and the like would find it difficult to infiltrate the walls, but the Salvos clone was here. Saffron was safe.
So, she simply went to sleep knowing that nothing would happen.
--
And nothing happened.
The next day, Saffron woke up without trouble whatsoever. She yawned and got to her feet, greeting the Salvos clone before getting dressed and going about her day. Well, before that, she had to exin for the fiftieth time how makeup worked to the clone.
Please stop staring at me like this is some ancient, entric ritual. Unlike you, most women arent born with a natural glow to their skin.
The Salvos clone beamed at the praise, literally zing and glowing brighter. Saffron rolled her eyes.
I didnt mean it like that and you know it.
Once she was finished, the young noble headed out of her room to a patio in the garden. Her sister, Mons Merryster, was having tea with Zin. They wereughing as they chatted casually a sight which annoyed Saffron because, sure, there could be a full-scale internar war between the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld, but impressions still had to be maintained, right?
Not like Saffron herself wasnt guilty of it considering she spent thirty minutes doing her makeup in the morning. Sighing, she joined the tea session.
You look awfully weary, sister. I suppose you didnt have a good nights sleep?
Mons raised a brow as a maid poured a cup of tea for Saffron. Then the older Merryster sibling nced over to the golden figure to the side, a smile slipping onto her face.
Or perhaps you and your friend were relieving some stress together, all night?
Saffron scowled.
Salvos and I are simply friends, Mons. Nothing more, so please stop making it weird.
Very well, if you insist, dear sister. But know that Im mostly teasing you to ease the tension.
It has simply reced the tension with an awkward air. Let us please just move on.
Zinughed at this interaction between sisters. She was in the middle of creating a lush scene running a paintbrush over a vibrant canvas of colors. With a smile, she lowered the brush and faced the young noble.
Good morning, Saffron Merryster. Your sister and I were simply discussing our recent meeting with my younger brother. While Mardyth was quite intrigued by your passion, over the matter, he didnt feel the same urgency as you did.
Saffron blinked they had spoken with Mardyth Norwood nearly a week ago. Had he only gotten back to Zin about the discussion now?
But he is aware of the fall of Nixa, is he not? I do not understand how there can be ack of urgency on anyones part now that an entire nation has fallen.
Zin shrugged as she ced the sweet treat back onto the table. She dabbed a napkin on her mouth, speaking casually.
While I disagree with his reasoning, his response makes sense. Nixa was not a great warring state, even if it is a major trading country. The reinforcements provided to it were mostlyprised of soldiers of the Vaun Qieur Empire. Other nations werent as generous. The Primeval Demons rampage has even stalled now that it has advanced out into Inoria. He takes that as proof enough.
How could he be so foolish to believe that when his own sister''s life your life was nearly taken by an Archdemon just a month ago?
It was vexing to Saffron. These people all used logic that didnt hold up at all. It could be dismantled in a mere moment: they didnt want to admit that they were more interested in preserving their position than fighting for a just cause.
Zin waved a hand, sighing.
Well, my brother simply ims that there hasnt been an attempt since. If the situation were really as dire as you made out to be, then thered be assassinsing for all our lives. As it is now, their lives havent yet been upheaved.
Thats ridiculous and you know it.
Saffron snapped. She got to her feet, exasperatedly gesticting at the Salvos clone and herself.
Weve seen what that Primeval Demon can do. It has an ever-growing army that numbers in the hundreds of thousands, and now it has support from Archdemon assassins going after our families. Just because the problem isnt knocking down our doors, threatening to destroy their homes, doesnt mean it isnt urgent. It means it can still be stopped.
She panted as she finished, and Zin calmly sipped from a teacup. Mons ced a hand on her sisters shoulder, calming her down.
Theres no need to kill the messenger. Zin is simply stating her brothers side of the argument.
His side has no argument.
Saffron red at Mons. The older Merryster sibling scoffed.
I understand your perspective more than anyone, sister. But simply dismissing others as unreasonable would not do any good not when were trying to win goodwill.
And thats exactly my issue here. Why must we y teatime and politics when there are far more pressing issues at hand?
It never made sense to Saffron, and now more than ever, it still didnt. She slumped into her chair as the Salvos clone cocked her head from behind, clearly confused.
A moment of silence passed over the group, even though the Salvos clone genuinely looked like she wanted to ask some questions there and then. Finally, Zin shook her head and smiled at Saffron.
I admire your passion, Saffron Merryster. I truly do.
Then her lips pressed thinly together.
But we cannot change the world and how it works, only how we navigate it. I wish as much as you do that the solution will present itself that our Four Greater Vampire Families will work together to repel this Demon invasion as we had many millennia ago. But clearly it requires time and effort to produce results.
Saffron watched as Zin rose from her chair. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family stood tall, her chin held high, exuding the aura and grace of a true noble. One thatmanded power in the room.
The young noble almost instinctively averted her gaze, although she managed to steel herself and meet Zins crimson and hazel eyes.
I understand that much,dy Zin. However, even after our countless meetings ever since we came here, we have yet to convert any prominent member of your family to our cause.
Perhaps not.
Zin raised a knowing brow.
But you only need the support of a single individual from the Norwood Family for that all to change. And I assure you, he will meet with you soon, Saffron Merryster. He is fascinated by you. Especially after you rejected his courting years ago.
Saffron shuffled her feet before naturally crossing her legs.
Are you implying that Gannon Norwood will finally be returning here to discuss this matter with us?
That is actually what Zin Norwood and I have been discussing before you barged in with your temper.
The older Merryster sister chuckled, and Saffron scowled. Zin simply stepped out of the patio, gesturing for the pair to follow after.
And as for the fruits of ourbor,e let me show you what our efforts have produced.
They exited the garden, heading back into the keep. A maid was waiting for them at the entrance.
You have visitors,dy Zin.
She bowed deeply at Zin, and Saffron frowned.
Visitors?
Indeed. A delegation. One from a family you have yet to contact with all your resourcefulness, Saffron Merryster.
Zin Norwood strolled past the maid, leading both sisters down the stone hallway. They walked past various paintings portraits that depicted botanical gardens and vast rainforests. Each one, the former Matriarch paused to admire.
She fractionally nced back at Saffron.
One of the Four Greater Vampire Families. Another important piece that is needed to defeat this Demon threat.
The young nobles eyes widened.
The Crimsonfang Family?
They were thest of the Four Greater Vampire Families the only one which the Merryster Family had poor rtions with. But the Norwoods werent close with them either, especially after they had worked with the Veridian Family to ruin the Slydrifts.
Why are they here?
Saffron didnt understand how such a meeting had been arranged. But Zin justughed.
My son is a politician, Saffron Merryster. He has earned the goodwill of more than just the popce of Shedos. Ever since he became head of our family, he hasbored hard to restore rtions between the Norwoods and Crimsonfangs back to normalcy.
And Gannon arranged this?
No. I did.
Zins eyes twinkled as they turned down a corridor.
Roman Crimsonfang is a good friend of my son. He has agreed to hear us out in exchange for
But before she could finish, a scream cut her off. A blood curdling cry that echoed down the hallway. Saffrons gaze snapped up, and the Salvos clone tensed. Someone shouted for help as des shed in the distance.
Assassin attack!
Chapter 291: Interlude - Saffrons Savior Part Two
Chapter 291: Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part Two
292. Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part Two
Assassin attack!
The sounds of metal shing against metal reverberated down the hallway. A garbled cry for help reached Saffron Merryster. It took her a moment to register what was going on, and at that point, her sister and Zin Norwood were already turning the corridor alongside an entourage of maids and guards.
The young noble blinked and faced her friend. The Salvos clone was just standing idly, a bored look on her ming face as if shed rather be somewhere else than here.
What are you doing, Salvos? Help them!
Saffron ran forward, gesturing for her to follow. For whatever reason, it took a moment for the Salvos clone to react. It almost seemed like she was about to teleport away, but after much internal debate, she relented and followed.
The fighting was happening right at the entrance of Norwood Keep. Roman Crimsonfang and his bodyguards had barely stepped into the gates of the castle when they were assailed by a single shadowed figure.
All the guards those of both the Norwood and Crimsonfang Families had been quickly dealt with even before Zin or Mons Merryster arrived at the scene. The only reason why Roman was still alive and standing or, well, cowering on the ground in fear, was because Feirdun Merryster had been present.
He managed to hold off the assassin for just long enough before Zin arrived. The Level 134 [Druid] raised a staff, peeling off all the moss from the cobbled walls of the keep, and turning it into a vibrant wave. It washed over the assassin, knocking him back and stopping him from finishing Feirdun off.
Stop, assassin. You dare threaten my guests in mynds? Leave now and your life may be spared.
The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family dered as she mmed her staff on the ground, a crackle running through her body. Saffron came to a stop right before Zin and stood protectively over her sister. Her gazended on her other sibling Feirdun.
He was bleeding and injured, lying curled up on the ground.
R-run, Saffron
Brother
She started forward, but the Salvos clone stopped her. Zins eyes flickered as the deluge of green moss slowed.
I advise you to stay back, Saffron Merryster. This is no ordinary assassin. I will ensure your brothers safety, but try not to put yourself in harms way.
Blinking, Saffron turned to the assassin who was wading through the [Druid]s attack. His robes were being ripped off, revealing dark orange skin with red blotches sshed across his body. A single horn sat on his head as he cast four sable eyes at the young noble. Her eyes widened as she stepped back.
A Demon?
No it wasnt just an ordinary Demon. Saffron quickly used [Identification] on him, and a prickling feeling ran down her spine.
[Arachne - Lvl. 131]
An Archdemon. One that was above even Salvos in level. He was lower-leveled than Zin, but that didnt matter much not when Demons were naturally superior to Humans.
He smiled as eight scything legs protruded from his back, stabbing onto the ground so that he was not washed away.
Theres no point in running, Human. You are my prey, and the rest of you are all already caught in my web.
Zin blinked as threads appeared at her feet. It whipped her by the legs, smashing her into the ceiling. The [Druid] managed to protect herself,nding into a cushion of flowers and thorns, but her transformation was interrupted. Her deluge desisted, and the [Arachne] stepped forward.
Ah, a rather sturdy Human. Youre the first one Ive met since Ive gotten here. Tell me how long do you think youll be able tost before youre eaten like the rest of them?
His thread yanked her forward, ripping her from her vines holding her back. Zin yelped, but before she reached the [Arachne], the Salvos clone caught her and sliced the thread in twain.
He narrowed his eyes.
You are an apparition? No what are you?
His [Identification] wouldve shown her for what she was a ming clone made by a Skill called [Salvo of Vanity]. Who or what she wasnt wouldnt be known by him. Not even her level.
No matter. I will deal with you all the same.
The [Arachne]shed out as the Salvos clone created a scythe made out of golden fire, parrying his attack. They shed in battle as Saffron just watched from the side, unable to help. She was a student of Mavos Academy. She was supposed to be trained to be able to hold her own inbat situations such as this.
And yet, she was frozen, unable to even protect her sister. Mons Merryster grabbed the young noble, breaking her from her stupor.
Sister. We need to get out of here, now.
Saffron returned to reality as the [Arachne] bounced along the walls, chased by the Salvos clone. Vines grew out of the ground, catching him off guard and slowing him as Zin pointed. The Salvos clone shed at him
But he tugged at one of his legs. A flurry of needle-like threads pierced the Salvos clone, forcing her to a halt. The threads shot out past her and headed straight for Zin Norwood. But this time, she was ready. Shed finished her transformation. Her body was now covered in fur she stood tall, nearly ten feet in height. With a pair of burly wed arms, she swiped through the threads and tore them apart with ease.
[Onyx Bear - Lvl. 134]
[Identification] no longer showed her as a [Druid]. Instead, shed be the Species of the monster shed taken the form of. A bear with obsidian-like fur that jutted out of her body like crystals. She moved faster now, taking over where the Salvos clone left off and pressuring the [Arachne].
Saffron looked on as Mons tried to pull her away from the fighting. The Merryster sisters were further down the hallway, neither of them able to do anything to help either the Salvos clone or Zin here. And while they could barely keep up with what was going on, it was obvious that their side was losing.
We need to help them.
The young noble spoke, clenching a fist. Mons shook her head.
We cant. If we interrupt
A loud cry interrupted her from finishing.
Zin leapt in front of Roman Crimsonfang, protecting him from a de of wind that cut straight through the enchanted walls of the keep. She groaned as her transformed body flickered. Before the [Arachne] could follow-up with a scything sh, the Salvos clone crashed into him from the side as her wings spread wide.
That Archdemon is using the injured as bait to force their guards down.
It was obvious to Saffron, but Mons wasnt abatant and didnt notice this. The young noble ran forward as the Salvos clone flew the [Arachne] out of the keep, locking into battle with him mid-air.
Lady Zin, please let me help you escort my brother and Lord Roman away from the area.
The man and he was quite the young man, barely fifteen years of age shrank back as Zin turned her bestial gaze his way. She nodded and picked him up, speaking in a guttural voice.
Take them and run.
Nodding, Saffron scooped up Roman Crimsonfang who was sputtering, confused and afraid of what was going on before running to her brother.
What was that thing? Why is it attacking us?!
Its a Demon, Lord Roman. It is here for your life.
Even if Saffron was older than him, she deferred to him by his Title. After all, he was the second heir to the Crimsonfang Family. Saffron didnt know why she even bothered with it the politics of it annoyed her, but she did it anyway.
Saffron reached Feirdun shortly before Mons. Both Merryster siblings tended to their brother, helping him to his feet.
Can you stand?
The young noble asked, lips pursed. He groused and stood with a groan. They supported him by his arms, helping him stumble away from the fighting along with Roman.
I thank you.
He rubbed at his head as they ambled forward. The four of them reached the end of the hallway right as the Salvos clone was knocked back. The [Arachne] somehow jumped in the air, propelling rapidly for them.
Oh, none of you are getting away.
Saffron nced back with wide eyes as he closed the distance in an instant. He tore through the vines Zin Norwood conjured up, ripping through the tough thorns as he aimed for his mark. In a moment of foolishness, the young noble thought she could protect Roman from the Archdemon.
No
[Tempest de].
She raised an arm, only to realize it was her life the [Arachne] was after. He said it, didnt he? I am his prey She had thought it was a figure of speech. That hed been referring to everyone in the room. But he sped straight for Saffron and only Saffron, slicing for her head.
Her eyes grew wide as his scythe-like arm was ovee with a flicker some kind of Skill and tore through her Aura of Greater Protection. The amulet that was protecting her shed before dimming and winking out.
What an annoying artifact.
It protected her, but Saffron still found herself lying on the ground, dazed and unable to react. The spell she had been casting was long forgotten, and the [Arachne] loomed over her. Maybe she couldve held off the Archdemon for a moment if shed remembered to use her magic. Maybe Zin or the Salvos clone wouldve stopped him in time from finishing her off if she hadnt frozen up.
Instead, she closed her eyes, epting her fate as he grinned.
Goodbye, Saffron Merryster.
The Salvos clone screamed a silent scream as she burst forward. Still, she wouldnt make it in time. The de came down swiftly as Mons cried out.
Sister!
Saffron braced for it, epting her demise. Regnorex was at the gates, and she was one of his first few victims. Humankinds reign was finallying to an end, their downfall their owncency.
Its almost ironic
She chuckled. Then she blinked. Wait, Im still? Her gaze snapped up as she took in her surroundings, fully expecting to be in some sort of afterlife. But, no. She was still lying in the destroyed hallway, fallen over as her sister and brother rushed over.
How am I alive?
Even the Archdemon was still there, standing over the young noble. Except there was one difference now. A gold and silver figure had caught him mid-swing and saved Saffrons life. A familiar figure.
Saffrons savior.
...Salvos?
And yet, that wasnt right. It was not Salvos herself standing over Saffron, but the Salvos clone. The young noble had almost mistaken the fiery figure for Salvos because of how real she seemed now. The golden fire of the Salvos clone, while clearly there, was never really defined beforehand. It had been a roiling me one that wisped wildly and roughly took the shape of a person.
The Salvos clone had always been shrouded in a curtain of misty me. It obfuscated her body, making it quite clear that she was some kind of apparition of sorts.
But now, her body was solid. Still made out of fire, but only king the asional mote or spark. She wore a faux jacket made of silver fire, burning more intensely than the rest of her golden body. Her hair, too, zed in the same way as the fake clothing and weapons. She exuded a cool heat. She was fake, yet she appeared real.
All eight of the [Arachne]s eyes widened in surprise and confusion at the Salvos clone as she held him in ce, gripping tightly onto his scythe-like leg.
What is this? What just happened?
The Salvos clone was confused too. She nced back at where she came from at the trail of multi-colored mes left behind that scorched the earth and shrugged.
How are you doing this? You
The Archdemon assassin was utterly befuddled, but the Salvos clone didnt bother contemting it for more than a moment. She ripped off one of his legs, and he screamed. He leapt back, sending a flurry of needle-like threads at her, only for the attack to be burned away with ease. He came to a halt as he clutched at his limb bleeding ck blood.
You werent this strong just a moment ago. This is ridiculous. What in the Demon Kings name just happened?
His questions were answered by an explosion of thorns at his feet. They tangled onto him, holding him down as Zin appeared at his back. She mmed him into the wall and turned to Saffron.
Are you alright?
I-Im fine.
Mons helped Saffron up as the young noble stared at her friend.
What happened to Salvos? Why is she?
The Salvos clone was still in the middle of inspecting herself in wonder, and Zin nodded approvingly.
Such a boost in power it can only be the effects of a Grand Skill.
With a soft chuckle, the [Druid] turned to the Archdemon who was caught in even more vines and thorns now.
It seems your friend has achieved what many only attain at the level of an Elite. Assassin, I suggest you surrender now you have lost.
He hissed, tearing his way out of his bindings.
You have not won. I will have my preys life for I am Aristides the W
And the Salvos clone appeared before the [Arachne], grinning wide. Zin sighed.
I told you.
Heshed out, only to be caught in a st of gold and silver mes. His scream echoed throughout Norwood Keep as he was turned into nothing but ash. Saffrons breath caught in her throat, watching her friend deal with the assassin the Level 131 Archdemon like he was nothing.
...amazing.
Chapter Salvos Book 5 (1): Corruption and Centinels is now available on Amazon!
Chapter Salvos Book 5 (1): Corruption and Centinels is now avable on Amazon!
Working on the chapter right now, but I have to do this first. Salvos Volume 5 Part 1 (From 246-289) is now avable on the Amazon store. If you''d like to support me, give it a buy and drop it a quick rating or review. The book also includes the Haec Side Story postedst month, so if you want to read it without patroning, you can buy the book too. Either way, it would really help me out a ton <>
Thank you all so much for your birthday wishes btw! You guys are great.
Chapter 292: Interlude - Saffrons Savior Part Three
Chapter 292: Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part Three
292. Interlude - Saffron''s Savior Part Three
Saffron Merryster stared in disbelief as the Salvos clone disposed of the assassin with little-to-no effort. Just moments earlier, theyd all been struggling to fend him off. After all, he was an Archdemon who was even higher-leveled than Salvos. An [Arachne] that was after Saffrons life.
But now, he was mere ashes at the feet of the Salvos clone. She glowed brilliantly as her fiery st died down, her form no longer the wispy shape of a Human, but a more stable body. One that, if not for the gold and silver glow, could be mistaken for a regr person.
How?
Saffron had no idea Salvos had been hiding a trick like this all this time. Zin Norwood, however, shook her head as she morphed back into a regr Human Vampire.
Thats a Grand Skill, Saffron Merryster. And judging by the reaction of your friend, shes just as surprised as you about this change. It seems that whatever shes doing elsewhere has been quite productive.
The Salvos clone eagerly nodded as Zin gave her an approving look. Saffron rose to her feet, taking in the scene around her. It had been a small-scale battle between Level 100s, and already, the entirety of the reinforced, enchanted corridor was destroyed.
Fortunately, the fighting hadnt spread too far around Norwood Keep, so the damage was mostly isted to this section of the castle. Saffron turned to her family, relieved that they were safe. Then she turned to the other individual present Roman Crimsonfang.
He stared wide-eyed around at the destruction, still in utter shock of what happened.
Lord Roman, I
Saffron offered him a hand, but he brushed it away. He stumbled over to the corpses of his bodyguards and dropped to his knees.
Francis Gilbert everyone
She pursed her lips, watching him take in the scene. There were a lot of things she wanted to she could say, but instead of speaking, she stood silent as the young man wept over his dead bodyguards.
It happened so quickly how
Saffron Merryster.
Zin spoke over his pained voice in the background. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family approached the young noble, shaking her head.
I think itd be better if you took your leave for now. Tend to your brother. I shall handle this.
R-right.
With that, the Merrysters took their leave. Saffron ushered the Salvos clone to follow after her as they brought Feirdun to seek a healer. He wasnt too badly hurt, fortunately. And a few healing potions wouldve brought him back to full health soon enough.
Ill take care of our brother.
Mons patted Saffron on the shoulder once they arrived at the healers quarters.
Go report this incident to Father and the others. Theyll want to know what happened here.
I will.
The young noblewoman hesitated. She was worried that another assassin might show up and attack them. But that [Arachne] had been after her own life, no?
It was not something she had time to think about until now. And as she strolled down the gilded corridor alone, the implication settled in.
The Demons somehow knew that the Merrysters were trying to organize the Four Greater Vampire Families. And because of that, they targeted Saffron. They wanted to nip the problem in the bud deal with it before it became too problematic.
It seems that things will be getting more and more chaotic.
How this hade to pass the young noble didnt know. She just knew that something had to be done. They had to act faster, lest theyd fall to their hubris and be torn apart before they could evene together.
Behind her, the echo of footfalls followed down the gilded hallway. The Salvos clone trailed slowly after the young noblewoman.
To think that the Demons would make a move for my life as well.
No longer would she be able to take the cautious approach, ying tea party as she went through the slow crawl of politics. Even if Zin would disagree, Saffron was going to give Roman Crimsonfang and the rest of the Norwood Family an ultimatum.
Salvos.
The sounds of footsteps halted as the young noble spoke to her friend. Shaking her head, she spun around to face the Salvos clone.
I will need to rely on you for
And Saffron faced nothing. She expected to see the fiery clone of Salvos standing behind her, but no one was there. There were only glowing flickering wisps that slowly vanished.
Salvos?
The Salvos clone was gone. She had been taken away by a [Long Range Teleportation] spell, whisked away in an instant. And now it was just Saffron left, unguarded, unprotected.
Oh, this day just keeps getting worse.
--
I thought Id find you scheming up something here.
Saffron nced up from the study table as she heard the doorway crea open. Her sister, Mons Merryster, stood there with her arms folded across her chest.
Mons.
How are you doing?
The older Merryster sibling strolled into the room with a smile.
I am doing just fine. Hows Brother?
He has mostly recovered from his injuries, though I worry his pride will take longer to heal.
As expected.
Saffron mumurred under her breath. But Im d hes safe, she thought as her sister came to a halt behind her. Saffron had stopped mid-scribbling, having been writing on a rather long piece of parchment before being interrupted.
Mons leaned over Saffrons shoulder, eyes darting over the piece of paper.
Well, what n have you managed to concoct, sister?
A n it is not as much of a n as it is ast resort.
The older sister frowned.
A speech?
Indeed.
The young noblewoman rose to her feet and ced the pen and paper down onto the table.
As you anddy Zin have discussed, Gannon Norwood will soon be arriving back in Norwood Keep. He is likely going to side with us when he does return. And he can mobilize the entirety of the Norwood Family.
That is right.
Mons nodded as Saffron held her gaze. The younger sister paused for a moment, before finally speaking in a low voice.
But can we wait that long?
What do you mean to imply, sister?
Saffron gestured vaguely in the direction where they hade from where the Archdemon had attacked them.
Our lives are now actively being targeted. We cannot waste anymore time. If we were to die if the Merryster Family were to be wiped out then all hope of uniting the Four Greater Vampire Families is lost. The families shall be picked off one by one, and Humankind will truly fall.
Dont you think youre being a bit too dramatic?
Mons raised a brow, and Saffron red.
How am I being too dramatic? We are the vanguards of Humankind against the Demons. People think that the Spirits will save us aid us in our battle. But they wont. The Immortal King Alexanders pact with the Spirit Lord was never that of an alliance. It was never that of a partnership. They didnt protect us the first time Regnorex invaded, and they wont intervene this time.
The younger Merryster sister closed her eyes and huffed.
With Humankind as fractured as it currently is, I dont know if well be able to deal with this threat.
Perhaps not
Mons shook her head and ced a gentle hand on Saffrons shoulder.
But the Vaun Qieur Empire has yet to mobilize the full might of their forces. The Eastern Kingdoms Alliance has pledged to stop the Demon threat. And the Three Honorable Companies each one rivaling a major nation in might are rallying adventurers under their banners to challenge the Primeval Demons army. Even if we, the vanguard of Humankind, were to fall, that doesnt mean all hope is lost.
I had no idea that was happening.
Saffron blinked, and her older sisterughed.
Did you really think you were the only one whos taking action? Perhaps we Vampires have growncent in our wealth and luxury, but we are not representative of all of Humankind. Of course, Id rather we not perish due to this. Im sure you feel the same way, which is why youre worried.
For a moment, the young noblewoman remained silent. She shuffled her feet, twirling one of the loose strands of her pink hair ufortably. It was true, but it was also hard to admit. Perhaps the reason why she was so brusque about this was less about the impact it would have on Humankind, and more on the impact it would have on her family.
She didnt want to lose everything and everyone she loved. It was a reasonable worry, of course Saffron acknowledged it. But her pride as a Lady made it hard for her to simply admit it. As a noble, you always had to pursue the greater good. Acting selfishly was unbing of her.
However, around her sister, she let this facade peel away.
Youre right, Mons.
Sighing, she copsed back into her chair and massaged her temples.
I do not wish to see any harm befall you or any of my other siblings. Nor Father, nor Mother. If Salvos hadnt saved Father that day
She hesitated, and Mons nodded in understanding.
Right. I wouldnt know what to do either.
Even if Mons was more independent, they were still family. Fathers death wouldve impacted them both greatly. Saffron nced over at the empty corner of the room.
And the worst part is Salvos
Mons blinked. She nced around, puzzled.
Where is your friend, anyway?
Gone.
Shrugging, Saffron spoke in a resigned voice.
Apparently she had other, better things to do. I dont fault her. If shes really grown strong enough to learn a Grand Skill, what shes doing elsewhere is far more productive than what were achieving here. And thats why I wish to change that.
Which you n on doing through a speech?
Not a speech a demand.
Saffron grabbed the piece of paper and showed the rest of it to her sister.
We are making a demand to both the rest of the Norwood Family and to the Crimsonfang Family. That they shall cooperate with us in bringing down the Primeval Demon. That they shall lend us their strength in this uing battle, to mobilize as soon as possible and prevent the fall of any other nation.
Thats a bold demand, sister. What makes you think the others will listen to us? Without the Breastte of Alexander, we have lost some standing amongst the other Greater Vampire Families.
Mons was dubious of Saffrons proposition, but the young noblewoman had more to it than that. This part was brash. Foolish, even.
But Saffron believed it was the right choice to make.
If they refuse to work with us, then we shall work against them. It is how politics works, no? Always has. So, the Merryster Family will announce the secrets the Four Greater Vampire Families have been holding all this time. The truth that we are Vampires but more importantly, that we are withholding Mythical Grade artifacts that could repel this Primeval Demon but refuse to take action. Their personal interests will vanish soon enough if they lose their positions in their countries. Maybe then theyll work with us.
That is
Mons pursed her lips.
Risky.
Saffron finished her sisters sentence for her.
I am aware of the consequences it could entail. But it is necessary as well.
Saffron.
The older Merryster sibling spoke her sisters name. She gave Saffron a worried look.
I understand your position. I know why youre doing this
And thats why you should agree that this is the best course of action, no?
Saffron snapped, and her older sister paused. Mons nodded.
Yes. I agree. Thats why Im telling you you have my full support.
You what?
That threw Saffron through a loop. She was taken aback. She stared at Mons gaze, analyzing it. Trying to figure out if there was anything behind it. Then she realized there was nothing there. Just the love and care of a sister.
Thank you.
Saffron bowed her head.
I truly am
But she couldnt finish. She paused as she heard footsteps echo down the hallway. A small argument had broken out, and someone was marching close to Saffrons room. The pair of Merryster sisters poked out, seeing the figures walk by a corridor further down.
Roman Crimsonfang stormed down the hallway, followed by Zin Norwood. She was saying something, but he didnt listen. With his hands trembling, he spun around and pointed at her.
This attempt on my life was premeditated. You cannot pretend that it was meant for those Merrysters, else that Archdemon wouldnt have attacked my retinue. This
He gritted his teeth and faced Zin with burning eyes.
The Crimsonfang Family shall not offer any aid or support to the Norwood Family or the Merrysters. No matter the request. That is my response to you,dy Zin.
Saffron stared at this. She turned to her sister, and Mons just shrugged.
Its politics, sister. Things dont always go as n.
This day cant get any worse.
Chapter 293: Father and Daughter
Chapter 293: Father and Daughter
293. Father and Daughter
When I opened my eyes, I stood in a vast void. My feet softly touched the fractal base of the steted dodecahedron of space that shielded me from the encroaching emptiness of the fold between nes. Objects floated in the darkness, frozen in space, unchanged from the state theyd been in before they were ripped into this ce.
A giant golden disk hovered above me, an retion of matter that sent waves of scintiting light to illumine the empty room. I nced over at the other figure who was with me.
My Dad had teleported us back into his home after the Matriarch Centinel of the Bloodied Gulf challenged us. I couldnt even see its Subspecies or its level, but judging by how even Sal reacted to it, it had to be far stronger than even an [Ancient Centinel].
Level 200 or more.
I nced over at the Devil as he let out a chuckle.
That was scary, wasnt it? Good thing I got us out of there, otherwise things wouldnt have been pretty.
What was that?
Hm?
He gave me a nk look, and I crossed my arms.
That thing what was that? My [A Hunters Sense] red in my head. I wouldve died in an instant if I fought it.
Ah.
My Dad shrugged as the space around me flickered, changing shape into a cuboid.
Shes the [Progenitor of Secelys Centinels]. I met her once, a long time ago, back when her Species was driven out of the Ennds. She was quite cute when she was young. Now shes a bit of a bitch though, if Im being honest.
And it has just been hiding underground all that time?!
I gaped at him.
And you sent me to the Bloodied Gulf knowing that it coulde out at any time and kill me with the flick of its wrist?
I mean, you had the Breastte of Alexander.
He waved a hand off dismissively as he leapt onto a couch that appeared out of nowhere.
And the Matriarch Centinel doesnt reallye out unless one of her children dies, which I honestly didnt expect to happen. I fully thought you were going to be killed by that Corrupted Centinel, mind you.
My lips curled into a frown as I red at the Devil.
So youre saying that you were just going to watch me die to that Corrupted Centinel?
Of course.
He cocked his head, but I continued.
Your only daughter you werent going to step in and help her if she died in front of your eyes?
Uh
My Dad hesitated, and I thrusted a wed finger at his face.
Youre a bad dad.
What? I mean,e one, Salvos youre just kidding about being mad, right? Youve never even had a parent before, so you cant possibly say whats a good or a bad dad!
Well, I have one now.
I gave him a sidelong nce as I turned away from him.
And I can say hes pretty bad at being one.
The Devil deted. His shoulders went ck. I harrumphed and walked away as he tried to weakly protest.
I stepped in to save your life from the Matriarch Centinel, didnt I? That should count for something, right?
Nope! I wouldve been long gone if you didnt show up and start chatting with me. That was your fault too.
I didnt face him, even as he tried circling around me. My Dad waved his arms exasperatedly, but I ignored his arguments. Until, finally, he sighed.
Is there anything I can do to make it up to you, my daughter? Please. Your old man is very sorry for what he did. Hes a bit old and senile, you know?
I quirked a brow.
Hmm, well
There were a lot of things I could ask for from the Devil he was a very high-leveled individual who lived for tens of thousands of years. My eyes lit up as I raised a hand.
Could you kill Belzu for me?
Sal blinked. Then he scoffed.
Of course not! Why would I do that?
Aw,e one, please?
I stared at him with round eyes, but he wouldnt budge.
No means no, Salvos. First of all, I like Belzu. Hes not my son, but honestly I consider him to be a nephew. Maybe a distant cousins son. And Im not going to kill him just because you ask me to.
But I hate him!
So, go and kill him yourself.
The Devil wagged a finger at me.
If you really dislike someone, you should take it upon yourself to kill them. You cant just, I dont know, rely on others to kill them for you. It makes you And youre not an Archdemon of Sloth, are you?
I scowled, averting my gaze.
no.
Exactly. Youre an Archdemon of Pride. Now puff up your chest and kill your dads distant cousins son with your own two hands.
Ugh, fine.
I kicked the ground as the room changed once again. It was now the shape of a diamond. I stood there for a moment, grumbling as my Dad watched awkwardly from the side. He scratched the back of his head, and my eyes darted up.
But, Dad, since youre not going to help me kill Belzu, can you at least do something else for me?
If its reasonable
I leapt at the opportunity and spun to face him.
Can you bring me to the Netherworld?
His eyes narrowed, although he didnt reply just yet. I continued, trying to exin my intentions.
Ive just been working to get back for the longest time but I still cant even with [Long Range Teleportation], and since you can travel between the nes without a problem, I was thinking, why dont you just bring me there for me?
I pped my hands together, excited at just the thought.
Ive been led around and around and around the Mortal Realm for years, barely making any progress. Each lead I find is always a dead end. Even now with my ss, I still dont have a definite way back to the Netherworld. Can you help me with this, please?
Although, my ss advancement was soon. I was quite excited to hit that.
For whatever reason, my Dad didnt seem amused by my request. He made no quip, nor did heugh at my request like I expected him to. Instead, he prodded me further.
Id do this for you, my dearest daughter, but I only have one question: why do you want to return to the Netherworld?
This time, I was the one to cock my head.
What do you mean why would I want to return?
Well, the Mortal Realm is a lot safer than the Netherworld. With your currently [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion], you can passively transform to any Species without a problem. Its not like you have much of a reason to worry about there.
He pointed at my left arm which was still injured from the battle with the Corrupted Centinel. My flesh was torn, ked off due to the damage I had taken when the single arm had been transformed into a pair of wed hands. It wouldve been nice if my body could regenerate whenever I transformed between forms, but there was always residual injuries.
I shuffled to the left, covering my injured arm.
Its still dangerous for me. Im a Demon, and most Humans hate me.
But you have friends, dont you?
I do but most of them think Im a Human. Only mypanions, a couple of Elves, Cyclopes, Kobolds, Spirits, monsters, and Rachel knows that Im actually me.
I weakly gestured at myself. It kind of hurt knowing that most of the people I had met werent actually aware that I, Salvos, was not a Human.
And is that really it? You want to go back to that empty, deste hellscape because Humans are mostly idiots?
Well, thats not all
I trailed off. My eyes closed as I remembered the first person who ever recognized me for who I was. My originalpanion. A Demon with crimson skin and ck and yellow hair.
Opening my eyes, I faced the Devil and answered his question.
I also want to find Haec. Hes someone important to me. I was separated from him when I was pulled into the Mortal Realm. I know hes waiting for me, somewhere in the Netherworld.
I looked down at the palm of my hand, speaking softly.
I want to make sure that hes safe.
My Dad stayed silent as I finished. He said nothing, his gaze darkened. His brows arched on his forehead, casting shadows over his face. I wasnt sure what he was thinking; he was the Devil an unpredictable trickster who always kept you guessing. But he was also a callous, timeless soul who was apathetic to the lives of others.
I feared that I had made him upset once again. He despised it whenever I did anything that involved others. He wanted me to be as entirely selfish and self-reliant as he was, even if I was not him. I waited with bated breath for the reprimanding that was sure toe, and his mouth opened.
Aha! I knew it!
Um, what?
I stared at my Dad, blinking slowly.
It was about a boy. Of course it was about a boy. Youre, what, eight years old?
He gesticted wildly as he paced back and forth. I responded to him with a tinge of uncertainty in my voice.
I dont actually know, honestly. Maybe?
Yes, youre not even ten years old. And here you are, thinking about boys! Its always a boy! Dont you know? Boys will use you and throw you away without a second thought.
Im pretty sure this isnt what you think it is.
Look
My Dad pped his hands together,ing to a halt.
Im just saying, why cant it be a girl for once? Theres nothing wrong with girls getting together! Itspletely fine! Dont you think so?
I dont know if I care?
The point is: why?
Sal met my gaze. I could tell he hadnt really been serious beforehand, but now his expression changed. It was hard to tell an incredibly minor shift in tone with barely any change to the look he gave me.
Why go through all these lengths for this Haec?
Because I want to.
I replied simply.
I already gave you my reasons. Its the same as before, Dad. I dont want to repeat this stupid argument with you again.
His eyes flickered, and he nodded.
Fine.
I watched as he drew back, massaging his temples while speaking in an annoyed tone.
Again, Salvos, Id love to help you, but it really doesnt make sense for me to step in. In fact, it makes even less sense in this scenario since youre very close to achieving your goal. Youre like ny percent of the way there. You cant just give up and let someone else take over when you only have ten percent of the way left to go, can you?
I mean, it would be convenient
I tapped a finger on my chin as the Devil shook his head.
Youre an Archdemon of Pride, remember? You cant expect to grow stronger if you keep pushing your responsibilities onto others. Seriously, thatd be very much helpful as an Archdemon of Sloth, but not for you.
I just want to make sure hes fine
I pursed my lips, and Sal rolled his eyes.
Id do anything for you, my dearest daughter, as long as itd benefit you. I guess this wouldnt really hurt you other than making you overly-dependent on me which, Id actually love. Dote on me more. Its cute.
He reached over to pinch my cheeks, but I pped his hand away.
Are you really sure you want to do this? There really is no reason for you to rush your way to the Netherworld. Haec is fine. Hes quite high-leveled too. So, you really shouldnt be worrying this much.
I was about to give him my affirmation when I paused. I found my left eyebrow raising as I peered at my Dad.
Wait, you met Haec?
I did. He works for the Demon King or something. I dont actually know if hes fine or not I barely paid attention. I was too busy watching you.
But hes alive, right? Haec is alive?
The Devil backed away as I inundated him with these questions. He pushed me back and nodded.
He is. I told you hes with the Demon King. So, unless I was talking to his walking carcass as a [Subus] used ventriloquism to speak through him Im pretty sure hes alive.
My eyes widened as my Dad finished. I slid to my knees, cing a hand on my chest.
Im so d
Haec was alive.
My cheeks squeezed tight as I couldnt help but smile, beaming from ear-to-ear.
Hes really alive.
I was worried I had left him to die alone in the Netherworld. If he found others to keep him safe and if he was still alive I knew I could dy my return for just a little longer. Still smiling, I looked up to my Dad.
Take me to Centina and the others. I need to make sure theyre safe, then Ill kill Belzu.
I spoke simply, and he furrowed his brows.
Wait, what happened to returning to the Netherworld?
Haec is alive. You said it yourself. I dont need to worry so much anymore. Ill get back to him through my own strength, once Belzu is dead. As you said, Im an Archdemon of Pride, right?
The Devil studied me. He ran a hand through his goatee before finally shrugging.
If you insist. Ill bring you back to your monster friends instead. Theres no need to worry about the Matriarch Centinel. She probably went back to sleep beneath the Bloodied Gulf after we left.
And with the snap of his fingers, the world shed. I found myself hurdling through space as his voice echoed around me.
Ill see you next time, my beloved daughter.
When I got my bearings back, I was no longer in his home. I was back in the Mortal Realm, standing amongst monsters.
Chapter 294: Pink
Chapter 294: Pink
294. Pink
Centina stood along the shore of a beach, staring out into the coast over at the red horizon where the sky and the sea met.
A crimson ball descended and left the world in darkness. The color of the ceiling changed. The previously azure dome grew redder and redder before it was finally consumed by a deep purple. It was such an odd scene. So different from the world that Centina knew.
Shed been told Erhard had told her what the outside world entailed. And shed seen glimpses of it in the past. But this was the first time she just sat there and basked in it, fully taking in the difference of the outside world.
Here she was, finally free. No more red sand. No more rock walls. Able to find love once again.
The [Evolved Centinel] fumbled with a ring, removing it from her finger and cing it gently on the palm of her hand. It had been given to her by her first lover, and it held an insignia on it. A cloud with the letter s on it.
Thank you, Erhard. For making me who I am.
Her head lowered as she bowed like hed thought her. Tears streamed down the [Evolved Centinel]s cheeks, fists tightening around the ring. She bade farewell to the Human which taught her how to love. To ovee her hatred.
The soft sounds of feet trudging on sand approached Centina. She nced back at the [Krokodis] who came to a halt behind her.
Think she fine?
Kron asked, eyes fixed onto the horizon. Centina blinked away her tears and cast her gaze towards the night sky. It took her a moment to infer who this she was. And to be perfectly honest, Centina didnt know.
We can only hope
Salvos had challenged an [Ancient Centinel] for the sake of those who were trying to leave the Land of the Lost. The haven of monsters she had barely known. All because of a promise. All because of her pride.
Centina found it foolish, but she was grateful nheless. The [Ancient Centinel] Salvos had faced was incredibly strong. She had defeated Centina and Erhard Skyshredder in the past, when she was only a mere [Evolved Centinel]. Now, at her level?
But I fear the worst oue is more than likely to happen.
Sighing, the [Evolved Centinel] admitted her true feelings on the matter. She didnt wish it, however it was more than likely that Salvos was dead.
Kron deted. Her snout lowered. She didnt really try to argue against it herself.
Oh
But someone else didnt believe it. Willy. The [Will O Wisp]. Hed overheard the conversation and was adamantly against the conclusion drawn by the pair.
Alive.
He flitted over to them, mes changing color. Centina looked up at him as he zed an indignant red.
Salvos alive.
Willy
She stared at him, her lips pursed in a way she often saw Erhard react.
While I hope for the best too, I can only fear the worst
No.
The [Will O Wisp] refused to ept it. His fire burned brighter, illuminating the night as he flew over the crashing waves. He focused on the horizon as he spoke more than he ever did before.
Salvos is alive. She has to be. If not
Centina closed her eyes. She watched as Willy spoke softly, his voice carried away by the wind with the motes of mes wisping off him. A quietus hung over the group of monsters.
On the beach, dozens of monsters were gathered. An eclectic bunch that would not otherwise have been with each other if not for all theyd gone through in the Bloodied Gulf together. There was a soft pop in the background one which drew Krons attention but Centina didnt look back. Instead, she approach the [Will O Wisp].
Im sorry, Willy. I wish I could speak with confidence and say that Salvos survived. That she won her bout with an [Ancient Centinel]. s, I do not believe that is the case. Their level difference was toorge. I cannot fool myself into believing Salvos won.
The [Evolved Centinel] closed her eyes. Willys mes dimmed. And yet, he still protested.
No. Youre wrong. Salvos lives. She won. Trust me. Trust
Centina opened her mouth to say something, then paused as she felt a tapping on her shoulder. Kron was hurriedly gesturing at something on the beach. The [Evolved Centinel] blinked and faced the figure. Then her jaw went ck.
S-S?
Willy continued, not realizing everyone else had their attention turned to something else.
Trust Salvos. She said she would get us out, and she did. Now, she said she would beat [Ancient Centinel], and she will. Believe in her. You have to.
He finished, and right as he did, a chipper voice broke in.
Hey! How are you guys doing?
The [Will O Wisp] froze at the familiar voice. He slowly turned around as a Demon strode along the beach of monsters, waving at everyone there. This friendly Demon came to a stop right before Centina, Willy, and Kron.
She cocked her head.
Why are you all just standing there with your mouths open?
Her eyes narrowed, then she looked over at Willy. The [Will O Wisp] said nothing. She crossed her arms.
Wait, were you really worried about me, Willy?
He shrank in size, speaking in a small voice.
N-no
Aw, you were!
Salvos smiled, and his mes burned a bright pink.
No! Am not!
Willy turned away from me, hiding his face. Well, he didnt really have a face. He was made entirely out of fire, but I could see the color of his mes change in embarrassment. It shone a light red. Pink.
Huh. I wondered what its effects were.
Theres no need to be embarrassed about it.
I walked up to the [Will O Wisp] as he tried to fly off. I caught him and wrapped my arms around his warm ming body.
I was worried about you guys too.
He froze. Willys fire calmed. Then it returned to a normal color.
Worried.
But were fine now.
Fire?
He drew away from me, mes flickering at my body. I looked down at myself. I was still covered in wounds. But I knew that wasnt what he was referring to. Grinning, I snapped a finger and a small rainbow-colored me sparked to life.
My Grand Skill is still active. See?
I wasnt sure how long the Grand Skill was supposed tost, but I felt like it wouldst at least a few more hours. It was quite powerful. I just feared its cooldown wouldst a while.
Willy flitted around me.
Hmph. Copy.
Yep!
It was true, even if I would joke otherwise. I found the way his fire changed color to be fascinating.
But mine is better.
No.
He protested as Iughed.
Salvos.
I turned to the source of the voice. Centina stood behind me alongside the other monsters. Kron, the [Storm Crustaceans], the [Talonyers]... all of them.
What happened to the [Ancient Centinel]?
Centina gave me a worried look.
Will she being after us? Howd you get here?
Oh, I just teleported here. And theres no need to worry about the [Ancient Centinel]. I took care of it.
How? Did you trick her? Did you?
The [Evolved Centinel]s eyes widened, and I nodded knowingly.
I did.
You killed an [Ancient Centinel]...
Kron blinked. Willy paused. The other monsters stared at me, and I shrugged.
Yep. I did.
How?
Centina gaped. I waved a hand dismissively.
It was a bit difficult, but I dealt with it.
But she was over thirty levels above you
I know.
I beamed.
Im pretty amazing, arent I?
Kron nodded eagerly, and Centina just stood there. I spread my eyes wide, gesturing at the monsters around there.
Now, youre fine. All of you are free. You can take your leave.
Most of the monsters exchanged confused nces. It took them a moment, but they finally understood what was happening. The first to go was the [Talonyers]. They dug down in an instant, disappearing into the sand. The [Storm Crustaceans] returned to the ocean, streaming away slowly along with the other monsters.
I watched them go. I was satisfied happy that I finally finished my job here. The only ones who remained were Centina, Kron, and Willy. I cocked my head.
Whats wrong?
The three of them exchanged nces. Then Centina answered.
We dont know where to go.
I raised a brow.
Huh.
Kron shook her head.
Me know. Me want return to family. But me dont know where go.
Willy?
I looked over at the [Will O Wisp]. He spoke, not really caring either way.
No master. I can go wherever.
I see.
I tapped a finger on my chin. I nced over at Centina, and she shook her head.
I dont know where to go. Id like to explore the world. Find love. There are so many things I want to do. I dont even know where to begin.
What about this?
I looked at Kron, Centina, and Willy.
I can help you guys! I can find you ces to go! Kron, I can find you your family. Centina, I can find you a ce where youll be epted, maybe. And Willy want to kill a Primeval Demon with me?
Sure.
The [Will O Wisp] nodded his body. Centina hesitated, then she shrugged.
Id appreciate if you could show me around the world.
Kron?
I turned to the [Krokodis], and she shuffled her feet.
If find me family, me happy.
Alright! Ill help you guys out!
I pped my hands together.
But
Then my mind flickered. A thought crossed my mind. I took a look at my Status, and I lifted a finger.
But just wait a moment. I have something else I need to do for now.
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 130
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 94
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 4
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+25) (+100)
[Strength]: 135 (+25) (+100)
[Endurance]: 150 (+25) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+25) (+10) (+100)
[Agility]: 320 (+25) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 15]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 20]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
[Titles Avable]
Chapter 295: Sentinel
Chapter 295: Sentinel
295. Sentinel
Salvos (Liberator of the gunds)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 130
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 94
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] - Lvl. 4
[Title Skill: Recall Skill] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+25) (+100)
[Strength]: 135 (+25) (+100)
[Endurance]: 150 (+25) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+25) (+10) (+100)
[Agility]: 320 (+25) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 15]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 10
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 6
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 20]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 5
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 10
[Titles Avable]
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for three Titles have been met!
You now have eight Titles avable!
I skimmed through the other Titles I had avable. The ones I had yet to choose or discard. They were quite ordinary. Nothing special to look at. They gave minor Stat boosts, which I didnt quite care about considering my current Titles Skill and boost.
Titles:
(Unariths Fiend)
You have in the High Zealot of Unarith
(Defender of the Nexeus)
You have destroyed a corrupted piece of the world! It may only be a single piece, but it is more than many have done in dozens of millenia! In doing so, youve taken up the mantle of Dragons in protecting Nexeus from its doom!
+15 to [Vitality]
+15 to [Strength]
+15 to [Endurance]
+15 to [Wisdom]
+15 to [Agility]
The only one I paused at on the way to my new Titles was the Defender of the Nexeus. It still intrigued me, even now. But I didnt think its pros outweighed the con of losing [Title Skill: Recall Skill]. It was one of the best Skills I had, currently.
I wondered if it could work on Grand Skills, too. Probably not.. Either way, I moved on and took a look at one of the three new Titles Id been given.
The first made my jaw drop.
(Secelys Sentinel)
You have defended Secely against a myriad of threats both from the outside and from within! Whether it be a Demon that threatens to kill hundreds of millions, or an invasive Species of monster that came from far away, you have dedicated your abilities towards defending thest continent of the Nexeus! But while you may have fended off the corruption of the Ennds once, would you be able to repel it again when it draws nearer?
+30 to [Vitality]
+30 to [Strength]
+30 to [Endurance]
+30 to [Wisdom]
+30 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You are more resilient to the corruption of the world!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 20%!
What?
My eyes went wide. Centina nced over at me, raising a brow.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
I had been sat on a rock by the beach, kicking my feet over the washing waves until I fully took in thest part of my Title. I quickly waved a hand off at the [Evolved Centinel].
Its nothing! Dont worry about it!
She frowned, but said nothing more.
I steadied myself, once again focusing on the offered Title. It gave me an additional 30 Stat Points to all of my Stats, which was already better than the Liberator of the gunds.
Not only that, it had additional Bonuses which Id never seen before.
Bonuses:
*You are more resilient to the corruption of the world!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 20%!
The first Bonus wasnt anything amazing. I would say it was far too specific for me to even consider it. I wasnt going to go around, ending the worlds corruption, right?
Right?
Well, regardless of whether I did that, I had the Breastte of Alexander even if it was broken right now. I could probably get it fixed somewhere. Added to the mix of my Grand Skills I wasnt too worried about dying to the corruption.
Maybe Id think about it if I decided to venture to the fabled Ennds my Dad kept talking about. But, honestly, he was probably overexaggerating its dangers by a little bit.
Anyway, what caught my attention was the second Bonus. My Grand Skills cooldowns would be reduced by 20%. That was good. Very good.
I wasnt even sure when my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] would end, but I knew when it did, Id be waiting for quite a while before I could use it again. A month, maybe. Or a few weeks, at the minimum.
Meanwhile, I was pretty sure I could only use my invincibility Grand Skill once every five days. The wait time for both my Grand Skills would be drastically reduced if I had chosen this Title.
The only problem was [Title Skill: Recall Skill]. Even then, I really considered it. I didnt think any other Title would be as good as it was. Well, when I decided to take a look at the next first, I realized I was wrong.
(Genocider of Centinels)
You have killed over a million Centinels in an extremely short amount of time, indiscriminately targeting both young and old in your genocide! Having even brought down an [Ancient Centinel] on your own, you are now the bane of Centinelkind. Even the wrath of the Matriarch Centinel herself isnt enough to put a halt to your senseless massacre.
+50 to [Strength]
+25 to [Vitality]
+25 to [Endurance]
+25 to [Agility]
+5 to [Wisdom]
Bonuses:
*You attract the wrath of Greater Centinels wherever you may go.
*You canmand Lesser Centinels through sheer intimidation if there are no other Greater Centinels around.
Um, what?
This time, Willy was the one to perk up. He flitted over to me, curious.
Ok?
Yep. I''m fine! Great, actually! Its just
My eyes flickered. I thought about all the possibilities. I could have my own army of small Centinels! I was going to assume that Lesser Centinels meant everything from Level 40 and below which meant theyd be distractions more than anything.
But if I was up against Belzu, thatd be very useful.
Actually, rather than making assumptions, I decided to ask Centina what Lesser Centinel was.
A Lesser Centinel?
She blinked.
Those are Centinels who are below Level 70. Why?
Just wondering
Wait, actually, since Centina was a Greater Centinel, would she suddenly be mad at me if I chose this Title?
Does that mean you are a Greater Centinel?
Im an [Evolved Centinel]. I do not fall under either Greater or Lesser Centinel. Im a Sapient Centinel.
Huh. Got it. Thank you!
It was good that Centina wasnt going to get mad at me. But I was still on the fence regarding this Title, especially due to its description.
I didnt just kill the Centinels for no reason. It definitely wasnt senseless. I was mostly defending myself against them after being forcefully thrusted into the Bloodied Gulf by my Dad.
So if anyone deserved that Title, it was Sal!
Yet, it also offered a pretty good Stat boost. Once again, even better than the Title I gained from killing the Lich. I was tempted to choose it, but I was averse due to the same reason as before Id lose [Title Skill: Recall Skill].
That was one of the most beneficial Skills I currently had in my repertoire. Was it worth removing that Skill? That was the question I had to wrestle with.
I mulled over it as I reached myst Title.
(The Devils Daughter)
You are the daughter of the Devil! He is a being that is dozens of millennia old. He has seen the fall of the old world, and lived through the beginning of the apocalypse. He has seen continents fall, watching callously as entire Species are driven into extinction. Yet, he has taken you as his student. And under his tutge, youve earned more than just his interest youve also earned his affection.
+10 to [Vitality]
+10 to [Strength]
+10 to [Endurance]
+10 to [Wisdom]
+10 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You get to keep your current Title and all its Bonuses and Skills.
Huh.
Salvos say something?
Kron looked up from chomping into a Centinels leg. I didnt know when, but the [Krokodis] had somehow smuggled bits of Centinels with her to feast on because she liked the taste. I sighed.
I did. But it, um
I trailed off. Shrugging, I gestured at a nearby thicket.
Im going to go over here to do something now.
Obviously, I was going to choose this Title. There was no reason not to. I could already tell that my Dad would try to tease me about it, but I didnt see any reason to be embarrassed about it.
In fact, I was pretty sure this Titles description was far more embarrassing for him than it was for me. After all, it outright said that he was attached to me now, which I was sure hed try to deny.
He was the Devil he would im he was intrigued by my actions and my progress, but not attached. Something about being around for a long time and how my existence was mere moments to him.
Now, there really was no consequence to epting this Title if it meant I could stack it on top of my current Title. But the question remained did I want to remain as the Liberator of the gunds?
Itd be risky, removing [Recall Skill]. However, as I stood alone amongst the trees and tried to activate the Title Skill and use it on my Grand Skills, I knew it couldnt work.
The Skill was only useful for Skills Id lost. And while that was useful to a certain extent I didnt think it was worth the loss of potential from rejecting either Secelys Sentinel or Genocider of Centinels.
It was a risk, but life was all about risks. What was more, it was one I was willing to take.
Now, I had to weigh the options I had. I liked both of the other Titles. I could see their uses especially to aid me in my battle against Belzu. However, Genocider of Centinels, while quite useful, didnt offer quite the Stat boost that I wanted.
And that tipped me over the edge towards Secelys Sentinel. I could potentially live to regret my decision. Maybe [Recall Skill] would be usefulter on in a situation where I needed it, but I didnt have it. But I believed that with the advantages offered by Secelys Sentinel and possibly even The Devils Daughter, it would make up for it entirely.
With my mind made up, I made the change.
Title Lost!
(Liberator of the gunds)
[Vitality] +25
[Strength] +25
[Endurance] +25
[Wisdom] +25
[Agility] +25
General Skill [Title Skill: General Curse Resistance] Removed!
General Skill [Title Skill: Recall Skill] Removed!
Title Gained!
(Secelys Sentinel)
+30 to [Vitality]
+30 to [Strength]
+30 to [Endurance]
+30 to [Wisdom]
+30 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You are more resilient to the corruption of the world!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 20%!
General Skill [Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] Obtained!
General Skill [Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] Obtained!
Title Gained!
(The Devils Daughter)
+10 to [Vitality]
+10 to [Strength]
+10 to [Endurance]
+10 to [Wisdom]
+10 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You get to keep your current Title and all its Bonuses and Skills.
General Skill [Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] Obtained!
General Skill [Title Skill: The Devils Grace] Obtained!
Chapter 296: A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into a Town
Chapter 296: A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into a Town
296. A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into a Town
And with that, I was finally finished with what I needed to do. I had obtained a new Title two new Titles, actually. The Devils Daughter had a bonus which allowed it to be stacked on top of any other Title I had. With it, came a whole 10 Stat Points to all of my Stats in addition to my brand new Title as Secelys Sentinel.
I had four new Title Skills, too. [General Status Effect Resistance], [Invoke Wrath], [Protection of the Sentinel], and [The Devils Grace]. I was most intrigued by what thest did, as the others were quite intuitive. Except maybe [Invoke Wrath].
I returned to the beach with the Centinel, the [Krokodis], and the Spirit. Kron had gone to sleep some time ago, and Centina was on the brink of passing out too. Only Willy was as amazing as me, immune to the need to sleep.
Hey!
I called out to them. The [Will O Wisp] flitted up and over to me.
Finished?
Yep! Although
I did still have my Skill Points to spend. I quickly distributed them, maxing out my Secondary Skills and [Demons Mark]. I also brought [Nebr Construct] up to Level 10, although it wasnt maxed yet.
Alright, now Im actually finished.
I nodded at Willy, and his mes brightened.
Good.
He flew back towards Kron and Centina. They jerked awake as he zipped around them, yelling loudly in a short, truncated voice.
Wake. Up. Wake. Up
Me awake. Me awake.
Kron scrambled to her feet as Centina groused.
Are we ready, Salvos?
Yep!
I pped my hands together, spreading my wings wide. Both [Wings of the Netherworld] and my regr wings unfurled.
Lets get going!
The [Evolved Centinel] paused. She exchanged a nce with Willy and Kron. Then she faced me.
Right. But where are we going to go first? Itll be difficult to travel around with myself and Kron. Even if Willy, as a Spirit, can follow you without a problem to Human settlements.
Huh.
I cocked my head.
I havent actually thought about that. Thatd be a problem, wont it?
Centina sighed.
Yes. Yes it will be.
I narrowed my eyes.
What are we going to do about it?
Thats exactly what Im asking you.
--
I decided to worry about what to do with Centinater. For now, Kron was really antsy about getting home.
Me family, not sure. Me swamp there.
She gestured vaguely towards the horizon, and I pursed my lips.
Um, Im going to need a bit more detailed directions than that to figure out where to take you.
Right now, I was flying. I had no direction I was going in, really. I was more trying to get a gauge of where we were. I had a map, and I knew the Bloodied Gulf was at the southernmost point of Secely. So, considering where we were in rtion to the Bloodied Gulf, I was assuming we were towards the southwest.
Kron had no answers for me none that she could give. All she told me was that her people had lived in a swamp of sorts. It was muddy, the grass was a dark green, and there were a lot of vines.
Yep! Like that helped!
Eventually, after flying for a few hours, we returned to civilization. I spotted small towns and viges. Human settlements. They were scarce and far apart mostly farnd right by a river. Inded far enough away where no one would spot me and turned to Kron and Centina.
You guys should wait here.
But the [Krokodis] just shrugged.
Why?
Because if Humans see you, theyll attack you. You dont want that, right? Im going to go to the local Adventurers Guild and ask if they know anything about your, um, swamp.
Is fine. No worry about we. Watch
Kron snapped her fingers, and I blinked.
Huh.
The image of a Human woman wrapped around where Kron had been standing. No longer was a [Krokodis] standing before me. Instead, she was a green-haired girl wearing a frilly dress with a hat made out of straw.
See?
It was an illusion. Centina gaped as she watched Krons form change. Not an actual transformation, yet it seemed real enough.
Wait, what about me?
The [Evolved Centinel] eximed. Kron waved a hand in her direction. Her form shifted too. She stared with wide eyes as she took on the body of a middle-aged woman with ginger hair. Kron gave her the appearance of being dressed in rich clothing and plenty of essories adorning her.
This sight made Centina gasp. She took herself in, touching her face and her cheeks. Then she touched her jewelry, blinking. The objects moved as though she were interacting with them, but she frowned.
These arent real. I cant feel them, even if I can touch them.
Because fake. Me illusion not physical.
Kron replied simply. I tapped a finger on my chin.
I see. So that means youve got to be careful not to bump into anyone, Centina.
If only I was able to lend the [Evolved Centinel] my shapeshifting ability. She was quite downtrodden, but regardless, she started towards the town in the distance.
Alright. Lets get going!
I raised my hand. Willy harrumphed, interrupting me before I could take even two steps forward. His mes flickered as he spoke.
Me?
I stared at him, then nced over at Kron. Scratching my cheeks, I cocked my head.
What about you?
Illusion. Me too!
But youre Spirit.
I waved a hand over his body.
You wont get in trouble for entering a town unlike Kron and Centina.
Not fair!
He protested. He flitted around me, making unhappy noises.
You can transform. They have illusions. What about me?
Youre Willy!
No!
I sighed, massaging my temples.
Fine. Kron. Can you give Willy a Human form too?
The [Krokodis] nodded. She pointed at Willy, and his mes flickered out. I watched as a boy emerged from his embers. A boy with rainbow-colored hair and mismatched eyes white in one eye and ck in the other. He stood about half my height, and his face lit up.
Im
Then he blinked. He inspected himself, outraged.
Why this?
I dont know.
I feigned patting him on the head.
Seems kind of fitting, though.
He scowled.
No! Change!
Kron shook her head.
Better this. Your body small. So, small body too.
I could tell that her line of reasoning didnt cate Willy, but he epted it regardless.
Fine.
Everyone happy?
I looked at Centina first. She seemed kind of excited, actually. Even if she didnt want to look like it. Kron was more uncaring than anything. And Willy was still pouting. But they all nodded.
I pped my hands together.
Ok! Onto the Adventurers Guild!
--
We arrived at the gates soon enough. The town was called Goldwick. After a small chat with the guards, I discovered that it was a small city right at the edge of the Vorith. They were one of the smaller members of the Alterian League in the other direction of the Rainforest of Monsters.
There wasnt an entrance fee, surprisingly enough. The guards didnt even need to see any identification for our entry. Our entrance to the city went smoothly enough. That was until one of them whistled as Centina walked by.
Woah there, beautiful. How long will you be staying in town?
My gaze snapped back. I didnt do anything just yet, but ording to Edithe, suchments typically led to trouble. I waited as Centina came to a halt, face shadowing over.
Uh-oh. It seemed like Edithe was going to be right. Centinas head hung low as the guard approached her.
You know, Im good friends with the [Innkeeper] just down the street. I could get you a few free drinks and even a discount for the room if you spare some time for a man like me.
I moved to step in, but Centina was already raising her head. Her eyes were narrowed, a piercing gaze that stabbed into the guard. She opened her mouth and she blushed.
Y-you think Im beautiful?
I froze. Um, what?
I watched as the [Evolved Centinel] or at least, her Human illusion shuffled her feet, embarrassed. She covered her face with her orange locks, shying away from the man. He sidled around her, grinning,
Of course! Youre the most beautiful woman Ive seen in years!
R-really?
Her face grew redder than the color of her hair. I nced over at Willy, looking for his help.
Should we, um, step in or something?
Hmph. Dont care.
He was still upset. I looked over at Kron, and shed already wandered off. She was at a nearby food stall, inspecting the meats they had on disy. Meanwhile, the man continued to hit on Centina.
Come on, gorgeous.
He brought his arm over her shoulder.
We could
And I moved fast. I grabbed the man by the arm, stopping him from touching her. Centina frowned as I pushed him back.
Thank you for the offer, but well be going now.
Wha?
I grabbed Centina by the arm and marched off. She spoke in a hushed voice, annoyed.
He was nice to me, Salvos! What are you doing?
I should be the one asking you that.
I rolled my eyes as I brought the [Evolved Centinel] back to Willy. His cheeks were still puffed up, and he refused to budge. So, I dragged him further into the town along with Centina, searching for Kron.
If you had let that guard touch you, your disguise would be over. Seriously. Whyd you just freeze up like that?
Centina blinked. Then her eyes widened.
I didnt think about that. He was just so sweet. And heplimented me. And he offered us a ce to stay. And
And that doesnt matter once he realizes youre not Human. Anyway, where is Kron?
I looked around the town. We were drawing a few stares since we were high-leveled individuals who the townspeople probably couldnt use [Identification] on. That just meant I had to follow where the attention was directed at. After all, Kron would be attracting attention too wherever she went.
I spotted amotion in the distance and ran off, leaving Centina and Willy behind. I looked back quickly and spoke to the [Will O Wisp].
Take care of Centina. Make sure nothing happens to her.
I pushed through a small crowd gathered around the market street. People were whispering, gasping as a scuffle broke out.
Thats my horse, you crazy woman!
Me say mine now!
Kron was walking away from a stable, carrying an entire horse on her back. She was also munching on arge chunk of raw beef in her other hand. The [Farmer] tried to pull her back, but she just dragged him forward.
You cant just take my Daisy
Another voice shouted from amongst the crowd. A woman stumbled forward, panting, followed by a group of guards.
There!
She pointed at Kron, and the [Krokodis] blinked.
Thats thedy who stole from my stall!
I watched as Kron tensed, readying for a battle. The guards cried out and raised their weapons. Then I stepped in.
Wait, wait, wait! Kron, you cant just take other peoples things without their permission!
She kicked off the [Farmer] and chewed on the meat.
Why not?
I hesitated.
I dont actually know? But Daniel and Edithe says you cant.
Hey, give me back my horse!
The [Farmer] got to his feet, and I flicked my wrist at him.
Here. Have a hundred gold coins.
The [Farmer]s jaw dropped as he saw me produce the coins out of thin air. The glittering coins ttered at his feet as I turned to the woman and threw her a handful of tinum coins too.
Take this and go away. Both of you.
Of course! Whatever you say, mydy!
Take that stupid horse. I didnt want it anyway.
Their tones quickly changed. They took the money and left, and I also tossed a few gold coins to the onlookers and the guards.
Alright. Everything settled?
I dusted my hands off. Then I turned to Kron. She continued munching on the meat before she shrugged.
You
I crossed my arms.
What?
She just shrugged.
Me hungry.
Whatever. Lets just go back to
I turned around with a sigh, only to freeze when I only saw Willy standing next to a woman I didnt recognize.
Are you lost, little boy? Where is your mother?
No mother.
You dont have a mother? Oh, you poor thing. Here, Ill bring you
Wait! Wait! Wait!
I ran up to them. I stepped between Willy and the woman, raising my arms.
His mother is just um, getting something to eat. Theres no need to worry. Come on, Willy. Lets go.
Oh, ok.
I sighed when I brought him away from that woman. He was still upset with his arms crossed. I wiped the sweat off my forehead.
That was close. Now lets get back to Kron
I pivoted around, only to catch myself.
Wait, where is Centina?
I looked around for the [Evolved Centinel], but she was nowhere to be seen. Then I turned to ask Kron for her help, but the [Krokodis] was also gone. I looked over at Willy for help.
Did you see where they went?
Hmph.
He averted his gaze, not looking at me. I sighed.
You know, it wasnt actually a good idea to bring two monsters and a childish Spirit into a town full of Humans.
Im not childish!
Chapter 297: A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into the Adventurers Guild...
Chapter 297: A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into the Adventurers Guild...
297. A Demon, Two Monsters, and a Spirit Walk into the Adventurers Guild...
There you are!
I found the [Evolved Centinel] standing at the edge of an alleyway, looking around confused. I opened my mouth and called out to her as Willy followed slowly behind.
Centina
Hey there, Missy. Want toe with us and have some fun tonight?
Wait, why was she being crowded by those guys? I watched as a group of four men surrounded her. They cornered her, and all she did was blush.
O-oh? Where are we going?
One of them ced a hand on her shoulder.
Well be going to wait, what the?
His brows furrowed, and I leapt in just in time. I literallynded on the first man, waving at them.
Hi! Im Salvos!
They stared as their friend copsed, unconscious. I ced a hand over my mouth.
Oops, sorry! Did I give your friend a concussion? Well, you should tend to that, alright? Anyway, my friend here is busy. Well be going now, bye!
I grabbed Centina and dashed off. They exchanged nces,pletely thrown off. I could tell that they wanted to protest, but it all happened so fast they couldnt even register what happened.
They only broke out of their stupor when their friend Id crashed into groaned.
My head I think I have a concussion
Didnt I already say that?
I brought Centina back to Willy. I nced between the two, then back towards the streets of Goldwick. I sped my hands exasperatedly.
Look, I just need to find Kron before she does something stupid again, alright? Can the both of you promise me youll wait, where did Centina go again?
The [Evolved Centinel] was somehow being led into a tavern by a young man.
Why are you being hit on again already?!
She giggled, hands covering her mouth before I yanked her back. I returned just in time to find a rugged man kneeling and smiling at Willy.
Do you like candy, little boy? I have more at my ce
The [Will O Wisp]s mouth drooled.
Candy?
No, no, no! Thats a kidnapper!
I broke the mans kneecaps, bringing both Willy and Centina to an emptier side street. I crossed my arms and faced them both.
Please, can you guys just wait here for five minutes?
Centina looked embarrassed. She shifted slightly before nodding.
I-Ill try. Its just that Ive never gotten the attention of so many guys before. Am I really that pretty?
I grabbed her by the shoulders.
This is an illusion, Centina. Its not your real body. The moment those guys discover youre an [Evolved Centinel], theyll run away screaming. Theyll hate you.
Her eyes widened. She hung her head, and I drew back.
Youre right, Salvos. Im sorry for being troublesome to deal with. Its just so much for me to take in.
She shook her head.
I shall wait here for you to return with Kron.
Thank you.
I smiled. Then I turned to Willy.
And will you behave?
He scowled.
No.
I rolled my eyes. I looked away from him, speaking in a disappointed voice.
And here I thought you werent actually a child. But seeing you act so childish I guess your body really does fit you, huh?
What? Am not!
He sputtered, and I sighed.
Well, I guess I could get my clone to babysit you.
No need!
My eyes flickered open as he spoke. I raised a brow.
Oh? Are you sure about that?
Can take care of self.
Willy spoke indignantly. I nodded.
Well, if you insist.
I smiled, turning away. With that settled, it was finally time to find Kron.
Now where did that [Krokodis] go?
I scanned the streets of Goldwick, but before I could go searching, a familiar voice drew my attention.
Something wrong?
I spun around to see Kron standing behind us, her confusion evident. I blinked.
When did you get here?
She shrugged.
Me here whole time.
Huh.
I didnt know how I didnt notice her standing there as expected of someone with illusion magic. Well, at least I didnt need to find her. Although
My eyes narrowed as I looked at her shoulder.
Why are you still carrying that horse?!
--
It took a while, but I eventually herded my friends into Goldwicks Adventurers Guild. It wasnt arge guild by any means. One of the smallest ones Id been to, actually.
All the better for me, since it was less likely for Kron, Centina, or Willy to get in trouble. We strode in one after the other, although the [Krokodis] struggled to fit through the door. I sighed.
Kron can you please just put the horse down?
Mine!
Leave it outside. Well get herter, alright?
She wanted to protest, but a single re made her concede.
...fine.
I got a table and bought food to cate my three friends before making my way to the receptionists desk. A young woman stood there, blinking as I came to a stop right before her.
Hello there, Miss. How can I help you today?
Hi! Im Salvos!
I waved at her, and she nodded. Then she paused. She stared at my hand as her eyes widened. Fumbling behind her desk, she spoke in a hurried voice.
Are you alright, Ms Salvos? Do you need a healing potion?
Um, what?
She produced an array of bottles and offered them to me.
Youre covered in cuts oh my, how are you still alive?
Oh, this?
I looked at my left hand. Then I looked at my right hand. Then I looked at my entire body. I really was still quite badly injured, wasnt I?
If I wasnt still under the effects of my Grand Skill, Id probably be in a lot of pain. I shrugged.
Sure. Im out of healing potions, anyway.
I bought the whole stock and downed a few healing potions. My wounds mostly healed up. When I was done, I got down to business.
Alright. Im looking for information about a certain Species of monster.
Were only a small guild, so we can try to offer what we can.
Have you heard of a [Krokodis]?
I asked, ncing back at Kron. The receptionist frowned.
I have heard of that monster. They are very dangerous considered a tinum Ranked threat. Are you perhaps a tinum Ranked adventurer?
Actually, Im Diamond.
I corrected her, and she paused. Her smile slowly vanished as she rubbed her ear.
Im sorry, Ms Salvos
Im Salvos. Not Ms Salvos.
I cut her off. She hesitated.
R-right. But did I hear you right? Did you say youre a Diamond Ranked adventurer?
Yep! I just came from the Bloodied Gulf, actually. Killed an [Ancient Centinel] too.
You what?!
The receptionist gaped. I waved a hand dismissively.
It wasnt that hard. Well, I mean, it was but I ended up winning, of course. Because Im Salvos.
But an [Ancient Centinel] is an Elite Ranked threat
I beamed, wanting to bask in her praise more. But there were other pressing issues, so I continued.
Im looking for a [Krokodis] Lair? Or something. Its supposed to be around a swamp?
A [Krokodis] Lair?
The receptionist tilted her head.
Or any ce that supposedly had a bunch of [Krokodis] in the past. In a swamp, specifically.
Well, there was a notable [Krokodis] infestation in Zunus a few decades ago. But they were wiped out. Although they did try to reform a few times, I''m pretty sure those groups were hunted down too.
My shoulders went ck. Was that really Krons family? If so, that put a damper on our ns.
I see, thank you.
I nodded at the receptionist before returning to the table of monsters. Kron had finished all the food I had ordered, while Centina was shifting from side to side at the looks she was getting. Willy looked up at me.
How go?
It, um, didnt go so well.
Kron nced up, and I sighed.
Your family, Kron theyre probably dead.
I didnt know how else to say it, so I was blunt. Perhaps it was too straightforward, however there was no other way to ce it. The [Krokodis] eyes widened.
Oh.
She drooped slightly. I wasnt sure what I was expecting toe next, but I certainly didnt think shed just shrug it off.
Sad.
Thats it?
I cocked my head.
What do? Me need find new home.
I thought youd be a little more upset.
Me family dead. Sad. But need live.
She spoke simply, and I agreed with her.
Thats true. But now what do we do?
I looked over at Centina and Willy, hoping theyd have options for me. But neither had any suggestions.
Im not sure if there are too many ces we can go to, Salvos.
Centina fidgeted, ying with a ring in her finger. I looked over at her as she continued.
Unless we get the aid of someone powerful, theres nowhere we could go where we are safe. After all, we are not Humans. We need to go somewhere where we could be protected.
Right.
That made sense to me. Even when I first came to the Mortal Realm, I had Daniel and Edithe to guide me around and help me. Otherwise, Id often get into trouble. I didnt want Centina or Kron to be attacked if they were found out, and while I could try my best to prevent that from happening, my experiences over thest hour alluded to how things could go horribly wrong.
My eyes narrowed as I caught sight of the symbol on Centinas ring. It was one I recognized it had been on the diary I found at the Skyshredder manor.
Someone powerful, huh?
I snapped my fingers.
What if I brought you over to Mavos Academy?
Willy paused. He pointed usingly at me.
Thats a stupid idea.
Why not?
Humans. Many. High-leveled.
And thats exactly what were looking for!
I snorted. Powerful Humans ones that, if I could convince them, would protect Centina and Kron. Especially if yton Skyshredder listened to her story.
Wait, Im not certain whats Mavos Academy?
Centina gave us a puzzled look. I sped my hands together, grinning
Its my school! Its somewhere to the north of here. But dont worry, Ill get us there in no time.
Stupid!
Willy crossed his arms.
I dont know, Salvos. This sounds like a dangerous idea.
Centina agreed with him, although Kron didn''t seem to care.
Me illusions. Me safe, always.
Exactly what Kron said!
I gestured at the [Krokodis], then at Centina.
Dont worry, Centina. Ill speak with their Headmaster. Hell help us out. After all, hes Erhards great great great great however many greats grandson.
The [Evolved Centinel] sat up abruptly.
He is?
Also, Im sure he wouldnt pass up the chance to learn more about Centinelkind. So, trust me! Itll all go over just fine.
I
She shuffled her feet. She was clearly apprehensive of the idea, yet she nodded.
Very well. We shall head to this Mavos Academy if you desire.
Great!
I spread my arms wide. My wings shot out although they were covered in mes and the adventurers surrounding us gasped. I took Centina and Kron by the arms as Willy floated up. The receptionist stared at us as we slowly flew out of the guild.
Thanks for your help!
I waved at her, and she looked at me with round eyes.
She really is a Diamond Ranked adventurer
With that, I took off. I flew back in the direction of Mavos Academy, excited to finally be back. I was now Level 130. I had two new Titles. And I was nearing my ss advancement too. I wondered how my friends back in school would react?
Oh, actually
I tilted my head back.
What is it?
Centina raised a brow. I pursed my lips.
I hope Im notte for school.
I remembered that the semester was supposed to start in a month or so, and I had no idea how long Id been in the Bloodied Gulf.
Well, it should be fine, right?
Chapter 298: Edithes Elaboration Part One
Chapter 298: Edithe''s boration Part One
298. Edithe''s boration Part One
Edithe Dawnrise rose from her bed as sunlight leaked into her room through the windows blinds. One look at the clock by her bedside told her that it was noon. Shed overslept. But that was because of howte shed gone to bed the night before.
Preparations had been made. Shed done everything she could to ensure things would proceed smoothly. Hadrian had thanked her for what she did, and while he had wanted to show up for the arranged meeting urringter that day, he was barred from showing up.
Jake had only agreed to speak with Edithe. And while it was just going to be Edithe going against the True Dreamers Company, she was confident shed be able to reach apromise. The Valiant Dreamers Company had been split into two after the revtion ofpanys hidden purpose, and Baris death.
But with the Primeval Demon threat, and the fate of Humankind at stake, they needed to make amends. Before Leopold left.
It was three days ago when the delegation of the Rising Veterans Company arrived at Viechester. Their leader, Leopold, had gathered most of the independent adventurers left in the city, along with the smallerpanies those thatprised of a tight-knit group of friends, more than actual members.
He gave the Valiant Dreamers and the True Valiants Companies a day to settle their disagreement before the Rising Veterans and their coalition left to meet with the other Honorable Companies. Together, their might would rival even the Van Qieuer Empire. Maybe even surpass it.
That was why Edithe was doing everything she could to ensure that both the True Valiant and the Valiant Dreamers joined this coalition.
The red-haired woman left her room with a yawn, heading down to the mostly empty lobby. She nodded at Sophia who was eating her lunch.
Afternoon, Edithe.
Hello, Sophia. Wheres Cless?
Hes out training. Still getting used to being up and about, you know?
Thats good.
Without Rachel to take care of, Sophia was now free to carry out her adventurer duties which was not much. The city was on high alert, and guards were everywhere. There were no monster threats that hadnt already been taken care of by the city itself. And it wasnt like there were many travelers on the road.
Everyone was afraid of the Primeval Demon. Sophia, herself, didnt feel like she could do much in the grand scheme of things. Edithe felt a simr way mostly because she experienced how helpless she was in the face of Belzu but she knew that with everyones effortsbined, they could actually do something against him.
Ill be going out to meet with Gabriel, now.
Gabriel?
Sophia blinked. Gabriel had been a Diamond Ranked adventurer and abat [Alchemist]. A powerful member of the Valiant Dreamers Company until the split.
Her brows creased.
He betrayed us why are you
Everyone was betrayed that night, Sophia.
Edithe cut her off.
Theres no need to point fingers. What matters now is that we work together.
...right.
Sophia bit her lower lip.
Youre right.
Now, lets hope Gabriel actually listens to what I have to say.
Steeling herself, Edithe left thepany headquarters and searched for the [Alchemist].
-
Gabriel waited at the meeting point. It was a field right outside of Viechester one overgrowing with flowers that were left unpicked. Edithe trudged over to him and spoke his name.
Gabriel.
He nced fractionally at her, looking up from the beige-colored flower hed been kneeling over and inspecting. Dusting off his knees, he got to his feet and plucked the flower.
Edithe Dawnrise.
He greeted her with a smile.
It has been a while.
She wasnt expecting such a warm wee from him, especially since he now was part of the True Valiants.
I-I, uh, yes.
You know, it is still quite odd calling you by your full name. It was only a few years back, you were a newly-minted Gold Ranked adventurer. Certainly not the noble and Diamond Rank you are today.
He walked up to her, and she shuffled her feet.
Thank you, Gabriel. I
She pursed her lips. She didnt expect this kind of a wee from Gabriel. She expected a lot more animosity and ill will. Instead, he shook his head and smiled.
Do you know where we are?
Edithe took in the sight of the field. The overgrowth and the explosion of flora. She vaguely recognized this ce.
If I remember correctly, this is often where you came to gather ingredients for your alchemy.
Indeed. It has an abundance of resources. Rich in the lucir flower. Very important in concocting physical enhancing potions. And yet, [Alchemists] dont often flock here to gather these ingredients. Do you know why that is?
Gabriel came to a halt right before the red-haired woman. She shook her head, and he chuckled.
Its because mixed with the lucir flowers arekir mushrooms. Those are poisonous fungi, and they infect the vegetation around it with the same toxic properties that are inherent to them. Most low-leveled [Alchemists] are unable to sift out the toxicity, so they simply abandon a ce such as this. Leaving it to flourish in their absence.
I see.
Edithe didnt know how this was pertinent to their meeting, but she let him speak. And when he was done admiring the vegetation in the area, he turned to face her and spoke about the matter at hand.
Edithe. Why did you wish to speak with me today?
She answered honestly.
I believe that the Valiant Dreamers and the True Valiants shouldnt be fighting amongst each other. Not right now. Not when theres more pressing matters.
The Primeval Demon.
He spoke her mind for her. She nodded grimly.
I know what happened with the Iron Champions was Baris fault. And I know that he was partially to me for what happened that night with the Primeval Demon
This was a speech Edithe had rehearsed multiple times. But even with the practice, she found it difficult to truly say. ming Baris didnt feel right to her, and yet the anger of the True Valiants was justified. So, she took in a deep breath and continued.
But that doesnt mean what he stood for what he taught us was incorrect. Thats why you guys formed the True Valiants, right?
Indeed.
Gabriel agreed, and she nodded.
Thats why we have to work together. Put aside our bad blood and work with the Three Honorable Companies. Bring down the Primeval Demon. You get it too, dont you?
There was a reason why Edithe had chosen to speak with Gabriel. She knew he was the one who would be most swayed by logic.
I
She started. But he cut her off.
However, while I agree with your sentiments, I do not truly believe that Baris was at fault for what happened that night. Nor do I believe hes to me for the Iron Champions.
She paused. It took her a moment to register what he said. Then she blinked.
Wait, if you dont fault Baris for what happened, why did you leave the Valiant Dreamers Company?
Gabriel sighed, stepping forward.
Baris was my friend. Hed been my friend for many decades. But do you want to know the truth, Edithe?
He asked, and her eyes widened.
I had wanted to leave thepany for decades. The only reason why Id ever been in the Valiant Dreamers Company was because of him. Because of Baris. All because of a promise. And now that he has passed, I was no longer beholden to my promise, so I left.
Edithe took a step back. She slowly worked her jaw.
But if thats the case, why did you join the True Valiants?
Because just as the lucir flower in this area needs a skill [Alchemist] to remove thekir mushrooms poison in its stem, the True Valiants needs an experienced member to ensure it doesnt devolve into a group that exists solely to sabotage and make enemies out of the Valiant Dreamers.
You mean
Her eyes grew round, but he shook his head.
Do not mistake me. I am not doing this for the sake of the Valiant Dreamers. It is for their own sake for the True Valiants to seed, they cannot be forever begrudging to what Baris has done.
Gabriel ced a hand on her shoulder, smiling.
Now, for the sake of both ourpanies, and the rest of Humankind, let us work together and put an end to the Primeval Demon menace.
He left the field, and she hurriedly followed after him. Her lips curled up as she finally found someone on her side. Not to fight against each other, but to unite as one.
Lets do this.
-
Together, Edithe and Gabriel spoke with Jake and the rest of the True Valiants. Then they spoke with Hadrian and the Valiant Dreamers. It was hard to convince them to speak with each other, but they only had a day before Leopold left. So, the red-haired woman made it work.
The thing was there was never any need for the Valiant Dreamers or the True Valiants to cooperate. They just had to work alongside Leopold and the Rising Veterans. That way, there would be no bickering and no arguments.
Many familiar faces showed up for the meeting, and while there were scowls and brief snidements made against each other, they ended their meeting with a simple mission statement even if they disliked each other, that didnt mean they couldnt face amon threat.
Edithe sped her hands, speaking to everyone in the room. And both the Valiant Deamers and True Valiants came to an agreement.
We want to stop the Primeval Demon. We cant argue and squabble amongst ourselves when our lives and the lives of the ones we love are at stake. So, please, let us pool our strength together and fight with each other once again.
With that, it was finally settled.
Chapter 299: Interlude - Edithes Elaboration Part Two
Chapter 299: Interlude - Edithe''s boration Part Two
299. Interlude - Edithe''s boration Part Two
How long will you be gone?
Rachel stared up at Edithe with misty, round eyes. The red-haired woman pursed her lips. Patting the girls head, she spoke in a reassuring tone.
I promise Ill be back as soon as we defeat that Primeval Demon.
I-I but
The girl sniffed and drew back away from Edithe. Tears streamed down her face as another figure stepped forward. It was Cless. The Gold Ranked [Mage] gave her a mncholic smile. Her eyes widened.
You too?
Thank you, Rachel. For looking after me when Id been injured.
He kneeled down to meet her gaze, but she looked away.
You cant all be going, right? You cant
She paused when her gazended on Sophia. The one whod been taking care of her for all this time. The girl gasped.
Sophia? Y-you
Her voice trailed. Wiping away her tears, Rachel pleaded with the young woman.
Please dont go?
It was both a request and a question. A hopeful one. Unfortunately, Sophia could only shake her head.
Im sorry.
Edithe wouldnt have preferred to watch this scene. Rachels eyes grew wide, her pupils dting. Her shoulders sagged, and the welling up of her tears overwhelmed whatever dam that had been holding the deluge back. She cried full-on ugly cried.
The girl bawled her eyes out as Sophia hugged her. The two held each other for a long moment, while adventurers moved in the distance. They embraced each other at the bottommost steps of the Sanctum of Elements, and a man descended from the marble stairway.
William, the [Priest] who raised Edithe, nodded morosely at Sophia. He took Rachel away, carrying her over his shoulder. He gently tried to calm her although it was to no avail.
Edithes lips pursed as she continued to watch. Obviously, she didnt want to leave the girl alone. But it was far better than bringing her with them. William would take care of Rachel. Edithe trusted him.
He paused atop the staircase, ncing back at the red-haired woman once.
Take care of yourself, Edithe.
She blinked. Then she nodded.
I will.
And with that, he returned to the temple. Edithe, Sophia, and Cless watched as Rachel disappeared back into the temple, eyes still full of tears, and carried by William.
-
Hadrian.
Edithe nodded at the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Hed been waiting out here alongside the other members of theirpany, gathered just outside of the banclite walls of Viechester.
Are we ready?
Hadrian straightened, and she nodded.
As ready as well ever be.
Good.
His gaze fixed past her. She followed where he was looking back towards the city. Their city. It was finally time to depart. And everyone was understandably anxious. Even Hadrian.
I hope that, when this is all over, Ill be able to return to this beloved city.
Edithe shook her head. She held his hand, even as she reprimanded him.
Dont say that, Hadrian. Youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers. If youre disheartened, the rest of thepany will be too. You have to believe that well win. Youll have to trust that well defeat the Primeval Demon.
He chuckled, although it wasnt out of humor. Hadrian smiled at Edithe, bowing his head.
Youre right. I apologize for that disy. Come on, let us get going.
And they left. A procession of adventurers streamed away from Viechester, led by Leopold. By the Rising Veterans Company.
It was one of thergest gatherings of unaffiliated adventurers shed ever seen. They werent alliedpanies or just independents hanging out at a guild. No they were all kinds of adventurers, their affiliation irrelevant. And together with the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company, they marched away from Viechester, heading to a faraway location.
Their destination was supposedly the Helbir ins. They were going to continue their march north, recruiting all the adventurers that they could before finally heading east. To Lurdroth. It was a neutral country that was located right between Shedos and the Helbir ins. One that engaged mostly in trading, and hadnt been engaged in a war in over two hundred years.
That was where the coalitions of the Three Honorable Companies were going to have their meeting. Where they were going to discuss their next course of action.
Edithe trudged alongside this cavalcade of adventurers as they crossed through a long strip of nds. Clouds gathered above, darkening the sky and douring the mood.
The Valiant Dreamers Company, once so mighty, had been lessened to the point where they simply blended in with the crowd. Perhaps, in the past, they wouldve stood out. But after the toll taken by thepany war and after the True Valiants made their split, they were far less noticeable to others.
Her eyes flickered to the opposing group. Gabriel, Jake, and the rest of the True Valiants marched ahead of the Valiant Dreamers, at the head of the group. They grouped themselves together with Leopolds delegation, and rumors began to spread throughout the gathered adventurers.
Is that the True Valiants Company?
I hear its the sessor of the Valiant Dreamers. After Baris death.
The Valiant Dreamers? But arent they right
The red-haired woman scowled, but she made noment. The only reason why Valiant Dreamers werent also at the fore of the procession was because Edithe, Sophia, and Cless had to bid farewell to Rachel.
Sophia gritted her teeth as she tightly gripped her bow.
Didnt we agree to work together? What are those idiots at the True Valiants doing?
Theyre not the ones spreading these rumors, Sophia.
Edithe replied. Sophia growled.
But theyre doing this on purpose. Theyre trying to put us down and elevate their own position. Even at a time like this.
That
There was nothing Edithe coulde up with that could defend Jakes actions. Even though he listened to Gabriel, he still seemed upset with the Valiant Dreamers. He probably did this on purpose. With a sigh, she just shrugged.
We dont want to cause trouble. Its fine, Sophia.
Ugh, I know, but wait, whats going on?
Sophia whispered. Edithe nced up, watching as Leopolds group came to a halt all of a sudden. Shadows zipped by overhead, and heads turned.
Everyone looked towards the sky. Eyes widened, and adventurers pointed as flying figures descended from the clouds. A susurration washed over the gathering as a flying carpet descended, carrying three figures on its back. Even from afar, Edithe could tell who they were.
Those are Elites
Her breath was caught in her throat. She just stood there, in a stupor, dazedly watching their entrance just like all the other adventurers gathered here. Those standing closest to the Elites who werent in Leopolds delegation receded. Arge gap separated the masses of low-leveled adventurers from those who were above Level 150, giving them their space as theynded.
What are you guys doing?
A voice snapped Edithe back to reality. The one who spoke was a figure who floated above the rest of the Valiant Dreamers, who were also enraptured with the arrival of the Elites. And he was the only one who carried a semnce of the former glory of theirpany.
Ismail Znd. The [Beastmaster] flew forward with his Pegasus, gesturing at the Elites.
Let us greet our new guests.
Greet them? Edithes first thought was to protest. Those were Elites. Regr adventurers like them should stay back. Regr adventurers
The red-haired woman turned away from Ismail, taking herself in. She was a Diamond Rank adventurer. Just like him. She was no ordinary adventurer. And the Valiant Dreamers Company had beenpared with even the Honorable Companies in the past. She knew that their standing had fallen, which was why she shouldnt be walking with her chin down.
It was just as she said to Hadrian earlier they needed to bolster their morale.
To me!
Edithe rallied the Valiant Dreamers. Sophia hesitated, and Cless didnt immediately start forward. Even Celine, Edithes brash friend, didnt make a move. Not until Hadrian stepped beside her.
What are you standing around for?
He waved an arm, gesturing for them to follow.
We are dreamers, but we wont be lost dreaming. Wake up from your sleep and follow me!
They exchanged apprehensive nces, but they did as they were told. Edithe and Hadrian led the Valiant Dreamers with pride through the crowds of adventurers to meet with the arriving Elites, even if the red-haired womans heart was racing. The flying carpet came to a halt a few feet off the ground, and the Elites disembarked one by one.
The first of them was arge woman. One who stood as tall as any Cyclops and carried a massive battle axe on her back. The ground almost shook as her feet touched the ground, and her bellowing voice could be heard even from the back of the crowd.
Leopold! Still as scrawny as ever, huh? So these are the adventurers youve gathered for us?
[Warrior - Lvl. 157]
Thats Lofus. The Broken Berserker of Bharain.
Shes said to be able to rip a Wyvern in half with her bare hands.
Isnt she an independent adventurer? Whats she doing here?
Edithe didnt need to listen to the crowdsmentary to know of Lofus. With her spiky red hair, and with a body envied by any [Warrior], her reputation far preceded her.
The second figure to step off the flying carpet was a man who stood two heads shorter than Lofus. Hended without a sound, almost slinking into hispanions shadow. Rubbing his ear, he clicked his tongue and spoke in an annoyed voice.
Youre too loud, Lofus. Youre going to make me go deaf if you keep shouting.
[Rogue - Lvl. 161]
Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scale.
Hes the one who stole a dozen Epic Grade artifact from the Koboldnds and sold them to the Vaun Qieur Empire for tens of thousands of tinum!
He nearly ran their vaults dry, didnt he? Its no wonder he ran across the Humannds to join the Rising Veterans Company.
His gaze snapped towards the woman who said that. She shrank back and quickly apologized.
Im sorry I didnt mean
The third figure didnt speak, even as he pulled himself down from the flying carpet. Yet, the Spirits that apanied him the [Will O Wisps] that wisped off his white hair and the [Elementals] that clung to his wrinkled body made it clear who he was.
[Summoner - Lvl. 155]
Is that Alder Ashford? The highest-leveled [Summoner] in the world, and the Augur Elder himself?
What is he doing here? Wasnt he part of the Forsaken Company?
The whispers grew louder as Edithes eyes narrowed.
Wasnt he at the Fall of Nightsveil too?
Didnt he flee and leave Bellward the demaster to die?
Oi, Alder, theyre insulting you again.
Orgaf crossed his arms, and the whisperings came to a halt. He nced over at Alder, giving him an expectant look.
Are you not going to defend yourself?
Alder said nothing. Lofus sighed as she leant against her war axe.
Do not bother with him while his pride is shattered, Orgaf. Please, it is better to let him recuperate by himself.
Im just saying hes letting his reputation be ruined by a bunch of nameless mooks. Seriously, are we supposed to work together with these guys to bring down that Primeval Demon? Give me a break.
Orgaf picked his nose and snorted. He nced over at Leopold, rolling his eyes.
Werent you supposed to bring us reinforcements or something? Who even are these adventurers? Ive never heard of half thesepanies in my entire life.
I did my duty as ordered by my superior, Nikodemus
Did that idiot seriously tell you to pick up any adventurer you saw? Thats ridiculous. These guys will only slow us down.
The Thief of the Golden Scale sighed. He scanned the adventurers gathered, pausing momentarily at Ismail, before shaking his head.
Only one person in this entire cavalcade of clowns is even worth bringing along to fight the Primeval Demon. You can leave the rest behind.
He waved a hand off. This dismissive attitude annoyed Edithe.
She watched as he made a shooing motion at all the confused adventurers, including those of the Valiant Dreamers and the True Valiants. Not even Gabriel drew his interest.
Sophia exchanged an uncertain look with Cless. And she wasnt the only one who was puzzled. Murmurs rose from the gathered adventurers even Jake didnt know what to say but Ograf put a halt to it with a p of his hands.
What are you guys still doing here? There was a mistake. Go back to your homes, already. You have no reason to be here.
Edithe couldnt take it anymore. She stepped forward, carrying with her all the dignity of the Valiant Dreamers Company on her back.
With all due respect, Sir, I believe there was no mistake.
And who are you?
He raised a brow. She proffered him a hand, smiling.
Edithe Dawnrise. The Liberator of the gunds.
That made Orgaf pause. Edithe knew that itd throw him for a loop. She nned on it. But she didnt expect him to recover so quickly.
Ah, youre one of the two friends of that Salvos girl who has been making news recently, are you? Well, I wouldnt quite say you deserve that Title, but Ill humor you for now. Come on, tell me why there hasnt been a mistake.
He didnt shake her hand. Instead, he chuckled, and she pursed her lips.
Mypany the Valiant Dreamers was approached directly by Leopold to aid the Rising Veterans Company in bringing about the destruction of the Primeval Demon that felled Nixa. It is the same reason why every other adventurer here is gathered. To end this Demon threat once and for all.
And what makes you think that you wont be more than mere fodder in the face of that Primeval Demon?
Orgaf peered into her, a vicious grin spreading across his face.
What makes you think you wont just add to his growing army of undead and monsters?
I
Edithe clenched a fist.
The Valiant Dreamers are a respectedpany
He cut her off, raising a finger.
Was a respectedpany. I heard about what happened. After thepany war and after your brief sh with the Primeval Demon now, you are nothing.
And that made Edithe snapped.
We are more than capable of holding our own, and Im willing to prove it.
You wish to prove it?
Orgaf narrowed his eyes, and sickles appeared in his hands. Lofus shook her head as she watched him sneer.
That foolish girl
The red-haired woman backed up as the Thief of the Golden Scale raised his pair of golden des.
Thene, oh pretender. False Liberator of the gunds. Id be more than willing to put you in your ce. Im waiting.
Edithe, what are you doing?
Hadrian called out. She nced back at the man, then she steeled herself. She held tightly onto her staff, raising it.
Bring it, you petty thief.
She snarled. It was a deliberate provocation. Maybe even stupid. Gabriel and Ismail tensed, and Hadrian reached for his sword as both Edithe and Orgaf stood across from each other. Everyone waited with bated breath as neither of them made a move just yet.
Then the [Rogue] flickered. He moved so fast, Edithe couldnt even react. His sickles sliced up
Thats enough!
And a voice thundered overhead. Lightning struck down, intercepting Orgaf before he couldsh out at Edithe. A figure dressed in gilded robes stopped the Elites attack with ease. Edithe blinked as the dust settled, and her eyes grew wide.
An elderly woman stood before her. One who bore the insignia of the Rising Veterans Company on the back of her robes. She carried with her a staff made entirely out of crystal, wearing a crooked crown on top of her head.
Edithe tried to use [Identification] on her
[??? - Lvl. ???]
And it didnt work.
T-that thats Helena Warshade!
Edithe froze. Her gaze snapped up at the mention of the name, and both awe and trepidation coursed through her as more voices echoed from behind.
Shes the leader of the Rising Veterans Company. Shes the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world!
Helena Warshade didnt react to the gasps, nor did she once turn away from Orgaf. She spoke simply, her voice booming through nds for all to hear.
Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales. I, Helena Warshade, am the one who ordered for this coalition to be formed. I ask that you refrain from threatening or harming any adventurer under my protection. Is that understood?
Her voice was apanied by a crackle of lightning. One that lit up the darkened sky. It was a show of force that left Edithe staring. The mana radiated from that single bolt it was far more powerful than any of her Skills.
Orgaf drew back, and his sickles vanished.
Fine.
He grunted, turning away.
Whatever.
Good.
Helena Warshade lowered her staff, and the sky cleared. Dark clouds had covered the sky all day, but now they were all gone. With the simple flick of her wrist. Then she addressed the gathered adventurers.
"Now adventurers of the Sunmere Republic! I thank you for heeding my call! Mypany waits you at the edge of the Helbir ins. This journey, while long and arduous, I assure you, is for the greater good! Together, we shall bring down this Demon threat once and for all!"
There were cheers as lightning came crashing down all around the nds, yet none striking even close to anyone there. Edithe could only stare at this overwhelming disy of power as Helena showed off her magic after putting another Elite in his ce.
Another susurration ran through the crowd, and this time, it was one of pure wonder.
Is that really the power of Helena Warshade?
If were going to fight alongside her, we may actually stand a chance!
And as Edithe got to her feet, she hoped... she truly hoped...
That it would be enough.
Chapter 300: Return to Mavos Academy
Chapter 300: Return to Mavos Academy
300. Return to Mavos Academy
yton Skyshredder stood atop the Tower of Truth. It was a grand building that was located at the center of Mavos Academy one where the faculty of this small college town resided. Standing there, he had a full view of the entirety of the campus. Its streets were emptier than usual; he didnt beheld the sight of a bustling university full of students.
No most of the students had returned to their homes. Their sses had been suspended ever since the Primeval Demon crossed the border into Inoria. While it mightve slowed in its approach, its direction was clear: it was headed to Shedos.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was a knowledgeable man. He had a wealth of information behind him awork that would supply him with anything he needed to know. And he knew why the Primeval Demon was heading to Shedos.
In fact, he understood its n as soon as it had in Baris Slydrift.
It was collecting the Treasures of Alexander. Mythic Grade artifacts that even very few Elites would be able to acquire. Certainly, the Watcher was likely to have at least one or two Mythic Grade weapons in his inventory. But even someone like yton would have a hard time getting his hands on something of the sorts.
He was the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. He could theoretically pursue a Mythic Grade artifact after all, there were stories and legends of where some were said to be buried or hidden.
However, yton was, more than a fighter on the battlefield, a researcher. A man of academics. He didnt waste his time searching for some long lost power that could only be wielded by him when he could be actively working to bring that power back into this world for all to use. That was his reasoning in the past.
Now with the Primeval Demon running amok, he wished he had at least one Mythic Grade artifact. He had sent his [Secretary], Marie Schofen, to acquire as many Epic Grade artifacts as possible, but that didnt mean much when the Primeval Demon had both the Breastte of Alexander and the Sword of Alexander.
And once it found its way to the Norwood Family in Shedos, it would have another item in the set. The Greaves of Alexander.
Truly, yton wished he could intervene. That by himself, hed be able to y the Primeval Demon. But he had doubts that he was capable of that. Even if it had been merely at Level 150, it wouldve been a difficult battle. And now, it was nearing ytons level. Last he heard, it was just above Level 160. And Demons well, they were feared for a reason.
Perhaps if Humankinds strongest fighters were to get gather
But no. The Watcher was missing once again. And yton couldnt abandon Mavos Academy. He had sworn an oath. With a sigh, he ced a hand on the crystalline window, watching as figures moved in the streets below. Mavos Academy was still busy; life hadntpletely ground to a halt, even if there were no sses. It was essentially a city. Even if half the students disappeared, the roads would still be popted.
yton would ensure no harm befall his school, no matter what. Be it Demon or monster.
Stupid!
Hey, Im not stupid!
Not you. Idea stupid!
Whats wrong with this idea? We just have to show yton Centinas ring exin everything that happened. Hell help us out.
Demon bring monster to ce full of strong Human? Very stupid.
I rolled my eyes as Willy continued to protest. He was back to his [Will O Wisp] form or should I say, Kron had let her illusionse to an end once we were high enough up in the sky. I was still carrying her and Centina. Willy himself had no trouble flying, although if I sped up too much he wouldnt be able to keep up with me.
Look, do you have any other suggestions, or are you just going to keep calling my idea stupid?
This question stumped the [Will O Wisp], and I shook my head.
What about you, Kron? And you, Centina?
None of them had any answers for me. They were mostly clueless as to what to do both Kron and Centina scarcely or never ever wandered into the Humannds. Willy was a Spirit. While he had a master, he was only summoned or called out when needed. He didnt have a goody of thend either.
I considered all options I had, and I was pretty sure this was the best one I had. Centina wanted to explore the Humannds, not lurk around its peripheries, so I needed someone powerful to help her. And that someone was yton Skyshredder.
He was the most powerful Human I knew, at least.
Anyway, if anything goes wrong, Ill protect you guys. Dont worry too much about it.
I still had my Grand Skill active, after all. It was half a day since I killed that [Ancient Centinel], and my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] was still going strong. It was going tost me at least a full day.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 130
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 94
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 6
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 135 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+30) (+10) (+10) (+100)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 5]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
After that? Well, I probably was going to be waiting a while before I could use it again.
Just a little further.
I saw smoke billowing into the sky from the horizon. We flew over a destendscape burned buildings and destroyed cities littered the ground. Had this been Nixa? Or was it just another area that had been razed to ashes by Belzu?
I didnt know. Either way, I continued my flight until eventually we arrived at Shedos.
Mavos Academyid ahead. A city and a school. I saw its tall towers peaking over the clouds. A majestic sight. Yet, it seemed different from before. It didnt have the ambience of a busy school. Instead, it looked more like a guarded fortress. I narrowed my eyes, swooping down away towards a forest instead.
Where going?
Willy asked. I gestured at a cave hidden beneath the trees and the earth.
My Lair.
Wended, and I lowered the pair of monsters to the ground. They took in my Lair. At the treasures I hadid out. The [Will O Wisp] paused by the Dreaded Goblet.
Odd.
Hm?
I cocked my head. Then my eyes narrowed as I sensed an odd energy radiating from the ckened water inside of it.
Huh. I never felt that before.
I wasnt sure what it was. It reminded me of when I first learned how to sense mana the invisible strands that permeated the air. Except, it was specific to the Dreaded Goblet.
Centina found her way to the stacks of books I had arranged in the corner of the cave, while Kron made herselffortable in my makeshift bed. I didnt need that bed anymore since I no longer needed to sleep. Good riddance.
Alright.
I pped my hands together, drawing their attention.
Ill be going to Mavos Academy now.
They hesitated. Then they slowly put down their things. I tilted my head as I watched Centina scuttle up towards me. Willy just let out an ethereal sigh, while Kron nodded.
Me magic, ok?
She raised a hand, activating her illusion magic. I watched, and they were all wrapped up in their Human forms.
Um, what are you guys doing?
I gave them an inquisitive nce. Centina stopped taking in her form and met my gaze.
Were going to meet with this yton Skyshredder, arent we?
She seemed a little bit excited either that, or she was happy to look like a Human again. I frowned.
Why would you? This is a magic academy. Theyll see right through Krons illusions!
Willys Human form blinked. He stared at me for a moment. Even Kron wore a puzzled look on her face. I narrowed my eyes, ncing between each of them.
Centina peered at me.
What is your n then, Salvos?
Im going to speak with yton and bring him out of Mavos Academy, of course. Not to my Lair, either. Well arrange a ce for you guys to meet!
Oh.
The [Will O Wisp] made a sound of understanding. He faced me, nodding approvingly.
Smart.
I looked back at Centina who smacked her forehead.
That makes sense.
Even Kron was surprised by it.
Ohhhh me get it.
I really didnt get what was going on.
Wait, what did you think I was going to do?
Willy shuffled his feet, averting his gaze. Centina pursed her lips, and Kron shrugged.
Me thought you bring us into Mavos Academy. Me thought use illusion magic to hide us. Me thought you stupid.
My eyes grew wide. I took a step back.
Seriously? You guys thought I was going to bring you into Mavos Academy? Thats so stupid!
Exactly.
Willy nodded eagerly. I blinked.
Huh. So thats why you thought it was dumb.
Then I folded my arms.
See? My idea isnt stupid!
Chapter 300: Special: Salvos Side Character Popularity Poll 2
Chapter 300: Special: Salvos Side Character Poprity Poll 2
Title says it all. Another poprity poll to see who are your favorite side characters. Chapter 301 will be out soon, but I''d like to see your guys'' votes first. Especially a hundred chapterster :)
Also thank you all for reading as always. Y''all are great.
Read up to 20 Salvos chapters ahead on my patreon.
Join my discord or subreddit.
Follow me on twitter or instagram.
Chapter 301: Divine
Chapter 301: Divine
301. Divine
Valda sighed as she sat in the library of Mavos Academys Central Square. A textbookid unopened before her. Her notes were scattered on the desk, a jumbled mess that she couldnt be bothered to sift through.
This sucks
She murmured. Across from her, Eve, one of her best friends, raised a brow.
This is unlike you, Valda. Usually Id be the one snoozing during one of our study sessions together.
What even is the point in studying?
The fifteen-year-old girl scowled. She was a genius whod enrolled in Mavos Academy six years younger than most of her freshmen counterparts. Eve, for example, was turning 22 this year, while she was turning 16.
And yet, despite being a supposed hard working genius, Valda was refusing to study. She didnt budge, barely looking at her friend.
Our entire semester was canceled. There really is no reason to study for the next five months until our next semester begins. Its ridiculous. I wouldve graduated next year if not for this.
Well, to be fair, there is a Primeval Demon skulking around our borders.
Eve shrugged. Valda snorted.
Mavos Academy is the most prestigious magical institution in the world for a reason. It has never fallen, even under siege, throughout all of history. Even during the First Great Kobold Invasion or even when the Demon King himself came to the Mortal Realm.
Right, but thats because of the Immortal King Alexanders intervention both times.
That is true And yet, Valda found herself shaking her head.
Still, we dont know where the Primeval Demon is going. Its trapped in Inoria right now. Has been for the past month. And if it cant get past Inoria, then it doesnt stand much of a chance when the Vaun Qieur Empire mobilizes the full might of its army to put an end to this threat.
But havent you been hearing the rumors?
Her friend leaned forward. Eve whispered conspiratorially, ncing over at the door of the study room.
My aunt shes a senator, right? Well, she told me theres more than just a single Primeval Demon. There have been sightings of other Demons many of them at over Level 100. Dozens of them. Maybe even hundreds.
She shuddered as Valdas eyes narrowed.
That sounded insane to think about. That there were that many Demons no, Archdemons present in the world. And even still
The Adventurers Guild approximates that there are ten thousand Diamond Rank adventurers currently registered in the world. Thats not to mention the thousands that are working in the military such as the Swordsguard Forces of the Vaun Qieur Empire. Or the nonbatants. Or those who work in assassin groups or mercenary armies.
Valda waved a hand off dismissively. Eve rolled her eyes.
Youre acting as though all the Diamond Ranked individuals in the world are going to collectively work together to stop this threat. Unlike the Demons, we arent so organized. And if there are already that many Archdemons present in the Mortal Realm
There was a pause. Eve closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Even Valda understood the implications.
Just how many of them are there, hiding away, and waiting in the Netherworld? Surely you understand the gravity of the situation, right?
The fifteen-year-old girl pursed her lips. She shuffled her feet.
I know that, its just
It was that her school life the life in Mavos Academy she so looked forward to, that shed worked towards for her fourteen years was ruined. And just epting it upsetted her.
Worse than that, it would also admit that admit that
Maybe Saffron was right
Did you say something?
No
Valda sighed again. She rested her chin on the palm of her hand, ncing out of the study rooms window, and taking in the rest of the library. Columns of bookshelves rose up to the ceiling, creating a forest of books.
I just wish someone would deal with that Primeval Demon already...
Footfalls echoed in the hallway just beyond as she massaged her temples. She nced up as the door swung open, Jeremiah, Marie, and Jonas leaping into the room.
Valda
What are you guys doing here?
She blinked.
Guess whos back at Mavos Academy?
Her eyes lit up as she exchanged a nce with Eve.
A [Hero] could.
Salvos is back.
I strolled through Mavos Academy, heading for the Tower of Truth at the Central Square. I needed to speak with yton Skyshredder about Centinas situation. To get his help, of course. Unfortunately, I found myself constantly being interrupted on the way there.
Excuse me sorry, Im in a bit of a rush.
Hey, is that Salvos?
The Diamond Ranked adventurer? I thought she died to that Primeval Demon!
Those were just rumors. I saw her on campus after the fall of Nightsveil. She never left Mavos Academy.
But wait, her level how
It was nice, of course. Hearing people praise me always ced me in a good mood. Except, not only were they praising me from afar, people were blocking my way to ask question.
Salvos! Werent you Level 110 just a few months ago? When did you get to Level 130?
I nced over at the man who approached me. I didnt recognize him.
Um, I got to Level 130 twenty hours ago?
He stood in my way as I tried to get around him. Even though I made it clearly obvious that I was in a rush, he still barred my path, speaking to me with familiarity.
Amazing. And to think you reached Level 100 justst year
Thanks. Um, do I know you?
I cocked my head. The man deted.
Wait, you dont remember me?
He didnt look like anyone I knew. And that was because he wasnt anyone I knew.
Well, we never spoke so I guess that makes sense. I was in your enchantment ssst semester
Sorry, Im in a rush. Gotta go!
I dashed around him as he called out.
Wait
But I didnt care. I didnt know who he was, so it didnt really matter to me. I wasnt going to stop for just anyone. Only for people I knew.
I arrived at Central Square momentster, only to run into someone I actually knew.
Salvos!
A familiar voice called out to me. I looked over at Valda as she strutted over, waving. I blinked. She was apanied by her friends. And this time, I had to stop to chat.
Valda! And Eve, Jeremiah, Marie, and Jonas too. How are you guys doing?
I smiled, hugging them one after the other. Valda stepped back, eyes wide.
Amazing, Salvos. Youre already at Level 130. Howd you do it? I mean where have you been?
Oh, Ive just been busy. You know, fighting Centinels.
Fighting Centinels?
They exchanged confused nces. I nodded.
Yep. At the Bloodied Gulf. Ive been there for the past few weeks. Or months. Hard to keep track of time down there.
You were at the Bloodied Gulf?!
Eve gasped. They stared at me, a mixture of bewilderment and amazement in their eyes. I beamed, pping my hands together.
Anyway, thats what I was up to. I do hope you guys have been doing well in your sses. Im a bitte, but I cant wait to catch up.
Valda hesitated. She shuffled her feet, scowling.
About that
Whats wrong?
I gave her an inquisitive nce. She didnt meet my gaze. Eve snorted.
Valdas upset because there havent been any sses for the past month.
There hasnt?
No.
Valda spoke as she crossed her arms.
They canceled the entire semester. Weve been given some work to study on our own, but sses will only resume half a year from now.
Huh.
Well, that was good. It meant I wasntte for my sses. I didnt need to catch up in the middle of a semester like when I first enrolled. However, Valda wasnt enthused about it.
Its just so stupid. Why must this happen when Im in school? Why couldnt it happen after I graduated.
Her friends agreed with her. I watched them mutter amongst themselves, upset about this turn of events. I felt a bit bad. I didnt really get it, but I knew they were unhappy about their current predicament. I couldnt slinked away amidst their chatter, but instead I stepped forward to reassure them
Dont worry, Valda.
I ced a hand on the blonde girls shoulder. She looked up at me as I smiled.
Ill deal with the Primeval Demon. Then everything will be resolved.
Her eyes went round at that. Eve frowned.
Wait, but thats not
You can do it, Salvos.
Valda cut her friend off. She met my gaze, eximing.
If anyone can do it, you can!
I took a step back, nodding.
Yep! Ill see youter, alright? I need to speak with yton about, um, something important. Bye!
With that, I took my leave. Valda watched me enter the Tower of Truth.
Do you really believe that, Valda?
Eve faced the blonde girl, unconvinced. Yet, Valda was adamant.
Salvos is a [Hero], remember?
We think shes a [Hero]. We have no proof of that, yet.
You saw how quickly she leveled it only makes sense. She killed the Lich, and she ventured into the Bloodied Gulf. And if shes not a [Hero]...
Valdas eyes fixed on the silver-haired woman as she ran through Central Square, finally arriving at the Tower of Truth.
Then shes a guardian. Someone who protects. A sentinel. Secelys Sentinel.
Eves eyes flickered.
That kind of makes sense to me.
I arrived at the Tower of Truth, leaving the ruckus behind me. This was where the staff of Mavos Academy were gathered, and they were far more professional. They didnt stop me at each step. Even if I recognized a few of the faces there.
Specifically, Veronica Adash. Former princess of the fallen kingdom of Adash. She was both a student and a teacher in Mavos Academy. And she guided me to ytons office.
To think that youd surpass my level in such a short amount of time
She shook her head.
I kind of expected it, but Im still surprised.
I raised my chin, grinning.
Well, I did get some help to get here. But Im very strong now. Look.
Rainbow-colored mes coalesced around my fingertips. Veronica frowned.
Ive never seen magic like that before. It almost feels different.
Really?
I inspected the iridescent embers. It felt like it radiated regr magic. Strong magic. But alright, maybe a bit irregr. It reminded me a bit of the Dreaded Goblet. Huh.
Hes in here.
Veronica came to a stop by a double door. I bowed my head at her.
Thank you.
Of course.
She leaned forward, cing a hand on my shoulder.
And if you ever wish to pay me back, just let me know when your father is back in town.
I froze. Then I nodded robotically.
Um, sure.
With that, I hurriedly rapped on the door and waited for ytons voice to leak through.
Enter.
The Headmaster spoke as if he was right next to me,even though he was inside. Some kind of noise amplification magic. I pushed the double doors open, stepping inside.
yton!
I greeted him, waving. Then I paused.
I mean, um, Headmaster Skyshredder?
I wasnt sure how these titles worked. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy turned to face me. Hed been standing by the tinted ss window, overlooking the school.
Wee back. It seems youve been busy while youve been gone.
Yep! Killing [Ancient Centinels] and stuff.
He didnt seem too impressed by it, although he fractionally raised a single brow.
Truly, you know not what risk means, do you?
He flicked a finger, using magic to pull open a seat for me. I sat down across from him as he settled into his desk.
Well, I do. I was kind of forced into that situation. But, also, I did have um, something to help me out so it wasnt justpletely stupid.
The Breastte of Alexander saved my life more than once. I wouldnt have gotten out of the Bloodied Gulf without it.
Anyway, I have a favor to ask of you, Headmaster. Please, just hear me out, alright?
yton Skyshredder creased his brows. Then he ced his arms on his desk.
Very well. But first
He leaned forward, eyes fixed on me.
Tell me, Salvos: why do I sense Divine Essenceing from you?
Chapter 302: First Impressions
Chapter 302: First Impressions
302. First Impressions
Tell me, Salvos: why do I sense Divine Essenceing from you?
yton Skyshredder posed the question to the silver-haired girl. Right now it was soft difficult to discern. If he hadnt sensed it as she was making her way to his office, he wouldnt have thought twice about it.
But make no mistake, this was Divine Essence. The very same he could sense from the Watcher. The very same one he had been pursuing for his whole life but failed to achieve.
Before him was a young woman, roughly twenty years of age. A child. Not in a literal sense, butpared to him, she was nothing more than a child. In such a short amount of time, not only had she reached Level 130, but she somehow attained a Divine Essence.
It was the same power that the Immortal King Alexander was said to have exuded. An aura thatmanded respect and authority. His words alone wouldpel those under him to heed his will.
It was the same one that the Oracle of Light Melissa had. And the very same one the Quisling Zacharius had before he became a Lich.
So, how?
How did Salvos learn this power?
Was she taught by a divine being? Or did she y an unfathomably powerful creature? Or perhaps, did she study an artifact of great? A Mythical Grade item equivalent to the Treasures of Alexander?
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy took interest in such questions. He was a researcher. He had to know. So, he leaned forward, peering into Salvos. Into the silver-haired girl.
And she shrugged.
I dunno.
I watched as yton nearly fell off his chair at my answer. He coughed, trying to straighten. Then he faced me with a serious look.
Are you joking right now, Salvos?
I mean, I kind of know how I got it? It was given to me through a Skill.
A Skill?
His brows furrowed. Then he stood up, wide-eyed and staring at me.
A Grand Skill? You learned a Grand Skill before reaching Level 150?
Um, yep? Is that a big deal?
I cocked my head. I was always under the impression that it wasnt that special. Well, Grand Skills were special and hard to learn. But I didnt think it was exactly unusual to have it before Level 150. Apparently not.
A Grand Skill is rarely awarded, even to Elites, Salvos. I only earned my Grand Skill in my Level 150 advancement. And that was because I yed a Greater Wyvern in battle.
yton shook his head. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Huh. That meant Zix was pretty awesome, wasnt he? And I wanted to duel against him on my own.
To be fair, I did have Daniels [Hero] Skills boosting me. But that was still very stupid. I wouldnt have won if not for the mes around the arena. Wait, what did they call it again? Divine mes?
I creased my brows, mulling what that meant for a moment as yton pressed me further.
Now, Salvos, what could you have possibly done to earn you a Grand Skill?
I killed, um, a lot of Centinels. Well, I also had the Breastte of Alexander on me, and Ive been studying it
I scratched the back of my head. yton massaged his temples.
You have the Breastte of Alexander on you, too
Um, yep. But I didnt steal it, I promise. Saffron lent it to me.
The Merryster child?
His eyes flickered. Then he leaned back on his chair.
Its all starting to make sense, at least.
Is it?
I raised a brow. yton drew himself to his feet, running a hand on his desk as he approached.
The Breastte of Alexander is a Mythical Grade artifact. It is blessed with divine power. By studying from it and extensively using it, it only makes sense that you should have learned how to use its power for a brief moment. A very brief moment. But even now, I still sense it from you.
He came to a stop before me.
What is this Grand Skill of yours, Salvos?
Its called [Divine Essence of the
Wait. I caught myself. [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion]. Cambion. A half-mortal, half-Demon. And Daeva Cambion. My Subspecies.
yton furrowed his brows as I tried to work my jaw.
[Divine Essence of the?
He waited. I quickly waved a hand off.
Um, I meant to say that its the [Divine Essence of the Mystic of the Nexeus]! Thats right! And its what gives me this!
I showed him my rainbow-colored mes, and he inspected it.
I see this divine fire interesting.
Divine fire? Then it clicked. Wait, is this the same kind of fire that the Kobolds had used in their ritual during my duel with Zix? If that was the case, I could probably deal with Zix easily now if we fought again.
That was cool!
Yep. Anyway, now that Ive answered your questions, I need your help, Headmaster.
I cannot promise anything, Salvos. Even to a student of Mavos Academy. However, I am willing to hear your request.
He crossed his arms, and I nodded.
So, there are, um, these monsters that I met while in the Bloodied Gulf.
I exined the situation about the haven. About how I helped work with them to escape after they helped me. I also explicitly made sure to bring up Willy. Having a Spirit at his level working alongside the monsters gave the monsters some repute, right?
Well, apparently, yton wasnt too surprised by the idea of a monster haven.
I have heard of such ces. Monsters, unrted to each other, cooperating in an extremely hostile environment. They have even worked alongside Humans if they share the same enemy. That is how many [Beast Tamers] or [Beast Masters] have formed their bonds. I heard that once there was an Elite [Beast Master] whod even managed to befriend a [Ceph of the Deep] because both were stranded in the middle of a devastating mana storm.
So does that mean?
I gave yton a pleading look. He eventually sighed, nodding.
I shall evaluate the threat of these monsters myself. And if they truly have nowhere else to go, I shall grant them a home in Mavos Academy.
Yay!
I pped my hands together. Well, it wasnt like Centina or Kron couldnt live anywhere they wanted to. They were pretty high-leveled. The only thing was, well, at least Centina didnt want to live in the wilderness. She wanted to explore the Humannds. Fall in love.
But there was no need to bring all that up to yton.
Alright, Ill bring you to them.
I beamed, leading the Headmaster of Mavos Academy out of his school.
Do you think its going well?
Centina looked over at Kron. The [Evolved Centinel] was restless. She was afraid things would go wrong. That it wouldnt end well. And while she was looking for reassurance, the [Krokodis] was looking for a nap.
Mm?
Kron groused, blearily looking up. Centina shook her head.
Nevermind.
There was no point talking to the [Krokodis]. All she cared about was if she had food to eat and a ce to sleep safely. Centina had learned that much over the years.
Years. Had it really been years since she met Kron? She didnt know. In fact, she had no sense of what time was until Erhard exined it to her. Thanks to him, she had learned a lot about the world. A lot she never understood before.
She knew it had been a long time since Erhard''s death since she was forcefully entrapped beneath the Bloodied Gulf. However, she was never given a clock. The object that was supposed to be able to tell time. So, she still never understood what time was.
All she knew was how topare a moment to how long she lived. And while this moment wasnt very long it hadnt been too long since Salvos left it felt like it had been forever and more. Sighing, she took a seat and closed her eyes.
Maybe I should just sleep as well
She trailed off. But before she could doze off, an ethereal voice woke her up.
Here!
Willy flitted over both the [Evolved Centinel] and the [Krokodis]. Centina scrambled to her feet.
Salvos is back?
Bringing Human. Come!
He quickly ushered them out of the Lair, bringing them a bit away to a clearing nearby. Centina fidgeted nervously. She didnt know what to do or say. Willy turned to her, speaking softly.
Level high. Careful.
Centina gulped, tensing up. But there was no reason to be afraid, right? Salvos was bringing him here to protect them.
But who wasing? Was it yton Skyshredder? The one who Salvos said was rted to Erhard? If so well, Centina was nervous for more than one reason. And this reason definitely was not fear.
She shifted her many feet, scratching her cheek.
Hey, Kron, can you maybe use your illusion magic to make me look like a Human? I want to give him a good first impression.
Kron scowled.
Me only asked for illusions. Me tired.
O-oh, but
Before Centina could argue, she heard sharp voices cutting through the trees of the forest. Footsteps on fallen leaves crunched their way over along with a pair of Humans. Well, one of them was Salvos in disguise.
Its fine, yton. Just try not to scare them. They arent used to being around Humans.
Do not worry, Salvos. I have interacted with monsters before. During my stay in the Rainforest of Monsters, Id even saved an Orcmune from an invasion of Wasp Locusts.
Good, good.
The figures reached the end of the thicket, stepping into the clearing. Salvos smiled and shook her head as Centina perked up.
I just dont want you to
And the man standing next to her a man with a flowing white beard and majestic robes paused. His gaze snapped towards Centina.
Get back, Salvos! An [Evolved Centinel] followed you out of the Bloodied Gulf!
Wait, Centina isnt
A longsword with a crooked guard that curved up like horns appeared in his hand as a dark aura appeared around it. yton Skyshredder, an unidentifiable high-leveled Human,shed out at Centina with a powerful magical strike. The ground tore as Willy and Kron threw themselves out of the way.
[Darkdes Sunder].
And Salvos appeared before the [Evolved Centinel].
[Protection of the Sentinel].
Centina blinked as her body was wreathed in rainbow-colored mes. They formed segmented parts over her body. A kind of outer carapace, made entirely of Salvos fire. The dark de shed against this ming carapace, sending trees behind Centina toppling without even touching them. But it didnt harm her. The attack dissipated as yton frowned.
What are you doing, Salvos?
The Demon scratched the back of her head.
Oops, did I forget to tell you that one of the monsters was an [Evolved Centinel]?
Sheughed, and yton drew back. His brows creased as he nced between Centina, Kron, and Willy.
To think you can block one of my offensive Skill... but that doesn''t matter. This is unprecedented. So, youre telling me that this Centinel was working alongside a monster, a Spirit, and a Human against its own kind?
Her own kind.
Salvos nodded.
Anyway, shes nice. Please dont be mean to her.
Centina lowered her head, her shoulders sagging. That was already not a good first impression. And yton was dubious.
How do I know this is not a trick, Salvos? You could be fooled by this Sage Centinel. They are crafty and dangerous. The most intelligent of the Centinels.
Wait, he praised Centina. He called her intelligent. That was a good thing, right? Centina looked hopefully at Salvos, and the Demon shook her head.
Centina is not dangerous! Look, you can trust her even your great, great, great, great grand-whatever did. Centina, show him your ring!
My great, great what?
yton narrowed his eyes, but Centina quickly pulled out the ring in her finger. She showed it to him, bowing her head.
This was given to me by the man I loved. His name was Erhard Skyshredder. I was told you were rted to him.
Salvos nodded eagerly.
Yep, see? Centinas trustworthy.
And ytons eyes grew wide.
You knew Erhard? But how? He died hundreds of years ago
Please, yton. Well exin it all you can even take a look at his research and his diaries. I saved a few things from the haven.
Salvos stepped forward, cing a hand on the Headmasters shoulders.
I shall listen to whatever story this is. But whether or not I trust this Centinel is something I shall determine for myself.
yton folded his arms, marching off.
Hey, he didnt kill you, at least. And he agreed to hear this out. Good first impression, right?
Salvos looked over at Centina. The [Evolved Centinel] pursed her lips, unsure of how to feel. But before she could even reply, the Demon suddenly took a step back.
Now lets why do I suddenly feel very tired?
She wobbled. The iridescent armor protecting Centina turned to a blue color. Salvos eyes closed as if they suddenly grew heavy, and she copsed to the ground.
Wha?
Salvos
Chapter 303: Repair
Chapter 303: Repair
303. Repair
Falling unconscious sucked.
It wasnt as bad as falling asleep that was the worst thing in the world. But having to involuntarily ck out while your body went numb was always an odd feeling to experience. When I woke up, I wouldnt be exhausted or refreshed like when I would sleep. My body would ache as reality resumed around me.
This time, however, everything hurt even more.
Ugh why is my everything in pain?
I groused, opening my eyes. I wasnt in my Lair or in my room in Mavos Academy. Instead, I was floating above the clouds, in a transparent box. A room. One that was atop a tall tower. A familiar tower.
This tower belonged to yton Skyshredder. It was where I spoke with him when I first arrived at Mavos Academy. It took me a moment to muster up the strength to sit up, and when I did, I groaned.
Ouch yep, this is definitely a side effect of my Grand Skill.
There was no reason for my body to be in this much agony. It was like all the damage Id taken was finally registering and catching up to me. I took a look at myself there were no injuries there. Id already recovered through healing potions and [Rest]. It was a phantom pain. One that permeated my body.
Well, at least I was still in my Human form. I was a bit worried that Id transformed back to my normal self. But apparently I could now shapeshift between forms with no problem. I could even be a Centinel with Cyclops hands and Elf feet. It was an interesting passive ability to my Grand Skill, if I had to say the least.
Salvos?
An ethereal voice echoed, and a me flickered to life above me. I looked up at the [Will O Wisp].
Oh, there you are. I was wondering where everybody went.
Sleep. You.
I didnt sleep. I passed out. Thats a big difference.
I scoffed.
You. Sleep.
He giggled, and I rolled my eyes.
How long was I out?
Day.
A whole day? Huh. That''s pretty long.
Was that going to happen every single time I used [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion? No that didnt feel right. I was pretty sure it only happened because I let the Grand Skill run its course. If I ended it earlier, I probably wouldnt have needed to pass out. Or, at least, I wouldnt have passed out for as long as I did.
Where are Centina and Kron?
I nced around the room for the two monsters, but they werent here. Willynded right before my bed.
Test.
Test?
I frowned, not sure what that meant. It took me a bit of prodding to realize he was talking about the ritual of truth. The very same one I took before I enrolled and every student applying to Mavos Academys School of Aspiring Elites would have to undergo it.
ording to Willy, yton was carrying out the test on his own, so no one else knew about either Centina or Krons presence in the school. Not yet. Hed brought us all into Mavos Academy in secret. That was why we were in his needle-like tower far above the clouds.
The entire building was his private quarters. No one else was allowed inside at the moment.
Well, I hope the test is going well. I hate tests.
Centina sighed in relief as the questions ceased after an hour. Krons questioning had only taken twenty minutes, while herssted three times longer. She knew exactly the reason why it went this way.
yton Skyshredder disliked her. No that wasnt the right descriptor. He didnt trust her. And if she did anything even slightly brow-raising hed probably kill her. She wouldnt be able to put up much of a fight.
There had to be at least thirty levels separating Centina from the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. And an evolution or, in Human terms, an advancement too. Furthermore, Centinas primary Subspecies was lower-leveled than her secondary Subspecies of an [Evolved Centinel].
There was a gulf between her and yton. Thered be no use trying to fight back. Not like she wanted it toe to that. He was despite the animosity that was ever-present between Centinels and well, everything helping her.
Even if he didnt meet Centinas gaze as she stepped out of the ritual circle, she was grateful. The [Evolved Centinel] shuffled her very many feet and spoke softly.
So did I pass?
You did. Every word you said was truthful.
yton harrumphed, even though he didnt quite look pleased about it. Centina knew he didnt want to continue the conversation that he just wanted her to leave and follow Kron back to where Salvos and Willy were waiting. But instead of doing that, she spoke.
Erhard was a good person.
His eyes flickered, and she quickly continued.
I know I already gave you the details about our rtionship
Centina was pretty sure yton shuddered, even if he didnt visibly react.
But he was more than just a man I loved. He taught me many things. He gave me this ring as a sign of trust. And this ritual
She trailed off, smiling as she stared at the ritual circle on the ground.
I may not know magic, but he taught me how to use a basic version of it even still.
That drew ytons attention. He narrowed his eyes.
Erhard was the one who introduced the idea of a [Truth Zone]. But he himself never finished creating the spell. Only my great it was onlypleted when Celeste Skyshredder enrolled in the School of Aspiring Elites. How?
Im not sure.
Centina just shrugged.
Maybe he finished it during his time in the Bloodied Gulf. He was always so engrossed in his books. In taking notes. Practicing his magic. Researching and learning.
She chuckled as she fondly remembered the time shed just watch Erhard waste so much time flipping through pages and pages of books.
A researcher, then. Just like
yton pursed his lips. Centina tilted her head, and he sighed.
That is very interesting to know. I thank you for your time and patience, Centina the [Evolved Centinel]. You have passed the test, so you may return to Salvos now.
With that, he walked off. Centina watched him go. She wasnt really an optimist in any sense of the word, but she was hoping that that was a good sign?
Yay! Congrattions!
I eximed, forcing myself out of the bed. I threw my arms around Centina and Kron, flinching as I touched them.
That is ouch very good! You passed! yton will let you stay here now, right?
I nced between the pair. Centina nodded.
For the time being, hell give us a ce to reside in. Maybe introduce me to a few trusted individuals to gauge how people would react to a friendly Centinel. And if it goes well, they could take advantage of my Skills and abilities as I am slowly introduced to more of the world.
Im d.
I smiled, pulling back.
So youll be able to handle yourself, right?
Yes. I appreciate all the help youve given us, Salvos. Truly, I am in your debt.
Dont worry about it!
I waved a hand off dismissively. Kron didnt say much. She was looking around the room, rubbing at her stomach.
Me hungry. Where food?
Here
I flicked my wrist, summoning a few Centinel corpses I had kepted with [Dimensional Pocket]. She salivated and instantly began to dig in. Willy sputtered in surprise.
Give some!
He ravenouslypeted with Kron, scaring down the dead Centinel in mere moments. Iughed, watching this sight.
Now I dont need to worry about you guys anymore.
I could finally move on to my next problem. Centina faced me curiously.
That reminds me, Salvos. What will you do now?
Oh, kill Belzu.
I spoke simply.
Although, I do need to check up on Saffron. She was in a bit of trouble thest time my clone saw her.
I tapped a finger on my chin, considering my options. Ceninta chuckled.
I do not know who those people are, but I am sure that your enemies would dread to have to battle you, and your allies would be grateful that you are on their side. Especially with that powerful artifact you have,bined with your Grand Skills?
She ced a hand on my shoulder.
I am sure you will run into very few issues.
My eyes widened as she finished. I brought a hand up, snapping my fingers.
Thats right! The Breastte of Alexander!
I stumbled back to the bed, pulling it out of my spatial storage and cing its remains on top of the nket. Centina, Kron, and Willy stared at the broken hunk of metal. It barely even resembled a breastte anymore, let alone the magnificent artifact it once was.
It wasnt rippling with power or energy. It didnt have motes of iridescent light wisping off it like a thin mist. It was just the husk of what it had once been.
Yep. I think I may need this to defeat Belzu. But, um, its broken.
Stupid.
Willy snorted. I crossed my arms.
Its fine. Ill just let yton have a look at it. Hes high-leveled, so he can probably fix it, right?
--
I am sorry, Salvos, but I cannot fix this.
yton Skyshredder gave me an apologetic look as he turned away from the broken pieces of the Breastte of Alexander. My shoulders sagged.
Aw, seriously? You cant?
Not at my current level. Perhaps if it was still functional, I couldve made repairs. But this would requisite a reconstruction of the remains. It is not something I am capable of doing.
It visibly pained him to admit that. He faced me, shaking his head.
But I have to ask what did you do to damage the Breastte of Alexander to this extent? It is a Mythical Grade artifact how?
Um, I dont know. I used it a lot, I guess? And it broke against the [Ancient Centinel].
I scratched the back of my head. His eyes narrowed.
Even against dozens of [Ancient Centinels], the Breastte of Alexander, in its full power, should hold for at least a day. The fact that it onlysted a few months with you
He sighed.
Either you are the most reckless individual I have ever met, or it was already depleted before you got your hands on it.
Well, I didnt know which could be the case. I just knew that it meant it was going to be a lot harder for me to defeat Belzu when he had the Sword of Alexander and I had nothing. Well, that wasnt the problem for me. The real problem was well, I probably should return it to Saffron, right?
Aww cant you at least try?
I urged yton, thinking about how mypanion would react when she found out I broke the Breastte of Alexander.
I could attempt to reconstruct it, but it would take a lot of time. A lot of research. Consultation with the greatest [Enchanters] and [cksmiths] of the world.
He looked taken to the idea. But then he lowered his head.
However, if the Breastte of Alexander is broken, it means that the Primeval Demon wont be able toplete his set of the Treasures of Alexander. Perhaps it will be better this way
He trailed off, and I pursed my lips.
Please, yton? You dont have to worry about the Primeval Demon. Ill deal with him, seriously!
I just had to cate Saffrons rage somehow. He hesitated.
This is an opportunity
yton nced at the Breastte of Alexander with a sidelong nce.
I shall look into it. But I will make no promises. Leave it here, Salvos. I truly hope that youll be able to deal with the Primeval Demon as you promised, but I would rather a student of mine not lose her life trying to keep a foolish promise.
Dont worry!
I waved a hand off.
Ill probably maybe hopefully be fine! Ill just have to find mypanions and well beat that stupid wild Demon together!
yton furrowed his brows. He turned away from the Breastte of Alexander and ran a hand through his beard.
Your friends are you referring to the party that apanied you to the gunds?
Daniel and Edithe, yep! Whys that?
I cocked my head.
I have heard rumors. About their whereabouts. While this Edithe is currently together with a coalition of adventurers working to bring down the Primeval Demon, the man, Daniel, hasnt been seen in a month.
Well, I wasnt seen in over a month too, and Im fine.
I opened my hands and shrugged.
Im sure hes fine!
No, Salvos. You dont understand his circumstances.
yton Skyshredder held my gaze, speaking with a low voice.
He wasst seenst month in Ertos, the Capital of Elutra. During the fall of Elutra.
...what?
Chapter 304: Interlude - Daniels Destiny Part One
Chapter 304: Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part One
304. Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part One
It is time.
Princess Faith of the Elutra Kingdom looked up from the dressing table. Her oldest sister, Destiny, the current ruling queen after their Fathers death, waited at the doorway with a pair of servants.
Is this really happening? Faith had to wonder. Are we really going to do this?
It was ridiculous. The Inoria Empire had assassinated King Credence theyd sent a Demon to assassinate Faith herself. Their actions were brazen. It was clear to anyone observing that this attempt at suing for peace was nothing but a facade.
Faith had tried to argue with her sister that this was clearly a ruse to lower the barrier of the Capital city of Ertos but it was to no avail. Regardless of whether Elutra surrendered, theyd already lost.
Queen Destiny hoped that by surrendering, there was a glimmer of chance for Inoria to uphold its promises. And even if they executed everyone in the royal family, theyd spare the citizens and the remaining soldiers.
With a sigh, Faith drew herself to her feet and faced destiny.
Let us hope that your faith wasnt misced, sister.
There it is.
Daniel stared at the city in the distance, built right next to a tall mountain that overshadowed it. It was Ertos, the Capital city of Elutra. A dome-like barrier surrounded it as an army encroached on the city.
Hed rushed here when hed heard the news. A peace conference was going to be held. An armistice of sorts except, it would be the total andplete surrender of Elutra. It was an expected oue of war. Total destruction wasnt umon, but it wasnt the only oue either.
Normally, Daniel wouldnt have raised an eyebrow when he heard such a news. The Elutra Kingdom was going to submit to the Inoria Empire. Surrender. While that sounded innocuous at first, he was aware of not just the Kings stance on Inoria, he was aware of one of the princesses as well.
King Credence saw Inoria as an evil empire one that Elutra should never submit to. While princess Faith believed that all of Elutra was going to be sacrificed for a mass Demon summoning ritual.
Daniel didnt believe it, but he knew that Faith truly thought of it as the case. She would never agree to such terms. Something was wrong.
Amanda whistled, eyeing the Inorian troops.
Well, thats quite the gathering, huh? What kind of an idiot thinks peace is going toe from this. I mean, clearly the Inoria Empire intends for war.
We cant let this go down.
The young man from Earth started forward, without hesitation. But the assassin snorted.
And how are we going to do that?
She crossed her arms.
Were two Level 100s going up against an army of hundreds of thousand or more. There has to at least be a dozen Level 100s amongst them. Maybe even hundreds, since this is their main force. Wed be walking straight to our deaths, Daniel.
We just have to stop this peace conference from happening. We cant let Ertos drop its barrier I know what kind of a spell it is. It is a grand magic that even a thousand Diamond Ranks would take months to breach.
It was a spell that was constantly fueled, but rarely used except in times of war. Ertos was literally drawing on centuries of stored mana.
Amanda shook her head, cing a hand on Daniels shoulder.
And then what? Six months from now or maybe even a year from now the barrier gives in and the city falls. Whats the point? We should get out of here before were found out.
Her words made sense, even if it grated on him. Normally, Daniel would be amenable to such a suggestion. That was if the stakes were lesser.
Hed always been the one to run away. To suggest to flee when a situation started to turn dour. He didnt want to risk more than he was willing to lose. Maybe that was why he got along with Salvos so well she took risks, he didnt.
And yet, now, faced with an army that would trample over him without a second thought, he didnt waver. He didnt run away.
Daniel Song took a chance for once.
Stepping forward, he drew his de and faced Amanda.
Ive run for too long. Every time I feel like Ive changed every time I feel like Ive grown and taken a step forward I always revert back to who I once was. A coward. A fool. A loser.
He tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, arms trembling as he spoke. He was nervous. Of course he was. Anyone, when faced with an army, would feel fear. But to him, that didnt matter. Not anymore.
Im not going to run again. Not this.
He spun around and made his way to the city. Amanda, however, didnt budge. She nted her foot on the ground and spoke with finality in her voice.
Well, you can go ahead and do that. Im not going to get myself killed because youre stupid enough to think you can actually make a difference.
Daniel paused. He nced back at her fractionally, shaking his head.
Fine. You can stay here or run away if you want. But I wont. Even if I have to face them all alone, Ill do this. Because its whats right.
With a deep breath, he turned back to face the Inorian army.
Because Im a [Hero].
Amanda just stared at him as he finished his speech. She bit her lower lip, her gaze shadowing over. Her mouth opened, and
A voice interrupted her.
Look, he actually went and said it.
Daniels eyes flickered and his gaze snapped up. Amanda whirled around, tensing, already with her daggers drawn. A pair of winged creatures floated just beneath the clouds smearing the afternoon sky. No not creatures. They were Demons.
Hey Vide, this wasnt part of Simags n.
Sorry, is. I cant resist. Theyre just standing there like a bunch of idiots. Simags n will take too long. Why cant we just kill them now?
One of them the first one to speak looked like a man. He had blue skin and a hunched back, along with a curved tail that morphed into a needle at the end. His voice was familiar. Very familiar. And so was the other Demons voice.
Except, Daniel didnt have trouble cing hers. He knew who it was in an instant. Even if she wore red skin and had a pair of wings even if she had curved horns jutting out of her head. It was the same difference between seeing Salvos in her [Mortal Form] after shed been an [Imp] for months. There was an uncanny resemnce that was quite obvious at first nce. That Demon was
Cindy.
He growled, and Amanda blinked.
Thats Cindy? Wait, that makes no sense. Shes supposed to be a little girl. Not whatever that is.
Theyre [Changelings].
Daniel exined quickly, raising his de.
She was only pretending to be an [Informant]. She tricked us led us here into a trap.
Oh, dont be so full of yourself, Mr [Hero].
Cindy no, isughed.
I didnt mean to trick you. I was just doing my job when you showed up and presented a perfect opportunity for me. Dont worry, Ill be merciful and give you a quick and painless death.
[Changeling - Lvl. 115]
Whatever happened to following Simags n?
The other [Changeling], Vide, spoke up. Electricity crackled around his body as a sneer spread across his crooked lips.
[Changeling - Lvl. 113]
Its fine. Look, well just say we were careless and the [Hero] caught sight of us. Not like it matters much, anyway. Look the funs about to start.
What are they talking about? Daniel narrowed his eyes. Then he felt it. Like the release of an immense amount of mana. As if a powerful spell had been cast. Even if he wasnt a [Mage], he could feel it when uncontrolled magic was cast.
And it was uncontrolled. The magic that kept up the barrier around Ertos was created by a [Mage] far above the level of those who were utilizing it today. They lowered the barrier, and Daniel felt the ripples of its magic falling.
His eyes grew wide as he faced the Capital city of Elutra. Thest city that still stood, belonging to the Elutra Kingdom. Its only protection the only thing keeping the Inoria Empire at bay copsed.
He was toote.
No
You really shouldnt drop your guard around enemies, you know?
The young man blinked, and Amanda shouted.
Daniel
is appeared right next to him, slicing for his head. Amanda barely intercepted the strike in time. She parried her attack with a dagger and the weapon was knocked out of her hand. Sent flying into a tree.
Oh, the little assassin has chosen her side. And I was nning on letting her go because she was speaking some sense.
You fucking moron.
Amanda cursed, producing her signature double-ded.
Were both going to die now because of you.
On the contrary
is smiled as she opened her mouth. The world went entirely, and Daniel tensed. The only thing he could hear was the Demon girls voice. Followed by a piercing screech.
Im the reason youre both going to die. [Song of Destruction].
Faith watched as the procession from Inoria slowly made their way through the gates. This was a mistake. Even if those fancily dressed nobles looked like they were here for a party even if they only brought a handful of guards with them Faith knew not to be deceived by them.
A phantom pain echoed in her right arm. Or at least, what was left of it. A Demon assassin a [Changeling] hade for her life. She lost everything past her right elbow from that encounter. It had been a terrible night for her.
Any one of these noblemen could be Demons, she thought. She turned to a man standing guard next to her. Gand Monsterthorne. Captain of the Pegasus Knights of Elutra.
Why are you here?
She asked, voice low.
The queen has ordered me to ensure your safety. I am here to protect you with my life.
He answered, bowing dutifully.
What about my brothers and sisters? What about Bel?
Bel. Her youngest, sickly brother. If anyone deserved to survive this encounter, it would be him. Gand shook his head.
Ive instructed my men to transport him out of the city as soon as any fighting begins. He will not be present at the conference. As for your other brothers and sisters, they have been assigned their own bodyguards.
Thats good.
Faith sighed in relief. She ced her left hand in her chest, feeling the hammering of her heart. Truth be told, she didnt want to die. She wanted to live. More than anything.
But this was their best chance of protecting their citizens. Faith hadnt been the best princess to her country. In fact, it could be argued she was not even a good princess. That she was too focused on her own gain.
It was her greatest regret. So, if she could possibly save her people with thisst and final act of redemption. That shed be the sacrifice for them to live? She was willing to ept it. As long as her people were safe.
Now, the only question was when?
Just when exactly was the Inoria Empire going to attempt their betrayal? When were they going to backstab and murder the royals of Elutra? Was it going to be at the end of the treaty? The middle?
Faith eyed one of the carriages in the center of the procession. It was the emperor of Inoria, along with his wife. They were surrounded by not as many bodyguards as Faith wouldve thought. It was quite a small procession, in fact.
Something was wrong.
Raising a spyss, Faith peered into the carriage holding the emperor of Inoria. He was a man named Alexis. He was supposed to be quite a tyrant, from what shed learn of him. She expected him to be gleefully smiling, awaiting the moment to spring their trap on Elutra.
And yet, he was pale-faced and nervous. He muttered something to his wife, tightly sping her hand. His eyes closed, and Faith frowned.
What is he
The carriage exploded.
Faith watched as the emperor of Inoria, his wife, and his bodyguards were all killed in a brilliant explosion. A crimson st that incinerated the carriage in its entirety. It sted apart nearby buildings and shook the balcony Faith had been standing in.
She stared in shock as chaos erupted in the streets below. A familiar man leapt out of the explosion. One with gilded armor and raven-ck hair. Faith instantly recognized him as the Archdemon whod been sent to assassinate her, except wearing the skin of a Human. And Faith realized that her spection had been wrong. That the Inoria Empire no, the Demons in charge of the Inoria Empire wasnt going to waste time with a peace conference.
Their betrayal began now. At the start.
The Archdemon wearing Human skin spread his arms wide, shouting.
We have been ambushed by the Elutra Kingdom! We have been led into a trap! Theyve assassinated our emperor! This peace treaty shall be called off! Destroy the city! Imprison its people! Do not let a single member of the royal family escape!
Chapter 305: Interlude - Daniels Destiny Part Two
Chapter 305: Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Two
305. Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Two
[Changeling - Lvl. 115]
[Changeling - Lvl. 113]
[Song of Destruction].
is opened her mouth, a screech starting out and Daniel Song struck at her, interrupting the Skill. He cut it off before it could activate. She backed away, returning to her ally.
That was foolish of me.
Maybe you shouldnt have tried using that so close to the enemy, is.
Dont worry, Vide. There is only a five minute cooldown between each use.
Daniel faced the pair of Archdemons. Each one far above his level. He was Level 106. Hed been around Level 102 when he left the gunds. It had been over half a year since then, and hed barely leveled. Pathetic. Why hadnt he been training to get stronger?
The only time hed fought was when hed had no choice. And thanks to being a [Hero], he was fully capable of leveling faster than others. Yet, he didnt take advantage of it. He wasted away at a tavern for months, and even when he got to work, he took far too long to get anything done. So, he was only Level 106.
Normally, he wouldnt be too worried facing off against an enemy ten levels above him. But these were Demons. If Salvos was any indication, he wouldnt stand a chance against them.
Sure, he had Amanda on his side. And she was technically above their levels at Level 117. But from that brief sh where she protected him from is attack, it was obvious the Archdemons were stronger than her.
We need to run.
She spoke, gritting her teeth.
I have Skills designed for disengagement. If you just distract them for a moment
No.
He cut her off, stepping forward.
Were not running. We cant.
Oh? Shooting down another good idea, are we? You really are such a fool.
isughed, and Vide conjured up a trident made out of lightning. Daniel eyed them before turning to Amanda.
Go, Amanda. Im sorry for bringing you into all this. But I wont leave. My duty as a [Hero] wont let me.
He ced his sword on his chest, speaking softly right as Vide hurled the lightning trident at them.
[Will of the Hero].
An aura of protection briefly wrapped around the two Humans. It protected them from the crackling explosion that shot up into the sky, parting the nearby clouds. Then power surged through the young man, just as it did through the assassin.
Amandas eyes grew wide as she stared down at herself.
What is this?
Its enough strength for you to get out of here alive. Now leave!
He yelled, charging at is. His Primordial Longsword shed with the [Imp]-like Archdemons ws. She darted back as Vide nked Daniel from behind, striking him with his needle-like tail.
Amanda stood to the side, watching the battle ensue. Then she turned around and took her leave.
Daniel closed his eyes, knowing that she was no longer there. And he continued his battle.
The Archdemons were strong, as expected. Even if he was a [Hero], two Archdemons above his level was too much for him. He activated [Aura of the Sentinel] his Skill coated his de, letting him move with a deft swiftness. It cut is ws as she parried his attacks.
She backed up, hissing.
And I thought we were going to have a lovely dance. But if youd rather
Daniel swung for her head, and she flew to the air. Vide struck him from the side, creating a lightning sword. They shed as in the air, is mouth hung unnaturally open. She screamed and a wave of air crashed into him.
[The Sirens Symphony]!
The [Hero] braced himself, taking the brunt of the attack. It didnt knock him off his feet. He nted his foot on the ground, holding on as it subsided. Then Vide appeared next to him. The Demons lightning weapon shed. It curved around Daniel before striking him in the chest and sending him flying back.
Dust and debris kicked into the air as Daniel crashed into the earth. With a grunt, he pulled himself back to his feet and out of the crater. He stared up at the pair of Demons, both of them smirking and chuckling.
You cant hope to beat us both by yourself. Your only chance of winning this battle abandoned you. Just give up.
No.
Daniel clenched his fist as a light engulfed his body. Ethereal armor wrapped around his body, shrouding him with a purity that made even the Archdemons hesitate. The light formed ribbons around his de and coated it so that it wasrger than life. He lifted it the giant longsword and pointed at them.
I will not give up. I will stop you.
[A Heros Rage].
What an absolute idiot. Amanda heard the fighting in the distance. The shing between a [Hero] and a pair of Archdemons. And all she could do was curse. What an absolute fucking idiot. I offered him a way out, and he rejected it.
It was so ridiculous. Even if they defeated those two Archdemons, they were already toote to stop the fall of Ertos. It annoyed her. Why was Daniel being such a moron? Sure, he was always an absolute imbecile, but at least he had self-preservation skills
Not anymore, she guessed. It wouldnt make a difference to her if he lived or died. So why was she annoyed?
Amanda clicked her tongue as the uneasy feeling continued to build up inside of her. She nced back once, hearing the shrill shriek of one of the Archdemons. She saw lightning zapping up into the air and she knew Daniel would lose. More than anything, that idea upsetted her. And she didn''t know why.
She stared at where shede from. At where the fighting was happening. Sighing, she made her decision.
What am I doing?
She muttered as she turned back, heading for the fighting.
Im such an absolute idiot.
Daniel swung for Vide as he took off into the sky. is appeared behind him, shing at his back. The Demon girl grunted as her ws struck his armor.
What is this made out of?
She flew back, trying to dodge Daniels counterattack. His giant glowing longsword nicked her in the shoulder, and she cursed.
We cant fight him in close range, is.
Vide spoke as his body crackled with electricity.
We have to bring him down from afar.
I noticed that.
is rolled her eyes before dislocating her jaw once more. Daniels eyes flickered and he raised his de.
No you dont!
Before she could unleash her screeching sound magic once again, Daniel brought his de to the earth. It tore the ground open as dark clouds gathered above. is blinked.
What is he
And Vide shouted.
Get back!
He grabbed her, yanking her away just in time to dodge the golden lightning cracking the sky open and thundering into the earth. He frowned, looking at the dark clouds as more lightning came down.
Thats not lightning magic. No what even is that?
Its your retribution!
Daniel shouted and leapt into the air. Both Archdemons were caught off guard as he closed the distance in an instant. Vide raised a lightning de to parry the attack, only for Daniel to shear straight through it and dismember his arm.
The Demon let out a guttural cry as he flitted back.
You fucking asshole!
You Demons dont deserve to say that when youre out here bringing deaths to hundreds of thousands no, millions of innocent lives.
is rolled her eyes as she dodged a lightning bolt falling from the sky.
When did he get so preachy? I didnt expect him to be this annoying.
Dont worry, is. Ill be sure to shut his annoying trap for good.
Vide raised his remaining hand, creating a lightningnce. A savage grin spread across his face as Daniel readied himself.
Bring it, Demon.
Oh, I will. Take this! [Fury of the Tempest
And his eyes grew wide. The Demon slowly fell out of the air, his neck slit open and pouring out ck blood. is stared as herpanion dropped, making gurgled noises.
What?
Daniel didnt know what happened either. Not until Amanda appeared next to him, her de coated ck in Demon blood.
[Savage Step]. [Pinpoint Strike]. [Disengage].
She smirked, straightening. He faced Amanda, blinking.
Why did youe back?
I only pretended to run.
Amanda scoffed.
Im an assassin. I attack from the shadows I dont do head on fights, you idiot.
Oh. I
Daniels eyes widened as Amanda flicked the blood off her double-sided dagger. Then he smiled.
Thank you.
She averted her gaze, scowling.
Thank meter. We still have another Archdemon to deal with.
is floated overhead, still staring in shock as her friend fell to the ground, dead. Her gaze darkened as she easily dodged another lightning strike. She turned to Daniel and Amanda with bloodshot eyes.
You killed him. How dare you. Ill make you pay!
She spread her arms wide as her jaw cracked open.
[Song of Destruction].
A piercing echo reverberated around the area as Daniel reached to cover his ears. It prated through his armor, striking his very soul. The grass around him withered away as the trees grew old and decrepit. Amanda copsed to the ground, clutching at her ears.
Fuck what the fuck is this?
We have to sto
Daniel tried to speak, drawing himself to his feet. But he didnt have the strength to get up. Whatever this was, it drained him of his energy. It made him want to tear off his ears. He couldnt move. He couldnt even breathe. He looked over at Amanda. She was curled up in a ball, mouth open and screaming silently.
Above them, is hovered, continuing her attack. Unmoving.
The [Hero] focused. He tried tomandeer a lightning bolt to strike her. But his armor vanished. His Skill ended as her attacks continued.
D-Damn it
He closed his eyes. He thought of all the Skills he had avable to him. Nothing he had could stop her. None of his Skills worked from a distance. The only Skills he had that could affect is from afar were his [Trader] Skills.
And he remembered how it went down when he used it on Ivan the Deathtouch. It only caused the assassin to pause for a moment and consider what he said. Nothing more. It would just distract is just like how Daniel had interrupted her Skill just earlier.
He groaned, looking up at the Archdemon. Maybe that was what he needed. This Skill required concentration. It was that obvious. He just needed a distraction. With a sigh, he mustered up all that he had left and shouted at is.
[L-Lets Make a Deal]!
For a split second, she paused. She registered his words, stopping her attack.
What..?
Her eyes grew round.
And Amanda reacted. The assassin hurled her double-sided dagger into the air. It curved, barely whizzing by the Archdemons head. That cut her off entirely.
You fu
is cursed, but Daniel was already next to her. He soared through the air, de glowing as he aimed for the Demon girls neck. She raised her ws to block it, but his sword swiftly redirectly, slicing off her legs.
[Crescent Fury].
Half a dozen shesshed out an instant after. He diced the Archdemon into pieces before she could even react. She wore a shocked look on her face as she was cut apart.
Danielnded on the ground as her pieces rained around him. A notification no, multiple notifications rang out in his head. Hed leveled twice from this fight as a [Hero], and once as a [Trader].
He chuckled to himself at the thought. Amanda ran up to him as he sheathed his de.
We actually fucking did it.
She smiled.
I thought we were going to die there, fuck.
He looked over at her, meeting her gaze.
Thank you. Foring back for me.
Amanda froze. She twisted her lips, shifting ufortably.
Whatever. I didnt really do it for you, anyway.
No, Im truly grateful. I wouldnt have won if you hadnte back.
She didnt respond, and Daniel walked up to her. He nced over at the city of Ertos as smoke billowed up from the inside. Inorias army moved for the gates as the barrier was slowly restored, only to dissipate once more. An explosion sted apart multiple city blocks as crimson mes sted out into the sky.
Theyre really doing this
Daniel pursed his lips. It was toote. He didnt make it in time. Ertos was going to fall. But he still had to do something. He had to save those he could. He looked over at Amanda, nodding.
Please, can I ask for your help again?
The assassin sighed.
Sure. But were going to die, you know?
We wont.
He spoke with determination in his voice, facing the city.
I promise you, well get out of this alive.
Seriously when did you be such a [Hero]?
Amanda scoffed, rolling her eyes. She ced a hand on his shoulder and muttered.
Lets do this [Savage Step].
In a few short moments, they entered the falling city.
Chapter 306: Interlude - Daniels Destiny Part Three
Chapter 306: Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Three
306. Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Three
Faith felt the reverberation rumble throughout the city. Explosions sted out, blowing apart entire city blocks and killing innocent civilians without discrimination. The bubble dome of Ertos reactivated briefly, only for the [Mages] protecting the walls to be ughtered. Without the defensive barrier active, Inorias army could move to the final bastion of the Elutra Kingdom unimpeded.
The walls crumbled, its protective enchantments slowly falling under the onught of munition from beyond. Elutras soldiers moved to protect their people to protect the royalty but it was no use. Those whod been apanying the emperor of Inoria were high-leveled. Many of them were over Level 70. Some were even Level 100.
Theyd spread out fast and wide, targeting the nobility of Elutra. Faith stumbled back away from the balcony as an arrow whizzed for her head, barely blocked by Gand Monsterthorn. The [Spellknight Outrider of Storms] and knightmander of the [Pegasus Knights] cut down the projectile and raised his de.
[Pegasus Knights]! Protect the pce! Dont let any of these bastards get in! [ming Tempest]!
His voice bellowed out as dark clouds gathered overhead. Fire and lighting rained down from above, striking down Inorian [Archers] and [Warriors] before they could make their way up the ptial steps.
Gand turned to Faith, grabbing her by the hand.
We need to evacuate you and your brothers and sisters. Come!
Her eyes grew wide. The princess hesitated.
But you have to protect our people
I am sorry, princess. We cannot save everyone. And look.
He gestured out towards the destruction. It was utter chaos out there. But controlled. All headed in one direction.
They only have one target. The royal family.
Faith bit her lower lip. Deep inside of her, she wanted to live. It was selfish, but she knew she didnt want to die. More than anything, she wanted to escape this predicament which she predicted. However, as a princess, she had a duty to her citizens. To her people.
Gand, I am ordering you to protect the people of Ertos. Let theme after us. If our deaths can save a few thousand lives, then I believe it is worth it.
She hung her head as Gand stared at her. He sighed.
I will not follow that order, princess.
She blinked.
What?
He shook his head, grabbing her by her arm and pulling her with him.
If you escape, youll be able to tell the world of the treachery that was carried out today. You will be able to do more than just protect a handful of innocents. You will be able to bring the perpetrators of this to justice.
His eyes glinted as he nced back at her. Faith was helplessly pulled along by the knightmander while explosions and sts resounded throughout the city. He spoke with a clear determination in his voice, steadfast in his mission.
That is why I will do whatever it takes to ensure you and the rest of the royal family escape alive.
In a few quick moments, Daniel found himself standing on the crumbling walls of Ertos. He nced over at Amanda the assassin had brought him there in one quick move. He nodded at her, grateful.
Thanks.
Nows not the time for chit-chat, dumbass. Watch out
She stepped before him, blocking an arrow before swiftly throwing a dagger back at the attacker. The [Archer] fell, and she stepped back.
Give me a moment. [Savage Step] has a ten second cooldown.
Right.
Daniel looked at the distance theyd crossed in a few moments thanks to Amandas Skill. Then he looked towards the pce. Smoke billowed out of the tall spire-like towers in the distance. An explosion blew apart half of the pces wings. His lips pursed.
Theyre going for the pce.
Obviously. If I were an invading army too, Id definitely be targeting the head of state.
Amanda snorted as she flicked more throwing knives at multiple [Warriors] and [Archers] running around them. Daniel shook his head.
We have to hurry.
Then stop standing around and lets move!
Amanda pulled him as she leapt off the battlements. [Savage Step] activated, and in an instant, theyd crossed multiple city blocks. But still, they were so far. So far away from the pce.
Please Daniel hoped. I need to get there in time.
If only hed arrived sooner. If only he hadnt been a coward.
But no he had been afraid. Now, he had to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Now, he was going to have to do whatever he could to save anyone he could.
Faith stumbled down the broken gilded corridors of the pce as Gand and three other [Pegasus Knights] escorted her. They turned a corner to see a group of pce guards fending off Inorian [Rogues]. She raised her one hand.
We have to help
This way, princess!
Gand tugged her in the opposite direction. She watched as the pce guards barely managed to cut down the [Rogues], right before an explosion blew apart that section of the castle. The tremor nearly knocked her off her feet. She steadied herself, panting as she looked up as dust and debris trickled down from the ceiling.
Wheres Bel? Wheres Destiny? Where are we going?
They should be at the throne room. Theres a secret entrance there
Gand began to answer, only for the wall next to them to st open. He threw himself over the princess, shielding her from the st. The other [Pegasus Knights] moved to intercept the figure whod exploded ino. It was a [Warrior].
One who sneered at her with his teeth. He was Level 100. Perhaps Gand couldve taken him. But they couldnt waste any time. The other [Pegasus Knights], even if they were only tinum Rank, held him off. They battled with the snickering [Warrior] as Gand pulled Faith to her feet and ran.
Faith watched as the scene changed. The hallway opened up to a familiar throne room. Scared figures were gathered at the center of the chamber. Destiny stood surrounded by multiple high-leveled bodyguards and her other siblings as they hurried to push the throne itself to the side.
Sister!
Destiny called out as Gand arrived with Faith in tow. Faith looked up, blinking.
Your maj
She paused when her older sister threw her arms around her.
Im so d youre fine.
Smiling, Destiny pulled away and took a step back. She nodded at Gand.
Thank you for keeping her safe.
Your father gave me everything. I couldnt save his life. Ill at least try to save his childrens.
Hurry up you idiots!
A voice called out from the throne. Rel one of Faiths older brothers shouted alongside his twin Iance.
If you wonte, well leave without
He didnt finish. A spear shot out, impaling him into the back wall. Iance screamed as his own brothers blood was smeared on him. Faith spun around, facing the same [Warrior] from before. Except, he was now coated in blood. ck blood.
And his skin was no longer that of a Human. He was
[Changeling - Lvl. 103]
Get back!
Gand drew his de, calling out.
[To Me, My Steed]!
With a sh of light, his own Pegasus crashed in through the stained ss windows and nked the Demon. He was joined by the other guards in the room as they shed in battle.
Get out of here! Go!
Faith stumbled forward, helped by Destiny as they made their way to the escape tunnel. The royal family funneled their way in one after another, in a rush to close the throne. It was enchanted to lock in ce, and it was well-built. Quite difficult to break, even for one at Level 100.
The princess staggered down the steps, her heart racing as she heard the nging of metal in the background. She took in her siblings and their entourages hurrying down the tunnel. They were in such a rush that they didnt even wait for either Faith or Destiny. And Faith wanted to make a break for it too, but she noticed one of her siblings was missing.
Bel. Wheres Bel?
Her youngest brother. The sickly boy who, unlike Faith and the rest of her family, had never done any wrong. She halted one of the guards from pushing the throne to cover the tunnel, peeking out to see the boy fallen over at the steps leading up to the throne itself.
Faith rushed out, and Destiny called out.
Bel!
Wait, dont go
Bel looked up as Faith swooped him to her one arm, carrying him back towards the throne. She took one step forward, only toe to a pause as a familiar horned Demon appeared before her. He stood a full three feet taller than her, even when hunched, and had the skull-like face of an animal. Ge bared his teeth.
We meet once again, princess.
[Changeling - Lvl. 114]
Her eyes grew wide as she stared at him. He was the one whod taken off Faiths right hand. She froze, unable to even react. He just quirked his head.
Arent you happy to see me?
Stay back, Demon!
Destinys voice cried out. He blinked, looking back as she pointed a ring at him.
Cast Fireball of the August Archmage Alyssa!
A sphere of wild and roiling mes expanded at the tip of the ring before shrinking down into a tiny orb. It shot out, and he leapt out of the way. An explosion sted out behind him as he wiped at his forehead.
That was close.
Faith dropped to her knees, tightly hugging Bel as their older sister stood protectively over them. Destiny stepped forward, the enchantments from all her offensive artifacts shining.
You will not harm my family as long as I stand.
She dered. Her eyes flickered to Faith and Bel. She helped them up, handing them a pendant. Her only protective artifact.
This was Destiny. The plumpdy who didnt seem like shed be fit as a queen. Here she was, sacrificing her life for them. Faith opened her mouth, but Destiny pushed her.
Sis
Run. While you still can.
That was all she said. The queen of Elutra unleashed her artifacts at the Demon, joining the battle of the throne room. Faith rushed for the tunnel for the only exit. Then paused as she spotted Hope one of her sisters standing there at the entrance to the stairway. Shed pushed the guard out into the open and mmed the entryway shut.
No
Faith gasped. She lowered Bel to the ground as he stared with wide eyes at the fighting in the distance, trying to move the throne, but it wouldnt budge. It glowed an ethereal gold as its enchantments activated. They were locked out.
Sister Destiny!
Bel shouted. Faith spun around just in time to watch her sister get run through by the [Changeling]. She caught the boy from running towards Destiny as her body dropped to the ground, holding him back as the Demon turned his gaze towards them.
Oh how pointless. Even if you escaped, wed have tracked you down. The Inorian army may be made up of a bunch of fools, but they are useful.
He chuckled a garbled sound. He strode forward as in the background, Gand tried to make his way to them. But more Demons appeared. Lower-leveled ones. These were barely Level 70, but they were still there.
The [Changeling] shook his head.
You told the world about us, but they didnt listen. Its unfortunate youll have to suffer the consequence of their ignorance.
He raised a w and struck at Faith. She hugged Bel, shielding him with her body. His ws raked across the Aura of Greater Protection around her, and he clicked his tongue.
Annoying.
He struck down with a fiery w again and again as Faith just curled up, soothing Bels whimpering. The boys gaze was fixed only on their older sister at her lifeless fallen corpse.
Its alright
She whispered, lying to herself as much as to him.
Everything will be alright. Everything will be alright
Her voice trailed off as the aura flickered, finally failing at the incessant attacks of the [Changeling]. She closed her eyes and epted her fate as the Demon raised a wed arm.
Goodbye, princess
[Heros sh]!
A voice yelled. The [Changeling] leapt back, screaming as his arm dropped to the ground. Faith froze. She recognized that voice. Her eyes slowly opened as she looked up, staring with round eyes at the familiar man.
He stood before her with a gray longsword. One that emitted a soft radiance of ember around its edges. Lowering his weapon, he looked down and met Faiths gaze.
Im sorry that Imte.
It was Daniel Song. A young man summoned from another world and forced to fight in a conflict he had no reason to participate in. Hed been ripped from his previous life, thrusted into one that was far more brutal and cruel. He nodded at her before taking a wide stance as the [Changeling] snarled.
Youre finally here, [Hero].
Chapter 307: Interlude - Daniels Destiny Part Four
Chapter 307: Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Four
307. Interlude - Daniel''s Destiny Part Four
Daniel Song stood in a familiar throne room. It was the very same ce hed woken to when he heard the alien words echo in his head for the first time. This was Ertos. The Capital city of Elutra. It happened five years ago, and it hadpletely changed his life.
His mundane, boring life back on Earth was no more the moment hed opened his eyes and saw the looming figure of the King standing before him. A princess waited at his side, prim and proper, inspecting him with an analytical yet vying gaze that instantly drew his interest.
All his problems felt like theyd finally vanished. It was as though hed been given a second chance in his new life: to right his wrongs; to start anew; and to be the man hed always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, what he soon learned was that just because his external problems vanished, his internal problems that which rted to himself as a person still remained. And when new problems arose as they normally would, he wasnt able to deal with them.
He ran.
A [Hero] that fled from his duties. Ridiculous. It was so ridiculous. Daniel realized then as he did now that it was such a ridiculous concept. Yet, that was what he did, Unashamedly, he abandoned the country that needed him the most.
It wasnt as though he didnt understand what he was doing when he did it. He knew the consequences of his own action, even if he didnt fully understand it if that made sense. To him at the time, it was just an abstract idea; he thought that or maybe, hoped that things would work out.
Standing here, amongst the corpses of many familiar faces Destiny, Rel, and many more he knew that the consequences were finally here. It was no longer a probability, but reality.
Daniels gaze darkened as he hung his head in a brief moment of shame, before he turned to Faith.
I am sorry.
The princess held Bel in her arms. The youngest prince. Tears streamed down his eyes as she drew to her feet, bowing to Daniel.
D-Daniel, you
The [Hero] has finally made his triumphant return. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Simag. An Archdemon of Wrath, at your service.
A low, groaning voice interrupted her. Daniel narrowed his eyes, turning to the Demon standing at the center of the throne room.
[Changeling - Lvl. 114]
The Archdemon of Wrath stood as tall no, taller than Salvos had been as a [Changeling]. He had the same skull-like face, although only a single pair of arms well, a single arm now that Daniel had lopped one off. He had a pair of crooked horns poking out of his head, and his glowing eyes peered into the [Hero] with disdain despite his tone.
And neither is or Vide were here to inform me of your arrival. So, I take it that theyre dead.
Youll be next if you dare try anything here.
Daniel stepped forward, raising his Primordial Longsword.
And what are you going to do? Look around you Ertos has already fallen.
Simag just chuckled. Daniel shook his head and spoke in a warning voice.
Pull back your troops. Recall this invasion. The people of Elutra have suffered enough.
s, even if you kill me, you wont be able to stop this, [Hero]. After all, youre not Melissa. Youre not Zacharius. And youre certainly not Alexander.
The Archdemon circled around Daniel, speaking casually.
Youre not even a real [Hero]. Youre just a coward.
And something inside of Daniel snapped. He rushed forward, shouting as he swung for Simags neck. The Archdemonughed and easily dodged the attack. He struck Daniel in the stomach before spinning around and kicking the [Hero] back.
Ack
Daniel went flying. Simag sneered.
Did you think Id be as weak as Vide or is just because Im at their level? Please. Neither of their sses are even close to Level 100. Mine, meanwhile
The Archdemon snapped a finger as a crimson sphere appeared around his shoulder. It quickly expanded, and he spoke.
[The Primordial Spark].
Thats Daniels eyes grew wide. He watched as the explosion shot out towards him. Swinging his de, he sliced through the brief st of fire, only to face a dozen burning weapons floating above Simag.
The weaponsunched out one after another as Daniel leapt to the side, cutting them down as they erupted into small fiery explosions. The Archdemon justughed.
Come on, now. You cant keep running. Not unless you want to save them.
He directed his fire weapons at Faith and Bel. Daniel stared in shock.
You wouldnt.
Theyre my targets anyway. I dont see any reason why I shouldnt.
Simag snapped a finger, and the attacks came for the princess and prince of the Elutra Kingdom. Faith covered her younger brother as Daniel threw himself in front of them, his des turning into a whirlwind of strikes.
[A Hundred Quick Strikes]!
He struck down the salvo of fiery des before they reached either Faith or Bel. One of the burning swords went for him, and he caught it out of the air. He tossed it aside as it exploded behind him, facing Simag with a determined look.
I will not let you take another innocent life.
Please, can you really say that when you cant even protect yourself?
Simag walked forward as he brought a wed finger up. Daniel watched hime. A sphere of ice appeared in the Demons fingertips. It was familiar. A prickling sensation a chill of recognition ran down Daniels spine.
The world almost seemed to freeze around him. It was as though the fighting in the background ceased. No more sounds of shing des. Daniel backed up as he recognized the words to leave the Archdemons mouth.
[Ray
It was an ice attack. One that was incredibly powerful. That would turn everything in the throne room and beyond into ice. It had been used by the Lich of the gunds. The Remnants of Zacharius the Quisling.
But how? How was Simag capable of both ice and fire magic at the same time? Was it his Subspecies? Or was his ss really that powerful?
Daniel didnt know. He just braced himself, nodding at Faith and Bel.
Stay behind me.
of Frost]!
Simag started, only for a figure to appear behind him. The Archdemon spun around, but was too slow to react. Amanda grinned.
[Charge of a Thousand des]!
She sliced for his throat. Simag leapt back as the de grazed his neck. ck blood dripped to the ground, and he cursed.
You
That was for destroying the Harrowed Vindicators.
Amanda flicked the blood off her double-ded dagger.
Well, I fucking hated them anyway. But they paid me well. So I could do at least that much for them.
The rogue assassin. I almost forgot to ount for you.
Even though Simag spoke in a casual, uncaring voice, his facial expression was clear he was upset. Daniel had learned to discern Demon or at least, [Changeling] expressions and their meanings from Salvos.
If only Vide and is hadnt strayed from the n, youd both have been dealt with by now. s, I have to make up for my subordinates mistakes.
There is more than just the two of them, Demon!
Another figure attacked Simag from behind. A man in heavy metal armor. Gand Monsterthorne. The knightmander of Elutras [Pegasus Knights]. He rode on his winged Pegasus, swinging a glowing de for the Archdemon of Wraths head.
Simag barely blocked it with a wall of ice. He started back, surrounded on all sides. By Daniel, by Gand, and by Amanda. The [Hero] stepped forward, raising his gray de.
You have lost this battle. Give up. Please, just put an end to this war.
The Archdemons eyes flickered between the three enemies. His allied Demons the other [Changelings] whod been in battle with the Elutran royal guards and [Pegasus Knights]y dead at the entrance of the throne room. Amanda had caught them off guard, picking them off one by one from the shadows.
That had always been Daniels n. From the very start.
Simag raised his single hand, sighing.
Youre right. I lost. I cant possibly stand a chance against all of you. Not by myself.
Then his lips curled up.
But if you really want to put an end to this war, youll have to make me.
Daniel narrowed his eyes.
Very well.
The [Hero] leapt forward, charging for the Archdemons head. Simags eyes glinted. There was a shimmer from his ws. Faith shouted, trying to stop Daniel.
Wait
Take this! [Crescent
And Simag raised his hand. A ring shone, reality warping around it.
Ring of the Forgotten Prison.
Daniel felt his entire body being tugged towards the ring. He tried to move away, but his body wouldnt respond. It was like he was being sucked into a whirlpool, and no matter how much thrashing he did, he couldnt break free from it.
Faiths screaming was all he heard for a moment. He thought it was over. Then, a figure appeared next to him.
[Savage Step].
Amanda ced a hand on his shoulder, whispering once more.
[Instantaneous Escape]. [Disengage].
The pair appeared right next to Faith and Bel. Daniel dropped to his knees as his vision returned to normal. The world spun around him, the dizziness too much to handle. But Amanda steadied him.
Are you fucking stupid? That was obviously a trap!
I
He groaned, and Simag clicked his tongue.
Your Skills truly are annoying, assassin.
Im not a good fighter. But I am good at killing and running.
Faith ran up to the [Hero], staring at him with wide eyes.
Are you alright, Daniel? Are you?
Im fine.
He waved a hand off and drew to his feet. He looked up at Simag as the Archdemon shook his head.
Well, it matters not that Ive lost here. The queen is dead. Ertos is ours. Even if a few of you survive, it wont matter. Not once Belzu is dead
Gand again attacked him from behind, but Simag just leapt out of the way, wings spreading wide. He took off, cackling as he flew through the broken ceiling of the throne room.
Run all you want, princess. [Hero]. We will find you. You cannot escape.
And with that, he was gone.
Daniel grunted as he straightened. He took a look at Faith and Bel, then at the dead littering around the room. It was a tragedy. More than just that he heard the explosions from beyond. The screams and shouts of innocents, affected by this unfair assault.
Even as Gand helped Bel onto the Pegasus. Even as Faith said something to him, he only saw the destruction being loosed onto Ertos. Faith grabbed him by the hand as another st resounded in the distance. A plume of smoke shot in the air as the pce shook.
Daniel.
The princess voice was eerily calm, even in this situation. Or no. It wasnt calm. It was that of resignation.
We have to leave. We need to tell the world of what happened here. Of what you saw.
Her eyes welled up as she spoke. She gritted her teeth together, turning to Gand and the Pegasus. Daniel closed his eyes. He shrugged Faith off, walking away from the throne room.
No.
He spoke in a determined voice. Faith blinked.
But we need your help to
Im not running.
Daniel stared at the marching army of Inoria as they closed in on the citys gates. He raised his Primordial Longsword, preparing once more for battle.
I shall stop this. Somehow. I cannot let others suffer for my own failures.
It was a hopeless battle. He knew it. The young man from Earth was very well prepared to die trying. But hed already resolved himself to a decision. So, he continued.
You can go if you want. But you cant make mee with you.
Faith opened her mouth to protest.
But without you, well be hunted
And a voice cut her off. Daniel felt a strike to the back of his neck as he copsed to his knees. He looked up to see Amanda standing over him.
[Precise Blow].
She snorted as she picked him up.
Who can you save if youre dead?
He tried to speak, but nothing came out. Amanda continued.
Fucking moron.
And his vision went dark.
Chapter 308: Aftermath
Chapter 308: Aftermath
308. Aftermath
The city of Ertos. Located right by Mount Soulcreep. It was the Capital city of the former Elutra Kingdom. Id never been to the country before, but Id heard many things about it from Daniel.
For one thing, it was supposed to be quite grand and majestic. The Elutra Kingdom had been considered one of the major powers in the world. It wasnt on the same level as the Vaun Qieur Empire or the Eastern Kingdom Alliance although thetter wasnt really a single entity as it was a coalition but Elutra had been rather significant in the scale of the Humannds. They even supposedly had two Elite Ranked adventurers at one point.
The first hadnt been seen since she left for the Beastmen ins. And the second well, he didnt interfere with war or politics. Some adventurers did, of course. But many, like him, didnt care for such things. They became adventurers specifically to avoid being involved.
Well, it was toote to change minds now that Elutra was essentially gone. The entirety of the country was now Inorian territory. I floated right above Ertos, looking at the g of the Inoria Empire flying high above the damaged walls. The pce itselfy half-fallen. Streaks of smoke still scarred the sky above the city. Even though it had been a month since the war ended and Ertos was captured, there hadnt been much done in the way of repairs.
This it?
Willy asked, hovering over my right shoulder. I nced over at him and shrugged.
Im not sure. If Im reading this map right, I think it should be Ertos?
I produced the map yton had given me, pointing at the red circle drawn at the center. I showed it to the [Will O Wisp] and gestured at the city.
This should be the right ce.
What do?
I guess well take a look around. Start our search from here. Unless are you a [Tracker] or a [Hunter]?
I looked at Willy, hopeful. He flitted down with a snort.
No.
Aw.
Before we arrived at the citys gates, I gave Willy my Ne of Lesser Obfuscation. I didnt need it. Not anymore, since I could just focus and show my ss to others. While my ss was rtively high-leveled, I saw no reason to hide it. It wasnt even above Level 100 yet. Id draw attention, of course, but it wasntparable to if I was clearly a wandering Diamond Rank.
Willys ss, on the other hand, was above Level 100. Itd draw questions. While I liked getting noticed and I liked my friends getting noticed it was not beneficial to us. Not at this moment.
There was a long line at the citys gates as the guards slowly checked everyone who was entering and leaving. They turned away a lot of people from entering, and judging by what was happening on the other side of thettice, they didnt allow people to leave either. When Willy and I reached the front, a rtively high-leveled [Warrior] approached me.
[Warrior - Lvl. 78]
What business do you have in Ertos, adventurer?
Were just here to take up some jobs.
I smiled, showing him my former tinum Rank badge. He shook his head.
Adventurers arent permitted inside of the city without an emergency. Orders from our new emperor.
Come on I have an emergency.
I leaned closer with a smile. His eyes flickered to the glinting objects in my hand, and I nodded.
Its so urgent, I may lose a few gold coins on my way in.
He pursed his lips before finally grunting. The coins vanished from my hand as he stepped aside.
Let them through.
I beamed, walking through the citys gates as Willy gave me a t stare. I turned to the Spirit and raised a brow.
What?
Illegal.
Its not illegal if you have enough money.
True.
Alright.
I pped my hands together as we stood in the streets of Ertos.
Now, where can we find a [Tracker] or a [Diviner]?
--
The Adventurers Guild of Ertos had been, unfortunately, destroyed during the siege of the city. Not like there had been too many adventurers left before the city fell. And those that had remained had left in the first few weeks after the siege ended. I tried to ask around for any adventurers anyone with the Skills necessary to help me find Daniel to no avail.
Come on! Dont you know any [Hunters]? Youre literally a [Butcher]! How else would you get all this meat?
I pestered the shopkeep in front of his stall as a few passersby stared at us. He shook his head apologetically.
We dont get our meat from hunting, young Miss. Im sorry, youll have to find someone else to help you.
My shoulders slumped as I dragged myself away from market street. Willy just snickered, watching my attempts fail.
Heh.
Maybe you should help me out instead ofughing.
I rolled my eyes. He zipped around me, speaking casually.
Cant.
Why not? Arent you a Spirit or something? Surely you know a [Priest] or two whos capable of using divination magic?
Willy stared at me for a moment before turning away.
No.
Do you mean no you dont know a [Priest] who can help me, or no you dont want to help me?
No.
Suffice to say, he was just following me around. It was fun talking to him, at least, but Id have preferred if he was actually able to help me.
Not all of the streets of Ertos were damaged from the fighting. It seemed like the area that was most adversely affected had been concentrated in the main street leading up to the pce. The roads were cracked and there was still quite some rubble strewn about over the sidewalks. Gloomy figures walked about their day-to-day lives, moving slowly. Like phantoms with no direction.
I scanned the sparsely gathered crowd, searching for anyone or anything that could maybe be useful to me. I caught sight of a hooded figure hiding in the cover of an alleyway. A quick use of [Identification] made my eyes widen.
[Archer - Lvl. 81]
An [Archer] that means she could be a [Tracker], right? I ran up to her, leaving Willy behind in the middle of the street. Even if she wasnt a [Tracker], she was the highest-leveled [Archer] Id seen so far in the city. At least, one who wasnt an Inorian soldier.
She was slinking around in the darkness, about to vanish further into the alleyway before I caught her. The [Archer] leapt back, startled.
Wha
Hi!
I waved at her as she eyed me warily.
Are you a [Tracker], by any chance? Or maybe any tracking Skills?
The [Archer] blinked. She lowered her guard, frowning.
T-tracking Skills? I do. But
Oh, thats good! Can you help me out?
I reached out to her, but she immediately drew away once again.
I apologize, but I am in a hurry right now. I cannot help you.
Aw, please?
She shook her head, spinning around.
I cannot. Goodbye.
I watched her go. Well, that didnt work out. I sighed, returning to Willy.
Hmm, maybe I should just ask around for Daniel
I wondered aloud. But that wouldve been stupid. First of all, the chances of running into someone in the streets who actually knew who Daniel was was quite low. Secondly, I knew he wasnt liked by the Inoria Empire, considering he was the [Hero] whod been summoned here to defeat them. Asking about him wouldve probably gotten me in trouble.
Didnt Daniel say he knew a few princesses? I nced over at the half-destroyed pce in the distance. Maybe Ill be able to find them there.
With that settled, I started for the pce of Ertos.
What was that about? Willow brushed aside her thoughts about that strange silver-haired woman who approached her in the alleyway. The Level 81 [Augur Markdy] had a job to do, and if she messed up, the entire operation would be jeopardized. So, she couldnt let herself be distracted.
She mbered onto the rooftop one which gave her a clear view of the royal pce of Ertos. Soulhome. A once beautiful structure one which showed the majesty of the Elutra Kingdom. Both were now shells of their former selves.
It angered Willow to see her city and her country ruined, brought to its current state. She wished to exact vengeance on the Inoria Empire. But on her own, there wasnt much she could do. Even with the rest of the resistance, they couldnt do much. They needed a proper leader to fight back against Inoria.
That was why she was heading for the pce. Today was the day of the royal familys execution. Princess Hope and prince Iance were caught trying to flee from an underground tunnel out of Ertos. Unfortunately, the rest of their siblings were killed during the attempted escape.
Willow knew that that was a lie that the Inoria Empire wouldve preferred to kill them all then and there. But they needed to make an example. To instill fear and suppress any hopes of rebellion. That was why it was going to be a public execution.
And that was Inorias first mistake. Willow nced over at the other figures moving alongside the rooftops of Ertos at the other resistance members moving into position. They were going to free princess Hope and prince Iance before the execution went through.
Now, the second mistake was what was going to happen at the execution. The new emperor of Inoria was going to be present for the execution. Even though he was just a ten year old child, he was going to be there to witness it. His parents bloodlust was clearly evident in him.
That was why Willow felt no hesitation about what shed resolved to do.
It was a mission with two parts. The first was the rescue, the second was the assassination. By splitting the focus of the Inorian guards, it increased the chances of their sess. There was no guarantee, but she truly believed that they could seed.
Willow leapt onto the final rooftop overlooking the foyer where the execution would soon be taking ce. She nodded at the hooded man already waiting there, speaking his name.
Zane.
He was a Level 75 [Shadowmaster Rogue]. He would ensure neither of them were noticed until it was already toote.
Took you long enough, Willow.
He snorted. Willow pursued her lips.
A strangedy distracted me for a moment. But its been dealt with.
Are you sure? This is our only chance of sess, Willow. If we fail here, we wont get another chance.
Im certain she was just an adventurer. And even if she was an Inorian soldier in disguise, she wasnt even Level 100. Gavyn could take her on without a problem.
The [Augur Markdy] drew her crossbow as sheid herself down on the tiled roof. Zane shook his head.
But we wont be able to take on the dozen other Level 100s patrolling the area if were found out.
Well, thats your job, isnt it?
Her eyes flickered to the wooden tform propped up at the center of the courtyard. A crowd was gathered there forced by Inorian troops to witness what was going to happen soon. A bell tolled,ing from the only temple in Ertos. That of the Den of Souls.
Its starting soon. Focus.
Willow loaded an enchanted arrow onto her weapon, eyeing the armed guards walking up to the stand. They brought with them a pair of chained prisoners. Willow recognized them, but their figures were starkly different from what they used to be. The previously beautiful princess Hope was reduced to a haggard, thin mess. Meanwhile, her older brother, Iance, was covered in wounds. It looked like hed been tortured and starved for days.
They could barely make their way up the steps. A man with a scroll walked onto the stand, bowing at the pces balcony that overlooked the foyer. Willow narrowed her eyes her [Eagles Vision] letting her clearly see the new emperor of Inoria standing there with his bodyguards.
There he is.
Willow nced over at Zane.
You remember the n, right? The others should already be in position.
Yes.
Zane got to his feet, and Willow grunted.
Then let us begin.
She just hoped that everything would proceed as nned.
Look, Im telling you, we just need to find someone who knows Daniel. Theyll be able to help us find him.
I argued with Willy as we passed by arge gathering of people the biggest one Id seen all day. They flocked to the courtyard right in front of the pce of Ertos, whispering in hushed, worried voices.
So why pce?
Willy asked, flitting around me. I wagged a finger sagely.
Because Daniel said he was friends with the royal family.
Then why princess?
The [Will O Wisp] was still dubious, but I smiled at him selfishly.
Because I want to meet a princess.
Dumb n.
He didnt like my idea. He flew ahead of me, still-facing my direction.
No princess.
What do you mean theres no princess in the pce? Its a pce! It has to have a princess.
Dead.
Willy replied simply, and I furrowed my brows.
Nope.
Yes.
Nope.
Yes.
Why would they be dead?
Because enemy.
I scowled. That made sense, but I didnt want it to be true. I was really looking forward to meeting Faith again. Or maybe another princess. Anyone would do as long as they were the princess of a country.
You dont know that. For all we know, they could still be alive.
Wrong
Willy started, and a loud voice echoed throughout the courtyard.
And now presenting, one of the perpetrators behind the assassination of emperor Rowen Ino! The disgraceful coward who fled her people after starting an unjust war! The former princess Hope!
I looked over at the wooden tform in the middle of the courtyard. A woman was brought onto the stand, in tears and in chains. I beamed and gestured at her to Willy as he stared.
See? I was right.
Then I tapped a finger on my chin.
Although is she an actual princess if shes a former princess?
Chapter 309: Save the Princess
Chapter 309: Save the Princess
309. Save the Princess
For their crimes against the people of Elutra, and for their crimes against the glorious Inoria Empire, these criminals shall be sentenced to death!
The man standing on the wooden tform continued, reading from his scroll as he ordered the execution of princess Hope and prince Iance to begin. Willow nced over at Zane and nodded.
Lets go.
She aimed her crossbow carefully at the executioner walking up to the stand as herpanion vanished into the shadows. In the distance, the rest of the resistance moved. Amongst the crowd. In the alleyways. Into the pce. On the rooftops.
There were dozens of them. All high-leveled. And their leader, Gavyn, wasted no time.
At the gates of the pce, a man strode forward, clothed in full hooded robes. The guards moved to stop him, but with a single swing of his sword, the gates smashed open. Dust and debris shot up as he cleaved the earth in half.
The pce is under attack! The rebels are targeting the emperor!
A voice shouted.
There were gasps screams. Soldiers moved quickly to the gates of the pce as the executioner paused. He was standing over princess Hope, a great axe in hand. Then he was on the ground, dead. A crossbow bolt in between his head.
[Rapid Reload]. Willow fired shot after shot, taking down the guards on the stand before they could react. The man with the scroll nced back and blinked.
Theyre trying to free the princ
And a shadow appeared behind him. Zane smiled, whispering before slitting him in the throat. Willow nodded and moved positions. She provided the man with a flurry of covering fire as an explosion sted up in the distance. One of the resistance [Mages] sent [Grand Fireballs] at the running guards. The sts distracted them, throwing their movement into chaos.
Another pair of [Rogues] appeared behind Zane, and they secured princess Hope and prince Iance. It took prince Iance a moment to register what was going on, while princess Hope was quicker to react. She clung onto one of the [Rogues], clearly crying even from afar.
Zane and the [Rogues] moved to escort them out, but their first hurdle appeared. From amongst the crowd, a heavily armored figure moved. Willow recognized him immediately. Igor Shardsling. He was one of the most prominent generals of Inoria. A Level 110 [Warrior]. He earned the Title General of Bloodlust for his cruelty in the battlefield.
And he moved quickly, barking orders.
Stop those rebels! [Field of Ardor]! [Rally of the Ravagers]!
The entire courtyard shimmered briefly. Zane and the other [Rogues] suddenly slowed in their movements. Sluggish. A red aura flickered around them, trailing behind wherever they went. It clearly marked their positions, even when they vanished into the shadows. The encroaching guards, on the other hand, moved faster. Their eyes were bloodshot seeking out their targets with a savage look on their faces.
Willow watched as things went awry as the situation devolved further and further. One of the [Rogues] was shot down by a homing arrowing from a nearby window. Even if Willow couldnt see the attacker, she knew only of one [Archer] with that capability who was presently in the city.
It had to have been the Valkyrie Sniper, Jillian. A Level 115 [Archer] and a Diamond Ranked adventurer. Before the war, Willow had looked up to her for her prowess on the battlefield. But once the war broke out, Jillian left herpany to join the army. That was when Willow lost all respect for her.
But even still, Jillians uracy with the longbow couldnt be rivaled. Her arrows swerved around the courtyard, dancing around innocent civilians before striking their targets. Zane narrowly managed to parry one of the arrows, only for another to shoot out from the fallen arrow. An ethereal one that zipped straight for his head like a phantom rising from the cut down bolt.
His eyes grew wide as it nearly struck him. He couldnt react in time. But Willow could. Her crossbow bolt shed with the arrow, and the two projectiles went flying. Zane stumbled back as shended lightly behind him, nodding.
Go! Ill hold them off!
What?
He nced up at her, staring for a moment.
But thats not part of the
Fuck the n. We need to get princess Hope and prince Iance out of here no matter what. Even if it means the emperor gets to live.
Willow had a pivotal involvement in the next step in aiding Gavyn and the others in carrying out their assassination. But if they couldnt even get at least one of the royal family out alive, it would have all been pointless.
Now go!
She shouted, and Zane nodded. He hefted princess Hope over his shoulder and turned to the other [Rogue] carrying prince Iance. Just as they were about to leap away, the air flickered. A fissure formed, obscuring the world around them. It was a dome one made entirely out of wind.
Zane stepped back, and Willow tensed. They watched as a figure emerged through the barrier enclosed around them.
[The Prisoners Terrarium].
Typhest the Wind Lord.
An old Baron from the Inoria Empire. And a well-known [Grand Mage] one whod served as the headmaster Inorias Cedric Academy for over a decade. He was rumored to be Level 125 in both his sses, but there was an obfuscation effect preventing Willow from using [Identification] on him.
He smiled at them, waving his staff as parts of the dome opened up, letting in Jillian and Igor Shardsling. They surrounded Willow and the rest of the rescue team. Princess Hope squirmed as she watched their approach.
N-no please
We will protect you, princess.
Willow raised her crossbow, but a single flick of the finger from Typhest sent her weapon flying. The old man sighed, shaking his head.
Do not resist. You have already lost.
We will not surrender to you or your emperor, Wind Lord.
She spat, drawing a dagger. Typhest just gestured vaguely around her.
You are trapped in a barrier that a flock of Lesser Wyverns would find difficulty in breaking through. Even a group of [Senior Centinel] would struggle to burrow a hole through this wind dome.
He spread his arms wide as Jillian and Igor edged forward.
To someone like you, this dome is nigh imprable
And the dome fell.
In an instant, the solid cage of wind that had been surrounding them was dispelled. Blue mes burned away the air as the sky opened up once more. Willow blinked, taking in the courtyard once more. Typhests eyes bulged out of his sockets as he stared at his fallen barrier.
I-impossible. How
And a figure wreathed in blue mes approached them. A young woman with silver hair and a blue jacket. She smiled, looking at princess Hope. Then she frowned, eyeing Willow.
Hey, I know you!
That was one of my greatest Skills. And you destroyed it, just like that. Just how did you do that?
The old man stared at me, his jaw looking like it was about to fall from his mouth. I nced over at him. I couldnt identify him he had some kind of Pendant of Obfuscation or the like. However, judging by his Skills, I was pretty sure he couldnt be above Level 130.
I shrugged.
I just threw some fire at it.
What?
He didnt know how to react. He was entirely speechless. I looked past him, searching for the person Ide here for. Princess Hope. She was being carried by a dark-skinned man with ck hair, standing next to another [Rogue] and the hooded woman I recognized. She just stood there as I waved at her.
Youre here too! Thats good. I told you this was a good idea, Willy. Now we can get both her help, and the princess help to find Daniel!
Willy flitted by behind me, still against the idea.
Stupid.
Its fine. If anything happens I can just teleport away.
Still stupid.
The [Mage]s eyes widened as he took in Willy.
Thats a [Will O Wisp]. But no its magic is is that a Grand Spirit?
He narrowed his eyes, warily looking at me.
Are you a [Summoner]? I didnt know the resistance had one of this level.
Resistance?
I cocked my head. Willy scoffed.
Them.
I looked at the hooded woman. They were trying to get the princess and his brother, I guess out of here. So that they were a resistance group made sense.
Hey! You guys should get out of here! Ill deal with these guys then catch up to you, alright?
They exchanged confused nces, uncertain of what to do. A fancily d Inorian [Warrior] one of the three whod been surrounding the princess stepped forward, raising his greatsword.
I know how to deal with these [Summoners], Baron. Worry not. You just have to strike them down before their Spirit attacks you.
The body standing next to him nodded.
Ill distract the Spirit. Go for it, Igor.
Wait, both of
The old man started, but they moved regardless. The [Warrior] charged me as the [Archer] loosed a flurry of glowing projectiles at Willy.
The [Will O Wisp] easily evaded the attacks, even as they came at him from all sides.
What do, Salvos?
Isnt that obvious?
I spoke simply as the [Warrior] reached me. He grinned savagely, swinging for my head.
I got you now! Take this, [Obliterating Strike]!
I stepped under his attack, reaching into my [Dimensional Pocket] as his sh tore open the earth without evening into contact with the ground. The tiled roads went flying into the air. I produced a Nebr Scythe. One that wasnt gray or ck, but made of some iridescent metal. Forged from rainbow mes. The same one I had created when I was still under the effects of my Divine Essence.
It didnt vanish, despite the Grand Skill ending. One of the perks of my [Nebr Constructs]. The [Warrior] spun around, screaming.
You wont get
[Radiant sh].
And I sliced up with ease. He fell, cut in half in an instant.
She killed him just like that
Willow stood, frozen, unable to process what was happening before her. Igor Shardslingy on the ground, his armor cut through like it wasnt even there. It had to have been a High Grade armor. And yet, the silver-haired womans attack didnt even slow when it went through him.
Huh. I thought his armor wouldve been stronger. I shouldnt have wasted that Skill
Y-you how dare you! Youll pay for that!
Jillian the Valkyrie Sniper screamed. She pulled out a glinting arrow one that shimmered at the arrowhead, radiating an immense amount of mana.
I never thought Id have to use this. It is the only one I have, but Ill kill you and your Spirit with it for what you did. The Giant Killer Arrow.
The Giant Killer Arrow. Willow had heard of it. Shed never seen one herself of course not. It was rumored to be Epic Grade at the very least. Jillian took aim at the silver-haired woman.
[Crescendo of
And the silver-haired woman appeared behind her. The Valkyrie Sniper whirled around in surprise, only to find her arms detached from her body.
W-what?
Ill be taking this.
The silver-haired woman grabbed the Giant Killer Arrow, and it vanished. She smiled before swinging for Jillian once more. A blue ze overcame her scythe. And in the next moment, Jillian was lying dead on the ground.
Huh. This is easy. Too easy.
She murmured as Willow just stared. Now was the opportunity to escape. It was their chance to leave, but Willow, Zane, and the others were all too captured in the moment. They watched on as only Typhest was left.
The Wind Lord stumbled back but caught himself. He took a deep breath and pointed at the silver-haired woman.
I see now. You have a Ne of Greater Obfuscation, dont you? Or perhaps youre showing your second ss. But that doesnt matter. I know your goal.
His eyes flickered to the prince and princess of Elutra. Willows gaze snapped over to them. She raised a hand, finally breaking from her stupor.
Zane, get them out
But she was too slow. Typhest spun around, unleashing a localized hurricane at them.
[Thunderwind Vortex]!
His voice bellowed throughout the courtyard. Even audible through all the fighting and explosions. The spinning gale crackled with electricity, sending a flurry of wind des at Willow and the others.
She braced herself prepared to be torn to shreds. But a voice cut through the roaring spell.
[Protection of the Sentinel].
A blue glow overcame Willow. A kind of ming armor that didnt burn. It protected them from Typhests attack. He looked on as even the injured prince Iance came out unscathed when his spell ended.
What just how? Y-you are you an Elite? But why are you with the Elutra Kingdom?
He backed away from the silver-haired woman as she casually strolled up to him. Typhest gritted his teeth and mmed his staff into the earth.
Try to stop this, you monster! [Lightningwyrm]!
The silver-haired woman cocked her head. She watched a serpent made of lightning came into existence around him. It roared a thunder beforencing out at her.
She simply snapped a finger.
[The Primordial Spark].
And a simr serpent one made of blue fire was conjured up behind her. She was mimicking his Skill with her own, Willow realized. Itpletely overwhelmed his Skill, tearing through the lightning and sting him back.
Typhest copsed to his knees, dropping his staff.
I-I cant win. Someone guards! Stop her!
He screamed, looking around for help. Inorian troops closed in on their position, but the Grand Spirit just floated up and sent a wave of me out, incinerating all those that came close.
No.
The Grand Spirit spoke simply, supporting the silver-haired woman from behind.
She continued her casual walk as Typhest unleashed spell after spell at her. She blocked them with ease,ing to a halt before him. He trembled as she loomed over him.
Just w-what are you?
Baring her teeth, she leaned closer and raised her scythe.
Me? Im S I mean, Im here to save the princess.
Willow flinched as she swung down.
Chapter 310: The Emperor
Chapter 310: The Emperor
310. The Emperor
These guys were weak. Like, very weak. Were they really Level 100? My [Identification] said they were somewhat close to my level and they even had good equipment on them too! But I beat them back with ease. The first man and woman didnt even put up a fight. Meanwhile, the old [Mage] tried his best. He unleashed a flurry of spells at me, to no avail.
I sauntered up to him, raising my scythe as he stared in fear.
Just w-what are you?
I bared my teeth and swung down.
Me? Im S I mean, Im here to save the princess.
He flinched. I was prepared to cut through an Aura of Greater Protection, or any other proactive enchantment he had. But all I did was blink as my scythe struck nothing.
I looked down for the old man, however he was gone. Blinking a few times, I cast my gaze towards a nearby rooftop. I spotted a woman holding him from the shoulder. Murmurs broke out amongst the resistance as I met her gaze.
Thats Lucieve theTormentor!
The hooded [Archer] gasped.
My eyes flickered at the name. That sounded like I focused, eyeing her every movement. [Identification] told me that she was only around Level 120. Yet, I could tell she was stronger than the old man. A smile spread across her face as she dropped him.
Im disappointed, Typhest. The n was simple. We draw out these resistance rats and exterminate them once and for all. But you failed.
The old man sputtered as he picked himself up.
Lucieve, I apologize but thisdy is stronger than she looks
I dont care.
She spoke over him, stepping forward.
Go and protect the emperor. Maybe youll be useful there.
Typhest nodded, flying off.
Yes,dy Lucieve.
Meanwhile, she just gave me a savage look. I saw the way she bared her teeth at me. I didnt even need to think twice I knew what she was in an instant.
She was a Demon.
Ill deal with this
And there was a flicker. Her eyes grew wide. She barely leapt out of the way in time as the Nebr Sickle Grenade flew past her. The st lit up the sky behind her. She looked back at the silver explosion, still in shock.
What?
Hey. Im Salvos, nice to meet you.
I appeared behind her, swiping for her head. She flew back as a pair of ming wings appeared from her back. My attack grazed her arm and drew ck blood.
Lucieve panted as she flew to the sky. She raised her hand, shouting.
You shall pay for that! [Infernal
But she couldnt finish. Because, from behind, a figure grabbed her. A golden, glowing figure. [Salvo of Vanity]. My clone.
What are you doing? Let go of me!
She struggled, even as my clone flew higher and higher. I bared my teeth back at her, and something clicked in her eyes. I replied simply as the [Demons Mark] on her arm grew brighter.
Killing you.
My clone shone brightly as they ascended far above the city. I snapped my fingers when I was sure they were but a speck in the sky. And the speck expanded into an expansive explosion. A gold and crimson st. One that spread wide, casting a brilliant re over the city.
A notification resounded in my head as I confirmed that she had indeed been a Demon.
Defeated [Asera Changeling - Lvl. 122]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Alright. Now that thats settled.
I nced down at Willy who was casually keeping back any Inorian soldiers from getting to either the prince or the princess. The resistance stared up at me, both in reverence and in fear as I descended back to them.
You
The hooded woman gaped.
Why would you
My eyes flickered to the side. I saw more high-leveled individuals appear from the pce. Many tinum Ranks, and a few Diamond Ranks.
This is taking too long. Lets get out of here.
I flicked my fingers, breakingrge chunks of the earth beneath the resistance members feet. They ascended into the air as I waved at Willy to follow. The [Will O Wisp] casually floated after me.
Done?
Yep! Although, I dont know if well ever be allowed into this city ever again.
I looked at the ruckus wed caused. It wasnt the best idea I''ve ever had. But I came here for one reason only, and by saving princess Hope and the hooded [Archer], I got what I wanted. A way to find Daniel. Mypanion.
[Scattering Discement] took the resistance to the air as I flew off. But before I could make it too far, a voice called out.
Wait, please!
The hooded [Archer] spoke out in a panicked voice, quickly looking over at the pce of Ertos.
Gavyn. Hes still fighting
A small explosion interrupted her. One that came from the tall balcony where the emperor had been. I raised a brow.
You want me to save your friend?
Please.
She bowed her head.
Sure!
I summoned two more clones and turned to Willy.
Make sure my clones dont misbehave!
The [Will O Wisp] just stared at me as my clones grinned at him. He made a sighing sound before I flew off to where the st had been. The smoke cleared up as Inded in a fancy room. A ballroom, of sorts. The ground was littered in debris and bodies. A little boy stood backed up in the corner of the room, surrounded by corpses and a single bodyguard. A man with the same smile Lucieve had. A Demons smile.
[Mage - Lvl. 108]
He stood over another man in heavy te armor Gavyn, I was assuming who looked like he was on the precipice of defeat. Heads turned as I entered the room.
Hey, are you Gavyn? Im here to save you!
I-I am who are?
Gavyn stared at me. The Demon disguised as a Human raised a brow.
It seems even more resistance members have shown up, emperor Rowyn. I fear that soon I may be bested in battle.
He feigned hurt, clearly mocking.
Oh, if I flee here and leave you to your assassins, will I be condemned?
Youre just going to leave your emperor behind?
Gavyn grunted, trying to get to his feet.
Even though you have won this battle? Just what is wrong with you?
The Demon tilted his head at the usation. His gazended on me as a chuckle left his mouth.
But I have yet to win this fight. After all, this Level 94 [Mage] hase to your rescue. Surely her powers will be too much for me to
I appeared in front of him, baring my teeth.
Shut up. Youre annoying.
He froze, unable to react. I ced a hand on his chest and unleashed an inferno that consumed him in an instant. He was reduced to ashes, leaving only a silent scream behind. Gavyn looked at me, his jaw dropping.
How?
Alright.
I pped my hands together.
Can we leave now?
It took the resistance leader a moment to gather himself. But before he could get to his feet, the boy the emperor of Inoria spoke up.
You killed Erist. Just like that hes dead.
I shrugged.
I mean, he was way weaker than his friend, you know?
His friend? You mean Lucieve? You killed her too? But shes
She wasnt that strong. Well, I guess shes stronger than an [Evolved Centinel] at her level. But shes nearly ten levels below me, and Im well, me. I may have gone a bit overboard, but I wanted to kill her quickly.
I wasted quite a few Skills on her, which was going to be a bit of a problem considering the shouts I heard in the distance. Inorian troops were already closing in on our position. I shook my head and turned to Gavyn.
Lets get going already!
But I have to
The leader of the resistance struggled as I dragged him off. The boy watched me go, blinking. Then he called out just before I took off into the sky.
Wait
I paused, ncing back at the emperor of Inoria. He hesitated and closed his eyes.
Take me with you!
What?
Gavyn stared at him. I narrowed my eyes, considering it as the shouts drew closer.
Are you sure? Arent you an emperor or something?
The boy shook his head.
Im an emperor in name only. I I cant stay here. I cant do anything without my every move being watched. This is for the greater good. You can trust me. Take me as your captive. Please.
But why would we
Gavyn started, but I spoke over him.
Alright, I guess. Maybe you can help me find Daniel too.
I grabbed the boy and hefted him over my shoulder. I returned to the destroyed balcony, eyeing the flying figures approaching us led by the old man from earlier. He raised an arm, pointing at me.
They have kidnapped emperor Rowyn!
I sent a flurry of ming weapons their way, slowing them as I exploded into the sky.
Im not kidnapping him, he asked me to take him. See you guys never!
And we were off. Our pursuers couldnt keep up. Not for long, at least. I found Willy and my clones soon after. With that, it was finally time for me to start asking questions about Daniel.
--
I sat in a small clearing in a forest a ways away from Ertos. We were still in the former territory of the Elutra Kingdom, but apparently the hooded [Archer] Willow led my clones to the hideout of the Elutra Resistance.
Here it was where we gathered. Me, my clones, a feisty Grand Spirit, a group of victorious rebels, a disgraced prince and princess, and a boy emperor. There was a lot to discuss. First of all, the resistance members had to exin to those in the hideout that I was an ally. Which I wouldnt necessarily agree with.
A ck-haired man the one they called Zane gesticted excitedly as he recapped what happened to those whod been waiting in the hideout.
She swooped in like a [Hero]. In an instant, she defeated both the General of Bloodlust and the Valkyrie Sniper!
What? Seriously?!
Is she an Elite?
She has to be
Then next was the question about why the emperor was here. Gavyn looked disapproving, even if he called Rowyn a captive.
We decided that it was for whatever reason, better to take the emperor with us rather than ending him and his bloodline there and then.
His face twisted. Willow nodded, ncing over at me.
Maybe this was her n. Maybe we can get the emperor to admit his crimes through a trial. The world will have to support us then, right?
Theres no longer any point. Ive confirmed it myself. Many times. There are Demons amongst the Inorian troops. Even the emperors bodyguards had a [Changeling] amongst them. The world wont list
It made sense that Gavyn knew that Erist was a Demon. He did get a notification for the kill too since he fought against Erist and all.
Meanwhile, I sat happily with princess Hope. She slowly slurped on a bowl of soup. Her brothery on the ground in aatose state, being tended to by a [Healing Mage].
So, do you know Daniel?
I asked her after a long moment of silence. The princess flinched reflexively from the question. I tilted my head, and she hesitated.
Daniel Song? Are you referring to the [Hero] from Earth?
Earth A1, yep!
I smiled.
Hes mypanion.
I know of him. But I havent seen him in many years. I thought he was dead.
Wait, do you mean you dont know what happened to him? Are you sure you didnt see him recently? He was present during the fall of Ertos, you know?
Was he? I didnt even but when Faith said
Princess Hope blinked. Then her eyes zed over her gaze grew dark as she shuddered. She brought her knees to her chest, muttering to herself.
The fall of Ertos. My brothers and sisters Im
Um, hello?
She didnt respond. I reached over to poke her, but the [Healing Mage] stopped me.
I apologize, Miss
Salvos.
Oh, uh, and Im Gene.
He scratched the back of his head. Then he gestured at princess Hope as she rocked back and forth.
But when individuals are in a state of shock, they be catatonic. Itd be best for you to try speaking with her againter.
Aw, alright.
I got up and nced around this little encampment. If princess Hope couldnt help me, my next best bet was going to be Willow. But just as I started towards her as she continued her discussion with Gavyn, I felt a tingling in the back of my mind. My clones were calling me towards them.
Theyd been looking after emperor Rowyn along with Willy. Well, to be more specific, theyd been bothering Willy as the Grand Spirit tried to look after emperor Rowyn. I walked up to them, waving a hand.
Whats going on?
Help.
Willy spoke simply. My clones nodded eagerly, and the boy stepped forward.
I heard you were searching for a man. Daniel Song. The [Hero] of Elutra.
Yep. Thats right. Why?
I tilted my head, and the emperor answered.
I can help you. I know where hes at.
Huh. I knew it!
Chapter 311: Emperor’s Explanation
Chapter 311: Emperor¡¯s Exnation
311. Emperor''s Exnation
Daniel Song opened his eyes as the first light of day leaked over the horizon and into the cavern. The sun ascended into the sky, painting the dark blue canvas into a light azure. The young man dragged himself to his feet, dreading the day that was toe.
He stood at the edge of the cave, looking over the undtingndscape. The hills and valleys that stretched as far as he could see. He turned to his grousingpanions, before addressing the brown-haired woman whod been keeping watch.
Were there any problems?
If there were any, Id have obviously woken you up. So, no.
Amanda answered casually. But despite her demeanor, Daniel knew she was just as nervous as the rest of them. Theyd been hounded for the past month by soldiers, assassins, and Demons from the Inoria Empire.
They couldnt travel as quickly as they could. If they wanted to, they probably could have left Elutras or, Inorias now borders within two to three days. But their pursuers forced them to slow their movements. To use the terrain to remain hidden from sight.
Even still, they had gotten into far too many engagements. Ones which had nearly been costly. The only casualty so far, unfortunately, had been Gand Monsterthornes Pegasus. Bel and Faith had gotten out of the battles mostly unscathed, but that was only because Daniel demanded Amanda ensure their safety above all else.
It would have all been for nothing, otherwise.
Daniel wished he couldve saved more people from the fall of Ertos. He heard that the rest of the royal family had been ambushed and killed. He heard that over a thousand innocent lives had been lost that day. Maybe even more.
It upsetted him. And what upsetted him the most was that he couldnt even do anything about it.
He wanted to stay. He wanted to do whatever he could to save as many people as he could. But Amanda had knocked him out. A single strike to the back of the neck. It caught him off guard, and he fell unconscious.
By the time he woke up, they were already beyond the gates of the city, flying up to Mount Soulcreep. They were being pursued, and if he left them alone to return to Ertos, hed be leaving them to die. So, he remained with them, protecting them.
Daniel couldnt lie and say he didnt feel any resentment towards Amanda for what she did. He saw her point, but he still wasnt happy about it. There had to have been something else that couldve been done. Something he couldve realized if he hadnt been knocked out.
So, he didnt indulge in Amandas snark remarks. He barely even looked at her as he nodded.
Good. Then we should get going. Were reaching the border soon. Shedos will offer you protection. They have a history of animosity with Inoria.
The [Hero] turned to Faith and Bel. Gand helped them to their feet as they nodded.
Do you really think theyll believe us?
The princess asked hesitantly. Daniel closed his eyes.
Theyll have to. We have no other choice.
He started for the cave exit, shaking his head. Amanda just shifted, clearly ufortable as he walked past her.
We just have to hope for the best
Hes somewhere in the Anima Mountain Range.
I listened as the boy emperor exined.
Youre referring to the [Hero] that Elutra summoned, right? Simag is hunting him down. He escaped Ertos before its fall, bringing with him princess Faith and prince Bel.
Princess Faith is alive? Thats good!
I beamed, exchanging a nce with my clones. Rowyns gaze darkened, his lips pursed as he continued.
I do not know if theyll be alive for long,dy Salvos.
Actually, its just S
I paused. I eyed Rowyn as he sat there, clenching a fist.
Wait, did you call medy Salvos?
I apologize, was that rude of me? My father never taught me how to speak withmoners.
No, no, no! That is absolutely fine!
I sped my hands together, leaning forward.
You can call medy Salvos, if youd like! In fact, why not take it a step further and call me Princess Salvos?
He blinked. Then his eyes widened.
I did not mean to disrespect you, Princess. I wasnt aware that the Princess of another nation would involve herself with this conflict.
Not.
Willy snorted from the side. Rowyn raised his head.
Not?
Not Princess
Ignore Willy. Hes a [Will O Wisp]. That means hes a stupid Spirit. I am most definitely a Princess, yep.
I see.
Emperor Rowyn nodded slowly. I waved a hand dismissively and held his gaze.
Anyway, what were you saying? Why is Daniel in the Anima Mountain Range, again?
Because of Simag.
He spoke grimly as me and my clones drew closer..
As you should know, the Inoria Empire is working with Demons. Or to be exact, we are working under Demons. Your resistance is wrong
Their resistance.
I corrected him, ncing over at Willow in the distance. She looked over at me, frowning over something. And I turned back to Rowyn. He continued.
R-right. Their resistance is wrong. Most of Inoria doesnt know this. We were forced into this war by Demons. We didnt want this. They did. And Simag is one of their leaders.
The boys gaze shadowed over.
Hes an [Asera Changeling], just as Lucieve had been. But hes not the strongest Archdemon. Not even close. However, he is one of the most cunning. He was the one tasked with taking down Ertos. And, where previous plots failed, his seeded. At the cost of my parents life.
I watched as the boy shed a few tears before steeling himself. He straightened and spoke with the majesty of an emperor, even at his age.
Now, Simag is hunting down both your friend and thest of Elutras royal family. I was told they escaped to Mount Soulcreep before continuing on through the Anima Mountain Range.
I produced my map and scanned the area around Ertos. I ced a finger on a series of markings that resembled mountains.
Is this the Anima Mountain Range?
That and all this over here.
Rowyn traced arge area around the map with his finger.
It is quite therge naturalnd border. Notparable to the Motharis Mountain Range especially not in terms of the danger present but it is substantial nheless. I do not know whether well be able to find your friend in time before Simag gets to them, however I do know youll be able to take him on.
Well, of course! I am quite strong, after all.
I beamed, pping my hands together. Rowyn agreed.
You killed Lucieve. She was the one who was responsible for overseeing my protection. To ensure that the Inoria Empire continues to operate smoothly under their thumb. She was far stronger than Simag. But you still have to be careful. He holds many tricks. I am sure he has traps prepared if faced with an enemy stronger than he is.
Thats settled, then. Well be going to the Anima Mountain Range, Willy.
I gestured for the [Will O Wisp] to get up. He flitted into the air, then paused when he stared past me. He looked over at a pair of figures approaching us. I nced up at the two Humans the two members of Elutras Resistance.
Willow and Gavyn. The woman raised her brow, peering at the emperor dubiously.
I heard what you said. Princess Faith and prince Bel are still alive, and theyre being protected by the [Hero] Daniel, right?
Yep. Wait, howd you hear us?
I cocked a brow. She gestured at her ears.
[Enhanced Senses]. Its a General Skill. Most [Archers] have them. You should really put up wards when speaking about private information.
Huh.
Saffron always did it for me. I had no idea how to cast a spell to block out hearing. Willow crossed her arms, looking at Rowyn then me.
If youre going to save princess Faith and prince Bel, then count us in. We will help you with that. You asked for my tracking Skills, didnt you? Im sure I can find them if I know their general location, and with a little help.
Sure! I was actually just about to ask for your help.
I smiled, d she volunteered her assistance before I had to request it. However, Gavyn harrumphed, interrupting her.
But before we do anything just yet, we have one question to ask.
Me?
I pointed at myself. The leader of the resistance shook his head, stepping past me. He loomed over the boy sat by my clones, drawing back in fear. Gavyns gaze bore into the emperor of Inoria, speaking in a deep voice.
Why should we trust you, emperor Rowyn?
Chapter 312: Saving the [Hero]
Chapter 312: Saving the [Hero]
312. Saving the [Hero]
Daniel Song trudged beneath a canopy of green. A dense forest rose along the slope of the mountain, cresting to the very peak together with the [Hero] and his party. Once they were at the very top, they took in thendscape. The terrain ahead shifted. The sea of trees grew sparser, eventually morphing into a world of rock and stone.
They were getting close. One the forest ended, the mountain range itself would slowly descend. And that was where theyd finally be safe. That was where theyd find themselves at Shedos.
Faith grabbed her little brothers hand, sping onto it tightly.
Were so close
Her voice was like a whisper. Amanda nced over at them, shrugging.
I could expedite the process if you want. A couple hundred [Savage Steps] or so, and well be right there.
Daniel knew that her Skill worked almost like a teleportation spell. In nearly an instant, she could cross over a hundred feet with only a short ten second cooldown in between. Still, they were miles out and away from the border.
It was still too risky. Especially if this resulted in them being caught by Simag and his hunters. Daniel shook his head.
Welly low. Its just a little further
But he didn''t get to finish. He was cut off by a loud barking no, a howling. It was deafening to the ears. A cacophony of them. It resounded from the very base of the mountain. Daniels head snapped to face the creatures hounding up towards them.
A pack of dog-like creatures. Ones that were deformed, each wearing a different kind of body. They had bone-like protrusions and oddly shaped ws and irregr number of limbs. Their came in all kinds of sizes too, with distinct colors that made them stand out from each other.
Daniel didnt know what he was looking at. He just stared at the creatures as they mbered up the mountain. Gand was the first to react. He drew his de, eyeing the creatures warily.
Theyre not monsters.
They arent?
Faith blinked. She hugged Bel, and Daniel stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the metal rings around their necks. Cors.
Demons.
The [Hero] whispered. He turned to Amanda, meeting her gaze.
Theyve found us. Take Faith and
His eyes widened. He saw a shadow swooping down, and he leapt in front of the former assassin before the winged creature could swipe at her. Daniel parried a set of ws as sparks flew from his Primordial Longsword.
The winged creature drew back, letting out a screech.
[Cockatrice - Lvl. 105]
It looked like a giant rooster. One with a set of massive feathery wings, and w-like legs that looked like it was made of bone. It stared at Daniel, its eyes burning with a red glow. It opened its beak, unleashing a flurry of mes at him.
He cut through the fire and turned to his party.
We need to run now!
More shadows flew above head as the dog-like Demons drew closer. Daniel looked up to see a familiar horned figure flying there.
Simag.
Weve found you.
He bared his teeth as dozens of Demons followed after him. All the [Hero] could do was brace himself as he prepared for the worst.
Why should we trust you, emperor Roman?
I nced between emperor Roman and the two members of the resistance. Willow was the calmer of the pair. She wore an analytical look one that studied each minute change in expression on the boys face. Meanwhile, the leader of the resistance, Gavyn, was clearly dubious.
He crossed his arms, harrumphing as he prodded the boy.
Well?
He waited.
Roman tensed. The boy emperor couldnt find any words. His worked his mouth, his tongue dry as he licked his lips. Then something flickered in his eyes. I watched as his demeanor changed, and he straightened.
I understand your suspicions, sir Gavyn.
Dont try cozying up to me, boy.
The leader of the resistance red. Willow ced a hand on his shoulder, frowning.
Gavyn. You said wed hear him out.
I am willing to listen, but I do not care for his pretty words. Speak, boy, and we shall deem whether you are trustworthy.
The boy emperor nodded, bowing his head slightly. He rose to his feet and spoke in a regal voice befitting his station.
There is little of me to trust. Not after what my empire has done to your country and its people. But you heard what I said to Princess Salvos, didnt you?
I perked up as he gestured at me. I nodded eagerly, repeating what he said.
Yep! Yep! Emperor Roman said that he has no control over his empire. Demons are running it from within.
So I heard.
Gavyn narrowed his eyes.
But that means nothing to me. I still have no reason to trust you. In fact, that makes me trust you even less. After all, the Demons in your empire didnte from nowhere, did they? They had to have been summoned into the Mortal Realm. This simply tells me that Inoria had been working with Demons for years decades, even.
Roman shifted his feet. His stoic demeanor receded slightly, revealing the boy within. However, he took a moment to poise himself. With a deep breath, he continued.
Thats true. I was told that my Father made a deal with an Archdemon long ago. And perhaps that gives you a reason not to trust me. You may think that I am evil for that very reason. And Im not going to ask you to trust me. Instead, Ill ask you to trust one thing.
He held the gazes of both resistance members.
That I despise the Demons as much as you do. That from the very bottom of my heart, I wish to eradicate their kind from this world. And I will do whatever it takes to ensure that is the case.
The boy finished. I cocked a brow. Huh. But Willow seemed quite impressed. She was swayed by his resolve. And she turned to Gavyn.
I think we can trust him, Gavyn. If it means we can find princess Faith and prince Bel and the [Hero] we should give him a chance.
Gavyn sighed.
Fine. But if he betrays us
I wont. You have my word.
Roman stood, resolute. I raised a hand, butting into the conversation.
Are we done now? Can we leave?
Gavyn nodded.
Very well. We shall make preparations to depart as soon as possible.
He spun around and called out to Zane.
Zane! We need your Skills to track someone down!
The [Rogue] hurried over as I tapped a finger on my chin.
Wait, I thought Willow was the one with tracking Skills?
We both have tracking Skills. Together, well be able to help us find princess Faith quicker than alone. We just need to find the general vicinity of where they are
Willow spoke, nodding. I nced over at Roman.
You said they were at Mount Soulcreep, right?
They traveled past it further to the northeast. Last I heard, they were getting close to the border. If I remember correctly, they were in the Anima Mountain Range passing close to Elios, one of the border cities.
I see.
I pped my hands together, interrupting Gavyn from his talk with Zane.
Alright, thats settled!
I walked up to Willow and grabbed her by the hand. One of my clones picked up Zane as the man sputtered.
Wait, whats going
Well be going now. Come on, Willy.
I ushered the Grand Spirit up. He flitted into the air as my wings spread wide masked by fire. Gavyn spoke up, clearly puzzled.
What are you doing, Salvos?
Me? Im going to go rescue the [Hero] and the princess.
I replied simply, drifting into the air. He furrowed his brows.
But we arent ready. We havent done the necessary
Oh, youre not necessary. Dont worry.
I waved a hand off, and he blinked.
What?
Im saying you guys arent needed. Stay here and look after Roman, alright? Or you can follow after uster. Its up to you. But Im going to go now.
But youll need our help
Why would I?
I cocked my head. He pursed his lips.
I
No response. I shrugged and took off with Willy and my clones.
Now if youll excuse me, Ill be going now! See you guyster!
They watched as I left. I soared to the sky, carrying with me Willow and Zane. I produced my map, locating Elios on it before flying in its direction.
Hold on tight! Im not going to go slow!
And I was off, flying to the rising sun.
I cant wait to see Daniel again. I beamed. I wonder how hes doing.
Daniel heard the howling the barking, the snarling, the growling, and the shrieking. They chased after him as he sprinted through the forest. Up ahead, Amanda ran with Faith and Bel in her arms. Gand was right behind her, barely keeping up with his own enchanted boots.
It was already evening. Theyd been chased all day. From noon to sunset. They couldnt get to the border because Simag had kept interrupting them diverting their route.
The [Hero] brought up the rear. Slowest of the lot. He was hounded by shadows. Creatures that moved in the shadows. Quick and brutal. They were Demons, but most of them werent Level 100. They were close, apart from Simag and the [Cockatrice].
These were
A shadow leapt out from the bushes, snapping for Daniels head. He spun around and smacked it with the back of his fist. He stomped his foot on its underbelly, keeping it down as he stabbed it through the chest with a glowing de. [Aura of the Sentinel]. It enhanced his attacks. It let him easily pierce through the creatures thick skin.
It thrashed about for a moment before going limp. Its ck blood oozed on the ground as Daniel drew back.
You have defeated [Rabid Hellwolf - Lvl. 95]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Daniel panted, given only a moments reprieve to consider this. These were Demons. But not the usual intelligent kinds of Demons. Theycked any thought or basic mental capacity. They moved like savage wild animals, hungrily stalking their prey.
It was utterly ridiculous. Simag was no longer even trying to disguise the fact that he was a Demon. This move was far too bold far bolder than anything the Demons had ever tried before. That just showed how desperate they were in trying to kill Daniel, Faith, and Bel.
The [Hero] cut down another [Hellwolf] that leapt at him before making a break for it again. But after taking a single step, he saw a shadow moving overhead. The [Cockatrice] let out a terrible shriek as it unleashed a massive fireball at him.
His eyes widened as he saw the attacking. He raised his sword, breathing deeply.
[Will of the Hero].
It shielded him from the st. The [Cockatrice] pped its wings, ascending once more. But Daniel was getting tired of this chase. He leapt into the air, boosted by his Heros Skill and aimed for the monsters neck.
[Heros sh].
He beheaded the giant rooster in an instant. It fell to the ground, dead as a notification echoed in his head. He groaned as hended back on the ground. He wanted to rest. He needed a break. But he saw the shadows moving overhead, and he was back on his feet.
Simag led a air of [Changelings] straight for Amanda. They zipped through the air and assailed the former assassin from all sides. Gand rushed to her aid, and the two moved to protect Faith and Bel.
Daniel tried to join them, but for every few steps he took, he was intercepted by a [Hellwolf]. He gritted his teeth, cutting them down one by one as he could only watch from afar as Gand was knocked back. His armor was torn open from thebined attacks of the [Changelings].
N-no
His voice came as a whisper. An armor shone around him as he propelled himself forward. Amanda stumbled back, cut across the chest by Simag. The Demon with crooked horns smiled with visible teeth, raising a wed hand.
Daniel screamed.
No! I will not let you take another life!
He exploded past the [Hellwolves]. [A Heros Rage]. Hended between Amanda and Simag, already swinging for the Demons head. Simag leapt out of the way just in time as his sword cleaved the earth. Lightning struck down from above a concentrated storm that kept back the [Hellwolves] and the other approaching Demons.
Even the other [Changelings] were pushed back from the attack. Daniel stood before Amanda, Faith, and Bell, breathing heavily.
This ends now, Simag.
Daniel stepped forward, bringing his de to the side. A gust of wind blew the leaves off the ground from that motion. The Archdemon grinned.
Youre right.
He pointed at Daniel, a ring in his finger shing.
It ends here. Fireball of the August Archmage Alyssa.
A massive sphere appeared, carrying the weight of the sun itself, before rapidly condensing into a small orb. It sted out like a bullet, and Daniels eyes widened. If he moved out of the way, Faith, Bel, and maybe even Amanda would be killed.
He gritted his teeth and stood his ground. He took on the explosion head on. It shook the earth, expanding into a st of red. One that incinerated everything it touched. But it stopped at Daniel.
The explosion didnt blow past him. He stood there, taking the brunt of the attack. The glowing armor from his Skill was partially damaged, but it survived the st.
Was that all you got?
He asked, smirking. Simag tilted his head, raising another hand full of more rings.
As a matter of fact, I collected quite a few more treasures from the dead queen.
Daniel stared as the rings all glowed simultaneously. The Demon with crooked hornsughed.
So, to answer your question, [Hero]: no. That is not all that I have.
And a flurry of magic assailed Daniel. He took it all, cutting down fireballs and streaks of lightning. Wind des and a rain of hail. Chinks appeared all over his armor as the barrage continued.
Daniel turned back to Amanda as he struck down arge boulder.
Get out of here Ill hold them off!
The former assassin bit her lower lip. She tried to pick herself up, but could only groan.
W-we cant
She pointed past him. Past Simag. The onught of magic slowly stopped, and the Demon with crooked hornsughed. The [Hellwolves] surrounded their position. Another [Cockatrice] descended from the sky, apanied by both Archdemons and Greater Demons. These werent even [Changelings], either. They wore no disguise, and were keenly intelligent unlike the [Hellwolves].
The gloves were off. Simag was here to finish the job.
Youve lost [Hero].
Daniel copsed to his knees as thest of his armor broke off. He closed his eyes, then spoke defiantly.
I will never surrender
Simag chuckled.
Good.
He raised a hand as Faith tensed. She covered Bel as Gand and Amanday too injured on the ground to move. Daniel brought his sword up, screaming and gathering up thest of his strength.
The Demon with crooked horns just spoke casually.
[Ray of Frost].
And a beam of white shot out. One that froze thendscape. One that tore the ground asunder. It came for Daniel as his life shed before his eyes. He remembered the Lich he remembered how futile he was against that overwhelming power. How pathetic it made him feel.
Yet, he didnt give up then. He wouldnt give up now.
Daniel shouted a challenge, facing the attack without fear. Ayer of sleet rapidly approached him as the white beam shot out. For a very brief moment, the world turned cold. Everything had frozen over.
Then it was hot. The world burned. A fire raged around Daniel, melting the ice. The [Ray of Frost] was intercepted by a wall of red and white. A woman d in ming armor carried Daniel, smiling down at him.
He blinked, looking up at his savior.
...Salvos?
Simag frowned.
Who are you?
And she beamed.
Im the Princess, and Im here to save the [Hero].
Chapter 313: Vanity
Chapter 313: Vanity
313. Vanity
Who are you?
Simag stared at the silver-haired girl as she stood amidst an inferno of red and white. His most powerful Skill was deflected just like that. How was that possible? Who was she? She carried the [Hero] in her arms like she was the [Hero]. And when she spoke, it was utterly casual.
Im the Princess, and Im here to save the [Hero].
She was carrying Daniel Song, the [Hero] of Elutra, in her arms. He could only look up at her, blinking. In utter disbelief.
How did you find me?
I had a little bit of help.
The silver-haired girl gestured up to the sky. A [Will O Wisp] hovered there, alongside a pair of golden figures ming figures that resembled the girl. They carried with them two Humans. Simag recognized them as members of Elutras Resistance.
They called out, trying to get down.
Princess Faith! Prince Bel!
But the ming figures refused to let them down. Only the [Will O Wisp] descended next to the silver-haired girl. And Simags eyes flickered.
The mes. Theyre from the [Will O Wisp]. It was the only thing that made sense to him. There was no way that Level 90 Human [Mage] couldve halted his [Ray of Frost]. It was his greatest Skill only a Grand Spirit couldve done such a thing. And his suspicions were confirmed by those copycat ming figures.
It was all the Grand Spirits doing.
A [Summoner] Princess? Very interesting. But even with a Grand Spirit by your side, you dont stand a chance. All of you will die here.
Simag spread his arms wide, and dozens of Demons moved. Whether they were wild Demons or [Changelings] or regr Demons there were far too many for a single Grand Spirit to take on. Not only that, he had a trump card. His fingers twitched as one of the rings glowed.
Two [Changelings] appeared by Simags side. They snickered andughed. Bolus and Procul. Each were close to Simags own level. Level 110 and 108. Simag waved a hand dismissively.
Kill the girl. The rest of you, distract the [Will O Wisp] and those ming copies.
The silver-haired girl narrowed her eyes. She lowered Daniel to the ground, shaking her head.
Stay here, Daniel. Ill deal with them real quick.
Salvos
He sputtered, raising a hand.
You cant
Then she smiled at him as the first of the [Hellwolves] moved. Bolus leapt forward with an icence as Procul created a lightning bow.
Ill be fine, Daniel. Im me, remember?
...right.
The [Hero] didnt stop her. Simags eyes darted back up to the Grand Spirit. The [Will O Wisp] was nearly Level 130. It would be tough, but with numbers alone hed be able to win. He just had to sacrifice a handful of the wild Demons. Not that they mattered much.
Too many [Changelings] had been killed over the course of this war. The only ones Simag had to be worried about losing were Bolus and Procul. But they could handle themselves.
Their attacks streaked out for the silver-haired girl. It was a sh of frost and lightning. The [Will O Wisp] was too slow to react. Even the ming copies didnt move. Faith cried out as Daniel stared. Bel didnt move, sniffling as he hugged his sister.
Simag chuckled and created a fiery axe.
Now, to deal with
And the smoke cleared. It dissipated, revealing the silver-haired girl underneath. She smiled as her ming armor burned brilliantly. Bolus blinked. Procul stared in shock. Simag just paused.
...what?
Are you done?
She asked, crossing her arms. The Demon with crooked horns didnt believe it.
How did you? No I see it now. That armor was given to you by the [Will O Wisp], wasnt it? But that doesnt matter.
He turned to Bolus, passing him the Raging Axe of mes.
Dont waste anymore time. Deal with her now.
Yes, Simag.
Bolus vanished, appearing behind the silver-haired girl.
[Tempest sh].
He swung for her head, and Simag sighed. Now he could turn all his attention to what mattered. The [Will O Wisp]. He just had to get close
And Bolus struck nothing. Simags eyes widened as the silver-haired girl easily ducked under the attack. She held Bolus gaze, raising a brow.
What were you trying to do?
A scythe appeared in her hand as she sliced up with ease. Bolus couldnt even leap back in time. She cleaved him in half with the rainbow-colored weapon. He dropped, dead in an instant.
Because it didnt work.
She finished. Simag stepped back.
What? Thats not that cant be right.
His attention finally focused on the silver-haired girl. Sheughed as she twirled her scythe.
Well then, arent you guys going to attack me? Or are you going toe after me one by one?
I was finally here. I finally got to face the Simag Rowyn talked about. We left in the morning, and now it was already sundown. It took us hours of searching, but we arrived just in time. It was thanks to Zane and Willowsbined tracking Skills that I made it.
Well, supposedly it was because the Demons had left quite the trail behind. They werent being inconspicuous at all. Even now, they all showed up in their non-Human forms. Kind of stupid, if I had to say so myself.
And they were weak. The strongest Demon here was Simag himself. He was Level 114. An Archdemon of Weak, or something. The other two [Changelings] well, one [Changeling] now werent any better. In fact, they were far worse.
There were regr Demons too. Wild Demons as well. And the highest-leveled amongst them was some weird chicken. A [Cockatrice]. The others ranged from Level 70 to 100. There was a single [Djinn], and a bunch of [Fiends]. Again, nothing that would be problematic for me.
I didnt even know why I was using [Protection of the Sentinel]. Id been worried theyd beprised of stronger fighters, so I came in fully prepared with multiple enhancement Skills already active.
That hadnt been necessary.
I raised my rainbow Nebr Scythe and pointed at Simag.
Well then, arent you guys going to attack me? Or are you going toe after me one by one?
The Archdemon of Stupids gaze darkened. He created a Spear of mes and shouted.
Kill that girl! All of you! End her now!
I grinned as the Demons moved. The other [Changeling] let out a guttural cry as he loosed bolts of lightning at me with his bow and arrow. I turned to my clones, gesturing at Daniel and the others.
Keep them safe. Get them out of here.
Willy flitted forward, but I stopped him.
You too.
Help?
Its fine.
I spoke casually, blocking the onught of projectiles.
I can deal with this myself.
Ok.
The [Will O Wisp] sent both healing and levitation mes at the injured brown-haired woman and the injured man in te armor. My clone scooped Daniel up as he stared at me.
Get them, Salvos.
I nodded at him, deflecting another bolt of lightning. Then I fixed my gaze onto the other [Changeling]. Not Simag. I was going to save him forst.
I brought a hand to the sky, unleashing a volley of mes. Fireballs shot out, created by [The Primordial Spark], raining down on the small gathering of Demons. It wasnt a horde. There were a few dozen of them. Nothingparable to the swarms of Centinels I saw in the Bloodied Gulf.
Streaks of blue and white crashed down from above, sting apart the wild Demons before they could even draw close. The other [Changeling] leap back as he narrowly avoided a few of the explosions.
I teleported behind him.
Hi!
He spun around, eyes wide. He swung for me, and I tapped him on the shoulder, once again behind him.
You hurt mypanion. Now, die.
And I sheared straight through him with my burning scythe. He fell to the ground as a shadow loomed over me. I looked up to see the [Djinn] raising a giant hand to crush me. Its arm came crashing down, and I caught it.
Youre stronger than Lucerna.
I flipped the [Djinn] over, leaping onto his chest.
But still weak.
I tore him in half with my ws. The [Fiends] closing in on me paused. They hesitated, and I reacted. I appeared before them, cutting them down one after another. They were defeated before they could eveny a hand on me.
The wild Demons saw this ughter. This total and utter massacre. Some of them began to flee. I looked over at the [Cockatrice] as it turned tails and flew off.
Youre not going anywhere.
I threw my scythe at it, slicing off one of its wings. I appeared in front of the [Cockatrice] and grabbed my scythe. It spewed fire at me. But the mes were weak. I flew through it and shed off its head. The giant wild Demon dropped slowly to the ground as the gathered Demons ran.
A flurry of fiery weaponsnced out my way, but I easily blocked them. I caught a Spear of mes, blinking. I tossed it aside and stared down at Simag.
His gaze burned with anger. With fury. He watched as all hispanions left him. Not just the wild Demons. The [Fiends] ran too. They were all afraid. They knew they couldnt win.
I bared my teeth at him as he stumbled back.
Just what is this? How are you doing this? Even a Grand Spirits magic cant push you this far!
Youre wrong, Simag.
I stared at the Demon with crooked horns. I tossed aside the Spear of mes and descended before him.
The one who blocked your [Ray of Frost] the one responsible for these mes is me.
W-what?
He trembled, speaking in an almost familiar gravelly voice.
Just what are you?
Me?
I leaned closer, eyes glinting. I held Simags gaze and grabbed him with a wed hand. He stared at it at the Demon-like hand. Then he realized what was going on. I finished as I met the eyes of the Demon with crooked horns.
Im Salv
Then I paused.
Wait, dont I know y
And Simag moved. He tapped my chest with a ring while I was distracted. I stared at his familiar face, only for a void of darkness to pull me into the ring. By the time I registered what had happened, it was toote.
Ring of the Forgotten Prison.
No!
Daniel shouted as he watched Salvos disappear. She was sucked into the Epic Grade artifact, unable to react. Unable to escape. He struggled as the ming figures that looked eerily like Salvos held onto him, still flying higher.
We have to help her. We have to
Simag cackled as he copsed to his knees.
She fell for it! She actually fell for it! And here I thought I was going to die today!
The [Will O Wisp] just stared down at the scene. Daniel nced between the ming figures, then the Grand Spirit.
Why are you guys just watching? We need to do something!
No.
What?
He looked at the [Will O Wisp] in shock at the rejection.
But
Stupid. Mistake. Her fault.
That doesnt mean we shouldnt do anything!
Daniel protested. The [Will O Wisp] made a sighing sound. He looked over at Daniel, bobbing in Simags direction.
Watch.
Daniel opened his mouth then he stopped. He turned to Simag. The Archdemon wasughing, gloating in his victory, and ignoring the fact that Daniel or the [Will O Wisp] was there.
But it didnt matter. They werent going to do anything. Salvos said she would deal with this alone, and if Daniel knew anything about her, he knew shed do whatever it took to stick to her word.
I found myself floating in a sea of darkness. It was like I was in my Dads home, except there were no floating objects frozen in time. There was no supermassive ckhole overhead. Instead, I saw stars. An expansive canvas of space. One that was as beautiful as the night sky.
There was nothing below me, nothing above me. It was just this pretty sight. And I floated in it, lost. My voice echoed as I tapped a finger on my chin.
Oops. Did I get too cocky?
Well, it only made sense. I was an Archdemon of Pride, after all. And while my nature sometimes served to my advantage, I knew there were drawbacks too. This was one of them.
To be fair, I was distracted. I mean, Simag just looks so familiar
I shook the thought out of my mind right now. I had to escape this ce. This so-called forgotten prison. First, I tried flying away from this spot, but wherever I moved, the world seemed to move with me, forcing me to stay fixed into this point in the ne.
Then I used [nar Navigation] to take in my surroundings. Yep. I was definitely trapped in a sort of pocket dimension. I couldnt sense the forest or the trees or the dead Demons around me, like Id be able to if this was an illusion.
Alright. So the solution is simple. I just have to [Long Range Teleport].
I pped my hand together, waiting. My body shone. The world warped around me. And I appeared at the exact same spot.
Huh. Well, that didnt work.
That sucked. I couldnt do anything but wait for someone to save me or at least, I wouldnt have been able to do anything if this was a week ago. Normally, Id have been stumped. Id have waited for my clones to free me.
But many things had changed in the short span of one week. I had two Grand Skills now, although neither were applicable in this situation.
However, there were other things I learned. I hadnt advanced in my ss just yet. Maybe if I did, Id have learned a nar teleportation Skill and wouldve been able to escape from this pocket dimension. Except, well, if I could do that, Id currently be in the Netherworld searching for Haec.
So what changed? What was different that left me so unconcerned? Well, recently I gained a new Title. Two new Titles, actually. One of them, Secelys Sentinel, gave me a pretty good Stat boost and Bonus, along with a few useful Skills. But neither would be applicable here.
My other Title, on the other hand, would finally prove itself here. I was The Devils Daughter. My Dad was a master of space magic. There was no way Id be trapped by such a cheap trick. After all, I was Salvos, and Sal was my father.
I raised my hand and spoke simply.
[The Devils Grace].
Chapter 314: Grace
Chapter 314: Grace
314. Grace
[The Devils Grace].
It was my Title Skill. A brand new Skill I had yet to actually try out. But, somehow, I intuitively knew it was a Skill that would aid me in this situation. And it did.
Something shifted. I couldnt see it with my own eyes, beyond the fact that a powerful magic almost familiar was being cast. It reminded me of when I used [Scattering Discement] or [Warped Time]... except if I was using both at the exact same time and more.
[nar Navigation] told me that the world around me was altering. That there was a change to not just the flow of space, but the flow of time. And no time wasnt just speeding up or slowing down. It almost felt like it was going backwards.
A magical timefield formed. One that expanded beyond just the forgotten prison and back to the Mortal Realm.
I smiled as the same hole that put me into this pocket dimension opened up. It didnt so much pull me into it as it reverse dropped me out of the forgotten prison. The Mortal Realm reopened around me, and my body moved back into ce.
Simagughed as he caught that silver-haired girl into the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. She was too cocky too arrogant. And he exploited it. He lured her in and defeated her with his wits. Such was the folly of those born with too much power.
Theycked the guiles and the wiliness necessary to make it far. They typically only had one n of action: to punch their opponents until they won.
He was nothing like them. Simag knew what it actually took to win a battle against those stronger than him. His cackling echoed throughout the night as he arched back, looking up. Then he paused.
His eyes widened as he spotted a glowing figure floating overhead. A few glowing figures, in fact. The Grand Spirit and the golden apparitions were still there.
Simag gritted his teeth, reaching into a Bag of Holding. He had to react quickly before the Grand Spirit moved to strike him down. But he had used his only Epic Grade artifact. All he had left were a handful of Medium Grade scrolls, and maybe a single High Grade weapon.
Calm down, he told himself. He needed to assess the situation with a cool mind, lest he made a mistake. His eyes flickered around the battlefield towards the fleeing wild Demons and [Fiends]. Somehow, he had to rally them back here to deal with the Grand Spirit.
Well, the [Fiends] wouldnt be too difficult to control. He just had to use a Horn of the Caller, and theyd see that the main threat was gone. The wild Demons, on the other hand, were a tough task to deal with. Even getting them to track down the [Hero] had taken quite a while.
Simag produced a tusk-shaped horn from his Bag of Holding, preparing to blow on it. The [Hero] sputtered something at the Grand Spirit, but the Grand Spirit didnt move. Such foolishness. Once again, their conceit and hubris in their power would be their undoing.
With a smirk, Simag raised the Horn of the Caller
And he stopped. His body refused to move any further. He couldnt even lower his arms. What was this? Why wasnt he able to do anything?
Simag just stood frozen for what felt like forever, before he finally moved again. Except, this time, it wasnt by his own will.
He lowered the Horn of the Caller, putting it back into the Bag of Holding. A clear reverse of his previous actions mimicking the exact same movement he carried out to produce the artifact, but backwards. Then he slung his Bag of Holding back over his shoulder as he leaned back andughed again.
He didnt feel joy from this. He just stared up into the sky, maniacallyughing in utter terror at hisck of control over his own body. The Grand Spirit and the [Hero] just watched, unaffected by whatever curse or spell this was. The flying [Fiends] fled further. The wild Demons abandoned him.
None of them came for him. The only thing that moved in reverse was himself, and the grass at his feet.
Simag raised his hand as he stoppedughing, and the realization dawned on him. His Ring of the Forgotten Prison shed. He quivered, barely able to move his lips.
N-no
And the same void that consumed the silver-haired girl spat her back out. She grabbed him by the hand the exact same position she had held before being sucked into the pocket dimension. She didnt seem to have control over her own actions either. Only minor movements, just like Simag.
And, well, she wore a savage look on her face.
Then, just like ss shattering, whatever spell had been holding over the both of them ended. Simag paled as he tried to raise the ring once again.
Ring of
Not again.
She ripped off his arm.
...what is that?
Daniel Song stared in disbelief as he watched the events of thest minute y in reverse. Salvos reappeared from the Ring of the Forgotten Prison as the grass at her feet seemed to sway backward. She grabbed Simag by the arm while the world around them continued with this odd dissonance.
It was like they were moving in their own world. Their own ce. Everything outside of what they touched or did was unaffected. They were being restored to their previous state a whole minute ago.
Thats a magical time field.
Princess Faith whispered. Daniel looked over at her, frowning.
A magical time field?
Its just something Ive heard about. Ive never seen it myself. Powerful [Archmages] who are supposedly able to speed up or slow down time or even momentarily pause time in a certain radius. However, I have never heard of a magical time field that could reverse time.
She shook her head, staring in awe.
But make no mistake, it is a magical time field.
Daniel turned back to Salvos. He wanted tough. Was this how strong shed gotten since hedst seen her? He had fallen behind. She truly was
Then, Simag and Salvos clicked back into ce. And time around them resumed.
Ring of
Not again.
I ripped off Simags arm before he could activate his artifact once again.
I probably couldnt use [The Devils Grace] very often. At the very minimum, it had a one day cooldown. It was annoying, but once I leveled the Skill more, I could probably get it down to once every hour or so.
Which seemed quite useful. Except while the Skill reversed everything that happened between me and a certain target in the past minute, it didnt entirely reverse everything that happened. For example, I had momentarily turned my hand into a w just before being sucked into the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. I only transformed back to a fully Human form before I activated [The Devils Grace].
Yet, here I was, with a Human hand no w in sight.
It seemed that whatever physical change that urred to me over thest minute wasnt reversed. So if I was stabbed through the chest, I likely wouldnt be able to fix my wounds with this Skill.
Nevertheless, I was now out of the forgotten prison. And I stood over Simag, tossing his arm to the side. He stumbled away from me, eyes wide.
You
His eyes sharpened. He red at me in anger, a glowing spark dancing around him.
You will not get away with this! Youre with him, arent you?
Who?
I cocked my head, and Simag unleashed a volley of fiery attacks at me. I sighed, walking forward as my [Protection of the Sentinel] repelled his magical barrage. I slowly approached him as he drew back.
You traitors you think you can defy our king, but you wont seed. As we speak, Levithus is moving to crush you and your little rebellion.
I dont know what youre talking about.
I countered his ming attacks with my salvo. It sted Simag back. He screamed as he fell back-first to the ground.
Oh you know. Youre just afraid of what would happen to him once Levithus gets there. Trust me, he will die. Belzus little show of force will end.
I paused. My eyes narrowed.
You think Belzu is mypanion?
Simag snapped up, unleashing a gust of icy wind at me. I burned it away and walked up to him. I closed my eyes, shaking my head.
Simag, you really dont know anything about me, huh? Of course you dont. You dont even know my name. This is your first time meeting me. But this isnt my first time meeting you.
I didnt speed up or close the distance. I just continued my approach as a memory shed. One of simpler times. When Haec and I were still together.
We crested up the teau, and after taking a quick look around at the top and seeing no one, I decided we would stay there for a bit. I had only recovered some of my health when I heard a noise.
Stay back!
Simag yelled. His voice was familiar. I knew where I heard it before. I ignored whatever he threw at me. If yton Skyshredder couldnt break through my [Protection of the Sentinel], there was no way a Level 114 Archdemon could. Instead, I continued.
I know you, Simag. I remember you.
Peeking over the edge, I looked down at what was a narrow passage between another hill. It was a valley, and down in the valley were moving shapes. Figures, not ones I had ever seen before, were entering this valley.
I looked at the source of the voice, focusing on arge, gray figure at the front of the group. He wasnt like any other Demon I had seen before, but I intuitively knew he was one. He only had four limbs unlike my dozen and only needed two of them under him to walk. He had a long head, with two crooked horns protruding out of the side.
Keep on moving! If you break, you will be killed!
The tone he carried was nothing like I remembered. In my memories, he spoke with an imposing, terrifying weight. One that struck fear into my heart. But now?
W-what are you talking about?
Simag asked, trembling. I just chuckled.
You were so strong, then. At least, I thought you were.
From the other side of the valley came pouring Demons. Wild Demons. Ones that were also new to me, but unlike the mostly uniform group of Demons, these ones were truly distinct. They came in all shapes and sizes, rushing at the Demons that had been traveling down that path. They roared, they howled, they growled, and they made all kinds of noises none of them making any sense to me, despite my Racial Skill.
I saw the Demon with crooked horns raise his two hanging limbs his arms.
A ball of mes appeared in front of him. A massive one that shot forward, and instantly obliterated half of theing wild Demons. Then once the explosion had gone away when the bright light had disappeared and the reverberation through the ground had stopped I looked up and saw something else appear in his hand.
It was a long pointed object. One that was burning, with wisps of meing off it.
y these Lesser Demons!
Now look at you.
Y-you wont get away our King will
I stared down at Simag. He copsed to his knees. Nothing he threw my way would harm me as long as my protection Skill was active. I bared my teeth at him.
Youre so weak.
I spotted a Demon. Even amongst the group of [Demon Larvae] did he stand out, because I recognized him. He was the Level 3 Demon I had been with the others.
And I watched as a spear shot through him, pinning him into the hill wall.
It was the fire spear the Demon with crooked horns had. He had thrown it at the coward Demon, instantly killing him. I stared in shock at this turn of events. Werent they on the same side? And continued to watch as he raised a hand and pointed at the rest of the fleeing group.
I had warned you! I warned you you would be killed! Learn this lesson, the rest of you the survivors. Know that you cannot run from me!
Run, Simag.
I spoke simply as he turned tails. [Intimidation] broke him. He didnt even dare to speak. His wings spread out as he took off into the sky.
Daniel shouted something princess Faith cried out. Willy observed, unmoving. And I brought a hand to the sky, blue mes coalescing before turning ck. A Nebr Spear of mes.
But know that you cannot run from me.
I threw the spear. It shot out, reaching the Archdemon in an instant. I grinned as it tore through him, and I finished.
Because I am Salvos, and you will remember me for the rest of your life just as I remembered you.
Defeated [Asera Changeling - Lvl. 114]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating a enemy at least 10 levels below you!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] has leveled up!
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 6] -> [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom - Lvl. 7]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Chapter 315: Catching Up
Chapter 315: Catching Up
315. Catching Up
Daniel Song flinched as he watched the Nebr Spear impale Simag. It ran through the Archdemon, propelling him into the side of the mountain. His corpse pinned on the rock as a plume of dust and debris shot up.
Salvos shook her head. She strode forward with a sigh.
No levels. That sucks.
Finished?
The [Will O Wisp] asked, flitting back to the ground. Daniel found himself being lowered as the golden ming figures descended.
Yep! My clones can deal with the rest of the Demons.
Salvos waved a hand dismissively as Daniel was settled to the ground. The young man blinked.
Your clones?
Well, theyre not exactly clones. Theyre made from fire and not made from me. Id say theyre weaker copycats. Fakers.
She huffed, and one of the clones shook a fist at her. The other clone rolled her eyes and ushered the first clone forward. Together, they took off to deal with the fleeing Demons. The real Salvos beamed.
Theyre useful, though. Very helpful.
I see.
Daniel wasnt sure what to say. He watched the Salvos clones go, unleashing a storm of golden mes in the distance. He turned back to the real Salvos, and finally, he approached her.
Salvos, I
He hesitated. The young man nced over at princess Faith and prince Bel. They were being tended to by Gand as the man and woman apanying Salvos huddled over.
If not for them if not for Salvos arriving just in time theyd all be dead right now. Even though Daniel had tried his hardest, he wouldve failed in protecting them. He couldnt save anyone. Quite the [Hero], he was.
It was probably such a pathetic disy. He used to be able to fight alongside Salvos. She probably thought he was so weak right now. He was almost ashamed to even speak with her. He averted his gaze, hanging his head
And he paused. He felt a pair of arms wrapping around him. Daniel blinked and looked up to see the silver-haired girlughing. She hugged him with a smile.
Hey, Daniel.
He slowly hugged her back. That was right. It had been a while since hest saw her. He mustve forgotten what she was like. Even if the way she thought was alien to him even if she was well, Salvos, in how she acted. She still truly cared for him
Salvos cocked her head.
How have you been doing?
Daniel returned the smile.
Not going to lie, I havent been doing great. But now that youre here Im sure Ill do much better.
I wasnt really sure how long itd been since Ist saw Daniel. But hed changed a lot since then. He hadnt leveled much, but I could tell that he managed to grow in other ways. I could tell just from the look he wore on his face.
Salvos, do you have any healing potions? My friends theyre hurt.
I drew back from him and blinked.
Um, sure Willy!
I called out to the [Will O Wisp]. Willy sighed and flitted over to check on them. Daniel watched as a green fire shot out, slowlynding on those who were injured.
What is that?
That? Thats Willy. Hes a [Will O Wisp].
I knew that much. But how did you meet him? Is he Edithes summon?
I shook my head.
Nope. I havent seen Edithe since we split up in Viechester when Ist saw you. I met Willy while in the Bloodied Gulf.
You were in the actually, I shouldnt even be questioning it.
Daniel chuckled. He looked over at one of the injured Humans. A woman with brown hair. He sighed in relief as her injuries closed up. The other injured man recovered as well thanks to Willys green mes. Willow and Zane helped him up. And behind him was
Princess Faith!
My eyes widened. I excitedly tugged at Daniels shirt, pulling him over to greet the princess.
Do you remember me? We met one time like a year and a half ago its me, Salvos!
She looked up at me weakly. Her skin was pale like shed been dipped in freezing cold water. But otherwise she was mostly fine. A thin smile spread across her lips as she nodded.
I remember you, Salvos. You left quite the impression on me when we met back then. Of course Id remember you.
She remembers me, Daniel! A princess remembers me!
I was practically bouncing on my toes as I turned to mypanion. He scratched the back of his head.
Uh, yeah
I apologize for this unsightly scene.
Faithughed, almost bitterly. She drew to her feet, helping the boy with her her brother, probably up and bowed with him.
Thank you for saving us. We would be dead without your aid.
Oh, dont mention it at all. When I heard you guys were in trouble, I came as quickly as I could. With help, of course.
I gestured at the two resistance members who apanied me. They flushed, averting their gaze as princess Faith turned to them. She bowed her head at them as well.
Thank you to the both of you. I recognize you. You worked for Duke Landry, didnt you? You were his bodyguards.
Willow exchanged a nce with Zane. She straightened, nodding stiffly.
Y-yes. We gathered whoever we could after Ertos fell to rebel against Inoria. Gavyn Windborne is with us too hes our leader.
Is that so? Im d to hear hes still alive.
Faith sighed, smiling. She raised her left hand and patted both the resistance members on the shoulders.
Good work. Youre fighting the good fight.
My eyes flickered. I stared at Faith for a moment. Something was amiss. She was
And I gasped.
Faith your right hand! Its gone!
The princess blinked. She shifted back, hiding her right arm behind her back.
This is
What happened?
I ran up to her, inspecting the stub where her hand should be. Faith shook her head,
Its fine. It happens during war. This is nothing to worry about.
No this isnt right! Here
I reached into my [Dimensional Pocket] and produced a glinting elixir. One that pulsed with magic. Faiths eyes grew wide. Willow stepped back.
Thats a
Potion of Regeneration.
The princess spoke, meeting my gaze.
Are you sure you want to give this to me? A Potion of Regeneration is worth
Its fine! Youre a princess! You should use it!
I raised her arm, pouring the Potion of Regeneration until there was only a little bit left in the bottle. It was still enough for recovering maybe a body part or two.
Faith stared as her hand regrew from the stub. She flexed her newly regenerated hand before turning to me. Her lips quivered. She opened her mouth.
I
And tears streamed down her cheeks. I was taken aback.
Um, what?
Adventurer Salvos, I am forever in your debt.
She bowed once again, deeper than before. Then she turned to Daniel.
And [Hero] Daniel Song, I owe you more than just my life. You owed nothing to me. Yet, you saved me. You risked your life for us.
Faith held her brothers hand tightly.
Thank you.
Daniel hesitated. He scratched his cheeks, not really looking at either the princess or the prince.
I arrived toote. I shouldvee sooner. There is nothing to thank me for. I couldve done more to prevent what happened at Ertos.
But you did what you could, and thanks to that, my brother and I are alive today. So, again, thank you.
Faith was insistent. I nudged Daniel on the shoulder.
Just ept it.
I smiled at him.
Sometimes, you just have to ept it when others praise you,
Not like there should be any reason for others to not praise me. But Daniel always grew shy and aloof when he wasuded for his actions. He nodded slowly.
Right. I was just uh, doing what [Hero]s do.
I watched as he cringed as he said that. Faith didnt seem to mind, and her brother even brightened. Willow and Zane just respectfully lowered their heads. The [Warrior] whod been with Faith and Daniel crossed his arms approvingly. But someoneughed.
Even you were embarrassed by that.
A brown-haired woman strode up to us from behind. The injured woman healed by Willy.
Amanda
Daniel shot a re at her. I raised a brow.
Whos this?
Shes
Im his girlfriend. We met at a bar
She smirked, hugging his arm. Daniel flushed, and I blinked.
Nice! Im Salvos, its nice to meet you.
I proffered her a hand. Amanda paused, staring at it.
You arent jealous?
No. Why would I be?
I tilted my head. Daniels shoulders sagged for whatever reason. Then he shrugged Amanda off him.
Shes not my girlfriend, Salvos. Shes an assassin who was hired to kill me. We fought, a few things happened, and now were working together and Im forced to deal with her crap.
She drew back from him, harrumphing. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Huh. Neat.
I nced over at the group of Humans. Then I looked up to see my clones returning from dealing with thest of the fleeing Demons. I nodded at Willy and sped my hands together.
Alright. Now that all thats settled, we should go back to the hideout.
Faith stepped forward, looking towards the northeast.
We cant stay in Elutra, Salvos. We need to leave this country. Inoria is relentless. They wont stop. Theyll keep sending Demons after us until were dead.
And we will leave for Shedos.
I agreed with her.
Were just going back to grab the other resistance members first. Then well all go to Shedos together.
Youll what? How will you do that?
She blinked blinked. I gestured at Willy.
Dont worry, I have help. Its not too much trouble.
...right.
Faith acquiesced. My wings unfurled from my back as we began to take off.
Anyway, we dont have to worry too much about more Demonsing after us. After all, ording to Simag, theyre going to be preupied, right?
Wait, what are you talking about, Salvos?
Daniel narrowed his eyes. I nced over at him.
The Demons Simag said that theyre busy dealing with Belzu. So, we will probably be fine.
There was silence. A long pause. Everyone exchanged nces. Princess Faith pursed her lips. Then Bel the former prince of Elutra raised a hand.
Whos Belzu?
Belzu could feel his army slowing. Their numbers had been depleted slowly whittled away as the Primeval Demon made his way through Inoria. He didnt think itd have taken this long to arrive at Shedos, but he didnt think that Regnorex would already be making a move so soon.
Levithus was in the Mortal Realm. A [Hellprince] of the Netherworld. One of Regnorexs generals. And he was here to put an end to Belzus rebellion.
Hed led an ambush that forced Belzu into Inoria. Away from other Human nations and into the den of Demons. The only reason why Belzu still lived was because of the weapon he held in his hand.
The Sword of Alexander. It had been enough to repel Levithus assault. But not at the cost of many of Belzus Mindreapers.
He had to replenish his army somehow. He needed to still grow stronger. His current strength wasnt nearly enough to dethrone the Demon King.
Beluzs bulbous eyes flickered. He spotted a city up ahead a rtivelyrge city. It didnt have much defenses, but it was teeming with life. With Humans. Individuals who could be turned into his soldiers. Be it in undeath, or be it through what was left of his Mindreapers.
And he decided on his next destination.
Chapter 316: Interlude – Belzu’s Blessing
Chapter 316: Interlude ¨C Belzu¡¯s Blessing
316. Interlude - Belzu''s Blessing
Alix opened her eyes as the sounds of chains rattling echoed down the hallway. A sharp voice cut through the shadows, followed by a whip, a yelp, and then silence. Other figures stirred from their cells. Only the fresh faces. The ones who were still frightened of the daily beatings they took.
The guards dragged the bleeding body of a man back into one of the cells before locking it back up. They turned to Alix, and she sighed, rising to her feet.
Iming, Iming
But they snickered. One of them raised a spell scroll, activating it. Alixs eyes widened, and the cor around her neck shone. A jolt of electricity ran through her body. Sharp pain which caused her to fall on her knees, writhing on the ground.
Hurry up, ve. Its your turn. The people are waiting.
The pain faded away as they lowered the scroll. Alix wanted to just rip the cor right off and smash the guards heads in, but she knew if she even so much as damaged the metal, its enchantments would take effect and her head would go flying right off. And each guard had a copy of the spell scroll with them. Even if she took out one and tore it up, it meant nothing. Not unless the original was destroyed.
So, she acquiesced. They handed her her signature sword and a shield as she made her way out of the cell and down the hallway.
Fucking bastards
She muttered under her breath as they watched her go. Up ahead, she heard the cheers. The mor and the cacophony of thousands of people. She stepped into the light, and found herself standing at the edge of a massive arena.
There were rows and rows of seats that rose up into the circr structure that girdled around the woman. A huge audience was here to watch her fight. And up ahead, a monster a beast that stood nearly ten foot tall waited for her.
[Three-Headed Bear - Lvl. 81]
Its nearly my level, Alix thought, taking on a defensive stance.
That was right. Even though she could be violently killed even though her head could be brutally ripped off the audience still cheered.
Past the monster, she stared at a man seated in a balcony. A kind of booth to overlook the arena. This man was well-dressed, surrounded by beautiful women who mored for him. He smiled, and Alixs gaze bore into him.
This was Roguehollow. One of the vilest cities in all of the Inoria Empire. Where ves were made into diators like her. And that man was Sore the lord of the city. The one responsible for her situation.
At one point in time, shed been a respected adventurer. At one point in time, shed been cheered on for saving towns and viges all across the Humannds. But now? She was nothing more than mere entertainment at his whim.
The monster roared, and Alix screamed. She charged it without thought only driven by her rage.
-
Another day, another great show by the terrible Alix, eh?
A voice called out as Alixy in her cell, the back of her hand resting on her forehead. She didnt even look up. She was covered in blood both hers and the monsters. They offered her only a dapping of healing potion. Low grade, too. It wouldnt fix up even half of the wounds she took from the battle.
Fuck you, Quinn.
She sat up, shooting a re at the other diator neighboring her cell. He wore a shit-eating grin on his face, despite the many scars he himself bore.
You dont know what its like to face a monster as strong as you every fucking week. All you have to do is warmup the crowd with your little circus acts.
Hey, Im not the one who decided to be a former tinum Ranked adventurer. Im just a little Silver Rank, minding my own business and warming up the crowd for the main event.
He shrugged casually. Alix scowled, and another voice spoke up.
The both of youck faith. You were led down an erroneous path in life, and now you are forced to suffer.
An older man shook his head. He sat in the middle of his cell, arms crossed as his lips were curled up. Alix narrowed her eyes.
The fuck are you on about, Bran?
There is only one true path to salvation. Surrender your mortal desires, and you too shall find glory evesting.
He sounded like he was a [Priest]. Like he was preaching the sanctity of what was right and just. But Alix knew better. She rolled her eyes as Quinn chuckled.
Youre a literal [Cultist], Bran. You should be thest person lecturing us about whats morally right.
Quinn spoke, waving a hand off. Bran sighed, lowering his head until his nose was pressed on the ground.
Oh, my King, forgive them for they know not what they speak. When hees, he shall literate us from this Mortal Realm. He shall grant us a ce in his kingdom.
Alix didnt bother to indulge Brans insane ramblings, but Quinn continued to pour fuel into the fire.
And how exactly are we supposed to dedicate ourselves to your Demon King? Sacrifice a little girl to him like you did?
Yes
Lying back down, Alix closed her eyes and hoped for the day to be over. She just wanted it all to end, already. Sometimes, she didnt know why she kept fighting. Perhaps it was only her spite and anger towards her captors that kept her going.
If only I never went back to Elutra if only I listened to my team and stayed out of this stupid war
She wondered what they were doing. It had been four years since she saw them. Four long years of the worst fighting shed been forced to go through. If she had her equipment healing potions, artifacts, and the support of others it wouldnt have been so bad. But it was a near-death experience every single time she fought.
That was on top of the regr beatings she had to endure.
Alixs fingers twitched. She reached for her cor. If she tore it off, shed die. But but perhaps it was the better alternative
And the ground shook. The woman sat up, blinking. She turned to Quinn and Bran both of whom had stopped their bickering as well.
Did you guys feel that?
Of course I could
Quinn started, but was cut off by another heavy tremor, followed by the distant echo of an explosion. Alix leaned out of her cell, looking down the hallway seeing shadows quickly rush past the dungeon. Panicked voices could be heard. And the ground shook again.
What is going on?
She asked, wide-eyed. The [Cultist]ughed maniacally as he stood up.
Its time! Our salvation has arrived!
Bran spread his arms wide, loudly preaching for all the other diators to hear.
My prayers have been answered! Rejoice, for our King hase to this earth to free us from our shackles! Praise him! Beg him to forgive you for yourck of faith and maybe he shall spare you as well!
Alix narrowed her eyes. That wasnt possible. She didnt want to believe it. But when she heard the cries from beyond the dungeon, she believed. And she was afraid.
Demon attack! The Primeval Demon is invading Roguehollow!
The scramblings continued for what felt like both a minute and an hour. Alix didnt know how much time passed. Just that, eventually, a fancily dressed man stumbled into the dungeon. Alix recognized him instantly. He was the lord of the city. Sorel.
He began unlocking the cells as he spoke in a hurried voice.
All of you you stupid damn diators hurry up and get moving!
He yelled, whipping them into action. Quinn, Bran, and the other diators funneled out of their cells,pletely confused. Alix blinked as she stared at him. He didnt have his bodyguards present. He was alone and covered in blood.
He began pacing back and forth before them.
Alright, alright, good. You guys are strong, right? Yes? And you want your freedom, right? I will grant you all your freedom if you escort me out of the city.
Alixs brows snapped together. That didnt seem right.
You havent told us whats going on out there. Why is
Another explosion. Another earthquake. Dust dripped off the ceiling as Sorel stumbled back.
I dont have time to exin. Just listen to me or Ill kill all of you right now.
He gestured at the spell scroll. It was the original copy. Her eyes widened as he ced a hand on the symbol at the center.
Now do as I say!
Alix clenched a fist and sighed. She nodded, picking up her sword and shield.
Yes, lord Sorel.
Good good
The lordughed. He kept his finger on the activation symbol, slowly circling around the diators. He ushered them forward.
Now move!
Alix led the group, marching out of the dungeon as the other diators followed after her. Quinn strolled up to her, whistling.
You looked like you were going to rip his head off there and then. What stopped you?
All it takes is a single thought for him to activate the kill enchantment in our cors. Im no [Rogue]. I''d rather not test my speed against his reaction time.
She shook her head.
Ill just steal that scroll from him when hes off guard. Then we can get out of here and escape whatever this is.
Her footfalls echoed as she finally exited the dungeon. She stepped into the outside world into the streets of Roguehollow
And paused. Alix blinked a few times as she saw the utter destruction that had been wrecked into the city. The walls of Roguehollow had fallen. Nothing but rubble and debris circled the perimeter of the city. Buildings had been toppled over. Houses burned. Farnd was razed to the ground.
Bodies corpses of families littered the sidewalk. The citys guards were annihted without any resistance. Smoke billowed up into the sky, darkening the clouds above and casting an eerie shadow over what had once been a bustling city.
What happened?
Alix just stared. She couldnt move. Her body didnt want to move. Fear gripped her as she saw death and destruction, far worse than anything shed seen in war. She was only snapped back to reality when she heard the monster shriek.
Sorel screamed, pointing at the desated figures mbering over a nearby pile of rubble.
[Crypt Horrors]! Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!
Alix tensed. Shepletely ignored the fact that the lords guard was down. She readied herself for the undead as they bumbled forward, screeching a terrible war cry. The diators shed with the undead, cutting down the horde together.
The lord of the city just shouted at them. He whipped them from behind, tears streaming down his face.
What are you idiots doing? Keep on going! We need to get out of here!
Alix felt the whipsh against her back as she brought down a group of [Crypt Horrors]. She nced back at him, then took in the rest of the city. She spotted Mindreapers zipping through the clouds of ash. She watched Gatho Mammoths trample over buildings with ease. And she realized they were all going to die.
Sorel was using them as a meatshield. To get as far away from the city as possible. He didnt intend to free any of them. Or for any of them but him to live, for that matter. He whipped Alix once more as she stood there, over the corpse of a [Crypt Lord].
And she caught the whip. She didnt even flinch, even as theshes drew blood from the palm of her hand. She tilted her head, looking at Sorel.
What are you?
Sorel looked at her, befuddled. She pulled, and the man stumbled her way. Quinn called out to her in a worried voice.
Alix, dont be reckless. You were the one who said
If were going to die anyway
She started, walking up to the fallen lord. Alix nced over at Quinn, meeting his gaze briefly.
We may as well die free.
Sorels eyes widened as he watched the woman approach him. He leapt back up, holding up the spell scroll dangerously in his hands.
Get back. Im warning you!
Do it, lord Sorel. Kill me if you wish. But know that I will not die protecting scum like you.
She didnt move any faster. It was like she was strolling towards Sorel. It made the lord hesitate. She knew that he understood killing her would''ve ensured he died here. After all, she was the highest-leveled diator present.
I will do it! I will
Sorel started, and she dashed forward. Alix reached the man a momentter, but the scroll was already glowing. Her eyes widened as he flinched.
Then a light cut through him. Alix came to a halt as a bright glow came down from the sky like a de and cleanly sliced the lord in half. The spell scroll fell to the ground, burned from the energy alone of whatever that attack had been, as the ground was tore asunder.
W-what?
Alix looked up towards the sky. Towards the source of that incredible power. She watched as the clouds of ash parted, and a winged figure descended. The fighting stopped as the [Crypt Horrors] and [Crypt Lords] came to a halt, while the diators turned their attention to the figure above.
What did Alix expect? She wasnt sure what shed been hoping to see. Perhaps an Elite Ranked adventurer with dove-like wings. Or a [Hero] dressed in divine garments, just as Alexander had been.
Instead, what she saw was a grotesque form. A pair of tiny, buzzing wings. Unnaturally round eyes. Ones that looked straight at every single diator present all at once.
It was a giant insect. It floated above them, studying their expressions as they just stood there in shock and fear. No it was studying their cors. Their shackles. Their bindings.
Alix couldnt identify it, but she could feel its power. There was something to it. A presence that forced her to her knees. She dropped her weapons, unable to turn away from this creature.
Praise be, for he is here!
Bran brought his arm arm, crying tears of joy. He walked forward, unafraid of this creature. The giant insect just peered at him as he continued.
You all doubted me. You hated me, for I spoke the truth. But I was right all along.
Alix trembled as she realized what the [Cultist] was saying.
T-that thing is a Demon?
She spoke in disbelief. Quinn had no witty reply or remark to add. The diators just watched as Bran spun around, smiling wide.
Repent, all you non-believers. For the Demon King Regnorex has returned
And there was a sh. The same bright light struck down at him, and he fell to the ground. Headless.
The Demonnded right next to his corpse, harrumphing.
Pesky [Cultist]...
Alix drew back as the Demon nced over her way. It pointed at her, and she braced herself for what was toe next. But the Demon spoke simply.
You. Why do you wear those shackles?
Its voice was like nail on chalkboard to her. She wanted to w her ears out, but managed to muster up the strength to reply.
W-we are diators.
diators?
It tilted its head. She nodded stiffly.
ves of the Inoria Empire.
Your people force your own kind into servitude? But why?
It asked, almost curiously. Alix wasnt sure what to say. She just answered, like she was exining the concept of a diator to a child.
O-only in some countries. And we are forced to fight.
To fight?
For entertainment.
Alix gestured at the coliseum behind the Demon. It fractionally turned its insect-like head before nodding.
They pay to
I understand now. Thats enough.
The Demon faced Alix once again. But its gaze was clearly fixed on all the diators present now. An army of Mindreapers descended from the sky as the monsters rampaging through the city encroached on his location.
I offer you an opportunity, Humans. To all those who are enved. I shall break your chains. I shall grant every Human ve their freedom. I shall grant you protection from your own kind. And all I ask for in return is for your strength.
Was it being serious? Alix forced herself to her feet, even with shaky legs. Even if her knees felt like they wanted to buckle under her body weight. She held the Demons bulbous gaze.
W-why are you doing this? Arent you a Demon? You just destroyed our city
Perhaps.
Its eyes flickered. Like it was thinking about something recalling a memory.
But my reasoning is beyond your mortalprehension. Now give me your answer, Humans. And I, Belzu, the Lord of Lies, and [Hellprince] of the Netherworld, will be the first one to break the chains your own kin ced upon you.
Was this really freedom? Wasnt she just trading one form of servitude for another?
Alix didnt know. But she was afraid. She was too afraid to say anything else. So, she answered the only thing she dared to answer.
W-we pledge our allegiance to you, Lord Belzu.
And the Demonughed.
Good. Now let us save our nes from their destruction.
Chapter 317: Back to Shedos
Chapter 317: Back to Shedos
317. Back to Shedos
Emperor Rowyn sighed as he sat in a small tent. Or was he just Rowyn now? He did run from his duties of being Inorias emperor. Well, he was supposedly a hostage under the Elutra Resistance. But the fact of the matter was far moreplicated than that.
Demons ruled Inoria. They controlled it from the shadows. Like a marite master; hidden from sight; upholding their facade. No one else knew of it. There were rumors, spread by princess Faith. But Elutra was gone. It was seen as nothing more than ast ditch effort to gain support.
The rest of the world was far more focused on the Primeval Demon now. That was a real Demon threat even if it was only a fraction of the scale which would soon follow.
A rebellion, was what Lucieve had called it. A weak one. One that would be crushed by a [Hellprince] of the Netherworld. The Lord of Chaos.
Levithus.
He was one of the Demon Kings generals. Rowyn didnt know his level even a [Lesser Appraisal] artifact came up with null results. And such artifacts could identify the General Status of individuals that went up to Level 150.
It was clear: Levithus was a Primeval Demon as well. One who was deemed strong enough to destroy the one wreaking havoc in the Mortal Realm.
There were so many facts. So many things he needed to tell the world. That the real threat was hiding right from all of them.
Right now, however, Rowyn couldnt tell anyone. Gavyn wouldnt listen to him the leader of Elutras Resistance was upset that the boy was even alive. So, all Rowyn could do was wait for Salvos to return.
The former emperor nced out of the tent, sighing.
But when would she even return?
He didnt know. It could take days or weeks. She might not even return. Sure, she was strong. But Simag was crafty. He had cunning to make up for hisck of strength. If he caught her off guard, he could potentially defeat her. And even if she did seed, who knew who long it would even take for her to find the [Hero]?
There were too many factors to take into ount. The only thing Rowyn knew for sure was that he should not be expecting to see Salvos back anytime soon
Weeeeere baaaaack!
A voice echoed throughout the campsite. Rowyn blinked, starting out of his tent. There was a susurration. A gathering. He spotted shadows approaching from above. Salvos and the [Will O Wisp] brought with them half a dozen figures alongside the two theyd left with.
Gavyns eyes widened as he pointed at two of the figures. A woman and a boy.
T-thats princess Faith and prince Bel! Theyre alive!
Even Rowyn was at a loss for words. How did they return so quickly? Salvos just beamed, pping her hands together for everyone to hear.
Yep! Alright, now that we got that out of the way, lets get out of here!
...what?
More than one person was utterly puzzled.
I exined the situation to the rest of Elutras Resistance well, to Gavyn. Everyone else was busy fussing over Faith, her brother, and Daniel.
We need to leave as soon as possible. Well be heading to Shedos and reporting everything about the Demons in Inoria to the Headmaster of Mavos Academy and anyone else who would listen to us.
Thats a solid n of action. Especially with someone as esteemed as yton Skyshredder to confirm the veracity of our statements. A [Truth Zone] spell would be more than enough to prove us to the rest of the world.
Yep! So get packing, and lets get going!
I gestured him to the leader of Elutras Resistance. I expected him to immediately rally his men to prepare them to leave. But he simply ced a hand on his chin in thought.
But I cannot simply abandon my country.
I cocked my head.
What do you mean?
My people they are suffering under the tyranny of Inoria. They are being treated as nothing more than dirt under the boots of those Demon-worshiping bastards. Someone has to stay to look after them. We cant all leave them behind.
Huh.
He was determined. Like nothing would change his mind. And I certainly wasnt going to try.
Alright, then. Lets get going
Wait!
A voice called out. Willow ran up to him. The [Archer] stared at him in shock.
What are you talking about, Gavyn? We cant just leave you behind!
Im sorry, Willow. Without the resistance, our people will have no one to protect them. Someone needs to stay.
But you cant fight them alone.
She bit her lower lips. He shook his head.
Im sorry. It has to be this way
Willow closed her eyes. Her lips quivered as she opened her mouth, taking a step toward.
Gavyn, Ill
But she couldnt finish.
Please do not make rash decisions.
A calm voice spoke out, drawing both of their attention. Princess Faith strode away from the rest of the resistance, approaching us. After using my Potion of Regeneration, she now had both her hands back which she sped together tightly.
Are you the leader of this resistance?
Gavyn straightened to attention.
Y-yes! I am Gavyn Windborne
Son of Duke Landry. Gave up your noble heritage to be an adventurer. And gave up your life as an adventurer to return to Elutra when the war broke out. I know you.
She smiled, and he blinked.
I must ask you to apany me to Shedos.
What?
You are one of the highest-leveled individuals left in Elutra who is still willing to fight this war. But we have already lost on this front, and now, we must regroup and bring Inoria to justice. I cannot allow a man such as you to die fighting a pointless battle.
I must protest, princess
Faith shook her head.
I am not asking you for this as the princess of Elutra. I have failed in my duties, and I cannot, in good faith,mand you to do as I say. Rather, I am asking you this as a fellow citizen of Elutra. As someone who wishes for the best of our country. As a friend of your father before he passed.
Thats
Gavyn pursed his lips. He looked over at Willow as she gave him a pleading look.
Please, Gavyn.
She whispered, and Faith bowed her head. Finally, he acquiesced.
Very well. I shall follow you to Shedos. To Mavos Academy. I will give my ount of the events of what happened here under a truth spell.
Willow let out a sigh of relief, but he raised a hand.
However, once that is over, I will not wait for the world to act on this matter. If they dy or y their politics, I will not stand around and listen to their petty arguments. I shall make my return as soon as possible to liberate our people from Inoria if the world wont act in time.
That is understandable.
Faith smiled. She raised her head, taking a step back.
Thank you for listening to my request.
I stared at them as they finished. Here we stood in the middle of a haphazardly strewn together encampment. One that was hidden deep within a forest, but still in the middle of enemy territory. And yet, they were wasting time over such a dumb conversation.
can we go now?
I finally piped up. Princess Faith nodded at me.
My apologies, Salvos. I simply wished to get that sorted. Let us make our departure posthaste.
Finally!
I threw my hands in the air, d that was over. But another thing came up. A small figure walked over to us. Slightly apprehensive, but still with the confidence of a true and proper noble.
Emperor Rowyn came to a halt right behind Faith. She nced back at him, raising a brow.
Youre
Her eyes flickered in recognition. Rowyn bowed deeply at her.
I am the current reigning emperor of Inoria
Rowyn Ino. I am aware. I was not expecting to meet someone such as yourself here.
She spoke simply. I groaned internally as another issue seemed to pop up, and the boy hesitated. It took him a moment to gather himself.
I did not think I would end up amongst Elutras Resistance today as a captive but many unexpected things urred, and now I am here.
So I see.
But I am not here as an enemy. Rather, I havee here out of my own volition voluntarily, even to offer you my own voice when speaking to other nations.
Rowyn gestured at himself as Faith narrowed her eyes.
I know you may not trust me, but if the emperor of Inoria himself denounces his empire for its actions. And if I admit the truth to the world about our alliance with the Demons, then it would dispute any ims that could be made against the veracity of your words.
He shuffled his feet, clearly ufortable.
It may be hard to trust
Very well.
Faith returned his bow.
Emperor Rowyn. While I may fault your father for the events that have yed out since the start of the war, I do not believe that you are responsible for it. Furthermore, you are offering us great help. I thank you for taking this risk for the greater good.
Rowyn blinked. He worked his jaw for a moment, unable to find the right words to say. I stepped into the conversation, speaking up for him.
Im d thats settled. But Im getting bored. Can we go now?
Yes. I apologize for the dy, Salvos.
Faith smiled at me. She turned to the rest of Elutras Resistance. Zane, Willow, Gavyn all stood at attention.
We shall be departing for Shedos immediately. For the sake of our country and for the sake of Humankind. To do whats right. And if they still will not help us. If the other nations turn a blind eye once more. Then we will have no choice but to fight for it until our country is saved.
They cheered. I watched as they all moved, getting ready to head to Shedos. Sighing, I turned to face Daniel. He had a slight smile on his face.
You look happy.
I pointed out, walking up to him. He nodded.
Im d that things are finally looking like itll turn for the better for Elutra. Its my fault things turned out this way in the first ce, after all.
What do you mean its your fault? You had no responsibility for what happened.
I crossed my arms.
In fact, werent you the one who was dragged into this whole mess from your world in the first ce? I dont believe you are obligated to do anything you dont want to.
But I have the capacity to act, Salvos. If I am able to stop something unfolding before me, dont I have the duty to stop it?
He raised a hand, looking into the palm of his hand. I shrugged.
I mean, do you have the capacity to do it? Not just in a physical sense, either. But if you dont have the drive or desire to do something, thats a mental inhibition too, right?
Daniel blinked.
Thats
I honestly dont really care about all that, anyway.
I waved a hand dismissively. The Human man drew his lips into a thin line. He looked up at Elutras Resistance. Then he turned towards Amanda and Willy. Sighing, he shook his head and faced the sky.
I have the desire, but sometimes, I lose it. I cant help myself. Every time I feel like Ive taken a step forward, I take two steps back.
I tilted my head, facing him.
Huh.
I ced aforting hand on his shoulder as he met my gaze.
I make mistakes all the time, Daniel. And Im me! So, dont worry about making mistakes even though youre not me. Because its something we all do.
Daniel stared at me. He held my gaze for a moment as I smiled. Then he chuckled.
Youre right.
He straightened, starting forward.
Ive made up my mind, Salvos.
You have?
We have yet to exin the full situation to Faith and the others. But when we do when we have everyone gathered and ready to talk I think its time for the world to know about this [Hero].
I looked at him. I noticed the way he stood taller. The way he spoke with more confidence in his voice. And I felt my shoulders sag.
Seriously? Thats going to be so annoying. Were going to have to exin all that stuff about the Demon King and Belzu, then exin everything about you too? Ugh
I know you couldnt really care about all this, but please, could you bear with me for a bit longer?
Daniel offered me his hand. I sighed.
This is taking too long. I thought it would take a day at most, but
I snapped a finger, creating another one of my clones. Daniel started back as I addressed her.
Go find Saffron. Make sure shes safe, alright? Tell her Ill be getting to her soon. Ive just been caught in an annoying mess.
I shot a half-re at Daniel. He scratched his cheeks.
S-sorry.
My clone nodded, her wings spreading wide as she took off. I could tell she was excited happy that she could get to see Saffron again. I felt the same way, but I had to wait a bit longer now.
I looked over at Elutras Resistance as they finally finished. They were all ready. Daniel, Faith, Bel, Amanda, Willy everyone. I snapped my fingers as the ground beneath their feet rose.
Alright! Hold on tight, cause were going straight to Mavos Academy!
Chapter 318: Time for a Talk
Chapter 318: Time for a Talk
318. Time for a Talk
I see....
The words were soft even in the quiet room. There were two figures. One stood over a desk covered with runes and options, scribbling on a notepad. The other curiously peered over his shoulder. The report was finished, and yton Skyshredder lowered the pen.
So, what was your conclusion?
Centina asked him, drawing back as he turned around
The goal of the research had been to discover what it was about Centinels that made them unique
You mean something that makes me unique, right?
...yes.
yton cleared his throat. He gestured at the sample of blood hed collected from her
This has been what I postted something about their magical makeup has to be the reason why they are somonce. I have dissected many
Of my kind, right.
Indeed
Centina rolled her eyes. He was too stiff. She was fine with it after all, shed been treated like a research subject before. But yton didnt ease. He didnt meet her gaze, even as he reached for the sk of blood.
Ive never managed to get my hands on an [Evolved Centinel]s blood before. They rarely leave the Bloodied Gulf, and adventurers who typically venture down there seek glory, not to further their research. After all, Humankind has learned everything there is to know about the Centinel. From the Matriarch Centinel to the [Ancient Centinel]... or so we think.
His eyes shimmered. There was a blue glow to it as he appraised her blood. Centina tilted her head, and he continued.
But with this with your blood my preliminary testing indicates that there is indeed something about Centinelkind, that distinguishes them from regr monsters or even Humans. I sense a kind of magic. Unlike any other. A kind of distortion in your mana flow.
The [Evolved Centinel] blinked.
A distortion?
I am unsure what it is just yet. But there will have to be further research.
Centina wasnt sure what he was talking about, but she was interested in it. Even Erhard his ancestor uncle or whatever hadnt pointed this out before. She eagerly nodded as yton turned back to face her. Well, not face her. He wasnt actually looking at her, even as she spoke.
We should continue more tests.
Indeed.
Figure out what this oddity is.
Yes.
And while were at it, we should grab lunch.
We sh
yton paused. He caught himself, sputtering out a few coughs. Centina just fluttered her eyes innocently at him. He cleared his throat.
I believe I have a busy schedule for the rest of the day. I will not be able to make any ns for lunch.
Well, we can always reschedule it for another time.
Centina waved a hand dismissively.
Im not sure if thats necessary for a formal
He shuffled his feet, backing away from her. But she pressed on.
Oh, I dont intend it to be formal. Id rather something more casual. Just to get to know each other more, you know? Its been a week and weve barely spoken outside of your tests.
This is
yton found his back against the ss window. They were in his office in the Tower of Truth. It had a good view of Mavos Academy, unlike his own spire which mostly saw clouds beneath. Centina watched as his eyes flickered behind him.
There was amotion happening at the Central Square. He narrowed his eyes, and Centina paused, taken from the moment.
Whats going on out there?
yton sighed.
I feel like I may know who it is
Sorry yep. Just carry on your day. Dont mind us! We got permission to enter!
I made a shooing motion to the students of Mavos Academy as they stopped to stare at the group I was leading through the city. They pointed, whisper. They recognized me, of course they knew who I was.
Isnt that Salvos?
Why is she covered in blood?
But it took them a moment to register the people following after me. And even then, only some knew who they were. Mostly the nobles who were also attending.
Wait, thats princess Faith!
Are you sure?
Yes! And that armor hes wearing hes one of Elutras [Pegasus Knights], isnt he?
Alright, alright! Thats enough chit-chat from you guys! Even you want to talk about someone, talk more about me.
I shook a fist at them, and they flushed. I continued on, finally reaching the Tower of Truth. A figure waited for me there. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy. yton Skyshredder.
Hi, yton!
I waved at him. He crossed his arms, taking a look at Faith, Daniel, then the rest of Elutras Resistance.
What is this?
Oh, this is mypanion, Daniel. Hes been through a lot to help me wait, didnt you already know about him?
yton was the one who told me Daniel was in trouble, right? Willy made a sighing sound behind me.
Stupid.
What?
Faith straightened, walking up next to me. She spoke softly, practically whispering into my ear.
I believe hes talking about us.
Huh.
Well, that made a lot more sense. I smiled, gesturing at the troupe of resistance members.
Well, these guys are, um, people from Elutra? This is princess Faith
I am quite aware of their names and their identities.
yton cut me off, stepping forward. He looked them over with furrowed brows.
Mavos Academy is a neutral institution. We do not partake in wars, unless we are attacked or aggressed upon.
Really?
I cocked my head. I looked back at the others, giving them a shrug.
I guess it can''t be helped, then. Lets go back
Daniel sighed, and Amanda just stared at me.
Is she serious?
But Faith took the lead. She approached yton, bowing deeply at him.
I understand that much, Headmaster Skyshredder. However, this is a matter of import. I plead that you at least hear us out before turning us away.
He studied the princess as she held that position, unmoving.
If this is what I believe it is going to be about, then I apologize. But unless you can provide proof of you ims
She can.
A smaller figure stepped forward. Rowyn nodded at yton.
Youre
I am emperor Rowyn Ino of the Inoria Empire. And I can support the ims that princess Faith of the Elutra Kingdom is asserting against my country.
yton hesitated. His eyes flickered to the blood covering my blue jacket stains of ck and red. Then he ran a hand through his flowing beard.
These ims very well, I will hear you out. But I do not believe this is a matter to discuss with only myself. I shall gather the relevant parties. However, I must ask that you do not make a scene until further discussion is had.
Faith nodded, grateful.
Thank you, Headmaster Skyshredder.
I piped up as they finished.
Oh! Are we getting more important people? I know some as well! Can I bring them?
Faith pursed her lips. She opened her mouth, but yton simply shook his head.
I trust your judgment, Salvos. If you trust them, you may bring them in as well.
I beamed, starting past Willy and the others.
Willy, look after them, alright? Show them around, and make sure they dont scare Centina!
The [Will O Wisp] flitted back and forth, as if in thought. Finally, he responded.
No.
Lamarr, the Warrior King of Traith sat in one of Mavos Academys many libraries. He had a pile of history books stacked before him. Research he had been doing in regards to Demonkind. As both a king and one of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance, he believed it was his duty to act against this Primeval Demon threat.
Of course, he was aware his level was far below that of making a difference in the battlefield. So, instead, hed been doing what he could. Hed gather up every single bit of information he could find about the Demon Kings firsting. Hed cross referenced it with the various other times a Demon had rampaged in the Mortal Realm.
There were numerous examples. The most recent one prior to this Primeval Demon was a Greater Demon in Nixa. There had to be a corrtion.
Lamarr wasnt sure if this was a prefiguration of what was toe. Many of the lesser kings in the Eastern Kingdom Alliance and even the senators in Traith thought this was merely another such example of a Demon rampage. But he feared that this could signal the start of something far worse.
Another Demon invasion of the Mortal Realm.
Whatever it was, he had to act. He had to make the necessary preparations in case this was really the start of such an internar war. He flipped through the history books, hoping to figure out what the old Immortal Empire did to repel the Demon King after Alexanders death
And he heard a susurration. From outside of his private room. He looked up, listening carefully as voices broke through the silence. There was a brief scuffle as someone called out.
You cant run in the library
Sorry! Im in a rush!
And the door mmed open. Lamarr blinked as a familiar youngdy stumbled in. Salvos smiled, waving at him as a panting librarian stumbled in.
...Salvos?
Hey, Lamarr! Theres a super important talk happening soon. Wanna join us?
I
Lamarr wasnt sure what to say. The librarian, however, didnt care for his words.
Please, Miss. You cannot just teleport into the library and yell the name of the person youre searching for.
Why not?
Salvos cocked her head. The librarian tried to work her jaw. Lamarr massaged his temples.
I apologize for the ruckus caused. I shall see to it that you are reimbursed for your time.
He ushered the librarian out. Then he turned to Salvos.
It has been a while, Salvos. I appreciate you going out of the way to see me, but I urge you to employ discretion and a hint of politeness the next time such a situation arises.
Sorry, I was in a bit of a rush. Because of, you know, the super important meeting I mentioned.
So I heard. And what may I ask what this meeting will be about?
Depending on what she said, Lamarr might have had to turn her away. He was fond of the youngdy, but he was not rich in time. Not right now. Perhaps if it was pertinent to the Primeval Demon, hed drop everything he was currently doing to follow her.
Oh, its just about the impending Demon King invasion of the Mortal Realm.
Salvos spoke, and he dropped everything he was currently doing to follow her.
Lead the way.
[Sunder Strike]!
Gallus heaved as he swung his broadsword, slicing the giant ice spike in half. The [Mage] across from him fell to the ground as Gallus drew closer. Finally, the [Mage] raised his hands.
I yield! I yield!
Hmph. You put up a valiant effort.
With a respectful nod, Gallus drew back. He looked at the [Mage], then at the five other different [Warriors], [Rogues], and [Mages] with him. They were his students. He was mentoring a group of students from the College of Aspirations while sses were not in session. This was the first time theyd ever driven him into using a Skill.
Youre far too strong, Gallus. Even against all six of us, you didnt break a sweat.
One of them spoke, defeatedly.
And yet, your coordination today as a team was far better than your past five performances. If I werent supposed to be harsh on you lot, Id say you could even qualify to be a part of the Vaun Qieurs Empire Swordsguard Forces.
Heughed heartily, cing a hand on his chest. Even without the directpliment, they beamed and exchanged proud nces. That was right. The Swordsguard Forces were admired throughout the world, not just in Vaun Qieur. While such aparison mightve brightened their days, Gallus couldnt lie and say he himself didnt feel proud to see such admiration for his group from those around with different backgrounds around the world.
Alright, youre dismissed.
Gallus cleared his throat, and his students slowly funneled out of the sparring arena. And right as they left, a silver-haired woman entered the room followed by the King of Traith.
Woah, Ive never been here before.
There are many amenities in Mavos Academy that not everybody uses, Salvos. For those at your level however, I would say this training hall is unnecessary.
Now those are two faces I havent seen in a while.
Gallus spread his arms wide as he weed his former ssmates.
Salvos, King Lamarr. It is a pleasure to see the both of you doing well.
Likewise, Sir Gallus.
Yep! d to see you too, Gallus of the Vaun Qieur Empires elite Swordsguard Forces!
The silver-haired woman beamed. Gallus scratched the back of his head.
I see youve been busy. To think youd already reach Level 130 I shouldnt have expected anything less.
Aw, of course not! I went to the Bloodied Gulf and killed an [Ancient Centinel]!
I see.
Gallus couldnt lie and say that he wasnt impressed. But just hearing about it was not the same as seeing it. Her words were still registering in his head when Lamarr spoke simply.
I believe it is best not to skirt around the topic. We can make small talkter.
Oh, fine.
Salvos sighed. She faced Gallus, pping her hands together softly.
Want to talk about stuff with us?
Gallus just stared at her. Lamarr tranted for her.
Apparently, it is in regards to the Primeval Demon. And I believe that the Vaun Qieur Empire would want to be a part of this.
About the Primeval Demon? Gallus straightened. He stood like a soldier, nodding without any hesitation.
Yes.
Valda was strolling out of her dorm building, yawning and stretching her back after a long night of studying, when a hand yanked her to the side. She squeaked, spinning around.
Salvos?
Hey Valda! Saffron says youre a Vampire, right?
The silver-haired woman smiled. Valda took a step back, sputtering.
I-I what? She told you that?
Yep! And Vampires are Demon yers, right?
Y-yes?
Valda just went with the flow. She didnt know what to question or what to say. Salvos just tugged her along.
Alright! That means youre important, so youreing with us!
Coming with you? Wait, Salvos whats going on? Whos us?
The girl nced about nervously, hoping that noone heard about her Vampire heritage. Then she caught sight of the only two people there.
Thats Gallus of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. And the Warrior King of Traith!
Greetings, Valda. It is a pleasure to meet you again.
Lamarr spoke humbly, and Gallus gave her an approving look.
We are d to have a Vampire at our side during this time of need.
She shrank back. Valda wanted to faint. These were very important people. She definitely didnt belong around them. Why was Salvos?
Whats happening? Where are we going?
The girl hurriedly turned to the silver-haired woman dragging her along.
Oh, were just going to have a chat with yton Skyshredder, princess Faith, emperor Rowyn, and a bunch of other important people about important stuff like the Demon Kings invasion of the Mortal Realm. So, not much, really.
I see.
Valda really did faint.
And with that, I gathered everyone I wanted in the Tower of Truth. Daniel Song of Earth, Amanda the Silent Serpent, Headmaster yton Skyshredder, princess Faith, prince Bel, emperor Rowyn Ino, Lamarr of Traith, Gallus of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces, Valda the genius Vampire, a few officials yton had brought along, and many more.
Oh, Willy was here too. But he was at the side, not really caring about this whole situation regarding Belzu and Regnorex.
I leaned forward on the meeting table, bringing my hands together as I addressed the room to clear things up once and for all.
Now, lets talk.
Chapter 319: Faith’s Formidability
Chapter 319: Faith¡¯s Formidability
319. Faith''s Formidability
Daniel Song sat in a crowded meeting room with a long gilded table and walls decorated with luxurious paintings. It was finally time for all the issues to be addressed: the Demon threat that had been let to run rampant for so long was to be tackled today. The young man couldnt help but feel a little nervous. After all, he was finally going to spill his big secret by the end of it all.
There were many influential and powerful people gathered. Individuals of note. There were the obvious Headmaster yton Skyshredder, princess Faith, and emperor Rowyn Ino but there were also individuals Daniel didnt recognize. Like the man with a mustache, followed by a dozen knights in shimmering armor. Or the elderly man sitting next to yton, wearing regal robes fit for a king.
But at the head of the table was a familiar face. Salvos. A Demon girl who was currently disguised as a Human. She could be a plethora of other creatures. From a Kobold to a Cyclops. And possibly even more. Here she was in her deceit leading this discussion on how Humankind was to deal with her own kind.
It was an irony of sorts; a tragedy ofcency; evenughable. Daniel was the [Hero] here, yet he remained silent. He allowed Salvos to speak. It showed the tremendous growth shed been through, and how far hed have to go to catch up with her. At one point, they were equals. Now, shed far surpassed him.
Now, lets talk.
Salvos pped her hands together. Daniel waited with bated breath for the revtion. The truth. The epoch-making news that would shatter everyones reality.
yton Skyshredder ran a hand through his beard. Princess Faith steeled herself. Emperor Rowyn closed his eyes. Everyone waited. And Salvos cocked her head.
Um, hello? That was your guys cue to speak.
What? Were you expecting me to say something? Because I really dont know what you guys want from me.
Daniel sighed. Shes grown so much, yet changed so little. He couldnt help but smile at that.
Faith wanted to cover her face in embarrassment. This was not how she was preparing the meeting to start. She had a speech prepared, and Salvos had already derailed it from the very beginning.
Thank you everyone for gathering here on such short notice.
yton cleared his throat as Salvos sat back down, shrugging. Fortunately, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy was more than capable of defusing the awkward situation.
As Salvos had alluded to, this discussion will not be a short one, and I would like to get to the crux of the issue as soon as possible. Princess Faith, could you please exin the reason why you came to Mavos Academy today?
Faith nodded and stood to her feet. She addressed the room, carrying whatever leftover dignity she had as a member of the royal family of Elutra. Even though she barely looked it after a month of travel propriety was necessary in these situations. Especially amongst rich and powerful strangers.
I am princess Faith El of the Elutra Kingdom. I am sure most of you are currently aware of the situation in my kingdom.
The Elutra Kingdom? With all due respect, your country no longer exists. It is now merely a province in the Inoria Empire.
A man with a bushy mustache scoffed from the side. Faith narrowed her eyes. His words stung, but she recognized him as one of the individuals yton had brought into the meeting. He mustve been important.
Faith would have to conduct herself well. She bowed her head slightly his way.
I am keenly aware of the perspective outside observers could have of the situation, but I assure you, it is far moreplex than that.
Complex? There is no nuance to war a war which your country instigated and lost. Dont think I am foolish enough to fall for the baseless rumors you keep trying to spread.
She blinked, and he leaned forward with creased brows.
Or did you think we all havent already heard your lies about Inoria and its hypothetical Demons?
It took everything Faith had in her to prevent a retort. She didnt know him. She shouldnt disparage him. He couldve been an influential politician in Shedos for all she knew.
I apologize if
Um, who are you?
A voice piped up. Salvos peered at the man, a puzzled look on her face. Faith blinked, and Daniel massaged his temples. A brief susurration ran through the room as the man raised a brow.
I am Jorden Duron, the Lord of Wimborne. I was called here today by Headmaster Skyshredder for what he dubbed an important meeting. If I had known it was a meeting headed by a disgraced princess of a former nation, I would have sent a representative to state my opinion on the matter. In fact, the only reason I have not left this meeting is due to my respect towards the Headmaster.
Jorden harrumphed, and Salvos tilted her head to the side.
Huh. So youre from Shedos, right?
Indeed.
Which means youre not from either Elutra or Inoria.
That is correct.
That also means you havent actually seen whats going on in either countries, so why are you talking?
The silver-haired adventurer asked, genuinely curious. Faith pursed her lips as more than one individual in the room sputtered. Jorden burst out of his seat, pointing usingly at her.
I am the Lord of Wimborne. I do not care if youre over Level 100. I will not tolerate such disrespect from you
Yep. Well youre a Lord, and shes a princess. If you wanted others to respect you in the first ce, maybe you shouldve shown them the same respect.
He flushed, face burning with anger..
Headmaster Skyshredder! Are you not going to intervene?
yton took in a deep breath and raised a hand.
That is enough from the both of you. This argument does not pertain to the matter at hand. I ask that princess Faith continue with her statement.
Thank you, Headmaster.
Faith was d that that was over. She faced the room, taking in those gathered as they settled back down after that interruption was dealt with.
But I must confess, I cannot fault Lord Jorden for his suspicions. It is only fair that aspersions be cast to the veracity of my words. Especially since I havee here today for the very thing he uses me of.
Jorden snickered, and a few faces exchanged confused nces. yton kept a straight face, but she could tell he was curious about where she was going with this. A man with red hair one of the ones sitting next to Salvos spoke up.
Princess Faith, I am aware of your countrys predicament. I am truly sorry to hear about the oue of this war. However, I cannot lie and say I do not agree with some of Lord Jorden Durons apprehension about your motivations behind your ims.
Youre Lamarr the Warrior King of Traith?
It took Faith a moment to ce where she knew him from.
One of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance?
I am but a humble man hoping to do whats right. Something as audacious as a great power like the Inoria Empire employing the use of Demons in war is unheard of. Outrageous, even.
Salvos scowled as he nodded.
Come on, Lamarr! Youre supposed to be on our side!
I am on the side of the truth.
I agree with King Lamarr here, Salvos.
A bulky man agreed. Faith didnt recognize him as she did Lamarr, but she saw the familiar crest he bore. That of Vaun Qieur Empires world renowned Swordsguard Forces.
We are here as representatives of our country. We cannot make any brash decisions, even if we are here on your behalf.
The former princess blinked. Jorden muttered under his breath with a frown.
Is that vulgar woman truly the reason why someone of their statuses are here? Ridiculous
Faith would have to remember to thank Salvoster. Again. Even though shed already thanked her many times
I apologize, Sir. I do not believe weve been introduced.
She bowed to the bulky man, and he returned a smile.
You may call me Gallus.
Those are understandable worries, King Lamarr, Gallus. And I am certain it is one many of you have here today. After all, as many of you are already aware, my country has fallen to the Inoria Empire. You may believe that I am here to ask for aid in retaking back my nation. Or maybe to seek refuge to protect my surviving family members.
Her eyes flickered to Bel who was sitting next to her. He looked sickly, especially after the long journey, but he forced himself to attend this meeting. She also thought of Iance and Hope. Neither were in any shape to attend this meeting. Not that Faith wouldve wanted them here. Theyd only worsen things.
The former princess of Elutra shook her head.
I will tell you right now: I am not here to plead for your help.
There was a pause. Willow frowned, and Gavyns brows snapped together. They were the only two resistance members present, and they hadnt been briefed on what Faith wanted to say. They definitely didnt expect this.
This is a warning. Not to just those of you here, but to the rest of the Humannds. I was wrong before. In the past. Inoria is not employing Demons under theirmand. It is the opposite the Inoria Empire has been taken over by Demons.
The other shoe dropped. A deluge of questions was unleashed on Faith. She turned, facing questions and usations from all sides. Jorden was the first to speak.
More lies! Youre saying that just so you can get revenge on the Inoria Empire!
Lamarr stared at her dubiously.
These are bold ims, princess Faith. I do hope you have proof to back it up.
I have witnesses.
She replied calmly.
Salvos herself can testify on my behalf.
Yep! I saw Demons lots of Archdemons! They were weak, though. Id have thought [Changelings] would be stronger than that.
The silver-haired woman tapped a finger on her chin. yton crossed his arms.
I would not doubt the words of my own students. However, for a matter with as much gravity as this, I do not believe the words of a single adventurer will be able to sway the minds of entire nations.
Then what about the words of a single child?
Faith smiled wryly, gesturing towards a boy. Not her brother. It was someone else, seated next to her brother. yton leant back in his chair, speaking the boys name and title simply.
Emperor Rowyn Ino.
Greetings.
Rowyn stood to his feet. Gallus raised an amused brow.
Now this just became interesting
A girl in the corner of the room the one Salvos had brought with her squeaked.
A-as in the emperor of the Inoria Empire?
Seriously? This cannot be real. Why is the emperor of the Inoria Empire with Elutras royal family?
Jorden gaped. Lamarr leaned forward, intrigued.
Might you exin what is going on, emperor Ino?
Of course, King Lamarr.
Rowyn managed to maintain his poise even with all the outward pressure. Faith didn''t particrly like Rowyn, even if she didnt dislike him either. She was grateful for his help, but she med him somewhat for how things went in Ertos, and that was about it. No grudge, no amity.
But she couldnt lie and say she wasnt impressed by his current demeanor.
I can assure all of you, what princess Faith says is the truth. My empire the Inoria Empire is now nothing more than a puppet state. Our politics, our government, and our royal family are nothing more than mere ythings to Demonkind. [Changelings] who have disguised themselves as Humans work from the background, running things as they so desire.
He clenched his fist as he continued.
My parents were murdered by these Demons. It was not an assassination attempt carried out by a desperate Elutra as the world has been so led to believe. It was a lie. A justification for retaliatory action during a ceasefire. They were sacrifices, just as the people of Ertos will be.
What are you saying, emperor Ino?
Lamarr ced a hand on his chin. But before the boy could answer, Jorden quickly interrogated him.
How do we know youre not an impostor? How do we know youre not being forced into this? This is insane. How could an emperor betray his own nation?
Rowyn held his gaze.
You may test me in a [Truth Zone]. I support everything princess Faith has said today. And I am doing so not to act against my country''s interest. Rather, it is because I care for my country, I wish to save it.
That
Jorden opened his mouth. But yton cut him off.
Thats enough, Lord Jorden. I do not believe emperor Rowyn will lie about such matters. If we wish to test his word, we can do soter.
An elderly man sitting next to the Headmaster nodded in agreement.
This revtion is quite startling, but it only makes sense. After all, the Primeval Demon has been trapped in Inoria for far longer than even Id have imagined. I never believed Inorias forces could be so effective, especially when split between two fronts.
That is a fair assessment, Thorsten.
Thorsten? As in Thorsten Siegfrid? Faith knew that name anywhere. He was the [Archbishop] at the very head of the Den of Souls. But what was he doing here?
He smiled at yton.
So, Inoria has been the Primeval Demons base of operations, and it is restoring its forces there. It seems you called me here for a good cause, my old friend.
If Faith was being entirely honest, she didnt know much details about this Primeval Demon. Something major had urred, but it happened when she was trapped in Ertos, cut off from the outside world.
However, from the brief conversation shed held with Salvos and Daniel just a few hours earlier, she knew what was going to be said next. Rowyn shifted his feet, clearly hesitant.
Thats not true.
What do you mean, emperor Ino?
yton studied Rowyns facial expression. The boy clearly didnt know where to even begin, and neither did Faith. Otherwise, shed have already taken over.
Instead, another man answered for them. Daniel Song.
Rowyns saying that the Primeval Demon is a separate threat. That these Demons in Inoria are working against the Primeval Demon.
Impossible. All of Demonkind falls under a singr banner. The banner of the Demon King, Regnorex.
Thorsten spoke with a dark gaze. Even the name of the Demon King sent a shiver down Faiths spine. But Daniel didn''t react. He stepped forward, insistent.
Well, thats not the case now. The Primeval Demon is merely a rebel. A rogue Demon acting up against the Demon King. But he is not the real threat. He simply foreshadows what is toe.
yton understood what Daniel was saying. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy spoke grimly.
A full scale invasion of the Mortal Realm. Not just a rampaging Demon. Not just a group of Demons taking over a single country. But the return of Regnorex himself.
Yes.
The young man hung his head, letting the implication settle in. The room was silent for a moment. Even Faith was absorbing it. She couldve winefred just as much the entire time, but shed been too focused on the fate of her kingdom the entire time. Now that Elutra was already lost, she knew the truth.
But not everyone believed it. Jorden rolled his eyes.
Now, who is this guy and why should we believe him? What, is he going to say hes the Emperor Nor Maran? Is he going to im to be the Watcher himself?
Daniel paused. He exchanged a nce with Salvos. They spoke without words, and Faith wasnt sure what to expect from them. She certainly didnt expect what came next.
I am Daniel Song.
Sighing, he got to his feet.
And I am a [Hero] from Earth.
Oh.
Faith blinked. The third and final shoe dropped, and the room interrupted into chaos.
Chapter 320: Daniel’s Depth
Chapter 320: Daniel¡¯s Depth
320. Daniel''s Depth
I am Daniel Song. And I am a [Hero] from Earth.
There was a pause. Like a beat was skipped. You could hear a pin drop; the shuffling of feet. Daniel held his breath, waiting for this immortal moment to end. But it droned longer as the sea of people remained still.
Then time resumed. The surface tension broke. The silent crowd exploded into a babbling of voices. An avnche of questions fell upon the young man from Earth.
He drew back, waving his hand and trying to cate the crowd. Each individual in the room wore different expressions. Faith was aghast. yton was in disbelief. Jorden was outraged, pointing at Daniel usingly.
Salvos just tilted her head. Her confusion was evident.
Huh. Everyone is upset.
And they really were.
A [Hero]? The return of the Demon King? This is absolutely ridiculous. Did this girl hire a troupe to put on a show for us?
Jorden sputtered, ncing over at Salvos. Thorsten the [Archbishop] crossed his arms as he nodded in agreement.
If this is meant to be a practical joke, it is not amusing. There hasnt been a [Hero] summoning since Zacharius the Quisling.
I am not a liar. I am a [Hero]. Ie from another world. From a ce where theres no magic. No Demons. No monsters. Where Elves and Dwarves exist only in fantasy or fiction. Where Humans are the only ones who live in cities. From Earth.
The susurration died down. yton ran a hand through his beard.
This young man hes being serious.
But can we believe him?
Thorsten was dubious. Rightfully so. Daniel didnt me anyone for casting any aspersions his way.
The red-haired man Lamarr of Traith peered at the young man.
You have made a bold im, Mr Daniel Song. One that I cannot believe any sane man would lie about. But I cannot trust your words alone. Can you prove yourself to us?
Yes.
Daniel answered simply. He reached over to a ne around his neck and yanked it off. The obfuscation effect around him vanished. He smiled and spoke to the room.
You may use [Identification] on me now. That is proof enough, is it not?
Thorstens eyes widened, and Lamarr nodded. There were gasps. Murmurs filled the room. But some of those gathered still didnt believe him. Particrly, Jorden Duron and the little girl Salvos brought.
Lies. You cant possibly believe this, can you, Headmaster Skyshredder?
The Lord of Wimborne faced yton.
Its a trick! Hes using a Skill or artifact! He cant be a [Hero]!
The girl spoke indignantly. For some reason, she was even more upset than Jorden.
But yton Skyshredder shook his head. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy ced a hand on his chin in thought.
I have not heard of an artifact or a Skill thats capable of disguising ones ss as a [Hero]. Even a Ne of Total Obfuscation which can block out [Lesser Appraisal] isnt capable of such an effect.
This cant be but there hasnt been a summoning
Jorden tried to work his jaw. But ytons confidence killed any doubts he had left. Gallus stood up, frowning.
Perhaps this is a sign.
I beg your pardon, Sir Gallus?
Lamarr raised a brow. But Thorsten nodded in agreement, gripping his robes.
Alexandersing to our world was never hailed by a summoning. Not by Humankind. While it was never confirmed while there are many theories as to how he came here the mostmonly believed idea stated in the Book of the Beginning is that Nexeus itself called him into the world. To save Humankind from destruction.
Daniel blinked. He hadnt known that was the case. Granted, he wasnt very well-versed in theology. Not that there was much theology with the temples in the world.
yton narrowed his eyes, speaking in a low voice.
An ill omen, then.
That is if this is all true, this young man is the seconding of Alexander. But it does not bode well for our future.
Thorsten raised a finger. To which, the awkwardness made Daniel decide it was time to speak up.
I do not believe I am the seconding of Alexander.
The young man dismissed their spections with a sigh, but that only brought up more questions. How did he end up in the Nexeus? If not from the world itself, then he had to have been brought over somehow.
An illegitimate summoning.
yton came to the conclusion on his own. His brows creased as he spoke, and Thorsten sputtered to his right.
That is but [Hero] summonings are costly and dangerous. No lone individual couldve possibly had the resources necessary to carry one out. It had to have been a powerful but desperate nation
He paused. ytons head fractionally turned. The realization soon dawned on everyone else in the room. Daniel took in a deep breath as his eyes flickered to a frozen figure, standing to his left. The only one who hadnt spoken even once since he made his reveal.
Faith El. The former princess of the Elutra Kingdom.
Was Elutra the one responsible for this illegitimate [Hero] summoning?
yton interrogated her, his voice calm, but there was something simmering within him. Disappointment? Anger? Perhaps. Daniel didnt know. Behind Faith, one of the resistance members protested. Willow got to her feet, defending her princess.
It was not princess Faiths choice! King Credence made the decree and
Its fine, Willow.
Faith raised a hand, giving her a mncholic smile. Jorden, the Lord of Wimborne, stepped forward with his arms crossed.
Dont tell me
He sneered, speaking condescendingly.
Are you going to use the Demons in Inoria as an excuse to justify your illegitimate [Hero] summoning? Because that will not hold up against the Council of Cremont.
Faith nodded.
I understand that.
She faced the room, taking in all the stares. The judgmental looks. The suspicious gazes directed towards her. Then she stopped as she caught sight of Daniel. The young man looked at her with a mixture of pity and indifference. He couldnt lie and say he felt terrile for the situation he put her in.
After all, she was one of the main reasons why hed even been in the situation he currently was in. But still, Faith stood straight and spoke.
There was no legitimacy behind Elutras summoning of the [Hero] Daniel Song. I ept any and all crimes of my father. For breaking with the Council of Cremonts decree at the Fifth Council at Alexandria. And for forcing an innocent life from another world to fight in our foolish war.
Faith bowed her head. She bowed deep and low unbefitting that of a princess. But she was no longer a princess. Shed admit just as much. Daniel narrowed his eyes. Was it a scheme? Was it a ploy? He was uncertain. He bubbled with an eclectic of emotions, watching her be inundated with questions.
Yet, she continued. She didnt stop there. Her next words drew Daniels attention. More than anything else.
I never once said this, Daniel Song. More than betraying the trust of other nations because of Elutras greed. Never once have I apologized to you. The young man who was forced into the role of a [Hero]. Ripped away from his own world and everything he once knew. I am sorry.
Daniel blinked. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He stood there as Faith addressed the rest of the room once again. The emotions boiling within him cooled. He ced a hand on his chest, an odd sense of calm washing over him. And deep within, he felt only one thing. He felt at peace. For this moment, he felt nothing but tranquility.
When he regained his bearings, Faith was still steadily answering the deluge of questions headed her way.
Why did Elutra carry out a [Hero] summoning?
This is a crime equal to Inorias!
Both nations need to be punished in their actions during the war
Daniel felt the need to step in. He watched as Faith simply epted the me thrown her way. He started.
I believe that she
But he couldnt finish. Another voice spoke over him. Over everyone else in the room.
So what?
Salvos shrugged as heads turned her way. She nced over at the [Will O Wisp] hovering over her shoulder.
Does any of this make sense to you too, Willy?
All stupid!
See? He thinks its dumb. And hes not very smart.
Wrong!
The young woman chuckled, while the Grand Spirit flitted around her head indignantly. Salvos faced the rest of the room, looking over yton, Lamarr, Gallus, Thorsten, Valda, Faith she held everyones gaze with no hesitation or fear in her eyes.
Alright, Elutra summoned a [Hero]. And so what?
yton shook his head as he exined.
I understand that, as an adventurer, these issues do not matter to you, Salvos. However, there are consequences for every action. A single unruly [Hero] could bring about great devastation to the Humannds. If this young man had been like Zacharius
Except, Daniel is not Zacharius. Hes nothing like that stupid Lich. We even killed that Lich together, didnt we? Thats why hes the Liberator of the gunds!
Salvos gestured at Daniel with a grin. She spread her arms wide.
And even if thats the case, thats not the issue right now. I dont know if you guys realize this, but the big problem isnt what Elutra did years ago. Its the Primeval Demon thats currently running amok, and the Demons hiding in Inoria. We want to deal with them first before we should even think about punishing Faith, or about whatever kind of disaster Daniel would cause.
She paused, tilting her head.
Not like Daniel would do anything bad, anyway. Hes too nice.
Daniel stared at Salvos as she spoke. Her demeanor was cheerful as always. And she focused on what was important. He nodded, speaking in agreement as he looked at yton Skyshredder.
If you wish to keep me in check, then I am not opposed to it. But these matters are not whats important right now. We dont know where the Primeval Demon will strike next, and we need to stop the Demons in Inoria from bringing about the return of the Demon King.
The room fell silent. Even Jorden didnt argue with that. Thorsten cleared his throat.
The girl and the Grand Spirit are right.
The elderly man faced Salvos and Willy.
We are being foolish, arguing with one another over these minor issues. This Demon threat is very real. More real than we believed. I trust emperor Rowyns words, and we can confirm the veracity of it with a single question in a [Truth Zone] spell afterwards. And more than anything, I trust that a Grand Spirit wouldnt espouse or agree with these lies.
He nodded sagely, then he furrowed his brows at the [Will O Wisp].
Although why do you seem so familiar?
Willy shrank back.
D-dont know
Daniel realized something was going on, but yton continued.
Now, we need to discuss a n of action. Lamarr, Gallus, Thorsten, Jorden will you bring this news of the Demon King back to your people? But I must ask that you ensure the news does not spread to the public.
It is only expected. I shall return to the Eastern Kingdoms and speak to the Seven Councilmembers.
I will try to talk to those I know within the Vaun Qieur Empire.
Lamarr and Gallus agreed. Thorsten even smiled.
As the [Archbishop] of the Den of Souls, I will speak to my people and to the [Archbishops] of the other sects.
Thank you.
yton lowered his head. He looked over at Jorden, waiting. The Lord of Wimborne acquiesced.
Very well. I suppose this is a matter that Shedos senate needs to discuss. I am still skeptical of some of the facts presented today, but it is undeniable that this Demon threat is far more dire than we had initially thought. We need to make preparations. Especially since we do not know where the Primeval Demon will strike next.
A voice piped up, cutting him off. Salvos raised a hand.
Oh, I actually know where Belzu is going next.
Belzu?
yton frowned. Salvos waved a hand dismissively.
Belzu the Primeval Demon. Hes headed for Shedos next. Hesing after the Norwood Family.
And why would he do that? How do you even know this?
Jorden harrumphed, but yton closed his eyes.
She is correct.
Salvos paused. She looked over at him, perking up.
You know about the Vampires too, yton? And why is Belzu targeting them?
Yes. I had been aware of that. Or, rather, I have made inferences based on the facts I know. But I cannot leave my post in Mavos Academy. I have sent warnings to Gannon Norwood himself. He has already agreed to leave Shedos with the Greaves of Alexander so the Primeval Demon will not enter the country.
The Greaves of Alexander? Wait you mean Alexanders Treasures? I thought those were a myth.
Jorden raised a brow. Gallus, too, was puzzled.
I have been under the same impression as well.
Daniel would agree with both of them. He learned of the myth, and he always assumed that was what they were. He didnt think they were real.
But Salvos shook her head.
They are real. I even had the Breastte of Alexander for a while!
Of course you did
The young man massaged his temples. yton spoke over him.
If people know that the Primeval Demon is seeking Alexanders Treasures, then there will be a panic. We must keep this discreet as well.
Very well, but
Jorden turned around. He faced Salvos, finally asking the question that mightve been in many minds.
How do you know all this? Are you not just an adventurer? Youre aware of the Primeval Demons name, youre aware of the Demons in Inoria, youre aware of the [Hero], and youre aware of Alexanders Treasures. I do not trust you.
Daniel froze. It was indeed very suspicious. The young man felt a prickle run up his spine fearing what could potentially happen next. Salvos was a prideful individual. If it was revealed she was a Demon here
But no. Salvos just beamed.
If you really want to know, its because Saffron Merryster is mypanion, and I briefly fought Belzu on her behalf in Nightsveil. Also, I dont care for you.
She replied simply. Jorden sputtered.
How dare
Thats enough. The meeting shall be adjourned for today. We have gone over all the important matters, unless there are other issues that need to be brought up?
No one spoke up. With a nod, Headmaster Skyshredder pped his hands together and spoke in a clear voice.
Then you may all take your leave.
Salvos slumped back into her chair, sighing.
Finally! Its over
And they slowly left the room.
The meeting ended. It was a meeting with various peoples of power from all around the world. Everyone had their own takeaways from the discussion that was had. Not everyone contributed much to it. In fact, Valda would say she didnt participate at all.
However, she still had her own takeaways.
Its a ruse
She told herself as she left the Tower of Truth. There was no way that low-leveled man was a [Hero]. He looked lost half the time someone was speaking. Meanwhile, Salvos had maintained herposure all the while.
Seriously, Salvos even had the Breastte of Alexander at one point!
Thats right. Shes just using that man as a cover. She has to be the real [Hero]...
Valda was certain of it.
Daniel Song milled about the meeting room, even after it ended. There were still conversations to be had. He overheard Salvos speaking with the King of Traith.
Aw, are you really going? So I wont see you again anytime soon?
This is a matter that must be discussed in person. Unlike Gallus, I cannot simply ry this information to a contact
Amanda walked up behind the young man.
You actually had the balls to do it, huh? I must admit, I am quite impressed.
Not going to insult me today?
He faced her with an intrigued look. She shrugged.
Hey, I can be nice too, sometimes. Also, I can remind you that youre a fucking moron any other day.
Of course.
He rolled his eyes. He looked away from her, facing another woman in the room. Faith El. She stayed behind to answer any questions and clear up any misunderstandings. Jorden was hammering her with usatory questions, but she took the brunt of it all with poise.
Why not speak with her?
Amanda asked, tilting her head. Daniel paused.
Pardon?
You clearly want to say something to her. I dont know what it is, but youre just sitting here, staring at her like a creep. Why not just go up to her and say what you want to say?
Thats
Daniel hesitated. He looked down at the palm of his hand. Then he steeled himself as he clenched a fist.
I will.
He got to his feet, starting past Amanda. He approached Faith as Jorden left, finally cated. The former princess drew back when Daniel reached her.
Daniel
Faith.
She pursed her lips. The young man greeted her curtly. Neither one spoke immediately after. They waited for the other to say something, but both hesitated. And when they gathered the courage to continue, they interrupted each other.
I truly meant what I said
I do not me
They paused. Faith shuffled her feet, but Daniel gestured for her to continue.
You first.
Right.
The former princess took in a deep breath and spoke.
I truly meant what I said earlier. I know you do not trust me. That you think I am a conniving woman. Perhaps you are right about me. At one point, all I cared about was my self-interest. But I am truly sorry. For all that has been forced upon you.
She brought a hand to her chest and hung her head.
I am sorry, Daniel Song. From the very bottom of my heart: I apologize.
Daniel listened. He felt his chest tighten. Then rx. He nodded at her, speaking simply.
I do not me you for what happened. I was summoned by King Credence, not you.
Faith blinked as he spoke, vaguely motioning at her.
The sins of the father should not fall upon his son. Nor should it fall to his daughter. If you had to pay retribution for your own actions, I believe you already did. There is no longer any reason for me to hold a grudge against you. That is why
He held her gaze. He saw the regret she buried deep within her, and spoke from his heart. With sincerity in his voice.
I forgive you, Faith.
Her eyes grew wide. She stood there in silence. Utterly at a loss for words. A moment passed. She said nothing. Then sheughed. A single teardrop streamed down her cheek as she brought her hand to cover her face.
Thank you, Daniel Song. For your forgiveness, and for saving my life. Whether or not you are a [Hero] no longer matters, for you are truly an admirable person.
He smiled at that. The moment dragged on as they stood before each other. Almost reminiscent of a memory long ago. When Daniel had thought he was in love when he still believed in the lies of Elutra. He returned to the present when Faith wiped away her tears and spoke.
I take it we cannot be friends, even after all this?
Daniel thought about it for a moment. Faith was a beautiful woman. She was smart, elegant, and kind. He remembered their past. Then he shook his head.
No.
He replied with little hesitation.
We cannot.
Faith sighed not bitter. Just a soft sigh.
Thought so.
Faith couldnt lie and admit his final parting words hadnt hurt her a little bit. But she couldnt dwell on it. She had said her piece, and there were far more pressing issues to deal with. Daniel left as she returned to Willow and Gavyn. Neither of them said a word as she came to a halt.
It seems I have lost the trust for our country today.
Those who attended the meeting left with two things weighing in their mind. The first was the knowledge of the Demon Kings inevitable return that was one of the reasons why Faith hade here. But the second was the fact that Elutra had also betrayed the rest of the Humannds, breaking with the Sixth Council at Alexandria.
I know I promised you that well save our country, but it appears I failed to keep my word.
The former princess felt her lips tremble. Her gaze darkened, and she continued.
I tried, but I really didnt know what to say. I had to win their trust. And when Daniel told them the truth I-I couldnt just
She trailed off. She didnt look at either Willow or Gavyn. Shed failed the resistance.
I am sorry. You shouldnt ce your faith in me. I am not fit to lead you
And she paused. She felt a hand touch her shoulder. She looked up as Gavyn nodded her way.
You did the right thing.
Willow agreed with him.
You had no other choice. The situation was against you. But you got the truth out there.
But I
And a smaller voice spoke over her. Emperor Rowyn approached Faith from behind, shaking his head.
You did the right thing. It was the only thing you could do. For the sake of your country, you bore all the me. That is what a true leader does.
The boy gave her a reassuring smile.
I know you dont want to hear a lecture from me. Not from either a child or your enemy. But what you did today was admirable. I truly hope that, at the end of all this, your country can be returned to you from those evil Demons as Inoria will be returned to me.
But youre
Faith stared at him. He bowed at her.
And if the Council of Cremont decrees a crusade against your nation, I swear as the emperor of Inoria I shall ensure my country sides with you.
She spun around as Willow spoke up.
No matter what happens, you are our leader. We trust you.
Gavyn folded his arms.
And we shall retake our country no matter what.
Faith felt her lips curl up. She met their gazes.
Thank you all of you
When she spoke, a voice echoed in her head. One that made the former princess pause. That made her eyes grow wide. She clenched a fist, a myriad of emotions passing through her. Finally, she raised her chin and nodded.
I promise I will not fail you again.
[Title Avable]
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for one Title have been met!
Titles:
(Fallen Queen of Elutra)
You have defended your country to the bitter end, and yet you still fight. For
I strolled alongside Willy as we left the meeting room. He hid behind me, trying to keep out of sight from Thorsten Siegfrid.
So what is that about?
N-nothing!
The [Will O Wisp] refused to answer. I chuckled, not pressing it much further. I was just d. Happy that it was all over.
I can finally go find Saffron maybe even tell her what happened today.
Willy and I turned a corner as I excited bounced on my toes.
I bet shell be so excited! Shell finally have a bunch of powerful people on her side
I froze. Willy stared at me, puzzled.
Something?
I nodded stiffly.
My clone
I turned to face the [Will O Wisp] with wide eyes.
Is dead.
Chapter 321: Interlude – Saffron’s Struggle Part One
Chapter 321: Interlude ¨C Saffron¡¯s Struggle Part One
321. Interlude - Saffron''s Struggle Part One
Saffron Merryster closed her eyes.
All for naught
She bemoaned her sorrows as shey in her bed.
It was all for naught.
Roman Crimsonfang had rejected the request for aid. He wouldnt support either the Norwood or Merryster Families. Hed use them of attempting to take his life. An assassin that had killed his bodyguards. One that had nearly taken Saffrons life too.
It was ridiculous. It was utterly ridiculous. He was their only chance he was one of the few members of the Crimsonfang Family who was on speaking terms with the Norwoods. Let alone the Merrysters. But now all contact was cut.
That reaction was far too emotional. Far too brash. Yet, Roman was a boy. Saffron could, to some extent, understand his reasoning. But it still pissed her off.
That absolutely f no, I cant swear. I have to keep my cool.
She breathed deeply as she forced herself out of her bed. It was morning. The day after the attempt at her life. Salvos was gone or, rather, the Salvos clone was gone. Which meant that Saffron had no bodyguard. No protection.
If another Demon assassin came for her life
Saffron had to shake away the thought.
I cant rely on Salvos for everything.
That was right. While Saffron was grateful for what Salvos had done for her so far, she was still a noble. She still had her pride. A Vampire of the upper ss. Someone who shouldve been ale to deal with her own problems on her own.
Ill figure out a way to resolve this.
No matter what shrewd tactic shed have to rely on, she was going to get Roman Crimsonfang to agree to talks.
--
I said Im leaving today.
Roman Crimsonfang strode for Norwood Keeps gates. The hallway leading to the exit was still damaged from yesterday. The fighting between the Salvos clone and the Archdemon had been intense, even if it was enclosed in a small area.
Workers moved to repair the walls and the gate. Saffron could hear the heavy beating of hammer on nails and wood as she came to a halt behind Roman and Zin Norwood. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family tried to convince the boy to stay. To change his mind.
Please, this is a matter beyond just the rtions between our families. If you wait for my son to arrive, hell be able to exin
Thats enough.
Roman shook his head, unrelenting.
I have already made up my mind. My bodyguards my friends. I should not havee here under your request. If I had known this would happen, I wouldve spat on your letter and sent it back to you.
But we did not
Zin started, and he waved a hand.
I will no longer listen to your excuses.
He marched down the corridor, only to stop when he saw Saffron. The young noble had noticed the argument and moved to act. She blocked his path with her arms crossed. Zin narrowed her eyes.
Saffron
Wait, Zin. Let me speak with Lord Roman.
Zin hesitated, but she saw the look in Saffrons eyes. A red, glinting look. Saffron knew what she was doing. It was risky ploy. However, she was desperate.
There was no other chance, and Roman was acting ridiculous. The only way tobat an unreasonable act is to be unreasonable herself.
Greetings, Lord Roman. I heard you have decided to leave after yesterdays attempt at your life.
The boy frowned.
After your assassination attempt failed, I would be foolish to stay in the Norwood Keep any longer. I am leaving, and none of your lies can convince me to stay.
Indeed. I am certain you won''t change your mind. However, I havee to say farewell. And good luck.
Saffron tilted her head slightly as she spoke. Roman blinked.
What are you talking about?
Without a bodyguard or an entourage, it will not be an easy trip back to your estates. It will already be dangerous traversing with the threat of monsters. However, knowing that you are under the threat of assassins as well?
His eyes widened as she continued.
Well perhaps if you find an adventurer whose level is high enough, you will be able to return unscathed. If fortune favors the bold, surely a Diamond Ranked adventurer would be waiting for you in Strawford.
I-I
The boy hesitated, and Saffron shrugged.
Of course, if you remain in Norwood Keep, perhaps Zin Norwood herself can offer you her protection from these assassins. Or maybe your good friend Gannon Norwood would be of help. He is returning in under a weeks time, after all. If theres anyone you can trust, it can be him. s, you will be gone by then.
It was intimidation. Saffron didnt like it, but she had to do what was needed. And if it meant tricking a boy by subtly threatening his life even if it was a false threat then shed do it.
Roman quivered. He drew back, speaking in a hurried voice.
I believe I have changed my mind.
He cleared his throat, spinning around.
I was not aware that Gannon Norwood would be returning in a few days time. I would like to greet him and give him my regards before I am to depart. Even if it means staying with those callous Merrysters.
Zin nodded eagerly, jumping on this opportunity.
I assure you, Lord Roman, we will offer you our finest bodyguards and keep an eye out on the Merrysters
Saffron sighed in relief as she watched Roman walk further back into Norwood Keep. Shed done it. All by herself. She had to y her hand aggressively if she wanted to keep up with the politicking between the Greater Vampire Families.
Now, I just have to wait for Gannon to actually get here
What was she going to do until then?
--
Saffron didnt remain idle. Two days passed, and she spoke to every person of import who was present in Norwood Keep. Individuals from lesser Vampire families wereing to represent their stance in the uing meeting. It was a gathering called by the Norwood and Merryster Family. Mostly pertaining to the Norwood Family, since Gannon was going to be there.
He was one of the few individuals who remained sensible throughout everything that had happened in thest few months. That was why Roman had been here.
The fact that Roman Crimsonfang wasnt going to leave, and was going to represent his family at this meeting, meant that Saffron now had some sway. She wrote a message to Father on the day of Romans decision to remain, telling him about the news. Now, she heard back from him.
The Veridian Family has agreed to apany us to the meeting. We will be showing up with their representatives tomorrow.
That was all that had been written on themunication artifact. Saffron sighed in relief, d that things were finally beginning to move in the right direction. Now she just had to ensure things sailed smoothly at the meeting itself.
She went to find her sister to prepare and n for what was toe. The young noble still had her speech her ultimatum but she wasnt sure if that was necessary anymore. Mons Merryster would be able to aid her in making the right call.
Saffron found her sister milling about the dining room. The older Merryster sibling was sipping on a cup of tea all on her own.
Mons, I was searching for you.
I can tell, sister. Come, sit.
Mons patted the velvet cushion next to her. Saffron fluffed her dress before taking a seat.
What is going on?
Hush. Listen.
Listen?
Saffron narrowed her eyes. She heard a voice from the other room. Someone was yelling. It was a males voice. It took the young noble a moment, but she recognized the source of the voice.
Mardyth Norwood. Zins brother.
I told you this meeting is a shameless power grab
His words were clipped. Saffron couldnt make out everything that was said. Eventually, the shouting died down, and a door down the hallway was flung open. Saffron watched as an old figure marched down the hallway. Mardyth stormed off, before Zin slowly walked out of the room with a sigh.
She nced over at the Merryster siblings. The older Merryster sister simply took a sip from her cup of tea, while Saffron struggled to find something to pretend to be doing. Zin rolled her eyes.
You girls overheard, didnt you?
Indeed.
Mons answered simply. Zin sighed.
I shouldnt have expected anything less from you two
What happened,dy Zin?
Saffron stood up, brows furrowing. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family shrugged.
My brother is against the meeting. He fears another assassination attempt may be carried out on the day of. He thinks it is a ploy by the Crimsonfangs to ruin both our familys reputation, while also taking out certain influential targets.
What makes him think that? It was a Demon assassin. No Vampire family in their right mind would employ the use of Demons for their own dirty work
That sounded ridiculous. Mons didnt seem to believe it either. But Zin shrugged.
It is a somewhat sound theory. Romans parents are, rightfully so, upset about what happened. They have demanded reparation and Romans safe return to them. Otherwise, they will retaliate.
Saffrons eyes widened.
Are they being serious?
More politics? More crap Saffron would have to wade through? No calm down. She breathed slowly, regaining herposure.
Do you think Mardyths usations hold any credibility? If the Crimsonfangs are really the ones behind this
I do not know.
Zin shook her head, speaking curtly.
I would rather not specte. However, I shall tell the both of you this one thing: simply be prepared for anything to happen. I will try to look out for you, but I have my own family to watch over. Without your friend
I know.
Saffron closed her eyes. Salvos wasnt here. But that didnt matter. The young noble could handle it on her own.
It is not Salvos mess to clean up.
My, sister, you are acting as if this is your job to do alone.
Mons covered her mouth as she spoke. Saffron shook her head.
Maybe not. But someone has to do the dirty work. And if everyone is too afraid to step up because of their fear of some kind of repercussion, then I will do it all myself.
With that, Saffron came to a decision. She would give them all her ultimatum. The political battle for status, wealth, and soft power didnt matter when their situation waspromised. When they were all exposed as Vampires.
And, finally, the day of the gathering of Greater Vampire Families arrived. Saffron was going to put an end to the needless squabbling once and for all. All by herself.
There was a snap. The clone fluttered into existence as ribbons of golden mes coalesced into the shape of a young woman. Loose gatherings of figures stood in silhouette. The sun dipped over the horizon, and the clone raised her head.
Go find Saffron, the original said. Make sure shes safe, alright? Tell her Ill be getting to her soon. Ive just been caught in an annoying mess.
And the clone obeyed. She luxuriated in the idea of meeting herpanion. The lengthy convalescence from their time together would only heighten the vim of their reunion. Her wings spread wide, her body a mere thrall to her excitement, as she departed into the darkening sky. An endless canvas spread out before her. The wheeling stars zed like smelter pots, illuminating the vastndscape.
The clone saw many things. Undting hills. Dense forests. Passing over monsters and animals, driven bynguor back to their nests. ck clouds emned a deluge upon a town. The torchlight twinkled and fizzled out as figures rushed through the raw mud streets.
Shended at the fringe where buildings melded into trees. The rain hammered into her back, simmering into a thin mist of white. A passerby copsed and pointed.
What are you? asked the Human.
The clone did not answer. She took in the sign. Names were poorly etched onto the wooden board.
Please dont kill me, the Human begged stupidly.
The sign pointed in different directions. Lightning shed in the background, followed by a booming thunder. The clone flew off and left the Human alone.
She drifted over the dark clouds as the storm continued. The sea appeared up ahead, and a small city rose up at the edge of the tideline. Fishermen dragged their boats where the sea was teething, bringing back their haul as the day came to a close.
The clonended amongst them, and they ran screaming. She pulled them back with a Skill, pointing at the peaking buildings behind the city wall.
What do you want? they asked. We have nothing to give you.
She cocked her head, gesturing at the city once more. They exchanged confused nces, and one of them answered.
The city? Its Eastcliff! At the northern border of Shedos! the Human eximed.
The clone nodded at them, grateful, before letting them go. She stood there and watched the shoreline draw closer. The tides grew more animated. The turbulent tempest sent a surf blooming into the beach. The cobbled clouds above dispersed. The sea stilled. A sudden change.
She didnt take in the pulchritudinous scene. The supremely wondrous weather was but a mere observation in her head. Rather, she gathered her position, using the rued moments to ascertain the city in rtion to her destination.
Finally, the clone surmised her location: she was lost.
Chapter 322: Interlude – Saffron’s Struggle Part Two
Chapter 322: Interlude ¨C Saffron¡¯s Struggle Part Two
322. Interlude - Saffron''s Struggle Part Two
It was the day of the meeting. A gathering of all Four Greater Vampire Families. Their thralls and other lesser Vampire Families were present as well, but the focus was clearly on the Merrysters, the Crimsonfangs, the Norwoods, and the Veridians.
Greetings, Lord Ulli Veridian anddy Anya Veridian. It has been a while since west spoke. I am d to see that you were able toe today.
Saffron Merryster bowed at the couple as they strolled through the gilded hallway of Norwood Keep. Ulli Veridian was the brother of Obert Veridian, the current Patriarch of their family. He returned a smile, offering her pleasantries and nothing more.
It is a pleasure, Lady Saffron.
They ambled on. Saffron turned to face the small crowd streaming down the hallway. She was, of course, keeping up appearances. Once the meeting began, if there were any pushacks towards the coboration of all the Greater Vampire Families against the Primeval Demon, she would drop her facade. Before that, shed, of course, have to tell the rest of her family about her n.
Mons and Feirdun were already aware. The former fully supported her, although thetter was apprehensive. Not that he could even intervene. He was still injured from the battle with the [Arachne] assassin. Now, all that was left for Saffron to do was to inform Father of her scheme. And if the Veridians were already here, that meant he should be arriving soon.
Sure enough, she spotted Crocus Merryster striding through the hallway followed by a retinue of men and women bearing the Merryster sigil.. He wore regal robes befitting the event. Neither Mother nor her other brothers were with him. He was surrounded only by servants and bodyguards.
Father!
Saffron eximed, running up to the man. His rough face softened as she reached him. A smile spread through his lips.
My daughter. I am d to see that you are still well.
Indeed, Father. Mons is entertaining the guests, but Feirdun is unfortunately still healing from his injuries.
The assassin, yes.
Crocus eyes flickered. He shook his head, patting Saffron on her shoulder.
Nevertheless, I am proud of you. The three of you. My own meetings with the Veridians didnt prove productive. While Obert had been willing to talk, he didnt intend topromise his advantage over the Norwoods if there wasnt going to be total cooperation.
That is about as expected.
Saffron massaged her temples, walking alongside her father as they reached the garden.
What about Brother? How is he?
I had asked Cinne to remain with Zahra and the other children. To protect them and keep them safe. While I dont believe our family will be targeted now that the Breastte of Alexander is no longer in our hands that news of the assassin you had brought up to me it is best to be on guard.
Technically, Saffron was still a child in Crocus eyes. He had even forbidden her to follow Mons and Feirdun to the Norwood estates. But she wouldnt listen, and he had no choice but to acquiesce.
She shook her head as she caught sight of Mons. The older Merryster sibling was seated next to Zin Norwood. They nodded at each other, and Saffron sighed.
Well, let us hope for the best. But I must warn you, Father, this meeting may not go as smoothly as you think. Mardyth Norwood ims that the Crimsonfangs are scheming. They n to make a move, and I believe it may lead to bloodshed and death.
Are you certain?
Crocus furrowed his brows. His hands instinctively reached for the de at his side. Saffron nodded.
At least, from what I have been told, it is usible. But I have also made my own schemes. The Crimsonfangs cannot act if all three other Greater Vampire Families are united against them.
It was a speech. What could simple words do? Well, Saffron was going to find out.
Father, I will be giving an ultimatum today.
An ultimatum?
He paused. Saffron sighed, ncing around the gathering. A banquet table was being set up as servants hurried about to bring out the dishes. Alcohol was being served alongside an ubeled red liquid. Blood from animals, likely.
Those didnt have the same effects as drinking Human blood. They offer anything for a Vampires [Bloodlust]. But they tasted sweet, and that was enough for them to be served today. No one was listening. Still, Saffron set up a quick silencing barrier around her and Crocus.
We cannot waste any more time. If everyones going to squabble over their own personal interests, then I shall remove that obstacle.
You dont mean
Fathers eyes grew wide. Saffron ced a hand on her lips. Even with a silencing spell, she was certain a few individuals could be eavesdropping. Especially if the Crimsonfangs overheard her.
Crocus crossed his arms.
That is a risky game, Saffron. A bold course of action.
I know, but we have no other choice. You cant stop me, Father. Ill do what must be done.
Stop you?
He chuckled, smiling at Saffron.
You have my full support, my daughter. In fact, I am d I brought him now that Ive heard this.
Him?
She blinked. And Crocus gestured for a man further back in his retinue. A familiar figure strolled forward, bowing his head towards Saffron.
Matthew?
Indeed, Lady Saffron.
It was her butler. Her personal caretaker. He was the one whod been looking after Saffron since she was but a child.
But why are you here? Father Matthew isnt a fighter. You shouldnt have brought him along!
Especially if Mardyth and Zin were right. But Crocus shook his head.
I did not intend to bring him along. However
He gestured at the butler. Matthew lowered his head.
I apologize, but I had insisted to your father that I be brought along with him on this trip. It has been far too long since Ive checked up on you, and it is my duty to ensure your safety above all else.
But
The butler smiled, reassuring Saffron.
Perhaps you may think of me simply as a butler, Lady Saffron. But I see myself as your protector. And while I may not be equal to a tinum Ranked adventurer, the same could be said for you, could it not? I am sorry, but this is my own selfish request. To the Lady whom Ive watched after since she was but a mere girl.
The young noble flushed. She shuffled her feet slightly, lowering her gaze.
Very well, Matthew. I suppose your help could be used. However, I ask that you keep an eye out, more than anything, for any suspicious activities. We do not want an incident to ur today.
Yes, Lady Saffron.
Her butler bowed. She ushered Father, Matthew, and their retinue towards the table where Zin and Mons were seated. She was about to join in on the chatter when a figure caught her eye. A susurration washed over the gathering.
A familiar man. A man who shed been engaged with in the past. Gannon Norwood. The unwilling Patriarch of the Norwood Family. One of the top senators of Shedos. He walked alongside Roman Crimsonfang, cating the boy. Probably in regards to the assassination attempt the other day.
Saffron drew to her feet. This was the first time shed seen Gannon since the auction in Mavos Academy with Salvos where an Elf attack had nearly taken Ivonne Vigils life. The young noble made her way towards him to greet him. He likely just arrived from the Capital of Shedos. She, of course, would like to have a word with him before the gathering officially began.
But as Saffron edged her way there through the crowd, she bumped into one of the servants. A woman carrying a tray of cake and other sweet treats. Saffron must not have been paying attention because she barely noticed her.
Oh, Im so sorry!
The servant eximed. Saffron stumbled back as the woman spun around to face her.
What are you doing, Fictus? Stop being an idiot!
A manservant whod been apanying the woman snapped.
I didnt mean to mess up!
Saffron dusted herself off.
I am fine. Do not worry.
She nced up at the two servants. They were identical to each other. Twins? Although, the man had red hair, and the woman had blue hair.
I must apologize, but I am in a rush. Please do not me yourself for this. It was as much my fault as it is yours.
The woman smiled.
Aw, thank you so much. See? There wasnt a problem, Mentior
Saffron just started past them, not thinking twice about the interaction. Not until she reached Gannon. She blinked. Wait
Ah, it is good to see youre well, Lady Saffron.
Gannon smiled at her. Roman wasnt with him any longer the boy had found a seat all by himself. Saffron narrowed her eyes before turning back to the senator.
Lord Gannon Norwood. It has been a few months since west spoke.
Please, I keep telling you to just call me Gannon. Or senator Gannon.
Id rather not be reprimanded for impropriety. Not today, when you are meant to be representing your family during this meeting.
Youre always so uptight, arent you?
He chuckled. She smiled as well. Theyd known each other for quite a while. And even if their arranged marriage had been called off because of Saffron he didnt bear her any ill will. Instead, he cast his gaze around the busy garden.
Wheres your friend?
My friend?
You know who Im talking about. That adventurer who you were quite fond of.
His lips curled up, teasing. Saffron blinked.
Salvos?
Yes, her. Or have the both of you gone beyond mere friends now?
We are just friends. Thats it. Please do not spread rumors about my rtionship with Salvos.
The young noble scowled. Gannon drew back, cing a hand on his chin.
Id have thought she was your type. A fine youngdy like here sure piques your interest. And do not worry about me. You should be more afraid of my mother and her gossip.
Ill ask you not to disrespectdy Zin, please. Your mother is a wonderful woman. And no please stop casting weird aspersions on my friendship with Salvos. It makes me ufortable.
I assume, then, you wouldnt mind me trying to court your friend?
Good luck. You may as well try courting a rock.
Saffron snorted. Gannonughed at that. The pair strode towards the main table that had been set up, only pausing to speak with the various people of import who went to greet the Patriarch of the Norwood Family.
Hello aunt Sabine. Yes, I am still a senator. No, Saffron and I havent been engaged in quite a while. Lord Bast, I am d to see your family is doing well. And, ah, uncle Mardyth.
The elderly man nced up as Gannon called out to him.
Hm?
It is good to see youre still in good health. I see youre here on your own today. Is aunt Emeline not attending? Shes usually inseparable from you.
My wife has other, more important matters to attend to.
Mardyth grunted, hobbling past Gannon. Saffron raised a brow. Emeline had been one of Saffrons distant cousins whod married into the Norwood Family. Saffron didnt realize it, but she hadnt seen Emeline once since arriving at Norwood Keep.
Thats odd Saffron nced back at Mardyth as he headed away from the garden. A pair of figures marched their way past him along with arge retinue of bodyguards. She recognized them immediately. They were Romans parents.
Theyre actually here. Thats Garlen and Bonny Crimsonfang. They really came all the way over here from the Eastern Kingdoms, huh?
They were both around Level 100 each. Not as high-leveled as Crocus, of course. But strong enough to fend for themselves.
Where is our son?
They reached Gannon and made the demand immediately. Saffron pursed her lips, but Gannon just gave them a calm smile.
Greetings, Lord Garlen and Lady Bonny. I can assure you, my mother has taken great care of your son during his stay at Norwood Keep. He has been eagerly awaiting your arrival, but he is just fine.
Gannon took a step to the side, gesturing at Roman who was seated by his lonesome. The boy had been digging into a slice of cake before pausing. Gannon called out.
Roman, your parents are here
Roman!
Bonny shoved past Gannon, running up to the boy. She helped him to his feet and dragged him away from the table.
We were so worried about you. Are you alright? Are you Roman?
The boy wasnt responsive. Saffron looked at the zed look in his eyes. She nced back, remembering the strange servants. The duo whod been bringing with them an array of treats to the table. She understood what happened immediately, even if it took Romans parents a moment to register it.
Roman?
Garlen ran up to him. The boy swayed back and forth before dropping to the ground.
Roman!
They eximed. Gannons eyes grew wide. Saffron clenched a fist and shouted for everyone to hear.
The cakes are poisoned!
Chapter 323: Interlude – Saffron’s Struggle Part Three
Chapter 323: Interlude ¨C Saffron¡¯s Struggle Part Three
323. Interlude - Saffron''s Struggle Part Three
Poison. Roman Crimsonfang had been poisoned. The boy was a noble. An important member of one of the Four Greater Vampire Families. The Crimsonfangs had a strong influence over many parts of the Eastern Kingdoms a wide reach covering multiple city states and evenrger nations.
But now, he was poisoned. During the meeting held by the Norwoods, no less.
My boy! What did you do to my boy?
Bonny Romans mother screamed as she cradled him in her arms. He wasnt responding. His face was sickly green. The whites in his eyes writhed as his body jolted. Blood sputtered out of his lungs, gargling in his throat.
We need a healer! Someone get
Saffron stood, frozen for a moment as her mind whirred. She considered the facts. The information. She remembered the two servants. She thought of the way Mardyth had been acting the usations hed thrown at the Crimsonfangs a day before the meeting even began.
Her eyes narrowed as Garlen Romans father shouted.
You bastards poisoned my son!
He drew a wand from his belt, aiming it dangerously at Gannon Norwood. His bodyguards readied their weapons as the tension bubbled like the froth from Romans mouth. At any moment, the boy could die. At any moment, fighting would break out.
Gannon himself was still trying to cool the situation. He was a senator of Shedos the Patriarch of the Norwood Family. If anything happened between him and the Crimsonfang Family, it would mean war.
War between the Vampire Families. More unnecessary bloodshed whilst the Primeval Demon rampaged. While Regnorex was at the gates.
No. Saffron wouldnt allow it. She moved swiftly deftly. Her gloved hands reached into her purse. An ornate Bag of Holding designed to be fashionable. And she produced a vial.
She approached Roman as hey in his mothers arms. Bonny wept, focused only on her son. Garlen tried to stop Saffron.
What are you doing? Get away
Do you wish to save your son?
Saffron spoke simply. The man blinked.
I-I
We dont have much time. This poison is fast-acting. We have to stall it until an antidote is provided.
Behind her, the world seemed to slow. The stand-off was forgotten. All that mattered was the boys life. Garlen pursed his lips, stepping to the side.
Fine.
Saffron knelt next to the boy. She held up the vial as his mother blinked.
W-what is that? Will it help him?
Its Demons blood. It should help.
Bonnys eyes grew wide as Saffron tipped it over. Thank you, Salvos. Saffron breathed deeply She slowly poured the ck liquid into the boys mouth. Drop by drop. It mixed with the crimson blood, flowing down his throat. Saffron didnt stop until the vial was empty. And when it was, she produced another vial of the Demons blood.
It wont do much. But hell level. And itll raise his Vitality.
That was what they needed right now. A way to buy time. This was all Saffron could provide. That, and
Matthew.
She called her butler to her side. He was behind her in an instant. Undoing her hairpin, she turned to face him.
Please, could I borrow a bit of your blood?
Yes, Lady Saffron.
She felt bad for doing this. But it was what needed to be done. Even after giving Roman two vials of Demon blood, he was still convulsing. He looked better. At least, he wasnt still gargling his own blood. And his body was more limp. Although that could be a bad sign.
Saffron identified him, and she saw that the Demons blood had brought him up nearly ten levels. As expected, especially considering the source of the blood. But all that would do was dy. Just like what Saffron was doing now.
Im sorry.
She winced as she stabbed Matthews palm with the hairpin. Her butler didnt even blink. His blood dripped slowly onto Romans tongue, and a red glow came from the boys eyes.
This wasnt Demons blood. It wasnt Vampires blood. It was mortal blood. Human blood. The blood of someone who was nearly five times Romans level. His [Bloodlust] would kick in. It would heighten all his senses and abilities. And perhaps it would help him through this.
Saffron took advantage of the Racial Skills of a Vampire. She hoped it would be enough. Roman still had a pulse, and finally, the healer arrived.
Excuse me sorry!
She stepped back as the healer got to work. Bonny clutched the boys arm the entire time. Now, she just had to wait. Garlen lowered his wand, looking at his son in worry.
We can only hope now.
That was all she said. Garlen clicked his tongue.
Who would do this? How dare Ill make them pay.
He spun around to face Gannon.
If you really didnt do this, I demand you find the one responsible. Else there will be trouble.
I
Saffron faced Gannon. The Patriarch of the Norwood Family shuffled his feet, clearly uncertain. Sighing, Saffron spoke as she walked between the two.
I may know who was responsible.
Her eyes flickered. She faced Zin who was standing and watching. The other womans eyes widened, and Saffron shook her head.
Where is Mardyth Norwood?
-
Unhand me right this instant!
Mardyth Norwood, Zins brother and Gannons uncle, was dragged back to the garden by a familiar man. Feirdun Merryster. Saffrons eyes glinted red as she caught sight of her injured brother.
I found him sneaking his way out of Norwood Keep. I heard shouts, and I knew something happened.
Mardyth red as he shrugged Feirdun off. He faced Gannon.
What is going on?
Is it true, Mardyth? Were you the one responsible for poisoning the feast?
Gannon approached him. The Patriarch of the Norwood Family crossed his arms. Mardyth blinked, sputtering in indignation.
Preposterous! What proof do you have of this usation?
Where exactly were you going, lord Mardyth? Because it almost seems like you were nning on fleeing.
Saffron held the mans gaze. He narrowed his eyes at her,
The Merryster girl
And considering that your own wife isnt present, I suspect that you had already made preparations to evacuate her, havent you?
He shot a re at Gannon.
Are you really going to trust this scheming woman over your own uncle? Where is Zin? I have to speak with her. I knew this would happen
You were trying to instill doubt in your own sisters mind. You tried to make her believe that the Crimsonfang Family would assassinate their own son to provoke a war. That is ridiculous. The only schemer here is you.
Saffron spoke over him. She knew what he was doing. He was using others of the very same things he was doing. But she wasnt going to let him out of this.
And if you want to speak with your sister so much, why not talk to her then?
Mardyth frowned. He craned his neck, looking behind him. Zin Norwood was returning from the keep. She held under her arm a tome, and her face was pale.
What?
We checked his room as you suggested, Saffron.
Her lips were pursed. She held up the tome blood was staining its outside.
We found this. It was written by Kolton, the [Cult Leader] of the Netherworlds Communion. Its a manual on Demon summoning.
There were gasps. A susurration washed over the crowd. Even Mons and the rest of the Merrysters were surprised. Gannon stared at his uncle.
This means that assassin who attacked Norwood Keep
That is correct.
Saffron nodded. She thought it had been odd. How did an Archdemon break through Norwood Keeps defenses without alerting anyone? The answer was simple it came from inside.
You were the one responsible for summoning that [Arachne], werent you? It only makes sense. It didnt target Zin. It didnt target any of the Norwoods. It came for my life, and for Romans. You used the Crimsonfangs for doing exactly what you were nning to do.
That is ridiculous! I I dont know how that got into my room. It was nted there by the Merryster girl. Zin
Mardyth turned to his sister. But Zin didnt budge. She shifted her feet and sighed.
We also found a corpse.
This caught Saffron off-guard.
What? A corpse?
Well, that made sense. There had to be sacrifices to summon an Archdemon. But Saffron expected hundreds of corpses. Servants. But no it was a single corpse.
The body of his wife, Emeline, was found hidden in a secret passageway. It seems like she was his sacrifice to summon the [Arachne].
There was a pause. Zins words washed over all those gathered. The Norwoods. The Crimsonfangs. The Veridians. The Merrysters. The lesser Vampire Families. They took it in. And they all exploded in outrage.
The first to speak was Garlen Crimsonfang. His wife was still tending to Roman with the healer, but he and his bodyguards drew their weapons.
Have you no honor? Betraying our creed? Summoning a Demon? ying your own wife? You are a monster who deserves to be put down this instant!
Crocus Merryster stepped forward as well.
As the head of the Merryster Family, I cannot let this injustice slide. Emeline had been a proud Merryster before we entrusted her in your care! And you murdered her for your own gain!
Even Gannon was upset. He faced his uncle with callous eyes.
You havemitted a grave sin, uncle. And for what?
But Mardyth wasnt apologetic. He clenched his fist and spat back at Saffron.
Why? Because you Merrysters think you cane into my keep and make orders to my people? Isnt that ridiculous to anyone else?
He spread his arms wide, facing the crowd.
What about you? Lord Garlen Crimsonfang? And you,dy Anya Veridian? Do you think it is right that this little brat can give you orders? I can understand my nephews foolishness. After all, he is infatuated with her after she ended their engagement. But the rest of you?
He shook his head.
Utterly ridiculous. I cannot believe youd let a Merryster girl do this to you. Have you no pride? Are you lesser families or are you of the Four Greater Vampire Families?
Saffron furrowed her brows. She watched as his words swept over the crowd. Garlen hesitated. The Veridians exchanged a nce. The silence was oppressive. The young noble knew that they saw merit in what Mardyth said. It was apelling argument for those gathered here.
And it also served as her tipping point.
I have had enough of this nonsense!
Her voice reverberated throughout the garden. She met the gaze of every individual Vampire gathered here, speaking loud and clear for all to hear.
These games have gone on for too long. What does politics and power matter when were all dead on the ground? Must I remind you that there is a Primeval Demon out there, rampaging throughout the Humannds? One that felled the entire country of Nixa? No amount of petty power you hold here matters in the face of that monster. And it ising after us.
She paused. Saffron looked down at her bloodied hairpin and closed her eyes.
No it is noting after us Merrysters. We no longer have what it wants. It ising after you, Mardyth Norwood. It ising after you, Garlen Crimsonfang. It ising after you, Anya Veridian. It ising for the Treasures of Alexander. It will not stop until it has the entire collection. Worst of all? It is only a prefiguration of what is toe.
With a deep breath, she opened her glowing red eyes and spoke softly.
Regnorex is at the gates, and if we continue to squabble amongst ourselves, he shalle.
Those words it had be amon saying at this point among Vampire circles. The meaning was lost, yet it was quite clear what it meant. If the Demon King truly returned to the Mortal Realm, there wasnt any hope left.
There was no [Hero]. No unified Human empire. Saffron feared it, and she believed that everyone present should too. But her words werentpelling enough.
T-thats more of her lies
Mardyth started. And she put an end to it.
I have not spoken a single lie. There will no longer be any Greater Vampire Families if we refuse to cooperate today. But if you still wont listen if you still insist on this self-destructive insistence to cling onto your political power then I shall take that away from you.
He raised a brow. He wasnt the only one puzzled by her words. Saffron ced a hand on her chest.
I shall tell the truth to the world. Themon man shall know of our influence. Of the treasures we are hiding. Perhaps it may lead to an end of our reign. Perhaps we will fall as the Slydrift Family did. But if that is what it takes to ensure the protection of the Treasures of Alexander, then I will do what I must.
That finally drew their attention. Mardyth sputtered, wide-eyed.
Are you insane, girl? We dont even know if Regnorex is making a return! This is just some rampaging Demon! You are threatening to put an end to our ten thousand year long dynasty for this?
Yes.
Saffron thought shed be alone. Even Zin was caught by surprise by that. The Crimsonfangs and the Veridians started to protest, but Gannon ced a hand on her back.
I support her.
You too, Lord Gannon?
Garlen narrowed his eyes.
You wish to throw away your entire familys wealth and treasures for this?
This is a matter that affects the entire world, lord Garlen. I stand by her, and Im sure the Merrysters do too.
Her family Mons, Crocus, and Feirdun joined her side. They spoke as one.
We do.
Saffron stood tall with the rest of the Merrysters. Zin and a few of the Norwoods followed suit, standing beside her with Gannon. Saffron continued.
We are Vampires. Demon yers. Are we going to just stand idly by as Regnorex threatens to make a return?
The Crimsonfangs and the Veridians hesitated. But Anya Veridian pushed her family forward by joining the circle.
We shall not.
And all that was left was Garlen Crimsonfang. He opened his mouth.
I-I
Saffron looked at him expectantly. The rest of the Vampires waited for his reply. He opened his mouth and Mardyth snapped.
Ive had enough of this! I shouldve just dealt with her this way from the start!
Mardyth pulled out a scroll.
Grand
And Saffron flicked her wrist. Her hairpin went flying, tearing the scroll in half. It cut him along his cheeks and forced him to stumble back. Her eyes shone crimson as she watched him fall.
H-how did you
[Bloodlust].
She licked her lips. Matthews blood gave her a small boost in her physical prowess and her instincts. Not as much as Salvos would, but it was enough to keep her on guard. She took a sip from her her hairpin, knowing that fighting mightvee from this.
To think you cannot even remember our Racial Skill it seems youve truly forgotten what makes us Vampires, Mardyth Norwood.
The old man just stared at her. At her glowing eyes. Feirdun seized him immediately after, alongside Gannons own guards.
Take him to the dungeon!
Gannon ordered. As Mardyth was forced to his feet, Saffron turned her gaze to Garlen Crimsonfang. She cocked her head, peering at him. Her show over. All that mattered was an answer.
Now, Garlen Crimsonfang, will you work with us?
And the man nodded.
The Crimsonfangs remember our oath. We shall work with the rest of the Greater Vampire Families to defeat the Primeval Demon.
Saffron smiled. Finally, it was done. No more politics. No more petty arguments. They could finally focus on what they had to do.
Good.
She spoke simply.
Chapter 324: Interlude – Saffron’s Struggle Part Four
Chapter 324: Interlude ¨C Saffron¡¯s Struggle Part Four
324. Interlude - Saffron''s Struggle Part Four
Saffron Merryster sighed, d that it was all over. Garlen Crimsonfang agreed to cooperate. He wasnt the head of his family, but he was quite influential. Alongside Anya Veridian, Gannon Norwood, and Saffrons own father, Crocus Merryster, that meant all Four Greater Vampire Families were now united.
This was unprecedented. Thest time four of the Greater Vampire Families worked together was when there were Five Greater Vampire Families. Now, thest time all of the Greater Vampire Families worked together at a time was nearly a thousand years ago.
And it was all thanks to Saffron. Or maybe not.
Was it her threats? Or did they finally understand the gravity of the situation? Maybe it was Mardyths own actions that drove them to her side?
She didnt know. She was just d. Relieved. Happy that it was all over. Regnorex was at the gates, and it was the duty of all the Vampire families in the Humannds to stop his return. They finally agreed on this simple fact. And the young noble couldnt help but smile.
Get your hands off me. I can walk on my own
Mardyth shrugged off the Norwood guards as they escorted him away from the garden. Garlen red at the old man when he walked by them.
If you were in the Eastern Kingdoms, Id have you executed.
Well, too bad for you. I hope your little boy dies.
Mardyth spat. Garlens brows snapped together. He drew his de, and Mardyth stumbled back. Saffron almost thought she was going to see a decapitation before anyone could intervene. But a voice interrupted them.
Hes alive! Romans alive!
Bonny Crimsonfang, Garlens wife, ran up to the man. She had tears in her eyes, and a boy in her arms. Garlens eyes widened.
Roman
He dropped his weapon, running straight for his son. Saffron shook her head as the Crimsonfangs were happily reunited. She faced Mardyth with a raised a brow.
Do you really wish to die that badly, lord Mardyth?
The old man eyed her with disdain as she continued.
You do realize your actions have consequences, yes? And yet, you have done everything from attempting to assassinate the Crimsonfangs with poison, to attempting to take your own sisters life.
He opened his mouth and paused.
What did you say?
Dont y dumb now.
Saffron shook her head, turning to Zin. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family nodded.
I thought better of you, Mardyth. But to send [Changelings] after me? To send an [Arachne] after Saffron? To kill your own wife? I cannot defend any of your actions.
I
He stared at them as the guards dragged him further back.
But I didnt
He started, and Saffron waved a hand off.
Spare your excuses.
And he snapped. He shoved the guards off him, storming up to Saffron.
I didnt send [Changelings] after Zin
Feirdun and Crocus were quick to react. They grabbed him, holding their des threateningly close to his neck.
Donte any closer.
I didnt do that! What are you talking about? Why would I take my own sisters life?
The guards pulled him back as Zin narrowed her eyes. Saffron froze.
What?
She slowly spun around to face Zin. The two women stared at each other, visibly confused. Mons Merryster, Saffrons sister, stepped forward and spoke.
Wait, if Mardyth isnt the one responsible for summoning those Demons
The rest was left unsaid. Saffrons mind raced. She felt her heart hammering in her chest. Her hand trembled as she looked around the garden, remembering the two suspicious servants. Her lips quivered as she opened her mouth.
That means
And there was a flicker. A gust of wind blew over the garden. A bell tolled as voices shouted. Zins gaze snapped up.
The barrier someone destroyed the barrier!
A glinting figure descended from the clouds as everyone drew their weapons. Saffron backed up while Crocus drew forward. His eyes narrowed.
Thats
Saffron stared as the figure. A fiery aura wisped off it like golden mist. And it waved her way.
Salvos? Wait, dont attack! Thats Salvos!
The Salvos clone beamed as she slowly drifted down. She pointed at Saffron indignantly, shaking a fist at all those who pointed their weapons up her way. They slowly lowered their des, blinking. Garlen raised a brow.
Salvos? As in the Liberator of the gunds?
Gannon furrowed his brows.
Why is she golden?
Thats her clone. Theres nothing to worry about. Really.
Saffron answered, smiling. She stepped forward, relieved to see her friend was fine. The Salvos clone nodded eagerly as shended.
Im d that youre here, Salvos. That youre alright. With you here, there wont be
The Salvos clone cocked her head as Saffron paused. The young noble tried to work her jaw, but dropped to her knees. A trickle of blood ran down her nose as the guards around her fell to the ground.
Crocus and Zin staggered forward, but neither of them copsed. The Salvos just blinked,pletely confused. Saffron breathed heavily as she stared at the blood dripping onto the palm of her hand.
T-this w-what is going on
And the skin on her arm tore, like shed been cut by many thin threads. The Salvos clone rushed to her side in a panic. Crocus gritted his teeth as even Garlen fell.
A kind of [Drain Field]? That means blood magic.
He spun around as the Salvos clone protectively hovered over Saffron. Saffron herself struggled for a healing potion, but his voice stopped her.
Dont! Healing potions wont help. Itll only make things worse.
W-what?
Saffron blinked slowly, seeing only the Salvos clones golden glow. Crocus shook his head as he stood back-to-back with Zin.
It wont kill you, but youll have to bear through it. This is a high-leveled blood magic ritual. We have to find the source and destroy it.
T-thats
Her eyes fluttered as the world spun. She bit her lower lip, drawing her own blood with her fangs. No her own blood wouldnt help her. She forced herself to face a fallen man. One of the few copsed Humans present. Matthew. Her butler.
Saffron didnt want to do this, but she had no choice. Her [Bloodlust] was the only thing keeping her awake. Otherwise, shed be unconscious like her sister and her brother. But as she crawler her way towards Matthew, a casual voice drew her attention.
Oh, wow, he really figured it out that quickly, huh? You were right about him, Mentior.
A dangerous fellow. However, I would say that is not who we should worry about, Fictus.
The pair of suspicious servants Saffron bumped into emerged from deeper within the garden, strolling over the unconscious bodies,pletely unaffected by the blood magic ritual. They shook their heads in synchronicity as they cast their gaze towards the wary Salvos clone.
Right.
Fictus, the woman with red hair, smiled as she spoke. Her body morphed as she shed her Human skin, her hair falling off her head. A pair of horns curled out of her head as her fingers grew w-like protrusions. A tail swayed out of her back, and she came to a halt.
Mentior changed too. His blue hair vanished, and a simr set of horns grew on his face, spiraling in the opposite direction of Fictus horns. Otherwise, he had a tail and ws almost identical to hispanion.
It was like they were twins, except Demons. The only difference was the color of their skin. Fictus had red skin, while Mentior had blue skin. Saffron used [Identification] on them with the little bit of strength she had left.
[Subus - Lvl. 125]
[Incubus - Lvl. 125]
Saffron clicked her tongue. That was why theyd barely registered to her until she ran into Fictus. They mustve had some kind of charming Skill to keep attention off of them.
The Salvos clone created a golden scythe as Crocus and Zin started forward. Saffrons father raised his de.
Its three of us against the two of you. You cannot win.
Oh, look, Mentior. The Vampires are confident.
Do not make assumptions, Fictus. That apparition could be a Human.
The pair of Archdemons smiled. They edged closer to each other, raising their hands in unison.
Nevertheless, they are
mistaken.
Saffron watched as their shoulders touched. They grabbed each other with their ws, digging into their skin. ck blood dripped out and coalesced at the tip of their finger before simmering.
Instantly, a st of ck of energy shot out. The Salvos clone leapt back as golden ming armor covered her, Crocus, and Zin. They moved out of the way as the beam hit the earth. It burrowed through the ground, like a giant de slicing through flesh.
Impossible. How are they so powerful?
Crocus stared at the destruction left behind by their attack. Zin pursed her lips, hovering in the air with a pair of dove-like wings.
That isbination casting. No that isnt right
The [Druid] trailed off. The pair of Demons raised their hands, redirecting the ck beam up towards her. Zin was grazed by the attack as it shredded Norwood Keep before eventually dissipating. She clutched at her shoulder the attack had damaged the golden armor given by the Salvos clone. The fact that it wasnt even a direct hit and it cracked the armor Saffron grew worried.
The young noble had to do something. She continued crawling her way towards Matthew as more of her skin tore open.
The pair of Demons sighed at the same time.
They dodged it.
What a shame.
The Salvos clone threw her scythe, chains forming at its hilt, bing a kind of pseudo-kusarigama. They leapt out of the way, one after the other. Crocus intercepted Fictus, shing at her head. She parried the attack, only for Mentior tond a hard kick to his chest.
Father!
Saffron called out as Crocus crashed into the ground. Zin and the Salvos clone nked hte pair of Demons, taking them one-on-one. Fictus chuckled as she shed with the [Druid].
This is quite troublesome, Mentior.
I agree, Fictus. This apparition is quite troublesome. Especially since the [Blood Prison] doesnt affect it.
Mentior backed away from the Salvos clone as Fictus knocked Zin back. The pair of Demons double-teamed the Salvos clone. Saffron cursed internally, unable to help.
Salvos needs help, but Zin and Father arent able to fight at full strength The young noble shook her head, finally reaching Matthew.
I-Im sorry, I need to destroy the source of this blood ritual
That was the only way to help. If Zin and Crocus could fight at full strength, theyd be able to stand alongside the Salvos clone. Saffron bit into Matthews neck and felt power surge through her. She forced herself to her feet, looking down at her butlers pale face.
N-now where is
She stumbled off into the garden as the Salvos clone was sent flying into Norwood Keep. Fictus and Mentior pped their hands together, creating a tiny dark sphere. They tossed it into the castle, and it rapidly expanded.
The Salvos clone flew out of the explosion as her me armor was left in bad shape. Roots and vines rose from the earth, targeting the pair of Demons as Zin pointed their way. They tore through the attack before swapping ces and circling around the flying Salvos clone.
Their blood circled towards each other, forming a ring around the Salvos clone before briefly igniting into ck fire. It destroyed her armor as she let out a silent scream. Saffron watched from the corner of her eye, wishing she was able to help.
She knew she couldnt do anything. That was some kind ofbination casting she never heard of before. Regr [Mages] had to make proper preparations to sync their magic, and they wouldnt be able to repeat the feat for a while. That was whybination casting was often used by a group of [Mages] at the start of a battle.
But the pair of Demons were consecutively, repeatedly doing it. They were somehow perfectly in sync, and that made them dangerous. That made their magic far stronger than their ostensible levels.
Crocus was kept back as threads woven from his own blood tangled around him, keeping him tied to the ground as Fictus and Mentior continued hovering in the air, wingless. Zin didnt dare engage up close, using the natural terrain to her advantage as a [Druid]. So the only one left able to do any real harm was the Salvos clone.
Annoying. Im starting to get tired, Mentior.
So am I, Fictus. That apparition is a pest. But I spot a more troublesome problem.
The Salvos clone charged at them, tossing a golden sickle their way. They dipped down as the sickle exploded, their gazes focusing on Saffron at the same time as she stumbled over a bush.
I suggest we deal with it.
Very well.
They brought their hands together once again, aiming directly at Saffron. The Salvos clones golden eyes flickered as Saffron herself stared at the ck blood coalescing at their fingertips.
No
The dark beam shot out once again, and Saffron closed her eyes. She expected the worst. But a warm figure grabbed her. Her eyes opened as she watched the Salvos clone swoop her up, using her own body to shield the young noble.
The Salvos clone took the brunt of the attack. She carried Saffron away from the danger as half her body was entirely blown off.
Saffron staggered to her feet. She nced back at the Salvos clone as shey injured on the ground.
Salvos
The Salvos clone gave Saffron a thumbs-up, even with half her body gone. Only for Fictus and Mentior to crushed her head.
The world seemed to pause. There was a moment where Saffron could only watch as the Salvos clone dissipated into mere wisps. Her only hope was gone. Now there was just Zin and Crocus left, but both were far off.
And Saffron stood alone with the pair of Demons. Mentior shook his head his voice breaking her out of her stupor.
Now, to take care of the annoyance.
Its a shame. I liked her. She saw through our disguises.
Fictus sighed. They raised their hands, once again pooling their magic together as they aimed at Saffron.
Mentior snorted.
Thats only because your charming Skills backfired. I told you that would happen.
Hey! Its not like you had a better n. A [Blood Prison] is the perfect counter to Vampires.
There was a glint as Saffron braced herself, expecting the worst. Fictus smirked.
Oh well, goodbye, little Vampire girl
And there was a sh. Saffrons eyes widened as a fissure briefly opened up between the pair of Demons. A familiar woman came into existence, grabbing both Fictus and Mentior by the arms.
She interrupted theirbination casting as Saffron stared. The pair of Demons tried to leap away, but she held on tight.
Who are
you?!
The silver-haired woman smiled. She finally let go of them, and they leapt back. A rainbow-colored scythe appeared in her hands as she greeted them.
Im Salvos.
They blinked, exchanging a nce. They spoke at the same time.
Wha
But a crimson explosion engulfed them before they could continue. Salvos finished as Saffron gaped.
And you shouldnt have killed my clone.
Chapter 325: Payment
Chapter 325: Payment
325. Payment
I was d. The meeting went well, and I could finally put this whole ordeal behind me. Lamarr said he was going to return to the Eastern Kingdoms, which sadly meant I likely wouldnt be seeing him around campus now.
It was a bit sad to see him go, but I probably wasnt going to be hanging around Mavos Academy for long anyway. I had things I needed to do. Like kill Belzu. That was probably number one in my priority list. Unfortunately, I probably couldnt beat him without my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion].
That Grand Skill had a cooldown period of about three weeks. It had only been about a week since I used it against the [Ancient Centinel]. So
Well, anyway, I didnt have as long of a cooldown for my other Grand Skill. Not that I was nning to fight Belzu yet. There were other matters I had to attend to. For example, Willys past.
So
I turned to the [Will O Wisp] as he froze. He floated alongside me as we left the meeting room. I motioned vaguely back where we came. He knew what I was going to talk about Thorsten Sigefried. The [Archbishop] from the Den of Souls.
And he was purposefully using my body to hide from the old mans view.
What is that about?
I asked, cocking my head. Willy replied in an unusually panicked voice.
N-nothing!
He was very uptight about it, and I probably shouldnt have pried any further. Maybe when he was morefortable, hed talk more. For now, I justughed and waved a hand off. I had other things to busy myself with as well.
I can finally go find Saffron maybe even tell her what happened today.
My lips curled up as I reached the end of the corridor.
I bet shell be so excited! Shell finally have a bunch of powerful people on her side
Willy and I turned the corner. He just fluttered around me as I giggled, trying to focus on my clones thoughts. On what she was seeing. It was like essing a part of my mind that had been briefly cordoned off to do its own thing.
But all I saw was a brief moment of immense pain. My eyes grew wide as an intense hatred boiled deep within me. The simmering anger bubbled into a moment of relief.
Then a sharp strike to the head.
I physically recoiled back as my clone dissipated. Willy stared at me, puzzled as I just stood there.
Something?
I nodded stiffly.
My clone
I turned to face the [Will O Wisp] with wide eyes. Her thoughts her experiences flooded through my head. Like I was recalling a memory that Id forgotten until now. A pair of Demons had attacked Saffron. My clone fought them alongside Zin and Crocus before sacrificing herself to save mypanion.
I clenched a fist.
Is dead.
How
Willy started to ask, but I didnt stick around to listen. I raised a hand and focused on my clones memories her surroundings. It was recent enough for me to visualize it perfectly. There were a pair of Demons. A garden. The Norwood Keepy destroyed. And Saffron was stumbling towards the treeline.
[Long Range Teleportation].
I spoke simply as ribbons of light wrapped around me. It pulled me into a fissure in space, and I found myself standing between the two Demons that killed my clone. They had their arms raised, aimed at Saffron.
Oh well, goodbye, little Vampire girl
They blinked as soon as I appeared. I caught them by the arms, interrupting their spell.
Who are
you?!
Im Salvos.
They leapt back, escaping my grip. But it didnt matter to me. I saw the symbol burn itself into the red-skinned Demons skin. She narrowed her eyes as I produced my Divine Nebr Scythe.
Wha
And you shouldnt have killed my clone.
[Demons Mark]. A sphere of roiling crimson mes engulfed them. I smiled as I watched the explosion expand, before rapidly contracting. I waited, watching as my mes dissipated.
Saffron staggered over to me, blinking.
Salvos
Wait.
I raised my hand. No notification came. The Archdemons were still alive. Saffron paused, turning to face the epicenter of my [Demons Mark] st. The smoke cleared up and unveiled the pair of Demons, still alive.
They held each other by the hand as a ck sphere covered them. A kind of barrier. I shook my head.
Get back, Saffron. Ill deal with
And I lurched forward, coughing up blood. The red-skinned Demon sighed as she strode out of their barrier.
Seems like its finally taking effect. And here I thought [Blood Prison] wasnt going to work on her.
You worry too much, Fictus. We didnt spend all that time setting up the ritual for nothing.
Her partner chuckled as he walked right behind her. She rolled her eyes.
Dont pretend you werent nervous for even a single second, Mentior.
Perhaps. But that doesnt mean I was wrong. Youre a nervous wreck.
My eyes flickered as I looked down at myself. I could see the stands of mana in the air cutting into my skin directly reaching for my blood. It sliced thin little slits on my flesh. The fresh blood seemed to weigh on me, trying to tie me down. I gritted my teeth as my body moved sluggishlypared to before.
What is?
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+30) (+10) (-10%)
[Strength]: 135 (+30) (+10) (-10%)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3) (-10%)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+30) (+10) (+13) (-10%)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5) (-10%)
A curse?
It reminded me of the [Sage Centinel]s Grand Skill. Except weaker. And while it inflicted damage to me, it was minor. Still, it was a hindrance. I red up at the pair of Archdemons.
What is this?
They didnt reply, of course. Instead, Saffron spoke up from behind me. She clutched at her shoulder and looked at the blood on her palms.
Blood magic. Its a ritual. Im trying to find the source
Then go.
I spoke simply. I faced down Fictus and Mentior as the young Vampire nodded and took off into the trees. They tilted their heads in opposite directions.
Shes running off, Mentior. Should we do something about it?
I believe we have a bigger problem to deal with, Fictus.
A pair of wings spread from behind my back as I floated into the air. The Demons followed suit, flying up after me. I bared my teeth at them.
So, you thought you could just hurt mypanion and get away with it, huh?
They snickered in unison.
We werent just going to hurt her.
We were going to kill her.
My brows snapped together as they exchanged a casual nce.I activated [Haste] as I snarled.
Youll pay for that.
The Archdemons froze as. They momentarily stood in shock as Iunched their way, swinging my rainbow-colored scythe. Fictus blinked, regaining control of her body a moment sooner than herpanion.
She parried the attack, only to be struck by a ming kick to the back of the head. Mentior assailed me from behind as I spun my scythe. Our sh didntst long as vines reached up and gabbed him by his feet. I looked over to the side Zin Norwood nodded at me, and I grinned.
[Radiant sh].
He raised a hand and ran his ws over his own forearms. A ssh of ck blood shot out, creating a barrier that actually managed to repel my attack. I blinked, only for a glint to catch my eye.
I dodged out of the way just in time for a st of ck energy to shoot past me. Fictus flew back to Mentior as he tore his way out of the tangling vines. They floated side by side once again, only for a figure d in heavy armor to soar towards them.
Crocus Merryster cleaved the clouds in half with a swing from his de as they darted back, now surrounded by myself, Zin, and Crocus.
This is getting annoying.
I agree. Perhaps we should put an end to it.
I tensed, watching as Fictus and Mentior once again brought their hands together. They pointed at me with their right and left respectively, and I tried to swerve out of the way.
Salvos, look out
[Blood Prison Enhancement: Blood Bindings].
Crocus started, but a flurry of needle-like threads struck me. They were woven out of my blood, wrapping around me as I screamed. I dropped out of the air like a rock in water. The pair of Demons brought their free hands up, creating small ck spheres from their own blood.
They tossed it down my way as I was still caught in the web of paralyzing blood. Crocus leapt in front of the attack, slicing the individual spheres out of the air with a Skill. Zin sent a volley of thorns towards the two Archdemons and forced them back. The webs vanished as I forced myself back to my feet.
What was that?
Crocus shook his head as he helped me up.
I dont know. Some kind of snare. They caught me with it too, earlier. But as long as you break their concentration, you should be fine.
Huh.
I watched as Zin was knocked out of the air by the two Archdemons. Their teamwork was annoying. And the magic they cast when they touched hands was always far above their level.
We need to separate them. We cant beat theirbination casting.
Crocus spoke as he started forward. I narrowed my eyes.
Combination casting?
Id done that before. Once. With Edithe. And I knew it was nothing like this. I didnt even need to touch her to do it, in fact. It tired me plenty, too. Yet
Why wont you pesky Vampires
just die!
The Archdemons sped their hands together and fired the same beam of ck energy that killed my clone at Zin. The [Druid]s form changed as she rapidly burrowed out of the way. They devastated thendscape. They tore apart Norwood Keep with their magic.
I snorted.
If all we have to do is split them up, then we just have to use numbers to overwhelm them.
I snapped my fingers, activating [Salvo of Vanity]. Five of my clones appeared by my side, all raring and ready to fight. I dashed past Crocus as he stared.
Dont worry! Me and my selves have got this!
They waved at him as we bounced into action. The two Archdemons stared at the destruction they caused, searching for Zin until they caught sight of my clones glinting. They cursed in unison as they flew higher and higher.
Fictus and Mentior unleashed the same attack once again. Me and all except for one of my clones managed to dodge out of the way. It obliterated her although she didnt explode. I wasnt going to detonate my clones from this close of a range.
One of my clones overtook me, drawing closer to the Archdemons. But she was caught by a ck ring that ignited her. She fell as I flew around her. Fictus and Mentior tossed a barrage of spikes, but I easily zipped out of the way.
Another clone was caught in the sts, but she didnt immediately dissipate. The Demons hadnt been usingbination casting for that attack. They were getting tired. Now, it was just me and two other clones left.
We surrounded Fictus and Mentior, grinning as they had nowhere else left to go. My clones moved ahead of me and shed for a Demon each. I halted as I saw the glint. I heard the p. And I drew back.
My clones were caught in the pulse. A ck sphere expanded around them. I knew my clones were gone even before the st receded. Fictus and Mentior came out of the attack unscathed, protected by the same barrier as before.
I charged them as they floated there, striking in a frenzy with [Barrage of Cinders]. Their barrier held up as they exchanged a nce. They smirked, and suddenly there was a flicker. The sphere that had been protecting them vanished.
I swung between the two of them, but they swapped ces. I missed my attack, and they brought their hands together, aiming for my head.
You were too reckless. You lose. [Combined Skill: Blood Bath].
They spoke at the same time. A ck beam shot out at me, engulfing me entirely.
Reckless. Had I been too reckless? Maybe. But that was the point. I needed to tire them out. And I needed to get close to tear them apart.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
I flew straight through the attack as they stared in shock.
Youre wrong.
I sliced off Fictus right arm, meeting their gazes.
I won.
Chapter 326: Given
Chapter 326: Given
326. Given
Fictus panted as another one of the apparitions was evaporated by her [Combined Skill: Blood Nova]. Well, it wasnt actually her Skill. [Blood Nova] was Mentiors Skill. But together, they could enhance its effects with [Combined Skill].
It was a rare Skill shed obtained alongside Mentior. From the moment of their birth, theyd been inseparable. Theyd grown up together, fought with each other always by their side, and found the salvation of Regnorex with one another.
They had been rewarded for it at Level 100. They gained [Combined Skill] together. Regnorex had told them it was incredibly rare. It was a Racial Skill that only Demons or Spirits could get. That mortals would never obtain. The only catch was that it could only be used in unison with another who had the same Skill. And even then, it would take a bit to attune to them.
It meant that Fictus couldntbination cast with just anyone. Not that shed want to. Mentior was her brother. They were born from the same pool of Lifeblood. As much as they bickered, she liked him. As long as they were together, they were unstoppable. That was why Regnorex had entrusted them to deal with the Vampire families.
The [Blood Nova] slowly dissipated as the golden apparitions disintegrated, leaving only the real Human girl before them. Salvos charged them and swung her rainbow-colored scythe. Fictus could sense power emanating from the weapon. It was bad news, and she wasnt going to let herself be caught by it.
She raised her hand together with Mentior. They spoke at the same time.
You were too reckless. You lose. [Combined Skill: Blood Bath].
Fictus winced as her blood seeped out of the tip of her finger. It hurt her. Each spell she cast siphoned away her own life. That was the curse of blood magic. It was incredibly powerful at the cost of the user. That was not to ount for the exhaustion that came frombination casting. That was why she needed to end it now.
Her ck blood pooled together with Mentiors, coalescing into mana. A powerful sphere of energy. It sted out in a beam, striking Salvos before she could even get close.
The [Subus] sighed in relief, d that it was over. Even a [Hellprince] would be injured by theirbined [Blood Bath] if caught off guard. It was over
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
She blinked as Salvos flew straight through the ck tide. The silver-haired girl grinned.
Youre wrong. I won.
And Fictus blinked. With a single swing, her arm was cleaved right off. It was a numbing pain. One which took her a moment to realize what just happened. She stared at the stump left behind. She didnt even have time to react to create a [Blood Armor].
Her right arm was gone. Mentiors eyes grew wide as he snarled.
Fictus! How dare you
He shed his w at Salvos. But the silver-haired woman just took the strike. He recoiled as he scraped at a flickering blue fire. Sparks streaked out, like hed cut something solid. But he didnt harm the girl.
Salvos spun around, smiling at him as good as new. All her prior injuries were gone. The cuts shed taken from the [Blood Prison] had vanished. She was good as new. And she grabbed Mentior by the arm before he could fly back.
Ill be take this
She sliced his left arm off, and Mentior let out a terrible scream. Fictus gritted her teeth. While the silver-haired girl was distracted, Fictus created a [Blood Ring] and tossed it at her. Salvos paused as the ring engulfed her, igniting into a ck fire.
But even as it red up, it couldnt burn past the ming aura around Salvos. Fictus grabbed Mentior and the pair flew back.
Just what happened? Why isnt anything working against her?
Fictus asked, exasperated. Mentior shook his head and drew out his own blood. He ced his hand on Fictus shoulder as she did the same to him. Their limbs began to regrow as they healed each other with blood magic. At the expense of themselves, they were able to restore their limbs.
Calm down, Fictus.
Mentior spoke as he flexed his newly healed arm. He eyed the silver-haired girl. She tossed aside his arm and bared her teeth at them. He shook his head.
We still have the advantage. Even if we cant harm her, we can just immobilize her
Hey, I just cut that off.
Salvos interrupted him, frowning.
I dont have long. So if you dont mind me, Im just going to rectify that.
Fictus blinked, and Mentior opened his mouth. Before either could react, there was a sh. Mentior was suddenly flying back towards Salvos. It was like he was moving in reverse. And so was the silver-haired girl.
They plopped back into ce when she had his arm in her hand. She smiled and swung down again. He screamed as his arm was sliced off a second time.
Mentior!
Fictus screamed as her brother was kicked to the side. She swooped down to catch him, but Salvosughed.
Im not done with you, either. [Invoke Wrath].
The [Subus] froze. The anger boiling within her bubbled up and exploded into rage. All she saw was red. She turned her attention to the source of her hatred. The silver-haired girl. How was she doing this?
Why was she suddenly able to beat them? It only angered Fictus even more. She swung at Salvos, her ws burning as she struck the wisps of mes and nothing more. The silver-haired girl just smirked as she shed back at Fictus.
But the [Subus] threw herself out of the way just in time. She felt like she was stronger. She moved faster. Empowered by her rage.
Salvos narrowed her eyes.
Huh. Didnt know it did that.
Fictus! Snap out of it!
Fictus barely heard Mentiors scream. He tried calling out to her, but she charged the silver-haired girl once again. Salvos was prepared this time. She took the brunt of the strikes, timing her counters at the exact same time.
The shes tore through even Fictus [Blood Armor]. She recoiled from the pain, before a volley of ck spheres shot up and exploded on Salvos. Mentior grabbed Fictus by the hand, pulling the [Subus] back as she snarled.
She nearly swung at her brother, but he grabbed her by the shoulder.
Fictus its me!
Fictus paused. Her vision cleared up. The haze over her mind vanished as she took in her surroundings. The pain from her injuries caught up to her as she regained her senses. The minor buff shed felt was gone.
W-what? What was that? A curse?
I believe so. A high-leveled one at that. But that doesnt matter.
He nced back at the clearing smoke. Salvos cocked her head, still unharmed. He gritted his teeth.
We need to end this now. Come on.
Right.
Fictuss nodded, epting her brothers hand. The threads of mana between them wove together. Their magic became one as they aimed at Salvos. No more offensive magic. All they needed was to bind her.
[Blood Prison Enhancement: Blood Bindings].
Salvos paused. She saw the needle-like threads tangling around her. They didnt pierce her skin, but they bound her. They flickered and held her in ce as she just floated there, unable to move.
Huh.
How is this? You cant move, can you? Theres nothing you can do. Youre trapped in ce. You were too arrogant, Human!
Fictus sneered. Mentior shook his head, speaking casually.
Now well just wait for whatever Skill that is of yours to end, and well have won.
Salvos shrugged.
Youre right. I cant move. This kind of sucks. Maybe even if I had however, thatll take a few more weeks
Fictus raised a brow. Why is that Human so calm? It made no sense to the [Subus]. Salvos shouldve been panicking right now, instead of whatever this was an eerie coolness despite the mes wisping off her.
You caught me because you worked together. Good job.
Salvos eyes glinted as she let her scythe vanish.
But it seems you forgot about one thing.
Mentiors eyes widened. Salvos continued.
Im not alone.
Saffron looked over the ritual circle. A dozen servantsy in a pit. Theyd been yed. No skin, just flesh. Their corpses fueled this bloody spell.
Im sorry we werent able to save you
She took in a deep breath and raised her hand. A st of fire, water, and wind shot out. Elemental magic wiped the spell clean off the surface of the earth. The oppressive feeling on her shoulder lifted, and she sighed in relief.
The young noble looked up towards the distant figures in the sky. She spoke softly.
Now its all up to you, Salvos
Fictus gaze snapped down as she felt her [Blood Prison] dissipate. Her jaw dropped.
No
The [Blood Bindings] vanished. She stared down at the Vampire. The pink-haired girl had destroyed their ritual circle. Her existence had slipped Fictus mind.
That girl
Oh, Im not just talking about her.
Salvos chuckled. Fictus paused. Mentiors gaze snapped to the side. He pushed his sister out of the way.
Fictus
And from below, a golden figure grabbed onto Mentiors legs. The apparition. One of them had survived. Not all of them were killed, of course. Fictus was shoved back, unable to do anything but stare as her brother closed his eyes. The apparition glowed, shining brightly before exploding into a brilliant cross.
Fictus went flying back as words resounded in her head.
Title Lost!
(Twins of Despair
Her brother was dead. Just like that. The one shed been born with. Theyd survived for so long. As [Infant Demons], theyd fought through hordes of other wild Demons. Hed saved her life in many asions, just like now. And shed done the same for him.
But now she failed. What would Regnorex think? No that didnt matter. Mentior was gone. She had nothing left to live for. She never imagined a world a life without him. Everything that shed worked up to until this point was meaningless. Her life was nothing. She had no reason to live except to avenge him.
Her eyes zed as she saw the silver-haired girl flying her way. She stabbed herself, rippling with power as she cried tears of blood. More words echoed in her head as she screamed.
Ill make you pay for that!
Title Gained!
(Avenger of
Grand Skill [My Life, My Blood
Abundant experience is awarded for learning a Grand Skill
A roiling darkness shot out as her skin peeled off. Her entire essence poured out in a cone that seemed to suck in the light of even the sun. It engulfed Salvos as it sted up. Fictusughed maniacally as her Grand Skill shot up.
Sorry, but I already told you
Salvos dove straight through the shadows. Fictus eyes bulged as the silver-haired girl burned brilliantly, shing for her head.
Im the one here wholl make you pay.
Im sorry brother Fictus thought as her vision grew dark. Ill be joining you
And Salvos unleashed a deluge of white me at the Archdemons decapitated corpse.
Chapter Salvos GERMAN Translation is OFFICIALLY Available!
Chapter Salvos GERMAN Trantion is OFFICIALLY Avable!
YO, THIS IS A SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT, BUT I HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN MY FIRST SALVOS TRANSLATION DONE!
It was kind of pricey to do, but I got it tranted to GERMAN. Salvos Volume 1 is now officially in German, that''s right. If you want to support me, do consider checking it out here /u/bw1jrO
And if you''re a German speaker who finds any typos or errors, do DM it to me. I''ll try to fix it best I can!
Thank you all so much, and please consider dropping a review or a buy to help me out <3
Chapter 327: Misplaced Confidence
Chapter 327: Misced Confidence
327. Misced Confidence
Defeated [Asmodai Incubus - Level 125]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Sanguine Subus of Lamael - Level 125]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 130] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 131]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 94] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 95]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 131
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 95
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 7
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 140 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+30) (+10) (+13)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 7]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
That was that.
I dusted my hands off as my pale fire dissipated. All that was left of Fictus were her ashes. Id fortunately leveled up once in both my ss and my Subspecies from this encounter. Although, sadly, I still hadnt reached my ss advancement.
It wouldve been nice to get an early ss advancement at Level 95. But even if it gave me the ability to travel between the nes of the Nexeus, it wouldnt have helped. Not right now. I still had yet to deal with Belzu.
So, I descended. Not unhappy or upset. I quite enjoyed that fight with Fictus and Mentior. They were strong for their levels. It was one of the first times Id struggled so much against enemies who were 5 levels below me.
I wonder what made them so strong
I tipped my head back as Inded at the very edge of the garden. The previously unconscious figures strewn about the grass were now waking up. I recognized a few of them. Like Feirdun Merryster. Or the other people my clone met like Roman Crimsonfang and Zin Norwood.
Saffron Merryster stumbled out of the treeline as I perused the scene. Various heads turned to look at me, eyeing me with suspicion or confusion. They just stared as I leapt forward, hugging mypanion.
Saffron! Im so d youre safe!
The pink-haired woman paused. She slowly hugged me back, smiling.
And its good to see you too, Salvos.
We drew back from each other, and she patted me on the shoulder.
The real you. I quite enjoyed thepany of your clone, but it isnt quite the same thing as hearing your voice.
Aw but my clones are me!
I grinned as she chuckled. Saffron took a step back, looking me over. She saw the mes wisping off my body like sparks. It was just my usual blue fire since I didnt have [Divine Essence] active. But it did its job. Neither Archdemon''s magic could harm me. Even whenbined.
There were a few points where Id been worried. Like when I was caught by the [Blood Bindings]. I did have a clone waiting on the ready, and I trusted Saffron to destroy the [Blood Prison]. But the fact that I couldnt break through the crimson threads had me concerned especially if Saffron was too slow, or if the Archdemons dealt with my clone.
Then there was that brief power boost Fictus had towards the end of the fight. It was like shed suddenly grown much stronger. Thest of blood magic she struck me with was far stronger than even herbined casting with Mentior. I wasnt sure if my Grand Skill wouldve held up for a moment. But thankfully it did.
You really have grown quite a bit since Ist saw you.
Saffron shook her head as she used [Identification] on me. I nodded eagerly, giving her a thumbs-up.
Yep! I killed an [Ancient Centinel]!
...why am I not surprised.
It was a very tough battle! It even had its own super powerful Grand Skill!
She massaged her temples, turning away from me.
Id love to hear about your Centinel-ying adventures, Salvos. But right now
Her lips pursed as she took in the scene. Her father worked alongside Zin, helping those whod been injured by the [Blood Prison].
Saffron sighed.
Right now, Ill have to deal with that.
Saffron followed her father, helping him restore peace in the garden. There was a lot of confusion, and they had to move to cate the growing misced anger. For a brief moment, the Crimsonfangs believed that this was another premeditated assassination attempt by the Norwoods. But after seeing the damage done to Norwood Keep, they realized the truth.
This attack was done by Demons. Unrted to any of the Vampire Families. It had been an attempt at a swift, decisive strike to deal with the Four Greater Vampire Families, all at once. If Salvos hadnt intervened theyd have seeded.
And that struck fear into the hearts of many. They realized finally that this threat was real. Garlen Crimsonfang shuddered as he sipped from a healing potion Saffron provided him.
To think a pair of Demons could do this much damage all on their own.
Are you serious? Saffron bit back the retort. A single Demon felled my country on its own. But the young noble understood that there was a difference between seeing the threat, and just hearing about it.
That is why we need to work together. Lest all our families will fall.
She spoke softly, meeting Garlens gaze. He closed his eyes.
I understand now. Ill ensure that my family cooperates with yours to ensure the defeat of the Primeval Demon. To prevent Regnorexs return.
Thank you, lord Garlen Crimsonfang. It is good to have you on our side. And it is good to hear that your son is safe.
Saffron was d at least that was settled. It likely wasnt going to be the end-all be-all of things, but she knew it was a step in the right direction. Anya Veridian expressed a simr sentiment agreeing that this matter was urgent and action had to be taken immediately.
I apologize for my familys inaction during the fall of Nightsveil. It was inexcusable. We shouldve offered you our assistance when we could.
She bowed to Saffron. The young noble shifted back. It was an ufortable topic, but she truly did not me the Veridians or any of the other Vampire families for staying out of it then. The coalition army seemed like itd have been more than enough to deal with the Primeval Demon, but they failed.
Saffron shook her head as she spoke.
That does not matter anymore. What matters now is that our families work together to do whatever is necessary to prevent the Primeval Demon from acquiring another of Alexanders Treasures.
Are we truly certain it is aiming for the Treasures of Alexander?
Anya asked, pressing her lips into a thin line. Saffron nodded.
I am certain. I believe that the Primeval Demon is collecting them for Regnorex. Without the Treasures of Alexander, what hope do we have of repelling Regnorexs return?
That is troubling. Perhaps the Norwoods will have to evacuate. Last I heard, the Primeval Demon was at the edge of Inoria, right by Shedos border.
I had hoped for a way to stall the Primeval Demon here. But
Saffron nced over at the destroyed castle. She sighed.
It seems our only option now is to flee.
Wait, are you leaving again?
A voice called out, interrupting Saffrons conversation with Anya. Salvos walked up to them, frowning.
But why?
Thats
Saffron opened her mouth, but caught herself when she saw the way Anya stare at Salvos. The young noble quickly introduced Salvos.
Apologies for her interruption. This is Salvos. Shes
I have heard of her. Youre Salvos, the Diamond Ranked adventurer who defeated the Lich, arent you?
Anya raised a brow. Salvos beamed.
Yep! Thats me!
Interesting. Your level is far beyond what I was led to believe. And you were strong enough to defeat both the Archdemons whod assailed us here.
Well, I am amazing, yes.
Saffron wouldve been more than happy to indulge Salvos ego any other time. Right now, though, there were other matters to attend to.
Im sorry, Salvos. But we cannot face the Primeval Demon head-on. There is far too much risk. Even with all the resources of our familiesbined, we cannot muster up a force equal to the one that was defeated at Nightsveil.
But wait I have good news!
Salvos sped her hands together.
You dont need to rely on just your families resources.
Saffron exchanged a nce with Anya. Salvos excitedly continued.
I just came from Mavos Academy. We had a really long talk about this about the Primeval Demon. The gist of it is that Regnorex and the Primeval Demon arent on the same side.
There was a pause. Saffrons eyes grew wide as she sputtered.
What?
Anya ced a hand on her chin, muttering to herself.
This this changes everything. Are you certain?
Yep! Belzu, that Primeval Demon, is working on his own. Ill exin all the detailster, but basically, I told yton Skyshredder, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy Saffron, you know him everything.
Saffron listened to Salvos drone on. She was certain that Anya knew who yton was, but Salvos didnt know that. And, well, the young noble was d to see that Salvos had grown and now understood that not everyone understood the same things she did. But Salvos had grown a bit too far into the other direction, and was overexining things.
Then we met the King of Traith Lamarr hes part of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliances
Salvos
Saffron interrupted her friend.
Can you please get to the point.
Oh, um, right.
Salvos tapped a finger on her chin. The silver-haired woman thought for a moment, before smiling as she spread her arms wide.
Basically, what Im saying is that a bunch of important people are more than happy to help you guys protect your families! Especially if it means Belzu doesnt get his hands on the Treasures of Alexander. Im sure Mavos Academy would take you guys in.
I see.
Saffron absorbed the implications of it all.
It seems youve really been busy, Salvos.
Was it selfish or maniptive of Saffron to be d she befriended Salvos during moments like these? It was something the young noble often questioned about herself. Perhaps it was her Lady showing through deep down, she mightve thrived in politics even though she hated it.
But she wasnt going to reject Salvos help. Not right now.
Then let us head to Mavos Academy and speak with yton Skyshredder.
Yep!
Salvos pumped a fist into the air. Saffron smiled. Everything could be exined on the way. But for now, what mattered was securing the Greaves of Alexander and ensuring that the Norwood Family was safe.
yton definitely will help us out!
The silver-haired woman spoke excitedly.
--
Absolutely not.
Saffron stared at yton Skyshredder as he spoke. They gathered in his office Salvos had flown a few of the important Vampires with them to Mavos Academy. Only to be repudiated.
Mavos Academy shall not harbor the Greaves of Alexander, no matter what.
There was a sense of finality in his voice. Saffron nced over at her friend. Salvos deted.
Huh. I didnt expect that.
Chapter 328: Triple Confrontation
Chapter 328: Triple Confrontation
328. Triple Confrontation
Faith El, former princess and Fallen Queen of Elutra, strolled into the healing ward. She was apanied by Gavyn and Willow members of Elutras Resistance. They came to a halt right at the doorway as she continued into one of the private rooms. A [Healing Mage] ushered her in.
A many in a bed atop a shimmering healing circle. He was covered in bandages, his skin tender like theyd been freshly healed, but his body unresponsive. Faith nced over at the [Healing Mage], asking softly.
How is he?
Prince Iance is still in aatose state. Even after wed cured all his physical wounds, he still wont wake up. Were not sure what it is, but we think it may be a curse of sorts. Were bringing in a specialist on curses an [Ailment Wizard] tomorrow to take a look at him.
The [Healing Mage] exined, face dour. Faith closed her eyes.
I see. Thank you. You may leave now.
She just stood there, eyeing her unconscious brother as she dismissed the [Healing Mage]. He looked just like Rel except for the birthmark on his left thumb. That was the main way she distinguished the twins from one another. Otherwise, they were simr in every way. They were always charming, carefree, and kind to those that adored them.
Faith understood that they didnt always have the best qualities in a person. Let alone the best qualities in a prince. But they were her brothers. Her heart hurt knowing that Rel was dead, and Iance was left in this crippled state for the foreseeable future.
She held up his left hand, unfurling bits of the bandage covering his skin. The birthmark was still there. There was a pause as she took it in as if she hadnt believed it was really her brother earlier. Then a bitter smile.
Prince Iance, even if you are in this state, I am still d that you are alive.
That was all she said. She came here to say her piece. And she turned, leaving the room.
Or at least, she was about to leave. Faith came to a halt when she saw a figure standing at the doorway. A familiar woman. One who was wearing recovery robes who looked like she just crawled out of bed.
In fact, she probably did. Her room was right next to Iances. After all, she was both Faith and Iances sister. Another former princess of Elutra.
Princess Hope.
Faith greeted her simply. Hope shifted back as if Faiths words struck her physically. But Faith just smiled as she spoke.
I had heard that there was an ambush at the end of the escape tunnel. That most of our family and retainers perished there. Im d to see that you survived the fall of Ertos.
This time, Hope physically flinched. Her eyes darted to the side as, for a moment, a recollection of the events in Ertos reyed in her head. And Faith remembered too.
Faith rushed for the tunnel with Bel in hand for the only exit in the throne room. Then paused as she spotted Hope standing there at the entrance to the stairway. She pushed the guard out into the open and, in a single motion, mmed the entryway shut.
No
Faith gasped. She lowered Bel to the ground as he stared with wide eyes at the fighting in the distance, trying to move the throne, but it wouldnt budge. It glowed an ethereal gold as its enchantments activated. They were locked out.
Unfortunately, I cant help but wonder how exactly you survived while the rest of my family passed there.
Faith started past her sister, tilting her head back. Hope sputtered, wide-eyed.
T-thats
Oh. And here I thought you were too traumatized by the fall of Ertos to speak. Is there something you wish to tell me, princess Hope?
I
Hope trailed off. Faith observed the way her sister ufortably averted her gaze. The little movements that were clearly signs of guilt. Sighing, Faith shook her head.
I do not even know what to say to you. Today and only today, I shall speak to you as your sister. Not as the Fallen Queen of Elutra. Not as a fellow noble. But as someone who has known you all your life.
She started towards Hope and held the other womans gaze.
Hope El. You are a despicable woman.
But I didnt
I have never met a woman as vile as you. You have nopassion in your heart. You have no love. Not even for your siblings. I do not care that you threw me out to die. But your younger brother Bel was there. Destiny, your queen, was there. And you left them to die.
Faith interrupted her sister. She didnt care for any excuses Hope had to say. It was only thanks to luck and fortune that Faith was alive today. That Bel was alive. She scorned the woman for endangering their youngest brothers life.
And now you daree here? What makes you think you have any any any right to even show your face to me?! Be d that Bel was not here, Hope. If he was, Id have burned your face off so he doesnt have to see this scum of an older sister ever again. Now leave before I lose my temper.
There was a pause. Faith breathed heavily from the outburst. This was unlike her. She understood that she herself wasnt free from sin. And perhaps that was what fueled her anger her own hatred to herself for what she did to Daniel. For her own maniption and lies.
But even if Faith was a horrible Human being, Hope was still far beyond that. Beyond lost. Beyond insane. Honestly, Faith wouldn''t be surprised if Hope was a Demon under that Human skin.
The two sisters stood there in silence as a beat passed. Hope lowered her head. Her lips quivered as her gaze darkened. And, finally, she spoke in a solemn voice.
Im sorry. for what I did I was wrong.
Faith froze. She stared at her sister as Hope gesticted weakly. There was a moment where Faith really didnt believe what she was hearing. Where everything Faith knew about her sister was instantly shattered.
Then Hope continued.
But after we left, I can promise you that I never
p! Faith struck Hope across the face. The other woman stumbled back as her cheeks stung crimson. She stared at the Fallen Queen of Elutra
Sorry doesnt change anything, Hope. Neither do your excuses. There is no more time for talking.
Faith shook her head, walking away from the healing ward. She nced back at her sister onest time before turning away.
If you are truly sorry for what you did, then prove it with your actions. I have nothing more to say to you.
With that, Faith left the woman alone. Never once in her life back in Ertos did Faith think shed ever treat her sister in that manner. But things had changed. Especially in the past few years. Especially now that Elutra had fully fallen under the ws of Demons and the Inoria Empire.
Willow and Gavyn hesitated for a moment before following Faith. They exchanged a nce, but neither said anything. Faith just rubbed at her hand, speaking casually.
Now, where is emperor Rowyn? There were other matters we had to discuss
She paused as she turned the corridor. Her eyes narrowed, catching sight of a familiar silver-haired woman making her way up the spiral stairway.
Is that Salvos?
Faith raised a brow.
...who are those nobles with her?
I returned to Mavos Academy. I brought with me a bunch of Vampires from Norwood Keep to speak with yton. Obviously, Saffron was going to be apanying me. But her father was here too. And so were all the so-called important people from their meeting. Like Gannon Norwood, Zin Norwood, Garlen Crimsonfang, and Anya Veridian.
We arrived at the Tower of Truth, found our way to ytons office, and pitched our idea to him. For Mavos Academy to offer the Vampire families protection, and to safeguard the Greaves of Alexander. His response, as expected, was
Absolutely not. Mavos Academy shall not harbor the Greaves of Alexander, no matter what.
Huh. I did not expect that.
I scratched the back of my head. I nced over at Saffron, and she stared back at me with a confused look on her face.
Salvos, you said hed help us.
I mean, I thought he would. I guess I was wrong.
Shrugging, I gave her a helpless look. I mustve misjudged ytons character. He seemed to be pretty all-in on saving the Humannds and defeating the Primeval Demon. I didnt get why he was suddenly against that now.
B-but we have nowhere else to go. Both the Merryster Family and Norwood Family have lost our main estates. We dont have a stronghold to retreat to.
You have the support of the other Greater Vampire Families, as evinced by their presence here alongside you.
yton gestured at Anya Veridian and Garlen Crimsonfang. They drew back their apprehension on the idea was evident. Saffron gritted her teeth.
But why
She started. Only for Gannon Norwood to start forward. He bowed at yton.
Headmaster Skyshredder, I am here today not as the senator of Shedos, but as the Lord of the Norwood Family. You are aware of our duty passed to us from our ancestors long ago, are you not? To protect the Greaves of Alexander, as the other Greater Vampire Families were tasked to protect other Treasures of Alexander.
I am aware.
yton spoke, crossing his arms. Gannon nodded and continued.
And you are aware that the Primeval Demon is targeting the Treasures of Alexander. So why can you not aid us in ensuring the protection of the Greaves of Alexander?
There was a moment where yton said nothing. He closed his eyes, sighing. Then he cleared his throat.
My duty is to Mavos Academy, Lord Norwood. You know that as well as I do, Lord Norwood.
But the safety of Mavos Academy
Will also be threatened if the Primeval Demon gathers all of the Treasures of Alexander. I am quite aware of that as well.
So why do you refuse to offer us your aid?
Gannon pursed his lips. ytons eyes cracked open. He held the gaze of everyone in the room. He scanned the expressions of the Vampires the anger, the hopelessness, the fear before his sightnded on me. It stayed fixed on me, and I cocked my head.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy answered simply.
Because, Lord Norwood, the Primeval Demon will never be able achieve whatever goal it has with the Treasures of Alexander.
...what?
More than one person spoke in a confused voice. yton simply waved his hand over his desk. I sensed a brief distortion in space before there was a thunk.
Thats
The Breastte of Alexander?
Wait, why is it
Everyone in the room stared at the broken piece of metal lying in his desk. Saffron spoke in a small voice as she stepped back.
Its broken.
And the room erupted into chaos. Anya Veridian shook her head in disbelief.
Thats not possible. A Mythic Grade artifact destroyed.
Gannon Norwood ran a hand over the broken metal.
But what couldve caused this? It mustve been an Elite threat, at least.
Garlen Crimsonfang spun to face yton in outrage.
You! You mustve done this! How dare you desecrate one of the hallowed Treasures of Alexander?!
yton, however, held a cool gaze. He replied with his hands behind his back.
I was not responsible for this damage inflicted on the Breastte of Alexander.
Then if not you, who else couldve done it?
Garlen spoke as if hed cornered yton. Most of the Vampires gathered here looked at yton expectantly. Most of them.
The Merrysters, however, cast their gaze towards someone else. yton looked in the same direction too. Zin Norwood was the first to pick up the subtle cue and turned away. The other Vampires soon followed, turning to face well, me.
I scratched the back of my head.
Um oops?
Saffron walked up to me, cing her hands on my shoulder. She spoke as she looked me dead in the eye.
Salvos did you seriously destroy the Breastte of Alexander one of the Treasures of Alexander and one of the necessary pieces for the Crown of Alexanders full potential to be unleashed?
I justughed.
Hey! Its like yton says. At least now Belzu wont be able to gather all the Treasures of Alexander together, right?
Saffron just sighed exasperatedly.
You know what? Sure.
Chapter 329: Hasty Preparation
Chapter 329: Hasty Preparation
329. Hasty Preparation
Saffron Merryster couldnt help but massage her temples as the discussion came to an end. yton Skyhredder refused to offer the Norwoods the protection of Mavos Academy as long as they had the Greaves of Alexander with them. He was willing to house the Merrysters and the Norwoods if they met that stiption.
But that was never going to happen.
It irritated Saffron. She understood the Headmasters rationale, but she couldnt lie and say she wasnt upset about it. After all, Mavos Academy had never once fallen in a siege. If the Primeval Demon attacked, it would very likely be repelled at a cost.
And that was why yton refused them. Mavos Academy, while a school and a campus, basically served as its own nation state. It was technically under the jurisdiction of Shedos, however what Mavos Academy did was ultimately decided by yton himself.
It was one of the oldest institutions in the world. Only preceded by the Den of Souls, the Sanctuary of Fauna, and the Sanctum of Elements but even then, those never had a persisting single physical location like Mavos Academy did.
Mavos Academy had been within the borders of many different countries throughout history. They all came and went, and it stayed for a reason. Perhaps ytons pragmatism and the pragmatism of the Headmasters before him was the reason why it was still around today.
Thank you for hearing us out, Headmaster Skyshredder.
Saffron bowed before making her way out of the office. yton just grunted, and the door slowly closed shut. She turned to the gathered Vampires with a sigh.
I guess well have to
She paused when she saw everyones attention was off her. Garlen Crimsonfang, Anya Veridian, and even Gannon Norwood still had their focus on the silver-haired woman.
Salvos backed up, raising her hands defensively.
Look, I told you, it broke while I was fighting an [Ancient Centinel]!
And how exactly does a Mythic Grade artifact break to a single [Ancient Centinel]?
Gannon crossed his arm. Salvos opened her hands and shrugged.
I dont know? There were like multiple Grand Skills being thrown around?
That still shouldnt be enough to destroy the Breastte of Alexander.
Well, its broken, ok? I just used it and fought a few monsters with it!
She harrumphed, and Saffron bit her lower lip. The argument was growing heated. Too heated. The young noble needed to step in.
Perhaps its not truly Salvos fault, Gannon.
Saffron spoke up, drawing their attention.
We dont know the intricacies behind the Treasures of Alexander ourselves, even though we have been tasked with safeguarding them. Perhaps there is more to it than we were led to believe. Perhaps by leaving it untouched for all this time, its enchantments its effects and its protection wore off.
Thats true! I think Centina and yton surmised something like that!
Salvos hurriedly agreed. There was a pause. Even Saffrons father raised an inquisitive brow at that. Saffron narrowed her eyes, mouthing the word in her mind.
Centina?
Oh, um, hey, what are you guys going to do now, anyway?
Saffron just stared at the silver-haired woman as she quickly tried to change the subject. Having known Salvos for a while, Saffron could infer what that name probably implied especially with that reaction. Fortunately, Gannon and the others couldnt. Because if they could, theyd likely be as exasperated as Saffron was right now.
Gannon shook his head, speaking in a low voice.
Our one goal should be to keep the Greaves of Alexander away from the Primeval Demon. And as a senator of Shedos, I cannot help but have the same worries Headmaster Skyshredder has, but for the country.
Are you saying we should flee Shedos?
Zin Norwood asked with a frown. Gannon pursed his lips.
If we must
His words swept over the group. They began to discuss their course of action as Saffron watched from the side. She didnt have much input to add. Instead, she faced her friend.
Salvos.
Thats me! Need anything, Saffron?
The silver-haired woman cocked her head. Saffron rolled her eyes.
First of all, its good to see you havent changed one bit, even if youve grown much stronger.
Well, I am Salvos and I will always be Salvos, so
Right. Thats beside the point.
What is the point?
If Im hearing things right, it seems like well be leaving Shedos. I dont think yton even wants us to stay in Mavos Academy for more than a day. The Primeval Demon could get here at any time, so he thinks were a danger to the school.
Saffron reflexively nced out a nearby window as if shed see Belzu right there. Of course, all she saw was the clear afternoon sky and the tall towers of the campus city.
I dont me him for it. But I dont know whatll happen once we return to Norwood Keep. Thats why I
She trailed off. Was she really asking Salvos for another favor again? Was their friendship built around Saffrons exploitation of her friends kindness? The young noble bit her lower lip.
I am not that kind of a person, she told herself. It was a resolution. Her problems were hers to bear with. She wouldnt force them onto Salvos again.
The silver-haired woman peered closer.
Is something wrong, Saffron?
Its nothing. I just wanted to thank you for helping us again, Salvos.
Saffron turned away from her friend, ncing at the discussing Vampires further down the hallway. She closed her eyes.
And while our reunion was short-lived, I believe well be parting ways again now. I wouldve loved to have spent more time catching up, but it seems the current times dont allow for such moments of reprieve.
A sad smile spread across her face as she looked up at Salvos.
I do hope our next time
What are you talking about?
Salvos spoke over her. Saffron paused.
Pardon?
I said: what are you talking about? Im not going to be leaving you alone again.
The silver-haired woman scoffed.
You have assassins and Demons activelying after you, Saffron. Your life is in danger, and no offense, youre not strong enough to look after yourself.
Saffron just stared at her. It took the young noble a moment to gather her thoughts.
I no offense taken. But dont you have your own ns? Your own goals? You cant just follow me around and look after me forever.
Nope! I cant. And I dont intend to.
Salvos agreed happily.
But for now, I can and I will protect you. And if that idiot Belzu doese after you, Ill just kill him like I said I would.
There was a moment where the world seemed to freeze around Saffron. She held the silver-haired womans gaze. Her golden eyes shimmered almost inhuman. But perhaps that was because Saffron knew the Demon beneath the Human skin.
Here was a Demon. Someone who had no reason or care in the world to help Saffron. Yet she did. Because Safrron was herpanion.
Saffron had already known Salvos. For a while now. Yet this never ceased to amaze her. The fact that Demons could be kind. To a Vampire. To their mortal enemy.
But perhaps only Saffron saw it that way. Maybe there were a plethora of other Demons who were even kinder than Salvos in the Netherworld. These thoughts were odd to her.
Saffron almost felt guilty for wishing she could meet another Demon that wasnt under the Demon Kings rule. or who wasnt rampaging around the Mortal Realm in rebellion. After all, she was raised to hate them. But now they intrigued her more than anything.
You are
The young noble was honestly at a loss for words.
You are certainly a unique individual, Salvos.
Thats because I am
And before you say it, I am aware. Which is why I am pointing it out.
Salvos just chuckled.
Aw, but its less fun that way.
Saffron couldnt help butugh alongside her friend.
seriously, you idiot.
She whispered under her breath. Once this was all over, the young noble would do everything she could to make sure no one took advantage of Salvos or her kindness.
With that settled, the other Vampires prepared to return to Norwood Keep. I left Saffron behind with them, searching for Willy since Ist left him by himself at the Tower of Truth. I bumped into Faith while scouring the building.
Hey princess Faith!
Hello Salvos. I do appreciate your use of my title, but please, you may just call me Faith.
Aw, but why not? It sounds better that way.
Willow was with her, and she stepped forward.
Because she is now no longer a princess, Salvos. She is
But before Willow could finish, Faith raised a hand to cut her off. I blinked.
She is?
I am but a member of Elutras Resistance. That is all.
Faith replied simply.
Huh. Well, I was looking for Willy. Have you seen himtely?
Your [Will O Wisp] friend?
Yep.
Unfortunately, I have not seen him since yesterdays meeting.
Aw, I wonder where he went.
I felt my shoulders slumped. Faith gestured down a side corridor.
Perhaps you can ask ytons [Secretary].
Marie Schofen? Ill find her, thank you!
I waved at the princess and her fellow resistance members as I continued down the corridor. She smiled at me.
You are wee.
She watched me go. I found Maries office soon enough. I rapped lightly on the doorway, entering once prompted.
Come in.
Hello
I stepped one foot into the door, and a bright glow zipped up to me. I backed up as Willy hounded me in an uncharacteristically hurried voice.
Salvos. Where? Go?
Willy! There you are!
I eximed as the [Will O Wisp] flitted around me. A woman seated in the other end of the room sighed. I remembered her from when I was originally admitted into the school.
I see youre finally back. This Grand Spirit has been searching for you all day yesterday.
Marie! I mean [Secretary] Marie?
Greetings, student Salvos.
That was right. She was quite a formal woman. And she was apparently busy working, writing up various documents while Willy had been hiding in her office with her.
I am d you are finally back. Especially after causing quite the fuss yesterday. You have left me rather preupied with all the work youve just dumped onto my te.
Oh, oops. Sorry?
I scratched the back of my head. She stood up, shaking her head.
That is not meant to be an attack on your character. I must offer you my heartfelt gratitude. Headmaster Skyshredder has now returned to his usual self since youve brought light to this news about the Demon King and Inoria.
Returned to his usual self?
It is quite odd. Headmaster Skyshredder has been rather alooftely, spending more time in solitude in his tower than he previously has. I had been quite worried. But now that things are back to normal, I know that is nothing to be concerned about.
She adjusted her sses, nodding at me. I paused as the realization sank in. Willy exchanged a knowing look at me. I gave Marie my best smile.
Im the reason why yton has been holed up. Well, technically, Centina and Kron were the reason. But I was the reason they were even here in the first ce.
Anyway, arent you d that Im back, Willy? You dont need to keep hiding from
The [Will O Wisp] shot a re at me. He didnt even have eyes, and I could still feel his gaze stab me like a knife. I backed up and out of the room, followed by Willy.
Thanks for your help, Marie!
The door closed, and I was left with the Grand Spirit in the corridor. I grinned as he drifted closer to me.
Come on, Willy. There was an emergency. And is it really so bad if he finds out who you are?
Stupid. Thorsten. Trouble.
Really? He seemed like he was quite nice.
Willy was indignant.
Bad. For me.
Huh. Well, Ill keep that in mind.
I tapped a finger on my chin. I didnt think it was that big of a deal, but considering Willys reaction, it mustve been something important. I wanted to pry further, but he refused to speak about it.
So, I just reassured him.
Well, its a good thing well be leaving Mavos Academy.
Really?
Yep! Im not too sure where were going, but were leaving as soon as possible. Isnt that good news?
I led him down a stairway, heading out of the Tower of Truth. He followed me, his colors changing to suit his calmer mood. Then he paused.
Us?
Nope. Well be going with Saffron and a bunch of other Vampires.
He stared at me,ing to a halt. I cocked my head.
What?
Forget?
What do you mean Im not forgetting something?
I furrowed my brows as footfalls echo down the hallway behind me. Familiar, bickering voices apanied the footsteps as I rubbed my chin in thought.
What could I have forgotten?
I told you this before, Amanda, but you can just leave if youre going to keepining about everything I do.
But its so much more fun to fuck with you, Daniel. Seriously, youre such a fuck-able person.
Wha
See? So easy.
I raised my chin in thought as the footsteps came to a halt. Willy stared at the figures behind me. I nced back at Daniel and Amanda, both standing at the end of the hallway. They stared at me, and I waved at them.
Hey Daniel! Hey Amanda!
Then I went back to mulling over Willys words.
I dont feel like Im forgetting anything
Chapter 330: Likes and Dislikes
Chapter 330: Likes and Dislikes
330. Likes and Dislikes
I cant believe this.
Daniel Song dragged himself out of the Tower of Truth as he hung his head low.
You call me yourpanion, and you just forgot about me
Fucking idiot.
Amanda snickered as she watched from the side. I shot her a re, shutting her up before running up to the Human man. I apologized profusely as he nced back at me.
Im so sorry, Daniel! But its not that I forgot about you, you know?
You were literally going to leave me behind in Mavos Academy.
Well, thats
I trailed off. I looked over at Willy for help, but he gave none. I sighed.
I didnt think youd want toe with us.
And why wouldnt I?
He stared at me, crossing his arms. I shrugged.
I thought you had your own things going on. Like dont you have your own adventures to go to with Amanda?
I gestured at the assassin. Both Daniel and Amanda retorted at the same time.
I would rather die than do anything for her.
I would rather die than do anything for him.
The point is
I pped my hands together, speaking over them.
If Id known you wanted toe, Id have invited you!
Daniel shifted his feet slightly.
...you couldve at least asked me about it.
I know. And I''m sorry for that.
I held his gaze as I spoke. He pursed his lips, and I grabbed him by the hand.
Youre mypanion. I wont force you. But if you really want to, I want you toe with us.
Daniel looked me in the eye. He hesitated for a moment. Then he nodded.
I do.
Great!
I beamed, drawing back. He let out a sigh. I turned to Amanda and Willy. Theyd just been spectators for most of the conversation. But I directed the same question to them.
What about you guys? Wannae?
Yes.
Sure, I guess its more fun than hanging around here.
Alright!
I sped my hands together, d that that was settled.
Then lets go find Saffron!
--
We met up with Saffron and the other Vampires just outside of Mavos Academy. Some of them had left for example, Garlen Crimsonfang was notably absent. Saffron said he returned to the destroyed Norwood Keep ahead of time on his own to check up on his sons condition. Zin apanied him and would be meeting with us once we arrived back there.
Anya Veridian and most of the Norwoods remained. Crocus Merryster was here too. I nodded at him before running up to Saffron herself.
Im back!
Salvos
Saffron paused when she caught sight of the three individuals waiting behind me. She raised a brow.
Are theying with us?
Yep! Youve never met them, but this is Willy. Hes a [Will O Wisp]. A Grand Spirit. Hes nice and kind of strong?
Very strong.
Willy corrected me. I rolled my eyes, continuing to the next person.
This is Amanda. I dont actually know her that well. Shes an assassin or something? Pretty strong, though.
...hey.
Amanda spoke in an aloof voice. I moved on to the third person.
And this is Daniel.
Saffron blinked as I introduced him. She raised her hand, trying to speak.
Salvos
Despite his appearance, hes quite strong too! And hes mypanion, just like you.
But Salvos
She started again, and I waved a hand dismissively.
Theres no need to be nervous! He can hold his own against Belzu too! Ive seen it!
Salvos.
Saffron spoke clearly this time. I cocked my head, pausing.
Yes, Saffron?
I have met Daniel before. Remember? In fact, I met him before I met you.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin in thought. That was right. I only met Saffron because of Daniel. We apanied her on an escort mission out of Nixa. Jaakko, Zack, and Helen were there too! I wondered how they were doing
Thats good!
I finally said, grinning.
That means you dont need to reintroduce yourselves.
Indeed.
Saffron nodded as she looked Daniel over. Her eyes narrowed.
Although, I am quite surprised he was able to keep up with you even if there is a bit of a gap between your levels.
Daniel drew back, lowering his head.
T-thats
Thats fine! Im sure hell catch up in no time, right?
I patted him on the shoulder. Then I turned back to Saffron.
Anyway, what are we going to be doing now?
Return back to Norwood Keep.
The Vampire woman answered simply.
Zin and Gannon will have to gather the rest of their family, then well be heading to the Veridian estates. Anya Veridian says theyll house us. At least, until we know where exactly the Primeval Demon is currently at. We can n from there.
Thats good!
I was eager to get into another scuffle with Belzu. Only problem was that I still wasnt sure if I was strong enough to beat him. Maybe I stood a chance with my Grand Skills but no, I couldnt use them right now. I still had a few weeks left for my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion], and another five or so days for [My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
With that, we left Mavos Academy soon after, making our trek back to Norwood Keep.
--
The castle was in pretty much the same state it had been beforehand. There were no repairs made. It had only been a day since we dealt with the pair of Archdemons to go to Mavos Academy, and I was pretty sure they didnt intend to fix any of the destruction that had been wreaked. After all, the entirety of the Norwood Family was going to be leaving Shedos.
We were heading west towards the Helbir ins. That was where the Veridians had the most influence. They pretty much had some connection to every single city state in the region. And it was popted with thousands of city states.
There were no full nations. It wasnt like the Eastern Kingdom Alliance which wasposed of both city states and countries that spanned multiple cities. Although, the Helbir ins was united by the Helbir League. It was the biggest alliance in the Humannds, just by the number of states alone.
Obviously, because most of them were city states, they were naturally more numerous.
at least, that was what Saffron exined to me after I kept poking her about it.
Just wait here, Salvos.
Saffron sighed as she sauntered off to help Gannon and Zin. I sat with Daniel, Willy, and Amanda in a crumbling but still standing room. The assassin rolled her eyes as she looked out the window.
This ce is a dump. Was it really supposed to be some fancy castle?
Yep!
I nodded, gesturing vaguely towards the garden.
I got into a big fight with some Demons. They were kind of strong, actually. Level 125 each. But I beat them.
Good job. Brag about it more.
Amanda leant back with a scoff. I grinned.
I will! They also had this weirdbination casting ability! They also had this whole blood magic field set up which made me weaker
But you beat them because youre an amazing genius fighter, right? Wow, I am so impressed. I am definitely not bored out of my mind right now.
She snorted, speaking with a t voice. I stared at her. There was a pause. Daniel shifted back ufortably. Willy made a whistling noise for whatever reason.
Sassy.
I blinked as the [Will O Wisp] spoke over the silence. Then I walked up to Amanda, eyes glittering.
Really? I can tell you more about it if you really want!
What?
Amanda turned back and froze. My face was just a few inches away from hers. She backed up, speaking hurriedly.
I was being sarcas
Alright, so there were two Demons, right? They were Archdemons very scary. One of them was an [Incubus] and the other was a [Subus]. As I said earlier, they used blood magic, and that was really troublesome because they could heal each other and
I spoke over her, retelling the whole battle with Mentior and Fictus from the moment I teleported into Norwood Keep. She tried to back away from me, but I followed her as I continued the story. Until, finally, after taking way too long to regale what happened in that short fight scee, I finished.
then I activated my amazing Grand Skill and defeated them like that!
I made a swinging motion to close off the story. Amanda had been cornered to the window, and she was looking towards Daniel for help. The Human man just smirked as he stared at her look of desperation.
I see
She trailed off once I was done. I chuckled, taking a step back.
Yep! It was really exciting! I was so amazing there Im d that you asked. Nobody ever likes listening to my stories.
I told you, I dont
Youre such a nice person, Amanda.
I gave her a thumbs-up. She just stared at me.
What are you.. I am not a nice person. I am an assassin. Someone whos hired by rich assholes to kill innocent people for existing. That is literally the furthest thing from a nice person possible.
Really? Huh. But are you doing that right now?
I asked inquisitively. Amanda shook her head, gesturing at Daniel.
Not since I decided to side with that fucking moron over there.
See? So youre not wild! And that means youre nice!
I pped my hands together with a smile. She sputtered.
I am not
You are!
I poked her on the stomach, cutting her off. Her face burned red as she swatted at my hand.
Dont poke me!
She stormed past me, and I stepped to the side. The former assassin spun around to meet my gaze once she was a few feet away from me.
And stop interrupting me! I am a fucking bastard who spent all her life hurting others for her own gain. There is nothing about me thats nice. Just because Im on your side now, doesnt mean I wont hesitate to backstab all of you if itd benefit me.
Amanda panted as she spoke. She then paused, clearly flustered. Lowering her head, she turned and marched for the rooms exit. She stood at the doorway, facing us onest time.
Also, stop leaning so close to me. We just met, and theres a thing called fucking personal space.
With that, she mmed the door shut. I stared at the closed door. There was a trickle of dust that fell from the ceiling just from the force she exerted. Daniel pursed his lips, remaining silent for a moment.
She seems nice.
I finally spoke, breaking the silence. He scratched his cheek.
I dont think she likes you, Salvos.
Oh, I know.
I spoke simply. I nced fractionally back at the two men in the room, tilting my head.
But that was fun.
Daniel stared at my back. He exchanged a nce with Willy, and they came to an agreement.
Salvos you are terrifying.
Chapter 331: Weirdo
Chapter 331: Weirdo
331. Weirdo
Nice? Amanda cursed as she stormed out of the room. She was an assassin. A Harrowed Vindicator. Someone whod been hired to kill high-value targets all the same, regardless of their background or history.
How was she nice? That was ridiculous. That girl Salvos, or whatever her name is was utterly stupid. Even Daniel recognized that Amanda was nothing more than a cold bastard of an assassin.
It annoyed her. Amanda didnt know why she was so upset. Her lips twisted as she came to a halt right by the garden of the destroyed castle.
Why am I even helping them?
She sighed as she sat herself on a fallen stone column. Before her, she saw figures moving. The Vampire families were discussing. In talks. And they were preparing to leave for the Helbir ins. It was going to be arge convoy. It wasnt just the Norwood Family. The Merrysters were here too, and so were the Veridians.
The Crimsonfangs had notably already taken their leave. They werent going to apany the Norwoods to the Veridian estates. However, they were going to discuss how they could offer their assistance.
It was an odd thing to see, really. Amanda had never thought the Greater Vampire Families would ever cooperate. Or work together to this extent.
Well, it wasnt like she was very knowledgeable about their politics. Amanda only had a cursory idea of how the Vampires functioned. She mostly stuck to studying her targets, and the Harrowed Vindicators did not take hits on Vampires.
That was what her mentor had forced onto her.
Amanda gritted her teeth as her memories shed in her head. The shouting. The whips. The harsh training shed been forced to endure. Why was she remembering them now?
I am
She sighed as she got to her feet. Then she tensed. Footfalls approached her from behind, and she reached for her double-ded dagger. A pink-haired woman appeared from down the hallway.
Youre Saffron Merryster?
Indeed. And you were Salvos friend?
The assassin paused. She bit her lower lip.
I am but an acquaintance who was roped into this mess, nothing more.
I see. Well, I appreciate your help regardless.
Saffron smiled and gestured to the room where Salvos, Daniel, and the [Will O Wisp] were waiting.
Is Salvos still in there? Or has she wandered off, chasing a walking rock or something as ridiculous as that?
Yeah, your friend is in there being her weird self.
Amanda shrugged. Saffron sighed.
Whatd she do?
The assassin raised a brow.
What do you mean by that?
She mustve done something to chase you out. Otherwise, you wouldnt be out w
I was just getting antsy, alright? Being in that small room was giving me ustrophobia. Seriously, when are we leaving?
At dawn, tomorrow. Were just making sure all the lesser Vampire families are evacuated as well. It wont be a long journey, dont worry. And itll be quite easy too. The most dangerous part will only be when we pass the Motharis Mountain Range.
Saffron spoke as she nced over to the west. Past Amanda. The assassin blinked.
Why the fuck would you pass through Motharis with a group of this size?
We wont be passing through it. Our route brings us past it. It is concerning since there have been talks of an influx of monsters migrating out of the mountain range. But with Salvos there, Im sure well be fine.
Well, that was fair. Even Amanda wouldnt be troubled by the monsters that were known to lurked in that tinum Ranked region. Still, she couldnt help but find the logistics behind it ridiculous. Not that she was going to argue about it.
It didnt matter to her if some bratty noble died. That was right she didnt care because she wasnt a nice or even good person.
Good. I just want to get this shit over with already.
We left the next day. Amanda had been acting aloof ever since I teased her to the point of her getting annoyed about it. Not that I particrly cared. I found it fun, and she was being rude with her sarcastic quips.
I barely even knew her! I could tolerate Willys remarks because I knew he was doing it all in good fun. Amanda, on the other hand, seemed to be quite serious with her words. Or at least, her intentions differed.
Anyway, we left Norwood Keep in a long stream of carriages and wagons. The Norwood Family alone ounted for over a hundred family core members, and their entourages inted that number to the thousands. There were also a few of the lesser families with us, but the rest were leaving on their own.
Those are the Marins.
Saffron pointed at a caravan towards the side. They had different emblems to the Norwoods, although they had a familiar set of root-like protrusions extending from their symbol.
Theyre a lesser Vampire family that is quite estranged to the Norwoods. Theyre technically the Norwoods thralls, but they act quite autonomously. Especially ever since Gannon became Patriarch.
She continued listing out the various lesser Vampire families traveling with the convoy today. Although, I didnt get why they were following. It wasnt like they were in any danger the Primeval Demon was mainly after one person.
Gannon Norwood.
He had with him the Greaves of Alexander, which he had stored away. Just like Crocus Merryster when I first met him, Gannon wasnt willing to unt his familys Treasure of Alexander around without due cause.
However, he was at least more flexible in that he agreed to use it if the situation arose.
And we were bringing it as far away from the Primeval Demon as possible. Of course, that didnt ensure its safety. At any moment in time, Belzu could just descend from the sky and well, kill almost everyone here, all on his own. Without my Grand Skills, I didnt stand much of a chance against him.
I wouldve wanted to get even stronger than I was right now. But I knew that I couldnt really just rush my way to Level 150.
Id probably get myself killed at one point. I didnt even have the Breastte of Alexander as a fallback anymore. And there was still much I had to learn. Like, I didnt even know Titles had Bonus Effects until recently.
If I got to Level 150 now, Id be far weaker than if I got to Level 150ter. A mixture of experience and feats wouldve given me a better Subspecies and even a new Title or ss advancement. Still, I did want to at least reach Level 100 with my ss soon.
Regardless, we left Norwood Keep at the break of dawn. I flew alongside Willy over the long convoy as they made their way through thendscape below. We had an aerial view of everything that was closeby, which meant that we could see any threat that wasing nearby.
Daniel and Amanda stayed on the ground. Neither of them had any flight abilities. Although, they could probably jump very high if they tried at their levels.
Neither myself or Willy said much during our flight. I asionally nced over at him, trying to bug him about that [Archbishop] from the Den of Souls.
So whos Thorsten, really?
But, of course, the [Will O Wisp] refused to answer.
No.
I wasnt really too interested in knowing. Just idle curiosity. If it seemed like he was getting aggravated by it, I wouldnt pester him further.
What do you think about Amanda?
I finally asked, changing the subject. Willy flitted alongside me. As a ball of me, he didnt really have a face or a head. But I could tell he fractionally turned to face me.
Think?
Yep! Shes a bit weird, right?
Assassin. Expected.
Youre saying thats expected of assassins? What do you mean?
He sighed as we followed the slow pace of the convoy.
Illegal. Kidnap. Probably.
Um can you talk in full sentences?
Assassin kidnap. Train young.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Youre saying that assassins usually kidnap each other and train them to seed them, right?
Yes.
That makes sense.
Humans were weirdly obsessed with having only their offspring be the ones to be their sessors. I didnt see why you couldnt just pick up a random child off the street and do just that. Seriously, why did it matter that they were blood-rted?
Willy and I continued flying idly by as the convoy exited from a forest. I spotted undting hills in the distance. It was the familiar shape of the Motharis Mountain Range. I nudged Willy from the side as I pointed it out.
Hey Ive been there once.
Ok.
He spoke, unamused.
I met a Fairy, you know? Also met Belzu for the first time there.
That made the [Will O Wisp] pause. He stared at me.
Really?
Yep wait, what is that?
I narrowed my eyes as I cast my gaze towards the mountains. I saw a wall of dust being kicked into the air. It was a column of brown that rose into the air. It shook the earth. I frowned as I tried to get a closer look. There were giant figures with long trunks, thick tusks, and massive ears as the [Gatho Mammoths] had. But they were even bigger.
[Goliath Oliphants]. Stampede. Dangerous. Strong monsters.
Willy spoke in a low voice. I watched as the convoy below me began to spread out in a panic. I shook my head and pointed past them.
What about those things chasing them?
Chasing?
He paused. He looked where I was pointing at the huge winged figures flying overhead of the [Goliath Oliphants]. He stared at it for a moment.
[Lesser Wyverns].
And I take it theyre more dangerous than the [Goliath Oliphants]?
Yes.
I beamed.
Good. I was actually hoping to get into another fight. I cant wait for my ss to level up.
Chapter 332: Aerial Battle, Ground Zero
Chapter 332: Aerial Battle, Ground Zero
332. Aerial Battle, Ground Zero
Daniel Song stood his ground as he saw the pir of brown dust billow into the air. It was like a terrible sandstorm wasing their way. One that shook the earth with increasing violence.
Around him, the caravan of nobles and their bodyguards were falling over as their horses whinnied in a panic. Children cried as theyy on the ground as their parents rushed to restore order. Daniel drew his de, bellowing in a clear voice.
Everyone find cover!
He narrowed his eyes as he peered into the heart of the approaching storm.
Just what is that?
Amanda appeared next to him, shaking her head.
Thats a stampede. And its heading our way.
A stampede? Thats ridiculous. Theres no way a horde of monsters can cause this kind of a disaster just from their numbers alone.
But its not their numbers. Its their size and their magic.
She pointed towards the dark dotted figures at the pace of the dust column. He frowned as she spoke simply.
Those are [Oliphants]. Theyre a branching evolution of [Gatho Mammoths]. And they seem to be their Level 100 [Goliath Oliphant] evolution.
Thats
His eyes widened. Daniel moved immediately. He couldnt let them get close. Even if he could deal with a handful of giant elephant-like monsters, that didnt mean hed be able to do so while protecting the caravan.
He marched forward as Amanda followed behind him. She sighed.
Are we seriously doing this? Dont we usually, I dont know, need a n of action before jumping into battle?
Heres the n: we stop them.
Daniel spoke simply. His body glowed as he activated [A Heros Rage]. He was wreathed in glowing armor. His Primordial Longsword grew in length, bing a massive broadsword. Amanda stared at him.
Thats not a n, you fucking idiot.
[Lesser Wyverns]. Danger.
Willy spoke as I flew towards the Motharis Mountain Range. Below me, I saw Daniel and Amanda moving as well, while the rest of the caravan retreated away from the giant stampede.
Come on, they cant be that bad, right?
Even from afar, I could tell that they were pretty big. Each one was about 50 feet long some of them getting up to nearly 100 feet but Id fought manyrger monsters before. Like the [Ancient Centinel]. And it wasnt like size was everything.
Each one of the [Goliath Oliphants] towered on average about 200 feet. They were taller than some castles Id seen. Bigger than most buildings and city walls. Yet, they were being chased and hunted down by the [Lesser Wyverns].
I watched as three [Lesser Wyverns] swooped down at one of the [Goliath Oliphants], felling it with their ws. Another [Goliath Oliphant] turned to help it, but the rest of the pack left them behind. The two were ughtered by the flock of [Lesser Wyverns], forgotten by the rest.
The [Lesser Wyverns] continued giving chase. The pack of [Goliath Oliphants] made a trumpeting noise, and from their trunks, shot out more sand and dust into the air, kicking up the sandstorm around them. It was like they were trying to obfuscate the vision of the [Lesser Wyverns].
Huh.
I looked at the trajectory of the [Goliath Oliphants]. Even if I interrupted their advance, they wouldve still wreaked havoc to the caravan. I didnt want that. Willy stared at me.
Something?
Yep. I need your help.
I created a Nebr Bow as the monsters approached. I turned to the [Will O Wisp].
Can you use your mes to redirect the [Goliath Oliphants]?
Wyverns?
I can deal with them for now. Go get Daniels help too. We need to make sure they dont stampede through the caravan.
Willy stared at me.
That smart. Thoughtful.
I dont want Saffron to be hurt from this. And I especially dont want her to be upset at me if her friends die.
I snorted as I loosed a single Nebr Arrow at the flock of [Lesser Wyverns]. I expected to see one of giant winged monsters fall from the sky. But instead, there was a flicker. Like a sphere of ice temporarily formed and protected the horde.
I blinked. The ice barrier vanished.
Huh. Thats
This was going to be harder than I thought itd be. I turned to Willy for help, but he was already flying down to meet Daniel and Amanda.
Good luck!
The [Will O Wisp] called out. I furrowed my brows.
Wait, I didnt know they could do that!
I fired another arrow. And another. I created a volley of projectiles with [The Primordial Spark]. Iunched the salvo of attacks at the flock. But it was all repelled by their ice barrier. I narrowed my eyes.
Just what is that?
But my question wasnt answered. Instead, the [Lesser Wyverns] turned their ire towards me. I created a pair of clones as I readied myself for the battle with the giant winged beasts. There was, altogether, over a hundred of them. And they posed quite a threat, even individually.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 123]
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 135]
Well, Im not scared of you! Come over here!
I drew their attention, unleashing another barrage of projectiles as they charged me.
What is she doing?
Saffron Merryster stared into the sky as she watched Salvos unload a volley of ming projectiles into the sandstorm. She expected the flying Demon to attack the stampede of [Goliath Oliphants], but instead, she unleashed a flurry of ming projectiles towards the dust cloud.
But Zin Norwood saw something Saffron couldnt.
There are [Lesser Wyverns] hidden there. Specifically, [Lesser Frost Wyverns]. A whole flock.
Wyverns?! Are you serious?
Saffrons eyes grew wide. She produced a spyss and peered at the direction Zin pointed out. Indeed, there was a giant shadow moving within the dust cloud. One that glimmered with the faintest bit of magic. Salvos navigated around that dark smear, attacking it with a rapid firing of arrows as it drew closer to her.
But that doesnt make sense! Why are there why are there Wyverns here?
[Goliath Oliphants] were native to the Motharis Mountain Range. They were amongst the biggest threats there, alongside [Obsidian Scaled Drakes]. They werent numerous if Saffron had to guess, that stampede amounted to all the [Goliath Oliphants] that were in Motharis.
But Wyverns werent even native to the Humannds. There were the asional flocks that were caught migrating over the Humannds between the Beastmen ins and the Koboldnds. However, it wasnt the right season for it.
It made no sense to Saffron.
She just stared up at Salvos as, finally, the Wyverns emerged from the dust cloud. And it was more than the young noble even imagined.
T-thats a hundred of them! And the [Goliath Oliphants] are still
She didnt finish. Even if Salvos continued to keep the Wyverns preupied, the [Goliath Oliphants] alone would cause significant damage. One which wouldnt be a pretty sight. Saffron wasnt sure what to do. That was the main threat. And something needed to be done.
This is going to be a problem.
Zin pursed her lips. The [Goliath Oliphants] drew closer, the tremor grew stronger, and the fighting above grew more intense. Saffron watched as the various caravans hunkered down, activating protection spells to prepare for the worse. Like they were bracing for an impending natural disaster.
We need to
Saffron turned to Zin. The [Druid] opened her mouth but before she could say anything, a wall of blue fire fell from the sky. Both women paused.
What is that?
Daniel leapt atop the canopy of trees, feeling the reverberation of the earth. The branches shook. The quaking grew more intense. He saw the colossal figures drawing closer. They made a bellowing noise with their trunks far deeper than the trumpeting of any elephant on Earth.
Amanda appeared beside him. She pursed her lips as they monsters were finally close enough to use [Identification] on.
[Goliath Oliphant Lvl 112]
[Goliath Oliphant] Lvl 119]
Are you sure about this?
The assassin asked in a hesitant voice. Even Daniel was worried these werent swarm monsters. Each individual [Goliath Oliphant] equaled to the level of a Ghoul in the gunds, but could probably take on a group of the undead on its own.
We have no other choice.
Daniel raised his sword and paused when he caught sight of a flicker. The air sparked. A massive wall of mes cut down from the clouds above. It even sliced through the dust cloud. Like a giant de.
It glowed blue, and at first, Daniel thought itd been Salvos me. But it burned cold. It wasnt fiery and hot as Salvos would be. No, it was different. The air chilled, thendscape froze, and the mes raged on. It scared the [Goliath Oliphants] back, just from the jarring sensation.
This is?
The Grand Spirits magic.
The wall of mes rose up a hundred feet tall, spreading out nearly ten times its height in length. It separated Daniel from the [Goliath Oliphants]. And while each of the giant monsters doubled the height of the ming wall, it slowed their approach.
Daniel looked up as the [Will O Wisp] descended from the sky. Willy flitted between both Amanda and Daniel as they stared at him.
No.
He spoke simply. Daniel blinked.
No?
Fight. No.
Were not supposed to fight it?
Daniel exchanged a nce with Amanda. She shrugged, as puzzled as he was. But Willy continued in a hurried voice.
Chase. Protect.
The Grand Spirit flew as if he was gesturing in the direction of the caravans. Daniel finally understood what he meant. The [Hero] nodded as he lowered his de.
Right. Draw its attention away. Good thinking. Come on, Amanda.
Fucks sake. We cant make up our mind, can we?
The assassin rolled her eyes as she followed Daniel. With a single leap, he threw himself over the hundred foot wall of mes. Amanda was right behind him. They ran adjacent to the [Goliath Oliphants] as the stampede began to curve around the wall, looking like they were going to navigate around it.
Theyre still going for the caravan.
Amanda called out. Daniel waved his bright, glowing sword in the air, calling out to them.
Hey you ugly, oversized elephants! Over here!
They ignored him. Amanda scoffed.
Did you think that would work?
No, but this will.
The [Hero] plucked a tree off the ground and threw it like a javelin at the leading [Goliath Oliphant]. This was a stampede herd. If there was one thing Daniel knew, it was that they adhered to herd mentality.
The pack followed the leader, and the leader was just struck by a giant tree from a tiny Human man. The main [Goliath Oliphant] turned to Daniel, clearly enraged. He grinned.
Come on!
He shouted, swinging his glowing sword once again. This time, the glint and the shouts drew the ire of the [Goliath Oliphants]. They swerved around the wall of mes, charging straight for Daniel. He felt the shaking of the earth. Their rage made incarnate. Dozens of [Goliath Oliphants] came straight for him like a swarm of mindless monsters.
And he paused.
uh, what do we do now?
Fucking idiot run!
Amanda grabbed him, and they vanished with a single use of [Savage Step].
Saffron couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief as the [Goliath Oliphants] swerved away from the caravans. Crisis averted. Daniel, Amanda, and Willy were working together to keep those hulking monsters away.
The shaking subsided slightly. But instantly, Saffron turned her attention to something else. Something that was clearer now that the dust cloud was gone.
Salvos continued battling the flock of [Lesser Wyverns] in the sky. And by the looks of it, it was a hard fought battle. One that the Dem silver-haired woman was struggling with.
She cant pierce their barrier
Saffron whispered. She didnt get it. No matter what Salvos threw at the [Lesser Wyverns], they repelled it with ease. A few of the winged creatures tried to swoop in close, but Salvos could deal with them individually. So, they were mostly grouping together as they were protected by their ice barrier.
What is that? Some kind ofbination casting?
Zin shook her head.
Combination casting? No. Its not anything quite as sophisticated. It is simply strength in numbers. If a thousand [Mages] cast the same barrier at the same time, theyd be able to create quite a formidable shield, even if they were low-leveled. The same logic holds here.
There was a pause. Saffron narrowed her eyes. She took in this bit of information as the fighting continued. It was mostly an even fight one that was brought to a stand-still as Salvos attacked and the Wyverns simply defended.
But
But if the Wyverns can pool their magic to defend, cant they
Yes.
Zin closed her eyes as the Wyverns drew back. She raised her staff, preparing for battle as there was a shimmering from the center of the Wyvern flock. Saffron gaped as the air grew colder, even from afar.
If the Wyverns can pool their magic to defend, then that means they can pool their magic to attack.
A st of ice shot out from the center of the Wyvern flock. Salvos zipped back as it shot straight at her. She was wholly unprepared for it. Saffron shouted as the st of a hundred [Lesser Wyverns] struck the Demon, taking her out of the air.
Salvos!
Chapter 333: Battlefield
Chapter 333: Battlefield
333. Battlefieled
I was growing frustrated nothing I threw at the Wyverns hit them. It was all blocked by that annoying ice barrier. I flew closer to draw them out, and a few dide, but the moment I took them out, the flock of [Lesser Wyverns] regrouped away from me.
It was annoying. I was genuinely irritated, and maybe that was why I didnt see iting.
A Wyvern thergest of the bunch let out a terrible shriek. It sounded like a mix between a roar and a screech. I just stared at it, using [Identification] to single out its level.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 146]
It was probably the leader. If I took it out, I could easily disperse with the whole flock. Good thing Ive fought monsters far higher-leveled before.
Another [Lesser Wyvern] dove in for the kill. I swerved out of the way as it spun back around, opening its maw. There was a glow a st of ice. Some kind of ice breath? A cone of frost shot out, barely missing me as I backed away.
Thats dangerous
Imented idly. It certainly wouldve been strong enough to take out quite a few Humans. Well, these were Diamond Rank threats, right? They were strong. A single one could probably take on a hundred Lucernas on its own.
And here I was, left to face them all on my own.
Well, maybe not entirely on my own.
I grinned as the [Lesser Wyvern] recoiled. A golden figurended on its back, shing its hide open with a fiery scythe. That was right my clones were with me. Plural. Because two more golden figures assailed it, taking it out in a mere moment.
Good job, me!
I gave them a thumbs-up. They turned their attention to another charging [Lesser Wyvern]. Again, they sliced it up without much effort. I raised my Nebr Bow and aimed for the highest-leveled [Lesser Wyvern].
What about a Nebr zing Bolt?
Surely that wouldve been enough to pierce through their defenses. The arrow loosed, and the Wyverns regrouped. There was a sh. I stared hopefully as the Nebr zing Bolt impacted the icy sphere
There was a crack. A ripple ran through the air. A fissure formed on the shield for a moment but repaired soon enough.
Aw
I deted slightly. On the bright side, at least it looked like it did some damage. I needed something stronger. I considered just sending all my clones on a suicide charge to shatter the barrier, but that wouldve been even more problematic.
As much as I believed in my individual superiority to even the highest-leveled [Lesser Wyvern], I was alone. Willy wasnt here. Daniel and Amanda were distracting the [Goliath Oliphants] below. And most of all, I had to protect the caravan.
It was all up to me. If I couldnt even beat this group of Wyverns, how was I nning on defeating Belzu? I wasnt strong enough. I needed to get stronger. I regrouped with my clones as the [Lesser Wyverns] gathered in a circle with a glint.
Maybe now would be a good time to use this.
I reached into my [Dimensional Pocket]. It was an arrow one that was about the size of a ballista bolt. It was massive. And it glimmered with a red sheen.
[The Giant Killer Arrow: Epic Grade - An arrow created by Odmantus the Giant Killer. It can return to the user as long as it remains undamaged. Deals immense piercing damage.]
It sounded perfect for the job. I struggled for a moment to fit it onto my Nebr Bow. But just as I took aim, the glow from the [Lesser Wyvern] flock shone its brightest. I didnt notice the intense mana building up before, but I did now as a st of ice shot out at me.
Uh oh
I braced for it. I couldnt teleport out of the way in time. At least, not with [Long Range Teleport]. Regr teleports couldnt have escaped the area of effect. Instead, a shroud of white mes wreathed around me, protecting me as [Aura of the Sentinel] also activated.
It was a double protection. One that could even fend of ytons magic albeit, with [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] active but it was still powerful. And yet, the st of the [Lesser Wyverns] sent me sailing to the ground, tearing straight through my mes and freezing my armor.
I covered myself with my wings. And they too vanished. My clones burned, fading away without me ordering their detonation. I found myself falling from the air as the intense chill crept over my body. The world tumbled around me as I found myself crashing into the ground from hundreds of feet in the air. Then, right as I reached the earth, a tendril of roots and leaves rose up, catching me in a soft embrace.
A voice called out to me as my aching body was lowered gently to the ground.
Salvos!
Ugh why does my everything hurt
I nced up to see Saffron rushing to my side. The roots that caught me receded as Zin Norwood followed behind the young Vampire woman.
Are you alright? I have a healing potion
Saffron hurriedly uncorked a vial of red liquid and tipped it into my mouth. I coughed, grousing to my feet.
Ouch alright, I feel better now. Funny how those things work.
She sighed in relief before ncing up.
The Wyverns
I dont know if I can take them all on alone.
I shook my head, looking towards the sky. I blinked as I saw a fluttering snowke eddy down from the clouds above. The air was colder now, and snow fell to the ground like we were atop the peak of a mountain. It carpeted the grassy floor. I just stared up at the Wyverns flying high above.
Thats some powerful magic
And my eyes widened as the same glow from before appeared. The same ice breath, used by the entire flock of Wyverns. They aimed down at me at us. And my eyes widened.
Uh oh.
I hopped to my feet, getting ready to teleport away. But I realized a momentter the folly of my n. The ice st wouldve covered the caravan. Hundreds of Humans would die. If I didnt protect Saffron, she would die.
There was a moment of panic where I wasnt sure what to do. I instinctively created a trio of clones just so I could work to a n of action faster. But before I even had to do anything, the same roots that caught me from before shot up. It targeted the flock of Wyverns, splintering into many smaller roots, grabbing the winged beasts out of the air.
Their casting halted. The magic dissipated as the Wyverns drew back. I watched four [Lesser Wyverns] get dragged out of the air, before the barrier once again formed around them.
Zin Norwood smiled as she stood before me.
We just have to interrupt their spellcasting. Keep them on the defensive. Thats how it works on the battlefield.
Huh.
She offered me a hand, and I epted it. I saw a flicker a flurry of spells and arrows shot up straight at the Wyvern flock. The barrier absorbed the attacks, but it kept them from firing back with their ice breath.
You thought youd have to handle it all on your own, didnt you?
Zin chuckled as I epted her hand, getting to my feet. I looked around at the magic shooting up. I saw [Mages] of all levels directing their spells above just to distract the Wyvern flock.
Sorry, but this is beyond just a mere disaster or a catastrophe. This is a cmity-level threat. A lesser country could be reduced to nothing if a Wyvern migration like this decided to descend on it. I dont know what sparked this flock of Wyverns toe to the Humannds at this time, but I do know that itd be foolish even for an Elite to challenge them all alone.
From the corner of my eye, I saw a st of red me shoot above. Willy flew up to the Wyvern flock, spewing his me like a geyser. Amanda and Daniel appeared to my left, the pair looking exhausted after leading the stampeding [Goliath Oliphants] away from the caravan.
This isnt the same situation with the Archdemons. You dont have to fight them alone.
Zin smiled at me, finishing. I paused. There was a moment where I just stared at the gathering and nning Humans. Crocus Merryster and Feirdun Merryster were off to the side, hurriedly discussing how the [Warriors] could help the battle.
Everyone was contributing in some way. Even if it was to just keep the Wyvern flock on the back foot. I shook my head as I looked down at the Giant Killer Arrow. Zin was right I didnt need to fight the Wyvern flock alone. I didnt need to fight Belzu alone, either. Even if he was still higher-leveled than me, I could defeat him.
I just needed mypanions and a little bit of help from others.
The Giant Killer Arrow vanished as I kept it back into my [Dimensional Pocket].
We dont have to defeat all the Wyverns, either. We can just chase them off.
I spoke clearly, turning to face Zin and Saffron. They faced me inquisitively.
And how do you propose to do that?
Saffron asked with a raised brow. I raised a hand, pointing at thergest Wyvern. The highest-leveled Wyvern. It was just over a hundred feet long. But from this distance, it looked small smaller than even my finger.
We target the leader, of course. Its the one ordering them around to attack everything like an idiot.
Zin narrowed her eyes, but she just epted my words. Saffron, however, was puzzled.
And how do you know that?
Trust me, Saffron.
I met her gaze, and she blinked. Then she sighed.
Very well.
I produced my Divine Nebr Scythe, twirling it around. I nced between Zin, Daniel, and Amanda.
Alright. I need your guys help. Just distract the flock for me, and Ill deal with the leader.
Daniel shook his head his glowing armor was gone. His [A Heros Rage] had run out.
Id love to help, Salvos. But I dont know how Amanda and I can even get up there.
Dont worry. Ive got that covered.
I beamed, snapping my fingers. The ground beneath their feet broke off. Daniel blinked, nearly stumbling off it. Amanda grabbed him, cursing.
What the fuck are you doing
A ten foot long piece of the earth rose up, carrying them into the air. Zin stared as they rose into the air. I created my wings once again, flying across the caravan as I called out to the various stranded [Warriors] who were aching to help out.
Crocus! Anya! Feirdun! Come on! Join my flock!
The various Vampires took a moment to realize what was happening. And when they did, they immediately agreed. I carried them into the air with a mix of [Mass Particte Modification] and [Scattering Discement].
A few [Mages] followed them. Or those that could fly. Zin sprouted a pair of feathered wings as she flew alongside me. Dozens of other Humans ascended with me, heading straight for the flock of Wyverns. Willy was keeping them distracted with his mes the hundred [Lesser Wyverns] hid behind their barrier as he sted out at them with a mix of his yellow and red fire.
Hey Willy!
I called out to the [Will O Wisp] as he grew tired. His ming body was dimming, only to ze once again when he saw me.
Help.
Just get back! Theyve got this!
I pointed past him. Willy flew back as a trio of golden figures rushed past him. My clones flew straight into the barrier, detonating all at once. It was a condensed explosion one that sent a shockwave out that dispersed the nearby clouds.
The barrier shattered. The Wyverns reeled, making a screeching noise as if they were in physical pain. And through the copsing ice, I emerged. I stared at thergest Wyvern, spreading my arms wide as Daniel, Amanda, Zin, Anya Veridian, Willy, Crocus Merryster and many others joined me.
Hi. Im back for round two.
I bared my teeth at therge Wyvern. It stared at me. At those apanying me. Its barrier was broken. And all that was left was one thing.
To fight, up close and personal.
It roared. To Daniel and the others, it probably sounded like a regr monster call. But I heard through the veil. What it meant to convey.
KILL THEM ALL!
The Wyvern flock moved. I turned to mypanions, friends, and allies.
Distract them for me!
I called out, before bursting forward. I dove past the charging Wyverns, weaving through the flock and focusing only on my target.
Behind me, Daniel clung onto his rock, swinging his de and slicing a Wyvern in half with a single [Heros sh]. Amanda leapt off the back of Wyverns, quickly tearing at their wings and cutting them out of the air. Zin wrapped a group of them in vines and roots. Crocus beheaded one with three quick shes. Willy countered a st of frost breath with his own freezing mes, turning a trio of [Lesser Wyverns] into ice.
I saw them fighting. I focused my magic to keep the rocks afloat so that no one would fall from the air. A Wyvern dove straight at me, but I easily teleported around it. I reached the heart of the swarm, finally meeting my target face-to-face.
The leader of the Wyvern flock loomed over me. It was muchrger than I currently was. It let out a frost breath as it bellowed.
Puny Human!
I countered with my own st of mes. The sh of fire and ice resulted in an explosion. One that sent it reeling back. But I didnt let up. I rushed through the smoke, the frost, and the embers as I swung for the giant winged beasts head.
I am the Frost Lord of Sharik! You deserve to be but a mere meal to me and my kin!
It chomped for me as I barely flew around its closing mouth. The tip of my Divine Nebr Scythe burned, and I unleashed a flurry of [Barrage of Cinders] onto its side. I teleported a ways away back with [Long Ranged Teleportation] as the Wyvern tried to snap me out of the air again. But I wasnt done with my initial attack.
Take this
I activated [Demons Mark]. All it took was a light touched, and I seared the symbol onto its hide. The Wyverns eyes grew wide as a crimson explosion engulfed it. I stared, hoping that it was over.
But a st of frost ate through the explosion. The Frost Lord pped its tattered wings, eyes glinting as it faced me. It continued to speak only for my ears. And no one else''s.
The corruption couldnt defeat me. It tried. It chased me out of my home. But it failed to kill me. What makes you think you can defeat me?
I narrowed my eyes at the mention of the corruption.
Huh.
I had questions. But it didnt matter. Not now. I created another pair of clones. That was all the clones I could create for the next few hours. My mana reserves were starting to exhaust itself.
I nodded at them, and they spread out around the Frost Lord. We attacked it, one after another. We wore it down together, little bits of cuts all over the giant monster. It bit into one of my clones, and she exploded. The Wyvern screamed in pain as another powerful st engulfed him.
I have had enough! I shall end you now!
It sent a ball of ice at me, and I easily dodged out of the way. I stared at the ice sphere as it exploded into a wave of snow in the distance.
Is that it? I expected much more than that.
I shook my head.
You talk a lot. Seriously, I wish I could just ignore everything youre saying like everyone else here. Because you really speak too much.
I gestured vaguely towards Daniel as he struck down another Wyvern in the background. Then I grinned.
But, honestly, Im d you do. I didnt think a monster could get a Title. But if even a Wyvern can be a Lord, then that means I can be a Princess.
It stared at me, panting and injured.
What are you talking about?
I rolled my eyes at its confusion.
What Im saying is that Ive had enough. Look below you.
The Wyvern blinked, but before it could react, my clone teleported behind it. Sheughed before exploding in an instant. There was a roar of pain as the Frost Lord reeled back. Its skin was burned in many ces I could see the charred flesh beneath its hide.
Argh! How dare
And as it drew back, I cut through the smoke. I zipped straight through the explosion, swinging my Divine Nebr Scythe. The Frost Wyvern stared in shock as I closed the distance quickly no teleportation. Just [Haste] and a little bit of time distortion.
Also, I am not a Human! [Radiant sh]!
I spoke only for the Wyvern to hear as I swung for its soft, weakened flesh. I tore straight through its neck, decapitating it with that final swing. It tried to say something probably more grandiose statements about being the Frost Lord.
But I didnt care to hear it. Instead, I took in the notifications that popped in my head, dly epting that over more of the annoying drivel the Wyvern had to say.
Defeated [Lesser Frost Wyvern of the Tempest - Lvl 146]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 131] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 132]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 95] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 96]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 96] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 97]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Chapter 334: Wyverns Dead
Chapter 334: Wyverns Dead
334. Wyverns Dead
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 132
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 97
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 7
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 150 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 142 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 268 (+30) (+10) (+13)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 7]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 15
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 11]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
I watched as the Frost Lord dropped. Slowly. Like it was lumbering through the air. Its head fell alongside its massive body, separated cleanly by my Divine Nebr Scythe.
It was a [Lesser Wyvern]. Or more specifically, a [Lesser Frost Wyvern of the Tempest]. With a Title, too. And the battle was tough. It reminded me of the kind of fights Id used to have when I first arrived in the Mortal Realm. A monster that was above my level that would inflict a significant amount of damage with each hit. But I avoided its attacks. I wore it down with my barrage of Skills. With my speed.
And I brought it down.
All by myself. No I wasnt alone. There were others fighting with me. I spun around, and there the battlefield seemed to slow. Where it looked like everyone was moving at a sluggish pace.
Then I realized it was just the effects of my [Warped Time] still in effect. It ended, and I took in the scene. The fighting. The floating bits of rock soaring through the air. I saw a Wyvern crashing into Daniels boulder, only for him to leap onto its back and ride it as he swung at the rest of the flock. Amanda, Willy, Crocus there were so many people here. Each of them strong in their own right.
The Wyverns fell one after another. And while they were still far greater than us in number, they knew they had to regroup. Strategize. Except their leader was dead.
Id killed the Frost Lord.
And they didnt know what to do then. It was like they were stunned at a loss of even where they were. Their movements grew erratic. But they still fought. Until the first [Lesser Wyvern] made the decision to flee. Then it was over.
They scattered. Little by little, they spread out. Like flies. They zipped away. Nearly a hundred of the hulking winged creatures flew off, heading back to Motharis. They left in a frenzy. Not organized or even grouped together.
Good work everyone!
I pped my hands together as we descended back down from the sky. Obviously, there were some casualties. Not anyone I knew, so I didnt really care. But that meant it wasnt all celebration when we returned.
It was more as though everyone collectively finally let out a sigh of relief. A crisis was averted. And now it was time to tally the damage. Crocus Merryster immediately met up with Gannon Norwood. Saffron helped tend to Zins wounds. There were many people injured from the fighting, or caught in the crossfire.
Even though wed been battling hundreds of feet in the air, there were stray projectiles or breath attacks that crashed into the caravans below. Everyone was cleaning up or dealing with the aftermath. Even Daniel went around with Amanda forcing her to help.
I approached Saffron, making sure she was alright.
Im fine, Salvos. Look, I may not even be half your level, but Im still rtively high-leveled.
She rolled her eyes as she reassured me. I smiled.
Thats good! Im just d we were able to drive off those Wyverns!
Although I was upset I couldnt bring down more of them on my own. I just needed a few more levels to reach my next ss advancement. This was exciting.
Indeed.
Zin Norwood interjected as she got to her feet. The [Druid] smiled at me, cing a hand on my shoulder.
You did a good job, Salvos. Lets hope the rest of that Wyvern flock will leave the Humannds. Even a single [Lesser Wyvern] is incredibly dangerous.
Yep! But we still beat them easily!
I flexed an arm, grinning. Zin nodded in agreement.
That is the power of Humankind.
She spoke simply. And I froze. I slowly lowered my hand as Saffron pursed her lips, quickly ncing between us.
Um what?
I cocked my head. Zin just continued, not realizing my stiff reaction.
The power of Humankind. Our unity in the face of adversity. Sometimes, it may take a while for us to band together. But when we do, we are always able to repel any enemies thate our way. The same thing happened with the Kobolds invaded. When the Elves attacked us. When the Centinels came. Weve always managed to push them back.
The power of Humankind huh?
That didnt make sense to me. I mean, werent the Centinels all united as well? At least, to a certain extent, they were working together when they fled the Ennds. And what about the Kobolds when they invaded? Or the Elves?
I didnt understand this logic. And it kind of made me ufortable that she was lumping me in together as a Human. Because I wasnt. Zin just smiled as I shuffled my feet. Finally, she realized something was amiss, and she peered at me.
Is something the matter?
No.
I sighed, turning away.
Its nothing.
-
The rest of the trip to the Helbir ins proceeded smoothly. Although there were quite a few panicked messages sent via spell warning the nearby cities about Wyverns and rampaging [Goliath Oliphants].
We reached the heart of the Helbir League. The nation that was currently in charge of the alliance. It was a massive city state called Alyras. And it was here where the Veridians were located.
We reached their estate arge ptial structure atop a hill at the center of the city. Our caravan set up an encampment just outside of the city with only minor issues, since the Veridians notified the king of our arrival.
In fact, the king himself greeted us, along with quite the gathering from the city. He actually bowed to Anya Veridian, even though I was pretty sure that was not how kings were supposed to carry themselves. And he spread his arms wide as he spoke.
We are happy to host the Norwoods, the Merrysters, and their guests here in our city!
The king shook his head, turning to the audience gathered. His citizens.
These families havee together to pledge themselves and their resources to bring down the Primeval Demon guing ournds. Treat them well, for they are our honored guests!
A susurration ran through the crowd. They spoke in hurried whispers as they pointed our way. I narrowed my eyes as I heard their talk and chatter.
Can they really defeat the Primeval Demon?
Maybe theyre here to join forces with the adventurer army?
The Primeval Demon stands no chance against them!
I blinked and turned to Saffron.
Adventurer army? What are they talking about?
The Three Honorable Companies are gathering the adventurers throughout all of the Humannds. Theyre meeting here, in the Helbir ins, in a few weeks time.
Saffron exined casually.
Honestly, thats part of the reason why we decided toe here. Because if the Primeval Demon does give chase to us, itd have to face the Hellbir League and the adventurer alliance before getting to us.
Huh.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
Do you mean every single adventurer ising?
Most of them.
Saffron raised a brow.
Why?
I beamed, sping my hands together excitedly.
That means I can see Edithe soon!
My thirdpanion. I hadnt seen her in so long. I couldnt wait to get to meet her again see how strong she grew.
Saffron just stared at me.
...who?
Chapter 335: Interlude – Edithe’s Embarrassment
Chapter 335: Interlude ¨C Edithe¡¯s Embarrassment
335. Interlude - Edithe''s Embarrassment
Edithe Dawnrise got up to another day of traveling. The adventurer army was going to be leaving the Sunmere Republic today. There were literally hundreds ofpanies gathered here as a part of this coalition.
They came from the west and the south of the Humannds Edithe saw even the Alterian Sages here. They were the most prominent adventurerpany in Oda. They werentrge, but they had a very high bar of entry. They only epted tinum Ranks and above.
There were also the Silver Archers from Iceglen. The Vanguards of Sorcery from the former country of Nixa. The Hammer desmen from Elutra. And many more.
That was not to mention the Rising Veterans Company was here too. One of the Three Honorable Companies. They led this coalition. Or, more specifically, Helena Warshade led this coalition. She was the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world an Archmage of Mavos Academy.
Edithe honestly couldnt believe it. She never thought shed ever meet Helena Warshade in person, let alone work alongside her. The Valiant Dreamers were a part of the so-called Coalition Council as they were one of thergerpanies present. And Edithe represented the Valiant Dreamers in that regard.
It was strange. Hadrian was the leader of theirpany, but he entrusted her to be the representative. Perhaps it was because the True Valiants were given a seat at the Coalition Council too, and Edithe was actually in speaking terms with them.
Regardless, as Edithe sat in the meeting tent and listened to Helena Warshade, she couldnt help but admire the Archmage.
Well be arriving at the Helbir ins in a days time.
Helena spoke as she pointed at the mapid out before her.
There, well be meeting up with both the coalitions of the Forsaken Company and the Remembered Order Company.
And is that when well strike the Primeval Demon?
A bearded man asked. Edithe recognized him as Jordan. The leader of the Vanguard of Sorcery from Nixa. He leaned forward, an eager desire for revenge in his eyes. Helena shook her head.
No. Well need allies. We cannot be hasty. We cannot battle the Primeval Demon alone. We must be prepared.
It made sense to Edithe. The biggest reason why the Primeval Demon was able to beat back the Human coalition army in Nixa was because of how unprepared they were for this threat. They treated it like it was a mere cmity-level threat but in reality, it was even worse.
A cataclysm-level threat, perhaps. And if the Demon King was really behind this invasion, it could be an apocalyptic-level threat.
It sent a shudder down Edithes spine. She was afraid of what would happen if there was an all out internar war in her lifetime. It was something she heard about in history books, but never expected to experience herself.
But not everyone agreed with Helenas assessment of Belzus danger. There was a snort. Heads turned to face the familiar troublemaker at this point. Edithe red at him at Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale.
He was an Elite [Rogue]. He sat next to Helena next to the other Elites like Alder Ashford and Lofus. He was Level 161. His level dwarfed Edithes. Normally, such a gulf in level would automatically draw her respect. But he had such an unlikable and vile personality that she could only hate the man.
Seriously? Were going to waste more time waiting for more weaklings to join us?
Orgaf rolled his eyes.
Thats such a foolish n, Helena. And you know it.
The Archmage narrowed her eyes, but said nothing. Meanwhile, Edithe couldnt keep her mouth shut. Shed cooled down significantly in thest few years, however everything about Orgaf got on her nerves.
And will you borate, or are you just here to be an asshole?
She asked, crossing her arms. There were a few quiet nods of agreement. Nothing too obvious. But Edithe was sure most of those present were on her side after all,
Well, if you insist, I shall continue.
He sneered at her, speaking boldly for everyone to hear.
Its the same mistake we made before. If we continue to let that Primeval Demon run amok, itll only get stronger. So what if we bide our time and gather a stronger army? So will it. All this waiting and strategizing is just pure foolishness.
Edithe blinked. She wasnt expecting a proper response. He kind of had a point. But she didnt waver.
So what do you propose instead? That we charge in foolishly and die now?
Maybe you idiots would die. But if we gather a group of Elites and target the Primeval Demon from the start?
Orgaf shrugged.
Itd be over in a moment.
Edithe stared at him. That was never going to work. Not against Belzus illusions. Not against his curses. Not when he had an army defending him. She opened her mouth.
Youre the idiot here if you think
Thats enough.
Helena interrupted them from arguing any further.
This discussion is irrelevant for now.
She gave an exasperated sigh. Edithe pursed her lips the red-haired woman wished she didnt say anything now. It mustve been annoying dealing with their bickering. Like children.
Before you are dismissed, does anyone have anything else to add?
The leader of the Rising Veterans Company asked. Edithe drew back with nothing to add. And most of the room remained quiet. No one spoke. Helena Warshade nodded.
Very well. Then you are dismissed.
--
I fucking hate him.
Edithe cursed, pacing back and forth. She was back with herpany. They were still in their encampment. They were leaving at dawn tomorrow.
Hadrian tried to cate her.
Its fine, Edithe. I dont think Helena Warshade agrees with him, anyway.
But hes still such an asshole!
I know.
He ced a hand on her shoulder. She paused. She turned to Hadrian, meeting his gaze. He continued.
Look, if you want, I can be at the meeting the next time around. Its my fault for pushing my job onto you.
Edithe stared at Hadrian. There was a bit of mncholy on his face. Some semnce of regret. He averted his eyes.
I just sometimes, Im not even sure what to do. Especially since Jake is there. The True Valiants hate me. They me me for what happened. And theyre
He trailed off. Edithe slowly took him by the hand.
I can handle it, Hadrian. Im just venting. But theres no need to worry. Seriously, we trust you..
She nced over at the rest of theirpany. He chuckled as he raised his head.
Youre right. Im probably just overthinking it.
Edithe couldnt help but worry about Hadrian. About how he was feeling especially after Baris death. But that didnt take precedence right now. So, she exined what happened in the rest of the meeting to him. She ryed Helenas decision to finally leave the Sunmere Republic the rest of thepany. They prepared to leave, packing their things along with the rest of the coalition army.
When morning came, they left. They started heading for the Helbir ins. They barely stopped at the border cities to gather new recruits. They left a message behind at the Adventurers Guild before continuing on.
And as Edithe marched alongside Hadrian and herpany, anotherpany approached the Valiant Dreamers. However, they werent there to start trouble. In fact, they were friends. Allies.
Noah. Leader of the Northbury Troops. They actually were from the Helbir ins. The burly man sauntered up to Edithe and Hadrian, smacking them both on their backs.
Edithe! Hadrian! It is good to see you here!
Noah.
Hadrian greeted him with a smile.
I had thought you and your troops had already returned to the Helbir ins. What were you guys doing still in the Sunmere Republic?
We were doing a few jobs here and there.
Noah waved a hand off dismissively.
But then I heard about this whole coalition thing. And why wouldnt I join it?
Its good that youre here.
Edithe nodded. He wasnt that strong. But she knew he was resourceful. Especially since he was well, a Vampire. She didnt mean to be discriminatory to him just because he wasnt fully Human. But they were known to be Demon yers. Everyone knew that.
Noah raised a brow knowingly.
Oh? And what does that mean?
T-thats
She drew back nervously. But he just guffawed.
Im kidding. I know what you meant. And trust me, thats exactly why Im here. Although Im sure you can count on that boy Hadrian too if you wanted.
He grinned at Hadrian, but the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company just shrugged.
Unlike you, I was never raised as a Vampire. Good riddance too. That means I dont have to keep up with their politics.
Actually, thats why I was searching for you.
Noah leaned in conspiratorially to them. Edithe blinked.
Did something happen?
Yes. Quite a surprising thing. I just got word from one of my thralls a message spell. Apparently, all Four of the Greater Vampire Families have pledged their word to work together to deal with the Primeval Demon threat.
Hadrian paused. His eyes widened.
Are you serious?
Edithe frowned.
Is that that big of a deal?
She wasnt familiar with Vampire politics. In fact, she knew very little about Vampires until Hadrian revealed the truth to her. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers nodded.
It is. The Greater Vampire Families have not been united in a long time.
And all it took was a cataclysm-level threat to show up.
Noah snorted in agreement. Edithe tapped a finger on her chin.
Thats a good thing, isnt it?
In a sense, yes. But its still ridiculous it took this long for them to finally work together. Especially after you know
The burly man spoke, gesturing at Hadrian. Hadrian just sighed.
What happened to my family before I was born doesnt matter. What matters now is that we capitalize on this. If we can get Helena to agree to work with them
Thats right. Wed stand a better chance against the Primeval Demon.
Edithe agreed. Noah nced between the both of them, grinning.
Well, do I have good news for you! The Vampire families are gathering in Alyras.
Thats
In the Helbir ins!
Edithe exchanged a nce with Hadrian. They both nodded at each other. They had the same thought.
Thats perfect. Come on, we need to find Helena.
The red-haired woman gestured both Noah and Hadrian forward with her. Soon enough, they found the Archmage and leader of the Rising Veterans Company. She led the coalition army at the very front, sitting atop her floating cloud.
It took a little bit of convincing, but after speaking to Leopold the same man whod brought the Valiant Dreamers into the adventurer coalition they got him to call her down to speak with them.
Helena Warshade descended from the sky, an indifferent look on her face.
I was told you had something important to tell me.
She scanned the trio, pausing only at Noah. Edithe stepped forward.
We have news, Archmage Warshade. Of allies in the Helbir ins. The Four Greater Vampire Families have agreed to work together. And they have gathered at
Alyras.
Helena spoke over the red-haired woman.
I am quite aware. I have my own informationwork, Edithe Dawnrise.
She kept her tone neutral, but Edithe almost felt like she was being stung by Helenas words. Of course Helena wouldve known! The red-haired woman stumbled back, unsure of what to say.
Oh thats
But we have friends within the ranks of the Vampire families.
Hadrian added. He hesitated for a moment before continuing.
I am a Vampire, myself. And so is Noah of the Northbury Troops. We can help you link up with them.
He gestured at Noah, who was nodding in agreement. Helena shook her head.
I appreciate your help, Valiant Dreamers and Northbury Troops. But I am also aware of your Vampire lineage, and I have already spoken to the king of Alyras via message. We have a meeting with the Vampire families arranged once we arrive.
Helena spoke bluntly. Even if she expressed gratitude, she looked unimpressed. And while Edithe recognized that as how Helena was most of the time, it still made Edithe feel bad for wasting the Archmages time.
I-I see. That makes sense.
Edithe bowed her head, wanting to take her leave as quickly as possible. That was embarrassing.
Thank you for listening to us, Archmage Warshade.
Is there anything else?
No. We shall take our leave now.
The red-haired woman backed up, only to pause when she turned around. A man approached the group a familiar man. The leader of the True Valiants. Jake.
He mustve seen Helenas cloud descend and took his opportunity to approach them. Hadrian narrowed his eyes as Jake shot back a disgruntled look.
Archmage Warshade. I have some matter of import to discuss with you.
What is it?
Helena asked brusquely. Then she nced over at Edithe and Hadrian.
And if it is about the Vampire families, I am aware.
Edithe ducked her head. Jake tilted his head slightly, clearly confused.
I, uh, have not heard of this news you speak of. But thats not why I am here.
Then speak quickly. Tell me what news you bear.
Helena didnt seem intrigued regardless. But Jake continued, still speaking politely as he addressed.
Actually, Archmage Warshade, while I do have something I need to bring up, its not so much news. Rather, I have someone I want you to meet.
Edithe raised a brow. She saw Jake nce her way. He had a hint of nervousness on his face.
Is he someone important?
Helena asked, face cool, but voice clearly intrigued.
Yes.
Jake nodded, stepping to the side.
We have someone here who can help offer you valuable information. Especially in regards to this Demon threat.
A man approached the base of the cloud. Helena Warshade actually reacted this time. Edithes eyes grew wide as she saw who was approaching. Hadrian sputtered out.
Y-youre
Orbur Vale.
Edithe gaped.
One of the former leaders of the Iron Champions Company.
The man stepped forward, bowing his head towards Helena and spoke simply.
Greetings, Archmage Warshade. May we talk?
Helena ced a finger on her chin.
Very well. Let us speak, Orbur Vale.
Chapter 336: Get Good
Chapter 336: Get Good
336. Get Good
I am so bored.
Iy in bed as Willy flitted just above me. We were in the encampment just outside of fAlyras, and even though it had been a full day since we arrived here, we have done absolutely nothing. I kicked my feet in the air, whining to the [Will O Wisp].
I want to see Edithe already!
Edithe Dawnrise. Mypanion. The feisty red-haired woman. A [Mage], and a former [Summoner]. She was supposedly a part of the adventurer currently heading to Alyras. And while I could just wait for her arrival, I was getting impatient.
Just go?
Willy asked, perplexed. I shook my head.
I cant.
Why?
Saffron asked me to stay. She said shes worried that Belzu could be tracking us down by himself. His army hasnt been seen within Inorias borders in over a week. We dont even know where he is, so its dangerous.
I exined as I sprawled myself in bed. I nced out of the tent it was nighttime. Everyone was sleeping. But I didnt need to sleep. The camp was still as everyone else snoozed like the stupid Humans they were. The only person here who didnt need to sleep was the one keeping mepany.
Willy. And he gave me an inquisitive look.
Clone?
He suggested. He spoke in his usual clipped sentence. Especially when the implication was clear enough. I knew what he meant he wanted me to send one of my clones to find Edithe. I nodded.
I already sent a clone out. Yesterday, actually. But
I trailed off. The [Will O Wisp] flickered.
But?
I sighed.
My clone is
The dark world rushed around the clone. She moved swiftly over thendscape. As though the ground was gripped withnguor, and the cid trees were content with where they stood. The clone looked up and saw the wheeling stars, then down at the rapidly changing map. Her task had been simple.
Go find Edithe, the original said. I can just teleport back and forth if you find her.
The logic made sense. But there was one problem. A minor setback. The clones mes dimmed as the realization settled in.
She was
lost.
I sighed.
My clone is lost.
Willy stared at me for a moment. Then he snorted.
Heh.
Come on! Its not my fault, alright? I bet if I was the one out there searching for Edithe, I wouldnt be lost.
Sure.
The [Will O Wisp] spoke sarcastically. I scowled, crossing my arms.
And its harder when you literally dont know where youre going, ok? Saffron just told me the adventurer army was somewhere to the southwest. Thats not a lot of direction to work off of!
Get good.
No matter my protestation, Willy justughed. We argued as the night continued. I tried to swat at him, but like an annoying fly, he zipped out of the way. Fortunately, since he was here to keep me entertained, the morning finally arrived and I could go bother someone else.
I waited outside a luxurious tent as its p slowly drew open. A drowsy figure rubber her eyes, taking a single step forward. And I leapt at her.
Saffron!
S-Salvos?!
Saffron Merryster stumbled back. I ced my hands on her shoulders.
Are we done waiting yet? Can I go find Edithe myself?
What?
It took Saffron a moment to parse what I was saying. She blinked a few times before shaking her head.
Look, Salvos, weve already had this conversation yesterday. I told you, I cant stop you from doing what you want to do. Find your friend
Edithes not my friend. Shes mypanion, just like you.
...yes,panion. Whatever. Go find her if you want to. But if the Primeval Demon attacks
Youll all die and I wont be there to stop it. I know, I know.
I rolled my eyes, a bit annoyed. I knew what she was saying was true. In fact, if I hadnt even been there during the whole ordeal with the [Lesser Wyverns] and [Goliath Oliphants], it was entirely possible Saffron would be dead now.
Its just dumb. Why cant Belzu die already?
He was the source of a lot of my problems since he appeared. Saffron shrugged.
Thats what were working on, Salvos.
My shoulders went ck as I drew back. Saffron stared at my clearly worsening mood. She massaged her temples, ncing back into her tent.
Listen, Salvos, I have to get ready for a meetingter today. But if youre this bored, why not just explore the city or something?
I tried!
I spoke exasperatedly, gesticting towards Alyras.
But its literally just like any other city Ive ever been in. I got bored after taking a look at five streets!
Seriously, itd be more fun for me to stare at a rock for hours than just take a look at the same Human settlements over and over again. Saffron shook her head.
Alyras is very different from the cities youve been in before, Salvos. The culture here is entirely different. For one thing, youd be hard-pressed to find any temple other than the Den of Souls here in the Helbir ins. Even the architecture draws on a more minimalistic stylepared to the ornate or dark designs of
I dont care. Its a city. A Human city. Just like any other Human city.
I spoke over her before, harrumphing. She raised a brow, clearly puzzled.
Uh ok?
I tried to make my displeasure even more clear, but she just moved on. She didnt pick up on the hints. And while I wouldve loved to vocalize how annoyed I was at remaining in my Human form right now, someone wouldve probably overheard us.
If youre bored how about this.
Saffron tapped a finger on her chin.
Theres something for you to look forward to tonight.
Something for me to look forward to?
I cocked my head. She nodded.
Yes. Therell be a feast held in the pce. Most of the important nobles have been invited to it, myself included, and I am allowed to bring guests.
I narrowed my eyes. A feast? That was just another Human thing! And there was going to be lots of gross food too. I made a face of disgust.
Why would I want to go to a feast? That sounds dumb!
It was frustrating. I didnt like being treated like a Human. I wasnt a Human, and I certainly wasnt on the Human side of this war between Humans and Demons. I was just on mypanions side right?
Well, I also disliked Belzu. So I was against Belzus side too. But I definitely wasnt a part of this so-called great united Humankind these Humans loved to boast about.
Saffron furrowed her brows, eyeing me curiously. I could tell that she was starting to realize that I was genuinely upset about something. Then she snapped her fingers.
Actually, I heard that theres going to be a princess at the feast.
I immediately piped up as my annoyances seemed to vanish.
I want to go to the feast!
Finally.
Belzu watched the sun rise over the mountains. It was day time, and he saw his destination in sight. The gray mounds of rock slowly morphed into greener trees and pastures. The scenery changed. Hed finally escaped Inorias borders.
Levithus wont dare to give chase to us here.
His bulbous eyes darted back, warily eyeing the undting hills behind him. A trail of monsters followed after the Primeval Demon. There were tens of thousands of them with thousands of them over Level 70, such as the Mindreapers zipping about above the horde. Yet, their numbers were not as plentiful as theyd once been.
The constant battling and attrition with Regnorexs foolish followers in Inoria had weakened him. His once hundred-thousand-strong army was weaker than ever. Belzu highly doubted hed even be able to take another Capital city with what he had now, let alone face another coalition army of Humans.
No he needed to move swiftly. Hed been dyed enough. The next Treasure of Alexander awaited him here. In the Shedos Republic.
Truth be told, he couldnt care too much about the names of the Human countries. Hed learned them simply to further his goal. But now, he needed to know more. He had to learn more. Because of his recent additions to his army his attempt at regaining some of his lost numbers.
He craned his insect-like head back, facing a tanned figure waiting behind him. It wasnt a monster. It wasnt even under the control of the Mindreapers. It stood there, boots quaking just from his gaze.
Tell me, Human.
Belzu spoke simply as he slowly walked his way to the Human woman. Shed been a ve, and hed liberated her. Given her freedom. And she now served under him. Her name her history none of it mattered to him.
All that mattered was that she gave him what he wanted.
Does this country have more of your kind?
At first, the Human woman looked confused. She hesitated, trying to work her jaw as she didnt know what to say. Then another Human spoke up from behind her.
A-Alix, I believe that L-Lord Belzu is asking if Shedos has ves, just as Inoria did.
O-oh. T-thank you, Quin.
The Human woman hurriedly nodded and bowed towards the Primeval Demon.
No, L-Lord Belzu. The Shedos Republic voted to ban the trading of ves a hundred years ago, when their republic was in its infancy.
Belzus eyes didnt narrow. But his pupils grew smaller. The Human woman gulped, backing away warily. But he turned away from her.
I see.
That was unfortunate. He could not replenish more of his army. He considered razing down a few more smaller cities, increasing his numbers with the undead that woulde about. But would both slow him down when he was already hard-pressed for time, and run the risk of drawing the ire of another Human coalition army down on him.
No. Hed been too slow. He needed to move swiftly. Belzu raised his insect hand, pointing towards the horizon. His mouth didnt move, but he sent a pulse of mind magic through the Mindreapers. Voiceless words that echoed in the head of all the monsters and even Humans present in his army.
Hismand. His will.
Onward. To the Greaves of Alexander.
Chapter 337: Weird Woman
Chapter 337: Weird Woman
337. Weird Woman
Princess Rana Alyras was the sole daughter of Artik Alyras, the king of Alyras. She was his only heir, and that meant shed inherit his throne when he passed. He doted on her because of that. He always made sure her every needs and wants were tended to. And while she truly appreciated his affections when she was young, now that she was soon-to-be turning eighteen, she wished he was harsher on her.
A lifetime of luxury had made her soft. She was sheltered, and because of that, she wasnt sure how to carry herself as a real princess. Shed met with other members of royalty when they came to visit Alyras. They were nothing like her.
Even now, as Rana prepared for tonights feast, she was panicking. She looked in the mirror at her dress and bit her lower lip.
Do you really think this is fine, Sevika?
She turned to the maid standing next to her. Sevika just sighed.
I already told you, your highness, you look perfectly fine.
But I cant just be fine, Sevika. I hear that the Veridians will be there! And not just them but the Merrysters and Norwoods too! Theyre three of the Greater Vampire Families! I have to impress them.
The maid massaged her temples. For other nobles, such a reaction from a mere servant would probably be considered quite rude. But Sevika was practically Ranas best friend despite their rtionship. Sevika spoke exasperatedly.
Youre wearing the finest garments that all of Alyras has to offer. And youre a princess. No one is going to judge you by what you wear.
Rana shook her head, turning away from the maid.
You just dont get it, do you? Its a feast with some of the most important people in the world!
She started down the hallway as her long silk dress barely hovered over the ground.
No one and I mean no one at the feast is going to care that Im a princess.
Im going to meet a princess!
I happily skipped behind Saffron as we hopped off the carriage. There was arge archway leading into the pce, and already dozens of nobles from the Vampire families were pouring in. Saffron Merryster followed after me, dressed in an elegant pink dress that matched her tress.
Salvos, havent you met plenty of princesses before? Why are you this excited to meet another princess?
Wha what are you saying?
I paused, turning around to face mypanion. Behind her, her butler Matthew, Daniel Song, and Amanda followed. Crocus Merryster and the rest of his family had gone ahead of us, traveling with Zin and a few of the Norwoods. Daniel shook his head.
I dont know, Salvos. I just thought youd have gotten over your obsession with princesses by now. Havent you met Faith?
I did! And shes the most amazing Human Ive ever met!
I nodded eagerly. Both mypanions just stared at me. I cocked my head, giving them a confused look. Saffron started past me.
Whatever. Just try to behave yourself, alright?
Will do!
I raised a hand, following her down the gilded hallway as she led the way. Eventually, we arrived at the feast itself. A grand ballroom. One that was filled with over a thousand guests. And I totally wasnt going to make a scene while in here.
Im so nervous
The princess shifted as she waited just outside of the feast hall. She breathed slowly, practicing a few meditation techniques her personal tutor had taught her. Sevika nudged her forward.
Hurry up already. The king is waiting to introduce you to his guests.
I got it, I got it. I just have never been to very many parties before, let alone one of this size.
Rana exhaled, finally steeling herself just enough to take a step forward. Then she paused.
Actually, I changed my mind. Give me another
But Sevika pushed her out. The princess stumbled through the curtain, wide-eyed before shooting a re back at her maid. Sevika carried herself with poise as she stepped out after Rana.
You
King Artik, the princess has arrived at the feast.
Sevika spoke calmly past Rana. The princess froze. She slowly spun around, face burning as she faced the throne. Artik Alyras rose from his seat, disengaging from his conversation with two well-dressed figures. He smiled as he turned to his daughter.
There you are, Rana.
F-Father! I apologize for myteness. I ran into a problem with theces
It is fine. Come, Rana, say hello tody Anya Veridian and Ulli Veridian. You remember them, right?
He ushered the princess forward. Rana stiffly walked up to the two figures. She recognized them from their reputation alone. Anya Veridian, the head of the Veridian Family. And Ulli was both her husband and former butler. Their romance had been scandalous when it was announced, but now, everyone treated Ulli Veridian with the same respect as any other lord.
Y-yes. It is a pleasure to meet you once again,dy and lord Veridian.
Was that even the right way to greet them? Rana didnt know they were the most powerful nobles in all of the Helbir ins! Even her father didnt have as much influence over the countries here as they did!
Greetings princess Rana.
Anya smiled as she bowed back at the princess.
It really has been so long since Ist saw you. You were but this height back then.
She brought her hand up to her waist. Rana bit her lower lip. That wasnt right. She metdy Anya when she was fifteen years old. But she couldnt bring herself to correct the head of the Veridian Family.
King Artik smiled as he gestured past the Veridians. Towards a nearby table.
Now, Rana, Im sure youre hungry as you havent had a meal all day much to our [Chef]s chagrin. You may take a seat, and Sevika will serve you anything that you wish.
Thank you, Father.
Rana barely squeaked out, d that she was given an out from the conversation. Not like she wouldve even been invited into it. It sounded important. And, well, unfortunately Rana wasnt very useful.
Yes,dy Anya. My sources tell me that the Primeval Demon was recently seen entering Shedos.
This is rming. Hopefully we can meet up with Helena Warshades forces before
See, princess Rana? That wasnt so hard. You held a conversation. Good job.
Sevika spoke, interrupting the princess eavesdropping. Rana blinked, then scowled.
Oh, hush Sevika. I embarrassed myself because of you.
I highly doubt anyone paid attention to you stumbling out from behind the throne, princess Rana. Everyone seems to be preupied with their own conversations.
That was true. Rana scanned the room, taking in the various figures she recognized present.
Thats Lord Crocus Merryster from the Merryster Family!
She stared at the man walking around in te armor. He was close to Elite in level. Over Level 130. And while he was a Lord, he was also a decorated soldier of Nixas army when it still existed. That was why he was dressed that way.
Amazing. I heard he was at the Fall of Nightsveil. And he survived it. He must be higher-leveled than even Zura
Zura was Alyras highest-leveled general. They were a small nation state, after all. They havent had an Elite from the country in thest thousand years.
And next to him thats Zin and Gannon Norwood!
Rana recognized the [Druid] and the senator of Shedos immediately. She expected Zin to be dressed in leaves or to be wearing animal fur, but surprisingly, the [Druid] wore a regr dress.
They really are here too
For a moment, Rana thought about getting up and introducing herself to them. But she immediately thought better of the idea and marched straight to her table. No, Ill definitely make a fool of myself. Best to limit all social interaction for the night. That is the only way Ill make a good impression.
Yes, princess Rana. You were given a guest list, and their names were clearly on it.
Sevika piped up from behind Rana. The princess rolled her eyes.
I just thought they wouldnt actually show up, alright?
She returned to looking around therge hall with starry-eyes. She saw so many people she heard about. Powerful people. Many of whom she never imagined shed ever meet.
Thats Jana Dok, head of one of the most influential lesser Vampire family. They were a thrall to the Slydrifts when they were still around, werent they? And thats Serrin Tash. And thats Selene Leo. And thats Alvan Marin wait, why is he here? I thought his family hated the Norwoods?
Rana listed out name after name after name. She watched them all as they conversed, busying themselves while interacting with one another.
And here I am, all on my own this is even more embarrassing than I thought itd be.
She flushed as she sat at the empty table. Sevikas face didnt change as she responded.
Youre seriously going to be moaning about everything tonight, aren''t you?
You just dont understand what its like to be in my position, Sevika.
The princess crossed her arms. The maid nodded.
Indeed. I do not know what its like to be born into the most affluent and powerful family in the country. Your life is truly a travesty.
You know what I meant by that!
Maybe. Maybe not. Now if youll excuse me, Ill go and bring you some food.
Sevika drew back, excusing herself. Rana blinked and raised a hand.
Wait, Sevika! Dont leave me alone
But the maid was already gone. And the princess of Alyras found herself truly alone this time, awkwardly sitting at an empty table as the room bustled around her.
...what do I do?
Rana muttered, wanting to slump over in embarrassment. But to keep up appearances, she couldnt. She just hoped no one would pay attention to the lone princess seated by herself
Ahhhhh!
Fortunately for her, everyones attention was diverted elsewhere as a high-pitched shriek erupted from the corner of the room.
I licked my fingers, watching as the plumpdy ran away from the buffet table. Her screaming was causing amotion. A scene in this grand feast. Seriously, what an idiot. Meanwhile, here I was, behaving myself quietly as I munched on thest of my snack.
What are you doing, Salvos?!
Saffron, for whatever reason, ran up to me in a panic. I cocked my head, turning to her.
Me? Im just eating. See?
I held up arge mosquito as it dangled in between my fingers. Its wings pped, trying to get away, but I stuffed it into my mouth. There was a crunch as bit down on the mosquito.
Mmm, delicious.
Salvos, thats
She just stared at me as her eyes bulged out of their sockets. Those who were standing closest to us paled at the sight. A man gagged, stumbling forward, as a woman covered her childs eyes. I raised a brow.
This is a feast, right? Whats wrong with having a snack or two?
Where did you even get that bug? I couldve sworn there was an anti-insect zone set up around the feast.
I caught it before we entered of course!
I happily eximed. Then I produced a few dead flies in the palm of my hand with [Dimensional Pocket].
I also have this
Alright, thats enough.
Saffron just grabbed me by the hand before I could munch on the rest of my snacks. She dragged me away from the watching crowd, profusely apologizing to the onlookers.
Sorry! Shes an adventurer! Shes just too used to her weird eating habits!
Willy followed us,ughing the entire way until we were away from the buffet table. We stood closer to the throne now, and I frowned.
Hey! I was eating!
I dont what made you think that was a good idea, but I asked you not to make a scene, Salvos. Whats going on with you? I know youre smarter than that.
Nothings wrong with me. Maybe something is wrong with you guys, huh? Ever thought about that?
I stuck a tongue out at Saffron. She massaged her temples.
And youre wearing your blue jacket too
The young noble paused. She eyed me carefully before shaking her head.
I dont know whats going on youve been acting strange for the past few days but whatever it is, well talk about itter, alright?
Fine.
I harrumphed. Saffron gestured past me, sighing. Willy justughed behind us.
Just please behave yourself until then, please.
Ugh, I will.
Thank you.
Saffron smiled and patted me on the shoulder. Then she turned around and returned to the feast. I spotted a nearby table right by the throne. There was only one person seated there. A young woman. I grumbled, dragging myself there as Willy flitted behind me.
I was told there was going to be a princess. Where is she anyway?
I really wanted to befriend her and maybe ask if she could make me her sister.
Rana stared at the weird woman with the blue clothes as she approached the empty table. There was a glowing spark floating above her shoulder, and she said something in an annoyed voice under her breath.
The princess tensed up, unsure of what to do. That woman had eaten a giant mosquito in a single gulp. Even worse Rana didnt even recognize her. And she especially didnt know what to say to her once she sat down.
Sevika please save me, the princess begged.
Unfortunately, the weird woman took a seat, and Rana was helpless to do anything but sit there quietly.
Chapter 338: Lonely Princess
Chapter 338: Lonely Princess
338. Lonely Princess
Rana Alyras hung her head in defeat as the weird woman sat down at her table. Sevika wasnt going to be returning anytime soon the maid had said she was going to acquire food, but that clearly was a lie. Otherwise, shed be back by now.
And now, the princess was trapped. She fidgeted in her seat, casting nervous nces at the weird woman. Please dont talk to me. Please dont talk to me. Please dont talk to
Hi! Im Salvos, whats your name?
why?!
I faced the other girl who was sitting at the table. She had long ck locks that were tied into various different braids. Her skin was tanned dark like most of the people Id seen from the Helbir ins. And Ivonne Vigil. That [Merchant] who held the auction for the Fruits of Ygdrazil at Mavos Academy.
Obviously, they didnt look rted. I could tell that this girl sitting across from me had a different everything from Ivonne. So I wasnt going to stupidly lean forward and ask if she knew Ivonne just from that.
Instead, I happily introduced myself to her.
Hi! Im Salvos, whats your name?
The girl froze. Her entire body tensed. I watched as she slowly turned to face me, tilting her head.
A-are you talking to me?
She asked, and I nodded.
Yep!
I watched as she bit her lower lip. She tried to work her mouth, but nothing came out. I tapped a finger on the table patiently.
Um, hello? I am talking to you.
I waved a hand in front of her head. Her face turned crimson red, and behind me, Willy snorted.
She heard you.
Well, why isnt she replying then?
I posed the question to the [Will O Wisp]. He flitted up in front of my head, speaking simply.
Because annoying.
Im not annoying!
I raised a fist. He justughed as I swatted at him. My face twisted into a scowl. I sat back into the chair while Willy continued to fly around me. Then I noticed the way the girls eyes widened. She stared up at the floating piece of me.
Thats a Grand Spirit?!
The princess couldnt believe her eyes. Shed never seen a Grand Spirit before. There werent very many [Summoners] in the Helbir ins. The Sanctum of Elements and the Sanctuary of Fauna didnt extend to this part of the Humannds. And while the Den of Souls was prevalent here, they didnt exactly encourage summoning. Not in the same way the Sanctum of Elements and the Sanctuary of Fauna did.
The Den of Souls still looked at Spirits as hallowed creatures. They were the servants of the Spirit Lord, and thus, were to be treated with respect and dignity. To be summoned at the beck and call of any individual Human and fight and die for them.
No Spirits were summoned in a ritual with numerous [Priests] providing offerings to them in exchange for thepletion of a task. It reminded Rana of what she read about [Cultists] and Demon summonings, but she never once voiced herparisons since she knew the Den of Souls would be gravely affronted at that.
Anyway, all this just meant that there were even fewer Spirits in the Helbir ins inparison to other parts of the Humannds. To see a Spirit was already a very rare sight. And to see a Grand Spirit?
Ranas jaw dropped as she just stared. The [Will O Wisp]s fire zed.
I am.
It took the princess a moment to realize he was answering her question. She lost all sense of her decorum and poise. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him. Like what was his level? Why was he here? Or what even was he a Grand Spirit of?
But before she could continue, the weird woman Salvos interrupted the Grand Spirit.
Nope. Willys lying. Hes a Stupid Spirit.
Salvos clearly emphasized the secondst word. Rana blinked a few times.
...pardon?
But neither the weird woman nor the Grand Spirit paid attention to her confusion. Instead, they bickered. Almost like children.
Shut up. You stupid.
No you!
Salvos stuck her tongue out at the [Will O Wisp]. He giggled. The princess was at a loss for words. It took her a moment to realize they were just messing with each other. Almost in the same way Sevika would with Rana. And judging by the odd way that the weird woman was dressed, it mustve meant one thing.
Are you a [Summoner]? An adventurer?
Yep.
The weird woman nodded eagerly, swatting the [Will O Wisp] away.
Im Salvos, Secelys Sentinel. Liberator of the gunds. Death of the Destroyer. Diamond Ranked adventurer.
She listed out a long list of Titles. Ranas eyes went round at that. Titles were a rare thing. And it was even rarer to cycle through so many Titles. Also
Wait, youre the Liberator of the gunds? As in one of the three adventurers who killed the Lich?
Thats me!
Salvos beamed. The Grand Spirit groaned in the back.
Rana was inplete awe. The princess just sat there in a daze, trying to parse this. Shed heard news of the Lichs death. Of the three adventurers who traveled deep into the gunds and yed it once and for all.
A [Warrior]. A [Rogue]. And a [Mage].
But wait Rana furrowed her brows.
I dont recall there being a [Summoner] amongst the Liberators of the gunds.
The silver-haired woman cocked her head, in thought.
Well, there was Edithe? But shes not a [Summoner] anymore.
Rana was certain there was some kind of a misunderstanding here. But itd have been too awkward to exin, so she just bit her lips and tried to move on.
I have never met such a high-leveled adventurer before. Or a Grand Spirit. Im sorry if I was rude, I am usually less flustered
The princess paused mid-lie. She realized that shed made another blunder. One far worse than anything else she couldvemitted.
Oh, I havent introduced myself
Yep. You havent.
The princess felt her face burning at that. Salvos and Willy both exchanged a nce. Rana hurried to her feet, managing an unrefined bow.
My name is Rana Alyras. I am the sole princess of Alyras. I am so sorry for my rudeness.
There was a pause. Rana could hear the feast continue on around them. The room was bustling, filled with ambient music put on by an orchestra Artik had gotten to entertain the guests. And the awkward silence dragged on for a moment longer.
Rana wanted to cry as she felt Salvos gaze bore into her.
I messed up didnt I? She hates me now
Youre the princess of Alyras?!
Salvos finally eximed.
Rana blinked. That wasnt the reaction she was expecting. She nced up in bewilderment at the adventurer, speaking hesitantly.
I am.
Woah! Youre really the princess, arent you? Just look at the way youre dressed!
Salvos got to her feet, gesturing at Ranas long silk dress decorated in jewelry. The princess flushed.
I-is it that bad?
Its amazing! You look so rich and fancy!
There were many things racing through Ranas mind. But all she could do was watch as Salvos circled around her excitedly. Then the adventurer turned to her Grand Spiritpanion.
Look at her, Willy! Shes the princess of Alyras! Im actually talking to the princess of Alyras!
That felt like something Rana should be saying for meeting Salvos. In fact, it was the same excitement that Rana knew she was feeling underneath her gaping and staring. The only difference was that she was too embarrassed to actually vocalize her thoughts.
The Grand Spirit justughed at Salvos.
Fool.
I am not making a fool of myself!
Are.
Nope!
They bickered as Rana stood to the side. She felt her face heat up as they continued their argument. Like children. But also like friends. Sevika and Rana openly traded jibes no different than they did. The only difference was that Rana did it in secret.
But Willy and Salvos did it so freely. Without care in the world. Even if there were dozens of noblesdies and lords giving them judging looks. They continued. And Ranas lips quivered. She tried to hold it back, but couldnt.
The princess broke outughing.
Salvos and Willy paused their argument, turning to face her curiously. Rana tried to cover her face as she continuedughing.
Im so sorry. Im notughing because its Im
No matter what Rana did, she couldnt hold herself back. Perhaps it was just the way the pair were acting so freely, it rubbed off on her. And for a moment, she thought theyd have looked at her with disdain for her reaction.
But Salvosughed too. Before the [Will O Wisp] joined. When Sevika left, the table had been empty. Only Rana sat there. Alone, quiet and by herself. But when the maid returned, their table was full of life. Now, the princess had someone to talk to.
The maid smiled.
Hey, uh, Saffron, was it?
Saffron Merryster nced back at the mention of her name. She faced a young man with ck hair one who was just as improperly dressed for this event as Salvos was. Daniel Song. He was apanied by Amanda who was cross-armed standing behind his right shoulder.
The young Vampire raised a brow.
Did you need something, Daniel?
I was actually looking for Salvos. I havent seen her around since the start of the feast.
He scratched at his cheek, speaking nervously.
You dont think shes going around causing trouble, is she?
Oh, so that was what he wanted to talk about. Saffron sighed as she remembered the incident just earlier.
Well, Salvos has already caused trouble.
...are you serious?
Daniel had the same resigned look on Saffrons face. She nodded.
And I already spoke with her. But Im not sure whether shell actually listen to me. Shes been acting weird recently.
He pursed his lips as he exchanged a nce with the Vampire. They both had the same thought.
I think we should go check on her.
They spoke at the same time. The pair immediately marched through therge hall, followed by the bored trailing Amanda, until they finally got to where Saffron had left Salvos. They came to a halt when they saw Salvos talking.
She spoke normally at a table as Willy floated beside her. Daniel exhaled in relief, cing a hand on his chest.
Thats good. She isnt
He looked over at Saffron, but she was still stiff. She stared at the two people Salvos was chatting with. Across from the silver-haired woman was the princess of Alyras. A ck-haired woman wearing a morous silk robe. And next to her was her father.
King Artik Alyras sat with them,ughing and eating as a maid came to serve them a tter of food.
Daniel gave Saffron a confused look.
Whats wrong?
Nothing.
She just pinched the bridge of her nose.
Salvos really just befriended the king and princess of Alyras, didnt she?
Oh.
Daniel shrugged.
Well, as long as shes feeling better, right?
I guess.
Some time after Rana had warmed up to us, her father joined us in our meal. Their maid a woman named Sevika offered me a tter of dishes to choose from, and I picked out the lobster because it was the only thing I could eat without seeming rude. I was less upset nowpared with before. I could distract my mind with something.
Princess Rana was fun to talk to. She was a princess just like Faith and Hope, but the way she behaved waspletely different. In fact, she told me about the things she learned as princess, and it sounded nothing like what Faith had undergone.
Maybe it was because Rana was the sole daughter. The only princess. So she didnt have topete for power. Or maybe it was just because of how Artik was as the king and her father. Either way, I found them fascinating. I was certain we couldve continued chatting into the night, if not for the one interruption that ground the entire feast to a halt.
A man dressed in robes rushed his way through the hall. Heads turned, facing his way as he made his way to the king. At first, I didnt notice him. But then I nced up because I heard the ruckus caused by his escort a group of armored guards nking their way through the party.
Your majesty. I bring an urgent missive from Shedos.
The robed man kneeled before the king. Artik rose to his feet, frowning.
What is it?
The Primeval Demon
I didnt let the robed man finish. My head snapped up as I caught sight of a sh. No not in the hall. I was looking through my clones eyes. Smoke. Blood. Death. Destruction.
And I spoke for everyone to hear.
Belzu has reached the Helbir ins.
Chapter 339: Clone Convalescence
Chapter 339: Clone Convalescence
339. Clone Convalescence
The clone was lost.
A vast nd expanded far and wide. The des of grass were but blurring specks beneath her. Even after a few days of travel, she wasnt able to aplish her task. She luxuriated in knowing that the Primeval Demon hadnt yet been seen beyond the borders of Inoria. But she couldnt lie and say thatnguor wasnt catching up to her.
Despair settled in as the first vestiges of the idea of surrendering and returning to the original crept into the clones mind. Perhaps Edithe was never with the adventurer army in the first ce. Perhaps this task had been all for naught.
But her doubts vanished when she spotted the convoy. There had to have been tens of thousands of figures moving about. An army.
There, the clone thought. This is my destination maybe.
Hurry up! Get a move on! We want to be at the Helbir ins by the morrow!
A burly man barked the order as the adventurers rushed about the camp. It was early in the morning, and no one wanted to be up at this time of the day. But they had a schedule to keep. A scrawny man probably a [Mage] ran past the burly man with a stack of books in his arms.
Excuse me, excuse me
Oi, what are you doing?!
The [Mage] flinched, stumbling back as the burly man whirled on him. The books ttered on the ground.
W-wha?
Go and do something useful, you damn [Mage]! You arent helping no one with your books!
The burly man roared. The [Mage]s eyes grew wide as he began to sputter.
B-but my team has already
Excuse me, Sirs. Is there a problem here?
A booming voice interrupted the both of them. The burly man spun around, frowning.
Who the
And paused when he caught sight of the looming shadow. A hulking green mass of muscle stood before the burly man. There was a pair of arms folded together disapprovingly as another set of arms held up a stack of wooden nks.
It was a Cyclops.
Well?
The Cyclops asked, furrowing his brow. The burly man hesitated as he looked up at the single eye.
I yes. I was just telling this gentleman right here that his efforts would be better used elsewhere.
There was a smile. A clear lie. The Cyclops shook his head, addressing the burly man who didnt even reach his shoulders.
Tell me, Sir: are you affiliated with the Remembered Order Company?
I-I am a part of the Silver Vanguard.
Then if you are not with the Remembered Order Company, I do not believe this independent adventurer here has any obligation to listen to your orders.
The Cyclops gestured at the [Mage] who nearly squeaked. The burly man just nodded catingly.
Why of course. I was simply offering him some advice. I assure you, there will not be trouble here, Sir.
Jaakko.
Pardon?
You may simply call me Jaakko.
R-right.
The burly man shrank back as the Cyclops replied curtly. Then spinning around, Jaakko spoke for every onlooker to hear.
Good. Now that thats resolved, please everyone, proceed about your business.
--
He really went in and got involved, didnt he?
Zack sighed, cleaning his sses as he watched his leader from afar. Beside him, Helen just rolled her eyes.
Of course he would. He wouldnt be our leader if he didnt have a strong sense of justice.
More like a strong sense of being a busy-body.
Everythings resolved without an issue. Why do you always have toin, Zack?
Im notining. Im just saying, thest time he got himself involved in someone elses business, we ended up trapped in a [Witch]s hut for three whole days.
It was more like six hours, Zack. Stop over exaggerating things.
Helen scowled, and Zack pushed his sses back onto his face.
You get what I mean. Were inviting trouble.
And yet
The Cyclops deep voice spoke over him.
Were doing whats right.
Jaakko patted both his teammates with his two free hands. They looked up at him, and Zack sighed.
I knew you were going to say that.
He adjusted his sses as he shook his head. The trio stood there in the middle of the bustling encampment. Jaakko, Helen, and Zack. They were adventurers independents who were affiliated with anypany. And yet, at the call of one of the Three Honorable Companies, they came.
The Remembered Order Company had swept through the Eastern Kingdoms, gathering any and every adventurer they could. Zack and his team had been dealing with a Manticore threat for the Kingdom of Traith before Jaakko caught wind of this. So they joined the adventurer army. And now, they were on their way to the Helbir ins to meet up with both the Rising Veterans and the Forsaken Companys own armies.
Zack shrugged.
Look, I just want to know what you wouldve done if that loud man was actually part of the Remembered Order Company. Because I highly doubt you wouldve backed down, would you?
I would not, yes.
Jaakko agreed simply. Zack knew that was the case. Their team would always get in trouble, no matter where they were. Usually, theyd be able to somehow resolve it especially with their status. But here?
There are hundreds of tinum Ranks other than us here, Jaakko. Maybe even thousands. We wont get a pass this time around if we cause trouble.
Zack nced around the encampment as it was slowly emptied out. A few faces nced their way, curious. It was quite disconcerting, honestly. They were tinum Ranked now. But they were a Gold Ranked team not long before, and theyd be quite content with their levels and strength then. It was only after theyd met that strange woman, the Savior of Silvergrove and Death of the Destroyer, Salvos, did they begin taking more risks.
Shed inspired them. The way shed fought in the Silkfall Crevice Dungeon had stunned the team. Made them reevaluate how they saw themselves. What they wanted to be. Since then, they worked harder. Fought stronger monsters. Pushed themselves past their limits even to the point where some would call them mad.
It paid off. They were now around Level 80. And if they kept this up, they might even reach Level 100 in two or three years time. And while being Level 80 was quite an aplishment for an ordinary individual, in the grand scheme of things, they were just fodder.
A single low-leveled Diamond Rank could easily take on Zack and the rest of his team multiple times over. They couldntpete, at all. Especially if the Diamond Ranked had a high-leveled second ss.
Jaakko didnt budge.
And yet, someone has to stand for whats right.
You
Zack pinched the bridge of his nose. Helen snorted.
Were arguing over nothing as usual. Come on, we should really get a move on. Were going to be reaching the Helbir ins soon.
Jaakko grunted, turning around. Zack eyed Helen as the encampment was finally fully dismantled, and the adventurer army led by the Remembered Order Company made their way through a valley.
There were tens of thousands of adventurers here, behaving far more organized than adventurers had any right to be. But no oneined. The stakes were clear, and the reason they gathered together was simple.
Money.
That almost made Zack want tough. The Remembered Order Company had struggled rallying the adventurers in the Eastern Kingdoms until they offered a massive recruiting bonus for everypany or independent that joined their forces. Such was the motivation behind most adventurers the silver, gold, or tinum theyd earn.
Zacks team was different, of course. But they were the outlier, mostly because of Jaakkos honor and Helens kindness. Zack himself had to find himself reining the two so they wouldnt get into too much trouble and actually prioritized making some money.
However, Zack didnt see glory or gold in this quest they were setting out on. He only saw death, despair, and doing what was necessary to save the Humannds. The Primeval Demon had to be stopped. If not, then everyone would suffer. Thered be no point in any mary value Zack had.
They streamed their way over thendscape as the day dragged on, following alongside a river as a city made itself barely visible in the darkening horizon. It was already evening, so they would likely be stopping there to rest.
Thats Westshield.
Helen pointed out. Her lips curled up into a smile.
It means were arriving at Shedos borders now. Well be entering the Helbir ins soon
Zack could tell that she was excited. And he couldnt lie and say he wasnt a little bit eager to meet up with the other adventurer armies. After all
Think shell be with the Rising Veterans?
He asked, and Helen blinked.
You mean Salvos?
Who else would I be talking about?
Maybe?
She replied uncertainly. He wondered aloud as he walked next to her.
Im sure shed be impressed by how far wevee
They were now higher-leveled than Salvos was when theyst met her. Zack couldnt lie and say he wasnt proud of that. But Helen wasnt.
You heard the news. Shes the Liberator of the gunds now. Shes probably Elite at this point.
Well, of course. I didnt mean topare us to that insane woman.
Zack waved a hand off, speaking much to Helens chagrin.
Salvos is not insane. Shes just a poor girl who was forced into extraordinary circumstances, alright?
Sure, sure. Thats just your older-sister-side showing.
She scowled as Zack chuckled. The pair continued to chat, following Jaakko who didnt partake much in the conversation. Then they almost ran into the Cyclops when he came to a halt. His single eye narrowed as he stared at the city.
Whats wrong, Jaakko?
Helen asked with a raised brow. Their leader leaned forward, speaking softly.
Is that smoke?
Zack blinked. He immediately cast a spell of Enhance Vision. It was like he was looking through a spyss. And he saw gray streaks blotting out the sky over the city. Then he saw the specks the figures assailing it. His breath was caught in his throat.
Westshield is under attack!
A voice bellowed for the entire army to hear. It was Mori dius. Leader of the Remembered Order Company. He was an Elite. A famed [Spearmaster]. He raised a glinting spear, rallying the adventurers into battle.
To arms! We face the Primeval Demon today!
A susurration ran through all those gathered. They werent ready. No one was prepared to face the Primeval Demon just yet. Theyd thought theyd have reinforcements. That the other Honorable Companies would be with them. That theyd be triple or even quadruple their current number.
It seemed foolish to act now. But they saw the destruction happening before their eyes. Westshield was under siege. They had to move, even if they didnt want to.
Zack found himself nervously flipping through his spellbooks as they marched straight for Westshield. He wasnt sure what hed even be able to contribute in this fight. Would it be a full engagement? A quick battle before pulling back? Maybe they were just going to divert the Primeval Demons attention?
There were a multitude of possibilities. But Zack didnt have a say on the matter. All he could do was trust that Mori dius knew what to do. The adventurer army moved straight for the city as its walls crumbled. As an explosion shook the earth. There was a sh a bright light cut through the smoke and the clouds.
It couldnt have been long since the attack started, but the city was already falling. Zack spotted monsters of all kinds from [Gatho Mammoths] to Chimeras to Drakes. There were undead too. And the Mindreapers everyone knew about.
These were just the tinum Ranked threats. That wasnt to consider everything else in the army. It sent a chill down Zacks spine. The closer they got to the fighting, the bigger the pit in his stomach grew. He swallowed and licked his dry lips. He wasnt the only one who was afraid. Everyones nerves worsened as another st rocked the earth.
But before they even reached the city, there was a shout. A panicked scream. Zacks head snapped to the side as spells and arrows were loosed into the air. He spotted a golden flicker a glowing figure dodging the attacks, flying over the army.
Mori dius yelled at them to stop.
Do not attack! That is an ally!
His words calmed the nervous army. Their attacks ceased as the glowing figure hovered in the sky, staring at the destruction in silhouette. Zack almost thought it was familiar. It stayed there for a moment, before ncing down. It stared straight at Zack, and he jerked back.
Why is it
Helens eyes grew round.
Thats
And the glowing figure descended. Itnded next to Jaakko, Zack, and Helen. The three adventurers just looked at it for a moment. The Cyclops was the least put-off by its presence, while the [Archer] gasped. Zack was confused the only one left out of the loop. Finally, after a quick [Identification], Zack realized what he was looking at.
Youre Salvos?
The glowing figure beamed at them. She spread her arms wide for a hug. Zack wasnt sure how to react to this ming apparition of the adventurer hed met twice before. But he didnt need to say anything. Because Mori dius interrupted them.
The leader of the Remembered Order Company stepped up to the Salvos clone.
Interesting. I was curious as to who you were a clone of I have heard of such Skills,although they are incredibly rare. But to think that you are the Liberator of the gunds. Your presence is a boon to us.
She nodded excitedly. He shook his head, turning to the city under attack. Then he offered her a hand.
Will you aid us in repelling the Primeval Demon from the city, Salvos?
For a moment, she just stared at him. At his proffered hand. Then she snapped her fingers. Five more golden figures appeared behind her. More clones. They gave him a thumbs-up in unison.
Good. Then let us fight and save Westshield from its destruction.
Zack watched as they came to an agreement. An unexpected ally appeared. One whod aid them in facing the Primeval Demon here and now. It was almost reassuring. The adventurer army seemed to be bolstered by Salvos presence. Or, at least, the presence of her six clones.
And yet, Zack didnt sigh in relief. He saw the sh once again like thunder. And he feared that it wasnt enough. Announcement
Announcement:
I''m taking this Friday and next Monday off for Mother''s Day celebration. No chap until Tuesday, the 10th of May.
If you''d like to read something else in the meanwhile, I did just get a new book release. It''s a young adult LitRPG Apocalypse called Trace. Consider checking it out!
This is the synopsis:
The world falls into chaos. Earth is integrated into the multiversal System. And all Trace has is a gun.
Trace Taylor was at a shooting range when the world was kidnapped by the alien species called the Esvol to begin humanity''s integration with the System. Each individual person is given a femtochip imnt and a ss to fend for themselves before being sent back to Earth. Once Trace returns, she finds that the too is left scarred by this encounter.
Faced with monsters, dungeons, an annoying AI, and a lot of insane idiots, how will Tracee to survive this newly-changed?
Do note this is a Young Adult take on the LitRPG Apocalypse genre. It is also written in British English. But I highly encourage you to give it a shot... no pun intended!
/gp/product/B09VZM9VV1
Or, if you''d like, you can also read Ms or Tian in the meantime.
Or you can read ahead of Salvos on my patreon
Anyway, have a good weekend y''all!
START OF THE NEW MONTH! BEST TIME TO PATRON! Read up to 20 Salvos chapters ahead on my patreon.
Join my discord or subreddit.
Follow me on twitter or instagram.
Chapter 340: Clone Combat
Chapter 340: Clone Combat
340. Clone Combat
Kill them all.
Belzus order was simple enough. The Lord of Lies wanted to replenish his army to turn the popce of Westshield into a giant horde of undead before he moved for the Norwoods. And yet, despite the simplicity of the n, Alix struggled to follow through with the orders.
She pivoted around, dodging the st of ice magic that came her way. The guard captain was a [Mage] Level 71. Rtively high-leveled. But still over 10 levels below her.
In a single leap, she closed the distance between them. He created an ice barrier, but she tore through it with a [Focused Strike]. A precise thrust of the sword.
The [Mage] stumbled back as she shed down at him, cutting him across his chest. He fell to the ground as he gasped for air.
Alix stood over him in the middle of the burning city. He flinched as a locket fell from around his neck. Her eyes widened. She saw a picture a painting. It was the [Mage] standing before her, but different. Dressed casually. A father with his daughter. He raised his hands in fear.
She hesitated.
I Im sorry.
Her eyes snapped shut. It took her everything she had to even steady her grip on her weapon. She raised her sword as he looked up at her.
Why are you doing this? Why do you side with that Demon?
And she paused. She couldnt follow through with the finishing blow. There was a st in the background. The earth trembled. A stampede of monsters destroyed another part of the citys walls. Alix, the former diator and ve, opened her mouth.
I cant
But before she could continue, a sheering bright light sliced down from the heavens. It cut even the earth like a giant de. The [Mage]s was lopped off in that instant. His body went limp as Alix recoiled.
She dropped to her knees, hearing the rapid beating wings descend behind her. A warbled voice spoke to her, sending a terrifying chill down her spine despite the inferno raging around her.
What are you doing?
Belzu asked as his presence bore down on her. Alixs mouth bobbed open stupidly but nothing came out. The Primeval Demon continued.
I granted you freedom. All I ask of you is to be my sword. But you refuse to y my enemies.
Her throat tightened. It felt like a noose was being slowly wrapped around her neck. She didnt doubt that Belzu would kill her without hesitation if he didnt give her a satisfactory answer.
I-I
She couldnt do it. These were innocent people. Theyd done no wrong. Killing vers and monsters was fine she could work alongside a Demon to survive if that was all it had entailed. But this was a step further. If she followed through with this, there was no turning back.
Belzus bulbous eyes shed in vindictive rage.
I have shown you kindness, Human. I have given your worthless life meaning out of pity. Do not test my patience.
Alix wanted to protest. She wanted to stand in defiance against the Primeval Demon. But all she did was hang her head in defeat.
I understand, Lord Belzu. I am sorry for my disobedience.
Good.
He made a satisfied sound. Alixs shoulders slumped in defeat. If she wanted to live, she had no choice but to endure this. To do what she needed to survive. Even if it meant killing innocent lives. She got to her feet, picking up her sword and her shield. And Belzus head snapped to the side.
She blinked, watching him fly slowly into the air. There was an explosion in the distance just outside of the city. She heard the cries of a [Gatho Mammoth]. She saw one of the giant beasts fall. What is? she wondered.
Belzu clicked his mandibles
Another Human army.
He scanned the battlefield from high above. Alix stared at his back in disbelief. No why? She knew what would happen. The army was here to save Westshield. However, there would only be one oue.
Drive them back. Turn them into my minions. Go.
Belzu ordered her forward. His army of mindless monsters moved. Alix watched, unable to do anything, as another army was crushed under the Primeval Demons might.
Belzu had arrived at the Helbir ins. Or, rather, he was bordering between Shedos and the Helbir ins. Hed traveled quickly. Only a few days ago did I hear the rumors that hed left the Inoria Empire after having stalled there for months.
Now, he was besieging Westshield. Thergest border city in Shedos. I didnt know why he was attacking it, but all I knew was that my clone was there to help.
I didnt teleport there myself. I only had one Grand Skill avable to use. My [Divine Essence] was still on cooldown. I wouldve only fought Belzu once I was ready and that meant having both of my Grand Skills.
Still, my clone moved to confront Belzu. Well, six of my clones. At [Salvo of Vanity]s current level, I could summon six clones at the same time. I wanted to see how well my clones would fare against him if they werepletely and utterly demolished, or if they actually stood a chance. Itd let me gauge how well I, myself, would do against Belzu as I was now.
But also, I had another reason to fight. Jaakko was there. And so were Helen and Zack. I recognized them. They were my friends theyd helped me out when I returned to the Silkfall Crevice on my own. Then theyd helped Daniel and I when we were being hunted by the Harrowed Vindicators.
They were adventurers. Gold Ranked when I first met them. Now tinum Ranked. I was very happy to see them. And I was going to make sure they got out of this battle alive.
The adventurer army moved. Tens of thousands of adventurers. They were higher-leveled than the average Human soldier, probably. But still, I highly doubted that they were enough to defeat Belzu and his army.
And the nobles gathered in the room with me agreed. I listened to their discussion, alternating between focusing on my clones and what was going on around me.
What are they doing? Why are they attacking the Primeval Demon?
King Artik Alyras paced back and forth as he read the reports his court [Mage] had delivered to him. Rana, his daughter, looked on in worry.
What should we do? Should we go help them?
She asked. Gannon Norwood stepped forward, shaking his head.
We stay put. I have reached out to Shedos, and theyre mustering whatever armies they can to assist the Remembered Orders adventurer army. But even if we depart from Alyras now, none of us will arrive in time. All we can do is hope that Mori dius has a n.
Focus on evacuating the citizens! We need to save as many people as we can!
Jaakko called out as he threw his kusarigama at a charging Drake. Its chains wrapped around the monsters scaled neck, and he tugged hard, bringing it to the ground. It fell with a roar before both Zack and Helen unleashed a flurry of magic. The Drake struggled for a moment before going limp.
A notification resounded throughout Zacks head as he panted.
That was an [Obsidian Drake]. Theyre a rare Drake evolution thats not even native to the Motharis Mountain Range. How did the Primeval Demon get those in his monster horde?
Stop asking questions and keep casting your magic!
Helen yelled, loosing another three arrows into the air. The enchanted bolts exploded, bringing down a flock of Vurats from the sky. Zack groaned as he brought up his spellbook. He heard screams he saw a group of civilians fleeing from the crumbled walls as they were chased by undead. The inscriptions on Zacks book glowed before the sky shed.
Lightning thundered down from the dark clouds as a fire rain poured down at a horde of [Crypt Horrors] charging after the civilians. The attack targeted only the [Crypt Horrors], felling them one after another. They were very easy to bring down. Not only were they mostly Silver Ranked threats with some reaching Gold Ranked they were also undead. Swarm monsters. So they were weak.
But onerger undead bounded through even the tempest Zack had cast. A [Crypt Lord] the leader of the small undead horde charged straight at the [Mage] as the mes sshed off its disfigured body. It leapt straight for Zack, dodging a lightning bolt, before swinging for his face. His eyes grew wide.
[Earth Wall
And Jaakko stepped in its way. The Cyclops caught the [Crypt Lord] with one of his four bulky arms. He mmed it onto the ground, creating a small crater on the earth. Then he swung the sickle of his kusarigama once, twice
The Cyclops drew back.
Are you alright, Zack?
Zack nodded in relief.
Thought I was a goner. That [Crypt Lord] was close to my level. And it went straight for my head.
His robes were enchanted with protective spells. But he didnt have any artifacts that granted any kind of protective aura. Those were very rare. And very pricey.
Come on. We havent even entered the city. Mori and his men are already inside.
Jaakko ushered the team forward. Zack frowned. He didnt think it was a good idea for them to push into the burning city. Out here, they were able to help out and stay rtively safe. Flee if need be. But in there?
Zack looked up to see a bright light slicing into the air. He didnt know what that was. He sensed something from it not magic. It radiated a power hed never sensed before. And ever fiber of his being screamed at him to flee.
Were safer out here, Jaakko. Going further in is suicide.
This was an adventurer army. They werent organized like real soldiers. And that meant that there was no real centralmand. Perhaps that served to their overall detriment. But it meant that the individual teams could make their own decisions. Like right now.
Mori gave us only onemand. That is to save as many lives as we can. If we push on further and encounter the Primeval Demon, well get ourselves killed without saving anyone.
Zack had to admit, while he always considered himself the voice of reason, he could oftentimes see Jaakkos point of view. This time, he was vehemently against it. He saw no logic to it. Jaakko stared at Zack. The Cyclops held his gaze with only a single eye. Helen nced between the two, unsure of what to say.
Then Jaakko nodded.
I see. Very well.
He finally turned away, looking on at the battle urring at the fringe of the city. Just before the crumbled walls. This was where the bulk of the adventurer army had gathered. They couldnt push further into Westshield.
But there were still plenty of civilians fleeing escaping the burning city. Someone had to protect them. Zack sighed in relief, d that his leader saw reason.
We just have to hold this line so that the monsters dont break through
Just as he started, he stopped. He caught sight of a massive shadow emerging from the mes. From the city.
[Gatho Mammoths]!
Someone shouted in a panic. Zack cursed, watching the stampede of charge straight for the line of adventurers. They braced themselves. These monsters werent the highest-leveled there was. They averaged around Level 60. Zack was certain his team could take out a herd of them on their own. But the problem was the destruction theyd wreak.
[Gatho Mammoths] were incredibly destructive. Theyd tear through the lower-leveled adventurers with ease before they were even brought down. A group of Silver Ranked and Gold Ranked adventurers readied their weapons, shooting spells at the stampeding monsters. But the [Gatho Mammoths] charged on as they created a small earthquake with their magic. Jaakko stepped forward, and Helen breathed.
We have to stop them
She raised her bow. But before anyone could even react, a golden figure zipped past the three adventurers. Zack blinked, watching as a st of golden mes swept out at the [Gatho Mammoths]. The golden figure circled them, pouring out a constant deluge of fire until thest of the monsters were utterly incinerated.
Zack blinked a few times. Helen smiled, whispering the name of the golden figure.
Salvos
Cheers broke out as the golden figure floated over the dead [Gatho Mammoths], single handedly halting their charge.
The golden figure beamed, cing her hands on her hips as the adventurer army began to chant. Zack was d she was here. Shed be able to help them hold the line. And most of all, she wasnt alone.
Zack nced back, catching sight of even more golden figures speeding overhead. One. Two. Three. Four. Five
They flew past Zack, Jaakko, and Helen, soaring over the fighting. They rushed past the first clone and entered the city one after another, sending plumes of golden mes in every direction. They were like a flock of birds, moving in unison as they lit up the dark crimson sky with a golden light.
Zack stared in amazement at Salvos or, rather, the Salvos clones as they made waves throughout the battlefield.
I sent all but one of my clones into the city. The first clone the one Id summoned to find Edithe stayed behind, keeping an eye out on Jaakko, Zack, and Helen while the others began to tear through the monster army. I looked through the eyes of the fastest clone. The one most eager to fight. The sixth clone.
She flew through the destroyed streets of the city, washing the pavement clean of monsters with a wave of golden fire. Drakes, Saeves, Yetis, and undead were turned into nothing but ash. Then I watched as the world spun around my clone. She swerved up into a window and through a destroyed roof, following a plume of smoke into the sky. A group of Mindreapers were zipped up above, and she appeared in between them.
The sixth clone smirked as she spread her arms wide. [The Primordial Spark] glinted over her head, creating a flurry of weapons that struck the Mindreapers down in mere moments, tearing their ethereal bodies apart.
She looked down at the other clones as they rapidly tore through the citys streets. They cut down, burned, or sted all the monsters in their way apart. They made sudden turns. Followed the roads. Quickly changed directions.
It was a massacre. The sixth clone giggled silently, excited to return to the others. But just as she beat her wings once, there was a sh.
My sixth clone wasnt even able to react. She didnt see it in time. I didnt either. Which didnt make sense. I was fast, and so was she. It had to have been hidden by an illusion spell. But a giant glowing de sliced down at the sixth clone, decapitating her in an instant.
Her body exploded, but Belzu cut through the st. He held the Sword of Alexander, looking down at my four remaining clones in the city.
So we meet again, Archdemon.
Chapter 341: Champion Part One
Chapter 341: Champion Part One
341. Champion Part One
The Remembered Order Company was one of the Three Honorable Companies of the Humannds. That meant that they were one of thergest and most powerfulpanies in the world. On their own, they were greater than any smaller nation in might, and with all the Three Honorable Companiesbined, they rivaled even the greatest empire in the Humannds today.
Yet, this army was all that they managed to muster up. Barely even a hundred thousand adventurers heeded the call of the Remembered Order Company. Mori dius didnt believe it at first. He thought more wouldvee to their aid. But no.
It was a startling wake up call to the leader of the Remembered Order Company. Just a few hundred years ago, theyd been able to amass half a million adventurers at the same time during their war with the Forsaken Company. Half a million. And many of them were far higher-leveled than the soldiers youd find in an ordinary army.
Throughout the course of that war, the number of adventurers theyd called upon likely numbered in over a million. It was a war that had taken so many lives pointless deaths. Perhaps that was why so few adventurers listened to the Remembered Order Company now. They had once been a selfish organization that only cared to bolster its own position. This only changed with the previous leadership Moris Master. The previous leader of the Remembered Order Company.
The Watcher. Before the Watcher had be reclusive, hed been in charge of the Remembered Order Company. Hed made many great reforms that changed the very principles and foundations of their philosophy. And Mori dius was proud to have been mentored by the Watcher, taking on the responsibility of upholding these principles of honor and justice for thepany.
But it seemed that over a thousand years of having the same reputation meant that it persisted, even if it was no longer true. Mori dius could specte all he wanted, but it changed nothing. The only thing he could do to bring more adventurers to their cause was to offer rewards. Gold, artifacts, power.
It was tedious, but that was why the adventurers in his army came. Hed sent his second-inmand to gather more adventurers from beyond the Eastern Kingdoms, however this would be the bulk of their forces.
And here they were, charging straight into the fray. They had no backup. No support. Nothing. Westshield was being razed to the ground by the Primeval Demon, and Mori dius was going to do everything in his power to save as many innocent lives as he could.
There was a roar. A Drake charged through the streets of Westshield, chasing a little girl carrying a doll. She screamed as the Drakes maw drew closer to her.
Get back!
Mori yelled as he leapt forward. He thrusted his glinting spear, impaling the Drake before it could mp its maws around the little girl. The Drake fell, and Mor dius carried the girl back.
Are you alright?
He set her down next to a group of adventurers from hispany. She looked up at him, eyes welling up.
M-my mama she was right behind me
She managed to start out. Mori dius pursed his lips. He turned to one of the adventurers closest to him. Another Elite. Scarlet the Red Rose. A Level 151 [Rogue]. Mori spoke to her as he drew back.
Protect the girl. Ill find her mother.
But Sir
He didnt listen. He was running off further into the city in an instant. He left behind his entourage of Diamond Ranked adventurers, pressing further on into the raging fires. A building copsed next to him, but he didnt even flinch. His gambeson shone, protecting him from the mes.
Up ahead, he caught sight of a shadowed figure. It looked vaguely like a woman. His eyes widened as he shouted.
Over here!
The figure jerked. It turned to face him. And he came to a halt.
Thats
The [Crypt Horror] leapt at him. Mori dius was quick to react. He crushed its head with a backfist without even using his spear. Then he stared at the dessicated corpse of a woman.
I Im sorry.
He closed his eyes, bowing to the dead woman.
Ill make sure your daughter is in safe hands.
That was all he said before he heard a growl. He looked up at the encroaching [Crypt Lords] and [Crypt Horrors]. The leader of the Remembered Order Company stared at his foes. At enemies not even half his level. They gave him threatening looks. And he balled his hands into a fist.
I am Mori dius. Leader of the Remembered Order Company. The Champion of the Human Lands a Level 168 [Divine Spearmaster].
Motes of light wisped off him like eddying kes of golden snow. His Divine Essence burned, and he red at the undead.
Do you really think you stand a chance against me?
They didnt understand his question. And it was their demise. In an instant, Mori dius shot out. Like a bolt of lightning. He zapped from one undead to another, decapitating them and slicing off their limbs with poise. He came to a halt, and the mass of undead fell behind him, one after another.
He twirled his spear, straightening to his feet. He eyed the dead undead they hadnt even been a challenge. But still, he was upset. Upset because he knew he could wipe out thousands and thousands of them all at once. Yet, he couldnt. Perhaps if Helena Warshade was here, shed be able to cast a grand spell capable of wiping out even the entire city.
But he was more limated to fighting single opponents. So all he could do was swing his spear and hope that he moved fast enough.
If only the Watcher was here
He knew Master wouldve easily ended the Primeval Demon threat, here and now. But the Watcher wasnt here. Mori dius was the one who was here the one whod been left in charge of the Remembered Order Company. If he was the only person who could stand up to the Primeval Demon at this moment, then so be it.
Taking a step forward, he spun around to return to the others. Then he paused as a golden st wiped a nearby street clean of monsters. He looked up and saw five ming figures zipping through the air. They flew one after another like a troupe that was dancing through the sky.
The Salvos clones silentlyughed as they blew apart the monsters filling the city. Their mes lit up the dark crimson sky. Like fireworks. And Mori dius sighed in relief.
Right. Im not the only one here.
He almost felt like smiling. A sense of relief washed over him as one of the Salvos clones flew higher and higher. She incinerated a group of Mindreapers, grinning triumphantly as she cast her gaze over the battlefield.
Then there was a sh. A flicker of a bright light. Mori dius blinked, recognizing the aura of divinity in an instant. A tingling sensation crept up his skin as he watched the Salvos clone drop slowly before exploding.
There was another sh another swing of the Sword of Alexander. It tore through the golden explosion with ease. Mori stared up at the floating figure as it emerged uncsathed from the fire. A giant deformed insect. Like a fly, but with crooked arms next to its wings. It stared down at Mori with its bulbous eyes, almost condescending.
The Primeval Demon.
I looked up at Belzu from four different locations. Through the eyes of my four clones. Well, I had five clones before he killed one of them with a sneak attack. And I had another clone that was quite far off, looking over Jaakko, Helen, and Zack, making sure they survived this battle.
But even though I wasnt physically there myself, his presence still struck fear into me. There was a creeping sense of dread crawling all over my skin. It almost felt familiar. Like what I had wielded before, but was used against me. It took me a moment to realize what the source of that feeling was. I only realized what it was when the next sh of light came.
Belzu looked down at the clone closest to him. The fourth clone. Shed just incinerated a group of Mindreapers thatd been hovering closer to the ground, and his eyes flickered. His anger was clear. He didnt even need to speak. The giant de tore the earth, ripping apart the streets and felling the nearby houses.
It was the Sword of Alexander.
That was right I sensed the magic that was being emanated from the Mythic Grade artifact. Or, more specifically, I recognized its Divine Essence. I never noticed that odd aura beforehand. But perhaps it was because I had now attuned myself to the Breastte of Alexander and had my own Divine Essence, I could now discern just what that power was.
My clone barely avoided the attack. She flew into a nearby burning building, trying to hide herself in the mes. But Belzu didnt remain idle. He pointed at the direction of the fleeing clone, whispering softly.
[Forlorn Execution].
I blinked as a crimson energy trailed after my clone, following her wherever she went. She tried to dodge out of the way, but it quickly circled around her. She halted, trapped by the red energy. It took on an ethereal shape like an armored warrior made out of mist. It raised a giant axe, and my clone sted it with a cone of golden mes.
The ethereal warrior just swung down. I flinched as she was cut in half. I stumbled back, watching my clone fall seeing the world tumble around her. I coughed once and covered my mouth.
A voice drew my attention from the side. Saffron ced a hand on my shoulder, a worried look on her face.
Are you alright, Salvos?
I stared at her. At the room I was in. Here I was, in the safety of Alyras throne room. Yet, when I looked down at the palm of my hand, I saw blood. My blood. And a dizziness nearly made me copse to the ground.
Im fine.
Shaking my head, I produced a healing potion and downed it. My vision returned to my remaining clones. The three I had left. They stared at the falling clone at her intact body, with nothing surrounding her. Then I looked through her eyes at the fading world. At the red figure looming over her, as she fell after being cut in half.
Illusions and curses, I reminded myself of Belzus magic. This is going to be more dangerous than I thought itd be.
Belzuughed as he watched the second of the five clones fall out of the air. Even though they were apparitions made of fire even though they vaguely resembled a Human he knew who it truly was supposed to be. The pesky Archdemon whod already gotten in his way twice now.
Or perhaps it had been three times if he included what shed done to his Mindreapers back in the Brilsum Ruins.
Either way, he knew it was her. And while she mightve hidden away in some far off ce, it didnt matter. The clones were connected to her in some way. Hed be able to harm her as long as that was the case. That was the power of curses.
Perhaps if she disconnected herself from her clones shed somehow be able to avoid the attacks. But it didnt matter to Belzu here and now. He raised the Sword of Alexander, eyeing the next closest clone.
The clone dove out of the way as he swung the sword. Even from afar, the sh tore at the earth. Its Divine Essence coalesced like a giant de of light. The destruction it caused was immense. The air whipped around violently, fanning the mes that rose amidst the burning city.
Belzu didnt let up. He brought up the Sword of Alexander once again as the Salvos clone burst up from the fire. She pointed at him, unleashing a volley of ming weapons his way. With a single swing, he tore apart the salvo.
His eyes flickered. Behind him, the other two Salvos clonesunched their own attack. Abined st of golden me it shot out at him like a raging inferno, weaving together in a spiral and bing a single fiery cone. Belzu braced himself and watched as the illusion was destroyed.
The Salvos clones blinked. Theyd miss the real Primeval Demon entirely. They scattered as hovered just over them, bringing down the fury of the Sword of Alexander their way. Once more, the giant de of light shed out. Once more, the clones barely escaped. They spread out, darting across the city as Belzu watched.
He clicked his mandibles together.
You may hide, Archdemon. But I will find you. I assure you of that.
Chapter 342: Champion Part Two
Chapter 342: Champion Part Two
342. Champion Part Two
A giant de of light tore the sky asunder. It cleaved through the pir of smoke rising over the city. The ground shook as it ripped apart the earth. I produced my Pendant of Greater Protection, clutching it tightly as my clones fled the scene. Above them, Belzu watched them go.
He didnt move. His bulbous eyes fixated on them from every angle. My second, third, and fifth clones escaped in every direction. They couldve faced him all at once, but I knew that was pointless. They would lose. I had to dy him. Dy him so that the adventurer army including Jaakko and his team could leave Westshield. They were already pulling back, albeit rather slowly.
I focused on my first clone for a moment, watching as a woman shouted orders at the army for a retreat. Then Belzus head snapped. He faced my third clone as she dipped into the citys street. His face warped into a smile as he slowly descended.
It looked terrible. Like the wrath of all the bugs Id eaten was bearing down on me. He came, and my clone ran. She ducked through the citys streets, wading through the mes and the fumes. Smoke billowed past her, and she used that nket of opportunity to leap into a nearby building.
I waited. She hid right by the broken doorway. There was a crackle as the mes all around her ate away at the wood. I took in a deep breath, and my third clone poked a fraction of her head out, peeking into the city street.
Belzu had been right behind her. But now he was gone. He vanished, no longer there. The third clone wiped at her forehead, sighing without sound. I grinned. We lost him, I thought as she spun around
And she stared at the bug-eyes of the Primeval Demon. He stood right behind her as she stared. There was a crack a crask. A wooden beam fell from the ceiling. My third clone screamed silently as she unleashed a [Barrage of Cinders] at Belzu.
He barely moved. It was like he was standing still, making infinitesimally small movements minor adjustments to avoid my attacks. Then he raised the Sword of Alexander, and my clone leapt back. She was off sprinting in an instant. She escaped the building as it copsed onto Belzu.
She weaved down an alleyway, breaking out into a market street. She ran and ran and ran as the world moved around her. Past a burning food stand, around a shop, into another alley. She sprinted through the alleyway before quickly exiting the other side into a main street.
A market street.
My clone didnt slow, although I noticed something was odd. She sprinted past a burning food stand. Around a shop. Into another alley. Then she weaved down the alleyway, breaking out into a market street. Past a food stand. Around a shop. Another alley. Through the alley, into a market street
And I made my clone stop. She blinked as she took in her surroundings. It was the very same market street. The very same burning foot stand. The very same shop. And yet, she was certain she hadnt been running circles. No, this was something else.
From up above, the clouds of smoke parted. Belzu slowly lowered himself from the sky. The third clone stared with wide eyes as the Primeval Demon loomed over her. He looked farrger than he had before. The Sword of Alexander grew in size like itd been affected by [Mass Particte Modification].
She turned and ran, but the ground wheeled under her feet. It was like she was running on the spot, unable to move any further away from Belzu as he gradually brought the giant de up. She looked back up at him as she screamed a silent scream.
No matter what she threw at him, it missed. ming swords, spears, and even Nebr Arrows. She couldnt strike her target it was like he had an invisible barrier of air around him, gently guiding the projectiles away from him.
Belzu brought the Sword of Alexander down,ughing maniacally almost a buzzing sound. The third clone cowered for a brief moment, before epting her fate. And with that, she was crushed.
--
My fifth clone nced up from the belltower as a golden light illuminated the sky. A cross-like explosion that shot up, breaching the clouds above. She looked on, sensing the third clones death. It was worrisome. Three of the clones were already dead. Now it was just her and the second clone left. They wouldnt be able to dy Belzu for long with just the two of them.
At least Belzu was far off. As long as the fifth clone could find a good hiding ce
Found you.
A voice echoed behind her. She whirled around, swinging a ming scythe at Belzu. He chuckled, somehow dodging the attack. Leaping back, she tossed a Sickle Grenade at the Primeval Demon. The explosion took out the top of the belltower, causing the rest of the building to copse.
She eyed the smoke carefully, watching for any subtle movements. It dissipated as Belzu emerged, flying forward. He sneered.
There you are.
What? My fifth clone stared at him, puzzled. And the image vanished. The Primeval Demon was gone. No he hadnt even been there in the first ce. Another illusion. But now he knew where my fifth clone was.
She hopped between the citys rooftops, hurriedly trying to get away. But as she crossed over an alleyway, Belzu emerged from the darkness below. He sliced up with the Sword of Alexander, and my clone dove out of the way.
He shed and shed and shed and shed. My fifth clone flew up, barely navigating around the flurry of attacks. She conjured a Nebr Bow as she spun around and returned fire with a volley of Nebr Arrows.
Belzu harrumphed, vanishing as the explosions engulfed him. My clones gaze snapped to the side. The Primeval Demon was flying low, keeping to the ground as he held his sword behind his back. He aimed carefully at the clone before swinging. The de shed in the sky. But she darted out of the way again.
When she reoriented herself, she stared down at an army of Primeval Demons. A hundred Belzus flew at her. Her eyes widened. They moved in synchronicity all at once, they brought up the Sword of Alexander. My fifth clone rapidly loosed Nebr Arrow after Nebr Arrow, bringing down these images one after another. But she never found the real Belzu. Because he wasnt there.
Directly below her, the real Belzu emerged. He grinned a terrible grin and unleashed the power of the Sword of Alexander at my fifth clone. She watched the attacke. Her eyes were wide. She needed to escape. She couldnt get out of the way
And there was a flicker. A fissure in space. My fifth clone barely teleported out of the way. She gasped without a sound, already flying away from Belzu. The Primeval Demon focused his gaze on my clones back. She was halfway across the city. He wouldnt catch her. Shed be able to escape and go back into hiding.
Belzu shook his head, pointing at her.
Very well then. [Desecration of the Mind].
A ck aura appeared around my clone. She tried to wave it off, but it coalesced around her head. She froze. And there was a dark sh.
--
I recoiled, stumbling back as my Pendant of Greater Protection shed. Daniel and Saffron caught me before I could fall. They hovered over me as a few faces in the room turned my way.
Did something happen, Salvos?
Rana Alyras asked, peering at me curiously. I sighed as I slumped into a chair.
Im down another clone.
I spoke and focused on the battle once more.
--
My second clone was all who was left. She kept moving. She didnt remain idle. The other clones had been hunted down because they thought they could get away by hiding. But they were found either way. So, she continued to move.
Belzu didnt know where she was. Shed be safe as long as she didnt alert him of her location. She let out a silent chuckle, darting into an intersection. That was right, she wouldnt be caught
And she paused. She stared at the horde of monsters led by Mindreapers. They fixed their gaze on her. Then they screeched. My second clone rolled her eyes.
This sucks, she thought before burning them into ashes. But it didnt matter. Theyd found her. And that meant Belzu did too. There was no longer any point running. Once Belzu caught a glimpse of her, it was over.
His curses and his illusions were too much to ovee. The world grew dark, engulfed by an endless void. She tried to take a step back, but skeleton arms burst out of the shadows and caught her by her legs. Where the ivory fingers touched, her skin seemed to shed peeling off and revealing her own bones and flesh within. I stared at it. At this illusion. And I saw through it.
My clone was made entirely of mes. That was not real. Even though all of my senses screamed at me in terror and pain, my clone calmly took a step forward. She tore through the illusion. The nket of darkness fell apart, revealing Belzu hovering right before her.
The second clone stood her ground, producing a rainbow-colored scythe. Belzu didnt waste any time. He flew straight at her, shing with the Sword of Alexander for her head.
Die.
She charged back at him, screaming silently. Unafraid of the Primeval Demon. The Divine Nebr Scythe glowed bright ck. She swung back at the Sword of Alexander with a [Radiant sh]. There was a sh of light. ck and white. My second clone was thrown back as a white energy pulsed out.
Belzu paused. He stared at the rainbow-colored scythe.
That is?
Shaking his head, he continued as he raised the Sword of Alexander once more.
So you choose to fight. Tell me: what makes you think you stand a chance?
The second clone dragged herself back to her feet. She saw through the first clones eyes. The adventurer army was finally beginning to pull back. Slowly. So slowly. Theyd gotten thest of the survivors of Westshield out. And they moved as they held the army of monsters back.
I couldnt answer Belzu. Nor did I care to answer his question. Instead, I ordered the second clone to fight. She twirled the Divine Nebr Scythe, smirking. The Primeval Demon just tilted his head.
So it is for the Humans sake? Of course. Very well. Then I shall end this now.
I wanted to protest, but he appeared before my second clone. It was as though hed just teleported to her. But no hed tricked me. He feigned dialogue to close the distance. He was already mid-swing with the Sword of Alexander when I registered what happened. My second clone brought the Divine Nebr Scythe, barely parrying the swing.
She was knocked back a dozen feet from the attack. Belzu harrumphed.
Do you really think your weapon can stand up to the Sword of Alexander? Once I am done with you, I shall destroy that worthless Human army.
He swung at her once again. She parried it a second time, this time managing to keep her feet on the ground. The pavement broke off as she blocked the attack, only for Belzu to swiftly stab at her. She was thrown into the air as the edges of the Divine Nebr Scythe were chipped off.
The second clone crashed into a nearby building before the weaponnded next to her. She stumbled up, barely picking up the Divine Nebr Scythe. Belzu crept closer to her. Like an insect crawling its way up an arm each step a gnawing sensation on my skin. The mes of my second clone flickered as she prepared for herst stand.
Belzus face twisted sadistically as he brought up the Sword of Alexander once again.
It appears you have lost
He started, only to be interrupted by a sh of lighting. It zapped down at him, crashing into his back. The Primeval Demon was smashed onto the road. Swatted to the ground. He swung back with the Sword of Alexander, but the bolt of lightning zipped out of the way.
That was when I realized it wasnt a bolt of lightning, but a person. Mori dius, leader of the Remembered Order Company and Elite adventurer,nded next to my second clone as electricity crackled around him. His spear glimmered as he pointed the tip at Belzu.
The Primeval Demon paused.
Greetings, Champion of the Human Lands.
Chapter 343: Champion Part Three
Chapter 343: Champion Part Three
343. Champion Part Three
As a child, Mori dius had been given everything hed ever wanted in life. His parents were a powerful noble family in the Eastern Kingdoms, and they treated him like a prince but without the responsibility. He hadnt even been the oldest son the one to inherit the family as their leader. He had no purposes, and as such, he pursued personal power because that was the only thing he didnt have.
He trained. Grew stronger. He even became an adventurer just so he could forge his own path. But as a bratty noble, he would always get things his way. He used his influence to join one of the most prestigiouspanies in the world. One of the Three Honorable Companies. The Remembered Order Company.
And that was when he met the Watcher. Unlike everyone else hed met up to that point, the Watcher paid no attention to his status. To the Watchers eyes, Mori was nothing more than another adventurer. The noble boy was treated as such, and that was how he learned humility.
The Watcher taught him very many things. About right and wrong. About justice and responsibility. Mori learned that there was far more to life than just power and influence. He slowly rose up the ranks of the Remembered Order Company, and in time, he became the Watchers sessor.
He learned to uphold the principles his Master taught him. To be the leader of the Remembered Order Company. And more than just that, Mori dius became
The Champion of the Human Lands.
His eyes flickered as the warbled voice echoed from all around him. He stared at the grotesque insect-like figure before him. The Primeval Demon that had been wreaking havoc for so long. A Level 164 [Hellprince].
You know me?
Mori asked, raising his glinting spear. Behind him, a ming figure got to its feet. The Salvos clone shook her head, bringing up a scythe that radiated a faint sense of Divine Essence. He nodded approvingly at that.
The Primeval Demon chuckled. Its wings buzzed as it rose a foot off the ground.
Of course I know you. I am no fool. I have studied the Humannds. I have taken note of all of your kind that may be a threat to me. And there are few.
It began listing Titles.
The Watcher. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy. The Dark Avenger. The Mistress of the Wind. Andstly
Its bulbous eyes fixed on the leader of the Remembered Order Company. The Primeval Demon began to multiply like a reflection on a shattered mirror. Attice that reflected his image one after another, spreading out around him.
You, Mori dius, Champion of the Human Lands, and [Divine Spearmaster]. One of the highest-leveled [Warriors] of all of Humankind. You are one of the few Humans who are a threat to me.
Mori narrowed his eyes. He whirled around as the Salvos clone blinked. He stood back-to-back with the ming figure, both of them surrounded by a hundred of the Primeval Demon. A thousand voices spoke in a cacophony.
That is why you shall die here.
All at once, the Primeval Demon swung down with the Sword of Alexander. The attack came from all sides. The Salvos clone squeaked without a noise. She braced herself, but Mori dius stood without fear. He thrusted his spear into the air as Divine Essence coalesced around his weapon.
[Lance of Radiance]!
A golden glow shot up. Like a pir of light. It parried the Sword of Alexander. The sh drove the Primeval Demon back as the illusion vanished.
The Salvos clone just stared.
Huh.
I didnt expect that. I thought my second clone was going to die there and then, but she survived the attack. And it was thanks to Mori dius. He took on a wide stance, holding his spear with only a single arm. Divine Essence ked off his body, dissipating as quickly as it came. It didnte from his weapon I could tell the Divine Essence was his alone.
Still, that spear managed to drive back the Sword of Alexander. A weapon that managed to survive a direct hit from a Mythic Grade artifact without breaking. It had to be powerful. I used [Identification] on it, but some kind of obfuscation magic prevented me from appraising it.
Mori noticed my curiosity and shook his head.
Its a Bloodforged Lance. My Mastermissioned it for me. It was created by the greatest [Forgemaster] of the Dwarf kingdom of Vonus. Made from my very own blood mixed with their precious orichalcum, it is tied to my being. Its power is dependent solely on my own.
My second clones eyes widened. That was amazing. A weapon or armor that grew alongside you it sounded too good to be true. And yet, I knew Mori was telling the truth.
Belzu panted, steeling himself after being knocked back by Mori. The Primeval Demon was in disbelief.
How?
I cant take him on alone, Liberator of the gunds.
Mori spoke to me as Belzu eyed us warily.
Will you help me?
I looked at the Human man through my second clones eyes. He had dark blue hair that was dirtied from the fighting. Motes of Divine Essence gathered around him as he readied for another sh. I beamed, making my clone flex an arm.
He smiled in relief.
Good. Now lets
[Abomination Fulmination].
Belzu whispered, cutting off the Human man. He unleashed thousands of horrors at us. They came out of him. At first, like a deluge of ck fire. Then came the chittering. The buzzing that roared louder than the raging fire. Thousands of inky, deformed locusts, roaches, and centipedes poured out of the Primeval Demons skin.
They came for both Mori dius and the clone. She sted back at them with golden fire, but they phased through the mes. An illusion?
Dont let them touch you!
Mori shouted, leaping atop a nearby building. The first wave of the horrors reached the clone, and she flew into the air. She nced over at the [Divine Spearmaster] as he continued.
These arent illusions. Theyre curses given form. Theyll drain you of your life. It doesnt matter if youre a clone your real body will be affected.
That was starting to be a trend, huh? The second clone watched as the horrors pooled up, scrambling for her in a mad frenzy. She swerved sharply around them, only for Belzu to appear before her. He stabbed at her with the Sword of Alexander, and she barely blocked it again with the Divine Nebr Scythe.
The rainbow-colored de cracked once more as my clone went sailing back. Belzu pressed on, bringing down the Sword of Alexander again.
Perish.
No [Hallowed Thrust]!
Mori stabbed with his Bloodforged Lance. Even from afar, its tip extended. It shot out like a bolt of lightning as it went for the sky. Then it curved sharply, moving to intercept the swing of the Sword of Alexander. Belzu grunted as his attack was parried.
You pesky
And my clone grinned. She quickly swung for him as he was distracted. He narrowly zipped out of the way as the edge of the Divine Nebr Scythe nicked his side. The Primeval Demon pointed at her.
Die.
The dark horrors from below rushed up at her, and she weaved out of the way. She winked at him as she flew back. He frowned. Then he caught sight of the glowing symbol where he was cut.
This is?
[Demons Mark]. A crimson ball of me engulfed him. It consumed even the fire that was eating away at the city. Mori dius raised a hand, watching as the magic faded away. Belzu emerged from the fire, a few burn marks scorching his insect-like body.
Nice trick, but did you think it was enough to defeat me?
The Primeval Demons eyes shed. But before he could cast another curse or create even more illusions, Mori diuss entire body was wreathed in a golden light.
[Lightning Step].
The Human man became a thunderbolt. There was a crackle as he leapt into the air, rapidly striking Belzu before the Primeval Demon couldunch a counter attack. My clone joined Mori dius, activating [Haste] and [Warped Time]. Even still, she couldnt match his speed. Together, they attacked Belzu from all sides.
All the Primeval Demon could do was defend himself. His horrors couldnt even follow after us. He grunted as he was cut from all angles, unable to block some of the attacks. When both my clone and Mori dius struck him at the exact same time, Belzu couldnt take it anymore.
Enough!
His words were like a pulse. A curse. It knocked both my clone and the Human man back. The closest mes dissipated as rooftops crumbled. Even the horrors were affected. They vanished as Belzus words reached them.
The Primeval Demon flew to the sky as dark clouds gathered above him. He stared down at both Mori and the clone with his bulbous eyes.
I am the Lord of Lies. A [Hellprince] of the Netherworld. A Primeval Demon of Greed. I will not be overwhelmed by either a pathetic mortal or a mere Archdemon.
Mori dius paused as he got to his feet. His eyes flickered.
What?
I bit my lower lip. My clone averted her gaze as the Human man looked her way. Belzu didnt borate. Instead, the Primeval Demon continued.
I will not fall. Not until Regnorex is dead at my heel, and his kingdom is mine.
The ground shook. My clone narrowed her eyes, ncing around her. She saw figures moving about. Closer and closer. Even up above, there were shrouded creatures floating around Belzu. But this was not an illusion. They were real.
Belzus army converged on us. The Primeval Demons body glowed. The sky twisted. The world itself seemed to bend to Belzus will. I recognized this. I understood what was going on. I watched as the moon itself vanished. The sky was painted a blood red. And Belzu uttered the first words.
A Grand Skill.
[The Oozing Lifeblood of the Netherworld. The Advent of Birth. Reject Your Foolish King. Unite. Rebel. Be One with Me, and Ascend].
The world began to shrink. Dark clouds formed above. A ck rain pattered the white ground. Belzus army changed shape they took on different forms. Shapes with horns. With wings. Which bled a ck blood. Belzuughed as he grew in size. His body contorted, and his eyes reced the moon in the sky.
[The End of Genesis: the Destion of Hell].
I blinked.I felt my connection to my clone growing weaker and weaker. And just as Belzu uttered his next words, my link to my second clone fully vanished.
Wee to my world.
Mori dius looked around. He saw a destendscape. A vast and expansivend of white. A crimson dome fell overhead, with ck clouds raining a dark liquid from above. He took a step back, blinking.
Where is this ce?
Just as he asked the question, words popped up in his head, telling him where he was not.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Mortal Realm].
Nothing came after. He was outside of the Mortal Realm. He was no longer in the Humannds. He was somewhere else. The Primeval Demons boomingugh shook thend.
Wee to my world.
He nced up, looking up at the bulbous eyes of the Primeval Demon. Its eyes seemed to meld with the sky like the sun and the moon, all at once. Mori dius tensed, reaching for his spear. And he wriggled.
The Champion of the Human Lands paused. He looked down at himself as theughter continued. He didnt have any clothes. His Bloodforged Lance wasnt with him. In fact, he didnt even have arms. He had a set of nubs that protruded from his body, but that was it.
And wait his body!
He looked at himself in rm. He was a worm. Or a caterpir. Or a kind of insectrva. He wasnt sure what he was, but he looked like a grotesque amalgamation between all three of those. He opened his mouth to question what happened to her, but nothing came out.
Mori dius had no mouth. All he had were a few nubs and a pair of antennae. He didnt believe himself. But when he peered down at a ck puddle and saw his own reflection, he knew it was true. He jerked back as something brushed by him.
Spinning around, he warily faced another slug-like creature. It looked simr to him, except itcked the same nubs or antennae. It looked like a monster. He wouldve attacked it the moment it touched him, if not for the fact that it was glowing.
Salvos? he asked, but again he couldnt speak.
The sameughter from before reverberated throughout the entire world, causing another tremor.
This is no illusion, Champion of the Human Lands. You may try to break out of it, but you will fail. You are trapped. Cursed to be nothing more than an Infant Demon.
Mori dius looked up in disbelief. Then he saw the figures ambling towards him. Demons of all kinds. Lesser Demons. Greater Demons. Archdemons, even. They surrounded both him and the Salvos clone. They had hollow eyes. A wild gaze that seemed ready to tear everything even each other apart.
The Salvos clone backed up next to him, bracing for a fight. Mori dius readied himself too as the Primeval Demon continued.
Make no mistake, you will not survive. Destion has begun, and you will die.
And as if that was a signal, the Demons surrounding both of them rushed out. They charged at the two Infant Demons, snarling, tearing each other apart, all hungry for battle. For the first time in his life, Mori dius, leader of the Remembered Ordr Company, and Champion of the Human Lands, didnt know what to do.
Chapter 344: Champion Part Four
Chapter 344: Champion Part Four
344 Champion Part Four
Belzu looked down at the sphere in his hand, seeing the two Infant Demons make a break for it. They ran from the other Demons chasing them. They fled, unable to fight back. The Primeval Demon cackled in his victory. He nced back down at where Mori dius and the Salvos clone had been standing. They were both gone.
That was right. He hadnt been lying. Or maybe hed lied a little bit.
It was an illusion in a sense. But an illusion so powerful it warped reality that it became real. That it trapped Belzus targets in a world of his own creation. And they were forever cursed to live through the Destion. Through the hell that was the Netherworld.
Perhaps they could break out of it, given time. And that was why Belzu hadnt sent them alone. A small portion of his army was sent along with them to the Primeval Demons world. And hed given the monsters bodies of powerful Demons. They would kill both Mori dius and the Salvos clone. Eventually.
Perhaps both the Salvos clone and Mori dius would retain some of their abilities. But it would only dy the inevitable. There was nothing more for Belzu to do. His biggest threats were trapped, and he was free to continue his razing of the city. And bolstering his army.
The Primeval Demon looked over beyond the city walls. He saw the adventurer army retreating. And he moved for them.
Retreat! We need to leave now!
A voice shouted. Zack nced back at the rest of the adventurer army. They were already pulling back. The army had taken severe losses. Thousands of adventurers were dead. But theyd managed to take out just as many or even more monsters than that.
But the horde of monsters just kepting. They didnt stop. And it was time to leave. Zack agreed with that, but his teammates werent as easy to convince.
Jaakko, you heard them! Lets get out of here!
The Cyclops crushed a Saeve with one of his four arms. The ape-like creature went limp. Jaakko turned back and faced Zack with his one eye.
We cannot retreat.
He spoke simply. Zack gestured exasperatedly at the burning city.
Theres not a chance that theres a single civilian left alive there! Why are we staying?
Because
Jaakko paused. He looked over at one of the few adventurers who were still fighting close to the citys walls. Zack followed his gaze and saw Scarlet. The Red Rose. One of the Elites of the Remembered Order Company. She fought alongside another Elite. Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer. They didnt back up, even when the rest of thepany fled.
What are they doing?
Zack asked, utterly befuddled. Helen walked up behind him, pursing her lips.
Mori dius hasnt returned from the city. Theyre waiting for their leader.
What?
It took a moment for Zack to process this. That meant they were all waiting for Mori dius to return. Zack shook his head.
Mori dius is the Champion of the Human Lands. He can handle himself. And if he cant, we have no business being out here. Let the Elites handle it.
Jaakko remained silent. Helen protested.
But we cant just leave!
Well just be in the way.
Zack spoke, voice level. Still, she wasnt convinced. She turned to the Cyclops the leader of their team.
Jaakko!
The Cyclops didnt speak for a moment. It looked like he was in deep thought. He stared at the city as another burning building copsed. Finally, he sighed.
Zacks right.
Of course I am.
Zack snorted, d his leader was finally seeing some sense. Helen blinked. She opened her mouth to argue, then she looked at her two team members. Her shoulders slumped.
I see.
Jaakko nodded.
I do not wish to leave the Champion of the Human Lands alone. But our help is not needed here. Let us go
He started, only for a blinding light to cut him off. It tore through the battlefield, slicing through the first ranks of adventurers before they could even react. Dozens of tinum Ranks and a few Diamond Ranks just vanished, killed by the giant de of light in an instant.
Jaakko, Helen, and Zack wouldve fallen victim to the attack too if they hadnt been saved. Zack blinked as he found himself floating, being carried by the Salvos clone that had been protectively hovering over them.
W-what?
The [Mage] stared at the ranks of dead adventurers. Both Scarlet and Tyrian managed to escape in time too. They were tense, weapons at the ready for whatever it was responsible for that attack.
The Salvos clone slowly lowered Jaakko, Helen, and Zack to the ground. She hurriedly gestured at them to leave. Zack stumbled to his feet, still in shock. Then he looked at what the Salvos clone was looking at. She stared into the raging mes. At a bloated figure slowly flying out of it.
No
He gasped. That was when he saw it. For the very first time, Zack caught sight of the Primeval Demon.
It emerged from the mes, followed by its army. Monsters of all kinds. Undead of all Species. Zack was almost certain he saw Humans amongst them too, but he was too transfixed on the Primeval Demon to even realize what he was looking at.
The Primeval Demons presence weighed on him. A creeping sense of dread crawled over the battlefield, smothering any spark of fighting spirit that had previously been there. A sick grin spread across its face as it spoke a simple order for its army.
Kill them all.
And Zack screamed. The adventurers fled as the horde of monsters gave chase, led by the Primeval Demon itself.
This was it. Mori dius had found himself in many dangerous situations throughout his life. As an adventurer, he was no stranger to death. Many of his friends and allies had died throughout his adventures. Throughout his journey to be the Champion of the Human Lands.
He knew that a time woulde when he, himself, would eventually fall in battle. He was prepared for it. But he didnt expect to go out like this.
A Greater Demon swung for him as he barely scuttled out of the way, using his little nubs to carry himself as fast as possible. It missed, instead striking a Lesser Demon. The Lesser Demon snarled in anger. It struck back, only to be crushed by the Greater Demon.
Mori dius sighed internally in relief, grateful for that brief reprieve for that dy it had bought him. The Demons continued to give chase as he could only crawl-scurry back. Behind him, the Salvos clone followed. She matched his speed, although it wasnt very hard to do so.
They were both slug-like creatures that barely had any appendages or limbs. The Primeval Demons Grand Skill trapped them in these bodies. It had ced them in this world. In the Netherworld? Or a recreation of it?
He didnt know. It didnt matter to him. All he knew was that he was going to die in some unknown ce with the body of some grotesque creature. It was a shameful death. He couldnt even fight back. He tried, oh, he did.
But when he threw himself at theserger creatures, all he did was flop over and fall to the ground, barely even stalling them. So all he could do was run. But he couldnt run forever.
A Lesser Demon intercepted him a kind of [Djinn]. It towered over him, and he swiftly crawled around its legs. The [Djinn] kicked once, sending him flying in the air. The single hit battered his body. Hended on the white ground with a thud, bleeding a ck blood that mixed with the rain from above.
He grimaced.
No He got back up, immediately taking off running again. Not like this
And an Archdemon caught up to him. Its ws raked his back as he recoiled in pain. He wiggled around the Archdemons arms as it picked him up. It had a demented head that of a monsters skull. And its jaws unhinged, revealing a hundred razor-sharp teeth. It held him over its mouth as he struggled to break free.
I cant die like this, he thought as he gazed into the bottomless pit of the Archdemons maws. It easily kept back the Greater Demons and Lesser Demons. It slowly lowered Mori dius down, closing its jaw.
He shut his eyes, epting his fate. This is how I go, huh? It was bittersweet. He took sce in knowing that he died protecting Humankind, living up to his Title as the Champion of the Human Lands. But he was going to die in another world. In a reality-warping illusion. As a Demon.
It truly was a tragedy
And he heard a thud. A hard smacking sound. Almost wet. He opened his eyes to see the Salvos clone throwing her slug-like body straight into the Archdemons mouth. It knocked the Archdemon back, causing it to stagger and drop him. Mori dius stared at her, confused. She looked down at him once and nodded.
Why? he began to ask, and the Archdemon bit down. It was a chomp. One that crushed the Salvos clone instantly. Mori dius flinched. Why would you save me? he asked again.
It was over. He was next. All she did was dy his death for a second longer. All she did was
And there was a glint. A bright light coalesced deep within the Archemon. It paused. It fell to the ground in pain. Mori dius eyes widened. He leapt back, scuttling past the other Demons as the light grew brighter. Before, finally, a powerful explosion ripped apart thendscape. It killed the Archdemon instantly, before blowing apart the nearby Greater Demons and Lesser Demons.
Mori dius himself was caught in the st. He was sent flying back and mmed into arge rock. He fell over in a daze, vision growing dark. Now is this really it? he wondered as the world vanished.
--
You did it.
A soft voice spoke in the room. Mori dius sat up abruptly, nearly knocking over the report that had beenid on his desk. He nced over at the figure standing by the doorway. A young man, barely twenty years old, stood there with a raised brow.
Im surprised. Id have thought you of all people would have fucked up.
Fuck up? What are you
Mori dius started in anger, before catching himself. He straightened and bowed at the young man.
Im sorry, Master. But may I ask why exactly did you think I''d fail my mission?
I told you before, Mori. You dont have to address me so formally.
The young man just chuckled. He walked over to the desk with a skip in his step. Utterly carefree. He sat down and crossed his legs.
I told you, you can just call me Yves.
Mori stared at the rxed young man. At Yves Virgil. The leader of the Remembered Order Company. The Watcher. The highest-leveled Human in the entire world. Then Mori shook his head.
Im sorry, but I cannot address you that way, Master. That would be disrespectful and rude of me to do so.
Geez, youre always so uptight, arent you? You need to rx more. Although I guess that stubbornness of yours is why you got that Title.
Yves smiled. Despite his youthful appearance, he was nearly twice Moris age. Mori wasnt sure how the Watcher looked so young. It was possible that Yves had a second ss as an [Alchemist] and concocted Potions of Youth for himself.
Mori dius never thought to ask. Yves continued.
Champion of the Human Lands, huh? What a prestigious Title. Youd think youd have gotten it from besting the Demon King in a duel, or fending off a Kobold army all by yourself. And yet, all you did was negotiate with the Elven Matriarch Ios-friel and convince her not to invade the Humannds. You, of all people.
The Watcher ced his hand on his forehead like he was in disbelief. Mori dius pursed his lips.
Did you think I was going to fail, Master?
Maybe. I cant say for sure with you, Mori. When I first met you, you were the most brash idiot I had ever epted into mypany. But now?
Mori dius stood slightly straighter prouder. And Yves grinned.
Now? Youve changed so much. Youve grown so much stronger. But youre still a brash idiot.
...oh.
The Champion of the Human Lands deted. But his Master just waved a hand off.
Thats not to say you were the exact same person then as you are now. And youve shown how much youve grown since then. But at the very core, you havent changed. Because whether you are good or bad, weak or strong, rich or poor none of it matters. That is not who you are. The very essence of your soul hasnt changed.
Mori dius looked up at the Watcher. He stared at his Master, listening carefully. Taking in every word that came out of Yves mouth as the young man got to his feet.
If you had failed, it wouldve been a terrible war. A cmity to the Humannds. But you are Mori dius. My sessor. I trusted that you wouldnt fail. And you didnt. You seeded. You prevented it.
Yves patted Mori on the shoulder with a soft smile.
So good job. Because it is now up to you to protect Humankind, Mori.
With those words, the Watcher left the room.
--
Mori dius eyes fluttered open. He was no longer in that old office back at hispanys headquarters that wasnt even his current office which was farrger and more luxurious than what he had now. It had been a memory from a time long ago. When hed still been a Diamond Ranked adventurer.
The Watcher had picked him as the next leader of the Remembered Order Company. At the time, Mori had been perplexed. He didnt know why his Master didnt choose any of the other Elites there. But perhaps it was because his Master saw something in him that others couldnt.
Forcing himself back up, Mori dius took in his surroundings. He was still in the crimson world, although the dark rain had stopped falling from the sky. His body was injured ripped and torn by the Demons before being sted by a golden explosion.
Here he was, still trapped in the body of an Infant Demon. In a harsh world far from his own. He wasnt in the Humannds. He was going to die in a foreign ce with the broken body of a creature he scorned.
A moving figure caught his eyes. He looked over at an ambling Archdemon walking over the corpses of the other Demons that had been caught in the st. This wasnt the same Archdemon that had tried to eat him. That Archdemon had been incinerated by the golden mes.
No this was another Archdemon that managed to avoid the st. It came down now to collect the scraps and leftovers, although there were none except for Mori dius himself. He tried to crawl away, but it slowly walked up to him. It wore a vicious smile on its face as it reached over to him. Like a vulture swooping down to its prey.
Mori dius stared at it. At the way it hungered for him. But Demons didnt eat. This was a monster wearing the skin of an Archdemon, as he was a Human with the form of an Infant Demon. That was why it opened its mouth that was why it scooped him into its maw.
Then he looked past the Archdemon. Towards the site of the explosion. The golden st. The Salvos clone had exploded. He remembered seeing the very same st erupted throughout the city. Despite being reduced to a mere slug-like creature, the Salvos clone still retained that ability.
He craned his neck, looking at the Archdemon. Then at himself. And he remembered his Masters words.
Thats right.
The Archdemon closed its teeth around him as he stared at his impending death.
I am the Watchers sessor.
He would face death in the face andugh. Mere death was nothing to a [Divine Spearmaster].
I am the leader of the Remembered Order Company.
The essence of his soul hadnt changed, even if he looked like an Infant Demon now. His divinity wisped off him as there was a chomp. A crunch. An intense pain swept through his body. And heughed.
I am the Champion of the Humannds!
With that thought, he activated his Grand Skill.
[Divine Resurrection]!
The Archdemon paused. It stumbled back as something emerged from its stomach. It spat out the body of the Infant Demon, only for the eddying golden kes to coalesce around the corpse. A bright light shone for a bit before morphing into the vague shape of a Human body. And from that, emerged Mori dius. He carried his Bloodforged Lance, blue hair dripping with ck blood.
He smirked as the Archdemon stepped back. He didnt let it escape. Instead, he thrust forward. He stabbed at the Archdemon even as it fled. His spear lit up the entire crimson sky, painting it gold as he shouted.
[I Shall Pierce the Heavens]!
And his second Grand Skill impaled the Archdemon. It reached the end of the small world, breaching its edges. It moved in a straight line, cracking the sky. The entire world shone gold, before everything shattered.
Chapter 345: Champion Part Five (End of Volume 5 Part Two)
Chapter 345: Champion Part Five (End of Volume 5 Part Two)
345. Champion Part Five
Belzu watched as the adventurers tried to flee. His army moved, intercepting them before they could get far. The Humans fought a futile attempt at surviving. With a single swing of the Sword of Alexander, hed wipe out dozens of high-leveled adventurers. Only their Elites stood a chance against him.
His eyes flickered to the side. A red blur rushed at him, striking at his neck with a set of curved daggers. Belzu didnt even need to dodge. Scarlet the Red Rose missed entirely, striking at an illusion. He swung back at her, and she leapt out of the way.
Pathetic.
The Primeval Demon spoke simply. A volley of arrows shot out at him, but he cut them from the sky. He fixed his gaze at the other Elite present. Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer. He nocked another arrow onto his bow. But Belzu just whispered.
Behind you.
Tyrian whirled around in a panic, loosing the powerful bolt at the image of the Primeval Demon behind him. It tore through the illusion, but didnt actually reach Belzu. After all, Belzu hadnt moved. The Primeval Demon cackled as he sliced down with the Sword of Alexander.
The giant de reached Tyrian from afar. He tried to jump back, but he was far slower than Scarlet. He screamed as his right arm was cut cleanly off.
Tyrian!
Scarlet shouted. She dashed for him, and Belzu moved to stop her. However a st of golden me shot him. He red at the ming figure above him.
You only have one final clone left. If you truly wish to save these people, show your real self so I can kill you instead.
The Salvos clone just stuck her tongue out at him. He replied with a curse.
[Desecration of the Mind].
She recoiled and flew off, clutching at her head in pain. It wasnt enough to kill her on its own, but he knew he was attacking the real Salvos at the same time. And that was all that mattered to him.
Suffer, pest.
He watched as she scurried off, running once again. That was all she did. Belzu turned his attention to the more dangerous opponents present. The two Elites were huddled together. He could take them out with one fell swoop. Most of his Skills were on cooldown, but he still had the Sword of Alexander.
Belzu grinned, creating an illusion to disorient them. The Elites moved around in a panic as it looked like the world was falling around them. The Primeval Demon flew closer, hidden from their view. He raised the Sword of Alexander
And paused. He heard a crash. He nced down at the sphere that hed been carrying, looking at a giant webbed crack running through it. His eyes bulged.
Impossible.
And the sphere that was carrying his world broke. It shatteredpletely, letting out everything hed caught within. He watched bodies of monsters fell from it dropping out of the sky one after another. Then there was a glint. A spear stabbing for his face.
The Primeval Demon zipped back just in time to dodge Mori dius attack. The leader of the Remembered Order Companynded right next to his fellow Elites, spinning his spear as he took on a battle-ready stance. The adventurer army paused. Even the Salvos clone looked on in awe. Then they erupted to cheers as the Champions of the Human Lands stepped forward.
Primeval Demon! Your rampage ends here!
He dered. Belzu just stared in shock.
My Grand Skill he broke through it
It was now or never. Mori dius had revealed everything he had. Both his Grand Skills. Everything in his repertoire had been used up. He nced back at his dwindling army. He barely had half the numbers hed started with in such a short amount of time and whether that was due to death or desertion, he wasnt sure.
But the Primeval Demon wasnt going to let up. It would not stop until his army and the civilians they were protecting were all dead. After all, the Primeval Demon itself had lost so much from this. Its army of monsters, too, had been reduced. It hovered there, injured. Bleeding and hurt. If not to replenish its numbers, it would press on for the sake of its pride.
The Primeval Demon raised a hand as its army gathered behind it. Monsters of all shapes and sizes listened to its call. Mindreapers flew alongside it as it cast a scornful gaze at Mori dius.
You grow conceited, Champion of the Human Lands. Your army is broken. You stand no chance against me.
Mori dius shook his head. That was true. He looked at how haphazardly scattered the adventurers were. They had no organization, unlike a proper military. But still, they were here. They fought on. And that was enough for him.
He stood taller, shouting for everyone in his army to hear.
To me, adventurers of the Humannds! Help me bring an end to this gue! It has spread its pestilence for far too long it has taken far too many lives! We dont know who will be the next one to suffer by its ws. It could be your friends your family!
The fleeing adventurers paused. They looked at each other, then at the battlefield. They saw the destruction that had been wrought. And they listened.
We have proven it time and time again through history. If Humankind bands together, we can achieve anything. A lone Demon cannot and will not bring us to our knees. We will not let it continue!
He brought his spear up, and there was a pir of light shot up. The adventurers stared at him. At the Champion of the Human Lands. There was some hesitation. A moment of doubt. But they heeded his call. They put aside their selfish needs and desires, listening to his valor.
Nowe! Let us put an end to this today!
And they cheered. The adventurers charged with him. He ran straight for the Primeval Demon. It rallied its own army, ncing back at the mindless monsters.
ughter them all! I shall dly add your corpses to my numbers, you foolish mortal!
The Mindreapers raced forward. The [Gatho Mammoths] stampeded ahead. The Drakes roared as Saeves clung onto their backs. The undead sprinted until their limbs broke. They listened to the Primeval Demonsmand. Only a small section of the monster army stayed back. They hesitated, not charging straight into the fray, although the Primeval Demon didnt notice it.
Mori dius didnt pay attention to them either. He didnt even notice their haggard looks. They werent monsters or undead, but Humans. All the Champion of the Human Lands saw was his target. The Primeval Demon.
He shed with the front lines of the monster army. He ripped straight through the undead. The [Gatho Mammoths] were barely even a threat to him. He impaled a Drake, before bringing down a group of Saeves. A st of mind magic struck him, causing him to stumble. Dozens of Mindreapers attacked him all at once.
He red up at them, but didnt even get a chance to attack as a wave of golden mes incinerated the Mindreapers. The Salvos clone flew alongside him, giving him a thumbs-up.
Then a flicker of red shot past him. Mori dius watched as Scarlet the Red Rose tore apart the front ranks of monsters, screaming at him.
Go!
He nodded as he charged on. A volley of arrows exploded ahead of him, blowing apart a group of Howres. He leapt atop a [Gatho Mammoth], boosting off it as a team of adventurers brought the monster down. He looked up above, spotting the Primeval Demon. As the battlefield raged on around him, he saw a Diamond Ranked adventurer fall from a sundering cut from the Sword of Alexander.
The Primeval Demon caught sight of Mori dius too. Through all the fighting. It roared a garbled sound as he shouted.
I am the Champion of the Human Lands! Your reign of terror ends now!
He poured thest vestiges of his Divine Essence into the Bloodforged Lance. No more Skills. No more tricks. Just sheer power alone. The Primeval Demon screamed back as it swung down with the Sword of Alexander.
I shall not lose to a damn mortal!
They shed mid-air. Their des were locked for what felt like an eternitypounded into a single moment. A wave of energy burst out, knocking back those closest to them. Mori dius felt his power fading. He didnt have much Divine Essence left.
He grunted as he pushed on. The Primeval Demon stared, watching as the Sword of Alexander was pushed back.
No
This is over!
Mori dius yelled with all his might. There was a glimmer. And then a st of Divine Essence exploded in all directions. The fighting below stopped as the shockwave pulsed out. The Primeval Demon looked on in shock as the Sword of Alexander itself went flying.
Time seemed to stop. Everyone stared on, unable to parse what just happened. Mori dius overwhelmed the Sword of Alexander on his own. Even the Salvos clone wore a look of surprise on her face. The Primeval Demon just uttered one word.
How?
The Champion of the Human Lands grunted, bringing back his Bloodforged Spear. He remembered his Masters words. The task that had been entrusted to him. This was it. He would not fail here. He thrusted forward, aiming for the Primeval Demons heart.
Because I am Humankinds protector
And blood went sttering out. It dripped down from the wounds, mixing together as everyone stared on. There was a gasp. No gasps. The blood pooled together. Red blood. And ck blood.
Both Demon blood and Human blood dripped down from the golden scales as everyone looked up. They froze at the sight. At their Champion as he was impaled alongside the terrible Primeval Demon.
Mori dius trembled as he looked down at what was protruding from his chest. It tore straight through his heart. A golden thing. A tail.
A tail. It was hooked at the edge, with jagged barbs poking out of its side. It connected both Belzu and Mori dius. The Primeval Demon looked just as shocked as the Human man.
A softugh broke the silence.
Oh, how lucky of me. I have caught two of my prey with a single hook.
The tail receded. Mori dius nced back at the serpentine figure floating behind him. His eyes widened.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 171]
Oh.
Mori dius said as he dropped from the sky. He stared up weakly at the red sky. At his new foe. And a final thought crossed his mind as darkness consumed him for thest time.
I am sorry, Yves
Belzu coughed out ck blood as the tail pulled out from him. He flew back, watching the Champion of the Human Lands drop dead. The owner of the tail tilted his head.
Youre quite durable for a mere insect, arent you?
Levithus.
Belzu spat as he clutched at his wound. It wasnt enough to kill him. Of course not. He was not a weak mortal who couldnt survive without his head. Nor did he even have a heart.
The other Primeval Demon, Levithus, justughed.
Even with our Kings treasures, you are weak.
He held up the Sword of Alexander. It glimmered in the night sky. The sight of the Mythic Grade artifact broke the Human adventurers out of their stupor. They screamed, turning tails and fleeing.
Mori dius is dead!
Another person shouted, louder this time.
The Champion of the Human Lands has been killed!
Levithus barely even gave them a nce. His gaze was fixed only only Belzu. The Lord of Lies edged around the other Primeval Demon. Belzu wouldve fled immediately if he could, if Levithus didnt have the Sword of Alexander in his hands.
Belzu paused when he caught sight of a glint past the other Primeval Demon. And he decided to speak.
You are but a ve, Levithus. Even if you kill me today, you will always be weak.
On the contrary, Belzu. I did note here to y you on our Kings orders.
He is not my king.
Belzu snarled, but Levithus ignored him.
Rather, I asked our King to let me kill you. An insect like you deserves to be exterminated. And I desire the grand honor to put a traitor like you to death.
Levithus inspected the Sword of Alexander. The weapon shed as he bared his teeth.
Then once I am done with you, I shall deal with these puny mortals
But a st of mes interrupted him. Levithus spun around and caught a golden figure. The Salvos clone struggled as he coiled around her with his body. Her arm transformed into a scythe as she tried to cut her way free.
And what is this? An ally of yours? No
Levithus narrowed his eyes, inspecting the shapeshifting clone.
How peculiar
This was Belzus only chance. He pointed.
[Desecration of the Mind]!
Levithus recoiled. His eyes narrowed and he swung for Belzu. But the de cut through only an illusion.
The real Belzu appeared far away, already flying off into the distance. Levithus roared.
Coward!
His body tightened around the Salvos clone. She let out a silent scream before exploding. The st barely scathed Levithus. The golden mes whipped around him, billowing smoke into the air. The mes wisped off him as he fixed his gaze at Belzu. He swung the Sword of Alexander down, cutting into the army of the Lord of Lies.
Monsters fell by the dozens. Each swing took out a chunk of Belzus army. But they went scattering everywhere. Leviticus spun around, opening his maw and unleashing a torrent of ck mes at Belzus direction.
The st shook the earth. It engulfed everything in its sight. But his targets vanished. Illusions that had tricked him entirely. The giant serpent paused, floating in the air amidst gold and ck fire. He nced back at the Humans, then at one of the many Belzus in the distance. Both armies fled from him. Both sides were a fraction of their former selves. And Levithus spoke dangerously as mes licked out of his mouth,
Run, little insect. Flee with whats left of your army. But know that your time is running out. Our King is here, and he shall cast his judgment on you.
With that, the battle was over. All six of my clones were dead. Killed by two different Primeval Demons. Hopefully, Jaakko, Zack, and Helen escaped. I tried to buy them whatever time I could by using myst clone to distract Levithus, but he was far stronger than even Belzu.
I couldnt even hurt him. At all. So I just hoped that they escaped.
I sat there, in the throne room of Alyras, far from the battlefield, just exhausted. And in pain. Id taken a lot more damage than I wanted to when I hadnt even participated in the fighting myself. Daniel once again asked me if something was wrong, and I finally decided to ry what had happened.
A babbling of voices broke out. The Vampires and the nobles hurriedly gathered around to discuss the event. They spoke of Mori dius death. Of the second Primeval Demons power. And of Belzus defeat.
I listened, not contributing much other than to rify any questions. I was too worried. I hoped that my friends survived. And I wondered how I was even going to take on Belzu as I was, let alone Levithus.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I could empathize with Daniel. I just didnt want to think about my problems for a moment. But then all the discussion in the room came to a halt. Because, for the second time tonight, a messenger rushed into the room. And this time, I perked up at hearing what it was.
The Rising Veterans Company has arrived.
The messenger said to the king of Alyras before repeating himself for all to hear,
The first adventurer army has reached Alyras!
There were cheers. Relieved looks. Saffron smiled as she turned to her family, more confident than just a few minutes before. And I found myself getting excited too. Just not for the same reason as everyone else.
I turned to Daniel. My eyes lit up. He gave me a knowing look. And I beamed.
Edithe is here!
End of Volume 5 Part 2 (Book 6)
Author''s Notes:
So this was it. The end of Volume 5 Part 2, or Book 6. I quite enjoyed writing it, but sort of burned out towards the end. When I wrote this finale, it was 341-345 all-in-one chapter and I really liked how it turned out. Individually... I''m not sure if it''s as impactful. Maybe I''ll try more things out in the future, or maybe I won''t. Either way, I hope you guys enjoyed reading it.
P.S. pls follow my Twitter. I am a sad boi with only 174 followers. Pls help me get to 500 ty. /ms_d
Also, here''s a new cover by FuyuDust!
Chapter 346: Willy’s Will (Start of Volume 5 Part 3)
Chapter 346: Willy¡¯s Will (Start of Volume 5 Part 3)
346. Willy''s Will
He went by many names. Far too many to even remember. All his life, hed been worshipped. Revered as though he were a god. Hed been known as Ayati, Adashs Deity of Day. Bodha, the Sun Spirit of Timira. Or Citta, the Hearthkeeper of Zaetya.
If he were a mortal, hed be nearly five thousand years old. And thest millennia had been spent in the Mortal Realm, where he grewzy. Weak and conceited. But most of all lonely.
Being exalted was an incredibly lonely thing. It meant he had no friends. Nopanions. All that surrounded him were mortals who saw themselves beneath his station. It was like hed been crowned as king when he didnt want to be king. Imprisoned in the role of a god.
He thought his life would never change. Not until he met her.
She was an idealistic young woman. She didnt treat him with the same reverence as the others. And perhaps that was because of her background. She was different. She was unlike the others who spent all their time praying to him he couldnt even hear their prayers!
That was because she wasnt a Human.
It was the Humans who ced him on this pedestal, and the very fact that she wasnt one of them already made all the difference in the world. She took him away from them brought him with her to explore the world. To be an adventurer whod help all those who were in need.
Her name was Nynen. A Cyclops from Ajih. She was his first and only master. A free soul whod swoop into danger without a second thought. And that was how she died: at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf, trying to save him from the wrath of a group of [Evolved Centinels].
After her death, hed felt like he was alone again. Like nothing mattered once more. He just existed. He lived amongst a sanctuary of monsters. A haven for the lost for those just like him without a ce in the world. A [Will O Wisp] whose mes burned softly. Flickering like the fire had exhausted all its fumes.
Then a strange girl entered the Bloodied Gulf. A Demon who went by the name of Salvos.
She reminded him of Nynen. That fearless almost reckless desire to always face the odds ande out on top. She promised the monsters of the haven that shed help them escape. It sounded insane. He didnt even think it was possible. Yet, she did it.
She killed an [Ancient Centinel]. She learned two Grand Skills. She surpassed his level in a matter of weeks. And she even gave him a name.
Willy. That was the name hed bore since he met her. Truthfully, he didnt think hed ever go with another name since Nynens death, but now he did. Furthermore, he was following the girl. The Demon. Salvos.
Why was he following her around? He didnt know. Perhaps it was because she reminded him of Nynen. Or perhaps it was because he didnt have anywhere else to go. But
Willy nced over at Salvos. The girl was happily skipping down the gilded hallway, giddily whispering to herself over and over as herpanions followed.
Im finally going to see Edithe again! Im finally going to see Edithe again
If he was being honest, he was just d he wasnt alone again.
After weeks of arduous travel, theyd finally arrived at Alyras. It wasnt thergest city in the Helbir ins. In fact, it wasnt even home to the greatest military power here. It was simply the current city state that was in charge of the Helbir League.
Edithe Dawnrise wasnt sure why this was their destination. She wasnt the one in charge of leading this army of adventurers. Companies from all across the western and even some of the southern nations in the Humannds banded together for one reason and one reason only: Helena Warshade.
The leader of the Rising Veterans Company one of the Three Honorable Companies of the Humannds. Also an Archmage of Mavos Academy. And the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. Some even had contended that she was the strongest [Mage] in the world, since the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world, yton Skyshredder, was more of a researcher than abatant.
Edithe didnt know enough about either of them to make any concrete statement. But after just meeting Helena Warshade, she could see why she held such a reputation in the first ce. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company was incredibly powerful. She could change the weather with just a wave of her staff. Even in a room full of Elites, she''d stand above them through her sheer presence alone.
And it was not just strength. It was wisdom too. Helena Warshade was intelligent. Smart beyond her years, even though she was old. Although, she didnt look nearly half her age.
So there had to be a reason why the adventurer army was in Alyras. Perhaps it was to negotiate with the Helbir League forge an alliance with them to bring down the Primeval Demon. Or maybe it was simply where the various adventurer armies were going to meet up.
Edithe knew that the other Honorable Companies the Remembered Order Company and the Forsaken Company were mustering up whatever forces they could as well. It was their top priority to bring down the Primeval Demon. They had all agreed upon that.
Whatever the case was, they were here in Alyras and they were here to stay. For now.
Looks like theyre throwing a party to wee us.
Celine, one of Edithes closest friends, observed. Edithe looked to the edge of the city state and saw arge crowd gathered just outside its walls. They cheered and shouted, celebrating the arrival of the Rising Veterans adventurer army.
For good reason! Were here to save the day and beat up that Primeval Demon!
A voice eximed. Edithe looked back at the young woman clinging onto Celine. Nora. An adventurer from the Northbury Troops. She swept her blue hair back and continued.
...or die trying.
Come on, Nora. Youve gotta have more confidence than that.
Celine chided the blue-haired woman with a grin.
Puff up your chest and say it with me: Were here to save the day and beat up that Primeval Demon, or die trying!
I dont know if we should be enthusiastic about dying, Cel.
They bothughed as Edithe just watched on. Then she cast her gaze past her friends past the gathering outside of Alyras. Her eyes focused on something camped beyond the citys walls. It was an encampment. Edithe stared at the gs flying high above the tents.
Thats
She narrowed her eyes. And someone else finished her sentence. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company herpany stepped forward.
Thats the Merryster Familys sigil.
Hadrian spoke softly. His eyes were fixed on that g. Edithe raised a brow, puzzled.
I think I have heard of them. But why are they here?
He didnt answer. Instead, he shook his head, gesturing at other g designs that were flown throughout the encampment.
And thats the Norwood Familys g. The Veridian Familys g. The Marins. The Patels theyre all very influential families. Powerful, although some more than others. And
Slowly, he turned to face Edithe. He closed his eyes, speaking in resignation.
And theyre Vampires.
Oh.
That was all Eidthe said.
--
Vampires. They were known as Demon yers. Demon Hunters. They were notorious throughout all of the Humannds for this reputation. Theyd been elevated to nobility for their actions of the past. But theyperson didnt know which of the tens of thousands of noble families out there were actuallyposed of Vampires.
After all, Vampires worked from the shadows. They were the hidden protectors of Humankind. So since they were here, that was a good thing right?
Except, Hadrian wasnt too enthused about their presence. In fact, he looked rather worried. And Edithe knew the reason why.
Hadrian was a Vampire. More specifically, his father, Baris, had been the Head of the Slydrift Family. One of the Five Greater Vampire Families. Before theyd been driven to destruction by the other Greater Vampire Families.
Edithe wasnt too certain of the details. And Hadrian wasnt either. He just knew that
It was the Crimsonfangs and the Veridians who destroyed the Slydrifts.
Hadrian spoke in a daze as the adventurer army set up their own encampment outside of Alyras. He nced over at the flying gs and the other encampment a few miles to the west. He bit his lower lip.
I dont see the Crimsonfang Familys gs anywhere, so at least that is one problem gone. But the Veridians have a strong influence over the Helbir League. If they find out that Im here
He was worried. Understandably so. But Edithe ced a hand on his shoulder, speaking reassuringly.
Youll be fine Hadrian. I highly doubt the Veridians will be able to recognize you as a Slydrift.
After all, he wasnt raised as a Slydrift. He hadnt even known he was one until recently. Edithe continued.
And even if they recognize you, they have no quarrel with you. The Slydrift Family is gone. You are Hadrian, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers our leader.
Edithe
He looked at her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She spoke in a soft whisper.
Even if you are a Vampire, you were never raised as one. They wont raise a finger against you. No one in thepany will let that happen.
She held him in that embrace for a moment. He closed his eyes, slowly returning the hug.
Thank you.
The two remained silent. Neither said anything, simply luxuriating in their presence. Then a voice broke out, interrupting them.
Hey, uh, I dont want to interrupt you guys, but I think were needed for something.
They turned to face Celine. She scratched the back of her head.
Bad timing?
Hadrian flushed, drawing back. Edithe just rolled her eyes and faced Celine.
Not really. Whats going on?
Dunno.
Celine shrugged.
Apparently theres big news. Helena Warshade herself is going to make an announcement.
Edithe exchanged a nce with Hadrian. He didnt seem like he knew anything about this. She paused she thought of Jake. Of Helenas meeting with Orbur Vale a few days ago. And she had a thought.
Do you think Helenas going to announce the truth about the Iron Champions? That they were led by Demons?
That would be big news. Yes, the Valiant Dreamers had tried to get the news out when they discovered it. But they werergely ignored, especially following the destruction of Nightsveil. It was taken as mere nder not much to substantiate it. And when the True Valiants broke off from the Valiant Dreamers, Hadrian and Edithe had been too busy dealing with that to try to prove their ims.
But Helena would corroborate it. And perhaps it would draw more allies to them. Edithe hoped for that. But as the red-haired woman strolled through the encampment, she had an inkling of a feeling that that wasnt the case.
Did you hear
...it was terrible
are you serious? Him?
Edithe frowned. She listened to the whispers. The rumors being spread by the gathering adventurers. But she couldnt exactly discern what it was. The Valiant Dreamers eventually joined the crowd at the center of the camp.
Helena Warshade was already there. She stood atop her floating cloud, looking down at a piece of parchment. Her face was pale, although her expression didnt change. Finally, when she was ready, she descended from the cloudy sky.
She addressed the crowd as her voice was magically amplified for everyone in the encampment to hear.
Just three hours ago, I received a report. I did not want to believe it at first, but I have confirmed its veracity. It is as follows.
Edithe narrowed her eyes.
A report?
What could it be?
Hadrian was just as confused as the red-haired woman. They both quietened down as Helena continued.
Yesterday, at nightfall, the Primeval Demon assailed Westshield, thergest border city in Shedos. The Remembered Order Company and its allies were in the vicinity and moved to support Westshield.
There was a pause. Edithe watched as Helena showed her first signs of any emotion. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company hesitated, lips quivering. A susurration through the crowd, and she continued.
And after a difficult battle, I regret to inform you all that the Remembered Order Company was defeated and their leader, Mori dius, the Champion of the Human Lands, was killed.
Edithes eyes grew wide. Hadrian took a step back. Even Celine was surprised. Pandemonium broke out amongst the adventurers as the news settled in that Mori dius, Champion of the Human Lands, and one of the highest-leveled Elites in the world, died by the Primeval Demon.
Chapter 347: Edithe’s Elation
Chapter 347: Edithe¡¯s tion
347. Edithe''s tion
Mori dius was dead.
It was not something anyone expected to hear today. Edithe Dawnrise couldnt believe it at first. Hed been one of the highest-leveled Humans in the world. He was literally known as the Champion of the Human Lands. It was said that he couldnt be killed that he once was in in battle fending off a Goblin King and its army. Yet, he came back the next day.
Perhaps Mori dius would return. Maybe he mighte back like he did before. However, once Edithe heard the full details, all her hopeful thoughts vanished.
A second Primeval Demon
She massaged her temples. It wasnt even something shed thought about or really considered. A single Primeval Demon was bad enough, but a second one on top of that?
The Watcher really needs to return from wherever the fuck hes been hiding for thest three decades, or were all going to be so fucked.
The Valiant Dreamers Company was back at their section of the encampment now. Edithe looked over at Hadrian and Celine. They exchanged a nce, and she exasperatedly gestured vaguely to the southeast to where Nixa had been.
An entire country has been razed to the ground, and more Demons keep popping up. We need to put an end to this before it gets out of hand.
I mean, isnt that why were gathered here?
Celine piped up. Edithe nodded.
But its still not enough. Were still just fucking about. Ugh!
The red-haired woman groaned. Her temper was ring up again. She always was quite hotheaded. Shed managed to keep in check by lengthening her fuse. But once the fuse was gone, shed explode like she did right now.
Weve lost too many Elites at this point. If they all just fucking worked together, theyd be able to kill the Primeval Demon yesterday.
There were nearly a hundred individuals who were above Level 150 registered right now. Of course, not all those who were above Level 150 hadbat sses. But still, that meant there were about fifty-or-so Level 150 individuals who werebatants. And while a good chunk of them were missing in action like the Watcher, whatever was left was still more than enough to take care of Belzu and that other Primeval Demon.
The fact that they were too stubborn and idiotic to put aside their differences and work together to save millions of lives was just ridiculous at this point. It frustrated Edithe. She paced around the tent, cursing as Hadrian and Celine watched.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company rose to his feet. He raised a hand, hesitating. Edithe nced at him as he drew back. Hadrian said nothing. She opened her mouth, about to urge him to speak. But a voice interrupted her.
Excuse me.
She turned to face the figure standing at the ps of the tent. He wasnt part of the Valiant Dreamers, but he was a familiar man. Leopold, a member of the Rising Veterans Company. The one whod informed them of the coalition. He bowed as he entered.
I apologize for my intrusion. Helena Warshade has requested all representatives from the majorpanies present to attend a meeting.
A meeting?
Edithe raised a brow, and he nodded.
Indeed. One to acquaint you with our new allies in Alyras. It need not be your leader if he is busy. Anyone from thepany will do, simply to represent your interests.
Her eyes flickered as Leopold exined. Hadrian shifted back. She knew what that meant the Vampire Families were going to be present. She started past her leader, volunteering herself first.
I shall go.
Leopold looked over at her approvingly.
Very well. If youll follow
Wait.
Hadrian cut them off. He turned to Edithe, meeting her gaze.
Ill be going with.
Edithe opened her mouth. But what about the Veridians? she wanted to ask, but caught herself. He looked determined. Despite his worries and his fears, he was going to step up to his role as the leader of the Valiant Dreamers.
As long as there isnt any issue.
There is no issue with multiple representatives. As long as you dont bring your wholepany
Leopold eyed Celine. She just shrugged.
Hey, Imfortable with having no responsibilities.
Alright, now follow me.
Leopold led them away from the tent, gathering other representatives from otherpanies and bringing them to Helena Warshade.
--
Once all the majorpanies had their representatives present, they left for the city state itself. They made their way to the pce at the center of Alyras. It was a grand structure that looked almost reminiscent of a temple. It had a domed roof at the center, while its base was made entirely from marble. There were no spire towers, and it was rather uniformly built entirely even.
They rode into the city on horseback. No caravan, no carriage. An unceremonious procession. Yet, they were greeted by cheers from the people of the city. Edithe looked over at the hopeful faces of the citizens of Alyras, wondering if theyd heard the same news she heard just earlier today. If they did, would they be this excited for the adventurer armys arrival?
Or perhaps it was precisely because theyd heard of what happened, they were ted to see an army here ready to protect them.
Edithe found herself riding into the pce through a massive door-like gate that led into a gilded hallway. Helena Warshade was at the front of the procession. Everyone recognized her. The guards lining the walls fixed their gaze on her in awe and wonder, even though she didnt so much as nce their way.
Finally, they reached their destination. It was a hall. It looked like it was used for parties or balls. While the outside of the pce had been rtively nd, the inside was teeming with opulence. Edithe alighted from her horse and entered this gilded room, her footsteps on the marble floor echoing along with the tter of the other adventurers.
Their guide through the pce a young man dressed in regal robes bowed smoothly as he stepped aside.
The king will be here soon. Please, do make yourselffortable.
He gestured at the food that had been set up. There were various tables and chairs prepared for dining. It was about lunchtime, and Edithe had stuck mostly to eating rations for thest few years. It wasnt unusual for adventurers to asionally have feasts or dine in fancy establishments especially those who could afford it. But Edithe had been so engrossed with thepany war and what came after that. That was ignoring the fact that shed been stuck in the gunds for quite a bit before that.
She took one look at the food at the delicacies and treats that had been arrayed throughout the room. There was cake and steak and everything in between. Her stomach rumbled, and her face turned crimson. Hadrian nced at her as she quickly apologized.
I, uh, havent had lunch.
He justughed. She drew back, flustered. He waved a hand off in a carefree manner.
Hey, were all adventurers here. Its not like were a bunch of snobbish nobles.
And as if that was some sort of cue, another group joined the adventurers. They funneled into the room from a different hallway, all dressed in fanciful garbs and speaking in eloquent voices. Hadrian caught sight of them. And he paused. His apprehension was evident.
Edithe didnt know who they were, but by his reaction alone, she could infer that they were likely the Vampire families. The Demon yers. The Demon Hunters. And the ones who were responsible for the fall of Hadrians family. But as Edithe had said, they shouldnt have had any quarrel with Hadrian himself.
And yet, reason warred with anxiety. Hadrian tensed up. Even Edithe grew nervous. She watched the Vampire families as they moved to greet Helena Warshade at the head of the adventurer representatives.
Hadrian eyed them warily. He listed out names as they stepped forward, one after another. The first was a man wearing ted armor.
Thats Lord Crocus Merryster. Hes the head of the Merryster Family. He was Nixas strongest general. A Level 130 [Warrior].
Crocus Merryster introduced what looked like a few of his family members before drawing back. Hadrian watched as the next group stepped forward. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers spoke softly.
Those are the Norwoods. A powerful family in Shedos.
He picked out two specific individuals. One of them looked like an ordinary man. Dressed rtively well, but nothing too shy. And the other was a woman. An odd woman. She looked like she hadnt even been told thered be a meeting. She looked messy with unkempt hair, and wild eyes that looked as though she were a wildebeest looking for her next prey. Oddly enough however, she didnt speak brusquely but did so with poise and elegance.
Thats Gannon Norwood. The Patriarch of the Norwood Family. Hes a senator in Shedos one of their most popr politicians. And thats Zin Norwood, his mother. Shes a high-leveled [Druid]. She is said to have survived for a whole entire year in the Rainforest of Monsters when she was only equal to a tinum Ranked adventurer all on her own.
Edithes eyes bulged. The red-haired woman was inplete shock. Sure, she managed to survive the gunds when she was a tinum Ranked, and the gunds and the Rainforest of Monsters were both considered simrly dangerous. But Edithe hadnt been alone. Shed always had Salvos or Daniel by her side. And theyd regrly taken trips to cities, be it a Kobold or a Human city.
Seriously? I had no idea they were all Vampires. They really are hidden in in sight, huh?
She gaped at Zin. Hadrian shifted ufortably, and she blinked.
Wait, was that offensive? I didnt mean to
Its fine. I know what you mean. Vampires are a lot more prevalent than most people would think. But thats why they are the hidden protectors of Humankind.
He almost looked proud when he said that. Then he pursed his lips, eyeing thest family to greet Helena Warshade. Edithe didnt need him to tell her who they were. His reaction spoke volumes, and simple process of elimination meant that it only could be
The Veridians.
One of the Greater Vampire Families that had coborated to crush the Slydrifts. Hadrians family. Edithe saw the way he looked at them. She wasnt sure if it was contempt or nervousness in his eyes. But she held his hand, calming him.
Itll be fine.
She spoke softly. He nced over at her, face softening.
Right.
Hadrian shook his head and faced the middle-aged woman at the fore of the Veridians.
Thats Anya Veridian. Shes the head of the Veridian Family. Not just that shes an [Enchanter-Mage]. One of the best in all of the Helbir ins. People from all around the Humannds would pay a gross amount of money to get their artifacts enchanted by her.
Anyaughed and said something to Helena Warshade. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company, of course, didnt show much emotion as always. But Helena was pleasant enough in her curt responses. Edithe furrowed her brows.
Ive heard of them before. But I thought they were a group of [Merchants], not nobles.
Nobility in the Helbir ins isnt like what you imagine elsewhere.
Hadrian exined.
They can be [Warriors] or [Traders]. It is simply a lineage. They arent givennds by the king or the queen to manage since the city states are so small.
I see wait
Edithe stared at Anya Veridian. Thedy was looking their way. She excused herself and approached them as Edithes eyes widened.
Is she heading our way?
Oh no. Edithe looked on in fear as Anya Veridian walked past the other adventurers, barely nodding at them out of courtesy. She really was heading towards both Edithe and Hadrian. Edithe turned to him as a pit opened in her stomach.
What do we do?
Hadrian didnt say a word. He slowly brought a hand to the hilt of his sword as Edithe warily backed up. Anya Veridian reached Hadrian the son of Baris Slydrift. The enemies of the Veridian Family.
Edithe grew worried. She feared that a battle might break out that Anya Veridian would suddenly strike out. The red-haired woman didnt know what to expect. She just waited as the tension in the air became palpable. Hadrian didnt break eye contact with her. He didnt let down his guard. And as for Anya, she walked past him.
Hadrian blinked. Edithe paused. She stared at Anya Veridian as the nobledy addressed her.
Are you Edithe Dawnrise?
I am?
It took Edithe a moment to answer. And when she did, she was somehow uncertain of herself. She caught herself, remembering her manners as she was speaking to a noble.
I mean I am Edithe Dawnrise. But how do you know about me?
Anya Veridian smiled politely, bowing at the red-haired woman.
How would I not know of you, Liberator of the gunds? Your reputation spreads quite far and wide. A former [Summoner]. A Gold Ranked adventurer who nearly reached Diamond in under a year while fighting in the dangerous gunds?
Edithe nearly physically stumbled. She did have that Title, yes, but this was the first time anyone really properly addressed her by it.
I-I am indeed one of the three adventurers who killed the Lich of the gunds. But I, uh, didnt really contribute as much as mypanions.
Nevertheless, you have the Title. I am Anya Veridian. It is an honor to meet you, Liberator.
Anya straightened as she spoke. Edithe hurriedly returned the bow, still caught off-guard by this.
And I am Edi uh, fuck! I already said that
She cursed before flushing.
I mean, it is an honor to meet you too, Lady Anya Veridian.
Please, I am but a meredy. I do not have the Title of a Lady, which is rather irksome to even maintain. And, please, theres no need to stress over formality with me.
Anya spoke reassuringly. The head of the Veridian Family was nothing like what Edithe imagined. She stared at the nobledy, before looking past her at Hadrian. He was just as lost as Edithe was.
Neither of them expected this, evidently enough. Theyd been worried about meeting with the Veridian Family. If thered be any sort of issue. But so far it had gone the exact opposite way. It had been rather pleasant instead of hostile.
Edithe nodded with a bit of uncertainty.
O-of course. I appreciate your generosity?
She was never one who could deal with nobles. Their diction alone had too much nuance. Edithe was a street rat the daughter of a prostitute. She felt stiff when talking with Anya.
Id love to chat with you for longer, Edithe Dawnrise. Id especially be delighted to hear about your exploits in the gunds. But, s
Anya nced back. Footfalls echoed down a nearby corridor. More figures were approaching for the meeting.
It seems that the meeting is starting soon. And while we still have time to chat, Id rather not intrude upon your reunion.
My reunion?
Edithe didnt know what Anya meant by that. She stared, perplexed. Confused. Then she heard the footsteps grow louder and louder. The door to the hallway was thrown open quite literally thrown open.
It broke and went flying, nearly hitting a handful of the gathered adventurers. Helena Warshades eyes flickered. She flicked a finger, sending a gale of wind to deflect the door. A figure raced through the crowd and leapt forward.
Anya Veridian stepped back. One of the Merrysters sighed audibly. And Hadrian had to duck to avoid the blurred figure. Edithe watched as it zipped straight for her. She braced herself until she heard the excited voice.
Ediiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiithe!
A familiar silver-haired girl collided into Edithe Dawnrise. The red-haired woman found herself on the ground as a pair of arms hugged her tightly. The world seemed to freeze as Edithe saw the girls beaming face. The exuberant smile.
Salvos?
Thats me!
Salvos spoke as she clung onto Edithe. Slowly but surely, the red-haired woman returned the hug. She ran a hand through the girls silver hair,ughing as she used [Identification] on her friend.
Its been a while. Youve grown quite a lot since west met, havent you?
Chapter 348: Companion Reunion
Chapter 348: Companion Reunion
348. Companion Reunion
How long has it been? A year? Maybe two?
For Edithe Dawnrise, it hadnt felt like itd been too long since shed gone off to deal with thepany war. A year was a rtively short amount of time for her. But for Salvos the silver-haired woman clinging onto Edithe? A year was a significant chunk of her life thus far.
Edithe returned the hug, speaking in a soft voice.
Youve grown quite a lot since west met, havent you?
I have!
Salvos eximed. Her arms wrapped tighter around the red-haired woman. Edithe smiled warmly. She saw how far Salvos hade the silver-haired girl was now Level 132, standing taller, straighter.
In Edithes eyes, Salvos was like a child. Shed grow so much in such a short amount of time. Edithe could only imagine all the things Salvos had been through since theyst met. All the things Salvos had learned. All the things Salvos had ovee.
There were a myriad of questions Edithe wanted to ask. So, so many. But their reunion was cut short. A sharp voice interrupted them.
Salvos, why did you just destroy the?
A pink-haired woman stepped over the destroyed door. One of the Merrysters. She sighed exasperatedly, before turning to Helena Warshade.
I apologize for my friends reckless action. She is just a bit excitable.
I can tell.
The leader of the Rising Veterans Company didnt bat an eye, but Edithe could tell by what she thought of Salvos from the tone of her voice alone. Helena Warshade wasnt impressed in the slightest.
I have heard of you.
She faced the silver-haired girl without so much as curiosity as she did the brusqueness she always carried.
You have reached great heights and gained the notoriety nearly equal that of an Elite in such a short amount of time. Salvos, Secelys Sentinel. The girl who reached Diamond from Gold in a year. Who yed the Lich. Who dove into the Bloodied Gulf and killed an [Ancient Centinel].
Edithes eyes widened when she heard thest part. A susurration ran through the gathered adventurers. Disbelief and shock.
Seriously? But shes only Level 132
She killed the Lich! Of course she could
But the Bloodied Gulf is even more dangerous than
It sounded incredibly ridiculous, but Edithe believed it. If it was Salvos, then anything was possible. The red-haired woman looked at her friend with a grin.
Youve been busy, huh?
I have! I also have made plenty of friends also, sorry Saffron. I just couldnt wait.
Salvos nodded at the Merryster woman. Edithe raised a brow at that. I did not expect that, she thought. Helena Warshade continued as the crowd quietened.
Your reputation precedes you, Salvos Secelys Sentinel. And, yet, you are not at all how I envisioned you would be.
Edithe gulped. She looked over at Salvos with worry, unsure whether she should speak up. She expected the silver-haired girl tosh out, or maybe react immaturely to the mention of her name. But Salvos just scratched the back of her head.
Oops, yep. I made a mess. I didnt mean to make a scene! Its nice to meet you, though. Youre the leader of the Rising Veterans?
She gave Helena Warshade an inquisitive look. Edithe pursed her lips, and the leader of the Rising Veterans answered simply.
That is correct. I am Helena Warshade of the Rising Veterans Company. One of the Three Honorable Companies.
Helena Warshade remained cool and poised, even in the face of Salvos carefree nature that was until Salvos tapped a finger on her chin and spoke.
Huh. I actually met another leader of an Honorable Company. His name was Mori dius. Do you know him?
And Helenas guard just dropped. She slowly stepped forward with narrowed eyes.
You knew Mori dius?
Not really? I met him at Westshield. And, um, we didnt get to speak. But he was very strong! We fought against Belzu together!
Salvos nodded, and even Edithe paused to register her words. Was Salvos being serious? She was at the fall of Westshield? Nobody believed it. Again, murmurs rose from the crowd of gathered adventurers. Edithe herself wasnt sure she believed it fully. It couldve been a misunderstanding, right?
Helena Warshade frowned.
Belzu the Primeval Demon? You were there? When Mori
She faced Salvos, not finishing her sentence. Salvos lowered her head.
My clones were. I tried my best, but
Salvos shifted back. She actually deted a bit as she continued.
I couldnt really help out much. Especially when that other Primeval Demon showed up. It attacked Mori from behind when he had Belzu cornered. Im, um, sorry.
Edithe didnt expect to hear the sincerity in Salvos voice. The silver-haired girl had grown more than just in strength since theyst saw each other. Was this empathy? Or was Salvos just pretending to be empathetic? Either way, Edithe looked at her friend in a different light.
Helena Warshade closed her eyes. She remained silent as the murmurs grew louder and louder. Eventually, she raised her head and steeled herself.
I see. You have no reason to apologize. He fought the Primeval Demon, but it wasnt enough. Because we werent aware of the second Primeval Demon. It was an oversight. We will not let that mistake happen again.
She spun around, leaving it at that. She approached the king who just entered the room, getting his servants to clean up the mess Salvos caused. Now that that was over, Edithe heard the susurration die down. She raised a hand, speaking to her friend.
Salvos
Edithe!
Salvos interrupted the red-haired woman before she could continue the demeanor from earlier returning.
So much has happened since west saw each other. You need to meet Saffron. And Willy. All of them!
Edithe blinked a few times. She opened her mouth as Salvos pulled her to the side. But a figure stopped them. The red-haired womans expression instantly changed. She red at the man barring their path.
Orgaf.
One of the Elites whod been apanying Helena. He was the Thief of the Golden Scales and hed been quite the pretentious asshole. Edithe hesitated. Was he here to cause trouble once more?
But no her expectations didnte to pass. Orgaf smiled at Salvos, bowing his head lightly.
Greetings, true Liberator of the gunds. It is an honor to meet one such as you.
Edithe stared. Wait, is he actually being nice? He held a hand out to Salvos, introducing himself.
I am Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales, Elite Ranked adventurer. One of the greatest [Rogues] of
Yep, cool!
Salvos brushed him off. His eyes widened as he started back. Edithe looked at him as they walked past him. He watched Salvos lead Edithe to the pink-haired Merryster Lady.
Edithe, this is Saffron. I think I mentioned her to you before? A while back?
And Orgaf sputtered.
But I am
Youre Orgaf. Some thief guy, right? Nice to meet you! Anyway, Edithe. I want you to meet my other friends too! This is Saffron
Orgafs jaw dropped as Salvospletely ignored him. Edithe nced between him and her friend. She tried to muster up anything any kind of reaction. Then she justughed. Orgaf gritted his teeth. He looked like he was about to explode in anger, but a man stepped up to him.
Ah, you must be Orgaf. I am king Artik Alyras
He was trapped in a conversation with the king of Alyras. He couldnt excuse himself without appearing rude, so all he could do was bite back whatever he wanted to say. Edithe shook her head, turning at her friends voice.
Edithe? Edithe? Hello?
Salvos waved a hand in front of the red-haired woman. Edithe smiled.
Sorry, Salvos. I was just distracted. What were you saying?
This is Saffron! Saffron Merryster! I dont think youve met her before, but shes that noble I met after you left Hazelbury!
Edithe stared at the pink-haired woman. The fact that Salvos could befriend a noble boggled Edithes mind, let alone a Lady of the Merryster Family. One of the Greater Vampire Families. Saffron raised her dress as she bowed at Edithe.
Greetings, Edithe Dawnrise. Salvos has told me a lot about you. And I have heard of your achievement as well.
Salvos leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially.
Also, dont tell anyone, but shes secretly a Vampire!
Salvos!
The Merryster Lady hissed. Edithe watched as they bickered, trying to work her jaw.
What? Edithes mypanion! Its fine!
I know, but still
Saffron groaned as Salvos protested. Slowly, Edithe raised her hand and spoke over the two.
I, uh, already knew that. So theres no need to worry, Lady Saffron.
Salvos beamed.
See?
You still should ask for my permission first.
Saffron rolled her eyes. She drew back and addressed Edithe.
And, please, theres no need for formalities. A friend of Salvos is a friend of mine.
Edithe was dragged away a momentter by Salvos. The red-haired woman found herself standing in front of an elegantly dressed young woman. The young woman was adorned in jewelry, standing out even more than Anya Veridian.
Also, Edithe, meet princess Rana Alyras!
The red-haired womans eyes widened. A princess? The actual princess of Alyras? So Salvos befriended not just a Lady of the Merryster Family, but the sole princess of Alyras?
Honestly, Edithe didnt know what to say. Which was good, since Salvos kept going on.
I met her just yesterday, actually. But shes really amazing! Shes a princess! And shes very fun! And shes very smart! And, also, did I mention shes a princess?
You, uh, did, Salvos.
Edithe spoke as she scratched her cheek. She wasnt sure how to address the princess. Speaking to royalty was a very delicate matter, which made the fact that Salvos somehow didntpletely alienate them even more impressive.
Rana Alyras wasnt as refined as Saffron. In fact, she stuttered as she jerked to a bow.
I-its a pleasure to meet y-you, Edithe Dawnrise. To meet with another of the Liberator of the gunds I-I am so honored to meet you.
She flushed as she realized she repeated herself. Edithe watched the princess bury her head in her hands and pretended she heard nothing.
Princess Rana Alyras, thank you for weing us here today.
As soon as Edithe was finished speaking, she found herself being whirled around to face another of Salvos friends. This time it wasnt a Human. Edithe stared at a glowing ball of blue mes. A [Will O Wisp].
This is Willy! I met him at the Bloodied Gulf! Hes a
A Grand Spirit of Diligence.
Edithe gasped. Her breath was caught in her throat. While she was surprised by the princess and the Lady, this actually left her breathless. She stared up at the [Will O Wisp] with awe and admiration.
Honored Spirit, I thank you for looking after my friend. Your presence is a blessing to us all.
She spoke as she kneeled on the ground, remembering her teachings from her caretaker Williams instructions on how to treat a Level 100 Grand Spirit from the Den of Souls. Willy paused. He spoke slowly in response.
Rise, mortal child, for it is through our Lords blessings that I am here.
Praise be the Spirit Lord.
Edithe replied automatically. It was like she was once again in Viechesters Sanctum of Elements, surrounded by [Priests]. Reciting scripture. But it was how shed been raised. And she got to her feet.
Salvos nced between them.
Huh. Why are you speaking in full sentences, Willy?
Shush.
The [Will O Wisp]s mes dimmed. He flitted away, and Salvos shrugged. The silver-haired girl grabbed Edithe once again, but this time, her eyes were sparkling as she led Edithe past the princess and the Lady. At the back of the group was a man. A familiar young man.
He looked like he was close to Edithes age. Slightly younger, perhaps. His ck hair was styled back looking like itd been recently trimmed. He had a longsword sheathed at his sword. Edithe faced him, and he adjusted his gambeson. Her eyes went round.
His ss was hidden, of course. He appeared as a [Warrior], but if his level was correct, he was just about 10 levels above Edithe. That was a surprise, considering his true ss.
Daniel
Edithe stared at her friend. The [Hero]. A young man from another world. Neither of them looked like they knew what to say. They were friends, but both were too awkward to just step forward and hug each other as Salvos would in their situations. Finally, Edithe just chuckled.
It seems weve both fallen quite far behind from Salvos, havent we?
I know. Please dont remind me of that.
Daniel Song sighed. Then he smiled at her. They both hugged each other, greeting each other after a year-or-so apart.
I see youre Level 100 now, Edithe.
And you look more confident. You even cut your hair.
Well, it was getting quite messy
The two were abruptly cut off as a third figure joined them. Salvos joined their hug, her lips curled up. She was smiling from ear-to-ear. Her embrace was tight as though she didnt want to let go. Edithe and Daniel both smiled at that.
The three of them stood together in that ballroom, hugging. The Saviors of Silvergrove. The Liberators of the gunds. The three of them allies by circumstances, but friends through hardship. The adventurers.
They were finally together again.
Were back, and Belzu cant defeat us this time!
Chapter 349: Feast
Chapter 349: Feast
349. Feast
It was a wonderful day. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, and the flowers were in full bloom. Everything was going great!
The only thing that could make the day even better was a delicious morning breakfast. A scrumptious meal at the crack of dawn. Oh, what would be better than feasting on the terrified Human fleeing down the road?
Crunch! Therge Wyvern swooped down, swallowing the man in a single bite. A group of nearby travelers saw this bloody scene. They erupted into screams before taking off in full sprint. With a burp, therge Wyvern looked up and watched them go.
She wasnt in a rush to chase them down. They were weak. Humans were always weak. And theyd always lead her to others. A single Human wasnt enough to feed her, let alone her flock.
Raising her head, she saw the other flying figures waiting for her above the clouds. There were about forty of them. Her kin. [Lesser Frost Wyverns]. She was the leader of their pack. Their flock. Or whatever was left of it.
Theyd been far more numerous, once. Until a contingent of Humans had attacked and beaten them in battle while they were pursuing a herd of Oliphants. It was ridiculous. How could Wyverns be beaten by those weak pests?
But it hadnt been Humans that defeated them. No that silver-haired girl was responsible for their defeat, and she hadnt been a Human. Shed been able to speak theirnguage. No Human, Kobold, nor Cyclops was capable of that.
Therge Wyvern was certain they had been dealing with something else. A Spirit, perhaps. Thered been a Grand Spirit present too, so the silver-haired girl mightve been a Spirit in disguise. Or maybe an apparition created from the corruption of the worlds end like the one that had chased them out of Sharik.
Whatever the case was, the Wyverns had fled. Their previous leader had been in. The Frost Lord. And as the next highest-leveled Wyvern in the flock, she was in charge of arge bulk of the remaining Wyverns. She became the Mistress of the Remnants.
Not all of the survivors had followed her. The rest had either scattered or formed their own smaller groups. Still, forty was plenty. More than enough to bring down entire Human settlements with ease. The Mistress of Remnants roared as she took off to the sky, giving chase to the fleeing Humans.
Theyd hidden behind tall walls, crawling beneath the shadow of buildings. Her flock hesitated as they caught sight of the city. They were still slightly afraid scared that they might be defeated once again. But she rallied them. And as the city raised its rm, she unleashed a frost breath and took out an entire section of the wall in an instant.
Her flock saw this. They were emboldened by it. In an instant, they heeded her call. They descended on the city. On the screaming Humans. And they had a grand feast that morning.
It was, after all, a wonderful day.
It really was a wonderful day!
Edithe, Daniel, and I were finally back together. Mypanions, reunited. It made me so happy. I found myself grinning from ear-to-ear the entire time as we chatted and caught up with each other. I literally couldnt stop smiling.
Of course, Id already met with Daniel again a few weeks ago. And Saffron was here too she was also mypanion! But there was something quite special with being with both Edithe and Daniel again. It made me feel warm and happy inside.
We settled down at a nearby table, secluded to our own conversations. Helena Warshade was talking to king Artik Alyras about something unimportant. h h Primeval Demon, h h Humans dying. Something like that.
Edithe shook her head as she faced me.
I still cant believe you went down to the Bloodied Gulf by yourself, Salvos. Thats reckless, even for you.
Dont worry about it! I wasnt really alone. Willy was there with me the entire time. Also, there was Centina and Kron too!
I waved a hand off dismissively. Daniel raised a brow.
Centina and Kron?
Yep. Krons a [Krokodis] and Centinas an [Evolved Centinel]. Theyre my friends who helped me out in the Bloodied Gulf!
My twopanions paused. They exchanged a nce, Then they burst out sa one.
Wait, you befriended a Centinel?
Both Daniel and Edithe stared at me with round eyes. I ced a finger on my lips, hurriedly looking round. No one was paying any attention to us. I sighed in relief and I whispered.
Shhh. Not so loud!
Youre the one who said it out loud.
Edithe massaged her temples. We continued talking. I wasnt the only one who regaled stories of what Id been through while we were apart. Daniel scratched the back of his head, averting his gaze as he spoke.
I uh, became a [Trader] for my second ss.
My jaw dropped. Edithe blinked a few times. And he scowled.
Look, I didnt want anotherbat ss, alright? I like money, so it made sense at the time.
I didnt say anything. I just continued staring in shock. Daniel shifted back ufortably and sighed.
I just wasnt in a good state of mind back then. I know, Im an idiot. Dont worry, Ill get a [Bishop] to reset my second ss
And I eximed.
What?!
Daniel paused. I leaned forward, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him.
Why would you do that? But [Trader] is such an amazing ss!
He looked at me, working his jaw.
W-wait, you werent judging me?
Judging you? Please, Daniel. Im not stupid.
I scoffed, drawing back to my feet.
I met an amazing [Trader] or, um, [Merchant]? I dont know what the difference is when I was in Mavos Academy. She had these rainbow-colored fruits that could grant you a 30% increase to all your Stats for a day
I excitedly told both Daniel and Edithe about Ivonne Vigil and the Elf attack that happened after. When I was finished, I gave Daniel an approving look.
[Trader] is a great ss! You should keep it!
Edithe nodded in agreement.
If its what you want, then I dont see a problem with it. Plus, while it may sound ridiculous, nonbat sses can be useful even in battle.
He scratched his cheeks, flushing.
Well, I did beat an Archdemon 10 levels above me thanks to my [Trader] Skill.
I gasped.
Woah amazing!
Then it was Edithes turn. She spoke of thepany war of the hard-fought battles with the Iron Champions Company. And its oue with Belzu. I was a lot more grim than Daniel or my stories. I watched as the red-haired woman teared up, talking about Baris sacrifice.
I couldnt even avenge them. I couldnt protect them. I
She trailed off. I hugged her, speaking softly.
You did your best, Edithe. Even though Belzu has 60 levels on you, you still managed to hold him back. You even saw through his illusions. Its not your fault.
For whatever reason, Daniel gave me an impressed look. When Edithe had recollected herself, she pulled back and shook her head.
I know I keep saying this, but youve really grown a lot, Salvos.
She mustered up a smile. I gave her a thumbs-up.
Im more Salvos than ever! And I already was Salvos!
Edithe and Daniel chuckled as Iughed with them. The red-haired woman nced back. She faced the rest of the room the adventurers were mixing with the Vampires as they were served plentiful meals by servants. It was a feast, of sorts,
Hadrian is here too. Im sure hed love to speak with you again, Salvos. Although
She narrowed her eyes. I spotted the blond man locked in conversation with another man. It didnt seem like a good conversation either.
Fucking Jake
Jake?
I cocked my head. Edithe waved a hand off, resigned.
Its nothing. I can deal with thatter.
She turned back to face me. She opened her mouth. And hesitated.
By the way, I forgot to mention this, but
Edithe sighed.
Rachel misses you. Both of you. I left her with William, but she feels like shes been abandoned again.
I blinked. I looked over at Daniel, and he shrank back guiltily. I fidgeted in my seat. Then I resolved myself.
Ill visit her soon. I promise. After we deal with Belzu.
Edithe smiled.
Thank you.
Even though we were fully caught up with each other, we continued to sit there. Just rxed. We talked andughed and enjoyed ourselves. I got Willy to join us at the table, although he was oddly shy in front of Edithe. Saffron briefly left her family when I called her over, but returned to them after five minutes.
Hadrian eventually finished his quarrel with that Jake Human and came over. I greeted him cheerily, but he just stared at me.
I cant believe you out-leveled me in such a short amount of time.
I am amazing, yes.
I nodded. Heughed as he took a seat. Our conversation dragged on, and I thought wed be there for the whole day which I honestly wouldnt have minded until a familiar robed man ran into the room.
The court [Mage] of Alyras. He wore the same expression on his face as he did the night before. And, immediately, king Artik Alyras rose to his feet.
What is it, Kast? Is it the Primeval Demon again?
The room instantly hushed as the pale-faced [Mage] gathered his breath. I raised my hand.
Actually, its the Primeval Demons now. Theres two of them, not just one.
Willy snorted next to me. Kast, the court [Mage], shook his head. He unrolled a scroll hed been carrying. My brows snapped together as he read out the missive.
The city of Catark is under attack by Wyverns!
Huh.
Chapter 350: City Destruction
Chapter 350: City Destruction
350. City Destruction
Catark wasnt arge city. Well, that wasnt exactly right. With a poption of over thirty thousand citizens, it was thergest city in all of Perios. But Perios was a rather small region in the Helbir ins. And whenpared to, say, Alyras or Dolonia which both had a poption in the hundreds of thousands, it wasnt a stretch to say that Catark wasnt arge city.
Nevertheless, it had a standing army of nearly ten thousand soldiers. A third of their popce. They conscripted every adult male into their military when they became of age at sixteen, and kept those over thirty in the reserves. This was because they regrly got into conflicts with their neighbors no, not neighboring cities, but neighboring regions.
That was the hallmark of the Helbir ins. No one could get along with each other. Sure, they were all a part of the Helbir League, but that was only because they needed to work together to have any sort of standing on the world stage. It was an alliance out of necessity, not friendship. And because they didnt want to bicker over their objectives as an alliance, theyd regrly alternate the city state that was put in charge of the Helbir League.
The current leadership of the Helbir League was the city state of Alyras thergest city in Thesi. They neighbored Perios, and because of that, were in rtively unfriendly terms with Catark. But since Alyras military was the dominant force in the area, Catark hadnt actually been at war with them in decades.
That didnt mean they were allies, of course. Catark was a proud city state that valued its independence. It would never fall so far as to stoop beneath arger nation to earn favors they could take care of themselves.
But today oh, today, as the citys siege rms red and an entire section of the wall was turned to ice in an instant, Beldon wished that Alyras was their ally. Or Dolonia. Or any other nation. Anyone toe support them.
A cold chill crept over the city. Beldon saw kes of snow eddy down from the sky, carpeting the street floor with a thinyer of frost fell. He was a [Warrior]. A sergeant on patrol. It had been five minutes since the siege bell tolled, and they were rushing down the streets to keep the peace.
The city is under attack!
He yelled, rallying his patrol. He led his men back to the barracks as he shouted at the panicked civilians.
Get inside! Find shelter!
Hismanding voice boomed down the street. For a moment, it calmed the panic. He was Level 45. Equivalent to a Gold Ranked adventurer. His presence had to be reassuring. But any semnce of safety indoors vanished the moment the st of frost struck the streets right ahead of him.
The entire street was turned into a frozen wastnd in seconds. He stared with wide eyes at the glinting figures at the fleeing citizens, turned into ice sculptures before his very eyes. Then arge shadow passed over him. He looked up in horror as he heard the wing beats. The shrill screech.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl ???]
A few of his men fell to their knees. One of them even dropped his weapons. Beldon spoke in a constricted voice, feeling the bands of fear tightening around his neck.
Wyverns? But
His gaze snapped to the side as he saw the blur. He barely reacted in time. Beldon threw himself to the side, avoiding the Wyvern as it descended from the clouds. It was a giant winged beast, yet it fell like a bolt of lightning. A hundred feet, closed in the same amount of time it took him to throw himself five feet to the side.
The Wyverns maw closed around one of his men. The one whod discarded his weapon. With a single crunch, it killed him before flying back to the sky. Beldon stared at the Wyvern as it circled back to its flock. And it was quite the sizable flock.
The sergeant got back to his feet, eyes growing wide in terror when he saw how many Wyverns there were. These were Diamond Ranked threats. No they werent swarm monsters at the same level. A single [Lesser Wyvern] couldve probably taken on a dozen [Senior Centinels] of the same level. Perhaps even more.
And there wasnt just a single Wyvern attacking the city. There were at least forty of them. Forty monsters, each more than capable of leveling over entire towns on their own. Perhaps even small cities. Here they were, attacking Catark.
But this was no small city. This was Catark. Thergest city in all of Perios. Sure, their highest-leveled general was only Diamond Ranked. They didnt have many of those who were above Level 100 fewer than a dozen, for sure. But they had an organized army of thousands. Theyd be able to deal with a few pesky Wyverns.
Beldon got to his feet, raising his de. He turned to his men as they trembled in defeat.
Get up, you idiots! What are you just staring for? Your city is under attack!
His words temporarily broke them out of their stupor. They turned to him, and he pointed at one of the flying Wyverns.
I dont care if theyre Wyverns or Drakes or Centinels. We have a duty to protect Catark. If not for the city itself, then for your friends and family. So get up off your asses and fight!
Still, that wasnt enough for them. They hesitated as he cursed internally. They werent former soldiers like him. Theyd never been to the battlefield before. They were just guardsmen. But then a sh caught their eyes.
They looked up at the Wyvern Beldon had pointed out and saw it fall. It had been struck by a [Grand Fireball]. And it was falling. Beldons eyes widened.
Thats from the barracks! It must be [Magus Master] Arkenons spell!
Their highest-leveled [Mage]. Beldon grinned as another spell shot out, grazing a nearby Wyvern. He turned to his men again as a third spell fired out, bringing down another Wyvern from the sly. The guardsmen cheered. Even if they were horribly outmatched, they outnumbered the Wyverns. And they had powerful individuals amongst them too.
Thats right! We are Catark! The head of Perios!
Beldon continued as his men rallied behind him. Arrows flew to the sky. Spells were being flung out. The Wyverns recoiled a third one falling. They regrouped as they flew high up above the clouds.
We will not fall to a bunch of monsters
And just as the words left Beldons mouth, he saw the sh. The glint. It was an overwhelming force of magic. The st of frost magicunched into the heart of the city. The Wyverns unleashed it their collective breaths. In a single instant, the entirendscape changed.
Beldon reeled back, covering his eyes. He felt the gust of cold wind sweeping him off his feet. He went smashing into a wall. The brick cracked, and he grunted in pain. The next thing he knew, he was lying sideways on the ground.
He ced a hand on the floor and felt something soft. Something chilling. He thought hed been thrown back into his bed, and that entire ordeal had been a dream. A nightmare. But he soon realized that what he was touching was not his sheets but pure white snow, and that everything happening around him was very much real. His entire city had been nketed in snow.
He groaned as he picked himself back up. He looked towards the citys barracks. Where the army had been stationed. He gasped at what he saw.
No
It had been turned to ice. The entire barracks was now frozen inside a giant ice cube. Catarks army was defeated, unable to even fight back. It had been ten minutes since the Wyverns descended, and theyd already won. The sergeant tried to work his jaw. But he looked around him. His sword was gone, his armor was dented, and his meny injured and fallen around him.
He thought of this city where hed been born and raised. He thought of the reason why he fought. His family. His loved ones. His wife of fifteen years. Their five-year-old son.
Then he made his decision.
Beldon ran as the Wyvern flock spread out once again, scattering across the city. It was a ughter. He wouldnt be able to fight back. It was stupid of him to even think that was possible. He ran down the street, ignoring the cries of help all around him. A Wyvern swooped down and grabbed a man into the air, but he didnt even once nce back.
The Wyverns couldve destroyed the city in minutes if theyd just used theirbined magic a few more times. But they didnt. They came down, one after another, feasting on the inhabitants of the city. It was a buffet for them, and they werent going to ruin their dinner. They took their time, savoring their food. It had been nearly thirty minutes since they arrived, and it didnt seem like they were going anywhere soon.
Beldon turned the corner at an intersection, recognizing the familiar street. Finally! He stumbled into his house as he caught his breath.
Marika! Myron!
He called out to his wife and son. They came out from hiding in the basement at the sound of his voice. Marika ran up to him, carrying their boy in her arms.
Beldon! Whats going on?
We need to leave, now!
Beldon grabbed them, yanking them to the doorway. He paused and nced about to make sure no Wyverns were lurking directly above. A Wyvern flew overhead, but didnt descend to the ground. It almost looked like it was just enjoying the scene. Once it passed, Beldon led his family down the street. They headed for the citys walls for the gates.
It had been an hour now since the Wyverns arrived. Most of the civilians realized what was going on. They fled as well. But they crowded around the gates. A chokepoint. And a feasting ground for the Wyverns.
He watched as a Wyvern swept into the crowd, scooping up dozens of screaming people in its talon-like ws. He shook his head and brought his family down the other street. To the other side of the city.
B-Beldon, why are we
We cant leave by the main gate. Thats a death sentence for us. If we leave, itd have to be through there.
He pointed at one of the citys walls. A sheening wall, covered in ice. The section that had been sted at the initial stages of the attack. Only dead meny there, and that was why it was the safest route.
Lets go.
They ran against the crowd. While the Wyverns saw easy targets with therge gatherings of people rushing out of the city, theyd miss Beldon and his family slipping their way down the citys streets. But just as Beldon exited from an alleyway closer to the frozen wall, he heard the heavy beating of wings.
He reacted instinctively. He shoved at his wifes back, throwing his family to the side as he leapt away. The Wyverns talons barely grazed his shoulder, but missed his family entirely. He clutched at the wound as he shouted.
Run!
Beldon
Daddy
His family didnt listen. They called out to him as he looked back to the sky at the Wyverning back for a second chance at them. He grabbed a rock from the ground, preparing to fend off the giant monster. It was three times his level. It was a [Lesser Wyvern]. It was more than capable of killing him in a single bite.
But it didnt matter to him if he died here. As long as his wife and son were safe, that was all that mattered. So, he stood his ground. He was going to hold the Wyvern off, even if he died. It swooped back down as he readied his strongest Skill.
Eat this you foul beast! [Fury Strike]!
He tossed the rock. It shattered against the Wyverns hide. It looked at him at his pathetic disy of valor. And it looked like it was about tough. The attack barely even scratched the monster.
The Wyvern drew closer as Beldon stared. Its descent seemed to slow as he epted his fate. It was as though the giant winged beast was moving underwater. He shut his eyes, hoping. Praying that the Spirits would listen. Marika, Myron, please get out of here
And he winced as the ground shook. He heard the thud. Like something heavy had crashed into the ground. Slowly, his eyes cracked open. He expected to see himself inside the belly of a Wyvern. But, instead, he looked down at the lifeless gaze of the Wyvern that had been about to swallow him whole.
What?
He stared at its corpse. At the burning wound cut across the Wyverns back. He stumbled to the ground, recoiling in shock and relief.
W-who did this? H-how?
A figure hopped off the Wyverns back. A girl with silver hair. A pair of ming wings grew out from her back, and she carried a pair of figures with her. She beamed at Beldon.
Hi! Im Salvos!
The silver-haired girl smiled as she lowered the ck-haired man and the red-haired woman to the ground. She gestured at them proudly.
And this is Edithe and Daniel. Theyre mypanions. Together, were going to kick some ass!
Chapter 351: Rematch of Pride
Chapter 351: Rematch of Pride
351. Rematch of Pride
The Mistress of Remnants watched in triumph as her flock feasted on the Human city. Theyd been starved for days, ever since they lost the Frost Lord. Their previous leader. Theyd been regrouping atop the tall mountains to the southwest scouring for any scrounges they could.
They were hungry. Not just for food, but for vengeance. And the Mistress of Remnants reveled in what she saw. She savored the moment as her flock was fed while delivering revenge to the Humans who thought they defeated the Wyverns.
The Wyverns couldve easily destroyed the whole city. But they didnt. What good was food when frozen? They continued tearing down the city, ever so slowly. Swooping down from above as the Humans screamed and ran for the gates. Little did they know, there was no escape.
Victory wasnt just assured. It had already been taken. This was simply the victoryp. An after party. The Mistress of Remnants roared in glee as her flock encroached on the fleeing Humans like a scourge of locusts. The Humans werent fighting back. They couldnt fight back
And she heard the screech. The shrill shriek of her kin dying. The Mistress of Remnants looked down, watching as one of her pack fell. Cut down by a ming scythe. She recognized the blue glint the sh of silver hair.
It was the silver-haired girl. The one whod killed the Frost Lord. Whod humiliated the Wyvern flock just weeks earlier. She had arrived at the city, bearing with her a pair of Humans.
The Mistress of Remnants looked at her enemy. For a moment, she considered fleeing. Leaving before they were defeated once again.
No! she thought as her hatred and pride won out. We will not be chased away! Never again!
And she roared a battle cry, rallying her flock. They looked up at their leader, heeding her call. The Wyverns rose to the sky as they prepared for battle.
Together, were going to kick some ass!
Beldon stared at the silver-haired girl as she pumped a fist in the air. He tried to use [Identification] on her shed brought down a [Lesser Wyvern] in a single strike. But he couldnt see her level. He tried to work his jaw. He was at aplete loss for words.
What was there to say? He didnt know. But he just had to express his gratitude. He got up, approaching her and was promptly cut off.
Salvos! Thats vulgar!
The red-haired woman eximed. She turned to the ck-haired man, aghast.
Did you teach her that, Daniel?
What? I literally havent spoken to her for as long as you have!
He took a step back defensively. Beldon watched his saviors as they bickered amongst each other.
In the first ce, Edithe, youre the one whos always swearing up a storm. Maybe she picked it up from you!
I dont fucking swe I mean, I dont swear. And even if I do, I dont do it that much anymore.
Look, if you really want to know who taught her that, why not just ask her?
Alright, whered you learn from, Salvos?
They both turned to face the silver-haired girl. She spun her scythe around before looking their way. She shrugged.
I dunno. Somewhere?
Yeah we shouldve expected that.
The man called Daniel sighed. He drew a gray longsword hanging off his belt, and Beldons eyes widened. As a [Warrior], Beldon didnt normally have an eye for magical artifacts. He couldnt tell whether a scroll was actually brimming with power, unless he could use [Identification] on it. He could only discern swords from one another.
And he knew that the de this Daniel wielded was powerful full of untapped potential.
The redhead, Edithe, stepped forward and raised a staff made of a seemingly simr material. She turned to the silver-haired girl.
Salvos, whats the n?
Take these and dont die.
Salvos tossed a bunch of trinkets at them. Protection artifacts of all kinds. Edithe blinked, and Daniel stared at the objects.
These are
Medium Grade artifacts?
Yep! Found them at the Bloodied Gulf. I only use them when my Pendant of Greater Protection runs out, like against that annoying Sage Centinel. But...
The silver-haired girl grinned as her wings spread wide. Beldon couldnt help but be entranced by her graceful movements. It was like watching an elegant swan unfurling its wings in a gentle dance. He didnt even realize his wife and son hade back to him, and were helping him to his feet. His eyes were fixed on his savior as she ascended.
Salvos craned her neck ever-so-slightly. She looked down at both Daniel and Edithe, smiling. Then her facial expression changed. From a gentle smile to a savage grin. She bared her teeth as Beldon flinched in surprise.
But dont worry, I wont be needing much for this fight.
And she took off. She exploded to the sky, raising her ming scythe. Beldon hugged his family as he watched her go. His son, Myron, gasped.
Amazing
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 132
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 98
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 7
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 155 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 140 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+30) (+10) (+13)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 2]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 20
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 13]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
I saw the flock of Wyverns gathering up ahead. I heard the screech the rallying cry of their new leader. These were the same Wyverns Id fought while leaving Shedos. Id killed the Frost Lord, their previous leader, in singlebat.
It was going to be easy. All I had to do was get to their new leader and defeat it. Then theyd scatter, leaving the city alone. Considering Id already killed the highest-leveled Wyvern, beating the second highest-leveled Wyvern was going to be a simple job too, right?
But there was one difference. I looked down at my weapon. At the blue glint. I carried with me a ming scythe. It burned brightly, its mes whipping with the wind. It felt natural to hold. I didnt even question it. Yet, it was different from what Id been using so frequentlytely.
It didnt have a solid base, even if I could grasp it. It didnt glimmer with the color of the rainbow. And it especially didnt emanate any Divine Essence from it.
That was right I no longer had my Divine Nebr Scythe with me. Id lost it. During the battle of Westshield, my clone used it inbat against Belzu. Itd been damaged worn down by the Sword of Alexander. But it didnt break. Not fully, at least.
The reason why I didnt have it was simple: I lost it.
When Belzu trapped my clone with his Grand Skill, she had the Divine Nebr Scythe with her. And when Mori dius broke free from that false reality, the weapon didnt return. It was gone forever.
Well, not forever. I could always create a new Divine Nebr Scythe whenever I activated my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] in the future. In fact, I probably could create multiple copies and store them with my [Dimensional Pocket] next time around. I just didnt think to do it the first time around, and now, I was at a disadvantagepared to when Id fought the Frost Lord.
That didnt stop me from charging straight at the Wyverns, of course.
Take this!
I shouted as I swung for a Wyvern desperately trying to dive out of the way. I shed straight through its wings, and it screeched. The Wyvern fell out of the air, spinning as it tried to keep me back with its ws. I unleashed a [Barrage of Cinders] as I cut the Wyvern apart.
I heard a roar. Above me, I saw arge Wyvern a female Wyvern screeching in anger.
You will kill no more of my kin!
She fired a ball of ice my way. It came, zipping at me with immense speed. I leapt back and used Short Range Teleport to narrowly escape the explosion of ice. It wasnt like the Wyverns breath attack which froze everything it struck. This attack literally exploded, ripping apart the brick ground.
Hey! I already beat up your Frost Lord! Dont make me beat you up too! Just leave and therell be no need for any more of your kin to die!
I raised a fist at her. This new Wyvern leader snorted. Literal snowkes shot out of her nostrils.
Do you think you can intimidate me, false Human? I am the Mistress of Remnants! I shall crush you and regain my packs pride!
She shouted as she drew back, creating another frost sphere and loosing it at me. I found myself jumping from rooftop to rooftop as her attacks ravaged the already-destroyed section of the city.
Well, I guess you dont want the easy way out of this. That just means more experience for me!
I beamed as the ming scythe vanished. While I didnt have the time to create a Nebr Scythe, I did have a Nebr Bow and some Nebr Arrows still stored away in my [Dimensional Pocket]. I produced them as I avoided another of the frost spheres. I fired back a zing Nebr Bolt at her. She created a barrier, but the st still knocked her back.
Take that
I started, only to be immediately interrupted as a pair of sharp talons swiped for me. I backed away from the first Wyvern as it narrowly missed. But the second swooping Wyvern was too fast. I couldnt avoid it. I raised my hands, bracing myself for the attack. The Wyvern, however, targeted something else.
My Nebr Bow.
The gray bow went flying to the side as the second Wyvern took off into the air. I stumbled back, looking up just in time for a third Wyvern to charge straight at me. I hurriedly leapt away as [The Primordial Spark] ignited just over my shoulder. The third Wyvern opened its massive maw, chomping for my feet. But I pulled a ming chain from the speck of me.
I wrapped the ming kusarigama around the third Wyvern as its attack missed, tangling it up and bringing it back down to the ground with me. The blue de shed red as I struck for the Wyverns neck.
[Radiant sh]!
It fell without so much of a sound. Its head went flying, and I snapped my gaze up instinctively. Perhaps it was [A Hunters Sense], or maybe it was just my awareness of my surroundings. But I saw the frost breathing. I raised a hand, creating my own st of blue mes. It shed with the st of ice, and both attacks dissipated.
I stared up at the Mistress of Remnants. She red down at me as I deflected her frost breath.
I know not why you aid the Humans, nor do I know why you disguise yourself amongst them.
My eyes flickered, and I saw blurred figures zipping through the air to join her. Dozens of Wyverns circled around her, eyeing me like hawks when faced with a cornered prey. I bit my lower lip.
Im only doing this because Saffron and princess Rana asked me to, alright? I dont want to fight you.
But we wish to fight you.
She replied with vitriol. The beating of her wings sped up as I groaned.
This is going to be a bit more difficult than I thought, huh?
I snapped my fingers, and golden figures burst into existence around me. [Salvo of Vanity]. It was Level 20 now. Not yet maxed, but it would be soon. I nced at my clones, counting them.
"Well, hey, I thought I''d get my ss to Level 100st time I fought with you Wyverns but didn''t. Maybe this time I''ll finally be able to advance my ss."
There were eight of them. Eight clones. That was all I could create right now. They conjured up their own ming weapons as I faced down the bulk of the Wyvern flock. All on my owns.
The Mistress of Remnants continued.
We care not for your reasons. Just know that your fate has been sealed.
And, all at once, the Wyverns attacked.
Chapter 352: Being Saved
Chapter 352: Being Saved
352. The Search
We were outnumbered, more than two-to-one. There were over twenty Wyverns circling around me, and I only had eight clones. Just using [Salvo of Vanity] drained me of a lot of energy, but it was necessary. The Wyverns charged us, unleashing their frost magic as my clones and I took off to the sky.
Fire and ice shed a brilliant explosion of magic. The Mistress of Remnants was weaker than the Frost Lord. She was 4 levels lower than him. A Level 142 [Lesser Wyvern]. But to defeat the Frost Lord, I had the help of two of my clones. And while she was weaker than him, she was still strong, so Id have difficulty taking her down without any of my clones help.
There were three Wyverns for every one of my clones, while I battled the Mistress of Remnants on my own. I was pushed back by a st of her ice magic, watching from the corner of my eye as one of my clones was wed from behind by a Wyverns talons. We struggled, locked inbat with our enemies that outnumbered us.
We only had one saving grace this wasnt the entire flock of Wyverns. There were still more of them scattered throughout the city. If theyd been here, I mightve lost. But they were preupied. Busy with mypanions. Busy with the city. And thanks to that, I stood a chance.
Edithe Dawnrise craned her neck as she heard the shrill shrieks echo from above. She saw Salvos shing with dozens of Wyverns, apanied by golden figures. They looked like duplicates of the silver-haired girl, borne from fire and magic. The red-haired woman gaped.
What is that Skill?
Edithe!
A young mans voice snapped her out of her stupor. Daniel called out to her as he raised his Primordial Longsword.
Focus. We have a job to do.
R-right.
Edithe blinked a few times, ncing between him and the crowd behind them. They were just two people, yet they stood protectively over the evacuees fleeing the city. A city guard of Catark raised a hand, pointing at a shadowed figure swooping down from above.
Itsing again!
Panic ran through the crowd as they saw the Wyverning down for a quick snack. Daniel braced himself as Edithe nced up. She raised her Primordial Staff, aiming at the Wyvern as it let out a roar.
[Frostme Vortex]!
A st of fire and ice shot out from the tip of her staff, enhanced by its inherent effects. It struck the Wyvern head-on. It engulfed the winged beast in frost and me. Edithe thought it wouldve slowed that her attack wouldve at least scratched the monsters hide. She was, after all, a Level 104 [Sentinel of Elements]. A Diamond Ranked adventurer. Amongst the peak of Humankind. But she was mistaken.
Because it dwarfed her level entirely.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 126]
The Wyvern tore through the attack. It let out a screech as it came for the red-haired woman, angered by the st of ice and fire more than anything. Edithes eyes grew wide as it drew closer. And Daniel leapt in front of her.
[Crescent Fury]!
He unleashed a flurry of strikes at the Wyvern. His de sunk into the monsters skin, tearing its hide open. The Wyvern let out a roar as it flew back to the sk and circled above them like a vulture. Daniel panted, ncing back at Edithe.
Stay back and make sure the people are safe!
But what about you?
She started, and he shook his head. Daniel Song, the [Hero] from another world, stepped forward. A glow overcame him. He was wreathed in a glowing armor. His sword extended, powered by some kind of aura. Edithe stared as he nced back once.
Ill keep the Wyverns back.
Then he leapt forward. Edithe watched as he jumped a hundred feet into the air, shing at the flying Wyvern with his now gigantic broadsword. He was only Level 113. Barely 10 levels above Edithe. Still 10 levels below the Wyvern. Yet, there he was, battling it in the sky.
Meanwhile, Edithe stayed on the ground. She was unable to help, aside from casting the asional spell to distract the Wyvern. She followed the evacuation as they funneled out of the citys gates, looking at the two sets of fighting from a distance.
At the very heart of Catark, she saw explosions. A golden st ripped throughout the city, bringing down multiple Wyverns as Salvos continued her fight with the bulk of the Wyvern flock. And much closer to the citys walls, Daniel finally felled that one Wyvern hed been fighting. He leapt onto anothers back, cutting apart its wings as they both dove out of the sky.
And as Edithe watched these two scenes, she realized something. Shed once again fallen behind. Salvos was up there, fighting dozens of Wyverns with no one but her clones apanying her. Daniel was fighting Wyverns 10 to 20 levels above him and winning.
Edithe wasnt even able to help. The red-haired woman gritted her teeth as this realization sunk in. As she stood on her own, far beneath her friends. She wanted to do something. She felt like she needed to do something. But she couldnt, even if she tried.
Screams erupted behind her. She saw the shadow heard the beating of the wings. A Wyvernnded before her as her gaze snapped up.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 131]
It wasrger than even the first Wyvern that came for her. Its eyes fixed on Edithe, hungry and wild. The nearby [Archers] loosed arrows at the Wyvern with their Skills as [Mages] formed a circle and erected a barrier. Edithe stood ahead of them, shouting.
Get back!
Daniel and Salvos were preupied. It was all up to her to hold off this Wyvern from getting to the evacuees. She unleashed another [Frostme Vortex], but the Wyvern sent its own frost breath back at her. The explosion of the shing magic sent her flying back. She stumbled to her feet the world wheeling around her as she heard the heavy footsteps of the Wyvern drawing closer.
Edithe looked up just in time for the Wyvern to loom over her. Its mouth hung open, almost like it dislocated its own jaw. She flinched
And the aura around her shed. The Wyvern stumbled back, repelled by the myriad of protective artifacts Edithe wore. She scrambled to her feet as the Wyvern charged her once again.
[Shield of the Misty Lord]!|
She mmed her staff to the ground, and a giant wall of ice appeared before her. The Wyvern crashed into the ice barrier. It stared at it, confused. Then it tried to swerve around it. But Edithe just moved her staff, and the [Shield of the Misty Lord] swung with it.
Wherever Edithe pointed, the barrier was there. The Wyvern couldnt get to her. It unleashed a st of ice magic sending down a hail of ice spikes at the red-haired woman. But despite their level differences, Edithes greatest defensive Skill managed to hold up.
The Wyvern roared in frustration and turned away from Edithe. Then it caught sight of a susurration. It looked over at the side at the evacuees and the few city guards with them. And Edithes eyes widened.
No [A Guardians Blessing]!
She called out, but it wouldnt help. The city guards moved faster. They were wrapped in ribbons of light. Like butterflies that came down to render them aid. Theyd have healed from any injuries they sustained. And their Stats would gain a minor boost. But it wasnt enough to face the Wyvern.
Edithe cried out, dropping the [Shield of the Misty Lord] as the Wyvern rammed through the defenses of the guards. Dozens of figures went flying into the air, like ragdolls being hurled. Their bodies were broken, and they fell limply to the ground with heavy thuds.
You bastard!
She raised her Primordial Staff as it shed. The Wyvern actually nced back at her as it caught sight of the glint. A golden light coalesced around her staff as she screamed.
[Ray of Retribution]!
It was one of Edithes strongest Skills. A beam of gold shot out. It moved almost instantaneously. The Wyvern couldnt even react, despite the speed it normally moved at. The [Ray of Retribution] struck the monster, engulfing it in a rainbow-colored st.
The red-haired woman panted as the Skill ended. It drained her of her magic. She looked up hopefully, staring into the smoke that was clearing.
An ice sphere shot out at her from the smoke. She tried to throw herself out of the way, but the explosion of frost caught her. Her protective artifacts failed. The st knocked her back as the aura around her dissipated. She winced, cut on the cheek and the forearms by the ice shards. She rolled on the ground to a stop as the Wyvern emerged triumphantly from the smoke.
Edithey there, grimacing. She was weak. Too weak. She couldnt hope to defeat the Wyvern. It was 20 levels above her. There wasnt much she could do. Daniel and Salvos were preupied, and shed already used up most of her good Skills to no avail.
The Wyvern rose up as it let out a screech. Edithe craned her neck. She could only see the monsters figure reflected on the ground amongst the death and destruction. It cast a shadow over the corpses of all it had killed. Edithe stared into the lifeless eyes of a man. One of the guards whod helplessly held the line against the Wyvern.
The red-haired woman heard the screams of the panicked citizens of Catark. She sensed the magic coalescing around the Wyvern. She thought of Daniel and vos. And she rose to her feet.
No, I am not weak! She still had one trump card left. Edithe raised her arms as she strode amongst the dead. She wasnt a [Necromancer]. She couldnt raise the dead. But she could draw power from them. Avenge those who had died.
The gloating Wyvern pped its wings as it gazed at those fleeing Catark. It had all of them to itself. It would feast on their corpses a grand buffet. Then a voice shouted, drawing its gaze.
Hey!
Edithe stood as the ground beneath her feet seemed to sparkle. Motes of cinder rose from the dead surrounding her. The Wyvern stared at her, puzzled at the sight as the red-haired woman raised her staff.
Im not finished yet. [Vindication of They].
All at once, the gathering sparks shot upt. It took on the ethereal, burning form of a mirror-image of the Wyvern. The spell drew from the pain that had been inflicted here, and the Wyverns eyes grew wide.
Its confusion turned to anger as it unleashed the frost breath it had been building up. But it phased through the apparition. [Vindication of They] came for the Wyvern, moving faster than the monster could flee.
Vengeance incarnate. It struck the Wyvern mid-flight, erupting into a ze of brilliant crimson. Edithes eyes glinted at the sight. There was a terrible shriek. Words echoed in her head. Then it was over.
Defeated [Lesser Frost Wyvern - Lvl 131]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
ss [Sentinel of Elements] Level Up!
[Sentinel of Elements - Lvl. 104] -> [Sentinel of Elements - Lvl. 105]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Edithe grinned in victory as the Wyvern fell. Shed just recently leveled up, so the fact that shed already leveled up again was quite exhrating. She wouldve luxuriated in this moment if not for the fact that she heard a shrill screech. She nced back just in time to see another Wyvern descending from the sky.
[Lesser Wyvern - Lvl 126]
Youve got to be fucking
She backed up hurriedly as the Wyvern dove straight for her. It was a dive bomb. It came so fast, she barely saw the blur. Edithe closed her eyes and whispered.
[Greater Aura of
Would she cast it in time? She hoped that she would. But before the spell could even go off, she saw a flicker through her closed eyes. A bright light shed, seeping through her eyelids. Edithe felt the heat. The mes.
She looked up, blinking as the burning Wyverny on the floor. It was writhing in pain. One of its wings had been entirely burned off. The red-haired woman gaped.
...Salvos?
A golden explosion erupted in the middle of the city as Salvos continued her battle, far from Edithe. But if it wasnt Salvos, then who?
The red-haired woman paused. She finally caught sight of her savior. A [Will O Wisp] flitted down beside her, glinting a dark crimson.
Willy.
He sent another st of crimson mes at the Wyvern before it could get up. It slowly burned to death as Edithe stared. Then she narrowed her eyes.
But if youre here, that means
Her gaze snapped to the sky as she saw the clouds moving. And with a booming thunder, a figure descended from the sky.
The trio of Wyvern crashed into my clones back, snarling and snapping at her head. She was tired. Exhausted. So she just epted her fate. She exploded into a golden cross that tore through the city. It ripped apart the frozen barracks, melting the ice as it took out the three Wyverns.
That was another clone down. I was now down to just four of my clones. Half of the eight that I started with. And I was getting tired. The Mistress of Remnants sneered as she sent a salvo of ice spikes my way.
Are you tired, false Human? Give up and abandon these people if you wish to live. They are not your own.
I dove down out of the way. A few of the projectiles struck my back, finally breaking the Aura of Greater Protection around me. I yelped and faced the Wyvern leader.
I made a promise to Saffron and princess Rana. And Im not going to lose to you.
I countered with my own ming projectiles. The Mistress of Remnants reeled back as she took the brunt of my attacks. My clones fought with her Wyverns all around us..There were still nearly 20 of the Wyverns. Around a dozen and a half. My clones werent able to take down as many as Id have liked the fact that I was grossly outnumbered here hurt even more when Id already used up all my speed Skills just to get to Catark.
But my biggest mistake mightve actually been summoning all the clones I did all at once. It exhausted me. Made it difficult for me to defeat the Mistress of Remnants on my own. If I wasnt as tired, I couldve possibly beaten her by now.
The Mistress of Remnantsughed as another one of my clones was brought down, killing only two Wyverns this time. The Wyverns were finally picking up that my clones would explode upon dying, so they were smart about it. They managed to avoid it best they could this time.
Then you shall die for no greater cause.
Three Wyverns broke off from fighting my severely outnumbered clones and charged at me. The Mistress of Remnants joined them as they flew my way, and I readied myself to take them all on my own. Despite my exhaustion. My hand glowed as [Demons Mark] seared itself on my palm, ready for use.
But before the Wyverns could encroach on me, lightning fell from the heavens above. It thundered down, a shower of strikes. The Mistress of Remnants hurriedly dodged out of the way, avoiding the lightning bolt entirely. But the Wyverns apanying her werent as lucky. They exploded from the attack as even more lightning fell from the sky.
The Mistress of Remnants cried out not in any physical pain, but pain nheless as her kin died. She cast her gaze to the sky, ring in anger as the clouds parted. I looked up in shock as a figure emerged.
Storm clouds had gathered at some point, masking the evening sky. But there was no rain. No violent wind. A woman stood atop the only pure white cloud as it slowly descended. She looked down at the frozen city at all the dead scattered throughout the streets. And her brows creased.
I recognized her, even though I had only met her briefly just a few hours ago. Everyone had looked at her with respect. With a sense of admiration.
Helena Warshade.
She simply raised her crystal staff, speaking simply.
[Mana Storm: Lightning Vortex].
My eyes widened as the ground shook. The strands of mana in the air bent. Crackling electricity shot up from the earth and crashed from the sky. The Wyverns dove around in a panic, but many were caught by the torrent of lightning.
These were monsters Id been struggling with, even with my clones. I had so much difficulty dealing with them. Yet, half their numbers were culled at that moment. Theyd been greatly reduced, just like that. Theyd dropped to just seven Wyverns left, including the enraged Mistress of Remnants.
I stared, slowly taking in the scene. I looked up at Helena Warshade in awe. This was the power of an Elite. This was the strength of the greatest the Humannds had to offer.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company. The second-highest leveled [Mage] in the world. The pinnacle of Humankind. An Elite.
Huh.
Now I understood why everyone had so much respect for her.
Chapter 353: Succumbing to Corruption
Chapter 353: Sumbing to Corruption
353. Sumbing to Corruption
Helena Warshade stood on a white cloud, staring down at the destroyed city of Catark with a cool gaze. Her eyes flickered. She turned to me then the remaining Wyverns. There were seven of the monsters left. They red up at her, their hatred clear even if she couldnt understand their words.
She tilted her head fractionally.
They survived.
The Wyverns responded with abined st of their frost breath. I flew back with my clones, reeling from the chill even from afar. The air froze and turned to snowkes, eddying down to the broken city like cold ash. Such an attack wouldve probably killed me if I didnt have any protective artifacts, so I fully expected Helena Warshade to fly out of the way.
But the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy simply raised her staff. The air around her warped as her mouth moved.
[Eye of the Storm].
The wind spun around her, faster and faster. It elerated until it became visible. Like she was being shielded by a typhoon. It repelled the st of ice, and the frost sshed off like it was nothing but water.
I stared as the barrier held up with ease. The Wyverns stopped their attacks, uprehending. The Mistress of Remnants was at a loss for words. She didnt snarl or shriek as shed kept doing while I fought her. Instead, she looked on at Helena Warshade.
The leader of the Rising Veterans Company frowned.
You are stubborn. Very well, then.
The cloud lowered as she pointed at one of the flying Wyverns.
I shall break you. [Burst Hurricane].
And the Wyvern exploded.
No! The Mistress of Remnants watched her kin die. Again and again, the great Wyverns fell from the sky. Ever since the corruption spread to Sharik, they had been incessantly ughtered. Theyd been forced to band together form great flocks and migrate away from their home. It was the only way they could survive. Even a [Greater Wyvern] had been felled there.
She thought theyd be safe here. The Frost Lord had seen the mountains in the distance as the perfect ce to build a nest. After all, the mountain range had been mostly empty deserted, for whatever reason. However, that meant that they were starved. Hungry. And when theyd hunted those [Oliphants] down to feed the flock, the Frost Lord perished.
Now, here, in these weaknds, they were still being ughtered.
The Mistress of Remnants wouldnt ept it. She turned to that Human on a cloud and unleashed a salvo of ice magic. Icicles that were asrge as treesunched out, but the Human dismissed it with a flick of her staff.
[L h. m].
The Human spoke her words were utterly gibberish to the Mistress of Remnants. But it clued the Wyverns in that an attack wasing. They scattered as lightning streaked out of the Humans crystal staff. It took on the shape of a grossly misformed Wyvern. One without wings and a long serpentine body.
The Mistress of Remnants hissed, diving away from the attack. The lightning struck another of her kin, but it didnt explode. Instead, ittched onto the Wyverns wings, draggining it through the air until it came into contact with a second Wyvern. The lightning spell exploded, taking them both down with a brilliant sh.
Another two Wyverns down. There had been seven of them, but in such a short amount of time, there were now only four of them left.
With a roar, the Mistress of Remnants rallied the remnants. Three Wyverns apanied her as she zipped through the air, heading straight for that annoying Human.
The Human narrowed her eyes. The cloud dipped out of the way just in time for the Mistress of Remnants to crash into a frozen tower. The Wyvern roared as thest of her flock swerved, giving chase to the Human throughout the city.
The cloud wove between the alleyways, leading the Wyverns low, then high, then circling around a junction and passing the Wyverns. One of the three Wyverns let out a frost breath, but the Human just countered with a st of hot wind.
It was bad enough that they couldnt break through the Humans defenses, but they couldnt touch the Human either.
The Mistress of Remnants was pissed. With every second that passed, she grew angrier and angrier. And when one of her three remaining kin fell as well, she had enough. Magic something beyond even magic built up within her chest. She rose to the sky, driven by fury and desperation, surpassing any limits shed had before.
I shally waste to your weak Species
She started, but a scythe dug into her chest. She exhaled, letting out the magic prematurely. The cone of ice erupted into the sky, raining down like hail. The Mistress of Remnants looked at the one whod attacked her.
Hey, did you forget about me?
The silver-haired girl grinned, circling around to the Wyvern leaders back. The Mistress of Remnants roared as she tried to shake off that false Human. But before she could fight back, four golden figures charged her.
Youre mine!
The Mistress of Remnants shrieked as she was cut by five different scythes. Attacked from all sides. Her wings was shredded, and she fell like a rock. In the distance, she heard the screeches. The sounds of her kind dying. Lightning and thunder boomed out as the remaining three Wyverns whimpered and died.
Title Lost!
(Mistress of Remntants
The Mistress of no. The lone Wyvern looked up, seeing the charred corpses of her kin fall from the sky after her. She crashed as the false Human and the ming clones continued to tear through her hide.
The Human on the cloud descended, looking callously at the lone Wyvern thrashing on the ground. The former Mistress of Remnants couldve fought. She couldve tried to break free. Unleash her magic.
But she was tired. So tired. Her pride was shattered. Her flock was dead. She lost. There really was no point fighting anymore.
How did she even get here in the first ce? How did all thise about?
Her eyes closed as exhaustion settled in. A creeping darkness crawled its way over her. And she remembered. She remembered when the apparition came beyond the ocean. The twisted being that distorted space wherever it went. It corrupted everything it had touched from the clouds to the earth to the sea.
It was powerful. It wouldve shorn through everything, if the [Greater Wyverns] of Sharik hadnt banded together and sacrificed themselves to chase it back whence it came. But it was toote. Thend was overwhelmed by corruption. Their little ind, gone.
They flew over thend of the Beastmen. Over the sea of the Centinels. They came all the way here, searching for haven. And this was where it all ended.
The lone Wyvern would ept it. She let the darkness settle it as the pain subsided, leaving behind only a numbing sense of calm. It was all over. This was where the Wyverns of Sharik would finally die
And her eyes snapped open.
Die? Here? She couldnt ept it. Her wings began beating once again, despite the holes on her skin. A breath of frost left her maw as she let out a shriek. One of the golden figures was frozen in an instant, and the silver-haired girl leapt back with a yelp.
W g n?
The Human on the cloud asked, startled. The silver-haired girl answered in an unintelligiblenguage as the lone Wyvern got to her feet.
There was no ying today. The lone Wyvern felt herself flying, powered by magic. Powered by something more. She couldnt just die here. She had to be stronger. She remembered something stronger. A [Greater Wyvern]? No. The corruption.
It coursed through her. It breathed life into the lone Wyvern. She was going to use that same power to destroy them all.
My people are dead, but I will not rest
She felt the corrupting growing stronger and stronger. She epted it as the silver-haired girls eyes flickered. The Human on the cloud stared with wide eyes. The lone Wyvern began tough as the sounds became distorted.
Not until I DESTROY YOU!
Grand Skill [Come and See, the Depths of my Despair] is gained
Abundant experience is not rewarded!
Learning of Grand Skill failed!
No experience is awarded for the failure of learning a Grand Skill!
The corruption destroys your body!
Species Degeneration:
[Winged Wyvern] -> [Corrupted Wyvern]
Subspecies Degeneration:
[Lesser Frost Wyvern] -> [---- Wyvern]
Skill [Frost Breath - Lvl 30] Lost
Skill [Ice M
The lone Wyverns consciousness began to fade as she let the corruption take over her. All she could dream of was vengeance. Or no. Not vengeance. She dreamt of protecting her kin. Her people. As that final thought gued her mind, regret sank in.
And she wished she didnt sumb to that which destroyed her home.
[---- Wyvern - Lvl. 142]
What is that?
Helena Warshade stared in shock as the former Mistress of Remnants body twisted into itself. The world around the Wyvern tore apart, rippling with the familiar distortion Id seen twice before. I leap back, and my clones readied themselves.
Thats the corruption! Get back! Its dangerous!
The corruption?
Repeating after me, the Archmage stupidly stayed where she was instead of actually listening. I scowled as the world itself began to warp and tear, permeating the corruption to everything that was around it. A fissure seemed to whip out at Helena Warshade, and that was when she finally moved out of the way.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy unleashed a crackling lightning bolt into the center of the corruption, but it swerved into the distorted mass and joined it. The corruption grewrger. Helena Warshade stared.
What is going on? That is not any space magic Ive seen.
She struggled to even articte herself as her cloud circled around the corruption. I scowled, looking into the blurry figure of the Wyvern with [nar Navigation].
Thats because its not! Its the corruption. You know, the thing thates from the Ennds?
The End what
She started, only for a flying rock to shoot her way. The Archmage barely conjured a barrier in time as I narrowed my eyes.
Focus! You cant attack it, but we can still stop this!
It wasnt like the [Ancient Centinel] which seemed to have control over the corruption. I remembered the transformation when I battled it the Corrupted Centinel. It transformed all at once, and it retained its sanity.
But the Wyvern? The former Mistress of Remnants? She made garbled noises as she shrieked, breaking apart and dying. It waspletely different. The corruption was taking control over her.
I turned to Helena Warshade as the corruption began to spread out.
Can you use space magic?
I can only cast space magic spells equal to a level 70
Thats good enough! I need you to contain it!
My clones and I charged forward as I reached out with [Mystical Projection]. The pair of invisible arms tore into the corruption, pushing it apart as Helena Warshade supported me from behind. The corruption was almost palpable I could feel it pushing me back and digging into my skin.
I grimaced, and my clones leapt in front of me to lead the charge. Their ming skins ked off with each step we took. Behind me, I heard Helena Warshade mutter and point at the area around us.
Cube of Istion.
The ground beneath me shifted, like it was oveid with a box. And the box began spinning, shrinking as it trapped myselves and the Corrupted Wyvern. The corruption grew thicker the instant it was cordoned off, and I couldnt hear anything outside of this faux pocket dimension.
I got closer and closer as the corruption grew wilder. The pocket dimension began to crack, the corruption threatening to leak out once more. One clone vanished as I used [Mystical Projection] to finally pull apart the distorted Wyvern hide. Finally, I caught sight of the source of the corruption.
Blood. It was blood. The former Mistress of Remnants was nothing now but a mosaic mess of scales and hide and wings, but her blood continued to flow. Even without a body. Even without anything to course through. It moved faster and faster, glinting with ever-changing colors as it hovered at the center of the mass.
A voice cried out as another of my clones dissipated, bubbling away into distorted wisps.
My kin
What? How are you even talking?
It echoed around me like a whisper. I stared at the former Mistress of Remnants head as it wheeled around me. Its eyes faced my direction, crystal clear despite the blur that was everything else.
Please
I felt my grip over my [Mystical Projection] growing numb. Like when Id been fighting the Cursed or Corrupted Boulder. A third clone died, and I was left with just one another clone as the Cube of Istion failed. I gritted my teeth as I felt my body twisting, trying to tear itself apart.
Im a bit busy right now
And I recoiled. The Wyvern head stopped right before my face. I stared directly into its hollow, dead eyes. The mouth moved.
Save them.
It spoke in a clear voice. I blinked. It was the voice of the Mistress of Remnants. I looked at it, uprehending. But it didnt matter. As the Cube of Istion shattered, the Wyvern parts suddenly receded.
All at once, the corruption was forcefully withdrawn to the broken body of the Wyvern. No it looked like the Wyverns distorted corpse was containing it. Whatever it was, I saw a way out.
I threw myself back as my clone hurled herself into the twisted mass. The corruption seemed to reject her. It wanted to repel my fiery clone and send her flying. But she went through even the corruption. Thanks to Partial Phasing, she slipped through the cracks of space and reached the center of the mass.
I braced myself as I spun around, and I saw a sh of red. Just as I looked away, my clone detonated. She erupted into a wild st perhaps it was because of the corruption, but I couldnt control the size of the explosion.
Everything nearby was swept up by the golden mes. Even me. I readied myself to be burned by my own fire. But I heard a voice. I looked up just in time to see Edithe running down a few streets away with Willy and Daniel. She pointed at me.
Salvos [Aura of Greater Protection]!
A flicker ran through my body. The familiar protective aura wrapped around me, and I beamed.
Huh. Thanks Edithe
And I was engulfed in my own golden mes.
Defeated [---- Wyvern - Lvl. 142]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 132] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 133]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 98] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 99]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] Level Up!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 99] -> [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus - Lvl. 100]!
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Advancement Avable]
Chapter 354: Explaining Stuff and Other Boring Stuff
Chapter 354: Exining Stuff and Other Boring Stuff
Announcement
Yo, I have new merch in the store. It''s rtively simple logo designs thate mostly in ck and white but do check them out!
354. Exining Stuff and Other Boring Stuff
Salvos!
Edithe shouted, running forward as the golden explosion filled her vision. The red-haired woman recoiled and covered her eyes from the shing light. It was a powerful st magic that came from Salvos. Or a clone of Salvos.
It was honestly so much to take in for Edithe. The fact that Salvos could, firstly, create a clone of herself, and secondly, produce such extreme magic. The red-haired woman realized just how far the gap between them had be.
The explosion was uncontrolled. Distorted by something that made the golden mes lose its shape. It engulfed Salvos as Edithe could only watch. There was no shockwave, despite the size of the st. It felt muted, somehow. Perhaps by that odd distortion.
All Edithe could do was watch in worry as the golden mes dissipated. An odd sensation mixed with the magic emanated from the center of the st. Daniel ced a hand on her shoulder, speaking reassuringly.
Salvos will be fine. Dont worry.
Edithe nced over at him. She pursed her lips. And a flicker of me flitted ahead of them. Willy gazed into the smoke as it cleared and said a single word.
Alive.
Both Humans paused. They leaned in, and they caught sight of a sh of silver. Salvosy in ground zero at the very heart of the st. There was no crater. No shredded tiles. It didnt even look like there had been an explosion. But the [Aura of Greater Protection] covering the silver-haired girl was gone.
Huh.
Salvos sat up, looking down at herself. She turned to Edithe and Daniel. The pair stared at her in both shock and relief. Then she grinned, flexing an arm.
Im pretty amazing, arent I? I couldve killed myself!
Salvos!
They both cried out as they ran over to her. She chuckled, getting to her feet, only to get tackled back down by a pair of hugs. Edithe gave the silver-haired girl a worried look.
What was that? Ive never seen anything like it. It I could barely even see it.
Edithe didnt know what happened during the battle with the Wyvern flock. She saw Helena Warshade arrive. There had been lightning and thunder. The red-haired [Mage] sensed the immense magic being thrown around the battlefield.
Then something changed. For a brief moment, Edithe had felt an unsettling presence. She saw a ripple in space. And it was like staring into a void. The sight prickled on her scalp like ants crawling on her skin. A sense of dread had settled in. Like shed seen something so wicked. So unreal. Flowers made of flesh. The scraping of bone. It terrified Edithe, and it seemed she was not the only one who was affected by it.
Helena Warshade, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, and leader of the Rising Veterans Company descended from her cloud. She faced Salvos with a look Edithe never expected to see on her face. A single bead of sweat slid down the side of her face as she breathed deeply.
We need to talk.
Salvos blinked. Helena Warshade nced towards where the explosion had been. Then she steeled herself.
And youre going to exin everything about whatever that was to me.
Um sure? But I just got my ss advancement. Could I do that first?
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy crossed her arms.
No.
We flew away from the destroyed city of Catark, watching the refugee camps forming just outside the city over the night. A few small convoys of soldiers had arrived from the nearby cities in the region after hearing the call for aid, and they were now maintaining the peace. Even a retinue of knights had arrived from Alyras to help.
But we had no reason to stay. We were adventurers, and we did our job exterminating the monsters. There had been dozens of Wyverns there, and we killed them all. Iy back on Helena Warshades cloud and stared up at the sable sky as I thought about it.
The Mistress of Remnantsst words weighed on my mind. But before I could think too deeply about it, Helena drew my attention.
Now tell me everything, Salvos.
She spoke, seated on the cloud in a cross-legged position. Edithe and Daniel were at the very edge of the cloud, looking ufortable being in such close proximity with Helena Warshade. Willy rested on my shoulder as I shrugged.
I mean what is there to say? That was the corruption. It does things like corrupting stuff.
Helena Warshades brows creased.
I noticed.
She got to her feet and paced around the cloud.
I have never seen something quite like it. It wasnt space magic. It wasnt time magic. No it wasnt even magic. It twisted reality and made it a perverse version of itself. When I sted it with lightning, I could feel it ripping my magic from me and turning it into something else.
Yep. Thats what it does!
I nodded eagerly. Helena Warshade came to a halt. She wore an exasperated look on her face for a moment. Then she calmed herself. She looked at me with a sigh.
How did you discover this corruption? Why have you never informed others about this discovery? Are you not a student of Mavos Academy? Does Headmaster yton Skyshredder know about this?
I backed up from her, raising my hands.
Woah, woah, woah. Thats a lot of questions at once! Give me a second to answer them, alright?
The Archmage drew back, and I ced a finger on my chin in thought.
So, um, I am in fact a student of Mavos Academy, yes. yton doesnt really know about this. I havent told anyone about it. And as for how I discovered it? Its kind of a long story, but basically
I regaled Helena Warshade of the time I was in the Beastmen ins. I exined the whole ordeal with the Cursed Boulder and how I defeated it thanks to the help of the Breastte of Alexander. She narrowed her eyes.
And you attained possession of the Breastte of Alexander due to your rtionship with the Merrysters.
Yep! I was supposed to return it after I was done using it, but I kind of broke it?
I have heard.
Helena Warshade closed her eyes, letting this information sink in. Then she frowned.
But that still does not exin how you heard about this Corrupted Boulder you encountered.
Oh, that?
I shrugged, leaning back casually.
My Dad told me about it. He said itd help my space magic if I beat it up, so I beat it up.
I see.
Helena Warshade took that in without much of a reaction. Of course she didnt. She didnt know me. But the other passengers on the cloud sputtered in shock.
Wait, your Dad? You have a father, Salvos?!
Edithe spoke up with wide eyes. She stared at me, the confusion evident. Daniel raised a brow.
But I thought you were born from
The redheads gaze snapped to the side. She immediately ced a hand over his mouth, interrupting him as she spoke in a hurry.
I thought you were born out of wedlock! And your dad left your mom before you were even born!
I cocked my head.
But I dont have a mom?
Edithe smacked her palm on her forehead, groaning. Daniel blinked a few times, then mouthed an o. Willy just chuckled as he watched them from over my shoulder.
Helena Warshade cleared her throat, cutting us off.
I have heard of your father, Salvos. yton Skyshredder had informed me of this man called Sal. It is interesting how I have never heard of him before he visited Mavos Academy. Yet, somehow, yton estimates that he isparable to an Elite in level.
Oh, thats because hees from a far away ce! He rarely visits the Humannds! Usually just to check up on me and stuff.
I waved a hand off with a smile. Then I nced over the horizon. I saw Alyras in the distance. We were finally returning back to the city. I turned back to Helena Warshade.
Anyway, is that all?
There is still much to discuss.
She replied simply. I rolled my eyes, but the Archmage continued.
However, that is all the questions I shall ask you today. There are other matters to attend to. And I believe there is something else that draws your attention.
I perked up excitedly. I raised a hand, grinning as Edithe watched from the side with pursed lips.
Yep! I just hit my Level 100 ss advancement!
Finally, I could look through the options.
Chapter 355: Difficult Choices
Chapter 355: Difficult Choices
355. Difficult Choices
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 133
ss: [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] - Lvl. 100
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] - Lvl. 7
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 155 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 145 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 150 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+30) (+10) (+13)
[Agility]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 5]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 20
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 17]
[Dimensional Pocket] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mass Particte Modification] - Lvl 10 (Maxed)
[Mystical Projection] - Lvl 15 (Maxed)
[Long Range Teleportation] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[nar Navigation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Scattering Discement] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[Advancement Avable]
The words yed in my mind as we arrived back in Alyras. Wended right at the pce, and were immediately bombarded by questions from those whod stayed behind. Princess Rana Alyras wore a concerned look on her face as she approached me.
What happened? Did you manage to deal with the Wyverns?
Yep! Helena took out most of them, but I killed a fair share on my own! Dont worry, I was awesome!
I waved off her worries, reassuring everyone that the threat was dealt with before excusing myself from the interrogation. I left Helena Warshade and mypanions to answer everything else as I focused on one thing and one thing only. Edithe nced my way right before I slipped away.
Requirements for four ss advancements have been met!
Huh. Only four? I expected more.
I wondered aloud once I was alone in a side room. I guess being at higher levels means there are fewer options. Although, I did only have three advancements for my Level 70 ss advancements. Four was a lot, anyway. More than for my Subspecies evolutions.
I could still hear the chattering from the other room over. But it was muted. And it was all drowned out once I immersed myself in my thoughts. Now, what are they?
ss advancement:
[Archmystic of the Nexeus]
An [Archmystic of the Nexeus] is a [Mage] who has achieved greatness. Power, friendship, knowledge. They have it all. What they have sought for all their life is now in their hands, yet they still find themselves wanting for more.
+25 [Wisdom]
+15 [Vitality]
+15 [Endurance]
+10 [Strength]
+10 [Agility]
Huh.
I furrowed my brows as I took in my first ss advancement option. Judging by its name, it was a direct advancement of my current ss. Id go from a [Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] to an [Archmystic of the Nexeus].
It was a tempting advancement, right off the bat. It offered me a good distribution of Stats, and it offered me a sense of safety. Like I knew it wouldnt be such a drastic change from what I currently had. Still, I steeled myself. I had others to look through, and the description of the ss didnt exactly feel right to me.
Well, what about the next one?
It wasn''t what I was expecting at all.
[Draconic Apprentice]
A [Draconic Apprentice] is one whod followed the path of Dragonkind all their lives. Regardless of their current ss, they have taken up arms against the corruption and stymied its spread throughout the Nexeus. As the apprentice to Dragons, no power is limited from their reach, whether it be elemental in nature or other essences. After all, there is no limit to the soon-to-be divine
+20 [Vitality]
+20 [Strength]
+20 [Endurance]
+20 [Wisdom]
+20 [Agility]
My jaw dropped. I blinked a few times, refocusing on the ss option. And, yep. I didnt misconstrue it. It was a ss rted to Dragons. I wasnt even a Dragon! Or a Kobold! I was a Demon!
But it was right there, offering itself to me. And soon-to-be divine? It was literally telling me it would let me use divine essence on the regr if I went down this ss path. Unlike my first advancement ss option, it didnt hint at any security. It was aplete and total shift from the goal Id been progressing towards the entire time.
Yet, despite this, it offered me power. It piqued my interest, and made up for the drastic change in ss by expanding my abilities. Even its Stats distribution was greater than any ss or Subspecies Id ever seen before.
This is
I massaged my temples. My first two advancement options were already hard to choose from. It was nothing like when I was given my Subspecies options those always felt obvious to me. This was actually hard.
It actually made me hope that my next ss advancement options sucked so the choice would be just between the first two. Unfortunately, it was good.
[Space Archmagus]
A [Space Archmagus] is one of the final advancements of the [Space Mage] ss. It is given to those who have peered deep into the cracks of space and seen the expansive nature of the reality encapsting them. Reality would bend to their will, and space is but a tool to be used. A [Space Archmagus] is considered to be a proto-[Space Archmage] of sorts, since it offers many simr benefits of the [Space Archmage] ss, but is unlocked at Level 100 instead of Level 150.
+20 [Endurance]
+20 [Wisdom]
+15 [Vitality]
+10 [Strength]
+10 [Agility]
So I can be an [Archmage], but at Level 100 which is called an [Archmagus]?
I cocked my head. I had learned during my time in Mavos Academy that [Archmages] were considered the top of the top for magic. Helena Warshade, for example, was called the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. And she was, quite clearly, very powerful.
Surely this means that internar travel would be easy, right?
It seemed likely. At least, more like than with my other ss options so far. And if it really let me travel between the nes of the Nexeus with ease, then then that meant I could see Haec again soon if I took this ss option.
I felt something building up inside of me. A kind of excitement I had never felt before. But, at the same time, something weighed heavily in my chest. It was almost a mncholic feeling. Both happiness and sadness at the same time. Nervousness, maybe. An unease that came bundled along with the uncertainty of the catharsis Id find once I met Haec again.
After all, I didnt even know if he was alive. Sure, my dad told me that he was, but that was a month ago. I wasnt even sure if I could find him. And, most of all, I had no idea if he would even remember who I was or not once I found him. It had been far too long since Id seen him. It scared me to think that he could forget who I was from our time apart.
I shifted slightly. I wasnt sure what to think. But I just knew that I wanted this ss as much as the others.
Ugh, what about myst ss?
I moved on, and I was left unsurprised to see it was another good ss for me to pick.
[Younger Sentinel of Spacetime]
A [Younger Sentinel of Spacetime] is a [Space Mage] who has time and time again fought to preserve the world around them from destruction. They have sacrificed their desires and wants for something even greater than them. A cause which outweighs anything of their own. So, they fight. For those they hardly know. Whether it be monster or animal, friend or foe, mortal or Spirit or Demon, they will fight to protect the world.
+30 [Wisdom]
+20 [Strength]
+15 [Agility]
+10 [Vitality]
+10 [Endurance]
But I do not want to protect the world!
I protested, exasperated. It offered more Stats than both [Space Archmagus] and [Archmystic of the Nexeus], but less than [Draconic Apprentice]. And just like [Draconic Apprentice], it didnt feel like it was something I wanted.
Yet, they both offered me power. Meanwhile, both [Space Archmagus] and [Archmystic of the Nexeus] offered me something else. The chance to achieve my goals. It was a dilemma. Id never been so torn over what ss option Id want to take.
I grabbed a nearby chair and slumped over. All my ss options had their advantages. They all served my goal in one way or another. It could help me defeat Belzu or help me find Haec or just help me protect mypanions. It wasnt really one or the other, since I knew that theyd all eventually lead down the same road. But this was about what they offered me right now.
So, the question was simple: what did I currently want?
It wasnt something I really felt I could answer. Not without deep thought. And, well, before I could mull it over, the door behind me creaked open. I nced back as a sh of red hair entered the room.
Edithe Dawnrise stood there, curiously peeking in as I met her gaze.
Hey, uh, Salvos, you busy?
...kind of, but not really.
I sighed, getting to my feet. I faced mypanion as she closed the door behind her.
Do you need something, Edithe?
The red-haired woman came to a stop a few feet before me. She paused, hesitating for a moment. Then she nodded.
I do, actually. Ive just
I raised a brow as she thought over her words. Finally, she closed her eyes and spoke.
I saw you fight with that Wyvern flock, all on your own. You were so amazing, Salvos. I couldnt believe my eyes to see how much youve grown. These arent just undead. They arent swarm monsters. They are [Lesser Wyverns], but you killed dozens of them, even though they were close to your level or even higher.
Normally, Id vehemently agree with someone if they were praising me, but I could tell there was something off about the way Edithe spoke. I shrugged and peered at her.
Well, theyre each about as strong as an [Evolved Centinel] around their level, and I fought plenty of those while I was in the Bloodied Gulf. Plus, I had artifacts and stuff too! But I did end up needing some help to deal with them..
Youre right. You needed help.
Edithe nodded, face dour.
But even though you brought me to help you, I couldnt do anything. I only managed to bring down a single Wyvern. I wasnt strong enough. I was too weak.
She took in a deep breath as I cocked my head. Edithe Dawnrise stood straighter and held my gaze.
But Im not going to sit around and mull over my weakness. I felt useless there, and I hated that. Thats why Id like your help, Salvos.
I knew what she was saying there and then. I stepped forward, remembering the time we spent in the gunds. And before that Silkfalls Crevice. I narrowed my eyes.
You want me to help you get stronger?
Thats right.
Are you sure about that? Itll be dangerous. You almost died so many times when we were at the gunds. And there was that whole thing about the Lich, remember?
But I survived. I grew stronger. And it was thanks to your help.
Edithe stepped forward, cing a hand on her chest.
Im not saying we should go back to the gunds. I just you helped me once, I know you can do it again, Salvos. Please.
She stared at me with a determined look. I could see the fire in her eyes burning, yet she was icily cool. It wasnt a brash decision that made her approach me. She had thought about it before this. Yet, I opened my mouth, still uncertain.
But
Are you guys really having this discussion without me? Man, I feel like Im not a part of the team.
Daniel Song strolled into the room after Edithe. The redhead and I looked at him as he entered. He mustve followed after us, also fleeing the discussion happening in the other room about Catark and overheard our conversation. He tilted his head back.
Although, were we ever a team? Did we even have a team name?
Nope. I dont think so.
I shook my head. Daniel shrugged.
Whatever the case is, I agree with Edithe. I feel the same way as her. Seeing how much youve progressed and how far I have fallen behind, Salvos that motivates me. It makes me want to catch up to you.
He grinned uncharacteristically. Edithe nodded as she stood next to him, speaking with a smile.
You cant just leave uspletely in the dust, Salvos. Were yourpanions, arent we?
And we want to help you, too.
They both came to an agreement. They reached the same conclusion as I stared between them. I stood there, faced with both mypanions as they asked for my help. I thought about it for a moment. But, deep down, I already knew my answer.
I wanted to help them. I would fight for them. They were mypanions. What I wanted right now was to protect them.
I could figure out my sster. When it suited what I needed in the future; I had plenty of time to think it over. I couldnt just abandon Daniel and Edithe. Right now, what mattered was making sure mypanions were safe. That those around me would survive even without me. That meant helping them. That meant dealing with Belzu. That meant dealing with Levithus. And, eventually, that meant dealing with the Demon King.
So, for now, I pushed aside my thoughts of which ss was best for me. Id already learned, back in Mavos Academy, that it was only smarter to figure out what I wanted before making a decision. After all, an uninformed decision wouldve been disastrous. There were no take backs.
I pped my hands together as I got to work, doing what I currently wanted.
Alright! Ill make sure both of you are Level 120 by the end of this month! Announcement
End of the month. I just wanna say thank you all for reading as always, and a special shoutout to Elli for being one of my first readers and biggest supporters <3
Check out the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They help educate and fund research into cystic fibrosis which is a gic disease that causes longsting lung infections.
Donate now here!
Read up to 20 Salvos chapters ahead on my patreon.
Join my discord or subreddit.
Follow me on twitter or instagram.
Chapter 356: Interlude – Belzu’s Bane
Chapter 356: Interlude ¨C Belzu¡¯s Bane
356. Interlude - Belzu''s Bane
It had been a single night since the battle of Westshield. A single night since that terrible battle. It was still fresh in Alixs mind. The mes. The screaming. All the death and destruction. It had been seared into her memories, promising never to leave.
She shuddered at the thought of being responsible for killing all the innocent lives in the city. It wasnt even something shed done personally. Belzu had sent her alongside his army. Shed hesitated even when faced with the citys guards, let alone their popce. And it wouldnt have made much of a difference if shed been present or not.
Yet, she med herself for what happened. The only sce she found was the fact that Belzu had been defeated there. His army of monsters was a fraction of what theyd been before Westshield. They battled against a coalition of adventurers, led by the Remembered Order Company. The Champion of the Human Lands, Mori dius, had been there.
Alix watched the fighting. She saw how Mori had nearly defeated the Primeval Demon. He wouldve killed Belzu. If not for the third partys appearance. The interloper. Another Primeval Demon. It had dwarfed Belzu in size, making him look like a mere insect inparison. This Primeval Demon, Levithus, impaled both Mori dius and Belzu.
It killed Mori dius in that single blow.
The Champion of the Human Lands, the leader of the Remembered Order Company, and one of the highest-leveled [Warriors] in the world was yed there and then.
Levithus proceeded to decimate Belzus army,ughing maniacally as he culled the Mindreapers and the undead. Belzu could only flee and ept his defeat.
Hed retreated away from Shedos. Hed pulled back with whatever forces he had to the Motharis Mountain Range. And Alix was forced to follow. She was, after all, still his captive. Along with the other diators and ves hed gathered in the Inoria Empire.
They didnt question Belzu. They just obeyed him. Even though there were thousands of them, they were afraid of the Primeval Demon. But they hoped that hed treat them better than their former masters.
And when they arrived at the Motharis Mountain Range, Belzu proved them wrong.
Do not stop.
His words echoed for all to hear. Alix blinked as she leaned against a rock. Quinn, one of her cell neighbors, was bandaging up an injury hed sustained to the leg. They thought they were going to make camp and rest, but Belzumanded them forward.
The Humans will find us if we stop here. Levithus is surely following our trail. Continue. March on. We will not fall here.
Quinn gaped.
Is it being serious?
I think so.
Alix watched as Belzu flew ahead of them. The undead and monsters dragged themselves forward while the Humans just waited stupidly. Shaking her head, Alix ushered Quinn up to his feet.
Come on. Weve got to keep going.
Thats fucking stupid. Weve just escaped a huge battle, and were supposed to keep on marching because that thing is paranoid?
Quinn groaned, and Alix nodded apprehensively.
But Lord Belzu will kill us all if we dont listen. We dont have much of a choice.
I know, I know. Cant a man justin a bit? I mean, its not like were allowed to do anything else
Alix paused. She looked at Quinn as he walked past her. She shifted ufortably for a moment before following.
Its fine, she told herself. The Primeval Demon cant force us to march forever.
--
Alix came to a halt as a figure dropped just behind her. She turned around, looking at a woman as she copsed to the dirt ground. The woman was older than Alix with brown hair fading to a gray-white. Her name was Winsley, and she wasnt a ve of Roguehollow. Shed been picked up by Belzu along with hundreds of other ves in Aysgarth.
And while Alix hardly knew her, she knew that Winsley hadnt been a diator. Winsley had been a ve working the fields. Originally of the Elutra Kingdom, before the country had been conquered by Inoria. So it only made sense that after three days, fatigue would catch up with the older woman.
Someone get her a healing potion!
Alix rushed to Winsleys side. A man produced a vial of yellow liquid, but the former diator dismissed it quickly.
Not a stamina potion. Shes had too much of those. Theyll only poison her and kill her from the inside. We need to treat her injuries and her injuries alone.
Winsley groaned, lying there as Alix was quick to rece the older womans bandaged feet. The same man from before returned with a red vial this time, speaking dourly.
We dont have much left. Our stocks of potions are running low.
Then well just have to conserve it.
Alix drenched a cloth with water before dabbing it with the healing potion. The cloth was dyed a light red, and she applied it on the older womans wounds.
Here. Youll be fine. Just rx.
The pain on Winsleys face eased, and Alix helped her up by the shoulder.
Do you think you can walk?
M-maybe
Winsley whispered. Alixs eyes darted to Belzu who was still moving, even as his continent of former Human ves slowed. Perhaps they could juste to a haltpletely, and the Primeval Demon wouldnt notice. But, deep down, Alix knew that he would just ughter them if they didnt follow him.
Just take it easy. Ill help you.
Alix grunted as she aided Winsley, supporting the older woman as they marched on.
Im sure well be getting some rest soon.
The former diator lied to herself, and the third day came to a close.
--
Were out of potions
Alix cursed as the news reached her. A susurration ran through ves. They were in a colder part of the Motharis Mountain Range now. At a higher altitude. It only heightened their sense of encroaching dread and fear. Panic that they might not make it. It had been six days of marching, now. And it didnt look like they were going to stop any time soon.
The most exhausted and injured of them were being carried by the higher-leveled ones via makeshift wagons or magic as they simply followed this long march.
Its almost been a week.
Alix whispered. Quinn sighed as he overheard her words. He gestured at the mountainous terrain around them, no end of the undting shapes in sight.
And were not going to be stopping anytime soon. Were fucked, Alix. Were all going to die.
Thats
Not going to happen, right? Alix hoped, but Belzu continued his march.
--
It was now the tenth day. A week had gone by, and they didnt rest. Not for more than mere minutes. Now, they ran into a different problem. As they exited the colder parts of Motharis back to warmernd, they were faced with monsters.
Were under attack!.
[Vurats]! Keep them back!
Alix shouted as the flock of small winged creatures rained down from the sky. They didnt target therge monsters, staying far away from the few [Gatho Mammoths] that remained. Instead, they targeted the undead or the wounded. Those whoy, carried by others and unable to move.
The [Vurats] wouldve been easy enough to deal with if theyd been at full energy. But they were weak and tired. One caught Quinn off guard, striking him from behind and sinking its teeth into his neck.
Quinn!
Alix ran hurriedly to his side, slicing the [Vurat] in half. Around her, she watched as the [Vurats] were driven off. The undead and the monsters actually working with them to fend off those incessant pests.
But many were injured. Quinn was on his knees, clutching at the wound he suffered at the hands of the [Vurat]. Alix tried to help him up.
Are you alright?
Just fantastic, Alix. The weather is delightful. Its such a wonderful day to be out and slowly dying from attrition. What about you?
He groaned as she supported him by the shoulder. Alix pursed her lips. She looked behind her at the other diators sumbing to their injuries and exhaustion. Even the monsters that were following were tired. A few of the brittle-looking undead actually broke and fell into a crawl. Her eyes flickered to the figure moving ahead of them, leading them callously forward despite the brief skirmish with the [Vurats].
Theyd been traveling for too long. Through harsh terrain, without any pause. Over a week. And that was after what happened at Westshield. Alix knew that even the highest-leveled [Warriors] would falter if they were pushed to their limits like this.
We cant go on like this.
Alix spoke as she settled Quinn down next to the healers. She balled her fist and sheathed her de.
Well die if we dont get some rest. If we dont get our injuries treated. If we dont have food or drink.
With that, she resolved herself and marched straight for Belzu. The Primeval Demon buzzed forward, not even turning one of his bulbous eyes in her direction. Alix spoke out as she trudged beneath him.
Lord Belzu!
Her voice echoed in the mountain range. But the Primeval Demon didnt slow. He continued flying as she struggled to keep up.
Lord Belzu, please. We need to rest. We cant keep this up.
He didnt waver. Alix came to a halt. She bit her lower lip, watching as he went on. Quinn dragged himself up to behind her as a bandage covered his neck, sighing.
Just give it up. He doesnt care about us. Im sure if we die, hell just use his [Crypt Lords] to bring us back as undeads anyway. Hed definitely prefer those silent undead than us noisy Humans.
Alix nced back at him. Despite Quinns annoying tone, she knew he was right. And yet, she acted. Perhaps it was her weary mind that moved her. Or maybe it was because the stakes were gone shed die from this trekk anyway, even if he killed her for speaking out.
Lord Belzu!
She called out to him onest time. The Primeval Demon didnt even slow. But she wasnt finished. She continued, and this time, Belzu actually paused.
Did you not say you were going to free us from our bondage? Were you not granting us our emancipation? What is this but very? What is this but bondage in
Alix gestured at Quinn and the other exhausted diators. Belzu slowly turned to face her. Quinn hurriedly backed up, stumbling behind a rock.
Im just gonna sit this one out.
She didnt pay him any mind. The Primeval Demon descended,nding right before Alix. The former adventurer wasnt fazed in the slightest. She met his gaze as he spoke in a booming voice.
What did you say to me, Human? Do you dare challenge me?
Alix flinched. It mustve some kind of magic his illusion. It caused her to stagger, as if shed been punched across the face by just Belzus voice. But she took a deep breath and didnt back down.
I am challenging your words, Lord of Lies. You offered us freedom for our strength. We have lent you our power. We have fought our own kind on your behalf. We have kept up our end of the deal. However, you have not given us any autonomy. You have not given us protection. You have treated us like we are but mere cattle.
Belzu quirked his head slightly, and she clenched a fist. Taking a step forward, she faced down the Primeval Demon. The one whod razed so many cities to the ground. Whod killed so many other Humans. And she was not afraid.
We are tired and weary. We need rest. Even your monsters need to rest. If you arent going to uphold your promise, then
She trailed off, looking at Quinn then back at Belzu. The former ve chuckled maniacally.
I guess I was a fool for believing someone who goes by the Title Lord of Lies.
Belzus eyes shed. He was in front of her in an instant. With one of his insect-like ws, he grabbed her
Do not use that Title lightly, Human. Not if you know not the history behind it.
Then enlighten me.
Alix snarled.
If you wish to lead us, dont just bark your orders and expect us to follow. Tell us what were doing. Let us rest. Treat us like people, please.
She wasnt even sure why she was being polite with a literal Demon. But she was tired. Oh, so tired. Even if her protests would fall on deafs ear, she needed to get it out. Things hadnt been any different ever since she was freed from the diator arena. She was still a ve, fighting against her will.
And she waspletely tired of it. Alix looked up at Belzu and raised her de.
Either that, or you can kill me right this instant. I no longer wish to live in a world where I am forever chained.
You
Belzu started in anger. Then he paused. The Primeval Demon actually remained quiet, taking in her words with an eerie silence. He studied the former diators expression like a predator. Alix braced herself. She expected him tosh out at any moment.
He opened his mandibles and he spoke slowly.
I see.
Alix blinked a few times, feeling her shoulders going ck.
You get it?
I understand. You are right, Human. It seems I have made an error in judgement.
She didnt believe what she was hearing. Was it an illusion? Was he just tricking her before he killed her? Alixs mind raced as Belzu floated up. He surveyed his army and harrumphed. Then he spoke out for all to hear.
Today, we shall rest. Recoup. For we have suffered a great loss at the hands of the Demon King.
The former adventurer wasnt the only one who was visibly confused. The other ves looked at each other deliriously. As if theyd all fallen under the effects of a very strong psychedelic at the same time. Quin climbed out from behind his rock, staring with wide eyes.
Is it being for real?
I think so.
Alix spoke quietly. She hadnt expected that to work. Yet, Belzu flew back down to Alix. He held her gaze as Quin flinched.
I have listened to your pleas, Human. I have answered them.
She was at a loss for words. She struggled to work her jaw, but Belzu spoke over her.
But know this: do not mistake my kindness for weakness. I grant you mercy because I am not like Regnorex. You are not my ves. And once I have defeated the Demon King, you shall have your freedom.
Then his bulbous eyes shimmered. Literally. It showed images on it. Like Alix was staring into a pool of reflective ck water. And she saw herself. On her knees. Crying. Weeping. Bleeding. A shadow loomed over her as Belzu continued.
However, if you ever mock me again, Human if you mock my Title without knowing its meaning know that I will not show you any mercy or kindness. You will die.
Alix closed her eyes as blood sttered on the ground. The illusion in Belzus eyes ended, and the real Alix stared on in horror. Beads of sweat crawled down her neck as a prickle ran down her spine.
I
She straightened as Belzu tilted his head.
Yes, Lord Belzu.
Good.
The Primeval Demon flew back up to the sky, but he didnt force them to march. He didnt continue forward. Instead, he perched atop a nearby mountain, on his own, as the Humans were finally given the reprieve they had long sought.
Chapter Grand Skill: Book 6 is now available on Amazon! Give it a buy and a review to support me!
Chapter Grand Skill: Book 6 is now avable on Amazon! Give it a buy and a review to support me!
As the title says, Salvos Book 6 is now avable on the Amazon store. It covers everything up till 345, and it took a while to get out due to issues with editing, but it''s finally out! Give it a buy and a review if you wish to support me, or just leave a rating too-- anything works and it helps! Thank you all so much <3
Grand Skill: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 6) - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A.. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ .
Chapter 357: Grudge
Chapter 357: Grudge
357. Grudge
He was Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scales. Elite Ranked adventurer. A [Nightcrawler Shadower]. He was someone of great import, and he had been embarrassed.
Humiliated.
He had a reputation to uphold, but it had been ruined.
It had been a gathering of very many powerful people. Those who were held to high esteem. However, what they thought of him didnt matter he couldnt give a rats ass whether his standing fell in front of a bunch of posh nobles.
However, there were some present whom hed respected. And to be left red-faced and ashamed in front of them? In front of the one woman in the world he even held in high regard? He couldnt forgive it.
He left the gathering because of his embarrassment. He didnt even hear of the Wyvern attack on Catark until it was toote. His chance of redeeming himself was ruined. It irked him.
And it was all because of that damned girl. He med the girl for what happened. He wouldnt forget this humiliation he felt. No matter what.
I made a promise to mypanions. Id help them grow stronger. It was just like before the gunds all over again. After my brief contribution in thepany war where I killed Stepehen and saved Edithes life. Mypanions came to me, and I helped them ovee their weaknesses and be something more.
It was the same scenario. Except, this time, I didnt know where to go.
I tapped a finger on my chin as I paced around the gilded room. Id been given a ce to stay in the grand pce of Alyras since I was Ranas friend, so I didnt have to stay at the dingy campsite just outside of the city. Saffron Merryster sat to the side, watching me as I tore my hair over what to do.
Maybe I could bring them to the gunds again? But the Lich is dead. The undead are leaving thend in droves, and the blight is disappearing. Its not as dangerous as it was anymore. What about the Bloodied Gulf? No the Matriarch Centinel would definitely kill me if I returned
I mulled over my options, and Saffron lowered her cup of tea. Her butler, Matthew, took the cup as she stood up and faced me.
Salvos first of all, Im going to ignore the fact that you somehow angered the Matriarch Centinel of the Bloodied Gulf to the point that it holds a grudge against you
I didnt really anger her. I just killed one of her children, and shes mad now or something. I dont know.
Right.
Saffron didnt waver. She stared at me, arms-folded.
Secondly, what exactly are you stressing about now?
Oh, its nothing.
I waved a hand off casually. Saffron Merryster quirked a brow, and Matthew answered from behind me.
It seems to me that Ms Salvos
Salvos.
I corrected him. The butler nodded.
Salvos appears to be concerned about her otherpanions, Daniel Song and Edithe Dawnrise. If I had to guess, they made a request to her and shes struggling to fulfill them despite promising she would do it.
Saffron turned to me inquisitively, as if checking if Matthew was right. I snapped a finger and pointed at him.
Yep! How did you know? Can you read minds, Matthew?
I gasped, leaning closer. He shook his head.
Unfortunately, I cannot. But I have been listening to you murmur to yourself for thest hour while Lady Saffron has been preupying herself with her notes.
Notes?
I cocked my head, and Saffron shrugged.
Helena Warshade called a meeting. A bunch of kings and queens from all around the Helbir ins will be gathering next week. Well need to figure out how well deal with that second Primeval Demon and the Inoria Empire.
Why cant you just dere war on them?
I asked the obvious question. Both Matthew and Saffron exchanged a nce. The pink-haired noble sighed.
Its far moreplex than that.
But you guys have proof that theyre taken over by Demons, right? Emperor Rowyn said so.
That is correct. But wed be forced to fight against an army of our own kind to get to them, Salvos. And revealing the fact that we know about these Demons ruins the element of surprise we have on our side. We cant act brashly. We need to collect ourselves then retaliate in one swift blow.
She spoke simply, wagging a finger as she exined the situation to me. I listened to her carefully. My brows furrowed as a thought crossed my mind.
What about Belzu?
That Primeval Demon I dont know. Butst we heard, its army was shattered. It would take a while to build its army back to size.
Then isnt the best time to deal with him right now?
I stared at Saffron with a raised eyebrow. She shrugged.
Perhaps. We already have [Scrying Mages] trying to track down its location, but it is not easy. Its magic is masking its movement. We just know that it is somewhere in the Motharis Mountain Range with an army less than a tenth of the size it had been before Mori dius and the Remembered Order Company faced it.
Huh.
It made sense that the adventurer army led by Mori dius dealt quite the blow to Belzu. They were all elite fighters and I didnt mean it in the sense that they Elite Ranked. Adventurers just tended to be higher-leveled thanmon soldiers.
However, to challenge Belzus army to the extent that it did? It didnt make sense to me. Not unless Belzus army had already been weakened while in Inoria. And that was very much a possibility.
There were a lot of things to consider. But none of it was really my problem. There was a possibility I considered.
Hm, maybe I could find Belzu and kill him right now with Daniel and Edithe
Uh, did I just hear you right, Salvos?
Saffron blinked at me a few times. I shook my head and spun around.
Nope, its nothing. Just a thought.
She didnt look like she believed me. Instead, she just gave me a resigned expression and gestured vaguely around her.
Look, before you do anything reckless, just consider asking your princess friend for some help. Alyras is sure to have a plethora of information that can aid you in not getting yourself killed, Salovs.
Youre right!
My eyes widened. I leapt out of the room and burst down the corridors, waving at Saffron.
Good luck with your meeting thingy! Ill be hanging out with princess Rana!
I beamed, excitedly searching for the princess.
--
When I found Rana Alyras, I was reprimanded. Id caused a bit of a ruckus by running around the pce. The princess wasnt the one who scolded me, of course. Neither was it her father, the king. It was actually her maid.
Sevika folded her arms and spoke in a stern voice.
I understand that you are a guest here, and we have offered you our most luxurious lodging. But I must ask that you reciprocate our kindness with your own by, at the very least, maintaining the peace of the pce.
Princess Rana your maid is being mean to me.
There, there.
I sulked, hiding behind Rana Alyras as sheforted me. The maid red at Rana, and the princess jerked back. She straightened, creaking her head slowly to turn around. Sevika sighed.
And princess Rana, please dont indulge Salvos mischief.
I wasnt being mischievous! I was just excited!
I protested. Sevika wasnt like Saffron who was tired of dealing with me. She didnt sigh or give me an exasperated look. All she did was speak in a stricter voice.
Then I ask you to curb your excitement the next time this happens.
I pouted, and she spun around. The maid left us alone. I looked at Rana as the princess smiled.
So, what did you need of me, Salvos?
Im looking for, um, dangerous ces.
Dangerous ces?
Yep! Full of wild monsters that want to hurt me! Not monsters that are nice. I dont want to fight nice monsters. Just wild monsters.
I nodded eagerly as Rana sat there, listening to my exnation. She scratched her cheek uncertainly.
That sounds like youre describing a Dungeon.
Woah.
I was taken aback. That was right. Id been to far too many dangerous regionstely that I forgot Dungeons existed. I narrowed my eyes.
Wait, but are there any Diamond Ranked Dungeons nearby?
There arent very many Diamond Ranked Dungeons, Salvos. Those are incredibly dangerous. If theyre left unchecked, they can end up bringing destruction to entire cities. Small countries, too. So theyre usually exterminated once theyre made known.
Huh.
Rana shrugged as I hesitated.
Aw, that sucks.
She watched me twiddle my fingers together, looking up at her hopefully.
But surely youd know of some super secret Dungeon that Alyras is hiding, right?
Unfortunately, keeping such a secret would be harmful to all the countries of the Helbir ins. And as the head of the Helbir League at this moment, my father would never do such a thing.
My shoulders went ck. I deted. Rana pursed her lower lips as I dragged myself away from her room.
Well, Im sorry for causing trouble over nothing
I slinked away. The princess shifted slightly. She called out to me just as I reached the doorway.
I cant help you, Salvos, but maybe maybe the Adventurers Guild might know something?
I paused. I brightened and grabbed Rana by the shoulders.
Youre right! Youre a genius, princess Rana!
She bobbed back and forth as I shook her.
T-t-t-thank you?
I let go of her, about to dash out. I halted when I remembered Sevikas words. I calmed myself, straightening my back as I shifted from a run to walking with poise.
I must be the one to thank you, princess Rana.
I bowed at her as I stood by the decorated doorway.
Its nothing? Like, its really nothing.
Princess Rana started, and I smiled.
I owe you a great debt. Truly. You are wise in the ways of the world.
Alright, now Im not sure if youre mocking me.
She gave me a t stare. I waved at her and started out the door. The princess blinked and raised her hand.
Wait, Salvos
Yes, princess?
I spun on my heel and faced her. Rana chewed her lower lip, averting her gaze slightly.
I know we just met and all, but I was wondering if you would
I would?
I gave her a curious look. She closed her eyes as she shook her head.
Its nothing. I hope you find what it is you''re looking for, Salvos.
I tilted my head, slightly confused. But I didnt question her further. Instead, I continued down the pce before eventually entering the streets of the city.
--
I walked down the streets of Alyras in thought, not noticing the passersby giving me a weird look.
What if there arent any Dungeons? Hm
A susurration ran through the street vendors and the [Traders] as they faced me. A man stopped me, rubbing his hands together as he smiled.
I heard youre heading to a Dungeon, dear adventurer. Perhaps you would like to look through my wares to stock up before you go? Im sure someone of your status could afford a few healing potions, yes?
No thanks! Daniel will handle that!
I waved him away before I continued on, mulling out loud.
Would a Diamond Ranked Lair work? Or, no what about the other Wyverns of Sharik?
But that wasnt right. The Mistress of Remnants had asked me to save them. I wasnt too keen on listening to her request, but I also wasnt going to go out of my way to spit on herst wish and kill off thest Wyverns from her flock. If I heard something rted to the Wyverns, Id definitely consider intervening, at the very least.
Hey, miss adventurer, I see youre in drastic need for new armor. Why not try out this brand new breastte I got from
Another [Merchant] tried to get my attention, but I ignored him. And another one. Again and again.
Miss adventurer, would these spell scrolls catch your eye
I have a berry that can grant resistance to
No! I dont want any of it! Go away!
I ran past all the [Traders] trying to get my attention. It was weird. I was never really bothered by street vendors before. Not like this. And they seemed to be targeting me, for whatever reason. Eventually, however, I entered the Adventurers Guild, safe from their hounding.
So annoying.
I rolled my eyes. There had been music ying when I opened the door, but now when I spun around, I didnt hear any songs. A few heads were turned, facing me. Wide-eyed. I gave them confused looks, but otherwise just walked in. The music resumed after I reached the counter. The receptionist on duty blinked as I showed her my Diamond Ranked badge.
Hi!
This is?
Her eyes bulged out of their sockets. She stared at it for a moment, and i waved my hand.
Hello? Im Salvos!
I greeted her, and she instantly straightened. She slowly spoke stiffly as she tried to adjust her uniform.
I uh, y-yes? How may we I mean, I help you?
She sputtered as she faced me. Why was she so startled? It was odd. With a shrug, I pointed past the counter at the bulletin board behind her.
Can I have a list of all Diamond Ranked Dungeons nearby?
The receptionist stared at me for a moment. Then she tried to work her jaw.
D-D-Diamond Ranked Dungeons? I-I am not sure we have such a list
I frowned.
Aw, but I
But I am not entirely sure!
The receptionist squeaked, cutting me off. I looked at her as she stumbled past the counter, knocking down a stack of documents. She nearly slipped and fell as she turned to me with a pale look.
I-I-I, uh, am sorry for the mess! Ill try to find what youre looking for I mean, I will find it!
She took off as I stared at her. I ced my hand on my chin, curious. First there were those [Traders] and [Merchants] acting weird. And the receptionist actually seemed to be afraid of me. I wasnt identally in another form, was I?
I looked down at myself, and only saw my Human form. Nope so what was it then?
Why is everyone acting so weird?
I wondered aloud. A voice answered me.
The reason is simple, Ms Salvos.
My brows snapped together. I whirled around, raising a hand warily. A shadowed figure stood behind me. I didnt even sense his presence. He snuck on me with a hood up and a grind on his face.
Who are you?
I asked, tense. The figure just chuckled as he lowered his hood. My eyes flickered in recognition as I saw who it was. A man with gray hair. Pure ck eyes. He looked young, yet he wore the scars of experience on his face. I stared in disbelief.
Youre
And I paused. Wait, I dont actually remember his name. I just remembered seeing him yesterday when I reunited with Edithe. But I barely paid him any mind. He quirked a brow, but his head turned as whispers broek out amongst the gathered adventurers.
Thats Orgaf! The Thief of the Golden Scales!
Seriously? What is he doing here?
I hear hes with Helena Warshadespany now
Orgafs eyes darted to the one who said that. The man shrank back in his seat, hurriedly looking away. Snorting, Orgaf looked away from them. He faced me with a scowl on his face.
I told you, Liberator of the gunds, the reason is simple. It is the same reason they dare not even make eye contact with me. It is because you are a high-leveled adventurer.
Because Im a high-leveled adventurer?
Of course. Im sure youre used to being inrge cities in the central Humannds. Maybe even around Mavos Academy where Diamond Ranks arent too unusual. But Alyras is not such a city. It is a city in the Helbir ins. Adventurers are a scarcemodity here as most of the able men and women join their citys military. Furthermore, since the city is smallpared to the ones youre used to, the sight of those at your level and mine is far more rare.
He exined simply, giving a sidelong nce to the receptionist. Shaking his head, he turned back to me.
Im certain that you are bothered no matter where you go, but in ces like these it is far more of a pain in the ass. Thats why I prefer to travel in obscurity.
He gestured at his hood and a ne around his neck. I recognized it as a Ne of Obfuscation. I looked down at myself, realizing my Ne of Obfuscation wasnt active.
Huh, I see.
I was more used to being praised for being high-leveled. But, here, the adventurers were scared of me, and the [Traders] saw me as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sell all their wares at once. I didnt really consider hiding my level here, but maybe I shouldve.
Thats helpful to know. Thank you, Orgaf.
I smiled at him. He nodded.
It is my pleasure. If I could rmend, however, the next time you seek assistance from the Adventurers Guild, you could simply send a servant or pay someone to make the query for you. Trust me, it saves you a lot of the trouble and the ogling.
That was true. I couldve actually asked Ranas maid to help me out. Then I furrowed my brows.
Wait, then why are you here?
That was contrary to his advice. Orgafs lips curled up before he drew closer.
Ah, it is simply because I have heard about your plight
He bowed deftly, taking my hand as his eyes glinted. I met his gaze, and he spoke in a soft voice.
And Id like to offer you my help.
Chapter 358: The Scheme
Chapter 358: The Scheme
358. The Scheme
Edithe Dawnrise strode through the encampment with a sense of unease building up in her chest. It weighed on her. Her eyes rapidly darted from corner to corner in search of a sh of silver hair. She didnt find who she was looking for, which only made her more nervous. She nced to the side as herpanion voiced her thoughts for her.
I cant help but feel nervous.
Daniel Song spoke as he fidgeted, even while walking. He scanned the camp with Edithe, but neither of them could find Salvos. The young man continued.
Im starting to think this was a bad idea. I mean, thest time Salvos helped us train, she brought us to the gunds when we were severely underleveled.
Were the ones who asked her to help us, alright? Just have faith in her, Daniel.
I know, I know. But its just nerves, you know?
He gave her a weak smile, and Edithe pursed her lips. She definitely felt the same way as he did, but she would trust Salvos with her life. So she raised a hand, stopping a woman in her thirties with the Merryster emblem on her clothing.
Excuse me
The woman paused. She turned to Edithe, raising a brow.
Did you need something?
I apologize for the trouble,dy Merryster. But I am searching for a friend. Her name is Salvos, and she told my friend and I to meet her here.
Edithe bowed politely. Thedy tapped a finger on her chin.
Ah, Salvos. Well, first of all: I am not ady. I may be of the Merryster Family, but I have given up my nobility in pursuit of my passion. You may simply call me Mons.
Mons Merryster smiled as Edithe blinked. The redhead hurriedly apologized.
Oh, Im so sorry
It is fine. I take no offense to it.
Chuckling, thedy-turned-[Merchant] gestured towards the edge of the encampment.
Youll find your friend there. Shes waiting for you with a friend of hers.
Thank you so much.
Edithe hurriedly thanked Mons and excused herself. She turned to Daniel who was just staring at Mons with wide eyes. The redhead pulled him away, speaking quickly.
Come on, Daniel.
R-right, sorry.
He followed Edithe, ncing back asionally towards Mons Merryster. Edithe narrowed her eyes.
Whats wrong with you?
Daniels eyes were wide. They were practically bulging out of their sockets. His neck creaked as he faced her, and he started.
S-she
She?
Edithe frowned, ncing back at Mons Merryster.
Did something happen? What did she do?
N-no, she
Daniel took in a deep breath, and Edithe tensed.
She was a Level 100 [Merchant]!
There was a pause. Both Edithe and Daniel came to a halt. The redhead sighed.
...lets just find Salvos, alright?
And they did. Shortly after that, they found the silver-haired girl waiting at the very edge of the Vampire encampment. Salvos beamed when she saw them, running up to the pair with round eyes.
What took you guys so long?
Sorry, we were lost.
Edithe shrugged. Salvos frowned at Daniel.
But arent you stayin here?
He shook his head.
I booked an inn in the city just to get away from Amanda. Shes been more annoying than usual,tely.
Huh. Cool. Anyway, Ive finally figured out where were gonna go.
Salvos pped her hands together. Edithe felt the pit in her stomach widen. The nervousness from earlier built up. Her trust in Salvos warred with Salvos personality. Edithe begged hoped that Salvos wouldnt just drop both her and Daniel in the middle of the Bloodied Gulf and leave them to fend for themselves.
Fortunately, Edithes faith went unpunished.
Were going to be hunting down those [Goliath Oliphants]!
Those [Goliath Oliphants]?
Edithe raised a brow, her confusion evident. But Daniel looked like he knew what Salvos was talking about. He exined.
It was when we were leaving Shedos we ran into a herd of [Goliath Oliphants] being chased out of the Motharis Mountain Range by those [Lesser Wyverns] we faced in Catark.
The redhead nodded slowly.
I see.
Yep!
Salvos nodded excitedly.
You shouldve been there, Edithe. I nearly died!
Thats not something you should be bragging about.
Edithe rolled her eyes.
But [Goliath Oliphants], huh? I hear those range from Level 100 to Level 125. Lower to medium Diamond Ranked threats.
She could probably take on a few of them on her own. However, shed be faced with the same problem as against the Wyverns. These were tanky monsters. And they werent swarm monsters. They were each, individually, very powerful.
A Wyverns strengthy in their magic and their speed. They had defensive magic too, which let them brush off Edithes weaker spells. Meanwhile, [Goliath Oliphants] tended to have higher raw defense and strength, with some area of effect magic that wasnt really quite effective in singlebat.
But arent? Edithe furrowed her brows. She turned to Salvos.
Arent Oliphants mostly docile monsters? Are you sure youd be fine with attacking them for no reason, Salvos?
Edithe knew Salvos. There was a whole logic about being wild which Edithe sort of understood. If they hunted down Oliphants just to level up, then Salvos shouldnt be happy about that. And Salvos agreed.
Yep but see, he told me that these Oliphants are destroying everything right now. Theyre rampaging or going berserk or something, so theyre killing monsters and animals and Humans.
He?
Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. Salvos nodded, gesturing behind her.
The guy who helped me out!
And from her shadow, a figure emerged. A man wreathed in the darkness. He wore a cloak that seemed to hide his features. But he pulled back his hood, revealing his sneering face.
Youre
Edithe stared at Orgaf as he stood next to Salvos.
Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales.
Greetings, Liberators.
The [Rogue] spoke simply, that annoying grin still stered on his face. Edithe instantly drew back warily.
What are you doing here?
He barely even nced at Edithes way as he started forward.
Its a pleasure to finally meet all of you. I met your friend here, Salvos, in the Adventurers Guild just a few hours ago. It seemed like she was troubled, and I offered her my assistance. That is all. I couldnt just stand aside and do nothing, could I?
Orgaf spoke in a smooth voice. Salvos just looked at him agreeably, while Daniel gave him a grateful look.
Thank you Orgaf, was it?
Indeed. And you must be Daniel Song?
I am. You can just call me Daniel.
Well, Im sure you may have some qualms with fighting the normally gentle Oliphants. But I assure you, these ones are disced. They are even worse than a Centinel. Their herd is running amok, and we have to put a stop to their path of destruction.
Of course
Daniel smiled as he shook Orgafs hand. Edithe watched from the side, still tense. She eyed Orgafs every little move. She barely even heard his words.
The redhead reached for her Primordial Staff, readying herself for anything Orgaf might try. Salvos and Daniel didnt know him. They werepletely clueless as to what kind of an actual psychopath Orgaf was. He wouldve killed Edithe if not for Helenas intervention. This was definitely some kind of a ploy.
Orgafs eyes flickered. He turned to Edithe, a mocking look on his face. His smile widened as Edithes heart raced. He opened his mouth as Salvos and Daniel stood unknowingly next to him, and she braced herself
Salvos!
A voice cut through the tense silence. Edithe nearly jolted back at the sharp voice. She saw a sh. Looked on as a [Will O Wisp] darted straight for the silver-haired girl.
Willy? Whats
How dare!
Willy spoke indignantly as Salvos backed up. Daniel, Edithe, and Orgaf watched the [Will O Wisp] continue to hound her.
Wait, what did I do?
Leave me!
Leave you? I was just going on a
Without me!
Thats
Daniel sighed. He nced over at Edithe and Orgaf before excusing himself.
Ill give her a hand.
Edithe watched him go. He left both Edithe and Orgaf alone together, and suddenly, the prickling sensation that grabbed her was back. She realized she was alone with the man who tried to kill her. The despicable Elite who looked down on others as mere frivol.
She immediately faced him as she cast an [Aura of Greater Protection] on herself. He snickered.
Youre looking awfully nervous, arent you?
Edithe red at him, ignoring his remark.
Why are you doing this?
Why am I doing what?
Dont y dumb with me.
She spat, and he chuckled. Edithe pointed her staff at him. He eyed the magic emanating off the tip of the gray-ck staff.
My, arent you intense?
Dont you dare hurt Salvos. If you do anything to her
What? Youll make me pay?
Orgaf shook his head.
Please. You are barely at the same level as her second ss. Let alone her main ss. You wont be able to do anything.
Edithe bit her lower lip. She knew Orgaf was right. But still she wouldnt just watch if something happened to Salvos.
I
She started, but Orgaf waved a hand dismissively.
Besides, Id nevery a hand on Salvos even if you offered me a Mythic Grade artifact.
W-what?
Edithe paused. She looked at Orgaf suspiciously, and he met her gaze.
Are you confused? Dont be. It should be quite obvious.
Youre the Thief of the Golden Scales. Youre that bastard who screwed over the Vaun Qieur Empire and nearly sparked a war between the Humans and the Kobolds. Why are you suddenly being all nice?
He drew back, ncing at Salvos in the distance with Willy and Daniel.
Its because
Orgaf slowly turned back to Edithe and ced a hand on his chest.
I am in love.
Bullsh
Edithe had been prepared to call out any lie or excuse he had prepared. But his answer made her pause. She blinked, processing his words. Then her jaw dropped. She stared nkly at Orgaf as he spun around, curling his hair back with a single hand.
Youre what?!
You heard me. I am in love. How couldnt I be?
Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales, Elite Ranked adventurer, and Level 161 [Rogue] twirled around to face Salvos. He stared at her longingly, practically hugging himself as he breathed.
Salvos. Liberator of the gunds. Savior of Silvergrove. Secelys Sentinel. Oh, such a wonderful woman. In under five years, shes already built a legend. Shes gone from Level 40 to Level 130 in, what, four years? Three?
He threw his head back,ughing.
Please, even that annoying hag Helena Warshade cantpete. This is the next Watcher in the making no, the next Alexander! How could I not have fallen in love at first sight?
He continued on as Edithe just watched. She wasnt sure whether to be relieved that this was how Orgaf felt, or to be even more worried for Salvos.
She cares not for repute. It doesnt matter to her if youre a king, an emperor, or a god shell treat you all the same!
Edithe thought of the way Salvos acted around princesses. Orgaf was definitely wrong about that. Shaking his head, Orgaf pointed usingly at Edithe.
But you! You embarrassed me in front of her! How dare you!
I did?
The redhead genuinely didnt remember that. But Orgaf was insistent.
Yes you did. And if I had known that Salvos was bringing you along in this journey ugh!
He made a frustrated sound.
I never wouldve offered my help!
You really have a grudge against me for no reason, huh?
Edithe sighed. She gave Orgaf a sidelong nce as he continued ranting about how Edithe humiliated him. He only stopped when Salvos, Willy, and Daniel returned. No Orgaf didnt just stop. He pretended that never happened, posing as if he was calmly ncing off to the side.
That settles it!
Salvos pped her hands together.
The five of us are going to be going after those [Goliath Oliphants] together!
Yes.
Willy agreed, clearly pleased he wasnt going to be left behind. Daniel scratched his cheeks, fine with that arrangement. Orgaf nodded, clearing his throat as he barely looked their way.
Very well then. If you shall follow me, Ill lead you to them. They werest spotted near the Sickleshade Valley
Orgaf brought them away from the encampment as he spoke. Edithe looked at the Elite, still slightly worried. But not as much as before. She was just d that it seemed like everything was going to be fine.
There was a rumble. The earth shook like a terrible tremor was crawling its way through the hills. The army of monsters paused as Alix steadied Quinn. The man stared.
What is that?
He looked at the plume of smoke up ahead. Alix narrowed her eyes. She recognized that magic. Shed only ever read about it never actually seeing it before. But that was the hallmark of
[Goliath Oliphants].
She spoke softly. Looking up, she caught sight of the leader of the army. Belzu. The Primeval Demon. His gaze was fixed on the [Goliath Oliphant], wanting. Alix pressed her lips thinly into a line.
And possibly new recruits into our army.
Chapter 359: Sickleshade Valley
Chapter 359: Sickleshade Valley
359. Sickleshade Valley
Salvos?
Saffron rapped lightly on the door before entering the room. She nced about the opulent room, but the silver-haired girl was nowhere to be found. With a frown, the young noble stalked down the gilded halls as she wondered aloud.
Did she leave already?
Are you looking for someone?
A soft voice asked. Saffron craned her neck, facing a regal girl. Rana Alyras, princess of Alyras, approached the Vampire with a maid slowly trailing after her.
Princess Rana. I apologize for the disturbance.
Saffron hurriedly bowed, raising the seams of her dress. The princess just smiled as she waved a hand off.
You dont have to be so formal with me. You can just call me Rana.
If I may interject, I do not believe that a princess ought to be so casual with a woman she just met.
The maid spoke politely with her head bowed. But Rana flushed, sputtering.
Thats not youre Salvos friend, arent you? Saffron Merryster.
She turned to Saffron, scowling. Saffron raised a brow and nodded.
I am indeed, princess Rana. I was looking for her since she was granted lodging here, but I cant seem to find her. Have you seen her anywhere within the pce?
Rana exchanged a nce with her maid. She shook her head.
Unfortunately, Salvos has left Alyras with herpanions to pursue the berserk [Goliath Oliphants] to the southeast of the Helbir ins.
Wait
Saffron blinked.
She already left?
She told me she was departing this morning. And considering how high-leveled she is I dont think youll be catching up to her anytime soon.
The princess nodded as she spoke in an apologetic tone. Saffron frowned, and Rana fixed her with an inquisitive look.
Did you need her for something?
I just
Saffron sighed. She didnt expect Salvos to leave so soon. But that was to be expected with the silver-haired girl. There was never a slow for Salvos. Shaking her head, the young Vampire smiled politely at the princess.
Archmage Warshade had asked for her.And I dont think shell be too happy to hear that Salvos had already left.
Rana blinked.
Wait, why does the ArchmageWarshade need to speak with Salvos?
I take it it has to do with something that happened in Catark. Archmage Warshade didnt offer much details. Im sure its some mess Salvos got into again.
Saffron shrugged. She was used to Salvos shenanigans at this point.
Ill just let Archmage Warshade shell be back soon. Im sure Salvos will return before the meeting next week. She is Salvos, after all.
Seriusly, it wouldnt be a surprise to Saffron if Salvos somehow returned with her twopanions Daniel and Edithe and they were all Level 150.
The meeting next week?
Princess Rana paused. Saffron nodded, waving a hand off.
Indeed. Is something the matter?
The young Vampire narrowed her eyes, sensing something was amiss, but Rana just shifted ufortably.
I-I its nothing.
I see.
Saffron didnt pry any further. It wasnt her ce to ask, however she took note of Ranas odd reaction as she thanked the princess and excused herself. Then she wondered how Salvos was doing her previous predictions were hyperbolic, of course. But surely the silver-haired girl would be already at her destination, right?
Im lost.
I threw my hands up into the air, frustrated. Daniel and Edithe snorted behind me, speaking in unison.
Of course you are.
Wheres this Sickleshade Valley? Are we there yet? The map says we should be there by now!
I gestured at the piece of parchment I was holding. It had led me through forests and past rivers. Id spotted mountains in the distance, although those were now nothing but undting dark silhouettes at this point.
There was no valley in the shape of a sickle. No crescent depression between two hills one taller than the other. It was angled so that one of the hills permanently shaded the second one from the sun. A river ran alongside this valley as it spanned for nearly a mile, and monsters oft found shelter and rest there from the oppressive heat during the summer. Due to this potential threat, travelers were urged to stay away from it as a result.
Which was a warning that wasnt necessary at all, since I couldnt even find it!
Salvos, Sickleshade Valley is nothing more than a smidge in a map that shows the entirety of the Humannds. We might be at the right coordinates, but were probably still miles off from where it actually is.
Edithe exined as I scowled, tossing the map aside. She shrugged and spoke casually.
Itd probably be smart of us to find a nearby settlement and ask for directions from there. Searching this jungle for a specific valley when there are literally hundreds of different valleys around the area isnt really a smart idea.
I tapped a finger on my chin as she gestured vaguely around us. Daniel nodded in agreement.
Edithes right, Salvos. Were lost, but its not really your fault that were lost. We shouldve honestly brought a guide with us. Find a [Tracker] or a [Scryer] before we left Alyras.
Agree. Stupid.
Willy chimed in. He made sure to include his eye-rolling remark to end it off. I crossed my arms defensively, but a voice spoke up in support of me.
Ah, but Im sure Salvos has already determined theyre not necessary.
Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales, strutted forward. He waved a hand off dismissively.
After all, tracking down something like the Sickleshade Valley is mere childs y, even if it would take a little bit of time. Were not lost. Merely on our way to our destination.
He finished, nodding at me. Willy made a scoffing noise, while Daniel rolled his eyes. But Edithe just stood back, lips pursed. I, however, snapped my fingers.
Youre right! Im not lost, the map just sucks!
Sure, my clones got lost all the time. But that was because they were my clones. I was me. I was better than me!
If you wish, I could scour miles of this jungle in but a
Orgaf started, but I hopped past him. I leapt into the air as my wings spread wide.
Dont worry, I got it!
I flew up, speeding past Orgaf as he blinked a few times. He stared at me, and I turned back to face the group below.
Ill find it in a moment! Youing, Willy?
And I shot up, activating [Haste] as I soared through the air. The [Will O Wisp] sighed, but followed after me momentster as we looked out for this so-called Sickleshade Valley, leaving behind Orgaf, Daniel, and Edithe alone. Nothing could possibly happen while I was gone, right?
Edithe watched as Salvos left, flying swiftly into the sky. The silver-haired girls speed was evident. The way she just exploded into the air Edithe couldnt help but note it even now. However, her focus was drawn elsewhere.
She looked down and eyed the man standing where Salvos had been. Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scales. Elite Ranked adventurer. He was someone the redhead didnt trust in the slightest. He was, to put it inly, an asshole.
There were a plethora of incendiary remarks Edithe could make about his character. However, more than anything, she was afraid of what he could or would do. He was a prideful man, judging by the way hed talked lowly of even Diamond Ranked adventurers.
And the fact that Salvos just brushed him aside like that? Edithe could tell his nice facade was on the verge of breaking. The way Orgaf stood there staring at the speck in the sky that was Salvos after being rudely dismissed? At any moment, he was going tosh out. Edithe just knew Orgafs mind was full of devious thoughts, on the brink of exploding.
That Salvos Orgaf looked towards the sky. Beyond the white blotches painting the blue canvas above. He closed his eyes. His jaw clenched, and he tightened his fist. is so amazing!
He was absolutely enamored with her in every way. She was truly a once in a millennia prodigy. The fact that Helena Warshade missed something so obvious just proved how out of touch she was. Orgaf believed no, knew that Salvos was going to surpass even the Watcher one day.
Seriously, even though she was only in her Level 130s, she was moving at a speed that matched Orgaf when he was on the brink of Level 150. And he was one of the fastest adventurers in the world!
Just imagine what she would be when she finally became an Elite. Orgaf fully believed Salvos would be even stronger than Orgaf currently was at only Level 150. He sighed wistfully, watching her flit around in the sky.
He wanted to impress her. He had to impress her. And yet, it had been a full day since they left Alyras, but he still hadnt done anything to catch her eye. The Motharis Mountain Rangey in the distance, and hed been too nervous to do anything. Even now, he couldve maybe followed her. Showed her his [Darkfriend] Skill and apanied her in the air, trailing after through her shadow.
But he didnt. He was too nervous. He didnt want to weird her out. Or creep her. And because of his apprehension, he couldnt keep up with Salvos. It was insane to think of the fact that he couldnt keep up with someone?
And that was why Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales, independent Elite Ranked adventurer, and [Nightcrawler Shadower], resolved himself. He would impress Salvos by the end of this trip even if it killed him.
Edithe wasnt sure what nefarious thoughts Orgaf had, but she knew it couldnt be good. She slowly stepped over to Daniel as the Thief of the Golden Scales was distracted. With a nudge, she whispered to the [Hero].
Daniel, I think we should be on our guard.
On guard?
Daniel faced the red-haired woman, raising a brow. Then he shook his head.
I dont think we need to worry so much. The [Goliath Oliphants] are massive. Wed see them from a mile away or at least feel the effects of their magic.
Heughed and gestured at Orgaf as Edithe looked at him for a moment.
Besides, Orgaf is here. Hell look after us.
Edithe tried to work her jaw, ncing between Daniel and Orgaf. After steeling herself, she insisted.
Thats exactly the problem. Orgaf is here. We cant trust him.
Why not?
Daniel frowned. He looked at Edithe with narrowed eyes. He wasnt skeptical of her, just curious. She pressed her lips into a thin line, not sure how to exin the full situation in a few sentences.
Just trust me. Hes up to no good.
Edithe was aware that she was being cryptic. But she also knew Daniel. He was the one who found her after her defeat to Lucerna. They were both, individually, closer to Salvos. However, they were still close friends.
I see.
Daniel nodded slowly. He looked up as Salvos descended from the sky, chippering excitedly.
I found it! Its over there
No. Found, me
Willy zipped down beside her. Daniel nodded in their direction.
Should we tell Salvos?
Im not sure.
Edithe turned away from Salvos and Willys arguing. She faced the [Hero[, taking a deep breath.
But we should be on our toes
Before the red-haired woman could finish, Orgaf spun around. His eyes shed as he whirled to face her, raising a single jade dagger. Her eyes grew wide, and Daniel called out.
Edithe
But Orgafshed out. Neither could react in time. Orgaf leapt forward, stabbing with his de. The redhead flinched back, gasping.
You
There was a snap. The splintering of wood. Edithes heart hammered in her chest as her eyes bulged out of their sockets. Orgaf had missed her, striking a tree behind the red-haired woman.
She stared at Orgaf, gritting her teeth.
What are you doing?
Saving your life.
He snorted, pulling his de back. Edithe paused as she caught sight of a ck cloth. A torn cloak clung onto Orgafs dagger before he flicked it off. A single drop of blood sttered on the dirt. Edithe looked at him, then turned as Orgaf spoke sharply.
Name yourself, assassin.
Salvos slowlynded, puzzled at themotion. Daniel blinked.
Thats
He stared at the shadowed figure as shey on the ground before continuing..
not an enemy.
You know her?
Orgaf peered at Daniel inquiring. The [Hero] from another world sighed.
Yeah. I didnt think shed follow us here. But why are you here, Amanda?
He asked with a sigh. And Amanda, the brown-haired woman lying on the ground, gripped her bleeding shoulder tightly. She faced Orgaf, sputtering.
What the fuck am I doing here? I should be asking you what the fuck are you doing? You nearly killed me, you fucker!
Chapter 360: Oddities
Chapter 360: Oddities
360. Oddities
I came here to fucking help you guys, but what did I get? I was nearly stabbed in the fucking face.
Amanda cursed as she got back to her feet. I tilted my head, facing her and listening to herints. Daniel wore an annoyed look on his face, while Edithe and Orgaf just looked confused. But I just smiled.
Im d youre here, Amanda! Im so sorry that happened Orgaf! Whyd you attack her?
I turned to the Elite with a frown. I looked at him usingly, and he drew back.
What? I sensed we were being followed. I thought it was an assassin.
He shook his head, gesturing at Amanda.
No, she is an assassin. I can tell. Youre part of the Harrowed Vindicators, arent you? Amanda the Silent Serpent.
Orgafs eyes narrowed. He stared at her suspiciously not really wary, considering he could deal with her with ease if she tried anything. Not that Id allow that. I liked Amanda.
The brown-haired woman spat back at Orgaf.
So what if I am? Do you have a problem with assassins, thief?
No. But I do have a problem with those whock any respect for their betters. Watch your words carefully, girl. Or the next time I swing for you, I wont miss.
He spoke dangerously, taking a step forward as he brandished his dark de. Amanda bit her lower lip, clearly nervous, but didnt back down.
Fuck you
Alright, thats enough.
I pped my hands together before either of them could kill each other. Orgaf opened his mouth to protest, but I raised a hand.
Amanda is a friend, Orgaf. I dont appreciate that you attacked a friend, simple as that. Now lets just apologize and make up, ok?
I looked between the two of them. Amanda shifted, averting her gaze. She said nothing, while Orgaf shuffled his feet as he grumbled.
Shes the one who started it first, its not my fault
It doesnt matter whose fault it is. Were not here to fight each other, but fight alongside each other. Now shake hands and apologize!
I made them shake each others hands. Orgaf murmured under his breath.
Fine, Im sorry
Its whatever, I shouldnt have insulted you either
Amanda spoke without meeting his gaze. I grinned, patting them both on the shoulders while a small audience watched.
Edithe blinked a few times, taking in this scene. Both Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scale and Amanda the Silent Serpent were apologizing to each other like they were children whod gotten in trouble. And Salvos, of all people, was acting like their mother.
The redhead turned to the other member of the audience.
Daniel can you please exin to me what I am watching?
He closed his eyes, slowly burying his head in his hands out of sheer embarrassment.
I dont know either
And a voiceughed. Edithe turned around to face Willy, the [Will O Wisp] cackling behind them.
Heh.
Someone, please, pinch me.
Edithe sighed. This day cant get any weirder.
Now that that was settled, I led the group away from that small forest clearing.
Come on! Its just a few miles from here.
I didnt expect you to find Sickleshade Valley so soon. It must really stand out quite a bit, huh? Is it actually shaped like a sickle?
Edithemented idly. I shook my head.
Oh, I didnt find this Sickleshade Valley.
I replied with a straight face. Willy piped from my left.
Because I found it.
What? No! I saw it first!
I sputtered, but the [Will O Wisp] was insistent.
Nuh-uh. Me first!
You only knew what it was when I pointed it out to you
Wait, what do you mean by that?
Daniels voice interrupted our bickering. I smiled at him, running forward. I ushered mypanions to hurry as I ran on.
Come on, youll see.
We continued for about five more minutes before I came to a halt. Mypanions, Orgaf, and Amanda were a step behind them. They all came to a halt as I spread my arms wide.
Yep, this is it.
They stared with wide eyes. Speechless. They had nothing to say no input. Willy flitted around me, and I turned back around to face the destendscape. The forest of trees came to an end here. Or, at least, was briefly cut off. Treesy overturned at the fringe of the trampled ground. A line had been cut through the forest. A path paved by a stampede.
This is proof the [Goliath Oliphants] had been through here.
I walked over the broken trees and fallen branches. It was like a hole had been carved through the forest, leaving destruction at its wake. I nced left and right, seeing it spread out far and wide. It curved like a river flowing through the forest. I could see neither ends of this line of destruction, but one side led to the northeast to seemingly nowhere while the other led southwest to the Motharis Mountain Range.
So
I looked back at mypanions, still surveying thisndscape. I pointed at one end of the path, then the other.
Where do you think the Oliphants went?
No one in our party was a tracker, per se, but we did have Skills. Passive Skills that would help us survive in the wild. And with the help of those Passive Skills and our general intuition, we all agreed that it was highly likely the Oliphants traveled to the southwest.
Towards the Motharis Mountain Range.
It only made sense. Their original habitat had been deep within Motharis before the Wyverns drove them out. They probably had a natural instinct that would draw them back to their home.
So we set out towards those mountains in the distance as the sun began to set. Edithe and Daniel were slightly nervous, but theyd already resolved themselves to grow stronger. Meanwhile, Willy, Amanda, and Orgaf had no qualms about this since they were higher-leveled.
These [Goliath Oliphants] werent even that big of a threat anyway. Edithe wouldve struggled the most against them but I believed in her power.
But despite that, I was the most nervous out of all those present. Or maybe nervous wasnt there right way to describe it. I was antsy. Excited. Anxious. Why? Well, the answer was simple.
Belzu wasst around the Motharis Mountain Range.
There was a chance I could run into him again once I entered Motharis. Sure, that chance was minuscule. After all, the Motharis Mountain Range spanned hundreds of miles long. Yet, there was a building trepidation within me either hope or worry that told me Id run into Belzu again.
We always seemed to find each other, no matter what happened, and I didnt know why. But this time, I wasnt going to fight via clones. I wasnt going to run. I had everything I needed to beat him.
My fist tightened as I led the way, and Edithe walked up to my side.
Are you alright, Salvos?
Hm?
I cocked my head. She peered at me, studying my expression.
You just look worried about something.
Do I?
I didnt know that it was that obvious. But I paused. I nced back. I saw Amanda looking ufortable as Daniel rolled his eyes.
Fuck, if Id known I was going to be attacked for offering my help
No one asked you toe, Amanda. Seriously, stopining
Willy and Orgaf didnt pay much attention to my feelings either.
So, what is a Grand Spirit doing without a [Summoner]?
...no understand.
I was under the impression all Spirits were born with [Universal Language Comprehension]. How odd
Uh no speak?
But youre speaking right now
It was just Edithe. She noticed my subtle fidgeting masked with each step. And she looked at me warmly.
I know Im the weakest one here, Salvos. But Im not an idiot. And Im your friend. You can tell me if something is wrong.
Um
I shrugged, not sure what to say. Then I met the red-haired womans gaze.
If anything really bad happens, Edithe, I want you to run.
Run?
She furrowed her brows. I nodded.
Yep. Ill be fine, dont worry. But you have to run, alright?
...I see.
That was all she said, and the conversation ended. I couldve told her that I had a feeling we were going to run into Belzu, but shed have immediately turned back. There was no way she was going to let me face the Primeval Demon at my current level.
But I didnt want to endanger her life. So, I raised a hand and snapped my fingers.
And dont worry.
I spoke as all six of my clones appeared around me in an instant. They were summoned quite quickly, too. Was it because my Skill was maxed? Edithe paused. Amanda looked away from Daniel, giving me a puzzled look.
Whats she doing?
Just some precautions.
I answered the former assassin before turning back to Edithe. I gave her a reassuring smile.
Ill make sure you and Daniel are safe.
Edithe nodded slowly. We continued on. The Motharis Mountain Range was still so far away. And we followed the trail of destruction. It would lead us to the undting hills. We spoke about mundane topics. I barely paid attention as Daniel and Amanda recycled their usual banter.
Seriously, just leave if you dont want to be here
But as day turned to night and we were still miles away, I began to sense something was amiss.
Huh. Why arent we there yet?
Its just a few more miles. Well be there by sunset.
Orgaf spoke simply. I shook my head.
But hasnt it already been sunset for a while?
I gestured at the line where the sky met the earth. The sun was setting. Slowly. But it didnt seem to fully descend. Orgaf, however, just gave me a confused look.
What do you mean?
I
I trailed off. I looked towards the sunset. Then towards the Motharis Mountain Range. Orgaf shrugged and turned back to Willy.
Its probably nothing. Dont worry about it. Anyway, whats a Grand Spirit like you doing without a [Summoner]?
He addressed the [Will O Wisp]
And I froze. Didnt they already have that conversation? I faced mypanions. Amanda was arguing with Daniel again as Orgaf and Willy were having the same small talk as before. Then I turned to the sunset. The orange ball was hanging there in the sky, where itd been before. And I craned my neck towards Motharis. No matter how much closer we get, we were not getting closer
Salvos?
Edithes voice interrupted my minds ramblings. I sputtered before she could speak.
Is something
Not you too?
I stared at her, aghast. She blinked.
Me too? What are you talking about?
Dont you see whats going on? This doesnt make sense. None of this makes any sense. I
She grabbed me by the shoulder.
Calm down, Salvos. What are you talking about?
This is has to be magic. A curse? An illusion? No
I pursed my lips. Edithe narrowed her eyes. She met my gaze.
Are you sure, Salvos?
I nodded as I activated [nar Navigation], but I didnt sense anything was wrong. Everything felt right to me, even though I knew it was wrong. I tried to work my jaw.
Its an illusion. It has to be Belzus illusion. And a curse, maybe. But my [General Status Effect Resistance] isnt
I couldnt finish my exnation. Edithe was staring at me as I stammered wildly.
Belzu? His illusions? But why is the Primeval Demon
And she paused. Edithes eyes widened. Her green eyes shimmered for a moment. As if she saw something I couldnt. I took a step back.
Edithe?
This is an illusion!
She yelled, swinging her staff at something. Daniel, Amanda, Orgaf, and Willy turned to her as she was knocked to the ground by thin air. I shouted, running to her side.
Edithe!
And a figure stepped in front of me. No not just a figure. Six figures. They made mee to a halt. My own clones stopped me. I tried to move them out of the way, but all six of them ignored me.
All six of them? That wasnt right. I didnt have only six clones. With [Salvo of Vanity] maxed at Level 25, I had ten clones now. Also, the fact that I was still at full strength even after summoning them unless I didnt summon them at all?
One of themshed out my way as the realization sank in. Orgafs eyes widened. He shouted, leaping to intercept the attack.
Salvos
He cut through the attack with ease. He looked around in rm as I warily backed away from him.
Whats going on? When did we get trapped in an illusion? Why are your clones attacking you?
Its Belzus! The Primeval Demons illusions! He mustve caught us off guard
I started, and Edithe rose to her feet. She red at something in the sky and shouted.
Thats enough!
Edithes voice echoed. She mmed her staff on the ground, casting a beam of light to the sky. The sky cracked from the st. I covered my eyes from the blinding light. The world shattered around me as Orgaf, Daniel, Amanda, and Willy drew back. We all looked on as the illusion was torn down. A dark dome hung overhead, speckled with stars. A warm breeze washed over us. I stumbled back, casting my gaze around as I caught sight of the dead trees.
These desated trunks jutted out of the ground and spread out for a mile in every direction. Figures moved between them, and what had previously looked like my clones transformed to Mindreapers.
And up above, floating underneath the moon, was Belzu. The Primeval Demon. Edithe was staring right at him. He clicked his mandibles together.
Hmph. if youd just followed the illusion and left this forest, you wouldnt have to die today. s
He raised his arms, and a cacophony of terrible shrieks echoed from all around us. I looked up as Wyverns darted around him. I felt the earth shaking as Oliphants charged us from every direction. Belzu finished as he pointed at me.
This will be thest time we ever meet, Salvos. Goodbye. [Forlorn Execution].
Chapter 361: Afraid
Chapter 361: Afraid
361. Afraid
This will be thest time we ever meet, Salvos. Goodbye. [Forlorn Execution].
Belzus voice echoed all around me, and my eyes widened. I remembered this spell his Skill during the fall of Westshield. It was both a curse and an illusion: one which I couldnt avoid and killed my clone as swiftly as it was summoned.
It was like a crimson mist, pouring from in between the Primeval Demons insect-like mandibles. I leapt back as the red aura coalesced around me. It tried to trap me like it had with my clone. Its form changed, taking the shape of a giant suit of armor wielding an axe. I met the glinting gaze of this illusion and grinned.
A ring glinted. One of my two nes shone. A ming armor wisped off me as the axe came swinging down. There was a sh of light a powerful force tried to sweep me off my feet as the axe struck the air. A barrier of protection shielded me from this attack as I stood my ground.
That was the difference between me and my clones. I was covered in powerful artifacts ones that were designed to protect me. But even still, this was Belzu. A Primeval Demon. My Pendant of Greater Protection flickered, beginning to fail under the weight of this attack.
Salvos!
A voice called out. Belzus bulbous eyes darted to the ground beneath him. His shadow reached out for him, trying to drag him into the earth.
This is
He flew back as Orgaf appeared from between the dark tendrils, swinging for the Primeval Demons head.
I will kill you, Demon!
Orgaf stabbed Belzu right in between the eyes. The armored axeman attacking me slowly dissipated, and I stumbled forward. I stared up as the Primeval Demon recoiled, a dagger plunged into his head. Then his form changed, and he reappeared right behind the Thief of the Golden Scale.
Annoying pest
Belzu pointed at Orgaf, but before any magic could be cast, the Elite [Rogue] became a shadow once more. I grinned as I leapt into the air.
Thanks, Orgaf!
I created a scythe, swinging for Belzu. But before I could reach him, I heard a shrill screech. My eyes widened as a blur crashed towards me. A Wyvern nearly knocked me out of the sky.
I teleported back, only for a st of multi-colored mes to shower around me. Willy flew beside me, unleashing his magic. I blinked, and heughed.
Need help?
No way!
I scowled and raised a hand. A flock of [Horned Eagles] swooped down at me, only to be incinerated by a cone of white me. With Willy at my back, we circled around and burned away the encroaching monsters.
Stop stealing my kills!
Even the Wyverns were too scared to draw close. Only the [Vurats] were stupid enough to be burned by my fire. Willy harrumphed.
No you.
This is easy! I can handle this myself!
But not everyone would agree with that sentiment. A shout drew my attention. I looked down, seeing a torrent of lightning tear through the dead forest. A [Goliath Oliphant] fell as Edithe drew back, panting. She formed a circle with Daniel and Amanda, surrounded on all sides by the charging monsters.
Salvos!
Edithe called up to me. I looked down as the redhead unleashed a st of ice and fire.
Theres too many of them
We need to pull back! [Crescent Fury]!
Daniel spoke for her as he cut down a [Crypt Lord] and its charging undead. I nced back up as Wyverns circled the air around me. The earth quaked as the looming shadows of Oliphants encroached on our location.
With the Wyverns, the OIiphants, the Mindreapers, and the thousands of other monsters mypanions were clearly in trouble. But even if I joined them, I couldnt ensure their safety. I had to help them. I couldnt waste time on the endless mobs I had to end this now. I narrowed my eyes, turning to Belzu as he floated just above the clouds.
Dont worry, Ill make this quick.
What are you
Edithe started, but I took off into the air, leaving Willy alone. Wyverns and other winged beasts whizzed past me. I dodged around them, uncaring of their presence as I pointed at Belzu.
[Invoke Wrath]!
His gaze snapped down at me. His eyes were wide and full of rage. He flew my way as I continued weaving through the flocks of flying monsters.
Thats not all
My ming armor burned brighter and more brilliantly. It grew wilder, then sharper wisping off me with the intensity of the sun. My blue scythe began to change color, morphing into a golden hue, then silver, then white.
My mes expanded around me, burning away the monster that got close as I activated the Skill. It was a Skill that even my Dad was impressed by. A Grand Skill that needed a month to recharge. One that wouldst a whole day. My greatest Skill.
[Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion].
The rainbow mes washed away the darkness. Daniel, Edithe, and Amanda looked up in awe as I was wreathed by my Divine Essence. Orgaf appeared from my shadow, cutting down a Wyvern and blinking in shock.
This is
He couldnt keep up with me. [Haste] and [Warped Time] propelled me even further as Belzu began to snap back to reality. The Primeval Demon looked at me, baffled. He tried to fly out of the way, but burning chains wrapped around him, keeping him in ce.
My scythe turned into a rainbow-colored kusarigama, brimming with divinity. I tugged him my way and aimed for the Primeval Demons head. He struggled for a moment, but stopped as I yelled.
I told you I would kill you!
And with a [Radiant sh], I tore straight through Belzu. He couldnt dodge. I felt my de sink into his flesh before going through him. He couldnt defend himself. His mandibles opened, but nothing came out. I killed him in that single swing.
And I always keep my promises.
I bared my teeth as I spun back around. His body slowly dropped out of the sky, lifeless. It was not an illusion. I sensed it fall with [nar Navigation]. Even a notification popped in my head, confirming the kill
Defeated [Nightterror Mindreaper - Lvl 105]
Less experience is
And I paused.
Wait, what?
Once again, the world seemed to shatter. I stared as every single Wyvern flying in the air disappeared. Their figures faded, along with most of the looming Oliphants. A few [Vurats] and other winged monsters filled the air. And on the ground, there were hundreds of undead, a few dozen Drakes, and other monsters.
But the bulk of them were gone. There was no threat of a hundred thousand monsters here. There hadnt even been a single Wyvern.
That was another illusion?
My eyes were wide. Half the monsters that had been hounding Daniel and Amanda vanished. But most of the ones attacking Edithe remained actually real. The red-haired woman cursed as she brought down thest Oliphant present.
I looked around for Belzu, and he was nowhere to be found.
...he fled?
--
Thest of the monsters were taken care of easily enough. I scanned the ground, searching the dead monsters. I spotted about a dozen dead [Goliath Oliphants]. Thousands of undead. Hundreds of the other lower-leveled monsters. But no Wyverns, as I suspected.
Edithe wiped at her forehead as she drank from a healing potion. She leveled up twice from bringing down half of the [Goliath Oliphants]. Now she was Level 107. But she didnt celebrate that.
You mean to tell me you guys were fighting thousands of other monsters that werent even there?
Daniel shifted ufortably, looking at his de. It was bloody, but not as coated as it had been before the illusion fell.
Yeah. I didnt expect the Primeval Demon to cast a second illusion over all of us.
Its not your fault. Belzu probably used that evolved Mindreaper to amplify his magic. Im more surprised that he was smart enough to exclude me from the spell. He knew Id have seen through it.
The redhead clenched a fist, clearly annoyed. I was annoyed too. I looked up at the moon, then the dead trees and the corpses.
Belzu has gotten stronger since Westshield. His illusions are more powerful than I remembered. Or maybe hes using more of his Skills since he lost the Sword of Alexander. I dont know.
I spoke as I turned back to mypanions. They exchanged a nce, and I gritted my teeth.
I even used my Grand Skill. But Belzu just ran. Why would he do that?
Perhaps its because of what he saw.
Orgaf opined, approaching me. I cocked my head.
What do you mean? What did he see?
This.
He vaguely gestured at me. Edithe gave him a weird look, while Daniel just looked confused.
The Primeval Demon was afraid of Salvos?
In a sense, yes. But more specifically
The Elite brushed his fingers lightly against the rainbow-colored mes wisping off me.
Divine Essence.
There was a gasp. Amanda just stared at me, mouth hanging open.
What the fuck? Are you serious?
She was in utter disbelief. But Orgaf just nodded.
I only know of three other Humans no, two other Humans currently alive who have attained a semnce of divinity. Its a power all of us at the high levels seek. Very few of us achieve it. Yet, here you are, Salvos, at Level 130, already capable of drawing out your Divine Essence. It only makes sense that the Primeval Demon would flee from you.
Amanda was still reeling from the fact that I had Divine Essence, but Daniel and Edithe seemed to ept Orgafs exnation. I, however, didnt.
Then why did Belzu try to lead us away from the very beginning? Why didnt he just attack us right from the start?
I pointed back in the direction where we came.
Dont forget, he was trying to chase us away from him with his illusions. And he didnt know about my Divine Essence until we started fighting.
Orgaf paused.
That is true.
He rubbed his chin ponderously. I continued, walking forward.
Ill tell you why he ran. He didnt run away because he was scared of my Divine Essence. He ran away because hes losing. He knows hes losing. He cannot afford to take any more losses here.
I gestured at all the dead lying around us. Then at the six of us gathered here.
Weve got him cornered. He has nowhere else to run. He cannot have gotten far. Thats why we shall find him.
I met each of their gazes. At Daniels wide eyes. At Amandas look of befuddlement. At Edithes apprehension. At Orgafs approval. I finished.
And we shall finish this, once and for all.
Belzu nced back once, sensing the death of his highest-leveled Mindreaper amongst those remaining. It was a sacrifice he hadnt wanted to make, but one that was necessary. He was now back in the Motharis Mountain Range, and he had a dome of illusion around his army shielding them as they fled.
He looked back down to see one of his subjects standing beneath him. One of them a Human woman by the name of Alix looked like she wanted to speak. And he was willing to listen. She was the one who had suggested using that multiyered illusion to escape. Perhaps these Humans would prove useful after all.
Speak, Human.
He descended before her. She shifted back slightly, not meeting his gaze.
Lord Belzu, that [Mage] can see through your illusions. We should find a ce to hide andy low until theyre gone.
An annoying Skill, yes. And they will try to hunt us down. But it is all the more reason why we should keep moving.
The Primeval Demon replied simply. Alix hesitated, opening her mouth as if to protest. But Belzu spoke over her, shaking his head simply.
I am no fool, Human. However, if we hide, we will only be waiting for our inevitable demise to one of their armies. I will never allowed that. So heed my will and march onward: to the ce this all started.
He pointed into the heart of the Motharis Mountain Range.
To the Brilsum Ruins.
Chapter 362: Last Resort
Chapter 362: Last Resort
362. Last Resort
Its finally going to happen.
Sal sat up in his little home. He waved a hand, and the screen before him flickered. It showed two different scenes close to each other, but separate. With a reverse pinching motion, the Devil erged the screen and produced some snacks.
So the rebel retreats. Recoups. Returning to whence he came.
His eyes flitted to the right, focusing on the other side of the screen.
And my daughter pursues. Like a predator stalking its prey.
As Salvos spoke to her party, and as Belzu fled further into the Motharis Mountain Range, the Devil smiled. He reached for his snacks, tilting his head coyly.
Now, which one of you will survive?
It was a question Sal didnt know the answer to. He wanted his daughter toe out victorious. He believed that Salvos was going to be someone truly unique. Just as the Devil himself had been. But he had been wrong before. In the past. Many times over.
Sal reached for the snacks and munched on them.
For your sake and mine, my daughter, I hope that you deserve the Title of my daughter.
And we shall finish this, once and for all.
I spoke with finality in my voice. Mypanions looked at each other in disbelief. Daniel and Edithe didnt believe the wordsing out of my mouth. The redhead was the first to speak, taking a single step towards me.
Salvos, are you saying youre going after the Primeval Demon?
Yep! Thats exactly it!
I pivoted, facing Motharis. We were close. But thanks to Belzus illusions, wed been traveling parallel to the mountain rather than towards it. Still, now that I had a proper hold of my bearings, it wouldnt take me long to get there. Especially if I just flew ahead.
Belzu couldnt have gotten far, and we know hes getting desperate. We dont want to let him grow stronger ore back with an even bigger army, do we?
Thats true, but
Edithe shifted slightly. She didnt look fullyfortable with the idea. Even Daniel hesitated. But Amanda was the one who spoke out.
Are you crazy? Thats literally fucking insane. You want to charge after the Primeval Demon responsible for killing millions of lives? For killing Mori dius, the fucking Champion of the Human Lands?
She pointed at me with a shaky finger. I shrugged.
What else would you want me to do? We cant waste this opportunity, right?
To me, it made perfect sense. Amanda, however, saw things differently.
Well, if you ask me, a more sane idea would be to get Helena Warshade and an army of adventurers to back us up before we try to fight that thing. Even then, I still doubt thatd be enough.
I cant do that.
I shook my head, ncing back to the Motharis Mountain Range. Then I looked down at myself. Rainbow-colored mes sparked off me the Divine Essence ran freely like an aura around me if I wasnt actively suppressing it.
If we let Belzu go now, I wont be strong enough to defeat him. My Grand Skill onlysts a day. After that? Ill have to wait for nearly a month before I can use it again. Plus, who knows if well even be able to find him again if we let him run free now.
Daniel pursed his lips. He nodded at Amanda before facing me.
I hate to agree with Amanda, but this is incredibly risky. Belzu is a Level 165 [Hellprince], Salvos. Even Orgaf here isnt at that level. Itd be six against a Primeval Demon and a small army. The odds are heavily stacked against us. Especially Edithe and I were 50 levels below him. Even if you win, we could die.
I looked at Daniel, mypanion. He wore a concerned look on his face. And to be fair to him, these were very valid concerns. In fact, I fully agreed with what he was saying.
I know, Daniel. Youre right. Thats why
I hesitated. I slowly cast my gaze from Daniel to Edithe, taking in mypanions. Their nervous expressions. And I gave them the best smile I could.
Thats why I think you guys should stay back.
The expressions on their faces instantly changed. From worry to surprise to protestation. Daniel was the first to react.
Wait, Salvos, thats not what I meant
You cant just go alone!
Edithe added, raising a hand to her chest. I nodded.
Yep. Thatd be even more stupid. But Im not going alone.
I broke away from mypanions, approaching Orgaf.
Orgaf, I know this is a big favor to ask someone I just met, but would you apany me to kick Belzus ass?
The Thief of the Golden Scales stared at me. He tried to work his jaw for a few seconds. Then heughed.
Of course I would. I am an Elite. I didnt get to where I am now by shying away from danger.
Thank you.
I bowed at him gratefully. Then I casually nced over at Willy.
And Willy, are you down toe?
Sure.
The [Will O Wisp] answered without any hesitation.
Nothing better to do.
See?
I turned back to Daniel and Edithe, spreading my arms wide.
Amanda doesnt have toe since she doesnt want to. But I wont be alone. Ill be fine. And Ill deal with Belzu.
Both Daniel and Edithe looked at each other. They were at a loss for words. I walked up to them, giving them a hug before they could speak.
I know you guys are worried about me, but I made a promise. A promise to Belzu and Im going to keep it, no matter what.
But what would we do?
Edithe asked, grinding her teeth together. I drew back and gave her a reassuring look.
I promised Id keep you both safe when we left, didnt I? I wont let any harm befall either of you. Youll return to Alyras. Find Helena Warshade. Get her here as fast as possible. We may need her help if we get in trouble.
I chuckled, shrugging.
Hopefully it wonte to that, though.
Daniel averted his gaze. He clenched a fist, murmuring quietly.
I see
Edithe just looked down. Her brows arched darkly over her face as she remained silent. I smiled at them as I took off into the air. Willy flew after me, and Orgaf disappeared into my shadow. I called out to mypanions as I flew for the Motharis Mountain Range.
Dont worry about me, I will kill Belzu!
I nced back at mypanions once as I took off. They stood there, under the starlight not waving back. I thought everything through or at least I thought I did. I wasnt going to risk their lives unnecessarily, and I was going to finally put an end to Belzu. Everything was going to be fine!
So why did mypanions look so upset?
Here it is.
Belzu looked over the Brilsum Ruins. The familiar ce where he first appeared in the Mortal Realm. He had a simple goal when he came. To put a stop to the Demon Kings ns. His first obstacles were the [Cultists] who thought he was just another one of the foolish minions adhering to Regnorexs will.
They realized quickly enough they were wrong when he ignored theirmands. Why would he listen? They had no control over him. They couldnt banish him back to the Netherworld. Even though they had summoned him, he had no cor. He wasnt bound by that pesky artifact created by the Demon King for control.
No Belzu had been granted a gift. One bestowed by the Devil of the Netherworld himself. A mark that allowed the Primeval Demon to cross nes as the Spirits did. Perhaps it was even superior to what the Spirit Lord gave his subjects. After all, Belzu could choose where he would go.
It was the best of both Demon and Spirit summoning. Summoned Demons would be able to decide which ritual they would answer no matter where it was in the world. Meanwhile, Spirits could only cross through the portal that came to them.
But that was not all that it allowed of him.
The Primeval Demon flew forward, followed by his army as he reached the inner city of the Brilsum Ruins. He heard a buzzinging from the side. A swarm of [Locus Vurats] had made this ce their home now that the monsters inhabiting the Brilsum Ruins were gone. Belzus eyes flickered once, and he waved a hand dismissively.
Begone, pests.
The swarm of [Locus Vurats] encroaching on the army immediately turned tails, fleeing from an illusion that wasrger than life. A creature with the body of a wolf without fur, bearing the heads of a dozen serpents. A being that Belzu had only seen once, slumbering. Yet, the Primeval Demon feared it more than anything else he had ever encountered.
The Beast.
It was but a memory. Crafted from Belzus fear. But it felt so real. Even Belzus army trembled at the sight of the Beast. Alix shifted back, wide-eyed as she stared at the looming figure.
What is that?
That is the pinnacle of the Netherworld. Pray that youll never encounter such a terrible being in your mortal lifetime, Human.
Belzu answered simply as he drifted further into the Brilsum Ruins. Alix apprehensively followed after him. The rest of the Humans were a step behind her, pausing briefly to stare at the illusion for a moment longer.
With a wave of his hand, the Primeval Demon dismissed it.
Come.
He called out.
We have work to do.
They entered the half-standing ptial structure at the center of the inner city. It had once been a beautiful castle where a royal family lived. Then it had be home to monsters. After, it became the hideout for [Cultists]. Now it was simply empty devoid of life.
But that didnt mean it had no use to Belzu.
The Primeval Demon reached the central chamber where he was first summoned. Unlit candles were littered around the room, and books were scattered across the floor. Alix paused when she caught sight of a stter of blood on the walls. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the desated bodies piled up in the corner of the room.
What is this ce? Why are we here?
The former ve asked, wide-eyed. Belzu didnt answer. He simply descended, his insect-like feets touching the marble ground with a ck. Alix called out after him.
Lord Belzu, you said youd stop treating us as ves. Please, tell us your n. Whats going on?
He nced back at her once. She had desperation in her voice. He sighed, answering simply.
I never thought Id return here. I never wanted it toe to this.
The Primeval Demon ran one of his arms along the ground, clearing the dust off an inscription on the floor. No not just an inscription. It covered the center of the chamber. A massive ritualistic circle, carved out of the stone.
Alix stared in shock. The other Humans gasped, backing up nervously. Belzu spoke without ncing back once.
Before I left, I made preparations. Ast resort. A contingency in case I were to fail. This ce is where sacrifices are made. A ce where my kin are brought to this ne.
Without even turning his head, Belzu could sense Alix stepping away from him. Her fear was palpable. She tried to reach for her de. Then she paused as a Mindreaper floated up to her side.
Lord Belzu why did you bring us here?
Alix spoke in a trembling voice. The Humans were surrounded. An army of monsters gathered around them as they formed a circle in fear. The Lord of Lies finally tilted his head. His bulbous eyes glinted as he answered her question.
Isnt it obvious?
And he flicked his arm. A crimson aura shot out, and Alix unsheathed her de.
No
But she was too slow. The gathered Humans screamed. A body dropped. Blood stained the ground as the ritual circle began to glow. And Alix opened her eyes, blinking.
What?
She looked down, staring at the dead Mindreaper next to her. Belzu turned as the summoning circle behind him began to change shape.
This is not any ordinary summoning circle. This is more than just a portal for a single Demon. More than just a portal for the Demon Kings minions. This is the gift the Devil gave to me.
He opened his mandibles, and a symbol in his mouth began to glow. The ritual circle turned into a portal. A small one that showed a red world. White rocks. Alix just watched as the Netherworld revealed itself to her.
This is myst will to you, Humans: ughter the rest of my army. Sacrifice them so that I may bring chaos to this Mortal Realm. So that I can bring an end to Regnorexs foolish ns.
Chapter 363: Purpose Served
Chapter 363: Purpose Served
363. Purpose Served
Hey, Orgaf.
I spoke as I flew through the sky, passing over the mountainousndscape. The clouds obfuscated my vision. I felt a cool wind brushing against my face. But I didnt slow, and I didnt drop my casual tone.
So you can hide inside shadows, right?
That is correct.
An ethereal voice spoke from over my shoulder. The shadow of a head crawled underneath my wings. Even though my wings were burning brightly, the shadow persisted.
And I can create shadows where shadows cannot be. I am a [Nightcrawler Shadower], after all. Abination of a [Rogue] and a [Mage].
Huh. I think Im the same.
I could probably ask him for some advice, then. I tilted my head to the side, pondering another question.
If you can create shadows out of nothing, why cant you create wings?
Unfortunately, I am not an expert in shadow creation magic. Shadow conjuration is my specialty. But to create solid objects out of the shadows is difficult. And inefficient.
Inefficient?
If I truly wanted to fly, I could simply drink a Potion of Wings or use a Scroll of Flight. Perhaps even learn said spells myself with my second ss. But I never saw the importance of an aerial advantage. Not with my skill set.
I see.
That was true. He was a closebatant, from what Id seen so far. But I had a lot of long-ranged Skills. I even had magic that could engulf a whole forest in mes in moments. Flight was thus very important to me, unlike for Orgaf.
My eyes zed over the Motharis Mountain Range. [A Hunters Sense] had told me Belzu fled in this general direction, but I wasnt able to pinpoint exactly where he was hiding or if he was still running. Worst of all, I wasnt even able to focus on tracking him down.
What about you, Willy? Are you good at fire creation magic?
No. Useless.
Hey, its not useless just because you suck at it
I made inane conversation. Not because I didnt care about finding Belzu. But because my mind was preupied with something else.
Why? Why was I distracted even though I had decided to go on my own to chase after the Primeval Demon? Well, it was simple.
I left mypanions behind. For their safety, I asked them to go find Helena Warshade and bring her here. I didnt want them to die to Belzu or anything. And he could use them as bait or even hostages. It was too risky. It was exactly as mypanions said.
Yet, they clearly looked upset. They didnt look happy about being left alone. I didnt get it. And it made me upset. An ufortable feeling bubbled up inside of me, and I only snapped out of it when Orgaf spoke up.
Were not covering enough ground.
The shadow said. I cocked my head, looking back at Orgaf.
Huh?
At this rate, we wont find the Primeval Demon. We need to split up to cover more ground. The only problem is do either of you have amunication artifact?
Um
I exchanged a nce with Willy. Both the [Will O Wisp] and I answered at the same time.
Nope.
No.
Thats unfortunate.
Orgaf sounded disappointed. He pondered aloud, trying to figure out a solution to this dilemma.
Perhaps we could agree to return to the same spot in an hour. We do not want to face the Primeval Demon on our own
Wait!
I eximed. Orgaf wanted us to cover more ground, but I had a simple way to do that!
What if I do this?
I snapped my fingers. And this time, I felt a surge of mana draining from my body. I was instantly exhausted, but golden sparks flickered to life around us.
My clones appeared around me. All ten of them. This was the real number of clones I could summon. My max clones. I grinned as they looked at me, nodding.
Split up! Find Belzu! Go quickly!
And they flew off. Orgafs shadow turned to Willy, and the two stared at each other as I beamed.
Im a genius!
Willy scoffed.
No.
Alix screamed as she swung her sword. Her ears rang. Blood sttered on her. The monster fell, and the ground shook. Taking in a deep breath, she ignored the words resounding in her head and looked towards the glint in the corner of her eye.
Experience is awarded for defeating [Goliath Oliphant - Lvl 114]!
More experience is awarded for defeating
Just from doing this, shed leveled up five times. Five times in an hour. Alix didnt believe it. But it worked. These were monsters far above her level, and she was killing them. They were fueling her level as well as the other former ves with her. Quinn, for example, had leveled up eight times since they began. Winsley, while a low-leveledbatant, had leveled up three times.
Together, the Humans brought down the Oliphants and the Drakes and the undead under Belzusmand. Alix knew this never wouldve been possible under normal circumstances. But these were no ordinary circumstances.
The bright light shed, and Alix covered her eyes. The portal shimmered faintly. The image on the other side grew more solid as its circumference expanded. Alix stared as a creature a Demon with many legs and a dozen eyes and spikes jutting out of its body leapt for the portal. She flinched, but the Demon didnt break through.
There was a harrumph. Alix turned to a dissatisfied figure, lowering itself to her.
Youre too slow.
Belzu, Lord of Lies, and Primeval Demon spoke simply. Alix lowered her head, sputtering. She gestured at a [Goliath Oliphant], standing defiantly even as a hundred ves assailed it.
I-I were trying our hardest. But we cannot possibly take down these Level 120 beasts
Thats enough.
His eyes shed. Alix stumbled back. Then there was a crash. The [Goliath Oliphant] fell. Again, the ritual circle grew brighter and wider.
Go.
The Primeval Demons voice boomed. Alix blinked. A susurration ran through the cowering ves. They paused, exchanging nces. They spoke in hushed voices as Alix barely mustered up the strength to speak.
...what?
Belzu twisted his head to face her. He addressed not just her, but all the ves present.
Leave. You have served your purpose. You are no longer of use to me.
He waved a hand dismissively. Then he turned back to the ritual circle as his eyes shed a dark crimson, killing a chunk of his monster army without even looking.
I always keep my promise.
Alix stood in disbelief. The other ves were at a loss for words at first. They looked at each other, confused. Not sure if this was a test or not. They finally reacted when a voice eximed.
We were free!
Quinn jumped in joy. He turned around, excitedly wading his way past the other ves.
Get out of my way Im getting the fuck out of here!
Alix stared as the man left. Then it broke the stupor. A dozen of the former ves mored after him. Then a hundred. And all at once, a stampede made their way out of the Brilsum Ruins.
We can finally return to our homes!
I lived! I didnt die to that insane
Move! Hurry up idiots
Was this real? Alix saw them leave, and she realized it was true. But she still couldntprehend it. She turned to Belzu, raising her sword.
Youre letting us go.
Her voice trembled as she spoke. The Primeval Demon killed another hundred monsters, and she shouted.
Why? Arent you the Lord of Lies? Arent you a Demon? Why would you set us free, just like that?
Alix didnt understand. She couldntprehend it. But the Primeval Demon didnt care.
You said you are a ve, Human. That is why I took you into my army. But I realize that is not true.
His wings buzzed as he floated before her. He raised a hand as a powerful curse gathered around his fingertips. Alix hesitated, but he didnt face her. He turned to the [Goliath Oliphants], felling them all at once. They trumpeted as they died, sending small earthquakes throughout the Brilsum Ruins.
You have your free will. You could oppose me or your captors as you wish, even if it is at the cost of your life. You do not understand what it is like to truly be a ve. To dedicate your life to servitude, believing your master is right, only to learn of his follies.
The Primeval Demons mandibles clicked before spreading wide. The symbol burned in his mouth shone brighter than before as he faced Alix.
So I have no use of you. I have no care for you. I do not want you here.
Alix stumbled back as the portal pulsed with energy, no longer expanding. The ceiling fell, crumbling around Belzu as a translucent pir reached for the sky. The dark clouds gathered turned pitch ck, and a red glow shone down from above them.
A screech drew Alixs attention. Her eyes darted to the base of the portal. A w crawled up the corner of the circle.
Thats
[Hellwolf - Lvl 93]
The first of the waiting Demon pulled itself onto the Mortal Realm, eyes glowing red. An untamed, wild beast. It bore no cor. Belzu had no control over it. It snarled as Alix screamed.
No
But it leapt past her. Alix fell to the ground, panting. Confused. Then she saw the blotch of magic covering over her. An illusion shielded her from the Demons sight.
Belzu turned away from Alix as his voice grew quiet.
Now go. Return to your cities. Hide. Do as you wish with the time you have left. And pray for salvation.
Alix ran. As the wild Demons crawled their way out of the Netherworld, she fled the Brilsum Ruins. The sky turned red. The magic illuminated the night. And hell was unleashed on earth.
What is that?
Orgafs voice quivered as he spoke over my shoulder. I looked up. From eleven different perspectives. All my clones saw it. I saw it. The familiar crimson sky. The dark clouds. A pir of translucent light, emanating a magic that I mastered. It came from the center of the Motharis Mountain Range. A ce Id been to before.
And my eyes narrowed.
That, Orgaf, Willy
I turned to the [Will O Wisp] and the Elites shadow.
Is our destination.
With that, I took off, rushing to put a stop to whatever that was before it was toote.
Chapter 364: Ripples
Chapter 364: Ripples
364. Ripples
The trio made their way through the forest. The falling leaves brusquely brushed by Edithes face as she rushed past the sturdy trees into a clearing. A cold wind sent pinpricks down her spine, and the redhead came to a sudden stop.
Daniel paused, ncing back at her. Amanda was a step slower, but she eventually came to a halt too.
The fuck are you guys doing?
I dont know, Edithe just
The young man from Earth bit his lower lip when he saw Edithes pained expression. Her brows arched darkly on her forehead, casting a shadow over her face. She raised her head as she spoke.
Daniel, are you fine with this?
Fine with?
This. What were doing right now.
Edithe gestured at the both of them. She breathed in deeply the scent of burned wood and ash. Almost coarse to take in.
Leaving Salvos alone. Going back, scared, unable to even help as she charges to fight the Primeval Demon.
Daniel stood there in silence. Edithe barely even saw him as she gritted her teeth. His silhouette was barely visible. Still, she expected him to argue to speak the same logic Edithe spoke to Salvos. After all, that logic made sense. Edithe wouldnt have been against the idea if her logic hadnt made sense. So, surely, Daniel wouldve argued against her now.
But when he opened his mouth, he agreed with her.
Youre right.
The redhead blinked.
You agree with me?
I do.
He nodded, holding her gaze. Edithe stared at him.
But its stupid risky. Were literally 20 levels below Salvos in level. And that Primeval Demon is 30 levels above her. If we follow after her
We may die.
Daniel finished the thought for her. She lowered her head as his words settled in. Both of them were silent for a moment. And a voice interrupted them.
Great. We are all in agreement that its fucking stupid to charge at the Primeval Demon responsible for killing literally millions of people.
Amanda pped her hands together, giving them both an annoyed smile.
Can we get the fuck out of here now?
Edithe and Daniel exchanged a nce. They had a silent conversation. The very same thoughts crossed their minds. When they spoke, they spoke as one.
No.
Are you fucking serious?
Amanda gaped, and Edithe stepped forward.
I didnt ask Salvos to bring me here just so I can run away at the first sign of danger. I want to be stronger. I want to protect my loved ones. To avenge those who have fallen.
The redhead raised a tight fist. She nced back when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Daniel stood next to her, a determined look on his face.
Im the same. I promised I wouldnt run anymore. That I wouldnt be a coward. But with every step forward I take, I take another half-step back. Its frustrating, being afraid. Even though I promised Id get better. Even though Im a [Hero].
Wait
Edithe turned to Amanda in rm, but the former assassin just snorted.
I know.
Oh.
Crisis averted. The red-haired woman sighed in relief, but Amanda crossed her arms. The former assassin red at both Daniel and Edithe.
Youre both insane. Youre both over Level 100. Youre higher-leveled than literally most of the world, and youre here talking about being too weak. Just because there are a couple of idiots higher-leveled than you doesnt mean shit. Im strong. Youre strong. We arent weak. Stop being a bunch of morons.
Edithe met Amandas gaze. It was clear the former assassin didnt want to help. There was no fault in that. In fact, her arguments were entirely fair. But
And the ground shook. A terrible tremor ran through the earth. A sh of light drew the trios attention to the southwest. Towards the Motharis Mountain Range. There was a weak glowing from beyond the tallest mountains. Like a thin pir of light was shimmering faintly lighting up the sky. It was barely visible from where they stood, but the magic it emanated was clear.
Edithe visibly recoiled as the oppressive aura struck her. It was like shed been whipped by a burning il or sshed with a highly corrosive acid. This magic was on a scale shed never felt before. Not from how far away it was.
It had to be the kind of grand magic that took the power of thousands of high-leveled [Mages]. The ones which could only be carried out by world powers working in tandem. Or a ritual that took life and turned it to magic.
Thats
Amandas eyes were bulging out of their sockets. Even Daniel, who had no forte for magic, could feel it. Edithe shook her head, starting past the former assassin.
And thats exactly why well help.
Edithe spoke simply. Daniel joined her. They both stood there, facing the thin pir of light. The [Hero] addressed Amanda without looking her way.
Amanda. Go find Helena Warshade. Bring her here.
The former assassin blinked, and he continued.
Youre the fastest one out of all of us. Edithe and I will only slow you down. Plus
He couldnt finish. Amanda scoffed, vanishing with a [Savage Step].
Dont need to tell me twice.
With that, just Daniel and Edithe were left. They nodded at each other. The redhead turned back to the red beam of light.
Salvos said shed train us, didnt she? But here she is, going off on her own. I cant believe it.
Daniel shrugged.
She broke a promise with us just to keep a promise to that Primeval Demon. Kind of racist, if you ask me. Was it because were Humans?
Edithe grinned his way.
Well, were herpanions, arent we? Lets help her remember that.
And they were off. They both charged straight for the heart of the Motharis Mountain Range. Whatever that magic was they knew that was where Salvos would be.
Helena Warshade looked up from her meeting with Lofus of Bherein. The Elites had been discussing the missive they received from yton Skyshredder. About the reports of odd movements within the Inoria Empire.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy narrowed her eyes.
That is
Her head inclined towards the south, and Lofus raised a brow.
Something wrong, Helena?
I am not sure
She couldnt ce her finger on what it was, but she sensed an odd magic. The vague direction of where it came from. And she knew it was powerful. Very powerful. Unfortunately, she didnt know what it meant.
Were finally here.
Zack sighed in relief as he sprawled down on the floor of his tent.
We actually made it to the Helbir ins.
Weve been here for the past day, Zack. Stop being so dramatic.
Helen rolled her eyes. The remnants of the Remembered Order Companys coalition were gathered here. Even though they were a fraction of their original size, they were still headed for the meeting at Alyras. Zack rolled and faced the female [Archer].
Look, just because you cant appreciate
And he paused. Helen raised a brow.
Zack, is something wrong?
Im not sure.
He got to his feet, looking to his left then right. He faced Jaakko as the Cyclops entered the tent.
Did you see anything out there, Jaakko?
I did not.
Oh.
Zack furrowed his brows. Helen gave him a worried look.
Whats going on Zack?
He hesitated. Then he shrugged.
Probably just my imagination.
The pulse of magic rippled across the Humannds. High-leveled [Mages] could sense it. They knew something was amiss. But most werent aware of what it entailed. Only a few were keen enough to discern the nature of the magic.
yton Skyshredder stood atop his tower. It loomed even over the clouds. He could see over great distances from this height. And with a simple spell that enhanced his eyesight, he could even spot the red beam from here.
The Demons in the Inoria Empire are finally making their moves, and now this happens.
He sighed. Centina piped up, approaching him from behind.
You said it was a summoning ritual?
Not like any Ive seen before. This is different. Its magic is uncontrolled. There are no foci to it. No medium to concentrate its magic.
Me no sense anything. yton sure yton sense something?
Another voice piped up. The [Korkodis] cocked her head, clearly confused. yton Skyshredder nodded.
Indeed.
Should we do something then?
Centina pursed her lips, worried. yton Skyshredders eyes flickered. He saw the danger. He knew it could be cataclysmic. Yet, he closed his eyes.
There it is!
I called out, spotting the Brilsum Ruins in the distance. Three of my clones had made it here even before me. The familiar former Dungeon spread out at the center of the canyon a city thaty destroyed from thousands of years ago.
It shouldve been nothing more than rubble and debris. Yet, it stood against time itself, still empowered by the fading magic left within the city. By the Dungeon that was formed of its ruins. It wouldve remained standing for another thousand years, perhaps. Maybe longer.
But now it was all copsing. The ground shook as an intense tremor tore across the earth. A magical aura ripped its way up and around the city, spiraling up into a single point in the sky. It carried parts of the city up with it. Even the remains of the antimagic banclite walls crumbled under the intensity of this spell, swooped up and swallowed into nothing.
Woah.
I stared for a moment, and a figure emerged from my shadow. Orgaf drew his dagger, speaking over me.
We need to act fast. That magic its not just a summoning ritual. Its
Tearing a hole.
He paused as he was cut off. Willy repeated himself, facing the sky as it shone red. I exchanged a worried look with Orgaf.
Is that bad?
Willy flitted around, in thought. He spoke longer than he normally did.
Depends. If have enough magic? Permanent. If not? Temporary hole. Will fix easy. Not issue.
Really? Thats good.
No. Still problem.
What problems are there?
I raised an inquisitive brow. And another pulse ran through the beam of light. A strong gust of wind brushed over Willy. His mes whipped wildly, but he didn''t budge. He cast his gaze to ground zero of this ritual.
That.
I saw it, even before turning. Through the eyes of my clones, I caught sight of the figures running throughout the Brilsum Ruins. Creatures Id seen plenty of before. Very familiar in their size and shape.
Wild Demons.
There were hundreds of them. Most of them were weak. Low-leveled and easy to deal with. I didnt think of them as a problem. But mixed among them were Archdemons and the like. [Hellhounds] and [Hellwolves] mixed, [Gadarenes] and [Arachne]. They charged their way through the destendscape, snarling and killing each other with each step.
Huh.
I grinned and a sh engulfed the first line of Demons. I was bombarded with notifications as I turned to Willy and Orgaf.
Dont worry, my clones can take care of them. We just have to find Belzu and put an end to this as soon as possible.
My three clones incinerated the horde of wild Demons without an issue. I leapt into the fray, followed by Orgaf and Willy. We avoided the fighting, charging straight through as a fourth clone arrived and joined the battle.
A Level 95 [Hellwolf] tried to intercept me, but I cut it down with ease using a Divine Nebr Scythe Id prepare on the way here. A group of wild [Djinni] barred my path. The giant Demons lumbering figures were difficult to navigate around, so I just tore them apart with [Barrage of Cinders].
These Demons were just fodder. A fifth clone arrived and lit up the entire battlefield with her magic, burning them all away as quickly as they came. I reached the crumbling pce soon enough, and a pair of golden eyes shone in the darkness.
A terrible maw snapped for me as I leapt back. Arge creature one with the wings of a falcon and the body of an alligator crawled forward. It faced me, hissing as it beat its wings.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl 130]
Get out of
I started, but it came to a halt. The Archdemon copsed, its head already gone from its body. Orgaf smirked, standing on top of its corpse.
[Killing Blow]. A Level 100 [Rogue]s Skill, yet one of my favorites, even now.
He flicked his de, and I smiled.
d to have you here, Orgaf.
More.
Willys sharp voice cut through my chatter. He sent a st of yellow mes into the hall, burning and melting away a group of [Savage Agarats]. They rushed out after him, and he charged at them.
Go!
He urged Orgaf and I forward. The both of us nodded at each other and ran. I managed to keep up with the Elite [Rogue], despite our level disparity. We cut through the other weak wild Demons roaming through the corridors. I recognized this ce. I remembered fighting [Cultists] here with Daniel. Now, I was fighting with Orgaf instead.
We reached the throne room where I had first nearly encountered Belzu. A great ritual circle had been carved in the center. This was where Belzu had been summoned. And it was the center of where this ritual he was carrying out was located.
Belzu!
I yelled as I came to a halt. I raised my scythe, ready for any illusions. Orgaf tapped his ring, and a shimmering light came over him. Neither of us were going to fall for any illusions this time.
Belzu floated before a portal. His gaze was fixed only on the pir of red light as it struck the sky. His voice echoed around us. Wispy and soft to the ears.
Ive been expecting you.
He turned, slowly descending to the ground. I expected a curse. I braced myself, activating [Protection of the Sentinel] for both Orgaf and I. But Belzu did nothing. He just spoke.
Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales. Another one on my list. Not as high up as Mori dius had been, of course. A lesser threat. But still a threat.
I dont know what youre trying here, Demon, but give it up. Its all over.
Orgaf snapped as he took a step forward. My eyes narrowed. I saw the shadows around the room moving. He was doing something, even as we held a dialogue with the Primeval Demon. Belzu shook his head.
What Im doing is simple. Its the same as what your [Summoners] do at your temples. Tell me, what is there to stop?
What is there to stop?
The Eliteughed.
More of your wretched kind from stepping a foot into ournds. Why dont you do us all a favor since you have your portal ready. Go back to where you came from, Demon.
Orgaf spat, and a shadow shot out for Belzu. The Primeval Demons figure vanished, and he appeared floating where he had been before. Not even facing us. I narrowed my eyes, and Belzu craned his neck.
Oh?
He faced Orgaf, his mandibles opening wide in a smile. He spoke slowly, and I felt a prickle run down my spine.
That is ironic, considering your partner
Enough.
I shouted over him. I sent a st of rainbow-colored mes at the Primeval Demon. But when the mes vanished, he was still flying there, unaffected. His voice echoed from all around us and I cursed.
What are you talking about?
Orgaf frowned as Belzusugh echoed.
Did you not know?
Shut up!
I dashed forward, slicing for Belzu. He was cut in half, only to split into a hundred tinier Primeval Demons. They all faced me, sneering.
Salvos is
I got you!
I grabbed for a figure through the illusions, trying to use [Demons Mark]. But the Skill refused to activate. Belzu emerged behind Orgaf, and the Elite leapt back.
You
A Demon.
Belzu spoke simply. Orgaf paused. He stared at the Primeval Demon, halting his movements.
What?
The Primeval Demon just smiled, repeating himself as I slowly descended to the ground.
You are fighting alongside a Demon.
Chapter 365: Vain
Chapter 365: Vain
365. Vain
You are fighting alongside a Demon.
Belzus words echoed in the room like a cascade of voices. It was a quiet choir. An avnche of whispers. Hearing it sent prickles shivering down my spine I could almost see the voices taking shape and dissipating as the echo died down. My body stiffened, and I mechanically turned my neck to face the only Human in the room.
Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale, Elite adventurer, and one of the highest-leveled Human [Rogues] in the world frowned. He stared at Belzu for an eternal moment. Then heughed.
Seriously? You think Ill fall for that?
He spat and stepped forward.
Youd have to try harder than that, oh Lord of Lies.
The Primeval Demon inclined his head as I sighed in relief. Good, I thought. Orgaf isnt going to attack me. If I had to fight both him and Belzu I wasnt sure if Id be able to win. Facing off against two different Elite Ranked threats on my own wouldnt be the smartest thing to do at my current level.
However, it seemed Belzu had the same thought too, and he didnt ept it.
You do not have to believe me, Human. You can simply ask her yourself. You are a Demon, are you not, Salvos?
He turned to me with a sickening grin, mandibles spread long and wide. I gaped at the question, nearly stumbling back.
W-what?
I couldnt work my jaw. Orgaf scoffed, crossing his arms.
What kind of a question is that? Of course shes not a Demon.
Then answer the question, Salvos. I want to hear it from your mouth and your mouth alone.
The Primeval Demons gaze bore into me. He waited patiently as Orgaf raised a brow at me.
Salvos?
I jerked back, ncing between them. If Orgaf found out I couldnt let that
Of course I am
But I trailed off. My voice refused to work, even though I tried. An unsettling sensation simmer within me as Orgaf stared at me with a frown.
Whats going on? Is this some kind of an illusion?
It is not.
Belzu answered as he descended before me. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe warily, but he just tilted his head.
Is something the matter, Salvos? Why would you not speak? Or dont tell me are you actually ashamed to be a Demon?
No
I started, and Orgaf''s eyes narrowed. He shifted. A subtle movement. But it was clear he was readying himself for something. I lowered my head, lips quivering as Belzu continued.
No? Thats not it?
The Primeval Demon clicked his mandibles, evidently amused. I could repudiate him at any moment use him of lying. Or maybe I could stay silent. There were a myriad of ways this could y out. However, I felt the uneasiness begin to bubble and boil.
And Belzus final words made it burst out.
If you are not ashamed of being a Demon, then perhaps do you wish you were a Human instead?
Shut up!
I yelled at the Primeval Demon. My Divine Nebr Scythe glowed radiantly, and I swung for Belzu. The powerful sh tore the room asunder without even touching the ground. His bulbous figure vanished, and he appeared floating behind me. I pivoted around before he could speak, pointing his way.
I am an Archdemon of Pride! [The Devils Grace].
The world moved in reverse. Belzus illusion didnt reappear, but his real body froze above head while I was forced back to my previous spot. His eyes bulged when he could finally move as I spun around and reached for him.
Youre not getting away!
My arms shifted, turning to that of tendrils. Ones that belonged to a Horror Centinel. Orgaf stared with wide eyes as I tried to grab onto Belzu, even from afar. The Primeval Demon flew back, barely dodging out of the way.
I stood up straight as my arms receded back into my body and became normal. Then my entire body changed, morphing into something else. A pair of horns protruded from my head, and my skin turned into a lighter hue tinted gray. My arms, however, juxtaposed darkly as they were coated in an ashen ck. Like Id been burned up to my elbows. My wings pped once as my mes washed away and I red at Belzu.
So you reveal your true self. You no longer disguise yourself amongst these foolish mortals. How does it feel, breaking away from your mortal constraints? Its freeing, is it not?
The Primeval Demonughed as I tightly gripped my Divine Nebr Scythe with my ws.
Itll feel better if you shut up [Demons Mark]!
His eyes flickered. A symbol seared into his arm glinted. And a powerful st engulfed him. A rainbow-colored explosion that was enhanced by my Divine Essence. He let out a high-pitched scream his buzzing stopped.
I stared at his silhouette, burning through the mes. It vanished, and my eyes narrowed. I sensed a distortion in space as he appeared behind me. The Primeval Demon panted as he clung onto the wall, his bug-like eyes facing me with only a bit of the same mockery as before.
Your strength ites from what you are. From what we are. Yet, you shun it. However, look at her, Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scales. Feast your eyes on what she truly is.
He turned to the Elite [Rogue]. Orgaf was just standing there, face shadowed over. He didnt look my way. His head was lower, even so he spoke.
So you really are a Demon?
He spoke quietly, but his question was audible even through the re of the ritual and the portal. Even though Demons were exiting through the pir of light, screeching and snarling, I heard him continue.
Youve been pretending to be a Human all this time?
I faced Orgaf defensively, unsure of what to say. I didnt know what he would do. Perhaps I couldve avoided this in the first ce, but the truth was already out. I nodded slowly.
I am. Do you have a problem with that?
I eyed the Thief of the Golden Scales. The Elite adventurer. The Level 161 [Rogue]. He raised his head slightly.
I see.
And his figure blurred. Orgaf vanished into the shadows as I flinched.
[Darkfriend].
His voice assailed me from all directions. All the shadows in the room came to life, taking shapes of their own. They were Humans and monsters. Animals and insects. Even inanimate objects like swords and spears. My eyes widened, and Orgaf suddenly appeared before me.
I barely reacted in time, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe. His dagger smoothly slid over the t surface of my weapons de, and he rotated around me. He smoothly transitioned into a thrust aimed straight for my face, and I pulled back under it.
He was fast.
It was like he was an experienced dancer, leading me through the moves, and all I could do was follow in his step. Even with my Grand Skill, I was struggling to keep up. All I could do was block and parry. Some of his hits even went through my defenses, and only [Protection of the Sentinel] saved me.
How about this? [Haste].
My movements sped up. I ducked under a fast swing from Orgaf, shifting my weight and countering with a horizontal sh. The [Rogue] simply vanished into the shadows before I couldnd a hit.
I nced around the room, eyes darting from one shadow to another. His Skill hadnte for me yet, but I knew it would soon. The shadows grew in number and I bit my lower lip. [Protection of the Sentinel] might notst long under that assault.
It would hold up for a bit. It was able to even withstand ytons magic. But
And the shadows moved. I braced myself, preparing for the onught of shadowed figures. They encroached on me, rapidly covering the distance as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe. I spotted Belzu through the moving shadows as he gleefully watched the shadows assail me.
But something moved behind him. The Primeval Demon spun around just in time for Orgaf to appear,nding a devastating blow across his chest.
What
I blinked as the [Shadowfriends] vanished, and Orgaf leapt away from one of Belzus curses. Hended beside me, shaking his head.
Orgaf?
My voice came out apprehensively. I wasnt sure what he was doing, but he just nodded at me.
I dont understand whats going on. But right now, we have the same enemy. We have a clear threat. One that has killed millions.
His gaze fixed on Belzu. The Primeval Demon floated there, clutching at his chest. Orgaf raised his dagger.
Lets put an end to this first, then well talkter.
I grinned at him.
Got it! Lets go!
Orgaf and I dashed forward, weaving around each other as we charged Belzu. But the Primeval Demon brought his arms together and unleashed a powerful ring. A curse that corroded everything it touched. A curse of death.
We were knocked back, but my [Protection of Sentinel] managed to hold up. I watched as the edges of the glowing armor turned to dust. I had deactivated Orgafs [Protection of the Sentinel] when he attacked me, so he took the full brunt of the attack. He stumbled back as his protective enchantments failed.
Orgaf!
This is nothing
Hrmph. Id have thought you wouldve fought for longer. But it is no matter. I have dyed you for long enough.
Belzus voice boomed around us. I stared at him, getting back to my feet.
What are you talking about?
Youll see.
He cackled as a bright light shone over the room. The rest of the ceiling copsed around us as I turned to the portal on the ground. It began to expand as the red pir that was bringing Demons over flickered vanishing entirely.
Edithe came to a halt as the crimson light in the sky dissipated. The beam flickered out of existence along with much of the magic shed sensed. Her eyes narrowed, and Daniel stared at the undting horizon with a frown.
What happened?
Im not sure.
The redhead shook her head.
But I think we might not make it in time.
Then we have to hurry.
Daniel ran forward, sprinting as fast as he could. Edithe took a step, about to join him, and paused. She nced up as a speeding figure caught her eye.
Thats
Only the mouth of the portal remained. A few winged Demons still flew through the portal. I readied myself for them as they came straight for me, but they continued on. They flew hurriedly. Like they were in a panic. As if they were fleeing something. A Level 135 [Savage Agarat] escaped the portal
And came to a halt.
A giant wed hand caught the [Savage Agarat] mid flight before it could escape. It drew back down as the Archdemon struggled to no avail, and I gasped.
What is that?
There was a crunch. The screeching of the [Savage Agarat] was silenced, and Belzuughed maniacally, pointing my way.
You who have lived safe in the Mortal Realm you who have shed what you are in exchange for the security and protection of Humanse and see what the Netherworld has in store. Behold its might! Be ready for your demise!
The wed hand emerged once again. I managed to use [Identification] on it this time, and I stumbled back in fear. Even Orgaf was at a loss for words.
No
[Hebomination - Lvl 180]
The massive arm loomed over the sky as Belzu continued to gloat. He looked down at Orgaf and I, his arms spread wide.
You have lost
And the hand swatted the Primeval Demon to the ground, crushing him.
Chapter 366: Insect
Chapter 366: Insect
366. Insect
[Hebomination - Lvl 180]
I watched in horror as Belzu was squashed like a bug. It was so unexpected, I remained standing there in shock as the massive wed hand drew back into the sky. Its shadow loomed over me as the Primeval Demons crushed body twitched once before falling still.
Huh.
And Orgaf shouted.
Look out
The Elite [Rogue]s voice snapped me back to reality. My gaze snapped up as the dark shadow engulfed my being. I flew back, propelled by my still-active [Haste] and a burst of mes as the [Hebomination]s hand descended on where Id been.
The ground trembled under the wild Primeval Demons weight. I swerved up to the sky, watching as Orgaf quickly backed away hundreds of feet from the portal. Willy flitted up beside me, ignoring the flying screeching Demons all around us.
What?
He was at a loss for words. There was no quip and no snarkyment for him to make. It was 20 levels higher than the [Ancient Centinel] Id fought in the Bloodied Gulf and I didnt even have the Breastte of Alexander on me!
What was worse was that it was a Demon. That meant that it was likely far stronger than mortals and monsters around its level. I turned to Willy, shaking my head.
Were not beating that thing. We need to stop it from passing through the portal.
A second arm, just as enormous as the first, emerged next. The [Hebomination] started to pull itself up as a third arm reached out into the sky.
Come on!
I flew forward, along with Willy and six of my clones. I raised my hand as rainbow-colored mes coalesced into a wispy ball of fire. A st from eight different directions struck down at the [Hebomination]. Notbination casting simply multiple spells, acting in tandem like the Wyvern flock did.
Gold and silver mes mixed with Willys crimson mes only to be lost in my torrent of iridescent colors. It crashed down at the [Hebomination], knocking it off bnce. One of its arms slipped as it raised its third arm, trying to block the deluge of fire.
Its working! Its working
I started, only for a glint to catch my eyes. I saw a blue light flicker from the other side of the portal. I leaned forward, frowning.
What is that?
And a pir of blue fire shot up from the portal. It burned straight through ourbined magic, aimed straight for us. Willy and I managed to duck out of the way, but two of my clones werent so lucky. They were engulfed and killed as the wild Primeval Demons blue mes dissipated.
Panting, I looked down to see massive eyes staring up at me. The [Hebomination] wore the face of a beasts skull. It had a pair of forward-facing horns, each one as long as its wed hand. A fourth arm emerged from the portal as it continued its climb up.
I stared down at the wild Primeval Demon. It reminded me of what I used to look like as an [Asura Changeling]. Except about a hundred times asrge.
The [Hebomination] let out a terrible roar. One that was followed by another st of blue mes, and I hurriedly backed away. Willy and I descended next to Orgaf as my four clones circled around the portal while unleashing their silver and gold mes.
That thing is as high-leveled as the Watcher. We cant let it escape or itll cause more destruction than destroying a single country!
Orgaf growled, facing the [Hebomination]. I turned to him as two more of my clones arrived and flew straight into the fray.
How do you suggest we do that?
His eyes narrowed. He stepped forward, sheathing his dagger.
Stand back, but keep it distracted with your clones.
Um, sure?
I did as he said, standing behind him with Willy as my clones continued to zip around the [Hebomination]. Unfortunately, I wouldnt be able to keep that up for long. One of my clones drew too close, trying to knock back one of the massive arms, only to be snatched up by the wed hand. She exploded, but it barely even caused the wild Primeval Demon to flinch.
Orgaf closed his eyes, still standing ahead of us. His mouth moved as he whispered to himself.
[Darkness reigns, horrors lurk. Shadows linger as the day is snuffed out. Swarm and slither, consume and devour. All shall suffer.]
It was night. The world was covered in shadows. And I watched as the darkness seeped out of everywhere the light didnt touch. An eerie quiet befell the ruined city as the [Hebomination]s roar, the flying wild Demons screeches, and even my own breathing was muffled and silenced. All I could hear was Orgafs words as he finished his Grand Skills chant.
[Nightmares Haunt].
And I stepped back. Sound returned as a wave of shadowsunched forward. It consumed everything in its path, wrapping it all in darkness. My clones flew back as the [Hebomination] lifted its torso up into this ne. Then the shadows reached it.
They wrapped around the wild Primeval Demon. Like some kind of web. And as the [Hebomination] thrashed about, the shadows only tightened around its pale skin.
This Grand Skill is my only area of effect magic I have. It can incapacitate tens of thousands of soldiers for an entire day. Theres no point struggling against it because the shadows will only grow stronger.
I stared at the wild Primeval Demon, caught in Orgafs trap. It struggled, trying to use one of its free arms to tear off the shadows. But, surprisingly, the shadows held on. However, that didnt solve our problem.
What now? Do we just hope the portal closes after a day?
We do not. Trapping it was the first step.
Orgaf answered simply. I cocked my head.
Whats the second step?
That Grand Skill belonged to my second ss. Now
He drew his dagger as his body shifted. The shadow of his silhouette split and protruded around him like the hands of a clock. His smile thinned, spreading unnaturally wide up to his ears.
Observe my true Grand Skill. [The World Shall Bleed By My de].
And Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale, Elite adventurer, Level 161 [Nightcrawler Shadower] dashed forward. His shadows began to spin. At first, only on the ground. Then as their movements sped up, an odd illusion seemed to take over where it looked like it slowed instead. Before I could even parse this, the shadows were breathed life and emerged from the earth. They spun around Orgaf like the shing of a thousand des in a circr motion.
And it tore into everything it touched.
Orgaf leapt into the air,nding on the [Hebomination]s first arm with his whirlwind of shadowed des. The Demon reeled as he assailed it and ran up to its shoulder. My eyes widened at the sight of ck blood spilling over the ruins of the pce. He was actually hurting it!
I nodded at Willy, spinning my Divine Nebr Scythe.
Lets help him!
Another clone arrived at the scene as I soared into the air with the [Will O Wisp]. I raised my hand, slowing the area around only the [Hebomination]s head with [Warped Time] as it craned its neck to face Orgaf. It tried to swat him off, but he simply leapt to another arm and ravaged it as well.
It recoiled, two of its arms now in the air thanks to Orgafs attack. It only had two other arms to steady itself up atop the portal. My six remaining clones flew with Willy to one of the arms, readying their magic as I broke off for the other and created a ming bow.
Ready?
I called out to them, holding up the bow. They nodded, and I reached into my [Dimensional Pocket]. Their mes pooled together, sting the wild Primeval Demons other arm back. It began to lose its bnce as I produced something I had been hiding for a while now.
[The Giant Killer Arrow: Epic Grade - An arrow created by Odmantus the Giant Killer. It can return to the user as long as it remains undamaged. Deals immense piercing damage.]
The arrow itself was massively oversized. Even longer than I was tall. It glowed red as I nocked it into my ming bow.
Take this The Giant Killer Arrow!
It shot out, faster than even I was expecting. I felt a link connecting me to it as it soared straight for the wild Primeval Demons forearm. It dug deep as the [Hebomination] roared in pain. It recoiled in pain, finally losing all grip it previously had. I tugged at the link to The Giant Killer Arrow and it appeared back on my bow.
And again! And again! And again
I fired The Giant Killer Arrow repeatedly at the [Hebomination] as it fell back through the portal. It had been nearly through moments ago, but now it was only shoulders up into the Mortal Realm.
Its working!
I turned to the Elite. His attack continued. The shadows clung on. The wild Primeval Demon closed its eyes, falling as only its head poked out of the other side.
Come back!
I called out to Orgaf. He nodded, throwing himself off the [Hebomination] andnding at the edge of the portal. I sent two of my clones straight past him, sacrificing them to push the wild Primeval Demon all the way through to the other side. They detonated in its mouth before it could release another fire breath.
We did it
I started, watching as itsst arm disappeared beneath the portal. But something grasped onto the other side. A little bit of white stuck out from the portal, even as the rest of the wild Primeval Demon had fallen off the portal. It looked like it was made out of bone, but it was just as massive as the [Hebomination]s forearms had been. It bent in a crooked way, apanied by a second of this same thing.
Both these limbs pulled the wild Primeval Demon back through the portal as I stared. They were
...wings?
Bone-like wings. Just like my [Wings of the Netherworld]. The [Hebomination] climbed back to the other side as magical wings spread out from its upper back. A thin plume of smoke left its mouth as my mouth moved.
Oh no.
I dove out of the way from the fire breath. It caught another of my clones as the wild Primeval Demon swiveled its head around. I cursed as some of the mes washed over my back, saved only by thebination of my Aura of Greater Protection and [Protection of the Sentinel].
Orgaf, Willy, and my remaining clones managed to steer clear from the fire, but that only allowed the [Hebomination] to crawl back out of the portal. It concentrated its mes on the shadow that was tangled around it as it tried to rip itself free from the bindings. I nocked The Giant Killer Arrow onto my bow once again, shouting.
Why wont you just go back to where you came from!
I was about to loose the arrow, but a strong impact struck my back. I spun around, blinking. A heavy creature clung onto my back.
What
A [Savage Agarat] snapped its maws for my head as I tumbled out of the air. That was right. There were still other Demons present. And they were wild without thought. It attacked me simply because I was looking the other way.
Get off of me!
A st of rainbow-colored mes dealt with it easily enough. However, when I looked up, I was flying next to the looming figure of the [Hebomination]. All four of its arms were on the other side of the portal, and Orgafs shadows that were keeping it down were mostly gone. It spread its wings wide and huffed once. I braced myself.
No
And the [Hebomination] swatted me down. Just like it had with Belzu.
Chapter 367: Weaknesses and Strengths
Chapter 367: Weaknesses and Strengths
367. Weaknesses and Strengths
Willy wondered why he simply followed Salvos as she embarked on these ridiculous adventures. He had just barely met her about two months ago in the Bloodied Gulf. She piqued his interest. Reminded him of his master. But maybe that wasnt just it. Maybe it was because he thought hoped that things would be different.
Nynen died, and so could anyone. So could Salvos. The [Hebomination] swatted the silver-haired girl out of the air, crushing her against the ground. Rainbow-colored mes burned and were snuffed out under the giant ws. The [Will O Wisp] flinched as the ground shook.
Gold and silver mes instantly rained down on the wild Primeval Demon as it drew its wed hand back. All the remaining Salvos clones stopped what they were doing. They zipped straight for the [Hebomination], flying around it recklessly as Willy rushed to the real Salvos side.
Shey buried in rubble at the very bottom of a crater. Salvos was still alive. Bleeding, in bad shape, but alive.
Orgaf shouted something, leaping back into the fray as Willy hurriedly transported Salvos back and began healing her with his green mes. In the background, the [Hebomination] roared, unleashing another pir of blue mes.
What is that?
Edithe Dawnrise stared as the night sky was lit up by a brilliant blue light. In the distance, a hulking creature rose from the ground, gripped by shadows. Daniel Song spoke to her side as they flew closer.
I dont know. But were about to find out.
The Salvos clone carrying them sped up, soaring over the canyon and towards the destroyed city. She moved in a panic. Edithe could tell something happened a few moments ago that changed her demeanor. A flock of winged Demons intercepted them, but the redhead sted them apart with her magic as they drew closer and closer.
The monster in the distance the enormous Demon spread its wings wide as it tried to break free from the dark tendrils holding it down. It ripped off one, burning another. A pair of Salvos clones crashed into its back, exploding into a brilliant st.
But that only knocked it back. Some of its skin was burned. Blood was drawn. However, it continued its ascent. Edithe scanned the battlefield, watching Orgaf unleash a whirlwind of des at the Demon. But she was searching for something else. Someone.
Salvos!
She cried out when she spotted the figure lying bloodied by some rubble. Salvos. The silver-haired girl wasnt in her Human form, but Edithe barely even noticed that. Instead, the redhead saw how Salvos wings were torn and tattered. How her arms bent in the wrong direction how her spine itself was twisted.
It was bad. Very bad. And Salvos wasnt even responding. Willy floated next to her, wreathing her in green mes.
What happened? Is she alright?
Edithe and Daniel quicklynded with the Salvos clone carrying them. The [Will O Wisp] answered while still focused on his healing.
Hurt. Need help.
I have healing potions. They should
Daniel produced a vial, but Willy rejected it.
No.
A nearby [Hellwolf] leapt for the stationary Humans, but Edithe sted it back. She turned to Willy.
What? Why not?
Need stronger.
Both Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. They knew what that meant. But Daniel was offering the highest grade of healing potion there was. The only things that were superior were elixirs and other advance alchemical potions. He didnt have that.
But someone did. Or, well, Salvos did. The Salvos clone produced a Potion of Regeneration. It came in a crystalline bottle, and it didnt look like there was much of the magical liquid left. Still, it was all they had and they carefully poured the Potion of Regeneration into Salvos mouth.
Edithe watched with bated breath as Salvos wounds began to close. The Demon girls arm righted itself along with her spine. The holes in her wings sewed themselves shut. But only mostly. She was still lying there, unresponsive.
Why isnt it working?
Daniel turned to Willy. The [Will O Wisp] was uncertain. They looked at Salvos, lying there. Then they turned to the Salvos clone. She just shrugged and flew off, heading straight for the giant Demon as it swatted down another Salvos clone.
A voice interrupted the quiet deliberation. Edithe nced back as Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale, emerged from the shadows. He clutched at his shoulder, panting.
My Grand Skill will not hold on for much longer. That [Hebomination] will escape
He paused when he caught sight of Edithe and Daniel. His brows snapped together.
Great. And what are you two doing here?
Were here to help.
Edithe replied simply, holding his gaze. Orgaf scowled.
Youll only get in the way. Seriously, well have to protect you idiots as we leave this ce.
Leave this ce? We cant let that Demon run free.
She narrowed her eyes, and he shook his head.
Theres no way were defeating that thing without help. We need to go. Now.
Im not leaving. If that Demon breaks free, itll destroy us all.
Are you fucking serious? Then go ahead and die if you want. Im not getting myself killed because of you.
Orgafughed as he started past her. An explosion boomed in the background. There were just two Salvos clones left. Edithe pursed her lips.
So youre just going to leave? Arent you an Elite Ranked adventurer? Arent you Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale?
I didnt get to where I was being a moron and charging into fights that have already been lost. So, yes, Im leaving now.
Edithe stared at him as his shadows formed ribbons around him. The fact that he had the audacity to just up and leave infuriated her. After all his bragging his belittling of her he was going to flee? Her fists tightened into balls, and she snapped.
Youre a fucking coward, Orgaf.
And the Elite paused. He slowly faced Edithe as she continued.
All that talk and youre just going to run at the first sign of trouble, huh? I shouldnt have expected anything more from you.
Again, another explosion. One Salvos clone was left distracting the [Hebomination]. Orgaf held Edithes gaze. His eyes were cool. Even with the fighting in the background. In spite of the wild Demons buzzing around the ruined city. He tilted his head dangerously.
You left before the battle even began, and now youre calling me the coward? Do you really think Ill allow such an insult to go unpunished, girl?
Edithe drew back, tensing up. But her lips still moved as she stared straight at him.
Youd rather fight your own ally then work together to defeat an enemy, huh? Of course.
Orgaf frowned. He raised his dagger.
I
Thats enough, both of you.
And Daniel stepped between them. He nced once at Edithe, shaking his head.
Whatever spat you have with him, just drop it. We have more important matters right now.
The redhead opened her mouth to protest. Then she bit her lower lip. She hung her head, slightly ashamed at her outburst. Daniel then turned to the Elite.
And Orgaf, I cant force you to stay. None of us can. But youre the best of us here, and youre our best chance of helping us defeat that thing until Salvos wakes up. Or are you just going to leave her here to die with the rest of us?
Orgaf took a step back. He nced between Daniel and Salvos. Then he crossed his arms.
Shes a Demon.
But she is still Salvos. The very same person you came here with. Werent you just praising her a day ago?
The Elite shifted once again, unable to muster up a reply. Daniel sighed. He walked up to Salvos, cing a hand on the Demon girls shoulder. Thest explosion resounded as all the Salvos clones fell to the [Hebomination].
Youre right, Orgaf, that were weaker than you. But that doesnt mean we cant do what we can to help. And thats what Ill do.
Daniel closed his eyes and spoke for all to hear.
[The Will of the Hero].
A radiant glow overcame Salvos as shey there, eyes-still-closed. Orgaf blinked a few times, in disbelief of Daniels words.
Wait, what?
But Daniel didnt stop there. He pivoted around, facing the [Hebomination] as it ripped off the shadow bindings. He strode forward as ribbons of light wrapped around him.
So I will do what I can. Do what needs to be done. And, hopefully,e out of this alive.
He leapt into the air as an ethereal armor covered him. His de grew in length, overtaken by the same aura. The [Hebomination] raised a hand his way.
[A Heros Rage]! And
Daniel Song, [Hero] from Earth, shouted as a blinding light of power overcame his sword.
[Heros sh]!
He stabbed the palm of the wed hand, tearing straight to the other side. The [Hebomination] recoiled. It pulled its hand back, screeching in pain. Daniel leapt back as Orgaf watched with wide eyes.
A [Hero]? In this age? But
I know the risks, Orgaf.
Edithe spoke over him, walking up to Salvos side as well. Willys gaze trailed after her as she came to a halt.
Maybe you think Im a burden. That Ill drag you down. Or maybe youre concerned worried that Id get myself killed so youd feel responsible if you couldnt save me. I know. I understand that Im not as strong as you. That Im not a [Hero] like Daniel. That Im not as special as Salvos. But I am here too.
She raised her staff as her magic poured into Salvos.
[Patron of the Skills]. [Aura of Greater Protection]. [A Guardians Blessing].
Her head raised, and Willy just stared at her. She spun around as her magic red up.
So dont you dare count me out!
And she charged after Daniel. Orgaf and Willy looked on as the two lower-leveled Humans ran straight into danger. Then the [Will O Wisp] snorted.
Anyone can die. Stupids.
He followed after them. It was just Orgaf left. The Elite. He stood quietly for a second, looking over at Salvos. Then he grunted and silently joined the fighting once again.
Everything was dark. Thest thing I remembered was the [Hebomination] looming over me. I wasnt even able to react. It crushed me with its massive ws, and my vision disappeared. My body was limp. All I felt was intense pain. I couldnt hear anything. I couldnt even think. I only saw shes of scenes perhaps through my clones eyes. But they dwindled in number, and I began to see less and less of the world.
Then the stabbing pain assailing my body suddenly vanished. My hearing returned; I heard voices around me. I couldnt make out what was being said. I just knew it was an argument. Then one deration followed by another. I sensed thest of my clones perish, only for a surge of power to wash over me.
It empowered me. It made me feel stronger than ever. But it wasnt enough. I still couldnt move. Couldnt think until I felt it.
A warmth. Like the hug of apanion, or the recognition of those around me. It calmed me; I could hear my breathing; my mind collecting; a fog clearing; this dazed dream fading. My thoughts whirred as my fingers twitched.
I heard the explosions. The shouts and the fighting. It was all clear to me now. My strength returned. My lips moved. I opened my eyes, and thest of my wounds vanished.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 155 (+20%) (+30) (+10) (+100) (+15)
[Strength]: 145 (+20%) (+30) (+10) (+100) (+15)
[Endurance]: 150 (+20%) (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100) (+15)
[Wisdom]: 265 (+20%) (+30) (+10) (+13) (+100) (+15)
[Agility]: 320 (+20%) (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100) (+15)
Chapter 368: Portal
Chapter 368: Portal
368. Portal
Daniel!
Edithe shouted, and the [Hero] leapt back. The [Hebomination] was too fast. It swung for him as he braced himself for the attack. Before it could impact him, the shadows beneath his feet flickered and a figure pulled him out of the way.
Orgaf appeared with Daniel in his arms as the wild Primeval Demon tore through the earth. Edithe blinked a few times as she saw this, then she smiled.
Alright.
She turned to the [Hebomination], raising her staff as Willy assailed it with yellow fire from above. It flew into the air, wings beating and sending strong gales down below. A group of winged Demons dove straight at it, and it burned them with a st of blue mes.
Edithe could feel the heat from here. It ate through even the acid fire Willy rained down on it. Its spread its wings and arms wide as it let out a terrible screech.
You do realize this is not going to be easy, right?
Orgaf spoke as he spun his dagger nervously, eyeing the [Hebomination]. The wild Primeval Demon was massive. Edithe watched as it blotted out the moon in the sky, illuminating the night with only its mes. Still, she shook her head defiantly.
Well just have to take it down with everything weve got [Vindication of They]!
She raised her staff, and power surged through her. mes shot out like a pir,ing from all the dead littering the ruined city. It burned the wild Primeval Demon. She watched as the magical ethereal inferno raged on. It was a powerful magic. Her greatest Skill.
But the [Hebomination] tore through it with ease. It didnt even flinch. Its skin wasnt even burned. The wild Primeval Demon came crashing straight down, crossing a thousand feet in a moment. Edithe stumbled back, blinking.
Fuck
And, from the corner of her eye, Edithe saw a sh. An iridescent glint. A figure blurred forward, rushing straight for the [Hebomination]. It struck the wild Primeval Demon before it couldnd, knocking it back into the air with a shock wave that shook the earth.
Edithe steadied herself, staring up with wide eyes. She looked at the winged Demon floating before her. The girl with horns protruding from her head like a crown.
Hey, you almost killed me.
Salvos tilted her head simply as she spun her scythe.
Ill make you pay for that.
And she exploded forward with a burst of rainbow-colored mes.
I unleashed a [Barrage of Cinders] at the [Hebomination] as I ran down the side of its arm. It tried to shake me off, but I beat my wings and flew around its face. Its jaw unhinged, ready to breathe fire, but I hurled my own fireball into its mouth.
The explosion caused it to recoil and fly back. I felt strong. My attacks were actually damaging the wild Primeval Demon. All thanks to the boost Daniel and Edithe gave me.
I drew blood with each sh, and I burned its skin with my magic. It was honestly a lot. It wasnt as significant of a boost as [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] alone, butbined it allowed me to surpass even Orgaf in speed let alone the [Hebomination]. The wild Primeval Demon couldnt even touch me. It tried to swing at me with one of its four arms, and I grinned.
Now [Radiant sh]!
I sliced straight through the joint where the forearm met the hand. The [Hebomination] reeled, screeching in pain as one of its ws fell to the ground. I bared my teeth up at it.
Hows that?
I expected [Intimidation] to havested for at least a few seconds. But apparently that Skill wasnt powered by magic as much as it was by something else. Its eyes flickered once and it roared.
A pulse of fire exploded from its body. I couldnt dodge out of the way. It knocked me back, but my invulnerability Grand Skill held up. I crashed next to Edithe as a shadow darted straight for the [Hebomination].
Orgaf continued assailing it as Willy supported him with his fire. Daniel ran up to me while Edithe threw her spells from below.
Salvos, are you alright?
Im fine. Even that [Hebomination] wont be able to hurt me for the next five minutes.
I dusted myself off, giving him a reassuring nod. He sighed and looked back up. Orgaf was attacking the wild Primeval Demon from all sides. The Elite looked like a fly from all the way down here. Daniel shook his head.
We need to ground that thing. I cant help as long as its in the air.
No.
I replied simply, starting past him.
We cant bring it down here. Itll just kill both you and Edithe, then the rest of us. We need to send it back to the Netherworld.
I cast my gaze to the side. The portal was still open. But I could tell it was going to close soon. Its magic was rapidly running out now that the [Hebomination] had gotten through. I turned to Edithe as she panted.
My attacks arent even drawing its attention.
She cursed, and I turned to her. I closed my eyes, feeling a synergy with her. As if there was something within me drawing me to borrow her power. I took what I felt I needed. What was right. And my eyes opened.
Temporary Skills:
[Ray of Retribution] - Lvl 10
[Shield of the Misty Lord] - Lvl 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - The Protectors Boon] - Lvl 5
Edithe.
I didnt even look her way. I could sense her every movement, no matter how subtle it was. She raised her head, blinking as I continued.
Well draw its attention. Together.
...what?
She stared at me, puzzled. I just offered her a hand.
We can usebination casting. We did this before, remember? Against those stupid Kobolds. Youre the only one I can do this with. Together, well be able to really hurt the [Hebomination].
Her mind whirred. She opened her mouth, protesting.
But back then
Back then we could do it. So we can do it again.
I held her gaze as I spoke over her. Edithe pursed her lips but nodded slowly. I took her hand, looking up at the [Hebomination] as it erupted into mes. Orgaf leapt away, and its body burned. Its own blue mes covered it entirely, forming a zing armor that even I didnt want to get close to. I felt the synergy with Edithe grow stronger as I gritted my teeth.
Daniel, protect Edithe in case anything happens.
I faced the Human man. He nodded, raising his de. The red-haired woman and I brought our arms up as the [Hebomination] barreled through Willys mes. It came down at us like a trailinget.
Dont worry. We can do this.
I reassured Edithe. She stepped forward, agreeing.
Yes now!
And at the same time, we unleashed our magic. Itbined, bing one. I drew from Edithes pool of mana, and she took from mine too. She stood straighter. Her eyes burned. We shouted as a beam of light shot into the sky.
[Ray of Retribution]!
It pierced through the clouds. Towards the heavens. The wild Primeval Demon halted when it saw the gleaming its way. But it was toote. The magic struck the [Hebomination], burrowing a hole into its stomach. It let out a deafening shrill shriek in pain as it bent back. The [Ray of Retribution] continued onward, unimpeded through the wild Primeval Demon.
Daniel looked up, hoping.
Did we beat it?
Not yet.
My eyes sharpened. The [Hebomination]s back cracked as it leaned forward. It bared its teeth down at me and roared, charging straight down once again. I turned to Edithe, continuing.
Next [Shield of the Misty Lord].
Together, we conjured the ice barrier over us. It was like a literal dome. One that spread hundreds of feet wide. The [Hebomination] crashed into it, cracking the center. It recoiled from the hit, and I ran past Daniel and Edithe.
A spark began to forge something in my hand, creating a metallic object that extended a dozen feet.
Take it!
I tossed the object both ways at mypanions. They caught it, looking at what it was.
Divine Nebr Chains. Use it on the [Hebomination] when its distracted!
They were perplexed. Daniel opened his mouth.
I dont think this is enough to
And he paused when [Mass Particte Modification] began to take effect. The chains grewrger andrger as I leapt up, feeling a ripple run through my body. The ice above cracked and shattered as I emerged, flying straight for the [Hebomination].
Orgaf didnt know why he was still fighting. He was exhausted. All his Skills had been used up. His protective artifacts had been drained used up. He limped forward, grimacing as he clutched his shoulder. Blood trickled down his arm, and he sighed.
...maybe I should just leave.
He considered it. He really did. But his better side won out. He watched the [Hebomination] continue pummeling the massive ice barrier and forced himself forward.
Ive alreadye this far. I might as well see it to the very end.
Orgaf brought his dagger up, ready to unleash an assault on the Demon from behind. However, just before he could throw himself to his probable death, the ice dome broke. A shadow emerged from the copsing barrier. He saw a sh of silver. A carapace. Like a mirror.
His jaw dropped as a colossal figure crashed into the [Hebomination].
Is that a [Senior Centinel]?
But it wasnt any ordinary [Senior Centinel]. It wasnt blood-red like most Centinels. It was a silver-white color. And it rammed headfirst into the Demon.
How?
Willy flitted down next to Orgaf as he. The [Will O Wisp] answered simply.
Salvos. Thats how.
I threw myself at the wild Primeval Demon with all my might. I had wanted to be an [Ancient Centinel], but something stopped me. Perhaps it was a mental block. Maybe I couldnt transform into something thatrge. Or it couldve been because an [Ancient Centinel] was an evolution above my current level.
Either way, I could only transform to a [Senior Centinel]. Still, I was nearly a quarter of the length of the [Hebomination].I slithered up its chest, headbutting it straight in the jaw. It roared, falling back. Its feet touched the ground as it tried to steady itself. I could see the portal just behind it, slowly shrinking in size. I pushed as hard as I could, forcing the wild Primeval Demon another step back.
It growled, pushing back against me. I felt my momentum vanish. It gripped me with all three of its remaining hands as I tried to stand my ground this time.
Daniel, Edithe!
My voice came out garbled, almost like Centinas. I watched the two Humans run around the [Hebomination], bringing the chain on either side. They used the chains to pull at its feet, and it stumbled back. I found myself moving forward, edging the wild Primeval Demon closer to the portal.
It was wild. It didnt realize what we were doing, but it grew more enraged. It didnt like how we were challenging it, so it pushed even harder. I forced it back another step, and it breathed fire at me.
The mes caused me to recoil. It didnt hurt, of course. I was still invulnerable. But the weight of the fire still threw me back ever-so-slightly. And I could sense Edithes grip slip.
Edithe felt the ground shake. The [Hebomination] exerted its weight forward as Salvos lost some of her ground. She tried to hold on. But the chain went flying off as she lost her foot. Her eyes went wide as she reached for it.
No
However, before the chain could be entirely lost, it was caught by someone. A shadowed figure appeared before Edithe, gripping onto the chain. He grunted as he held onto it, blood dripping down his arms. She stared at him.
O-Orgaf?
Yes, thats my fucking name.
He gritted his teeth, ncing back at her.
Well? What are you doing? Give me a hand, you damn Diamond!
Edithe blinked a few times. Then she got back up and rushed to his side.
Right.
Together, they pulled and regained the momentum for Salvos.
I powered through the [Hebomination]s mes. Orgaf joined Edithe, and with Daniel, they managed to pull it even further back. I took a step forward. Then another. And there was no stopping me now.
The wild Primeval Demon mustve realized this, so it began beating its wings, trying to escape up. But just as it spread its wings wide, a st of blue mes struck the left wing. It wasnt just regr blue mes, either. It was ice-cold.
Willy hovered over me, continuing his barrage of icy mes at the [Hebomination], keeping it grounded. It roared, breaking through the ice, but it didnt matter. Its first foot touched the edge of the portal and slipped, then it was over. With all of my strength, I shoved it down the hole where it came from.
It roared as it went falling. I pulled back right as I reached the portals fringe, beginning to shift back to my regr form. Iughed as I flew back up and away as the hole quickly shrank.
We won! We actually did it!
I didnt think it would work. I was so happy. My invulnerability Grand Skill was going to end soon, and when it failed, I didnt think I wouldst long. Especially when brawling directly with the [Hebomination]. My wing beat once as I celebrated.
And a hand caught me. I looked down in shock, feeling a strong tug yank me straight down.
No
The [Hebomination] caught me. It pulled me with it as it fell through the hole. It happened so fast. By the time I looked up, I was already entering the portal to the Netherworld. Edithe, Daniel, Willy, and Orgaf rushed for me, yelling as I reached up for them.
Salvos!
But the portal closed above me.
Now leaving [Nexeus: Mortal
Chapter 369: Back in Time
Chapter 369: Back in Time
Back in Time
Salvos grab my hand!
I nced up and saw mypanion leaning over the edge of the portal. I tried to swim out of the darkness out of the ck ocean that was closing in on me. Mypanion reached out for me and I reached for him
And the circle closed.
Everything went ck. There was no more light. I felt like I was being born once again, stuck in an infinite void. I tried to break out of it. I swung my arms, scratching at the surface, but nothing broke. Nothing except for the silence in my head.
Now Leaving [Lair: Lucernas Lamp].
Now Leaving [Demon Kings Domain].
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Netherworld].
After those words came, there was nothing for a moment. Just a moment. Then I heard a crack.
Now Entering [Nexeus: Mortal Realm]
Salvos!
And I snapped back to reality; felt the loss of gravity. The memory shed in my head,ing and going in an instant. I remembered that moment the moment where Id lost my firstpanion, Haec. It haunted me to this day. It was my greatest regret.
I hadnt been prepared for it. I was only trying to save him, but I abandoned him. I broke my promise to him. I said Id be his leader. That Id always protect him. I failed. I left him alone in the Netherworld to fend for himself.
Was he still alive? My Dad told me he was alright. But that had been a month ago. The Netherworld was a dangerous ce, and plenty of things could change in mere moments there. After all, I remembered a time when it hadnt just been Haec and I. When there had been others there. We banded together. Not necessarily for safety, but simply because we didnt know any better. There were so many of us, and in a sh, I was alone.
And it was happening again.
I was going to be alone again. Not just that I was breaking my promises again. Just likest time. All in an instant.
I looked up. Daniel, Edithe, Willy, and even Orgaf yelled as they ran for me. I reached out to them, opening my mouth
And the circle closed.
Everything went ck. The portal vanished as I was dragged out of the Mortal Realm.
Now leaving [Nexeus: Mortal Realm]!
I remembered this feeling like it was just yesterday. The odd sensation of crossing through the nes. From the outside, entering and exiting a portal seemed simple enough. It was as though I entered and exited one limb at a time. Nothingplex about that.
But when I entered the portal, I was engulfed in darkness. No it wasnt just shadows. It was nothing like Orgafs magic. It was different. A deep, looming emptiness consumed me. I couldnt even feel the [Hebomination] clinging onto my leg. In here, there was truly nothing.
The only thing I sensed were words in my head, somehow echoing in this bottomless pit.
It was odd. I had been here before, but I felt nothing like this thest time I crossed nes. It was, as I remembered, a moment of nothingness. Then suddenly I was in the Mortal Realm.
However, here? At this moment? A split second extended to an eternity. A ce where time itself didnt matter. It was like I was trapped in a [Warped Time] bubble, except far more potent. It was the home of the Devil: the ce where reality mattered not.
I could sense everything happening, unlike back then. But why? Why was I acutely aware of my surroundings? How did I know how quickly I was traversing through the thin fold between nes? No it wasnt a distance I was covering, per se, but it was the only thing that let me contextualize what I knew was happening.
It was like seeing something you couldnt quiteprehend. It reminded me of when I first saw the corruption or when I first took in the sight of a rock before proper examination. I knew what it was, yet I couldnt quite parse this. But the fact that I was even aware of something I hadnt known before was a testament to how far Id grown. To the strength of my ss. [nar Navigation] and my other ss Skills helped me make sense of my surroundings, and it let me act during this immortal moment.
I closed my eyes not that it made a difference and I concentrated. I was being pulled into the Netherworld. Not just by the wild Primeval Demon, but by something else. By the magic of the summoning ritual.
The fold between nes was nothing like how Id imagined there wereyers to it. I was tearing through theseyers, damaging reality itself. The holes closed behind me, reality reasserted itself, but weaker now. And I didnt have much of reality to pass through until I was fully out the other side.
I had to cut it off if I wanted to escape. To get back to the Mortal Realm. I began to focus on distorting reality around me: to create a field that snipped the threads of magic reeling me into the Netherworld.
Then I hesitated. Did I really want that? This was my goal all along, wasnt it?
I had wanted to return to the Netherworld since the very beginning. Since I arrived here to the Mortal Realm. Id be able to find Haec reunite with him! Id make sure he was safe; bring him back with me.
to the Mortal Realm. Where Humans would hunt him and kill him for who he was. For the sin of being born a Demon.
If he was discovered, I wouldnt be able to protect him. Not against Helena Warshade. Not against yton Skyshredder. Not against Humankind.
I was not strong enough to keep my promise to him. I didnt want to admit this my pride refused but I knew it was true. Id fail him, just as I did the first time around.
And more than that I still had promises to keep in the Mortal Realm. There were so many things I had to do. I couldn''t leave yet.
Words echo in my head. Belzus words.
You who have shed what you are in exchange for the security and protection of Humans.
It swayed me tried to convince me not to make my choice.
Are you actually ashamed to be a Demon?
But Id already made my decision. Long before this moment. I brought up an arm, even if I couldnt feel it. The only thing I sensed were the mana threads that tugged me through the fold between space, protecting me from its pressure.
Once I severed the thread, nothing would protect me from the all-consuming nothingness. Id have to fend for myself. Still, I grabbed the mana threads and ripped it all away
Then I was turning. I was tumbling. I was no longer headed for the Netherworld. I was spiraling out of control, yet I remained still. It was paradoxical. It didnt make sense. But a sense of dread crept in. And the encroaching death of my senses loomed over me.
I began to wrap myself in my own magic, like [Warped Time] did to my targets. A distortion in space, but in thispressed reality. I wove the threads, creating a cloth to wear. To protect me.
I couldnt build a house with what little magic I had to work with. I wasnt as strong as my Dad not yet, anyway. I only had what littleyer covering me. And it was eroding quickly. It would fall to this overwhelming pressure.
My sensations numbed even further. Even my magic felt like it was withering away. I opened my mouth to scream just to feel something. But nothing came out.
I couldnt lose myself. I had to make it back to the Mortal Realm. I couldnt die here, trapped between the nes. My Dad wasnt going to save me. No one was going to save me here. Except for
[Advancement Avable]
myself.
I still had a ss advancement. One that I had saved up for the future. I had options. Four of them, to be exact.
[Archmystic of the Nexeus] was the first of them. It offered me security kept what I had and built upon it. There was little risk to it, and while it could save me from being overwhelmed by the fold between nes, it also might not offer me a way out.
The next was [Draconic Apprentice]. It offered me power, pure and simple. It was a drastic shift away from the path I had undertaken, but it gave me strength above all else. Perhaps it might be enough for me to brute force my way out, or maybe not
Third came [Space Archmagus]. It was the clearest solution to this predicament of all: a of safety in this pit of nothing. The equivalent of a [Space Archmage], Id undoubtedly be able to find my way back to the Mortal Realm with it. And, eventually, Id be able to find my way to Haec with it. But would I be able to keep my promise then?
Lastly, there was [Younger Sentinel of Spacetime]. It promised to give me what I needed to protect those I cared about, and more. To save the world. Like a [Hero]. Unfortunately, I wasnt a [Hero]. That was Daniels job, not mine.
I looked through my options. All four of them, once again shed in my mind. [Archmystic of the Nexeus], [Draconic Apprentice], [Space Archmagus], and [Younger Sentinel of Spacetime]. It was a tough choice.
I felt the cloth of protection I wore beginning to peel away, the threads undoing themselves. A sense of fading urgency moved me to act, and I considered it all.
Belzus words. My failures. My regrets. My goals. My predicament. It all weighed on me.
All of it. For a moment, it felt like it was too much for me to handle. My pride felt like it would shatter. But my eyes shed. In the nothingness, there was something. I was there. And I made my choice.
Advancement Complete
Chapter 370: Intuition
Chapter 370: Intuition
370. Intuition
Salvos!
Edithe reached for the portal and it vanished. It all happened so quickly, the redhead couldntprehend it. She stood on barren ground, surrounded by destruction.
No
Her voice trailed off. She dropped to her knees, and Daniel stared at where the portal had been with wide eyes.
Is she going to be ok?
He asked, looking around in a daze. Edithe didnt know the answer to that. She didnt even know how to begin answering the question. Even Willy was at a loss for words. The [Will O Wisp] didnt have any quip or remark to make. He floated there, waiting.
Edithe waited too. She was hoping for something to answer Daniel. For Salvos to pop out of the ground and tell them she was fine to escape the w that dragged her to the Netherworld. But Salvos didnt appear. The silver-haired girl was gone, and no one was going to answer Daniels question. Except someone did.
Shes a Demon shes from the Netherworld. Of course shell be fine.
Orgaf scoffed, sheathing his de. Edithe turned to him, blinking. He looked so nonchnt. He dabbed a cloth drenched in healing potion on his arm, flinching as his wounds closed up.
I dont see why youre all up in arms over it.
The redhead looked at Orgaf. He waited for her to say something, but she continued to peer at him until he shifted back ufortably.
W-what?
Arent you worried at all?
Edithe finally asked. Orgaf blinked.
I
And he bit his lower lip. He shook his head, snorting.
As far as Im concerned, theres no need to worry about a Demon returning to the Netherworld where she belongs. Its not like she shouldve even been in the Mortal Realm in the first ce. Thats exactly the problem weve been dealing with for the past two years all these damn Demons just keep showing up.
Orgaf crossed his arms as he finished. Edithe tilted her head slightly.
But didnt you say you admired her?
That
Her gaze bore into him, and he finally turned away. He shuffled his feet.
That was before I found out about the truth. I ignored it at that moment because we had the same goals, but I have no reason to admire a Demon.
Edithe could tell he didnt have much conviction in his voice. However, she didnt bother to argue. She just nodded simply.
I see.
Orgaf blinked as the red-haired woman turned around and took a seat on a nearby rock. He tried to work his jaw, but she was no longer paying him any mind. Finally, he sputtered.
What? Are you actually really that upset that I dont care about a Demon?
Edithe raised her head fractionally.
No.
She replied in a cool voice.
I just think that if you admire someone, you should admire them for who they are, not what they are. What you felt towards her it was never admiration in the first ce if it changed from finding out that Salvos is a Demon.
Orgaf stared at her. He tried to work his jaw as Daniel and Willy watched from the side, not wanting to join this conversation. The Elite opened his mouth.
You
And he paused. He cursed and turned around.
Whatever.
He left her alone as she looked over her notifications from the battle.
You have defeated a [Savage
Experience is awarded
ss [Sentinel of the Elements] has leveled
ss [Sentinel of the Elements] has leveled up!
[Sentinel of the Elements - Lvl 111] -> [Sentinel of the Elements - Lvl 112]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
--
So, what are we doing now?
Daniel asked Edithe after Orgaf wandered off. They all still waited around where the Brilsum Ruins had been. None of them left, mostly because they were still recuperating from the fight. But Edithe she sat with purpose.
as odd as that sounded.
She looked over at Daniel and shrugged.
Im waiting.
Waiting?
For Salvos to return.
He raised a brow.
You really think shell be able to make it back?
If not, then Ill find a way to summon her back to the Mortal Realm. I used to be a [Summoner], after all.
Edithe answered simply. Daniel shifted slightly as he sat next to her.
I dont know if we should do that, Edithe. Spirit summoning is vastly different from Demonc summoning. And
He trailed off. He looked towards where the portal had been then back to her.
Hasnt it been her goal ever since we met her to return to the Netherworld?
His question made Edithes eyes narrow. The red-haired woman sat there, staring into nothing. She closed her eyes and shook her head.
Not like this. Salvos wouldnt want it to go down like this.
Daniel didnt reply. He sat with her possibly waiting with her. Or maybe not. They said nothing, hoping together that Salvos would suddenly appear from the earth. But all they got was a [Will O Wisp] flying up to them.
Look.
Willys voice came out like a whisper. He flitted up, and their gaze trailed after him. Lightning crackled in the distance. A stormcloud gathered overhead as a pure white nimbus flew over the Brilsum Ruins.
Orgaf raised his head.
Shes here. A bit toote.
Edithe and Daniel got to their feet. The redheads eyes were wide.
Thats
Helena Warshade. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy arrived, riding on her cloud. Amanda stood behind her. They descended together,nding right before the gathered group.
Amanda looked over at Daniel as she hopped off.
You guys got beat up, huh?
We did.
He didnt say much else to her. She nced around at Edithe then Willy, while Helena disembarked and addressed Orgaf.
What happened here?
Well, if you must know, we found the Primeval Demon here, and it was summoning an even stronger Primeval Demon into the Mortal Realm. But we took care of it.
Orgaf waved a hand dismissively, and Helena frowned.
Another Primeval Demon?
Yes. And this one was Level 180. Nearly as high-leveled as the Watcher.
He held her gaze. The Archmage didnt show much visible emotion often, but she was clearly distressed by that.
That is concerning.
You can fucking say that again. We only won because we drove it back to the Netherworld. Otherwise, youd be arriving here to a field full of corpses and a cmity-level threat running amok on its own.
How many Elites wouldve had to be sacrificed to stop that [Hebomination]? Edithe shuddered to even guess. The fact was it had tanked multiple Grand Skills and [Hero] Skills without looking like it wouldve gone down anytime soon. It was truly a terrible monster.
It was a miracle they all survived.
Helena Warshade considered this. She ced a hand on her chin, in thought. Then she shook her head.
Ill need to know more details. Give me a full briefing of what happened as we fly back to Alyras.
She returned to her floating cloud, waiting expectantly for everyone else to follow. Orgaf rolled his eyes and joined her, but Amanda paused before hopping back on.
Wait, wheres that annoying girl?
Amanda looked around, confused. Daniel furrowed his brows.
I thought she was running around or something, but none of you have even mentioned her. Did she die?
The former assassin raised a brow. Edithe pursed her lips, not sure of how to respond to that. Daniel opened his mouth, about to reply, but someone spoke over him.
You mean Salvos?
Orgaf frowned at Amanda. Edithes eyes widened as Amanda nodded.
Yeah, her.
And a sense of fear and dread crept up on the redhead. She realized that since Orgaf now knew about Salvos secret, he could tell well, everyone about it. That would be disastrous, especially when Salvos returned to the Mortal Realm.
Edithe looked at Orgaf. She met his gaze, and she knew he was thinking the exact same thing. But Orgaf just shrugged.
Salvos sacrificed herself to stop that Primeval Demon from wing its way back through the portal. She did what any good adventurer would do.
Helena Warshade cocked her head slightly.
Is she alive?
We dont know.
I see.
The Archmage shook her head.
Thats an unfortunate loss. She was a brave adventurer.
Edithe watched as Helena turned away. The Archmage waited, and Amanda and the others got on. Even Daniel. He got on and looked at Edithe.
Are youing?
The red-haired stood there, hands clenched. She stared past Daniel, eyeing Helena Warshade. Edithe spoke softly.
Shell be back.
Helena didnt have any visible reaction, but she did meet Edithes gaze.
Ill wait for her. Because shell be back. I know she will. She made a promise.
Edithe
Daniel started. Then he saw the resolve on her face. And he nodded.
Just take care of yourself.
I will.
Edithe reassured him. Amanda nced between them, confused.
So are we just leaving without her?
Helena nodded simply.
If that is what she wishes, we shall be returning to Alyras now.
Alright then?
Amanda looked confused, but Willy, Orgaf, and Daniel didnt press Edithe further. The cloud flew up, leaving Edithe alone at the Brilsum Ruins. Over the horizon, the sun began to rise. Morning came, and the red-haired waited. Even as the sun slowly crawled its way through the sky, she didnt leave.
It was an odd thing. But Edithe waspelled to stay. Something told her that Salvos would return, and return soon. It wasnt just her faith in her friend to keep her promise there was more to it.
Call it intuition. Maybe even instinct. Or it was something else. It mightve been thanks to [Patron of the Skills]. There was a magical connection between Edithe and Salvos. A link that wouldst for a day. And it told Edithe that Salvos wasnt fully gone.
Or maybe Edithe was just being hopeful. Still, she stayed. A few [Vurats] flew over the Brilsum Ruins, feasting on the corpses of the monsters and Demons, and she scared them off. The sun began to set as nothing happened.
The redhead heard a storm approaching. This time, it wasnt a magical one created by Helena Warshade. It was a regr storm, converging over the Brilsum Ruins. The sun slowly disappeared over the horizon, and Edithe closed her eyes.
Maybe shed been wrong. It was possible entirely possible that she imagined that feeling. That Salvos really was trapped back in the Netherworld. That she was never going to return to the Mortal Realm. After all, it was as Daniel said: her goal was always to leave this ce.
Edithe sighed, getting to her feet.
What am I doing?
She shook her head
And there was a crack.
A bright light shed above Edithe. Like lightning. But different. It didnt vanish the moment it appeared. In fact, it shone even brighter as the redhead looked up.
She saw a fissure in space reality itself warping around this tear in the sky. Her mouth fell agape as she sensed the magic. The power that was exuded.
It wasnt like a summoning ritual, nor was it like teleportation. It felt like it was pure, brute force. Unrefined. Not a proper portal by any means. It was done so out of desperation, if anything, and would be difficult to replicate. The hole in space grew wider as a figure emerged from it.
Edithes eyes went round as she saw the flicker of rainbow-colored mes. Silver hair. A girl. A Demon with two pairs of wings. The first pair was magical, made out of bone. The second pair looked like that of a giant bat. She had pale skin, matching the color of her hair.
Salvos?
The redhead gasped. The girl looked like Salvos, but Edithe wasnt entirely certain. Not only was her eyes different more narrow, and in the shape of a ming spark but her hands were too. Her forearms, which looked charred, now had an odd texture to them. They looked more solid. Like armor. Like scales?
And Salvos raised a wed hand, tearing through the fissure with all her might. The ws were sharper too, and it was enough to break through reality. Salvos fell, crashing right before Edithe as the hole closed and the world returned to normal once again.
Salvos
Edithe ran up to the silver-haired girl. Salvosy at the center of a small crater, groaning.
Ugh hey, Edithe. Im back.
The redhead smiled. She stared down at Salvos, feeling a sense of relief. She even used [Identification] just to make sure that she wasnt hallucinating. But what she saw made her freeze.
Your ss why is it? Why can I?
Edithe struggled to find the right words to say. Salvos sat back up,ughing as she scratched the back of her head.
Oh, yep. Thats going to be a thing now, huh?
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl 102]
Chapter 371: Hunch
Chapter 371: Hunch
371. Hunch
Advancement Complete!
[Grand Mystic of the Nexeus] -> [Draconic Apprentice]
Gained 30 Stat Points!
[Vitality] +20
[Strength] +20
[Endurance] +20
[Wisdom] +20
[Agility] +20
Gained 3 Secondary Skill Slots!
Gained 9 Secondary Skill Points!
General Skill [Lesser Enhanced Wisdom] bes [Wisdom of the Old Gods]!
General Skill [Corruption Resistance] gained!
Avable Secondary Skill [Partial Phasing] bes [Full Phase]!
Secondary Skill [Dimensional Pocket] and Avable Secondary Skill [Cube of Istion] consolidates and bes [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]!
Secondary Skills [Mass Particte Modification], [Mystical Projection], [nar Navigation], and [Scattering Discement] consolidates and bes [Passive - Master of Material Maniption]!
Secondary Skill [Long Range Teleportation] bes [Greater Teleportation]!
Secondary Skill [Draconic Fury] is now avable!
Secondary Skill [Manifestation of the Old Gods] is now avable!
Secondary Skill [Truth Divination] is now avable!
Secondary Skill [Passive - Dragon Scales] is now avable!
Secondary Skill [Passive - Weaker Regeneration] is now avable!
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 137
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 102
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 175 (+100) (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 175 (+100) (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 175 (+100) (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 290 (+100) (+30) (+10) (+20)
[Agility]: 350 (+100)(+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 18]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 10
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 10
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 30]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 1
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 1
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 1
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 1
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 1
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.1
Huh. Are you saying you can see my full ss?
I cocked my head, and Edithe nodded. The red-haired woman stood before me as I slowly picked myself up. She gave me a hand, still blinking in confusion.
Howd you get out of there, anyway? What happened while you were gone?
Her eyes drifted towards the pattern that ran down my forearms. Where my hand was ck charred-like.
Oh, this? Its just my new Skill. [Passive - Dragon Scales]. I got it from my ss advancement.
ss advancement? Are you saying you killed the [Hebomination]?!
Edithe gaped. I shook my head.
Nope. I managed to escape the [Hebomination] while falling through the portal, but I ended up trapped in the fold between nes. Luckily, I had a few ss advancement options avable. I chose this one [Draconic Apprentice] and got a bunch of new Skills!
I managed to prevent myself from being ripped apart with [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. It created space around me where there was none. A far inferior version of the pocket dimension my dad had shown me as his home. Then with [Full Phase], [Greater Teleportation], and [Master of Material Maniption], I brute forced my way back to the Mortal Realm.
They helped me get back to you! Im not going to lie, I think theyre very good!
I flexed an arm. My body had been cut and torn from forcing my way through the fabric of reality. Shards of broken space had sliced through all my protection, and blood leaked from the wounds on my skin when I first got out. But as Edithe got a closer look, I showed her that most of the blood had dried up and the cuts were gone.
See? I can even naturally heal faster now thanks to [Passive - Weaker Regeneration]!
Thats amazing.
She stared as I finished recovering, before [Rest] even took effect. But these were superficial wounds. I highly doubted that my Skill would regrow a lost limb or a more grievous injury. Regardless, it would really help me in battle. I no longer had to quickly down a healing potion if I was hurt.
I beamed, happy to see Edithe praising me. I puffed my chest up and looked around the destendscape. My brows furrowed, and I turned back to the Human woman.
Anyway, wheres everyone else? Did something happen while I was gone?
Its been over twelve hours since you disappeared, Salvos. They all left a while ago. They thought you were
Edithe pursed her lips. She nced between me and where the portal had been. Shrugging helplessly, she sighed.
They thought you were gone.
Oh.
Well, that made sense. I didnt have any means of traveling between the nes, so the only conclusion they could draw was that I was trapped in the Netherworld or even worse, dead by the [Hebomination]. And it had been twelve hours, huh? It didnt feel like that much time had passed since I was dragged through the portal. However, I experienced no sense of time while there. A hundred years couldve passed while I was gone, or a single instant, but I wouldnt know any better.
Edithe shook her head.
Dont me them for leaving. I knew you wereing back. I think [Patron of the Skills] was what clued me in that you were still trying to make it here. And Daniel thought you wouldnt even try to return since thats your goal
She started, but paused. I hugged her and smiled.
Thanks. For waiting for me.
Edithe slowly hugged me back. Once we were finished hugging, I drew back and gave her a reassuring look.
Well, I always keep my promises. And I told you guys, didnt I? Id help you get super strong before the end of the month!
She smiled back at me.
I guess my faith in you wasnt misced.
I took her by the hand as a mischievous grin crossed through my face.
That Daniel, though I bet he still thinks Im in the Netherworld. Lets surprise him, shall we?
Uh, what?
My body shifted as I took back on my Human form. I could hide my scales with my shapeshifting abilities, so having that wasnt really a problem unless I was in mypletely natural form. Even then, it was mostly subtle. It was only really visible on my forearms to my ws where my skin was charred-like.
I took a hold of Edithe, andughed.
Hold on tight [Greater Teleportation]!
And with a pop, we vanished.
Daniel Song felt bad. He left Edithe all on her own to wait for Salvos. He had wanted to stay with her wait with her but he didnt think Salvos was going to return. It had been the Demon girls dream to get to the Netherworld since he met her.
He remembered so vividly, the first time he met her. It was a chance encounter. A [Hero] meeting a Demon in a cave. She asked him for his help told him she was searching for a way back to her home. But just because she was a Demon, he didnt believe her. They fought, and of course, he lost.
That was just how Salvos was. She was and he knew this would stroke her ego quite special. He was a [Hero], they were the same level, yet she beat him. Sure, he had basically no experience in fighting. But the fact was [Heroes] were amazing.
Even the way Helena Warshade reacted to finding out Daniel was a [Hero] proved this. The Archmage was in utter disbelief. Shed interrogated him for an hour before letting him go. Whether or not she revealed the fact that he was a [Hero] to others was entirely her discretion, but Daniel no longer cared about keeping it a secret.
Anyway, if Salvos had been dragged to the Spirit Realm, Daniel was sure she would find a way back to the Mortal Realm. But it was the Netherworld, and he knew that was her goal. She had no reason to return after. She just had to escape the [Hebomination], which he was sure she could, and shed find her otherpanion she always talked about. Haec.
Daniel turned in his bed, ufortable at the thought. It wasnt that he was jealous of this Haec. It only made sense. They were both Demons. And Daniel was a Human. But still, the feelings he knew he felt was
He closed his eyes. Whatever it was, he just hoped Salvos was happy
Hey Daniel, did you miss me?
Salvos appeared before him, holding onto Edithe.
Holy fuck
He swore in English, falling out of his bed.
Is that a yes?
I exined what happened to Daniel once he got back up and recovered himself. He was in disbelief for a moment, then relieved to hear that Ide back for him and Edithe.
Thank you, Salvos. I shouldnt have doubted you.
He apologized even though I didnt think he needed to. He brought me to Helena Warshade, and we exined what happened minus all the parts rted to what my second ss actually was and the fact that I was a Demon.
Fortunately, Orgaf remained silent about that fact, although when I saw him again, he did look a little bit ufortable. I felt annoyed by that change of attitude of his, but it was at least good that he didnt seem to scorn me over it. Maybe we could talk it out as unnecessary as I thought it was.
Its good to hear that you survived. Well need your help in defeating the second Primeval Demon in Inoria. Just because the first is dead, doesnt mean the threat is eliminated.
Helena Warshade spoke bluntly as I stood in her office. I raised a brow.
Wait, is Belzu really dead?
Indeed. Orgaf confirmed it with a kill notification. You did get one, right?
The leader of the Rising Veterans Company peered curiously into me. I frowned, cing a hand on my chin. I didnt really pay attention in the midst of battle, but now that I thought about it, i did get one.
Defeated [Hellprince of the Destion - Lvl 165]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 30 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Huh. He really is dead.
It was why I had leveled up so much. In addition to taking on all those Demons, I had been partly responsible for killing Belzu. I just stared nkly at Helena Warshade. She gave the smallest hint of a smile as she looked approvingly my way.
It is good that we have at least taken care of that threat, but
Her words faded into the background as I just stood there. It didnt feel right to me. Belzu was dead? Just like that? Wasnt he the Lord of Lies? A [Hellprince] of illusions? My dad had spoken of Belzu.
It wasnt high praise, but Sal didnt praise anyone. The fact that he even talked about Belzu spoke enough. For a simple [Hebomination] to be how he met his end it didnt feel right to me.
But how else would the notification be exined?
To think Id have to use my other Grand Skill to escape
Belzus single wing buzzed as hey against a cold stone wall. [To Fool Reality With My Lies]. It was his second Grand Skill. One that temporarily distorted reality. He had died to a certain extent, that was true.
Reality believed it was a fact. It even awarded experience to those whod so-called killed him. But he survived. It was an illusion so powerful that it was true. Just like his first Grand Skill, except on a scale that distorted this world, not his own.
What died up there couldve been considered a clone. But it had been him until the veryst moment. Until the [Hebomination] lowered its ws on him. He reacted just in time, activating his Grand Skill, creating a doppelganger that perished.
He didnt like it the fact that he got a version of himself killed. But it was necessary.
Now I shall simply have to bide my time again.
His voice echoed in the tunnel as his mandibles clicked together. Failing here was but a learning experience. He had formed an army once before, he would do it again, but this time, he would be even stronger. Not even Levithus or the greatest [Hellprince] in Regnorexs army would be able to best him.
Going for the Treasures of Alexander had been a foolish n. All Belzu had to do was to wait. Wait for the ritual to beplete. Wait for Regnorexs kingdom toe.
Then I will kill Regnorex himself with my own two hands.
The Primeval Demon got up, feeling his lips curl up in a smile.
Huh. Thats not really a n, you know?
He spun around, rmed at the sudden voice. A figure emerged from the darkness. A Demon with silver hair. Scale-like skin on her forearms. A burning eye. Two pairs of wings. Salvos. She smirked as Belzu drew back.
What are you doing here? How did you know where I would hide?
He winced as he backed up against the wall. He was still injured. [Rest] could only heal so much, and the missing limbs and damaged wings was not something that would even heal with that General Skill.
I thought youd be here. Well, I had a hunch youd survive. And theres nowhere else to hide around the Brilsum Ruins. But to think youd really hide at the ce where youd killed Lilys friends
Salvos nced dismissively towards a mound in the center of the cave chamber. A former Fairy Mound. She shook her head and approached him. With each step she took, there was a sh of a different colored me. Her Grand Skill was still active. And Belzu could barely fight in his state.
He would die.
Dont worry, I know what youre thinking, and Im not going to kill you. Not yet, at least.
Belzu blinked. He stared at Salvos as she came to a stop before him, narrowing his bulbous eyes.
What are you talking about?
Its nothing. I just remembered a question you asked me. Whether Im ashamed to be a Demon. Well, I wanted to give you a proper answer. I wanted toe here and tell you that Im not ashamed to be a Demon. In fact, I am proud of it. Of who and what I am.
She gestured at herself, and Belzu tried to edge around her. But she didnt let him. She brought a w up to stop him, leaning against the wall at his back. He shrank back, asking in a quivering voice.
What do you want from me?
Me? Well, as a Demon, I want to make a deal with you, Belzu.
Salvos bared her teeth at him. And he listened.
Chapter 372: The Search
Chapter 372: The Search
372. The Search
And, so, the news spread through Alyras like wildfire.
Did you hear?
What happened?
The Primeval Demon has been killed.
Seriously?
No way!
Its true! The Archmage Helena Warshade herself made the announcement with king Artik. It was a joint statement made to the whole Humannds.
Who did it? How could they possibly have seeded where Mori dius failed?
I heard it wasnt just one person. It was a group of adventurers. And they caught the Primeval Demon off guard.
Elites?
Only one.
Who?
Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales.
That bastard? Seriously? Thats bullshit.
Its true. It happened in the Motharis Mountain Range. They even had a body.
Who else was there?
Im not sure about the others, but someone called Salvos was there too.
Salvos? Whos that?
Ive never heard of him.
Actually, shes a girl. Quite young at that.
Wait, isnt he the one who killed the Lich?
Thats right! Shes the Liberator of the gunds, isnt she?
Oh, I have heard of her. But I thought she was a student of Mavos Academy
There were rumors going around. Lots of rumors. Mostly about Salvos. Her name was starting to be established in the public mind. Mostymen wouldve heard of her in passing, but they werent too well-acquainted with who she was. However, there were some circles where her reputation had already been cemented.
Amongst adventurers, for example. Or, well, any good adventurer who kept up to date with what was happening in their line of work. They were quite understandably intrigued by this Salvos. She inspired many of them to work harder and strive to be the very best they could be simply because they admired what she was doing. But it wasnt all good impressions.
Some veterans would be quick to dismiss her. Theyd heard of these rising stars before. Those quickly came and went. There was no reason for them to believe this Salvos would be any different from, say, Cyrill of the Hundred des or Fara the Wizened. Theyd both reached Level 100 in the span of under a decade, and now they were gone. Just fads of the past. Nothing special. Certainly not on the same level as the Watcher.
However, more astute observers would liken Salvos growth to the Watcher. A once-in-a-lifetime legend. Someone who might only show up every few hundred years. Her potential was there, and it seemed like she was going to live up to it.
But Orgaf would disagree with all those previous takes. He was an Elite. He had seen plenty more than even the most astute of observers. After all, he was there he was the one experiencing it himself. yton Skyshredder and Helena Warshade would never see it. [Mages] never did. Orgaf knew that Salvos would be akin to the Immortal King Alexander. Cut from the same cloth as Melissa the Oracle of Light.
Orgaf had spected on Salvos history. For someone to havee out of nowhere and rise as quickly as she did, he almost bought into some of the rumors that had apparently been gaining traction in Mavos Academy: that she was a [Hero].
However, he had his doubts. And as it turned out, his doubts were right.
Salvos wasnt a [Hero]. She wasnt even a Human. It was a shocking revtion, but she was a Demon.
Orgaf didnt believe his eyes. He was bbergasted confused. He thought it had been an illusion, and even now, a dayter, he still thought he was trapped in one. But it was real. Everything he experienced at the Brilsum Ruins was reality.
Salvos was a Demon.
It took time to settle in. He didnt know how to feel about that. He didnt want it to be true. He had considered telling Helena Warshade about it, but decided against it because that annoying Diamond Ranked girl kept pestering him.
Still, Orgaf didnt like it knowing that someone he admired hadnt been who he thought she was. Whatever Edithe said it was wrong. It wasnt that he never admired Salvos in the first ce; he admired her, but a false, idealized version of her. Now he knew more. And, well, it was time for him to figure out who Salvos truly was.
So as the Elite Ranked adventurer strode through the pce of Alyras, he had a goal. He listened to the chattering of the maids and the manservants, but he didnt care for it.
The meeting is still in a few days. I hear that therell even be delegations from the Eastern Kingdoms!
What about the Vaun Qieur Empire?
Im not sure. But I hear that the Remembered Order Companys coalition army is arriving ahead of time. And a delegation from Dolonia.
Dolonia? Do you think the princess will be fine
Orgaf came to a halt. He stood outside a room. A guest room, specifically prepared for one of the friends of princess Rana Alyras. Salvos room. He took in a deep breath and pushed the door open
And paused.
Wait, wheres Salvos?
She wasnt there. Of course she wasnt there. Orgaf sighed.
You still havent told us where were going, Salvos.
Daniel looked up at me. I flew over the clouds, carrying both him and Edithe in my arms. I tilted my head, looking down at him.
I told you guys, didn''t I? Id get you both to Level 120. Youre still Level 117, Daniel. And Edithe is only Level 112. Were just picking up where we left off.
He sighed.
I get that much. But you should at least tell us where were going so were not charging into battle blindly.
I rolled my eyes as we continued onward, flying full speed ahead.
Some wild Demons escaped through the portal and ran out of the Brilsum Ruins. We couldnt get them all, of course. Its our job or whatever to find them and track them down. Plus, I want to test out my new Skills, you know?
Salvos youre still not answering the question.
Edithe spoke, massaging her temples. We descended as I scoffed.
This is the ce.
There was a city down below. Not arge city by any means. It was rtively small, even for cities here in the Helbir ins. It was called Iliana. We descended, and I exined.
There were reports of a flying crocodile monster here. And that sounds almost like well, a [Savage Agarat] which just so happens to be around your levels.
I grinned at them. They exchanged a nce. Edithe pursed her lips.
Im pretty sure theyre above our level, Salvos. And theyre Demons.
Same thing.
I waved a hand off dismissively. Wended a bit aways from the city, and entered through the north gate, passing by [Farmers] entering and leaving the city with their wagons full of crops. There was no entrance fee here. We walked in without an issue, and found the head of the town militia.
Oh, are you adventurers here to answer our request? That was quick. We only put it upst night.
Yep! Were here to help and stuff!
I showed him my badge, and the guard captains eyes went round. He sputtered.
Diamond Ranked adventurers? Im sorry, I dont know if we can afford you
Its fine! Dont worry about the money! Well do it for free, even. Just tell us where these monsters are.
I gave him a reassuring look. The guard captain paused. He cleared his throat and spoke gratefully.
Thank you. Thank you so much
He exined the situation to Edithe, Daniel, and I. Apparently, there were some farnds to the south closer to the Motharis Mountain Range that were ravaged overnight. They thought it was a monster because it had indiscriminately killed the farm animals and destroyed the produce.
It was seen flying here after it was done.
The guard captain pointed out an area in the map. It was right at the edge of the Motharis Mountain Range. And a very vague direction.
Sorry, there isnt much else to go off of. If I knew where its Lair was, I would direct you to it. But there is supposedly a Gold Ranked Dungeon around the area. Perhaps it could be rted?
Thats fine. Thank you.
I nodded at the man and turned to mypanions.
Alright, lets get going!
I ushered them out of the city. They looked at me quizzically.
Are you sure thats all we need? Shouldnt we investigate more, Salvos? We barely even know where the [Savage Agarat] went.
Edithe asked, and I waved a hand off dismissively.
Its fine. My spatial magic lets me sense everything in a pretty wide radius. If we get there, Ill just use both my space magic and my [A Hunters Sense] to track it down!
She exchanged a nce with Daniel. They shrugged.
Alright.
And we were off again. The sun began to set as we reached our destination. There were still vast swathes ofnd to cover, but I looked around and saw only the space which things upied. I didnt sense much disturbance here no mindless destruction Id expect from a wild Demon.
Maybe we should investigate the Dungeon first.
Daniel suggested. I nodded.
Alright.
We followed the map to the supposed Gold Ranked Dungeon. It was a cavern by the side of a mountain. Again, I didnt think the [Savage Agarat] wouldve gone here. Wild Demons were too destructive to not leave a trail of dead animals and monsters behind it. But
The Dungeons empty. All the monsters inside are dead.
I narrowed my eyes.
All except for one.
Edithe and Daniel stared tremulously into the cavern. The redhead nodded.
Then I guess this is it.
We started inside, heading into the Dungeon. I heard the echo of water dripping from the stctites hanging above. My gaze swiveled to the side as I saw bloodstains on the cave walls. Edithe and Daniel grew wary, raising their weapons as I stepped over a dead [Cave Yeti] and ushered them further in.
Come on. Its still deeper inside.
We continued on, walking past the skeletal remains of monsters making a path to the very end of the Dungeon. A Lair used to be here. But all I saw were bones and corpses. Therge figure that had been here vanished from my spatial sense, and all I saw were little gray things lying in the middle of the former Lair. I peered over, confused. Mypanions took a moment to register what it was.
Thats eggs?
Daniel blinked. Edithe stared at it. Her brows furrowed.
But I thought Demons didnty eggs
And my eyes flickered to the side. I moved.
Edithe!
I shouted and leapt in front of her. A w that fell for her head, but I blocked it with ease. A shrill shriek erupted as a pair of beating wings sent a gust of cold air, knocking mypanions down. Daniel looked up as he steadied himself, and Edithes eyes grew wide.
Thats not a Demon. Thats
A Wyvern.
I looked up at the giant winged creature, looming over me in therge cave chamber. It roared a challenge as I stood my ground. I mentally took in my new Skills, and I bared my teeth back at the [Lesser Wyvern].
Alright, this is actually perfect. Which one of my [Draconic Apprentice] Skills should I test out on you first?
Chapter 373: Empathy, Probably
Chapter 373: Empathy, Probably
373. Empathy Probably
The [Lesser Wyvern] loomed over me. It was massive, even in therge cave chamber. Butpared to the Mistress of Remnants or the Frost Lord, it was rtively small. Perhaps it was an adolescent or maybe that was simply because it was lower-leveled at Level 125. However, that didnt matter. Here, in this enclosed space, the Wyvern didnt have much space to fight.
I leapt forward, flipping over its swiping ws. Daniel moved in front of Edithe and blocked the attack with his Primordial Longsword. He continued parrying its attacks as the redhead sted the Wyvern with fire and ice. I stood on the ceiling, looking down at the battle while I considered my Skills.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 30]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 1
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 1
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 1
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 1
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 1
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.1
I had Skills. Plenty of new Skills to try out. I hadnt distributed most of my secondary Skill Points yet because I hadnt used most of them just yet. But there were few that piqued my curiosity. One in particr that I wanted to try.
I raised a hand and pointed at the Wyvern.
Take this [Truth Divination]!
There was a sh. A bright light filled the dark cavern. It caused Edithe and Daniel to recoil. Even the Wyvern shielded its eyes with its wings. I waited for something to happen. For the Wyvern tobust or maybe to disintegrate.
But it just stared up at me, confused.
Huh.
I looked down at my finger. Daniel called up to me.
What was that?
I dont know
And the Wyvern roared. It unleashed a st of cold air my way, knocking me off my feet. It didnt hurt as much as I expected it to, even without a ming armor. My [Passive - Dragon Scales] really did its job well. The frostyered over my arms cracked off as I pounced forward.
I raised a fist, grinning.
What about this? [Draconic Fury]!
A red aura overcame me. Like kes of ember or trails of vapor. I swung down as the image of a fierce w oveid with my hands. It was like a Kobolds w, exceptrger. If I had to guess, this was what a Dragons w looked like or at least an imitation of it. I struck down, tearing through the Wyverns hide with ease. It reeled back, stumbling into the rock wall.
Interesting. This could work well together with [Barrage of Cinders].
I stared down at these ethereal ws covering my hands. They were a simple buff to my attack it could be quite useful in helping me whittle down a strong enemy. However, I was hoping itd have been a single powerful attack like [Demons Mark] and the like.
Whoops.
I ducked under the chomping bite of the Wyvern, then easily danced around a series of follow-up strikes. I shouted at Edithe and Daniel.
Hey, its your guys turn!
I wanted them to get some experience from this, after all. They both moved forward as I leapt back,nding right next to a cold hard object. I nced down at the odd sensation and blinked at what I saw. It was the Wyverns egg. But it was only the upper half. It was broken. I stared at it as mypanions assailed the Wyvern for a moment.
The Wyvern suddenly screeched. It knocked aside both Daniel and Edithe, barreling straight for me. I braced myself, readying the next Skill I wanted to try out.
[Manifestation of the Old
And I paused. Something rolled back against my leg. An unbroken egg came to a halt at my feet. I stared down at it, then I looked up at the angry Wyvern. I narrowed my eyes. Even without words, somehow, I could sense the Wyverns feelings and thoughts.
Wait.
My voice echoed in the cave chamber. The Wyvern swung down for me with its ws, but I raised a hand. There was a flicker in space. A crack in reality. The air around the Wyvern cracked as it was encased in a fractal dome. The Wyvern struck against the ss-like wall, only for its ws to go sliding off. It backed up, only to find the same translucent dome at its back.
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. I told you to wait.
I straightened, rolling my eyes. The Wyvern let out a soft growl, and I strode forward.
Are you going to speak?
Edithe and Daniel stared at me, puzzled. They exchanged a nce, and the redhead spoke out.
Salvos, are you saying something?
Im talking to the Wyvern. I think shes just protecting her nest because we intruded.
I turned again to the Wyvern, raising a brow.
Is that right?
She whimpered, lowering her wings and staying close to the ground. The Wyvern unleashed a frost breath that only filled the room with snow, beforeshing out once again and fell back. There was nothing she could do to break through that. It was my own space, and it wouldnt be easy to prate.
I watched her fall down, lying with her belly exposed in the sleet. And I saw a cut across her stomach. A deep cut. And it wasnt one that was dealt by either myself or mypanions. I frowned and leaned forward.
Are you injured?
The Wyverns eyes darted over to me. She wheezed out tiny snowkes and sighed.
So what if I am, monster?
Monster? I am not a monster. I am Salvos.
I harrumphed, crossing my arms.
You are the one who killed my leader. You who have doomed my people. You are a monster.
I was being called a monster by a monster! Seriously? I wanted to argue then I caught myself. The same feeling from before came to me like I could understand how she felt. From her perspective, it did kind of make sense that shed think I was a monster. I was the one responsible for defeating the Frost Lord, after all. Still, I shook my head.
Even if Im a monster, Im not the one who did that to you. What happened?
I had an inkling of a feeling. This Wyvern was over Level 120. Gold Ranked monsters wouldnt even be able to touch her. The fact that she was hurt in this cave meant that she had encountered something even higher-leveled than her. And the only possible option was
A Demon attacked me.
The Wyvern finally answered. She shook her head and nced towards the exit of the cave.
It came here and killed my children before they were even born. I only managed to save three of my children before I could chase it away.
Only three of them?
I looked back, and sure enough, there were only three Wyvern eggs that remained unshattered. The resty in pieces throughout the nest. I pursed my lips. This was one of thest few Wyverns of wherever they came from. Sharik, or whatever. They hadnt evene here until they were forced out of their homes. Against their own volition.
I remembered a plea. The Mistress of Remnants begged me to save thest of her people. I didnt like the Mistress of Remnants I tried not to think about what she asked of me. But this Wyvern here was innocent. She didn''t wildly attack us. All she was doing was protecting her children, like I protected mypanions.
But more than that, the same feeling that pushed me to stop made me reconsider. I stepped back and turned to Edithe and Daniel.
We shouldnt kill her.
Edithe blinked, and Daniel stared at me as he spoke.
Are you serious, Salvos? This is one of the Wyverns that attacked Catark
Actually, we killed all of those Wyverns. This is a different one. She was with the Frost Lord, but not the Mistress of Remnants. And all she wants to do is protect her children. Plus, she can help us. Im sure she knew where the [Savage Agarat] went, right?
I looked over at the Wyvern, repeating the question in her tongue. The Wyvern slowly nodded.
I can tell you where that Demon went.
See?
I grinned at Daniel, and he shifted back.
Still, this Wyvern was one of the ones who attacked our caravan.
And you attacked me when we first met, remember?
I waved a hand dismissively. I looked at the [Hero], and he hesitated. Edithe stepped forward, speaking up.
Maybe its because I wasnt there, but I think Salvos is right. We have no reason to kill this Wyvern if its not going to harm anyone.
Well, I wouldnt say that.
I shrugged. Wyverns had to eat, and that meant shed be hunting down monsters, animals, and maybe even Humans. Edithe shuffled her feet.
I think I may know a [Beast Master] who may be able to help with that. And hell probably be interested in learning more about Wyverns.
Huh. That''s good. So, what do you think, Daniel?
The [Hero] looked between Edithe and I. He raised his hands resignedly.
Youre both probably right. But if anything goes wrong, we me Salvos, alright?
Edithe nodded.
Deal.
Hey, wait what do you mean by that
I sputtered. Then theyughed. I protested, smiling as I went with the joke. Then I heard a thud. I nced back at the Wyvern as shey sprawled on the ground. Her chest rose withbored breath as her eyes barely hung open.
I ran over to her side, dismissing my little [Fragmented Pocket Dimension].
Whats wrong?
The Wyvern gasped and raised her head slightly.
I cant
And that was when I realized her injuries were even worse than I thought. I quickly produced a healing potion and poured it onto the wound. But the blood didnt stop pouring; the cut didnt heal. Daniel and Edithe rushed behind me as I spoke in a reassuring voice.
Youll be fine. Youll be
But the Wyvern raised a w. She pointed past me, towards the cave exit.
The Demon went east. Away from the mountains. Towards the edge of the ins.
What?
I stared at her. She met my gaze before looking towards her eggs. The Wyvern ced her w on my chest, and I knew her feelings were true.
Please, protect them. They are thest children of Sharik. I am sorry. If only that apparition hadnt showed up. If only
Her eyes rolled up. The connection I felt with her vanished. Shey there, dead, no longer breathing. I drew to my feet, looking down at my hand. A shimmer ran through it as the Skill finally ended. And I realized what had happened from the start.
[Truth Divination]. I could sense the truth in her words. More than that, I felt her feelings. Her dying breath I could understand the emotions whirling inside of her. She didnt want to leave her children with us, but she had no other choice.
It was like when I left Haec alone. I had to just trust hed be safe. Like the Wyvern believed that wed keep her children safe. I closed my eyes and nodded.
Dont worry. Well find that wild Demon and kill it. I promise.
I got back up and turned to mypanions. A notification resounded in my head one I didnt want and I looked back at Daniel and Edithe who were both a level stronger.
Come on.
I ushered them to follow. They exchanged a nce.
What about the eggs?
I snapped my fingers as a pair of clones appeared at my side.
Theyll be fine.
My clones scooped up the eggs, and I walked out of the former Dungeon. Mypanions followed as I spoke simply.
Now lets get going. We have a wild Demon to hunt down.
Chapter 374: Predator
Chapter 374: Predator
374. Predator
Youve been looking awfully antsy for the past few days, Zack.
Helens voice drew the young man out of his stupor. He fidgeted, ncing around the encampment onest time as it was dismantled before turning to his teammate.
Im fine. Just a bit on guard.
They were getting close to their destination. Two nights ago, the remnants of the Remembered Order Companys coalition arrived at the Helbir ins. After their defeat to the Primeval Demon or Primeval Demons at Westshield, theyd spent the next few days recuperating and gathering back together so that they were at least a sizable amount.
They had been at a loss as to what to do. Some wanted to return to the Remembered Order Company and raise another army albeit not asrge since Mori dius was dead. But others had insisted they pressed on to Alyras and meet up with Helena Warshade and her army there. So they split in two. The bulk of their force, including Zack and his team, continued into the Helbir ins while a select few dozen returned.
And that was when Zack sensed something odd. A feeling which struck his soul. Hed conferred with the other high-leveled [Mages] present, and a few of them agreed: theyd sensed the same thing.
Unfortunately, none of them could ascertain the nature as to what it was. They were all left perplexed; some tried to dismiss it, but others were wary. After all, it had to have been some strange and powerful magic if multiple [Mages] sensed it all at once.
But not everyone paid the [Mages] any mind. When Zack and the other [Mages] approached the temporary leader of this coalition, Marwin the Silver Swordsman, heughed off their concerns.
Im sure whatever it is, it will be fine. Our main objective is to get to Alyras as soon as possible.
Zack remembered the Level 141 [Warrior] speaking as he waved a hand dismissively. And when Zack protested that they should at least take some precautions, Marwin dug his heels in.
Both Scarlet and Tyrian left me in charge of this army, boy. And unless its another Primeval Demon, we have no reason to slow our advance to our destination. Thats enough of this conversation. I will not be lectured on what to do by a damn tinum Rank.
Dickhead, Zack thought at the moment. Of course Marwin wouldnt listen. He had a reputation for being an asshole. Zack wasnt even sure why he tried to bring it up in the first ce.
Back in the present, Zack just sighed as he turned to his team. Jaakko marched on with no worry in the world or maybe he was worried, but he was simply prepared to face any challenge or threat that came at them. Meanwhile, Helen was slightly concerned over Zacks warnings.
Do you think whatever it is is that bad?
She asked, shifting slightly. The small army of adventurers began to move, and Zack nced over towards the horizon. A shudder ran through his spine as though ants were creeping along his skin.
I dont know. Maybe Im just being paranoid, but I feel like we should be prepared for something. Anything. I know I sound a little crazy, and maybe I am if it was just me.
Zack clenched a fist as the midday sun reached its zenith. The small army of adventurers crested atop a hill, reaching the end of a crossroads that led to the town of Dimona.
Whatever it is, if multiple high-leveled [Mages] start sounding an rm, you should be worried.
And prepared we are.
Jaakko rumbled. He nted one of his four hands firmly on Zacks shoulder as his single eye focused only on what was ahead.
I understand your worries, Zack. However, there is not much we can do other than follow our orders and be ready for anything to happen.
Chains rattled as the Cyclops ced a hand on his kusarigama. Zack eyed it, then turned to the small town just up ahead.
Well, I hope Im just losing my mind.
The [Mage] sighed. Somehow, he felt like they were being followed.
The [Savage Agarat] saw the fleshy things moving in the distance. Miles and miles away. But the Archdemon stayed hidden beneath its wings. The magical feathers blended in with the brightly-colored foliage around it, and its red eyes dimmed.
It continued to stalk the fleshy things. There were so many of them, and it understood that it didnt stand a chance against all the fleshy things if it struck now. Not after its battle with the winged thing at the mountain.
The Archdemons eyes slowly fixed on a single target. A fleshy thing leading the other fleshy things. And the [Savage Agarat] lusted for the levels it could gain. It continued stalking them, waiting for its time to strike.
My clones have made it back to Alyras.
I reassured mypanions as we flew away from the Motharis Mountain Range.
Thats good. That means the Wyvern eggs will be able to hatch safely.
Edithe spoke as she smiled in relief. Daniel nodded.
But now we have to focus. Otherwise that [Savage Agarat] will cause more destruction as it runs amok.
Yep!
I agreed with him. I wasnt flying too quickly. I took my time as I surveyed thendscape, trying to see if there was any trail of destruction left behind by the [Savage Agarat].
This wild Demon somehow wasnt as wild as I thought it would be. I wouldve assumed it would destroy everything from the trees to literal rocks after injuring the Wyvern. But despite the fact that Id been flying for an hour, I saw nothing.
Are you guys sure Im going in the right direction?
I cocked my head after a few more minutes of flying.
East. The Wyvern told us that the [Savage Agarat] had gone east. But I was starting to doubt the Wyverns sense of direction. Daniel and Edithe both exchanged a nce. The Human man piped up.
I mean, we could be going the right way. The biggest problem is that its so vague that we could fly for hours and find nothing, you know?
Huh. I guess.
That was annoying. I was contemting summoning more clones to help expedite the process, but Edithe narrowed her eyes and pointed ahead.
Do you guys see that?
I blinked. I leaned forward as I flew on. Towards the horizon, I saw
Smoke?
Daniel whispered. I sped up as I agreed with his assessment.
Thats definitely smoke. Lets go!
--
We arrived at a destroyed town soon after. I was wary to approach it at first because I spotted a myriad of figures gathered around the ashened remains. I was expecting them to be brigands or undead or monsters, but it turned out it was an army of adventurers. I waved at an [Archer] who raised a bow in panic.
Hey! Dont shoot! Were adventurers too!
The [Archer] hesitated as Inded before him. He eyed me warily, bowstring still drawn and aimed for my head.
Identify yourselves.
I am Edithe Dawnrise.
Edithe was the first one to speak. She produced an adventurer badge and gestured at Daniel and I.
This is Salvos and Daniel. We are Diamond Ranked adventurers.
Salvos wait, youre the Liberators of the gunds!
The [Archer]s eyes widened. He quickly lowered his bow and apologized.
I apologize for that. Were just a bit on edge. Im Joseph. They call me the Ranger of Xyren.
He was Level 110. Rtively high-leveled, which exined why he had a Title. Daniel approached him, looking around the destroyed town. The [Hero] gritted his teeth..
What happened here?
We dont know.
Xyren shook his head.
We just arrived here and Dimona was already destroyed. Whatever it was killed all the citizens. It spared no one.
I narrowed my eyes as I scanned the remains of the dead Humans scattered about. They weren''t half-eaten or mauled. They were simply massacred, brutally and haphazardly.
Shrugging, Xyren gestured vaguely towards the Motharis Mountain Range.
Ive heard reports of stray migratory Wyverns destroying towns and cities over thest month. This could be a Wyvern attack.
Nope.
I answered quickly enough. Xyren raised a brow, and I faced mypanions.
It wasnt the Wyverns that did this. They were [Frost Wyverns], after all. And I dont see any frost, do you?
Right
Xyren rubbed a hand on his chin. He spun around and gestured for us to follow.
Well, you can tell that to our leader. Hes convinced its the Wyverns that did this, and Im not going to bother arguing with him.
Huh.
I exchanged nces with mypanions. They nodded, and we started to follow after Xyren, walking past various adventurers who turned to face us. A few of them whispered and pointed our way. I heard them saying my name. And to a lesser extent, Daniel and Edithes names.
Marwin!
Xyren called out. A burly man with a pair of silver des at his hips turned around from a discussion with a group of other Diamond Ranked adventurers. He furrowed his brows at the [Archer].
Whats going on, Xyren?
Weve got guests. These are the Liberators of the gunds, and theyre here to help.
Xyren stepped aside, gesturing at us as I looked around at the gathering of adventurers. Marwin blinked and grinned.
The Liberators of the gunds, huh? Quite an impressive group, you lot are. Ive heard about you. Of course, not as impressive as me. While you do have a remarkable feat, it is a single onepared to my dozens of achievements. Im sure youve heard of me, havent you?
He crossed his arms, still smirking as I turned to Edithe and Daniel. They both shook their heads, then I turned to the man with a puzzled look.
Nope. I dont know you.
You what?
The man stared at me as Xyren rolled his eyes in the background. I cocked my head.
Are you supposed to be famous or something?
Im Marwin! The Silver Swordsman! The Master Duelist! Im one of the top members of the Remembered Order Company!
I watched him sputter. Marwin harrumphed, his gaze turning to a re. I tapped a finger on my chin.
Who?
Marwins face turned red as a figure pushed through the crowd of gathered adventurers.
I am ranked as one of the top five next in line to be an Elite Ranked adventurer in all of the Humannds! How have you not heard of me?
He eximed, and my eyes went round. My jaw dropped as Marwin wore a self-satisfied look on his face. He leaned back, content.
Ah, it seems you do know me
Jaakko!
I eximed as I spotted the Cyclops through the crowd. Marwin paused, and I dashed past him. I made a break for it straight for a group of three adventurers. Zack, Helen, and Jaakko. I hugged them as they came to a halt. Mypanions massaged their temples, watching me make a scene.
Im so d you guys are safe! I wasnt sure if you had gotten out in time
Salvos? Is that really you this time?
Helen looked at me as I beamed up at her. Zack just pushed me away.
Get off youre suffocating me!
It seems fate has once again led us together, Death of the Destroyer.
Jaakko nodded his head simply. I drew back, still smiling at them.
Westshield was a mess, wasnt it? I wish I couldve been there myself, but it was too dangerous.
We only got out of there thanks to your clones. Even if you werent there in-person, you did what you could.
Helen reassured me. Before I could respond, a sharp voice drew my attention to my back. Marwin pointed at me, snapping.
I will not tolerate this disrespect. How dare you insult me. We dont need your aid, Liberator of the gunds if thats even your Title. Begone. We have Wyverns to y.
I frowned at him. His loud voice drew a lot of attention to him. Heads turned, and even the guards keeping a lookout for any nearby monsters ignored their post to face him.
Wait, youre wrong though. This wasnt done by Wyverns.
Wasnt done by? Do you think I care about what you have to say, girl?
Marwin waved a hand dismissively. I opened my mouth, raising a hand as something shifted in one of the nearby destroyed houses. But he spoke over me.
I told you, I am the Silver Swordsman. I am on the precipice of bing an Elite. I think Id trust my intuition and experience over yours. And I know a Wyvern attack when I see one
He started, and froze. A blurred figure shot out of the broken house. It moved even faster than I could react. It pped its wings, cutting through the air as it chomped into Marwins arm with a red aura.
I stared at the crocodile-like Demon as it ripped the Silver Swordsmans arm off in an instant.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl 146]
Marwin screamed as he fell back. His protections were shorn through in a moment. The adventurers erupted into action. They shouted and yelled, readying their weapons as the Demon took off into the sky. Daniel and Edithe readied their weapons as I looked at them. They called out my name.
Salvos! Go and stop it!
I looked between the Demon and the injured Human. Then I shrugged.
Huh. I mean, he was kind of annoying. He kind of deserved that.
Salvos!
They repeated, and I rolled my eyes.
Fine.
Chapter 375: Not So Wild
Chapter 375: Not So Wild
375. Not So Wild
The creature ripped off Marwins arm in an instant. Zack didnt even see it happen. It moved like a blur, flying to the sky as blood rained down from above. Marwin the Silver Swordsman copsed as he let out a blood-curdling scream.
And that was when Zack finallyid eyes on what it was. A creature that looked like a crocodile, except farrger. One with feathery wings and crimson eyes. The [Mage] didnt know how he hadnt noticed that goliath of a monster no, Demon hiding in the first ce, but now that he saw it he was stricken with fear.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl 146]
Its almost the level of a Primeval Demon
He worked his jaw. Zack gaped at the winged beast. It gobbled up Marwins detached arm in a single bite before casting its gaze down below. He flinched as a susurration ran through the gathered adventurers. They were caught in a stupor; trapped in time; frozen in fear; standing still. Then Jaakkos voice boomed.
Stop that Demon!
He drew his kusarigama. The chains nked together as the Cyclops tossed it into the air. [Mages] and [Archers] loosed bolts of projectiles up at the [Savage Agarat], but it was deceivingly quick. Zack and Helen werent even able to keep up with their attacks. Of course not it was over 50 levels above them.
It dove around the salvo and swooped back down for Marwin. The Silver Swordsman looked up in horror, raising his still-attached limb. He mouthed a Skill as it snapped its jaw at him.
Stay back! [Crescent B
Zack flinched and heard a crunch. He expected the worst. He thought Marwin wouldve been eaten whole. But when he looked up, he saw a woman dressed in fiery armor standing over the Silver Swordsman.
Marwin gasped and stared up at his savior. Zack blinked a few times.
Salvos?
The silver-haired girl grinned as she lowered her arm. A white fire wisped off her, coating her like a second skin. The [Savage Agarat]s jaw was locked onto the ming armor; it refused to let go. Salvos grunted.
Huh. That kind of hurts
I charged forward and activated my Title Skill [Protection of the Sentinel]. Honestly, I couldve given it to Marwin himself, but I didnt like him. He was annoying and rude. So I wasnt going to actually protect him with the ming armor. It was very durable, and it wouldve guaranteed he lived if the [Savage Agarat] somehow managed to get to him.
Unfortunately, it seemed I was wrong. Even though together with my Divine Essence my [Protection of the Sentinel] was able to withstand a blow from yton Skyshredder, this Level 146 Archdemon was able to tear into my ming armor. My [Aura of Greater Protection] shimmered as its teeth clenched down, and I frowned.
Huh. That kind of hurts
I didnt have my Divine Essence. But I had made preparations before it ran out. I produced a Divine Nebr Scythe and grinned.
Take this! [Radiant sh]!
I yelled as I swung up, The [Savage Agarat] was quick. It unhinged its jaw and flew back with a single beat of its wing. I leapt up after it, not backing down.
How about
[Barrage of Cinders]. Blue mes coated my de as I unleashed a flurry of strikes. The [Savage Agarat] continued dodging each attack and I narrowed my eyes. I pulled back, activating [Haste] as a red aura overcame my hands, before merging into my scythe.
And
[Draconic Fury]!
I swung wide, missing the Archdemon once again. It barely swerved out of the way as I clicked my tongue. I raised a hand and brushed against its spine. There were needle-like protrusions poking out along its back, and I winced as it poked at me.
But the fact that I got a touch in was all that mattered. The [Savage Agarat] flew back, and I raised a hand with a smile.
Got you.
I started, and the emblem searing itself onto the Demons skin glowed. Its eyes flickered and its body shifted. My eyes grew wide as, in a moment, it shed its outer skin. The molted hide dropped to the ground as my [Demons Mark] shed, still clinging onto it.
A powerful explosion ripped through the air. [Mages] down below pooled their magic together and created a barrier to shield themselves from the st. I blinked as I watched the [Savage Agarat] fly, far from the st and baring its teeth my way.
Seriously?
I stared at it. And from its mouth, I heard a garbledugh.
You missed.
The [Savage Agarat] growled, and I froze. I thought I was hearing things. Then my jaw dropped.
What?
I stared at it. No at him.
The realization settled in. I finally understood why there had been no trail of destruction. Why it hadnt mindlessly attacked anything and everything. I didnt even realize it, but it had specifically targeted Marwin in this ambush. Any regr wild Demon couldnt do that. But why? The answer was simple: this wasnt a wild Demon.
He was a regr Demon.
That was right. Amidst the horde of wild Demons Belzu called into the Mortal Realm, a few Demons that werent so wild managed to sneak through as well.
And while this [Savage Agarat] clearly wasnt under Regnorexsmand judging by the fact that he had no cor, he still wasnt wild. It made sense. The Netherworld was a vast ce. There were bound to be plenty of Demons lurking about that werent exactly wild.
Id encountered quite a few of them, too. When I was still with Haec. A horned Demon attacked me. He lured Haec and I into a false sense of security and nearly killed me. He wasnt wild not in the same sense as the mindless hordes of the Netherworld. He was very much capable of thinking. And the [Savage Agarat] here was the exact same way.
You
I started, but someone shouted over me. Edithe raised her staff and aimed for the [Savage Agarat].
[Vindication of They].
The not-so-wild Demon tried to fly back, but the smoke vapors from the destroyed town coalesced into a spear. One that tracked it down and impaled it even as it tried to flee. The attack injured the [Savage Agarat], slowing its movements even if it didnt die.
I nced back at Edithe as she huffed, and the gathered adventurers screamed.
Nows our chance!
They sent a volley of magic up into the sky as the [Savage Agarat] tried to fly back. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, breaking out of my stupor, but It let out an ear-piercing screech one that made me recoil and repelled the attacksing its way. Then it spun around, pping its wings as it flew away.
By the time I recovered, the [Savage Agarat] was far off. It vanished into the horizon as the sun set ahead of it.
Huh.
It was gone.
--
What in the world was that thing? Where did ite from? How did no one catch it sneaking up on us?
Marwin demanded once the [Savage Agarat] was gone. He grimaced, clutching at his missing arm as no one could answer him. He picked at his bandages then scowled.
And where is my damn Potion of Regeneration?
He snapped at Xyren. The [Archer] fidgeted, averting his gaze.
We used up most of our resources during the battle of Westshield, sir. We dont have any Potions of Regeneration in stock.
Youve gotta be fucking with me!
Marwin cursed. I approached him as I descended from the sky. I had tried to give chase, but I didnt know where the Demon went. And now that I knew it wasnt a wild Demon, I understood this wasnt going to be as simple of a hunt as I thought itd be.
Edithe and Daniel ran up behind me. They took one look at the expression on my face and exchanged a nce. They knew something was up, but I couldnt say it yet. I crossed my arms as I listened to Marwin continue droning on.
And that was a Demon? Great, just great.
He rolled his eyes.
Not only do we have two Primeval Demons running about, we now have an Archdemon thats on the precipice of bing a Primeval Demon too. How did it even get here, for fucks sake.
Actually
I finally piped up, raising a hand. Heads turned my way as I met Marwins gaze.
Theres only one Primeval Demon running about. The other one is dead.
Marwin narrowed his eyes as I continued.
Also, that [Savage Agarat] got here just the other day. Thanks to that huge summoning ritual in the Motharis Mountain Range.
Summoning ritual in the and one of the Primeval Demons is dead? How do you even know all this, girl?
The Silver Swordsman furrowed his brows. I shrugged.
Because I was there. And I helped kill the Primeval Demon.
There were gasps. Xyren stared at me, nearly dropping his bow as Marwins eyes bulged out of their sockets. Even those who werent at the meeting paused when they heard what I said. Jaakko, Helen, and Zack turned to me, each with differing reactions.
Seriously?
Zack pressed his hands together, genuinely concerned and confused.
Shes insane. Shes really insane.
Meanwhile, Helen covered her mouth, suppressing a gasp.
Salvos you I cant believe it. Are you alright?
Jaakko just nodded approvingly.
Hmph. As expected.
I waved a hand reassuringly at them.
Im fine, Im fine. Daniel and Edithe were here with me. Orgaf and Willy were there too. Helena arrived a bitte when it was all over. It was a mess, honestly.
They looked at each other, all of them disbelieving this time. Xyren stepped forward as he raised a hand.
Wait, do you mean the Helena Warshade was there too? And the Thief of the Golden Scales?
Yep!
I nodded ecstatically. Marwin gritted his teeth as the nearby adventurers whispered to each other. He faced me with an using tone.
Ridiculous. What an oundish story from a poser girl. And why should we believe anything youre saying?
Daniels brows snapped together. He spoke out in my defense.
You can literally just ask Helena Warshade
Its fine, Daniel.
I raised a hand, stopping mypanion.
I bet if I told him that I can make a Potion of Regeneration, he wouldnt believe it. But you know what?
I stuck my tongue out at Marwin and turned around.
I dont care enough about this guy to prove anything to him. Lets go, Daniel, Edithe. Weve got a Demon to hunt down.
We started away from the adventurer army as Marwin the Silver Swordsman yelled after us.
More nonsense from the fakers of the gunds! Do you really think anyone will believe your stories when your betters failed where you imed to seed? You wont be able to keep up this facade for long. Or, what? Do you think you can take on that Demon alone?
Well, its dangerous for sure, and we could certainly use another hand.
I winked back at him, gesturing at his single arm.
But it seems like you need it more than we do.
And we took off as Marwin the Silver Swordsman sputtered and raged in the background.
Chapter 376: Wisdom
Chapter 376: Wisdom
376. Wisdom
Where are we going, Salvos?
Daniel asked as I carried him away from the adventurer army. Well, it wasnt really the size of an army. At least, not any army I had ever seen. It was far too small. A fraction of what it had previously been before Westshield.
It was a good thing it wasnt a real army; Id been surprised if that annoying idiot Marwin the Stupid Swordsman was left in charge of a proper army. Seriously, I really wanted to punch him between the legs but stopped myself. That wasnt something Id feltpelled to do for a long time!
I grew out of it because Daniel and Edithe said I couldnt solve all my problems by punching someone between the legs. And when I tried to punch a [Stone Golem] down there once and nothing happened, I realized that was true.
Anyway, I turned to mypanions and answered their questions.
Were going after that [Savage Agarat], of course. Weve got to find it as soon as possible. We cant let it escape. I need to
I trailed off. Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. The [Mage] scratched her cheek.
What do you need, Salvos?
I need to talk to him.
I finally sighed. She raised a brow, and I continued.
That wasnt a wild Demon. He was a real Demon. No not real. Thats not the right word. He was
Sapient?
Daniel suggested. I looked down at him as he shrugged.
Or sentient? I dont really know the difference.
That doesnt matter. So you think its intelligent, Salvos?
Edithe spoke over him as I nodded.
Yep. He could speak. But he didnt have a cor, like Belzu. I think I want to ask him some questions, maybe. Before we try to kill him.
Are you serious, Salvos?
Daniel stared at me, aghast. He sputtered as he gestured back at the destroyed where we came from.
That Demon is responsible for killing hundreds of innocent people! Maybe even more!
How are we sure of that?
I peered at Daniel. He blinked, opening his mouth. But I created a third arm with [Faux Limbs] and wagged a finger.
Dont forget, you Humans like to attack Demons on sight for no reason. The [Savage Agarat] was forced into an alien world that is incredibly hostile towards him for no reason. He would bepletely justified in killing a few Humans if they attacked him first.
I
He started, but I continued.
Or did you forget the lesson you learned from when we first met?
I created another arm with [Faul Limbs] and crossed my arms that way. He bit his lower lip, hesitating. Edithe nced between Daniel and I.
As much as I can see your point Daniel, Salvos is right. We made the same mistakest time around with Salvos. This could just be the same situation except with a far stronger Demon that can raze down a vige for attacking it him.
Yep. And if anything goes wrong, we can just kill him anyway.
I nodded eagerly. Daniel looked between Edithe and I. He slowly acquiesced.
Alright. Lets just hope this doesnt go badly.
With that settled, we now just had to find this [Savage Agarat]... where it went.
If only I had a proper tracking Skill.
I sighed. I looked through my Status. I wondered if [Demons Mark] somehow allowed me to rack down an enemy. I focused, trying to use both [Passive - Master of Material Maniption] and [Greater Teleportation] to bring me to the [Savage Agarat]. But no that was not how [Demons Mark] worked. That was never how it had worked.
Edithe, Daniel? Did either of you be a [Tracker] with your second ss?
Im a [Trader], remember?
Daniel answered, and Edithe shrugged helplessly.
Im still kind of undecided.
Huh. You should decide to be a [Tracker] then. Or a [Hunter]. Are [Spellcaster Hunters] a thing?
I wondered aloud. Edithe gave me a proper answer, but I barely paid attention to it.
Actually, there are quite a few sses that are a hybrid of [Mage] and [Archer]
I looked over my Status again and again. I searched through my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] for any items I had in store. I had a few pieces of equipment lying around but nothing too useful.
Nope. Nothing to do. I considered finding some kind of [Diviner]. I remembered when I got Hoxles help when I was lost in the gunds. He was very helpful, although I highly doubted that even with his help wed be able to find such a high-leveled Demon that was hiding from us.
I needed help from someone more powerful.
And that was when I remembered one of the new Skills I gained. It purportedly borrowed the power of something that was beyond my abilities. Something that was great and powerful.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods]. What did it do? I wished I knew. It couldve been a strong offensive Skill. I remembered Zix having a simr Skill which was highly destructive. It tore apart thendscape with ease, unleashing the forgotten fury of a Dragon onto this modern world. A phantom of a time long gone.
But it had been the [Wrath of the Old Gods]. It made sense that it would be used to destroy. Now a manifestation. What was a manifestation? Well, I would assume it was more than just a brief memory of destruction.
Hey, do you guys want to see if something works?
I turned to mypanions with a wide grin. They both gulped, but slowly nodded.
Sure?
They spoke at the same time, and immediately regretted it. Iughed.
Alright, here goes nothing
I activated the Skill as I raised both my [Faux Limbs] in the air.
The [Savage Agarat] barely escaped. There were too many of the things there. And one of them in particr was quite powerful. He didnt expect it. He knew that fighting all of the things would not be easy that he would probably die when faced with that many enemies of that level. So he targeted the highest-leveled of the things.
As it turned out, there was another strong thing amongst them. One with silver hair. The Archdemon of Wrath hadnt expected it. He was surprised that it could keep up with him. But he was cunning, and he escaped.
This was a strange world. It was such a stark difference to what he was used to. There was no dark red sky; no rolling hills of white. The stone and the rock all of it was gone. He was now in a ce with a clear blue sky. One that changed and grew dark during the night.
There were trees and houses andkes and rivers and clouds and oh so many things he wondered about. He even touched grass for the very first time. It was such a change from what he was used to. He couldnt die now.
Even though this ce was far more plentiful with things or at least, the things gathered together in far more concentrated numbers than the things back in that red world. Such a new ce oh, he couldnt wait toy waste to all the new things here.
He couldnt wait to unleash utter destruction.
And as he descended, he slinked into the background. He was hard to find. Of course hed have abilities that helped him survive. To camouge himself and hide away. He wandered for a bit, searching for another prey. There was a gravelly path, and he followed it out of curiosity more than anything else.
Then he heard voices up ahead. A small caravan rode down the road. Things leading things on wheels. The [Savage Agarat] listened.
Are you sure we should be going to this meeting, Queen Faith?
Faith El, former princess of the Elutra Kingdom, and the Fallen Queen of Elutra raised her head as she heard the uncertain questione from beyond the carriage. Willow rode on horseback alongside Faith with pursed lips.
Shaking her head, Faith answered simply.
Believe me, I would love to return to Inoria. But if what Headmaster Skyshredder said is true we cant go back. Not without an army thates from every corner of the Humannds.
It had to be a true coalition. A proper one that didnt just rely on the bulk of the Vaun Qieur Empires forces. Faith hoped that the gathered parties in Alyras would listen to her plea that they would act now before it was toote. She took a risk, leaving Mavos Academy like this. After all, a Demon could hunt her down at any time, and yton Skyshredder offered her only a few artifacts and this enchanted carriage for protection.
Its ridiculous. The more time we waste, the more our people suffer. We could be freeing them here and now rather than spend more time on idle talk and inaction.
Gavyn was here too. He was the leader of Elutras Resistance. And he had wanted to return to Inoria and fight off the Demons rather than waste time here. He only came at Faiths behest as the Fallen Queen of Elutra, she was able to convince him to escort her.
Im sorry, Gavyn.
Faith looked towards the other window. At the man scowling as he rode on the opposite side of the carriage to Willow. She bowed her head.
Unfortunately, this is what must be done. We can only pray that well be able to convince all the parties present at the meeting to act soon.
Gavyn clicked his tongue. Faith wished there was more she could do. She wished things would be so much easier. But for the sake of her country of her nation she would do anything. The Fallen Queen of Elutra yed with a ring on her index finger as she sighed. Then she looked up at the sound of Willows voice.
What is that?
The [Savage Agarat] found his next target. He saw the small caravan reach the end of the road. And he bared his teeth at them at the shouting and screaming things as they fell back.
He attacked without any hesitation in the world.
Chapter 377: Manifestation of the Old Gods
Chapter 377: Manifestation of the Old Gods
377. Manifestation of the Old gods
[Manifestation of the Old Gods]!
My pair of [Faux Limbs] were raised towards the heavens. The golden disc above shone radiant rays that parted the clouds. I waited. Mypanions looked at me; their anticipation was evident. And I was excited to see what came next too.
Unfortunately, nothing happened.
Uh, Salvos?
Edithe spoke up uncertainly. I pursed my lips and waved my magical fiery arms.
Give a seconde on, why wont you work? [Manifestation of the Old Gods]!
Daniel exchanged a nce with the [Mage]. Mypanions were, quite clearly, puzzled by what I was doing. He raised a hand apprehensively.
I dont think its working.
No, it has to!
I insisted. It was a hunch at first, but now I was instinctively drawn towards using it. Maybe it was intuition, or it was simply misced optimism. However, it felt like something was missing. I began pouring more mana into the tip of my [Faux Limbs] as I repeated myself.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods]. [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. [Manifestation of the Old Gods]...
Edithe and Daniel looked at each other with concerned expressions. They waited for a moment as I continued. I needed something else for this Skill. Something I didnt have right now. But I had it. Deep within. I just had to reach inside.
Mypanions started.
Salvos
And I closed my eyes as something was forced out.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods].
I gasped. My entire body froze. I felt a reverberation run through my chest. It was like a violent heartbeat; an electrical pulse. I could feel my breath taken; power surging; an aura collecting. It caused me to viscerally shudder as kes of rainbow-colored mes wisped off my skin against my will.
Mypanions recoiled as the divine fire burned them. My divinity leaked out, even though my Grand Skill wasnt active even though it couldnt be active. Yet, some of it leaked out. Through sheer will and force, I called onto my Divine Essence for but a single moment, and it answered.
It powered my Skill [Manifestation of the Old Gods] and it filled my vision. The rainbow-colored mes that sparked off me quickly receded to my body, covering me in silver mist. It sank back into my chest, and the world grew intensely more vivid.
Daniel and Edithe stared up at me as a ripple ran through my body. The hidden scales at my forearms hardened. My perception of everything was altered. It was like I could see the pebbles on the ground the cracks in the dirt. I saw a hare rushing through the open fields. The forest and a meadow hundreds of miles away. Edithe opened her mouth and her voice red.
SALVOS?
I recoiled, tumbling to the ground. Mypanions sputtered in a panic as I covered my ears with my [Faux Limbs]. I closed my eyes and yelled back at them.
S-stop it!
They tried to argue, but another set of [Faux Limbs] shot out and covered their mouths.
I cant
I gritted my teeth as I activated my spatial sight. I didnt use my eyes to see. Instead, with magic, I realized we were getting close to the ground. Steeling myself with a deep breath, I swerved up right before crashing into a rolling hill.
Once I was back in the air, I stopped and just hovered there. My wings pped gently behind my back as I slowly tried to open my eyes. I blinked a few times, letting the influx of light seep in trying to limate to my new vision before shutting my eyes again. I spoke softly to mypanions, exining what had happened.
I can hear see too many things. I can smell the air the birds the its all so disgusting.
I wrinkled my nose, covering it with another, another [Faux Limb]. But my sight and my scent werent the worst of it. In fact, it was quite mild to my most enhanced sense: my hearing.
What do mean
Edithe started, and I physically cringed. Daniel quickly covered her mouth, shaking his head at her. He moved his lips subtly, whispering.
Can you find the Demon with this?
It was soft enough that it didnt hurt me to hear it, but it was still slightly grating to my ears. I pursed my lips and answered.
I can try.
I had a better sense of scent, sight, and hearing. If I used it right, I could possibly track down this Demon. My eyes fluttered open once again. This time, I took it all in. I didnt shy away from it. I epted it without fear.
A bright light shed. The crimson sh of night and day shone directly at me. I looked past it, clenching my jaw as I cast my gaze over the expansivendscape. My head grew dizzy. The world started to spin. It was disorienting.
I could almost see through the leaves of the faraway tree. I could almost see the intricate detail on the surface of a de of grass the dew that matted its edges during twilight. There was so much detail to take in. So much I never wouldve seen all the way from up here.
But I faced it. And I scanned through the vastndscape. I saw everything in hundreds of miles: the ants crawling under a pebble; the [Merchants] traveling down the dirt road; the city bustling with life. I could pick out any individual face look in through the open windows. Yet, there was so much.
It was overwhelming. I could see either everything at once, and that meant I saw nothing. It all became a blurred mashup of a painting to me. Was it up ahead? Was it to the side? Was it directly below?
I didnt know.
I needed something to help me focus narrow down what I was looking for. Give me a sense of direction.
Scent wouldnt help here. I didnt know what the Demon smelled like. Perhaps if I had gotten a whiff of him with this Skill before but no. All that was left was to
I breathed deeply then made a disgusted face. And I uncuffed my ears.
All at once, a cacophony of voices assailed me. I heard wailings the cries of a baby. The screams of a child. The growling of a dog. The crickets, the pindrops, the wind
My entire body tensed up. It was far worse than being able to see all. What I heard made me want to scream. I opened my mouth, but let nothing out to spare me from further torture. I listened. I heard everything from the adventure at their camp.
I said send a missive to Helena Warshade now
To the little boy at his home.
Is the Primeval Demon really dead? Can things finally return to
To the food vendors alongside the streets. To the [Traders] haggling their deals.
Yes, this dagger was forged by the finest [Magecrafter] in all of Serinus School of Sm
To the monsters, to the animals, to the insects, to the birds, to the wind. I heard it all, and tears streamed down my cheeks.
My mouth hung open, unhinged. My pupils dted as they vibrated on the spot. I wouldve ripped out my ears there and then if not for the fact that it wouldve made absolutely no difference. I had to end the Skill.
But I had to find the Demon. I couldnt just give up. But what was I even searching for? I didnt even know. But I had given myself a task. But I was in so much pain. But it wasnt killing me. But I couldnt bear it. But
And as I was overwhelmed with sensory-overload, I heard it.
Perhaps it was because it was a familiar voice or perhaps it was because I recognized the word, apanied by a tone somonly thrown my way but I picked it out. Amongst the babble. Amongst my sanity. I heard it.
Demon!
My head snapped to the side. My vision narrowed. I went from seeing everything at once, to only a single thing. And it was so clear, even though it was hundreds of miles away. Even though I wasnt anywhere close. All I heard was what was happening there. All I saw was a princess being attacked by a Demon. I whispered.
There you are.
And the world around me warped.
What is that?
Willows voice drew Faiths attention. She had been talking with Gavyn ruminating their situation when the carriage suddenly came to a halt. The carriage driver leaned forward, narrowing his eyes as Faith blinked.
A creature barred the path ahead of them. It looked like a crocodile. Except farrger. With wings that somehow blended into its surroundings. It took Faith a moment to use [Identification] on the monster. And when she did, her eyes widened. It was a Demon.
No
An assassin. Sent to stop her. Just as shed anticipated. And it was incredibly high-leveled. Faith called out to the carriage driver.
Get us
But the Demon leapt forward. With a single bite, it snapped the enchanted carriage in half, taking the driver and the horses into its jaw. Gavyn and Willow leapt towards it, ready to throw their lives away, but Faith was faster.
She raised one of her rings.
The Prisoners Terrarium!
A domed vortex rapidly formed around the Demon. It stopped both Gavyn and Willow from charging to their dooms as Faith pulled herself out of the carriage-wreck. The other bodyguards the rest of the caravan rushed to her side, but she only shouted at them to retreat.
We need to get out of here! Thats not just a monster. Thats a
Faith started, but the spell shattered. The barrier broke apart as she spun around, looking at the giant winged crocodile leap out.
Demon!
She pointed another ring its way, shouting.
Ray of Frost!
Gavyn and Willow both pulled back as the st of ice struck the Demon. It fell back, the entirendscape freezing over. But the Demon simply got back up, brushing the snowkes off its fur. Faith gaped.
H-how? Thats an Epic Grade artifact..
The Demon snarled, not caring for her words. It barreled straight for them. None of the bodyguards here wouldve slowed it for even a second. Maybe Gavyn, but that made no difference. Everyone was as good as dead
And there was a sh. The Demon drew back as the world opened up between them. Faith blinked a few times as a familiar figure emerged from thin air. The Fallen Queen of Elutras jaw dropped.
Salvos?
It wasnt just the silver-haired girl. She carried in her arms Daniel Song the [Hero] of Earth A1. And a red-haired woman. A [Mage]. Faith didnt recognize her, but she heard of Edithe Dawnrise in reputation.
The three Liberators of the gunds. The trio that nobody could defeat.
It was almost a familiar sight to Faith. Not long ago did Salvos save the former princess against a powerful Demon right on time when it looked like all hope was lost. It was happening again.
A shred of hope burned within Faith as she got to her feet. A susurration ran through her escort. They pointed at Salvos noting her new level since theyst met her. They grew hopeful as Faith opened her mouth, expecting Salvos to cut down this Demon like it was nothing.
You guys
But all Salvos did was drop to her knees, covering her ears and closing her eyes shut.
I-I cant
She groaned while on the ground. Daniel and Edithended right next to her. They hesitated as the Demon raised a brow, still growling. It looked confused for a moment which confused Faith more than anything.
Daniel and Edithe looked down at Salvos then turned to each other at the same time the only ones standing before the Demon.
I think this is up to us, huh?
Daniel shifted his feet, and Edithe sighed as she raised her staff.
Well, fuck.
The Demon bared its teeth andshed out again.
Chapter Not A Chapter: Some Introspection After A Year of Full-time Writing
Chapter Not A Chapter: Some Introspection After A Year of Full-time Writing
Sup y''all,
The chapter will be upter, but I just wanted to take this time to do some introspection after a year of being a full-time author. If you don''t care about me, the author, you should probably just ignore this ande back 6 hours from now when the chapter is likely going to be up-- no promises though, cause I am bad at sticking to schedules. This is also going to be a bit of a ramble so bear with me.
Anyway, if you don''t know me, I am obviously the author of Salvos, but I am also the author of quite a few fics too like Ms and Tian and Trace and Violet and Thera and whatever else I decide to write. I started full-time writing on the 1st of July 2021 after graduating from UCLA with a prew degree, making this my 1-year anniversary of full-time writing. My online username is currently MsD, however it used to be delta201, and I changed it to promote my first ever fiction Ms. I write under the pen name of V.A. Lewis, and I turned 22 years old just three months ago on March 1st, making me one of the younger "big" authors on RoyalRoad.
I started writing Ms in November of 2019, inspired by my forever idol, pirateaba of The Wandering Inn. I barely even knew what a web serial was at that point, and I''m not gonna lie, I barely even read any other web serials before being too engrossed with writing my own. The few I did read though, I really loved. Worm, Azarinth Healer, Void Domain... they were fucking awesome.
When I started writing, I wanted to create an expansive world with apelling story that I know my readers would love, one that went on for at least three million words (because that''s the word count TWI was at the time I discovered it). I wish that Ms could''ve been this story since it''s my first ever story and I have a fondness for it, but I''m really d that Salvos took off too because I absolutely adore the character, the world, and the story. And considering that I just recently passed a million words for Salvos and we''re not even at the halfway point, I''m d to say that I''m getting to where I wanted to be as an author when I first started.
I definitely am pretty good at the output side of things, but I do feel like I failed at other aspects of writing at times. For example, creatingpelling side characters. And I don''t mean characters like Daniel or Edithe who are practically main characters. By side characters, I mean those like Sal the Devil. Where they appear briefly for a few dozen chapters and disappear for a hundred or more, but their appearances always leave a mark in the story or to the readers. I think I seeded a handful of times like with Mori dius, and obviously Sal himself. But characters like Lily, Jaakko, and even Rachel? I wish I could''ve done better-- and I''m still striving to do them justice. Even if they''re not really popr (as seen by the poprity polls).
I also feel like I''ve failed time and time again in terms of pacing, where the story just drags on over minor plotpoints which should honestly just be resolved in a chapter or two. But I have a weird tendency to hyperfocus on the importance of even minor plot threads during my nning stage (whenever I''m outlining) and thus allocate an entire ten chapters on an arc that could''ve been done in half the time or less.
Hell, my pacing is so bad that what I intended to be a single Volume 4 has gone on from Volume 4, to Volume 5 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and currently Part 4 on patreon. What I initially projected to be roughly 200-300k words is now nearly 600k words and still going. To you guys, it''s more content and it''s cool and super special awesome, but to me, I see it as a failure of either improper nning or bad pacing. Whichever one fits the bill better depends on how you look at it.
Another ce where I failed, I feel, is in terms of output. I had nned to write 2,000,000 words in 2022, but it''s already halfway through the year and I''m only at roughly 500k words. Sure, I''ll probably hit a million words this year, but blegh I hit a million wordsst year and I had six months of university while I haven''t had many responsibilities this year other than writing and trying to touch grass. I wasn''t exactly cking off since I did injure my fingers in February, then fell into a major depressive episode which I''m still trying to pull myself out of right now, but I could''ve written so much more. Even right now I could be writing my Salvos chapter instead of this lmao.
I also feel like, at times, I''ve failed as an author. Not a writer, but an author. Being able to take criticism well is one of the most important aspects of being both an author and being on the inte. It doesn''t matter if it''s constructive criticism, unfair criticism, or whatever. I should be able to take it well. And I tend to take feedback which I feel is legitimate quite well, but those that I find stupid tend to annoy me much more than it should. Someone once criticized me for writing in first person past because they believed that writing stories in first person wasn''t a thing. I had to show them the numerous examples of literature in both the east and the west to convince them that they were wrong. And this is a good oue because they actually changed their mind at the end of it-- unlike most of the other interactions. Seriously, I am probably too much of a spiteful petty fuck at times, and I''m trynna tone it down, but somements just make me want to fucking w my eyes out.
However, I know at the end of the day that those are in the extreme minority which I shouldn''t even be frustrated at because it''s usually just a misunderstanding (or sometimes I may be wrong, and their criticism may be right too). I also know that most readers will be fine if I scale back on my schedule, even if I have no intention of doing so as of right now. I''ve been a year full-time, and I haven''t taken a proper break once. Even during the holidays, when I took three weeks "off" during Christmas, I was still posting 2-3 chapters a week. Or during my finals before graduation, where I did 1 chapter a week. Why? Because I know I can do better. I genuinely believe I can do better, and I hope to deliver not just the best quality work but also a high output story to you guys so you always have something to look forward to every week.
God, I wrote a lot here. But I just needed to get this off my chest and post it somewhere because I think you guys are fucking awesome. I''d literally be dying studying to be awyer right now if not for you guys. I still think some of you are cringe af and I have no regrets blocking the super duper fucking cringe ones who can onlyin or troll every chapter, but 99.9999% of y''all are super cool and awesome <3
Love y''all, and I hope y''all continue to love my books,
MsDelta
P.S.
I am a he, not a she. A lot of people seem to think that I''m a she, and I''d rather there not be any confusion about that fact. I am, sadly, a man writing women. So you can post my shit on reddit if you ever cringe reading anything I write.
Chapter 378: Overly Sensitive
Chapter 378: Overly Sensitive
378. Overly Sensitive
Fuck [Shield of the Misty Lord]!
Edithe cursed as she raised her staff. The [Savage Agarat] crashed into the ice. It was stopped for a single moment as a huge spider web crack formed on the barriers surface. It snarled a second time and swiped a w, shattering it into a million pieces as Edithe winced.
Daniel!
She called out. The [Hero] stepped forward, body already glowing with an aura of armor. His de extended with an ethereal light as he whispered.
[Rage of the Hero]. And
He raised his sword, swinging for the Demon as it leapt through the shards of ice.
[Heros sh]!
There was a sh. Edithe covered her eyes. Daniels de sunk into the [Savage Agarat]s chest. It tore through the tough hide cutting deep and drawing the ck blood. But the attack didnt kill the Demon. Not even close.
The [Savage Agarat] growled and leapt back as Salvos covered her ears in pain. Edithe nced back at the silver-haired girl, then towards the pouncing Demon. It knocked Daniel back as Edithe raised her staff.
[Frostme Vortex].
A st of ice and ember struck the Demon. Normally, the Skill would form ayer of sleet over the target before chipping it away with the fire. This would significantly slow down enemies especiallyrge hordes. But Edithe concentrated it into a cone that spread out just before her. She aimed past Daniel, focused only on the [Savage Agarat].
But the Demon didnt slow.
It bounded straight for the redhead [Mage]. She braced herself, casting a quick [Aura of Greater Protection]. It chomped on her, grabbing her by her legs. It ragdolled her around as one of the people in the caravan a woman who dressed like a princess shouted something in the background. Arrows bounced off its thick hide before it tossed Edithe at Daniel as he tried to get back up.
She crashed into the [Hero], her protective aura breaking. They bothy there as the [Savage Agarat] turned its attention to the caravan. The same fancily dressed woman raised a pendant as a Diamond Ranked [Warrior] stood before her. A fireball shoutout from the pendant, but it simply sshed over the [Savage Agarat] like water.
Edithe scrambled to her feet as Daniel rushed forward. She shouted, trying to cast a spell in time to stop the Demon from massacring the woman and her bodyguards. But what would even work on it?
Someone else moved as Edithe hesitated for a single moment. Salvos pushed herself up, flinching in pain as she spoke aloud.
T-thats enough.
The silver-haired girl stood on her feet. The [Savage Agarat] halted. The Diamond Ranked [Warrior] took the chance to sh at it, but it leapt back. It faced Salvos as Daniel and Edithe rushed to her side.
Salvos, what are you
Edithe started, but Salvos covered the redheads mouth while grimacing in pain.
You.
Salvos met the Demons gaze. The [Savage Agarat] tilted its head, eyeing Salvos warily. She continued.
You dont have to do this. Well stop attacking you, but you have to promise youll stop attacking us too. Were not your enemy.
The [Savage Agarat] didnt let down its guard. One of the fancily-dressed womans bodyguards spoke up as Salvos winced again.
Queen Faith, is she trying to negotiate with a De
Shut up, Willow.
Salvos red at the bodyguard and turned back to the [Savage Agarat]. Steeling herself, the silver-haired girl spoke tensely.
Youre not wild, are you? You can think for yourself. You can even speak. I heard you. Dont pretend you cant.
The [Savage Agarat] paused. Slowly, it cocked its head.
I can.
Edithe blinked as she heard its voice as she understood the words. But it only made sense. After all, Edithe could hear Salvos just fine. But it was almost as jarring as hearing Salvos speak for the first time.
The woman called Faith gasped. A susurration ran through the bodyguards gathered. Salvos eyes mmed shut as she pulled at her ears. The [Savage Agarat] eyed her curiously. Edithe spun around and met Faiths gaze.
Somehow, Faith understood immediately what Edithe was trying to say without any words. She turned to her escort.
Silence! We cant
She looked at Salvos. The silver-haired girl was in so much pain. The chatter died down slowly as they listened to Faith. Everyone exchanged a nce then looked at Salvos.They all nodded, understanding.
Salvos offered them a grateful weak smile. She raised her head once again, walking forward ahead of Edithe and Daniel. The pair looked at each other, uncertain whether to intervene. But Salvos knew what she was doing right?
Listen, we can bepanions, alright? Just calm down. We wont hurt you. Just promise me you wont hurt us back.
The silver-haired girl proffered a hand. A very Human-like gesture. But Salvos had lived here in the Mortal Realm amongst Humans for a majority of her life now. Edithe knew she couldnt help but pick up their mannerisms.
The [Savage Agarat] looked at Salvos. Its eyes darted between Salvos gaze and the hand. Faith watched tremulously as Edithe tightly gripped her staff. Then the Demon lowered its wings like its guard was finally let down.
Edithe almost felt a sense of relief when it opened its mouth in a smile.
NO!
The [Savage Agarat] shouted. Salvos physically recoiled from the sudden sound. And that was when the Demon took its chance. It pounced on her. It closed its mouth on her head as she dropped to the ground.
Edithe moved, wide-eyed. Daniel started forward. But theyd be too slow. No one would reach them in time. The first fang sank into Salvos neck. And the world moved backwards.
Everyone watched as time moved in reverse. As, in an instant, both Salvos and the [Savage Agarat] returned to their original positions, then further back. Salvosy on the ground next to Edithe again as the [Savage Agarat] looked ready to pounce.
The Demon blinked in confusion as Salvos clutched her bleeding neck.
Salvos
Edithe caught herself. She rushed to Salvos side, trying to stay silent as Daniel charged the [Savage Agarat]. It took the Demon only a second to realize what had happened before itshed out at the [Hero] again. This time, Faiths escorts rushed into battle to support him. And he stood more of a chance as Faith herself unleashed a bunch of magical spells from her artifact to restrict its movements.
The redhead checked Salvos. The wound didnt dig too deep. That was good. Nodding, Edithe got back up and was about to join the fighting when Salvos grabbed her by the hand.
Edithe, I
Im sorry, Salvos.
Edithe shook her head, trying to brush Salvos off.
We tried to reason with it. I know its one of your kind, but
Salvos bit her lower lip. Perhaps it was the loud noises. Or maybe it was something else. Finally, Salvos sighed.
I know.
She replied, much to Edithes surprise. The redhead expected to argue about it. But
I understand.
Salvos already knew it was pointless. She raised her hand as magic poured forth.
So, please, take my hand.
She met Edithes gaze. The [Mage] blinked. Then nodded.
I see.
They linked hands as the fighting continued.
So foolish. All so weak.
This world was so incredibly weak.
The [Savage Agarat]ughed although it came out more like a hissing growl. He spun around, knocking back two of the things as they charged him with swords. A shot out at him a magical one that slowed him for only a moment, but he ripped it off.
This world had been so odd. So strange. But especially so weak.
He remembered the Netherworld where he came from. There was never any hesitation in battle. There was only bloodshed and death. Only the strongest survived. Those that banded together did so out of necessity. But once that necessity was gone, they would ughter each other without a worry.
That was his life. That was all he ever knew, and that was all he ever would know. So he would kill these things. Gain experience and grow stronger. That was all there was to it. There was nothing else to live for.
He snarled as he tore through the thing with glowing armor, smashing the armor apart. The thing screamed, only for a st of magic to bounce of the [Savage Agarat]s back. It was a beam. One that actually hurt.
He recoiled in pain as his hide was burnt off. He spun around and faced the thing with red hair.
Hey, asshole! Howd my [Ray of Retribution] taste?
The [Savage Agarat] tilted his head. How did something so weak have such powerful magic? It annoyed him. And its words annoyed him even more.
Come and try some!
The thing with red hair threw a ball of electricity his way. He simply bit through it,ughing at how pathetic that attempt was.
Then die, weak thing!
He beat his wings once, flying through the air. Flying straight for the thing with red hair. It braced itself as he closed in. Then the world seemed to flicker. All around it, the air grew visible. Outlined. It somehow caught him before he could crash and rip apart the thing with red hair.
The [Savage Agarat] crashed into a hard surface, still midair. He was caught in something. The space around him seemed to carry him. He struck out with his w once, only to hit a fractal window.
The thing with red hair grinned.
[Recall Skill: Borrow Skill]. [Borrow Skill: Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. And,stly,bination casting so you cant break through.
He growled. Did it think it could hold him? Heshed out, cracking the ss-like surface. The thing with red gritted its teeth as he continued to smash this [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. It began to break down. The thing with red hair clearly began to back away in fear, but something else moved past it.
The thing with silver hair strode forward, holding hands with the thing with red hair. It brought the thing with red hair with it,ing to a stop before the [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. The [Savage Agarat] bared his teeth and yelled.
Free me!
And he realized there was no sound. Nothing came out from his mouth. The space he was trapped in didnt let him speak. The thing with silver hair sighed.
Its very lonely, isnt it? Being alone all the time. Having no one hear your voice, even though youre speaking. As though your words mean nothing. I thought wed be able to understand each other.
The [Savage Agarat] continued to w the space around him. It was working. He was tearing apart through sheer force alone. But the thing with silver hair just continued.
I thought I could have a newpanion. I thought you werent wild. But it seems more than anything, I just forgot what life there is truly like.
He struck the fractal surface once again, and a huge crack formed. The thing with silver hair closed its eyes and ced a hand on the other side of the barrier.
Goodbye. [Full Phase]. [Greater Teleportation].
The [Savage Agarat] didnt understand what that meant. He was so confused, but he was so close. He grinned as he swung again. But before his w coulde into contact with anything, the world around him changed.
He was caught in the middle of the void. Where everything was nothing and nothing was everything. The things were gone. He was all on his own. He was puzzled by it, but he didnt let it stop him from breaking himself free.
Let me out
He smashed the space apart,ughing in victory. Now he just had to find them once again. Track them down. He looked around savagely, his lust for battle still clear in his head. But slowly, his thoughts began to vanish. An eerie calm washed over him.
Hisughing stopped. The wounds hed sustained stopped hurting. The [Savage Agarat] looked around nkly. He wondered no, he didnt wonder. He didnt think. He didnt speak. He just floated there.
And he perished as nothingness took hold of him. Announcement
It''s that time again, vote for Salvos on TopWebFiction please or I shall despair. I only ask once a month, so it would really help if you do it.
START OF THE NEW MONTH! BEST TIME TO PATRON! Read up to 20 Salvos chapters ahead on my patreon.
Join my discord or subreddit.
Follow me on twitter or instagram.
Chapter 379: Meeting Royalty
Chapter 379: Meeting Royalty
379. Meeting Royalty
Defeated [Savage Agarat of the Earth - Lvl 146]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 137] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 138]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 102] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 103]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Ugh, my head
I rubbed at my temples as the notifications resounded in my mind. It caused a bit of a headache to swell, but the worst of it was gone. After an hour, I no longer had my heightened senses no more super hearing, no more super vision, and no more super scent. It was incredibly relieving.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] was an incredibly good Skill. I was certain that, under the right circumstances, it would aid greatly in battle and in other situations. However, I wasnt limated to it yet. It drove me insane. Once Id defeated the [Savage Agarat], I copsed andy there until someone picked me up and put me in a carriage with a bubble of [Silent Darkness] around it.
Even then, I could still see. I could still hear. It was like my senses werent determined by what was physically there. I just saw, heard, and smelled far too many things to handle. It was so overwhelming, but fortunately, it was gone now.
I was better and I opened the carriage door and leapt outside. There was a hammering in my head as I heard the clopping of horse hooves and the sound of whispered conversations. But it wasnt a re any longer. I spread my wings wide as I flew up, blinking away my blurred vision until I could see clearly.
I spotted mypanions riding on horseback and descended on them.
Daniel, Edithe!
I nced between them as they greeted me.
Salvos. Youre awake.
Daniel smiled at me, and Edithe nodded.
So it onlysts an hour, huh? d to see youre doing better.
Yep ouch. I mean, it still kind of hurts. But Im no longer dying from sensory overdose or whatever.
I flexed an arm at them before casting my gaze over the caravan. A few armed guards were looking my way, exchanging whispers as they pointed at me. I recognized Willow who I waved to and Gavyn, both of whom were part of Elutras Resistance. Neither Zane nor Gand Monsterthorn were present. Either that, or Id arrived toote and they were eaten by the [Savage Agarat].
Honestly, I shouldve known that the [Savage Agarat] couldnt be reasoned with when I saw him eat that annoying Humans arm. Seriously, that was gross!
I tried to ignore the fact that I was genuinely upset that I couldnt make a new Demonpanion. It had been so long since I had spoken to another Demon who I wasnt utterly hostile against. But it seemed like I forgot that that was how it worked for most of the time I spent in the Netherworld.
There was only Haec. Haec and the others. But the others were dead, and Haec was, possibly, serving under the Demon King. He could be dead now, for all I knew. The Netherworld was a tumultuous ce, and I was going to get back there soon. I just hoped he was safe.
I turned back to mypanions as the caravan came to a stop. I used [Identification] on them and gave them approving looks.
Edithe! You leveled three times! Although, Daniel only leveled once
I know.
The Human man sighed dejectedly.
It seems that I didnt actually do as much damage against that Demon as I thought I did. Even though I used a bunch of my [Hero] Skills.
Then why did Edithe level three times?
I blinked. The [Mage] shrugged.
I think it was thanks to ourbination casting. We both killed the [Savage Agarat] together by teleporting it to where did you teleport it to again?
The fold between nes. Its kind of like a void, but not really. Theres still things there. It just gets frozen into nothingness.
I exined. Both Edithe and Daniel stared at me.
How does that work?
They asked, and I gave them my biggest smirk.
I have absolutely no idea!
Daniel and Edithe facepalmed at the same time.
Shouldve expected that.
The redhead muttered. I patted her on the shoulder, and she looked up at me.
Anyway, your three level ups were well deserved. I couldnt have defeated that [Savage Agarat] without your help. Without you, it wouldve broken through my [Fragmented Pocket DImension] and probably stabbed me after shouting really, really loud.
I gave her a thumbs-up, and Edithe returned with a small smile.
Thank you, Salvos.
I nced over at the caravan as one of the doors opened.
So, where are we going?
I asked, and for a response, both mypanions eyed the carriage.
Were, uh, escorting princess
Daniel started, only for my eyes to grow round as a figure dressed in morous clothing stepped out. They sparkled as my wings beat faster and faster in excitement.
Princess Faith!
I yelled over the Human man as I flew forward. Princess Faith blinked, and I crashed into her. Her escorts the bodyguards I didnt recognize shouted in a panic. But Gavyn and Willow stopped them from rushing at me with their weapons.
H-hello to you as well, Salvos.
Faith pulled herself to her feet I stepped back. I beamed at her.
Hey. Whatcha doing here?
I spotted her while I was using [Manifestation of the Old Gods], and I even saw her from my peripheral vision which was basically my entire vision while fighting against the [Savage Agarat], but I didnt have chance to say hi or anything.
I spoke excitedly as she dusted herself off.
I met another princess the other day, you know? She was so cool!
Did you? Thats very nice to hear.
Yep. Her name is princess Rana Alyras! Do you know her?
I have heard of her, indeed. The sole heiress of king Artik Alyras.
Aw, but do you know her know her?
I peered at princess Faith. She shook her head, giving me an apologetic look.
Unfortunately, I am not acquainted with her. Perhaps I could be soon though, as we are currently headed to the city of Alyras.
Her gaze turned towards the horizon. I blinked as I saw the moon high up in the sky.
Isnt itte? Dont you guys need to sleep or something? Were still pretty far away from Alyras, arent we?
I raised a brow. Id have thought theyd set up camp or something at this point. Faith shook her head.
These horses are bred specifically by [Beastmasters] so that they can travel faster and for longer periods of time. Furthermore, the carriage itself is enchanted to aid maneuverability and speed.
I used [Identification] on the horses here. The highest-leveled amongst them was actually Gold Ranked in level. Level 45. I was surprised. I remembered meeting a Level 12 horse before, but I rarely met animals that actually leveled up in a ss to Gold Rank.
Huh. Howd you do that?
I cocked my head at the horse, asking the question. The Level 45 horse huffed.
Jennifer.
Jennifer?
Train.
I see.
I nodded sagely as Faith eyed with a puzzled look. Willow sputtered from the side.
Were you talking to the horse?
Yep. Why?
I nced at her, replying offhandedly. Willow tried to work her jaw. She turned to Gavyn who just shrugged at her.
She spoke to that Demon, now shes speaking to a horse. Is she some sort of [Druid]?
A [Beastmaster], perhaps? Or maybe a [Priest of Fauna]?
Gavyn suggested unhelpfully as Willow stared at me. Faith waved a hand dismissively.
Salvos has some quirks. You should not pry into her personal information.
The princess nodded at me before turning to the horizon.
Well likely arrive in Alyras by daybreak. Unless there are further interruptions. So it is best for us to press on.
Huh. Why the rush, though?
I gave her a curious look. Faith faced me again.
There will be a meeting there held in a few days time. And not only would I prefer to be there early to make the necessary preparations, I would rather not stray too far from the safety of arge city for too long.
Oh, Saffron told me about that!
I snapped my fingers, remembering there being a whole ordeal about that. But I didnt really pay attention to the full details either.
Whats it going to be about, anyway?
Faith inhaled deeply as she closed her eyes.
Its going to be one of the most important conferences in history. One that could decide on the fate of the entire world.
She pivoted around, facing the direction she came from. And where she looked, she saw past the trees. Past Daniel and Edithe standing idly in the way. Beyond the hills or mountains. Even without [Manifestation of the Old Gods], she saw what she was searching for. But this was not magic. It was memory.
We will be deciding the fate of the Inoria Empire.
Levithus stood in the heart of the Inoria Empire. At the pce where a Human emperor used to live. It was empty now, devoid of Human life. Even the throne room that was so vast and wide that could fit a thousand soldiers or hold thergest balls waspletely emptied out. Except for the expansive ritual circle thaty before the Primeval Demons tail.
He eyed the glowing symbols burned into the marble floor. They shimmered faintly as the rotting corpses piled up at the very center of the pentagram began to exude a crimson aura. The great double doors behind Levithus creaked open, and he faced the figure standing right at the entrance.
Custolor has returned, Lord Levithus.
Let him in.
Levithus replied simply to the [Greater Demon]. He ced his arms behind his back, although they barely reached around his serpentine body, as he waited for Custolor to enter. A few momentster, a Human appeared before him. A level 67 [Changeling].
Lord Levithus.
Custolor, what news do you bring for me this time?
Belzu is dead, Lord Levithus.
That made the Lord of Chaos pause. He hadnt been expecting that. Of all the news he heard that day, he wasnt expecting that. His eyes flickered down towards the ritual. Perhaps he had been too hasty in his decision. But no first he had to ask more questions before making a decision.
Are you certain this was not another of Belzus tricks?
I believe so. The Humans have even provided a corpse as proof..
Unfortunate.
Without him, this means that all of the Humannds attention is now on us, Lord Levithus. Should we begin the ritual now before they direct their armies towards us?
Custolor bowed deeply, but Levithus replied curtly.
No.
But Lord Levithus the Humans will be gathering in Alyras in three days time! If they work together, even we will not be able to stop them!
Levithus didnt care. He turned back as the ritual circle shone brightly.
I said: no.
It shed, and with a plume of smoke, seven figures appeared before him. Seven Demons. One with three tails. Another with a single horn. One that stood over thirty feet tall. All of them they looked incredibly distinct. Nor did they hide their appearances. They werent afraid. Not of anything this world had to offer.
Levithus faced the seven Demons as he spoke to Custolor.
It wont be long until the ritual isplete. We cannot afford to risk failure. Our Kings ns will not be ruined because we panicked in the face of mere mortals.
The seven Demons bowed to him as he spun back around.
What do you need of us, Lord Levithus?
You who are the Dukes and Duchesses of the Netherworld. You who are on the precipice of evolving to Primeval Demons. Heed my word. Go to the city of Alyras. Foil the n of the Humans. Distract them. Sow discord. Confusion. Do everything that is necessary to ensure that the ritual is seen to itspletion. For our King.
Yes, Lord Levithus.
The Demons replied in unison. Levithus levitated forward, facing a massive map pinned to the wall. One that showed both thebinednds of both the Inoria Empire and Elutra. And oveid on it was the drawing of a ritual circle. Identical to the one on the ground below him. And it crossed through every major and minor city of the country.
Levithus faced it, whispering as the silhouette of the seven Demons passed him.
Rejoice, rejoice, for his kingdom shalle.
Chapter 380: Arrival in Alyras
Chapter 380: Arrival in Alyras
380. Arrival in Alyras
Princess Rana Alyras wore white as the delegations from the Helbir ins rode into the city. Theyd arrived at daybreak, three days ahead of the scheduled meeting. This was for two reasons: firstly, the Helbir League was going to have their own conference to decide on their stance for the uing meeting between world powers; and secondly, it was for their standing after all, the Helbir League wanted to impress themselves and their might upon the other nations and alliances that would be arriving in Alyras.
The pce was brimming with excitement. There was so much to do, and everyone had their own part to y. And Rana herself had one of the most important roles to y. As the princess and sole heiress to the king, her father, Artik Alyras, she had to maintain the appearance of nobility and dignity.
And that only made her more nervous!
Why was there so much pressure on her? The princess sighed as her shoulders sagged. She stood at the courtyard of the pce with arge gathering of the nobility of Alyras and the guests that had already arrived to greet the delegations from the Helbir League. Fortunately, there was arge crowd and no one paid attention to the princess at the very back. Their focus was fixed on the delegations all except for one.
Sevika, Ranas personal maid, snorted.
That is not the kind of sound a princess should make, princess Rana.
The princess bit her lower lip as her maid continued.
And please stand with a proper posture. Back straight, arms loose. We dont want our guests to think that our princess is uncouth.
Who are you calling uncouth?
Rana sputtered. Sevika just gave her a t stare. The princess hesitated, checking herself. She straightened and cleared her throat as her maid spoke simply.
You need to behave at all times, princess Rana. Just look youre drawing attention to yourself.
Sure enough, a few heads had turned at Ranas outburst. The princess flushed and pretended like nothing had happened. She looked past the staring and ignored the whispers.
This is your fault, Sevika.
Sure it is.
I
Rana was about to defend herself when she heard a susurration run through the crowd.
Look
She heard the beating of drums. A group of [War Elephants] parted the crowd as trumpets yed. Rows and rows of soldiers marched down the street as a war tune yed. Rana blinked, and a man emerged from atop a morous carriage.
The crowd gasped, pointing at him.
Thats Peris Dolonia the Crown Prince of Dolonia!
Seriously? I knew Dolonia was sending a representative, but to think theyd send him!
Peris Dolonia wore a charming smile as he faced the crowd. Waving a hand, he ostentatiously greeted the crowd as he threw pink flowers sce orchids in the air to mark his own arrival. Heughed cheerfully, spinning around.
Yes, I am here! It has been a while since Ist paid this city a visit, has it not?
Then he caught sight of Rana. The princess froze. His eyes narrowed, even from a distance. A wide smile spread across his face as he waved.
Princess Rana!
He stood atop the carriage, shouting as the crowd turned their attention to him them the princess. Rana flushed and buried her face in her hands. Sevika spoke with a still expression.
Princess Rana, your posture is ckening again.
I know, Sevika.
Havent you been mentally preparing for this for a week now?
I have. I just
She looked up. Peris Dolonia was grinning, excitedly leaning over the edge of the carriage as he waited for her to return the gesture. She did not.
Rana just turned around and left.
There were only four individuals in all of the Helbir ins that were currently over Level 150. One was an [Architect] the highest-leveled in the Humannds who had no affiliation to any state. Two of them were adventurers who had left for the Beastmen ins a decade ago. And thest was calling out to Rana as she flushed furiously and rushed to escape the scene.
Princess Rana my beloved! Ill see you inside, alright?
Oh, he was also princess Ranas betrothed.
Were here!
I spread my arms wide as we reached the city of Alyras. It was just past daybreak the sun had already fully risen from the horizon, and from what I could see, the city was already bustling with life. So it took slightly longer than Faith estimated for us to arrive.
But we were finally here. I beamed excitedly, turning to mypanions. Daniel just rolled his eyes.
...yes, were here. We can see that, Salvos.
Whats got you so excited, anyway? We literally just came from Alyras.
Edithe raised a brow at me. I smiled at her and turned to Faith.
Thats because princess Faith and princess Rana are finally going to meet!
The two just sighed in exasperation. Princess Faith made it a point to pretend she didnt hear that as she sat in her carriage. I looked back to mypanions and hesitated.
I scratched my cheeks.
Also, we took way too long to get here. Seriously! I couldve just teleported us back but no! We had to ride with the caravan for some reason.
I harrumphed, turning to face the city. Edithe and Daniel exchanged a nce.
It did take a while to get herepared to your usual fast travel, at least. But its good to sometimes rx and enjoy the scenery. Plus, we were escorting Faith. You dont want a princess toe into harm''s way, do you?
No
I trailed off as I averted my gaze. My lips twisted, and I scowled.
I wouldnt have mind this long trip so much if I got to speak with princess Faith, though
Well, princess Faith has other things to worry about.
Daniel eyed the woman sitting in the carriage, sifting through sheets of documents and paper as she muttered to herself. I crossed my arms.
She should be more worried about meeting princess Rana! She needs to leave a good impression! Ranas very shy, you see?
I exined Ranas reticent attitude to mypanions as we headed for the city up ahead. We rode past the various encampments set outside of Alyras. There had been two before I left yesterday morning one for the adventurers and one for the Vampire families. But now there were three encampments.
I didnt recognize the third one. It had a myriad of gs hanging from the tents and there was a parade of people entering the citys streets. They were shy and gaudy and people cheered. I blinked.
Who are those people
I started, only to be interrupted by a bright sh of light. An angry ball of me whizzed over me. I barely ducked in time, but it came back around and stopped right before my head. I had thought it was an attack for a moment. Mypanions reached for their weapons as Faiths bodyguards shouted in rm.
But I blinked as I stared at a [Will O Wisp].
...Willy?
Willy floated right before my head, his mes burning a bright crimson. He flitted back and forth as fiery embers burned off him like teardrops falling to the ground. He spoke angrily.
Left!
Left?
I looked to my left and just saw a puzzled Daniel. I cocked my head, but Willy just yelled again.
No! You!
Me?
Left!
Right. I see. Well, Im sorry about that, alright?
I nodded sagely. Edithe and Daniel stared at me. The redhead turned to the Human man.
The fuck did I just witness?
I have no idea, Edithe. Absolutely no idea.
I scoffed and exined the situation to them.
Willys upset cause I left him but I didnt know he wanted toe with us!
What?
Willy sputtered. He flew between me and the two Humans before they could even parse what was happening.
Why wouldnt I?
You didnt ask!
No you
I argued with Willy as a cloaked figure appeared before Daniel. The Human man jerked back, but a womans voice just snorted.
Did that seriously scare you, oh great [Hero]?
Amanda. What do you want?
He red at her. She folded her arms at him, then nced over at the princess.
Did you seriously leave Alyras quietly in the morning to go save a princess? How typical.
Ugh, I cant deal with you right now. Im tired and I havent gotten any sleep.
Too fucking bad.
Amanda grinned at him, and he just scowled. But she wasnt thest of the guests whode out of the city just to greet us. As I triumphantly defeated Willy in a battle of wits and Amanda continued to pester Daniel while we walked into the city, a man emerged from the gates.
I caught a sh of the blond hair the charming smile. Hadrian, the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company, waited there. He looked d to see us, but there was also a hint of a soft and worried expression on his face.
Edithe. Salvos. Daniel.
He actually greeted each of us, even though I didnt know him that well. He turned back to Edithe and she frowned at him.
Hadrian. What are you doing here? Shouldnt you be with thepany
And she paused. He hugged her before she could continue. The redhead blinked a few times.
...Hadrian?
I was so worried.
He drew back and smiled. Edithe eyed him, perplexed. But he exined.
I heard about what happened. You fought not just one Primeval Demon, but two of them in the Motharis Mountain Range. Helena Warshade told me everything.
Oh that.
She shifted ufortably.
Im sorry I didnt tell you about it earlier. But I didnt know what Salvos was going to do, and I didnt think wed fight a [Hebomination]
Its fine.
He spoke over her, looking the redhead up and down in relief.
Im just d youre safe.
I stared at the two of them just looking each other over for a good minute. Neither one said a word. Willy giggled at the scene, and I faced the [Will O Wisp].
Whats so funny?
You wouldnt understand.
Why not? Why are they acting so weird!
Hadrian finally balled a hand into a fist..
If anything, I wish I couldve been there to help you. To think that you were there fighting against a Primeval Demon and I didnt even know
He trailed off as Edithe reached out, hugging him back. She smiled kindly at him as he stiffened.
Thank you for worrying, Hadrian. Honestly, I should make it up to you.
Hadrian quickly tried to protest.
No, I
How about some lunch tomorrow? My treat.
She suggested casually. He stared at her for a moment. Then heughed.
Sure. But only because you went ahead and surpassed my level behind my back
They chatted casually, holding hands as we continued walking, staying far away from the rambunctious procession entering the city. We made a quieter entrance, returning to the pce.
It was not just Edithe, Daniel, and I. But Willy was there. And so was Hadrian and amanda. Princess Faith and all her bodyguards followed behind too. Waiting for us at the pce was princess Rana, Orgaf, and Saffron. Helena Warshade was there too, as well as all the Vampires and some other adventurers. And somewhere a hundred or so miles away was Jaakko, Zack, and Helen and a small army of adventurers made their way here.
So many people I knew were gathering here in Alyras. And that only made sense after all, a super important meeting was going to happen one that was supposed to decide the fate of the Humannds or whatever and we were arriving just in time for it!
Honestly, Id probably just skip it. Because it wasnt like anything interesting was going to happen in it, right? It was just going to be another boring discussion right?
Chapter 381: Can’t Escape
Chapter 381: Can¡¯t Escape
381. Can''t Escape
That was embarrassing.
Princess Rana Alyras sighed exasperatedly as she returned to the pce. Sevika spoke up fro behind her.
Princess Rana, it is bad manners for someone of your status to simply leave just like that.
Just tell them I feel ill and Id much rather greet the guests inside or something, alright? I cant with him.
Her face was beet red. It felt like shed just been doused in me by a [Pyromancer]. Peris Dolonia was far too ostentatious for her. The way he acted the way he behaved she just couldnt help but feel embarrassed whenever he does anything.
Yet, he was her betrothed. Theyd been engaged for five years now. He was ten years her elder, and they were arranged to marry once she was of age. It sounded like an odd arrangement he was the Crown Prince of Dolonia, and she was the sole heiress of Alyras. It almost made no sense.
Until you realized what it entailed.
You know hes not a bad person, princess Rana. You also know hes one of the few Elite-leveled individuals in all of the Helbir ins. You cant just keep brushing him off forever. Especially when its the fate of both your kingdoms in the line.
Rana paused. She bit her lower lip. As a princess, she understood it. Dolonia had the strongest military in all of the Helbir ins they were called the spear of the Helbir League for a reason. Meanwhile, Alyras was known as the heart of the Helbir League. They were the most influential. With the furthest reach.
But as a shy girl who couldnt stand too much attention, Rana just wanted to curl up into a ball and run away from it all.
No I just cant! Hes too much for me. Why must our countries merger rely on something stupid like marriage? Ugh
The formation of the Kingdom of Alyras-Dolonia has been proposed many times over thest three decades, princess Rana. It will be an unprecedented change to how the nations of the Helbir ins have governed for thest five centuries. Your marriage with Peris will solidify the merger of our two states.
Sevika spoke in a lecturing tone. Rana looked at her maid at her best friend then shuffled her feet ufortably.
I know that I just
The princess trailed off. She turned around and sighed, walking down the hallway and turning the corner.
Id rather speak with Peris in a private setting, anyway. Come on, Sevika
She started, only for a figure to nearly run into her. A pink-haired woman blinked as she came to a stop before the princess. She stared at Rana and bowed her head apologetically.
Princess Rana, Im sorry. I was in a bit of a rush.
Its no worries, Saffron Merryster.
Rana spoke respectfully as she stepped aside. The princess raised a brow.
Where are you rushing to?
Salvos is back, and I want to make sure that she definitely doesnt cause any trouble.
Saffron exined quickly enough. Princess Rana made a sound of understanding.
Oh.
She nced at Sevika, watching Saffron head down the hallway.
I think we should help her.
Youd be right in doing so, princess Rana.
Wow, are they noisy.
I stared at the procession that ran through the main streets of Alyras. They were banging on drums and ying the trumpet as a line of carriages andrge animals of various sizes made their way to the pce. It reminded me of when I first arrived here. There were people out in the streets celebrating cheering and whatnot. They were excited that this delegation was here.
But unlike the Vampires or the adventurers who arrived with purpose and a goal, these guys were far more ostentatious. Apparently, ording to Willy, they were the representatives of the Helbir League as a whole. They came from all around the Helbir ins to make a show of force during the uing meeting. They were, of course, here to attend the meeting, but their main priority was just that.
It was typical, really.
Humans liked to show off even when there were other important things in line. And, sure, I did like showing off too. It was always nice to put on a show. Whether it was a facade to elicit a reaction, or whether I was simply impressing those around me with my power and might. But I wasnt going to waste time doing all that if I knew that, say, that other Primeval Demon Levithus was actively chasing after me.
Thatd be dumb!
Noisy? Coming from you, thats rich.
Amanda snorted, and I nced at her. Daniel elbowed her, shooting a re.
Shut up. Why cant you just be nice for more than five seconds?
What? Are you upset that I insulted your girlfriend?
I told you, shes not my
I ignored them and turned to Willy.
Anyway, since youre so upset I left you alone, want toe with us on our next journey?
Of course!
The [Will O Wisp] replied. From behind us, past Daniel and Amandas bickering, Edithe piped up.
Where are we going next, Salvos?
She held Hadrians hand as they walked after us. The two were practically inseparable since they reunited. I shrugged, uncaring.
No idea. Well figure it out, though.
Salvos
Daniel and Edithe stared at me, sighing. We continued on, arriving at Alyras pce in no time. Faiths caravan didnt draw much attention to themselvespared to the parade a few streets down, after all.
We entered through a side gate. The guards recognized me, bowing as they greeted me by name.
Wee,dy Salvos.
My eyes widened. I turned excitedly to Willy.
Did you hear that? He called me ady!
Shut.
I cant wait until I be a princess next! Did you know, you can be a princess even if youre not born into royalty? I read it in a book once!
I grinned at Willy, and he just answered with another single syble word.
Dumb.
Rude.
I scowled.
Its true! Right, Daniel, Edithe?
I turned to my otherpanions. But they were engaged in their own conversations. They didnt hear me. I blinked as Daniel cursed at Amanda, then I frowned as Editheughed and stood extremely close to Hadrian.
Huh.
Something?
No, its nothing. I just feel like
I didnt finish my sentence as I caught a figure up ahead. No it was three figures. My eyes widened and I beamed.
Saffron! Princess Rana! And, uh, Ranas maid!
I called out to them, running forward. Saffron already had her arms crossed as she studied me.
Salvos. What did you do while you were gone?
Me? Its nothing! I just saved a princess from an evil Demon!
I came to a stop before her. Ranas eyes bulged out of their sockets.
You what?
Yep! You can ask them.
I grinned at the princess. She stared past me as I gestured towards mypanions and princess Faith. The carriage came to a stop, and the door slid open. Saffron furrowed her brows.
A princess? Wait, do you mean?
Faith stepped out of the carriage, aided by Gavyn. I smiled as if I was presenting her.
Princess Faith of course!
Rana blinked a few times, while Saffron nodded.
I knew it. I thought shede. In fact, I was hoping she would. Shed be able to better exin the intricacies of the conflict in Inoria.
Yep!
I agreed with a nod. Rana, however, just gaped.
You got the Faith here? The Fallen Queen of Elutra?
You know about her?
Rana nodded eagerly. She nced between me and the other approaching princess.
Ive heard about her exploits! Almost everyone of note has! Everyone dismissed her as a fool just a year ago, but she proved them all wrong! She fought against that Demon-infested Inoria Empire for years and held out on her own! Some say she sacrificed an arm to kill an Archdemon!
Unfortunately, some of those rumors are probably overexaggerated or untrue. But I am d to hear that you have a positive perception of me, even if it may not be true.
Faith spoke up as she came to a halt. Rana flushed, shifting to hide behind me.
Oh, uh
I have heard about you too, princess Rana. And Salvos has told me good things. It is a pleasure to meet you.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra bowed deeply. Rana straightened and quickly returned the gesture.
L-likewise. Ill have guest rooms prepared as soon as possible.
She turned to her maid, and Sevika nodded. I smiled, pping my hands as I looked between the two of them.
I cant wait for you guys to get to know each other
But before I could finish, I heard a thunder crackle from above. Heads turned everyone looked up as a cloud descended from above. I froze as Faith blinked.
What is that?
Salvos.
A voice boomed down at me as I tried to creep away. I came to a halt, and a tall shadow loomed over me. Helena Warshade met my gaze. I sighed.
Y-yes?
I believe we have unfinished business to talk about.
Saffron, Rana, and Faith looked at me. They all asked the same thing at once.
Salvos what did you do?
I gulped,ughing nervously.
Im thinking she wants to talk about the corruption.
What corruption?
Rana and Saffron exchanged a confused nce. Another bright light shed as Helena Warshade crossed her arms.
Exactly.
As all themotion and hubbub attracted the attention of the city guard, a cloaked stranger quietly arrived in Alyras. No one noticed this quiet entrance. But soon they would.
Chapter 382: Revealing Stuff That May Or May Not Be Important
Chapter 382: Revealing Stuff That May Or May Not Be Important
382. Revealing Stuff That May Or May Not Be Important
I sat on a chair in the middle of a room with four Humans standing around me. Their gazes were focused purely on me like an oppressive, encroaching, looming monster that threatened to gobble me up and spit me back out. I was the center of attention here, and normally Id be more than delighted over this, but it wasnt in a good way this time. After all, these werent four regr people. They were amongst the top of all of Humankind!
The first was Helena Warshade. An Elite Ranked adventurer. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company. She stood with her arms crossed, storm-like eyes fixed on every minute movement I made. As if she was a warden watching over a prisoner, making sure I didnt escape. I sat up abruptly as her eyes flickered and sent a chill up my spine.
The next was Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales, and another Elite Ranked adventurer. He was a [Nightcrawler Shadower]. Level 162 now after the battle with Belzu and the [Hebomination]. An independent adventurer, and one of the few people who knew the truth about my Demon heritage.
The other two were people Id never met before. But they were also Elite Ranked adventurers. One of them had even been at the fall of Nighstveil! They were Alder the Augur Elder and Lofus the Broken Berserker of Bherein.
These four Humans were the only ones in the room with me, and they all had the same question.
Tell me, Salvos.
Helena Warshade spoke as she strode up to me.
And speak as truthfully as you can. Do not worry about being eavesdropped. I have set up an extensive system of wards to ensure no [Mage] under Level 150 will be able to listen in on this conversation.
As usual, she was incredibly blunt. Helena Warshade spared no time trying to warn me against lying or whatever. If yton Skyshredder was here, hed have given me a long lecture about doing the right thing and being responsible. Her gaze simply met mine expectantly, and I pursed my lips.
Um, so how do I put this
I shifted in my chair, looking down. My mouth opened. I sucked in a quick breath. Then I spun around.
Orgaf help!
I desperately looked towards the Elite [Rogue] for any kind of aid. He just shrugged.
Sorry. Cant do anything. Helena would kick my ass if I tried to get you out of here.
The Great Tempest Archmage didnt visibly react. Alder the Augur Elder narrowed his eyes, while Lofus the burly woman just looked amused. She faced Orgaf and chuckled.
Id have expected you to tell her to fuck off, Orgaf. Seems like youve taken quite the liking to her in a few days, havent you? Did she impress you that much in battle against the Primeval Demon?
Fuck off, Lofus.
He scowled as he turned away.
Anyway, I have my own questions for Salvos once were alone. I dont want any of you assholes poking your head into my business.
Aw
I deted. I knew what he wanted to talk about. But at least it was a good thing he wasnt exposing me in front of Helena Warshade. If he said anything, I already had both a [Greater Teleportation] and [The Devils Grace] at the ready just so I could escape. I wasnt dumb I couldnt beat four Elites in a fight.
Salvos.
Helena Warshade spoke up, starting to sound impatient. She leaned closer as she ced her hands on the desk before me.
What can you tell me about the corruption of that Wyvern?
Alright, alright, geez. I didnt think youd be that up in arms over it. Not when the Kobolds have been talking about it for centuries now.
I raised my hands defensively, closing my eyes. Then I cracked my right eyelid open to see their reactions. Orgaf frowned, Alder blinked a few times, and Lofus straightened as if I finally got her attention. Helena just fractionally cocked a brow. I smiled.
Now, where do I begin?
I met Helena Warshades eyes, grinning.
How much do you know about the history of the Kobold invasions?
This is your room. I know its not too luxurious I hope you dont mind. But weve been housing too many gueststely. And itll only be more crowded still.
Rana bowed her head apologetically as she showed the room to Faith. The Fallen Queen of Elutra replied curtly, nodding at the princess of Alyras.
I appreciate this, princess Rana. But you really didnt have to bring us here yourself.
It is more than my pleasure to show the Fallen Queen of Elutra herself around my pce. Id like to have something to do, anyway.
It was just Rana, Faith, Faiths bodyguards, and Sevika now. After Salvos was dragged away by Helena Warshade in a rather intimidating fashion her friends, Daniel, Edithe, and the others, all went about their own way. Edithe apparently had things to do at herpany, and Daniel went off with Amanda. Saffron herself was waiting for Salvos to get out of that meeting with Helena Warshade.
And, well, Rana was both d and upset. She was d that most of Salvos friends left the princess barely knew them and wouldnt know how to interact with them. But she was also upset that none of them stayed behind and helped her with Faith.
It was no obscure fact that the princess of Alyras wasnt the best at socializing. Especially when it was with someone she just met and respected very much. Faith fit both of these criteria so Rana just stood there as a long awkward silence passed.
So, uh
Rana started out just as Faith turned back to face her.
This room
They both blinked. And Rana shifted back.
No, you go
Go ahead
The pair of princesses spoke over each other again. Rana was blushing furiously out of embarrassment now. She stepped back, gesturing at Faith. The Fallen Queen of Elutra nodded.
Princess Rana, I hope not to impose, but is it possible for me and my team to enchant the walls of the room and set up our own wards? For added security, of course.
She eyed the luxurious room analytically. As if she saw not the bright colors and the fancy ornaments. Instead, she only looked at it and saw a death trap. Rana gulped and hurriedly nodded.
Of course! Ill ensure that our guards frequently patrol these hallways as well. I understand your worries. It is very much a fair concern!
Rana waved a hand off, trying to cate Faiths concerns. She turned to Sevika as footfalls echoed down the hallway.
Sevika, make sure that happens, alright?
Yes, princess Rana.
Faith gave them a grateful look as the footsteps drew closer. Rana opened her mouth, turning back to Faith.
By the way, was it true that you
Just as Rana started, a voice cut her off. A charming and ostentatious man strode up to them, spreading his arms wide.
There you are, my darling princess!
Oh no
Rana felt a prickle run down her spine like hundreds of little ants were crawling on her skin. Peris Dolonia came to a halt with a little bit of ir. He curtsied as he nced between the two women.
Ah, apologies, am I interrupting something, Miss?
He turned to Faith, and the Fallen Queen of Elutra answered simply.
I am Faith El of Elutra.
Of Elutra? Ah, Ive heard of you. I am Peris Dolonia of Dolonia. And I am Ranas fiance. It is a pleasure to meet you.
He smiled at her before leaning over to kiss her hand. Rana just shifted back, wanting to leave this conversation. Faith raised a brow and turned to the princess of Alyras.
Fiance?
Y-yes. This is my fiance, Peris.
Rana flushed as she said that. Peris drew back and turned to her.
I saw you earlier, my dear princess. I was wondering why you left so early, but it seems like you had other matters of import to attend to. To think the Fallen Queen of Elutra herself hase I am less hurt, though I am still hurt, of course.
He winked at the princess of Alyras, but Rana didnt react other than to get even more flustered.
R-right. Well, Peris, I know youre a busy man
She tried to shoo him off, but he spoke over her.
Ah, not as busy as you my dear. Your servants were simply showing me to the guest room. I am slightly weary from my journey, after all. But it is worth it to spend your wonderful birthday with you, my beloved.
Faith faced Rana with an intrigued look.
Is it your birthday soon, princess Rana?
It is. In two weeks time, actually.
Rana answered, lowering her head. Peris patted her on the shoulder.
Some would say it is unfortunate timing with the meeting happening so soon. Especially if the conference is protracted over a month. But it is good timing for me since it gives me an excuse to see you.
He walked past her as his bodyguards and the pce servants continued on ahead. Waving at her, he disappeared down the hallway.
For now, Ill leave you to it. We need to catch up, princess Rana. There are lots we have to talk about.
R-right. Bye
Rana watched him go. She felt embarrassed just from that encounter. He shared too much information all at once. She wanted to apologize to Faith, but the Fallen Queen of Elutra just entered her own room.
I hope to wish you a happy early birthday, princess Rana.
She turned to Rana with a rueful smile.
After all, you wont have much time to celebrate once the meeting is over and decided.
And Rana closed her eyes.
Right.
I gave a brief history lesson of Koboldkind since the Humans basically knew nothing about it. All they knew was that Kobolds invaded because they were zealots who hated Alexander. Because they just thought that Kobolds were [Cultists] who hated Spirits like they hated Demons. Honestly, it was surprising how little Helena Warshade, the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world, knew less about Kobolds than Orgaf.
But it made sense, if you thought about it. Orgaf himself had ventured deep into the Koboldnds. He would pick up quite a few things about how Kobold society functioned. Meanwhile, even if Helena had been a schr at Mavos Academy at one point, that didnt mean she excelled in history or Kobold culture. She might have just been good at teaching magic.
So, the Kobolds worship what they call the Old Gods. Their ancestors or whatever. Dragons. Basically these giant Kobolds with wings, right?
I met the gaze of everyone in the room. They nced at each other worriedly. Alder furrowed his brows.
Are you saying the Kobolds have been hiding this secret weapon behind their backs?
Lofus guffawed and raised her waraxe.
Hah! Bring them! I can tear a Wyvern with my bare hands. I have even felled a [Greater Wyvern] in singlebat. An overgrown, bloated Kobold is nothing to me!
No! Thats not what I meant at all!
I sputtered, interrupting the Elites before they could continue with their nonsense. Orgaf didnt say anything. He just stood quietly in the corner as Helena Warshade ced a hand on her chin.
Then are you insinuating that it is these Dragons who have created the corruption?
Her eyes flickered and she muttered to herself.
Or, rather, that the Kobolds are experimenting on Wyverns to transform them into these Dragons?
I sighed exasperatedly.
No! Look, listen to me. The Dragons the Old Gods are long gone, alright? Theyre not around anymore. They left! It has nothing to do with them!
Then what is this about?
Orgaf finally asked, crossing his arms.
How does this corruption Helena Warshade speak about rte to these Dragons?
I looked around the room. I stared at the peering, curious gazes. They all wanted answers. And it was soplex. I had to exin a lot of concepts if I wanted them to even get what I meant. I scratched the back of my head, thinking how best to get it all through to them at once. Finally, I decided to tell it to them as it was.
The corruption is the end of the world. It is the Apocalypse. The Dragons left Secely to stop it, and judging by the fact that the corruption has gotten here?
I met each gaze individually before stopping at Helena Warshade. I looked her straight in the eyes.
They failed, and the world will end.
Chapter 383: The Full Details
Chapter 383: The Full Details
383. The Full Details
They failed, and the world will end.
The room fell eerily silent as I finished. I leant back on my chair, having said my piece. Helena Warshade, Orgaf, Lofus, and Alder all remained quiet as I nced between them. They were all Elite Ranked adventurers. Each of them above Level 150. They were used to dealing with disasters to a certain extent. Even something like the invasion of the Netherworld was something they couldprehend.
But something of this scale? This magnitude? They had never heard of it before. They couldnt parse it. I knew they couldnt. I waited for it to settle in for them to finally understand the gravity of it all. I crossed my legs, waiting, until finally, someone spoke up.
Good one!
Lofus the Broken Berserker of Behrein guffawed. She walked up to me and pped me on my shoulder.
Even I couldnte up with something as ridiculously absurd as that. The end of the world? Hah, seriously, good one.
Alderughed uneasily with her as she continued her boisterousughter. Helena Warshade didnt react, but it wasnt like the other times she was apathetic this time she looked like she was in deep thought. And Orgaf just peered into me with a frown.
I stood up and met Lofus eyes.
Im not joking.
Hah good one. But its not as funny anymore. You should stop.
But Im being serious.
I crossed my arms, starting to get annoyed. Lofusughter slowed. Alder shifted in the background. The Broken Berserk of Behrein loomed over me with a dark look in her eyes.
I said: you should stop.
And I said: Im being serious.
I looked at the Level 157 [Warrior]. She was the size of a Cyclops which was to say, not thatrge since I could transform to that size too. Size didnt matter. What mattered was how strong we were and, uh, she was probably stronger than me since I didnt have [Divine Essence] to even out the ying field.
I mean, I still thought I could take her. Maybe. But it would be risky especially if her second ss was above Level 150. It would probably be smarter for me to just run if she attacked me. And while that was an unreasonable fear over a disagreement with anyone else, this was someone who was called the Broken Berserker. I could tell Lofus was already getting angry, and shed have attacked me if Orgaf didnt speak up.
Thats enough, Lofus. Let her speak.
Seriously? Youre believing this nonsense, Orgaf?
Lofus looked over at him as she waved her bulky arms around.
Thats bullshit. Theres no way any of that is true. The end of the world? The Kobolds being right in anything? Fuck off with that.
I rolled my eyes.
You guys asked me to tell you everything, and now youre rejecting it just because you didnt like what I have to say? If you dont want me to say anything, I can go, you know?
I gestured towards the barred doorway. It looked like a regr doorway with a lock on it, but a barrier was protecting it and keeping anyone from entering the room. Lofus brows snapped together. She opened her mouth.
Then maybe you should
No.
Helena Warshade spoke over her. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy strode forward as Lofus backed up. She wore a dark gaze, and when she came to a halt, she somehow towered over me despite barely being Daniels height. She wasrger than life like I was under some sort of illusion spell. But I knew that wasnt the case. It was some kind of aura. And her words were clear.
Salvos, Liberator of the gunds, Secelys Sentinel, and Death of the Destroyer can you tell me with absolute certainty that what you say before me is the truth, nothing but the truth, and only the truth? That it will be upheld even under scrutiny and questioning?
Of course.
I grinned at her challengingly. I gestured at her.
Go ahead, ask me any question youd like. Ill give you an answer.
I see.
Helena Warshade looked up slightly. I waited, but she didnt have any questions. Not at the moment, at least. She was still taking it in. And both Alder and Lofus still looked dubious although thetter more than the former. It was Orgaf who was the first to interrogate me.
Ive been to the Koboldnds before. Beyond the gunds, to the heart of their home. Ive stolen from Unarith, slinked through the shadows of Navith, and even gotten as far as to Xavis.
He pushed himself off the wall and spoke curiously more than suspiciously.
I have seen their culture. I have heard them espouse their beliefs. They praise their Old Gods and condemn our entire Species as sinners that can never be forgiven. And now now you tell me that they believe the world is ending. Maybe you think what youre saying is true. But why should we believe them?
He wasnt dubious of me. Unlike Lofus, he actually believed that I wasnt messing around. However, what he didnt trust were the Kobolds words. Still, I waved a hand dismissively.
Because its true, of course. Helena herself has seen the corruption with her own two eyes. It distorts and destroys the world. Just one look at it and you know it is unnatural. It is not something that belongs to the Nexeus.
I nced over at the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, smiling innocently.
I mean, has anyone here seen Helena Warshade tremble in fear over a mere Wyvern? No? Well, I have. And thats because it wasnt just a Wyvern. It was corrupted. It tore apart the fabric of reality in a way even the greatest [Space Mage] cant possibly imagine. And that was not even a true piece of corruption.
All heads in the room turned to Helena Warshade. She didnt look at them, but she didnt shift back defensively either. All she did was stand there, nodding slowly.
Was I terrified? Perhaps.
She inhaled deeply and stood up straight, uncaring of any judgment others cast on her.
I know not what I felt at that moment, just that it was not something that should belong in this world. It was not a feeling I had ever felt before.
See?
I winked at Lofus much to her chagrin before turning back to Orgaf.
The corruption is real. The Apocalypse is real. The end of the world is happening, ever so slowly.
Orgaf ced a hand on his chin, mulling over what I said. Finally, he seemed to ept it.
Very well.
But if the corruption is real, what causes it? What exactly is causing this Apocalypse?
Alder finally piped up after being mostly silent for a while. He spoke apprehensively, and he didnt approach me intimidatingly like the other Elites had been. He seemed to be moreid back or more nervous about the whole matter. I couldnt tell.
I turned to him, a smirk on my face.
Do you really want to know?
Of course. If the world really is ending, we need to know the root cause of it. Perhaps we could stop it. Put an end to this corruption.
Well
I responded to his hopeful speech with some hesitation. I scratched the back of my head as I turned to face him.
Do you really want to know?
Yes.
He leaned forward, listening carefully. I sighed.
The Kobolds im that it is you we Humans who are causing this. That is why they call you sinners. That is why they invaded the Humannds.
What?
Alders eyes widened. Lofus raised her voice, pointing at me usingly.
What a load of
Wait.
I cut her off, bringing up a finger. The Broken Berserker of Bherein paused. I cocked my head.
Let me finish.
Her lips twisted into a scowl. She stepped back.
Fine.
Alright.
I pped my hands together and spread my arms wide.
So, the Kobolds me Humankind. But not exactly you guys in specific. Its more like they me the summoning rituals that tear through the fabric of space. The [Heroes] that are summoned throughout the ages. The Demons brought forth by [Cultists] and idiots. And the Spirits.
I nced over at Alder. He blinked a few times.
What?
Yep. They think [Summoners] are responsible for damaging the world. Destroying it. Creating the corruption that Helena saw.
I pointed vaguely in the direction of Catark. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy narrowed her eyes. Both Lofus and Orgaf just nced at each other, puzzled. Alder, however, didnt take it so well.
T-thats impossible! Spirit summoning is an ancient sacred art. A pact forged between the Spirit Lord and the Immortal King Alexander. You cant possibly be saying that it has has been
He tried to work his jaw. He was inplete disbelief. But Helena herself closed her eyes.
I recall a research paper that was recently published by a respected professor of Mavos Academy that seemed to postte this very same thing. That the damage caused by Spirit summoning, though harmless individually, have throughout history had a significant impact on the thin fabric of space.
Thats
Alder bit his lip, stopping himself from interrupting the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. I furrowed my brows in thought for a moment, then I snapped my fingers excitedly.
Oh! You mean by Professor Isais?
Helena paused. She studied my expression before speaking carefully.
Yes Professor Isais of Mavos Academy. I take it he was your lecturer on space magic?
He was! So he really did research into it, huh?
I remembered when my dad showed up in my ssroom and gave him a quick lesson on space magic. It seemed like Professor Isais actually listened to what Sal had to say in the end after getting embarrassed in front of his ss, of course.
Helena Warshade nodded.
Unfortunately, not very many [Space Mages] have been able to validate his ims, especially during these tumultuous times where the threat of a full-scale Demon invasion of the Humannds is in everybodys minds. A cursory look at the findings have been rather rming, even if it is all still unconfirmed.
Alder nced between me and the Archmage. He buried his head in his hands.
Is this for real? Ive been all this time
I shrugged and spoke over him.
Well, that doesnt matter anyway.
What do you mean?
The Augur Elder looked at me, still wide-eyed. I wagged a finger and spoke in a lecturing tone.
Because the real ones responsible for tearing down the fabric of spacetime in the Nexeus wasnt even you Humans anyway. It was the Worldwalkers of old.
Worldwalkers?
Alder mouthed the word, his confusion only growing. Helena Warshade just pursed her lips. They were the only ones who could even understand what I was saying, and they were both clearly lost.
Worldwalkers. neshoppers. Realityskippers. Whatever you want to call them. People from other worlds like [Heroes], except they can move about worlds on their own. Like a Fairy, but for outside of the Nexeus, I guess. And they came to the Nexus in abundance. They were the ones who caused the corruption to form in the first ce.
Lofus looked absolutely lost slightly angry, but only keeping her cool partly because of Helena Warshade and partly because she was just too confused to get upset. Orgaf took it all in silently, even if he had a few questions visible on his face. Alder himself massaged his temples and took a seat.
A [Hero] that can travel between worlds Fairy but for beyond the Nexeus
You do realize what youre implying, right?
Helena Warshade fixed her gaze onto me.
These Worldwalkers you speak of they had to be greater than even the Immortal King Alexander. The greatest Human to have ever lived.
Yep.
I answered nonchntly. She gritted her teeth.
And they used to be plentiful. So plentiful that they are the ones responsible for causing this Apocalypse?
Uh-huh.
I agreed with her happily. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy opened her mouth and sighed.
And how long ago was this?
Fifty thousand years ago, at the least.
How many of them were there?
Enough that this is a problem now.
What did they do here?
Dunno.
Where did they all go?
Dunno.
How do we fix this?
Dunno
I need an answer, Salvos.
She was getting more and more exasperated with each non-answer I gave. Helena Warshade looked up at me. I saw the face she made that of frustration. Not out of disbelief or confusion. She wasnt like Alder who was still trying to take it in. She had parsed it all. And she wanted a solution. One which I couldnt give.
I sighed, sitting back down once more.
This is why I dont like dealing withplicated things
I crossed my legs and made myselffortable. Helena Warshade just stared at me, and I spoke dismissively.
What should we do about it? Isnt it obvious?
I raised my head and beamed.
Nothing. We do absolutely nothing.
What?
Alders jaw dropped. Lofus crossed her arms, huffing.
Hmph, its obvious shes making all this up at this point. Just ignore her.
Orgaf himself stepped forward, protesting.
Salvos, even I think something has to be done about this.
Alright.
I looked at him, still smiling.
Then tell me what can we do?
He hesitated. The Elite [Rogue] shuffled his feet, and I answered for him.
Thats right: the answer is that we cant do anything about it. Not me. Not you. Not anyone whos below Level 200, at least.
Then I cocked my head back, considering my words for a moment.
And I dont even think someone whos above Level 200 can do anything about it. It is what it is. Might as well try to survive and get stronger. Maybe try to find a solution to it in the future. But as of right now?
I looked between each Elite. I saw their reactions. The way their previously distinct reactions of confusion, anger, and whatever all melded into the same single one: the fear of what was toe.
You guys do whatever you want. Try to find a solution to it. I wont do anything about it, though. Ill just do what Ive always been doing.
They didnt say a word in response to that. All the Elites even Lofus remained quiet, in thought. It was like they were still trying to process this. It reminded me of mypanions when they first found out about the Apocalypse. Just utter shock. They were all still trying to find a solution where there was none. All of them except for one.
It was Helena Warshade who spoke up. She was different from the rest. Her demeanor her posture it all reminded me of Xidra. That of eptance. Someone who identified that this was a problem with no simple solution, and was simply acting to the best of her abilities.
I see.
She turned around and walked towards the doorway. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy brought a hand up touching the symbols floating in the air in preparation to deactivate her barrier.
This is my final and only question for you, Salvos. Then, you may take your leave.
What is it?
I asked the question even though I knew what it was going to be. I closed my eyes, waiting for it.
How do you know all this?
Helena Warshade asked the obvious question. I cracked an eye open, looking up at her as she looked back at me expectantly.
How did I know all this? If I could answer honestly, I would tell her. I would tell her about everything Id been through that led to me finding out about everything. From the Kobolds to Lily and the Fairies to my dad. Because, as much as they thought I didnt listen, I did. I heard every word they said. I remembered it all, even if I didnt care for most of it.
But it wasnt stupidity that led to me brushing it off. I just thought that I had no reason to worry about it. After all, the world had been around for a long time before I was born, why would it suddenly end so soon after I came into existence?
Sure, it was a problem. But not one I was concerned with right now. All I cared about at this moment were mypanions. About my own safety.
And I couldnt reveal the truth to Helena Warshade. Not without putting myself in danger. So, I sighed and stood up.
Unfortunately, I cant tell you that.
That was all I said. Lofus sputtered something from behind. I ignored it. Helena Warshade just met my gaze. She nodded.
I expected that.
With that, she lowered the barrier and let me out of the room.
Chapter 384: What Now?
Chapter 384: What Now?
384. What Now?
Willy floated through the streets of Alyras. There were crowds gathered a celebration was being held. Or no. Not a celebration. It was a parade. A delegation of men and women from the rest of the Helbir League had arrived today for the big meeting in three days time. Everyone from their mothers to their grandfathers were running out of their homes to catch sight of the foreigners.
There were [Priests] from Zaetya. [War Elephants] from Dolonia. They waved at the Odinian [Chariot Riders], and cheered when the soldiers from Samurion banged their shields together. Some waited in the afternoon sun, hoping to see the famed Elite Ranked adventurer everyone had been talking about, but Willy was almost certain they missed him.
Either way, the [Will O Wisp] didnt care for any of it. Hed grown up here, in the Helbir ins, and he knew exactly how this went. Sure, back when he was around, half these countries didnt exist. In fact, many of the city states of the Helbir ins that had been around during his time were now gone. Syberma, Timira, Adash so many of them, gone. Lost to time.
But he wasnt troubled by it. He had never been fond of these cities or countries. Sure, Zaetya was still around, but he didnt think theyd be gone. After all, they housed the zealots of the Den of Souls. The fact that they were here annoyed him quite a bit.
Although it wasnt like just being in the Helbir ins didnt annoy him.
Honored Spirit! Honored Spirit!
A few passersby in the street below called out to the Grand Spirit of Diligence. He just snorted, ignoring them entirely. They likely wanted him to give them his blessing so they could get married or offer them wisdom which he didnt have. First of all, just because he was a Spirit didnt mean his words had some special powers. But it was tradition, so people did it anyway.
And he didnt care for it. He hade here only because he was following Salvos around. But Salvos was busy. So busy. Just as she returned from leaving him alone in this city, she was scooped up by Helena Warshade and thrown into a meeting he wasnt allowed in.
Seriously, it was starting to grate him a little bit. Willy had little care for Humans. He was fascinated by Salvos and Salvos alone, yet she was always leaving him behind. He had no face, but if he had one, hed be pouting right now.
His thoughts were unclipped and cogent unlike his usual speech. Speaking was hard as a ball of fire, and while he could asionally use full sentences, hed prefer exining things as quickly as possible and avoid long-form conversations. If I have no purpose here in the Mortal Realm, then why stay?
It was something hed have to think about. For now, he was going to remain. Observe. See how things unfold. He flew back to the pce of Alyras, watching from afar as Salvos exited to a garden foyer. Perhaps I should return to the Spirit ne
If she has no need for me if I have no purpose here in the Mortal Realm- then why stay?
It was a simple question. A rhetorical question. One he already knew the answer to. Now, he just see if his presence here had purpose. He followed after Salvos, not involving himself unless it was necessary.
I left the Elites behind to discuss the ramifications of the Apocalypse. They could choose to believe me. Or they could choose not to believe me. It didnt really matter. I didnt have much of a vested interest in convincing them about it.
There was a reason why Id been so reticent on sharing what I knew about the end of the world and the corruption to others. It would always devolve into a huge problem that involved politics and arguments and a bunch of other things I couldnt care about. Maybe if they all just epted it easily, asking a few questions before going about to do whatever they wanted to do with that information, Id be more than happy to oblige each time
But, of course, that wasnt how it worked.
I nced back once. The door closed behind me as I strode down the hallway before turning a corner. Helena Warshade hadnt said anything since I left, while Orgaf, Lofus, and Alder were locked in what was going to be a long discussion. The Archmage was likely going to inundate me with even more questions in the future, but for now she was going to leave me alone.
Salvos!
I found Saffron waiting for me at the ptial garden not long after. The pink-haired noble got to her feet and faced me with a curious look.
Howd it go?
It went amazingly boring!
I gave her a thumbs-up with a grin. She rolled her eyes.
Whatd you guys even discuss? It has to be important if Archmage Warshade is involved.
Oh, nothing. Just something rted to those Wyverns that attacked Catark.
I waved a hand dismissively. Technically, that wasnt a lie. The corruption was rted to the Wyverns that attacked Catark. It just wasnt the whole truth, and I wasnt interested in exining the whole situation about the end of the world again to someone else.
Whether or not Helena Warshade spread this information wasnt up to me. It was the same as Daniel revealing that he was a [Hero]. He wasnt going to go out of his way to tell the whole world about it, but he wasnt actively hiding it from others either.
Anyway, did you need something, Saffron? You said you wanted to speak with me.
The Vampire girl nodded.
I do, actually. Well, its not really that important. Zin just said she needed you for something.
She does?
I cocked my head, curious. Zin Norwood was one of the Vampires I had met when I was helping Saffron out with her politicking. She was the former Matriarch of the Norwood Family one of the Greater Vampire Families. I remembered her being a rtively high-leveled [Druid]. Level 134 or 135.
I wonder what she needs from me?
I asked aloud. Saffron shrugged.
Who knows. Apparently it was something important, though. Something which you gave to her? Im not too clear on the details either.
Huh. Well, I hope its interesting!
--
Huh. This is not interesting.
I stared at what Zin Norwood was showing me. The [Druid] stood next to Saffron with her arms crossed. I turned back to a pair of glowing figures standing in the corner of the tent. Theyy therezily, waving at me as I frowned.
What are you why are you?
I sighed as my clones shrugged at the same time. I turned to the three Wyvern eggs nestled under a nket of straw and wool before looking back at Zin.
And they just showed up and dumped the Wyvern eggs on you?
They did. No exnation. Nothing.
Zin sighed, massaging her temples. I tried to work my jaw. I looked back at my clones and spoke in a reprimanding voice.
You guys were supposed to find Edithes friend! Uh, that [Beastmaster]... whats his name?
I tilted my head back as I ced a hand on my chin in thought. One of my clones raised an arm, and I snapped my fingers.
Thats right Ismail Znd! You were supposed to find him! Why are you here instead?
The other clone scowled and pointed usingly at me. Zin and Saffron both watched nkly as I drew back defensively.
What? How is it my fault?
Zin turned to the pink-haired Vampire.
Does she normally do this?
Ive learned not to question whatever she does.
Fair.
I ignored their conversation, my full attention on my clones. They both got to their feet, silently harrumphing. I scratched the back of my head apologetically.
Thats I guess youre right. Im sorry, Ipletely forgot you guys couldnt talk!
Apparently, they went to the adventurers camp, but couldnt find this Ismail Znd since no one understood them. I didnt even know what he looked like. So, they improvised and found Zin Norwood instead since I at least knew what the [Druid] looked like. Fortunately, Zin knew what to do and created a pseudo-nest for the Wyvern eggs.
Im d you three resolved that dispute.
Zin stepped forward, drawing my attention.
But we have another bigger issue here.
What big issue?
I blinked at her innocently. Saffron just sighed behind the [Druid]. My Vampirepanion strode forward and gestured at the Wyvern eggs.
What do we do about these, Salvos? Theyll hatch to be Wyverns. Monsters. How are we supposed to take care of them?
Um
I hesitated. I definitely didnt think this through. That Wyvern was hurt and sad and dying. I felt bad, and I remembered the Mistress of Remnants words. So, I hastily agreed to take care of the Wyvern eggs. But what now?
Well, well figure it out, right? Its not like theyll hatch now. We have plenty of time to
Actually, we dont have a lot of time.
Zin spoke over me, strutting up to the eggs.
These Wyverns are likely to hatch by sundown, Salvos.
I stared at her, blinking a few times. I felt my shoulders sag.
Oh.
Chapter 385: Figuring Out Options
Chapter 385: Figuring Out Options
385. Figuring Out Options
By sundown. The Wyvern eggs were going to hatch by sundown. And I had no idea what I was supposed to do with them.
It was a brash decision to bring them here to Alyras, but I was the one who made it, so I was going to have to figure out how to solve this problem. Zin Norwood urged me to hurry.
Very little is known about how newborn Wyverns act, Salvos. But I have a feeling a really strong feeling that theyre not going to react quite positively when they see Humans surrounding them as soon as they hatch.
She spoke with her arms crossed. I shuffled my feet, ncing between her and Saffron.
I um, will figure this out! Just give me a few hours!
We barely have a few hours.
Saffron gave me a t stare as I dashed out of the tent.
Youre right IllberightbacktakecareoftheWyvernswhileImgoneokbye!
They just watched me go as I flew off into the distance. I could almost hear Saffron sigh, even from afar. But I pressed on, already knowing where I was going to first. Or, more specifically, who I was going to first.
This is nice
Edithe murmured as shey at the grassy hilltop. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. It was peaceful. Quiet. Well, not too quiet the tranquility was slightly perturbed by the hubbub in the distance. She was barely even a mile from the gates of Alyras, and there was a small crowd of travelers still trying to enter the city.
A hooded figure stumbled behind the wagon of a [Trader], joining the line, but Edithe didnt pay them any mind. She instead turned to the man lying next to her, staring into the blue sky.
It feels like forever since weve had time to just rx like this.
Hadrian blinked and faced her. His brows furrowed as he thought about it.
It really has, huh?
He agreed after some time. She leaned closer to him, chuckling.
So much has happened over the past few years. It just
Her lips pursed as she slowly recalled everything that had happened. All the things theyd been through. All the fighting and the suffering.
With thepany war, then the Lich. Even after all that was over, more problems just kepting up with the True Valiants and that Primeval Demon and now there are apparently even more Demons or something showing up
She trailed off as Hadrians blue eyes bore into her. Edithe let out a heavy sigh.
I just
Edithe
He opened his mouth, then hesitated. Whatever he was going to say didnte out. Instead, the blond man gently brushed a finger over her face, drawing her attention as she turned to him. The redhead blinked once as he guided her head to his shoulder. She couldnt react, caught off guard. Then she rxed. She felt his warm embrace as shey there in the grass.
Hadrian didnt say anything, and she was fine with that. This moment would be ruined if not for the silence. So they basked in it together. Just the two of them. For once, a moment to rx. Where they could forget their problems. Where neither of them had responsibilities.
Edithes eyes fluttered open as she looked up at Hadrian. His eyes were closed as he hugged her, the exhaustion on his face evident. She knew he was tired too. Deep down, he hadnt even had time to grieve. Mourn his fathers death. It was unfair. And it pained her knowing that he had to bottle it up hide his emotions as the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
She shifted, leaning closer to him. Hadrian blinked his eyes open and looked at Edithe as she was just inches away from his face.
Hadrian
Edithe whispered his name. Their eyes locked. They held that stare for a moment. And the two leaned closer
Edi
The redhead blinked as she heard a distant voice echo from the citys direction. Both the man and woman paused. Hadrian narrowed his eyes.
Is that?
She sighed.
It is.
And they both looked up as a figure descended from the sky. One wreathed in me. With silver hair and an excited grin.
Ediiiiiiiiiiiiiithe!
Salvosnded between them as they got to their feet. Hadrian and Edithe drew away from each other, flustered.
Hi!
The silver-haired girl beamed. Then she blinked, noticing their red faces.
Wait, am I interrupting something?
Its fine, Salvos. Did you need something from us?
Mypanion waved a hand off and faced me with a smile. Hadrian greeted me with a nod too as I waved back at him. I focused on Edithe, remembering my task.
I need your help.
What for?
The redhead raised a brow. I shuffled my feet and exined the situation.
Do you, um, remember those Wyvern eggs we brought back to Alyras? Well, I mean, the ones my clones brought back?
I do what about them?
She eyed me warily. I sighed.
Theyre going to hatch by sunset.
I let it out. Edithes jaw dropped. She stared at me as I shifted back.
Are you serious, Salvos?
I nodded glumly. She tried to work her mouth, but nothing came out. It was Hadrian who spoke next. He raised a hand, staring at me in disbelief.
Wait Wyverns. You mean the very same ones that attacked Catark.
Yep, although just a bit smaller.
The monsters that can grow up to a hundred feet in length with wings just as wide?
Thats it.
The ones that are typically hostile towards Humans?
I snapped my finger, giving him a grin.
Exactly! You got it right, Hadrian!
Then I scratched the back of my head uncertainly.
And were going to have to figure out what to do with them before they hatch and attack everything on sight.
I wasnt too worried about whether the Wyvern babies were going to harm anyone. Theyd be low-leveled since they would still be newborns. The problem was if others attacked them.
Hadrian sat back on the grass, turning to Edithe.
Well, good luck, Edithe. Youll need it.
Fuck that, youreing with us.
Edithe scoffed. She yanked him to his feet and he rolled his eyes with a smile.
Alright, alright. Lets go find Ismail. Im sure hell have a solution to this.
Are you guys sure? Youre putting a lot of trust in this guy.
I peered at them curiously, but both Edithe and Hadrian reassured me that it would be fine.
Hes a [Beastmaster]. One of the best I know.
Hadrian said as he waved a hand off dismissively.
Ismail Znd will surely have an idea of what to do.
--
I have absolutely no idea.
Ismail Znd spoke with his arms crossed. I felt my shoulders sag. I stared at him he was a darker skinned man, simr to the folks of the Helbir ins but still slightly different in tone. He had a Pegasus with him. A horse with a pair of wings.
The Pegasus huffed when she saw me, but I paid her no mind. Instead, I protested as the [Beastmaster] sighed.
But Edithe and Hadrian said youd be able to help!
Well, they were wrong.
Ismail looked past me, ring at the man and woman standing at the back. Hadrian and Edithe flinched as he scoffed.
What made either of you think I have any experience with Wyverns? Seriously?
Well, uh, we just thought since you were a [Beastmaster], you could you know?
Edithe tried to exin. Ismail massaged his temples.
I cant. Wyverns are a whole different breed of trouble. Id need a more specialized ss than what I have to raise three baby Wyverns. I form bonds partnerships with monsters and animals.
He nodded at the Pegasus.
I am not qualified to take care of children.
Why not?
I tried to protest. But Ismail raised a hand.
Because Wyverns are incredibly intelligent, even from their birth. If they dont see their mother as soon as they hatch, theyll assume you killed their mother and hold a grudge. And trust me, they can tell that this
He gestured at himself vigorously.
is not a Wyvern. The best course of action is to staypletely out of these Wyverns lives.
His point was clear. Ismail Znd sank back into a chair as I deted. I had a lot of things I wanted to say. I made a promise, and I wanted to keep it. But Hadrian bit his lower lip.
Ismail is right. I heard of a [Beast Tamer] who tried to raise a Wyvern young over a decade ago, and it just ended up eating him after it grew old and strong enough. We should probably release these Wyverns back into the wild.
Thats
I opened my mouth. That couldnt be it. We couldnt just give up so easily, right? It upset me. Yet, everyone had given up. Just because these were Wyverns. They werent Humans, so they didnt care as much. If it had been Humans, they would they would
I found my jaw clenching as I stared at the three Humans. Edithe bowed her head apologetically.
Im sorry, Salvos. This isnt just for our sake, its for their sake. We arent Wyverns, after all.
I opened my mouth to argue. My annoyance reached a tipping point and cooled. I blinked a few times as what Edithe said slowly settled in my head.
Wait, so we just want the Wyvern to be raised by another Wyvern?
Hadrian and Ismail exchanged nces. Edithe frowned at me.
Yeah why?
I met her gaze. A smirk ran across my face. Her eyes widened, and she knew what I was thinking at once.
I have an idea.
Chapter 386: Mama
Chapter 386: Mama
386. Mama
It had been a rough past few days for Daniel Song. He was a [Hero] from another world a world that was far more advanced than this medieval-esque world. One that was called Earth. That meant he was more ustomed to aid back lifestyle. He couldnt lie and say he didnt miss the conveniences of modern life, but after being trapped in the Nexeus for so long, he was somewhat used to living in harsher conditions than most.
After all, hed fought through the gunds, traversed through a war torn country, and before all that, he survived on his own as he ran from assassins. Suffice to say, Daniel Song wasnt unused to living life on the edge. Unfortunately, Salvos took that saying to a whole nother level.
Hed asked her to train him. Which, of course, he expected to be difficult. But he had thought it would be more akin to their time in the gunds. Instead, she threw him into multiple life-and-death situations where he couldnt possibly have won the battle. The [Hebomination] and Belzu was just one example. Next was the fight against the [Savage Agarat].
Even if Daniel tried his very hardest used up whatever potions or Skills or artifacts he had he wouldnt have won those fights. He wouldve definitely died if he was alone. There wasnt even a sliver of chance of victory. He had beenpletely and utterly overpowered.
It was iparable to the gunds. There was still some level of risk management when Salvos dragged him and Edithe to that blight-infested undead zone. They fought hard battles against higher-leveled monsters but they were swarm monsters. More specifically, undead. They only had a single ss, even at Level 100, which made them less of a threat than even a Centinel at the same level.
So, they had generally been cautious while fighting through the gunds. Although there was an army of undead there in that dead zone, they still didnt take unnecessary risks apart from the Lich. But even that was necessary because Edithe had been in danger. Meanwhile, in the span of thest week alone, Salvos had dragged Daniel into three different instances where the odds against them were as high or even higher than during the battle against the Lich. Certainly, the [Hebomination] was a greater threat to them than the Lich ever was.
It, obviously, took its toll on Daniel. Hed leveled up greatly rtively quickly, but he was still exhausted. He just needed a break to drink some alcohol at a bar and go for a massage, maybe. What he didnt need was for an annoying woman to harp at him for the entirety of his time alone.
Seriously, youve got to be a fucking moron to throw yourself into these situations. Sure youre Level 118 now, but whats the point of it if youre dead?
Amanda, the former Harrowed Vindicator assassin that had tried to killed him, snorted as she leant back on her chair. She gulped down an entire mug of ale in moments as Daniel gave her a sidelong nce. He looked down at his own cup still mostly full as the not-so-Silent Serpent raised the mug and called for the [Barkeep].
Hey, is this the strongest fucking drink you got? Give me another!
The [Barkeep] rushed her way, but Daniel raised a hand. He stopped Amanda from getting another drink as he pushed his mug her way.
No need. You can have this.
Amanda blinked at him. She shifted slightly in her seat.
Oh, uh, thanks
But he didnt wait for her to finish. Daniel got to his feet and left her alone in the tavern. She stared at him, confused for a moment, before her jaw dropped.
Wait, where are you going?
He didnt answer. The door swung shut behind him. A cloaked figure entered after Daniel, but he didnt pay them any mind. Instead, he just heard the [Barkeep] clear his throat from the other side of the door.
So about the payment
Amanda sighed.
Fuck.
--
The fuck was that about? I barely have any gold left, you asshole!
Daniel only crossed a single street before Amanda appeared behind him. The [Rogue] had her arms crossed and a re fixed on her face. He just shrugged.
You shouldnt have ordered all those drinks if you couldnt pay for them.
Thats
She sputtered in outrage. Then she caught herself. He just stared at her nkly as she harrumphed.
After everything Ive done for you, the least you could do is pay me back.
Daniels eyes twitched. Normally, hed have no qualms indulging Amanda in her annoying antics, but he was tired today, and he was in no mood to deal with her. So, he simply answered in a t voice.
By everything youve done for me, does that include attempting to take my life?
She paused. The brte opened her mouth, but before she could continue, he spoke over her.
Or do you mean leaving me for dead?
Amanda shifted her feet, head lowering. She tried to work her jaw. Nothing came out. He rolled his eyes as she finally mustered up the best answer she could one which he expected.
I was getting Helena
You were running.
He folded his arms.
Running like a coward. And thats all you really are, Amanda. If not, youd at least own up to it.
His gaze bore into her. It pierced the facade she normally wore. Amanda averted her gaze, looking to her feet.
Thats
She murmured quietly. Daniel could barely hear her voice. He scoffed and spun around.
Of course, you wont admit to anything. Because youre a fucking coward.
Her eyes widened as he started to walk away. Amanda shuffled her feet for a moment before calling out.
Look, Daniel, Im s
She started, then paused. A susurration ran through the street. Heads turned as everyone looked up, pointing and whispering about something in the sky. Was it a bird? Daniel thought it couldve been a ne. But it certainly wasnt anything super or man.
He looked up. Amanda did too. They stared at the figure that was soaring through the air. Everyone watched as it moved so quickly, it parted the clouds. The former assassin stared.
Is that Salvos?
Amanda blinked.
Why is she carrying those oversized eggs?
And Daniel, unfortunately, had an idea as to what was going on.
Ill be taking these!
Inded between Zin and Saffron, scaring them for a moment, before scooping up the Wyvern eggs and flying off into the distance. The two women exchanged a confused nce.
What the fuck was that
Saffron started, but I was already gone.
I flew alone, far far away from Alyras. I didnt tell anyone my n. They didnt need to know about it. Ismail Znd had questioned me. Hadrian had been utterly perplexed. Edithe, as mypanion, had an inkling of an idea of what I was going to do. I didnt bring her with me, of course.
Instead, I flew on my own away from the city. I only paused when I nearly crashed into a glowing ball of mes. I blinked, barely swerving around the [Will O Wisp].
Willy, what are you doing here?
I stared at him. He sputtered in outrage.
Watch!
What do you mean watch where Im going? Youre the one who was in my way!
No!
Yes!
No!
Yes!
The Grand Spirit scoffed as he flew parallel to me. I shook my head, then nced down at the Wyvern eggs I was carrying with my [Faux Limbs].
Hey, do you want to help me hatch these eggs?
I grinned at him. Willy hesitated, then I sped up.
Lets go hatch these eggs.
Wait
He called out after me, but he still followed. I continued on, flying over the rolling hills of the Helbir ins until I found a forest. Inded there, on a small clearly right at a valley where there werent any trees or people. A brown creature one that looked like a giant boary there. It got up and loomed over me, growling.
I narrowed my eyes.
[Mammoth Boar - Lvl 53]
Um, I dont think you even stand a chance against me, buddy.
It huffed as it beat one of its legs on the ground, ignoring my words. I knew it could understand me, but it just charged me. I rolled my eyes.
So youre one of those monsters then.
With the snap of my finger, my body shifted. I grew ten times in size, dwarfing even the trees in height. I spread my arm-wings out and bared my sharp teeth at the [Mammoth Boar]. I loomed over it with the shadow of a Wyvern no, I had be a Wyvern.
The [Mammoth Boar] stopped its charge as I puffed out some smoke from my nostrils.
Well, wanna try me then?
It turned tails and ran. I scoffed.
Thats what I thought.
I nced up, and Willy stared at me. The [Will O Wisp] had a judging look on his well, he didnt have a face. But his posture! Um well, he didnt have a posture either. He was just a ming ball. However, I could tell he was judging me.
What?
I drew back slightly.
Caught?
I wont get caught! I checked the area with space magic theres no one nearby!
Sure.
Willy spoke sarcastically. I pursed my lips.
Fine! How about this
I brought a hand up as fractals formed around us. A ss-like dome sheltered the entire valley. It wasnt a full-on pocket dimension, per se. Just the rough membrane of what. If I tried making a real pocket space thisrge well, I wouldnt be able to do that.
This space anyone could pass through it. The only thing it did was I flicked a finger and a ripple ran through its surface.
We can see out of here, and no one can see whats going on in here. What do you think?
How?
Willy asked, curious. I waved a hand off dismissively.
[Full Phase]. It lets me manipte my own pocket space in various ways. For example, if I had wanted to, I could make everything here smaller than it actually was, or make itrger than it actually was. Like in Bags of Holdings!
Do that then?
Itll be more troublesome. Doing this is much easier since Im not really bending or stretching space.
I gestured at the illusory barrier around us. It wasnt an actual illusion. It simply captured what this ce had been like before we arrived.
Anyway, no one will see me now. Happy?
Willy nodded slowly. Then his mes dimmed. He spoke in a low voice.
Cold.
Yep. Its a bit colder now. But thats fine youre a ball of fire!
I tried to reassure him. But he spoke loudly and clearly.
No, idiot. Cold!
He flew over the three eggs, gesturing at them. I pped my forehead.
Oh, right! They need to be kept warm. Here, let me just
I stepped forward and produced some blue mes in my wing-hands. Willy yelled at me.
No! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!
What?
I blinked as my mes dissipated. He sighed and flew down, changing color to a weak green me. He exuded a gentle heat as well as a soothing aura. This was his healing me, and he used it as he floated over the Wyvern eggs.
There.
Huh.
I watched him hover over the three eggs. He just looked my way with a scowl that wasnt actually there. I shifted back.
Look, you never taught me how to do those mes, alright?
Hmph!
I sat down or rather, went to lie down as I waited for the sun to set.
This is going to take a while.
It was still mid afternoon. The sky hadnt even turned orange yet. I looked back to Willy, considering changing back from a Wyvern.
Maybe I can
I was about to suggest getting some food or water or whatever else babies needed when I heard a crack. I froze. Willy slowly turned. Both of us looked down as a crack ran through one of the Wyvern eggs.
Wait, theyre already hatching?
I gaped at the eggs as all three of them twitched. They rolled down as I rushed to catch them. Willy followed after, keeping the aura from his healing fire on them. I stopped the first egg from rolling too far as its shell broke off.
A tiny head poked out of it. A small pink creaturey in there. It looked up at me with round eyes as the rest of its shell shattered. The other two began to hatch as well as the first baby Wyvern blinked its eyes open. It opened its mouth, stretching its body.
Grraaaah!
I slowly scooped up the little pink thing. It had arms and legs, but no wings. No scales. Yet, it vaguely resembled a Wyvern regardless. I stared down into its round eyes as it looked up at me. I felt my heart melt.
Aw, its so cute!
I brought a wed finger up and tickled its belly. Itughed as it wiggled its tail. The other two eggs hatched as Willy hurriedly backed up.
Youre so cute! Hello there little guy! My name is Salvos!
I beamed at the little baby Wyverns. The three of them looked at each other, and the first one pointed up to me.
Mama!
Thats right, my name is Sa wait, what?
I blinked a few times. And the other two Wyverns echoed the first.
Mama!
Mama!
The word slowly registered in my head. Willys mes flickered. He looked on as all three Wyvern babies cuddled up to me. My jaw dropped. And the [Will O Wisp] burst outughing.
Good this is good!
And, finally, I sputtered.
But Im not a mother!
Chapter 387: How to Train Your Wyverns
Chapter 387: How to Train Your Wyverns
387. How to Train Your Wyverns
Mama!
The tinny voice echoed from the screen. A scene yed out: a young woman with her three children living without a roof over their heads. The girl and she was a girl, not anywhere near mature enough to take care of kids despite her appearance had been far too irresponsible, and she now had to bear the consequences of her thoughtless actions.
My daughter how could this happen?
Sal choked as he watched with tears in his eyes. He pressed a hand on the screen, eyeing Salvos. The girl was sputtering saying something to her babies. But the Devil didnt listen.
So young and already a mother of three. Youre barely even five! Or ten! Or however old you are! I cant believe this I didnt raise you to be like this!
He dropped to his knees, mulling over his failure. Sal had thought hed been a good father. He thought hed been a good role model for Salvos. He hadnt even gotten a daughter until he was fifty thousand years old! Yet, here she was, young and dumb, having children at such an early age before his very eyes.
The Devil spread his arms wide.
Where did I go so wrong?
And he paused. He thought about the question for a moment only a single moment before he knew the answer.
Oh, right, Ive been incredibly neglectful and spent most of my time out of her life. Man, Im a terrible father.
He shrugged and crossed his legs.
Welp, might as well sit back and enjoy the show. This is gonna be good.
Sal chuckled, enjoying the show as it yed out before him.
But Im not a mother!
I protested, but the three Wyvern babies still hugged me. Two of them were snuggling against my stubby legs, while the third was crawling up my wing-arm as it pointed at me once again.
Mama!
I said Im not your mother!
These Wyverns were getting annoying. I glowered, speaking insistently and clearly. All three of them paused. The one that was on my arm looked up at me with round eyes. It well, he, actually was a pink little blob. So small,pared to an actual Wyvern. Like the size of a Human child. And he began to tear up.
Not mama?
The other two Wyvern babies echoed his sentiment. I blinked a few times.
...yes?
I hesitated for a bit, before confirming my non-maternal rtionship with them. The three little Wyverns exchanged a nce. Then they started to bawl. I flinched as their loud crying echoed in the little dome I put up.
Wait, why are you stop crying!
I tried to hush them, but they continued. Willy red at me.
What you doing?!
The [Will O Wisp] flitted up to my face, outraged. I sputtered.
I mean, I am not their mother
And the Wyvern babies cried louder. Their wailings couldve been heard from a mile away if I hadnt cordoned off this area with space magic. I covered my ears as Willy flew down to them.
He wreathed the boy Id been carrying with green mes, gently taking the Wyvern off my hand. The [Will O Wisp] spoke in a cating tone and full sentences as he wrapped them all in his warm fire.
There, there. Yes, she mama.
What?
I stared in shock. I opened my maw to defend myself, but he looked my way as he repeated himself.
Yes. Ma. Ma.
Slowly. Almost threateningly.
Understand?
I scowled, but the baby Wyverns quietened down. They looked up at the [Will O Wisp], their cheerful demeanors returning at once. They turned away from him and stared straight at me.
Yay, mama!
I crossed my arms, harrumphing. But I didnt argue this time. I never said I was their mother. I already made my point. It wasnt my fault Willy was lying to them. The three Wyverns were waving their little stubby arms at the [Will O Wisp] as he flew around them.
Ugh, this is a pain.
Yes.
Willy answered simply. I stared at the baby Wyverns. They crawled to their feet before stumbling back down. They crawled around, investigating the ground, the dirt, and the flowers in the dirt. They all looked kind of foolish. Waddling around like confused animals. One of them even suckled on a rock. That one didnt look foolish. She actually looked pretty smart.
The first and third baby Wyverns to hatch were both boys, and the second one was a girl. I looked at all of them as they bumbled around. Then I turned to Willy as he floated back towards me.
Now what?
You. Not me.
What do you mean this is my problem? Were in this together, Willy!
I pleaded with him as he snorted. The [Will O Wisp] hovered next to my face as one of the Wyverns stumbled into the other two. They copsed into a pile of pink blobs. Willy finally spoke.
Name.
Name?
I blinked. Then I snapped my fingers.
I guess weve got to name them, huh? I forgot about that.
So far, I had just been calling them the baby Wyverns in my head, but I could give them a name. I scratched the back of my head. Willy looked at me expectantly.
Well?
How about
I pointed at them from first to third born.
Wyvy, Verny, Arny?
They all paused. The Wyverns, Willy all of them. They turned to me with a baffled look on their faces. The Wyverns started to cry, and Willy smacked me with a st of mes.
No.
Aw, why not! Theyre good names! You like your name, didnt you?
No.
The [Will O Wisp] answered tly. I felt my shoulders sag. The Wyverns continued to cry. I iled my wing-arms in a panic, trying to offer another suggestion.
Alright, how about
And ggrrrrrrr! I paused. The growl came from the trio of Wyverns. They ceased their crying for a single second before their bawling restarted this time, even louder.
I backed up in a panic.
What do I do, Willy? Why are they like this?
Hungry.
The [Will O Wisp] scoffed. I looked around the dirt ground, but I couldnt find anything nearby to feed them with. Then I had an idea.
Oh, I know!
I brought out my talons and produced a handful of dead roaches. The baby Wyverns stared at the little critters. They stopped crying. They sniffled, ncing between each other. Then they made a face of disgust.
Eww
They chorused at once. I stepped back, aghast.
You dont like bugs?! How dare you!
But Willy jumped in. He flitted up to the baby Wyverns, distracting them and cutting me off before I could lecture them on the savory goodness of eating bugs.
Find food! Real food!
Fine!
I huffed, turning back and walking out of the dome.
They cant call themselves my children if they cant even eat bugs. Hpmh.
I grumbled as I exited the cover of my magic. A group of [Mammoth Boars] stared straight at me the moment I stepped out. They blinked, ready to barge back in and retake their valley. And I was fully expecting them to charge me like they attempted earlier.
However, all at once, the group of [Mammoth Boars] turned tails and scattered. They escaped into the forest, kicking up quite the ruckus on their way out. The nearby monsters and animals heard the beating of their hooves. The shaking of the earth. And they fled as well. It was a full stampede exiting this forest.
And I looked back down at myself at the Wyvern form I wore that stood out atop the canopy of trees and nodded understandingly.
Ah, they were scared of me.
I raised my head, watching as a majority of everything living in the area escaped in fear as all the potential food for the baby Wyverns vacated the forest. I sighed.
This is going to be a bit hard.
I apologize for myteness.
A figure strode into the throne room. Princess Rana Alyras straightened as she watched him enter. Her father, the king of Alyras, Artik Alyras, got to his feet as he opened his arms.
Ah, Prince Peris! I do hope youve had a good rest. Come on in, this isnt a formal meeting. Although, well likely have to discuss more tomorrow.
Of course.
Peris nodded back at the king simply, not even ncing Ranas way as she bowed at him. He came to a halt five steps before the throne and raised a brow.
I take it this is about the meeting in three days time?
Two days, at this point. But yes. Dont worry about formalities. I heard you and your father have had some apprehension about the details of the meeting.
Yes. In fact, I have some questions.
Ranas gaze darkened as she listened to Peris converse with her father. He crossed his arms simply as Artik waited. There was no one else in the room except for both parties bodyguards. Not that Peris needed any.
I do hope I can assuage your worries, Prince Peris.
Artik spoke as he rubbed his hands together. But Peris eyes narrowed.
Well see.
This was the side no one ever saw of the Crown Prince of Dolonia. This was why he had the Title of a Prince. Rana pursed her lips as Peris spread his arms wide.
Let me ask you this, king Artik: why should the Helbir League itself take up arms in its entirety against the Inoria Empire?
It was a simple question. A challenge, even. One that even Rana didnt expect. She opened her mouth, wanting to sputter, but her father raised a hand and stopped her.
Let him speak, Rana.
Peris crossed his arms, continuing.
Is the Vaun Qieur Empire not enough? What about the adventurer coalitions? Surely together with whatever forces the Veridian Family and its widework of connections can muster up, these groups alone would be enough to deal with this Demon threat.
He gestured vaguely back where he came. He probably had just greeted Anya Veridian not too long ago and was now callously asking her to throw away her life on her own behind her back. It irked Rana. She clenched a fist, but Peris shook his head.
I have even heard rumors. Talks of a [Hero]. One which you are sheltering in this kingdom.
Rana furrowed her brows. Artik himself looked puzzled by that. Neither of them knew what Peris was talking about, but the Prince cared not. He simply sighed.
Shouldnt a single [Hero] leading an army be more than enough to vanquish these terrible Demonic foes? Why waste any more lives on this? Our people do not need to die for this, king Artik.
Peris finished. Princess Rana had a lot of things she wanted to say back to the Crown Prince of Dolonia. But she knew her father wouldnt let her. Artik himself just closed his eyes.
I feared that would be your response. I am afraid I do not have much to say to convince you, Prince Peris.
Father!
Rana tried to protest. But Peris himself shrugged and walked away.
I see.
The princess of Alyras gritted her teeth. She normally well, she normally didnt like speaking out about anything. Nor did she like ignoring her father. But she stepped forward and pointed at Peris.
Prince Peris!
The Crown Prince of Dolonia halted. Ranas eyes flickered. She stared down at him indignantly.
One of the most important conferences in Human history begins in two days, Peris Dolonia. It will be a meeting that will be talked about for generations toe. Just like the First Council of Alexandria. Tomorrow, delegations from all around the Humannds will trickle into our great city and offer us their strength. They will pledge themselves for the sake of justice.
Peris Dolonia tilted his head slightly. She pursed her lips, speaking softly.
I hope that you stand on the right side of history too.
He chuckled and spun around.
And the princess gained some confidence. How odd. We shall see, Rana. We shall see
He left as Rana stood thera, adrenaline racing through her. But she did it. She got it all out. She slumped back into her chair and wiped at her forehead.
I really dont want to marry that jerk, she thought. And she was pretty certain he didnt want to marry her either.
Chapter 388: Names and Stuff
Chapter 388: Names and Stuff
388. Names and Stuff
The city of Hemigus was a rtively small city in the Helbir ins. That meant that it was more akin to a town in other parts of the Humannds. They didnt produce much. They had some farnds and a few forests nearby which let them export a few basic necessities, but they werent arge textile exporter like Alyras was or a military state like Dolonia. Hemigus was small. Comparing them to thoserge nations was likeparing a Nemeria to the Vaun Qieur Empire.
And if you hadnt heard of Nemeria before, neither had He until a delegation from Nemeria passed through Hemigus a day ago. They were a small nation in the Alterian League down south. Unlike the Helbir League, the Alterian League was far less of a stringent coalition. Odra, the leader of the Alterian League, hadnt organized a single representative force on behalf of the Alterian League for the meeting in Alyras. Instead, Odra had sent a few of their own dignitaries as did the other countries in the Alterian League.
Regardless, Hemigus was small. And He had lived out most of her days being a simple [Trader]. She sold meat and poultry from her fathers farm for a few copper coins per pound. There were more travelers passing through Hemigus than usual over thest few weeks, so business was booming. Today, shed even brought a surplus of goods from the farm to town.
Except as the sun set in the horizon, and the day came to an end, she hadnt even sold half of her stock.
This sucks
He sighed as she leaned against her stall. A chuckle drew her attention. She stared at the stall across the street as a rotund manughed at her.
Whats wrong, He? Seems like you were too overzealous today.
Shut it, Dimi. You didnt get many sales either.
Dimi was her, well, rival. Or her fatherspetitor. Not that she cared too much about their rivalry. He liked to agitate her, and she usually ignored it.
I was prepared for this. I didnt overstock my shelves. Let this be a good lesson for you: for every good harvest, a bad onees right after.
He sneered at her, and that annoyed He. Not because of the way he spoke, but because he was right. She was overeager. Her father had told her so. But she insisted told him that it was a brilliant idea. And she was wrong.
He gritted her teeth. She was not in the right mind to deal with this. She was about to snap at Dimi when a shadow passed over the sky. A few heads turned. Both [Traders] and customers looked up as a figure descended. Quickly.
A woman screamed and fell back as a sh of light crashed before them. He herself stumbled back, reaching for a machete her father had her carry with her at all times. But as the dust cleared up, a young womans voice piped up.
Hi! Im Salvos!
A girl with silver hair looked around the market street. She had wings made of blue fire, and a blue jacket that looked like it was made from out of this world. After scanning the area for a minute, her gazended on He.
The [Trader] flinched. She pulled out her machete, but Salvos just leapt forward. She ran a hand through the entire stock of meat and poultry as she spoke cheerily.
Ill be taking all this!
Wait, wha
He started, but blinked as her entire stock vanished in an instant. It was nowhere to be found, and the [Farmer]s daughter just stared.
How? I
Thank you. Here you go!
Salvos threw a handful of gold coins at the [Trader]. He looked down at the glinting objects, eyes wide.
This is I cant take it
But Salvos didnt listen. She spread her wings wide and grinned.
Gotta go now! Bye!
Wait!
He sputtered, but the silver-haired girl flew off. The dust hadnt even cleared yet. The passersby all just stared in shock and confusion. Dimis jaw dropped. He closed her eyes.
What the fuck just happened?
I decided that buying food was probably the best way to feed the Wyvern babies. I mean, I couldve hunted down the [Mammoth Boars] myself, but when I got to them and heard their terrified voices
Please dont eat me!
I taste terrible!
Were so sorry!
I decided that I might as well just grab a few already-dead animals and feed them to the baby Wyverns instead. It wasnt that I thought it was wrong to kill them after theyd tried to attack me earlier. I just felt a little bit bad for them. Only a little. Honestly, I couldve killed them and forgotten about it a minuteter. But at that moment, I decided that since I had a lot of money, I should just spend it.
And I did. So I returned back to my fractal dome, passing through my semi-pocket space as I waved a hand.
Alright, Im back
Right as I stepped through, a gray object whizzed straight at me. I caught the rock and blinked a few times. I stared at what I saw on the other side. Willy was flying around in a panic as the three baby Wyverns were scattered throughout the valley. One of them was climbing the cliffside at a ny degree angle, while another was burrowing into the earth like she was a mole. The third was standing on his head, looking at me while upside down.
They all turned to look at me, stopping what they were doing. The Wyvern baby climbing the wall dropped, and Willy barely caught him. I looked over at the [Will O Wisp].
Um, seems like youve been doing a good job?
I scratched the side of my head and the babies all began bawling all at once.
Wait, why are you guys crying?
Human!
Willy yelled back at me. I paused. I looked down at myself and realized what was wrong. I was in my Human form. I had transformed out of my Wyvern form to not scare the Humans in the nearby city, but Id forgotten to change back when I arrived here.
Oops. Look, its alright! Its me!
I tried to wave a hand catingly, but they all cried even louder. Willy scoffed.
Idiot! Change!
Give me a moment
I stepped back as my body shifted. There was a crack. The world around me shrank as I stood taller. My wings joined with my arms and my five fingers merged into only three talons. My pale skin was reced by a silvery hide and my jaw elongated into a vicious maw. I was back in my Wyvern form now, and the babies halted their crying.
I smiled uneasily at them.
Its me, see?
I wasnt sure how they would react. I fully expected them to begin crying again. But to my surprise, they waved their little nubby hands in the air in excitement, chorusing.
Mama!
They got back up and ran to me. Well, it was more like a slow waddle. One of them even tripped before picking himself back up. They hugged my legs as I looked down at them.
Um, there, there?
I slowly patted them on the head. The three baby Wyverns just cuddled up to me. I wasnt sure what to say or do. But Willy flitted up to me and met my gaze.
Food?
Right, I got this for you guys.
Bringing a hand up, I summoned all the meat Id bought off that [Trader] in the city. I lowered the food for the little trio at my feet. Their eyes went round as their mouths salivated. They instantly pounced for it. The three of them fought over whod get to eat first, pushing each other aside as they grabbed the various meats off my hands.
I watched them scarf it all down with little-to-no regard for manners. Willy snorted next to me as I smiled.
Theyre ravenous, arent they?
Then I made a face of disgust.
Gross.
The three Wyvern babies quickly finished all the food Id brought them. They drew back as a growl left their stomach. I frowned, and they covered their stomachs with their arms and looked at me sadly.
Wait, are they still hungry?!
Another growl from their stomachs confirmed that, yes, they were still starving. I threw my wing-arms into the air.
But thats everything Id bought!
Not enough.
Willy sighed. I scowled. I nced around, back out of the dome. Unfortunately, I couldnt sense those [Mammoth Boars] nearby anymore. Theyd most certainly evacuated the vicinity entirely. Maybe they might never even return ever again.
I sighed.
Ill go look around
Right as the words left my mouth, I heard a little roar. One of the baby Wyverns the first to be born lunged at something dashing through the tall grass. He caught a little gray thing, squirming in his hands. I leaned over his shoulder.
Thats
It was a bunny rabbit. It struggled and struggled but it was locked in his grip. I cocked my head.
Are you going to eat that?
He nodded back at me as he held up the bunny for his siblings to see. Their eyes widened. They scanned the grass and began hunting for little critters to eat too. I watched this hesitantly.
Should we let them do that?
I asked Willy. The [Will O Wisp] faced me curiously.
Why not?
I dunno.
I shrugged. I didnt want them to be wild. But I guess they needed to eat to survive, so that wasnt really being wild. Being wild was simply killing anything and everything which they clearly werent doing. I watched on as the first baby Wyvern held up the rabbit. I fully expected him to eat the bunny whole, but instead, he poked it on the side.
That made me pause. What is he? And sure enough, he began poking the bunny as it struggled in his grip. He bared his teeth in a smile as he began tugging at the bunnys limbs, drawing blood, but not killing it just yet.
Hey! What are you doing?
I stopped him. His siblings paused in their hunt. They all looked up at me, puzzled. I took the bunny from his hands and crossed my wing-arms.
If youre just gonna eat it, dont y with it! Its not a wild thing it didnt try to hurt you, did it?
The three baby Wyverns stared at me, confused. The eldest sibling shuffled his feet and averted his gaze.
Y-yes?
I red at him.
Dont lie to me.
He lowered his head quickly and amended his statement.
N-no
Exactly! If this bunny was wild if it tried to hurt you sure, you can y around with it a little bit. But if youre just eating it, do it quickly! Theres no need to do all this.
I gestured at the bleeding bunny. The three Wyvern babies lowered their heads ashamed. I set the bunny back down as it cowered there. I gestured for them to feast on it.
Alright, now that you understand that, go ahead.
I waited for them to fight over the bunny as they fought over the food Id brought them, but instead they just stood there like statues. The bunny looked around apprehensively before taking a hop. When nothing attacked it, it escaped into the tall grass. I blinked.
Wait, why didnt you guys stop it?
The three Wyvern babies exchanged a nce. They spoke at the same time.
Not hungry.
Tired.
Mama
The third baby Wyvern still didnt have much to say, unlike his two older siblings. I stared at them, befuddled.
Are you guys being serious right now?
They all nodded and walked up to my legs again. This time, they didnt just hug me. They cuddled together, curling up into little balls as they yawned.
Wait, why are you guys sleepy all of a sudden?
I spoke in disbelief, but the baby Wyverns didnt answer. They were already snoring at my legs. I tried to work my jaw. Willy flew down, shushing me.
Shhh, dont wake them up.
Right
I looked at them all lying there. I slowlyy next to them, putting a wing-arm over them. Sighing, I spoke exhaustedly.
Children are hard.
They are.
Willy agreed. Hended right on my cheek, staying silent for a moment.
Names?
He finally asked when the three Wyvern babies quietened down, even in their snoring. I eyed him.
Oh, I actually thought about it earlier. How about
I gestured from the first baby Wyvern to thest, in order of their birth. The boy, the girl, and the other boy.
Lets name them Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Willy looked at me quizzically.
Why?
Well, theyre Demon names, right?
Thats it?
Can youe up with any better names?
He hesitated.
No.
Exactly.
I grinned back at him triumphantly. He didnt say anything. The sun had already set a while ago. It was dark the moon was high in the sky and the stars twinkled in the dome above. I closed my eyes.
Were gonna be really busy for a while, huh?
Yes.
I do hope nothing exciting happens while were gone.
Probably.
My eyes snapped open, and I peered at Willy.
Wait, is that a probably not? Or a probably, as in something will probably happen?
Yes.
Huh.
Somehow, that both did and didnt make sense, but I agreed with it anyway.
Chapter Quick Update + Something is coming
Chapter Quick Update + Something ising
TLDR of it is the Salvos chapters will probably not be up until Friday. Ill still aim for 5 this week, and Ill still try to get them up before Friday.
Longer exnation:
So, on Monday, roughly 11PM EST, my grandmother unfortunately passed away. If you''re on my discord or a patron, you would know that I was supposed to be leaving the US sometime this week to visit her because we knew she was going to be passing soon when she fell ill on Sunday, but we thought shedst another week or two at the least. Due to how my visa works right now, once I leave the US I won''t be able to return until a few months from now without a tourist visa which basically forces me to move countries entirely. So I was packing and preparing to leave some time around Friday to visit my grandmother, but since she passed earlier, this expedited my moving ns and I spent all of yesterday packing, dealing with visa stuff, and my apartment lease, hence why I wasnt able to write or post a chapter.
I also barely got a wink of sleep since I took a train to NYC where here Ill be flying out of the US for good in about two hours (unless I return with a tourist visa) and Ill probably be sleeping on the ne. In the off chance I cant sleep on the ne, Ill probably be writing. And if I do end up writing again, unlikely a chapter isnt guaranteed since Ill be writing on my phone.
Whatever the case is, sorry for the dy. I also have some big announcementsing soon for yall Salvos readers. Be prepared for it.
Heres a tiny little hint for it :)
Chapter 389: So It Begins (End of Volume 5 Part 3)
Chapter 389: So It Begins (End of Volume 5 Part 3)
389. So It Begins
Then it was the day of the meeting.
The events that yed out would be written in the history books. Told for generations toe. This was the most important single moment in this century perhaps even in the entire millennia.
Saffron Merryster was rtively well-read, having studied in Mavos Academy and all, and she couldnt name a single moment in the past thousand years as important as this. There had been plenty of notable events, of course. For example, thepany war between the Remembered Order Company and the Forsaken Company. That had been aplete disaster that resulted in the dissolution of the Grand Eastern Empire into the dozens of kingdoms that now made up the Eastern Kingdom alliance.
There was also the formation of the Alterian League. There was the Istion of the Elves. The rise of the United Dwarf Republic. The Orc Empress Invasion of the West that was repelled by the Rising Veterans Company. And many more.
But a thousand years was a long time, so Saffron understood that many important things would happen over its course. Yet, something like this was unprecedented in this millennia. A Primeval Demon had burned an entire nation to ashes. An empire had been infiltrated and taken over by Demon saboteurs. An army of Demons would soon be crossing the nes.
This could potentially be even worse than thest Demon invasion. Where the Immortal King Alexander sacrificed himself to fend off the Demon King. Back then, the Vampire Families were united specialized in battling Demons. The entire Humannds rallied under a single banner. Under the Immortal Empire of Alexander. That was the only reason why theyd won. Even then, it was a pyrrhic victory. So what chance did Humankind have now against the Demons?
Saffron was unsure. Rationally speaking, the young Vampire was certain it was a lost cause. There was no Alexander. There was no united Humankind. The Vampire Families were barely even cooperating. If this uing Demon invasion was evenparable to what it had been in the past, then it would be the fall of Humankind as a whole.
If only there were a [Hero] in this day and age Perhaps, if all the nations in the Humannds came to an agreement, they might even perform a [Hero] summoning. Maybe that would be enough to stop the Demon Kings return this time.
Or maybe, the idle thought crossed Saffrons mind, there is already someone here who can do just that.
She thought of a silver-haired girl. Someone whod had a rapid rise to fame in thest few years. Even though she was only three quarters of the way through Diamond Rank, she was already standing on equal ground with Elites. Shed even drawn the interest of Helena Warshade herself.
If Saffron didnt know Salvos, she wouldve assumed that the silver-haired girl was a [Hero] in hiding. But in reality, it was quite different. It was almost ironic.
Salvos was a Demon.
So that was a lost cause. Sighing, Saffron Merryster whispered to herself as she strode through the gilded hallways of the pce of Alyras.
Regnorex is at the gates. Were so fucked, arent we?
Her words were only heard by the person apanying her. Zin Norwood walked alongside the young Vampire and smiled.
Saffron, I know I am not the one you want to hear this from, considering
The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family gestured at herself. She was a [Druid], and as such, she was wearing traditional [Druid] garbs while walking in the pce which meant she was clothed in rags and foliage. But she shook her head.
However, I ask that you mind yournguage. Not for the sake of propriety, but for appearances. Those that will be attending this meeting will judge your character harshly if you stray from their idea of nobility.
I know, I know.
They reached the end of the hallway. There was an ornate double door waiting for them with maids and butlers lining the sidewalls. Saffron and Zin nodded politely at them, stepping through the doors as a manservant pulled it open. This was the conference room where the meeting was going to be held.
It was starting to crowd. A hubbub was already building up as the buzzing of chatter grew louder just from Saffrons entry. She looked around until she spotted her father. Nodding at Zin, she departed from the former Matriarch of the Norwood Family and seated herself with the rest of the Merrysters.
She cast her gaze around the room. There was a long table, and while most of the seats were still empty, they were starting to fill up. Many of the guests stood and chatted with each other before the conference officially began. But Saffron recognized faces. She knew their names their importance.
The obvious ones were those she already knew. The heads of the Vampire Families. Crocus Merryster, Gannon Norwood, Anya Veridian, Bolton Crimsonfang, and their important family members were with them. Then there were those from the Helbir ins. Rana Alyras and her father, Artik Alyras, the royalty of Alyras. There were also the delegations from the Helbir League: Peris Dolonia and Zn Zaetya were two such individuals who stood out.
There were also plenty of names that Saffron recognized but she didnt know. For example, there was the [Archbishop] of the Den of Souls, Thorsten Siegfrid, who was representing the Council of Cremont as the [Archbishops] of the Sanctuary of Fauna and Sanctum of Elements couldnt show up. There was Kaitlin Darkhelm, the Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. Three of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance were here too, including Lamarr of Traith whom Saffron knew by the virtue of being Salvos friend.
Helena Warshade, leader of the Rising Veterans Company, and the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. Scarlet the Red Rose, one of the two sessors of Mori dius as the current temporary leader of the Remembered Order Company. Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of Forsaken Company.
There were many Elite adventurers. Many kings and queens and other nobility. Dignitaries and representatives from states all around the Humannds. Even Mavos Academy sent a representative Veronica Adash, a [Space Mage] instructor since yton Skyshredder himself couldnt attend.
And even more important figures had yet to show up. But they woulde. They dide. A figure stepped forward as the susurration died down. An announcer spoke up, and the doors mmed shut.
Let the Conference of Alyras begin!
Closing her eyes, Saffron prayed. As discussion began, she hoped that they woulde to an agreement. That, together, Humankind would pool together their resources and repel this Demon invasion, even without a [Hero]. Or if that wasnt possible
Well, Saffron couldnt lie and say she wasnt hoping that a certain someone would step in and be enough to do the job. The only problem was Salvos wasnt even here right now.
As the meetingmenced, and Humankind nned for their future fate, not everyone was present. For example, Edithe Dawnrise sat with Hadrian in a tavern, chatting, enjoying themselves as a heavy discussion was being held in the pce a few streets away. It wasnt that they didnt want to attend the meeting there was only a limited upancy, and Helena Warshade turned them down.
Daniel Song himself wasnt in the city of Alyras. He was not too far off either, training sparring with a brown-haired girl who offered to practice with him to make up for his misgivings with her. He wanted to get stronger as a [Hero], and Amanda wanted to get stronger to prove herself to him.
Even further away from Alyras, in a valley at the center of a forest, was Salvos and Willy. The Demon and the Spirit werent enjoying themselves, and neither were they training to get stronger. They were preupied, running around and chasing after the newborn baby Wyverns theyd forced themselves to take care of.
Salvos herself was doing it for the sake of a promise she made. Her pride couldnt allow her not to follow through with her word plus, this was a challenge, and she wanted to ovee it. Meanwhile, the [Will O Wisp] found himself a purpose.
And far, far off where an empire was gripped by the ws of an invisible enemy Levithus watched a stream of Humans march to their soon-to-be demise. They were being hauled off to makeshift prisons, kept in conditions worse than cattle where they would eventually die.
But it was not without a purpose. Soon, Regnorex would see his dreame true. The only one who knew their ns, Belzu, was dead. There were no more hurdles. The only thing standing in their way was Humankind itself. The Dukes and Duchesses were going to ensure that the ritual did not go awry. Already, they were gathering around that foolish conference that was being held at Alyras.
Levithus wanted tough. The Humans really thought that working together was enough to stop this. Shaking his head, the hulking serpent drew away from the balcony and regarded the Sword of Alexander hanging from a wall.
He reached for it, ran a hand over it.
Even their greatest treasures are
And he trailed off. Levithus narrowed his eyes. He swung it once, and there was no sh of light. The Primeval Demons eyes widened and he snapped the weapon in half.
It broke with ease. And Levithus realized that his problems werent all solved, just yet. His face twisted. He tossed the weapon aside and bellowed.
WRETCHED INSECT!
End of Volume 5 Part 3
Chapter 390: Level Difference (Start of Volume 5 Part 4)
Chapter 390: Level Difference (Start of Volume 5 Part 4)
390. Level Difference
It was a silent night. The foresty still underneath the wheeling sky. Scintiting stars dotted the sky above, and a sliver of moonlight shone down into the valley where a silver-haired girl slept. She wore the form of a Wyvern, bestial and long with arms extending to wings and legs bent backwards. Still, she had hair in this form. Most Wyverns didnt, but she did because she wasnt a Wyvern.
She was a Demon. One who could shapeshift. Take on any form she wanted. But today or, at least, tonight, she had the body of a Wyvern. Why? The reason was simple. It was the same reason why she was sleeping instead of staying awake like she could.
It was because of the three baby Wyverns cuddling up against her. And, yes, these were real Wyverns. They werent transformed Demons no, they werent [Changelings] or other kinds of shapeshifters. They had been taken in by the Demon girl over a promise of sorts.
It made no sense not to the [Will O Wisp] whod been observing the Demon girl for a while now. But none of her actions ever made sense. From the time he met her in the Bloodied Gulf where she promised to save the monsters trapped there, to offering to save thest Wyverns of Sharik by taking in their children. It all felt illogical, yet it was logically consistent with Salvos values.
So, Willy didnt question it. He just went along for the ride, amused at times, bored at other points, but usually preupied.
And that was all that mattered to him. As long as he had something to do, Willy was fine with dealing with Salvos shenanigans. Now Willy had a problem when he didnt have something to do. He didnt care for anything else. Not for the Humans and their meetings just a bit away at Alyras. Nor did he care about the uing Demon invasion of the Mortal Realm.
It was all looming threats and petty politics. Things that had always existed that had always permeated the world. Willy never understood it. Such things didnt exist in the Spirit ne. So, he cared not for it. Because it would always be there tomorrow.
So, instead of dealing with that, he watched. He looked on silently as the first of the three Wyverns stirred. Novis blinked his eyes open, casting his gaze around the dark valley. And started to wail.
Waaaaaaaaah!
I jerked up at the sound of crying. I had gone to sleep a bit ago not because I wanted to, but because I didnt want to disturb the sleeping baby Wyverns. Unfortunately, that was a bad idea because I had to deal with the worst part of sleeping: waking up.
I looked around as the shrill sound pierced my ears, searching for the noise. At first, it was slightly bearable with only a single source of screaming. But two more joined it soon after. I got up and craned my neck, looking through the valley with narrowed eyes and saw nothing. There were no monsters nearby letting out a war cry as it charged me, and neither did I sense anything out of the ordinary in this space.
No the source of the screaming came from somewhere else. It originated from directly below me. And it was not an attack, either. It was a cry for help.
I looked down and stared at the three baby Wyverns that I had taken under my wing literally. From oldest to youngest, their names were Novis, Bellum and Oriur. A boy, a girl, and a boy. They had hatched at about the same time, with only a few seconds in between, but that still counted for something, right?
Anyway, their age didnt matter because they werent even a day old. They were new hatchlings. Newborn Wyverns. Little tiny things that couldnt defend themselves. They were sprawled on the ground, wailing as they threw their arms and legs in the air. They had gone to sleepst time all so suddenly that I instinctively joined them. But now
Its not even sunrise! Why are you guys already awake and screaming?!
I poked their open bellies one by one, trying to figure out what was wrong. However, they didnt exin. They just cried louder.
Ugh, whats going on? Are you guys hungry?
I flicked a finger, and a rabbit from a nearby bush came flying to my talons. I lowered it for the baby Wyverns.
Here, have this.
They exchanged a nce for a moment. Their crying stopped, and I got a little excited that it was over. Then Novis punted the bunny rabbit away. The small thing went flying into a nearby bush with a squeak as the Wyverns erupted back into their howlings.
I waved my wing-arms in a panic, hovering over the three of them.
What? What do I do?
Idiot.
I heard a voice snort behind me. A green glow flitted up my way. A ball of me. A wisp that was the size of the palm of my hand. I stared at it at him. And frowned.
What do you mean, Willy?
The [Will O Wisp] just sighed, even with no lips. He gave me a judging look with no face, and spoke with no mouth.
Biology.
Biology? What about it?
I raised a brow, but Willy didnt borate as usual. He left it up to me to infer what he meant, and my eyes widened. I looked down at the baby Wyverns, hearing their stomachs growl. The realization sunk in as the three of them looked at me pleadingly.
Huh.
I made a face of disgust.
E.
I backed up as just Willy scoffed and flew down past me.
Ill handle it.
--
Half an hourter, Willy came back with the three baby Wyverns. The sun was rising in the horizon, and I poked my head out from behind a nearby tree. Although the tree did nothing to hide the rest of my Wyvern body.
Is it over?
I asked apprehensively. The [Will O Wisp] paused. He stared at me, not responding. But Novis, Bellum, and Oriur just sprinted forward to me.
Mama!
Ill take that as a yes.
I scooped them up as they came to a halt at my feet. I nced down at them.
Make sure to thank Willy for his hard work!
I grinned at them with bared teeth. They smiled back at me the same way, but they didnt actually thank Willy much to his chagrin. I saw his mes turn green in envy well, greener in envy. He harrumphed, and I scratched the back of my head.
Um, so
I tried to change the subject, putting the baby Wyverns down.
What do you guys want to do now?
I faced them. Novis brightened and chirped ecstatically.
Hunt!
Bellum nodded in agreement.
Kill!
The third, Oriur, looked as excited as them, but he just pointed at me.
Mama!
Um
I shifted back. I looked at Willy questioningly. I wasnt sure if this was good parenting not that I was their parent. I just wasnt sure if this was a good idea. He didnt say anything for a moment, but I continued looking at him in desperation. Eventually, he gave in.
Sure.
Willy says yes?
I nced back down at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. They chorused.
Yay!
And they immediately dashed off, together. I scratched my chin uncertainly, watching them reach the end of my dome of obfuscation. I got up, sighing.
I guess we should follow them, right?
Yes. Its dangerous.
Willy flew after them. I quickly scanned the area with space magic, and found that there were no Humans nearby. There were a few monsters, but they were quite small and judging by how they were moving, probably low-leveled monsters too.
Seems like theres nothing dangerous around.
I slowly flew out after the baby Wyverns. Willy was just a bit ahead of me. I waved a wing-arm dismissively.
Theyll be fine.
I watched on as Novis ran up to a nearby rabbit. It had horns and red eyes but it was small. It wasnt even half the size of Novis. And as he prowled up to it, Bellum and Oriur snuck up from its behind. I looked on approvingly.
They had the instinct of predators. As expected of Wyverns. They lunged at the same time as the rabbit nced up
And it knocked them back one after the other. I blinked a few times. Willy immediately rushed to their side as my jaw dropped.
Um, what? How
That rabbit had to be strong. It took on the three of them at the same time. My gaze snapped towards it as it bounced away, and I used [Identification]. What are you?
[Horned Rabbit - Lvl. 10]
I blinked a few times. The [Horned Rabbit] vanished into the bushes. I nced back at the baby Wyverns as Willy healed them, at first confused, then I remembered a very important fact that Id neglected.
Right, theyre newborns. Theyre not even Level 10
The only reason that [Horned Rabbit] hadnt skewered them was probably because of the fact that they are baby Wyverns and not baby rabbits. That was close. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and descended next to them. Willys mes dissipated as their bruises vanished. But they were still crying.
Supervise. Carefully.
Ugh do we have to?
I groaned, and Willy red at me.
Fine!
I threw my wing-arms into the air. This was going to be exhausting. However, I was ready for this task, right?
Then I remembered something else. I had also promised Edithe and Daniel that Id help them reach Level 120 by the end of the month. I sighed, sprawling on the forest floor as the ground shook under my weight.
So much to do
I looked up at the rising sun and tried to look at the bright side.
But at least theres still a few more weeks left until the end of the month, right?
Certainly, nothing exciting was going to happen until then.
Three figures watched the city as life was slowly breathed into it at the break of day. There were travelers from all around the world entering its gates all for a meeting. The Conference of Alyras, as they called it.
These three figures were there for the same conference, but they had very different reasons for being there. The first figure had yellow skin. He almost blended in with the sunlight. A single horn protruded from his head, curving forward like a de. He nced back at his twopanions and spoke in a warning tone.
So this is where this meeting will be held. We cant be reckless. I hear there will be Elites present at this meeting. Quite a few of them, actually.
The other two figures didnt respond. He narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat.
Gloria, Desidia, are you listening to me?
We heard you the first time, Iivor.
One of the two figures yawned. Shey there as she raised one of her three tails and waved it dismissively.
We just dont care.
Desidia. This is serious.
Iivor frowned, But the other figure a petite girl with pink skin got to her feet. She stretched her back and sighed.
Sure, sure, we heard you. But what even is an Elite, anyway?
Are you being serious, Gloria? Elites Humans at Level 150. Have you not done even a little bit of research on Human culture?
Gloria came to a halt next to Iivor. She scanned the rolling hills and valleys as she spoke simply.
Why should I?
Her eyes locked on a cloaked figure moving down a road, heading away from the city. A [Rogue]. A Human man at over Level 160. She smirked as she raised a hand, pointing at him.
Level 150, Level 100, it makes no difference to me. After all, at the end of the day, theyre all
A crimson aura coalesced at her fingertips as she aimed for the unknowing Human mans head.
mortals.
Her hand recoiled as a crimson beam shot out, crossing thousands of feet in an instant.
Chapter New Fic Announcement: Thera (Not a Chapter)
Chapter New Fic Announcement: Thera (Not a Chapter)
If you''re wondering, no this isn''t the big announcement I have. That will be rted to Salvos and wille out next week or the week after. We''ll see.
So I have a new fic! What''s new?
But this time, it''s a Monster Evolution LitRPG. That''s right. It''s about a TURTLE. Another monster evo litrpg. Here''s the synopsis and chapter 1:
The Mystic Turtle.
They stand with the Elder Dragons and the Spirit Dryads as creatures of legend. Timeless. Immortal. They live solitary lives, drawing power from their own soul. They are the hermits of the sea, their power unmatched in the ocean. Yet, this power is not attained easily, for as Thera will learn, the life of a baby Mystic Turtle is full of trials and tribtions...
She will scour ancient sunken ruins, face the dangers lurking in the depths of the sea, and, perhaps one day, grow to be a Mystic Turtle that surpasses even legend.
Arc 1: Time
Thera 1.00
Time: it is a terrible thing.
Two figures stood alone before the beach. A pair of Elves, waiting at the fringe where the line was drawn between gravel and sand. A mother and a daughter. They could see the setting sun; hear the breath of the sea. A weak wave quietly crashed ashore, leaving behind rubbery wracks of amber-colored kelp where the tide was teething.
It steals our life, our loved ones, and even our memories. It takes everything it touches and leaves naught for us but despair and dread.
The red ring fell down the eastward sky; a silhouette emerged towards the north from the salmon-colored waters. The Elves raised their heads as an ind emned itself onto the beach.
Time is an enemy to us, Luna, the mother said softly. But not to all of us.
The tide receded, and the sand shook. Luna inclined her head inquisitively as the re from the sun was shaded by the damp trees rising from the water. Her mother caressed her shoulder, continuing her speech.
There are only three creatures in this world that have made an ally of time three legendary creatures that have transcended mortality. Do you know of them, Luna?
The girl replied with a small nod but said nothing more as a shadow loomed over them.
Tracing a finger in the air, her mother spoke simply. The first is the Elder Dragon, ruler of the sky, master of the elements. They are the mightiest of the three in strength, and the most prideful of their status.
Lunas gaze followed her mothers finger as it drew down to the sheening wet trees now fully exposed to the sun.
The second is the Spirit Dryad, guardian of the earth, disciple of the divine. They are born from the world itself, blessed with life by the Gods, and are thus the most dutiful in their worship.
The trees rustled, then rose. A giant figure stepped onto the beach as both Elves fixed their gaze onto it. A legendary creature. A being of majesty and might.
And,stly, is the Mystic Turtle, her mother breathed in awe.
It towered before the Elves. Larger than life; greater than its legend. A living myth. The very same creature the mother spoke of.
The Mystic Turtle stood there in its glory, wearing an oval-shaped shell on its back one that teemed with foliage and leaves. A pair of tusks protruded from its lower lip, and a curved set of hornsid on its head like a crown. It gently dug into the beach with wed hands as the ind it bore trembled.
Hermit of the sea, sage of the soul. Little is known about these wonderful creatures. We only know that they live solitary lives, drawing from their own essence to survive the harsh oceans.
When the Mystic Turtle pulled away, a hundred white objectsy in the sand. Eggs. Each onerger than Lunas head. The Elves approached the nest as the Mystic Turtle turned their way. Luna apprehensively shrank back, but her mother urged her forward.
Your grandmother was your age when thest Mystic Turtle was seen onnd. Cherish this moment, Luna cherish that you bore witness to this. For it shall not happen for another thousand years.
Luna stood trembling before the nest. The Mystic Turtle rolled one of the eggs to her feet, and she stared at it.
Go on, her mother said.
The girl slowly bent down and touched the cold shell with the tips of her fingers. The Mystic Turtle waited expectantly as her breathing quickened. She tried to work her jaw, but her mouth just went dry.
Give it a name, Luna. The Mystic Turtle has given you her blessing to name one of her children. For the Voice of the World to store and remember. And when ten years pass and the egg hatches, the child will not enter the world alone. The child will enter the world with a piece of you by its side.
A piece of me by its side? Luna closed her eyes, feeling the full weight of that statement on her shoulders. If shed had more time to prepare, she couldve given the Mystic Turtle a fitting name. But at this moment, she couldve thought long and hard about it and stille up empty
A pulse came from inside the egg, like the beating of a heart, or the warmth of day. It whispered to her soul; spoke with a lilt; a euphony. Her eyes snapped open, and she knew what to say.
Thera, the girl said, delicately running her hand over the eggs shell. Your name is Thera.
Thera, her mother repeated after her. That is a wonderful name.
Luna drew back as the Mystic Turtle began to bury the eggs in sand. A pair of arms hugged the girl from behind. She looked up, and her mother watched on with a bitter gaze of wonder. The sand slowly covered the nest as thest inklings of twilight vanished over the horizon.
May you rest well, Thera. For when you awake, a world of danger lies ahead of you. But if you should live until the end of eternity, then so will a memory of my daughter through you. Now let us return home, Luna, and let nature run its course.
* * *
And so, time passed: the mother and the daughter left, the Mystic Turtle returned to sea, and the ocean swept over the beach. For ten years, the eggs remained untouched. Hidden from the birds flying above or the crabs crawling over the sand. Then, the first egg hatched.
The eggshell cracked open, and a little flipper poked out. It had a leather-like texture both coarse and tender to the touch. The baby Mystic Turtles head was next to follow, letting out a squeak as it mbered out into the sand.
It began digging its way up and out as, around it, the other eggs followed suit. They twitched and splintered and broke open, pouring out a deluge of baby Mystic Turtles into the nest.
Together, these little green-ish creatures hastily burrowed up until they saw their first sign of daylight. Driven by excitement driven by instinct to get to the sound of crashing water, little did they know that what awaited them above wasnt so kind.
A seabird squawked, and a crab climbed out of its hidey-hole. A colony of Draconian Ants came to a halt as they felt the vibration in the sand. Arge lizard watched the tide rise along with the sun. And the baby Mystic Turtles unknowingly pressed on.
Amongst the hundred of them was one called Thera although she didnt know it yet. She wasnt the first to hatch, nor was she thest; when she hatched, there were already dozens ahead of her, and dozens more still behind. It took her a moment to catch up with the others as she floundered in her egg for a good moment before tumbling out andnding on her shell.
Shey there, struggling and squeaking as she waved her flippers in a panic. She didnt understand her predicament she just found it unsettling, unaware shed die if she wasnt saved. After all, shed just been born; her thoughts were but a haze to her.
Fortunately for her, her shell was still undeveloped just like her brothers and sister, so it tightly hugged onto her body like a second skin, making it easier for her to flip herself back onto her underbelly and relieve herself of that unsettling feeling. But that was a double-edged sword as it also meant she was vulnerable to the predators lurking above.
The sand ceiling finally gave way and copsed. Light leaked into the nest, inundating Thera with an alien but wondrous sight. Pure white clouds decorated an azure blue sky. She inhaled deeply and sighed. The smell of sea salt attacked her nostrils; a weing scent.
In a trance, she followed the rest of her brothers and sisters as they quickly climbed out of the burrow. Into this beautiful world. To the ce where theyd live together for the rest of their lives. The first of the baby Mystic Turtles excitedly crawled onto the beach
And into the ws of a giant seabird.
what? Theras first proper thought echoed in her mind as she froze.
She heard the terrible caw of the winged beast. Saw it crunch her brother in a single bite. Her body refused to move because she was so taken aback by how sudden it had been. All the baby Mystic Turtles watched as the wed Pelican circled around the nest once before swooping back down for more.
That was when they reacted. The baby Mystic Turtles rushed forward, scrambling out of the death-hole that had once been their nest. Thera was swept up in this wave headed for the ocean. She didnt even question why she fled or why she thought the ocean was safe she saw but the sparkling water, and knew it to be her only hope..
Her brothers and sisters raced ahead of her. All ny-nine of them waddled through the sand, sticking together through instinct as if theyd find safety in numbers. They did not. The same wed Pelican from before came flying down once again, this time grabbing the baby Mystic Turtle just ahead of Thera. She jerked back as she processed this.
That couldve been her. The realization settled in as a second wed Pelican joined in the feast. Thera felt that brush with death, and her senseless panic and abstract fear finally found roots: she could die.
The other baby Mystic Turtles mustve had the same realization as they too began to scatter. Their tight formation broke, and the ones at the front and sides streamed out in different directions, but the wed Pelicans were thest of their worries. After all, there had been dozens of other predators lying in wait.
Sandtrap Crabs burst out of holes they had dug beforehand and wrestled with the scattering baby Mystic Turtles. These monsters overpowered their smaller, lone adversaries, dragging them back down into their holes when they were victorious.
The baby Mystic Turtles slowed in their advance. Theras gaze snapped around in fear as predators encroached from all sides. She heard the clicking of the Sandtrap Crabs ws. The screeches of the wed Pelicans. Then she turned around, thinking that perhaps it might be safer back at the nest but she wasnt the only one who had that idea.
A dozen of her brothers and sisters funneled back down the nest, only for a dark shadow to leap down after them. Thera barely saw it. She heard a hiss. Glimpsed its scales. And listened as it ripped apart the whimpering baby Mystic Turtles below.
It was a Grim Lizard. A fast and efficient hunter with a bit of venom to its bite. It also had an insatiable appetite, which meant that none of the baby Mystic Turtles were safe.
Of course, Thera didnt know this. She just saw more death around her. From the sides, from above, and from behind. The monsters showed no mercy as the number of baby Mystic Turtles quickly dwindled in half.
There was only one direction left to go. The original goal. To the sea.
Thera crawled forward as fast as she could, moving swiftly around one of her hesitating sisters. A wed Pelican saw the stationary target and came down past Thera as she continued on, only a single thought in her mind.
Must. Get. Water.
A Sandtrap Crab leapt out of its hole, and she narrowly avoided the pincers aimed for her head. She heard the squeal behind her as the Sandtrap Crab grabbed the next crawling baby Mystic Turtle and left her alone.
Despite her vigor, she wasnt the fastest of the baby Mystic Turtles. One of her brothers looked like he was about to reach the ocean as a wave washed in ahead of him, only for him to pause. The sand shifted beneath him, and little ck things crawled onto his back.
Draconian Ants. Each one about six inches in length. They were nearly half the size of the baby Mystic Turtle they assailed, but what theycked in size, they made up for in numbers.
Thera looked on in horror as these creatures ambushed those leading the charge. Two of her brothers had already perished as dozens of those little ck things swarmed the bodies. She slowed and took in this scene.
There was no escape. Everywhere was death. Above, below, behind, to the sides. There was no fleeing from this. Her instinct told her to run from danger, but danger was everywhere. She didnt know what to do. The ground beneath her shifted as the Draconian Ants began to target her. And, it was then, another instinct kicked in. The only one she had left.
Fight.
This single thought was clear far more lucid than any other shed had in the minutes since her birth. The first Draconian Ant burrowed up and out of the sand. It clicked its mandibles, ready to attack Thera. Instead, she closed the distance and with a crunch, she bit down into it.
The Draconian Ants carapace was hard to bite through. But she exerted all the force she could, and her mouth was both hard and sharp. She strained her jaw and shattered the Draconian Ants shell, crushing it in her mouth.
More ants crawled out of the sand, but she reached them before they could group up and dealt them the same death as before. She bit and bit and bit, taking them down one after another. Her jaw wouldnt open when she bit down into the next carapace, stuck on the thrashing ant. Finally, she ripped herself free but found four of the creatures now closing in on her together. Despite her best efforts, they overwhelmed her with sheer numbers. She tried pping them with her flippers, but all that did was slow their assault.
Thera squeaked in pain as they crawled up her flippers and bit into her shell. She ripped another Draconian Ant off, fearing it was all over
You have leveled up!
[Fledgling Testudine (Mystic Turtle) - Level 0] -> [Fledgling Testudine (Mystic Turtle) - Level 1]!
Species Skill gained: [Indomitable Soul]!
Skill gained: [Power Bite]!
A voice echoed in her head. No it resounded throughout her very being. She surged with strength. With tenacity. With agility.
It was the Voice of the World, and it gave her power.
When she pped down at the Draconian Ants, she squashed them beneath her flippers. She grabbed another with her mouth, moving by instinct.
[Power Bite]. She felt her jaws clench with a loud snap, carapace and flesh crunched between her beak-like mouth, the ant dead in an instant with dark blood seeping from therge wound. After all the effort itd taken before it now came easy. She chomped the Draconian Ants down and flicked them off her body. More crawled from the sand, but she sped past them. She was faster now too, and they couldnt keep up with her.
Thera panted as she neared the sea. Her gaze naturally drifted to her surroundings, looking over at her brothers and sisters. Their numbers had dwindled even further only a quarter of them were left. But now they fought back.
The other baby Mystic Turtles must have had the same thought as she. They all understood theyd have to fight to earn their escape. And fight they did. They trailed after Thera, following her lead, drawing closer and closer to their salvation.
The sand beneath Theras flippers was moist now. The Draconic Ants were far behind her, and the Grim Lizard was even further back. A Sandtrap Crab ambushed her, but she easily snapped off its w with a [Power Bite].
Thera made it. The tide gently poured in for her as she readied herself to embrace its safety. She was going to escape
And Thera found herself in the air a momentter. She heard a shrill screech right next to her. She looked down as she flew over the sea, her brothers and sisters far behind. A wed Pelican had scooped her up, carrying her with its wed feet.
She looked up in terror as she realized what had happened. Thera desperately struggled, but the wed Pelican wouldnt loosen its grip. It eyed her ravenously, and a desperate thought moved her.
Die?
The thought wasnt able to properly form in her mind. She bit down at the wed Pelicans legs. The monster cried out in pain as her [Power Bite] closed upon the tendons in its leg. Its ws jerked open, releasing her while still a hundred feet in the sky. The world whirled around Thera as she dropped like a rock.
Dont die
It was no longer just instinct; Thera felt something burgeoning within her. A desire. She saw the beach in the distance, her brothers and sisters mere specks on the sand. The blue water rapidly approached her, and she closed her eyes.
I dont want to die.
Her body shone. A golden aura covered her. It highlighted her fringes, acting almost like a second shell.
[Indomitable Soul].
It protected her, shielding her body. And she crashed into the water. Hard.
Author''s Notes:
FYI, this story has me dabbling into third person omniscient.
CHECK IT OUT AND GIVE IT A RATING!
Thera (A Monster Evolution LitRPG) | Scribble Hub
Chapter 391: A Sneak Ambush!
Chapter 391: A Sneak Ambush!
391. A Sneak Ambush!
Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scale, Elite Ranked adventurer, and [Nightcrawler Shadower] strode through the rolling hills as he silently left the city of Alyras. An important meeting was going to be held soon. They were already calling it the Conference of Alyras an event that would be recorded in the history books. Something momentous. Something historic.
Frankly, Orgaf didnt give a damn. The fact that it was taking so long just to even organize was proof in itself that this was apletely stupid idea. If they wanted to put a stop to the Demons at Inoria, they had to act. No more nonsense. No more talking.
But of course that would never happen. So, Orgaf was going to skip this meeting. He had other things he wanted to attend to. For example, he needed to have a talk with Salvos about her true identity. He still remembered what happened at the Motharis Mountain Range.
Hed been fighting alongside her against the Primeval Demon. Then, all of a sudden, she revealed that she was also a Demon. An Archdemon of Pride. Someone who could blend it and shapeshift into a Human.
It wasnt something Orgaf had even considered. Yet, it was true it was no illusion. There was no lie there and he understood as much. But it still took a while for it to settle in. To parse this fact. That the person he had so admired and fallen in love with was not Human.
What he felt now he still wasnt sure. Orgaf needed it to be cleared up. He still had a few questions lingering in his mind. But when he finally had the chance to speak with the silver-haired girl, that damn Helena Warshade butted in with her own crap.
Now, Orgaf was prepared to just gloss over all that. But, somehow, it turned out that the crap Helena Warshade wanted to discuss was actually important. Its ramifications far surpassed anything he had ever heard of so far. It sounded so ridiculous like it was rumors spread from a mentally deranged person.
But the one saying it wasnt mentally deranged. Slightly insane, sure. A Demon that wasnt all-too-trustworthy, yes. However, she was also an adventurer in her Level 130s. Shed been to the Bloodied Gulf and back. She had killed the Lich of the gunds someone who even Orgaf had fled when he faced.
It wasnt that the Lich was stronger than him. Quite the opposite. Orgaf had been barely an Elite at that point, and he had a team of Diamond Ranks apanying him then. But he still managed to quite easily ovee the Lich.
Then it regenerated from its injuries and continued fighting.
No matter how many times hed smashed its skull open, it always came back to life. Not only that, but it kept drawing more and more high-leveled undead to their location. An entire army of [Zombies] and [Skeletons] and [Draugr] and more came to its aid as the fight continued. He was overwhelmed, and so was his team. So, he fled.
Anyway, he didnt know how Salvos defeated the Lich. He just knew that she was impressive. That her words, despite her nature as a Demon, had merit. And what she said would change everything.
The world is ending.
It wasnt just an apocalyptic-level threat. It was the Apocalypse. Orgaf understood the implications. However, Helena Warshade had decided that they keep it tight-lipped for now. That this information should not spread until the Demon threat was dealt with, unless to the most important of individuals.
Orgaf himself wasnt going to tell anyone about it, but he still wanted to know more. More about the end of the world. More about Salvos nature as a Demon. And that was why he was headed for her.
Now, where did she go?
He grumbled as he came to a halt atop a hill. He nced back at Alyras the city was far in the distance. Hed left the roads behind, instead following apass he held in his hand. Except it wasnt apass. It was an artifact hed gotten from a [Diviner]. It could help him track down the general location of anyone as long as he had gotten a recent trace of their magical signature which he did get.
Orgafs eyes narrowed as thepass pointed to the northwest.
If what Ive heard is true, then she left the city in quite the hurry. Now, the question is: why the rush?
He could only specte. There were a myriad of reasons as to why she sped away from Alyras. But that was just one of the many questions hed have for her when he found her. He stepped forward as he sighed.
This is going to take a
And his brows snapped together. He spun around in an instant as [Passive: Danger Sense] red in his head. He thought he was about to stumble into a trap, but he saw the glint from the corner of his eye.
A red beam. One that crossed thousands of feet in mere moments. His eyes grew wide as he raised an arm. Even he couldnt dodge this.
A sphere engulfed where Orgaf had been standing. It didnt shake the earth. There was no tremor nor column of smoke. Instead, the entire ground was simply obliterated. The crimson sphere dissipated soon enough, and Orgaf panted as he stumbled away from the crater.
Fortunately, he knew he wasnt infallible and had protection on him. Unfortunately, the attack hadpletely torn through all the enchantments and aura. He gripped his bleeding shoulder, looking around in a daze.
What what the fuck was that?
His daggers appeared in his hands as he prepared for a fight. Then he heard the chuckle. He saw the three figures descend before him.
Hes still alive.
The first had yellow skin with a single horn on his head. He was lean and tall not too muscr, but still with a visibly fit frame.
The second had green skin and three different tails protruding from her back. She had messy ck hair and a pair of crimson eyes with a ck sclera. She looked bored, barely even paying attention to Orgaf.
The third, however, seemed upset. She had light pink skin and a pair of wed hands. Her nails were long. Longer than even Salvos in her Demon form. She tilted her head slightly as she frowned.
So he is.
Demons.
Orgaf whispered. So theyre going to interfere with the Conference of Alyars, then. He shifted his feet, but the Demons ignored him. The green-skinned Demon just shook her head.
Wasnt that your best Skill too, Gloria? And you didnt even kill him.
The pink-skinned Demons brows snapped together. She spat back.
Silence, Desidia. I can still end this battle in a single attack from my Grand Skill.
Grand Skill? Orgaf frowned. He looked at each of them, using [Identification] to assess their threat.
Level 148. Level 147. And Level 148. Hmph. So just Archdemons, then.
He twirled his daggers as the forefront Demon with a horn raised a brow at him.
Perhaps we are just Archdemons, but you are just a mortal.
A mortal whos stronger than each of you. You made a mistake picking a fight with me, Demons.
Orgaf grinned as he gritted his teeth. It was a facade. These Demons were strong. Certainly probably not as strong as Salvos. Yet, at least one of them had a Grand Skill. And they had gotten the jump on him. It frustrated him that he was in this situation, but he had to resort to tricks if necessary.
Come now, did you really think that wouldve killed me? What was it Gloria? Please, I barely even felt that.
You
A dark shadow passed over her face. She stepped forward, but a hand stopped her. The horned Demon sighed.
Please, Gloria, I gave you your chance to deal with him on your own. Lets not take any more risks.
His eyes flickered to the city far in the distance. Orgaf noticed it. Ah, so thats why they targeted me.
Let us end this as soon as possible. [Slick Zephyr].
The horned Demon spoke as he brought a hand up. Orgaf leapt back, dodging a wind de that curved up. It was a barely visible attack. One the [Rogue] only saw because of the flicker in the air.
Orgafnded, and the moment his foot touched the grass, a figure appeared next to him. The green-skinned Demon, Desidia.
I dont really want to do this, but [Meteor Punch]!
She mmed a fist down at him. He brought his daggers up, parrying her punch as the ground ripped open beneath his feet. His des held up against the force of the punch, but the same couldnt be said for her fist. Desidia scowled as ck blood dripped off her fingertips.
Thats kind of annoying.
It will be a lot more annoying when youre bleeding from your corpse!
Orgafshed back with a flurry of strikes. The Demon braced herself, taking a defensive stance as she raised her arms. He thought that wouldnt have been enough to protect her, but somehow her skin color changed. It turned into a dark brown as his de bounced off her skin. He dodged away from a kick and blinked.
Geomancy enchantments?
Yeah, enchantments let me get as much done with as little work as possible.
Desidia shrugged. Orgaf growled, raising his des. But before he could pounce at her, a red orb shot out at him. He struck it out of the air, and itnded behind him, exploding in a much smaller sphere than before.
He looked up at Gloria. The pink-skinned Demon. She had her hand extended, her lips twisted, but she didnt draw closer. She fired a series of the same sts as Orgaf continued deflecting them.
These Demons were strong. Very strong. Weaker Elites wouldve already been taken out by them at this point. Certainly, if Scarlet the Red Rose were here in his ce, shed already be dead. But he was Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scales. He was an experienced Elite who had dealt with such odds before.
This wont be enough to defeat me, Demon!
He yelled as he sent a de of dark aura flying back at her. She easily sidestepped the attack.
I know.
She replied simply.
Its a distraction, you idiot.
Wha
Orgafs eyes widened. He spun around, but wasnt able to move away this time. The air around him flickered before wrapping around him. It formed a sphere that wouldve trapped him as the horned Demon bellowed.
[Tempest of Destruction]!
The air quicklypressed before bursting out into a contained hurricane. One that crackled with lightning and thunder and all the intensity of a mana storm. Desidia walked up beside the horned Demon, her shadow stretched long from the re of the sun. She looked over his shoulder.
Did you get him, Iivor?
No hes
Iivor narrowed his eyes. And Desidias shadow moved. Orgaf emerged behind her, shing at her back.
[Dark Backstab]!
Fuck
She screamed in pain as she stumbled forward, his de tearing through even the bodily enhancements she had. Orgaf ducked under another wind de sent out by Iivor, closing the distance and slicing for his head. A wind barrier protected the horned Demon, but he was still knocked back by the impact.
A series of thin crimson beams shot up Orgaf, not exploding, but cutting everything it came into contact with. He looked back up towards Gloria and threw one of his des. She barely moved her head out of the way in time. The dagger cut her cheek and she snarled.
You cursed mortal!
She hurled a crimson disc his way, and he slunk back into the shadows. When he reappeared, his thrown dagger was back in his hand. The three Demons were recuperating as he stood atop a nearby hill.
So much talk earlier. What happened to all your bravado?
Heughed mockingly at the Demons. Iivor straightened, taking on a wary stance, while Desidia just clutched at her back.
Ouch why did I have to be the only one injured from that?
Be grateful I have yet to use my trump card, mortal.
Gloria spoke over her, ignoring herints. The pink-skinned Demon pointed at him, her eyes glinting.
If I wanted to, I could end this battle in an instant.
Really?
Orgaf tilted his head as he looked over his three enemies. He nced behind him there was a treeline nearby. Not more than a thousand feet away. He threw his head back and took on a wide stance.
Then perhaps Ill have to take this seriously, too.
Orgaf smirked. He raised his daggers as the three Demons hesitated. And he spoke in a chant.
[Darkness Reigns, Horrors Lurk. Shadows Linger As The Day Is Snuffed Out
The Demons paused. Gloria blinked a few times.
What is he?
The horned Demon their leader yelled back all of a sudden.
Its a Grand Skill! Get back!
But Orgaf didnt stop his chanting. The three Demons quickly backed away in a panic as he smiled.
[Swarm And Slither. Consume and Devour. All Shall Suffer
He lowered his dagger. The Demons waited. They looked around in a panic, ready for the Grand Skill to coalesce. For whatever dark magic he was about to unleash. Orgaf paused right at the end of his Grand Skills chant.
[Nightmares
He trailed off. Then he snickered.
Got you [True Disengage].
The Demons froze. Iivor realized what just happened. The horned Demon raised a hand.
No
But Orgaf vanished. With a single step, he crossed a great enough distance to leave the battle. The scene around him was reced with trees and greenery, no longer showing the rolling hills and valleys. The three Demons were gone, nowhere to be seen.
He panted as he leaned against a tree, bringing a hand to the wounds on his shoulder. Shaking his head, the [Rogue] sighed.
That was tougher than I thought.
He cursed under his breath. The worst part wasnt their individual strengths. Those Demons had good teamwork, even if they didnt seem like they seemed like they wouldnt from their bickering. Furthermore, they still had Grand Skills under their sleeves
I need to warn someone.
Pushing himself up, Orgaf looked towards the direction of Alyras. He couldnt even see the city from where he was. Then he produced hispass again the one that pointed to Salvos. And he considered his options.
But who do I warn first?
He got away.
Iivor cast his gaze around the area. He saw nothing. He sensed no one nearby. Desidia was tending to her wounds, while Gloria was cursing as she destroyed a nearby boulder.
That damn mortal
I told you to take these Elites seriously, Gloria.
Sighing, Iivor stopped the pink-skinned Demon from drawing more attention their way with her explosions. He rolled his eyes when she snapped at him.
I couldve killed him with my Grand Skill, Iivor. But that coward chose to run.
I know, but our mission has only just begun Let us preserve our trump cards only for when the need arises.
She scowled, but she didnt dispute that. He took her hand before appearing next to Desidia. He ced a hand on her back as her wounds closed, then they appeared above the clouds, overseeing thendscape. He spoke softly, eyeing the heart of Alyras. The pce that stood out, even from this distance.
We need to find the other high-leveled targets attending the meeting. Iste them. And deal with them before they arrive in the city. G and the others will deal with the meeting itself.
Gloria took in a deep breath, calming herself. She turned to Iivor with a cool demeanor. Completely changed from just a moment ago.
What about Ira?
Ira has another job. Theres no need to worry about him. We just have to focus on our task ahead of us.
She opened her mouth, then caught herself. Closing her eyes, she spoke simply.
Fine.
And when her eyes opened again, they were glowing with a brilliant aura. Her pupils moved subtly as she scanned the area.
Lets do this.
Chapter 392: Apologies and Excuses
Chapter 392: Apologies and Excuses
392. Apologies and Excuses
The hunter stalked its prey through the quiet forest.
A dark shadow was cast over the clearing as a cloud passed overhead. A soft breeze whispered through the leaves and between the bushes as a little white figure popped out.
It was a small animal. A rabbit, one might surmise. With a pair of droopy ears and a bushy tail. If you saw it, you mightve thought it was cute. A harmless little thing. Completely none-the-wiser to its true nature.
But Novis knew what it was. He crawled through the bushes as he observed the rabbit make a little hop. It craned its neck back, and he caught a glint of its blood-red eyes. A horn protruded from its head, and a pair of vicious fangs revealed itself as it made a squeaking sound.
It was a dangerous monster.
A terrible creature that infested thisnd. Hisnd. Novis had to protect his territory. He had to keep his mama safe. And also, he was hungry. So, as it slowly turned away from him and revealed its back, he leapt at the opportunity.
He struck it at the back with his nascent ws, knocking the rabbit into a tree. It didnt squeak in pain, instead growling as it got back up and faced him. Novis gulped, nervously backing up. Then he steeled himself. He let out a mighty roar as he challenged the bunny. It epted his challenge.
This would be a legendary battle. One for the ages. Where everything was on the line. They charged at each other.
Look! I think Novis is winning!
Just started.
Aw,e on. Give him some encouragement.
No.
Youre mean.
Sh. Watch.
The bunny moved fast. It bounced up to Novis at extreme speeds,shing out with its horn. He anticipated that, already reeling back with a blow. He struck it in the stomach as he barely sidestepped its attack. It squealed in pain as he grabbed it by the leg and mmed it to the ground.
But it was very strong. It struggled in his grip, threatening to break free. He brought his other hand down, holding it in ce as it gnawed on his skin. Novis nearly dropped the bunny in pain. It hurt. It hurt so much.
However, he couldnt give up. Not now. He had so much to live for. His life shed before his eyes. The memories he shared with his siblings. His uncle. His mama. All of it would be gone if he fell here.
The baby Wyvern fought through the pain, pinning down the bunnys head. It red up at him as it tried to swing at him with its horns, but he kept it still. Then he bit down hard.
The bunny squirmed. It shrieked in pain as his fangs tore through flesh. But despite its struggling, he forced his jaw shut. And with every ounce of his strength, he ripped its head off. Blood squirted off the decapitated bunnys neck, sshing over him as he bathed in his victory.
Defeated [Horned Rabbit - Lvl. 11]!
Abundant experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least two times your level!
Subspecies [Hatchling Wyvern] Level Up!
[Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 5] -> [Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 6]!
Gained 3 Stat Points!
Subspecies [Hatchling Wyvern] Level Up!
[Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 6] -> [Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 7]!
Gained 3 Stat Points!
Subspecies [Hatchling Wyvern] Level Up!
[Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 7] -> [Hatchling Wyvern - Lvl. 8]!
Gained 3 Stat Points!
He did it. It was a glorious battle, and he had won.
He did it!
I cheered as Novis defeated the bunny rabbit. I turned to Willy, excitedly pping my talon-hands together.
Look, Willy! I told you hed win!
No you didnt.
The [Will O Wisp] snorted. I crossed my arms.
You werent being supportive at all! You didnt think hed win! But I knew he was fine from the very beginning.
Willy didnt even retort. He just made a sighing sound as he flitted around in frustration. I ignored him, instead looking on as Novis devoured the dead rabbit, eating it limb by limb as his hands were coated in blood.
Hes so cute.
Really.
Willy spoke in a t voice. I nodded eagerly as Novis burped out a bone.
Absolutely adorable.
--
Bellum! Oriur! ytimes over!
I called out for the two other baby Wyverns as Novis followed behind me. Willy was flitting around me in circles, and while the three of them had been spread out, both of us had been keeping a watchful eye on them the entire time. I could sense everything that was going on in the area, so I always knew if they were actually in trouble.
That was also why I had called them back. I sensed a pair of Humans entering the forest, and I was very excited for their arrival. I turned to the three baby Wyverns.
Now, make sure you guys behave, alright?
I wagged a finger at them. They all nodded as I had taught them. They huddled together in a group, waiting in anticipation for whatever was happening. This was the first time they had a change in schedule. Previously, theyd just been doing the same things over and over again. Now, guests were here to spice up their life.
A red-haired woman strolled up to the valley with a ck-haired man following behind her. The pair nced around the area with round eyes before their gaze settled at me. These pair of Humans looked at my Wyvern form, but they didnt flinch. They didnt scream in terror. They just looked at me with a smile. After all, they were mypanions.
So this is where you have been for the past two days, Salvos.
Edithe Dawnrise spoke as she crossed her arms. Daniel came to a halt next to her and shook his head.
We were worried. We didnt know what happened after you took off with the Wyvern eggs. I almost thought they hatched and ate you.
He chuckled as he faced me. I rolled my eyes.
Come on, guys. I can take care of myself. And I was busy. When I finally had some free time, I sent one of my clones to get you guys, didnt I?
I waved a hand off. My clone wasnt with them. I had dismissed her the moment they reached the forest since she had already done her job. Then I nced over at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur with a soft smile.
And they would never eat me. They love me also, theyre too cute! Look at them!
I gestured at the three baby Wyverns. Their skin wasnt as pink as when they were first born. They now had some color a blotched mixture between pink and gray. The very first signs of their hide. Like the teething sun.
But that didnt really matter since they were drenched in blood. I beamed.
See?
Daniel and Edithe exchanged a nce. The red-haired woman opened her mouth.
I uh, guess?
She looked at Daniel for a response. He just shrugged with a look on his face that said not to question it. And, of course, she didnt question it.
Come on here!
I called the baby Wyverns over. They scampered to my side, hugging my body. They stayed close to me as I gestured at them.
This is Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Say hi to them!
I pointed at the Wyverns one after another.
Novis was the oldest, and clearly the tallest. He had little nubs on his head too like horns, except undeveloped.
Bellum, on the other hand, looked like she already had ayer of hide over her body. Even though she wasnt the oldest, she was developing the most Wyvern-like features out of all of them with visible ws and the sharpest fangs.
Lastly, there was Oriur. He was the plumpest of the three. He ate the most, and he hunted the least. He much preferred it when I just provided the food for him.
Theyre still very young, so I doubt theyd be able to understand you. But you can at least wave at them.
Daniel and Edithe blinked. They drew closer, intrigued by the three Wyverns. The Human man stopped a few feet away as he looked at Willy and I. He grinned.
So, Im guessing Willy has been doing most of the work?
Yes.
No!
Willy and I answered at the same time. I scowled as Daniel chuckled to himself. Meanwhile, Edithe halted just before the three Wyvern babies. She peered at them as they hid their faces on me.
Im not going to lie, theyre actually quite cute.
The red-haired woman smiled as she waved her fingers at Novis.
Hello there, little guy. Your name is Novis, right? And youre already almost at Level 10? You really are taking after Salvos, arent you?
Novis raised his head, eyeing her warily. She ced a hand on her chest, speaking softly.
I am Edithe
And heshed out.
Grrr!
He growled as he swung for her head. The red-haired woman stepped back, easily dodging the attack. She blinked a few times as he continued his assault, and I gasped.
No, Novis!
I grabbed him. The boy struggled in my hand as I raised him in the air. I waved a hand apologetically at Edithe.
Im so sorry about that! I dont know why he I mean, I told him to
Its fine, Salvos.
Edithe shook her head and raised a hand catingly.
He couldnt hurt me even if he tried. Anyway, no harm was done.
I know, but
I felt embarrassed and annoyed. Novis continued to thrash in my grip until I raised him til he was next to my head. He paused when he met my gaze. I frowned at him.
I said dont attack them. Theyre friends! Theyre mypanions! But you still attacked Edithe.
He shrank back. Novis trembled in my grip as I pointed at him.
Why didnt you listen to me?
I asked, but he didnt answer. He just lowered his gaze. Daniel called out at me before I could continue interrogating him further.
I think thats enough, Salvos. It was no harm done. Theres no reason to get upset with him over it.
I looked down at the Human man. He was standing next to Edithe. The red-haired woman nodded.
Its really fine, Salvos.
But what happens if he does something like this again?
I sputtered. Daniel and Edithe looked at each other, puzzled. The red-haired woman faced me uncertainly.
I guess that just means they arent ready for Humans yet.
I felt my wing-arms sag. I slowly lowered Novis back to the ground. Willy flitted up next to him and ushered him back to his siblings.
Oh but my promise
I spoke dejectedly. Daniel blinked.
Promise?
I said Id help you guys reach Level 120 by the end of the month, remember? This means I cant bring you guys along with the babies.
Oh, that.
He simply waved a hand off dismissively.
Its fine. I wanted a bit of a break, anyway. That fight with the [Hebomination] was too much excitement for one month. Then there was that battle with the [Savage Agarat] just after that
Daniel nced over at Edithe.
Im sure Edithe feels the same way, right?
Yeah.
She nodded as she shuffled her feet.
Hadrian and I were thinking of spending just some time rxing. Not too long. A week, maybe. While we still can especially since we werent invited to the Conference of Alyras.
Her lips twisted as she said thatst part. It looked like it annoyed her. But I didnt question it. I was too busy reeling from their words. I stared at mypanions sadly.
...huh, I see.
I had put so much thought into my promise in trying to figure out a way to make it all work. I had it all nned out. I was going to bring Novis, Bellum, and Oriur with us so that they could level alongside us. Just against weaker monsters.
But they didnt like Humans. I didnt know why, but they really disliked Daniel and Edithe. Even now, I could hear them growling at mypanions as Willy brought them back further away from the conversation we were having.
I closed my eyes and sighed.
Well, if thats the case
I brought my hand back as Edithe spoke up.
Im not saying we dont
But she paused as I produced something. I held it out for them, and they stared at it. Well, it was two things, but the exact same.
Here, if you guys ever need anything.
This is
The red-haired woman furrowed her brows. Daniel eyed it.
The Horn of the Caller? I havent seen you use it since the gunds.
Its an improved version of it. I made two of them.
They took both of the artifacts. Edithe looked at me, impressed.
Howd you go about and do that?
I made a few modifications to the enchantments in the original Horn of the Caller. It was simple since I could just work off the existing enchantments, then I replicated it on another horn. Its easy workpared to what I learned to do in Mavos Academy.
I scoffed, raising my head proudly. I was still a student of the best school in the Humannds, after all. Then I faced mypanions with a smile.
If you guys need me, just blow on it. Ill be able to hear it as long as Im within a hundred miles.
A hundred miles?
They stared at it, amazed. I nodded.
Yep. Its far enough right?
I actually didnt even know. But Edithe pocketed the Enhanced Horn of the Caller and smiled.
It is. Thank you, Salvos. We dont want to disturb you, so well be taking our leave now.
But cant you guys stay for a bit?
I pouted. But Daniel nced at Novis as he hissed at the [Hero].
I dont think they want us around. Besides, we just wanted to check up on you.
Aw
I felt a bit sad. But it was a feeling I was getting used to. Still, I managed a smile.
Well, its not like were very far away. Well probably see each other next week, right?
With you around? I wouldnt be surprised if youe flying in with three [Greater Wyverns] by the end of the month.
Edithe smirked at me. Daniel massaged his temples.
Dont encourage her
Weughed at that. And we bade each other farewell. Not for long, of course. Because we were still closeby. I was just going to be busy for a little bit. And mypanions had their own things they wanted to do. I watched them leave, feeling some mncholy.
It wasnt the fact that we were separated that made me feel that way. It was the fact that they had people who were just as important or even more important than me in their lives than me, now. Although, they probably had their ownpanions when I first met them. But I hadnt realized it then. Not in the same way I did now.
It wasnt a bad thing. I did have otherpanions too. It was just a new experience for me. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting this feeling settle in. But that was interrupted as I heard a cry.
Mama!
I turned around. I looked at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur as they ran up towards me once the scary Humans were gone. I sighed as they hugged me in relief.
I guess Ill be busy with this for a while.
I ran a hand over their heads, feeling the warmth of their hug. I heard their soft murmurs the fear theyd felt towards the scary Humans. It was something Id probably have to sort out, eventually. But not now. Instead, I felt my lips curl up now as Willy flitted next to me.
But this is good, too.
Chapter 393: The Conference of Alyras
Chapter 393: The Conference of Alyras
393. The Conference of Alyras
Rana Alyras, princess of Alyras, vomited on the day of the meeting. It was out of nerves. The Conference of Alyras was the most important event in this century perhaps even this millennia. They were going to discuss the issue of Demons that had upied everyones minds for thest few years. Hopefully, they would agree on a method to put an end to this Demon threat once and for all. And the city state of Alyras was going to be the host for this momentous asion.
It made her sick. She wasnt a social butterfly. Far from it, actually. Rana Alyras was a nervous-wreck, most of the time. Even for the balls and parties that were held with the minor nobles in this tiny city state, she found herself at a loss for what to do. She didnt have any of the poise or swagger needed to carry herself with the esteem of a princess.
So, on the morning of the meeting, she puked out all the contents of her stomach fromst nights meal. That was to say: not much at all. Because shed barely even been able to eat.
Rana felt sick, and she didnt feel any better remembering the events of just a few days ago. Her betrothed the Crown Prince of Dolonia, Peris Dolonia had said that he would be against involving the Helbir League in the possible war against the Demons.
It made no sense to her. She had mustered up every ounce of strength she had to call Peris out on it. Even though he was her fiance. Even though he was a Level 150 [Warrior]. She stood up to him, driven by her emotions at that moment. Afterwards, of course, she melted into a puddle of embarrassment and refused to leave her room for a whole day until she was dragged out by her maid.
Well, Sevika was her personal maid and bodyguard, but also her best friend. And she always knew what was best for Rana. She was the reason Rana was able to even walk down the gilded corridors of the pce to the meeting hall without stumbling over her own two feet. Sevika cheered her on well, not cheered. More like monotonously praised.
Go, princess Rana. You can do it. You can walk. Youre so great. Wow.
Oh, shut up.
Rana rolled her eyes, scoffing as she turned away from the maid trailing after her. It was yful teasing, and it actually helped Rana calm her nerves. The princess breathed in deeply as she turned a corner and bumped into a man.
Ow Im so sorry!
She started as she stumbled back. It almost felt like she ran headfirst into a brick wall. Blinking, she looked up to apologize to the man shed bumped into. He turned around, unbothered, offering her a kind smile.
Its my fault. My apologies, kind Miss.
Her eyes widened when she saw the burly man. He was tall and broad-chested. His shoulders were squared like the literal battlements of a fortress. He had to be nearly double her height, yet he was no Cyclops.
Youre
Rana Alyras pointed at him with a trembling finger. Heughed and nodded at her.
Laux Lionfist, at your service. And you are?
Her eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets. She was stammering, looking at the crimson-haired man up and down. He had long flowing hair and a face full of beard that looked more like a mane.
But more than that he was the leader of the Forsaken Company. One of the Three Honorable Companies. Some would say the greatest of the three, although that could be contested in the recent decades with Helena Warshades reforms of the Rising Veterans.
Also, Laux Lionfist was only of the leaders. They had what they called a triumvirate. Multiple people were in charge of the Forsaken Company, not just one. They made their decisions together and the majority always overruled the one who was against. They had veto powers too, but it was limited to twice a year, so they had to choose when to use it wisely.
Regardless, that made no difference to Rana. She was in utter awe at the man before him. She didnt even catch herself staring at him until Sevika cleared her throat.
Ahem, this is princess Rana Alyras, princess of Alyras.
The maid introduced Rana to Laux Lionfist in a t voice. Her words caused the princess to recoil, realizing shed be standing there like an idiot this whole time.
Y-yes!
Rana sputtered in agreement.
My name is Rana Alyras, it is a pleasure to meet you, uh lord Lionfist?
Was that even what she called him? No that wasnt right! He wasnt a lord, he was an adventurer. Her face flushed at the realization, but Laux Lionfist just guffawed.
Lord Lionfist, eh? It sounds fancy. To think Id be mistaken as a noble Baro wont believe this.
Laux just shook his head and proffered her a hand.
But no, I am not a lord. I am just an adventurer.
Despite his boisterous personality, he didnt brag. He didnt wave around his title as one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company for everyone to see. In fact, he called himself just an adventurer, ignoring that he was an Elite.
an Elite Ranked adventurer.
Rana couldnt even identify his level. He didnt seemingly have very many artifacts on him. In fact, he was quite inappropriately dressed for this meeting. The princess felt her face burning as she looked down to see his chiseled abs revealed for all to see. He barely had half a jacket on to cover his shoulders, and his fur pants only went down to his knees.
She shuffled her feet as she bowed her head.
My apologies. That is my mistake. I mustve mistaken you for royalty due to
She trailed off. She was going somewhere with this, but she had no idea where it was she was headed. She could hear Sevika facepalming behind her, and Rana just wished she wasnt there right now.
Its fine, its fine. Its an honest mistake, really. I mean, anyone would think this
Laux Lionfist flexed an arm, grinning.
is the body befitting a king, no?
I uh, t-thats
Rana stuttered, unsure what to say. Most of the kings shed met had been rather the opposite of that. But Laux Lionfist justughed, waving a hand off.
Well, if its not a body fit for a king, then more kings should get into shape. Regardless, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, princess Rana Alyras. However, it seems my presence is needed elsewhere.
He smiled at her before ncing to the side. A woman stood at the other end of the hallway. She radiated authority, even without saying a single word. Rana knew her, of course. The princess had seen her around for a few days now.
Helena Warshade.
Ole Helena wants my attention for something thats apparently important. So, if youll excuse me
He strutted off as the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy didnt even look Ranas way once. The princess blinked, watching them head down the corridor. She watched them for a moment, then frowned.
She turned to her maid.
Sevika, isnt the meeting supposed to be starting soon?
That is correct, princess Rana. One might even im that you are runningte if you continue to stand here and gawk.
Sevika answered simply. Rana red back at her.
Look thats not what Im getting at.
Then what are you getting at, princess Rana?
Rana sighed. She nced down the hallway, then at the direction she was heading in.
Arent they both heading the wrong way?
Sevika paused. She raised a brow.
That seems to be correct.
But why?
Rana asked, and Sevika shrugged.
I have no idea.
--
Rana didnt investigate. She had no reason to, and she had a ce to be. The princess took a seat at the meeting right next to her father at the head of the table. And it was a very long table. There were so many guests and so many representatives, Rana was losing track of who was who.
There were the representatives of the Helbir League Peris Dolonia and Zn Zaetya. There were the Greater Vampire Families, including Saffron Merryster. Rana waved at her, only for the other girl to return with a subtle nod. The princess flushed, realizing herck of tact.
[Archbishop] Thorsten Sigefried was here too, on behalf of the entirety of the Council of Cremont. Three of the Seven Councilmembers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance were present as well, and the heads of the Three Honorable Companies joined just as the meeting was about to begin. Rana wondered about what they discussed for a moment, but her attention was immediately drawn to the announcement as the door closed.
Let the Conference of Alyras begin!
As the Conference of Alyras began, a cloaked figure stepped out into the busy streets of the city. They looked towards the pce heard the resounding gong that marked the start of one of the momentous asions in history. And they knew where to go.
They moved towards the pce. Quickly. In a rush. Ready for what was toe.
Chapter 394: Responsibility and Consequence
Chapter 394: Responsibility and Consequence
394. Responsibility and Consequence
Daniel Song stood in a clearing, surrounded by trees as his eyes darted from side to side. Shadows moved around him. Fast, swift. He could barely keep up with what it was. He raised his Primordial Longsword, ready for its attack.
And itshed out. From the darkness, a figure emerged, swinging for his throat. Daniel barely reacted in time, bringing up his sword to parry the double ded dagger. He grinned as the assant recoiled, and he took that chance to grab her by the arm.
Fuck
Amanda cursed as she tried to pull away. But it was toote. Daniel had already caught her. He yanked her close and raised the t of his sword to her neck.
Gotcha.
I lost already, alright?
The former assassin cursed as she took a step back. He rolled his eyes and sheathed his de.
That was a good sparring session. Honestly, Im surprised I can actually keep up with you now.
What are you even on about?
Amanda frowned. She gestured at him.
Youre a [Hero]. Youre way stronger than me. You literally beat me even back when you were 10 levels below me.
Thats not what I meant. I was talking about speed.
Daniel scoffed as he led her back away from the forest towards Alyras. They strolled down the road, both of them tired from the spar. It was afternoon, and just this morning, Daniel had been far from the city, visiting Salvos. Now he was back and training with Amanda. It wasnt anything life-threatening or dangerous. In fact, it was the former assassin who suggested this.
He didnt mind some rxing sparring like this. It was a nice reprieve from the near-death situations hed often found himself tossed in when Salvos was involved. He came to a halt as he reached the end of a road.
Man, Salvos must be rubbing off on me if a sparring day is considered a rest day
He shook his head, and Amanda paused. She shifted her feet ufortably, overhearing what he said, but he didnt see her reaction. Instead, Daniel looked up towards the sky. The sun was inching closer to the horizon right behind the city of Alyras. It waste into the afternoon.
Think the meeting has already started?
He turned back to Amanda. The former assassin shrugged.
I dont fucking know. I dont pay attention that that shit.
Daniel furrowed his brows.
Well, I hope its going well.
He took a step forward, heading for the adventurer encampment just outside of the city. Then he paused. He leaned forward, catching sight of three figures just ahead of him. He opened his mouth.
Thats
And he paused.
This is good.
Edithe Dawnrise smacked her lips as she pushed the empty te away from her. There had been a slice of delicious, sweet cake there. Key word: had been. The red-haired woman wasnt really one with a sweet tooth, but she couldnt deny just how good that had been.
Hadrian smiled at her and leaned forward.
Im d you liked it. I spent the whole ofst week scouting for ces until I decided on this cafe.
He nodded at the server as he settled back into his chair. Edithe shook her head.
So, is this our first date or something?
She smiled at him, and he flushed. Hadrian her leader the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company shifted in his seat.
I mean, if you want it to be
Edithe just chuckled.
For adies man, youre quite shy, arent you?
He scoffed, but didnt have a response for that. She got to her feet, stretching.
Anyway, this was fun. At least, its a good distraction since
She nced over to the pce of Alyras at the center of the city. He sighed.
Dont remind me.
It was something that annoyed both of them. The True Valiants had been invited to be present at the meeting, and not the Valiant Dreamers. The fact that the Valiant Dreamers werent going to be there didnt matter so much to Edithe since she knew there was going to be limited vacancies to the Conference of Alyras, but the fact that the True Valiants were invited instead of them? It made her livid.
She, to some extent, understood the reasoning. However, that didnt change how it made her feel. Sighing, Edithe turned away from the pce of Alyras.
Its whatever. They have Orbur Vale, so it makes sense, but its not like hed be able to contribute much to the meeting. We know everything he knows.
Not unless he lied to us.
Hadrian shook his head. Edithe pursed her lips.
That is true, but
She trailed off. It was entirely possible. Not something that was off the table. Closing her eyes, she just shrugged.
Its not something we should dwell on, anyway.
Edithe was content with not being involved with every important event that ever happened. At the end of the day, she was just an adventurer. She wasnt like Daniel who was a [Hero], nor was she like Salvos who was well, Salvos.
The red-haired woman remembered just a few hours ago. Salvos was babying three Wyverns now. And Edithe feared to see what those tiny little monsters would grow up to be with Salvos raising them.
Come on, lets just go back to the encampment.
Edithe ushered Hadrian away from the cafe. He nodded, ncing back to the pce of Alyras for a moment longer. Then his eyes narrowed.
Whats going on?
He asked. Edithe turned around. She heard the susurration. There were shouts and loud voices echoing from the direction of the pce. She frowned.
Amotion?
She exchanged a look with Hadrian. And they had the same thought.
Lets go
They moved to investigate.
Saffron Merryster sat at the Conference of Alyras, gued by a myriad of emotions. On one hand, she was d this meeting was finally happening. As the daughter of one of the Four Greater Vampire Families, the duty to protect Humankind from the return of the Demons had been instilled into her since she was young.
But despite such teachings, all of the Vampire families had begun to neglect their duties in the recent millennia. Perhaps it was fair for the Merrysters, the Norwoods, the Crimsonfangs, and the Veridians to be med for allowing the Demon threat to foster for so long. And as much as Saffron agreed with the sentiment, she was absolutely livid that this was the main subject of the Conference of Alyras.
These Demons shouldve been dealt with by the Vampire families before it spiraled to this mess that it has be. How could you, so-called Demon yers, allow this threat to fester and infect the Inoria Empire from within? What have you been doing all this time?
A man called Jake spoke uninterrupted. Helena Warshade had brought him in, saying that he was from a rtively newpany called the True Valiants. He used and condemned the Vampire Families. Which mightve been fair if not for the fact that it was dominating the discussion.
They shouldve been discussing what to do now, rather than pointing fingers. It frustrated Saffron. She massaged her temples as she sat back in her chair. It wasnt her time to speak. Not like she could even contribute much. She was a lowly noble in the face of some of the most important people in the world.
Orbur Vale, if you would exin how the Vampire families in Nixa did nothing as yourpany was infiltrated and overtaken by a group of Demon shapeshifters.
Jake stepped aside, bringing a man from the now-defunct Iron Champions Company forward. Orbur cleared his throat.
That is correct. The Iron Champions Company had been investigating the Church of Regnorex for years. Our leader, Bn Dishar, led this investigation as we came to realize that they had ns. Big ns. We even sought aid from the Vampire families multiple times, but our pleas fell on deaf ears.
He closed his eyes, speaking through gritted teeth. Saffron couldnt stop herself anymore. She looked at Orbur Vale, outraged. Wasnt he part of the Iron Champions Company? He had literally supported the Demons because he felt his life was threatened. She opened her mouth, ready to unleash her annoyance at him.
You
But Crocus Merryster, her father, stopped her. He calmed her down before she could speak and embarrass herself. Flushing, she sat back down.
I dont get it. Why are we arguing over this? Shouldnt we be taking action?
She sputtered. Crocus sighed, watching Orbur Vale sit back down. Another voice spoke up. Peris Dolonia, Crown Prince of Dolonia, got to his feet, voicing his agreements at the Vampires failures.
We cannot overlook that we had entrusted this sole duty of exterminating any burgeoning Demon threat to these noble Demon yers
We should be taking action.
Crocus nodded, his forehead creased.
However, arguing here will only push them further towards inaction. We can only bear responsibility for our failures and hope our pleas dont go unheard.
Saffron didnt understand it. She couldntprehend this meaningless ming. She listened to Peris Dolonias ramblings, trying to parse it. Annoyed. Irritated. But it was only when he finished, did she finally realize what their issue was.
So, why should we bear the consequences of your failure?
Peris Dolonia stared callously at the Vampire families. It all clicked to Saffron. The reason why they were so reticent to simply just agree to confront the Demon threat. It was because they wanted someone else to deal with it. They felt like they werent responsible, so why did they have to involve themselves now?
It was ridiculous, yet understandable. After all, why did they have to make sacrifices when they were not the ones at fault for what was happening now? Yet, at the same time, if everyone who wasnt responsible for allowing this Demon threat to devolve to the current situation abstained from intervening, then the Demons would be free to overwhelm the Humannds.
Peris sat back down, shaking his head.
Mori dius, Nixa how many more people have to suffer for the consequences of your actions?
Saffron gripped the edge of the table tightly. But she wasnt here to speak. The one who answered was Gannon Norwood. The Patriarch of the Norwood Family. He got to his feet and faced Peris simply.
What do you want from us, then?
It was a good question. Because nowhere at Peris ramblings did he bring up what he wanted from the Vampires. He med them. As did Jake. As did most of those present here. However, they offered no solution.
Peris tilted his head and spoke dismissively.
Take your Treasures of Alexander and deal with this mess, of course. There is another Primeval Demon to y, is there not? Find it and kill it.
Saffron could already see the ring w with that n. Sure, the Greaves of Alexander was with Gannon Norwood, and that the Boots of Alexander was stashed somewhere safe by Anya Veridian, but she did not know where the Crimsonfangs were keeping the Crown of Alexander. However, none of that mattered since the Sword of Alexander was still missing, and the Breastte of Alexander was
Faith El, Fallen Queen of the Elutra Kingdom, rose to her feet, having the same thought as Saffron. The room quietened as she took center stage. Of everyone in the room right now, she was the most meless, having warned them all of what was happening in Inoria for years.
I must interject and assert that thats not possible, Prince Peris.
And not to be too forward, but why not, Queen Faith?
He sat back in his chair, looking at her dubiously. Faith sighed. Saffron pursed her lips, knowing what was about to be said. Knowing the cause behind it. The Fallen Queen of Elutra closed her eyes.
Because of the simple reason that the Breastte of Alexander is destroyed.
Chapter 395: Treasures that Don’t Work
Chapter 395: Treasures that Don¡¯t Work
395. Treasures that Don''t Work
Because of the simple reason that the Breastte of Alexander is destroyed.
Faith El answered Peris Dolonias question. The Fallen Queen of Elutra replied without hesitation. She was the only one here meless absolved of the sin of inaction. Her pleas had fallen on deaf ears. She had warned them of the Inoria Empire. Even until her country fell.
It was her biggest regret: her failure to rally the Humannds together to protect the Elutra Kingdom. So, now, knowing that the situation had escted extremely in thest few months, Faith had hoped that the Conference of Alyras would progress swimmingly.
She was wrong.
There was strong opposition against forming an alliance against the Inoria Empire. Everyone was pushing the me to the Vampire families. Despite their own inaction when Faith hade to them for help. It made her want tosh out condemn everyone present. But she kept her cool.
Faith understood that she couldnt let her emotions rule her words and actions. While her father, king Credence, hadnt really been able to raise her personally with all the other children he had, she was still forced into a high-stress environment of politics and intrigue that forced her to adapt or fall behind. She, of course, adapted. Sometimes, in ways that were more detrimental than productive to attaining her goals. But she always learned and improved.
She remembered how she mistreated and manipted Daniel Song. Even though they had, in a way, reconciled over their history, it was something that she truly regretted. She wouldnt allow herself to fail anyone ever again.
Breathing deeply, Faith El faced the room and spoke in a cool voice.
Without the Breastte of Alexander, the rest of the Treasures of Alexander are merely Mythic Grade artifacts. No different from the weapons used by Elites who have been felled by the previous Primeval Demon.
It sounded ridiculous, calling them merely Mythic Grade artifacts. But
Perhaps with all of the Treasures of Alexanderbined, even a Diamond Ranked adventurer would be able to prevail over a Primeval Demon. But that is not possible now.
A susurration ran through the room. Whispers of shock. Confusion. Not everyone knew of the full effects of the Treasures of Alexander. Faith knew yton Skyshredder had exined it to her before she left Mavos Academy. He said it would be equal to a Legendary Grade artifact,bined. Except, Faith had never heard of such a tier of artifacts. yton himself had been the one to posit the existence of such items during his time as a student, and his assertions had mostly been rejected by the academicmunity.
But none of that mattered. Not here, not now. Because even if Faith spoke to rebuke Peris Dolonias attempts at pushing the responsibility of the Demon threat for someone else to deal with, all that was focused on was the bare basics of what she said.
The Breastte of Alexander was destroyed?
Impossible! How could this have happened?
Who did this? What in the world couldve destroyed one of the Treasures of Alexander?
Helena Warshade herself rose to her feet, eyes narrowed and fixed on Faith.
Are you absolutely certain of this, Queen Faith? Not only is the Breastte of Alexander designed to be nigh indestructible, it is enchanted with an unparalleled ability to self-repair no matter the damage incurred.
Jake, that annoying adventurer from the True Valiants, piped up in agreement. He spoke dismissively of Faith, waving a hand off.
Perhaps to an untrained eye it could be seen as broken, but I highly doubt such a mythical item could be destroyed just like that.
Faith frowned at the man. His impudence annoyed her, but she didnt let it show in her voice. She held the gaze of the crowd and spoke a single sentence that dispelled all doubts in an instant.
Headmaster yton Skyshredder himself confirmed that the Breastte of Alexander is broken. He is looking for a way to repair it, but until then, it cannot be used.
Jake almost fell off his chair. Rana Alyras jaw dropped. Peris Dolonia furrowed his brows but kept an otherwise neutral expression on his face. Laux Lionfist let out a full bellyugh as Helena Warshade lowered her head in thought.
Saffron just sighed, knowing the reason why it was broken.
The others in the room were astounded. Some were already aware of it, like Thorsten Sigefried who just had a knowing look on his face. The Vampires were calm too, apart from the Crimsonfangs. Bolton Crimsonfang, the head of their family, blinked a few times in surprise and turned to the Merrysters to demand an exnation
Who couldve done this?
They all asked. And somewhere, out there, Faith was sure that Salvos was interrupted in whatever she was doing by a sneeze. A well-deserved interruption.
Shaking her head, Faith diverted from the question.
That doesnt matter. What matters now is that we do what is necessary. Not one single party present here is capable of putting an end to this Demon threat alone. We have to work together.
She cast her gaze around the room. There were plenty of powerful people here. Kaitlin Darkhelm, for example, was the Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. She was said to have been able to go toe-to-toe with Mori dius himself in battle.
Scarlet the Red Rose was a newly-minted Elite Ranked adventurer. But she had potential. At the rate of her growth, she could surpass even Orgaf in a decade or so.
Laux Lionfists reputation was unsurpassed. He was the most tenacious of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company. He had apparently fought the Lich of the gunds and its hordes of undead for days on end all by himself. The only reason he left was because he realized that no matter how many times he pummeled that skeleton to dust, it would always regenerate like nothing had happened.
That was not to mention, of course, Helena Warshade. Not much needed to be said about her.
There was also Alder the Augur Elder, Lofus the Broken Berserker, Peris Dolonia the Crown Prince of Dolonia, and so many more individuals who were regarded as the peak of Humankind.
Still, Faith looked at them. All of these powerful people. And she spoke without hesitation.
I have seen the depths of this Demon threat, and let me tell you: they would crush each and every single one of us if we face them alone.
Her words hung over the meeting hall heavily. It was not a threat. She fully believed that even the Vaun Qieur Empire in all its might would fail to stop whatever the Demons were doing with Inoria and Elutra.
Everyone remained silent. Faith looked from person to person, waiting for a response. None of them had the gall to speak up. None of them except for the main opposition. The Crown Prince of Dolonia.
Peris Dolonia started.
I
And he couldnt finish. Because as soon as he opened her mouth, it happened.
Daniel Songughed as he approached the trio ahead of him. Amanda blinked a few times.
Who are they?
Some friends.
He replied before turning back to the three adventurers. He waved at them with a smile on his face.
Jaakko! Zack! Helen! d to see you guys made it here just fine!
Daniel, it is good to see you here alive too. I had been worried that that Demon mightve given you guys trouble.
Jaakko, the Cyclops, answered with a booming voice. Daniel shook his head as he came to a halt before them.
Well, you know how Salvos is. She took care of it just like that.
The [Hero] grinned as he snapped a finger. Helena just sighed in relief, while Zack rolled his eyes.
Did you expect anything less, Helen?
Shut up, Zack. I was worried, alright?
Amanda just shuffled her feet behind Daniel, uncertain of what to say. He didnt introduce her, much to her difort, since she was just standing there quietly as they chatted. Finally, she had enough and jabbed Daniel on the shoulder.
Hey, arent you going to
But she couldnt finish. All three adventurers snapped their heads up as their eyes grew wide. Their attention drawn in an instant.
Thats
There was amotion towards the gates of the pce. Edithe Dawnrise rushed towards the crowd with Hadrian by her side, ready for battle. But as she arrived at the scene, whatever was happening was already settling down.
She blinked as she watched a [Warrior] with one arm in his Level 100s apprehend a cloaked figure at the gate. It was a woman dressed in garbs. She struggled to break free from the mans grip.
Who is that?
Edithe asked, but Hadrian didnt know the answer to that either. They exchanged a nce as the cloaked woman sputtered.
Let me in! I need to be at the meeting. My name is Alix, and I
But she was cut off by a loud st. A thundering boom shook through the city as Edithe and Hadrian braced themselves.
All heads turned to the source of the explosion that came from the west wing of the pce of Alyras. Away from the meeting room. Far on the other side of the pce. The red-haired womans eyes widened.
What is going on?
Everyone in the meeting room froze when they felt the explosion. Saffron felt a chill creep up on her at the realization of what was going on. Alyras was under attack. She looked towards her father who had the same thought, and they both readied themselves.
Various other nobles and adventurers reached for their weapons, preparing for a fight. It was an attack, and they would fight back, no matter who it was responsible. Helena Warshade narrowed her eyes as she raised her crystalline staff. Some kind of irvoyance spell, likely.
Thats from the west wing of the pce.
Thorsten Sigefried nodded in agreement. The old [Archbishop] was on his feet, speaking in a low voice.
Demons.
He looked around and whispered.
Theyre here. Three of them.
Saffron didnt know how he knew the specifics, but it mustve been a Skill. And he was one of the most trusted individuals present, so there was no questioning it. Panic broke out as the reality of the Demon threat slowly sank in. All the previous politicking was gone in an instant, reced by a growing sense of fear.
Demons? Here?
That cant be right. Why would they attack this city?
Well be fine, right? I mean, theres no way theyd attack us here. Were surrounded by some of the most powerful fighters in the Humannds.
That was true. Yet, that didnt exin the rumbling that shook the pce of Alyras. And, eventually, someone realized what was going on.
Thats from
Anya Veridian, the Matriarch of the Veridian Family, spoke in a trembling voice. She leapt to her feet and dashed out of the room.
No
Lady Veridian
Crocus tried to stop her, but she moved fast, empowered by a boost from her boots. It carried her faster than a haste spell would, bringing her to the other end of the hallway in an instant. Saffron got up as her father gave chase to the Matriach of the Veridian Family.
Saffron!
Rana called out to the young Vampire. Saffron looked back at Ranas way.
Everyone should stay put only a few of us should investigate!
And Saffron went sprinting out the door after her father. But she was slow. Another figure caught up to her in an instant. Lofus, the Broken Berserker, was running next to the pink-haired girl.
This seems like itll be fun.
Lofus grinned as she hefted a massive battle axe over her shoulder like it was nothing. Saffron opened her mouth, unsure of what to say. Then decided on nothing. After all, she was d the Elite came along. On her own, Saffron could do nothing. But with Lofus here, perhaps whoever these three Demons were would be easily dealt with.
They turned a few corners before arriving at the west wing of the pce soon enough. They came to a halt at ground zero of a huge explosion. Saffron coughed as a pir of smoke and ash rose before her, billowing up to the sky and covering the sun.
A dark shadow was cast over the pce of Alyras as a ck me ate away at the ornate walls of the pce. Saffron didnt dare touch it. It radiated a cold heat that felt wrong to her. But Lofus stamped it out like it was any old me.
Come on. Theyre just up ahead.
The Broken Berserker marched forward, walking through rubble and passing over corpses like they werent even there. They came to a stop as they caught sight of Crocus Merryster standing over a pair of figures at the center of the st.
Anya Veridian held her husband by the hand as hey there in the debris. Amongst fire and brimstone. Saffron looked towards her father, and he shook his head. Hes not going to make it, Crocus seemed to say.
The Boots of Alexander
Lord Ulli Veridian coughed out as his wife desperately tried to pour a healing potion into his burn wounds. But the injuries werent closing up. He was a talking corpse. He closed his eyes as Saffron leaned closer.
T-they took it. They stole the Boots of Alexander.
And with that final breath, he went limp.
Ulli? Ulli please, respond to me
Anya desperately clung to his shoulder, but he didnt respond. Hed barely held on long enough to speak. To tell them about what happened.
Saffron turned back to Lofus who just scowled.
Seems like whoever did this escaped. Those damn Demon cowards
But a chuckle interrupted her. Lofus, Saffron, and Crocus tensed as Anya was still focused on her dead husband. A little figure emerged from the smoke. ck-skinned and an impish grin on his face.
Now, who escaped again?
He was short. Barely four feet tall. He waved at them with one of his four arms,ughing. He was a Demon.
Hello there, mortals.
[Imp - Lvl. 147]
Chapter 487: Differences Between Primeval And Arch
Chapter 487: Differences Between Primeval And Arch
487. Differences Between Primeval And Arch
I heard the cries of the baby Wyverns behind me. But still, I ignored them. They couldnt join me. And I couldnt just sit around protecting them. They had to listen to me to stay put as I dealt with this threat.
Ira was here. He was locked in battle with three of my clones. I could see their sh up ahead. The golden mes shed, only to be interrupted by a pool of ck liquid. The fragments of a blood sphere that rippled and darted around the Primeval Demon and protected him. They couldnt even touch him, despite working together.
And that was why I needed to help them.
We stood the best chance of defeating him if I was there too. If he won, he would end up ughtering the adventurers. He would massacre the surviving soldiers camped just outside of Lunaris. I didnt really care if most of them died, but there were some I still cared about like Jaakko, Zack, and Helen.
More than that, I did want to pass up this opportunity to gain more levels. Id already gained a significant amount of experience from killing a bunch of lower-leveled Demons with my clones. Killing Ira would give me more experience as well considering he was 10 levels above me. So I had all the reason in the world to face the Primeval Demon here and now.
The only thing that briefly held me back were the three baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. I didnt need to nce back at them to see what they were doing. Already, I could see them running my way giving chase as I left them behind. But I flicked a finger, and they came to a halt.
It was as if theyd run straight into a ss window that was as sturdy as a wall. [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. A partial casting of that Skill. Unfortunately, I couldnt concentrate and form my full pocket space here in the Mortal Realm and fight at the same time. I kept them trapped there so they couldnt give chase, but it wouldntpletely protect them since the spatial walls were rtively fragile.
Id considered trapping the three baby Wyverns in the Ring of the Forgotten Prison too. But the thing was I didnt know if they could survive in that space. It wasnt the most conducive environment for anyone, really. Even as a Level 147 Archdemon with a special ss at Level 116, I still found my movements being partially impeded while in there. It felt slightly nauseating a bit confusing, too.
If not for my spatial senses, Id probably be leftpletely lost whenever I enter the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. I didnt want something bad to happen to the baby Wyverns, so I wasnt going to take the risk of keeping them there.
So I kept an eye on them, even as I reached the walls of Lunaris. Ira hovered there as his blood-spear impaled one of my clones. I recoiled, backing away from the golden explosion.
Just two clones left
I murmured and looked towards the Primeval Demon. I called my remaining clones, and they flew to my side. They joined me as I twirled my Divine Nebr Spear.
Youre Ira?
I called out to the [Hellprince]. He stood atop a sheet of solid blood. It hovered, carrying him higher to meet my gaze. Slowly, he nodded.
Indeed I am. And I take it you must be Salvos. The Liberator of the gunds. Or do you have a new Title now?
He tapped a finger on his chin, and I beamed.
Thats me!
I am d I can finally meet you in person, and not through your apparitions.
He dismissively waved a hand towards my clones. But I shook my head.
Youre a lot smaller than I remembered. When Ist saw you, you were this big [Cambion]. Now youre a small [Hellprince]. Belzu didnt really change this much when he became a [Hellprince].
Belzu is but an insect buzzing before our King, so he will always be an insect.
Ira spread his arms wide as his blood poured from his back, creating spikes that hovered mid-air.
But me? I achieved this form through perseveringly serving our King! And I shall make you perish for him!
My eyes flickered, and a salvo of blood-projectiles came my way. My two remaining clones scattered as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, knocking the onught of spikes. I called out to my clones as they circled around the Primeval Demon.
If youre going to die, die on him!
They nodded in agreement, avoiding the attack. They unleashed their golden mes at Ira, but his protective sphere deflected their magic. When their mes dissipated, the ck bloodshed out like whips, narrowly missing my clones. And that was when I took my chance.
I knew that Ira couldnt be touched as long as the sphere of ck blood protected him. That was why my clones struggled so much. However, I also noticed that whenever they tried to attack him, there would always be a brief moment where his defenses would go down when heunched a counterattack. I saw this all even when I was with the baby Wyverns, using [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
So I took my opportunity. I activated [Haste] and [Warped Time] before speeding forward. The ck blood receded quickly, moving to protect him. But I was faster. I reached Ira, grinning as I swung down with my Divine Nebr Scythe. And he raised his blood-spear, easily parrying my sh.
I recoiled, flying back with a grunt. I crashed into the earth, creating a massive crater where Iy. I picked myself back up with a groan.
Hes strong
Speed wasnt his specialty, but it was clearly that magic and physical prowess was where he excelled best. That was why he just stood there rather than trying to keep up with me or my clones.
Iraughed as he looked down at me, ignoring my clones attacks helplessly bouncing off his blood barrier.
You may be fast, but what is the point of speed if you are both weak and fragile?
He flicked his wrist, and his blood-spear shot out again. It caught one of my clones off-guard. She flew directly into it before exploding. I felt the ground shaking from the st, watching as the weapon returned to the Primeval Demons hand.
Even for apparitions, they are hopelessly easy to kill. Did you really think you could defeat me like this?
Yes I
I burst into the sky, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe as blue fire trailed after its de. Ira smirked as he watched me draw closer. And at the veryst moment, I teleported behind him.
can!
I swung down, the first strike in a [Barrage of Cinders]. But my attack was stopped. I felt the impact being dulled like it had hit a hard liquid. I looked down, seeing the ck blood already protecting Ira. I clicked my tongue and zipped around him in a circle.
He didnt move. His eyes simply darted after me, watching my every movement. I moved as fast as I could around the Primeval Demon as his ck blood followed me. I swung down again and teleported.
It was a short-range teleportation. Something I could do in rapid session. And I appeared at the other side of the blood barrier. A second attack. A continuation of [Barrage of CInders]. But once more, his defenses moved fast enough to protect him.
I didnt waste any time. I pulled back and repeated this maneuver again and again and again. Each time, I was inches from reaching him. My attacks nearly connected, but somehow, his defenses were always a little bit faster than me. I gritted my teeth as my teleportation [Barrage of Cinders] failed. I was just about to retreat, when I noticed a ripple run through the blood barrier.
My eyes grew wide as, all at once, the sphere spiked out in all directions. I barely blocked the attack with my Divine Nebr Scythe. I winced as bits of the ck blood broke off, sttering against my skin. It wasnt just like regr blood. Somehow, it stung. Like I was being pelted by small rocks. My lips twisted then I grinned.
Now!
Ira blinked as my clone teleported to his side in that brief moment where his blood barrier was gone. His eyes grew wide, and she swung at him with a ming golden scythe. But he thrust forward with his blood-spear, roaring.
That didnt work the first time!
His attack tore through my clones weapon. She blinked as he stabbed her and she sneered. Ira stabbed her through the torse, and her form began to waver. Ira stared, the realization settling in as she clutched onto his blood-spear.
Boom.
I pointed. His blood barrier rushed back, receding to protect him. But it was toote. My clone exploded, engulfing the Primeval Demon entirely as he screamed.
Chapter 396: The Boots of Alexander
Chapter 396: The Boots of Alexander
396. The Boots of Alexander
Hello there, mortals.
[Imp - Lvl. 147]
The Demon that stood before Saffron was short and stout. He had four arms, onyx ck skin, and an impish smile on his face that matched his appearance. He had no horns, but his teeth were sharp like that of a shark, withyers uponyers of spindly spikes over each other. His hands were ws, and he only had three fingers and a thumb.
Lofus grunted as she faced the Archdemon. She stepped forward as Saffron found herself backing up warily.
Well, I thought you lot ran off, but it seems not all you Demons are cowards.
The Broken Berserker of Bherein wore a vicious grin on her face. She hefted her war axe one that was quite literally asrge as her, and she was arge woman and loomed over the [Imp].
Unfortunately, youre not very smart are you? A little [Imp] like you thinking you could defeat me.
Saffron bit her lower lip as she watched this confrontation. Her father, Crocus Merryster, stood protectively over her. And while every fiber of Saffrons being told her to run, she couldnt. Instead, she turned to Anya Veridian who was still bent over mourning her husbands death.
Lady Anya, we have to get out of here.
Saffron urged the elderly Matriarch of the Veridian Family. But Anya didnt budge. The bloodlust radiated from Lofus and the [Imp] was practically palpable. Saffrons legs wobbled as she stumbled back.
My name is Avaritia. Pleasure to kill you, mortal.
The Archdemon smirked as he rubbed his wed hands together. Lofus frowned.
Kill me? You wont even be able to hurt me.
She raised her war axe dangerously. It doubled in size in an instant the artifacts enchantment taking effect. He shook his head.
Well see.
And with that, he vanished. Crocus eyes widened. He leapt over his daughter as he started.
Get back
But a shockwave knocked them both back. Even Anya went tumbling from the powerful gale. Lofus held her war axe up as the [Imp] stood before her, his four ws shed with the metal edge of the giant weapon. He smiled at her.
Not bad. Not bad. Im surprised you could even keep up.
Lofus clicked her tongue as she shoved Avaritia back. The [Imp] lithelynded a few feet back with a grunt. The Broken Berserker of Bherein narrowed her eyes.
Pretty strong for a little [Imp], arent you?
And fast, too. Arent you surprised?
Avaritia sneered back at her. Lofus nodded as she strode forward.
Perhaps. After all, one would think a little [Imp] your size would be a lot
And with a single step forward, her war axe grew ten times in size. It crossed the distance between them in an instant. Its growth was fast. And it came crashing down at Avaritia before Saffron even understood what was going on.
Try and dodge this [Mountainbreaker Blow]!
The earth shook. A tremor cracked through the ground, sending the broken rubble up into the sky. A crater former where Avaritia had been standing as Saffron tightly clung onto her father as he stood his ground.
Lofusughed as her war axe receded.
That fool thought he could match my strength
But the weapon didnt pull back, even as she tugged at it. Her eyes narrowed, and a chuckle left the crater. Saffrons eyes widened as she watched the little [Imp] walk out of the giant divot, holding the t of the axe with his four arms.
Now whos the fool?
How?
Lofus backed up with wide eyes. Her arms trembled as she tried to pull back her weapon. Avaritia gritted his teeth as he held it back. He struggled with it for a moment but ultimately triumphed in strength.
Perhaps you werent as strong as you thought.
Saffron watched the [Imp] draw closer to the Berserker. His body rippled and shifted as he approached. Each step he took, he grew taller. His arms grew longer and burlier. A pair of goat-like horns curved up from his forehead as his face lengthened.
What is going on?
Crocus stared in horror. Avaritia scoffed as he towered over the Elite, now ten feet tall. He had the face of a goat, and the body of a Cyclops. He had hooves for legs, while his shark-like teeth had only grown more dangerous.
Did you really think I was just an [Imp]? Please
He walked forward and clinked his legs together. There was a metallic clink. And Saffron realized that he was wearing a pair of boots. But not just ordinary boots. It shimmered faintly, exuding an almost familiar aura. One that made Saffron tremble just from standing in its presence.
The Boots of Alexander
Anya breathed. The Matriarch of the Veridian Family had gotten to her feet, and she was staring in terror at the glimmering metal boots that the former [Imp] wore. Saffron got to her feet, quickly identifying the Demon before her. But she knew whatever it was was a lie.
[Hellbeast - Lvl. 147]
Its a [Changeling]! Ignore its looks its meant to deceive you!
Saffron shouted as Lofus nced her way. The young Vampire looked frantically towards Avaritia who just shook his head.
Its a good little trick to get your guard down. But also
In the blink of an eye, he blurred forward again. No slower than earlier. Lofus stepped back to defend herself, but his ws raked across her stomach. The Broken Berserker of Bherein went flying as blood spilled from the wound in excess.
Lofus!
Saffron called out. The Broken Berserker of Bherein didnt go down easily, though. Lofusnded on her feet, her eyes burning with rage. A crimson aura wisped off her as she looked up in anger.
How dare you [Melody of Fury]!
She unleashed a barrage of attacks that ripped apart the earth and broke the rubble and debris. Lofus moved like a terrible tempest across the battlefield as strong winds threatened to knock Saffron off her feet.
The young noble wasnt a pushover. She was a student of Mavos Academy. But in the face of this battle she could only look on helplessly.
Lofus attacked Avaritia in a wild frenzy, but the Archdemon dodged all her swings with ease. He countered and cut deep into her stone-like skin. It was like her flesh wasnt even there. Lofus flinched, even in the haze of battle, eventually stumbling back when shed taken enough damage.
She cant hit him
Saffron whispered. The Demon had all the speed of an Elite [Rogue], and the strength of an Elite [Warrior]. And while his strength was his own, his speed was bestowed onto him by the boots he wore.
This was the power of a Mythical Grade artifact. It turned what couldve been a close battle into a one-sided beatdown.
Lofus screamed a blood curdling cry as she charged the Demon again. Avaritia just stepped back as his form changed once more. He grew shorter. Smaller. More like a Human. But he still kept his obsidian-colored skin. The horns on his head receded in size but remained there. His four arms became two, yet the ws on each of his hands grew sharper.
[Incubus - Lvl. 147]
Saffron.
Crocus stepped forward as the two shed again. He turned to her and Anya Veridian, raising his sword.
Takedy Veridian and get out of here.
But
Saffron sputtered. Unfortunately, she didnt have time to argue.
Lofus lunged at the Demon, and he ducked under the attack. He brought his hand forward in a stabbing motion. The attack pierced through her abdominal muscles to the other side of her back. The Broken Berserker of Bherein coughed out a mouthful of blood, wheezing.
Get Helena Warshade, now!
Crocus Merryster yelled. Saffron blinked a few times. Then she moved. She helped Anya Veridian to her feet as Avaritia turned his attention towards them.
Oh, whats this? Our audience wants to leave us.
He spoke to Lofus, although the Broken Berserker of Bherein wasnt able to speak. Shey there, eyes rolled up as blood poured out of the wound on her stomach. The Demon nodded.
Youre right. Id much rather them stay here.
I will not let you touch my daughter!
Crocus charged for him. Meanwhile, Saffron made a break for it with Anya Veridian in her arms. She poured mana into her feet, and a burst of wind propelled her forward. The ground glided beneath her feet as she practically skated away from the battlefield.
Avaritia just tilted his head.
I dont need your permission to do anything, mortal.
And he appeared next to Saffron. She spun around with wide eyes, but the Demon was already swinging for her head. Avaritiaughed.
Die
But before his ws could make contact with her, the world grew dark around them. The shadows moved like tendrils, converging between Saffron and the Demon. A figure emerged and swung for Avaritia.
The Demon cursed as he pulled back at the veryst second.
Fuck
But the de still cut across his chest. Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales, drew the Demons ck blood with a single sh. Then he swung with his second de, aiming for Avaritias neck. But the Demon managed to leap out of the way.
Saffron blinked as Anya staggered back.
What?
Where did Orgafe from? The question hung in Saffrons mind as she reeled back. But the Thief of the Golden Scales offered no answer.
Even with the Boots of Alexander, youre too slow.
He spat at Avaritia. The Demon narrowed his eyes. He looked down at his wound then up at Orgaf.
And that was but a scratch.
Avaritia snarled back. It wasnt a small wound by any means, yet he didnt look any more burdened by it than Lofus had been by her first dozen or so wounds. Orgaf twirled his daggers and shook his head.
Perhaps it was. But I wonder if you can survive a hundred of those.
He spoke dangerously. Saffron was still processing this when a st of lightning shot out. It thundered past Orgaf, headed straight for the Demon. Avaritia leapt into the air as the lightning strike swerved towards him. Saffron thought it wouldve hit. Then, midair, the Demon changed directions.
Avaritia kicked off something invisible and swiftly avoided the spell. Hended, still standing in the air as he wiped at his forehead.
That was close. Now that wouldve been dangerous.
This ends here.
A voice boomed down the broken hallway. A powerful gale shot out, dispelling the ck mes burning up the pce as a figure floated out. Helena Warshade floated out, carried by a thundercloud.
Uh-oh.
This time, Avaritia gulped. He hopped back, ascending an invisible staircase as she turned her gaze towards him.
Perish, Demon.
She pointed at him, sending another lightningbolt up. This time, Avaritia didnt move. He just stood there, frozen for whatever reason. But as the attack reached him, a rift in space opened up before him. It swallowed up the spell before closing. But the rift remained there a fissure that hovered in the sky.
A pair of figures appeared behind Avaritia. Like he was made of a ck mist. Saffron stared at the ck mes wisping off him and knew he was the one responsible for the st here.
[Jinn - Lvl. 147]
But it was neither of them that faced down Helena Warshade. A woman appeared, rotund and port. She was shaped like a Human, yet she had sickeningly yellow skin and the eyes of a snake. She raised a hand and smiled.
[Fiend - Lvl. 150]
Level 150? Saffron stared. Even Helena Warshade looked slightly nervous. Orgaf himself just looked annoyed in the face of these new Demons.
More of them? So that makes six total
He grunted. Saffron looked at him, still in a daze. Still sorting out all of this information.
Six?
But it was the Demon who spoke first. The [Fiend] at the front of the trio flying above them.
Hello, Humans. I do apologize for themotion, but we simply wanted our presence known.
She gave them a wicked smile as the rift opened back up.
Now it is our time to go, so thats it for the show.
Saffron blinked, then Helenas eyes grew wide. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy yelled.
Get down!
And her st of lightning the one caught in the rift shot back towards them. She raised a protective barrier as Saffron covered Anya Veridian. A dome quickly covered the area, but the lightning strike shed out. A st that ripped apart the barrier.
The shockwave itself pushed Saffron back. As powerful as the ones from the battle between Lofus and Avaritia. And when the smoke cleared up, the Demons were gone.
Chapter SALVOS WEBTOON (pre-emptive) ANNOUNCEMENT + Patreon tier updates
Chapter SALVOS WEBTOON (pre-emptive) ANNOUNCEMENT + Patreon tier updates
And there you have it! The prologue scene shown in webtoon form!
God, I have been working on this for a while. Literally, for thest 18 months, ever since I did that weic special between Salvos and Ms, I have been trying to create a Salvos weic. I have spent OVER $10,000 and gone through DOZENS OF ARTISTS to find an artist that I really like. That''s right. That''s not even what I will be spending on the weic itself, but the whole process to get to this point so far. The estimated cost of a full season will be... a lot more than that, to say the least. A rough ballpark of five to ten times that amount. So... yeah.
Anyway, that''s enough about the financial aspect of the weic. Let''s go over a few things about this project.
First of all, it will, obviously, be distributed by... well, I can''t say who yet, but it will be done so in a way to ensure it reaches as wide of an audience as possible. Don''t worry, I ain''t half-assing this shit. I''ve been working on this for far too long to half ass this stage of the webtoon. Fun fact, I started Salvos with the intention to turn it into a webtoon in mind, and I will follow through with this goal of mine no matter what.
Secondly, it''s still in the early stages, and honestly, this may be a bit preemptive because this will probably only start officially posting by next year. At the earliest, it will begin posting by December this year. But that''s at the very earliest. It will most likely, as I said, begin posting in the first half of next year.
Thirdly, who will be funding this? Well, me of course. And... possibly you guys. As you can tell from the title, this isn''t just a webtoon announcement. This is an announcement about changes to my patreon. As you can probably remember from roughly seventeen months ago, I decided to change my patreon tiers from $10 to $5 because I was afraid of overcharging my readers. I said to myself then that I would not charge more than $5 for chapters ahead without a valid reason, and, well, this is a valid reason.
Unfortunately, since Salvos never went to Kindle Unlimited to make fat stacks of cash, and will never go to Kindle Unlimited as I promised, I don''t exactly have fat stacks of cash lying around to help fund a Salvos webtoon. As such, I have been grinding hard, constantly starting new projects for this very reason-- to help pay for all the expenses that will be associated with a Salvos webtoon. So, if you''ve ever found yourself wondering, "Why do you start so many new stories Mr MsDelta?" Now you know.
So there will be some Patreon tier changes:
Still, I will be raising my top patreon advanced tier from $5 ahead to $10 ahead. The current $5 tier patrons will not be affected, since they will still be getting 20 chapters ahead, but now the $10 tier will be getting 30 chapters ahead. An additional 10 more chapters ahead.
Now, the tiers will look like so:
$3 for 10 chapters ahead, asional weic updates
$5 for 20 chapters ahead, asional weic updates
$10 for 30 chapters ahead, side stories, and regr weic updates
Of course, I would''ve loved to have all 10 chapters ready at this point in time, but as you all can probably remember, my life was kind of turned upside downst month, so I have about... 2 extra chapter ahead of the $5 tier for the $10 tier right now. I will, however, be working hard every week to up the number of advanced chapters for the $10 tier, so I will be posting a minimum of 6 or 7 chapters a week on patreon for the next month or two, if you subscribe to the $10 tier, as opposed to only 4 or 5 chapters a week if you''re a public reader or a $3 or a $5 tier reader. Your schedule hasn''t changed, again-- there''s just a ''better'' tier now until I''m up to 30 chapters ahead.
In addition to that, $10 tier patrons will be getting quite a bit of updates/previews in regards to the webtoon, while $5 tier patrons will get only a few important updates.
What happens in the Webtoon?
Alright, we went off track for a bit. Back to the Webtoon stuff. A couple things to note: there will be quite a few changes made for the weic adaptation of Salvos. Specifically, in rtion to pacing. I feel like the early chapters of Salvos could be tightened up a bit... as well as some chapterster on in volume 3 and volume 4. So the weic will have slightly different events happening. Don''t get me wrong! It''ll still follow the broad strokes quite stringently! But I feel like I could''ve done so much better in regards to pacing, especially for the Netherworld arc.
What does this mean for novel readers? Well, nothing really. It just means the novel and webtoon will diverge slightly at times, but will ultimately be the same story. Here''s one such example of a slight divergence:
In any case, I''m sure you can tell I ain''t going to be holding back in terms of the art quality. There''s a lot more I could show, like... Salvos staring at rocks and stuff.
To wrap up:
But the point is that this will be a full-on webtoon production with the best art I can afford. I have cycled through soooo many artists to get to this point. If you''d like to see some of the previous artwork I''d gotten, I''ll be posting fun little edits and clips on my YouTube channel.
Here''s one such example ofparing an older version of the webtoon prologue with the current version: When the Webtoon Art Glows Up - YouTube Pls leave a like and subscribe thx.
Spoilers: it''s a massive upgrade.
Anyway, that''s all for now. Hope y''all are as excited about this announcement as me. Because I am fucking tired, with moving countries, the funeral, trying to get a visa, and working on this in the background while posting 7-10 chapters a week... god, I am so tired.
It''s been ya boi, MsDelta. Next chap will be up in 12 hours or so. See ya then.
Chapter 397: Stark Juxtaposition
Chapter 397: Stark Juxtaposition
397. Stark Juxtaposition
The first day of the Conference of Alyras ended in chaos. The entire west wing of the citys pcey in ruins. Hundreds were dead, an Elite Ranked adventurer was injured, and three lone Demons stole the Boots of Alexander.
Get a [Healing Mage] for Lofus! She needs to be treated immediately
Helena Warshade ordered a group of guards as she held the Broken Berserker of Bherein in stasis. Orgaf cursed, leaping into the air and surveying the premises from above.
Saffron Merryster justy there in shock. The entire ordeal had been so quick but it was so much to process. The consequences wouldnt end here. It would be felt for days. She looked around towards the nearby hallway. She saw familiar faces waiting there, staring in worry. In fear. The attendees of the Conference of Alyras stood in a crowd.
Princess Rana Alyras had a look of horror on her face. Faith, the Fallen Queen of Elutra, just hung her head at the sight of the death and destruction resigned. Laux Lionfist clenched his fist, his fury evident. Alder the Augur Elder closed his eyes and turned away.
Everyone reacted differently to this tragedy. But they all agreed with one thing: that this should have been prevented.
A group of [Healing Mages] carried Lofus away as Helena Warshade spun around. She bowed apologetically to king Artik Alyras.
I am sorry that I couldnt stop this.
Its
He trailed off. He just dropped to his knees and wept. At all the death. The worst disaster to ever hit his nation under his rule. Peris Dolonia shifted back as he watched this. Saffron could see how this situation made him feel.
Good, she thought. It felt wrong to think that. But perhaps this might mean that something would be done. It was hopeful thinking, but Saffron didnt want to dwell in the destruction shed just seen.
Orgaf returned from atop the pce and shook his head.
Nothing.
He spoke through gritted teeth. Helena frowned at him.
Where have you been, Orgaf? You have been missing for thest two days.
I was ambushed by those fuckers.
He scowled, then corrected himself.
Three different Demons. Not the same ones that attacked Lofus. Theyre watching over the city like hawks, taking out any vulnerable, important target who enters and leaves the city without enough protection. Theyve already gotten Moor Hand, the Shield Wall of Alvertost. They also took out the delegation from Nemeria and killed Prime Minister Marlowe of the Sunmere Republic.
What?
Helena Warshades eyes widened. A susurration ran through those within earshot. Even Saffron was shocked to hear that. She thought that a few delegates and diplomats were missing, but she simply assumed they were arrivingte. No one wouldve thought theyd be killed while on their way to Alyras.
Orgaf clutched his shoulder.
I wouldve returned sooner, but they got the jump on me too. I had to recover before I could sneak back in. These Demons are dangerous. I dont even know if I can take them on on my own. You saw them. There is even a Primeval Demon amongst them.
That caused more than just a susurration. A panic. A terrible fear gripped the crowd closeby. Even Saffron felt her throat tighten at the thought. Helena Warshade, however, nipped this rumor in the bud before it could spread.
That was no Primeval Demon, Orgaf.
She held his gaze. He narrowed his eyes.
You saw its level. It was Level 150. The same level as an Elite. The level of a Primeval Demon.
Yet, it hasn''t undergone its evolution. As of right now, it is still not as big of a threat as it could be. We can still squash it before the situation esctes.
Shaking her head, Helena Warshade drew away from Orgaf. He pursed his lips as Saffron looked on.
They have Grand Skills, you know?
Saffrons eyes widened. Grand Skills? At below Level 150? A single Grand Skill itself was considered rare. Amodity even amongst Elites. For them to have it at below Level 150 mustve meant
Well, it meant that they were incredibly dangerous, which was obvious. But it also meant that the Demons werent sending just anyone. These Demons had to be of high standing, even in Demon society if they even had much of a society.
And yet, when faced with this fact, Helena Warshade did not tremble in fear. She came to a halt next to Scarlet the Red Rose and Laux Lionfist. They nodded at each other, and she turned to face all those present.
The Conference of Alyras shall be postponed until these Demons are dealt with.
Saffron gasped. Faiths face dropped. King Artik raised his head as he got to his feet. Helenas words sent waves over the gathered crowd. A few spoke out in outrage, others in shock. Rana Alyras just stared on.
What?
And Saffron stepped forward.
Please reconsider, Archmage Warshade! The fact that there are Demons interfering with the meeting only means that
It means that no one here is safe, Saffron Merryster.
Helena cut off the young noble. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy cast her gaze over the crowd, silencing them all. She raised her staff as thunder crackled overhead.
Once we have ensured that these Demons pay for what they did here, the Conference of Alyras shall resume. But it will be only for a single day. No more meetings or counsels. No talks or negotiations. A single meeting to decide it all.
She eyed Peris Dolonia who hesitated as she continued.
And I hope that all those present wille to make the right decision. The only decision.
Helena Warshade emphasized thest part. And Saffron felt her respect for the leader of the Rising Veterans Company triple in that moment.
With that settled, the Demon hunt began. And the next few days would be some of the most chaotic days of Saffrons life.
Thest few days had been incredibly calm. Ever since Daniel and Edithe visited, I hadnt done much to break from my regr schedule. Every day was the same ordeal. The three baby Wyverns would wake up, go to the toilet, go for a hunt, eat lunch, y a bit, then Id teach them a few things, before ending off the day with some dinner I caught.
It was rxing. It was vastly different from the pace Id been ustomed totely. It reminded me of my time back in Mavos Academy. Where the days breezed by and I simply followed a simple schedule.
Well, of course, just like back then, I hadnt been idle. I wasnt going to waste my timepletely, even during my time spent in school. And neither was I going to do absolutely nothing while I was taking care of the baby Wyverns.
I sat atop a hill in my Wyvern form, eyes closed, breathing softly. I didnt move. I didnt speak. I just listened.
And I heard everything.
I could hear the rustling of the trees; the wing beats of birds; the vibration of the earth. It was all audible to me. Everything in this forest. Everything.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods]. It was one of my newest Skills, and it was incredibly powerful. It drew from my Divine Essence, giving me senses I couldntprehend. It would be too overwhelming for me, being inundated by everything at once.
Which was why I was refining my control over it. I didnt see, smell, nor taste anything. I just listened. I heard. And I didnt hear the busy streets from the town fifty miles over. I didnt hear the boy crying from falling down the stairs as his mom cradled him in her arms. I blocked those out, focusing only on what was within the vicinity. Within the three mile radius of the forest.
More than that, I focused on the three little baby Wyverns running about as they gave chase to a [Will O Wisp]. I could hear their every footsteps. Their breaths. Theirughter. How they cried out after each other as Willy narrowly evaded their grasps each time. I could hear how Novis nearly got the jump on the Grand Spirit, only to tumble down a hill as Bellum leapt after him. How Oriur gave up and eventually just sat down.
I didnt see any of this, of course. It was hard, but I managed to iste the three baby Wyverns above all else, while the rest of the forest faded into the background. Everything beyond that threatened to leak in and inundate my senses, but I held it back for now.
It seemed that leveling the Skill [Manifestation of the Old Gods] helped me control it just a bit better, but frankly, it was not by much. I learned this mostly through my own hard work, and even then, I didnt think I could iste even just the forest itself if I opened my eyes or took in a deep breath.
I listened to Novis, Bellum, Oriur, and Willy y for a moment longer, until my Skill finally ended. When it did, I let out a heavy sigh and flopped over on the hilltop.
Ugh, that sucked
My entire body wentx as I pulled up my Status.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 138
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 103
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 180 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 180 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 180 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 292 (+30) (+10) (+20)
[Agility]: 353 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 1]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 14
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 20
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 7
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 5
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 3
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.3
I was mostly reviewing what Id already known. Ever since I killed that [Savage Agarat], I hadnt done much fighting which meant I hadnt leveled up in over a week. But I had plenty of Skill Points and Secondary Skill Points to spend since my ss advancement, and I mostly evenly distributed them around.
Soon, I wouldnt even have enough Skills to spend Skill Points on for my Subspecies. I only had [Nebr Construct] and [Faux Limbs] left unmaxed, and they would be fully maxed in just five more levels, at the most. After that, I would have quite an excess of Skill Points until I got to my next evolution.
I kind of looked forward to it. I wasnt sure when that was going to happen, but I hoped it wasnt too long from now.
As for my ss, I spent a plurality of my Secondary Skill Points on [Draconic Fury] because, lets face it, it was the most useful offensive Skill I had. Other than that, everything else served more toplement me rather than to aid me in battle.
Anyway, its almost dinner time!
I got up, stretching as I turned to the horizon. Then I paused. My eyes narrowed as I caught sight of a little ck thing zipping around me. I heard its buzzing, saw the little insectnd on my snout. My eyes narrowed. I didnt remember hearing a mosquito anywhere around me when I had [Manifestation of the Old Gods] active.
Then I saw the insect flicker. Its form shifted as a dark haze suddenly formed around me. I straight and made a sound of understanding.
Ah.
The darkness wreathed around me a thick mist that secluded me from the outside world. Yet, I knew that from beyond the peripheries of the shadows, anyone who gazed in would just see me lying down at the hilltop.
After all, it was an illusion.
The insect grew in size. It doubled, tripled and eventually grew to a quarter of my size as a Wyvern, flying before me with buzzing wings. I bared my teeth in a weing smile as I greeted my visitor. The Primeval Demon.
Hello, Belzu.
Chapter 398: Deal with the Devil’s Daughter
Chapter 398: Deal with the Devil¡¯s Daughter
398. Deal with the Devil''s Daughter
Novis bellowed a wary cry as he leapt down from a tree, diving for the flying fire. I got you this time, he thought as he brought his arms forward. Hed failed every other day, never able to catch Willy, but this time was different. Hed finally hit Level 10. He was now stronger than ever, having undergone his evolution justst night. He saw not much physical changes, sadly enough, but he felt the actual differences in how fast he moved.
He swung for the [Will O Wisp] right as he was about to hit the ground but Willy just whizzed out of the way with ease. The baby Wyvern crashed face-first into the dirt and groaned. Bellum paused next to him and scoffed.
Stupid.
Shut up!
He scowled as he got back to his feet. Willy floated down between them. The [Will O Wisp] watched them bicker, before casting his gaze to Oriur in the distance, panting and resting against a tree.
I dont see you doing any better.
Novis folded his arms. Bellum just shrugged.
I tried, but not stupidly.
Ill catch Willy first, youll see!
Sure you will.
She snorted. They continued their argument, not even realizing Willy turned away from them. They didnt notice the [Will O Wisp] staring at the mountaintop where their mamay. It was only when he was flying high in the sky did they nce up and blink.
ytime over?
Both Novis and Bellum deted. Willy looked down towards them. Novis nced over at where mama was sleeping soundly. For some reason, he warily turned to mama again then flitted back down.
No.
He replied simply.
y.
Yay!
Novis and Bellum eximed. Oriur just groaned and copsed.
A dark mist clouded over me, pulling me into an empty void. I was surrounded by a sea of infinite shadows, yet I knew everyone from beyond would see a false vision of a scene that wasnt ying out. It reminded me of the ce Id been in before I was born. Or when I was being born.
But this void wasntpletely empty. It didntck any life or presence around me. There was a single figure here. A creature that faced me fearlessly, even in my form as a Wyvern. After all, he was a Primeval Demon. And my former enemy, now ally of sorts.
Hello, Belzu.
I bared my teeth at him. The [Hellprince] didnt move. He fluttered above me, his bulbous eyes fixed on my face. I tilted my head at the silent Demon and spoke casually.
Did you get it?
...
Come on, Mr Lord of Lies, tell me the truth.
I strode forward as my body shifted. I morphed back into my regr form. I was barely half of Belzus height now, and he towered over me in the air. Still, I wagged a wed finger at him as I flicked my silver hair back.
I promise I wont get mad even if you failed.
And his eyes twitched. Belzus body vanished and he appeared before me. The Primeval Demon grew three times in size as his figure warped. The insect became a monster. His eyes multiplied and bubbled into a thousand gazes that fixed on me. A putrid stench reeked from his rotting flesh as his mouth utched and spilled ck blood.
You dare mock me?
Im not mocking you. Im trying to be nice. If you want me to be rude, then I can be rude, stupid!
I harrumphed and crossed my arms. Belzu didnt move. He just loomed closer. I raised a hand and flicked a finger. The illusion of that deformed monstrosity vanished, and the Primeval Demon appeared once more, this time just standing. His wings werent beating. He held in his arms a glinting object. An ornate de that illuminated this void, filling it with light.
My eyes widened as I took a step forward.
There it is.
I felt my lips curl up at the sight of the Mythic Grade artifact. The powerful weapon that could even tear armies asunder. One that could turn a [Mage] into a [Warrior].
The Sword of Alexander.
Belzu spoke its name as he held it up. The de glimmered with magic, and I stepped forward. I brought a hand forward, but he stopped me.
This weapon has felled hundreds of thousands maybe even millions of foes in its lifetime. It is the de used by the Immortal King Alexander himself, Humankinds greatest [Hero].
I narrowed my eyes as I realized where Belzu was getting at. He raised the de and pointed it towards me.
With a single swing of it, I could end your life right now, Salvos. You have no Divine Essence. You cannot overpower me. You will die.
I brought up a single wed finger and ced it at the tip of the Sword of Alexander. It was sharp, and even a soft touch drew a droplet of blood from me. I didnt react.
Except, you''re not going to do that. Because if you kill me, you wont have any other allies left in the Mortal Realm. You would finally be alone, and you wont be able to do a thing against Levithus.
And what makes you think I even need your help?
He stared me down. I rolled my eyes.
We already went over this, Belzu. You had everything. You had no enemies. You had an army at your side. You even had the Sword of Alexander and you lost it. You failed, when you had all the advantages in the world.
Belzu narrowed his eyes. He brought the Sword of Alexander dangerously close to my head. I didnt flinch, but I wasnt a fool either. I was ready to teleport out of here at any moment. If he tried anything and I didnt even pay attention to what I saw or felt, but used my spatial senses to detect if anything was amiss I would be back at my Lair near Mavos Academy in an instant.
Do not underestimate me.
The Primeval Demon spoke threateningly.
I havee from nothing, a Demon meant to be nothing. Yet, I have made Regnorex, the Demon King himself, quake in his boots at my name. I have met the Devil, and seen through his tricks and impressed him with my own ambition. I have faced the Beast and survived. I faced the Beast and I survived.
His voice echoed as he repeated himself. I tilted my head when he finished his little spiel.
And?
And?
His eyes zed with fury. I just shrugged.
Despite all that, youve already lost once. It can happen again. This is yourst chance to make an ally. To stop being stupid and wild. Levithus is my enemy too. I want to help you, and you need to help me.
I met his gaze as I spoke clearly. Without backing down. He didnt move. I pushed the Sword of Alexander away and turned around.
Plus we made a deal. Youre not going to go against your word, will you?
I nced back at him, winking. Belzu just stood there, the frustration clear on his face. He slowly lowered the Sword of Alexander, and I waved a hand.
Now, hand it over.
The Primeval Demon hesitated. I gestured for the Mythic Grade artifact.
Belzu, youre not a fighter. You use illusions and curses. We both know its a better fit in my hands.
We have an agreement, dont we?
He finally spoke, looking up to meet my gaze. I nodded.
Yep. You give me the Sword of Alexander, and Ill get the rest of the Treasures of Alexander for you. Then well kick Levithus ass and stop his crazy ritual from happening.
Belzu had exined everything about Levithus n to me. And it wasnt something I really liked. Id rather prevent his ritual from happening so mypanions werent endangered.
After that, well both return to the Netherworld together. Well go our separate ways you can do whatever you want, maybe kill Regnorex or die trying and Ill go and find Haec.
My goal hadnt changed. I remembered my firstpanion. I would find him no matter what. Belzu shifted slightly, his wings buzzing as he deliberated whether or not to follow through with our deal. Finally, he made his decision. He lowered his head and spun the Sword of Alexander around, facing its hilt towards me.
I smiled at him and epted the Mythic Grade artifact.
Thank you.
I beamed as a notification resounded in my mind.
Temporary Skill [Superior Strength] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Superior Endurance] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Champions sh] Obtained!
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 175 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 175 (+10%) (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 175 (+10%) (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 292 (+30) (+10) (+20)
[Agility]: 353 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Three Temporary Skills, just like the Breastte of Alexander. I swung it around, but it didnt cut up the earth around me as I expected it to. I had a suspicion that was a result of [Champions sh], rather than a passive ability.
Lets see [Champions sh]!
I swung it down once, and the air flickered. A giant ethereal de swung after the Sword of Alexander, tearing the earth asunder. I blinked as the hilltop shattered beneath me broke apart and went crashing down the side of the hill.
What is that?
Novis paused as he heard the crashing of rocks. He turned towards the hill mama had been lying at, and watched in horror as andslide copsed into the valley. Bellum and Oriur looked up too. The three baby Wyverns exchanged nces, and they all had the same thought.
Mama!
They went scrambling for the hill as Willy sighed and gave chase.
I didnt see the destruction caused by the Sword of Alexander, but I could hear it and sense it with my spatial senses.
Huh. And I can do that as many times as I want?
I swung it up, and again the attack followed the Sword of Alexanders trail. The clouds above the sky parted, and Belzu nodded.
It is not all-powerful. There is a limit to how many times it can be used before it has to be recharged. However, until that limit is reached?
The Primeval Demon stared at the weapon greedily, then turned away.
It can unleash ultimate destruction.
I see.
I admired the de. Then I flicked my hand and it vanished into my pocket space.
Id like to test it out. See how far I can push it.
y with your new toy as you wish. I have upheld my end of the bargain. I shall wait for you toplete yours. Until then, you know where to find me, Archdemon.
I looked toward Belzu as the void around us began to dissipate. His illusion was ending, and his form was growing distorted. I pointed at him indignantly.
Hey! Why are you calling me an Archdemon again? You were using my name just a few minutes ago!
The Primeval Demon harrumphed and vanished, leaving behind only an echo.
Farewell.
Then he was gone, and I was back in the real world. I looked around the area, surveying the valley. Id cleanly cut across the hilltop, causing it to copse down into the valley where I usually slept with the three baby Wyverns. It was pretty impressive, but more a result of gravity than just the Sword of Alexander. Still, it would aid me more in battle than even a Divine Nebr Scythe. Far more. After all, it was a Mythic Grade artifact.
And I was not just going to let it go unused.
I looked down. I heard the footsteps rush up the rubble. I sensed them before I even saw theming. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur rushed up the side of the valley to where I was as Willy followed after them.
I beamed, waving their way.
Hey, guys! Sorry for the mess, but Ill make it up! Lets go on a trip to the Beastmen ins
And the three baby Wyverns paused. They exchanged nces before screaming and scrambling away from me. I blinked, then looked down at myself. I wasnt in my Wyvern form, and Novis, Bellum, and Oriur fled as they shrieked.
Oh, oops.
Willy just sighed resignedly as he flitted up to me.
Stupid.
I crossed my arms at him.
Hey! You should stop that, you know? Youre going to teach the children bad things!
Already did.
Oh.
Chapter 399: Recoiling
Chapter 399: Recoiling
399. Recoiling
So, uh
I looked over the three baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur looked up at me. I was in my Wyvern form right now, so they werent screaming and running away from me. In fact, they looked quite happy to see me. I could see their little wails wagging as they sat, waiting in anticipation.
I pointed at myself.
This is me. Salvos.
They nodded.
Mama.
No Salvos.
The three of them exchanged a nce. Novis raised a w my way in agreement.
Yes, mama.
I sighed exasperatedly, but didnt bother to correct them. Willy flitted behind me, snorting. I red at him before turning back to the Wyverns. They perked up, and I gestured emphatically at myself once again.
So this is me, Salvos. Then this
My body shifted. I shrank in size, and the little hatchlings slowly lowered their heads as their gaze trailed after me. I returned to my regr self. ws, horns, arge pair of wings. Long silver hair. Light gray skin. I didnt have arge, disproportionate bodypared to my limbs. Neither did I have a snout protruding from my face. This was just
This is also me, Salvos.
I spoke clearly as I thumped a hand on my chest. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur had watched me transform. Yet, their jaws dropped. Oriur spun around and ran, screaming. Bellum and Novis leapt back, taking on a defensive stance.
Monster!
They yelled. I stared at the growling baby Wyverns. I heard Willysughing. I massaged my temples and hung my head.
Ugh, I told you, I am Salvos.
Monster!
Im not a monster I am
I cut myself off. I looked at the trembling hatchlings. Then I sighed. My body shifted back. I grew taller. Larger. My body blotted out the sun as my wings spread wide. Oriur stopped running. Bellum and Novis exchanged a look.
Mama!
The three baby Wyverns ran up to me, relieved. I gave them a t stare. I snapped a finger and turned into my regr form once more.
Monster!
They ran. Then I morphed back into a Wyvern.
Mama!
I transformed into a Human, and they went scattering.
Monster!
I turned back into a Wyvern, and they came running back.
Mama!
The three baby Wyverns hugged me as I remained in my Wyvern form for now. They wouldnt let go, even as I looked pleadingly towards the [Will O Wisp] over my shoulder.
Willy please help me
Of course, he didnt help me.
Come on.
He took off into the air. I rolled my eyes and followed after him. I gently carried Novis, Bellum, and Oriur into the air as Willy urged me forward.
Lets go.
He spoke softly. The three Wyverns exchanged a nce. Novis was the one to speak up.
Where are we going, mama?
He raised a little w. I looked down at him, smiling gently.
Well, I kind of ruined our home, didnt I?
I nced back towards the valley. It was covered by andslide, caused by swinging the Sword of Alexander around recklessly. Then I shrugged.
Ill find you guys a new ce to stay. But for now, were going to the Beastmen ins.
The reason was simple. Id decided on this after Belzus quick little visit. First of all, I had a new little toy I wanted to test out. My lips quirked up as I remembered the power of the Mythic Grade artifact Id been given.
The Sword of Alexander.
Other than [Ancient Centinels] or flying deep into the Rainforest of Monsters, I didnt really know of any ces where monsters as strong as me were prevalent. However, I did remember a rather nasty encounter with a wild, mindless thing in the Beastmen ins.
In fact, it was the very same kind of thing that had driven Novis, Belumm, and Oriurs actual parents away from their homes. The corruption. If the Breastte of Alexander can destroy the corruption Then surely so could the Sword of Alexander.
Anyway, I had another reason for wanting to go to the Beastmen ins too it was the reason why I was bringing the baby Wyverns along with me. I could have just left them here with Willy. But apart from the fact that Id copsed the valley, I was afraid of their safety.
After all, they were Wyverns. Monsters. And anyone who stumbled upon them might get the wrong idea. I didnt want them to be hurt, and while I believed Willy could deal with a majority of the adventurers who could potentially find them, there was a whole important meeting thing happening in Alyras.
That meant there were more than a few Elites running around nearby. If a single one of them got the wrong idea
I could always leave my clones with the baby Wyverns. Unfortunately, when I tried to introduce my clones to them well, they reacted as expected.
So I just had to bring them with me. And the Beastmen ins was probably more receptive to Wyverns. Then Id find a piece of corruption and take it out with the Sword of Alexander. I beamed as I faced Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Arent you guys excited?
I looked down to the three baby Wyverns. They just gave me a confused look. Novis raised a hand.
Where is that?
Huh. I never told you about that, did I? Well
I began to exin.
--
We reached the Beastmen ins a day after. I tried not to fly too fast, which slowed me down quite a bit. But we were there. I looked on at the sprawling orange grass. It was dry here. Much dryer than even in the Helbir ins. If I was being honest, this ce seemed like an extension of the Helbir ins, except in an even less humid climate.
I looked around and frowned.
Alright, I remember there being a vige around here somewhere.
The Furious Whispers Tribe was a few miles within the mountainous entrance to the Beastmen ins. Id been here when my dad sent me on a hunt for the Cursed Boulder they could lead me to another one of the corruption again. Yet, when I scoured the area for hours, I saw nothing. No vige made of tarps. No giant tents. No Beastmen.
Willy flew beside me as I narrowed my eyes.
Lost?
He asked, and I sputtered.
No Im not!
The [Will O Wisp] just stared at me dubiously. I scratched my cheek hesitantly.
At least, I dont think I am? Im pretty sure I shouldve seen them by now.
The three baby Wyverns were starting to grow bored. I could feel them shifting restlessly in my arms. I scanned the area,ing to a stop. A creeping feeling crawled its way through my scales. A fear that I realized was entirely possible.
Could it be?
My eyes grew wide. If I was right and the Furious Whispers Tribe really had been around here but now was missing, then that could only mean
The corruption got to them
I whispered, voice low. The sense of dread settled in. I readied myself at any moment, a storm of obfuscated warped reality could assail me. I looked around, only to pause as Willy flew in front of my face.
Idiot.
What?
I blinked at him. He just sighed. He circled around me. I cocked my head as he spoke.
Skill. You. See.
My Skill that helps me see?
Then I snapped a wed finger.
Oh, right. I can do that, cant I?
It was still a new Skill, and I didnt like using it. So I descended. I found a nice little hill to nestle on top of. I turned to WIlly and handed Novis, Bellum, and Oriur over to him.
Alright, take care of them. Ill be preupied for a little bit.
I covered my ears, inhaling deeply so that I wouldnt need to breathe once the Skill is active. Then I opened my eyes.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods].
I was once again assailed by an overwhelming sense of everything. But I managed to suppress everything but my sight. I could see the world in a radius of hundreds of miles around me. I saw ants crawling into an anthill. Wolf-like beasts cresting atop a mountain. Arge caravan of Beastmen traveling through a t field.
I grinned as I whispered.
Found you.
But I paused. For some reason, many of the Beastmen traveling were chained up and kept in cages. Not only that, I recognized some of them. For example, I remembered Mountaintooth the [Lion Beastman] I saved. He was locked up with a group of other Beastmen in arge cart. Tuktox, the [Ape Beastman] and chief of the Furious Whispers Tribe, walked chained alongside a tall [Tiger Beastman].
What is going on?
I asked, furrowing my brows. Then I shook my head and called out to Willy and the three baby Wyverns.
I found them! But
Before I could exin, I recoiled and clutched at my ears.
Ouch, I shouldnt have shouted.
Chapter Salvos Volume 4 Audiobook is now available!
Chapter Salvos Volume 4 Audiobook is now avable!
Check it out, give it a buy or a listen or a review if you''re interested. In return, here''s a special preview from the weic of ya boi. The man himself.
I won''t be sharing as many previews in the future, and will mostly be limiting them to $10 patrons. So, if you want to see more, sub to my $10 tier on patreon. You can also read 22/30 chaps ahead right now if you do!
MsDelta (Ms/Salvos/Tian/Violet/Thera) is creating Web Novels / Web Serials | Patreon
Chapter 400: Legendary Battle
Chapter 400: Legendary Battle
400. Legendary Battle
Minnow Fellingchamp could feel the rumbling of the wagon as the caravan made its way through the nds. He sat in a cage, amongst dozens of other Beastmen, bound in chains.
Their heads hung low as they, their faces muzzled so they couldnt bite and tear their way through the prison. Minnow, for one, wasnt muzzled. It was quite odd, but that wasnt the only oddity about him. He was, also, short half the size of the [Wolf Beastmen]. He had white hair, and he wasnt covered in fur like his cellmates. Also, he had pointed ears.
He was an Elf.
Now, it might seem odd that an Elf wasnt in the Elvennds, considering that they were rather reclusive at times. Furthermore, it might seem even odd-er that an Elf had the name of a Beastman. But Minnow Fellingchamp hadnt always lived here, nor had he always gone by that name.
His original name had been Bussin. He was born and raised in the Elvennds. In fact, he had been the son of a Principality. His father had been incredibly strict, forcing him to adhere to the Elven virtues without ever straying even for a mere moment.
Unfortunately, that came with the side effect of fostering a fascination with the forbidden within him. So when his father enrolled him in one of the premier Elven academies for magic, he picked up well, necromancy.
It went well at first in the sense that no one found out about his dabbling with the undead. Necromancy was punishable by death in the Elvennds, but he kept his secret hidden. And no one would have if he hadnt spilled the secret to his best friend who so happened to be his cousin.
What Bussin didnt know then was that his cousin had been jealous of his status all this time, so he exposed the burgeoning [Necromancer]. Faced with death in his homends, Bussin fled to the ocean taking a ship and sailing far away.
He''d hoped to find refuge in thend of the Cyclops. Unfortunately, a storm washed him off course and he somehow found himself here. In the Beastmen ins. Where necromancy was not, in fact, frowned upon.
Here, he gave up his original name and picked up the name of Minnow Fellingchamp. Of the Fellingchamp Tribe. The tribe that took him in when he had nothing. He now traveled around the Beastmen ins, hoping to spread the kindness he received from that tribe around.
And that was how he ended up in this mess. The Elf sighed as he cast his gaze around the cage. The [Wolf Beastmen] around him were growling, poking their heads out of the bars, but unable to break out. Hed been passing through the Furious Whispers Tribe, when he was embroiled in an inter-tribal conflict.
He wanted to help, but he wasnt ready for the ambush that happened overnight. The entire Furious Whispers Tribe was caged and locked up, with its greatest warriors in defending them. If Minnow had been better prepared, perhaps he couldve done something
He heard a snifflee from behind him. He craned his neck. Three [Lion Beastman] cubs huddled together in the corner, tears in their eyes. Fear on their faces.
...whats going to happen to us, Mountaintooth?
I dont know
They whispered quietly to each other. Minnow bit his lower lip as he saw this scene. Taking in a deep breath, he approached them. They cowered back, but he offered them a kind smile.
Hey, its going to be alright.
He calmed them. They looked up at him well, actually, they looked straight at him because he was around their height. Still, his soft words seemed to reassure them at least slightly. The foremost cub eyed him hesitantly.
Were going to be sacrificed.
His voice turned into a growl as Minnow felt a pang in his heart.
That stupid Grave Hill Tribe will have us all killed if it means saving theirnd from the curse.
The three [Lion Beastman] cubs lowered their heads, dejected. The Elf couldnt help but sympathize with their situation and that was why he hushed them, speaking as gently as he could.
I know, I know. But just trust me.
They exchanged confused nces. Then the caravan suddenly ground to a halt. The entire cage shook. There were shouts screams. The cubs blinked, confused. And he winked at them.
Everything will be fine.
After all, there were a lot of things a Level 115 [Necromancer] could do.
Were under attack!
Nalok raised his head. The [White Tiger Beastman]s eyes narrowed as he halted in his feet. He turned around, looking at the procession grind to a halt. He drew a scimitar and growled.
Whats going on?
A [Leopard Beastman] ran up to him, answering as he panted.
Great Chieftain Nalok! Were under attack by undead!
What?
Nalok frowned. Just undead? That sounded ridiculous to him. He was Level 135, and his tribe was full of warriors. Great fighters, even if theycked in numberspared to other tribes. They averaged at Level 40, with many of them reaching up to Level 70.
Deal with them. A few [Skeletons] and [Zombies] shouldnt be any trouble for the Grave Hill Tribe.
He snarled as he turned around. The [Leopard Beastman] bowed and quickly started off. Nalok shook his head and sheathed his de. Waste of my time. But a voice drew his attention. A white-haired creature, carried in a cage to his right.
When did you be so cruel, Nalok?
Tuktox, the eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe, was locked up in a special cell. He was an [Ape Beastman]. Old and wizened. He bowed his head, a look of mncholy on his face.
I had thought your Nakog raised you better.
Naloks brows snapped together. That irritated him. What else annoyed him was the fact that he could still hear the fighting in the background.
Dont you dare speak about my father like that. He raised me to be a great warrior. And that is what I have be.
The [White Tiger Beastman] puffed up his chest. Tuktox closed his eyes.
So why do you do this? Why betray the peace between our tribes? Why attack us now?
I told you, didnt I? The [Witch] said so. She saw it in a vision. The curse shall destroy ournd if we dont offer it a thousand sacrifices.
And you believe that [Witch]s mad ims? Where is the [Witch] now, Nalok?
Tuktox asked, baffled. Nalok snorted as themotion in the background continued.
The [Witch] waits for our return. She will oversee the ritual. Now silence. I do not want to hear your chatter any longer.
You have fallen so far if you truly think that shedding the blood of innocents will save your tribe.
The [Ape Beastman] wept. But the Great Chieftain of the Ghost Hill Tribe ignored him.
The weak will always fall prey to the strong, Tuktox. You know that as well as I do.
Nalok shook his head. He turned away, shouting as the fighting still continued.
Deal with those damn undeads already!
However, the same [Leopard Beastman] came running up to him, covered in blood.
Great Chieftain!
What is it, Swifttail?
Nalok crossed his arms.
The prisoners they are escaping!
What?
First, cause a ruckus. Then sneak out when theyre distracted
Clink. Minnow smiled as thest of the chains fell to the floor. He heard the bending of metal. He looked to the side and watched as the [Wolf Beastmen] broke their way out of the cage. The Elf shook his head.
I told them to wait whatever.
He got to his feet, proffering an arm for Mountaintooth. The [Lion Beastman] cub got to his feet, wide-eyed.
Howd you do that?
Well, a good [Necromancer] should always be able to make the best use of whatever he has.
Minnow held up a bit of bone. It was the meal theyd been served yesterday, but morphed into a makeshift key. Mountaintooths eyes went round.
Come on.
He ushered thest of the prisoners out of the tent. They leapt out, immediately faced with fighting. The [Wolf Beastmen] that had already escaped were battling with the guards [Cheetah Beastman], [Tiger Beastman], and [Leopard Beastman].
Even though the Grave Hill Tribe had stronger fighters, many of their men had sallied forth to face the horde of [Zombies] Minnow had called to his location. And while the [Zombies] themselves werent strong, mixed amongst them were more powerful undead.
A [Tiger Beastman] from the Grave Hill Tribe ripped a [Wolf Beastman] apart before impaling through a [Bear Beastman]. She turned to Minnow. The cubs following him backed up. He stood steadfast as the [Tiger Beastman] leapt forward
And a twisted hand grabbed her out of the air. She blinked.
What
[Draugr - Lvl. 105]
The [Draugr] tore her apart as she screamed. Mountaintooth and the other cubs stumbled back in terror, but Minnow ushered them forward.
Dont worry, thats mine. Now lets hurry.
They ran past his [Draugr] as it leapt into battle. But Mountaintooth wasnt satisfied with that. He broke away from Minnow as the Elf blinked.
What are you doing?
We need to free the other prisoners! We cant just leave!
The Elf looked around at the fighting. It was clear that the tide was already turning. Even with his undead, they wouldnt be able to beat this tribe. They were high-leveled, and theyd regain control soon enough. He could only help some of them escape.
But Mountaintooth didnt want to do that.
Dont
Minnow raised a hand. And a foot struck Mountaintooth before he could get any further. The cub yelped as he went flying, and the Elfs eyes grew wide.
Did you weaklings really think you could escape?
Nalok, the [White Tiger Beastman], and Chieftain of the Grave Hill Tribe barred their path. His eyes glinted as his gaze fixed on the [Necromancer]. Minnow felt a chill run up his spine.
Pathetic.
He brought his paws to the side as his ws revealed itself. He started forward, approaching the doubled-over Mountaintooth. He picked up the boy as the other cubs gasped. Minnow stopped them from intervening.
If you really want to die so badly, then so be it.
Nalok raised a w up as Mountaintooth struggled. The Elfs eyes went round, and he stepped forward.
Dont do it
But before the [White Tiger Beastman] could killed the cub, there was a screech. A terrible cry that ran through the nds. A vast figure flew overhead as heads turned. Minnow rubbed his eyes, blinking at the winged beast passing over. Nalok dropped Mountaintooth and tensed.
Is that a Wyvern?
Minnow himself leaned forward as he saw three figures move away from the Wyverns back. They hovered there as the Wyvern stopped moving gettingrger. And the realization settled in.
Its diving straight down.
Nalok himself stared in shock as the Wyvern sped to the ground. The sounds of fighting stopped, reced instead by the panicked screams of Beastmen fleeing the diving Wyvern.
Cowards.
Clicking his tongue, the Great Chieftain of the Grave Hill Tribe got ahold of himself as he readied himself for the attack. He barely even nced over at the Elf picking up the cub and running from the scene. Nalok just stood there, unafraid.
A [Lesser Wyvern]...
Hed heard tales of this terrible monster. His father had regaled stories of ying [Lesser Wyverns] before. Theyd used to go hunting near his tribes grounds, but his father managed to fend them off and ensure they never returned. This was finally his chance to prove himself as his fathers better. The [White Tiger Beastman] leapt atop a tent p and bellowed.
[Call of the Hunt]! Face me, Wyvern!
The diving Wyvern narrowed its eyes as it was about to crash into him, then suddenly halted. It pped its wings, slowing and sending gales of wind, knocking down carts and tents and cages. It descended slowly until it faced him.
Thats right, did you think you could get the jump on me? Only a prey leaves its back unguarded, and I am not a prey.
He spread his arms wide as the Wyvern cast its gaze to the side, briefly looking over at Mountaintooth. Then it turned back to him as his body rippled with power.
I am Nalok! The Great Chieftain of the Grave Hill Tribe! A [White Tiger Beastman]! I have in my own father and risen to the top of my tribe!
His body crackled. He stood taller, his fur growing out like des. His stripes shimmered with a crimson aura. A mad gaze on his face.
[Strength of a Lion]. [Armored Body]. [Purity of Rage].
He smirked as he faced his opponent. The Wyvern huffed out smoke as it eyed him with a re. Nalok bent over, cackling wildly.
This is what Ive been waiting for my whole life. This will be a battle told for generations toe! I will y you, Wyvern!
He leapt through the air and swung out with the crimson image of a tiger leaping after him.
[Eye of the
And the Wyvern breathed.
BURN.
Naloks body locked up. He couldnt move. His Skills were still in effect, but he was frozen in the air. And that cold grip over his body vanished as a warmth overwhelmed him.
His eyes widened as blue mes swept over his body like a wave. It inundated him. It burned straight through his defensive Skills. A powerful inferno that incinerated everything in its path. He tried to open his mouth to scream, but he still couldnt move his jaw.
Then the mes turned white as he fell from the air. It burned hotter. His fur vaporized under the heat. The fire continued pouring even as hey on the ground, entire body numb. Vision growing dark. Until, finally, nothing. No more sensation. No more follies. No more wants. No more pride. Just ashes.
And it was then, the mes stopped. The Wyvern drew back, snorting as the onlookers stared on.
A battle told for generations toe? Are you serious? Ill forget about this by next week.
Chapter 401: Finding the [Witch]
Chapter 401: Finding the [Witch]
401. Finding the [Witch]
Defeated [Raging White Tiger Beastman (Great Chieftain) - Lvl. 135]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I scoffed as I turned away from the ashes of that annoying Beastman. Hed been prattling on about getting into some legendary battle, but he barely even put up a fight. Seriously, I highly doubt that he was even Level 100 in his second ss. Or did Beastmen do evolutions?
Whatever the case, I won the fight with ease after hed issued a challenge to me. It was like my own [Zealous Call], except it didntpel me to rage. It forced me to get into a duel with him. Some kind of honor ritualistic duel like with Zix, I guess.
It was resolved much quicker, fortunately. I didnt even really struggle in that fight at all. In fact, I was quite annoyed to see what that [White Tiger Beastman] had done. He had threatened Mountaintooth, Sharpbraid, and Amberarm. I wasnt really close to those three [Lion Beastman] cubs, but I had saved their lives before, and they had helped me out. While I wasnt too attached, I would rather they not die to some annoying wild thing.
Sighing, I turned my head to face the three [Lion Beastman] cubs. I cast my gaze over the flood of faces. All the Beastmen present were frozen in fear. Theyd halted their fighting and were staring up at me. I looked past them and found Mountaintooth standing right behind a nervous looking man. A short man about the same height as the cubs. Maybe a little bit taller.
He had pointed ears and white hair. He was rtively high-leveled too. A [Necromancer], which is a ss I didnt see very often. But more than that, he was
An Elf?
I blinked as I leaned forward. I beat my wings once, carrying myself towards them. A few of the nearby Beastmen went scrambling as Inded before the Elf.
What is an Elf doing here?
But the Elf didnt answer. Instead, a susurration ran through the crowd. Heads turned to each other. Beastmen pointed at me as they whispered.
Is that a talking Wyvern?
Ive never heard of a talking Wyvern before.
Is this an illusion?
Do you think the curse has anything to do with this?
No it has to be witchcraft! The [Witch] sent this Wyvern after us!
They spoke amongst themselves, trembling, fearful. A few of the Beastmen the higher-leveled once, mostly cat-like Beastmen drew back and prostrated before me.
Please, spare us! We were bringing you your sacrifices! We are sorry it took us so long! Dont punish us!
I gave them odd looks.
What are you guys on about? Im just here for them.
I gestured towards the [Lion Beastman] cubs. They hid behind the Elf [Necromancer], whimpering.
I will not let you harm these children, Wyvern!
The Elf spoke as he stood protectively over them. I blinked.
Why would you think I would ooooh, right.
I stared at myself. At my current form. Then I rolled my eyes and my body shifted. The Elf and the cubs stared as I shrank rapidly, no longer looming over them. I stood in front of them, now back as my regr self. No longer a Wyvern.
Its me, Mountaintooth, Sharpbraid, Amberarm. Remember? Im Salvos!
The Elf just gaped as I spread my arms wide. The three cubs stared at me, recognition shing in their faces.
The Avenger is here!
They eximed. A few of the Furious Whispers Tribe members turned to me in shock. They knew who I was, since I was, of course, the one who yed the Cursed Boulder for them when I visited a few months ago.
Avenger, Avenger! You saved us once more! How did you know we were in peril?
Mountaintooth ran up to me, round-eyed. I shrugged.
Oh, I just saw what was happening and flew over.
You did? Woah amazing
He stared up at me, in awe. I beamed, raising my chin.
Well, yep. I am indeed great. Anyway, whats the deal with these guys? Why did they capture you?
I eyed the feline Beastmen they nced at each other, unsure of what to do. Mountaintooth shifted back, trying to work his jaw. The Elf was the one to speak up.
I believe I can, uh, exin.
My gaze turned to him, and he hesitated. Scratching the back of his head, he spoke slowly.
Im Minnow Fellingchamp, by the way.
Hi! Im Salvos!
I greeted him cheerfully. He cleared his throat and gestured towards the still-kneeling feline Beastmen.
These Beastmen belong to the Grave Hill Tribe. They are a warrior tribe from further up north, and I believe theyve kidnapped us to use us as sacrifices for some kind of ritual.
A ritual?
My eyes narrowed.
A Demon summoning ritual?
Demon summoning ritual?
Minnow replied with a nk stare. I crossed my arms, frowning.
Is that a no?
Its a ritual to cleanse the curse!
A voice cried out. I turned to the source. It was a [Leopard Beastman]. He looked at me pleadingly, head bowed low.
Please, show mercy. Ournd has been cursed, and the [Witch] told us the only way to save ournd was to bring sacrifices for her ritual.
Huh.
I furrowed my brows. The curse is I knew what that meant immediately. It was the corruption. The very same one that hade from Ennds. I destroyed the Cursed Boulder while I was herest time around, but I guess there was more of it spreading around if theirnds were taken over by a curse as well.
Well, it was a good thing I was here to deal with the corruption. Stepping forward, I spoke loudly for the Grave Hill Tribe to hear.
Hey! You guys are going to let the Furious Whispers Tribe go. Or else.
I raised a fist threateningly. The [Leopard Beastman] cowered back, but he still protested.
But ournds
Ill deal with the corruption for you guys, alright? This doesnt have to end with bloodshed.
I paused. I nced back at the ashes of the [White Tiger Beastman] I had killed. Then I looked at all the dead bodies scattered around from the fighting. I shuffled back, averting my gaze.
I mean, it doesnt have to end with any more bloodshed than it already has shed.
Still, the Grave Hill Tribe didnt relent. The [Leopard Beastman] protested.
We cant! We made a deal with the [Witch]! If we fail to deliver on our promises, well be punished!
I narrowed my eyes. I bared my teeth dangerously at him.
Either you deal with that [Witch], or you deal with me.
A me flickered into existence at the palm of my hand. He shrank back, trying to work his jaw.
B-b-b
Ill take care of this [Witch] for you too if you let the Furious Whispers Tribe go. Do we have a deal?
I loomed over him. The [Leopard Beastman] finally acquiesced. He nodded hurriedly, prostrating with his head touching the ground.
We agree!
--
It took a while for the entirety of the Furious Whispers Tribe to be freed from their chains. I smiled at Tuktox as he walked out of his cage. He blinked as he looked at me, then he bowed gratefully.
It seems we owe you two great debts, Avenger.
Aw, its fine! I was looking for your guys help anyway.
I waved a hand dismissively. The [Ape Beastman] smiled. His face then dropped as he looked towards the burned soil the crater where Id incinerated the [White Tiger Beastman]. He spoke in a dour voice.
So I take it Nalok is dead.
Yep. Didnt take me long to deal with him.
I see.
He didnt look d though. In fact, he hung his head, speaking softly.
It is a shame things had to end this way. May his soul rest in peace.
I looked at Tuktox. At the way the [Ape Beastman] stood there silently. He was paying his respects to his enemy. But perhaps that had not always been the case. Perhaps there was more to it. A history one that stretched back decades.
I didnt care. I waved at Tuktox and excused myself.
Anyway, I gotta go now
I took off into the air, having already gotten directions to the [Witch]sir from the [Leopard Beastman]. I flew up, returning to where I had left Willy. The [Will O Wisp] was hovering high in the sky with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur floating beside him.
I had them quickly get off my back so I could fight without endangering them. It was a good thing Willy had levitation fire. I beamed at them, expecting toe back to praises at how quickly Id dealt with the [White Tiger Beastman].
Im back
And they screamed.
Monster!
The three baby Wyverns failed to run in the air to get away from me. My shoulders drooped. I looked over at Willy dejectedly.
Do you think theyre ever going to get over that?
No.
I sighed, changing back to a Wyvern.
I thought so.
Grimfang stared down at her cauldron as a scene yed out. She watched as Nalok was burned to ashes before the Furious Whispers Tribe was freed from their captivity. Her lips twitched as she raised her head.
Fool. His father was a better man than he.
The [Witch] had expected him capable of doing at least bringing her a thousand sacrifices. But he failed miserably. And now, the one who had in him wasing after her.
How annoying.
The [Rat Beastman] would have to make preparations for that. She waved a hand over the cauldron, focusing the scrying spell on the Demon. Grimfang watched the Demon fly into the air and scare the three baby Wyverns apanying her. Then the [Witch] saw how the Demon morphed, taking the shape of a [Lesser Wyvern].
Interesting
The baby Wyverns returned, excitedly hovering around the false Wyvern, Grimfang ran a hand over her whiskers. Then she turned around, dispelling the scene.
Then Ill just use that against that Demon.
With that, Grimfang set off to ready herself for battle. Not that she wasnt always ready. After all, she didn''t get to live for five hundred years being an unprepared fool.
Chapter 402: Her
Chapter 402: Her
402. Her
The instant I returned to my Wyvern form, Novis, Bellum, and Oriur came waddling through the air back to me. They hugged me tightly, looking up at me in awe as they broke into an excited gibbering of voices.
Mama! You won so quickly!
I want to do that too!
Did you eat that bad guy?
Sighing, I offered them a kind smile and ran a wing-arm over their bodies in a hug.
I won, of course. Because Im great. But I didnt eat him. Thatd be gross.
Oriur visibly sagged as I said that. I looked up at Willy. The [Will O Wisp] floated over to my side, peering inquisitively into me.
What now?
I nced down at the Beastmen gathered below. A few of them were staring up at me, confused as to what I was doing just floating up here. I spoke simply.
We find the [Witch] threatening the Grave Hill Tribe, then we deal with the corruption.
I helped the baby Wyverns onto my back. They clung on tight as I secured them with [Faux Limbs] so they wouldnt fall off. With that, I nodded at Willy and took off.
Lets go.
--
We found the [Witch]s hideout not long after leaving behind the caravan. It was about fifty miles ahead, a cave right at the side of a mountain. I was fortunate in that I had been given directions to this ce, else Id have scoured thend for days and wouldve still been lost.
Inded right outside of the cave entrance, setting down Willy and the three baby Wyverns. I once again turned to the [Will O Wisp], gesturing at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Look after them. Ill be back in a quick minute.
I grinned. Willy just snorted.
Whatever.
But before I could enter the cavern, a small voice cried out. Novis ran up to my leg, holding me back.
No!
I blinked as I turned to face him. Both of his siblings looked at him in confusion as well. They didnt know what he was doing, and neither did I. I gently picked up Novis and set him a few feet back.
Ill be fine, Novis. This [Witch] wont be a match for me!
I tried to reassure him. But he refused. He clung on to my arm insistently, protesting.
I want to follow!
And that made me pause. I looked down at the baby Wyvern. He gave me a round-eyed stare a pleading look.
But its dangerous
I started, only for his siblings to join him. Oriur and Bellum ran up to his side, nodding eagerly.
We want to watch you, mama!
They chorused. I shrank back, hounded from all sides by the baby Wyverns. I turned to Willy for his help, but he just stared at me.
I-I
I hesitated, before finally acquiescing.
Fine. But you guys have to stay next to Willy, alright?
Yay!
They cheered as I led the way. We entered the cave entrance together, descending down a dark tunnel as a group. I made sure they were always a hundred feet behind me. After all, I didnt want anything bad to happen to them.
Good. They have arrived.
Grimfang smiled toothily as she watched the Demon enter her littleir through her cauldron. Not only that, the baby Wyverns had followed after as well. Everything was proceeding ording to n. It wasnt something she simply bet on. A slight bit of magical influence yed a part there.
A [Witch]s specialty was in emotions and desires. All she did was exacerbate the baby Wyverns desires to be with their so-called mother. It worked. Now, all the [Rat Beastman] had to do was separate them.
A smile spread across her face as she watched the Demon reach the first fork in the tunnel.
Huh. Where should I go? I guess right should always be right, right?
The Demon shrugged and pressed on without much thought. Grimfang could hear its words through her scrying spell, of course. She smirked as the runes inscribed around the ceiling glinted.
Fool.
The [Witch] cackled as the trap spell activated. A crimson barrier shot up, trapping the Demon in a dome. The baby Wyverns cried out in fear.
Mama!
What is this?
The Demon cocked its head as Grimfang watched on in glee.
Only an idiot would charge straight into enemy territory without any preparation. I have spent years refining my defenses. It will not be easy to break through that [Cage of the
[Draconic Fury]!
Grimfang blinked as the Demon swiped down once. A red aura engulfed its w as it tore straight through the barrier keeping it inside. The [Witch]s jaw dropped.
What?
Ouch. That was kind of painful to break through.
The Demon brought its ws back, caressing it. It didnt take long for the Demon to shrug it off and usher the baby Wyverns forward with the [Will O Wisp].
Come on, be careful you guys. Stay on guard, Willy!
Yes, yes.
The [Witch] stared, still processing what just happened. That had been one of her stronger snares. Shed caught Level 130 Humans and Beastmen in it alike, and none have been able to break free. Gritting her teeth, Grimfang grabbed a handful of ck powder and tossed it into the cauldron.
Try this, Demon
Huh. Whats that?
I blinked as I looked around at the dark gas leaking from the ceiling. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur backed up as Willy eyed it warily.
Dangerous.
Oh, alright.
I brought a w up and focused on the source of the pouring air. The dark gas halted in ce as I traced a wed finger over it. A distortion ran through the area as everything in that zone held still. I grinned and drew back.
And there we go. A Cube of Istion. It shouldnt bother us for now.
Novis, Bellum, and Oriur stared in awe as I nodded at them. I waved them over and continued.
Come on guys!
They hurriedly scrambled after me as Willy followed, sighing.
What?
Grimfang gawked as the Demon pressed on with little trouble. She clenched a fist, reaching for a Bag of Holding. The [Witch] produced a handful of needles.
That is not thest of my traps
And she promptly watched as all her traps failed against the Demon. Her needle storm was easily burned away by an inferno. Her Mud Dolls were defeated without putting up much of a fight. None of her snares or hexes slowed the Demons approach.
Every step it took brought it closer and closer to the main chamber where Grimfang waited.
Im a Level 145 [Witch]. A Level 113 [Rattus Ovedy]. Why is this Demon so much stronger than me?
The [Witch] bit her lower lip. Sure, a [Witch] wasnt exactly known for being specialized inbat, but still. This gulf in their power was far more wide than it shouldve been. Grimfang steeled herself, trying to regain control of the situation.
I did not live up to half a millennia to die to some Demon.
There was only one solution here, and that was to escape. Grimfang knew when a battle was lost. She drew back, gathering her belongings as she murmured to herself.
I still have a month before the ritual needs to be done. Otherwise
She clutched at her chest, feeling her age already catching up to her. [Rat Beastmen] didnt normally live to this age. She had already lived up to ten times the lifespan of her Species. And if she didnt want to keel over and die, she had to maintain it.
That meant stealing the life from a thousand young souls. It was an odd ritual she discovered by ident a spellbook from ages past. Shaking her head, Grimfang started for the secret exit out of the other side of the mountain.
It can be done in a separate location. For now, Ill have to
And the [Witch] froze. She stood before the exit, wide-eyed and in shock. A massive maw breathed down on her, huffing out a st of smoke.
Now, where exactly are you going, [Witch]?
W-w-w-what?
Grimfang stumbled back as a false Wyvern loomed over her. The Demon somehow appeared in the room, standing just before the [Rat Beastman].
How
She spun around, looking towards her cauldron. But the Demon justughed.
Oh, have you been watching me this whole time? I guess Ive been watching you too.
The Demon snorted as it straightened, standing tall in the cave chamber, nearly reaching the ceiling. Grimfang sputtered.
B-but my wards shouldve protected me from any scrying spells
Scrying? Please, I have no idea how to do that.
The [Witch] hesitated. Then she unleashed a st of purple mes from a wand. The Demon just raised a scaled arm, blocking the attack. The ck scales at the false Wyverns forearms caught the attack as an Aura of Greater Protection shimmered.
The Demon flicked a finger, sending the wand flying. Grimfang flinched as she backed up in terror. She stared up at the Demon in terror.
Just what are you?
She asked in a trembling voice. The Demon smiled.
Me? Im Salvos, and the only reason why I havent killed you is because Novis, Bellum, and Oriur would get upset if they werent around to watch me kill you.
Grimfang paused. Her eyes darted back to the cauldron. She could see the faint reflection of the baby Wyverns and the [Will O Wisp] continuing down the tunnel. And the [Witch]s lips twitched.
Grimfang slowly raised its head as she hid a hand behind her back. She began carving into the dirt as she tried to stall.
Theyreing here?
She asked hesitantly. The Demon Salvos nodded casually, still in its Wyvern disguise.
Yep! Thats why I brought them here. It sucks that I cant just teleport them around with me. I mean, I could if they were in my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. But thatd have taken too much time. You were just about to escape in your stupid little getaway tunnel, after all.
Salvos pointed a wed thumb towards the exit. The [Witch] tilted her head before sneering.
I see. Well, perhaps you shouldve let me flee. But now
Grimfang mmed the palm of her hand into the hastily prepared hex, pouring mana into it. The ground glowed as sheughed.
I guess youll live to regret it!
Wait, what
The ground beneath me shed as the [Witch]pleted her spell, whatever it was. Arge spell circle spread out, and I tried to back away. Unfortunately, I found each of my steps covering less and less distance as I came to the edge of the circle. I paused and looked down at myself at my regr form.
What is this?
I blinked. I was no longer in my Wyvern form. I had transformed back unwillingly. My eyes narrowed as I tried to shapeshift only to fail. This was some kind of hex.
The [Witch] continued her cackling as she spread her arms wide.
Yes, yes! Reveal its secrets! Show me the truth of this Demon!
Her eyes shed with various colors as she stood there,pletely defenseless. I clicked my tongue.
Alright, youre getting annoying. Ill just kill you now
But before I could move, I heard a cry.
Mama!
I nced over to the side. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur had finally arrived. They took a quick look around, confused. Thetter two immediately ran back as they caught sight of me.
Monster!
But Novis paused. He eyed me warily as the spell circle continued glinting, showing brief shes of images. Scenes. The [Witch] turned its head towards him,ughing. I readied myself to jump in the way for any attack, but nothing came. Only words and visions.
Thats right. You see it, dont you? That is not your mama. This Demon has been disguising itself as your mama this whole time!
And my eyes widened as I realized what was going on.
What?
Novis eyes shimmered with the same light as the [Witch]. I looked on as they stared into each other, unmoving.
Mama?
Your parents are dead, child. And the one responsible for killing them for ughtering your kin was
Her gaze turned towards me. Novis followed it. He stared at me as I shifted back, and the [Witch] finished.
Her.
Chapter 403: Not Mama
Chapter 403: Not Mama
403. Not Mama
Your parents are dead, child. And the one responsible for killing them for ughtering your kin was her
Novis eyes grew wide as he stared into the [Witch]s gaze. The words themselves barely made sense, yet he saw a vision. A scene which hed never seen before. Yet, it felt like he was there. He felt all the emotions saw things he never thought of before.
It was magic. A curse. A hex. A divination. Novis wasnt smart enough to know any of that, he just knew it felt unnatural. He looked around and saw a flock of Wyverns, flying so mightily in the sky. Each of themrge and majestic. One even dwarfed all the others, clearly the leader of the pack.
He unleashed a plume of frost one so powerful it made the boy tremble at its sight alone. Yet, something tore through the breath attack. A monster that moved so fast and swiftly, it killed the pack leader in a single sh.
Novis blinked in shock, only for the scene to change. He looked around, once again surrounded by Wyverns. This time, he was in an odd ce full of Humans. With tall structures thaty frozen in cool sleet. He once again cast his gaze up to see the very same monster tearing through the Wyvern flock like a storm of death.
The Wyverns screeched out in terror as they were cut down with ease. Novis himself felt the same fear they did in that moment. He stumbled back, heart racing, breathing heavily. He looked down as he grabbed at his chest, and the floor shifted.
The cobblestone streets were reced by a dark cavern. Novis spun around and found himself in a cavern. He opened his mouth, throat tight with bands of fear. Then he heard a crash.
Spinning around, Novis eyes widened at the sight of a copsed Wyvern. It wasrge filling the entire cavern. He looked at it lie there, dying, and his heart ached for whatever reason. The boy slowly edged forward, raising a hand.
Mama?
He approached the dying Wyvern. Then there was a moment of silence. A pause where he didnt say nothing. He simply stared at the Wyverns eyes. Then there was a sh. A scythe sliced the Wyverns head off.
Novis jolted back, looking up in horror. A monster stood before him. One that stood on two feet with two wed hands, a pair of wings on its back, and crown-like horns protruding from its head. It stared down at the boy with glinting golden eyes as something finally clicked in his mind.
Hed seen this monster before. This Demon. It had appeared so often, scaring him, sending running. He tried to cover his eyes. He hoped it would go away. But something the same unnatural feeling from beforepelled him to look at it. And understand.
Mama?
His mouth worked against his will. He stared directly at the Demon. At his mother. Except, she wasnt his mother. She had never been his mother.
I am not your mama!
I am not their mother, Willy!
I am Salvos! Stop calling me your mama!
Her words resounded in his head. He found his head whirling. He blinked, and for a moment, he saw his mama before him. The majestic Wyvern with long silver hair and ck scales on her wing-arms. But then that image was gone. He just looked up and saw a smiling Demon.
A monster that killed his real mother. One who had in countless Wyverns. A Demon.
Novis backed up. He looked at this Demon, gripped in fear. She stared at him, moving her mouth calling his name.
Novis!
And that broke him out of his stupor. He took off running, not even realizing the scene had changed back to the cave chamber with the [Witch] not realizing that the visions had ended. He ran and ran and ran, ovee with a storm of emotions. Grief, confusion, and betrayal drove him forward as he ran up a tunnel.
He didnt hear the voices in the background. He didnt hear the sts and explosions as the fighting resumed.
Now lets make a deal, Demon
Willy! Stop him
Novis just ran. Everything went dark around him, but he continued onward. The knowledge that his mama was not his mama burned in his mind. He tried to forget it, wing at his head as if that would scratch the memory from his brain. But it refused to go away. It lingered like a curse. A malediction on the soul. A scourge upon a farmersnds.
He didnt notice the tunnel brightening, a light shining behind him and leading the way. Instead, he stumbled over the rocky terrain as he reached the end of the tunnel. Exhausting, panting, Novis slowly came to a stop when he was finally back at the outside world.
The sun was setting over the horizon. The tunnel led to a steep cliff overlooking a barren wastnd. There was nothing there, although it looked like there had once been a forest here. The boy didnt care about any of that. He dropped to his knees before curling up into a ball. Hey there for a moment in silence. Then a gentle warmth overcame him.
Tired?
Novis looked up to see a ball of green me hovering over him.
Uncle Willy
He eyed the [Will O Wisp], still in his fetal position. Tears streamed down from his cheeks as he choked and wiped at his face.
Is it true? Is Salvos really not my Mama?
Willy didnt give an immediate answer. He just floated there, quiet as always. Novis bit his lower lips. He dug into the dirt ground and lowered his head.
Did she kill my real mama?
...yes.
The [Will O Wisp] finally spoke. And the answer it upset Novis. It brought the baby Wyvern back into tears. He cried as he tried to speak.
Will she will she kill me too? Is she going to eat me? Is she is she?
He couldnt even put his thoughts into coherent words. He just sniffled as hey there. He didnt even notice the dark shadow rising from the horizon, blotting out the setting sun.
Willys mes flickered. He spun around, whispering.
No
Novis sniffed and paused when he heard the st of me shoot out. Willy shouted at him as he raised his head.
Run!
The boy blinked away his tears, looking up at what the [Will O Wisp] was attacking. His jaw dropped. He gawked up in terror as he stumbled back. A massive figure loomed over him. One that seemed to glimmer with specks of iridescent light. Novis didnt know what he was looking at.
It looked like a giant mass of dirt, rock, and foliage, gathered into a single massive core. Like an ind. It was partially obfuscated, blocked by a gradient of warped colors that flickered in and out of existence. Giant bits of stone and other materials rapidly orbited this ind like long arms tendrils that were disjointed and disconnected.
Novis mind went nk as it cast its non-existent gaze on him.
[---- Ind - Lvl. ----]
What?
And Willy unleashed a wall of crimson mes at the corrupted ind. It reeled back as the [Will O Wisp] repeated himself at the baby Wyvern.
Find Salvos!
But Novis froze. Hey there in too much shock and confusion to react. Salvos? the boy thought. But monster
And a corrupted tendril of warped matter tore through Willys me. It knocked the [Will O Wisp] aside, sending him flying. It turned back to the vulnerable baby Wyvern as he cowered there. It made a deep humming noise as it slowly descended on him.
No
The boy squeaked. And there was a sh. The approaching ind was knocked back, arge chunk of its side breaking off from a clean vertical sh. The corrupted ind cracked, looking like it was about to crumble.
And a figurended in front of Novis. He looked at it at the Demon with two pairs of wings. One that was made of bone, and the other that belonged to a bat. She stood there with her regal horns, carrying a glinting de at her side.
Salvos spun around and faced him with a worried look.
Are you ok?
She ran up to him. Novis brightened for a moment then something in his mind shed. An anger. A fury. A mncholy. He snapped at her.
Go away!
And she paused. Salvos hesitated, opening her mouth.
Novis
But Novis just red up at her, the feeling burning in his chest.
Youre not my mama!
He yelled at her. Her face darkened. She stood there as the corrupted ind floated high behind her. Finally, she shook her head.
I know.
Salvos closed her eyes. The intense anger in Novis heart wavered for a second at the sad look on her face. But still, you arent She stood silent for a moment, but she didnt hang her head. Instead, she took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
I am not your mother, Novis. Perhaps I misled you, but all I wanted was to ensure you were safe. I wanted you to be happy. Because I made a promise. A promise to your mother. And by extension a promise to you, Bellum, and Oriur.
Her eyes darted to the other two baby Wyverns, watching from the side. When did they get here? Novis hadnt seen them arrive. He turned to his siblings, and they stared at him worriedly. There were a lot of things he wanted to say, but the corrupted ind didnt let him. It took this opportunity to attack Salvos, firing bits of broken reality the size of small hills at her.
She spun around and swung twice. There were two shes of light. A pulse ran through the air as Novis stumbled back. The broken bits of reality shattered into tiny pieces, missing him entirely, the corruption fading off the debris in a blend of twisted colors. Raising her head, Salvos faced the corrupted ind. A monster that wasrger than life. One that spanned far and wide. Larger than even the mountain they stood on.
Novis heart ached as she continued.
So if you disown me, then so be it. But still
She trailed off as the attack didnt stop. The corrupted ind detached swung down with tendrils of dirt, rocks, air, water everything. Novis backed up in fear, but Salvos didnt back down. She parried each of the tendrils in rapid session. Without fear. Without hesitation. She fought for the three baby Wyverns.
Each time she swung, white des of energy shed out and dismembered the corrupted tendrils. The core of the corruption trembled, making a rumbling sound a scream of pain, even when it couldnt scream.
Salvos raised her de, swinging up and past its defenses. The sh came into direct contact with the corrupted ind. The mass of matter shook, breaking in half. Salvos stepped back and looked at it with narrowed eyes. Novis blinked.
Is it dead? the boy hoped.
But the corrupted ind began to piece itself back together. It reformed its tendrils like nothing had happened as it readied itself for a second round. Salvos backed up hesitantly. Novis felt his heart sink.
Why isnt it?
Novis.
His name drew his attention. He looked towards the source of the voice, away from the regenerating mass of distorted reality. His mindpelled him to say a single thing. Youre not my mama. But he fought back against it. Salvos held his gaze for a moment, one hand tightly sped on the ethereal sword.
I am sorry.
And the voice in his head grew muffled. Novis stared at her. He opened his mouth, trying to find a response. He wanted to say something anything. He warred with his mind to speak from his heart. But nothing came out.
Salvos turned away from him, gripping the weapon with both her hands. She looked towards the corrupted ind as it fully reformed. Its cast its callous gaze towards her as she spoke in a soft voice.
But even if you hate me. Even if you scorn me. I will not hate you back. I will not scorn you in return.
Salvos took a step forward as the corrupted ind reeled back, attacking her with all of its tendrils at once. All the floating bits of rock spinning around it whipped down. The world blurred and distorted as if covered by panels of refractivettice.
Mama The boy raised a hand as she stood before the attack. A mesh of colors struck her, but she braced herself, blocking the attack with her sword.
I will still
She gritted her teeth as she pushed back. The corrupted ind recoiled as Novis stared, its entire being forced off her. It tried to gather itself as she ran and leapt into the air. Itshed out at her with one of its distorted limbs, and she screamed.
protect you!
He watched Salvos face the corrupted ind. He watched his mother bring up the glinting sword. The bright aura radiating from it darkened. A shadow engulfed it. ck mes wisped off the de, mixing with the motes of white energy. The two colors spiraled around each other as the sword exuded power.
The corrupted ind roared a distorted noise. Perhaps not even a roar at all. It charged at Salvos with everything it had. But the Demon just swung down.
[Radiant sh]!
A giant wave of ck and white energy sted out of the tip of the sword, striking the corrupted ind and ripping it asunder. The core of the being copsed from the attack as the massive de sheared straight through its defenses. Nothing not even the corruption could withstand the attack.
Novis stood there with round eyes. He stared in awe as the corrupted ind crumbled, his anger dissipating. The st of ck and white energy tore straight through it, smashing a hole straight through the distortion as reality reasserted itself.
The massive mass that was once the corrupted ind fell apart, crashing back into the earth behind Salvos in a cacophonous apuse. But she didnt pay attention to any of that. Not even to the dust columns being sprayed into the air.
Instead, she turned and walked towards the boy.
He backed up apprehensively as the de vanished. But all the hatred hed felt earlier was gone. Now, all he felt was shame. He hung his head as she came to a halt before him.
Novis
She looked at him, a concerned expression on her face. He stood there, shuffling his feet. The baby Wyvern didnt know what to say.
I
Salvos started, and he ran up to her and hugged her. She blinked a few times, looking down at the boy. He clung on tightly to her, the hex or curse inflicted on him gone.
Salvos
Novis hugged her tighter as she stared at him with wide eyes. Then two more baby Wyverns joined him. His siblings embraced her as well. The three of them held onto the Demon. One that looked nothing like them. Yet, one they loved nheless.
Salvos.
The other two baby Wyverns repeated after Novis. Salvos paused.
Novis, Bellum, Oriur
She whispered their names softly. And, slowly, she hugged them back, lips curling up. Willy floated up to her side, sighing.
Resoolved?
I guess so
She gave him a shrug, still hugging the three children.
And theyre finally calling me by my name too!
Salvos beamed excitedly at the [Will O Wisp]. And the three baby Wyverns nodded.
Mama Salvos.
They looked up at her. She blinked.
Wait
Willy just scoffed.
Heh.
But Im not
Salvos trailed off. Novis knew what she wanted to say. He didnt care. He just hugged his mother, heart filled with warmth. Because it didnt matter whether or not she was a Demon. It didnt matter if they werent rted by blood. He knew that, no matter what, she was his mother.
And that made the boy happy.
Chapter 404: Error
Chapter 404: Error
404. Error
Defeated [---- ---- ---- - Lvl.----]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- ---- ---- - Lvl.----]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
I was bombarded by a dozen different notifications the moment I finished off the corrupted ind. It worked just like the Cursed Boulder or rather, the corrupted boulder. Each time I destroyed a piece of it, the corruption would regeneratre from the remnants and grow even more numerous.
A single swing of the Sword of Alexander was enough to break the corrupted ind. Technically, that defeated it the first time around. But it came back stronger each time, so I resorted to using [Radiant sh], not sure if that would make a difference.
Apparently, [Champions sh] worked with [Radiant sh]. Not just that, it felt like it could meld its power with any offensive sh-attack I had. Perhaps not to the same efficacy as with [Radiant sh] which destroyed all of the corrupted ind and its regenerating pieces in a single strike but it would certainly deal a lot of damage.
As for the act of defeating the corrupted ind itself well, it proved to be a much greater feat than just killing a single corrupted boulder. Not only was it far, far, far Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 138] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 139]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 140] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 141]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 103] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 104]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 107] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 108]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Huh.
It gave me three levels for my Subspecies, and five levels for my ss. At first, I had been confused why it gave me so many levels for my ss considering I had only used [Warped Time], [Truth Divination], and [Draconic Fury] although thetter two werent even directed towards the corrupted ind.
Id used [Draconic Fury] way earlier against the [Witch], and [Truth Divination] to convey my feelings to Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. The three of them had been upset at me. Although, Novis was the most afflicted, having been hexed. But I managed to break them free from that wicked magic.
Anyway, as I flew with the three baby Wyverns away from the [Witch]s hideout and looked over my Status, I realized the reason why my ss had gained so many levels from the battle. It was in the name and the description.
Riiiiiiiiiight, I destroyed the corruption, and Im a [Draconic Apprentice]. That exins everything!
I snapped my fingers. The sound drew the attention of those flying with me. Novis blinked at me with round eyes.
Something wrong, mama Salvos?
Oh, its nothing! I just figured out something important
I waved a hand off dismissively. It was quite significant knowing that destroying the corruption functioned as a ss objective for me. It meant that if I continued to battle the corruption, even if I didnt contribute much from my ss, it would still gain levels from it. And perhaps it could finally catch up to my Subspecies.
Novis lowered his head as I hummed happily to myself. I was in my regr form right now, and he had no problems with that. Not after wed found our resolution and he epted me for who I was partially thanks to [Truth Divination] helping break the hex. Still, he frowned and spoke softly.
...[Witch]?
He asked. I blinked and stared at the baby Wyvern. Fortunately, I was used to speaking with Willy, so I knew what he meant, even if he only said one word.
Oh, the [Witch]? I took care of her. She tried to force me to make a deal with her so youd be free from the hex. I didnt kill her because I was afraid I wouldnt have been able to cure you myself, but I guess it turns out everything was fine!
I beamed at him. The baby Wyvern stared at me in awe.
But this time, it was Willy who gave me a curious look. He had been apanying me slowly from behind, and he had leveled a little bit from helping with the fight with the corrupted ind. He wasnt there when I fought the [Witch]. So, obviously, he had questions.
Where?
I tilted my head at the [Will O Wisp]. Then I made a sound of understanding.
Where is she? Oh
Grimfang floated in a dark ocean. A beautiful canvas, speckled with light. Stars dotted the shadows like torchlight in a city of magic and wonder. Except, this was not a wonderful ce at all.
The [Witch] couldnt move. She couldnt escape. That cursed Demon had trapped her, using an artifact as she tried to bargain with it. And now, she was stuck. She sighed.
Fuck
Remember that artifact I stole from that annoying Archdemon hunting down Daniel and princess Faith?
Willy gave me a nk stare. I hesitated.
Its called the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. Epic Grade. You know?
I produced it, waving it in front of the [Will O Wisp]. He gave no answer. I sighed.
And I was trapped in it for a little bit?
...
...because I was being too cocky?
Ah!
Willy eximed. His mes flickered as he faced me.
Heh.
Oh, shut up.
I rolled my eyes. We continued flying our way back to where we left the Beastmen as I looked over my Status.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 141
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 108
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 180 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 180 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 180 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 300 (+30) (+10) (+20)
[Agility]: 360 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 20
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 24
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 4]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 10
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 3
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.3
I hadnt maxed out all of my Skills for my Subspecies just yet, but I knew I would soon. Both [Faux Limbs] and [Nebr Construct] were on the brink of it. Perhaps once [Nebr Construct] was maxed out, I could create more Primordial Weapons with less difficulty than before. As for [Faux Limbs]... having more limbs was always good.
I distributed my Stat Points evenly between [Wisdom] and [Agility], while also focusing on only [Draconic Fury] and [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] for my ss. With all that settled, I looked up as we reached the gathering of the Furious Whispers Tribe and the Grave Hill Tribe.
Shes back!
Mountaintooth called up to me. Heads turned as they cheered, and I slowly descended this time, with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur apanying me. Willy was there too, of course.
I turned to the baby Wyverns.
And promise me you guys wontsh out at the Beastmen, mkay?
Y-yes, mama Salvos!
They chorused hesitantly. My feet touched the ground a momentter as a gathering of Beastmen rushed up to me. The first in line was the [Leopard Beastman] from the Grave Hill Tribe. He looked slightly apprehensively, but he couldnt help but speak.
Did you cleanse ournds from the curse?
I shook my head and raised a finger. He flinched, but I exined.
First of all, its not a curse. Its a corruption.
A corruption?
The gathered Beastmen exchanged confused looks. I nodded.
Yep. Thats why you cant use [Identification] on it. It corrupts everything it touches. You should stay away from it. Or destroy it before it gets too big. Anyway
I pped my hands together as the Grave Hill Tribe members drew back, startled. I faced them.
Second of all, yep! I did destroy it. The corrupted ind was big. I can see why you guys were scared of it and turned to that [Witch] for help.
They sighed in relief. But another voice spoke out.
And what about the [Witch]?
I turned around. It was Tuktox. The eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe. He lowered his head at me, asking simply.
Is the [Witch] dead?
He wore a look of concern. It was a valid worry, since the [Witch] was the one whod wanted his tribe dead sacrificed for whatever reason. I gave him a reassuring smile.
I dealt with her. In fact, here she is! You can do whatever you want with her.
Tuktox paused. He stared at me.
Wait
But he was toote. I produced the Ring of the Forgotten Prison, tapping it as I poured my mana into its enchantments. There was a sh
And the [Witch] was standing there, blinking.
What?
She looked around, puzzled. There were gasps. Screams. The [Leopard Beastman] and his tribe backed up warily as Tuktox nearly fell over.
Its the [Witch]!
Shes going to hex us all!
Why am I
The [Witch] started, clearly confused. But she paused as I raised the Sword of Alexander to her head.
Do anything, and Ill kill you. Understand?
I eyed her dangerously. The [Rat Beastman] woman gulped. She nodded slowly.
I-I understand.
I dusted my hands off as Tuktox and the [Leopard Beastman] stepped forward to take care of her. They still looked nervous, for whatever reason. I was here it was not like she could do anything.
But Willy floated forward, sighing.
Stupid.
What?
I frowned at him. However, the [Will O Wisp] didnt answer. He just kept a close eye on the [Witch] as a discussion broke out. I stood there, harrumphing in annoyance until I heard a cough.
I turned to face an Elf the same Elf [Necromancer] I met just before leaving. Minnow Fellingchamp. He strode forward, clearing his throat.
S-sorry for the interruption. I know youre a busydy. But they wanted to speak with you.
He stepped to the side as three figures approached me. I looked at the [Lion Beastman] cubs.
Mountaintooth, Amberarm, Sharpbraid! How are you guys doing?
I beamed at them. They stepped forward excitedly, eximing.
Avenger! You did it again!
You defeated the curse a second time!
We knew you could do it!
I raised my chin triumphantly.
Well
But a growl cut me off. I looked down at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Well, only Novis and Bellum. They snarled at the [Lion Beastman] cubs approach. Mountaintooth, Amberarm, and Sharpbraid halted. They eyed the baby Wyverns, exchanging anxious nces.
Thats enough, Novis, Bellum.
I patted Oriur who didnt growl, but instead hugged my leg tighter. Still, I ushered them forward.
Theres no need to be afraid of them. Remember what I said?
The baby Wyverns whined, huddling together in fear. But I stepped aside and waved Mountaintooth, Amberarm, and Sharpbraid forward.
Come say hi. Theyre just shy.
Amberarm and Sharpbraid hesitated, but the lead [Lion Beastman] cub strode forward, trusting me. He came to a halt just before my legs, looking into the eyes of Novis. The baby Wyvern tried to avert his gaze, but I gently patted the baby Wyvern on the shoulder.
This is Mountaintooth, Novis. Hes nice. Hes a friend.
I spoke gently. Softly. Reassuringly.
Theres no need to be afraid of Mountaintooth. He wont harm you or me. Trust me, Novis.
Mountaintooth nodded and proffered a wed hand. The beastial boy smiled kindly.
My name is Mountaintooth. It is nice to meet you, younger Novis?
Meanwhile, Novis slowly met the [Lion Beastman]s gaze. The baby Wyvern stepped forward, even with trembling legs. He reached out, epting Mountaintooths paw.
I have never seen a Wyvern until today. You look so majestic.
The [Lion Beastman] cub whispered, still smiling. I watched as they shook each other by the w-paws. Mountaintoothughed as Amberarm and Sharpbraid edged forward, no longer as nervous, while Bellum and Oriur stepped out from behind me as well.
Novis, on the other hand, stood taller. Straighter. No longer as afraid or antsy as before. He looked up, meeting Mountaintooths gaze. The baby Wyvern returned the smile, trying to work his jaw. I leaned forward intently, watching Novis mouth shake. I could see him fighting against his fear. He forced himself to speak as the [Lion Beastman] cubs waited in anticipation. And
Grrr!
I froze. Mountaintooth blinked.
Uh, what?
He exchanged a nce with Amberarm and Sharpbraid as Novis flushed. I stared at the baby Wyvern. For a moment, there was only silence. No one said a word. Then I scratched the back of my head.
Oh, right.
I looked apologetically to the [Lion Beastman] cubs.
Wyverns cant speak.
They slowly processed this. And then their jaws dropped.
Oops
Chapter 405: Deal Between a Witch and a Demon
Chapter 405: Deal Between a Witch and a Demon
405. Deal Between a Witch and a Demon
Apparently, Ipletely forgot that Novis, Bellum, and Oriur couldnt speak. They were baby Wyverns, after all. And even if they were adult Wyverns, they were still Wyverns. Meaning, they were very much incapable ofmunication with Humans, Beastmen, Elves or most mortals.
But that didnt mean the baby Wyverns couldnt learn speech. As I found out during my time in both the Rainforest of Monsters and the Bloodied Gulf, [Basic Language Comprehension] and [Advanced Language Comprehension] were learned Skills.
Since Willy was a Spirit, and I was a Demon, we both had [Universal Language Comprehension] as a base Racial Skill. That meant we could probably teach the baby Wyverns how to speak in the future.
For now, all that mattered was that they were fine with being around people other than myself and the [Will O Wisp]. Even though they couldnt speak, they were not afraid of Mountaintooth and the other [Lion Beastman] cubs. In fact, they could even y together.
I watched as the six small children ran alongside the periphery of the encampment.
You cant catch me!
Mountaintooth yelled as he sprinted down a hill. Novis and Bellum bounded after him on all fours, growling.
Grrr!
Even though they could barelymunicate, they could still y. They yed until the sun set over the horizon, and a dark dome fell overhead. Once they got tired, they trudged back towards the tents, yawning.
Are you guys ready for dinner?
I called out, and they perked up. The Furious Whispers Tribe was having a feast celebrating their well, survival. They were happy to not be sacrificed to some Level 140 [Witch] who was apparently over 500 years old.
To the Avenger!
They cheered as I joined them. Tuktox, the eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe, faced me, ushering me to take a seat next to him. I sat down, and he proffered me a bowl of soup.
Please, Avenger, a taste of our tribes finest delicacy.
I stared into the gooey liquid, wrinkling my nose. With a face of disgust, I politely rejected it.
Oh, I dont eat gross stuff.
Tuktox deted. The [Ape Beastman] sagged his shoulders, slowly lowering the bowl. His mouth bobbed open as he stared down at the bowl.
But this is a traditional dish passed down by our tribe through generations
Yep! You can eat it yourself!
I nodded eagerly at him. It was a good thing I turned him down nicely. Otherwise, he mightve felt bad. The eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe just shifted in his seat, looking down at the dish then casting his gaze around as if he didnt know what to do with it. Finally, he paused at Willy.
The [Will O Wisp] was floating behind me, eyeing the food being prepared for the feast. Tuktox got to his feet and approached Willy.
Oh, Grand Spirit, I offer this traditional dish to you. Please ept it as a token of our gratitude.
He bowed his head, raising the bowl up to the hovering green me. Willy just stared at the murky white stuff inside of the dish. The [Will O Wisp] only said a single word.
Ew.
And that made the [Ape Beastman] drop the bowl. He just turned and walked away, sulking back to his seat. I picked up a bug and crunched on it as I looked up at him.
So what did you guys do with the [Witch]?
I asked as I continued snacking on the little critters flying about. They tried to bite into my skin, but they failed miserably, and I snatched them into my mouth. Tuktox cleared his throat.
Ah, the [Witch]. We left her fate to the Grave Hill Tribe. They shall decide what to do with her. However, they have given us her belongings as proof of their apology, and have submitted themselves to our tribe.
I cocked my head.
What does that mean?
It means they shall fight for us, provide us with aid, and offer us protection when the need calls for it.
Huh. And what did you get from the [Witch]?
I leaned forward curiously. In the background, I could see the bonfire crackle with the silhouette of the celebrating Beastmen. The Elf, Minnow Fellingchamp, wasughing and raising a mug of mead as he rode on the back of a female [Wolf Beastman] as she danced.
Mountaintooth, Novis, and the other children joining on the feast, ravenously eating the food that was prepared for them. The mes crackled as there was a pause in the conversation. The eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe closed his eyes and produced a tome.
This is what we were given.
I narrowed my eyes, using [Identification] on the leatherbound book.
[Path to Divinity - A manual passed down by the Spirit Lord, detailing the methods to achieve ascension and destroy the corruption.]
What?
It took me a moment to process what I was looking at. Tuktox shook his head ignobly.
Truly, I had the same reaction as you, Avenger.
But how did that [Witch]...
I trailed off. I looked up at the eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe, the question evident on my face. But Tuktox had no answer for me.
The [Witch] ims she was simply gifted this by a Human traveler nearly five hundred years ago. You could ask her yourself. But we wish to pass this on to you.
I blinked and stared at Tuktox.
Um, youre giving this book to me?
Yes.
Tuktox bowed his head.
We are but simple people. We have no need for such an item. We believe it would be better suited in your hands.
I slowly epted it, keeping the tome away in my pocket dimension.
Thank you.
I got to my feet and cast my gaze around the sea of tents that had been set up. I saw not through just my eyes, but also through spatial magic.
Is the [Witch] still here?
I believe Guruz is about to pass the judgment of the Grave Hill Tribe upon her.
Guruz?
I raised a brow. Tuktox gestured vaguely towards his arms, as if making a spotted pattern.
The [Leopard Beastman] youve been speaking to.
Oh. I guess Ill pay them a quick visit first. Thanks, Tuktox.
Before leaving, I quickly passed by Will and called out to him.
Ill be right back real quick! Take care of the children, will you?
He scoffed, but didnt argue with me. He stayed at the feast with the baby Wyverns and the
I took off into the sky as I waved at him. I found the gathering of the Grave Hill Tribe not far off. I descended before a gathering over a small fire. It was nothing like the massive feast being held just a mile away. In fact, it looked like a funeral of sorts a mourning. They spoke in a low voice, almost chanting hypnotically.
For your lies and deceit, for what you were about tomit against the innocent lives of the Furious Whispers Tribe, and for all those you have killed in your lust for power, we sentence you, [Witch] Grimfang, to the death.
Inded next to a [Tiger Beastman], startling her. She jolted back as I pointed at the [Witch] standing before a pyre.
Hey, are you guys going to kill that [Witch]?
I asked. The [Tiger Beastman] nodded hesitantly.
W-we were about toy her punishment for what she had done.
Can I speak with her real quick?
I stepped forward before any answer could be said. I spotted the [Leopard Beastman] leading this ritual or whatever and called out to him before they could kill the [Witch].
Hey, um, Guruz, was it?
I waved at him. He blinked as he halted just before the bound [Rat Beastman]. He faced me with a confused look on his face.
Y-yes, Avenger?
He asked in a nervous voice. I strode up to him casually.
I need to borrow the [Witch] for a second, do you mind?
I
He opened his mouth, and I grabbed her. I took off into the sky as I carried her in my arms. The Grave Hill Tribe just watched me go. When I was far enough away, I pulled away the bindings on the [Witch]s mouth. She was still tied by the hands by antimagic bindings, but she could speak now. She spat at me.
What do you want, Demon? Is ruining five hundred years of my lifes work not enough for you? Or are you here to torture me further before they end me?
Nope. Im just here to ask you about this.
I produced the Path to Divinity and waved it at her. Her eyes narrowed.
I have already told them everything I knew about it. Let me die in peace.
I just want to know how you got this and if its actually urate. Can this book really lead you to godhood? And why is it rted to corruption?
I tapped on the tome. The [Witch] scoffed.
Of course it is true. Do you think Ive lived all these five hundred years following a false manual? And I am a [Witch]. It is part of my ss to uphold all deals I make. Once I had been rejuvenated, I wouldve dealt with the corruption as I promised the Grave Hill Tribe.
The [Rat Beastman] shook her head bitterly. I looked back down to the tome and frowned.
Who gave this to you? A Human? Why would they have this?
It made no sense to me that during all my time in the Humannds even studying in Mavos Academy I never heard of such a book. Yet, this [Witch] in the Beastmen ins had it. She smirked at me.
And why should I tell you that?
Because
I bared my teeth at her, leaning closer.
Ill make you regret not telling me the answer.
Grimfang just shrugged.
I am going to die anyway. Whether it is by your hands or by those fools down there, it matters not to me.
True.
I drew back, tilting my head dangerously.
Then maybe I wont kill you. Maybe Ill grant you your wish for immortality and keep you trapped here forever.
I smiled as I raised the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. The [Rat Beeastman] stared at me with wide eyes.
You wouldnt
Why wouldnt I? Ill just keep you with me until you give me your answer.
The [Witch] looked at me, considering her options. Her gaze darkened as she finally sighed. When she spoke, it was in a low voice.
Lets make a deal.
No.
I replied simply.
It is not a deal which youll refuse.
She insisted, and I shook my head.
I said there is no
But Grimdfang spoke over me.
Kill me quickly.
And that made me paused. I looked at her, puzzled.
What?
Those savages would see me tortured and die a painful death. If I were to die, I would rather it happen painlessly. In an instant. I will tell you who the Human was if you guarantee me a quick demise.
I paused, thinking this through for a second. Then I shrugged.
Sure.
Then the contract has been made.
The [Witch] smiled, raising her head towards the darkling sky. I nodded.
Tell me who it was already.
I will, I will
Grimfang shook her head as she regained herposure. Clearing her throat, she held my gaze.
She called herself the Oracle of Light. Her name was Melissa.
And that made me freeze. I blinked a few times before narrowing my eyes.
Isnt she dead?
I was pretty sure that was the case. And yet
I do not know what happened to her after our encounter. But when I met her, she was alive and well. She preached the teachings of the Spirit Lord. She taught me witchcraft and magic. Told me of the corruption guing the world, and spoke of apotheosis.
Melissa the Oracle of Light is alive?
I rubbed my chin, taking this in. Grimfang justughed.
Indeed. And she was wonderful.
For a moment, a look of mncholy and wonder passed through the [Witch]s face. Then she shook it off and looked up at me.
Now do as you promised, Demon. Kill
And I impaled her through the heart before she could finish. Her eyes fluttered shut, and I rolled my eyes.
Defeated [Witch of Light - Lvl. 145]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
I always keep my promises.
I answered simply before descending. I returned to the Grave Hill Tribe. Iid her body down for them as they gathered closer, wide-eyed.
Sorry, I killed her. I hope that isnt a problem.
N-no
Guruz hesitated as he nced between his tribe.
However, we will still cremate her corpse, if that does not bother you, Avenger.
Nope, not at all! Gotta go now, though!
I waved a hand dismissively as I flew back to the temporary encampment of the Furious Whispers Tribe. By the time I returned, the feast was already dying down. I found Willy hovering over the children as theyy huddled together in a tent.
Even though the Wyvern babies were well, babies, they were still nearly the same size as the [Lion Beastman] cubs. I looked up at this sight and sighed.
Aw, theyre friends now
But the [Will O Wisp] hushed me.
Shhh sleeping.
I nodded and backed away. Willy followed me, halting as we reached the outside of the tenth.
Now what? Go back?
He nced at me curiously. I thought about it for a moment before answering.
Well stay over for a few more days. Then well return to Alyras.
My lips curled up as I faced the sleeping children. Willy floated up behind me and stared too.
Let Novis, Bellum, and Oriur have some fun with their friends.
I see.
I turned back to the [Will O Wisp], furrowing my brows.
What? Do you have a problem with that?
No.
Good.
And somewhere, far away, in the city of Alyras, Princess Rana Alyras copsed to her knees, wide-eyed and whispered as she heard the news.
No it cant be
But it was true. General Zura, the highest-leveled [Warrior] in Alyras army, had been in. Another high-leveled individual to fall in the past week.
And it was all because of those Demons.
Chapter 406: Exposed
Chapter 406: Exposed
406. Exposed
General Zura, the highest-leveled [Warrior] in the city of Alyras, was dead. He had not been equivalent to an Elite Ranked adventurer. Not even close. He was level 130. A mid Diamond Ranked adventurer at best. So, perhaps the Elites gathered in Alyras didnt treat his death like it had been a major blowback. At least,pared to losing a Level 150 adventurer.
However, Rana not only knew Zura, he was also the small city states in the grand scheme of things best general. Losing him meant a lot to Alyras as a whole.
The city was in lockdown. No one could leave the city. Entering was possible but hard. All travelers who were headed to Alyras were warned to stay as far away from the region as possible. Especially after Prime Minister Marlowe of the Sunmere Republics death.
It was all because of those Demons. The six Demons who each equaled an Elite in strength. They were hunting down as many important figures as they could. And they were elusive, hard to find.
Helena Warshade, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, and leader of the Rising Veterans Company was working together with Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales to hunt them down. Yet, even with their best efforts, they werent able to catch the Demons.
Rana found it frustrating. Not only was the Conference of Alyras dyed until this was resolved, something else was dyed for her. Something on a more personal level
It was my birthday
She sighed as shey in her bed. Hugging her pillow, she flipped over and faced her best friend. Her maid. Sevika was there, tending to the princess as per usual. Partially because of her maid duties, but also because she was her bodyguard.
I cant believe my birthday celebrations were postponed because of those stupid Demons.
Princess Rana, you are aware that there are far more pressing matters than your birthday celebration, right?
Sevika spoke in a t voice as per usual. Rana looked up at her maid, trying to protest.
I understand that! But
She trailed off and pouted. The maid shook her head.
This is a childish tantrum unbefitting a princess. You know that as well as I do.
Rana could rationally tell that Sevika was right. But it was especially upsetting since this was her eighteenth birthday. It would be hering of age party. She was officially an adult, and it was one of the most important days of her life.
Unfortunately, it was ruined because of this whole ordeal. Yes, there were far more significant events disced because of it, but this was important to Rana on a personal level. It was entirely an irrational feeling, but she was never the bastion of rationality.
Shey there quietly as Sevika just sighed. The maid opened her mouth, about to either offer a quip or her empathy probably the former when there was a rapping at the door. Rana froze.
Sevika? Are we supposed to have guests thiste at night?
I do not believe so, princess Rana.
The maid and bodyguard frowned. She drew a handful of needle-like daggers in between her fingers and approached the doorway. Rana held her breath, fearing the worst as the door creaked open, and
Sevika lowered her guard. She stepped to the side, bowing her head. Rana herself blinked as an ostentatious man entered the room. He bowed at her with a ir.
Hello, my dear Rana.
Peris?
Her eyes narrowed. For a moment, she rxed. But then her shoulders tensed. Getting off her bed, she faced him warily.
What do you want from me?
Ah, but do I need to have a reason to visit my dear betrothed?
He proffered a hand to her, and she pushed it away. Rana red at him.
I have nothing to say to you, you selfish bastard. I cant believe you convinced most of the Helbir League against forming this grand coalition against the Inoria Empire.
The Crown Prince of Dolonia paused. His gaze darkened as he whispered.
I believe you are misrepresenting my stance, my lovely Rana.
I am not. Youre just a coward.
She gritted her teeth as she spoke. But Peris didnt reply with the same acerbic tone. Instead, he raised his head and shrugged.
The Inoria Empire is a single nation, very much capable of being overwhelmed by the Vaun Qieur Empire and the Eastern Kingdom Alliance alone. I see no reason to involve the loss of life on our end. I am simply being rational.
How is that the rational move?
Rana pointed at him usingly.
You are actively pushing the problem to someone else hoping theyll deal with it. If everyone approaches this issue the same way, then no one will confront the Demon threat. We will all die.
Perhaps
Peris tapped a finger on his forearm.
But that is not the case, is it? After all, it seems that most of the world will be siding against the Demons.
He raised a brow at her, and she blinked.
What?
Shrugging, Peris Dolonia started away from the bedside.
I havee here only to wish you my birthday wishes, my dear princess Rana. I do not wish to quarrel with you. Not tonight.
He halted by the doorway as Sevika held it open for him. He nced back at Rana as she stared at him in irritation. Then he smirked.
And, if you must know, I am heading out with Helena Warshade tomorrow alongside a few other Elites. We will be finding those pesky Archdemons guing this meeting. If you think I am that much of a coward, well, dont think I havent heard of that new best friend of yours. That prodigious adventurer, Salvos, the great Liberator of the gunds, who is nowhere to be found.
He shook his head and stepped out into the outside halls.
I wonder whos the real coward here?
Chuckling, the door closed behind him. Rana tightly gripped the side of her pillow and got to her feet.
That jerk!
She threw the pillow across the room, and it bounced off the wall andnded fluffily on Sevikas face.
Ow.
The maid spoke in a monotonous voice. Rana was upset over it. She couldnt lie and say his words didnt get to her. They always did. But especially so this time since it held some truth in it. After all, Rana couldnt say she wasnt thinking the same thing.
It was the question on everyones mind.
Just where are you, Salvos?
Where was Salvos? For some reason, everyone approached Daniel Song with this question. He was, after all, her most well-known partner. More so than even Edithe Dawnrise who was also a Liberator of the gunds, or Saffron Merryster, who was Salvos roommate in Mavos academy.
But Daniel was the one whod first met Salvos. He entered the Brilsum Ruins with her, and together, they reported the first instance of the now-deceased Primeval Demon when it was only an Archdemon. He was the first person seen with her all the way back in Hazelbury, although Edithe joined them soon after.
Regardless, everyone expected the young man to know the answer to their question. After all, the city of Alyras was under an emergency lockdown, and they needed every help they could get to hunt down these Demons threatening the city.
Unfortunately, Daniel didnt know the answer to the question either.
Seriously, why does everyone expect me to know where Salvos went.
He scowled as he marched down the gilded hallway of the pce of Alyras. Amanda trailed behind him, her hands behind her back as she cast her gaze around the decorations.
I mean, its only natural everyone expects her boyfriend to know where shes at, right?
She grinned as she turned to him. He twisted his lips.
Im not her boyfriend, Amanda. How many times must I tell you that?
She rubbed her ears and turned away.
Sorry, what? I didnt catch that.
Daniel rolled his eyes but didnt otherwise argue with her. He wasnt in the mood for it. And he was in the pce of Alyras for something important, anyway.
He came to a halt just outside of the meeting room Helena Warshade had requested his presence in. Amanda paused behind him.
So, what do you think this is going to be about?
She raised a brow at him.
Think theyre gonna torture you until you tell them where Salvos went?
Look, I already said this before, but I cant even call for her because that stupid barrier over the city prevents the Enhanced Horn of the Caller from reaching beyond its boundaries.
Antimagic, right.
Amanda shrugged as he exined. She smirked at him.
I guess youll just have to be tortured, then.
He scoffed at that. Then he hesitated as he ced a hand on the doorknob. Was.. Amanda right? That straight thought crossed his mind, making him second guess just casually entering the meeting room.
But the door swung open without his help. A spell. He blinked and looked up as half a dozen figures loomed over him from the other side of the room. He recognized them all immediately. They were Elite Ranked adventurers. And at the center of the gathering was Helena Warshade.
She spoke simply as the door closed and an enchantment activated at its handles.
Does that assassin know about your secret too, Daniel Song?
He blinked and looked back at Amanda.
My secret?
It took him a moment to parse what Helena was saying, although Amanda picked up on it immediately. The assassin nodded.
Yes, I am aware.
Helenas eyes flickered some kind of truth spell? And she nodded slowly as Daniel still nced around, a puzzled look on his face.
Very well then.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy cleared her throat as his eyes grew wide.
Daniel Song, [Hero] from Earth A1, we need your help.
What?
His heart skipped a beat.
Chapter 407: Act of Heroism (FIXED)
Chapter 407: Act of Heroism (FIXED)
407. Act of Heroism
Daniel Song stepped into a meeting room with Amanda. The pair faced down six Elites. Six individuals who seemedrger than life.
The first was Helena Warshade. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy and leader of the leader of the Rising Veterans Company. She needed no introduction. Her very presence alone made Daniel feel very uneasy. And when she spoke, he flinched.
Daniel Song, [Hero] from Earth A1, we need your help.
He looked towards the other five Elites in the room. Standing right beside Helena Warshade was Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales. He was an Elite [Rogue] someone who Daniel had fought alongside against a terrible threat. And, because of that, Daniel had to expose his secret to Orgaf.
Helena Warshade soon found out after that. After all, Daniel didnt really have an issue with it spreading around. However, there was a problem he never once told either Helena Warshade nor Orgaf that they could simply let the news slip. Sure, it didnt actually bother him that the fact he was a [Hero] was spread around. The problem was the fact that they didnt ask for his permission. If they were this liberal with private information especially Orgaf, who knew the truth about Salvos
Daniel red at the [Rogue], but Orgaf just clicked his tongue and looked away.
Also present was Scarlet the Red Rose. The current temporary leader of the Remembered Order Company. A newly-anointed Elite, yet already thrust into such a role. She looked somehow as nervous as Daniel was.
Next was Laux Lionfist. One of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company. A burly man who wore a vest that barely covered his shoulders. He had his arms crossed over his chest, covering the myriad of battle scars he bore on his coarse skin. He studied Daniels every movement with a keen gaze.
Right behind him is Alder the Augur Elder, another member of the Forsaken Company in this room. He wasnt one of their leaders, but he was known as the highest-leveled [Summoner] in the world. Unfortunately, most of his Spirits perished in battle during Nightsveil. The elderly man frowned skeptically at Daniel.
And,stly, was Peris Dolonia. The Crown Prince of Dolonia. Unlike the others here, he wasnt an adventurer, but rather a member of the nobility. He had a rapier at his side the sign of a [Warrior] who fared better in individual duals than they did against monsters. He simply slicked his hair back as Daniel came to a halt.
The [Hero] of Earth A1 crossed his arms.
I dont believe giving you my permission to spread that around, Archmage Warshade.
Helena Warshade answered simply.
Youve already revealed yourself in the meeting of Mavos Academy, have you not? You informed Headmaster Skyshredder himself there that you cared not about keeping your secret hidden.
And were they there for this meeting?
Daniel raised a brow towards the other Elites present. She didnt answer.
Then I believe my prior assessment is correct.
He made the point. Amanda peered over his shoulder.
Arent you being too bold today.
The former assassin had an amused look on her face. He wasnt sure why he was being unusually snappy. Perhaps it was because he was nervous. Afraid that the Elite [Rogue] would also snitch on Salvos. If that happened, itd be six Elites versus a single Salvos. As much as he believed in Salvos strengths and abilities, that was a losing battle.
He warily eyed the six Elites as they exchanged a nce. Orgaf and Helena Warshade didnt visibly react, but Scarlet the Red Rose looked offended on their behalf. Peris Dolonia just huffed, while Alder Ashford opened his mouth. Daniel braced himself for an argument
But Laux Lionfist guffawed, stopping one from even happening.
A fiery spirit, befitting a [Hero].
He turned to Helena and grinned at her.
I had my doubts at first, Helena. I really did. I thought ole yton was starting to lose it. But this man is definitely a [Hero].
She simply nodded in response as all eyes turned her way.
Indeed. That is why, as I have said, we are here to ask for your help, Daniel Song.
The young man from Earth shifted his feet. He nced back at Amanda for help, but she just shrugged. Turning back to the Elites, he spoke hesitantly.
And what exactly do you need from me?
There was an idea in Daniels head. One that made him nervous. For the past week, the Elites had tried and failed to catch the Archdemons harassing the city. Whether it be hunting them down and finding nothing but dead ends, or chasing after them as they did a quick hit-and-run of Alyras and losing track of them, the Elites were at their wits end.
Which made the reason why they called Daniel here a [Hero] obvious.
Let me guess; you guys want me to help you hunt down those Demons, dont you?
The Elites paused. He sighed a part of him wanted to reject them. There was still that lingering cowardice that pushed him towards running. After all, these Demons were Elite-equivalent in threat. One of them had nearly killed Lofus the Broken Berserker.
Yet, his mouth moved even against his fears. He knew what he had to do. He knew what was right.
Ill do it.
He met Helena Warshades gaze. Amanda stared at him with wide eyes as he straightened, standing tall like a true [Hero].
Those Demons are a threat to not just the people of Alyras, but to all of the Humannds as a whole. If they continue to dy this meeting, then Levithus is free to finish that ritual in the Inoria Empire. So I will do it.
Daniel
Amanda whispered. Daniel didnt show a hint of fear in his voice. Even if he was still nervous. Helena Warshade didnt react. Orgaf closed his eyes.
Scarlet the Red Rose exchanged a nce with Laux Lionfist.
Uh, no.
The youngest of the Elites spoke hesitantly. Daniel blinked.
What?
We didnt, uh, call you here today to ask for your help against those Demons.
She shuffled her feet ufortably.
Wait, then what did you call me here for?
He flushed, ncing between the Elites. He felt his face burning as he tried to understand why he was there. Laux Lionfist justughed.
Thats the spirit Im talking about. But, yes, Scarlet is speaking the truth. We called you here today for another matter.
The burly mans words made Daniel feel a bit better about himself. But Helena Warshade immediately crushed whatever ego he had left.
A high-leveled [Hero] would be beneficial on the battlefield. Unfortunately, at your level, you would only be a burden.
Thats
The young man trailed off. Then he shrugged.
Probably true. So why am I here?
The six of us will be leaving Alyras at sunset. We have found the hideout of those pesky Archdemons and will be attempting to subjugate them.
Alder nodded as he raised a hand. Daniel watched a flicker appear over his shoulder. A snake-like Spirit slithered out of the air and hissed.
[Jrmungandr - Lvl. 143]
Gard here tracked down the Boots of Alexander after getting a taste of the Greaves of Alexander. He did a pretty good job, if I had to say so myself.
Smiling, the Augur Elder patted the Spirit on the head. Scarlet the Red Rose gestured at the Elites in the room.
And since the six of us will be leaving the city, there will be a chance one or two of the Demons we dont know about may capitalize on seizing the remaining Treasures of Alexander.
We have decided to split the Treasures so that both cannot be attained easily.
Helena Warshade shook her head and turned to Scsrlet and Orgaf who hadnt said much of a word.
Either of the two [Rogues] can capitalize on the Greaves of Alexanders powers, as such, we shall be bringing it with us. But that still leaves the Crown of Alexander vulnerable.
Daniel frowned.
But isnt the Crown of Alexander with the Crimsonfangs?
The Elite adventurers grew hushed. But a voice spoke out simply. Peris Dolonia waved a hand dismissively.
Bolton Crimsonfang was ambushed by that [Jinn] two nights ago. Alyras own General Zura died protecting him, and Bolton himself is left at an incapacitated state. We barely managed to intervene and stop that Demon from stealing the crown.
Oh.
Daniel had never met this Zura, only briefly heard about him in passing, but the young man knew it must be a terrible blow for Alyras itself.
Laux Lionfist pped his hands together, drawing everyones attention.
And that is why, we decided: we want you to protect the Crown of Alexander.
The [Hero]s eyes went round.
What?
But Helena Warshade just continued after Laux.
Keep this a secret. Only tell those you trust those who can aid you in protecting the Crown of Alexander. It is of utmost importance that these Demons do not get what they want.
Daniel opened his mouth. He wanted to ask if he even had a say in it it sounded more like amand,ing from Helena Warshade. Then he remembered his determination from before and nodded.
Yes.
There was no protest. No point in it. Daniel knew what he had to do and he was going to do it.
Helena Warshades stone-cold demeanor cracked for a moment as she smiled. As if d to see that the rumored [Hero] was acting like a [Hero].
Good.
And with that, the six Elites prepared to leave the city in quiet. When the sun set and night fell, the dome protecting Alyras still stood, but the Elites were gone.
Daniel remained, and he held with him an ornate crown. It didnt looked any different from other crowns, other than the fact that it radiated power.
He kept it in his Dimensional Storage Unit and shook his head, watching the Elites go.
Now, I wonder who I can recruit to help me protect this artifact.
Besides Amanda who was already in, there were a few people he had in mind.
Chapter 408: End Things Here
Chapter 408: End Things Here
408. End Things Here
Edithe Dawnrise strode into the gates of the pce, followed by Hadrian. Shed been called here by Daniel Song, although he left the details vague, it was supposedly about something important. She was told she could bring someone she trusted who was also above Level 100 so she opted for Hadrian toe. After all, Edithe and Hadrian were close.
Quite so. Theyd had a lot of time to bondtely, mostly because they had been rtively inactive. As much as both wanted to help with the Archdemons running around, they knew theyd only get in the way. Edithe thought that perhaps Salvos couldve done something but there was no reason to specte.
And while her growing rtionship with Hadrian was quite the blessing during this time, the red-haired woman still found it frustrating that she wasnt able to help out much. So, the fact that Daniel approached her to do something felt cathartic to her.
What do you think Daniel needs help with?
She wondered aloud as she reached a corner. Hadrian shrugged, following behind her.
Whatever it is, I hope it helps us deal with those Archdemons. I still cant believe that theyre as strong as Elites.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company shook his head. Edithe paused. She raised her head, thinking of Salvos as he nearly bumped into her. He peered at her curiously, then she sighed.
Well, personally, I can kind of believe it.
Hadrian didnt know what she was talking about, and she didnt borate either. Maybe, one day, with Salvos permission, Edithe could tell him the truth. But for now, the secret remained that: a secret.
The pair turned another corner, soon to arrive at their destination, only to pause as a figure walked out of the hallway. Edithe recognized the man immediately.
Jake.
Her eyes narrowed. Jake, the leader of the True Valiants Company, halted as he caught sight of the pair. He crossed his arms and faced them.
If it isnt Edithe Dawnrise and that lying bastard Hadrian. What brings the both of you here? Last I remembered, Archmage Warshade wasnt looking for help from traitors and liars.
Hadrian shuffled his feet as Edithe frowned. It was the leader of the Valiant Dreamers who replied.
Jake, I understand why youre upset with me. But were on the same side. We should be working together.
We are. But that doesnt mean I have to like you lot. Just remembering what you did it sickens me.
Jake crossed his arms. Hadrian didnt have anything to say to that. But Edithe did. The red-haired woman found his animosity grating, to say the least. She stepped forward, meeting Jakes gaze.
But are we on the same side?
She raised a brow at him. He frowned.
What are you talking about?
As far as Im concerned, Im on the side of doing whats right. Butst I was told, you opposed fighting the Inoria Empire.
Hadrian blinked.
What are you talking about, Edithe?
The red-haired woman nodde, still staring at Jake.
Saffron Merryster a friend of a friend told me. You are part of the vocal minority opposed against forming a coalition army. During the Conference of Alyras over a week ago, you sided with that bastard Orbur Vale the man who single handedly killed hundreds of your friends and allies against the Greater Vampire Families.
Jake clicked his tongue.
I didnt side with anyone. I was simply speaking the facts.
What you were doing, Jake, was trying to avoid dealing with the responsibility of this Demon threat. Even though it is the fate of the entirety of the Humannds at stake, you refuse to do your part, instead ming the shorings of others for what happened...
Edithe paused, tilting her head slightly as he didnt respond.
...not surprising, really.
And that made the leader of the True Valiants Company snap. He pointed at Edithe then Hadrian, cursing.
And what about you? What have either of you done? How am I wrong in what I have said? You used us treated us like pawns in your sick game.
Edithe expected that argument. He was getting predictable. Shaking her head, she started past the man and ushered for Hadrian to follow.
I used to try to understand your perspective, Jake. See things how you saw it. Maybe, in some ways, youre not wrong. But you know what?
She turned back to face the leader of the True Valiants Company, speaking simply.
That doesnt mean youre not also an asshole.
Jake opened his mouth, but she didnt stay to listen to what he had to say. Edithe continued on as Hadrian followed behind her. When they were far enough away, the blond man spoke up.
Edithe, should you have?
Yes, Hadrian.
She nced over at him, replying before he could ask his question.
I should have. Just because Jake was wronged, doesnt mean he can do whatever he wants. Gabriel will probably keep a check on Jake, but we cant just let him trample over us as if were the viins every single time we meet him.
Hadrian hesitated.
But were supposed to be working together.
We are. And you can think of him however you want, Hadrian. However, as Jake himself says, just because were on the same side, doesnt mean we have to like him.
Edithe paused and faced Hadrian. She smiled at him, cing a hand on his shoulder.
And I was getting tired of seeing him insult you like that.
I thank you.
He grinned at her, chuckling.
I really owe you a few drinks this time, dont I?
Please, you keep saying that, but you keep making me pay for the food every time we have lunch together.
Editheughed as they chatted, before they finally reached their destination. It was at the guest quarters of the pce of Alyras. The room assigned to Salvos. At least, before the silver-haired girl went off to the mountains to raise a bunch of baby Wyverns on her own.
Inside, Daniel was waiting for them, alongside Amanda and two other individuals. Edithe recognized them as Vampires. One looked to be Saffrons father, Crocus Merryster, and the other was a [Druid] with the Norwood crest emzoned on her outfit her name was Zin Norwood, if Edithe remembered right.
Took you guys long enough.
Amanda snorted. Edithe rolled her eyes but didnt respond to the quip.
Sorry for taking so long. We had a run-in with someone annoying.
So, I believe thats everyone ounted for. I believe it is time for an exnation.
Crocus said as he faced the young man from Earth. Edithe agreed with him, looking towards her friend.
Whats going on, Daniel?
Daniel stepped forward, facing the room. He looked apprehensive at first, chewing on his lips as if he didnt know what to say, then he just sighed.
I really dont know how to say this, so I guess Ill just be forward with it.
He brought a hand up, and there was a flicker. A glinting object appeared in his palm as Edithes eyes widened. Everyone in the room gasped at that sight.
Thats
The Crown of Alexander, I know.
Daniel cut them off before they could continue to mor in awe over the Mythic Grade artifact he was holding. Edithe barely got a glimpse of the ornate, iridescent crown before it vanished once again.
It was Zin Norwood who questioned him, eyeing him suspiciously.
How did you get that, Daniel Song? I was under the impression that Bolton Crimsonfang had it under his safekeeping?
Bolton Crimsonfang had it. Then he was attacked by the Demons a few days ago in the dead of night. He barely got out of it alive. Hes still recovering, as of right now.
Crocus eyes went round.
But hes a Level 151 [Mage]!
And these Demons are stronger than that. You all saw what they did to Lofus. Theyre dangerous. And thats why Helena Warshade entrusted the Crown of Alexander to me. She told me to find others who are strong enough to guard it as well.
Edithe immediately knew what that meant Helena had found out the truth about Daniel. But the others in the room were still confused. Hadrian furrowed his brows.
Wait, why would she hand over the Crown of Alexander to you?
It was because of some reasons.
Daniel hesitated, then shook his head.
Also, because most of the Elites in Alyras are leaving the city tonight. Or... theyve already left the city. Im not too sure.
Edithe blinked a few times.
They have?
She looked out the window, but the barrier over Alyras was still there. She opened her mouth, and Daniel waved a hand dismissively.
Helena Warshade did something. Im not really sure. But the barrier will remain, even if shes not here. Itll just be weaker than before.
I see.
Zin Norwood rubbed a finger on her chin in thought. She raised her head and looked inquiringly into Daniel.
And thats our goal? To ensure that no one steals the Crown of Alexander why they are gone?
Thats right. Itll be risky. But thats why I called you guys here. You are the strongest fighters I know. And wed like to remain discreet about it.
The young man nodded. That made sense to Edithe. However, she still had a few questions in her mind. For example
Wait, where are Helena Warshade and the other Elites going, then?
The red-haired woman asked. Surely it had to be for good reason. And it was.
Thats
Daniel took a deep breath and met her gaze. He spoke clearly for everyone in the room to hear.
Hopefully to put an end to those Demons, once and for all.
Orgaf stalked through the trees until he saw the valley up ahead. Five figures huddled around a cave entrance, as expected. They hid in the shadows, but the Thief of the Golden Scales could see perfectly in the dark. He made out their horns, tails, and even unshapely bodies. With that confirmed, he slinked back into the shadows and appeared next to Helena Warshade a thousand feet back.
Its them, alright.
He nodded at the Archmage. She didnt visibly react. Instead, she just peered into him.
Are you certain?
Yes. You can confirm it with your scrying spells if youd like.
He scoffed as he crossed his arms. She raised her staff, but didnt cast a spell.
I would rather not risk it. Their [Fiend] is dangerous. Surely shed be able to detect a scrying spell. We dont want to alert them of our ambush.
Sounds good to me. So were charging straight in, then?
Orgaf reached for his daggers, ncing about at the other Elites gathered here too. He sounded sarcastic, but he wasnt. Peris Dolonia, Alder Ashford, Laux Lionfist, and Scarlet Vermillion were present as well. Together with Orgaf and Helena Warshade, it would be six Elites versus five Archdemons.
Dont let any of them escape. We outnumber them. We can end this here.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy spoke as her staff finally began to glimmer.
Are we ready?
They nodded one after the other. Alder and Scarlet looked slightly nervous. Orgaf could understand the formers apprehension, considering that the highest-leveled [Summoner] in the world only had two summons left. Scarlet he was less sympathetic towards. After all, she looked like a newly-ranked Gold Ranked adventurer when she was supposed to be an Elite. He wasnt even sure if they shouldve brought her here. She wouldve been better left with Daniel to guard the Crown of Alexander.
s, it was Helena Warshade who called the shots. Orgaf simply listened and felt the metallic objects at his shin as the Archmage continued.
Then we shall begin
A magic circle overcame the six Elites. Orgaf smirked as he twirled his daggers. The world shed, and in an instant, thendscape changed.
The six Elites found themselves staring down the faces of five confused Demons. Five Archdemons who looked like theyd been enjoying themselves, unprepared for this attack.
now.
Helena Warshade spoke in a booming voice as a st of lightningshed out for the [Fiend] at the center. And the red lightning exploded out, enveloping all five Demons.
Chapter 409: On the Edge
Chapter 409: On the Edge
409. On the Edge
now.
The world shed around Orgaf as Helena Warshades voice boomed around him. The scenery changed in an instant. Hed been prepared for it. All the Elites had been ready for what was toe. Laux Lionfist, Scarlet Vermillion, Alder Ashford, and even Peris Dolonia.
Helena Warshade had briefed them all on the n beforehand. There were five Archdemons gathered here. Only five. Not six. Thest the [Jinn] had been missing since hed failed to steal the Crown of Alexander. While the Archdemon severely injured Bolton Crimsonfang and killed General Zura of Alyras, they managed to inflict quite the damage back on him too. When Gard Alders summon tracked down the Boots of Alexander, the [Jinn] had been noticeably missing. Orgaf himself confirmed this just earlier.
So this was their chance. The Elites outnumbered the Demons, and they had the element of surprise on their side. Helena Warshade herself brought them to their enemies in an instant before sting out with a bolt of crimson lightning aimed straight at the highest-leveled of the group. The [Fiend].
Orgafs eyes flickered as the crackling electricity engulfed all five Archdemons. It was a powerful spell a Skill befitting the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the Humannds and the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. But the [Fiend] wasnt a pushover either. While she was small and portly, she had previously demonstrated incredible control over space magic. Raising a hand, she created attice barrier that blocked Helena Warshades attacks.
It appears the Humans are here, G.
An [Imp] spoke with a smirk as he eyed the Great Tempest Archmage through the barrier. It was Avaritia, and Orgaf didnt fall for the disguise. He knew that it was no [Imp], but a deadly [Changeling] capable of overpowering even an Elite [Berserker].
Must you state the obvious, Avaritia?
A pink-skinned Demon snorted. Gloria crossed her arms, and Orgafs eyes flickered to her. He recognized her. He had his eyes on her to get her back for what she did to him.
Of course I should. After all, Im sure someone as thick as you didnt notice it, Gloria.
You dare mock me, you shameless thief?
Why, yes, I was in fact mocking you
Orgaf watched the two as they bickered. He didnt know what they were doing, but he just knew their carefree attitude grated on him.
Thats enough, both of you.
G, the [Fiend], bellowed. They halted, and she stared through the barrier, meeting Helena Warshades cool gaze. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy hadnt tried to break through thettice even once.
All that matters is that our Human friends here failed their little sneak attack. Its almost disappointing.
Gloat as you will, Demon.
Helena Warshade tilted her head dangerously. A spell shone at the tip of her staff, however she didnt cast it yet.
But you have underestimated us for far too long.
Oh, look, the Humans are making threats.
Avaritia chuckled, and Desidia the green-skinned Demon with three tails, another one that had ambushed Orgaf yawned.
How dull
Peris.
Helena nodded to the Crown Prince of Dolonia. He started forward, walking past Scarlet and Laux Lionfist. G raised a brow as she watched him reach the edge of the barrier.
This is a [Sevenfold Shield of Spacetime]. Advanced space magic the likes of you mortals cantprehend. If your little Archmage cant breach my barrier, what do you hope to do against me?
Peris simply brought up a rapier as the Demons sneered in the safety of their barrier. The only one who looked even slightly cautious was Iivor the yellow-skinned Demon with a horn. Orgaf readied himself as the Crown Prince of Dolonia pointed his rapier straight at G.
There was no shy explosion, nor did an aura envelope his de. Peris whispered softly, aimed only at a single Demon.
[Duel to the Death]. Face me, Demon!
What?
Iivors eyes went wide. The other Demons didnt react in time as the [Fiend]s eyes shed red. G stepped forward, bringing her hands up as glowing dodecahedrons appeared, and the barrier dissipated.
G
They started Iivor being the first to move. But Orgaf didnt let them stop her. He appeared from Iivors shadow, slicing up with a ck de as he yelled.
No you dont!
Iivor yelped in pain as his de grazed his outreached arm. ck blood sttered to the ground as the yellow-skinned Demon stumbled back. Avaritia growled and clinked his boots together. The Boots of Alexander. One that granted immense speed. The [Changeling]-turned-[Imp] rushed Orgaf before the [Rogue] could slink back into the shadows, but a crimson figure got between them.
Scarlet the Red Rose swung up with a set of curved daggers. She shed the [Imp]s back open, loosing a flurry of strikes before he could react.
[Fatal Division].
She whispered as Avaritia screamed. He leapt away, boosted by the Boots of Alexander as she gave chase. The other Demons moved a step slower than the [Changeling]-turned-[Imp]. Gloria brought a hand up as a pink gow overcame her fingers, while Desidia ran forward to intercept Orgaf.
The [Nightcrawler Shadower] easily dodged Desidias attacks with a grin. He spoke as he vanished back into the shadows.
Too slow.
Desidia smashed the earth open and blinked when he wasnt there. She spun around, frowning.
Where did he
And a massive fist struck her across the face. It sent the green-skinned Demon flying. She grunted as she crashed into the ground, sending bits of rock and dirt spraying behind her. Groaning, Desidia pulled herself to her feet.
Ugh, I felt like I just got hit by a [Hebomination]...
She rubbed at her head and faced her assant. Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company, and the highest-leveled [Fighter] in the Humannds, walked up to her, tossing aside his vest to reveal his rippling muscles.
Im not sure if I should take that as apliment.
He cracked his knuckles with a vicious smile. Desidia got up with a scowl.
Youre certainly as ugly as one!
She yelled as she leapt at him. The two shed, sending a tremor through the earth. Iivor stumbled from the shockwave. He clutched at his wound a long cut on his forearm. He shook his head and ran a hand over it. He weaved his skin shut with threads of magic knitting together seamlessly.
Things are certainly starting to heat up.
A voice spoke, drawing the yellow-skinned Demons attention. He looked up to see an elderly looking man strutting up his way. Iivor narrowed his eyes.
Alder Ashford, the Augur Elder himself. Highest-leveled [Summoner] in the world.
That is indeed me.
Alder simply nodded in acknowledgment. Iivor snorted as he eyed his enemy.
One would think the highest-leveled [Summoner] in the world was at least Level 160. Yet, here you are, frail and old and not even ten levels above me.
Believe me, I would like to share your disappointment in myself.
The Augur Elder shook his head before bringing his arms out. A snake emerged from his right arm with a deluge of water. It slithered down the current as its body melded with the dripping water, bing transparent. From his left arm, a pair of ming wisps appeared. They orbited each other, one red and the other blue, like a pair of little suns. Separate, as two [Will O Wisps] would be.
But when Iivor used [Identification] on them, he realized it was but a single Spirit. Just with two bodies. Alder gave Iivor an apologetic smile.
However, I cannot denigrate my status as I am sure my Spirits would take offense to that.
[Jrmungandr - Lvl. 143]
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 141]
The Archdemon braced himself with a wind barrier, as at once, the pair of Grand Spirits unleashed a vortex of fire and water his way. The explosion erupted into the sky raining back down with droplets of scalding water down to the earth.
Through this burning drizzle, G walked unfazed. She raised a hand as a prism of light formed at her fingertips, beforeunching out at Peris Dolonia. The Crown Prince moved elegantly, avoiding the st of light. Like a trained duelist. He practically glided on his feet as henced out, stabbing at the [Fiend]s neck.
But his rapier went straight through a portal. A second portal opened up behind his head, letting his de through, barely brushing his hair. He nimbly evaded his own attack, only to be knocked back by a distorted wall that looked like a ss window, but hit harder than stone and brick.
He gritted his teeth as he leapt back. Nothing he did even got close to hitting the [Fiend]. Shed somehow deflect everything he threw at her back towards him. It was getting frustrating. And what was even worse was her magic.
G raised both her hands as ck cubes appeared from nothing before shooting out at him. They moved precisely. Like they were living things, somehow programmed only with hunting him down. Even more urate than an Elite [Archer]s homing arrow.
Peris tried to move out of the way, but these cubes refused to lose sight of him. They cornered him as he found himself backing up against a rock wall. But a st of lightning shot down, eviscerating the magical objects before they could reach him.
He looked up as a figure descended from a cloud.
Stand strong, Prince Peris.
Helena Warshades booming voice spoke as she stared down G. The [Fiend] red at the Great Tempest Archmage before shaking her head.
This annoying curse is it mind magic? Whatever it is, it doesnt matter. Itpels me to kill you, Human prince. So I will do so. Right after dealing with her.
G hurled a set of spheres at Helena Warshade. But the leader of the Rising Veterans Company was prepared. She brought her staff up and bellowed.
Cube of Istion.
A magical field caught the projectiles before they could even get close, quickly shrinking and crushing them. Gs eyes went wide as Peris straightened. Helena Warshade raised her staff as it glowed.
I shall deal with her pesky space magic. We shall defeat this [Fiend] together.
Of course, Archmage Warshade.
He grinned. And, together, they battled the highest-leveled of the Demons.
The fighting went on. From Helena Warshade and Peris Dolonia to Scarlet the Red Rose challenging Avaritia. The [Changeling] was slightly faster than the temporary leader of the Remembered Order Company thanks to the Boots of Alexander. Unfortunately, that didnt mean he was as agile or dexterous as her. She countered every single one of his attacks, a whirlwind of des that slowly whittled away the stronger Demon.
Orgaf was impressed that she was managing to hold her own. But he barely paid attention to her battle. Instead, he focused on the Demon he was facing down. Gloria. That wretched pink-skinned Archdemon who ambushed him.
Not so strong by yourself, are you?
The [Rogue]ughed as he dodged her barrage of red beams. They swerved for him, but he dipped into the shadows and hopped out next to her.
Gloria was ready for it. She created a sickle out of the crimson aura and parried the strike just in time. Their weapons locked as she smirked back uneasily.
Hmph, and what are you going to do? Pretend to use your Grand Skill again? Run like the coward you are?
You call it cowardice
He stepped back, lowering his daggers. Gloria staggered forward as she lost her bnce. She looked on in shock, and the [Rogue] swept her off her feet. Orgaf kicked her, sending her flying.
I call it intelligence. There is no shame in a tactical retreat.
That is what a weakling would say.
The Demon spat at him as she forced herself back to her feet. She gripped her stomach and shook her head.
Dont forget, Human. You think you have the advantage here, but I still have two Grand Skills in y.
Do you?
His eyes narrowed. Orgaf stepped forward, eyeing the shadows at her feet the darkness scattered all around the battlefield. His lips curled up.
You know, you talk so proudly about these Grand Skills of yours, but I have yet to see you use them.
The moment that happens, this battle will be decided.
She bared her teeth back at him. Orgaf just shrugged.
And I guess thats the difference between you and me. You like to talk about your Grand Skills and refuse to use them. But me?
He sank into the ground, disappearing once again to the shadows. Gloria backed up warily, unleashing a dozen crimson beams at the darkness. A susurration of whispers swept over the battlefield as her magic ripped apart the earth and the stone.
She paused as the whispers stopped.
Where is?
And from beneath her feet, Orgaf emerged with a final whisper.
[Nightmares Haunt].
Gloria swung down at him with her crimson sickle. But a shadowed tendril grappled with her. It bound her as a wave of darkness shot upwards, exploding into the sky. More and more of these dark limbs tangled with her body, halting her movement.
What
Her eyes snapped open. Orgaf justughed as he pulled himself out of her shadow.
But me? I dont waste time talking about my Grand Skills. I just use them.
She struggled, but she couldnt move. Not even a little bit. Of course not. This was a Grand Skill. One that had even bound a Level 180 [Hebomination]. Glorias mouth opened as she cursed.
You
And he stabbed her through her chest. She gasped sharply as heads turned. The fighting Elites and Demons slowed for a moment, looking on at this scene. Even Helena Warshade stared on as Orgaf impaled Gloria with his dagger.
Now, wheres your Grand Skill again?
He chuckled and shed with his other de for her neck. Her mouth moved. She whispered something inaudible. And her head went flying a secondter.
Chapter 410: Grand Skills
Chapter 410: Grand Skills
Announcement
SUP Y''ALL!
One of my books, Ms, is currently free to read on Amazon Kindle! Even if you don''t n on reading it or have already read it, I would genuinely appreciate it if you got the book on Amazon as it would help me out. It''s literally free, so it costs you nothing and it would support me greatly. : Abomination: A Reincarnation Isekai Progression Fantasy (Ms, Book 1) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
But if you are interested in the book, look at this gorgeous art and check out the synopsis here
Make me the most powerful spellcaster in the entire world.
A young woman is killed and is given the chance to reincarnate in another world with cheat-like magic powers. She epts, only to find that this world treats magic users the same way hers did by hunting them down for heresy.
She will be hunted by the Church, shunned by her peers, having to fight both people and monsters to survive. When faced with inquisitors, vers, terrorists, and more, Ms will have no choice but to ovee them to seize her own destiny, or fail and run from it all.
It''s a slow burn dark progression fantasy following the survival story of Ms.
410. Grand Skills
Glorias head went flying.
Orgaf decapitated her with a swing of his second de. It was easy, really. The Demon had been too prideful, constantly bragging about her Grand Skills. When the [Rogue]st fought her, he wasnt able to use his Grand Skills due to how recent the fight with the Primeval Demon Belzu had been, but now more time had passed and he could use them again. Or, at least, one of them.
So he slinked into the shadows. He whispered the Grand Skills chant as he traversed through the darkness. It was a mass area of effect Skill. It was nearly impossible for someone around his level to break free from, but it had a downside in that it couldnt target specific enemies. He sted the Grand Skill into the sky, catching only Gloria herself. He wouldve preferred if all the Demons had been caught in its radius, however this was good enough.
He impaled her through the chest before finishing her off.
It was cathartic. Orgaf wasnt a spiteful man, but he found pleasure in killing this annoying Demon. He drew back as her body dropped like a puppet without strings, and raised his head at the other watching Demons. They stared in shock, pausing for the briefest split second to register theirpanions death.
One down, four to go.
He flicked his daggers coated in ck blood. That had been a good use of his Grand Skill even if it killed only one of the Archdemons, it nted the battlefield more towards their side. Even more than before.
Nice work, Orgaf!
Laux Lionfistughed as he shoved Desidia back. His opponent went stumbling, and he raised a fist. A white aura overcame his body as he grinned.
Perhaps its about time for me to pull my own weight too
The burly man leapt forward as the green-skinned Demon braced herself. He swung down. She brought a hand up, trying to counter with her own Skill.
[Meteor
But his bellowing drowned out her voice. Laux Lionfist mmed his fist against hers as he yelled.
[Might of the Jungle King]!
Desidia screamed in pain as her arm bent backwards. It twisted from the impact, and his punch connected with her face, smashing her into the earth. The ground broke open into a giant crater, sending a pir of dust and debris into the air.
The Elite adventurers and Peris Dolonia nodded at each other as they watched Laux Lionfist overpower his enemy. They were emboldened. Not just because Orgaf had in one of the Demons. But also because this was proof that these Demons werent infallible.
Helena Warshade mmed her staff on the ground as the battlefield was shrouded over with dark clouds. Orgaf raised his head, seeing the tempest form over the earth, yet he could still see clearly despite that. G the [Fiend] stumbled back as she raised a shimmering dodecahedron.
What
And Peris Dolonia thrust his rapier forward, piercing this veil. The [Fiend] blinked, barely dodging the attack. The de grazed her shoulder as he harshly yanked it back. ck blood spilled out as she yelped in pain.
You bastard! Ill make you pay for that!
The [Duelist]s follow-up attacks were barely blocked as G raised a barrier just in time. She flew up in the air and hurled down the dodecahedron. Peris leapt back as the glinting object crashed down. It quickly shrank into a tiny dense sphere, before rapidly sucking in the earth and rocks nearby, including the clouds covering the battlefield. Finally, it expanded all at once and consumed everything in a hundred feet with a brilliant sh and shrill shriek.
Orgaf himself managed to get out of the st radius. So did Scarlet the Red Rose and Avaritia thanks to the Boots of Alexander. Alder and Iivor were both barely at the edge of the explosion, so they managed to escape it with a bit of protection. Laux Lionfist and Desidia were still shing at the bottom of the crater, so neither were affected.
But Peris wouldnt have gotten away if not for Helena Warshades help. She teleported the both of them out, looking down at the sh of light. Orgaf waited with bated breath for G to appear at the peripheries too. She didnt. Helena and Peris looked around warily.
Where is she?
Scarlet breathed, staring at ground zero of the explosion. Then Avaritia appeared next to her, swinging for her head with a wed hand. Her eyes widened as she spun around, and heughed as his fingers shone ck.
[Deathw]!
No
The Red Rose flinched as she closed her eyes. But Orgaf grabbed her, yanking her out of the way just in time. The young Elite panted as she stared up at her senior.
T-thanks
Thank meter, idiot. Dont lose your focus on the battlefield. Arent you an Elite?
Orgaf snapped as he looked up. He already had both daggers raised, ready for Avaritias next move. The [Changeling] leapt into the air and swung down from afar. His arm shifted, bing that of a giant appendage. One with seven segments. Like that of a massive spider.
It fell upon Orgaf as he angled his daggers slightly, barely deflecting the attack off to the side. The rest of the Demons body shifted. Avaritia grewrger. Seven more of such limbs appeared from his side as he stared down at the two Elites with eight crimson eyes.
[Arachne - Lvl. 147]
[Copy Skill: Web of the Damned]!
Avaritias voice came out crackled and warped. It was almost indecipherable, yet Orgaf understood it. Anguage Skill of sorts. Demons had those.
A thousand ck threads shot out. Needle-like. In a deluge. They encroached on Orgaf and Scarlets position. There was no way to escape. Not for Scarlet, at least. Orgaf saw the shadow nketing around him, and he knew he could flee just by slinking away. However, the Red Rose didnt have such a Skill. She backed up with wide eyes as he clicked his tongue.
Oi, grab on!
He called out, proffering her a hand. Scarlet blinked and stared at him for a moment. The threads came raining down no, it was denser than rain. Finally, the Red Rose took his hand. He dashed forward as she followed behind him, keeping up with his speed.
Dont let go!
He shouted, and she nodded. He clinked the metallic object he wore on his shin. They shimmered in an eclectic range of colors. An iridescent aura. It was the Greaves of Alexander. They radiated divinity. Something Orgaf couldnt grasp himself, but had seen exuded by two people before. The first was Mori dius, Champion of the Humannds. And the second was a Demon. Salvos, Liberator of the gunds. Perhaps that was why Orgaf trusted her, in spite of her nature.
The dark threads shot forward, aimed straight for the two Elites. Orgaf kicked up with the Greaves of Alexander the iridescent aura coalesced. The rainbow of colorsshed out like a wave, sweeping back the falling threads.
Temporary Skill: [Divine Wave].
Avaritia looked up in shock as the bright light illuminated the night. Orgaf flew up after the sh with Scarlet right behind him, the pair spinning around with their daggers. They separated and struck two of the [Arachne]-[Changeling]s limbs. The Demon reeled as he let out a screech.
You puny mortals! Do you think you can beat me? I am stronger than you! I am faster than you! I will kill you!
He drew back quickly as Orgaf and Scarletnded on the ground. They watched the giant Demon rapidly leap from side to side. Orgafs eyes darted around, barely keeping up with his speed.
Scarlet didnt look like she even knew what was happening. She pursed her lips as the two Elite [Rogues] stood with their backs behind each other. Orgaf shook his head and lowered his daggers. The Greaves of Alexander still glowed at his shin.
Youre not the only one with one of the Treasures of Alexander on your side, Demon.
While Avaritia was fast thanks to the Boots of Alexander, he wasnt used to fighting in high-speedbat. His movements became predictable after a few moments of watching. Orgaf slipped into the shadows and leapt out right as the Demon was passing.
The Demon couldnt stop in time. Orgaf swung up not with his daggers, but with the Greaves of Alexander. This time, there wasnt a st of rainbow-colored energy. But there was still a glinting impact as the metallic greaves struck the Demons skin. A sh of light from the hit.
Avaritia swung up with his many limbs, but Orgaf simply countered, kicking again and again. They exchanged a blow of kicks. The [Arachne]-[Changeling] with his eight legs, and Orgaf with only two. But each time Orgafnded a strike, the Demons skin rippled and tore. Avaritia yelled in pain and shrank back down, barely evading a kick to the head.
Whats wrong? Cant keep up?
Orgaf smirked as the Demon grew to the size of an [Imp] once again. Avaritia cursed, and ck mes wisped around his finger tips.
Shut up! [Copy Skill
The rough shape of a pitchfork appeared in his palm, but before it could fully take form, Scarlet sprinted up to him. The Red Rose spun around, swinging her de so quickly as they left behind red trails, not from an aura, but from her blurry speed.
[Storm of Thorns]!
She unleashed a thousand cuts into the [Imp]s back. He screamed in pain as she ravaged him. He wouldve died there and then. He couldnt escape the Red Roses tangle of thorns. But a ck hole appeared where he was, sucking him away. Scarletnded, blinking as she looked around for the Demon.
He was gone.
Orgaf narrowed his eyes. That was The Elite [Rogue] immediately scanned the battlefield. He watched as Desidia was pummeled by Laux Lionfist and sted by Helena Warshades magic. The very same ck hole sucked the Demon up before they could finish her off.
Iivor, too, vanished in the midst of a duel with both Peris Dolonia and Alder Ashford. The Elites exchanged a confused nce, and a red beam shot out. It aimed straight for Orgaf. He deflected it with the Greaves of Alexander, and it burrowed into the earth.
Orgaf recognized the attack. The familiar red aura. The Skill which had ambushed him before. He raised his head as Gloria got back to her feet, lowering a hand. Her head was back on her body, although it looked slightly crooked. She adjusted it before tilting her head at him.
He snarled.
How are you still alive?
She responded simply.
[A New Life, Renewed Glory]. My first Grand Skill. Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice ten of my levels for this. It seems my Skills are far less effective now against you. Shame.
Orgafs brows snapped together. It was true. She really was lower-leveled nowpared to before. Although, only by five levels. Did she split the levels lost with her second Subspecies? Or ss? The [Nightcrawler Shadower] didnt know, he just knew this was an opportunity.
He smirked.
Good, then. It just means I can kill you again, easier.
He hurled one of his daggers at her. She disappeared, teleported away just like the other Demons. Orgafs dagger reappeared in his hand as he spun around warily.
Just where are they going?
Scarlet asked with round eyes. Orgaf frowned as he thought about it for a moment, still puzzled. Then it finally clicked in his head, just as Helena Warshade yelled.
This was a trap! We need to leave!
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy tried to fly out her cloud zipped up into the air, carrying her away from the area. Orgaf made a break for it as well as Scarlet was a step behind him. His eyes flickered as he saw the gianttticework of space form around the Elites. A dome that would capture all of them in an instant. One that was powered by a grand magic from G.
Orgaf slinked into the shadows once again, speeding up as Helena Warshade escaped from the trap. The [Rogue] just barely managed to get through in time, and a piece ofttice blocked Scarlet the Red Rose. She thumped on the invisible wall, trying to say something, but Orgaf couldnt hear it.
Fuck I cant believe we fell for that.
Orgaf swore as he swung for the barrier with the Greaves of Alexander. But even the Mythic Grade artifact couldnt break through. This was clearly the workings of a Grand Skill. Scarlet, Laux, Peris, and Alder were trapped in the confines of this ss-like dome.
Laux Lionfist himself tried smashing it open, but Orgaf knew it was fruitless. He saw that it wouldnt break through. He stepped back, shaking his head.
Why was I so stupid? How did I not realize this was a trap earlier
Thats enough, Orgaf.
Helena Warshade descended next to him. He looked up at her as she stood on her great nimbus cloud.
The two of us can still fight. We must not let the Demons get to the city.
Right
He straightened, still gritting his teeth. If the Demons reached the city before Orgaf and Helena, it would be a ughter. Five Archdemons, all of them equal to an Elite. They would get the Crown of Alexander with ease. And with that, it would be enough to turn the tables to defeat the remaining Elites.
Lets go
He started forward along with the Archmage, but a shadow stopped them. A towering figure barred their path. A giant Demon. One that stood over twenty feet tall. With red skin and a pair of giant wings. He had a pair of small horns and the face of an [Imp], but the body of a [Djinn].
Neither of you are going anywhere.
He bared his teeth, smiling wide as Orgaf backed up warily.
I am Ira, the greatest of the Dukes and Duchesses. I shall be your opponent, Humans.
[Cambion - Lvl. 155]
Chapter 411: Your Turn to Die
Chapter 411: Your Turn to Die
Announcement
New month, vote for me on TWF!
Salvos | Top Web Fiction
Schedule will continue to be fucked
411. Your Turn to Die
Edithe Dawnrise stood on a balcony overlooking the entirety of Alyras. She was currently in one of the rooms in the vast pce at the heart of the city. It was night. From her vantage point, the houses and streets below were so small. Like little doll houses and toys. A painting or a knitted tapestry. As a child, the redhead never thought shed ever see a sight like this.
She grew up in the slums of Viechester. Raised by a [Priest] and a prostitute, all she ever heard were stories of what could possibly be seen beyond the banclite walls of her city. Her fascination with these sights and stories was what drove her to be an adventurer, and it was only possible with joining the Valiant Dreamers Company.
It had changed the trajectory of everything shed done and would do for the rest of her life. Rising up from a lowly Silver Ranked to bing a Gold was one of the most grueling experiences ever, yet it was rewarding and cathartic. She found a ce where she belonged. She made friends she otherwise wouldnt have made. From Hadrian to Celine, to the ones whod passed. Like Paige and Paul.
Even Salvos and Daniel Edithe would never have met either of the two if not for joining the Valiant Dreamers Company. It was suffice to say, she was genuinely fond of herpany. That was why when Hadrian asked her why she was so aggressive to Jake earlier today, her answer was simple.
Because hes a fucking asshole.
Youve already said that three times, Edithe.
That doesnt make it any less true.
She shrugged. Edithe nced past Hadrian. The man was standing right by the balcony door. Inside was Salvos room. Daniel, Zin Norwood, Crocus Merryster, and Amanda were in there, probably sleeping. They were taking turns in keeping watch and it was currently Edithe and Hadrians shift.
I get your sentiment, Edithe. I really do.
The man sighed as he strode forward and leaned against the balcony.
This is my fatherspany. I, too, feel the need to defend it when others unfairly criticize it. Jake may be an asshole, but some of what he says is right, you know?
So you do agree hes an asshole.
Edithe gave Hadrian a t stare. He shifted back, sputtering.
Thats
I get what youre saying.
She chuckled and waved a hand off. Then she cast her gaze away from the city. Beyond the translucent dome shielding it was an encampment. Well, there were multiple encampments. But the one she looked at was full of adventurers. A coalition. Multiple coalitions, now that the other Honorable Companies were here.
I know I already told you this, but you cant just let others walk all over you like Jakes been doing. Youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Youve got to act like it, Hadrian.
He didnt reply. His grip on the balconys railings only tightened. Edithe ced a hand over his and smiled.
Look, youre still new to being a leader, I know. And a lot has happened. You havent even been able to properly process your grief before being thrust to your position. Thats why Im here to help you. Thats why the Valiant Dreamers Company stuck by you. We trust you, alright?
Hadrian stared at her. She met his gaze, speaking clearly. He didnt reply immediately. In fact, he looked rather ufortable. She peered forward curiously, and he bit his lower lip.
I
He trailed off. It looked like Hadrian wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, he straightened and changed the subject.
How do you think the Elites are doing?
Hadrian
Edithe opened her mouth, then shook her head.
Theyll be fine, Hadrian. Im sure they know what theyre doing. Theyre Elites, after all.
She spoke reassuringly and drew back. Hadrian raised his head and stared out into the distance.
I sure hope so
The Demons had sessfully sprung a trap on the Elites. Alder Ashford, Laux Lionfist, Scarlet Vermillion, and Peris Dolonia were trapped in a ss-like dome in Gs Grand Skill. They couldnt break free, and the Archdemons were free to siege Alyras and steal the Crown of Alexander.
This had been a gambit, and it didnt pay off. Only Orgaf and Helena Warshade could now act. And standing in their path was a seventh Demon. This one, far stronger than the others.
I am Ira, the greatest of the Dukes and Duchesses. I shall be your opponent, Humans.
[Cambion - Lvl. 155]
The red-skinned Demon was massive. He was as big as Avaritia had been as an [Arachne]. Perhaps slightly bigger, ounting only for heigh. His shoulders were so broad, and his chin pushed out over his front teeth. A pair of tusks protruded out and up, although they probably werent used for fighting due to how they were angled.
His wings were massive, but they werent quite proportional to the size of his body. It just didnt look like to Orgaf. He hefted a club over his back and grinned.
Whats wrong, Humans? Are you afraid? Dont worry, I will make this quick.
Iraughed, and Orgaf narrowed his eyes. The [Rogue] exchanged a nce with Helena Warshade and shook his head.
We need to deal with this Demon quickly.
Agreed.
She nodded as he moved. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] slipped into the shadows as the Great Tempest Archmage unleashed a st of lightning. There was a crack. A sh of blue lightning. It struck the red-skinned Demon, engulfing the area in smoke as Orgaf leapt out of the darkness.
Heshed out with both his des at once.
[Dark Backstab]!
He shredded through the red-skinned Demons skin. Ira yelled in pain as his body was burned before being cut up by Orgaf. The [Rogue] smirked as he pulled back.
Hows that
And a giant red hand grabbed onto him before he could recede into the shadows.
What?
Youre too slow.
Ira bared his teeth back at Orgaf before swinging down with his giant club. A dark aura wreathed around the dull weapon, and the Human man raised both his daggers to block it. The impact knocked the [Rogue] straight back to Helena, and she caught him with a gust of wind and set him down.
Orgafs brows snapped together as he looked up. The dust settled, and he frowned.
How is he still standing?
The [Nightcrawler Shadower] couldve sworn he left a nasty wound with his Skill on the Demon. And Helenas own lightning strike mustve dealt a bit of damage too. Yet, when Ira stepped forward, the Demon was only burned. He didnt have any cut on his back. His skin, however, was still slightly burned.
Hmph, did you think that was enough to stop me?
Raising a hand, the burn marks on Ira rapidly vanished, seemingly gathered at his arm. Then, that too, disappeared as a ball of crackling electricity appeared at the palm of his hand.
Please, Im sure you Human Elites can do better than that!
The Demon hurled the lightning bolt forward. It arced out just like Helenas spell. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy stared in shock for a moment, utterly befuddled.
How is he
She bit her lip, cutting herself off. Bringing her staff up, she created a wind barrier and blocked her own spell. The shockwave nearly knocked Orgaf off his feet. He steadied himself and clicked his tongue. Helena Warshade emerged from the smoke and called out to Orgaf.
This has to be a Grand Skill. That Demon is healing from every attack we throw at it by returning it to us.
I noticed.
He eyed Ira, watching as the giant Demon slowly lumbered forward. The [Rogue] had thought that this had been a bit too simple. That Ira had kept his guard down too much. But it was obvious why now.
The red-skinned Demon tilted his head, asking.
Whats wrong, Humans? Are you scared?
Orgaf cursed and turned to Helena.
We just have to finish this Demon off before he regenerates
No.
She cut him off, shaking her head. Orgaf blinked.
What?
We arent going to be doing anything. I shall deal with this Demon. You do whatever you can to stop the others from reaching Alyras. Youre the only one fast enough capable of doing this.
He opened his mouth to protest, then caught himself. Helena was right. She was the more experienced adventurer here, and more importantly, she could deal with Ira faster than he could. Meanwhile, Orgaf would just have to catch up and dy those other Demons for her to arrive.
There really was no time to argue, and her logic made sense. Nodding, Orgaf began to slip back into the shadows. Ira roared, rushing forward.
I will not let you
But a storm of lightning bolts halted his advance. Orgaf watched as the [Cambion] returned fire as his body healed quickly. But the [Rogue] didnt stay to watch. He had a job to do, and he was going to do it.
Orgaf gave chase to the other Archdemons, heading for Alyras.
We need to hurry.
Iivor called out as Gloria trailed behind. Desidia and Avaritia, too, were ahead of her. The pink-skinned Demon hated using her Grand Skill. Each time it was cast, shed lose ten levels. She could sacrifice her ss levels instead of her Subspecies when using it, but shed used it so often her ss was now on the verge of dropping below Level 100.
Without her ss at Level 100, she wouldnt have her second Grand Skill. It annoyed her, but she had no choice. That Thief Orgaf had caught her off guard. And now she couldnt save her Grand Skill for sieging the city. With a cooldown of one week, she wouldnt get a second chance if something were to happen to her.
And, as much as she hated to admit it, that was entirely possible when facing an army of hundreds of thousand.
Alyras was surrounded by multiple coalitions of Human armies. And these werent just some weak militia. There were very many high-leveled individuals mixed in too. One mistake, and Gloria could lose her life to some nameless Humans.
Honestly, shed much have rather continued fighting the Elites. She really wanted to get back at that bastard, Orgaf, for what he did to her. But, instead, she had no choice but to continue on with the n.
When Iivor says we need to hurry, he means you, Gloria. Youre way too slow. What happened?
Avaritia snickered as he turned to face Gloria. He was walking backwards, his legs a blur, yet he was much faster than her. She red at him.
Dont forget that the only reason youre faster than me is thanks to those boots, Avaritia.
Dont care, didnt ask.
She gritted her teeth, but didnt indulge in his annoying remarks. Instead, Gloria looked past the [Changeling] and towards Iivor at the front.
Where is G? She should be with us, but I dont see her.
Iivor answered, ncing back.
She went to get Lubid. They will begin the siege on Alyras without us. They shall be the distraction, and we will get the Crown of Alexander.
Gloria frowned. She remembered the roles being reversed. Yet, now, the n had changed when she was dead? Was it because she had lost ten levels? That irked her.
But I thought
She started. But the ground exploded as hundreds of shadowed figures rose from the darkness. Glorias eyes widened as she leapt out of the way of a shadow boar. A volley of shadowed projectiles crashed near herpanions as she looked up.
Whats going on?
Iivor yelled as he created a barrier, guarding both him and Desidia. Avaritia managed to evade the shadowed figures himself, countering and destroying a shadowed Human with ease.
This is the Thief of the Golden Scales! He followed us here!
Gloria yelled out as she unleashed a salvo of red beams, destroying the shadows with ease. Avaritia cursed.
What? Wasnt Ira supposed to deal with any stragglers?
Seems like he failed.
Her eyes narrowed as she spotted an odd shadow of the bunch. She pointed at it, sting it with her beams. But it dove out of the way. Orgafnded and met her gaze as his Skill slowly ended.
Its this annoying fast bastard.
Avaritia scowled, and Gloria tilted her head at him. Sneering, she spoke simply.
Whats wrong? Cant handle this Human?
She chuckled as he growled at her. Shaking her head, Gloria raised her arms in the air and faced Orgaf.
Go, I shall deal with this Human.
Iivor didnt protest. He knew better than to argue with her once her mind was made up. He nodded and gestured for Desidia and Avaritia to follow.
Come on. Lets go!
Orgafnded right before Gloria as she met his gaze. He looked past her, watching the other Demons leave, but she drew his attention was a small beam. He deflected it with his dagger.
Eyes here, Human. Or else youll die.
She brought her hands together as she whispered.
[Breath of the World, Strands of the Arcane
Orgaf paused. His eyes went round as he gasped.
This is
Thats right, Human. She knew hed already exhausted his Grand Skill. But her? She still had a second one in her pockets. And just as he used his to deal with her in moments, she was going to do the same with him.
The Human rushed forward, but it was toote. She pointed at him as a crimson ball of energy formed at her fingertips, taking the shape of a sphererger than herself.
[Unleash Your Terror, and From the Ashes, Only I Shall Rise]!
All at once, thousands of red beams shot out, raining down at him. Enough to destroy an entire city on its own. A barrage that continued, and would continue, as she cackled madly, devastating thendscape, sting the Human before he could get out of the way.
Nows your turn to die, mortal!
Sheughed as her Grand Skill continued on, and Orgaf, even with all his speed, was caught in its sights.
Chapter 412: Nightcrawler Shadower
Chapter 412: Nightcrawler Shadower
412. Nightcrawler Shadower
Nows your turn to die, mortal!
Glorias Grand Skillshed out thousands of thin pink beams, all at once, pouring out in a deluge like thin string being woven by a master artisan as they spread out. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] barely reacted in time. He leapt back, deflecting a few of the oing beams before sprinting away from this grand salvo.
It ripped apart the earth, tearing apart trees and shredding the grass and the dirt. It covered the sky and cast a nket of shadow over thendscape. The [Rogue] was fast. He managed to gain some distance from it, but the Grand Skill didnt stop.
The pink-skinned Demonughed as she raised her hand, pointing her hand towards the sky.
You can try to run, little Human! But you wont get away! Ill destroy this entire forest if it means killing you!
Orgafs eyes widened as the barrage of attacks grew in intensity. She lit up the night sky, turning the dark blue dome pink, painting it into her own world of death and destruction. The attacks soared past the [Rogue], cutting him off as it blew up a thicket just ahead of him, arcing back in his direction.
He didnt stop. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] pressed on, disappearing into a ball of shadow in the earth, charging straight into the devastation ahead. The shower of glinting projectiles concentrated on his shadow, even as he moved swiftly around the sts and around the craters. Even in this ethereal form, Orgaf could still be hurt and killed. It was just harder to actually damage him this way.
Yet, still, a sharp pain echoed on his side as his shadow was knocked into the air like a solid ck blob of liquid. He wanted to curse to scream. But all that came out were whispers from the shadows. He knew this barrage of magic wouldnt subside anytime soon. The only way to stop it was by cutting it off at the source.
Gloriaughed in glee as she floated a hundred feet in the air, her hands raised to the sky.
Whats wrong? I thought you were supposed to be fast! Run, Human, run!
Fucking psycho. He exploded back out of that ethereal shadow form, leaping into the air through a clearing where there were no beams threading after him. He hurled one of his daggers forward, and it zipped straight for the Demon.
She narrowed her eyes and scoffed.
Do you really think that would reach me?
The magical projectiles shifted, changing direction to strike down the dagger before it got to her. But Orgaf danced back as he strummed his fingers in the air. A thin thread of darkness connected his fingertips to the daggers hit, and he guided the small weapon through the hail of magic with ease. Gloria frowned, watching it reach her. She tilted her head to the side as it whizzed by her.
Good trick, but that wont
She started, and Orgaf didnt let her finish. He released the shadow string and whispered under his breath.
[Leap of Darkness].
What?
The Demon froze as Orgaf tossed his other dagger and vanished. It was obvious what happened. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] emerged from his first daggers own shadow. She was in the midst of turning her head as he grabbed the weapon and swung for her neck.
She barely moved out of the way or so she thought. His des shadow struck her, drawing blood as she screamed in pain.
You bastard!
Gloria pulled back as ck blood dripped from her neck. A deep wound. One that would kill most Humans. But she was a Demon, and Orgaf had learned from his encounter with Belzu that such injuries were considered shallow for their kind.
The Archdemon pointed at him as her Grand Skill continued its salvo. Orgaf himself parried a dozen of the pink beams with the Greaves of Alexander, deflecting them in a hurricane of kicks and sending the magical sts back towards her. She screamed as she was inundated by her own magic, no way to guard against it.
With a click of her tongue, she pulled her hands back and put an end to her Grand Skill. Instead, she poured her magic into creating a barrier. One that managed to hold up against the brief onught of magical attacks.
Orgaf was already falling as he clutched onto a single de when she lowered the red sphere around her. She stared down at him, surveying the ravaged battlefield. He smirked at her as he flipped through the air,nded at the bottom of a crater she created.
You damned rat! Dont think you''ve won this fight with that!
You know, youre more right than you think you are.
His eyes flickered, looking past the Demon. She blinked and raised her head. Her eyes went wide as she saw a small shadow looming over her.
No
His second dagger came flying for her, spinning at an angle too slow to actually catch her off guard. But Gloria wasnt a fool. She learned and adapted. She readied for Orgaf to emerge from the des shadow by creating another spherical barrier.
But he didnt pop out. She waited, only to watch the dagger miss herpletely. The Demon narrowed her eyes and looked back down, but Orgaf was gone.
Where is he?
She cast her gaze around the battlefield, only to find the craters and senseless destruction she had left behind. A moving shadow caught her attention as she looked towards the horizon. Gloria saw the briefest inklings of the sun just barely beginning to rise into the sky. But more importantly, a dark figure moved, heading for Alyras.
And it clicked in her head, what had happened.
He tricked me again. That Human tricked me a second time!
Gloria cursed as she lowered her shield. First, with his fake Grand Skill trick. Now with this? She knew he was going to stall the others. Well she was wrong.
Just as the barrier vanished, Orgaf emerged from her shadows. Her eyes went wide as he struck up with the Greaves of Alexander.
You were a fool to face me alone, Demon!
He yelled as he smashed into her side, breaking her left arm with an iridescent sh. Gloria yelped in pain, and he followed up with a second and third strike. She tried to conjure up a barrier, but he flipped around and jammed a dagger into her chest.
She froze as she stared down at the de, impaling her the same way it had before. Her eyes darted up as Orgafs second dagger went flying back towards him. She knew what woulde next, and he grinned.
After all, I had already won when I killed you the first time around.
I
Gloria could barely move her mouth. The world seemed to slow as Orgaf reached for his second de, ready to decapitate her once again. It was hubris that led to this. Her folly in thinking that she could seed where she failed twice before, even though she was weaker now.
Quite fitting for her, an Archdemon of Pride. She closed her eyes and sighed, epting her fate.
I wont die alone, Human.
But even then, Gloria didnt give in in killer her opponent. Grabbing Orgaf, she held onto his arm tight as her eyes shone. Her body glowed, radiating a bright crimson, and he frantically swung for her head.
[Fulmination of the Arcane Soul]
The Demons head went flying again, but it was toote. Orgaf pulled back as a crimson st engulfed him. A bright light that vaporized everything it touched. For once, the [Nightcrawler Shadower] found an attack he couldnt escape, and he only said a single word.
Fuck
Iivor halted as he saw the sh light up the dark sky. It wasnt day not just yet. Even as the sun eked closer to the horizon. Yet, for a moment, it grew as bright as day, even where the three Archdemons were.
Desidia raised a brow and nced back.
Thats Gloriasst resort Skill, isnt it? Do you guys think shes losing?
She probably bit the dust. Idiot didnt know when she met her match. Shes too prideful for that.
Avaritia snorted as he turned away from the explosion. A shockwave rippled over the nds below them like a wave washing over the tall grass. Iivor shook his head and spoke in a reproaching tone.
Thats enough, Avaritia. Gloria stayed back to hold off the Thief of the Golden Scales for us. Let us not speak ill of her, whether she seeded or failed.
The yellow-skinned Demon looked ahead towards a city in the distance. Still a speck. Covered by a flickering dome. He watched as the barrier surrounding Alyras fell a momentter as a ck pir of me spiraled up into the sky.
Come on, Libid and G have begun their siege. It is time for us to do our part.
And they flew for the defenseless city. Three Archdemons. Each as strong as an Elite. With no one powerful enough to stop them from iming the Crown of Alexander. It was going to be a ughter.
And as the sun rose over the horizon and morning came, I woke up.
Chapter 413: Beginning of the Fall of Alyras
Chapter 413: Beginning of the Fall of Alyras
413. Beginning of the Fall of Alyras
I woke up to the sound of high-pitched whining. My eyes blinked open as I craned my neck and cast my gaze around therge tent. I was in my Wyvern form at the moment even if Novis, Bellum, and Oriur were used to my real self now, they still preferred it when I took on a more familiar body.
It wasnt something I cared about that much. Sure, I was happiest when I was my true self, but even then my body changed with each evolution I got. Sometimes, even a new Skill would make some changes to my appearance. It was as though I didnt actually have a true body in that sense.
So, I was fine with being a Wyvern for the Wyvern babies. I was also happy to oblige to the [Lion Beastman] cubs who liked it when I took them on rides. Although that attracted the attention of others such as Minnow Fellingchamp, Tuktox and even Guruz from the Grave Hill Tribe. They all wanted to take turns to experience what it was like to fly even though they never asked for a ride once when I wasnt in my Wyvern form. I found that weird. It was almost like they didnt care so much about flying, as much as they wanted to be on the back of an aerial Wyvern.
Anyway, I stopped obliging them a day ago. It had been three days since I dealt with that annoying [Witch], and I felt that I had spent enough time here. All in all, I was quite happy with my stay, especially since I managed to get Novis, Bellum, and Oriur to make friends. Now, it was time for us to leave.
Unfortunately, it seemed like the Wyvern babies had grown too attached to Mountaintooth, Sharpbraid, and Amberarm. Their whining woke me up as they hugged my tail, tears streaming down their cheeks.
Do we have to go, mom? Can we stay, please?
Novis begged me as Bellum nodded in agreement.
Pleeeeaase?
She stared at me with round eyes. Oriur didnt say anything tooprehensible. Even with [Universal Language Comprehension], what came out was a babble sounds that barely had any meaning.
Garbrghidontwanttograaaahhpweaaaase
I rolled my eyes as I plucked the baby Wyverns off my tail. They looked pleadingly at me, but I lowered them to the ground with a snort.
We cant stay here forever.
Why not?
The three of them asked at the same time. I shook my head as I lumbered out of the tent.
Because the longer we stay here, the less youll want to leave.
And?
They stared at me, still confused as to why that was a problem. I sighed.
I have responsibilities. I need to keep my promises to mypanions and to myself, alright?
For a moment, it looked like Novis, Bellum, and Oriur understood what I was talking about. But they just tilted their heads and parroted themselves.
Pleeeeease?
I stared at them sternly and spoke with finality in my voice.
No.
Aww
They groaned. I stepped out of the tent, casting my gaze around the Furious Whispers Tribe. Tuktox was already waiting for me, seated at a nearby rock. He got to his feet, helped by a few other elders, hobbling over until he was at my legs. He craned his neck up almost looking like his back was about to break just to meet my gaze.
Avenger
He started, and I saved him the trouble by lowering my face until it was on the ground.
Yes?
I blinked at him. He cleared his throat as a relieved expression crossed through his face.
Avenger, once again, our tribe owes you a great debt. If, at any point, you require our aid for whatever reason, do not hesitate toe to us. We will do whatever we can to help you.
I waved a wed hand dismissively as my wings pped, attached to my arm.
Sure, it was no problem. I managed to test out the Sword of Alexander anyway. Did you know? Mythic Grade Weapons are strong? I never wouldve thought that!
The eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe hesitated. He exchanged a nce with one of the other elder [Ape Beastmen] supporting him before turning my way.
Avenger, with all due respect, I believe that that is a given
I know, I know!
I chuckled and drew back.
I was being sarcastic, yknow? Anyway, I appreciate it. No we appreciate it.
I set down the three baby Wyverns before Tuktox and bowed their heads for them.
Say thank you to Tuktox!
Grrrr!
They chorused. Sadly, they still couldnt speak. Tuktox just nodded at them before facing me again.
Safe travels, to all of you.
I was just about to leave, but I spotted a small figure approaching me. Minnow Fellingchamp strutted forward. The Elf stood out like a sore thumb or rather, he didnt stand out. He was quite short. Almost like a half Human. But he was an Elf.
Daniel found Elves being short to be weird. I didnt get what his issue was. In any case, Minnow Fellingchamp wasnt alone. He ushered forward three little cubs. Young [Lion Beastmen] who stepped forward hesitantly, not sure whether they should interrupt the talking adults.
Go on.
Minnow urged them forward. Mountaintooth, Sharpbraid, and Amberarm walked past the other Beastmen adults. They looked towards the three baby Wyverns at my feet. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur leapt forward, already bawling.
Grrrr! Grrrr! Grrrr!
They hugged the [Lion Beastman] cubs, refusing to let go. I expected Mountaintooth and the others to be crying as well, but they werent. After all, they were not babies like the Wyverns. They were cubs young, yes, but still mature enough to understand when it was time to say goodbye.
They held their cool as the baby Wyverns cried and cried, not saying anything sensible even to my ears. It was only when Novis calmed slightly, did Mountaintooth grab him by the shoulders and meet his gaze.
Lets y again!
The [Lion Beastman] cub smiled at Novis. The baby Wyvern froze. His crying stopped. Slowly, he wiped away his tears and nodded.
Grr!
He agreed. My lips curled up as I watched the scene. Then I turned my gaze to the small figure approaching me. Minnow Fellingchamp bowed his head respectfully.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Avenger. Truly, this may have been but a brief encounter for the both of us, but I wish you the best, and I do hope our path crosses again in the future.
Yep! Youre a cool guy, Minnow!
I gave him a thumbs-up even though I didnt really have thumbs as a Wyvern. He chuckled and drew back. With all the farewells said and done, I scooped up Novis, Bellum, and Oriur before taking off to the sky. The baby Wyverns werent crying anymore, but their gaze was fixed on the earth below.
I nced back once and waved at the Beastmen, before focusing on the glinting orb waiting for me.
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 136]
Are we ready, Willy?
I looked towards my friend. Mypanion, at this point. He didnt have a face, but even without any facial expression I could still tell when he was going to reply with a quip.
Are you?
Ill take that as a yes.
I looked back down at the baby Wyverns and grinned.
Hold on tight, were going to be flying back home!
Well, it wasnt really my home. And there wasnt much of a home to return to for the baby Wyverns since I caused thatndslide with the Sword of Alexander. But maybe it was finally time to bring them into Alyras to meet Daniel and Edithe once again. Clear up their previous animosity.
I couldnt wait to introduce them to Saffron and Rana too. And all my other friends. I just hoped nothing bad happened while I was gone.
With that thought, I flew towards the rising sun.
Their ns had changed. It was a sudden,st-moment change. But G knew they had no other choice. Two factors came into y here the first being Glorias death. While the Archdemon of Pride had survived thanks to her Grand Skill, she had be seriously debuffed. Her task to distract the surrounding armies around Alyras would be too daunting for her at her weakened state.
After all, five levels were a lot to lose.
But what was even more important was the fact that the Human Elites had brought one of the Treasures of Alexander with them. That changed things. G herself wasnt sure what the Greaves of Alexander could do, but that changed things.
If the Elites broke free from her barrier and it was very much a possibility with a Mythic Grade artifact in y then they could break the siege of Alyras before the Demons found the Crown of Alexander. She even doubted Iras ability to slow them down, with a Mythic Grade artifact on their side. Their n would be ruined if the Elites reached Alyras before the Crown of Alexander was acquired.
Now, if G remained outside, she could have a good overview of the battlefield. Shed be able to employ a quick retreat if necessary by teleporting everyone out, so there was no need for any unnecessary casualties. And the Archdemon of Gluttony knew that there was likely going to be casualties here.
She fully expected Gloria to perish in battle at her current state. Avaritia could make another mistake too. As could Desidia. She hoped Iivor would keep them in line, but for now, she needed to focus on keeping herself alive.
G nodded at herpanion. A [Jinn]. Libid. He floated down with her towards the city, halting right before the domed barrier set up by Helena Warshade. It was a powerful barrier indeed. Set up by an Elite, and empowered by the [Mages] within. The only problem was that it was hastily erected and thus could be dismantled just as easily.
Do it.
The [Fiend] gave the order. Libid didnt reply as he brought his ethereal hands up. His misty form quivered as wisps of ck smoke trailed off him into a ck shroud. A crimson re pierced through darkness, and a hollow voice whispered out.
[mes of Hell].
As a [Jinn], he barely had a physical form half the time. However, it always looked vaguely like a typical [Fiend]. But whenever he cast this Skill, he took the form of a terrible creature. A kind of Demon which even G would flee from. A thing of many teeth and many eyes. With jagged barbs poking out in odd angles as the midsection of its body opened up to reveal a fleshy within.
A deluge of ck mes poured out like a sea of Demons blood. But one that burned everything it touched. It was like acid or magma. Bits of ck me sparked out as it touched the translucent dome. For a moment, nothing happened as this dark liquid fire continued to pour out.
Then Libid closed his body. His figure blurred for a moment before he returned to his normal form. And then the liquid fire erupted.
All at once, with the force of a volcano, a pir of ck fire shot into the air. It shredded apart the barrier, burning through the citys walls and wreaking havoc into the nearby buildings. Its heat melted the sidewalks of the closest blocks as screams of terror and fear echoed in the night.
Even G found the intensity of Libids ck mes overwhelming, having shielded herself with a quick fractal barrier. The [Jinn] lowered his head and turned back to the [Fiend].
It has been done.
Good.
G gave him an approving look. Then her eyes flickered. She looked down as a speeding arrow shot up to her glinting in the night. With the wave of her hand, a portal appeared and it vanished. Frowning, the Archdemon of Gluttony stared towards the distant adventurer encampment as figures began to sally forth en masse.
Nowes the hard part.
She spoke simply, spreading her arms wide. Hundreds of projectiles soon began to fly through the air as portals and fractal shields appeared all around her, marking the start of her battle.
Edithe Dawnrise watched from the balcony in horror as the ck mes ripped apart the barrier before incinerating a portion of the city. The sheer scale of the destruction made it clear: the Archdemons had won. They were here.
Wake up the others!
She turned to Hadrian, and he nodded. He ran back inside as she reached for her Bag of holding. The former [Summoner] produced a horn and blew on it. Its call resounded throughout Alyras its sound echoed through the night, waking up all those whod been asleep and alerting them of this threat. But more importantly, it was a cry for help.
Please, Salvos Edithe pleaded as she watched the battle from a distance the explosions and sts as an army engaged with two floating figures. And she hoped the silver-haired Demon would make it in time.
Unfortunately for her, another Demon heard the call.
Iivor raised his head as he arrived at the city. His eyes narrowed, fixing on the source of the horned call. Even from afar, he could see clearly. And what he saw piqued his interest. Turning to Avaritia and Desidia, he spoke simply.
I believe we found the first ce to investigate.
With that, the three Archdemons entered Alyras, hiding under the guise of the battle.
Chapter 414: What the Horn Called
Chapter 414: What the Horn Called
414. What the Horn Called
Saffron Merryster cast her gaze over the healing wards, looking at all the injured figures strewn about like it was a medical tent in the middle of a warzone. There were so many men and women whod been hurt during the various attacks by the Archdemons over thest week. So many people Saffron knew too.
Healing potions could recover simple wounds, of course. But these were grievous injuries. Dismemberments. People whod lost limbs or suffered deep gashes that would otherwise have killed them gathered here en masse, recovering, resting, or some even dying.
There werent many high-leveled [Alchemists] in Alyras. Some were visiting for the Conference of Alyras, and they worked overtime to produce as many Potions of Regeneration as they could. Unfortunately, it wasnt easy to acquire all the resources necessary to mass produce such a high grade potion.
And these Potions of Regeneration were prioritized for either the highest-leveled individuals or those who wouldnt make it. Saffron didnt like the fact that those who werent at a certain level couldnt receive the same treatment as others but she understood why that was the case. Regardless, understanding the ethics and necessity of how [Healing Mages] conduct their work wasnt why Saffron was here.
What did you need my help for again, Saffron?
Rana Alyras, princess of Alyras, asked. Shed apanied Saffron here at thetter girls behest, but just being in this room of injured men and women alone made her ufortable. Rana clearly averted her gaze fromying sight onto anything too gorey.
Just follow my lead. I need to get into that room.
Saffron pointed at a door up ahead. It was guarded by two soldiers both from Alyras. Theyd refused the pink-haired noble entry before, so she resorted to abusing her friends. Or the friends of her friends.
She wasnt too close with Rana Salvos was much closer with the princess. But they were acquainted with each other. So, Rana acquiesced and started through the hall until they reached the room. The guards exchanged a nce.
Was there something you needed, princess?
I need to, uh, enter the room. My father asked me to carry out a task for him.
Rana stumbled over her words, but she got the point across. Saffrons heart raced in her chest, hoping the ploy worked out. The guards nodded and pulled the door open, letting them in.
Saffron wanted to sigh in relief as she stepped inside. Now, I just need to She paused as she stared at the empty bed in the center of the room. That wasnt right. She turned to the [Healing Mage] who was supposed to be tending to the patient inside, and he was tied to a chair with his mouth and his hands bound.
Mmph!
He spoke in a muffled voice. Saffron blinked a few times as Rana gasped. The princess ran forward, quickly removing the cloth gagging his mouth. The two guards huddled behind her with wide eyes.
What happened?
Asked the princess. Saffron could already guess, and the [Healing Mage] panted. He opened his mouth.
She
But before he could answer, the city shook. A rumbling ran across the pce, knocking Rana off her feet. Saffron caught her and narrowed her eyes.
Whats going on?
Alyras is under attack!
Zack leapt out of his tent, spellbook in hand, as he heard the shouts and screams echo throughout the encampment. Hed already been jolted awake when he heard the explosion, but the moring forced him forward, bringing him to action with haste.
His team Jaakko and Helen were already were already waiting for him. The Cyclops only needed his kusarigama to fight, and Helen slept with her bow and arrows within reaching distance. Zack was a [Mage], so he was a step slower than them, but now they were all prepared.
Whats going on? Whos attacking the city?
He cast his gaze around the adventurer coalition encampment. He could make a guess in fact, there was a high likelihood his assumption was correct. However, he didnt want it to be true. Unfortunately, he was right.
The Archdemons.
Jaakko spoke in a dour voice, gaze fixed on the two specks flying through the dim sky. Helen pursed her lips as her grip on her bow tightened.
How were they able to breach the barrier? Where are the Elites?
No one knows.
The Cyclops shook his head and hefted his kusarigama as its chains jangled behind him. Stepping forward, he ushered Zack and Helen after him.
But we have a job to do.
Zack hesitated, looking up as a pir of ck mes crashed from the sky. The explosion shook the earth, nearly knocking the man off his feet. There were hundreds of thousands of both adventurers and soldiers from other armies gathered here. These two Demons they would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Especially since there were many high-leveled individuals too.
If this was a militia of only low-leveled men and women, Zack didnt doubt that theyd be utterly ughtered. But these Demons didnt stand a chance. Not against all the Diamonds and tinums gathered alongside the armies. Yet
Wisps of ck me swarmed the ins below. Like locusts. Little specks and motes that flew in a frenzy, a ck nket of death enveloping the armies. A [Jinn] flew at the heart of this firestorm, unleashing his fiery gue into the masses of Humans below.
Next to him, fissures in space rapidly opened and closed in a sphere around a blurred figure. A rotund [Fiend] blinked in and out of existence at regr, set intervals as she redirected the salvo of spells and projectiles flying her way back where they came.
Zack couldnt help but shudder at the sight. Still, he drew forward with the rest of his team. They had to fight. They couldnt shy away from this battle. They exited the encampment with the rush of adventurers, converging on the two Demons.
He felt his heart racing his nerves acting up. But he knew they could win. Logically speaking, they could win. His reasonable side was only emboldened when he saw a one-handed man dressed in silver armor step forward. The adventurers cheered, watching the one-handed man raise a de in the air.
I am Marwin!
He bellowed a challenge to the Demons.
The Silver Swordsman! A Level 141 [Warrior]!
His words echoed throughout the battlefield. Louder than even the explosions and sts resounding in the distance. Zack didnt exactly like the man, but he was d Marwin was on their side right now. Surely hell be able to put up a good fight against the Archdemons, the [Mage] thought.
Marwins de shone as he swung in the air, sending a ripple up at the Demons. The [Fiend]s gaze snapped his way as he continued shouting.
Come down here and face me in battle, you cowardly De
His voice was cut out. Zack blinked. The cheering stopped. The adventurers watched as the Silver Swordsman reappeared a thousand feet in the air, falling and screaming in terror. The [Fiend] lowered her hand and scoffed.
Idiot.
Zack could see her mouth the word, even from down here, thanks to his Enhanced Sight spell. And his spirit his certainty that they would triumph over these Demons faltered.
Daniel Song started awake from the chaos and moring. He heard the booming explosion his mind reeled as he tried to process what Hadrian was yelling. Then he heard the deep, resounding call of a horn. One that reverberated throughout the entirety of the pce. Its magical ring rumble through the city of Alyras, overshadowing the echoes of battle for just a brief moment as it traveled far throughout the Helbir ins.
That snapped the young man from Earth to reality. He immediately understood the situation and got to his feet. Drawing his Primordial Longsword, he stepped up past the confused Zin Norwood and Crocus Merryster, ignoring Amandas annoyed interrogation of Hadrian, before reaching the red-haired woman waiting in the balcony.
He stared past her for a second, seeing the explosions and projectiles flying high in the distance. A [Jinn] and a [Fiend] circled through the morning sky as an army converged on their location. No multiple armies. And at the level they were? It was ridiculous. Even two Elite Ranked adventurers shouldnt be able to win against them.
Yet, these Demons were evidently stronger than the Elite Ranked adventurers. Here they were, alive, while Helena Warshade, Orgaf, and the other Elites were not.
Edithe gritted her teeth and nced back his way.
What do we do, Daniel?
She asked, already holding onto the Primordial Staff.
Do you think Salvos heard the call?
Daniel didnt know. He had a feeling an inkling of an idea. Perhaps it was simply his cynical side talking. And he didnt want to acknowledge it, nor did he want to voice those thoughts.
I dont know. But we need to prepare.
He shook his head and spun around. He strode back into the room as Edithe followed. The balcony door closed,tching shut as the enchanted protections activated. He didnt say anything. But he saw all the faces looking at him expectantly. From Zin to Crocus to Amanda to Edithe to Hadrian.
He stood there the one entrusted with the Crown of Alexander. A [Hero], although not a lot of people knew it. It was up to him to decide what happened now. He had gathered the strongest people he knew, but now that didnt seem like it was enough. If those Demons got here, it would be a ughter.
Sighing, Daniel faced the room. All the pressure was on him, and he had to stayposed. So he did.
Lets stick to the n for now.
He lifted a little pen-like object for all to see.
As long as those Demons dont get to this Dimensional Storage Unit, the Crown of Alexander is safe. We just have to find a safe ce to hide and wait them out
Daniel spoke as Edithe raised her head. Her eyes flickered for a second before she dashed forward, cutting him off.
As long as we Edithe?
Get back!
The red-haired woman yelled as she stepped before the balcony. She mmed down her Primordial Staff, yelling as Crocus and Zin tensed.
[Shield of the Misty Lord]!
An ice wall formed against the balcony door as Daniel backed away. Zin Norwood swung her staff around the room as vines and thorns grew over the bodies of all those present. A kind of protective aura.
Before Daniel could even get a good look at this secondyer of natural armor hed been given, the [Shield of the Misty Lord] shattered the impact knocking Edithe back as a small figurended.
The Demon clinked together the boots on his feet, baring his teeth. He cast his gaze over the six Humans before him andughed.
Hey, Im Avaritia.
[Imp - Lvl 148]
Daniel raised his Primordial Longsword. Crocus brought up his shield as Amanda backed up warily. Hadrian helped Edithe back up to her feet, while Zin covered them. Avaritia shook his head.
Nice to kill ya!
And heshed out.
As Alyras descended into chaos, a Wyvern-like figure soared through the skies,ughing, unknowing, not hearing the horn shed bestowed upon herpanions. She wouldve continued flying at a cial pace for the sake of the babies she carried.
But then she slowed. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of a devastatedndscape. The babies gasped. The [Will O Wisp] hesitated. She narrowed her eyes and saw. At the heart of the destruction,y a body. One she recognized.
Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales.
And he was charred. Burnt. Left for dead at the bottom of a crater, unmoving.
Salvos was at his side in an instant.
Chapter 415: Round Two
Chapter 415: Round Two
415. Round Two
Nice to kill ya!
Avaritiaughed, followed by a clink like the ringing of a bell before his body blurred. Daniel barely saw the [Imp]-[Changeling] move. The young man backed up before his eyes grew wide. In an instant, the Demon was standing before him, swinging a wed hand for his face.
It was like time slowed. Daniel remembered being in this position before. Facing a different [Imp]. Hed almost died, then. The only thing that saved him was his Ring of Lesser Protection, then. He did have a Pendant of Greater Protection now. And there was that extrayer of armor that Zin had given him.
Yet he knew the [Hero] understood very clearly that he would die here if that w struck his face. But there was nothing he could do about it. Avaritia sneered as he followed through with his swing.
Goodbye, Human
Daniel!
Amanda moved. She was a [Rogue], and unlike Daniel, shed already seen the attacking. With a [Savage Step], she barely reached him in time, even though she only had to cross half the distance of Avaritia.
She brought up her double ded dagger just in time to block the attack. Yet, despite parrying the Demons ws, the impact sent her flying. Daniel grunted as she went flying back into him, the pair crashing into the enchanted wall and smashing open.
Theynded in the corridor outside of the room as guards came running down their way. Daniel got to his feet with a groan, watching the wheeling world steady as the fighting continued in the room.
Avaritia scoffed as he lowered his w.
Im surprised theres one of you who can keep up with
[Frostme Vortex]!
A gushing of ice and fire poured out in a concentrated spiraling motion towards the Demon. He vanished as the attack struck nothing but air, before reappearing where he was standing. He tilted his head back towards Edithe as she lowered her staff, wide-eyed. Avaritia grinned.
me.
He finished. Then he bared his teeth as the red-haired woman backed up. She whispered quietly, staff glinting brightly.
[Aura of Greater Protection].
A flicker overcame her as the [Imp]-[Changeling] rolled his eyes. He gestured at himself as Hadrian stepped in front of her.
Oh,e on. Do you really think thatll be enough to protect you from me? Ill break through that spell in a second.
Once again, there was a clink. His body blurred. Daniel got to his feet right as the Demon vanished. He cast his gaze around the inside of the room, blinking.
Whered that Demon go?
Amanda saw something the [Hero] couldnt, her eyes darting around the room as she tensed. Zin Norwood turned and raised her staff as Avaritia reappeared once more. The Archdemon wasughing as he sprinted up to Edithe and Hadrian.
Youre mine
[Tangle of Brambles]!
The [Druid] yelled as soon as the Demon stepped foot on the ground. Avaritia blinked as thorns grew out of the heel of his boots a snare that caught him by the legs, slowing his movement.
What the?
That surprised the [Imp]-[Changeling]. He blinked as he raised a leg, only for it to be yanked back down to the floor.
Now!
Zin yelled. Both Crocus Merryster and Hadrian. The two [Warriors] raised their respective des, nking the Demon.
[Sunder sh]!
[Valorous Charge]!
They swung for Avaritias head and feet. The [Imp]-[Changeling] clicked his tongue and leapt out of the way as the thorns tore open. The moment hended back on the marble floor, the snare caught him once again the vines and bramble regrowing and keeping him pinned.
This is annoying
[Ray of Retribution]!
Edithe caught him while his guard was down. She pointed his way as her spell shot out. A bright light that shed out, blinding Daniels vision as he stepped back into the room. A small st engulfed the Demon as everyone watched the smoke dissipate.
The red-haired woman lowered her staff, whispering.
Did it work?
Youd know if I died, dumbass.
A snort. Avaritia stepped out, his right arm covered with a few burn marks, but otherwise unharmed. He tugged hard with his feet, breaking the bindings from Zin, only for it to regrow.
It was really impeding his movements. He narrowed his eyes, and Amanda decided it was her time to strike. She sprinted up behind him, shing for his neck.
[Pinpoint Strike]
And the Demon caught it. Amanda blinked.
You
Come on, youve got to try harder than that.
Avaritia scoffed as he let go of the de. She yelled and unleashed a flurry of strikes at him.
[Charge of a Thousand des]!
The [Imp]-[Changeling] grinned, standing in ce, blocking each of her strikes with ease. Heughed as Amanda cursed, unable to strike him.
Whats wrong? Youre fast, but youre pretty weak, arent ya? Is that really all you got?
Daniel bit his lower lip, watching this. He looked on as Avaritia ducked under one of Amanda swings and without lifting his feet headbutted her. Amanda recoiled in pain, dropping her dagger.
The Demonughed as he stood there. And Daniel reached him a second after. Avaritia blinked and shook his head.
What are you going to do
[A Heros Rage]!
Daniel bellowed. Zin, Crocus, and Hadrian paused as they heard him call out his Skill. The [Hero] didnt care, lunging straight at the Demon as his body shed white. A radiant armor encased him and his de as he swung down. The giant glowing de crashed into the wooden boards, shattering the floor as the room copsed.
The entire floor fell into the one beneath. Daniel waited for the dust to settle before narrowing his eyes. He raised his head, looking around, but the Demon was gone. He hefted up his de.
Where
Above you!
Vines shot out as Zin Norwood yelled. It caught something floating above Daniel, and the young man looked up. Avaritia floated there, tangled in even more vines as he scowled.
Annoying [Druid].
He tore through it as he spun around. The Demon ran through the air towards her as she began to shift. Her body was morphing into a bestial form, but she was too slow. Crocus barred Avaritias path. The [Warrior] managed to swing once in the span it took the [Imp]-[Changeling] to dismantle his armor.
Amanda jumped in soon after, followed by Hadrian as Edithe supported them with a volley of spells. Zin finished transforming as Daniel charged into the fray. He barely dodged Amanda as she was thrown back, only to be struck by a flying Hadrian.
Even with all of them working together, it wasnt enough. This single Demon was overpowering them. Perhaps it was due to the Boots of Alexander, but Daniel knew they stood no chance. Something had to change.
Zin charged after the [Imp]-[Changeling]. She took on the form of a kind of bear. Except she had two heads and a scorpion-like tail. Avaritia dodged her swiping w and frowned.
So were showing off our transformations, huh? Well, what do you think of this
He sneered at her as his body shifted too. He took on the form of a [Hellbeast] and caught Zins tail. The Demon yanked her towards him andshed out with his teeth.
No
Crocus shouted. But he couldnt stop it in time. Avaritia ripped off one of Zins head as she went limp. He tossed her aside and kicked the other Vampire back. Daniel got back up and ran in, only to be barraged by a hundred strikes at once.
His glinting ethereal armor survived the onught, but it was dented and breaking now, with chinks and cracks forming over its surface. He was thrown back again as Avaritia just chuckled, avoiding another st of magic from Edithe.
Daniel rolled to a halt as he gritted his teeth. He got back up, ready to charge in once again even if it was fruitless. Even if his efforts would be in vain. But before he could take a step forward, a hand stopped him. Blinking, he turned around.
Who
Seems like you lot are having a bit of trouble. Need a hand?
It took the [Hero] a moment to register who he was staring at. She was a burly figure tall and built like a Cyclops. But she was Human. She flexed an arm as wraps of bandages peeled off her.
Hadrian stared at her. Even Edithe lowered her staff as she watched this neer join the fighting. Avaritia frowned, knocking Amanda back.
Why, look who it is!
He spread his arms wide. His voice was garbled and warped, but stillprehensible.
Lofus. The Broken Berserker of Bharain quite literally! Cause I remembered breaking you down quite badly thest time we fought.
Lofus tilted her head back at him. Crocus rushed to Zins side as the Elite stepped forward.
Oi, Demon. How about going for another scrap? I wasnt preparedst night, but Ill take you down for round 2.
What?
Daniel didnt believe what he was hearing. Was Lofus being serious? They could help her defeat this Demon. Why was she chasing them away? However, it seemed like that didnt matter to her. She nced back at Daniel and shook her head.
Get out of here, [Hero] boy. Leave this Demon to me.
Avaritia narrowed her eyes, and Daniel sputtered.
But
Youre protecting the Crown of Alexander, arent you? Helena sent me a message. Woke me up from a darn good nap. Told me to make sure you idiots dont lose it. So scram.
Lofus made a shoo-ing motion. The [Hero] still wanted to protest, but then she cracked her neck.
This [Changeling] aint the only Demon around here. Even if we can beat him together, once they show up, its game over. Go and hide. Keep the Crown of Alexander safe.
I
Daniel hesitated as the Broken Berserker of Bharain started forward. Avaritiaughed, nearly doubling over.
Ha! Beat me? Thats a good one.
She was right, though. There were other Demons running amok. A single victory like this didnt matter when they showed up. Daniel pursed his lips, and Amanda appeared next to him.
Lofus is right. We need to get out of here.
She was panting clearly exhausted. But shed done her fair share of fighting. Daniel had almost thought shed run away at the first sign of trouble, and yet she saved his life.
Amanda proffered the [Hero] a hand. And he sighed. He epted it and called out to the others.
Lets go!
Edithe helped Hadrian to his feet and hobbled over. But Crocus Merryster got up from next to Zins limp body. She was twitching slightly was she still alive? She did have two heads, but Daniel wasnt sure how that would work. Regardless, the Patriarch of the Merryster Family stood tall and raised his broadsword.
Ill stay and help Lofus.
The Berserker snorted.
Make sure you keep up. Because Im going to pummel this Demon to the ground if you dont.
Avaritia bared his teeth dangerously.
Well see about that.
A red aura wisped off Lofus as she charged at the Demon. Their sh shook the entire pce as Daniel, Edithe, Hadrian, and Amanda took off. They ran down the broken hallway, feeling the tremors from the battle between Elite and Archdemon. They caught glimpses of the war being waged beyond the city between an army and two floating figures.
Daniel never thought that so few Demons would cause such a problem at the Conference of Alyras, yet this was happening now. He slowed his pace once they were far enough away and turned to the other three individuals with him.
Now what? Daniel didnt know. But he saw the state they were in. Edithe was unharmed, yet she was tired and frustrated. Nothing she threw at Avaritia even slowed him. Hadrian, on the other hand, was hurt injured and limping. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company had only been ragdolled by the [Changeling].
Neither of them were in any state to continue fighting. Meanwhile, Amanda had mostly been able to avoid any actual damage, while Daniel had [A Heros Rage] to protect and empower him. He had to decide what happened next, and he made a quick decision.
We need to split up.
Edithe raised a brow.
What?
If we split up, they wont know which one of us has the Crown of Alexander. All that matters is that its safe. Here
He reached into his pockets and produced the little pen that acted as a Dimensional Storage Unit. He faced Edithe grimly.
Amanda and I will be the distractions. You and Hadrian take this and hide.
She blinked a few times. Edithe looked like she wanted to argue. So did Hadrian. But there was no time. Daniel pushed the Dimensional Storage Unit to them insistently.
We cant argue about this. We have to
So thats where youve been hiding it.
A soft voice pierced through the background sts. A gust of wind swept up the Dimensional Storage Unit from Daniels hand. He tried to hold on, but this wasnt an ordinary night gale.
The Dimensional Storage Unit went flying as he called out.
No
It went flying out a nearby window, smashing the ss open as a pair of silhouettes floated there. Itnded in the hands of a yellow-skinned Demon as the bulky green-skinned next to him leaned back nonchntly.
Your n of doing nothing really worked, huh Iivor?
Of course, Desidia. I knew theyd reveal it eventually if we just left them alone for a while.
Iivor cast his gaze towards the gathered Humans before raising a hand. Daniel and Edithe moved. But a powerful st of wind knocked them all back.
Now, goodbye.
And both Demons vanished. Daniely there for a moment as Edithe hurried back to her feet in a panic. Amanda rushed to his side, helping him up.
What are you doing? We need to stop them!
The former assassin spoke frantically. He got up and looked towards the panicking Edithe, Hadrian, and Amanda. Then he chuckled.
That really got them, didnt it? We dont need to do anything.
He ran down the hallway as they stared at him, confused. Daniel ushered them forward as he called out.
It was a decoy. Come on, thatll buy us five minutes, tops, before they realize its just a pen from my world.
Oh.
Amanda blinked. Edithe paused for a moment, before grinning.
Thats smart. I didnt expect that of you, Daniel.
...what does that even mean?
He sighed. And they continued running.
Chapter 416: Plans Going Awry
Chapter 416: ns Going Awry
416. ns Going Awry
Iivor smirked as he held up the Dimensional Storage Unit under the moonlight. He flew away from the pce alongside Desidia the green-skinned Demon was carried by his magic, unable to cast any sort of flight spells on her own. Theyd done it. The two of them managed toplete their side of the mission without even spilling a single drop of blood.
Sure, Iivor wouldve quite enjoyed spending a few minutes toying with those four Humans. But the Archdemon of Envy knew how to put the mission above his own wants, unlike a certain [Changeling]. Avaritia wanted to hoard all the fun and experience for himself, which made him pay almost no attention to the task at hand, which was to acquire the Crown of Alexander and leave. Otherwise, even G and Libid wouldnt be able to survive the converging armies outside of the city.
As such, it was only up to Iivor to do what was necessary. Desidia was here, but she only wanted to follow the path of least effort, so she listened to him rather than concocting her own n. Iivor chuckled, shaking his head. Finally, he was going to be recognized for his achievements. It was annoying, always being overshadowed by the ostentatious Gloria or impulsive Avaritia.
To think Avaritias hotheadedness would be useful for once. Iivor smirked as he lowered the little pen. It looked odd shaped unlike anything hed ever seen, with a mechanism that made its tip poke out. But the Demon was sure it was just some odd contraption from the Mortal Realm. Now, he just had to summon the Crown of Alexander
Hey, Iivor.
Desidia spoke up curiously. He mumbled a reply as he tried to work the Dimensional Storage Unit.
What is it, Desidia?
Are we just going to leave Avaritia behind?
She asked hesitantly. Iivor shook the pen, and nothing appeared.
Avaritia has the Boots of Alexander. Hell be fine. Im sure once hes done with that [Berserker], hell be going after the [Hero] and his friends next.
I see
Why isnt this
He clicked his tongue as he tried to pour his magic into the little object. Desidia watched him fumble with it, slowing his flight as he grew more and more frustrated. The Archdemon of Envy clicked his tongue and raised the pen.
Just give me the Crown of Alexander already!
Iivor concentrated his mana into the tip of the Dimensional Storage Unit and it snapped in half. Desidia paused as he blinked.
What?
Uh I dont think thats a good sign, right?
The green-skinned Demon scratched her cheeks. Iivor himself just stared at the broken artifact, jaw agape.
But this I didnt do that wasnt enough mana to
His voice trailed off. Then his eyes widened. The realization settled in as he nced back, seeing no pursuing Humans. No attempt at stopping them from escaping. And Iivors eyes grew wide.
THOSE DAMNED HUMANS!
He soared straight back to the pce as the wind around him coalesced. A tempest followed behind him. Desidia sighed, watching him go.
What a pain
Thousands of spells and arrows flew through the air as G zipped around the volley of attacks. It was an unending salvo. The number of Humans only grew as more and more joined the fray. Even Libid was being overwhelmed by their numbers.
The [Jinn] hissed, his form growing incorporeal for a brief moment as a st of frost exploded near him. He flew back and unleashed a rain of ck mes back down at the army, felling hundreds in moments. But the Humans worked together. Their [Mages] created barriers through theirbined magics, repelling the continuous barrage of cinder.
Meanwhile, G sent the Humans own magic flying back at them as her portals closed in and out of existence, but it was barely an effective offense at this point. She scowled and raised her arms, conjuring a dodecahedron on both hands.
Perish.
Her voice was callous. She hurled the first dodecahedron down. It expanded, before rapidly contracting and disintegrating everything it touched. Hundreds of Humans gone. This time, they couldnt even defend against it. No barrier could save them from that attack.
G raised her other hand and tossed the second dodecahedron down to the next nearest group of Humans. They went scattering in fear as she shook her head. They looked like they were close to Level 100 maybe some were even Diamond Rank. Their deaths would deal a massive blow to the Human forces.
The dodecahedron expanded as she expected, but it didnt contract. Even as the [Fiend] waited, there was no destructive contraction right after. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the chaotic space was torn in half.
What?
The [Fiend] looked on as the aura of a ck de ripped across the battlefield, It cut straight to her, and even tearing through the portals out of existence. G teleported out of the way and blinked.
A figurended directly beneath her. A knight in glimmering ted armor. G couldnt see who it was through the visor, but a quick [Identification] made even the Archdemon of Gluttony hesitate.
Who are you?
[Warrior - Lvl. 163]
A tinny voice echoed up as an obsidian de was raised towards the heavens.
I am Kaitlin Darkhelm, Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces.
G narrowed her eyes. She didnt expect this. Another Elite? Where had this Kaitlin Darkhelm been all this time? The Archdemon of Gluttony wasnt sure she just readied herself as the knight took on a wide stance and raised a shield. With a sudden jolt, Kaitlin Darkhelm exploded into the sky, swinging her de.
Be prepared to die, Demon!
The Archdemon of Gluttony braced herself, creating a barrier as the unexpected Elite shed. The sky sparked and thundered as a powerful shockwave rippled through the battlefield. G gritted her teeth, faced with this overwhelming foe.
What are you idiots doing? Her eyes flickered to the pce of Alyras as she hoped Iivor and the others would return soon. Otherwise, she and Libid would have no choice but to leave without them.
Saffron Merryster ran through the halls of the pce as another tremor shook the entire structure. She stumbled nearly falling over. But she pressed on, running straight for the source of the fighting. Why? Why was she doing this?
It was because she had to do something. No she could do something. She clutched a vial at her side. A bottle of red liquid. Shed stolen it from the healing wards because she knew she could use it. In fact, the Vampire had taken a quick swig of it, and now she was practically flying through the corridors, boosted by magic and her [Bloodlust].
Shed left princess Rana behind long ago. And Saffron was now approaching the source of the earthquakes. Where the fighting was happening. She slowed as she looked ahead, seeing bodies scattered through a broken hallway.
Pce guardsy dead like a massacre had been carried out. A few of them stumbled away from a hole in the wall, gasping and falling over.
S-stay away, youngdy! You wont be able to keep up! Theyre monsters!
Saffron hesitated. She wanted to heed their warnings and turn back, but she couldnt. Her mind was in a haze, and with [Bloodlust] taking over, she could only listen to her impulses. And it told her to help. To do what she could do make a difference.
What was more she knew her father was here. She recognized his scent, thanks to her currently enhanced senses. She needed to help him if he was fighting against one of the Archdemons.
The young noble Vampire peeked her head through the hole as the ground shook. A powerful shockwave almost sent her flying back, but she steadied herself and looked on. And what she saw was
Tworge figures, locked inbat. One, a Demon. A [Hellbeast]. A thing with a hunched body. A goats head. Its legs were thin, like hooves, but its arms were burly and rippled with muscle. The second wasnt nearly as tall as the [Hellbeast]. A mere Human in the face of a monster. Yet, she still towered over Saffron, standing seven feet tall. She grappled with the Demon as her biceps flexed like mountains in her arms. A crimson aura wisped off her as she smirked savagely.
Whats wrong, Demon? Cant keep up?
Lofus, the Broken Berserker of Bherein,ughed maniacally as she shoved the [Hellbeast] back. Avaritia stumbled and frowned.
What is this? You werent this strong when west fought.
She ran forward and swung. He ducked under the punch, but the mere impact of her punch striking the air caused the ground to break various walls to shatter. A pir of dust shot into the air as a part of the pce copsed.
My Grand Skill: [I Shall Break the World with My Hands]. Whats wrong? Is it too much for you?
Lofusughed as she swung again, and Avaritia backed up. Even though she missed, the impact sent him stumbling. This time, Saffron went flying. She crashed into the corpse of a soldier. She held on tightly to the vial, but the ss cracked, almost breaking. No She forced herself back up, trying to push through the strong gales threatening to topple her over as the shaking floor barely held up from the fighting.
What is this? Her mind reeled as she took another step forward. Just how strong are they? Saffron didnt know. But she had to find her father. He was here. She could smell his scent.
The Lady cast her gaze over the room as Avaritia avoided another of Lofus deadly punches. Then she paused. Saffron stared at a bloody mess lying in the corner of the room as the Archdemon scoffed.
Youre stronger now, Ill give you that. But
Saffron dashed ahead. Her eyes wide with fear. She reached Crocus Merrysters side, whispering.
Father
And Avaritia appeared behind Lofus.
Youre still too slow.
The Broken Berserker of Bherein screamed as he raked his ws over her back, drawing a sttering of blood.
Daniel Song clutched the real Dimensional Storage Unit in his hands. It was, of course, a pen. Just like the fake. But he had plenty. When he woke up in this world, he wasnt just naked. Hed had a bag with him full of trinkets and things from Earth.
The pen had been enchanted to be the anchor for a Dimensional Storage Unit, by a high-leveled [Space Mage] in the Elutra Kingdom. Daniel himself didnt know exactly how it worked, but he just knew it was inconspicuous enough, yet still unique as it was a pen from another world.
He kept it with him at all times, using it to scribble in his diary alongside the various other stationery he had with him. He had the others ready as a decoy. Because, soon, the Demons would be back.
The [Hero] nced back at his friends. Amanda was right at his side, but Edithe and Hadrian were a step slower. Hadrian was injured, walking with a limp, while Edithe helped him forward.
Just go!
She called out as Daniel hesitated. Amanda paused, ncing between them.
What are you guys on about?
The former assassin snapped. Hadrian shook his head.
Well split up. Edithe and I can distract them. Well be the bait.
Thats
Daniel started. But the wall exploded. He cursed. That wasnt as much time as Id hoped. He backed up and raised his sword warily at the descending yellow figure. Iivors eyes shed with rage as a tempest brewed before them.
The [Hero] stepped forward and tossed a fake pen at Edithe.
You guys run. Ill hold him off!
The pen went flying. Edithe reached to catch it, but the Demon flicked a finger. A wind de cut the pen in half mid-air.
Im not falling for that again.
Iivor red at Daniel and raised a hand. There was a flicker a gathering of wind at his fingertips.
Hand over the Crown of Alexander, and Ill spare you and your friends.
A green-skinned Demonnded next to Iivor. Desidia yawned as she looked over the four Humans.
Why do you even bother, Iivor? Lets just kill them and get this over with.
I am giving them ast chance to resolve this quickly and quietly. There will be no need for you to struggle futilely for a lost cause. There will be no need for you to be sacrificed in vain.
He tilted his head dangerously at Daniel.
What do you say, [Hero]?
Daniel nced back at his friends. At Edithe, Hadrian, and Amanda. The three of them were tensed, but they were waiting for him to give an answer. He closed his eyes, considering his options. Then he made his decision.
No.
Daniel dashed forward as Edithe raised a staff. Hadrian brought up his sword, and Amanda readied her double ded dagger. But Iivor sighed in disappointment.
Very well then.
The [Hero] swung out.
[Heros
[Tempest of Destruction].
Daniel froze as a wind sphere trapped him, before imploding into a thousand wind des. The young mans eyes went wide as the attack ripped through his radiant armor, and he screamed in pain. Amanda, Edithe, and Hadrian raised a hand.
Daniel!
The wind sphere dissipated as he dropped to his knees and slumped over. Iivor eyed the other three as Desidia cracked her neck.
One down, three to go.
Chapter 417: Love and Fury
Chapter 417: Love and Fury
417. Love and Fury
G went flying as Kaitlins de struck against the barrier. The impact knocked the Demon to the ground, sending debris and dirt into the air as the earth broke beneath her feet. She looked up and clicked her tongue as she saw the knight falling under the re of the rising sun.
[Sable sh].
A ck de cut through the earth. A precise line that split open like an earthquake had broken apart the ground. Gs barrier shed, holding up against the attack for a moment. Then there was a crack. The sphere began to break apart as Gs eyes widened.
Is this for real? What is this power? The Archdemon of Gluttony never expected for there to be a [Warrior] this powerful amongst the Humans ranks. Shed heard of Kaitlin Darkhelm. The Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. But G had dismissed the Human from her level alone.
After all, Kaitlin was only Level 163. Around the same level as Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales. She certainly wasnt on the same threat level as Helena Warshade. And yet, here was the knight,pletely overwhelming G in battle.
The Demon yelled as she vanished. Teleporting back into the air, she spread her arms wide as a dozen spheres appeared above her head in a semicircle. Theyunched out one after the other as she screamed in a guttural voice.
Try and cut this down, Human! [Fractal Orbs]!
G had to shake away those needless thoughts. It was disrupting her concentration. The only reason why Kaitlin Darkhelm seemed like she had the upper hand was due to the fact that the Archdemon of Gluttony wasnt adept against handling [Warriors] or the like.
She created two portals as the Commander of the Swordsguard Forces sprinted through the exploding spheres, raising her shield to take the brunt of the attack. An imprable defense but useful as an offense too. The [Fiend] mmed the portals together as Kaitlin leapt at her.
The knight recoiled as she mmed into herself. A tinny grunt left her visor, and G took this as her chance to unleash her magic at the Elite.
But before she could even reach for the mana strands in the air, a volley of spells struck her back. G recoiled and spun around, facing the army as they loosed more magic and projectiles at her. She cursed and pointed at them.
You annoying pests
And her eyes widened as a single-armed man flew through the air, swinging at her. There was a sh of silver a crescent de swinging at her like the moon itself.
Urk!
G couldnt teleport away in time. The de tore through her chest as she vanished a secondter. Marwin, the Silver Swordsman,nded next to Kaitlin as he gave her a nod.
Were here to help you, Commander Darkhelm.
Good work, Marwin.
The knight straightened and stepped forward. Both the Silver Swordsman and the Elite stared up at the panting G.
We cant let this Demon take any more innocent lives. We have to end this here.
Understood, Commander Darkhelm.
G herself didnt hear this conversation, too fixated on the constant salvounched at her from the tens of thousands of gathered Humans. How many had she killed? Not enough. They were overwhelming her. Not just her Libid too.
The [Fiend]s eyes flickered to a [Jinn] as he flew away from a st of lightning and fire. She called out to him, and his gaze snapped towards her.
Libid.
Her voice was soft, yet audible to him through all the fighting. She held his gaze as, for a moment, there was a lull in the battle.
We have no choice. Do it.
And the [Jinn] nodded. Libid flew up into the sky as the armies concentrated their attacks on him. His body burned brilliantly a ck fire that seemed to cast a darkness instead of light. His voice echoed throughout the battlefield. Heard even from the city of Alyras.
[mes of Passion, Give Me Strength].
Kaitlin Darkhelm paused, turning her focus from G to the floating [Jinn].
Thats
What is going on?
Marwin blinked, confused.
[I Will Answer His Wishes and Burn the World to Ashes].
It looked like Libids body was breaking apart as his incantation continued. G sneered as she watched the army begin to hesitate. The [Jinn]s mes grew wilder and wilder, smearing the sky like the darkling clouds of the Netherworld.
G didnt want to resort to this, but they were left with no other choice. Libid wasnt the highest-leveled Demon of the Dukes and Duchesses, however he had something special that made him the second strongest behind Ira. While Gloria had two Grand Skills, and G was Level 150, Libid had the most destructive Grand Skill of all. Unfortunately, it came at a cost.
[Because, For Him, I Will Suffer Hell].
Libids words broke apart as his body finally ripped in half. His ethereal form faded as an inferno exploded from his core. It was a vortex of ck fire. Solid. Like a wall of storm. It expanded quickly as even G moved to avoid its smoldering heat. A hurricane of fire descended on the army, apanied by a shrill wail.
It sounded like the wisping me. Like the roaring firestorm that was unleashed. But G knew she understood that those were Libids own cries of pain.
Amanda stared in horror as Daniel copsed. For a moment, the world froze. Her mind processed what had happened. kes of white aura wisped off the [Hero]s body as the radiant armor protecting him shattered. He copsed into a puddle of blood, dropping his gray-white longsword.
Iivor lowered his hand and bared his teeth as Desidia yawned.
Now, whos next?
And Amandas world shattered. She screamed as she raised her double ded dagger, while Edithe and Hadrian readied themselves.
No!
The former assassin moved. Desidia took a single step in the span of time it took Amanda to appear next to Iivor.
[Savage Step]. Her gaze burned with fury. With hatred and anger. She struck out a single precise blow that wouldve ended anyone lesser.
[Pinpoint Strike].
But a wind shield appeared at his back. Her dagger nced off the solid air as Iivor craned his neck. He flicked a finger, sending out another wind de at her. But she was faster.
[Disengage].
She rolled out of the way and circled the yellow-skinned Demon. He barely moved. He turned to follow her as she spun around, producing a second, smaller dagger from her pockets. Sheshed out Iivor with both of her weapons, two attacks at a time, repeatedly, both from different angles, all aimed for his vitals.
[Dance of Daggers].
His wind shield appeared each time her de came close to his body. He scoffed and swiped out with an arm as a gust of wind burst out. She leapt back with another [Savage Step] as his spell barely grazed her.
Come on, do you think youll be able to beat me at your level? Youre barely over Level 120
He started, only to be interrupted by a shout.
[Frostme Vortex]!
Edithe lowered her staff and run up to Daniel as her magic engulfed the Demon. When the fire and ice dissipated, Iivor stepped out of it unharmed. She gritted her teeth, producing a healing potion.
Daniel
Desidia stomped up towards her as she fumbled and dropped it. The green-skinned Demon nearly mmed into Edithe, but Hadrian intercepted her. He threw his entire weight to her side, knocking her off bnce as she scowled.
Get out of my way, you damn nuisance!
She swatted Hadrian aside as Edithe sted out with fire. Desidia walked through it with a grin.
Come on, do you think thatll hurt me if it cant even hurt Iivor?
The Demon stepped through the mes, and the red-haired woman bit her lower lip. Edithe quickly pointed at the downed [Hero].
[A Guardians Blessing]! Daniel, youve got to
And Desidia picked her up. The green-skinned Demonughed as Edithe struggled in her arms.
I will squash you like a bug.
She squeezed, and Edithe screamed. The Aura of Greater Protection protecting her flickered. The armor given by Zin Norwood began to fail. Desidia just hugged Edithe close to her rotund body. Her tails whipped behind back as she smiled.
Goodbye
And Amanda jammed her second dagger into the Demons back neck. Desida stumbled forward, blinking as she dropped Edithe to the floor. The [Rogue] leapt away, and Iivor sent wind des after her.
Dont lose your focus, Desidia. These mortals are weak, but they are annoying to deal with.
He brought both his arms up and pressed his hands together. Apressed ball of air formed before sting out. The gust of wind knocked Amanda back as it cut through her protective garbs and artifacts. She clutched at her shoulder, leaping back protectively over Daniels body.
She looked down, seeing the young mans body twitch.
Get up, you idiot
The former assassin whispered before dodging a flurry of attacks from Iivor once again. Meanwhile, Edithe and Hadrian were nking Desidia the two Humans throwing everything they had at the Demon. But it wasnt enough.
It was quite obvious: they were going to lose this battle.
What am I doing? Amanda wondered as she was caught briefly by one of Iivors spells. The attack sent a sttering of blood out, painting the walls as she ran around the room with [Savage Step].
It wasnt enough to win. Despite her best efforts, she could onlynd small, inconsequential strikes on both Demons. The very fiber of her being told her this was pointless. That she would die. Yet, she fought on, not understanding why.
She never understood why she pushed herself so hard for Daniel.
But she did. And, perhaps, that was her folly. Maybe this was her final death sentence.
Amanda stumbled as she tried to dodge another wind de. The spell caught her this time not a grazing blow. But a direct strike to her chest. She recoiled as the air left her lungs, coughing out blood.
This
She was knocked back against a wall, her vision fading as she looked up at the fallen [Hero].
...is so stupid
Sighing, she closed her eyes.
Daniel saw nothing but darkness. His body was numb. He only heard the muffled sounds of fighting around him. Hey there, motionless, barely able to think.
He didnt understand what was going on his mind in a haze. Yet, somethingpelled him to get up. Still, he refused. It was nice, here. Everything felt so nice. It was like he was lying back in his bed in his own world under the cool hug of his air conditioner.
No troubles. No worries. No responsibilities. Just a carefree life.
Then the cool air vanished. A warmth wrapped around him, and the numb feeling reced with an ufortable feeling. He didnt like this. His body hurt. He could feel his fingers twitching. He wanted to open his eyes. But his body was in so much pain, tears began to stream down his cheeks as he inhaled a sharp breath.
He wouldve just given up. If even breathing hurt, then there was no point in living. But a voice called out to him. One which gave him a single order. The only thing he heard amidst the fighting.
Get up.
Daniels eyes cracked open. Why? he asked. Why did he have to get up? What was the point? Why did anything even matter?
But something else took over him. A desire. A need. He couldnt fail here. He had to fight. It was an impulse. Something hed learned to be overtime.
If the question was, Why should he fight? then the answer was simple: because he was a [Hero].
And Daniel groaned, raising his Primordial Longsword. The pain dulled. And power surged through him.
[Will of the Hero]!
A white light washed over Edithe, Hadrian, and Amanda. It gave them strength. It closed their wounds partially as the [Hero] got to his feet. He looked up at the Demons as a white aura wisped off his body.
Iivor narrowed his eyes, and Desidia blinked. Shed been looming over Hadrian and Edithe, before stepping back.
What is
The green-skinned Demon started. But Daniel moved. He reached her swiftly his speed far greater than what it was before. And he swung up at her before she could react.
[Heros sh]!
Chapter 418: Demon Slayer
Chapter 418: Demon yer
418. Demon yer
Argh
Lofus yelled in pain as Avaritia raked his ws across her back. The Berserkers eyes burned with anger, and she spun around with a backfist. The attack barely missed the Demon as he vanished with augh.
Too slow!
He spoke in a garbled voice. The shockwave from her swing alone nearly threw Saffron off her feet. But she caught herself, clinging onto her father. Crocus Merrystery before her, a bloodied mess.
The mans eyes cracked open as she tilted his head up, slowly pouring a vial of red blood into his mouth.
Take this, please. Itll help you.
It wasnt a healing potion, even if it mightve looked like one to anyone who was watching. Not that anyone cared. To Avaritia, Saffron might as well have been a fly on the wall. He simply relished his rematch with Lofus and continued assailing her from all sides.
Crocus coughed, and Saffron steadied him. Her father blinked, looking up at her before shaking his head.
This is
Blood.
Saffron replied simply. She gestured towards Lofus.
Her blood. I stole some from the healing ward just in case you might need it. Drink up. Itll give you strength.
Despite being overtaken by [Bloodlust], Saffron was oddly calm. Perhaps it was because she was just d to see her father was alive. But Crocus shook his head. He pushed the vial away and gestured towards a body lying in the corner of the room.
A beasty there. A monster that looked like a bear. It had two heads, once. But now it only had one.
Thats
Zin Norwood. Give it to her.
Crocus spoke simply as he pulled himself up against a wall. He leant there and gestured at the [Druid]. Saffron tried to protest.
But
Shes stronger than me.
He spoke over his daughter. Saffron bit her lower lip, ncing at the unconscious [Druid]. Surely enough, Zin Norwood was Level 136. Two whole levels above Crocus. While that might not seem like it mattered much, it did here. Especially when factoring in her age and experience.
Her [Bloodlust] was likely at a higher level. Her second ss was also probably close to her main ss level. It made sense why Crocus insisted on handing over the rest of Lofus blood to Zin.
Give it to her, Saffron all of it.
The young noble closed her eyes. Her father looked like he was going to be fine. And she had to trust him. Trust that he would be ok. She got back up and stumbled as the room shook. She snapped her gaze to Zin and made a break for it.
The floor copsed as Lofus bellowed, going on a rampage. The tremors grew more violent as her rage only empowered her. But it didnt matter how strong the Berserker grew if she couldnt hit Avaritia.
Are you even trying? This will end no differently from the first fight if you keep this up!
Saffron reached the [Druid]s limp body as the room fell behind her. She stood on a small ledge, clutching onto Zin and uncorked the vial.
Wake up, Zin.
The young noble shook the other womans bear-like body. Saffron began to pour the entire bottle of blood down the [Druid]s throat.
And show this bastard why were called Demon yers!
You missed again, hah!
Avaritia smirked as he sidestepped a deadly punch from Lofus. He shed his ws across her stomach, and she stumbled back. He hopped back nimbly, grinning as he eyed her standing there. The Berserker was panting the aura she exuded earlier almost gone.
She stepped forward with all the tenacity of a dying ember, yet she didnt give up. Avaritia had to give her credit. She was substantially more durable than he thought shed be. And her strength well, the [Changeling] had always considered himself strong, but Lofus was on a different level.
He was d he had the Boots of Alexander. To think that G and the others had nned on swapping around the Mythic Grade artifact between them. He yanked it from them before they could use it so stupidly, wasting its powers on the likes of thatzy Desidia or that needy Iivor.
Seriously, once he had it on, the other Dukes and Duchesses couldntin. Of course not. Everyone knew he was never going to hand over a fun little trinket he acquired once he had it. Now, he was going to take full advantage of it to pummel this Berserker till she was dead.
His body blurred. He sprinted around Lofus as her eyes grew wide. She spun around just in time to see him standing there, ws raised baring his razor-sharp teeth at her.
Good try, but now you die
And Avaritia grunted as something heavy crashed into his side. The Archdemon of Greed went flying as a blurred brown figure pounced after him. He blinked as a single bear head sunk its fangs into his side, drawing his blood.
What?
He stared, confused, at a pair of glowing eyes. Red, feral eyes. That of a monster. Wild, like a [Hebomination]. He blinked once more as the beast let go of him and raised its ws. It swung down once twice.
And he moved out of the way. Avaritia jumped to the side as he narrowed his eyes.
What was that?
It looked almost like the [Druid] he had taken down earlier. But it was much stronger. Much faster. Everything about it was different. It was like it leveled up over ten times since hed torn its head off. Not only that it was still missing a head.
Yet, it stood there, facing him with a low growl. Lofus stared at it, puzzled as well.
Youre that Vampire, arent you? Zin Norwood? Come on, we can take him out together.
It replied with a garbled sound. No words. None that Avaritias [Universal Language Comprehension] could understand, anyway.
A Vampire?
And it finally clicked in the Demons head.
Youre one of those so-called Demon yers Ive been warned to be careful about in the Mortal Realm, arent you? I was beginning to think Id been lied to, considering every single Human Ive met so far has been so weak.
He chuckled as he took on a wide stance.
Maybe its time for one of you to give me a real
And the beast was next to him in a moment. Avaritia flipped away, wide-eyed.
So fast
He dodged its flurry of w strikes. He was still faster than it. And it also wasnt that strong despite havingnded a handful of solid blows on him, shed only injured him somewhat. That was as opposed to Lofus.
The Berserker swung for his head as he backed up to her. He pivoted around the transformed Vampire, letting the attack hit it instead. Lofus stopped just before its head. Avaritia smiled as he stood across from them, before lunging out.
Ill take you both on!
[Heros sh]!
Daniel swung up, sinking his de into Desidias chest. The Demon stared in shock as his weapon tore through her skin like it was butter. The radiant light from his Primordial Longsword dissipated as he stepped back.
Desidia stumbled away from him as she clutched at her chest.
This
She coughed, and blood sttered out of her mouth. Her innards poured out of the wound except, it was just a gooey ck sludge. She wheezed, mouth bobbing up and down as Daniel moved to finish her off.
But a wind de shot past him. He leapt back and eyed Iivor as the yellow-skinned Demon lowered his hand.
So you survived that. And youre stronger than ever. [Heroes] really do have an unfair advantage, dont they?
Daniel shifted his feet as he gripped his Primordial Longsword. He surged with power, thanks to [Will of the Hero]. Most of his previous wounds were gone reced with a newfound strength and speed.
It wasnt as big of a boost as hed normally felt when he employed the Skill, but that was because he didnt cast it just on himself. It could be spread out through multiple people. Even an army ording to the legends told of the Immortal King Alexander.
Its effects would be vastly weakened. As it was now, Daniel only received a +10% boost to all his Stats. If it was just for himself, hed have gotten +20%. But he couldnt just neglect his friends.
He nodded at Edithe and Hadrian both of whom looked rejuvenated and refreshed from his [Hero]s Skill effects. Amanda was still unconscious. Daniel smiled before he stepped forward.
Now its just you, Iivor. Give up now. I am offering you the same deal you gave me.
The same offer?
Iivor shook his head. He didntugh, but he just gestured at his bleedingpanion.
Even with Desidia out of the picture, do the three of you think you can beat me?
He spread his arms wide and challenged the three.
Lets see it, then.
Daniel turned to Edithe and Hadrian. The red-haired woman raised her staff and shouted.
[Patron of the Skills]! Daniel, you just have to
Got it.
The [Hero] leapt forward as he felt a rush of strength wash over him.
Temporary Skill [A Guardians Blessing] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Aura of Greater Protection] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Ray of Reibution] Obtained!
He knew what to do with the first Skill. He whispered, pointing at Amanda.
[A Guardians Blessing].
The former assassin shifted where shey, but didnt get up. It looked like she was a little bit better, though. Perhaps she would make it now. Shaking his head, the [Hero] focused only on the enemy before him. He stepped forward, thrusting with his Primordial Longsword.
Take this [Greater Aura Stab]!
A white light shot out from the tip of his de like an extension of it. Reminiscent to the power of the Sword of Alexander. But the Demon created a barrier, blocking it. Iivor tilted his head.
Is that your best shot?
Hadrian appeared behind him.
[Cleaving Blow]!
His sword bounced off Iivors barrier, and the Demonughed. A pule of air shot out, knocking Daniel back, and sending Hadrian flying.
Hadrian!
Edithe yelled before her brows snapped together. Her staff was wreathed in whiite ribbons and motes of pure energy as she red at Iivor.
How dare you [Vindication of They]!
A white vortex shot out. A st of wind. A tempest, concentrated only in that spellunching out at the Demon. But Iivors barrier held up against the spell. Daniel understood vaguely how [Vindication of They] worked, and unfortunately, because Iivor hadnt actually caused that much destruction, her attack wasnt too powerful either.
Still, he took his chance and stepped behind the horned Demon.
[Crescent Fury], and
He unleashed the flurry of attacks which Iivor once again blocked with ease before drawing his sword back and pointed with his palm.
[Ray of Retribution].
That made the yellow-skinned Demon react. He leapt up with a burst of wind, narrowly avoiding the spell. He gritted his teeth, creating a pair of windnces, spinning like a pair of miniature tornadoes in his hands.
You Humans are starting to get annoying!
Iivor hurled the attacks forward as Daniel deflected it, and Edithe dodged out of the way. The pair realized it they could do this. They could actually win.
And a fallen figure shifted.
Hadrian gritted his teeth as he got back to his feet. Even with the additional boost from [Will of the Hero], it wasnt enough. He couldnt keep up with the fight at all. Edithe hurled her spells at Iivor from afar, and managed to avoid taking any significant blow, while Daniel was a [Hero].
he still had yet to fully process that.
But the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company wasnt able to keep up with this at all. Still, he moved. He raised his sword and started back into the fray. Only to pause as he heard a murmuring.
[Sleep is for the Weak, So I Shall Not Dream].
And he spun around just in time for a st of green aura to ripple into the air. A pir that broke the ceiling and sent debris tumbling around him. The [Warrior]s eyes grew wied as he stared at Desidia, standing and flexing her muscles.
Daniel and Edithe went stumbling back as the ground rippled like a wave. Iivor smiled, greeting his ally.
So you finally chose to wake up, Desidia.
That is debatable.
She stretched as she looked down at herself.
Regeneration. Super strength. The only downside is
The green-skinned Demon lumbered forward and brought her fists down to the ground. Hadrian saw her movements.
...Im really not that much faster.
But she was still faster than Hadrian. The shockwave sent him flying back as she walked forward. Edithe turned and unleashed her magic at the Demon, but this time it was to even less effect than before.
Daniel ran at her, only to be swooped off his feet by a small cyclone. Iivor bared his teeth annoyed, more than menacingly.
Youre out of tricks, [Hero]. Its over for you. And I will not offer you any mercy.
Damnit
The [Hero] struggled to break free from that snare as Hadrian rushed Desidia.
[Valorous Charge]!
And she smacked him aside with her tails, sending him flying. The [Warrior] inhaled sharply as his sword broke as did his arms. He crashed and tumbled
Hadrian!
Edithe yelled and gritted her teeth. She raised her staff, whispering to herself as Hadriany there, a limp and pulpy mess.
Hngrh
He bit down on a healing potion at his waste, breaking the ss as the liquid poured over his arms. He had to help them. They were being overwhelmed by the Demons. Edithe pointed at Desidia as the Demon towered over her.
[Recall Skill
You do realize nothing you throw at me can hurt me, right?
The green-skinned Demon whipped her tails behind her back and raised a pair of sped fists. Edithe backed up and pointed.
[Vindication of
And Desidia swung down. She smashed the floor causing a tremor that surpassed even the rumblings from Avaritias battle. The ground broke open as an entire section of the pce crumbled, knocking up a massive curtain of dust into the air.
Hadrians eyes went wide as he watched on.
Edithe
He raised a hand as it was in the process of knitting together. And he stared at nothing. Just a massive crater where Edithe had once stood.
Edithe?
His voice came out weak hoarse. He didnt want to believe it, but the redhead wasnt there. Even Daniel couldnt help but look on, despite being caught in a small typhoon.
This cant be real, right? Hadrians vision blurred. He tried to work his jaw, but nothing came out of his mouth. Edithe was was gone. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he whispered to himself.
I didnt even
Iivor raised a brow as Desidia drew back, dusting herself off. The green-skinned Demon blinked and looked around. Herpanion snorted.
Now that youre done messing around, just finish off thest of them while I deal with this [Hero].
But
Desidia hesitated as she nced around at the rubble.
I didnt kill her.
And Hadrian paused.
What?
Iivor echoed the same sentiment, narrowing his eyes.
What do you mean by that?
I didnt even hit her. She somehow dodged it.
And Hadrians eyes darted across the battlefield. So shes alive?
Whats wrong?
A soft voice echoed through the battlefield. Hadrian raised his head, blinking as rainbow-colored butterflies fluttered down next to him. No these werent butterflies. They were wisps of iridescent me.
Couldnt keep up? Orgaf said you were strong.
Iivor frowned, and Desidia just tilted her head in confusion.
Who are you?
Hadrian stared up at a silver-haired girl as she descended, carrying Edithe in her arms. She sported on an odd blue jacket a familiar blue jacket and she lowered herpanion gently to the ground.
Who am I??
The silver-haired girl cocked her head as the Demons exchanged a puzzled nce. The iridescent mes jolted suddenly, circling around her in a wild aura as she bared her teeth.
Im Salvos.
The mes calmed, and Hadrian blinked as a glinting sword appeared in her hands.
And you guys just made a huge mistake.
[Mage - Lvl. 141]
Chapter Salvos Volume 2 Part 1’s GERMAN EDITION is now available!
Chapter Salvos Volume 2 Part 1¡¯s GERMAN EDITION is now avable!
Sup y''all, quick reminder that there will be no chapter until next Monday. If you want to read ahead, check out my patreon which is still updating HERE!
Anyway, as the title suggests, Salvos Volume 2 Part is now avable in the Amazon store! Trantions are... rtively expensive, so I ain''t even making much of a profit back. I just want to read as broad of an audience as possible, and I hope you guys will be willing to give it a buy or a KU download since it''s on KU. And, yes, while the German edition is on KU, the English version is not and will never be on KU as I''ve promised numerous times over.
In any case, drop it a rating if you could and support me! It would really help me out!
Stolz einer Dmonin Teil 1: Ein Isekai LitRPG Abenteuer (Salvos Band 2) (Salvos German Edition) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Waba, Stephan: Amazon.de: Kindle Store
Chapter Salvos Book 1 Currently Free on Amazon!
Chapter Salvos Book 1 Currently Free on Amazon!
Once again, there will be no chapter until next Monday. If you want to read ahead, check out my patreon which is still updating HERE!
Anyway, as the title says, Salvos Book 1 is currently FREE on Amazon. If you could possibly get a copy, it will really help me out a lot, especially since I am non-KU with Salvos. And it helps even more if you leave it a rating or a review. It''s literally free so it costs you nothing to get it. : Curious Beginnings: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 1) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Here''s a weic preview panel as a bribe.
Chapter 419: Sleep is for the Weak, so Sleep
Chapter 419: Sleep is for the Weak, so Sleep
419. Sleep is for the Weak, so Sleep
[Mage - Lvl. 141]
Edithe Dawnrise stared up at the silver-haired girl. At her savior. At her friend.
It was odd. This wasnt the first time Salvos hade to save the redhead. Thest few times Edithe was rescued, shed always felt incredibly frustrated with herself. Like she was weak as though she wasnt strong enough.
But this time? All Edithe felt was relief.
You came. Like you promised.
The red-haired woman smiled at her friend. Salvos nodded, ncing idly back.
I did. Sorry Imte. I was busy taking care of my kids. But Im here now. And Ill make these guys pay for what they did here.
Smirking, she twirled the ornate sword and held it out at her side with one hand. Edithe stared at the iridescent de, frowning.
Wait, what is that
Seriously? Theres more of you?
Desidia groaned as she smacked her forehead. The Demon looked like an annoyed child. She kicked a foot into the air, sending a nearby boulder flying like it was a small pebble.
And I thought we were finally done with our boring mission.
You can leave if you want. Ill give you a chance to run right now. Go ahead, nows yourst chance to try and escape.
Salvos replied with a grin. Desidia snorted.
Are you dumb? Youre only Level 141. We should be the ones offering you a chance to get away now while you can.
Edithe pursed her lips as she watched this exchange y out. She couldnt lie and say she wasnt nervous at all about what was going to happen. These were Demons, just like Salvos. It wouldnt be an easy fight.
But the silver-haired girl was confident.
Nope. I never said Ill let you get away. Itll be a ten minute head start. Once Im done with yourpanion here, Ill find you and kill you as well.
That made the other Demon pause. Desidia exchanged a nce with Iivor who also wore a confused look on his face. Thetter lowered his hands, letting the small tornado hed conjured up vanish, dropping Daniel to the ground. The [Hero] just sprawled there, groaning in pain.
Youre yes, I have heard of you.
Iivor faced the silver-haired girl as she grinned. He tapped a finger on his chin.
Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds. Youre the one who killed that idiot Lucerna who somehow got himself trapped in the Mortal Realm, arent you?
You know Lucerna?
Salvos raised a brow, genuinely curious. Edithe herself couldnt help but perk up at the mention of the name, and Iivor nodded.
A weakling. Hed been a Lesser Demon for the equivalent of a hundred years? In the Mortal Realm. Before he finally became a Greater Demon. I wouldnt even know of his name if not for the anomaly surrounding his death.
Anomaly?
The fact that he somehow broke his summoning cor. That is not something that normally happens.
Iivor tapped on the metal bracelet he had on his left hand. Well, it looked like a bracelet to Edithe, but apparently it was a summoning cor? With a clink, he tried to yank it off, to no avail.
Even a [Hellprince] cant break a summoning cor. They were created by our king himself. They are nigh unbreakable.
Huh.
Salvos tilted her head back. Then she leaned forward.
Well, do you want to be let in on a little secret?
Iivor frowned as she pointed a thumb at herself. Baring her teeth, she spoke in a low voice. Clearly threatening.
I was the one who broke Lucernas summoning cor.
Salvos bared her teeth at the pair of Demons. Iivor blinked. He hesitated for a second, peering at the silver-haired girl with a puzzled gaze.
Youre?
But Desidia just let out a heavy sigh.
Enough of the talking already. I just want to crush this annoying girl and get this over and done with.
The green-skinned Demon started forward, cracking her knuckles. Her tails swished behind her back with each step she took. Edithe backed up warily, and Hadrian got to his feet next to her. He stood protectively over the redhead, but Salvos didnt look worried.
Sure, go ahead and crush me if you really want. Just
And Salvos vanished. Edithe didnt even register her friends disappearance for a split-second. Desidia did. The green-skinned Demon blinked and looked around.
Wait, where did she go?
The silver-haired girl was already behind Desidia at that point, her iridescent de raised to the side. The Demon spun around with wide eyes.
What?
you have to catch me first.
And the ground ripped open as blood spurted out of Desidias chest.
What just happened? Iivor looked on as Desidia stumbled back, clutching at the deep gash cut across her body. It was so quick, he barely even registered it. All he saw was the silver-haired girl disappearing, a sh then this scene.
But how? How did Salvos do that? The only exnation was that shed somehow moved so quickly, Iivor wasnt able to keep up with her movements. And that wasnt possible. Not unless she was moving even faster than Avaritia with the Boots of Alexander.
That wasnt possible. That couldnt be possible. And yet, reality said otherwise.
Desidia stumbled back, working her jaw as Salvos disappeared once more. This time, her back burst, sputtering out a column of ck blood as dust and debris went flying from the impact. The green-skinned Demon gargled in an incoherent voice as she fell to the ground.
Salvos lowered her weapon, standing over the bloodied mess that was Desidia. Daniel just snorted from where hey.
Show off
Good to see youre doing well too, Daniel.
She grinned at him, and he chuckled. Then he groaned as he clutched at his sides. Salvos turned and faced Iivor.
Now, then. Is it your turn?
Impossible, Iivor wanted to say. He couldnt believe his eyes. This time, hed managed to make out her movements. The way she swiftly glided over to Desidia and sunk her de into his allys back before continuing on anding to a halt. Her speed truly surpassed Avaritias. It even surpassed Orgafs.
But her level
Iivor once again used [Identification] on her. Yet, the results were still the same.
[Mage - Lvl. 141]
This makes no sense. None of this makes any sense.
He gritted his teeth as she cocked her head at him.
Whats wrong?
She was clearly trying to get into his head. But he had to remain cool. Iivor studied the silver-haired girl. He saw the rainbow-colored mes wisping off her body. He saw the iridescent aura sensed some strange power radiating from her. And then he snapped his fingers.
Ah, a Grand Skill.
That was the only thing that made sense to him. Some kind of temporary boost in power, just like Daniels [Will of the Hero].
I take it all this showing off youre doing is part of your Grand Skills abilities, then?
Iivor asked, raising a brow. Salvos nodded.
Yep. Are you going to show me your Grand Skill too?
Perhaps butter. After all
He snapped his fingers as a pair of windnces appeared in either of his hands. A shadow towered over her from behind as her eyes narrowed.
you finally woke Desidia up by making her angry.
And the green-skinned Demon mmed her fist down at Salvos. The attack barely missed the silver-haired girl as she leapt out of the way, but Iivor was prepared for that. He tossed the windnces at her, intercepting her and slowing her movements.
Desidia ran forward, her body growing bigger as her muscles rippled with energy. She was still regenerating from the previous two shes she suffered, but she was mad. The Archdemon of Sloth was rampaging in a way Iivor had never seen before.
She swung forward as her arm twisted breaking and bending in odd angles as blood seeped out of the tearing skin. This was the power of Desidias Grand Skill. She could rapidly regenerate from all her wounds, including self-inflicted ones, so she was able to push her body beyond its limits.
The attack sent a shockwave that extended out beyond just the premises of the pce. Desidias broken arm snapped back into ce just moments after as she gave chase to the silver-haired girl.
Dont mess with me, you damned Human!
Each step smashed the ground open, tearing her legs in the process, only for her regeneration to kick in and restore her body to normal. Her Grand Skill didnt grant her any boost to [Agility], yet she was actually keeping up with Salvos this way. Iivor flew after them, but his spells were practically lost in Desidias rampage.
You can cut me down as many times as youd like, but I will keeping back!
The silver-haired girl flipped over the Demon, pirouetting in the air as Desidias attacks hit nothing. Salvosnded softly, before hopping back as Desidia pped her hands together. The st of air popped the tiles off the courtyard, shredding everything in a conical wave.
Despite that, Salvos avoided the attack. Somehow, even though the Archdemon of Sloth was keeping up with the silver-haired girl through overworking her body, her swings would just barely miss at the veryst moment each time. With a softugh, Salvosnded across the pces courtyard from Desidia.
Youre strong. Seriously. I didnt expect this at all. But youre still wrong.
Be quiet, wretch!
Desidia ripped off her arm and threw it at Salvos. Iivor arrived at the courtyard just in time to watch the silver-haired girls form blur, dodging the flying bloodied limb, before reappearing where shed been standing like she was always there.
The green-skinned Demons arm regrew as she panted, steadying herself with her tail. She spoke savagely losing any semnce of boredom shed previously had as her anger overwhelmed her entire being.
I will not stop. I will keep going. I will never die. Not until nOt unTIl i CruSH yOu
Her entire form rippled and cracked as dozens of new joints appeared in her body.
LIKE THE BUG YOU ARE!
She raised her arms and swung down. Her limb somehow stretched and reached Salvos across a dozen feet, snapping down like a whip. The silver-haired girl stood calmly as the attack came, whispering.
I am not a bug.
Again, Salvos vanished. Iivor prepared for her to reappear, only to see dozens of images of the silver-haired girl sprinting around Desidia in a circle. The green-skinned Demons twisted whip-like arm snapped back to her as she began to heal, returning to her normal form once again.
How is she doing this?
Iivor asked as an echo of many voices came from these moving images.
And all Ill need is one attack to defeat you.
You
Desidia started, only to narrow her eyes. The Archdemon of Sloth realized something and took a step back.
This is space magic?
Iivor blinked. It took him a moment, but he saw the same thing his ally did. He tossed a wind de at one of the images, and a fractal dome shattered. All the images were gone, reced with only a single silver-haired girl standing a hundred feet away with her sword raised.
Ribbons and motes of a rainbow-colored me coalesced around the des tip as it shimmered white. The pure aura from the weapon mixed with these iridescent wisps of energy as Salvos entire body exuded the same power.
Iivor pointed at her, ready to strike her down as she was off guard. But before he could cast his magic, he suddenly froze. A shiver ran down his spine as his body refused to move in sheer terror. And Salvos moved.
Divine
The wispy aura grew stronger, burning around the silver-haired girl like a thick coat of mist. Desidia smiled wide as she charged at Salvos.
Now I have you!
Iivor watched as the silver-haired girl lowered the de. The fiery aura around her sharpened its power sparked off her in bits of iridescent cinder. He wanted to say something, but he couldnt. Not for the full second this yed out.
Desidia ran forward, cackling madly as she reached out. And as she got close, Salvos smirked and swung down.
Radiant sh!
And a giant de of iridescent energy struck down the green-skinned Demon. In an instant, Desidia waspletely engulfed by the attack. The rainbow-colored mes burned her incinerating her body faster than she could regenerate.
Even though her healing abilities surpassed what a Potion of Regeneration could do, Salvos wave of divine power was too much. Desidia crumbled under the st, twisted and tearing and burning until nothing was left. Not even ashes.
Iivor didnt know when he regained control of his body. He just stared on as the silver-haired girl stepped back, spinning the de and shaking her head.
Belzu was a bug, and even he wouldnt break a sweat with you guys.
Then she cast her gaze to the remaining Demon. His entire body tensed in fear this time, a terror inflicted from a stare alone.
Now, as I asked earlier: are you going to show me your Grand Skill too? Because youll need it.
Chapter 420: Blaze
Chapter 420: ze
420. ze
It made no sense to Iivor. None of this did. Hed heard of Salvos the Archdemon of Envy wasnt like his peers who hadpletely underestimated the Humans. Both Desidia and Glorias deaths were purely their own faults for being too careless.
But Iivor? He came in prepared. He studied all notable Human names. From the longtime adventurer Yves Virgil to even a neer like Salvos. As long as they were talked about, Iivor knew of their feats and their abilities.
Yet, here was Salvos, the Savior of Silvergrove, Death of the Destroyer, Liberator of the gunds, and Secelys Sentinel. She was stronger than the rumors suggested. She was far higher-leveled than Iivor had even heard. The yellow-skinned Demon was almost certain that Salvos was supposed to be a Level 135 [Rogue] wielding a kusarigama.
But none of his research turned out to be true. While she was still fast, she was a [Mage] not a [Rogue], was at Level 141 not at Level 135, and used a sword not a kusarigama. As a matter of fact, the baseless, exaggerated talks of Salvos powers that Iivor had dismissed as mere Human gossip was the only part of his research that was factually urate.
After all, shed just killed Desidia with a single swing of her sword.
Iivor couldntprehend it. While Desidia was probably the least valuable member of the seven Dukes and Duchesses summoned into the Mortal Realm, she was still incredibly strong, especially when powered by her Grand Skill. The very idea that a Human girl six levels beneath Desidia would win the fight was nearly impossible for him to process. What was even more ridiculous was the idea that Salvos could do it with a single sh.
But he couldnt deny reality. Not when Salvos was standing before him, teeth bared, sword raised, having barely broken a sweat.
Now, as I asked earlier: are you going to show me your Grand Skill too? Because youll need it.
The silver-haired girl twirled her sword and waited. Right now, she couldve struck down Iivor in hispse of focus. But she didnt. Instead, she relished in his trepidation in his disbelief.
He floated above her over the broken courtyard before the pce of Alyras hands trembling and teeth shaking. He wanted to fly away. To escape from this monster. But he remembered her words. It would be pointless, for she would hunt him down right there and then and kill him.
So Iivor didnt move, frozen in fear.
Salvos!
A voice called out. Both the silver-haired girl and the yellow-skinned Demon faced the figures running out of the crumbling pce. It was Daniel, Edithe, and Hadrian. Amanda was there too, still unconscious, lying on Daniels back.
Edithe paused and nced over at Iivor. She looked around for a moment, scanning the ravagedndscape before shaking her head.
You actually beat Desidia youre really something else, arent you?
Im not something else.
Salvos gave her a thumbs-up.
Im Salvos
Gotcha [Wind Sickle]!
Iivorshed out as the silver-haired girl stood there with her guard down. She vanished entirely as the attack passed through nothing, before reappearing in the exact same spot with a blur. The Archdemon of Envy gritted his teeth. He hadnt even seen her move this time. How did she do that? Just how was she so fast?
This this doesnt make any sense. None of this makes sense!
He flicked his fingers at her again and again, sending an onught of spells at Salvos.
[Wind de]. [Wind de]. [Wind de]. [Wind de]. [Wind de]. [Wind de]!
The Demon threw thest [Wind de] with all his might even though that didnt make a difference in his spellcasting ability. Salvos sidestepped around the flurry of [Wind des]. She barely looked like she was moving as though her feet were nted on the ground the entire time.
It infuriated Iivor. Even if he could see her movements this time, it still defied all logic that she was that fast.
How?
He asked, as though that would give him an answer. He sped his hands together, creating a tornado in his palms. He released it into the courtyard as it grew in size, picking up debris and rubble like it was nothing.
Edithe lost her bnce, slipping and nearly being picked up by the strong wind. But Hadrian caught her. The pair managed to cling onto the earth as Daniel held onto Amanda. But they werent the targets of this [Cataclysmic Vortex].
It flew towards Salvos as a pair of glowing iridescent wings unfurled from her back. Like the blooming petals of a flower, with little specks of colorful embers flitting off like pollen in the spring.
She leapt into the air, letting herself be taken by the powerful gale, uncaring of the sharp winds cutting into her skin. The silver-haired girl ascended. A bright ball of light. A rainbow in the windstorm, breathing life into the dull gray air.
Iivor saw her soar through the [Cataclysmic Vortex], reaching for its center before climbing to its zenith. He looked on in disbelief as the iridescent aura around her shifted for a moment, ovee with a crimson re. He heard a terrible roar. Saw the image of a massive w. Salvos swung down, and so did the ethereal apparition.
In a single swipe, she dispersed the frenzied winds. Like the fire had burned the air itself. Eddying crimson kes floated down around Iivor as he floated there, jaw hanging agape. He clenched his teeth and whispered.
Just how?
Salvos descended before him, meeting his gaze. She tilted her head at him innocently.
Whats wrong?
How are you so fast? How are you so strong?
He sputtered, gesticting wildly around him. The Archdemon of Envy pointed down at Daniel, voice clearly exasperated.
With each casual swing of your de, you deal more damage than even his empowered [Heros sh]!
The Human man sighed.
Way to kick a man when hes already down.
Salvos just giggled. She turned to the [Hero] and spoke reassuringly.
Dont worry, Daniel. I think thats apliment.
Iivor narrowed his eyes as the silver-haired girl continued nonchntly.
After all, hes saying your [Heros sh] isparable to the Sword of Alexanders [Champions sh].
And that made everything click in Iivors mind. The Demon stared at the de she was carrying. At the source of her strength. The reason why she was able to fight so well.
Ah, I see now
Are you being serious, Salvos? Howd you even get that?
Daniel stared at her in shock. Edithe just snorted.
Why are you even questioning that at this point?
Salvos waved a hand dismissively.
Its a long story. Ill exinter. For now, Ill deal with this guy after he shows me his Grand Skill.
Shows you his?
Daniel blinked. He exchanged a nce with Edithe. They both looked just as confused as one another. Hadrians jaw dropped, and he opened his mouth. But Iivorughed, cutting them off.
After I show you my Grand Skill? Fine. But know this: your pride will be your downfall, mortal.
Iivor flew back as he spread his arms wide.
Or do you really think that using the Sword of Alexander is enough to beat me? Please, I am not like Avaritia who needs to rely on weapons and artifacts to win battles.
Salvos raised a brow, and herpanions backed away. A cool gale blew around the Archdemon of Envy as he closed his eyes, floating higher into the sky. The clouds pulled into him. Gusts of wind wreathed around him before expanding growingrger.
Iivor cackled as tornado-like tendrils spread out from this tempest. A pair of glowing red eyes stared down at the silver-haired girl through the gray winds.
[I Am The Storm].
It looked like an amalgamation of terror. A distorted figure that dwarfed even the pce of Alyras. Iivor swung an arm, and the tornado-like tendrils did as hemanded, streaking down for Salvos.
She swung up, slicing the wind appendages in half with ease. Unlike herpanions, Salvos didnt look too worried about Iivors Grand Skill.
Is this it? This is your Grand Skill? Yourpanion had a better Grand Skill than you, you know?
Oh, Im sure she does
Iivor whispered, his voice being lost in the wind. He moved as this apparition of his bidding continued to assail her. She fended it off with ease, just as he expected. Its tendrils were cut down each time they got close, and she was fast enough to dodge those that she couldnt destroy.
But Iivor always knew his Grand Skill was one of the weakest amongst the other Dukes and Duchesses. Yet, what hecked in pure power, he made up for in his keen intellect. The Archdemon of Envy waded through the storm, hiding within it as he drew closer and closer to the silver-haired girl.
She blinked as the tempest surrounded her. He knew she couldnt have seen even beyond a single foot ahead of her. They closed in like curtains, and she raised the Sword of Alexander. But a set of wind tendrils grabbed her forearms, stopping her from swinging down. And in that moment where she struggled to break free from it, Iivor took his chance.
He leapt out of the storm and grabbed the Sword of Alexanders hilt. The silver-haired girl paused as he grinned.
Got you.
She tried to pull back, but the storm helped him. It wrapped its tendrils around the de and tugged alongside the Archdemon of Envy. Iivor yanked the Mythical Grade Weapon out of her hands with the might of an indomitable cyclone.
Iivor felt himself surging with power as an iridescent aura wrapped around him.
Temporary Skill [Superior Strength] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Superior Endurance] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Champions sh] Obtained!
He beamed wide, dispersing his own Grand Skill without care as he held the artifact high with his hands.
I win! I did it! You are such a fool, Human!
Salvos just stood there, not saying anything. She had to bepletely baffled at her own stupidity. In that moment, hed reversed the tides entirely. Now, he was unstoppable. He inspected the shimmering de of the Sword of Alexander, baring his teeth.
Oh, such fine craftsmanship. The metalwork itself rivals that of even the greatest Dwarf smiths. And its magic the abundance of power it simply radiates I expect nothing less of my King.
He shook his head and lowered the Mythical Grade artifact. Salvos couldnt move. She was frozen in fear she knew that a single sh from this de would bring her down, as shed brought Desidia to defeat.
It was so obvious the source of your power. I have no idea how I didnt see it sooner. But now Ive rectified my mistake.
He lowered the Sword of Alexander, aiming it at the silver-haired girl. Hed have loved to relish the look of terror on her face, but her gaze had darkened. And she still couldnt speak, so neither could he hear her trembling voice. It didnt matter.
Now you die!
Iivor leapt forward, swinging for her neck. She epted her defeat. And he brought the Sword of Alexander down.
[Champions sh]!
There was a sh. The ground shook the earth split apart as the sh dug into the earth even a hundred feet away. It wouldve sheared off even the top of a mountain. Its power. Its might. It stopped just before Salvos head.
And Iivors eyes grew wide.
What?
Salvos held a hand up, holding back the Sword of Alexander with a smirk on her face. Silver sparks crackled off her body as she met his gaze. She tilted her head at him, and he tried to pull back.
Whats wrong?
How? This this isnt possible
Iivor trailed off, and she shrugged, giving him his answer simply.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. My second Grand Skill.
She finally let go of the weapon. Iivor jumped back, hands trembling in disbelief. He could hear the Sword of Alexander rattling in his grip as he worked his jaw.
A second Grand Skill?
That really was your n, huh? Nice try, but
Salvos wagged a finger at his right hand. He blinked and looked down at a glowing mark. She scoffed.
I never needed the Sword of Alexander to kill you.
And as the Archdemon of Envy opened his mouth, a brilliant ze encapsted him. A fire that reached into the sky, burning even the nearby clouds with its crimson mes. Iivor tried to shield himself. He created a wind barrier but it didnt stymie the fire in the slightest.
After all, the attack came from within the dome. Its source was the [Demons Mark] on his arm. And he was reduced to nothing. Not even ashes. Only the Sword of Alexandery there, unscathed, as the mes settled.
Salvos picked it up and dusted herself off.
Alright, two down. Whos next?
Chapter 421: Everywhere
Chapter 421: Everywhere
421. Everywhere
Willy floated over Orgafs body, pouring green healing mes into the [Rogue]s wounds. Hey there, eyes closed, having fallen unconscious after telling Salvos about what happened. The [Will O Wisp] wouldve preferred to have followed the silver-haired girl as she went to hunt down the Demons responsible for this, but Orgaf had been close to death.
Salvos did have some drops of a Potion of Regeneration left which helped Orgaf recover to a certain extent. But what Willy was doing was bringing the [Rogue] back to full health so that Orgaf could fight again. And sure enough, the Elite Ranked adventurer woke up after a few more minutes passed.
Blinking, Orgaf sat up and cast his gaze around his surroundings. They werent in the destroyedndscape where Salvos and Willy found the Human lying, half-dead. Rather, they were closer to the city now. Just up ahead, they could see a massive battle y out between an army and two Demons.
Orgaf tensed when he saw the raging ck mes, instantly reaching for his daggers.
Thats
And he paused, looking past it at the three figures staring at him curiously. They backed up as Orgaf frowned at them, before ncing over at Willy.
What are those things?
He asked, pointing at the three baby Wyverns. At Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. They growled at him in response, slightly nervous of his presence. Willy just sighed.
Unimportant.
He floated up to Orgaf and gestured at the [Rogue].
Can fight?
...yes.
The Human man flexed an army as Willy studied his gaze. Orgaf straightened, his daggers shing back into the palm of his hands.
Wheres Salvos?
There.
Willy replied casually. Orgaf narrowed his eyes as the [Will O Wisp] didnt point in any direction in particr. Then the Grand Spirit of Diligence continued.
There. There. And there
What?
Orgaf raised a brow, and he finally realized what Willy meant.
Salvos!
Edithe called out as she ran up to the silver-haired girl. Salvos blinked, lowering the Sword of Alexander as she turned to face herpanions. Daniel and Hadrian were a step behind the redhead, both exhausted and stumbling as they waded through the ruined courtyard.
Edithe! Daniel! Hadrian! Amanda?
The silver-haired girl hesitated as she eyed the former assassin lying unconscious on Daniels back.
Um, is she going to make it?
Salvos asked, pointing at Amanda. Daniel nodded.
Amanda will be fine. She was in a dire state earlier, but thanks to my [Hero]s Skill, shell make it.
He looked back towards the brown-haired woman, shaking his head. Salvos sighed in relief.
Oh, good. And for a moment there I thought I didnt make it in time.
Edithe just smiled in return.
We knew you would. After all, the moment we blew the Enhanced Horn of the Caller, you showed up as promised.
The red-haired woman was d she had a friend she could rely on. There was no jealousy there, only gratitude. But Edithes smile and gratitude both slipped as Salvos shifted her feet.
Um I didnt actually get to hear the Horn of the Caller
What?
Daniel and Edithe blinked at the same time. Salvos scratched the back of her head apprehensively.
I wasnt close enough to hear it. I was, um, kinda far away from Alyras.
The [Hero] gave her a t stare.
So, let me get this straight you gave us this Enhanced Horn of the Caller, told us to use it to call for your help, then left uspletely to fend for ourselves?
She shrank back, averting her gaze.
Thats, um
He massaged his temples, and Edithe couldnt help but roll her eyes too. Neither the redhead nor the [Hero] were actually mad at Salvos since she saved them anyhow. But still, that was a very well, expected thing for her to do.
Where did you even go, Salvos?
Edithe asked, shaking her head.
I was busy, alright? Its kind of rted to the Sword of Alexander and how I got it, but there was this whole thing with [Witches] and the corruption and
The silver-haired girl weakly gesticted before lowering her head.
Sorry. That was kinda my fault, I guess. But its not something I can really tell you right now, at least.
She looked genuinely apologetic, which made Edithe feel bad. The redhead sighed and patted her friends shoulder.
Whatever it is, Im sure it was important. Dont worry, we arent actually angry. Right, Daniel?
Well, you did just save our lives, but Im still annoyed you took so long. If you arrived a momentter, things mightve gotten really bad, Salvos.
Daniel shrugged, gesturing at Amanda and himself. They were in quite bad shapespared to Edithe. Hadrian, too, looked very roughed up. The redhead got away with only a few minor scratches at most, fortunately.
Anyway, I thought your Grand Skill had a long cooldown.
Edithe peered curiously at her friend.
Howre you able to use it so soon after our fight with Belzu? It hasnt even been a month since then, has it?
Nope! It hasnt. Its only been just under three weeks since then. But I never needed a full month to use my Grand Skill. I only needed about three weeks thanks to my Titles Bonus.
Salvos answered cheerfully before tapping a finger on her chin.
And then well, Ive been practicing using my Divine Essence over the past few weeks. I guess since Ive gotten better control over it now, I only need to wait two or two and a half weeks? Honestly, I''m not sure. Its always just been a feeling, and I felt I could use it now, so I did.
She gave Edithe a thumbs-up. The red-haired woman narrowed her eyes. Salvos had exined to her how [Manifestation of the Old Gods] also drew from Divine Essence. That Skill gave the silver-haired girl extremely enhanced senses. Which meant
If youve been practicing wait, are you saying?
Yep. Thats how I found you guys so quickly.
Salvos grinned and pointed at herself.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods]. It works really well when I actually have my Divine Essence active, huh?
Wait, wait, wait.
Hadrian piped up, waving a hand around. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to parse what was going on.
Divine Essence? [Manifestation of the Old Gods]? What are you talking about? Are you saying youre like Mori dius?
Well, kinda? But I guess he had better control over his divinity.
Salvos shrugged, and the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company tried to work his jaw.
Are you being serious right now?
Why wouldnt I be?
She cocked her head at him. Hadrian just gaped back at her. Edithe patted him on the shoulder, reassuring him that he wasnt losing his mind as Daniel stepped in.
Salvos, are you saying you can see everything thats happening in and around Alyras?
I can hear and smell everything too!
She beamed, before making a face of disgust at the [Hero].
Honestly, you smell really bad, Daniel.
He ignored her and continued.
So you can see whats going on with Lofus, Crocus, and Avaritia? What about whats going on outside the city?
I just have to focus on it. But its all, like, there in the back of my mind. And its notpletely overwhelming like before! So, yep!
Wait, so how are they doing? We need to help them. Avaritia that Demon had
The [Hero] started forward, practically interrogating the silver-haired girl. Salvos just raised a hand, stopping him.
He had the Boots of Alexander, right? Orgaf already told me that he was fast. Id like to fight him. See whos faster between him and I. Also take a look at his Grand Skill.
Daniel pursed his lips.
Salvos, this isnt a game. Peoples lives are at stake.
I know, I know. Dont worry, Daniel. Youre always so uptight.
She waved a hand dismissively. He opened his mouth, and Edithe wanted to protest too, but the silver-haired girl just spoke over them.
I already knew that. Thats why I was prepared.
Salvos puffed out her chest with a self-satisfied smirk.
Thats why I already sent my clones out there to help out before I even got here.
What?
Edithe and Daniel blinked. The redhead raised a hand hesitantly and asked.
Help out where?
Isnt it obvious?
The silver-haired girl spread her arms out.
Everywhere.
Zack looked on in horror as the dark firestorm incinerated a chunk of the army in an instant, burning through the collective barrier of a hundred Gold and tinum Ranked [Mages] like it was nothing.
It was a massive loss, but no one could stop to mourn all the deaths and casualties being rued from this battle. To think that only two Archdemons could cause so much damage Zack was utterly at shock. But this only emphasized the point that Humankind needed to fend off this Demon threat.
If we survive this, at least. The [Mage] grunted as he hurled a giant boulder at the ck inferno. But it just consumed his spell like it was nothing.
Fuck nothing were throwing at it is working.
He panted, turning to Helen as she fired arrow after arrow into that ever growing abyss.
We cant give up now. We have to stop it so it doesnt destroy the city!
The two of them continuedunching their attacks to no avail. Meanwhile, their leader, Jaakko just stood and stared, unable to do anything to help. Of course not. He was a [Warrior]. If he ran in there, he would die.
Thousands maybe even over ten thousand alreadyy dead from this battle. But what was worse was that it had only just begun. If it continued, there would only be more destruction and more death.
Someone strong enough needed to stop this [Jinn] from continuing its rampage. But Kaitlin Darkhelm couldnt help. She was a [Warrior] specialized in one-on-onebat. Not only that, she was preupied with the other Archdemon.
And Marwin the Silver Swordsman couldnt even get close to the ck mes either. A terrible roar echoed with the wind as the ck mes of the [Jinn] drew closer to the scattering armies.
Zack cursed as he lowered his spellbook, turning to his teammates.
Nothing were doing is working. Well just die if we stand here like a couple idiots. Come on, lets get moving.
Helen listened, but Jaakko stood like a rock statue. Zack blinked at his leader.
Jaakko
Look.
The Cyclops raised one of his four hands, interrupting the [Mage]. Raising his head, Zack followed Jaakkos single-eyed gaze until he saw the sh of light. A deluge of fire crashed into the storm of ck mes as a pair of glowing figures descended.
Figures made of gold and silver mes. Zack recognized them. Hed seen these glowing figures once before. Back during the destruction of Westshield.
Thats
Zacks eyes widened as he watched the pair of flying figures zip around the dark inferno, sting it with their own gold and silver light.
Come on, is that really all youve got?
Saffron looked on as Avaritiaughed. He spread his arms wide, taunting both Lofus and Zin Norwood. The Demon had managed to whittle them down over the course of the battle, using his speed to outmaneuver them both.
Even in her bestial form, Zin looked like she was at the cusp of passing out, and Lofus Grand Skill had ended a while ago. Saffron wanted to help them. She really did. But she knew shed only get in their way. She stumbled back as she readied for their sh once again, only for motes of gold and silver cinders fluttered around the young noble Vampire.
Her eyes widened as she looked up, seeing a glowing figure descend. Avaritia paused as he frowned at the neer.
Who are you?
Then the Demon squinted at her.
Youre not a person, are you?
And while that mightve been true, Saffron couldnt be more than relieved to see her arrive there. To see
Salvos.
Helena Warshade spoke simply as she eyed the three figures floating around her. Ira raised his head, his charred body already regenerating from the fiery st theyd struck him with while he was off-guard. He snorted as his mouth glowed gold and silver.
No matter how many of you pests show up, I will crush you all.
And Ira exhaled. The Salvos clones backed up warily, but Helena created a barrier, blocking the attacking. Truth be told, she didnt expect Salvos to show up. But even the clones were a great boon for the Great Tempest Archmage. After all, she could use their help.
Not with this Archdemon. No of course not. Perhaps if Ira had undergone his Level 150 evolution but for some odd reason, he was still an Archdemon.
Nevertheless, Helena Warshade could deal with him soon enough. Instead, she needed Salvos aid with some other task.
Ill deal with that Demon, you break the other Elites out of that dome. Is that understood?
And the Salvos clones nodded in agreement.
Chapter 422: Trading Gear
Chapter 422: Trading Gear
422. Trading Gear
I looked through my clones eyes, watching them swarm the various battlefields throughout the city and beyond. [Manifestation of the Gods] was active, and I could theoretically use that Skill to simply survey the entire battlefield. But I only had my mind focused on two things.
The first thing I was focused on was mypanions standing before me. Daniel Song and Edithe Dawnrise. Id seen they were in trouble and rushed right in to save them. Fortunately, I arrived just in time and defeated the two Archdemons threatening their lives.
And that was the second thing I was focused on the levels Id gained.
Defeated [Gerasa Swine - Lvl. 147]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Helllord - Lvl. 148]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 141] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 142]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 108] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 109]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 109] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 110]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Huh. Not that many levels
Especially for killing high-leveled Demons. But I kind of expected it. While I didnt need the Sword of Alexander to defeat these guys, that horned yellow-skinned Demon [Helllord] was somewhat right in how I was relying on it to win that fight. Perhaps if Id beaten them with my own power, Id have gotten more experience than that.
I shook my head as Daniel raised a brow at me.
Did you say something, Salvos?
Nothing. Come on, weve got, like, four other Demons to deal with.
I twirled the Sword of Alexander and started past mypanions. They watched me head further into the city back towards the crumbling pce of Alyras. I could see men and women members of the nobility of the city fleeing the wreck and rubble.
With [Manifestation of the Old Gods], I checked and made sure everyone I knew and cared about was fine. Rana Alyras and Faith El had evacuated quite a while ago. Neither princesses were within the premises of the pce any longer. And others like Matthew, Lamarr, or even Artik were in the midst of leaving or had already left too.
The only ones who were still important to me left was well, Crocus Merryster, Zin Norwood, and mypanion, Saffron.
So, I was going to save her. But Daniel and Edithe stopped me.
Wait, Salvos. Where are you going?
The redhead asked as she brought a hand up. I blinked and turned to her.
Im going to fight that Demon with the Boots of Alexander and save Saffron. Why?
Thats great and all. But, uh, we were more worried about
She trailed off and gestured beyond the wall of the city. I blinked as I heard a thunderous crash, followed by the roaring winds. I stared into an abyss of ck mes. A firestorm that cast its shadow over the entire city. One that was only expanding as it devoured more and more lives.
Huh.
Yeah, that.
Edithe scratched at her cheeks. Hadrian and Daniel nodded with her.
Weve got to help them stop it. Whatever it is its going to continue taking so many pointless lives.
The [Hero] stepped forward, facing the destruction that was being wrecked up ahead. I pursed my lips and hesitated.
But Saffron
I wanted to say that I didnt really care about all those nameless lives being lost, but Hadrian was here. And Id also get reprimanded by Daniel and maybe Edithe. So, I just shrugged.
My clones are there. You guys can go help out. Ill join you after I save Saffron.
Daniel opened his mouth, but I tossed the Sword of Alexander at him. He blinked, barely catching it out of the air. He fumbled with the weapon, wide-eyed.
Uh, Salvos?
You can have it.
I shook my head as the boost to my [Strength] and [Endurance] faded. But it didnt matter. I wasnt going to need that to win. The Human man opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He just stared at me as Edithe stepped forward.
Wait, Salvos, are you sure about this?
Its fine. Im sure Daniel can use it better than me. Hes a [Hero], right? I much prefer using scythes anyway.
I began conjuring up a Divine Nebr Scythe as mypanions just looked apprehensively at the Mythical Grade artifact Id casually handed over to them. They were uncertain. They clearly wanted to hand it back to me. I sighed.
If youre that worried, then just give me the Crown of Alexander.
I held out an open palm at them. Daniel blinked.
What?
Youre worried that the Demons might get two of the Treasures of Alexander from you if something happens, right? So, Ill take care of the Crown of Alexander.
That''s
Edithe furrowed her brows. The Human man scratched the back of his head.
Not a bad idea at all.
Come on, give it to me.
I hurried him up. Daniel produced the Crown of Alexander from his Dimensional Storage Unit as I beamed to myself. I held it up, lips curled up.
This is it
It was a glimmering crown. Ornate. With multiple intersecting glinting bands that almost looked like brambles or thorns. It was small and shaded in a multitude of colors. Like a tiara or a circet. I ced it gently on my head where my horns would be if I was in my normal form, smiling.
Salvos you know it doesnt work without the other Treasures of Alexander, right?
Edithe pointed out. I nodded as I admired myself, wearing the Crown of Alexander.
I know.
I turned and grinned at mypanions.
I just think it looks cool!
With that, I spread my wings wide and flew off to the other side of the pce of Alyras. Mypanions nodded at each other. Daniel held up the Sword of Alexander, whispering to himself.
Alright, lets do this.
And they went to face off that [Jinn] rampaging outside of the city.
Avaritia stared at the thing descending from the night sky. A thing made out of silver and gold mes. An apparition of sorts. A Spirit? No it was something else.
He narrowed his eyes as he used [Identification] on it. And the Demon blinked.
A clone? Of who?
He shook his head and scoffed. It didnt matter. Hed seen clones before, and they were oftentimes weaker than the original and far more careless in battle. Hed deal with it easier. The Salvos clonended next to the pink-haired onlooker.
Salvos
The annoying Human watching started. But the Salvos clone raised a hand, cutting her off. No words left the apparitions mouth. Avaritia just sighed, looking between her, Zin, and Lofus.
You know, it doesnt matter how many of you show up. Ill deal with you all the same.
And the Demon moved. He bared his teeth as he raced up to the Salvos clone, Boots of Alexander boosting him forward. No matter how many of these Humans or clones or Vampires kept showing up, Avaritia would deal with them. None of them could keep up with his speed
He blinked as the Salvos clone closed the distance between them faster than he could. His eyes grew wide. She mmed a zing fist into his stomach. Avaritia recoiled and leapt back.
What the
And the Salvos clone was behind him in an instant. He narrowly dodged the swing of a kusarigama from her, before leaping over the apanying chains. She barely missed her follow-up attacks as Avaritia ran into the air.
He stared down at her in disbelief at a total loss for words. She was faster than him. His mind reeled, only for Zin Norwood to crash into him mid-air. He went tumbling down, but he managed to kick the [Druid]-bear off him before he fell back to the ground.
Lofus was waiting there. The Broken Berserker of Bherein was tired. Exhausted. Her Grand Skill had run its course, but that didnt mean she wasnt still strong. She mmed a knee into Avaritias back, and he gritted his teeth.
Damn you
His body changed. He morphed back into an [Imp], slipping from the Elites grasps as he flipped back. He shook his head and spat out a mouthful of ck blood.
Oh, you guys are really testing my patience.
He red at his three opponents. The Salvos clone moved first, flying down at him as she hurled the sickle and chain forward. Avaritias body morphed into a giant serpent an [Uroboros] and he easily slithered around the attack.
Zin charged at him, but his body changed again. This time, he was a [Fiend] with a long, pointed tail. He spun around,shing out with the whip-like appendage. It struck the [Druid] back, before Lofus finally reached him. Avaritia grew in size, bing an [Arachne]. Heughed as he stomped at her with his long legs, forcing the Berserker back.
The lone Demon continued fending off all three of his enemies. The crazed [Druid] a Vampire and a Demon yer. The Broken Berserker of Bheren. And an apparition-like clone. But Avaritia was fighting against them. What was more it looked like he was winning.
He smiled as he tossed the [Druid] back, and caught a bunch from the Salvos clone. Lofus came running up, but he escaped back into the air.
Is this all you guys got? Please, this is childs y!
He cackled then his eyes flickered. The Archdemon of Greed kicked back as he saw the glint. The iridescent object flying at him. He ducked out of the way of the scythe as a new, fourth figure joined the battlefield.
Another one? No, wait
He narrowed his eyes at the silver-haired girl,nding before him.
The original of the clone. So, youre this Salvos, arent you?
I am.
She replied simply and nodded at her clone.
Take Saffron and get out of here.
The pink-haired woman blinked.
Wait, Salvos, what are you doing? Dont you need your clones help?
She sputtered as Salvos shook her head. The silver-haired girl turned to face both the exhausted Elite and Demon yer.
Hey, can you guys do me a favor and stay out of this? I want to fight this Demon on my own.
What?
Lofus eyes went wide.
What?
Avaritia repeated the sentiment. Is this a trap? What is she going on about?
Zin couldnt speak, but she clearly looked just as shocked. Salvos nodded at them gratefully.
Thanks. I really appreciate it.
But the Archdemon of Greed didnt buy it. He scoffed and crossed his arms, in the form of an [Imp] again.
Seriously? Youd think Ill fall for this? Im not going to let my guard down.
You dont need to be so uptight. Im just here to offer you a trade.
She grinned at him. Avaritia frowned.
What kind of trade?
The kind where if you beat me, you can have both this
She tapped on a glittering crown on her head. Avaritia blinked.
Thats the Crown of Alexander
How did he not see that before? It was so conspicuous, yet he never noticed itying atop her head. Lofus, Saffron, and Zin gasped at that sight. But Salvos wasnt done yet. She tapped her legs together, and there was a clink.
as well as these.
And that made the Archdemon of Greed lower his guard. Just by a little bit. He leaned forward, almost sneering.
And what do you get if you win?
If I win, I get the Boots of Alexander, of course.
Salvos crossed her arm casually. Avaritia warily eyed Lofus and Zin in the background. But the two were too exhausted and confused to do anything. The only one who was protesting was Saffron. Unfortunately, the clone was holding her back.
I see.
Its a good deal, isnt it? In fact, Ill even let yound a free hit on me right now as well. Make it even better for you.
The silver-haired girl smiled innocently as Avaritia took a wide stance. This made no sense. It was almost too good to be true. But he had the chance to win two of the Treasures of Alexander right now. He couldnt not take it. He just had to be smart about it.
Salvos continued.
Just make sure
And Avaritia moved. He appeared next to her, morphing into arge [Djinn]. He swung a heavy fist down at her, cackling.
That sounds good to me!
The punchnded. She couldnt get out of the way in time too caught off-guard. The [Changeling] grinned as he stared down at the squashed girl only to blink.
Salvos raised her head, forcing his fist back as she met his gaze.
What?
Avarita looked on in shock. The silver-haired girl shook her head as he drew back. A flickering of iridescent sparks flicked off her body as she smiled.
Well, I was going to say that you should just make sure that you dont waste it. But it seems
He tried to leap back, only for Salvos to appear next to him. She swung down with her iridescent scythe, raking it across his back. And ck blood spluttered out as he couldnt react in time.
you already have.
Chapter 423: Dreams and Tricks
Chapter 423: Dreams and Tricks
423. Dreams and Tricks
Come on!
The muffled voice rang out as a stinging pain jolted through the womans body. Amanda raised her head, her mind reeling. The world blurred around her as she blinked. She raised a hand and rubbed her eyes as the voices continued.
What about her? Should we just leave her somewhere safe?
Im not sure. Wait shes waking up.
Urgh, my head.
Amanda looked up and at her surroundings. She saw the wheeling stars. Heard the rapid footfalls. She was in a street. No she was heading down a street, turning junction after junction. But she couldnt be the one doing the running. Her body was practically limp. In fact, it was like she was being carried.
She shook her head and turned to the person who was carrying her.
Let go of
The former assassin started snappishly. Then she froze as her face stopped an inch just before Daniels. He looked back at her, sighing in relief.
Youre awake, thats good.
She didnt reply, her cheeks heating up. After a moment of silence, he leaned closer and peered at her.
Amanda?
W-wha
Amanda recoiled, nearly falling off his back. Daniel blinked, running to a halt as she flipped off his back. The former assassin pointed at the [Hero].
Y-you
She paused when she saw the other two figures with them. Edithe Dawnrise and Hadrian were present as well. Along with Daniel, the three of them had been running down the deserted streets of Alyras as a terrible roar echoed in the background.
Slowly, as the brown-haired woman massaged her temples, everything came back to her. Their job to protect the Crown of Alexander. The fight with Avaritia. Then, after that, she remembered being hunted down by two more Demons as they ran through the pce of the city.
But they were caught. Desidia and Iivor had found them even seen through one of the ns Daniel had concocted. But Amanda remembered vividly how how
Her eyes widened as she stared at Daniel.
Youre alive?
I should be the one saying that to you.
The young man walked up to her and patted her on the shoulder.
Im d to see youre fine. We were worried. You werent responsive, even after all your wounds had closed.
He smiled at her. Amanda just stared back at him, still gripped in shock. She met his gaze, shaking her head. Shed been filled with rage desperation and sadness when she saw Daniel fall to the hands of the Demons. But now, he waspletely fine.
But I thought that that Demon killed you
A myriad of emotions washed through her. At first, annoyance and anger. How could he scare her like that? Then, she felt relief. She was d knowing that Daniel was fine.
The [Hero] just scratched the back of his head.
I think I was close to dying there. But I guess thanks to you, Edithe, and Hadrian, I managed to pull through.
He gave her a shrug, and Amanda smiled. Her lips curled up as she ced a hand on his chest.
Im d
She didnt have any quips. No witty remarks to say. She was just relieved to see he was fine that her worst fears didnte true. Amanda raised her head and nodded.
So how did you guys manage to kill those Demons?
Daniel hesitated, and Edithe answered for him.
We didnt. We wouldve been dead if not for Salvos.
Sal vos?
Amanda blinked. Daniel chuckled as he turned to the redhead.
Yeah, Salvos arrived just in time and saved us. She dealt with those two Demons like they were nothing. But I did help quite a bit before that, didnt I? Honestly, Id say I was doing a pretty good job of being a [Hero].
Edithe rolled her eyes in response. Amanda paused. She just stared at the three figures before her. Salvos saved us? the thought slowly crossed through the former assassins mind. After all that, that girl just came in and beat those Demons?
And not just that, Amanda saw the way Daniel smiled when talking about the silver-haired girl. The former assassin heard hisugh the way he praised Salvos.
Oh.
That was all Amanda could say in response. Her voice was t. She didnt add anything as Daniel, Hadrian, and Edithe exined how easily Salvos disposed of the two Demons. Then the [Hero] showed off an iridescent de. It was the Sword of Alexander. A Mythical Grade artifact. One of the Treasures of Alexander.
Amanda didnt even question why Salvos had that weapon even though it wasst seen in Levithus hands. All she noticed was the way Daniel continued to speak of the silver-haired girl. Then, he ushered the former assassin forward as they continued towards the walls of the city.
Come on, weve got to deal with that before it bes an even bigger problem then right now.
The [Hero] pointed towards a ck storm expanding beyond Alyras. It was consuming everything. A darkness that devoured all without prejudice.
ck mes. Amanda could feel its heat, even from where she stood. Still, she felt cold. Even as she nodded and followed after Daniel, charging into battle.
Right.
Damn you
G flew through the air as she pointed at Kaitlin Darkhelm. The space around the knight twisted, before rapidly being pulled to the ground. The pressure was clearly visible, even to the naked eye. Yet, despite that, the Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces pushed through it.
Nothing the Archdemon of Gluttony threw at the Elite worked. And she couldnt even deflect half of Kaitlins attacks. All G could do was rush.
Kaitlin Darkhlem swung up, parting the nearby clouds as the shockwave from her attack knocked the Demon back. G cursed, teleporting away, trying to lead the [Warrior] back towards Libid.
G herself couldnt get too close to the [Jinn]. Unfortunately, as powerful and effective as Libids Grand Skill was, it couldnt differentiate between friend or foe. Sure, he could try. But it didnt mean that it wouldnt harm G. That was why she created a [Triple Folded Space Barrier] before drawing close to the ck mes.
Come here, you annoying Human
But G paused as she caught a glimpse of a flicker. A brief sh of light. It wasnt the rising sun that she saw. Nor was it the thousands of spells being flung through the air. No it was something else. An aura she recognized.
Divine Essence.
The Archdemon of Gluttony spun around, narrowing her eyes. And there it was. She saw it through the ck shroud that was Libid beyond the fighting, and within the city of Alyras. A Human man sprinted forward with three other figures. But G didnt see any of them. All she saw was the glinting de in his hands.
Thats
And G teleported back. Kaitlin Darkhelms sh missed her once again. The attack hit nothing as the Demon floated there, her lips twisting. She looked between the Elite fending off the dark inferno with a shield, and the Mythical Grade artifact. Shaking her head, G charged straight into Libids ck mes, heading for the city.
The Sword of Alexander is mine!
Avaritia just clutched at his back. He stood there, at a loss for words. ck blood poured from the wound as he struggled to process what just happened. First, the silver-haired girl had taken a punch from the [Changeling] head on without even a scratch!
Then she moved so quickly, he couldnt even see her move. Even with the Boots of Alexander, the Archdemon of Greed wasnt able to react in time. She swung her scythe once, raking it across his back with a fiery swing.
Hed spun around backhanded her with his massive fist. But she caught it with a casual smile.
Whats wrong?
Avaritia pulled back, and that was where he was now, clutching at his wound, staring in disbelief. Salvos just cocked her head.
Youre a [Changeling], arent you? Last I remembered, [Changelings] were supposed to be strong. Is that really all youve got?
He gritted his teeth. He charged forward as his body shifted once again.
Dont mess with me, Human!
The [Changeling] became an [Arachne]. He struck out with three of his limbs. She leapt into the air, flying straight for the face of the giant spider Demon. Heshed out with two more of his long appendages, whipping them forward at such high speeds it wouldve caught anybody else. Even Orgaf, Thief of the Golden Scales, struggled against Avaritia in this form.
Yet, Salvos dove around it. She reached him and swung with her scythe. A crimson aura wrapped around the iridescent scythe as it impacted the Archdemon of Greed. Avaritia recoiled in pain, his eyes shing red.
You
She smirked up at him, then he clicked his mandibles. His tone change as heughed.
Got you.
And the silver-haired girl blinked. He looked on as metallic threads shot out from his behind.
[Copy Skill: Weaving Destruction].
She tried to fly out of the way, but shed gotten too close. And the threads moved too quickly. One of the strings caught her by the leg as the rest began to entangle her. The Demonughed as he watched his threads wrap a sphere around the silver-haired girl.
Then he loomed over that ball of threads. His fangs shed as he opened his mouth.
[Copy Skill: Devour the Damned].
His teeth sank straight through the metallic sphere. He pierced through the thread with ease, chomping through it like it was a delicious meal. He bit a few times, chewing as heughed. He heard a voice call out.
Salvos
It was that annoying pink-haired girl. Avaritia would deal with her after he finished off Lofus and that Demon yer. He continued chewing as heughed.
You should be more worried about
And he paused. Avaritia narrowed his eyes as he bit into the ball of threads one more time, feeling nothing crunching under the weight of his teeth. Then a casual voice spoke out as the Demon spun around with wide eyes.
Im fine, Saffron. See? No need to panic.
The silver-haired girl was flying above the [Arachne]-[Changeling]. The Archdemon of Greeds jaw dropped. He stared up at her, atplete disbelief.
How?
Even Lofus and Zin Norwood were shocked. They looked on from the sidelines, seeing Salvos flying there as she pped her rainbow-med wings.
What do you mean, how? I just escaped, thats all.
She giggled as she floated above him. That annoyed Avaritia. He wanted tosh out. Swing at her. But he caught himself. For a moment, he stared up at the silver-haired girl taunting him, then he looked past her.
He knew there had to be some sort of trick, and finally, he saw it.
Space was twisting behind her. No not just behind her. A dome of warped space encapsted this entire section of the pce of Alyras. Avaritia wouldnt have noticed this if he werent ustomed to Gs space magic. But he knew he understood
This is a pocket dimension. I see now.
He swung at the sky. The attack sent a spiderweb crack across the fractal space. Salvos blinked as he bellowed.
Your tricks wont work on me, Human!
He headbutted the space once again, and this time, it shattered. It copsed around them like broken ss before fading away. The [Changeling] cast his gaze towards the silver-haired girl.
Hows that? Ive seen through your trickery. I shall not fall for your petty mind games.
Salvos just stared at him, speaking tly.
Um, ok Ill still beat you, you know?
And that made something snap inside of the Archdemon of Greed. His body shifted. He became a giant bat, then a terrible beast, before bing an [Imp] again.
I am Avaritia! A Duke of the Netherworld! Your mortal existence cannot bepared to me, Human!
Each word he spoke, he took on the form of a different Demon. An [Incubus]. A [Fiend]. A [Jinn]. A [Hellhound]. A [Subus], even. He towered over the silver-haired girl, before shrinking to half her height in an instant.
Do not mock me, or I will crush you like the insect you are.
Then prove it. Show me just how strong you are.
Salvos shrugged casually. She held Avaritias gaze. He paused. The [Changeling] transformed to a [Fiend] and chuckled. He shook his head. He was falling for her games once again. He couldnt do that. Instead, he was going to be the one stringing her along like she was his toy.
Very well then, I will show you yes I will indeed
His voice trailed off as Salvos raised a brow. The silver-haired girl looked none-the-wiser, but Lofus stepped forward, yelling.
You cant let him
Toote.
And once more, Avaritias body shifted. This time, it wasnt quick or instantaneous. It was a slow, disgusting process as his entire body rippled before folding back into itself.
I am
His vision vanished as his face receded into his body. He shrank, then rapidly expanded as Salvos just watched. The Demonsugh echoed throughout the night as he whispered the name of his Grand Skill.
[Your Worst Nightmare].
Chapter 424: Humanity’s Primal Fear
Chapter 424: Humanity¡¯s Primal Fear
424. Humanity''s Primal Fear
I am [Your Worst Nightmare].
Saffrons eyes grew wide as Avaritias voice pulsed out. She could feel the power of his Grand Skill in her bones. A shiver ran through her body her skin prickling with the crawling feeling of ants running up her back. She lowered her hands, no longer struggling as the Salvos clone carried her further away from the battlefield.
It was overwhelming. The young Vampire shuddered as she looked on. The Archdemons body twisted. He was a [Changeling], and hed transformed many times throughout the fight. But this time? It was almost grotesque to look at. At first, hed lost all recognizable features of any Demon not an [Incubus], not a [Hellbeast], and not even like any kind of monster Saffron had ever seen.
Hed shifted into an amalgamation of different beasts and creatures, with various spindly limbs like arms and legs and even fingers poking out of his body before receding back into that ball of flesh. Hed stared up at Salvos with a hundred eyes, then one, then a dozen, then no eyes at all. His body stretched and thinned and expanded in the blink of an eye, all the while keeping a pallid shade as he let out a deep, resounding groan.
It happened so slowly and so quickly. Lofus realized this was the time to strike, and the Berserker lunged forward. She swung at the transforming Demon. Her punch connected. For a moment, nothing happened. Then Avaritias body exploded.
Lofus blinked, thenughed as she watched his flesh stter all over the ground. Bits and pieces of the Demon went flying as she stepped back.
Hah! I did it! That idiot didnt even see iting!
She basked in her victory, but all Salvos did was narrow her eyes. Saffron saw it too. The young Vampire looked on as the chunks of Demon flesh froze midair the ck blood refusing to fall to the ground.
Lofus-
Saffron called out, and the Berserker finally saw it. All at once, Avaritias body flew back together. The ck blood and chunks of flesh reassembling the same morbidly abdominous shape from before. It happened so quickly, Lofus didnt even have time to react. And the floating ball of deformed flesh struck back at her.
She went flying as Avaritias warped voice echoed,ughing.
You cannot kill me, Humans. Not when I shall consume your very soul!
And all at once, the Demons body spiked out. Like streaks of veins reaching out with a cloying grasp. And ayer of crimson skin formed over it. Saffron blinked once, seeing the vague outline of a towering figure forming. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the pair of horns protruding out of its head. Curved and long, each with a slender sharp edge, built like a sword.
Avaritia stood tall twenty feet in height. Not asrge as an [Arachne], but he was rippling with muscle. A ck aura cloaked around him, dressing him with a faux regalia befitting a king, and he looked up with a shadowed gaze. A long tail made of ted bones swished behind him as he raised his head.
Saffron stared at the crimson Demon as he spread his arms wide.
How is this? Are you scared? Terrified? I know you are. I have be the thing which Humankind fears the most. I have be the terror from the stories you tell your children when they misbehave. I have be my King himself. The one and only ruler of the Netherworld.
The [Changeling] cackled, taking a step forward. The ground shook just from that single footstep. Saffron stared on as the Salvos clone paused.
Regnorex is at the gates
The young Vampire whispered, closing her eyes. She knew this was Avaritia. That it was a fake. But hed co-opted more than just the Demon Kings looks. Saffron could tell. She could feel a pressure weighing on her one that shed never felt before.
It was so heavy. Almost palpable. And something within Saffron told her that this was merely a fraction of the real power of Regnorex.
T-this
She bit her lower lip. But as Avaritia stood there, basking in his own grandeur, someone moved. A bear-like creature. One that had two heads, but now only with a single head left. Zin Norwood bounded forward, hoping to strike him while he was distracted.
He inclined his head callously.
Begone, pest.
And with those casual words, he swiped his tail at her. Saffron opened her mouth.
No
But Salvos moved. Shed been silent the entire time, not really reacting to Avaritias form. But the moment he struck out for the [Druid], she swooped down. The silver-haired girl reached Zin just in time to block the tail-swipe. His tail crashed into Salvos side, but the iridescent aura around her sparked out, shing with the ck aura. For a moment, nothing happened then she went flying.
Argh!
Saffrons eyes widened as she watched both Salvos and Zin crash into the side of a wall. Avaritias ck aura had shattered whatever protection was covering the silver-haired girl. The indomitable invulnerable aura she exuded gone. And shey there, in the crater, bruised and bloodied as she looked up at the faux Demon King.
And the young noble understood this really was her worst nightmare.
Huh.
I didnt expect that. To be honest, I had been a little underwhelmed by Avaritias Grand Skill. Hed just transformed again. It wasnt anything special. He was taller now, sure. I couldnt see his face, and he did have an odd ck aura veil covering his body. But to me, he just looked like another Demon.
Yet, somehow, when he struck me with his tail, hed managed to break through my Grand Skill. It was odd. I was certain [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] rivaled or even surpassed the Breastte of Alexanders Aura of Protection. But against Avaritia as he was now? That didnt matter.
Whats wrong? Do you regret your decision now, Human?
He loomed over me his shadow just as tall as he was. I got to my feet and shook my head. My arm was bloodied, and the sleeves of my blue jacket were ripped and torn. I narrowed my eyes as I saw the shadows wisping off him.
Thats
I didnt recognize it at first. But now, after a moment of studying it, I did. Avaritia was wreathed in a Divine Essence. One that didnt really feel like Divine Essence. It felt more like a fake replica of what I had of what the Treasures of Alexander contained but one that was still overwhelming in power nheless.
Youre definitely stronger than I thought, Ill give you credit for that.
I spoke simply, facing the menacing giant of a Demon. Avaritia leaned forward, speaking in an amused voice.
Oh?
But you are mistaken, I am not scared of you.
He shook his head as he spoke proudly.
I am the manifestation of all your greatest fears. I have be the greatest Demon in history the one who yed your Immortal King himself. I have taken the form of the one who rules the Netherworld, unchallenged by any other being. To say that you do not fear me, when I have be what you Humans are scared of the most?
Avaritia paused. I cocked my head at him. And he snorted.
Dont make meugh.
The Demon whipped his tail at me, and I ran forward. I knew that if I relied on [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] just like before, his faux Divine Essence would win out. It didnt necessarily destroy the iridescent aura protecting me. Rather, it could momentarily tear through it. I was certain that even if I had the Breastte of Alexander here, his attacks would also render its Aura of Protection null.
I didnt think it would break the Breastte of Alexander, just like how his tail-swipe hadnt actually killed me. It simply phased through any protective Divine Essence.
I swung up with my Divine Nebr Scythe, and sure enough, the weapon didnt shatter in contact. We shed for a moment as there was a sh of ck and rainbow-colored light. His aura won out, but I didnt remain idle. Instead, I flew up, circling behind him.
Hmph. If you wont ept your fate willingly, then I shall make you understand.
Avaritia held both his arms to the side as his voice boomed out.
[Copy Skill: Domain of the Demon King].
I recoiled as a deluge of his fake Divine Essence poured out. The ck liquid spilled around him before shooting up like giant spikes. I dodged around this shiftingndscape, only to hear a crackle from above. I looked up as the ascending ck spikes began to melt, raining back down on me.
This is annoying
I sent a st of rainbow-colored mes up before the rain could touch me. I knew it was bad even before it came crashing back down. It sizzled under the heat of the mes, evaporating into a ck air that clouded the sky above.
Whatever Skill this was, it really lived up to its name. I swung out with my Divine Nebr Scythe, lopping off the top of a nearby spike as I gritted my teeth.
Your fake Divine Essence isnt enough to win. All you do is copy, but you dont even know what youre doing!
Perhaps.
Avaritia answered simply, standing at the center of this torrentialndscape. He didnt move, his eyes fixed on me.
But this is more than enough to defeat you.
And his body blurred. My eyes grew wide as Avaritia appeared behind me, carried by the Boots of Alexander. He swung first with his tail as I spun around, barely raising my weapon in time. He knocked the Divine Nebr Scythe aside before pping his hands together at me like I was some sort of insect.
Now you die
And his hands stopped mid-air. I held my legs out, doing a split and holding him back. He blinked once, even through his darkened gaze, in shock.
What?
The Greaves of Alexander at my knees shimmered as I grinned at him.
Did you forget what were fighting for?
They shed, and I kicked his hands back, each strike shing with a pulsing glow. Flipping through the air, I kicked him across his jaw as he recoiled, and I flew back.
Dont get me wrong, I copy others too, but unlike you, thats not the only thing I rely on.
I flew in the middle of his ck storm as he straightened, his shadowed gaze burning with anger. And I smiled.
Now, lets try this again.
Chapter Salvos Book 5: Corruption and Centinels is now available on the audible store!
Chapter Salvos Book 5: Corruption and Centinels is now avable on the audible store!
Corruption and Centinels by V.A. Lewis - Audiobook -
Ello everyone! Chapter will be out eventually. But just wanted to let y''all know that the audiobook for Salvos Book 5 is now avable on the audible store! It is pretty cool. If you don''t already know, it''s the book where Salvos first gets her Grand Skill. Man, I can''t believe it''s been so long since that happened....
In any case, do consider supporting me and giving it a buy or a review!
Corruption and Centinels by V.A. Lewis - Audiobook -
Chapter 425: Copycat
Chapter 425: Copycat
425. Copycat
Now, lets try this again.
Avaritia heard the silver-haired girls words. He wanted to scoff. Did this Salvos really think she could defeat him in this form? He had be his King!
No Avaritia couldnt encapste the full power of his King. Not even close. But while he was but an inferior copy, that was more than enough to deal with these weak, annoying Humans.
It was the power of his Grand Skill. As a [Changeling], it was in his nature to replicate and copy others. In this case, hed drawn from the primal fear deep within all those present. The thing which kept them up at night that which robbed them of their sleep.
This wasnt mind magic. This was different from the kind of spells that that annoying Belzu cast. If Avaritia had to say so himself, it was far superior. It was soul magic. The magic of [Changelings] and those that were cut from the same cloth. The ilk of which could manipte and reshape their essence into something that it was not.
Mortals werent creatures born with a malleable essence. Their souls were too rigid their essence almostpletely immutable from the moment of their birth. But Spirits and Demons were never born with a fixed essence. They were always evolving. Changing. Growing.
There were some Species of monsters and other mortal creatures that could also evolve and transform, but it wasnt the same. Soul magic was innate to Demons and Spirits in a way it wasnt to these mortals with their mostly limited lifespans. It was something inherent to these Spirits and Demons which most didnt even realize they had mastery over it.
Yes, they couldnt create a soul ball in the same way they could conjure up a fireball and hurl it at an enemy. But when learned and trained, as a [Changeling], Avaritia was able to steal bits of his enemys essence and emte them. But more than that, right here, right now, hed been able to draw from the fear of the Humans before him.
If hed been faced with, say, Iivor or Gloria before him, he wouldnt have taken this form. He didnt even expect to be the Demon King, but this was only because of the targets of his Grand Skill.
The essence of their nightmares, breathed life, created through him. He served as a medium of that fear. A bridge between their dreams and reality. Avaritia himself couldnt even grasp the full powers of the Demon King, but he made it real for them here.
The Humans shouldve quaked in their boots. They shouldve trembled at his very sight. Yet, here was Salvos, grinning at him, uncaring. Another thing the Archdemon of Greed couldntprehend.
Do you think this is a game?
His lips quiver as he faced the silver-haired girl. She shrugged casually and tapped the Greaves of Alexander on her shin with the tip of her scythe.
I mean, arent wepeting for this? And the Crown of Alexander too, remember?
She spoke as she gestured between both Mythical Grade artifacts she carried. Then she pointed at the Boots of Alexander at Avaritias feet.
Im doing it for the Boots of Alexander although are you even using it? Youre way too slow, you know?
That made Avaritia snap. He swung at her again with his tail. The Boots of Alexander could fit into any feet. And with its powers, it gave him a passive boost to his [Agility]. Not just that, hed always have [Greater Haste] active. Still, he somehow missed the silver-haired girl.
She flew up into the air as Avaritia reached for her. He tried to swat her out of the air like a bug. This time, he was ready. With his heightened speed, he caught her. But the moment his hand loomed over her, she struck out with the Greaves of Alexander. There was a sh of light, and the Archdemon of Green stumbled back.
You
He growled in a low voice, the palm of his hand stinging in pain. He looked at his crimson skin, only to see a hole burned into it from the strike shended on him. Salvos grinned as she flew around a rising spike, thendscape still changing from his [Domain of the Demon King] copied Skill.
She avoided the ck rain as Avaritia reached out for one of the spikes and yanked it out of the ground. It seemed to melt in his hands, before taking on the form of a spear. Spinning it around, the false Demon King bellowed.
I will not let you escape, Human!
He threw the giant spear at her like it was a javelin. It sped forward, catching Salvos off guard. She narrowed her eyes as the space around her twisted. Avaritia smirked. And she blinked as nothing happened.
What?
She raised her scythe just in time to block the massive projectile in time. Heughed.
Did you think that would work here? This is my domain. Your tricks and your little space magic will not work here.
How does that even work?
She protested, but he didnt care to respond. Avaritia ran forward, his booming footsteps shaking the earth. It sent ripples in the darkness flooding the ground, causing of these liquid spikes to rise up into the sky. Salvos ducked around those, flying away from the [Changeling].
He wasnt going to let her get away.
[Copy Skill].
It wasnt as easy to use as it sounded. Each time hed activated the Skill, his mind was assailed by a variety of options. And even with his Grand Skill even in this form he bore he couldnt possiblyprehend the full might of his King. All he could see was all he could understand.
Copy Skill [Demonic Zenith] is Avable!
Copy Skill [Glory of Damnation] is Avable!
Copy Skill [Unveiling Majesty] is Avable!
Avaritias mind focused. He knew the consequence of casting even one of these Skills. But he drew power from it anyway, his body straining. The ck aura wreathing around his body dug deep into his skin as his voice boomed with power.
[Copy Skill: Demonic Zenith]!
I watched as the ck ooze at his feet mbered up his crimson skin, wrapping around him like a twisted coat. I clicked my tongue. This is the second Skill he used, and it exuded just as much false Divine Essence as before. This time, the power didnt spread out. Instead, it wisped off him, covering him in darkness and might.
It was like every other Skill hed used was close to a Grand Skill in level. It was really annoying. The Greaves of Alexander shed in my legs as I spun around, breaking one of the ascending spikes and kicking it towards him. It sshed over him, merging with his body as he continued taking on this twisted form.
Alright, then how about this?
I flew straight at him as he reached out with renewed vigor and speed. I couldnt teleport away, so I faced him head on. He swung one, and I once again repelled the attack with the Greaves of Alexander. This time, I could feel it trembling from the hit. This Skill made Avaritia far stronger, and I really didnt want to be responsible for breaking another of the Treasures of Alexander again.
I spun around and kicked again, but this time, using the third Skill the Greaves of Alexander gave me.
[Divine Wave]!
And a st of Divine Essence pure power sted the false Demon King in the face. It shed with his false Divine Essence, overwhelming it and for a moment washing away the ck cloak around him.
I pped my wings once, and with a burst of ming energy, I swung for his neck. The Divine Nebr Scythe lodged itself into his skin, but didnt pierce beyond that. Instantly, the ck Divine Essence wreathed his body again, taking my weapon as I flew back. He swatted up for me, and without being able to teleport, I couldnt dodge in time.
I braced myself with the Greaves of Alexander again, letting it front most of the damage.
This is annoying.
I crashed into the ground, only to feel the ck liquid at my feet rising. I leapt out of the way as another spike jutted up. Thisndscape was his ying field, and that meant he ruled it. I had to get him away from this ce.
I flew up, but Avaritia reached out. The ck liquid coating his [Demonic Zenith] form shot up as he raised his hand, like an extension or an appendage made out of pure ck liquid. I weaved around it, flying down its side as I drew closer to him.
He tried to catch me with his free arm, but I kicked it away with the Greaves of Alexander. Then as he spun around, swiping his tail at me, I flew up his side, reaching for my Divine Nebr Scythe still stuck in his neck.
You can copy your king all you want
He roared as I grabbed the weapon, before swinging up with a Divine Radiant sh. My Divine Essence once again dispersed this coat of ck liquid over his body. At that moment, I saw his red skin an unprotected part of his body. I pointed at him.
But thats all youll ever be!
And I pressed the ring in my finger against his neck.
Ring of the Forgotten Prison!
What
And there was a sh.
Avaritia covered his eyes, stumbling back as the ck liquid coating his body vanished. He looked down at himself, no longer standing at the rubbles of the pce of Alyras. There was no excess of ck liquid at his feet. The [Domain of the Demon King] was gone. All that surrounded him was a ck expanse with twinkling stars like the night sky.
He narrowed his eyes and flexed an arm.
A pocket dimension? I can break out of
And he paused. He saw the flicker in space before him. A portal cracked open as a silver-haired girl stepped forward. At first, Avaritia had thought it was the silver-haired Human girl following after him. Then he paused as he saw a pair of horns. ck ws. A set of sharp teeth bared his way.
Meanwhile, me? Im Salvos, no matter what I be.
[Cambion - Lvl. 142]
The [Changeling] blinked.
The girl?
And Salvos charged him.
Chapter 426: Her Domain
Chapter 426: Her Domain
426. Her Domain
Saffron Merryster blinked as she watched space warp. Reality itself twisted, and Avaritia was encased in a fractal tomb. For a second, the [Changeling] struggled against this, bending the world itself to break free. Then he vanished with a sh, pulled into some other pocket space where he couldnt harm anyone anymore.
The tumultuousndscape, ravaged by his outpouring of magic by the ck liquid that shifted at his will, creating rising spikes and deadly rain and rippling like it was the far oceans waves ceased its chaos. It calmed, the overflowing dark essence fading away. Saffron looked in awe, turning to the one responsible for defeating the Archdemon of Greed.
You did it
She started as Salvos floated there. Then the silver-haired girl twisted her hand. Space itself warped again, and a portal opened up. Saffron paused, confused as to what was happening, then she realized what her friend was doing.
Wait, Salvos!
But the silver-haired girl didnt listen. Salvos leapt into the fissure as it closed behind her, chasing after the Demon to finish him off. Saffron tried to protest, but the only one left there to listen was the Salvos clone.
Why did you do that?
Saffron asked. And well, the Salvos clone just shrugged. All the young Vampire noble could do was specte about what was happening on the other side of the closed portal and why exactly Salvos would even do that.
Avaritia had thought it was a foolish move. Hed have been able to tear his way through his little space prison with ease it was notparable to Gs magic, and in this form, the Archdemon of Greed was certain he could even escape his fellow Duchess traps. So this little Forgotten Prison was nothing to him.
So he thought that Salvos had been nothing but a fool. That this wouldve only dyed the inevitable. But then she followed after him. Again, it seemed like she was making mistake after mistake. A desperate attempt to defeat him even though it was utterly pointless. However, when he saw the silver-haired girl make her entrance, he was left utterly befuddled.
For once, Avaritia didnt have anything to say. He just stared in shock as Salvos floated before him.
[Cambion - Lvl. 142]
The girl?
Avaritia blinked a few times. It took him a second to process it. His mind refused to ept this fact. The silver-haired girl the Human that hed been fighting the whole time wasnt actually a Human, but a Demon?
More specifically, a [Cambion].
The Archdemon of Greed couldnt parse it. Even though he saw the simrities between the Human girl and the Demon flying before him right now, he still couldnt believe it. A Demon. One that was very much like him. One that could transform and steal the essence of others just like him. One that was born from the Advent from the pools of Lifeblood fueled by the essence of thousands of dead Demons.
Why was she fighting to protect the Humans?
It made no sense to him. But she didnt let him question it. Salvos just charged him right away, grinning.
Now we can fight to the fullest!
She spoke as she swung the Divine Nebr Scythe for his head. Avaritia narrowed his eyes and parried with a whip of his tail. The attack sent ripples in the vast expanse around them. The stars speckling the dark canvas flickered from the impact as he pushed forward.
Salvos recoiled back, before flying around him as he lunged with a fist. Avaritia spun around and searched for her as she flew around this pocket space.
Impossible. This is another one of your tricks!
This isnt a trick. This is the real me. And youre in my domain now.
She grinned as she slipped away from his st of ck spheres. He narrowed his eyes, looking for the girl. Shed vanished, and he stepped forward.
Youre a Demon?
I am Salvos first and foremost, but I am also a Demon.
A voice replied. Avaritia paused and felt something grip him at his feet. He looked down to see a pair of giant wed hands holding him by the ankles, and at the reflective surface, the gaping maw of a Wyvern three times his size grinned at him.
You
Burn.
A plume of iridescent mes enveloped Avaritia. He screamed as it burned him for just a moment. Then the ck essence robed around his body expanded, wreathing around him like an armor. It withstood her attack as she let go of his feet, vanishing once again.
When the mes were gone, the false Demon King cast his gaze around his surroundings. This time, he was wary. He didnt step around without any thought. He looked both at the floor and the ceiling, seeing bare glimpses of Salvos moving through the space around him. He clicked his tongue.
Coward, he thought. Avaritia would have to draw her out. He knew that she couldnt just hide forever. He focused his dark essence into his right fist as his tail swished behind him.
And why would a Demon side with the Humans?
Why?
The voice echoed around him. He tightened his fist, waiting at the ready. The cosmic ceiling rippled, and Salvos descended at him, taking the shape of a giant Centinel. He swung out, but she slithered around his arm and bit his face.
Argh!
He stumbled back as she replied simply in a tinny voice.
I am siding with mypanions, and thats it!
Avaritia tried to get a grip on her, but her body quickly shrank. She returned back to her Demon form, flying around his grasping hands. She flew back as he bellowed.
All Demons have to serve our King!
He brought his hands together and swung down. She disappeared back into the floor as he smashed the ground. The ck expanse cracked the ground beneath his feet lifting like a wave. He raised his arm as he searched for the silver-haired girl, but she wasnt there.
You are no Demon if you have not pledged your allegiance to him. Either you are a false Demon, or youre
His lips curled up as he spoke a single word.
Wild.
There was a pause. Salvos didnt give an immediate response. The shaking pocket space calmed as he waited. Where are you? he asked mentally as his eyes darted around the darkness. Then there was a sh.
Avaritia spun around, grinning.
I got you
He struck the glowing figure hard. He mmed it into the ground and began to pummel it. Avaritia only paused when he saw the light flicker. Blinking, he stared at the downed Salvos clone. She didnt say a word, only grinning up at him.
This
And she exploded. A st of gold and silver knocked the false Demon King back. Hended on his back, staring up as Salvos emerged from a ripple in space.
Tell that to my Dad! He doesnt care about your annoying King! And neither do I!
She struck him across the chest with the Greaves of Alexander. Once, twice and she teleported away as heshed out with his tail.
You what are you? What do you mean by father? We Demons have no parents. Our progenitors are simply those who preceded us. The remnants of their dying essence, breathed life once again.
Salvos reappeared dozens of feet ahead of him, shaking herh ead.
Not me. My Dad is the Devil.
The Devil?
His jaw dropped. Avaritia stared at the silver-haired Demon with bulging eyes. She just grinned at him, nodding her head casually.
Yep! So even if you dont have a father, I do! And hes way better than your annoying king!
She stuck her tongue out at him. The Archdemon of Greed gritted his teeth. He picked himself up and felt his power slipping from his for a moment. He looked down at himself, bloodied and bruised, in the image of Regnorex himself.
How could Avaritia embarrass his King like this? How could he possibly lose to this traitorous Demon?
So, youre the Devils Daughter, arent you? The child of that trickster? That coward who refuses to do anything for his own kin?
The ck essence wrapping around him bubbled off his skin. He stood tall as his back cracked. He pushed himself to his very limit, drawing from the depths of his own might.
That is all the more reason I wont lose to you! I am my Kings Duke, and I will not lose to a child!
Salvos frowned, and Avarita spread his arms wide. He was going to crush her. He was going to show her the might of the Demon King. While she mightve negated two of his previous Skills by bringing them here, that was but a preview of the full power of Regnorex.
Avaritias muscles flexed as the ck essence wisped off his body, growing wilder and wilder. Salvos could tell something was going to happen, and whatever it was wasnt going to be good. He would destroy both her and this little pocket space with a single Skill.
[Unveiling
His voice boomed out, causing the entire ck canvas to tremble. His dark essence shook as it clung onto his skin. For a moment, he pulled from a power he didnt have. Then it vanished.
[Majes... ty]...
Salvos blinked as the ck essence exuded from his body dissipated. Avaritia himself froze, feeling his strength leaving his body. He looked down at his red arms and saw the way his skin twisted and contorted back into itself.
No
He whispered, but that didnt stop what was happening from continuing. He grabbed onto his forearms. He cried out in pain. However, he shrank regardless. He slowly reverted back into his regr form, even if he tried to maintain the image of his King.
No! No! No! No!
Avaritia sobbed. He stood there, now only seven foot tall, a husk of his former self. His Grand Skill had been pushed to its very limit, and it gave out. He didnt move, his crimson eyes fixed on his gray skin. Like any ordinary [Changeling], he looked like the skeleton of a beast. With only two wed hands and the skull-like face of a [Hellhound]. His back was long and spindly, hunching towards the shoulders, and his legs were bent inwards.
Salvos didnt attack him as he copsed, trying to take on the form of the Demon King once more, but to no avail. She walked up to him, and he nced up warily at her. She waved a wed hand at him dismissively.
You know what your problem is? Youre too reliant on borrowing others strength. You dont rely on your own power.
You
He growled and got back to his feet. His body cracked as he faced the [Cambion].
Dont you dare mock me. I can still fight.
He tried onest time to grasp for his Grand Skills power, and his body shifted for a moment, only for the transformation to fail. He gagged and stumbled back. Salvos nodded.
You can, I know.
She dusted herself off casually and gestured at herself.
My other Grand Skill ran out ages ago. You can actually hurt me now, you know?
Avaritia wasnt sure if that was a lie. He couldnt trust a single wording from her mouth. He stepped back as the Boots of Alexander clinked at his feet, preparing to move out of the way if she suddenly attacked.
Salvos saw this and tapped at the armor on her shin.
How about this? Since were fighting over the Boots and the Greaves of Alexander, why not test them out against each other?
She raised her hand, letting her Divine Nebr Scythe vanish. Cocking her head at the Archdemon of Greed, she bared her teeth in a typical Demon challenge fashion.
Boots versus Greaves. See who wins, how about that?
Avaritia wanted to spit at her. He was offended by her proposition. Was she handicapping herself for him? That was ridiculous! But he stopped himself. He wasnt like Gloria whod let her pride get in her way in this situation. The [Changeling] realized that this was his onest chance of winning.
And he nodded.
Very well.
As soon as the words left his mouth, his figure blurred and he rushed the [Cambion], carried by the Boots of Alexander. All she did was smirk.
Good.
And she raised her legs, blocking his ws with the shimmering Greaves of Alexander.
Chapter Salvos Book 8 is now available on the Amazon store! Give it a rating!
Chapter Salvos Book 8 is now avable on the Amazon store! Give it a rating!
Real quick, am still sick. But I''ll try to get a chapter out by end of today.
As the title says, Salvos Book 8 is now avable on the Amazon store! Check it out and give it a rating! It covers up to chapter 435, which means you guys can technically read ahead if you buy this book. I''d still rmend patreon over it because it''s more cost effective and cheaper for more rewards, but if you guys don''t like subscription payments and are willing to wait a few weeks for the RoyalRoad chapters to catch up, then check out the book version instead!
The Treasures of Alexander.
They are Mythic Grade Artifacts. The greatest weapons of Humankind against the Demon threat looming over them. But the Dukes and Duchesses of the Netherworld won''t remain idle. They will do whatever it takes to upheave the Conference of Alyras and steal the Treasures of Alexander.
And while this is happening, Salvos will have toe to grasps with taking care of the newborn Wyverns...
The Treasures of Alexander: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 8) - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A.. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ .
Chapter 427: Greaves Versus Boots, Hero Versus Demon
Chapter 427: Greaves Versus Boots, Hero Versus Demon
Announcement
I have a new image from the weic! Do you guys remember this scene?
And here''s a fun little edit, courtesy of Pix in my server:
427. Greaves Versus Boots, Hero Versus Demon
There was a sh. The dark expanse lit up followed by the ngor of metal. The iridescent light vanished as a roar filled the cosmic background.
I grinned, leaping back as Avaritia charged me. The [Changeling] was fast. Of course he was. He had the Boots of Alexander on him. And without [Haste] or [Warped Time] active any longer, he was faster than even me. Just barely, though.
So all I did was react. I waited for him to strike because he would always attack first. He was livid. His eyes shed red as he morphed between various Demons. Hed circle around me as an [Imp], swing for my head as a [Djinn], and disengage as a [Jinn].
But each time, I blocked his attack with the Greaves of Alexander. I raised my legs and kicked his punches and kicks and bites away. The Mythical Grade artifact shimmered, sending a pulse of rainbow light bouncing around this empty pocket space. The cosmic floor rippled like water as I stepped back and bared my teeth at the enraged [Changeling].
And why was he angry? Well
You couldve killed me when you had the chance!
He spat as he hounded after me. He took the form of a [Hellhound] and swiped his paws at me in quick session. I knocked him aside with a kick from the Greaves of Alexander, and his body blurred back as he darted around me. I stood there, watching him circle me as his voice echoed.
What kind of tricks are you ying, wretch!
He lunged at me, but I was prepared for it. His movements were getting predictable, even in his erratic state. I sidestepped him and kneed him in the stomach. He grunked, and I kicked him with the Greaves of Alexander. Avaritia went flying, skipping across the water-like surface as I watched. I could have killed him here, but
I didnt. And that only infuriated him even more.
Do not mess with me!
He yelled as he leapt my way once more.
Were nearly there!
Daniel called out as he ran ahead of the group. He nced back, looking at Edithe, Hadrian, and Amanda as they followed after him towards the roaring ck mes just outside of the city. Beads of sweat slid down the back of his neck as he felt its oppressive heat even from this distance.
It was like hed been thrown straight into the depths of hell, faced with fire and brimstone and an outpouring of molten ash. It was suffocating. Hed only ever felt this uneased once before in his life. Back during the battle with Lucerna in Silvergrove.
Certainly, Lucernas ashen magic could not bepared to the grand magic unfurling before him. And if he faced the Greater Demon again today, he was certain hed win with a single swing of his de. The only simrity wasnt in the intensity of the heat itself, rather it was the evident gulf in power between him and his opponent.
The young man from Earth was nervous. He knew he was face-to-face with one of his strongest opponents to date, and there was always the lingering question of whether this was where his luck would run out. If this was where he would die. Back then, it was Salvos driving her to face Lucerna. But now? He moved on his own.
He reached a copsed part of the citys wall and leapt atop the pile of rubble. There were guards from Alyras gathered all around, tending to not just wounded soldiers but also the civilians caught in the fighting. A line of [Mages] stood over the broken part of the wall,bining their magic to create a small dome over the part of the city.
Daniel cast his gaze over those gathered here and caught sight of a familiar figure amidst the soldiers and adventurers.
Thats Xyren, isnt it?
Yeah, the Ranger of Zelios.
Edithe nodded, recognizing the [Archer] as well. Xyren was shouting orders as figures moved all around him in the chaos.
The Ranger of Zelios? Whos that?
Amanda raised a brow, and Daniel shook his head.
Edithe and I met him a few weeks back. Come on, he should know whats going on with these ck mes.
The group ran forward as Daniel called out.
Xyren!
The [Archer] paused, breaking away from a group of Alyrsian soldiers. He turned to Hadrian first, then Daniel and Edithe, blinking.
Youre the leader of the Valiant Dreamers and you two are those guys who
Then he frowned. He mustve used [Identification] on the [Hero], because he stared with an agape jaw for a moment. But Daniel shook his head and spoke out.
How do we stop these ck mes from destroying the city?
The ck mes are we dont know.
Xyren managed to catch himself from gaping for any longer. He gestured beyond the barrier as a streak of the dark infernoshed out.
That Demon that [Jinn] somehow created this damn cmity. No matter what weve tried to do, we cant stop it. It just keeps growing and all we can do is slow its expansion.
The fiery tendril struck the barrier, and a tremor shook the area. Xyren and Edithe stumbled back, but Daniel stood tall and raised the Sword of Alexander. Its de shimmered almost shing just from the subtle movement.
If that firestorm is the Demon itself, then we just have to snuff it out entirely.
The [Hero] could feel its power coursing through him as he limated to the Mythical Grade artifact. Apparently, others mustve sensed its power too. Xyren stared at the Sword of Alexander, working his jaw.
...what is that?
He asked slowly. Daniel opened his mouth and flew backwards as a shockwave broke through the barrier. Xyren went flying, while Hadrian caught Edithe. Amanda herself managed to brace for the impact.
Daniel picked himself up quickly, looking around with a wary gaze. Then his eyes widened as he saw the figure floating in the air, before the raging ck inferno.
[Fiend - Lvl. 150]
G sneered as she raised a glowing sphere.
That, my dear Humans, is mine.
And she flew straight for Daniel.
Why? Avaritia didnt understand. He bounded forward and swiped at Salvos with a pair of ws. She blocked them with ease, matching the speed of the Boots of Alexander. She was simply reacting parrying his attacks.
He should be dead ten times over, yet she stayed on the backfoot, letting hime forward, almost like she was ying with him. It was really starting to piss Avaritia off.
Just kill me already, you damn b
The [Changeling] was interrupted by a kick to the face. He stumbled back and growled. His body morphed as he took the shape of an [Arachne]. He towered over the silver-haired girl andshed out with his eight limbs, one after another. She blocked each swing with the Greaves of Alexander, grinning the entire time.
You!
He bellowed and transformed back to an [Imp]. His hands and legs were bleeding skin king from shing with a Mythical Grade artifact too many times. He kicked off the air, using the Boots of Alexander to boost him, and crashed straight into her. The shockwave sent cracks throughout the floor and ceiling of the Forbidden Prison, but the space didnt break. His hands, however, did.
Avaritia yelped as his wrist snapped. He took a step back, grasping his broken right hand in pain. She stared at him, not finishing off the job, and he growled.
I will rip off your
He swung at her with his left arm. She blocked it with the Greaves of Alexander. His left hand broke on impact as well. He cried out in pain again, both his hands broken. Tears streamed down his face as he choked.
Y-you
Avaritia saw the [Cambion]s face. The aloof expression she wore. She didnt even take pleasure in torturing him like this. If she had a sadistic smile or a pitying look, hed be less upset. But as it was now, he just sobbed.
W-why?
Why?
She cocked her head back at him. He gritted his teeth and dropped to his knees.
Why wont you just kill me already?
The Archdemon of Greed removed the Boots of Alexander from his feet, using only his legs. He kicked them towards her as his shoulders sagged.
Youve won. Good job, Salvos, traitor of the Netherworld. Now why wont you finish the job? Havent I suffered enough?
He looked up at her weakly, and she shrugged.
Maybe.
She tapped a finger on her chin as he waited. He wasnt going to attack her. There was no point. He let her gloat in her victory if he had to guess, she was an Archdemon of Pride. No other kinds of Demons would be this foolish. Only Gloria would be stupid enough to let a defeated but dangerous opponent live this long.
Salvos eventually sighed.
Well, if you really want to know, its because of what I read in a book once.
That made Avaritia blink.
A book?
Yep, this book.
She snapped a finger, and an ancient leather bound tome appeared in her hands. The golden text at its cover glinted, even in the darkness, and she continued.
Its a book called Path to Divinity, and it talks a lot about Divine Essence and Grand Skills....
G hurled the shimmering sphere towards the crowd of soldiers and adventurers. Daniel wasnt a [Mage], but he could see its power radiating from within. He nced around, seeing all the lower-leveled people that were going to be caught in the spheres st.
Get back!
Xyren yelled, but that only made Daniel stand taller. He couldnt let G ughter everyone here. So, the [Hero] raised the Sword of Alexander and stepped forward. Its power surge through him an iridescent aura ran through his forearms. And he swung up.
[Champions sh]!
Divine Essence and Grand Skills?
Avaritia frowned. Salvos nodded.
Yep. It is very long and very boring, but I finished reading it in a few days.
She quickly flipped through the pages and shook her head.
It even talks about us. Demons. Also, Spirits. But well, youre a [Changeling], right? You should know something about that whole thing about essences and souls.
I yes
The Archdemon of Greed wasnt sure where she was going with this, but he understood what she was referring to. Salvos grinned.
So you also know how Grand Skills are learned, right?
He nodded.
If Skills are the manifestation of our limits, then Grand Skills are the manifestation of oveing our own limits and rising beyond even our own abilities. They are fueled by our essence by our soul. Our magic. Our aura. Our Stats and our capabilities.
Yep. Although
Salvos raised her head in thought.
A [Hero]s essence is kind of different from that
The [Champions sh] tore through the sphere before it even got close. The swords swing struck out, continuing past the projectile, heading straight for G. The [Fiend] teleported out of the way as Daniel took on a wide stance.
Be careful, she can be anywhere
And G reappeared right behind him. She grabbed for the Sword of Alexander as Daniel stumbled back.
Give it to me!
But the [Hero] refused to give in so easily. He held on tight to the Mythical Grade artifact as it continued to fuel him.
Salvos waved a hand off dismissively.
Anyway, thats besides the point. The point is we learn Skills and Grand Skills by attuning ourselves to something. And a Divine Essence is merely an extension of that. You simply have to attune yourself to everything.
Everything?
Avaritia narrowed his eyes. Salvos gestured at the iridescent mes wisping off her.
The world itself, of course.
What are you talking about?
Come on, silly, you know how we can attune our souls essences to other creatures, right? We can also attune it to artifacts, and, conversely, artifacts can be attuned to our essence. Like, I learned my first Grand Skill just by studying and harmonizing myself with the Breastte of Alexander.
She wagged a finger at him. He stared at her, puzzled. Salvos blinked.
Huh, you really didnt know that?
Avaritia clicked his tongue.
And what does that mean?
She sighed, clearly exasperated.
Give it to me!
G bellowed as a pulse knocked Daniel back, sending him flying.
Daniel!
Amanda ran for the [Hero], but the Demon pointed at the former assassin. A fractal space caught her and carried her into the air. An arrow whizzed up, shattering that trap as Xyren lowered his bow.
Daniel quickly to his feet. Even though he felt like that pulse shouldve kept him down for a second longer, he was brimming with strength. More than just what the Sword of Alexander ostensibly gave him. He felt good as new, even. But G didnt care for how he felt, simply flying towards him and closing the distance quickly.
The rainbow-colored aura extended to his shoulders now as he took a step forward, unleashing abination between [Crescent Fury] and [Champions sh]. Giant crescent des bombarded the [Fiend], but she teleported around the onught of his aura with gleaming eyes.
Its mine!
She tossed a dodecahedron his way. He swung for it, but G snapped a finger. It teleported around the strike and came tumbling straight for him. His eyes went wide as the explosion enveloped him entirely
The Treasures of Alexander hold immense power within them. They are Mythical Grade artifacts, after all. But they have a secret one that can only be unlocked with the Crown of Alexander.
Salvos exined as she strode forward. She picked up the Boots of Alexander, quickly fitting them onto her legs. It wasnt hard. They were designed to fit any foot, no matter the size. Avaritia looked on as she came to a halt before him.
Well, by pitting the Greaves of Alexander and the Boots of Alexander against each other, I can obviously learn from it. Maybe attune myself with its essence the essence of its original wearer.
He raised his head as she looked up in thought.
And perhaps even without the full set without the Crown of Alexander I can
She leaned forward, eyes twinkling.
...unlock its true power.
What?
G stared as Daniel stepped out of the st. His body was wreathed in the iridescent aura now. He thought hed have died. But somehow, he survived the st. Like something protected him or saved him.
His body was brimming with power that wasnt his. He looked down at himself, almost not recognizing the man he was. While he could still move his arms and legs as he wished, he felt like he was being possessed by something else. By a higher power or a ghost of the dead.
What is that?
The [Fiend] looked on in shock for a
I dont know, but I feel
Stronger. He was even stronger than before. And his mind was being assailed with a myriad of notifications. Temporary Skills that he could use. Ones that he didnt have ess to before. His brows snapped together and he looked up at G.
You
She pointed, but he moved instinctively. With the skill and experience from another lifetime. G blinked as he swung for her head, but with a sh, she reappeared a dozen feet away.
What was?
But she paused. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she saw Daniel pointing at her, with the Sword of Alexander already glowing. It shed red, blue, green, yellow all the colors of the rainbow. The aura mixed together, shimmering a myriad of different colors all at once for a moment, before simmering back to a pure white.
And Daniel closed his eyes, following his instincts.
[Heroic Champions sh]!
G wouldve teleported away. She shouldve teleported away. But it happened so quickly, she couldnt even react in time. In an instant, a st of white light illuminated the night sky. It engulfed the [Fiend] a beam that struck for the stars.
Daniel heard her scream, before all sound was dwarfed by an intense ringing. His vision was filled with the light, even though his eyes were closed. Then the glow died down, and as did the ringing.
The [Hero] opened his eyes to a quiet night as Edithe, Amanda, Hadrian, Xyren, and more stared on at the nothing that remained where G had been standing. He blinked.
What did I just do?
But thats just a theory.
Salvos finally shrugged as she pulled away from Avaritia. He nodded slowly.
I see. So you were just using me for your own benefit.
Yep. Anyway, are you happy with your answer now?
She tilted her head at him. He lowered his head, epting his fate.
I am content.
No problem, and
The [Cambion] impaled him with her ws.
thanks for your help.
When she pulled back, the Archdemon of Greed dropped, lifeless.
Chapter 428: Reveal and Return
Chapter 428: Reveal and Return
428. Reveal and Return
Temporary Skill [Superior Strength] has be Temporary Skill [Heroic Strength]!
Temporary Skill [Superior Endurance] has be Temporary Skill [Heroic Strength]!
Temporary Skill [Champions sh] has be Temporary Skill [Heroic Champions sh]!
Temporary Skill [Heroic Aura of Protection] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Heroic Divine Essence] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Heroic Sword Arts] Obtained!
Daniel stared at himself as his mind was bombarded with a myriad of notifications. But he didnt pay attention to any of that. Instead, he only looked down at himself at the pure white aura wisping off him. It wasnt like Salvos Grand Skill which wreathed her body in sharp and jagged mes. Rather, it was like his body was twinkling. Like the glimmering night sky speckled with bright white stars, but oveid on his body.
He wasnt sure how hed gotten this power it was like hed somehow attuned himself to the Sword of Alexander. As though it opened itself up for him and only him, unlocking a power it had hidden away. And now it coursed through him, giving him the strength needed to win the fight.
The [Hero] raised his head and looked on at where G had been. The [Fiend] was gone. Shed been sted away by his [Heroic Champions sh], leaving behind nothing where she once stood. The suddenness of it all had taken everyone else off guard too not just Daniel himself.
Edithe blinked at him, and Hadrian stared with wide eyes. Amanda shuffled forward, mouth hanging agape.
Daniel?
It looked like she was unsure if he was even the same young man from Earth as before. He wanted to exin to his friends that he himself had no idea what just happened, but they werent the only ones who were staring at him in shock.
A susurration swept through the soldiers and adventurers gathered near the citys wall. Alyrsian guards and troops from all around the Humannds pointed and whispered.
Wait, thats a
Impossible.
But he has the Sword of Alexander!
They werent being subtle about it at all. Daniel spun around, taking in the stares and the looks. That of adoration and of disbelief. He heard their gossiping, and he knew that it was finally out there.
I thought there hasnt been a summoning since the Quisling
There hasnt. At least I dont think there has been one.
Ill have to tell King Artik about this
A man strode forward as the voices grew louder. More excited. Xyren shook his head and crossed his arms.
I thought I was imagining it earlier, but you really are a [Hero], arent you?
Daniel nodded simply.
I am.
He thought hed feel more nervous about revealing it to so many people at once. But even though he knew this was finally it there was no more lying low and avoiding his responsibilities he waspletely at ease. Perhaps it was because hed already went through this revtion a few times before, albeit at a far smaller scale, although this was going to be thest time that was necessary.
His voice didnt shake. He held the gaze of Xyren the Ranger of Zelios. The other man just patted Daniel on the shoulder.
Good to have you here. Shouldve killed that Demon sooner, though.
Daniel blinked. He looked down at the Sword of Alexander before ncing over at the rubble where G had been. He shook his head.
Shes not dead. I dont know what happened to her, but that Demon is still alive.
What?
Xyren narrowed his eyes. He looked towards the sky the parting between clouds towards the sunrise where G had been sted to.
How could that Demon survive that?
Daniels gaze flickered as he saw the looming shadow. A darkness enveloped the light of dawn, and he took a wide stance. The distant roaring grew louder as a strong wind blew into the city, sending bits of rock and small rubble tumbling and ttering.
Dont know, but right now, we have bigger problems.
He raised the Sword of Alexander as the dark inferno of the [Jinn] continued its expansion.
Defeated [Mammon Changeling (Duke of the Netherworld) - Lvl. 148]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 110] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 111]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 111] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 112]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Temporary Skill [All Surface Walking] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Enhanced Agility] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Greater Haste Obtained]!
I stepped out of the Forbidden Prison, clinking my newly-equipped boots together. The Boots of Alexander. It looked nice and fancy, although it was just like the other Treasures of Alexander in how it blended into my clothing if I didnt want it to stand out.
I was also in my Human form again. I wasnt dumb enough to forget to transform out of my normal self when returning to a Human city. I looked around the ruins of this wing of the pce of Alyras and spotted Saffron running towards me, apanied by one of my clones. I waved at her and smiled.
Saffron! How are you doing?
Salvos!
The pink-haired Vampire came to a halt as heard the clink. She saw me tapping my Boots of Alexander together, and I grinned at her.
What do you think?
I thats
Her eyes went round. She caught herself from gaping and cleared her throat.
So, I take it youve won?
She stood tall and straightened her dress, speaking in a proper voice. I nodded at her, giving her a thumbs-up.
Yep! He wasnt that strong, but I did struggle a little bit.
Thats a relief. So I take it theres only two Demons left?
Saffron nced towards the citys walls. I corrected her.
Three, actually. One of them is keeping Helena Warshade and three of my um, I mean two of my clones. One of them died, huh.
I didnt expect that. I quickly looked through my clones eyes, and I saw the two that remained were focused on taking apart a fractal dome. The one that perished had tried to help Helena, but was ultimately killed by the Level 155 [Cambion] fighting the Archmage.
He seemed strong. I wouldve liked to test out the Treasures of Alexander against him, but I wasnt sure if Id get the chance. I shook my head, dismissing the thought.
Anyway, Daniel and Edithe went to fight the other two Demons. Ive got to help them.
Saffron hesitated. Saffron looked back towards the two injured figures, lying unconscious in the rubble.
Lofus and Zin I dont know if theyll..
I pursed my lips.
I used thest of my Potion of Regeneration for Orgaf, but here
I produced a set of healing potions and handed it to my Vampirepanion. I also handed her a vial of my blood, grinning.
Take care of them. Ill deal with the remaining Demons.
Saffron nodded.
Thank you.
With that, I spun around and spread a pair of ming wings wide. The iridescent mes unfurled from my back, wreathing over the bone-like [Wings of the Netherworld], zing like the feathers of a majestic bird. I leapt forward.
Now, lets see how [Greater Haste]
And in mere moments, I was already there, standing at the citys walls, and staring down the ck firestorm raging outside of Alyras. I heard the roaring no, it sounded more like a scream. A deep, resounding cry.
I stared into the abyss before me. The darkness that shrouded the rising sun. It looked like a ck curtain at first, before it drew back and the realization dawned that I was staring into a face. The raining cold ash was its jagged and terrible teeth, and the little bits of light shing were its hollow eyes. A twisted, mncholic, and suffering thing.
Finally, I saw the [Jinn].
I produced my Divine Nebr Scythe as I stared down this Demon.
Alright, how do I deal with you?
Chapter 429: Clone Team Up
Chapter 429: Clone Team Up
429. Clone Team Up
G rasped, coughing out a mouthful of ck blood. She raised her head as she gasped and looked around. She was alive. Somehow, she survived.
It had happened so quickly. The Archdemon of Gluttony didnt know what changed. One second, the [Hero] was on the back foot, then the next, he sted her with a deluge of Divine Essence. She didnt know how he did that, but he managed to unlock the true power of the Sword of Alexander. And with it, hed nearly killed her.
The only reason G was still alive was because of her quick reactions. Time slowed around her right before the beam of white aura impacted her. She knew she couldnt teleport away quickly enough, so instead, she created a [Sevenfold Shield of Spacetime]. Her greatest barrier. Even still, it crumbled under the weight of the divine attack. But it held out long enough to keep her alive as she could finally teleport away.
Now, shey at the top of a hill, overseeing Alyras in the distance. The sun rose behind her, casting its brilliant orange light over her bleeding body. She was in so much pain. Groaning, she sat up and stared at the battlefield. She saw Libids mes spreading, but didnt immediately return fighting. For a moment, she considered fleeing simply abandoning the n as a lost cause. But she shook her head.
We cant leave until Iivor and the others return.
She reminded herself of her duties. Any time now, she was expecting the [Helllord] to be leaving the pce of Alyras with the Crown of Alexander. There was no way hed fail at his job Iivor was methodical, and he wasnt alone. He had the best of the Dukes and Duchesses of the Netherworld with him. On their own, Gloria, Desidia, and Avaritia werent the most reliable. They each had their own hubris, but with Iivor keeping them in check, they were a force to be reckoned with.
Gy in her own blood, staring past the walls of the city. Soon, she had to tell herself. Any minute now The [Fiend] got to her feet and waited. She scanned the battlefield, hoping to see her allies making a triumphant return.
And that was when her jaw went ck.
No
Even amidst the fighting, she saw it. She could sense its Divine Essence. No it wasnt the [Hero] wielding the Sword of Alexander, rallying the defenders of Alyras to hold the walls. It was something else. A silver-haired girl stood atop the citys wall, facing down Libids Grand Skill, wreathed in an iridescent me.
G blinked a few times. That couldnt be right. That was clearly an aura of Divine Essence. Perhaps the [Fiend] was hallucinating she was still quite badly hurt, after all. But while Humans having Divine Essence was rather rare to say the least that didnt mean theycked the capacity to reach divinity.
So while G was surprised by it, that wasnt what she was fixated on. Instead, her eyes went wide as she saw what the silver-haired girl was wearing.
A glimmering crown. An ornate set of greaves. And the Boots of Alexander.
The very same Boots of Alexander that G had entrusted well, been forced to entrust to Avaritia. One of the Treasures of Alexanders. Which meant that the crown and the greaves that exuded the same aura were also the Treasures of Alexander. The very same ones that the Dukes and Duchesses hade to Alyras to find.
All three of the Mythical Grade artifacts were with the silver-haired girl. Yet, she was left alone, staring down Libid, not hounded by any of the Dukes or Duchesses.
Slowly, Gs mind worked together the pieces. What did this imply? What did this mean? Well, clearly it only meant one thing: Iivor, Desidia, Gloria, and Avaritia were dead.
Oh.
The Archdemon of Gluttony stood there for a moment, inplete silence. Then the question came how?
And she would soon get her answer as the silver-haired girl leapt off the wall and challenged Libid.
I heard the roaring mes. I stared into the heart of the inferno. A ck firestorm that expanded with each passing second that threatened to consume everything and anything it touched. It was a Demon. A [Jinn].
Arent you in pain?
I asked simply. In response, the mes whipped at me, apanied by a shrill chittering. I sliced through the fiery tendril with my Divine Nebr Scythe as I listened. I could almost hear his voice amidst his cries of pain. But even with [Universal Language Comprehension], the words were lost to me. I shook my head.
You dont have to do this. You can just leave right now, you know?
He didnt answer this time. Instead, the face in the mes vanished as he continued his expansion. I looked down towards a copsed part of the wall, seeing Daniel and Edithe standing there, fighting off this firestorm. I sighed as I revealed the Treasures of Alexander to him. They shed, shimmering as I drew from their power.
I guess you leave me now choice, huh? If youre going to hurt mypanions, I will have to kill you.
With that, another tendril of me struck down at me. But I vanished. I dove straight into the fire, unleashing my own iridescent mes back into this dark inferno. I sped around the perimeter of the expanding ck mes once, twice three times. I left behind a trail of rainbow-colored mes a ring that marked where Id been. And as I passed the [Jinn] over and over again, I unleashed a cone of divine mes to contain this Demon.
Hows that?
I grinned as I slowed down. But my eyes flickered. I watched as a spurt of ck mes shot out, eating through even my deluge of rainbow-colored fire.
What?
I quickly disengaged as I heard a howl. A st of ck mes shot out my way forming a massive spike that jutted out of the side of the inferno. I easily escaped it, but it continued on, reaching out for a section of the citys wall. I saw guards scrambling away from the battlements. They wouldve been incinerated in an instant. But a figure leapt in front of the walls, raising a shield.
I blinked as this knight took the st of ck mes head-on. Her shield held up against the overwhelming heat, deflecting the bulk of it so it wouldnt even reach the city. I stared on as the knight lowered her shield and leapt straight into the fire with no hesitation, shearing off sections of the inferno with her sword.
Woah
There was no hesitation on her part. I looked on as she drew the [Jinn]s attention, and tendrils of ck mes whipped down at her.
Who is she?
I asked, but didnt get an answer. Instead, my head snapped up. I saw a stray tendril of ck me streak my way, but a voice cut me off.
Look out!
A shadowed figure leapt in between me and the tendril, slicing it in half. I blinked as I saw the [Rogue]nded before me.
Orgaf? Youre fully healed!
I eximed. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] looked up at me as I descended next to him. He studied the artifacts I was wearing.
I am. And by the looks of it, youve been rather busy.
Yep! I beat up those Demons in the city! Now theres only the three out here left.
I nodded at him. He frowned.
So I take it Helena Warshade wont be joining us anytime soon?
Shes still busy with that [Cambion] or something. Hes really strong.
Thats unfortunate. We could really use her help here against this magic.
Orgaf looked towards the inferno as it raged on. I didnt focus on that. Instead, I stared at the knight ripping apart the mes.
I mean, maybe we wont need Helenas help. Weve already got that [Warrior] there. Shes pretty strong.
I gestured at the sight. Orgaf agreed.
Shes Kaitlin Darkhelm. Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. Supposedly, she once beat Mori dius in a duel.
Seriously?
I gaped. He continued.
It is only a rumor. I am not sure how
But I cut him off, speaking excitedly.
Shes part of the Vain Qieur Empire Swordsguard Forces? Do you think she knows Alex Cromerth? Should I ask her?
I faced Orgaf, eyes sparkling. The Thief of the Golden Scales hesitated.
Who?
Orgaf peered at me. I waved a hand off.
Nevermind.
But even with Kaitlin Darkhelm here, I doubt well be able to win against this thing.
He pursed his lips. I cocked my head.
Why not?
This Demon whatever it did, it no longer has a physical form. The only way to defeat it is to destroy the firestorm itself. And to do that, well need grand magic that only the likes of Helena Warshade or yton Skyshredder can cast.
He spoke grimly as the ck mes whipped out, keeping the surrounding armies back. Only the highest-leveled here dared to draw close, but even Kaitlin Darkhelm had difficulties closing too close into the inferno.
I raised a brow.
Wait, what do you mean the Demon doesnt have a physical form?
That Demon. It has be a purely magical being. It wont be easy to kill with physical attacks. We just have to
But I can see the Demon right there.
I spoke over Orgaf, pointing into the heart of the firestorm. He blinked at me.
What?
I hesitated.
Um, do you not see that face right there?
I gestured towards the [Jinn]. Towards the darkness. Orgaf leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. Then he stepped back.
I dont see this, Salvos.
Huh.
It mustve been [Manifestation of the Old Gods] at work, then. I didnt expect it to work this way, but I could quite literally see the Demon here, even when Orgaf couldnt. But that meant the [Jinn] still had a physical body. It was just slightly fragmented.
Ity at the center of the face of the firestorm. It shifted with each movement the inferno made, with bits of the Demons body burning away, fueling the ck mes.
I stepped forward as Orgaf watched me spread my wings wide.
Well, that [Jinn] has a body, alright. And I think if we destroy it, we can put a stop to his Grand Skill.
He furrowed his brows.
Do you think youll be able to withstand the intensity of its mes?
I dont exactly have to dive in there myself.
I grinned back at him. And as I said that, a pair of silver-gold figures flew past me. My clones circled around the inferno as I floated back into the air.
Now, the question is: can you keep up?
Orgaf stared at me for a moment, then he chuckled.
I would if you didnt have those damn Boots of Alexander on. But
He ced a hand on the ground as the shadows moved around him, forming figures from the darkness. They moved around him, passing him like they werent even there, yet I knew they were real.
[Darkfriend].
Orgaf stood straight as he looked up at me. He smirked.
Youre not the only one who can create clones.
Huh.
I gave him an approving look. With that, we both turned our attentions to the ck firestorm.
Lets take this Demon down!
As the battle continued, a [Will O Wisp] watched from afar. Willy sight as Salvos charged into the ck mes.
Idiot.
And, finally, he moved to join the fighting.
Chapter 430: Leaping into Action
Chapter 430: Leaping into Action
430. Leaping into Action
The tide was shifting. All throughout the battlefield, powerful figures moved to stop the spreading mes. The dark inferno which had so terribly threatened the gathered armies that had consumed thousands of lives was finally being pushed back.
Kaitlin Darkhlem, Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces, led this charge. She leapt straight into the darkness and sheared through the veil. Shed thrown herself into the ocean and she still fought on. She wouldnt let its depraved touch reach Alyras, so she cut it down and hindered its progress.
But if that was it, it wouldnt have been enough. This was the Grand Skill of a [Jinn]. One that was so powerful it even rivaled an Elite Ranked adventurer in strength before taking on this greater form. Even with Kaitlin Darkhlem alone at the front, the ck mes would rage on. It wouldnt be stymied.
That was why two other individuals joined in. Or, rather, two individuals and their dozens of clones. Salvos and Orgaf. The Liberator of the gunds and the Thief of the Golden Scale. They charged in after Kaitlin Darkhlem, using their iridescent mes and their shadows to assuage the dark inferno. To help push the [Jinn] back.
It was working. The ck mes focused only on Kaitlin and Salvos and Orgaf because they posed a real threat to it. Because they didnt simply burn to ashes when its fiery tendril reached down and touched them. No they snuffed out the dark inferno, putting a halt to its expansion, and even shrinking it to a certain degree.
Now, the gathered armies could press forward. Now they could fight back. The soldiers and guards and adventurers were emboldened. Not just by this performance by the three leading the charge, but by a fourth person.
A [Hero].
Daniel Song from Earth A1. He shouted, and the armies outside of Alyras listened. They saw the pure white aura wisping off him they heard the whispers being quickly spread throughout their numbers. A [Hero] was in their midst, and he wielded the Sword of Alexander.
Each swing of his de lit up the morning sky. Even from afar, it struck the dark inferno. His shes hurt the [Jinn]. And when the weary soldiers and adventurers around the city saw the young man with ck hair and an ornate longsword slicing through the battlefield as a blurred figure quickly moved behind him and shadowed him, they rallied to him.
It was a sight to see. Truly. And all Edithe Dawnrise could do was just watch as it yed out. The red-haired woman stood with Hadrian as the roaring of battle continued as thousands of figures moved ahead,bining their magic and Skills and strength to assail the dark mes.
Its like we dont even need to do anything
Edithe muttered to herself. Hadrian shook his head.
Do you think theyll be enough to win?
The redhead hesitated. The answer itself was obvious it was an army with some of the best fighters from the Humannds against a single Demon. The real problem came from the casualties that could be incurred. And that was the main crux of Hadrians question.
I dont know. But I just know that that [Jinn] has to be defeated soon.
Right.
Hadrian nodded.
If we
He started, before pausing. The mans eyes narrowed as he cast his gaze ahead of the citys crumbling walls. He leaned forward as Edithe looked at what he saw.
Is that?
Hadrian trailed off. And Edithe saw it too. Amidst the fighting amongst the armies charging into battle was a familiar group of adventurers. Ones which Edithe knew very well. She said their name as she turned to meet Hadrians gaze.
The Valiant Dreamers.
Herpany. Theirpany. Thepany which Hadrian himself led. He looked at Edithe and they nodded at each other.
Come on, lets go.
And they headed out.
They rushed to join the fighting. Edithe ran past dozens hundreds, even of injured soldiers and adventurers. Those that had been hurt from the fighting. Xyren the Ranger of Zelios stayed back and protected them, loosing arrow after arrow into the distance as hemandeered the defensive forces. He looked up as a st of fire and ice shot out, turning to face the passing redhead.
[Frostme Vortex]. She pointed with her staff and unleashed her magic. It was a spiraling cone of red and white a massive st that slowly faded away the closer it got to the center of the dark inferno. She gritted her teeth. She knew it wouldnt do much, but still she tried.
Edithe dashed forward as Xyren gave her an approving nod. Hadrian was close behind her. But the [Warrior] was still injured from earlier. He wasnt as fast as she was. They waded through the hordes of soldiers that were clumped up towards the back the lower-leveled [Warriors] and the [Rogues] who were very much helpless against the [Jinn]s Grand Skill.
She darted around a woman stumbling back, nearly falling into the redhead. Edithe ran past a man, knelt down and frozen in fear. And as she passed a cluster of [Mages] pooling in their magic to form a barrier that covered dozens of feet like a sheet of ice she bumped into a man scrambling back.
At first, she didnt recognize him. Edithe staggered back and shook her head and said a quick apology.
Sorry
And she paused. For a moment, she stared at Jake. The leader of the True Valiants Company. She halted mid-step, looking at him as he cursed and turned back to face her.
You
He red up at her as he picked himself up. Hadrian paused behind Edithe, blinking.
Jake.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company addressed the leader of the True Valiants Company. Jake himself blinked a few times. Then he scowled and pointed usingly at Hadrian.
You bastards. I knew it! You cowards werent even
And Edithe pushed Jake aside. He stared at her with wide eyes as she pulled Hadrian forward.
We have to hurry.
She spoke quickly. Jake just watched her go.
What?
It took him a moment to collect himself. He reached out to grab Edithe and stop her. His fingers touched her shoulder, and she was ready to snap at him. But Hadrian stepped in, pushing Jake aside.
We dont have time to deal with your bullshit right now. We have more important things to worry about.
Hadrian nced over at the roaring mes at the dark vortex as it whipped out, barely missing a gold and silver figure zipping around it. Jake worked his jaw before pausing. He stared at the dark inferno, hesitating. And Hadrian shook his head.
Lets go, Edithe.
The redhead stared at the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company for a moment. Then a smile spread across her face as she followed him, along with a sense of relief washing over her.
Right.
They left Jake alone. He didnt try to stop them, instead watching as they ran off to join the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company. They got close to the front lines. Celine, Sophia, Cless, Ismail all of the Valiant Dreamers were fighting at the front of the battlefield, unafraid of the dark inferno. That they could be swept up by the ck fiery tempest and be incinerated in an instant.
The Northbury Troops led by Noah fought alongside the Valiant Dreamers. As did contingents from Alyras and the Helbir League. Ismail Znd himself led the charge, flying on his Pegasus and drawing dangerously close to the ck mes.
Dark tendrils shot out, and he sliced through it before they could reach the Valiant Dreamers Company. But one of the tendrils targeted him. It streaked through the air like lightning, avoiding the Salvos clones and the Orgaf shadows. Ismail raised a shield to block it, but the shockwave knocked him off his flying steed.
Hadrian leapt through the air and caught Ismail before he crashed into the earth. The [Beastmaster] blinked as he stared up at his leader.
Hadrian?
Ismail! Hadrian!
Edithe was a step behind Hadrian. Celine paused as the other members of the Valiant Dreamers turned their heads.
Edithe? And Hadrian too? So you guys finally decided to join us, huh?
The burly woman grinned. Edithe nodded and helped Ismail to his feet. Hadrian straightened, drawing his sword.
Sorry werete. We had something we had to do in the pce of Alyras. But were here now.
Hadrian spoke for all of hispany to hear. Sophia, Cless, Noah, and the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company and their allies exchanged a nce as he nodded back at them.
I know this is a daunting task. Yet, you guys still fought on even by yourself. I do not care what the True Valiants say about us, you guys encapste the principles of what it means to be a dreamer.
He raised his sword and pointed it at the dark void.
Now, lets show everyone what the Valiant Dreamers Company is made
And Edithes eyes grew wide. She dashed forward, watching the ck tendrilsh out. Arge tendril one that incinerated one of Salvos clones in its wake. The redhead raised her staff, pointing at the oing streak of dark fire.
[Frostme Vortex]
But her attack was nothingpared to the intensity of ck mes. It burned straight through her spell and struck her, Hadrian, and Ismail. An explosion that knocked all three back.
Shit
She cursed. Her [Aura of Greater Protection] flickered and broke from the st. Fortunately, it wasnt enough to kill her. But it hurt. It really did hurt. Shey there in a puddle of blood, coughing and gasping as the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company cried out.
Ismail Znds Pegasus rushed to his side, while Hadrian scrambled back to his feet. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company escaped with the least damage taken, but he was still bleeding and hurt.
But before Hadrian could even get a grasp of his surroundings, a second desperate st of ck mes struck out once again. Itnced out for the Valiant Dreamers Company. This time, Edithe couldnt react. She tried to stand up, but her legs failed her. She groaned in pain as the ck fire reached them
And a st of blue mes impacted the dark fire. For a moment, Edithe just stared. She thought that it was Salvos who arrived just in time once again. It was a blue fire, after all. But then she saw the frost and snow falling from the sky. She felt the sleet forming at the edge of her fingertips the freezing aura exuded by the cool fire.
She looked up as a ball of colors descended.
Youre?
Edithe blinked at the hovering Spirit. At the glowing mes, shing green, then blue, then red. A [Will O Wisp]. One of Salvospanions.
Willy?
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 136]
He said nothing as he floated there, staring down at the dark inferno raging ahead.
Chapter 431: Diligent Damnation
Chapter 431: Diligent Damnation
431. Diligent Damnation
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. 136]
Willy?
Edithe groaned as she stared up at the Grand Spirit. The [Will O Wisp] hovered over her, not facing the redhead. Even though he was simply a ball of mes, it was clear his gaze wasnt focused on her. Rather, he looked on at the dark inferno at the all-consuming void just ahead.
He flitted forward as his green fire turned blue. A cone of icy fire shot out, creating a sleet wall that stood as tall as even the battlements of Alyras. It was an odd sight seeing fire turn to ice. But that was not the limit to Willys power.
Once the barrier was created, separating the Valiant Dreamers Company from the [Jinn]s terrible mes, he turned back to Edithe. She raised her head as her body ached. She was bleeding. As were Hadrian and Ismail. Theyd been struck by a stray streak of ck fire, and she couldnt do anything to block it.
But now, Willy was here. His wall of ice held off the ck fire, and more than that, he descended upon her, Hadrian, and Ismail with a gentle warmth. Green healing mes that spread out, mending flesh rather than incinerating her skin into ash. The aching feeling soon vanished, burning away as Willys magic washed over her body.
Ugh
Hadrian was the first to fully get to his feet. Edithe was next, following slowly behind him. She looked down towards her knitting flesh and shook her head. Hadrian ced a hand on her shoulder.
Are you alright?
I-Im fine but Ismail
She cast her gaze towards the [Beastmaster]. Ismail Znd was still lying there, groaning in pain. He had suffered the worst of the injuries, taking on the brunt of the ck mes. His Pegasus hovered worriedly over him, and the healing me continued to burn. Hadrian nodded and got to his feet.
Hang in there
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company whispered as he uncorked a healing potion and tended to the [Beastmaster]. Meanwhile, Edithe finally rose to her feet. She clutched at her wounds as they faded away before looking up at the Grand Spirit before her.
Willy hadnt said a thing since he arrived. He simply flitted before them, his mes wisping with the strong winds. She smiled at him, gratefully for his arrival.
Thank you, Honored Spirit Willy.
She bowed her head at the [Will O Wisp]. She gestured back towards Hadrian and Ismail as the [Beastmaster] slowly recovered.
Without your help, we wouldnt have possibly survived that Demons attack. I offer you my most heartfelt gratitude. Your presence is truly a blessing to us.
For a moment, Willy just floated there, unresponsive. His gaze was tantly fixed onto her she could feel his stare even though he had no face. Edithe blinked at him, starting to feel a little bit ufortable. Something which she never thought shed fel whilst in the middle of a raging battlefield.
Honored Spirit
Edithe started. But the [Will O Wisp] spoke over her.
Leave.
His voice echoed for all of the Valiant Dreamers and their allies to hear. No not just them. But the nearby soldiers and adventurers that were fighting looked towards Willy. Edithe blinked a few times.
Excuse me?
She asked, and Willy replied simply.
No point.
No point?
They. Handle.
The [Will O Wisp] turned and gestured towards the dark inferno with his body. Edithe narrowed her eyes and saw the iridescent mes burning within the ck fire. The redhead saw the moving shadows. The knight in shining armor. The [Hero] from another world.
And it was almost like they were enough to defeat the [Jinn]. As though everyone else was just coteral damage here. That they were throwing away their lives pointlessly. Willy continued, saying as much.
Useless.
What?
Edithes eyes grew wide. But he didnt answer. Instead, he flew forward, leaving the staring redhead behind. As she slowly hung her gaze, the [Will O Wisp] flew to the other side of the battlefield, saving more lives.
It was annoying. Willy found it annoying. Being revered and treated like he was a force of nature like he was simply a servant of the Spirit Lord rather than an individual truly made him upset.
Honestly, he knew he probably shouldve phrased it more nicely. Edithe was Salvos friend after all. But the way she addressed him made him snap at her. Well, whatever. It had its intended effect.
He needed to dissuade these converging armies from wasting their lives. It was ringly obvious that the [Jinn] would be taken care of by Salvos, Orgaf, Daniel, and that Human knight. Whoever she was Willy might not have known her, but she was incredibly strong for a Human at her level.
All they had to do was locate the true body of the [Jinn], and the Demon would easily perish. All Willy was trying to do was save Edithes life and prevent any unnecessary casualties.
Leave.
He repeated himself to another group of foolish Humans trying to charge the dark inferno. They hesitated. Willy just sighed. He watched as a thin streak of ck mesnce out, and he prepared to intercept it. But a cone of fire and ice shot out from a nearby hill. Willy paused and turned to face the source of the spell.
Useless?
A voice asked. Edithe stood there, lowering her staff as she started forward. He stared at her.
Why
I am not useless.
She spoke as she held Willys gaze.
I can still fight. And not just me, but everyone else here. Theyve fought to protect the city theyre the reason half of Alyras hasnt been burned to the ground.
Youre not Salvos.
He flitted before her, his mes shifting blue.
I am not Salvos. We will die.
I am not Salvos. But I am still Edithe Dawnrise. One of the Liberators of the gunds. I am still an adventurer. A Valiant Dreamer. I can still do something. And so can you.
Edithe lowered her staff and took a step forward.
Youre a Grand Spirit
Shut up.
She blinked. There was a moment where she hesitated. Willy knew she could sense the annoyance in his voice it was very much palpable. But Edithe steeled herself.
But you are a Grand Spirit. A Level 136 [Will O Wisp].
So?
He asked, growing more irritated by the minute.
Im a Spirit. And?
Just because he was a Spirit, it didnt mean he was a miracle-worker. He couldnt answer prayers. He couldnt cure incurable illnesses. He tried he really did. And he was tired of it. Of all the expectations ced on him. Just because he was a Spirit. He knew his limits, and he wasnt going to push himself beyond his bounds.
But Edithe didnt shy back in the face of his frustrated questioning. Instead, she held his gaze without fear.
It means we can do something.
Willy paused. And Edithe continued.
Youre right that Salvos, Daniel, Orgaf, and Kaitlin Darkhelm can defeat the [Jinn] on their own. But how long will that take? How many innocent lives will that [Jinn] kill before that happens? Just look!
The redhead pointed towards the moving armies. They ebbed and flow like the ocean tides in the morning, always receding, but always returning stronger. They helped push the dark inferno back they battled its stray mes, keeping it from spreading too far.
If it werent for us, the [Jinn]s mes would still be expanding. Consuming. Destroying the city. Even with all of Salvos clones. Even if all of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces were here. This [Jinn] is a cmity. It cannot be contained thats why we have to work together.
Willy stared at Edithe. He wanted to rebuke her statements. But, this time, he spoke only one word. And it wasnt on purpose.
Pointless.
I know what its like to fight a pointless battle. I lost my best friends in a pointless battle. This isnt one. We can save so many more lives if we help. Trust me and lend me your strength.
Eidthe proffered Willy a hand. He hesitated.
Once, Salvos asked Willy why he didnt just save the other monsters at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf. He could fly, after all. Well, he didnt answer her then.
But the truth was simple: it was because he was tired of failing. Despite his best efforts always trying, always striving to fulfill what Humans wanted for him he would eventually fail.
Save so many more lives? He was a Spirit, not a guardian. Not a deity. Not a protector.
A Spirit. Not an Honored Spirit. Not a thing to be worshipped. Not a God.
Look, everyone is fighting. Theyre doing their best. Shouldnt we do our part as well?
Edithe gestured back to herpany. They pressed on, even without her. Even after Willys warning. Nobody heeded his words. Regardless of the threat, they pressed on. Those idiots.
Do it yourself if you want to die.
Willy snapped back. He spoke a full sentence not because he was frustrated, but because he didnt want to deal with this anymore.
I cant.
She responded simply. He looked at her, puzzled and annoyed.
Why not?
Because as I am right now, I am not strong enough. But you? You are stronger than me. Not because youre a Spirit but because you are.
The [Will O Wisp] hesitated. That was true. Edithe was nearly 20 levels below him. However, it still made no sense why she was so desperate for his help. She saw him not as a miracle-worker, yet she still called for him. And that piqued his curiosity.
Just give me this chance, please.
Edithe said as she looked pleadingly at the [Will O Wisp]. Eventually, Willy acquiesced.
If you die, its your fault.
He flitted down to her, and a smile slipped onto her face.
Of course. But I wont. Come here.
She raised her staff at him. Willy watched as the tip of the artifact shone. She whispered quietly, just soft enough for the [Will O Wisp] to hear.
[Recall Skill: Patron of the Skills]!
For a moment, Willy didnt understand what just happened. Then his mind was inundated with a myriad of notifications. And he knew what to do.
Temporary Skill [A Guardians Blessing] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [The Indomitable Valkyrie] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Vindication of They] Obtained!
Edithe raised her staff at him as he reeled.
This how?
I used to be a [Summoner]. Im not one anymore because I broke my vow.
Willy looked at Edithe. I see, he thought, then he turned to the dark inferno as Edithe stepped up next to him.
So did I.
That was all he said as Edithe pointed her staff at him, and he felt her power surging through him. She grinned as he began casting his new Skills.
[A Guardians Blessing]. [The Indomitable Valkyrie]. And
Hadrian raised his head. He saw the twinkling light looked as these spheres of life essence rose and flew across the battlefield. He looked in the direction where it had flown, and he smiled.
Watch out!
I called out as I swooped down and yanked Orgaf away from a st of ck mes. The [Jinn]s outer form twisted. Orgaf gasped as I lowered him back to the ground, onto a nearby valley.
Are you alright?
Yeah, thanks. I lost thest of my clones from that, though.
He cursed as he nced back to the [Jinn]. I looked up at the contorted face staring down at me from the ck canvas. My clone myst clone here circled around it, unable to draw too close because of the heat. Only Kaitlin Darkhelm dared venture further into the dark inferno, but even she couldnt press into the heart of the storm.
We cant just give up. We need to get to the
I started. Then I paused. I narrowed my eyes as my gaze was drawn to the battlefield behind me. And I saw the little stars speckling the ground. The balls of light that rose and converged into a nearby hilltop. I blinked, even with [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
Edithe?
Then I frowned.
And Willy?
I leaned back and grinned.
Huh. Nice.
At one point in her life for the longest time Edithe had been a [Summoner]. She fought and hid behind the strength of her Spirits, lending them her strength in battle. Then she broke her sacred contract with them, and she was never to fight alongside a Spirit ever again.
Until today.
Then let us break our vows again
Edithe offered Willy her strength. Her power. She gave him her Skills, and even that wasnt enough. So, now, she guided him with her mana. Taught him how to use her power.
The corpses littering the battlefield shone. Their essences were drawn into the Grand Spirits body as the ming ball copsed. Yet, she felt what he felt, and she knew he didnt feel any pain. All he felt was the power of their will left behind their desire to put a stop to the [Jinn].
Edithe gritted her teeth as she poured her mana into Willy, giving him everything she could to help defeat the [Jinn].
Together!
All at once, Willy sted forward. His entire form expanded. It was like he was bing a storm no, a typhoon. No longer was he the tiny [Will O Wisp], but he was now a tornado of mes. Just like the [Jinn], hed inhabited a greater form.
It was the wrath of all that had fallen. The redemption of the deceased. The weight of their failures borne by a single Grand Spirit, aided by a former [Summoner], and unleashed back into the dark inferno.
Willy crashed into the ck mes, and the all-consuming void started to peel away.
[Vindication of They].
Chapter 432: Severance
Chapter 432: Severance
432. Severance
A white vortex sted through the sky. White mes that blended gray as it shot towards the dark inferno. G had seen this counter-storm form she had looked on as little balls of light flitted up from the multitude of corpses scattering thendscape and coalesced into the [Will O Wisp]. She watched as the Spirits form expanded and crashed into the twisted Demon.
A strong gale swept over G as the impact sent a tremor rolling over the hills outside of the city. G heard the chittering the scream of agonying from Libid as his ck mes peeled away. The white and ck fire melded together at the center and turned gray. The column of white me pushed the entire dark inferno. Libids fiery body ked away, wisping off as the intensity of the Spirits attack heightened.
This
Gs eyes bulged. Libids Grand Skill was actually being pushed back. And this sight it emboldened the Humans. They cheered and unleashed their own magic alongside this powerful tornado of white mes. Finally, the realization settled in: G knew theyd lost.
For a moment, she looked towards Libid. She considered saving the [Jinn]. Teleport him out with her. But she knew that wouldve been impossible. Not in his current form. So, as the white mes ebbed away at the dark inferno, Gs figure blurred.
And she vanished.
Huh.
I blinked, watching Willys body contort from a tiny little [Will O Wisp] floating at the tip of Edithes staff to that infernal typhoon of wrath. He wasntughing, yet I could almost hear his happy voice echo within the roaring fire. He crashed into the [Jinn] and pushed the ck fire back. The firestorm shrank, washed away by the white fire and reeling in pain.
My gaze snapped to the side as I heard a voice bellow.
Nows our chance!
Daniel charged forward, raising the Sword of Alexander as the Human armies rallied behind him. The [Jinn] tried to push Willy back as tendrils of ck meshed out, but the [Hero] swung his de up. His sh cut through the dark tendrils before it could push Willysbined attack with Edithe back.
I spread my wings wide and turned to Orgaf. Daniel was right.
Orgaf!
Right.
The [Rogue] nodded as he vanished into my shadow. I raised my iridescent scythe and bared my teeth.
Lets take down this [Jinn] with everything weve got!
And with that, I propelled forward with a single beat of my wings. We charged back into the fray, flying straight for the true body within the ck mes. I swerved and flew alongside Willy I nodded at the [Wil O Wisp], and he said only one word in response.
Go.
Iughed as I spiraled around his expanding ming body before diving straight into the [Jinn].
Burn!
I pointed and a deluge of rainbow-colored mes poured out of my fingertip. It scraped away at the ck mes, but it wasntparable to Willys assault. However, a st of magic inundated the dark inferno from afar. Not a single st, but a massive barrage.
I nced back at the Human armies as they unleashed their magic. Their spells and their arrows and whatever projectiles they could muster. I grinned as my clone joined in, sending a wave of gold and silver mes.
Come on!
I yelled as I flew forward. My clone led the path as I fought to get to the core of the ming void. It was like wading through the deepest depths of the ocean itself when I couldnt breathe. It was like being smothered by a thick forest where light couldnt breach its canopy, and the heat was too oppressive literally crushing me.
This was a Grand Skill like no other. Even in its reduced and weakened state, it couldve killed me.
Yet, I still pressed on. I wasnt alone, after all. Willys mes burned away the darkness. There was a literal army behind me. Edithe and Daniel did everything they could to support me from afar. And Orgaf was trailing after my shadow.
Were getting closer
My gaze fixed only on the fragmented form of the [Jinn]. The true body of this firestorm. It waited for me above the morning clouds. Scattered and broken pieces of the vague form of a [Jinn]. Like a vase that was shattered and left crinkling the carpet.
I watched my clone leading the way as only darkness surrounded me now. We were beyond even where Willys me reached. The heat was palpable here. And the path my clone burned grew smaller and smaller. She tried her best, but like a flickering candle in a winter storm, she was snuffed out.
Still, she refused to go out with a whimper. My clone exploded a brilliant golden cross that expanded outwards. The ck mes tried to crush it, but that only caused it to explode a second time. A wilder st. One that nearly consumed me in its fury.
I didnt shy away from it. Instead, I soared higher. Further into the dark firestorm. Heading for what was the true body of the [Jinn]. I burned through my own clones mes and unleashed my own iridescent fire into the void. It opened up a new path. One that I followed as I continuously poured my magic to the sky.
At first, it was easy. I felt like I could keep this up forever. But just like my clone, I slowly found myself being overwhelmed. The closer to the heart of the storm, the more dangerous the whipping ck mes were. It encroached on me, eating away at my own Divine Essence as I was forced to use my Divine Nebr Scythe to tear through the ck mes.
This is annoying
I could see my destination ahead of me. Even with the nket of mes, [Manifestation of the Old Gods] pulled through, letting me see into the depths of the dark inferno. I was in its face now. The eyes of the firestorm turned inward to face me as I fought back.
I just need to
I trailed off, and a figure appeared from beneath my wings. Orgaf leapt out and swung with both his daggers. The veil of darkness sliced open as he yelled.
Finish it!
I blinked, looking at the opening he gave me. A moment passed as Orgaf began to fall, but he continued to tear through the dark mes for me, using the shadows all around him as his weapon. I grinned and sted forward with a burst of mes.
Thanks!
And I saw it. Finally, I saw the true body of the [Jinn] with my own two eyes. There was no need for magic to look into it. To see the ethereal form of a Demon, cracked and shattered. Broken into five separate pieces. His head floated at the center of the broken body, twisted and contorted in pain. Its face was like a Human skull, although it had long jagged teeths and a pair of horns protruding from the forehead and curling back like hair.
The [Jinn]s facial expression didnt change, yet the head turned to face me like a moving statue.
PERISH, HUMAN.
There was a gap between the rest of the firestorm and his true body. A sphere where there was open air. But as I flew through it, a column of ck mes descended upon me the strongest mes Id faced. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, blocking the attack as I gritted my teeth.
YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME.
The [Jinn] continued. Tendrilsshed out as I sliced the pir of ck mes in half. I looked up and conjured up half a dozen arms, each holding up their own quickly made fiery weapons. I cut through these tendrils as I yelled back.
I should be the one
But my voice was drowned out by the roaring mes. I forced myself forward, even one of the fragmented body parts of the [Jinn] what looked to be a leg floated towards me. It began to rapidly disintegrate.
...saying that
And my eyes widened. A st of ck all-consuming mes shot out. A cone of intense heat. One that went straight for me. I raised all my arms and weapons whilst creating both a fractal and fire barrier. But his magic was too overpowering. It ate away my barrier as it sted me back.
Perhaps I wouldve died. But I raised the Greaves of Alexander just in time to take the brunt of the attack. I screamed in pain as I went flying, descending back into the firestorm.
FOR MY KING, I WILL LAY WASTE TO ALL OF THE HUMAN LANDS.
The [Jinn] spoke as I saw his figure disappearing in the distance. As the shroud of his inferno closed after me. I gasped and tried to fly back, but my body was burnt and injured. Id expended too much of my energy to get here. Not even the Boots of Alexander of the Greaves of Alexander could help me now.
I cant
I tried to push forward. I really did. But I was falling into the abyss. I gotten so far, but Id lost it all. My eyes closed as I sighed.
Then a voice cut through even the [Jinn]s screaming through the roaring mes. A quiet voice that almost seemed to shush everything else around us.
Youve done enough.
I looked down at a knights visor as a metal glove patted me on the shoulder. I blinked at Kaitlin Darkhelm as she gave me a nod. Shed followed the path Orgaf and I carved out, and was now here. She didnt float, as much as she fell with me.
Now Ill take care of the rest.
She said simply. I opened my mouth.
Wha
And with a burst of light, the knight shot forward. She raised her shield, diving through the air as the ck mes inundated her from all sides. But somehow, even if the fire assailed her from behind, it curved and struck her shield instead. It was like all attacks were being absorbed by her shield. As though it was a conductor of sorts, attracting the mes like a metal rod did for lightning.
Even as I fell and the fiery drapes closed around me, I watched her press on through the eyes of [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. With that single leap, Kaitlin Darkhelm crossed into the heart of the storm. Where there were no mes. Just a broken body.
YOU
The Demon bellowed, but Kaitlin didnt listen to his words. She continued like an unstoppable force, shooting forward for the true body of the inferno with her shield raised. She wasnt as fast as Orgaf, but nothing could slow her down.
DIE!
Not even the deluge of ck fire did anything to stop her. The [Jinn] sacrificed its arms and legs, unleashing a me more powerful than anything Id seen so far. But her shield absorbed it all. Or no it wasnt her shield. It couldnt be. It had to be a Skill of sorts. However, I couldnt focus on that. Instead, I saw the way the Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empire Swordsguard Forces finally lowered her shield and brought up her sword.
The only one here dying is you, Demon, to your blind loyalty to your king.
I WILL NOT FALL HERE!
All that was left of the [Jin] was a skull. And it slowly burned away as he poured out thest vestige of his life into an attack that wouldve overwhelmed me. Like the entire force of the dark inferno concentrated into one st.
Kaitlin Darkhelm didnt falter. Her sword flickered as her eyes narrowed. She spoke in a whisper, charging into the impending wall of ck mes.
[Verily The Vim Vigor Of Your Vaulted Potent Power Will Never Waver When I Am Within Your Epassing and Eternal Embrace. Empower Me With Your Salubrious Strength So That I Shall Slice Through My Enemies In Your Spirit, Oh Lord.]
And she shed up.
[Sanctimonious Severance].
She tore straight through the darkness. Everything her de touched was sheared in half. I watched as her Grand Skillpletely overwhelmed the [Jinn]. She shot through the wall of ck mes and reached the Demons skull. Her de shattered the bones and sent a ripple across the ck firestorm.
My eyes widened. I watched as the [Jinn] let out a final chittering cry as his shattered body smashed apart, flying in all directions. The dark inferno twisted around me. For a moment, I thought it wouldve crushed me again. But then the ck mes exploded out like a plume of dark steam.
I looked around as the sky wheeled and I saw the gathered armies staring. The dark inferno shot out in a ring across the sky, but it didnt burn anything. Not even the clouds. I blinked a few times before as the Humans broke out into a cacophonous cheer, and Kaitlin Darkhelm continued ascending to the clouds.
Huh
I looked at her back I saw the power of the Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. She turned in the sky, her face still covered by her helmet, but I knew she was looking down in satisfaction at her work.
She really is strong.
I remarked idly as, finally, the siege of Alyras was lifted. We had won.
Chapter 433: End of the Siege of Alyras
Chapter 433: End of the Siege of Alyras
433. End of the Siege of Alyras
Grand Fireball. Frost Fall. Arcana Expulsion. Pirs of the Fallen Sanctuary.
Helena Warshade spoke quickly, listing spell after spell as a barrage of magical attacksunched out at the [Cambion]. Ira didnt flinch or falter at the sight of the crimson ball. He stood there, sneering, embracing the st of mes, followed by the gust of ice. A beam of pure mana struck him after, knocking him off bnce, before the earth trembled and broke beneath his teeth, consuming him like a mouth full of sharp and jagged teeth.
These werent weak spells. But they werent Helenas Skills either. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy knew an eclectic array of spells off the top of her head, and she could cast them rapidly with little effort. They were the kinds of spells even Diamond Ranks would be impressed by. And to unleash them this quickly and to this degree?
Anyone who was spectating this battle would see that Helena Warshade truly lived up to her reputation in her strength. Yet, it wasnt enough.
Ira emerged from the rubble, breaking through the teeth-like rock pirs as he cackled. His body rippled and tore flesh mending and bones cracking. His jaw dropped, unhinged from his cheeks as his mouth gaped wide open. Helena Warshade clicked her tongue, already creating a barrier.
An amalgam of the spells shed thrown his wayunched back at her. A deluge of magical energy that ripped apart the earth and sent the fallen debris flying in all directions. Helenas barrier held up against the tide of magic. It was a replica slightly inferior of her own spells.
Shed done this dance with Ira for a while, and that was why she wasnt wasting any of her better Skills or spells against Ira. With the Archdemon of Wraths Grand Skill, he could survive and deflect all her magic back at her. It was pointless.
Perhaps if Helena obliterated Ira in his entirety with her strongest Skills, shed be victorious. But she didnt want to risk it because if he survived, hed return the wrath of that magic against her. And, unfortunately, the Archmage didnt think she could deflect such a spell.
So, all she did was stall. She kept Ira at bay with Diamond Ranked spells as he continuously regenerated from her bombardment of magic. All she had to do was just wait a little longer
Her eyes flickered behind her. She saw the Salvos clone continuing to work on the fractal dome, slowly dismantling it. Once that prison fell, the other Elites would be set free. It would no longer just be Helena against Ira Peris Dolonia, Alder the Augur Elder, Scarlet the Red Rose, and Laux Lionfist would join the fray.
Together, she knew theyd be able to figure this Demons tricks out. Perhaps with Lauxs Grand Skill, hed be able to counter and defeat Ira here. But just as Helena got her hopes up, Ira suddenly paused.
The smoke cleared up and the dust settled. The Archdemon of Wrath didnt attack the Archmage. Rather, he raised his head and faced the horizon.
Hmph, I see.
Helena raised a brow. What is it doing? she wondered as the Demon straightened.
Unfortunate.
Ira straightened, shaking his head. Helena didnt respond. She just eyed him warily as he turned back to her.
It seems Libid is finally dead.
Libid?
Helena knew he was referring to the [Jinn]. What she didnt know was how Ira knew that one of his allies had fallen. Still, Ira continued muttering to himself.
And Id have thought at least one of those fools wouldve survived. At least theyd served their purpose.
He scoffed and turned his back on Helena Warshade. She blinked, caught off-guard for a moment. The normally cool and collected Archmage stared as Ira lumbered away from her. She didnt react for a moment, before raising her staff and calling out after the Demon.
Halt! Where do you think youre going, Demon?
A st of lightning streaked out just ahead of Ira, but he walked through it. He craned his head back to face her, replying simply.
I am leaving.
He didnt continue. Helena watched his back as he continued. Was that it? Was he really just going to go? The Archmage waspelled to stop him, but her apprehension seized her. And before she could make a decision, the fractal barrier finally copsed.
The Salvos clone drew back,ughing silently as space opened up and returned to normal. Helena turned around, looking on as four figures emerged, leaping out one after another. Alder, Laux, Scarlet, and Peris appeared swiftly behind Helena.
Whats going on, Archmage?
Laux was the one to ask. He directed his gaze at Ira, cracking his knuckles.
Thats another Demon, huh? Should we stop him?
He looked eager to fight, but Ira nced back simply and spoke in a dangerous voice.
Try and stop me if you wish to die.
Oh, thats quite the threat. I wonder if you can back that up
Laux Lionfist started forward, and that was when Helena Warshade made her decision.
Let him go.
She said as she raised a hand. Peris narrowed his eyes as Laux blinked.
But Archmage
Thetter began to protest. But she exined.
Theres no need for us to suffer any more unnecessary casualties. If what he says is true, then it means we have won here. Let us take our victory and return to the city.
She also needed to ensure the rest of the Treasures of Alexander hadnt been stolen. That Daniel Song truly managed to fend off those Demons. What mattered was never killing Ira, but stopping the other Demons from getting to Alyras.
You can have your victory.
Ira spoke as he reached a thicket.
But victory
Hisugh echoed as his form vanished behind the trees.
It is such a fickle thing.
Helena frowned. She was certain Ira had just been there a moment ago. Then his presencepletely vanished. Alder sensed the same thing.
That Demon is gone.
The Augur Elder confirmed Helenas suspicions. It had to have been some kind of spell. But it wasnt space magic. Shed have seen the ripple in space if it had been. It had to have been something else.
Helena shook her head. It didnt matter now. Instead, she turned to the four Elites and the Salvos clone. She nodded at them and spoke simply.
Let us return to the city.
With that, the siege of Alyras finally came to an end.
Chapter 434: Falling Sky
Chapter 434: Falling Sky
434. Falling Sky
And the siege of Alyras was over. We had won. With a single swing of her de and an annoyingly long chant Kaitlin Darkhelm tore through the [Jinn]s Grand Skill with her very own. I was impressed. More than impressed!
She reminded me of Mori dius! Although she didnt have any Divine Essence. Still! It was as expected of the mentor of Alex Cromerth, member of the Vaun Qieur Empires elite Swordsguard Forces!
she was his mentor right? Or was she a captain? Teacher? She was something. It was all the same thing, anyway.
Regardless, I was amazed by Kaitlin Darkhlem. I stared on as she descended from the clouds. No wings. No fancy magic. Just her sword and shield. Her te armor and visor. Behind me, I could hear the morous cheering of a hundred thousand Humans, relieved that it was finally over.
Inded right as Kaitlin did. She turned her gaze towards me I could see her face through the visor thanks to [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. She looked exhausted, with a small smile slipping across her lips. She stepped past me and gave me a subtle nod.
Good work.
I could hear her tinny voice behind the helmet. I beamed and gave her a thumbs-up.
Of course!
--
And with that settled, what was left was to deal with the aftermath of the battle. The [Jinn] had been strong. He was stronger than his level even implied. In fact, I was pretty sure hed even continuously leveled up through the fight. Still, perhaps it was because of the effects of his Grand Skill, but I leveled up in my Subspecies twice thanks to this fight.
Defeated [Asmodai Jinn (Duke of the Netherworld) - Lvl. 149]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 142] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 143]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 143] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 144]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 112] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 113]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Sure, Id been on the verge of leveling up anyway, especially after defeating Avaritia the way I did. Id also forced him to use his Grand Skill and I fought him to the brink of it, until he couldnt fight anymore. So perhaps that yed a part in my double level up for my Subspecies.
Regardless, there wasnt much use specting. I dly epted each and every level up I got. After all, they only served to bring me closer to my next evolution. Finally, after so long, I was going to evolve again.
I hurriedly distributed my Stat Points and Skill Points and secondary Skill points as the thought crossed my mind.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 144
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 113
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 185 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 185 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 185 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 300 (+30) (+10) (+20)
[Agility]: 360 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 3]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 5]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 10
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 2
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.3
All my Skills were maxed now, and I even maxed out one of my new secondary Skills [Dragon Scales]. It gave me added durability, which I really needed considering my rtively low [Vitality]. Sure, was I more durable than even the most durable tinum Ranked adventurers? Yep!
But for a Diamond Ranked adventurer at my level, I was only durable with added protection or with my Skills. So, overall, this called for celebration for me. A total victory from my perspective.
And for some people, this was a time for celebration too. I looked on as Daniel stood before arge crowd of adventurers, soldiers, and civilians. Amanda was by his side. And while he was brave enough to reveal the truth about the fact that he was a [Hero], he wasnt able to answer the barrage of questions and attention directed his way.
Fortunately, he was saved by Helena Warshade. The Archmage and the other three Elites I didnt know their names had returned to Alyras not long after the [Jinn] had died. Wait, actually, there were four Elites. One of them Scarlet the Red Rose had slinked back into the city ahead of the others, and I didnt notice their entry.
But while there were celebrations being held, there was also grieving. From the loss. The death and the destruction. Soldiers and adventurers who didnt return from the battlefield. Civilians who were caught in between the fighting.
Edithe stood with the rest of herpany, grieving with Hadrian for all the dreamers lost during the fight. Saffron kneeled over the body of Zin Norwood,forting Gannon as he cried over his mothers body. Rana Alyras looked over her city and wept for her people as her father paced before his advisors.
It was a victory. But at what cost?
I sighed as I closed my eyes. I was sitting at a hill just outside of the city as Novis, Bellum, and Oriur crowded behind me. Willy floated to my right, oddly silent. To me, this had been a victory, simple as that. But I knew that the Humans that mypanions didnt see it that way.
Some people I knew were dead, and yes, I did find it slightly upsetting. But the attacking Demons were dead too. Well mostly dead. But if the Humans really had wanted to prevent all this from happening, maybe they shouldve done something about the Demons in the Inoria Empire earlier.
Perhaps now they were finally going to make the right decision and intervene.
But it was a little toote. After all, I was sure the Demons saw this as a victory as I saw repelling them as a win right?
Theyre all dead
G scowled as she leaned against the cave wall. Shed barely escaped with her life. She didnt even know if Ira or Libid were still living. She ran, teleporting away to a nearby cave because she knew theyd lost the battle in Alyras.
Those idiots how could they have possibly messed that up?
She didnt know the answer to that. She just knew she had to get away before she, too, lost her life. Unfortunately, she was both injured and tired, so she hadnt been able to teleport too far away. Now, she just had to let [Rest] take over and heal her superficial wounds and restore her magic. Once she was back at full power, shed return to Levithus and inform him of what happened.
At least we managed to sabotage the meeting
G sighed wistfully hopeful.
Perhaps the ritual isplete by now?
She wondered aloud. The Archdemon of Gluttony didnt expect to hear a response, but a voice replied. A booming voice that echoed and sent a shiver down the caverns walls.
Your kings ritual will never beplete.
What?
G looked up as she looked around. She saw the stctites and stgmites tremble like loose teeth. Just ahead of her, at the mouth of the cave, a giant bug crept up the darkness.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 166]
Greetings, dog of Regnorex.
Her eyes grew wide at the sight.
What?
G stumbled back as the Primeval Demon slowly approached her. She felt her back press against the cold cavern walls as she sputtered.
Belzu? Impossible. You are supposed to be dead.
He drew forward as he spoke, each word causing the entire world to quake.
Perhaps. And yet, so are you. But we both live. So I shall rectify at least one of the mistakes here.
Stay back!
She created a sphere and tossed it his way. An explosion engulfed him, but he reappeared a dozen feet to the left of the st a single momentter.
Y-you
G tried to work her jaw. Then she clenched a fist. That coward. Of course he was hiding behind his illusions. If I cannot fight him, then I shall
[Long Ranged Teleportation].
She snapped a finger. The world around her vanished. She smirked as the ground beneath her feet disappeared, and she stepped foot back in the cave. G blinked, looking around at the exact same surroundings as before.
What?
Struggling is pointless. The sooner you ept your fate, the sooner this will be over.
G gritted her teeth. She red at Belzu as he glided towards her. It was odd. It was almost like he was not making any progress towards her, yet he was clearly moving her way. She spat his way.
You do realize that if I do not return to Levithus, he will surely investigate? And then my King shall surely learn that you still live?
You have already served your purpose to both Regnorex and Levithus. Neither shall care that you will not return today.
Belzu answered simply. G clicked her tongue.
We shall see about that!
She conjured a dodecahedron and tossed it forward. Its explosion dwarfed the spheres st, tearing through the cavernous corridor as she leapt back.
You cannot harm me.
Belzus voice echoed around her, even as the explosion sted out. She grinned.
I know I cant. That was just a distraction.
She raised a hand as she whispered.
[Temporal Chrysalis].
Belzu emerged from the dust and the smoke. She saw his figure drawing towards her, but a curtain of transparent octagonal fragments of space covered her vision. A fractal shell surrounded G as she panted.
I didnt want to do this but you leave me no choice.
She looked through the fractal shell she saw the world freeze around her. Belzu wasnt moving, frozen mid-step. Shed have loved to kill him now that she had the chance, but she couldnt. The moment G tried to mess with the outside world, time would resume.
This [Temporal Chrysalis] would let her do whatever she wanted within its confines as the world outside was halted to a stop. Normally, it would mostly be useful for strategizing, but there was one specific use it had now.
[Evolution Avable]
She focused on those words on the potential she had hidden away. The strength she had rejected for now. Her evolutionary path.
The only reason she hadnt chosen one was because of what she was working towards to be a [Hellprincess]. The requirements were steep. Very rarely would a Level 150 Archdemon be given the option to evolve into a [Hellprince] or [Hellprincess].
Still, this was a dire moment. Belzu was a [Hellprince], and he was stronger than her. She had to close the gap any way she could now. So she focused on the next best choice.
An [Ascended Baal Fiend]. Both fitting andcking
She shook her head as she closed her eyes.
Evolution Complete!
[Archdemon of Gluttony] -> [Primeval Demon of Gluttony]
Subspecies [Twisted Baal Fiend - Lvl. 151] -> [Ascended Baal Fiend - Lvl. 151]
For what felt like a brief moment, G felt nothing. Her body was numbed. Then it shifted. Her eyes opened as her senses returned to her. She emerged from her molt of her blood,ughing and cackling as a newfound power surged through her.
She was thinner. She stood taller. Her injuries gone. Her green skin was paler now, and a pair of horns protruded from her head. G tore through her own [Temporal Chrysalis] as sheughed. Belzu paused, watching the newly-changed [Fiend] break through what seemed to be her own barrier.
What?
He started, but G didnt let him finish. Instead, she pped her hands together as a pulse sted out.
[Supreme Nova].
Belzu raised one of his limbs too slowly. G just grinned as the ring of rippling space shot out and ripped through his body. Belzu was obliterated in an instant and not just him, but the entire mountain which the cave was in was torn open. The pulse shook the earth, destroying the nearby forests and the entirety of the mountaintop.
Gughed andughed andughed as she ascended from the crumbling mountain. Was this what it felt like to be a Primeval Demon? She felt so powerful. So strong. Like shed far surpassed her limitspletely.
For a moment, she wondered why she ever even bothered waiting to evolve. It almost made no sense to her. But she remembered that she couldve be even more. So, she spat.
Damn you, Belzu, forcing my hand
If only G couldve achieved her full potential and be a [Hellprincess].
s
She trailed off as she raised her head, facing away from the pir of dust shooting into the sky. Then she froze. She raised her head slowly as the notification in her head disappeared like it wasnt even there
Defeated [Hellprince of the Desti
More experience is awarded for on - Lvl 166]!
defeating an enemy
at least
10
l
e
v
e
l
s
And a pair of bulbous eyes stared down at her. What looked like twin ck suns. The morning blue sky shone red as G trailed off.
No
Belzus voice reverberated around her. The entire world cracked with each word he spoke.
DID YOU REALLY THINK YOU COULD ESCAPE MY ILLUSIONS?
The sky broke in half, falling on G as she raised a hand. She created a barrier as she cried out in pain, barely holding up the piece of copsing sky.
THIS IS MY WORLD, AND YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A PEST!
A second piece of broken sky came crashing down on her. She poured all of her magic into upholding the spatial barrier. But it cracked. And she realized it was pointless. G closed her eyes, epting her fate as the ss broke and the world itself crushed her entirely.
Chapter 435: So He Lives (End of Volume 5 Part 4)
Chapter 435: So He Lives (End of Volume 5 Part 4)
435. So He Lives
Arge undting figurey waiting in the throne room. The soft glow of the ritual circle illuminated the expansive chamber. It radiated the faint traces of magic wisps of translucent strands of mana trailed off the sigils decorating the gray marble floor, fogging up the room with a blue aura. The spell itself sang as the ritual continued. A soft humming echoed in the background like the low droning of a distant choir.
Levithus held still, only raising his head when he heard the heavy double doors groan open. Even then, it was a subtle movement. He knew who it was before even seeing the lumbering figure.
Enter, Ira.
Greetings, Lord Levithus.
A giant [Cambion] stepped forward as his name was called. Ira was tall. A giant by most metrics. Yet, when he came to a halt before Levithus, he looked like a mere Human child standing before an adult Cyclops.
Levithus spun around, his tail turning behind him, coiling around in a long extended motion even as his head didnt move. He faced Ira as he asked.
I take it G and the others are dead?
Yes, Lord Belzu. They perished in Alyras, trying to procure the other treasures of our King.
Ira bowed low, speaking softly. Levithus sighed.
Unfortunate.
The Primeval Demon couldnt lie and say that the loss of most of the Dukes and Duchesses upsetted him. But hed already known that this could happen before he summoned them to the Mortal Realm. This was always a sacrifice he was willing to make. No it was a necessary sacrifice that Regnorex had told him to make.
After all, it was for the greater good. For the sake of all Demonkind.
Their deaths will be mourned; their sacrifices remembered. Today, the Humans can im their victory. But while the battle is lost, the war will be won.
Ira looked up as Levithus turned, casting his gaze to the ritual circle behind him. The Primeval Demon stared at the magic as it pulsed and grew stronger. The gray marble floor shifted, turning into a sickly pale color as his voice boomed.
The ritual has already begun.
Levithus watched as the decorated floor of the throne room was reced with a rocky terrain. A pure white floor. Like the floor of the Netherworld. The ceiling began to crumble as the magic spread out, revealing the sky above and letting in a beam of light down into the darkness.
But the sunlight was overwhelmed by the light from the ritual circle. A pir of light extended to the sky, touching the blue dome overhead and gradually painting it red. Levithus looked upon his work as a satisfied smile spread across his serpent-like face.
It was a slow transformation. But reality itself was warping shifting. Changing. Space itself was being disced. It wouldnt happen overnight. But this was just the start. Levithus looked on at his works as Ira backed up. The Primeval Demon continued..
And once it is finished, all of the Human Lands will be hell.
Helena Warshade cast her gaze over all the gathered parties in the Conference of Alyras. The meeting room was far less crowded on the first day of the meeting just two weeks ago. They werent present for a myriad of reasons. Some were dead, others injured. But the main reason for their absence was because they werent necessary.
They didnt need to be here. The Conference of Alyras started out as a more ceremonial gathering. There had been a lot of politicking involved, as expected whenever multiple countries and factions present at the same table. After all, as groups were, they only cared about their self-interest. It was a simple fact of life of politics.
As the leader of the Rising Veterans Company, Helena was used to navigating this annoyingndscape of appeasement and diplomacy. Shed prepared for weeks of negotiations for a drawn out meeting with each of the factions opposed to an alliance against the Demons in the Inoria Empire. Now though? After the siege of Alyras? After those seven Archdemons wreaked such havoc and took so many lives?
It was clear now that it was in everyones self-interest to fend off this Demon invasion. This was always evident to the Archmage, but unfortunately it was difficult to parse for others. It always took a disaster a catastrophe for action to be taken. Even then, not always.
So Helena Warshade still had to convince the remaining parties that were averse to this coalition by speaking with them efore the meeting began. Or, rather
Intimidation. It wasnt direct intimidation. She simply made it clear the stance herpany and all adventurerpanies would withhold operations in any nations that refused to cooperate. The other Honorable Companies were with her on this issue, and they held a vast swathe of influence over most smallerpanies. And even if some refused to cooperate, they could entice and bribe them to their side.
So the votes were cast. The meeting was short. Helena Warshade prevented any protracted argument from being held, shutting them down her stare alone.
All votes in favor, then?
She asked. Her gaze swept over the room. Over Peris Dolonia the Crown Prince of Dolonia looked dissatisfied, but he nodded and raised his hand. Over the [Bishops] from the temples. Over kings and prime ministers.
There was not a single vote against the decision. With a small nod, she stepped back and made the deration.
The Conference of Alyras has concluded. All parties involved have agreed to form a coalition to
Princess Rana Alyras sighed in relief as the announcement was made. Gannon Norwood simply lowered his head, acknowledging the decision with a small nod of gratitude and regret that it hadnt happened sooner. Thorsten Sigfried looked like he approved the decision, but the other [Bishops] werent as pleased.
Helena Warshade didnt care to appease everyone. She knew what was needed to be done, and she was going to ensure everything would be done to ensure that Demon invasion was repelled. The fallout of these decisions could be dealt withter.
The meeting finally came to an end as all the attendees funneled out of the room, and king Artik Alyras and Laux Lionfist prepared to make the announcement for the public. Helena Warshade excused herself and returned to one of the private meeting rooms. A pair of guards Diamond Ranked soldiers stood there. The sigil of the Vaun Qieur Empire was clearly emzoned on their clothing, but they stepped aside for her as she entered the room.
There, she closed her eyes and activated a simple spell. A barrier that encased the room as the door closed shut behind her. She raised her head and faced a figure seated in a chair at the center of the room. Kaitlin Darkhelm waited next to the bound figure. The Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces.
Helena Warshade had asked Kaitlin Darkhelm to join her in hunting down the Archdemons, but the knight refused. Kaitlin had said she had a security asset that needed to be protected in Alyras. Helena didnt understand it at first, but now she did.
A woman sat in the chair, with her hands cuffed but otherwise not treated too badly. She raised her head, and it was clear shed been a ve once with the marks on her neck and face. A diator of sorts, probably.
The Archmage of Mavos Academy met the womans gaze and spoke simply.
Now, tell me why Commander Darkhelm holds you to such high value?
The woman raised her head, looking limply up at the Archmage. Alix sighed.
The Primeval Demon, Belzu, is still alive.
And that changed everything Helena Warshade knew.
Author''s Notes:
(Originally written on September 10th)
There''s a lot of things I''d like to say about this part. First and foremost, I feel like I could''ve done better. Unfortunately, time constraints and all the shit happening in my life made it hard to focus on writing these past two months. But my biggest regret is still the chapters in the Beastmen ins.
Now I''ll peel back the curtain between author and reader for a little bit. As a serial author, I cannot structure my work the same way traditional authors do with their novels. Traditional sword and sorcery fantasy novels are structured this way: first 70% of the book is setup, and thest 30% of the book is climax. It''spletely fine in a novel because you can binge it all at once, but for a serial you''ll have to wait two to three months of irl time before you get to the climax, and that''s tiresome to read.
So, when I write, I write in arcs that follow this same format over a smaller scale. And its always a pain in the ass trying to bnce setting up the necessary plot threads I need to introduce and resolving the old plot threads within the confines of this arc. Ten, twenty, max. However, the necessity of having a resolution/climax every ten chaps can sometimes force plot threads I want to introduce at that moment to be pushed off toter on. And I think thats the issue with the Beastmen ins arc with the [Witch].
That arc was necessary. It needed to happen. But it was supposed to happen... a hundred chapters ago. It was supposed to be how Salvos advanced to Level 100 in her ss-- adopting the baby Wyverns and destroying the corrupted ind to be a [Draconic Apprentice].
Unfortunately, I had to push off that arc because of the delicate bnce of setup/resolution needed for serial writing. And because it was pushed off, the problem only became more jarring, at least to me, when it felt like it interrupted the siege of Alyras arc. I also had to push off another mini-arc I had nned this part to next part because of this...
Anyway, serial writing is difficult and requires a lot of nning if you want to do it well. I made some mistakes, and I will continue to make mistakes, but I think what''s important is that I keep trying to do better. Also, that I keep delivering the chapters.
I''ve had a lot of shit going on in the past two months, yet I never went a whole week without posting, did I? In fact, I posted at least three chapters even in my "off" week. Others in my position would take a full month or two off, but I don''t do that shit. I kept writing and I''ll keep writing and I''ll keep improving. I am 22 years old, and I''ve got a long way to go still as an author.
Thanks for reading!
Chapter Salvos German Translation Book 3 is up!
Chapter Salvos German Trantion Book 3 is up!
Sup y''all. Once again, there''s another Salvos German Trantion of the book out. If you want to support me and you have Kindle Unlimited, I''d like to ask you to give the book a download and drop it a rating so that Salvos will be able to reach an even wider audience than before. Otherwise, I appreciate you all for reading anyway!
Stolz einer Dmonin Teil 2: Ein Isekai LitRPG Abenteuer (Salvos Band 3) (Salvos German Edition) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Waba, Stephan: Amazon.de: Kindle Store
Also, I got a new book cover!
Chapter 436: Family Trip (Start of Volume 5 Part 5)
Chapter 436: Family Trip (Start of Volume 5 Part 5)
456. Family Trip
The cityy waiting in the distance. An undting field of hills and valleys surrounded it, ravaged from weeks of fighting until just two days ago. Id been gone from Alyras for quite a while, and when I returned, I hadnt been able to luxuriate in the peaceful confines of the city due to the state of chaos it was in.
I barely even had time to say hi to any of mypanions before I was fighting for my life against Demon after Demon, facing Grand Skill after Grand Skill, and Treasure of Alexander after Treasure of Alexander. I was lucky I had my own Grand Skills and my own Treasure of Alexander, otherwise I probably wouldnt have stood a chance against them.
And after a protracted battle, we finally came out victorious and defeated most of the Archdemons assailing Alyras. Many people died. Some of whom I knew. I mourned their losses as I was somewhat close with them. But even still, I was ted. After all, I was Level 144 now. I was one step closer to reaching my next evolution. It had been so long, and I was finally on the precipice of taking the next step.
It wasnt just me who grew stronger, either. Both Edithe and Daniel reached Level 120 from this the former literally just at Level 120, while thetter was at Level 125 somehow. Apparently Daniel leveled up even after the battle was over, when one of the Demons that ran away died. Still, I was pleased. I managed to keep my promise to the both of them. I told them Id help get them both to Level 120, and while I technically wasnt the one responsible for bringing those Archdemons to Alyras, I was ready to take full credit for it. I mean, I did save their lives, didnt I?
Either way, it was all resolved mostly fine. And that meant that
Its finally time.
It was something Id wanted to do for a while, but couldnt due to a litany of reasons. Now though? Now was the perfect chance for it. I nced back at the three figures waiting behind me. They backed away shyly, trying to hide behind the hill. But they knew just as well as I did that I wouldnt let them get away. It was happening today.
A [Will O Wisp] flitted by my head and snorted.
Idiot.
The decision was announced in the morning. It came only two days after the siege of Alyras was lifted. Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company, was the one to make the announcement.
With the conclusion of the Conference of Alyras, all parties have unanimously agreed to form a coalition to put an end to this Demon threat once and for all!
Of course, there was a lot more nuance to that statement than what he said, but he was met with apuse as he stepped off the podium. It was a good decision, after all. The only right decision after those seven Archdemons gued the Conference of Alyras for so long. To think that the best of Humankind would be so unprepared to face only a handful of Demons
Laux Lionfist had been more wary of the Demon threat than most other parties, but even he didnt anticipate this. It clearly emphasized just how much of a threat the Demons posed to Humankind. After all, when all of the Humannds were united under the Immortal King Alexander himself the highest-leveled [Hero] to ever be summoned they barely managed to fend off the Demon Kings invasion. And it was at a great cost too, with Alexander sacrificing his life to save all of Humankind.
It was always tantly clear to any observant watcher that the odds were against the currently splintered Humannds. But so many factions had been against forming a coalition, trying to push on the task of exterminating these Demons to the Vaun Qieur Empire or the Three Honorable Companies or the Greater Vampire Families. Only now did they change their minds.
That was the difference between knowing something and understanding it. After the siege of Alyras, everyone now clearly understood just the threat the Demons posed. And that was why it was a unanimous decision to form the coalition they were so against forming.
Laux Lionfist also knew there was some politics behind it. Some bribes or threats made behind closed doors. But it didnt matter. The decision was made and announced, and he stayed behind in the city square to answer any questions and clear up any concerns that might be had.
It was a tiring job. It was honestly his least favorite part of being in his position. He much preferred being in a life-or-death position, punching his enemies as they punched him till he was an inch from death. He didnt really have to think too much about what he did, instead letting his instincts take over and drive his actions.
Here, he had to wear a politicians mouth. Think through every word he said ensure he couldnt be misinterpreted, and keep the popce calm. If he misspoke once, the rumor mill would take over and he would have to spend the next few days or weeks trying to clear it up. He was far more focused here as he addressed the concerned people of Alyras
But even his steel-like concentration on the crowd before him broke when he saw the figures moving through the streets of the city. He raised his head, ignoring the questions as he stared at the silver-haired girl and the three creatures following behind her. The crowd turned with him, and a susurration slowly spread throughout the city.
Is that a baby Wyvern?
Excuse me! Sorry! Please dont stare theyre shy!
This was a terrible idea. Willy knew it was a stupid idea. But all he could do was watch as Salvos led the three baby Wyverns into Alyras.
It was bad enough that he was a Grand Spirit. His presence drew a lot of attention. Coupled with Salvos being a famous Diamond Ranked adventurer who gained even more recognition after her efforts during the siege of Alyras. They were already quite a spectacle to behold.
Now with three baby Wyverns tagging along, everyone was asking questions.
Thats Salvos! Liberator of the gunds! Why does she have those baby Wyverns with her?
This attention was too much for Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. The three of them were still young. Not even a month old. And while they did have some exposure to people with the Beastmen just a few days ago, it was iparable to the bustling life of a city.
Novis and Bellum stuck close to Salvos, too scared to wander around with all the eyes fixed on them. They didnt even raise their heads as Salvos gestured at the street just ahead of them.
This is the city square. You can see the pce of Alyras just ahead here I am pretty sure they holdrge gatherings here for important things. Like right now! Look. Theres something happening over there!
Sure enough, there was a crowd of hundreds just up ahead, although whatever important thing they had been doing was interrupted by Salvos presence. Willy sighed as he shrank back, making himself as small as possible which was unfortunately not as small as hed like to avoid the stares and the attention.
Salvos didnt care for it. She continued forward as Novis and Bellum clung to her legs, quite literally being carried by her with each step she took.
And this is market street. They sell lots of disgusting I mean delicious food here.
She had not a care in the world. And because Willy was too embarrassed from all the staring, neither one noticed Oriur slipping away. The third of the baby Wyvern siblings and the shyest of them all was most interested in the Human city. Willy and Salvos only noticed he was wandering around and exploring when they heard the scream.
Monster! Someone call the guards!
Willy and Salvos snapped their gazes to the side. They watched as Oriur snatched up a roasted pig from the front of a nearby stall. Thedy at the counter was sprawled on the ground with silver coins scattered and clinking all around her. She pointed with shaking fingers at the baby Wyvern as he scampered back to Salvos.
Theres a Wyvern in the city! Were under attack!
No Oriur! You cant just take that!
Salvos eximed as thedy continued her shouting, drawing even more attention to the scene. The silver-haired girl picked up the baby Wyvern and tugged the burnt pig carcass from his mouth. She tried to return the half-eaten food back to thedy.
Sorry about him. He doesnt know you cant just take things from people yet well, actually, you can. As long as no one stops you, you can take whatever you want. But you know what I mean, right?
Thedy just looked up at Salvos with wide eyes.
Are those yours?
Theyre, um Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
You named those Wyverns?
Salvos nodded.
Yep. I guess I kind of adopted them because their mom died?
Thedy got to her feet, now ring at Salvos.
You adopted those Wyverns after what they did to Catark?!
She pointed usingly at the silver-haired girl. Salvos blinked as the watching crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. They turned to each other, casting sidelong nces back towards her.
Thats true. Why does she have those Wyverns with her?
My family died in Catark to those damn Wyverns!
Theyre monsters! They shouldnt be allowed in the city!
Their voices grew more and more outraged as Salvos stood there, caught off guard by the sudden anger directed towards her. She spun around, confused. But Willy knew things would quickly spiral downwards if left unchecked. He moved to defuse the situation, but was too slow.
A burly man stepped forward from the crowd and spoke in a booming voice.
Now, now, whats this ruckus going on?
Laux Lionfist! Our city is under attack by those monsters!
Thedy stumbled past Salvos, pointing at the trembling baby Wyverns. Salvos blinked as she saw the scared looks on Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Stop scaring them!
Salvos stepped forward, raising a fist. But thedy ignored her. However, the burly man Laux Lionfist cleared his throat.
Monsters? Im sorry madam, but I do not see any monsters here.
What?
Thedy stared up at him in shock. Laux Lionfist nodded.
All I see is a young woman taking care of her pets.
Pets?!
Both Salvos and thedy sputtered. But he waved a hand off, interrupting the both of them.
Now I understand you are troubled and upset because of what happened to your stall, so I shall ensure you are fully reimbursed and more.
Thedy tried to work her jaw.
But but
And Laux Lionfist pped his hands together and made a shooing motion at the crowd.
Lets not make a fuss, everyone. Im sure were all tired after the events of thest few weeks. Lets go back about our day, shall we?
For a moment, the gathered crowd hesitated. Eventually, they began to disperse one after another, not wanting to get involved with therge and clearly important man. Willy held Salvos back she was still upset that he called the three baby Wyverns pets. But the [Will O Wisp] managed to convince her that Laux Lionfist only said that to help her. Which was true. Although she was still upset about it.
Theyre not pets
Calm
Willy said the word like it was supposed to be a spell. Laux Lionfist did as he promised, handing over a handful of gold coins to thedy as she sulked back into her broken stall. He shook his head andughed.
Well, that was quite the scene, wasnt it? Honestly, I had no idea you were a [Beast Tamer] in your second ss.
Um, actually
She raised a hand to correct the man, but Willy stopped her. Salvos looked between Willy and the baby Wyverns for a moment before mouthing an oh and lowering her hand.
Nevermind. Thanks for the help.
Salvos smiled at Laux Lionfist. He nodded back at her.
It is my pleasure, Liberator of the gunds.
You know me?
She cocked her head at him.
I do. Everyone knows you. Especially after that stunt you pulled with your clones.
He shook his head and proffered her a hand.
In any case, I am Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company.
Salvos returned with a nk stare.
Who?
He paused. He narrowed his eyes at her, scrutinizing her look of confusion.
Youre serious, arent you?
Yep. Never heard of you in my life. Although you look a bit familiar.
Laux Lionfist guffawed at that. He threw his head back as heughed boisterously before patting her on the shoulder.
It doesnt matter. Honestly, Id prefer that you didn''t know who I was. I dont have to deal with formalities that way.
Same. Pretending to be who Im not is annoying.
Salvos nodded in agreement, although Willy knew she was referring to something else entirely. Laux Lionfist ushered Salvos forward as Willy and the baby Wyverns trailed after.
Youre an interesting person, arent you? I can see why Orgaf has taken quite the interest in you.
You know Orgaf?
Lets just say were co-workers.
The burly man winked at her. He brought her away from the city square, towards a more secluded street beforeing to a halt.
But before we stray too far from the topic of honesty, I must confess, while I dide here to both offer you a hand and to get to know you better, I do have ulterior motives.
Salvos stopped behind him, raising a brow.
Ulterior motives?
Willy froze, unsure of whether this was a good or bad thing. He was almost certain that he should intervene, but Laux Lionfist was above Level 150. And the burly man probably wasnt going to try anything too bad, right?
Well, the [Will O Wisp] got an answer soon after as Laux Lionfist nodded and gestured at Salvos.
Those artifacts youre wearing I believe that we are going to be needing them back.
Salvos looked down at the boots and greaves she was wearing, before raising her head at the crown on her forehead. Laux Lionfist pointed at each of the Treasures of Alexander, and she blinked.
Huh.
Chapter 437: Fair and Square
Chapter 437: Fair and Square
437. Fair and Square
Willy froze. Both figuratively and literally. His normally-green mes paled into a deathly white. A cold wind swept over his wispy body, but the fire refused to dance. Not right now. Even the three baby Wyverns Novis, Bellum, and Oriur could sense the tension in the air.
Huh.
Salvos had no other response. Laux Lionfist loomed over her. An Elite Ranked adventurer. One of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company. He had demanded she returned the Treasures of Alexander she wore on her. And if Willy knew Salvos, which he did, he knew she would not just give it over, especially not the Crown of Alexander.
I, um
The silver-haired girl hesitated. Then she pointed past the burly man.
Wait, whats that?
Willy actually looked where she pointed only to see an empty street. He sighed and turned back around. Salvos ran. Of course she did. But as she took a single step forward Laux Lionfist reached out with his long arms and caught her with ease.
Let go of me!
Salvos yelled. But the burly man pinched the bridge of his nose.
I cannot do that, Salvos. Not until you hand over the Treasures of Alexander to me.
Im not giving it to you! Its mine! I found these artifacts fair and square!
Willy wanted to intervene. Especially since Salvos shouting coupled with the towering Human was scaring the baby Wyverns. However, to him, this scene wasedy gold. Just the sight of Salvos struggling like a child in Laux Lionfists right hand made the [Will O Wisp] burst outughing.
She pouted as therge Human held her up to meet his gaze.
I deserve it! Didnt you see what I did to beat up those Demons?
Salvos crossed her arms, and Laux Lionfist sighed.
I did hear about what you did in Alyras. How you yed three of the Archdemons on your own albeit using your Grand Skills and the Treasures of Alexander to your advantage against the already-weakened foes.
What? What do you mean they were weakened? I beat them by myself with no ones help when they were at full strength! In fact, Id say they were stronger than ever!
She continued to protest, swinging her legs like a child throwing a tantrum. Willy continued to cackle as Laux Lionfist clearly looked like he was regretting his decision to even approach her in the first ce. Salvos continued whining.
Im not giving anything to you! Nuh-uh! Absolutely not! Theyre safer with me than they are with you guys! How many times have you nearly lost them to Demons? Too many times, see?
The burly man shook his head, evidently exasperated but otherwise trying to keep his cool.
Look, Salvos, Id be more than happy to let you keep the Treasures of Alexander on you. For both your sanity and mine. But, unfortunately, I cannot do that in good faith.
Why not?
She whined. He fixed her with a look.
Because of what you did to the Breastte of Alexander.
And Salvos froze. She gulped as Willyughed even harder. The silver-haired girl was sweating, averting her gaze from therge Human.
Um the whowhatwherenow?
We heard about what happened to the Breastte of Alexander when it was in your hands. That a Mythical Grade Armor that one of the greatest protective artifacts created in history broke after you used it for no more than a few months.
Salvos waspletely stiff now. She knew Laux Lionfist was right. So did Willy. Anyone with a semnce ofmon sense knew it would be ridiculous to someone as reckless as her wander around with priceless artifacts like the Treasures of Alexander that couldnt be reced.
Laux Lionfist continued.
I understand it seems unfair to you. But for the safety and security of the Humannds, I ask that you kindly hand over the Treasures of Alexander to me.
I, um t-thats
She hesitated, mumbling something Willy could barely even hear. What Laux Lionfist said made sense, even to Salvos own logic and line of reasoning. Unfortunately, it didnt make sense to a group of three baby Wyverns overhearing the conversation.
They didnt hear what Laux Lionfist said, per se. They were, after all, monsters, incapable of understandingnguage. All they saw was a Human being aggressive towards their mother. So, they acted.
The three of themshed out at once. They leapt for Laux Lionfists face, attacking with their ws and their teeth. He jerked back, swatting them away out of surprise and instinct. They fell back to the ground as Salvos eyes grew wide.
You
I didnt
And the silver-haired girl red up at him. She moved fast. The Boots of Alexander glimmered as she kicked up. She knocked his arm aside with her shin. The Greaves of Alexander shed on contact, and Laux Lionfist grunted. He staggered back as she spun around mid-air, aiming for his head with a second kick.
The Elite Ranked adventurer blinked. He saw the way she used the Treasures of Alexander one after another. The next hit wouldve been bad. Even Willy knew that. The [Will O Wisp] moved to stop the silver-haired girl, but he would be too slow.
The kicknded. There was a sh. The brick ground smashed open as Willy flinched. For a moment, the Grand Spirit thought it was a clean hit. Then the dust cleared up, and Laux Lionfist lowered his arms.
The burly man had somehow blocked the attack in time, covering his face with his arms. Salvos leapt back, protectively hovering over the three baby Wyverns as Laux Lionfist lowered his arms.
Dont you dare hurt them.
She snarled at him. He nodded.
I apologize for that.
He cleared his throat as he adjusted his shirt.
I didnt mean to harm them. Are they alright?
Salvos nced down at the baby Wyverns. She ran a hand over their smooth bodies before sighing in relief.
They are, thankfully.
Novis, Bellum, and Oriur hugged her as they let out a soft cry. Laux Lionfist smiled and stepped back.
Thats good.
He started walking away, much to Willys surprise. The [Will O Wisp] didnt think that he was going to leave so easily, but he passed Salvos by without pressing her any further.
I shall be taking my leave now. Honestly, I didnt even want to have this talk. I am not as good at speaking as I am at fighting. I knew I wouldve messed this up somehow.
Salvos didnt respond. Her attention was fixed only on the baby Wyverns. Willy spoke softly.
Sorry.
And Laux Lionfist returned with a small nod of acknowledgement. Right as the burly man reached the end of the street, he paused and craned his neck fractionally.
Do be aware that I wont be the only one pressing you for the Treasures of Alexander. I am sure that Helena Warshade herself would be approaching you about this issue soon.
Salvos just harrumphed.
Im not giving anything to her.
I know you wont. And perhaps you are right that the Treasures of Alexander would truly be safer in your hands. s
Laux Lionfist trailed off as he walked away. Willy flitted over Salvos as she reassured Novis, Bellum, and Oriur that everything would be fine. When they calmed down eventually, she got up and smiled at them.
Come on, let''s find Daniel and Edithe.
Salvos said as she picked up the baby Wyverns and carried them towards the pce of Alyras. Willy followed, knowing that the day of trouble wasnt going toe to an end anytime soon.
Helena Warshade sat in the dark room, illuminated only by a single magical image. It was a scrying spell. One that was focused on a silver-haired girl strutting through the city. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy ignored the fact that Salvos was carrying three oversized lizards. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company didnt pay attention to the following Grand Spirit.
Instead, she narrowed her eyes as she eyed Salvos every moment.
Are you friend?
She asked, leaning back.
Or are you foe?
It was a simple question. One that only Helena Warshade was asking. After all, no one would question whether a Diamond Ranked adventurer who had a reputation of killing Demons was an ally or an enemy. But the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy knew things that most people didnt know.
For one thing, she knew that Salvos had lied about the death of the Primeval Demon. And for another a far more important thing Helena Warshade knew that Salvos wasnt even a Human.
So Helena Warshade spected. She observed. And no matter what, she was going to get her answer from the silver-haired girl.
Chapter 438: Heartbeat
Chapter 438: Heartbeat
438. Heartbeat
Amanda paused right by the doorway. She could hear the muffled voices from the other side she could feel the excitement leaking out from the hall. There was arge gathering there. A party of sorts.
To most people, now wasnt the time to be celebrating. It was a time to grieve. A time to act. It made no sense to be holding a celebration now, so soon after so many lives were lost during the siege of Alyras. But there was a cause to celebrate there was a reason why this party was being held.
It was the reason why the room was quite literally vibrating in excitement. Bothmon folk and people of import came here for one reason and one reason alone. To meet a man. But not just any man. Not a king or an emperor. In fact, kings and emperors congregated here to see this man.
His name was Daniel Song. A [Hero] from another world. The first [Hero] to step foot in the Nexeus in the Humannds in over a millennia. It had been two thousand years since thest [Hero] was summoned. Well, actually, that wasnt true. A few hundred years ago, a [Hero] summoning was carried out to repel the Centinel invasion of the Humannds.
Unfortunately, he died in his first battle against the Centinels. A mere [Junior Centinel] got to him. The average person didnt know of him or this tale. Those who were well-versed in the subject knew him as Steven the Failure.
But before him, there hadnt been an attempted [Hero] summoning in so, so long. Especially whenpared to how rtively think. A lot of time to make a realization.
The susurration in the room was drowned out by the beating of her heart. Amanda looked around the room, seeing shadowed faces. She feltpletely alone, even when surrounded by so many people. Standing there by herself when everyone had a partner to converse with made her regret her decision to even enter the hall. She wanted to leave. Where even is that idiot Daniel? she wondered with a scowl.
Quite the gathering we have here today, huh?
Amanda blinked, broken out of her thoughts. She looked up at a familiar pink-haired woman. A young noble. A Vampire.
Youre?
The former assassin knew the Vampires name, but it escaped her at this moment. The young noble just sighed.
Saffron Merryster. We spoke briefly just over a month ago.
Right.
Amanda pursed her lips. The former assassin shifted back as Saffron stepped forward and offered a ss.
Care for a drink?
Im good.
A curt reply. Amanda didnt really know what else to say. She wasnt close with this Saffron, even though they were both vaguely rted to each other through Daniel and Salvos friendship. Saffron just shrugged and took a sip from one of the sses.
The pair stood next to each other, looking around the room as the crowd continued to eagerly await Daniels appearance. Amanda could feel the awkwardness in the silence between the two, but she couldnt be bothered breaking it. Eventually, Saffron finally spoke.
This is quite surprising, if Im being honest.
What is?
Amanda asked, still not facing Saffron.
The fact that Salvos friend turned out to be a [Hero].
Oh.
The former assassin didnt really react. But the young noble raised a brow.
You dont seem all too surprised by this. Were you already aware of his ss, then?
...
Ill take that as a yes.
Saffron scoffed. She waved down a servant and handed her drinks away before facing Amanda.
Ill be honest, if someone had actually turned out to be a [Hero], I wouldve expected it to be Salvos. I dont think anyone expected her friend to be one instead.
And Amandas brows snapped together.
What do you mean by that?
Im just saying, if you went back in time to when I first ever met Salvos and Daniel and told me one of them turned out to be a [Hero], the idea of Daniel being the [Hero] wouldnt have even crossed my mind.
Saffron spoke casually. And it irked Amanda. She red at Saffron, crossing her arms.
And why would that be the case?
Well, I simply believe that of the two, Salvos is the morepetent fighter. She does hold more achievements than him, after all. And her rise has been sensational. In a few years, she has be one of the most talked about adventurers in our generation.
That was certainly true. Amanda could acknowledge that. But the former assassin was still irate.
Perhaps so, but do not forget that half of Salvos achievements would not be possible if not for Daniels help. He is one of the Liberators of the gunds, just like her. He was there at Silvergrove with her. Her rise is just as much his as it is hers.
Saffron tilted her head back and rubbed her chin.
Thats
But Amanda didnt let the young noble continue. Her annoyance continued to build before spilling out in a deluge of words.
And furthermore
Amanda hastily spoke over Saffron.
Sure, he may be a bit of a coward at times. Or annoyingly stubborn. Or an idiot who doesnt know how to care for himself. But despite all that, he always tries his best to do whats right. He embodies all the traits of a [Hero], not that whimsical, naive, annoying girl that fucked right off before those Demons invaded Alyras.
The former assassin only realized she was panting when she was finished. Saffron stared at her as a few heads turned their way. They were staring quite clearly at her outburst. Amanda flushed and bit her lower lip.
I
Saffron cleared her throat.
I apologize. I didnt really mean any offense to your friend. Perhaps I am biased because I am more familiar with Salvos than Daniel, and I have been following her growth for a long while. But I shouldve been more considerate with what I said.
Amanda lowered her head. She spoke softly barely a whisper.
...its fine.
The former assassin ced a hand on her chest. Her heart pounded like a smiths hammer. Normally, she was much better at controlling her emotions. But there was a reason why sheshed out. It was the very same thing shed realized over thest two days.
And it was why she jolted up as she heard a sharp voice call out.
There he is!
Everyone turned their heads, facing the gilded main entrance of the hall. The crowd hushed quickly as Amanda raised her head. She looked past the many faces blocking her way and stared straight at a young man stepping into the room.
The [Hero] of Earth A1.
Daniel Song. And the man Amanda had fallen in love with.
It was stupid, really. So immature. But she knew it was true. She knew how she felt her heart fluttered as she watched him smile. She blushed as he nodded at the noblewomen fawning over him from the side.
Here he was. The man everyone was just vying to meet. Finally, after two days, he was making a public appearance and going to answer everyones questions once and for all. Amanda watched as he made his way up onto a stage, apanied by king Artik of Alyras and princess Rana of Alyras.
The crowd whispered, some still skeptical, while others already believed in him.
Is that really him?
My [Identification] isnt working on him. Is he really a [Hero]?
Hes a [Hero], alright. [Lesser Appraisal] never lies.
Do you think hell be the one to put a stop to those Demons?
Well, it could still be a trick
Nevertheless, they spoke about him. They spected harder now, seeing him in the flesh as the [Hero] he was. And they waited in anticipation for him to speak. To address all that was being said about him. Daniel took center stage with king Artik as princess Rana took a seat at a nearby table.
The young man cast his gaze over the room, stopping only to meet Amandas gaze. He smiled, and the former assassin instinctively flinched even though she had no reason to before steeling herself. She knew he was simply acknowledging her presence. There was no way he was happy to see her right?
He was just there to give a speech. To dispel any doubts about his status as a [Hero]. To exin why he was even here in the Nexeus. Daniel Song took a deep breath as everyone in the room leaned forward, ready to hear what he had to say.
I
Daniel started. And the heavy double doors at the entrance flew open once again. A loud voice drew the attention of everyone in the room. Amanda frowned, and Daniel blinked.
Hello? Daniel? Are you in here? Ive been searching everywhere for you!
A silver-haired girl called out as she kicked the doors open. She carried three pink creatures each about four feet tall in front of her like they were just a stack of books as she looked around the room. A pair of guards stumbled after her, clearly trying to stop her, as a [Will O Wisp] trailed after her.
Salvos paused as she came face-to-face with therge gathering. They stared at her, and she cocked her head.
Um, hello? Am I, um interrupting?
Daniel just sighed, and Willy snorted. Saffron smacked her forehead. The three of them muttered.
Idiot.
Chapter 439: Cardinal
Chapter 439: Cardinal
439. Cardinal
Idiot.
Rana Alyras, princess of Alyras, couldnt help but agree with the susurration from Salvos friends. Of course, the princess wasnt in any position to mutter such indecentments. It was uncouth unbefitting her station. But she couldnt lie and say the remark didnt cross her mind as a thought.
She leaned back on her seat, massaging her temples as Saffron pulled Salvos aside while Daniel Song, the [Hero] himself, hastily apologized to the crowd. Fortunately, most of those gathered here at this point were somewhat aware of Salvos, the Liberator of the gunds, and her antics. They just brushed it off, chuckling amongst each other.
She really has quite the sense of timing, doesnt she?
Its hard to believe that thats one of our best adventurers
Well, thats to be expected. Most people at that level have a screw loose or too.
Hey, thats good and all, but why was she carrying those baby Wyverns?
Rana was d at least someone asked the question. The princess was wondering about that too. Salvos had with her three pink-ish blobs although some were more pink than the others, The silver-haired adventurer carried them in a pile like she was a maid hefting around a basket ofundry except they were baby Wyverns. She took a seat as a [Will O Wisp] apanied her, holding them down as they wiggled in her arms.
Of all the things
The princess couldnt help but smirk despite her exasperated expression. She only turned her attention away from Salvos when Daniel finally began his speech.
My name is Daniel Song, and as you all already know by now, I am a [Hero]...
It wasnt the most cogent start to a heroic speech, but it wasnt meant to be one. It was more meant to address all the questions that had been lingering over thest few days. After all, many people were dubious of his ims even if the veracity of his ss had been confirmed by Helena Warshade herself. But even amongst those who believed him, there were plenty of outspoken critics. After all, they had a very valid question: where had the [Hero] been all this time?
Well, Daniel was here to answer just that.
Rana listened as Daniel spoke of his journey thus far. He gave a summation of everything hed been through since he first woke up in this world. He talked of the Elutra Kingdom. A woman in the audience lowered her head as he told the world of the illegal summoning they had performed to bring him into the Nexeus, Then he spoke of his exploits of the things hed aplished.
I know it seems like I wasnt there. Perhaps to you I may seem like a coward. That I shirked my duties as a [Hero] by fleeing Elutra. That I couldve put a halt to this madness with those Demons long before it even began. But the truth is, I couldve also ended up like Steven the Failure. I couldve made no difference whatsoever. That is why now Im here to right my wrongs.
The [Hero] took a deep breath as a rise ran through the crowd but briefly. Rana herself leaned forward, anticipating what he had to say next. He closed his eyes.
With the blessing of the Council of Cremont
He looked up and nodded at the [Archbishops] Thorsten Sigefried and Ulric Magnus sitting at an ornate seat to the side. Thetter was the head of the Sanctum of Elements, and he had arrived only yesterday, not for the Conference of Alyras, but solely for Daniel Song. And it was clear they had a talk before this speech.
Daniel continued with some apprehension in his voice.
I shall be joining this coalition army formed against this Demon invasion on behalf of the Sanctum of Elements, the Den of Souls, and the Sanctuary of Fauna. Following suit with my predecessors, I shall now be taking charge of the Council of Cremont as their Cardinal during this time of crisis.
He looked like he wanted to sigh as he finished. Rana blinked. The crowd paused. For a moment, there was only silence. Then that silence broke as a deluge of questions flooded the room.
Rana herself had to move out of the way to avoid the mass of people that was making their way to Danielm trying to hound him with questions. She just watched as the [Hero] tried to deflect the interrogation to Thorsten Siegfrid and Ulric Magnus to get away from the crowd.
The [Archbishops] really ceded their power to him
The princess didnt expect it. And clearly no one else did. A man strode up next to her as he remarked.
Interesting. How very interesting.
Peris Dolonia, the Crown Prince of Dolonia and Ranas fiance, sipped from a winess before offering it to Rana. The princess twisted her lips.
I am fine, thank you.
He shook his head and finished his drink. When he was done he raised his head and continued.
If I am following this story right, this Daniel Song was brought to the Nexeus through a [Hero] summoning. One not instigated by Humankind as a whole. One that the Council of Cremont was unaware of that none of the [Archbishops] knew about. Instead, an illegal summoning by a rogue nation that no longer exists.
Rana frowned, looking away from themotion ahead as Daniel hid behind the [Archbishops]. Peris sighed.
Yet, despite his cowardice despite hiding away while Humankind has needed him for the past few years he is awarded with power and wealth. He has been made Cardinal of the Council of Cremont as the Immortal King Alexander had been.
The princess crossed her arms.
Theyre simply prioritizing the safety of the Humannds. I know this is something you cannot understand, but unlike you theyre willing to do whatever it takes to put a halt to this Demon invasion rather than wasting time ying politics.
Peris tapped a finger on his lower lip.
Perhaps
Then he spun around and scoffed.
Or perhaps they are simply trying to re-legitimize their waning position in recent times. But nevertheless, I shall y the role that has been forcibly imposed onto me, for the sake of my country and the Helbir ins. For I know the punishment of not adhering to these rules, and it is quite a cruel one.
With that, he took his leave and left the ballroom. Rana just watched him go.
Chapter 440: Treasure Gift
Chapter 440: Treasure Gift
440. Treasured Gift
It took a while for Daniel to escape the horde hounding him with questions. He deflected all of the interrogation because he really didnt have many answers. He directed their questions to the [Archbishops] to the [Priests] from the Council of Cremont. Still, not all of the questions flung his way were rted to him being anointed as the Cardinal of the Sanctum of Elements, the Den of Souls, and the Sanctuary of Fauna.
As expected, some people were still dubious of the fact that he was a [Hero]. To deal with those people, he simply grabbed the nearest Elite Ranked adventurer he could find and used them as a shield for those questions. Scarlet blinked, looking up from the buffet as Daniel patted her on the shoulder.
She can answer all your questions she was there when Helena Warshade questioned me two days ago! Thanks, Scarlet!
I what?
The Red Rose nced between the [Hero] and the small crowd that broke off after the [Hero]. She opened her mouth to protest, but the young man was faster than the [Rogue]. He quickly circled around her as his distraction worked, much to the chagrin of the young Elite.
He scurried away, pushing his way through the party heads turned and eximed. He only paused when he bumped into a pair of women he recognized. Amanda and Saffron. The former assassin and the young noble were standing next to each other. Daniel had no idea they were friends, but he didnt question it.
Daniel
Amanda started, but he quickly spoke over her and faced Saffron.
Wheres Salvos?
The pink-haired girl gestured towards the back of the room.
I ced her all the way back there so she wouldnt cause too much trouble. Shes busy trying to feed those baby Wyverns anyway
Thanks.
He smiled at Saffron before breaking off to get to his friend. A hand grabbed him from behind, stopping him. He blinked and looked at Amanda.
Did you need something, Amanda?
He raised a brow at her. She lowered her head, not meeting his gaze. She looked like she wanted to say something, but unsure of what she even wanted to say at the same time.
Daniel I
The former assassin opened her mouth. Then she paused. She saw the way Daniel was ncing over to the side towards Salvos. Amanda slowly closed her mouth and let go of his arm.
Amanda?
Daniel turned back to her. She shook her head.
Its nothing
The [Hero] was pretty sure that was a lie. But he could see a few members of the crowd breaking off in pursuit of him, and he really didnt want to stick around for them to catch him. Once he got to Salvos, shed repel them by virtue of being Salvos.
So he just shrugged and hurried off. Eventually, he managed to escape to Salvos table.
Daniel! You didnt tell me you were giving a speech!
The silver-haired girl waved at him as he made his approach. Her cheery and carefree attitude starkly juxtaposed with the tension in the room. Daniel weed it. He thoroughly relished in her conviviality after thest two days of constant interrogation. But on one hand, the young man couldnt help but sigh as he slumped himself over a cushioned chair. After all, it was clear she didnt understand the gravity of the situation or at least, didnt care for it.
It was a good speech! I liked it when you said the thing which made everyone gasp!
She gave him a thumbs-up. Daniel shook his head as he sat there.
Thanks, but I hated giving it.
Why would you hate your speech?
She cocked her head at him. He waved a hand off.
Because it wasnt really my decision. They kinda forced me to be their Cardinal.
He shrugged as Salvos stared at him. Her confusion was evident. The [Hero] himself was more annoyed by it than anything. And even Salvos could see that.
Why didnt you just say no?
The silver-haired girl suggested casually. Daniel massaged his temples.
Well I couldnt really say no?
Why not?
She pestered him. And a voice from the side replied before Daniel could.
Because.
Daniel looked up at the [Will O Wisp] floating off to the side, hovering over the three baby Wyverns as they scared down a whole roast pig from the buffet. Willy, the normally sarcastic Grand Spirit, was entirely serious with his single-word non-answer. But it was true and Daniel just nodded.
Willys right. Its just because.
What?
Salvos blinked, utterly confused. Daniel smiled at her.
Its fine, Salvos, really. Its a bit annoying, but otherwise its the right thing to do.
He was grateful that she cared enough to worry over him. But he didnt want to change anything, even if he was a little irate. She just stared at him for a moment.
Huh.
She studied his face as he reached for a ss of red wine. He didnt know why there was even wine on the table since Salvos didnt drink. Unless she was letting the baby Wyverns drink the alcohol in which case, Daniel wouldnt really be surprised. He nced over at the three baby Wyverns as they whined and fought over the food.
Salvos pped her hands together.
Oh, have you met them yet?
She proudly gestured at the baby Wyverns. Daniel nodded.
I met them briefly, but they were a bit antsy back then.
Well, theyre better with Humans now! Come here, guys!
Salvos called over the three baby Wyverns. They looked up from their food and exchanged a nce. They hesitated when they saw Daniel sitting next to their mother. But they answered the call and scampered over to her.
Say hi to them, Daniel.
She beamed as the young man mumbled an awkward greeting.
Uh hey, Novis, Bellum, and
Oriur.
Right, Oriur.
He pursed his lips. The baby Wyverns made a sound. A soft growl. But not an aggressive one. It almost sounded like they were saying hello. Although, Daniel was probably imagining it. He cleared his throat and leaned forward to Salvos.
So how long are you going to keep mothering them?
He asked in a whispered voice. Daniel was pretty sure they couldnt understand him anyway, but this was just to be safe. Salvos crossed her arms.
I am not their mother!
She spoke emphatically, and Daniel shrank back.
Alright alright. Dont need to yell.
He rubbed his ears before sighing.
But what I mean is are you really going to be looking after these baby Wyverns forever?
Thats
Salvos looked at Daniel for a moment, registering his words. Then she drew back, clearly offended.
Of course not! Im just going to be looking after them until they grow up!
You know that itll take them years to fully grow up, right?
He gave her a t stare. Salvos paused.
Wait, really?
She sounded genuinely surprised. The young man from Earth pinched the bridge of his nose, and Willy snorted.
Idiot.
Salvos please dont tell me you genuinely didnt know that.
Daniel pleaded with her. Salvos sputtered.
But look at them! Theyre all already over Level 10! Theyll reach Level 40 anytime soon!
She waved at the baby Wyverns as they looked on, confused. Daniel nodded.
They are Level 10, yes, but that doesnt mean theyll be adults at Level 40. Theyll just be very high-leveled babies.
That that makes no sense!
No, it makesplete sense. Do you seriously think that our level determines our age?
Daniel crossed his arms. Salvos bit her lower lip. She shifted in her seat for a moment. Then she murmured.
But I evolved from an infant at Level 10
Daniel watched as she mulled over this fact for a while. He cleared his throat.
Anyway, I didnt reallye here to tell you that.
She raised her head as he reached for a weapon at his belt.
I came here to return this to you.
Her eyes went wide.
Thats
He raised the Sword of Alexander, and Salvos frowned. She narrowed her eyes as the glint from the Mythical Grade Weapon drew more than a few onlookers.
They gasped and whispered, their gaze fixed only on the iridescent de. Honestly, Daniel wasnt sure why they were in such awe of the weapons Salvos was, after all, wearing the rest of the unbroken set of the Treasures of Alexander. Although it seemed like he was the only one who noticed it. No one else did. A passive effect of the Mythical Grade artifacts.
Salvos pointed at herself.
Wait, why are you giving the Sword of Alexander to me?
Im just giving it back to who it rightfully belongs to.
He smiled at her. Daniel was grateful that she lent it to him when she did. He wouldnt have been able to fend off that Level 150 [Fiend] if not for the Sword of Alexander itself. Especially with the boost it gave him thanks to him being a [Hero]. But at the end of the day, it was better in Salvos hands.
The silver-haired girl raised a hand as he proffered the Sword of Alexander to her before pushing it back to him.
Its fine keep it.
She grinned at Daniel as he blinked. The [Hero] opened his mouth.
What?
I said: keep it.
She backed up as the young man from Earth stared at her, puzzled.
Its yours, Daniel.
Mine? he thought, befuddled. That wasnt right.
But you were the one who
The young man started, but Salvos raised a hand to cut him off.
The only reason why I got the Sword of Alexander in the first ce was to give it to you.
You what?
Yep.
Salvos nodded as she got to her feet. She patted the young man on the shoulders.
Youre mypanion. And, also, youre the best possible fit for the Sword of Alexander itself. I mean, you did attune yourself to it, didnt you?
I did.
He replied sheepishly. Salvos nodded.
Its fine, Daniel.
Daniel stared at her. This was Salvos. A young and carefree girl. Someone who often didnt put much thought into her actions. Someone who was beholden to herself over all else. But also someone who was incredibly caring when it mattered. He slowly lowered the Sword of Alexander as his lips curled up.
Thank you.
Daniel bowed his head at the silver-haired girl as she chuckled. She settled back into her seat, waving a hand off.
Now, wheres Edithe, anyway? She still hasnt been properly introduced to Novis, Bellum, and Oriur yet!
The young man raised his head and scratched his cheek with a finger.
Im not sure. Id have assumed shed be here since all the big adventurerpanies were invited. Shes probably busy, I guess.
Huh.
Salvos furrowed her brows. She got to her feet as the baby Wyverns perked up.
Well, lets go find
She froze as a tinny voice spoke up.
Salvos the Sentinel of Secely. And Daniel Song [Hero] from Earth.
Kaitlin Darkhelmn stepped forward as Daniel turned to face her. He didnt know what she was doing here, but it was clear she meant business since she was apanied by a pair of knights. She cleared her throat and gestured at both him and the silver-haired girl.
The both of you are in possession of all four pieces of the Treasures of Alexander. I would kindly like to ask you to hand them over to the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces for safekeeping.
...what?
Daniel blinked. Salvos stood in alert. The [Hero] turned to his loyalpanion. His longtime ally. His friend.
What do we do, Salvos?
Her eyes flickered and she answered.
Heres what we do
Daniel waited for her to continue, but she didnt say anything. Instead, Salvos spun around, grabbed the baby Wyverns, and made a break for it. When the young man turned around, she was already down the hall waving at him.
You can hold her off! I believe in you!
Salvos
The [Hero] sighed. Willy scoffed.
Good luck.
And the [Will O Wisp] trailed after her.
It probably was going to be fine. It definitely wasnt going to end with fighting. Not right now. Not especially since it seemed that Kaitlin Darkhelm wasnt acting on behalf of Helena Warshade or the Elite Ranked adventurers. She was clearly representing the Vaun Qieur Empire in that regard. And if anything happened, the Council of Cremont would protect Daniel.
So I ran off with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur before they could catch me. I only slowed when I was away from the pce, heading out of the city. I looked down at the three baby Wyverns as they whined in my arms. And I pursed my lips.
Daniel was right. I couldnt protect them forever. Nor could I baby them for long. There was a massive war looming. I was getting close to my Level 150 evolution. And I needed to go to the Netherworld to find Haec. I really didnt know what to do with the baby Wyverns.
Ok?
Willy asked as he flitted after me. The baby Wyverns exchanged a nce quizzically as I nodded.
Im fine.
For now, I would keep to my word and look after them. I would figure things out maybe.
Chapter 441: The Start
Chapter 441: The Start
441. The Start
A crowd of adventurers stood around the base of the hill in silence. They wore ck, their heads hung low, and their mood dour. Edithe Dawnrise was one of the adventurers standing amongst the crowd. She remained silent, listening as a familiar man gave a speech.
Today, we are gathered here not to celebrate our victory, but to mourn those we have lost. To remember those who died fighting for a greater cause.
Hadrian spoke in a low voice. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company wore the saddest expression of them all, yet he still remained strong. Edithe cast her gaze over the gathering. She recognized every single face that was present here. After all, they were all part of the same adventuringpany. Some cried. Others gritted their teeth, holding back their tears. Others screamed in anger at the unfairness of it all. And it was all for those who werent here.
Those who had fallen during the siege of Alyras. Their absence pained Edithe. But more than anything, what hurt the redhead the most was the overbearing numbness she felt.
At one point in time, the Valiant Dreamers Company was a massivepany that spanned throughout the Humannds. It was the premier adventuring group in the Sunmere Republic. Back then, adventurers regrly came from the Helbir ins and the Alterian League to join them. Some even traveled to the Sunmere Republic from as far as the Eastern Kingdoms to be a part of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
Then thepany war happened. There were so many deaths. So many lives lost. All because of the Iron Champions or, rather, because of the Demons that had taken over them. Sabotage and espionage. Large sprawling battlefields where thousands died.
But even when thepany war ended, the pain inflicted to the Valiant Dreamers didnt stop. First with Belzu and the death of Baris. Then with the split when the True Valiants broke away from the Valiant Dreamers to form theirpany. Finally, now with the siege of Alyras too.
And with each life loss, Edithe couldnt help but feel more numb to the pain. To the aching that had once hurt her to the bone. It was frustrating to her. She wanted to be more upset over it, but she couldnt. As much as she tried to cry, she didnt have any tears left to shed. Her eyes were dry, and all she felt was an immense sense of guilt in her heart.
...and may their souls forever rest, dreaming of peace.
Hadrian finished as Edithe closed her eyes. There was a moment of silence. Then slowly, gradually, the crowd began to dissipate. They had paid their respects to the lives lost, and now they would return back to camp. After all, it was a time of war. A time to battle. Not a time to grieve.
There werent dark overcast skies. Nor was there a pattering of rain and thunder falling from the crying heavens. No it was day. The sun was high in the blue canvas overhead. In the distance, armies moved. Thousands of soldiers packed up camp and marched away from the city of Alyras.
Delegations from around the world were returning to their home countries to amass their forces needed to crush the Inoria Empire and the Demons controlling the country. To stop the invasion of the Mortal Realm.
The Valiant Dreamers werent going to sally forth. Not just yet. They were going to be moving with the greater adventurer alliance between Three Honorable Companies. So they returned to their encampment. Most of them, at least.
Hadrian stayed standing over the graves of the fallen. Edithe watched him. He refused to leave. He didnt budge, even when she came up to him.
Lets go, Hadrian.
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company didnt move. He didnt raise his head. She looked at him, waiting, and he finally turned his head and spoke.
I need to get stronger, Edithe. To protect them. For their sake.
He faced the rest of hispany as they streamed over the ins back to the encampment. His voice was soft yet determined.
Edithe saw the pain in his eyes. Saw the way his lips trembled. She bit her own lips before reaching out. She grabbed his hand and met his gaze.
We will get stronger, Hadrian. Together.
The man looked back at her. And she took a step back, gesturing towards the rest of thepany with a nod of her head.
All of us.
Hadrians eyes grew wide. Then they fluttered shut as he lowered his head. She ran a hand over the side of his cheeks, leaning forward. Their foreheads touched, and they embraced each other. For a moment, neither said anything.
Then at the same time, they leaned forward. The edge of their lips touched. They held onto each other their love supporting one another so neither would fall or crumble under the pressure that had been ced on their shoulders. They drew back as their gazes held.
Hadrian
Edithe
They stared at each other. Their rock. Their shield. Their sword. And then Edithe caught a flicker of silver from the side.
Um, hi?
Salvos stared at both Hadrian and Edithe as they stood intimately next to each other. The pair flushed and took a step back as the silver-haired girl blinked. She carried with her three pink creatures. The baby Wyverns shed been looking after. And for a moment, none of them reacted.
Then it was like they had just registered what they saw. The baby Wyverns faces contorted in disgust as Salvos stepped back.
Ew! Dont look!
She quickly covered the baby Wyverns faces as she turned away.
Gross! Why are you guys doing that?
Salvos
Edithe just sighed as she broke away from Hadrian. She shook her head and faced the silver-haired girl.
How long have you been standing there, Salvos?
For like, thest five minutes!
Salvos eximed as she hid the baby Wyverns from the redhead.
I thought you guys were busy so I didnt say anything! I didnt think youd do that!
Theres nothing wrong with that, Salvos. Its just a sign of affection.
The redhead rolled her eyes. Salvos crossed her arms.
A weird sign of affection! Youre both weird!
Edithe massaged her temples as Hadrian just chuckled. He waved at Salvos with a soft smile.
Good to see youre doing fine as well, Salvos.
I was doing great.
The silver-haired girl scoffed.
Until I saw that.
Same.
An ethereal voice said in agreement. Edithe blinked and looked up as a ball of green mes descended from the sky. A [Will O Wisp]. Willy. Edithe remembered him. It was thanks to him, they managed to bring down that [Jinn] during the siege of Alyras.
Greetings, esteemed Spirit.
Edithe bowed her head slightly. Hadrian blinked and awkwardly followed suit.
I am d to see you are doing well.
She smiled up at Willy, but he awkwardly shifted back.
Y-yes
He replied hesitantly. For some reason, he looked quite ufortable. Perhaps it was because of that brief argument they got into during the battle. Edithe just remembered tensions being high because of the adrenaline rush of being in multiple life-and-death scenarios in rapid session. Still, she didnt get why he looked nervous.
Was he upset at her for what she said back then? She didnt remember saying anything offensive, but she sometimes had to watch what she said when she was mad.
Anyway
Salvos interjected before Edithe could prod Willy about it.
So, Edithe, you havent properly met them, right? Say hi to Novis, Bellum, and Oriur!
The silver-haired girl grinned as she held up the baby Wyverns. The three pink creatures made a face of disgust as they faced the redhead. But Salvos used Novis hand to wave at Edithe.
Uh, hey
Edithe waved back awkwardly. She wasnt really sure how she was supposed to treat the baby Wyverns. In the first ce could they even understand her? She highly doubted it. After all, all they did was growl and whimper.
Was this why you came to find me, Salvos?
The redhead raised a brow at her friend. Salvos nodded.
Yep! Theyve been so excited to finally meet you properly this time! They feel bad forshing out at youst time. Right, guys?
The silver-haired girl looked down at Novis, Bellun, and Oriur. They squeaked a weak response. Even though Edithe didnt speak Wyvern, she was pretty sure they werent too enthused to meet her. In fact, if the redhead had to guess, it was Salvos decision to bring them here.
Are you sure its fine for these Wyverns to be around Humans?
Edithe asked as she leaned forward, taking a closer look at the three pink creatures. They drew back nervously, and she wondered if maybe it was time to bring them to a [Beast Tamer] of sorts.
But Salvos didnt even consider that. The silver-haired girl just grinned.
Of course! I mean, why would it be a problem if they spend some time around Humans?
Well, because theyre, uh monsters?
Edithe scratched the back of her head. Salvos took a step back, affronted.
Dont you dare call them that!
She cradled the three baby Wyverns protectively.
Theyre babies, not monsters!
Edithe just sighed.
Still, theyre Wyverns. Theyre not really native to the Humannds.
Edithe is right, Salvos.
Hadrian spoke up in agreement with the redhead.
Even [Beastmasters] would often have trouble controlling their pets when they reach a high-enough-level. And these are Wyverns. They are apex monsters. As long as they continue to grow in size, theyre likely to grow in level. When that happens, you dont want anything bad happening to them, dont you, Salvos?
The silver-haired girl backed up as she clung onto the baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur were confused, just hanging in her arms like dolls. Salvos opened her mouth.
I
She hesitated. Salvos clearly knew Edithe and Hadrian were right. But the silver-haired girl didnt want to ept it. And that was fair. This was probably the first time shed felt this sense of attachment to anyone or anything. Notpanionship, but more of a caring role over the baby Wyverns.
Edithe shook her head.
Its something to just think about for now. We can deal with itter
The redhead started, and Salvos suddenly snapped her head to the side. She looked towards the southeast with narrowed eyes. Edithe blinked.
Salvos? Salvos? Did something
And then the redhead sensed it too. She stumbled back as she felt the pulse of energy. The rupture in space. It was a familiar feeling to Edithe. She recognized it because she was a [Summoner]. Shed seen such portals through the nes plenty of times before. But this feeling it was more overwhelming than anything shed sensed before.
Evenpared to the time Belzu summoned that [Hebomination]... and this was from something so far away. So distant.
Amotion broke out in the nearby encampment as a few high-leveled [Mages] and [Summoners] came rushing out. Alder the Augur Elder stepped out of his tent with wide eyes as he looked in the same direction Salvos was facing.
Hadrian nced between Edithe and Salvos in confusion. He didnt understand what was going on.
Hey, whats happening? Are you both ok?
He asked worriedly. Neither Salvos nor Edithe answered. Instead, it was Willy who spoke simply.
The ritual has finally begun.
The Grand Spirits voice echoed in Edithes ears. And, soon, those very same words would ripple throughout Alyras and the Humannds.
After all, time was running out. The Demons were finally beginning their invasion in full force. The ritual was starting, and Humankind would have to a halt to it before it finished.
Edithe just hoped that theyd stop it in time.
Chapter 442: Interlude – Spill
Chapter 442: Interlude ¨C Spill
442. Interlude - Spill
Why do we have to be the ones to investigate it?
An annoying voice groaned. Darwyn craned his neck back, facing the source of the whining. As usual, it was Jared. That youngd was going to be the death of Darwyn. Alwaysining never wanting to put in any work to get things done.
That was the problem with kids these days. Sure, Darwyn himself was not much older. He was in his mid thirties, but unlike Jared who was wasting away in his prime years, Darwyn had put in the work early on. Now, the senior soldier was equal in strength to a tinum Rank adventurer. As a Level 77 [Warrior], he was very much considered one of the best fighter in his brigade. Even stronger than the captain who was only in his low Level 70s.
Meanwhile, Jared was still equivalent to a Silver Ranked adventurer even at twenty years old. Ridiculous.
Shut it, kid. Quitining or Ill force you to investigate this fist upside your ass.
Darwyn snapped as Jared just sighed. The group of soldiersughed, continuing trudging along down the road.
Thats enough, Darwyn. Youre scaring the kid.
Castor patted Darwyn on the back with a soft chuckle. Jared flushed as his toonmates continued to take jabs at him.
Im just saying cant we get adventurers or something to check it out? This doesnt seem like a job for us, dont you think?
Too bad. We aint got any high-leveled adventurers left in the city after those idiots from the Remembered Order Company snagged em off. We gotta deal with it ourselves.
Darwyn scoffed at Jareds idea.
Thats annoying
Jared sighed. Truth be told, Darwyn himself could somewhat sympathize with the young mansints. After all, this whole investigation seemed pointless. A bunch of [Farmers] saw a sh of red light in the night sky, and now they were sending a thousand soldiers to check it out. That hardly seemed necessary. A single toon was more than enough to find out what was going on.
But the higher-ups ordered it. Perhaps it was because they thought these shing red lights were a sign of an incursion from the Inoria Empire. They had been quite quiettely. They used to frequently kick up quite the fuss along their border with Wisha. But since Wisha was a member of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance, the Inoria Empire never actually took direct military action against them. And that wasnt going to change now.
It really was probably just going to be a [Mage] practicing some light spell. Nothing more.
Doesnt matter if its annoying. We go where were ordered to go, simple as that.
Darwyn spoke simply as he marched forward, turning away from the young man. A sea of metal helmets streamed down the little gravel pathway. Armored figures each adorning the crest of the Wisha Kingdom. The westernmost nation in the Eastern Kingdoms Alliance.
Its probably just a waste of time Darwyn thought as he took a step forward, metal boots blinking against the gravel ground. Still, even if it was an annoyance, he just had to grit his teeth and deal with it. That was how life worked.
--
Alright, were here. Now wheres the trouble?
Darwyn ced his hands on his hips as the brigade of soldiers overlooked the sprawling farnds. A small towny waiting in the center. It looked like it could fit maybe a thousand people? Slightly more? At most.
This was the source of theints. Now what was there to investigate? Darwyn didnt know. He didnt care. He found it more frustrating that there wasnt actually any obvious threats looming over the town. But as usual, Jared felt the need to pipe up.
Thats odd
What are you yapping about this time, kid?
Castor rolled his eyes. Darwyn nced over at the two of them as they fussed over the vige.
I dont see anyone working the fields. Its midday shouldnt there be a bunch of [Farmers] out at work right now?
Jared narrowed his eyes. Darwyn shook his head.
Are you daft? These [Farmers] probably have Skills at work. No [Farmer] below Level 40 needs to spend all day out in the fields.
City kids.
Castor grinned. Darwyn snorted, and Jared flushed. But still the older man had to admit that something about this whole situation seemed off. However, if he had to choose between mocking Jared or admitting Jared was right, Darwyn would always do the former.
A susurration broke out up front where captain Helmut stood with a spyss directed towards the town. He said something to his second-inmand, before an order spread throughout the brigade.
Stay on guard! We march into town!
I told you guys something is wrong.
Jared muttered. But neither Castor nor Darwyn acknowledged him for that. They trudged along and eventually reached the vige.
--
Its a ghost town. Where did everybody go?
Jareds voice was the only audible sound in the silent and empty town. Even with a thousand soldiers gathered here, there was barely a clink of the metallic boots or armor from their fidgeting. Everyone was on guard.
The entire town had been deserted.
Hush, kid. You talk too much.
Darwyn shushed the annoying boy. Jared Drew back meekly.
S-sorry. Im just a little nervous.
Youre always nervous. Now shut it.
Castor scoffed. Darwyn scanned his surroundings as he furrowed his brows. He bent over and touched the dirt where a footprint was left behind.
Bare feet. No sandals.
He muttered. Captain Helmuts voice drew the soldiers attention a second after.
toons 1 to 12, search the town. Scour every nook and cranny of this damn ce until you figure out what happened. toons 13 to 24, fan out over the fields. Darwyn! Youre in charge of that lot.
Yes, captain!
Darwyn and the others saluted the man before taking off.
-
It makes no sense
Darwyn gritted his teeth. He couldnt help but agree with Jareds assessment. Something was clearly amiss.
No tracks. No trails. Nothing. The vigers didnt leave their town. Something happened to them while they were inside the vige.
Jared shivered as Darwyn finished. The young man clutched his shoulders as his metal armor trembled.
I told you something is wrong! This this
Just shut your trap already, boy.
Castor snarled, but Darwyn didnt react or say anything. The older man was a veteran. He was rarely ever scared or afraid of anything. But this this sent a prickle down his spine. He bit his lower lip as he continued forward, wading through the rice fields with his muddy boots.
He looked around at the other soldiers traversing the paddy fields. There were hundreds of them fanning out over the farnds if anything happened, theyd alle rushing to his side. But still he was on edge. Darwyn didnt exactly have a Skill like [Danger Sense]. Maybe he would if he had gone down the path of a [Rogue]. But he hadmon sense. Andmon sense was telling him to get out of this damn ce before whatever happened to the [Farmers] and vigers happened to him as well.
He jolted back when a sharp voice called out to him.
Darwyn! Over here!
He nearly staggered back onto Jared. The boy caught him, and Darwyn quickly shrugged him off.
Whats going on?
They rushed over to the source of the shouting. A dozen soldiers were gathered around a small crater. A figurey slumped over there. Darwyn frown.
What is this? A body?
Yes, sir. But its
The men shifted back as Darwyns eyes widened. Jared stumbled back and puked. Even Castor couldnt help but grimace.
A desated husk of a corpsey there. A Human man, face twisted in pain. Contorted in a way like he was letting out a silent scream. Even though his body was dried up to barely resemble a person, the pain in his eyes was still clearly evident.
What do you think did this?
One of the soldiers asked. Darwyn tried to work his jaw. He looked towards the uneasy soldiers before turning back to the corpse.
I
He hesitated. He didnt know. Of course not. But he couldnt just admit it to them. That would ruin morale. He shook his head.
All we know is this mustve happened a while ago. We just need to figure out what did this
And a scream cut him off before he could finish. A high-pitched screech of pain. The sound of someone dying. Like they were being eaten alive. Darwyn raised his head and faced the source of the scream. He saw a toon of soldiers running through the paddy fields. One of them tripped on something before vanishing under the water over the wet ground.
Darwyn rushed forward everyone rushed towards the running toons side. But before they could get there, thest of the soldiers were yanked into the water. Their bodies werepletely gone. The water surface was still. It didnt even look like there had been people there just moments earlier.
What just happened?
Jared asked breathlessly. Castor took a step back with his trembling boots.
This is
And he screamed. Darwyn spun around, drawing his sword as Castor was yanked by a pair of little hands into the water. For a moment, there was a thrashing on the surface. Jared lunged forward to pull Castor out. But there was a final ssh of water and nothing.
Castor was gone.
Its something in the water!
Darwyn yelled as he backed away from the muddy ground. He pulled Jared up to his feet and spun around.
We
He started, but another soldier was immediately pulled into the water. Darwyn turned around as soldier after soldier vanished with a cut scream. The veteran [Warrior] clicked his tongue.
Regroup back at the vige! Go!
He screamed and made a break for it. Dozens of soldiers vanished by the minute. Darwyn couldve ran ahead of them, but he stayed behind so that as many of them could escape as possible.
Movie
He started, when the water beneath his feet sshed out. A little green hand grabbed at his ankles. He looked down to see a scaled face. A pair of glistening red eyes. A monstrous smile. A reflection in the water. One which he couldnt identify because it wasnt actually there.
You get off of me!
He kicked down hard. And the thing actually recoiled and vanished. Darwyn stumbled forward until he was away from the rice paddies. Away from the water. He stood on proper ground as what was left of toons 13 to 24 gathered together at the edge of the vige. Too many of them were lost and left behind. But that didnt matter.
Find captain Helmut! We need to tell him about what happened there!
Darwyn pushed past the soldiers as he headed to the center of the vige. He turned a corner and paused. He looked down as he saw a glinting from the floor. A swordy at his feet. A body copsed next to it. The crest of the Wisha Kingdom on his chest.
Thats Seth from toon 4
Jared sputtered. Darwyn himself barely noticed that. Instead he saw the desated corpse. The dried body. It hadnt been more than two hours since the toons split up. A body couldnt dry up this fast.
And that was when the screams began to break out from inside the vige. Darwyn snapped his head up and dashed forward.
Captain Helmut! Captain
Darwyn yelled out as he sprinted down the streets to the vige center. And that was where he saw the fighting. Bodiesy copsed all around him. Each of them desated. Drained of blood and water. Their skin king and dry.
Darwyn!
Helmuts gruff voice cut through the chaos and fighting. The captain stabbed out with his spear and impaled a little green creature. It almost looked like a [Goblin] mixed with a fish. Except, somehow, far more ugly too. Darwyn rushed forward with wide eyes.
What is that?
His question was answered a secondter as Helmut pulled his spear back and ck blood sprayed all over the floor.
Demons theyre everywhere. I dont know how, but they were somehow hiding in the water. We need to get out of here.
Demons? What are Demons
Darwyn started, but a shriek interrupted him. He turned around and looked towards the edge of the vige. Dozens of the little green creatures flopped out of the rice fields. They looked up with their deformed fish-like heads and smiled with terrible impish grins. They made sounds that sounded likeughter, before rushing forward and wing apart a toon of soldiers in an instant.
[Kappa - Lvl. 59]
[Kappa - Lvl. 63]
[Kappa - Lvl. 57]
Jared screamed as he backed away, raising his shield in terror.
Theres so many of them!
One of the [Kappa]s leapt forward, tearing through half a dozen soldiers beforending before the boy. His eyes widened in fear as the [Kappa] pointed at him. The blood from the corpses behind the Demonnced out like a spear and wouldve impaled him if Darwyn didnt jump in the way.
[Sunder sh]!
The Level 77 [Warrior] cut down the blood-spear with ease. The [Kappa] blinked in confusion, and he rushed forward.
[Tank Charge]!
The Demon swiped out with its ws but he simply tackled it to the ground. It was only Level 61. He shouldve been able to kill it with ease. But somehow it managed to fight back. It held up against him despite their level difference. After a moments struggle, he eventually put it down, but then he turned to the other [Kappas], and he watched them ughter the soldiers.
Why are they so strong? They shouldnt be this strong!
Captain Helmut shouted over him as the soldiers began to flee.
Retreat!
The remaining toons rushed out of the city. Back where they came from. Darwyn scowled and followed suit, dragging Jared along so he wouldnt get left behind.
But right as they reached the road leading away from the vige, they came to a halt. A giant figure barred their path. One that was just like the [Kappas] leaping out of the water, but farrger. At least ten foot in height.
[Soucouyant Kappa - Lvl. 121]
What?
Darwyns jaw dropped at the sight of the creature. Captain Helmut yelled as he backed up.
Back away! Back
And he paused. The man froze as the [Soucouyant Kappa] pointed at him. His entire body tensed up as Darwyn narrowed his eyes.
Whats going on?
And captain Helmuts body twisted. It contorted and grew bloated. Darwyn recoiled, knowing what came next before the body exploded into a puddle of blood. There were gasps. But the Archdemon didnt stop there. It pointed at a toon of soldiers, and all of them grew bloated before bursting as well.
Darwyn backed up, then he heard the giggling. He turned around and saw the swarm of [Kappas]ing at him from behind. He looked back towards the giant [Kappa] and knew it was over. The [Soucouyant Kappa] slowly brought its finger over him.
This is it
He muttered.
And then there was a sh. A streak of golden light shot through the sky and sted apart the [Soucouyant Kappa]. In an instant, the Archdemon exploded.
Jared blinked as Darwyn looked up. A figure descended from the sky, unleashing arrows down at the [Kappas] encroaching on the soldiers. A flurry of explosions swept over the monsters, wiping them out in an instant.
Darwyn watched as the figurended. A man with dark blue hair holding a glistening bow. THe veteran soldiers recognized him immediately.
Y-youre Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer! From the Remembered Order Company!
I am. And are you the one in charge of this brigade?
Tyrian asked as he lowered his bow. Behind him, from the road ahead, Darwyn could hear the rumbling of footfalls. Like an army was approaching.
I am now.
Darwyn said as he nced over at where captain Helmut had been.
Whats going on?
He asked. Tyrian didnt give an immediate reply. Instead he cast his gaze over the dead Demons and murmured.
Seems like were starting earlier than we thought we would.
The Elite Ranked adventurer shook his head and turned around. And behind him, an army revealed itself. Tens of thousands of adventurers marched down the road, heeding hismand.
Adventurers! Sweep the area! Ensure that no Demon escapes! Wipe them out till the veryst!
They roared a reply as Darwyn blinked. He stared on in confusion, and the army of adventurers poured into the vige, hunting down the screaming Demons. Theirughter turned from gleeful to that of fear.
Whats going on? Why is this happening?
Darwyn asked again. This time. Tyrian turned to him and answered.
The ritual has begun.
What?
Darwyn stared on, confused. And Jared vocalized that confusion.
What does that mean?
Tyrian sighed.
Im not sure. But from what I was told, it seems that the nes are merging. Throughout the Inoria Empire, thend is turning white. The sky is turning red. Demons are pouring out and spilling into neighboringnds.
Darwyn dropped his sword, finally understanding what was going on.
Oh.
The Elite Ranked adventurer started forward as he finished.
If the ritual is not stopped, soon the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm will be one.
Chapter 443: Keep it
Chapter 443: Keep it
443. Keep it
This... this cant be real, right?
Alder the Augur Elder leaned back in his chair as he rubbed his temples. Helena Warshade shook her head as she produced a slip of paper.
Unfortunately, it is true. I consulted with Veronica Adash, a specialist in [Space Magic] to confirm my suspicions. And I even sent an inquiry to Mavos Academys Department of Spatial Magic. I received this missive from Professor Isais, one of their lead researchers, in return.
The Great Tempest Archmage handed the report to Alder. He epted it, eyes zing over as he read what it said. He got to his feet and sputtered.
This is ridiculous. Theres no way this will seed. Are those Demons mad?
They wish to bring the Netherworld to the Mortal Realm. And they may very well seed. I am in no way a [Cultist], but I wouldnt exactly call them mad.
Orgaf snorted from the corner of the room. Helena Warshade, Alder Ashford, Thorsten Siegfrid, Ulric Magnus, and Daniel Song turned towards him. Kaitlin Darkhelm, Laux Lionfist, Scarlet Vermillion, and Peris Dolonia werent present. They had their own duties to attend to. Salvos was, in fact, here too but she was too preupied ying with the three baby Wyverns shed brought with her to pay attention to what was going on.
The Archmages eyes flickered briefly to the silver-haired girl. A myriad of questions crossed through Helenas mind. But she had to hide her suspicion. She quicklyposed herself and focused on the issue at hand.
These Demons are mad because they wont seed. No such thing in the history of the Nexeus has ever happened before. Their ritual will fail. They cannot force our nes to merge.
Organ shrugged.
Just because something hasnt happened yet doesnt mean it will never happen.
Whether or not their ritual will seed is irrelevant.
Helena Warshade spoke over the both of them. She stepped forward as everyone turned to face her.
Even if the ritual fails without our intervention, it shall still bring forth a deluge of Demons from the Netherworld into the Humannds. Already, there are reports from the neighboring states to the Inoria Empire of entire towns and cities being wiped out by hordes of mindless Demons seeking only destruction.
Apparently that drew Salvos attention. The silver-haired girl looked up with furrowed brows.
Wild Demons.
She whispered, and only Helena heard it. The Archmage frowned, taking a mental note of it but otherwise didnt bring it up.
And that is not to mention the possible spatial-dimensional fallout from a failed ritual. It could be cataclysmic. It could forever scar the Humannds if space copses on itself. The best course of action is to prevent the ritual from happening entirely.
R-right
Alder nodded as Orgaf rolled his eyes.
Whats the n, then? Sally forth with our slow armies and reach the Inoria Empire after a week or two of marching? Because, if you ask me, that seems pretty inefficient.
It wouldve been better if we could perfectly coordinate our attacks on the Inoria Empire. But it seems that that will not be possible now.
Thorsten Siegfried tapped a finger on his chin as he spoke thoughtfully. Orgaf grinned, leaning back.
Oh? Is the Den of Souls going to send their [Crusaders] out to battle for once?
The [Rogue]s eyes flickered over to Daniel who was standing off to the side.
Or are you just going to hide behind that [Hero] and make him do all your dirty work for you, pretending youre actually helping our cause?
The [Archbishop] from the Den of Souls hesitated, but Ulric Magnus sputtered.
How dare you insult a member of the Council of Cremont!
Enough.
Helena Warshades voice thundered over the room.
We will not spend another moment pointlessly arguing with each other.
She turned to Orgaf who just clicked his tongue.
Orgaf. You are correct. We cannot waste any more time waiting for these Demons to continue making their moves. Laux Lionfist was aware of this, hence why he selected a special team of Diamond Ranked adventurers to head to Inoria first to further investigate this ritual. Scarlet Vermillion herself is already preparing her army to leave as soon as possible too.
What about Kaitlin Darkhelm and Peris Dolonia?
Daniel asked with a raised brow. Helena shook her head.
What they do is none of my concern. They will have to answer to their own bureaucracy. And if they do not wish to act immediately, then it would be their fault if the world ends.
The Archmage looked over towards both Ulric Magnus and Thorsten Siegfried.
The same goes for you, [Archbishops].
The former looked upset by thatment, while thetter just flushed. With that settled, Helena focused on the next issue at hand.
Now, Salvos.
Huh?
The silver-haired girl perked up when the Archmage said her name.
Yes?
She cocked her head as all heads in the room turned towards her. Helena Warshade narrowed her eyes. The leader of the Rising Veterans Company took a moment to study the silver-haired girls expression. Salvos looked so innocent her confusion could easily be mistaken for naivety. But deep down, she was hiding a vile secret. And the Archmage would discover what it was eventually.
Stepping forward, Helena Warshade pointed at the glistening artifacts that Salvos wore on her self.
Salvos. Diamond Ranked adventurer. Sentinel of Secely. Liberator of the gunds. Death of the Destroyer. You possess on your person three of the greatest treasures in all of the Humannds. Three Mythical Grade artifacts that if in the right hands could be used to turn the tide of battle against this impending Demon invasion. And if in the wrong hands, could result in the downfall of Humankind as a whole.
The silver-haired girl backed up uneasily, clearly knowing where this conversation was heading.
Um thats
She looked ready to protest. But Helena just closed her eyes.
I will not ask you to hand over the Treasures of Alexander. I have heard from Laux Lionfist and Kaitlin Darkhelm what happened both times you have been asked to give up those Mythical Grade artifacts. I will rather not cause any infighting. Not right now.
Huh. Thats a relief.
Salvos blinked. However, the Archmage wasnt finished.
But while I will not ask you to hand over the Treasures of Alexander, I will ask that you do everything in your power to ensure the Mythical Grade artifacts are safe. To ensure that they are not stolen and employed by the Demons.
Welll
The silver-haired girl pursed her lips. Helena frowned, and Salvos scratched the back of her head.
I cant promise that. But I can say I have a very safe ce where I can stash away the Treasures of Alexander! Trust me itll be fine!
Salvos waved a hand dismissively. For some reason, that didnt reassure Helena Warshade. Still, she couldnt dwell on it for too long. She couldnt let her suspicions of Salvos detract from stopping this nar merger. Perhaps the silver-haired girl wasnt a Human, but she was an ally right now in dealing with the Demon threat. There was no point in interrogating her.
The Archmage turned away from Salvos, even if she kept an eye on the silver-haired girl. Her main focus was on the other discussions to be had. Discussions on strategy on nning.
But only one thing was clear: they needed to act now. And act now, they did.
Look after them for a bit, alright?
Already doing.
Willy snorted. We stood at the very same ornate room where the meeting had been held. It waspletely empty apart from a long table in the middle and a balcony door to the side. Everyone had left to go about with their own business except for Willy and I.
I nodded at the [Will O Wisp] gratefully before turning back to the baby Wyverns.
Ill be going now, ok?
They whined at me.
Do you really have to go?
They asked all at once. I patted them on the head with a smile.
I will be back soon. I just need to settle some business real quick, alright?
Novis, Bellum, and Oriur deted, but they didnt argue. I smiled at them. They were so well-behaved now. That was good. I turned away from them and pushed open the balcony. I looked out and saw a sea of faces marching both inside the citys walls and beyond. Armies of soldiers and adventurers were sallying forth, heading to the Inoria Empire to finally put an end to the Demon Kings ritual.
I had to help out too, of course. But right now, that wasnt my task. I spread my wings wide, wreathing them in blue mes as I took a step forward.
Seeya in a bit!
I waved back at the baby Wyverns as they cried out before leaping forward. I took off into the air, soaring higher towards the sky until I was above even the clouds. The city disappeared behind me, and I looked down at the Mythical Grade artifacts I had on me.
It was finally time for me to keep to my end of the bargain and hand them over to Belzu. I knew where he was hiding, and I had promised to give him all the Treasures of Alexander in exchange for the Sword of Alexander. It seemed like a simple enough transaction to make.
But first I thought to myself as I raised my head casually towards the sky. How do I get rid of this scrying spell Helena has on me?
That now, that was not going to be easy.
Chapter 444: Lightning
Chapter 444: Lightning
444. Lightning
Helena Warshade stared into the screen shing before her. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy watched the silver-haired girl flying over the clouds. Salvos hummed to herself the melody audible through the scrying spell.
Where are you going?
The question was simple. Helena Warshade had been observing Salvos and knew that the silver-haired girl was going to supposedly store the Treasures of Alexander at a secret safe location. While the Archmage wasnt interested in stealing back the Mythical Grade artifacts, she very much wasnt going to fully trust Salvos to keep them safe. Not just because the silver-haired girl wasnt fully Human but also because Salvos was quite clearly not the most reliable of individuals.
Regardless, Helena watched on unbeknownst to the silver-haired girl. After all, she was an Archmage. Her spells were too advanced for that naive girl to notice.
Helena Warshade was watching me. Or, at least, I was pretty sure it was her. I had felt an odd tingling sensation trailing after me for quite a while now, and I finally realized it was a scrying spell after six-or-so hours. It was probably due to a mixture of [Wisdom of the Old Gods] and [A Hunters Sense] taking effect maybe even my spatial magicing to y too.
Either way, I had known I was being scried on for quite a bit now. I just hadnt known whod been doing it until a day ago. When there was a rip in space. When everypetent [Space Mage] and [Summoner] in the Humannds sensed the nes shifting. An emergency meeting had been called as soon as everyone confirmed what it was that the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm were forcefully being merged. And the center of the merger? The Inoria Empire.
It was clear now what the Demons were nning. The ritual wasnt designed to summon Demons over to the Mortal Realm just like any other summoning ritual. Rather, it was summoning over the entirety of the Netherworld? Honestly, I was pretty sure I already knew about this beforehand. Like, I was almost entirely certain that Belzu had told me about this before. Maybe he did maybe he didnt.
I didnt actually care enough to remember what Belzu told me about the Demon King. After all, I wasnt one of Regnorexs minions. I was just going to return to the Netherworld to grab Haec and leave. Simple as that.
Sure, I wanted to deal with Levithus and this whole situation about a Demon invasion for the sake of mypanions. But it wasnt because I actually care about what happened to the Mortal Realm. It was because I knew that Daniel, Edithe, Saffron, and maybe Willy would get involved in this whole mess, so Id have to help them somehow. Which was why I made a deal with Belzu.
It was a simple agreement hed work with me to defeat Levithus, and Id spare his life. Also, Id give him three of the Treasures of Alexander he was looking for, while hed steal the Sword of Alexander from Levithus for me. He upheld his end of the deal now it was time to uphold mine.
I carried the Crown of Alexander, the Greaves of Alexander, and the Boots of Alexander with me. I had hoped I could figure out how to tap into their full potential, but sadly, I couldnt. So they were mostly worthless. Maybe the Boots of Alexander would be most useful but just moving faster than I already was wasnt something I was too interested in.
So I waspletely fine with giving it all away for the Sword of Alexander. Especially now since Daniel had managed to attune himself to the Mythical Grade artifact. He managed to achieve its full power the power that could only be unlocked with the full set of the Treasures of Alexander.
I was impressed. More than that, I was certain he could put it to better use than I could. It also helped that I got it for him in the first ce so he could protect himself and my otherpanions when I was gone. He was a [Hero], after all.
Anyway, that was all besides the point. I was flying to Belzu to hand over the other Treasures of Alexander to him. But I was being scried on. And I was pretty sure it was Helena Warshade who was the one doing the scrying on me.
I noticed the way she looked my way during the emergency meeting. The way her suspicious gaze darted towards me more often than not. Shed peer at me curiously, rapidly casting spells which she thought I wouldnt notice to figure out whether I was telling the truth or not. I tried my best to abstain from joining the discussion when I realized that. I didnt want to be trapped by her. I had a feeling that she might have found out something about me. Whether it was that I was a Demon or that I was working with Belzu I didnt know.
None of that mattered much, of course, as long as she didnt catch me outside of my mortal form or talking to Belzu. So what that meant was I somehow had to escape the prying magical gaze of the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, leader of the Rising Veterans Company, Elite Ranked adventurer, and the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world.
That wasnt going to be too hard, right? I mean, she wasnt a [Scrying Mage] or a [Diviner]. So this was going to be easy!
I sighed as I continued sailing over the cloudy sky. I was already far away from Alyras and I could still sense the scrying spell hanging over me. I thought that once I got a far-enough-away radius, Id have lost her. Sadly, I was mistaken.
And it wasnt something that could be obfuscated by visual obstructions either. I dove straight into arge cluster of clouds, and while it was white and foggy and I couldnt see where I was going, when I came out the other side, the scrying spell was still directly on me.
Huh, this is going to be tough. I faced the pale blue sky as I rubbed my chin, flying with my back towards the ground. I know I snapped my fingers as an idea crossed my mind. Instantly, half a dozen clones appeared at my side. I grinned at her and they nodded back at me.
Ill see you guys in a bit!
They flew off in every direction. One descended into a thicket of trees, another went straight into a thunderstorm, a mountain, a river and more. They spread out far and wide as I continued heading in a straight line with a smile. For a moment, I could sense the scrying spell losing focus on me. But it refocused, staying fixed on my being.
I could tell that there was some confusion on the other side. This scrying spell it wasnt tracking my physical presence. It was somehow locked into my essence. And since my clones were an extension of me and had my essence, the scrying spell almost mixed us up.
Good, I thought with a grin. So its not actually anything to do with my location, huh?
I looked up and faced directly into the scrying spell. I stared at the person on the other side of the magic and smirked.
Bye!
I brought a hand up and cast a single spell.
[Greater Teleportation].
And I winked out of existence.
What?
Helena Warshade got to her feet, wide-eyed. Somehow, the scrying spell lost track of the silver-haired girl. But that wasnt right. The Archmage tried to lock onto Salvos essence but nothing.
Only the clones showed up. Helena Warshade furrowed her brows as all she saw were trees. The open sky. A thunderstorm. A mountain range. But not Salvos. Somehow, the silver-haired girl disappeared from existence. Only the five clones remained.
Thats
Wait five?
And Helena Warshade realized what happened. She gritted her teeth as she began starting forward, calling her nimbus cloud to her.
I see.
That was all she said.
I high-fived my clone as sheughed silently.
We did it!
I had sent all my clones out dispersing in different directions far and wide, but sent one of them close by to hide herself inside my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. Then I teleported to her, and Helena Warshade couldnt track either of us.
All shed find were my other five clones. And they were heading off in random directions. To random ces that didnt actually matter. I looked around the forest clearing where my clone hadnded. It was dense enough that you couldnt really make out anything beneath the canopy from above. I wasnt going to fly the rest of the way not if that somehow gave Helena Warshade a chance to find me again.
I took a step forward as the [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] moved after me.
Come on, the destination is nearby.
I spoke simply to my clone as I took off running. She followed after me, and we eventually reached there by foot.
--
It took a while. Longer than it would take by flying. Also, because I wasnt trying to attract any attention. But we finally arrived at the meetup location. It was the ce where Id raised Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. A valley between tworge hills that was now covered in rubble after I caused a smallndslide. I looked around, searching for Belzu, and he flickered into existence out of thin air.
Yourete.
The Primeval Demon spoke in a rumbling voice. I looked up at the giant insect. He dwarfed me in height, and he stared down at me with two bulbous eyes. Suspicious. Like he was ready to crush me if I made any sudden movements.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 167]
You leveled up since Ist saw you. I take it youve been busy?
Why were youte?
He spoke over me, uncaring of my small talk. I shrugged.
I was being followed by Helena Warshade. I lost her, though. Probably.
I waved a hand dismissively, but the Primeval Demon frowned. He only reacted to the Archmages name.
If this is a trap
He started, and I scoffed.
Its not a trap, alright? I got what you wanted.
I removed the Crown of Alexander from my head and swiveled it with my index finger. He paused. Belzu leaned closer, inspecting the Mythical Grade artifact. My clone tensed, ready for anything he might try to do. Her attention was fixed on him.
But I wasnt worried. I had the Boots of Alexander on me so I could just dash off quickly. Fortunately, the Primeval Demon didnt dare to try anything so stupid.
Its real.
He whispered, and I nodded.
Yep! I have the Boots and Greaves of Alexander too!
I clicked my legs together as his eyes snapped down to them. They made themselves visible to him, and he slowly nodded.
I see. So you have not betrayed me.
Of course not!
I smiled at him.
I always keep my promises. Just like how I promised Ill kill you! But dont worry Ill do that once we both take care of Levithus.
...
Belzu didnt visibly react. He still looked incredibly wary of me. I rolled my eyes and stepped forward, holding out the Crown of Alexander. He reached out to take it as I spoke casually.
Look, you can have it
And my eyes flickered. I sensed the spatial walls of the [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] breaking above me. I saw a sh of light. I leapt back, carried by the Boots of Alexander as my clone could only flinch. A st of lightning struck where I stood, bursting out and engulfing Belzu in his entirety.
He screamed in pain as the electricity continued to crackle. His body burning quickly until he copsed. A loud voice bellowed above me.
TRAITOR!
From the sky, Helena Warshade herself descended as she stood atop her nimbus cloud. She had her crystal staff raised and aimed towards me. I blinked a few times, looking between the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy and the burning corpse of Belzu.
Huh. I guess I didnt actually lose her.
I scratched the back of my head.
Oops.
DIE!
And she sent another lightning bolt down at me.
Chapter Announcement: Patreon now at 30 Chapters ahead!
Chapter Announcement: Patreon now at 30 Chapters ahead!
Sup y''all,
I am very happy to finally announce that my patreon has HIT 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD. It took me a long fucking while. And yes, I have been so busy with so many irl things like moving countries and my Grandma''s funeral and the weic and more. But I finally increased my patreon chapters from 20 ahead to 30 ahead.
If you don''t remember, I increased my patreon tiers from $5 to $10 to help fund the Salvos Weic, which is proceeding swimmingly. If you want to check out updates on it, look at my Twitter here. Also please give it a follow, /ms_delta/status/1586803149582598145
But yeah, it''s the start of the new month, and you can finally read up to 30 chapters ahead on patreon, so now''s the best time to be a patron. The schedule will resume as per normal now that I''ve finally gotten all this resolved, but if you want to read 30 chapters ahead (god, finally I can say that) or support the weic, check out my patreon HERE.
It''s ya boi, MsDelta, and hope y''all have a great day.
Chapter 445: And Thunder
Chapter 445: And Thunder
445. And Thunder
Helena Warshade stood atop her nimbus cloud as it raced across the sky. She realized quickly what Salvos scheme was. The silver-haired girl had sent out six clones as a distraction before vanishing but with the Archmages scrying spell, she only found five of them dispersed far and wide. It was clearly a ruse.
And thanks to Helena Warshades [Passive - Photographic Memory], she knew the direction where Salvos sixth clone went. All the Archmage had to do was head on over there and follow a trail, and shed find where the silver-haired girl was hiding.
There were many things that went through Helena Warshades mind as she made her trip. But she did her best to sort out the irrational spections with the actual viable options. The fact that Salvos was actively trying to avoid the scrying spell wasnt a sign of the silver-haired girl being evil anyone who was being scried on would try to avoid it.
But that didnt mean Salvos was meless. It was innocent until proven guilty, and whatever Salvos was trying to hide might be proof otherwise. The Archmage had considered many possibilities. Perhaps Salvos was simply a Vampire. Or maybe Salvos was a shapeshifting [Goblin] or [Orc] Helena had once heard of an [Orc] that became a [Druid] and disguised itself as a Human before. The Archmage even considered the fact that Salvos was a Dragon. The mythical Gods of the Kobolds.
It seemed oundish, but that would exin Salvos ss and those odd scales that asionally appeared over her skin. However, never once in Helena Warshades wildest dreams did she imagine what was actually going on.
Her eyes grew wide as she watched the silver-haired girl hand over the Crown of Alexander to a Primeval Demon. The Demon responsible for destroying Nixa.
Belzu.
Everything finally clicked in Helena Warshades head. The reason why Salvos had disappeared immediately after Belzus fake death. The lies that the silver-haired girl espoused. And the normally calm andposed Archmageshed out.
TRAITOR!
I looked on as Helena Warshade, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, the leader of the Rising Veterans Company, the second highest-leveled [Mage] in the world, and an Elite Ranked adventurer unleashed a crimson st of lightning at me.
DIE!
The first attack had struck Belzu. It was meant for me, but I dodged out of the way thanks to the Boots of Alexander boosting me. But this second spell was stronger. It was faster. Even with my heightened speed, I barely managed to avoid the second lightning bolt. It ripped apart the earth, sending rubble and debris flying into the air.
Inded next to my clone as she created a scythe made of golden me.
You
Helena Warshades eyes were burning with fire and fury. The sky rapidly darkened as ck clouds poured forth overhead like the rising tide at twilight. The crackle of thunder echoed, only enhanced by the acoustic environment of the valley.
She brought her staff down as she bellowed.
How dare you coborate with those damn Demons!
Wait, I can exin
I started, but a volley of lightning bolts came streaking down. My clone and I split up. I leapt into the air as my wings spread wide, and my clone kept low to the ground. I donned the Crown of Alexander, avoiding the lightning storm. Dozens of lightning bolts crashed around me every second. A powerful gale pushed back against my wings, but I managed to press on.
Helena! Its not what you think it is!
I tried to protest. But the Archmage refused to listen.
I knew you were not Human. I knew you werent being entirely truthful. I knew that you couldve been a threat.
I paused, brows snapping together.
How did you?
She spoke over me, shaking her head.
But this? You are a traitor, Salvos. Not just to Humankind itself, but to all of the Mortal Realm.
Her staff glimmered. I bit my lower lip. What do I do? The question bore down on me. I had to think fast. She knew that I was a Demon? No she knew I wasnt a Human. There was still a chance I could scavenge this situation, now that Belzu was dead. I mean or I could just kill her.
But that would be, well, a harder task than talking to her.
A lightning bolt arced after me, and I kicked it away with the Greaves of Alexander. The magical attack struck the ground and scarred the earth. I wiped the sweat off my forehead as I saw the devastation from the single st. My Pendant of Greater Protection would only save me from about a dozen of those. That was not to mention Helenas stronger spells.
[Burst Hurricane].
The light at the tip of her staff shed. I gritted my teeth and kicked off the air with the Boots of Alexanders help. The air around where Id been rapidly contracted, sucked into a mini-typhoon. Then it rapidly expanded and burst out into an explosion of wind. Wind des shot out in every direction as a pulse of visible wind shot out like a giant ring.
I braced myself as some stray wind des struck me, shing against my Aura of Greater Protection. I flew around the others, only to pause just as I escaped from the radius of the st. Helena Warshade waited for me at the exit, pointing down with her staff glistening at the tip.
Uh-oh
I raised the Greaves of Alexander for protection, but right as the spell shot out, my clone crashed into the Archmages back. The streak of lightning missed me, shooting out into the sky and parting the clouds. An inkling of the blue sky above leaked down before the ck clouds shrouded over it once again.
Helena Warshade recoiled as my clone swung up with a golden scythe. My clone unleashed a [Barrage of Cinders]bined with a flourish of [Draconic Fury], each hit striking a crackle of electricity surrounding the Archmages body. Some kind of armor made of lightning. The final hit tore through the magical defenses wreathing Helena Warshade.
My cloine grinned as I blinked. She brought a hand to her chest, and I raised an arm.
Wait.
But my clone didnt listen. She detonated. A gold and silver explosion engulfed the Archmage before blooming into a giant cross like the markings of a grave. I hovered there, looking on as the st dissipated. Then I sighed.
Helena Warshade emerged from the explosion, still standing on her nimbus cloud unharmed.
[Eye of the Storm].
She was covered by visible winds. Translucent clouds shielded her body. Like she was the center of a storm. It was a powerful barrier spell. I had seen it at work against the Wyverns. I closed my eyes.
I knew that wouldnt work. Now Helenas just going to get even more mad at me
A dozen spell circles formed behind the Archmage. Glyphs with an intricate pattern etched into it. Giant spikes of ice poked out before propelling forward towards me. I clicked my tongue, creating my own ming spikes in return. Our magic shed in the air between us as I called out.
Listen to me! The reason I was trying to
But Helena Warshade pped her arms together. A sonic boom shot out towards me in a wave, cutting me off and sending me flying back. The Aura of Greater Protection covering me flickered. I looked up just in time for a giant sphere of acid toe crashing towards me.
I kicked to the left with the Boots of Alexander and activated [Haste]. With a burst of mes, I narrowly avoided the attack. But that wasnt just it. This was an Archmage of Mavos Academy. She had a deluge of spells in her repertoire. Whether it was earth magic, fire magic, water magic, space magic, or more. I couldnt keep running from this forever.
Helena!
I shouted, and she didnt listen. There was only one other solution if this kept up. A very simple way to get out of this I had to run.
But the problem was I couldnt just run away. I couldnt return to Alyras no matter what. If I just talked to her now
And I froze as I heard the chant.
[The Calm has Come and Gone.]
It was a Grand Skill. I looked up as the dark clouds swirled above the Archmages head, peeling away from the blue sky. But the sky wasnt blue. It was pitch ck. My breath caught in my throat as I saw the mana threads coalescing around her.
[The Storm has Simmered for so Long.]
Inded at the ravaged hilltop and stared with wide eyes as Helena Warshade pointed at me.
I think Im just going to run
And I was going to. Then I saw the figure appear behind Helena Warshade.
[Now it is Time for you to
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. Killing you you shall provide me with a bountiful of experience.
Belzuughed as he pointed at Helena Warshade. She spun around, but it was toote.
[Forlorn Execution].
A figure of crimson energy took shape, raising an ax and swung down at her. My eyes widened as blood sttered out.
Chapter 446: Mana Tempest
Chapter 446: Mana Tempest
446. Mana Tempest
[Forlorn Execution].
Helena Warshades eyes widened. She saw the crimson aura wisping off the Primeval Demon. Hed flickered into existence behind her for a mere moment before vanished. In his ce, an executioner stood. A red skeleton wreathed in a ck robe. It held up a giant axe, grinning with its skull-like face as a cackle left its mouth.
The Archmage drew back, but it followed. The spell was fixed to her essence? No it was something else. She gritted her teeth as the executioner reached her. It swung down with the axe the attack cutting straight through her barrier.
Curse magic.
She gritted her teeth, seeing it shear through all her barrier spells. The only thing that slowed its approach was the protective ne she wore. A Ne of an Advanced Aura of Greater Protection. It would protect her from any attack blood magic and curse magic included.
For a moment, the aura held up. But then there was a sh. The edge of the axe tip broke through and struck the Archmage on her shoulder. She bit back a scream of pain and red at the Primeval Demon as the spell dissipated.
Illusion magic and curse magic. You will be annoying to deal with.
The Archmage uncorked a healing potion and poured it over the wound on her shoulder. The red liquid sshed over the bleeding cut but it refused to heal. Helena Warshade clicked her tongue.
Very annoying to deal with.
Oh, but you are mistaken, Archmage. You will be the one who dies today.
The insect-like Demonughed as his mandibles clicked together. The Archmage pointed at him, and a dozen bolts of lightning converged on where he floated. There was a st of electricity. Helena waited, but even as the smoke cleared and nothing remained of the Primeval Demon, she knew it wasnt over.
[Abomination Fulmination].
She looked up towards the ck clouds, and a thousand horrors emerged from the rubble. Ethereal creatures that took all shapes and forms. Monsters with hundreds of eyes. Creatures that protruded with spikes like broken teeth poking out of the sand. Their bodies formed odd angles angles that Helena Warshade could barelyprehend. Their figures blurred in a misshapen manner. Like shed been staring at them for so long her vision began to distort.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy unleashed her own storm of lightning back down at the deluge of terrors. The explosions ripped apart them by the hundreds as she rapidly began raining down a volley of spells into the valley.
Arcana Expulsion. Hail of Ice. Grand Fireball
I watched on as the injured Archmage retaliated against the invisible Primeval Demon. I had no idea where Belzu was even hiding. asionally, I spotted the giant insect flying through the air, but Helena Warshade would st him away to reveal it was nothing more than an illusion.
I backed away quickly to distance me from the fighting. Inded in the air thanks to the Boots of Alexander, where I stood and looked on as the sh of magic reverberated ahead of me. It was a battle that was out of my league. Twobatants who were beyond my level. Both of them could easily have taken on the [Ancient Centinel] that nearly killed me back in the Bloodied Gulf. They probably couldve taken on half a dozen or a dozen each!
Although I guess that was expected of swarm monsters. They tended to be weaker for their level. And considering how many [Ancient Centinels] Id saw when the Matriach Centinel of the Bloodied Gulf confronted my dad.
In any case, this was a grand battle between some of the strongest beings in the Humannds. Helena Warshade against Belzu. And the thing was the thing I noticed was that the Archmge was
She was losing.
It was clear that she was losing. And that was odd to me, because with my Grand Skill I was able to stand up to Belzu when I was nearly 10 levels lower. Perhaps it was because Helena Warshade herself had yet to use her Grand Skill. Maybe it could turn the tide of battle. But for some odd reason, she was abstaining from using it right now.
Instead, she cleared the horrors unleashed by Belzu from the battlefield with a volley of magic. She floated there, panting as all was still for a moment. Then she heard an inaudible voice. I watched on as a ck aura converged around the Archmage.
I recognized the Skill, even if I didnt hear Belzus voice. He had used it against me before. It was called [Desecration of the Mind], and it ripped straight through my Aura of Greater Protection, nearly killing me in one hit. But fortunately, whatever magical artifact Helena Warshade had defending her was stronger than even an Aura of Greater Protection. Probably an Epic Grade artifact of sorts.
It held up against the [Desecration of the Mind]. And, yet, it had dibobted Helena warshade for a single crucial moment. Long enough for Belzu to reappear behind her with a smug grin on his face.
Perish.
He spoke, and his words held power. It was a curse. It pierced through all protections. It knocked Helena Warshade back. Her nimbus cloud dissipated for a single second. The nearby trees shed their leaves. Even I, from a distance, could feel the pulse of curse magic that radiated from his voice.
I clutched my ears as blood bled from my nose. My body shivered violently, but after a moment, I managed to catch myself. I looked up as the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy fell through her nimbus cloud and tumbled hundreds of feet to the ground. It took a moment, but the nimbus cloud dipped down to catch her. However, before it got close, the clouds parted up above as Belzu vanished again.
I looked up with wide as a [Hebomination] descended from the sky. The giant white creature I recognized from myst battle with Belzu. It looked exactly the same, with the same giant bone-like wings and the hollow, deathless eyes that struck fear into anything it cast its gaze towards.
It was an illusion. I knew it had to have been an illusion. There was no way Belzu had managed to summon the [Hebomination] again let alone control it. But it felt real. And Helena Warshade herself saw the same thing I did.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy unleash a thousand lightning bolts at the false [Hebomination]. All at once, the magic struck out and seared the giant Demon. It recoiled in pain, the screeching so real to my ears. I was certain that anyone who was within a ten mile radius could hear the terrible shriek unless the illusion didnt reach that far.
Nevertheless, the fake [Hebomination]nded. Its two feet touched the ground, tearing through the earth. Helena Warshadended on her nimbus cloud as it flew away from the giant Demon. She got to her feet, grinding her teeth in clear frustration.
She raised her staff as she yelled.
This is enough!
I backed away, seeing the swirling clouds again.
Uh-oh.
And she began her chant once more.
[The Calm has Come and Gone. The Storm has Simmered for so Long. Now it is Time for you to Weather the Pinnacle of Magic]!
The clouds quickly covered her. The mass of ck water vapor dwarfing even the size of the [Hebomination]. The giant Demon took a step forward to Helena Warshade, before the clouds rapidly expanded and consumed her surroundings. I watched as the darkness reached out for me, but I knew it was bad news. I rapidly flew away from it, using [Warped Time] to move faster and faster.
It almost reached me. The clouds continued to expand, and I feared it wouldve touched me with its dark tendrils. But it halted when I escaped from the forest. When I reached the rolling fields. A giant haze formed ahead of me. I looked on in awe at the dark fog that consumed miles and miles ofnd.
For a moment, nothing happened, and I thought my fear was for naught. Then I heard Helena Warshades booming voice.
[Mana Tempest]!
She thundered out. And all at once, the entire storm cloud shed. A giant bolt of lightning exploded to the sky, branching out like a web of electricity. I covered my eyes because of how bright it was. But just like any ordinary lightning bolt, it dissipated quickly after.
When I lowered my hand, everything had beenid to waste. The entire forest was gone. The valley the hills. It had all been reduced to ashes. I blinked.
Huh.
It was Helena Warshadesst resort. It was her Grand Skill a grand magic of cataclysmic proportions. She prided herself in its ability to bring an entire city to ashes. Unfortunately, she wasnt immune to it.
She hadnt wanted to be caught in the center of the grand magic. If she could, she wouldve concentrated its effects on her enemies. But she didnt know where her enemies were, did she?
Belzu, that Primeval Demon, had been hiding somewhere, using his curses and illusions to assail her from all directions. But wherever he was, he had to be close by. So the Archmage did the only thing she could do at the moment. She destroyed everything in close vicinity around her.
Everything within a five mile radius had been ravaged into nothing. Even she was affected by the magic. Shed burned herself in her own attack. She could only limit how much it affected her. Sure, she was sted by a weakened version of her Grand Skill, but it was still incredibly powerful. It would have killed her if not for her protective artifacts and protective spells saving her.
Shey there in the destion, hearing the notifications ring out in her head. There were plenty. Many animals and monsters were caught in the st. Although less than she thought thered be for an ecosystem of this size.
Only a single notification mattered to the Archmage. One which made her sigh in relief as she watched the giant insect-like body of a Demon evaporate into dust.
Defeated [Hellprince of the Destion - Lvl 167]
Nice try.
Belzus deep voice interrupted Helena Warshades musings. She looked up in shock as the Primeval Demon descended from the clouds above her.
How?
She asked, aghast. The Archmage tried to get back to her feet, but copsed. Her body was severely burned and injured.
You are not the only one with a Grand Skill, Human.
Belzu chuckled as she gritted her teeth. She weakly tried to raise her staff, and the Primeval Demon loomed over her, his bulbous eyes shing with magic.
Now, goodbye
He started, but a sh of rainbow energy struck out.
Temporary Skill: [Divine Wave]!
It cut a line directly between both Helena Warshade and Belzu. The Primeval Demon flitted back with narrowed eyes. He looked up towards a silver-haired girl as shended with a clink.
Salvos?
Salvos.
Both the Primeval Demon and the Archmage spoke the name at the same time. Salvos herself didnt respond. Instead, she pointed at the both of them and yelled.
No more fighting!
She turned to Belzu.
Dont you dare kill her.
And why should I not?
He cocked his head back at her. This was Helena Warshades chance. She could escape. Run away. But as she tried to edge back and covertly cast a spell, Salvos snapped her gaze to the Archmage.
Dont you dare run away either, Helena.
The silver-haired girl crossed her arms.
This is your best chance of leaving here alive. Please, just listen to me.
The Archmage hesitated. Then she weighed her options. She was at the end of her ropes, up against a Primeval Demon and a nigh-Elite Ranked adventurer with the Treasures of Alexander. Helena either had to take her chances fighting against both of them despite her injuries, or listen to what Salvos had to say.
The silver-haired girl proffered a hand forward.
Lets talk about this. We can all work together. The three of us.
She gestured towards Belzu, herself, and the Archmage. Helena Warshade paused. And she really took her time to consider her options. Finally, she sighed and made her decision.
Alright. What do you have to say?
The Archmage really hoped it would be something good.
Chapter 447: Awkward Confrontation
Chapter 447: Awkward Confrontation
447. Awkward Confrontation
We were going to talk. Helena Warshade and Belzu both begrudgingly agreed to speak this matter through, rather than killing each other over it. If they tried to fight, I would make sure nobody won by killing them both!
Well they were both stronger than me as I was right now, so I probably couldnt even kill either of them. Even if I had my Divine Essence, I probably wouldnt be able to take either of them out on my own. I saw their battle. The magic theyd hurled at each other. Without their Grand Skills, they could still individually kill the me who was flying alongside them away from the destroyedndscape.
Still, I wasntpletely helpless. I had three Mythical Grade artifacts on me, and both of them looked tired after their scuffle with one another. Theyd most definitely exhausted some of their best Skills in their previous fight. While I, myself, was still rtively fresh for battle. Maybe I couldnt take them down on my own, but I could turn the tides if necessary if they started fighting again.
So they acquiesced and flew along. We only stopped when we were far enough away from the previous ravaged battlefield andnded at the foot of the Motharis Mountain Range. I snapped my finger as the space around us rippled. Fractal panels formed around us, creating a box that not only obfuscated our persons but disconnected us from the Mortal Realm entirely.
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. This was the full power of that Skill. From the outside, you would see nothing where we stood. It looked as it was before we arrived here. And from the inside, when we looked out, the world was a spinning blur. It was as if we were on a raft in the ocean, lost in the waves.
I pped my hands together, and a golden figure appeared next to me. One of my clones teleported over with [Greater Teleportation] before nodding at me.I grinned and faced both Belzu and Helena Warshade.
Alright, lets talk.
Neither the Archmage nor the Primeval Demon looked at each other. They clearly were ufortable with this, refusing to acknowledge each other''s existence. While Helena Warshade was more apprehensive, Belzu was the first to speak. He clicked his mandibles together and narrowed his bulbous eyes at me.
What game are you ying, Salvos?
Nothing. Im not ying a game.
I replied simply. He stepped forward, looming over me dangerously. I just crossed my arms at him as he spoke in a low voice.
Then exin why you stopped me from killing this damned Human.
He pointed at Helena Warshade. The Archmage did not stand there quietly and let his threats go unanswered. She raised her staff as her eyes glinted, pointing at the Primeval Demon.
You were lucky this time around, Demon. This was your only chance of defeating me. I will not fall for your tricks and illusions the next time around.
There will not be a next time.
Belzu turned to her as he grew in size. I clicked my tongue and stomped my left foot on the ground. The metallic ng from Boots of Alexander against the rocky ground drew both of their attentions.
Thats enough! Weve had enough fighting for one day!
I pointed at them. The Primeval Demons form shrank back quite literally. His illusion vanished as he returned back to his normal size and he harrumphed. Helena Warshade turned to me with a scowl on her face.
And what do you have to gain from this? Just whose side are you on? Youre not Human. Is that why youre working with this Demon? To undermine Humankind?
Wait
I blinked as she made the usation. I looked at Helena Warshade with wide eyes.
How do you know that?
Next to her, Belzu slowly leaned forward. His annoyance had shifted to genuine interested. His mouth curled upwards as he listened in, peering at me.
The Archmage answered simply.
Did you think I didnt notice your slip-up, Salvos? I have known you werent a Human since a month ago when you spoke to us of the corruption and the apocalypse. I didnt act on it because you appeared to have Humankinds best interest in mind. Now now I know otherwise.
She looked ready to battle once again, even after wed agreed we wouldnt fight. I really shouldnt have given her that healing potion, huh? Although, if I didnt, it was entirely possible she wouldve sumbed to her wounds. Now, she was somewhat healed still wounded and hurt, especially from the Primeval Demons curses which didnt fade quickly.
I backed up as Helena Warshade narrowed her eyes.
Wait, I slipped up? What? Thats
I caught myself. This was bad. If Helena Warshade knew the truth but the thing was she didnt use me of being a Demon. No she said I wasnt a Human.
I tapped a finger on my chin.
If you know Im not Human, Helena, do you actually know what I am?
I asked thoughtfully. The Archmage frowned.
I do not, no. But does that even matter?
It does! Because Im not your enemy. I am only working with Belzu to help you Humans. Isnt that right, Belzu?
I turned the Primeval Demon to back me up. He cocked his head at me, looking like he was enjoying my attempts at wriggling out of this situation.
Am I?
I rolled my eyes.
Come on, we made a deal, remember? I spared your life if you helped me kill Levithus! How is that not helping the Humans?
Perhaps, perhaps not.
Belzu replied in a coy voice. I groaned. Helena Warshade raised a brow at me.
And how does that prove anything, Salvos?
The Archmage red at me, and my clone positioned herself so shed be between us in case anything happened.
All you have done is admit that you are working with the Demon responsible for killing millions of innocent people and burning Nixa to the ground.
That is true.
I nodded in agreement. I raised a hand as she opened her mouth, cutting her off.
But that doesnt mean we cannot work together, right? I mean whats the best way to defeat a Primeval Demon than to use another Primeval Demon?
And why would this Belzu agree to work with you?
Because he isnt friends with the Demon King. He hates Regnorex, doesnt he? He does, right?
I looked over at Belzu, but before the Primeval Demon could answer, I waved a hand off and spoke over him.
He definitely does.
I wasnt going to let him sabotage me for his own entertainment again. I faced Helena Warshade and smiled.
In any case, I am doing this to help put a stop to the Demon Kings ritual. You can cast whatever truth spells you want and test me. I am not lying about that.
I stepped forward, cing a hand on my chest. I snapped my own finger, whispering under my breath. The air grew still, and Belzu raised his head suspiciously. Helena Warshade noticed too and asked.
What was that?
[Truth Divination]. One of my Skills. It lets you feel what I feel. Youd know if I was lying if I said anything that was untrue. Just feel it in your heart.
I ced a hand on my chest, and she looked down at herself. The Archmage didnt say a word as I repeated myself to her.
I am not your enemy. Not right now. And I hope I never will be.
That seemed to annoy Belzu somewhat, but I didnt care. Helena Warshade stared down at the palm of her hand for a moment, in thoughtful consideration. Then she raised her head.
Perhaps you arent. Perhaps you really believe that working with this Primeval Demon that sparing its life will be beneficial to Humankind. But why should we work with a Demon? Why shouldnt we exterminate it right here?
Belzus eyes flickered to the Archmage. He didnt visibly react, however I could tell he was already nning a way to either fight or escape with his life.
Helena Warshade continued.
If you really want to prove yourself innocent, Salvos, help me bring this Demon to justice. For all the lives it had taken and unfairly stole.
She held my gaze. The Archmage didnt look away. She didnt even face Belzu who couldve unleashed his curses at her during any moment. Instead, she waited for my response.
I knew she was feeling what I felt, and inside of me, there was a bubbling of emotions simmering and ready to erupt. I took a deep breath, steeling myself considering what to say. Every second that passed, I knew she was doubting me even more. I knew that if I didnt say something soon, she might just decide to try her hand at fighting both Belzu and I again, right now. And this time, she was very much prepared to lose her life.
I didnt want that to happen. This presented a chance. An opportunity. Perhaps no matter what I said, Helena Warshade would attack us both anyway. Still, I responded truthfully. I gave the honest answer that popped into my mind. It was risky.
But I took the chance, anyway.
The reason is simple: its because I am a Demon too.
I said, and the Archmages eyes grew wide.
Chapter Sick + Another Webcomic preview
Chapter Sick + Another Weic preview
I''m sick as fuck. I think this is the most sick I''ve been sincest December. Pretty sure it''s COVID because it feels like when Ist got COVID, not like a typical flu. Anyway, there won''t be any chapters until either thursday or friday, unless I''m still sick by then, in which case who knows. But tentatively, next chapter will be on either thursday or friday.
I know this sucks. I didn''t want to get sick either. But to make up for it, here''s some WIPs for the weic.
Remember, you can sub to my patreon to support the weic
Chapter 448: Empath
Chapter 448: Empath
448. Empath
Helena Warshades mind reeled. It was starting to be an annoyinglymon urrence today, but the normally calm and collected Archmages demeanor broke. Her mouth didnt bob open like a confused fish, nor did she stutter in utter shock, however there was a moment where her eyes went round and she didnt believe what she was hearing.
The reason is simple: its because I am a Demon too.
Salvos spoke simply. The effects of [Truth Divination] were still there the Archmage felt every emotion the silver-haired girl did as the words rolled off her tongue. There was no hint of a lie. Helena felt it in her heart.
This was the undeniable truth. This was who Salvos really was. This was what Salvos had been hiding the whole time.
That she was a Demon.
Helena Warshade had spected she had wondered what Salvos truly was. After all, the silver-haired girl wasnt a Human. There had been a myriad of possibilities to choose from. The Archmage had considered everything from a Vampire to a Spirit to a Dragon, but the only thing she didnt consider was the fact that Salvos was a Demon.
It made no sense. The Archmage had briefly entertained that idea briefly before quickly dismissing it. First of all, no [Changeling] transformation was that perfect. Salvos Human form was more akin to a [Druid] carrying out their shamanic shapeshifting, rather than a [Changeling] wearing the skin and face of a Human. When Salvos bled, she bled red blood. Human blood. Not the ck blood of Demons.
But even if there was a chance that Demons could perfectly shapeshift into a Human form, that didnt exin Salvos other actions. The silver-haired girl had built a reputation for killing Demons. First in Silvergrove, then near Warrington. Again after that in the Inoria Empire Faith, the Fallen Queen of Elutra, had said that Salvos had in dozens of high-leveled Demons there.
So it was clear Salvos was a kind of Demon yer. That was why Helena Warshade had surmised that the most favorable possibility was that Salvos was a Vampire perhaps a survivor from the Slydrift Family after their downfall a hundred years ago. Either that, or Helena thought the silver-haired girl was a Spirit with a vendetta against Demons. A shapeshifting [Fairy] or a [Kitsune] of sorts.
But it was none of that. Salvos was a Demon. An Archdemon. One whod been disguising herself as a Human this whole time. One whod infiltrated the top of Humankinds ranks with her deceit.
That finally registered in Helenas mind. She raised her staff as she started.
You
Wait, calm down Helena!
Salvos raised a hand as the crystal staff glinted. Next to them, Belzu just chuckled and watched on with an amused look on his face. The Archmage gritted her teeth.
Youre a Demon. You tricked us this whole time.
I didnt want to trick you guys! But you Humans hate Demons for no reason! Just look at what youre doing right now!
The silver-haired girl Demon pointed back at Helena Warshade. That statement made the Archmage pause for just a single moment.
Thats
You know I dont want you to be my enemy. You can feel it. Dont do something well all regret.
Helena bit her lower lip as Salvos warned the Archmage. Meanwhile, Belzu leaned back casually with a smile.
Whatever happens, I doubt Id be regretting anything today.
Neither women acknowledged the Primeval Demons remarks. Instead, Salvos sighed and shook her head.
Look, I am a Demon, yes. And I am disguising myself as a Human right now. But if I could, Id much rather wear my own skin. Id much rather just be myself. However, I cant. Every time Ive revealed myself to someone, they get mad at me. They attack me. Even mypanions and my closest friends.
The silver-haired girl looked morose, Helena Warshade felt her mncholy it hurt Salvos that shed always have to fight for who she was. The Archmage lowered her staff slowly as her vision blurred for just a single instant.
For a moment, the Archmage recalled a memory from a long time ago. The memory of a little girl, ostracized by her peers for her dedication to her spellcraft. It wasnt the same thing. Of course not. Yet, and perhaps it was due to [Truth Divination], Helena Warshade felt herself sympathizing with the literal Archdemon.
Now imagine if I revealed the truth to a hundred people no, a thousand people? What happens, then?
Salvos spoke, closing her eyes. The Demon girl lowered her head as she asked her question. It was entirely rhetorical. She knew the answer to that question. As did Belzu and Helena Warshade. The Primeval Demon simply snorted, but the Archmage felt a pang of guilt.
After a moment of hesitation a moment of silence where not a single word was said Helena asked the question hanging in her head.
Who else knows about this?
Salvos blinked, looking up. She nced towards the Archmage. There was still some hostility there. But not as much as before.
...Daniel knows this.
The [Hero]?
Helena raised a brow. Belzu paused, and Salvos nodded.
Yep. So does Edithe and Saffron and Willy. Orgaf knows this too.
Even Orgaf?
The Archmage frowned. If Orgaf knew about Salvos being a Demon, then hed be the first one to have killed her. After all, while Orgaf was a rather belligerent individual, he always had what was best for Humankind in mind.
Its all Belzus fault. Hes the reason why Orgaf found out Im a Demon.
Salvos harrumphed. The Primeval Demon simply shrugged.
I see.
Helena nodded slowly. She took her time to process this rather than jumping to conclusions. The Archmage had cooled enough that she wasnt going to make any brash, drastic action anymore.
She returned to her normal calcted self. Some would call her aloof, but she knew that it was best to not let her emotions drive her judgment. If it did, she never wouldve gotten this far as an Archmage otherwise.
So what is your n then, Salvos?
The Archmage inquired as she finally dropped all hostilities.
Why do you propose we should work with this Primeval Demon?
I mean, I already said as much, right? To beat a Primeval Demon, we should use a Primeval Demon.
The silver-haired Demon answered simply.
I am not simply a tool for you to exploit, Archdemon.
Belzu snapped back. Salvos waved a hand off dismissively.
Dont worry! Youre using us too!
She said it as if it made the situation any better. Salvos stepped back as her clone nodded in agreement.
We all have amon enemy. We want to stop this ritual from happening. We want to stop the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld from merging. Its stupid and dumb and its not something any of us wants to happen.
I agree.
Belzu nodded, albeit begrudgingly.
Regnorex is a fool. His n will lead to nothing but destruction and death for Demonkind. For his ves that follow his reckless pursuit of mortality.
Helena narrowed her eyes. Reckless pursuit of mortality? She wasnt sure what that meant, although she didnt press it much. Instead, she turned to Salvos.
Perhaps such an arrangement would be beneficial for us all, Salvos. A necessary alliance. But that begs the question: what happens after?
Salvos scratched the back of her head.
I, um, didnt really think that through.
Both Belzu and Helena Warshade stared at the Demon girl. Salvosughed.
Well, well figure it outter. For now, we have amon goal. We can work together, no? Just for a little bit.
The Archmage stared at Salvos. Helena Warshade knew that the silver-haired girl was a Demon, and yet, for some reason, the Archmage trusted the Archdemon. Perhaps it was [Truth Divination]... but no.
Helena Warshade wouldve sensed if this was some sort of mind magic spell that influenced her thoughts. It was simply trust. Because the Archmage knew what it was like to be ostracized. She knew what it was like to have the world against her. A single chance a single opportunity changed her life. She never should have gotten epted to Mavos Academy, but the Headmaster at the time ytons predecessor gave her a chance. And thanks to that, she was who she was today.
Very well.
The Archmage nodded.
This is risky, but it seems like this is the best course of action. Even if you have not thought things through.
Belzu just clicked his mandibles together.
Do I have any other choice?
Nope! You dont!
Salvos cheerfully replied. Helena Warshade just murmured to herself.
Demons and Humans working together. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever considered such a thing to be possible.
The silver-haired girl stepped forward and patted the Archmage reassuringly on the shoulder.
Dont worry! Well kick the Demon Kings ass all the way back to the Netherworld!
I hope so.
The Archmage replied with a small smile. Salvos grinned back. Then she paused, tapping a finger on her chin. She nced over at Belzu and asked hesitantly.
By the way, should we tell the others about him?
That made Helena Warshade hesitate. She looked towards the Primeval Demon as Belzu waited expectantly.
That now that I do not know.
Chapter 449: Interlude – Death and Dealing
Chapter 449: Interlude ¨C Death and Dealing
449. Interlude - Death and Dealing
Youre back. Any sign of her?
No. Alder the Augur Elder sent us and the rest of the search team back. He said hell continue searching for her alone.
Damn. What could have possibly happened?
I dont know, but it had to be bad if she was forced to detonate her Grand Skill.
Seriously? Archmage Warshade used her Grand Skill?
She did. I couldnt believe my eyes. The destion it wouldve wiped out any city off the face of the map!
And to think shes missing now
Saffron nced back, eavesdropping on only a small part of the conversation. She wasnt really privy to their discussion the young noble had heard the news. Or, rather, the rumors. Just about six hours ago, Helena Warshade, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, took off from the pce of Alyras in a hurry. No more than an hourter, every high-leveled [Mage] in the city and the nearby regions sensed a ripple in the mana threads in the air.
Like a powerful pulse had caused a shockwave which interrupted the normal flow of mana. Saffron herself didnt sense it because she wasnt an arcane specialist, but shed heard of such events before. Mana storms, for example, would cause such a ripple effect, and depending on its scale, any [Mage] within a hundred miles from it would be able to sense the natural disaster as it ured. Another such example would be the beginning of the Demons ritual to merge the nes although that was at a farrger scale.
In any case, the fact that Helena Warshade mysteriously vanished after casting her Grand Skill sounded some rm bells within the city of Alyras. It had only been a few hours, but rumors were being spread. People were specting that shed ventured out to deal with Ira thest surviving Archdemon from the seven that besieged the city. And the fact that she was missing only made them assume the worst had happened.
It was concerning. Quite clearly, there was some cause to panic. But Saffron Merryster kept calm. First of all, she wasnt quite informed on the whole situation. She knew better than to react brashly when it came to matters she wasnt up to date on.
Secondly, even if something happened to Helena Warshade, there was nothing the young noble could do about it. Saffron might have been a Vampire born to one of the Four Greater Vampire Families but she was nothingpared to an Elite Ranked Archmage. If it was something was enough of a threat to defeat the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy and the leader of the Rising Veterans Company, then it wasnt something Saffron could deal with alone.
That didnt mean she couldnt do anything. It just meant it required a lot more coboration than relying on her own abilities.
Anyway, there was onest reason why Saffron didnt stop and inquire more from the returning search team. She had her own matters to attend to. It wasnt a world-ending threat, but it was important to her.
She turned the corner, reaching the end of the hallway and pausing before a room. Saffron Merryster rapped lightly on the doorway. She cleared her throat.
Lord Gannon?
The door opened in response. A young man strode out, adjusting his attire. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were drooping. But he quickly tidied himself up when he saw Saffron.
Did you need something, Lady Saffron?
He looked at her curiously. She nodded and smiled kindly.
May Ie in?
--
Sorry if my rooms a bit of a mess. Thesest few weeks have been hectic, to say the least.
Gannon Norwood scratched the back of his head as he let the young noblewoman in. Saffron found herself seated at the end of a rather ornate table. Documents were scattered over the rest of the table, leaving only a small section of free space for her to sip from a cup of tea.
She only took a single sip before looking up to meet the Lords gaze.
He was Gannon Norwood. The Patriarch of the Norwood Family one of the Four Greater Vampire Families. Hed been mostly preupied for the past few weeks. Especially when he was one of the few targets of the Archdemons. He had been looking after the Greaves of Alexander, after all.
He was granted a brief reprieve during all that chaos when Helena Warshade and the other Elite Ranked adventurers borrowed the Greaves of Alexander from him. But then tragedy struck. One which still hurt Saffron, even to this day.
The young Vampire closed her eyes and asked.
How are you fairing?
It was a simple question. But one that weighed heavily on both of them. Gannon paused as he pulled out his seat. There was a moment of hesitation before he pulled back his seat.
I am
He trailed off. Saffron saw the way his face darkened. The way his brow arched and cast a shadow over his eyes. The young noble hesitated. She didnt want to say it, but she had to. It was something she promised.
I know it must be hard on you, Gannon.
Saffron dropped his Title. Right now, she wasnt speaking to him as a noblewoman. She was speaking to him as a friend.
Saffron
He shook his head, but Saffron continued.
Zin was a wonderful woman
Saffron, please.
Gannon gritted his teeth. Saffron paused. She knew it was a bit too soon. Especially since the Lord hadnt even had time to process his grief. He hadnt had time to mourn with everything he needed to do.
It hadnt even been only a week since Zin died. Zin Norwood, the former Matriarch of the Norwood Family and Gannons mother. Shed been killed during the siege of Alyras. The [Druid] had put up a valiant effort fought against an Archdemon that wielded the Boots of Alexander. And, unfortunately, Zin perished.
Even with a missing head, the [Druid] fought on. Even when she was already at deaths door, she did everything she could to defeat Avaritia. And when it was all over, there was nothing Saffron could do to save Zin.
Gannon massaged his temples as he leaned back on his chair.
I shouldve been there for her. With her. But I didnt know
The young noblewoman took a deep breath. She wasnt good with these situations she was never good at offering emotional support. Gannon knew that. Theyd both been close friends since so long ago. And hed know that shed only be blunt.
I know youre still hurting, Gannon. But I need to tell you this. Your mother
Saffron bit her lower lip. Gannon raised his head, blinking.
My mother?
The young noblewoman sighed.
I was there when she died. She had a message for you. She wanted me to pass something on to you.
She did?
Yes.
Gannon stared at Saffron as she hesitated. But she continued.
Zin didnt have a lot she could say. But she told me to tell you not to mourn for her. To be proud of her.
Proud of her? I dont get what youre saying, Saffron.
The Lord frowned. Saffron shook her head.
She said she had finally carried out her duties. Not as a Matriarch not as a politician. But as a Vampire. As a Demon yer. Knowing that she was dying for the cause she was born for she felt fulfilled. She was happy.
What?
It really was harder to say than Saffron thought it would be. Gannon waspletely taken aback by her, but this was the message Zin had entrusted to the young noblewoman. Saffron would see it through.
And Zin believes youll take up her mantle. That you, too, will be the Demon yer you were always meant to be. That she believes in you, and she knows youll be the greatest Patriarch of the Norwood Family in the history of the Greater Vampire Families.
Thats
Gannons eyes went round. The man trailed off. He sat there, processing what Saffron had said. Honestly, it felt so awkward for the young noblewoman to be in this position. But she made a promise to Zin, and she kept it.
The Patriarch of the Norwood Family nodded slowly. He looked down and chuckled with a pained smile.
I see. She really expected too much of me, even in death, huh?
He shook his head as Saffron just sat there, unsure of what to say. Finally, Gannon stood up and bowed at Saffron.
Thank you, Lady Saffron, for telling me this. Truly. I needed to hear this.
When he looked up, he was smiling. Saffron wasnt sure whether to smile in return. She just nodded back at him.
Lady Zin had taken great care of me when I was young. When I used to visit, and wed y as children. The least I could do is return the favor now.
She was truly a wonderful woman. A true Vampire, through and through.
Gannon agreed. Saffron got to her feet, letting out an inaudible sigh of relief. She was d this was over. And while she was pleased to see Gannons reception to Zins message, the young noblewoman wanted to excuse herself as soon as possible. After all, she, herself, hadnt yet gotten over Zins death. It weighed on her, and she had managed to stop herself from choking up as she delivered the message.
I believe Ill take my leave
Saffron started, but amotion from outside interrupted her. She exchanged a nce with Gannon, and he looked just as perplexed as her. Gannon pushed open the door, and she poked her head out.
She saw the same search team from earlier rushing down the hallway. She heard their excited voices as they called out.
Helena Warshade is back! Shes returned with Salvos
Salvos? Did something happen?
Saffron furrowed her brows. She rushed forward as Gannon followed. For a moment, the young noblewoman feared the worst. She feared that Helena Warshade mightve discovered Salvos true identity. But that couldnt be right, right?
Even Salvos wouldnt be that careless.
But as Saffron turned the corner, she came to a halt. Her train of thought interrupted as she caught sight of the crowd. Helena Warshade stood at the center, apanied by Salvos and
Saffron blinked.
Wait, who is that?
Chapter New Salvos German Edition out now!
Chapter New Salvos German Edition out now!
Once again, I have a new Salvos German edition out on Amazon! I know most of you folks aren''t German. Of course not. But if you''re interested and want to support me, check it out and give it a rating. It really helps me out a ton. I have no weic updates for you right now, sadly. So no images will be posted alongside this. Sorry, and thanks for reading as always!
Die Pestlnder Teil 1: Ein Isekai LitRPG Abenteuer (Salvos Band 4) (Salvos German Edition) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Waba, Stephan: Amazon.de: Kindle Store
Next chap in six hours or so.
Chapter 450: The Resurrection
Chapter 450: The Resurrection
450. The Resurrection
Daniel Song had been worried. Hed heard the news Helena Warshade had vanished. Hed wanted to leave Alyras with the search team. He was, after all, a [Hero]. Unfortunately, his hands had been tied.
I apologize, [Hero] Daniel Song, and I assure you that this frustrates you as much as it frustrates me, but we cannot permit you to face a potential threat that even Archmage Warshade could not handle.
Ulric Magnus spoke in a calm voice as he tried to cate the young man. Daniel hesitated. He eyed the [Archbishop] before shaking his head.
Isnt that all the more reason for me to act? If theres something like that out there
The [Hero] started. But a second voice spoke out. Thorsten Siegfrid stepped forward and cut Daniel off.
If there is something like that out there, [Hero] Daniel Song, then it is all the more reason you shouldnt venture out to face it.
Why not?
Daniel gritted his teeth. He looked between the two [Archbishops] standing before him. Theyd trapped him in this room in thisrge,vish hall with silk tapestries hanging from the walls and glistening jewels decorating the furniture. Even the couch wasced with diamonds. It looked anything like a prison cell, but the [Hero] had been locked in here like he was a prisoner.
A pair of guards stood at the exit. They wore heavy te armor, and their faces were covered by a dark great helm. They were like statues or robots. Daniel had seen them escorting both Thorsten Siegfrid and Ulric Magnus around for the past few days, but he couldnt ever use [Identification] on them. Although, he was quite certain they were at least Level 100 each.
Nevertheless, if he had to fight his way out, he would. The only problem was that Thorsten Siegfrid decided to finally make a logical argument.
Unfortunately, [Hero] Daniel Song, you are not yet at the level where you can face an opponent capable of defeating Archmage Warshade. You will die a pointless death.
Thats
Daniel bit his lower lip. The [Archbishop] from the Den of Souls patted him on the shoulder.
Please, do not be so brash. I understand that as a [Hero], it is only natural to want to help at any given asion. But until we find out what happened to Helena Warshade, it is better for you not to act.
Thats true, Daniel agreed only in his head. Ulric Magnus chimed in with a chuckle.
[Archbishop] Siegfried is right, [Hero] Daniel Song. We do not want another Steven the Failure in our hands, do we?
That callousugh from the gaudy man made Daniels brows snap together. Ulric Magnus annoyed the young man from Earth. Everything about the [Archbishop] from the Sanctum of Elements seemed so fabricated. So fake. Like a con artist putting on a facade to lure their prey into a false sense of security.
It irked Daniel so much so that he made a decision there and then and it was to do the exact opposite of what Ulric Magnus said. Which meant leaving to find Helena Warshade here and now.
Excuse me, but I will be going now.
The [Hero] spoke briskly as he started past the two [Archbishops]. Ulric Magnus froze as Thorsten Siegfried sighed. They tried to stop him.
Please reconsider, [Hero] Daniel
You cant just leave
But before Daniel even reached the doorway, he heard themotion from outside. He narrowed his eyes as Thorsten blinked. Ulric was too preupied trying to stop the [Hero] from leaving, he didnt hear the noise. It was Thorsten then who pushed the door open with a frown.
Whats going on?
The [Archbishop] asked curiously. There was a mor of voices in response. Footfalls echoed down the hallway as Thorsten poked his head out. Daniel shoved his way past Ulric and frowned.
Whats happening, Thorsten?
Its
Thorsten Siegfrid opened his mouth, and the answer came a momentter from an outside voice.
Its Helena Warshade! Shes back! And shes brought him with her!
Daniels frowned.
Who?
Him!
The young man from Earth paused. He heard the name. Then his jaw dropped.
What?!
Was it really him? Scarlet Vermillion heard the news, just like everyone else. She''d been working with Laux Lionfist to organize the adventurer alliance making preparations to depart as soon as possible. Then Helena Warshade went missing. The rumors quickly spread over the course of a few hours, eventually reaching the Rising Veterans Company and all its associatepanies. They erupted into a panic.
Their leader, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, Helena Warshade herself, had vanished after casting her Grand Skill. It was worrying to anyone who knew even a semnce of what Helenas Grand Skill was capable of. She would never use it without due cause, and the fact that shedpletely vanished right after only sowed even more chaos into the ranks of the adventurers.
Thankfully, with Laux Lionfists help, Scarlet was able to restore some semnce of order to the hundreds of thousands of gathered adventurers. Truth be told, the young Elite found this job incredibly stressful. Shed been thrust into this position without any preparation. She was still new to being an Elite Ranked adventurer, and now she was forced into leading one of the biggest adventuringpanies in the entire world.
It wasnt easy. She was d that the much more experienced Laux Lionfist was there to guide her along the way. However, sometimes she wished she didnt have to deal with this. She wished that Mori dius didnt die.
It didnt seem possible to her. He was Mori dius Champion of the Human Land. A Level 168 [Divine Spearmaster]. The second highest-leveled [Warrior] in the world. He was unkible. He had died before, and he always came back.
But this time it was real. Scarlet had seen it with her own eyes. Shed cried every night for weeks after it happened. It was something unbefitting her station. Yet, she didnt care if she was caught. She needed to grieve.
Mori dius was her mentor. He had chosen her to be his sessor, five years ago. She didnt know why he said he saw something in her. Shed only been a middling tinum Rank back then. But his faith in her his belief that she had something special had driven her beyond what she thought she could possibly aplish, and in five short years, she reached the ranks of Elites. An achievement less than a hundred individuals in the Humannds could boast.
Still, she knew shed have been nothing if not for Mori. Scarlet knew she would never be able to live up to her predecessor. He was forever gone, and she was going to be but a mere fraction of what he was as the new leader of the Remembered Order Company.
Scarlet had asked Tyrian to help bear the leadership mantle with her. He agreed, but only temporarily. The Brightsbane Archer was, sadly, not the leader-type himself, either. But he was willing to bear Scarlets burden with her for now.
It was really quite ridiculous. If not for those around her Mori, Laux, Tyrian, and a multitude of others Scarlet wouldnt really be much of anything. Yet, so many people were relying on her. It was both frustrating and tiring. So, when she heard the news, she was the first one to return to Alyras.
She was a [Rogue]. She reached the walls of the city in mere moments after receiving the missive. She sprinted down the halls of the pce as her heart raced with her, pounding like a smiths hammer in her chest.
Is it really? Scarlet didnt believe it. But she wanted to believe it. Helena Warshade had returned. The Red Rose was d to hear that news. However, there was more to it than that.
Please the young Elite begged. Please be true
Scarlet whirled around a corner and came face-to-face with a sea of faces bursting out of arge hall. She slowed in an instant, reducing her pace to but a brisk walk. Her gaze swept over the bustling crowd, ignoring their whispers of excitement.
Its really
Helena is
How did she
Scarlet pushed past therge gathering as she made her way to the front.
Excuse me! Im sorry! I have to
She needed to see it to believe it. Eventually, the Red Rose reached an opening in the crowd. She stumbled out and looked up, seeing Helena Warshade standing at the center.
Archmage
Scarlet started, before cutting herself off. A soft gasp left her lips as her mouth hung open. Her eyes quivered, then welled up, and she inhaled sharply.
It really is him
Her vision blurred for a moment, and she closed her eyes. When she opened them once more, everything was crystal clear. Yet, she didnt see Helena Warshade or Salvos or Daniel Song or the hundred other people in therge hall. She only saw one man. The man who taught her everything she knew. The only person in the world she revered.
Mori dius
Scarlet whispered his name. Standing there, having triumphantly returned with Helena Warshade, was the Champion of the Human Lands himself.
The Red Rose wiped the tears off her face as she whispered.
Youre really alive.
[Warrior - Lvl. 167]
Chapter 451: Deceit
Chapter 451: Deceit
451. Deceit
There he was. The Champion of the Human Lands. The leader of the Remembered Order Company. A [Divine Spearmaster], Elite Ranked adventurer, and the second highest-leveled [Warrior] in the world.
Mori dius.
The crowd gushed over his return their panic over Helena Warshades disappearance forgotten.
Hes back!
They said with glee.
He will save us all!
They cheered, hopefully.
Scarlet the Red Rose pushed her way to the front of the crowd. She cried tears of joy when she saw her mentor her leader. The [Priests] and [Bishops] from the Council of Cremont gaped at this miracle. Even the [Crusaders] apanying the two [Archbishops] looked aghast beneath their visor.
It was certainly due cause for celebration. In fact, I was pretty sure that people were more excited over the return of Mori dius than they were for the reveal of there being a [Hero].
Poor, Daniel, I thought as I shook my head. His big moment has been overshadowed so quickly
But there was a problem here. A problem with this whole celebratory moment. While everyone was happy and excited, Helena Warshade and I were antsy. Nervous. I shifted back, fidgeting as I looked towards Mori dius.
The problem was this wasnt actually Mori dius. This wasnt the Champion of the Human Lands. Sure, he mightve looked like him, but he was actually
Belzu. The Primeval Demon who burned all of Nixa to the ground. The one who was partially responsible for killing Mori dius himself. As a master illusionist, Belzu had decided to concoct an illusion. This illusion.
It was insane. Even I thought it was insane! And most people would say that I was insane!
Helena Warshade clearly disapproved of this. I did too! It was too risky but Belzu had somehow, after a few hours of arguing, convinced us to let this happen. It actually made some sense. His argument was predicated entirely on his usefulness. While he was a master of deceit, he could only do so much while working from the shadows.
--
Absolutely not. I will never let this vile Demon desecrate the honor of the Champion of the Human Lands.
Helena Warshade stood her ground. She was clearly upset hostile. But unlike before, she didnt look like she was ready to kill Belzu at any moment. Well, maybe that was because she was too tired to do anything against him.
Honor such a Human thing. It is neither based on practicality nor a need for survival. I see now reason why I should acknowledge such a foolish concept.
Belzu scoffed, shaking his head. Helena crossed her brows and turned to me.
I understand working against amon foe, but this Primeval Demon is still our enemy, Salvos. Do you really believe his lies here? Do you think he is doing this with our best interest in mind?
I backed up, her gaze looming over me. I agreed with her I really did. This was probably a ploy for Belzu to somehow betray us in the future probably. But still, as insane as it sounded, he wouldnt have suggested this without a reason, right?
I mean
I scratched my cheek as I turned to Belzu.
What even makes you think this is a good idea?
The Primeval Demon shook his head.
Do you not realize that we are on the precipice of defeat? That if the grand ritual has already begun, there is not much time left to stop it? You seek to enlist my help to put a halt to this madness, but you shant allow me to take the battlefield against this existential threat to your world?
Cant you just I dont know, use your illusions from the sidelines or something?
My magic works best when incorporated in the battlefield with an army by my side. And even besides that, there is much I cannot do alone. Not against Levithus and his minions. But if you wish to lose this war over something so trivial, go ahead. I will dly watch the end of Humankind from the sidelines if you wish for it.
I hesitated. I nced back at Helena Warshade who still looked disapproving. I knew that Belzu had some ulterior motive, probably. Yet, I somewhat agreed with Belz here. I had seen him fight with and without an army his magic worked best when it was aided by others. But Helena was still unhappy about this, so there had to be a middle ground, right?
Why not just pretend to be some other Human? Why must you disguise yourself as Mori dius?
I have seen his power. I know how he fights. And our levels are simr. I would be able to mimic him better than I would be able to mimic any other Human with my illusions.
Alright, then what about I dont know, creating your own Human form?
I suggested with a shrug. Belzu just gave me a nk stare. He didnt even bother gracing it with an answer which ultimately answered that. I sighed.
--
And after some more back and forth between Helena Warshade and Belzu, the Archmage unhappily acquiesced. The Primeval Demon followed us back to Alyras, although he hid himself beyond the walls of the city. Instead, he created an illusion that he could scry. One that wore the body of Mori dius. Which resulted in this.
The crowd gushed around Belzus illusion of Mori dius as he remained silent. Scarlet Vermillion stepped forward, asking in a trembling voice.
Archmage Warshade what happened? They said youd vanished then now
The young Elite bit her lower lip. She took in a deep breath, regaining herposure. She shook her head and spoke in a calmer voice.
How did you find him?
For a moment, the normally cool Archmage of Mavos Academy closed her eyes. Helena Warshades lips twisted, and she didnt say a word. Then she regained herposure
I do not know. Youll have to ask him yourself. Apparently he does not remember a thing.
What?
Scarlet blinked. Her mouth hung open. A susurration swept across the room. The Red Rose blinked as Helena started away from the crowd, not answering any other questions.
I watched the scene unfold, pursing my lips. Mori just stood there, not saying a word. His eyes were zed over. He hardly looked at anyone in the room. It almost seemed like he wasnt paying attention to anything or anyone but I knew it was simply because Belzu was slowly taking in the scene.
Scarlet the Red Rose staggered back as she looked over to the apparition before her.
Mori, thats not true, right? You still have your memories, dont you?
He raised his head, looking her in the eyes for a moment. Then he tilted his head and spoke softly.
Do I know you?
The whisperings died down. There was a cough. The room grew silent. Scarlets eyes slowly widened. Her mouth bobbed open, mouthing a silent oh. She just stared at him without moving. He tilted his head again, and finally, I moved.
Sorry! Well be right back!
I grabbed Mori dius by the shoulder and took off after Helena Warshade.
Chapter 452: Return of Regrets
Chapter 452: Return of Regrets
452. Return of Regrets
She breathed in the fire a burning sulfuric scent that inmed her lungs. A fiery disy unfurled before her. A city engulfed in mes. Charred corpses littered the ashen streets as she rasped.
Thousands were dying. So many innocent lives lost under the mor of the rampaging beasts. She wanted to save them she wished she could do something. But when she looked up, she knew she was helpless.
When she saw those bulbous eyes those ck pearls that reflected neither remorse nor guilt she fell to her knees. There was nothing she could do. Because she knew she was just a ve.
Alix knew that she was just a pawn in Belzus ns.
--
And Alix jolted up in a bed of sweat. The former ve looked down at herself, cing a hand o nher chest. She could feel the pounding of her heart she still heard the screams and smelled the mes. But she was just sitting in an ordinary room.
Well, it wasnt exactly an ordinary room. It looked innocent enough. There was a bedside table with a ss of water, a desk pressed against the wall stuffed with nk pieces of paper, and a door just across from the bed. However, something was off. Yes, there were no windows to let natural light in, and yes, the room was dimly lit. That wasnt just it.
The truth was Alix was being held here against her will.
Once again, the former ve was kept as a captive. The first time, it was partially her fault for being foolish enough to join in the war between the Elutra Kingdom and the Inoria Empire. She was an adventurer she didnt need to try and pretend to be a soldier. All that gave her was years as a ve diator after all her friends were killed.
The second time, there was nothing to me on her part. It was purely bad timing. Or, rather, unfortunate circumstances. The fact that Alix was even given a chance to live instead of dying was the only silver lining in that horrible ordeal. But sometimes she couldnt help but wish she didnt ept the deal.
A Primeval Demon had descended from the sky. He had ughtered an entire city wasted it andid it in ashes. Then he offered Alix and the surviving diators a choice: either die to him or be his ve.
Back then, Alix chose what she thought was best. But the crimes shemitted the things she had done in the name of her own survival it haunted her. It had stricken her with immense guilt. One that tore away at her from the inside for so long.
It finally culminated to make her decision which resulted in this current captivity.
Alix had sought out the Conference of Alyras for two reasons. The first was to admit her fault in the crimesmitted across the Humannds. That was why she had been detained. She had aided Belzu a Primeval Demon responsible for killing millions in destroying dozens of towns and cities. It was her price to pay for her sins, and she had readily epted her punishment of partial imprisonment.
But also, there was a reason why she wasnt immediately executed on the spot, and it was because of the second reason why Alix was here. The former ve hade to redeem herself to tell the truth. The fact that Belzu was still alive.
Shed been far from the Motharis Mountain Range by the time she heard the news. She was given refuge in a city right at the fringe of the Helbir ins. A town cryer shouted it from the rooftop. And she remembered the exact words that had been said.
Three days ago, at the edge of twilight, Orgaf theThief of the Golden Scale and a band of adventurers slew Belzu the Primeval Demon in the Motharis Mountain Range!
It had been shouted from the rooftops. Cried out in the streets. But Alix knew she knew that couldnt be possible. Because Belzu had set her free at noon of that day. He had given her and the other ves in his captivity the blessing of his illusions. An invisibility that hid her from the Demons that he had summoned. And the spell the illusion only vanished at midnight.
That was when Alix realized that Belzu once again had the world tricked.
It was an illusion, not an Invisibility spell. It was something that Belzu himself had to maintain something that he had to upkeep himself. Alix wasnt a [Mage], but she knew this as a fact. That was why [Illusionists] were hard toe by beyond performers and the like. They required an abundance of mana to maintain their spells, which made them only effective in the battlefield for short periods of time.
Belzu was the only anomaly Alix knew of. And it couldnt have just been because he was a Demon. She had scarcely ever heard of Demons or even Spirits that employed illusions. It was simply something Belzu had somehow acquired as his own power.
Regardless, Alix knew he was still alive. And after some contemtion, she had set off to the Conference of Alyras. But when she arrived, all she found was chaos. Three Archdemons had infiltrated the citys bounds and stolen the Boots of Alexander. They had killed hundreds in that first attack.
And in the middle of it all, Alix had found Kaitlin Darkhelm. The Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces.
Alix was taken in for questioning for the next few weeks. Kaitlin Darklhem was, understandably, dubious. It only made sense. Alix had no actual proof. But with the vast resources of the Vaun Qieur Empire, Kaitlin Darkhlem had managed to finally confirm the veracity of Alixs words by tracking down the other escaped ves whod been under Belzusmand.
Sorry for ratting you out, Quinn, Alix thought as she shook her head. But it was for the greater good.
Anyway, everything was settled now. After confirming that Alix wasnt crazy, Kaitlin Darkhelm allowed the Helena Warshade herself to speak with the former ve. Alix had been intimidated by the Archmages presence especially since she knew that Helena Warshade would have truth detection spells cast during the conversation.
But Alix spoke the truth and only the truth. Then Helena Warshade left. And Alix had mostly been left alone ever since. The former ve got to her feet as she cralwled out of her bed. She quickly washed up and put on a change of clothes. Then she pushed the door open and stepped out into the gilded hallway.
Alix wasnt in true captivity, of course. But there were a pair of guards waiting outside her room, ready to stop her from wandering around unattended. Honestly, she felt more like a political prisoner than anything. Which wasnt a bad thing, per se. She had a lot more freedom than an actual prisoner.
Still, she wasnt free to do whatever she wanted.
Halt, where are you going?
One of the guards raised a hand, stopping her from exiting the room. Alix rolled her eyes and scoffed.
Im going to get lunch, Dem. Same thing I did yesterday.
Its evening, Alix. Hardly the time for lunch.
Well, Im going to get dinner, then.
Alix shrugged and stepped forward.
Youre just going to follow me anyway, so lets just get a move on
She started as the guards sighed. But before Alix could make towards the dining hall, she heard a pair of voices echo from down the corridor. The guards stopped her and pulled her to the side as she blinked.
and once again, Im genuinely sorry to hear about your condition.
Its fine king Artik, was it?
Please, theres no need for pleasantries. You can drop the titles with me, Mori dius.
Mori dius? Alix blinked. Did she hear that right? Dem stood in front of her, one hand tightly grabbed her arm as he kept her from escaping. She poked his side and whispered in a hushed voice as the pair of figures appeared down the hallway.
Did he say Mori dius? I thought he was dead I saw him die!
The memory was still fresh in Alixs mind. Shed seen the Champion of the Human Lands himself dueling and defeating Belzu in battle. Mori dius would have won, but a second Primeval Demon intervened. And the hope of Humankind died that day.
But there had been stories tales of Mori dius dying in battle, only to return the next day. However, she had never heard of him taking over a month to return. Yet, when she saw the pair of figures passing by, she knew she couldnt be mistaken.
Dem replied simply.
He did die. But he returned just yesterday. Helena Warshade herself found him she brought him back.
Oh.
Alix blinked a few times as she gaped for a moment.
I do appreciate this private tour youre giving me, Artik. Perhaps it may even help refresh my memory
I am happy to help.
King Artik Alyras himself was leading Mori dius around the pce. After a moment of staring, Alixs brows furrowed. She noticed something odd.
Wasnt he Level 168?
Alix was almost entirely certain that Mori dius was Level 168. In fact, he had just hit Level 168 a few months back, and it was quite talked about since he had finally broken his tie in levels as a [Warrior] with the Eastern Tiger.
But now, when Alix used [Identification] on Mori, it said he was only Level 167. Moris eyes flickered her way as she asked her question. Dem shook his head.
He was. But he somehow lost a level when he came back. He lost his memories too.
How?
I dont know. Maybe its a side effect of his Grand Skill? I know some Skills have repercussions. Although, nothing as extreme as losing a level. Why are you asking me this, anyway? Its not like any of this matters to you.
Dem answered exasperatedly. Alix scoffed but didnt argue.
Right, right.
However, Mori dius paused. Artik blinked as the Champion of the Human Lands turned to face Alixs guards.
Pardon me, but may I know what is going on here?
Artik hurried behind Mori as Alix blinked.
Oh, shes a captive of the Vaun Qieur Empire. Im really not sure why, but Commander Kaitlin Darkhelm of the Swordsguard Forces had requested that we do not interfere. Apparently its about something important.
The Champion of the Human Lands narrowed his eyes.
I see.
That was all he said in response. He took a step forward as the guards nced uneasily at each other. Dem looked like he wanted to stop Mori. But, again, it was Mori dius. The Champion of the Human Lands. What could they do?
They just backed away as Mori dius took a moment to study Alix. She shrank back hesitantly. For some odd reason, a shiver ran down her spine as she held his gaze. Her skin crawled and a prickling feeling nudged at her, telling her that this man was dangerous. But he was Mori dius! Why was she acting like this?
She bowed her head slightly and muttered a greeting.
It is an honor to meet you, Champion of the Human Lands.
Mori dius tilted his head. For a moment, he said nothing. Then he drew back and chuckled.
Good to see youre doing well, Alix.
Then he turned back to king Artik.
What were you, ah, saying?
Right, if youll follow me
The king of Alyras led Mori dius away as Alix just stood there with wide eyes. Somehow, the Champion of the Human Lands, someone she had never met before, had known her name. Her mind raced with what this could mean. Was it possible the Champion of the Human Lands had mind reading powers? Was it possible he had heard about her?
But no none of that made sense. He was a [Warrior]. He had lost his memories. Slowly, a familiar creeping feeling encroached on the former ve. Like she was being seen by the watchful eyes of a vemaster keeping her in check.
And she realized what it was.
Thats
Alix tried to open her mouth.
Then she caught herself. She felt the same terrible gaze piercing into her soul but this time, it was a real physical feeling. She wouldve doubled over in pain there and then, however she caught herself. Alix coughed once and bent over as her guards turned to her in surprise.
They said something to her, but it didnt register in her mind. All she felt was the residual feeling. That numbing pain. It was clearly a warning. A threat.
Alix looked down the hallway, but Mori dius was walking away, not facing her. Yet, somehow, she felt like his eyes were fixed on her. And she slowly turned her gaze to the floor as a single question crossed her mind.
Belzu how did you get here?
She really wished she could say it aloud. To scream and call him out reveal that it was a Primeval Demon wearing the body of a Human. But once again, she waspletely helpless.
Chapter 453: Familiarizing
Chapter 453: Familiarizing
453. Familiarizing
Now, this here is the treasure room.
The treasure room?
Well, its more of an armory. One for High and Epic Grade artifacts. I know that High Grade artifacts dont seem too special to you. But you must remember, Alyras is a small country in the grand scale of things. The fact that we even have Epic Grade artifacts at our disposal albeit not a lot is quite impressivepared to our rivals.
I see.
Mori dius narrowed his eyes and nced towards the vault door. King Artik Alyras tilted his head.
Would you like to take a look at the inside?
For a moment, the Champion of the Human Lands didnt respond. The expression on his face didnt change. Yet, his interest was clearly piqued. He stiffly nodded.
Perhaps I could take a quick look
There you are!
I shouted from across the corridor. Artik blinked as my voice reverberated down the hallway. I dashed down the tufted carpet and came to a halt just before Mori. The Champion of the Human Lands turned to me with the same calm expression as before.
Did you need something, Salvos?
Do I need something? What do you mean by, do I need something?, huh?
I took a step back, affronted. I pointed at him, tapping a finger on his chest.
Youre not supposed to be wandering around the pce without supervision!
Artik stared at me as I lectured Mori dius like the second highest-leveled [Warrior] in the Humannds was some kid whod been caught sneaking out after curfew. The king of Alyras opened his mouth.
Please, Salvos, Mori was just
Nope! I dont care!
I grabbed Mori dius by the shoulder and tugged him away. I waved at king Artik as I dragged the Champion of the Human Lands down the corridor.
Thanks, but well be going now!
I see.
The king of Alyras just stood there, blinking. Utterly befuddled.
--
When I was far enough away from Artik, I turned to Mori dius and red at him.
What are you doing?
I hissed. He just faced me innocently. That nk look he wore never changed not once since he arrived in Alyras. He stared at me with eyes that were zed over like he wasnt all quite there yet and tilted his head.
What do you mean?
You know exactly what I mean youre not supposed to you cant just
I trailed off. He didnt say anything. He just looked at me, perplexed. But I knew under that facade, he was fully aware of what he was doing. I gritted my teeth and snapped my fingers.
Mori dius blinked. He looked around as the world grew just a shade darker. It was like if we were standing out in an open field during a sunny day and a cloud passed over for just a moment. It was my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. Or, rather, it was a partial casting of the spell.
I wasnt exactly in another space entirely I simply made it to ensure that our following conversation was going to be muted. At least, from the outside listening in. I pointed usingly at Mori or, rather, the fake Mori.
You cant just wander around without supervision! Helena Warshade is going to kill me if she finds out about this!
Why shouldnt I explore the premises? Is it wrong to want to familiarize myself with Human culture?
When Mori dius spoke, his voice was deeper now. Contorted. Like a mixture of both Human and Demon. After all, this was just an illusion. Mori dius was dead, and it was Belzu wearing his figurative skin.
I furrowed my brows.
You dont even care about Humans! Dont pretend youre interested in any of that you were nning on something, werent you?
Whatever do you mean?
He fluttered his eyes at me, and I harrumphed.
Youre nning on ying a trick! Or sabotaging us! Or I dont know, stealing something!
That elicited a chuckle from the Primeval Demon well, the apparition he had before me. He shook his head as hisughter died down.
I will not stoop to as low as petty thievery. Not from Humans, and not for the weak artifacts this city has to offer. No if I were to take from these fools, it would be off their cold, dead hands.
Youre not killing anyone. We made a deal.
I crossed my arms at him. Honestly, I was starting to regret my decision to let hime with us to Alyras. But he just shrugged.
If you really must know, I simply wished to learn more of what these Humans had to offer inbat. After all, how could I lead a people I know nothing about? How can Imand a battlefield with no understanding of their tactics, their strategy, their strengths, or their weaknesses?
That made me pause. Belzu was right, here. He was disguising himself as Mori dius for a reason. He was more useful the more he knew about the resources we had at our disposal. Still, there was another reason why I was supposed to keep a watchful eye on him.
Caution.
What if your illusion broke, huh?
I pressed the Primeval Demon. He answered simply.
My illusions cannot be broken. Not by someone beneath Level 150.
What do you mean? Edithe said she saw through your illusions before! She was, like, barely Level 100 when that happened!
That was before my ss advancement, Salvos. It was just after I had reached my Level 150 evolution. Now? Now my illusions are nigh imprable.
Are you sure?
I narrowed my eyes at him. He nodded and turned to face the end of the hallway.
Indeed. In fact, your friend will be arriving shortly. I could prove it to you if you wish.
My friend? Wait, do you mean Edithe?
I blinked. I quickly scanned the area with my spatial sense, and sure enough, Edithe Dawnrise was about to turn the corner. She wasnt alone. Hadrian, Willy, and three baby Wyverns were apanying her.
My jaw dropped as I spun around, immediately dropping the partial pocket space. I heard the footsteps at once, and I saw their figures down the hallway. Edithe waved at me as I stared at her for a moment.
Salvos
Mama!
Three smaller figures bounded forward, interrupting the redhead. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur arrived at my side in an instant. They clung onto my feet as I stared at the baby Wyverns.
Oh, um, hey guys. Havent seen you in a while. Its been a day?
I forgot how long it had been. But to the baby Wyverns, it had been forever since theyst saw me. They hugged me tightly as I sighed. I slowly peeled them off one by one as Edithe, Hadrian, and Willy came to a halt.
The redhead faced Mori dius, bowing her head.
I apologize for the ruckus, Champion Mori dius. My friends and I were looking for Salvos we didnt mean to interrupt.
And I tensed. Shes going to see through his illusions!
B Mori!
I turned to him in a panic. But the apparition of Mori dius just smiled politely at the redhead.
Greetings, Edithe Dawnrise. It is a pleasure to meet you.
You know me?
Edithe pointed at herself, taken aback. I watched with wide eyes as Belzu didnt shy away from the former [Summoner].
Indeed. Your friend, Salvos, was just telling me about you. Shes said many great things. Im honored to have you fighting by my side.
Thats uh, thanks.
The redhead flushed as Mori just smiled. Hadrian began to introduce himself as well as I looked on in disbelief.
Huh.
Somehow, Edithe wasnt able to see through Belzus illusions. Not like she did before. It didnt even look like she noticed something was amiss. I stared as Willy flitted next to me. The [Will O Wisp] faced Mori dius for a moment.
Interesting.
Willy remarked. Edithe and Hadrian didnt pick up on his tone of voice, but I froze. I turned to the [Will O Wisp] with wide eyes. Slowly, I ced a finger over my mouth. He just snorted and swooped down over Novis, Bellum, and Oriur, bathing them in his mes. They floated into the air, confused as Willy ushered them back down the corridor.
Go.
What? But mama
The baby Wyverns whined. However, he ignored their protests. Instead, he spoke over Edithe and Hadrian.
Salvos busy.
Both Hadrian and Edithe paused. They nced at each other, then at the [Will O Wisp]. I quickly agreed.
Yep we were actually about to leave and find Helena Warshade, so
I grabbed Belzu by the shoulder and began escorting him down the other side of the hallway. Edithe scratched the back of her head.
Right, were sorry for interrupting, again.
Edithe turned to me.
But before you go, Salvos. I just wanted to let you know that the adventurer coalition will be heading out for the Inoria Empire tomorrow.
Wait, didnt you guys leave yesterday?
Laux Lionfist led a regiment out of Alyras, yes. But half of our army still remains, waiting for Scarlet Vermillion and Helena Warshade.
Right.
I scratched my cheeks. I turned to Mori dius and nodded.
Thats what were about to discuss. Well be going now!
With that, I took my leave. Once we were out of earshot again, I sighed and turned to Belzu.
You
I didnt say anything else. I let the implication sink in. I wasnt going to say anything too overt, but Belzu just smirked at me through his apparition of Mori dius.
I told you she wouldnt see through my illusions.
Thats
I blinked and looked around with my spatial sense. Fortunately, no one was around and I didnt sense anything amiss. I red at Belzu.
Why are you saying that out loud? Do you want to be found out or something?
Please, I dont need your petty space magic to muffle our conversations. My illusions alone can hide any conversation we hold.
And are you disguising our conversation right now?
I gave him a t stare. His lips curled up yfully mischievously.
No.
Ugh
I groaned. This really was a bad idea.
Whatever, lets find Helena Warshade.
Chapter 454: Interlude – Cloaks and Daggers Part One
Chapter 454: Interlude ¨C Cloaks and Daggers Part One
454. Interlude - Cloaks and Daggers Part One
A crimson re rose from the horizon as the group crested atop the hill. Morning dew sat fresh on the des of grass beneath their feet. The inkling signs of dawn prefigured the rising sun, yet the sun wasnt even close to touching the pale blue sky.
Orgaf cast his gaze over the brightndscape. He saw the thin crimson pir rising from the earth so familiar. Yet, so different. With that, he turned back to those apanying him.
Were here.
There was a snort in response. Lofus the Broken Berserker of Bherein leaned against her war axe as she rolled her eyes.
[Warrior - Lvl. 158]
What clued you in on that? The fact that the map says weve arrived, or that gigantic ritual unfolding before us.
She spoke in a sardonic voice. Orgaf frowned as he eyed her, but he didnt respond. A second voice drew his attention. A middle-aged man dressed in a bright blue robe with a long pointed hat. It was Domenic the Archsorcerer.
[Mage - Lvl. 143]
What youre seeing here, Ms Lofus, is not the grand ritual itself. Quite the contrary, it is simply a byproduct of this attempt to merge the nes.
He rubbed the stubble on his chin as he finished. Another disgruntled voice spoke up.
Whats the difference, then?
Marwin the Silver Swordsman growled. He had his arms folded across his chest well, his arm. Singr. He apparently lost the other one a month ago or so. Orgaf didnt really know or care how that happened. The Thief of the Golden Scale just knew that Salvos was somehow involved which probably meant that Marwin deserved it.
[Warrior - Lvl. 142]
You cant just say all that without exining shit.
The Silver Swordsman continued. Domenic furrowed his brows, but he wasnt affronted. He raised a finger, adjusting his sses as if to borate. But a soft voice cut him off.
[Archer - Lvl. 146]
In simple terms, stopping the ritual here will not prevent the merger of the nes as a whole.
Alice the Shadow Consort raised her head fractionally. She stood to the side, wearing a cloak made of shadows. She had no visible weapon on her no bow, no arrows. Domenic nodded, clearing his throat.
Yes, that is indeed correct, Ms Alice. Although, I would say it is more akin to patching up a single crack on a ss window when the house itself is crumbling all around us.
Then why the fuck are we here?
Lofus grunted, clearly annoyed. Orgaf couldnt me her. She looked slightly tired. Sure, she was an Elite Ranked adventurer. The only other one present here, besides Orgaf. The rest were Diamond Ranked high Diamond. Close to Elite in level. But she was a [Warrior]. Not fit for fast travel. Not especially while sneaking around enemy defenses.
Theyd spent thest day traveling across the Humannds to get here. To arrive at the Inoria Empire. But not just at the fringe of the country where the front lines were. They were rtively deep inside of the Inoria Empire for a reason.
It was a simple mission. One that could only be carried out by a group of high-leveled individuals. As Alice the Shadow Consort and Domenic the Archsorcerer had said, this wasnt the source of the Demons ritual to bring the Netherworld to the Mortal Realm. It was a ritual but not the ritual.
Apparently, in addition to the main ritual that epassed most of the Inoria Empire and the Elutra Kingdom, there were thirteen other sub-rituals. Smaller rituals that empowered and hastened the spread of what they now called the Hellification of the Mortal Realm. So, rather than this process spreading out from a single point the center of the grand ritual it would be hastened from expanding from these thirteen other points as well.
Here was one of said points. Orgaf turned away from the bickering as he faced the academy up ahead. It was like a small city moreparable to a town in size, really. However, it was anything but a town. The academy was ornate. Regal. Like it was a pce of sorts with tall spires decorated with frivolous designs to morize the buildings in it. Even the pce of Alyras didnt look quite asvish as this academy.
Orgaf shook his head and turned back to this team of Elites and Diamond Ranks.
it was Archmage Warshades directive that infiltrated the enemy lines to put a halt to the ritual!
Were at Cedric Academy! This isnt enemy lines and didnt you say we werent even putting a halt to the ritual, anyway?
Thats enough.
Orgaf spoke over them, cutting off their argument. The Thief of the Golden Scale spoke, and they listened. Well, all except for Lofus. The Berserker just harrumphed.
Still, he was the most senior of them all. He had the most battle experience. He had even ventured into the Koboldnds alone before, something only a handful of other Humans could boast of. Most of all, Orgaf was the highest-level of the group. That made him their leader. So they listened to him.
Were not going to be putting an end to this war overnight. Cedric Academy just so happens to be one of the least fortified of the thirteen sub-rituals across Inoria. Our job is to just put a stop to it when theyre not prepared. Got it?
Marwin scowled, and Domenic nodded. Alice didnt quite react. Lofus started forward, punching a fist into an open palm as she cracked her neck.
Whatever. As long as I get to break some shit.
Adventurers. Orgaf snorted. All they cared about was for themselves. That was why they were adventurers. Sure, Orgaf could admit that he was asionally just like them so selfish and self-serving. But he understood when things mattered, unlike plenty of others. He always tried to find that little ovep where what he did was beneficial for himself and beneficial for others.
Orgaf pointed towards the center of Cedric Academy where the red pir of light was shooting up and painting the sky red. At the tallest tower of the school.
There. Thats the source of it. Lets go.
He leapt forward as Lofus and the Diamond Ranked adventurers followed after him. Hended at the base of the hill, looking down at the line where the grass was reced by a pure white stone. Up ahead, the entirendscape was reced by this marble-like earth for miles.
Its already spread quite far. But not as far as he feared. That meant that as long as this ritual was stopped as soon as possible, the damage to the Mortal Realm could potentially be reversed as said by Helena Warshade.
Orgaf dashed ahead of the group, reaching the edge of Cedric Academy long before the others. As he got closer, he heard a soft chittering. Like as if a thousand birds were chirping mixed with a thousand tormented souls shrieking in agony. Again, a familiar sound to him. If he hadnt already seen something simr to this before, he wouldve been more on-guard.
But he knew it was just the sound of the ritual of the hole being torn between the nes. He slinked into the shadows, quickly navigating through the archways and empty halls of the academy without a sound.
He only slowed when he realized that there was no one there. No guards. No students. No soldiers. Nothing.
After briefly scouting the outer parts of Cedric Academy, Orgaf emerged from the shadows and returned to the group. Lofus, Alice, Domenic, and Marwin were waiting right outside of the academys premises. Domenic was busy inspecting the earth collecting samples of Netherworld rock to study forter.
I wonder if theres anything special about these
What did you find?
Lofus asked as Orgaf shook his head. He gestured to the academy.
Its empty.
What?
She blinked in response. Marwin frowned.
Seriously? Surely they arent stupid enough to leave this ce defenseless, right? Right?
Domenic rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
It seems that they mustve evacuated the premises, knowing that the summoned Demons would serve as a natural safeguard to protect the ritual.
Thats not possible.
Orgaf replied simply.
Why not? Why wouldnt the Demons give their lives to defend their ritual?
Domenic blinked, and the Thief of the Golden Scales closed his eyes. It was a simple question but one with the wrong assumptions in the first ce. Orgaf, too, in the past believed that all Demons were simply followers of the Demon King. But at that battle against Belzu in the Motharis Mountain Range, he learned that that wasnt true.
First, that there were these wild Demons wandering the Netherworld. Like monsters. Mindless, soulless. Then again he learned of the truth of Demon society when he learned of Salvos secret and Belzus own motivations.
Orgaf shook his head.
Its just not.
Thats
Domenic tried to protest, but Alice spoke over him.
And the ritual site?
She faced Orgaf expectantly. He nced back towards the tall building at the center of the academy.
My [Danger Sense] tells me its a bad idea to go in alone.
I see.
Alice furrowed her brows. Lofus shrugged as she stepped forward.
Well, if theres nothing else, then lets just go and
She started, but Orgafs eyes widened. His [Danger Sense] rang first like an rm bell in his head. Then he felt the vibration of the earth. The ground shook as Lofus leapt back just in time to avoid an explosion.
Rocks erupted into the air like water from a geyser. A giant undting creature emerged from the pure white rock floor. Orgaf drew his daggers, readying himself as he saw the worm-like creature looming over them, a hundred feet tall.
But before he could react, the ground next to it burst open as well. And behind it. And all around it. Dozens of these giant creatures emerged from the ground, surrounding the party.
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 135]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 93]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 87]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 96]
Orgaf took in this view as he whispered.
Wild Demons.
And the Demons attacked all at once.
Chapter 455: Interlude – Cloaks and Daggers Part Two
Chapter 455: Interlude ¨C Cloaks and Daggers Part Two
455. Interlude - Cloaks and Daggers Part Two
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 135]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 93]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 87]
[Ouroboros - Lvl. 96]
Orgaf looked up at the surrounding Demons. They emerged from the white earth with their long, undting bodies. They were like giant worms except when they opened their mouth, they revealed rows and rows of razor-sharp teeth. The tallest of them all rose up to a hundred feet, and Orgaf knew that it was only half of its full length, the rest hidden underground.
Wild Demons.
He whispered. Domenic raised a wand as Lofus grinned savagely. Marwin braced himself, drawing one of his silver des. Alice raised her arms, the cloak of shadow billowing behind her.
They were high-leveled adventurers. High Diamond and Elites. They werent going to stop and gawk at the Demons that were about to attack them they were always ready for an ambush, after all. The head [Ouroboros]shed down as Orgafs daggers appeared in both his hands. He wouldve struck it down in an instant, but Alice the Shadow Consort moved faster.
The cloak of shadows wreathing her shifted. The darkness momentarily lost its form, coalescing around her right palm. Then a solid object began to form a curved weapon. A bow made of darkness.
She raised her right arm, aiming for the [Ouroboros]. Without even bringing back her left hand, a dark bolt shot out and struck the Demon in the face. It shrieked in pain, recoiling as its minions charged forward.
Dozens of the smaller Archdemons swarmed the group of adventurers. One of them came crashing down at Lofus, but the Broken Berserker of Bherein just smirked and raised her war axes. In a single swing, she cleaved the giant worm-like Demon in half.
Come on! Is that all you Demons got?!
She bellowed as she charged straight into the swarm of Demons.
Orgaf himself was already ahead of her. He slinked back into the shadows, vanishing for a moment before reappearing between a group of five of the worm-like Demons. They spun around, sensing him even as he leapt out without a sound. But they were too slow to do anything else.
In an instant, the five [Ouroboros] copsed, sliced into dozens of pieces. Orgafnded lithely over their falling corpses as he flicked the ck blood off his de. These Demons were weak. Low-leveled,pared to the Elites. Even the Diamond Ranked adventurers didnt struggle against them.
Domenic pointed at a cluster of [Ouroboros] as the ground shimmered. A pair of giant glyphs formed both below and over the Demons. They looked up in confusion as the glyphs crackled with electricity. Then all at once, the glyphs crushed them. The Archsorcerer adjusted his sses as their blood sttered all over the white floor.
Marwin tore through the oing Demons with ease. The Silver Swordsman fought with two swords no, three des. He swapped between the weapons swiftly. Even with one hand, he was still a master swordsman. Like a whirlwind of des. The [Ouroboros] charging him were dealt with ease.
And even the highest-leveled [Ouroboros] the leader of the group was no match for any of the Humans. Alice kept it back as a salvo of ck boltsunched out of her shadow bow. sts that rapidly fired out with no nocking of the arrow.
Finally, the Shadow Consort raised her left hand as a bright darkness coalesced around her palm. An arrow made of shadows took shape, brimming with power. She nocked it into her shadow bow as she pointed at the Level 135 Demon. It hissed at her, and she let the arrow loose.
The shadow arrow propelled forward, faster and faster, somehow only elerating as it drew closer to the [Ouroboros]. The Demon tried to recede back to escape. But the shadow arrow curved. It arced down after the giant worm-like creature. And all at once, the shadow arrow impaled the Demon.
The attack ran down the Demons long and undting body, sttering its blood out from the burrow it had tried to escape down into. Alice simply dismissed her shadow bow the darkness returning back into the cloak that wreathed her body.
Orgaf stepped away from thest of the fallen [Ouroboros]. His daggers vanished from his hands, reappearing in their sheethes on his back. Marwin and Domenic lowered their weapons as Lofus strutted back with her war axe hefted over her shoulder. She clicked her tongue, kicking aside the corpse of an [Ouroboros].
Pretty weak. I thought I''d have more fun.
She remarked in an annoyed voice. Domenic adjusted his robes as he cleared his throat.
I do have to admit, these Demons were ratherckluster. I expected there to be stronger guards protecting the ritual site.
These werent guards.
Orgaf answered simply. Domenic blinked.
I beg your pardon?
These are Demons. Wild Demons. They werent here to guard the ritual. They were just pulled through by the ritual by pure chance. They attacked us just because they saw us as threats, not to defend anything.
I dont quite understand. Are you saying they werent stationed here under the orders of the Demon King?
The Archsorcerer frowned. This time, Marwin didnt argue with the man. Rather, the Silver Swordsman echoed these sentiments.
That makes no sense. This
But Orgaf cut them both off.
Look, I dont care to exin this to you. These Demons out here are no different from monsters. The real guards will be inside, near the ritual site itself. Dont let our guards down just yet.
He stepped forward, entering Cedric Academy. Domenic and Marwin exchanged a confused look. They spoke at the same time.
But arent all Demons under the Demon King?
Orgaf seems to be implying thats not the case.
Alice answered simply as she followed after Orgaf. Domenic opened his mouth.
But that
Who gives a fuck. Lets just go pummel whatevers inside this damn academy.
Lofus walked past them, snorting. Domenic and Marwin stared as the rest of their group continued on. Finally, with a shrug, they both followed.
Orgaf led the way, tracing after the path he had already explored while in the shadows. He was careful not to set off any traps. But there really was nothing left for him. The hallways were empty. The open courtyards between buildings were deserted. There was no sign of life whatsoever
Alice paused before one of the empty ssrooms. She peered in through the windows with furrowed brows.
How odd.
What is it, Alice?
Orgaf craned his neck back slightly. The Shadow Consort narrowed her eyes.
The students their belongings have been left behind. They were either quickly evacuated, or
She trailed off, letting the implication settle in. Orgaf frowned before shaking his head.
Theres no use mulling over that.
He spoke simply as he pressed on. Finally, the group reached the center of the academy. Where the source of the ritual was being held. Despite his very rough understanding of magic, Orgaf could feel the oppressive magic flowing through the air, and he knew it was bad.
He stepped up to arge set of double doors. One which had a sign etched onto its surface.
The Tower of the Wind Lord.
Orgaf furrowed his brows before reaching for the doors handles. But Lofus stepped past him and kicked the double doors wide open. The [Rogue] blinked as she barged right in without a care in the world.
Enough wasting time.
She raised her war axe as she marched right in.
Whoevers inside already knows were here from our previous fight. Theres no point in being stealthy any longer.
Right.
Orgaf nodded before following after her. Alice, Domenic, and Marwin were a step behind them. The Diamond Ranked adventurers were nervous. They could sense it too they could feel it in the air. Something was amiss. It wasnt just the scent of brimstone that was throwing them off. It wasnt just Orgafs [Danger Sense] ringing rm bells warning him that this wasnt a good idea.
Still, they pressed on. Their footfalls echoed as they walked through the empty hallways. Until, finally, they reached arge hall. One that was glinting with a crimson light. A glowing red pir rose from a spell circle that spanned a dozen feet wide at the center of the auditorium.
It was the ritual theyd been searching for. Or, rather, one of the sub-rituals that was expediting the merger of the nes.
And a single man kneeled before it in a trance. Like he was either in hallowed reverence of this ritual, or watching on in terror as it yed out.
Who is that?
Domenic blinked. Alice created her shadow bow once again.
Uncertain. But he is above Level 100. Remain cautious.
Orgaf frowned and vanished into the shadows again, quickly approaching the man before Lofus could just march up on him. But the man didnt react. He continued to kneel there, even as the Thief of the Golden Scale re-materialized from the shadows behind him.
...they promised.
The man murmured. Orgaf raised a dagger to the back of his neck, and he didnt respond.
You. I have heard about you.
Again, no response. But the Elite Ranked adventurer continued as Lofus reached him.
Youre Typhest the Wind Lord. Headmaster of Cedric Academy.
That prompted a reaction from the man. Typhest raised his head, looking up with zed eyes.
Headmaster?
Orgaf hesitated. He nced back to Lofus and spoke warningly.
This could be a trap.
Maybe. But Ill be ready for anything thates out.
The Berserker smirked. Orgaf clicked his tongue and called out to the others.
Alice, Marwin secure the area. Domenic, find a way to put a stop to the ritual.
Right.
The three of them replied at once as Lofus walked past Orgaf. The Thief of the Golden Scales stepped aside as she reached Typhest and picked up the man.
Oi, whats going on here? Dont tell me youre the only one guarding this ritual site. Theres gotta be a trap somewhere, right? Just spring it already. Those Demons cant be that dumb.
The Wind Lords head lolled back.
Demons?
He blinked a few times. Then his eyes widened. The man jerked forward, grabbing Lofus by the shoulders in a sudden burst of movement that even took Orgaf by surprise. Lofus flinched, but all Typhest did was speak madly.
I couldnt do anything! Its not my fault! He said they wouldnt touch them!. He lied to me! Its not
Lofus yanked him off her and dropped him to the ground. He groaned as he fell, before creasing her brows at him.
Calm down, will you? If you keep squirming about, Ill just crush you.
Wait, Lofus.
Orgaf stopped her from raising her war axe. He quickly nced over at Domenic who was standing over the ritual circle with a wand raised.
How much longer, Domenic?
Just give me a minute. Deconstructing this ritual circle is more difficult than I thought.
Domenic frowned as he waved his wand in the air, manipting the stands of mana weaving over the crimson pir. Orgaf shook his head and turned back to Typhest.
What are you talking about, Typhest? What did you do? Who made you do it?
The Wind Lord simply curled up into a trembling ball as he hugged himself. He tried to work his mouth, but nothing substantive came out.
He he he lied to me
Orgaf pursed his lips. This wasnt going anywhere. He picked Typhest up and hefted the man over his shoulder.
Were bringing him back with us.
What? You cant be serious hes our enemy!
Lofus protested. Orgaf nodded simply.
And well bring him back with us for further questioning. Hes a witness and hell be useful for information about the Demons ns.
He wont be useful for shit. Look at him!
The Berserker pointed at Typhest as he continued to murmur madly to himself. Orgaf sighed.
Look, Lofus
But Orgaf couldnt finish. He was instantly interrupted by a crack, followed by a whimper. He spun around as his [Danger Sense] heightened, and he saw Alice backing away with her bow raised.
Marwin!
The Shadow Consort called out. But the only response was a thud. Orgafs daggers instantly appeared in his hands as he saw the bloodied body crumple to the ground. Marwin didnt move, lying on the ground as a lean red figure stepped over him. A Demon with blood-colored skin. One that looked so Human, yet so monstrous.
Orgaf tensed as Lofuss eyes widened.
Thats
And the red-skinned Demon smiled.
Greetings, Orgaf. Thief of the Golden Scale. It is a pleasure to meet you once again.
Orgaf stared at the Demon. He looked so familiar, yet Orgaf didnt quite recognize him. It was only when he continued, did the Thief of the Golden Scale finally understand what was going on.
I am Ira. And thisnd will be your grave.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 157]
Chapter 456: Interlude – Cloaks and Daggers Part Three
Chapter 456: Interlude ¨C Cloaks and Daggers Part Three
456. Interlude - Cloaks and Daggers Part Three
[Hellprince - Lvl. 157]
Orgafs eyes grew wide as he stared at the Primeval Demon standing before him. The Thief of the Golden Scales had thought that red skin looked familiar. But the lean body, the Human-like face, and the sadistic smile? It was almost like staring at a red-skinned Human with horns. One that stood at just over six foot tall.
I am Ira. And thisnd will be your grave.
But when the [Hellprince] introduced himself, everything clicked for Orgaf. Recognition filled the [Rogue]s eyes. Orgaf remembered this Demon he remembered Ira.
It wasnt so long ago. Just over a week, at the very most. The [Hellprince] had been a [Cambion] back then. Ira had looked like a hulking beast. A Demon that stood taller than the trees. A wall of flesh that somehow refused to crumble, even when faced with Helena Warshades barrage of spells.
But that had been thanks to the power of a Grand Skill. Somehow, Ira had been able to regenerate and counter any attack sent his way. Orgaf was certain hed be able to defeat Ira if not for that.
Now, though? Now Orgaf wasnt so certain. The [Rogue]s eyes flickered to the copsed body of Marwin the Silver Swordsman. It happened so quickly. There had barely been even a struggle. And while Marwin wasnt an Elite Ranked adventurer yet, he was still chosen for this mission because of hisbat prowess. Before he was even known as the Silver Swordsman, he had the Title of the Master Duelist because of his unorthodox fighting style and how well he fared against single opponents.
And he was dealt with, just like that.
Orgaf tensed, still carrying Typhest the Wind Lord. But the moment Typhest saw Ira, he began to thrash, screaming.
No no! Get away! Get us out of here!
Were not going anywhere until the ritual is destroyed.
Orgaf spoke simply as Lofus raised a brow. She strutted forward carelessly, stopping as she reached Alice. The [Archer] was backing up with her shadow bow aimed at the Demons head.
The Berserker shook her head.
Oh? A [Hellprince], huh? I was under the impression that there was only one here in the Mortal Realm. What was his name again? Levitation? I always wanted to give him a go, but I guess Ill settle with you.
Lord Levithus is overseeing our Kings will. He has no time to deal with mere pests like you.
I think youll find that I am more than just a little pest, Demon.
Lofus grinned savagely back at him. She raised her war axe as Orgaf hesitated. The Thief of the Golden Scale nced between Ira and the ritual circle. Domenic was still trying to dismantle it, but he was distracted by Iras presence.
Domenic
Orgaf started as he lowered Typhest to the floor. The Archsorcerer nodded.
R-right.
Domenic adjusted his sses before putting all his focus in what he was tasked with doing. Orgaf stepped forward, standing between Lofus and Alice.
Lofus, be careful. This guy is dangerous. Even Helena Warshade couldnt take him down, and he seems to be stronger now.
Orgaf warned the Berserker. But Lofus just chuckled.
I can tell hes strong. Thats why Im excited. It gets my blood boiling, knowing that I can finally have a challenge here.
A challenge?
Ira cocked his head. He stepped back, hiding his arms behind his back.
Im sorry, but I highly doubt you will be a challenge for me.
His lips curled up as Lofus narrowed her eyes. Alice eyed the Berserker, biting her lower lip. She knew what was going on. As did Orgaf. The [Rogue] called out.
Lofus, dont
Not when you hardly even put up a fight against that weakling, Avaritia.
Ira finished with a smile. Lofus lost her grin. Her brows snapped together, and for a moment, nothing happened. Orgaf hoped for a single second that she wouldnt buy into Iras goading. But just as the thought crossed his mind, she moved.
The Broken Berserker of Bherein flew across the hall in a single jump. Orgaf clicked his tongue, watching her scream. Her war cry reverberated in the auditorium, overwhelming even the chittering of the ritual.
[Mountainbreaker Blow]!
She bellowed, swinging her war axe down for Ira. The red-skinned Demon simply raised his head as the axe grew in size. The earth shook the impact sent a shockwave that nearly knocked Orgaf off his feet. A pir of dust flew into the air as Alice braced herself. Domenic stumbled, his concentration breaking for a second.
Lofus chuckled as she stood over Ira, her weapon lodged into his chest. The Primeval Demon was bent back, bleeding with wide-eyes. He gasped, clutching at his chest as the Berserker pulled back with a grin.
Really? Was that it? That was easy.
She raised her war axe as it shrank back down into a normal size. Ira rasped on the ground, writhing in a pool of his ck blood, ring up at the Berserker.
Y-y-you
Then he smiled.
Just kidding.
Orgafs eyes flickered.
Lofus, get back!
The [Rogue] dashed forward, reaching Lofus in an instant. She was still blinking when the ck blood pooling around Ira spiked out. Orgaf yanked her out of the way in time as Ira got to his feet. The bleeding Demonughed as the spike of ck blood receded back into his body, and his wound began to close.
That was a good one. It kind of tickled.
Ira bared his teeth as Lofus stared in shock.
How did you do that?
Funny, you Humans always ask that question, but you dont see us Demons questioning how your potions work.
He stepped forward as Alice unleashed a flurry of shadow bolts at him.
Get back!
The Shadow Consort called out. But Ira continued forward, uncaring. Blood poured out from his shoulder, quickly coalescing to form a shield to block the arrows before dissipating. Orgaf narrowed his eyes.
Blood magic. Hes regenerating with blood magic.
It had been something Helena Warshade spected about after the siege of Alyras was lifted. And blood magic was one of the two conclusions she came to the other being ck magic.
Orgaf frowned.
But that regeneration ability it had been his Grand Skill. How is he doing it now?
That doesnt matter Im gonna kill him!
Lofus gritted her teeth as she charged once again. Orgaf bit his lower lip, but joined her. Domenic wasnt finished. They had to fight this Primeval Demon together. The [Nightcrawler Shadower] disappeared into hispanions shadow before reappearing right as she reached Ira.
The Primeval Demon blinked as both Elite Ranked adventurers swung for him Orgaf from below, and Lofus from above. His blood formed a solid sphere around him, protecting him from the onught of attacks. Orgafs daggers jammed to the side of the sphere, and when he tried to pull it out, the weapons refused to budge.
A hand shot out from inside the sphere, grabbing Orgaf by the neck before he could escape. Ira smiled as he stepped out of his barrier. The ck bloodunched back, sending Lofus flying into a nearby pir.
The Primeval Demon shook his head as Orgaf iled against him.
You are correct, Orgaf. That had, indeed, been part of my Grand Skills power. But, you see, the thing about learning a Grand Skill prior to your evolution is that when you finally evolve, it resets. And not just that
Orgafs daggers reappeared in his hands as he shed from Iras neck. The [Hellprince] recoiled, blood spurting out from the wound for a second. Then it healed as the ck blood reached out like deformed hands, binding the [Rogue] by the arms.
Ira sneered.
It only gets stronger.
The Primeval Demon thrust forward with his fingers, impaling Orgaf in the chest. The Elite Ranked adventurers eyes grew wide. He felt the sharp pain run through his body as Lofus cried out.
The Berserker charged as a crimson aura wreathed around her. She rammed into Iras side, and the Primeval Demon dropped Orgaf.
[Melody of Fury]!
Lofus swung wildly with her war axe. It was an onught of attacks that was fueled by anger. Ira screamed in pain as his body was torn apart. But that wasnt all. Lofus stepped back, raising her axe high as she screamed.
[I Shall Break the World with My Hands]!
It was her Grand Skill. One that enhanced her strength, her speed, and her anger even further. At this enraged state, she could bring down even an entire mountain.
Now die!
Lofus swung down with all her strength as Iras eyes grew wide. His blood formed a thick wall between him and the Berserker, but her attack pulverized it. She smashed through his barrier and shattered his body with a single swing, sending his broken body flying out of the hall and tumbling across the academy in a trail of destruction.
Even despite his pain, Orgaf looked up from where hey at awe of the power. Alice quickly ran up to his side as she uncorked a vial and poured its contents into his chest. The Thief of the Golden Scale felt the pain subsiding his wounds beginning to heal despite its severity.
Careful.
T-thats a Potion of Regeneration?
He tried to get up, but groaned as he clutched at his chest. Alice stopped him.
Dont move. Even a Potion of Regeneration cant save you if you dont let your wounds heal..
Its taking too long.
He grunted. But Alice nced over at the copsed wall where Ira had been sent flying as the dust settled.
A result of his blood magic, perhaps. But you cant force yourself too much.
R-right.
Orgaf rxed for a moment. Lofus stood before the destruction she caused, her axe dragging behind her as she eyed the rubble ahead.
Domenic!
She called out, ncing back at the Archsorcerer.
Are you finished?
Give me a second!
Domenic yelled back as the ritual circle dimmed. The pir of red light flickered as the chittering died down. Lofus shook her head.
That Primeval Demon is still alive. I dont think anything can kill him. Hurry up, we need to go.
Right, Im almost finished!
The Archsorcerer called back as a glyph appeared beneath the ritual circle. Its white light began to take over the red pir as he muttered something to himself. Then, all at once, the pir vanished. The room dimmed as the ritual circled was dispelled.
Lofus blinked a few times as Domenic stumbled back. Alice and Orgaf looked up, and the Archsorcerer gaped. His mouth hung open as heughed.
Its over
He started. And an axe made of ck blood came flying back into the room.
It happened so fast. And perhaps it was because Orgaf was injured, but he didnt even see it. One moment, Domenic and Lofus were still standing. The next moment, the Berserker was lying on the ground with an army cleaved off, and the Archsorcerer was pulverized against a wall.
Lofus! Domenic!
Orgaf called out as he tried to get to his feet. But Alice stopped him. The [Archer] eyed the red-skinned Demon strutting back into the room, all his injuries gone.
I told you, didnt I? My Grand Skill has only be stronger.
Ira shook his head as he raised a hand, calling the axe made of his blood back to him. Alice cursed as she conjured a dark arrow and fired it his way. He simply parried it, sending it flying back to her.
The Shadow Consort grabbed Orgaf and jumped out of the way.
Anything you throw at me, I will throw it back harder. You can try whatever you want. But you will not be able to kill me.
Ira smirked as he casually walked forward. He nced over at Domenics corpse before shaking his head.
It is a little bit annoying that you stopped the sub-ritual here. But honestly, it doesnt matter. Its not like there was anyone left to protect it. Not after I ughtered all the students and teachers to help me reach this evolution.
You did what?
Alices eyes grew wide.
Indeed. I only left that fool alive because I knew hed be a good distraction.
Ira gestured towards Typhest who was cowering in fear behind a pir, like he was trying to hide from the Demons gaze.
But now its time to end this.
Alice tensed as she backed up. Orgaf got to his feet next to her, still clutching at his chest.
Fuck you, Ira.
He raised both his daggers. He wished he had his Grand Skills avable here, but unfortunately, unlike Lofus Grand Skill that took a week to cooldown, his ones took two weeks and three weeks to cooldown, respectively.
I see you still have some fighting spirit.
Ira sneered. He raised his blood axe as he bared his teeth once again.
Good
And Lofus punched him in the face, sending him flying once again. Alice and Orgaf blinked, looking at the Berserker as she staggered forward.
Lofus? Youre
Theres no time. Get out of here!
Lofus spoke over them as she winced, reaching for her war axe at her feet.
Warn the others. Warn them that there is another [Hellprince] in the Mortal Realm. Tell them that Levithus is not alone. Ill hold Ira off.
What?
Alices eyes grew wide. She continued, pursing her lips.
What about you?
Lofus shook her head, gesturing at her missing arm. No it wasnt just her arm that was gone. Her entire left shoulder was missing, and there was a chunk of her neck and lower cheek gone too.
I am dying. Even a Potion of Regeneration cannot save me now.
But
Alice started, but Orgaf tugged her arm.
Lets go, Alice.
He pulled her back as she hesitated for a moment. But Ira emerged from the rubble, walking silently towards Lofus. He picked up his own blood axe, an annoyed look on his face. Lofus justughed.
Whered all that bravado go? Come on, Demon! Dance with me!
She charged forward as Alice closed her eyes. The Shadow Consort nodded slowly.
Right.
And the two of them vanished into the shadows. The Shadow Consort was able to meld into the darkness just like Orgaf. They quickly headed away from Cedric Academy as thendscape shook. There was no more ritual, yet there was a red light rising from the horizon. The light of dawn.
And soon after, as the sun fully peeked out of the skyline, the shaking stopped. The fighting was over. Orgaf and Alice knew that Lofus was finally dead.
They escaped the shadows eventually, continuing on foot. They moved rather slowly because Orgaf was still injured and they wanted to avoid being found out by Ira. Alice nced back once, but Orgaf shook his head.
Their loss will not be in vain. Lets go.
Right.
Chapter 457: The Long March
Chapter 457: The Long March
457. The Long March
It was finally time.
After so many dys, so many problems, it actually happened. I was starting to think that Humankind didnt care that theirnds were in danger. Now, finally, the adventurer coalition departed from the city of Alyras. A force of hundreds of thousands that was headed straight for the Inoria Empire.
Well, it wasnt the only force, of course. Apparently, Laux Lionfist had left Alyras a few days before us with his own group of a hundred thousand adventurers along with the main bulk of the Helbir Leagues forces led by Peris Dolonia. There were also other armies converging on the Inoria Empire.
A mishmash of armies from the Eastern Kingdoms Alliance was already on its way to the Demon-infested country. Lamarr the Warrior King of Traith and one of my friends from Mavos Academy had supposedly been here at the Conference of Alyras. But he departed quickly to mobilize his forces once it had concluded, so I didnt get to meet him, unfortunately.
Kaitlin Darkhelm and the Swordsguard Forces had also left the city just a day ago to rendezvous with the Vaun Qieur Empires army or one of their armies. The empire was sorge that they were sending multiple forces of hundreds of thousands into Inoria.
Then there were other groups. Like the Sunmere Republics forces. After the death of Prime Minister Madowe during the siege of Alyras, they had be one of the main supporters of this war. While their armies werent as numerous or asrge as the Vaun Qieur Empires armies, especially since they were a republic less prone to warring, they were still a formidable force on their own.
There was also the Council of Cremont, the Alterian League, the Oflen Confederacy, and dozens of smaller countries lending whatever standing army they could to the cause. Even a thousand Cyclopes from the Cyclopes city of Ajih had volunteered themselves to this cause. Altogether, there were supposedly millions of soldiers and adventurers headed for the Inoria Empire right now, with plenty more to join in the future.
Honestly, anyone with a stake in anything regarding the Mortal Realm should have intervened. But it was mostly the Humans involved. After all, it wasnt like the Elves or Kobolds or even Beastmen were aware about this. Oh, the Dwarves too.
Still, it was a merger of nes. The entire Mortal Realm was going to be affected. The Humans probably should have informed them. But there wasnt muchmunication between the various Species inhabiting Secely. Perhaps the Humans couldve tried but getting multiple Species to work together would probably be far harder than trying to get a few countries to cooperate.
At the end of the day, it was just the fate of the Mortal Realm at stake. And I did care about the Mortal Realm mostly because mypanions lived here. My friends too, but I wouldnt be as distraught if something happened to them as opposed to something happening to mypanions. I mean, if Hadrian died, Id be sad, but if Daniel died, Id I didnt really know what I would do.
Even just the thought of it upsetted me. My brows creased as a frown cut across my lips.
Hmph. It will never happen
I muttered to myself. I made a deal with him, after all. A contract. I promised I would find him a way back to his world. To Earth.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
A voice asked. I looked up to see Saffron Merryster staring at me with a raised brow. She wasnt alone. Amanda was walking beside her the assassin looking to be in a foul mood, as per usual.
Does something look wrong?
I replied, and Saffron nodded. The Vampire girl gestured at me at where I was sitting.
Well, other than your sighing and your mumbling, Id have expected you to be flying above the army rather than sitting at the back of this food cart.
I looked down at myself. I had my legs up, huddled close to my body, and hands on my chin as I sat at the very edge of the back of a wagon stuffed with boxes of disgusting Human food. Rations, they called it. Because they needed to eat. I didnt need to eat, but
Isnt it obvious? Because Im hungry.
I crossed my arms at Saffron. She blinked, opening her mouth.
But I thought you
And I snatched arge bug out of the air, stuffing it into my mouth. There was a crunch.
Oh.
Saffron realized what I meant. Amanda made a face of disgust and turned around.
If you need me, Saffron, Ill be anywhere but here.
What made her so mad?
I furrowed my brows at the former assassin as she walked away. Saffron just shrugged.
Dont mind her, shes just annoyed that my sister and a bunch of other girls keep hogging Daniels attention away from her.
Huh?
I blinked. The young Vampire just sighed.
Its nothing.
I leaned back on the wagon as Saffron hopped up and joined me. She looked down at the dirt road bumping beneath the wheels. The cart seemed like it wasnt really moving at an impressive speed it certainly didnt feel that way but when I looked at our surroundings, it almost felt like we were traveling multiple times faster than we should be traveling.
Impressive, isnt it?
Saffron grinned at me. I turned to her, a confused look on my face.
What do you mean?
All of this. Weve been traveling for a full day at full speed, yet we arent even slowing. Its quite the feat, no?
I guess? I mean, I can still fly much faster than this. But we are moving pretty quickly.
I shrugged at her. Saffron nodded, exining.
Its multiple army-wide Skills acting in conjunction. Like your [Haste], but extended across the entire army.
Wait, how does that work? Is there really a [Mage] here that strong?
I blinked. She shook her head. Raising a finger, she spoke in a lecturing tone.
Not a [Mage]. Its a part of a Title Skill. There are quite a few people here with leadership Titles for battle. Honestly, I never expected to see so many of them pooling their efforts together all at once. I think itsudable.
I see?
I didnt actually see what she was saying. It was a lot of words a lot of things I didnt actually care too much about. I looked up as the clouds seemed to pass somewhat quickly.
Well, how long will it take for us to reach the frontlines?
I wondered aloud. Saffron tapped a finger on her chin.
I believe it would take us about a week. Laux Lionfist and his forces should be arriving about tomorrow, but they are much higher-leveled, so they are faster.
I looked back down with a frown.
Thats so long hm.
I nced behind me. I knew that Mori dius was somewhere at the front, being apanied by Helena Warshade. Although, the real Belzu was off somewhere else, trailing after the army. I sat up, hopping off the wagon as Saffron eyed me.
What are you doing, Salvos?
The young noble asked. I grinned at her.
I have an idea.
She blinked a few times. Then she massaged her temples.
Oh no.
"Wait, what do you mean by ''oh no''? It''s a good idea! I swear!"
Chapter 458: The Plan Is Simple
Chapter 458: The n Is Simple
458. The n Is Simple
Graaaah!
Grrrrrr.
Gnah
Edithe covered her ears as she heard the whining. But the baby Wyvenrs wouldnt stop. Even when Ismail Znd tried to cate them. He was a [Beastmaster]. The best Edithe knew. Yet, nothing he did could calm the Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Ugh, why are we on babysitting duty, anyway?
The redhead groaned as she sat back on the wagon. Ismail red at her. His Pegasus snorted behind him.
Im the one babysitting them. You are just sitting there and whining like they are.
Oh, uh, sorry.
She shrank back as the [Beastmaster] went back to tending to the baby Wyverns. It was a ratherrge wagon they were gathered in. It was almost like a transportation cart for horses and the like, except it was repurposed for Ismails Pegasus to stay. Unfortunately, he and his trusty flying steed found themselves sharing a room with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur since the three of them couldnt just walk the entire way to the Inoria Empire.
And that led to this situation. Edithey back against the cart where she sat as the three whining baby Wyverns continued to cry, unhappy that Salvos wasnt here. Ismail Znd tried his best to cheer them up, but it didnt matter. A [Will O Wisp] followed after the cart, giggling in amusement at the scene.
Willy, can you help us?
Edithe turned to the Grand Spirit. He just stared at her, speaking in a blunt voice.
No.
She rolled her eyes in response. The redhead nced over at the baby Wyverns as Ismail picked one up, only for it him? Her? She couldnt really tell. But the baby Wyvern the Ismail picked up spat at him.
Why are they even going with us, anyway?
Edithe asked. Willy answered.
Because.
Because?
Salvos.
Thats true.
She scratched the back of her head. He snorted in response. Then she shook her head.
I get Salvos is their mother. But dont you think that its dangerous to bring these babies into a warzone?
It was a genuine concern. A valid question that most normal people would ask themselves before bringing their children to the battlefield. But Salvos wasnt a normal person. She was well, as shed put it: she was Salvos.
Which meant that such things rarely ever crossed her mind. And it was up to Edithe and the other adult Humans around the silver-haired girl to ensure that she was somewhat responsible. Well, in Salvos mind she was being responsible. But in any sensible persons mind, she clearly wasnt.
I just wish Salvos were here so I can talk to her about it
Edithe trailed off. Unbeknownst to the redhead, the three baby Wyverns were saying the exact same thing. Except in anguage that she couldnt understand. Willys mes flickered as he looked up.
Shes here.
He spoke simply. The redhead blinked.
What?
She nced up just in time to see a blue glint descending from the sky. Salvosnded right before the wagon as Edithe blinked. The three baby Wyverns cheered, wrangling themselves away from the disgruntled Ismail Znd. They rushed over to the silver-haired girl as Edithe got to her feet as well.
Salvos
Edithe started. But Salvos quickly spoke over her.
Hey, Edithe! Did you see Daniel around here? Im looking for him.
Daniel? He should be, uh, over there with the forces from the Council of Cremont.
The redhead pointed, and the silver-haired girl nodded.
I see. Thanks!
Salvos turned to go. But the baby Wyverns whined, calling out to her. They hopped up and down excitedly, d to see that their mother was there. She nced back quickly and waved.
Hey guys! Hope youre doing well! Edithe and Willy are taking good care of you, right? Thats good I gotta run now, bye!
And the silver-haired girl took off. Edithe blinked, staring on as Salvos flew towards where Daniel was. The baby Wyverns looked on in shock too. Then they deted.
Willy sighed.
Idiot.
I am quite surprised that you decided to pick [Trader] as your second ss.
Mons Merryster smiled as she followed after the [Hero]. Daniel Song nced back at the woman. He nodded slowly, offering her a polite smile.
Well, as I exined to you earlier, its not something I really put a lot of thought into. I guess I just wanted something that didnt have anything to do with fighting?
Daniel shook his head. It was quite obvious that she was interested in him because he was a [Hero]. There had already been a swarm of other girls who had tried to take advantage of the young man from Earth but he was already used to it. He had experience in this before, especially back when he had first been summoned. So, he rejected these women with ease.
Mons was different. He couldnt be so blunt. He was trying his best to turn her down as kindly as he could. But he couldnt figure out how to put it into words. Especially since this was Saffrons sister. Still, he had to try his best to reject her.
I do apologize though,dy Merryster
Daniel started. Mons waved a hand off dismissively.
Please, Mrs Merryster is fine. I am no noble. I gave up that heritage of mine ages ago when I met my husband.
Right, Mrs wait, what?
He blinked a few times. That couldnt be right. He was almost entirely certain she had been but that
Mons raised a brow at the [Hero].
Is something the matter?
I
Daniel flushed at the realization. He had been misconstruing her well, intentions. And that made him shift back ufortably. He wasnt sure how to respond or even react, but fortunately, he didnt need to say a word.
Daniel!
A voice cried out as he looked up. Mons nced up in confusion as well, sputtering.
What
Sorry for interrupting!
Salvosnded between the young man and the veteran [Trader]. Mons stepped back, nodding at the silver-haired girl.
Youre Saffrons friend, arent you?
Yep! Can I borrow Daniel for a second?
...sure?
Daniel stared on as Salvos and Mons quickly conversed, before the veteran [Trader] excused herself in confusion. The young man watched as Mons left, whispering to himself.
Fuck, that was embarrassing.
He was just d he didnt use her of anything she wasnt actually doing. But before he could luxuriate in his relief, Salvos interrupted him. The silver-haired girl grinned, turning to the young man.
Daniel!
Salvos?
He eyed her, slightly grateful she helped abate that embarrassing situation, but also flummoxed.
Do you need something? What happened?
Oh, its nothing too urgent.
Salvos smiled as she sidled close to Daniel. She patted him on the shoulder a few times.
I was just checking up on you, mypanion!
Right
For some reason, the young man didnt trust her tone of voice. He leaned back, trying to give himself some distance from her.
And?
He pressed her. Salvia tapped a finger innocently on her chin.
Well I was just wondering do you still have the Sword of Alexander on you?
I do.
Daniel gestured towards the de sheathed at his side. Salvos eyed it, a finger still on her lips.
Can I take a look at it? Just to see if its still in tip-top shape, you know?
Thats uh, sure?
The young man wasnt really sure what angle she was going for. But hed rather indulge the silver-haired girl than try to understand what she was going for. Especially when she was being purposefully reticent like right now.
He unsheathed the Sword of Alexander and handed it over to her. Salvos eyes grew wide as she held onto the Mythical Grade artifact. The iridescent glimmer of the de reflected in her eyes as she admired it.
Huh.
It seems perfectly fine to me.
Daniel drew closer to inspect it. The silver-haired girl swiveled around away from him, nodding.
Yep. It seems perfectly fine to me. Just like how I found it.
So there is nothing wrong with it?
He scratched his cheeks. She nodded.
Nope!
Her answer was simple yet cheerful. The smile on her face didnt waver, even as she turned back to Daniel. He reached forward, sighing in relief.
Thats good
And he frowned as his hand passed through the air. Salvos had taken a step back, holding the Sword of Alexander just far enough away from his reach.
Salvos?
Yep?
She cocked her head at him. He hesitated.
Everythings fine, right?
Yep! Everything is perfect!
Salvos nodded enthusiastically in response. Daniel was still uncertain.
No chinks in the de? The Sword of Alexander still works, right?
It does! I can feel its power coursing through me!
...
...
Neither one said a thing, even though they held each other''s gaze. The [Hero] bit his lower lip.
Is that all you needed?
He asked, uncertain. She met his gaze, nodding once again.
Yep!
Still, Daniel felt something was off. There was a moment where he did nothing. Then he stepped forward, reaching for the Sword of Alexander.
Ill be taking this b
AlsoImborrowingthisforabitbye!
All at once, Salvos jumped back and flew away. Daniel froze mid-step. He didnt move, even when Mons Merryster returned, confused about what happened. She looked at Daniel, utterly befuddled.
What just
I dont know.
He sighed. Then he shrugged.
Salvos happened.
Now I just have one more thing I need
I flew away from the marching army as they crossed through the forest at impossible speeds well, they were slowpared to me. But even I could acknowledge that they were moving fast for such arge group.
Anyway, I didnt care. Inded a ways away from the army, making sure that no one was following me and doing whatever I could to hide my trail. When I knew I waspletely alone, I called out to the person I was searching for.
Belzu.
And from the darkness, the Primeval Demon emerged. He looked at me with his bulbous eyes, clearly annoyed.
Salvos. Youre not supposed to be here. Do you wish to ruin my cover?
Hey youre the one who wants to do that!
I pointed usingly at him. He shook his head.
That is what you wish to believe. For now, I would prefer to remain in my disguise.
For now.
I crossed my arms. He didntment on that. Instead, Belzu clicked his mandibles together at me.
Why are you here?
I want the Boots of Alexander.
I spoke simply, cutting to the chase. He stared at me, affronted.
We had a deal
He started. And I cut him off.
Yep! We did! But I just want to borrow the Boots of Alexander for a bit. I will return it to you soon.
Belzu eyed me suspiciously.
You
I rolled my eyes.
If I wasnt going to keep to my promise to you, I wouldnt have given you the Boots of Alexander in the first ce. Id have attacked you together with Helena Warshade. But I didnt. So, just hand it over.
I raised ah and expectantly. The Primeval Demon hesitated. Finally, he acquiesced.
Hmph. Very well.
He produced the Boots of Alexander, tossing it at my feet. I picked it up, grinning.
Thanks!
What is it that you are nning?
The Primeval Demon asked, now more curious than anything. I raised a finger.
Well, I just thought about it, but honestly I dont think were doing enough to deal with this whole grand ritual thing.
Humankind is ipetent as always. So what?
Belzu harrumphed. I smiled, raising a hand as if I was grabbing something out of the air. The world began to twist as Iughed.
So, Ill help them be a little bit less ipetent!
With that, the world around me vanished. For just a moment, I saw nothing but a bright sh of light. Then when I opened my eyes, I was standing in my Lair by myself. Belzu was nowhere around me. All I saw were scattered books and artifacts I didnt use.
I stepped out of the little hovel, shaking my head as I saw a tall spire in the distance. Mavos Academy. The magical school city. My lips curled up as I wondered aloud.
Now, then, how can I get you to join the fight, yton Skyshredder?
Chapter 459: Insane Challenge
Chapter 459: Insane Challenge
459. Insane Challenge
There it was.
Mavos Academy. The most prestigious magic academy in all of the Humannds. It was the only school that produced as many Level 70 individuals as they did through their harsh academic curriculum and training regimen.
They also had a second school which was apparently unordinary. The School of Aspiring Elites. It was designed specifically to train those whod already reached Level 100. To help them navigate through the long and arduous path to their next ss advancement, and provide the resources they needed to nurture their second ss. After all, since it was far easier to level your second ss, that meant if you leveled it too quickly, the advancements offered would be a lot more basic.
Anyway, that was what yton Skyshredder had told me when I first enrolled in Mavos Academy. All in all, this was what made Mavos Academy special. These reasons were why they stood leagues above Cedric Academy, Hawals College, the University of Telfour, and all the other magical schools all throughout the Humannds. Andst but not least, they also had the highest-leveled [Mage] of all Humankind as their headmaster.
yton Skyshredder was strong. Id heard rumors that Helena Warshade might be stronger, but personally, I doubted that. Sure, she had a strong Grand Skill that had been dangerous. I hadnt been expecting the radius and the raw power of that st of lightning she used against Belzu. But I remembered when I first met the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. He had been ready to st me with his Grand Skill there and then. The aura emanated from that it frightened me, even now.
That was why I was here. To recruit him into the war. After all,st I heard, he had still remained adamant against joining the fray for whatever reason. And
I twirled the Sword of Alexander behind me as I started towards the school in the distance.
Im going to do whatever it takes to get him to join the fight.
It was all over the news. Everyone was talking about it. All of Humankind had banded together at a scale that hadnt been seen in thousands of years. It amazed Valda, just hearing about it.
To think the Vaun Qieur Empire and the Eastern Kingdom Alliance would be fighting on the same side
They say that the Demon King is making his return!
Seriously?
How are we going to stop that? If Regnorex returns its going to be cataclysmic!
Actually, I heard that its even worse than that theyre trying to bring the Netherworld into the Mortal Realm.
What?
Thats preposterous! The nes arent something that can just be merged like that! And if that happens, the results would be apocalyptic!
The susurration hushed for a moment as the realization of what could happen sank in. Valda raised her head, involuntarily eaves-dropping to themotion. The young prodigy wasnt one who often partook in gossip. After all, she was ustomed to others gossiping about her as one of the youngest students currently enrolled in Mavos Academy.
But this wasnt just frivolous talk. It was something that genuinely worried her. Sighing. she turned to Jonas her only friend that was still living on campus. Marie, Eve, Jeremiah, and the others had all been sent back to their homes months ago.
What do you think about this whole ordeal?
Hm?
Jonas blinked, lowering the book he was reading. The pair sat at a bench in an open courtyard right by one of the many rainforests around the school. Valda rolled her eyes.
Dont you think that we should be doing something about this? If the world ising to an end well be affected too, wont we?
I dont see how we can do anything about it.
He shrugged as he raised his book again. Valda clicked her tongue, slightly annoyed.
We cant just do nothing. If the nes do get merged, well die. Either by the shing of space crushing and ripping us apart, or the hordes of Demons thatll pour in from the other side!
Jonas shut his book, shaking his head.
Look, Valda, were just students. Let those in charge handle it. Were not strong enough to effect any substantive change, alright?
She harrumphed as she leaned on the palm of her hand.
I just think that Headmaster Skyshredder should at least try to do something about it, you know?
Itll be fine. I hear that Mori dius is back now also, theres that [Hero] too. Whats his name again?
Jonas tapped a finger on his chin as he got to his feet. Valda scoffed, following after him.
Daniel Song? Please, hes no [Hero]. Salvos is superior to him in every way. Hes probably just a decoy to hide the fact that Salvos is the real [Hero].
Are you sure about that?
Im positive.
The girl nodded, hands on her hips. Her friend scratched his cheeks.
I dont know I heard that Daniel was even entrusted the Sword of Alexander. And that he helped lift the siege of Alyras by tapping into its powers.
Thats
Valda trailed off. She tried to find some justification for it. There had to be one, right? She shook her head adamantly.
Im sure theres a reasonable exnation.
Like what?
Uh another decoy?
She suggested meekly. Jonas gave her a t stare. Valda shrank back.
Look, I just think
The girl started, but someone bumped into her from behind. She blinked, looking up as a group of students rushed forward, whispering amongst themselves. Valda frowned.
Hey, watch where youre going!
Sorry!
They quickly apologized before hurrying on.
I cant miss this.
Seriously, who do you think is going to win?
Valda narrowed her eyes as they continued. She turned to Jonas and asked.
What is going on?
Beats me. Want to check it out?
Maybe
The pair nodded at each other before following after the crowd. And there was a crowd. It was quite themotion. Arge gathering of both students and just regr people who lived in the magical city were standing at the courtyard just before the Tower of Truth.
Valda and Jonas went around the side, getting a better angle of what was going on. The child prodigy was curious about who was supposedly getting into a fight, but other than that, she found it quite immature. Watching fights for entertainment was such an unrefined disy from everyone involved.
At least, that was what she thought until she saw who was standing ahead of the crowd.
Thats Salvos!
Valdas eyes bulged from their sockets.
There was Salvos, arms crossed over her chest, head raised, and a smirk on her face. The silver-haired woman stared up the Tower of Truth as she waited expectantly.
Wait, why is she here?
Valda turned towards Jonas. Her friend didnt respond. His gaze was fixed on the weapon sheathed on Salvoss back.
Is that the Sword of Alexander?
What?
The girl blinked, snapping her gaze to the sheathed sword. Somehow, even through the leather sheath, she could see the glistening reflection of the Sword of Alexanders de from where she stood.
That means Im right
Valda gasped. Jonas blinked a few times. He nced between Salvos and Valda before slowly nodding.
You might just be right. But what is she doing?
I am not sure
She trailed off. They both stared on as Salvos paced before the Tower of Truth. The crowd watched on, whispering amongst each other in a hushed voice. Valda opened her mouth.
I should ask
The girl started, but all of a sudden, the double doors of the Tower of Truth swung open. Headmaster yton Skyshredder himself emerged from the tall building and cast his gaze over the crowd. His brows furrowed as he met Salvoss gaze.
What is the meaning of this?
He demanded. Salvos stepped forward, unsheathing the Sword of Alexander and pointing it at him.
yton Skyshredder!
Her voice boomed, echoing in the courtyard. Valda watched with bated breath as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy frowned.
What do you want, Sentinel of Secely?
yton Skyshredder asked as he crossed his arms at her. Salvos grinned and took on a wide stance. Her following words sent a ripple over the crowd. It made Valda stumble back in shock with wide eyes. It took the girl a moment to register it, but it was said clearly and loudly for all to hear.
I challenge you to a duel!
Chapter 460: Quick Duel
Chapter 460: Quick Duel
460. Quick Duel
I challenge you to a duel!
Salvoss words echoed in the vast courtyard. The susurration that gripped the crowd instantly vanished. The brimming excitement slowly faded away. A few heads turned to each other. Students, teachers, and the myriad of folks living in Mavos Academy exchanged confused nces. Valdas jaw dropped. Jonas blinked a few times.
It took a full second for the crowd to process what was said. And when they realized that Salvos was being entirely serious, they all had the same question in mind.
What is she doing?!
Valda stepped forward, wide-eyed. She nced towards Jonas, before returning her gaze back to the silver-haired woman standing at the first steps leading up to the Tower of Truth. Headmaster yton Skyshredder stared down at her from an elevated position at least fifty steps up above. And it seemed like he had the same question in mind.
What is the meaning of this, Salvos? If this is meant to be another one of your practical jokes, then I suggest you should put a stop to it this instant.
Oh, it isnt a practical joke.
Salvos smirked, starting up the stairs. ytons brows snapped together. Valda gasped, inhaling sharply. She turned to her friend.
Jonas we need to stop her!
But thats
Jonas bit his lower lip. Valda saw the look on his face. And she knew what he wanted to say.
But thats crazy were just kids! Deep in her heart, the young prodigy knew that her friend was right. But she felt the need to act regardless.
yton didnt move, even as Salvos continued to slowly approach him. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy simply bore his gaze into her with his arms crossed.
And why, pray tell, do you wish to challenge me to a duel?
Salvos shrugged simply as she came to a halt at the top of the stairs. She was now standing face-to-face with the elderly man. Holding his gaze, she spoke simply for all to hear.
Because out there beyond the safe confines of Mavos Academy the entirety of the Humannds is banding together to put a halt to the Demon Kings invasion of the Mortal Realm. And while the fate of all Humankind is at stake, youre still sitting here doing absolutely nothing.
She gestured vaguely in the direction of the Inoria Empire. Valda paused. The watching crowd hesitated. Once again, they all shared the same thought: Salvos is right.
Everyone wished that Headmaster yton Skyshredder would participate in the impending battle. After all, he was the highest-leveled [Mage] in all of the Human Lands. He was said to be on the fringe of Level 170. Only the Watcher himself was higher-leveled than the man. And the Watcher was a once in a millennia talent who was the first Human to reach Level 180 in over a thousand years.
Salvos unsheathed the Sword of Alexander, grinning as she bared her teeth to the Headmaster of Mavos Academy.
So, I challenge you. And if I win, let me be the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. Then you can stop being a coward hiding behind your Title and finally go out there to fight with everyone else.
It was a bold challenge. One which seemed asinine, even to Valda. There was no way that Salvos was going to win this fight. She wasnt even Level 150 yet. Of course, Valda believed that the silver-haired woman was at least on par with a newly-fledged Elite Ranked adventurer thanks to her [Hero] Skills. But yton Skyshredder was at the very pinnacle of the Elites,
Yet, when the young girl saw the confidence in Salvoss eyes when she saw the glimmer in not just the Sword of Alexander, but the boots that the silver-haired girl wore Valda somehow believed.
I suggest everyone get back.
Salvos took on a battle-ready stance. She raised the Sword of Alexander and clinked the iridescent boots on her feet together. The crowd shifted back as yton Skyshredder closed his eyes.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy spoke simply in a warning tone.
You do not wish to do this, Salvos.
But I do.
She eyed him dangerously. She was entirely serious. And Valda felt a bit of trepidation at what could happen next. Jonas tugged her arm, pulling her back to give space for the battle that was toe.
I see.
yton Skyshredder sighed. He crossed his arms as Salvos edged around him. The silver-haired girl was waiting for him to do something say anything. To confirm that he agreed to her terms. There was a tense moment of silence as the audience watched with bated breath. Valda could only hear the pounding of her heart in her chest.
Is this really going to happen? the young girl asked herself. The crowd had given both Salvos and yton a wide berth out of fear of the battle that was toe. But it wasnt enough.
A battle between two individuals at their levels wouldve surely decimated arge chunk of Mavos Academy. Perhaps the only reason why they didnt disperse was out of disbelief. The very same one Valda held.
This cant be happening. This
Very well, then.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy acquiesced, standing at parade rest. He nodded at Salvos with an expectant look.
You may give it your best shot.
The silver-haired girl narrowed her eyes. For a moment, she held her ground. Like she was waiting for yton Skyshredder to do something. She nced back towards the bystanders.
What about them?
No harm will befall the people of Mavos Academy, Salvos. I assure you of it.
Thats fine, I guess.
She shrugged. And as soon as that brief exchange ended, she vanished. Valda blinked. Salvos was gone. Only yton Skyshredder remained standing before the Tower of Truth. The crowd broke into murmurs.
What just happened? Where did she go?
Is she dead?
That cant be I didnt even see anything!
But she clearly got pulverized into dust, right?
Valda ignored their whispers. She leaned forward, her brows furrowed. Jonas tapped her on the shoulder.
Valda
Wait, I see her.
You do?
The young prodigy strained her eyes. It was difficult to see. But Valda did see Salvos. Just brief, quick glimpses of the silver-haired girl.
There.
Valda raised a hand, pointing past yton Skyshredder.
Shes moving so fast, I can barely keep up with her.
What? Thats not possible
Jonas gaped. But more and more people in the crowd saw it. Salvos was just a blur. Invisible to the naked eye of those who were too low-leveled to notice. She sped around yton, moving rapidly in circles to confuse the Headmaster of Mavos Academy.
But yton Skyshredder didnt react. He stood there with his hands behind his back, waiting for the silver-haired girl to strike. Salvos frowned, realizing that he wasnt going to do anything. Finally, she leapt forward, swinging down with the glistening de.
Take this
The Sword of Alexander shed with all the colors of the rainbow at once. Valda covered her eyes, bracing for the shockwave that was toe next. But the ground didnt ripple. The earth didnt shatter.
Salvos blinked as her swing was stopped right before yton Skyshredders eyes. He met her gaze as a semi sphere of golden energy enveloped him. A barrier that crackled with electricity, holding up against the Sword of Alexanders might.
No it did beyond just that. It absorbed the energy from the Sword of Alexander. The ground didnt break. There was no impact or dispersion of energy. Somehow, yton Skyshredders barrierpletely stopped the attack.
Salvos leapt back, narrowing her eyes as the barrier seemingly dissipated.
What is that?
[Concave Aura Reflector]. A barrier that absorbs all non-magical attacks and converts it to mana. While the Sword of Alexander exudes Divine Essence, it does not use mana.
He exined simply as the silver-haired girl stared.
Huh.
Seriously?
Valda watched in disbelief. Jonas nodded, cing a hand on his chin.
Ive heard of that before. Headmaster Skyshredder is supposedly the only man alive who currently has that Skill.
Salvos smirked as she raised the de once again.
Oh yeah? Well how about this
She vanished, appearing next to yton Skyshredder. She swung her de up, but the same barrier as before appeared. Again, the attack was stopped. But the silver-haired girl didnt let up there this time. She disappeared once more, reappearing only behind the man. A second strike blocked once more by the [Concave Aura Reflector].
Salvos assailed him from all sides, moving so quickly that it was all just a blur in Valdas eyes. But her attacks were fruitless against ytons barrier.
So what is Salvos doing? Valda asked herself. The silver-haired girl already knew that this wouldnt work. So why
And when Salvos reappeared thest time, the Sword of Alexander was wreathed in mes. ck fire. One that brimmed with an intense aura. Created from mana.
She grinned as ytons eyes flickered.
Divine Radiant
But before she could follow through with the swing, he shook his head.
That is enough.
Valda froze. The entire crowd stopped before. Salvos herself flinched for a moment, still mid-swing as she was gripped in a moment of fear. yton Skyshredder took a step forward as the barrier of golden energy shifted, and he raised a hand. A crimson sword appeared in his hand as the golden energy wreathed around the de.
And Salvos began to move once again. She finally broke free from whatever brief curse effect that was, only for the Headmaster of Mavos Academy to swing up with his own sword at the Sword of Alexander.
The golden light shed with the ck and iridescent light. For an instant, the sh engulfed Valdas vision. A shockwave rippled out as the ground cracked. Valda closed her eyes, staggering back until the shaking stopped. And when she opened her eyes, she heard a ng.
The Sword of Alexander went flying, ttering on the ground a dozen feet away from Valda. The young girls eyes went wide as she stumbled back.
W-what?
She stared at the iridescent de, realizing how close she couldve been to death. Jonas grabbed her and pulled her even further back from the fighting.
Meanwhile, Salvos was stumbling away from yton Skyshredder. The silver-haired girl tried to move for the Sword of Alexander, but something stopped her. A blue chain caught her by the legs, impeding her movements. She stared down at the magical manacles tying her down, only to look back up as a crimson de was thrust at her face.
She flinched, but the sword stopped just a single inch from her eyes.
Have you had enough, Sentinel of Secely?
yton Skyshredder spoke with his sword raised as he stood just before Salvos. She cast a sidelong nce to the Sword of Alexander, but the man raised his other hand, and the Mythical Grade artifact came flying to him. He pointed both swords at the silver-haired girl, continuing.
Or do you wish for this to be a duel to the death?
Salvos stared with wide eyes for a moment. Valda held her breath, looking on as her hero was cornered. Is this it? the young girl wondered.
Slowly, the silver-haired girl raised her hands as if she were giving up.
I dont.
Sheughed, and yton narrowed his eyes. There was a glimmering from his sleeves. He looked down to see a red sigil burned into the back of his right hand. Salvos nodded at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy.
[Mark]! Try and dodge that!
And she vanished. This time, she truly disappeared into a sh of warped space. She reappeared next to Valda as the symbol at ytons hand only grew brighter. Then she raised her arms, and the space surrounding the Tower of Truth grew darker like it was encased in a different dimension.
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. I win.
Salvos whispered. Valda gaped.
No way
The light grew brighter and brighter as yton Skyshredder looked up at the barrier of space forming around him to stop him from escaping. Perhaps it was to protect the audience as well for what was toe. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy just waved his right hand dismissively.
[Dispel Magic].
And all at once, the box of fractal space and the symbol burned into his right hand vanished. All the magicalmp posts lining the courtyard around the Tower of Truth flickered out. Valda blinked as her Ring of Lesser Protection lost its magic for just a moment.
Then the magic returned. The lights turned back on. All the enchantment artifacts in the area that had momentarily gone out were filled with mana once again.
Salvos blinked, looking at yton Skyshredder as he walked forward,pletely unharmed. Untouched, even. She stared at him as he came to a halt, looming over the silver-haired girl. Valda shrank back, even as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy asked a simple question in a calm voice.
Do you yield now, Salvos?
Thats
Salvos sighed. She looked at the Sword of Alexander in ytons right hand, then at the crimson de in his left hand. Her shoulders sagged in resignation as Valda continued to watch on in awe.
So this is the strength of the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world
Valda mumbled. And Salvos raised her hands, nodding.
I give up.
Chapter 461: The Vow
Chapter 461: The Vow
461. The Vow
This sucks
I groaned as I massaged my shoulders. My body still ached, even after the duel. I had lost to yton Skyshredder despite using the Sword of Alexander and the Boots of Alexander to help me. And if losing in front of hundreds of onlookers wasnt bad enough, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy promptly dragged me into his tower after the battle was finished.
I trailed after him as he led me down a long hallway. He nced back as he reached a door at the end, before shaking his head.
You have only yourself to me, Salvos. Your return to Mavos Academy was unexpected, and so was your challenge, but the oue is the only logical conclusion.
He spoke as he grabbed the door and pulled it open. Inside was a small box room. One that Id been in before. It would lead up to the top of the tower one that reached far above the clouds. He stepped in, gesturing at me to follow after.
I just didnt think youd be so strong! I mean sure, youre only the highest-leveled [Mage] in the Humannds. But still
I crossed my arms, harrumphing. He really was strong. However, I thought I had a chance against him. After all, I had fought plenty of people above my level before, so I thought this would go the same way. As it turned out, yton was stronger than even Belzu.
He waited for me at the other side of the doorway, and I followed him into the room. The door mmed shut. yton pressed his hand against some runes, injecting it with mana. The spell activated a moment after, before we began to rapidly ascend to the top floor.
What are we doing, anyway? If youre not going to help out, I have to get going, you know? Unlike you, I have a war to get to.
I spoke as I nced out the ss panels of this lift, looking down as the rest of Mavos Academy rapidly grew smaller beneath us. Clouds eventually blotted my view, and yton Skyshredder answered my question.
While I am not enthused with the disrespectful manner you have elected to visit the academy, I am d you did. For I have something to show you.
Something to show me?
I raised a brow. The room came to a sudden stop as we reached the top of the tower. I blinked, and the door swung open. He stepped out, and I was right behind him.
What are you
I paused as I turned the corner. A woman stood just before us. A middle-ageddy with light orange hair wearing a long elegant dress. She was decorated in jewelry, and she looked rather familiar.
She looked happy. Almost too happy. She wore a cheerful smile on her face, even when she politely bowed her head at us.
Wee back, Headmaster Skyshredder. And it is good to see you again, Salvos.
Good to see me again? Sorry, do I know you?
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. I really did think she looked familiar. But I couldnt quite ce who she was. yton Skyshredder cleared his throat and walked past me.
Centina, did you prepare it?
I have, Headmaster Skyshredder.
The woman raised her head, still smiling at the man. My jaw dropped.
Wait, Centina?!
I stared at her. She turned to me and nodded.
Yes, Salvos. Are you surprised?
Huh.
If I wasnt mistaken, thest time I saw Centina, she was a Centinel. An [Evolved Centinel] to be exact. Unless, somehow, she had evolved into a Human. Or maybe its an illusion. Kron was here too, after all.
That made more sense to me. I raised a hand, prodding Centinas sides ruffling her clothes. I took a step back and touched her arm. I raised it, and it felt like I was actually touching Human flesh.
The smoothness of her skin the coldness of the touch. It felt real.
Krons illusion magic must have really improved since Ist saw her, huh?
I continued poking Centina in awe. The woman coughed, pulling back her arm. She covered her mouth and shook her head.
Actually, Salvos, this is not an illusion. This is real.
What?
I froze. I slowly craned my neck to look up at Centina. She just nodded cheerfully.
Everything you see is real. I am currently a Human.
But how? Thats not possible, right?
I looked past her, turning to yton Skyshredder. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was waiting for me, but when he saw I wouldnt budge until I got an answer, he sighed.
It is thanks to a Potion of Transformation. Imissioned a bulk order from one of the highest-leveled [Alchemists] in the world. It works all the same as a [Druid]s transformation, albeit temporarily.
He did. And I am truly grateful to you for it, Headmaster.
Centina was by his side in an instant. yton quickly shrugged her off, shaking his head.
Now if you will follow me, Salvos.
Right, right.
I massaged my temples. I watched as Centina walked next to the Headmaster, still smiling as she stared intently at his face. He just looked straight ahead as he brought me down the hallway. I passed a room with a cracked doorway and stopped.
I frowned, looking in. A figurey strewn across a couch, belly up, foodin across the bloated stomach. Kron raised her head, turning to me with a smile.
Salvos!
Hey Kron! Im d to see that youre still a [Krokodis]. How are you doing?
I pushed the door open and waved at her. The alligator-like monster smiled at me with a toothy grin. She looked almost like a Kobold, except with far rougher features. Her tail wagged behind her as she replied to me.
Me eating! How you?
She gestured at the food on her stomach. I nodded, pointing at myself.
Im still Salvos!
Good!
Kron smiled at me as she munched on a chicken leg. I stepped away from the door, starting to close it.
It was nice catching up with you, but I gotta go now! yton needs me for something.
And me continue eat!
Kron waved at me with the chicken leg as the door closed shut. I stepped away from the doorway, and turned to see both yton and Centina waiting at the end of the hallway.
Salvos.
He called for me. I hurried after him.
Iming, Iming
That was something.
Jonas remarked as he sat down next to Valda. The young prodigy didnt look up at her friend. Instead, she had her hands on her knees as she stared at the ground.
I cant believe Salvos lost
The pair were sitting in the courtyard just before the Tower of Truth. Most of the crowd had scattered after the battle concluded, but there were still plenty of students lingering around. Especially after yton forced Salvos to follow him to his tower. They wanted to know what was going to happen with Salvos whether shed be punished for her challenge or let free.
I mean, it only makes sense, doesnt it? Headmaster Skyshredder is the highest-leveled [Mage] after all.
Jonas shrugged, leaning back on the bench. Valda shook her head vehemently.
But Salvos is a [Hero]!
Is she though?
The boy gave Valda a t stare. She crossed her arms, nodding.
I know that Salvos is a [Hero]. But even if you dont believe me, that doesnt matter. She had the Treasures of Alexander on her. Those are Mythical Grade artifacts! She should have at least been able to put up a fight!
The young prodigy hesitated. Lowering her head, she remembered how the fight went. The way it was resolved. And she tightly gripped the seams of her skirt.
But Salvos was defeated so easily. Headmaster Skyshredder didnt even break a sweat
That is true.
Jonas agreed, cing a hand on his chin. He nced up towards the Headmasters tower the tall building that reached above even the clouds.
I didnt expect Headmaster Skyshredder to be that strong. Honestly, he was just leagues above Salvos. And [Dispel Magic] is there even a limit to that Skill? Can he just dispel any spell thats cast against him? Ive never heard of it before.
Valda furrowed her brows, looking back up.
I have heard about it before. I think I read it in a book once that Melissa the Oracle of Light used [Dispel Magic] to stop the summoning ritual of a powerful Demon.
Seriously? Thats way too powerful. I cant believe it.
Jonas gasped. Valda paused. Her eyes narrowed as she looked towards the tallest tower of Mavos Academy.
I cant believe it either.
She abruptly got to her feet, starting forward. Jonas blinked and gave chase.
Wait, where are you going, Valda?
Dont you think that its weird that Headmaster Skyshredder, despite being that strong, is just sitting around in Mavos Academy while the rest of the Humannds are going to war?
Valda nced back at Jonas. He pursed his lips.
It is a little weird. But we all knew that, didnt we? I mean I always thought it was odd.
Its not just odd, Jonas. Its dangerous. Its harmful. To everyone in the world. To our friends and our family. They could die because he didnt help save them.
She shook her head before turning to face her friend.
Salvos couldnt even stand up to Headmaster Skyshredder. And shes Salvos maybe you dont believe shes a [Hero], but shes the one who killed that Primeval Demon that razed Nixa to the ground!
Actually, shes only one of the
Jonas started. The young prodigy just rolled her eyes in response.
You get the point, dont you? Im saying that Headmaster Skyshredder couldve dealt with that Primeval Demon before it ended up killing millions of lives.
...right.
Still, the boy remained unconvinced. He shook his head as he gestured vaguely towards the Tower of Truth.
But if Headmaster Skyshredder breaks his vow, hell lose his Title, wont he? Hes supposed to be the protector of Mavos Academy. He cannot participate in any wars or conflicts that are unrted to the safety of the school.
The entirety of the Mortal Realm is being threatened right now, Jonas. And Mavos Academy is part of the Mortal Realm.
This time, it was Valda to give her friend a t stare. She crossed her arms as she spoke.
Im not saying that Headmaster Skyshredder should have done it all alone. But Im saying he couldve done something then, just like he can do something now.
Valda continued, turning away from her friend. He still looked apprehensive to the idea. But he was following after her as she marched across the courtyard.
Arent there like dozens of other Elites participating in the war? Even Archmage Warshade is going to be there. What can Headmaster Skyshredder even do that others cant, anyway?
[Dispel Magic].
The young prodigy snorted.
There is a grand ritual happening in the Inoria Empire that needs some stopping, isnt there? Even if his [Dispel Magic] cannot stop the whole thing, it would surely help with slowing it.
Jonas paused. He stared at Valdas back for a moment. She stopped, waiting for him. He stood there in deep thought for a second, before finally nodding.
I think youre right, Valda. But what are we even going to do about it?
He gave his friend a helpless look. He gestured towards the tallest tower of Mavos Academy.
Were just a couple of kids. Headmaster Skyshredder isnt going to be changing his mind just because two students said so.
He wont if its just two students. But who says its just going to be the both of us?
Valda grinned back at Jonas. He blinked. His confusion was evident. His friend sighed and stepped aside, gesturing towards a group of other students gathered at the courtyard. Finally, the implication settled in. His eyes went round inprehension.
Oh
Chapter 462: Heroic Behavior
Chapter 462: Heroic Behavior
462. Heroic Behavior
After getting distracted three more times, yton Skyshredder finally got me into the room he wanted to bring me into. It was an ordinary room. There was nothing too special about it other than the fact that it was one of the few rooms without a window up here. Well, there was also that weird armorstand draped in a white cloth waiting at the center of the room, but other than that, there wasnt really anything of note.
Huh. So what did you want to show me, yton?
Please address me appropriately, Salvos.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy spoke in a reprimanding tone. I rolled my eyes as I turned to the elderly man, before speaking in an overexaggerated manner.
What did you want to show me, Headmaster yton Skyshredder of Mavos Academy and Mr highest-leveled [Mage] in the Humannds?
yton narrowed his eyes, but otherwise didnt press the issue any further. He turned expectantly to Centina, who nodded in response.
Yes, Headmaster.
She stepped up to the armorstand and peeled off the cloth covering it. There was a glimmer. A sh of iridescent light. I blinked, eyes growing wide.
Thats
The Breastte of Alexander.
yton spoke over me, walking over to the Mythical Grade artifact. He tapped the metal three times. Clink! Clink! Clink! It was almost as good as new. The Breastte of Alexander was nothing like it had been when I left it with him. It shimmered with the colors of the rainbow its polished surface as reflective as a mirror.
Woah.
I gaped at it for a moment. yton stepped back, standing in parade rest as he let me inspect the repaired artifact.
Did you really fix all this up? It was broken when I gave it to you it was in multiple pieces! Thats amazing!
I was genuinely impressed. I had thought the Breastte of Alexander was left beyond fixing after my battle with the [Ancient Centinel]. When I gave it to yton Skyshredder, I did it on a whim, not really expecting anything from it. This exceeded everything I thought was even possible.
Centina beamed in agreement. As if she was the one responsible for putting the Mythical Grade artifact back together.
It is very impressive, indeed. Headmaster Skyshredder has spent most of his free time in his already-busy schedule researching for a way to repair the Breastte of Alexander which you gave him. He even consulted some of the greatest Dwarf [Smiths] from the east
Centina
yton stared at the [Evolved Centinel]-turned-Human. But Centina didnt listen.
And through his hard work, he managed to put it all back together, albeit with some ws
Centina.
But it is truly quite the feat, considering he even leveled
Centina!
yton cut her off, raising his voice. His stare turned into a re, and Centina finally noticed it. She shrank back as she scratched the back of her head.
Oh, oops.
I cocked my head at them.
Huh? What was that?
The Headmaster sighed.
It is nothing.
He reached for the Breastte of Alexander and removed it from the armorstand. I watched as the man held the glimmering chest piece up in the air, before shaking his head.
But as Centina said, it is not fully repaired yet, Salvos. While it may look like there are no chinks in the armor, there are still some ws to it.
What do you mean?
I lifted a curious brow. He handed me the Mythical Grade artifact, gesturing me to try it on.
Wear it.
I hesitated.
Are you, um, sure you want me to do that? Thest time I used it, I broke it in a few months, remember?
I highly doubt you will be using it anytime soon, Salvos. Nor will anyone be using it anytime soon.
yton Skyshredder replied simply. I didnt understand what he was saying, so I decided to just do as I was told and put on the Breastte of Alexander to see what he was talking about.
Here goes
I hefted the armor over my blue jacket, waiting for something to happen. I wasnt sure if it was going to break or shatter or immediately fall apart. I looked down at myself, ready for the worst. The Breastte of Alexander shimmered as it usually did. It fitted right over my body as it was designed. And then nothing.
Nothing happened.
I twirled around, puzzled. When nothing continued to happen, I turned to yton usingly.
Was something supposed to happen?
Yes.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy nodded. He ran a hand over his flowing beard as he met my gaze.
Something was supposed to happen. And that is the problem.
What? I dont get it oh
It finally clicked in my head. I looked back down at myself at the Breastte of Alexander. It was a Mythical Grade Armor. One of the strongest defensive artifacts that supposedly existed. Its protective enchantments were supposed to be nigh imprable.
And it did nothing. It didnt offer me any inkling of an Aura of Protection. It didnt give me a boost to my [Vitality]. There was no additional resistance against anything.
I had used the Breastte of Alexander before. I was the reason why it was broken, after all. And I knew what it was capable of. I knew that it granted me three Temporary Skills, just like all the other Treasures of Alexander. However, for whatever reason, the repaired Breastte of Alexander gave me nothing.
I looked back up towards yton who just crossed his arms at me.
It seems youve finally realized the problem.
I do.
I nodded in agreement.
Its still broken.
Please dont do this, Valda.
I told you its the only way, Jonas.
But its embarrassing. You cant just ask students to
Valda ignored her friends protests, strutting up to the group of students waiting right outside of the Tower of Truth. They had been there when Salvos challenged yton Skyshredder to a duel. Four boys and two girls. They were older than the young prodigy, of course about five or six years older, by the looks of it. And they were still gushing over the fight.
And did you see the way Salvos
Yeah, but Headmaster Skyshredder didnt even
Excuse me!
The group of students paused. They turned to see Valda standing there, hands behind her back, facing them with a smile. One of the boys scratched his cheeks.
Uh, do we know you
Did you guys see the duel between Headmaster Skyshredder and Salvos the Sentinel of Secely?
Valda asked, practically speaking over the boy. He turned to his friends with a grin before nodding.
We did it was so cool! I was personally rooting for
That means you know the reason why Salvos was fighting, right?
The group of students blinked as Valda interrupted them again. They exchanged a hesitant nce with each other, and the first boy shrugged.
About getting Headmaster Skyshredder to join the war? Yeah, we sorta got the gist of it.
Do you support her, then?
Valda pressed the group. They shifted back ufortably.
Support her?
Her cause! Do you support Salvoss cause?
Well, I guess we do? I dont think anyone wants to see the world end
They voiced murmurs of agreement. Jonas watched on, pressing his lips into a thin line since he knew what came next.
Great.
Valda pped her hands together. She raised a slip of paper to the group, still smiling.
What do you think of enlisting for the war effort?
And the group paused. They stared at Valda.
Excuse me? What exactly do you mean by enlist?
One of the girls asked with a tilted her. Waving the piece of paper, Valda exined simply.
Obviously, I mean to join the war! Were all equal to any Gold Ranked adventurer, after all. I mean, youre Level 45 and hes Level 52! There are tens of thousands of Gold Ranked adventurers taking part in the war effort hundreds of thousands, even. And there are millions more soldiers who arent even Level 40 marching to the Inoria Empire as we speak!
Valda gestured emphatically towards the southeast in the vague direction of where the Inoria Empire was located. She shook her head, shoving the sign-up slip into the middle of the group.
If you truly believe in Salvoss cause, then you would join the war. It is as you said, the fate of the world is at stake.
She held their gazes. They looked at the young girl the prodigy who was epted in Mavos Academy. The gravity of the situation sunk in. The implications settled into their minds.
And they immediately ufortably backed away from her.
Uh, sorry, were a little busy at the moment.
Well think about it and get back to you!
Lets go, guys.
The group of students scampered off as Valda was left standing there, blinking. The young girl didnt move. Her hand was still outstretched, holding the piece of paper that blew with the wind. Jonas sighed as he walked up to his friend.
I told you, Valda, a petition to get yton to join the war would be better than this. No one is going to sign up to join a war on their own volition.
But a petition wouldnt get anything done.
Valda snorted. She turned to her friend, crossing her arms.
Everyone in Mavos Academy is already in support of the war. But that doesnt mean that Headmaster Skyshredder has done anything about it. The only way we can actually get him to go to the Inoria Empire is if enough of us head out to the battlefield and fight.
Jonas raised a dubious brow.
And why is that?
Because then hell have no choice but to fight with us. Hes obligated to protect Mavos Academy and all its students, after all. Otherwise, hell lose his Title as Headmaster of Mavos Academy.
Valda exined simply. Jonas nodded slowly.
Right. Well, I still dont think itll work. Youre not going to recruit anyone in Mavos Academy to join a war.
She snickered.
Well see about that.
--
They all said no
Valda slumped over a wall as Jonas snickered at her.
Of course they did. No one wants to lose their life in a war, Valda.
But why? I dont get it. Dont they understand they will die anyway if the nes continue to merge?
They just think someone else will deal with it for them.
The teenage boy shrugged. Valda pursed her lips. She cast her gaze over the courtyard. The evening crowd had gathered, now. Students, teachers, and citizens of Mavos Academy were rushing about for their dinner or other activities. There were more people to recruit than before, but the likelihood of getting anyone to sign up was as low as before.
Valda looked down at herself, feeling worthless. Like there was nothing she could do. And it was an unusual feeling for her. The young prodigy was ustomed to getting everything she wanted. Perhaps she wouldve given up there and then. However, something drove her forced her to get back up.
Im not going to give up.
She whispered. The young girl raised her head, casting her gaze up above the clouds.
Salvos wouldnt give up. Because She is a [Hero]. A true [Hero]. I know shes up there, doing everything she can to convince Headmaster Skyshredder to join the war.
Do it, Centina!
I urged the [Evolved Centinel]-turned-Human, bracing myself. The Sword of Alexander shimmered in her hands, but she didnt swing it just yet.
But
She started. And I spoke over her, tightly clinging onto the Mythical Grade Armor covering my chest.
This is for the sake of research! Just swing it at me! The Breastte of Alexander must hold!
What if it breaks? Cant we test it under safe circumstances?
Centina hesitated. I shook my head.
Just do it
And yton just picked me up with a sigh.
Thats enough, Salvos.
Aw
Valda rose to her feet. Jonas rolled his eyes at his friend.
Are you serious, Valda? Were going to do this again?
Yes.
She spoke adamantly, meeting his gaze.
And were going to do it right.
Valda
Jonas wanted to argue. He opened his mouth, but stopped when Valda began to march away. He gritted his teeth and hurried after her. She ignored him. The young girl didnt care whether hed help her or not. She was going to do this
And she bumped into a young boy before she could get any further. The boy younger than she was fell over with a yelp. Her eyes grew wide and she immediately began to apologize.
Oh, Im so sorry
Im fine, thank you.
He waved her off and got to his feet. Valda blinked, recognizing him as he dusted himself off.
Youre
She trailed off. The boy smiled politely at her, proffering a hand.
I apologize, I know it was rude of me, but I overheard what you were saying.
Valda absentmindedly epted the handshake as Jonas stared with wide eyes. The boy stepped back, bowing lightly as he introduced himself.
I am Rowyn Ino, former emperor of the Inoria Empire. And Id like to offer you my help.
Chapter 463: True Hero
Chapter 463: True Hero
463. True Hero
Just one swing, please?
I begged. yton Skyshredder sighed. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was adamantly against it. And it didnt make sense!
Didnt you say youre a researcher? Come on, yton! This is an experiment!
For thest time, Salvos, I am asking you to address me by my title.
He massaged his temples. I harrumphed.
Nope! Im not going to call you by your title until you let me take one swing at the Breastte of Alexander!
I tried to cross my arms, but the Sword of Alexander got in the way. So I just held the Mythical Grade Weapon behind my back as I made a scowling face. I side-eyed Centina who was holding the Breastte of Alexander, having removed it from my person at ytons order.
I cant believe youd do this. Traitor.
Sorry, Salvos. But what Headmaster Skyshredder says goes.
The [Evolved Centinel]-turned-Human gave me an apologetic look but she wasnt apologetic enough to even return the Mythical Grade Armor to me. yton shook his head in response.
This is not an experiment, Salvos. We know what will happen if you use the Sword of Alexander against the breastte at its current state. The metal will shatter.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy exined simply. I stared at him dubiously.
How do you know that?
Because the enchantments that make the Breastte of Alexander a Mythical Grade artifact will not activate. And without the enchantments, this metal is just metal. Even if it is blood forged from orichalcum, the most it can withstand is an attack from a High Grade Weapon.
If the enchantments dont work, that means you didnt repair it! You just fixed the metal!
I pointed at yton usingly. He strutted forward, taking the Breastte of Alexander off Centinas hands. He waved a hand over it, and I saw aplexwork of mana strands begin to unfurl before my eyes.
But I did. For you see, I have woven all the enchantments back in ce when I pieced the breastte together. It was a delicate process one which required the counsel of some of the greatest [Enchanters] I know. Maintaining the integrity of such advanced spellcraft when tinkering with the base of the Crux Symbol is no easy task, and it took me months ofbor to achieve this.
It almost looked like yton was speaking with pride of his aplishments. I couldnt really believe it I had never seen this look on his face before. His lips curled up under his long beard. I could see the way his eyes softened when ncing back down to the Mythical Grade Armor.
Then his gaze darkened. His brows arched darkly over his eyes as he spoke in a dour voice.
Yet, it still refuses to activate. Despite my best efforts, it still remains inert.
Huh.
I nced between the two people standing before me. yton wore a defeated look on his face, and Centina tried tofort him as she patted his shoulder. I snapped my fingers, speaking excitedly.
Thats why we should test it out!
Centina and yton looked up at me. The orange-haired woman gave me a t stare.
Salvos
It makes sense! Look maybe the Breastte of Alexander just needs a jumpstart, right? Besides, its best enchantments only activate when it is worn by someone. So just let me wear it, and you take a small swing at it with the Sword of Alexander!
I nodded eagerly, reaching for the Mythical Grade Armor. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy raised the breastte out of my reaching distance, and I pouted.
That is not safe, Salvos. You risk both endangering your life and damaging the Breastte of Alexander even further. Your recklessness is what broke it in the first ce. I will not have you destroying it a second time.
Aw
I slumped my shoulders. It didnt look like yton was going to budge on this issue. So I backed away in resignation.
Fine. But I dont see the point in showing me the Breastte of Alexander if its not even fixed yet and you wont let me test it out.
I sheathed the Sword of Alexander behind my back before crossing my arms. yton handed the Breastte of Alexander back to Centina and turned to face me.
I wanted to ask you some questions about how you broke it. See if it can give me any clues on how to find the root of the problem.
Didnt I already tell you what happened? I fought with an [Ancient Centinel] after fighting a bunch of Centinels for days.
I shrugged.
There isnt much else to the story.
I find it hard to believe that the Breastte of Alexander would be broken after a single encounter with an [Ancient Centinel]. These are swarm monsters you speak of, Salvos. Perhaps they may be the most numerous in all of Secely, but the fact still remains. It shouldnt be possible.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy studied me with a scrutinizing look. As if he didnt trust me. But I told him the truth. There was nothing else I could say. I did spend some time ying around with the Breastte of Alexander to figure out how it worked, but I didnt think I stole its Divine Essence or whatever when I got my Grand Skill or did I?
I narrowed my eyes, in thought.
Maybe Divine Essence has something to do with it
I murmured to myself. yton peered at me, curious as to what I was bbering about. I paused. My eyes widened as I remembered something.
Oh, I have a thing that can maybe help.
A thing?
yton lifted a brow. I reached for my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension], producing a book in my right hand. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy frowned. I smiled at him.
This is
And I was promptly cut off by the door swinging open. I blinked, and Kron waltzed in. Centina red exasperatedly at the [Krokodis].
Kron, how many times do we have to tell you not to interrupt us when were doing something important?
Me sorry, but something happening!
Kron gestured behind her. yton and Centina exchanged a nce. They followed after the [Krokodis], entering a round chamber with a ss sphere hovering at the center. I was a step behind then, staying in the room for a second longer to gaze at the Breastte of Alexander.
When I joined the three of them, they were huddled around the sphere, locked in a serious discussion. yton Skyshredder in particr didnt look happy. He stared down at the scrying orb with his lips pursed.
Thats
Valda?
I blinked as I saw the girl standing on the other side of the screen. I nced over at yton whose brows were scrunched together like he knew what was going on. She was speaking before arge crowd, gesticting wildly for them to hear. I frowned, turning back to the scrying orb.
What is she doing?
I wondered aloud.
It shouldnt work. It was ridiculous. Dumb. Foolish.
There were a lot of things Jonas couldve called it. He tried everything he could do to deter Valda, but she wouldnt listen. And that worried him. Because the n really was stupid. It made no sense. But most of all he was worried about the girl.
Still, Jonas could only watch as his friend mbered up the broken steps of the Tower of Truth before facing the courtyard from an elevated position. There were hundreds of people gathered around, minding their own business. The evening crowd. Some were eating, others wereughing and chatting. They wouldnt have even noticed the young girl standing where she was if she didnt shout for everyone to hear.
People of Mavos Academy! Gather around and listen to me!
Heads turned her voice echoed throughout the courtyard, drawing the attention of hundreds. A few dozen people stopped what they were doing to properly listen to what the girl was saying.
It wont work
Jonas whispered.
Please dont work
He closed his eyes, unable to do anything more but hope. He listened as the girl continued, using either magic or some artifact to amplify her voice even louder.
I am Valda! Im sure some of you may have heard of me. But I am the youngest student of Mavos Academy! They called me a child genius. A gifted prodigy. After all, what kind of girl would reach Level 60 at my age?
She gestured at herself, speaking emphatically. Jonas shrank back, biting his lower lip. Dont say it like that. It sounds like youre bragging, idiot.
And sure enough, there were a few groansing from the crowd. A few of the passersby continued on their way, annoyed that they stopped for this. But Valda wasnt finished. She shook her head, continuing.
While that may sound like I am bragging, I am not. After all, the truth is, I am just a student like any other. I am a Human, just like all of you. We are all just people. Individuals who cannot aplish much on our own. But together, there is much we can do. If we work as one, then we can be something more.
A few other folks students, teachers, and others alike paused what they were doing, growing interested in what she was saying. Valdas voice rose as a small crowd began to form before the Tower of Truth, and she gestured beyond the campus towards the southeast.
There are only a few individuals out there who have risen to greatness on their own. Who can effect great changes all throughout this world. And, more than ever, we need these individuals right now.
Valda swept her gaze over her growing crowd. They knew where she was going with this, so they flocked over to listen.
There is a war going on out there. Not just any war. Not a simple conflict between countries. It is a war for our survival. For the survival of all Humankind. If we lose this war, the entire Mortal Realm could be destroyed. These people these great individuals can do something about it. They can help prevent the world from ending. However, instead of working together with the rest of us, they hide away in safety, making up excuses, refusing to help.
She didnt mention any names. But it was quite clear who she was talking about. A susurration washed over the crowd as they whispered and a few of them even pointed back across from the Tower of Truth towards the tallest tower in Mavos Academy. Where Headmaster yton Skyshredders office was located.
Just today, Salvos. The Sentinel of Secely. The Liberator of the gunds. The true summoned [Hero] from Earth
The crowd paused. Jonas smacked his forehead. A few voices piped up.
Wait, Salvos is a [Hero]?
I thought the [Hero] was that other guy
Valda
Jonas stared at his friend. But she continued, uncaring.
And despite all that, when Salvos challenged Headmaster Skyshredder to a duel, she was defeated with ease.
Valda sighed, lowering her head. She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then she raised her head and gestured towards the crowd.
Im sure most of you watched that duel. And that oue only makes sense. Headmaster Skyshredder is the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. He is even stronger than anyone else alive right now, barring the Watcher. And just like the Watcher, what does he do? When there is an apocalypse-level threat looming over the Humannds, where are they? What are they doing?
That is true. I havent heard any news about the Watcher in decades!
When was thest time Headmaster Skyshredder even left Mavos Academy?
Mori dius died to those damn Demons, and where were they? They did nothing to save him!
I mean Mori dius survived, but you have a point
Jonas watched as the crowd began to voice their agreements with the young girl. And it was no small gathering. Hundreds of people had now joined in at this point. They saw themotion. They stopped what they were doing. And they listened in as Valda continued to make her speech.
Thats right. It doesnt matter if its the Watcher of Headmaster Skyshredder. None of the greatest champions of our era are fighting. When both our highest-leveled [Warrior] and our highest-leveled [Mage] are hiding from their responsibilities, then there is only one thing left to do.
Her eyes flickered. Jonas knew what came next was going to withdraw some of the support the girl had gotten. And she knew that too. But still, Valda went through with it.
We have to join the fight ourselves.
And the crowd froze. All their ardor instantly vanished. They shifted back exchanging worried and confused nces.
What?
Are you asking us to join the war?
Were just students!
They protested. Of course they protested. Jonas expected as much. Valda knew this would happen, too. That was why she wasnt alone.
A small figure strutted up next to the girl. Smaller than Valda, even. A young boy, about three years her junior, stood on the elevated steps and faced the crowd.
Valda is right.
The young boy said. And the crowd paused. They looked at the neer, recognizing who it was.
Thats
Rowyn Ino! The former emperor of the Inoria Empire!
I thought he was kept under Headmaster Skyshredders protection. What is he doing out here?
Rowyn Ino cast his gaze over the crowd, standing tall, despite being shorter than even Valda. It was simply his aura. The way he carried himself Jonas was impressed. But that was expected from an emperor, no matter how short his reign was.
I implore you all of you please listen to Valda. Shes right. Something has to be done about the Demons infesting the Inoria Empire. All of you have heard the news. But you didnt see what happened. You werent there to witness the horrors and atrocitiesmitted. You dont know what those Demons have nned
The young boy gritted his teeth. He hung his head low, taking in a deep breath.
They wish to bring the same destruction they brought over Elutra and Inoria over the rest of the Humannds. Your friends, your family, and anyone you know and love they will all suffer a fate worse than death.
The crowd listened as the former emperor continued his speech. Those who looked like they were going to disperse after Valda finished decided to remain, giving Rowyn a chance. Even more passersby joined, entranced by this appeal.
Youre afraid of what could happen to you in the war. You guys are students. I get it. I understand how all of you feel. I am afraid, too. We are all afraid
Rowyn gestured at himself, then Valda. And a brief murmur ran over the gathered crowd. They saw it a young girl and an even younger boy were doing whatever they could to stand up against the Demons. One of them was a literal child, and the other barely qualified as a teenager. And while they were both small, together they cast a shadow that enveloped the entire gathering.
The former emperor finished.
But if we dont do this, all of us are going to die. And if Im going to die anyway? Im not just going to wait for it toe. I did that once. That aplished nothing. All it led to was more suffering.
He closed his eyes, bowing his head. Valda nced over at the boy, pursing her lips. Rowyn said nothing for a moment. He stood in silence. And she grabbed him by the hand, stepping forward.
Whether or not you wish to join us, we wont force you. But we will be going to join the war on behalf of Mavos Academy. Those who want to follow, follow. Those who dont, dont. It is up to you.
Valda spoke as she walked down the steps, holding Rowyn in hand. She paused when she reached Jonas. She met her friends gaze.
The same goes for you, Jonas.
Jonas bit his lower lip.
I
And he trailed off. Jonas had nothing to say. He hesitated, standing at a loss of what to do with the crowd. They were too afraid to act. But they saw the bravery of the young boy and girl. And they felt ashamed. They stood in silence, holding still for a minute. Until, finally, someone stepped forward.
A tall blond man, handsome and charming, walked after Valda and Rowyn. He slicked his hair back, giving the crowd a helpless shrug.
Well, I guess it cannot be helped.
Thats Nn the Mighty Warrior!
A blue-haired woman gasped. Jonas recognized him as well. Nn was a student of the School of Aspiring Elites a Diamond Ranked adventurer who was more well-known for his tendencies to fool around with women than his actual adventuring feats. The blue-haired woman covered her mouth as Nn followed after Valda and Rowyn.
What is he doing?
If these two children are going to fight, then I will too. Honestly, I shouldve done something sooner. But s, what can you do about it?
He gave the woman a charming yet apologetic smile. He stopped before Valda, nodding.
Where do I sign up to join you?
Oh, uh, here.
Valda fumbled for the slip of paper she had paraded around the courtyard all day. It was crumpled and slightly torn, but Nn neatly scribbled his name onto it without a problem. He stepped back, standing next to Rowyn.
And the blue-haired woman from earlier started forward.
If Nn is joining, then so will I!
No, I will!
Wait for me, Nn my love!
A second and third woman immediately tried to cut in front. A few guys hesitated, seeing more and more women join Nns side.
Oh, Nn, you are such a brave man
They fawned over him. And a group of young men watched this unfurl. When they saw the way the women crowded around the Mighty Warrior, they immediately stepped up.
Were joining them too!
They cried out. Valda blinked as a crowd of young men and women flocked to her side, quickly filling up the sign-up sheet with names. She tried to organize them, but at this point, the floodgates had been opened. Half of the crowd had broken off from just watching, queuing up to form the army of Mavos Academy.
Valda couldnt handle these many people she had never been in charge of such arge group before. Rowyn took over, and she stepped back with a sigh.
It worked
She muttered. Then she blinked as a figure appeared next to her. Jonas stood there, nodding at his friend.
Valda Im sorry.
He bowed low as his voice trembled. Clenching a fist, Jonas spoke without meeting the girls gaze.
I shouldve supported you from the very start. But I
Its fine, Jonas.
She cut him off. Valda patted him on the shoulder, helping him look up. She met her friends gaze with a smile.
You didnt do anything wrong.
Jonas blinked a few times. Then he felt his eyes welling up. He held back a sniffle and stood up straight.
I will join you, Valda! I will fight by your side!
Valda smiled back at him.
Thank you.
And the scene continued to y out in the scrying orb. Over a hundred students and teachers of Mavos Academy already stood gathered around Valda, forming this little coalition of troops that would soon head out for the Inoria Empire. Those who were neither students nor faculty joined in as well. Whether they be hired guards, or they were simply folks who had moved into the campus to live in safety without any governmental interference.
There were so many people signing up to join the war. Perhaps soon it would reach the thousands. I just watched on, staring proudly at Valda. I only broke away from the scene when I heard a voice.
Me didnt know Salvos was [Hero]!
Kron piped up excitedly next to me. I cocked my head back at the [Krokodis].
But Im not a [Hero]? Im Salvos.
Me confused.
She scratched the back of her head. I nced away from Kron, looking back towards yton Skyshredder. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy stared into the scrying orb with an austere gaze.
What are you going to do now?
I asked, leaning forward. I peered into him, and his eyes flickered to meet my gaze. The elderly man shook his head, finally breaking away from the scrying orb.
If the people of Mavos Academy sallies forth into battle, then I will have no choice but to join them. It is my duty as their Headmaster to ensure their safety no matter what.
He spoke as he started off, walking to the exit of the room. Centina hurried after him, and I ced a hand on my chin.
Huh. Well thats cool. I guess I didnt waste my timeing here after all.
yton Skyshredder paused right before the door, a hand on the doorknob. He craned his head back, eyeing me suspiciously. I fluttered my eyshes innocently at him as his gaze bore into me.
Was this a part of your scheme all along, Salvos? Was the duel simply a ruse to rally support and force my hand?
He asked, eyeing me like a hawk. Every move I made every subtle facial expression change he saw it all. Upon hearing his question, I shifted back, hiding my hands behind my back. My lips curled up into a smile, and I held ytons gaze.
Then I shook my head.
Nope! This wasnt part of my n at all!
I see. Very well.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy nodded to himself, finally exiting the room. And then it was settled.
Mavos Academy was going to join the war.
I FORGOT TO POST Chapter 462: READ IT NOW BEFORE 463
I FORGOT TO POST Chapter 462: READ IT NOW BEFORE 463
If you read 463 today, just an FYI, I did an oopsie and forgot to post 462 yesterday. I am so dumb. I am so sorry ;-;
Pretend you never read 463 if you already read it and check out 462 first pls Salvos (A Monster Evolution LitRPG) - 462. Heroic Behavior | Scribble Hub
Chapter 464: Interlude – The Inoria Empire Part One
Chapter 464: Interlude ¨C The Inoria Empire Part One
464. Interlude - The Inoria Empire Part One
Heavy leather boots sunk into the mud. Thump, thump, thump. The haggard figures trudged along the winding gravel road, moving in a forced march. It wasnt that they were tired, per se. They certainly werent exhausted. Most of them were rtively physically fit in fact, many of them could even lift boulders over their heads like it was nothing.
The real problem was that it wasborious. They werent used to moving in such an organized manner. They were adventurers. Not soldiers. They didnt work in suchrge groups, nor did they need to maintain tight formations. Even inrge adventuringpanies, there was a certain level of rted to how they operated. The hierarchy was far less stringent, with most adventurers simply heeding their party leader.
Zack had never been a part of an adventuringpany, either. He had only ever worked as an independent adventurer. In fact, he had mostly gone solo until he met his team. His party. Helen and Jaakko. Both of whom became adventurers for vastly different reasons.
Helen needed to support her younger sisters education, and adventuring paid the bills. Meanwhile, Jaakko wanted to explore the Humannds. Simple reasonings, really. The same could be said for Zack who just wanted to learn more about magic without being able to afford and not caring to get a formal education.
Sure, Mavos Academy was great and all, but the things they learned were far from anything practical. That was why many of their graduates moved on to more administrative or research-oriented roles, rather than participating in anybat situation. It was also why so many of them stalled after reaching Level 70.
Zack was just over Level 90, now. He was closing in to his next ss advancement. So was Helen and Jaakko. His team was practically on par with a low Diamond Ranked adventurer. Which was why they were charged with this battalion of adventurers.
Well, specifically, Jaakko was ced in charge.
The Cyclops led them towards their destination. A valley that passed right into a river.
And why are we going there again?
A voice piped up. Zack nced back at the person who spoke up. She was a brown-haired woman who looked to be in herte twenties or early thirties. She groaned, walking sluggishly andgging behind the rest of the group.
Her name was Sha. She was a Gold Ranked adventurer. Everyone in this battalion was at least a Gold Ranked adventurer. But she was the newest Gold Ranked adventurer out of all and the least professional of them.
If you bothered to pay attention at all, youd know what were doing here.
Zack rolled his eyes. Helen red at him.
Zack.
He shrugged. His teammate took over, turning to Sha and exining.
Theres supposedly a garrison used for training new recruits of the Inoria Empire there. Were to subjugate it and get them to surrender without incurring too many casualties.
It was on Laux Lionfists orders. Hed sent this force of about a hundred higher-leveled adventurers off after theyd taken Helmfirth. One of the outermost cities of the Inoria Empire. Zack had been nervous when theyd arrived at the city. He expected there to be a drawn out siege thatsted at least a day, even with the sheer force of both the adventurer army led by Laux Lionfist and the Helbir Leagues army led by Peris Dolonia.
However, it was entirely resolved without drawing a single drop of blood. It seemed that morale in the Inoria Empire was really low, and since Helmfirth was still in the outskirts of the country, they had yet to be affected by the grand ritual taking ce, but had heard enough of the horrors from the refugees fleeing the Demon invasion, so they immediately surrendered, even against the orders from higher-up.
Because, to them, it didnt matter what their superiors said. While the sky above was still blue, and the ground wasnt made of white rock, they could see what was happening in the rest of the country. Up ahead, just beyond that valley, Zack could see a crimson sky, and he knew that was when things got serious. The coalition army of adventurers and the Helbir League had yet to encounter any Demons or even get into a fight, for that matter but that was going to change soon.
Sha gestured vaguely back where they came from.
Couldnt they have just sent a bunch of actual soldiers instead of sending us? Seriously whats the point? I thought we came here to fight Demons, not people.
We came here to liberate the Inoria Empire and repel this Demon invasion.
Jaakkos voice came out from up front. Sha and the nearby adventurers turned to face the Cyclops whose gaze was fixed forward.
We will only fight if necessary. The garrison only holds up to two thousand soldiers, most of them equal to a Silver Ranked adventurer. They will not be able to fight back, and as adventurers rather than an enemy nation, they will be more amenable to surrendering to our terms.
It was a simple exnation. One which Sha wouldve already known if she hadnt ignored Laux Lionfists briefing. But she refused to ept it, instead crossing her arms and turning away from Jaakko.
Right, so thats why we have listen to the Cyclops of all people. Got it.
There were a few murmurs almost of agreement. The Human adventurers were not happy that a Cyclops was ced in charge of them. And they clearly made their disgruntlement known.
Zacks brows snapped together at this disrespect. He whirled around, pointing at Sha.
You
Its not worth it, Zack.
Helen stopped him, pulling him back. Zack clicked his tongue. His teammate shook her head.
Come on, we just have to get our job over with. Lets not squabble amongst ourselves.
Fine.
Zack acquiesced unhappy, of course. Helen was clearly bothered by it, too. But the [Archer] ced logic above all else. Meanwhile, Jaakko didnt care. Not ostensibly, at least. And it made sense. The Cyclops was used to this level of discrimination, even if he was a well-respected high-leveled adventurer.
Were arriving there soon.
Jaakko spoke as he narrowed his single eye. Zack raised a brow, turning to the valley. He didnt see it. Not from this distance. But Helen leaned forward and nodded.
Seems unguarded. I dont think theyre even aware that Helmfirth has been taken.
As an [Archer], she had a variety of Skills and General Skills that aided her vision. Zack wouldnt be surprised if she could snipe down any patrolling guards in the garrison from this distance at her current level.
But she didnt do that. There was no reason for it. They were hoping to resolve it peacefully, after all.
Sean. Scout out the area for us.
Helen called out to the back. A [Rogue] stepped forward. Level 72. He nodded, without saying much else before vanishing.
Zack exchanged a nce with Helen. He looked back towards the small battalion of adventurers.
You know, what happens if the garrison refuses our terms of surrender?
While he was quite pleased to see Helmfirth fall without any deaths, he was rtively skeptical that this n would consistently carry over. Especially once they were further into the Inoria Empire. Helen shrugged as the battalion continued to march on.
Just got to give them a show of force, I guess. They should concede once they hear theres an army of hundreds of thousands headed their way.
And what if they dont?
Zack wondered aloud.
Do we just incapacitate them or do we kill them? Because fighting to incapacitate others is hard.
It is.
Jaakko spoke over the [Mage]. The Cyclops nced back once. He met Zacks gaze, before turning back around.
If it is necessary, well fight to kill. I would rather not lose any of our men.
Sha narrowed her eyes from behind. She snorted.
Of course a Cyclops wouldnt care about killing Humans
But Zack and Helen slowly nodded.
Right.
--
Soon enough, the battalion reached the very fringe of the valley. The garrison was there clearly a ce ill-equipped to fend off an invasion. It was stationed here to train troops, after all. Zack crossed his arms as the adventurers looked on at the walls lined with guards. [Archers] waited with their bows raised, already aiming for the adventurer battalion.
Well, this is just great. They know were here.
Sha harrumphed as she drew back, alert. Zack instantly raised a tome, ready to conjure a barrier if necessary. A dozen other [Mages] stepped forward, keeping prepared for anything. Zack grunted.
Where is Sean? He shouldve warned us about this.
He hasnt returned.
Helen pursed her lips as she nocked an arrow into her own bow. She nced up at the soldiers who had yet to fire, but were still on guard. Jaakko stepped forward, uncaring that he mighte under fire. He raised his kusarigama glimmering from its enchantments and pointed at the garrison.
We are the United Coalition of the Human Lands, and we are here to ask you to surrender. Helmfirth has already ceded to us. There is no point in fighting and wasting your lives here.
The [Archers] standing at the walls exchanged an uneasy nce. Zack narrowed his eyes. Theyre nervous, he observed. Helen seemed to notice the same thing.
But after a moment, they instantly resolved themselves. They held their ground and aimed directly at Jaakko.
We refuse! Loose!
One of the lead [Archers] shouted. Instantly, dozens of arrows came flying down at Jaakko. Zacks eyes flickered. He raised his spellbook, ready to cast a barrier to protect his leader. But the Cyclops hurled his kusarigama in the air. It flew in an arc swerving around, knocking the projectiles out of the air with ease.
Only a single arrow shot past the kusarigama. A Skill used by the lead [Archer]. Perhaps coupled with an artifact too. It curved straight for the Cyclops, the arrowhead glinting as it reached him. And Jaakko just raised a hand and knocked it aside.
This is yourst chance.
Jaakkos voice boomed as he walked forward. The [Archers] on the walls backed up in fear.
If you refuse again, we will be forced to make you surrender.
The lead [Archer] gaped at Jaakko, sweat dripping down the side of his head. He hesitated for a second. Then he shook his head, reaching for another arrow with a trembling hand.
W-w-we cant surrender we have no choice.
He closed his eyes as he nocked another arrow. Zack frowned. Jakko raised his single brow.
What do you mean?
The [Archers] aimed for Jaakko once again. The leader of the group shook his head.
If we surrender, well be
Theyll be punished appropriately.
A voice interrupted them. A figure emerged from the battlements. A gray-skinned man who dragged something behind him. Zack blinked.
Thats a Demon.
The adventurer battalion instantly tensed. The soldiers backed away from the Demon in fear. And the Demon smiled.
Sorry, I dont really likeing out either. This sun you Humans have is a little too bright for me. But I just wanted to return something you dropped.
What?
Jaakko stared. And the Demon just tossed what he was holding down the wall. A bloodied bodynded with a thud amongst the adventurers. A figure Zack instantly recognized. Helen and another adventurer ran forward, eximing.
Sean!
They stopped as they stared at the mangled mess. Helen shook her head, closing her eyes.
Hes dead.
The Demon just chuckled.
Of course he is. Look at him. You dont need to be a healer to understand that. Anyway, Im going back inside now.
He waved as he turned around to leave. Then he paused before the lead [Archer].
Oh, and while were in the middle of negotiations, I have a proposition for you, Edward.
The Demon gestured toward the adventurer battalion. Toward Jaakko who was gritting his teeth and tightly clutching the chains of his kusarigama.
Either die to them, or die to me.
The Demonughed.
I dont care, either way.
For a moment, there was no response. The Demon just vanished back into the garrison. Zack looked down at the corpse of Sean, feeling both anger and apprehension. I didnt get to identify the Demons level. He cursed, annoyed that he was too caught up in his shock.
Then Edward the lead [Archer] screamed.
Fire!
And a salvo of arrows rained down on the adventurer battalion, marking the start of the battle.
Chapter 465: Interlude – The Inoria Empire Part Two
Chapter 465: Interlude ¨C The Inoria Empire Part Two
465. Interlude - The Inoria Empire
A volley of arrows rained down amongst the adventurers. Some of them glimmered enchanted projectiles that were designed to explode or pierce through metal. Others were guided by a Skill. Or simply a result of their skill as archers.
Zack highly doubted it was thetter. Most of the [Archers] were low-leveled. Silver Ranked equivalent. Many of them probably werent even above Level 25. So the [Mage] didnt particrly care about them.
There was, however, a single low tinum Ranked soldier amongst the forces. The lead [Archer] Edward loosed bolt after bolt in rapid session. He was probably one of the ones in charge of this garrison until that Demon arrived. And he was rtively strong. All alone, he unleashed a storm of arrows down into the adventurer battalion.
Unfortunately for him, Zack was there. The [Mage] stepped forward, raising his spellbook.
[Partial Earthen Dome].
And bits of rock rose from the ground, rapidly intercepting the arrows, They shot into the air in the vague shape of a sphere around the adventurer battalion. The [Archers] paused as Zack spun around.
Helen.
Zack turned to his teammate. She nodded.
Right.
And Helen dashed forward. The [Archer] loosed bolt after bolt into the battlements, each arrow taking down three or four soldiers at once. An explosion rocked the walls, and she took her chance, sliding out of the orbit of the floating rocks.
She aimed for Edward as he fired his own flurry of arrows back at her. Helen shot them down in rapid session, one after the other. The two [Archers] were locked in a duel. Arrow after arrow shed into each other. But she was winning. She calmly unloaded on him as he frantically pushed back.
Then a pair of chains interrupted the duel. Edward blinked.
What
And Jaakko tugged. The chains of his kusarigama yanked Edward out of the battlements. The lead [Archer] yelped as he struck the ground hard, head snapping back from the impact. Zack pointed, ready for the man to move to get up.
But Edwardy there, unconscious. Shaking his head, Zack turned to the rest of the enemy [Archers]. They were quickly being taken out by the adventurer battalions. Even Sha was contributing, using a variety of throwing daggers to knock them off the walls.
Your captain is down! Just give up! Well spare you and deal with that Demon!
Zack shouted as another section of the wall crumbled. The [Archers] exchanged a nce. For a moment, they hesitated. Then finally, they threw down their arms.
We surrender!
They dropped to their knees as Jaakko gave Zack an approving nod. Helen smiled at him too.
Good job.
Thanks. But we still need to find that Demon.
He cast his gaze over the garrison. He saw figures moving behind the walls. Soldiers that were rushing into formation, still ready to fight.
And not everyone surrendered just yet.
Indeed.
Jaakko harrumphed as he walked forward. He turned to the rest of the adventurers.
Secure the area. Then find the Demon. Once we kill him, the rest of them will surrender.
The adventurers moved. There wasnt a proper formation employed. They mostly stuck to their own teams, taking the garrison while barely working together. They werent soldiers, after all. Adventurers rarely ever functioned in arge group unless it was some sort of Dungeon raid. And this was exactly the same tactics they were using.
No one was going to build teamwork with each other over the course of a single battle. So it was best to let them mainly cooperate with their own teams they were already limated to working with. Jaakko, Zack, and Helen quickly moved through the battlements and magically bound the surrendered [Archers]. They followed the rest of their battalion soon after.
Do you know where that Demon went?
Zack asked Helen as he sent a volley of Fireballs into the barracks. Dozens of soldiers went flying as he created a pair of bs made from mana and tossed them at another group. Helen spun around, firing a whirlwind of arrows in all directions, preciselynding on target each time.
His tracks lead to the center of the garrison. Over there.
She pointed at arge round building just up ahead. Its entrance was barred by ranks of soldiers. Zack narrowed his eyes. Those soldiers are Gold Ranked. He shook his head. They should still be easy work for a team of tinum Ranked adventurers.
But the courtyard filled with even more soldiers. Hundreds of them. The bulk of the garrison. Zack cursed, backing up. But Jaakko just charged straight forward.
To me, adventurers!!
The Cyclops bellowed. The adventurers refocused their attack, assailing the soldiers surrounding the courtyard from all sides. Jaakko spearheaded a group that bounded straight for where the Demon was hiding. Sha and a dozen other adventurers followed, with Zack and Helen by his side.
We need to be careful that Demon is strong.
Zack said as they reached the Gold Ranked soldiers. He raised his spellbook, conjuring a fiery serpent-like creature that shot forward. It crashed, exploding into a sh of brilliant light and knocking the soldiers back.
Helen scoffed as she loosed a barrage of exploding arrows.
Yeah, I think we all know that.
Jaakko leapt straight into the fray, swinging his kusarigama around like a cyclone of des. Thest rank of soldiers blocking the entrance fell, and the Cyclops nodded to his team.
Come on.
He ushered Zack and Helen forward. Sha and a few other adventurers followed as the rest continued fighting outside. The heavy double doors swung close behind them as they entered arge hall.
A Demon sat at the very center of therge chamber, resting his chin on the palm of his hands. He perked up when he saw the group of adventurers streaming into the room.
Oh? You guys managed to get this far? Youre stronger than I thought.
He got to his feet, dusting himself off. Jaakko marched straight forward as Zack, Helen, Sha, and the other adventurers spread out, circling around the Demon.
We have you cornered, Demon. We will not give you a chance to surrender.
Jaakko spoke as the chains of his kusarigama dragged behind him. The Demon just smirked.
But you see, you should be the one surrendering. After all
He took on a wide stance as ck mes exploded at his back. Laughing, the Demon unleashed a volley of ck mes out in all directions.
You dont stand a chance against me!
[Fiend - Lvl. 98]
Shit
Zack swore as he raised his spellbook, creating an air barrier around him and Helen. A few other barriers popped up around the room, but their protection was utterly eviscerated by this Demons attack. Adventurers were knocked back their enchanted armor breaking as bones were shattered.
Sha herself mmed hard into a wall, bleeding as ck mes burned her shoulders. Zack backed up, and Helen snapped to him.
Zack.
Shit, right
He rushed for the wounded adventurers, uncorking healing potions as he doused them with water to extinguish the mes. Meanwhile, Helen, Jaakko, and another tinum Ranked adventurer Avery rushed the Demon from all sides.
The Demon threw ck fireballs at Jaakko, but the Cyclops somehow moved with a mix of elegance and roughness, deflecting the salvo of spells. Helen nocked a glimmery arrow and fired it at the [Fiend].
The bolt exploded, knocking the Demon off bnce as Avery reached him. The man shed down with a broadsword, cutting the Demons back. And the Demon hissed in pain before returning with a ming uppercut. Avery went flying, onlyf or Jaakko to take over.
The Cyclops traded blows with the Demon as Helen supported him from behind. Jaakko was fairing well very well. But he was losing. And Zack could see that. The [Mage] quickly poured thest healing potion of Sha as she grunted, getting back up.
Ugh, fuck
She groaned, then blinked as Zack raised his spellbook once more. He pointed at the Demon.
How about this [Mud Touch].
The Demon backed away from Jaakko only for the ground at his feet to sink. That made him stumble for just a moment, before the Cyclops got to him. Jaakko raked his kusarigama across the [Fiend]s chest once then twice and thrice in an instant.
Six shes. All in the single blur of a moment. The Demon yelled out in pain as Sha stared on, wide-eyed.
Seriously? Hes taking on that Demon alone?
Hes not alone.
Zack shook his head, and an arrownded on the Demons shoulder. Helen smirked as the arrow ignited, and Zack pointed with a finger.
Jaakko is with us.
And a bolt of lightning shot out, striking the Demon as he burst into mes. A guttural cry escaped his lips as he copsed straight into Jaakkos sickle end. The [Fiend] writhed in pain, impaled by the kusarigama, defeated by the group of tinum Ranked adventurers.
Hey there, gasping for air as Jaakko drew back and flicked the blood off his weapons.
You have lost, Demon.
I have.
The [Fiend] closed his eyes, facing the ceiling. Zack, Helen, and the remaining adventurers joined the Cyclops in surrounding the Demon.
But you have made a grave mistake
The Demon shook his head as he winced in pain. Zack frowned.
What are you talking about?
You think youve won that youve beaten me, that easily. But I am not abat specialist. Far from it, in fact.
Smiling, the [Fiend] looked back towards the adventurers. He cackled, coughing in pain between eachugh as he spread his arms wide.
I am the equivalent of what you Humans would call a [Beast Tamer], and killing me has only opened the gates to your demise.
I think we should just kill him now.
Sha shook her head, raising a dagger. Jaakko rubbed his chin, in thought. But before anyone could say anything else, the heavy double doors swung open. An adventurer came running in, shouting.
Jaakko! We have a problem!
What is it?
The Cyclops narrowed his single eye. Zack spun around, blinking. The sounds of fighting seemed to have stopped. At least, Zack didnt hear any shing of metal. But instead, he heard something soft echoing in the background. A howling.
Then he heard more of it. Howls that echoed one after another. A cacophony of doom. They all heard it. Not just the adventurers, but the soldiers too. The Inorian troops dropped their weapons, trembling as they resigned themselves to their fate.
Were going to die
What do we do?
Theres nothing we can
Zack heard their terror. He saw the way they gave up on the spot. And he knew what it meant. The adventurer who barged in the room shook his head.
Demons. Dozens of them. Hundreds, even. Maybe more. And theyre alling here.
But how?
Helen asked, jaw agape. And a weak voice answered.
I was the only thing keeping them back. Now now youll see why your only fate is death.
The [Fiend] gasped onest time before going limp. Hey there in a puddle of his own blood, sumbing to his injuries. Zack, Helen, and Jaakko ignored the corpse, rushing outside to the walls and surveying the situation.
Zack pursed his lips when he saw the moving figures. Four-legged beasts that prowled along the grass. Tall bear-like Demons that lumbered down the gravel road. There were even giant spiders that leapt around either side of the valley, stalking their way to the garrison.
This is were surrounded.
We noticed.
Helen remarked tly as Demons encroached on them from all sides. Jaakko shook his head, turning back to face a group of stunned adventurer [Mages]. He gestured at the broken walls.
I want these walls repaired right this instant.
They blinked, breaking from their stupor.
R-right.
The Cyclops marched forward to the kneeling Inorian soldiers. Zack gave chase, calling out to his leader.
Jaakko
Send a message spell to Laux Lionfist. Tell him weve managed to subjugate the barracks, but weve fallen from an enemy ambush. Ask for aid, immediately.
Got it.
Zack nodded as Jaakko faced the Inorian troops. He loomed over Edward and ripped off the [Archer]s bindings.
Get up if you want to live.
Edward stared at the Cyclops. The Inorian [Archer] nced around, befuddled.
What are you doing? What
And then he paused as Jaakko shoved a bow at his face. The Cyclops held the Human mans gaze, nodding.
We fight.
That was all Jaakko said before turning back around. Edward looked down at the bow for a moment, before Helena patted him on the shoulder.
Come on. I have some arrows to share. Were going to need to work together if we want to get out of this alive.
She ushered him to follow. A few other Inorian soldiers exchanged confused nces. Edward hesitated for a second, before turning to his troops.
What are you lot waiting for? Move!
Chapter 466: Shadows Unveiled
Chapter 466: Shadows Unveiled
466. Shadows Unveiled
It took a week. But they had finally arrived.
Even with all thebined movement Skills of all the leadership Titles in the army, it took a while to reach their destination. Still, a week was quite literally ten times faster than Daniel expected it would take for them to arrive.
He looked up, casting his gaze towards the crimson sky. He felt an odd sense of oppressive heat bearing down on him. Even though the sun was setting, it was hot. There was an intensity that came from straight above. From the red dome tainted with the color of blood from a grand ritual that sacrificed millions of lives.
This is the Inoria Empire?
Daniel asked as he turned to hispanions. Well, they werent hispanions not in the same way Salvos would describe apanion. Rather, they were his escorts? Bodyguards, even.
There were many things he could call them. But they were known as the Hand of the Den of Souls. [Crusaders] who were often sent out to do the dirty work for the Council of Cremont. While they ultimately only adhered to the Den of Souls, most of their duties rted to matters that impacted all of the three religious sects in the Humannds.
One of the [Crusaders] nodded back at Daniel. Her name was Kacey. She was Level 121. Meaning she was lower-leveled than him. As were the other two [Crusaders] nking her sides. He was a Level 125 [Hero] who wielded the Sword of Alexander. He didnt quite understand why he needed bodyguards.
Honestly, they felt a lot more like they were there to watch over him rather than to guard him. Without either Thorsten Sigefried or Ulric Magnus here the [Archbishops] refused to step into the frontlines there had to be someone there to keep Daniel in check.
And Kacey it was.
Indeed.
She replied in a tinny voice. Her metal visor was still down so Daniel couldnt see the expression on her face, but she always kept the same serious tone.
ording to our approximations, one-tenth of the Inoria Empire has already been turned to a barren wastnd. Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer and his forces have already secured and eradicated one of the sub-ritual sites in the northeast.
Kacey produced a map of the Inoria Empire. There were thirteen points marked across the country. Half of them intersected into the former Elutra Kingdoms territories too. It created the clear shape of an upside-down star, with one of the marked points crossed out. She pointed at the two marked points closest to them.
Laux Lionfists troops have split with the Helbir Leagues army to disable these sub-ritual sites. They have met a lot of resistance on their way there, mostly from hordes of monster-like Demons, although there have been some retaliation from Inorian soldiers as well.
Why would Inorias soldiers even fight back against us?
Daniel raised a perplexed brow.
Arent they at threat of those Demons too? Youd think theyd help us instead of fighting us.
ording to reports, they are being coerced to repel our invasion and ignore the Demon invasion. I believe that is an borate way of saying they are being threatened by the Demons to fight back or die.
Kacey exined simply. She shook her head after a moment, sounding annoyed. The first sign of any emotion from her.
Honestly, I find their cowardice to be ridiculous. I would rather die than work alongside a Demon.
Daniel scratched the back of his head, remembering that Salvos was in the coalition army. I wonder what Kacey would do if she finds that out? the idle thought crossed his mind. Of course, he didnt say any of that.
...right. And what about the Eastern Kingdoms? Or the Vaun Qieur Empire?
Their forces have just arrived within the borders of the Inoria Empire. Like us, they are on their way to their own sub-ritual sites.
And which site are we headed to?
Daniel asked as he leaned over to look at the map. Kacey pointed to a point in the southwest.
Here.
And the young man from Earth paused. His eyes grew wide when he saw the marked site. A cityid there at one of the thirteen points of the upside down star. He stared at it, whispering.
Thats
Ertos.
Faith El, the Fallen Queen of Elutra, rubbed her temples as she stared at the map. At the point in the reverse thirteen-pointed star they were headed to. She recognized the topography of it. Of course she would. After all, it was
My home city. The Capital city of Elutra. It has been turned to one of the sub-ritual sites
She closed her eyes and leant back. A burly man stared at her from behind. Gavyn, the leader of Elutras Resistance, gritted his teeth. Faith opened her eyes and met his gaze.
Im sorry, Gavyn. I know I promised you that we would save them. But Ive failed you. Ive failed them. Our country. Our people I couldnt save them.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra spoke somberly bitterly. She was upset at the world for not acting soon enough. If they had united back when she first tried to warn them years ago but no. It just meant she didnt try hard enough.
Faith wanted Gavyn to p her. She wanted to be punished for her failures then as a Princess, and now as a Queen. Her lips began to tremble as she continued to speak.
I made you abandon our city. Our people. It is my fault this happened. I really am a failure of a monarch, arent I?
She knew this wasnt a talk befitting her. However, the realization of it all bore down on her. The Fallen Queen of Elutra said nothing more, simply luxuriating in her own failures. Then a hand came to rest on her shoulder. Blinking, Faith looked up to see Gavyn standing over her.
He was not alone, either. Zane and Willow two other members of Elutras Resistance stood next to him. They nodded at her. At the Fallen Queen of Elutra.
You are not a failure. You are our Queen. You have given us hope when hope was lost. Without you, we wouldnt even have a chance to fight back.
You
Faith just stared at them. At her supporters. Even if they had only known her for a few months, they had always given her their undying support. Gavyn spoke reassuringly.
Well liberate the city. We will destroy this grand ritual. And we will save our home.
The Queen paused. Then her lips curled up. Smiling, she turned around and continued marching forward.
Right.
Getting to Ertos wasnt as easy as it seemed. While it might seem like a simple trek, there were a lot of obstacles along the way. First of all, the earth here had been terraformed into a smooth white rock, which made marching annoyingly difficult. Secondly, there was the oppressive heat from the red sky.
If this was the naturalndscape of the Netherworld, Edithe could finally understand why Demons were so strong. Being born into this having to constantly fight for survival. It was intense.
But these were minor grievances at most. The real problem that drastically slowed their march, grinding it to a halt, was the constant attacks.
Look out!
Edithe yelled as she raised her staff, pointing atop a nearby rocky hill. A pack of tall bear-like creatures bounded down towards the army. There were dozens of them iparable to the army of a hundred thousand. But still, they came forward without apprehension.
After all, they were Demons. [Hellbeasts]. Each of them were as tall as the tallest Cyclopes. They roared a terrible war cry, only for a rank of them to be instantly blown to bits.
Edithe lowered her staff as a group of adventurers and soldiers charged forward. They shed with the [Hellbeasts], loosing arrows and magical projectiles from a distance. It was a short battle. The Demons were outnumbered, outleveled, andpletely outmatched. Shaking her head, the redhead murmured.
These wild Demons wont stoping
She sighed. It was more cumbersome than anything. The army was barely taking any casualties. But having to constantly repel these attacks drained them. Edithe turned to the man apanying her.
Hadrian looked just as exhausted as she was. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company was worn down from the constant fighting, especially when stronger Demons showed up and assailed the army.
Edithe looked at him with a weary face.
I think we need a break, Hadrian. We cant keep up this pace forever.
He pursed his lips. The man nced back at the adventurers and soldiers streaming away from the dead Demons. They were tired. All of them were. After a week of non-stop travel, no amount of potions or Skills would prevent exhaustion from settling in.
Hadrian shook his head.
While I wish it would be up for us to decide, well have to speak with the higher-ups. Maybe Helena Warshade would listen. But Mori dius has been
Right.
Edithe understood what he was saying. She noticed it, too. The Champion of the Human Lands was a very different person than she expected him to be. Perhaps it mightve been due to his supposed amnesia whatever condition he was going through was apparently brand new.
But he was well, passionate about repelling this Demon invasion. On one hand, that could beuded. On the other, it almost felt like he was treating the army as nothing more than ves.
We can talk with them together. We really cant keep going on like this.
Edithe turned to her leader. He nodded slowly. Still slightly apprehensive, but reassured knowing that shed be there with him.
Youre right, Edithe. We should
Hadrian started, but paused. His eyes flickered, and Edithe spun around. The two of them looked up towards a nearby hill as a creature shot out into the sky. A winged beast that moved at incredibly high speeds. A Demon. A Subspecies was familiar to Edithe.
Thats
Her eyes grew wide as Hadrian took on a defensive stance. The nearby adventurers and soldiers backed up in fear as the wild Demon roared.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 130]
Everyone get back!
Edithe yelled as panic broke out. Just the sight of the high-leveled Archdemon alone shattered the ranks and formations of the front of the army. The redhead cursed, raising her staff as the Demon shrieked.
It flew up higher and higher, rising towards the bloodied sky. Edithe was just about to unleash a volley of spells at the wild Demon, when it suddenly jolted to a halt. Its wings stopped beating. Its entire body tensed and convulsed.
Then the [Savage Agarat] fell from the sky. It came crashing down,nding right ahead of the army with a heavy thud. Edithe stared at this scene, perplexed. She couldntprehend what she just saw. She stepped forward, raising her staff warily. Just in case this was some kind of a trick.
Edithe, be careful
Hadrian warned her as he drew his de, inching ahead of the redhead. She paused, furrowing her brows as she inspected the Demon.
Its dead.
She observed. Then she shook her head.
It was already injured before it got here. It simply sumbed to its wounds.
Edithe drew back from the bloodied corpse. The [Savage Agarat] had been wounded from all sides by what seemed to be a flurry of pinpoint strikes. She wondered what couldve done this. Was it another Demon? A Human? A monster?
She didnt know. But when she saw the shadows moving right at the corpses feet, she backe away in rm.
Hadrian
Edithe called out, and the man nodded as he raised his de.
Thats
They both paused as the shadows shrank away, revealing a figure hiding within. No a pair of figures. Edithe blinked, recognizing one of them immediately.
Youre Orgaf?
She stared at the Thief of the Golden Scales. He had a bleeding woman slung around his shoulders. He was wounded, too. Exhausted and on the brink of copse. He met Edithes gaze and grunted.
Bring me to Helena Warshade. Now.
Chapter 467: Legions
Chapter 467: Legions
467. Legions
Daniel entered the tent and came to a halt. He stared at the small crowd gathered inside most of them were familiar faces. Important people. High-leveled individuals. Helena Warshade, Scarlet Vermillion, Mori dius were to name a few.
Edithe was there too. Daniel nodded at her and nced around.
Whats going on?
Orgaf is back.
She replied simply. The young man from Earth raised a brow.
Orgaf was gone?
Apparently, he was sent on some super secret mission. And well, things didnt turn out so well for him. Im not really sure of the details, myself.
Right.
Daniel crossed his arms with a frown. The tent p flew open, and heads turned. Kacey entered the room,ing to a halt right next to the [Hero]. He blinked.
What are you doing here?
I am here on behalf of the Council of Cremont.
She spoke in her usual calm voice. Daniel paused.
But arent I here on behalf of the Council of Cremont?
Indeed.
And?
Multiple representatives are not umon in an important meeting.
Kacey replied in her usual tinny voice. Even in this setting, the [Crusader] never once removed her helmet. Daniel shrugged.
I guess
He knew she was probably here because the [Archbishops] didnt fully trust Daniel just yet. And they had every right to be distrustful. After all, the [Hero] was more or less coerced to join them.
Where is the Thief of the Golden Scale? I was under the impression he is supposed to be here.
Kacey asked as she scanned the room. Daniel shrugged.
I dont know.
And what about the Shadow Consort?
I dont know who that is.
The young man sighed. He stood there in between Edithe and Kacey as they waited for Orgaf to show up. Once again, the tent p flew open. All heads in the room faced the neer. And Daniel blinked.
Amanda? Wait, why would they let you in here?
Why shouldnt I be here?
The former assassin snorted. She strolled in casually, then paused as she eyed both Edithe and Kacey standing next to the [Hero]. The [Crusader] didnt react, but Edithe massaged her temples.
Oh.
The redhead knew what wasing next, even if Daniel didnt. Amanda crossed her arms and harrumphed.
I can see why you didnt want me to be here.
What?
Daniel blinked. But Amanda simply marched to the other side of the room and sat there. She was sulking. Evidently so. The young man just stared.
Uh, was it something I said?
Daniel
Edithe sighed. He gave her a confused look.
What?
Its nothing. Youll figure it out eventually.
Daniel scratched the back of his head, still bewildered. But he just shrugged it off. They continued to wait as Orgaf still had yet to show up. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Finally, Daniel opened his mouth.
Where is
And for the third time since Daniel got here, the tend p flew open. He looked up, expecting to see Orgaf standing at the other side. But much to his surprised, it was someone else.
Im baaaaaaaaaaack!
Salvos casually strutted into the tent. She waved at the room as she continued walking as if no one was staring at her judgingly.
Hey, Daniel. Edithe. Mori. Helena. Amanda
Then she paused. Salvos finally noticed the way everyone was looking at her. She cocked her head.
Huh.
The Demon pointed at herself curiously.
Am I interrupting something?
She asked. Daniel just rolled his eyes. Edithe nted the palm of her hand onto her forehead. Helena Warshade just red at the silver-haired girl. But the one who answered came from just outside the tent as the p opened onest time.
No, no you arent.
Orgaf walked in, followed by a woman dressed in shadows. He gestured for Salvos to take a seat, before addressing the room.
Alright. Heres what happened.
...so what youre saying is that Archdemon Ira is no longer an Archdemon, but is now a Primeval Demon.
Helena Warshade rubbed her chin as she finished listening to Orgaf speak. I nced between the two Elites. They wore dour looks on their faces. It wasnt just them. Everyone present seemed caught in a grim trance.
I wished Willy were here. Hed be able to lighten the mood.
Orgaf shook his head.
And whats more Ira is now a [Hellprince] too. So were once again back dealing with two [Hellprinces] in the Humannds.
My eyes flickered as he spoke. I nced over at Helena Warshade who simply closed her eyes. Mori dius leaned forward, nodding.
I see. I think I understand the situation now.
All heads turned to face the Champion of the Human Lands. Mori got to his feet, facing the room.
While my memories are still foggy, I vaguely remember fighting one of these [Hellprinces]. Is that correct?
Scarlet nodded.
I was there I saw what happened. You bravely fought off that wretched [Hellprince] Belzu, only to be ambushed by a second [Hellprince] as you were about to deal the finishing blow.
Mori dius paused. He stiffly nodded in agreement.
Right. And I believe that this only reaffirms my conclusion.
And that is?
Helena asked, cracking a single eye open. Mori shook his head.
We will have to be more aggressive in our counterattack. Right now, with Lofuss sacrifice, we have brought down one of the second sub-rituals. But there are still eleven more out there. And that is not to mention the main grand ritual happening at the heart of the Inoria Empire.
He gestured vaguely towards the northeast. The Champion of the Human Lands started forward as Scarlet followed.
That is why we should continue to march. The sooner we destroy the sub-ritual at Ertos, the sooner we put a stop to this madness.
Right!
Scarlet agreed. There were murmurs of agreement from all around the room. Only Helena Warshade didnt look too enthused by Moris words. And I could kind of guess why.
The discussion seemed like it was over. It looked like everything was settled. That was when I finally decided to speak up, getting to my feet. I pped my hands together and drew everyones attention before they could leave.
I agree! We need to put a stop to this grand ritual sooner thanter.
Mori turned to face me inquisitively. Daniel blinked. Edithe just raised a brow curiously. Helena Warshade frowned clearly suspicious. I took a step back, spreading my arms wide.
Which is why I got yton Skyshredder himself to join the war! Yay! Everyone cheer!
They didnt cheer. Instead, the entire room paused. They stared at me in disbelief. Mori dius opened his mouth, before closing it again. Helena got to her feet, wide-eyed.
You what? But how? Even I
She cut herself off. I beamed, hiding my hands behind my back. When I raised my hands, I was holding up the Sword of Alexander.
Here you go, Daniel.
I handed the iridescent de to the [Hero]. He blinked at me, epting the Mythical Grade Weapon. He narrowed his eyes, eyeing me with the same suspicion everyone else in the room bore.
Salvos what did you do?
I just smiled back at him.
Nothing!
And I was telling the truth.
There it is.
Daniel eyed the city in the distance. Their destination. After another day of forced marching, they had finally arrived.
Ertos.
He whispered the name of the city. This was the ce he was most familiar with in this world. He woke up right there, in Ertos. Every morning, he would see the sun rise behind Mount Soulcreep. He would see a flock of [Pegasus Knights] take off in their training.
He remembered feeling like he was on top of the world. Beautiful women vied for him. Everyone turned to him for his guidance. And while the same could be said for his situation right now, Daniel didnt feel the same way he did before.
Instead, he felt the pressure. The very real responsibility that came with being a [Hero].
Weve finally returned. And its time to right my wrongs once and for all.
He drew the Sword of Alexander and started forward. Behind him, an army of adventurers and soldiers had amassed. He stood at the very front the head of the forces gathered before Ertos.
We just have to retake the city and put a stop to the sub-ritual.
Kacey spoke simply next to him. The [Crusader] had a halberd in hand. Her visor was down, as per usual. She eyed the abandoned buildings.
Eradicating the stray groups of Demons wandering the streets should be a rtively easy task. Our biggest worry is if
She started, then paused. Daniel nced towards her, noticing her demeanor change. He narrowed his eyes at her.
Whats wrong?
Then he noticed it too. He felt the earth shaking. The young man from Earth heard the thunderous marching. He looked up, seeing the gates of the city open. A sea of figures poured out of the city. They moved in an orderly fashion. More organized than even the most well-trained armies.
Daniel saw the pink creatures. Demons with stubby legs and snout-like noses. They looked like pigs that stood on two feet adorned in armor, ready for war just as the coalition army was.
The [Hero]s eyes grew wide. He backed up, and the adventurers behind him trembled as the ground shook.
What are those things?
Theres not way theyre Demons right?
What do we do?
And as the Human army was locked in ce out of fear and shock, the Demons moved. They marched at the exact same time, their voices bellowing out, audible even from miles away.
WE ARE LEGION. WE ARE READY. WE SERVE OUR KING.
There were tens of thousands of them. Maybe even more. And they charged forward, echoing a wary cry.
WE ARE LEGION, AND YOU WILL DIE!
All the Human army could do was brace themselves for the battle toe.
Chapter 468: Battle for Ertos
Chapter 468: Battle for Ertos
468. Battle for Ertos
WE ARE LEGION FOR WE ARE MANY.
The earth trembled at the shaking of their voice. The Demons numbered in the tens of thousands. Not quite asrge as the Human army that waited outside the city of Ertos. However, they were certainly far more organized.
The [Lesser Legions] marched forward in unison. I could hear the hushed mor of their marching. Each step they took boomed out as a single thunderous noise they were entirely in synchronization. I had never seen anything quite like it before.
Inparison, the adventurer army just outside of the city was an unorganized mess. From my vantage point where I floated, I could see the stark contrast. The adventurers werent lined up in rank and file. No, they mostly stuck to theirpanies or their teams. They gathered around like they were the afternoon crowd on market street. Like they werent even sure why they were there.
When faced with this opposing army, they drew back. The adventurers hadnt been prepared to face an army. Based on everything they had encountered so far, they were expecting to fight off a horde of monster-like Demons. Now that was something they were more ustomed to as adventurers.
But this was an organized army of Demons. The [Lesser Legions] moved like they were better trained than even the best armies of the Mortal Realm. And that struck some fear into the adventurers. Hesitation and apprehension seized them.
And a loud voice echoed throughout the adventurer army. A single voice that somehow boomed louder than the marching Demons.
Adventurers!
Daniel Song, mypanion, and a [Hero] or whatever, stepped forward. He drew the Sword of Alexander, raising the iridescent de high as the adventurer army turned to face him.
Why are you afraid? We dont need to be scared of these Demons. We came here expecting a fight, didnt we? We came here to save our families and protect our friends. So we dont have to be afraid.
He shook his head as the Mythical Grade Weapon began to shine with white light. An iridescent aura wisped off him like ghostly strands of rainbow light.
We just have to
He swung the Mythical Grade Weapon forward as my eyes grew wide.
fight! [Heroic Champions sh]!
And a white beam of concentrated Divine Essence shot out, melded with Daniels own aura. A powerful st that swept over the battlefield. It crossed the distance to Ertos in a sh. Thousands of [Lesser Legions]y dead in an instant. Torn apart as if they had been caught in a massive explosion.
Their ranks shattered. Broke open from the attack. Daniel drew back, huffing as the army gaped at Daniels powerbined with the Sword of Alexander. An unlocked essence that was only essible to him as of right now until the Breastte of Alexander was fixed. And at this sight, then the adventurers roared and charged forward, heeding the battle call of their [Hero].
I blinked, looking on at the destruction Daniel had unleashed. I was impressed. I had heard about what Daniel did during the siege of Alyras how he managed to fend off one of the Level 150 Demons by himself with the help of the Sword of Alexander. I knew that it gave him quite the power boost, but seeing it with my own eyes was different from just hearing it.
Huh. Maybe I dont need to worry too much about him anymore.
I smiled, d to see his growth. Beneath me, the armies began to sh. The Humans with their overwhelming numbers and Skills colliding with [Lesser Legions]. There were [Greater Legions] thrown along the mix of Demons too, but that didnt change the fact that they stood no chance.
I continued to survey the fighting until I noticed spells flying from the walls of the city. Powerful magic that was beyond that of even an ordinary Archdemon. There were other Demons in the city. They were here to guard the sub-ritual.
I nced over to the crimson pir that collided with the sky, continuing to terraform the Mortal Realm into the familiar world I had grown up in. I shook my head and began to descend.
Damn, thats a lot more Humans than Forti said would show up.
Infi remarked as he created a giant ice spike, raising it over his head. He hurled it into the army of Humans ahead. The projectile explodes out, shooting clusters of ice in all directions, taking out dozens of adventurers all at once. He snorted and hurled a second and third spell.
But a group of robed Humans rushed into the opening. They raised staffs, wands, and books, creating a dome of earth. And the barrier halted Infis spell. The Archdemon of Pride snorted. He drew back, turning to the cursing figure behind him.
What do you think, Debil? Should we just leave?
Debil nced back at him as she raised a fiery spike. She threw it into the Human army and shook her head.
That fucking asshole sent us here to die, didnt he? Just because we left him behind when that [Hebomination] showed up and almost got him during a patrol.
Both of them were [Fiends]. Archdemons who had crossed Level 100. They had been born nearly twenty Advents ago they had been alive for so, so long. But that also meant that they were slower to level than most of Regnorexs army.
They both considered themselves to be cautious, so even now, they were still in their low-100s in level. However, being cautious was the only way they could survive serving under their King. After all, Regnorex adhered to the right of might more than not more than ny percent of newly-recruited Demons from every cycle of Advent died before the next cycle of Advent began. And even the ones that survived that long were still likely to die at any point in time.
The Netherworld was already a harsh enoughndscape even before having to heed Regnorexs will. Unlike most of the other zealots following their King, Debil and Infi only joined Regnorex out of necessity. The only alternative was death, after all.
I really think we should just leave, Debil.
Infi shook his head as he faced the other [Fiend]. She paused, carrying a ball of mes with a frown.
Well just be hunted and killed. Whats the point? At least here well have a chance of fighting back and surviving.
Were in the Mortal Realm now, arent we?
He gestured at the world around them. ncing back, he eyed the ritual site. He couldnt see either Forti or most of the other Archdemons in view. He shrugged.
Forti and the others probably left us here to die with these dumb Legions. Come on, theres no way Regnorex can find us if we just take off and hide, right?
And what about the Humans?
Debil asked, crossing her arms.
Theyll kill us if they see us roaming around their world, you know?
Theyre just Humans. Well just kill them first.
Infi snickered. Debil blinked. She created a ball of ck fire and tossed it into the Human army, incinerating dozens of low-leveled adventurers at once.
Oh, youre right.
She smirked back at him as she took a step forward. Infi sighed in relief. He was d she was finally seeing reason he didnt survive this long just to die to a bunch of Humans. If he was going to die, hed rather die to his own kind than these mortals.
Debil nodded understandingly.
Maybe we really should just leave
She started, only for an iridescent scythe to slice straight through her neck. Debil crumpled to the ground, lifeless. She didnt even squeak. She didnt react. She was dead before she even knew it.
Infis eyes grew wide. It took him a full moment to realize what happened. Debil his one truepanion was dead. She had been with him ever since they were born. The two of them came from the same pool of Lifeblood. They were practically the same in all ways. His jaw dropped. He would have stayed standing there in utter disbelief if he didnt see the flicker of the rainbow de swinging his way.
The [Fiend] leapt back as the attack just barely missed him. He grunted, looking up at the assant. A silver-haired girl wielding an iridescent scythe. She smirked at him as she stood atop the battlements.
Hi! Im Salvos!
You you killed Debil, you bastard
Infi dashed forward, creating a spear made out of ice. He swung once twice. She easily sidestepped the attacks, grinning back at the [Fiend]. He gritted his teeth and stabbed at her
She swung down with her scythe, shattering the Spear of Ice. Infis eyes grew wide, and he backed up. Salvos just shook her head.
I just told you, Im Salvos. You should call me by my name.
The silver-haired girl crossed her arms at him. He gritted his teeth.
I will make you pay for that!
Infi charged forward, casting aside all his fear. He wasnt afraid of death. Not anymore. Not without Debil. He created a glinting de made out of ice as Salvos readied herself for his attack.
But before he drew too close, there was a sh of lightning. The booming of thunder. Infi bellowed out a war cry and those words echoed in his mind as everything went ck.
Defeated [Fiery Fiend of Asmodai - Lvl. 118]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Defeated [Icy Fiend of Lucifiera - Lvl. 118]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
I blinked as I watched the second [Fiend] evaporate into dust. A st of lightning had struck him before I could finish him off. A powerful spell that couldve onlye from one person. I nced up and eximed.
Helena! Youre here!
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy stood atop her nimbus cloud floating over the sh of armies. She gave me a sidelong nce, and I tilted my head at her.
What is it?
Helena Warshade shook her head and gestured to the other sections of the walls where spells were being hurled down from.
We take out the walls first. Then next, we destroy the ritual.
She flew off to the other side of the walls, sending her lightning sts down at the various Demons hiding on the battlements. I shrugged.
Thats what I was going to do anyway, but ok.
I dashed further down the citys walls, using my spatial sense to find my next target.
So they are here.
Forti closed his eyes, strumming his fingers against the armrests as he sat listening to the battle ying out. A [Greater Legion] knelt before him, speaking calmly.
Indeed. And we are being ughtered.
So it seems.
Forti got to his feet and shook his head. He waved a hand dismissively, turning back to the site of the sub-ritual. He ced his hands behind his back in parade rest as he whispered.
Then its time to release it.
Chapter 469: On the Ground
Chapter 469: On the Ground
469. On the Ground
The Human forces pushed on closer and closer to the city of Ertos. Whether it was Faith El, the Fallen Queen of Elutra, charging ahead, spearheading Elutras Resistance in an attempt to retake the walls. Or whether it was Daniel Song who stood at the frontlines of the army, cutting down dozens of [Lesser Legions] with each swing of the Sword of Alexander.
Everyone yed a part here. Edithe Dawnrise stood amongst a group of [Mages], using her Skills to aid their magic and increase their power. Orgaf lurked in the shadows, targeting the higher-leveled Demons using his speed to rapidly traverse the fighting. Mori dius and Scarlet Vermillion stood at the heart of the army, givingmands, and offering aid from afar.
And Amanda
Fuck you.
Amanda cursed as she tore through the ranks of the [Lesser Legions]. These Demons were weak. Most of them were below Level 40. Lesser Demons. Sure, they were individually stronger than a Silver Ranked adventurer of the same level. They were still Demons, after all. But they were outnumbered at least four-to-one.
Furthermore, there were hardly any high-leveled Demons amongst the Demon army. Amanda danced through their lines, cutting through dozens of them until she ran into a giant wall of pink flesh. She narrowed her eyes when she saw the creature. It stood as tall as a small house at least ten feet in height, and nearly half as wide. A bloated beast.
She stepped back as it loomed over her.
A [Greater Legion]?
Human, your killing of my people will stop here.
The Demon bellowed as it raised a giant fist. She narrowed her eyes, identifying its level as it swung down at her.
Now, die
Fuck you too!
Amanda ripped straight through the [Greater Legion]. It copsed behind her, and the ground shook. It had been Level 68. A Greater Demon. But still weakpared to her.
The former assassin was nearly twice its level. She might not have been the highest-leveled Human present in the adventurer army, but she certainly wasnt a pushover. Shaking her head, she kicked the dead Demon for good measure.
Fuck all of you
Amanda murmured. She wasnt in a good mood today. Well, she hadnt been in a good mood at all for the past few days. Even here, in the middle of a battlefield, her mind was elsewhere. Preupied with thoughts of a certain [Hero].
Her face burned red just thinking about it. She was jealous. The tempest brewing in her heart was definitely that of envy. With every Demon she cut down, her mind shed with images of Daniel hanging around with other women. Whether it be Edithe, Mons Merryster, that [Crusader], or the hordes of other women flocking to him.
But most of all, Amanda saw Daniel standing next to a silver-haired girl. Salvos. The Liberator of the gunds. And the only girl he seemed to even be interested in. It hurt Amanda, knowing that Daniel showed interest only towards that one girl.
Amandas heart ached, knowing that she could never be with Daniel. But she knew she only had herself to me for that. After all, when her first interaction with him was an assassination attempt at his life, it was going to be very hard to suddenly be lovers.
But even worse still was the fact that Daniel clearly liked Salvos, but she showed no interest in him. Anyone with half a brain could tell that it was an unrequited crush. It hurt Amanda more than anything. It couldve been her, but it wasnt. She could treat him so much better.
Or can I? Amanda asked herself, guilt eating up her insides knowing that she tried and failed to seduce him once before.
She stood there in the middle of the battlefield in a daze. A [Lesser Legion] crept up on her, ready to strike the former assassin while her back was turned. Amanda only noticed it at the veryst moment. She spun around, raising her dagger
And the [Lesser Legion] was sted apart by a streak of elemental magic.
Amanda blinked, lowering her weapon. Saffron started forward, apanied by dozens of armed bodyguards surrounding her from all sides. They spread out and cut down the nearby [Lesser Legions] before they could even draw close to her.
Saffron casually strutted up to the former assassin with a smile.
Seems you were distracted. Are you really still upset about Daniel?
What? How do you
Amanda bit her lower lip, cutting herself off. Saffron shrugged as she raised a finger and sent a st of mes and ice down into another group of [Lesser Legions].
I mean, it is quite obvious.
Shut up. Its none of your business.
The former assassin scowled as she marched ahead. But Saffron simply followed. The two women continued carving their way through the battlefield as the army of Demons was slowly pushed back.
Why dont you just confess to him already?
Saffron asked casually as she sent elemental spells sailing in all directions. She could handle the [Lesser Legions] just fine, but when a [Greater Legion] showed up, her bodyguards piled on the Greater Demon, protecting her and bringing it down through sheer numbers alone.
Amanda just blinked.
Confess?
She asked, utterly confused. Saffron nodded.
You so obviously like him. Everyone with half a brain can see that. Just shoot your shot. I dont see why youre being so coy with it.
Im not being coy.
Amanda clicked her tongue as she sliced another [Greater Legion] in half with the flick of her wrist.
I am simply being realistic. Someone like me can never be together with a [Hero]. That is all.
Saffron raised a brow.
Thats
The young noble started, but Amandas eyes flickered. She saw iting, even as Saffron spoke unknowingly with her guard down. The former assassin dashed forward as she whispered.
[Savage Step].
Saffron blinked, only to be yanked into the air. The young noble sputtered as Amanda carried her up into the sky.
What are you
And a terrible explosion rocked the ground where she stood. A st of lighting ripped the earth open, leaving nothing but a crater behind. Saffron stared at the explosion, then turned to the source of the attack.
An Archdemon stood on the walls of Ertos, conjuring up another lightningbolt. But before it could unleash the spell, a silver-haired girl attacked it from behind, cutting the Demon down.
Amanda just snorted as shended, Saffron still in her arms.
Youre wee.
The former assassin quipped. Saffron stared at her savior. For a moment, she said nothing. And that made Amanda ufortable. But eventually, the young noble shook her head.
Youre not a bad person, you know that, right?
Amanda paused. She slowly lowered Saffron down and shook her head.
You dont know what Ive done.
With that, she dashed off, culling the hordes of Legions once more.
Where are you guys hiding? Come on! Im right here!
I yelled as I spread my wings wide, standing at the tallest tower of the citys walls. I had already killed a dozen Archdemons at this point. All of them were over Level 100. At first, I had hunted them down, using my spatial sense to find them.
But then I realized that if I just stood here and shouted as loud as I could, they woulde to me. Most of them were in the low Level 100s, and they thought that I was a Human. I just had to show the level of my second ss, then theyde rushing at me, thinking I was easy pickings. But unfortunately for them
A wind de shot up at me from one of the other towers. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, simply parrying the attack. I grinned as I faced the wide-eyed [Fiend].
Tricked you.
The [Fiend] tried to make a break for it, but I was next to him in an instant. [Greater Teleportation] carried me there. He tried to create a wind barrier, and I sheared through the protection spell with ease. He copsed with a thud, his ck blood pooling at my feet. Another notification rang in my head.
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 113] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 114]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
He was Level 115, so not too weak. He even gave me a level in my ss. But still, killing him barely awarded me with any experience for my Subspecies.
I shook my head and sighed.
At this rate, I may as well just help kill those Legions if I wanted to level up faster.
I was already getting less experience for fighting Archdemons, after all. So perhaps killing a hundred [Lesser Legions] would be more efficient for leveling than killing a single Archdemon.
I wasnt entirely sure, of course. I might bepletely wrong. Maybe killing a single Level 110 Archdemon was equivalent to killing ten thousand Level 20 Lesser Demons. At that point, it would be far more efficient to just hunt down Archdemons. I would never know unless I decided to somehow test it out. Even then, I wasnt sure how Id be able to carry out a test.
So it probably didnt matter. I crossed my arms, yelling again, trying to draw more Archdemons out. It worked two more times. Another pair of weak Archdemons showed up, but I didnt level up in my ss since I barely used any space magic.
Then I was left there, shouting as no other Archdemons attempted to take me down. I harrumphed and nced around after nearly half an hour of nothing happening. Then I caught a glimpse of a familiar cloud drifting towards me.
Helena Warshade descended on my position, nodding.
The walls are cleared, Salvos. There is no Archdemon left.
Huh.
I nced back towards the shing armies ahead. The number of Legions had dwindled down to half of their original numbers in such a short amount of time. Meanwhile, it looked like the Human army hadnt even lost a tenth of their forces. Well, that was expected from the level difference between the highest-leveled Humans and the highest-leveled Demons.
And it didnt help that Helena and I efficiently took down their strongest fighters. Perhaps if we hadnt wiped out all their Archdemons, the battlefield would be looking to be a little worse for wear for the Humans.
Are we going to take down the ritual site now?
I asked, turning back to Helena Warshade. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy nodded.
Indeed. But we cannot be careless. These Demons may have other traps or tricks lying in wait for us. I doubt that this is all the defense they have mustered. Especially after what Orgaf has said.
She spoke warningly as she turned her attention to the crimson pir extending to the sky. I swept my gaze over the barren city. There were corpses littering the streets of Ertos civilians who died, having been sacrificed to carry out a single part of the grand ritual. I wondered if there were any Demons hiding in the empty houses, just waiting to pop out and ambush me from behind.
I couldnt be toocent. If Ira were here, I was pretty sure I wouldnt be able to defeat him, unless I had help from my Grand Skills. That was if he were here.
I highly doubted that he was. Nodding, I spread my wings wide and flew into the air. I stopped next to Helena.
Alright, lets
I paused as the pce of Ertos exploded. My eyes darted to the citys center, watching as something emerged from the crimson pir reaching out to the sky. A dark, giant figure that stepped out with multiple limbs. That knocked down houses, sending earthquakes out across the city with a single step.
Helena Warshades eyes grew wide as she watched this Demon pull itself out from the Netherworld. A creature with eight glowing eyes and eight massive legs. I slowly blinked.
Huh. I guess we found out what tricks theyve been hiding in wait for us, right?
[Archarachne - Lvl. 165]
The wild Demon let out a shriek as it charged forward at us.
Chapter 470: Wildmaster Fiend
Chapter 470: Wildmaster Fiend
470. Wildmaster Fiend
A giant hulking mass of chitin and bone emerged from the site of the ritual. It tore through the side of the pce, its eight legs scything out like massive de des. Its eyes glimmered crimson brighter than even the red pir of light reaching for the sky behind it.
It was a hundred feet tall, but at least five times as wide. It had four main segmented sections of its body. Thergest of the bulbous parts was at its rear, where bone-like spikes jutted out and curved around the rest of it like a second armor.
I stared at this creature with wide eyes.
[Archarachne - Lvl. 165]
It let out a terrifying screech. It swept a single leg forward, knocking down houses and buildings in a swooping, mindless attack.
What are we going to do about that?
I asked, turning to Helena Warshade. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy narrowed her eyes. Surely shed know what to do, right? She was even higher-leveled than that wild Primeval Demon! Except
The [Archarachne] wasnt alone. I blinked as ck blood poured out of the wild Primeval Demons back. Or, at least, I thought it was blood. Large ck droplets of liquid spilled into the ground, sshing over the streets. Then the blood began to move, crawling all over Ertos and spreading out.
It took me a moment to realize that I wasnt staring at blood. That blood couldnt move unless it was being manipted by blood magic. But I was certain that wasnt blood magic. Instead, it was a huge cluster of ck Demon spiders.
They had been clinging onto the [Archarachne]s back, following it through the portal. There were thousands of them. They werent small, but they werentrge either. Each was about half the size of an average Human man. They charged forward, clicking their mandibles causing a cacophonous chittering that reverberated throughout the city.
[Aranea - Lvl. 15]
[Aranea - Lvl. 21]
[Aranea - Lvl. 19]
Huh.
I blinked a few times, watching them wash over the streets of Ertos. They werent too high-leveled. But through sheer volume alone, and with the [Archarachne] apanying them, this was a major threat to the Human army. They could kill thousands of soldiers and adventurers before they were even brought down. And that was not to mention the fact that the Legion army was still alive.
Helena Warshade pursed her lips.
If I had my Grand Skill, I could wipe out all these Demons off the face of the world in an instant.
Her eyes flickered to me. She repeated herself.
If I had my Grand Skill.
I shrugged.
Hey, dont me me. That was not my fault, alright?
The Archmage didnt argue. Instead, she raised her staff and unleashed a storm of lightning at the approaching deluge of Demons.
We have to stop them before they reach the army. We will lose too many unnecessary lives if that happens.
Right.
I joined her, sending a wave of blue mes to the [Archarachne]. But the attack practically bounced off the wild Primeval Demons carapace. I bit my lower lip and backed up.
This isnt going to be easy.
Then get your friend to help us. He is the reason why I cant use my Grand Skill just yet.
Helena Warshade cursed as she ascended into the sky, sending a salvo of spells down to cull the [Aranea]s numbers. I hesitated. I nced back, searching for Mori dius amongst the Human army.
Where is that stupid
Then I paused. I heard a faint voice shouting through the ruckus of the battlefield. It sounded like it wasing from the mass of wild Demons. But that couldnt be right they were wild Demons. They couldnt speak!
And I was right. The voice didnte from them. Instead, I saw a figure flying behind the [Archarachne]. A man who hovered with his arms raised, his cloak billowing in the wind behind him as he yelled.
Thats right! Destroy the Humans! Kill them all! Obey mymand!
He was a Demon. He looked a bit like an ordinary [Fiend], although he had a natural pair of wings growing from his back. He had gray skin, and two stubby little horns poking out of his head. Heughed as he continued to shout orders at the [Archarachne].
Why isnt it attacking him?
I narrowed my eyes. Wild Demons were well, wild. I didnt see why they were simply ignoring that [Fiend]. Even if the [Archarachne] wanted to kill us Humans, I fully expected it to have killed him first since he was in their way.
But the wild Demons continued to heed hismand. I hesitated. I turned back to face Mori he probably wouldnt be able to help us here. Not in any substantive way. Even if he could fight to his full potential and by he, I meant Belzu the truth was he could not take down this [Archarachne] easily.
The most he could do was slow its approach with his curses or distract it with his illusions. However, if my hunch was right, then
Maybe
I shook my head and flew forward, ignoring the fake Mori dius, and heading straight for the [Archarachne]. Helena blinked as she caught a glimpse of me flying past her.
Salvos? Salvos! Where are you
The Archmage called after me, but I ignored her. I swooped around the wild Primeval Demon, sending a st of blue mes at the horde of [Araneas]. They burned by the hundreds, and the citys streets caught ame. I dove under a reckless swing by the [Archarachne], but its attention was hardly on me.
Most of its focus was entirely on reaching the Human army. Even with Helena Warshade challenging it, the wild Primeval Demon only had one goal. And that was why I charged straight for the [Fiend].
He was somehow controlling the wild Demons. Like a [Beastmaster] of sorts. Except he hadnt entirely tamed them. He simply could influence their thoughts. And drawing the Demons attention away from the army wasnt going to be easy if that was the case.
I flew to a halt right before the [Fiend] as he inclined his neck to face me. We flew across from each other the Archdemon tilting his head curiously.
[Fiend - Lvl. 137]
Oh, you somehow survived the [Archarachne]s attacks. Im impressed.
He snickered as he crossed his arms. I eyed him with a frown.
How are you controlling it?
What could you possibly mean?
He asked me with a mocking smile. I waved a hand dismissively.
You know what I mean that wild Demon it ignored you. Its hardly even paying attention to us. Youre controlling it so it would destroy the Human army.
And so what if I am?
Just answer the question.
I red at him as he continued to give coy responses. Finally, when he realized I wasnt entertaining him, he just sighed.
You Humans are so close-minded. Do you really believe everything in this world is constrained by your own understanding of Skills and sses?
Actually, I dont
Mind magic. All you need to do is touch into their essence with some mind magic. I cannot tell it what to do, but for a mindless beast, I can easily influence some of its thoughts. For example, I can make it prioritize killing you Humans over killing me. And by the time it is finished, I will be out of here, alive.
The [Fiend] justughed as he gestured towards the [Archarachne]. I nced back at the wild Primeval Demon as Helena Warshade barely slowed it down. I shook my head and faced the Archdemon.
I think youre mistaken. Youre not going to be leaving this ce alive because Ill be killing you right here.
Oh?
He raised a brow at me. Then he gestured at himself with a savage grin.
A Human like you wishes to challenge me? Me? Forti? An Archdemon of Sloth? Please, do you really believe our level-difference really matters?
He chuckled, covering his mouth as if to hide his smile.
Please, I am
And I appeared next to him, shing down with my Divine Nebr Scythe. Forti barely backed away just in time, but the attack stillnded. I dragged my de across his chest as he screamed in pain. He hovered across from me, clutching at the wound as his eyes went wide.
H-how?
He started, but I didnt bother to let him recuperate. I charged him once more, swinging wildly as I aimed for his head. He ducked back and dodged the [Barrage of Cinders]. He circled back around me, only to be knocked back by a hard kick. I grinned at him, holding my scythe to the side.
What were you saying?
Forti gritted his teeth. He stared at me as he continued to fly back. Then he raised a finger and pointed.
How dare you! I will make you bleed! [Perception Disarray]!
I blinked as my gaze seemed to split into two. Like I had been cut in half vertically.
What?
I looked around, and my vision continued to split. The world had been broken into two halves then into four quarters. I furrowed my brows as my vision continued to break into smaller and smaller pieces, like it was shattered ss. And when Forti spoke, his voice came out as an echo from all directions.
You think
...think
You think that
Do you think that you can harm me
I spun around, unable to pin down where the Archdemon had went. I gritted my teeth as I saw a flicker of his figureing from all directions. He cackled.
Do you think you can harm me and get away with it, Human?
He swung at me with his wed hand from all directions. I couldnt discern where he was reallying from. I could barely even tell where I was. I braced myself
And caught his forearm. Forti gaped at me as I smirked back at him.
Nice try.
What?
He tried to pull back right as I swung up with my scythe, tearing through his forearm. He yelped in pain, and I just huffed.
I dont need to see to dodge your attacks.
After all, I could detect everything that happened around me with my spatial senses. Forti growled as he clutched his bleeding arm. I shrugged, tossing his ripped off arm back at him.
Also, youre mistaken
I havent lost just yet, Human!
Forti started, raising his remaining hand and pointing at me. I shrugged at him.
You keep calling me that, but I am not a Human.
What are you talking
And right as his ripped off arm fell past him, I snapped my fingers.
[Demons Mark].
With that, a st of crimson me engulfed him. The Archdemon screamed in agony a guttural cry that was slowly drowned out by the raging mes. My vision began to return to normal, repiecing itself as a set of notifications resounded in my head.
Defeated [Wildmaster Fiend - Lvl. 137]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 144] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 145]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Huh. Five more levels.
I murmured to myself. I had almost thought that I would get another chance at an early evolution but it seemed that that wasnt going to happen this time. Well, even if I had been offered a chance to evolve right now, I probably wasnt going to take it. As my dad had told me, it was probably better to wait rather than evolving early since the options would be far more limited.
Still, I was getting rather antsy just thinking about it. But that just meant I had to fight stronger opponents. And
I heard a terrible screech echo from the side. I turned to face the [Archarachne] as it finally snapped free from Fortismand. I twirled my scythe behind my back and grinned.
One small step at a time
I whispered, before charging back towards the wild Primeval Demon.
Chapter 471: Archarachne
Chapter 471: Archarachne
471. Archarachne
Daniel Song raised his head.
Even amidst the sounds of battle, he heard the screeching. A loud, distorted chittering that came from the city up ahead. He didnt know what was going on in Ertos. He could see shes of lightninging from the other side. Powerful magic that came only from one source. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy.
Helena Warshade.
And whatever she was fighting refused to falter. That worried Daniel somewhat. But he focused on what was before him. The army of Legions had been whittled to a third of their size at this point, and their numbers continued to dwindle. He cut them down by the dozens. His iridescent de shed with each swing, slicing apart Demons where its tip couldnt even reach.
He wasnt as much injured as he was exhausted. Culling such a vast number of Demons was a lot more tiring than it was dangerous to the [Hero]. But that didnt mean it wasnt dangerous. He cut through a group of [Greater Legions], only to stumble back as a de struck him from behind. His Aura of Greater Protection shimmered then dissipated.
Daniel spun around, gritting his teeth. It was recklessness that led to the barrier shattering. A [Greater Legion] stood behind him and raised arge axe. The weapon blurred the workings of a Skill. It struck him in the shoulder, but didnt dig deep. He swung up, and the Demon fell in twain.
All around him were Demons. Whether they were [Lesser Legions] or [Greater Legions]. It didnt matter. Daniel had pushed his way deep into the enemy lines, and he was starting to pay for it. He was alone, with no allies fighting by his side. Fortunately, his [Vitality], his protective equipment, and his defensive Passive Skills was enough to protect him thus far.
He spun around in a circle, shing through a group of Demons leaping at him, creating a clearing in the Legion army. He panted as he ground his heels on the white floor and came to a stop. But the Demons just kepting. A [Lesser Legion] charged at him, and he raised the Sword of Alexander.
Fireball.
But a st of mes engulfed the Demon. Daniel blinked, lowering the de. His eyes grew wide when he saw the figure approaching him.
I didnt think youd need to use such a Mythical weapon to bring down such weak enemies.
Faith?
He stared at her. At Faith El the Fallen Queen of Elutra. She wasnt alone. A retinue of individuals apanied her. Members of Elutras Resistance. They spread out, exterminating all the nearby Demons as she nodded at the [Hero].
Hello, Daniel Song.
What are you doing here, Faith?
Daniel narrowed his eyes at her. She just smiled at him.
It looked like you needed some help. So we came to give you our aid.
I see.
He watched as Gavyn and the rest of Elutras Resistance continued tearing through the ranks of Demons. The [Hero] shook his head.
But what are you specifically doing here? You cant fight. Not against an army. You should be staying back behind rather than risking your life.
I can fight. I was trained as a [Duelist]. Sure, I am not a high-leveled one at that. But see this?
Faith raised a crystalline object, showing it to the young man from Earth.
Its a Fireball Wand. A Medium Grade Weapon. It can cast a [Lesser Fireball] spell every minute. And this
She raised her left hand. A ring glinted, sending a wave of frost out in a cone. It froze a dozen [Lesser Legions] in an instant.
A Ring of Frost Repulse. I have enough artifacts to let me hold my own here. And I am not alone. So I will be fine.
Faith gave Daniel a reassuring look. He hesitated. He looked at her level she was about the same level as the average [Lesser Legion]. It was only thanks to the abundance of artifacts she had and the bodyguards apanying her that she was able to fight here.
He opened his mouth.
You shouldnt
Daniel.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra interrupted him. She held his gaze. For a moment, amidst the fighting the death and the destruction neither said anything. He saw the resolve in her eyes. She wore a determined look on her face.
This is my city. I have failed it more than once before. Please, allow me to fight for it.
I
Daniel trailed off. And a loud explosion interrupted both of them. He spun around, raising the Sword of Alexander warily. Faith blinked, looking towards Ertos. The citys walls blew open as a giant figure emerged from the other side.
A massive spider crawled out from the rubble and dust. Its eight eyes glowed even behind the veil of smoke draping over it. It was a Demon. A Primeval Demon. One that was the size of a castle.
And it wasnt alone.
Thousands of spiders crawled after it, each the size of a person. They poured out from the streets of Ertos. Lesser Demons. Daniel clicked his tongue as he stood protectively over Faith.
Get back
He expected this outpouring of Demons to aid the Legion army. That this was some trap some sort of reinforcements that had been waiting for the Human army to draw close. But the Primeval Demon opened its mandibles, where crimson energy coalesced into a sphere.
And a beam of red light shot forward. It moved its head, sweeping the beam across the battlefield. Daniels eyes grew wide, and he realized
It was attacking everything.
Huh.
I stared on as the [Archarachne] unleashed a crimson st through the ranks of Legion. It brought down hundreds of the Lesser Demons, before the attack reached the Human army. A handful of Humans werepletely obliterated, before Helena Warshade swooped forward, raising her staff. She created a barrier, blocking the beam from reaching the rest of the army.
Well, that isnt good.
It seemed that me killing that Demon Forti only made the wild Primeval Demon act out in a frenzy. The [Archarachne] was attacking everything. Itshed out in a frenzy. Its attack wiped out a good chunk of Legions, and killed quite a few Humans as well.
My n backfired, so it was time to rectify it. I flew forward as I produced arge projectile from thin air. It wasnt made from fire. It was an Epic Grade Weapon which I had actually stolen while I was here in this city. I created a fiery bow and pointed at the Primeval Demons back.
Take this the Giant Killer Arrow!
The attack struck the [Archarachne]s back. It bounced off the chitin, and the wild Primeval Demon turned its gaze towards me. It hissed, leaping into the air. I blinked, watching as flew towards me.
What?
I nimbly soared through the air, reaching me just mere moments after it left the ground. The wild Primeval Demon struck down with its eight legs and knocked me out of the air. I crashed through three buildings, finallynding in the middle of a junction. I groaned, picking myself up from the crater, only to blink as the [Archarachne] appeared next to me.
Its fast
I ducked under a swing from its scythe-like legs. But then its mandibles closed around me. I quickly swapped my fiery bow with my Divine Nebr Scythe, using the weapon to block the maw of the wild Primeval Demon.
I held its mandibles back as I gritted my teeth. But the [Archarachne] was far stronger than me, It pushed me back as I grimaced. And then I saw a red glowing from inside its mouth. My eyes grew wide.
Oh.
A crimson sphere formed, just about to explode. I braced myself
And a shadow appeared from behind my back. A dark figure shed up at the wild Primeval Demons head, knocking it to the side. The st of crimson energy missed me and engulfed a nearby building as I blinked. I stared at the person who saved me.
Orgaf?
The Thief of the Golden Scales nced back at me, smirking.
Need a hand, Salvos?
Chapter 472: Wild Primeval Demons Skill
Chapter 472: Wild Primeval Demon''s Skill
472. Wild Primeval Demon''s Skills
Orgaf?
I blinked at the man. The Elite Ranked adventurer drew back, flicking his daggers in his hands as he faced down the [Archarachne]. The wild Primeval Demon hissed and turned to him. It swiped down with its scythe-like legs as we both leapt out of the way.
Need a hand, Salvos?
Orgaf smirked at me, and I rolled my eyes.
I have plenty of hands.
I activated [Faux Limbs] as six arms made from blue me protruded from my back. They created bows and arrows, with the Giant Killer Arrow appearing back in my real hand.
See?
Orgaf shook his head as I fired a salvo of projectiles at the [Archarachne]. The assault struck the Demons chitin, barely scraping through the hard surface. Orgaf crashed into its back and unleashed an onught of attacks. But the wild Primeval Demon shook him off.
It leapt back, and he went flying. The [Archarachne] swung for him mid-air, but I swooped up and caught him. I carried him out of the way as we circled around the giant spider overhead.
Do you have a Grand Skill? I dont think we can take it down like this.
Not right now. Neither of mine will be ready for another week at the least.
He turned to me as we dove down, avoiding another flurry of scything strikes from the wild Primeval Demon. Orgaf turned to me.
And you?
I have only one Grand Skill avable, but it wont help here. Its fine this [Archarachne] not as strong as the [Hebomination]. We can beat it without Grand Skills hopefully.
I lowered Orgaf to the ground as we flew away from the wild Primeval Demon. It leapt after us, bounding over great distances in mere moments. But a st of lightning intercepted it. It recoiled as Helena Warshade descended from the sky on her nimbus cloud.
What did you do, Salvos?
The Archmage growled at me. I shrugged back at her.
I killed the Demon controlling the [Archarachne].
And now its somehow stronger than ever.
Helena red down at me. I nodded, before gesturing towards the wild Primeval Demon. It loomed over us its eight eyes glowing as it breathed a crimson mist. It didnt unleash another red beam out. The Skill was probably on cooldown. But its gaze was entirely fixed on the three of us.
But we can distract it now, see?
I smiled at the Archmage. She stared at me for a moment, blinking. She nodded slowly as she turned back to face the [Archarachne].
Right.
She whispered, and the wild Primeval Demon let out a shriek. It jumped high into the air as we braced ourselves. Helena Warshade called out.
Keep it in the city!
The [Archarachne] began to fall through the sky like aet. My eyes flickered as I saw a thin thread emerge from its back. The wild Primeval Demon began to rapidly weave together something behind its back. The threads formed a long shape. It wasnt creating a web. A web wouldnt have done anything against us. No it was forming a massive spear.
My eyes grew wide as I realized what that was. Helena Warshade and Orgaf did too. Thetter disappeared back into the shadows while the former zipped away. I simply sent a wave of white mes up at the wild Primeval Demon as it drew closer.
Then I vanished. I teleported out of the way as it mmed its spear down into the middle of Ertos.
What are these things? Where did theye from?
Amanda yelled as she backed up next to Saffron. The young noble Vampire unleashed a volley of spells into the mass of ck creatures. Spiders. Each of them as long as she was tall. They swarmed over the battlefield. They looked just like monsters. Yet
Theyre Lesser Demons! Just keep them back and they cant hurt you!
Saffron shouted back as she sent a wave of frost forward. Amanda rolled her eyes as she leapt in and out of the ck mass like a whip, culling the Demons one after another.
I know theyre Demons! But why are they killing their own, then?
Her eyes flickered as she saw the swarming [Aranea] crawl over the corpses of the Legions. A [Greater Legion] stood amongst the wave of spider-Demons, only to be overwhelmed and killed by their numbers.
Amanda shook her head.
It makes no sense! Demons shouldnt
She started, then paused when she saw a shadow blot out the red sky. Amanda looked up, and her eyes widened. A giant spider hovered in the air the leader of the [Aranea]. An [Archarachne]. A Primeval Demon. It reached its zenith as it created a spear made of threads, only toe crashing straight down.
What the fuck
She started, only for the Primeval Demon to impact the ground. A terrible shockwave swept over thendscape. An earthquake broke out as Saffron fell back, only to be caught by Amanda. A pir of dust exploded into the air, dwarfing even the sub-ritual up ahead.
We need to do something about that Primeval Demon.
Scarlet pursed her lips as she looked at the dust cloud settle. She watched the giant spider emerge from the rubble without a scratch, ready to wreck even more havoc.
If Helena Warshade cannot take it down on her own, then we have to help her.
The Red Rose spun around to face her leader. Mori dius stood there, his eyes narrowed. She continued as she gestured towards the fighting in the distance.
We need to send back the army! If that Demon gets close
No.
Mori interrupted her. He turned to his men as they exchanged a nce. The Champion of the Human Lands addressed the adventurers, raising his spear towards the city of Ertos.
We press forward.
What?
Scarlet couldnt help but stare at him in shock. The army began to move once again, encroaching on the city as they cut through the remnants of the Legions and the swarm of [Aranea].
But Mori
The Red Rose started. But the Champion of the Human Lands shook his head.
We have a duty to put a stop to this ritual. We cannot pull back simply because our lives are under threat by a dangerous enemy. This is for the greater good.
Scarlet blinked. She watched as Mori dius walked forward, pushing further into the lines of Demons. The adventurer army marched around him, heading for Ertos. And the Red Rose finally saw the way he moved. The way he fought.
He didnt lead the charge. He wasnt in the front lines as he normally was, valiantly fighting to protect his men. He wasnt acting like an adventurer who cared most about saving who cannot save themselves. He almost seemed cold.
For the first time ever, Scarlet didnt recognize her leader. The man leading the Remembered Order Company looked like a stranger to her. An unfamiliar face. And she didnt know why she felt that way.
Willy, we need to help her.
Edithe turned to the [Will O Wisp], gritting her teeth. The two of them had stayed a bit further back amongst the ranks of adventurers. They aided the [Mages] of the army. Theirbined spellcasting offered a great boon for the ranks of spellcasters that held back.
But now, Edithe wanted to break formation. She saw Salvos, Orgaf, and Helena Warshade locked inbat with a Primeval Demon. A wild Demon. One that was attacking everything and anything it could with no qualms of what it destroyed.
No.
The Grand Spirit replied simply. Edithe blinked.
But Salvos is in danger. If you help me, we can bring down that Primeval Demon together. Just like we did in Alyras!
The redhead protested. Willy didnt give an immediate reply. He turned as she watched.
But them.
The [Will O Wisp] flitted towards a trio of baby Wyverns hiding behind the lines of [Mages]. Edithe froze. She nodded stiffly, understanding what Willy meant.
Right.
But still, she strode ahead, her face resolved.
Im still going. Salvos needs my help. She
Edithe started, only to be interrupted by a sh of crimson light. She spun around and looked on in shock as a glyph engulfed the city.
What?
I wiped the sweat off my brows as I stared at the crater created by the [Archarachne]. A giant hole that was teeming with webs that coated the stone ground. I stared down at the wild Primeval Demon as it emerged from the center of the pit.
The [Archarachne] hissed, still quickly ncing around the city. It was scanning the rubble for us. And from its shadows, Orgaf emerged. The Elite [Rogue] wasnt alone. He was apanied by hundreds of shadows. Clones. Copies. They assailed the Demons underbelly, causing it to reel back in pain.
But as it tried to counterattack, Helena Warshade appeared overhead and sent a concentrated storm of lightning sts at its back. The [Archarachne] recoiled, attacked from both sides. It tried to leap away to escape its assants.
And I was there. I cut it off, swinging down my scythe with a ck glow.
[Radiant sh]!
The [Archarachne] shrieked in pain. My Skill tore through its chitin, sending it stumbling back into the attacks of Helena and Orgaf. We continued our assault on the wild Primeval Demon as we nked it from all sides. It had no way to escape. It didnt even know who to attack. It unleashed its red beam at us, but it missed, striking only the ground.
I grinned as I floated back, avoiding a swing from the giant spider-Demons legs. I whispered to myself.
I need to deal the finishing blow
And was promptly interrupted as the wild Primeval Demon let out a screech. There was a sh of light. A pulse of energy that knocked me back. Orgaf and Helena Warshade were caught in the st too.
They drew back, rtively unharmed for the ostensible attack. I raised my head, frowning when I saw another glint. I looked down, watching as a glyph expanded from the feet of the [Archarachne]. Then a dome began to form overhead. One that encased the entire city.
I stared in shock as I looked down, hearing the clicking of mandibles from the wild Primeval Demon. Finally, I realized what was happening.
This is a Grand Skill?
And the [Archarachne] rose, its wounds vanishing. Thendscape began to morph. I watched as crimson threads connected between either ends of the dome in a haphazard manner, creating arge expansive web.
I looked around the city of Ertos, and that was when I realized we were trapped.
Huh.
I had nothing else to say. And right as the words left my mouth, I looked up. [A Hunters Sense] warned me. The [Archarachne] had suddenly appeared standing on the threads closest to me its speed iprehensible. I blinked as it raised its scythe-like legs.
It swung down before I could even react.
Chapter New Story Announcement! Check out Amelia: The Level Zero [Hero] now!
Chapter New Story Announcement! Check out Amelia: The Level Zero [Hero] now!
Sup y''all,
I have a new story out! It''s an OP MC Isekai LitRPG! It has over 20 chapters out right now, and I will be at 30 chapters by the end of the month. I would really appreciate it if you give it a try!
Amelia: The Level Zero [Hero] | Scribble Hub
Ten years ago, Amelia woke up alone and lost in a broken world where she had to fight for her survival.
Now, after reaching the pinnacle of power, defeating the Void itself, and escaping the abyss, she has finally found her way back into the real world. But instead of finding herself on Earth, she is in thend of Vacuos. A fantasy world with magic, monsters, sses, and Levels. A world that is governed by a System like it were a video game.
And when rewarded with a ss befitting her aplishments to be a powerful [Hero] that will forever dedicate her life to protecting this world that is not her own she only has one response.
Absolutely not. Im going to live a normal life now, thank you very much.
After all, who needs a ss when you''re already the strongest anyways?
Amelia: The Level Zero [Hero] | Scribble Hub
Chapter 473: Web of Death
Chapter 473: Web of Death
473. Web of Death
What in the world is that?
Daniel Song blinked as he saw the dome befall the city of Ertos. Hed seen the fighting he had wanted to join in. Salvos, Helena Warshade, and Orgaf had been fighting the [Archarachne] together. It was a wild Primeval Demon. Even if there were two Elite Ranked adventurers there, the young man knew just how dangerous such a creature could be. After all, he had seen it firsthand in the Motharis Mountain Range. In a battle against a [Hebomination].
But the [Hero] couldnt intervene. He had a duty, now. He couldnt just abandon the army when they were being swarmed by thousands of [Aranea] while still fending off thest of the Legions. So he hadnt charged straight into the city. And for a moment, he had thought it was the right move.
Salvos and the Elite Ranked adventurers began to overwhelm the wild Primeval Demon. It couldnt do anything in response. It had been nked from all sides assailed incessantly without any counterattack. Daniel wouldve breathed a sigh in relief. He thought that Salvos had it.
And that was when the glyphs appeared. It consumed the city. A pair of parallel facing magical circles. One rose to the sky, while the other descended into the ground. And together, it formed a dome. Ertos was encased in this bubble. Inside, Daniel could see lines forming. An intricate pattern reminiscent of a spiders web, created by threads made of burning crimson magic.
He stared in horror as Salvos, Helena Warshade, and Orgaf were trapped in this dome, surrounded by the deadly threads from all sides. Faith El stepped forward, looking on with wide eyes as her city was blocked from the outside world.
Ertos is
She trailed off. Then she blinked.
Wait
Slowly, the Fallen Queen of Elutra raised her head. She looked on as Daniel blinked. He followed her gaze, puzzled as to what she was staring at. His gaze swept above the dome, and he saw nothing. He didnt understand.
Faith, whats going on?
He asked. And Faith just shook her head, pointing at the very peak of the sphere.
Look.
I dont see anything.
Daniel frowned. He thought she was imagining it. But then he heard the gasps. He saw others pointing in the same direction too. Whether it was Gavyn, Amanda, or even Kacey. A susurration washed over the Human army, grinding their progress to a halt. Daniel pursed his lips. He looked up once more
And he saw it. Finally, the [Hero] realized what was wrong. Well, it wasnt really wrong. It was more right? He wasnt sure how to process it. He just knew what had happened.
The crimson pir that had been protruding from the ground and touching the sky had been cut in half. And it was all because of the [Archarachne]. The dome it created had somehowpletely stopped the sub-ritual. No longer was the sky glowing a dark crimson, and neither did the white earth spread any further.
What had already be didnt change its effects ostensibly permanent. Daniel still walked forward on the Netherworlds earth, but he knew that it would no longer leak into the Mortal Realm at least from this specific location.
He shook his head, starting forward. Daniel was d to see that the sub-ritual had been halted. They had aplished their goal here. But this wasnt a time to celebrate just yet. He peered into the sphere with pursed lips. And he saw within a web of death.
Salvos
The [Archarachne] swung down at me with its scythe-like leg. I barely reacted in time, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe. Still, the impact sent me back flying in between the giant crimson threads. I tumbled through the air and crashed into the web and recoiled in pain.
Ouch
It stung. Touching the crimson threads weaving throughout the dome was like being struck by lightning or burned by fire. It really hurt. And it wasnt just a little bit of pain. I was pretty sure if anyone under Level 70 touched it, they would have instantly disintegrated.
I flew up and away from the thread, only to narrowly avoid another just above me. These threads wererge. Each was as thick as a tree trunk. But these threads were everywhere. It was like I was caught in a spiders web.
This is dangerous
I murmured. And right as the words left my mouth, the [Archarachne] appeared behind me once more. It was standing on its threads like it had always been there. It hissed and struck out with both its scythe-like legs. A fast flurry of attacks that I wasnt prepared for yet again.
But this time, I reacted. I activated [Warped Time] the moment I saw it. The world around me slowed as I dove out of the way. Its attackpletely missed me as I nced back.
And I saw the [Archarachne] gliding after me. It moved through the webs like it was skating on ice. Its so fast
Even with [Warped Time], the wild Primeval Demon caught up to me with ease. I ducked underneath another sh and tried to get away. But the [Archarachne] gave chase. It continued swinging at me with its sharp legs.
I tried to escape. I tried to lose it amidst its own web. But that was my mistake. The [Archarachne] suddenly yanked its eight legs together, and the threads began to weave around me. I blinked as a crimson wall blocked my path. I spun around, watching as the wild Primeval Demon sped closer.
I gritted my teeth, trapped. And that was when I decided to fly straight back at the approaching [Archarachne].
If you want me so bad, how about this [Salvo of Vanity]!
I raised a hand, and three clones winked into existence. They burned brilliantly their gold mes shining brightly and filling the enclosed dome with their scintiting light. The wild Primeval Demon drew back in confusion, surprised by the sudden presence of three otherbatants.
My clones zipped around the [Archarachne] as it swiped up at them. It missed the first two, and then struck the third. The attack dug deep into the clone as she reeled back in pain and then she smirked. She began to glow as I teleported past the wild Primeval Demon, appearing next to my other two clones.
And behind me, a powerful explosion sted up. A golden cross ripped through the web. I shook my head as I watched the crimson threads burn away from my clones detonation. But the [Archarachne] emerged from the smoke, its carapace slightly charred, but otherwise unharmed.
Of course not
I knew I didnt kill it. But I was hopeful, anyway. Nevertheless, I slowed it down. And there were no nearby threads for it to ride. So I descended back down into the city of Ertos,nding on the white rock roads before escaping into a nearby building.
As long as the wild Primeval Demon couldnt see me, it didnt matter how fast it could move throughout its web. I didnt know where Helena Warshade or Orgaf were, but I didnt hear any fighting either, so they were probably safe. I sent my clones away from me to spread out and kept an eye up.
I watched as the [Archarachne] crept through its web this entire dome was its home. It prowled throughout the city of Ertos from every angle, hunting for its prey. For us.
And we hid in the shadows, trying to find a way to strike back. But the wild Primeval Demon was always ready for us.
Why. Wont. You. Just. Crack. Open!
Edithe yelled as she flung spell after spell against the domes surface. But her magic simply bounced off like it was nothing. She stepped back, cursing profusely. Then she spun around and turned to face Daniel.
Cant the Sword of Alexander break through?
She asked, and the [Hero] shook his head. He thrust forward with the iridescent de, but it just stopped at the edge of the sphere.
I tried, Edithe. Nothing works. Nothing can break through.
Something has to be able to work, right?
The redhead spun around, scanning the battlefield. It had been a while since this dome had appeared. Most of the remaining Legions were already dead. All that was left were the defeated and fleeing [Aranea] which were being killed and exterminated before they could escape so they couldnty eggs and reproduce in the Mortal Realm.
Edithe knew that Demons didnt actually reproduce. Not in the same way Humans did. But she would rather not waste time arguing over that. All she cared about right now was getting Salvos out of that death trap.
We need to gather every [Mage] we can. If webine our spells, we should be able to break into the other side!
That will not work.
A shadow appeared behind both Edithe and Daniel. They immediately tensed, only to rx when they saw a familiar woman. The woman that had been apanying Orgaf on his return. Edithe blinked.
You''re Alice, right?
I am indeed Alice the Shadow Consort. And unfortunately, you cannot do anything about this barrier. Even if you have an army at your side.
Alice replied simply as she started forward. She ced a hand on the dome, shaking her head. Daniel frowned.
Why not? Why isnt it possible?
Because it is the work of a Grand Skill. And the only thing that can shatter this Grand Skill is an equal or superior Grand Skill.
She spoke simply, before turning back. Her gazended on a single figure standing amongst the army. Edithe and Daniel turned, following her gaze. They looked at the lone man. The one who wasuded as the Champion of the Human Lands. The revived leader of the Remembered Order Company.
Mori dius.
Alice pointed at him and closed her eyes.
Only he can save them now.
She whispered. Edithe blinked as she stared at the Champion of the Human Lands at the second highest-leveled [Warrior] of Humankind. And as explosions and sts shed within the barrier as Salvos, Helena Warshade, and Orgaf were forced to engage with a wild Primeval Demon, a single thought crossed the redheads mind.
Why isnt he doing anything to help us?
Chapter 474: Unable to Use Grand Skills
Chapter 474: Unable to Use Grand Skills
474. Unable to Use Grand Skills
The clone drifted and wandered and snuck her way throughout the vast tumultuousndscape of monolithic edifices and paved pathways. She hid in thisplexbyrinth from the predator. A perilous position. The intricate design of crimson threads overhead undermined any camouge the city provided.
And that was how the [Archarachne] found her. It appeared hanging above the clone. Its eight red eyes shed, and its mandibles clicked open. The clone looked up and gritted her teeth. She unleashed a plume of golden mes upward, sting the wild Primeval Demons back.
For a moment, a sphere of golden mes engulfed the spider-Demon. The explosion shone like a scintiting star in the sky. Then the moment ended, and a crimson beam of magic sheared through that golden veil.
The clone leapt out of the way of the attack. The red st consumed all nearby buildings. A terrible shockwave ripped through the earth. She flew into the air, spreading her wings wide.
And the [Archarachne] appeared next to her, its scythe-like limb already raised. It swung down as the clones eyes grew wide
I looked up as a golden st rocked the city of Ertos. A ming cross marked the sky, shearing a clearing in the red web of death overhead. I clicked my tongue.
Another clones dead.
That was the fourth dead clone. I shook my head. It was starting to get annoying. I raised a hand, casting [Salvo of Vanity] once again. Another pair of clones appeared next to me, and I sent them out.
Find Orgaf or Helena Warshade. We need to work together to get out of here alive.
They nodded at me before leaping away. I watched them go as I continued scouring the area for either Elite Ranked adventurers. I hadnt seen either of them since the [Archarachne] activated its Grand Skill. And now, the wild Primeval Demon was prowling all over its domain, hunting for us like we were some insignificant insect.
I nced up at where the explosion from myst clones death had burned away at the web above. The golden mes had consumed arge chunk of the intecing threads, leaving behind nothing there. But the [Archarachne] hovered over the empty space, bringing its legs together like it was weaving the air. Slowly, the torn section of the web began to reform.
I shook my head. This was starting to get really annoying. We couldnt inflict any permanent damage to this web of death. Each time I sheared through the threads, the giant spider-like Demon would simply repair the damages. There was no way to escape. The only solution was to fight. But here, inside the confines of its Grand Skill, we might as well be resigning ourselves to our deaths if we fought it one-on-one.
That was why I was searching for my allies. I continued scouring the streets of Ertos, until I heard the boom. The sh of lightning followed by the crackle of thunder. My eyes grew wide as I nced up.
Helena?
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy unleashed a hurricane on the [Archarachne]. ck clouds obfuscated a section of the web as dozens of lightning bolts ripped through the insides of the storm. I quickly spread my wings wide, flying up toe to the aid of Helena Warshade.
I soared around the web, moving quickly and even teleporting over arge distance to reach her as soon as I could. But as quickly as the stormmenced, it dissipated. I spotted the Archmage zipping down on her cloud, chased by the wild Primeval Demon.
Each step the [Archarachne] took, it reshaped the design of the web all throughout the sphere. I blinked, watching as the threads around me moved and shifted. I weaved around thework of crimson threads as I created a ming blow.
I loosed the Giant Killer Arrow at the wild Primeval Demon. The Epic Grade artifact burrowed straight through all threads in between myself and the target. The [Archarachne] loomed over Helena Warshade, mming its legs against her barriers as she braced herself. And that was when my arrow struck.
The [Archarachne] reeled back as the Giant Killer Arrow dug deep into an already-broken section of its shell. The wild Primeval Demon spun around just in time to see me swoop past it. I sent a st of mes at its eyes as I flew down to the Archmage.
Helena!
I swooped down towards her, but I didnt grab her. She blinked at me, and I pointed.
[Haste]. Lets go!
She looked down at herself for a moment as my Skill enhanced both our speeds. Then I flew out of the way, descending back into the city of Ertos. The Archmage quickly followed, and I created another clone. The wild Primeval Demon tried to give chase as my clone held it off for a total of a minute before exploding in the sky.
By the time the [Archarachne] was finished with my clone, we were already back down in the city. I sighed in relief as the Archmagended behind me.
This is annoying
I muttered. Helena Warshades gaze remained fixed towards the sky, wary of what the wild Primeval Demon was doing.
We need to organize a n to defeat that thing. This ce is a death trap for us. Look.
I raised a brow, turning to where the Archmage was pointing. And I saw it. The [Archarachne] had taken quite a bit of damage from Helena, my clone, and myself from thest encounter. But its shattered chitin began to regenerate. The ck blood leaking from its body vanished as its wounds closed up. I frowned.
Huh.
Then I shook my head.
We cant take it down with just the two of us. We need Orgafs help if we want to stand a chance. And even then, its very risky.
Well, Im ttered to hear that you need my help.
A voice came from the side, and I spun to face a figure emerging from the shadows. He was apanied by both my clones who were grinning proudly at me. I started forward, eximing.
Orgaf!
The Thief of the Golden Scales nodded at me. He had his daggers held out to the side. He nced up once towards the wild Primeval Demon. It was fixing the hole in its web before finally sweeping its dangerous gaze over the city.
Orgaf furrowed his brows.
But I dont think we can defeat this Primeval Demon. Even if we work together. Without our Grand Skills, we are very much at its mercy.
Right.
I hesitated. Helena Warshade closed her eyes.
Yet, our only other option is to roll over and die.
I looked between both the Elite Ranked adventurers.
So we just fight? Shouldnt wee up with a n or something?
Helena raised her staff.
It is better that we attack it on our own terms, then let it hunt us down one by one. Do you not agree, Salvos?
She eyed me with a sidelong nce. I blinked. For a moment, I stood there silently. Then my lips curled up. Baring my teeth, I summoned my Divine Nebr Scythe once again and answered.
Of course. I much prefer this method over running around.
Orgaf sighed, massaging his temples.
This is not going to end well. But fuck it.
He raised his des as I pointed towards the sky. Helena and I unleashed a barrage of lightning and fire at the wild Primeval Demon from behind as my clone picked up Orgaf and flew forward, while the other followed behind.
We charged at the [Archarachne] as it let out a shriek, challenging us once again.
I cannot do that.
Mori dius replied simply. Daniel bit his lower lip.
We need a Grand Skill youre the only one here who has that power with us. Please, you need to save Salvos. Helena Warshade. Even Orgaf!
The [Hero] exined, yet the Champion of the Human Lands refused to budge. Mori shook his head and lowered his gaze.
I am certain they do not need my help. Worry not, for they will be able to escape this prison in time.
But what if they need our help? We cant just stand idly by if we can do something, right?
Edithe stepped in, pressing Mori with even more questions. But he just spoke in the same cool voice he did earlier.
Because my Grand Skill is valuable. It is an asset that can be usedter on in the war. Wasting it now when it is not necessary would only be detrimental in the long run.
It was a pragmatic answer. But one that Daniel refused to ept. He blinked.
Wasting?
Then he gritted his teeth. He didnt expect this from the Champion of the Human Lands. Edithe was clearly taken aback too. But both of them knew that arguing here was pointless. Daniel spun around and eyed the woman standing to the side.
Scarlet youre an Elite Ranked adventurer, right?
The Red Rose blinked and backed up quickly.
I-I am!
She squeaked. Daniel walked up to her and grabbed her by the hand.
If Mori cant do this, then you need to help us. Its not just Salvos in there. We cant just take a chance of their lives.
Scarlet averted her gaze, speaking apprehensively.
I want to help but I dont have a Grand Skill.
What?
Daniel stared at her. And she raised her hands defensively.
Ive tried to get one, but its difficult, you know? Its not something you just get at every ss advancement like a [Hero] would.
Thats
He pursed his lips. Edithe looked towards Daniel, asking softly.
What do we do, Daniel?
Thats
Then his eyes widened.
Wait, maybe I can
Attack it from all sides!
I yelled out at my clones as they flew forward. These were myst pair of clones, conjured up with [Salvo of Vanity]. The rest had been killed by the [Archarachne] as it glided around its web and swung its scythe-like legs wildly. And it slowly healed from any attack we sted it with. This was a tough battle.
But this wasnt a one-sided beatdown. We were putting up a good fight against the wild Primeval Demon. Orgaf clung onto the [Archarachne]s back, ripping its shell open with his des. I kept close too as I attacked the spider-like Demon from its underbelly, so we would be inflicting damage from both sides.
It tried to shake us off, but my clones distracted it as they flew around like flies. Meanwhile Helena Warshade zipped around at a distance and unleashed a flurry of spells to support us. The wild Primeval Demon screeched as it began to bleed profusely, the attackspounding faster than it could heal.
I tore through arge chunk of its underbelly with [Draconic Fury], grinning as my Divine Nebr Scythe lodged deep inside the Demon.
How about that?
And that was when it decided it had enough. It leapt back, hurdling through a dense gathering of crimson threads. Orgaf and I quickly jumped off before we would be cut apart from the web. The [Archarachne] just phased through it its own Grand Skill seemingly harmless to its body. Like it was just water or mist.
I caught the Elite [Rogue] in the air before he could tumble down, before flying up to my clones and Helena Warshade.
Is it trying to run?
I asked, narrowing my eyes. The Archmages eyes widened.
No
She half-replied, and I blinked. I looked towards where she was looking and stared as the web began to unfurl. The entire intricatework of threads folded back away from all around us. At first, I had thought the [Archarachne]s Grand Skill had finallye to an end. I almost believed that the battle was over.
Then I saw the dome overhead I realized the fact that we were still trapped. And the web stopped receding. The wild Primeval Demon stood on its web, its eyes glinting as it faced us. We stared at it as it clicked its mandibles together.
My shoulders slumped.
Uh-oh.
And all at once, thousands of threads shot forward, weaving through the air back towards us. Helena Warshade tensed, raising her staff.
We need to get back!
Orgaf nodded and leapt down onto her cloud. But he paused as he turned to me. I hadnt moved just yet.
Salvos, what are you doing?
We cant run anymore.
I nced back at him as he stared up at me. He narrowed his eyes.
What are you
But I continued, speaking over him.
This is our only chance. The [Archarachne] is hurt. If we run, we lose. So we continue this fight.
But we cant survive
Orgaf started once more, and I shot forward. I charged straight towards the wild Primeval Demon as its crimson threads wove through the air heading for me. I grinned and whispered.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]!
And the assailing crimson threads bounced off me.
Chapter 475: Types of Skills
Chapter 475: Types of Skills
475. Types of Skills
Will this work, Daniel?
Edithe asked, her lips pursed. The [Hero] paused. He turned to face her and gave her a reassuring look.
It has to.
He spoke in an ethereal voice. The redhead couldnt see his face. But she assumed he had a reassuring look on, just by his words alone. He wore a helmet with its visor down one crafted from his own white aura.
Daniel stepped forward, d in this armor. Non-magical. Gifted to him by his own Essence. By a Skill. A [Hero]s Skill.
[A Heros Rage].
He whispered. Edithe watched as the de was coated in the same white aura, before expanding into a giant broadsword. Stepping forward, Daniel came to a halt just before the dome.
Edithe had once heard that a [Hero]s Skill was quite simr to a Grand Skill. That it was, in fact, very muchparable. But she didnt know whether it was exaggeration or hyperbole to demonstrate just how great a [Hero] was. After all, there hadnt actually been any proper analyticparisons made between a [Hero]s Skill and a Grand Skill.
[Hero]s were incredibly rare. And they tended to be rather aloof, too. As much as the Immortal King Alexander and Melissa the Oracle of Light were praised, anyone with a shred of knowledge regarding history was well-aware that both of them had been very much odd even antisocial individuals.
Still, at this moment, the redhead cast aside all her doubts. She took off her mask of skepticism and wore the face of belief. She believed that Daniel would be able to rip through the barrier. She hoped that it was enough.
Daniel Song raised the Sword of Alexander high as he yelled, swinging down once. She braced herself. There was a sh of light. A pulse of shimmering energy shot out, nearly knocking Edithe back. But she held her ground, and the shockwave dissipated.
Lowering her hand, Edithe looked up to see the [Hero] draw back. Daniel eyed the barrier where he struck. He blinked, and she saw it too.
There was a crack on the surface of the dome. A tiny crack. But a crack nheless.
Daniel nced back at her, and she nodded.
Do it again.
She said as he swung once more.
What is she doing?
Helena Warshade nced back once as she dove down with her nimbus cloud. Orgaf stood at her back. He was looking up towards where the silver-haired girl was flying. She refused to escape, even as both her remaining clones joined them.
I dont know what shes doing. Shes going to get herself killed.
Orgaf pursed his lips. He wore a worried look on his face. He almost paid no attention to where they were going. Fortunately, Helena did. Her eyes flickered as she made a sharp turn. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academymanded her nimbus cloud to swerve to the left as crimson threads cut off her path.
Do not fall off.
She warned the Elite [Rogue] as she dodged around the rapidly oing crimson web. It was a death zone. Avoiding it all would have been impossible but somehow, she went through it unscathed.
The Archmage realized that the threads werent focused on her. Nor did ite close to either of the Salvos clones. Instead, they flew back up towards the [Archarachne]. Like to defend the Primeval Demon. And altogether, they converged on a single target.
Salvos
Orgaf whispered as he stared at the silver-haired girl. It was the full force of a Primeval Demons Grand Skill. Even Helena didnt think she could survive such fury. And she was higher-leveled than the [Archarachne]. But still, Salvos took the brunt of it all.
The crimson threads wove into the girl. All at once, they crashed into Salvos from all sides. Helena Warshade couldnt see the silver-haired girl amongst the mass of threads weaving in and out like the threads were trying to sew her open.
Helena Warshade lowered her head as Orgaf looked on with hope in his eyes. She had never seen the Elite [Rogue] act like this. He was typically incredibly brusque, uncaring, and even ostensibly disdainful of others.
But here he was, whispering Salvos name, hoping that she escaped from the threads. Helena shook her head.
Shes dead, Orgaf. We need to focus on how to deal with that [Archarachne] now.
She isnt dead.
Orgaf replied simply. He raised a hand, whispering.
Watch.
Orgaf
Helena started. And paused as there was a sh of light. A blue glow emerged from the coiling threads. There was a crackling of mes blue sparks wisped outwards as the Archmage could only watch.
Salvos exploded out, surviving the full might of the [Archarachne]s Grand Skill. The silver-haired girl flew forward, unimpeded by the threads, only focused on her target.
Ribbons of blue me crackled around her body. Like sparks. A fiery barrier that repelled the crimson threads like they were air. Like they were not even there.
How did she?
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy could only gape in surprise. In shock and awe. She was left at a total loss for words. She turned to Orgaf, and he just grinned back at her.
Told you.
He shrugged.
Dont ask me how she does it, but she does.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
It was one of my two Grand Skills, and the only one I currently had avable. My Divine Essence was currently on cooldown, so I couldnt use it right now. If I had both my Grand Skills, I was more than certain that I could easily overwhelm this wild Primeval Demon through sheer brute force.
I dove straight through its crimson threads the web no longer impeding my movements. It just barreled straight for the [Archarachne] as it hovered there, weaving its web together as the entire design continuously shifted.
I got you now!
I yelled right as I reached the wild Primeval Demon. I swung forward with my Divine Nebr Scythe
And the de cut through nothing but crimson threads. I blinked, looking up as the [Archarachne] swiftly and easily avoided my attack. It glided through its web with ease, circling around me before whipping down with its sharp legs.
I parried the first swing with my Divine Nebr Scythe, but for the second swing, I simply raised my left hand. The attack halted right before me, as I expected my invulnerability still holding up. Then a ring appeared in my finger, produced from my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension].
The tip of the ring shed. A light that seemed to suck in everything around it pulled, tugging at the [Archarachne].
Ring of the Forgotten Prison. I bared my teeth at the wild Primeval Demon as I tried to trap it in the Epic Grade artifact. For a single second, its entire form rippled like it was about to be yanked in.
Then the [Archarachne] pulled itself back. It leapt away from me, escaping the trap as it glided on its web to quickly give itself some distance. I blinked, lowering the ring.
Huh.
And right as the words left my mouth, the wild Primeval Demon was next to me again. It swung down with its scythe-like legs, but I took the hit. I was sent flying back as my blue mes sparked around me, protecting me from the attack.
If that didnt work, and I cant hit it, what am I supposed to do?
I wondered aloud. My Grand Skill wasnt going tost forever. It probably wasnt even going tost half an hour. The moment it ended, I was dead. I couldnt defeat this [Archarachne] not when trapped in its web of death.
And that wasnt just it, either. Even now, it was rapidly healing from the damage it had incurred. I closed my eyes as the [Archarachne] caught up to my falling body and swung at me again, knocking me in the opposite direction. It continued to knock me around as I rubbed my chin in thought.
I need to kill it fast. But I cant get a hit on it, and I cant trap it. What should I do?
I caught myself as I was about to fly into the wild Primeval Demons swing again. I dove under the attack, swinging up with my Divine Nebr Scythe. But I missed the [Archarachne], and it easily hopped all around its nest.
Its threads. If I destroy its threads, it wont be able to avoid my attacks. How do I do that?
I asked, and the world answered.
Salvos!
Orgafs voice called out. I nced down to see Helena Warshade ascending with the [Rogue] He stood on her nimbus cloud, hurling his daggers up into the air as she sent a bolt of lightning up. The attacks nced off the wild Primeval Demon as it turned to look down at them.
And that was when I had an idea.
Destroy the threads!
I yelled out.
What?
He stared at me nkly. I shook my head, flying straight at the wild Primeval Demon.
Just do it!
Orgaf and Helena Warshade exchanged a confused nce, but my clones promptly followed mymand. They flew up past the two Elite Ranked adventurers, heading straight for the [Archarachne].
The wild Primeval Demon easily knocked me back as Orgafs daggers appeared back in his hands. He nodded at Helena, and together, they began to focus their attacks on the crimson threads, cutting down arge section of the web.
The [Archarachne] lost its footing as pieces of threads fell off, leaving nothing but open space for it to stand on. It quickly began weaving more threads to fix its web, but in that brief moment of distraction, my clones flew up next to it. Both of them bared their teeths as they clutched their chests.
Boom.
I spoke for them. And they exploded. Theirbined st burned straight through a significant portion of the web, leaving nothing behind. I was caught in the explosion, although it didnt affect me. And fortunately, both Helena and Orgaf were out of range of the st.
I looked on as the [Archarachne] fell from the sky with no threads and no web to stand on. Its carapace was burned and partially broken, although it was already regenerating. I grinned.
Nows my chance!
And I charged straight at the wild Primeval Demon. It looked up at me it realized it was vulnerable. That I was a thread. It raised its legs, trying to weave even more web
No you dont!
I shouted. And the wild Primeval Demon froze. It fell as its body stiffly curled up into itself, unable to defend from my attack. Finally, I crashed into its underbelly, assailing it with a [Barrage of Cinders] with my Divine Nebr Scythe.
Take this!
The [Archarachne] screeched as it regained control of its body. It tried to get away, but I continued flying forward, pushing it as I dove straight through the web. The wild Primeval Demon hissed, striking me with its eight scythe-like legs, but I didnt move. I continued burrowing through the chitin until I began to see the first vestiges of ck blood pouring out.
I raised the Divine Nebr Scythe once again, ignoring the desperate attacks to throw me off. I could already see the broken chitin repairing. I needed something strong decisive. Something that could finish the wild Primeval Demon off.
We continued falling from the sky, tumbling towards the edge of the dome as I considered my options. I had a vast array of Skills I could choose from. But so many of them werent useful or avable here. [Manifestation of the Old Gods] couldnt help here, and while [Radiant sh] was out of cooldown, it wasnt enough. Maybe if I still had [Recall Skill], Id be able tobine both.
I needed something stronger. I needed something that I could use to finish off the injured Primeval Demon right here and now. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe again
And I got an idea.
Just a little bit more
Daniel huffed as he swung at the dome again and again. He was exhausted. He had put everything he could into breaking through. But even as the cracks continued to creep their way throughout the dome, it didnt break. It refused to shatter.
Meanwhile, the white aura covering the Sword of Alexander was beginning to fade. Exhaustion was settling in. He was tired. But still, he pushed himself. He swung again, and more cracks appeared on the domes surface.
Daniel
Edithe watched him as he continued to pick away at the barrier. The [Hero] wondered why he was pushing himself so hard. His [A Heros Rage] should have ended it usually ended by now. But somehow, he forced it to persist, exhausting his own essence as he tried to break through.
Why was he doing this? Why was he pushing himself to the brink of passing out? It was simple. He was doing it for her. He was doing it for
And Daniel blinked.
Salvos?
He saw the silver-haired girl tumbling through the dome with the [Archarachne]. They came crashing down, falling straight towards the crack. The [Hero] stared for a moment, before a hand grabbed him from behind. Edithe yanked him to the side, and the two of them managed to roll out of the way in time.
Salvos and the wild Primeval Demon broke straight through the cracked dome, crashing into the ground. The silver-haired girl was mid-swing her Divine Nebr Scythe wreathed in an iridescent aura. She ran across the giant spider-like Demons body, raking her weapon behind her as she screamed.
The [Archarachne] struggled as its body dragged across the white earth, frantically swinging back at her. But its attacks bounced of the silver-haired girl. Salvos forced herself forward, reaching the very top of the wild Primeval Demons body. The Divine Nebr Scythe halted like it was lodged on something. And Salvos leapt up.
With a flourish, she sliced straight through the [Archarachne]s head, and its entire body split into two. Daniel and Edithe stared as the silver-haired girlnded back on the ground, while the ck blood of the Demons corpse rained around her.
Salvos whispered with a smirk.
Divine Radiant sh!
The wild Primeval Demons body copsed in two halves, the ck blood pooling at the bottom of the crater. It was clearly dead. The dome the sphere that encased Ertos began to copse as its intricate system of webs within dissipated.
Salvos stood back up and hefted her scythe over her shoulder as thest of the ck rain fell around her. Iridescent mes wisped off her body like sparks as she raised her head.
And she blinked, looking at Daniel and Edithe. They both gaped at her. At how she defeated the Primeval Demon.
Oh, hey guys
Salvos started. And the iridescent mes turned blue. She tensed up and copsed on the ground, writhing in pain.
Ooooooouuuuch. I shouldnt have done that.
Chapter 476: Feats of Divinity
Chapter 476: Feats of Divinity
476. Feats of Divinity
Defeated [Aranea - Lvl. 29]
Defeated [Aranea - Lvl. 22]
Defeated [Archarachne - Lvl. 165]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Old Gods] Level up!
[Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl 1] -> [Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Old Gods] Level up!
[Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl 2] -> [Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Bonus Stat is awarded for the following feats:
Drawing into your Divine Essence with the [Wisdom of the Old Gods]!
+20 [Wisdom]
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 145] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 146]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 146] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 147]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 114] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 115]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 115] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 116]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Ouuuuch huh, I leveled up a bunch of times. But still: ouuuuuch!
Iy there, groaning in pain. My entire body ached. It was the worst pain I had ever felt well, actually, that wasnt true. I had felt worse pain before. Like when I used [Manifestation of the Old Gods] for the first time.
I couldnt move for a whole day back then!
The pain I felt right now was quite simr. I raised my head, looking towards Daniel and Edithe. Mypanions were huddled over me with worried looks on their faces. I tried to give them the best reassuring smile I could, only to wince.
Im fine ouch.
Edithe sighed, walking over to me. She helped me up and carried me on her shoulder as she sighed.
Dont force yourself, Salvos. You did a good job. Im amazed you were able to defeat that Primeval Demon by yourself.
Well, I didnt do it alone. I had Helena Warshade and Orgaf with me! But yep, I did great, didnt I?
I tried tough. And I did. But it hurt, so I grimaced in-between every other breath. I looked back towards Ertos as Edithe brought me to a [Healing Mage]. The dome encapsting the perimeter of the city was gone the [Archarachne]s Grand Skill ended the moment it died.
The entire sphere copsed, and the web untangled itself. The crimson threads faded away into specks of red dust, taken by the wind. The horde of [Aranea] apanying it was dead. And so was the [Wildmaster Fiend] manipting them and the army of Legions surrounding the city.
We had won. Ertos had been taken back. I nced towards the adventurer army. Mori dius, Faith El, and Crocus Merryster led them into the city. They marched past the broken, crumbling walls of Ertos as Helena Warshade and Orgaf waited on the other side.
Even with the [Archarachne]s Grand Skilling to an end, the sub-ritual didnt return. It had been interrupted when the wild Primeval Demon created its domain, cutting off the giant pir of light that reached for the sky. And the pir was still gone. There was no rift in space I could see with my eyes, nor were there any abrasions in this ne I could detect with my spatial senses.
The ground was still made of the familiar white rock that pervaded the Netherworld. However, when I looked up, I could see the blood-red sky slowly fading away.
You really did a good job.
Daniel walked up next to me, helping me from the other side. I flinched from the touch at first, but weed his assistance. The [Hero] gave me a nod.
I was worried for you. I was afraid you wouldnt be able to do it without our help. I shouldnt have doubted you or your Grand Skills.
I smiled back in return.
It was only one of my Grand Skills that helped. The other is still on cooldown.
Wait, howd you conjure up your Divine Essence, then?
Daniel blinked. Edithe peered at me curiously as well. I exined.
Well, I guess all that training with [Manifestation of the Old Gods] has finally paid off. I can use my Divine Essence even without a Skill now, even if its
I gestured at myself. Edithe and Daniel exchanged a nce. They spoke at the same time.
Right.
I shook my head as I finished.
Anyway, I knew [Radiant sh] wasnt enough to defeat the [Archarachne]. So I infused my Divine Essence into the attack just for a little bit to deal the final blow.
I was also pretty sure that maybe [Wisdom of the Old Gods] had something to do with it. Previously, I thought that the General Skill only gave me a boost to my [Wisdom], but now I realized it better attuned me with my own divinity. If I had to guess, it was the reason why I had even been able to use [Manifestation of the Old Gods] in the first ce. And now, I pushed it beyond its limits, even going as far as to level it up twice, to use Divine Radiant sh to win the fight.
While I was d it worked out in the end, I wasnt going to grow reliant on this ability. It was more of ast-ditch effort than anything due to the severe repercussions that came from using it. Honestly, it would just be better to wait for my [Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] Grand Skill to recover rather than risking my life with this maneuver. It worked out this time, but in the future, if I somehow failed, Id be dead.
Just rest for now.
Youll probably be out ofmission for the next few hours.
Daniel and Edithe had said as they brought me to a [Healing Mage]. I tried to protest.
Wait, cant you guys just give me a healing potion? What am I supposed to do here?
The [Healing Mage] cleared his throat as he looked over me.
Unfortunately, Ms Salvos
My name is Salvos.
I red at him. The [Healing Mage] nodded.
Right Salvos, a healing potion will only worsen your condition. The problem isnt the physical damage youve taken. In fact, it almost seems like your wounds are already healing. A result of a healing Skill?
He raised a brow at me, and I nodded.
I have [Rest] and [Weaker Regeneration].
Right, right. And added on top of that is a natural heightened recovery rate thanks to your [Vitality] at your level, then most of your injuries should be gone by the end of the hour. But the problem is the damage youve incurred is to your soul itself. It is the equivalent of suffering from mana poisoning, but with your essence.
Huh
I blinked a few times. Edithe and Daniel nodded, walking out of the tent.
You heard the man!
See youter, Salvos!
I watched them go.
Wait, what am I supposed to do until Im fully recovered?
I asked, but they were already gone. The [Healing Mage] shrugged.
Sleep?
He suggested. And I red at him.
Absolutely not!
--
In the end, I decided to have a nice hearty meal while being treated by the healers. They had fetched me rations and someone even found a fancy dish that had been stored away in a Dimensional Storage Box. I rejected it all. They were disgusting.
Instead, I chomped down on the raw remains of an [Aranea] as the other wounded folks in therge tent stared at me with wide eyes.
Delicious. Nothing like eating your enemies after beating them!
I also decided to distribute all the Stat Points and Secondary Skill Points I had gained from leveling up. Unfortunately, I couldnt distribute my primary Skill Points since all my Skills were already maxed out.
But I was getting close to Level 150. I just had to level up three more times, and that was it. I could finally be a Primeval Demon!
I was incredibly excited for the options that would be made avable. Although I wondered if there would even be that many options in the first ce. I remembered hitting Level 100 for the first time after that duel with that cheater Zix. I had only been given three options to choose from.
Three.
It wasnt a lot. And I had a feeling that this time, I wasnt suddenly going to get four evolutionary options.
Well, whatever it was, I hoped it would be good.
I ended up expending most of my Stat Points on [Vitality], [Strength], and [Endurance]. And as for my Secondary Skills, I split most of my focus on [Draconic Fury], [Passive - Weaker Regeneration], and [Passive - Master of Material Maniption].
By the time I was done eating and dealing with my Status, I had mostly recovered. So I got up and left therge tent, sweeping my gaze over the ruins of Ertos.
Alright, now to see whats going on out there.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 147
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 116
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 3
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 190 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 190 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 190 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+30)
[Agility]: 360 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 12]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 2]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 15
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
Chapter 477: Cause for Celebration
Chapter 477: Cause for Celebration
477. Cause for Celebration
Faith El, the Fallen Queen of Elutra, and former disgraced princess stood before the walls of Ertos. It had been a day since the city had been taken back from the hands of the Demons. The sub-ritual had been subverted its magic halted from spreading across the Mortal Realm.
It was a victory. All-around, it was considered to be a cause for a grand celebration. But Faith wasnt in a celebratory mood.
She didnt quite feel like there was even a reason to feel joyous. For her, this asion only drew a woeful mncholy from deep within her heart. After all, she had failed.
Faith swept her gaze over the rest of the city. She saw the ruined streets and the fallen houses. When theyd first arrived, there had been desated bodies piled up in every street corner sacrifices made to carry out this ritual.
The walls of Ertos once so tall and full of majesty nowy crumbled at her feet. It could repel armies from even the greatest nations in the world. Faiths father had once told her that the Capital City of Elutra was impregnable from any invasions. Now, it was reduced to dust and rubble.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra sighed.
A fallen nation for a fallen queen. Truly, I have been given a Title befitting my status
She closed her eyes, remembering what the city of Ertos had once been. In its full glory. The ce where she had been born and raised. Faith looked back towards the decrepit pce, worn down from all the fighting it had been through.
A single teardrop slid down her pale cheeks as she recalled all that had been lost. Her father, King Credence. Her brothers and sisters Destiny, Con all of her siblings. Only four of them were left. She looked down at the palm of her hand.
Her right hand. At one point, it had been gone too. Chomped off by a savage Archdemon. But with the help of Salvos, it had been grown back. It wasnt exactly like her original hand. It was a result of using a Potion of Regeneration however, only in minute amounts, which produced a slightly disproportionate size, as well as a weaker right hand than her left hand.
Sometimes, she wished she refused this offer. The scar from losing her right hand acted as a reminder to what she had done and failed to aplish. But at the time, she was acting out of necessity. Faith couldnt serve as the leader of Elutras Resistance with only one hand.
But now, with her city liberated, she raised a dagger and contemted righting this wrong. She held the de against her wrist, a healing potion at the ready to stop any bleeding. Faith inhaled deeply and lifted the dagger.
I
She whispered to herself. And a handnded on her shoulder. Faith blinked, whirling around. She stared at a man standing behind her.
A ck-haired figure who eyed the dagger in her hand warily. He narrowed his eyes at her.
Faith.
Daniel?
She blinked at the [Hero]. He gestured towards the dagger in her hand and asked.
What are you doing?
Im doing whats right.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra shook her head. She shrugged Daniels hand off her and turned to face the red night sky.
Leave me. This is something I have to do alone.
But Daniel didnt let her. He grabbed her by the hand and yanked the dagger away.
Stop it.
He spoke firmly as he tossed the dagger aside. Faith tried to push him away.
Dont stop me, Daniel.
She gritted her teeth at him.
I deserve this. After all I have done after what I have done to you. Dont you think this is what I deserve?
The young man from Earth hesitated. Faith could still see some of the scorn in his eyes, even after so long. The way she had treated him the way she had used him. She still regretted it to this day.
But Daniel shook his head.
No.
What?
Faith blinked. She tried to struggle to break free from his grip.
But I tricked you! I abandoned my people when they needed me the most. I am a failure of a princess. A failure of a Queen. I need to be punished for my sins.
Daniel sighed as she failed to escape. He looked at her, meeting her gaze.
Faith.
The Queen paused. She saw the way he looked at her. The mix of sympathy and sorrow. He closed his eyes.
You know, when I first woke up in this world, I thought I was in paradise. I thought I was in heaven. I thought this was my dreame true after all, back in my world, I was a failure.
A failure?
Faith stared at him, utterly puzzled. Daniel chuckled bitterly.
Well, I wouldnt say failure is the right word. But I felt like a failure. I never thought I would amount to anything. And when the only girl who loved me died, I felt like I had nothing left. I considered ending it all, multiple times. That I didnt even deserve to live.
He looked up towards the teething stars. The scintiting dots in the night sky were slightly obscured by a red mist that remained overhead. The [Hero] took a deep breath.
Then I woke up here. And there was a beautiful princess who loved me. There were thousands of people who chanted my name, relying on me. For once in my life, I felt like I was wanted. That I wasnt aplete failure. That I could actually do something that had meaning.
Daniels lips curled up. He smiled, but Faith only felt guilt. Her heart ached in her chest as he continued.
As itter turned out, it was all built on a mountain of lies. And I ran away. Once again, I just wanted to escape from my problems. I just wanted to escape from it all.
Faith hung her head low, the guilt eating her up from the inside. But Daniel helped her raise her head.
However, despite what happened, I believe you still helped me.
What?
She stared at him, blinking. He gave her a determined look.
I believe that I wouldnt have climbed out of that dark ce where I was trapped if not foring into this world. If I hadnt met you if you hadnt shown me what it was like to feel like I am worth something.
But thats
Amanda trailed off. But Daniel cut her off.
And you werent the only one who failed the people of Ertos. They relied on me to save them. They trusted me because I was a [Hero]. But I failed them too.
He bowed his head deeply as Faith just stared at him.
So let me bear some of the responsibility too.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra could only look on as the [Hero] of Earth stood before her, tightly gripping her hand. She opened her mouth she wanted to protest. But nothing came out from her mouth. All she found were tears falling from her eyes.
T-thats
She broke down into tears, unable to finish her sentence. Faith cried as Danielforted her. The former princess could only cry as she whispered.
Thank you. Thank you
Unbeknownst to both the [Hero] and the Queen, a figure hid in the shadows, watching this scene. She clenched her jaw as she slinked away, quite clearly irritated. Amanda cursed under her breath as she turned a street corner
And paused when she saw a pink-haired woman standing at the end of the junction. Saffron Merryster crossed her arms as Amanda growled.
What are you doing here?
I should be asking you the same question.
The young noble rolled her eyes. Amanda frowned.
Thats none of your business.
The former assassin started forward. Saffron just sighed.
You know, the longer you refuse to admit it, the worse it will be, right?
That made Amanda pause. She nced back at Saffron, shaking her head.
I dont have to admit anything.
Sure you dont.
Saffron snorted, but Amanda just harrumphed and walked away.
The next day, Faith woke up to Willow bursting into her tent. The Fallen Queen of Elutra blinked, staring in confusion as the white-haired woman sputtered.
Its Elutra isnt
Calm down, Willow. What are you saying? What are you talking about? What happened to Elutra?
Willow paused, breathing slowly. She cleared her throat and gestured at a slip of paper in hand.
Elutra hasnt fallen just yet, my Queen.
What do you mean by that?
Faith furrowed her brows. Willow drew back, reading the report in hand.
Our scouts returned from twenty miles north of Ertos. They discovered a refugee camp there. About ten thousand people from the city had evacuated before the ritual took ce.
What?
The Fallen Queen of Elutra stared in shock at the white-haired woman. Willow nodded eagerly.
Not only that we heard back from Laux Lionfist and his forces. Not only did they retake another sub-ritual site, they also found two Elutran cities along the way that werergely left unaffected. And I have a feeling the same could be said for a lot of the cities out there.
I
Faith was left at a loss for words. She read the report, looking over every line again and again. She felt like she was dreaming. It wasnt a cause for celebration. Most of Elutra had still been ravaged by not just the war with the Inoria Empire, but what came after too with the Demons.
However, it was a silver lining. Faith could still make up for her mistakes. There was still so much she had to do. Nodding to herself, the Fallen Queen of Elutra got to her feet.
I understand. Bring me to the survivors of Ertos. Now.
Yes, my Queen. Ill fetch a horse.
Willow bowed deeply and quickly excused herself.
Chapter 478: Pyrrhic Victory
Chapter 478: Pyrrhic Victory
478. Pyrrhic Victory
It was a week of resounding victories for the United Coalition of the Human Lands. All throughout the Inoria Empire,rge-scale battles had taken ce in retaliation of the Demon invasion of the Mortal Realm. They hadnt been easy. Each battle had been hard-fought. But ultimately, it was a massively sessful pushback against the grand ritual that had seemed like the beginning of the end of Humankind.
Originally, there had been thirteen sub-ritual locations that exacerbated the grand ritual that sped up the process of merging the Netherworld with the Mortal Realm. Now, there were only six left. In the span of under four weeks since the deration of war was made at the conclusion of the Conference of Alyras, seven of the sub-ritual locations had been destroyed in one way or another.
The first had been sabotaged by a covert operation carried out by a group of Elite and Diamond Ranked adventurers. It had been led by Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales. And while the mission itself was sessful on paper, it wasnt wholly celebrated as one. After all, Lofus the Broken Berserker of Bherein, an Elite Ranked adventurer, died during the operation due to the sudden appearance of a Primeval Demon.
Then there was the siege of Licen by both Laux Lionfist and Peris Dolonia. Their armies had been one of the first to cross the borders of the Inoria Empire. Together, they quickly made progress into enemy territory, taking over multiple towns and cities without spilling a single drop of blood. They only met their first true resistance when they reached the site of the sub-ritual at Licen. The Inorian army resisted their takeover, forced to fight by a group of high-leveled Demons within the city. Fortunately, with Peris Dolonias Skills, he managed to draw out said Demons and liberate Licen before too many lives were lost.
After that, there had been the retaking of Ertos by the forces of Mori dius, Helena Warshade, and Daniel Song. It had been a bloody battle one of the bloodiest in the entire war. Their army incurred grave losses, despite the presence of some of the most powerful individuals in the Human Lands. After all, they had faced an opposing Demon army as well as a wild Primeval Demon at the same time. It was a long, protracted battle that eventually resulted in victory after many losses.
At the same time, Kaitlin Darkhlem and the Swordsguard Forces of the Vaun Qieur Empire carried out a quick and vicious attack on Fort Nosus where another sub-ritual had been held and retook Shadowscars Pass. It was a decisive victory. The Swordsguard Forces had hardly suffered any losses, and they had in hundreds of Demons with ease.
Shortly after that, the Eastern Kingdom Alliance and Remembered Order Company capitalized on the retaking of Shadowscars Pass to reach the site of the fifth sub-ritual. It was Windwraith the Dungeon City. And its inhabitants had been entirely sacrificed to the sub-ritual at the very heart of the Dungeon. Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer led a group of his adventurers down into the Dungeon, avoiding the outpouring of both Demons and monsters, before finally sabotaging the sub-ritual.
And this week, smaller armies from the Alterian League, the Sunmere Republic, and allied Cyclopes from Ajih took on the southern border of the Inoria Empire. Where the Elutra Kingdom had once been. They breezed through the region of Arbington before finally taking the city of Norwich where another sub-ritual was located without spilling a single drop of blood.
Then Peris Dolonia with the Helbir League after splitting with Laux Lionfist and his troops captured the northernmost city of the Inoria Empire. Lunaris. It was apparently another hard-fought battle which concluded after a day of battle. While the Crown Prince of Dolonia was unhappy about all the losses they suffered, a victory was a victory.
But the same couldnt be said for what happened next. The next bit of news was heard by everyone from the United Coalition Army of the Human Lands. The news of defeat at the city of Wilford.
Give it up.
The voice was cruel and callous. A burning tone that somehow zed hotter than the mes of the city. Laux Lionfist stumbled back, dropping to one knee, his right arm bleeding and broken. He looked up as the crimson figure strutted through the rubble of what had once been tall and glorious walls.
Ira tilted his head as he came to a halt. Behind him, a horde of wild Demons tore through the remains of what had once been an army of adventurers. A hundred thousand dead, just like that. Tens of thousands were fleeing. Laux Lionfist had only stayed behind to hold the Primeval Demon off. Ira spoke with an acerbic tone.
You puny mortals do not stand a chance against our King. Your world is ours to take. So give it up.
Never.
Laux Lionfist forced himself to his feet. He met the Primeval Demons gaze.
We have driven you Demons back from the Mortal Realm once before. We will do it again.
Ira sighed. A [Hellwolf] crept up behind him. Laux Lionfist saw the way the Demon was ready to pounce. He braced himself
But the wild Demon leapt at Iras back. The Primeval Demon just raised a hand, flicking it back and killing it in an instant. Another group of [Hellwolves] howled, before charging around him. A few tried their chances at Ira, but the rest streamed after the running adventurers.
Laux Lionfist shook his head. He raised his one arm and red at Ira.
I will fight until I draw myst breath if I must.
Then show it to me.
Ira grinned. He spread his arms wide, waiting expectantly.
Prove it. Prove your resolve. Unleash your Grand Skill upon me!
He yelled as he cackled wildly. Laux Lionfist gritted his teeth. The Elite Ranked adventurer remembered the report Helena Warshade had given him on Ira. Supposedly, Ira was able to reflect any Skill unleashed against him. And that was before Ira had be a Primeval Demon.
But would a Grand Skill be enough to break through whatever defense Ira had? Laux Lionfist didnt know. But he hoped it would. He took on a wide stance as he took a step forward.
Very well, Demon.
Ira just bared his teeth savagely in return. Laux Lionfists muscles rippled as his eyes flickered.
[My Body, My Blood
He started. And a st of iridescent energy struck Ira. The Primeval Demon flew back with a loud yelp as the beam of rainbow energy continued to rake him across the ruins of the city. Laux Lionfist blinked, only to suddenly find himself flying, picked up by a cloud.
Looking up, the Elite Ranked adventurer spoke in shock.
Helena?
And he paused. It wasnt Helena Warshade who was carrying him. He didnt see the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy standing there atop the white nimbus cloud. Instead, a wizened man stood atop a golden nimbus cloud with a sword raised and aimed at Ira.
Headmaster yton Skyshredder?!
Laux Lionfist eximed. yton just shook his head as his cloud circled over the ruins of Wilford. A crimson pir tore through the citys center as thousands of Demons continued to pour out in an unending wave. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy lowered his de.
This battle is lost. There is no changing that fact. We need to regroup with the other armies before attempting to destroy this sub-ritual once more.
R-right. But what are you
Before Laux Lionfist could finish, Ira leapt out of a crater andughed wildly.
Who knew that yton Skyshredder himself would finally leave his little hide-y hole! Come, Headmaster, I will fight you
yton Skyshredder interrupted him by sending another st of iridescent energy his way. The Primeval Demon screamed in pain as the cloud zipped off, leaving the city behind.
Hopefully the damage will not spread too far before we return.
Beneath them, some twenty or thirty thousand adventurers continued fleeing. Laux Lionfist blinked, still staring at yton. Then he nodded slowly.
Right. We must make haste.
Any question could be saved forter. For now, it was best to focus on what could currently be done. The two Elites descended, rallying the remainder of the adventurer army to regroup far from the sub-ritual site.
Meanwhile, Ira watched them go. The Primeval Demon dusted himself off as blood trickled down his shoulder.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy joins the war, huh?
He shook his head.
This changes everything. Levithus must know of this.
And he turned away.
After we had taken over the city of Ertos, we didnt stay around for long, leaving to tackle yet another sub-ritual site. We did stay for a bit longer than we wanted because of Faiths insistence, which eventually led to the Fallen Queen of Elutra taking her forces and leaving our army.
After finding some refugees hidden in Mount Soulcreep, she had decided she would continue liberating more of the Elutra Kingdom and regroup with the other forces from the Alterian League and the Sunmere Republic. It was her duty or something. I somewhat understood it, since I felt the same way with mypanions.
So where are we going now?
I asked Daniel as I flew upside down beside him. He sat atop a horse awkwardly riding at the front of the army. He nced up at me and shook his head.
Werent you listening at all during the meeting?
What meeting?
I blinked at him. He sighed.
Were going to meet up with Laux Lionfists forces towards the northwest. Then we will join Peris Dolonias army too before pressing further into the Inoria Empire.
Arent we going to target more of those sub-ritual sites?
Were leaving those for the other armies to deal with. So far, we havent had too much trouble with destroying the sub-rituals. We may as well work efficiently and split responsibilities. Well target the true source of the Grand Ritual, while the rest of the coalition will bring down the remaining six sub-ritual.
Daniel paused. He raised his head.
Well, five after Laux Lionfist and his troops take back Wilford.
What is Wilford?
I asked, peering at him. He just gave me a t stare.
Im not going to answer that.
Aw.
We continued riding for a few more minutes as I just flitted around like I was some kind of [Will O Wisp]. Truth be told, I was only bothering Daniel so I could escape the real [Will O Wisp]. Willy was harping after me for a lot of things. Three things in particr.
And I was trying to avoid responsibility. So I just nced up at the sky, bored and bothering Daniel.
Are we there yet?
Not for another day, probably. When west heard from Laux Lionfist, his forces were facing quite a bit of resistance from Wilford. But Im sure once hes dealt with the sub-ritual, theyll need to rest up and wait for us in the city.
And why do you think hell seed?
I asked casually.
Couldnt he have, yknow, failed?
I mean, its possible, but
Daniel started. Then he caught himself. He stared straight ahead as our army came to a halt right at the top of a hill. I looked up or down, depending on how you looked at it to see a vast destendscape. White rocks that spread far and wide, with no city or anything of the like in sight.
Crimson skies scarred the world ahead, only growing and spreading the Netherworlds curse into the Mortal Realm. I saw wild Demons wandering the rocky ins. Entire forests burned to ash. And far beyond that was a crimson pir, shooting to the sky. Still a days travel away. Where the vague outline of Wilford could be see in the distance.
Daniel scratched his cheeks.
Uh, nevermind. Maybe youre right.
And I furrowed my brows, in thought.
Huh.
Chapter 479: Netherfication
Chapter 479: Netherfication
479. Netherfication
We arrived in the northwestern region of the Inoria Empire. Far from the territories of the Elutra Kingdom. Here, we were close to bordering Shedos. Where Mavos Academy had been. There was a city here a ce called Wilford. Apparently, it was where another one of the sub-rituals was taking ce.
But Laux Lionfist and his army of over a hundred thousand adventurers had arrived before us. Their goal had been to sabotage the eighth sub-ritual location. To slow the Netherfication of the Mortal Realm. However, it was quite clear that he had failed.
I cast my gaze over thendscape. We were still rtively far off from Wildford. The army was being worked by less movement Skills than before, so we were about a days travel at the very least from arriving. Yet, this entire area had already been transformed into the familiar white world of the Netherworld.
The sky was stained a blood-red, and the floor was made of a pure white rock. An entire forest of trees had dried up with no soil to draw water from. Their dying leaves fell to the ground as our army marched over the vast white expanse, slowed by the oppressive heat from the crimson glow above.
This isnt right
Daniel narrowed his eyes. He turned to the trio of [Crusaders] apanying him. He faced the foremost one.
Kacey, get Helena Warshade here
He started. But a voice interrupted him.
I am here.
Helena Warshade descended next to him, standing atop her white nimbus cloud. Behind her, Mori dius was also standing on the magical ride. I perked up, and my wings dissipated as Inded.
This is going to be a big deal, isnt it?
We need to figure out what happened to Laux Lionfist.
Daniel said as he nodded at me. I sighed, taking a step back.
Thats cool and all, but Ive gotta go. I have kids to take care of! Bye!
He rolled his eyes, watching me run off.
I left the important people to have their discussion. It wasnt like I would contribute much to it. Daniel, Helena, and Mori were kind enough to let me off, but I received a sidelong re from Kacey and the other [Crusaders].
Well, it wasnt like I cared about what they thought about me. They were just random Humans. And it wasnt like they even knew the true me anyway. So I didnt care what they thought of the Human Salvos, because I wasnt a Human at the end of the day.
I searched the army as their marching speed slowed under the conditions of the Netherworld. I was used to it, but it seemed that Humans struggled to traverse through it. I continued until I eventually found Edithe.
The redhead was with Hadrian. They were walking alongside each other as theirpany of adventurers followed behind them. I bounced up to them.
Hey Edithe, hey Hadrian!
Salvos do you know what happened?
Edithe asked as she gestured around us. Hadrian furrowed his brows. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company gave me a worried look.
Did Laux Lionfist fail? Did the adventurer coalition really get destroyed?
I dunno. Daniel and the others are trying to figure it out right now. Im just here to escape any responsibility.
I beamed at them. Edithe snorted.
Of course you are.
Do you know where Willy and the baby Wyverns are?
I cocked my head at her. She scratched her cheeks. Hadrian shook his head, gesturing at one of the caravans at the back of thepany.
Theyre giving Ismail a hard time.
They are?
I blinked. I narrowed my eyes and watched as the caravan burst open. A pair of baby Wyverns went scampering out as a dark-skinned man chased after them, cursing. His Pegasus whinnied, flying up after him. Another baby Wyvern stepped out, followed by a [Will O Wisp]. They watched the chaos ensue together as I approached them from behind.
What are Novis and Bellum doing?
I asked, and Willy spun around. Oriur was a moment slower. He gasped and leapt onto my feet, crying.
Mama!
Its ok, Oriur. Im here now. Whats going on?
Whats going on?
Willy repeated after me. The [Will O Wisp]s mes burned red as he flitted my way.
You.
Im going on?
Idiot! You leave them!
He continued as he nced back to Novis and Bellum. They were running between horses and hiding beneath carts. Ismail and his Pegasus tried to trap them, but they somehow always escaped. I blinked back at Willy.
What do you mean? I was just, um, talking with Daniel about stuff. Important stuff. Yknow, the kind of stuff that would bore them?
I gave him an apprehensive shrug. But Willy didnt buy it. Even though he was a ball of mes, I could tell he was ring at me.
Avoiding them.
He spoke simply. I pursed my lips.
Whos avoiding what? Im avoiding Helena Warshade? Of course I am!
I eximed, giving him a weak smile. He adamantly continued.
You. Avoiding Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Whaaaat? I would never
I started. Then I felt something at my leg. I looked down to see Oriur tugging my blue jacket. He gave me a pair of round eyes and asked.
Where been, Mama?
And I hesitated. I slowly picked him up as he clung onto my arm. Novis and Bellum dashed away from Ismail before pausing. The two of them finally caught sight of me. They stood there, frozen. And Ismail caught them.
Finally
He started. But they squirmed out of his arms. Immediately, the two baby Wyverns started bawling as they sprinted for me. Ismail groaned as he dropped to his knees. I caught Novis and Bellum as they crashed into me.
Mama!
The three baby Wyverns cried together. And I bit my lower lip. They hugged me tightly, refusing to let go. It was the same every single time. If I left the three baby Wyverns for just a moment, they would get unbelievably sad.
I looked over at Willy who gave me a judgmental stare. I sighed.
I know, I know. I shouldnt have avoided them.
I patted the baby Wyverns slowly. They were too busy crying to even notice anything I said. I looked up at the [Will O Wisp] and shook my head.
I understand that. But I cant look after them all the time, Willy.
I pouted. Willy buzzed around me, annoyed.
Must.
Its just not possible. I have things I want to do. I have things I need to do. And I will have to
I nced over at Ismail who was scowling, walking back to his caravan with his Pegasus. I looked back to see the rest of the Valiant Dreamers watching with sidelong nces. Even Edithe looked mildly amused, and her friend, Celine, wasughing about what just happened with Ismail and the baby Wyverns.
They probably could overhear me, so I didnt say anything too specific. I kept it vague.
I have to leave, eventually. I need to go home. Find my firstpanion. I cant bring Novis, Bellum, or Oriur with me there its too dangerous.
I gave Willy an apologetic look. But he just sighed.
That just means you have to take care of them now.
The [Will O Wisp] spoke in a full sentence. I nced down at the baby Wyverns. They met my gaze, confused. They didnt know what Willy and I were discussing. They could tell it was something important. They gave me a concerned look, and I shook my head.
Its fine. Dont worry about it.
I soothed them before putting them back on the ground. They smiled at each other as I turned back to Willy.
I want to, Willy. But, like, I need a break sometimes, yknow?
If Willy had eyes, hed be rolling them right now. He flew down to the baby Wyverns, flying before them.
If you didnt want this responsibility, you shouldnt have taken them under your wing. You need to understand they are living beings, Salvos. You cannot just give up on a whim.
Right
I bowed my head low. For a moment, neither of us said anything. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur just stared at us quizzically. I wasnt sure what else to say, and I knew Willy would reprimand me for any excuse I made. I opened my mouth.
Ill try
I started, but paused as I heard a shouting. I nced back as a group of riders ran down the army.
Were changing destinations! Everyone, we are not going to Wilford! Well be going to Lunaris now!
I blinked. I looked towards Willy, confused.
Isnt that the Inoria Empires northernmost city or something?
Who knows?
Willy said in response.
Why are we changing locations now?
It would take us longer to get to Lunaris But for whatever reason, we were going there now. I wondered what went wrong. Hopefully nothing too bad, right?
--
And the army moved. We reoriented our path, circumventing Wilford entirely. We traveled through the very peripheries of the Netherfication. I watched on as the whitendscape continued to spread.
Our progress was slowed because of all the wild Demons in the path. I wouldve helped out, but I decided to stay with Willy and the baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur kept pestering me to y with them, and I did. I didnt want to make Willy angry. I knew if I left them alone again, the [Will O Wisp] would give me an earful.
So we just continued on. Daniel at the front with Mori dius and Helena Warshade. They were on guard of something. Edithe and a few other higher-leveled members of the army also joined the head, making it clear that they were worried.
Eventually, after another day and a half, we arrived at Lunaris
Chapter 480: Regroup
Chapter 480: Regroup
480. Regroup
We arrived at Lunaris soon enough. It was the northernmost city of the Inoria Empire. Peris Dolonia, the Crown Prince of Dolonia, had captured this ce five days before we arrived. It had been the location of one of the sub-rituals, so the earth was made of a white rock, and the sky had the vestiges of a crimson paint mixed with the blue.
I could scarcely see the sun overhead amidst the oppressive red. It peeked through, crawling over the sky like a bead of sweat slowly making its way down my back. Without the ritual here, the sky would eventually return to normal. It just hadnt reverted back yet.
We saw an encampment right outside of the city. The tents flew the banners of various countries. City states, to be specific. A coalition that had already existed before the United Coalition of the Human Lands had been formed. The armies of the Helbir League.
Their soldiers looked ragged and worn down. As if they had just been through a hard-fought battle. It looked as though they had been pitched here for at least a week. And their numbers werent exactly asrge as I had thought theyd be.
I expected an army well into a hundred thousand. Maybe even two hundred or three hundred thousand soldiers. But there had to be just under a hundred thousand here. They mustve suffered quite a few losses to capture Lunaris.
But pitched right next to the first encampment was a smaller encampment. And it made the losses Peris Dolonia and his forces suffered look pathetic inparison.
There was only a single banner being hung from the tents there. The banner of Mavos Academy. I recognized it immediately, but I saw the people gathered around in the encampment. And I realized those werent students.
They were adventurers.
These were Laux Lionfists forces, and they had been reduced to a tenth of what they had originally been.
Huh. What happened here?
I wondered aloud. Edithe walked up next to me, shaking her head.
Apparently Laux Lionfist and his forces suffered a major defeat at Wilford. Thats why were here. To regroup and take Wilford with ourbined forces.
I see.
I narrowed my eyes. I looked around at our army. I watched them begin to set up camp around us. A voice cut through the ruckus, calling out for both Edithe and I.
Edithe, Salvos!
Daniel walked up to us, apanied by his trio of [Crusaders]. They were like his bodyguards, apanying him wherever he went. Or his prison guards. Whichever was more apt.
Were heading out to meet Peris and Laux Lionfist. Youing?
Let me just find Hadrian and Ill be with you guys!
Edithe nodded, walking off to find herpany leader. I hesitated. I nced at the redhead, then towards Daniel. The young man gave me a confused look. Finally, I spoke.
I cant go.
I shook my head.
I have to look after
I gestured towards the baby Wyverns. They were ying right behind me, wrestling with each other. Little bundles of energy. I was concerned about them. But also I could feel the heavy gaze of Willy bearing down on my back, and I didnt want to set him off at me again.
So I bowed apologetically.
Sorry!
Daniel rolled his eyes.
You only use them as an excuse when its convenient for you.
I am not!
I protested. But he just shook his head.
Its fine. Headmaster Skyshredder of Mavos Academy is here too, and after that stunt you pulled, he might not be happy to see you anyway.
Whaaat? Nooo. yton loves me!
I fluttered my eyes innocently at Daniel. He started away as Edithe came back with Hadrian.
Ill just brief you on the detailster. Make sure she doesnt get into too much trouble, Willy.
And they left. I watched them go. Sighing, I slumped over on the ground, lying down. I looked up towards the fading red sky, and I wondered what to do.
It was difficult. I had far too many responsibilities now. It was not easy trying to find the right bnce between everything I had to do. If only I had more of me
Wait, actually
I sat up, narrowing my eyes. I nced over at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Novis and Bellum paused what they were doing, noticing that I was staring. Oriur was a moment slower, tripping and falling before looking up at me. They watched me curiously, and I rubbed my chin.
What about this?
I snapped my fingers. There was a flicker of golden me. A figure emerged next to me, created from the fire. She looked exactly like me. Except golden.
It was [Salvo of Vanity]. My clone smiled as she stepped forward. She bent down, holding her arms wide to hug the trio of baby Wyverns.
There you go shell take care of you! Shes me, so its fine, right?
I pped my hands together happily. Willy just sighed next to me. I nced at him.
What? This is a genius idea!
No it isnt.
The [Will O Wisp] retorted. I scowled, turning to face the baby Wyverns. I watched as they stared up at my clone. For a moment, they didnt react. My clone just held her arms open, smiling.
Then Novis and Bellum cried out, running past the clone.
Mama!
They made a mad dash towards me and threw themselves at my feet. I paused. I looked back at Oriur as he just gave my clone a confused look. Then he followed after Novis and Bellum and hugged my leg as well. My clones shoulders sagged.
Told you.
Willy snorted. I nced back at him, before rolling my eyes.
They know its my clone. They just want to be with me since Im here right now.
I looked down at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur as they stared at me with round eyes. A smile slipped onto my face.
You guys are so cute.
I spoke as I patted them all at the same time, using [Faux Limbs]. I turned to my pouting clone and waved a hand off.
Since youre here anyway, you can go help Daniel or whatever with what theyre doing. Here, let me write you a note
My clone pouted even harder as I passed her a note. She then dragged her feet behind her as she slowly made her way to the encampment ahead.
A Primeval Demon, huh?
Amanda listened, keeping her head low as the room murmured in worry. A Primeval Demon had defended Wilford and defeated Laux Lionfists force in battle. It was the same Primeval Demon that had killed Lofus that had bested Orgaf in battle.
The former assassin scanned the room. There were a plethora of important people gathered. Orgaf himself was present with his lips pursed, and Helena Warshade had her teeth gritted. The conversation continued, with yton Skyshredder himself taking the lead role.
So we are aware that the Demon invasion is notcking in Primeval Demons. There could be more showing up in the future as well. And each one is powerful far stronger than we anticipated.
Thats not just it, either.
Helena spoke up. She nced over at Daniel Song who nodded. The [Hero] stepped forward, and Amanda lowered her head even more.
We encountered a Primeval Demon in Ertos, too. A wild Primeval Demon.
Whats a wild Primeval Demon?
Peris Dolonia asked, frowning. Daniel shook his head.
Ill exin itter. But there is a distinction between Primeval Demons like Ira, Belzu, or Levithus and the [Archarachne] or the [Hebomination] weve encountered so far.
I wouldnt exactly use those examples, but Daniel Song is right.
Mori dius nodded in agreement. Peris nced over at the Champion of the Human Lands, eyes narrowed. Daniel spoke, drawing all eyes in the room.
Point is it is highly likely that the Demon King is getting desperate if he is sending all these Primeval Demons over. We have already sabotaged seven of the sub-rituals. All thats needed now is to put a halt to the rest of them. Then there is nothing they can do to follow-through with their grand ritual.
Amanda watched as he gestured at the mapid out on the desk. He pointed at the remaining five sub-rituals, moving the various pieces meant to represent the Human armies all throughout the Inoria Empire.
We just have to tread more carefully now. Assess each sub-ritual site so we do not rush in recklessly unprepared. If necessary, we regroup and retake these sitester. We do not want to suffer a major loss again like today.
When did you be such a [Hero]? The former assassin wanted to scoff. But it looked like Daniel was in his element here. It annoyed Amanda somewhat. She was used to seeing Daniel be well, for ack of a better term, she was used to seeing him be ipetent.
There were murmurs of agreement throughout the room. Scarlet Vermillion nodded as she tapped a finger on her chin.
That is true. The Demon King cant have that many Primeval Demons lying in wait, right? We can work on this tactically and win.
Amanda herself thought that was a good idea. It made sense to her. But someone disagreed.
Or perhaps not.
yton Skyshredder spoke simply, his arms crossed. Helena turned to him, deferring.
Why not, Headmaster?
He ran a hand through his flowing beard.
During the Demon Kingsst invasion of the Mortal Realm ten thousand years ago, it was said that the Immortal King Alexander yed 50 Primeval Demons in battle. And not just that, but there were over a hundred other Primeval Demons seen throughout the ten years of war.
Daniel blinked. He opened his mouth, gaping.
Seriously?
We dont even have a hundred Elites
Scarlet paled. Amanda herself felt her heart sink. But Orgaf stepped up, shaking his head.
Our problem isnt that we cannot take down a Primeval Demon. Its that we do not know how to pick our battles. These Primeval Demons are smart and cunning. They mustve been sent here into the Mortal Realm for a reason. They know when to fight and when to retreat. Meanwhile, we are mindlessly barreling ahead to stop this grand ritual. It is only expected that we face these defeats.
Mori nced over at the Thief of the Golden Scales.
What are you suggesting, Orgaf?
The Elite [Rogue] simply scoffed.
It is wasteful for us to send an army down to Wilford to deal with Ira. That will only result in significant losses which I am sure we would rather not lose. Id say we send a team of Elite Ranked adventurers to hunt down and deal with Ira.
Amanda thought that made sense. But Daniel folded his arms across his chest.
Isnt that what happened thest time around? When Lofus perished at Iras hands?
We were wholly unprepared for a Primeval Demon back then. Now we know better.
Orgaf shrugged simply. Daniel looked like he wanted to argue, but yton Skyshredder spoke out, interrupting the [Hero].
It is a risk. But for now, I believe it would be prudent for all of us to capture Wilford together. It is unlikely that Ira himself would remain guarding the city when he knows we will return with a force greater than ever.
That is true
Helena Warshade nodded. She nced back towards the exit of the tent.
Then it is best for us to make haste and prepare to leave now.
Agreed.
Daniel spoke up as the rest of the room voiced their agreements. It was odd to Amanda, seeing the young man like this. He was really different from the man she knew. She closed her eyes and felt her racing heart as the room began to clear out.
Maybe Saffron was right. Maybe Amanda was really
Whats this?
Amanda blinked, hearing the shuffling pause. She looked up as a golden figure stood at the exit of the tent. Edithe took a step forward, frowning at the Salvos clone.
Salvos? Whats going on?
The Salvos clone handed Edithe a note. The redhead blinked as she read it. Daniel peered over her shoulder.
Whats it about?
Edithe showed it to him as she sighed.
I cant read this at all
Oh.
Chapter 481: Contingencies
Chapter 481: Contingencies
481. Contingencies
Thebined army of adventurers, soldiers, and students left Lunaris soon enough. I watched the city disappear behind us. It wasnt left empty or abandoned. Inorian soldiers and citizens remained, although they didnt fly the g of the Inoria Empire anymore. These were the ones who survived and relented to Peris Dolonia and his forces.
Many more were kept imprisoned as prisoners of war. And the Helbir League left a retinue of men to guard over those prisoners. Helenas army hadnt had time to set up camp yet, so the entirety of the forces had just continued marching on. There were also Laux Lionfists troops. Half of them were still wounded and injured, so he left them behind, instead joining Helena with only the able-bodied of his numbers.
yton Skyshredder and his students of Mavos Academy trailed after. They werent soldiers or adventurers, so they were tired just from traveling here. I thought Id recognize their numbers, but for some reason, I didnt see Valda or Nn or anyone else I knew from the school. These mostly looked like staff members, in fact. But I didnt even see Veronica Adash here, either.
I found it quite odd. I wondered where yton pulled these people from.
I watched the army go. I didnt follow along. Daniel and Edithe stayed behind for a moment longer. They stared at me.
Wait, Salvos, youre noting with us?
The redhead was aghast. I bowed my head apologetically.
Sorry! I dont want to endanger them, yknow?
I gestured at the baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur looked up at me, blinking. Daniel frowned.
Were going to need your help, Salvos. Why arent you joining us this time around? Thest few battles havent been a problem.
Well I mean, Helena said it wasnt going to be too dangerous, right? So you guys will be fine!
I nodded eagerly at them. But Daniel just crossed his arms.
That doesnt answer the question, though.
Yeah, Salvos. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur were fine in Ertos, werent they?
Edithe peered at me curiously. I felt my shoulders sag. The baby Wyverns didnt understand the conversation, but they noticed my bodynguage. They drew closer, giving me a hug. I felt my heart melt as they tried to reassure me, and I shook my head.
I was being neglectful before. I cant just leave them alone like this until theyre able to handle themselves. Im sorry, guys.
I turned back to Daniel and Edithe, bowing low. They exchanged a nce. I raised my head and quickly spoke.
My clones will join you! So dont worry! If anything, I can just teleport to help!
I looked at them worriedly. I wasnt sure whether they were happy with just that. It really was difficult managing so many responsibilities at once. But they gave me reassuring looks, to my surprise.
Daniel smiled.
Well, Im d to see youve matured quite a lot, Salvos.
Edithe nodded in agreement.
Its fine, just take your time. Your clones would help us plenty, anyway. Also
She nced past me and shrugged.
Willy will be there to help us, so you dont have to worry.
The redhead continued, and I froze.
Wait, what?
I blinked. I stared as Willy flitted past me. The [Will O Wisp] hovered next to Edithe and looked towards me. I stared at him.
Youre doing too, Willy?
Yes.
He replied casually. I tried to work my jaw. My eyes bulged as I pointed at him.
Youre leaving me with the baby Wyverns alone?
Yes.
Willy snorted. He flitted off after Edithe and Daniel as the pair of Humans waved at me. The [Will O Wisp] spoke in a sneering tone.
Good luck, Salvos.
Wait, thats
I started, but he was already gone. I watched the three of mypanions go. They left with the various armies, heading for Wilford. And at my feet, I felt a poking.
Oriur cocked his head curiously at me, asking.
Where uncle?
Novis and Bellum nodded in agreement, and I sighed.
Oh no.
Willy didnt really need a break from taking care of the baby Wyverns. He was content with caring for them as long as needed, since he had nothing else better to do. The reason why he decided to leave Salvos alone was to simply educate her.
He had to show her that she had responsibilities. Willy wasnt going to be around forever, so Salvos had to show she could handle herself when needed. Also, the Grand Spirit was starting to grow attached to Edithe. He didnt mind being around the redhead as much as before.
So Willy flitted along, following the army as they traveled for two days to reach the edges of Wilford. The city itself was surrounded by ins from all directions. It had no natural barrier, so getting ay of thend was rather easy.
Willy flew up as the armies converged around the city, nking it from all sides. He studied thendscape. He scanned the area. And he realized something.
This ce was entirely overrun by wild Demons.
It was chaos. A vast battlefield sprawling with all kinds of Demons, killing each other senselessly. They poured out of the crimson pir by the hundreds, ready to battle each other despite their confusion at where they were.
Willy saw through the portal. At the other side. Into the Netherworld.
A vast amount ofnd was being pulled over. An area the size of a country was locked into this sub-ritual. He saw fighting even at the other side of the Netherworld. With evenrger Demons than the ones that had crossed into the Mortal Realm. And perhaps if this sub-ritual was allowed to continue, those hulking creatures would even pour out into the Mortal Realm.
It wasnt something they could allow. While Willy himself didnt care much, he was here now. So he descended and joined Edithes side. The redhead nodded at him.
Are you ready, Willy?
Yes.
The city itself was littered with corpses. Adventurer from Laux Lionfists troops that had died a few days prior to their arrival. Perhaps that meant that their n wouldnt be as effective, but Willy and Edithe had already agreed beforehand on this.
The former [Summoner] raised a staff at the [Will O Wisp].
[Patron of the Skills].
And a deluge of notifications invaded his mind. He felt power coursing through him as he flew up.
Temporary Skill [A Guardians Blessing] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [The Indomitable Valkyrie] Obtained!
Temporary Skill [Vindication of They] Obtained!
He oversaw thendscape. And somehow, he saw little threads of essences permeating the battlefield. This power he felt he saw was weaker than at the siege of Alyras. Despite there being far more deaths, he could tell it was significantly weaker.
Edithe could too. But it didnt matter. They stood at the forefront of the army as Daniel Song and the others watched. Willy flew higher and higher as Edithe herself pooled her magic into him. And together, at the same time, they unleashed their power.
[Vindication of They].
It wasnt like the siege of Alyras. It was weaker, but also empowered bybination casting. Together, Edithe and Willy ripped through the battlefield, killing thousands and thousands of Demons before the battle even started.
Then like it was some kind of signal, the armies charged forward. From all around Wilford, the Human forces attacked the city, ready to bring it down.
Willy returned to Edithe, panting. The redhead nodded at him.
Good job.
Thanks.
He spoke simply. Willy had be the spell itself and ravaged through the battlefield. Being a [Will O Wisp], he saw and felt everything his mes came into contact with. And that was partly the reason why they decided to do this. So he could scout ahead.
Edithe eyed him curiously.
Any signs of Ira?
None.
Willy had searched, but she found no proof of a red Primeval Demon lurking around. Edithe scratched her chin in thought.
I wonder where could Ira have gone.
Ira wasnt hiding in Wilford. After yton Skyshredder showed up, the [Hellprince] had no reason to stick around if he wanted to live. He gave up the sub-ritual site, returning to Levithus to report.
It seems that we have miscalcted. yton Skyshredder himself will be taking the battlefield. The sub-rituals are falling faster than we thought they would.
Levithus nced back. The giant serpent had his gaze locked on the main grand ritual. A crimson pir unlike the others. One that consumed all of the Capital city of the Inoria Empire. Now, his gaze bore down onto Ira.
We must dy the Humans further. The grand ritual cannot be interrupted, even if the sub-rituals are halted. You know what to do, Ira.
The contingencies?
Ira raised his head, blinking.
I was under the impression that it would be risky.
It matters not. We must do everything we can to ensure our Kings vision isplete.
Levithus answered, voice booming. Ira nodded and bowed deeply once again.
Yes, Lord Levithus.
With that, he spun around and took his leave.
Chapter 482: Amiss
Chapter 482: Amiss
482. Amiss
Edithe Dawnrise watched as the armies converged on the city. Wilford was overflowing with wild Demons. Creatures that had already been locked in battle with themselves. It wasnt a rare sight to see these wild Demons killing each other. The redhead had seen simr things before.
For example, during the battle with Belzu. There had been an outpouring of wild Demons fleeing the [Hebomination]. It was a stampede a horde of all kinds of Lesser Demons to Archdemons. But even amidst the chaos, they fought amongst each other. They couldnt help but pounce on any chance they got when one of them was vulnerable.
It was a scene of pure savagery. Edithe looked on as a group of [Hellhounds] fled the front ranks of adventurers, only to be intercepted by a [Hellhorror]. The giant six-legged creature was like a wolf mixed with a bear. It tore apart the Lesser Demons in glee, only for a flurry of [Fireballs] to strike it down.
Is all of the Netherworld really like this?
Edithe couldnt help but wonder aloud. Was this the kind ofndscape Salvos grew up in? If so that exined so many things about the Demon girl.
What did you think it was like?
A voice asked, and the redhead turned around. She blinked as a regal figure made his way to her. She recognized him immediately, apanied by a group of escorts.
Mori dius the Champion of the Human Lands walked up to Edithe. Scarlet the Red Rose and a retinue of tinum and Diamond Ranked adventurers followed him. He came to a halt right before the cliffside.
Edithe blinked a few times before shaking her head.
Well, I never really thought too much about it. But I was under the impression that it was less chaotic?
Oh?
Mori raised a brow. Scarlet nodded next to him. The Red Rose spoke as she swept her gaze over the battlefield.
I thought that all Demons fell under the banners of the Demon King. I had no idea that these wild Demons existed. Theyre like monsters no, Centinels.
Certainly, Edithe could see theparison. The way the wild Demons fought was without any rhyme or reasoning. She looked on as an [Arachne] barreled into a group of soldiers, killing dozens before being cut down itself.
Theyre mindless. And, honestly, I can kind of see why this Demon King wishes to leave the Netherworld. If you have to live through this every single day of your life, youd want to escape it too.
Edithe spoke, shaking her head. But Mori dius frowned.
Perhaps it seems to be a harsh environment. However, that may be the reason why Demons of the same level are stronger than Humans. And that is why
That is why?
The redhead nced back at the man curiously. She stared at him as he trailed off. Her eyes narrowed as she continued to peer into him. He was Mori dius. The Champion of the Human Lands. A [Divine Spearmaster].
But right now, he looked amiss.
Youre
She opened her mouth. But Mori dius just shrugged and started forward.
That is why they have to be stopped. We cannot allow these Demons to turn our world into their wastnds. Let us go, Scarlet.
Scarlet nodded and followed after him. Edithe watched as the retinue of adventurers joined the battle. Mori dius and his adventurers tore through the ranks of wild Demons as the redhead waited up above.
It was really odd. Edithe felt something was wrong, but now, that feeling had gone away. She wondered what that was for a moment, before looking up as a ball of fire descended.
Youre back, Willy.
Am.
He flitted next to her as she just continued to stare at Mori dius from behind. Edithe pursed her lips.
Do you do you feel like theres something wrong with Mori?
Yes.
You do?
She blinked at the [Will O Wisp]s response. He just hovered there, and she frowned.
What is it that you see?
He didnt say anything. Edithe tilted her head at him.
Willy?
Nothing.
The Grand Spirit flew forward as she just stared.
Wait, Willy
She called out after him, and he flew down into the battlefield. Edithe gave chase, but he refused to answer.
Peris Dolonia, the Crown Prince of Dolonia, cut down a [Savage Agarat] before it could reach his troops. He nced back, watching as his ranks of soldiers moved in a rigid formation, refusing to break.
He nodded approvingly at them. They didnt fight like the adventurers, moving with loose formation that was full of vulnerabilities. The Helbir League fought battles intelligently. Each member of a regiment had a specific task, and their sses were specialized with carrying out said tasks. And there were Captains Commanders and Generals all of which with Title Skils that better aided the soldiers.
And altogether, they were doing everything they could to minimize their losses. So Peris watched as his army crawled behind the rest of the adventurers. He looked on as yton Skyshredder flew high, trailed after by a retinue of [Mages] riding on staffs or wings, hurling powerful spells at the Demons.
By the time Peris and his forces caught up, only a few stray Demons were remaining. He strolled forward as he cut down a group of [Hellbeasts]. He only paused when he saw a familiar figure riding throughout the battlefield with an escort.
Rana Alyras, the princess of Alyras, came to a halt next to him. He raised a brow as she red.
My beloved, what are you doing here?
What are you doing, Peris? You arent helping them. Your forces are crawling behind everybody else!
He gestured simply back at his army.
We are simply sticking to our formation. We are soldiers. We do not fight foolishly like the adventurers. We follow our training, regardless of the situation.
She frowned at him.
Dont give me that. Youre just trying to avoid as much fighting as possible. Youre a coward!
After the losses we suffered at Lunaris? You are indeed correct, my dear. But it is not cowardice, but simply a loyalty to my people first and foremost.
Peris shook his head. He nced back to the army and spoke simply.
Look at them. Look at your people. Do they seem like they want to be here?
What?
Rana blinked. She nced towards the first rank of soldiers. They wore a uniform set of armor with helmets that partially obscured their faces. But even she could see the way they gritted their teeth. The exhaustion theyd been ovee with. Especially when faced with an enemy that did not seem to falter.
We have already given much to this cause. We have joined a battle which we are not responsible for causing. That is enough from you, princess.
Peris shook his head as he walked back towards his men. She stared at him, blinking as he continued.
Go back to your father. You are not fit to be in the battlefield. You will only endanger your own life.
I
She tried to argue, but nothing came out.
Chapter 483: Reactivation
Chapter 483: Reactivation
483. Reactivation
Demons. Scourges. Monsters from the underworld. It was an outdated term, but one which the Den of Souls still used. After all, the Nexeus was a world with threeyers of nes. The Spirit ne sat at the very top of the hierarchy a utopia ruled by the Spirit Lord himself. There was no war, no famine, no strife, no grief. It was the world Human society aspired to be, but couldnt achieve.
So the Mortal Realmy in the middle. A ce with war, but strived for peace. An imperfect world that hoped to be something more. And beneath it was the Netherworld. Or, as Kacey knew it, the underworld.
The Den of Souls thought of the Netherworld as a ce of chaos. A world with only war, only famine, only strife, and only grief. Even the other sects called this line of thinking outdated. But Kacey adhered to her beliefs her whole life, and finally, she saw it y out before her.
She saw the chaos festering before her eyes. Innumerable Demons that shed mindlessly with each other like they were nothing but savage beasts. And they were savage beasts. The [Crusader] cut them down as she grunted.
Kacey hacked away at the Demons, yelling and screaming as their ck blood coated her armor. She tore through their insides, but they had no innards. All that spilled out were stterings of the ink-like liquid.
Die, you Demons!
She shouted madly as she charged through the streets of Wilford. The [Crusader] was at the front of the charging army, having cut her way this far. The walls of the city had already copsed from when Laux Lionfist invaded it, so there was not much in her path other than the myriad of wild Demons that she had culled.
Kacey charged ahead down a street, heading straight for the sub-ritual site. She took a step forward, reaching a junction, only to be cut off. She stumbled back as a hard strike knocked her from the side. The [Crusader] went flying,nding a dozen feet away. Looking up, she saw a lumbering creature standing before her. It was
[Hellterror - Lvl. 121]
A creature made of dozens of tendrils and eyeballs. A kind of Archdemon she had never seen before. She gritted her teeth and raised her longsword.
It hissed. The monster flew up, unleashing a flurry of tendrils her way. She struck down the attacks and swung up.
[Purification of They]!
There was a sh of golden light. A powerful sh that lit up the red sky. It struck the Demon an attack that engulfed the [Hellterror] entirely. Kacey grinned, waiting for the notification toe at any moment.
But there wasnt one.
She blinked as the tendrils tore through the golden light, whipping down at her. The attack struck her hard, shattering her full te armor. Kacey yelped in pain as she backed away from the [Hellterror. But it was fast.
It didnt look nearly as slow as it looked. It was at her nk in an instant, and she barely spun around in time to raise a gauntleted arm.
[Shield of Honor]!
A golden barrier overcame her. Shaped like a shield. There was a loud ng as the [Hellterror]s tendrilsshed out, like it was hitting metal. Kacey felt the impact knocking her back. She staggered, but caught herself.
But the Archdemon was relentless. It continued to pry at her shield, trying to tear through it as a bead of sweat crawled down her neck. Her eyes widened in horror as the [Hellterror] slowly broke apart her Skill.
N-no
She gasped. And a st of iridescent light consumed the Demon. It vanished with a screech, obliterated in an instant.
Kacey blinked. She looked up as a cloud descended before her. An elderly man with a long and flowing beard.
Are you alright, [Crusader]?
yton Skyshredder the Headmaster of Mavos Academy asked as he looked down at her. Kacey got to her feet as she stared at him, trying to work her jaw.
Y-yes. I was just caught off-guard.
He shook her head as the cloud carried him higher.
Do not stray too far alone. It would be a shame to lose someone as high-leveled as you.
With that, he shot off into the distance, flying straight for the sub-ritual site as a group of [Mages] flew after him. Their powerful magic ripped throughout the battlefield, taking out Demon after Demon with ease.
Kacey just watched on, only turning away when she heard footfalls approaching her from behind. Daniel Song came to a halt, apanied by a duo of [Crusaders].
Kacey, are you alright?
The [Hero] asked, and she shook her head. She gestured towards yton Skyshredder who was flying ahead of them.
Was that Divine Essence?
Daniel hesitated. He looked between the Headmaster and the [Crusader] before shrugging.
I dont know for sure, but I think it was.
How is he doing that?
Kacey asked as she got to her feet. For a moment, the [Hero] didnt respond. Then he shrugged.
I have no idea. Im just d ytons here with us now. Come on, were getting close.
The [Hero] ushered her forward. And they continued pressing towards the sub-ritual site.
[Dark Backstab].
Orgaf sheared straight through the [Savage Agarat] before vanishing back into the shadows. A volley of dark arrows shot over him, and he trailed after it, leaping out right as the projectiles hit the [Hellterror]. The Archdemon screeched in pain, only to be sliced in half from a vertical swing from the Elite [Rogue].
And you say you work better alone. I dont see it.
A voice spoke softly amidst the fighting, and Orgaf nced back as hended. His daggers vanished from his hands as he saw the woman lower her dawk bow. Alice the Shadow Consort calmly walked towards him, stepping over the dead Demons.
The pair had already reached the sub-ritual before everyone else. It had been a race, and as expected, the Thief of the Golden Scales was first with only Alice trailing behind.
If you werent dragging me down, Id have arrived here ages ago.
Orgaf snorted as he stepped forward to the massive ritual circle. Just like in Cedric Academy, he stood before the crimson pir with Alice. But Lofus, Marwin, and Domenic werent here this time. It was just the two of them. And they didnt let their guard down.
They both warily scanned their surroundings, ready for a surprise attack. Just in case Ira decided to show up again. But even as they waited, nothing came. Finally, Alice whispered as she let her dark bow dissipate.
There really is no one guarding this ce.
There isnt. Ira must have fled.
Orgaf narrowed his eyes. The pair waited. Alice nced about.
Dont you think this is a bit too simple?
It is.
Why would Ira give up this sub-ritual site so easily? He didnt even leave anyone behind to guard it. Theres only these wild Demons. And theyre here by chance.
She peered through the ritual circle, staring into the vast expanse of the Netherworld. It was an aerial view like looking down arge map. But even from up here, both Orgaf and Alice could see the colossal figures. Primeval Demons that were so numerous below.
The Shadow Consort pursed her lips.
This sub-ritual alone is bringing over such a vast area ofnd from the Netherworld. Even without the rest of the grand ritual, the entire country of Inoria wouldve been consumed by this. It seems the Demons really intend to turn the Mortal Realm into their home
Isnt that obvious? What other reason would they have for this grand ritual?
Orgaf rolled his eyes. But Alice just whispered.
It doesnt make any sense. I wouldve thought the Demons were trying to flee the Netherworld. Otherwise, terraforming the Humannds has no other purpose.
The Thief of the Golden Scales wanted to retort. He wanted to ask why a purpose was even needed. But he remembered Salvos. The fact that she was a Demon. Yet, she wasnt just a mindless beast. And he bit his tongue.
Thats
He trailed off. And a figure descended from the skies. yton Skyshreddernded before Orgaf and Alice, followed by Helena Warshade and a retinue of high-leveled [Mages]. They descended from the skies, surrounding the sub-ritual site from all sides.
Good work, Orgaf, Alice.
yton spoke in a booming voice. He walked up to the crimson pir and gestured towards it.
Dismantle this immediately. We do not want those Primeval Demons to cross over to the Mortal Realm. But be careful of traps. We do not know if Ira has left behind any failsafes before leaving.
Yes, Headmaster.
A group of [Mages] rushed forward, beginning to unfurl the ritual. The crimson pir began to dissipate. Orgaf saw the mana threads weave out of existence as more and more adventurers and soldiers arrived. Mori dius, Daniel Song, Edithe Dawnrise they quickly reached the center of Wilford, wiping out any stray wild Demon on the way.
They waited for something else to happen. For something to go wrong. But thest vestiges of the sub-ritual vanished. The crimson glow in the sky faded, and the dark clouds drifted away. Daniel blinked.
Thats it?
It is over.
yton Skyshredder nodded. He turned back to face the rest of the army.
Wilford is freed
He started, then his brows snapped together. Helena Warshade spun around, ncing up with wide eyes.
Do you sense that?
She asked, and yton nodded. He looked towards the northeast with narrowed eyes.
I do.
What do you guys sense? Whats going on?
Daniel asked, confused. Orgaf nced around in confusion as well. But the [Mages] were all reacting. They were all pointing in the same direction as a susurration swept over them. Headmaster yton Skyshredder pointed towards the horizon, and Orgaf couldve sworn he saw the faintest hints of a red glow.
Another sub-ritual has been activated. No it was reactivated.
ytons words made Orgaf freeze. Daniels eyes grew wide. Laux Lionfist frowned, and Mori diuss eyes flickered. The rest of the non-[Mages] looked at each other in a panic as they gasped in shock.
But yton wasnt finished. He hesitated.
Itsing from
Lunaris.
Mori dius spoke over the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. The Champion of the Human Land leapt atop the rubbles of a copsed temple and shook his head.
I see it. Itsing from Lunaris.
What?
Orgaf stared in shock.
And I raised my head, blinking. I saw the crimson light. The column of red that shot towards the sky. It came from the city as screams of terror erupted in the distance. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur paused what they were doing chasing each other to stare in awe as the sky was ripped open.
Whats that, Mama?
Novis asked as he tugged at my hand. I looked around at the encampment as chaos broke out. As all the injured adventurers rushed around in a hurry, readying for battle.
Thats, um
I scratched my cheeks as I saw an outpouring of winged creatures emerge from the crimson pir. I saw the Human civilians and soldiers scattering and fleeing from this horde of Demons. Finally, I shrugged.
I have no idea whats going on.
Chapter 484: Risk
Chapter 484: Risk
484. Risk
It was ast resort.
Ira knew that this was risky. But asmanded by Levithus, he did it anyway. While they were both Primeval Demons, there was a clear hierarchy. Ira, himself, was a newly-ascended [Hellprince] of the Netherworld. He had only just been a Duke of the Netherworld not too long ago his evolution recent.
He couldnt disobey Levithus, even if he wanted to. Even if he thought this n had too high a chance of going awry. Still, Ira was sent to the Mortal Realm for a reason. He was loyal to the Demon King above all else. That was why he was sent to oversee the other six Dukes and Duchesses, even if they didnt know it. Because Regnorex trusted him.
Ira would obey the Demon Kings will no matter what. The others werent truly loyal. Given the opportunity, even G would betray Regnorex if she believed she could get away with it. Meanwhile, Ira himself would listen to his orders no matter what. And right now, his orders were to obey Levithus.
So the Primeval Demon of Wrath returned to Lunaris. Even if he was apprehensive, hended at the sub-ritual site. At the deactivated circle thaty at the center of the city. He arrived there swiftly and quietly. No one even noticed him standing at the town square. He swept his gaze over his surroundings, taking in all the Humans walking about.
The city had just been through a big battle where a hundred thousand Inorian soldiers were killed. The remaining twenty thousand troops surrendered, letting Peris Dolonia and his forces reach the ritual circle and disable it just a few days ago. Half of them werent taken in as prisoners because the Helbir League didnt have the resources to keep that many prisoners while sallying forth. So the ones that remained stayed guarding the citys remaining popce which was already a dwindled sumpared to what it had been before.
After all, they were the ones who had been sacrificed for the ritual to take ce. Not all of them, of course. There had been plenty of other sacrifices brought in from Elutra offerings that had been transported across hundreds of miles to be killed here. But apparently it hadnt been enough, so a chunk of the citizens of Lunaris had to be sacrificed too. Then there was the onught of wild Demons although, not too many since the city still had a surviving popce to protect the sub-ritual site. The wild Demons were only abundant in numbers in sites that werepletely deserted or defenseless.
That was the thing. These sub-rituals might have seemed haphazardly set up to bring the Netherworld to the Mortal Realm as expeditiously as possible, but that wasnt true. In fact, these sub-rituals werent even intended to be pieces necessary toe together andplete the full grand ritual.
They were distractions. Decoys. Meant to slow the Humans from encroaching on the true grand ritual at the capital of Inoria.
At Inor. Where Levithus awaited. Where Regnorex would make his triumphant return.
So the sub-rituals were strategically chosen. They had been carefully constructed so as to summon a specific portion of the Netherworld that was previously scouted out. That was why the sub-ritual at Lunaris bore so few wild Demons, while the sub-ritual at Wilford brought forth thousands of Archdemons.
But without the same amount of time and resources at his disposal as the [Changelings] who had previously prepared these sub-ritual sites, Ira couldnt be strategic with his summoning. All he could do was hope.
Ira raised a hand, and the blood-stained streets rippled. All at once, thousands of blood needles shot out into the sky. He looked up, hearing the screams of innocent civilians as the popce of Lunaris was senselessly ughtered. He didnt discriminate. Anyone within a thousand feet from him was torn apart by the dark rain.
Stop, you fiend!
A voice called out. A group of soldiers charged their way to Ira. They repelled the projectiles that fell upon them, and his eyes flickered.
No, I dont think I will.
He pointed at them, wing at his own wrist. ck blood drew out his own Demons blood. It poured in a stream and formed weapons around him. The soldiers paused, but it was toote. Ira brought his hand forward,unching the salvo out. They screamed as they were shredded to bits by the onught of blood-weapons.
Shaking his head, Ira stepped back. He tugged at his fingers, and the blood rain stopped. That was enough for now. He gripped at their essences in death, pulling it towards him. An invisible aura coalesced around the palm of his hand as he smiled. Then he mmed it into the ritual circle.
And life was breathed back into the inert drawings on the ground. It was just like what Belzu did in the Motharis Mountain Range that traitor had stolen this technique from Regnorex in secret. Hed altered it so that it wouldnt affect the nes, however there was still the same fatal w. And he paid for it, of course. It was too reckless, and chance failed that traitor.
Ira hoped that the same fate wouldnt befall himself. It was a game of chance. Without the time and preparations necessary, the Primeval Demon of Wrath couldnt hope to pick and choose what location in the Netherworld hed bring over. Instead, it waspletely determined by luck.
There was a very slim chance that Ira would identally summon something hed rather not summon. So odds were on his side. But it was a non-zero chance. And if, somehow, Ira brought over a multitude of wild Primeval Demons, he had no chance of escaping from the city alive.
So he hoped. He filled thend with magic, and the sky opened up once more. A rift formed, before slowly morphing into the shame of a massive crimson column. One that extended from the ritual circle to above the clouds. He looked down, peering into the Netherworld as the gate opened up, and the world around him began to shift.
And he saw the lumbering figures. A swarm of them. More than he could count. Wild Demons. And they poured out into the Mortal Realm.
It seems fate has favored the bold today.
Ira smiled, spreading his arms wide. They spread out around him, filling the streets of the city. Lesser Demons, Greater Demons, and even Archdemons. They were unleashed into the Mortal Realm a mindless hordeposed of all kinds of Demons. They chased the fleeing Humans as the Primeval Demonughed
Now go! Lay waste to the Mortal Realm! Kill them all!
Zack heard the shouts and screams. He didnt want to get up to investigate. He was tired. He was hurt. Even now, he was still injured. The wounds hed suffered near Helmfirth wore him down.
It was over two weeks ago at this point. And most of the injuries hed sustained then had been healed by potions and the like. But he had been stranded for nearly a week straight, holding off an endless horde of Demons that had encroached on the garrison. It wasnt just him, either.
Jaakko, Helen, and dozens of other adventurers apanied him there. They were supposed to capture a strategic outpost near a valley, only to be caught in a trap. An ambush. And unfortunately they were only saved when Peris Dolonia and his forces came for them. Even though they were adventurers, Laux Lionfist hadnt been the one to rescue them. Unfortunately, the adventurer army had already left Helmfirth by the time they got word that Jaakko and the retinue of adventurers were stranded.
Zack had known the reason why this happened. It was purely because of discrimination. Perhaps it wasnt Laux Lionfist himself at fault, but the rest of the adventurer army had sent Jaakko off on that mission to get rid of him because he was a Cyclops. It wasnt something Zack was shocked by at this point.
Their team was ustomed to being treated like pariahs just because they were led by a non-Human. In fact, even though the Helbir League had been the one to rescue the adventurers at the garrison, Jaakko and his team hadnt been allowed to participate in the battle of Lunaris. Which was both a blessing and a curse since apparently Peris Dolonias forces had suffered grave losses.
Still, it annoyed Zack, really. But right now, he couldnt evenin about that because of all the screaming. With a groan, he got up to his feet and walked up to the edge of the tent.
Just what in the world is going on out there?
He rubbed his ears. He poked his head out, and paused. His eyes grew wide as he saw the chaos. The crimson pir. The flock of winged Demons that took the sky. He stared at it all in shock.
Zack!
Helen scrambled down the rows of tents,ing to a halt next to him. She held up her bow and loosed projectile after projectile into the sky.
Somethings happening the sub-ritual just reactivated. I dont know how!
What?
Zack stared at his teammate as she cursed, running out of arrows. The [Mage] spun around, facing the crimson pir tearing through the sky.
I didnt even sense that. How?
He bit his lower lips. He started back into his tent.
Give me a second. Ill get my
He started, but there was a screech. A terrible shriek from above. He blinked, looking up as Helen gaped. A shadow descended on her. A dark figure crashed through the sky like a reverseet, falling straight at the [Archer].
She reached for her dagger, but the Demon was faster. It knocked her bow away and shed her across the chest. Helen screamed, copsing to the floor.
Helen!
Zack yelled as he raised a hand. He gritted his teeth, pointing at the winged Demon.
Take this [cial Lance]!
A giant spike of ice formed at his fingertips. It looked ornate. Like a gilded weapon. It shot out, striking the Demon from behind. It recoiled, and Zack lowered his hand. He blinked as nothing happened to it.
It bared its teeth at him.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 131]
He blinked.
Oh no.
And the Demonshed out his way. It swiped forward with one of its ws as she flinched only to look back up when he heard a heavy thud. The [Mage] stared as a silver-haired girl descended from the sky.
Zack! Helen! Are you guys alright?
She eximed. Zack looked at the girl, his mouth slowly moving.
Y-youre
But she looked past him. Instead, she rushed to Helens side with a worried look. The [Archer]y on the ground, bleeding, curled up in pain.
Here, take this.
The silver-haired girl spoke as she quickly poured a healing potion into Helens wounds. Slowly, Helen sat up, her injuries being healed. She wasnt fully recovered just yet, but she was going to survive. She stared at her savior, wide-eyed in shock.
S-Salvos?
And Salvos beamed in response.
Yep! Thats me! Im here to help! All of me!
All of you?
Helen groaned, still in pain, but also confused. And in response, Salvos raised a hand.
Zack looked up, pausing. The crimson sky lit up the ck clouds dissipated as a bright light filled the red and ck. shes of gold. Zack saw it. He caught glimpses of the source of the light. Five ming figures. Each spread far and wide throughout the battlefield. They zipped through the sky, burning down swathes of flying Demons. They razed the earth, incinerating hordes of stampeding Demons.
This sight all Zack could do was whisper.
Thats
Salvos grinned.
My clones. The ones I can summon right now, at least. The others are helping at Wilford. Were here to save the day
She pulled an iridescent scythe from thin air and took a step forward.
And level up.
With that, she spread her wings wide and soared to the sky. All Zack could do was watch her go.
Chapter 485: Staying Put
Chapter 485: Staying Put
485. Staying Put
My clones swept across the battlefield. Well, it wasnt so much a battlefield as it was a massacre. The Humans of Lunaris had been unprepared for this. I doubt anyone expected this would happen. All of a sudden, the sub-ritual had been reactivated. The portal that connected the Mortal Realm with the Netherworld no, the gate which merged the Mortal Realm with the Netherworld.
It summoned a swarm of wild Demons. Thousands of them. They poured out en masse. Whether it was Lesser Demons, Greater Demons, or Archdemons. They came, they saw, and they murdered any Human in sight.
Fact was, the Humans that had remained in Lunaris hadnt been in battle-ready conditions. Most of them were injured soldiers or adventurers, weary from all the previous battles theyd been through. There were others whod been tasked to look over the prisoners of war. But there were hardly enough of them to put up a fight against the overwhelming number of Demons here.
That was why I summoned all my clones at once. All that I could now, at least. In total, I could normally have ten clones simultaneously wandering around, but I had already created five clones earlier to aid mypanions in Wilford, and as far as I could tell, they were still alive. So five was all I could manage now.
I couldmand my faraway clones, telling them to teleport back to me. But using [Greater Teleportation] five times wasnt possible. I needed ten minutes between each cast, and it was too costly. Perhaps one clone couldve teleported all of them together at once but I didnt even know if it would work with multiple clones as opposed to people, and I was saving my [Greater Teleportation] for something else anyway. In any case, even with only five clones, there was much they could do.
They unleashed sts of golden mes into the sky, incinerating hundreds of wild Demons at a time. They tore rained ming weapons down into the earth, blowing apart even more wild Demons before they could reach the encampments. I watched them as they formed a protective perimeter around Lunaris. They prevented the spread of Demons, and I twirled my Divine Nebr Scythe behind my back.
Time to level up.
I whispered as a pair of bone-like wings spread behind me. At the same time, they were quickly coated by ayer of blue mes before anyone could notice the abnormality. I nced back at Zack and Helen. The two adventurers stood behind me, staring.
Regroup with the other adventurers. Dont try to take on this swarm alone. You guys have to work together.
Zack blinked, clearly puzzled by my n of action. Helen paused for a split second too, but quickly shook her head. She stepped forward.
We need to find Jaakko!
My eyes flickered. The Cyclops wasnt with them. He was their leader, and they were worried for him. But
Hes fine.
I spoke simply, gesturing past them towards the edge of the encampment.
Jaakko is over there, rallying a group of other adventurers.
What?
Helen stared at me. Zack frowned. He asked.
How do you know that?
It doesnt matter. Just go find him. I will deal with these Demons.
They were both confused. They didnt know how I could find Jaakko without even looking. Truth was, I was looking. Just not in a way they could see. It was the same reason why I knew they were in danger. A Skill of mine. One that had proved to be useful time and time again.
I had [Manifestation of the Old Gods] active, and it let me see everything.
I had a perfecty of the battlefield. I knew what was going on here. It could potentially see as far as hundreds of miles away, but I limited the scope of my vision now to just the area around Lunaris due to potential bacsh from overexerting myself. And even still, in its weakened state, it was very effective.
I saw the way Zack fidgeted. I noticed the way Helen looked at me. In awe. With slight worry. But with gratitude at the end of the day. She bowed at me, speaking softly.
Thank you. For protecting us.
I could tell she was truly grateful to me. This wasnt the first time I saved her, after all. But she misunderstood. I wasnt doing this to protect her. Well I was trying to protect her. I liked her, Zack, and Jaakko. But, ultimately, my goal boiled down to something much more selfish.
I just wanted to reach my next evolution as soon as possible.
It was my Level 150 evolution. I hadnt evolved in so long. Sure, I had ss advancements. And they were pretty good ss advancements too. But they were iparable to any evolution I got. The feeling of bing something more. Knowing that I was transforming further into my true self. That I was growing more Salvos that I was growing more into me.
This was something I understood since my very first level up. And it stayed true, even now. As a Demon, my essence was created from those ck pools of lifeblood that formed during Advent. And I felt like my essence became more distinct the more I leveled.
So I was excited. I exploded into the sky, leaving Zack and Helen behind. Even when I was looking up, I could see them turning and joining my clones. I could already hear the notifications resounding in my head as the golden mes tore through the ranks of wild Demons. I grinned, flying straight into a flock of winged creatures. [Vampyr Bats]. Each one was around Level 40, but there were hundreds of them. I didnt care. I pointed, sending a cone of white mes into their numbers. They hissed and screamed and were blown apart with ease.
Defeated [Vampyr Bat
Little-to-no experience is awarded for
But they werent my targets. They were weak. They didnt contribute to me leveling up by much. So I quickly burned thest of them and scanned my surroundings.
There, I thought. I saw a [Savage Agarat] flying down towards a group of fleeing civilians. I dove ahead, charging straight for the Archdemon. I moved as fast as I could as it snapped its terrible jaws
And I blinked as it was cut down from the sky. The civilians looked up, cheering as a golden figure flew past them. She waved, grinning as I blinked. And a notification resounded.
Defeated [Savage Agarat - Lvl. 131]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
I watched my first clone fly by, waving at the Humans. She had killed the [Savage Agarat] with a quick flurry of [Barrage of Cinders], and they were celebrating her. I scowled, pointing at her.
Hey! That was mine!
She nced at me, blinking. Then she stuck out a tongue my way.
How dare you make fun of me! Ill show you whos the better me!
Even if I still got the experience from it, I was upset that I wasn;t the one who actually got the kill myself. I enjoyed the thrill of battle. The feeling of defeating an enemy never got old. And, unfortunately, I couldnt see through my clones eyes right now. With [Manifestation of the Old Gods] active, it wouldve been too overwhelming for my senses.
I narrowed my eyes. I spotted another Archdemon a [Hellterror] flying out of Lunaris from the other side of the city. It easily bore through the citys walls, bringing them down behind it as a pir of dust and debris shot to the sky. I smirked. My first clone definitely didnt notice this. She didnt have [Manifestation of the Old Gods] like me.
I sped my way over there,ughing at my first clone.
Seeyater!
She raised an angry fist at me, trying to keep up, but I had a head start. I smirked and looked forward. I saw the [Hellterror]s tendrils shooting into the skies, killing other Demons with no remorse. Then I blinked as it was ripped apart before me.
My eyes grew wide as my second clone hovered there with six arms, grinning triumphantly.
Not you too! That was mine!
I scowled. She just cocked her head at me, confused. But my first cloneughed, pointing at me mockingly. I red at her before spinning around.
There has to be a powerful Demon around here somewhere.
But all around me, I watched as my clones got there first. They dealt with any Archdemon before I even had the chance to get close. I zipped around like a fly by a windowpane, confused and lost even with [Manifestation of the Old Gods] active.
It almost felt like a waste of Divine Essence. Once it was fully expended and over, I was going to hurt. I knew that, but I still used this Skill now. After all, it was necessary if I wanted to keep an eye on
And I paused. I caught a glimpse of three figures crying out. They were running down a hill, about five miles away from the city. And they were running towards the fighting. My brows snapped together. Instantly, I was there with [Greater Teleportation].
I thought I told you three to stay put!
I crossed my arms at the three figures. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur froze, looking up at me as I appeared in front of them so suddenly. It took them a moment to process what just happened, then all at once, they threw themselves my way.
Mama!
Dont!
I caught them with space magic. They blinked at me, levitating in the air as I red. I slowly lowered them to the ground without even touching them while they swung their arms and legs in the air.
This is serious, guys. I said you guys couldnt follow me. You can die.
The three baby Wyverns exchanged a confused nce. Novis pointed my way.
Mama protect us.
I cant protect you and fight off a horde of wild Demons at the same time, Novis.
But Mama strong!
Bellum protested. I rolled my eyes.
I am strong. But I cant do everything. Please, can you listen to me? Just wait far away from the city for an hour. If anything happens, I will be right by your side at once. But I need to deal with this.
I gestured back towards Lunaris. The ritual roared in the distance. The sky was now a dark red that somehow glowed. The outpouring of Demons didnt slow, but my clones had distracted them enough. The Humans had regrouped and formed a defensive perimeter around the encampment so they werent as unprepared to fend off this attack as theyd previously been.
Oriur pointed at me. I blinked. Then I looked on as he slowly pointed towards the golden figures flying around in the distance.
Mama clones fight. Mama stay.
I paused. I stared at him with round eyes.
Oriur how did you? I thought you couldnt tell that my clones were
I caught myself.
Wait, is this the first time you said something other than Mama?
I wasnt entirely sure. But in that moment of my surprise, I noticed the way the baby Wyverns looked at me. Their round eyes. Their worry. I hesitated. I nced back at my fighting clones. I heard the notifications that came from their kills. I wasnt even needed there at Lunaris. So, slowly, I nodded.
I guess I can just wait here with you guys
I started. Then I blinked as I saw a flicker. A ck projectile shot up, spearing straight through one of my clones as my eyes grew wide. The baby Wyverns recoiled in shock. Oriur backed up, hiding behind Novis and Bellum. And I spun around, watching the golden explosion of my clones death.
Thats?
And from the mes emerged a crimson figure. A figure sneering as he caught the weapon made from blood. Demons blood. His own blood.
It was Ira. The Primeval Demon of Wrath. The one whod bested Orgaf in battle. The one who survived a duel with Helena Warshade. He stood there, grinning as he twirling his blood-spear.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 157]
Chapter 486: Unknown Danger
Chapter 486: Unknown Danger
486. Unknown Danger
Are you being serious right now? These sub-rituals can be reactivated?
Orgaf cursed as he walked up to the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. yton Skyshredder stood in conference with Helena Warshade and a dozen other high-leveled [Mages]. He turned to face the Elite Ranked [Rogue].
We are currently unsure if this is an anomalous situation, or if every single one of these sub-ritual sites can be reactivated. But it is highly like that this is something that can be done with all deactivated locations.
Fuck.
The Thief of the Golden Scales cursed. He spun around, nearly swinging into Daniel. The [Hero] blinked as he backed up.
Woah, are you alright?
I am not alright. Wheres that damn Prince? Why didnt he destroy the ritual circle at Lunaris? I need to give that absolute fucking idiot a piece of my mind.
Orgaf scanned the crowd, but he couldnt find Peris Dolonia anywhere. Helena Warshade shook her head, stopping the Elite [Rogue].
While scrubbing the ritual circle itself can dy the reactivation of the spell, it will not slow it for long. The ritual circle is but a framework. The actual mechanism that forces these mergers is the magic woven into the earth, carefully crafted to carry out a single purpose. And these are high-leveled rituals. Wed need a Diamond Rank-equivalent [Mage] at the very least to disassemble the sub-ritualpletely so it cannot be activated again.
Wed need to send a team of [Mages] to the old sub-ritual sites. Ensure that this cannot happen again.
A [Mage] wearing a blue cloak standing next to yton spoke, nodding in agreement. But another voice cut them off.
That doesnt matter right now.
Daniel Song looked between the [Mages]. They turned to him. The same blue-cloaked [Mage] from earlier frowned.
What is the problem, then?
The [Hero] opened his mouth, but Orgaf was the one to speak.
The problem is that Lunaris is now pouring with Demons once again. We need to return back immediately before those we left behind are ughtered.
The Thief of the Golden Scales held ytons gaze. Daniel pursed his lips, a worried look on his face.
Thats right Salvos is
He trailed off. yton nodded as he ran a hand through his beard.
You are indeed correct. We should make preparations to head back to Lunaris immediately.
Make preparations?
Orgaf narrowed his eyes. He knew what it implied, but still he asked the question. Helena Warshade turned to the Thief of the Golden Scales, answering.
We dont know what awaits us at Lunaris. It is best that we return together. As an army.
She gestured to all the figures milling around them, waiting for what was toe next. Orgaf furrowed his brows.
That would take too long. If us Elites go now, we might be able to arrive in time to save thousands of lives.
But its better if we stick together. Rushing in one by one will only get us killed. We already made that mistake before, we arent making it again.
The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy spoke simply. Orgaf blinked. Then his gaze darkened. He knew what Helena was referring to. The Thief of the Golden Scales clenched a fist, remembering Lofus, Marwin, and Domenic.
And you, Headmaster Skyshredder? Will you not return to save a student of your academy?
Orgafs gaze peered into the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. yton Skyshredder closed his eyes.
It is my duty to protect my students and faculty above all. My faculty are gathered here with me, so I must stay with them. And, unfortunately, Salvos is no longer a student of Mavos Academy.
What?
She submitted a notice to my office just a few weeks ago. She is dropping out of the School of Aspiring Elites. I cannot save her even if I wanted to.
The elderly man bowed his head. Orgaf stared at him at the highest-leveled [Mage] in all of the Humannds acting so cowardly.
Shaking his head, he spun around and started off.
If youre too scared to do something about it right now, then I can go alone. Im an adventurer. An Elite. Im not afraid of the unknown.
ytons eyes flickered, but he said nothing more. The Elite Ranked [Rogue] walked away from the congregation of [Mages], clicking his tongue. It annoyed him. He was upset that the highest-leveled Humans in the world were so cowardly. He was about to sprint off, but a voice called out after him.
Iming with you.
Orgaf blinked at the words. He nced back, seeing Daniel stepping forward. The [Hero] nodded reassuringly.
Bring me with you. I can help.
The Thief of the Golden Scales paused. He eyed Daniel up and down. While the young man was a [Hero], he was also only Diamond Ranked in level. He wouldnt be the best partner to bring along.
In fact, something inside of Orgafpelled him to brush Daniel off, saying that the young man would only slow the Elite down.
But Orgaf caught himself. Instead, he nodded slowly and proffered a hand.
Good. Just dont let go. If you slip off, Im noting back for you.
I wont.
Daniel gave the Elite a reassuring look. In the past, Orgaf knew he wouldve repudiated Daniel for even suggesting his assistance. But something has changed since then. The Thief of the Golden Scales had changed.
The two were just about to head off, but Orgaf was interrupted once again.
I shalle too.
It was a gruff voice. An unexpected voice. Laux Lionfist walked up to both Daniel and Orgaf. The burly man cracked his neck.
My adventurers are back there. I left them behind to recover after my failure here. I cannot fail them again.
Im d to see at least one other Elite have the guts to do something.
Orgaf smirked in response. With that, the trio took off. The Thief of the Golden Scales leapt through the sky, carrying Daniel and Laux Lionfist with him. They made their way towards Lunaris, leaping over the sea of adventurers and soldiers.
Thats
Edithe Dawnrise looked up, watching as Orgaf flew abovehead with two other figures clinging onto him. The redhead pursed her lips.
Hes heading to Lunaris. We need to go help him, Willy.
She turned to the [Will O Wisp]. Then she paused. His mes were pale white. A color shed never seen before other than when hed merged with her [Vindication of They].
Willy?
We must hurry, Edithe Dawnrise.
The Grand Spirit spoke in a proper sentence. He flitted away from her, leading her to a familiar former assassin.
Come.
And Edithe nodded.
[Hellprince - Lvl. 157]
There he was. In the distance, a dark crimson figure that stood out, even when standing before the red pir that rose to the sky. He carried a ck spear. One crafted from his own blood. Demons blood. A weapon that beckoned to him with a life of its own.
He was Ira. A Primeval Demon. A [Hellprince] who was 10 levels above me. He floated there, standing atop a carpet made of Human blood. It carried him in the air as his gaze flickered. He spun around and threw his blood-spear.
It shot forward, intercepting a golden figure before it could reach him. My clone barely swerved out of the way in time, avoiding her death. I frowned as the blood-spear flew back into the Primeval Demons hand.
Even from afar, I could see his every movement. He wasnt that fast. I didnt think he was faster than me, even with our level difference. But his attacks were quick, and hed killed one of my clones by catching her off-guard.
I looked on as my clone engaged the Primeval Demon inbat. She zipped around Ira, unleashing golden mes his way. But he didnt bother blocking her attacks. Instead, his ck blood formed a partial sphere around him, protecting him where the clone attacked. And the moment her cone of mes halted, the ck blood whipped out like a tendril, knocking my clone back, sending her crashing into the earth.
Novis, Bellum, Oriur.
I turned to the baby Wyverns. They blinked up at me. The three of them were confused. But they clearly wanted me to stay by their sides. I bit my lower lip.
I have to go.
Mama?
They said at the same time. I felt my heart sink in my chest. An immense guilt took over me. But I nced back. I saw another golden explosion. Ira had killed another of my clone, and he didnt even bat an eye as my remaining three clones engaged him.
He would kill them all, then ughter Jaakko, Helen, Zack, and the other adventurers in the encampment. I couldnt allow that. I needed to stop him. Especially now, if I joined my clones, I had the best chance of defeating the Primeval Demon.
So I looked away from the baby Wyverns. I patted each of their heads as I turned. And my wings took me as I waved at them.
Im sorry. Please wait here. Ill be back soon!
Mama!
They cried out, trying to chase after me. But I flew off to face Ira in battle.
Chapter 487: Differences Between Primeval And Arch
Chapter 487: Differences Between Primeval And Arch
487. Differences Between Primeval And Arch
I heard the cries of the baby Wyverns behind me. But still, I ignored them. They couldnt join me. And I couldnt just sit around protecting them. They had to listen to me to stay put as I dealt with this threat.
Ira was here. He was locked in battle with three of my clones. I could see their sh up ahead. The golden mes shed, only to be interrupted by a pool of ck liquid. The fragments of a blood sphere that rippled and darted around the Primeval Demon and protected him. They couldnt even touch him, despite working together.
And that was why I needed to help them.
We stood the best chance of defeating him if I was there too. If he won, he would end up ughtering the adventurers. He would massacre the surviving soldiers camped just outside of Lunaris. I didnt really care if most of them died, but there were some I still cared about like Jaakko, Zack, and Helen.
More than that, I did want to pass up this opportunity to gain more levels. Id already gained a significant amount of experience from killing a bunch of lower-leveled Demons with my clones. Killing Ira would give me more experience as well considering he was 10 levels above me. So I had all the reason in the world to face the Primeval Demon here and now.
The only thing that briefly held me back were the three baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. I didnt need to nce back at them to see what they were doing. Already, I could see them running my way giving chase as I left them behind. But I flicked a finger, and they came to a halt.
It was as if theyd run straight into a ss window that was as sturdy as a wall. [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. A partial casting of that Skill. Unfortunately, I couldnt concentrate and form my full pocket space here in the Mortal Realm and fight at the same time. I kept them trapped there so they couldnt give chase, but it wouldntpletely protect them since the spatial walls were rtively fragile.
Id considered trapping the three baby Wyverns in the Ring of the Forgotten Prison too. But the thing was I didnt know if they could survive in that space. It wasnt the most conducive environment for anyone, really. Even as a Level 147 Archdemon with a special ss at Level 116, I still found my movements being partially impeded while in there. It felt slightly nauseating a bit confusing, too.
If not for my spatial senses, Id probably be leftpletely lost whenever I enter the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. I didnt want something bad to happen to the baby Wyverns, so I wasnt going to take the risk of keeping them there.
So I kept an eye on them, even as I reached the walls of Lunaris. Ira hovered there as his blood-spear impaled one of my clones. I recoiled, backing away from the golden explosion.
Just two clones left
I murmured and looked towards the Primeval Demon. I called my remaining clones, and they flew to my side. They joined me as I twirled my Divine Nebr Spear.
Youre Ira?
I called out to the [Hellprince]. He stood atop a sheet of solid blood. It hovered, carrying him higher to meet my gaze. Slowly, he nodded.
Indeed I am. And I take it you must be Salvos. The Liberator of the gunds. Or do you have a new Title now?
He tapped a finger on his chin, and I beamed.
Thats me!
I am d I can finally meet you in person, and not through your apparitions.
He dismissively waved a hand towards my clones. But I shook my head.
Youre a lot smaller than I remembered. When Ist saw you, you were this big [Cambion]. Now youre a small [Hellprince]. Belzu didnt really change this much when he became a [Hellprince].
Belzu is but an insect buzzing before our King, so he will always be an insect.
Ira spread his arms wide as his blood poured from his back, creating spikes that hovered mid-air.
But me? I achieved this form through perseveringly serving our King! And I shall make you perish for him!
My eyes flickered, and a salvo of blood-projectiles came my way. My two remaining clones scattered as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, knocking the onught of spikes. I called out to my clones as they circled around the Primeval Demon.
If youre going to die, die on him!
They nodded in agreement, avoiding the attack. They unleashed their golden mes at Ira, but his protective sphere deflected their magic. When their mes dissipated, the ck bloodshed out like whips, narrowly missing my clones. And that was when I took my chance.
I knew that Ira couldnt be touched as long as the sphere of ck blood protected him. That was why my clones struggled so much. However, I also noticed that whenever they tried to attack him, there would always be a brief moment where his defenses would go down when heunched a counterattack. I saw this all even when I was with the baby Wyverns, using [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
So I took my opportunity. I activated [Haste] and [Warped Time] before speeding forward. The ck blood receded quickly, moving to protect him. But I was faster. I reached Ira, grinning as I swung down with my Divine Nebr Scythe. And he raised his blood-spear, easily parrying my sh.
I recoiled, flying back with a grunt. I crashed into the earth, creating a massive crater where Iy. I picked myself back up with a groan.
Hes strong
Speed wasnt his specialty, but it was clearly that magic and physical prowess was where he excelled best. That was why he just stood there rather than trying to keep up with me or my clones.
Iraughed as he looked down at me, ignoring my clones attacks helplessly bouncing off his blood barrier.
You may be fast, but what is the point of speed if you are both weak and fragile?
He flicked his wrist, and his blood-spear shot out again. It caught one of my clones off-guard. She flew directly into it before exploding. I felt the ground shaking from the st, watching as the weapon returned to the Primeval Demons hand.
Even for apparitions, they are hopelessly easy to kill. Did you really think you could defeat me like this?
Yes I
I burst into the sky, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe as blue fire trailed after its de. Ira smirked as he watched me draw closer. And at the veryst moment, I teleported behind him.
can!
I swung down, the first strike in a [Barrage of Cinders]. But my attack was stopped. I felt the impact being dulled like it had hit a hard liquid. I looked down, seeing the ck blood already protecting Ira. I clicked my tongue and zipped around him in a circle.
He didnt move. His eyes simply darted after me, watching my every movement. I moved as fast as I could around the Primeval Demon as his ck blood followed me. I swung down again and teleported.
It was a short-range teleportation. Something I could do in rapid session. And I appeared at the other side of the blood barrier. A second attack. A continuation of [Barrage of CInders]. But once more, his defenses moved fast enough to protect him.
I didnt waste any time. I pulled back and repeated this maneuver again and again and again. Each time, I was inches from reaching him. My attacks nearly connected, but somehow, his defenses were always a little bit faster than me. I gritted my teeth as my teleportation [Barrage of Cinders] failed. I was just about to retreat, when I noticed a ripple run through the blood barrier.
My eyes grew wide as, all at once, the sphere spiked out in all directions. I barely blocked the attack with my Divine Nebr Scythe. I winced as bits of the ck blood broke off, sttering against my skin. It wasnt just like regr blood. Somehow, it stung. Like I was being pelted by small rocks. My lips twisted then I grinned.
Now!
Ira blinked as my clone teleported to his side in that brief moment where his blood barrier was gone. His eyes grew wide, and she swung at him with a ming golden scythe. But he thrust forward with his blood-spear, roaring.
That didnt work the first time!
His attack tore through my clones weapon. She blinked as he stabbed her and she sneered. Ira stabbed her through the torse, and her form began to waver. Ira stared, the realization settling in as she clutched onto his blood-spear.
Boom.
I pointed. His blood barrier rushed back, receding to protect him. But it was toote. My clone exploded, engulfing the Primeval Demon entirely as he screamed.
Chapter 488: Wrath
Chapter 488: Wrath
488. Wrath
Keep the Demons back!
Jaakko shouted as he hurled his kusarigama into the sky. With a tug of its chains, he yanked down a [Vampyr Bat] and stomped it beneath his feet. He looked up, panting. The hordes of Demons didnt stop. The crimson pir tearing through the sky continuously poured out these creatures of the Netherworld.
The Cyclops was getting tired. His injuries were ring up. But still, he was motivated. He rallied the adventurers and soldiers around him, forming a perimeter to protect the refugees from Lunaris. After all, why should he falter now? He was getting close to Level 100. Soon, he would reach his next ss advancement. That only emboldened him to fight on.
Jaakko!
A pair of voices cried out amidst the fighting. The Cyclops kicked a [Hellhound] back and blinked. He turned to face his two teammates as they ran towards him.
Zack, Helen.
He harrumphed, nodding at them.
Im d to see the both of you are alive.
We were in trouble, but Salvos saved us.
Helena spoke as she cut down a [Hellbeast] with her short sword. She came to a halt next to the Cyclops as Zack backed up behind the two of them for cover.
She really has a knack for timing.
The [Mage] sighed. Jaakko shook his head.
It is good that she saved you, however we need to focus on surviving. Zack, I need you to support those [Barrier Mages]
The Cyclops started. Then his single eye blinked as he looked up. There was a powerful sh of golden light. An overwhelming st in the distance that shook the earth. He stumbled back, and as did Zack and Helen. The trio looked in the distance as the mes vanished, leaving behind a giant column of smoke.
Thats
Zack pursed his lips. Jaakko nodded simply.
Salvos.
Helen looked up. Her eyes flickered as she spoke.
She is fighting someone. I cant tell if shes winning. It must be a powerful enemy if all her clones have died to it.
The Cyclops grunted.
And thats why we need to carry out our part. Come on.
With that, the other two adventurers nodded and got to work. They continued fighting off the hordes of wild Demons as a high-leveled battle continued to rage on ahead.
I looked on as the golden mes dissipated. My clones fire vanished, leaving behind nothing but a gray curtain that extended to the sky. The smoke slowly vanished, and I saw the shadow of a figure beneath the veil.
Ira floated there, panting and bleeding. His entire right arm had been ripped off, and his shoulder was bleeding, pouring with blood. The right side of his face was burned and scarred. His body was injured too, but less so than his face. He slowly descended from the sky, having survived the explosion.
I expected as much. I didnt hear any notification resound in my head. And this was a Primeval Demon. He had to be strong. A single explosion from my clone wouldnt have been enough to finish him off.
That was why I was already there, flying towards him.
His head snapped up, eyes growing wide as I swung down with my Divine Nebr Scythe. He was no longer holding onto his blood-spear. The arm that held it had been burned off. This was my only opportunity to finish him off. My weapon flickered as a ck me burned at its edge. I aimed straight for his neck.
Die [Radiant sh]!
I screamed as I swung down at him. His eyes bulged from their sockets. I had him this time. I was certain it was over. The de drew closer. The scythe was just about to reach his neck. But at the veryst moment, blood exploded from his burned skin. ck blood. Demons blood. It spurted out like a giant hand, catching my scythe.
I blinked as the [Radiant sh] was stopped entirely in its tracks. Ira red up at me as he raised his remaining arm and struck out.
Nice try
It was a simple punch, but it hit hard. I couldnt move out of the way in time, my weapon caught by the giant blood-hand. The single attack broke through my Aura of Greater Protection, shattering the invisible barrier and sending me flying.
The Primeval Demon shook his head as I crashed into the earth. He looked down at himself, then at his missing arm. He scowled.
That will take a while to regenerate.
He ran his remaining hand over his body, and I looked up. I watched as his burned skin rippled, recovering in mere moments before my very eyes. It was like he was pouring a healing potion over himself. I watched as the wounds stitched up, and my eyes narrowed.
I remember hearing well, seeing through my clones that you had regeneration abilities. But that is quite slow, isnt it?
I got to my feet, dusting myself off. Ira raised a brow at me and snorted.
My blood magic works faster than your Human potions. Belittle it as you may, you will still die here.
He pointed at me, and a deluge of blood-projectiles shot down my way. I leapt into the air, zipping away from the attacks. They trailed after me, but I quickly lost them, redirecting the attacks to the ground.
Meanwhile, Ira just floated in the same spot, running his hands over his body as his wounds slowly healed. I frowned. I remembered hearing something about Iras rapid regeneration being a part of his Grand Skill. If so, that meant he wasnt using his Grand Skill just yet.
I considered activating my Grand Skill right now to try and take him down. If I struck him with a good st of Divine Essence, he might not be able to use his own Grand Skill in time to recover. Or maybe he couldnt use his Grand Skill at all yet. How long had it been since he fought Orgaf? It was possible Ira had a super long cooldown period, after all.
I shook my head. It was too much of a risk. If I used my Grand Skill, then the Primeval Demon used his, it would only be a battle of attrition. And I didnt think I was going to win that fight. I didnt want to goad him into using his Grand Skill. Killing him as he was right now was my best chance of winning this fight.
I flew straight up into the sky as the blood-projectiles exploded beneath me. I swerved back, heading straight for Ira as he stopped healing his wounds. He raised his left hand, pointing a finger at me.
[Blood Bath].
My eyes flickered. I recognized this attack. Id fought two [Changelings] whod used this as a Combined Skill before during that Greater Vampire Families meeting. A ck beam shot out from Iras fingertips as I gritted my teeth.
I teleported to the side at the veryst moment, zipping away from the Primeval Demon. He aimed at me, and the beam followed. I watched as the attackpletely ravaged thendscape around us, exploding and destroying a chunk of the city. I flew off as Iraughed.
You have no clones to y your tricks with now, Human.
I could feel the intensity of the attack even from a distance. If he caught me once with one of his proper Skills, I was pretty much dead. The ck beam dissipated. I watched as he unleashed another volley of blood-projectiles my way. I quickly circled around the Primeval Demon, trying to avoid his onught of blood magic. And while I was preupied, he began to mend his right arm.
I saw the way his blood rippled in the stump on his right shoulder. Strands of ck blood formed like they were being sewn back together? No like they were veins taking shape. It was a slow process. At least,pared to using a Potion of Regeneration. But still, if this kept up, hed soon be fully healed from all the damage hed taken. I couldnt allow that.
I quickly flicked a wrist, and my Divine Nebr Scythe vanished. Instead, a massive arrow reced the weapon. The Giant Killer Arrow. I created a bow made from fire as I dipped down, avoiding the blood-projectiles passing overhead.
Just because I dont have my clones doesnt mean I cant hurt you!
I yelled as I loosed the Epic Grade Weapon at the [Hellprince]. He raised his head, blinking. He smirked, continuing to regenerate his right arm uncaringly. The blood barrier surrounding him shifted, moving to protect him as usual.
Do you really think that would
And the Giant Killer Arrow tore straight through the sphere. Iras eyes grew wide as therge projectile went straight for his head. He ducked, barely dodging the attack in time. He spun around, watching it vanish.
What was that?
The Giant Killer Arrow. It deals a lot of piercing damage, apparently.
I smirked as I twirled it in my hand. A volley of blood-projectiles rushed me from behind, and I easily flitted out of the way. I nocked the Giant Killer Arrow onto my ming bow once again as I aimed at the Primeval Demon.
You cant hit me, Ira. Youre hurt. Youre too slow.
I loosed the Giant Killer Arrow at him. He cursed bringing his left hand up as he created another blood-spear. He parried therge arrow, but it quickly vanished, reappearing already-nocked on my bow. Ira pointed at me, sending another salvo of blood-projectiles, and I simply sped away.
I circled around the Primeval Demon as he spun around, his gaze barely keeping up with me. I fired the Giant Killer Arrow again and again, tearing through his blood barrier as he narrowly deflected or avoided the attacks. In return, he sent blood-projectiles my way. But I always dodged his magic with ease.
He gritted his teeth as he ascended, the blood tform carrying him higher and higher. I followed the Primeval Demon, grinning at him.
Give up? Im not going to let you escape.
I pulled back the Giant Killer Arrow as he panted. He fixed a re at me, before shaking his head.
No. I am not escaping. I will kill you here, Human. But I realized you are right.
Huh?
I cocked my head at him. He shook his head, raising his blood-spear. He pointed at me.
It is as you said. I cannot touch you. Not in this state. Perhaps if I fully recovered I could. But even if that is the case, I can still harm
Slowly, he shifted the blood-spear so it was pointing past me. I blinked, not even turning around. I could already see what he was aiming at. After all, part of my gaze had been focused on these three figures the entire time, even inbat.
Them.
The baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. The three of them were still banging against the invisible wall of my partial [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. Unbeknownst to them, they were in grave danger. They were still just trying to get to me. I gaped, staring at Ira in shock.
How did you?
The Primeval Demon just scoffed.
Did you really think youre the only one who has any battlesense? I have been observing you since the very beginning, Salvos. Since I got here.
He rocked back, raising the blood-spear like a javelin. I moved to stop him.
I wont
I started, but a tendril of ck bloodshed out, knocking me back. And Ira hurled the blood-spear forward. It shot out, speeding through the ins. It exploded out of Lunaris, moving at the same incredible speed that could even intercept my clones.
I was half-way tumbling to the ground when I vanished, taken by [Greater Teleportation. Ira just sneered, using this brief reprieve to continue healing his right arm.
Mama! Mama! Mama!
Oriur looked on as his brother and sister continued trying to break through the invisible barrier mama had put up. But they failed. Of course they would. Unfortunately, Novis and Bellum werent thinking. The two were too anxious from being separated from their mama. Not only that, they were worried.
All of them were. Despite the fact that they were still baby Wyverns, they understood what was going on. They knew the severity of the situation they were in. They might not speak the samenguage as the Humans, but they could sense the tension in every room they were in. And for thest few weeks, theyd observed their mama throw herself into precarious situation after precarious situation.
So they were concerned for her. They didnt want anything bad to befall their mama. If they could, they would protect her. But right now, they were too weak. All of them were. Even if Novis and Bellum tried their hardest to level and grow, they couldnt reach mamas level anytime soon. That was why Oriur focused less on bing stronger, but more on learning. Understanding things even if he sometimes had an odd way of studying, such as suckling on a rock to understand it better.
Still, he was smarter than he looked. He was more intelligent than he acted. And, right now, Oriur deduced that it was not the time to pester mama anymore. Hed seen thest of mamas clones exploding in the distance, which meant mama was in a lot of trouble. He walked up to Novis and Bellum, pulling the two back.
They nced at him, confused and angry.
Why pull?
Bellum snapped. Novis narrowed his eyes too.
Mama there mama in danger!
No.
Oriur shook his head as he stopped them from pushing past him. He crossed his stubby wing-arms together in a Human-like gesture.
Mama needs us safe. Mama cannot fight if protect us.
He gestured back towards the city in the distance. Novis growled.
Can help.
Cant.
Oriur snorted. Bellum shook her head, agreeing with Novis.
Mama in danger. Uncle Willy not here. Need our help!
If Mama need help, dont need our help. Only get in her way.
Oriur mightve been the youngest of the three, but he was putting his foot down here. He tried to push Novis and Bellum back, but they easily shoved past him. He fell to the ground, blinking and looking up. Novis and Bellum walked towards the invisible barrier created by mama again, trying to break through once more.
Mama! Mama! Mama!
They started again. And there was a flicker in the distance. Oriurs eyes grew wide as he got to his feet. He barely even registered what it was. All he knew was that he could barely speak before it arrived.
Thats
The barrier shattered. Oriur could hear the crash of broken ss. A blood-ck object had smashed straight through the protection, shooting straight for Novis and Bellum. The two baby Wyverns couldnt react in time. They looked on as the blood-spear came for their heads as if the world was moving in slow motion.
Oriur closed his eyes. He flinched, waiting for the screams of his brother and sister. His heart jumped in fear. But even as he waited, he heard nothing of the sort. Instead, he heard a cry.
Mama!
He opened his eyes, looking up as mama stood before them. An aura of me coated her, and the blood-spear was caught in-ce in her hands. Novis and Bellum clung to her feet, and Oriur eximed, relief washing over him as he ran her way.
Mama
But he paused right as he reached her. His eyes grew wide as he saw mamas face. He looked on as the wisping fire grew in intensity. The edges of the me sharpened. It shifted in color as she took a step forward. First, the blue mes became red. Then green, purple, yellow
An iridescent me radiated from her. There was a wet st. Red blood dripped from her chest as Oriur looked up. The blood-spear had partially dug into mamas chest. Not too deep, but she was still bleeding. She pulled the blood-spear off, before looking down at the baby Wyverns reassuringly.
Dont worry, mama is here.
She smiled at them, and Oriur blinked. Novis and Bellum froze. They stared up at Salvos as she smiled. Then her eyes burned in fury. She spun around, crushing the blood-spear in her hands. Wings made from rainbow-colored mes beat from her back as she rose into the air. Her gaze fixed only on a crimson figure far ahead in the city.
How dare you try to threaten my BABIES!
And Salvos exploded forward with a burst of iridescent mes. Divine mes. She charged straight for Ira, screaming in a rage.
[Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] I WILL KILL YOU!
Chapter 489: Bloody Battle
Chapter 489: Bloody Battle
489. Bloody Battle
Hurry up! Were losing sight of them!
Edithe called out, tightly holding Willy close to her chest. In the distance, she saw the shadowed figures moving further and further away as they leapt through the des of the forest. Amanda nced back at the redhead, cursing.
Are you fucking serious? How am I supposed to keep up with that asshole? Hes an Elite Ranked adventurer! Im just a fucking Diamond Ranked assassin
It doesnt matter. We need to keep up. We have to get there in time.
The [Summoner]-turned-[Mage] spoke as she gritted her teeth. Edithe was sure Salvos would be fine. After all, Salvos was Salvos. It would be the end of the world if something terrible were to befall that mischievous but kind Demon.
Nevertheless, Edithe was concerned. She was worried about those whod been left behind in Lunaris. The injured adventurers and soldiers whod been recuperating. And it wasnt just them. There were others she cared about. Three other figures, to be specific.
The baby Wyverns.
While the redhead wasnt a [Beast Tamer] or the like, shed spent thest few weeks looking after Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Edithe couldnt understand what they said, nor were they too fond of her, but shed grown quite attached to them over the short amount of time theyd bonded. With only Salvos there, a single slip-up in the face of a horde of outpouring wild Demons could result in the three baby Wyverns demise.
And Edithe wasnt the only one who was fearful of this oue. She looked down at Willy. The [Will O Wisp] burned with cold blue mes. It was the first time shed seen him like this. He hadnt said much since they heard the news of what happened in Lunaris. Instead, hed just remained silent, clearly afraid of what could happen. Perhaps even regretful that left the baby Wyverns in the first ce.
Are you alright, Willy?
Edithe asked as Amanda panted, unable to keep up with Orgaf who was leaving them in the dust. The Grand Spirit didnt respond. For a moment, he remained silent. And when he spoke, he ignored the redheads questionpletely.
There.
He inclined his body up. Edithe blinked. She looked towards the sky, eyes narrowing. In the distance, she saw the crimson glow. The massive pir that extended to the sky. Her lips pursed. Her grip on her staff tightened. Nodding, she looked back down reassuringly at the [Will O Wisp].
Theyll be fine Salvos is there, so theyll be fine
[Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] I WILL KILL YOU!
I screamed atop my lungs as I propelled forward, charging straight for the copsed walls of Lunaris. Iridescent mes burned around me. My Divine Essence. My rage. It left a trail of destruction at my wake. A rainbow-colored streak of mes that burned anything I passed beneath me.
The earth erupted into mes. The white rock ground of the Netherworld burned from the sheer heat of my Grand Skill. The hordes of mindless wild Demons that knew nothing but destruction fled in fear, trying to avoid the spreading mes. But even from a distance, they burned. Their bodiesbusted from the ze that radiated from my fury.
And that rage the anger which drove me it was all directed only to a single figure. A crimson man stood atop a tform of ck blood. A Primeval Demon. A [Hellprince].
Ira.
He smirked, watching me fly his way with bloodshot eyes. He had fully regenerated his right arm. He stretched it uncaringly before creating a blood-spear from his wrists.
I cared not for his casual demeanor. I was mad. My heart ached. My chest bled, but the crimson blood rapidly evaporated and my mes seared the wound closed. I was injured and tired. But I ignored it all. I let out a blood curdling cry as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe over my head, reaching the Primeval Demon.
[Draconic Fury]!
A crimson glow overcame the iridescent de of the scythe. I shed for Iras head as he chuckled. His blood formed a sphere around him.
Nice try, but did you think this would work
And his eyes grew wide as my attack sheared straight through his blood barrier like it was nothing. He recoiled, raising his blood-spear to parry my attack.
Shit
For a moment, he stood his ground. He clutched onto his blood-spear, holding up against the force of my [Draconic Fury]. The crimson kes of vapor from my Skill melded over the rainbow-colored Divine Essence. The iridescent aura shimmered red as my scream echoed into a roar. The image of a creatures face shed around me. Like a Wyverns maw, butrger more ferocious.
The image of a Dragon.
Ira himself stared with wide-eyed fear, only for the jaws of the Dragon to mp around him. The blood-spear cracked, but didnt shatter. And he cried out in pain, sent flying back from the force of the attack.
He crashed into the earth. A pir of rubble and dust exploded into the air. But I wasnt done. I was going to make him pay for what he did. He threatened the baby Wyverns he threatened my babies.
I remembered the scared looks on their faces. I could almost feel the same fear they felt through [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. And my blood boiled.
He was not going to get away with this.
He was going to die now.
She was faster. So much faster. And not just that she was stronger too.
Before, Ira hadpletely outssed her in terms of strength. He could still keep up with her speed, even if she was clearly the quicker fighter. But now, the Primeval Demon wasnt even able to match Salvos in any way.
He picked himself up amidst therge crater. The dust settled around him, and he groaned.
What the fuck was that?
He asked as he raised his blood-spear, dusting himself off. Frowning, he looked up to where he had shed. He remembered the brief moment where he saw a face. A monster he couldntprehend. One that instilled a primal fear into his very being.
Was that the Beast
Ira started. Then he blinked, his eyes flickering to the side. He spun around just in time to see the silver-haired girl next to him. She didnt say a word. She barely made a sound. The only reason he was able to react was because of the glittering mes wisping off her.
Her scythe was already raised and swinging for his head. Cursing, he barely side-stepped the attack in time. The tip of her scythe narrowly missed him as he hopped to the left. He could feel its heat like it was brushing against his skin. The de bounced off the ground with a clink, and for a moment, nothing happened.
Then a streak of iridescent mes shot out. The fire ripped apart the earth, shredding the white rock as Ira gritted his teeth. Fast and strong, but He grinned, stepping behind Salvos. He twirled his blood-spear and aimed for her head. If you cannot control your fury, then there is no point in your anger!
He thrust his blood-spear for the back of her head. She was turning her head. Too slowly. No matter how fast one was, they couldnt defend themselves if they werent prepared. Iraughed as his attack reached her
And froze as it came to a sudden halt. He stared as an iridescent ming had protruded from the silver-haired girls back. It caught the blood-spear just before it could reach the back of her head, even before she fully finished turning to face him.
[Faux Limbs].
She whispered as the second arm grew from her shoulder. Then another pair of fiery hands emerged from her torso. Salvos faced Ira, letting go of the blood-spear.
He leapt back, gritting his teeth. He raised his left hand and dug into his neck. ck blood poured out, forming two extra sets of arms at his side.
Youre not the only one who can do these tricks, Human.
Ira bared his teeth at her. Salvos cocked her head. Her gaze darkened, even as her iridescent mes burned sharply around her. Like they werent even made of fire.
Tricks?
Slowly, she lowered her head. Her brows arched darkly over her forehead, and her eyes glinted like a pair of raging candles.
This is not a game. You die now.
Salvos leapt at him, and he braced himself. He raised his blood spear, readying all six of his arms. His blood pooled at his feet, shooting up in spikes. But the silver-haired girl didnt falter.
[Barrage of Cinders]!
She tore through the blood-spikes with ease,nding atop the puddle of Demons blood. Ira blinked as he saw smoke sizzle from her feet. The ck liquid quickly evaporated just from being around her. She sprinted towards him like a blur, and he cursed.
[Greater Blood Rush].
He felt the blood pumping through his body. Ira suddenly moved faster as well. He didnt feel like he was more nimble on his feet, nor did his perception of things around him change. Instead, he manipted the blood in his body. He could move himself like he was a puppet, forcing himself to exceed his own abilities for a minute.
This should be enough to deal with her.
Salvos reached him the next instant, stillshing out with the flurry of ming shes with [Barrage of Cinders]. Ira matched her six arms with his own as he cackled.
What do you think, Human? Your Divine Essence may give you this temporary boost of strength, but mine is
He paused, blinking as Salvos sheared through two of his blood-arms with her scythe while he was speaking. In that moment where they both struck out at each other as with a torrent of attacks, shed already tore off half his extra limbs. Iras entire body ached he felt the pain as if those arms were his own.
Instantly, the Primeval Demon tried to disengage.
You are
And he trailed off. He couldnt speak even if he wanted to. Ira remained unmoving, mid-jump, frozen for what felt like an eternity. And when he moved again, it was against his free will.
Salvos moved too. However, she didnt take advantage of this moment of vulnerability. Instead, she seemed to glide backwards, reversing her swinging motions. The Primeval Demon watched this in confusion, only to realize he was doing the exact same thing.
He looked on helplessly as he returned to where he was standing in front of Salvos. His blood-arms didnt regenerate. They were still hacked off and lying on the ground like a puddle. He waited, wondering when this curse would end.
And then it did.
All of a sudden, Ira felt like he had control of his body again. However, he was already in motion. He was mid-attack, swinging from Salvos with his six arms. Except this time, he didnt have six arms any longer. He only had four arms.
And Salvos swung down with her scythe, easily cutting through his other two blood-arms. Ira shrieked, leaping back once again. It was like theyd repeated the same motions as before, but now he had even less arms than before to fight back. Now, he was left with his two real arms to face the silver-haired girl.
What was that ability
He opened his mouth, but Salvos burst forward with a st of mes. She swung at him with a final strike from her [Barrage of Cinders]. He parried it with his blood-spear, clenching his jaw as the crack in the blood-spear grew.
This time, Salvos wasnt empowered by whatever that crimson attack had been. So Ira stood his ground, pushing back against the silver-haired girl. He almost felt like he could knock her back this time around, but she was aware of that. She didnt stand still in front of him, instead skidding around him, using her scythe as a pivot as she reached him from the side.
He gaped as the ming arms at her back shifted, taking on a sharper shape.
Are those scythe-arms?
He heard his answer in a moment as the des dug deep into his right army. Where it had been ripped off the first time around from the golden clones st. His eyes bulged in pain as she shed straight through his elbow. His forearm came flying off as he lost grip of his spear. Then there was a crack.
The Divine Nebr Scythe shattered the blood-spear, slicing straight for him before he could move away. He shouted in agony as the weapon dug deep into his chest, cutting straight through his blood barrier. He stumbled back, dropping to his knees. And Salvos tossed his torn arm back at him. She leapt back as it glowed,
Goodbye. [Demons Mark].
You
Ira started. Then he paused. His eyes flickered away from the glowing arm at his side as he was bent double on his knees. He stared at her for a moment, processing what she said.
Demons what?
And a powerful explosion engulfed his entire being.
I watched as the st of crimson mes engulfed Ira. At first, the explosion glowed a dark red. Then the iridescent light from my Divine Essence poured forth, filling the fire with an incandescent light. It shone brightly like the moon in the night sky.
A grand ze that shimmered like a rainbow. I waited for the notification to arrive. I had attacked Ira with everything I had from the moment he threatened my babies. I wasnt going to y with him. I wasnt going to take my chances. I wanted to incinerate himpletely. Until he was nothing but ash.
But the notification never came. I narrowed my eyes as the mes dissipated, and I heard a soft chance.
[Blood Of My Enemies, The Eternal Sinners Duty
A figure emerged from the crater. A shadow that hid amongst the smoke. He had been nothing but a burnt chest. Half the remains of a head. And yet, here he was, floating towards me. His body regrowing in an instant. Faster than even a Potion of Regeneration could heal my wounds.
His neck snapped into ce as his body rippled. A single arm grew back, and he pointed a finger at me from beneath the curtain of smoke.
[Empower Me To Rebuke Their Fury.]
And a beam of Demons blood shot out. But it wasnt just the normal ck blood. It shimmered an iridescent color. A glow that encapsted all the colors of the rainbow. A spectrum of light that shot towards me, carrying the might of my Divine Essence my way.
I clicked my tongue, teleporting out of the way as the beam struck the city behind me. The ground shook, and the sky shone as an explosion that dwarfed my [Demons Mark] ripped through the white ground. I flickered back into existence, facing the regenerating Ira.
He sneered at me as thest of his limbs grew back, eyes zing in a calm anger.
Did you really think you could defeat a Primeval Demon of Wrath with your rage? Please. What a foolish joke.
And I wasnt sure how I was going to kill him now.
Chapter 490: Mindless Beast
Chapter 490: Mindless Beast
490. Mindless Beast
Run.
Oriur urged his two siblings forward. It took a while to convince Bellum and Novis to listen to him, but finally, theyd acquiesced after seeing their mamas rage. The three baby Wyverns moved between the trees, heading deeper and deeper into the forest.
They only halted when they heard the explosion. The st that shook the earth, knocking them off bnce. Oriur fell with a squeak as Novis and Bellum caught themselves. The two older siblings nced back, facing the city. In the distance, there was a powerful explosion. A rainbow-colored st that rose above the canopy of trees.
Novis and Bellum stared, hesitating. They looked like they wanted to run back to help their mama. But Oriur scrambled to his feet and caught them.
Please. No.
The two other baby Wyverns hesitated. They exchanged a nce, and Oriur held their gaze.
For Mama.
Novis blinked. Bellum deted. Slowly, they both nodded. The three of them continued, much to Oriurs relief. And then they paused as the ground rumbled once more, an evenrger explosion lighting up the crimson sky.
I stared at the Primeval Demon of Wrath. At Ira a newly-anointed [Hellprince] of the Netherworld. Here he was, standing before me, having survived taking the brunt of one of my most powerful Skills.
It wasnt like he emerged from the explosion unscathed. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He hade out of the iridescent-crimson st nearly entirely obliterated. Half his face had been blown off. All but his chest and torso remained. And yet, somehow, he came back.
I watched his limbs regrow like they had always been there. His ck blood wove out of the missing chunks of his flesh strings that merged to return the Primeval Demon to full form. I had heard about this power. I had seen this power through my clones eyes.
But I knew it was more powerful than ever now. So that was why I was prepared. He pointed at me, grinning as he unleashed a glimmering st my way. I dove to the side, watching as the beam of colors struck the city behind me. A terrible explosion erupted. Like a mimicry of my [Demons Mark]. Except even stronger.
I gritted my teeth as the st dissipated behind me. The earth beneath me rumbled for a full minute as I held the Primeval Demons gaze. Ira smirked as he spoke, ascending to meet me in the air.
Did you really think you could defeat a Primeval Demon of Wrath with your rage? Please. What a foolish joke.
I didnt respond. I knew of this Grand Skill. I had done everything I could to kill him before he had a chance to activate this ability. No ying around. No experimenting or tests. I did everything I could, but I failed.
And he could tell I knew this. He didnt unleash a deluge of counterattacks my way all at once. Even after what Id put him through, he waspletely calm. ck wings made from his own blood protruded from his back, carrying him up to meet me in the air.
Im impressed. I really didnt think youd put up this much of a fight. Resorting to my Grand Skill is rather annoying. But I underestimated you. I thought you were a mere mortal, when it turns out you are a Demon.
I am Salvos.
I replied as I held his gaze.
Thats all that matters.
Is that all that matters? No Demon with any self-worth woulde to the aid of mortals. Do you not have any pride? Any sense of shame going against your own kind for the betterment of these others?
Ira scoffed, waving a hand off. He nced dismissively towards the Human adventurers in the distance. They were far off, still fighting back against the swarm of wild Demons pouring from the sub-ritual. He looked at them like they were nothing but insects.
I shook my head.
Maybe most of them are others. But some of them are mypanions. And others are my friends.
And the Wyverns? Pets? Friends? Minions?
He tilted his head at me. I answered without missing a beat.
My children.
I see.
Ira closed his eyes. He held his arms behind his back, unmoving. I waited for what he was going to do next. This was my chance to attack him, but I knew it wouldve been pointless. Instead, I was trying to figure out a n to ovee his Grand Skill. Unfortunately, all my mind drew were nks.
When the Primeval Demon opened his eyes, he was grinning. He raised a hand out, and I blinked. He held up a giant club made from his own blood. It was massive the size of his person. Yet, he hefted it around with ease.
It seems that you are far too lost, then. I will have no guilt killing you here and now, for you will not be able to properly serve our King.
And he shot forward. Ira sped my way,ughing maniacally as I braced myself for his attack. My [Faux Limbs] shifted, bing the long tendrils of a Horror Centinel, before shooting out Iras way. He bared his teeth wide, taking the brunt of it all with no care in the world. My tendrils impaled him all throughout his body, keeping him back from me.
But he didnt flinch. He didnt even falter. Instead, he ripped off the tendrils with a sneer before spreading his arms wide.
Is that really all youve got for me? I will show you how its really done, traitor!
I looked on as the ck blood from the various holes in his body spilled out. The dark liquid took form, bing tendrils of their own as theyshed out at me. I clicked my tongue, diving straight down. I easily avoided his attacks and reached him with my scythe raised.
He smirked, ready for the impending sh. And I stopped myself for just a second.
Dont attack him, I told myself. I had already known how his Grand Skill sort of worked thanks to Orgaf, Helena Warshade, and my clones. It didnt matter what I tried, hed reflect it towards me.
I caught myself and immediately backed up. Ira cocked his head at me as the tendrils spun after me.
Whats wrong? Too afraid to attack? Didnt you wish to kill me for threatening those mortal pests you call children?
I cut down the tendrils as I circled around him. Again and again. I moved faster and faster each time, until I was certain Ira couldnt keep up with my speed. However, the Primeval Demon didnt even raise his head. He didnt care that he couldnt keep up with me in any capacity. After all, I couldnt hurt him in any capacity either.
If you keep circling around me, you wont be able to kill me like you said you would. Unless youre hoping Id die of old age? In which case, Ill tell you Demons dont die of old age. Not that you would know. Youre only a Demon in name, nothing more.
I didnt respond to his taunting. I just wondered if there was anything I could do to finish him off in one hit. His head hadnt beenpletely blown off from the [Demons Mark], so perhaps that was the problem.
I just have to aim for his neck. I swooped down, my scythe shimmering with an iridescent aura.
Ira grinned as he turned to face me. Too slowly. I was already next to him by the time he could react not that he was in any hurry to respond. He raised his club, and I sheared straight through his neck.
You. Will. Burn!
I shouted as I spun back to face him, mouth unhinging as my cheeks shifted partially into that of a Kobolds. A cone of iridescent mes swallowed Ira, and there was no notification.
Instead, I recoiled as a ck scythe cut through the burning rainbow veil. I dipped down, watching as Ira flitted out from the st of fire. He was already cracking his neck, his head fully regrown. He stretched his jaw for a second before unleashing a me breath back my way too.
I cursed as I swerved around the attack. He cackled, watching me flee. He raised his club, pointing it my way as ck weapons formed around him by the dozens. They shot out one after another at me as I continued flying back. I zipped through the city, avoiding the trailing projectiles. They crashed into the earth, rupturing the white ground and tearing apart the ravaged houses.
Ira flew after me, his blood-wings beating fast behind him. But he couldnt catch up to me. Not with my Grand Skill active. He called out, creating a blood-spear at the end of his club as he pointed at me.
Stop running, you cowardly Demon! If you dont kill me soon, Ill get to your little babies and make sure you watch as I ughter them!
I didnt need to nce back thanks to the [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. I could see that the baby Wyverns were fine, hiding away in the forest far from Lunaris. But the Primeval Demon was looking for them. He scanned the hilltop theyd been at as he frowned.
I took that opportunity to strike. I immediately whirled around, charging for Ira as he was distracted. His eyes flickered. He turned towards me, still sneering.
Oh? Trying to catch me off-guard again, are we? That didnt work the first time.
He came to a halt instead of trying to dodge out of the way. I drew closer to him, faster than he cared to react. He thought whatever I tried wasnt going to work. But right as I reached him, I sharply changed directions. I dipped to the side, swinging by the tip of his club. Ira blinked as I snatched the blood-spear out of the air.
What are you
He started, but I swerved back towards him. I raised the blood-spear and stabbed him through the chest. His eyes grew wide.
How about that?
I had a theory. Well, a hypothesis. One which I was testing out now. The Primeval Demon of Wrath was able to reflect any attack I threw his way. However, what about his own attacks?
I pulled the spear back as Ira reeled. He hacked out his blood, trying to work his jaw.
Y-y-you
For a moment, I thought that had been enough. Then his lips twisted. The Primeval Demon of Wrath sneered wide.
Did you think that would work?
I blinked, watching as the hole in his chest began to regenerate. I tried to fly back, but a hand protruded from Iras wound. A giant hand that caught the blood-spear before I could fly off. I tried to let go of the weapon to fly away, and he swung the heavy club at me.
I yelped in pain as I was struck out of the air. Swatted down like a fly. I crashed straight to the ground. I caught myself with my wings before I hit the earth. I hastily redirected my course, swooping back up as I searched for Ira in the crimson sky.
He was already flying off into the distance, heading away from the city. He raised a hand as he pooled together a sphere of ck blood at the tip of his club. He aimed for the forest where Novis, Bellum, and Oriur had been.
I will find your children, Salvos. Even if I have to destroy the entire forest.
My brows snapped together. I saw the way the beam crackled, about to unleash into the distance. Through [Manifestation of the Old Gods], I saw Novis, Bellum, and Oriur running in the forest. I didnt know if they could get far enough away in time. I couldnt save them. [Greater Teleportation] couldnt work just yet.
I had to stop Ira. Before it was toote. I raised a hand, shouting at the top of my lungs.
Stop! [Invoke Wrath]!
My words echoed as Ira suddenly froze. The building blood at the tip of his club paused. He didnt react for a second. Then his eyes burned with fury. His gaze snapped my way as he roared, unleashing his attack at me.
I saw the beam of flicker. Its ck light glinted, shooting my way. I dove to the side as I narrowly escaped the st. The attack exploded, ripping apart a small hill. And right as I moved out of the way, I blinked.
I looked up, barely bracing myself for Iras swinging club. He struck down as I blocked the hit with my Divine Nebr Scythe. There was a sh as our weapons shed. A pulse that rippled in the air. I held up against the strike for an instant then I was sent flying back.
I tumbled to the ground, crashing hard as I groaned. I raised my head as my entire body ached. I had shed with Ira before. Just earlier, I took on the full force of his club without any protection. But this time, even though Id blocked it, it had hurt a lot more.
I stood up, left arm hanging limply from my shoulder. I stared at Ira as he huffed, gaze boring into me in his anger. I saw the way his muscles rippled like the blood in his body was roiling beneath his skin. He looked bigger. Shoulders broader. And he didnt speak, ovee with nothing but his rage.
Did I just make him stronger?
I asked, staring. And Ira charged me like a mindless beast with a terrible roar.
Chapter 491: Hellprince
Chapter 491: Hellprince
491. Hellprince
Ira screamed. His eyes lit up in a rage. His entire crimson body rippled as his ck blood shifted beneath his flesh. I watched on as he charged me, roaring incoherently. All sense of himself lost entirely.
RAAAEEEIEEEE!
I didnt understand what he was saying. Neither did he. I simply braced myself, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe, but my left arm hurt. It was broken shattered from the previous hit. It hung limply from my side, nothing but a hindrance inbat. I conjured up a set of [Faux Limbs] from my shoulders to steady my weapon. And as Ira drew closer, I moved.
He crashed into the crater like a speedinget. But even despite his sudden power boost, I was faster than him. I leapt to the side as he swung down with his giant blood-club, and the ground ripped open. The earth split. A gulf formed beneath his feet. I circled around him, shing at his back with a [Barrage of Cinders].
Take this
I yelled as I unleashed my onught. A flurry of fiery fury. Ira spun around, his mindless gaze uncaring. He didnt bother blocking it. There was no barrier of blood forming a sphere around him, nor was there any attempt made at parrying even a single strike. Instead, I cut into him as he swung back with a heavy punch.
I sliced him across his chest, ducking under the hit. I quickly backed up as I aimed for his arms. The Divine Nebr Scythe easily sheared through his crimson skin, and his right arm went flying. I fully expected him to reflect the attack somehow for a scythe of blood tosh out at me. Instead, Ira just barreled forward as his arm regrew, then shifted.
I blinked. I looked on with wide eyes as his right arm bulged and stretched. Its shape twisted beforeshing out, whipping at me even from afar. I swung up with my Divine Nebr Scythe and cut through his skin. Again, I had shed through his arm. But the wounds just regenerated as his arm retracted back to him.
The Primeval Demon of Wrath lunged at me as I backed away. He was an unstoppable force. Nothing I did could slow him down. And he was faster now, so he could keep pace with me. I gritted my teeth, flying up towards the sky as he narrowly missed me. He smashed the ground open and looked up.
He crouched as his furious gaze fixed onto me. I narrowed my eyes, unsure what he was doing as I headed back towards the city. The flesh on his legs rippled, and he heaved. Then all at once, he threw himself into the air after me with a cry of fury. My eyes grew wide.
I watched as his legs exploded beneath him. A sttering of ck blood that propelled him like a catapult. For a moment, he was nothing but a torso with arms as he quickly closed in on me. But his legs quickly regrew, and he reached me.
Even with my Grand Skill, I couldnt get out of the way in time. He caught me mid-air, grappling me in the sky. I tried to shake him off as we tumbled down, but he just shrieked and headbutted me. I recoiled as I tried to break free.
Get off me!
I shoved him with my [Faux Limbs] and pressed my real fist against his chest. He hissed wildly, and my fingers glinted.
If I cant kill you, Ill lock you away! Ring of the Forgotten
I started as Ira roared. And he bit down.
My eyes grew wide. His jaw had unhinged wide. Like the mouth of a [Savage Agarat]. He tore it open before mping his teeth around my wrists. And in that single motion, the light vanished. And I screamed in pain as he tore my right hand off.
You
I opened my mouth, sending a cone of mes his way as he was knocked back by the iridescent st. I tried to fly away, but at some point, the Primeval Demon of Wrath must have damaged my wings. One of my wings was broken, and the other could barely keep me in the air. I clenched my jaw as my [Faux Limbs] shifted through the power of my Divine Essence, taking the shape of wings instead.
How is he so strong? How am I supposed to
I drifted down from the sky,nding at the edge of the fallen walls of Lunaris. My left arm hung broken at my side, and my right hand had beenpletely ripped off. I panted in exhaustion, looking up towards Ira.
The explosion of rainbow-colored mes had burned him greatly. His left chest had been entirely incinerated, and parts of his right arm were missing. At least, for a moment. Once again, his healing factor took over and he was fine in an instant.
There really is no other way to beat him other thanpletely incinerating him, huh?
I murmured as I straightened. A pair of [Faux Limbs] raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, and I stood my ground. Ira beat his blood-wings once, destroying them and using them to throw himself my way at a speed I couldnt dodge.
That was why I didnt budge. I met him, sting him with my divine mes as his body burned. He tore through it, even as his entire right side was burned off. Ira reached me, swinging down with his blood-club.
I swung up with my own weapon to parry the attack. But I didnt just block it. I used the hook of my scythe to redirect the hit, and it struck the white rock ground next to me. Sparks flew out as I glided my de up the side of his blood-club, shing for the Primeval Demons head.
Ira just stepped forward, letting go of his weapon. Even as his head was lopped off, his missing arm regrew. Heshed out with a flurry of blows as his neck regenerated. I was faster than him, even still. I could avoid most of his attacks,nding far more of my own. And he didnt care about protecting himself. I cut apart his sides. I tore off his legs. I sliced his arms and hands and head and dealt enough damage to kill anyone else a hundred times over.
But still, the Primeval Demon of Wrath kepting. Empowered by his Grand Skill, and blinded in his rage. Even if I was faster than him, I couldnt avoid his attacks forever. His sluggish yet powerful blows struck me. A kick to the ribs one that forced me to cough out blood. A punch to the face that nearly sent my neck snapping back.
I shed him in half, only for him to tear through my own [Faux Limbs]. My Divine Nebr Scythe dropped to the ground as I backed up. But he grabbed me by my shoulders and headbutted me. I heard a crack Who can regenerate!
And the blood-scythe shattered against my neck. Even in his rage, Ira paused. The Primeval Demon of Wrath blinked, and I kicked him off me. Inded on my feet as I felt a soothing sensation wash over my body. My neck snapped back into ce. My broken bones mended together, and I regained control of my left arm.
I stretched my neck as I raised a fist, grinning. My right arm slowly regrew as the flesh rippled out, a warm feeling that was a tinge bit odd. I stared down at myself, all my injuries healed as crackling iridescent mes.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
I held the Primeval Demon of Wraths gaze. He huffed, still overtaken by anger. There wasnt shock on his face, just confusion. I flexed my right arm, pulling my Divine Nebr Scythe towards me with my [Master of Material Maniption].
My second Grand Skill. I cannot die. Not right now. Not to you. So Ill burn you until youre nothing but ashes if I have to.
I spoke simply, before charging at him. He roared and barreled my way in response.
He was Ira. A Primeval Demon of Wrath. A [Hellprince]. Normally carried by a confident yetposed demeanor. And yet, at this moment, he was none of that. At this moment, he was nothing more than a mindless beast.
Nothing more than a wild Demon.
It made no sense. His entire essence made him but a master of his fury. It was something he could control. A piece of him that empowered him more than even his respect for his King. Yet, he had beenpletely overtaken by his own rage.
He was fully cognizant of this. He could see his every action, knowing that it was made in his fury. But he couldnt help it. He was so immersed into his hatred for that silver-haired girl that he wanted to destroy her.
Her very being enraged him. It wasnt one thing in particr it was everything about her. The fact that she was a Demon, yet disguised herself as a Human. The fact that she was no mortal, but aided them as if they were one of her own. The fact that she dared oppose his Kings will
Ira couldnt think of a single
And he grew stronger with each passing second. He could hear the notifications resounding in his head, even as his limbs were torn apart by Salvos. A grating sound that made him only want to kill her even more
General Skill [Racial Skill: Dark Blood of Vengeance] Level Up!
[Dark Blood of Vengeance - Lvl. 5] -> [Dark Blood of Vengeance - Lvl. 6]!
Experience is awarded
General Skill [Racial Skill: A Demons Rage] Level Up!
[Racial Skill: A Demons Rage - Lvl. 2] -> [Racial Skill: A Demons Rage - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded
Ira ducked under a scythe swing from the silver-haired girl, swinging at her neck with an erged fist. He attacked her with everything he had. His full power all of his strength. Yet, his punch was stopped. There was a flicker of fire. A sh of iridescent light. And he found his entire arm exploding outwards as Salvos turned to him, unscathed.
ARRRGH!
The Primeval Demon of Wrath screamed. A blood curdling cry. But it was not just one of anger. It was one of pain. A shout of suffering. He had always felt every single bit of damage inflicted upon him, even if he could regenerate it.
It was why he never enjoyed using his Grand Skill. It was why he still strove to avoid attacks if he had no other choice. Because it hurt. It hurt so much. Everything hurt.
Normally, it only fueled his anger. The pain the suffering all of it would invigorate his anger even further. But now? He wanted none of that. He just wanted the hurt to stop.
He wanted to regain control of his senses. He wished he could abate his fury and counter the silver-haired girls attacks. But she sted him with fire. She sliced apart his limbs again and again. He hopelessly tried to crush her head, only for his hands to give in under the protective mes around her body. He shrieked, only to be torn apart by a barrage of ming strikes.
It hurt so much. It hurt. It hurt. It really hurt. He didnt like the pain. He never liked the pain. He just wanted he just wanted the suffering to stop.
The Primeval Demon of Wrath wasnt sure what curse Salvos had put onto him. He knew it made him stronger. He had received a +10% to all his Stats. But it made him lose control of his anger. It made him even more furious than he had ever been before.
And for the first time in his life, Ira didnt want to be wrathful anymore.
General Skill [Racial Skill: A Demons Rage] Level Up!
[Racial Skill: A Demons Rage - Lvl. 4]
Subspecies [Bloodied Asmodai Hellprince (Duke of the Netherworld)] Level Up!
I tore through Iras head, abruptly cutting off his scream. He didnt slump forward, nor did he drop to his knees. I didnt expect him to. Instead, he came at me with an onught of powerful blows. I simply took the brunt of the attack, baring my teeth.
I told you, you cant kill me. But
I sidestepped the strikes and shed up. His arms went flying, amputated in a single motion. I followed up with a kick to his stomach, sending him crashing into a nearby pile of rubble. Dust and dirt exploded into the air.
I can kill you!
My second Grand Skill was going toe to an end soon. I had been fighting for a while, my cooldown for most of my Skills had already passed. Still, Ira wasnt showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. If I could, Id have just locked him up in the Ring of the Forgotten Prison, but Id lost it after he bit my hand off. I considered sending him teleporting to be crushed between the nes of Nexeus, but it would take a while. And I couldnt get him to stand still for that long.
So I dashed forward, sting him with rainbow-colored mes as he tried to pick himself up. Ira reeled back, crying out as he raised his arms. His flesh melted off, but he lumbered forward, still trying to get to me. The mes dissipated after a moment, and he blinked.
I was gone. I was no longer flying straight at him. The Primeval Demon of Wrath narrowed his eyes, ncing around.
HRRGGG
And I swooped him up from behind. Ira roared as I carried him into the air, struggling to get me off his back. I flew high and up as the city of Lunaris vanished beneath us.
If youre going to keep regenerating, then I will just beat you
I raised a wed hand as the Primeval Demon finally managed to break free from my grip. He spun around,shing out with a swing. But I just swung back at him as I reached for a power deep within me.
Divine Draconic Fury!
An iridescent image of a w struck out, knocking Ira back with a powerful strike. His left shoulder was obliterated in that single hit as he flew further into the sky. I gave chase, not letting up just yet.
until you stop moving
I zipped up next to him before he could fly too far. This time, I readied my Divine Nebr Scythe. Once more, I unleashed my essence at him,bining it with my burning mes. A more familiar attack. Ira grunted, only for his voice to be cut off.
Divine Radiant sh!
I sliced him vertically, but the aura surrounding my scythepletely engulfed him. The attack incinerated half of the Primeval Demons head as well as arge chunk of his chest. His body spun and turned, knocked high towards the sky. I sped after him, eyes narrowing.
His body was already regenerating. It had been a second, but I could see bits of his left cheek already regrowing. I gritted my teeth and pointed at him.
[Greater Teleportation]!
But I didnt teleport myself to him. Instead, five figures popped up at his side, already prepared for this. My five clones at Wilford vanished from that city, appearing next to Ira. They caught him, tearing at his body as he let out a guttural cry from his deformed jaw.
...or die trying!
I reached him a momentter as I nodded at my five clones. They shone a silver and gold light. A scintiting glow that grew brighter and brighter. Ira thrashed in the air, realizing what was toe even in his rage. He howled in a fury, tearing off his own arm just to break free from the clones.
I frowned as his arm regenerated rapidly andshed out at me. I raised a hand, catching the crimson fist as I smiled. I didnt even budge as his eyes grew wide.
So much for a Primeval Demon of Wrath, huh? Unlike you, I dont need to serve a king to be proud of who or what I am. I am Salvos, and you
I pooled thest of my magic into the palm of my hand. His fist shone. A glittering iridescent light. One that was burned into his skin. He tried to pull his hand back, but I didnt let him.
are dead.
Ira screamed as my clones shed. As he knew what wasing next. Iughed, uncaring even if I hovered before him, high in the sky.
Divine Demons Mark!
And all at once, my five clones, my Divine Demons Mark it all exploded.
Gnah?
Oriur came to a halt. Novis and Bellum looked towards the sky, wide-eyed. The three baby Wyverns halted in the middle of the forest. The overcast from the canopy of trees was dispelled, reced by a bright light.
The crimson dome overhead was painted an eclectic of colors. Whether it was red, white, blue, yellow even white and ck. All the colors of the rainbow and more. It was an explosion. A st that shone brighter than the sun. One that covered the entire sky.
Novis, Bellum, and Oriur exchanged a nce. They all had a single thought.
Mama!
They cried out all at once.
What in the world is that?
Zack stared, wide-eyed at the explosion that took the sky. He was a [Mage]. He had a fundamental understanding of thews governing magic he could sense the power and fury that came from that magical st. And he also saw something else. Something he couldnt quiteprehend mixed into the mana.
It was so foreign. So terrifying. He gaped together with Jaakko, Helen, and the other adventurers in the encampment. It was so powerful. A st that wouldve nearly wiped out half of Lunaris in an instant.
Zack should have been afraid. He was afraid. But even still, when he looked at it, and couldnt help but think that it was so majestic. So calming. And he didnt know why he felt that way.
The explosion covered the sky, nketing even the clouds. Its light shone brighter than the ritual merging the Mortal Realm with the Netherworld. It lit up the crimson sky, coloring it into a rainbow. For just a moment.
Then the light vanished. The st faded away. My clones were gone, leaving only me flying in the sky. My wings beat slowly behind me as I panted. I raised my head, staring at the ash being blown with the wind. I asked only one question.
Is it over?
I waited for the answer. I tried to scan my surroundings with [Manifestation of the Old Gods], but the Skill had already ended. I could only use my eyes, and I saw nothing. Still, I didnt have my hopes up. I waited. I didnt hold my breath.
And finally, I got my answer. A resounding voice in my head.
Defeated [Bloodied Asmodai Hellprince (Duke of the Netherworld) - Lvl. 158]
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Its over.
My eyes widened. And my wings stopped beating at my back. The iridescent mes wisping off my body dissipated. They no longer crackled, forming a protective aura of invulnerability. Slowly, I began to fall. At a gradual speed.
I won I finally killed him
All it took waspletely obliterating him from the face of the earth. I almost wanted to cry, just from how relieved I was. This might not have been the toughest opponent I faced yet, but he was certainly the most frustrating. No matter what I threw his way, he would just regenerate from it and reflect it back my way.
But now, he was gone. And I could luxuriate in the deluge of notifications resounding in my head as I descended to the ground.
General Skill [Wisdom of the Old Gods] Level up!
[Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl 3] -> [Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl. 4]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Old Gods] Level up!
[Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl 4] -> [Wisdom of the Old Gods - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] Level up!
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath - Lvl 1] -> [Title Skill: Invoke Wrath - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
I wondered for a moment why [Wisdom of the Old Gods] leveled up. I considered that it mightve had a part to y in using those Divine Skills. And since it was just like after the battle against the [Archarachne], then that was the only exnation I could ept.
Either way, I happily epted the additional experience as I drifted closer to the earth, hearing the next salvo of notifications.
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 147] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 148]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 148] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 149]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!
[Daeva Cambion Lvl. 149] -> [Daeva Cambion Lvl. 150]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 116] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 117]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 117] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 118]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Archdemon of Pride]
Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 150
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 118
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 15]
[Vitality]: 190 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 190 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 190 (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 320 (+30) (+10) (+50) (+100)
[Agility]: 360 (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 21]
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - A Hunters Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Blue mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 6]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 15
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
[Evolution Avable]
I jerked back at thest notification. I stared at the sky as the iridescent light reflecting from the sky vanished. I only had one thing to say.
Yay.
I managed to barely muster out, and my back hit the ground.
Chapter 492: Sub-ritual Subverted
Chapter 492: Sub-ritual Subverted
492. Sub-ritual Subverted
Finally!
It had been so long. I had waited for this moment for such a long time. After what felt like forever, I was going to evolve.
Thest time I had undergone an evolution was after I killed the Lich of the gunds. I had been waiting for this moment for ages. Before my Level 100 evolution, I would evolve rather regrly. It had only been a few months between killing Stephen and killing Lucerna. But it was to be expected that this was the longest evolution yet since the gap was the greatest too. Well, longest evolution except for maybe when I first became an [Imp].
I honestly didnt know how much time I spent in the Netherworld with Haec. I could throw out a few guesses make some estimates based on what I remembered. But that was pointless. The Netherworld didnt have a sun, nor did it have a moon. There was no day-night cycle, and we Demons didnt age either. So none of it mattered.
All I knew was that it was a long time. We spent every passing moment together. No matter what we did, wed do it together. And then we evolved. And then we separated.
I had decided upon arriving at the Mortal Realm that I would find a way back to him. That I would do whatever it took to get back to him. That was the promise I had made to myself. He was mypanion. My firstpanion.
Haec was there from the very beginning. He was there with the others. He survived, and as did I. Even if I had made so many morepanions since Ist saw him, he was still important to me. Because he was Haec. No one else could be Haec but him. Just like how I was Salvos only me.
I closed my eyes, hearing the words resound in my head.
[Evolution Avable]
I was happy. I was pleased with myself. Now that I was Level 150, I could finally evolve. And just maybe, I would finally have the power to get back to him just fine once this war was over. I was going to do everything I could to hasten its end. Even if I had to find Levithus myself and kill him.
I shook my head, focusing on the task at hand.
I wonder what Subspecies options there will be?
I wondered aloud to myself. I was tempted to just explore my options there and then, but I knew I would pass out. Also, I might revert out of my Human form probably not, honestly. But that was a worry I had.
However, what was more worrying was the danger at hand. I opened my eyes, facing the crimson pir in the distance. The renewed sub-ritual in Lunaris was still raging on, pouring forth an innumerable number of Demons into the Mortal Realm.
My second Grand Skill ended. The period of invincibility gone. If I was attacked by a strong enough Archdemon while I was unconscious for long enough, I probably wouldnt be able to survive. Even though I still had my first Grand Skill my Divine Essence active.
I was strong, not unkible as I was right now. I raised my head and sighed.
I still have to deal with those Demons
Last I saw, Jaakko, Helen, Zack, and the other adventurers and soldiers gathered outside of Lunaris were still in grave danger. It wasnt just that there was the asional Level 100 Archdemon emerging from the sub-ritual, it was also that they were trying to protect the injured and the remaining refugees of the city.
I had to help them. They couldnt handle these Demons alone. But there was a problem.
I am too tired.
Iy sprawled there, refusing to get up. It wasnt like when I used [Manifestation of the Old Gods] without my Grand Skill active. My body didnt ache, nor did I want to throw up. I was just exhausted. That battle with Ira took everything I had left. Perhaps it was those flurry of divine attacks my modified Skills that drew from my Divine Essence but I was so tired, I could just pass out right now.
I probably could have justin there for the next six hours, but a loud thudding noise attracted my attention. Blinking, I looked up to see a hulking creaturending before me. A Demon that stood over ten feet in height a wall of flesh and bones. It had a pair of tusk-like horns that protruded from its skull-like face, and tendrils that writhed out next to its arms.
Its body shifted, and its golden eyes glimmered. I stared with wide eyes as it hissed at me.
[Changeling - Lvl. 145]
Thats
My eyes grew wide. I tried to get to my feet, but itshed out with its tendril. The tip of the tentacle-like protrusion morphed, bing a w as I braced myself.
And a st of iridescent energy shot out past me. A voice screamed out one that I recognized well and clear.
[Heroic Champions sh]!
The wild [Changeling] shrieked in pain as it was sted through the rubbles of the walls of Lunaris. I nced back at Daniel who leapt down from the sky, rolling forward.
Salvos!
Daniel?
I blinked at him as he came to a halt next to me. I stared at him, utterly befuddled.
How did you get here?
I
I brought him here.
Another familiar voice snorted. I spun around, narrowing my eyes as I took in the cloaked man standing next to me. Orgaf, the Thief of the Golden Scales, had somehow snuck up on me before I even realized it.
Wait, Orgaf when did you?
Five seconds before the [Hero] sted that damn Archdemon from afar. I was already hiding in your shadows, ready to kill it with a [Dark Backstab].
He crossed his arms, grunting. He looked almost jealous of Daniel, and I smiled.
Thanks, you guys. But I probably could have handled myself.
It is a dangerous Demon. Even I would struggle taking it in battle at full strength.
A gruff voice spoke. I blinked, spinning around once again. Laux Lionfist walked past me, heading towards where the wild [Changeling] had been.
Its still alive. I will finish it off then head to the encampment to rally the forces there.
Got it.
Orgaf nodded in response to the burly man. I watched Laux Lionfist leap forward, crashing into the [Changeling] as it picked itself up from the rubble. The wild Archdemon was already hurt quite badly from Daniels attack, but it still put up a good fight. I looked on as the Elite Ranked [Warrior] shed inbat with it for a moment, before shaking my head.
You guys arrived a little bit toote.
I nced towards Daniel and Orgaf. They both exchanged a confused look, and Iughed.
You havent realized it yet, havent you?
Realized what, Salvos?
Daniel blinked, and Orgaf scoffed.
Oh, I have taken notice of it. I just have yet toment on it yet.
You have absolutely no idea what shes talking about, do you?
The [Hero] spoke tly as I beamed from ear to ear. Neither of them had realized it. I was just waiting for their reactions, practically brimming in excitement.
They both shifted ufortably, realizing I was waiting for them to say something. Daniel cleared his throat.
Salvos, Im
He started, but another voice interrupted him. A distant echo from afar. An ethereal sound.
Salvos!
I paused as ball of blue fire zipped towards me. I stared at Willy as he came to a halt, flitting around in a panic. I smiled at him.
Hey, Willy. Dont worry, Im fine
Where are Novis, Bellum, and Oriur?
He spoke over me, speaking in a full sentence. For a moment, I stood there, smile still stered on my face.
Huh.
Then I justughed once again, not really caring about hisck of concern about my being. He was worried about my babies. And that was all that mattered. I was concerned about them too. So I gave him a reassuring look.
Theyre somewhere over in that forest there,st I saw them. Theyre fine, Willy. But we can go to them now if you want.
The [Will O Wisp] simply sighed in relief, mes returning to a normal green as a pair of figuresnded just behind him. Amanda nearly copsed on the ground, panting in exhaustion.
This is thest time I do you a favor
Thank you, Amanda.
Edithe smiled as she bowed her head at the former assassin sprawled on the floor. She stepped forward, looking towards me with a smile.
Edithe! Did you notice anything?
I called out, waving at her. The redhead walked towards me with a look of relief on her face.
Salvos, Im d youre
And she paused. Her eyes grew wide. Daniel and Orgaf looked towards her with sidelong nces, realizing that she noticed it immediately. They waited for what she had to say as she stared at me in shock.
Youre Level 150.
Edithe spoke slowly. The two Human men froze. Daniels jaw dropped, and Orgaf uncrossed his arms. Amanda blinked, looking up from where shey. Laux Lionfist halted mid-step, dragging the dead [Changeling] behind him. Even Willy stopped flying away, turning to face me when he heard what the redhead said.
I just grinned in response.
Yep!
I could feel their gazes boring into me. I could almost sense their [Identification] being used on me. And they all saw the same thing.
Thats
Daniel was at a loss for words. Laux Lionfist smirked, nodding to himself.
What a feat
So fast
Amanda gasped, and Orgaf just harrumphed.
I knew shed get it soon.
Edithe just walked towards me, looking me up and down. She looked at me like I wasnt real, and I poked her side. Flinching, she stared at me for a moment. Then she nodded mechanically.
Youre an Elite Ranked adventurer now, Salvos.
I am.
I agreed with her. Because it was a fact. It was the truth. I was now Level 150. The redhead almost looked at me differently. Everyone present even if they were mypanions, my friends, or just in strangers stared at me in a different light. But even though I was stronger now even though I was soon going to be evolving one thing still stayed the same.
And I am still Salvos.
I smiled, and Edithe blinked. Then sheughed.
You are, Salvos. You are.
--
Willy and I left to find the baby Wyverns while everyone else moved to stop the sub-ritual. Daniel gave his usual heroic speech as Amanda watched from the side, while Orgaf slipped away on his own to ughter the Demons. Laux Lionfist rallied the adventurers and soldiers, while Edithe used her magic to support the assault into Lunaris.
It took a bit, but together, they managed to repel the hordes of wild Demons and put a stop to the sub-ritual. I wasnt sure who did it if it was Edithe or some random [Mage] from the gathered forces but the crimson pir dissipated as Willy, the baby Wyverns, and I watched from the side.
I hugged Novis, Bellum, and Oriur tightly as the [Will O Wisp] eyed me curiously.
Close.
Why wouldnt I be close? Theyre my babies, after all.
...what?
Willy stared at me, at a loss of words for once. But I didnt borate. I just felt happy knowing the baby Wyverns were safe. They cuddled against me, crying as they usually did, but I didnt find myself getting annoyed by them or panicking over them. Instead, I soothed them calmly, until they went to sleep.
I even carried them with me as Willy and I returned to the encampment just outside of Lunaris once the battle was over. Laux Lionfist, Daniel, and the soldiers and adventurers were gathered there, resting and recuperating, tending to the wounded.
Amanda was off who knew where, and Edithe took over watch of the baby Wyverns with Willy for me. I had no idea what shadow Orgaf was hiding in, but he was around here somewhere. I found a private room amongst the encampment and created a [Fragments Pocket Dimension] around the room so that no one could interrupt me.
Edithe had said shed make sure no one barged in during the process, and I trusted her, but I also wanted to add some extra precautions. Finally, I copsed onto a bed and closed my eyes as I smiled.
Now, to choose my evolution.
Chapter 493: Hellprincess
Chapter 493: Hellprincess
493. Hellprincess
The screen flickered as the silver-haired girl copsed into the mattress, instantly passing out. A crimson figure shifted on a couch and blinked. Sal raised his head groggily as he wiped the drool of his face.
Huh? What? Is it finally happening?
He kicked off the couch, and it vanished with a sh. The Devil stretched, letting out a tired yawn. He groaned as he rubbed his eyes.
That took way too long. It was so boring. Seriously, I stopped paying attention when she refused to kill Belzu
Sal trailed off. Then his eyes focused. His gaze fixed onto Salvos as he smiled. He leaned closer, tapping a finger on his chin.
Now, my daughter, let us see whether you shall reach apotheosis.
[Evolution Avable]
I focused on the words for a second, before immediately passing out. Darkness overtook me. I sumbed into an inky void. It was a ce just like that infinite sea of nothingness that held me in the moments before I was born.
I wasnt sure if this was an actual ce, or just the depths of my mind. I felt at peace here. Here, I was me. The real me. I looked at myself and saw a little slug, then blinked and saw an [Imp]. A four-armed beast. A six-armed terror. And, finally, a [Daeva Cambion], ws, wings, crowned horns, and all.
Me.
An eerie sense of calm overtook me, nearly making me forget my excitement. But then a set of words shed in my mind, and that odd sensation was forgotten, reced by an extreme catharsis.
Subpecies Evolution:
[Archdemon Demon of Pride] -> [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Requirements for two Subspecies evolutions have been met!
Two Subspecies evolutions? I wondered with a frown. That wasnt very many evolutions. I had expected like, four at least. Maybe even three, just like with myst two evolutions. But I was only given two evolution options.
That irked me a little bit. But my irritation didntst long. In fact, it entirely vanished when I noticed what my first Subspecies evolution was. My eyes grew wide and my heart jumped in my chest as the words resounded in my head, seemingly echoing all around me in the eternal darkness.
Subspecies Evolution:
[Asura Hellprincess of Advent]
An [Asura Hellprincess of the Advent] stands atop the pinnacle of all Demonkind. She rules the Netherworld with her vast power, revered and feared by her peers. Even Primeval Demons tremble in the face of her glory. She bows before no one an extreme anomaly amongst the masses birthed from Advent. A survivor that rose to be a ruler of all, whether it be Spirits, Demons, or even mortals.
+50 [Vitality]
+40 [Wisdom]
+30 [Strength]
+30 [Endurance]
+30 [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You receive +10% to all Stats when surrounded by your minions.
*You can create your own Domain.
My eyes grew wide. My lips quivered. My hands shook. Any feeling of annoyance I previously felt was gone. I was held in stasis, floating in nothingness. Perhaps even trapped in my own mind. But right now, I could practically jump up and scream in excitement.
I am finally going to be a princess!
I squealed as I beamed from ear-to-ear. I threw my hands in the air, buzzing excitedly at that single point in space. I couldnt move away from where I was floating, but I could il my arms around at the thought of bing a princess.
It was just a fun little dream I had after learning about princesses I was never really serious about bing a princess, even when I was ying with Rachel. But now it could be a reality if I became a [Hellprincess]. I I I had no words.
I could even have my own Domain. I had a Lair right now, but it was pretty small, and it was just for me. All I could do was teleport there and back, with a minor boost in Stats as long as I was inside of the Lair. Now, if I had an entire Domain Id be able to teleport over a vast swathe ofnd, and Id get a boost in Stats over arger area too. It wouldnt be nearly as limited as a Lair!
Also, also, also I could have another boost in Stats as long as I was surrounded by mypanions. It was everything I could have wanted.
I was just about to ept this evolution and be an [Asura Hellprincess of Advent] before I caught myself. I pped myself with both my hands, taking in a deep breath.
Nope not just yet.
I still had a second evolution option. I was getting way ahead of myself. Taking in a deep breath I couldnt actually breathe here, but I tried to steel myself. Slowly, I looked down at myself.
What else can I be? Show me how I can be something more!
I spoke, and the next set of notifications resounded in my head.
[Fallen Deva Aeshma Cambion]
A [Fallen Deva Aeshma Cambion] is a [Cambion] that has strayed from the essence of her nature into the path of rage and vengeance. Now a Primeval Demon of Wrath, she is empowered by her anger. Whether it be because her allies have been endangered, or it be because she herself has been affronted, it is her pursuit of destroying her enemies for their sins that drives her. While she may have fallen from her initial path, she has now ascended into bing something even greater than she already was.
+60 [Strength]
+60 [Wisdom]
+30 [Vitality]
+20 [Endurance]
+10 [Agility]
Bonus: 50% of [Agility] is permanently removed and added to [Strength]
Species Change: [Primeval Demon of Pride] -> [Primeval Demon of Wrath]!
What is this?
I blinked a few times, takenpletely aback. It was like I was struck with extreme whish. As if Edithe was pping me across the face just because I was a Demon again. I stared at my second evolutionary option, at a loss for words.
Be a Primeval Demon of Wrath? Thats ridiculous! Im Salvos! Im a Demon of Pride! I am proud to be me
I started, but paused. My words caught in my mouth, rebuked by memories. Iras words echoed in my head. I remembered the Primeval Demon of Wraths usation when he discovered my true identity.
Do you not have any pride?
He had asked the simple question to me just a few hours ago, and I replied confidently. I was always confident in my identity, but for whatever reason, right now, doubt was starting to settle in.
Im
I closed my eyes. And even more questions invaded my mind. The mocking voice of Belzu. The enraged voice of Avaritia.
Are you actually ashamed to be a Demon?
You are no Demon.
I gritted my teeth in response. These words echoed, refusing to vanish even as I tried to ignore them. I whispered quietly to myself.
I am a Demon. I am proud to be
But before I could finish, the second evolutionary option shed in my mind.
[Fallen Deva Aeshma Cambion]
And I paused. I couldnt speak. I couldnt finish what I was saying. I just slowly took this in. Doubt crept in as the neverending darkness around me seemed to only encroach on my being I couldnt help but ask myself a single question.
Was I really not proud to be a Demon because I was hiding my identity?
It made no sense to me. That wasnt right. I would be suicidal if I revealed who I was to all these Humans who wanted to kill me!
I refused to listen to these intrusive thoughts. They were but judgments cast upon me by these other Demons I had bested in battle. They couldnt defeat me in a fight, so they tried to win by sowing doubt into my being. But I wasnt going to give in.
I shook my head, focusing instead on the first evolution I had been offered.
[Asura Hellprincess of Advent]
I am a [Hellprincess], and I am proud
I raised a wed hand as if I was reaching for it. But I hesitated. Something stopped me. I tried to focus on this option, but my vision seemed to blur. I clenched my jaw and slowly lowered my hand. I wanted to be an [Asura Hellprincess of Advent]...
But it just didnt feel right.
My wed hands balled into fists, and I raised my head. I faced the sea of nothingness above, speaking to no one but myself.
I dont care if it feels wrong! I want to be a princess! Thats all that matters! Thats how I
You are an untamed creature, obedient only to your fickle desires.
Belzus voice spoke behind me, making me spin around in surprise. It sounded like he had been right here. I almost thought I was trapped in his illusions for a moment. I nced back, but saw no one in this void.
Wha?
You are far too lost.
Iras words struck into my heart. The endless darkness trembled, growing palpable. Nothingness threatened to swallow me as I shook in fear.
I am not lost! I am Salvos I am
I trailed off. The void loomed over me. I felt my body growing numb. The words I spoke didnt echo, lost in the nonexistence of the world I was in. I raised a wed hand and shouted.
Stay back!
I sent a st of my strongest mes out into the nothingness. It shone a bright white light in this infinite sea, banishing the darkness for a moment. But I heard a terrible cackling. And the shadows seeped towards me, eating away at the white fire and creeping towards my wed hand.
Youre wild.
Avaritia spoke with the voice of the Demon King. And I recoiled as the dark tendrils snuffed out my mes and grabbed me by arms. I struggled to break free, but I couldnt move. The darkness held me in ce. This void intruded into my very being.
I iled my arms again, this time, not in excitement, but in fear and terror. I tried to turn my head I tried to kick out. Nothing worked. This time, I was not just being pinned in ce. I was being crushed.
I tried to burn my way out. But my strongest mes failed to even ignite in this void. I squirmed and screamed.
I am not wild! I am not ashamed to be a Demon! I am I am
I tried to speak, but it was like I really couldnt breathe now. No words left my mouth. I was trapped forever in this stasis. The only thing I could do was move my eyes. I could only rx my hands as my white mes faltered, turning blue, then red, before thest of the fading sparks were entirely extinguished.
Slowly, I closed my eyes. I wanted to evolve to break free, but couldnt. It just didnt feel right. This infinite void consumed me, too strong for me to ovee. Even my most powerful mes failed to light up this darkness. But that wasnt my strongest me, wasnt it?
And iridescent mes wisped off my wed hands. My eyes snapped open as I exhaled, breathing even in this sea of nonexistence. I raised my head and tore through the dark tendrils holding me in ce.
I brought my wed hand out, unleashing a deluge of my Divine mes. The darkness shone with the colors of the rainbow and more. White, blue, green, ck, gold, silver all kinds of mes ate away at the encroaching nothingness. I lit up this sable sea as I took ahold of my being and dispelled the voices assailing me from all sides at once.
I am Salvos! I do not care what you say about me I know who I am and I know what I have done!
The sea of darkness evaporated away by the fiery light. This world of nothingness was filled with vibrant colors as my words echoed in this inferno.
I am proud to be a Demon. But I am also proud of bing something more.
And I lowered my hand as a new set of words shed in my head. I closed my eyes, taking it in.
Requirements for a third Subspecies evolution have been met!
[Angelic Devil Princess]
The [Angelic Devil Princess] is a unique being who has ascended beyond her nature. Mentored by the Devil himself and taught by Spirits, through her experiences living amongst mortals, she has learned what it is like to be something more. She has fought the corruption itself and adopted monsters as children. She is a guardian. A destroyer. A savior. A trickster. Even the Old Gods have granted her their favor, even if her own kind vilifies her, using her of defying her nature. But she still takes pride in who she is, and now, she has apotheosized into a Lesser God.
+50 [Vitality]
+50 [Strength]
+50 [Endurance]
+50 [Wisdom]
+50 [Agility]
Secondary Species Unlocked: [Lesser God]
I opened my eyes, a smile slipping onto my face. In that instant, I knew what I was going to choose.
Evolution Complete!
[Archdemon of Pride] -> [Primeval Demon of Pride]
You have ascended to a [Lesser God]
Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] -> [Angelic Devil Princess]
Gained 50 Stat Points!
[Vitality] +50
[Strength] +50
[Endurance] +50
[Wisdom] +50
[Agility] +50
Gained 5 Skill Slots!
Gained 15 Skill Points!
General Skill [Racial Skill: True Divinity] Obtained!
General Grand Skill [Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion - Lvl. 1] bes [Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Demons Mark - Lvl. 20] bes [Divine Demons Mark - Lvl. 20]!
Skill [Haste - Lvl. 20] bes [Divine Haste - Lvl. 20]!
Skill [Nebr Construct - Lvl. 25] bes [Divine Nebr Construct - Lvl. 25]!
Skill [Radiant sh - Lvl. 15] bes [Divine Radiant sh - Lvl. 15]!
Skill [Wings of the Netherworld - Lvl. 10] bes [Angels Wings - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [Passive - A Hunters Sense - Lvl. 10] bes [Angelic Premonition - Lvl. 1]!
Skill [The Primordial Spark] and [Passive - Blue mes] consolidates and bes [The Holy mes]!
Skill [Sacred Hellfire] is now avable!
Skill [The Call of Armageddon] is now avable!
Grand Skill [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] can now be leveled!
Chapter 494: Lesser God
Chapter 494: Lesser God
494. Lesser God
Salvos is taking a while
Edithe muttered as she nced towards the tent. It had been nearly a full day since the silver-haired girl vanished inside, and it was starting to get worrying. The redhead knew that a ss advancement took a while and that evolutions probably took just as long, or even longer. However, this was too unusual. It was too much of an anomaly.
What could possibly be happening in there?
She shifted ufortably, trying to calm herself. Edithe considered poking her head into the tent to check if everything was fine, but eventually decided otherwise.
I said Id keep watch. I cant keep watch if Im busy bothering her
Whatever was happening inside was none of the redheads business. Besides, if the baby Wyverns werent panicking over their missing mama well, they were still antsy, but Willy was carefully watching over them, and they were far calmer than they usually were. Fact was, if they could keep their cool even though Salvos had been gone for a full day, then Edithe could too.
She raised her head and nced towards the crimson dome above. The sky was still a dark red, even if it was fading and returning to its normal blue shade. Edithe saw the twinkling dots speckling overhead, peeking through the dark clouds gathering in the overcast sky, and shemented idly.
The stars are back
Lightning crackled, and thunder boomed. The redhead pursed her lips as she watched a storm draw closer.
I really hope it doesnt start raining.
It seems they sessfully halted the reactivated sub-ritual. That is relieving.
yton Skyshredder remarked as he saw the city in the distance. He stood atop a golden nimbus cloud, flying at the head of a force of nearly half a million soldiers and adventurers. They marched slowly. At the pace they were going, it was likely they were only going to arrive at Lunaris by midnight.
His eyes sharpened. His gaze focused on the dark red sky above. He saw the stars. He saw the gathering clouds. He sensed the powerful magic radiating from the area. And he spoke simply.
Do you see that, Archmage?
He nced back, facing a robed woman flying beside him. She rode on her own cloud as well a white cloud that moved slower than his. Helena Warshade, the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy, leader of the Rising Veterans Company, and Elite Ranked adventurer looked at him, deferring.
I do, Headmaster Skyshredder. Do you think it is caused by the merger?
If it were rted to the grand ritual, it would have engulfed all of the Inoria Empire in its fury. This is localized. A natural urrence, perhaps.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy ran a hand through his flowing beard. He watched the crackling golden electricity rip through the sky. But the lightning never crashed into the ground. It stayed overhead, tearing the clouds open as he closed his eyes.
Helena Warshade mused next to him.
But a natural one hasnt happened in decades, Headmaster. Why now? What is the significance of this?
He shook his head as he opened his eyes.
Perhaps there is no significance. Perhaps it is happening now simply because one hasnt happened in so long. I do not know. However, what I know, Archmage, is that we must move to dispel it before the destruction begins.
She blinked for a moment, ncing at him. Then she slowly nodded.
Yes, Headmaster.
And the two highest-leveled [Mages] in the world shot forward, leaving their armies behind for Lunaris. As they flew on, the clouds above parted. The lightning stopped. But no rain fell from the sky.
Instead, it was the stars themselves that fell from the heavens above.
Daniel jolted up to the sound of an explosion. He blinked for a second, trying to gauge his surroundings. Then he remembered he was in the middle of a war. He threw himself out of his bed and drew the Sword of Alexander.
He dashed out of the tent and nced around. But the encampment was thrown into chaos. He heard screams in the distance as another explosion echoed out. Soldiers, adventurers, and civllians ran in all directions, gathering their things as they fled from Lunaris.
Somewhere, far away, the [Hero] could hear Laux Lionfists booming voice as he tried to maintain order. Daniel gritted his teeth.
What is going on? What is
He started, but then caught a familiar figure running amongst the crowd. He sprinted forward and grabbed her by the hand.
Amanda. Whats happening? Whos attacking us?
The former assassin blinked and stared at him. Another explosion resounded in the distance as she raised a hand towards the sky.
Were not being attacked, you idiot. Its
And a golden beam of light crashed from the sky. It exploded the tent Daniel had been in, and he reeled. He gaped as nothing was left there but a crater the tent entirely obliterated.
What? Was that aet?
He tried work his jaw. Slowly, he raised his head, and saw dozens of shooting stars falling across the sky. But they didnt just dissipate. The golden streaks of light swerved out of the heavens, falling around Lunaris with explosivendings.
Amanda shook her head as she sighed.
Its a mana storm, Daniel. Were caught in a fucking mana storm.
Orgaf had heard about mana storms before. It was when the stars themselves fell from the sky peeling away from the sable dome overhead to st the earth with their wrath. Some said mana storms urred when a star had shone itsst light, falling to a glorious death that matched that grandeur.
Others said that mana storms were simply caused when a region had burned too much mana that the evaporated magic would return to the skies, only toe crashing back down to fill the world with mana once again.
Whatever it was, the Thief of the Golden Scale just knew that mana storms were dangerous. While they varied in intensity, they were no different to a natural disaster. Some could fell nations, while others would only ravage a countryside.
Orgaf himself had even lived through a mana storm when he was beyond the gunds, sneaking through the Koboldnds. Back then, he was too busyughing at seeing those pesky giant lizards being ripped apart by the falling stars, so he didnt quite register the true majesty and might of a mana storm. But now, he basked in all its glory.
The Thief of the Golden looked up towards the scintiting sky and watched as the stars themselves showered the earth. He didnt do anything else. He didnt try to help Helena Warshade or yton Skyshredder as they rushed to dispel the mana storm.
He just stood there in awe, waiting for what was toe next.
Stay down!
Willy called out as he created a wall of blue mes over the three baby Wyverns. They cried out, cowering on the quaking ground.
Gnah!
Novis, Bellum, and Oriur braced themselves. A falling star crashed from the sky, striking the barrier. Willy winced. His mes flickered. But his barrier held up. He wasnt going to let anything bad befall them. Not after he had abandoned the three baby Wyverns, failing his duty.
He hovered protectively over them, keeping an eye up as a pair of Human [Mages] flew up towards the sky. The two began casting some magic, and Willy saw a giant glinting glyph cover the sky.
The dark clouds overhead crackled with electricity as yton Skyshredder and Helena Warshade continued crafting their spell. Meanwhile, Willy took his chance.
Now follow!
He guided the three baby Wyverns away from the encampment. The Grand Spirit thought it would have been harder to convince them to leave Salvos behind. But, somehow, they were more understanding now. They moved as a group, weaving their way through the chaos as the onught of falling stars faltered.
Whatever the two [Mages] were doing was working. Willy slowed, and the baby Wyverns stuck close to him. They watched as a group as the mana storms magic faded away like it was being sealed off by the spell circle overhead.
Over?
Novis asked, raising his head to face the [Will O Wisp]. The chaos died down. The panic subsided. The fleeing adventurers and soldiers came to a halt. They all let out a collective sigh in relief, before cheering for yton Skyshredder and Helena Warshade.
But Willy didnt cheer. He just stared up at the sky, unmoving. Oriur looked at him apprehensively.
Something wrong?
The youngest baby Wyvern asked. The Grand Spirit didnt reply. He felt off. An odd sensation filled his being. He couldnt ce what it was. But somehow, his gazended upon a single tent that survived the destruction.
The tent where Salvos had been.
Willy peered at the tent, feeling a sense of reverence. He tried to figure out what it was. He had felt this before. He had been in a simr presence before. Just this was weaker. Far less overwhelming. But he knew what it was after a moment. And when the realization sank in, the tent exploded.
A pir of ck-gold mes shot through the sky, forcing yton Skyshredder and Helena Warshade to scatter. A shimmering figure shot up amongst the mes. The glyph in the sky shattered, and the dark storm clouds cleared.
Instinctively, Willy bowed his body. Even as the baby Wyverns eximed.
Mama!
Salvos floated in the sky, just before the pir of ck-gold mes. Iridescent sparks crackled off her the familiar use of her Grand Skills. But, somehow, the fire burned sharper. Somehow, its heat was far more intense. Willy couldnt exin why he felt this. He just knew that
It was like he was in the presence of the Spirit Lord.
The Grand Spirit caught after a moment, focusing his gaze on the silver-haired girl. Her entire body glittered with the colors of the rainbow her skin paler, ovee with a light sheen. And that was when Willy noticed the wings on her back.
Pure white wings. Feathered wings. And there were six of them.
Willy didnt understand it. He couldnt understand how she wore those. But what he saw as true.
Those were the wings of an [Angel].
And it wasnt just the [Will O Wisp] who was looking at her in aplete loss for words. yton Skyshredder, Helena Warshade, Daniel Song, Edithe Dawnrise, Laux Lionfist everyone in the encampment stared up at Salvos as she hovered there, raising her Divine Nebr Scythe. Her voice boomed out and shook the earth itself.
People of the Mortal Realm cast your gaze upon me! See my power, know my name, and tell me what you see!
Orgaf smirked as he stared at the silver-haired girl. He couldnt help but cackle wildly to himself.
I knew it. I knew she was special
Laux Lionfist crossed his arms, clearly impressed. He gave Salvos an approving nod.
Truly a feat that will go down in history
Daniel Song, the [Hero] of Earth A1, stared at Salvos. At hispanion. At his first real friend. He saw the angelic wings, and he looked at her wisping divine mes. He shook his head.
To think I tried to kill you when we first met. I should be d you spared my life, Salvos.
Edithe Dawnrise smiled as she looked on at what her friend had be. Even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined this.
You really are amazing, Salvos.
Saffron Merryster cast her gaze towards the city of Lunaris. She saw the rainbow-colored mes. She recognized it and she even used a spyss to confirm it. But she still refused to believe what she saw.
How?
Everyone looked on in disbelief or shock. Even Helena Warshade couldnt help but blink at this sight. But others, such as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy himself, didnt so much as express his incredulity as he rejected reality.
Impossible.
Meanwhile, Amanda just blinked.
What the fuck.
Everyone looked her way with wide eyes. They saw the shes of light. They watched the gold and silver figures shing into existence. Clones of the girl that burned with a divine radiance.
Willys mes shrank as he saw Salvos. The real her. Or who she had be. Apart from those wings, she looked like a Human. It wasnt like she was dering herself to be a Demon in front of the Mortal Realm.
No it was something else that caught the [Will O Wisp] by surprise. That was why he just stared even as she continued speaking proudly.
I am Salvos! Secelys Sentinel! And I promise you all
At once, all ten of her clones shot out, flying at impossibly fast speeds across the Inoria Empire. He watched them leave a trail of gold and silver behind as she finished.
The war ends now!
[Lesser God - Lvl. 150]
Amazing.
The Devil slowly pped as he watched the scene Salvos caused with her ascension. He couldnt be prouder for his daughter. He was grinning from ear-to-ear, ready to rub his victory in Reggies stupid dumb face.
But first, just to make sure He focused the screen on the silver-haired girls face. Sal whispered quietly to himself.
[Gods Eye].
His eyes flickered. He peered into his daughter even through the screen. And he smiled at what he saw.
Truly, I cant wait for you to surpass your old man, my daughter
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 150
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 118
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 8
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 250 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 250 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 250 (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 380 (+30) (+10) (+50) (+100)
[Agility]: 435 (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 36]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 1
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 1
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 1
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 1
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Skill Slot] x4
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 15
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 10
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
Chapter 495: Final Piece
Chapter 495: Final Piece
495. Final Piece
Faith El stumbled back as the [Hellhound] swiped its ws at her. Her Aura of Greater Protection shed the barrier of light protected her from the wild Demons attack. The Fallen Queen of Elutra scrambled for her rapier. The ornate weapon knocked to the ground from a previous blow, and now she was left with nothing to defend herself with against the snarling creature.
The [Hellhound] growled and leapt at her. She clicked her tongue, and a ring on her finger shed.
Ring of Short Ranged Teleportation. Faith vanished, appearing just next to the rapier as the wild Demon turned to face her. It slowly circled around her as she gritted her teeth. It wasnt high-leveled. It was only a Level 38 [Hellhound].
But Faith wasnt a fighter. She was a [Duelist Mage]. A Level 45 [Duelist Mage], sure. She was higher-leveled than this Lesser Demon however, being a [Duelist] meant she wasnt quite suited for the battlefield since all her Skills rted to taking on a single opponent, and duels didnt quitest that long, so she couldnt engage inbat for protracted fights like right now.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra swept her gaze over her surroundings. She was in the middle of arge encampment for refugees and injured soldiers, but all around her, there was only fighting. Arge group of wild Demons had assailed this unexpecting camp when the main bulk of their forces had sallied forth to Lutons Canyon.
The former Elutran Dungeon turned into a vast prison for the Inoria Empire was one of the remaining five sub-ritual sites that needed to be liberated. Gavyn, Zane, and most of Elutras Resistance had joined the Sunmere Republic, the Alterian League, and a small force of high-leveled Cyclopes from Ajih to liberate the sub-ritual. And, somehow, the moment they left, thousands of wild Demons swarmed the encampment.
Faith looked around and saw a massacre. A mindless ughter. They were getting overwhelmed. None of the Fallen Queens bodyguards were here with her. Willow had stayed behind, but Faith hadnt seen the [Archer] in thest half an hour.
But I cant fall here. Not to a mere Lesser Demon.
Clenching a fist, Faith raised her rapier at the [Hellhound]. The Demon charged her again, and she sidestepped the attack. Most of her artifacts had been used at this point. All she could do now was rely on her few remaining Skills.
[Precise Thrust]!
She stabbed forward, striking the Lesser Demons neck. It yelped, rolling back as it turned to face her. But she was already on it in a moment.
And [Fatal Blow]!
The Fallen Queen of Elutra impaled the [Hellhound] through the mouth with a burst of golden aura. It whimpered and fell limp as she drew back.
I-I did it
Faith gasped out, before steeling herself. She shook her head and got back to her feet.
No this isnt over.
She saw the fighting all around her. Wild Demons poured in between the tents, targeting the weak and injured, which forced the only capable fighters to engage. This attack it was too organized.
Wild Demons didnt behave this way. At least, from what Faith had seen so far. She remembered the [Archarachne] and its swarm of [Aranea] in Ertos how those wild Demons attacked everything and anything. Then Faith remembered fleeing Ertos. She recalled how Simag hadmanded wild Demons to hunt her down.
And she knew what was going on.
Someone is controlling them
She whispered, and a voice replied.
Oh, so you noticed.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra raised her head, caught off-guard by the sudden voice. She looked up as a shadow descended upon her. A winged figure floated a dozen feet in the air over the encampment.
[Fiend - Lvl. 105]
An Archdemon cast his gaze down on Faith. He had a pair of tusks protruding from his mouth, and bat-like wings beating at his back. He crossed four arms across his chest and sneered at her.
I have been waiting for one of you foolish Humans to discern what is going on. These wild Demons are under my control!
He cackled wildly as Faith pursed her lips. He could have killed her at any moment he was over 70 levels above her, but he just floated there, mocking the former princess.
The moment those little forces of soldiers left, I unleashed the hordes of the Netherworld upon your measly encampment! Once they realize what has happened, they will be forced to abandon their mission ande rushing back to your aid.
The [Fiend] spread his arms wide, grinning savagely. Faiths eyes grew wide.
What? Are you saying
She realized his n. And his eyes flickered as he nodded.
Yes.
He uncrossed his arms and flew up. Heughed triumphantly as he left the Fallen Queen of Elutra behind with a taunting look on his face.
This will happen again and again and again each time you
He started, only for a streak of gold-silver light to crash into him. The Archdemon exploded into ck blood, and a burning figure came to a halt. Faith blinked.
What?
She stared at the familiar figure floating above the sky. For a moment, Faith tried to work her jaw, processing what just happened. Then her eyes narrowed.
Is that Salvos?
The Salvos clone took notice of the former princess and flew down as another zing figure shot past her. A second clone flew ahead, heading for Lutons Canyon as the first clonended just before Faith.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra just stared at the first Salvos clone. Her mind reeled. A storm of emotions confusion and relief washed over her. But most of all, she felt suspicious. Dubious that this was real. It might have been an illusion or even a fake.
Because Faith saw the dove-like wings. It was a foreign thing to see. It was made from me, like the rest of the clones body, yet it seemed so naturally fit onto her zing figure. And there were six of them emerging from her back. Her face, too. Somehow, even if this was a clone, Salvos seemed different. Wizened. More ethereal. Like a perfect sculpture, cursed to enchant any beholder.
Is that really you, Salvos?
The former princess asked, mouth hanging agape. And the clone smiled as sparks flickered out of her body in a protective aura.
Its me.
A simple response. But one that took Faith by surprise over all else. The Fallen Queen of Elutras eyes bulged.
Wait, you can talk
But the Salvos clone took to the skies, sweeping across the encampment as ming projectiles blinked into existence around her. Faith watched the scintiting light shine and form weapons of all kinds.
These werent made from either gold or silver mes like the clones being. For whatever reason, they burned a translucent gray. Their forms flickered with jagged motions. Almost like they were distorting rather than wisping like ordinary roiling fire. And it seemed mostly solid.
[The Holy mes].
The hail of fiery projectiles shot through the encampment, targeting the wild Demons as the Salvos clone called out in a soft yet clear voice.
Will end this!
What in the world is that?
Revis Umontos, the Seer of the Cosmos, watched as the gold and silver figure zipped towards Lutons Canyon. He had ordered his forces to return back to the encampment as soon as he got word that it was being ambushed. Most of the Human forces had tried to debate over it, but his band of Cyclopes were already on their way towards the camp with a few Human soldiers from the Elutra Kingdom when he received news that the attack was being lifted.
Momentster, he saw the apparition soar by them. Revis was considered an Elite by Human standards. He was Level 165, and most of the men and women under him were above Level 100 as well. They had offered their aid to the Humannds when they caught wind of this crisis.
He would have rallied even more troops to fend off this terrible grand ritual, but it would have taken too long. So here he was, with the greatest men and women in all of Ajih. But even they were amazed by what they saw.
The gold and silver figure flew straight into Lutons Canyon, uncaring of the army of Demons guarding the prison Dungeon.
What is that?
Is she insane? She will get herself killed!
No it is not a she, nor is it insane. It is an apparition!
A susurration washed over the watching Cyclopes. Revis himself narrowed his eyes. He sensed something more to this figure.
[Vision Divination]. He cast the Skill, and he saw the figure like he was next to it. It was as if he was now flying next to this apparition as it unleashed a salvo of fiery attacks down into the prison Dungeon.
But even for an apparition, this is too reckless.
Even if Revis was confident in his strength, he wouldnt have charged straight into the fray. Not by himself, and not with a clone conjuration Skill. After all, he didnt know what waited down there in that canyon. And neither the apparition. She swooped down,ughing a high-pitched sound, only to pause when a st of white light shot upwards.
A group of Archdemons huddled below atop the prison Dungeon, hands joined as they unleashed a golden ray at the apparition.
Combination casting. Light magic. As I said, too reckless.
Revis shook his head. In an instant, the apparition was obliterated. What could have been a useful ally in battle destroyed before much could have been achieved. He waited for is [Vision Divination] to fade, but nothing happened.
He paused, narrowing his single eye. He watched as the apparition emerged from the radiant attack,pletely unharmed. Instead, an aura of crackling fire wreathed around it. One thatpletely protected it from the st of attack that made the apparition invincible.
The apparition smiled, and Revis finally recognized what he sensed.
Divine Essence. Even through an apparition, he sensed an abundance of it. One which rivaled even the divinity of the Servant Sage of Secely.
But how?
He saw it all with his single eye. The apparition unleashed another volley of projectiles down into Lutons Canyon, but the group of Archdemons created a powerful barrier. Its attack easily halted. And it sighed.
The apparition rose to the sky as it pped its hands together. A sphere of ck mes coalesced at her chest. Like a dark void that consumed everything it touched. But it burned. It grew in size until the apparition couldnt hold it any longer.
Revis frowned, watching the apparition release the growing sphere into the air. The sphere ascended above the clouds as it grew to the size of a small building. And the apparition whispered.
[The Call of Armageddon].
All at once, the sphere burst open. Streaks of ck mes fell from the heavens like burning ckets, crashing into Lutons Canyon as if the stars themselves were falling from the sky. He watched the barrier flicker under the barrage of explosions, before falling as the attack didnt stop.
This onught continued as the ck sphere slowly shrank in size, ripping apart the canyon, and destroying the Dungeon prison. The gathered Demons tried to flee wild Demons and ve Demons alike. But they were caught by the falling ck me.
Revis Umontos, the Seer of the Cosmos, just slowly pursed his lips as he watched this scene unfold.
Why cant we help at the front lines?
Valda scowled as she crossed her arms as she watched the army converging on the ruins of Craydon. A crimson pir rose to the sky as hordes of wild Demons poured out. Banners from all across the Humannds hung high a coalition of smaller countries that banded together and reached the Inoria Empire at the veryst moment.
The recruits of Mavos Academy had joined this army under the orders of Headmaster yton Skyshredder. And they were told to do nothing.
They werent allowed to fight. And that annoyed Valda.
Why are we even here if were not allowed to join the battle?
Jonas shrugged next to her. He gestured at the small encampment set up around them.
Were supposed to guard the back in case anything happens to our supplies, you know? Its an important job.
But thats
Valda tried to protest, only for a sh of light overhead to draw her attention. She looked up with wide eyes as three ming figures shot across the sky, flying straight for Craydons sub-ritual. The young girls eyes widened as she exchanged a nce with Jonas.
The two eximed at the same time.
Salvos!
All across the Inoria Empire, my clones lent their help to the fighting armies. They soared across the sky, going to where they were needed, and empowered by my two Grand Skills, they helped turn the tide of battle.
Lamarr the King of Traith had been fighting a losing battle at Fort Ironhaven. His coalition from the Eastern Kingdom Alliance had reached the site of the sub-ritual, only to be repelled by a wild Primeval Demon emerging from the Netherworld with a horde of wild Demons.
Even with a pair of Elite Ranked soldiers there they wore emzoned banners that clearly indicated they were from two different countries in the Eastern Kingdoms they could barely halt the [Cerberus of Hell] from fully emerging from the portal. The giant wolfs three heads loomed out of the crimson pir, while the rest of its body was still trapped at the other side in the Netherworld.
A jungle of vines and thorns kept it in ce, even as it snapped its vicious teeth and unleashed fire at the army. Lamarr flinched, but my clonended before him in time.
Youre Salvos?
He blinked. And I watched as my clone nodded. She spoke in an ethereal voice just like a [Will O Wisp] would.
Hi! Here help!
And she shot through the air, passing by one of the Elites as he blinked.
[Sacred Hellfire].
My clone pointed at the massive dog-like beast, and it erupted into me. A fire that burned gold at its core, but a dark crimson at the edges. A kind of gradient that turned utterly ck at the king mes.
The [Cerberus of Hell] writhed in pain as the [Sacred Hellfire] rapidly spread throughout its body. It thrashed around, no longer trying to crawl out, but instead it pawed itself, snuffing out a bit of fire, only for the mes to quickly regrow and double in size. It howled as the fire Elite I had passed lowered his staff.
Now, Hekhi!
He screamed at the second Elite as the jungled receded just slightly, giving the wild Primeval Demon enough room to wriggle its being closer to the Mortal Realm. The second Elite Hekhi charged forward and leapt into the air, raising a hammer that grew ten times in size, until it was like he was holding a small building.
Hekhi swung down as he bellowed, and the sound of a bell tolled in the distance.
[Furious Judgment of the Soul]!
There was a sh of light. A powerful shockwave rippled across the battlefield. My clone narrowed her eyes as the wild Primeval Demons body flickered. For a moment, the [Cerberus of Hell] went limp, and its figure blurred.
It was almost like I could see an ethereal form of the giant dog splitting away from its real body. The wild Primeval Demon slipped through the portal, falling back into the Netherworld. And then the two bodies the real body and the false body rejoined as it snapped its three heads up.
Hekhi yelled out at the Elite with a staff.
Close it, Ze-jai!
Ze-jai dashed forward and began chanting quickly. The [Cerberus of Hell] began running through the air to get back through the portal, still burning from the [Sacred Hellfire]. It opened its three maws as fire, lightning, and ice wisped from each of its mouths. My clone readied herself to block the attack, but the sub-ritual dissipated.
That was close.
I murmured to myself. It was a good thing my clone arrived there in time. After all, if that wild Primeval Demon had got out, it would have been bad for pretty much everyone. I was pretty sure it had been just as dangerous if not even more dangerous than the [Hebomination] I fought in the Motharis Mountain Range.
But not every battlefield needed the help of my clones. The remaining two sub-ritual sites had beenpletely eradicated from the face of the earth before a single one of my clones even got close.
Kaitlin Darkhelm, the Captain of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces, stood over the captured city of Fallholt, the sub-ritual there having been dispelled hours before. She watched a pair of my clones fly by, not saying a word, but not keeping her gaze away from them either.
I could tell she sensed it my Divine Essence. But she didnt gape nor gawk at their sight like the rest of the watching soldiers.
More of my clones arrived at the ve city of Ayrith. But they arrived just toote as the crimson pir in the distance vanished. A coalition of both one half of adventurers from the Remembered Order Company led by Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer as well as one half of adventurers from the Forsaken Company.
Alder Ashford, the Augur Elder, was there with his Grand Spirits. He stood alongside two distinct figures at the head of the Forsaken Company. One of them was an elderly woman with a monocle, dressed in regal robes of mismatched colors. The other was a younger man who had a single crooked dagger sheathed at his side.
I saw the armbands they wore I recognized them as simr to what Laux Lionfist had. And I realized they were the other two triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company. They just eyed my clones as they continued flying over the Inoria Empire.
With that, I nodded to myself. My gaze focused back to where I was as I whispered.
Thest of the sub-ritual sites have been destroyed.
I smiled to myself. Then I turned to yton Skyshredder standing behind me with his arms crossed. I cocked my head innocently.
Now, um, what did you want to talk to me about again?
He sighed.
All thirteen sites have been destroyed.
Levithus closed his eyes as he sensed the final sub-points in the grand ritual flicker out of existence. They were merely distractions. He never cared about them he didnt care about those he sacrificed to guard those diversions. All except for one.
So Ira is dead.
It was an unfortunate thing. After Ira had evolved into a [Hellprince], Levithus expected to get more use from the Primeval Demon of Wrath. But ns went awry. The Humans would being for the grand ritual itself soon.
Far sooner than anticipated.
Every piece has yed its part. And now it is time for me to y mine.
Levithus spoke into the darkness as he moved to make the final preparations toplete his Kings will.
Chapter 496: Final Preparations
Chapter 496: Final Preparations
496. Final Preparations
yton Skyshredder didnt quite understand it.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy had lived a long life. By Human standards, at least. He was aware that Elves could live nearly twice as long as Humans, while some Cyclopes could live up to five times as long as Humans. Not many it was odd, but only some did live to such a wizened age.
Meanwhile, Dwarves actually had a shorter lifespan than Humans. In the time of ytons tenure as Mavos Academys headmaster, he had visited the Dwarf Kingdom of Vonus three times. Each time he was there, he had met a different Elder Forgemasters of Vagrath a role that was supposed to be held for a lifetime.
Still, yton himself knew he was old. He was closing in to a hundred years, and he might have lived fifty more before he passed on. But in his lifetime, he had never quite seen such a phenomena like this.
He eyed the silver-haired girl as she shifted in her seat, under the watchful eye of a dozen high-leveled [Mages]. Everyone in this room was at least Level 130. There were even a few other Elite [Mages] here like Helena Warshade or Thaddeus Reimar who teleported over as soon as he heard about this news.
And they all saw the same thing.
[Lesser God - Lvl. 150]
How?
A [Mage] asked in utter disbelief. Another shook her head adamantly.
This is an illusion a trick.
But why would she trick us?
I dont know. But it just doesnt make any sense! Its just not possible!
And why isnt it possible?
Thaddeus Reimar eyed them with his arms crossed. He wore a messy robe like dirty rags except with streaks of paint haphazardly sshed over his clothing and smirked.
You all told me it was not possible. I said it was I dedicated my life pursuing this, and I was right.
He was a Level 158 [Archmagus of the Arcane]. They called him the Mystic Theorist. A researcher above all else, just like yton Skyshredder. Although he often had far wilder theories, and ced even less credence on actually training for battle than the Headmaster of Mavos Academy.
To be a Lesser God at Level 150 this is a feat that is entirely unheard of in the history of the Humannds.
yton Skyshredder spoke as he started forward,ing to a halt right before the silver-haired girl. She cocked her head at him as he continued.
Even the Immortal King Alexander rose to Godhood at Level 195. And Melissa the Oracle of Light only underwent apotheosis at Level 203 before she vanished into the Spirit ne.
He came to a halt right before Salvos. He towered over her as she scratched her cheek uneasily. He had been impressed by her in the past. Her rapid rise amongst the ranks of adventurers had been quite noteworthy. He had been paying attention to her since she yed that Greater Demon in Silvergrove, and he knew she was going to aplish great things.
Even when she returned from the Bloodied Gulf with a Divine Essence, he was surprised, but otherwise epted it as an achievable feat. After all, Mori dius himself had attained his own [Partial Divinity] at Level 145 when he advanced his ss into a [Divine Spearmster] achieving a Divine Essence faster than even the Watcher. Still, despite the fact that Salvos had attained it before the greatest of modern Humankind, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy did not react in shock or awe, but epted it as fact.
yton even took the liberty to study her Divine Essence in the brief time he had known her. He had stolen some of her Divine Essence, even replicating an inferior form of it with [Copy Magic]. It wasnt his magic even if he tried, he couldnt produce Divine Essence just yet. But he could draw from a source of inferior Divine Essence that was not his own, just as if he were to wield an artifact enchanted with divinity such as the Treasures of Alexander.
And paired with repairing the Breastte of Alexander, he had finally reached Level 170 in his ss. After a decade trapped at Level 169, he was now officially the second highest-leveled Human in the world.
So he was not unused to the anomaly that was Salvos. But this? This wasnt a mere anomaly. It was pure insanity.
I want you to give an exnation, Salvos. Now.
yton Skyshredder spoke as he red at the silver-haired girl. She gave him an innocent smile.
Um, Im not sure what you mean, Mr Skyshredder. I mean Headmaster Skyshredder.
She fluttered her eyes at him. He clenched his jaw.
Salvos, Savior of Silvergrove, Death of the Destroyer, Liberator of the gunds, and Secelys Sentinel, I want you to understand that this is not a joking matter anymore. I want you to take this topic seriously. A Lesser God hasnt been seen in the Mortal Realm in over a thousand years.
Huh. I didnt know it was that big of a deal.
Salvos spoke casually, and Thaddeus Reimar guffawed in the background. yton red back at his fellow researcher. But the Mystic Theorist continued chuckling as he wiped the tears from his eyes.
Sorry, sorry. I just find it funny that the Lesser God herself doesnt even know the gravity of the situation. She doesnt even realize that she can probably defeat you in a fight now, y.
And that is my fear.
yton crossed his arms as he spoke in a dour voice. The [Mages] in the room exchanged worried nces. Helena Warshade, above all of them, wore the most concerned expression on her face. An unusual look for the normally stoic Great Tempest Archmage.
But Salvos just raised her hands catingly.
Cmon, yton! You can still beat me in a fight probably! Most likely, actually! Remember how our duel went when I had two pieces of the Treasures of Alexander? And I havent seen your Grand Skill yet, but I remember when you almost killed me with it! Good times, right?
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy just narrowed his eyes. He leant closer, until his face was just an inch away from hers. She backed up as far as she could against her chair, still smiling innocuously.
What are you, Salvos?
What do you mean by that? I am Salvos!
She replied cheerfully as ever. But yton Skyshredder had his hunches. Especially with everything he knew and the wings she bore he only had one conclusion.
Are you a Spirit?
He asked, gaze bearing down on her. Salvos blinked, the facade she wore on her face vanished for a single moment, before she scratched her cheek.
Um, noment.
He frowned, and she gave him an uneasy smile. After a moment, she finally pushed the chair back and got to her feet. yton drew away from her as she ced her hands on her hips.
Look do any of these questions really matter? How did I be a Lesser God? Am I a Spirit? Who knows! But there is one thing I can tell you, and you can test me with your [Zone of Truth] or whatever if you want.
Salvos scanned the room, meeting the gaze of all the [Mages] gathered. She paused for a moment on Helena Warshade. In response the Archmage just gritted her teeth. Then the moment passed, and Salvoss gazended on yton himself.
And she finished.
I am on your side. Thats all that matters, right?
Her words sent a susurration sweeping over the room. The gathered [Mages] whispered at each other some of them still suspicious, while others like Thaddeus were more epting. Helena Warshade simply looked unsure of herself, much to ytons surprise.
He knew he would have to speak with her at another time. But for now, he also knew he couldn''t argue with Salvos here. After all, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy knew she was telling the truth he could see it in her eyes. He had seen so many lies told so inly in his life that he could tell a lie from a truth with a single look.
And Salvos saw that he believed her. So she continued, pping her hands together.
Now, lets not waste any more time on this. Lets just go to the Capital of Inoria already and put an end to this war!
He deliberated on whether it was the right choice to drop this topic for now. Perhaps he couldve used a truth spell on her, but he decided against it. He already knew what the results were. And even more than that, he understood she was right. There was no point in wasting time on this when there were more pressing matters on hand.
Atst, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy acquiesced.
Very well. I shall take your word on this, Salvos. But
He raised his head, and she blinked.
Were not going to Inor just yet. We shall begin the siege of the city next week.
And Salvos just stared at him nkly.
Huh. Thats dumb.
I thought it was stupid. But yton Skyshredder exined to me that the coalition armies needed to prepare and rest before they could finally besiege Inor and put an end to the grand ritual.
They were going to scout the area, of course. And ording to that messy [Mage]s estimations Thaddeus or whatever the merger was going to take at least another month before it could fully bring over whatever section of the Netherworld the Demon King was trying to permanently force into the Mortal Realm.
So there was plenty of time. I was a bit surprised it would take so long for the merger to bepleted. But ording to yton, grand rituals often took months if not years toplete.
He said that he wouldnt have been surprised if the Elutra Kingdoms grand ritual to summon Daniel took them a full year toplete.
A year to bring over Daniel.
That seemed totally worth it! Daniel was mypanion, and I would spend as much time as needed if I had to carry out some ritual to see him.
Anyway, the first thing was for all the coalition armies to gather and organize their troops and make all their final preparations. Right now, they were all acting pretty independently from each other. And not all of them could gather here.
Many of the armies were exhausted having spent weeks fighting battles that normallysted months. Only the ones that could still keep fighting, like Kaitlin Darkhlems Swordsguard Forces, or the Forsaken Company, or that retinue of Cyclopes that came from Ajih.
It wasnt like we needed a superrge army of millions to take Inor, anyway. While approximately two million soldiers and adventurers had taken the battlefield all across the Inoria Empire, there certainly werent going to be a million Demons waiting for us there. So we were going to be sieging the city with an army of half a million.
All our forces had agreed to gather just far enough away from the Capital City of the Inoria Empire where Netherfication hadnt taken ce yet. Ours were the first to arrive, but the rest would soon be arriving.
And we set up an encampment while waiting. Nothing tooplex something that could be dismantled in a day. But the mood nowpared to what it was at the start of the war was vastly different. At the start of the war, everyone was tense. No one made casual conversation because of the gravity of the situation.
But now now that it seemed like the war was all but won, there was an ambience of both joviality and mncholy. It was both somber and cheerful at the same time. It was evening now, and I stood outside a tent right by arge fire at the center of the encampment.
Willy and the baby Wyverns were resting in that tent. I had bid them goodnight, but I wasnt going to be sleeping with them. After all, I didnt enjoy sleeping. Also, Daniel and Edithe asked me to rx and chat with them at the bonfire tonight.
So I waited for them to arrive. They werent here just yet, but the sun was only starting to set. They were probably busy doing their own things, like I had been doing my own. I continued waiting, snacking on a few insects that buzzed by me. And as the sun itself fell across the horizon, someone finally arrived.
But that someone wasnt who I expected. I nced up to see Amanda the Silent Serpent standing before me.
Chapter 497: Lonely
Chapter 497: Lonely
497. Lonely
Amanda stared at the silver-haired girl standing there by therge bonfire. The former assassin gritted her teeth. She couldnt understand it. It didnt make any sense to her.
It was just unfair.
Everything was unfair. Amanda saw Salvos, and couldnt help but be jealous. It wasnt just the fact that when the former assassin used [Identification], she saw that the silver-haired girl was a Lesser God. No if that was it, Amanda would just be impressed,
Instead, it was the change Salvos had undergone. Amanda had always thought that the silver-haired girl looked unnatural. There was always something that just seemed too perfect.
It only ever slightly irked Amanda when she saw it in the past. She simply disliked how someone could look that fake, yet somehow still appear truly beautiful. Yes, beautiful. Even though Amanda was a woman herself, she couldnt deny this. She was well aware that Salvos was considered quite attractive.
But now, after whatever happened two days ago, Salvos looked different. The changes were subtle, yet distinct. Her silver hair had a light sheen to it a soft luster that seemed ethereal. Her divine-touched skin seemed to glisten against the ming backdrop. Like she were a phantasm. As if she were an apparition of sorts.
It was like staring at the masterwork of the greatest artisan in all of the Humannds. A porcin doll that had been crafted over decades. An ice sculpture that captured the very essence of the word beauty. She raised her head fractionally, fluttering her eyes as she turned to face Amanda.
That was when the former assassin realized she had been staring for too long. That was when Amanda realized she had subconsciously approached the silver-haired woman while lost in thought.
Yes?
Salvos asked, cocking her head. Amanda gritted her teeth.
Why am I here? the former assassin asked herself. And she knew it was because she thought it was unfair. It was so incredibly unfair.
But what was unfair? The fact that Salvos was so enchanting to look at that her appearance was so dazzling that everyone who wanted to take a passing nce at her couldnt even if they wanted to. Because it was like staring up at something so precious, they were afraid their gaze alone could crack it.
No. Amanda knew that wasnt why she was jealous. The reason she was upset was very simple. It was because
Hey, Amanda. Have you seen Daniel around? He said hed be here with Edithe soon.
Salvos spoke simply, smiling innocently as ever. Amanda clicked her tongue at the mention of that name.
Dont say that name to me.
The former assassin averted her gaze. She could feel her sense of jealousy rising. The feeling of knowing that it was all pointless that her feelings didnt matter because the man she loved was interested in this vixen too overwhelming.
Amanda wanted to leave there and then, but Salvos just blinked.
Whose name? Daniels? Or Edithes? Or wait do you mean your name? I think Amanda is a nice name, though.
And that made the brown-haired woman snap.
You know exactly who Im talking about!
Um, I actually dont
Salvos started, and Amanda cursed.
Im talking about Daniel, you fucking idiot.
Huh.
For a moment, the silver-haired girl just raised her head with a frown. Amanda shook her head as she thought of Daniel. She recalled the ways he stared at Salvos the admiration and more he always held in his wistful gaze.
I just dont get it. What does he see in you? What does he
The former assassin trailed off. She lowered her head as the mes from therge bonfire cast a shadow over her face. The sun was falling over the horizon now thest vestiges of the orange circle soon to vanish, leaving nothing but a dark sky overhead, and the dim crimson glow in the far distance of the Netherworld, barely visible, but evidently there.
Amanda knew what Daniel saw in Salvos. The silver-haired girl was truly beautiful. Not only that but Salvos was incredible. Her feats and achievements it only made sense Daniel would develop a crush on her. But it still pissed the former assassin off.
So she stood there in silence as Salvos started forward. The silver-haired girl herself lowered her gaze. Was Salvos confused? Empathetic? Or maybe she was even feeling pitiful for the brown-haired woman?
Probably. Even Amanda found her brief disy to be utterly pathetic. If Saffron were here, shed justugh at the former assassin, telling her she was in love. But there was nothing Amanda could do about how she felt. Whether it was love or a stupid pit of self-pity.
I just leave me alone.
Amanda averted her gaze in annoyance as she noticed the silver-haired girl starting forward. But Salvos finally came to a halt and raised a hand. The former assassin gritted her teeth.
I said
She started, and Salvos grabbed her by the shoulders. The silver-haired drew closer, ring straight into Amandas eyes.
Take that back.
W-what?
Amanda tried to work her jaw, utterly confused. But Salvoss grip grew tighter.
I said: take that back. I am not an idiot. So dont call me that.
Thats
But before the former assassin could protest, she paused. Her eyes widened as she stared into the silver-haired girls gaze. Suddenly, Salvos was no longer an ethereal beauty. The perfect features twisted, and her golden eyes burned like scintiting stars. She loomed over Amanda, her cloying figure now like a towering monster.
Amanda found her knees trembling. Her legs nearly buckled beneath her as her hands shook. She choked as bands of fear tightened in her throat, before finally gasping out.
Fine! I take it back! I take it back! Youre not an idiot!
For a moment, Amanda wasnt sure if that was enough. But Salvos blinked. Then she stepped back, smiling happily.
Thats good! Im not an idiot I am a genius! Make sure you remember that, alright?
The silver-haired girl wagged a finger as she nodded. Amanda paused. She just stared at Salvos, mind uprehending. The former assassin didnt understand what just happened.
H-how did you just?
It was like a flip had been switched. In an instant, Salvos was now just standing there innocently, pretending as if nothing happened. Amanda stared for a moment, before the silver-haired shook her head.
Anyway, what were you talking about? What do you mean by what does Daniel see in me? Hes mypanion! He sees me as Salvos, of course!
Salvos eximed, pointing at herself with a grin. Amanda took a moment to recover from the whish, before finally steeling herself. She shook her head.
Thats not what Im talking about, you id
Salvos cocked her head, and the former assassin quickly caught herself.
I mean, thats not what Im talking about, you genius?
Amanda waited to see the silver-haired girls reaction. Salvos beamed in response, and the former assassin sighed in relief.
Look, Im talking about how Daniel sees you. How he feels about you. I just am jealous, alright? Am I not allowed to feel this way?
What are you jealous about?
Salvos asked, fluttering her eyes, clearly not understanding the implications. Amanda gritted her teeth as the bonfire in the distance crackled. She raised her head, seeing the crowd of shadowed figures gather around. They were so distant they bore faces she never saw. The rest of the world seemed to fade away as Amanda closed her eyes.
I I cant tell you that.
Why not?
It was a foolish question. But the silver-haired girl asked anyway. Amanda felt her heart jump in her chest. Her face flushed, burning crimson. She felt the heat from the bonfire pressed against her cheeks as she backed up.
Its just not something I can talk about, alright?
You can tell me I wont tell anybody!
Salvos prodded her further. Amandas lips quivered. Still, she adamantly refused. But the silver-haired girl was insistent.
If its about Daniel, I want to know! Hes mypanion! I care about him!
You cant
Did he do something wrong? If he did, just tell me! Ill smack him over the head for you!
Its not that
Then what is it? I need to know, Amanda. Daniel is important to me. I
And finally, that was too much. Amanda crumbled under the silver-haired girls pestering questions. The former assassin just blurted it out.
Fine! I love him, alright?
Salvos paused. She blinked a few times. Then she blinked a few more times. But Amanda wasnt finished.
I love him but he doesnt love me back. Instead, he loves you.
You love him?
The silver-haired girl narrowed her eyes, before pointing at herself.
Wait, he loves me?
Of course he does. Its obvious to anyone who sees how he treats you he has a crush on you, Salvos.
Amanda spoke through clenched teeth. The former assassin didnt want to admit it. Nor did she like saying it. But she had to. Because Salvos was far too persistent.
Although, that didnt mean Amanda had to say anything. So perhaps it was because she actually wanted to say it, as much as it hurt. It was something she still needed to get out.
Salvos just frowned.
Thats
She rubbed her chin for a moment. Then she crossed her arms.
No he doesnt. Hes just mypanion.
You can believe whatever you want. But if youre going to hear this from me and ignore his feelings, then youre just selfish. I know how he feels I have seen the way he looks at you. It is the exact same way I look at him.
Amanda scowled as she spoke. It really hurt, but somehow, it was cathartic. She had been bottling up her feelings for far too long. And now, she was finally letting her thoughts flow freely.
Salvos opened her mouth to protest, but paused. She peered into Amanda.
Wait you love him?
And the former assassin blushed furiously in response.
Yeah you got a problem with that?
No, its just that
Salvos trailed off. For a moment, she stood there, thinking over her words as Amanda nced around anxiously. The former assassin saw that no one was nearby that no one could have overheard the conversation. And she sighed in relief.
Slowly, she raised her head as the silver-haired girl spoke in thought.
Honestly, I dont understand how love works. Edithe tried exining it to me before. Oh, also Saffron did too. But it never made any sense to me. It just sounded confusing and a little bit annoying.
Salvos continued tapping her chin as she wondered aloud. Amanda scoffed.
It is annoying. Very annoying. Especially when you know the man you love doesnt love you back. Thats why Im jealous, Salvos. Thats why Im
Amanda trailed off. She was breathing heavily. She balled her hands into fists and held Salvoss gaze.
Salvos. I want you to speak with Daniel. Figure out your feelings for him. I cant let you just lead him around like this forever. He loves you, and I dont want you to hurt him any longer.
Thats
The silver-haired girl opened her mouth. Amanda wasnt sure if her request was selfish. But it made Salvos think. And that was enough for the former assassin.
Amanda.
Salvos finally said as she raised her head.
Im still not sure how love works. But can you exin to me why do you love Daniel?
W-why do I love him?
Amanda was taken aback. She shifted her feet defensively as she flushed.
What kind of a question is that? How am I supposed to exin love?
Im not sure either. Thats why I want you to try and exin it to me.
Salvos spoke simply. The former assassin chewed on her lower lip. There were a lot of things Amanda wanted to say. She had to say it. And she did. She obliged Salvoss request, speaking in a daze.
Daniel is someone who saved me.
The brown-haired woman closed her eyes as she searched her feelings.
I was an assassin. I grew up all my life only knowing one thing how to kill for money. Even when I was a child, I did things you cannot imagine just to survive. So I was always alone. I had no one in my life. No friends. No family. No one ever cared for me, nor did I care for them. And I was content with it being that way.
She recounted her past. She recalled that grim reality she had been through. How she had to kill so many people just to escape very and even prostitution.
I leveled. I grew stronger. People began to respect me, and I got an offer I couldnt refuse. So I joined the Harrowed Vindicators. I filled my pockets with gold, and left a trail of corpses behind me. I showed no concern for anyones life but my own. And that led me to epting a job a mission to kill a [Hero].
Daniel.
Salvos spoke knowingly. Amandaughed bitterly.
That is both my biggest regret and the best thing Ive ever done. That fool Daniel defeated me, but he spared me. At first, it was for his own sake. But when I wasnt needed anymore, he still didnt kill me. He showed me kindness when no one else would even look my way. He epted me for who I was, even though he knew I tried to kill him. He saved me, Salvos.
The former assassin felt her heart aching. Her chest hurt. She looked down at the palm of her hand, then slowly hugged herself tightly.
No one has ever treated me that way. No one has ever done anything like that for me. He made me feel things I have never felt before. Thats why I love him. Hes the first person I have ever fallen for. Thats why I dont want you to hurt him anymore.
Salvos just watched as Amanda stood there, speaking softly. The silver-haired girls eyes grew wide. She took in this scene, nodding slowly.
I understand, Amanda.
She started forward, and Amanda winced. The former assassin thought she was going to be grabbed violently again, but Salvos just patted her reassuringly on the shoulder and smiled.
I will speak to Daniel.
Y-you will?
Amanda stared in disbelief. But Salvos just nodded.
I will. But can I say something first?
W-what is it?
The former assassin was still in shock. And she was nervous she didnt know what Salvos meant by her response. After all, there were a myriad of things the silver-haired girl could say to Daniel.
If Salvos loved Daniel too Amanda tried to dismiss the thought. It hurt too much to think about.
But the silver-haired girl just spoke softly, holding Amandas gaze.
You say you love Daniel. And maybe you do. I still dont quite understand how love works. But to me, it sounds like youre just lonely.
What?
This time, Amanda wasnt even sure how to react. The brown-haired woman just stood there, processing those words. But Salvos wasnt done.
The silver-haired girl chuckled.
I was lonely once. I had that feeling too! Then I met Haec my firstpanion! He treated me like no one did before! He made me feel things I never felt before!
Amanda narrowed her eyes. At first, she was affronted by Salvoss usation. But when the former assassin found her wits, she only had one reply.
Doesnt that mean you love him?
But Salvos cheerfully beamed.
Nope! Because I dont just feel that way towards Haec. I feel that way towards Daniel. Towards Edithe. Towards Saffron. Towards Willy. Towards my children. And maybe towards my Dad?
She strummed her finger on her chin in thought, then shrugged.
Honestly, Im not so sure about thatst part. But thats how I feel towards all mypanions. I was lonely, and thanks to them, now Im not. Maybe I do love them just not in the same way youre talking about. That is why Ill protect them. Because they matter to me.
Amanda gritted her teeth. She red at Salvos, pointing usingly.
How would you know that? How would you know what my love feels like?
But Salvos just shook her head.
Didnt you say you never had friends before? Werent you the one who said youve never fallen in love before? You said you love him because of how he treated you because no one else has treated you that way. So if someone elsees along and treats you the same way, would you fall in love with them too?
T-thats
Amanda tried to argue back. But Salvos just pressed on, uncaring.
Amanda, what do you even know about Daniel?
What?
The silver-haired girl spoke confidently. Even as Amanda stumbled back. Even as the former assassin felt her heart ache with each word.
Do you know anything about him? Whats his favorite food? Whats his favorite drink? Does he like to read? Did you know he has a diary? What does he want? What are his dreams? Why does he fight?
How would I know any
Amanda opened her mouth, but Salvos was relentless. The former assassin didnt realize it, but her vision began to blur. She couldnt answer any of these questions even if she wanted to. And it hurt her.
Do you know the name of his first girlfriend? Do you know what kind of life he lived back on Earth?
I Amanda answered in her head. She knew the answer, but she still couldnt speak it.
Do you know anything about him? Do you truly love him?
I-I dont It pained the former assassin to even think about it. There was no way she could say
Or do you just love the way he treats you?
I dont know!
Amanda finallyshed out. She spoke sharply, stepping forward as Salvos backed up. The former assassin didnt care if she was beheaded for snapping right now. Her heart was in turmoil, and she just wanted to cry.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she angrily held the silver-haired girls gaze.
I do not know the answer to any of these questions. I dont even know if I love him, alright? Why are you asking me all this?
And Salvos blinked. She watched as the brown-haired woman sobbed, taking in shallow breaths.
Huh.
Amanda just didnt understand what was the point of all this? She was hurt. Not because of jealousy. Not because of envy. But because of the thought that her feelings werent true.
Are you using my love of being fake?
The former assassin spoke slowly. Almost dangerously. Like it was a threat. But Salvos replied without any hesitation.
I just think you should figure it out, thats all. Because maybe you truly love Daniel, or maybe you dont. But if youre just lonely, what will happen if you meet another man or woman just like Daniel? Will you just leave him? Stay with him? What if this other person is better than him in every way?
I
Amanda started, but Salvos turned around, waving a hand dismissively.
That wasnt an actual question. You can think it over yourself. Ill speak with Daniel as I said I would. But I want you to think this through. Because, just like you, I dont want you to hurt mypanion.
And Salvos left Amanda standing there, mouth agape. Nothing left to say.
I left Amanda behind, closing my eyes. [Truth Divination] still active. I felt her feelings when she spoke her words. I knew what she thought when she refused to say anything. There was an uncertainty there. Yet, an intense adoration. Ipared her feelings to my own.
And I opened my eyes.
Alright, now wheres Daniel?
Chapter 498: Love
Chapter 498: Love
498. Love
Whats going on over there?
Scarlet the Red Rose came to a halt as the question was asked. She turned around, looking at the source of the voice. Then she turned to face therge bonfire in the distance. There were hundreds of figures huddled around the fire, with even more adventurers and soldiers slowly trickling in. Their shadows milled about, some talking, othersughing, but there was a quietus held over them, muffling their voices so that they would always speak in a hushed whisper. Even therge me, despite its size, burned weakly, without the raging roar of a fire meant to ignite the spirit of the night.
Its a party, I guess. But you dont need to worry about that, Titus. You just arrived, and Mori is
She started, but Titus spoke over her and stepped forward.
A party? I do believe that that is not a party. It is too somber.
He stood there, facing the crowd with his white eyes. The reflection of the still fire visible in his irises, yet he didnt see it. Not in his hollow gaze. He walked forward, shaking his head.
A party should be jovial is aura soothing. It should relieve the souls that mingle amidst its atmosphere, not remind them of their downtrodden day. This is no party, Scarlet. This is a funeral. They arementing those that will die in theing siege. It is not right. And I will make things right.
Thats
She tried to protest, but she couldnt stop him. Of course not. He marched ahead, his lute in hand and eyes closed, heading for the bonfire. Scarlet sighed. That was Titus the Thrilling Bard for you he would do whatever he wanted whenever he felt like it. Even if he was a member of the Remembered Order Company, he wasnt beholden to them in any way.
In fact, he had taken so long to join the battle despite being called for over six months ago because he had been busy wandering the Alterian League, listening to stories and telling tales that would weave wonder into the heart and mind. Or at least, so were his words.
Scarlet sighed as Titus left her standing there, unable to fulfill her job.
Im going to have to tell Mori about this
...do you not understand, Daniel Song? [Archbishop] Siegfrid will not approve of this! It is an affront to not just the Den of Souls, but to the rest of the
Yeah, yeah, I dont care.
Daniel Song ignored Kaceys words, even as she hounded after him. The [Crusader] was upset. She had also seen Salvos ascension into a Lesser God. Everyone had seen it. It had been glorious. It had been magnificent. There were so many words that the young man from Earth would use to describe it.
However, he would never describe it the same way she did.
Fake. That was what she said. She had asked him, as the Cardinal of the Council of Cremont, to denounce Salvoss apotheosis.
She was the reason why hed taken so long to join Salvos and Edithe at the bonfire for food and drinks. All the [Crusaders] and representatives from the three sects present in the encampment were incredibly upset. But he listened to theirints and told them to fuck off.
Well, he didnt actually say that. But he really felt like it. After all, how dare they insult his friend like that. How dare they ask him to demean and attack the very woman who taught him how to escape his self-loathing.
So Daniel ignored Kacey. The [Crusader] shouted at him in frustration, saying something about how epting Salvos as a Lesser God would forever tarnish the reputation of the three sects. But he didnt care.
He just left her behind, and she eventually gave up.
I am sote
The [Hero] reached the bonfire at the center of the encampment soon enough. He swept his gaze around, and a few heads turned to face him. Soldiers and adventurers alike lit up when they saw Daniel. They pointed and whispered, but they didnt approach him.
It wasnt something he was unused to, having had this exact same experience when he was first summoned into the Elutra Kingdom. But he still found it ufortable when his every action was watched and monitored by those around him.
He walked ahead, ignoring the nces as he searched for his two friends. He circled around therge fire and came to a halt as he spotted a redhead in the distance. Edithe Dawnrise sat amongst members of the Valiant Dreamers Company, drinking and eating as they chatted quietly with themselves.
Raising a hand, the young man called out.
Edi
But a soft voice interrupted him.
Daniel.
The [Hero] blinked and nced back. He saw a silver-haired girl standing behind him, hands behind her back. His eyes grew wide, and he stared at her.
S-Salvos?
For a moment for whatever reason his heart jumped in her chest. He took in his friends appearance, and she looked different. He had already noticed the difference after her apotheosis the sheening beauty she radiated, elegant and enchanting but for whatever reason, he found himself flushing at her appearance today.
Salvos didnt dress any differently than she normally would. She wore the same blue jacket he had given her. A gift he had handed over when he finally told her the truth he had been hiding for so long. Her hair was tied up into a ponytail, practically luminescent reflecting the fires light. A kind smile spread across her face, and Daniel caught himself from staring. He quickly averted his gaze as she spoke.
I was just looking for you, Daniel.
Stepping forward, Salvos grabbed him by the hand and pulled him off to the side. The young man from Earth blinked as she led him away from the gathering.
W-wait, where are we going?
I need to speak with you.
She replied simply as she nced back at him. He found his heart pounding in his chest racing with him as he followed the silver-haired girl. He nced back, looking at where Edithe had been.
What about Edithe?
He opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head and waved a hand off dismissively.
Its fine, Daniel. Well join herter.
But
Daniel started, only to see the look in her face. Salvos gave him a reassuring nod and continued bringing him away from the encampment.
Lets talk, alright?
I alright.
Finally, he acquiesced.
I cant believe its all finallying to an end
Edithe muttered as she stared up at the starry sky above. A dark dome hung overhead, illuminated only by the glinting dots speckling the ck-blue canvas, the moon nowhere visible in sight.
A figure sidled up next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She nced to the side and stared at Hadrian. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers sat next to her with the rest of theirpany as he gave her a smile.
You looked lost in thought. I felt like bringing you back to reality.
She chuckled and leaned her head on his shoulder.
I was just thinking about how its been so long since weve had any reprieve. We havent had time to rest at all since thepany war began. And weve lost so much Paige Baris so many lives
Edithe trailed off, raising an arm to the sky. She stared at the back of her hand and remembered the events that sparked thepany war. Even now, those few weeks were burned into her mind. She closed her eyes as she whispered.
But finally, its all going to be over. We can rest and grieve now.
We can.
Hadrian spoke, running a hand through her blood-red hair. He tightly clutched onto her, and she felt his warm embrace. The pair stayed this way, luxuriating in the moment.
Therge bonfire crackled in the distance. Edithe could hear the soft susurration of the gathering the hushed whispering of chatter like shed hear in a temple. Even the Valiant Dreamers werent acting as rambunctiously as they normally would.
They talked, yes. Theyughed, of course. Celine, Edithes normally loud friend, was softer than she normally was. It was almost a solemn moment. No one refused to act boisterously as an adventurer normally would. They were held in this solemnity at least, until they heard the music.
Edithe blinked her eyes open and raised her head as she heard the stringing of a lute the soft voice singing in the distance. She looked up, and Hadrian turned towards the approaching figure. A man stood there, tilting his floppy hat for a moment as the music stopped. He swept into a bow and spoke in a charming voice.
If it is no trouble, I would love to join you here by the fire.
The redhead blinked.
Who are you?
But before he could respond, Celines eyes grew wide.
Youre Titus the Thrilling Bard! I have heard about you! Youre an Elite Ranked adventurer from the Remembered Order Company!
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, young maiden.
Titus nodded her way, and she flushed. But an azure-haired girl elbowed Celine, ring. The Thrilling Bard just took a seat before them and smiled.
I apologize, but I have overheard a bit of your tale, and I couldnt help but be intrigued by it. May I know more about your story?
Edithe exchanged a nce with Hadrian. A few of the Valiant Dreamers looked uneasily at the stranger. One of them Sophia stepped forward with a frown.
Its not a story! Go bother someone
Sophia, its fine
But she was dragged back by her friend. Cless just pulled her out of the way before she could snap at the [Bard]. Titus leaned back as he ced his lute on the ground.
If it is not a tale you wish to tell, then I shant force you to talk. It is but a humble request from an interested traveler such as I.
Hadrian nodded at Edithe, and she pursed her lips.
Its not really a story of glory and adventure. I doubt youd like to listen to it its not the kind of story a [Bard] tells at a tavern, you know?
The redhead remembered all that she had lost. She remembered all that she had been through. The deaths she had witnessed. The lives she failed to save. It was all forever burned into her mind not really something to disy.
But Titus just stared at her with a glint in his eyes.
Ah, but I am not hearing it to spin a story for travelers to behold. For one such as I, who have heard stories far and wide, there is nothing I have listened to for the vanity of being heard.
He strung the strings of his lute, speaking in a melody, but without breaking into song. Edithe blinked, and her memories were given life. She saw apparitions, visible only to her eyes born from the mes, weaving memories before her very eyes.
Edithe stared as she saw thest moments of Baris. The deceased leader of the Valiant Dreamers Hadrians father. He looked just as she remembered. The bravery he wore on his face, knowing that there was only a single oue, yet for the sake of thepany, he sacrificed himself by facing a Primeval Demon.
Hadrian mustve seen it too. He teared up, watching with wide eyes as Titus yed a single string on his lute once more.
I have been an audience to both glory and tragedy all these stories that I have been told, they are merely tales I will regale. They are memories I will remember and retell til my bones lie bare on the soil. Not for a crowd or the loud ovation and adoration of an audience.
That note attracted more attention than just that of the Valiant Dreamers Company. A few heads turned to face the Thrilling Bard, and Edithes eyes flickered. Everywhere she looked, there was a sh of memories. She saw Paige standing there the young [Warrior] so eager to wee the redhead when she was still a brand-new [Summoner] who joined thepany.
It was almost like Edithe was quite literally reliving the moment. She heard Paiges voice as it was back then, feeling the same nervousness that was quickly soothed by her then-senior. It reminded the redhead of everything she lost, but more importantly, everything she had to cherish.
Titus smiled as he took his finger off the strings of his lute.
But I wish to hear your tales as a witness. Because it is my duty to bear.
What was that?
Hadrian asked, breaking free from his stupor. The visions around Edithe vanished, and she realized she was gasping crying. She looked towards the Thrilling Bard, and he just replied simply.
[A Heartfelt Minute]. I did not get to see what you saw, but I can see the emotions in your eyes. I know this is something you wish to tell, and it is a story I wish to hear. So, please, may I hear it?
Titus bowed his head, and Edithes lips quivered. Hadrian slowly turned to her, looking uncertain as if he wanted her support. She closed her eyes and nodded in response.
I fine. Well tell you everything.
And Titus smiled.
Thank you.
Where are we going, Salvos?
Daniel asked as he followed the silver-haired girl out of the encampment. She nced back once, tilting her head fractionally as the smile never left her face.
Were going to talk, of course!
She replied simply as if that exined everything. But the young man from Earth was as perplexed as before. He passed a line of tents, following Salovs as she led him around the war tent. He looked through the ps and saw Scarlet there. The Red Rose was speaking quietly to Mori dius with her lips pursed.
But Salvos didnt stop. She continued on, dragging Daniel behind her. Even as they left the encampment. He just followed, watching her from behind. He saw her silver hair swaying. Her soft locks limned by the moonlight. He looked on as she paved the way ahead, unable to break his gaze away from her, only capable of walking after her like he normally did.
This was a familiar feeling to him. The young man from Earth the [Hero Of Demon And Man] was used to this. He was aimless and lost before he met Salvos. A coward who couldnt fight for himself; a fool who often failed to muster up the courage when he had to do what was right.
Perhaps it was fate, or maybe it was destiny, but it was only when he met the silver-haired girl, did he finally seed in oveing his fear. Sure, that led to the two of them fighting which he so hriously lost. But after that, it was always the same.
Daniel walked a step behind her. Never beside, never in front. He was always trailing after the silver-haired girl. Because it was she who guided him. She was the one who showed him the way, and he could never overtake her. He couldnt stop her, nor could he ever hope to walk next to her. To him, it just never felt
Daniel.
Salvos spoke, interrupting his thoughts. The young man blinked and looked around. His eyes grew wide as he realized he was already outside of the encampment. The pair stood alone at a nearby hilltop, overlooking the expansive rows of tents. There was a bonfire raging at the center of it all, with arger crowd gathered than before. He narrowed his eyes, but the silver-haired girls voice drew his attention.
Can I ask you an honest question?
She peered into him, and he raised a brow. Daniel looked down, seeing that she was still holding onto his hand. He nodded slowly.
Uh sure. But why did you bring me all the way out here?
He shifted his feet nervously. He didnt know why, but he could still feel his heart pounding in his chest. Salvos just shook her head.
I brought you out here to ask you a question. May I ask it? But you must promise me youll answer honestly.
The young man blinked. He felt his heart rate skyrocketing for whatever reason. He breathed quickly, taking in short shallow breaths as what felt like a tight band of fear choked around his neck.
I promise.
He nodded slowly, and Salvos smiled kindly.
Thank you.
She let go of him and took a step back. He saw her every movement as she hid her hands behind her back. Raising her head, Salvos smiled kindly and held his gaze.
Do you love me?
And the world froze. Daniels eyes grew wide. The stars vanished from the sky as a veil of darkness nketed over him. He could no longer feel the hammering of his heart, no longer could he hear the short gasps he took as he stumbled back. He tried to work his jaw, but everything malfunctioned.
Nothing worked. His hands trembled, and his knees threatened to buckle beneath him. The [Hero] tried to work up the courage to give a response, but his mind failed him. His brain couldnte up with anything to say at all. Daniel wanted to run. He wanted to turn tails and escape. He didnt want to be in this situation. It was too much for him too overwhelming.
He took a step back, and Salvos cocked her head.
Is everything alright, Daniel?
And that stopped him in his tracks. Suddenly, the world returned around the young man. The numb feeling in his hands vanished, and he could feel his heart beating in his chest again. He looked up, legs sturdy beneath him, jaw clenched as he met Salvoss gaze. It was like her words alone restored his courage. Her concerned look somehow gave him strength to steel himself.
Daniel Song raised his head and took in a deep breath. Salvos waited, and he refused to let her wait any longer. He opened his mouth, answering from his heart.
I do.
Titus listened. The Thrilling Bard heard the tales of the Valiant Dreamers Company. He hung onto everyst word because it mattered. Every bit of detail was important. He had to remember it all. So that when he regaled it, he got the story right, and that everything was told as how it was.
I knew a girl named Paige who
My father was a brave man
I loved him he was my teammate but
I tried so hard to protect them
It wasnt just the story of apany. It was a story of the individuals in thepany. Titus the Thrilling Bard saw their memories with them. He knew it was all true. The bard strung his lute, and a soft melody yed. A calming song.
[Soothe The Soul]. [Remember The Fallen]. [Past Sight]. [Truth Divination]. He was a [Bard], and he worked multiple Skills in tandem. But he never forced anyone to speak. He let them talk only if they wanted.
It wasnt mind magic, nor was it a curse. It was soul magic. He reached into their essence and understood their very being. It was the power of [Bards]. The strength of Spirits. The terror of Demons.
But even as he sat there, watching the stories unfold before his very eyes, he knew this wasnt the only tale that was being woven this night. His eyes flickered for a second a very brief moment. And he sensed it.
[Truth Divination]. But not from him. It came from a nearby hill, its effects almost overwhelming, evenpared to the Thrilling Bards own. His curiosity was piqued, however his attention never strayed from the stories he heard.
He watched as the redhead woman broke into tears, and the leader of thepanyforted her. Titus looked on, sweeping his gaze over the Valiant Dreamers. They cried. They drank. They mourned. They grieved. Some of them got mad. Others just couldnt bear it and stormed off. But they returned.
And it wasnt just them.
There were onlookers watchers. Adventurers and soldiers alike whod lost so much. Not necessarily over the course of the war. They were all veterans in the battlefield some way or another, and they had seen plenty of death, whether it berades they knew, or enemies they killed. It didnt matter. Everyone understood how the Valiant Dreamers were feeling. Some more than most, too.
Titus saw a group of adventurers standing to the side. A man led them at the front, crying his heart out. They mourned, but not out of empathy, rather it was because they experienced these memories as well. Perhaps there was history there, but the Thrilling Bard didnt question it.
He just listened. He just yed his music. And the adventurers spoke. They cried and drank their sorrows away. But when they had enough to drink when their faces were flushed red with tears and alcohol they remembered something else.
It wasnt just what they had lost, but what they had treasured. They spoke of the good times. They remembered when they had fought and quarreled amongst each other. And theyughed. They cheered. The [Bard] changed his tune, and the fire bonfire danced, its mes growingrger.
The mood shifted. The somber atmosphere from before gradually fading away. It didntpletely vanish. There was still a sense of mncholy that beheld the gathering. But they celebrated too. That it was finallying to an end. That they could live on to remember their fallenrades.
And then they danced. Hadrian took Edithe by the hand, leading her to the dancing fire. Theyughed and cried at the same time as they embraced each other, and even leaned in for a passionate kiss. Celine danced intimately with Nora, and Sophia danced with Cless although with less passion than the others.
A small smile slipped onto the Thrilling Bards face as he watched the atmosphere change. The grieving was not forgotten, but their spirits had risen. Titus continued strumming his lute, ying impossible music as the night went on, filled with the memories of all that had been lost.
Daniels heart was hammering in his chest. He could feel his entire body shake as he waited for Salvoss response. The silver-haired girl just tapped on her chin, having heard his answer.
S-Salvos
He started, but she just nodded.
Huh. I see.
For a moment, she didnt say anything further. Then Salvos spun around and raised her head to the stars.
Daniel, do you remember telling me about that girlfriend you had back on Earth?
The young man paused. His heart ached as he closed his eyes, remembering the life he had before that terrible day. The ident which took the life of the one girl he loved. He nodded slowly.
Emily.
Thats her.
Salvos didnt face him. She just stared at the scintiting stars as he lowered his gaze. Daniel stared into the palm of his hand, smiling bitterly. He remembered Emily he recalled herughing face, even now.
I remember telling you about her. It was just after I revealed the truth about where I was from, wasnt it? When I gave you that blue jacket.
Yep!
The silver-haired girl nodded, still looking away from the [Hero].
You said you loved her this Emily.
I did. And I still do.
Daniel knew it didnt make sense. He was in another world now. And Emily was long dead before he was summoned to the Nexeus. But his feelings remained the same. Perhaps because she was his first love, or maybe it was just because she was the first person to show him affection he didnt know.
He just knew that his feelings then were true.
Salvos lowered her head, removing her hands from behind her back. She spoke softly, her voice almost lost as a susurration grew louder,ing from the encampment. But both the young man and the silver-haired girl ignored the music, focusing only on each other.
Do you love me like you love this Emily, Daniel?
I I think I do, Salvos.
Daniel pressed his lips into a thin line uncertainly. He couldnt give her a definitive answer here. But he could say one thing.
I would give you everything if I must. That is how much I love you.
Salvos didnt respond instantly. She just turned around, facing Daniel with round eyes. His heart jumped when he saw her when he heard her question.
Is that what love is?
She asked, stepping forward. Daniel averted his gaze slightly.
Thats right love is giving a piece of yourself to someone else. To be one, together, whether it be for better or worse. No matter the circumstance. It may be a simplistic even childish view of love, but thats what I believe.
He spoke, not meeting the silver-haired girls gaze. She drew closer, cing a hand in her chest. Daniel felt his breathing quicken as she whispered softly.
I see now.
The young man from Earth didnt know what came next. He wasnt sure what was going to happen. He knew Salvos had something more to say, but he didnt want to expect anything. But she took another step towards him, and he forced himself to look.
He stared straight into the golden eyes of the silver-haired girl. He saw the way she was approaching him. And his heart began to beat wildly in his chest not just a hammering away, but practically exploding. She leaned closer as Daniel mmed his eyes shut.
Is she going to k
I love you, Daniel.
And Daniels eyes snapped open. He felt her warm touch her arms wrapped around his shoulder. But he didnt feel her lips on his mouth. Salvos hadnt kissed him.
She hugged him.
But not in the same way you love me.
And the silver-haired girl drew back. Daniels mouth hung open. His entire body went numb. He tried to speak, but barely anything came out.
I
Salvos brought her arms out as he watched. She raised his hands, clutching them tightly. Daniel just stared, not feeling anything, still frozen broken. She lowered her gaze, a morose smile on her face.
The truth is
She closed her eyes and sighed.
I love myself too much to give myself to another person.
And that nearly broke Daniel from his stupor. His eyes grew wide as he looked at the silver-haired girl in shock.
Thats
But she ust continued.
Maybe Im just not ready yet. Maybe I will never be. But I do love you, Daniel. Just like I love all mypanions.
Daniel looked at Salvos. At the Savior of Silvergrove. The Death of the Destroyer. The Liberator of the gunds. The Sentinel of Secely. The Lesser God. The Demon. The silver-haired girl he so loved.
He saw the way she cast her gaze to herself. She let go of him once again, bringing her own hands to her chest.
But as much as I love you guys I love myself more.
The young man opened his mouth. His lips quivered as he tried to work his voice. His hands trembled. He stared at his shaking palms.
And he burst outughing.
I I I knew youd say that, Salvos. Thats just like you
Salvos eyed him, and she knew just like he did that it wasnt a genuineugh. It was a bitterugh. But the bitterness was not directed towards her. Rather, it was towards himself.
A sadugh.
Daniels vision blurred as tears streamed down his cheeks. He shook his head, wiping them away as he murmured to himself.
I dont even think Emily loved me back
But Salvos stepped forward, grabbing him by the shoulders.
Dont say that, Daniel! There is so much about you to love! So much about you that should be loved even more!
She spoke with sincerity. It wasnt pity or kindness. Daniel knew she genuinely meant it from the heart. However, he still couldnt bring himself to meet her gaze. Instead, he stared at the ground as he continued to cry.
Salvos bit her lower lip and brought hand down to his chin. She raised his head, making him look at her as she continued.
I really believe that. You are mypanion. You helped me when everyone in the Mortal Realm shunned me. You are a [Hero] someone so many people look up to. You will find love one day, Daniel. But I think before all that you need to love yourself first.
What?
Daniel blinked, and the tears faded away. Salvos just shook her head, speaking insistently.
You said it yourself, love is giving a piece of yourself to another. But you want to give everything to me. And I cannot ept it. Not for my sake, and not for yours.
The silver-haired girl finally broke away from the young man again, but this time, she stepped to the side, standing in his shadow. Her gaze darkened as she nced towards the encampment, her face partially lit up by the growing bonfire.
We made a contract, Daniel. Do you remember it?
The young man from Earth nodded.
You said youd help me find a way back to my world, and in exchange, Ill have to forever keep you in my memories.
She smiled and nced back towards him. The Primeval Demon raised a hand, proffering it his way.
But Id like to make an amendment to it a change on your part.
I
Daniel had wanted to argue, but then he saw the look in her eyes. He saw the soft gaze she peered into him with. And he acquiesced.
What is it, Salvos?
I want you to always love yourself, Daniel. To remember to love yourself before all else. So that when you return to Earth, you can find someone there to love you.
The young man blinked. He stared at Salvos at the silver-haired girl. Her gaze pierced into him, and he paused. He lowered his head, staring at himself now. He ced a hand on his chest and felt his breathing with his hand.
His vision darkened as his eyes fluttered shut. He looked only at himself, before finally opening his mouth.
I will do that, Salvos. I promise.
Daniel opened his eyes, and Salvos smiled. She took a step back, sighing in relief.
Thank you, Daniel. Im sure you will find love again one day.
He shook his head, mustering up a resolved look.
I should be the one thanking you, Salvos.
She just beamed. And he nced towards the encampment towards the bonfire, now filled with life.
Lets go back. It seems we missed a lot while we were gone.
Salvos nodded, starting down the hill.
Yep! Im sure Edithe is getting worried about us. Come on!
She ushered him forward. Daniel started after her, then paused. He watched her walk ahead of him for a moment, then he closed his eyes.
Daniel? What are you doing?
She called out, ncing back at him. And the young man took in a deep breath.
Im on my way!
He dashed after her, slowing only when he was by her side.
Did something happen?
She cocked her head at him, but he just continued past her.
Come on, now youre the one who needs to hurry up!
Wha hey! Not fair!
Salvos gave chase to him as he started sprinting towards the encampment with a smile on his face. Laughing. And this time, it was a genuineugh.
Scarlet arrived at the party as the bonfire began to fade away. The music was now mellow. Slow, just like the dancing. Most of the crowd had already dispersed. She saw adventurers and soldiers alike retiring for the night. A few of them, like that redhead from the Valiant Dreamers and her leader, were getting into the same tents as each other.
It wasnt too unusual of a sight, but that still made the Red Rose quick a brow. She swept her gaze over the remaining figures here. Titus the Thrilling Bard was strumming his lute, ying music that he shouldnt be able to create with that instrument. The [Hero] sat with a bowl of soup, staring down into the clear liquid by himself, evidently in deep thought.
Salvos danced slowly next to the bonfire. She moved with a fiery partner one who could match her movements. A clone of herself.
Scarlet shook her head and turned to the man standing behind her.
This is what Titus has been doing, I guess.
Mori dius just nodded slowly, not giving a visible reaction.
I see.
The Red Rose stood next to him in silence, their figures oveid against therge fire. For a moment, neither said anything. Then Scarlet shuffled her feet and nced over at Mori.
Can we can we dance together?
He tilted his head at her, almost like he was uprehending. The Champion of the Human Lands raised his head, thinking it over for a second. Finally, he nodded.
Very well, Scarlet.
And her heart leapt in her chest. He took her by the hand, leading her to the bonfire. They joined the dancing figures couples who held each other intimately. Lovingly.
Mori dius held her close, and Scarlet felt at ease. She felt warm in his arms, getting everything she had ever wanted. She had dreamt of a moment like this for so long. Now, she was finally getting it.
And as the music finally came to a close as the dancing stopped and Scarlet faced Moris affectionate gaze she knew the Red Rose knew that this wasnt the man she loved.
This wasnt Mori dius.
Chapter 499: The Finale
Chapter 499: The Finale
499. The Finale
Mori dius was dead.
He had been dead ever since the battle of Westshield. Scarlet knew it she had seen it with her own eyes. The Champion of the Human Lands had shed with Belzu. He had defeated the Primeval Demon in singlebat, and it wouldve all been over there. But a third party emerged.
Levithus had killed Mori dius in one fell swoop. All it took was a single attack. But it was one that no one sawing. Not even Belzu. Scarlet was certain it had been a Skill, from Levithus. She wasnt sure whether it was an obfuscation Skill to hide his presence, or a Skill that let him attack his enemies with such deadly precision. It didnt matter.
Mori dius died that day, and the man iming to be him was a faker.
Scarlet was sure of it. He couldnt be real. The Champion of the Human Lands would never have epted a dance with the Red Rose. He was strictly abstinent from any worldly pleasures even love.
She didnt understand it, but she remembered what happened when she first confessed to him. And she had seen it time and time again after. It wasnt just a set of principles he adhered to. He was religiously ascetic. It was in his very nature, and she always assumed it was a requirement for his ss or Title.
Either way, it wasnt something that could just be forgotten, even as a result of amnesia. So Scarlet was certain she was right in her assessment. This was not Mori dius. She had been too overwhelmed by joy seeing him alive again to notice all the clues. But it was all there,id out to her from the very beginning.
Mori never needed to sacrifice a level to resurrect. And even if that was the case, his resurrection was almost always instantaneous. He might not have divulged all the details of his Grand Skill to Scarlet, but she knew it wouldnt have taken months before he finally returned.
Still, even if she knew this, who would believe her?
For thest week, Scarlet had mulled over this fact. She didnt have definitive proof that this man wasnt Mori dius that he wasnt the man she loved. Sure, she could exin her reasoning, but at the end of the day, it was all just a hunch. A feeling. And she might very well be wrong.
But more importantly, it was finally time to put an end to this senseless war with the Demons. If she exposed him now, there would be more unnecessary infighting. There was going to be a lot of time wasted to figure out if this was truly Mori dius. It would be a needless distraction to the goal at hand.
They were going toy siege to Inor tomorrow. It was the Capital of the Inoria Empire, and Scarlet knew it was going to be the hardest battle yet. Levithus was going to be there. It was the site of the true grand ritual. And even if this Mori dius was a faker, he was actually helpful. He was still strong. He could be very useful there.
So Scarlet decided against speaking out for now. Yes, she knew this wasnt Mori dius. But she would keep her mouth shut until the battle was over, then she would expose him.
The Red Rose resolved herself as the day of the battle came, and it was finally time to end things once and for all.
This was it.
I flew high in the sky, my [Angels Wings] beating behind me. I swept my gaze over thendscape. An army of hundreds and hundreds of thousands were gathered below me. Half a million Humans. Maybe even a little more than that. And they were all ready to march for the Capital of the Inoria Empire.
While their numbers might not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, this force was hastily gathered to deal with this grand ritual. In such a short amount of time, they sallied forth, unhindered by exhaustion or loss. There were other armies that could join us, however they would take too long to get here, and ording to yton, the grand ritual would use up thest of its magic in a months time.
So we had to act quickly. And it wasnt like the gathered armies were weak. It was the opposite, actually. This was the mightiest force the Humannds could muster. Every adventurer and soldier gathered here was far higher-leveled than their average counterpart. It wasnt just them, either.
There were Elites from all across the world gathered here. There was Kaitlin Darkhelm, Commander of the Vaun Qieur Empires Swordsguard Forces. She was apanied by the rest of the Swordsguard Forces. There were supposed to be about a thousand of them, each over Level 100, but their numbers had quite clearly fallen over the course of the war.
I spotted Gallus amongst the ranks of soldiers there. I tried waving at him, but he didnt notice me. I tried searching for Alex Cromerth too, then I remembered he was dead.
There were also the [Mages] of Mavos Academy. They were mostly high Diamond Ranked in level, none of them beneath Level 130. And there were only a few dozen of them. yton Skyshredder led them, standing atop his usual nimbus cloud. He had his sword held before him, its de stabbed into the floor of the cloud. Standing next to him was Thaddeus Reimar and J Wilf, both of whom were Elite Ranked themselves.
Helena Warshade wasnt with them. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy was with herpany, joining the other adventurers on the ground. The Three Honorable Companies of the Humannds had joined forces to form a massive coalition of adventurers. Laux Lionfist, Alder Ashford, Scarlet Vermillion, and Mori dius were there too.
Supposedly, there were a bunch of other Elites too. For example, Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer was apparently somewhere amongst the masses. The other two triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company were present as well, along with Titus the Thrilling Bard. Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales wasnt anywhere to be seen, but I knew he was there.
Edithe stood with herpany at the front, holding Hadrian by the hand as they readied themselves for the battle that was toe. Jaakko, Helen, and Zack mustve been there too, although I couldnt find them.
Daniel Song stood with a group of [Crusaders] behind him. He turned to Kacey, but she stepped aside. Instead, a man dressed in ornate armor stepped forward. An Elite Ranked [Crusader]. He nodded at the [Hero], but didnt get a response.
Amanda wasnt at this side, interestingly enough. Instead, I found her standing with Saffron and the Vampires. They were together with an eclectic group of other forces Peris Dolonia and the Helbir League; the Sunmere Republic and a small regiment from the Alterian League; a coalition of the Eastern Kingdoms; and even a group of Cyclopes were there.
Those were thest of the forces. I nodded approvingly at them. There had to be at least two dozen Elites gathered here today. About a quarter of all the Elites in all of the Humannds. It really was an impressive sight to have theme together for a single purpose. But they understood the gravity of this situation. This merger wasnt something that could be ignored any longer.
The entire world shook as they marched forward, streaming away from the encampment, leaving behind only a small force to guard their supplies. I descended towards the very fringe of the rows of tents and met a burning figure waiting there.
One of my clones stood next to Willy and the baby Wyverns. I nodded at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur as they ran up to me for a hug.
Mama! Stay safe!
I will.
I smiled back at them, returning their warm embrace. I closed my eyes and whispered softly.
I love you three, alright? Make sure you behave.
They blinked. The three baby Wyverns exchanged a nce, then nodded excitedly.
Will behave!
I stepped back, nodding at Willy.
They really take after you.
No, you.
He snorted. I smiled at him.
Take care of them, Willy. And you too, me.
I gave my clone a warning look. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
Will.
She spoke, which still surprised me. I didnt expect my clones to be able to speak, but thanks to my evolution, they were now capable of some speech.
Im going now!
I waved at the five of them as I started flying after the marching army. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur waved back at me, tearing up, but not giving chase incessantly like they normally did.
Bye Mama!
Willy and my clone slowly ushered them back, and I watched them go. They vanished back into the encampment as I cast my gaze forward. I blinked as I noticed a shadow speeding beneath me.
Oh, there you are Orgaf.
The [Nightcrawler Shadower] emerged from the darkness trailing after me. Half his head poked out, and he gave me a nod.
I knew youd be saying one final goodbye to them. But I thought Id check where you were going when you flew off by yourself.
Huh. Did you think I was going to run away or something?
I crossed my arms at him, but Orgaf scoffed.
You killed Ira, Salvos. I trust you are on our side fully I have trusted you for a long time. Not to mention that thats an impressive feat in itself. Even Helena Warshade failed to defeat him.
Its just because I had my Grand Skills!
I waved a hand off dismissively. But the Thief of the Golden Scales was insistent.
You are a Lesser God now. I have always known you were strong, but you have surpassed all my expectations of you. I do not care that you are a Demon, I want to see how far youll go.
Thats nice of you, Oraf.
I found myself smiling back at the Elite [Rogue]. He was finally epting me for who I was. Sure, he had known I was a Demon for a while, but it almost felt like he was just brushing that fact off. Now, he wasnt. Now he acknowledged it without discrimination.
For a moment, I wondered if I could consider him as apanion. But I shook my head, deciding I would figure it outter.
Thank you. But first, lets focus on putting a stop to this grand ritual, alright?
Very well. I will still keep a close eye on you during the battle.
He nodded in response before sinking back into his shadows. I watched as Orgaf sped forward, zipping away from me back to the armies. I probably couldve kept up with him as I was now with [Haste], but I didnt try to give chase.
Instead, I flew at my own pace, watching the army march ahead, entering the white ins. They reached the crimson skies, and their movements slowed. But they never turned back. They kept pressing forward. They only had one destination in mind.
In the distance, a crimson pir shot to the sky, striking the dome overhead. It was a massive red beam that dwarfed the size of all the sub-ritualsbined. It enveloped a quarter of the city. Most of Inor had crumbled away, reced with white mountains and ck pools.
I narrowed my eyes, seeing the familiarndscape of the Netherworld, so distinctlyin into the Mortal Realm. And that was when I saw all the little figures gathered about the rocky surface. I recognized their familiar pink bodies. Their pig-like snouts. [Legions]. A hundred thousand of them.
And they werent alone. There were Greater Demons and Archdemons of all kinds hovering over the [Legions]. Ten thousand of them at the very least. They were clearly prepared for battle they were evidently here to defend the grand ritual site. An army of Demons to match ours.
But they were far smaller in size. Barely a fifth of our own coalition army. I looked down towards the marching Humans, and I could see their spirits being lifted from the realization that this was going to be a one-sided battle.
However, their expressions quickly changed when shadows emerged from the crimson pir. I blinked, frowning as a massive horde of wild Demons joined the waiting army at Inor. [Hellhounds] and their evolved counterparts bounded forward en masse, and [Vampyr Bats] swarmed up in a massive ck flock. But amidst those low-leveled winged Demons wererger figures. Ones that had the wingspan of a small house, and rows of serrated teeth in their maw.
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 130]
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 121]
There were [Changelings] and [Hellbeasts] and all kinds of high-leveled Demons mixed into this horde. But even these Archdemons werent enough to deter the Human army. They saw the [Savage Agarats] flying out of the crimson pir, and marched without fear.
But then arge shadow appeared at the other side of the grand ritual. I blinked, and the army slowed for the first time as a hulking figure pulled itself up into the Mortal Realm. It was a winged beast that spanned a hundred feet long, with wings twice as long as its body. It had the mouth of an alligator, and dozens of tendrils dangling beneath its body. It looked like a [Savage Agarat], except ten timesrger.
It flew amongst them as my eyes grew wide.
Thats
[Chthonic Agaros - Lvl. 165]
A wild Primeval Demon.
I bit my lower lip. I nced down at the Human army, and they wavered. But Daniel Song shouted something as Mori dius whispered a Skill, which restored their morale. Now emboldened, they were moving faster than ever until
I heard the high-pitched shriek. I recognized the first of the long limbs protruding from the portal. Legs as tall as a building. Chitin that was as dark as night. Bulbous segmented bodies, and eight eyes that glowed in the dark.
I watched as a horde of Demon spiders poured out of its back. Thousands of [Aranea] at once. And it wasnt alone.
[Archarachne - Lvl 169]
[Archarachne - Lvl. 166]
A pair of [Archarachnes] joined the [Chthonic Agaros]. They stood obediently, waiting like watchful guard dogs. Helena herself came to a halt, staring at those wild Primeval Demons.
Now, the entire army had stopped. Not necessarily out of fear, but because the various Human leaders had ordered so. They warily watched, waiting for whatever else there was waiting for them in Inor.
And a final figure emerged from the grand ritual. I blinked as a pair of giant bone-like wings protruded from the crimson pir. A four-armed beast ascended to the sky. Its pure ck body was illuminated by the glowing red sky. It looked forward, its skull-like face focused on the Human army, like a hungry dog.
This time, I was the one toe to a halt.
[Hebomination - Lvl. 175]
Huh.
I stared at the army of [Legions]. I swept my gaze over the flying Archdemons, looking past the horde of wild Demons. My gazended on the pair of [Archarachnes] standing beside the [Hebomination] as the [Chthonic Agaros] hovered overhead.
That is a lot of Primeval Demons.
And I realized this battle was going to be a lot harder than I initially thought.
Chapter 500: First Into Battle
Chapter 500: First Into Battle
500. First Into Battle
They were here.
Levithus raised his head, turning away from the crimson pir. His long undting body swished behind him as he approached the edge of the city. Most of Inor had already been consumed by the grand ritual. Every single one of the citys citizensy dead, mere husks used to power the merger. The pce had fallen long ago, and thendscape had mostly changed, bringing teaus and mountains over from the Netherworld to this desecratednd.
An army of [Legions] stood in waiting. A hundred thousand of them. Mostly fodder. And there were ten thousand [Fiends] and [Changelings] apanying them, with thousands of Archdemons flying overhead.
This mass of Demons was but a small fraction of the Demon Kings army. Levithus knew that if the true might of Regnorexs forces marched into the Mortal Realm, there would be nothing any Human, Kobold, or Elf could do to stop the merger.
But there was oneponent missing. The grand ritual, as it was right now, was still iplete. Levithus shook his head, chuckling. He stared at an engraving on the ground at his tail. Symbols were etched into the white earth. A preparation for the Human army that hade.
The n might have been expedited, but this was always part of the n. And the Primeval Demon smiled as he knew that it was soon time for Regnorex to make his entrance to the Mortal Realm.
[Chthonic Agaros - Lvl. 165]
[Archarachne - Lvl 169]
[Archarachne - Lvl. 166]
[Hebomination - Lvl. 175]
Four Primeval Demons. There were four Primeval Demons here in Inor. Wild Demons. Creatures akin to monsters even more savage than Centinels. Each of them were at least a hundred feet tall. The [Archarachnes] were the smallest by far, only a hundred feet tall each, but the widest of them all with legs that spanned longer than its body.
The [Chthonic Agaros] was longer in body length, but didnt have the same wingspan as those giant spiders. It flew in the air with rtively small wings, about half the length of its own body, but somehow it managed to stay hovering there. It was quite literally ten times the size of a regr [Savage Agarat].
But thergest of them all by far was the [Hebomination]. It stood there, towering over the [Archarachnes] at its feet. Even when hunched, its head reached the height of the flying [Chthonic Agaros]. It had to be at least five hundred feet tall, with arms that stretched nearly the length of its body, and a pair of bone-like wings that spread out behind it like two long tails.
It almost seemed impossible for those wings to carry the wild Primeval Demon, but I knew from experience, with my [Wings of the Netherworld], that it was very easily possible.
The Human army slowed as they saw this sight. A susurration swept over them their apprehension evident. They had thought this would be an easy battle. That it would be no different from taking the sub-ritual sites. But they were wrong.
It was going to be the toughest battle yet.
yton Skyshredder himself ground to a halt as he took in the [Hebomination]. It was five whole levels above him if he really was Level 170 as he said. Helena Warshade, Laux Lionfist, and the rest of the Elite adventurers exchanged an uneasy nce. Everyone was uncertain.
Even Mori dius or, Belzu seemed caught off-guard by this. He clearly wasnt expecting to be faced with an army of wild Demons when he came here. I wondered what he thought was going to be waiting for us. Perhaps he had thought it would be an army of the Demon Kings forces.
And, sure, there were some [Legions] and [Fiends] gathered here. But it was an army that was hardly as formidable as those wild Demons gathered ahead. Also, it wasnt like there were any other Primeval Demons there except for Levithus I hoped.
But what was even worse was the fact that these wild Demons even the wild Primeval Demons seemed so obedient, standing patiently like guard-dogs over the grand ritual site. They were clearly being controlled by the Archdemons flying around the army of [Legions].
This was a problem.
The one big advantage we often had when taking over the sub-ritual sites was how disorganized the wild Demons being released out of the portal were. The [Archarachne] at Ertos had unleashed so many [Aranea] that had attacked the [Legions] from behind. And in Lunaris and Wilford, the wild Demons were indiscriminately attacking each other as they attacked us.
So this was going to be even more dangerous than the sub-ritual sites by a vast margin. I nced down at the Human army. I saw the way they hesitated. Their leaders were in conference, discussing whether they should return with arger and stronger force to deal with the Demons.
But the Demons didnt move. They remained stationary, simply waiting for us to attack. I narrowed my eyes for a moment, wondering what their n was. I closed my eyes and whispered.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods].
And my vision of everything expanded. Thanks to [Passive - True Divinity], I could now use my Divine Skills without forcing myself to draw from my Divine Essence. It wasnt like my Grand Skill which gave me a temporary boost to all my Stats, but I could use my divinity without any consequence.
Just like Mori dius. Although, he had [Partial Divinity] or something.
I saw everything with [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. My senses went beyond just what I could see before me. My hearing grew more discerning. I didnt just hear the mor and chatter of the Human army, I could make out the individual voices and conversations down below.
What do we do?
Were all going to die
How are we supposed to take down those Primeval Demons!
It wasnt just themon soldier or adventurer who was worried. I overheard yton Skyshredder briefly discussing turning back with Helena Warshade via a [Message] spell.
Daniel pursed his lips, and Edithe tightly held onto Hadrians hand. The Vampires Demon yers didnt look so keen on doing any ying today. I looked past them. Beyond just the gathering of Humans.
My gaze swept over the hordes of Demons, peering into the heart of the grand ritual itself. A massive figure waited right before the crimson pir. A long serpentine creature. Levithus himself.
I saw the Primeval Demon standing there, right before a vast inert ritual circle. He was sneering his gaze fixed onto the approaching Human army. I frowned, seeing the way he just peered at us. I didnt know what he was nning, but I saw the sigils beneath him. The symbols that clearly were waiting to be activated. He had something nned, and we couldnt just back down now.
My vision swept back past the wild Primeval Demons, over the army of [Legions, through the murmuring Humans, then back to me. I saw myself floating over the coalition of Humankind. Six wings at my back. [Angels Wings].
I was a Lesser God. Someone who had ascended before an audience of a hundred thousand. And my divinity had been witnessed all across the Inoria Empire when my clones took to the skies.
Even if I wasnt a [Hero], nor was I the Champion of the Human Lands, and neither was I the highest-leveled [Mage], I still saw the way the Human army looked at me. There was some reverence there. After all, most of them had heard my name at this point.
I was Salvos. They might have heard of me after Silvergrove, or they might have heard of me after the gunds. Maybe they heard of me after I left the Bloodied Gulf, or after I defeated Belzu in the Motharis Mountain Range. They might have even only heard of me when I ascended.
But they had heard of me. And I knew that many of them looked up to me literally and figuratively. Whatever Levithus was nning I couldnt let it happen. We couldnt just retreat when we had alreadye so far. There was no more waiting.
This war ended today.
And I was going to do everything I could to ensure that happened. Even if it meant being the first one to charge into battle. So I flew ahead
Beneath me, heads turned. Faces raised to watch as I shot forward, propelled by my six wings. yton Skyshredder narrowed his eyes as I zipped ahead of the army, uncaring that I was alone. He looked almost suspicious of what I was doing. And so did Helena Warshade.
I was pretty sure they thought I was switching sides now. But others were more taken by surprise. Mypanions, specifically, stared wide-eyed as I fellow ahead.
Salvos!
Daniel called out. Edithe nced around in a panic.
We need to help her
What is she doing?
Saffron furrowed her brows. But I soared on. The army of Demons saw me approaching. The Archdemons flying ahead moved to intercept me. [Fiends] down below began to hurl spells my way. The [Hebomination] moved. The [Archarachnes] shrieked. The [Chthonic Agaros] flew forward.
And as the barrage of magic flew at me, Iughed and raised a hand.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess]. [Salvo of Vanity]. And [The Call of Armageddon].
I grinned, unleashing a salvo of Skills in a single moment. And as my clones winked into existence around me, I shed with the army of Demons all by myselves, explosions filling the sky.
Chapter 501: The Battle Begins
Chapter 501: The Battle Begins
501. The Battle Begins
Zack had nearly shit his pants when he saw those Primeval Demons emerging from the grand ritual. He had seen monsters farrger than them, yes. There were Diamond Ranked threats that could span a hundred feet long some even hundreds of feet tall. But when he had seen them, he was only a Gold Ranked adventurer. So the same fear that gripped him when he saw those threats back then returned now.
After all, he had only just be a Diamond Ranked adventurer now. He had fought off those hordes of Demons in Lunaris, somehow killing multiple Demons around his level or above his level. Because of that he had advanced to Level 100 with Helen and Jakko his team had been ecstatic about what they had aplished. They almost felt like they were starting to catch up to Salvos.
And then they watched her ascension. They witnessed firsthand her apotheosis. It had been jaw-dropping mind-boggling. For a moment, Zack had thought what he saw was fake. Nothing but an illusion.
Then he remembered this was Salvos, and he epted it for what it was.
Ever since he first met her, she had always defied all expectations he had of her, then exceeded it twofold. Whether it was in the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon, or when he heard of what she had aplished in the gunds. Even like right now, she was flying straight for the army of Demons.
It was utterly insane. By her standards, it was insane. By any standards, it was downright suicidal pure lunacy that would have gotten anyone killed. But Salvos wasnt just anyone.
The army of Demons spotted her too. Hundreds of Archdemons and Greater Demons pointed at her, unleashing a volley of spells her way. Burning projectiles and freezing streaks of frost tore through the sky. The salvo exploded on the silver-haired girl, a brilliant st that filled the sky, and Helens eyes widened.
Salvos!
The [Archer] screamed. But Jaakko shook his head. The Cyclops raised a hand and pointed.
Look, shes still alive.
Both Helen and Zack blinked. They looked on as Salvos emerged from the st unscathed. She flew straight through the cloud of smoke, heading on with no fear. An iridescent aura of mes wisped around her, a savage grin stered across her face. She raised a hand, and a burning ck sphere coalesced in her hands.
How?
Zack asked, uprehending. She shouldnt have escaped those attacks without even a scratch how did she do that? But the [Mage] shook his head, knowing he shouldnt be asking this question anymore at this point. It was obvious she was Salvos. Someone who was truly special. Unique, even throughout history. A Lesser God. He stared at her with reverence for a moment, before Helens words snapped him out of his stupor.
They cant hurt her, but that doesnt mean we should be standing around here doing nothing.
Helen started forward, even as Salvos barged headfirst into another flurry of attacks. Zack stared at the [Archer], and Jaakko nodded.
We havee this far. There is no turning back now. Let us go, join her in battle.
W-wait
Zack protested. He nced around, gesturing at the frozen army, refusing to move.
Theres just three of us! We cant possibly possibly
His voice trailed off. Zack paused as he saw the coalition of the Three Honorable Companies moving. The sea of adventurers shifted. Not everyone started forward all at once as Helen and Jaakko did. But entire teams andpanies were rallying under Salvos charge.
Well that is something
Zack watched this. Then he heard a voice bellow in the distance. Laux Lionfist himself, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company, charged forward as he raised a fist.
Fosaken Company! To me! We will put an end to this war today!
And from there, it was nothing but a cascade of battle cries as the coalition army assembled to aid the silver-haired girl.
All throughout the Human army, figures moved. Their leaders gave some awe-inspiring speech either that, or they simply uttered a wary cry and followed after me. Helena Warshade took to the skies, sending explosive spells back towards the Archdemons taking the skies.
Daniel Song swung out with the Sword of Alexander. A [Heroic Champions sh] that cut through the sky, streaking straight for the lumbering [Hebomination]. The wild Primeval Demon reeled for a moment, and a salvo of projectiles arrows and spells came from the Human army a momentter, joining the attack of the highest-leveled creature on the battlefield.
Orgaf disappeared into the shadows, giving chase after me. yton Skyshredder flew up, pointing at the pair of [Archarachnes] as they opened their mouths, and a crimson energy coalesced between their mandibles as they aimed at the Human army.
[Dispel Magic].
In an instant, the crimson beams vanished. The two wild Primeval Demons nced at each other, clearly confused. More magicks and various kinds of projectiles struck out enough to make them recoil. It took a moment, but the entire coalition army had broken free from whatever fear or terror gripped them earlier. They were still disorganized, not fully recovered and ready just yet. But they were rallying after me. And that was what mattered.
I still soared ahead, not slowing, even as I heard Edithes voice calling for me toe back. I saw everything thanks to [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. I saw the way Mori dius moved with the Remembered Order Company, Scarlet the Red Rose at his side. I saw the way Kaitlin Darkhlem raised her de, and the Swordsguard Forces sallied forth. I saw all this, but I didnt pay too much attention beyond that.
Instead, I focused on what was ahead of me. Not the barrage of spells sting around me. None of that came close to harming me. After all, I was invulnerable in my current state. I had activated two Grand Skills and created six clones all at once. I was radiating Divine Essence, my Stats increased, able to match enemies far higher-leveled than me. My clones zipped down, splitting up as they drew the attention of the army of Demons and the horde of wild Demons below.
They were protected by an aura of invincibility as well, so they couldnt be hurt. They conjured weapons with [The Holy mes], unleashing a barrage of attacks back down into the earth. And as they did that, I raised the burning ck sphere to the sky.
I smiled as [The Call of Armageddon] took over. The dark ball of fire rose up into the glowing crimson sky. When it reached its nadir, hovering over where the clouds should be but werent, it expanded. It nked over the dome overhead, creating the artificial sense of an overcast day, before raining down streaks of ck fire.
These dark mes crashed down likeets, targeting the Demons surrounding Inor. They never once even fell close to the charging Human army. And that was because I had directed my Skill towards the Demons. Perhaps if a Human drew too close to another Demon, the ck mes would wipe them both out.
But [The Call of Armageddon] wouldntst that long. It was only a distraction.
I watched as the dark hails of fire rained down on the [Hebomination], along with a barrage of spells from Human army. I eyed it as it screeched, trying to shake off all the attacks it was bombarded with. It was the highest-leveled creature here. Everyone was trying to take it down. And so was I.
I zipped down, producing my Divine Nebr Scythe, ready to unleash a flurry of strikes at it. But a blurring figure intercepted me. A giant maw nearly caught me out of the air, snapping at where I was as I deftly swooped out of the way.
The [Chthonic Agaros] hovered where Id been flying. It had closed its jaws on where I had been to tear me apart. I stared at it with a frown, and its figure blurred again. It was fast. This was some sort of Skill, but it was next to me a momentter. It swung down with a w, scraping at my iridescent aura of invincibility.
It knocked me back as I growled.
Get out of my way!
I screamed, sting it with [The Holy mes]. The fire burned a translucent gray its form flickering and fading out of existence as it shot out in a cone. It was almost like the fire itself was corrupted. But it was also different.
The mes rocked the giant Primeval Demon of a [Savage Agarat] back, and I gritted my teeth. I was going to have to deal with it first. I readied a [Divine Radiant sh] as the [Chthonic Agaros] hissed at me, but a shadow shot up.
A figure flew straight at it, shooting up from the earth like a reverseet. Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales crashed into the underbelly of the beast. He dug deep into the wild Primeval Demon with his daggers and nodded at me.
Go, Salvos!
He yelled as he created a dozen shadow clones, attacking the [Chthonic Agaros] from all sides. I stared for a moment, then I grinned.
Thanks, Orgaf!
I swooped past him, charging for the [Hebomination]. It red its wings out, its burning eyes angrily facing the Human army. Its four arms were raised, blocking the volley of magical attacks as it took a step forward. And I descended before it with a burning scythe.
[Divine Radiant sh].
I swung down as my de wisped with a ck fire at first, but radiated a glow of all the colors in a rainbow. Then the glow was ovee by a red aura not a fiery aura, but one that was an essence of pure power.
And [Draconic Fury]!
It was abination of both Skills. [Draconic Fury] was a very vtile ability that could enhance an attack, or be a powerful force on its own. But with [Divine Radiant sh], it became something more.
The [Hebonination] screeched, knocked back into the earth as my Divine Nebr Scythe seared into its bone-like flesh. There was a moment where it simply recoiled on the ground in pain, and my weapon dug further into its skin, drawing its ck blood. Then the ground ripped open a secondter as the wild Primeval Demon convulsed. It was as if the earth had been shredded by a Dragons w.
I flew back, baring my teeth at the [Hebomination] as it bled from multiple scratch marks across its body. ck mes continued crashing into it from above, keeping it prone. Finally, I pointed at the hulking Demon where ity.
[Sacred Hellfire].
And a golden me erupted out, eating away at the wild Primeval Demons flesh. It writhed there, screaming a horrible shriek. I nearly recoiled from the ring sound mostly because of [Manifestation of the Old Gods] enhancing all my senses. But like how I had learned to tune out my sight when I didnt need it, I could tune out sound too.
I shook my head and called my clones. Three of them broke off from darting around the [Archarachnes] and sweeping over the hordes of wild Demon to join my side. I nodded at them as they zipped straight down, their mes wisping wildly, ready to detonate.
The [Hebomination] thrashed on the ground, trying to snuff out the golden mes eating away at its skin. But the fire only grew each time it was put out. I grinned as my clones drew closer, then suddenly all of us paused.
The smile slipped off my face. For whatever reason, something felt amiss. My spine tingled, and my skin crawled with the prickling feeling of crawling ants. A pit opened in my stomach as my clones hesitated. At first, I thought this was [Intimidation] or some other simr effect.
Then I realized it was something else. I realized it was [Angelic Premonition], ring a terrible warning in my head.
My clones immediately tried to fly back, but they were too slow. The [Hebomination] suddenly stopped writhing in pain, and the golden mes washed over its body, peeling off like it was shedding skin.
What?
The wild Primeval Demon was ovee with a blue glow as it jolted up, swinging fast at my clones. My eyes grew wide as it unleashed fast almost instantaneous attacks that knocked all three of my clones out of the sky. I tried to parse what just happened, but it was behind me in an instant.
It screeched as it pped its hands around me, and I braced myself. There was a sh. A pulse of energy my wisping iridescent aura flickered. The crushing blow was barely repelled by the aura of invulnerability around me. I gritted my teeth and swung forward with my Divine Nebr Scythe at its wed hands.
[Barrage of Cinders]!
But before the mes could even coalesce, the [Hebomination] moved. It darted around me, easily dodging the flurry of blows. Even though it was a hulking beast thergest creature by far it moved so nimbly. I narrowed my eyes and pointed.
Burn!
A plume of rainbow-colored mes shot out, but the wild Primeval Demon easily circled around me. It evaded everything I could throw at it even projectiles that seemed to be on target. Not even the raining ck mes could strike it. The [Hebomination] was always just out of reach from my attack.
I frowned as a clone picked herself up and shot into the air, charging straight for it.
If youre not going to stand still
My mes dissipated. I lowered my hand. I watched as the [Hebomination] came to a halt before me, still beating its bone-like wings at its back.
Then I will make you stand still!
[Intimidation] echoed out with my voice. It was concentrated solely on the wild Primeval Demon. It froze as I flew back, nodding at my clone.
Take it out!
She smirked, clutching at her chest. Her body deformed right as she was about to reach the unmoving [Hebomination]. But the blue aura around the wild Primeval Demon flickered.
And it moved.
Even while it was still frozen in shock from my [Intimidation]. Even when my clone was right about to grab it and explode herself while activating [Divine Demons Mark]. The [Hebomination] was taken by its fiery blue aura, deftly being swooped out of the way.
I blinked, and my clone stared as the wild Primeval Demonnded on the ground, finally regaining movement of its body. A gold and silver light glinted before me as the realization finally settled in.
Huh. So is that the [Hebomination]s Grand S
I started, and my clone exploded right next to me.
Chapter 502: Recklessness
Chapter 502: Recklessness
502. Recklessness
My clones explosion ripped through the sky as the falling ck mes began to dissipate.
The gold and silver mes overwhelmed me, knocking back. I tried to teleport away in time, but I was a fraction of a second too slow. The spell wasnt cast in time. I felt the divine mes of my own clone tear through even my aura of invulnerability my own essence overwhelmed, just for a moment. A small cut formed on my cheek before [Greater Teleportation] took over.
I appeared a thousand feet back, panting and taking a look at myself. Thanks to [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends], I hadnt taken any damage other than when a little bit of my clones own Divine Essence seeped through my aura of protection and left a small cut on my face. Otherwise, I waspletely unhurt.
But enough time had passed that [The Call of Armageddon] had finallye to an end. The ck sphere hovering above the city of Inor faded away, and thest of the fieryets crashed into the army of [Legions]. I ignored the deluge of notifications I got, instead clicking my tongue.
It was just annoying. That was my best chance to have dealt significant damage to army of Demons, and the time had finally passed. I had used all my greatest Skills right off the bat, but it wasnt enough not even to kill a single Primeval Demon.
I nced back, staring at the [Hebomination] as it picked itself up from the ground. It was wreathed in a wisping blue aura. It wasnt like a fiery figure oveying its body, unlike my own aura. Rather, it was more akin to a glow. A blue tint that enhanced the wild Primeval Demons speed tenfold.
No it did more than just increase its speed. It was a Grand Skill. It made the [Hebomination] impossible to hit. It was like the blue glow was moving the wild Primeval Demon out of the way just in time whenever an attack came close to connecting.
It was the reason why Elites didnt simply charge into battle, activating their Grand Skills right away. Perhaps this was a minor mistake I made, considering that one of my Grand Skills wasing to an end now too. I saw the flicker of my iridescent aura. I knew this wasnt going tost much longer. I narrowed my eyes, then turned to watch as the wild Primeval Demon raised its head to face me.
I saw a glint approaching it from behind. A pair of my clones rushed its way, scythe raised at the unknowing [Hebomination]. They swung down as they moved to nk it, but the wild Primeval Demon beat its wings once. It flew over them and rapidly ascended to the sky. It zipped up, swerving around my clones and reached me in mere moments.
My eyes grew wide, and I braced myself. It raised its four arms, unleashing a flurry of ming attacks my way. It wasnt just a single strike it was eight at once. I crashed into the earth as my ming aura crackled. Again, I was mostly left unaffected beyond being knocked back.
But the wild Primeval Demon wasnt done. It flew straight down after me, continuing its attacks. My eyes grew wide as I realized what this Skill was.
This is [Barrage of Cinders]?
I blinked, then the [Hebomination] moved. It dodged out of the way as my clones tried to attack it from behind. The wild Primeval Demon swerved back to the sky, and they sent a volley of projectiles at it. But it moved so nimbly. It was so agile, despite its size. It was five hundred feet tall when hunched!
But it was far faster than anything I could possiblyprehend. I picked myself up from the crater and gritted my teeth. I watched as three of my clones gave chase to the wild Primeval Demon. Their gold and silver forms left ming trails in the sky.
The [Hebomination] deftly evaded their attacks. Whether it was a direct sh or a st of mes or a salvo of fiery weapons. Nothing could hit it. Raising a hand, I created a Divine Nebr Bow and produced my Giant Killer Arrow. I nocked the Epic Grade artifact, waiting as one of my clones passed behind the wild Primeval Demon.
Then I loosed the Giant Killer Arrow. The [Hebomination]s form flickered. Right as the Giant Killer Arrow was about to reach it, it moved out of the way. And the arrow vanished at the very same time. I smirked, watching as the Giant Killer Arrow appeared in my clones own ming bow as she flew right next to the wild Primeval Demon. And she fired the arrow its way too.
But the [Hebomination] saw iting. The blue aura shifted once again, only for the Giant Killer Arrow to disappear back into another of my clones bows. The wild Primeval Demon spun around, confused. It watched as my clones fired the Giant Killer Arrow again and again, only for the attack toe to a halt at the veryst second.
There was nothing that could be done. The [Hebomination]s form blurred. It was reacting to the onught of feigned attacks, unable to counter attack in time Its Grand Skill couldnt discern what was going to be an actual attack and what was a fake out. That was simply because they were all real I simply reacted when it reacted, so it was forced to blur in ce.
And I took that opportunity to strike. I swooped up, flying straight for the wild Primeval Demon. I tried to intercept it as it dodged out of the way of the disappearing Giant Killer Arrow. I swung out with a [Barrage of Cinders] as one of my clones flew close. But the [Hebomination] easily circled around me. I grinned, expecting that.
How about this [The Devils Grace]!
The wild Primeval Demon paused. The world around us continued moving my three clones chuckled and brought their hands up to their chests as their bodies deformed. And that was when the [Hebomination] began to move back to where it had once been.
I couldnt move either. My body was locked in ce, but it didnt matter. I knew that as time was being reversed, the wild Primeval Demon and I were pretty much immovable and invincible. But the moment the [Hebomination] locked back into where it had once been hovering and I regained control of my fingers
Boom.
I whispered as my clones exploded. All at once, the brilliant gold and silver sts engulfed us. All three explosions resounded at once, a split-second before even [The Devils Grace] came to an end.
I was caught in my own st. My clones erupted into giant crosses with a vertical golden beam and silver horizontal beam. Their fury burned straight through my Grand Skill. The iridescent mes around me crackled as I flew out, clutching at my right shoulder.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] barely held out long enough for me to escape. I was lightly burned on my right arm, but otherwise survived just fine. The aura of invulnerability faded away as I sighed in relief. I nced back to where the [Hebomination] had been with pursed lips.
Its still alive
And from the explosion, a looming figure emerged. The wild Primeval Demon let out a terrible shriek, still covered in the blue glow. It was burning it was significantly hurt by the explosion. But it was still alive. And it swung down at me with immense speed as thest sparks of my Grand Skill ked away.
I braced myself, only for a st of iridescent mes to intercept the wild Primeval Demon. The [Hebomination] hurriedly backed away, flying high in the sky as it stared at the approaching figure. I blinked and looked up.
C-yton?
I stared at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy as he zipped my way, still standing on his nimbus cloud. He had his crimson sword raised, aiming at the wild Primeval Demon.
[Summon Conjured Essence: Storm of Sparrows].
What?
My eyes widened as suddenly a swarm of chittering birds shot out from his de. Each had an otherworldly glow a thousand translucent figures. They charged at the wild Primeval Demon as yton swooped over next to me, raising a hand.
You were too reckless.
His eyes flickered towards the [Hebomination], momentarily distracted as it moved to avoid the swarming attack. It wasnt akin to a Spirit summoning yton had sent what was a spell that created nearly life-like creatures that targeted only the wild Primeval Demon.
I opened my mouth to protest as he raised a hand.
I
I started, but he spoke over me as the world around us twisted.
Greater Teleportation.
It wasnt a Skill. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy cast the spell, without using the power of a Skill. I blinked, and momentster, we were back at the front of the charging army of Humans. I sat atop his cloud as I nced around. Beneath me, the Human army had slowed. In fact, I was pretty sure they had ground to a halt.
I narrowed my eyes, then watched as a second nimbus cloud flew our way. Helena Warshade herself stood there, with Orgaf in tow. He was cursing at her I could hear his protesting voice as he asked to be let back to finish off the [Chthonic Agaros].
Fuck you I almost had it!
Thats enough, Orgaf.
yton Skyshredder shook his head. He eyed the wild Primeval Demons in the distance the gathering of Demons around Inor. He stroked his beard as he spoke in a lecturing voice.
Perhaps you should not have been so hasty to drop out of Mavos Academy, Salvos. There is still much for you to learn. Even as a Lesser God, you cannot do everything alone.
I wasnt alone I was with my clones and Orgaf!
I scowled and nced over at the [Hebomination]. It screeched, opening its mouth, and a plume of blue mes exploded out, destroying the flock of ethereal magical birds. yton sighed.
While I admire your bravery, and I understand your actions were done so to boost morale, I believe you should have waited longer before charging into battle and using both of your Grand Skills at once.
Um, why not?
I stared at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy as he held my gaze. Shaking his head, he turned to face the [Hebomination] in the distance.
Your actions were premature. We were simply restrategizing we wish to end this battle as soon as possible, just as you do. But we werent simply going to charge straight into what could very well be a trap. Now we have assessed enough. Now we know it is time to fight.
I still didnt get it. I just looked at yton Skyshredder, entirely perplexed. But then I heard the chanting in the distance. My gaze flickered over to Helena Warshade who was whispering softly to herself. The army of Demons drew forward, unleashing their magic back at us from a distance.
But [Mages] cast their spells and put up their barriers. We weathered the attack as the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy continued to quickly speak to herself. Orgaf had stopped protesting, listening to Helenas chanting.
[The Calm has Come and Gone. The Storm has Simmered for so Long. Now it is Time for you to Weather the Pinnacle of Magic]...
And dark clouds shrouded over the wild Primeval Demons. A storm swirled around the entire city. yton Skyshredder continued, even I looked on in awe at the gathering of mana around Helena.
This is a war, Salvos. Maybe one day you will ascend to the likes of the Immortal King Alexander. But as of right now, we shall fight together.
There was a sh. A powerful st erupted as I covered my eyes. The entire world shook the earth rumbled as an explosion of a million lightning bolts ripped across all of Inor. Helena Washade spoke softly as she finished, lowering her head.
[Mana Tempest].
And I watched on as the capital city of the Inoria Empire was engulfed in a single giant lightning st.
Huh.
Chapter 503: Grand Skill Battle
Chapter 503: Grand Skill Battle
503. Grand Skill Battle
Levithus paused as he saw the storm clouds gathering overhead. Looking up, the Primeval Demon saw a swirling neb of darkness one that shaded the crimson sky with magic and power. His scales shifted. He felt a light pattering falling against him. Like invisible raindrops.
He narrowed his eyes as he stared down at himself.
This is mana?
He was being showered in mana that fell from above. The Primeval Demon nodded slowly, watching as a dark mist shrouded over him. The entire city of Inor the vast Capital City of the Inoria Empire itself was nketed by this darkness. He chuckled.
I see now. But it is merely a foolish attempt.
Levithus'' body flickered as he turned around. A crimson light formed around him like a dome, before gradually expanding outwards. He closed his eyes as the first lightning bolt formed in this Grand Skill, and he chuckled.
Pathetic.
All at once, a million lightning bolts thundered out.
This is Helena Warshades infamous Grand Skill
Edithe Dawnrise whispered, watching the st of lightning strike out. This was a glorious sight. The redhead had heard about the terrible Grand Skill of the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy. It was infamous for its overwhelming power. It had a reputation one that was well-known all throughout the Humannds.
It was an attack that could decimate an entire city. It was why Helena Warshade was more feared than yton Skyshredder, even if he was the highest-leveled [Mage] of Humankind. The st continued to crackle out, emanating sheer power.
It wasnt a single massive lightning bolt, of course. It was millions at once, crackling in the distance, filling the storm clouds with their light. Edithe heard the chittering. She saw the lightning converging, taking on a single shape. It created what seemed like a monolithic streak of lightning that exploded. The entire storm was sted with this bright light.
Hadrian flinched, and Edithe covered her eyes. The entire Human army gaped as the sh of light filled the battlefield. It shone brighter than the sun a few flying [Mages] erected barriers just to shield the army from this blinding sheen.
A-amazing
So this is the power of the Great Tempest Archmage
Thats our leader!
A few proud voices joined the awed gasps. Adventurers from the Rising Veterans Company. Their gazended on Helena Warshade as she stood atop her nimbus cloud, cloak beating with the whipping winds.
The earth rumbled. A powerful earthquake broke out a few moments after the explosion. Like there was dy between the bright light and the tremor that followed. The redhead pursed her lips as she nced over at the rest of herpany.
Celine looked up, and Sophia tried to peer through the smoke. Cless raised a spyss as Hadrians eyes grew wide.
The ck cloud slowly faded away, revealing shadows at the other side. What was left of the city of Inor had beenid to waste. But the crimson pir that rose to the sky remained. The grand ritual was unaffected by the st of course it was. That wasnt what shocked Hadrian.
Rather, it was the mass of figures that was left behind that made the leader of the Valiant Dreamers stare in horror. The entirendscape had been ravaged. Tens of thousands of Demons had been killed in that st. But half of the army of [Legions] had survived the st, and so did a third of the horde of wild Demons.
Hadrian saw this and dropped to his knees.
It wasnt enough.
A susurration swept through the Human army. They exchanged worried nces as four more lumbering figures emerged from the explosion. The wild Primeval Demons had survived. All of them had escaped from Helenas Grand Skill unscathed.
A single crimson barrier had protected them. A dome that expanded, shielding half the army of Demons as well as the wild Demons. The number of Archdemons had been reduced to a few thousand, but they survived, grinning and smirking amongst each other. An [Archarachne] stood at the front as its eight glowing eyes peered into the Human army.
The barrier the translucent crimson dome began to dissipate. Edithes eyes flickered. She recognized it from the battle of Ertos. A Grand Skill. One that created a domain that was nigh imprable.
The redhead was certain that it couldve been pierced by a Grand Skill of equal or greater power, but Helena Warshades own Grand Skill failed to break through. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the st of lightning had been spread out over a great distance. If it had been concentrated against the dome, it would have shattered the [Archarachne]s barrier.
ncing back, Edithe saw the rest of the Valiant Dreamers staring at this sight in terror. They thought that it all had been for naught. She could hear from their frightened whispers that they didnt know how they were going to defeat their enemy.
But the redhead shook her head and faced her leader.
No it was just enough.
Hadrian blinked. He furrowed his brows.
What do you mean, Edithe?
Her gaze drifted towards the burnt and crisp bodies of the dead Demons the ones that had been caught in the st. Thousands of Archdemons had been amongst them. And each one of them had their purpose. But they were caught outside of the barrier and killed.
Which only meant one thing.
Watch.
Edithe spoke simply, pointing towards the foremost [Archarachne]. It emerged from its fallen barrier as Hadrian blinked. He stared, following her as it turned to face the Human army. The leader of the Valiant Dreamers opened his mouth.
I dont
And a scything arm struck the [Archarachne] from behind. The wild Primeval Demon shrieked in pain as it turned to face the second [Archarachne]. Hadrian blinked.
What? Why are they
The second [Archarachne] let out a screech as it swung out in all directions with its scything ws. It tore through the horde of wild Demons beneath it as an army of [Aranea] poured from its back.
Why are they turning against each other?
Hadrian asked as the first [Archarchne] backed away from the raging wild Primeval Demon. But it was the [Chthonic Agaros] to go on a rampage next. It opened its mouth and swooped down, chomping for the [Hebomination]. It missed, only to be countered from the side by a ming barrage.
The wild Primeval Demons began to fight amongst each other. And tens of thousands of wild Demons broke out, attacking the army of [Legions]. Edithes eyes flickered to Helena Warshade as she spoke.
This was their n the whole time.
The redhead shook her head.
Maybe Archmage Warshade couldnt wipe out this army all on her own of course not, shes only a single Elite. But she can turn them against each other.
Thats
Hadrian trailed off. She stared at the army of Demons as their formation broke out into chaos. They fought against each other a chaotic mess. yton Skyshredder flew forward as he raised his crimson sword.
Now onward!
The Headmaster of Mavos Academys voice bellowed out. The army of Humans looked on at the infighting Demons, emboldened. And they roared a battle cry that shook the entirendscape as they charged forward.
Edithe nodded at Hadrian. The pair locked arms as they followed, heading into battle against the army of Demons.
Huh.
I sat atop ytons cloud, watching this scene y out. The wild Primeval Demons were locked in a brawl two on two. Well, it was more like two versus one versus one. But still, they were fighting amongst each other. And it was all because Helena had killed half of their handlers.
I shouldve thought of that.
You should have. But it is no matter. Other than your first Grand Skill, your other Skills will recover in time. You will be able to rejoin the battle in full capacity soon enough.
yton spoke, shaking his head. I got to my feet and stretched my arms. Beneath us, the Human army rallied, unleashing their magic into the distance. A few Archdemons and [Legions]unched their own salvo back at us, but it was iparable now that their numbers had dwindled to less than half of what was before.
I flexed an arm as an iridescent aura wisped off me.
I can help now! Cmon, yton! Look at all my Divine Essence! Im ready to fight!
Perhaps you feel ready. But do you believe you are prepared for that?
He asked, and I blinked. I looked where he was pointing with a frown. The [Hebomination] let out a thundering roar as it grabbed the [Chthonic Agaros] out of the sky. The [Chthonic Agaros] struggled, its tendrils shooting down at the other wild Primeval Demon, but its attacks missed. And the [Hebomination] tossed it our way.
My eyes grew wide as I saw the [Chthonic Agaros] soaring through the sky. The giant winged creature sailed through the air towards the Human army. yton Skyshredder pursed his lips and steered his nimbus cloud out of the way of its massive body.
A thousand soldiers moved to get out of the way, some creating barriers, only to be crushed as the wild Primeval Demon crashed into them. I blinked and raised my Divine Nebr Scythe.
We have to
I started, but the Headmaster of Mavos Academy had his gaze fixed to the front.
Eyes ahead. Long-Ranged Group Teleportation.
He spoke quickly as I nced ahead. And right as the space around us shifted, my eyes grew wide. I saw the [Hebomination] swinging down at us with all four of its arms. Then everything vanished. yton and I reappeared a thousand feet in the sky, staring down at the wild Primeval Demons back.
Its attack had crashed down into the group of adventurers, sending their limp and lifeless bodies into the sky like broken ragdolls. The [Hebomination] opened its mouth, unleashing a plume of blue fire all around it.
There were screams and shouts. Magic sted back its way, but it took to the sky, its Grand Skill still active. I stared as it ravaged the Human army, destroying barriers and breaking through the formations.
Huh.
yton Skyshredder pursed his lips.
If you wish to engage, Salvos, assist me in drawing the [Hebomination] away from the army.
I turned to him and nodded.
Right.
My wings spread wide behind me as I leapt off the cloud. Nodding, I raised an iridescent bow and aimed at the [Hebomination].
Lets do this.
Orgaf watched as both Salvos and yton Skyshredder flew after the [Hebomination]. They unleashed powerful spells its way, drawing its attention. It turned and shrieked at them as their battle took to the skies.
The Thief of the Golden Scales wanted to join in, but couldnt. He wasnt capable of flight, and his greatest advantage his speed was rendered null. Instead, he turned to another wild Primeval Demon rampaging throughout the Human army.
The [Chthonic Agaros] whipped out with hundreds of tendrils, grabbing soldiers and adventurers alike and crushing them in its grip. It let out a screech as spells sted off its scale-like skin. And it spun around, clearing arge berth around it with its tendrils.
He eyed it he saw the damage he had already inflicted into its being. Even after that brief scuffle with the [Hebomination] and Orgaf, the [Chthonic Agaros] was still ready to take on the entire Human army. It was struck by a ze of fireballs, only to open its mouth and eat the spells.
Orgaf shook his head and stepped forward.
Time for round two, then?
He smirked, before disappearing into the shadows.
Chapter 504: Grand Battle
Chapter 504: Grand Battle
504. Grand Battle
Scarlets eyes grew wide as she watched the [Chthonic Agaros] rip its way through the United Coalition army. She cursed, seeing its tendrils shoot down and rip through barriers and pierce hundreds of soldiers at once. The Red Rose gritted her teeth and moved forward.
Ive got to stop it
She sprinted ahead, producing her daggers as she watched the wild Primeval Demon continued shredding through hundreds at once. She was about to leap through the air when a figure moved ahead of her.
The Elite Ranked [Rogue] paused, staring as a familiar man strode forward with his ornate spear. Mori dius or, rather, the fake Mori dius walked ahead of the Red Rose, much to her surprise. Scarlet watched as he raised his spear, whispering under his breath.
What is he doing? She was suspicious for a moment, worried about what he might do. But then her eyes grew wide as a sh rippled throughout the nearby soldiers. The [Chthonic Agaros] struck down with a dozen tendrils, targeting a group of soldiers, but a bright light repelled its attacks.
Scarlet blinked. The soldiers nced down at themselves with wide eyes, and Mori dius walked past them.
I suggest you run.
He spoke simply, raising his spear. The [Chthonic Agaros] let out a screech as he stared it down. It swooped down his way, but he threw his weapon. The Bloodforged Lance streaked up through the air and struck the wild Primeval Demons underbelly.
It recoiled as its entire body shed with an iridescent glow. Scarlet looked on, seeing her leader hold back the [Chthonic Agaros] as the closest soldiers and adventurers fled. The wild Primeval Demon let out a shriek, only to be bombarded by spells from afar.
For a moment, the Red Rose forgot this was a faker. She ran to her leaders side and nodded at him as the wild Primeval Demon flitted into the air.
What shall we do, Mori?
She asked, ready to heed his every word. But as the [Chthonic Agaros] let out its shrill screech, hundreds of [Savage Agarats] gathered overhead. The Archdemons circled around their Primeval evolution, protecting it from the onught of spells and projectiles flying its way.
The Champion of the Human Lands raised his head. And turned around.
Let us leave it to the other Elites.
Scarlet paused.
What?
She stared at him as he started away from the [Chthonic Agaros]. Then she heard a shout. Scarlet looked up just in time to see a man charging forward with a giant hammer. He leapt into the air, swinging down at the wild Primeval Demon as his weapon shed.
The [Chthonic Agaros] recoiled, sent crashing into the earth. Scarlet blinked. A voice called out.
Thats Hekhi the cksmith Warrior of Soros! Hes one of the Eastern Kingdoms Alliances Elites!
The Red Rose watched as he continued hammering away at the wild Primeval Demons chest. It struck back with an onught of tendrils, and he reeled. But just before its attack could reach him, a figure appeared from his shadows.
Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales sliced apart the protruding tendrils, spinning around with his two daggers raised. He unleashed a flurry of shadows strikes, and Scarlet gritted her teeth.
Nows our chance to take that Primeval Demon down now!
She turned to the fake Mori dius. But he just faced the crimson pir in the distance. The grand ritual itself. He strode forward, shaking his head.
They will deal with it. Let us focus on putting a halt to what matters.
Scarlet just stared at him as he quickly abandoned the [Chthonic Agaros], his attention past even the fighting [Archarachnes] ahead. He raised his spear as tens of thousands of adventurers rallied to him.
Remembered Order Company! To me!
Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer lowered his bow, looking away from the speeding [Hebomination]. He nodded and bounded after his leader. The massive army of adventurers swarmed past the [Chthonic Agaros], heading straight for the army of Demons ahead. Those at the front glimmered with a golden aura, empowered as their footsteps moved faster and faster. A leadership Skill, of sorts. Probably one of Moris Title Skills.
They charged into battle. And they did it all because they followed one man Mori dius. Even though he was a faker. Even though he wasnt really the Champion of the Human Lands.
Scarlet clicked her tongue, watching this scene y out. She nced back to see Orgaf, Hekhi, and a soldiers from the Helbir League and Eastern Kingdoms engage inbat with the [Chthonic Agaros]. She looked past that to see Salvos and yton Skyshredder battling the [Hebomination] in the sky.
Finally, the Red Rose shook her head. She was the only one who could keep an eye on Mori. She was the only one who knew he was a fake. So she couldnt keep her eyes off him. Scarlet made her decision, following after him into battle.
Orgaf tore his way through the swarm of tendrils that shot up towards him. Heughed, spinning around as he sliced apart the mass of protrusions. The [Chthonic Agaros] couldnt do anything to harm him. It struggled, trying to fly up, only for Hekhi to hammer it back down.
The swarm of [Savage Agarats] zipped around the wild Primeval Demon, but they were kept at bay by the army of Humans surrounding them. They swooped down, crushing entire squads of soldiers. But a hail of shadow projectiles sted them back. A ck of me and ice kept the flock in the air, reeling.
Alice the Shadow Consort, Edithe Dawnrise, and the Valiant Dreamers Company surrounded the [Chthonic Agaros]. They loosed spells and arrows at the [Savage Agarats] that heeded the wild Primeval Demons call, keeping them back.
Orgaf grinned, realizing the [Chthonic Agaros] was pinned. He sliced through another set of tendrils before vanishing into the shadows. He zipped around the forest of appendages, moving in a nigh untouchable form, before appearing by its massive maw. He swiped up with his two daggers as he whispered.
[Killing Blow].
The wild Primeval Demon shrieked as his tiny daggers dug through its neck. It bled a ck blood, flying back as a giant cut appeared in its flesh. He wouldve followed up with another strike with a [Dark Backstab] or the like, but it swatted him down with its wings.
The Thief of the Golden Scales caught himself as hended lightly on his feet. He clutched at his shoulder. It was bleeding and bruised. But he took a quick swig from a healing potion as Hekhi continued pounding away at the wild Primeval Demon.
If that bastard steals my
Orgaf started. But suddenly the [Chthonic Agaros] violently convulsed. It threw Hekhi off itself as its tendrils shot out in all directions. The Thief of the Golden Scales watched as the wild Primeval Demons body rippled. It was like its midsection was opening up, spilling out its innards. ck blood poured forth, but instead of organs, more tendrils exploded in a deluge.
Hekhi crashed into the ground, raising his hammer as the falling tendrils threatened to crush him. The nearby adventurers tried to burn or slice through the outpouring of tendrils, but it was endless. It wasnt that the [Chthonic Agaros] was regenerating. It just kept producing more and more tendrils that moved like a wall of flesh.
The Thief of the Golden Scales frowned, seeing this growing mass threaten to consume everything around it.
This is a Grand Skill?
It had to be. The wild Primeval Demon was growing by the second, and it didnt seem to be stopping. If left unchecked, it wouldve only continued to grow like some kind of twisted tumor.
Valiant Dreamers retreat!
Orgaf heard Hadrian bellowing in the distance. He saw Edithe raising her staff and conjuring a white aura.
[Vindication of They]!
The essence of the death adventurers and soldiers coalesced into what seemed like an ethereal giant winged bird. It shot out at the [Chthonic Agaros], exploding all at once. A powerful st. A respectable Skill, considering her level.
But Orgaf knew it wasnt nearly enough. After all, she was up against a Grand Skill. And he watched right as the explosion was overwhelmed by the growing Primeval Demon. Its scale-like skin continued to unfurl, turning into this mass of empurple appendages.
It had to be stopped. Edithe and the rest of the Valiant Dreamers fled as the Thief of the Golden Scales stepped forward. He watched as Hekhi was battered, overwhelmed by the wild Primeval Demons Grand Skills.
Orgaf shook his head and raised a dagger. There was only one way to slow down this proliferating monster. And that was to tear through it faster than it could grow.
So the Thief of the Golden Scales stepped forward.
A Grand Skill to defeat a Grand Skill.
He whispered, raising his dagger. And shadows moved around him. They shifted spinning around him like a cyclone of des. Orgaf spoke as he charged forward.
[The World Shall Bleed By My de].
And he dove straight into the proliferating mass of tendrils. The [Chthonic Agaros] reeled, letting out a terrible shriek as the Elite Ranked [Rogue] tore through its flesh. Heughed maniacally as he pressed on, uncaring about the growing Primeval Demon.
It reeled and screamed and tried to keep him back. But the world around him was nothing but moving shadows. He shed around him at such incredibly fast speeds, his de became a mere blur. Only the shadows that trailed behind the swings were left.
Orgaf shot forward with a cackle. He didnt back down. And he couldnt be touched by the [Chthonic Agaros]. Even as it called for its [Savage Agarat] minions to guard it. Even as its sea of appendages swarmed his way. Anything that came close to the Thief of the Golden Scales was shredded into bits and pieces.
He charged straight for the Primeval Demons maw. It opened its mouth, and even more tendrils shot out from its insides. But Orgaf leapt into the air. He tore his way straight into its open mandibles.
The [Chthonic Agaros] screeched as he ripped apart the appendages protruding from its mouth. He crashed into its inside, tearing everything he came into contact with into pieces. A storm of neverending des that sliced apart this neverending deluge of tendrils.
He continued running through it, spilling its ck blood everywhere, until eventually he shot out from the other side, through the [Chthonic Agaros]s tail.
It wheezed behind him. The tsunami of tendrils rapidly receding as the Primeval Demon fell from the sky. Orgaf nced back, seeing its lifeless body fall to the ground as the gathering of [Savage Agarats] regained their senses.
A flurry of notifications echoed in Orgafs head. The sound of victory and of level-ups.
He grinned as his Grand Skill came to an end, and hended atop the corpse of the wild [Chthonic Agaros].
I nced back, seeing the first of the wild Primeval Demon falling dead. Orgaf had dove straight through the [Chthonic Agaros], shredding it from the inside out. He exploded from the other side, and it copsed. I nodded approvingly before turning my focus back to the enemy before me.
The [Hebomination]. It floated high above the clouds, an ethereal blue glow wreathed around its body. yton Skyshredder flew next to me, his sword raised as he eyed the wild Primeval Demon.
No matter what either of us did, we couldnt touch it. But still, we had to take it down. I whispered as I twirled my Divine Nebr Scythe behind me, counting the wild Primeval Demons left on the field.
One down. Three to go.
One down. Three to go.
Levithus spoke as he saw the [Chthonic Agaros] copse lifeless. He saw the defense of Inor failing the Humans tearing through the army of Demons. Mori dius led the charge through the hordes of wild Demons as the [Archarachnes] continued their bout with each other.
And Levithus just smiled.
Good.
Chapter 505: Terrarium
Chapter 505: Terrarium
505. Terrarium
Take this [Barrage of Cinders]!
I yelled as I swiped up at the [Hebomination]. I unleashed an onught of fiery attacks. My Divine Nebr Scythe blurred, and the wild Primeval Demon moved. I pressed on, giving chase as I activated [Haste]. But no matter what, I couldntnd a hit on my target.
The [Hebomination] was too fast. It soared through the sky, zipping up, then swerving down with sudden movements as I failed to catch it. Gritting my teeth, I pointed at the wild Primeval Demon, sending a volley of ming projectiles its way. It just evaded each attack with ease.
You
I red down at the wild Primeval Demon as it turned to face me. It opened its mouth, and I saw blue mes coalescing in between its teeth. My eyes grew wide, but right before its fiery st came, an iridescent beam shot out at it from behind. The [Hebomination] mped its mouth shut as it swooped aside, dodging the attack.
You missed!
I yelled, facing yton Skyshredder as he lowered his crimson de. Beneath us, a massive battle raged one armies were shing as wild Demons ran rampant. I wanted to help mypanions, but I knew that dealing with the [Hebomination] came first.
However, nothing yton and I could do would harm the Primeval Demon. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy furrowed his brows at me.
You are as well aware as I am that this [Hebomination]s Grand Skill allows it to evade any oing attacks. Killing it as it is is impossible. Our job is to distract it long enough until its Grand Skill fades.
But what if its Grand Skillsts a day?
I folded my arms at yton. And the [Hebomination] unleashed its ming breath. I blinked and beat all six of my wings at once, propelling me out of the way. yton just popped out of existence for a few moments, before reappearing next to me.
His teleportation abilities were fast.
We have no other choice. Unless you have some other proposition.
yton pointed, and five golden glyphs appeared above his head. Otherworldly chains shot out, glowing green and shooting out for the [Hebomination]. But the wild Primeval Demon just dodged it like everything else. It dove down straight for us, narrowly navigating through the approaching chains. And my clones appeared at its side.
They struck out with fiery attacks, nking it from the front and back. But there was a sh of blue light. The [Hebomination] didnt visibly react to them, yet it somehow moved out of the way, letting my clones sh into each other. I clicked my tongue as yton shook his head.
Surprise attacks will not work, Salvos. Even if the [Hebomination] does not see the attacking, its Grand Skill will pull it out of the way in time.
What do we do, then?
I watched as the wild Primeval Demon swatted my clones back. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy eyed the hulking creature.
As I said, we distract it until its Grand Skill ends.
He flew up as he raised a hand. A frosty spear began to form in his fingertips beforencing out. It elegantly cut through the air, dancing towards the [Hebomination]. The wild Primeval Demon moved out of the way, only for the winding projectile to give chase. It was a kind of homing spell one that moved with pinpoint uracy, growing in speed each time it missed.
I frowned, watching yton Skyshredder engage the wild Primeval Demon with my clones. His n didnt make sense to me. I found it to be ridiculous. This [Hebomination] was such a massive target. We had to be able to hit it somehow!
But I looked on as another volley of spells from the Headmaster of Mavos Academy missed. I watched as one of my clones was struck out of the air and exploded. But before her st could engulf the wild Primeval Demon, it deftly flew out of the way.
I pursed my lips, but still refused to believe that yton was right. After all, I had already hurt the [Hebomination] once through [The Devils Grace]. I had to be able to do it again.
It appears you are having a bit of trouble.
A voice said behind me, and I blinked. I spun around, staring at a floating figure behind me. My eyes grew wide.
Youre a bird?
A giant hawk hovered text to me, pping his wings as he eyed the [Hebomination] in the distance. He had the body of a four-legged animal like a lion and a tigerbined but with the front talons of a bird. He had feathers mixed with fur, and his wings spread twice the length of his body. I cocked my head with a confused look.
Um, thank you? But I dont know if theres much you can do, Mr Bird.
I am ttered that you think I am a true animal of nature. s, I can only imitate the greatness of a Griffin.
He replied simply with a chuckle. I narrowed my eyes.
Wait, youre a [Druid]?
The highest-leveled in the Humannds indeed. I am Ze-jai, The One With Nature. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Salvos.
He spoke as he craned his neck my way. My eyes grew wide. I remembered him I had seen him fight before, through the eyes of my clones. He had been the reason a [Cerberus of Hell] hadnt broken through to the Mortal Realm. And he was quite impressive, too.
[Druid - Lvl. 167]
Huh. Can you help us?
I asked, casting my gaze back to the [Hebomination]. yton Skyshredder created a golden shield. A semi-sphere of sorts. One that I recognized from my duel with him. His [Concave Aura Reflector]. The wild Primeval Demon swung down at him, but its ws didnt prate the ss-like surface.
Instead, the barrier crackled with electricity from the strike. The [Hebomination] instantly recoiled and dove out of the way, fleeing from shes of lightning that shot out of the barrier. My clone tried to intercept it, only for a new pair of ming arms to emerge from the wild Primeval Demons side. It grabbed my clone and ripped her apart, tossing her away before she could explode.
I turned back to Ze-jai who simply nodded.
It will not be easy. This Primeval Demon is nearly ten levels above me. And its Grand Skill is truly remarkable. But I do have a suggestion that could trap it in ce.
What is it?
I frowned. The [Druid] shook his head.
I witnessed your battle just earlier. Before the [Hebomination] activated its Grand Skill. You managed to pin it down for a moment. You cursed it, forcing it to remain still. Is that correct?
Um, yep? I used [Intimidation]... I guess its curse magic?
I tapped a finger on my chin, and Ze-jai nodded. He spread his beak wide in what seemed to be a smile.
Perfect. Curse magic should work on this Primeval Demon. Even if it can evade physical attacks, mind magic, curse magic, soul magic, and other such spells should affect it just fine.
Huh. I didnt even think of that.
I blinked a few times. It made sense. [Divine Demons Mark] probably worked tooBut I pursed my lips.
My [Intimidation] isnt ready yet. And neither is [The D]
I paused and caught myself.
Neither is my time reversal Skill. And it will take a while before either is ready again.
Those were Skills that didnt recover quickly. Even my [Divine Radiant sh] was soon ready to be used again. Ze-jai sighed.
That is unfortunate. Do you not have any other curse-like Skills?
There is [Invoke Wrath], but I am pretty sure thatll get me killed.
I shrugged back at the [Druid]. He shook his head.
My n wont work unless I can get the [Hebomination] to stay still for a single moment. Right now, it is too fast for me to catch.
His eyes flickered, and I frowned. I eyed the Headmaster of Mavos Academy as he zipped back towards us, still standing atop his cloud. The [Hebomination] roared, unleashing a ming breath that missed him as he swerved down.
And I remembered my fight with yton in Mavos Academy. I snapped my fingers, and Ze-jai raised a brow.
Wait if you just need to catch it I think yton has a Skill that works just like [Intimidation]!
Does he?
Yep! Ill go talk to him! You do your thing, alright?
I flew up as the [Druid] nodded.
Very well. I shall not draw too close. I know I will only get myself killed if that [Hebomination] even gets a single one of its hands on me.
I chuckled, waving at Ze-jai.
Same but Im not afraid. I know Ill be fine, regardless.
He peered at me curiously.
Your confidence in your own survival is astounding. I wish you good luck, Secelys Sentinel.
With that, I flew away from him. I created two more clones. They winked into existence, charging straight for the wild Primeval Demon to distract it. Theyughed as I reached yton Skyshredder who slowed to face me.
yton! Ze-jai has a n!
The One With Nature has joined us in battle? I am honored by his presence.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy nodded, but I just waved a hand dismissively.
Nows not the time for that! We need you to stop the [Hebomination] with [Intimidation]!
yton furrowed his brows. He nced between the wild Primeval Demon and my clones as they were once again swatted around like nothing but flies. He crossed his arms.
My Skill is not [Intimidation]. Rather, it is [Inflict Fear]. But if that is what you wish, I shall do so. I am certain The One With Nature knows what he is doing.
I watched as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy raised his sown, aiming it at the [Hebomination]. I braced myself, and his voice boomed out.
Halt, Demon.
I almost instinctively froze when I heard ytons words. But I calmed myself, knowing that only the [Hebomination] was the target of the Skill. I immediately called my clones back to me. They flew away as the wild Primeval Demon stopped mid-air.
It slowly drifted down, without its wings moving. I nced back at the giant hawk at the Griffin at the [Druid]... at Ze-jai. He raised one of his talons, forming a circle and carefully oveying it on the [Hebomination]. Nothing happened for a single moment. Then he whispered.
[Let The Seed Of Sanctuary Bloom Within You].
A Grand Skill? My brows snapped together. All at once, trees and roots emerged from the [Hebomination]s chest. It screeched out as a forest formed around the wild Primeval Demon. It formed a cage like a terrarium of sorts, encapsting a massive biome of vegetation.
It was the very same Skill that had been keeping the [Cerberus of Hell] in ce. Ze-jai flew over to yton and I, nodding.
It is not an offensive Skill. It is normally used to protect, but I can easily repurpose its abilities to trap targets instead. Be warned that it will not hold the [Hebomination] forever. I suggest you take your chance to defeat it now.
I stared at the [Hebomination], locked in ce. It roared and unleashed a plume of fire that incinerated the vines and the wood. But the vegetation regrew instantaneously. It was being suffocated inside of Ze-jais Grand Skill, although it was trying to w its way out.
Huh. Maybe I can use [Divine D
I started, but yton spoke over me.
This is our only chance. We will destroy it now.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy drifted forward with his cloud, raising his crimson sword. He pointed at the [Hebomination] as my eyes grew wide. I recognized the sensation the prickling sense of fear overwhelming me.
This was ytons Grand Skill.
[Disassemble. Deconstruct. Dismantle.]
Is that his chant? I eyed him as the wild Primeval Demon tore apart arge chunk of the foliage keeping it in ce. Ze-jai flew back as he shook his head.
I do not believe I wish to be near for whates next.
[Dissection. Deletion.]
yton continued his chant. I blinked, then followed the [Druid]. A ck aura coalesced at the tip of yton Skyshredders de. A dark void that reflected no light. It just grewrger andrger until finally, a thin beam shot out.
[Definitive Disintegration].
My eyes grew wide as the beam reached the [Hebomination] in an instant. It was like the Grand Skill hadnt even needed to travel. It touched the wild Primeval Demon where it was trapped, piercing through the growing forest with ease.
I stared as the [Hebomination] convulsed for a moment. The trees, the branches, the vines, and the rest of the foliage rapidly dissipated, turning to dust. The wild Primeval Demon opened its mouth, only for the blue aura surrounding its body to quite literally disintegrate.
The Grand Skill didnt just affect the [Hebomination] or the trees. Its aura turned ck, like it was withering away. The wild Primeval Demon joined the blue glow around its body next. It rapidly decayed and vanished, crumbling into nothingness.
Huh. That is something.
I stared on, hearing the notification echo in my head. I didnt know what I expected from ytons Grand Skill, but that was
As expected of the highest-leveled [Mage] in the Humannds.
Ze-jai spoke approvingly, watching as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy lowered his sword. I eyed the [Druid] curiously.
You knew yton could do that?
Of course. One would expect no less from his status. And that is only one of his three Grand Skills, anyway. So there isnt much to be surprised by.
Three?
My jaw dropped. Seriously? yton was capable of this the entire time? I thought I stood a chance against him now, but that I wondered if my own Grand Skill could even hold up against him.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy descended next to me, shaking his head.
Now is not the time for chatter. There is still a battle to be fought. Let us go.
Ze-jai and I exchanged a nce. We watched as yton flew off before finally joining him.
So the [Hebomination] was the second to fall. An unexpected urrence.
Levithus lowered his head, facing the runes on the ground. They glowed brighter and brighter as he smirked.
Yet more beneficial in the end.
Chapter 506: The Plan
Chapter 506: The n
506. The n
They they did it!
Daniels eyes grew wide as he stared up into the sky. The [Hebomination]s corpse fell from the sky for a moment. But not for long as its body turned to kes of dust. ytons Grand Skill had struck it, boring a hole straight through its chest. And from there, the wild Primeval Demons body was entirely disintegrated.
Nothing of it remained. Not even ash. The [Hero] stared on, standing still even amidst the sh of battle. There was a moment where the fighting seemed to stop. The world froze around him. He wasnt the only one gaping at the sight of the falling [Hebomination].
Heads turned. Eyes shot up. The United Coalition of the Human Lands watched as yton Skyshredder, Ze-jai, and Salvos overwhelmed the [Hebomination], defeating it in battle. The second Primeval Demon had finally fallen, and they cheered.
A mor of triumphant shouts roared out as Daniel felt his lips curling up. He looked on as Salvos descended victoriously with the highest-leveled [Mage] and highest-leveled [Druid] in the Humannds. She waved down below as the greatest armies of Humankind rallied beneath her. And a terrible screech drew the young mans attention.
He spun around just in time to see a crimson glow. The [Archarachnes] were locked inbat. One of them the one that was still being controlled by the Demons had the other pinned to the ground. The wild [Archarachne] head was pressed into the earth as it clicked its mandibles, a red aura coalescing around its mouth.
All at once, the wild [Archarachne] unleashed the beam of crimson energy out. But the other [Archarachne] diverted its attacks towards the Human army. Daniels eyes grew wide as he saw the st streaking his way. It ripped across thousands of soldiers and adventurers, shearing through magical barriers like they were nothing.
Daniel wasnt even sure if he could stop its attack with a [Hero]s Skill. He backed away, pursing his lips. But if the attack was allowed to continue, it would kill thousands more. So he stepped forward. The [Hero] faced down the wild [Archarachne]s Skill, raising the Sword of Alexander.
He couldnt back down. Not in the face of this Primeval Demon. He raised his sword as the crimson beam tore his way
And a figure leapt before him.
A man dressed in a knights armor brought arge shield down as he threw himself before the crimson beam. It was arge tower shield. One that was evenrger than a person. It absorbed the attack as the man raised a spear towards Daniel.
What are you doing? Kacey said you were a fool, but this is outright suicidal!
Blinking, Daniel saw the man standing before him. He was Thraust Steelwall. A Level 158 [Crusader].
His tower shield glinted as a blue barrier overcame it. Thrust stood there like an immovable rock as the crimson beam was absorbed into the barrier. And finally, the attack faded away. The wild [Archarachne] pushed the other [Archarachne] off it and leapt to the side.
Daniel just stared at as Thraust lowered his shield, shaking his head.
That was a foolish maneuver. If you had gotten yourself killed, you would have done more damage to the army than letting a few thousand die. Do you not understand that morale is just as important to victory as numbers?
Thats
The young man from Earth gritted his teeth. He looked on as the Elite [Crusader] raised his spear. Thraust thrust his spear forward, and it was ovee by a crimson glow. The spear shot out like a ballista bolt and struck the wild [Archarachne]s side.
It hissed as its carapace exploded, spilling out ck blood. It turned its attention towards the [Crusader] as Daniel watched Thraust charged forward. The [Hero] stood there as the Elite [Crusader] rallied the nearby soldiers and adventurers, ncing back at Daniel once.
I suggest you take a backseat, [Hero]. Lest you will get yourself and many more killed.
Daniel didnt reply. He just looked on as Thraust led the charge. And the wild [Archarachne] loomed over them. It raised its mandibles as the world around the Elite [Crusader] and the soldiers rippled.
Shit
The young mans eyes grew wide as he watched a crimson dome encapste them. He tried to move, but he was too slow. The wild [Archarachne] had trapped Thraust and thousands of others in its Grand Skill.
And there was no way for Daniel to break them out.
Scarlets eyes flickered as she saw the crimson dome fall over the other side of the front lines. There were thousands that had been caught in the wild [Archarachne]s Grand Skill. A domain that only could be pierced by an equal or superior Grand Skill.
The Red Rose stared in shock for a moment, but no one else around her stopped to look. Thousands of adventurers streamed around her, charging straight ahead, following in Moris footsteps.
The Champion of the Human Lands didnt falter. He pressed on, spearheading an assault that dug deep into the army of Demons. They ignored the wild Demonspletely, instead making their way towards the site of the grand ritual.
Scarlet narrowed her eyes as she stared into Moris back. He was a faker. She knew he wasnt the real Champion of the Human Lands. But still, she felt the need to ask for his aid. After all, he was the only one who could break a Grand Skill he was the only one here who had the power to shatter that dome.
So she ran up to him, and grabbed him by the arm.
Mori! You have to help them!
She eximed, but he just eyed her with a frown. Mori looked past her, towards where the crimson dome was located. He shook his head and shrugged her off.
Headmaster Skyshredder will deal with it. Our main goal should be to put a halt to the grand ritual. That is why we are here. There is no point in this battle if we fail to stop the merger.
But thats
Scarlet opened her mouth, only for a horrible shriek to interrupt her. She nced up to see the other [Archarachne] the one still in control by the Demonsnding near the Remembered Order Company. It unleashed a crimson beam down to the adventurers and swiped one of its scythe-like legs down into a mass of soldiers.
Mori raised his spear, and there was a sh of light. The crimson beam redirected through the air, almost like it was being sucked into his weapon. A volley of arrows struck the Primeval Demon from the side before it could continue ripping into the army of adventurers.
Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer led a group of Diamonds and assailed the [Archarachne] as Mori shook his head.
This is our main priority, Scarlet. We need to stop the grand ritual before it is toote.
Scarlet tried to protest, but he was off in an instant. Mori dius continued on, ignoring any Demons that werent in his path, heading straight for the ruined city of Inor. The Red Rose bit her lower lip as she stood there, indecision gripping her every movement.
She wasnt sure whether to give chas to Mori or to aid Tyrian or to aid the soldiers trapped by the crimson dome. And before she could make a decision, she heard a scream.
Her gaze snapped to the side as she saw Tyrian floating in the air, caught by what seemed to be strings. An Archdemon hovered over him, cackling as he struggled to break free from the bindings. But there was a flicker. A scything limb sliced through the air, striking the Brightsbane Archer across his chest.
He yelped in pain as Scarlets eyes grew wide.
Tyrian!
The Red Rose was with him in an instant. She leapt through the air, slicing down the Archdemon before it could fly away. Shended next to Tyrian as the [Archarachne] towered over him. Scarlet struck out with her dagger, keeping it back before grabbing his body and leaping behind the front lines.
S-Scarlet
Tyrian gasped as he looked up at her. She fumbled for a Bag of Holding at her side, producing an Elixir of Healing.
Its not as potent as a Potion of Regeneration, but youll be fine
She started, but Tyrian stopped her. He shook his head and smiled weakly.
S-save it for yourself. I-I cannot
The Brightsbane Archer trailed off. And Scarlet blinked. She waited for his response, but none came. Her eyes went round. She grabbed him by the shoulders.
Tyrian?
But he was dead. An Elite Ranked adventurer, gone, just like that. Scarlet couldntprehend it for a moment. But then her gaze was drawn towards a man at the front lines, tearing through the Demon army without care for what happened to those behind him.
Mori dius. Or, rather, the faker.
She gritted her teeth and raised her daggers. Rage and anger overcame her entire being as her vision was filled with only red.
This is
She started. And paused. A prickling feeling ran down her spine as her hair stood on end. The Red Rose froze. She blinked as an unsettling sensation gurgled in her stomach. Everyone in the battlefield slowed, including the Demons.
They all nced towards the site of the grand ritual. And the Red Rose frowned.
What is going on?
And she got her answer as the crimson pir vanished. The red sky faded away. ANd the ground shone a dark ck.
All across the battlefield, figures slowed. Whether it was yton Skyshredder himself or Helena Warshade. Even Salvos was taken aback by the sudden disappearance of the grand ritual. She nced up, having failed to break through the crimson dome created by the wild [Archarachne]. Levithus simply swept his gaze through the battlefield with a scrying spell, seeing all the shocked Human reactions.
He watched as Tyrian the Brightsbane Archer fell in battle. He looked on as Thraust Steelwall impaled the wild [Archarachne] even while being shredded apart by the crimson threads. Elite Ranked Humans and Primeval Demons fell all the same. Soldiers and adventurers. Wild Demons and Archdemons.
None of it mattered to him. He saw their deaths he had seen the [Hebomination] disintegrate. He had looked on as the [Chthonic Agaros] was ripped apart.
He even had watched as Ira died. He had seen the sub-rituals fall, meagerly defended and lost. Hundreds of thousands of Humans had died across the thirteen sub-ritual locations. And an equal amount of wild Demons and Archdemons had fallen too.
But that had all been ording to the n. All the deaths all the fading mana it had all dissipated back into the sub-rituals. Because the sub-rituals were not just a summoning site, but a gathering site as well.
Ira was never meant to live or survive. He had known that from the moment he had crossed over to the Mortal Realm. Perhaps the other Dukes and Duchesses didnt know it, but Ira understood this fact very well.
Every single one of the Demons that had been summoned thus far was merely a sacrifice. And this included Levithus himself.
He smiled as he raised his head, whispering softly.
The life of a single Level 100 is worth the life of ten thousand Level 10s. And the life of a single Elite is worth more than ten times that.
Levithus eyes flickered as he watched Thraust fall along with the wild [Archarachne]. The crimson dome dissipated, but it didnt matter. The grand ritual faded away. And the true ritual took its ce. The entire battlefield shone as the red glow in the sky vanished.
A dark aura overcame the earth, drawing from the dead Humans and Demons gathered here. It wasnt just from them either. All across the Inoria Empire and the Elutra Kingdom, the sub-rituals shone with the ck luminescent light. And they drew from all the dead throughout thest month of fighting, powering this final ritual circle.
Even if we had sacrificed ten million lives, it never would have been enough. Not to merge the entirety of the nes, and not to achieve my Kings goal.
Levithus whispered. It would have been too inefficient to y all those weak Humans to bring over Regnorexs domain. Not that that had ever been the intention.
Instead, they had in ten million Humans, and used them as sacrifices to summon an army of Demons. And using the Demons as fodder, they were able to double the amount of magic harvested from the battle through killing hundreds of thousands of high-leveled Humans as well.
Now, it was the equivalent of sacrificing twenty-million lives. But not to merge the nes. The goal was only ever one thing to bring the Demon King and his greatest soldiers across to the Mortal Realm.
Levithus grinned wide as he saw the first visage of a ck spire breaking through the earth. There was no crimson column. No merger. It was a summoning ritual. And the ground reflected it. It was like a ss window to the Netherworld. To the Demon Kings castle.
And Regnorex stood there at the other side. The towering crimson figure waited with his arms crossed, a line of Primeval Demons kneeling behind him. Only a single figure remained standing. An Archdemon at his right side. The Demon King smiled and spoke through the portal with a warped voice.
Good work, Levithus.
Levithus could only bow in response, watching as the Demon Kings castle slowly broke its way into the Mortal Realm.
Praise be my King. I live to serve.
And, finally, the true ritual began.
Chapter 507: The True Ritual
Chapter 507: The True Ritual
507. The True Ritual
Levithusid back, watching contentedly as the true ritual began. It wasnt a grand ritual to merge nes. It wasnt an attempt at bringing over the Netherworld to the Mortal Realm. It was a summoning ritual.
A grand summoning ritual.
It would bring over the most powerful legion of the Demon King. A hundred Primeval Demons. A thousand of the greatest Archdemons. And Regnorex himself.
The n was never to merge the nes. Indeed, the end goal was always to bring over the Demon Kings Domain to the Mortal Realm. But such a grand ritual required far more sacrifice. To bring over millions of Demons to bring over millions more over the course of decades it would require a sacrifice far greater than even thergest Human nations.
It would require the sacrifice of all of the Humannds.
Levithus looked on as his efforts had finally bore fruit. Today, he would finally be relieved of his duty. There was no greater honor for him than to pave the way for his KIng. So he was satisfied. He simply watched as the first ck spire of Regnorexs pce broke through into the Mortal Realm, and the kingdom of the Netherworld finally breached into the Mortal Realm.
Scarlet felt the earth shaking. The very ground beneath her feet shimmered. A ck light came from a massive ritual circle encapsting the city of Inor and the region around it. The Red Rose didnt know what was going on. She just stood there at aplete loss for words as the rumbling continued.
Even the Demon army was thrown into disarray by this sudden shift throughout the battlefield. The flying Archdemons looked on in shock as the ground rippled. An image weaved itself onto the earth. It looked like the surface of ake, but Scarlet didnt fall through to the other side.
Instead, it was a window that peered into the other side into the Netherworld.
Her eyes grew wide as she saw what was waiting at the other side. This was not a portal. This was not a gateway. And this certainly was not a crimson pir that was reforming the very surface of the Mortal Realm. This was a summoning ritual.
It was no different than the summoning ritual shed see being performed in the temples that brought Spirits over to the Mortal Realm. Except this summoning ritual was bringing over an entire dark pce.
A castle that stood at the edge of a white hill. It broke through, the very tip of its sable spires peeking into the Mortal Realm as Scarlet saw the reflection of milling figures at the other side. The Demons the [Legions] and the [Fiends] and the [Changelings] and the [Djinns] they all saw it too.
They gasped, a susurration washing over their ranks. Some dropped to their knees as others eximed and cheered.
That is
Our King!
He is here!
And Scarlet froze. She saw the figure standing at the fore of the gathered Demons at the other side. It was an absolutely baffling sight. There were a hundred Primeval Demons there, standing in a line, each radiating absolute authority and power.
Just from a single nce, the Red Rose was certain she couldnt even defeat a single one of them on her own in battle. Their strength was overwhelming palpable even through the fabric of space. But it wasnt them she feared.
Scarlet saw the way they reverently faced the foremost figure. The crimson Demon that drew her gaze, even as she tried to look away. Its presence was enchanting. Alluring. But also
It was like shed been thrust into the middle of a mana storm. She could hardly breathe. She felt her knees buckling beneath her feet. She wanted to kneel before this very presence alone. The Primeval Demons deferred to this crimson figure, and she knew who it was.
It was Regnorex the Demon King.
He was here. He had finally arrived. Scarlet couldntprehend his majesty and might. She tried to force herself to look away from him but failed. The only reason she managed to break free from the fear and reverence gripping her was because of the loud shriek.
Not everything in the battlefield had been entranced by the image shining on the ground. The [Archarachne] let out a terrible shriek, its handler having been cut down by Scarlet no more than a minute ago. Now it swept its terrible gaze over the army of Humans and Demons around it. A swarm of [Aranea] poured from its back as it opened its mandibles.
A crimson beam of energy shot out as it wiped out both Demons Humans alike. Soldiers, adventurers, [Legions], and [Fiends] screamed as they were obliterated by the st. Scarlet clicked her tongue, having broken out of her stupid.
Her gaze snapped to the side as she called out for the Champion of the Human Lands.
Mori
She started. And paused. The Red Rose blinked as she nced around the battlefield. The fighting resumed, but the figure she was searching for wasnt there anymore.
Mori dius was gone.
Regnorex is at the gates.
Saffron whispered as she saw the figure standing at the other side of the image. She recognized it, and her breath caught in her throat. She saw the pair of protruding curved horns. Long and slender with a sharp edge. A Demon that stood tall at least twenty feet in height.
He was a wall of crimson flesh, rippling with muscles. He wore a dark regalia woven from his ck aura, and a long tail made of ted bones swayed at his back. He raised his head, crimson eyes glinting as Saffrons heart jumped in her chest.
No he has already breached the gates.
The young noble spoke in a defeated voice. It was over. Regnorex was here. There was no Alexander. There was no Melissa. Even with Salvos the Lesser God, Daniel the [Hero], and yton Skyshredder all gathered around, Humankind was doomed. None of them were above Level 200. The Watcher was rumored to be over Level 180, but that wasnt enough either.
They wouldnt be able to put a stop to the Demon King if he stepped foot into the Mortal Realm. A Level 180 Human up against a Level 200 Demon was no different from a Silver Ranked adventurer trying to fend off a Gold Ranked Demon. And Regnorex had to have been at least as high-leveled as Alexander, who was said to be Level 206 in his Second ss.
It had been thousands of years since then, so it was more than likely the Demon King was a higher level now. So Saffron knew that it was over.
All their efforts were for naught.
The end times had begun.
She closed her eyes as the Demon Kings pce continued to bore through the earth into the Mortal Realm. Saffron epted that it was over. The grand ritual had always been a ruse. Humankind had been led into a trap, and their greatest fighters were going to be the sacrifices that brought about the return of their greatest enemy.
All is lost
Saffron epted defeat for a moment. Just a moment. Then she saw the figure zipping through the sky. For a split-second, the young Vampire thought it was Salvos, rushing to save the day again.
But her eyes widened when she realized it was a nimbus cloud flying through the sky. She saw yton Skyshredder the highest-leveled [Mage] in all of the Humannds flying straight for the center of the ritual circle.
And Saffron blinked.
What is he doing?
I saw the world shifting. I saw the earth rippling, and I narrowed my eyes as the image formed on the ground. But before I could even take a good look at what was going on, my [Manifestation of the Old Gods] rapidly faded away. The Skill came to an end as I blinked.
Huh.
It was almost disorienting. One moment, I could perceive everything I wanted. But the next moment, my field of view was limited only to what was before my very eyes. I opened my mouth as I stared at my ws.
This is
And there was a pop. I recoiled, spinning around as I faced the crimson dome next to me. It had been the Grand Skill of the wild [Archarachne]. I had been trying to break through to the other side before the world itself had suddenly shifted, and I got distracted.
But now, it suddenly broke all by itself. I watched as the [Arcarachne]s domain dissipated, and the crimson webs within untangled to reveal the fallen wild Primeval Demon. The Human [Crusader]y atop it, both of them eerily still. I frowned.
They killed each other.
That was unexpected. But there were other things that required my attention. I shook my head and turned away from that sight just in time to see yton Skyshredder flying past me. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was rapidly making his way to the center of the summoning ritual.
I narrowed my eyes, watching as he came to a halt high in the sky. I gave chase after him as dozens of Archdemons tried to stop him. I sent a salvo of ming projectiles their way, cutting them down. Finally, I reached yton as he raised his red de to face the sky.
yton! What are you doing?
The Headmasters eyes flickered. He turned to face me as he saw me flying right next to him. He hesitated for a moment, before ncing back down to the center of Inor. His eyes shimmered, and I knew he was using a spell to see.
I couldnt see what he saw because my own senses-enhancement Skill had just ended. Everything below looked like blobs with how high we were in the sky. I just saw the blurry image of a castle smudged into the ground.
yton shook his head as he finally spoke.
Salvos, I will entrust you with a difficult task.
Huh?
I peered into him quizzically, but he just pointed past me. His de was aimed at a small section of rubble and ruins in the middle of the fallen city of Inor. I narrowed my eyes, barely making out a long undting figure waiting there.
You need to put a stop to Levithus. He cannotplete this summoning ritual. If Regnorex crosses into the Mortal Realm, all will be lost. This is ourst chance to prevent all our deaths.
Regnorex? The Demon King is here?
I paused. I hadnt even noticed that. I was too distracted by [Manifestation of the Old Gods] ending, and the [Archarachne]s Grand Skill bursting. yton Skyshredder just raised his sword once again, holding it up to his chest.
I will do what I can to dy it, but you need to defeat Levithus and destroy this ritual. Before it is toote.
Thats
I tried to protest, ncing down. Levithus was Level 171, ording to Daniel. I had only a single Grand Skill left to fight with, and that [Hellprince] very likely had a Grand Skill of his own. Not only that, but I saw the hundreds thousands, even of Archdemons blocking my way.
Wild Archdemons and minions of the Demon King alike. They filled the skies, locked in battle with Humans and each other. A single [Archarachne] was still alive too, and it was leaping around wildly throughout the battlefield. If its attention was drawn to me when I was trying to make my way to Levithus, I surely would die.
I hesitated, but yton didnt care for my apprehension. He just chanted as the sky glowed, and a massive magic circle formed overhead.
[Soul Of The World. Lifeblood Of My Strength.]
Thats I blinked. Ze-jai had said that yton had three Grand Skills. I didnt expect the second Grand Skill to be activated so soon.
And it clicked to me. yton was being serious when he said that this was ourst chance. He was not holding back. The normally cool and collected Headmaster of Mavos Academy was going all out now, so I had to.
Nodding, I gave him a thumbs-up.
I will stop Levithus!
ytons eyes just darted my way as he continued his chant.
[End The Rebirth, And Deplete This Land So That There Is No More Splendor.]
I flew down, and the ritual circle in the sky flickered. The runes moved and shifted, turning into itself and inverting in color. It ovepped with the entire city of Inor where the light from the Demons summoning ritual shone the brightest.
I zipped straight into the thousands of warring figures beneath me as yton Skyshredder bellowed and stabbed his sword into the magic circle in the sky.
[Bring About The Magic Death Of The World.]
A dome fell atop the fallen Capital city of the Inoria Empire as his voice echoed all around me.
[ANTIMAGIC FIELD]!
And I crashed into the flying horde of Archdemons.
Chapter 508: Antimagic
Chapter 508: Antimagic
508. Antimagic
Levithus had fulfilled his role. All that was left now was for him to wait for the Humans to arrive. He was fully aware he was going to perish here thend beneath his tail was going to be his grave. But he dly epted it. His death would only fuel the grand summoning ritual.
His King was finally here. Regnorex stood at the other side of the ritual circle in the Netherworld. It was like he was in a parallel dimension. The Demon King stood like a reflection in a puddle rtive to Levithus. A small army of the greatest Demons in all of the Netherworld waited and kneeled.
It was an army that could crush the entirety of the Humannds in one fell swoop. If they crossed over now, this grand Human army encroaching on the ritual would be quickly crushed. But the truth was, they couldnt cross into the Mortal Realm just yet.
The tall ceiling above Regnorex faded, and the first vestiges of the domed roof of the dark pce materialized in the Mortal Realm. It rose out of the ground slowly. Like a tree sprouting from its seed. It was mostly powered by all the past deaths the gathered mana from the sub-rituals, as well as shing of armies right outside of the fallen city of Inor.
But that magic alone wasnt going to be enough to transport Regnorex or his army across the nes. That was why more was needed. More deaths. More sacrifices. There was a reason why there was a battle raging just ahead of Levithus.
ying the wild Demons summoned alone was just going to recycle the mana used to bring them over a dead Level 150 Primeval Demon was only going to be able to bring over another Level 150 Primeval Demon. But a dead Level 150 Primeval Demon after killing thousands of Human soldiers was maybe going to bring over a Level 180 Primeval Demon, or maybe it was going to bring over thousands of Archdemons.
So the first legions of Demons brought over was going to be fodder. But there needed to be a source of additional fuel, if not it was all moot. There had to be a reason for the Human armies to converge posthaste. And all that required was moving the final step to the first step. The merger of nes was always the goal, however it couldnt be aplished so easily. By forcing an early merger, the Human armies would have no choice but to act quickly to stop it.
And that was not all by muddying the Mortal Realm with smudges of the Netherworld, even the highest-leveled Human [Mages] were going to be too distracted to notice that the grand ritual worked as a collection point to store mana too. Perhaps if they investigated closely but they couldnt. Time was of the essence, and the Humans fell right into the Demon Kings trap.
His kingdom hade. Soon, all of Demonkind would be reborn into their new home. Levithus simply luxuriated in his sess, knowing that what came next was his own martyrdom.
And perhaps that was his greatest folly.
Levithus saw the flicker of light. He looked up, blinking as a giant spell circle fell upon half the city of Inor. It was expansive, and it formed a dome, but it didnt span the entire width of the battlefield as the grand ritual did. It was tiny inparison. However, it did its job.
The spell circle shed, and the world around Levithus turned gray. It was like everything had been drained of color. His vision was reduced to a grayscale lens. He spun around, wide-eyed.
What is this
The Primeval Demon wondered aloud, and the answer came shortly.
[Antimagic Field]!
Levithus blinked. He heard the voice of yton Skyshredder himself echoing in the distance. And everything slowly clicked. The Primeval Demon nced down, and he saw the image at his tail distort.
The visage of his King blurred. Regnorex opened his mouth, but Levithus didnt understand what was being said.
No
The emerging spires crossing through the portal nearly ground to a halt. It was still moving, but far more sluggishly now. Levithus saw this he watched as the summoning ritual was reduced to a snails pace. And anger boiled within him.
This Grand Skill this [Antimagic Field] from yton Skyshredder wasnt enough topletely halt the grand summoning ritual. But it could slow Regnorexs entrance to the Netherworld. That fact alone enraged Levithus.
He raised his snake-like head and faced the source of this vile magic. yton Skyshredder floated thousands of feet above the fallen city of Inor, a mere speck in the sky. But Levithus saw the Human [Mage] there.
And Levithus screamed in anger.
HOW DARE YOU DESECRATE HIS MAJESTYS RETURN!
The hulking Primeval Demon shot into the sky. He flew without wings, his undting figure swaying like a serpents body. He drew closer and closer to yton Skyshredder. Levithus approached his target as he opened his mouth and unleashed his rage.
ck mes coalesced in his maw before spewing out like dozens of giant fireballs all at once. The attack should have reached yton momentster. Levithus himself should have reached yton momentster.
But despite that despite the tremendous speed of the spells, and the fiery wake left behind by the Primeval Demons tail Levithus never drew closer to yton Skyshredder. It didnt make sense. Leviticus was always approaching his target, but never reaching it.
He roared in fury, snapping his jaws like a wild Demon.
How?
He asked himself as ytons condescending gaze bore down into him. Levithus huffed in anger, bellowing out.
Why cant I reach you
And Levithus caught himself. The question stopped him. The Primeval Demon hovered there, before looking back down at where he was. He hadnt even moved an inch from where he had been. His tail hadnt even lifted off the ground.
His eyes narrowed as he swept his gaze over his surroundings, finallyprehending.
Belzu.
Levithus snarled, and an insect flitted out of the nearby rubble. Belzu floated out, sneering at the giant serpent.
Greetings, Levithus.
I watched as the spell circle fell upon Inor. It spun and glimmered, shining with inverted colors. It was both white and ck and gray at the same time. The entire field encapsted by the Grand Skill was overcast, removed of color. It was like the entire fallen city had been drained of magic.
I swept my gaze over the ruins of what had once been the Capital city of the Inoria Empire. With the initial grand ritual for the merger, the city had already been in shambles. But a few buildings still stood, even amidst the rubble. Part of the walls remained. The streets were still recognizable, and overall, it looked like a city.
However, now, after the battle began after Helena Warshades Grand Skill the city was reduced to nothing but rubble. Everywhere I looked, I saw piles of dust and debris, forming mounds that stood tall like small hills. There was only the vague outlines of buildings where they had once stood the barest of their foundations remained, but the rest had been blown away.
I spotted Levithus in the distance. Hisrge undting figure was visible even from high above, and it helped that he was in the center of the dome. He looked like he was facing something, but I wasnt entirely certain what. I just knew that he was my target.
I needed to stop him.
So I swooped down. Even as a sea of winged Demons barred my path to the [Hellprince]. Wild Demons and Archdemons filled the skies, locked inbat with each other, and exchanging a volley of spells with the flying Human [Mages] in the distance.
They saw my approach. I sped down, and a few nced up to face me. A [Savage Agarat] hissed, diving my way.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 141]
But I sheared straight through it with my Divine Nebr Scythe. The sharp edge of my weapon burned with a brilliant ze. The wild Demon hissed and fell apart shredded into kes of ash.
I killed it in a single strike. I remembered when I struggled even to beat one. But now, they were so easy to deal with.
I sent a cone of iridescent mes around me as I continued flying down, keeping the hordes of Demons back. They burned, and I heard the deluge of notifications in my head. I wouldve continued unimpeded towards Levithus. I soared further down, seeing my target.
But a blurred figure shot up towards me.
Wha
I barely raised my Divine Nebr Scythe in time to block the attack. A scything limb struck me, knocking me out of the air. I was sent crashing into the distance. I managed tond on my feet, but I nced up and saw the shadow rapidly approaching.
I leapt to the side, and a giant eight-legged creature crashed into the earth. The [Archarachne] thest of the Primeval Demons towered over me. We were just outside the bounds of the [Antimagic Field], but for whatever reason, its wrath was drawn towards me.
I narrowed my eyes. I was almost certain I had seen it breaking free from being controlled I had seen it rampaging wildly as its spawns of [Aranea] poured out by the thousands. But now it was eerily calm once again, and it was not going to let me through.
I gritted my teeth as it let out a shriek before slicing down at me once again.
So the Lord of Lies has returned.
Levithus spoke simply as he circled around the giant insect. He saw Belzu, but he wasnt wary. Not of the other [Hellprince]. Belzu, himself, was eerily calm. And that was why Levithus too didnt seem to fear a surprise attack.
I am aware this is but an illusion you have concocted. There is no reason for you to show yourself to me. Dispel with these useless tricks. Try as you might, you will not be able to defeat me.
It was a warning. Levithus bared his teeth dangerously, but the false apparition of Belzu hovered there calmly.
This is no illusion, Hound of the Demon King. And I will not kill you. I am no fool I know that doing so will only fuel this ritual even further.
Belzu gestured towards the distorted image ying on the ground. Regnorex was barely visible now the rest of his army was but a smudge in the background. This [Antimagic Field] was grating. However, Levithus looked down and saw the ritual slowly continuing.
He felt his magic flowing through him. And he understood that yton Skyshredders Grand Skill couldnt suppress all magic in the field. No the Headmaster of Mavos Academy was far too focused on stopping the grand summoning ritual.
Very well, then.
Levithus harrumphed and started forward. Belzu waited where he flew as the serpentine Primeval Demon rippled with ck mes.
All you are doing is dying the inevitable. His kingdom shalle, and we shall find the promisednd no matter what.
Levithus'' scales shone a dark color a re in this gray world.
I will kill you, Belzu. If your lifes purpose is to stand in my Kings way, then I shall ensure you fulfill it till the very end.
And once Belzu was taken care of, Levithus would deal with yton Skyshredder. After all, Levithus was the Hound of the Demon King. He was a [Forsaken Hellprince]. Cast aside by his minions, and saved only by Regnorex.
There was nothing Levithus wouldnt do for his King.
With that, the two Primeval Demons shed in battle as the war raged on outside of the [Antimagic Field].
Chapter 509: Archarachne
Chapter 509: Archarachne
509. Archarachne
[Archarachne - Lvl. 170]
I saw the [Archarachne] looming over me. I was pretty sure it was Level 169 when I first saw it, but it mustve leveled up throughout the battle. Its eight eyes were fixed onto me. It wore a calm rage on its face. It looked incredibly eerie. It was almost like it was devoid of emotion like a drone or a puppet following orders.
It was odd to me. I looked at the wild Primeval Demon, and I hesitated for a moment. I remembered when I still had [Manifestation of the Old Gods] active. I could see everything on the battlefield. And even if I wasnt paying full attention, I was pretty sure I saw Scarlet ying the Archdemon responsible for controlling it. So I didnt know why the [Archarachne] picked me out to attack me when I had been flying in the air.
And when I looked at its face, I knew this was different. Its gaze bore down at me with an indifference that it never had when it was under the control of Levithus and his troops. Normally, they would still hold the same savage emotions that wild Demons felt, just tamed. But I knew this was something else. This distracted me long enough for the [Archarachne] to catch me off-guard.
It sliced down with its scythe-like legs, and I only reacted thanks to [Angelic Premonition]. I raised my scythe in time to parry the first two strikes, but the third knocked me back. I was sent tumbling for a moment, before catching myself. I looked up and gritted my teeth.
I dont have time for this!
I pointed at the wild Primeval Demon, unleashing a st of iridescent mes. It hissed in return, only to leap back, refusing to engage with me. I blinked. I watched the [Archarachne] stick close to the periphery of the [Antimagic Field].
Its guarding Levithus
I narrowed my eyes. That somehow didnt feel right, though. I watched as the wild Primeval Demon eyed me from a distance. I shook my head and spread my wings wide.
I need to stop the ritual!
I zipped up and moved to circle around the [Archarachne]. It let out a shriek, leaping into the air as a crimson thread shot out of its behind. The needle-like threat moved fast. It exploded into a giant web, and I dove down, barely avoiding being caught in this attack.
The wild Primeval Demon reached me a moment after, but I was prepared for it. I swung up for its underbelly, narrowly avoiding its scything legs.
[Divine Radiant sh]!
It screeched in pain as I tore through the soft carapace. My divine Nebr Scythe clung onto the [Archarachne] as I bared my teeth, but it opened its mandibles and let out a crimson beam. I quickly yanked my weapon back and flew to the side. The wild Primeval Demons st of magic kept it afloat as I barely escaped.
I flew back with a grin, ready to dive down to Levithus.
Alright
I started, but a flock of winged creatures flew over me. I looked up just in time to see their approach.
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 130]
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 123]
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 142]
Get away from me!
I cursed as I swung out with a [Barrage of Cinders], tearing through these wild Archdemons with ease. They flitted around me like giant bats, hissing and trying to stop my descent. They hissed, and I saw the look in their eyes. It wasnt anything like the [Archarachne]s eerie expression.
They were wild, but they were tamed. And I tried to fend them off, even though they were so numerous. They swarmed around me as I clicked my tongue. I sheared through a pair of these [Vampyr Chiroptera], only to see a red glint in the distance.
I paused. My eyes grew wide as the [Archarachne]s crimson beam shot out my way. I activated [Divine Haste] and flew up as the attack engulfed half of the wild Archdemon flock. I thought the wild Primeval Demon would concentrate its efforts on me, but I realized that it was attacking everything.
I watched as the crimson beam swept throughout the sky, taking down Archdemons and Humans alike. It hissed as its spell ended, and red threads shot out. Dozens of them. These threads impaled the nearby Demons, especially targeting those that drew too close to the [Antimagic Field].
I didnt get it. The [Archarachne] was attacking anything and everything it could. It was acting like it was wild, but somehow was intelligent enough to guard a specific territory. It was strange.
However, I couldnt dwell on it. I easily moved around the threads as an idea popped into my head. If it was so focused on anything that drew close to the fallen city fo Inor, I just had to bring it to where it had numerous targets to distract it.
I sped down to the wild Primeval Demon as it let out a shrill cry. I sted it with iridescent mes, covering it in fire for an instant before swerving towards the fighting in the distance. I saw the sh of armies. I could see my clones fighting alongside mypanions, ensuring they were safe since I no longer had [Manifestation of the Old Gods] to watch over them. Helena Warshade, Orgaf, Laux Lionfist, and a myriad of other adventurers fought up front in the front lines against the Demon army.
And I nced back as the [Archarachne] briefly gave chase, trailing after me as I swooped through the [Antimagic Field]. The wild Primeval Demon let out an enraged screech before bounding after me like a rabid dog.
I smirked, but I passed over Levithus instead. I continued on until I was at the other side of the city, right by where the front lines were. I broke out of the [Antimagic Field] as the [Archarachne] caught up to me, and Iughed.
Have fun!
And I ducked down,ing to a sudden halt. The [Archarachne] flew straight past me, crashing right into a group of Human soldiers. It picked itself up and red up my way. But I just waved at it as it paused.
A figure loomed over the [Archarachne]. It stared up as a woman stood atop a cloud, her gaze boring down at it. Helena Warshade had her arms crossed as she eyed the wild Primeval Demon. It stared at her, then looked down towards another pair of figures approaching it.
Kaitlin Darkhlem and arge Cyclops sauntered up to the [Archarachne]. The three Elites surrounded it, and it screeched. This time, I could sense a hint of terroring from it.
Alright, onto Levithus.
I murmured as I shot forward.
Levithus the Hound of the Demon King shed with Belzu the Lord of Lies. The two Primeval Demons were locked in battle. Or rather, it was Levithus who engaged in battle, while Belzu simply fled.
It was all an illusion. Levithus knew that, even as he whipped down with his long tail. He swatted the giant insect to the ground, crushing Belzu on the white rock of the Netherworld. For a moment, Belzuy there, twitching. But the next moment, the image was gone.
I will find you eventually, traitor!
Snarling, Levithus spun around and unleashed a pulse of ck mes that shot out in a ring. It burned everything around him. The nearby debris caught ame, and tall walls of dark fire rose up in a fury.
He burned everything he could, but he couldnt find Belzu. He heard an echo of words around him as he slowed to a halt.
You will never find me, mindless hound.
Belzu cackled, and a figure emerged from the ck mes. Levithus swung out with his tail, but there was a sh of iridescent light. He frowned as he saw Mori dius there, parrying the strike with a glowing de.
The Champion of the Human Lands leapt back,nding on his knees. He stood there, wearing the full set of the Treasures of Alexander. He had the Greaves of Alexander, the Boots of Alexander, the Sword of Alexander, the Crown of Alexander, and the Breastte of Alexander.
Levithus blinked, caught by surprise for a second. Then he shook his head as he raised a wed hand.
Did you think I would fall for that illusion, insect?
A sword made of ck mes shot out, zipping straight for the illusion of Mori dius. But right as the projectile was about tond, he leapt into the air and cut the fiery de in half with his Sword of Alexander.
Levithus frowned. That wasnt right. It was just another illusion. He was sure of it. But Mori dashed forward, and the Hound of the Demon King grunted.
Begone.
The serpent swung out once again with his tail, and Mori dius parried the attack again. There was another sh of light, and Levithus recoiled
What?
He drew back, avoiding a sh from Mori. Levithus looked down at his tail its scales shredded and bleeding. He narrowed his eyes as the Champion of the Human Lands spun to face him.
This is Divine Essence. Real Divine Essence.
Levithus didnt understand it. He felt the burn. He sensed the aura. He couldnt be mistaken. It couldnt be replicated, not even in an illusion. This was real. He growled and opened his mouth as Mori dius took a step forward.
Ridiculous!
The Primeval Demon unleashed a st of ck mes that engulfed the false Champion of the Human Lands. It was a breath of the darkest mes. An attack that should have consumed the illusion entirely. But there was a sh of iridescent light. A wave of rainbow-colored aura shot out, overwhelming the ck mes.
Levithus drew back, gritting his teeth as he watched Mori dius charge straight at him. The false Human leapt in the air and swung down with the Sword of Alexander as the massive serpent hissed.
[Darkme Armor].
There was a sh of light. The strike of Divine Essence was reflected from Levithus. His scales lit aze with a ck fire. It engulfed him entirely as he nced up at the fake Mori dius.
And [Hounding Hellfire].
Raising a wed hand, Levithus unleashed a flurry of ck fireballs. It shot around Mori dius, instead streaking into the distance, moving gradually rather than with any hurry, almost like they were living things, until finally crashing down behind a mountain of debris. Explosion after explosion sted out all at once, and that was when the illusion shattered.
Mori dius vanished, his figure falling apart like broken ss. Thendscape around Levithus shifted, and Belzu appeared flying up from the scene of the explosions. Levithus grinned as Belzu pointed back at the serpent.
[Abomination Fulmination]!
A thousand ethereal horrors roaches, locusts, and other bugs exploded forward, swarming after Levithus. But he simply spoke as the onught of curses was repelled by his [Darkme Armor].
I told you, you are merely dying what wille. You will die, Belzu.
Levithus created a ming spear in his wed hands as the other Primeval Demon tried to zip out of the way. Was it an illusion? Was it another fake? If that was the case, Levithus was just going to destroy everything around him.
The spear zed with unbridled fury. mes that wisped wildly, and made the giant bugs eyes grow wider than it already was. Belzu gaped as Levithus raised this spear, aiming it at the ground.
Burn
He started, only for a glint of iridescent light to draw his attention from the side. Levithus spun around as a st of rainbow-colored mes shot out towards him, knocking him back and eating away at his ck fire.
This is Divine Essence?
Levithus flew out of the way as he saw a six-winged figurend right next to the other Primeval Demon. Both Primeval Demons stared at the figure that just arrived as she grinned, hefting an iridescent scythe onto her shoulder.
Heya, Belzu. Need a hand?
So you insisted oning, Salvos.
Belzu spoke, shaking his head. Levithus just frowned, eyeing the silver-haired girl.
Youre a Lesser God.
Salvos beamed as she pointed his way.
Yep! And Im going to kill you [The Holy mes]!
And a salvo of fiery weapons shot out as Levithus eyes grew wide.
Chapter 510: Avoid Death
Chapter 510: Avoid Death
510. Avoid Death
Belzu eyed the silver-haired girl as she stood next to him. He had known she wasing he had tried to stop her, having tricked the [Archarachne] with his illusions and curses into battling her. But she managed to circumvent it somehow.
It was both a minor annoyance and a boon to Belzu. She had, in a sense, saved him, even if he thought he could have escaped his predicament. After all, Levithus had been just about to blow up the entire region just to kill the Lord of Lies.
Now that she was here, Belzu stood a better chance against Levithus. There was actually a chance of defeating the Level 171 [Hellprince]. But that was the problem. Belzu didnt actually want to do that.
He watched as Salvos unleashed a volley of gray mes at therge serpent.
[The Holy mes]!
Levithus snarled and drew back, flying and twisting his way out of the onught of attacks. A few of the ming projectiles struck him. He was wreathed in a coat of ck mes that mimicked scales. It protected him, even as the impact of the projectiles knocked him back.
Thats annoying how about this?
Salvos clicked her tongue and pointed at Levithus.
[Sacred
Wait.
Belzu spoke, quickly cutting her off. She blinked as Levithus disappeared behind a curtain of ck mes. Shaking his head, the Lord of Lies swept his gaze over the fiery battlefield.
We cannot kill Levithus. If we kill him here, we will lose.
And that took Salvos aback. She blinked a few times, trying to work her jaw.
Wha what are you talking about? Were supposed to stop him! How are we supposed to do that if we cant kill him?
Belzu sighed. He drew forward as he weaved his spindly hands in the air, and the world shifted around both himself and the silver-haired girl. Salvos stumbled as everything changed. Thendscape tilted. The ck mes peeled back. And Levithus roared in the distance. He charged up as he swung the fiery ck spear he carried.
But it was all an illusion.
Salvos stared, watching the Hound of the Demon King strike the air.
Huh.
Belzu pointed at Levithus, his fingers shing with curses.
All killing Levithus will achieve is expediting the summoning ritual. Even yton Skyshredders Grand Skill cannot slow it for long. Look at your feet.
She nced down and saw the distorted image beneath her. Dark shadows milled about in a ptial chamber. Neither Belzu nor Salvos could see their faces, but their figures were there. An army waited in the Netherworld, and when they crossed, it would be the end of the Mortal Realm in its entirety.
It is as your Vampire friends would say: Regnorex is at the gates. Or more urately, we are at Regnorexs gates. Stopping this summoning ritual is ourst chance, but each death will only empower it. If we fail here, there will be no more second chances.
Thats
Salvos trailed off. She nced back towards Levithus, watching him duel a trio of apparitions of Mori dius. He roared and swung down with his fiery spear. The earth exploded. A st of ck mes engulfed the images the st rapidly approaching her and Belzu.
She reached out and grabbed the Lord of Lies by the shoulder.
[Greater Teleportation].
The two of them teleported out of there. They appeared high in the air, overlooking Levithus from above. He stood at ground zero of the explosion, entirely unscathed by his own st. Salvos shook her head.
I dont know how long ytons Grand Skill willst. And it can only slow the summoning ritual. If we dont defeat Levithus, its all pointless. Well lose, anyway.
That is true.
Belzu looked on as Levithus created another pair of ming spears. He hurled them into the distance, destroying everything around him. Explosions of ck mes engulfed the ruins of Inor as he raged, scouring for his enemies.
Salvos just nced back towards the warring armies in the distance.
Youre saying that every death here fuels the summoning ritual, right?
This ritual works no different than an ordinary summoning ritual, converting the magic of the dead into a source of power to open a portal between the nes. It simply has arger collection point that spans the entirety of the Inoria Empire.
Right.
Salvos nodded as Belzu exined. She grinned, eyeing Levithus as his gaze snapped up. He finally took notice of the two of them. The serpent charged into the air as she snapped her fingers, creating a pair of clones.
They shed with Levithus in the air as she turned back to Belzu with glinting eyes.
So if the problem is that we cant kill Levithus here, that means we can kill him elsewhere, right?
Belzu frowned. For a moment, he didnt know what she was insinuating. But the smirk on her face along with the fighting clones clued Belzu enough to infer what she meant.
Ah.
There was a sh of gold and silver light. One of the Salvos clones exploded, and Levithus screamed. His ck armor was torn off for a moment as he was engulfed in the death st. But he tore through the mes in anger and crashed into the remaining clone.
Belzu closed his eyes.
You do understand that if I use that I will be isting us from the outside world. We will have to face Levithus alone. No one will save us if we fail.
I get that.
Salvos nodded, before there was another st of gold and silver mes. She raised her Divine Nebr Scythe, spreading her six wings wide.
But Im still asking you to do it. Its as you said this is ourst chance. Lets not waste it.
Very well.
Belzu agreed as he flew up. He brought his hands to the sky as Levithus let out a terrible cry. He slithered through the air, speeding up for the Lord of Lies, only for Salvos to intercept him. She shed with him in battle, calling out to Belzu.
Now, Belzu!
And the Lord of Lies whispered.
[The Oozing Lifeblood of the Netherworld. The Advent of Birth. Reject Your Foolish King. Unite. Rebel. Be One with Me, and Ascend].
The silver-haired girl unleashed an onught of fiery attacks at Levithus. But as heshed back with his tail, Belzu finished his chant. His eyes grew wide, and the world shrank. A cold darkness swept over the battlefield.
A Grand Skill that reshaped the world.
[The End of Genesis: the Destion of Hell].
I drew back as I saw the permeating ck mist reach me. Levithus roared, whipping out with his tail, which I narrowly avoided. And his serpentine figure was engulfed by the shadows.
I flew in darkness for a second, seeing nothing but shadows coalesce around me. It was like I was shrouded in sable clouds a sea of darkness reminiscent to the moments prior to my birth. I frowned and raised my hand.
[The Holy mes].
All at once, a st of gray mes shot out of my palm. They radiated an iridescent aura, filling this dark world with light. And like a sh of lightning during a storm, I saw it. The world around me the vicious hellscape that was the Netherworld.
I flew out of the ck clouds, seeing dark raindrops fall from the sky. I swept my gaze around the undting whitendscape, seeing the valleys and hills fill withkes of Demon blood. A red dome fell overhead, and a single bulbous eye hung high like a massive moon. And that was how I knew I wasnt truly in the Netherworld.
Instead, this was Belzus own little pocket space. An illusion so overwhelmingly powerful, it became a reality. I searched this ce for the Lord of Lies, and I heard a soft buzzing. I looked up, and saw the bulbous moon shrinking.
It became a little speck in the crimson sky before descending before me. The speck grewrger andrger, and I saw it wasnt a speck at all. It was Belzu.
He flew down next to me as I waved my Divine Nebr Scythe at him.
And here I thought you abandoned Levithus and I here for a second.
That would be a foolish decision. Levithus would simply kill you, then break free.
Belzu nced down, and I blinked.
Where is Levithus anyway?
I asked as I nced down. I tried searching for the giant serpent, but he was nowhere to be found. Belzu pointed past me down at the bottom of a valley flooding with ck blood. A writhing figure floated there, thrashing around.
I flitted down with Belzu,nding next to the small figure. I stared at it as I blinked.
This is?
[Demon Larva - Lvl. 171]
A gray Infant Demon writhed there in the pool of dark liquid. It stared at Belzu and I with hate-filled eyes as I cocked my head. The Lord of Lies spoke simply.
It is as you suspect this is Levithus.
Huh.
I paused for a moment. Levithus just struggled in the dark pool a cute little Infant Demon. He looked so harmless. I was pretty sure he couldnt harm anyone now at his current state. So I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe and smiled.
Alright, lets kill him!
Belzu chuckled, watching as I sauntered forward casually.
No hesitation. It seems the Humans have not influenced you as much as I thought.
I rolled my eyes as I loomed over Levithus. The Infant Demon red at me, and I waved a hand dismissively.
Why should I hesitate to kill him? Hes been trying to kill mypanions and I all this time.
I swung down with my Divine Nebr Scythe as Levithus flinched.
Also, Ive killed plenty of Infant Demons before back when I was one myself. I dont see how this makes any diff oof!
I stumbled back as a hard object struck me across my chest. I staggered, blinking only to see Levithus had tackled me. He had easily dodged my Divine Nebr Scythe and leapt at my chest. I backed away as I stared at him, menacingly ring at Belzu and I as hended on the ground.
Huh.
Hmph. It seems killing him will be harder than I thought.
Belzu raised a spindly hand, and Levithus leapt forward once again.
He was the Hound of the Demon King. It sounded like a derogatory Title Levithus knew that the less loyal servants of Regnorex used it as an insult. But Levithus readily epted this Title for himself.
Before that, he had been the Lord of Chaos. A burgeoning Primeval Demon. Not a Primeval Demon yet. He had still been an Archdemon, but he knew he would soon evolve to a [Hellprince].
Until he was betrayed by his own minions.
It was ridiculous. He had given them everything. He remembered their names. They had been together since their very births. Proditor, Vanidicus, Nugator, Ambitio, Sussio. They had survived the Destion again and again. They had avoided capture by the Demon King. They had escaped the wrath of the Beast.
They had risen together, but Levithus himself rose the fastest. He had dreamt of overthrowing Regnorex he had worked to create a rebellion that would upheave the status quo of the Netherworld. But before he could do any of that, his minions had backstabbed him.
They turned him over to Regnorex. And Regnorex saved him.
Levithus had thought it was all over. But he still remembered the words echoing in the throne room back then.
Disloyal scum!
Regnorex had in all five of those traitors who betrayed Levithus. The Demon King had instead given Levithus another chance.
Serve me.
It was both amand and a request. Levithus should have died, but he was spared.
Dedicate your life to me, and you shall be the first to enter my kingdom.
Levithus wasnt sure what would happen if he said not. But rejecting the offer never even crossed his mind. He epted it. He was spared, and that was why Levithus would do anything he could to fulfill his Kings will.
Now, he was the Hound of the Demon King. He was still the Lord of Chaos, but he had been granted a second Title which he willingly epted. It was a rare urrence supposedly to have two Titles. But it just marked his loyalty to Regnorex.
So it didnt matter whether he was at deaths door. It didnt matter if he had to sacrifice himself for Regnorexs ambitions. Levithus just red up at both Salvos and Belzu, attacking them even as he struggled to call upon his Skills.
He moved with the body of an Infant Demon. He avoided their attacks, countering with strikes that knocked them both back. He was going to kill them for his King. He had to.
[Betrayed. Forsaken. Saved. Reborn.]
Levithus let out a silent cry as he leapt up at Salvos, only to be swatted to the side by her scythe. He crashed into a rock wall, bleeding from his weak flesh. His body burned with pain, but he picked himself up again as his body cracked.
[I Shed My Scales And Be His Sword].
And with that, Levithus changed into something more.
He is really sturdy!
I yelled as I sliced at Levithus, knocking him against a rock wall. But even though he was an Infant Demon, he was still Level 171. My Divine Nebr Scythe hardly cut into his skin. A trickle of ck blood pooled where hey as Belzu pointed.
[Forlorn Execution].
I didnt see the attack. It was a curse, but I just saw Levithus recoil. Somehow, the Infant Demon still forced itself back up. I gritted my teeth and stepped forward.
Im ending this now
I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe as ck mes wisped off the des edge. It was apanied by an iridescent aura, and I began to swung down.
[Divine Radiant S
But I caught myself. For a moment, I thought I was caught in an illusion. I froze as Belzu stared.
What are you doing, Salvos?
However, it was no illusion. It was a vision one that came from [Angelic Premonition]. It wasnt just a warning that something dangerous wasing. I saw it. I saw my deathing if I followed through with the swing.
And I leapt back.
We have to move
I started as I flew back. But Levithus twisted. His body exploded open as Belzu raised his head in confusion. ck mes exploded in all directions. My warning came toote. I saw a blurred figure rip straight into the giant insect. A wolf-like head chomped straight through Belzu as my eyes grew wide.
[Cereberus - Lvl. 181]
Levithus 511. Hound of the Demon King
This was it. It was Levithus one and only Grand Skill. He had leveled up 10 times in an instant he had changed Subspecies entirely. The truth was, before Levithus became a [Hellprince], he had been a [Changeling].
And while he had lost most of his transformation abilities when he evolved, he still had a single Skill that could let him be something more. He had gained a Grand Skill that let him transform into any Primeval Demon 10 levels above him.
But if that was just it, it would have been an utterly pathetic Grand Skill. It wouldnt have been a Grand Skill befitting a [Hellprince] like him. No it did something more.
Levithus luxuriated in knowing that this was beyond just an increase in Stats. Because he had not only taken the form of a [Cerberus], he had also briefly be one, inhabiting all its Skills and abilities as his.
In an instant, he had gained half a dozen new Skills.
Temporary Skill [Deathly Hound] Gained!
Temporary Skill [Hallowed Howl] Gained!
Temporary Skill [Instantaneous Disengage] Gained!
Temporary Skill [Splitting Strikes] Gained!
Temporary Skill [Passive - Permanent Haste] Gained!
Temporary Skill [Passive - Rapid Regeneration] Gained!
Temporary Grand Skill
And Levithus knew that he had won.
[Cerberus - Lvl. 181]
Huh. Did he just gain 10 levels?
I stared at Levithus. He had transformed into a [Cerberus] a three-headed [Hellhound]. He wasnt particrly massive like the [Cerberus of Hell] I had encountered with my clone not too long ago. That wild Primeval Demon had been as big as the [Hebomination]!
But even though there was a size differential, I was pretty sure Levithus was stronger. After all, he had just ripped Belzus head off in a single second. I had barely even registered what just happened.
The Hound of the Demon King stepped forward as he spat out Belzus insect-like head. I blinked for a moment, then Levithus let out a howl. He sprinted forward as I backed away, beating my wings and flying into the air.
Stay back!
I yelled with [Intimidation], and Levithus slowed for just a moment. I pointed at him in that brief pause and whispered.
[Sacred Hellfire]!
Instantly, the transformed [Cerberus] erupted into ck mes. He yelped as it skidded to a stop, and I ascended rapidly above the hills and the valleys. I looked down at Levithus as he writhed a thousand feet below me, trying to w off the golden mes.
Hes fast.
I murmured. And a voice came in reply.
Indeed he is.
I nced back to see Belzu floated next to me, his tiny little wings buzzing quickly as he hovered in the air. I narrowed my eyes at him.
Was that an illusion? Or did you actually die?
It was as much of an illusion as it was reality.
What does that even mean?
I asked with a frown, but Belzu shook his head. He raised a spindly hand and pointed at Levithus. The [Cerberus] was yelping in pain, making the same sounds a dog would make, not speaking in any intelligible sense.
And Belzu just whispered.
[Desecration of the Mind].
Levithus recoiled. His body shed with a crimson light briefly. Belzu assailed him with a mix of mind magic and curses from afar. Levithus went limp as my [Sacred Hellfire] continued to eat away at his firstyers of flesh.
But he wasnt dead. No notification rang in my mind, even as I waited. So I raised a hand, creating a salvo of [The Holy mes]. Weapons made out of gray fire. Belzu nced back at me, and I unleashed the volley of projectiles as I spoke slowly.
We have to keep him down
I started, but Levithus leapt back to his feet. He raised all three of his heads and looked up as he unhinged his jaw. He howled, and the world around him exploded.
Uh-oh.
I blinked. I watched as a powerful shockwave erupted from the [Cerberus]. It was deafening. It dispelled [The Holy mes]. It even dispelled my [Sacred Hellfire]. It ravaged thendscape around him. The nearby white hills and the entire valley was blown apart from the invisible st.
I saw the rippling air burst up towards me, and flew back. Belzu just froze, only to fade away as an illusion. I didnt wait to see where he had gone. I flew as far as I could until I was miles away, and the shockwave was weak. It dissipated into the air as I stared into the far distance.
The entirendscape had been scarred open. Like a canyon had formed in mere moments by the sheer force of the attack. I wiped the sweat off my brow.
That was dangerous. Its a good thing I I
And I trailed off. My eyes grew wide as I saw a figure rapidly darting through the tornndscape of the faux Netherworld. Levithus sprinted full-speed ahead through Belzus little dimensional pocket as I gaped.
The [Cereberus] was fast. He was already fast as a [Hellprince], but his speed now was iprehensible. He was a blur that left craters with each jump he made, crossing great distances in moments. I sent another volley of ming projectiles at him, but he easily evaded the attacks and leapt into the air.
He shot up like a slingshot, propelled by the sheer force of his four legs. And in an instant, he had reached me. I narrowly dove to the side and avoided his wed swipes.
That was close!
I pointed at him, and sent a st of iridescent mes at his back as he fell through the sky. Levithus snapped his gaze up and unleashed a breath of ck mes in response. The two sts of fire shed in the air, and the explosion knocked me back.
I gritted my teeth as I tried to fly higher, and a figure appeared beside me.
Belzu!
I called out to the Lord of Lies. He just stared down at Levithus, and the world shifted. The ground broke open, swallowing the [Cerberus] as he let out a yelp. The earth threatened to crush him as I shook my head.
Thats not enough to beat Levithus. Hes too fast and strong right now. I need the Boots of Alexander to
The Treasures of Alexander are not in this world.
Belzu spoke over me. He craned his neck to the side without turning his body, and he faced me with his head turned 180 degrees.
I have stored them safely back in the confines of the real world.
What? Why would you do that?
I blinked, and the Lord of Lies sighed.
Because if we perish here with the Treasures of Alexander, then Levithus will get his hands on three Mythical Grade artifacts. And if he escapes from this world, he will be more dangerous than ever. We just have to hope that he wont be able to break free if that happens.
Thats
I stared at Belzu. He genuinely thought we could die here. That meant only one thing Belzu had used up his second Grand Skill. Hisst Grand Skill. He had evaded death, and he couldnt pull that same trick again.
Both of us were at our wits end. We didnt stand a chance against Levithus. And I wasnt even sure if I could beat him with the Boots of Alexander or the Greaves of Alexander. The Crown of Alexander did nothing, the Breastte of Alexander was broken, and the Sword of Alexander was with Daniel.
I pursed my lips.
I am not going to die here.
I watched as the ground cracked open. Giant w marks shredded apart thendscape, tearing apart hundreds of feet ofnd. I watched as the earth was shredded to bits, and Belzu grunted.
I cannot keep him down.
The Lord of Lies manipted his world he traced his hands in the air like he was weaving together a picture. He was crafting this world in an image he desired. The broken hills and shattered mountains smashed together with Levithus in between the rocks.
But the [Cerberus] just growled and tore through this tempest of stone as he continued leaping off the eddying debris to reach Belzu and I. Levithus moved fast, but he wasnt infallible. He was struck by a few stray pieces of flying stone chunks, and that showed me I just had to time him right.
Keep him distracted!
I called out to Belzu as I beat my wings once, and shot straight down for Levithus. I activated [Divine Haste] once again it had no cooldown as long as I ended the Skill quickly enough before using up the entirety of its magic. And I focused on the figure of the [Cerberus] as Levithus tore through the falling rocks.
First [Warped Time]!
And the world around Levithus slowed. For some reason, Belzu himself grimaced at that. But I wasnt done. I sent a st of iridescent mes down at the [Cerberus], and he countered once again with his own breath of ck mes.
I had expected that. The explosion briefly blotted out my vision. I knew that Levithus couldnt see through the dust and smoke. But I had nned that. I closed my eyes, taking in my surroundings with my spatial senses instead.
The world around me was rapidly condensed. And it was confusing to me for a moment. But I quickly gathered myself, ignoring that this was a pocket space, and dove to the side to intercept Levithus. I focused, not on the world around me, but on a certain Skill I had.
[Angelic Premonition]. It worked simrly to [A Hunters Sense], giving me minor warnings when I was in danger or about to run into a trap. But asionally it gave me something more visions a few seconds into the future. And I tapped into it. For just a single moment, I saw everything that would y out in the next five seconds.
So I cried out.
[Barrage of Cinders]!
I unleashed a flurry of strikes as I flew by Levithus. He easily dodged out of the way, and countered with a snarling bite. But I was already ahead of him. I had disengaged and raised my Divine Nebr Scythe as I grinned.
And [Draconic Fury]!
I struck out at the [Cerberus] before he could react. I tore through the slowed space I had trapped him in, and dug deeply into his side from a distance. I didnt even need to get close. Thanks to [Draconic Fury], I could swing from a distance, and the image of a Dragons w would strike my target.
Levithus reeled as the crimson aura melded with my rainbow-colored mes and burned his side. That was when my vision of [Angelic Premonition] ended, so I decided to capitalize on that opening I created. In that moment where he was distracted, I closed the gap between us and reached out with a [Faux Limb].
Now [Divine Demons
But before I could activate my Skill, Levithus drew back. His body shed a ck aura, and he suddenly flew out of the way. He soared away from me far from my reach. I blinked a few times as my [Divine Demons Mark] faded away.
Thats?
I recognized that Skill. Very briefly, it was as if Levithus himself was taken over by the [Hebomination]s Grand Skill. But it ended soon enough, rather than act like a continuous barrier protecting him from harm.
The [Cerberus] growled as hended on a falling hill, and Belzus eyes widened.
Salvos!
He called out, but I just blinked.
What?
I nced up, only to see that Belzu was gone. I stared in confusion for a second, then I sensed it. An overwhelming power that came from Levithus. He howled as ck mes wisped off his body angered by the damage he had taken. The whirling world stopped moving now that Belzu was gone, and it was like time had frozen in this fake reality.
The torrent of rocks halted as my eyes went round. The ck mes formed behind him to create the image of a massive looming [Cerberus of Hell]. His three maws moved, and he whispered slowly, his voice resounding one after another, creating an echo.
I opened my mouth as I heard what was being said.
[Temporary Grand Skill: I Shall Devour The World].
[Full Phase]
I started in a panic, but a momentter, the phantasm of the [Cerberus of Hell] exploded, engulfing this false reality.
Chapter 512: Verge of Death
Chapter 512: Verge of Death
Announcement
Big shoutout to my good friend Azrie who just published ir Book 1 onto Amazon KU! You guys should check it out, it''s great! I beta read it before it even published on RoyalRoad, and it has a dope ass cover. Seriously, check it out!
An Action-Packed LitRPG Apocalypse!
The elves took everything. Following a bloodied ughter of her whole race, and struggling to stay alive, she had no choice but to survive on her own. That was until the world changed. Her entire; a whole cluster was introduced to the vast universe by The System, or perhaps God. A universe filled with endless beings and civilizations that fought for power and dominance.
After the integration, ir finds herself in a forest surrounded by unknown beasts, peril lurking, alone. Alone and with nothing but the mentality to survive, she will have to get stronger in this new unforgiving world of numbers and power.
With nothing but the capability to get stronger, her distant dreams of revenge might just be a reality.
Blooming Apocalypse: A LitRPG Adventure (ir, Book 1) - Kindle edition by Azrie. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ .
512. Verge of Death
It was a Grand Skill. A temporary Grand Skill. Levithus knew he wouldnt have any other chance after using it. He hadnt even known if it would work. After all, his real Grand Skill the ability to transform into other Primeval Demons wasnt infallible.
While he had transformed into a [Cerberus] to counter Belzus little pocket world, Levithus couldnt have just be any Primeval Demon in the world and gained ess to its Grand Skill. No, there were limits to his transformation. He could only inhabit the body of Primeval Demons he had in in the past, and he could only copy the Skills he had seen from it.
So if he had killed an [Archarachne] without fighting against its Grand Skill, he might have been able to transform into an [Archarachne], but he couldnt have employed its Grand Skill. That was the reason why he had only gained half a dozen Skills from the [Cerberus].
And he had to hope it was enough to break through. Levithus watched as the image of a [Cerberus of Hell] appeared behind him. One formed from ck fire. It let out a terrible howl before the ck mes exploded out, consuming everything.
It ripped apart the earth, and it shattered mountains. The whirling tempest of stone was blown apart in an instant as the fiery figure around him shot up towards the sky. It broke apart into three ming spheres each hundreds of feet in diameter. They each formed the head of a [Cerberus] before they deformed.
And all at once, they struck the sky as a crimson crack tore through the red dome.
Belzu had seen the Grand Skilling. He sensed the overwhelming mana radiating from Levithus, and made his decision. The Lord of Lies had been ready to die in his own reality. He had been prepared to do everything he could to fend off the [Hellprince]-turned-[Cerberus].
But when he saw Levithus cast the Grand Skill, Belzu knew there was no point staying there any longer. The Grand Skill would have shredded apart that false world. And Belzu fled.
There was no point dying there. He emerged back in the real world back in the Mortal Realm. A small sphere a crystalline orby on the ground, resting against some rubble. His body deformed as it twisted out of that orb, until he was fully out of his reality.
Colored drained from his vision. Everything around him was in shades of gray, which confused the Lord of Lies for a moment. But he recalled he was still in yton Skyshredders [Antimagic Field] moments after and dismissed his confusion.
Belzu looked down at the reflective surface of the orb, and he saw a crack forming in its surface. The Lord of Lies backed up quickly, only to see space distort around the orb. His eyes grew wide as a silver-haired girl pulled herself from the false world.
Salvos stumbled forward as her figure took shape, returning to normal. Well, mostly normal. Belzus eyes narrowed as he saw her charred skin. The entire left side of her body was burning smoldering and sizzling. She groaned and quickly produced a healing potion. She sshed it over herself as the worst of her injuries faded away.
Ouch everything hurts.
She nearly copsed next to Belzu as she shook her head. Salvosy there, her Divine Nebr Scythe gone. The feathers on her wings had been burned off, leaving behind what seemed like bone-like protrusions beneath.
Belzu looked past her as she continued downing both mana and stamina potions now.
Get up. There is no rest for us.
Hm?
Salvos raised her head, and she saw it too. Her gaze followed Belzus andnded on the crystal orb sitting right by a pile of debris. The ss surface was breaking open, and a ck light shone within. Belzu could feel the immense mana radiating from it. He backed up warily as Salvos got to her feet.
Uh-oh
She murmured. And the orb shattered.
All at once, a powerful pulse of magic shot out. It knocked both Salvos and Belzu back. The pair braces themselves, managing to keep themselves standing. But what came next was a lot more dangerous than just a shockwave.
A deluge of ck mes poured out as Belzu clicked his mandibles together. The Lord of Lies took to the skies as an unending sea of fire insinuated the real world. It spread out quickly like a tsunami that burned everything it touched. It reached even beyond the ruined city of Inorr, expanding to the battlefield beyond.
The raging ck mes drew the attention of Demons and Humans alike from a distance. But Belzu waved a hand and painted an illusion over the area. From outsiders peering in, theyd see a raging Levithus unleashing a storm of ck mes against both Mori dius and Salvos.
Thanks to [Passive - Enhanced Superior Senses], Belzu could hear the cheers in the distance. The illusion served its purpose. It emboldened the Human army it restored their morale as they made one final big push to shatter the remaining wild Demons and the army of Demons.
They saw their Champion of the Human Lands fighting. They saw their Lesser God in battle. And they let out a deafening war cry that sent even the wild Demons fleeing.
Belzu shook his head and turned his attention back to what was happening below him. He was doing what needed to be done with his illusions, but now he had to focus on the threat at hand. He watched as space twisted at the center of the st of ck mes.
The world distorted around the broken orb. Levithus slowly crawled his way out of the rift, before everything returned to normal. He was still a [Cerberus]. His true Grand Skill hadnte to an end yet. He turned his three heads around, searching for both Belzu and Salvos.
The Lord of Lies wondered how he was going to defeat this opponent. But Salvos didnt wait to figure out a n. She appeared next to him, blinking into existence with a teleportation spell. She raised a scythe-like limb created from [Faux Limbs], and ck mes wisped off its sharp edge.
[Divine Radiant sh]!
Salvos yelled as she struck into the back of the [Cerberus]. Levithus saw hering. He spun around, and ck mes wisped off his body, forming an armor. He barely reacted in time as she partially sheared through the dark coat and through his already-burnt flesh. He growled and snapped up at her with his three heads, but Salvos was already flying out of the way.
[Divine Demons Mark]!
She pointed at him. And a crimson mark shone on his exposed skin. Levithus nced down for a moment, caught off-guard. He yelped as a crimson explosion engulfed him.
A powerful st erupted out as Belzu watched from the side. Salvos was knocked back by her own st, limply flying back. She groaned as she opened up her previous wounds and stared at the sight.
How is he still alive?
She barely mustered out. Belzu and Salvos floated a few dozen feet in the air, but far from the explosion. They were right by the source of the summoning ritual, and they stared into the center of the st, watching as the [Cerberus] stepped out of the explosion. Half his ming armor had been destroyed. He had a slight limp in his step. But he was still walking. Levithus continued to approach both of them.
I am almostpletely out of Skills. Can you do anything about this?
Salvos just gritted her teeth, turning to the Lord of Lies. Belzu pointed and whispered.
[Forlorn Execution].
A crimson ring circled around the [Cereberus] and rapidly shrank like it was crushing him. It caused Levithus to stagger for a moment. But he continued walking forward. His wounds slowly healed at a rate slower than a healing potion, but still obvious nheless.
Belzu shook his head.
I have exhausted most of my Skills as well. I do not know if we can defeat Levithus alone.
Both Salvos and Belzu stared at the approaching [Cerberus]. In response, Levithus growled.
You cannot defeat me for as long as I serve my King!
He bounded forward, snarling. His body blurred.
[Deathly Hound
Belzu watched as Levithus moved so fast, he became three different figures. The three [Cerberus] nked both Salvos and Belzu from all sides as they braced themselves. Levithus was so fast, even Salvos couldnt react.
But there was a sh of red. A crimson figure shot forward, moving quickly and intercepting Levithus right before he reached them. There was the sh of metal. Iridescent sparks flew out. Salvos blinked. Levithus leapt back warily.
Belzu stared.
The figure carried a pair of daggers, but blocked the attack with glowing greaves. She wore boots that shimmered with an iridescent aura. Her red hair flowed freely behind her as she stood before Levitihus. The [Creberus] growled, eyeing her with burning eyes.
Salvos opened her mouth.
Youre
She started, then paused. Her eyes focused on both the Greaves of Alexander and the Boots of Alexander at her feet. Belzus eyes went round as he said the red-haired womans name.
Scarlet the Red Rose.
And the Elite Ranked [Rogue]s eyes flickered to Belzu to the Primeval Demon disguising himself as Mori dius. Salvos just blinked.
Huh.
Chapter 513: The Rose Has Thorns
Chapter 513: The Rose Has Thorns
513. The Rose Has Thorns
Saffron saw the explosion. A st of ck mes that came from the center of the ruins of Inor. The city was now nothing but mounds of rubble and debris having been blown apart by both the grand ritual and by the fighting. The grand summoning ritual did not help, but at that point, the Capital city of the Inoria Empire was already unrecognizable.
But even still, that st of ck mes drew the attention of everyone in the battlefield. It wasnt just Saffron who was briefly distracted, turning to see the source of the explosion. Helena Warshade, Peris Dolonia, Laux Lionfist, Daniel Song, Edithe Dawnrise the entire Human army raised their heads as the rumbling shook the battlefield. And they all saw the same thing.
An undting figure that stretched nearly a hundred feet. As long as a Wyvern, and more terrifying than any Demon Saffron had ever seen. It was Levithus. A Primeval Demon; a [Hellprince]. He exploded up in the tempest of fire as Salvos the Sentinel of Secely and Mori dius the Champion of the Human Lands shed with him in battle.
It was a sight to behold. Even a few of the Demon soldiers turned to stare at their leader fighting. But not all of them. Especially not the wild Demons. The [Archarachne] hissed as it raised its scythe-like de at Helena. The Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy was uncharacteristically distracted by what she saw. And that made her vulnerable.
The [Archarachne] swung down at her, only for a figure d in a knights arm to block the attack. Kaitlin Darkhelm repelled the sh with her shield as she yelled out.
Now!
And arge man leapt out. His four arms were hefted over a great axe. His one eye fixed only on the [Archarachne]s neck. The wild Primeval Demon tried to stumble back, but it was too slow. Too tired and too hurt. Revis Umontos, the Seer of the Cosmos, cleaved the [Archarachne]s head straight off.
Thest of the wild Primeval Demons copsed, sending a small tremor that nearly knocked Saffron off her feet. A hand caught her, and she nced back.
Careful.
Crocus Merryster Saffrons father helped her to her feet. She turned back to face him as she blinked. He just stared forward, watching Salvos and Mori fight.
Your friend is really impressive, isnt she?
He spoke as she shook his head. Saffron paused, even the fighting continued on. She heard the cheers. She watched as the United Coalition Army of the Human Lands pushed on. But she just saw the look on her fathers face.
It was not too long ago we were roughly the same level. Now look at her.
Crocus stepped forward as he reached for a crimson vial at his side. Saffrons eyes grew wide. Reaching out, she tried to stop him.
Father
She started. But he stepped forward and downed the red liquid. And he was consumed by a red aura. His muscles rippled as he smashed the ss bottle against the rock ground.
Vampires!
He yelled as his voice echoed around him. All the nearby Vampires turned to face him. It didnt matter which family they belonged to whether they were a part of the Greater Vampire Families or not. Gannon Norwood, Anya Veridian, Bolton Crimsonfang each and every head of the various families nodded at each other.
They followed suit. They downed their own respective bottles of red liquid as Saffron just watched with wide eyes. It wasnt just them, either. A few of their most loyal followers their highest-leveled bodyguards uncorked vials of their own and gulped it all down.
Thats blood.
Saffron whispered. Crocus himself nodded as he turned back to his daughter. His eyes unfocused, and he spoke slowly. Like he was barely in control of his own thoughts.
This is blood blood of our fallenrades.
He took in a deep breath, steeling himself.
The blood of our greatest warriors who have perished over the course of this war. It will help us remember what we are fighting for even when we give in to our innate bloodlust.
Crocus Merryster stepped back as he reeled. Saffron reached for him.
Father
But he shrugged her off. He forced himself forward as the crimson aura wisped wildly off him. He raised his head and roared.
It is time for us to show our grit as the Demon yers we are said to be!
And with that, he charged into battle with the greatest fighters of the Vampire families. They tore through the remaining ranks of Demons as they encroached on the grand summoning ritual. This was it. The final push. Saffron looked on, seeing the might of the Vampires in action. As they slew Demons above their levels.
She was so entranced by what she saw, she didnt even notice that with each death, the grand summoning ritual just grew stronger.
Scarlet the Red Rose swept her gaze around the rubble. Before her stood a [Cerberus] that was nearly 30 levels above her. A Primeval Demon that snarled even as it stepped forward with a limp. It was clearly the most dangerous creature here. The most able one, too. But for whatever reason, her focus was at the two figures behind her.
No Scarlet wasnt staring at Salvos. Even though the silver-haired girl was a Lesser God, the Red Rose looked past her to the giant insect. He was shaped vaguely like a fly, except with the upper torso of a Human, and spindly arms that drooped to his side. He stared down at Scarlet with his bulbous eyes, and she frowned.
I recognize you.
She whispered. Scarlet would never forget him. He was a [Hellprince]. A Primeval Demon. He was the one who appeared all those years ago from the Motharis Mountain Range. But more importantly than that, she recognized from Westshield.
He was Belzu, and he was the one responsible for Moris death.
So it was all an illusion. All this time, it was fake. And you were the one responsible for it.
Scarlet spoke as the [Cerberus] circled dangerously around her. But it didnt pounce. It just watched as the Red Rose turned to face Belzu.
You killed Mori dius. But you werent satisfied with that. You took his identity after his death. You pretended to be him, just so you could manipte us from the inside.
She faced him, and he hesitated. Belzu looked past her, seeing the smirking [Cerberus]. Its wounds were gradually healing. It seemed content to let this scene y out. And Salvos just eyed its three grinning faces.
Um, I think we have other things to worry about
Scarlet shook her head as raised a dagger. Staring down at the crimson de, she spoke softly.
I thought he had returned. I really believed he had escaped death once again. But I was wrong. I was so so stupid.
Belzu didnt respond. He just clicked his mandibles together. He hovered there, his wings rapidly buzzing as he stared at the Red Rose. If he had something to say, he wasnt going to say it. He just waited for Scarlet to continue.
And she would have continued. There were so many things she wanted to say. Her head was spinning. Her world was broken. She was disillusioned. Out of every possible person in the world who could have been responsible for this deception, it had to be Belzu.
She gritted her teeth as she opened her mouth.
You
But she was cut off as a rumbling shook the world. Salvos and Belzu nced back, watching as the grand summoning ritual shed. A ck spire rose out in its entirety as the gray world flickered.
Belzu blinked, and Salvos gaped.
The [Antimagic Field]... its faltering!
The silver-haired girl gritted her teeth as she spoke. Belzu spun around and looked past Scarlet, staring at the wary [Cerberus].
This is ridiculous. There is no point in having this confrontation. It was not I who killed your beloved Mori dius. And if we waste any more time, the summoning ritual will beplete. ytons Grand Skill wille to an end. Either give us the Treasures of Alexander, or get out of the way.
He raised a spindly hand as Scarlet blinked. She looked down at herself. An iridescent aura wisped off her the only color in this flickering gray world. The Treasures of Alexander still shone brightly. She wore both the Boots of Alexander and the Greaves of Alexander. They had been lying around carelessly tossed aside, so she equipped them.
But now she knew it had been in Belzus possession. He demanded them back, but she wouldnt give it to him. She pressed her lips into a thin line as the ground cracked. There was a lull a moment of silence where nothing happened. Belzu and Scarlet faced each other, neither one moving. And, finally, the [Cerberus] pounced forward.
It took its chance. It saw the way Scarlet was facing off with Belzu, so it charged forward. It swiped its ws straight for the insects head, faster than he could react. Salvos raised a hand and cried out as Belzu flinched.
Belzu
But instead of the sttering of ck blood, there was the sh of metal. The sh of iridescent light. Scarlet Vermillion stood before Belzu, blocking the attack aimed for his head. She had her legs raised. The ws of the [Cerberus] grazed against the metallic surface of the Greaves of Alexander.
And she kicked the wolf-like Demon back. It yelped as it hopped away from her.
I understand that.
Scarlet spoke, ncing back at the [Cerberus]. She stared at Salvos and Belzu. She looked at the way they eyed each other they were fighting together against amon enemy. So it was obvious who was the bad guy here.
The Red Rose turned to face the [Cerberus] as she continued.
I am no fool. I understand that you are not the current enemy, I understand that this [Cerberus] is who we have to take down right now that otherwise, this grand summoning ritual will beplete, and all our efforts will be in vain.
The [Cerberus] growled as it eyed the Red Rose. It sprinted around her, leaping from side to side before darting straight her way. Scarlet moved. She reacted faster than her mind could even process what was happening. She kicked up with the Greaves of Alexander, once again parrying the wed strike. There was a sh of sparks, and she backed away.
But she still continued speaking to Belzu.
However, that doesnt change the fact that you killed Mori dius. You took his identity. You can say you did not kill him, but it was because of your actions he died. And you are as culpable for his death as much as even Levithus.
She stepped forward and threw a kick at one of the three heads of the [Cerberus]. It ducked under the strike, and countered with a flurry of strikes which she narrowly avoided thanks to the Boots of Alexander. She gritted her teeth as she eyed the [Cerberus].
Once this is over, I shall bring you to justice, Belzu. I shall expose your deceit to the world. And you will pay!
Scarlet screamed, leaping at the [Cerberus]. She raised her daggers as she uttered a Skill.
[Fatal Division
She started. But the [Cerberus] just opened one of its three mouths. A cone of ck mes was already shooting out when the Red Rose realized she had thrown herself right into the attack.
No
Scarlet the Red Rose tried to pull out of her way. It was as though the world moved in slow motion. She saw the breath of ck fireing her way, but she couldnt escape. And a hand grabbed her from the side.
Stupid!
Salvos called out, dragging Scarlet out of the way of the attack. The Red Rose blinked and found herself in the air. She was being carried by Salvos who was barely keeping afloat with only three of her six wings.
Youre 30 levels below him! Just because youre fast with the Boots of Alexander, doesnt mean you wont die if he touches you even once!
The silver-haired girl reprimanded Scarlet as she descended back to the ground. The [Cerberus] spun around, growling dangerously as the Red Rose got back to her feet.
I-I right.
Scarlet nodded slowly, and Salvos looked past the Red Rose with a wary gaze. The silver-haired girl lifted a scythe made of gray mes before gesturing at the [Cerberus].
Anyway, if you really want to get revenge, youre in luck because this [Cerberus] is Levithus. So nows your chance to kill him as well!
What?
The Red Rose paused. Her eyes darted to the [Cerberus], and she saw the look on its three faces. It was hurt and injured and it was sapient. It understood what was going on. It very clearly knew what Salvos was saying was true.
Scarlet eyed the growling [Cerberus] as she whispered softly.
Thats Levithus?
Yep.
Salvos nodded. Scarlet closed her eyes for a moment, before nodding at herself. She remembered Levithus therge serpent that appeared from above the clouds. He had in Mori dius from behind, right as the Champion of the Human Lands was about to defeat Belzu. And from that day on, Scarlets life had been full of nothing but sadness and anger.
For all that pain and suffering, it was finally time for revenge. The Red Rose raised her head and nodded.
Then lets deal with him, so we can deal with Belzu next.
Salvos just grinned.
Alright!
And the two women charged forward as the [Cerberus] howled. The three of them shed inbat. A battle that was but a blur. Threebatants, moving so fast that even most Elites couldnt keep up.
All the while Belzu just watched from a distance.
Chapter 514: Easy Revenge
Chapter 514: Easy Revenge
514. Easy Revenge
Belzu watched from a distance.
He didnt join the fighting, nor did he use his illusions to aid the two women. They were locked in battle with a [Cerberus] 30 levels above them. Sure, Salvos had her Grand Skill, and Scarlet had the Treasures of Alexander, but even though Belzu was the closest in level to Levithus.
However, he just looked on.
The gray world faltered as all kinds of colorful light shed out with the sh of ws or metal. The iridescent glow of Divine Essence was the most visible here in the [Antimagic Field]. But Belzu also saw through this veil of colorlessness, looking on as Scarletshed out with a crimson aura, and staring as Salvos unleashed golden mes.
Levithus took it all on. He regenerated slowly. Not nearly as fast as Ira. It was like the [Cerberus] was bathing in a pool of a very weak healing potion. The regeneration was evident, but if either Salvos or Scarlet hacked off his three heads, he would instantly die. If he was impaled through the back of his neck, he very likely wouldnt survive for long.
Maybe theyd defeat him if Belzu helped out. But he refused to budge. He just floated there as his wings buzzed, until Salvos drew back next to him. She clicked her tongue and faced the Lord of Lies.
What are you doing? We need your help!
As the silver-haired girl spoke, Scarlet backed away from the swiping ws of Levithus. He hounded after the Red Rose, but with the Boots of Alexander and the Greaves of Alexander, she kept him back.
Belzu turned to Salvos with a callous gaze. He nced at her dismissively before shaking his head.
We cannot kill Levithus.
What are you talking about? This is our chance to
Salvos started, only for Belzu to cut her off.
I am not saying we are incapable of killing him. But that killing him marks our own defeat.
Her brows snapped together. Did she forget? Belzu highly doubted it. Despite her casual and carefree personality, he knew she was rather astute when it mattered.
Salvos raised a hand and pointed at Levithus, unleashing a flurry of ming projectiles his way. He leapt out of the way with ease, only to be intercepted by a kick from Scarlet.
It is either we die to him, or he dies to us. We already tried to stop him without exacerbating the ritual. But were out of options, Belzu.
The silver-haired girl spoke softly. Grimly. Her gaze was fixed on her target, and she stepped forward as she turned back to face the Lord of Lies.
You can do whatever you want. But I know what I am going to do right now.
With that, she charged at Levithus. Belzu watched as she nked the [Cerberus] from the side, knocking him away from Scarlet. The Lord of Lies didnt say a word. Belzu simply watched.
Alone, Salvos and Scarlet didnt stand a chance against Levithus. Even with the injuries that the [Cerberus] had already suffered. But together, they were putting up a fight. And maybe if Belzu joined, they would actually win this fight.
But the Lord of Lies just closed his eyes. He thought of everything that had led to this moment. He recalled his journey from his birth, surviving through countless cycles of Advent and Destion over and over again. Through it all, he had fled and escaped the clutches of the Demon King.
All he had cared about was his own survival. For so long, nothing mattered to him but his own life. He would betray and deceive anyone he encountered for his own gain. He had learned that was the nature of the Netherworld from his very birth.
His siblings they had been so plentiful. But they had been ughtered when they first encountered a wild Demon. It had been a [Hellhound], and it was a massacre. Belzu remembered pushing one of his sisters into the jaws of the [Hellhound] just so he could survive.
So Belzu had never cared for anything but himself. And that had been how he lived for so long. Maybe that was why he hadnt leveled much for such a great period of time. But then he encountered the Beast. He spoke with the Devil.
But most of all, he had heard the Demon Kings ns for merging the nes.
And that was when the Lord of Lies finally became who he was now. No longer a coward, he rebelled against Regnorex. It was such a foolish n. It was utterly ridiculous. Yet, here it was, so close to being fulfilled.
Belzu couldnt allow it to happen. He had to do everything that was necessary to stop it. So he opened his eyes and vanished.
Levithus pounced on Scarlet. She went flying as she barely blocked the attack with the Greaves of Alexander. She crashed into a wall, but the [Cerberus] didnt let up. He leapt forward with a burst of ck mes and opened his terrible maw.
The Red Rose winced, but there was a st of iridescent mes. It knocked Levithus back, keeping him from reaching her. Salvosnded on his back and dug into his charred flesh with a dozen fiery limbs. The [Cerberus] howled in pain as Scarlet watched.
This was too close forfort. If Scarlet failed to block or dodge even a single attack, she would die. She picked herself up and tightly gripped onto her daggers. Her Skills were mostly useless, so she didnt even know why she held onto her daggers.
There were only a limited number of Skills she could use in tandem with the Greaves of Alexander. That was her best weapon against Levithus. So she stepped forward with the Boots of Alexander. She sprinted forward as the world blurred around her. At first, just turning into a messy smudge.
But then a crimson aura flickered around her. It sheared through the gray world, giving birth to color even in the [Antimagic Field]. Scarlet lowered her daggers and raised her legs as she spun in the air.
She targeted Levithus. She saw the [Cerberus] and only the [Cerberus]. Scarlet didnt notice Salvos leaping away as he snarled dangerously. The Red Rose could avenge Mori dius here. She was going to y his killer today!
[Storm of Thorns
Scarlet started as she reached Levithus, apanied by a crimson cyclone. The [Cerberus] snapped its three heads back her way and opened his mouths. He unleashed a breath of ck mes her way, and the Red Rose swerved around the attack mid-air.
She avoided his fury as he growled. No matter where he turned, she was a step ahead of the attack. The Red Rose reached his back andnded a flurry of kicks. Levithus yelped as he was struck into the earth. But she didnt let up.
The Red Rose continued digging into his back like a drill. She unleashed an unending strike of kicks with the Greaves of Alexander. There was nothing Levithus could do as he was buried into a growing crater. His bones break. His skin tore.
He was going to die today. And she was going to kill him.
Scarlet screamed as she aimed for his head,shing out with a powerful kick. But the [Cerberus] snarled. He raised his head and chomped up, biting into the Greaves of Alexander. His teeth shattered. His mouth bled. The Red Rose blinked, but he stopped her attack.
Thats?
And Levithus tightly yanked her leg with his shattered jaw, mming her down on the ground. Scarlet gasped. She felt her bones shattering. Shended on her side, breaking her left arm. The Red Rose let out a heavy wheeze as she felt her body crumpling from the attack.
The [Cerberus] would have finished her off. But there was a sh of lighting from the sky. Salvos hovered high above, raising a sphere of ck mes.
[The Call of Armageddon].
A deluge of small darkets fell upon Levithus, crashing into his back. He let go of Scarlet and rapidly jumped out of the way. But the falling stars gave chase to him. They avoided Scarlet, crashing around only the [Cerberus].
The Red Rosey there as she groaned. Her vision darkened, and she felt her blood pooling beneath her. She barely looked up and watched as Salvos descended, while the ck mes continued to crash into the earth.
Am I going to die here, Mori?
Scarlet wondered aloud. She tried to pick herself up, but she could hardly even move her right arm. This had been her chance for revenge. To kill the killer of the man she loved.
But she was too weak. She had always been weak. She never understood what Mori saw in her. Still, he gave her a chance. And she flourished thanks to him.
Now, he was gone, and she was nothing. She could never amount to anything without him. It was ridiculous. She was supposed to be the sessor of the Remembered Order Company. She was supposed to take up the mantle of the Champion of the Human Lands in the same way Mori dius took up the mantle of the Watcher.
But Scarlet had failed. She failed Mori dius. Not just in life, but now in death too.
I-Im sorry
Her eyes began to close as she stared at the ck sphere hovering high in the sky. She heard the sounds of fighting in the distance. Salvos was still locked inbat with Levithus. But it was not just them.
The Red Rose listened as all her other senses grew dull. And in the distance, she heard the cries of battle. She heard the shouts and screams that came from beyond the rubble. The United Coalition of the Human Lands was here. All of them were fighting side by side to put a halt to this grand ritual.
And amongst that army was the Remembered Order Company. Scarletspany. Thepany she had been tasked as the leader.
Mori dius was dead. She had thought he came back to life, but he was fully dead. And that meant she was the leader of the Remembered Order Company.
So it wasnt just Mori who she failed. She had failed the rest of herpany too. Each and every adventurer who had died since Moris death she had failed them all. So many friends and allies. All dead. Because of her.
Tyrian was dead because of her.
Scarlet remembered the Brightsbane Archer. He was always so carefree. A truly kind soul who epted Scarlet the instant Mori announced her as his sessor. Everyone else had doubted her. But Tyrian didnt.
He had died because of her. Because she was so distracted with Belzu.
And Scarlet was going to die now, failing Tyrian failing Mori. She was going to die failing her entirepany. This thought it upsetted her. It made her mad. It snapped Scarlets eyes wide open.
Was she really going to die here just like that? After Tyrians death, and after Moris death. After all those lives lost, was she really just going to ept her fate like this?
No!
Scarlet groaned as she raised her right hand. The world was fading away. Her vision threatened to fail her. She couldnt feel the rest of her body. The sounds of fighting grew muffled. But she didnt care.
The Red Rose was driven forward by her anger. By her failure. If she was going to die, then she would die fighting, not lying around and epting her demise. She dug through her Bag of Holding with her one hand, searching for thest gift Tyrian had given her.
She finally produced it a Potion of Regeneration. And she gulped it down. Scarlet sshed it all over her body as she heard her bones cracking back together. Rising to her feet, Scarlet coughed and hacked as she took in her surroundings.
Her senses returned. She could finally see again. The sounds of the shing of battle resumed, and she looked up as the ck sphere in the sky faded away. Scarlet took a moment to regain her bearings before mbering out of the crater.
She emerged just in time to see Levithus ripping one of Salvos wings off and striking her across the stomach. The silver-haired girl crashed into a nearby pile of rubble as he growled, opening his mouth. He was badly hurt. He was burned and beaten, walking with a limp, but he still refused to back down. ck mes gathered in his three jaws as the Red Rose eyed him.
This was her chance. While he was distracted. She could finally exact her her
Revenge?
Scarlet raised her head for a moment in thought. But she shook her head and corrected herself.
No justice.
With that, the Red Rose sprinted forward, and Levithus paused. He turned to face her with his three heads as he howled, unleashing the plume of ck mes. Scarlet didnt leap out of the way, nor did she jump above the attack.
She continued running. The Boots of Alexander rapidly carried her forward. And she rose above the st of ck mes.
Scarlet ran in the sky.
It was thanks to the Boots of Alexander. It let her run on any surface, even the air. So she easily ran over the pouring deluge of dark fire. Levithus watched as she easily avoided his attack. He backed up warily, growling as she ran directly overhead him.
And the Red Rose jumped. She propelled herself straight down at the [Cerberus].
He braced himself as she swung down with a kick. The Greaves of Alexander shed. It wisped with an iridescent aura, and Levithus snarled. He couldnt dodge out of the way. She was too fast, and he was clearly injured. So he did the same thing he had done just earlier.
He bit hard.
Once again, Levithus chomped down at her leg to block the attack. This time, he caught the Greaves of Alexander in all three of his mouths. His teeth didnt shattered. His jaw didnt break. He had taken the full brunt of her kick without flinching.
And he clung on tight onto her leg as he growled.
You shall die for my King.
He spoke in a muffled voice an echo of three voices. The [Cerberus] raised his heads, lifting Scarlet up to m her down onto the earth. But Scarlet was prepared for that. She had known this would happen. And the iridescent energy at her feet only grew wilder.
You shall die for me.
Scarlet countered as she kicked up. Even when her leg was caught in the jaws of the [Cerberus], she moved. The Divine Essence burned as Levithus recoiled, trying to let go of her legs. But it was toote.
The Greaves of Alexander exploded with Divine Essence. It poured out in a streak like a rainbow. It sted through the three mouths of Levithus. His entire body staggered back, only to go limp a second after.
The Red Rose swung up with the Greaves of Alexander, and the three upper heads of the [Cerberus] went flying. All at once, she decapitated him from the inside. Everything from above his jaw was sted straight off.
Scarlet flipped back andnded with a clink as the iridescent aura faded away. She raised her head as she whispered.
Temporary Skill: [Divine Wave].
And she nced back. Behind her, Levithus copsed to the ground, lifeless. The [Cerberus] the [Hellprince] responsible for the deaths of her friends and the man she loved was dead.
It was over.
Scarlet the Red Rose had finally brought Levithus to justice.
And as a barrage of notifications overwhelmed her, she copsed in exhaustion.
Chapter 515: Final Frontier
Chapter 515: Final Frontier
515. Final Frontier
This was it.
The final push. Edithe Dawrnrise watched as the United Coalition of the Human Lands converged on the ruined city. Inor had been reduced to rubble and debris. There were no walls left standing and girdling its peripheries, although there was a gray dome surrounding it. There were only the remnants of the Demon army, and the mass of wild Demons.
The redhead swept her gaze over her surroundings, searching for the rest of herpany. She couldnt find any of them. Not even Hadrian. All she saw were soldiers from the Hellbir League and the Sunmere Republic rushing around her. She even caught sight of a handful of tall Cyclopes tearing through a rank of [Greater Legions].
At some point during the battle, Edithe had been separated from herpany. It must have been when the grand ritual to merge the nes changed into a summoning ritual. She had been so lost in the chaos, she didnt even realize shed been swept away from the rest of the Valiant Dreamers.
She wanted to find them she needed to make sure that they were safe. But the redhead stopped herself as she took a step back. She nearly stumbled over something lying on the ground. Looking down, her eyes grew wide at what she saw.
It was a corpse. A dead body. Not anyone she knew. He was just a soldier who had been impaled through the chest. He looked up with lifeless eyes back at the redhead, and she pursed her lips. She nced around her surroundings, seeing the dead adventurers and soldiers gathered at her feet. So many deaths.
But soon it would all be over. Just one final push.
So Edithe strode forward. She raised her staff as a white aura wisped off her body. The essences of the dead flowed around her, and she took in a deep breath. There was only a single hurdle left to ovee. She saw the hordes of wild Demons ahead. They fought fearlessly savage beasts that didnt understand that they were losing.
A wall of these wild Demons blocked the path of the army. And Edithe was going to shatter them. She raised her staff, whispering softly.
[Vindication
She started. But she was interrupted by a screech. The redhead looked up just in time to see a [Savage Agarat] swooping down at her. Her eyes grew wide, and she stumbled back.
But before she could even react, a vial of yellow liquid zipped through the air and intercepted the wild Archdemon. Acid exploded all over the [Savage Agarat], eating away at its flesh before it could reach Edithe.
Blinking, she watched as the wild Archdemon slowly fell before her, before melting into a puddle of ck blood at her feet. She backed up and turned to face a pair of figures standing behind her.
One of them was an [Alchemist]. A man with a grizzly white beard. He wore a blue cloak, and he carried at his side a Bag of Holding. She couldnt see his levels, but she knew he was strong. Probably higher level than she currently was. He produced a pair of potions and tossed them into the air.
The vials exploded in the air like fireworks. sts of multi-colored sparks that sent a flock of [Vampyr Bats] scattering. Edithe just worked her jaw as she stared at her two saviors.
Gabriel and Jake?
There they were. The two members of the True Valiants Company. The members of the Valiant Dreamers who left after discovering the truth behind thepany. That their former leader, Baris, had kept the purpose of the Valiant Dreamers protecting the Sword of Alexander a secret. And because of that, the two splitpanies had continuously shed with each other ever since then, especially with Jakes antagonism.
But now, they had saved her?
Gabriel started forward, nodding at Edithe. He had been one of the least hostile members of the True Valiants, but she was still surprised to see him here.
Try not to get too distracted while on the battlefield, Edithe. If you have a long spell to cast, ensure you do it behind the front lines.
R-right. But what are you two?
She stared past Gabriel, looking at Jake. The leader of the True Valiants harrumphed and stepped forward. He drew a sword, eyeing a pair of charging [Hellhounds] in the distance.
The battlefield is no ce for a conversation.
He spoke simply. But then he paused, ncing back at Edithe briefly.
However, I have decided. While the Valiant Dreamers and the True Valiants will never see eye-to-eye on what happened that day our leader betrayed us. There is no point for us to squabble amongst each other. Not when we have the same goals and the same ideals.
A [Hellhound] lunged at him, but he sliced it in half. The second one didnt even get close before he threw his de. It impaled the wild Demon, before appearing back in his hand. Jake closed his eyes, and Edithe blinked.
Thats
She wasnt sure what to say. She just found herself gaping at Jake. After everything that had happened, this was how it was resolved? The redhead was genuinely at a loss for words. Especially since she didnt know why he came to this conclusion now.
But Jake just shook his head at her.
We can talk moreter, alright? Use your Skill, already. Gabriel and I will cover you.
Edithe paused. She watched as the [Alchemist] hurled a volley of potions into the distance, sting apart a group of wild Demons. Slowly, she nodded.
She stepped forward as a white aura coalesced at the tip of her staff once more. It flowed through her the power of all the deceased. It was overwhelming. And yet, she still channeled it through her. Their rage. Their anger. Their wills.
[Vindication of
But once again, before she could cast the spell, she was interrupted. The ground shook. The redhead was thrown off bnce. [Vindication of They] was dissipated as the earth rumbled with a terrible tremor.
The ground beneath her feet shone. The vast magic circle encapsting the battlefield lit up once more. Edithes eyes grew wide as she felt the magic in the air rapidly draining.
What?
And before she could parse what was happening, the gray dome up ahead burst open. The redheads eyes widened as she just stared on.
Oh no.
Daniel Song looked up as he heard the popping sound. He watched as the dome slowing the grand summoning ritual vanished, and he saw the ck spire rising rapidly from the earth.
He gritted his teeth, whispering a name.
Salvos
Saffron stumbled back as the ground at her feet ripped open, threatening to swallow her. She nearly fell through, but a hand caught her, pulling her back.
Are you alright?
Amanda carried the young Vampire back from the front lines. The former assassin wore an uncharacteristically worried look on her face. Saffron closed her eyes, not even looking at what was happening in the distance. She could sense it. Any [Mage] within a thousand miles could sense it. It was finally time.
Regnorex wasnt at the gates anymore. He had broken through.
And the ck pce made its way through to the Mortal Realm.
Far away, Willy just coaxed the three baby Wyverns as they stared into the distant horizon. The sky was glowing a dark crimson there, and they knew something was going awfully wrong.
Mama
Orgaf tore through the ranks of wild Demons, rushing his way to the very center of the grand ritual. He had thought Salvos had it. He had seen the silver-haired girl bring down Levithus with the help of Mori dius.
But even despite that, the ritual continued. And the Thief of the Golden Scales didnt understand why. It seemed that for whatever reason, with the death of Levithus, the ritual was only empowered.
And for once in his life, the Elite Ranked [Rogue] was too slow.
All throughout the battlefield, the Elite Ranks moved towards the center of the grand summoning ritual as fast as they could. Helena Warshade, Kaitlin Darkhelm, and Revis Umontos tore through the ranks of [Legions] to get there as fast as they could. Even Titus the Thrilling Bard and Ze-jai The One With Nature themselves had lost their normally calm demeanors, and moved in a hurry to stop this vile magic.
The only one who remained idle was yton Skyshredder. He was the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. He had done everything he could to stop it. But all he could do was dy it.
His [Antimagic Field] one of his three Grand Skills was only able to slow the summoning ritual. It was a spell that would be able to disable the entire spellcasting capabilities of an army. Yet, here, it wasnt even able to put a halt to the grand magic the Demons had set up.
He had understood this, but he still cast the Grand Skill regardless. Because he had hoped it would have dyed the grand summoning ritual long enough for Salvos to defeat Levithus, putting a halt to the spell.
But yton now realized perhaps toote that that wasnt enough. This was unlike a normal summoning ritual. All it would usually take to prevent a summoning ritual from going through was killing its caster. This summoning ritual was being cast from the other side of the nes.
It was being cast by the Demon King Regnorex himself.
It was a disillusioning realization. Even with Levithus dead, the ritual would continue. But if that was all, yton would be the first one descending upon the site of the spell itself to figure out how to dismantle the magic.
However, here he was, hovering high in the sky, closing his eyes. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy had made a second realization. Once again, far toote. And it perhaps cost them their defeat.
Perhaps it cost them the entire Mortal Realm.
And it was the fact that the grand summoning ritual was being powered by all the deaths in the battlefield.
Now, it was toote to put a stop to it.
Beyond the battlefield, where the skies werent glowing red, and where the oppressive magic was nothing but a disturbance in the air, a little girl sat in a temple, ying with a stolen kitchen knife. Rachel briefly nced towards the stained ss windows, but a mans voice called out to her, and she rushed to hide from the approaching [Priest].
Further away, an Elven [Necromancer] raised his head and furrowed his brows. Minnow Fellingchamp looked away from the three [Lion Beastmen] cubs. They were kicking around a Corrupted Skystonem and he had been trying to stop them. But now, he simply stared into the far distance, wondering what was going on.
And past the fading gunds, a pair of Kobolds exchanged a worried nce. Xidra the [Herbalist] and Hoxle the [Diviner] looked at each other, sticking out their tongues as they confided with each other about what could be happening. After all, even if neither of them were of the [Draconic] ss, they could sense the number of cracks in the nes growing.
And in a far distant throne room, Dominion Astriel tilted her head. The Matriarch of Elvenkind sensed the disturbanceing from the southwest and called for her greatest [Generals]. It seemed like it was time for her to expedite her ns to invade the Humannds.
Somewhere in the Netherworld, the Beast slumbered. And in the Spirit Realm, the Archangel woke up from his sleep. The Spirit Lord remained undisturbed sitting alone atop his throne, and the Fairy Queen continued forging her new ne. The Demon Kings ns finally began to unfold.
And the Devil just watched it all unveil from his home.
He swiped through the various shing screens, casually looking through the various scenes across the Nexeus, only pausing for a moment as he eyed the Watcher standing inconspicuously in the middle of the busy street. He no, she seemedpletely unbothered that her entire world coulde to an end. But that was expected from her at this point.
Sal just leaned back, flicking a finger at the screen. It vanished, and he pulled up the only scene he cared for. He whispered as he watched a silver-haired girl rushing past the rising sable spires, stumbling her way to the center of the ritual circle. There, a buzzing fly waited for her. So small and so insignificant. Yet ever present, and ever so annoying.
The y hase to a close. The curtains have fallen, but the audience have not left. Because the encore is about to begin.
Smiling, the Devil just watched as the climax he had been so looking forward to, finally began.
Scarlet
I called out, but I couldnt find her. The ground was copsing at my feet, and the spires of a dark pce rose all around me. I tried searching for her with my spatial senses, however the world was so distorted, I couldnt find her. A hole was forming in the Mortal Realm.
A massive gaping hole was tearing through the nes.
And I had to stop it. I didnt know where Scarlet had gone, but that didnt matter. I shook my head and dashed through the crumbling white earth around me, running past copsing debris, and heading straight for the center of the ritual.
I saw the brightest section of the vast spell circle, and ran straight for it. It was glowing brightly, and arge domed roof was emerging from the ground. I slowed as I saw a figure buzzing there.
Belzu hovered ten feet in the air, his wings moving slowly, his body slumped and bleeding. But he still moved. He raised his spindly arms tiredly, weaving threads of mana around as fast as he could. I came to a halt next to him as I spoke in a hurry.
What are we doing? How do we stop this?
The Lord of Lies didnt even turn to face me as he replied.
There is nothing to stop. It is already toote. We have failed.
What do you m
I opened my mouth to argue, but leapt back as another tall spire broke through beneath my feet. I caught myself as Belzu continued.
Regnorex is responsible for all this. He is the one who ns to bring Demonkind to the Mortal Realm. He wishes for us to live like mere mortals. A peaceful world, as he calls it. But that is not a Demons world.
I gritted my teeth, staring at the [Hellprince].
What are you talking about? What are you doing, Belzu?
He simply descended to the ground as he brought his hands together. I watched as the vast ritual circle at my feet shifted. The runes turned and reshaped. The grand magic altering ever-so-slightly.
I am going to bring Regnorex himself alone over to the Mortal Realm, Salvos.
Belzu spoke as he continued to make small changes to the grand summoning ritual. My eyes grew wide, listening to his mad n.
No army. None of his minions. And when Regnorex arrives, I shall kill him and be the Demon King myself.
I just stared at Belzu in horror as the earth trembled around me.
What?
Chapter 516: Lord of Lies
Chapter 516: Lord of Lies
516. Lord of Lies
I shall kill him and be the Demon King myself.
Belzus voice echoed around even amidst the rumbling. The earth shook, and the world itself tore apart. But the Lord of Lies didnt falter.
Was it an insane n? Perhaps it was. And yet, it was the only viable solution. The ritual could not be stopped. It was toote. It would take too long to dismantle the magic. All Belzu could do was redirect it.
It was simple, really. The only way to make the magic dissipate was by prematurely forcing the summoning to go through. It wouldntpletely disable the ritual, but once arge chunk of mana was used up, the spell would be dyed long enough for the Humans to clean up the remnants of the grand spell.
The Lord of Lies saw the runes and the glyphs glinting on the trembling ground. He raised a hand, reaching for the spellwork and grabbing the threads of mana. He wove the magic. He altered the ritual. He focused its power on a single target.
Regnorex the Demon King.
Belzu saw the looming figure waiting at the other side of the summoning circle. Regnorex stood tall, hardly reacting to what was being done to the spell. He could see what the Lord of Lies was nning. But the Demon King did not care.
And maybe that was a sign that Belzu should have stopped. But it was either summon an army of Primeval Demons, or summon Regnorex himself. Either way, the odds of victory were impossibly low. However, only one option made sense, since it would put an end to this once and for all.
So Belzu continued to weave the threads of mana together. Even as the world around him tore open, and a castle broke its way into the Mortal Realm. He focused on his target. He focused only on Regnorex.
Until a voice broke him out of his thoughts.
What are you talking about?
ncing back, Belzu looked down at Salvos as she stared at him with wide eyes. The silver-haired girl the faux Human stepped forward.
Belzu do you realize what youre trying to do? Youll kill us all!
She eximed. And the Lord of Lies just harrumphed.
There is no time to argue. There is no other solution. We will die, or we will kill the Demon King.
Thats
Salvos backed up. He eyed her callously.
But how are we going to defeat Regnorex? He killed the Immortal King Alexander that means hes at least Level 200!
She protested as Belzu shook his head. He waved a hand dismissively, replying without care.
There is an entire army of Humans gathered here, no? They will wear Regnorex down. And when he lowers his guard, that is when I will strike.
And Salvos paused. She blinked for a moment as she gaped his way.
The Lord of Lies just sighed when he saw her reaction.
Truth be told, her very presence grated on him. The only reason why he even indulged in her questions was the fact that she wasnt actually a Human despite her appearance. She was a Demon, and so he tolerated her.
But that fact also upsetted him even more when she cared for mortals like she did now.
But then most of the army will die.
Salvos spoke through gritted teeth. Belzu nodded.
And that is a sacrifice we must make if we want to stop this.
There has to be another way!
She tried to argue. And that irked Belzu enough to stop what he was doing. He momentarily lowered his hands, spinning around to face the silver-haired girl even as the earth crumbled around them. He hovered ten feet in the air, buzzing weakly as she stood on the quaking ground.
You who are a Demon why do you care for these mere mortals? They are not your kin. They are not your people. They despise you for what you are, so you are forced to hide your true self from them.
He pointed usingly at her. But Salvos just shook her head vehemently.
I am not hiding anything. I am Salvos, and I will always be Salvos, no matter what form I take.
That does not answer the question.
Belzu clicked his mandibles together. Behind him, the domed roof of the Demon Kings castle fully emerged from the ground. He flitted forward, and she stood steadfast.
Why do you protect these mortals?
I am protecting my
Salvos retorted. The Lord of Lies red her way.
And yet, you protect those who are not just yourpanions. You defend the lives of Humans who would kill you if they discovered your truth. I cannot understand you. You are either a liar, or you are ashamed to be a Demon.
He loomed over her, but she refused to budge. She held his gaze, speaking without any fear.
I cannot understand you either. Why are you doing this? Why did you even rebel against the Regnorex?
Belzu frowned. He opened his mandibles to reply, but Salvos pointed back at him.
Do you even care about anyone other than yourself?
And that made him the Lord of Lies pause for a single moment. He was affronted at first. He wanted tough at her face.
Do I care for anyone other than myself?
But when he considered her words, he stopped. He slowly raised his head as he stared up at the fading crimson sky. And Belzu remembered.
An Infant Demon thrashed in the dark pool of lifeblood. He had a bloated figure, with half a dozen little nubs protruding from his side. He tried to turn over where hey, but his face was submerged in darkness, and he couldnt make sense of where he was.
He wasnt sure how long he had been trapped there. He didnt even know that there was anything outside of that ck world. He just knew that something was wrong. He just knew he didnt like it. But hisck of spatial awareness meant he would have never escaped.
That was, until, something flipped him over.
He looked up in confusion as an odd creature loomed over him. It no, she had red skin and blue spots. Wide ck eyes that peered into him with curiosity.
She was another Infant Demon, and she saved him.
The newborn Belzu stared at his savior, then watched as she dragged herself away from the dark pool, mbering ashore. She joined a group of other Infant Demons and nced back at him.
And in a daze, he followed her.
Have you ever had anypanions?
A voice broke Belzu out of his stupor. Salvos red up at him defiantly as he returned to reality. He nced down at her as she gestured all around her.
Have you ever considered what they might want? Have you ever thought about what they might need?
And the Lord of Lies hesitated.
The group of newborn Infant Demons stuck close together. They slowly traversed through the vast whitendscape as a dark rain poured from above, losing a handful of their numbers who simply wandered off to do their own things. Belzu stuck close with them, mostly drawn by the female Infant Demon who saved him.
She was really an odd creature. Anytime an Infant Demon tried to leave the group, shed move to dissuade them, even if she wasnt always sessful. And whenever they encountered another group of Infant Demons, she was always the first to invite them over.
Belzu couldnt understand her behavior. So he followed her. And he continued following her until the group of Infant Demons ran into their first wild Demon.
You are just utterly selfish, Belzu.
Salvos strode forward as the world crumbled around her. She raised a hand, creating a scythe made from gray mes. The Lord of Lies narrowed his bulbous eyes and drew back. But she didnt attack him just yet.
Youre willing to sacrifice all of the Mortal Realm for the sake of your own goals.
Do you really care about these mortals that much?
Belzu snarled in response. But Salvos just shook her head.
No but unlike you, I will never do such a thing. Not to Humans, not to Elves, not to Spirits, and not to Demons.
It was a [Hellhound].
A wild Lesser Demon. It was weak injured from a previous fight. But it fortunately stumbled upon the group of Infant Demons. It tore through their numbers. It chased them down one after another. There had been dozens of them at the start.
Now, only Belzu and the female Infant Demon remained. They were both chased into the deepest depths of a cave. She stayed by his side as they both hid in a small alcove right by a cliffside. The cavern led only to arge crevice that plunged into darkness.
The [Hellhound] prowled the corridor leading in and out. Their only exit was blocked by their hunter. There was no way to escape. Belzu was sure of it
But he had also seen the way that wild Demon acted. He had watched how it precisely pounced on each of its targets. Belzu knew that he could lose the [Hellhound] as he somehow tricked it into falling down the crevice. He just needed to bait it out.
And he found his bait huddling next to him.
She was his savior. His sister. She eyed him with those round ck eyes. Belzu saw the look on her face. He heard the growling of the approaching [Hellhound].
Was it cruelty? Or was it necessity? Belzu didnt know. He could hardly evenprehend such concepts, but even back then, he hesitated before making his decision.
It happened so long ago. But even till this day, Belzu remembered the way she stared at him as she fell down the crevice. He recalled the snarling of the [Hellhound], and he recalled turning away right as the wild Demon crashed into her.
He didnt stay to watch as both his sister and the wild Demon fell to their deaths.
All for his own sake, Belzu sacrificed the Infant Demon who saved him. He killed his own sister to survive. He did everything he could from then on just to live in that terrible hellscape. He learned the magic of trickery. He mastered his illusions so that he could escape even the most precarious of situations.
Whether it be fleeing from the Demon Kings forces.
The newly-evolved [Imp] hid behind a thin white veil as he saw the marching Greater Demons. They wore strange metallic objects around their necks, and they ushered forward dozens of Infant Demons, with force if necessary.
Or surviving even in the most hostile environments.
The [Baal Imp] flitted quietly over the slumbering creature. The beating of his wings would normally make a loud buzzing sound, but it was muffled thanks to his magic. Even as he crossed the entire length of the Beast itself.
Somehow, he managed to avoid waking it. And after what felt like forever, he reached the other side of the valley to safety
Belzu had done it all so he could survive. So what was he doing now? Why was he trying so hard to kill the Demon King?
He closed his eyes, and a voice echoed amidst the chaos.
Do you know what that makes you, Belzu?
Salvos yelled as she stepped forward. She raised the gray mes, aiming it at Belzus head from afar.
It makes you wild.
The Lord of Lies hovered there for a single moment. Salvos faced him down. He opened his eyes, and she held his gaze.
Now thats enough. We can figure out another way to stop this ritual without dooming us all.
Belzu stared at Salvos. He saw the determination in her face. He nced up, watching as ck spires rose all around him. The summoning ritual was nearing itspletion. Not only that, he cast his gaze into the far distance and saw the army of Humans rushing to stop it.
This was everything he had tried to stop. And the Lord of Lies knew it was now or never. Either he seeded in his ambitions, or he died trying.
So he ascended into the sky. He spread his arms wide as Salvos narrowed her eyes. He grabbed the danging threads of mana around him and began to enact the final changes to the summoning ritual.
You ask me why am I doing this, oh Sentinel of Secely? You ask me who do I care if not myself, Liberator of the gunds? You wish to know why I oppose Regnorex, you, the Death of the Destroyer?
Belzus mandibles twisted as Salvos stared up at him.
I am doing this because I care about all of Demonkind.
With that, he snapped his fingers, and the world around the silver-haired girl changed.
I see now.
I whispered as a cascading curtain of darkness copsed around me. The floor vanished beneath my feet. For a moment, I had almost thought that the summoning ritual had gone through. But I understood quickly that this was an illusion.
Belzu had trapped me in his magic. He didnt want me interfering with his ns. It was incredibly stupid, but he was going to follow through with it. And it was simply because he cared for all of Demonkind.
I sighed and closed my eyes.
That is such an obvious lie.
And I sprinted forward. I ran through the hallway of darkness, my footfalls echoing around me. But even as I sped past the revolving shadows, I didnt move a single inch. I raised my ming scythe and shouted.
If you cared about Demonkind, why did you try to kill me when we first met?
My eyes flickered. Arge boulder bounded down towards me. I was about to leap over it, only to pause. Something told me not to react. To continue running. And so I did.
You knew I was not a wild Demon! You knew I was not with Regnorex! But you attacked me anyway!
I ran headfirst straight into the boulder. It phased right through me. A mere illusion. And when I saw a silver sickle flying towards me next, this time, I jumped.
We could have spoken. We could have worked together. You could have worked with Humans instead of making them your enemy. But you didnt! Because you dont actually care about anyone but yourself!
I leapt over the sickle. Nothing happened. It hadnt been an illusion. If I had been struck by it, I probably would have died.
YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME!
Belzus voice shook the entire world of darkness, and I slowed. I looked up with wide eyes as the giant insect descended upon me. He was a hundred times his normal size. I was norger than his bulbous eyes. I could see my tiny reflection in his gaze a mere speck, like an insect.
I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO STOP THE DEMON KING. DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HE HAS PLANNED FOR DEMONKIND?
And whats wrong with Regnorexs n, huh?
I challenged Belzu, baring my teeth. I approached his hulking figure without fear.
I dislike Regnorexs n because hell endanger mypanions. But what about you? What do you have against this merger?
And the illusion froze. I eyed the giant insect as it hovered over there without buzzing its wings. A smile crept across my face, and I tilted my head.
Surely you have an answer, dont you, Belzu? Or maybe I am right. Maybe you are wild.
At my taunting, the illusion broke free from its frozen state. The giant insect came diving down at me as I stood steadfast.
THE DEMON KINGS PLAN WILL RUIN DEMONKIND! HE WISHES FOR US TO GIVE UP WHAT MAKES US DEMON! HE WISHES FOR US TO LIVE LIKE MERE MORTALS!
And the massive apparition of Belzu crashed straight into me. But I didnt flinch, even as his figure exploded into a billion buzzing insects. Locusts, roaches, spiders they swarmed over me. I was thrust into a sea of pestilence. It overwhelmed my senses. But it did not harm me.
So I closed my eyes. I tuned out my hearing. The world grew eerily silent around me, and I was once again submerged in nothingness. However, this time, I did so willingly. The creeping feeling of insects crawling all over my body faded away. I had mastered control of what I perceived thanks to [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
Belzus illusions wouldnt bother me. I understood he was just trying to dy me. I tried to see through my spatial senses, but my vision was distorted by the warping of space by the summoning ritual. No sight. No hearing. No smell. No touch. No taste. No magic.
I just walked forward anyway, unable to perceive anything. And [Angelic Premonition] guided my actions.
Youre right. The world of mortals is unlike our own. The world of mortals rejects us. The world of mortals despises us for simply existing. But so does our world! So does the Netherworld!
I spoke, but I couldnt hear my voice. I took a step, and lowered my head. A deluge of chittering magical insects flew over me. When it dissipated, I continued.
The Netherworld is cruel. It is teeming with wild Demons that want to tear us apart. If we can somehow escape that life, wouldnt it be for the better?
I moved, even while lost in my own head. I sidestepped a falling boulder, and I thought of the others. Even now, I recalled what they looked like. Each and every single one of them. Every little detail of their bodies. I recalled it all.
An Infant Demon with a pair of antennae. An Infant Demon with light blue skin. An Infant Demon withrge brown eyes.
An Infant Demon with a single eye. One of the highest-leveled of them all. He had abandoned us when we met therge Demon, only to be killed by Simag at that valley for daring to flee.
An Infant Demon with little nub-like limbs. She had been the kindest to me, waiting for me when I was lost. She had extended mepanionship, even when I didnt know what that meant yet. As brief as it was, perhaps I wouldnt be who I was now if I hadnt met her, and the memory of her being crushed by therge Demon was still as vivid as ever today.
Finally, I recalled an Infant Demon with ck and yellow spots. He had been there with the others, but I only reunited with him after I learned magic. I saved his life, and he had followed me for it. He became my firstpanion.
Haec.
We went through so much together. It seemed like so long ago, but even if the memory was distant, it remained close to my heart. He was the reason for everything I did in the Mortal Realm. It was all so I could get back to him.
And I wanted to get back to him so I could bring him back here.
The world of mortals is beautiful
I continued walking, speaking in a trace. It was like I was ascending a set of steps. I rose above a pulse of curse magic and let my scythe dissipate.
I remembered my very first day in the Mortal Realm. I remembered wondering why the sky was blue, and I remembered watching in awe as butterflies fluttered peacefully around me. Not everything here wanted to kill me. Sure, I had fought against Dark Wolves and angry Humans, but I had also met friendly wolves and watched crawling caterpirs. I made plenty ofpanions here in the Mortal Realm.
I gritted my teeth and came to a halt. I leaned back, and something just barely brushed by my cheeks. I took in a deep breath, before eximing as I snapped my eyes open.
So what is wrong with living in the world of mortals?
And I thrust a hand forward, tearing through the illusion. I pierced through the veil with the tip of my fingers. The darkness around me copsed like broken ss, and a warm liquid poured down my arm.
I looked up and saw Belzu right before me. We were both standing atop the domed roof the Demon Kings castle. He had his back against the wall, and his wed hands were but an inch over my head. He had swung for my head and missed. But I stabbed him in the chest, and I didnt miss.
There was no scythe here. No ming magic. No artifacts. Nothing. I impaled Belzu with my right arm alone. And I drew back.
I win.
Why was Belzu against the Demon Kings n?
When the Lord of Lies had first heard of it, he had been outraged. He was a measly Greater Demon who only cared for his own survival. He had lived for so long in inaction, watching as Genesis repeated itself again and again. He was beholden to his own terrors. A ve to his nightmares. And yet, he was more than happy to embrace these shackles.
After all, they were his very own shackles he had ced upon himself. They werent the cors of the Demon King which he had worked so hard to avoid. And he was more than happy to remain in bondage to his own fears until his anger had emancipated him.
But what was wrong with Regnorexs ambitions? How did it drive him so greatly?
The Demon King wanted to bring Demonkind to the Mortal Realm. He had said the Netherworld was too harsh and cruel he had promised a better life for all Demons if they followed him. And Belzu found it ridiculous.
But why was it ridiculous? If Belzu didnt have to live in constant fear of dying, his life would have been vastly improved.
However, it was the fact that he had already lived through such a grueling struggle of a life that upsetted him. Because it was what made him a Demon. Or so he thought.
Belzu once again recalled his sister. His savior. He remembered the way she had acted. And it wasnt just her, but the other Infant Demons with them too. Their brothers and sisters. None of them were bloodthirsty. They werent rugged and cruel creatures who only thought for themselves.
They were innocent creatures. Kind and social. And most of all, they were all Demons.
Back then, none of them had experienced the true terror of the Destion just yet. They werepletely unsuspecting of what was toe. But that didnt change the fact that they were just as much Demons as Belzu.
So his opposition to the Demon Kings ns were never about being a Demon in the first ce. It was a lie the Lord of Lies told himself so he could rise to the asion and challenge the greatest power of the Netherworld. But the truth was, he was upset that he was never given such a better life in the first ce.
Because it was unfair to him.
And if he couldnt have it, then no one else could have it. That was his drive. His goal. And he finally realized it as he sighed.
So once again, I was but a ve to my own desires.
Belzu closed his eyes as Salvos drew back. A gaping hole was left in his chest. He felt the ck blood pouring out, and he crumpled to the ground. Hey there, dying as Salvos shook her head.
There is so much in the Mortal Realm for me to explore. I have yet to see the full extent of the Koboldnds. I havent even visited the rainforests of the Elves. I want to fly to the Ennds. I want to meet a Dragon one day.
She spoke wistfully as the world rumbled and tore around her. Belzu hardly even reacted. He just stared at her as his body went numb.
And that is why I will stop Regnorexs ns. Not for the sake of Demonkind, nor for the sake of Humankind.
But for your own sake.
Belzu spoke, and Salvos paused. He eyed her as his vision blurred. He could barely keep his bulbous eyes open. He just watched as she nced down at the summoning ritual. The spell circle was growing brighter than ever, although the reflective image of Regnorex and his army had vanished.
And she looked back up to meet Belzus gaze.
For my sake, yes. And for mypanions.
He stared at her for a moment, before chuckling with his clicking mandibles.
In the end, we are not so different.
But we are.
Salvos replied in an instant. Belzu mustered up the strength to shake his head.
We are both beholden to our desires. You will ruin the only chance of a better life for all Demonkind for your own sake. So we are but the same.
And yet, I am Salvos, while you are Belzu.
She spoke over him as if that was a rebuttal. It was ridiculous. But Belzu knew what she meant. He understood the distinction between them. In acting for her own sake, Salvos would act for the sake of others. Whether it be herpanions, all of Humankind, or some baby Wyverns. She fought for them because she cared for them, and that was ultimately a selfish thing.
The same could be said for the Demon King. His grand design was not for himself, but for all of Demonkind. And that was why both Salvos and Regnorex were going to inadvertently sh.
But Belzus selfishness was limited only to himself. In acting for himself, the Lord of Lies would act to the detriment of others. There was no one else in his schemes. Only he would benefit, while others would suffer.
Closing his eyes, Belzu wondered if he had ever done something for the sake of others.
And he remembered.
It had happened so long ago. He must have forgotten the truth. All this time, he must have lied to himself. But now, the buried memories resurfaced, and his oldest memory was breathed with new life.
Belzu hesitated as he heard the approaching [Hellhound]. He knew it would soon arrive. Its footfalls drew closer, and he made his decision.
He turned to his sister and met her gaze. He stared at her into her deep ck eyes. She didnt know what he was doing, and he didnt know what he was doing either. He just moved. Belzu started forward, ready to sacrifice himself to the [Hellhound].
But he was stopped by a sudden movement. His sister got in the way and shook her head. Belzus eyes widened as he realized she knew what he was doing. And she wasnt going to allow it. He was his sister. She was his savior. There was only one way for either of them to survive.
And he wasnt going to let him be the one to die.
She leapt out of the alcove as the [Hellhound] snapped its gaze towards her. Belzu watched his sister edge up to cliff, and the [Hellhound] pounced. She fell back with the wild Demon as he let out a silent cry and rushed after her. But she was already tumbling down into the darkness as the [Hellhound] ripped into her side.
Belzu stared at his savior as she vanished down that hole. He watched as she nodded his way before finally disappearing into the eternal darkness, saving him once again.
One final lie.
Belzu whispered as he no longer could feel his body. He didnt even know if Salvos was standing there over him anymore. He could no longer hear the roaring of the summoning ritual. He didnt feel cold. He didnt feel afraid. He felt nothing at all.
An all-epassing darkness encroached on him, and the Lord of Lies let out a soft sigh.
I do wonder if this time that was the truth
Defeated [Hellprince of the Destion - Lvl 168]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Chapter 517: Disillusion Part One
Chapter 517: Disillusion Part One
517. Disillusioned Part One
And so it ends.
Sal whispered, watching as Belzu slumped over on the ground. The Lord of Lies was finally dead. After so long, this rivalry had concluded. And it was Salvos who came out on top.
I always believed in you, my dear daughter.
The Devil smiled as he peered into the screen. He felt like a proud father who finally got to see his daughter all grown up, instead of dying a terrible death at the hands of a giant bug Demon. It warmed his cold, dead heart, really. He couldnt stop himself from smiling as he eyed his daughter.
But now, lets see if you survive whates next.
Chuckling, Sal leant back in his seat as the world began to copse around Salvos. She stumbled back as the ground broke at her feet.
I do wonder how youre going to escape this predicament. Maybe I should help you out
He tilted his head back for a moment, then waved a hand dismissively.
Nah, its more fun when you dont know what the oue is gonna be. Ill stick to watching, thanks.
Defeated [Hellprince of the Destion (Lord of Lies) - Lvl 168]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Huh.
I paused for a moment, hearing the notification resound in my head. For a moment, Ipletely forgot that the world was breaking around me. I didnt pay attention to the copsing earth. I just stared at Belzus corpse.
So he really is dead this time.
But that wasnt the only notification I heard. There were plenty more that had rang out before that, which I didnt pay attention to because I had been so busy fighting. But there were a lot of notifications for me to sort through, for the wild Primeval Demons that I had fought hard to help bring down.
Defeated [Hebomination - Lvl. 175]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
To the wild Primeval Demons I had hardly helped with before it was defeated by others. Most of the damage I inflicted was mostly thanks to [The Call of Armageddon].
Defeated [Archarachne - Lvl. 166]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Archarachne - Lvl. 169]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Chthonic Agaros - Lvl. 165]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
There were also the swarms of wild Demons and [Legions] and Archdemons I had killed either on the way to face Levithus, or just because they were caught by my stray spells.
Defeated [Savage Agarat - Lvl. 141]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 138]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
And,stly, there was Levithus. I hadnt been the one to deal the finishing blow against him. That had been Scarlet. But I had whittled him down throughout the fight, along with Belzu. It was a three-way split, but still a hefty chunk of experience for me.
On top of that, Levithus had been under the effects of his Grand Skill when he died. He was still transformed. And it wasnt even like a [Changeling]s fake transformation. He had truly embodied the levels and the Subspecies he had been given. So
Defeated [Cerberus (Hound of the Demon King) (Lord of Chaos) - Lvl. 181]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
He would have given me over 30 levels worth of experience at the start of the war. But considering that I had already been fighting non-stop for a while, I leveled quite a bit even before I fought Levithus.
And now, I finally had the chance to briefly look through all my level ups.
First of all, and less importantly, I had leveled up in a General Skill that I hadnt leveled in a really long time.
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 8] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 9]!
Experience is awarded for leveling a General Skill!
General Skill [Advanced Mana Maniption] Level up!
[Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 9] -> [Advanced Mana Maniption - Lvl. 10]!
Experience is awarded for leveling a General Skill!
Additional experience is awarded for maxing a General Skill!
I wondered if the reason it leveled now after so long was because I was fighting in an [Antimagic Field].
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 150] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 151]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 151] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 152]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 154] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 155]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Gained 1 Grand Skill Skill Point!
I paused for a brief moment at that.
Huh.
But I didnt waste any time processing it, instead moving on.
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 157] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 158]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 118] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 119]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 124] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 125]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Altogether, I had leveled up 8 times in my Subspecies, and 7 times in my ss. I was impressed. However, I was also in a rush. So I quickly distributed all my Stats and Skill Points and Grand Skill Points before turning my attention to the issue at hand.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 158
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 125
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 400 (+30) (+10) (+50) (+100)
[Agility]: 440 (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 9]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 11
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 10
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x4
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 0]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 15
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 9
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
And with that, I turned to face the ritual circle at my feet, narrowing my eyes.
Now, how do we stop this?
As I tried to figure it out, finally, the others came.
Edithe sent a st of white light streaking across the battlefield, wiping out thest of the wild Demons in her path. It was her [Vindication of They]. Her greatest Skill. Especially amidst arge battlefield where she could draw power from the deceased around her.
But for whatever reason, it had been incredibly weak. The [Sentinel of the Elements] had tried to grasp for the wisping power around her the essence of the dead faded away, as if it was being stolen by the earth. She didnt understand what was going on at first.
For a moment, she had been utterly confused. However, the realization settled in. As a former [Summoner], Edithe understood what was happening, perhaps faster than others even.
Each and every death here was fueling the grand summoning ritual.
We cant kill
Edithe started as she spun around. But she paused. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the remnants of [Legions] and wild Demons scattering from the might of the United Coalition of the Human Lands. It didnt matter if they stopped now.
It was already toote.
Fuck!
She cursed and sprinted straight for the center of the summoning circle. It wasnt easy. A powerful earthquake ripped through the ruins of Inor, and giant crevices tore through the ground. Dark spires rose to the sky, and they blocked her path.
Edithe sprinted around all these obstacles, onlying to a halt for a brief moment as she saw a wounded figure stumbling ahead of her.
Youre?
Scarlet Vermillion leant against a spire, clutching at her shoulders, clearly wounded. She looked towards Edithe who just called out.
Hey, weve got to do something about this! Wheres Salvos? Wheres Mori?
Mori is dead.
The Red Rose replied before shaking her head. Edithe blinked in shock, but Scarlet just pushed herself off the spire and staggered ahead.
Im not sure where Salvos went. Ive been searching for her, but I got lost when the spires
I right.
Edithe pursed her lips before snapping her gaze to the strongest source of magic. She nodded at Scarlet and offered a shoulder.
I think its this way
Together, the two women made their way through the crumblingndscape. They managed to avoid the rising spires, and even escaped the forming crevices. They arrived right before arge domed room rising from the ground, where a vast spell circleid at its base.
Salvos stood there, right next to the corpse of arge bulbous creature. It was shaped almost like an insect. Edithe narrowed her eyes.
Isnt that Belzu?
Edithe wondered aloud, but quickly dismissed the thought. Salvos wasnt the only one here. Orgaf, Helena Warshade, Alder Ashford, Kaitlin Darkhelm, Thaddeus Reimar, and J Wilf looked like theyd just gotten here no more than a minute ago.
There were a few other figures present. A hulking Cyclops, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company, and even Daniel Song stood there. More and more people were joining, ranging from Diamond Ranked adventurers to high-leveled Generals.
Surprisingly, yton Skyshredder wasnt anywhere to be seen. Maybe he was going to arrive soon, or maybe he was trying to work up a solution.
Edithe didnt know. Peris Dolonia joined the fray a few momentster, but the redhead didnt care to take note of who else was arriving. She just ran up to where Salvos and Daniel were standing, ncing between them.
Guys, this ritual, its being powered by
We know.
Daniel spoke over Edithe, nodding grimly. She blinked as he gestured towards the Great Tempest Archmage of Mavos Academy.
Archmage Warshade is trying to find a solution to stop it as we speak. Im sure she can figure something out.
Indeed, Helena spoke in conference with Alder Ashford, Thaddeus Reimar, and a multitude of other [Mages]. Edithe barely heard what they were saying as they spoke so quickly in their discussion.
We need to act now.
I am unsure how much time we have left.
Dismantling this spell will take
Perhaps throughbination casting we can
But a single booming voice spoke over all of them. A figure descended from the sky, and Edithe blinked. Heads turned, looking up. Even Helena Warshade paused to stare at the descending figure, standing atop a cloud.
yton Skyshredder, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy, and the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world arrived at the scene. He was finally here. He would help put a halt to this ritual right? That was what Edithe had thought.
Unfortunately, what he said was not what they hoped to hear.
This ritual cannot be stopped. It is already toote. We have to prepare ourselves for the final battle.
And Edithe blinked.
What?
Chapter 518: Disillusion Part Two
Chapter 518: Disillusion Part Two
518. Disillusion Part Two
Daniel Song froze when he heard ytons words. Everybody did. The nearby [Mages] gaped at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy, inplete disbelief of what was said. Everyone from the panting Saffron Merryster to the pursed-lip Peris Dolonia were in shock. Even Salvos didnt say a word.
Now get moving.
yton continued as he flew up with his cloud. He nced down at the rumbling ground, before shaking his head.
We want to form a defensive formation around the castle by the time it is fully summoned.
Helena Warshade exchanged a nce with Thaddeus Reimar. They looked like they were both at a loss for words, but felt a need to protest. However, before either of the [Mages] could speak up, Daniel stepped forward.
What are you talking about, yton?
The [Hero] was the first to break from his stupor. He narrowed his eyes at the highest-leveled [Mage] in the world. But yton just shook his head, replying simply.
We have no time to waste. Its over. It cannot be stopped.
But we have time!
A second voice protested. It was Edithe. She joined Daniel, gesturing at the rumbling earth around them.
If we didnt have time, wed be dead by now. So we clearly have time!
She spoke as she held ytons gaze. But the Headmaster of Mavos Academy was adamant. He drifted down, raising his sword as it picked a thin thread out of the air. A glowing mana thread, visible even to Daniels eyes, appeared.
This ritual will bepleted in ten minutes. Fifteen minutes at the very most. Even if all the greatest Archmages of the Humannds worked together in dismantling this ritual, it will take far too long.
yton Skyshredder let out a heavy sigh, releasing the mana thread.
Half an hour, at the very least. Likely more. And that is nevermind the fact that we are exhausted.
His words made everyone present freeze in fear. Kaitlin Darkhelm, Alder Asfhord, Scarlet Vermillion. Even Orgaf was taken aback. A susurration swept over the gathered crowd. It spread quickly as more and more high-leveled individuals like Laux Lionfist joined the scene.
yton just spoke, staring down into the ritual circle.
It will be a fruitless effort. Our time is better spent preparing for the inevitable. The Demon King ising, and we will have to do everything we can to stop him when hees through.
Daniel heard these words, and he gritted his teeth. He knew nothing about magic. He was sure that yton was right. But still, the [Hero] couldnt ept it. Once again, he was the first and only one to protest against this n.
We cant just give up. We cant run away. We have to try something out.
He strode forward, raising the Sword of Alexander. Daniel pointed at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy and spoke for all to hear.
We are exhausted. Many of our friends are dead. We have already used up our best Skills in battle. This final battle you speak of its just suicide. Youre just epting defeat.
yton furrowed his brows. Edithe nodded, joining Daniels side. It wasnt just her either. Orgaf the Thief of the Golden Scales grunted and stepped forward. Saffron Merryster nodded at them. Amanda, Laux Lionfist, Kaitlin Darkhlem, Kacey, Titus, and many more.
But none of the high-leveled [Mages] argued. Neither Thaddeus, nor Helena, nor J stood next to the [Hero]. And neither did Salvos.
That made Daniel paused uncertainly. He was unsure why she seemed so unnaturally silent. But he kept his gaze fixed on yton Skyshredder.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy sighed, opening his mouth to say something. However, before he could, a lumbering figure stepped forward. An Elite Ranked Cyclops.
If I may interject
He cleared his throat, and heads turned to face him. Daniel frowned as the Cyclops nced down at the ritual with his single eye. It glimmered a golden color.
I am Revis Umontos. The Seer of the Cosmos. I can discern truths from lies. I can see your greatest secrets. I can even peel back the past, and gaze moments into the future.
Revis gestured vaguely around him with all four of his arms.
And I see nothing but truth in the esteemed Skyshredders words. As things stand right now, the summoning ritual will go through.
Thats
Daniel pursed his lips. But he realized he was quickly losing support. He nced back, hearing the whispers running through the gathered crowd.
I have heard of this Cyclops before
They say that he has never spoken a falsehood in his life.
His divination magic is unparalleled!
Shaking his head, yton Skyshredder drew back once more. His gaze darkened as he spoke with a grim voice.
We can only try for better things. Fighting a loss cause is pointless. Wasting time here will only leave us unprepared when the Demon King arrives. We cannot let the Mortal Realm be overrun by Demons. Now let us move.
Daniel looked back towards the crowd, watching as in an instant, all the support he had gathered vanished. The [Mages] ascended into the air, quickly joining yton Skyshredder, ready to leave the ritual circle. None of them said anything. But their actions were loud enough. They just hung their heads, shame-faced in defeat.
It was ridiculous. Daniel didnt understand it. Defeating the Demon King wasnt possible. There was no way theyd be able to win, when the Immortal King Alexander himself was in. No one here was over Level 200. Sure, there were a few dozen Elites. But that would be no different than if Daniel went up against a group of tinum Ranked adventurers.
It would be a ughter.
He clicked his tongue, watching as the gathering thinned, most of them beginning to disperse in line with ytons orders. Sure, Edithe, Orgaf, Saffron, and a few others remained. But they couldnt do anything about the ritual.
Daniel had to draw the others back in somehow. Otherwise, it was purely suicide. But he couldnt. He had tried, and he had failed. While he was a [Hero], he wasnt the highest-leveled [Mage] of Humankind. He needed
So he turned to the only person who could support him. The only thing above a [Hero] to the people. A Lesser God.
Why arent you saying anything, S
And the [Hero] paused. Daniel eyed hispanion. The silver-haired girl. She just stood there, her face shadowed over, staring at the ground, no words said. He blinked.
Salvos?
She slowly raised her head and gave him a weak smile.
Sorry, Daniel. This was my fault.
What are you talking about?
Daniel stared at her, utterly befuddled.
It was my fault. Belzu had been right. It really was toote.
I had hoped it wasnt. I thought that if yton Skyshredder got here, things would be fine. I believed that he could have done something about the summoning ritual. But I was wrong.
And now, because of my own mistakes, we had to face Regnorex and his greatest army.
Belzu was right. But I couldnt ept his n, either. Because he was going to sacrifice everyone here to the Demon King, including mypanions. I wasnt going to let them die. I couldnt let them die.
I raised my head, facing those still gathered around me. Daniel, Edithe, Saffron, Orgaf, Amanda, Hadrian, Crocus there were more of them. But we were fewpared to the many who were trailing away from the ritual site.
I eyed yton Skyshredder as he slowly flew off. He hadnt gotten far yet. He was still closeby. It was almost like he was hesitating. Like he was doubting his own decision. All the [Mages] were. Perhaps, if given a chance, they might turn back.
I looked back down at the summoning circle at my feet and took in a deep breath.
Salvos, are you alright?
A voice drew my attention. Edithes voice. She peered into me with a worried look. Daniel stood next to her both mypanions waited for me. Even though staying here could spell their demise.
If they died here, it would be my fault. It was my responsibility.
And it wasnt just them. I nced past both Daniel and Edithe as they fussed over me. I swept my gaze over Saffron who watched the rest of her kin trailing away from the ritual circle. I saw Orgaf standing there, jaw clenched and ring at ytons back.
These were mypanions. They acknowledged me. And somewhere far away, watched over by myst surviving clone, was Willy and the baby Wyverns. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Even further beyond was Rachel. Sakura. And in the Spirit ne were Mistshard, Druma, and Lily.
No one else knew me for who I truly was. So they didnt matter to me. I could simply cast [Greater Teleportation] now to escape with mypanions to save those I cared about.
And yet
yton Skyshredder!
I burst into the sky as I yelled out, wreathed by iridescent mes. Daniel and Edithe blinked. They looked up at me with wide eyes. Mypanions called after me. And I turned away from them.
Instead, I faced the Headmaster of Mavos Academy as heads turned to face me. Those I recognized, and those I hardly knew. They all stared at me as I hovered in the sky, just above the dark domed roof of the Demon Kings castle.
yton Skyshredder paused as he stared at me. For whatever reason, he drifted closer. Maybe because he hoped I had some solution to our predicament. And I did.
I remembered how I ended up here in the Mortal Realm in the first ce.
I can dy it! I can dy the summoning ritual!
I shouted for all to hear. And that drew their attention. They listened to what I had to say. They listened to me.
What are you suggesting, Salvos? How are you going to dy the summoning ritual?
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy furrowed his brows as he flew my way. I eyed the bearded man, before casting my gaze past him. I saw all the faces staring at me hopefully below.
All of them knew my name. They heard about me. But they didnt know me.
Jaakko, Zack, Helen, Hadrian, Amanda, Sophia, Cless, Gabriel, Ismail Znd, Crocus Merryster, Cinne Merryster, Lamarr, Gallus, Amanda, Laux Lionfist, Alder Ashford, Kaitlin Darkhelm, Titus, Ze-jai.
None of them acknowledged me. Only Helena Warshade knew my truth, but she rejected me.
But still, I could save them all. I brought my hands up, tugging at the strands of mana weaving theplex grand ritual.
To dy the summoning, we just have to expend its magic. It no longer has a source to draw from. No more deaths, and no more ritual circles.
yton narrowed his eyes at me as I exined my n. By the look on his face, I knew I was right.
So if I reverse the summoning spell and change its target to me, you should have enough time to dismantle it after, right?
I began altering the magic as Belzu did, and the runes at the ground shifted. Daniel blinked. Edithe paused. Saffrons jaw dropped. And Orgaf stared at me with wide eyes. They heard what I said in utter disbelief.
But yton just shook his head.
That will not work. This summoning ritual is designed to target only Demons. Your n will fail.
The ground rumbled beneath me. An image rippled into existence on the ground, showing the visage of the Demon King. But no one even paid attention to it. They just looked on at yton and I.
I closed my eyes, even as I continued making minor amendments to the ritual. I couldnt make big changes because I was unfamiliar with how it worked. But with my ss, I could at least alter its spatial properties.
I raised my head, my eyes snapping open.
I am aware of that. But my n will work.
I spoke simply as the image reflected in the ritual circle blurred. I stopped manipting the threads of mana. I was done. There was only one thing left to do.
And how will it work, Salvos? How are you going to alter the very crux of the summoning ritual in such a short amount of time? We stand a better chance of dismantling it than wasting time on that!
ytons gaze bore into me, his voice booming. I looked back down. I stared at mypanions. Orgaf had taken a while to ept me, but he did now. Saffron also initially feared me, only to warm up after a while.
Edithe hated me when we first met. And yet, she willingly fought alongside me for so long. Perhaps out of necessity, but it was still a form of eptance, which only grew stronger when she finally started caring for me.
And even though Daniel tried to kill me in our first encounter, he was also the first Human to show me kindness. He was the fastest Human to ever acknowledge me as Salvos.
It was always the same. It always took time. But eventually, I was always epted by my friends. So I turned away from mypanions, sweeping my gaze over the sea of faces staring at me onest time, before looking back up at yton Skyshredder.
I smiled as I pointed a thumb at myself, speaking loud for all to hear.
I dont have to do any of that. Because
And iridescent mes wisped wildly off my body. My Divine Essence shone brightly, and I floated like a star in the sky, gazed upon by all.
Was it because I was a Lesser God?
The fire burned all over my body, scalding me with its zing intensity. But instead scarring me into a shade of dark crimson, the mes simply peeled back at my outer shell, revealing an ethereal pale skin underneath.
Was it because I was Secelys Sentinel?
I brushed my fingers through the divine mes, and cracks formed on my forearms. Like the heat was cutting deep into me, but blood refused to pour out. My elbows wereyered with ash as my hands were stained ck.
Was it because this n had to work?
Sharp ws emerged from my fingertips, and a set of crown-like horns curved out of my forehead. My pupils thinned as ytons eyes went round.
Youre
For a moment, the world froze, and I felt a burden ease off my shoulders. Despite the rumbling earth, and despite the tearing space, everyone from friends like Zack to strangers like Zejai simply stared at me in shock,pletely speechless. Even my fourpanions below looked at me with wide eyes.
No! I screamed internally at myself. Its not because of any of those reasons! It was because of one reason and one reason only. This n would work because because
I hovered in the air as the rainbow-colored mes dissipated, pulling back like a folding curtain. There I was all of me for all to see. Horns, ws, and scales. My Subspecies no longer hidden, and my true self finally revealed.
Because I am Salvos, and I am a Demon!
With that, I dove straight into the summoning ritual, activating [Full Phase]. I passed over the sea of shocked faces. I heard mypanions calling after me, screaming my name.
Salvos!
But their voices faded in the distance as I plunged into the blurred image on the ground. Space tore around me, and darkness shrouded my vision. In an instant, I was engulfed by a numbing nothingness. And the only voice I heard was the voice in my head.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Mortal Realm].
Chapter 519: Disillusion Part Three
Chapter 519: Disillusion Part Three
519. Disillusion Part Three
Was this really it?
Haec shifted where he stood as he nced around the throne room. Rows and rows of Primeval Demons kneeled before the vast ritual circle with their heads bowed low. There were legions of Archdemons of all shapes and sizes, waiting at the back ranks. This was the greatest army of the Demon King. All of them were loyal to a fault.
And Haec stood ahead of them all.
He wasnt nearly as high-leveled as the Primeval Demons at the front ranks. Certainly, he was an Archdemon approaching his next evolution, but so was Taburas, yet she was not here. So Haec didnt understand why he was standing at the very front at the right hand side of the Demon King.
It is time.
Regnorexs rumbling voice snapped Haec back to attention. The Demon Kings gaze was fixed only at the ceiling. Or, rather, what was left of the ceiling. The domed roof was being consumed by a massive rift in space. It was a portal that reflected an image of another world on the other side.
It was the Mortal Realm. Haec had only ever seen it twice before. The first was a long time ago. But since then since joining the Demon Kings forces he had only seen it once more. Unlike most of the Demons in Regnorexs armies, he was never allowed to cross through to the other side.
He was never given a Lair or a Domain to rule over, nor was he ever allowed to leave Regnorexs side while in the Demon Kings castle. But he was also sent on the deadliest missions, and the most dangerous tasks. After all, Haec had been taken under the direct tutge of Regnorex, even if he didnt understand why.
But Haec didnt care about any of that. None of it mattered, because he had undergone all those trials for a single reason. And it had all culminated to this.
He was finally going to the Mortal Realm. It had been his goal. He had done Regnorexs bidding all for one reason.
And that was to see her again.
Haec closed his eyes, watching as the vast portal overhead fell upon the army. The Demon King strode forward as he bellowed, and his army followed.
Now stand. Draw your arms. Ready for battle. Brace yourself for salv
And the portal flickered. Haec blinked, watching as the image reflected above blurred. Regnorex halted. His eyes narrowed as he nced above.
This is
He trailed off as the image focused for a moment, showing the picture of a silver-haired girl. A Demon? Haecs eyes went round at the sight of that figure. His jaw dropped and he whispered.
Thats
And Regnorex clenched a fist. A ck aura wisped off him, and Haec stumbled back. The kneeling Primeval Demons flinched, while the Archdemons dropped to the ground. A powerful overwhelming force shook the room the intense pressure sent cracks rippling across the floor. It was the fury of the Demon King.
I see.
Haec gasped as he copsed to the ground, Regnorexs rage palpable, bearing down on his shoulders. But still, he didnt tremble as the Primeval Demons did. The fear wouldnt keep him down, because he knew what he saw. He forced himself back up and raised his head, ncing up at the flickering rift.
Even though the image was blurred even though she looked so different from thest time he saw her he was certain it was her.
It was Salvos.
Hispanion.
And Haec just smiled.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Mortal Realm].
I plunged through the summoning ritual, and nothingness engulfed me. But before I temporarily lost sense of my entire being, I twisted my arms, yanking the threads of mana behind me. I forcefully dispersed whatever extraneous pool of mana gathered for the spell, expending as much magic as I forced it to teleport me through the nes.
And then I was flying through the fold between the nes. The little bit of empty space between the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld. It was a trip that happened both over an eternity and an instant like going to sleep, but somehow remaining partially cognizant. But I activated [Full Phase] and [Fragmented Pocket Dimension], covering me in ayer of true space, so that time flowed more linearly from my perspective.
As I settled into traveling through that corridor of emptiness, I nced back towards where I came from. I saw a bright image there I saw arge gathering of figures gaping down into the hole. yton Skyshredder, Helena Warshade, Alder Ashford, and a plethora of other [Mages] hurriedly circled around the summoning ritual, casting their spellsas they began to dismantle its magic.
I watched as specks of the glowing image began to ke away. Mypanions huddled the closest to the summoning ritual. I saw all their worried faces. Daniel, Edithe, Saffron, and Orgaf.
But there was so much more I was leaving behind. Willy. Novis. Bellum. Oriur. Jaakko. Helen. Zack. Rana. Lamarr. Gallus. Veronica. Mountaintooth. Amberarm. Sharpbraid. Minnow. Xidra. Centina. Kron. Rachel.
And so many more.
It was the life I had built up for myself in the Mortal Realm. And I was abandoning it all, casting myself back to the Netherworld as I finally shed my disguise and revealed my true self to them all. I did wonder how most of them reacted to the fact that I was a Demon. I really hoped that they would acknowledge me ept me for who I was. If not immediately, then eventually.
But I couldnt stay. I had to leave them behind. To save them, I had to go.
It was just like when I was first separated from Haec back in Lucernas Lamp. I had tricked the Greater Demon into falling through the portal, only to be grabbed myself and pulled to the other side. Ever since then, I had been trapped in the Mortal Realm.
It felt like it happened so long ago. Years had passed ever since then, and I had experienced so many new things. The world I knew the world of bloodshed and death; of rocks and wild Demons; of survival and battle was long behind me. I now knew what it was like to live, rather than just surviving.
I knew what it was like to wander about aimlessly without fearing of a sudden attack. I knew what it was like to walk through the streets of cities and be hounded by food vendors and street sellers. I knew what it was like to sleep. I knew what it was like to eat.
Even if I didnt enjoy all these experiences, I never had the chance to experience any of that while in the Netherworld.
I had gone to school. I had made friends. I had learned and studied and sat through hours of boring lectures.
I had touched grass. I had soared through the clouds. I had seen pretty flowers, and I had raised my own children.
I fought with jerks. I befriended princesses, and I met kings. I saved lives as often as I took them.
I even spoke to a living rock once before.
There was so much more to living than just surviving. It was just as I said to Belzu, but the Mortal Realm was a wonderful ce. And while the Netherworld was my home, I wanted to do so much more than remain trapped in that hellish world of survival. I didnt want to just be trapped forever.
And that was why I had to go. For a promise I made to my first everpanion, and for my own self. I couldnt just let myself be pinned to a single ce.
The world of mortals was truly beautiful, but I wouldnt just stop there. I was going to travel to the Spirit ne. I wanted to see the Spirit Lord, and I wanted to speak with the Fairy Queen.
There was so much I wanted to do. There was so much I had to do.
Returning to the Netherworld was the start of what needed to be done. I would find Haec, and I would bring him back with me.
The portal to the Mortal Realm continued to fragment. It hadnt felt like it had been that much time since I entered the summoning ritual, but time didnt work the same way here. I could clearly see dark clouds gathering overhead at the other side, even when the sky had been clear just before. It must have been over half an hour since I went through, and the image flickered.
I watched as it slowly faded, and mypanions let out a silent cry. Daniel stepped back from the summoning ritual, turning to yton Skyshredder. He protested, and Saffron joined him. But the Headmaster of Mavos Academy wouldnt listen.
Orgaf gritted his teeth and turned away, leaving only Edithe there. She raised a hand, staring at me even as the remains of the portal closed around her. I smiled, nodding at mypanions onest time.
Goodbye.
I whispered softly, before shaking my head.
For now.
And thest of the portal vanished. All I stared at behind me was an encroaching emptiness. For a moment, my gaze lingered on the space of nonexistence. Then I slowly swept my gaze forward. I looked towards my destination.
Towards the end of the tunnel.
And there it was. A ce that was so familiar, yet so foreign. The Nehterworld.
My home.
But it wasnt the vast white canvas that spread out endlessly in all directions. I didnt even see the dark red sky that never changed.
No I saw a sight that I would normally see in the Mortal Realm. It was arge throne room, with legions of figures standing in wait for me. They wore partial bits of clothing that mimicked mortal dress, but it was like they didnt actually know the reasons why mortals wore said clothing. A few of them wore pants on their heads, while others had shirts wrapped around their shoulders.
It was the Demon Kings castle. And Regnorex himself waited for me with a weing party of Primeval Demons.
Heloomed over the other side of portal as a terrible ck aura burned around him. His gaze locked with mine, and I could sense his anger, even from what felt like an infinite distance. His mouth moved, and I heard nothing for a few moments. Until
So the Devils Daughter decides to interfere!
His voice came out a distorted mess. I somehow heard his words even though I wasnt even in the same ne as him. I was quite literally in broken space, with my own bits of reality covering me, wholly separated from the Netherworld. Yet, the Demon King bellowed, and I flinched.
Do not think that just because your father is a Primordial Demon, I will spare your life! You have nowhere to run! You will die by my hands!
I bit my lower lip, drawing closer and closer to the end of the tunnel.
Huh.
I could feel Regnorexs power even from here. I knew that the moment I went through, I would be dead. His gaze bore into me, and I grinned.
Good thing Im not going there!
I stuck my tongue out at the Demon King, before raising a hand. I hadnt been idle, even as I flew through this empty space. A shimmering light flickered over my body, and my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] rippled. Regnorex paused as Iughed.
[Greater Teleportation]!
And I vanished as the Demon King screamed in a rage. The image of his castle vanished, reced with a shining golden disc overhead. I crashed into an invisible ground, watching as the fractal world around me shifted.
Regnorexs roar echoed in my ears for a moment as Iy there, chuckling softly. And then I heard it. A slow pping. I raised my head to see a crimson figure sitting before me with his legs crossed.
My dad smiled at me as I tried to get to my feet.
Congrattions, my daughter. You really put on quite a show this time for your old man.
And I copsed to the ss-like ground in exhaustion, groaning.
Ouch.
Chapter 520: Revelation (End of Volume 5 Part 5)
Chapter 520: Revtion (End of Volume 5 Part 5)
520. Revtion
And Salvos was gone.
Haec watched as the portal closed overhead, and the pressure on his shoulder eased. Regnorexs rage calmed. The dark aura that had caused the entire Domain of the Demon King to quake dissipated.
He stood there in silence, but none of the Primeval Demons dared to move. Haec closed his eyes as hey there, sighing softly. He should have been unhappy upset that he could no longer cross through to the Mortal Realm.
But he was content. After all, he had finally seen Salvos the real her after so long. And that was enough for him.
It is no matter.
Regnorexs words caused Haec to jolt up. The gathered Primeval Demons raised their heads, while the Archdemons still dared not to move. The Demon King strode up the cracked stairway leading up to his throne, his demeanor starkly different than what it was just moments before.
Levithus had done his duty. The partial merging of the nes has beenpleted.
Haec slowly rose to his feet, watching as Regnorex settled onto his vast throne. The gathered Primeval Demons bowed their heads low and listened to their King.
Destion wille to an end. The cycle of Advent continues, and Revtion will begin. The Beast shall return to its slumber. The Devil
The Demon King paused. For a moment, a ck aura flickered around him, and Haec felt the overwhelming fear seeping in once again. But that moment passed.
The Devil shall has yed his tricks once more, but this time, he shall pay for what he has done.
The Primeval Demons exchanged a fearful nce. Even Haec understood what that entailed. Regnorex simply leaned back on his throne and closed his eyes.
Soon, the Mortal Realm will understand hell. And I will lead us all to salvation.
End of Volume 5 Part 5
Author''s Notes:
I will be taking a two week break from Salvos public chapters now that volume 5 is finally fucking finished!
This took me over a year of non-stop uploads, where I never went more than 5 days without writing a Salvos chapter. But it''s finished! Patreon is currently still posting because they already had their break, so it''s honestly the best time to subscribe.
The next chapter will be out some time between the 12th the 14th. But wait-- as I said, patrons will continue to get a chapter during this period, which may seem unfair. However, when they all hit this chapter, they all did face with the same ~14 day break of no chapters.
Anyway, regarding volume 5... in total, Salvos volume 5 was split into five parts and over 600,000 words long. I haven''t done the full calctions yet, and when I do, I''ll let you guys know what its total tally was. But man, I initially nned for everything that happened in volume 5, and everything that happened in volume 4, to happen in only a single volume. What was initially was supposed to be 200,000 words spiraled out of control to 800,000 words.
I wish I was more concise in my writing. But I know that I wouldn''t have been satisfied otherwise. Even though I wrote a few bad chapters over the course of moving countries, I am still happy with how it turned out as a whole.
I''m also going to have another poprity poll posted tomorrow, because thest one was kinda for the lulz with Salvos included. Stay tuned for that.
Thanks for reading always <3
Also, shoutout to my Twitter. Give me a follow /ms_delta
Chapter 521: Unique (Start of Volume 6 Part 1/Book 10)
Chapter 521: Unique (Start of Volume 6 Part 1/Book 10)
521. Unique (Start of Volume 6 Part 1)
I groaned as Iy there on the ss-like floor. My entire body ached my Grand Skill finally came to an end. I had used up everything I could to get here to this point. All my Skills, and all of my will it had led me here.
I had been through so much. This was the culmination of everything I had ever done from the very first moment I opened my eyes in the Mortal Realm. While I was tired and hurt from a hard-fought battle against an army of Demons, I had been fighting for this goal for far longer than just a couple of hours. It was the result of all my hard work, and I could finally sigh in relief.
I heard the soft apuse echoing ahead of me in this room. Only a single person was pping, but somehow, it sounded like I was on stage before arge audience giving me a standing ovation. I sat up as my gaze swept over the transparent ceiling. I saw a molten ring overhead, illuminating this dark chamber.
The world beyond was not part of the real world. It was the fold between the nes between the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld. A space where there wasnt really much actual space. The only thing that existed there were objects frozen in stasis. A chair hovered in ce, forever spinning yet frozen in a blurred shape. There was a broken fountain; the bark of a tree. A supermassive ck hole hung high up, far far away.
But my gaze focused only on the red figure sitting before me. He pushed himself off an invisible chair, pping with a grin stered across his face. He strode forward with his hoof-like legs. It was the Devil.
My father.
Encore, encore. Youve really exceeded all my expectations, my daughter.
Sal chuckled as he came to a halt. I groaned, rubbing my shoulders, and a trail of ck blood leaked onto the palm of my wed hand. I looked down at myself. I wasnt in my Human form. I didnt wear any disguise. I was just me.
I winced, trying to get to my feet as Sal just continued.
You know, when you spared Belzu all those months ago, I thought you were being quite the idiot. But killing him like you did? Without even putting up a fight? Now thats what you call a climax.
My dad pinched his fingers together over his lips and kissed the air.
And when you gave Regnorex the metaphorical finger
Sal continued speaking, but I shook my head, ignoring him, still trying to get a bearing of my surroundings. I was exhausted. I was also very badly hurt. I had been fighting non-stop for quite a while at this point.
It had been the final battle I had fought alongside the United Coalition of the Human Lands to put a stop to the grand ritual to merge the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm. Except that wasnt the actual goal of the grand ritual. Apparently, the real n was to summon the Demon King and his greatest army of Primeval Demons to the Mortal Realm.
And I did everything I could to prevent that from happening. From defeating a [Hebomination] to fighting Levithus. I had battled a multitude of Primeval Demons far above my level, and somehow, I had also won. But the fighting didnt end there. Not for me.
When I thought I had a moment of reprieve, Belzu tried tinkering with the grand ritual to forcefully summon Regnorex over to the Mortal Realm. The Lord of Lies had thought that the ritual could not be stopped in time, so he hoped to separate the Demon King from his army of Primeval Demons to have a chance of winning.
I thought that was suicide. Especially considering that Belzu was going to be sacrificing my friends andpanions to achieve victory. I couldnt let that happen, and after our years-long feud, I finally killed Belzu.
But that didnt solve the problem. The grand summoning ritual was still going to go through Regnorex and his army would have invaded the Mortal Realm if I didnt stop it. And I did.
I altered the summoning spell with my space magic. I reversed it, turning it into a portal for me to slip back into the Netherworld. That had been my goal for so long ever since I found myself in the Mortal Realm, I had wanted to return. Not because it was my home, nor because I enjoyed my time fighting and surviving back there. I did it all for the sake of my firstpanion. So that I could bring him with me back to the Mortal Realm and show him all the wonderful things I had seen.
It wasnt necessarily an act of sacrifice. What I did was mainly for myself first and foremost. However, I had a secondary goal. By returning to the Netherworld, I had also expended the rituals mana, giving yton Skyshredder and my friends enough time to dismantle the grand ritual.
But before I left them, I revealed a secret I had been hiding for so long. It was something only mypanions knew. When most people found out about it, they always tried to kill me. Because they rejected me for who I was. They thought that I was evil, when I was just Salvos. Still, I told the world the truth.
That I was a Demon.
I didnt know how theyd react, because I threw myself into the Netherworld immediately after. Well I didnt actually enter the Netherworld. I stopped myself right before I could enter the Demon Kings castle, because I knew Regnorex would kill me. Instead, I escaped to my dads home.
But even as I stood here, in the Devils little box, I still wondered how my friends would react now, knowing the truth of my identity. I wondered if they would ept me. What if they hated me? This question weighed heavily in my mind.
I was always going to be me, and what others thought of me was never going to change that. However, these were people I cared about, to a certain extent. Not nearly as much as I cared about mypanions. But I was still afraid that these people would not recognize me for who I truly was. Because, then, they would no longer be my friends.
I mulled over this fact as I fidgeted where I stood. And the Devil took notice of it, pausing mid-sentence.
Seriously, I didnt even think youd be able to to youre not listening to me, are you?
My dad cocked his head, and I blinked. I snapped out of my stupor for a moment, nodding.
I, um, was totally listening to you!
Were you, now?
He raised a brow. I shrank back, scratching the back of my head.
Y-yep!
And he just sighed as he massaged his temples.
Then what was I saying?
Um
I scratched my cheek. Sal crossed his arms and tapped a finger on his elbow. His gaze bore into me, and I looked away.
You were praising me?
I suggested hesitantly, and my dad paused. His brows furrowed. His eyes narrowed. For a moment, I thought I got it wrong. He opened his mouth only to smile.
Yes, my dear daughter. I was praising you.
You were?
I blinked. I didnt expect to be right. But my dad just nodded eagerly. He stepped forward, rubbing his hands together as he spoke.
I was singing songs about how great you are I will regale tales about your glory for eons on end. Salvos, my daughter, your grandeur is truly unrivaled. Your feats are unheard of, and your greatness shall never be surpassed.
Sal swept to a bow before me, and I stared at him. I listened to the Devil himself showering me with praise.
Huh.
And I beamed.
Thats true, isnt it? I am pretty amazing, arent I?
I ced my hand on my chin, recalling what I had done. I had survived the Netherworld fought Greater Demons twice my level. I battled a [Hero], and managed to befriend a [Summoner] who hated Demons. The entirety of the Mortal Realm was against me for who I was, but I still came out on top.
Whether it was Centinels or Humans or even Demons, I didnt care. I had gotten to this point because I was amazing. Because I was Salvos.
I smiled happily to myself as Sal nodded. He raised his head, still smiling at me. And in an instant, that smile vanished, reced with a re.
Wrong.
Sals voice echoed around me as I immediately froze. My dad straightened, and I tried to work my jaw.
W-what?
He strode forward, shaking his head as the world around us shifted. It was a pocket space a world that belonged to the Devil. With each step he took, the ss-like dome changed shape. At first, a pyramid, then an icosahedron, then a cube, and then a sphere.
Do you really think you are special, Salvos?
My dad spoke, his words reverberating around me, seemingly echoing off the walls of his world. I couldnt move. I was trapped in fear. A creeping sense of dread prickled down my back as I tried to work my jaw. But I couldnt regain control of myself.
The Devil paused right before me, holding my gaze as the world around us shimmered.
You are not unique. You are not great. In the vastness of the multiverse, I will show you just how normal you are.
He snapped his fingers, and everything changed.
Chapter 522: The Primordial
Chapter 522: The Primordial
522. The Primordial
The world changed.
The Devils domain shimmered, then shifted. It rapidly spun and changed shapes, turning from a dodecahedron to a diamond to an iprehensible form in space a tesseract.
I watched as the ck hole winked out of existence. The light from its retion disc vanished, and the floating mundane objects hovering in stasis melted away. I stumbled back as if the ground at my feet was moving without me, then I raised my head at my dad.
Sal just looked on as the fractal walls of this pocket spaced shed with iridescent colors.
Whats going on? What are you talking about? What are you showing me?
I tried to steel myself, but a powerful force kept me back. I was pinned against the wall, gritting my teeth as my wounds red. But the Devil was hardly affected by this he stood at the opposite side of the shifting room, his hands sped behind his back as he stared into a void of nothingness.
You are nothing, Salvos.
What?
I blinked, still not understanding what my dad was saying. He spoke callously, not even turning his head to face me. The pocket space continued to move, and I caught a glimpse of the world beyond this room as its walls flickered. In that vastness of everything, I saw nothing.
There was nothing there.
Nonexistence. Emptiness. No ck hole, no frozen trees, and no falling stars. There was no light; there was no darkness. I couldnt perceive anything beyond the Devils world not even with my spatial senses. My mind couldntprehend it. It was like I had lost my ability to even see when I stared into that void.
And finally, a set of words shed in my head.
Now Leaving [Nexeus].
Suddenly, my body grew extremely cold. I lost sense of my fingers, and my legs went numb. It was like I was thrust into the deepest depths of the ocean only to be yanked and thrown into the sky where the stars hung high. The world wheeled around me as I tried to regain my bearings, and I barely managed to cast my gaze towards my dad.
Where are we going?
I asked as a trickle of fear ran down my back. Sal didnt answer the question. He merely continued speaking, shaking his head.
You im to be special. You waltz around, praising yourself just because youve be a Lesser God. But in the vastness of the multiverse, you have aplished nothing.
The multiverse?
I stared at my dad. I grimaced, trying to pull free from the pressure exerted against me. I managed to stake a step forward, grunting.
How are we oof!
I was sent flying as the pocket space came to a halt. I crashed right before my dad, and he nced down at me with a dismissive gaze. He turned around as I rubbed my head in pain. He spread his arms wide and gave me an eerie smile.
Look at it, Salvos. Do you see it?
I stumbled to my feet, before pausing. My brows snapped together as I looked up past my dad. He gestured to the world around us, and I pursed my lips.
I still dont see anything.
I tried narrowing my eyes focusing on the ss-like panels of this pocket space. But once again, I saw nothing beyond. It really was empty. An endless abyss that made me shiver just from staring into it.
Sal peered at me, before chuckling. He shook his head as he sighed.
Of course not. And that is proof you are still nothing.
I nced back towards the Devil as he raised a hand. I opened my mouth to protest, and he snapped his fingers. The fractal world shed. The iridescent shimmer returned briefly, only for broken shards to flit down towards him. They circled around my dad as he pointed at me, and I reeled.
You cant see it because you are weak.
The first of the shards shed. A fogged image shimmered into existence on the ss-like surface. It shot past me, and I saw
A witch knelt before the ruins of a city. She could not have been more than twelve years old, but death and destruction surrounded her everywhere she turned. Corpses upon corpses strewn about the rubble and ash as a looming shadow approached her. Tears streamed down her eyes, and she cried out in pain.
I blinked. For whatever reason, that young girl looked familiar. But I knew that she was not even from my world. It waspletely different from my world. Even though it was an image, I sensed almost no magic there. Like magic had died, and only the lingering mes of the arcane remained.
Who?
I started, but the image shifted, then vanished. The shard shot back towards Sal as he strode towards me. My dad shook his head.
You have no ambition.
A second shard flew my way as I stumbled back. Another image shed, and I squinted at what it showed as it shot past me.
A cultivator stared up at a golden nimbus cloud. Her jade green hair was tied into a long braid, and she leapt up into the emerald sky. Lightning thunder around her as sheughed, tugging at the worlds essence to do her bidding.
Again, the shard returned to the Devil as he came to a halt before me. His gaze bore into me, and I nervously backed away.
Why are you showing
I started, but he just flicked a finger. More shards shot my way as I flinched from each of them. My eyes darted from screen to screen as various images shed before me. All the while, Sal just spoke acidically.
There is an infinite number of universes out there, my dear daughter.
I spun around in a daze, trying to keep track of everything the Devil was showing me.
A teenage redhead marched through the streets of an empty city.
There are worlds you could only ever imagine.
His words echoed in my head, and I recoiled. I staggered back as my senses were overwhelmed.
A slime poked herself in the middle of a dark cavern.
There are ces beyond the Nexeus you wish you could visit.
I caught myself from falling, but the dizziness refused to fade. I clenched my jaw just to remain standing before Sal as the images didnt stoping.
A turtley at the bottom of the sea, hiding from the creatures lurking beneath.
But you are no worldwalker. You are no neshopper. You are no realityskipper. And you certainly are no one special.
A hero stood alone atop a broken moon. Space warped around her, and time refused to work. Her eyes flickered, darting towards the screen
And the images vanished. The final image shard past me, now showing nothing as I dropped to a knee. It was like my dads words themselves were hurting me. However, I knew it was my perception being overloaded by these worlds I could hardly evenprehend.
The shards shattered, and I tried to get back to my feet. The Devil smirked as he looked at the way I was swaying back and forth. He caught me from falling, holding me up. I looked up at him as he chuckled.
Come now, my dear daughter, are you still going to tell me you are someone special?
I tried to work my jaw, but he took a step back, gesturing wide towards the ss-like walls of his pocket dimension. Everything shifted, and an image shed over the walls. Like we were now hovering in another world.
Why do you matter when there are True Gods out there capable of creating entire universes out of nothing?
Sals voice boomed as his pocket space shook. But the trembling came from beyond his words. I stared past him with round eyes at what unfurled before us.
A man sat in a white world. An empty world. A nk canvas expanded all around him, but he didnt move. His golden locks held still, and his eyes remained closed. He raised his head
And the Devils pocket space cracked as the image vanished. I yelped, nearly falling back. What how My hands quivered, and I let out a breath I didnt know I had been holding. I was shaking just from the sheer presence of that lone man. My dadughed maniacally, still holding onto me.
There are beings who have amassed armies that could trample over the forces of the Demon King, the Spirit Lord, and Humankindbined!
He gesticted wildly as a new image shed into existence around us.
A metal world jutted out of the ground. There was no sky above no darkness and no clouds. A dome of nonexistence fell upon this vast sphere, and countless figures poured forth. Only a single figure stood unmoving. A being made of metal craned his neck towards the cracked pocket space. His army suddenly paused, before mechanically turning towards us all at once. They charged our way
And Sal snapped his fingers. I blinked as the world beyond faded away once more. I slowly processed what just happened, before looking back at my dad.
Were they going to kill us?
The Devil smiled at me with a crazed gaze as he nodded.
Indeed, my daughter. We would have died if we hadnt left when we did.
But youre the Devil
I tried to protest. But Sal silenced me as he mped my jaw shut.
And I am nothing as well.
Once again, there was a sh of light, revealing another world I had never seen before.
Figures waited in the darkness. Alien beings that wore no uniform form, surrounding arge table. Some had tendrils for limbs, while others had tails. Only a single one of them was standing a lizard-like man with green scales. None of them reacted to the appearance of the pocket space. After all, their gaze had already been fixed on us.
It was like they had somehow anticipated our sudden appearance. I gaped at them, and the scene changed.
There are those out there who have conquered many worlds.
Sal spoke as he let go of my jaw, swiping at the screen. The world spun as if we were flying through space, before we abruptly came to a halt. I stumbled forward, kneeling against the ss-like floor. I looked down through the transparent ground and once again saw a different world.
An ashen-skinned figure admired the roots of a giant tree. It spread throughout the vast cave chamber, and an army waited behind him. He closed his eyes, cursing as he tightly clutched onto a single leaf.
I waited for someone anyone to react to us. But nothing happened. I frowned, getting back to my feet as my dad sneered.
And there are those out there who have only conquered their own world.
The Devil simply waved a hand dismissively as the world changed. I looked around, watching new worlds unveil themselves to me. ces that didnt seem real where the logic of Nexeus didnt apply. But they were real. They existed. Somehow.
The multiverse is a vast ce, Salvos.
Sal cackled as he led me through universe after universe. I stared silently. I said nothing. I could only look on at these impossible worlds, at a loss for words. I just listened as my dad sighed reverently.
It holds nightmares, and it kills dreams.
Depraved creatures toiled in the darkness. Dead things. That which existed where there was no existence.
My eyes flickered, and Sal continued.
The Nexeus you know is smallpared to what waits out there.
An expansive grasnd spread out in all directions. An overcast sky. But nothing else.
I watched as my dad shook his head, before changing the scene. He turned to face me, and I stared with wide eyes at what waited below.
A blue spun to face me. It held billions of lives in it humans that wore strange clothing. Cities touched the skies, andrge metal carts moved without horses. There was no magic here. No monsters, and no miracles.
There are worlds out there that defy everything youve ever known. And you have only seen a fraction of it all.
The Devil finally let go of my hand as the image disappeared. I waited for the next world to show itself, but it never came. I looked towards my dad as he folded his arms
I am Sal the Devil. I am your father. A Primordial Demon one of the few left in the Netherworld. But even I matter not.
He closed his eyes, standing before the canvas of nothingness. His pocket space shimmered as the crack recovered. And color began to return around us. A familiar crimson glow appeared.
I narrowed my eyes. Sal just whispered.
I am neither the oldest being in Nexeus, nor am I the strongest.
I looked down at a nostalgic whitendscape. It was the Netherworld. But it must have been a part I had never been to before. I saw a massive gulf scarring the earth, and a figure rose from its slumber.
It had dozens of heads, each wearing the face of a different serpent. It stood on four wed legs, and breathed out a streak of gray mes. It roared, devastating thendscape as [Hebominations] fled its destruction. It was it was
The Beast.
Sal shook his head, and slowly uncrossed his arms. I looked back towards my dad as he raised a finger to point at me. And he posed a question I couldnt answer.
There are those out there who are destined for greatness. But you? How are you like them? Why do you matter?
Behind him, the Beast continued ravaging the Netherworld. It didnt take notice of us. Of course not we were still hiding behind my dads pocket space. He stared at me, waiting for my response.
But I just stood there quietly,pletely silent. I tried to think of an answer, and nothing came to mind. I was still shaking I couldnt believe what I had seen. Those sights were beyond anything I had ever expected to see. Yet, they were real. Just as real as me. And that was terrifying. I took a deep breath to steel myself and paused.
I looked down, seeing a trembling movement. My eyes narrowed as I stared at the Devil, pointing at me with quivering hands. I snapped my gaze up to see him panting. His entire body was shaking. He could hardly even catch his breath. He was he was
He was scared? No that wasnt right. I had never seen my dad like this before. I had seen him nervous and worried, but this wasnt it. This was something else.
The Devil waspletely terrified.
Even he looked on at the multiverse and quaked in fear. So what was wrong with being afraid? There was nothing bad about being scared it just meant I knew how to choose my battles wisely. And, maybe, if a battle was too hard for me to ovee, I would flee and returnter when I was stronger.
Sal waited for my answer, pressing me with the question.
Do you still believe you are special now?
I closed my eyes and thought about it. I had my answer now. It came to me as simply as any other thought. I exhaled deeply, before raising my head. I met the Devils gaze and answered.
Yep.
That made Sal pause. He blinked at me a few times, and I just looked past him towards the Beast in the distance.
You say Im not special because I dont matter in the multiverse, right? I dont even matter in my own world, so why would I mean anything in the worlds beyond?
...correct.
The Devil nodded, eyeing me suspiciously. He spoke slowly.
You are nothing, Salvos. That is why you do not matter. That is why you are not special.
I shook my head with a scoff.
But I am something I believe I am something. And if I want to be something, I just have to prove it, dont I?
Prove it how?
Sal stared at me, both a confused and amused look worn on his face. He had stopped trembling the fear from before was gone. Now, he was merely curious about what I had to say. I just waved a hand off and smiled.
Well, I guess I can start with bing the strongest in the Nexeus. That means something, right?
And that made the Devils jaw drop.
What?
He briskly walked up towards me, gesturing towards the Beast in the distance.
Do you really think you can defeat the
But I cut my dad off, rolling my eyes.
Im not gonna be the strongest immediately, of course.
He paused, watching me as I shook my head. I stared at the Beast, then at the hordes of fleeing Demons.
Ill work my way up there slowly. Itll take time. But I can get there eventually.
The Devil furrowed his brows at me. He tilted his head as I crossed my arms.
It will not be easy, Salvos.
I am aware.
It will be incredibly dangerous.
Yep. Thats about what I thought.
I replied as soon as my dad spoke. He cocked his head back, rubbing his goatee as I grinned back at him.
And if you die?
I shrugged in response.
Then I die.
There was a moment where neither my dad nor I said anything. And I paused. I thought about his question for a second longer, before looking down at the palm of my wed hand.
But I will die as Salvos. Your daughter. A Demon. Apanion to Haec, Daniel, Edithe, Saffron, Willy, and Orgaf. And I am the mother of Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.
Sals eyes grew wide as I spoke, listing out the names of those dearest to me. I ced my hand on my chest and finished.
I will die as me. And thats all that matters to me.
My gaze bore into the Devil. He looked at me, utterly speechless. I lowered my head, looking down at myself as I whispered.
But I wont die. So that doesnt really matter.
I
Sal trailed off. He just stared at me, befuddled and bewildered. He frowned, cing a hand on his chin. He raised a finger, before throwing his head back and chortling.
That audacity that arrogance. You will be the strongest in all of the Nexeus?
Salughed andughed andughed as I snorted.
I am being serious.
I know.
He wiped the tears from his eyes before waving a hand in the air. His pocket space moved, soaring far past the Beast. We continued flying through the Netherworld as the Devil chuckled.
Very well, my dear daughter. I hear you. I will not belittle your dreams.
He continued spinning pocket space around, rapidly crossing over vast swathes of the whitendscape. I raised a brow as we came to a halt right before a dark sea. He took a step back and smiled at me.
As your caring father, I will help you fulfill your dream. Come, and let us see you be the strongest in all of the Nexeus!
He pped his hands together, and I raised a hand.
Wait, I need to [Rest]
I started, but the ss-like floor beneath my feet vanished. I fell from the Devils pocket space, tumbling down away from him.
Good luck, my dear daughter.
I could hear my dads words echoing in my head, even as his pocket space began to fade away. Like it had never been there. But as I looked up at the crimson sky, and fell into a familiar ck ocean, I heard something else echoing in the distance.
Now Entering [Nexeus: Netherworld].
And with those words, I was finally back in the Netherworld.
Chapter 523: Never Changing
Chapter 523: Never Changing
523. Never Changing
I swept my gaze over my surroundings. I saw the crimson skies glowing above. I spotted the undting mountains in the distance. Tall white peaks rose over the horizon, and an ocean of ck expanded all around me. Iy there, floating as I craned my head back to face the sky. The dark sea held still. No gust of wind washed over me.
This was the Netherworld. And I was finally back.
Huh.
I said nothing more. I stared up, looking where I hadst seen my dad. The moment I fell out of his pocket space, he began to vanish. That ever-changing world of fractal walls faded away, leaving me alone down here.
It had been so long since I wasst in the Netherworld. This was my home, but it felt so unfamiliar. And yet, it was nostalgic at the same time. I sat up, taking in a deep breath. I smiled as I saw the vast terrain.
I remembered the time I had spent here to sluggishly crawl over those rocky nds, to scale up mountains, and to cross through valleys. The fond memories of staring at rocks were still fresh in my mind. I recalled chasing wild Demons. I thought about the time I spent together with Haec. The time I had spent in the Netherworld it was it was
Its so boring!
I groaned, falling back into the dark water. I paused and furrowed my brows.
Well, not the time I spent with Haec. That was nice. But everything else
I had been so slow back then! It took me forever just to swim ashore when I had just been born. And that was when I was still an Infant Demon time back then seemed so much longer than when time passed now.
And it wasnt a result of magic or anything. I had just experienced so many more things now. So it felt like time was moving faster. At least, that was Daniels exnation when I asked him why days felt like they were so much shorter nowpared to when I first arrived in the Mortal Realm.
In any case, I wasnt in the Mortal Realm. I was back in the Netherworld. I was here to find my firstpanion.
Haec.
Last I heard, he was under themand of the Demon King. Which was weird, really. I had been fighting Regnorexs forces all this while, trying to keep them out of the Mortal Realm. But maybe if I had actually let them through, I would have just met Haec without returning to the Netherworld.
I shook my head, dismissing the thought.
That was never going to happen. I had otherpanions I cared about. Friends, too. There were things that mattered to me, and I wasnt going to sacrifice the entirety of the Humannds just to see Haec again.
I knew I could see him again through my own means. I wasnt going to let any of mypanions be endangered by the Demon King. I especially wasnt going to let my children get hurt either.
And now, I was back in the Netherworld. I had foiled the Demon Kings ns also enraging him in the process. But that was fine. I just had to avoid him so I didnt die. That wouldnt be too difficult, right?
After all, the Netherworld was a vast ce. It wasnt going to be easy for Regnorex to find me. But that also meant it wasnt going to be easy for me to find Haec.
I looked up again, letting out a soft sigh.
This isnt going to be easy
I trailed off. But I had known it wasnt going to be easy from the very beginning. And yet, I still embarked on my journey to return back to Haec. Because he was my firstpanion. I made him a promise I wasnt going to break it.
So I was going to find him. I had to find him. No matter what, I was going to have to track Haec down!
...in maybe five minutes.
I groaned as I closed my eyes. I was still hurt. I hadnt fully recovered from the battle I had against Levithus in the Mortal Realm. Sure, I now had [Passive - Weaker Regeneration], but it wasnt nearly as effective as a healing potion, let alone a Potion of Regeneration. I needed to [Rest] for a while. At least a full day. Probably more. Although
I opened my eyes, ncing up.
There is no day or night in the Netherworld.
I murmured to myself. So keeping track of time wasnt going to be easy. I just had to go based on instinct alone. I felt like I had been floating here for at least an hour, and most of my injuries still remained. It was going to take a while until I recovered.
I guess Ill just wait
I suspected that, with the severity of my injuries, Id only be fully healed in maybe twenty more hours. That was assuming I was right in saying that I had been using [Rest] for an hour now. It would be stupid to roam the Netherworld while hurt. It was extremely dangerous here, especially since the Beast was awake. Sure, I was far enough away that I was probably safe. But there were many more things throughout the Netherworld that would want to kill me.
Well probably everything wanted to kill me. From wild Demons to the Demon King. So I just waited, looking through my Status in the meanwhile.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 158
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 125
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 255 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 255 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 400 (+30) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 440 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 9]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 11
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 10
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x4
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 15
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 9
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
My Grand Skill had ended I still had Divine Essence, but I no longer had the additional Stats given to me when it was active. Right now, it was a passive effect. Just like with my shapeshifting. I could conjure up the iridescent mes whenever I wanted. It just took more energy from me.
I did have a second Grand Skill which I recently leveled. After killing Belzu, I was awarded a Grand Skill Point, which I used on [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. I didnt really notice any drastic immediate change when that happened.
Well, I did feel like I could use that second Grand Skill again a bit sooner than before. But I highly doubted that that was the only change. There had to be something else to it. I just didnt know what yet.
I would probably figure it outter when I actually could use [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] again. I wasnt going to cast it immediately, but only in battle. It would be a waste to use a Grand Skill just to test it out. I assumed that it probably just had a longer duration before my aura of invulnerability ended.
But maybe it could be something else.
All I knew was that using the cooldown for [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] as a gauge for how much time passed seemed to be pretty effective. I just had to wait. It was not like anything happened in the Netherworld anyway besides Demons killing each other. All the time I spent here with Haec, the environment never changed, unlike the Mortal Realm. So I was content with just lying here in the ocean.
Or at least, so I thought. was about a quarter way through the cooldown time when I heard a crackle in the distance. Blinking, I sat up in the ck water.
What was that?
I wondered aloud as I looked into the distance. But as I scanned the horizon, I saw nothing. No wild Demons, and no change in scenery. I narrowed my eyes.
I could have sworn I heard
Boom! I heard the thunderous p again. This time, it was much louder. I frowned and looked around me. Again, I saw nothing. But then I suddenly began to feel really warm. An intense heat came from beneath me.
I looked down with a frown as the ck ocean began bubbling. At first, I saw only little bits of bubbles rising up to the top of the dark liquid. But then the entire sea was covered in this effervescent foam. It started to burn me, and I yelped.
Ouch why is this happening?
I flew up to the sky, summoning a pair of bat-like wings. My own wings. Not from my [Angelic Wings]. I flew up as I stared at the dark bubbling ocean. It began to rapidly evaporate, diminishing in size as I just gaped.
What is going on?
But no answer came. Instead, the entire world was shrouded in darkness for a brief instant. I heard a crackle a momentter as my vision returned. I nced up, squinting as I finally saw it. The crimson sky above brightened. Not with an overcast of white clouds, but with a white scar that seemed to tear its way through the dome overhead.
Lightning thundered down from the cracking crimson sky. But it shed with a dark radiance. A ckness that seemed simr to my own ck fire. It struck the sea, and a dark steam trailed up to the sky.
I blinked a few times. For the first time that I had ever seen, the unchanging Netherworld shifted. Everything began to change around me. I opened my mouth
And that was when the earth cracked open.
That, my dear daughter, is the beginning of Revtion.
Sal chuckled as he looked down at Salvos from above. He didnt leave. He hadnt returned to the fold between the nes. Instead, he hovered in the crimson sky. His pocket space was invisible to her eyes, but it hadnt moved from where she hadst seen him.
He couldnt be seen, and neither could he be touched. As far as Salvos was concerned, his pocket space waspletely incorporeal. He was both present in this ne, while also being somewhere else. Just a little twisting of dimensions.
Shell figure it out eventually if she survives.
The Devil shook his head, watching as the Netherworld quaked. The ground rumbled, and valleys were split open. Crevices and ravines tore their way through the entire ne as Sal leant forward.
Now, you shall experience the true terror of the Netherworld.
He couldnt wait to see what happened next.
Chapter 524: Evaporate
Chapter 524: Evaporate
524. Evaporate
What is going on?
I asked, but no answer came.
Above, the sky ripped open. A white tear scarred the crimson dome of the Netherworld. ck lightning thundered down like a storm a ceaseless barrage that rained is wrath down to the unchanging terrain. The ck pools of Lifeblood rapidly evaporated as the world I had known began to change.
And that was when the ground shifted.
I blinked a few times, processing what was happening. I heard the rumbling, even from a distance. It groaned louder than the cracking thunder. My vision was engulfed with a ck light for a moment as a dark bolt of lightning struck the ground, and then I saw it.
In the distance. Towards the horizon that only ever glowed red. Where the sky met the undting hills. A tall mountain was shredded in half, cut vertically down as a crack continued creeping its way through the Netherworld.
I heard the screeches in the distance. The roaring of [Hellbeasts], and the howling of [Hellhounds]. Their cacophony of shrieks resounded like a deafening chittering. Wild Demons poured down the mountainside as they all fled the cracking earth.
But the tear didnt stop. It continued to spread. Like roots expanding their reaches through the soil, the earth was shredded open. Entire valleys were shorn through as the single crack became dozens. I watched with bated breath the flight of winged Demons. They took to the skies, only to be struck down by the dark tempest above.
And those that fled onnd were chased by the crumbling earth. [Arachnes] and [Gadarenes] were swallowed whole by these dark pits. It wasnt a mere earthquake it was a worldquake.
The entire Netherworld trembled as I could only gape. My wings beat slowly behind me. Exhaustedly. I had somewhat recovered thanks to my Skills, but I wasnt ready for this. I looked on as a flood of Demons poured my way like animals fleeing a wildfire.
But they were wild Demons. Not Humans, Kobolds, Beastmen, or Elves. Not animals. Not even monsters. They were just like Centinels. They cut each other down even as they fled, not moving as a single cohesive whole. [Hellwolves] leapt atop [Djinns], and [Savage Agarats] ripped through [Vampyr Bats]. A towering figure tore through them all.
A Primeval Demon that stood taller than a valley. An [Archarachne] that was apanied by tens of thousands of [Aranea]. It unleashed a beam of crimson light that shredded through the wild Demons pouring around it. I had to swerve out of the way of the attack as it reached me. It was clearly an apex predator amidst the lower-leveled Demons. And yet, it also fled from the copsing earth.
I looked on, hearing the screech of the [Archarachne] as a ck lightning bolt struck it, and it stumbled. The wild Primeval Demon tripped, falling back. In that moment of weakness, it was consumed by the earth, just like everything else.
I clicked my tongue before turning around. This was dangerous. I faced the other side where the world still seemed to be barren.
I have to
I started. And my eyes grew wide. [Angelic Premonition] shed in my head. I saw the world darken before the lightning even fell from the sky. A brief glimpse into the future by a fraction of a moment.
I dove to the side, and the dark bolt of lightning struck the bubbling sea beneath me. I cursed and looked up as I saw shadows passing over. All kinds of winged Demons flocked away from the rumbling earth. They avoided the tempest above as they shrieked and screeched and circled me?
I looked on as a group of [Savage Agarats] began to fly down my way. I eyed the wild Demons with a frown before I raised my ws and they were lit alight with iridescent color.
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 135]
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 138]
[Savage Agarat - Lvl. 146]
Why are you wild Demons so stupid!
I yelled as I sent a st of mes out,pletely incinerating the first [Savage Agarat].
They were lower-leveled than me. Very much so. And I knew I could take them on. But they didnt worry me. I easily avoided these Archdemons even as they dove at me from all sides. I wed through another, before kicking a third into the rest of the flock.
I backed up just in time for another st of dark lightning to miss me. This was why I was worried. I felt the intense heat of the lightning even from afar. It obliterated arge chunk of the ck sea beneath me, leaving behind a sizzling trail of smoke that rose to the sky.
I cursed as I created a ball of gray mes. The [Savage Agarats] charged my way, and I raised the fiery attack
Only for a loud crack to reverberate from beneath the sea, followed by hushed hissing. Once again, [Angelic Premonition] saved me. I saw iting even before I heard. Even before I could parse what it was.
A burning crimson pir shot to the sky from below. It burst through the ck sea, streaking hundreds of feet into the sky. I managed to move out of the way in time, but a ssh of glowing liquid dripped against my arms. It burned the dark scales of my hands as I winced, but it wasnt enough to kill me. It just hurt slightly.
I blinked, watching as this column consumed the [Savage Agarats]. They recoiled and screeched in pain, and when the crimson curtain fell, I saw the Archdemons burning. I looked down towards the source of the hissing.
And my eyes went round.
That isva?
It poured from the earth as the ground cracked open. The dark sea floor began to rumble, and cracks quickly shredded through the entire span of the ocean. The pool of Lifeblood rapidly evaporated as magma continued seeping out from below.
Since when does the Netherworld have
But my questions couldnt be answered as another column ofva shot straight up, nearly engulfing me. I wreathed myself in gray mes and created a powerful armor from the heat. More and more of these magma geysers exploded across the dark sea. But just as I backed away from these sts, I saw a burning figuresh down at me.
A [Savage Agarat] crashed into my side, snarling as it swiped its ws at my head. [Angelic Premonition] didnt activate probably because this threat wouldnt have killed me. But even while on fire, the Archdemon still mped its elongated jaw against my arm.
My ming armor gave way as I felt the edge of its sharp teeth pierce my scales. I clenched my jaw, turning my right arm into a scythe. Like that of a Centinel.
Get off of me!
I yelled, swinging up and shing through the [Savage Agarat]s skin. It reeled back from the attack, and I pointed as my arm returned to normal. A st of mes shot out, engulfing the wild Demon. I heard the notification resound in my head before drawing back.
Defeated [Savage Agarat - Lvl. 141]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!
Less experience
I shook my head. Another pair of ming [Savage Agarats] flew at me. But I turned away from them. There was no point fighting these Archdemons. Especially when they gave no reward, and I was still tired. I zipped away from my pursuers, swerving around another explosion ofva.
Pouring molten droplets showered over my back, but my ming armor mostly protected me. I winced slightly, before shaking my head. I was fine. Even if I was directly struck by one of these burning columns, I would survive.
I nced back once at the chasing wild Archdemons. They shrieked, coated in mes that burned away at their outer flesh. I pursed my lips as they began to gain on me. Without [Angelic Wings], I couldnt fly as fast as I normally did. But my [Angelic Wings] were still injured, and I was exhausted.
I moved slower than I normally did. The wild Archdemons began to close in on me. Their snapping jaws reached the back of my feet. And I sighed.
[Divine Haste]!
I mustered up the iridescent aura from deep within. It wisped off my body as I shot forward with a trail of Divine Essence king behind me. In an instant, I was far ahead of the [Savage Agarats].
They roared, but they couldnt catch up with me. I soared through the sky, diving around the ck lightning, and easily avoiding theva pirs shooting into the sky.
The wild Demons were left far behind. It gave me a moment to breathe. I swept my gaze over my surroundings, searching for a ce to rest. But now, nowhere was safe. Behind me, an army of wild Demons fled this devastating tremor. Hundreds of thousands of them, forced to escape this cataclysm.
Below me, the dark sea turned to an ocean ofva. Magma exploded from the ground, and lightning thundered down from the sky. The shadows of winged Demons painted the cracking dome overhead as I looked forward.
I watched as Demons scattered for the faraway hills, only for the ground to copse as well. I blinked, slowly for just a moment as an entire mountain copsed. The ground tore open ahead, and more crevices rapidly began to spread throughout the Netherworld.
Seriously?
All around me, the world seemed to copse, creating ridges and crevices that spanned hundreds of miles each. And that wasnt just it. My jaw dropped as I sawva pouring out of the ground up ahead as well.
It burst into the air like small eruptions that left behind calderas, exacerbating the rumbling tremors. I spun around slowly, at a loss for where to go. There was danger everywhere. No ce to escape. The entirety of the Netherworld was being reshaped.
And here I was, just staring in shock.
Until the ground beneath me exploded again. My gaze snapped down as [Angelic Premonition] warned me of another impending attack. This time, I sensed mandibles?
I dove down with round eyes as a giant figure burst up from the sea ofva. I narrowly avoided the sharp teeth that were aimed for where I had been. It took me a moment toprehend what I was seeing. It entire figure was burning. Its carapace was drenched in molten rock. I stared up at its eight eyes, blinking a few times as I tried to work my jaw. A crimson sphere coalesced around its mandibles as I tried to work my jaw.
Wait, youre
[Archarachne - Lvl. 169]
And the st of crimson light shot towards me. I tried to fly out of the way, but I was a little too slow. The attack struck my side, burning the edge of my wings as I screamed in pain. I recoiled as the beam swept past me, ripping apart the terrain.
I cursed and looked up at the [Archarachne]. It was the very same wild Primeval Demon that I had seen be consumed by the earth earlier. It must have fallen intova, then swam through it beneath the earth, surviving the intense crimson liquid.
Now, it was here. It had reached me, and it directed its fury my way. It swung one of its scythe-like limbs down at me as I barely parried the attack.
Get away from me! [Sacred Hellfire]!
I pointed, unleashing the ck mes at the wild Primeval Demon. Its body was set alight more than before. This time, with a spreading dark fire that rapidly ate away at its carapace. The [Archarachne] shrieked as I limply flew back, trying to get away.
And that was when the [Savage Agarats] caught up. The first of them charged straight at me, striking me from the side. I tumbled out of the air as a second of the wild Archdemon crashed into my back, biting at my wings. I fell straight down towards theva as I struggled to tear them both off. I was just about to fall into the sea ofva, before I kicked the first [Savage Agarat] straight down.
It let out a cry as it was consumed by the liquid. It thrashed and barely flew out of the burning pool, only for a scythe-like limb to shear it straight in half. I looked up at the [Archarachne] as it shrieked. A dozen [Savage Agarats] zipped around the wild Primeval Demon as I looked on for just a moment.
Then I felt a sharp pain run up my wing, and I nced back. The second [Savage Agarat] bit into my wings with glowing teeth. And I swung back with a wed hand. mes wisped off my arms as I struck the Archdemon. It let go of my wings, flying back as it screeched.
I barely regained my bearings, hovering right over theva, when I saw a glint. I looked up just in time to see the [Archarachne] opening its mandibles again. A crimson sphere gathered at its mouth, and it aimed at the dozens of [Savage Agarats] surrounding it.
My eyes widened, and I backed away. But before I could fly off, I heard another deafening screech. Blinking, I looked up.From above, another hulking figure descended from the sky. Dozens of tendrils shot to the ground, striking the burning carapace of the [Archarachne] as it recoiled.
The crimson beam shot out, wildly missing everything. The attack tore through theva, striking the nearby [Savage Agarats], butpletely missed me. I narrowed my eyes, staring at the second Primeval Demon that entered the fray.
[Chthonic Agaros - Lvl. 171]
It was like a [Savage Agarat], except farrger, with countless tendrils that covered its underbelly. The [Chthonic Agaros] cried out with a guttural shriek as it assailed the [Arcarachne]. A powerful wave rippled across the sea ofva, and I flew up as my wings weakly beat behind me.
Is this seriously the Netherworld?
I stared at the two battling Primeval Demons. Then I cast my gaze over my surroundings. No ck Lifeblood remained. It hadpletely evaporated. And all around me, the world continued to crumble.
I shook my head, taking my chance. These wild Primeval Demons were distracted, and I felt blood pouring out of my wings. I flew back, heading fornd. Towards the cracking ground. I saw a ravine open up ahead of me, and moreva poured into the burning sea.
Never in my entire life had I ever thought the Netherworld would be reshaped to this cascadingndscape. But it happened. I didnt know why. I couldnt understand it.
I just knew I needed to escape for now. So I flew on. I limply flitted across the sky, barely avoiding the falling lightning, before entering the ravine that was just up ahead. I stayed close to the burningva, feeling the heat bubble up towards me, even as I entered that narrow crack. The ridge nking me from both sides continued to rumble, and I heard the mor of wild Demons in the distance.
I looked back once towards the [Archarachne] as it was slowly torn apart by the [Chthonic Agaros]. Thest vestiges of the Netherworld I had previously known werepletely gone.
And I flew on.
Chapter 525: Ruins + Announcement
Chapter 525: Ruins + Announcement
525. Ruins
I entered the crevice as my wings beat weakly behind me. I heard the lightning thunder in the distance, and I saw the sh of dark light. It was like I was blinking when I didnt actually blink. And it happened constantly. A tempest that raged on, striking down countless winged Demons from the air.
The death throes of wild Demons echoed all around me. I had even seen a Primeval Demon fall amidst the battle. Its corpse was consumed by the boilingva below, and the victors left to survive the shiftingndscape of the Netherworld.
And here I was, trapped amidst this chaos. Injured and exhausted. I flew between the cracks that scarred the earth, feeling the intense heat of molten rocks burning below me. I looked down, seeing the crimson river bubble and crackle, before shaking my head.
After the initial eruptions that exploded from the ground, theva would stop rising. It simmered below, a deadly floor at the bottom of the cracked earth. If I fell into it I would probably survive. But I would still be hurt from it. Especially at my current state.
So I kept low. I escaped the fighting, and I avoided the ck lightning. The asional wild Demon fell into the crevice, tumbling to their fiery doom ahead of me, and a handful of lightning bolts crashed around the lip of the ravine. But none struck me.
And I could actually recover.
I sighed, looking down at the burn marks across my right shoulder. I nced back and saw the holes in my wings. My injuries slowly healed, and I flitted slowly down a fork in the ravine. It split off into two directionsrge gulfs that led away from each other. To the left, the crevice continued on until it intersected through a broken mountain. And to the right, the crevice cut through the vast nds.
I stared at my two options for a moment, unsure where to go. Then I heard the rumbling I saw the shaking. The right ravine trembled as a tremor washed over it, and its narrow crack widened. I watched as wild Demons stumbled over the edge. [Hellhounds], [Hellbeasts], and the like. They were caught in this widening crack shallower crevices tore open perpendicr to the gulf, like roots spreading far and wide. Spurts ofva shot into the air and incinerated the Lesser Demons.
I blinked a few times before shaking my head. I swept my gaze back towards the only option I had left. The gulf that led towards the shattered mountain. It remained idle unmoving and sinuous. It was safe?
At least, it wasnt rapidly expanding and bursting with molten rocks. So I flew forward. I didnt look back. Even as I heard a bolt of lightning crash behind me, tearing the earth asunder. I continued on, searching for a moment of respite. But that moment never came.
I simply got used to hearing the crackle ripping across the sky. I heard the asional boom of another eruption exploding from the earth. I saw the shower ofva raining in the distance, and I felt the rumbling of a nearby tear in the earth. I didnt fly too quickly. I took my time, healing as I glided towards the broken mountain in the distance.
I wasnt sure how much time had passed. I simply knew that my Grand Skills neither of them were avable to me just yet. So it must not have been that long since this event whatever it was began.
And it wasnt like my flight forward had beenpletely uneventful. A flock of [Vampyr Bats] descended upon me, and I quickly incinerated them with my [The Holy mes]. Then a group of [Hellwolves] leapt off the cliffside, trying to sink their fangs on me. I easily avoided their attacks, and they fell into theva below.
They burned, but they didnt die. I looked down at them in pity as they tossed and turned in the molten rocks. They screeched, then howled. And that attracted even more of theirpanions. Or maybe they hadnt even beenpanions just other wild Demons looking for a kill.
I looked up as more [Hellhounds] and [Hellwolves] rained down at me, and I cursed. I sped up, hurrying through the ravine as I sent the asional st of gray mes to deflect the falling wild Demons. I heard more shrieksing from above, and I cursed.
I should have just incinerated those [Hellwolves]...
There was nothing I could do now other than press on. I sped up, leaving these wild Demons behind as they poured off the edge of the cliff, down to the ravine in a mindless mass that only ughtered each other. I reached another fork in the cracks, but this time, it split between three directions.
I chose the middle gulf, flying up as it ascended atop the tall white mountain. Below me, the river ofva rose as well and we crested up to the top of the broken mountain. It had been cracked open from all sides. A calderay at the center, and I watched as a sea of molten rock poured down the mountainside.
I swept my gaze over the terrain around me for a brief moment. Now that the chaos had calmed just a little bit, I could finally see the changes that had quickly shredded its way through the Netherworld. As far as the eye could see, cracks had ripped their way through the ground. It was like the white canvas had been a ss window, and somehow had punched it just hard enough to damage it, but notpletely shatter it.
I pursed my lips as I saw this scene. I could see the crimson glow of the molten magma at the bottom of each crevice. But it seemed that the worst had passed. Mostly. There was the asional geyser ofva sputtering up into the air, and I could still see hordes of wild Demons battle in the distance. It wasnt like there was no longer anynd. Thend was just fractured.
And that simply forced the wild Demons to meet each other. It turned thendscape into a battlefield. Wherever I looked, I saw fighting. Even above, up in the sky. No especially above, up in the sky.
The dark tempest tearing its way overhead didnt slow in the slightest. The cacophonous crackle of thunder continued drumming above. I just stared at the countless winged Demons, locked in aerialbat, only to be ripped apart by the callus ck lightning.
I had never seen the Netherworld in such a state. It was almostpletely alien to me. I felt like I had been dropped into the wrong ne. But this was the right ce. I was sure of it. I sighed and descended into the caldera. A single white rocky at the center of theke ofva, and I descended upon it. I found it curious why this little ind seemed to remain unharmed even when the rest of the mountain had copsed. It was even square in shape honestly, quite odd.
But I didnt question it. Instead, I finally let my wings rest as Inded on my two feet. I sighed in relief, letting [Rest] activate.
Finally
I murmured andy there on this square-shaped ind in the middle of thevake. I didnt move for a moment. I just looked up at the white sky. The bright crack overhead seemed to be spreading, reaching the very edges of the Netherworld, beyond the horizon. There was a sh of ck light as I felt the holes tattering my wings recovering.
I didnt move for a moment. Just a moment. Then I saw the shadowed figures tumbling through the air. At first, a pair of specked figures. But as they drew closer, I saw their true sizes. Massive hulking beasts. I narrowed my eyes.
And I realized they were Primeval Demons.
A pair of them. They battled in the sky as a flock of winged Demons barely followed. I heard their shrieks, and saw a st of blue mes. My eyes flickered as I got to my feet, realizing they were crashing straight towards me.
I recognized one of them. It was the [Chthonic Agaros] from before. The Level 171 Primeval Demon that had torn apart the [Archarachne] that had been attacking me. And it was apanied by a horde of Archdemons [Savage Agarats] that adhered to its will. Minions that mindlessly followed its orders.
But I looked past that winged Primeval Demon. Instead, I stared at the four armed creature at its side. Farrger. With bone-like wings that spread out behind its back. It hissed, unleashing a st of blue mes that engulfed the [Chthonic Agaros] as I watched.
[Hebomination - Lvl. 181]
It looked almost familiar.
Together, the pair of Primeval Demons fell straight my way, and I tensed. I didnt know where I could escape to. All around me was fighting. Wild Demons locked in battle. From [Fiends] to [Djinns] to [Hellbeasts] to [Legions].
There was nowhere for me to escape. But I had to make a decision quick. I scanned my surroundings with my eyes as the [Hebomination] grabbed the other Primeval Demon and ripped it in half. I watched the [Chthonic Agaros] go limp, then saw the glinting blue mes wisp out as the giant wild Demon rapidly crashed my way.
I pursed my lips then my eyes went wide when I saw my escape. Not through my own eyes, but through my spatial senses.
The st of blue mes shot out, incinerating the [Savage Agarats], before shooting my way. And I moved. I teleported out of the way, all at once
The world went dark around me, and I heard the explosion in the distance. But it was muffled. The st of blue mes didnt reach me. I wasnt burnt to a crisp. It was almost like the st struck a wall overhead. And then I felt the world shaking. I felt the ground beneath my feet trembling. I raised my head, and I heard the distant cries of the [Hebomination]. That of anger and fury. It roared.
And nothing. It didnt rip me apart, because I wasnt there. I was below it.
I was safe. I sighed in relief as I looked around at my surroundings. I saw a white ceiling above where I hade from. It shook for a moment as everything around me rumbled. But the shaking stopped soon enough a mere echo of the explosion of blue mes.
That was close
I mumbled to myself. I copsed to the ground, sighing in relief. I was in a cave chamber. Directly below thevake. Beneath the ind I had been resting on. I hadnt realized this broken mountain was hollow on the inside until I activated my spatial senses.
And even then, it had been difficult to teleport in. I had to focus for a moment, until I could finally break in. I got to my feet with a frown.
Although this is a weird cave, isnt it?
I looked around, seeing the brick-like floor beneath me. I saw the ck walls, and I spotted the broken doorways. I paused. This didnt seem right. It wasnt a cavern. It couldnt have been a natural formation.
And it wasnt. I froze, finally taking in where I was. This wasnt just a cave chamber it was a cave chamber that had been carved into the mountain. It was a Lair no it was something more.
The realization settled in, and I heard a voice echo in my head. It made my eyes snap wide. I felt a shiver run down my spine as my mind spoke to me. And I realized where I was.
Now Entering [Dungeon: Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom]
I blinked a few times, processing those words. And my jaw dropped.
This is a Dungeon in the Netherworld?!
I gaped for a moments, before shaking my head.
But how?
Chapter 526: Netherworld Dungeon
Chapter 526: Netherworld Dungeon
526. Netherworld Dungeon
Now Entering [Dungeon: Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom]
I was in a Dungeon. I had been in plenty of Dungeons before it wasnt unfamiliar territory to me. I knew what to expect whenever I entered one. ording to the Adventurers Guild back in the Mortal Realm, Dungeons formed when multiple monster Lairs were clustered close together.
It was a simple enough definition. So there was no reason for me to be gaping in shock at what I saw. But this was the Netherworld. There werent monsters here. There werent Dungeons here.
At least, that was what I thought. But evidently enough, I was wrong.
I swept my gaze over my surroundings. I stood in a vast circr chamber with ck brick flooring. The ceiling was made of the same white rock that nketed the Netherworld, but it was carved into a dome overhead. Chandeliers hung overhead, carrying these inert crystals that seemed like they would have glinted with light long ago.
But this ce waspletely abandoned. A relic of the ancient past. Rusted weaponsy at my feet, and broken armor was scattered around the floor. It looked like a battle had taken ce here long ago. Bits of rubble and debris were clumped together around the corners of the room. If there had been furniture here once before, there was none now.
Four different doorways led out of the room, but two of them had copsed, leaving only the exits just ahead of me and to the right. I frowned as I took in this scene.
The Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom, huh?
I wondered if that meant there was a Demon King before Regnorex came about. Or maybe it meant that this was Regnorexs first attempt at creating a kingdom? I wasnt sure. I was curious about what it meant. I wanted to delve down into one of those corridors leading further down this strange structure.
But first, I needed to [Rest]. So I did.
--
Defeated [Archarachne - Lvl. 169]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Hellwolf - Lvl. 90]!
Little-to-no experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 50 levels below you!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 125] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 126]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I had killed a lot of wild Demons on my way here to this mountain. But most of them offered very little experience. So I didnt level up well, I did level up in my ss, but not in my Subspecies. Even though I had partially helped with killing a Primeval Demon with my [Sacred Hellfire].
But I could tell I was getting close to my next level. Which would bring me to Level 159. After that, I would reach Level 160. And I was getting a little bit excited about it. Which seemed quite odd or at least, I would have found it odd to be excited about a regr level up before I hit my Level 150 evolution.
Now, I knew that every five levels, Id get a Grand Skill Point. Well it seemed like I would receive a Grand Skill Point for every five levels. After reaching Level 155, I was awarded a Grand Skill Point that I ended up spending on [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. My [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] couldnt level yet, but I knew it could in the future. So for now, most of my Grand Skill Points went to what was avable.
I still hadnt seen the brand new effects of my leveled Grand Skill, so maybe it wasnt really much of an improvement. However, I hoped it was something good.
I could test it out now it had been quite a while since I entered the Dungeon, and I was mostly recovered. But I decided against it. I was going to save [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] for when it was necessary.
I considered sending my clones out to investigate the rest of the Dungeon while I was resting. I could only summon nine of them right now. I still had one left in the Mortal Realm she was guarding over my children just as I instructed her. Together with Willy, she would keep Novis, Bellum, and Oriur safe. Or at least, I hoped that was the case.
I didnt actually know what she was doing back there. The moment I had crossed through the nes and exited the Mortal Realm, I lost all connection with her. But I knew that she was me. Maybe not as me as I was. And yet, she was still me a replica of me. And she would hold the same regard to my children as me.
And I knew she was alive since I couldnt muster up the magic to summon ten of my clones. However, I didnt even summon a single one of my clones to scout the area, because if something happened to them and they died, they would explode, and the st could potentially alert the Demons outside. I could still hear the fighting the crackle of thunder, and the howling of [Hellhounds]. The asional muffled explosion was audible even from where I stood, but I knew that as long as I didnt leave this Dungeon, whatever was happening outside wouldnt bother me.
It was strange. I never thought that the Netherworld would ever change so drastically. But it did. It wasnt the corruption, nor was it a natural disaster. It seemed to ravage the entirety of the Netherworld as far as I could see when I was above the mountaintop.
I sighed and got to my feet.
No use wondering whats been happening
I murmured to myself as I raised my head. I was fully recovered now. The Netherworld was copsing or whatever, and I didnt want to deal with Level 181 [Hebominations] flying around. So I decided to do the only thing I could do right now.
Time to investigate this Dungeon.
I marched forward as I dragged a Divine Nebr Scythe behind me. I had created it during the free time I had while resting. It took a while considering it was a rather powerful weapon. But I was d I didnt need to activate my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] to even use Divine Essence like I had to before my evolution.
I started down the dark corridor as my footfalls echoed around me. I created a ball of glowing gray mes, shining light ahead so I could see where I was going. I swept my gaze around as I began to descend down a winding path.
This corridor was clearly artificial, but it was designed like a cave tunnel. As if the architects who built this ce didnt know how a regr corridor worked. There were markings on the walls etchings that had once contained magic within them, although the power had now faded, and these scratch marks were all that remained.
I narrowed my eyes. I couldnt read these words. Even with [Universal Language Comprehension] at Level 2, the symbols on the walls were gibberish to me. And maybe they were.
I searched for anything that could give me a clue about what this ce was any hints as to why this ce was built, or how it had fallen. The corridor continued winding until it led me to a small room. It was about ten feet across still rtivelyrge, but tinypared to that vast chamber I had previously been in.
There was an altar in the center of the room. A stone tablety horizontally on the altar, and a jagged knife was left at its side. Another doorway continued on to a descending corridor with a statue waiting to its right, but I nced down to see an inert spell circle carved into the ground.
This is a summoning ritual?
I poked the ground a few times with a frown. I closed my eyes, focusing on my spatial senses I tried to reach for any remnants of mana strands left behind. But I found nothing. This ce must have been abandoned such an incredibly long time ago, there was no residual mana left from even this ritual circle.
I tapped a finger on my chin as I walked up to the altar. I inspected the tablet, but it was just a nk te. If it had words written on it before, it had faded long ago.
Why is everything here made out of stone, anyway? Cant the Demon King just bring over paper from the Mortal Realm?
I wondered aloud as I shook my head, before picking up the jagged dagger. Its metal surface immediately copsed and turned to dust. I blinked. I stared at the hilt of the de as my brows snapped together. I sensed motes of mana dissipating into the air with the broken de, before shrugging.
Weird.
I tossed the hilt aside and continued down to the next hallway. I passed by the statue, but barely paid it a nce. I would have entered the hallway, if the statue didnt move.
Wait, what
I backed away as [Angelic Premonition] red in my head just in time. I leapt back as the statute swung down with a wed hand, narrowly missing my face. I flipped in the air andnded on the inert ritual circle as I frowned.
Who are you?
The statue drew back as its entire body creaked. It had the body of a [Hellhound], but it stood on two legs. It reached out two wed hands, hissing as it bared its fangs. I stared at it as it eyed me with a pair of crimson eyes.
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]
A Primeval Demon?
I blinked. And the [Gargoyle]shed out.
Chapter 527: Gargoyle
Chapter 527: Gargoyle
527. Gargoyle
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]
A Primeval Demon stood before me. One that was built just like a statue. It had gravelly gray skin, and it wore the body of a [Hellhound]. But it stood on two legs as a pair ofnky arms reached its feet. Its back was slumped hunched as if it was a cloying old beggar about to pounce on me.
And it didsh out at me. It swung with one of its grubby ws as I backed away with a frown.
Why is there just a Primeval Demon here?
I clicked my tongue, before shing up with my Divine Nebr Scythe. The [Gargoyle] took the brunt of my swing and stumbled back. I narrowed my eyes. But it looked like it had been hardly hurt by the attack.
I didnt know why there was a wild Primeval Demon just waiting here. However, I was in a Dungeon, so it was my own fault for letting my guard down. I just had never seen such a Demon before. It was almost like it was just a rock.
And the [Gargoyle] hissed, bounding towards me. I raised a w and unleashed a st of gray mes.
Burn!
I yelled. But it tore through the mes. My eyes went wide as it reached me, and I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe just in time to parry the strike. I was sent stumbling back as the [Gargoyle] followed up with a second swing. I scowled and sidestepped its attack.
Youre annoying! Take this
My scythe shone with iridescent mes as I aimed for the [Gargoyle]s head.
[Divine
The attack connected for a brief moment. But the statue-like Demons figure flickered. It suddenly shed with a crimson light. A pulse of energy sent me flying, and I cracked into the nearby altar. The [Gargoyle] beat its ws against the ground before casting its gaze back towards me.
I picked myself up, only for a sh of crimson electricity to run through my body. I groaned as I felt like a heavy weight was suddenly ced on my shoulders. My movements slowed, and I struggled to even get to my feet
The [Gargoyle] shrieked and lumbered my way. It wasnt fast. Not in the slightest. Even when it had the drop on me, I could avoid its attacks with ease. But now, I moved sluggishly, and the Primeval Demon reached me.
Itnded a thudding strike at my side, which I barely parried. Then it snapped its jaws at my head, but I kept its head back with a [Faux Limb]. I eyed the [Gargoyle], before focusing on the space around its figure.
[Warped Time]. I kicked the statue-like Primeval Demon back as I wrapped it in a slowed space. The [Gargoyle] lumbered forward, and even with my sluggish movements, I could easily dodge it now. I grinned and dusted myself off with my [Faux Limbs].
I bared my teeth, about to strike back at the [Gargoyle].
You
And it roared. A pulse of crimson aura shot out as I recoiled, and I felt my control over the space around it vanish. My [Faux Limbs] wisped away. I blinked a few times, before frowning.
Thats some kind of antimagic spell?
I didnt know. And I didnt find out. The [Gargoyle] took that chance to charge at me once more. I gritted my teeth. There was another crackle of electricity on my shoulder, weighing me down. And I couldnt dodge the next attack from the wild Primeval Demon.
It unleashed a flurry of strikes my way as I backed up towards the wall. It struck my side, and cut through my scales. I gritted my teeth as I countered with a [Barrage of Cinders]. But right as the ming attacks reached its stone-like skin, its body flickered. My mes vanished.
I narrowed my eyes, and the [Gargoyle] kicked me. I yelped as I was knocked into the air, but it yanked me back down. It opened its mouth to bite off my head as I cursed.
Enough!
[Intimidation] gripped the statue-like Demon for a moment as it froze. I broke free from its grip and backed away. I watched as it slowly regained control of its body, snapping its gaze mechanically my way. My Skill worked, unlike the other magicks I had tried to use on it.
So it was fighting with curses and wards. Antimagic and snares. Regr magic couldnt hurt it. My curse could overpower its own for a moment, but there was a better way to fight this Primeval Demon.
I stumbled forward as blood trickled down my shoulders and pointed.
I can fight with more than just magic [Divine Haste]!
And an aura of iridescent mist engulfed my body. I backed away from the charging [Gargoyle], even as my body felt like it was trapped. But I easily dodged the attacks. I countered with a swing to its head, only for my Divine Nebr Scythe to bounce off the stone-like skin.
I narrowed my eyes and ducked under an attack. I winced for a moment as there was a sh of electricity over my body, impeding my movements. And I raised my weapon, focusing my attack at its head.
[Divine Nebr sh]!
My de sheared straight through the [Gargoyle]s neck as I grinned. The stone-like head went flying, crashing into a wall before shattering. I backed away, waiting for the notification in my head. But I slowed as it never came.
What?
And the [Gargoyle] pressed on. It charged me, even when decapitated. It raked its ws over my stomach as I reeled. I swung down again where its head had once been. The stone there was more brittle than the rest of its body.
Youre. So. Annoying!
I activated [Draconic Fury], striking down with my Divine Nebr Scythe as if it were a hammer. The statue-like Primeval Demon didnt give up, even as its shoulders broke off, and its arms copsed. It continued fighting with its legs, but at that point, I wasnt in danger anymore.
I methodically tore apart the [Gargoyle] until it was nothing but rubble at my feet. I panted, shaking my head before dropping to the ground with a tired sigh.
What even was that?
And three notifications shed in my head.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 158] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 159]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 126] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 127]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
--
It took a while before the [Gargoyle]s curse wore off, and I could move freely again. Even though it was dead, the residual effects of its magic remained. Or maybe it wasnt magic it was a hex. That was how it was able to dispel magic just like yton Skyshredder. Perhaps not to such an effective degree, but it was still countering my spells so I couldnt fight with my full strength
Anyway, my movements were impeded for a while, and I was still bleeding from the fight, so I didnt leave the room, instead just investigating what I could. I looked through the remains of the statue-like Primeval Demon, but I didnt find anything of use. It was only when I looked through the broken altar, did I actually learn something about this Dungeon.
Apparently there had been apartment hidden in the altar. A hidden storage unit that hid within it not treasures. But cors. Summoning cors.
My eyes went wide as I saw that pile of them, lying before me. I quickly picked them up as I blinked.
Wait, but doesnt this mean that
My brows snapped together. These were summoning cors which werent unusual. I saw them all the time attached to Demons like Lucerna, Levithus, and whatnot. But they were here, stored in these ancient ruins that supposedly belonged to a First Demon Kingdom.
At first, my mind wandered to Regnorex. Didnt this mean that he was the ruler of the First Demon Kingdom as well? But no that wasnt right. I highly doubted he was the first Demon to create his own kingdom.
After all, [Hellprinces] and [Hellprincesses] were a thing. There had to have been plenty of Demon kingdoms before he came about right? So these cors had to have originated from long before he was even born.
And I paused.
There was a memory buried in the back of my mind from long ago. When it hadnt even been six months since I found myself trapped in the Mortal Realm. Daniel and I had been trying to find a way for me to the Netherworld, and we saved a little girl called Rachel by interrupting a Demon summoning.
I had fought a Greater Demon and won. I wanted to steal his cor to cross the nes, but I failed. His body vanished the moment I tried to temper with the metal. The same thing happened over and over again as I summoned Demons after Demons over to the Mortal Realm. Until, finally, I seeded in procuring a cor.
And someone stopped me. He was someone who I had met many times since then. And even through it all, I still remembered what he said that these cors belonged to him. I pursed my lips, turning over the summoning cor with trembling hands.
These cors this kingdom does that mean?
I stared at the words inscribed on the cor. Faint, but still there. It had been etched on the metal, pervading throughout the millennia. And I read it as I whispered.
Hail to Samuel the Devil King: He who shall bring peace to the Netherworld.
I closed my eyes as I sighed, the realization fully settling in.
This was my Dads kingdom
Sal watched his daughter as she vanished into those bleak ruins. He didnt follow her, nor did he scry her as she ventured deep within. He already knew what she would discover within, and he didnt care to relive ancient memories from a time long ago.
He simply hovered in the air, above the broken mountain, hidden by his pocket space. [Hebominations] flew past him as an unceasing barraging of lightning rained down from above. The typical hallmarks of Revtion.
And the Devil ignored it all. He had seen it plenty of times before. It was no different than it usually was. The world cracked open, and the sky tore apart. Big deal he didnt care if millions of Demons died. The only thing he cared about was that silver-haired girl.
Of all the ces youd wander into, my daughter
Sal murmured. He truly wondered how Salvos would fare within the remains of his fallen kingdom. There was a high chance she would actually die there. But he wasnt going to intervene. She had said she would be the strongest in all of Nexeus.
Well, it was time for her to prove it.
Chapter 528: Petrified
Chapter 528: Petrified
528. Petrified
Revtion has begun.
The Netherworld cracked. The entire ne ripped open from the sky to the earth, everything seemed to crumble. ck lightning thundered down from above, shredding apart mountain tops. Lava poured from the earth as ravines tore through hills and valleys.
It was a cmity. It was a cataclysm. It was the end of everything. But it was also normal.
What does that even mean?
Haes wondered aloud as he stared out of the stained ss windows of the ptial structure. He stood at the very top of one of the many spires stabbing out of the lonely tall structure. It was a question that had gued his mind since he first learned about Revtion.
He swept his gaze over thendscape of the Netherworld. In the distance, the crimson sky was stained white, shing with a deluge of ck lightning. A mountain range tore open, and an orange glow wisped off the earth. But that was all so far away.
Thendscape surrounding the Demon Kings castle didnt change. Even as a light tremor shook the floor he stood on. The stretch of hills and rocks didnt shift with the rest of the Netherworld. And it was all because of a simple reason.
This was the Demon Kings Domain. It would not fall as long as Regnorex remained alive. It would resist against nature itself, standing against countless cmities through the divine presence of his majesty. Or so it was they said.
So despite the destruction wrought by Revtion, those who surrendered themselves to the Demon Kings rule would forever remain unaffected. And yet, Haec found himself longing for what was beyond this domain.
Is something the matter, Haec?
A voice brought him out of his stupor. He looked back as an azure-skinned figure strode up to him. A pair of horns protruded from her head, and dark ck locks fell down her shoulders. He looked her up and down as she tilted her head at him.
[Subus - Lvl. 134]
Who were you talking to?
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, and he sighed. He peeled himself away from the window, vaguely gesturing at the tempest in the far distance.
I was merely musing about Revtion, Taburas.
He spoke as he walked up to her. She raised a brow.
What about Revtion piqued your interest?
I wish to see it this nar catastrophe. I desire to bear witness to it firsthand, not from afar.
Haec spoke softly, ncing back to the windowpane. Taburas frowned.
It is dangerous, Haec. Theres no need to worry about what happens out there. We have our own orders to adhere to we can just stay here in this castle where its safe.
But I do not understand. How can such a terrible event ur so often? How has Demonkind not been wiped off the face of the Netherworld yet?
He shook his head, even as the [Subus] tried pulling him back away from the window. Haec closed his eyes as Taburas urged him to follow her.
Monstra exined it to us, remember? We learned all about it a long time ago.
Indeed, Haec had been thoroughly taught about the various cycles that the entire ne underwent. In total, there were three main cycles that continuously swapped ces like night and day in the Mortal Realm.
First came Advent, then Revtion, and finally, Salvation. Or so deemed the Demon King.
Salvation was the shortest period of all. It was a period of true peace. True tranquility. It was what Regnorex sought. Where all was calm, after the devastation that was Revtion.
Revtion urred over two distinct periods. The first period of Revtion was known as the Unveiling. It was what Haec had been watching over a great distance. It was the destruction of the Netherworld where only the strongest remained. And after that came the Reconstruction. Where the destruction was repaired, and everything was restored to normal.
Now, before Revtion, and after Salvation, was the longest cycle of all. Advent. It consisted of three main periods. There was Genesis when ck rain fell from the sky, forming oceans of Lifeblood that would soon birth a new generation of Demons. Then began Destion.
It was a period that Haec vividly remembered. It was most of the time he had spent with her. He closed his eyes, hearing herughter echo in the back of his mind. Her golden eyes were forever burned into his memory. And after Destion came the Quietus.
That was when he had joined the Demon King. Because she was gone because he wanted to find a way back to her. But now, Haec had seen her. Not too long ago, he had watched hispanion fly through the nes, returning to the Netherworld.
And Haec resolved himself.
I need to go out there.
Haec whispered as he raised his head. Taburas blinked.
What
But he just pulled her with him, stalking down the hallway towards the Demon Kings chamber.
Come, Taburas.
He spoke simply, and she sputtered. The [Subus] tried to protest.
Wait, Haec you cant! His majesty demanded that we
But her words fell upon deafs ears. Haec just ignored her, marching on to face the Demon King. All so he could see Salvos again.
Hail to Samuel the Devil King: He who shall bring peace to the Netherworld.
I reread the words etched onto the cor. I raised a second of the metal rings and narrowed my eyes. The very same words were written there. I checked a third, and sure enough, it wasnt different at all.
Each and every cor here was marked with the same words. They all praised a certain man someone called the Devil King. My brows snapped together in an instant as I could only think of a single person who went by the name of the Devil.
But that didnt make sense to me. The Devil was my dad, and my dad wasnt a king was he? Although that name
I remembered a brief conversation I had with my dad back when he first decided to apany me to Mavos Academy a while ago. He had finally settled on the name he went by now. It was the only name of his which I knew right now. He called himself Sal.
But he had also referred to himself by a variety of other names. And one of them was one which he hastily dismissed when he was musing to himself Samuel.
My dad had called himself Samuel. And he was the Devil.
My eyes grew wide as the realization fully settled in. I tried to work my jaw as I stared at the cor. I got to my feet, blinking a few times.
My Dad was the Devil King? The ruler of the First Demon Kingdom?
I massaged my temples. My head was reeling. I felt like I was growing dizzy for just the briefest of moments.
That means that means
I closed my eyes, steeling myself. I suppressed my urge to shout, but I failed. I leapt into the air, pumping a fist.
I am an actual princess!
I eximed as my voice echoed around the empty chamber. It continued down both corridors leading up and down, and I caught myself. I cleared my throat, dusting myself off neatly as I smiled.
Now then to explore the rest of my kingdom!
And with that, I continued further down the Dungeon.
--
I only left once I was fully prepared for another fight. I didnt expect to run into a Primeval Demon inside of a Dungeon of all ces especially since most Dungeons in the Mortal Realm held weaker monsters.
But this Dungeon was different. It was old. It was as old as my dad, and he was literally ancient!
Up above the broken mountain, Sal sneezed.
And since this Dungeon was so old, it somehow held within it stronger monsters. Or, rather, stronger wild Demons. It was so odd to me. I would have thought that wild Demons would wander about the Netherworld mindlessly, searching to kill anything that moved. That was why the idea of a Dungeon in the Netherworld never crossed my mind.
It would imply that the wild Demons were congregating around an area without leaving. Which I couldnt wrap my mind around. But this Dungeon seemed to be quite sturdy. Its roof did survive a st from a Level 181 [Hebomination], after all. And even throughout the nar catastrophe going on outside, the structure didnt copse.
I followed a winding corridor as it split off again and again, but I just stuck to the right side, wanting to find the bottom of this slow descent. I only had to take the left tunnel once because the right side had copsed, blocking me from continuing on.
After the first initial room with the cors, I didnt encounter anything else. No Demons. No altars. Just a straight path down until I reached a vast chamber. A massive room that spread out a thousand feet in all directions around me. I swept my gaze over my surroundings, seeing grass growing beneath my feet?
No not grass. It was a glowing moss. And it spread out into a massive field that was littered with broken bits of statues. Stone-like weaponsy copsed on the ground as I furrowed my brows. My gazended at the very center at a creature lying inert, waiting there for me in the middle of a spell circle.
Words resounded in my head as I stared at the serpentine beast.
Now Entering [Lair: Prison of the Basilisk]
Huh.
I blinked. And its eyes snapped open.
[Basilisk - Lvl. 205]
Chapter 529: Reval of a Nation
Chapter 529: Reval of a Nation
529. Reval of a Nation
[Basilisk - Lvl. 205]
Ity there before me. A Primordial Demon. A creature with an undting body. It was massive. Butpared to the [Hebomination], it was small. Like a [Senior Centinel]. It wasnt even a hundred feet long.
It had silver-gray scales, and a terrible maw hiding hundreds of teeth. Its figure was coiled into a ball where ity in the center of a massive spell circle. I blinked a few times, and its eyes snapped open.
Fuck
I cursed backed away, but the [Basilisk] was faster. Itshed out, hissing as it unhinged its jaw. Even though the chamber was a thousand feet wide, and I was far from the center, the Primordial Demon reached me in an instant.
I couldnt even react. [Angelic Premonition] didnt re in my head in time. I couldnt use [Greater Teleportation], nor could I activate [Divine Haste]. I tried to use [Warped Time], but the [Basilisk] was already closing its fangs around me.
I reeled, closing my eyes. And there was a sh of light.
Blinking, I looked up to see a crimson dome blocking the [Basilisk]s attack. Its jaws mmed against a translucent wall, and sparks flew out in all directions. I stared for a moment as [Divine Haste] and [Warped Time] finally activated. Then [Angelic Premonition] screamed in my head, warning me to get back.
But the Primordial Demon didnt reach me. It couldnt reach me. The ritual circle shed behind it, creating a barrier that saved my life. I stared for a few moments as the [Basilisk] continued ramming into the walls of its prison, before drawing back.
I tried to work my trembling jaw. I met the [Basilisk]s gaze, and it peered at me with golden eyes. Eyes that looked almost like mine.
H-huh
I swept my gaze around the room, backing up with shaky feet. There was a vast carpet of moss nketing over the ground, and I saw crystals hanging from above, lighting up the circr chamber. They rattled as the [Basilisk] continued assailing the crimson dome, and bits of shards showered over the Primordial Demon.
I wiped at my forehead as I sighed.
Well, that was close?
I wasnt really sure what else there was for me to say. I had beenpletely caught off-guard by this [Basilisk]. I didnt even expect there to be any Primordial Demons here in this Dungeon. In fact I didnt even expect there to be any other Primordial Demons in the Netherworld other than my dad, the Demon King, and the Beast!
Um good [Basilisk]?
I raised a hand catingly, and the Primordial Demon snarled.
I was wrong. Here, in this Dungeon in the ruins of what had been my fathers kingdomy a Primordial Demon. Who knew how long it had slumbered? Who knew how long it had waited? It must not have been disturbed by anything or anyone in eons!
And now, here I was. I had stumbled into the edge of its cage. So it eyed me as I nced to the left, facing the walls of the room. Most of the chamber was encapsted by the crimson dome, but there was a sliver of space circling the entire perimeter. I frowned as I brushed my fingers against the cold stone wall.
I wiped away the dust, revealing runes. No not runes. Symbols? Or rather, abstract artwork? I narrowed my eyes as I raised a wed hand, before sending a st of gray mes over the walls of the room. I cleared out the dust in mere moments, without actually damaging the structural integrity of the chamber.
The [Basilisk] stared at my back the entire time as I unveiled a vast array of pictures hiding in the walls of this room. I saw sketches carvings made into the stone by nail or by w. They looked like they had been painted once, but now there was nothing left but the vague shapes.
Faint artworks.
Scenes?
It was telling a story. I slowly walked around the room, asionally ncing back at the [Basilisk]. It didnt growl, but it let out a soft hissing sound one that almost sounded like a thousand whispers.
I shook my head, focusing on the unfurling story. I saw drawings of a man. A Demon. A [Fiend]. At first, he was depicted to be a powerful warrior. He stood atop a mountain of corpses as he raised a spear. Demons of all kinds and shapes feared him they fled from his mere gaze.
But then cracks tore through the Netherworld. At first, I thought these images were showing me the same scenes I saw tearing through the ne. But it was different. These were portals?
And figures descended from the sky. Beings that seemed so impossible to imagine. They looked like blurred figures in these sketches. Like whoever who tried to depict their image just wed on the wall. They defeated the Demon with ease. Even though he had been so powerful, he was humbled in a mere moment.
These are?
The images continued. The Demon knelt before these beings, and they created images. Rifts in space. They showed other worlds? And my eyes flickered. I recalled what my dad had shown me just before. I remembered Xidras stories when I was in the gunds.
Finally, I realized what they were.
Worldwalkers.
I blinked. I felt a shiver run down my spine like a frigid breeze was washing over me. Even from these scratched drawings, I could feel their power. The aura they exuded. Each of them like my dad, but many of them even stronger.
I remembered what I had been shown, then I looked past these murals depicting the Worldwalkers. I saw how they helped the Demon build a kingdom. And I watched as thousands of [Fiends], [Incubi], [Subi], [Djinns], [Jinns], and more now knelt before him.
There he was, raising what vaguely seemed like a pitchfork. With his tail and his hooves. His horns and his goatee. The realization slowly settled in, and I whispered.
Wait, is this how my Dad became the Devil King
And the [Basilisk] shrieked. My eyes grew wide as I spun around, hearing the Primordial Demon thrash behind me. It was no longer just ring at my back. Itshed out once again, gnawing at the barrier as it whipped its tail my way. I watched as the translucent cage shed, then narrowed my eyes.
Did it react that way because I said the Devi
I started, but the [Basilisk] screeched louder than before. The entire cave chamber rumbled as it curled back, eyeing me angrily. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe warily, unsure what it would do. I knew it couldnt reach me, but I couldnt be too safe.
And I was right. The Primordial Demons eyes shifted. I watched as its pupils faded away, and the irises changed colors. The golden color from earlier vanished, now reced with a gray glow.
I blinked a few times.
Wha
Then I felt an odd sensation wash over me. An ufortable feeling trickled up my arm as I tried to reassure myself. The [Basilisk] cant hurt me through the barrier right?
I looked at it, then I caught a glimpse of a glint. A flicker of light. And it came from the broken bits of rock lying at the Primordial Demons tail. But it wasnt just there the shattered stone was scattered across the room, even beneath my feet.
I nced down at debris, then I heard a crack. My eyes went wide as pieces of rock broke off my arm, falling to the ground.
Huh.
My right arm was turning to stone. I just stared for a moment inplete disbelief. Somehow, even through the barrier, the [Basilisk] had attacked me. With its mere gaze, it was able to hurt me. No not just hurt me. It was turning my entire being to stone!
I looked down in shock as my stomach began to be ovee with a gray color. It ached. It was a very weird feeling, but I knew that it hurt. I tried to raise my legs to get out of the way, but only one of my legs responded. My other foot was nted firmly on the ground,pletely frozen. I groaned, trying to stumble forward.
But the [Basilisk] just shrieked again. I felt its gaze intensifying somehow bearing down on me with even more overwhelming power than before. I tensed up as I felt my back cracking. I gritted my teeth.
This is
It was the power of a Primordial Demon. Even when caged, it was killing me. I was dying. The thought coldly crossed my mind as panic refused to sink it. I couldnt panic. I just felt cold. I just felt my movements slow.
I heard [Angelic Premonition] ring in my head. I realized I was going to die. But I felt no sense of urgency. I just slowly blinked as my scales were turned to stone. My skin hardened, and my free leg froze as I took a step back. I raised my left arm, only for my wed fingers to break off. I looked up, staring at the [Basilisk] as it overwhelmed me with its curse magic.
And I moved my lips.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
All at once, I broke free from the [Basilisk]s grip. I tore through the stoneyering over my body. My right arm shattered, only to instantly regrow with renewed vigor. I ripped through my king scales, and a fresh set of sheening skin covered my body. The Primordial Demon paused, watching me as I screamed. As my emotions returned to me.
You STOP!
The [Basilisk] paused for a fraction of a second as gray mes wisped off my body. The fire melted the stone away like ice, and I raised my head. I red at the Primordial Demon through the translucent barrier, before pointing.
[Sacred Hellfire]!
And I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide. Six wings unfurled from my back, and I rose to the sky. I watched as the [Basilisk] reeled back, breaking free from my [Intimidation], only to burst into ck mes. It red up at me, its eyes still glinting, and my skin hardened for a brief moment.
But I shrugged the attack off as I flew back towards the tunnel where I came from. The Primordial Demon tried to give chase, only to m against the walls of its prison once more. It hissed at me as I sped up, ascending up and away from thisrge chamber, protected by my Grand Skill.
I nced back onest time, meeting the gray eyes of the [Basilisk]. It burned. My [Sacred Hellfire] continued eating away at its stone-like scales. But it didnt even react. The Primordial Demon didnt flinch. It just stared at me with hatred in its eyes as I escaped.
And I wondered what my dad did to piss off a Level 205 Primordial Demon.
I probably didnt even want to know.
--
It took me a while before I even slowed down. I continued flying with [Divine Haste]. While I had activated the Skill long ago, I could now activate and deactivate the active effects of the Skill at will. Meaning, I could pretty much use the Skill without a cooldown as long as I didnt expend the entire duration of the Skill all at once.
Although I used up the entirety of [Divine Haste] this time around. Because I was terrified. That [Basilisk] had nearly killed me even when it was imprisoned. It was a Primordial Demon it was nearly 50 levels above me. Even if I used my [Divine Essenc of the Angelid Devil Princess]... I wouldnt have been able to win.
I could only run. And I was going to run until I was certain I was safe.
I copsed on the ground, sighing.
That was close
I looked up, seeing the various forks in the tunnel system, leading down different paths. Some of them were buried behind rubble, while the others continued further down. Some of these corridors even went back up. I just stared at it all before sahking my head.
First a Primeval Demon, now a Primordial Demon I wonder what else my kingdom holds for me.
I leapt back to my feet and flexed an arm.
Well, I guess I can only find out by investigating, right?
And I continued down a different path.
Chapter 530: Finding Salvation
Chapter 530: Finding Salvation
530. Finding Salvation
Haec had made up his mind. He marched straight for the throne room, even despite the protestations of Taburas. He heeded her words, then ignored it.
But Haec, the Demon King said
He didnt care. He couldnt mill around in this ce any longer. Somewhere out there, Salvos was fighting. His leader was here. She had to be here. Back in the Netherworld. After all, that was what she promised.
Because they werepanions.
Haecs eyes fluttered shut as he came to a halt right before the gilded double doors. He hesitated for a moment. If he upsetted Regnorex, it was entirely possible but no. The memory of the time spent with Salvos drove Haec forward, and he entered the throne room.
Taburas waited far from the entryway, hiding behind a pir as she watched him step into the vast chamber. She was quivering. Even from the corner of his eyes, Haec could see the [Subus] shaking in fear.
But he was not afraid of anything. Not now, not ever as long as he knew that Savos lived, and that she was searching for him, he held no fear. He raised his head, staring at the ceiling of the throne room. It was gone. All he saw was a crimson dome. The sky of the Netherworld, unaffected by Revtion.
The domed roof was gone. And that was not allrge chunks of the Demon Kings castle were missing. Haec saw spires that extended halfway to the sky, with their upper halves simply having mysteriously vanished.
It was odd. But every Demon in the castle knew what had happened. The parts that were no longer here they were in the Mortal Realm now. They had crossed the nes. It was all part of the Demon Kings ns. Everything had been proceeding smoothly. Until they werent.
It had enraged Regnorex. The Demon Kings fury had caused the entirety of his Domain to quake in fear. Even Haec had been afraid for a while. But now he overcame his terror. He marched up to the Demon Kings throne, facing forward without slowing.
He had expected to see Regnorex waiting there. Haec had thought that the Demon King would punish him immediately for trespassing into the throne room. But he paused when he saw nothing.
Regnorex wasnt there. The throne was empty. Haec blinked.
Where?
Why have you disturbed me?
A voice asked. And Haec froze. He recognized the speaker immediately. It was Regnorex. It had to be the Demon King. But where was his voiceing from?
Haec spun around, only to see the doors mming shut behind him. Taburas cried out, only to be cut off by the banging of the double doors. Haec blinked a few times as Regnorexs voice echoed around him.
I have asked to not be disturbed. You have no reason to be here, Heir of the Netherworld.
Haec pursed his lips when he heard his Title being mentioned. He stiffly raised his head, finally pinpointing the source of the voice. There, up above the room, standing outside of its peripheries, was the Demon King.
Regnorex stood at the ledge of where the dome roof had once been, overlooking the rest of the Netherworld. He did not move. He did not nce back. His dark cape billowed with the wind, and he spoke a singlemand.
Come.
And Haecs eyes went wide. The Heir of the Netherworld soared through the sky, carried by a ck aura at his feet. It formed a cloud that lifted him until he was right next to the Demon King, in which he just stared.
I
He opened his mouth, but Regnorex cut him off.
Kneel.
Yes, my King.
Haec dropped to his knees in an instant. His legs didnt tremble, nor did his hands shiver. He just bowed his head low as the Demon Kings gaze bore into the far distance. For a moment, all was silent.
Lightning thundered beyond the borders of this kingdom. The earth cracked open, and loud sts reverberated all throughout the Netherworld. But it was safe here within the Demon Kings Domain. This was a sanctuary for all Demons.
Even Haec couldnt deny that he felt at ease here, especially inside the walls of the castle. He gritted his teeth as he thought of Salvos once again. Regnorex remained silent for a moment longer before craning his neck back.
It is ugly, is it not?
The Demon King asked, and Haec raised his head. The Heir of the Netherworld stared up at his king for a brief moment, before looking towards Revtion.
It is, my King. It is a disgusting sight.
Haec replied reverently, and Regnorex nodded.
It is such a terrible thing, and yet, it happens so frequently. I have experienced hundreds of cycles of Revtion alone, my Heir. And I had hoped you would not have to experience one for yourself. I had believed that we could cross over to the Mortal Realm before this nar disaster began.
The Demon King turned around, looking away from the unfurling chaos. He just turned to face Haec with a mncholic gaze.
s, I have learned long ago that not all ns can be seen topletion.
Haec hesitated. Was he supposed to say something now? He had thought that Regnorex would be angrier. But somehow, the Demon King just looked morose.
Regnorex merely sighed.
I wished to put an end to our suffering, my Heir. I had thought that your generation would be the first to find salvation. True salvation. Not the faux Salvation of the Netherworld.
Haec waited, and the Demon King looked down at him. Regnorex ced a hand on his Heirs head.
But there is no need to fret, for I have foreseen countless futures. I have prepared for such setbacks. I see all. I know all. And I can tell you with utmost certainty, there is no future where our people shall not live in paradise.
The Demon King brought a hand down to Haecs chin, before making him raise his head. Haec stared up for a moment. He wasnt sure if he had a ce to speak at this moment, but he took his chance.
My King, I wish to serve you.
It was a simple set of words, but it piqued the Demon Kings interest.
And what is it you desire?
The Netherworld is in chaos. Our people guard its borders from the wild Demons pouring from beyond, and I cannot remain idly by as they suffer, and I wait here like a fool.
Was it a lie? Haec felt like he was lying. But he also felt like he was telling the truth. He couldnt wait here not in this castle. He had to go out, beyond this Domain. To Revtion.
I wish to help. To sally forth and face the mindless hordes in battle. Please, let me be of use to you.
Haec ced a hand on his chest. Regnorex did not react. The Demon Kings gaze remained fixed on him as he spoke insistently.
My King
Are your intentions pure?
Regnorex finally spoke over him. Haec tensed. He suddenly felt an overbearing weight press down on his shoulders. He tried to work his jaw, only to realize that the Demon King was testing him.
It was as though Regnorex was staring into his soul.
Haec didnt give an immediate reply. He just stared up as the Demon Kings figure seemed to loom over him. A powerful pressure made his feet wobble as Regnorex spoke once more.
Tell me do you desire the safety of our people before all?
Those words made Haec hesitate. But he thought long and hard for a moment, remembering his leaders face. And the Heir of the Netherworld nodded.
I do.
Regnorex shook his head as he let go of Haec.
Then go.
The Demon Kingmanded.
Take Taburas, Bertrugil, and Laxi with you. Meet with Hartia at the western borders of our Domain. You may fend off the wild Demons threatening to enter ournds. And perhaps, if you do, you may even evolve into a Primeval Demon.
Haec paused for a moment. He hadnt expected such a swift response, but Regnorex flicked a finger. The cloud that Haec stood on began to descend, and he rose to his feet. He bowed at the Demon King as he answer softly.
Yes, my King.
And a smile slipped into his lips as a thought crossed his mind.
I can finally see Salvos again
I continued exploring my kingdom. I wasnt sure what else it held, and there were a myriad of other paths for me to choose from. I had ascended quite a fair bit ever since escaping the [Basilisk]. Now, I was trying to find my way back down but without actually running into the Primordial Demon again.
However, I found it incredibly hard to descend because
Why are there so many dead-ends?
I groaned as I came to the very end of a copsed tunnel. I shook my head and sauntered forward. I ced a hand on the rubble, murmuring.
Is there anything on the other side of this?
I wondered aloud. I tried to use my spatial senses to detect what could be waiting there, but even despite the range of my spatial senses, I saw nothing but rubble ahead of me. I pursed my lips and drew back. I kicked a nearby rock as I grumbled, walking back up to an intersection of tunnels.
This is boring! I want to find something already!
I eximed. And right as I reached the chamber leading down various tunnel paths, I came to a halt. I saw figures standing there, waiting for me. Beings that hadnt been there just a few minutes before. I blinked as they turned to face me.
There were three of them, and they hissed at me.
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 157]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 151]
More of them? And theyre all Primeval Demons too!
I eximed, before bracing myself for their attacks. They charged at me as I groaned.
You [Gargoyles] are so annoying!
And we shed in battle.
Chapter 531: Gargoyles
Chapter 531: Gargoyles
531. Gargoyles
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 157]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 151]
Three Demons stood before me. Wild Demons. Statue-like creatures. Their skin was made from stone, and they faced me with glinting red eyes. I tensed the moment I saw them. Each was lower-leveled than me, but they were still Primeval Demons.
Theyshed out all at once as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe. The [Gargoyles] werent fast. I could see theming. But there were three of them, and I knew that each of them was incredibly sturdy. I swung out, trying to strike them all with a single swing.
[Divine Radiant sh]!
I yelled as I sliced horizontally. The attack struck the first two [Gargoyles], breaking off their shoulders and chests. The third managed to hold back just in time as my Divine Nebr sh missed its head. I clicked my tongue as I swung back around, following up with a [Draconic Fury]-enhanced [Barrage of Cinders].
But the very first [Gargoyle] shrieked. Even with an arm missing, it still moved as if it was uninjured. It sent a pulse of crimson light towards me, barreling ahead of the others. I was prepared for it. I knew what these Primeval Demons were capable of, and I was ready to counter their attacks.
In an instant, I teleported behind the first [Gargoyle]. The crimson ring shot forward, striking the wall, before dissipating. It was a curse. A snare. Some sort of antimagic attack that would disable any spell I cast. And I avoided it. I appeared behind the Primeval Demon, already mid-swing.
Take this!
I unleashed the onught of [Draconic Fury]-enhanced [Barrage of Cinders] into the first [Gargoyle]s back. It recoiled as I carved outrge chunks of its stone-like skin. Behind me, I heard the thudding footsteps of the second [Gargoyle].
It lumbered forward with a limp the [Divine Nebr sh] from earlier breaking off bits of its left leg. Its entire body shone as it leapt at me.
And I stepped out of the way.
Idiot.
I chuckled, watching as the second [Gargoyle] crashed into the first. They both tumbled down a corridor, and I dusted my hands off.
Now to deal with
And [Angelic Premonition] red in my head. I just raised my right arm as a blurred object swung at me from the side. I caught the wed hand of the third [Gargoyle]. I nced back at it with a grin as it stared back at me with its hollow eyes. It was literally like a statue. It didnt have any facial expressions. But it somehow looked shocked.
Surprised?
I pivoted around to face the third [Gargoyle]. It had managed to avoid my [Divine Nebr sh], so it was still uninjured. And yet, its stone-like skin began to sizzle as mes wisped off my right hand. I tilted my head casually at the Primeval Demon as it let out a screech.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. Sorry, but you cant hurt me.
And I dropped my Divine Nebr Scythe. I twisted the [Gargoyle]s arms behind its back. The scale-like skin on my arms burned with a gray me as I held the Primeval Demon in ce. It couldnt break free. Even if it tried. I smiled and raised my left hand. kes of the same gray mes wisped off my left wed hand as I swung down hard.
The [Gargoyle] reeled. And I continued to dig into its back. My arms themselves continued burning the repeated attacks shatteredrge chunks of the Primeval Demon. Until I tore through its chest, ripping the [Gargoyle] apart.
This was my Grand Skill. [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. It made me invulnerable. It meant I couldnt be hurt. And because I couldnt be hurt, I could swing down at the [Gargoyle] as hard as I could without fear of injuring myself. Not only that, but with each swing, my aura of mes would burn the Primeval Demon before I could finally dispose of it.
It was simple, really. But there was just one issue I had just used my Grand Skill over an hour ago. I had escaped from the [Basilisk], fleeing with [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. That should have been it. The Grand Skill should not havested more than twenty minutes. Yet, here I was, using its abilities to tear down a [Gargoyle].
I heard a pair of shrieksing from behind me. I nced back as the first two [Gargoyles] standing at the edge of the tunnel, glowing with a crimson aura. I took on a wide stance as the Primeval Demons charged at me. My arms burned with the flickering gray mes as I bared my teeth.
Come and try me!
They froze as I dashed straight at them. I crashed into the both of them with my arms extended, knocking them back down the tunnel with me. I smashed them against the stone ground as they struggled, but I continued to tear through them. They iled back at me, swinging at my arms, but their attacks couldnt hurt me. Because [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] made me invincible. Or at least, it made my arms invincible.
After I had leveled the Grand Skill, the aura of invulnerability could now be concentrated on specific parts of my body instead of forming a protective barrier over my entire self. That meant I could now choose to protect just my arms alone. In doing so, it meant that the rest of my body was still vulnerable, but the duration of [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] was also extended.
Now, it couldst well, a significantly longer period of timepared to before, especially when less of my body was under the protection of the Grand Skill. And with that brand new boon from a Level 2 Grand Skill, I tore apart the remaining two [Gargoyles] as they failed to even leave a scratch on my scales.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 151]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 157]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 127] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 128]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
I stared at the pile of rubble that had once been the three Primeval Demons. They werent as strong as the very first [Gargoyle] I fought. Which made sense. Each and every one of them was lower-leveled than even me. In fact, one of these three [Gargoyles] had been 10 levels below the first [Gargoyle]!
Anyway, while they werent a problem individually, defeating the three of them at once wasnt easy. Fortunately, I had a Grand Skill while they didnt.
Its a good thing you guys didnt have Grand Skills.
I snorted as I started away from the dead [Gargoyles]. Our battle had led us tumbling down a tunnel with a dead-end. So I returned back to the circr chamber that branched out to various other corridors. I swept my gaze around the room, seeing all the different paths I had already explored. I had investigated about a quarter of them, so there was still plenty of ces I could explore.
The only problem was
I wonder just how long will my Grand Skillst?
I didnt actually have a good sense of how long the altered version of [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] would protect me for. I intuitively understood that now that the Grand Skill was at Level 2, it wouldst twice as long as it originally did, which was how I knew it wouldst for twenty-minutes now.
But once I began to reshape my Grand Skill, my understanding of it became more abstract. I vaguely knew that it wouldst longer simply because it simply covered both my arms. However, I had absolutely no idea how long it wouldst. It could be anywhere from a few more hours to ending soon, and I wouldnt know.
Maybe I should [Rest] here for a while
I frowned, tapping a finger on my chin. I strolled around the cave chamber in thought as [Passive - Weaker Regeneration] took effect. I picked up my Divine Nebr Scythe, before looking down at myself. I hadnt taken much damage from the battle against the three [Gargoyles]. When they were thrashing about, they did inflict some curses and snares that hurt me. But I was rtively unscathedpared to my first battle with a [Gargoyle].
I came to a halt right before a narrow tunnel. It had a steep decline, and its entrance was half-buried in rubble. But what caught my eye was not the slit-like opening that I could barely fit through, but the markings on the wall next to it.
What is this?
There was a symbol carved into stone. Runic shapes that made no sense, even with my [Universal Language Comprehension]. That normally meant that these were inscriptions of power some kind of magic or curse which didnt have any intendedprehensible meaning.
However, I went to Mavos Academy. I had studied various runes used for enchanting and the like. I knew that modern runes were rtively simple, while historically, runes were far moreplex. I had seen a foundational rune that wasmonly used back during the Alexandrian Era, and I was more than certain this design was even more intricate than that.
I rubbed my chin before shrugging.
Maybe this leads to an armory?
I would have liked to have an Epic Grade or Mythic Grade weapon with me as I explored this Dungeon. Certainly, if I had the Breastte of Alexander, I wouldnt have had to use a Grand Skill to escape the [Basilisk].
I wandered down the tunnel as my burning gray mes lit up the path. It led me further down until it reached the edge of a cliff. I nced around at the walls of this corridor. It was different from the rest of the tunnels. While most of the tunnels seemed to be carefully dug out to form the vague shape of proper hallways with brick-like walls and flooring. This tunnel seemed to be haphazardly dug out.
Like it was a tunnel that was created after my dads kingdom had fallen. And that made me hesitate for a moment. Could it have been that this was dug out by a wild Demon like the [Basilisk]? But the [Basilisk] was imprisoned down here. That meant this had to have been formed by something else.
I didnt think the [Gargoyles] could have been responsible for this could they? The first one I encountered was waiting like a statue for me before it attacked. I felt a sense of apprehension holding me back as I reached the other side of the tunnel.
I saw the exit up ahead, and I took in a deep breath. I stepped forward to see what was waiting down here for me
Now Entering [Lair: Spout of the Gargoyles]
I paused as the voice echoed in my head. I stared at what was waiting up ahead for me. It was a chamber. Not an artificial chamber with smooth tiles and a tall ceiling. This was a cave chamber that seemed like it had been burrowed out by some [Geomancer].
And waiting there were [Gargoyles]. Dozens of them. They stood lining against the walls of the room as my eyes grew wide. There was another tunnel further leading down just up ahead. But I only stared at the waiting Primeval Demons.
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 158]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 168]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 152]
Their heads snapped towards me as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe. The gray mes wisped off my arms and flickered.
I blinked as the Grand Skill ended. [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] faded away. And I stood with no Grand Skill against a small group of Primeval Demons.
Oh no.
They charged as I braced myself.
Chapter 532: Not Invincible
Chapter 532: Not Invincible
532. Not Invincible
The [Gargoyles] charged.
And my Grand Skill ended. The mist of gray mes coating the ck scales on my forearms faded away. It dissipated, leaving me defenseless. No more aura of invulnerability. No way to survive an onught of direct hits from the wild Primeval Demons.
I had taken out three of these [Gargoyles] just earlier,ing out mostly unscathed, but that was thanks to [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. When I had fought a [Gargoyle] for the first time, it had managed to inflict quite a bit of damage to me. I wasnt on the verge of death like I had been numerous times before in the past. And sure, it had been Level 161 as opposed to the other three being much lower-leveled.
But right now, I wasnt faced with just a handful of them. This was a Lair. There were dozens of them. Each one was a Primeval Demon. Most of them were just barely above Level 150. However, there were a few of them above Level 160. One of them was even above Level 170.
It stood all the way at the very back of the Lair. It looked like it was guarding the corridor at the other end of the room. And fortunately for me, it didnt attack with the others. Only the closest [Gargoyles] charged my way, shrieking as I backed up.
I have to get out of here, the thought quickly crossed my mind.
However, one of the charging [Gargoyles] hissed. I blinked as it raised a wed hand to the sky. I began to activate [Greater Teleportation], only to pause as a crimson dome fell over my head. It encapsted me and I felt my connection to my magic vanish.
I couldnt tug at the strands of mana surrounding me. It was like the nket of magic that covered the world was suddenly cut loose. And the world was drained of the arcane. I blinked. I had sensed something simr before. This wasnt exactly the same. It was different. It was weaker. In fact, I was pretty sure it simply canceled out my weaker Skills.
But it still reminded me of ytons [Antimagic Field].
Huh.
I blinked, and [Greater Teleportation] failed to coalesce. I stared at the [Gargoyle] responsible for creating this antimagic barrier. It stood all the way at the back of the zone as the others charged towards me.
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 168]
I narrowed my eyes. It was the highest-leveled of the group of approaching [Gargoyles].
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 158]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 152]
There were a dozen of them. And I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, baring my teeth as I had no other choice to fight. I couldnt teleport away. I couldnt use my ss Skills. I could only use my Subspecies Skills but even then, all my magical attacks felt like they were weaker. Softer.
All that I could fight with now were my ws, my Divine Nebr Scythe, and my Divine Essence. I growled as I activated [Divine Essence] the Skill unaffected by this antimagic zone and the first [Gargoyle] reached me. As usual, these Primeval Demons were slow. I sidestepped the attack, then shed the [Gargoyle] in the back.
It stumbled forward as I spun around to face three other [Gargoyles]. I opened my mouth, unleashing a wave of [The Holy mes]. The gray st engulfed them for a moment, keeping them back as I took a step back. Then I nced past them, focusing on the source of this barrier. The Level 168 [Gargoyle].
[Sacred Hellfire]!
I pointed, and the Primeval Demon burst into mes. It reeled as the dark golden mes wreathed its body. I smirked, only for a [Gargoyle] to crash into me from the side. It wrestled with me,nding a few thudding blows as I grimaced. I tried to kick it off, only for a second, then third [Gargoyle] piled onto me.
I struggled as the three Primeval Demons pinned me down. I couldnt shake them off. Each one was so heavy so persistent. They werent strong, and their physical attacks werent the worst things I had ever endured. But one of the [Gargoyles] shone red. A crimson aura that seemed to shock me with a touch. I clenched my jaw as I felt my own strength drain from my body, then watched as another four [Gargoyles] charged to join the pile as well.
My right arm morphed into the scythe-like arm of an Evolved Centinel, and I shed up with a cry.
[Divine Radiant sh]!
I tore through the [Gargoyles] holding me down. Their arms shattered, and one of them even lost a head. But that attack alone wasnt enough to bring any of them down. It was just enough to get them off me. I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide as the other four [Gargoyles] reached me, then I took off to the sky.
[Divine Haste] let me speed past them. Even as one of the [Gargoyles] opened its mouth, unleashing what seemed like an ethereal fireball my way. I dodged that projectile, before weaving around a pair of the jumping Primeval Demons. I raised my ws into the air as I hovered high above these statue-like creatures.
How about this [The Call of Armageddon]!
And ck mes coalesced in between my hands, only to explode, raining down below. It was magic not Divine power. Because of that, its effects were muted here in this dome. But that didnt mean the dark fire didnt rain down from above.
It crashed down amongst the group of Primeval Demons. I watched as the onught of attacks struck the [Gargoyles], keeping them back. One of the [Gargoyles] raised a hand, and chains shot out, targeting me in the air. But I dove out of the way as another [Gargoyle] leapt up at me.
I kicked the flying [Gargoyle] back down into the ground, but the chains caught me, dragging me down. I tumbled through the air as I cursed. I fell towards the Primeval Demon pulling me down. It was the first [Gargoyle] that had attacked me. It was already slightly hurt, but it still continued pulling me down, only for me to focus on it.
I targeted the [Gargoyle] with [The Call of Armageddon], and a flurry of ck mes struck it as it reeled. A momentter, I crashed straight into it on purpose as I activated [Faux Limbs]. Each of my fiery limbs morphed into the shape of a scythe, letting me unleash an onught of [Barrage of Cinders] onto the Primeval Demon in an instant.
It tried to fight back, but I sliced it apart, and words echoed in my head.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 152]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
One down
And another pair of [Gargoyles] jumped me from behind. I spun around, yelling as I pointed at them.
A dozen more to go!
[Intimidation] gripped those [Gargoyles], and they were pelted by the falling ck mes. I barreled into them with my Divine Nebr Scythe, hacking and shing until one of them fell at my feet.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 162]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
But the second [Gargoyle] broke free from its curse, grabbing me by the arm. I blinked, and a searing pain engulfed me. I cried out as the [Gargoyle] refused to let go the intensity of this curse only growing. But it wasnt actually hurting me. It was just overwhelming my senses, causing me to drop to my knees.
And that was when the rest of the [Gargoyles] struck. They waded through the rain of ck fire, charging at me all at once. I looked up, trying to protect myself with my [Faux Limbs]. But the onught of attacks from the Primeval Demons were too overwhelming. I knew that I couldnt keep them back forever. I gritted my teeth as their thudding blows bruised my sides. Their ws tore into my skin.
I closed my eyes as I realized I had only one option left. I couldnt defeat these droves of Primeval Demons all on my own. Not without my Grand Skills. But my Grand Skills werent avable to use just yet. I had to wait for their cooldowns toe to an end.
Unless I forced their cooldowns to reset.
An idea crossed my mind. It was risky. It was very dangerous. But with all these [Gargoyles] swarming around me, this was the only chance I had for it to work. So I took my chance, gripping the Primeval Demon holding me down with its curse of pain.
It stared at me as I burned its forearm with a re.
[Divine Demons Mark]!
I activated the Skill. Even though the [Gargoyle] was standing right in front of me. Even though I had nowhere to go. I couldnt escape. But I had no other choice.
The symbol zed on the [Gargoyle]s forearm as I braced myself. I shielded myself with my Divine Nebr Scythe, before wreathing myself in a brief barrier of [The Holy mes], before [Divine Demons Mark] finally erupted. The explosion ripped apart the closest [Gargoyles], wiping out the first in an instant. Then three more were torn apart as the st of crimson mes burned me.
I screamed as my [Faux Limbs] were shredded. The ming barrier was dispelled in mere moments. The st engulfed the other [Gargoyles], knocking them back as I heard the notifications resounding in my head. And I just waited for what I was hoping to hear.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 155]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 160]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 158]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
And I finally heard it. My eyes snapped open as I opened my mouth.
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 159] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 160]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Gained 1 Grand Skill Skill Point
Yes!
I eximed, focusing on that single Grand Skill Point. I immediately expended it, and it vanished from my Status. With that, my Grand Skill leveled up.
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3
And I called for its power.
Im not going to die here to a bunch of rock Demons!
I eximed as an aura of wisping gray mes coalesced around my body. My scalded flesh immediately regenerated, and I raised my head. I emerged from the zing crimson mespletely renewed. My eyes burned gold, lightning through the aura of invulnerability around me.
I bared my teeth down at the remaining [Gargoyles] as I flew up to the sky, carried by my [Angelic Wings]. ck mes rained around me, and I swept my gaze over this enclosed dome.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. I see you.
I eyed the [Gargoyle] at the very end of the dome. The one who had created this antimagic barrier. It was still burning, slowly being eaten away by my [Sacred Hellfire]. I needed to get out of here. Even with my Grand Skill, I couldnt defeat all these [Gargoyles].
I nced out of the crimson dome, seeing a few dozen other Primeval Demons waiting outside.
Not all of them.
I shook my head as I dove straight down. I just had to escape this dome, then I could teleport out of here. And to do that, I just had to take down a single [Gargoyle]. I sought out my target, even as the others tried to stop me.
Chains shot in the air, trying to intercept me. But there was a flicker of gray me surrounding me. The chains shattered, immediately incinerated by the aura protecting me. I raised a w as a fiery strike coalesced around my hand.
Die!
I crashed into the Level 168 [Gargoyle], and there was a sh of gray light. The Primeval Demon exploded in an instant as I struck it like aet. It was like my attack had been empowered by both my Grand Skill and [The Holy mes].
The dome copsed as a few notifications echoed in my head.
Defeated [Gargoyle - Lvl. 168]!
Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!
Skill [Divine Strike] Gained!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
I backed up, sensing my ss Skills returning to me. But I didnt have the chance to bask in this moment of reprieve, nor could I process what this brand new Skill I gained was. The [Gargoyles] waiting outside of the dome moved, and the ones trapped inside with me reached me. I didnt stick around to deal with them. I raised a wed hand, pulling at space.
[Greater Teleport
I started, and the ck mes raining overhead vanished. A cold gust of wind swept into the cave chamber as my teleportation failed. I blinked, feeling a hand grab me by the w. I looked to the side as the aura of gray mes protecting me red up, burning the person who had stopped me from escaping this room.
What?
And the figure burned. He was lit aze by my Grand Skills newest effects, but he didnt even falter from the wisping gray mes. He held my forearms tight as his leathery flesh burned. I stared at him a man with gray skin, ck veins, and locks of golden hair. He had a pair of huge horns protruding from his head, and a massive beard flowing down from his chin. His back was hunched, but he still stood at nearly seven feet tall.
I didnt know when he got here. It was like he was suddenly here. And his presence alone had dispelled [The Call of Armageddon]. He tilted his head at me as a prickle ran down my spine.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Who are you?
I asked as I just gaped at this figure. His hollow gaze bore into me as he replied simply.
My name is Belphegor, and I am the Guardian of the Netherworld. Now tell me why are you destroying my [Gargoyles]?
Chapter 533: Guardian of the Netherworld
Chapter 533: Guardian of the Netherworld
533. Guardian of the Netherworld
[??? - Lvl. ???]
My name is Belphegor, and I am the Guardian of the Netherworld. Now tell me why are you destroying my [Gargoyles]?
I stared at this towering Demon. He wasnt thergest Demon I had ever seen he was only seven feet tall, but his back was hunched. If he stood up straight, hed be at least ten feet tall. Maybe more.
But his arms were scrawny. He wasnt built like a twig, but in proportion to his size, he was rather thin. His body almost seemed to shrivel up into itself as he gazed at me curiously with a pair of hollow eyes. And they were hollow. They werent ck or gray or silver it was like his eye sockets were empty. A ck void that reflected no light. A darkness that consumed everything, including me.
I blinked, breaking free from his gaze a momentter. The Demon tilted his head at me with a quizzical look. He wasnt suspicious, nor was he angry that I supposedly killed his [Gargoyles]. He just seemed confused. It was a gaze filled with a childlike innocence that reminded me of Rachel or my children.
I stared at him for a moment, before scratching the back of my head.
Um I killed them because they were attacking me?
Belphegor paused. He tilted his head back as he stroked a hand through his beard. I hesitated. I wasnt sure if it was a good answer. But he just nodded slowly.
Yes, yes, yes. That is indeed a good reason to destroy them. Attack you. Yes, yes. I can see why youd do that.
He muttered to himself as I pursed my lips. I looked to his left arm. He was being burnt my Grand Skill. [My mes Shall Burnt Until Eternity Ends] no longer just gave me an aura of protection. It literally lit everything it came into contact with aze. Not a weaker fire, either. I stared at the burning remains of the [Gargoyles] I had just crushed.
The heat from my Grand Skills mes were intense. They incinerated the stone-like remains of the Primeval Demon until there was nothing left. But Belphegor?
He barely reacted even as his leathery skin burned.
Youre, um, on fire, by the way.
I am? Oh, I am.
He blinked a few times, looking down at his left arm as he yanked me forward. I grimaced as I staggered. I weakly tried to pull back, but he was far too strong. Belphegor just continued holding onto me as he patted at the gray mes, extinguishing them, only for his arm tobust once more.
This is hot. Very hot. Hot, indeed. Why isnt it going away?
Because youre holding onto me?
I answered as I tugged back hard. Belphegor didnt budge. He nodded at me.
I see. I see.
Um, can you please let go of my hand?
Oh, I see.
He repeated himself as he finally loosened his grip. I sighed in relief, stumbling back. Only for a nearby [Gargoyle] to pounce at me from behind. Its ws struck my aura of invulnerability as I frowned.
Hey!
I protested, turning to Belphegor.
Your [Gargoyles] are attacking me again!
I kicked the statue-like Primeval Demon back, but a second and third nked me from behind. I stood there as their attacks failed to hurt me. But even more of them charged my way, and I pointed usingly at Belphegor.
Are you going to do something about this?
Oh, they are still attacking you.
He stared at me nkly as another pair of [Gargoyles] pummeled at my back. I swung my Divine Nebr Scythe, at one of the injured Primeval Demons, slowly whittling it down until it fully shattered. A notification resounded in my head, and I eximed.
Stop them!
I faced Belphegor. He blinked, snapping out of his stupor. He scrunched up his forehead before nodding.
I should do that, shouldnt I? Yes, I should.
I just bit my lower lip as he raised a hand. Belphegor pointed at the snapping [Gargoyles], and he spoke a single word.
Stop.
His voice reverberated throughout the room as I reeled. The room shook. The Primeval Demons froze. I stumbled back as if an invisible force had struck me. But it didnt hurt. It was just a st of power.
My eyes grew wide as I looked at Belphegor. He cocked his head at me, giving me a smile.
There. Is that better now? Or are my [Gargoyles] still bothering you?
I, um, thats
I tried to work my jaw, then I shook my head. I lowered my hand.
Thank you?
I stared at Belphegor as he just drew back, waiting for me expectantly. He nodded at me, before turning around. And I just watched him go.
--
Belphegor strutted forward, leaving behind the Lair as he slowly ascended the tunnel. I followed him apprehensively. I wasnt sure if I should say anything. I wasnt even sure if I should be trailing after him. But he was the first actual person I encountered since arriving in the Netherworld again. And he did save me kinda.
He was entric. An oddball. He certainly didnt act like any Human I had met while in the Mortal Realm. But I realized he wasnt a Human. This wasnt the Human Lands. This was literally the Netherworld.
This was a world of Demons.
So I pressed forward. Sure, Belphegor was acting weird. But he was a Demon there was no reason for him to act like any mortal I knew because he wasnt a mortal.
He wasnt a wild Demon, so I didnt need to be that wary of him. He also didnt have any cor or whatever, which meant he wasnt with the Demon King.
I finally mustered up the courage to saunter up next to him and speak up.
So, um, Belphegor, right?
I spoke, and he craned his neck to face me. He walked sluggishly. Hezily looked my way and slowed to a halt.
Indeed, that is my name. Indeed. What is it you need?
I waited, shifting my feet ufortably. Belphegor was slow! Even the way he spoke was slow. He peered at me, and I shrugged.
Um is this ce your Lair?
I asked as he blinked. He drew back as I tapped my feet a little bit impatiently. He shook his head.
In a sense, you can say this is my Lair. But in another sense, I do not believe this is my Lair.
Then what is it, then?
I crossed my arms. Belphegor tapped a finger on his chin. He didnt say anything as his fingers heavily beat against his leathery skin. I just pressed my lips into a thin line.
And Belphegor made a sound.
Ah. This ce it is not my Lair. It is my tomb.
He spoke simply, but his words made me freeze. It sent a chill down my back as I stared at him for a moment. I opened my mouth.
Tomb? But what do you mean by that? Why is this your tomb hey, wait!
I called out, but Belphegor was already strolling back up the corridor. He nced back at me briefly as I called out to him. But he didnt stop. He continued walking onwards as I hurried after him.
Why cant you just leave this ce? What makes you the Guardian of the Netherworld?
Honestly, I was d I could walk and talk with Belphegor. He was barely even walking as fast as I could crawl. He kept his gaze on me as we turned a corner.
Leave this ce? No I cant do that. It would be ridiculous. Leaving my tomb? I cannot
Thud! I watched as Belphegor walked straight into the rock wall. He paused mid-conversation, rotating his head to face what he had bumped into. He blinked in confusion as I sighed.
Why not?
I rolled my eyes. But Belphegor didnt give an immediate response. Of course not. He was very slow. I raised a hand and poked his side.
Hey, I said
And Belphagor snapped his gaze towards me. He caught my hand, even as his skin burned once more. His grip tightened as the aura of invulnerability shed then began to tear.
Do not touch me.
My eyes went round as I stared up at him. Belphagors back straightened, and he loomed over me. I saw the darkness in his eyes flicker for a moment as I backed away. He let go of my hand, his gaze still fixed on me.
I ok! Sorry! I did not mean to touch you!
I looked down at my hand, looking at his grip marks. He had broken through my Grand Skill. Somehow, just through sheer strength alone, he had overpowered the aura of invulnerability, nearly crushing my hand.
I nced back up at Belphegor as his back hunched once more. But he spoke as his gaze continued boring into me.
You ask many questions. Now let me ask my own.
He walked straight up towards me as I felt a prickle of fear creep up my back. Belphegor twisted his head threateningly as I scratched my cheek.
Um, what is it?
He spoke simply at that.
Do you wish to see the Gate of the Netherworld?
Chapter 534: Final Protector
Chapter 534: Final Protector
534. Final Protector
Do you wish to see the Gate of the Netherworld?
Belphegor towered over me as I backed up warily. He was dangerous. Sure, he was a bit entric and slow. But he was also incredibly high-leveled. With his sheer strength alone, he had somehow broken through my aura of invulnerability from my Grand Skill and nearly crushed my arm.
He hadnt drawn from his overwhelming essence it wasnt like when I had been fighting Avaritia, and his Grand Skill gave him the power of the Demon King. This waspletely different. It would be like if I had the Breastte of Alexanders aura of protection, and Belphegor simply punched a hole through the Mythical Grade artifact.
I stared at him. He had to have been a Primordial Demon at the very least. He just tilted his head at me, a curious expression on his face. The brief sh of anger from earlier because I touched him was gone. Like it hadnt even been there. Instead, he drew closer, waiting for a response from me.
I chewed my lower lip.
Um, sure? But Ive never heard of a Gate of the Netherworld before. Is this, like, how you get to the Mortal Realm?
To the Mortal?
Belphegor blinked a few times as he drew back. He stroked his beard in thought, and I waved a hand dismissively.
Nevermind! Show me this Gate of the Netherworld! We can walk and talk!
I eximed as I hurried ahead of him. Belphegor just stared at me, before nodding. He strode towards me sluggishly his movements as exaggeratedly slow as ever.
Of course. We can walk and talk. Of course, I am sure thats fine.
I pursed my lips, watching his slow ascent. We werent even halfway back up out of the tunnel leading to the Lair of the [Gargoyles], and my Grand Skill was alreadying to an end. I just groaned, waiting for Belphegor. In the meantime, I started to distribute my Skill Points and Stat Points from my most recent level ups.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] was maxed now. It was why I could cast it immediately after I had expended a Grand Skill Point on it unlike before. I also maxed out [Draconic Fury]. And that was pretty much it.
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 160
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 128
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 255 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 255 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 405 (+30) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 445 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 6]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 11
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 5
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 10
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 10
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 5
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
--
It took practically two hours, but we finally emerged from this stray tunnel leading away from the rest of thework of corridors in this Dungeon. Belphegor walked at a cial pace, but I managed to get him to speak as he continued leading me towards this so-called Gate of the Netherworld.
Unfortunately, he was quite prone to rambling and going on tangents, so it was utterly pointless anyway.
Ah, yes. It was so odd. Back then, wed cross to the Mortal Realm wed also visit the Spirit ne. It was very serene there. I had a friend. A Spirit friend. He no, she? She was a Fairy? I think she was a Fairy. She was definitely a Fairy
Belphegor continued muttering to himself as I gave him a t stare.
Right. But that wasnt my question. I was asking why would you even go to the Mortal Realm?
It was a simple question. Completely unrted to the Spirit ne. As far as I knew, Regnorex was only interested in crossing the nes to eventually bring all of Demonkind away from the Netherworld. But my dad wouldnt be interested in such a thing right?
I shook my head, dismissing the thought as I focused only on Belphegor. He was blinking as he stepped into the circr chamber. His feet pped against the brick floor with a thud, and he raised his head.
The Mortal Realm? Why would I go to the Mortal Realm? I havent been there in a long time. Yes, it has been so long.
Ugh nevermind about that.
I waved a hand off. It was not going to be easy to get information out of him. He just cocked his head at me, and I gestured at the various tunnels leading away from this room.
So wheres this Gate of the Netherworld?
Yes, of course, if you will follow me
Belphegor started forward, trailing across the room as I followed. It took him what felt like ten minutes just to make it to the other side of this chamber. I watched as he came to a halt right before a copsed tunnel. He paused, in a daze.
Wait, this is
I smacked my forehead. Is he lost?! Belphegor scratched his beard, before his eyes swept over the room.
Right, I forgot. Yes, I forgot. It has been a long time, hasnt it? I have been here for a long time. Too long. Too, too long. But why?
And for a moment, his empty eyes zed over. He stared nkly at the room, and I waved a hand in front of his face.
Um, hello?
Belphegor jerked back. It was a sudden movement. It took mepletely off-guard. His eyes grew wide as he nced about the room, and I backed up warily.
Wait
But he barely even paid me any mind. Instead, the Demon marched past me as he muttered under his breath.
The Gate of the Netherworld. I need to guard the gate. What am I even doing up here at the surface?
He walked with renewed vigor. Vitality that he didnt have just moments before. Belphegor shook his head as he started down a tunnel. It was a tunnel I had crossed out. I even marked the side wall with my ws to clearly indicate this wasnt a path I wanted to follow.
But he continued down as he spoke to himself.
I cant waste time here. There is nothing for me at the surface. I have a duty to uphold.
Surface? But this isnt the surface!
I called out after him, hesitating as I waited right by the entrance to the tunnel. Belphegor didnt even nce back, but he replied simply.
Oh, but this is the surface. These ruins the remains of this kingdom they are but the shallow memories of what once was. All that awaits me is the buried depths that the world has forgotten.
What?
I blinked a few times, but Belphegor was already disappearing ahead of me. I hesitated, then curiosity got the better of me. I followed after him, venturing back down the tunnel that led me to the [Basilisk].
It was risky. It was incredibly stupid of me. I didnt have my Grand Skill now. If I was caught by the [Basilisk]s petrification, I was dead. I just had to make sure I didnt anger it while being ready to teleport out of there as soon as possible. I knew the risk, but I still pressed on. After all, Belphegor was finally talking.
What are you talking about? What depths? Whats buried? What has been forgotten?
It was foolish of us.
Belphegor spoke in a hushed voice. And yet, his words echoed all around me, bouncing off the walls of the tunnel.
We had thought that if we reached the edge of the world, we would be able to follow after them.
Follow after who?
I pressed Belphegor. I tried to run up to his side, but he always seemed to be a single step ahead of me. He turned a corner, his figure vanishing for a brief moment as he whispered.
The Worldwalkers.
I paused for a moment, remembering the mural I had seen. I opened my mouth, then I gave chase to Belphegor once more. He was briskly walking ahead, descending the steep tunnel without even slowing for a moment. We were going to reach the [Basilisk] soon. I gulped, then spread my [Angelic Wings] wide as I flew down to him.
We had thought to escape it. I believed it was the only valid course of action. Even the Dragons in the Mortal Realm agreed with our n.
He continued, eyes facing forward. My mind reeled.
Wait, Dragons? You knew Dragons?
Belphegor sighed as lowered his head.
We were fools. All we did was expedite it. It only grew worse.
Um, what are you talking about? So you served here in this kingdom?
I asked, explicitly omitting my dads name. I learned my lesson after mentioning him to the [Basilisk]. And while Belphegor wasnt a wild Demon, he seemed like he could snap at any moment if I wasnt careful with my words or actions.
I did.
Belphegor paused. I nearly bumped into him. But I caught myself. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath.
And I will forevermore. Not out of choice, but because I am a but a ve, toiling away for all of eternity.
He nced back towards me, holding my gaze. I saw a timelessness in his eyes. And he gave me a crooked smile.
This is my damnation.
With that, he drew forward once again. His eyes flickered as he spoke softly to himself.
And I abandoned my station. What a fool, am I? I sense it. They are dying. My creation. They cannot hold it back for long. At any point in time, they can break through. That is why I cannot make apse in judgment. Not for the sake of the Netherworld.
For the sake of the Netherworld?
I asked, but Belphegor didnt respond. He simply walked on, eventually reaching the same chamber I had escaped just earlier. He stepped onto the mossy ground as I bit my lower lip. I took in a deep breath to steel myself before hopping down after him.
Now Entering [Lair: Prison of the Basilisk]
I was prepared to meet the angry gaze of the [Basilisk] down there. I even heard a soft hissing. The thrashing tail of the wild Primordial Demon. I braced myself and paused.
What is it looking at?
I stared at the [Basilisk]. It was staring further beyond the chamber. Down an archway that led into a corridor that descended even further. Belphegor nodded at the wild Primordial Demon as he started around the peripheries of the room.
The Frenzied Basilisk.
He spoke as I followed behind him. The [Basilisk] didnt even nce his way. Its gaze was focused only on the tunnel.
The Final Protector of the Netherworld.
Final protector?
I frowned. And Belphegor came to a halt right next to the [Basilisk]. He waited right outside of its prison, but I stayed a few dozen feet back. The two Primordial Demons braced themselves as Belphegor straightened his back.
Itsing. Ready yourself.
The [Basilisk] just screeched, and I readied a [Greater Teleportation]. I wasnt sure if I should have been here. But I stayed anyway. Just to see what wasing. And I heard it. A soft groaning, at first. Then it was apanied by a low chittering like the chirping of millions of enraged birds.
Something wasing. I could sense its presence, even from where I stood. It approached as an uneasy sensation crept over me. [Angelic Premonition] told me to run. But I stood my ground. I produced my Divine Nebr Scythe and waited with bated breath as my gaze remained fixed on the archway.
And the [Basilisk] opened its maw as Belphegor screamed. I blinked, unsure of what was going on. But momentster, a blurred figure shot out of the tunnel. A discolored thing. It wasrge about the size of a small house.
I tried to focus my gaze on it, even as it flew up into the air. But I couldnt. No matter how hard I tried, I couldnt make out its figure. I just saw a ssh of iridescent light. An aura of obfuscation that hid its true form. It confused me for a brief moment, until I finally realized what I was staring at.
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
Huh.
I stared at the corrupted piece of the world. It came from down below from the deepest depths of the Netherworld. And itshed down at the two Primordial Demons with a pair of tendrils.
Chapter 535: Netherworld Corruption
Chapter 535: Netherworld Corruption
535. Netherworld Corruption
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
I stared at the corrupted piece of the world floating before me. I could hardly even make out its shape. Its figure was flickering the light around it distorted. There was a ssh of colors king off it like a thinyer of mist. But I could not perceive it like I perceived the rest of the world.
It felt like staring into the void of nothingness, except I could still see the remains of what hadnt been corrupted just yet. When I focused on it with my spatial senses, I saw parts of a rock hovering there, riddled with holes of nonexistence. Its presence alone sent a shiver down my spine.
And the Corrupted Netherstoneshed out. A pair of tendrils shot down, striking at Belphegor and the [Basilisk] as I watched on. I backed away and raised my Divine Nebr Scythe warily, but it was like I wasnt even there.
Belphegor leapt into the air as the tendril struck his chest the attack barely even phased him. His movements didnt slow. He moved like a blur. I didnt even realize he was clinging onto the Corrupted Netherstone when he was already on it.
What?
I opened my mouth, but Belphegor mmed a fist into the Corrupted Netherstones core. The entire room shook as I looked on. And he ripped the corruption apart in an instant. Before the [Basilisk] could act before I could even react the battle was over.
Huh.
I watched as the veil of corruption copsed. Belphegornded with a heavy thud. The [Basilisk] just slithered behind the walls of its prison, growling softly. I stared on for a moment, processing what just happened. Finally, I approached the Primordial Demons.
You guys what just happened?
I asked with wide eyes. The [Basilisk] didnt respond. Its gaze remained fixed on the tunnel. Meanwhile, Belphegor nced at me dismissively.
The corruption has broken through into the firstyer. My sentries barely put up a fight. This was too weak. It is not the end of the battle. Be prepared.
I narrowed my eyes, and the [Basilisk] screeched. I looked down the tunnel as [Angelic Premonition] red in my head. And I saw it the glinting scintiting light of the corruption. My eyes widened as three more figures zipped up out towards the room.
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
I backed up warily, only to hear an ear-piercing shriek. I nced back, watching as the [Basilisk]s eyes shifted and turned gray. A powerful magic prated the barrier. The very same magic that had nearly killed me if not for my Grand Skill.
The three Corrupted Netherstones slowed. I stared on as the aura of corrupted space coating their cores shifted, then faltered. The corruption itself turned to stone! And the Corrupted Netherstones copsed, one after another.
I wanted to sigh in relief. But judging by Belphegors reaction, I knew that wasnt thest of them. He raised a hand to the ceiling, muttering quietly to himself as a spell circle shed in the palm of his hand.
I wasnt sure whether I should help or I should just run away. I was tempted to join the battle. But my [Angelic Premonition] told me it was a bad idea. This corruption was strong. I continued standing off to the side, just an audience to this theater.
We need to fend them off. Then we can reim the secondyer.
Belphegor whispered as the spell circle vanished. He strode forward, raising his fists as I blinked. I wanted to ask him what he was talking about, but it wasnt the time or the ce. Not right now.
I heard a loud ring groaning from the tunnel. Even more figures shot up and out of the tunnel. Dozens of Corrupted Netherstones filled the room, even as Belphegor and the [Basilisk] readied themselves.
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
But that wasnt all. I sensed something elseing a trepidation that even made the Corrupted Netherstones shiver. They zipped around the room, waiting instead of attacking. Even as the [Basilisk] took them down one after another with its sight alone.
Belphegor ignored these small bits of flying rocks. His gaze was fixed into the tunnel. He dug his ws into the ground, before ripping out a spear made from stone. He yelled as he hurled the weapon forward, and it crashed into a glimmering thing hiding within the darkness.
There was a soft chittering. Then a loud screech as something zipped up and out of the tunnel. It crashed into Belphegor, sending him flying back. I just blinked when I saw what it was.
What is that?
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
And it was space. Corrupted space. Like the world around me had been ripped off, then corrupted by the same vile infection that was killing the Nexeus. I just stared at it. There was no physical core I could see with my eyes. While every bit of corruption I had seen thus far had some cluster of mass gathered at the center of the hurricane of corruption, this was just air?
No it wasnt even air. It was like the world itself had been cracked open, and the pieces that had fallen off were distorted by the corruption.
It knocked Belphegor back, sending him flying into the walls of the [Basilisk]s prison. The Corrupted Hellspace just shrieked, sending tendrils of corruption through the crimson walls to assail the wild Primordial Demon. In response, the [Basilisk] bit down at the tendrils.
The Corrupted Hellspace reeled, and Belphegor got to his feet. He grabbed one of the tendrils, yanking the corruption down as the [Basilisk] red its petrifying stare. I saw the outer edges of the corruption turn to stone, breaking off.
In that brief moment, I could peer through the translucent coat protecting the Corrupted Hellspace. I could see its core. And I saw a rift. A distortion. Like a scar in the sky. And the corruption instantly regenerated.
The Corrupted Hellspace pulled both Belphegor and the [Basilisk] towards it. They crashed into the walls of the prison as I watched the battle y out. I wanted to help. I needed to do something. But
I just dropped to my knees. This corruption it was fighting two Primordial Demons on its own. It was so powerful. I had to escape. I needed to get out of here. I stumbled to my feet, readying a [Greater Teleportation]
And something crashed into my back. I stumbled forward, spinning around with my Divine Nebr Scythe. At first, I had thought the Corrupted Hellspace had suddenly attacked me. But I just stared at the Corrupted Netherstone floating before me.
You
I hesitated, and itshed out with its own pair of corrupted tendrils. I thought about running for a moment longer, before finally deciding to make my choice. I activated [Divine Haste] and leapt out of the way of the attack.
I dashed closer to the Corrupted Netherstone as the battle raged on in the background. I could see the [Basilisk]s sweeping gaze bringing down multiple Corrupted Netherstones while still locked in battle with the Corrupted Hellspace.
Meanwhile, Belphegor crashed into the earth, vanishing through the ground. He leapt out from a dozen feet to the right, holding up a giant hammer made from stone. He smashed the Corrupted Hellspaces side as the hammer shattered.
And I reached the Corrupted Netherstone.
[Divine Nebr sh]!
I screamed, striking the outeryer of corruption. I sheared through it with my divine attack. Physical attacks normally failed against the corruption. But I knew that with my divinity, I could actually harm it. Just like when I had used the Sword of Alexander to destroy that Corrupted Ind.
And I tore through the corruption. But the Corrupted Netherstone didnt copse. It took the brunt of the strike as my Divine Nebr Scythe was lodged into its core. I blinked a few times, and it whipped out with its tendrils at me. I leapt back, letting go of my weapon as I narrowly dodged back.
I pointed at the Corrupted Netherstone, yelling.
[Sacred Hellfire]!
And right as it burst into mes, its blurred tendrils caught me mid-air. It smashed me hard against the wall as the room shook. But the wall didnt crumble. I just groaned as I felt my left arm breaking from the attack. I gritted my teeth, ring at the Corrupted Netherstone.
It was very strong! It drew forward even as it burned from the dark gold mes. Even with two of my stronger Skills, the Corrupted Netherstone was barely even hurt. I peeled myself off the wall, leaping over a second whipping tendril. Inded just ahead of the Corrupted Netherstone as it iled at me with its two tendrils. And I braced myself
But something crashed into the back of corruption. I blinked, watching as the Corrupted Netherstone tumbled forward. I looked on as another gray creature hopped onto its back, wing through the corruption with an unwavering ferocity.
Those are [Gargoyles]?
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 159]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 165]
[Gargoyle - Lvl. 161]
[Gargoyle] after [Gargoyle] piled onto the back of the Corrupted Netherstone. They struck down with glinting ws. They restrained the corruption with their snares and their curses. I watched as four of the statue-like Primeval Demons brought down the burning Corrupted Netherstone.
And dozens more of the [Gargoyles] ran into the room. I watched as they swarmed in by the dozens, leaping at the flying Corrupted Netherstones. Some of them even joining Belphegor and the [Basilisk] in assailing the Corrupted Hellspace.
But the Corrupted Hellspace simplyshed out, shattering the statue-like Primeval Demons in an instant. Even though they had been incredibly durable when I fought them, they were treated like they were nothing more than ss now. Their broken remains crumbled around the ritual circle covering the moss-like floor off the room, and I looked down for a moment, seeing the debris lying at the base of the [Basilisk]s tail.
Huh. So thats where that came from.
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
I heard a notification resound in my head a moment after as the four [Gargoyles] ripped through the Corrupted Netherstone that had attacked me. My Divine Nebr Scythe went flying as the corruption dissipated, and I caught my weapon.
I turned to Belphegor who was stumbling back and away from the Corrupted Hellspace. It was distracted for a brief moment by a falling dome from the [Gargoyles]. But it tore through the antimagic space in an instant.
And as that happened, Belphegor dug his hands into the ground. Arge spell circle formed on the walls, and a pair of giant stone-like arms rose out. The Corrupted Hellspace shrieked as the giant hands loomed over it. Each hand dwarfed it in size, and it backed away warily as the hands drew closer.
Its tendrils shot out, keeping the hands back for a brief moment. But the [Basilisk] let out a shrill shriek. It opened its mouth as a screeching sound reverberated throughout the room, causing me to freeze. Just like [Intimidation], but much more powerful.
And the Corrupted Hellspace faltered for just a single moment. However, that was enough. The hand crushed the corruption, shattering the distorted coat as I watched in awe. There was a chittering screech for just a moment, then nothing.
I blinked as the giant hands crumbled. Nothing remained of the Corrupted Hellspace. Belphegor panted, straightening as he shook his head. His [Gargoyles] bounded around him, charging down the tunnel.
There was no moment to rest. Even though the battle was over, the action continued. I slowly approached Belphegor from the side as the [Basilisk] thrashed restlessly in its prison.
The secondyer cannot fall.
He whispered, and I piped up.
Secondyer? What are you talking about, Belphegor?
I wasnt sure how to address him, but I decided it was fine no matter how I called him. He barely even registered the words I said anyway. He just nced at me as his [Gargoyles] continued pouring down.
Elevenyers have fallen. Now a single Protector remains. The first twoyers persist, but if I falter in my duties, they shall be imed by the corruption as well.
imed by the corruption? What does that mean?
I narrowed my eyes. Belphegor sighed.
They no longer exist. They are merely dead space now. We need to reim the secondyer before it joins the others.
I huh.
I stared at Belphegor for a moment. I nced towards the [Basilisk] as it hissed. It slowly coiled into a ball, lying back down at the center of its prison.
The [Basilisk] is the Final Protector of the Netherworld? Doesnt that mean there are more?
There are, indeed.
Belphegor shook his head as he started forward. He walked past the archway, following his trail of [Gargoyles] as they set down for the secondyer.
The secondyer of the Netherworld. I never imagined that the Netherworld was anything more than what I had seen together with Haec. There was so much more for me to explore than I initially thought after seeing Revtion, and now this?
I was kind of wrong about the Netherworld. I shook my head, taking a step forward, driven by both curiosity and the whims of the moment.
Let me help you!
I spoke up as I started after Belphegor. He blinked, ncing back at me. He tilted his head curiously for a moment.
You
He opened his mouth. Then he frowned.
Who are you again? Where did youe from?
I paused mid-step, nearly falling over. But I caught myself, taking in a deep breath.
Im Salvos. And nevermind that. Let me help you reim the secondyer. I want to help.
Belphegor stared at me for a moment. The haze in his eyes from before waspletely gone. His attention no longer directed towards the leaking corruption. He just studied me, looking up and down. Finally, he nodded.
I see. Very well, then. You may follow me Salvos. But be warned at your level, I highly doubt youll be able to survive.
I know that.
I drew forward, ncing back at the [Basilisk] for just a moment. It was a Primordial Demon, and even it struggled against the Corrupted Hellspace. Then I looked past it at the remains of the Corrupted Netherstone I had fought.
I steeled myself and faced Belphegor.
You dont have to look after me. I can handle myself. And maybe escape on my own if I must. But I just want to see whats down there.
He simply continued on, whispering softly. A morose look on his face.
If that is what you wish. However, I can tell you this there is nothing waiting for you down there other than damnation.
And with that, the two of us vanished into the shadows, heading down into the secondyer of the Netherworld. As we did, I wondered truly wondered what my dad back when he was the Devil King did to cause all this.
Chapter Three days left before Salvos goes to KU
Chapter Three days left before Salvos goes to KU
If you''re out of the loop, you can find an exnation in my author''s notes here. Salvos (A Monster Evolution LitRPG) - 525. Ruins + Announcement | Scribble Hub
In three days'' time, 90% of Books 1-9 (Chapters 1 to 520) will be removed for Salvos transitioning to KU. It''s yourst chance to reread those chapters here on RoyalRoad. And if you know anyone who could be interested in reading Salvos on RoyalRoad, tell them to catch up soon. Otherwise, as I''ve said, current chapters won''t be affected as long as you remain up to date with the series.
If you want to get Books 1-9 before they''re removed from the public, you can get it here [Salvos] Book 1-9 Full Download | MsDelta on Patreon
Also, here''s a fun little preview of the uing weic
Thanks for reading as always. Chapter soon :)
Chapter 536: Repelling Revelation
Chapter 536: Repelling Revtion
536. Repelling Revtion
Betrugil couldnt believe it.
He had been content to finally avoid Revtion for once, especially now that he had joined the hallowed Demon Kings ranks. He honestly hadnt been enthused about being cored and enved after living a life of freedom for so many cycles of Advent, Revtion, and Salvation.
There was no say he had on the matter. The moment his hidden Lair was found out by a patrol of the Demon Kings forces, it was over. He was taken in. He wasnt happy about it. But if he was going to be forced to work under Regnorex from now on, he might as well enjoy the benefits of living under his kingdom.
So Betrugil had been looking forward to peacefully avoiding the nar cataclysm that was Revtion. He was going to sit back, rx, and take full advantage of the sanctuary provided by the Demon Kings Domain. Or at least that was what he thought hed be doing.
Unfortunately, that didnt turn out to be the case. He sighed heavily as he strolled into therge open hall, staring at the figures waiting within. Betrugil didnt want to be here. But he had received orders. These were very specific orders that he couldnt disobey. Not without losing his life.
However, these orders might result in the loss of his life too. After all, it required him to leave the Demon Kings Domain and face Revtion.
It was ridiculous. It was stupid. Betrugil might as well have thrown his life away here and now. He probably had a better chance of surviving the pursuing Deathsquad Hunters if he fled the castle and broke his cor than facing Revtion. The only reason he survived for so long in the first ce was because he was smart and hid it out.
This was suicide. But honestly, he couldnt care whether he died to the Demon King or the Netherworld itself at this point. Betrugil had resigned himself to his fate. So he approached the three waiting Archdemons as they turned to face him.
Yourete.
A voice spoke. A green-skinned Demon with four red eyes. Tall andrge with a pair of burly arms. Betrugil nced her way.
[Baelis - Lvl. 145]
Sorry, Laxi. I was busy getting caught up.
He nodded at her. She raised a brow.
Busy getting caught up in what?
Busy getting caught up in this mess. I cant believe were really going to go and get ourselves killed for no reason.
Betrugil snorted, and that made Laxi frown. But she didntment on that. Not that he cared. He knew he was riling up emotions, but it didnt really matter anyway not when he knew what kind of a fate was awaiting him at the end of this journey.
He nced past the [Baelis], towards the other two waiting Archdemons. One of them crossed her arms at him.
[Subus - Lvl. 134]
Maybe youre going to get yourself killed. But well survive like we always do, right Haec?
She clung onto thest Archdemon as she finished. Betrugil rolled his eyes, before looking at the red-skinned wall of muscle.
[Fiend - Lvl. 147]
His name was Haec. He was the highest-leveled of them all. And in such a short amount of time too that was why he was so favored.
Betrugil didnt really understand why Haec was here on this mission. The [Fiend] was meant to be the Heir of the Netherworld. The fact that the Demon King was sending his supposed sessor to a death sentence seemed so odd but honestly, it seemed like something Regnorex would do.
It was just strange. Betrugil didntment on it. And Haec, for one, didnt say anything. He was aloof as he usually was, barely giving Betrugil a passing nce. It wasnt so much irking, moreso just utterly pretentious, especially considering how everyone treats him so reverently. But at this point, Betrugil barely paid it any mind.
He just looked at the [Subus] with a deadpan expression.
Taburas, arent you the lowest-leveled out of all of us? What makes you think a Primeval Demon isnt going to just snap you up before anyone can even react?
Wha
Taburas sputtered in outrage which made no sense. All Betrugil did was state the facts. He was a Level 143 Archdemon of Sloth. He might have been the second lowest-leveled out of them all, but that didnt mean she wasnt lower-leveled than him.
But still she took a step forward, pointing angrily at him, before gesturing at Haec.
You can mock me as you wish. But I know that my Haec will protect me!
Sure, sure.
Betrugil waved a hand dismissively.
Im sure that Haec definitely wont be too busy dealing with his own wild Demons. Across the entirety of the Netherworld, there will only be a single wild Demon hounding after you, and well all be free to save you from danger.
That made her brows snap together. Taburas stepped forward in a fit of fury, but a hand stopped her. Haec shook his head at the [Subus], speaking simply.
No, Taburas.
She blinked. And she immediately drew back, clinging onto him.
Ah, of course. I shouldnt bother dealing with this miscreant. Hes an Archdemon of Sloth all talk, nothing else.
Betrugil just yawned in response. He was the smallest of the lot. But he didnt really care. He was an [Abraxas]. One of the many evolutions of the [Imp]. He might seem slow andzy, but his size and speed would let him escape most lethal encounters just fine.
It just sucked that he now had to run straight at the danger instead of away from it.
Thats enough, the two of you.
Laxi spoke, turning around. She might not be as high-leveled as Haec and she definitely wasnt the Heir of the Netherworld but she was their guide here. As such, she was in charge. She stepped forward onto a carpetid out at the center of the hall.
It started to hover, and she gestured for the other three Archdemons to get on.
Hurry up. I want to reach Hartia before the border shifts. Well have to wait for an updated location if ites to that.
That sounds nice. Id honestly prefer it if we just dove straight into the Beasts jaws by ident right away.
Betrugil shook his head as he hopped onto the flying carpet. Taburas scowled, getting on after. And Haec was thest to mber up. His gaze was stoic as always. Unchanging even as the carpet slowly carried them forward.
Now let us go.
Laxi raised a hand, and the carpet flew faster and faster, bringing them out of therge chamber. It shot forward as the four Demons stood steadfast on its surface. None of them stumbled or fell back the momentum of the flight magic keeping them locked in ce.
Onwards to repel Revtion.
The [Baelis] finished. But Betrugil just scoffed.
To our deaths.
And I followed Belphegor. Onwards towards the secondyer of the Netherworld. He moved with haste, no longer walking with the slothful demeanor of before. His gaze fully focused now. Like he had his senses suddenly restored after a brief prolonged moment of insanity.
Behind me, I could hear the [Basilisk] hiss. It thrashed inside of its prison, watching us as we descended further down the tunnel. I was a bit worried about an attack from its petrifying gaze, even now that I knew it was supposedly an ally. But I kept an eye on it until I couldnt see it any longer, just to make sure it didnt attack me with my back turned.
There was a steep decline here. A light haze that obscured my vision. [Gargoyles] poured forward around me, vanishing into the mist as I tried to peer at what was hidden beneath using my spatial senses.
But it was all a blur to me. I couldnt see anything in particr with my magic. I just saw the same descent I perceived with my eyes. I pursed my lips, before turning to Belphegor. He was in a rush to reach the secondyer, but he was also willing to let his [Gargoyles] move ahead of us. Which made no sense to me.
Arent you in a rush?
I peered at him, and he nced back at me fractionally.
Indeed.
He replied curtly. I frowned.
So why arent we charging straight in?
We must make haste, but that does not mean we should not exercise caution.
Belphegor looked forward as we turned a corner. He raised a finger, and I stopped. He pointed ahead of the tunnel as I heard a mor in the distance. The echo of fighting. I narrowed my eyes, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe.
We edged forward as the white nket of mist cleared. And I stared at the rubble lying at the ground just ahead of me. I frowned, still hearing the sounds of fighting echo from the broken [Gargoyle].
Um, what?
And came the sh of light. I spun around just in time to see the tendril of corruptionshing down at me.
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
I tried to teleport out of the way, only to flicker in ce. I didnt move. I just blinked. But a hand grabbed the tendril. Belphegor yanked the Corrupted Netherstone forward. With a single punch, he silently tore through the floating piece of corrupted rock. Without sound.
Even though the corruption couldnt normally be cleansed through physical means, Belphegor somehow just crushed itpletely. I stared with wide eyes, before looking back down. I heard the sounds of fighting continuing to reverberate from the dead [Gargoyle], and I tried to work my jaw.
Why cant I teleport? Whats going on? Why can I still hear?
It is pointless to rely on any of your senses down here. We are at the entrance of the secondyer. We are at the brink of the corruption.
He strode forward, approaching arge arched gateway as I stared at his back. I took a step forward to follow him, and he nced back one final time as his figure blurred.
Down here, space no longer obeys thews of the rest of the Nexeus. Instead, it has been corrupted.
As Belphegor finished, I finally heard the crash of the dying Corrupted Netherstone. I opened my mouth to pester him with even more questions, but he vanished. His figure disappeared as I was left alone here in the mist. I gaped for a moment, staring at the archway which was said to lead us into the secondyer.
Huh.
I moved my lips. But my voice didnte out right. It sounded almost distorted. I nced back at the dead [Gargoyle], then forward towards the empty archway.
And I realized I might have bit off a lot more than I could chew here.
Chapter 537: Second Layer
Chapter 537: Second Layer
537. Second Layer
Belphegor was gone.
I searched for him, but no matter where I looked, he wasnt there. I hesitated, scanning my misty surroundings as I finally heard his footfalls echo in the distance. It had to have been ten minutes after he vanished before I finally heard the soft thudding of his slow walk.
And that was when I knew that I was now alone.
I stepped back, kicking back some rubble. I nced down to see the corpse of the [Gargoyle] below me. Its broken visage stared up at me with a silent scream. It was a Primeval Demon. Not wild, apparently but one of Belphegors creation.
The fact that he could create Primeval Demons in itself was very impressive. But knowing that these Primeval Demons were so easily dismantled here at the entrance to the secondyer it made me realize how out of my depth I was down here.
I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe warily as Belphegors footfalls faded, and a loud moring resounded all around me. The sounds of battle. I hesitated. I considered leaving. In fact, it only made sense for me to leave. I wanted to be the strongest in all of Nexeus, but this was just suicide. Nothing waited for me down here except for death. I backed up
Only to stumble forward towards the tall archway. I blinked a few times, trying to regain my bearings.
Huh what?
I asked, but my voice wasnt audible at all. I couldnt hear myself speak, and while that was a little bit disconcerting, the fact that I had taken a simple step back but somehow ended up a few steps forward was a lot more worrying to me. I spun around, and a thin haze encroached on me.
I bit my lower lip as my voice finally echoed behind me. It sent a shiver down my spine as I stared at where Ide from, then looked back up towards the archway leading me to the secondyer of the Netherworld.
It wasnt just a regr entryway like the various tunnels that had led down from the Dungeon. It looked like a massive gate. A tall lumbering arched entrance that would stand at the front of a royal pce. But its gilded double doors were rusted shattered in a few ces. There were holes and cracks torn through its stone surface, and part of it had even copsed to the ground.
Maybe it had once been a glorious sight it could have even been a powerful seal that held back the corruption at one point. But that was all a memory now.
The corruption had broken through. Only a singleyer of the Netherworld remained whatever that meant. And I needed to get out of here.
A sense of trepidation and dread drove me back. I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide and spun around. I flew straight in the direction Ide from, but the world spun around me. Even though I was flying in a straight line, I seemed to turn a corner at every passing moment.
It was like I was trapped in one of Belzus illusions. The scene kept changing, and my mind reeled. I grew dizzy, trying to turn back each time I was spun around unwillingly. But no matter what I did even if I corrected my direction I would still be turned over my head, flying in a different direction.
It was confusing. It was mind bending. This didnt make any sense. There was no logical exnation for what was going on. And unlike Belzus illusions, I couldnt see through this nonsensical world with my spatial senses.
For a flicker of a moment, I was flying straight for the exit. Then I was diving straight into the ground, only to appear back standing at the arched gateway. I spun around to regain my bearings, only to find myself facing a wall. I pped my wings, flying up, but crashed into the ground.
I groaned and picked myself up. I wasnt sure how long Id been trying to get out of here. All I knew was that the echoing sounds of battle never stopped. It could have been hours even days. Or maybe it was a few minutes or seconds. I barely knew what was going on,pletely thrown into disarray by this broken maze of space.
I looked towards the steep incline leading away from this vast chamber. It was not a cavern. The floor here was made from a mossy ck brick. The very same rock that made up the rest of this ruined kingdom.
But parts of the ground had been ripped up and shredded, with bits of rubble floating? I nced up at the ceiling, seeing a chandelier hovering overhead. Its chains had been broken, and it was trapped in an infinite fall. My eyes darted around the room, but ayer of mist clouded most of my vision. I still heard the echoes of a battle, even though I couldnt see the walls lining the edges of this chamber. It could have been a vast hall that expanded thousands of feet or it could have been a small room that was barely a dozen feet wide.
I didnt know. I couldnt even move right!
This is getting annoying!
I took a slow step forward, but right as my toes touched the ground, I found myself standing in apletely different ce once again. But this time, I wasnt facing the wall, nor was I facing the arched gateway. I was facing a blurred figure. A mesh of colors. A broken
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
Fuck
[Angelic Premonition] red in my head right before the Corrupted Netherstone couldsh out at me. Its tendrils shot out, and I was leaping out of the way. I tried jumping back, but space bent as I expected, and I flew straight at the distorted creature.
I crashed into it as we tumbled out of the air. I felt its corruption bearing down on me trying to rip apart my skin. But I resisted it. My [Corruption Resistance] protected me from the twisting touch of the Corrupted Netherstone.
I swung at the Corrupted Netherstone as we silently shed. My Divine Nebr Scythe shimmered with divine mes, ripping through the cloak of corruption protecting its core. But even then, that wasnt enough to finish it off in a single blow.
I followed up with a flurry of strikes empowered by [Draconic Fury]. The crimson afterglow overcame my iridescent de, tearing into the Corrupted Netherstone even as we crashed through the room. Until, finally, I swung up with the Divine Nebr Scythe as I yelled.
[Divine Radiant sh]!
[Draconic Fury] shed. The image of a dragons w shed down with my shining strike. With those two Skillsbined into one, my attack engulfed the Corrupted Netherstone as I pushed back.
Inded lithely on the ground with narrowed eyes, watching as the distorted figure flew back. Its core had been ripped open, and while it was still recovering slowly, it couldnt instantly regenerate. Not in the same way the Cursed Boulder had been able to heal itself by stealing from the earth around it. I also knew that once it was shattered, it wouldnt regrow into smaller tinier but still dangerous corrupted remains.
But still, the Corrupted Netherstone wasnt destroyed just yet. I had to finish it off. I watched as it zipped around me, and I took a step forward
Only to find myself once again stumbling around, no longer facing the Corrupted Netherstone. I blinked, and a pair of tendrils whipped me from behind. I staggered and spun around, watching as the distorted figure continued circling around me as it slowly tried to heal.
Huh.
I watched as the Corrupted Netherstone continued navigating through this chamber without any problems. It didnt slip or spin or teleport around the area. It just drifted around me. And I realized that it wasnt affected by whatever distortion was permeating this area.
I narrowed my eyes, remembering when I was tumbling through the air with the Corrupted Netherstone. I had clung onto it, and I hadnt been dibobted, confused by what was going on around me. I had been moving perfectly fine while within the radius of its corruption.
I gritted my teeth, looking back towards the exit. I shifted back, only to appear a dozen feet to the left. I stared down at the broken [Gargoyle] from earlier, and bands of fear tightened around my throat. This was a Primeval Demon. It had been a Primeval Demon, just like me. But even down here, it was nothing.
I thought about a n to escape. The next time the Corrupted Netherstone attacked me, I could hop onto its back and ride it out of this ce. The pit in my stomach refused to close, and the prickling sensation of crawling ants over my skin never vanished. The pervading corruption left me uneasy. I shouldnt havee here. I should have
And I steeled myself.
No.
I whispered. My voice came a full secondter. I raised my head as my body wisped with Divine Essence. Not my Grand Skill that wasnt avable just yet. I clenched my jaw, eyeing the circling Corrupted Netherstone.
If I can use these Corrupted Netherstones to get out of here, then I have an exit strategy if things get bad. I am not going to run away without even seeing the secondyer!
I pointed at the Corrupted Netherstone and cried out.
Now,e at me! [Invoke Wrath]!
And I watched as the distorted figure froze. For a moment, the blurred kes of color coating its body flickered. Like it was battling against my Skill. Then there was a sh of light, and it charged at me, swinging down with its tendrils.
I deflected the attacks with my Divine Nebr Scythe before leaping up. I grabbed onto the Corrupted Netherstone as it shrieked, before slicing down at its tendrils. I ripped apart those appendages, then grabbed onto its back, redirecting it as it flew in a frenzy.
The Corrupted Netherstone tried to smash me against the floor and the walls, but I nimbly circled around its back. I managed to avoid being crushed as I barely guided its movements, leading me towards the arched gateway ahead. An unsettling sensation crept over my back as I fought back against the corruption.
We flew straight down into the secondyer as the Corrupted Netherstone began to regrow its tendrils. It struggled to throw me off, but I held on. Even as the walls changed around me. Even as the scene began to wrap and shift. Entire sections of the floor were missing, and nothingy below but empty space.
I watched as the corridor led down and leveled out, opening into a narrow tunnel. It wasnt an open chamber, but this was the secondyer. I heard a voice echo in my head warped and twisted as my eyes flickered.
Now Entering [L-ir: The H----a D-ma-n]
I grinned and raised my Divine Nebr Scythe high. I bared my teeth down at the Corrupted Netherstone as I aimed for its core.
Thanks for the ride! [Divine Strike]!
And I shed down. My Divine Nebr Scythe blurred, shing with gray mes, before shifting into an iridescent aura. It tried to swipe up at me with its tendrils, and I sheared through its core. But the Skill didnte to an end. It continued glimmering over my Divine Nebr Scythe, even as I leapt off the copsing Corrupted Netherstone.
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has leveled up!
[Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 1] -> [Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 128] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 129]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 129] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 130]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Alright.
I swept my gaze over the secondyer, looking at the corrupted tunnel.
Now, lets see what you have in store for me.
Chapter 538: Second Layer
Chapter 538: Second Layer
538. Second Layer
Now Entering [L-ir: The H----a D-ma-n]
I recalled the echoing voice in my head the words that resounded with a slight distortion as soon as I reached the bottom of the decline. This was still a tunnel. It wasnt a vast chamber that spread out in all directions. It was a simple pathway that only headed straight into the mist. I didnt know what waited for me beyond that white nket.
I wondered what this ce was. The voice in my head sounded like it was calling this ce a Lair. But whose Lair specifically I didnt know. I just knew that Belphegor had said that there were once thirteen protectors of the Netherworld, but now only the [Basilisk] remained.
It was entirely possible this Lair I wandered into belonged to the protector of the secondyer of the Netherworld. But it was more than likely that this Lair was just another Lair. After all, I had stumbled into that [Basilisk]s Lair at the very bottom of the firstyer, while the [Gargoyles] Lair were much higher up.
I shook my head. I wasnt going to decipher whatever this Lair was originally supposed to be. Most of it had been imed by the corruption. I looked down at my feet, seeing entire sections of the brick floor missing. Nothingness remained. And I carefully avoided stepping onto those puddles of nonexistence.
Lets see what you have in store for me, secondyer.
I whispered as I strode forward with my still-shimmering Divine Nebr Scythe. I was ready for any challenge. I was prepared to face whatever threat waited for me down here. And as I took my second step
I found myself standing upside down at the ceiling. I blinked. I didnt fall. My hair wasnt pulled to the ground. Somehow, I could walk up here, even without any magic. But I didnt mean to do this.
I had been transported up here by the distortions in space.
This
I pursed my lips. And I realized that my first real challenge in the secondyer was neither discovering what waited in this Lair, nor was it trying to fend off the Corrupted Netherstones. No it was none of that.
My first challenge down here in the secondyer was walking.
This is going to take a while.
I sighed, and I took another step forward.
Haec saw the shiftingndscape. He swept his gaze over his surroundings, watching as the world blurred beneath him. The flying carpet carried the four Archdemons away from the Demon Kings castle. The tall dark spires werent visible from this distance, but they were still here in Regnorexs Domain.
It was a vastnd. The borders of the Demon Kings kingdom spread further than even the undting mountains he had seen from the tallest tower. The Domain spanned thousands of miles whatever that meant. Haec wasnt entirely sure. He had learned these units of measurements while studying under the tutge of Magistra. And while she had exemplified the length of a few objects for him, he still wasnt sure how long a mile was.
Regardless, the Demon King ruled over a vast swathe ofnd. Haec looked down from high above, and he could see the various Lairs of the citizens dug deep into hills and valleys. There werent very many structures here like the Demon Kings castle. There were a handful of them scattered throughout, but they were usually small, indicating the presence of a Lair.
Haec found it odd. He didnt understand the necessity of it. Sure, everyone from Taburas to Regnorex had exined the logic behind it to him. But he still didnt get it. He survived wandering the Destion just fine with Salvos. As long as he had his leader, he thought it would be no issue whatsoever, no matter where he was.
He cared not for his location, but the location of those he cared about. And he wondered where Salvos was now.
Were arriving.
A voice broke him out of his stupor. Laxis gaze bore ahead. She nodded at the sea of milling figures waiting at the base of a valley filled with shattered rocks and debris between tworge mountain ranges, before ncing back.
Make sure you address Hartia with respect. The both of you.
She red at Taburas and Betrugil. The [Subus] just harrumphed, while the [Abraxas] shrugged. Laxi sighed, turning back to face Haec as the flying carpet began its descent.
A massive wall was erected in the middle of the valley, connecting the two vast mountain ranges together. It rose high into the sky reaching half the height of the surrounding mountains. It held back the destruction of Revtion. A blockade that kept back the swarms of wandering wild Demons. The cracked earth of the Netherworld came to a halt right before the wall, and streaks of pouringva sshed against the white rock.
But thisnd barrier didnt budge. It was made from the same stone that expanded throughout the Netherworld, and it still held strong. Haec stared at this construction, and he knew the reason why it was so powerful. He knew of its creator.
You know him, dont you?
Laxi asked, eyeing Haec.
Hartia?
Haec raised a brow. She just peered at him. Her look drew the envious gaze of Taburas, but the [Subus] said nothing. Not like Laxi paid it any mind. Slowly, Haec nodded, before looking back towards the border of the Demon Kings Domain.
I know Hartia. He is the one who found me.
It was the truth, but it was also a lie. Haecs eyes flickered to Taburas. The truth was, he had been found long before he officially joined the Demon Kings forces. The first time, he had been found by a Greater Demon called Lucerna. And it was only thanks to Salvos intervention, had he managed to escape being captured.
After that, he had met Taburas. She wasnt alone. There were two other Lesser Demons with her, but he killed them because they had attacked him. It was only then did he make his decision to join Regnorex. And that was when he encountered Hartia.
What is Hartia like?
Laxi prodded. Haec closed his eyes. He recalled that meeting it was so long ago. But it had been the first show of true power he had ever seen. He beheld it with both terror and awe. A memory that scarred his mind. He opened his mouth to respond, but the looming wall ahead shifted.
Taburas and Betrugil peered over the flying carpet. Laxis eyes narrowed. They all saw it the cause for this shaking. An army of wild Demons charged at the wall, mbering up its side as they howled and shrieked and roared. [Hellhounds], [Hellbeasts], and [Ararachnes]. So many of them, all concentrated into a single spot, seeking safety from Revtion, while pursuing destruction.
No legion of Demons stood waiting at the top of the wall for this frenzied charge. It was just a wall, unmanned and unguarded. Its only protectors were the ranks of Demons waiting at the other side of the wall with their weapons raised.
Haec just nodded at the rumbling wall.
Hartia is one thing alone he is neither kind nor merciless. He is neither quiet nor boisterous. He is a Demon of action. And he is incredibly powerful.
As the moring horde of wild Demons at the other side of the wall reached the very top, the entire wall shifted. Laxi leaned forward, frowning.
What is going on?
I-its happening. Hold me, Haec.
Taburas immediately clung onto Haecs side. He did not hold her. But he didnt push her away either. Betrugil stared with raised brows as the wall began to tilt forward. The wild Demons were pushed towards the ground as the entire earth shook.
Laxi gaped.
Is that wall falling over?
Yes.
Haec whispered softly. And the giant wall copsed. It crashed into the horde of wild Demons, crushing them as the wall shattered into dust and debris. A loud crash could be heard all the way from the flying carpet as a gust of wind nearly knocked Taburas back. She clung on to Haec, and the earth trembled.
Laxis tried to work her jaw. She watched as the army of waiting soldiers charged forward, pouring down the valley. They surged over the broken debris of the copsed wall, before finishing off the stragglers the surviving wild Demons. Haec heard their war cry as they ran across the fallen rubble, avoiding the cracks and crevices of Revtion, using the broken rock as a stepping stone of sorts to push through.
But how?
The [Baelis] finally gasped. Haec looked past the fighting he pointed a floating figure above the fighting. Laxi blinked. She barely saw it. He barely noticed it too. But he had sensed the familiar magic. And he spoke a name.
Hartia the Ruler of the Border.
Betrugil and Taburas nced over. They stared at the small figure they looked on even as Laxis eyes grew wide. The creature floated in the air, norger than the palm of Haecs hand. It radiated a dim gray glow, wisping with mes. ck skin and crimson wings, he slowly turned and faced the flying carpet.
Wee to the expanse. I have been expecting you.
[Unseelie Lord - Lvl. 185]
Chapter Salvos Book 1-9 have been stubbed for Amazon KU!
Chapter Salvos Book 1-9 have been stubbed for Amazon KU!
Just so you know, Salvos Books 1-9 have all been stubbed for Amazon KU as was announced weeks back. Now, you can only read Salvos Books 1-9 on Amazon. But if you''re an up to date reader, you don''t need to worry about this as long as you remain up to date.
Otherwise, if you want to support me and you have Kindle Unlimited, consider giving my Salvos books a download on KU as that will support me a lot. It will help me climb up the ranks, and if I do break Rank 1000 on Book 1, I will even post extra weekend chapters next week! All it needs is about 100 to 200 downloads to get there, so if you do have KU, give Salvos Book 1 a download : Curious Beginnings: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 1) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
And if you''re a reader who was catching up during the stubbening who wants to continue reading on KU, here are the links with the lists of chapters they contain:
Salvos Book 1 (Chapter 0-40): : Curious Beginnings: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 1) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 2 (Chapter 41-100): : A Demon''s Pride: An Isekai LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 2) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 3 (Chapter 101-168): : The gunds: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 3) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 4 (Chapter 169-245): : Primeval Knowledge: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 4) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 5 (Chapter 246-289): : Corruption and Centinels: A Monster Evolution LitRPG (Salvos, Book 5) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 6 (Chapter 290-345): Grand Skill: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 6) - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A.. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.
Salvos Book 7 (Chapter 346-389): Amazon: Wretched Insect: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 7) eBook : Lewis, V.A.: Kindle Store
Salvos Book 8 (Chapter 390-435): The Treasures of Alexander: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 8) - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A.. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.
Salvos Book 9 (Chapter 436-520): Hellprinces: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 9) - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A.. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.
Thanks for reading as always. And remember, if you have KU and download Salvos Book 1 or give it a buy so it reaches rank 1,000, I''ll post extra weekend chapters next week :)
Chapter 539: The Expanse
Chapter 539: The Expanse
539. The Expanse
The group of four Archdemonsnded soon after arriving at the border of the Demon Kings Domain. They followed a small flitting figure ahead a creature that was norger than Haecs fist. It looked small and unassuming, but despite appearances, Haec was well aware of the capabilities of that sparkling gray ball.
[Unseelie Lord - Lvl. 185]
It was Hartia the Ruler of the Border. He was the one who had found Haec and Taburas together. It had been a terrifying encounter, particrly for Haec. It was the first time he had witnessed such power. And even now, despite having grown so much stronger than before, he was amazed by the incredible strength of the [Unseelie Lord].
The entire valley shifted as rock and rubble flew up to the sky. Hartia raised his little hands, and a massive wall began to form ahead of the army of Demons. Large chunks of stone broke off from the mountain range, before shimmering as they were enchanted from the [Unseelie Lord]s magic. He crafted this barrier as the remnants of wild Demons were in, and the broken bits of rock covered theva and crevices from Revtion.
Even as the rest of the Netherworld was engulfed by this nar cmity, the Demon Kings Domain was expanded, all thanks to the magic of Hartia himself.
So this is the Expanse.
Laxi whispered. She swept her gaze reverently over thendscape. Rock and rubble piled up across the valley, forming a pathway that spread into Revtion, carpeting the path further out of the Demon Kings Domain.
Haecs eyes flickered. He watched as she shook her head, speaking as the carpetnded behind the army of Demons.
This is the first time Ive been here.
Seriously?
Taburas raised a curious brow. She eyed the [Baelis] with a frown.
How did you enter the Domain without crossing the Expanse?
I have served my whole life under my King. I was born here, in his Domain, and I always thought I would die here too.
Laxi answered simply, and Betrugil just snorted.
Congrattions. Youre going to die outside of the Domain to a bunch of wild Demons now.
She red back at him as he just shrugged back. Haec swept his gaze past them, looking towards the sea of soldiers ahead. There were tens of thousands of [Fiends], [Djinns], and other such Demons filling the Expanse. Maybe even hundreds of thousands of them. It was a sight Haec was familiar with. Even if the situation was different the armyrger, and the setting different he remembered what it was like to be grounded through this grueling deathtrap.
I cant believe were back.
Taburas whispered as she stepped next to Haec. He nced at her, before hopping off the carpet. He held a hand out, helping the [Subus] down too. She shook her head.
And the Expanse is more dangerous than ever. Those were wild Archdemons. So many of them. When we were here, there had barely been any of those out there.
Revtion has brought out the most terrifying Demons from hiding. I would not be surprised if even Primeval Demons will show up to the expanse too.
Haec spoke simply as his gaze flickered towards the [Unseelie Lord]. The four Archdemons strode forward, slowly approaching Hartia the Ruler of the Border. The little flying figureughed as he heard their conversation.
Now, now. Im sure that even worse things that Primeval Demons will show up if we push too far into the wilderness.
Hartia flitted forward, shaking his tiny head as the four Archdemons came to a halt. Haec furrowed his brows, and Laxi blinked. Betrugil just rolled his eyes.
So were definitely going to die, then. But instead of some big scary Primeval Demon killing us, itll be a big scary Primordial Demon, right?
Yep!
The cheerful response came from the [Unseelie Lord]. He was as casual as ever, just like Haec remembered. Laxi twisted her lips, trying to ignore that remark, instead changing the subject.
You spoke of this wilderness. What exactly is that?
The wilderness? Oh, its just what I call the rest of the Netherworld.
Hartia replied simply. He flitted down to the [Baelies] with a grin stered on his face.
Its where the wild Demons roam and die its everything outside of our kingdom. I just call it the wilderness because it is a fitting name. I mean, dont you think its fitting?
He asked as he drew closer, his voice barely audible amidst the mor of the smashing rocks and moring battle beyond. While the army of soldiers were mostly cutting down crushed and injured wild Demons, it still wasnt an easy fight. There could be wild Archdemons mixed amongst the rubble, surviving the copse of the wall and the burning of theva. And they were dangerous enough to wipe out hundreds of these lower-leveled [Fiends] before they were stopped.
In fact, Haec even heard the soft echo of sts in the distance. He saw a serpentine creature burrow out of the ground, hissing as it tore through a group of Greater Demons. It was an [Ouroboros]. It snarled as a flurry of magical spells and projectiles was unleashed upon it, and Hartia didnt even bat an eye.
He just let the army do the fighting. They took down the injured Archdemon after a few moments with theirbined spells, but not before it had wiped out a noticeable chunk of their numbers as well.
It made Haec purse his lips. After all, he very much remembered this cruel apathy from the Border Ruler.
So what happens if this something worse shows up?
Betrugil spoke up, frowning as he eyed the [Ouroboros] copsing in the distance. He shook his head and turned to the [Unseelie Lord].
Do we just roll over and die?
Pretty much.
Hartia nodded eagerly. Betrugil blinked. He straightened slightly.
Fair. I respect the honesty.
The gray sphere drifted forward, gesturing for the four Archdemons to follow. They did. Taburas stuck close to Haecs side as Betrugil trailed behind. Laxi was a step behind the [Unseelie Lord], but it was clear some of her previous resolve from earlier was now gone.
They strolled over the tumultuousndscape, walking over the corpses of dead wild Demons. Thousands of Demons stayed behind at the back of the army collecting the dead bodies left behind and piling them up into small mountains and hills off to the side of the valley. Laxi looked around with narrowed eyes, and Betrugil tilted his head. Laxi looked confused as well, but she tried not to let it show on her face.
Hartia just chuckled at their reactions.
The two of you have never been here to the Expanse before, have you?
I crossed through the Expanse when I arrived, but I have never been forced to prove my strength here.
Betrugil answered simply. Laxi just nodded.
I was one of the many overseers at the Enclosures, and I have been sent out during Destion with capture parties. However, I cannot say I have witnessed the activities carried out here at the Expanse during Revtion.
Hartia nodded as he flew past a pile of corpses.
Well, we are the Third Legion of the Expanse. Our job here is simple we expand. Thats it.
He just smiled. Betrugil and Laxi stared. Taburas shifted ufortably as Haec twisted his lips. The Border Ruler waved a hand dismissively.
The other Legions are dull. They dont dare to expand beyond their borders. They think its dangerous. But that is why you have been sent here. To grow our Kings Domain. To repel Revtion.
Haecs gaze darkened at this short speech. It brought back memories which hed rather not remember. Taburas tightened her grip around his forearm as they continued on. Laxi and Betrugil just exchanged a nce.
The [Baelis] was the one who nodded.
R-right. And we should just help out?
Hartia raised his head.
Honestly, I dont even know why you four are here. Those who are sent to the Expanse are typically lower-leveled Demons. This ce is a trial. It is a ce to train them it is a ce to build loyalty. You Archdemons are better suited elsewhere.
His eyes flickered. He eyed Haec curiously.
Especially you.
His words came out soft. Barely a whisper. But Haec heard it. And it was the same question Taburas had asked.
Haec had no reason to be here. But he still came. Even though he had served his time in the Expanse as a Greater Demon even though he was now the Heir of the Netherworld. After all, he needed to be here.
This was the first step. He wasnt going to stay here for long. He was going to leave this ce soon. And then, hed seek out his leader.
Hed seek out Salvos.
He just hoped she was waiting for him.
Ugh, this sucks.
I couldnt move. Well, I could move. But it was taking me forever to even take a single step. It was almost impossible to move around here in the secondyer. With each step I took, I ended up at apletely different spot.
I sighed as I copsed to the floor, before appearing stered on a wall. I stared at this corrupted space. And I just closed my eyes.
I want to go back.
Chapter 540: The Third Legion
Chapter 540: The Third Legion
540. The Third Legion
Betrugil was going to die here. Or at least, he was pretty sure he was going to die here. The Expanse was infamous amongst the denizens of the Demon Kings Domain for its incredible danger. And now, he was here at the Third Legion of the Expanse.
The Expanse was simply meant to be the main borders of the kingdom. There were a total of four legions guarding each cardinal direction Betrugil didnt really know what that meant, but apparently it was a convention that the Mortal Realm followed. Regardless, each of the legions tended to undertake defensive roles, protecting the Domain from wandering wild Demons.
But the Third Legion was different. It was led by Hartia the Ruler of the Border. And unlike the others who simply made it their goal to protect what was already there, the [Unseelie Lord] was determined to expand what was not yet imed. It was risky. It was dangerous. And Betrugil thought it was incredibly stupid.
However, he had no say here. The Demon King himself had ordered this to happen. And now, the Archdemon of Sloth had no other choice but to follow through with this mission. An idiotic mission. After all, he had to wade through the Expanse alongside the vast swathes of lower-leveled Demons gathered here.
He dragged his feet as he walked over the rubble. Considering his size as an [Abraxas], it was a rather annoying task to mber over theserge rocks. He was also just tired and bored. He saw a squirming [Hellhound] caught in the fallen debris, and he flicked a finger. The wild Demons neck twisted, before it went limp.
Betrugil yawned as a nearby pair of Greater Demons gaped at him. They pointed, whispering as he continued on.
What is an Archdemon doing here?
Is he new? I thought there were only six Archdemons here
He ignored them. This was the Expanse. Betrugil knew that the sight of an Archdemon was incredibly rare here. This was the ce where loyalty to the Demon King was built. This was where the weak went to die.
Arge majority of newly-recruited Demons from Advent were often ced in one of the four legions of the Expanse. They would either be forced to grow stronger or to perish here. However, while Betrugil passed through the Expanse to enter the Demon Kings Domain, he had never once been forced to work for the legions.
It was a simple reason, really. Betrugil had been an Archdemon when he had been discovered by the Demon Kings forces. That meant he was already powerful enough to be of immediate use. He was forced to undergo a loyalty test, and that was about it. Then with his special abilities, he was ced in charge of one of the many Enclosures.
That had been boring, but it suited the Archdemon of Sloth. All he had to do was guard these domes teeming with wild Demons. He wasnt even one of the Demons in charge of controlling and manipting them. It was an easy job. There were the asional cases of wild Demons breaking free from their control, trying to break free from these Enclosures. Betrugil was tasked with taking those down before they could cause too much damage.
He shook his head as he heard the earth rumbling. He saw the shaking of the nearby mountains, then he watched as rock and stone broke off to build a new wall ahead of the valley. This current task, while not that difficult for an Archdemon like him, was incredibly tedious, and he wished he could return to the Enclosures.
Or better yet, if I could be tasked with that Betrugil thought to himself as he nced back towards the piles of corpses far back. There wererge mounds of bodies that of both the dead wild Demons and dead members of the Third Legion.
He watched as a pair of winged [Fiends] descended from the sky and began to cast a spell. The piles of corpses began to levitate into the air as the winged Demons slowly drew back, transporting the bodies further back into the Demon Kings Domain.
Now that job was the most boring job in all of the kingdom. But it was necessary, and it was somehow the safest job out there. Betrugil wished he had the privilege of working that unfathomably boring but secure job. Unfortunately, Regnorex had other ns for him.
And now, the Archdemon of Sloth was trapped here at the Expanse, roped into this mission with three other fools who didnt care that they were all probably going to die here. Their job was simple, boring, but ridiculously dangerous.
They would have to wait before the [Unseelie Lord]s wall as a horde of wild Demons gathered at the other side. Then the wall would copse, crushing arge chunk of the wild Demons. The Third Legion would search the rubble, executing any wild Demon that survived as a new wall was built. The rubble acted as a carpet for the cracked crevices and theva spreading throughout the wilderness as a result of Revtion. They would slowly expand the Domain of the Demon King, bit by bit, little by little.
And they did this again.
Betrugil flicked a finger, bringing down a rampaging [Arachne].
And again.
He watched as a group of [Hellbeasts] were torn to shreds by a flurry of spells from the army.
And again.
The wall copsed, sending a terrible earthquake that rumbled far and wide. Betrugil shook his head, seeing the moring wild Demons lying amidst the fallen rubble. And as the dust settled, the Third Legion mindlessly charged forth.
We really are going to die here...
He murmured.
And they did this again.
Haec remembered what it was like to live through the Expanse. But that was back during the Cycle of Advent it had been throughout Destion, followed by Quietus. He had been forced to fight amongst the Third Legion under the Ruler of the Border. And the battles back then had been much harder than it was now.
Despite the fact that it was now Revtion when all the strongest wild Demons rose up from their Lairs he found this to be easy. He just followed along as the army marched forward, before ughtering wild Demons that were practically dead.
When he had been here as a mere Greater Demon, he had been forced to fend off hordes of wild Demons far above his level. The Third Legions numbers would quickly dwindle, before being restored by a new fresh group of arrivals. Haec had leveled greatly during his time here. It was where he had made a name for himself he had evolved from a Greater Demon to an Archdemon in such a short amount of time.
That was when he had finally been allowed to leave. Hartia himself had sent Haec away from the Expanse to be granted an audience with the Demon King. And during that time, there was a brief period when Haec waspletely alone.
You know, I only became an Archdemon because of you.
A voice spoke up, and he looked up from the dead [Hellwolf] at his feet. Haec stared at Taburas as she sauntered up to his side with a sweet smile on her face.
When Hartia sent you away, I was livid. I wanted to go with you. But they wouldnt let me. They said theyd only let me follow you if I became an Archdemon. So I did. I risked my life, charging straight into the wilderness, ughtering every wild Demon I coulde across. I nearly died so many times, but because it was for your sake, I didnt care. I knew that I would rather be dead than live without you.
The [Subus] hugged his arm as he stared at her. Haec nced up, watching as Hartias wall was rebuilt. This Expanse was vastly different from what he knew it was not the same danger he and Taburas had survived.
The Third Legion hadnt hidden behind the safety of a wall. Instead, they pushed out. Constantly battling against the rest of the Netherworld. It had been bloody and grueling. Perhaps Haec wouldnt have survived if he had been forced to undergo this chaos alone. But he hadnt been alone. There had been others with him. Others like Taburas.
He smiled kindly at her as he slowly drew back.
Thank you, Taburas.
Perhaps if not for her by his side, he would have died long ago. So he was grateful to her. Taburas smiled affectionately in return, but he stepped away from her. The two Archdemons continued slowly walking their way through the rubble as they spoke softly, even amidst the sounds of battle and explosion.
You have offered mepanionship when I was alone when I was forced to undertake our Kings trials. Because of you, I didnt have to survive all that on my own. So I am grateful to have had you there by my side.
Sometimes, Haec wondered why she went through such lengths to be with him. He recalled when they first met it was a chance encountered, and she had saved him as much as he saved her. She could have escaped. He would have freed her and let her live in the safety of Lucernas Lair. But she chose to follow him. And he didnt exactly understand why.
I am d I could be of use to you, Haec. I will follow you wherever you go, always.
Taburas just sidled up next to him. He closed his eyes. Unfortunately, he would soon have to leave her. For Salvos, he was going to leave the Demon Kings Domain.
It hurt him, knowing that he was going to be leaving Taburas alone. But he couldnt take her with him. Because by leaving, he would be hunted down. And in doing so, he would endanger her life too. That was why he couldnt bring her with him.
And he felt guilty about it. Certainly, Taburas wouldnt be happy about it. But he had no other choice. He would hurt her to protect her, but then she would survive. Haec eyed the [Subus] as he cocked her head back at him.
What are you thinking about, Haec?
Nothing.
He shook his head, before turning away from her. She stared at him, perplexed. And he looked down at the metal band wrapped around his right hand.
I am thinking about nothing.
First, he had to shatter this cor. Then he could finally be free again.
Chapter 541: Expanse Attack
Chapter 541: Expanse Attack
541. Expanse Attack
The wall rose, then fell, before rising and falling again and again and again. This cycle repeated itself numerous times. Haec simply strode forward, cutting down the weak wild Demons lying injured amidst the rubble. He hadnt even needed to strain himself for a single encounter. Even against what few Archdemons that had been caught in the copsing rocks.
None of them were even close to his level. He would just step on their broken necks, finishing them off with a dismissive nce. The nearby soldiers stared at him in awe and wonder. They pointed at him, whispering his name.
Some of them had heard of him. Those who hadnt, still knew of his Title. And it was why they were surprised to see him. It was beyond just reverie it was surprise. Shock. Confusion. After all, why would the Heir of the Netherworld himself return to the Expanse?
Certainly, they would have known he had already spent his time here at the Third Legion prior to the end of Advent. Haec had spoken to very many Demons, learning as much as he could about this Demon King, hoping that his hard work could lead him back to Salvos. And when he had squeezed out all usefulness he could from them, hed leave them behind, pursuing his goal.
Haec shook his head. It was necessity. He couldnt waste time on such frivolous activities, nor could he risk being dragged down by those who wouldnt aid or abet him in his journey. Everyone had their own goals. They would slow him down somehow.
Out of everyone Haec had ever met, only a single individual hadnt gotten in the way of his goal. He nced back, eyeing Taburas as she skipped after him. The [Subus] created a spear made of ash and flicked it at a copsed [Hellhound]. The earth ripped open, spraying dust and debris into the air as the nearby soldiers scattered and screamed.
Ever since they first met and Haec had saved her she had dedicated her life to following him. But as much as he enjoyed herpany, he would soon have to leave her too. He would have to leave everything behind to find Salvos
Haec?
A voice called out, breaking him out of his stupor. Haec blinked and looked up. He saw a familiar figure standing before him one of the few soldiers in the Third Legion who werent giving him a wide berth.
She had obsidian ck skin, and she was just as tall as he was. But unlike him, she had six arms on a thinner frame. Her four shimmering eyes blinked as she stepped forward.
[Fiend - Lvl. 108]
Haec? Is that you? Haec!
He just stared at her for a moment, processing this Archdemon. Haec hadnt expected there to be an Archdemon here other than himself, Laxi, Betrugil, or Taburas. But apparently, there was another.
She just strode up to him, beaming widely.
Its me, Haec! Do you not remember me? Taburas, you too!
Haec frowned, peering at her as she came to a halt right before him. He thought he recognized her. But she also didnt look like anyone he knew or at least, he didnt think so.
But someone recognized her. Taburas stared with wide eyes at the [Fiend], raising a wed finger.
Youre Aem? What are you still doing here?
Aem just grinned, taking a step back.
Are you surprised to see me?
Haec blinked a few times. His eyes went round as he looked Aem up and down. Finally, he took a step forward, grasping her by the shoulder.
Aem? As in that same Aem who almost got herself killed by Hartia?
He shook her head, leaning closer as she just nodded.
The little Lesser Demon who thought it was a good idea to disobey orders as soon as she arrived?
Thats me!
Aem smirked back. Haec just gaped. Taburas shifted her feet uneasily, eyeing the way he was staring at the [Fiend].
Honestly, when I heard that four Archdemons were going to join us here at the Expanse, I wondered who it couldve been. But I didnt expect it to be the two of you of all people.
Aem nced over at Taburas, nodding.
It has been a while, hasnt it?
Uh, it has. You also didnt answer my question.
Haec nced between the two of them, before shaking his head.
Taburas is right why are you still here? Did they not let you leave?
He pursed his lips as he looked back at Aem. She just shrugged.
Well, I left not long after Taburas did. I know she went above and beyond, bing an Archdemon just to follow you. But they let me go as soon as I became a Greater Demon, alongside Cordith and Jamin.
Then what happened?
Haec frowned, and Aem just waved one of her six hands dismissively.
Oh, nothing much. I joined the hunting parties, but I felt bad about it. So I returned to the Third Legion.
Taburas blinked. Haec paused. The two of them exchanged a confused nce as Aem chuckled.
You what?
Haec asked. Aem nodded.
Its surprising, right? I never thought Id return either. I was so d to leave! But then I thought about all the poor Lesser Demons forced into the Third Legion without someone to guide them. I had you guys, so I managed to survive just fine. But not everyone is that lucky. So I made the request to return.
Taburas tried to work her jaw. She just sighed and shook her head.
Thats absolutely idiotic. You were free from this misery. Why would you ever go back?
I just told you
Aem started, but the [Subus] spoke over her.
I know what you just said. I still think it is ridiculous.
Well, I agree. But I did it anyway. Maybe it was on an impulse I dont know. I can say I dont regret that decision at all.
Haec watched as Aem took a step back. She spread her arms wide, gesturing at the Expanse. In the distance, the wall began to rebuild itself as Hartia flew high overhead. Laxi struck down a lumbering [Hellbeast], while Betrugilzilyy atop a pile of rocks.
I may not have grown as quickly as either of you, but I have learned so much here. Not out there in the wilderness, and certainly not within the bounds of the kingdom. Only here, in the Expanse, did I truly be me. So that is why I will not leave even if I could.
Aem finished, turning back to face Haec. He slowly nodded, stopping Taburas from saying anything.
Thats still st
I see. I think it is admirable, Aem. But where is Lacrithus? And what about Solis? You never mentioned them.
Oh them.
Aems reaction made Haec raise a curious brow. She just shifted back, averting her gaze.
Lacrithus is, uh, dead. So is Solis.
Thats
Haec blinked. He just took a moment to process it, before saying the only thing he could in response.
Huh.
It wasnt unusual for those Haec knew to die. He saw death around him constantly. So it was no surprise to hear of their deaths. But it was still always jarring to find out that someone he had known and spoken to was now forever gone. Especially considering that he hadnt even seen the death himself.
He was only hearing it from Aem. Now he just knew he would never see either Lacrithus or Solis again. It was always a strange realization. But Haec brushed it off quickly enough.
I see. That is unfortunate to hear.
He lowered his head. All he could wonder was that if it were Salvos who had passed, how would he react? But no Haec refused to acknowledge such a possibility. Instead, he nodded at Aem.
I am d that at least you are still here.
Dont worry, Im not the only other Archdemon around. Theres Leos and Savilus. Theyre around somewhere. I honestly dont know what theyre up to at times. But they are around.
Taburas snorted, crossing her arms.
What? Are they here because they want to, too?
It was a rhetorical question. But Aem answered it as seriously as she could.
Oh, absolutely not. They hate it here. They were sent here as a punishment for trying to steal from one of the Enclosures no idea why they did what they did, but now theyre trapped here forever.
Aem swept her gaze over the Third Legion, eyes narrowed. She crossed all six of her arms with a frown.
I really do want to introduce you two to them but I dont see them around at all. I wonder where they could have gone
She trailed off. But Taburas just shrugged before pulling Haec into a hug.
I dont really care for others. Haec is all I need.
You really havent changed at all, have you?
Aem chuckled as Haec peeled the [Subus] off him. Smiling, Aem nced at the two of them.
But Im d to see that you managed to find him after all. You really were worried youd never see him again.
Taburas nodded, clinging tightly onto Haec.
Of course I dont know how Id live without Haec. I wouldnt even be alive without him. That is why I will never leave his side again.
He shifted ufortably at her words, knowing what he was nning. But he had to follow through with it. Taburas and Aem continued to chat as he eyed the shackle locked tightly onto his right arm. There was no way to escape or so they said.
This was the mark of the Demon King. There was no way to break through these metallic rings. And if any Demon tried to flee the kingdom, they would be tracked down with these artifacts. But Haec knew he could escape from his shackles. After all
He looked up at Taburas and Aem. He saw where their cors were located. Then he swept his gaze over the mass of soldiers all around him. They all had those metal rings locked on the very same ce. It was wrapped around their necks, with no way to remove them.
But Haec? His mark was locked onto his right arm. So once he found the right time to escape, all he had to do was cut off his arm. And then he was free to roam the wilderness, free from Regnorexs kingdom once more.
He just had to find the right opportunity to escape.
And it presented to him momentster. Taburas and Aem broke off from their discussion as a voice echoed in the distance. A muffled scream?
Heeeeeeelp!
What is that?
Haec narrowed his eyes, looking around the valley. He searched for the source of the voice, but he couldnt find it. The Third Legion paused as the voice continued to echo in the distance. Aem scratched the side of her head as even Hartia slowed in rebuilding the wall.
Please heeeeeeelp!
That voice isnt that Leos?
Aem frowned. Haec scanned his surroundings, before his gazended at his feet. He took a knee and ced a hand on the rubble below.
Itsing from underground from the crevices below?
Haec raised his head as he heard the voice screaming louder. And up ahead, the ground broke open. Aem blinked, watching as a winged [Fiend] take to the skies.
What is going on? Why was he down there?
She took a step forward. But Haec backed away. He had a bad feeling about what was going on, especially considering the bloodied state of Leos.
SAVE ME, PLEASE!
Leos screamed as all heads turned to face him. He flew higher and higher, reaching Hartia as the ground rumbled. The earth began to shake and Haec immediately grabbed Taburas before she could react. Aems eyes widened, and she hopped away a momentter.
The ground exploded. The earth ripped open as Haec leapt out of the way with Taburas in time. A giant figure exploded into the sky, snapping Leos from the air before he Hartia could even react. It reached above the wall. A giant mass of fur and muscle. Three heads, four legs. Itnded as it chomped on the winged [Fiend]s corpse, before sweeping its gaze over the Third Legion.
Oh no
Aem whispered. The nearby soldiers scattered, screaming in terror. Haec just stared at the giant creature as its shadowed figure turned in the dust cloud. It was a wild Demon, and it was on fire.
Literally on fire.
Haec blinked.
Huh.
[Cerberus of Hell - Lvl. 193]
Chapter 542: Fleeing and Fighting
Chapter 542: Fleeing and Fighting
542. Fleeing and Fighting
[Cerberus of Hell - Lvl. 193]
It was a wild Primeval Demon. It stood taller than the towering wall protecting the Demon Kings Domain. It had three heads, and it wore a coat of thin ck spikes. Its body was lit aze fire wisped off its fury as moltenva dripped off its feet.
The [Cerberus of Hell] emerged from the ground below. It had ripped through the rubble, wing its way back up to the surface. Where could it havee from? For a moment, Haec thought it had to have dug a tunnel beneath the earth. But when he looked down, all he saw was red.
He stared past the carpet of debris. The earth was cracked open a spiderweb of crevices tore their way through the Netherworld, revealing the crimson glow of magma. Haec blinked for a moment, before he finally realized where this Primeval Demon hade from.
It must have swam through the river ofva to get here. It didnt need to cross the wall, because it simply went under it. But why was this [Cerberus of Hell] here? What led it to the other side of the border? Haec didnt know.
He just looked on as the wild Primeval Demon swept its fiery gaze across the Third Legion. For a moment, it didnt react. It just eyed the swarm of soldiers gathered around the valley. They looked back at it with wide eyes. Even Haec didnt move. And he thought he saw a hint of intelligence in the [Cerberus of Hell]s eyes.
But before he could get a word out, someone screamed.
Kill it!
And a volley of spells shot out at the wild Primeval Demon. ming arrows and bolts of lightning struck its burning side. It reeled, before letting out a guttural howl. The earth cracked from the ear-piercing screech, and a shockwave boomed out. Haec winced and covered his ears. But the lower-leveled soldiers recoiled from it.
Lesser Demons copsed to the ground, screaming in pain, while Greater Demons dropped to a knee, barely taking the brunt of the shockwave. Their onught of attacks slowed, and the [Cerberus of Hell] opened its mouth, unleashing a wave of ck mes into the valley.
The attack came from all three heads of the wild Primeval Demon. It swept its st of ck mes across the Third Legion, incinerating thousands of soldiers all at once. Haec watched as the wall of death approached him and gritted his teeth.
He grabbed Taburas once again, hopping over the streak of ck mes. While they were still mid-air, the [Subus] conjured a volley of ashen spears. The attacknced out and struck one of the three heads of the wild Primeval Demon.
Haded, quickly cing Taburas down, before picking up arge boulder. It was about ten times his size, and he tossed it at the [Cerberus of Hell] like it was a mere pebble. It smashed into the wild Primeval Demons mouth, cutting off its deluge of ck mes, giving the Third Legion a moment of respite.
The [Cerberus of Hell] roared and cast its gaze towards Haec. He clenched a fist, standing protectively over Taburas. Nothing either of them could throw at the wild Primeval Demon could hurt it. They were Archdemons meanwhile, it was nearly a Primordial Demon.
Maybe if Haec used his Grand Skill he could harm it just a little bit
But then a volley of rocks crashed into the back of the wild Primeval Demon. It recoiled, and another avnche of boulders fell upon it. Haec narrowed his eyes, hearing the cheering of the Third Legion. He watched as bits of debris flew up to the sky, hovering over a glowing gray dot overhead.
Thats
He stared for a moment. And Haec heard the cheers.
Hartia!
The Ruler of the Border!
With the [Unseelie Lord] on our side, even this [Cerberus of Hell] is nothing!
The Third Legion roared, emboldened by their leader. They poured forward, continuing their onught of attack against the wild Primeval Demon. Haec looked on as the [Cerberus of Hell] was inundated by salvo of spells from all sides.
He looked on as soldiers of all shapes and sizes raced around him. He caught a glimpse of Aem shouting amidst the crowd. He saw Laxi flying up and circling the wild Primeval Demon on her magic carpet. All the while, Hartia continued to bombard the wild Primeval Demon with his magically enhanced boulders.
What do we do, Haec?
Taburas asked, taking a step next to the Heir of the Netherworld. He narrowed his eyes as he took in this scene. He looked back down at his right arm, seeing the glint of the metal band on his wrist.
And Haec realized he might have found his opportunity to escape.
Leos, that idiot!
Savilus cursed as he sprinted around the [Cerberus of Hell]. He raised a hand, unleashing a st of blue mes at the wild Primeval Demon. Even though he was an Archdemon a Level 110 [Fiend] who could easily content with any wild Demon 5 levels above him he was nothing more than a pest in the face of such a terrible beast.
He shook his head as his spell left no marks on the wild Primeval Demons fur.
I shouldve known he was going to try to escape without me and hepletely botched it!
While Savilus and Leos only met each other here in the Third Legion, they both realized they had the same motives they wanted to get out of this stupid kingdom. This entire ordeal with the Demon King was pointless. They had discerned as much long ago. The only thing that mattered here in the Netherworld was their survival.
And they knew they would die here in the Expanse. So Savilus hade up with a n. It would require both of them to time it just right to slip away below the debris, navigating through the cracks and crevices to safety.
But they had to do it while Hartia was distracted. Not only that, they had to ensure it was when there was a massive battle when the wall was besieged by a flock of Archdemons or even a Primeval Demon. The wall would be destroyed, and the entire Third Legion would be thrown into disarray. At that point in time, both Savilus and Leos could slip away safely. After all, there would be no wild Demons roaming the cracks. They would all be drawn to therge battle.
Unfortunately, Leos must have decided that he was tired of waiting. Instead of sticking to the n, he had gone off on his own when there was a lull inbat. And that was his great mistake he encountered the [Cerberus of Hell] while fleeing, and now he led it back here.
Savilus came to a halt right by the border wall. He had his back pressed up against it as he watched the [Cerberus of Hell] continue its rampage against the Third Legion.
I am not fighting that.
He got down on one knee and began digging up the rubble at his feet. He grinned, quietly remarking to himself as the battle continued to rage on ahead.
Well, Leos may be an utter moron, but at least his death wont be in vain. This is the perfect opportunity to escape
Savilus stepped back as he unearthed arge crevice with a river ofva running through the bottom. He nodded at himself, satisfied.
Now then, time to get out of this damn
And he heard a roar. Savilus blinked as he looked up, looking on with wide eyes as a streak of ck mes shot towards him. He couldnt react in time. He tried to brace himself for the st, closing his eyes. But he wasnt incinerated to ashes.
The ck mes struck the wall behind him. The earth shook as the st tore through Hartias border. Savilus paused, keeping his eyes closed for a moment, not realizing he was still alive. Until, finally, he looked down at himself.
Im alive?
Savilus patted himself in disbelief. His mouth hung open as he realized the st of ck mes had missed him. He cheered,ughing madly at himself as he dropped to his knees.
Im alive! Im
He started. And then he heard the rumbling crack. He paused as a shadow loomed over him. Savilus looked up with a frown, before his hands drooped down to his sides. The massive border wall began to copse over him.
Oh no
He whispered. And a momentter, he was crushed under the weight of a mountain as the rubble and rock of the towering wall fell upon him.
Dammit!
Hartia nced back towards his wall, watching as it prematurely copsed all thanks to the wild Primeval Demons mes. It crushed the surrounding soldiers and killed the nearby wild Demons too. But the wall hadnt been up for long.
Normally, the Ruler of the Border would let the moring wild Demons out in the wilderness umte by the wall. And when the wall copsed, there would be no wild Demons nearby to swarm into the Expanse. However, since there hadnt been very many wild Demons gathered just yet, it meant that the horde of oing wild Demons could simply pour in freely.
He heard the roars the howls and the growls. Hartia watched as the swarm of wild Demons charged over the wreckage of the wall. They assailed the soldiers of the Third Legion from behind, interrupting their barrage of spells.
Wild Demons too
Hartia pursed his lips before he looked back towards the [Cerberus of Hell]. The wild Primeval Demon continued tearing its way through the Third Legion. It swiped down with a w, sending hundreds of soldiers flying into the air. And it whipped down with its tail, crushing both wild Demons and soldiers alike.
It didnt discriminate. It destroyed everything. And nothing Hartia threw at it could slow its rampage. It was stronger than him not just by a little bit too. This [Cerberus of Hell] had to have had a ss that was above Level 190 too. Otherwise, there was no exnation as to why it could withstand all of the [Unseelie Lord]s attacks without flinching.
He zipped back, barely avoiding a pir of ck mes that erupted into the air. He raised a hand as the fallen rubble of his wall floated above him. The flying rocks shed into one another, forming a giant meteor the size of a small mountain. Hartia screamed as he hurled the massive boulder down at the wild Primeval Demon.
The [Cerberus of Hell] looked up just in time for the massive boulder smashed against it, shattering into millions of pieces. The attack had beenrger than the wild Primeval Demon. But it wasnt enough.
Hartia watched as the [Cerberus of Hell] copsed for a moment the mes coating its fur snuffed out. And its eyes snapped open. It raised its three heads, howling as another shockwave exploded out, knocking down soldiers and wild Demons alike.
The Ruler of the Border saw this show of strength he looked on as the wild Primeval Demon continued to tear through the Third Legion. Every spell flung its way all the projectiles thrown at it none of it mattered. The [Cerberus of Hell] took it all in stride.
And Hartia gritted his teeth. Even his strongest Skills couldnt harm it. Perhaps if he used his Grand Skills but that was too risky. There had to be another course of action here. So he made his decision.
There is only one way to deal with this mess.
Hartia shook his head and turned around. He cupped his tiny hands over his mouth, yelling for all the Third Legion to hear.
Retreat!
His voice reverberated throughout the valley. And before his soldiers could process what he had just said, the Ruler of the Border quickly fled the scene, zipping into the distance.
Chapter 543: Falling
Chapter 543: Falling
543. Falling
Haec! What are you doing?
Taburas cried out, running after Haec as he continued forward. He nced back at the [Subus] and shook his head. Even after he warned her twice against following him now, she still pressed on. And it irritated him.
He raised a hand, stopping her from taking another step forward.
This is too dangerous for you, Taburas. Get back.
But if its too dangerous for me, why are you running straight at it? Its Level 193 what are you going to do against it? What can you even do against it?
Taburas protested as she grabbed onto his arm. Haec pursed his lips, looking at her pleading gaze. He hesitated. He wasnt sure what there was to say. He took a step back as she blinked, and he slowly pulled away from her.
Im going to do what I can, Taburas. But I dont want you to get hurt. Please listen to me. Just get out of here.
The [Subus] blinked. She opened her mouth, but Haec spoke over her.
I can handle myself, Taburas. And Im simply going to offer aid to Hartia the Ruler of the Border. He will need my help to bring down that [Cerberus].
Haec eyed the wild Primeval Demon as it let out a terrible roar. It unleashed its ck mes towards the edge of the Expanse, incinerating a thousand soldiers before bringing down the border wall.
The ground shook. A tremor nearly knocked Taburas off bnce. Haec steadied her, eyeing the dust and debris shooting into the air. He gritted his teeth. This was his chance. There was no better moment to escape the Domain of the Demon King other than right now. He had to act.
He watched as a swarm of wild Demons poured in, assailing the Third Legion from behind. And he turned back to Taburas. She gave him a worried look, and he sighed.
But Haec
She started. But Haec continued.
Its a Primeval Demon. Its nearly 50 levels above me its over 50 levels above you. I dont want you to get hurt. Please just run.
If Im going to be running, we should be doing it together.
She tightened a fist. Haec raised his head towards Hartia. The Ruler of the Border flew high in the sky, continuing his onught of attacks against the [Cerberus of Hell].
Im sorry, Taburas.
Haec closed his eyes as he lowered his head. He turned away from the [Subus], whispering softly.
Please, just trust me. Ill catch up to you soon.
Was it a lie? Perhaps it was. But Haec knew he had no other choice. He had to leave Taburas behind if he really wanted to track down Salvos. He nced back fractionally.
I care about you, Taburas. I dont want you to get hurt. Do this for me.
He stared deep into the eyes of Taburas. She shifted back, eyes growing wide. The [Subus] averted her gaze for a moment.
I
But before she could make a decision, the ground shook. A voice resounded, echoing throughout the valley. Haec blinked and looked up as he heard the loud cry in the distance. It made the entire Third Legion freeze in fear. It made Taburas lock up with wide eyes. It took everyone by surprise. Whether it was Laxi or Betrugil or even Aem.
And it was just a single word. But it came from the only person who mattered.
Retreat!
Hartia the Ruler of the Border yelled as he zipped away from the [Cerberus of Hell]. He was a Level 185 [Unseelie Lord]. He was the Primeval Demon in charge of this section of the Expanse. Haec had seen him carry out very many great acts and feats over Advent.
But this was the first time Haec had ever seen Hartia flee. Fly away and scream to retreat. It made no sense to Haec. The [Cerberus of Hell] hadnt even gotten close to harming the [Unseelie Lord]. And yet, Hartia had called for a retreat.
It didnt matter if they were winning or if they were losing. The fact that their leader had left them behind meant only one thing pandemonium broke out.
And everyone began to flee.
Laxi stared. She didnt get it. Why was Hartia the Ruler of the Border fleeing? She stood atop her flying carpet,pletely dumbstruck, even as she circled the [Cerberus of Hell].
She tried to work her jaw.
Why is he leaving? He is supposed to be the Ruler of the Border
But the Third Legion broke out of their stupor. Laxi watched as the swarm of soldiers began to break off and flee. They screamed and shouted far below as she could only look on with wide eyes.
Run!
Get out of here!
Were all going to die!
Tens of thousands of soldiers started sprinting all at once, fleeing from the wild Primeval Demon. They escaped down the valley and gave chase to their leader. But Hartia the Ruler of the Border was already long gone.
The [Cerberus of Hell] howled, sending another shockwave out that nearly knocked Laxi off her flying carpet. She steadied herself, gritting her teeth. But the other winged Demons werent so lucky, being sent crashing into the ground. Even the oing wave of wild Demons were slowed by this st of air.
There were hundreds and thousands of soldiers in total, and they were all finally beginning to process what was going on. Once enough of them had broken formation, they scattered. A few thousand tried to stay and fight back, but they couldnt even hold off the weaker wild Demons, let alone the [Cerberus of Hell].
Laxi clenched a fist as this scene unfurled. This was ridiculous! This was against everything she stood for! The Demon King would never stand for this cowardice! She flew forward, shouting as she tried to rouse the Third Legion.
Do not retreat! We cannot run! If we do, the Expanse will fall!
But her voice fell on deaf ears. Laxi screamed, and the fleeing soldiers refused to slow. She cursed as she tried to garner whatever support she could.
We cannot let the Expanse fall! We cannot abandon our duties! We cannot
And Laxi paused when she saw a shadow loom over her. A towering darkness that stood far above her flying carpet. She blinked as she looked up, seeing a terrible maw hovering right before her. The [Cerberus of Hell] stared at the Archdemon, and she gulped.
No
But before she could even finish getting the words out, the wild Primeval Demon chomped. And nothing remained.
Haec wasnt sure what he could do now. The Third Legion was consumed by pure chaos soldiers were fleeing in every direction, and wild Demons rapidly approaching in the distance. The [Cerberus of Hell] took a step back as it swept its three heads over the valley. Everywhere it looked, it saw enemies. And it unleashed its ck mes in all directions, incinerating thousands by the passing moments.
The opportunity to escape was gone. Ruined because of Hartias cowardice. Haec nced back at Taburas as she tugged at his arm.
We need to go, Haec! Theres no point fighting that wild Primeval Demon anymore!
He hesitated. He thought he would be able to fake his death. But now, he couldnt even make it past the fallen wall anymore. There were too many wild Demons swarming towards them. It would practically be suicide.
Haec shook his head as he took a step back.
You are right, Taburas. Let us go.
He knew he could escape from the Expanse some other time. But his focus now should be surviving escaping from this battle unscathed. He heard the shouts all around him. He caught a brief glimpse of Aem as she yelled something in the distance. He was pretty sure he even saw Betrugil sprinting over the heads of a group of soldiers to evacuate from this ce.
Haec turned around then paused. His brows snapped together as he sensed it. Taburas blinked, looking at him in confusion.
Haec? What are you
And his [Dangersense] red in his head. Haecs eyes darted back towards the [Cerberus of Hell] as it reeled, raising its ws high in the sky. A ck aura overcame its ws as it cast its gaze towards the ground.
Oh no. Get back, Taburas!
Haec yelled as he grabbed the [Subus]. She blinked, and he activated a Skill. There was a sh of a white aura around them as the [Cerberus of Hell] smashed its ws down, shattering the earth.
The ground exploded as a translucent barrier protected both Haec and Taburas. The nearby rubble carpeting the earth was cleanly swept away as thousands of crevices tore their way through the valley, ripping apart the nearby hills.
The mountainside cracked open with a thunderous crackle, and a gaping hole opened up beneath the two Archdemons feet. The aura rippled from the shockwave before they fell into the darkness as a crimson glow waited for them below. And alongside them, tens of thousands of screaming soldiers fell into oblivion.
Chapter 544: River of Lava
Chapter 544: River of Lava
544. River of Lava
Betrugil stumbled back as the [Cerberus of Hell] howled. A powerful shockwave rippled over the valley, knocking him back. He was small. He was nimble. But he wasnt sturdy. He was an [Abraxas]. And he wasnt even a Primeval Demon.
He was quite literally 50 levels below the [Cerberus of Hell]. He was almost entirely certain he would be incinerated by its ck mes if it even got close to him. He knew better than to try and fight it. In fact, he wholly agreed with Hartias decision to call for a retreat.
Unfortunately, Betrugil hadnt been fast enough to escape the Expanse in time. He had been literally jumping on heads just to get out of there, but the [Cerberus of Hell] decided to smash the ground open with a powerful Skill. Or was it a Grand Skill?
Betrugil didnt know. He didnt have a Grand Skill. He was no Duke nor Duchess of the Netherworld. He was a mere Archdemon he never had much potential. And that was probably why he was sent here on this death sentence.
He closed his eyes as the earth cracked open. Fortunately for him, he was rather fast, so he managed to escape the brunt of the shockwave. If he had been closer, he might have been badly injured from the st. But standing at where he was, he was simply sucked into the broken earth.
Multiple massive crevices tore through the valley, exacerbating the destruction of Revtion here beyond the Demon Kings Domain. Betrugil tumbled through the air as he nced back at the [Cerberus of Hell]. It raised its three heads as its eyes shed.
And as Betrugil fell down the cracks towards a crimson glow, he watched as a wave of ck mes engulfed everything above. He heard the screams of pain and he heard the cries of terror.
Perhaps he should have been d he was falling down here into theva.
His eyes flickered as he saw the other falling soldiers screaming as they copsed into the molten red liquid. He closed his eyes, spreading his arms wide as he embraced his death. He waited for the warm hug of death.
And he crashed into the river ofva at the bottom of the crevice. He waited for his escape. His skin burned, and a searing hot pain overcame his body. His body was lit aze as his body sank into the molten rocks, before floating back up.
Betrugil blinked.
...is that it?
He continued floating down the river ofva as the rain of Demons around him didnt stop. They fell straight to their deaths as he continued staring up at the belly of the [Cerberus of Hell] below. It continued on down the valley, giving chase to the fleeing Third Legion.
Betrugil frowned.
Well, its kind of hot.
He didnt move. He just continued floating past the charred bodies of crying soldiers. And it was not just them. Wild Demons flew down from the sky as well, whimpering as they burned in the river ofva.
Betrugil sighed. And then he leapt into the air as his ass burned.
Ok, ouch, its getting too hot
Haec tightly clung onto Taburas as the two of them fell into the bottom of the river ofva. The white barrier protected the two of them as theynded on the molten hot surface. They didnt sink, even as the nearby soldiers of the Third Legion fell to their deaths. Many of them had been instantly killed from the explosion. Others had been badly injured, but quickly burned to death in theva below.
Thanks to Haecs Skill, both Archdemons managed to survive the st and the fallpletely unscathed. Taburas panted as she swept her gaze around their surroundings.
What was that? Where are we?
She asked with wide eyes. Haec just kept his gaze raised, eyeing the passing [Cerberus of Hell]. It continued on its rampage, but it never once paid attention to those who had fallen into the crevices.
He sighed in relief before finally replying to the [Subus].
These are the cracks of Revtion. Well be safe from it down here. Dont worry about the [Cerberus of Hell]. We should be more worried about what awaits us below the surface.
R-right.
She nodded slowly as he nced over the crevice. Haec narrowed his eyes, finally taking in his surroundings. He was floating here in this river ofva, protected by his white bubble. He shook his head as they continued to float down, away from the Demon Kings Domain.
Taburas realized this. Her lips tightened into a thin line as the two of them streamed down a narrow passageway.
We need to find our way back, Haec. If we stray too far, well be hunted down by the Deathsquad Hunters.
Haecs eyes flickered towards the [Subus]. He opened his mouth, then he caught himself. He heard the [Cerberus of Hell]s howl in the distance. But he steeled himself.
This was his chance. It was his opportunity to escape from Regnorexs kingdom. He even had an excuse the Expanse was destroyed by a wild Primeval Demon. He had an excuse if he was caught fleeing.
But what about His gazended back on Taburas. She shifted ufortably as the two of them continued floating past the burnt corpses of thousands of Demons. The [Subus] looked back at him hesitantly.
Haec? What do we do?
I
He wasnt sure what to say. He couldnt leave Taburas alone here, but she couldnt follow him. Unlike the Heir of the Netherworld, she had her cor around her neck. There was no way to remove it unlike the metal band on his armor.
Haec knew how he could escape from the Deathsquad Hunters. All he needed to do was slice off his arm, and he was in the clear. But the only thing Taburas could do to remove her cor was by slicing off her neck.
And then shed die.
He couldnt let her do that. Haec cared for Taburas. She wasnt Salvos, but she was someone hed known for a long time. The [Subus] was important to him. But he couldnt bring her with him. He closed his eyes.
He tried toe up with an answer, but he heard a scream.
Haec narrowed his eyes as he nced down the river ofva. Taburas blinked and took a step forward. She whispered.
That voice
The screaming continued. He recognized it. He nced back at Taburas as she nodded. Haec spoke a name.
Thats Aem!
And the two of them moved.
Aem screamed as she was thrown against the rock wall. Her burning body flopped over the stone,nding on a small beach. She groaned as she raised her head, and her vision blurred. The [Cerberus of Hell]s st had broken both her legs before she fell into theva. She had been trying to swim her way out of the molten river towards a nearby beach, before something had attacked her from beneath.
It ragdolled her for a moment, then sent her flying into the rock wall. Now, she was burning, bloodied, and her legs were broken. She gasped as she eyed the undting creature rise from theva.
It was an [Ouroboros]. A Level 103 Archdemon. It towered over her as it hissed dangerously, shing rows and rows of sharp teeth.
Aem tried to raise one of her six hands, but she could barely muster up any strength to even move. All she could do was stare at the wild Demon close in on her. She moved her mouth, whispering for no one to hear.
H-help
She closed her eyes, flinching. The [Ouroboros] whipped down at her. She waited. She thought she was going to die here below the crevice. But her death never came.
Aem blinked her eyes open as her vision began to return. Her body was still burning. Her legs still refused to move. But the [Ouroboros] hade to a halt right before her. She stared, before her eyes went round.
A crimson figure stood before the wild Archdemon. A tall hulking man who Aem recognized. She stared at the ck hair with yellow stripes, before gasping.
Haec?
Aem. Are you alright?
He nced back at her as he held the [Ouroboros] back. She looked at him, before raising a weak hand.
Where did you?
Dont force yourself.
Another voice piped up. A blue-skinned figure appeared next to Aem as she blinked. She recognized the [Subus] in an instant.
T-Taburas?
Stay calm. I can only heal your burns.
Taburas ran a hand over Aem, wiping the mes off her burning body. Aem winced as a searing pain overcame her body. But a momentter, a sense of relief washed over her. A soothing feel hugged her arms and legs as the fire was extinguished from her body.
The burn marks closed, and her eyes flickered back towards Taburas. The [Subus] took a step back as Aem just looked on, unable to muster up any words. Her legs were still broken. Most of the cuts on her body remained. But as Taburas had said, her burns were gone.
The [Ouroboros] roared as Haec took a step forward. Aem looked on in awe as he lifted the wild Archdemon out of the river ofva. He held it high in the air, and it thrashed in his arms. He grinned, before finally tearing it in half in a single motion.
ck blood rained overhead as Aem could only stare at his back. He was the Heir of the Netherworld. An Archdemon on the precipice of evolution. A smile slipped onto her face as she whispered.
T-thank
And she passed out.
Chapter 545: Lost For a While
Chapter 545: Lost For a While
545. Lost For a While
How is she?
Haec asked as he strode away from the corpse of the [Ouroboros]. He stood on solid ground no longer atop the river ofva. He walked on the strange gray rocks. Like they had been shattered and ground to dust, before piling up at his feet like little grains.
He shook his head, focusing his gaze on Aem. She was lying on the ground as she bled from multiple cut wounds from the wild Archdemons attack. Not only that, but her legs were bent backwards probably from the [Cerberus of Hell]s powerful st.
The fact that she was still alive caught Haec by surprise. But he was d to see her now. It gave him an excuse to leave Taburas behind. If the [Subus] was with Aem, hed be able to rest well knowing that the two of them would likely make it back to the Demon Kings Domain just fine.
Taburas shrugged as she took a step back from the unconscious [Fiend].
Aem will probably live. But shell need a long [Rest] before shes able to fight again. Shes just dead weight as she is right now.
That doesnt mean we should leave her behind.
Haec replied simply, hefting Aem over his shoulders. The [Subus] scowled.
I didnt say that!
Then what were you implying?
He stared at Taburas with a frown. She shrank back, harrumphing.
Im stating facts. Aem cant help us in her current state. But Im not suggesting that we leave her here to die. Lets just go back already, alright?
The [Subus] raised her head, looking up at the open ceiling of the crevice. Haec followed her gaze, and all he saw was the scarred red sky above. A white rift tore through the heavens, and ck lightning shed high overhead, where he couldnt even see. He looked back down at Taburas as he sighed.
I dont believe we should return to the surface just yet. It is best for us toy low down here until we are certain the [Cerberus of Hell] is gone.
Are you sure?
Taburas asked hesitantly. She fidgeted as she adjusted the summoning cor on her neck.
What if the Deathsquad Hunters track us down for desertion?
I will handle it, Taburas. Do not worry.
Haec gave her a reassuring smile, but she didnt look convinced. He patted her on the shoulder and held her gaze.
I am the Heir of the Netherworld. I will exin our predicament to them. They will understand.
I
Taburas opened her mouth. Slowly, she smiled as she raised her head.
I trust you, Haec. Let us survive this, together.
Let us do that.
Haec replied as he turned around. And as he swept his gaze over his surroundings, he could only feel a slight pang of guilt. But still, he pressed on.
Nowe on.
It took Betrugil a while of swimming inva before he found his way onto a beach. He gasped in relief when he mbered onto the rocky gray shore. He snuffed out the mes by rolling on the ground for a few moments. Then he got to his feet, patting himself down.
Alright, now how do I get back?
He swept his gaze over his surroundings. This rocky shore stretched out in both directions down the crevice, before breaking off into another ravine cutting through to the left. The bubbling streak ofva poured down alongside this little sliver ofnd, and he pursed his lips.
Hm, I think I may bepletely lost.
Betrugil wasnt even sure which direction led back to the Demon Kings Domain. And even if he knew the way, he couldnt just walk there. He had to follow the path of the crevice. Which would have led him on a long roundabout journey if he picked the wrong ravine to follow. He sighed, lowering his head for a moment.
Then he heard a rumblinging from down the nearby ravine. His eyes narrowed as he raised his wed hands. A looming shadowed figure emerged down the corner. Eight spindly legs carried the beast along the walls of the crevice as it gazed upon him with glowing crimson eyes.
[Greater Arachne - Lvl. 85]
Betrugil rolled his eyes.
And its going to be dangerous too? Just great
He braced himself as the wild Demon charged his way.
Defeated [Greater Arachne
--
Betrugil wasnt sure how much time had passed since he fell into the crevice. He wanted to climb out to traverse the surface of Revtion above. But when he heard the asional echoes and screeches of the wild Demons above, he decided against that foolish decision.
He would rather stay down here, trekking the safe world ofva below. Well not so safe. The [Abraxas] leapt back as the pair of [Hellwolves] charged at him. They were in their Level 90s, so they werent too dangerous to him. But he was exhausted. After the battle against the [Cerberus of Hell] above, and now scouring these ravines and surviving theva, he just needed to [Rest].
Fighting swarm after swarm of lower-leveled Demons wasnt as dangerous as it waspletely tedious. He was pretty sure he had spent the same amount of time down at this point as he had spent at the Third Legion.
Betrugil had honestly considered just waiting in ce for the Deathsquad Hunters to arrive. Maybe theyd execute him on the spot but in the off chance that they listened to him, he would be able to exin his circumstances to them, and be extracted back to the kingdom without dying.
He sighed as he slumped over a rock wall next to the pair of dead [Hellwolves]. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to [Rest] his bloodied and burnt body. Hey there as his vision was engulfed in darkness, and he could hear the crackle of thunder high above.
He was an Archdemon of Sloth, but that didnt mean he waszy. He just valued the little things in life such as rxing after an arduous battle. Betrugil wasnt worried of being snuck up on during this moment of [Rest] since he trusted in his senses. He had survived the Netherworld for a long time, after all.
While he wouldve preferred hiding from Revtion in his Lair before it was discovered and destroyed by the Demon Kings soldiers he still had quite a lot of survival instincts that came from his long life. So he waited there, undisturbed for a while. Until he heard the soft sound of a set of approaching footfalls.
His eyes snapped open as he leapt to his feet. The [Abraxas] immediately tensed up, readying himself for battle. His eyes narrowed as he eyed the end of the crevice. The footsteps were too uniform and it approached him with a gradual pace, even if there were multiple of them.
It couldnt have been a wild Demons. They would move a lot more erratically. These footsteps sounded like they belonged to people. Which meant that the Deathsquad Hunters had finally found him. Now the question was if they were going to kill him on sight, or give him a chance to exin himself.
He saw the three shadowed figures approaching. He opened his mouth as they finally came into view, then he paused.
Wait, arent you Haec?
Betrugil stared at the crimson Demon walking out into view. Haec blinked back at the [Abraxas].
Betrugil? So you survived as well.
Well, survive is a strong word. Id say Ive survived so far. But Im surprised to see you down here. Im even more surprised to see youre alive too, Taburas.
The Archdemon of Sloth nodded at the [Subus] standing off to the side. Taburas scowled, crossing her arms.
Shut up, Betrugil. Unlike you, we arent hiding away in some crevice, scared of fighting our way out.
He shrugged in response.
Im just saying Laxi died, and I thought you would too, considering your level. If I were you, Id have taken that remark as apliment.
I dont give a shit
Taburas started, but Haec stopped her.
Thats enough, the two of you. Were on the same side. Were trying to escape this mess.
The Heir of the Netherworld spoke authoritatively. And the other Archdemon a [Fiend] with six arms at his side nodded in agreement.
Haec is right. If we squabble amongst ourselves, we arent going to survive our predicament. Were already tired and hurt
The [Fiend] shifted back ufortably. She winced with each step she took. Her legs were bloodied and injured like they had just recently healed. But she was still clearly hurt, and barely in any condition to fight. Betrugil raised a brow.
Who are you?
Im Aem. Im pleased to meet you.
She smiled back at him. He just nodded in response.
Im Betrugil. But theres no need for you to remember my name since were all going to die anyway.
Thats uh
Aem blinked, ncing at Betrugil, then looking back at Haec. Taburas just snorted.
Ignore the [Abraxas] hes an annoying little pest. We should just leave him alone if he really wants to die.
Im higher-leveled than you, you know?
Betrugil rolled his eyes. Taburas smirked, clinging onto Haec.
But theres three of us, and unlike you, were not just going to roll over and die at the first sign of trouble.
Honestly fair.
The [Abraxas] just nodded in agreement. Haec shook his head as he stepped forward.
Look, standing around here and arguing amongst ourselves wont get us anywhere. We need to work together if we want to live
Haec started. But a powerful explosion interrupted him. He spun around as the rock wall behind him smashed open. A giant undting figure burrowed out into the crevice, hissing as it towered over the four Archdemons.
Betrugil blinked as Haec, Taburas, and Aem stared in horror at the wild Demon.
[Uroboros - Lvl. 155]
I did tell you were all going to die.
Betrugil spoke simply, and the [Uroboros] hissed, charging down at them.
It had been so long. I had been lost down here for ages. I couldnt keep track of time without the sun and that was only exacerbated by the fact that thisyer of the Netherworld had been partially corrupted. It made it almost impossible to navigate. Even with [nar Navigation] and my other ss Skills, I was pretty much trapped in ce.
I was going to lose my mind down here. I couldnt even progress more than a few feet before my world was turned upside down. If I wanted to escape, I would have to wait in ce for a passing Corrupted Netherstone to hitch a ride.
But I refused to leave. I had already started my way down here, and I was going to keep going I was going to continue on until it was too dangerous for me to remain. And that was when I was going to try to make my escape.
So I persisted. Until finally
General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has leveled up!
[Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 2] -> [Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 3]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has leveled up!
[Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 4] -> [Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 5]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
General Skill [Corruption Navigation] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a General Skill!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 130] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 131]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 131] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 132]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 132] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 133]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Finally! Im free!
The notifications resounded in my head, and I took a step forward as I sighed in relief. I felt an odd sensation ovee me, but there was a flicker around my body. I wasnt teleported into another spot whether it be upside down on the ceiling or standing on the wall. Even as I continued walking forward in this hallway of corrupted space, the corruption didnt affect me.
Now then
I grinned as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe.
Lets see what this secondyer has to offer.
Chapter 546: Turning Tides
Chapter 546: Turning Tides
546. Turning Tides
The secondyer of the Netherworld.
I wondered what it held for me down in these depths below. It couldnt have been anything like the Netherworld I knew above. In fact the Netherworld I knew above was not what I thought it was. So I couldnt quite imagine what awaited me once I reached the end of this long passageway.
Perhaps the secondyer of the Netherworld could have held a vast ecosystem below. Maybe there were flowers and trees and all kinds of nts growing hidden from the crimson sky. There could have been apletely alienndscape waiting for me down here, with giant spikes jutting out of the earth, and a carpet of moss covering the rock floor.
Truth be told, I couldnt really imagine what would be waiting me down below. I had seen plenty of different things ever since I left the Netherworld and ended up in the Mortal Realm. From hulking artificial towers that reached higher than the clouds to deep ravines that dug deep beneath the ocean. But in spite of all that, I still thought that one of the most amazing things I had ever seen was a rock right after I was first born.
And that was mostly because of its novelty. I couldnt quiteprehend it. Not at first. Not when I was barely even cognizant of my surroundings.
So after seeing so many things throughout my life since then, it was hard to imagine something that could truly stand out. And maybe I was getting excited over nothing. It was entirely possible that what waited for me at the rest of the secondyer was nothing.
The corruption could have swallowed everything up, and this distorted hallway was all that was left. I mean when I looked down at the missing tiles, I saw nonexistence there. I couldnt even step onto that missing space if I wanted to. Whenever I raised my feet over that speckled spot of darkness, I felt like there was something blocking me.
But then that wouldnt exin why I wasnt alone down here. I saw a few broken pieces of [Gargoyles] lying around, and that was it. Belphegor was gone. He must have pressed further down the hallway without me. So there couldnt have been literally a void of nothingness lying ahead.
It was also possible that the secondyer was just onerge cavern. Honestly, that was the most likely option: it was probably a corrupted cavern withrge chunks missing from existence, no different than the hallway.
But I wanted to imagine that what waited for me down below was something amazing. Something incredible. So I hoped. I walked on with anticipation, reaching the end of the hallway. The dark passageway opened up into a bright chamber.
I took a step forward, entering this brand new domain. And I came to a halt, blinking.
Huh.
I slowly lowered my Divine Nebr Scythe. I just stared at what I saw before me. It was a tempest of corruption a curtain of distortion. But it was unlike anything I had ever seen before either.
The Corrupted Netherstone I encountered back in the Lair of the [Basilisk] was already different from what I had encountered in the Mortal Realm. The corruption that had encapsted the Cursed Boulder had been weak, and the same could be said for the Corrupted Ind.
The distortion of the corruption in the Mortal Realm had been fully opaque. Like whatever was afflicted with the corruption was simply being held in the center. Meanwhile, from what I had seen so far here in the Netherworld, the corruption was the object.
As in the Corrupted Netherstone was a mixture of both the corruption and the rocks of the Netherworld. Not opaque, but translucent and melded together. And that was why it was so much stronger than what I faced in the Mortal Realm.
But what I saw before me was nothing of the like. Not because it was different in terms of the corruption no, it was quite simr to the Corrupted Netherstone with how it was held together. However, the reason why I could only gape in shock was simple because this was my first time seeing a fully-corrupted creature.
[---- Hydra - Lvl. ----]
I stared at the remains of the Demon before me. It stood at the center of the chamber, its body king and desated. Parth of its scale-like skin had vanished, reced with rifts that peered into the abyss. It had five heads but only four necks. One of its heads was floating, connected by a thin string of corruption.
The Corrupted Hydra spread a pair of wings wide as I just looked on.
Huh.
And it roared.
[Uroboros - Lvl. 155]
The wild Primeval Demon charged. Itshed down at the four Archdemons as they stared in shock. Haec was the first to react. He leapt before the whipping body of the undting creature, crying out as he raised a fist.
[The Titans Strike]!
His fist shone with a ck aura before he struck the side of the [Uroboros]. The wild Primeval Demon reeled for a moment as the two of them shed. Haec leapt back, watching the attack explode into a pulse of energy. The shockwave shook the nearby rock walls, sending a ripple across the river ofva.
Both Betrugil and Aem just looked on as Haded. But Taburas was already moving. The moment she saw Haec leaping into action, she began to act.
The [Subus] conjured a pair of ashen chains from the ground, ensnaring the wild Primeval Demon. Haec nodded at her before ncing at the other two Archdemons. He yelled.
Run!
And the [Uroboros] ripped through the chains. The four Archdemons sped down the narrow crevice as the wild Primeval Demon gave chase. As an [Abraxas], Betrugil was the fastest of them all. He nced back only once to point past Haec, Taburas, and Aem.
Haecs eyes flickered. He watched as the air rippled around the wild Primeval Demon. The [Uroboros] flinched for a moment, its skin cutting open and pouring out ck blood, before continuing to barrel its way towards them with a terrible shriek. Whatever Betrugil tried clearly didnt work.
So the [Abraxas] turned tails and ran ahead. Haec and Taburas were close to his level, so they could keep up, even if he was faster than them. Unfortunately, as the lowest-leveled of the four of them, while also harboring a previous injury, Aem couldnt. She stumbled as she nced back with wide eyes, watching as the [Uroboros] drew closer with its massive maw.
Idiot get over here!
Taburas screamed as she flicked a wrist, creating an ashen tendril that grabbed the [Fiend] out of the way in the knick of time. The [Uroboros] crashed into the earth. Haec watched as it dug into the ground, vanishing before his very eyes. He slowed to a halt as Aem sighed in relief, held in the air by the ashen tendril.
T-thank you, Tab
Aem started. But the [Subus] raised a wed finger warily.
Quiet we dont know where the [Uroboros] has gone.
Haec narrowed his eyes, ncing around warily as he felt the vibrations of the earth. Even Betrugil had slowed down.
Where did it go?
The [Abraxas] asked. Haec pursed his lips, watching as the river ofva swayed and shook. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath.
And the ground exploded. The [Uroboros] emerged from the side wall, aiming straight from both Taburas and Aem. Both Archdemons blinked, and Haec moved. He mmed his foot on the ground and yelled.
[Pir of Despair]!
A column of stone shot up beneath the [Uroboros] before it could even reach the two Archdemons. The attack nced off the hard skin of the wild Primeval Demon, barely hurting it. But it wasnt actually an attack. It was a defensive barrier.
And Haec knew that it wouldnt have been enough to stop the charge of an enemy nearly 10 levels above him. So instead he opted to redirect the [Uroboros].
He watched as the wild Primeval Demon was knocked to the side while Taburas, Aem, and Betrugil unleashed whatever they could against it. The [Uroboros] vanished back into the earth as Haec pursed his lips. He backed up to the other three Archdemons as he stared at the massive hole left behind.
We cant escape. If we try to run, the [Uroboros] will
And before he could finish his sentence, the wild Primeval Demon shot up from beneath their feets. Fortunately, Betrugil reacted in time and he flicked his wrist. What felt like a gust of wind knocked Haec, Taburas, and Aem back, narrowly pulling them out of the way of the gaping maw of the [Uroboros].
Taburas cursed as she created a giant axe made of ash. She readied the weapon, watching as the wild Primeval Demon vanished into the river ofva. And momentster, the [Uroboros] reappeared.
This repeated again and again as either Haec somehow managed to redirect the wild Primeval Demons charge, or Betrugil used his magic to yank them out of the jaws of danger just in time. But they couldnt keep it up, and they knew it.
We need to find a way to escape!
Taburas shouted. She held onto Aem as Haec leapt into the air, punching the side of the [Uroboros]. The wild Primeval Demonshed back at him. The grazing blow sent Haec flying back down into the rock wall. He crashed into the stone as a crater formed at his back, but he pulled himself out a momentter as he groaned.
And the [Uroboros] disappeared into one of its previously-dug tunnel. Taburas cursed, taking a step back as her shoulders bled. She turned to Haec.
That [Uroboros] wont leave us alone. Were going to die here!
Taburas eximed. And Betrugil just snorted in response.
I told you.
Shut it
She spat at Betrugil. Aem just leant back against the rock wall as the [Abraxas] and the [Subus] quarreled even amidst the battle.
Just leave me.
Aem mustered up as she nodded at Haec. She offered him a weak smile, her wounds clearly showing on her bleeding body. Even as she had tried to fight back against the [Uroboros], she was far too low-leveled. The simple shockwave from the wild Primeval Demons attacks was enough to hurt her.
Im Im only slowing you down l-let me distract the [Uroboros].
Haec blinked, watching as she took in a deep breath and stepped forward. She steeled herself as both Betrugil and Taburas nced over her way, perplexed.
Let me help you guys out!
Aem eximed, but there was the clear hint of hesitation in her voice. Haec opened his mouth, before stopping himself. He looked over at Taburas and Betrugil both of whom were clearly considering this offer.
The ground began to shake once more as Aem wobbled, nearly falling over. Haec closed his eyes, realizing he had finally found his chance. He caught Aem as the rumbling approach of the [Uroboros] drew closer.
He raised his head and spoke simply.
No, Aem. You go. Ill hold the [Uroboros] off.
It was a simple deration. But it caught all three other Archdemonspletely off-guard. Especially Taburas who could only stare in shock at that.
What?
Chapter 547: Forced to Fight
Chapter 547: Forced to Fight
547. Forced to Fight
It was Haecs one and only chance.
He had no other opportunity to split himself up from the group. If he stayed with them, he wouldnt be able to flee from the Demon Kings Domain. The Deathsquad Hunters would find him hed endanger not just his life, but the lives of the three other Archdemons with him.
And he was certain that if they knew what he was nning, they wouldnt want to follow him. They had no reason to do that. It would only result in their deaths. So he took his chance. Before it was toote like with the [Cerberus of Hell], Haec moved to act.
Ill hold the [Uroboros] off.
He spoke simply as he strode forward. The ground shook as the wild Primeval Demon drew closer. He heard the gasp of Taburas. She could only stare at his back as he continued walking forward to meet the [Uroboros]. There were no words she could muster up.
It was Aem who opened her mouth to protest. But Betrugil interrupted her, instead flicking a wrist as both the [Fiend] and the [Subus] flew into the air. He ran forward as they floated after him because of his magic.
Well, you heard the man! Hes the one in charge, so lets get going!
Wait
Aem shouted. Taburas blinked, looking back between Betrugil and Haec. The [Subus] opened her mouth as she raised a hand. Her gaze was fixed on Haecs back.
Haec
Taburas opened her mouth, but Haec strode forward. He took in a deep breath and steeled himself. Once again, he felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest. But he knew this was the right decision. He was doing this to protect her.
And he needed to do this to get back to his leader.
So Haec turned his back on Taburas. Even as she tried to process what was happening. He nodded at her onest time, giving her a small smile.
I am sorry, Taburas. But I promise, we will meet again.
What?
She blinked. Haec knew he just had to say it. And then he faced the [Uroboros]. He heard its shriek. He saw its terrible maw open wide. Rows and rows of sharp teeth waited for him as the wild Primeval Demon opened its mouth.
Haec roared a challenge and stepped to the side. At the veryst moment, he swung up with his fist. A powerful impact knocked the [Uroboros] back, redirecting its attack as it crashed back into the ground.
When the dust and debris settled, Haec raised his head. Betrugil, Taburas, and Aem were gone. Now it was just him and the wild Primeval Demon. He shook his head as he took on a defensive stance.
The [Uroboros] had vanished. But it was still hunting him. Haec felt the ground rumbling as his eyes darted from the rock wall to the river ofva. He knew that he could be attacked from anywhere at any point in time. But he was still incredibly calm. Even though he had to face a wild Primeval Demon alone.
It was nearly 10 levels above him. And it was an entire evolution stronger than him. It should have been a massive threat to him. He should have been worried about this situation he was trapped in.
But even though Haec was alone, he wasnt afraid. He didnt think he would die. Not even for a moment.
The [Uroboros] exploded from the ground beneath him, and he leapt into the air. It gave chase as its long undting body rose from the ground, and hended a hard kick to the side of its face. Its skin tore open. ck blood sttered to the ground as it hissed.
Haded next to the wild Primeval Demons tail. He grabbed it, before smashing it against the edge of the crevice. The [Uroboros] screeched in pain before wiggling out of his grip. His eyes narrowed as it tried to whip the lower half of its body down at him, but he raised his arms.
A bright white light shed around him, creating a barrier that withstood the attack. He gritted his teeth and stood his ground. The [Uroboros] spun back around, digging into the cliffside as the barrier dissipated.
Haecs [Dangersense] never stopped ring. He knew the wild Primeval Demon was after him and only him. So he waited. And when it attacked, he countered with his own Skills.
This was why Haec had apologized to Taburas. Even more so than for leaving her, he was apologizing for lying to her. Because he didnt need to hold off the [Uroboros]. He had realized this was his chance to escape long ago. And he pretended that he couldnt defeat the wild Primeval Demon.
When he knew very well that he was capable of killing such a beast.
He looked down at the palm of his hand as he waited. He felt the ground shaking, and he saw the river ofva swaying. But his gaze simplynded on the metallic band on his wrist.
This was his chance to escape. That was why he had lied to Taburas. That was why he lied to Aem and Betrugil. He pretended that there was nothing he could employ that would be able to defeat the [Uroboros].
And that was not true. Ignoring his Grand Skills, he knew he had plenty of abilities in his repertoire that would enable him to bring down this [Uroboros]. After all, that was how he had been given the Title of the Heir of the Netherworld.
His eyes flickered as the [Uroboros] emerged from the river ofva. Its body was burning. It shrieked in pain as its open wound was lit aze. Haecs constant attacks had broken through its rough skin, and he knew he could continue to whittle it down. All he had to do was keep avoiding its attacks and unleash his own strikes at its side.
Was he really going to do this? For a moment, Haec hesitated.
He had thought this true. He had made his decision when he had approached Regnorex. And he knew this was what he wanted. But he was getting some second thoughts. If he did this, the Deathsquad Hunters woulde after him. He might not even see Salvos ever again before he was killed in the ensuing chaos that was Revtion.
But if he didnt, he was never going to see Salvos ever again anyway. And that was why he believed that it was worth it.
Haec nted a foot forward as his fist wisped with a ck aura. He clenched his jaw, readying himself for the [Uroboros]. The wild Primeval Demon charged at him. The embers king off its body red as its eyes shimmered.
Was that a Skill? Haec didnt know. He was just ready for the attack. The [Uroboros] approached as he took another step forward
And a voice screamed.
No!
He blinked as he saw an azure-skinned figure sprinting down the crevice.
Taburas?
Haec stared at her as she unleashed a volley of ashennces at the [Uroboros], drawing its attention.
Something was wrong. Haec had been acting rather oddly, ever since the invasion of the Mortal Realm was dyed. It made no sense why he was doing this. Taburas knew he could use a Grand Skill if needed so why the sacrifice?
The same thing happened when the [Cerberus of Hell] showed up. It was almost like he was trying to get away from her. And she didnt get it. She didnt understand why he was doing this. She couldnt allow it to happen.
So Taburas ran back. She broke free from Betrugils magic and made a break for it straight for Haec. She couldnt leave him. Not like this.
Betrugil shouted at her. He called her a moron as she left him behind. Aem cried out as well, but Taburas ignored the both of them. She didnt need them. She only needed one person she only needed Haec.
The [Subus] heard the rumbling in the distance. She felt the ground quake each time the [Uroboros] burrowed into the earth. It was a wild Primeval Demon. It was far stronger than she was. And yet, she was running straight at it.
She turned the corner, watching as the towering figure loomed over Haec with a burning body.
For a moment, she hesitated. Taburas let her fear take hold of her. But she steeled herself.
Why did she do this?
The thought crossed her mind as she remembered she recalled what it was like to be trapped and alone.
Taburas did not understand.
She had wandered the world aimlessly her birth was not apanied by any others. She saw rocks and ck pools forming, and understood not how the rocks were made or why the dark rain fell.
That was, until she saw therge Demon. At first, she had been surprised. When the Level 3 Demon was squished, she did not know what to do. It was out of the ordinary. Such a thing had never urred before.
But after fleeing and running into more Demons. More of her kind. Now she understood.
After she had escaped certain death from thatrge Demon, she was forced to fight to survive. And at first, she had sumbed to her primal instincts. She had nearly be wild.
Then she was captured. A pair of Lesser Demons had caught her, enving her under Regnorexs banner. She hated every moment of it. Having that cor on her neck, restraining her every movement being ordered around like she was nothing?
It had upsetted her. But she couldnt do anything about it. She thought it was better to be a ve than to be dead than to end up like the others she had been born with who were killed in that senseless ughter.
It was only when she met Haec, did she find a chance to escape. It was only when she met him, did she learn that there were many things more important than simply being alive.
Taburas watched as the red-skinned [Tank Fiend] slice down at the [Incubus]. She had been brought here to Lucernas Lair Asin, Blutah, and herself had been sent to investigate the GReater Demons disappearance. And all they found was a single [Tank Fiend].
Even though he was outnumbered and out-leveled, he still stood his ground against being made into a ve. She paused, staring with wide eyes as the Asin a [Fiend] as well struck him from the side with a [Fire Strike].
It made no sense to her. He had no reason to fight back. He was going to die. And yet, he still fought. For a reason she couldntprehend.
I will not abandon her!
He eximed as he fought back.
Who was this her? Why did she matter? Taburas didnt know. She just saw the ferocity at which he fought, and she realized that this reason was more important to him than his life.
What could it be? What could be more important than living? If he died, then what did it matter? Taburas had only ever prioritized her own life, but she realized she hated living as a ve. She realized that there were things more important than her own survival.
So even though she was still cored, she broke free from her shackles.
She had seen something in him. Something she didnt understand. And she wanted to learn what that could be.
Taburas unleashed a volley of ashennces at the [Uroboros]. The attack drew its attention as it turned to face her. Haec blinked, before he eximed.
Taburas! What are you doing back here? Get away! Its dangerous!
But she ignored his words. Instead, the [Subus] ran forward. She dashed for Haec her savior. And he clicked his tongue.
The [Uroboros] charged her way, and she sent another volley of ashennces its way. Each attack barely grazed the wild Primeval Demons skin. All she did was anger it. But she had to help Haec.
Haec leapt past it in one fell swoop, grabbing her out of the way in time as the [Uroboros] crashed into the earth. He looked down at the [Subus] with a worried look as the wild Primeval Demon slowly drew back.
I told you to run.
I cant leave you, Haec.
Taburas shook her head as heid her down. She got to her feet, holding tightly onto his hand even as the [Uroboros] turned its gaze back towards them. But arge rock struck its side, then there was a flicker in the air.
Taburas! Haec! Were here to help!
You idiots! Why are we back here?
Aem and Betrugil ran back into this section of the ravine. They tossed their attacks at the [Uroboros], distracting it for a moment as Haec blinked. He nced between the three other Archdemons, and Taburas smiled.
[I Am Your Sword And Your Shield]. I cannot leave your side, Haec. I dont know what youre nning. I dont know why youve been acting this waytely. I dont know why youre trying to leave me behind. But please, let me fight with you.
Taburas closed her eyes. And she felt her magic leaving her body. Haec blinked as the ck aura wisping off his right hand surged with power. She gave him her magic as the [Uroboros] swung down at Betrugil.
The [Abraxas] managed to leap out of the way as Haec pursed his lips. Taburas held Haecs gaze, and he sighed.
Taburas. If I take you with me, you could die.
I dont care.
She replied without missing a beat.
I only care about you, Haec. If were going to do this, lets do it together.
Even if I told you that the Deathsquad Hunters wille after us?
Haec asked. And Taburas just nodded.
Yes.
He closed his eyes. The Heir of the Netherworld drew back. He slowly turned to face the [Uroboros]. It watched as Aem and Betrugil ran past Haec and Taburas.
This damn [Uroboros] is too strong! You three are a bunch of suicidal
Haec, Taburas, we need your help
Betrugil and Aem spoke, but Taburas paid them no mind. Even as the four Archdemons regrouped, and the wild Primeval Demon approached them once more, the [Subus] only paid attention to one person.
I see now.
Haec strode forward as he whispered. She watched him go. She clung onto his every words. Because he was her leader.
I understand your resolve, Taburas. I hear you, and I apologize for dismissing you.
His ck aura engulfed his entire right arm, and he stepped forward. The [Uroboros] swooped down at him as he nced back at Taburas onest time.
What are you doing
Youre going to get yourself killed
Aem stared in horror, and Betrugil cried out. But Haec continued to speak softly, ignoring their words as he faced the [Subus].
Then let us leave the Demon King
And he leapt into the air. Without even looking, he struck the charging [Uroboros] with a single powerful blow.
together!
The wild Primeval Demon exploded. Its face was smashed open in that attack, and its ck blood rained over the ravine. Betrugil paused. Aem blinked a few times, before her eyes went wide.
How?
She was at a loss for words. So was Betrugil who just bobbed his mouth open and close, no words leaving his lips as Haded back down with a thud.
Meanwhile, Taburas just smiled, watching as the ck rain of blood poured around her. Betrugil and Aem exchanged a confused nce, and Haec turned back to face the [Subus]. He proffered her a hand as he smiled.
Let us go, Taburas.
And she nodded.
Yes!
Chapter 548: Corrupted Hydra
Chapter 548: Corrupted Hydra
548. Corrupted Hydra
Why are we even doing this?
Betrugil groaned. Haec and Taburas both nced his way. The [Subus] snorted as she crossed her arms.
If you dont want to follow us, you can leave. We dont need you with us.
You two are idiots. You do realize that if we do this, were going to die, right?
Thats all you ever say, Betrugil.
This time, Im serious. Come on, Aem. You agree with me, dont you? This is stupid.
The [Abraxas] looked towards the [Fiend]. But Aem just pursed her lips. Slowly, she raised her head, eyeing both Haec and Taburas.
I-I think Im going with them.
Seriously? Even though theyre defecting from the Demon King? The Deathsquad Hunters will find you.
I know.
Aem sighed and took a step forward.
But Id be dead a thousand time over anyway if not for the both of them. So Ill stick with them.
She smiled at Taburas. The [Subus] shifted ufortably, before nodding.
As long as you pull your own weight
Thank you, Aem.
Haec nodded back at the [Fiend]. Betrugil just rolled his eyes.
You three are morons. Suicidal morons.
He watched them go for a moment. He really didnt need to follow them if he didnt want to. But as they walked down the crevice, he heard a crackle overhead. He remembered what it was like when he had been free not too long ago before he had been captured.
But I guess Im a moron too.
And Betrugil shrugged, following them anyway despite all his protests.
[---- Hydra - Lvl. ----]
Huh.
I stared at the Corrupted Hydra. It stood there before me, its towering figure disfigured and distorted. Large chunks of its body were gone, reced with a colorful blur. It was almost like I could make out these odd little symbols king off the broken parts of its body. But when I squinted and focused on it, I saw nothing.
I could barelyprehend what I was seeing. The Corrupted Hydra was fully engulfed by the corruption. It had five heads, but one of its necks was missing, reced by a tendril of discolored shards that shimmered softly. A pair of tattered wings unfurled behind its back as I stared at the dead Demons eyes. And I saw nothing within.
It was the first time I had ever seen a fully-corrupted creature. The [Ancient Centinel] I fought in the Bloodied Gulf had underwent a transformation that corrupted it, but this was not the same thing. And the Wyvern I battled in the Helbir ins had only been partially corrupted.
This was different. The Corrupted Hydra was not wreathed in the corruption it was the corruption. Just like the difference between the Cursed Boulder and the Corrupted Netherstone. Except, this was a Demon. But not just any Demon
I remembered the notification that resounded in my head as soon as I reached the secondyer. It was twisted and warped I didnt quite understand what it was saying at first. But I could infer that this ce I had entered was a Lair. A Lair just like the one that had belonged to the [Basilisk].
And if I had to guess this meant that the [Hydra] had been a protector of the Netherworld, just like the [Basilisk]. Which meant that I was face-to-face with a corrupted Primordial Demon.
I blinked. And the Corrupted Hydra roared.
The screech that left its five mouths came out like the chittering of birds. It almost sounded like the buzzing of a thousand flies swarming around my ears. I reeled for a moment, and the Corrupted Hydra opened its five mouths. I watched as a spell circle formed, before rapidly twisting into a veil of corruption.
My [Angelic Premonition] red in my head. It told me what wasing, and perhaps it even saved me. I leapt to the side as a breath of corruption shot out in the shape of a cone. The attack struck the ground where I had stood, and I blinked a few times.
Huh.
I needed to get out of here. This was far too dangerous for me. This Corrupted Hydra had to be at least as strong as the Corrupted Hellspace maybe even stronger. I didnt know. And I didnt know why it was even still around.
Where did Belphegor go? Why hadnt he dealt with this Corrupted Hydra? I didnt get it. I just spun around, ready to make a break for it. Then I paused. I saw the corridor leading back where I came from change before me.
I stared with wide eyes, watching as the brick floor began to copse into a hole of non-existence. The ground that had been struck by the corrupted breath vanished, and the broken bits of flying rubble converged, forming an amalgamation of distortion. There was a sh of light as a lifeless being was breathed into existence, blocking the corridor back.
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
Seriously?
It took me a moment to process what I was seeing. The Corrupted Netherstone stood between me and the only way out of the secondyer. And then I heard the screeching behind me once again. I nced back as the Corrupted Hydra reeled. It didntsh out at me, but it prepared another corrupted breath.
And I made a break for it. I ran straight for the Corrupted Netherstone I aimed for the hallway, spreading my wings wide. But the Corrupted Netherstoneshed out at me. It whipped a tendril my way, and I barely blocked the attack with my Divine Nebr Scythe.
I tried to circle around the Corrupted Netherstone, but the corrupted breath shot out. The Corrupted Hydra screech as its attack nearly hit me once again. The explosion was small, but it was so powerful and concentrated in its area, it would have probably ripped off an arm if I even grazed by it on ident. I leapt back as the ground once again vanished, and more Corrupted Netherstones began to form.
I backed away and cursed.
Where do you guys keeping from?
I watched as my only exit was fully blocked by a swarm of enemies. And behind me, the Corrupted Hydra screeched. I was surrounded. The Corrupted Netherstones grew closer as the dead Primordial Demon prepared another st.
But that was when I realized something. The Corrupted Hydra never moved. It remained standing at the exact same spot even as it tried to attack me. And beyond ity arge tunnel leading further into the secondyer.
So I made my decision. I snapped my fingers, summoning four clones all at once. They immediately scattered, drawing the attention of the Corrupted Netherstones and the Corrupted Hydra. One of my clones was instantly vaporized by a st of corruption as I spread my six [Angels Wings] wide and flew around the edge of the room.
The Corrupted Hydra turned one of its five heads towards me. Its corrupted head connected by the thread of corruption. And when its mouth opened, its head shot forward.
My eyes flickered as I saw the detached head flying straight towards me. It was fast. I barely swerved out of the way in time only for the flying head to home in on me. I stared in shock as the Corrupted Hydras flying head continued to give chase even as I flew down the tunnel.
A pair of Corrupted Netherstones followed as my clones exploded in the background. And trailing after me at my tail, the Corrupted Hydras head was hot in pursuit. I looked back onest time, watching as the looming figure of the Corrupted Hydra faded in the distance, before focusing on my pursuers.
I needed to lose them somehow. I raised a hand, conjuring a spark of ck mes. I raised it high into the sky, before it exploded. I watched as the hail of ck mes rain sideways and fell straight at the Corrupted Netherstones.
The pair of Corrupted Netherstones slowed, but the flying head of the Corrupted Hydra easily navigated through the onught of attacks. I gritted my teeth. I had to stop it somehow. I focused my gaze on it before unleashing another Skill.
[Sacred Hellfire].
All at once, the flying head of the Corrupted Hydra burst into mes. It screeched in pain as it began to twist mid-air. I grinned, casting my gaze back forward as I rapidly approached the exit of this long tunnel. A notification resounded in my head and I nodded to myself.
Now Leaving [L-ir: The H----a D-ma-n]
Time to explore the rest of the secondyer
I did wonder how I was going to leave without fighting the Corrupted Hydra. Maybe I could find Belphegor and he could help me out if I could even find him.
And as I flew on, I eventually exited into a vast city. An underground city. One that had been long captured by the corruption.
Chapter 549: Endless Expanse
Chapter 549: Endless Expanse
549. Endless Expanse
It was a city. An underground city. Well to describe it more urately, it was the ruins of an underground city. And it expanded all around me, encapsting everything I could see of the secondyer.
I blinked. I cast my gaze over the sweepingndscape with round eyes. I saw buildings of all shapes and sizes rising up from the ground. They were round, they were square, they were shaped like stars and like pears. It was nothing like the architecture I saw back in the Mortal Realm. The only uniformity to this city was that there was no uniformity.
It was all sopletely haphazard. There was a spire that stabbed out of the ground like a stctite, but it was actually just another building. I dove past a boulder-tower, before circling around a floating rock.
It wasnt floating by itself it was held in stasis by the corruption. Just like with the hallway, there were entire sections of the city that werepletely gone. Vanished away into nothingness. I carefully avoided these nk spots as I raised my head.
It just keeps going
I whispered. The city spanned the entirety of the secondyer and it was all just a vast cavern. But it wasnt dark. There was a luminescent moss that was scattered across the city. Just like the moss I could find in the [Basilisk]s Lair. And no matter where I turned, I saw buildings rising in the distance.
But the city didnt juste to a halt over the horizon. Instead, it crawled up the walls of the cavern before hanging off the ceiling. I blinked at the towers that spiked down from above.
Seriously?
I had never seen such a thing before. Sure, I could walk on the ceiling of the hallway. But I assumed that was a result of the corruption. Was it just the nature of the secondyer? It had to be. How else could there have been buildings built there before the corruption even existed? Unless these structures were created after the corruption was formed.
I wasnt entirely sure. I just flew onwards, asionally ncing back and keeping an eye out for the Corrupted Hydras head. Fortunately enough, it didnt follow. It must have returned to its original body. Or maybe it didnt, and now it was wandering the secondyer aimlessly in search for me.
I didnt know for sure. I just shook my head and turned my gaze forward. The world sped past me, and I heard a susurration in the distance. A soft whispering that didnt seem to resonate from a single direction. Almost like it was a kind of static a buzzing that invaded my mind itself.
I managed to brush off this sensation and focused on what was ahead. I watched as the cavern expanded ahead of me like a giant tunnel. And it wasnt stretching out in a straight line either. It was curving, turning, burrowing down slowly.
It was like I was atop a mountain, sloping down a steep hill. And the city continued to carpet the ground below. But the further I flew, the fewer buildings I saw. It was an endless expanse. I didnt even know where it led. I just followed this path, hoping I could find something along the way.
But the city began to grow scattered corrupted into nothingness. There were more and more bits of rocks floating in the air just like when I was in my dads home. The moss was mostly gone, reced by a grass of corruption. Not only that, there were entire sections of the cavern that were entirely blotted out into non-existence. I had to avoid them, because sometimes I wouldnt even notice them until I got close.
The secondyer is kinda empty, huh?
I spoke to myself. I wondered where Belphegor went. He was nowhere to be found. And there certainly weren''t as many Corrupted Netherstones flying around here as I thought. I frowned, before closing my eyes.
Maybe I should use [Manifestation of the Old Gods]...
But before I could cast the Skill, that was when I heard the screeching. I blinked and raised my head. It came from above. Towards the ceiling. I narrowed my eyes as I saw something moving in between the buildings spiking down from above.
No not just one thing. There were three things. It was a battle.
A pair of Corrupted Netherstones zipped around a tower,shing out with their tendrils as they fell a nearby building. The copsed rubble began to disintegrate into nothingness, taken by the corruption as the two Corrupted Netherstones continued on. They were chasing after a [Gargoyle]?
Those are Belphegors.
I blinked. Finally! A [Gargoyle]. That meant that Belphegor was nearby. I swooped up into the sky, heading for the ceiling. My orientation of the world around me began to change. It was like the ceiling suddenly became the floor, and I was being pulled towards the ground.
I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe, grinning as my [Divine Radiant sh] began to coalesce. I could help the [Gargoyle] deal with these Corrupted Netherstones, then I could find Belphegor.
It was going to be an easy fight with the [Gargoyle]s especially since I was getting the drop on these Corrupted Netherstones. I began to conjure up a volley of ming spears around me as I crashed into the back of the first Corrupted Netherstone.
I immediately tore through the broken rock, shearing through the corruption with my divine attack, before raising my head. I aimed the ming spears created by [The Holy mes] at the second Corrupted Netherstone. It turned its gaze towards me as I smirked, and the volley of projectilesnced out.
My surprise attack went well. In an instant, I had already inundated both Corrupted Netherstones with divine Skills. They reeled back, then shrieked as I flew back up with my [Angelic Wings].
I snapped my fingers as I whispered under my breath.
Boom.
The first Corrupted Netherstone turned towards me. It shot up into the air, trying tounch a counter attack. And then it exploded.
[Divine Demons Mark] engulfed this section of the city. The st was sorge, it nearly knocked me back into a bubble of non-existence. But I caught myself, swerving around the abyss, before turning to face the [Gargoyle] down below. It just stared at the st as I yelled.
Nows your chance! Help me take down those things!
But the Primeval Demon didnt react. It just stood there silently. Even as the two Corrupted Netherstones emerged from the st. I narrowed my eyes, watching as the floating, distorted rocks drew towards the [Gargoyle].
The first Corrupted Netherstone had been badly damaged by my [Divine Demons Mark]. It had been the epicenter of the explosion, after all. Arge chunk of its body had beenpletely disintegrated. But still, it was just a floating rock. It could fight on even if it was split in half.
Meanwhile, the second Corrupted Netherstone was still mostly intact. It had two tendrils of corruption aimed my way like spears as I pursed my lips. I nced past it, looking back at the [Gargoyle] for help.
Hey, why arent you
I started. But the [Gargoyle] let out a chittering cry as it grabbed arge boulder and tossed it my way. I blinked and swerved away from the attack.
The bouldernded in the bubble of non-existence, before freezing. And then it slowly began to fall off as its form began to deform. I watched with wide eyes as pieces of the rock broke off, only for a little bit of corruption to wisp off its figure. It hovered there in stasis like the floating houses and towers, and I turned back to the [Gargoyle].
That took me byplete surprise. The Primeval Demon had attacked me. It hadnt been trying to attack the Corrupted Netherstones at all instead, it attack me. I didnt get it at first. I scowled, turning to face the [Gargoyle] with an annoyed look.
What are you doing? Youre supposed to be
And then I paused. I stared at the [Gargoyle] with narrowed eyes. I started to realize that it wasnt exactly the same as the [Gargoyles] I had seen apanying Belphegor. It was different. There was only a slight difference there. That was why I hadnt noticed it at first.
The [Gargoyle]s face was slightly distorted. Its eyes glimmered with an iridescent light. And when it brought a hand out, the corruption began to seep from its ws.
I stared, blinking a few times.
Huh. So thats why it isnt attacking them.
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
I nced between the three corrupted creatures. All three of them were significantly powerful nearly as strong as me. And their attention was fixed on me. They charged.
Uh-oh.
Chapter 550: Reason to Fight
Chapter 550: Reason to Fight
550. Reason to Fight
Belphegor saw ghosts.
He saw relics of the past. Phantoms roamed the streets of the dead city, and the wailing echoes of death and despair haunted his mind. His vision blurred. The dry stain of tears permanently scarred his cheeks. He couldnt cry not anymore.
Someone save me
I dont want to die!
What is that thing?
The voices called out in agony. They remained, even as everything else left. Belphegor couldnt cry. He could not let himself cry. He he he
He paused. Cry? Why was he crying? No why would he even need to cry? He had a duty to his people. It was a task he had been given. And he was going to see it until the very end.
There was a terrible shriek. The sharp sound quickly died down, and Belphegor broke out of his stupor. Dust and debris shot up into the air as the nearby buildings copsed, falling into the bubbles of non-existence. He blinked as he raised his head.
Where am I?
He swept his gaze over his surroundings. All around him, the City of Dreamsy in ruins. The tall spires the majestic buildings had all been reduced to rubble. He lowered his head, and he saw the corruption king off the broken debris at his feet.
The rocks piled up into a massive mountain. He raised his head, seeing the secondyer expand endlessly around him. He shook as his [Gargoyles] swarmed around him. They continued to pour down the city. They mbered up the walls, and they sprinted on the ceiling. He stared as the vast tunnel continued to seemingly decline further and further down towards the thirdyer.
But the thirdyer was gone. It had been consumed by the corruption. Nothing remained. So why was he going there? Why was he?
Oh, right.
Belphegor closed his eyes. He dropped to his knees.
Everyone I know and love is dead. The world is going to end. And it is my fault. It is my
He trailed off. He shook his head as he clenched a fist.
No not everything is gone. Everything is
Belphegor thought of the surface what was above the firstyer of the Netherworld. He thought of the [Basilisk]. He thought of the [Hydra]
He winced. That was right. The [Hydra] was gone. Taken by the corruption. He felt a pang of guilt. He couldnt kill it. He had tried. But he failed. And that was not because of ack of capacity.
He just couldnt bring himself to finish it off. It had been one of the Protectors. Just like him, it had been enved. Forced to fight endlessly against the corruption. It was tiresome. It was exhausting. But
But not everything is gone. There is still something to fight for.
His eyes glinted, and he heard the roaring of his [Gargoyles]. He raised a hand as a magic circle formed in his fingers. Both rock and stone broke off from the nearby buildings that which was left uncorrupted before forming the vague shape of figures just ahead of him.
[Gargoyles]. Created from nothing but the earth in an instant. A dozen of them spawned into existence, before running off to face the corruption ahead. And Belphegor muttered to himself as he pressed on.
Its his fault. Its his fault I cant stop it. But I can slow it. I can dy it.
Belphegor sucked in a deep breath as he drew forward. His muscles rippled, and he looked beyond the edge of the city. His eyes flickered.
I will do what I must.
And he headed for the end of the world.
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
I stared at the three corrupted creatures. I was used to seeing two of them the Corrupted Netherstones. They permeated the secondyer. They could be created out of the sts of the Corrupted Hydras breaths. So it wasnt surprising to see them. In fact, I even had the drop on them just earlier.
They were injured. Their corrupted rocky bodies had been partially destroyed because of my divine attacks. I had thought that the [Gargoyle] would help me finish them off. But that was when I learned that the [Gargoyle] was not a [Gargoyle]... it was a Corrupted Gargoyle.
And it attacked me. It threw arge boulder at me as I swerved out of the way. Now, I stood face-to-face with the three corrupted creatures, and I wasnt sure what there was to do.
Maybe I should run, I considered. But the first Corrupted Netherstone the most severely injured one of them allshed out. It charged at me. Its tendrils were gone. So it barreled forward like a shooting star.
I gritted my teeth and flew to the side. I watched as the first Corrupted Netherstone charged straight to the bubble of non-existence. It vanished, and I cast my gaze back towards the remaining two corrupted creatures. The second Corrupted Netherstoneshed out with a pair of tendrils as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe.
[Draconic Fury] mixed with [Barrage of Cinders]. Each strike sent the second Corrupted Netherstone reeling. I sliced apart the tendrils, and they receded. I smirked for a moment, before the Corrupted Gargoyle crashed into my side.
My Aura of Greater Protection shed the artifacts effects too weak to barely even stand up against a Primeval Demon, let alone a corrupted one. I immediately wreathed my armor in gray mes. [The Holy mes]. A barrier of protection that stood up against the Corrupted Gargoyles attacks.
It wed at me as my [Corruption Resistance] flickered. I struggled to kick it off, and it tore through even [The Holy mes]. I activated [Faux Limbs]. A pair of fiery scythe-like arms protruded from my back before shing down.
But the Corrupted Gargoyle withstood the attack. I watched as my [Faux Limbs] broke against its back. I pursed my lips, and the Corrupted Gargoyle continued to hiss as it clung onto me. And the first Corrupted Netherstone re-emerged from the bubble of non-existence.
[Angelic Premonition] red in my head. But it didnt just warn me of the iing surprise attack. It told me of what was going to happen if I let this keep up. Id be wrapped up, trapped by both the Corrupted Gargoyle and the first Corrupted Netherstone.
After that happened, the second Corrupted Netherstone would join in. And the brief vision ended. I blinked. I knew what that meant. I knew how this ended. I cursed as I tried to shake off the Corrupted Gargoyle, but it was too strong. It wasnt just a Primeval Demon it had been empowered by the corruption.
It was stronger than me on its own. I was sure of it. Even if the other two Corrupted Netherstones werent here, I might not even have been able to defeat the Corrupted Gargoyle. I was trapped between a rock and hard ce literally.
And I had to break out.
I watched as the first Corrupted Netherstone flew straight towards me. That brief period it spent in that bubble of non-existence didnt cause any harm to it it was entirely made from corruption, so it still pervaded. And the second Corrupted Netherstone began to regrow its tendrils. It flew up slowly, eyeing me from the distance.
This was it. I had to do something before the worst came. I took in a deep breath, steeling myself. There was only one thing I could do. And I shouted.
No!
All at once, my voice echoed across the broken city. A wave of invisible energy washed over the three corrupted creatures. I watched as they froze mid-air, and I closed my eyes. I wasnt finished.
I hadnt wanted to do this. I wanted to save it as ast resort. But I had no other choice. And my eyes snapped open as an iridescent me wisped off my body.
Now its my turn!
I shouted as I broke free from the Corrupted Gargoyle grasps. I shot up into the air as a soft glow emanated from my body. I hovered high above the three corrupted creatures like a bright star. They were corrupted creatures born from death and depravity. And yet, they stared at me in shock
It was [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess]. My Grand Skill. It empowered me. It allowed me to fight monsters far above my level. I looked down at them or I looked up at them before grinning.
The three of them didnt move. For a moment, they nced between each other apprehensively. And that was when the first of them made a decision. The first Corrupted Netherstone charged my way as I narrowed my eyes.
It didnt care that it was already injured. It didnt care that I had suddenly grown much strongerpared to before. It was out for my blood. And that was its mistake.
Stupid
I easily evaded the charging attack, before swing to the side with my Divine Nebr Scythe. The first Corrupted Netherstone shrieked with a chittering voice, but I didnt care. My de was simply wreathed with a pair of scintiting auras as I smashed stone into pieces.
[Divine Strike]. [Draconic Fury].
The first Corrupted Netherstone shattered. Its remains rained over its allies as the corruption dissipated. The remaining corrupted creatures just looked on for a moment. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe towards them as an aura of both my Skills coated the weapon.
I smirked.
Come on! Do you want to die too?
And the second Corrupted Netherstoneshed out. Its brand new tendrils shot up towards me as I rolled my eyes. I swiftly dove down past the attacks before crashing into the second Corrupted Netherstone. I swung my Divine Nebr Scythe down again and again, cracking its body.
Even with both [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury], I couldnt just tear down the Corrupted Netherstone with ease. I had to focus my attacksbining them both into a single powerful sh.
And I swung down. My Skills red. The auras coalesced into a single powerful attack. The aura of [Draconic Fury] took the image of a w, striking down at the Corrupted Netherstone. Meanwhile, the aura of [Divine Strike] coalesced into what looked like a ring at first one that exploded out of my Divine Nebr Scythe like a small explosion.
I flew back, watching as the second Corrupted Netherstone broke into pieces. My smirk remained on my face. And I turned to the Corrupted Gargoyle as the [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury] faded away. It stared at me. It gazed upon my power.
I hadnt wanted to activate my Grand Skill. I felt like it would be a waste, especially if I stayed for too long down in the secondyer. I thought of it as ast resort. But even during my first encounter after the Corrupted Hydra, I was already outmatched. So I knew that if I didnt do this, I would dieter on.
In fact, I nearly already died. I just had to be smart. I couldnt wander around aimlessly or take risky fights without at least one of my Grand Skills at the ready. Because the both of them could turn the tide of battle in an instant.
I swooped down at the Corrupted Gargoyles as it let out a final battle cry. It bounded towards me, and I easily evaded its charging attack. I simply swung down at its back once. A normal attack. But I broke off arge chunk of its stone body.
It spun back around, charging at me once again. I shed with it. It narrowly missed me each time. No matter what it tried to do, it couldnt hit me. Because it was slower. I was faster and I was stronger. I would win.
The Corrupted Gargoyle and I repeated this dance again and again, until it finally copsed. I flew back from the remains of its body as I heard the notifications resounding in my head.
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Huh.
I had expected my Divine Essence to make a big difference inbat. But I didnt expect it to be this easy, fighting against the corruption.
I am stronger than I thought Id be.
I looked down at myself. I shone brightly here in this infinite cavern. I was the only real source of light in the fallen city. I didnt think I could defeat the Corrupted Hydra. But I was still strong. So I smiled to myself.
Time to take advantage of my Grand Skills effects.
And that was exactly what I did. I flew on and hunted down the Corrupted Netherstones, continuing to scour the city for Belphegor. I didnt know where he went. But I had to find him soon.
Before my Grand Skill came to an end.
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Chapter 551: Divinity Versus Corruption
Chapter 551: Divinity Versus Corruption
551. Divinity Versus Corruption
Thanks to [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess], I was able to deal with most of the Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Gargoyles I encountered without a problem. My Grand Skill gave me a significant boost in power more than I expected it to.
Sure, I was a Lesser God now. I had already basked in my evolution back in the Mortal Realm during the war. I had even fought against a [Hebomination], before helping defeat Levithus who transformed into a Level 181 [Cerberus]. And I managed to aplish all these feats thanks to my Grand Skills.
So I already knew just how much stronger I had be since then. But I was still surprised by how easy it was for me to defeat these Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Gargoyles in battle inparison to without my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess].
I swooped past a pair of Corrupted Netherstones as theyunched their tendrils at me. I easily dove around the first tendril, before knocking away the next. I flew back as both of the Corrupted Netherstone shrieked, flying up my way. I simply pointed with a smile stered on my face.
Boom.
And [Divine Demons Mark] took effect. A powerful explosion resounded, engulfing the pair. The stpletely ripped them apart, destroying the nearby buildings. I watched as debris and rubble broke off from the shockwave and floated in the air without falling back down. I shook my head, listening carefully for the notifications in my head.
I heard it a momentter.
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
They really are so weak
And it didnt make sense to me. There had to be a reason why I felt like they were so easy to defeat. Something was amiss. It was a good thing but something was definitely amiss.
I raised my head, flying away from the site of the explosion as I slowly processed all the notifications I had gotten over the past day or so.
General Skill [Corruption Navigation] has leveled up!
[Corruption Navigation - Lvl. 1] -> [Corruption Navigation - Lvl. 2]!
Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!
Defeated [---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
.
Defeated [---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 160] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 161]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 161] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 162]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 133] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 134]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 137] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 138]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 162
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 138
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 5
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 410 (+30) (+10) (+50) (+100)
[Agility]: 450 (+30) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 7]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 11
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 10
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 10
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x3
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 6]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
I had leveled up quite a few times over this short period of time. My [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] onlysted for about a day maybe a day and a half at most now that I was a Lesser God. But it evidently had not been a long time since I activated my Grand Skill.
After all, my Grand Skill was still active. Maybe it was going to being to an end soon. However, that still meant it had been about a day at most! And during that time, I had encountered barely a few dozen corrupted creatures!
It was odd. This was the secondyer of the Netherworld. Everything down here was corrupted so I thought it wouldnt have been too difficult to track down any Corrupted Netherstone or Corrupted Gargoyle wandering about. But in reality, I struggled to even find a single one of them!
I had to use my spatial senses to aid me, and it hadnt been easy to use any of my space magic Skills down here in this corrupted ce. It took me forever to gain hold of my bearings the moment I tried to perceive the world around me.
Perhaps it was the corruption, or maybe it was the fact that space itself was warped and twisted down here because of the corruption. But it was quite dibobting at first just like when I first tried to walk down the hallway to enter the secondyer.
But fortunately for me, I had already gained a handful of Skills that could help me traverse this ce. And it only aided my spatial senses my [Corruption Navigation] even leveled up from sensing the space around me earlier.
I wonder if I should just call it quits for today
I wondered aloud. I had already killed quite a few corrupted creatures over the duration of my Grand Skill. Now, I could just find a ce to hide out from the corruption before my Divine Essence vanished, and I was forced to fight at a severe disadvantage.
I could always just wait out the entirety of my Grand Skills cooldown before challenging the secondyer again. But I was also interested in finding out where Belphegor had gone. I hadnt seen him at all ever since I arrived down here. Did he lie to me? It was entirely possible he had just gone back up to the firstyer after sending his [Gargoyles] down.
Well, if that was the case, I was trapped down here alone and with the corruption. Honestly, as long as I didnt face anything too dangerous like the Corrupted Hydra, I didnt really mind spending time here by myself. It was good for leveling.
And right as the thought crossed my mind, I heard a loud crackle. A rumbling swept over the secondyer. I blinked and raised my head. The floor which was the ceiling from my orientation began to crack open.
I heard a soft boom. A static noise which echoed in the background. My eyes narrowed as a plume of dust shot into the air, vanishing into a bubble of non-existence. A distorted figure began to move behind that empty sphere. I squinted, trying to see what that was.
My spatial senses couldnt detect anything beyond these bubbles of non-existence due to their nature. I flew closer, swerving to the right to get a better view. And my eyes widened when I saw what it was.
One of the tall spires of the scattered city had broken off the ground. Not only that, but it was wreathed entirely in the tendrils of corruption. I stared at this towering corrupted being as it cast its gaze my way.
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
Huh.
I blinked. And a dozen tendrils of corruption shot up my way. [Angelic Premonition] instantly took effect, and I dove out of the way. But the Corrupted Netherstructures attacks were fast. I reacted by creating a wall with [The Holy mes].
The corruption immediately burned away as I gritted my teeth. I watched as the tendrils reeled back, and the Corrupted Netherstructures body trembled. I raised a wed hand, conjuring a volley of weapons, before unleashing them out.
The attack struck the Corrupted Netherstructure the rapid explosions causing the towering being to slow. I clenched my jaw and dove down straight at it, avoiding its regenerating tendrils. My Divine Nebr Scythe burned with an iridescent me as I bared my teeth.
Take this [Divine Radiant sh]!
And I swung down at the main body of the Corrupted Netherstructure. I sheared straight through its corruption, smirking as I tore open its stone-like body. I shot down the towering being like aet, before exploding out of the other side as I heard a thunderous groan.
I spun around. I had expected this to be a tougher fight than that. This was easy! I raised a finger, pointing at the remains of the Corrupted Netherstructure. It was still standing, even if half of its body had been blown off.
If thats not enough
My fingers began to burn. I focused, and the mes vanished from my ws. The brilliant fire reappeared on the Corrupted Netherstone, immediately eating away the coat of corruption around its body.
[Sacred Hellfire].
I watched as the mes quickly spread. The multi-colored light of the corruption vanished, and whatever remained of the Corrupted Netherstructure was ripped apart by the ever-growing fire.
I didnt even need to fight back as the weak tendrils of corruption shot down at me. I easily leapt out of the way, then spun around as the burning rubble of the Corrupted Netherstone copsed behind me. I heard the notification resound in my head as I snickered.
Defeated [---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
I honestly thought that wouldve been a tougher battle
But it had been easy. Too easy. I began to walk away from the destroyed Corrupted Netherstructure when I heard another low groan. The ground shook beneath me, and I raised my head, blinking.
What is?
And I watched as more Corrupted Netherstructures began to rise up from the ground. The various buildings of this buried city hovered into the air, imed by the corruption. The ground cracked open as I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide, flying into the air. I swept my gaze around, facing dozens of enemies around me.
I can take you all on!
I eximed, raising my Divine Nebr Scythe as an iridescent me wisped off me. The Corrupted Netherstructures turned to face me, and I readied [The Holy mes] for battle. These Corrupted Netherstructures were stronger than even the Corrupted Gargoyles, but I could bring them down with ease. I could take them. I could level up
And suddenly, the iridescent mes vanished. I blinked as my shoulders sagged. My arms weighed twice as heavy, and everything around me began to move faster than before. I stared down at myself with round eyes, feeling a lot weakerpared to just a moment ago.
My Divine Essence is?
I looked on as the Corrupted Netherstructures drew closer. My Grand Skill hade to an end, and I had to face these towering beings without any boost in Stats.
Oh no.
The Corrupted Netherstructures attacked all at once.
Chapter 552: Not So Invincible
Chapter 552: Not So Invincible
552. Not So Invincible
The secondyer had been a vast tunnel that seemed to constantly fall into a steep decline. And no matter how far down I went, a city expanded all around me. Buildings clung to the walls and ceiling, defying all logic.
But even though these expansive superstructures continued to pervade all around me, they grew far more sparse. Large sections of the city had been imed by the corruption. Giant bubbles of non-existence consumed dozens of spires, and the glowing moss that had been so ubiquitous was entirely gone.
Perhaps that was a clue that I should have slowed down that I shouldnt have continued further down. But I had been driven by curiosity. And perhaps, I had been motivated by a desire to grow even stronger, more than ever before. So I made a mistake. I proceeded without exercising enough caution.
And now I found myself trapped, surrounded by the corruption.
The city itself turned against me. This ruined society that had fallen, brought back under the powers of a dying world. Dozens of houses, spires, and towers rose from the earth as a veil of iridescent light wreathed their bodies.
I stared at them all with wide eyes.
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
.
Huh.
My Grand Skill had ended. The boost in power I had been given thanks to my Divine Essence was gone. Without it, I had barely been stronger than a Corrupted Gargoyle. And with it, I had been able to defeat multiple Corrupted Gargoyles all on my own. I had even been able to defeat a Corrupted Netherstructure with rtive ease.
But now, I was left surrounded by dozens of those corrupted beings without a Grand Skill. All I had on me was my Divine Nebr Scythe. And the Corrupted Netherstructures screeched. A terrible chittering shook the area, and the ground broke open.
Tendrils of corruption exploded from the earth as I took to the skies with my [Angelic Wings]. I swerved around the attacks, yelling as I swung down with my iridescent de. [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury] took over, but I still struggled to shear through theyer of corruption.
This is such bad timing!
I shouted and pointed at a nearby Corrupted Netherstructure one made from a small tower. It drew closer to me, and I unleashed a volley of attacks created by [The Holy mes]. A cluster of explosions erupted out, knocking the tower back.
It gave me a brief respite. It gave me just enough time for me to bring both my ws together and conjured up a sphere of ck mes.
Take this [The Call of Armageddon]!
And a rain of ck fire fell from the sky. It exploded out in every direction, targeting the Corrupted Netherstructures without any discrimination. It didnt just fly straight down the hail of dark fire fell upwards, crashing into the ceiling above.
I grinned as I activated [Divine Haste], flying to make my escape. This was one of my brand new Skills probably one of my greatest Skills too. It should keep the Corrupted Netherstructures upied for a moment. Or at least, that was what I thought.
But a tendril of corruption swung my way. I blinked. My [Angelic Premonition] told me it wasing. And I parried the attack just in time.
I tumbled through the air as the impact knocked me back. It took me a moment to steel myself, regaining my bearing of my surroundings. I narrowed my eyes as I faced the Corrupted Netherstructure that had intercepted me.
How?
And I paused. I saw the rain of ck fire falling around the area, pelting the nearby Corrupted Netherstructures. But even despite [The Call of Armageddon], they barely slowed in their approach.
The rain of ck fire didnt peel away at their corruption like I thought it would. Instead, it was a minor hindrance at most. I gritted my teeth and sent another salvo of [The Holy mes] out at the Corrupted Netherstructure that had intercepted me.
The explosion of gray mes knocked it back, burning away ayer of corruption. I paused. I watched as the shower of ck mes continued to bounce off the Corrupted Netherstructure. Somehow, while [The Holy mes] was somewhat effective in stalling theshing corrupted tendrils, [The Call of Armageddon] barely did anything.
And that made no sense to me. I slowly processed this, even as the various Corrupted Netherstructures drew closer. Until, finally, I realized what this meant.
I snapped my fingers.
Oh. I see now.
The corruption was weak to divinity. That was why my Grand Skill had been particrly effective against them. It must have also exined how I was able to defeat the Cursed Boulder back in the Beastmen ins thanks to the Breastte of Alexander. The same thing could be said when I went up against the Corrupted Ind with my children I had the Sword of Alexander with me, and that helped me out a lot.
But on the other hand, regr magic was actually weaker to the corruption. Maybe I didnt notice it because the only time I had faced the corruption without any divinity was against that Lesser Wyvern back in the Helbir ins. Back then, it hadnt even been a full-on bout against the corruption, anyway. And I had Helena Warshade there to help me.
Here, in the secondyer of the Netherworld, the corruption was not just in its true form, but it was also stronger. And I had no Mythical Grade artifacts on me no Divine Essence to help me. Most of my Divine Skills had already been expended. I waspletely pushed into a corner.
And now, I had to find a way to escape in spite of all that.
The Corrupted Netherstructures screeched. I watched as they flew up into the sky, chasing after me. They whipped their tendrils into the air, ignoring the ck fiery hail that poured forth from my Skill. I nced back once, barely avoiding the sharp edge of a tendril.
I needed to lose them somehow. I needed to escape. I raised a hand, activating [Salvo of Vanity] with a cry. And six of my clones burst into existence all at once. They flew out away from me,ughing as they unleashed their gold and gray mes at the Corrupted Netherstructures
They drew the power of [The Holy mes], keeping the corruption back away from me. They paved a path for me to escape. But up against so many Corrupted Netherstructures, each clone could barely hold their own.
The first of my clones exploded they sted out into a giant golden cross. The explosion ripped apart arge chunk of the corruption. But they werent made of Divine Essence. Theirposition was that of ordinary magic. And the explosion only slowed the Corrupted Netherstructures.
I clenched my jaw as I dove under a tendril of corruption. But a Corrupted Netherstructured blocked my path. It was made from arge wall like the battlements that surrounded a city. I nced back for a moment as I considered turning around. And all I saw was another one of my clones exploding in the distance.
More and more Corrupted Netherstructures drew closer, and they came from every direction. The only way for me to escape was to fly straight ahead. So that was what I did. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe and struck out with thebined power of [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury].
I swung at the wall only for my de to lodge halfway into the corrupted stone. I blinked, and the Corrupted Netherstructure made a hissing sound. It began to wrap its body around me as I tried to fly back. But I couldnt yank out the Divine Nebr Scythe. I was trapped. And I was going to be crushed soon if I didnt do something to escape.
Iridescent kes of the corruption wisped past my face, and I took in a deep breath. I let go of the Divine Nebr Scythe and raised my head. I was left with no other choice. I beat all six of my wings forward, before sting myself straight at the wall that was the Corrupted Netherstructure threatening to crush me.
And right as I was about to impact the corrupted stone, I screamed.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]!
An aura of invulnerability coalesced around my body. An armor of mes that sparked out I raised a fist. I closed my eyes, bracing myself. And I focused the power of my Grand Skill only onto my right hand.
At that moment, I crashed into the Corrupted Netherstructure. It let out a low groan, before shrieking. My skin burned, and cuts opened up across my body as I ripped my way through the wall. But I pushed on.
I continued to smash my way through theyers andyers of corruption. All the stone and brick that made up the wall had been infected by that virus, and even as it crumbled around me, the corrupt threatened to rip open my skin. The only reason why I could even push through was thanks to my [Corruption Resistance].
I exploded out of the other side of the copsing wall that was Corrupted Netherstructure a momentter.
And as my clones died behind me, the other dozens of Corrupted Netherstructures continued their pursuit of me, while I continued flying on.
Chapter 553: Bubbles
Chapter 553: Bubbles
553. Bubbles
I flew on.
The Corrupted Netherstructures pursued me. They didnt let up even as myst clone died, exploding into a giant cross. They waded through the fiery st, hardly affected by the powerful magic.
It wasnt like they werepletely immune to regr attacks. They could still be hurt and defeated by ordinary magic, even if it was like they had a resistance to it. In the same vein, I could be killed by the corruption, but I had a Level 5 [Corruption Resistance] General Skill right now.
However, more importantly, it was more that the corruption itself was weak to divinity. And thanks to my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] Grand Skill, I was able to easily defeat the corrupted creatures I encountered down here in the secondyer so far. Unfortunately, right as I was cornered by a group of powerful Corrupted Netherstructures, my first Grand Skill came to an end.
And now, I relied on my second Grand Skill my aura of invulnerability. I gritted my teeth as I focused the protection onto the tip of my right ws. There was a spark of gray me, and if any attack struck me there on that small piece of my body, I would be able to escape unscathed. However, I was still very much threatened if I was attacked from anywhere else.
It seemed like a ridiculous use of my aura of invulnerability. But I was trying to preserve it. I knew that if I created a barrier that persisted around me constantly, the protection it provided wouldst a total of maybe twenty minutes? Maybe more. I wasnt entirely certain.
I just knew that this was a more cost effective use of my second Grand Skill. If an attack from the Corrupted Netherstructures came close to killing me, I could deflect it by rapidly expanding [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] into a shield. And not only that, but
I narrowed my eyes as a group of Corrupted Gargoyles flew ahead of me, heading my way. They hissed, raising their glowing ws as they moved to intercept me. I nced back, and the Corrupted Netherstructures continued giving chase.
I was trapped. It was either I returned to the dozens of Corrupted Netherstructures flying after me, or I continued diving headfirst into the five Corrupted Gargoyles right ahead. Considering there were significantly more of the former than thetter, and thetter was weaker than the former
I made my decision.
Take this!
I yelled as I crashed into the group of Corrupted Gargoyles, swinging my right w forward. The aura of invulnerability protected me as I ripped them apart. I heard the notifications resounding in the back of my head as I just flew forward, shrugging off the rest which survived the impact.
Defeated [---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
Defeated [---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]!
Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!
This was what I could do with [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. It was as much a weapon as it was an armor. I continued on, flying with [Divine Haste] active as I tried to increase the gap between myself and the corrupted creatures chasing me.
I tried to cast [Warped Time] to further increase my speed, but I failed. I wasnt able to properly manipte the world around me here in the secondyer not while I was speeding away from the corruption. Maybe if I could focus, I would be able to better get a hold of the space around me.
But I couldnt focus. Not right now. I cursed as I swerved out of the way of a tendril of corruption. It shot past me, striking the side of a nearby building. I watched as the tendril began to recede and in a single motion, it yanked the copsing building my way. I blinked, before raising both my arms to brace myself.
I flew straight through the rubble as I wreathed my body in an armor of mes. I didnt use my aura of invulnerability for this. I could survive a bit of falling debris with ease. It simply obfuscated my vision for a moment until I emerged from the other side.
I raised my head as I lowered my arms. And [Angelic Premonition] informed me of something I couldnt quiteprehend a danger that would have instantly swallowed me whole. I looked up just in time to see nothing ahead of me.
Literally nothing.
A sphere of nothingness.
Shit
I cursed as I caught myself just in time from crashing into the abyss. I floated face to face with where space came to an end. I took in a deep breath, before I heard the shriek resound behind me. I spun around just in time to dodge a tendril of corruption shooting past my head.
Another tendril shot my way, and I dove down. I swerved around the bubble of non-existence as the attacks didnt stoping. The Corrupted Netherstones didnt let up. I no longer had my Divine Nebr Scythe with me. All I could do was parry the strikes with my right w using my second Grand Skill as a small shield.
I nced back once. An army of corruption followed behind me. The chasing Corrupted Netherstructures had attracted the attention of many more corrupted creatures. I saw everything from Corrupted Netherstones to Corrupted Gargoyles to even ordinary Corrupted Rocks far smaller and far less afflicted by the corruption.
There were hundreds of them giving chase. During my entire time down here in the secondyer, I hadnt been able to find more than a handful of corrupted creatures gathered in the same area. Yet, somehow, here was a small army of them. A single one of them could have destroyed a city in the Mortal Realm alone. And all of them could have probably destroyed the entirety of the Humannds together.
I didnt stand a chance against them. Maybe I could have dealt with a couple of the Corrupted Netherstructures with both my Grand Skills. But against all of them I didnt think I stood a sliver of a chance.
A corrupted tendril shot forward, and I raised my w to block the attack. But the tendril turned at the veryst moment. It struck me from the side, cutting deep into my shoulder. I yelled in pain as my [Corruption Resistance] hardly even dampened the damage. ck blood spilled out from the gash on my skin, only to flicker for a single moment.
I immediately disengaged. I continued flying away from the army of corruption. I circled around the bubble of non-existence as I sent another volley of [The Holy mes] back at the closest corrupted creatures. But it barely slowed their approach.
I wasnt sure why so many of these corrupted creatures only showed up now. Perhaps I had been overconfident, delving this deep into the secondyer. But I had hardly encountered more than a handful of them until now. So I waspletely taken by surprise by this turn of events.
There was nothing I could do to escape. I could only just keep flying forward and hope I lost them somehow. At least, that was what I thought as I continued to descend down the secondyer. But I watched as the city vanished around me. The ever-pervading buildings and structures were gone, reduced to a sea of rubble down below. Floating bits of debris, twisted and distorted with space littered the air, and I just barreled through it all without care.
These floating rocks wouldnt hurt me. They werent corrupted creatures, nor were they bubbles of non-existence. I only had one goal right now, and that was to escape my predicament. I pushed on as I continued weaving around the tendrils shooting my way. I burst through a floating house, flying out the other side
And that was when I saw it.
At first, I didnt know what I was looking at. I couldntprehend what this scene unfolding before me seemed to depict. It was impossible to understand. At least, at a first nce.
But when I squinted, I began to understand more of what was shown before me. The warped space the expansive emptiness started to make sense. And my eyes went wide as I realized that I was doomed.
Those are bubbles of non-existence?
No that wasnt it. It was a storm of non-existence. A neb of the void. Those floating spheres of nothingness gathered together in arge cluster, blocking the path ahead. It was like a nebulous wall that was hardly visible because of the small spaces between each bubble. It was no different than looking at a gathering of clouds when I was flying up in the sky of the Mortal Realm.
And just like when I was flying up in the sky of the Mortal Realm, there was only one thing I could do which was to fly through the gathering of clouds. Except, this time, instead of clouds, it was the abyss that waited before me. The very same void that would crush me for my presence alone.
I didnt slow. I continued flying straight at it. Why didnt I stop? Because I knew what waited behind me was certain death. Perhaps I could fly through the small bits of space between the hundreds and hundreds of bubbles of non-existence.
At least, that was what I hoped. But there was a little problem or actually, a rather major problem. I blinked, watching as the storm of non-existence shifted ever-so-slightly. The veil of the void peeled back just a tiny bit, and a distortion emerged from the other side. I stared in horror as the world rippled. All the colors in the spectrum of light mixed together into a depraved thing.
A moving rift that stretched hundreds of feet tall.
A creature that even Belphegor struggled against.
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
And now, I wasnt sure I could even escape from this predicament alive.
Chapter 554: Storm of the Void.
Chapter 554: Storm of the Void.
554. Storm of the Void
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
I heard a low groan, followed by an explosive chittering that shook the tunnel. It felt like the entirety of the secondyer of the Netherworld was trembling as the giant rift emerged from the storm of non-existence.
I stared at it. I could barely even focus on it. It was almost like an ephemeral thing like it was vanishing with each inch it moved. But it was still there. The Corrupted Hellspace slowly drifted forward, and it left a trail of distortion behind.
I nced back for a single instant. Behind me, an army of corrupted creatures gave chase. Everything from Corrupted Netherstructures to mere Corrupted Rocks. It was an army that had grown to over a thousand. It was what I initially expected to see when I first descended down to the secondyer.
But all I found was a Corrupted Hydra and a handful of Corrupted Netherstones. So I had growncent. I made a mistake. And that had cost me greatly. Now, I was trapped. I didnt know how I was going to escape.
I had a dilemma. I could either turn back to face the army of corrupted creatures, or I could fly on to the single Corrupted Hellspace. There was no obvious choice here. Both seemed like suicide. More and more Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Gargoyles appeared from the rubble littering the tunnel their numbers never stopped growing. If I plunged straight back at them, I would only be able to survive as long as the amount of time [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] had left.
And I was pretty sure that was about five maybe ten minutes at the very most, at this point. Meanwhile, the trek back to safety would have taken me substantially more time than that.
On the other hand, there was only a single Corrupted Hellspace ahead of me. The choice seemed obvious. At least, at the first nce. I had a higher chance of surviving a single enemy even if it was stronger as long as I had my aura of invulnerability protecting me. But that was the problem.
I remembered how [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] was bypassed back during the battle of Alyras. Avaritia had used a Grand Skill to temporarily take the form of the Demon King, and his essence hadpletely overwhelmed my own. The very same could happen now.
I didnt even know if my aura of invulnerability could protect me from the Corrupted Hellspace. That was why this was a gambit I couldnt make a decision on. And even if I managed to survive unscathed, I didnt even know what I was going to do next.
Beyond the Corrupted Hellspace was nothing. Bubbles of non-existence clouds of the abyss. A storm of the void. A wall of oblivion.
Well, it wasnt exactly a wall. But it was close enough. I only saw little gaps of space between the cluster of nothingness. I would have to really squeeze through to survive that. And I didnt think I could do it.
I sighed. Was this it? Was this the end of me? Was I too cocky? Was I too foolish? I had found myself in numerous situations where I was at deaths door, and I had pushed my luck to the very edge. And now, was I finally going to die?
I flew on silently. A lull in my mind. The world I had known was shattered everything I had fought for cascaded into nothing here in the depths of the secondyer. Even as the corrupted army gave chase and I continued to meet the Corrupted Hellspace, I knew nothing waited for me except for despair.
It was as my dad had said: I was nothing. I was I was
No! I steeled myself. I wasnt going to die here I wasnt going to give up! If I was going to die, I was going to die fighting.
I am Salvos. From the very moment I met the others, I knew I could die at any moment. The world was not kind to me it had never been kind. That was why I fought to get stronger. Yes, I wanted to level and be more me, but I also wanted to be strong enough so I could live as me.
And that was what I did here.
Come on! I am not scared of you! I am Salvos! I am an [Angelic Devil Princess] [Draconic Apprentice]! I am Secelys Sentinel, and I am the Devils Daughter! You should be the one afraid of me!
I yelled as I spread my arms wide, flying straight for the Corrupted Hellspace. [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] shifted the gray sparks expanded from my right w, spreading to cover the rest of my body. This armor of invincibility might not save me, but it was the best I had right now.
I heard the chittering of the army of corrupted creatures behind me. The low groan of the Corrutped Hellspace sounded like a challenge a roar in return to my war cry. I didnt look back once. I didnt shy away from staring down the moving rift.
I flew on. And I remembered what my dad had shown me as I focused on a part of my Status.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 6]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
I ignored everything except for [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. Nothing else would help me here. I recalled how the Devil had shown me the multiverse the worlds beyond the Nexeus. He had navigated through the emptiness between each and every single one of the universe with his tiny little world.
I had survived the folds between the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm before. But that waspletely different from the nothingness between the worlds. And while I was pretty sure that these bubbles of non-existence werent akin to the true void, they were still worse than the folds between the nes.
So I needed [Fractured Pocket Dimension] to survive them. Maybe it might not be enough, but I had to give it a try. Normally, it would take me a bit of focus to cast the Skill, However, I didnt have the time right now. So I just dumped 5 secondary Skill Points into it, maxing it out right this instant.
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 1]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Full Phase] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
And then I raised my head. The world shifted around my body. Even as I flew on. I began to try to encase myself in ayer of my own space as the Corrupted Hellspace eyed me. The rift in the air was like an eye, bearing down on me.
I flew straight at it, even as I continued weaving a tiny bit of space around me, trying to create my protection from the bubbles of non-existence. But I should have been more worried for what was directly in front of me. The Corrupted Hellspace unleashed a st of corruption my way. I raised both my arms over my head as I sent my own st of [The Holy mes] back at it.
You
But in an instant, my own magic was snuffed out. I closed my eyes, sucking in a deep breath. The st of corruption shot straight my way, even as I flew on. I waited. I hoped that my Grand Skill was enough to stave off the st.
My eyes fluttered shut, and the world grew eerily silent for a single moment.
Then I heard the screeching. An overwhelming static noise that overwhelmed all my other senses. My eyes snapped open as I saw the smear of colors king out around me. I was surrounded by the corruption it wrapped around me like a sphere of mes.
But [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] held up. At least, for a moment. It sparked out, shing with the colorful smears of distortion. It tore away at my aura of invulnerability, and some of the corruption leaked through. Tiny motes of the corruptionnded on the scales on my forearm.
At first, it was bearable. It only hurt a little bit. My [Corruption Resistance] protected me from the miniscule amounts of the corruption that broke through my invincible armor. But then more of [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] faded away. The Corrupted Hellspaces attack was too powerful. And it didnt stop.
Itpletely engulfed me. It blotted out my vision. I didnt even know where I was going. I just flew on. Even as my aura of invulnerability continued to peel away, and an intense pain overcame my body. I tried to bear with it. Even though it felt like I was being stabbed by a thousand needles, I clenched my jaw together, biting back against the urge to scream.
But more and more of the corrupted broke through. A deluge of the iridescent colors ked down, crashing against my arms as I covered my face. The feeling in my ws almost seemed to vanish reced by a numbing pain that began to spread down my scales. The bright lights muddled my vision. I tried to fight back. Unfortunately, I couldnt.
Finally, it was too much. I screamed.
AhhhHhHHhhHHhHHhhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
And suddenly, the pain vanished. I blinked as all the iridescent kes dissipated. It happened so quickly, I didnt even realize what was going on. I lowered my arm for a single moment, then I saw it.
A wall of non-existence.
I crashed straight into it.
No
It was toote. I hadnt been able to create my [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] in time. I plunged into the nothingness as I tried to cry out. But nothing left my mouth. There was no sound all the overwhelming sensation of pain I was feeling just a moment ago disappeared.
The world went dark. I tried to p my [Angelic Wings]. But I felt nothing behind my back. I listened for the chittering of the corruption. And I heard
Nothing.
I had no thoughts.
I felt no pain.
Was there suffering?
maybe.
I simply stopped existing.
But the wed hands remained.
In the non-existence, a pair of arms floated. They were attached to nothing. In fact, they werent even fully there. There were bits of ck scales, but there was also a white skin underneath. At first, they looked like they had been chomped off by a terrible monster. However, upon closer inspection, it was quite evident there was something else to them.
Something quite odd. A peculiarity.
And that was that they ked with an iridescent light. The hallmark of divinity. But it was not divinity which wisped off the pair of arms. It was a distortion. Perhaps that was what protected them here in this storm of the void.
So the ws moved. They began to weave a magic that was being woven earlier. Was it by instinct, or was it intentional? It didnt matter. They created the reality that was needed.
And I felt my senses return.
I opened my eyes as I found myself in the abyss. My own space was what was protecting me from non-existence. But it was slightly different from usual. Normally, I felt like I had to push back against the void like when I was trapped in the folds between the nes. However, right now, it felt like nothing was imposing against the space I created.
It was just there. Like a wall that protected me. A world I could manipte with ease. And I used it to guide me I navigated through this storm of the void. I couldnt tell how much time passed since I first entered here, but there were shes of light moments where I passed through the real space between the bubbles of non-existence.
I just waited, flying on silently as the corruption wisping off my forearms faded away. Until, finally
Grand Skill [w of Corruption] learned!
Abundant experience is awarded for the learning of a Grand Skill!
Skills [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] and [Full Phase] have consolidated into Grand Skill [The World of My Mind]!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 162] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 163]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 163] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 164]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 138] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 139]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 139] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 140]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Title Avable]
I blinked, sitting up. I didnt even realize I had been sitting down. At some point, I had emerged out the other side of the storm of the void. And now, I was back in real space. I nced back at the bubbles of non-existence behind me. Then I looked down at myself. I didnt even register my new Grand Skills. I only had one thing in my mind.
Im alive?
I asked, poking myself on the chest. And a voice spoke in response.
Indeed you are.
I spun around, raising my ws as I readied for battle. But then I caught myself. I saw who it was, before blinking a few times.
Belphegor?
The Primordial Demon stood before me. All around him, his [Gargoyles]y dead reduced to nothing but rubble. He nodded at me with a small smile before raising his head.
You did well to reach this ce at your level.
What are you
I opened my mouth, then paused. I watched as Belphegor turned away from me. He spread his arms wide as I looked past him. He faced it too. He spread his arms wide as my hands drooped down to my side, and I could only gasp.
What is that?
Belphegor just chuckled in response.
Wee to the end of the world.
And I beheld it the distorted thing. The mixture of bright colors. Buzzing and consuming everything, turning it all into nothing. It was
A wall of infinite corruption.
Chapter 555: The End of the World
Chapter 555: The End of the World
555. The End of the World
This was the end of the world.
No, it wasnt the apocalypse that the Kobolds spoke of. Well in a sense, it was the same thing. But it was also different.
This was what the Dragons left Secely to fight against. It was what killed the Old Gods. They were supposed to be powerful divine beings who had ascended just like me. But they had done soter than I did, meaning that they were higher-leveled too.
So I had found it strange that I could survive the secondyer of the Netherworld just fine. I had expected it to be a lot more dangerous down here. After all, this ce was where my fathers kingdom wasid to die.
But all I found down here were floating rocks and invisible bubbles. Storms of the void, and Corrupted Netherstructures. However, even though I nearly died from all these encounters, I still managed to put up a fight. I escaped with my Grand Skills I overcame every single hurdle that came my way and reached the end as a single question lingered in my mind.
How?
How did the Old Gods perish to this?
How did my dad lose his kingdom to a couple of corrupted rocks?
How was this supposed to bring about the end of the world?
Well, the answer made itself clear to me now. I beheld it with wide eyes as it shimmered brightly before me. It shone with all the colors of the rainbow and more. It was just like my Divine Essence, except instead of coalescing into a single concentrated power, the iridescent light expanded into pure chaos.
It was the end of the world. It was more than just a few distorted pebbles. It was even more than a tear in space itself. It was
An infinite wall of corruption.
It was an amalgamation of the damage that the world had suffered over eternity the very edges of Nexeus itself copsing into nothingness. At one point, there was a world beyond this twisted distortion. But that was no longer the case. Nothing waited for me beyond except for the corruption and despair.
I stumbled back as the ground trembled beneath my feet. The cacophonous chittering of the corruption red in my ears. And it wasnt a constant overwhelming noise either. It alternated between sounding like it was a distant echo to a screech in my head. It was dizzying. Like my senses were being messed with.
But [Corruption Navigation] took effect maybe even [Manifestation of the Old Gods] too. I regained control of my senses and took a step forward. And I focused my gaze on the only figure standing with me before the end of the world as everything shook around us.
I am surprised you managed to make it this far.
Belphegor spoke as he faced his back towards me. He stared at the end of the world. I could barely get a glimpse of his face as the earth began to crack beneath my feet. I stumbled back, watching as bits of rock and stone floated into the air all around me.
I caught myself from falling, before looking back up at the Primordial Demon. I narrowed my eyes. I thought I was imagining it at first, but I was right I knew what I saw. Belphegor wore a morose expression on his face.
It looked like he was crying. His normally nk expression was reced with that of mncholy. He raised his head slowly, speaking in a soft whisper. But despite that, I heard his voice.
You have done well. Very well. Very well, indeed. However, there was no reason for you to venture past the Gate of the Netherworld.
Belphegor craned his neck to face me. I saw his eyes. And they were no longer the empty holes that I had seen before. Now, there was life in them. I saw a sea of color a moving ocean of Divine Essence.
A single teardrop slid down his cheeks, and the globule of water shone with an iridescent light. I watched as he took a step back towards the end of the world even as he continued staring at me.
Go back return to the firstyer. The secondyer will not fall just yet. But it is falling. And I do not wish for another soul to perish down here in my damnation with me.
I
I stared at Belphegor. I watched as he shook his head. I opened my mouth, but a loud screech interrupted me. I braced myself for an attack. However, the air just ripped open. I watched as a ripple washed over space itself, before a scar formed just before me.
My eyes widened, and broken shards of reality drifted down from the newly-formed rift. kes of corruption began to coalesce around the warped space as I raised a wed hand. I caught one of the broken shards of reality and stared at its ever-changing shape. First, it was a diamond lying in the palm of my hand, then it became a sphere, and it shifted once more into a pyramid.
I lowered my hand, ignoring this odd spatial object as I stared up at Belphegor.
This is the end of the world?
I asked, even though I already knew the answer. Belphegor just nodded slowly.
Why is the world ending?
He didnt respond to my second question. I gritted my teeth, even as the nearby floating rocks were sucked into the rift. I pressed him again. I spoke as I remembered the mural I had seen at the Prison of the Basilisk. Not only that, but I recalled the things that the Kobolds had told me back when I had not even been Level 100 yet.
Is it because of the Worldwalkers? The neskippers? The Realityhoppers
No.
I named each of those who were supposedly at fault. But Belphegor interrupted me. His voice boomed, causing the rift to flicker for a moment. He lowered his head as he closed his eyes.
It was none of them.
He spoke as he brought one of his hands up towards the rift. The scar in space floating just above him continued to tear open wider it began to ripple with the corruption, twisting like it was a nascent Corrupted Hellspace.
Belphegor sighed.
Perhaps it would have eventually happened maybe we only expedited the problem. But this? All of this? It happened because of our folly.
Your folly?
I blinked. That didnt seem right. That contradicted everything Id been told by the Kobolds. Xidra had said that it was because of the holes in between the nes that which was caused by moving between the Mortal Realm, the Netherworld, and the Spirit ne. Not only that, but the worst of it came from the Worldwalkers that used to pass through the Nexeus right?
Wrong.
The Worldwalkers left. They left long before the corruption could even take hold in the Nexeus they knew that if they remained for too long, their presence would lead to the destruction of the world.
Belphegor chuckled as he shook his head. I blinked. I stared at him in a daze. I tried to work my jaw even as the earth continued to rumble beneath my feet.
What? But I thought
Did you really think that they would be foolish enough to bring our world to ruin? Dont be ridiculous. They have traversed far more worlds than you can ever imagine they know the damage they could cause with their persistent presence. They left. All of them.
The Primordial Demonughed bitterly as he hung his head.
They knew better than to cause a worlds destruction lest they could incur the silent wrath of the Arcraem.
Who?
I narrowed my eyes. But then I shook my head. That didnt answer the question. Belphegor was speaking cryptically he still hadnt exined what this folly was supposed to be. I took a step forward, steadying myself even as the wall of corruption just ahead of me slowly edged forward, causing the ground to tremble.
That doesnt matter if it wasnt the Worldwalkers who caused this, then who was it? Why does the end of the world exist? Why does the corruption exist?
Belphegor paused. He lowered his arms. His eyes fluttered shut and he turned away from me.
Do you really wish to know the answer to that question?
Yes.
I nodded, steadfast. My gaze bore into Belphegors back. And he sighed audibly even amidst the chittering of the corruption. The rift continued to widen overhead, and more of the ground beneath my feet began to break open. The end of the world approached but gradually. It moved at a snails crawl. However, it was moving.
And I waited. I listened. The Primordial Demon who stood before me withheld the answer for a moment longer. Until he finally raised his head.
It was your father.
He whispered, and I froze. I blinked a few times as Belphegor turned to face me, raising an using finger.
Your father caused this, Salvos. He is the reason why the Nexeus is gued by the corruption. He is the reason why the world is ending.
I heard these words echo at the end of the world. And I could only stare in shock.
What?
Chapter 556: The World Of His Mind Part One
Chapter 556: The World Of His Mind Part One
556. The World Of His Mind Part One
I stared at Belphegor as his words echoed in my head. The Primordial Demon didnt move. His finger was jabbed my way, pointing usingly at me. I stared back into his eyes his empty eyes. The iridescent colors from earlier were gone, reced with the hollow pits I had seen when I first met him.
My mind reeled. I took in what he said. My father did this? By that, did he mean Sal? Was Belphegor talking about the Devil?
But how? How did he know that my dad was the Devil? I never mentioned that to Belphegor even once. I had made sure to keep my mouth shut about my dad when the [Basilisk] nearly murdered me just for saying the Devil King around it.
I shook my head. How Belphegor knew about my dad didnt matter he didnt borate, and I wasnt going to ask him about that. I was more concerned about what the Primordial Demon was saying that Sal did.
What do you mean by that?
I asked as I took a step forward. I steadied myself even as the ground rumbled beneath me.
What do you mean that the Devil caused the end of the world?
It sounded ridiculous the Kobolds had told me that it was the Worldwalkers who led to the corruption of our reality. A long time ago, the Nexeus was a hub for them to congregate, and their presence tore holes through space which could never recover right?
But none of the Kobolds I had spoken to were around during that time. They didnt experience what they spoke of. They told me stories based on what their parents told them.
Meanwhile, Belphegor was a Primordial. That didnt mean he was old. But it meant he had been around for a while. And supposedly, he had been around back when my dad was still the Devil King maybe he was even alive before my dad was born!
I didnt know. I just knew that Belphegor was old. And he had been down here fighting off the corruption for a long time. So if anyone knew what caused the corruption to surface, it would have been him. However, I just couldnt believe it.
What did my dad do? How did he cause this? Last I checked, he doesnt even leave his little space in between the nes often!
I waved vaguely towards the wall of corruption, then crossed my arms. Belphegor shook his head as a rift continued to form above him, before being wreathed in kes of the corruption. He just sighed.
The Devil you know today is nothing like the Devil King of the past. He was rash. He was a reckless fool. Somewhat naive, too. But most of all he was proud.
I frowned, and Belphegor closed his eyes. A bitter smile spread across his face as he began to exin.
Memories. All Belphegor had left were memories. Each and every passing moment he roamed the ruins of the once great kingdom that had once been his home, he was reminded of the past. He thought of what could have been.
But he knew of what is, and he wept. He didnt want to remember. He tried to forget. However, he was so often lost in his memories, he saw ghosts. Shadows that stalked the corner of his eyes. When he turned to face them, they would vanish. Taken by time.
However, for the first time in eons, Belphegor encountered someone. He met a real person. At first, he had thought she was fake. He tried to dismiss her existence. That was until she touched him.
And he realized she was real.
So he peered into her he saw her Status with his [Gods Eye], and he was taken aback. For a moment. Not because of her levels. He wasnt surprised by her levels in the slightest. They werent anything special. But what he saw was her Title.
Her name was Salvos, and she was The Devils Daughter.
At first, heshed out at her. He wanted to kill her for even appearing in his presence. But he quickly steeled himself. The pain was too much to bear, and his regrets weighed too heavily in his chest. He couldnt add to his sorrows by killing Samuels daughter.
So he tried to forget it all, returning back into his dazed state of muddled memories. However, that didntst long. He remembered his duties, and he realized that he had to act.
After all, the secondyer was finally copsing. Nothing down here remained. With the end of the world approaching, and the [Hydra] overtaken, his [Gargoyles] could not survive more than a few moments alive without his apanying presence.
Belphegor sighed as he raised his head. He stared at the Corrupted Hellspace forming above him, before his lips tightened into a twisted frown. He slowly turned to face the wall of infinite corruption behind him. It was both a terrible and beautiful sight like the essence of divinity, but slightly warped into something else. And that was why it off-putting.
But he was used to looking at it by now, so he felt no fear as he faced down the approaching end of the world.
Samuel was a Primordial Demon of Pride.
Belphegor did not face Salvos as he spoke. Instead, he just remembered. He drowned himself in his memories as he always did recalling things that no longer were. But for the very first time in an eternity, he had an audience.
He brought a hand to his chest,ughing amidst the chittering of the corruption.
Or rather Samuel was a Greater Demon of Pride when I first met him. But even back then, he always had lofty goals and grand ambitions
Belphegor stared at the gangly [Fiend] standing before him. Red skin, ck ws, and a toothy smile spread across his bloodied face, he almost seemed like a wild Demon at first. He sauntered past a pile of corpses as he spun a ming spear in his right hand.
He was dangerous even if he was lower-leveled than Belphegor, it was evident that he was dangerous. But he didnt attack. Not just yet. Instead, his mouth moved
Greetings, I am Samuel.
He spoke as he approached Belphegor. His words were startling so he was not a wild Demon? But he was still dangerous. He had to be dangerous.
Belphegor tensed, but Samuel just extended a wed hand.
Will you join me in saving the world?
What?
I was higher-leveled than him. I was nearing my evolution to be an Archdemon, and he was over 10 levels below me. Yet, he spoke with such confidence, I couldnt help but be entranced by his words.
Belphegor shook his head. He didnt tell the full story he didnt regale the part of the tale in which he had witnessed Samuel ying an Archdemon before their encounter. It didnt matter.
After all, it wasnt the threat of death that pushed Belphegor towards this covenant. Instead, it was the enchanting words Samuel had spoken back then.
What did my dad say?
Salvos asked, taking a step forward. She prodded Belphegor, but her presence barely even registered to him at this moment. The past consumed him. An ethereal city began to form around him the broken rubble took shape to what once was.
At first, it was the image of a small civilization. There were only a few hundred Demons living there, hiding in the caverns away from the destruction above. But then, their city grew. They began to tunnel downwards as they multiplied, taking in Demons from all across the Netherworld.
The memory moved around Belphegor like a blur. A smile slipped onto his lips, and he spoke wistfully.
Your father told me of his dreams he spoke of creating peace for our people. He told us that we would no longer have to fear simply living.
Belphegor thought it was an utterly ridiculous idea when he first heard about it. But he saw Samuels dreams being fulfilled. And at that point, he had no other choice. He had to believe in this vision.
Salvos furrowed her brows as she ced a hand on her chin.
That sounds like what Regnorex is doing? Huh.
Regnorex?
Belphegor blinked. For a moment, he broke out of his stupor by the unfamiliar name. But he shook his head.
I do not know who this Regnorex is, but I have heard others tout such a foolish idea, and I rejected it plenty of times before. No Samuels grand ns did not end there. There was more to it. There was
Turning around, Belphegor raised his head to face the ceiling. It cracked and crumbled. But the falling rocks didnt crash down into him. Instead, the stone disintegrated into kes of corruption.
Salvos took a step forward, even as the earth continued to break.
What do you mean? What makes my dad different?
Samuel
Belphegor started. His eyes fluttered open and close for a moment, before he began to see the visions of the city around him change. It was no longer a city. Everything began to shift and warp, the stone reced by a ss-like surface. The Demons reced by
The Devil King wanted to create an ark.
An ark?
Salvos cocked her head as she listened. Belphegors eyes flickered, glimmering with a divinity as he stared up into the forming Corrupted Hellspace.
A brand new ne in the Nexeus one that existed outside of the Netherworld. The promise Samuel made me it was beyond anything I have ever heard before
Belphegor trailed off. He recalled the offer he had been given on the day he met Samuel. It sounded so ridiculous, but it was a nice dream. And that was why he had taken the deal. Because if it coulde true, it would have changed everything.
Salvos narrowed her eyes.
What is it? What did my dad offer you?
Belphegor took in a deep breath. He stared back at the end of the world the consequence of their failure. And he sighed.
Samuel said we could all be gods.
Chapter 557: The World Of His Mind Part Two
Chapter 557: The World Of His Mind Part Two
557. The World Of His Mind Part Two
Ridiculous thats absolutely ridiculous! Be gods? Create a new ne? Who do you think you are? Youre a mere Greater Demon!
Belphegor sputtered, pointing usingly at Samuel. And yet, the gangly [Fiend]s smile never vanished from his face. He was being serious. He genuinely believed the words he said, despite how asinine they were.
It went beyond a mere dream. It was pure insanity. Belphegor himself had his own aspirations before some of which never seemed like they were feasible. He had thought of one day crossing the nes. He believed he could escape from this grueling life of survival.
But he never once had such a foolish, insane thought. Not just to be a god himself, but for everyone to be a god? It was no ambition. It was a delusion.
You are nothing. How can a Greater Demon like you possibly hope to lead all of Demonkind to apotheosis?
Belphegor snarled, gesturing towards the sky. Somewhere, out there, a Worldwalker roamed the heavens, uncaring of the destion wrought in the Netherworld beneath.
Samuel just smiled in response.
Yet, I was not always a Greater Demon. I was a Lesser Demon once an Infant Demon before that. We all start from nothing, and that is why we can be everything.
Thats insane! Youre insane! You are as foolish as a wild Demon!
Belphegor raised his ws. He took a wide stance, ready to do battle with this insane [Fiend]. But Samuel simply lowered his ming spear, dropping it to the ground.
Perhaps I am foolish, but if those Worldwalkers who gue our skies can exceed the bounds of their homes and enter ours, should we not be able to walk other worlds too?
The gangly [Fiend] took a step back. He raised his head towards the shorn sky of Revtion and he took in a deep breath.
You say that I am nothing, and maybe I am. However, arent we all nothing outside of our own minds? We are only worth what we think of ourselves! So we should strive to achieve our dreams we should strive to be something more!
You will die trying, you damn fool.
Belphegor swung out with a w, but Samuel just took a step back. He easily dodged the swing, however he refused tond a counterattack. Instead, as Belphegor spun around, Samuel simply proffered his hand once more.
Perhaps I will die.
Samuel shook his head as Belphegor hesitated.
But what is wrong with that? I would die trying to achieve my dreams. There is no shame in death.
The gangly [Fiend] took a step back and closed his eyes.
After all, even gods die. Even Worldwalkers can be killed. Nothing no one is safe from death.
What?
Belphegor paused. He narrowed his eyes at Samuel.
What do you mean by that?
Oh?
Samuel just smirked, looking back down to face Belphegor.
Are you telling me you have never witnessed the death of a Worldwalker?
The death of a? No thats impossible. They are far more powerful than even the greatest Archdemons!
But its true.
Samuels lips twisted into a smile. He leaned forward as Belphegor backed up, wide-eyed.
I know its true because I was the one who killed her.
Thats
Even gods could die, so there was no reason why we could not be gods ourselves. At least, that was what I told myself when I saw the body.
Belphegor opened his eyes as he recounted his first meeting with the Devil King. Salvos just blinked, standing in shock before him as the ground shook and crumbled. A rift continued to form just overhead, but neither of the two lone Demons in the secondyer of the Netherworld paid attention to anything but each other
The body? What body?
Salvos asked as she narrowed her eyes. Belphegor remembered the crater he recalled the lifeless body like he had just seen it for the very first time. The lifeless eyes. The dried blood.
It was the corpse of the Worldwalker your father had killed. It never vanished it remained, even as the natural cycles of the Netherworld continued. The body was left there to remind us of our ambitions.
Belphegor sighed as he craned his neck back, hanging his head. He stared up at the rift as Salvos just pursed her lips. The corruption continued to coalesce, containing the torn space.
Then what happened?
She finally asked. She gestured around the ruins of a vast city.
Was this built by my dad?
Yes.
Belphegor replied softly. He spread his arms wide,ughing as he spun around. He remembered the city that teemed with life. The sanctuary that saved hundreds of millions of Demons from the hellish world above.
This city it took hundreds of cycles. But we built it from nothing. We created this safe haven for our people. And it was beautiful.
A single teardrop slid down Belphegors cheeks. He saw a vision no longer that of tall, looming structures. Instead, he saw faces. He heardughter in the distance. The chittering vanished, and the corruption faded away.
We have finally conquered the secondyer.
Focalor guffawed as he spun around. He spread his arms wide, shouting for all to hear.
We are gods! We have truly be gods even the Worldwalkers will fear us now!
His legion of followers cheered with him. They danced together in celebration. But Astaroth just shook her head and started forward.
Now lets not get ahead of ourselves. We still have five moreyers to traverse.
She grabbed him by the shoulders, dragging him away from his followers. They jeered in response, but Focalor just waved a hand off dismissively.
Come on, thats easy! The secondyer barely had any wild Demons down here. And its not like the world itself is trying to kill us like during Revtion.
We dont know what the thirdyer could hold for us. Now shut up youre being too loud.
She rolled her eyes. But he just swept into a bow, taking her by the hands.
Lighten up a little, Astaroth. Dont you want to dance with me?
Wha
Hes right, Astaroth! Dance with him!
Vepar shouted from the side. He grinned, before wincing as Agnares elbowed him. She scowled back at her twin.
Dont encourage Focalor.
I was just
Belphegor and Samuel both watched this scene from a distance. They looked on as their friends celebrated. But neither of them joined in. They just apanied each other, speaking softly amongst themselves.
It appears that your dreams areing true as you said, my King.
Please, Belphegor. You know better than to call me that when were alone together.
Samuel chuckled lightly in response. He leant back, before looking towards a pit in the far distance one that had been dug up by a giant undting creature. A wild Primordial Demon. It would have destroyed the entire kingdom had it not been in here and now. Even though they were mere Primeval Demons, they still won. They slew the [World Serpent], and now they had found a path to the thirdyer.
It was the very same pit the [World Serpent] had fallen back into when it had been defeated. A deep darkness at the very end of the secondyer leading further down to what seemed like an entirely different world. What awaited them down there? No one knew. But they had to be ready.
Samuel shook his head before turning back to face Belphegor.
And you know that this is not just my dream. It is our dream.
Belphegor blinked as Samuel spoke. The Devil King held his gaze. He stared deep into those eyes, entranced for a moment.
Samuel
But Samuel turned away, gesturing towards the city in the far distance. And he stared at his kingdom. He took in his people. He just smiled.
This dream it belongs to all of us. None of this would have been possible if not for every single one of my people banding together to achieve this.
R-right.
Belphegor cleared his throat. Samuel didnt notice the way Belphegor shuffled his feet ufortably. But it did not matter. Instead, the Devil King just sighed wistfully as he raised his head.
We havee so far even the Worldwalkers have started to take notice of us.
Wait, what?
Belphegor blinked. And Samuel shook his head apologetically.
I am sorry for not telling this earlier, but it happened just before we left to fight the [World Serpent]. A Worldwalker showed himself to me. He spoke to him, and he offered me his help.
His help? Wait, who is this Worldwalker, Samuel?
He called himself the Trickster.
Samuel replied simply.
And he said he could help me achieve my final dream.
What?
I should have said something. I knew we shouldnt have trusted that Worldwalker. There was no reason for him to help us, but he did. And we suffered the consequences for it.
Belphegor spoke through gritted teeth as Salvos just looked on. She didnt move. She didnt take a step forward. She didnt even lower her head in despair. She just held Belphegors gaze, before shaking her head.
What happened? What did Trico do?
For a moment, Belphegor just stood there, reminiscing about everything he had built alongside the Devil King. Then he heard the screams. He heard the echoes of millions of dying souls. The chittering of the corruption returned, and he raised his head.
The rift stilled. But the corruption wreathing its form only grew wilder.
Belphegor tried to fight back his tears.
Trico that Worldwalker he
The Primordial Demon started as Salvos leaned forward. But then a loud screech interrupted him. The two of them blinked and spun around. They looked back towards the storm of the void as a figure emerged from the bubbles of non-existence.
Salvos gasped.
Oh no
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
And Belphegor narrowed his eyes. But before he could react, the rift hovering overhead shifted. A tendril of corruption shot down as the rift finally copsed, forming a Corrupted Hellspace a second Corrupted Hellspace. It grabbed Belphegor, yanking him into the air as the first Corrupted Hellspace charged at Salvos.
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
Chapter 558: The World Of His Mind Part Three
Chapter 558: The World Of His Mind Part Three
558. The World Of His Mind Part Three
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 164
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 140
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 5
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 2
[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 265 (+30) (+10)
[Strength]: 255 (+30) (+10)
[Endurance]: 255 (+30) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 410 (+30) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 450 (+30) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 15
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 10
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[w of Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 5]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
[The World of My Mind] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
[Title Avable]
I looked over my new Status for a very brief moment. I had gained two brand new Grand Skills, and I have leveled quite a few times since I descended down into the secondyer. But even as I desperately searched for anything to help me, [Angelic Premonition] told me that it was pointless.
Even if I had my [Divine mes of the Angelic Devil Princess] and [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] active right now, I was still going to lose against my opponents. I didnt stand a chance. Not in the slightest. After all, I was facing against
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Hellspace - Lvl. ---- ]
That was right. A pair of Corrupted Hellspaces surrounded me. Both of them were far beyond my level. Even without [Angelic Premonition] telling me that I wouldnt be able to harm either of them, I knew that there was no point in even trying to fight them.
I recalled both the [Basilisk] and Belphegor fighting a single Corrupted Hellspace back in the firstyer. Sure, they won the fight. But that was mostly thanks to Belphegors efforts. The [Basilisk] wasnt able to do much behind its prison. And yet, it had nearly been able to kill me with its sight alone.
But the very same attack was pretty much nullified by the Corrupted Hellspace. The petrification hadnt even slowed the corruption, let alone hurt its target.
So I was at my wits end. I was forced to face an enemy I couldnt possibly defeat. And it wasnt just one of them there were two of them bearing down on me. The only fortune I was given was that one of the Corrupted Hellspaces was distracted, attacking Belphegor with its tendrils. But the other had its sight set upon me. And I could only stare in shock as it approached me.
I recognized it. It was the very same Corrupted Hellspace that had attacked me earlier just before I had escaped into the storm of the void. I thought I had escaped thanks to the bubbles of non-existence obfuscating my path. But that wasnt the case.
The Corrupted Hellspace could traverse the nothingness without a problem. It pursued me, and now, it was here. It began to ripple as it let out a screech, charging straight down at me. The space around its rift-like body distorted. I could feel a powerful shockwave washing over me twisting the space where I stood, even before the corruption reached me.
I braced myself. But I didnt have a weapon. I no longer had my Divine Nebr Scythe on me, and I wasnt going to be able to create another one in time to protect myself. Not that it mattered. There was only one thing I could do right now.
As the Corrupted Hellspace drew closer, I raised a wed hand. I closed my eyes, listening to Belphegor yelling in the background as he was locked in battle with his own enemy. And the world around me began to shift.
The ripple that swept over me came to a halt as I focused on it. A glimmer of light seemed to shine around me like a ss box. The power of my [Fractured Pocket Dimension], but far stronger. I pped my ws together as space twisted and turned, conjuring my brand new Grand Skill.
[The World Of My Mind]!
And there was a flicker. I began to ascend up into the air, even without pping my [Angelic Wings] behind my back. Instead, an invisible tform carried me. I watched as the Corrupted Hellspace slowed.
It didnt have a face. It was simply a corrupted rift. And yet, I could tell by the way it began to turn its distorted body that it was searching for me. It scanned its surroundings, but I was nowhere to be found. I sighed in relief as I dropped to my knees.
That was close
My voice echoed here in my little pocket space. But it didnt echo beyond the boundaries of the ss-like walls carrying me. After all, I was pretty much separated from the world I could see around me. I sighed in relief.
Just like my dad, my world was now invisible to everyone in this ne. The moment I activated my Grand Skill, I emted him I copied what he had done when he left me alone here in the Netherworld again. Even though I could see everything around me, I was safe
And there was a screech. I narrowed my eyes as I heard a shout. Belphegor kicked the first Corrupted Hellspace back, tearing off its tendril. And right as hended on the ground, the second Corrupted Hellspace rushed him.
It struck him from behind. Its sharp tendrils dug into his back, but his leathery skin was sturdy. He shrugged off the attacks and let out a guttural cry. He grabbed the tendril, before yanking down. And the tendril of corruption was ripped right off.
Belphegor leapt into the air, using the torn tendril of corruption as a de as he crashed into the second Corrupted Hellspace. It reeled from the attack. Its body was shredded open. But before Belphegor could finish it off, the first Corrupted Hellspace returned.
The two of them inundated him with their assault. Whenever one was beaten back, the other would substitute in. Even as he whittled away at their coat of corruption, they would always just regenerate back from the damage when he was distracted with the other. So it was almost a pointless battle.
I just hovered in the air, looking on with no idea as to what to do right now. I couldnt help Belphegor. He fought against those two Corrupted Hellspaces alone. And all I could do was watch with bated breath.
He grunted as he crashed straight into the core of the first Corrupted Hellspace, tearing through the corruption. Perhaps it was because the first Corrupted Hellspace was younger a nascent thing that had just been given birth to by the end of the world. But Belphegor seemed to tear through its corruption far easier.
He ignored the second Corrupted Hellspace as it assailed him from behind. He shrugged off the attacks, even as his skin was ripped open. But only tiny droplets of ck blood dripped from his wounds. Like he barely had any blood left to shed.
Belphegor took a step back as the first Corrupted Hellspace began to dissipate. The corruption faded from its body, and the rift began to close. It was dead. I just stared.
Huh. Maybe I dont even need to help him
I looked on as he turned around, ring at the second Corrupted Hellspace the remaining Corrupted Hellspace. It made a loud groaning sound as itshed out at him with its tendrils again. He ground his teeth together, growling as he sprinted forward.
He dug hisnky arms into the ground, pulling out a sword from the rubble at his feet. But as he swung the weapon at the Corrupted Hellspace, the de fell apart. The corruption began to consume it, and he leapt back.
The Corrupted Hellspace twisted. Its wounds began to close as I smiled to myself. It was a lot stronger than the first, but Belphegor would still defeat it. He steadied himself as his back faced the end of the world.
And I heard a chittering in the distance. I blinked as Belphegor frowned. I nced back, hearing the chittering grow louder. And my eyes went wide as I saw figures emerging from the storm of the void. The bubbles of non-existence peeled back, revealing
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstructure - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Netherstone - Lvl. ---- ]
[---- Gargoyle - Lvl. ---- ]
.
Thats
I stared at the army of corruption as it congregated here. Thousands of them. The very same ones that had pursued me here. And they joined the Corrupted Hellspace as Belphegor clenched a fist. He stood before the approaching corruption as I watched from the safety of my pocket space.
And a rift opened up above Belphegor. Another Corrupted Hellspace began to slowly form.
Oh no.
I could only whisper as Belphegor bellowed another wary cry. And the corrupted army charged.
Chapter 559: The World Of His Mind Part Four
Chapter 559: The World Of His Mind Part Four
559. The World Of His Mind Part Four
Belphegor watched as the army of corruption bore down on him. Corrupted creatures by the thousands no, there were over ten thousand of them at the very least. They swarmed him, and the end of the world inched closer.
The wall of infinite corruption was slow. It barely ever moved, even if Belphegor refused to fight the corruption. If he just stood there and watched as the world was corrupted around him, maybe he could see the approach over time.
But as long as he fought back against the corrupted creatures forming in the secondyer, the corruptions approach would stall. He could essentially stop the end of the world for just a little bit.
And yet, an army of corruption converged on him right now. Where did theye from? How did they get behind him?
There was only a single exnation Belphegor must have been sloppy.
When he charged back down to the secondyer, he was so focused on returning to the end of the world, he must not have been as thorough in clearing the corruption as he thought. He had sent his army of [Gargoyles] out to deal with any residual corruption he missed. But he realized now that he didnt sense any of them any longer.
They had perished. And the corruption was allowed to fester and spread.
The corruption only bred corruption. The fact that a single Corrupted Hellspace managed to slip past him had brought forth this army, and now he had to face it all alone.
Alone? Wait wasnt there someone with him just a moment ago
And the Corrupted Hellspace screeched. Itshed out with a dozen tendrils as Corrupted Gargoyles, Corrupted Netherstones, and Corrupted Netherstructures swarmed around it. Belphegor snapped back into reality as he took a step back. He didnt budge any further, knowing that the end of the world would have consumed him.
Instead, he just pped his hands together as he yelled.
[Worldbreaker]!
And a shockwave exploded from where he stood. It ripped across thendscape, shredding the ground open. The Corrupted Hellspace reeled as its tendrils were obliterated from the st. The nearby corrupted creatures werepletely torn apart the corruption wreathing them peeling back and melting away like ice in a fiery explosion.
It shook the world. Even the wall of infinite corruption halted for just a single moment, before resuming its approach. The nearby bubbles of non-existence were knocked back, and the storm of the void was disced ever-so-slightly
And Belphegor charged. He ran straight into the army of corruption as he bellowed a war cry. He had faced down many countless corrupted creatures before. A few thousand more was nothing to him. He raised his hands as the broken ground began to shift, and the rubble gave birth to his [Gargoyles].
I watched as Belphegor crashed into the Corrupted Hellspace. He roared, tearing through the regeneratingyers of corruption protecting its core. It tried to throw him off, but he was like an unstoppable force. The two of them tumbled through the air as the ground continued to crumble.
[Gargoyles] emerged from the ground being created before my very eyes. These Primeval Demons were strong and sturdy. But against the swarm of corrupted creatures converging, they barely even put up a fight.
The [Gargoyles] were ripped apart like they were nothing. The moment they came to life, they were killed. They only served as a distraction. They were there so Belphegor could deal with the Corrupted Hellspace first.But even then, they werent very effective in serving their purpose.
I looked on as a dozen Corrupted Netherstructures hovered over Belphegors back. He didnt even nce at them he continued pummeling into the Corrupted Hellspace. However, they took notice of him, and they took action.
The Corrupted Netherstructures sent down tendrils of corruption. The attack struck Belphegor, grazing his skin. He winced, but he wasnt hurt. He finally raised his head, distracted for a moment. And that was when the Corrupted Hellspace moved. There was a ripple in space almost like a tear.
And whatever it was, it sent Belphegor flying off into the distance. He nearly flew straight into the end of the world, but he caught himself mid-way through, twisting in the air andnding just before the wall of infinite corruption. He raised his head to face the Corrupted Netherstructures. Then he looked down as a group of Corrupted Gargoyles barreled towards him.
Belphegor dug his hands into the earth, before pulling up. My eyes widened as the ground lifted like a carpet, and he swung it down, knocking the Corrupted Gargoyles in the air. And he took a step forward, creating a javelin from the rocks at his feet. With a single thrust, he hurled the projectile straight into the closest airborne Corrupted Gargoyle.
And the javelin exploded into a thousand small spikes. The spikes shot out in every direction, cutting down the Corrupted Gargoyles and Corrupted Netherstructures with ease. I winced as a handful of the shrapnel flew my way. But they seemed to just phase through my Grand Skill.
[The World Of My Mind] was not just like my [Fragmented Pocket Space]. It was even better. It functioned like a little mini world. And with it, I could phase between the nes or even better, phase out of existence while still seeing everything that happened around me.
I sighed in relief. I was safe. But Belphegor wasnt. I narrowed my eyes as he was swarmed from behind by the corruption. A Corrupted Hellspace circled around him, and a group of Corrupted Netherstructures were distracting him. There were Corrupted Netherstones and even Corrupted Rocks buzzing around as well, but he ignored them.
Belphegor didnt even give the weaker corrupted creatures a moments nce. He roared as he charged straight through Corrupted Netherstructure after Corrupted Netherstructure, heading straight for the Corrupted Hellspace. Even though he was alone and outmatched, he was still winning?
Well, he was putting up a fight at the very least. But I was afraid that wasnt going tost long. After all
I nced back towards the end of the world. Right before the wall of corruption, a rift was forming. A brand new Corrupted Hellspace was being birthed. And here, from [The World Of My Mind], I could see ripples in space beginning to form. Even more Corrupted Hellspace could be created soon.
Belphegor wouldnt be able to fend them off all alone. I had to help him. He couldnt die. Because I still needed to know what happened with my dad!
I took in a deep breath as I considered my options. Other than [The World Of My Mind], I had no other Grand Skill currently avable except for [w Of Corruption]. And I didnt even know what it did.
I pursed my lip as the nearby rift twisted, being painted in the corruption.
There was another option another way I could potentially help. And it was
[Title Avable]
After surviving the bubbles of non-existence, I had been given a brand new Title. Of course, I had plenty of Titles to choose from. Those that I had not picked long ago they were still avable for me. But I knew that I had a brand new Title or maybe even multiple Titles for me to choose from now.
And it could potentially help me save Belphegor here. While I couldnt fight off the army for him, I could just grab him and we could escape into my reality space.
I closed my eyes as I focused on the avable Titles.
Title for Great Feats:
Requirements for one Title have been met!
What is it?
I waited. I listened as the words echoed in my mind. And my eyes snapped wide open.
Titles:
(Secelys Sentinel)
You have -------- ---- against a myriad of -------- both from the outside and from within! Whether it be a ---- that threatens to kill hundreds of millions, or an invasive ---- of ---- that came from far away, you have ------------ your abilities towards defending thest -------- of the Nexeus! But while you may have fended off the -------- of the -------- once, would you be able to ---- it again when it draws nearer?
+50 to [Vitality]
+50 to [Strength]
+50 to [Endurance]
+50 to [Wisdom]
+50 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You cannot be harmed by the corruption of the world!
*You are more resilient to magical attacks!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 50%!
Huh.
I could not be harmed by the corruption? That wasnt right didnt that mean I waspletely invulnerable to the attacks of corrupted creatures? I frowned, watching as Belphegor grabbed the Corrupted Hellspace by its tendrils, unaffected by the kes of corruption digging deep into him.
No I could still be hurt by the corruption. As long as it was a physical attack or something else. But the corruption itself couldnt harm me if I took this Title. I would still be crushed by a single tendril swung down by the Corrupted Hellspace, but that st of corruption that had enveloped me earlier wouldnt have hurt me. It would no longer corrupt me.
With this Title, I would be able to help out Belphegor. I might even get brand new Title Skills that could aid me against this corrupted army. There was almost no detraction to it. Well, none except for one very clear problem.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the Title once more. It was the exact same Title I currently had, but corrupted.
That was why I would be immune to the corruption. It wasnt because I had mastered my divinity, or I had fought off the corruption. It was because I, myself, would be corrupted.
It was a difficult decision to make. And each passing moment I remained here in [The World Of My Mind], I knew that the opportune moment for me to act would pass soon. When the other Corrupted Hellspaces make their appearance, I wouldnt be able to intervene any longer.
So, perhaps foolishly, I made my decision.
Title Lost!
(Secelys
Chapter 560: The World Of His Mind Part Five
Chapter 560: The World Of His Mind Part Five
560. The World Of His Mind Part Five
Everything had been perfect. The Ark was flourishing. Demonkind seemed like it had finally found peace. And yet, it wasnt enough. They had to be gods. They had to make the next step.
It was Samuels intention all along. He had stated his ambitions from the very beginning, and perhaps Belphegor should have realized it was pointless to pursue. They had everything they could have ever wanted there was no need to foolishly chase after the dreams of godhood.
But Belphegor had remained silent. He believed in his King. After all, Samuel was the one who had built this entire kingdom. If it wasnt for the Devil Kings efforts, there never would have been a kingdom. This safe haven would not have existed.
It was a sanctuary for all. Regardless of levels, there was a ce for anyone here. Only wild Demons were turned away. It was a city that spanned threeyers of the Netherworld. It was a kingdom that should have grown continuously until the end of time!
Until the Ark copsed. Their dreams were destroyed as an unending corruption poured forth. Tens of millions dead in an instant. Even more were slowly killed over time. They tried to fight back, but they failed.
Of course they would fail. There was no fighting back against the end of the world. The corruption kept spreading, and it was all because of him.
It was his fault. That was right it was all his fault. No one else was to me but him. He was a liar. He was a deceiver. If it wasnt for him, the Ark would still remain.
But now, there were only ruins.
The decay of a once great civilization that stretched into nothingness. Consumed by an unceasing corruption, along with the memories that had been made, now there was only the consequences of their failures.
And only a single person left to carry the weight of this burden.
Once more, Belphegor was faced with an insurmountable foe. He raised his head as the army of corruption descended upon him. He must have cut down hundreds maybe even thousands of the approaching corrupted creatures by now. And yet, their approach didnt slow.
Their numbers were endless. Corrupted Netherstructures circled around him, trying to trap him with their tendrils. But he tore through their attacks with ease, before bringing them down with a mere pebble.
Corrupted Netherstones, Corrupted Gargoyles, and Corrupted Rocks charged at him, trying to bury him through sheer overwhelming numbers. And he just barreled straight through them as they failed to cut through his skin.
He leapt into the air, eyeing the Corrupted Hellspace in the distance. It hovered right before the storm of the void and screeched. A wall of Corrupted Netherstructures congregated before it, blocking Belphegors path.
He brought his left palm up, pointing towards the ceiling above. His lips moved, and his words tore through thendscape.
[My Left Hand: Creation].
The sky began to fall the ceiling copsed as rubble rained down from above. The hail of rocks and boulders didnt harm a single one of the corrupted creatures. But that was not what Belphegor called.
A figure descended from the ceiling one that was built from the broken debris above. It took the shape of an undting figure. A familiar figure.
The army of corrupted creatures turned to face Belphegors creation. And the moment they stared at it, a pair of hollow eyes returned a deadly gaze. Corrupted Netherstone and Corrupted Netherstructures alike were turned to stone their corruption freezing into the gray matter.
[Golem of the Basilisk - Lvl. 200]
The Golem crashed down from the sky,nding between the army of corruption as Belphegor reached the Corrupted Hellspace. Behind him, his creation tore apart the corrupted creatures, letting out a silent shriek.
Meanwhile, Belphegor simply pummeled into the core of the Corrupted Hellspace. He slowly tore it apart as he roared in a rage.
This was his fault. It was all his fault. The mey only on him. The liar. The deceiver. The Trickster. The Worldwalker.
Trico.
This is all your fault!
Belphegor screamed as he recalled the Trickster. Each word punctuated a fist mming into the core of the Corrupted Hellspace. But despite Belphegors barrage of attacks, the Corrupted Hellspace refused to fall. He roared before leaping back as he pped his hands together.
ary Prison]!
The Corrupted Hellspace screeched as its body began to reconstruct. But as the veil of corruption repaired itself, a speeding rock crashed into the core of the Corrupted Hellspace. Another boulder came falling down, and another, and another.
Bits of rubble and debris of all sizes were drawn straight to the Corrupted Hellspace. A spherical rocky surface began to encase it, and it tried to break free. But the ary Prison] formed faster than the Corrupted Hellspace could break out.
Belphegor took a step back as he closed his eyes.
Trico you may have fooled Samuel. You may have even achieved your goal to destroy his dreams. But but
The memories shed in Belphegors mind the emotions red with the same intensity of an eternity ago. Everything Trico had done. From his deceit to his betrayal. From aiding the construction of the Ark, just to methodically tear it down. All done to inflict pain.
And Belphegor suffered through this agony. Even though it had been so long, the pain never grew numb.
But I
Belphegor trailed off. His eyes zed over, and he looked away from the encased Corrupted Hellspace as he forgot what he was saying. The anger simmered. His hatred faded away. He lowered his head, recounting his regrets.
I could have stopped it.
It was a statement. A simple fact. Belphegor dropped to his knees.
If I had trusted my instincts, none of this would have happened. The Ark would never have fallen. We would still be together.
A single teardrop slid down Belphegors cheeks. He wept, ignoring his [Golem of the Basilisk] as it battled the army of corruption. There was a shriek that echoed just ahead, and the Corrupted Hellspace whipped a tendril out of the ary Prison]. But momentster, even more rocks crashed into the surface, keeping the Corrupted Hellspace contained.
for now.
Belphegor knew that his ary Prison] would not hold the Corrupted Hellspace forever. He had to finish it off right now. He raised his right fist as he tried to rise to his feet.
[My Right Hand
And he paused. Belphegors eyes fluttered shut.
What is the point?
He wondered aloud. The chittering of the corruption became a distant echo to him as heughed bitterly to himself.
Why should I bother fighting? I have done my duty for so long. But the end of the world cannot be stopped.
Belphegor tired of it all. Trico had seeded. The Nexeus was now forever condemned. There was no point in fighting. All that was being aplished was dying the inevitable.
I
For some reason, Belphegors heart weighed heavier than it normally would. Was it because of his conversation with Salvos? She looked nothing like her father, and yet she reminded him of
Wait, who was she again? Her name was Salvos, right? How did he know that name. Was she someone important?
no.
No she wasnt.
She didnt matter.
Only one thing mattered.
It was the only thing Belphegor had done for an eternity.
He had to fight.
.
.
.
But why did he fight?
He was exhausted.
He was weary.
He didnt care if the world was destroyed.
He just wanted to rest.
I give
Belphegors mind was in a daze. He couldnt be bothered any longer. He raised his head, seeing the corrupted army overwhelm the [Golem of the Basilisk]. Above it, a pair of rifts form in just before the end of the world. And ncing back, the Corrupted Hellspace slowly broke free from its prison.
He shook his head as he spoke in a soft whisper.
I give up. Let me perish in peace
No!
A voice shouted over Belphegor. He blinked, looking up in confusion. His eyes went wide when he saw space itself opening before him. And a figure wreathed in corruption stepped out. But it was unlike any corrupted creature he had ever seen. Instead, it was like she had tamed the corruption.
Salvos stepped out as a veil of corruption covered her body. She proffered him a wed hand as he stared at her.
You cant just die here! Come on, lets get out of here.
What?
Belphegor just blinked.
Title Lost!
(Secelys Sentinel)
-30 to [Vitality]
-30 to [Strength]
-30 to [Endurance]
-30 to [Wisdom]
-30 to [Agility]
Bonuses Removed:
*You are more resilient to the corruption of the world!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 20%!
General Skill [Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] Removed!
General Skill [Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] Removed!
Title Gained!
(Secelys Sentinel)
+50 to [Vitality]
+50 to [Strength]
+50 to [Endurance]
+50 to [Wisdom]
+50 to [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You cannot be harmed by the corruption of the world!
*You are more resilient to magical attacks!
*Your Grand Skills cooldown are reduced by 50%!
General Skill [Title Skill: Protection of the Corruption] Obtained!
General Skill [Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] Obtained!
General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has be [Title Skill: Corruption Camouge]!
Chapter 561: The World Of My Mind
Chapter 561: The World Of My Mind
Announcement
FIVE DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE COMIC IS OUT
But before that,Amelia the Level Zero Hero is now out on Amazon KU and Audible!It is my other popr serial here on RoyalRoad, and if you haven''t read it yet... well, now''s the time to give it a try! It is an OP MC Isekai LitRPG that follows our hero, Amelia, who adamantly doesn''t want to be a hero and wants to live a normal... but it''s hard to retire when being a hero is all you know.
Why should you check it out? Well, other than being written by me, it also has multiple pretty covers for book 1!
And if that''s not enough to convince you, here''s the synopsis:
Who needs a ss when you''re already the strongest anyways?
Ten years ago, Amelia woke up alone and lost in a broken world where she had to fight for her survival.
Now, after reaching the pinnacle of power, defeating the Void itself, and escaping the abyss, she has finally found her way back into the real world. But instead of returning to Earth, she arrives in thend of Vacuos. A fantasy world with magic, monsters, sses, and Levels. A world that is governed by a System like it were a video game.
And when rewarded with a ss befitting her aplishments to be a powerful [Hero] that will forever dedicate her life to protecting this world that is not her own she only has one response.
Absolutely not. Im going to live a normal life now, thank you very much.
Do check it out!
Amazon Kindle: /Amelia-Level-Zero-Hero-Book-ebook/dp/B0BZDW9NVH
Audible: /pd/Amelia-the-Level-Zero-Hero-A-LitRPG-Adventure-Audiobook/B0C24W6QXX
561. The World Of My Mind
Belphegor stared at the tear in space. A sliver of a hole that led to another ne a small ne. Like a pocket space.
That in itself wasnt all that impressive. There would be no reason for him to gape if he was just staring at an artificial reality. It was what was hidden beneath the peeling veil that surprised him. What he saw was
Corruption. The king bits of distorted reality. An eclectic of colors smearing together, circling around to make a ring. No not rings. But wheels. Four of them, each wisping with the fiery kes of the corruption.
And these wheels surrounded an iprehensible figure. Belphegor could only make out the six wings protruding from its back. Feathered wings. Pure and white, even when wreathed by the corruption.
His eyes narrowed as he tried to discern the core of the corruption the figure that was standing inside of the four wheels. A blurred figure. A white figure. Through the lens of the distortion, it almost looked like a sphere. A pure white sphere.
But then the figure began to shift a dark splotch appeared at the very center of the sphere. It grewrger, drawing closer to Belphegor. He stared at it, and it stared back at him. Like a giant eye.
He raised a fist, ready to crush this corrupted creature. But a voice broke him out of his stupor.
Belphegor!
A dark wed hand shot out from the veil of corruption, reaching out for the Primordial Demon. He recoiled and blinked as the familiar voice continued. Distorted as it might have been, he still recognized it in an instant.
Belphegor! Its me!
Youre Salvos?
Belphegor frowned as he caught a brief glimpse of her visage in the corruption. She smiled at him as she proffered her hand.
You cant die here lets go!
She screamed. And he blinked. He raised his own hand slowly as the ground shook beneath his feet. The end of the world drew closer. Multiple rifts began to form overhead as the corruption tore through space. His [Golem of the Basilisk] would soon fall.
It was too much. The corruption was too overwhelming. In the face of this, there was only one choice. There was only a single option to flee. So Belphegor raised his hand
And he hesitated.
Why wasnt Belphegor budging?
I stared at the Primordial Demon as he stood there, his eyes zed over. The normally dark pits that made up his iris and pupils were gone, reced with a soft gray glow. I didnt know what that meant I didnt even know why his eyes kept changing shape and color.
All I knew was that if we didnt get out of here soon, we would be killed by the corruption. I eyed the burgeoning Corrupted Hellspaces in the distance. Then I looked back to see therge Corrupted Hellspace trapped in its ary Prison]. I couldnt do anything to help him fight against them. I could only teleport him out of this mess.
And yet, he didnt move. He just stared nkly at me as I gritted my teeth.
Belphegor, if you die here
Whats the point?
Belphegor spoke in a soft whisper. He looked away from me as he lowered his arm.
I will die. Just like my friends. All those who have fought with me they all perished. And soon, so shall I.
I hesitated. I watched as the Primordial Demon hung his head. I wanted to speak up, but I didnt want to draw his ire either. After all, he nearly mistook me for a corrupted creature just a moment ago.
Its his fault Trico the Trickster. He befriended us. He treated us like we were his equals. But he did it all just so the pain would hurt that much more when he betrayed us.
I heard a screech in the distance. A loud cry resounded as a tendril of corruption shot up, tearing through the rocky sphere encasing the Corrupted Hellspace. The ary Prison] began to crumble, but Belphegor didnt even look up.
I shrank back into the four wheels of corruption surrounding me a result of my [Corruption Camouge]. However, I wasnt sure if this disguise was enough to hide me from the Corrupted Hellspace. I was ready to close my pocket space at any point in time if necessary.
And I listened as Belphegor continued whispering quietly to himself.
It was retribution. It was so that we would all suffer. We were condemned to toil away at the end of the world for all of eternity. And yet, while others have found reprieve from their suffering, I still remain.
The Primordial Demon slowly raised his head. And behind him, his ary Prison] fell apart. The Corrupted Hellspace exploded out of the confines of the Skill. It screeched as it flew straight down at him. I drew back, clenching my jaw, just about to close off [The World Of My Mind].
But then arge stone figure crashed into the back of the Corrupted Hellspace. I looked on as the [Golem of the Basilisk] let out a terrible roar, before chomping down. All around it, tiny bits of Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Rocks tried to swarm its back. But it ignored them, its focus fully on the Corrupted Netherspace.
Belphegor sighed as he looked down at the palm of his hand,
I am tired. Everyone I know is dead. I have no future left. All that is left for me is despair. So why should I fight? Why should I live?
He asked the question to no one in particr. I stared at him at the husk of a man standing before me. He stood like a statue. Alone and surrounded by nothing but death and destruction. The memories of all that he once knew was what remained.
I couldnt possibly understand how he felt. I couldnt empathize with him. Not based on my own experience. It would be like if I had failed to stop Regnorex from crossing the Mortal ne, and I was forced to watch as all mypanions in the Mortal Realm died.
To me, such a reality was just not possible. I couldntprehend it. So I couldnt feel the pain Belphegor felt.
Not through my own experiences, at the very least.
But I could still try to understand him. I could still try to feel what he felt. I took in a deep breath and took a step forward. [Truth Divination] began to take over as the world around me began to grow silent. I didnt hear the screeches of the Corrupted Hellspace as it tore into the stone scales of the [Golem of the Basilisk]. I didnt even feel a shred of fear as I exited my own pocket space, facing Belphegor.
Instead, I felt what he felt. And what I felt was
Pain.
A growing pit in my stomach. A ceaseless sense of dread that poured forth, inundating my thoughts with despair. Regrets. Agony. Terrible, overwhelming feelings. All that made life miserable gued me. Like I had lost everything.
It had to have only been a fraction of the pain that the Primordial Demon had suffered over the course of an eternity. And yet, I found my legs trembling. I felt my eyes watering, and tears streamed down my cheeks.
But I steeled myself. A single thought crossed my mind a question that I carried from the very first moment Belphegor spoke.
I raised my head, even as my vision blurred. And even as my lips quivered, I still asked the question weighing on me.
What about my Father?
And Belphegor blinked. His pain vanished for a moment, washed away by confusion. Then he reminisced. He remembered.
I steadied myself as I blinked away my tears.
My Father still lives what about him? Hes still alive, isnt he?
I
Belphegor started, trying to forget about my dad. But I felt what he felt even if I didnt remember the memories he was recalling, I could still feel the emotions he felt when he was reminiscing about the past.
I felt joy.
Sadness.
Relief.
Glory.
Love.
He thought of the time he had spent with Samuel. And he tried to repress the feelings he felt. But I didnt let him. I couldnt let him forget it.
I dont know what happened between you and my Dad, but I know that you still care for him. I know that the reason youve fought for so long is because because
I felt an aching in my heart. But it wasnt my own aching it was Belphegors pain. And it was not the same misery he had suffered from the end of the world. It was a pain he harbored from as long as he knew Samuel.
I didnt know what this feeling was. I had never felt something like it before. It was strange. Completely alien to me. But it was intense, and I know that Belphegor still felt it even now.
I shook my head as I gestured past him, towards the end of the world.
The reason youve fought for so long is because of my Dad, right? Thats why you have not left the end of the world. Youve done it to protect him.
Thats
Belphegors eyes widened. He took a step back as I heard a howl in the distance. My [Truth Divination] finally came to an end, and my own feelings returned to me. I panted as I ced a hand on my chest. I bit my lower lip, looking towards the [Golem of the Basilisk] as it was ripped in half. Then I looked back towards the end of the world and watched as the first of the nascent Corrupted Hellspaces were birthed.
I turned back to Belphegor, proffering my wed hand once again.
So lets go. You cant die here right?
I was cutting it too close. I should have just gone the moment Belphegor rejected me. But now that I had used [Truth Divination] to sense his thoughts and feelings, I couldnt quite just run away without him.
He closed his eyes as his [Golem of the Basilisk] died from the first Corrupted Hellspace. As a nascent Corrupted Hellspace emerged from the rifts. And he slowly ced a hand on his chest.
Thats right
The Primordial Demon spoke in a soft whisper. The nascent Corrupted Hellspace cast its gaze towards him and screeched, but he didnt even flinch.
I did this all because of my King. I did it all because of him.
And his hand tightened into a fist. The nascent Corrupted Hellspace charged, moving straight for him. I cursed as I backed away, trying to escape back into my pocket space. But the nascent Corrupted Hellspace reached him
And he just swung up with his fist.
[My Right Hand: Destruction]!
The nascent Corrupted Hellspace exploded. My eyes grew wide as I watched a powerful shockwave ripple out, followed by a flurry of sts. Tens of thousands of small explosions followed after the trail of the shockwave, ravaging the army of corruption around him.
Even the first Corrupted Hellspace recoiled as its veil of protection was shredded open. But it still lived. It began to regenerate as I finally returned to my pocket space. I desperately reached out for Belphegor.
Lets go
But he simply nced dismissively at me.
No.
I blinked, watching as his eyes were filled with an iridescent light once more. He shook his head at me before turning to face the rifts forming in space. He took in a deep breath and started forward.
I was mistaken in thinking that I had slew the cause of the incursion back in the firstyer. That was but a nascent Corrupted Hellspace. But this?
He nced back towards the regenerating Corrupted Hellspace the one that had followed me through the storm of the void.
That Corrupted Hellspace would pave the path for the end of the world if it is not stopped. It is the reason why the corruption has spread as significantly as it did. It was a mistake on my part. So I will have to rectify it.
Belphegor started forward. I could only see the shadow of his figure facing down the end of the world. The wall of infinite corruption continued to approach, but he didnt falter. I pursed my lips as I stared at his back.
But if you die
He nced back once.
I wont.
The Primordial Demon replied simply. An iridescent aura began to wreathe his body, and his chest began to glow. Like a hole was forming at his core.
I will live. I have to live. For the sake of my King.
Belphegor turned away from me, whispering softly as more nascent Corrupted Hellspaces were birthed.
That is why I have chosen to suffer in his stead. That is why I have condemned myself to hell.
And the nascent Corrupted Hellspaces charged him. The hole fully formed in his chest, and the iridescent light covering his body shifted, twisting in a brilliant white glow. He shone brighter than the end of the world, with each step he took leaving behind a burning footprint behind him.
He raised his head, staring down the nascent Corrupted Hellspaces as they reached him. Three of them, all at once. And he bellowed.
[My Soul: Indomitable]!
Belphegor leapt through the first nascent Corrupted Hellspace, tearing it apart. The second swung its tendrils at him, but he just caught the attack, before pulling hard. I watched as he crashed into the Corrupted Hellspace after Corrupted Hellspace, taking them down in mere moments.
The first Corrupted Hellspace began to rise from the ground regenerating from the damage it had sustained earlier. Belphegornded right before it, standing atop the corpse of a nascent Corrupted Hellspace. He nced back at me, breaking me out of my daze.
Go!
He cried out to me.
Live get out of here!
I blinked, before taking a step back. I swept my gaze over my surroundings. I stared at the storm of the void the bubbles of non-existence. Then I looked towards the end of the world. The wall of infinite corruption. An army of corruption continued to converge around Belphegor.
The nearby Corrupted Netherstones seemed to ignore me, zipping by my pocket space without even giving me a passing nce. So I was mostly safe for now.
The moment Belphegor and the first Corrupted Hellspace started fighting, I would have to teleport out of here. But I didnt leave. Not just yet. I just stared at Belphegor as he shouted at me once more.
The secondyer is no ce for someone like you! So go!
I gritted my teeth and shook a fist back at him.
Its no ce for me yet.
Belphegor paused. He blinked at me as I gestured at my surroundings.
I will return. One day, I wille back here so you better be alive then!
I grinned at him. The Primordial Demon just stared at me. He chuckled before lowering his gaze.
I see.
He spoke loudly as he turned away from me his voice sharp enough to cut through the chittering of the corruption, even from a distance.
Promise me then, when you do return, if I have been taken by the corruption, you shall destroy me. End my suffering so that I am not one with the end of the world.
For a moment, his gaze flickered with the same mncholy from before.
Not just me, but the [Hydra] too do not let us be ves to the corruption. Please let our souls rest in peace.
I stared at him. I recalled the Corrupted Hydra. And I just nodded.
I will.
Thank you.
Belphegor turned back to the face the Corrupted Hellspace, and I was about to close [The World Of My Mind]. But he caught himself at the veryst moment. He nced back at me again, this time hesitantly, even as the Corrupted Hellspace loomed over him.
And when you see Samuel when you see your father
He took in a deep breath, before sighing.
Tell him that its not his fault. Tell him that I do not me him. That if I were given a second chance to redo my life that I wouldnt change a single thing.
I stared at the Primordial Demon. I saw the pain in his face, but I also remembered what he had felt when he remembered his past. His story. Whatever it was he experienced before the fall of my dads kingdom it must have been a tale that would have taken forever to regale.
And the things he had experienced it was all worth it. Even if now he was condemned to despair.
[The World Of My Mind] began to close around me, and Belphegors eyes fluttered shut. Right as thest fractal of reality covered my pocket space, I gave the Primordial Demon a reassuring smile.
I promise.
And he smiled back at me.
Thank you, Salvos.
The Corrupted Hellspace swung down at him, cutting off his words. I flinched, even in the safety of my pocket space. But then I watched as Belphegor began to rise from the ground, carrying the corrupted tendril above him.
He roared as the white aura wisped around him. He threw the Corrupted Hellspace back into the end of the world as my own pocket space flew higher up into the air. I began to focus, casting [Greater Teleportation].
And I watched as Belphegor reached for the hole in his chest as the army of corruption bore down on him.
[My Love: Evesting
There was a sh. I blinked, hearing his words echo in my head. But he was gone. I just stared at an empty room. A broken altar. And a voice echoed in my head.
I was finally back in the firstyer of the Netherworld.
Chapter 562: New Horizons (End of Book 10) + TOMORROW!
Chapter 562: New Horizons (End of Book 10) + TOMORROW!
562. New Horizons
Now Entering [Dungeon: Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom]
The words resounded in my head. I stared at the broken altar. I swept my gaze around the room, staring at the brick wall. I recognized this ce. It was the very first room I entered after descending further into this Dungeon.
It was where I had discovered those cors the very same summoning rings that would bring Regnorexs minions to the Mortal Realm. And the inscriptions told me that this kingdom belonged to my father.
Or, at least, it used to belong to Sal.
Samuel?
The Devil King.
Whatever he went by back then, it didnt matter. He used to be a ruler of a vast kingdom this ce used to be a safe haven. A sanctuary for all kinds of Demons to gather, away from the harsh world above.
But now, it was all ruins. And in the depths of the secondyer, only a single citizen of the kingdom remained.
Was Belphegor dead? I didnt know. He was still battling the hordes of the corruption down in the secondyerst I saw. He had even used a Skill when he was reaching for his chest. Was it a regr Skill? A Grand Skill?
Again, I didnt know. He was so much stronger than me that even his regr Skills wereparable to the Grand Skills I had seen from other Elites. Or maybe they were all Grand Skills. Maybe every Skill I had seen him use was a Grand Skill. Maybe every Skill he had was a Grand Skill.
Either way, he was still fighting against the end of the world. And thatst Skill he used had been greater than the others. I hoped that he was able to defeat that Corrupted Hellspace. It was strong it was almost unkible. It simply regenerated from everything Belphegor had thrown at it.
It had even corrupted me maybe.
I looked down at myself. I wasnt a corrupted creature like the Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Netherstructures. Certainly, I hadnt sumbed to the corruption like the Wyvern I had fought back in the Helbir ins did. It was more like I had Skills rted to manipting and even creating the corruption.
Just like the [Ancient Centinel] I had killed back in the Bloodied Gulf.
I narrowed my eyes. I saw the veil of corruption wisping off me. The four wheels that circled around me faded away as I deactivated my [Protection of the Corruption]. But my body remained distorted. Like my figure was nearly invisible obfuscated by the warped space.
I took a step forward, taking in a deep breath. And [Corruption Camouge] came to an end too. I was finally back to my regr self. And I nodded as I took in a deep breath.
Alright so maybe going down to the secondyer was not a good idea
I should have known it would be dangerous, but the fact that even a Level 200 [Golem of the Basilisk] was torn apart in the face of the army of the corruption just showed how far out of my depth I was down there.
It was as the Kobolds had told me the Old Gods died to prevent the end of the world. The Dragons in the Mortal Realm, and my dads kingdom in the Netherworld. They fought to stop the corruption. And even then, all they could do was slow it.
I stared at the tunnel leading further down to the Prison of the Basilisk. There was nothing for me down there not right now. Even going back to speak with the [Basilisk] was pointless. After all, there was a very real chance that it would attack me since I now had a Corrupted Title.
If it sensed ever a semnce of the corruption on me I would be turned to stone in an instant. Probably.
most likely.
Still, I didnt know for sure. I just knew that the [Basilisk] was far higher-leveled than me. I didnt want to risk dying just so I could just pay the Gate of the Netherworld onest visit. Instead, I slumped over and let out a tired sigh.
I was exhausted. I was hurt. My body was bloodied and broken I had been through so much. I wasnt sure how much time had passed since I entered the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. And I especially wasnt sure how much time had passed since I entered the secondyer.
Space was distorted there, and it was entirely possible that time wasnt exactly moving normally either. That was in addition to the time it took for me to readjust to the environment, trapped in that hallway that led to the Corrupted Hydra.
Could it have only been a few days? A few weeks? Maybe a few months? Maybe even a few seconds!
And what about the time I spent in my dads pocket space, just before I returned to the Netherworld for Revtion?
I closed my eyes as I let [Rest] take over. So much had happened in what felt like a short period of time, and I needed to catch a break. Even if it was only a short reprieve, I couldnt just keep pushing on at this pace. Everything from seeing the multiverse to seeing the end of the world I just needed some time to recover now.
Then Ill find Haec.
I whispered to myself as I began to sumb to darkness.
And Ill speak with my Dad
And as Iy here, slowly passing out in the ruins of my fathers kingdom, the world continued to move.
Deep beneath the depths of the secondyer, Belphegors eternal battle continued. The end of the world drew closer, but it was dyed for just a moment longer. He knew that he could not hold it off until the end of time.
But for the sake of the man he loved, Belphegor was going to keep fighting until he died.
And on the firstyer of the Netherworld, Revtion raged on. The Beast continued its endless ughter, waking up from its slumber. Archdemons, Primeval Demons, and even Primordial Demons alike stood helplessly in its path of destruction.
But nothing would satiate its hunger for death. Not here. Not on the surface of the Netherworld.
After all, while its ughter seemed mindless, its actions were driven by confusion. By fear and terror.
It unleashed a deluge of ck mes that ripped across thendscape. It watched as tens of thousands died in an instant. And as it stared at the barrenndscape
It simply longed to return to its home.
News of the Heir of the Netherworlds betrayal reached the Demon Kings Castle, and a terrible roar echoed out, shaking the Domain. As the tremor died down, Regnorex called for his Deathsquad Hunters.
Haec, Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem wandered the scarred world of Revtion. They were lost. They were being hunted. But they werent afraid.
Haec wasnt afraid. After all, he knew he would see his leader again.
But until then, he wasnt alone. He was apanied by others. No by his brand newpanions? Or at least, a singrpanion in Taburas.
They continued following the cracks and crevices, staying safe and far from the death and destruction above.
But in the Mortal Realm
Things were different. There wasnt a nar disaster that naturally struck the world, following a consistent cycle like that of night and day. However, that didnt mean that the Humannds didnt have their own problems.
For one, they were still recovering from the Demon invasion of the Mortal Realm. Even though they had repelled the Demon King, the aftershocks of the attempted merger remained. Even now. And for another
The Humannds was at war.
Daniel Song drew his bloodied sword from the corpse of an Elf. He raised his head, scanning the barren battlefield. It was a resounding victory. He nodded at himself, before sheathing his de as a notification echoed in his mind.
He closed his eyes as he listened.
ss [Hero Of Demon And Man] Level Up!
[Hero Of Demon And Man
Gained 5 Stats
[Advancement Avable]
Author''s Notes:
This is the final chapter in book 10, and unfortunately, I will be taking a 3 week break from posting public chapters for Salvos. It was initially supposed to be a two week break, however I got sick a few days ago... so yeah.
I will still be updating my patreon chapters because they already went through their break, so if you want to keep reading, check out my patreon! /MsD
And if you want to check out something to read during that time, you can read my other novel Amelia the Level Zero Hero here: Amelia The Level Zero Hero Book 1: An OP MC Isekai LitRPG - Kindle edition by Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ .
Lastly, MY COMIC IS COMING OUT TOMORROW! Big hype! I''ve done a lot of promo for it so far, so for now I''ll just show you the cover :)
Chapter AFTER OVER TWO YEARS, THE SALVOS WEBCOMIC IS FINALLY OUT!
Chapter AFTER OVER TWO YEARS, THE SALVOS WEBCOMIC IS FINALLY OUT!
Over two years ago, I said I was going to get aic for my novel, Salvos. Back then, I still went by delta201, and I was a student studying in Uni who was making $800 a month on patreon who hadn''t published a single book on Amazon. And the reason I wanted aic was because... I thought it was cool! AND NOW OVER TWO YEARS LATER YOU CAN FIND IT HERE ON TAPAS! Spread the word! Create a Tapas ount! Subscribe to it! Let everyone know that it''s finally out https://tapas.io/series/Salvosic/info I''m also hosting an AMA on r/litrpg /r/litrpgments/13o1090/over_two_years_ago_i_said_i_was_going_to_get_a/ If you want to see the process behind thest two years /@msdelta/video/7235691944591052075 The art is absolutely gorgeous. Even if you are here for Amelia or Thera or Ms or one of my other stories, give it a look! It was... a bit expensive to fund xD Thank you to Azrie for helping me make that cool edit in this /stores/Azrie/author/B0BTM4SJNV
Chapter Salvos Book 10 has been taken down and published to Kindle Unlimited!
Chapter Salvos Book 10 has been taken down and published to Kindle Unlimited!
Salvos Volume 6 Part 1, or Salvos Book 10, is now only avable on Amazon Kindle Unlimited! Unfortunately, I have been very busy for thest month, so I kind of forgor to put up an epub or a pdf for download for the chapters before the book went to KU, so I do apologize for that. However with the weic''sunch, my schedule has be alotmore busy these days. Anyway, that''s enough about the weic, let''s talk about the book! It''s called Revtion, and the cover art is by FuyuDust. It''s sick asf!
![]()
563. Freshman
It had been a year since the Demon invasion of the Mortal Realm was repelled by the United Coalition of the Human Lands. Many thought that once the war ended, a semnce of normalcy could finally return after all, the Demon King had been fended off once again. And this time, it didnt take the sacrifice of the Immortal King Alexander.
There were still plenty of sacrifices that had been made. All for the sake of peace all for the sake of the future of the Humannds. Unfortunately for those who had fallen thinking that the world could return to normal with their deaths, the aftermath was just as chaotic as the war itself.
In fact, it had taken a while before there was even a semnce of normalcy again. Because a lot had happened in thest twelve months. From the invasion of the Elves, to the outpouring of Demons from the Netherfied Lands, and to whatever unknown threat Helena Warshade and a group of Elite Ranked adventurers had ventured out into the Beastmen ins to face
But all of these events were a result of the long-term ripples of the war with the Demons. They had taken months to coalesce with a lot of buildup and anticipation before they actually urred. There was, however, a single event which had an immediate effect on the Humannds.
It was an event that wasnt as direct of a threat as the invasion of the Elves or the outpouring Demons, but it had certainly left its mark. In particr, the entirety of the Humannds had been thrown into disarray. And it was for one reason all because of a single individual.
Salvos.
The Sentinel of Secely.
The Liberator of the gunds.
The Savior of Silvergrove.
The Lesser God.
And arguably the greatest contributor to the war effort
She had built quite the reputation for herself over thest few years. Everything she had done from hunting down [Cultists] to surviving the Bloodied Gulf had already given her quite the name for herself. And her fame had only skyrocketed with her actions during the war.
She had even undergone apotheosis at Level 150 she had be a Lesser God even faster than the Immortal King Alexander.
Everyone across the Humannds had to have already heard about her before the war came to an end. At the very climax of the final battle, Salvos sacrificed herself to stop the invasion of the Mortal Realm.
And in doing so, she revealed herself to be a Demon.
The very same creatures who were invading the Humannds. The scourge of the Netherworld. The gue of the Nexeus.
Word quickly spread throughout the Humannds about this betrayal this trickery. Many didnt believe it at first. Some even imed that it was rumors spread by the Sanctuary of Fauna, the Sanctum of Elements, and the Den of Souls to delegitimize her godhood.
But when the Three Honorable Companies, the Vaun Qieur Empire, the Eastern Kingdoms Alliance, the Helbir League, and the rest of the United Coalition of the Human Lands failed to dispute these ims, it became quite evident that they were true.
That Salvos really was a Demon.
It was almost ironic. The girl who had saved the Humannds from the Demon invasion was a Demon herself. It immediately led to spection everyone from the Sunmere Republic to the Vaun Qieur Empire asked a single question.
Why?
Why would Salvos go against her own Species to fight for the Humans?
It was a question no one knew the answer to. But they spected because they could. Those affiliated with the temples used it of being a trick they imed that Salvos had been a spy. That she had simply been earning their trust to glean as much information about the Humannds before returning to the Netherworld to prepare for a real invasion.
Meanwhile, [Bards] would sing of the tragic tale of the exiled princess. They wove a story about the Demon Kings daughter who had fallen for a Human man and rebelled against her own father to save him.
Some adventurers imed that it was because she had a vendetta against the Demon King. That she was a rebel, and that was why she was so adamant on hunting down [Cultists] and killing other Demons during her time here in the Mortal Realm.
Others were still convinced it was a hoax. Although, they were far and few in between
Was Salvos truly a Demon? Was she the lovestruck, runaway daughter of the Demon King? Was she a rebel or a spy? Very few knew the real answer to these questions.
And Rachel was one of them.
Nearly four years ago, her father had sold her off to a group of [Cultists] to pay back his debts and loans. She was taken as a captive, going to be used as a sacrifice to summon a terrible Demon. But before she could be killed, Salvos had saved her.
Rachel had seen Salvos in her true Demon form back then. A horrifying monster with four arms and the face of an animals skull. But even though most children would run away and scream at that sight, the young girl had been enamored.
Ever since that day, she had aspired to be just like Salvos.
And finally, her dream wasing true. She smiled to herself as she felt the carriage jolt. The girl raised her head, looking out the tinted ss window. In the distance, she saw towers rising high into the sky vanishing above the clouds. The sight made her giggle in excitement as she sank back down into her seat.
Mavos Academy I cant believe I actually got epted!
Even though Rachel was only twelve years old, she had gotten into the prestigious institution. She had trained hard. She had continued practicing in secret. And even though she had been a [Rogue], she did her best to learn magic when she could.
Just like Salvos.
And Rachel had finally done it. She had gotten her ss advancement at Level 35. They had called her a prodigy Mavos Academy epted her because of her aplishment of this incredible feat as a child.
Amazing!
They had praised her.
You are truly incredible!
But even as the words of her invigtors echoed in her mind, she didnt care about what she had aplished in their eyes. Back then, just like right now, she was only excited about one thing.
That she was going to Mavos Academy.
That she was following in the footsteps of Salvos.
And that she was going to do everything she could to one day see Salvos again.
The carriage continued to roll down the cobbled road as she swayed excitedly to herself.
--
Rachel reached Mavos Academy soon enough. It was the most prestigious institution in all of the Humannds. And it was also the very same ce Salvos had gone to learn space magic.
It was a very rough n admittedly, it wasnt a very well-thought out n. But Rachel believed that by attending Mavos Academy, she could somehow find her way to the Netherworld. And then in the Netherworld, shed somehow find her way to Salvos?
again, it was very vague. But the young girl would figure it out as she went!
She hopped off the carriage as she hefted an ornate Bag of Holding behind her. With a smile on her face, she turned to the driver and gave him a small curtsy.
Thank you very much.
He stared at her hesitantly.
Arent you a bit young to be going to Mavos Academy all on your own?
Rachel took a step back, before beaming back at him.
Nope!
And with that, she took off as the carriage driver shrugged and left the school. Of course, her caretaker, William, had been apprehensive about sending Rachel to Mavos Academy on her own. But she had already proven herself to be more capable than even the [Priest] was in battle. She had also excelled not just in her studies, but also on how to look after herself in the city.
After all, Viechester wasnt exactly the safest city in the Sunmere Republic. Especially after thepany war and everything that hade after.
So Rachel was more than capable of handling herself. She rushed up the steps leading to the Central Square of Mavos Academy. There was already a crowd of students dressed in their uniforms gathered waiting there. She wore a uniform too albeit, her uniform was slightly oversized, considering that she would grow into it.
The size of the crowd was ratherrge not what she expected from a gathering of first-years. But it was also the start of the first academic year in Mavos Academy after its curriculum had been halted for about a year and a half.
Alright
Rachel readied herself as she took a step forward. She spotted an elderly man with a long flowing beard standing at a pedestal overlooking the crowd, ready to give a speed. And she hurried along to begin her n to see Salvos once again.
Lets do this.
And high up, above the clouds, a gray figure stared down through the window. He saw the crowd gathered far below. He swept his gaze over the sea of faces,ughing and cheering as they were enrolled into the school.
It was a joyous moment for them. But he could only feel envy in his heart. Because he knew he couldnt join them. Because his uncle wouldnt let him join them.
Because he was a Wyvern.
And Oriur sighed as he continued looking on, trapped high above the rest of the school, locked in yton Skyshredders office.
Chapter 564: Friends
Chapter 564: Friends
564. Friends
Mavos Academy.
It was the most prestigious academic institution in all of the Humannds. It had a reputation that was known far and wide. It was a school that primarily focused on teaching magic to its students, but its curriculum also included various other activities such as alchemy, cksmithing, and even dueling.
There were [Warriors], [Rogues], and [Archers] here in Mavos Academy. But most of the time, they were capable of using magic as well for example, [Spellswords], [Magical Thieves], and [Arcane Marksmen]. There were also plenty of students here who had nonbat sses like [Architects] and [Enchanters].
Rachel was a [Phantom Mage]. She was Level 40 now, but she had undergone her ss advancement at Level 35. And before that, she had been a regr [Rogue]. But in addition to practicing and training with a knife going out every night hunting for small monsters while her caretakers were asleep she would also study magic.
While she was rather proficient at it enough to be enrolled into Mavos Academy her Skills in that regard were stillcking. She was a generalist. She knew the basic elemental and arcane spells, but nothing advanced enough to be able to call herself particrlyparable to a Level 40 [Mage].
The young girl was fine with that. She had initially wanted to specialize in fire magic just like Salvos, but then she realized that would make learning space magic quite difficult. So instead she focused on understanding the basics of spellcasting so that she could move forward as perhaps an [Arcane Trickster] or some sort of [Space Thief].
That was why she was here in Mavos Academy. So that she could master space magic to see Salvos again one day. Unfortunately, now that she was here in the magical institution, she learned that learning space magic was an upper curriculum ss. Meaning, that she would have to spend at least two years here in Mavos Academy before she could finally start studying space magic.
So she had years to go here in this school. And after a few weeks of going to sses, she had made zero friends so far.
Rachel sighed as she leant back in her chair, hearing the ringing of a bell in the distance. She looked towards the front of the ssroom as her teacher began to pack up his things, reminding the ss of their homework.
Remember to use the botanical garden to
It was a ss on herbalism. And almost everyone present here was bored out of their mind. Rachel, herself, found it quite dull. Only those who were nning to be [Herbalists] were interested in the subject, but they were far and few in between. Still, she was studious, regardless. She didnt immediately grab her school bag and sprint out of the room like half the students gathered here.
Instead, she listened, took notes, then greeted her teacher as she left.
Thank you, Mr Stephan.
Rachel nodded at him with a polite smile. The [Herbalist] shook his head back at her in the empty ssroom.
Ah, youre always so polite, Ms Rachel. I hope you enjoyed todays ss.
Uh yep. I did.
She lied as she spoke. But she was just being nice. He returned with a warm smile as he gestured at where she had been seated.
Its been a few weeks since sses have started. How have you been holding up here in Mavos Academy? I hope its not been too strenuous for a young girl such as you.
Mr Stephan was a kindly older man who wore a pair of spectacles and had a hunched back. He was usually dressed in ragged clothing, but not because he couldnt afford anything better. His unkempt appearance was supposed to be part of his signature look.
Its been a bit tough. But Ive been keeping up, going to the library to do some extra studying so I dont fall behind.
Rachel couldnt lie and say that it had been easy. She wasnt really a prodigy like others had been calling her she struggled, but she spent all her time studying so that she would be able to keep up with her sses.
Well, I hope you spare some time to make some friends too. School isnt just about studying. Its about the people you meet too.
The [Herbalist] chuckled as she nodded and took a step back.
Ill try but its kind of hard to make friends when everyone is older than you and treats you like a child.
Rachel sighed. It hadnt been that she was actively trying to make friends. But everytime she struck up a conversation with a stranger, shed be praised for getting into Mavos Academy at her age then belittled for her age.
She shook her head as she gestured vaguely towards the exit.
Im just trying to follow in Salvos footsteps. If that means spending most of my time studying, then thats what Ill do.
Mr Stephan tilted his head back curiously.
Salvos, huh? Thats right, she did go to Mavos Academy, didnt she?
Yep! Thats why I enrolled in Mavos Academy in the first ce. Because Salvos came here to study. I want to be just like her.
Rachel eximed excitedly. She began to gush over the Demon girl she was unabashed about her admiration.
Did you ever have a chance to meet Salvos?
Unfortunately, I believe that Salvos was only a student of the School of Aspiring Elites. So I never had a chance to meet her as the courses I offer are only for the College of Aspirations.
Mavos Academy was split into two different schools. The first was the College of Aspirations which Rachel was enrolled into right now. It was a four year course which typically resulted in its graduating students hitting Level 70.
Meanwhile, the School of Aspiring Elites was where Salvos enrolled. Apparently, she had onlypleted a single semester before she left. But the fact that Rachel was going to the same campus was good enough for her.
Unfortunately, many here in Mavos Academy disagreed with that as Mr Stephan lowered his gaze. Rachel noticed the shift in his expression and asked the question in her mind.
What do you think of her Salvos?
I would rather notment on that. Perhaps the younger generation has a different opinion, but I believe that it was ridiculous a Demon like her was able to enroll in Mavos Academy in the first ce. I believe Headmaster Skyshredder should have to exin how he made such a grave mistake. s, he has yet to address it, even with the faculty
I see.
Rachel didnt visibly react. But she felt disappointed in Mr Stephan. He was quite a respectable teacher. However, it was quite clear that he held an unfair animosity towards Demonkind. She drew back and smiled at him.
Well, I have to run, Mr Stephan. I have another ss to catch.
Of course. Dont bete, Ms Rachel. And try taking a look at one of the student clubs if you have the time for it. I hope you will be able to make some close friends soon.
Thank you.
With that, Rachel took her leave.
--
The day went by, and it was rather uneventful. Rachel attended her sses and went to the library to study. She was staying at one of the private dorms thanks to the sponsorship she had received, but she rarely ever stuck around there.
Instead, she was busy. She was training and she was learning. It was already evening by the time she decided to take a break. She left the library to grab her dinner when she passed by a booth right by the front of her dorms cafeteria.
Hey!
A voice called out, and Rachel came to a halt. She nced back at a group of students gathered by a booth as they waved at her.
Youre that prodigy girl, arent you? Rachel the Child Wonder!
Thats me!
She replied as she sauntered up to them. That wasnt actually her Title. It was an option she had been given, but she had chosen a different Title for herself.
Since she wasnt in a rush, she approached the booth. There were four of them. But the one who had spoken to her was a young man with blond hair maybe in his early twenties by his looks. The youngest of the group.
Seriously? When I heard that a twelve-year-old kid had enrolled in Mavos Academy, I thought that was just a rumor. I cant believe that youre really over Level 40!
Yep although, Im only Level 40. So Im still quite low-leveled.
Rachel waved a hand dismissively, and the groupughed. They thought she was joking. But she was being entirely serious. Because it was true. She was still low-leveled.
Salvos had been able to reach Level 150 in a few years. Even if Rachel couldnt be just like Salvos, the young girl wasnt going to be content about being a Gold Ranked either.
Have you joined a club yet? If not, you should check out our club. Were brand new and looking for members.
The blond man asked as he leaned forward. He reached for a pamphlet, before passing it to her. She blinked as she epted the piece of paper, but she shook her head and tried to give it back to him.
Nope! Sorry, but Im busy. Maybe next semester!
Rachel wouldve heeded Mr Stephans advice, but she really wasnt interested in partaking in club activities right now. Maybe she would join an honor society or the like in the future. However, keeping up with her studies was her main priority right now.
She drew back as the blond man blinked. One of the other members tried to press her.
Aw, but our president is just like you. Shes a prodigy too
Its fine, Adrian.
The blonde man stopped his friend. He shook his head as he settled back down into his booth.
We cant force her to join if she doesnt want to. Good luck with your studies I know the pressure can be a lot, but dont let it get you down!
He smiled and waved at Rachel. She nodded gratefully back at him before she continued into the food hall. She thought that he was nice she was d that he didnt pester her too much like many of the clubs tried to do. She shook her head as she raised the pamphlet he had given her.
What club was it, anyway?
Rachel wondered aloud. She read the words inked on the pamphlet, before her footfalls slowed. She blinked a few times as she read the words again. And again. And she realized she wasnt misreading it.
Wait
Her eyes narrowed as she came to a halt. She stared at the pamphlet, before her eyes went wide.
This is the Demon Research Club?
And she reconsidered her decision to join the club.
Chapter 565: Grown Up
Chapter 565: Grown Up
565. Grown Up
Oriur woke up to the sounds of wood shattering and metal crashing.
He jerked up, raising his head to face the metal doorway. The room was dark, and the blinds were shut. His gaze drifted to the clock by his bedside. It was still early in the morning, so he refused to peek out the window.
The sun would be incredibly bright at this time at least, from this elevation. So Oriur didnt like to pull back the curtains to his room during the morning. Instead, he liked toy here and rx. Except it wasnt rxing.
Not when he could hear the sounds of fighting right outside of his room.
Oriur sighed as he rolled over in bed. He heard the muffled roaring. The fighting continued, and he remained lying there as he tried to cover his ears with his hands. wed hands. Not the fleshy Human hands that could barely cut anything open with their tiny fingernails.
That was right Oriur wasnt a Human. He was a Wyvern. A young Wyvern who had a pair of rowdy siblings.
He got to his feet as the fighting continued, and he knew he wasnt going to be falling asleep any time soon. He pushed the door open to see a pair of figures tumbling down the hallway, locked inbat. He stared at them.
Oriur took on his siblings as they snarled and wed at each other.
Novis and Bellum. They were both Wyverns like him, but they were noticeablyrger. Their hides had fully grown out, and Bellum even had a pair of nub-like protrusions poking out of her back. They were both about the size of an adult Human, while Oriur was still about two-thirds of their size.
He looked on as they continued to brawl, growling at each other the entire time.
Give it back!
No its mine!
I saw it first!
You just took it from me
Novis and Bellum argued as Oriur shook his head. The two of them were arguing over scraps of food. Raw meat not even cooked or seasoned. They must have stolen it from the kitchen.
Oriur wouldve stopped them, but they were both far higher-leveled than he was. So he just stalked past them as he headed to the kitchen. Well it wasnt really a kitchen. It was a makeshift kitchen.
This wasnt really a house. It was actually an office. Or rather it had been an office. It was now repurposed as a sanctuary. A ce to house monsters.
Oriur came to a halt right by the dining table. He stared at a figure already seated at the head of the table. He stared at the swaying tail he saw the green scales and the elongated face. She was a monster. Just like him. More specifically, she was a [Krokodis]
He simply nodded at her as she beamed back at him.
Good morning, Oriur. Me eating breakfast. You want some?
She raised a bowl of meat chunks at him, and he shook his head. Instead, he grabbed an apple and munched into it.
No thank you, Ms Kron. Ill have this instead.
Mm, more for me!
Kron shrugged and continued chowing down on her food. Oriur sat awkwardly across from her as he nibbled on the red fruit. The two of them sat in silence as his siblings continued fighting in the background. He would asionally cast an awkward nce at the [Krokodis] as a clock standing on the kitchen counter ticked with each passing second.
He really wasnt sure what he could say to Kron. He had tried to hold a conversation with her plenty of times before, but they were always short and strange. Like there was a disconnect. Although Oriur sometimes wondered if it was a problem exclusive to him. After all, Novis and Bellum didnt seem to have any problems with speaking to her.
However, the [Krokodis] was mamas friend. She was also uncles friend. And she was nice, even if odd. So Oriur didnt take any issues with her. It was just hard for them to form a connection. That was all.
But that was true for everyone here. Oriur always felt out of ce. That was why he longed to explore the rest of Mavos Academy to visit the world below.
He closed his eyes, and he heard the fighting stop. A sharp voice interrupted both the snarling and growling of his siblings as he nced back.
Thats enough.
Oriur stared at a tall, stern woman as she dragged both Novis and Bellum behind her. The two young Wyverns were scowling with their arms crossed, not looking at each other. But they didnt struggle. Even as the woman plopped the two of them down onto the chairs next to Oriur.
Both of you apologize to each other. Now.
The woman crossed her arms. She had the appearance of a middle-aged Humandy maybe in her mid-thirties and she adjusted a pair of sses on her face. But despite her looks, she was certainly no Human.
Oriur knew that it was just an illusion. As did his siblings. Which was why they acquiesced.
Sorry
Hrm, sorry
Novis and Bellum murmured at each other. The woman just nodded as she took a step back.
Good. And there will be no more fighting over food. Is that understood?
Yes Ms Centina
Both the young Wyverns groaned at the same time. Oriur just stared at the veil of a Human woman. That was right she wasnt really a Human. She was a Centinel. And just like Kron, she was a friend of both mama and uncle.
Oriur turned to face Centina with a smile.
Good morning, Ms Centina.
She returned a warm smile as she took a seat next to Kron.
Good morning to you too, Mr Oriur. I apologize for not stopping your siblings quarrel sooner, but I was busy with a task Headmaster Skyshredder had given to me.
Oh, its fine.
Oriur nced down the hallway, then back at Centina.
But wheres Uncle?
Normally, uncle would be the one to break up Novis and Bellums fights. But for whatever reason, he wasnt here right now. Centina sighed and massaged her temples.
Willy isnt here right now. Hes busy because of his new position.
Oh.
Oriur deted. Uncle Willy the only person he could truly connect with wasnt here. Not right now. Because he was busy. He had spent most of his time up here together with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur for the past year.
yton Skyshredder had been kind enough to give them a ce to stay with Kron and Centina. But while it was a home, it was also a prison. Only Willy had ever left the tower. But now that Mavos Academy had resumed its curriculum, the [Will O Wisp] had grown busy. And Oriur had felt alone ever since he had arrived here.
Mama left. Her clone was taken away.
And now, uncle was starting to leave too.
The young Wyvern understood that mama and uncle couldnt look after him forever. Between his siblings, he was the most understanding of their circumstances. Novis and Bellum would often argue and fight over it even as they leveled and grew stronger to some day follow mama.
But Oriur wasnt too interested in evolving like his siblings did. Instead, he wanted to explore Mavos Academy. He wanted to descend down from this tall tower to interact with the students below to be a student of the school himself.
Unfortunately, he could not. And that was why, even as Oriur sat with this group of monsters, he felt alone.
Is this it?
Rachel asked herself as she stood outside of the club room. She looked down at the pamphlet, before shaking her head. She wasnt even sure if she should havee here. But when she read the description of the club, she feltpelled to at least check it out.
Because it was the Demon Research Club.
The young girl hesitated she never thought such a club would have ever been allowed here in Mavos Academy. And yet, it existed. So she was drawn to it. Because of the possibility that it could be what she needed.
The reason Rachel had enrolled into Mavos Academy in the first ce was because she wanted to find a way to get to Salvos. And that was why this Demon Research Club could lead the young girl to the silver-haired woman.
But there was a slim possibility that Rachel might be misunderstanding what this Demon Research Club was doing. It was entirely possible they might have been anti-Demons that they were researching how to y Demons and the like.
And that was not why Rachel was here. She would quickly excuse herself if that was the case. But since she couldnt even study space magic here in Mavos Academy just yet, she took in a deep breath and nervously pushed the door open.
The moment she entered the room, she was greeted by a bright light. It was evening, but the blinds were shut. There was a bright magic crystal glowing in the center of the room, and the desks were set to the side. A small crowd was gathered right behind the magic crystal, sitting on the floor with their legs crossed.
The gathered students blinked and turned to face Rachel as she closed the door behind her, entering the room.
Whats a little girl doing here?
Is she lost?
Wait, I think I know who she is shes a student here!
Seriously? But how?
Well, I heard the club president was also
Hey.
A voice called out. Rachel paused and turned to face a figure approaching her. She recognized him. He was the blond man who had given her the pamphlet to join the club. He smiled at her as he crossed his arms.
So you changed your mind?
Um, I was just curious. Thats all.
Rachel shifted back, ncing around the room. She felt nervous she wasnt sure whether the members of the club were pro or anti Demons. But she just steeled herself as the blond man proffered her a hand.
Im Jonas. The club vice-president.
Oh, its nice to meet you.
Just take a seat right there. Were a brand new club, so we have a lot of other students trying us out too. But dont be intimidated. Were quite casual here. The orientation meeting will start soon.
Right
Jonas gestured at the group of seated students. Rachel nodded, settling down right before the magic crystal. Her eyes narrowed. Even though she wasnt a master [Mage], she could tell that it was a projection crystal based on the sigils etched onto its crystalline surface.
She waited as she sat on her own at the groups fringe. A few heads nced her way whispering about the fact she was a literal child. But Rachel was used to it by now. She waited along with the rest of the new potential members of the Demon Research Club.
Attending the orientation didnt mean that the students here had to join the club. They could leave at any point in time if they didnt like what they saw. Rachel, for one, knew that she would make a quick exit if it turned out that everyone here were working to be Demon yers.
When are we starting anyway?
Rachel asked herself. And as if in response, a side door slid open as a third-year student emerged.
She had blonde hair and was rtively short evidently younger than the other students attending Mavos Academy. If Rachel had to guess, the girl was a teenager.
Greetings.
The blonde girl spoke as she strode up to the magic crystal. She ced her hands on her hips with a grin stered on her face.
Im Valda the president of the Demon Research Club.
Rachel blinked as there was a sh of light. A bright figure followed after the blonde girl, floating through the room with Jonas. A ball of mes. A fiery light.
A Grand Spirit.
And Rachels eyes grew wide as she stared at the [Will O Wisp]. Valda took a step back, gesturing at ball of mes.
And this is our club supervisor Willy.
Hello.
Chapter 566: Club
Chapter 566: Club
566. Club
[Will O Wisp - Lvl. ???]
Rachel stared at the Grand Spirit at the [Will O Wisp]. She didnt expect to see such a high-leveled being here in the Demon Research Club. In fact, a Spirit was thest thing she expected to see in this club.
But Willy wasnt just any ordinary Spirit. He was the supervisor of the Demon Research Club.
And that made Rachel hesitate. If a Spirit was leading a club on Demon Research, it probably meant that this was more akin to a Demon Hunters club a ce for those who wanted to y Demons to gather.
The young girl immediately wanted to leave. But the president of the club the blonde girl named Valda cleared her throat and addressed the room.
Some of you may be wondering what this club is about. Well, if you think its about researching ways to effectively hunt and kill Demons I suggest leaving the room right now.
Valda crossed her arms. Rachel blinked. The room paused. It was a blunt statement the club president had said it so matter-of-factly, it took a moment for everyone in the room to process her words.
Huh.
Rachel narrowed her eyes. And a young man shot to his feet, raising a hand.
Wait if were not here to be Demon Hunters, then why are we here?
Another student nodded in agreement, before a susurration quickly swept over the room. Valda simply rolled her eyes as she calmed them down, waving a hand dismissively.
Were here to learn more about Demonkind. Not to destroy them. But to understand them.
...understand them?
A middle-aged woman asked with a frown a third-year student, by her looks. She pointed usingly at Valda as Rachel looked on.
Why would we want to understand Demons? Theyre the ones who destroyed my home country! Nixa is gone because of them!
Nixa is gone because of one Demon. Before the Demon King even invaded the Mortal Realm.
Valda shook her head as she ced a hand on the magic crystal. The glowing bright light flickered, and Rachel blinked. The young girl watched as the room dimmed, before a projection shone. A magical image unveiled itself on the ceiling as the gathered students stared.
A giant insect-like creature moved on the screen. It had bulbous eyes and a pair of thin, translucent wings. It flew with an army of monsters trailing behind it, and the middle-aged woman visibly recoiled.
W-what is that?!
Thats the Demon that destroyed your home country.
Valda replied simply as she gestured at the screen. She twisted her fingers against the surface of the magic crystal, changing the scene.
And these are some of the Demons that besieged the city of Alyras before the invasion truly began
The president of the Demon Research Club took a step back as a blurred picture of a trio of Demons hovering in the air, just above some smoke and rubble. The image zoomed onto their necks as Valda shook her head.
As you can see, they are not the same Demons. In fact, they are quite different. Notably, you can see how these ones are cored, while the previous Demon was not.
Rachel stared at the screen, then nced back at the watching students. Many of them were exchanging dubious nces some of them whispering conspiratorially as they shook their heads disapprovingly at Valda. However, the blonde girl didnt pay them any mind.
Other such distinctions include the fact that the previous Demon fought with a horde of monsters while these acted
Excuse me!
The same young man who had spoken up earlier interrupted Valda. He folded his arms with an indignant look on his face. She nodded at him as she drew back.
What is it?
Whats the point in knowing all this? I dont see why it matters if the Demons trying to kill us are wearing a cor, a shirt, or a damn ball gown! Theyre trying to kill us!
He shook a fist back at her. Rachel winced, but Valda didnt visibly react. Like she was used to this. She kept her cool as she answered his question.
As I said, our goal here is to understand Demonkind. Not as this existential threat, but as a people. As a society. Because as evinced by thest few years, there is still much we have yet to fully understand about them.
Rachel thought that was a satisfactory answer. Unfortunately, not everyone agreed with her. In fact, most seemed outrage by Valdas response.
This is not a club this is a cult!
The middle-aged woman eximed. She rose to her feet as she gestured at the room around them.
This is just a ruse so you can worship the Demon King, isnt it?
Rachel watched as the crowd of students nodded in agreement at that oundish usation. Valdas brows snapped together.
Worship the Demon King?
The president of the Demon Research Club strode forward and shook her head.
How many Demons have you killed?
Thats
The middle-aged woman started, but Valda continued.
When your country was falling to Belzus terror, did you fight back? Did you try to stop him? And what about during the Demon Kings invasion? Did you do anything then?
Valdas questions made the middle-aged woman purse her lips. She drew back as the blonde girl loomed over her.
I fought in the war I joined the United Coalition of the Human Lands to repel the Demon Kings invasion. I have killed dozens of Demons during my time in battle. What have you done?
I
The middle-aged woman bit her lower lip, then she shook her head. She hurried past Valda as she headed out of the room.
I dont need to answer that question, you [Cultist]!
Rachel blinked. She watched as the middle-aged woman mmed the door shut, exiting the room. For a moment, the crowd of students fell silent. Then Valda shook her head and took a step back.
Anyone who wants to leave can leave now. Id rather not deal with any more interruptions to my presentation before it is over.
The young man from earlier exchanged a nce with a group of his friends. They nodded at each other, before they got up and slowly walked out of the room. And when they left, another group of students trailed after them. Valda stood to the side, looking on as more and more of the gathered crowd vanished, until only Rachel remained.
The young girl hesitated. She wasnt sure whether she should get up and leave, following the other students, or to stay here and listen to Valdas presentation. After a moments deliberation, Rachel finally decided against leaving. Because her interest was piqued because it was the first time she had met someone who was even remotely interested in Demons beyond wanting to kill them. And she sat back down in the empty room.
The president of the Demon Research Club stared at Rachel her only audience. And she sighed as she massaged her temples.
Well that didnt go great.
You think?
An ethereal voice scoffed, and Rachel stared at Willy. The [Will O Wisp]ughed as he flitted around her shoulders.
Scared them off. Again.
I know. But its not my fault
Fourth time. No new members.
Look, you dont have to remind me about that, alright? Just
Valda shook her head as Willy chuckled. Rachel looked at the Grand Spirit as he teased the president of the Demon Research Club. The young girl certainly didnt expect him to behave like that when she first saw him.
She had expected the Grand Spirit to act in a dignified manner. Especially considering his levels. But he was rather carefree.
Just let me finish this orientation
Valda grumbled as she turned and pointed to Rachel.
You.
Me?
The young girl blinked, looking down at herself. Valda nodded as she gestured at her only audience member.
Youre Rachel the Child Wonder, arent you? Ive heard about you.
Um, yep. Thats me?
Rachel answered apprehensively. The president of the Demon Research Club ced a hand on her chin.
Why didnt you leave with the others? Are you actually interested in learning about Demonkind? Because if its just you I guess I can answer any questions you have.
Before she runs too.
Willy added in, and Valda scowled. Rachel nced past the two of them, looking towards Jonas just standing at the corner with three other students. She gestured at the blond man as she scratched the back of her head.
Oh, I was just invited to join the club by him. But Im staying here because it seems interesting?
Rachel didnt exactly want to divulge that she was here to find a way to get to Salvos to get to the Netherworld. It would sound insane to anyone, anyway. So the young girl just shook her head.
Why was this club started, anyway? What made you want to research Demons, Ms Valda?
Just call me Valda. And its aplicated reason.
Valda pursed her lips, but continued to exin.
To simplify things I decided to create this club because of Salvos.
Because of Salvos?
Rachels eyes went round. She leaned forward as Valda nodded.
I met Salvos while she was attending Mavos Academy over two years ago. And I grew to admire her a lot. She was someone I aspired to be. I thought that she was a [Hero]. The seconding of Alexander.
Valda spoke as she faced the ceiling, staring at the projection of Salvos facing down the trio of Demons in Alyras. But the blonde girl shook her head and ced a hand on the magic crystal. The image vanished.
Rachel narrowed her eyes as she listened on. And Valda spoke through gritted teeth.
Then I learned that Salvos was a Demon. Now I dont know how to feel about her. I am
The blonde girl closed her eyes.
I am uncertain.
Valda lowered her head as she fell silent. Rachel hesitated. The young girl wasnt sure whether she should pipe up or whether there was anything to say at all. The room held still for a moment, until she finally mustered up the courage to speak.
Whats wrong if Salvos is a Demon?
The words naturally left Rachels mouth. It was a question she had been wanting to ask so many people but shed managed to stop herself from doing so, just to avoid an argument. However, right now, she felt free to speak her mind.
Whats wrong with being a Demon? Salvos is still Salvos, isnt she? So why does it matter whether shes a Human or a Demon?
Rachel cocked her head, and Valda blinked.
I
The blonde girl tried to work her jaw. And she just chuckled to herself.
Thats what I ask myself. And thats why I wish to learn more about Demonkind. So I can cleanse my preconceived notions from my mind. So I can judge Salvos for who she is
She smiled as she drew back from the magic crystal, looking down at herself.
Was I tricked? Or was that the real Salvos, even if she was in disguise? If she was Id be happy. But I do not know.
Rachel stared at Valda. The young girl didnt say a word. Instead, she nced up towards the silent Grand Spirit, before looking towards Jonas who wore a concerned look for his friend. No one said a word.
And Rachel tilted her head back.
...you convinced me.
The young girl spoke as she hopped to her feet. Valda blinked and nced back.
Wait, that wasnt my pitch
But you convinced me, anyway!
Rachel grinned as she strode forward. She grabbed the blonde girls hands and smiled brightly.
I want to join the Demon Research Club!
Valda stared for a moment, utterly confused. And slowly, she nced back towards Jonas for confirmation. He shrugged back at her, and she tried to steel herself.
I-I see? Wee to the club?
She patted Rachels shoulder uncertainly. The young girl smiled in return.
Im d to be here!
After all, Valda was apparently someone Salvos used to know. And Rachel knew that this meant she was treading down the right path.
Probably.
And as Rachel met with Valda, Jonas, and Willy in Mavos Academy, before joining the Demon Research Club, the rest of the world moved.
Daniel Song led an army into battle against the Elves.
Edithe Dawnrise surveyed the Netherfied Lands.
Saffron Merryster rode for the Vaun Qieur Empire.
Orgaf wandered the Beastmen ins.
And somewhere, deep in the Netherworld, beneath the destruction of Revtion
Salvos woke up.
Chapter 567: Recollection
Chapter 567: Recollection
567. Recollection
I woke up.
I blinked my eyes open as my head spun. The world whirled around me, and I tried to regain my bearings. My head was aching. My entire body stung with an intense pain. I groaned as I got to my feet, before taking in the room around me.
I was still in the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. It was a Dungeon one that existed here in the Netherworld. Previously, I thought that Dungeons were a thing of the Mortal Realm. But now I knew that the Netherworld was just like the Mortal Realm.
Or rather they were simr.
They both had history. They had kings whether it was in the past or the present, they had rulers and nations. Society existed in the Netherworld. And it wasnt an idea birthed here by the Demon King Regnorex.
My father had a kingdom once. Long before Regnorex created his own nation. Back then, Sal had been called Samuel, and he had been known as the Devil King.
I didnt know how much time I spent, but I spent quite some time exploring Sals old kingdom. And I learned a lot. For one thing, I discovered that the Netherworld used to consist of twelve differentyers. Now, only a singleyer remained.
And it was all because of the corruption.
It was the end of the world. Just as the Kobolds had foretold. The Nexeus was copsing its three nes no longer could sustain. Everything was going toe to an end. Eventually. Maybe it would happen in a hundred years. Or maybe it would happen in another ten thousand.
I didnt know. I just knew that I had met a survivor of my dads kingdom a Primordial Demon named Belphegor who had spent eons locked in battle against the end of the world down below. He led me through the Gate of the Netherworld. He showed me what was left of the secondyer.
And he showed me the end of the world. The wall of infinite corruption that was consuming the Netherworld that which was destroying all.
The corruption spread quickly down there in the secondyer. It was more corruption than I had ever seen. And it was nothing like the corruption I had faced before. It was stronger. It was far more potent.
Even the Corrupted Rocks I saw down in the secondyer were far more dangerous than the Cursed Boulder I encountered in the Beastmen ins. Each Corrupted Netherstones I battled would have taken down countless Corrupted Inds with ease. I was certain that if the [Ancient Centinel] I fought in the Bloodied Gulf had unleashed its Grand Skill of corruption against a Corrupted Netherstructure, it would still lose with ease.
The only reason I survived down in the secondyer for as long as I did was because I had my Grand Skill with me. And even then, I only escaped with my life thanks to Belphegors help.
I left him behind to face the end of the world. I wanted to help, but there wasnt anything I could do against the wall of infinite corruption. It spawned an entire army of corrupted creatures creating Corrupted Hellspaces out of thin air.
I would have died if I tried to intervene. So I had no choice but to go. But before I did, I promised I would speak with my dad. I would talk with Sal, on behalf of Belphegor.
And that was what I was going to do now.
...that is if I can even find my Dad.
I sighed as I took a step forward. While I was still slightly injured from the multiple fights I had gotten into in the secondyer, I had mostly recovered during my sleep thanks to [Rest]. And I was ready to leave this Dungeon to face the destruction of Revtion above.
After all, I had leveled up plenty of times since descending down this DUngeon. And while many of the levels I had gained were not for my Subspecies but for my ss, I had also gained two brand new Grand Skills in the secondyer below. I had even be partially corrupted? At least, to a certain extent.
I looked down at myself, and there was no veil of corruption coating me. I looked no different than I did before I descended into the secondyer and fought the corruption. But I knew that I could call forth its power if necessary.
I raised a hand as I narrowed my eyes. There was a flicker of a glint on my fingertips. An iridescent spark but not that of divinity or mes. It was a distortion. It didnt emit light in a way that attracted the gaze. It seemed to shine to hide to obfuscate, rather than illuminate.
It was an odd feeling. I was still unused to drawing the power of the corruption. But I had the power of the corruption now. It was even the source of one of my Grand Skills. It was my Title too.
So I was much stronger now. I was healed and ready to fight unlike when I first returned to the Netherworld.
I could finally seek out Haec again as well.
How much time had passed? I knew that time didnt flow the same down in the secondyer. So it was entirely possible that it had been decades since Ist saw Haec, and he had now forgotten about me. Or maybe only an instant had gone by instead, so the days I spent fighting the corruption went by in seconds out here.
Time didnt flow correctly thanks to the corruption. How out-of-sync it had been I didnt know. And the same could be said about the time I spent traversing the multiverse with my dad. I could only specte.
But that didnt matter.
It was time for me to leave this Dungeon to leave the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. I started forward as I took in a deep breath.
And I mmed headfirst into an invisible wall.
I scowled as I brought a hand up. It took me a moment, but I quickly realized what was stopping me from continuing on.
Right [The World Of My Mind].
I tapped a wed finger on the ss-like wall, and the pocket space surrounding me opened. I stepped out of my own little world, before shaking my head. It was my Grand Skill. But it was unlike the other Grand Skills in its application. It was almost like a passive effect.
I could conjure up this pocket space whenever I wanted. It was no different than when I was able to use [Fragmented Pocket Dimension]. Except [The World Of My Mind] was far stronger I could use it to transport me and traverse between the folds of the Netherworld without even interacting with my environment.
Just like my dad did when he showed me the multiverse.
But that begged the question if this was the passive effect of my Grand Skill, what was its active effect? Was there something more it could do that I didnt know about?
I had just learned it, so I didnt know for certain. There were a lot of experiments I could do with it. In fact, I could even use [The World Of My Mind] to avoid the destruction of Revtion entirely.
But I shook my head and started past the broken altar, stepping over the pile of ancient cors, before heading up the stairway to exit the Dungeon. I walked with a skip in my step as I ascended the long passageway. I wasnt going to hide behind my pocket space I was going to explore the world above.
I knew that it was going to be dangerous. Certainly not as dangerous as the secondyer below. However
I emerged from the stairway, reaching the first chamber I had found myself in when I escaped from the Level 182 [Hebomination] that had nearly killed me. I teleported in here because I was at deaths door, and I would have been incinerated into ashes.
And yet, now I was going to go back out there. Because I wanted to see how much stronger I had be. I wanted to test myself and more importantly, I wanted to grow even stronger.
I swept my gaze over the ruins surrounding me. I stared at the broken weapons and the shattered armor littering the ground around me.
I knew what kind of a fate awaited me if I made a mistake. I would perish. But I wanted to test out my new Skills. I wanted to keep my promise to my dad to be the strongest in the Nexeus. But I also wanted to keep my promise to Haec and Belphegor as well.
There were a lot of things I needed to do. And the first step was to leave this ce to face the destruction of Revtion above.
So I grinned as the world warped around me.
And I teleported out.
Now Leaving [Dungeon: Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom].
Chapter 568: Claws
Chapter 568: ws
568. ws
Salvos (Secelys Sentinel) (The Devils Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 164
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 140
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: Corruption Camouge] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devils Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 265 (+50) (+10)
[Strength]: 255 (+50) (+10)
[Endurance]: 255 (+50) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 410 (+50) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 450 (+50) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 4]
[Angels Wings] - Lvl. 15
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demons Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 10
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 10
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 10
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[w of Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 5]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 5
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.5
[The World of My Mind] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
I left the Dungeon behind me.
Visiting my fathers former kingdom was an interesting experience a very dangerous experience too but I was now ready to return to face the destruction of Revtion above. I was ready to face devastation. I was ready to battle to the death.
There were possibly tens of millions of wild Demons roaming the surface, ready to pounce on me at any opportunity. Maybe there were even hundreds of millions of them. Or even billions! Or more!
I didnt know. I just knew that there were a lot of them. And they had all been forced out of hiding because of Revtion. But that wasnt the only danger that was waiting for me above.
It was like the Netherworld itself was trying to destroy everything crawling over its surface. Dark lightning bolts crashed from the sky, obliterating anything it touched. Crevices tore their way through the t ground. Mountains copsed, andva exploded into the air.
I had been there for the start of it all. It was destruction beyond anything I had ever witnessed. When the crimson dome overhead seemed to tear open, I knew that even Primeval Demons like me werent safe. Not from Revtion.
That was why I had fled. That was why I had hidden underneath the earth, biding my time and growing stronger. I recovered from my injuries and emerged from the Remnants of the First Demon King, ready to tackle this daunting task
And I paused as I stared at my surroundings.
Huh.
The Netherworld was still devastated, but it was far less chaotic than when I hadst seen it. The ground was still carpeted by cracks and ravines that spread out as far as I could see. There was a storm raging overhead dark lightning rained down from the sky.
But I no longer saw swarms of wild Demons desperately scrambling across the white surface, battling each other for their own survival. The crimson dome wasnt dotted by the figures of winged Demons, and the pools of magma werent covered by the swimming figures of burning Demons.
Well, I still saw plenty of them wandering about. Butpared to the scene I had witnessed during the start of Revtion the current level of chaos was iparable.
I crossed my arms as I stood atop a broken mountain. I rubbed my chin, muttering to myself.
Well, theres really not much for me to worry about, right? Unless I run into a Primeval Demon, Ill probably be fine
A few hundred Archdemons couldnt kill me. Maybe a few thousand could if I didnt have my Grand Skills. But by the current state of the Netherworld, I highly doubted that I was going to run into more than a hundred Archdemons at a time at the very most.
How am I going to level up from this?
It seemed that I was too used to the secondyer. Even if I had been down there at the end of the world for a short period of time, I limated to the intensity and the danger of that environment. So now even facing the destruction of Revtion felt like a casual stroll,paratively speaking.
I shook my head as I started forward, spreading my wings wide.
Whatever, I guess Ill
And my eyes flickered. My [Angelic Premonition] alerted me of a figure rapidly approaching me from behind. I spun around just in time to see a Level 141 [Savage Agarat] swooping down from the sky to strike my back.
I sidestepped the attack, before raising a w. A grin spread itself across my face as a crimson aura and a gray aura overcame my forearm. I pivoted around and faced the Archdemon as I began to swing up.
Nice try
And my w twisted for a moment. It was a very brief moment I didnt even feel anything. But I saw a distortion on my fingertips. Like they were being bent backwards as the space around them contorted.
But I easily tore through the [Savage Agarat] a momentter, feeling nothing from my distorted w. I blinked as the notification resounded in my head.
Defeated [Savage Agarat
Less experience is
But I ignored it, narrowing my eyes at my wed hand. I stared at my ashened scales. I even pinched myself a few times. However, there was no distortion there. It was almost like it was my imagination.
Huh.
I looked back up and shrugged.
Maybe it was my imagination
Or maybe not. I had a corrupted Title now. So it was entirely possible I was seeing the aftereffects. I didnt know. It didnt really matter as long as it didnt impede me in a fight.
So I spread my wings and flew on.
--
I didnt take to the skies because it was too risky. There was no way for me to deal with the ck lightning bolts that came from the rifts in the sky. There was also nowhere for me to escape if I did encounter a wild Demon I couldnt handle. So I mostly stuck to the ground.
I did briefly fly up to investigate those rifts floating far overhead. But no matter how far I seemed to go, they never seemed to draw closer. And I sensed no dimensional tearing from them, so I turned back. Now, I floated over the crevices filled withva.
If I needed to, I could escape into the cracks down below. Maybe even teleport around to lose any Primeval Demon that was strong enough to kill me. Or maybe if I encountered a Primordial Demon or the Beast
But that was very unlikely. In fact, I mostly found Lesser Demons and Greater Demons wandering about, and even though they were far weaker than me, most of them still tried to attack me.
I easily incinerated them with a st of mes. I barely even looked their way. There were the asional Archdemons too, and while they were certainly stronger than the Lesser Demons and Greater Demons, I still killed them with ease.
Hm, how am I even going to find Haec out here in the Netherworld anyway?
As far as I knew, the Netherworld could have expanded infinitely in all directions. That meant I could be searching for my firstpanion for well, forever. I scratched the back of my head as I flew on, before flicking a finger at a charging [Hellwolf].
The wild Demon was reduced to ash in an instant. I frowned, flying on.
Maybe I can ask my dad to give me a tip I also have to talk to him about Belphegor too.
Although would I even be able to find Sal now? He probably moved his pocket space away from the fold in between the nes since he showed me around the multiverse. If I teleported there again, I might just end up floating in stasis next to the ck hole.
Well, I did have [The World Of My Mind] now, so I wasnt really bothered or worried about being trapped in empty space. I could probably survive even the void as long as I was protected by my pocket space.
So I decided.
It doesnt hurt to pay him a visit
I started, and a st of blue mes shot down at me. I immediately swerved out of the way as a looming shadow descended from the sky. I spun around, raising my ws warily, ready to engage in battle.
What not?
I asked, and I blinked when I saw the hulking figure. I stared for a moment, seeing the bone-like wings. I saw the four arms. The spindly body. It was
[Hebomination - Lvl. 185]
Oh, youre higher-leveled now.
I remarked idly. And it swung down at me with one of its ws.
Chapter 569: Of Corruption
Chapter 569: Of Corruption
569. Of Corruption
[Hebomination - Lvl. 185]
I stared at the wild Primeval Demon. It loomed over me hundreds of times my size. It bore the skull of a savage dog as its face, and it had a pair of spindly arched bones as its wings. It had four arms that were each as long as its body. One of its wed hands swung down, aiming straight for me.
I dove out of the way before the attack couldnd. But even from afar, I felt the shockwave of the rippling air knock me back. A pir ofva and dust shot out of the ground just from the wild Primeval Demons missed strike.
It turned to face me as I narrowed my eyes. I recognized it. Or at least, I thought I did. Most Demons of the same Subspecies looked simr, however there were usually tiny minutiae that regrly distinguished them from each other. And apart from the battle scars this [Hebominations] wore, I noticed simr markings on its body that reminded me of the [Hlbomination] that attacked me at the start of Revtion.
Not just that but the horns that protruded horizontally out of its head I was almost entirely certain it was also the very same [Hebomination] that Belzu had nearly summoned to the Mortal Realm.
It was higher-leveled than me. It had nearly killed me twice now. And as I faced it down I smiled, baring my teeth.
Time for round three, huh?
I raised my w, pointing at the [Hebomination] as it faced me. It roared and unleashed a st of blue mes. I activated [Divine Haste] and teleported out of the way right as the attack was about to reach me. It was a massive cone that spread out for miles, devastating the world below.
It was a powerful st. As expected from a Level 185 Primeval Demon. The crevices and canyons spreading out into the distance were ripped apart. Even the magma boiling down beneath in rivers evaporated from the explosion.
However, the attack hadpletely missed me. Even before the [Hebomination] unhinged its jaws, I had already sensed the attacking thanks to [Angelic Premonition]. I had teleported high above it, looking down with my w still aimed its way.
It spun around in anger, letting out a screech. But I just smirked.
[Sacred Hellfire].
The [Hebomination] opened its mouth and it erupted into mes. I watched as the gold and gray fire burst out, lighting the wild Primeval Demons skin ame. It reeled and let out a terrible screech. But even as it tried to w out the [Sacred Hellfire], my Skill still persisted.
It was a Divine Skill. It drew from my Divine Essence, and it would have burned until itpletely destroyed its target. Of course, the [Hebomination] was resilient. It thrashed momentarily in the air as it failed to shake off my attack. But I knew that my [Sacred Hellfire] alone couldnt take the Primeval Demon out. All I needed was a moments distraction.
I raised my wed hand towards the sky, taking in a deep breath.
[The Call of Armageddon].
A sphere of ck mes coalesced right on the palm of my wed hand. At first, a concentrated ball of magic. But then it began to lose its shape as I released it. All at once, it exploded. I flitted away, watching as a rain of ck mes poured down onto the [Hebomination].
The wild Primeval Demon raised its head with a roar. It ignored the gold and gray mes burning on its face, before flying straight up and crashing into the outpouring of [The Call of Armageddon].
The ck mes fell like shooting stars. Muchrger than raindrops, but certainly not the same size as a meteor. The onught of attacks slowed the [Hebomination]. It battered the wild Primeval Demons skin. But that was it.
All [The Call of Armageddon] and [Sacred Hellfire] did was whittle down on the [Hebomination]s defenses and slowed its approach to a crawl.
Now
I pped my ws together, closing my eyes as the wild Primeval Demon screeched. I began to forge a weapon out of [The Holy mes]. It used to take me forever to create a solid object with my fire creation. But now, I could construct a Divine Nebr Scythe in only a single minute.
I grinned as I drew back, spinning the iridescent weapon above my head. I looked back down at the [Hebomination]. It unleashed a st of blue mes into the air, engulfing [The Call of Armageddon]. Even though it was still burning, it turned its gaze towards me. That of rage and anger.
I shook my head as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe. I focused on the weapon I channeled my divinity and my aura into it. [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury] both wreathed iridescent de, and I flew forward.
The [Hebomination] reached me as its ws shone with blue mes. It swung at me, but I narrowly dodged the attack. I stuck close to its body, bringing down my Divine Nebr Scythe and digging deep into the Primeval Demons body.
When I fought it back in the Mortal Realm, I had barely even been able to hurt it even with my Divine Essence empowering me. But right now, I could cleanly cut its flesh open and spill its ck blood over the Netherworld. It roared and spun around, trying to follow up with a second swing mid-air. And once again, I easily avoided its attack.
Thanks to [Divine Haste] and [Angelic Premonition], the [Hebomination] could hardly hit me. I continued to unleash a flurry of strikes with my Divine Nebr Scythe, empowering my attacks with [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury]. So the wild Primeval Demon bled. I scarred its already battle-scarred body with my own onught of attacks. I continued doing this until my [Divine Haste] ran out, before I flew back.
However, as I tried to disengage, the [Hebomination] sped up to catch me. It stretched out one of its ws like it was trying to grab me. But as it drew closer, I simply smirked and raised my Divine Nebr Scythe.
The gray and red aura coating the de shimmered brightly, before the image of a giant w exploded out before the implosion of a silver ring followed it. I flew back with a grin, watching as the bloodied arm of the [Hebomination] tumbled out of the sky. The wild Primeval Demon screeched in pain as it clutched the missing limb.
I scoffed as I snapped my fingers.
Is that really all you got?
And six of my clones shed into existence around me. They giggled andughed, charging at the [Hebomination] as it reeled in ce. They drew closer to the wild Primeval Demon as I just watched
Only for the [Hebomination]s entire body to flicker. I narrowed my eyes. I watched as a blue aura overcame the wild Primeval Demon, before it shot forward.
All at once, it struck down three of my clones. It moved so fast, and they were unprepared for its attack. It cut them down one after another with its burning w, before moving onto the next to avoid the follow-up explosion.
My three remaining clones managed to dive out of the way in time to avoid the [Hebomination]s strikes. But when they circled around the wild Primeval Demon to nk it, their sts of mes missed. I watched as everything they threw went sailing off into the distance,pletely missing their target.
I knew what was happening in an instant. I saw the way the [Hebomination] shed my [Sacred Hellfire]. I watched as it easily evaded my clones like they werent even trying to hit it. And I knew
This was its Grand Skill.
I gritted my teeth, remember thest time I had seen a [Hebomination] use its Grand Skill. It was during the final battle to stop the grand ritual back in the Mortal Realm. And even though an entire army and multiple Elites were throwing their best Skills at it, the wild Primeval Demon escaped unscathed for most of the battle. Until it was restrained by Ze-jai, and finished off by yton Skyshredder.
I didnt think I had a Skill that could restrain this [Hebomination]. So I tried to let my clones encircle the wild Primeval Demon to corner it. Unfortunately, they failed.
They were ripped apart one after another as I could only watch. I considered fleeing the scene, but I stopped myself. I wanted a challenge this was a challenge. I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe as the wild Primeval Demon charged at me.
The mes of [Divine Radiant sh] began to wisp off the de as I readied myself to strike down the [Hebomination]. But as soon as it reached me, I raised a hand, pointing to the sky.
[The World Of My Mind]!
The wild Primeval Demon paused as invisible fractal panels began to encase us into a sphere. I trapped the both of us inside of a small arena there was barely enough space for the [Hebomination] to move. I took in a deep breath and swung forward with a shout.
Stop!
[Intimidation] instantly made the [Hebomination] freeze as I shed down with my Divine Nebr Scythe. I had it I swung forward with everything I had.
[Divine Radian
And the [Hebomination] jerked back. It moved instinctively, slipping past my attack. My eyes widened as it brought two of its burning ws down at me. I winced as the attack came, and it sent me flying to the other side of my pocket space.
There was a sh of light. My vision blurred as I crashed into the fractal wall. I gasped, trying to get back up and I realized that I didnt feel any pain. I frowned as I tried to regain my bearings, only to blink when my vision didnt return to normal.
It was like the world around me was distorted. A ssh of colorful shards twisted around me in a sphere. The veil cleared briefly to reveal the [Hebomination] at the other side of the pocket space.
This is [Protection of the Corruption]?
I looked down at myself, staring at my w. My figure seemed to flicker even as I stoodpletely still. My spatial senses couldnt parse what was happening around me, even though I could fullyprehend every inch of the confines of my pocket space.
A sense of calm seemed to wash over me as I looked back up to face the [Hebomination]. It stared at me, confused as its burning ws flickered with corruption. Like the wild Primeval Demon was in pain. The kes of distortion faded away, and I strode forward.
My veil of corruption apanied me as I nodded to myself.
I see now.
The [Hebomination] roared, before charging at me as I held its gaze. I didnt hesitate. I continued to calmly walk towards the wild Primeval Demon. It reached me and swung down with its burning ws, and the veil of corruption whipped out, deflecting the attack.
I watched as the [Hebomination] stumbled back, screeching in pain. I realized this when I saw the wild Primeval Demon standing there in confusion. My [Protection of the Corruption] didnt just protect me it could be used as a weapon as well.
But that was the thing. The [Hebomination]s Grand Skill should have protected it from all attacks thrown its way. Somehow, it didnt know to dodge the veil of corruption, even when it whipped out in a counter attack.
It confused the [Hebomination]. And I was also puzzled at first. But I now understood what had happened
The Grand Skill could not protect against the corruption.
It was one of the corruptions intrinsic properties to function in a way that negated magic. And the [Hebomination] was using magic. Not divinity, but regr magic. Which was why I could harm the wild Primeval Demon using the corruption.
However, I only knew one other corrupted Skill that could help me finish off the [Hebomination]. I had never used it before. It was my newest Grand Skill. And I was going to activate it for the very first time.
I raised a hand, aiming at the backing up [Hebomination]s chest, even from the distance.
[w of Corruption].
I whispered. And I felt an invisible hand coalescing around the wild Primeval Demons body. It tried to p its wings to escape, but it was like its body was being crushed in my grip. Its figure began to distort as kes of corruption wisped off its body. It screeched, unleashing a st of blue mes at me.
I twisted my wed hand, and there was a crunch. The cascading corruption overwhelmed the [Hebomination] as the blue mes dissipated. I blinked, staring at the balled-up form of the wild Primeval Demon as it floated there before me, wreathed in the corruption.
A notification resounded in my head as I could only stare.
Defeated [Hebomination - Lvl. 185]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 164] -> [Angelic Devil Princess Lvl. 165]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Gained 1 Grand Skill Skill Point!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 140] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 141]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 141] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 142]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Huh. That was easier than I thought it would be.
It seemed I won the rematch.
Chapter 570: Soon
Chapter 570: Soon
570. Soon
I won. After nearly dying to the same [Hebomination] twice now, I finally defeated it.
Well, I wasnt actually sure if it was the same [Hebomination] I had fought beforehand. However, I was going to assume it was. After all, they pretty much looked identical. And I was somewhat decent at differentiating a wild Demon from another of the same Subspecies.
Anyway, all it took was my [w of Corruption]. It was my newest Grand Skill I hadnt even used it before. But itpletely crushed the [Hebomination], surpassing all my expectations for it. Even though the wild Primeval Demon was both incredibly durable and over 20 levels above me, it was helpless against the attack.
I looked down at the palm of my hand, flexing my w.
Huh. Im stronger than I thought.
I wondered what were the limits of my [w of Corruption] if it could actually harm maybe a Primordial Demon? I could go back down to the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom and try out this Skill against the [Basilisk] below. But if it failed, I would most definitely die before I could escape.
And if it sessfully killed the imprisoned Primordial Demon well, that meant there was no one left guarding the firstyer against the endless slew of corruption.
So that wasnt a good idea. In fact, it was a terrible idea. That was why I decided against it.
I just shook my head and looked back at the dead [Hebomination]. The only downside to using my [w of Corruption] was that it was incredibly slow to activate the reason why it seeded in killing the wild Primeval Demon was because I had trapped it here in [The World Of My Mind], so it had nowhere to escape.
I stared at the crushed and twisted body. I saw the distortion. A smile slipped onto my face knowing that all it took to defeat a Level 185 Primeval Demon with a Grand Skill was two of my own Grand Skills. And the fact that when neither of us were using Grand Skills, I was winning somewhat.
I snapped my finger as I let my pocket space vanish. The fractal panels fell apart, cascading to reveal the crimson sky of the Netherworld around me. I was back where I had been just before I encased myself and the [Hebomination] in [The World Of My Mind].
I stared at the devastatedndscape below. I swept my gaze over the destroyed crevices and ravines the blue mes of the [Hebomination] still burning in the distance, and a pir of smoke rising to the sky. Then I looked back towards the floating corpse of the wild Primeval Demon.
The twisted body was still hovering in ce trapped in stasis. Corruption wisped off its body, and ayer of distortion covered its crumpled figure. I pursed my lips, eyeing this scene.
Huh.
The corruption that had destroyed the [Hebomination] didnt just vanish. It continued to linger, even though my veil of corruption had receded. I scratched the back of my head.
How am I supposed to?
My brows snapped together, and I pointed at it.
Corruption begone!
I yelled, trying to focus on the corruption. But it didnt dissipate. It held the corpse of the [Hebomination] in ce as the distortion ked off it. I stared for a moment. Then I flew back in a panic.
Oh no, what do I do? Im spreading the corruption into the Netherworld!
I zipped around the corpse of the [Hebomination], trying to find a way to destroy the corruption. It took me a few minutes, but eventually I figured out that the only way to purge it was with divinity.
So I sted it with [The Holy mes] for about an hour, and then I went off on my way.
Sal hadnt followed his daughter down to his old kingdom. He couldnt bear to see her explore the remnants of his past he couldnt see his failures once more. He would be far too stricken with grief to be able to survive the dangers of the end of the world.
He knew that there was a very real chance that Salvos would encounter his old subjects. He also knew that there was a very high possibility that she would have died there. But he didnt follow her he couldn''t have saved her even if he was down there by her side
So when Salvos returned from his old kingdom, he let out a sigh of relief. He was d to see his daughter was safe. He was actually quite happy to see that she was still alive. Even if it wasnt because of any actual familial affection, but because he was d she could entertain him with her antics for a little longer.
However, then the question remained did Salvos actually encounter any of Sals old subjects? Did she delve far enough into the Dungeon to reach the Gate of the Netherworld? Did she even see the corruption created by the end of the world?
He didnt know. He couldnt tell. He dared not check with his [Gods Eye]. For the answer scared him. The consequences of what it meant made him afraid. If she knew the truth, she would question him. She would pester him about it the next time they met.
But now, the question had been answered. The Devil closed his eyes and sighed. He saw the corruption forming an aura around her he watched as she stared in panic at the [Hebomination]s corrupted corpse. And he shook his head.
I see.
Sal turned away from his daughter. She didnt notice him watching her from above hiding in his little pocket space. He was d to see that Salvos now had mastered her space magic and could create her own little sliver of reality too. However, she chose not to hide in it. She destroyed the corruption before flying on, searching for her long lost brother.
And the Devil asked a question to himself.
What will you do now, my dear daughter?
Once again, he didnt know the answer.
What now?
It was a simple question. But it was a question no one knew the answer to. Not Betrugil. Not Aem. Not Taburas. And certainly not Haec.
However, the other three Archdemons looked to him for advice for guidance. Because he was Haec. He was the Heir of the Netherworld. He had been chosen by the Demon King Regnorex to be the sessor of the Demon Kingdoms throne.
And for Taburas, she looked at Haec as herpanion. She had always followed him wherever he went. Even now, she would listen to him and trust every single word he said. And that was because he had saved her. Long ago.
But Haec had no answer for her. He had no answer for either Aem or Betrugil. Even though it was his n to leave the Demon Kingdom, he didnt know what to do next. He didnt know how they were going to avoid the Deathsquad Hunters of the Demon King, and he didnt even know how he was going to find Salvos.
He just knew that right now, there was only one thing important to the four Archdemons
Survive.
Haec whispered as he stared at the mouth of the crevice above. He clung close to the walls of the ravine, staying as far away from the river ofva that cut across the bottom of the crevice. But that was not what he was worried about. A little bit ofva didnt scare any of the Archdemons gathered here.
Instead, they looked up in terror as the ground shook. They saw a shadow passing over, and they felt the rumbling of an earthquake. But this was no natural tremor. Instead, what they saw was a hulking figure
A giant creature with many eyes. Four legs, and dozens of tendrils that fell from its face. It had a bloated body with a pair of tiny wings that couldnt possibly carry its weight. It had to have been at least the size of the Demon Kings castle. But it could move. And it ravaged the world above.
Fortunately, none of its eyes spotted any of the four Archdemons hiding beneath it.
[The Great Agarus - Lvl. 225]
Haec continued.
Thats all we need to do
He turned to face Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem.
We need to survive.
Chapter 571: Heroism
Chapter 571: Heroism
571. Heroism
It had been months since the Elves dered war on the Humannds. But the battles were still as brutal as ever the Elven soldiers still fought as ferociously as they did at the very start of the war. It was said that Elves lived longer than Humans, and because of that, their sense of time was different. To them, the war had just started. But for the Humans, it felt like the war had been raging for a long time.
Perhaps there were alternate exnations to it. At least, there seemed to be a usible exnation as to why the Humans were not fighting with the same vigor of the Elves. And that was because they were tired.
The United Coalition of the Human Lands had expended much of their resources and manpower to repel the invasion of the Demon King. The constant battles had taken its toll. Even if it was not lengthy, each battle was intense against forces of Demons that were far more dangerous than even the Elves.
That was not to detract from the dangers the Elves posed to the Humannds. However, there was a difference between fighting a constant swarm of high-leveled soldiers in the Demons. They even utilized hordes and hordes of so-called wild Demons. Each one of them fought savagely without any concern for their own lives.
So there were plenty of casualties from this brief incursion with the Demon Kings forces. Even Elites had fallen in battle. That which was such a rarity even wars between thergest nations rarely ever resulted in the death of anyone above Level 150. Most of them typically died of old age or pure recklessness. Some simply disappeared, never to be heard from again.
However, the intensity of the Demon invasion aside, there had also been the protracted battle with Belzu a Primeval Demon who somehow found his way here into the Mortal Realm. He had amassed an army of monsters and even brought forth the destruction of an entire country. He had killed an Elite. He had destroyed hundreds of towns and over a dozen cities. He disced millions. He had been a thorn in the side of the Humannds for a long time before he had finally been defeated at the Motharis Mountain Range.
That was why the Humans were exhausted. They were tired of fighting. It was like they had been struck by one disaster after another a constant barrage of cmities that had never been seen since the Alexandrian Era.
It had affected morale at the front lines of the battlefield. The soldiers who were fighting for their lives prayed that the constant fighting would soone to an end. They wanted to leave the front lines. They wanted to see their loved ones again. But they couldnt. They had to continue fighting if they wanted to have loved ones to return to.
It was exhausting. It was tiresome. Even though Kacey hadnt partaken in repelling Belzu, she found herself wishing she no longer had to fight.
She was a [Crusader]. She was Diamond Ranked far higher-leveled than most of the soldiers who took the battlefield. She had been training all her life to be the perfect sword for the Den of Souls.
But she was tired. She wanted to rest. However, she had no other choice but to fight. She couldnt let herself pause for even a moment here on the battlefield because of a single reason. Because he was still fighting.
Kacey raised her head to see the tornndscape littered with corpses. The bodies of both Elves and Humansy copsed on the grassy ground. The battle was almost over. It had been an hour since it began, and already tens of thousandsy dead. But even as the advancement of the United Coalition of the Human Lands slowed, a blurred figure continued to cut through the swathes of Elven soldiers.
It was like a whirlwind of des was tearing through the first ranks of the Elves. Kacey could only stare in awe at the destruction being wreaked. And it wasnt just her. A line of soldiers stood by her side, watching the battle from a distance.
How?
A voice asked. One of the soldiers could only gape in shock at the scene. Another voice replied.
Is that an Elite? I didnt think we had an Elite with us!
Thats not an Elite.
Kacey said as she shook her head. She narrowed her eyes, before sighing.
At least, not yet.
Then who is that?
The soldier asked, turning to her. The [Crusader] took in a deep breath as she unsheathed her sword.
That is Daniel Song our [Hero].
What?
The soldiers exchanged a nce. They gasped, and a susurration swept over their numbers. They stared in wonder as Daniel continued cutting down the Elven soldiers. They couldnt believe their eyes.
Neither could Kacey. She remembered how just a year ago, Daniel was barely around her level. She had met him when the United Coalition of the Human Lands had just been recently formed, and back then, she was assigned to watch over him. But over time, she saw how he had grown and hade to respect him.
Even though he had been a [Hero], he was quite weak nothing like what she expected from when she first heard about him. But now, it seemed like he encapsted what it meant to be a [Hero].
He swung his sword down, shearing through a group of a dozen Elven soldiers. Each of them wore enchanted armor proof that they werent just mere footsoldiers. But they didnt even stand a chance against the [Hero].
Daniel took a step back as the Elven soldiers copsed, crumpling onto the ground with their limbs sliced off. He wiped the sweat off his brow before a voice called out.
Watch out!
Kaceys eyes widened, watching as a dozen glowing arrows fell from the sky. A winged figure descended from the clouds, and riding atop it was an Elf with a bow aimed his way. One of the soldiers gasped.
Thats a Griffin Herald!
What level is he?
He has to be at least Level 125, right?
The Elven [Archer] continued unleash a volley of arrows down at Daniel. But the [Hero] countered with a flurry of his own strikes, blocking the attacks.
[A Hundred Quick Strikes]! And
Daniel leapt into the air as the Griffin Herald blinked. Kacey watched the [Hero] soar through the air, de glinting brightly in the sunset. The Griffin itself tried to tip out of the way, but Daniel was faster.
[Heros sh]!
He swung up with his de, yelling as he reached the Griffin Herald. Kacey blinked, and the Eleven [Archer] fell out of the sky. Danielnded as he sheathed his sword, ncing back down to the remaining Elven soldiers in the distance. They stared at him in shock and horror as he faced them.
Kacey blinked, before shaking her head. She turned to the United Coalition of the Human Lands soldiers. They were staring too. But then she urged them forward.
Come on, what are you idiots standing for? Lets go!
She started forward as they followed after her. They rallied behind Daniel with a war cry, and the Elven soldiers blinked. For a moment, the remnants of the Elven army hesitated then they finally broke out of their stupor and retreated. They cried out in fear as they Humans pursued them.
And the battle was over.
--
I cant believe it! He was fighting like an Elite! He cut down that Diamond Ranked Griffin Herald like nothing!
Well, he is a [Hero], isnt he?
I mean, I heard from a friend that the [Hero] was a weakling but hes not even Level 150, and I reckon he can take Laux Lionfist in a fight!
Seriously?
Seriously!
Dont let Laux Lionfist catch you saying that!
Its not meant to be an insult plus, isnt the [Hero] Level 147? He should be getting close to bing an Elite by now.
Yeah, but
After the battle was over, everyone was talking about Daniels performance. Of course they were. He had quietly arrived here with his escort of [Crusaders] yesterday, and in a single battle, repelled the besieging Elves from the fort city of Taritos.
The soldiers of the fortress hadnt even known he wasing here. In fact, Daniel had only informed the city of Soros that he would be reinforcing their borders just the other day. And he moved fast without being slowed down by a following army. Only Kacey and a few dozen other high-leveled [Crusaders] apanied him at any given time.
He went to where he was needed like a [Hero]. And Kacey couldnt help but respect him for that.
She strode up to his room after the battle, giving him an approving nod.
Good job, today. Did you gain any levels from the Griffin Herald?
Daniel nced back at her simply as he rummaged through a Bag of Holding. He shook his head as he hefted it over his shoulders.
I did not.
That is unfortunate. I would have hoped the Griffin Herald could have pushed you over the edge to your ss advancement.
Mhm
The [Hero] made a sound of affirmation as he started past her, but he didnt respond to herment. She frowned as she ced a hand on her chin.
Perhaps we could pursue wait, where are you going?
Kacey blinked as he exited his room. He walked down the crions of the fortress without paying her any mind.
Are we relocating battlefields? I heard that the city of Wisha is in need of
No.
Daniel replied simply. She narrowed her eyes as she stared at him.
Then what are you doing?
He nced back at her dismissively and held her gaze.
Im leaving the battlefield entirely. Thats it, really.
What?
And Kacey could only blink in response.
Chapter 572: Rebel
Chapter 572: Rebel
572. Rebel
Why?
Kacey kept pestering him. Even though Daniel tried to shrug her off, she didnt stop asking him the question. It was a simple question, really. However, it wasnt one he wanted to answer.
Why are you leaving the battlefield?
She asked again, and he sighed. He turned around to face her. She had followed him all the out to the front gates of the fortress. But he didnt want her to follow him any longer. The only reason why he had allowed
Ill be back, alright? So stop bothering me. There are just things I need to do at Soros.
Thats
Kacey started, but he spun around and left her there. The [Crusader] could only watch as he left the fort city of Taritos.
It was a fortress but it was also a city at the same time. It was both, and yet it wasnt its own sovereign nation either. Many of the countries in the Eastern Kingdom Alliance were city states. However, there were some like Soros for example which had plenty of territory beyond just their main city.
That was the main difference between the Eastern Kingdom Alliance and the other collections of city states in the Humannds like the Helbir League and the Alterian League that the Eastern Kingdom Alliance wasposed of nation states that expanded beyond a single city.
However, that was not the only distinguishing factor between them. While the Helbir League regrly waged war internally within themselves, the Eastern Kingdom Alliance was a true alliance. That meant that none of the countries in the Eastern Kingdom alliance were allowed to engage in armed conflict against each other.
In a sense, they functioned like an empire except without an emperor. They did have a council in charge of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance, but that was to ensure that they were all united in their goals, rather than under a single banner.
In any case, Daniel had chosen to be here in Soros and not the front lines for a reason. He could do this because he operated alone he had the autonomy to do whatever he wanted after snubbing the Council of Cremont a few months back. Honestly, it had been incredibly gratifying. Especially after they
--
This is absolutely ridiculous!
[Archbishop] Ulric Magnus eximed, pointing a finger down at the [Hero] atop a high table.
How dare you defy us? We are the Council of Cremont! We are the heads of the temples that legitimize your summoning!
He was not alone. He was joined by two other [Archbishops]. One of them was a wizened figure that Daniel recognized Thorsten Siegfrid of the Den of Souls. Ulric Magnus himself was from the Sanctum of Elements. And thest figure was an elderly woman who went by the name of Diana Ashlin. She was the [Archbishop] of the Sanctuary of Elements.
And she was the only one who wasnt outraged by Daniels defiance. She just silently sat there as the other two [Archbishops] stared at the [Hero] in shock.
Ulric Magnus shook his head in anger.
If you refuse to listen to us, we will
Last I checked, Im the [Hero] here.
Daniel replied simply, cutting off the [Archbishop] from the Sanctum of Elements. He ced a hand on the hilt of his sword as he calmly held the gazes of the three [Archbishops].
You have no control over me. You cannot tell me what to do.
It was a rebellious disy one which appalled the Council of Cremont. They exchanged a confused nce, and Thorsten Siegfrid cleared his throat. He took the stand as he faced Daniel catingly.
We understand that we ask much of you, [Hero] Daniel Song. However, this is a matter of great import we cannot possibly ignore it. So please, we implore you you must condemn Salvos the Primeval Demon.
Daniels eyes flickered. He stared at Thorsten Siegfrid. He nced towards the glowering Ulric Magnus. Finally, he looked at the tired Diana Ashlin. She didnt rise to her feet, but she leant forward in her chair and cupped her hairs together.
For the safety and stability of the Humannds. You must do this.
She spoke softly. Daniel closed his eyes. He took in a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. And he replied simply.
No.
Daniel shrugged as he took a step back.
I will never condemn Salvos for what she is for what she takes pride in being. So go fuck yourselves.
You! How dare you?
Ulric Magnus snarled, turning to the two [Crusaders] guarding therge double doors at the end of the hall. He opened his mouth.
Seize
Try it.
Daniel drew the Sword of Alexander with a determined look on his face.
I dare you to try that.
He spoke softly steadfast, even in the face of the Council of Cremont. Ulric Magnus paled, and Thorsten Siegfrid cleared his throat. The pair of [Crusaders] exchanged a nce. Finally, Diana Ashlin waved a hand dismissively.
Let him go
--
Daniel shook his head. It was suffice to say that the Council of Cremont didnt quite like him the only reason he had [Crusaders] following him around the Eastern Kingdoms was because they were there to monitor him. But he didnt care.
He didnt like Kacey or the other [Crusaders] and he was certain they didnt give a shit about him either. However, they were useful. Theyd help provide him support in battle while also dealing with much of the logistics that came from fighting in a war.
Not that he was fighting at the front lines. Before that meeting with the Council of Cremont, he certainly had been ying his part. He had been fighting alongside Scarlet Vermillion, Laux Lionfist, and thebined forces of the Remembered Order Company and the Forsaken Company at the very start of the Elven invasion of the Humannds.
They had been supporting the Eastern Kingdoms in repelling the armies pouring out of the Elven forests. However, it was pretty evident that their Matriarch had been nning for this invasion for quite some time. They struck the Humannds from both the sea and fromnd. They nked the Eastern Kingdoms, using the bordering valleys between the Dwarven mountains and the Humannds to split the defending Human forces.
And that was when Daniel decided to leave the front lines. Instead, he acted like a [Hero], traveling to cities and towns that needed his help where he would work alongside them to lift the sieges and repel the attacking Elven forces.
It was dangerous. It was even foolish, considering he was only apanied by a small retinue of [Crusaders]. But they were decently high-leveled, and he did have the Sword of Alexander on him.
Well, not right now. But that was why he was here that was why he was heading off to the city of Soros.
Also, it was partially because of
[Advancement Avable]
Daniel closed his eyes as he trudged down the gravel street. He needed some time to think he recalled the advancement options that he had been given, and he knew he could not make a choice quite so easily. Not when he was still Level 147.
It was strange. This was the first time he had received an early advancement. He was given it back when he was still Level 145, so he had quite a lot of time to sit and think about it. But he had been busy fighting. He had been hoping a better option would have been given to him at this point so that it was easier for him to make a decision.
But the options hadnt changed. And they might not change, even if he reached Level 150. Because of that, Daniel was going to be taking a leave from the battlefield to mull over his choices. And he continued treading down the path that led him to a mountain in the distance.
At its basey a city one that belonged to the Dwarves, long ago. Its structure was built by Dwarven hands long ago. Its architecture was brutalist in style. There was almost no decoration. Almost like a fortress.
But now, it was a part of the Humannds. It was Soros. It was known as the city of [cksmiths]. It was where Hekhi the cksmith Warrior hailed from.
And while Daniel needed some time to think, he had another reason for being here. The real reason he had left the front lines of the war. It was simple, really.
He strode through the tall arched gateways of the city, nodding at the two city guards as they stared at him with wide eyes. He no longer hid his ss from the world everyone knew what he was at this point. And he didnt care.
That was a [Hero]?
I heard rumors about him, but what is he doing here in Soros?
Do you think hes here to save us from the Elves?
They whispered. Not just the city guards. But anyone who was capable of using [Identification] on him. They pointed his way, and rumors began to spread throughout Soros. However, Daniel didnt care. He ignored them as he arrived at his destination.
He stood right before a tall building arge building. Smoke billowed out of its rooftop, painting the sky ck. It was a massive furnace, and he was searching for the [cksmith] waiting inside. He took in a deep breath and pushed therge wooden door open.
It was a typical trait of Soros. That the buildings and houses here had houses twice the size of a normal house, and doorways that stood over fifteen feet tall. Everything here was made of stone and brickwork. And while there was a shadow cast over the city from the mountain, blotting out the sun in the afternoon, the various smitheries and furnaces in the city lit up the streets.
But that was simply because of the Dwarven architecture of the city. Most of the people living here could easily fit into the doorways and therge rooms of the various buildings here. However, the smithery Daniel stood before needed the massive entryway for a reason. And that was because the [cksmith] he was searching for was a Dwarf.
Greetings!
A hulking figure looked up from the furnace. Daniel came to a halt right before the Dwarf. He looked up as he shifted back ufortably, noting the size difference between the two of them.
Back on Earth, Daniel had heard of Dwarves in stories. They were meant to be these short, stout creatures with big bushy beards and carried around oversized hammers. But the Dwarves here in the Nexeus were different.
Sure, they did have big bushy beards or at least, this Dwarf had a beard that was at least as long as Daniel was tall. But unlike on Earth, Dwarves here werent short. In fact, they were massive. Daniel stared at the looming figure as he approached, and the ground almost seemed to shake.
The [Hero] was certain that the Dwarf was at least thirteen feet tall. However, it was entirely possible that the Dwarf was even taller. And it wasn''t like he was thin or slender. He was muscr. Not stout, but he was like a wall of flesh. As if he was a strongman back on Earth.
He hefted a hammer that would have been wielded as a warhammer by most Humans, but it looked like an ordinary hammer in his hands. He smiled as he greeted Daniel.
Wee! I am [Forgemaster] Nozag! What can I do for you, Sir [Hero]?
Daniel nodded in return as he unsheathed a sword at his side. The gray steel de was battered worn down from overuse. It didnt have any enchantment. It looked like a Medium Grade Weapon suited for a tinum Ranked adventurer. Not for someone like him.
Greetings, [Forgemaster] Nozag. I am here to seek your master craftsmanship. I need your Skills to repair this de. Ive brought it to dozens of [cksmiths] across the Humannds, but none have been able to repair this weapon.
Hrm, interesting. I have never seen metal like this before.
Nozag grinned as he took the gray sword from Daniel. He inspected it curiously, and Daniel shook his head.
What do you think?
I
The Dwarven [Forgemaster] started, but a voice piped up from the side. Daniel narrowed his eyes as a figure emerged from one of the side rooms, wearing a green silken gown with an emerald ne adorned around her neck. She was a young woman a Human woman. And she spoke softly butmandingly, even amidst the chaos of the forge.
I think a [Hero] like you should wield a better weapon.
Daniel frowned as he stared at her. He didnt recognize her, but Nozag did.
Ah, Ivonne Vigil. I apologize for making you wait, I will get your order to you shortly.
There is no need to worry about that, Nozag. You should tend to your esteemed customer. I should be the one apologizing for interrupting. But I was drawn by my curiosity
She nodded at Daniel who just eyed her suspiciously. He could feel her piercing gazending on him, and he almost wanted to draw his de. But he did not. Instead, he held her gaze, and she tilted her head back at him.
After all, why are you wielding such a weak de, when you have the Sword of Alexander on you?
Ivonne Vigil asked simply, and Daniel blinked. He shifted back, hiding his Bag of Holding from her.
How did you?
And she just smiled kindly in return.
Chapter 573: Trading
Chapter 573: Trading
573. Trading
Ivonne Vigil. Daniel had heard of her before. She was a famous [Trader] who was known throughout the Humannds for her eclectic array of merchandise. Her goods were sought after not just because of their quality, but also because of their rarity.
Most [Traders] acquired their supply from within the confines of the Humannds. Some of them would travel to the Cyclops cities maybe a few even ventured to the Dwarven mountains to purchase weaponry. But to traverse the rest of Secely was dangerous. The Beastmen ins were perilous, while both the Elves and the Kobolds hated Humankind.
However, Ivonne Vigil traveled to thesends, despite knowing the dangers. She would venture out to the Elven forests to bring back the roots of a wizened tree. She would visit the Koboldnds to steal the tusk of a Greater Wyvern. Even Elite adventurers werent foolish enough to venture into the depths of the Koboldnds, and the Adventurers Guild warned against traveling to the Elven forests.
And because of that, items from such ces were in incredibly high demand. But only Ivonne Vigil was brave enough or foolish enough to charge straight into danger to acquire these rare items for the Humannds. Her reasoning was unknown. Some spected that she was doing it for the sake of Humankind. She was trying to ensure that Humans were never falling behind the other Species of Secely.
Others imed that she was only doing it for the money. That the profit she made from selling such rare items made her take such risks.
To Daniel, it didnt really make sense because Ivonne Vigil spent no gold. She didnt live avish lifestyle she didnt own castles, nor did she hire a retinue of high-leveled guards. If anything, she was only making money to acquire more merchandise to level up her ss.
While he was a [Hero], Daniel was also a [Trader]. A low-leveled one at that. But he could see where she wasing from. Leveling up a nonbat ss was quite different from leveling up abat ss.
If a [Warrior] needed to level up, he could always find a few dozen monsters around his level and kill them. Of course it was dangerous since there was the risk of death with every single battle. After all, most Level 30 monsters would be as strong as a Level 30 [Warrior]. The main differential was that monsterscked any sort of equipment to battle with.
There were also a multitude of other ways to level up as a [Warrior]. For example, learning enough General Skills or aplishing enough feats would eventually result in a level up. But there was also the simple, straightforward method of simply exterminating monsters as an adventurer.
However, if a [Trader] needed to level up, the requirements were far more nebulous. Daniel didnt have extensive experience with it. But he had spoken with Mons Merryster the older sister of Saffron Merryster.
As a veteran [Trader], Mons had quite a handful of tips she could give him. They spoke quite extensively before the Elves attacked the Humannds when he had been staying at at the head temple of the Sanctuary of Fauna.
She wasnt really affiliated with the Merryster family any longer, and she had lived nearby, so she paid him a visit a handful of times. And during their meetings, she exined how simply selling wares and goods didnt necessarily lead to gaining experience to level up. The experience gained varied depending on each individual trade.
If Daniel sold a Medium Grade sword to a Silver Ranked adventurer, he wasnt going to gain more experience than if he sold a Low Grade sword to the same Silver Ranked adventurer for the exact same price. The amount of experience earned was contingent entirely on the quality of the trade. The more such a trade benefited him, the more experience he was going to gain.
Obviously, it depended on the ss of a [Trader] too. And there were considerations like whether or not these deals were actually detrimental to the customer. That would affect the future advancements of the ss.
At the end of the day, it wasplicated. And while Daniel knew that Ivonne Vigil was an incredibly high-leveled [Trader], he didnt exactly know her level. Most high-leveled [Traders] hid their levels with an obfuscation artifact. After all, it was better for business if their exact level was hidden.
Some spected that Ivonne Vigil was over Level 150. But to reach such a high level as a [Trader] was incredibly rare. If Daniel had to guess, he would assume that she was closing into Level 150, but not just there yet.
In fact, he would like to think that she had abat ss of her own. There was no other exnation as to how she was capable of surviving in such dangerous foreignnds on her own. His belief was only emboldened when he had learned of how Ivonne Vigil had acquired the Fruits of Ygdrazil.
They were legendary items borne from the great tree of Ygdrazil. It was the home of the Elves, and the fact that she had been able to acquire them was such an incredible feat in itself. But not only that, when she held an auction, a group of high-leveled Elves attacked.
Every single one of them had been Diamond Ranked in level. It was a big deal when it happened. Everyone in the Humannds heard about it. But apparently, Ivonne Vigil hadnt even batted an eye when they came for her head.
Daniel shook his head. That didnt matter. The only reason he even knew about this story was because apparently Salvos had been there at that auction.
The [Hero] raised his head as he looked past the looming Dwarf standing before him. [Forgemaster] Nozag nodded at Ivonne Vigil, and she simply smiled.
Oh, the Sword of Alexander? That is certainly a weapon befitting a [Hero].
The Dwarf harrumphed, before smirking.
Your senses are as keen as ever, Ivonne Vigil. Even with my Skills, I did not detect such a powerful artifact on his person. What is it, a Legendary Grade Weapon?
I believe the Sword of Alexander is merely a Mythic Grade Weapon, [Forgemaster]. There is no Legendary Grade artifact in the Humannds at this moment.
Ivonne Vigil shook her as she strode forward. She approached Daniel, and he shifted back apprehensively.
I apologize if I am being too blunt, but why do you not use the Sword of Alexander, Daniel Song?
How do you know my name?
The [Hero] narrowed his eyes, but Ivonne Vigil didnt answer his question. Instead, she gestured at the damaged gray de he had given to Nozag.
A [Hero] like you should not be using a Medium Grade artifact. It is a waste of your Skills. It is a waste of your levels.
Thats
Daniel hesitated as Ivonne Vigil posed the question to him once more. He wasnt sure whether to snap back at her, or to deflect the question. But Nazog frowned and peered at him as well.
Ivonne Vigil is right you should listen to her. Your current weapon will not aid you in battle. Even if it is repaired, it will not be able to cut down an enemy at your level. You will have to rely on your Skills to ovee their defenses. It is a detriment to you.
That was true. Daniel knew it was true a Medium Grade Weapon wouldnt be able to hurt anyone above Level 150. And it would barely be able to even harm a Level 100 threat. Not by itself, at least.
But if even a Silver Ranked adventurer swung around the Sword of Alexander, theyd be able to pose a threat to any Diamond Ranked adventurer. Even Elites were in danger. But they most likely could have disarmed the Silver Ranked adventurer before they were hurt.
Nevertheless, Daniel understood this concept. He knew that, and yet he decided to use this gray sword. And it was all because of a simple reason. It was because
My friend made this weapon for me.
He spoke as he took the gray sword from Nazogs hands. He stared at the chipped edge hse saw the dull de. It used to radiate a soft heat, but not anymore. It was in such a state of disrepair, all [Identification] said was that it was a broken de. And Daniel remembered when he had first been gifted this weapon.
Back when he and Salvos separated for the first time right after they left the gunds. To give him a piece of herself when she was gone.
Daniel took in a deep breath, before sighing.
I use this de because it reminds me as to why I fight. It may not be as strong as the Sword of Alexander, but it lets me pick myself up after every battle and press on. So to me, it is more proof of strength than any other artifact in the world.
He spoke softly as he held his audiences gaze. Both Nazo and Ivonne Vigil exchanged a nce. Daniel knew that he would have once again given up on being a [Hero] if he had chosen to wield the Sword of Alexander. With Salvos gone, he wouldnt have been able to keep fighting by himself.
But he had this de she had created for him a Primordial Longsword. A Medium Grade Weapon. It was from her magic. Her soul.
And it was the reason why he kept fighting. The heat from the de helped him remember why he had chosen to take up the mantle of a [Hero]. To never be a coward once again.
After a moments pause, the Dwarfughed.
Admirable! I did not expect such apelling reason to be why you have chosen to use such a weak de! Very well, I shall do what I can to repair this. But I must admit, despite my Skills, it will take some time to restore this weapon if I can restore it at all.
He drew back as he took the Primordial Longsword from Daniel. But Ivonne Vigil shook her head, stopping him.
Unfortunately, while I do not wish to discredit your craftsmanship, I do not believe you are capable of repairing this de, [Forgemaster].
She took a step forward as he raised a brow at her.
Oh? And what makes you believe that, Ivonne Vigil?
The [Trader] brought a hand forward, taking the de from his hands. Daniel narrowed his eyes, suspicious of what she was nning. But she just exined simply.
That weapon is not made from metal it is made from magic. Creation magic. Specifically, nebr creation magic.
Nebr creation magic? So it is forged from the magic of fallen stars. Interesting it is no wonder I did not recognize itsponents.
Nazog scratched his bushy beard as he turned to Daniel.
This is quite theplex request you have given me, [Hero]. I will have to recruit the help of an [Enchanter] if I wish to stand a chance of repairing this Medium Grade Weapon to think I would have to ever utter such a sentence, hah!
He chuckled as he took the de back from Ivonne Vigil. Daniel shook his head and faced the [Forgemaster] gravely.
Can you fix it?
In response, Nazogughed.
Of course I can! I am a [Forgemaster] I am no mere [cksmith]. It will simply take some time.
Daniel sighed in relief when he heard that. He steeled himself as he reached for the coin pouch at his side.
How long will it take?
Save the payment forter and I do not know. It might take a few days. Maybe weeks. Or even months.
Nazog shook his head as he returned to his forge. He barked out an order, and a Human [cksmith] rushed out to him. He handed the de over to the Human [cksmith], before settling back down onto a chair.
I will see you again tomorrow after I have spent some more time studying this sword of the fallen stars.
Thank you. I will take my leave now.
The [Hero] smiled, nodding at the [Forgemaster]. He drew back, but Ivonne Vigil addressed him.
Daniel Song.
She strode forward as he blinked. Nozag perked up, but he didnt quite turn around to listen to the conversation. He began hammering away at a piece of armor as the [Trader] spoke softly.
I would like to offer you a deal.
What is it?
Daniel stared at her suspiciously. The smile never left her face. Even as she outstretched the palm of her hand.
Give me the Sword of Alexander, and in exchange, I shall be able to repair your Primordial Longsword by sundown.
And that made Daniel pause.
Chapter 574: Rebuked
Chapter 574: Rebuked
574. Rebuked
Give me the Sword of Alexander, and in exchange, I shall be able to repair your Primordial Longsword by sundown.
Daniel froze when he heard those words. He stared at Ivonne Vigil he saw the way the famous [Trader] smiled at him. She tilted her head expectantly, a hand proffered his way. It was a deal.
One which tempted Daniel. He hesitated as he stared at her outstretched hand, and he hesitated for a moment. Just a moment.
Then he shook his head.
No.
The [Hero] spun around and walked away.
Ivonne Vigil just watched as the [Hero] left the room.
Nazog continued hammering away at the chestte as he chuckled.
The greatest [Trader] in the Humannds just tried to brazenly steal one of my customers right in front of me. And yet, I am not surprised. It is about what Ivee to expect from you, Ivonne Vigil.
He didnt crane his neck to face the Human woman. She sat on a stool right behind him. Her calm demeanor didnt break. The Dwarf knew that she was still smiling, even though she had just been rebuked. He slowly lowered his hammer as he stared at the zing mes of his forge.
Although, I am surprised that you didnt press your offer.
Why should I?
Ivonne Vigil asked simply. He scratched his beard as he got to his feet.
A Mythical Grade artifact is incredibly valuable. Even in the Dwarven mountains, youd be hard-pressed to find such weapons lying around.
And yet, the Sword of Alexander shall still fall into my possession soon enough.
Nazog furrowed his brows. He finally turned to face her as she didnt meet his gaze. She sipped from a porcin teacup as he peered at her curiously.
What makes you say that?
Ivonne Vigil raised her head to face him. She shook her head as she spoke softly.
Because the Primordial Longsword cannot be repaired. Not even by your Skills, [Forgemaster]. And that is no demerit to your abilities. It is simply irreparable.
He paused. Nazog stared at her for a moment he was a Level 172 [Forgemaster]. One of the best in the world surpassed only by a few in talent such as the [cksmith King] of Talumbrug. It was a ridiculous assertion. But Ivonne Vigil seemed entirely confident in her im.
And that made himugh.
Oh? And you are capable of repairing this nebr weapon with your Skills as a [Trader]?
But Ivonne Vigil didnt see the humor in it like he did. She rose to her feet, shaking her head.
I am hardly capable of carrying out such a feat on my own.
So how are you going to uphold your end of the bargain?
Nazog asked, and she strode out of the room.
Youll see.
And with that, the Dwarf [Forgemaster] was left alone with the burning fire. He tilted his head back, before chuckling.
Indeed, let us see how this ys out.
He watched therge door close behind her as he grinned, excited for this challenge.
To Daniel Song, it had been a simple decision to make. At first, it had been tempting. But when he thought about it for more than a moment, he knew that he made the right choice. After all, the Sword of Alexander was a priceless weapon. A Mythic Grade artifact. And while he held sentimental value for the Primordial Longsword Salvos had crafted for him, he knew that it was still a foolish trade offer.
Not just that, but the Sword of Alexander had also been given to him by Salvos. Certainly, she didnt own the weapon. In fact, if it belonged to anyone, it probably belonged to Hadrian due to his family lineage.
But still, Daniel knew that Salvos had entrusted the Sword of Alexander to him. Discarding it so casually would have disappointed her. That was the only reason why he hadnt turned the Mythic Grade artifact over to anyone ever since the Demon Kings invasion of the Humannds had been repelled.
He had kept it in his possession. Despite the fact that everyone from yton Skyshredder to the [Archbishops] of the temples had tried to acquire it from him. He refused to let go of the Sword of Alexander.
They offered him enough gold that could retire him for a hundred lifetimes. Some even offered him the allure of women. Others threatened him too. But he was steadfast.
Daniel Song never gave in. And he wouldnt give in now. All he needed to do was wait for Nazog, and he would soon be able to wield the Primordial Longsword.
Or at least, that was what Daniel thought. Unfortunately, things werent so simple.
He visited Nazog the next day as nned, but he wasnt given a proper timeframe. The Dwarf [Forgemaster] told him to return in a week, so he continued to wait. But once again, when he visited the forge, the Primordial Longsword still had yet been repaired.
Even though Nazog had recruited the help of a high-leveled [Enchanter]. It didnt matter. Soon enough, a month passed, and Daniel was still left waiting in Soros. There was not much he could do here in this city. He trained he studied. He visited the library to learn more about the history of the Eastern Kingdoms.
He read books about the Dwarven mountains. The rtionship between the Humans and the Dwarves apparently hadnt always been so friendly. Especially after the Alexandrian Era came to an end. And it was all because of Melissa the Oracle of Light.
She had apparently executed one of the many Dwarven Kings during their visit to the Humannds. Because of that, there was a brief skirmish a small war that broke out that was often forgotten in history books. Only [Schrs] and [Historians] seemed to remember it in the rest of the Humannds.
But here in Soros, that was amonly known fact. After all, this city had once been a Dwarven city. So the history of how it fell onto the hands of Humankind was well-known.
It was an interesting read. The more Daniel seemed to read about Melissa the Oracle of Light, the more unhinged she appeared to be. Her actions were almost erratic. Everything from destroying entire cities to mercilessly killing innocents. And her streak of cruelty only seemed to grow worse as her era approached its end.
This was a very different depiction of the Oracle of Light he had heard about when he first arrived in the Elutra Kingdom. Daniel knew that history was always romanticized he always had his doubts on how much of a noble ruler the Immortal King Alexander could have been, and he thought that Melissa the Oracle of Light might have been more nefarious than was said in the history books. But the things she did were far worse than Daniel imagined.
Perhaps context would change the light of her actions. But as of right now, he found her to be reprehensible in the same vein as Zacharius the Quisling. And that was saying a lot considering that Daniel had fought the Lich of Zacharius back in the gunds.
Other than reading, there was not much Daniel could do. He didnt waste time drinking his sorrows away in the taverns. Although, that didnt mean he abstained entirely from alcohol. He still drank booze and beer, but in moderate amounts for his own leisure.
Kacey had visited Soros at one point in time. The [Crusader] pestered him to return to the Fort City of Taritos. Apparently, there had been another incursion with the Elves there. They needed his help. But he assured her he would return soon enough. After the Primordial Longsword was fully repaired.
But eventually, when he came to speak with Nozag after waiting for another week, the Dwarf [Forgemaster] shook his head.
I do not believe repairing this weapon is within my capabilities.
Daniel blinked. Nozags shoulders slumped. He raised the Primordial Longsword as he sighed.
This Medium Grade Weapon has bested me. It is silly to think about, but I cannot fix it. It cannot be repaired. Not by me. And certainly not by any [Enchanter] who lives within the borders of the Humannds.
But thats
The [Hero] opened his mouth. And the Dwarf [Forgemaster] sighed, handing the broken Primordial Longsword back to him.
I am sorry. My pride has been shattered too. I do not wish to admit it, but I cannot repair this.
I see.
Daniel closed his eyes as he epted the Primordial Longsword from Nazog. He lowered his head as he drew back.
Thank you for trying.
There was nothing left to be said. The Dwarven [Forgemaster] hung his head in shame, and Daniel left the room. The Primordial Longsword could not be fixed.
The [Hero] epted this fact as he exited the forge. He solemnly stepped out into the evening streets of Soros, only toe face to face with a familiar woman. He stared at Ivonne Vigil as she waited for him right with her hands behind her back.
The smile never left her face as she tilted her head at him.
Are you ready to ept my deal now, Daniel Song?
Daniel hesitated. He wanted to rebuke her once more. But he stared down at the broken gray de. He thought about Salvos he wondered if he would ever see the silver-haired girl again. She had finally returned to the Netherworld, and there was no guarantee that she would ever return to the Mortal Realm.
And if she did, who knew how long it would take? It had already been a year at this point. It might be five more years before she returned maybe ten. It could even take decades. There was a chance Daniel would never see her again before he died.
So he closed his eyes. He stared at the Primordial Longsword as he mulled over his options. And finally, the young man from Earth sighed.
Lets talk.
Chapter 575: Manifesting
Chapter 575: Manifesting
575. Manifesting
Haec didnt know how long it took, but [The Great Agarus] soon passed. It was a Primordial Demon. It was the same evolution as the Demon King. It was Level 225. It could have crushed him without even batting one of its many eyes. It was terrible. But it was also a sight to behold.
He had never seen a wild Primordial Demon before it was the very first time he had stumbled upon one. And while he was d that it hadnt noticed him, he was also d that he had the chance to see it.
He hid deep within the ravine as [The Great Agaruas] lumbered over thendscape above. It looked slow it barely moved as fast as Haec walked. But that didnt mean it was slow. The wild Primordial Demon was simply taking its time as it crossed through the wilderness. After all, it wasnt in any rush. So why shouldnt it slowly drag itself to its destination?
Not that Haec knew where it was going. He simply stared on as it vanished into a mountain range in the distance. Only the shadow of its hulking figure remained scarcely so. But that didnt mean that the threat was entirely gone.
At any moment, the wild Primordial Demon could unleash one of its Skills andpletely obliterate the region. If that happened, it didnt matter how deep within the ravine Haec hid himself. He would be blown apart. And so would the three Archdemons apanying him.
Haec nced back as he saw Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem huddled behind him. They wore worried looks on their faces. None of them spoke. They waited for him to give them the signal that they were in the clear that it was safe for them to speak once more.
But as long as they were out here in the wilderness during Revtion, they would never be safe. Betrugil probably knew that much. However, Aem and Taburas were lost. And so was Haec.
He had be the designated leader of this group even though he was just as inexperienced as the others. He didnt believe he was qualified to be in this position. He tried to pass the role to Betrugil. Unfortunately, the [Abraxas] didnt want it.
Betrugil imed that he had only survived numerous cycles of Revtion because he had been hiding far from the fighting. He never had to navigate the destroyedndscape. So Haec had to take up the mantle of the leader.
After all, Haec was the highest-leveled of the group. Not only that, but he was the Heir of the Netherworld chosen to be the sessor of the Demon King.
and there was also the fact that it was Haecs decision to leave the Demon Kings Domain.
Both Betrugil and Aem had protested his decision at first. Neither of them wanted to be hunted down by the Deathsquad Hunters of the Demon King. After all, they were still cored they were being tracked with every step they took.
It was what Haec had wanted to avoid. But Taburas wanted to follow him. And he couldnt let himself part from her. So he allowed her to follow.
As for Betrugil and Aem, neither had anywhere else to go. And it seemed like they were apprehensively keen on the idea of leaving the Demon Kings Domain. They were afraid of what it would entail. The fact that they were endangering their lives. However, it was not like they knew how to return either.
So they just followed Haec. He led them deep into the wilderness. And while they turned to him for his guidance, he was just as lost as they were. He wanted to find Salvos. Unfortunately, he didnt even know where to start.
He shook his head and drew forward, following the river ofva.
Lets go.
He spoke to Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem. They exchanged a nce as he exined.
Were in the clear. So nows our chance.
Haec strode forward, and they trailed after him. They were safe for now. But all four Archdemons knew that wasnt going to be true for long. [The Great Agarus] could turn its gaze to this crevice at any moment and destroy everything.
But that was not all. The Deathsquad Hunters could find them at any moment now. And there could be other things lurking down here that Haec knew nothing about.
A shadowed figure stalked through the ravine, eyeing its prey from a distance. It didnt make a sound. It simply waited, biding its time to strike.
But not just yet.
Revtion was dangerous. Or it was supposed to be dangerous. But so far, I had found it to be quite safe at least, rtively speakingpared to the secondyer of the Netherworld and the end of the world.
I only had to use my Grand Skills in battle once when I was fighting the [Hebomination] not long after I exited the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. However, since then, the most danger I had been in was when some of the ck lightning crashing from the sky above nearly hit me.
It would have killed me if I hadnt swerved out of the way in time. It struck the ground andpletely obliterated the earth. The st created awork of crevices down below that immediately began to overflow withva. I had to keep an eye out for these attacks, otherwise I would be killed.
It wasnt targeted. It waspletely random. And because of that, [Angelic Premonition] didnt even warn me they wereing. I cursed as I shot to the side, seeing the ck lightning streak down my way. There was a sh of ck light as the st struck the ground. And after a minute passed, I heard the crackling of the thunder.
I continued flying on as I sighed.
Its been weeks
Or it felt like it had been weeks. I didnt know exactly how much time had passed since there was no real way for me to track time here in the Netherworld. I just knew that I had been flying aimlessly for a while.
I saw a sea ofva up ahead and continued to fly straight over it.
How am I supposed to find Haec anyway?
When I decided I would return my first everpanion after ending up in the Mortal Realm, I really didnt have a n. It was simply a promise I made myself and to him. But I wasnt sure how I was going to find him.
My dad had told me that he was with Regnorex now. And while that was useful to know, I also didnt know how to get to the Demon Kings Domain. Sure, I had been there once before. But it wasnt like there was a map or anything to guide me.
I scratched my chin as I flew over the river ofva. I saw a ripple form on the bubbling crimson surface, and a shadow swimming beneath. I snapped my fingers as a undting figure burst out of the ocean.
Oh, I know!
It was an [Uroboros]. A Level 152 Primeval Demon. I swerved to the side as my Divine Nebr Scythe appeared in my hand. The de shone with a crimson light as I swung down, cleanly slicing the wild Demon with a [Divine Radiant sh].
Defeated [Uroboros - Lvl. 152
Less experience is awarded
I grinned as I came to a halt over the middle of the red ocean. The split body of the [Uroboros] crashed into the bubbling crimson surface, sending a pir ofva spilling into the air. I lowered my head as I pped my hands together.
If I want to find Haec, I just need to see everything.
And that was simple enough. So I closed my eyes as I took in a deep breath. I felt my Divine Essence coalescing within me, and my eyes snapped open. I whispered as iridescent kes wisped out of my mouth like a misty breath.
[Manifestation of the Old Gods].
All at once, my vision expanded. All my senses grew to epass the world around me. But I suppressed my hearing I focused so that only my sense of sight widened.
This was a Divine Skill. One I had learned when I became a [Draconic Apprentice]. It allowed me to see, hear, and smell everything in a hundred miles. But I didnt need the full extent of its abilities right now. Especially since it was overwhelming at times. Even now when I had be a Lesser God, it was still slightly disorienting.
I just needed to find Haec with my eyes. And I could see everything.
I saw the wild Lesser Demons hiding down in the crevices back where I hade from. I spotted the charred corpse of a Greater Demon lying at the center of a crater, struck down by the ck lightning. I looked on as winged Demons fought amongst each other high in the skies above.
And I continued to search for Haec. I didnt see him anywhere. Which was expected. But that didnt mean I couldnt find him soon enough. I just had to keep moving. I propelled myself forward with my wings, watching as the world spun around me. As I continued to take in everything with [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. I flew on for a while, seeing nothing that particrly caught my eye in this destendscape.
But as I approached the end of the ocean ofva, I spotted something moving at the very edge of my vision. A lumbering figure a massive hulking beast. One that seemed to cast a shadow over an entire mountain range. It was bigger than even an [Ancient Centinel] was long. It waded its way up a mountaintop.
And I stared at it with [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
[The Great Agarus - Lvl. 225]
Huh.
It was a Primordial Demon.
I watched as it slowly came to a halt right atop a tall mountain. It stood there on four legs. But it had dozens of tendrils that spilled from its face like a beard. And with its many eyes, I watched as its gaze fixed on me?
I blinked.
How?
I asked the question as it opened its mouth. Its tendrils pulled back, revealing its unhinged jaw. Even though it was a hundred miles away, it was still staring at me and aiming its gaze my way. I looked on as purple sparks flickered within its mouth. It revealed hundreds of sharp shark-like teeth which crackled with power.
And all at once, a purple void shot out. A beam of powerful magic. One that carried with it the power of the stars. I stared for a moment, watching as the st shot forward, tearing through the mountaintops, before shooting over the ocean ofva. I saw the purple glint drawing closer as I blinked.
The realization settled in a momentter as [Angelic Premonition] red in my head.
[The Great Agarus] was attacking me.
Oh no.
And the purple st reached me a momentter, crossing a hundred miles in mere moments as I braced myself.
Chapter 576: The Great
Chapter 576: The Great
576. The Great
His name was Venas. He was a Primeval Demon the second final evolution for a Demon. That meant that he stood near the peak of all Demonkind. Very few creatures in the Netherworld rivaled his strength, and even fewer surpassed him in power.
One of such Demons was Regnorex himself. The Demon King. A Primordial Demon who had ascended into godhood, reaching Level 200 and beyond.
He had entrusted Venas with a very important task. It was a sign of the Primeval Demons capabilities. He had been assigned the job of a Deathsquad Hunter. To trek the wilderness and find the traitors. The renegades. The fugitives. The deserters.
Those who abandoned the cause of the Demon King. Those who were foolish enough to flee the safe haven of the Demon Kingdom.
Normally, Venas was dispatched to dispose of low-leveled fools typically the ones who had recently been inducted under the rule of the Demon King. It wasnt aborious task, but it was quite tedious to say the least. After all, he had to scour the Netherworld for these runners. And they never made it easy for him to find them.
But once he managed to fully track them down, killing them was easy. It took less than a moment. Although sometimes, he would toy with them a little, just to have a little bit of fun in his monotonous job.
Because it was mostly dull. Even Archdemons barely put up a fight, despite thinking that they stood a chance against the Deathsquad Hunters. The only time there was any actual danger to Venas was when he encountered high-leveled wild Demons.
Depending on the current cycle of the Netherworld, the chance of encountering one that could pose a threat to him could be nigh impossible. But during Revtion it was incredibly dangerous. Even for him.
Even for a Deathsquad Hunter.
Venas prided himself in his strength. He was Level 188. Very close to Level 190. And close to being a Primordial Demon himself.
But even he wasnt safe when wandering the wilderness during the destruction of Revtion. Those beings that could pose a threat to him were driven out into the surface. And the sky itself crackled with a ck lightning that threatened even the Demon King. So the Deathsquad Hunters had to tread carefully to survive this chaotdscape.
Venas looked down to see hisrades scouring the scarred earth down below. They traversed the cracked crevices while he flew overhead with his wings spread wide. He stuck to the very fringe of the ravine so that he could dive down if he spotted any wild Demons he could not handle. As their tracker, he was designated to guide them to their target.
And ording to the Tablet of Tracking, he knew that they were getting close. Maybe. It wasnt an urate tell of the location of its targets. However, it would lead him in the right direction. So Venas knew that they were on the right track.
He looked back down at the four figures down below, before looking at the stone screen that glinted with five dots at the very center. And at the edge of the tablet were four glowing dots clustered together. But the positions of their target didnt change not until they were in range of the Tablet of Tracking.
This was what his job entailed. Venas found it tiresome more than anything. Nevertheless, it was a great honor to serve as a Deathsquad Hunter it was a sign of his strength. It was proof of the trust that Regnorex had in him.
Venas knew this. But he still found it incredibly dull. He shook his head as he let out a sigh. They had been traveling for a while. Even as Primeval Demons, they could not press on forever. Not when there was always the risk of being attacked by wild Primeval Demons or something worse.
And right as Venas was about to lower the Tablet of Tracking to tell hisrades to rest, he paused. He [Keen Senses] perked up as he raised his head. He slowed the beating of his wings as he looked up with a frown. He stared a distance mountain range. It was so far off, he could barely even see the tall, undting natural formation.
But something was wrong. He sensed that there was something amiss. He blinked a few times, before he finally saw it.
A purple glint. A soft glow that was barely visible with the help of his enhanced vision. He watched as the beam of light cut across thendscape into the distance. For a moment, nothing happened as he tilted his head.
What was
And then he saw the explosions. The barrage of sts that ripped across the mountain range. His eyes widened as he saw the mountains in the distance erupt into dust and smoke.
Arge section of the mountain range was reduced into rubble. All from a single beam of light. Venas tried to process it. He took in what just happened. And he knew what was the cause of the st.
A Primordial Demon?
He asked no one in particr. And in response, the answer came as the deep groan of the explosion. A powerful shockwave came next, followed by the rumbling earth. Venas steeled himself against the whipping winds as he looked back down at the Tablet of Tracking.
And he realized that his target waited for him in the direction of the destruction.
Haec looked up as he saw the sh of light. His eyes narrowed, before he caught a glimpse of the purple glow. The realization of what was happening settled in, and he spun around in an instant.
Get back!
He shouted as he swept Taburas off her feet. Aem and Betrugil both blinked, taken aback by his sudden reaction. But he sprinted past them as they slowly reacted.
We need to get out of here
Haec continued, but his voice was drowned out by the deafening explosion. The deep, thundering echo of the explosion nearly knocked him off bnce. But it was the tremor that shook the earth a momentter that made him slow down to steel himself.
He raised his head as the violent shaking continued, and he heard the ground crack open. He looked up just in time to see the cliff wall copsingrge chunks of rubble falling down into the crevice below. He gritted his teeth, turning back to face Betrugil and Aem.
And he lowered Taburas t othe ground.
Brace yourself!
He called out as he raised a fist. And he closed his eyes as he pped his hands together
I saw the attacking from a hundred miles away. And yet, it reached me in an instant. My [Angelic Premonition] barely had time to warn me before the st of purple energy tore through thendscape.
[The Great Agarus] had been standing atop a tall mountain. But as it swept its gaze towards me, somehow spotting me even from this vast distance. Perhaps it was because of my Divine Essence. Or maybe it was simply because I had noticed it with my [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
Whatever it was, it didnt matter. Because the attack tore apart mountains it split the ocean ofva, before reaching me. I couldnt even teleport away if I wanted to. It happened so fast.
And I did the only thing I could do in response.
[My mes Shall Burn Until
The purple beam struck me as the aura of invulnerability came into existence just in time. I closed my eyes as my vision was engulfed with a blinding light. I found myself being thrown back by an intense force. I tried beating my [Angelic Wings] to get ahold of myself, but I continued shooting straight back as the purple beam swept me away.
It was so overwhelming. I could sense the power pouring out around me. But even as the gray mes coating my body sparked out, [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] never gave out. It held up against the attack from [The Great Agarus].
And soon, I found myself being restored to reality as my vision returned. I was no longer violently tumbling across the sky as my aura of invulnerability screeched in my ears, protecting me from the st. But instead, I was lying at the center of a massive crater.
Just ahead of me, I saw the ocean ofva rippling from the aftershocks of the attack. I looked down at myself as I tried to get back to my feet. I was standing on solid ground. I was
I blinked. I had been thrown back across the ocean ofva in what felt like a single moment. I patted myself down, before looking back up.
Huh.
But I survived. I wanted to sigh in relief.I didnt think I could survive. I knew that [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] wasnt impervious to all attacks. It had been ovee twice before. And I feared that this would have been one of those times.
Fortunately, it wasnt. My aura of invulnerability somehow held up to the attack. I smiled at myself, before my eyes flickered. [Manifestation of the Old Gods] was still active. And from the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a figure wading through the ocean ofva.
[The Great Agarus] was swimming its way across the vast crimson body, making its way towards me. I stared at it for a moment, and I watched as it unhinged its jaw again.
Oh no.
It wasnt going to stop until I was dead.
And another purple beam shot out.
Chapter 577: Agarus
Chapter 577: Agarus
577. Agarus
[The Great Agarus] attacked me once again. It was a Primordial Demon and it was high-leveled for one too. Just based on the level differential alone, it was far stronger than even the [Basilisk] I encountered near the Gate of the Netherworld.
And I had nearly died in my brief meeting with the [Basilisk]. Fortunately, [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] saved me back then. It was a Grand Skill that gave me a temporary aura of invulnerability. It had saved me from many precarious situations. Just like right now as the purple beam from [The Great Agarus] struck me once again.
This time around, the wild Primordial Demons attack was far less destructive. In fact, it was more like it was a de. It cut through theva without exploding. It sliced the earth in half, creating a crevice that dug far deeper than even the cracked earth of Revtion.
But [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] protected me. Even as I was sent flying once more, crashing into a nearby mountaintop. The aura of invulnerability held up. The gray mes flickered they sparked and hissed. However, they never extinguished.
Unfortunately, it wouldntst forever. I raised my head as I spotted [The Great Agarus] raising its tendrils my way. It was still dozens of miles away from me. But it was getting closer fast.
Despite its bulky size, it was nimble in its movements. I was pretty sure that it was moving faster than the [Hebomination]. And that wasnt a good sign. I gritted my teeth as I raised my wed hands. Space began to distort right above me as I picked myself up and beat my wings.
I began to ascend into the sky, watching as [The Great Agarus] drew closer, its tendril raised to the sky. And I began to weave my ws together as I reached for space itself. The world began to unveil before me, creating a pocket space with [The World Of My Mind].
I had to get out of here. I couldnt face the Primordial Demon alone I couldnt even face it with an army! I was pretty sure it would havepletely annihted the entire United Coalition of the Human Lands.
Well, maybe not if it was the whole coalition. At least, I didnt know for sure. That was a lot of Humans to kill. And there was a possibility that with enough time, [The Great Agarus] could be whittled down and killed.
But whether or not it could destroy the army that was present in the final battle? Certainly. Not unless yton Skyshredder had a secret Grand Skill that could have nullified the Primordial Demons Skills. Perhaps the [Antimagic Field].
Either way, facing off [The Great Agarus] was suicide. I couldnt fight it. I had to escape. So I tried to flee into my pocket space I summoned [The World Of My Mind]. But before I could reach the edge of my created reality, I saw a sh of light.
I blinked as [The Great Agarus] pointed at me with its tendrils. And the sky above me flickered, before tearing open. My eyes grew wide as I saw the sh of familiar dark light. I knew what wasing even without [Angelic Premonition] warning me.
But it still red in my head regardless as the streaks of ck lightning fell from the sky. All at once, a dozen of the dark sts crashed down towards me as I recoiled.
It ripped straight through [The World Of My Mind] before the pocket space could even fully form. I watched with wide eyes as fractal shards exploded in all directions, and a shockwave washed over the nearby space. I could sense reality itself distorting for a brief moment, before the world itself was scarred with a white glow.
Just like the tears in the sky overhead.
I barely took this in before I was sent flying back from the st. I yelped, however I remained unhurt. Once again, my aura of invulnerability protected me. It withstood the destruction of [The World Of My Mind]. Even the ck lightning could not pierce the gray coat of mes.
However, [The Great Agarus] was not finished. Far from it. I steeled myself as I saw the wild Primordial Demon approaching over the horizon. Finally, I could see it even without [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. And its gaze never left me.
I stared back at it, watching as it drew closer. As its maw hung open, and its tendril-like limbs aimed towards the sky. Somehow, it was able to manipte the ck lightning of Revtion. Just like how Helena Warshade was able to manipte the clouds in the sky of the Mortal Realm.
And [The Great Agarus] unleashed its wrath upon me, raining down a tempest of ck lightning my way.
How?
I asked myself as I swerved out of the way of the falling sable pirs. They ripped apart the ground beneath me even as I soared over wild Demons of all shapes and sizes. [The Great Agarus] paid them no mind.
Its focus was solely on me.
How did it notice me? Why is it attacking me?
I cursed as the wild Primordial Demons mouth glinted with another purple glow. I dove out of the way of a ck lightning bolt, before raising my hands to cover myself as another piercing beam from [The Great Agarus] intercepted me.
[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] flickered once more as I was sent flying back. I knew that I couldnt keep this up. I had to escape somehow. But without [The World Of My Mind], I didnt know what I could do.
I took in a deep breath as I flew into the air, emerging from a smoldering crater. The gray mes wisping off me shimmered brightly, before glowing with an iridescent color. I activated my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] as I held the gaze of [The Great Agarus].
Thats enough!
I pointed at it as I conjured up my magic, before expelling it at the wild Primordial Demon.
[Sacred Hellfire]!
And even over a great distance, I felt the Skill travel. It didnt shoot out like a beam, nor did itunch like a fireball. Instead, I sensed the threads of mana weaving through the Netherworld ripple as my [Sacred Hellfire] reached [The Great Agarus] momentster through my vision alone.
It was one of my greatest Skills. And I hadbined its power with my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess]. So I was more powerful than I had ever been. I had never felt as strong as I did at this very moment.
It showed in the explosion of my [Sacred Hellfire]. Normally, my target just partially burst into mes. But I watched as the head of [The Great Agarus]busted into the gold and ck fire.
I bared my teeth back at the wild Primordial Demon as I spread my arms wide.
Take that!
My counter attack finally began. I watched as [The Great Agarus] was quickly engulfed in the effects of my [Sacred Hellfire]. The me which burned until there was nothing left but ash. It couldnt be extinguished. It could never be snuffed out not even by a Grand Skill.
It would keep burning the wild Primordial Demon. It would obfuscate its vision maybe distract it for long enough for me to escape. At least, that was what I thought. That was what I hoped for. And unfortunately for me, my hopes were dashed in an instant.
My eyes grew wide as I watched [The Great Agarus] open its mouth and began to suck in the [Sacred Hellfire].
It continued lumbering forward, unscathed by my attack. And the ck and golden mes were pulled into a vortex that had formed in its maw. I blinked a few times, before looking down at myself. I saw the aura of invulnerability flicker as the realization settled in.
My counter attack failed, and time was ticking.
I had to get out of here or die.
Chapter 578: Chaos of Revelation
Chapter 578: Chaos of Revtion
578. Chaos of Revtion
It was practically suicide.
Venas knew what he saw it was a Skill of a Primordial Demon. And it wasnt even a newly-evolved Primordial Demon either. He had enough experience wandering the Netherworld to know it had been an attack on the level of the Demon King.
No, Venas told himself. There was no way a wild Demon could be more powerful than Regnorex. Nevertheless, it was incredibly dangerous. And yet, as a Deathsquad Hunter, he had no other choice.
He had to fly straight to the destruction the flurry of sts that had ripped apart the mountain range. He saw the molten rocks. He saw the nket of smoke rising over the horizon. The devastation was beyond anything Venas had ever seen before.
But he still pressed on. Because that was where his targety.
He flew close to the ground, looking down at the Tablet of Tracking he carried with him. He nced past it as he nodded at the rest of hisrades following after him. They were nervous. Each and every one of them were Primeval Demons, however they were afraid of what waited for them ahead.
After all
They heard the roar. Venas raised his head. He saw a lumbering figure in the far distance. The only reason he was able to see it was thanks to his enhanced vision. But even with his Skills, it was still a looming shadow. But it was moving quickly.
He watched with round eyes as the wild Primordial Demon leapt into an ocean ofva, before wading its way through the crimson sea. It was as massive as a small mountain. It had to have been thousands of feet tall, and nearly just as wide. Yet despite its size, Venas knew that it was far more nimble than he could ever be.
Fortunately, its ire was drawn to something else. Something he could not see. Whatever it was, the wild Primordial Demon was moving away from his target.
And he sighed in relief.
My [Sacred Hellfire] failed to distract [The Great Agarus]. I didnt think the Skill was strong enough to kill the wild Primordial Demon. However, I thought it would serve as a momentary distraction so I could teleport out of here.
My [Greater Teleportation] took time to cast. It was the only way I could actually escape from this predicament. Short-range teleportation could barely bring me a hundred feet to the right, while long-range teleportation went as far as I could see.
And certainly, I could see quite far with the help of [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. But that wasnt enough. [The Great Agarus] spotted me from a hundred miles away. It would hunt me down even if I tried to use my long-range teleportation to get out of here.
That was even if I could use it to escape.
I flew back as a tempest of dark lightning bolts crashed around me. I could barely even focus on escaping this salvo attacks, let alone using either long-range teleportation to get away. And [Greater Teleportation] was entirely out of the question.
I nced at [The Greater Agarus] as it mbered onto shore, pulling itself out of the ocean ofva. Its jaw was unhinged. A massive maw that was pointed at me. But it didnt unleash another purple beam that could shred thendscape.
Instead, a vortex formed in the center of its mouth. The very same vortex that had sucked in my [Sacred Hellfire]. I watched as space rippled around the ck sphere, before [The Great Agarus] lowered its head.
Its eyes went white. And it roared as the vortex shot out towards me.
I blinked, watching the distorted space shoot straight at me. It spun and flickered as it sucked up the nearby rocks and debris into its center. It reminded me of a ck hole not exactly the same, but simr in nature.
It flew straight towards me as I cursed. I tried to fly out of the way. I tried to use [Greater Teleportation] or long-ranged teleportation. Or anything, really. Anything I could use to escape.
The storm of dark lightning slowed in its attack. I thought I had been given the brief reprieve I needed to escape. But as the vortex drew closer, I found it harder to focus on the space around me. Like the world was being twisted and bent in all directions.
And I found myself being pulled to the ck sphere.
Shit
I gritted my teeth as I beat my wings as fast as I could. But even with [Divine Haste] active, I couldnt break away. I closed my eyes as I was pulled into the vortex, even as it rapidly drew closer. I was panicking.
I couldnt panic, but I was panicking. I still had my aura of invulnerability however, I wasnt sure if that could protect me from being torn apart by this vortex. And I didnt want to test it out. I tried to steel myself as I opened my eyes as I focused on teleporting out of here.
And there was a sh of light.
I looked down at myself as the twisting space around me began to split open. I stared in confusion, not understanding what was happening until I saw the scintiting shards flicker into existence.
My aura of invulnerability was coated by an aura of corruption. The iridescent glowing mes was engulfed by the iridescent kes of corruption. It was my [Protection of Corruption]. I hadnt even called upon its power, and yet it wreathed me.
It encased me. It held me in ce. The tugging feeling I felt from the vortex dissipated, and I regained control of myself.
But the vortex continued to shoot my way. So I spread my wings wide as I clenched my teeth, before propelling myself out of the way just in time with a burst of mes. I watched as the vortex crashed into a nearby mountain, before imploding into itself.
It wasnt a powerful explosion that rocked thendscape. In fact, it seemed kind of peaceful other than the fact that an entire mountain was instantly vaporized in the blink of an eye. I shook my head as I cast my gaze back at [The Great Agarus].
My [Protection of Corruption] saved me now, but that didnt mean I was in the clear. I stared at the wild Primordial Demon as it took a step forward. Then I paused. My eyes narrowed.
What is it doing?
Its eyes were crossed. It was no longer staring directly at me, but it was vaguely looking in my general direction. Its tendrils wiggled as the ck lightning rained from the sky. But the attacks no longernded on me with pinpoint uracy.
I swept my gaze over my surroundings as the dark sts crashed near me. Some of them were far off striking the ground hundreds of feet to my left. Others were closer, barely missing me. But only the asional ck lightning bolt was even directly aimed at me.
I swerved out of the way of one of the attacks as I looked at [The Great Agarus]. I flitted off to the side, and it craned its neck to follow. But there was a dy in its reaction. Previously, its gaze snapped wherever I went in an instant.
Now, the wild Primordial Demon was nkly looking in the general vicinity of where I hovered. And I made the realization.
It cant see me because of the corruption
I cocked my head back.
Huh.
That was not what I had been expecting. For whatever reason, my [Protection of the Corruption] obfuscated me from [The Great Agarus]. Even though the wild Primordial Demon had been tracking me from a hundred miles away for a while now, it was suddenly unable to see me.
And I bared my teeth as my lips twisted into a grin.
Thats good to know!
I flew high up into the sky as I avoided the crashing ck lightning bolts. [The Great Agarus] roared, opening its mouth as a purple glow shone once more. It was now only a few miles away from me, and I could sense the overwhelming power of its Skill it was the very same attack it had unleashed upon me when it first saw me.
But I remained calm. I just raised a wed hand at the direction of the wild Primordial Demon. And I balled my hand into a fist.
[w of Corruption]!
My voice echoed around me as space seemed to warp around my target. Just like with the [Hebomination], a thickyer of corruption seemed to wrap around [The Great Agarus]. I watched as the glistening iridescent light twisted around the wild Primordial Demon, threatening to crush it.
However, even though it was a Grand Skill, the attack failed. I watched as [The Great Agarus] took a step forward as its body shimmered with a purple light, breaking through my [w of Corruption] with ease. But my goal was never to bring down the wild Primordial Demon.
I knew that even all my Grand Skillsbined would not be able to kill this Level 225 Demon. However, I could blot out its vision.
The [w of Corruption] exploded into the surroundings, sending chunks of distorted space flying into the air around the wild Primordial Demon. That wasnt all some of the corruption from the attack still clung onto [The Great Agarus], partially covering its eyes as it roared.
It reeled back and unleashed the purple beam into the air firing where I hadst been floating. But I wasnt there anymore. I was already flying past [The Great Agarus] with a smile on my face. It wed the ground open as the earth shook, and the storm of ck lightning bolts continued falling from the sky.
But it didnt matter. Because [The Great Agarus] couldnt see me. Not with theyer of corruption protecting me, and not with its vision blotted out by the corruption either. Thendscape was scarred by the iridescent distortions in space too, making it even harder for the wild Primordial Demon to see me.
And I left it behind.
Alright, lets get out of here!
I took off, flying into the distance horizon as I passed the ocean ofva.
And as the shaking stopped, thest of the bits of rubble fell from the sky. A crimson figure coughed, before looking down at hispanion. She was hurt she was cut all over. But otherwise, she was fine.
So Haec sighed in relief.
We survived.
Chapter 579: Prowling
Chapter 579: Prowling
579. Prowling
Haec had seen the sh of light. He knew where the st hade from. It was evident that the source of that devastating attack had been [The Great Agarus] the wild Primordial Demon he had seen passing over thendscape above.
It was the only thing that could have caused such destruction. It was like there was an instantaneous shift in the environment of the terrain. A terrible earthquake washed over the crevice as cracked rocks and debris came crumbling down over the river ofva.
Entire sections of the ravine had been buried under stone. Haec raised his head as he looked up towards the crimson sky of the Netherworld. He could see the outpouring of light from the cracks of Revtion he stood at the center of a clearing, unaffected by thendslide.
He would have been crushed by the giant boulders and copsing cliffside had he not reacted in time. With his glowing fists, he ripped through the falling rubble during the chaos. And eventually, the earthquake subsided.
Now, he looked back down at hispanion. Taburasy cowering beneath him with round eyes. She stared up at him for a moment, before she leapt to her feet. She hugged him tightly as she spoke through gritted teeth.
Haec
Were fine, Taburas. Its over.
He raised his head as he hugged her back. He looked towards the sky, watching as a nket of smoke rose up to slowly cover the crimson canvas above. He shook his head as he drew back from the [Subus].
He swept his gaze over the rock clearing, calling out.
Betrugil, Aem, are you guys still alive?
I wish I wasnt
A voice came in reply. Betrugil dusted himself off as he walked up to their side. He grasped his shoulders, groaning and shaking his head.
I think I broke my shoulder.
Youll recover.
Haec nodded, before narrowing his eyes. He spun around and called out once more.
Aem? What about you?
The other [Fiend] coughed as she stumbled forward, bloodied and cut. But she was still alive. She gave Haec a weak smile.
Im here.
Aem grimaced as she struggled to remain upright. Taburas helped steady her, and Haec nodded.
Im d to see youre both still alive.
Not for long.
Betrugil snorted as he forced his shoulder back into ce. He stretched his back, shaking his head.
If that Primordial Demon doesnt kill us on ident, then the Deathsquad Hunters are going to find us soon. Either way, were dead.
Haec pursed his lips. He looked down at his right hand, before looking up at Betrugil. He saw the glint of the metal rings the cors ced on each of the four Archdemons to track their every movement.
It also functioned for summoning rituals. To bring them to the Mortal Realm from the Netherworld. But Haec had never traveled between the nes, so he wouldnt know whether that was even true.
However, what he did know was that there was no way to remove these cors without severing the body part they were attached to. And while Haec was lucky in that his ring was attached to his right arm, Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem were cored by the neck. That meant they would have to cut off their own heads to get rid of it.
Which wasnt an option. They would die unless they had a Skill to recover a missing head. And none of them had such a regenerative ability. So while it was easy for Haec to remove his cor, it wasnt so easy for the others.
Only the Demon King himself could remove these cors without harming them. At one point, Haec had been cored by the neck too just like the rest of them. But Regnorex removed the cor, cing it on Haecs wrist instead as a sign of trust. A proof of the Demon Kings recognition.
Because Haec had be the Heir of the Netherworld. Because he had been the first Archdemon in ten thousand years to learn two Grand Skills before his Primeval evolution.
While he didnt know exactly what a year was other than conceptually and theoretically, based on what he had been taught he knew it was a very long time. So that was why he had been granted the Title.
And he had betrayed this trust that had been given to him. Haec had fled the Demon Kings Domain, searching for freedom searching for his true leader.
To find Salvos.
But now, he was trapped in a tough predicament. Because while he initially nned to escape alone, he had three other Archdemons apanying him now. Taburas was one of them, and she was hispanion.
As for Betrugil and Aem he couldnt just leave them behind. So Haec sighed as he looked back down at his right hand. His knuckles were bloodied and bruised. He had broken his wrist during the ensuing chaos.
To protect Taburas and the others to smash through the avnche cascading onto them he had injured himself. But he had a Skill that allowed him to quickly heal all such wounds. Hed be able to swing his fist at his enemies without any impediments soon enough.
Still, it took time. And he had plenty of time. Or so he thought. Not unless the Deathsquad Hunters found him soon.
Haec knew how efficiently the Deathsquad Hunters worked. He had seen the extent of their capabilities up close and personal. They would be able to locate him soon enough especially since he still had his tracking cor on him.
He raised his head as he looked back up at Betrugil, Aem, and Taburas.
I-Im sorry for slowing you guys down.
Aem mustered up weakly as she leant on Taburas. But the [Subus] just scoffed.
Shut up if we wanted to, wed have already left you behind. Dont apologize when none of us areining.
Actually, Imining
Betrugil started. Taburas red his way.
You shut up too.
Make me.
He grinned back, and Haec took a step forward, cutting them all off.
Thats enough.
The former Heir of the Netherworld spoke over them as he raised his hand. He stared at the glinting metal of the ring on his right hand, before nodding at Betrugil.
Betrugil is right the Deathsquad Hunters are probably hot on our tail. Maybe they were slowed by this.
Haec gestured vaguely at the destruction wrought to their surroundings.
But they are after me first and foremost. They probably dont even care that any of you are gone. They want to find me.
And for whatever reason, I decided to follow you. Im getting myself killed for no reason, arent I?
Betrugil sighed exasperatedly, but Haec just smiled.
That is right. All three of you have a higher chance of evading the Deatshquad Hunters if I werent with you. Thats why well be parting ways now.
Haec?
Taburas blinked. Her eyes went wide as she stepped forward.
We talked about this you cant just go! Im not going to leave without you!
She protested as Aem weakly nodded in agreement.
Were sticking together.
Dont worry.
Haec smiled at both of them. He raised his right hand as she stared at the glinting ring clinging onto his crimson skin.
I will just stay behind and
In a single motion, he swung down with his left hand, slicing off his right wrist. Taburas blinked. Aem stared for a moment, uprehending. Betrugil sputtered as he pointed at Haec.
Are you mad? What are you doing?
But there was a clink. The metal ring fell onto the ground as Haec took a step back. He looked up reassuringly at Taburas as he clutched his bleeding right forearm. His hand was gone. It had flopped to the ground when he sliced it off. Along with the cor.
I am staying behind and distracting them.
He smirked as he gestured at his shorn off hand the metal ring glinted as Betrugils eyes flickered, understanding what was going on.
Oh.
Taburas shook her head as she ran up to Haecs side.
Why did you just do that without warning? Youre hurt!
Ill recover soon enough.
He nodded back at her. Then he stepped up to Aems side, helping her walk.
Come on, now. That will only buy us some time. We still have to stay on the move.
R-right.
Aem pursed her lips as she stared at the bloodied hand. She limped forward with both Haec and Taburas supporting her, and Betrugil just shook his head at the bloodied hand.
That is insane but Im notining.
And the four Archdemons began to make their way out of the rubble but they didnt make it far. Because right as they crested to the top, they came to a halt.
A figure stood there right in front of them, waiting expectantly. It was bloodied and hurt. But it had its gaze fixed on its prey. Haec, Taburas, Aem, and Betrugil backed up when they saw it.
That is?
Haec narrowed his eyes as he saw the four-legged creature. Its darkened skin was protected by ayer of white bones like a skeleton was covering its body. It took a step forward as it growled softly.
[Hellreaper - Lvl. 164]
A Primeval Demon.
And it howled.
Chapter 580: Crestfallen
Chapter 580: Crestfallen
580. Crestfallen
Haec stared at the creature standing before him. It was a Primeval Demon a wild one. It stood on four legs, and it was barely as long as Haec was tall. Its skin was dark like obsidian. There were white ivory protrusions that jutted out of its body like a second skin.
But it was only a partialyer of protection. Like a shell of sorts. It brought one of its ws forward as it hissed, eyeing the four Archdemons with glinting purple eyes.
[Hellreaper - Lvl. 164]
Haec stared at it. Its gaze didnt break away. It drew even closer as he backed away. It was evident that this wild Primeval Demon was set on tearing the four Archdemons apart.
Taburas braced herself as she created a spear of ash. Aems eyes grew wide, but she was too hurt to even fight back. Betrugil just pointed a wed finger at the [Hellreaper].
Haec clenched his fists but he paused. He realized he only had a single fist to even clench. His right hand was gone. He had sliced it off mere moments ago. To remove the metal ring that was tracking his every movement.
He clicked his tongue as he looked back up at the [Hellreaper]. It was far higher-leveled than him. Haec wasnt even sure if he could beat it. Not in his current state.
Haec had fought Primeval Demons before. He had in that [Uroboros] that had attacked the four Archdemons right after they had fallen into these crevices for the first time. It took his Grand Skill, but he was able to defeat it with a single strike.
Not only that, but he had been forced to spar and train with Demons far stronger than him. He had only been a newly-evolved Archdemon when Regnorex had ordered him to fight alongside Primeval Demons. But he had proven his tenacity and strength despite the clear power differential between them at the time.
And when he had been chosen as the Heir of the Netherworld, he had been ced in charge of many different duties. He had been a leader to Lesser Demons, and he had also been the protector of Greater Demons.
In fact, he had even mentored many different Archdemons showing them how to learn a Grand Skill just like him. In the process, many of them died. Some of them failed to even learn a single Grand Skill But the survivors came to be known as the Dukes and Duchesses of the Netherworld.
And at one point, he had been sent alongside a group of the Deathsquad Hunters, hence how he knew how dangerous they could be.
ording to Regnorex, those who seemed to stick around Haec would change somehow. Many of them grew stronger after interacting with the Heir of the Netherworld. Just like Taburas. Just like the Dukes and the Duchesses.
Haec never paid any attention to it. To him, he was just working towards his ultimate goal of finding Salvos. And now, once again, he had another obstacle in his way.
He eyed the [Hellreaper] as it took another step forward. He needed to end this battle quickly. He could tell by the way it was moving that it was slightly apprehensive about attacking him. For whatever reason, it didnt just charge at him right away as most wild Demons would.
Haec frowned as he saw the drop of blood dripping down its side. It was hurt that was probably why the wild Primeval Demon hadnt pounced on him just yet. Its body was cut and bruised from the powerful shockwave that had ripped through thendscape.
Perhaps that was why the [Hellreaper] hadnt yet just unleashed an onught of attack on the four Archdemons. Because it was injured. Because it was afraid if could lose.
Haec took a step back as he nodded at Taburas.
We can still run.
He spoke softly, and the [Subus] blinked. She nced towards him, then looked at Aem. The [Fiend] was still injured.
I dont know if we can escape like this
Taburas shook her head. Haec spoke through gritted teeth.
But we have to try.
It was their only option not unless they wanted to risk death by this [Hellreaper]. After all, Haec didnt know if he could win this battle like he did against the [Uroboros]. Especially in his current state.
Betrugil lowered his wed hand, before shrugging.
Whatever you say, boss.
He started to back away from the [Hellreaper], followed by both Taburas and Aem. Haec was thest to move as he stood at the front of the group, carefully watching the wild Primeval Demons every movements.
The [Hellreaper] continued to circle around them and draw closer. They finally found themselves on level ground, carefully walking away from the pit theyd been buried under. Haec waited for the wild Primeval Demon to strike. He watched as it opened its mouth, and he winced.
But instead of a st of mes shooting out of its open maw, it spoke.
You.
Haec blinked. He paused as Betrugil raised his head. Taburas and Aem exchanged a nce. The group of four Archdemons stared at the [Hellreaper] with wide eyes. And it snarled.
Kill.
The wild Primeval Demon whispered. But it wasnt wild. Haec had thought it was wild, except it was intelligent. It could speak. It no, she took another step forward as he stared on.
Youre youre not wild?
Wwild?
The [Hellreaper] asked, tilting her head back at him. She sounded confused. Even as she spoke in her husky, grating voice. And Haec shook his head slowly.
What do you want from us? We mean you no harm.
He posed the question to the Primeval Demon. He stood his ground as Aem nodded in agreement.
Were just trying to survive like you!
We dont want to fight. But we will if we must.
Taburas added as she red at the [Hellreaper]. Betrugil raised his hands catingly.
Not me. If ites to it, Ill just run. So target them, alright?
The [Hellreaper] stared at him quizzically, before Haec sighed.
Please, let us go.
No.
The Primeval Demon spoke simply, taking another step forward. She growled at the four Archdemons. Her words werent properly enunciated. BUt she was speaking. And Haec raised his only fist.
Why not?
He asked the question as he gestured at Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem.
We have done nothing to you. You are hurt. But that is not our fault. We did not cause this destruction. Look at us. We are Archdemons. This is the work of a Primordial.
It was the truth. There was no lie to Haecs words. And yet, the [Hellreaper] narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Kill.
She replied simply. Her gazended on the glinting cors wrapped around the necks of Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem. The three Archdemons looked at each other as the [Hellreaper] spoke softly angrily.
You you killed my people. You hurt me.
We did not hurt you. We have never even seen a Demon like you before!
Taburas protested. But the [Hellreaper] shook her head. She pointed at their cors as she exined.
Not you. People like you.
Huh.
Haec blinked. He looked at the glinting metal rings, before looking back at the [Hellreaper]. The realization settled in. He understood what she meant. She wasnt talking about them. In fact, she didnt care that she was hurt right now.
She was upset because at some point in time, someone who had been under the Demon King had harmed her killed her people. Haecs eyes flickered as he remembered Lucerna. As he he recalled his first encounter with Taburas.
And he brought his one hand forward.
I understand what you mean we have been hurt just like you. But were not the ones responsible for this.
Then who?
The [Hellreaper] asked as she peered curiously at him. He gestured vaguely in the direction he hade from.
His name is Regnorex, and he is called the Demon King. He is the one who has hurty ou and your people. Not us.
Taburas pursed her lips, and Aem coughed as she stumbled back from her injuries. Betrugil frowned.
I dont know if she believes us, Haec.
She has to because were telling the truth.
Haec nodded reassuringly at the [Hellreaper]. She lowered her head slightly as she considered his words. He did not look away. He believed his words would be enough to convince her. It had to.
And after a long moment of silence, she raised her head. The aggression on her face faded slightly as she spoke in a soft voice.
You can go.
Haec brightened as Betrugil let out a heavy sigh. Taburas and Aem blinked, before they looked at each other in relief. The former Heir of the Netherworld nodded at his friends.
Lets
But the [Hellreaper] cut him off.
Not them.
Haec blinked. Taburas paused. Aems eyes grew wide as she saw the Primeval Demons gaze turn their way. Betrugil just smacked his forehead.
Of course not.
The [Abraxas] murmured. Haecs lips drew into a thin line. He did not move. He did not budge. He stood steadfast before Taburas.
I will not go. Not without them.
The [Hellreaper] lowered her head. Then she shrugged.
Die.
And with that, she leapt out at the four Archdemons.
I think Im safe
I looked back onest time as [The Great Agarus] disappeared behind me. It didnt give chase it didnt pursue me like it did before. Instead, it ravaged its surroundings. It unleashed its ck lightning bolts down onto the corruption pervading thendscape around it.
Whether it was actually targeting the corruption, or it thought I was hiding within the veils of distorted space I didnt know. Either way, I was in the clear now.
I sighed in relief as I looked back up. I was reaching the other side of the ocean ofva now. I could see a devastated mountain range up ahead. A nket of smoke rose up to the sky, nketing the horizon. I tilted my head at this sight.
Primordial Demons sure are strong
And yet, I wanted to fight the strongest of them all the Beast. I wondered how I was going to do that. I didnt actually know.
I just shrugged.
Oh well. Ill figure that out after I find Haec.
And I flew on, heading towards the nket of smoke in the distance.
Chapter 581: Right Hand
Chapter 581: Right Hand
581. Right Hand
The [Hellreaper]shed out. She was Level 164 she was significantly higher-leveled than Haec, and she was definitely faster. And with his right hand torn off to remove his summoning cor, his fighting abilities were severely impaired.
Her ws were aimed for Betrugil first. Haec himself could hardly react in time. Fortunately, the [Abraxas] himself was rtively quick on his feet. He muttered the name of a Skill as he seemed to be yanked out of the way of the attack. But just barely.
The Primeval Demon struck the ground, before leaping back. She warily spun around to face Taburas and Aem who were looking on with wide eyes. But she never even looked at Haecs way.
Because she didnt think of him as an enemy. She said that he could leave. In fact, she gave him an opportunity to escape as she was attacking hispanions. However, he refused to budge. He couldnt flee. Not when Taburas was still here. Not when Aem and Betrugil were in this mess because of him.
Instead, Haec rushed the Primeval Demon. She wasnt wild even as a [Hellreaper], she could speak. But she was endangering his allies. And he wasnt going to let her do that.
No!
He shouted as he intercepted her. His fist shone with a white light, before his muscles tensed. He swung down with all his strength as he nked the [Hellreaper]. But right before he could reach her, her eyes flickered.
She saw his attacking. He expected her to run to leap out of the way just in time. And during that brief moment of reprieve, he could have asked Taburas to grab Aem and get out of here. However, that didnt happen.
The [Hellreaper] simply turned her side to face him, letting her bone-like shell take the brunt of the strike. His eyes went wide as she took the full force of his [Shattering Strike] without even flinching. There was not even a scratch on the pale ivory surface.
She craned her neck as she bared her teeth.
If you get in my way
Her mouth opened wide, and Haecs eyes went round. He stared in horror as there was a flicker of blue mes from behind the serrated teeth of the Primeval Demon. And there was a crack as her skin seemed to rip open.
I will kill you!
The st of mes began to shoot out as the former Heir of the Netherworld backed up in horror. But before the attack could reach him, Betrugil yelled out and pointed.
Move out of the way, idiot!
The [Hellreaper]s head snapped to the side, redirecting the attack. A pir of blue mes shot to the sky as Haec looked on. It would have consumed him entirely it shot hundreds of feet into the air, escaping even the mouth of the crevice.
Haec caught himself and leapt back just in time for Taburas to conjure a spear of ash. She threw it at the [Hellreaper], before it multiplied in numbers. A hundred ashen projectiles rained down on the Primeval Demon.
We need to get out of here
Haec started as he ran up to Taburas and Aem. But Betrugil cursed, pointing at the [Hellreaper].
I dont think were outrunning that!
The [Abraxas] used special, physical curses to impede and harm his enemies an unusual way to fight. Haec heard of it called as ck magic before. Sometimes, it was also called voodoo. And with it, Betrugil was able to manipte body parts to a certain degree. However, even as he focused his magic on the [Hellreaper]...
The Primeval Demon just walked forward. She barely seemed to be affected by his curses. It was like she was trudging through a sea of Lifeblood. Her movements were slowed only a little bit. But that was all.
I will ughter all of you
Her neck cracked into ce, and her gazended right on Betrugil. He winced, but she was faster. She leapt into the air, crashing down into him as she snarled.
Just like you ughtered my people!
No!
Haec moved. Once again, the Primeval Demon was faster than him. But this time, Betrugil couldnt escape. He had already used his Skill to evade the previous attack, and its cooldown hadnte to an end.
All he could do was brace himself. But Haec was suddenly at his side, tanking the blow.
What?
Betrugil watched as a sh of white light engulfed both of them. A protective barrier that blocked that [Hellreaper]s striking ws.
[Guardian Of Companions]. Are you alright, Betrugil?
Haec nodded at the [Abraxas]. His Skill allowed him to instantly shield an ally in close proximity. It was one of his greatest defensive Skills but he couldnt employ it alone. Only when others were around.
However, due to the circumstantial nature of its effects, it was capable of blocking attacks even from higher-leveled enemies. That was why the Primeval Demon wasnt able to harm either of them. She pulled back from the barrier as she red at the former Heir of the Netherworld.
You
She started. But he mmed a fist onto the ground.
[Pir of Despair]!
Her eyes went wide as the ground beneath her feet shook. And before she could even react, a column of stone shot into the air, sending her flying. Haec took a step back as his barrier began to dissipate.
He swept his gaze past Betrugil, looking at Taburas and Aem standing off to the side. He shook his head at them.
We cant run from this [Hellreaper]. We need to defeat it now.
He looked at Taburas as he said that. He held her gaze, and she hesitated. Aem opened her mouth to protest.
But how are we going to defeat
She started, but Taburas spoke over her, nodding.
Right.
Taburas raised a hand, pointing at Haec.
[I Am Your Sword And Shield].
She whispered softly, and a surge of power washed over him. He took a step back as he felt what she felt. Her strength was his strength. He lowered his head, nodding slowly.
Dont worry. I will end this with one punch.
Taburas nodded. She watched as Haec strode back, walking up to the falling [Hellreaper]. The Primeval Demon came crashing down from the sky as a dark aura wisped off him. A small smile slipped onto his face as he felt the warmth of hispanion washing over him.
And he looked back up at the [Hellreaper]. She growled as she faced him. She still remained unhurt not a scratch on her body, nor on the skeletal bones protruding from her side. She took a step forward as he closed his eyes.
I am sorry.
Haec understood how the Primeval Demon felt to have those he cared about ripped away from him because of the Demon King. He was certain that many under Regnorexs rule despised it just as he did.
But he couldnt let those he cared about now be hurt. Not because of a misdirected hatred from the [Hellreaper]. Perhaps if the Demon King didnt exist, this never would have happened. Haec could still be with Salvos he could have met Taburas. And he could have encountered the [Hellreaper] too.
Unfortunately, he couldnt change the past. He could only work on the present. It was why he had willingly submitted himself to Regnorex. He was willing to bear the burden of bing the Heir of the Netherworld so as to achieve his goals.
The sins of the Demon King became his, and so did the strength of the Demon Kingdom.
Haec raised the stump that had once been his right arm. The flesh there twisted. It bulged, then rippled. He stared at the [Hellreaper] as she charged his way. He had to end this quickly he couldnt let this fight drag on. Just like against the [Uroboros]. The very same Grand Skill that had ended the battle against that wild Primeval Demon in an instant.
But the [Hellreaper] was not wild. Which was why Haec took in a deep breath as she quickly approached.
I am sorry
He whispered softly. And the stump began to reshape. A dark crimson skin seemed to ke off a darker hue than his ordinary skin. A bulging arm grew out of his shoulder like it belonged to a different being entirely. Only to be wreathed in a dark aura of faux Divine Essence.
The [Hellreaper] screamed as her body was coated in blue mes.
Die!
And Haec swung up with all his might. He struck the Primeval Demon before she could reach him.
[The Right Hand of the Demon King]!
It was a powerful blow that shook the earth that pulsed out with a shrill ringing sound. He uttered its name with hatred. Not reverence. But anger at what he had done to get this far. To apprentice himself to someone he hated with his very core.
And the anger transferred itself over to the attack. It struck the [Hellreaper], sending her flying back. There was a loud crack. The bone-like armor she wore seemed to shatter open as her chest burst open. Blood poured out of the gaping wound he ripped through her armor, and she crashed into the cliffside.
Haec took a step back as he panted, feeling the anger he felt fade away with the ck aura. His arm returned to normal as he shook his head and turned back to Taburas.
Is it over?
She asked hesitantly. Both Aem and Betrugil looked on with wide eyes even though they recognized that attack, they were still in shock. They had seen him unleash his Grand Skill upon the [Uroboros] before too, but to see its overwhelming power once again left them at a loss for words.
Haec smiled simply as he took a step forward.
I
And his [Dangersense] red in his head. The notification he had been waiting for didnte. He spun around as his brows snapped together.
Did you think that was enough to defeat me?
The [Hellreaper] growled savagely as she got back to her feet. Her body was broken. Her bones had been smashed open. Her skin had been shredded, and her neck was twisted in all the wrong direction.
But she raised her head as blue mes began to wisp over her body.
And her wounds started to heal.
[My Rage Shall Burn Forever].
She took a step forward as the bones regrew. Her neck snapped back into ce. The gaping hole in her chest closed. And streaks of those blue mes sparked off her body like a shield.
What?
Haec stared. Betrugil took a step back.
So she has a Grand Skill of her own, huh?
The [Abraxas] pursed his lips as he spoke. Taburas and Aem tensed as the [Hellreaper] screeched, beforeshing out again.
I will not die until you are all dead!
Huh
I lowered my head as my vision began to flicker. [Manifestation of the Old Gods] wasing to an end. It had been active for a while, but I still hadnt found Haec. Which was expected, honestly.
The Netherworld was a vast ce. Even with all the Skills I had now, I was certain that it was going to take me a long while to even find the Demon Kings Domain, let alone find Haec.
If only I had a way to track them down
I sighed as I lowered my head. Then I paused. I raised my head slightly as I thought about it for a moment.
Or maybe I do?
After all, [Manifestation of the Old Gods] enhanced all my senses. It drew from my divinity, and it expanded my perception of the world. Not just with touch or sight or smell, but with my spatial senses too.
So could it enhance my divine senses too?
I asked myself as the expanded world I saw flickered once more. I lowered my head, nodding to myself as I recalled my battle against Avaritia back in the Mortal Realm.
I mean, I do know what Regnorexs Divine Essence feels like right? So if I could just find a trail to it
I narrowed my eyes, focusing on the threads of mana that wove through the world. The very same ones that had first taught me how to learn magic. And I looked past it into ayer beneath the world.
A shallow river that did not run as abundantly as the flowing mana.
Then I could find Haec from that!
I grinned to myself as I began to follow this trail. It was hard to discern anything in this odd space. It almost felt like it was keeping the world itself intact. I couldnt reallyprehend it. I just used my [Manifestation of the Old Gods] to navigate it, searching for something I recognized.
And I found it. It was faint and it was about what I remembered of the Demon Kings Divine Essence. Or at least, it was simr enough in nature. So perhaps it could be what I was looking for.
So I nodded to myself as I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide.
Lets go!
And I flew on.
Chapter 582: Seconds
Chapter 582: Seconds
582. Seconds
Her name was Vianna.
She was a [Hellreaper]. A Primeval Demon the strongest of her kin. They lived together in a sanctuary. A safe haven amidst the destruction of the Netherworld. Together, they have survived for so long, undisturbed by even Revtion.
It was through sheer luck, really. The fact that they had managed to find such a secluded spot that the cycles of the Netherworld didnt affect. It was an odd ce. With grass and trees and water. Things that they had never seen before in their entire lives up until that point.
And they had never seen it anywhere else in the Netherworld. It was hidden away buried deep underground. At one point, perhaps it had been a Lair of sorts. But it didnt matter what it was.
They had turned it into their home. They survived safely thanks to it. And they would have continued to thrive there for an eternity
Until those monsters came.
Vianna had thought they were like the others at first those mindless creatures that only sought to destroy. But they could speak. She, herself, could barely speak as coherently as they could. Her [Advanced Language Comprehension] allowed her tomunicate with her kin, but some of the words they spoke were iprehensible to her.
And then she saw the metal rings they wore. Some of her kin who had moved into their sanctuaryter in life had spoken of these Demons. They werent mindless they were something else.
Something far worse.
They were ve Demons.
Minions of a so-called Demon King.
She hadnt known why they came. They were there to cast a spell of sorts. They held a ritual, and their magic warped the world itself. It opened a hole in the sky that seemed to consume everything. One that showed another world there.
And this magic peeled the earth back, revealing their sanctuary.
Suddenly, the hideout of her people was no longer special. The world around them was reced with a forest of green trees and tall grass. It was like their little world secluded from the rest of the Netherworld had spread far and wide.
Vianna had thought it was a blessing. But that was when those ve Demons noticed her. They spotted her kin, and that was when the hunt began. She tried to stop them.
She herself was the protector of her sanctuary. She had been Titled the Kinguard because of her strength. But it wasnt enough to save them.
Vianna wasnt strong enough. She was defeated, and her kin were captured. Many of them were killed too. It had been a ughter where only those who submitted survived. The only reason she escaped was because they tried to kill her for fighting back. And somehow, she tricked them. She escaped before they could kill her.
And since then, she had been living a life of regret, roaming the Netherworld aimlessly. Driven by nothing but loathing for herself for abandoning her kin.
But also rage towards those ve Demons who took everything away from her.
That was what fueled her.
Rage.
And that was why her Species changed that was how she unlocked her Grand Skill. So that was how she acted.
I will not die until you are all dead!
She screamed as sheshed out.
And Haec watched as the [Hellreaper] charged at him. She moved faster than she did before as an aura of blue mes wreathed her.
It was the effects of a Grand Skill. Because of it, she had been able to heal from the wounds Haec had inflicted upon her. He had used his own Grand Skill empowered by Taburas. But it wasnt enough to end this battle.
Now Haec didnt know how the four Archdemons were going to survive this battle. He wasnt sure if he could even escape the [Hellreaper] now.
He raised his right arm newly grown, thanks to his Grand Skill. It was no longer the arm of the Demon King. Rather, it was his own arm. It felt odd and almost alien to him. But at least he was no longer maimed like he was before.
But it wasnt enough to change the oue of this fight.
Haec swung up at the [Hellreaper] with all his strength. It was a [Instantaneous Strike]. A punch that moved so fast, itnded as soon as the idea of throwing it crossed his mind. It wasnt his strongest attack, of course. But it served as a good counter to fast opponents.
Unfortunately, he watched with wide eyes as his fist bounced off the Primeval Demons aura of blue mes. There was a sh of light. It felt like Haecs fist was burning. He stumbled back, blinking as he looked down at himself. His skin was charred and ck.
What?
The Grand Skill didnt just heal the Primeval Demon. It didnt just protect the [Hellreaper] from oing attacks. It also hurt her enemies in return. Like she was rebuking them for even daring toy a finger on her.
Haec winced as she snarled at him.
You killed them!
She swiped a w down, shing across his chest. He braced himself in time his [Skin Of The Charred] took the brunt of the attack. But he was still bleeding as the [Hellreaper] raised a second w.
You monsters
Get away from him!
Taburas screamed as she mmed the palm of her right hand onto the ground. Tendrils of ash shot out, seemingly swimming through the rock ground. They shot forward and intercepted the [Hellreaper].
Aem steadied Haec as he nearly copsed to the ground. He looked up with gritted teeth, watching the Primeval Demon easily tear through the ashen tendrils. Taburas shouted, creating a thousand des in the air.
They crashed down into the [Hellreaper], distracting her for a moment. But she roared as she leapt into the air and tore through the hurricane of ashen des. She fell upon Taburas with her teeth bared.
Haecs eyes went wide, but Betrugil moved faster. He moved his mouth as his voice seemed to echo around the crevice.
Stop.
The [Hellreaper] froze for a moment. He pointed at her as Taburas ran back towards Haec. The former Heir of the Netherworld rose to his feet, holding onto his chest. He looked down at the blood pouring out of his wound, before looking back up at the Primeval Demon.
Haec are you alright?
Taburas asked as she steadied him. He nodded, watching as the [Hellreaper] broke free from Betrugils verbal curse. The [Abraxas] was pointed at the Primeval Demon. But nothing was happening.
The [Hellreaper] didnt react like earlier. Only her mes seemed to flicker, and that was it. She red at him as he backed up, gritting his teeth.
My attacks arent working anymore!
Betrugil yelled. Haec pursed his lips.
Im fine I
He opened his mouth, and Betrugil cursed.
Someone help me!
He leapt out of the way from another wed strike. The [Hellreaper] barely missed him his earlier Skill must have gone through its cooldown since it was like he was being yanked out of the way. But the next time the Primeval Demon attacked, he wouldnt be able to evade it.
Taburas nodded, raising a wed hand.
Right
She conjured a giant hammer made of ash as she turned to face the [Hellreaper]. But Haec stopped her. He caught her by the arm, shaking his head.
Wait I can use my second Grand Skill
And Taburas paused. She stared at him with wide eyes.
But if you use it
She started. Haec stopped her. He drew forward as Aem blinked, looking between him and the [Subus].
Wait, what are you talking about?
It doesnt matter.
Haec spoke simply as he looked towards the [Hellreaper]. She paused right before Betrugil as he was backing up into a wall. The Primeval Demon narrowed her eyes, turning towards him. He raised his right hand as he pointed at her.
This is our only chance to survive.
He took in a deep breath, and the [Hellreaper] took a step forward. She didnt move. She just looked at him with narrowed eyes.
Haec exhaled slowly as a gray aura seemed to wisp off him.
[I
He started. And the [Hellreaper] moved impossibly fast. He blinked as she seemed to be propelled towards him with a burst of mes, raising her ws. His eyes went wide, and he raised his arms to block the attack.
But he was too slow. Whatever Skill the [Hellreaper] used let her strike him within seconds. It sent him flying back as he screamed in pain.
Haec!
Taburas shouted as she ran up to him. The [Hellreaper] grinned, taking a step back. Betrugil cursed under his breath, and Aem backed away in fear.
Haec crashed into the rock wall as the Primeval Demonsughter echoed in the background. He felt the burning pain in his chest the wound dug deep. Far deeper than the first wound he sustained. He gasped as he looked down at his bloodied body.
He opened his mouth. His lips moved.
And he closed his eyes as the world went dark.
Chapter 583: Despise
Chapter 583: Despise
583. Despise
Haec opened his eyes as he exhaled slowly. Gently. A calm breath. He raised his head to face the room, before sweeping his gaze over the kneeling figures waiting for him.
He stood in the throne room of the Demon King. As usual, he was standing by Regnorexs right hand side. It was strange to think about. That he would be so close to the one he hated so much. But this was all necessary to get back to Salvos.
That was what Haec told himself as he straightened in the presence of his King. He had always thought he would have felt more on edge when he had been chosen to be the Heir of the Netherworld. However, for whatever reason, he was at ease when he stood next to Regnorex.
It made no sense. The Demon King was the one who had separated him from his leader hispanion. So why did Haec feel this way? It felt wrong.
And yet, he had been through so much here in the Demon Kings Domain. He had been granted a Title that only a single other Demon had been given in the history of Regnorexs reign. And despite all the horror stories he had heard about Regnorex the Demon King wasnt so bad.
Regnorex had divulged his ns to Haec. As the Heir of the Netherworld, Haec had heard firsthand about what drove the Demon King to do everything he had done thus far. And it was simple, really.
It was good.
The Demon King wanted to create a world without suffering for all Demonkind. What was wrong about that? Haec himself wondered what that world would be like. He couldnt lie and say that he wasnt interested in finding out how Regnorex was nning on achieving this.
Haec had even considered bringing Salvos with him to this world. But as the thought crossed his mind, he closed his eyes again, taking in a deep breath.
Then he raised his head as he faced the waiting figures kneeling before the throne. There were seven of them. Each of them were around the same level as Haec himself some of them were even higher-leveled than him. But they looked at him reverently. And he nodded approvingly at them as a smile slipped onto his face.
Avaritia, Gloria, Desidia, Iivor, G, Libid, and Ira. You have all done well in undergoing my training. You have all mastered a Grand Skill, and some of you have even mastered two Grand Skills of your own
As Haec spoke, Gloria puffed up her chest proudly. Avaritia just rolled his eyes. And Iivor elbowed the both of them to focus. G, Libid, Desidia, and Ira didnt break their gaze away from the Heir of the Netherworld. They held their chin high, but they still looked at him with utmost respect.
Haec shook his head as he continued.
...but it does not matter. All of you have survived the test I have given you. You have be the Dukes and Duchesses of the Netherworld. Now you shall be given your first task by our King himself.
With that, Haec took a step back. He couldnt lie and say that he did not feel proud of them. They had managed to aplish what nearly a thousand other Archdemons could not they were the greatest among their peers. An interesting, eclectic group. One which Haec had found himself growing fond of, even if they werent his friends.
Because they were simply interesting to watch.
Haec moved aside for Regnorex to take over. He faced the Demon King who waited on the gilded throne.
He had expected the Demon King to rise to his feet and congratte the Dukes and the Duchesses. It was a great aplishment, after all. And yet, Regnorex simply waved a hand dismissively at the seven Archdemons.
Go forth.
Regnorex addressed them as they bowed their heads.
Oracli shall give you your first task as the Dukes and Duchesses.
Yes, King Regnorex!
The seven of them eximed. And Haec narrowed his eyes. He just watched as they spun around and marched out of the throne room.
The vast double doors mmed shut behind them. For a moment, Haec remained silent. He was confused. He didnt understand the lukewarm reaction of the Demon King. So he cleared his throat and asked the question in his mind.
My King, may I know what task Oracli has in store for them?
Ah.
Regnorex nced towards Haec with a soft gaze unlike how he had seemed to address the Dukes and the Duchesses.
I have been informed by Levithus that things are going awry in the Mortal Realm, so a distraction is needed for the Humans. I am sending the seven of them to fulfill the task of ensuring that the ritual is seen topletion.
And that made Haec pause. His mind reeled for a second as he stared at his King no as he stared at the Demon King. He frowned.
But I thought that all the Demons being sent to the Mortal Realm for the ritual are being sacrificed. Doesnt that mean that the Dukes and the Duchesses will die?
That is correct.
Regnorex replied bluntly. And Haec took a step back. His eyes went wide as he tried to grasp for the right words to say.
But but theyre the Dukes and the Duchesses they cant die!
Haec protested. Regnorex smiled as he rose to his feet. He brought his hand to his heirs shoulder, shaking his head.
It pains me to lose them as much as it pains you, my sessor. However, as long as you still remain
The Demon King raised his head, facing the domed ceiling of the throne room.
...we can create more of these Dukes and Duchesses. So do not fret. For salvation shall soone for our people.
Thats
Haec opened his mouth. But he caught himself. He didnt respond. He didnt speak his true feelings. He just stared at the Demon King.
And he remembered who Regnorex truly was.
Regnorex the Demon King. The one who had enved millions of Demons perhaps billions throughout his reign. And the very same person who had separated Haec from his true leader.
From Haecspanion. From Salvos.
Why shouldnt Haec feel anything but hatred for such a vile person?
Slowly, Haec lowered his head, cursing himself for forgetting this. He closed his eyes.
And Haec returned to the present.
He blinked his eyes open, raising his head. He sucked in a deep breath as he ced a hand on his chest. The wound he had suffered was mostly gone. His body was in intense pain but it was fading away quickly.
When he took in his surroundings, he realized only a moment had passed since the [Hellreaper] had shredded his chest open, nearly killing him in an instant. Taburas was still running towards him. Betrugil was shouting, protectively standing over Aem.
And the Primeval Demon wasughing cackling with a warbled voice. She took a step forward as the blue mes continued to wreathe her body. She hadnt even noticed Haec rising to his feet as Taburas slowed.
Haec?
The [Subus] stared at him with wide eyes. She was surprised to see him standing again so soon. And Haec couldnt lie he was also shocked. At least, that was until he looked down at himself.
He blinked as he saw the white aura wisping off his body. A stark contrast to the dark aura of the Demon King. Haec stared at himself, taking it in. Then he looked back up to Taburas, seeing motes of a translucent essence wisping off her. Not just her, either. It came from both Betrugil and Aem too.
And it seemed to connect with Haec.
That confused Betrugil and Aem. They exchanged a confused nce as Taburas just opened her mouth.
Thats
Even the [Hellreaper] paused, confused by what was going on. She turned to face Haec as he took in a deep breath.
What is that?
She asked softly. Haec closed his eyes. He felt the power coursing through him. He knew what it was. He must have activated it right before the [Hellreaper] had dealt that fatal blow on him that was how he survived.
It was the effects of his second Grand Skill.
[I Shall Bear Your Burdens].
Haec raised his head, opening his eyes. He swept his gaze over the confused Betrugil and Aem, before looking at Taburas. He smiled.
Thank you for lending me your strength.
Taburas just nodded in response. He took a step forward as the white aura shone brighter his long flowing hair seemed to hover slightly, being pulled up by some force. It wasn''t spiking up, but it was like he was floating in water.
Haec turned away from her, looking towards the confused [Hellreaper].
She shifted back slightly as he held her gaze.
We dont need to fight.
He took a step forward as the ground seemed to crack under his weight. His aura alone was utterly overwhelming even he could sense the power he was emanating. It made the Primeval Demon wary of him. She stared at him with narrowed eyes.
How?
She asked simply.
How are you still alive?
Haec tilted his head back at her. And he smiled kindly.
I am alive thanks to my friends because they have lent me their strength.
Just as he borrowed the Demon Kings essence to momentarily deliver a punch that could even make Regnorex flinch, he could borrow the strength of his allies in the battlefield. Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem were supplying him with their essence, and it gave him the power he needed to face the [Hellreaper].
Hey! I didnt consent to this!
Betrugil raised a fist. Haec just smiled. He shook his head as Taburas pursed her lips.
But Haec, if you do this youll
I know. But I have no choice. This is what we must do to survive.
Haec nodded reassuringly at her. Her concern was valid she was afraid of the downside that this Grand Skill brought about because whatever damage was inflicted on Betrugil, Taburas, and Aem would be inflicted on him instead.
But he didnt care. Because he was going to resolve this fight without harming the [Hellreaper]. He looked back towards the Primeval Demon as she growled at him warily. And he raised a hand.
I understand how you feel. You hate the Demon King, and so do I.
Haec thought about the time he spent in the Demon Kings Domain. He recalled all the things Regnorex had taught him he remembered the sweet words promising a better world for all Demonkind.
At one point, it had nearly seduced him. It had almost converted him into a true follower.
But then he recalled Salvos. He remembered what Lucerna had done. He knew how much serving under the Demon King had hurt Taburas.
And he knew that those words were a lie. Everything from the sacrifice of the Dukes and the Duchesses to the callous treatment of all the other servants of the Demon Kingdom proved it. The promise of salvation was not real, and Haec learned to despise Regnorex with his very being.
But your hate is misced. It is not those who serve under Regnorex at fault. They are as much victims as you and I.
Haec stepped forward, unwavering. Even as Taburas called out to him, and Betrugil stepped back. The [Hellreaper] growled, ring angrily. But Haec refused to back away.
Your people were hurt by the Demon King. Just like we have. So we shouldnt be fighting. We should join forces and together, we can bring him down. What do you say?
He smiled kindly at the Primeval Demon. And for a moment, she stared at him with a soft gaze. He could tell that she was thinking of her kin. But after a moment passed, that expression on her face vanished.
She snarled as she answered him.
I refuse.
With that, she leapt forward as he body burned brightly. She moved fast Taburas cried out as she raised a hand.
Haec
And the [Hellreaper]s attacked was stopped. Taburas and the Primeval Demon both blinked. Betrugils eyes went wide, and Aem gasped.
What?
Haec had caught the [Hellreaper]. His body shone brightly the aura wisping off him coalesced on his arms as he held her by her bone-like protrusions. Her ming aura burned him, but he didnt let go.
The Primeval Demon stared for a moment, confused as she was held in the air. And Haec sighed.
Im sorry.
He whispered. With that, he brought a hand back, before punching her in the face.
Chapter 584: Understanding
Chapter 584: Understanding
584. Understanding
Vianna went flying.
She had her Grand Skill active it should have protected her. It should have rebuked any oing attacks with ease. It drew power from the anger she felt in her soul.
At one point, she had been a Primeval Demon of Pride. But now, she was a Primeval Demon of Wrath. And her Grand Skill [My Rage Shall Burn Forever] had only been granted to her after her kin was ughtered.
Vianna believed that it was not pure chance that she had learned this power now. She believed that it was the tool she needed to exact her revenge. With it, she was going to kill all those who had wronged her who destroyed her sanctuary.
And with it, she was going to save her captured kin.
Or at least, that was what she had thought. But now, as she tumbled through the air, her spinning gazending on the group of Archdemons, she wasnt sure if that was even a possibility anymore.
She crashed into the cliffside as her eyes closed. The blue mes coating her body flickered. The mes sparked out as she thought of her kin.
Vianna, run
A voice cried out in her head. The echoes of a distant memory. She saw the image of a young [Hellwolf] screaming then there was nothing but darkness and pain.
The Primeval Demon of Wrath rose back to her feet, emboldened. Her anger her rage continued coursing through her.
She was not going to fail. She was going to avenge her kin no matter what.
And she snarled as sheshed out again.
Haec didnt want to fight her. But the [Hellreaper] refused to back down. She came at him fast, and his eyes flickered. He saw the bright blue ball of mes zipping between the rocks before shooting towards him.
He raised his hand, blocking her attack. Her ws mped down into his forearms as he gritted his teeth.
I dont want to fight you!
The former Heir of the Netherworld shouted, before swinging up with his fist. A surge of strength overcame him as hended his fist on her stomach. Her aura of blue mes rushed in to protect her but the [Hellreaper] still yelped as she was thrown into the air once again.
Taburas took a step forward, creating ashen spears aimed at the Primeval Demon. But Haec stopped her.
No let me handle this, Taburas.
But Haec?
She blinked back at him. He shook his head, turning to face the [Hellreaper]. The Primeval Demonnded back on the ground, growling as she faced him.
Please dont get involved. I dont want to resolve this with violence.
Haec whispered softly as hispanion stared at him. He knew that she was worried for him. And he also knew that the more involved in the battle she was, the stronger their connection would be. His Grand Skill would allow him to draw even more of her essence, empowering him even further.
But he didnt want to be forced to do that. Instead, he stepped forward. Even as Taburas looked on. Even as Betrugil tried to usher the watching Aem away.
Let him get himself killed! Lets get out of here!
No we have to support him!
Betrugil and Aem argued. But Haec ignored their chatter. His gazended on the [Hellreaper], and he refused to back down.
The Primeval Demon charged at him once again as he braced himself. Her ws struck his skin, spilling his ck blood onto the stone floor. He returned with a barrage of punches, but this time, she was prepared for it and she leapt back.
He watched as the [Hellreaper] circled dangerously around him. He felt his forearms ache from the cuts he had sustained. It was stupid. Even with his Grand Skill, this wasnt going to be an easy fight. And it was not like he could harm her with her ming aura of protection.
But despite knowing this, Haec confronted the [Hellreaper]. Because he could see the look in her eyes he saw her anger. The darkness that she hid within. It reminded him of himself.
The hatred he had felt for Regnorex.
Haec remembered it so well. It was so long ago right after he had lost Salvos to Lucerna. He had been driven by pure hatred. The desire to exact revenge on the one responsible for separating him from his leader.
The [Hellreaper]... she must have felt the same thing. After all, she had also lost those who were important to her to the Demon King. So that was why Haec knew he understood how she felt. That was why he believed he could speak with her.
Please, listen to me! We are not enemies!
Haec pleaded with the Primeval Demon. And yet she continued her onught of attacks. Her strikes ripped apart the earth, and the shockwaves sent the other three Archdemons flying back. But the former Heir of the Netherworld remained steadfast.
I understand how you feel I lost so much to the Demon King as well! We all have!
He took a step forward, gesturing at Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem. He recalled the memories he had shared with Salvos. He thought of the Dukes and Duchesses how they were sacrificed so senselessly like they were mere tools to use.
Haec felt the anger boiling within his heart. But he steeled himself. His eyes flickered as he watched the [Hellreaper] circle around him like a blur. When she finally pounced on him, she screamed.
Liar!
She was fast. But he was prepared for it. He sidestepped her attack,nding a knee on her stomach. Once again, her Grand Skill took effect. The coat of blue mes protected her, burning Haec.
But he pushed through the pain, grabbing her by her tail. Even as he burned, he spun her around, speaking through gritted teeth.
I am not a liar! I am Haec the former Heir of the Netherworld!
He let go of the [Hellreaper]s tail as she yelped, and she crashed into the cliffside. Large chunks of rock and massive boulders copsed onto her, before she roared, tearing her way out. Her eyes burned in fury.
But then she paused as her mes seemed to flicker. It was only for a brief moment, but it was long enough for Haec to take notice of it. She shook her head as the aura of blue mes burned brighter than before now.
And he brushed it off before he took a step forward.
I have seen the evil of the Demon King firsthand I have heard his lies, and I have watched as he callously sacrificed thousands of our people for his personal desires.
Haec remembered when he first heard of the n to merge the nes. It had been Oracli who told the then Heir of the Netherworld about the monumental sacrifices needed for the ritual to bepleted. It had appalled Haec.
And yet, for some reason, Oracli was fine with it. Not just him. But Alia and Latus had taken it in stride too. Everyone who resided in the Demon Kings pce had known about this n, and they supported it.
They zealously believed in Regnorexs vision for Demonkind. And many of them were willing to throw away their lives to carry out his n into fruition.
Haec had seen this world that had been crafted. He hated it. It was not a world of equals not like him and Salvos, or him and Taburas. Rather, it was one where the entire world orbited the Demon King.
And Haec rejected this world.
That was why he left the Demon Kings Domain.
That was why he wanted to help the [Hellreaper]. That was why he didnt want to kill her. So that she could achieve her dreams, just as he hoped to achieve his. Unfortunately, that wasnt going to be easy.
I do not care who you are I will kill you!
The [Hellreaper] screamed as she sprinted straight at him. Her aura of blue mes flickered again. This time, for a moment even longer. Haec didnt move out of the way. He held his hands up, bracing himself. And he epted her attack.
She blinked as he went flying, coughing out blood. Taburas shouted in terror.
Haec!
That idiot
Betrugil clicked his tongue, and Aem looked on with round eyes. But Haec picked himself up as the [Hellreaper] growled. He shook his head, straightening to face the Primeval Demon.
You
The [Hellreaper] started, and Haec lowered his guard. Her eyes narrowed as she slowly circled around him.
What are you doing?
She thought it was a trap. Haec could tell by her tone of voice that she was confused. He just spoke simply.
I told you, I dont want to fight you. I want to work together with you.
The [Hellreaper] blinked, before growling. She took another step forward, edging closer as Haec didnt flinch.
We have the same enemy. We can be allies. We can bring down Regnorex
Shut up with your lies!
She cut him off as sheshed out. But Haec stood his ground. He only dodged her attacks or blocked her wed strikes. Even though he was bleeding, he refused to punch back.
I feel your pain. I understand your anger. That is why I dont want you to hurt anymore
His words were cut off by her snarling. She snapped her jaws for his head, and he barely ducked out of the way. He saw Taburas looking on in horror in the distance, and he gritted his teeth.
Haec knew he couldnt keep this up. Even with his Grand Skill, he was still outmatched. He closed his eyes and took a step back. He raised his head as the [Hellreaper] swung her ws for his head.
He saw her rage. He understood her no he was mistaken. He wanted to understand her. But he couldnt. At first, he had thought she was wild. Now, he knew she wasnt. And yet, he still couldnt possibly understand what she had gone through.
Not yet.
Haec readied himself to duck under her oing strike, but the [Hellreaper] paused.
She staggered back as her aura of blue mes seemed to flicker. Then it twisted, before bursting out like it was burning her. She hissed, before steeling herself.
Haec narrowed his eyes.
Her Grand Skill is falling apart?
Or it was starting to break. Taburas noticed it too. She called out to him as he nced back at the watching Archdemon.
Now, Haec!
The [Hellreaper] backed up warily as her aura of mes continued to burn her. She was in pain. And Haec had to make it clear that he understood her. That he knew how she felt. He couldnt just im that he understood her without actually trying. After all, that made him no different from the Demon King whom he so despised.
Haec lowered his hand. He clenched his fists. The [Hellreaper] stumbled away from him, wide-eyed. She opened her mouth, and he raised his hand. She flinched. Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem watched with bated breath.
He brought his hand forward as the [Hellreaper] winced. And he proffered his hand to her.
Please may I know your name?
And that made the [Hellreaper] pause.
Chapter 585: A Promise Kept
Chapter 585: A Promise Kept
585. A Promise Kept
Vianna was in pain.
Her body burned with anger and hate she mourned and grieved over those she had lost. She had drawn the power of her rage from the depths of her soul. Her very essence empowered her, forming her Grand Skill.
But anger was a fickle thing. It could cause destruction to others, while bringing about extreme damage to oneself.
And now, that was why she was lit ame.
The [Hellreaper] burned from her own Grand Skill. Its effects should havee to an end, but she refused to let go of her anger. Her hatred could not be snuffed out. Her rage would burn forever. And by forcing it to continue even when it couldnt, she began to hurt herself.
That was why she was in searing pain. She backed up warily as her mes continued to protect her and hurt her. She saw the red-skinned Archdemon raise a hand. He was huge he was somehow as strong as her despite her best efforts to bring him down. She was frustrated. She was angry. She was scared.
She growled at him as he raised a fist.
And she paused when she heard the words leaving her mouth.
Please may I know your name?
Are you alright?
The creature asked in a soft voice. Vianna backed away when she saw it, her eyes growing wide in terror. But the creature drew closer, trying to coax her out from behind the rocks.
Do you have a name? I dont want to hurt you.
Vianna paused. She stared at the shadowed figures clustering around the first creature. They waited expectantly. But Vianna refused to move.
Its not speaking.
Maybe its one of the mindless Demons?
If its wild, we should kill it!
Vianna heard the shadowed figures speaking amongst themselves. Their words made her flinch, and she curled up into a ball. They were so muchrger than her. She was a mere Lesser Demon a Level 16 [Hellhound].
And they were nothing like her. She could tell by their shapes and sizes that they had evolved. Each and every one of them were over Level 40. So she knew she couldnt put up a fight. Not when
Be quiet, all of you! Youre scaring her!
The creature at the front snapped, and the susurration died down. Vianna winced, but the creature turned to her with a soft gaze.
Can you understand me? If you do, please may I know your name?
And Vianna stared at the creatures face. She saw the way it was hunched over with a kind smile. It stood on two legs, but its knees were bent so that it was on level gaze with her. Its eyes were silver and blue different colors on each eye.
It was a [Fiend]. And it was no she wasnt as terrifying as Vianna initially thought. So the [Hellhound] finally mustered up the strength to speak.
Name?
The [Fiend] nodded as she gestured to herself.
Yes. We all have names. My name is Hostia. This is Drith, and this is Grans. What is your name?
Hostia gestured at a pair of othe Demons behind her, before pointing back at the [Hellhound]. Vianna hesitated as she nced between the group of Demons surrounding the boulder. And slowly, she began to speak.
My name is urk
And Vianna winced. She slumped forward as Hostia blinked a few times. The [Fiend] drew forward, gently scooping Vianna up.
Youre youre injured!
Hostia eximed. She stared at the open wound on the underside of the [Hellhound]s belly. Vianna braced herself for the worst toe, but Hostia just brought a hand up.
Hold on [Healing Touch].
And a calming warmth washed over Vianna. She blinked as she slowly watched the wound on her stomach heal. It took a moment it didnt happen instantaneously. But the cut on Vianna closed.
She stared for a moment as nothing remained but the dried ck blood she had spilled. And Hostia lowered her back to the ground.
Are you better now?
Hostia asked, tilting her head. Vianna just looked up at the [Fiend] at her savior.
I
Vianna started. But she hesitated for a moment. Was this a trick? Was there a reason why these Demons were being so kind to her? She didnt know. She couldnt quite understand their actions.
However, she finally obliged to their questions.
My name is Vianna.
Vianna?
Hostia drew back as she smiled. She turned to herpanions the other Demons who were with her. They nodded at each other, before looking back at the [Hellhound]. The [Fiend] proferred a hand out.
Do you want to join us, Vianna?
Vianna blinked back into reality. Even as Hostias voice echoed in her mind. The [Hellreaper] shook her head, before ring back at the red-skinned Demon standing before her.
Im Haec. I want to help you. So please
And the [Hellreaper]shed out. She screamed on top of her lungs, refusing to believe his words.
No!
Haec backed away as her ws missed him. She struck the air, missing him entirely. He watched as she stumbled forward, gasping in pain.
Vianna could hardly move not with the ming aura burning incessantly and unceasingly. It protected her. Her enemies couldnt harm her even now. But she was killing herself. Slowly and surely. She was going to die if this kept up.
And yet, she still moved in her anger.
I will not listen to your lies!
Should we really trust them?
Hostia asked, and Vianna turned around. The two of them were the only Primeval Demons amongst their kin. They were the ones who had been called out of their sanctuary to speak with those Demons with the metal rings.
Vianna herself didnt think it was a good idea to speak with them either. But after thendscape around their sanctuary changed bing just like the environment of their safe haven they were discovered by these so-called followers of Regnorex.
The leader of the group Maamon had approached the sanctuary. He had assured them that they were friends. He promised them a world of safety that the sanctuary Vianna, Hostia, and their kin had created could only ever imagine.
After all, it was Maamon himself who had helped change the Netherworld. He was the reason why there was grass and trees andkes now surrounding the sanctuary. Hearing such a promise neither Vianna nor Hostia could resist hearing out the offer that was being given.
Do not worry, Hostia
Vianna spoke slowly as she nodded at the other protector of their sanctuary.
We are both Primeval Demons. If we must, we shall fight to protect our kin. Let us just hear out what they have to say, alright?
And Hostia nodded slowly as they approached their meeting point.
Alright then
I will never trust you liars!
Vianna screamed as she unhinged her jaw. She tried to aim for Haecs neck. But with her sluggish movements, she missed.
Haec stepped back, trying to get away from her. And she took in a deep breath. Tears streamed down from her cheeks, before evaporating in an instant. She looked up as she tried to bite away her sadness and despair.
She took a step forward as Haec spoke softly.
I am sorry, Vianna. For what happened to you for what they did to you.
He didnt raise a hand at her. Even as she continued to unleash her onught of attacks against him. Vianna screamed, and he spoke understandingly.
It must have been horrible. They hurt you, and you did not deserve it.
Vianna heard the screams. She saw the ground itself shifting. The world moved as space began to twist and turn. Through the fractal barriers, she saw the reflection of a familiar figure with her hand raised.
Run, Vianna!
Hostia screamed as a figure approached her from behind. As Maamonughed his cackling voice could be heard across the shiftingndscape. Vianna tried to get back up. She wanted to save Hostia. But she was bleeding.
Her kin had been captured. Many of them those who resisted had been ughtered. And now, it was just her and Hostia who remained. And even though both of them were Primeval Demons, they couldnt put up a fight against Maamon.
Still, Vianna had to do something. Hostia was her savior. Hostia was everything to her. So Vianna had to
And she paused when she caught a glimpse of Hostias tearing gaze.
Dont. Please. Just live. For us
The world warped around her. A fractal space formed around her as Maamons shadow loomed over her. Hisugh could be heard echoing around the world.
There you are!
And Vianna turned away before she could see what happened. She ran fleeing and leaving behind her savior as tears ran down her cheeks. Even though she wanted to stay, she knew she had no other choice.
She left her kin behind.
You dont know what they did to me.
Vianna spat back as Haec winced. He shook his head, striding forward even as she growled at him.
That is why I want you to tell me. So that I can understand.
She couldnt trust him. She couldnt. Not for her kin. Not for Hostia. But she wanted to Vianna so wanted to believe in his words. And she almost did. She slowly lowered her guard as Haec approached her unwaveringly.
Please, Vianna let us help you avenge your kin. We can do it together.
Vianna thought of everything she had been through. From when she was a Lesser Demon until now. The time she had spent with her kin. The memories she had made in her sanctuary. It was all gone. Forever.
There was no going back. And she could only me herself for that. But this was her chance at redemption. This was the only way she could save them.
So Vianna took a step forward as Haec nodded at her. The other three watching Archdemons stared in shock. The [Hellreaper] opened her mouth.
I
And her mes flickered, before fading away.
What?
Haec blinked, and Vianna paused. She stared down at herself, before whispering a single word.
Oh.
Her Grand Skills effects finally dissipated. It came to an end, after she refused to let it stop. Which meant only one thing.
The [Hellreaper] copsed as Haec stared.
Haec didnt react for a moment. He just stared in disbelief as Viannay before her, her body charred and burned. She barely even twitched where shey. And finally, Haec nced back, calling out to Taburas.
Shes hurt! She needs healing, now!
R-right!
Taburas moved into action. She ran forward with Haec as the two of them surrounded the fallen Primeval Demon. Vianna didnt even react to their approach. She didnt snarl or growl her eyes were barely even open as they were.
Haec looked over her injuries as he gritted his teeth.
Her mes were too powerful they
He trailed off. Taburas brought an ashen hand out as a soothing aura overcame the [Hellreaper]. But Vianna didnt react. The [Subus] shook her head.
I dont know if I can save her, Haec
Haec bit his lower lip. He turned back to Vianna, speaking reassuringly.
We can save you we will find a way to save you.
He tried to hold onto her wed hand. But she pushed her hand away. The [Hellreaper] craned her neck weakly to face him.
Please save my kin.
She spoke softly. Haec nodded back at her as he held her gaze.
We will save them and we will save you.
But Vianna shook her head. She ced a wed hand onto his chest, even as Taburas continued trying to heal her.
And if Hostia lives
I
Haec wanted to cut her off. But he stopped. Instead, he looked deep into the eyes of the [Hellreaper]. He saw the way Vianna said the name. And he nodded slowly.
She gasped out.
Save her too.
With that, Viannas body went limp. A notification resounded in Haecs head. Two of them. But he ignored it. He refused to acknowledge it for a moment. And Taburas whispered softly, drawing back.
Shes dead, Haec. Im sorry.
I know.
Haec nodded as he stared down at the dead [Hellreaper]. He took in a deep breath, before closing his eyes.
I promise you I will save them.
And he paused, remembering the others who were enved by the Demon King. From the Dukes and the Duchesses to those who had been forced to fight in the expanse. He raised his head, staring at the broken sky of Revtion.
I will save all of them.
Haec spoke softly to himself as Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem stared at him. They didnt say a word. None of them spoke. Viannay dead the [Hellreaper]s corpse remained still.
And in that silence, Haec had resolved himself.
Thus far, he had only focused on a single goal, ignoring almost everything around him. But not anymore. He was not going to just ignore Regnorexs evil any longer. He was going to change the Netherworld for the better. He was going to live up to his brand new Title as the Traitor of the Demon King.
Haec was going to
His brows snapped together as he saw a blurred figure shoot across the sky. A dark shadow rapidly descended down the ravine as his [Dangersense] red in his head.
Whats that?
Taburas cried out, backing up warily. Betrugil and Aem nced up in a panic. They readied themselves for battle as Haec narrowed his eyes. He sensed the overwhelming power. He saw the speed of the being the way it seemed to have recklessly flown through the destruction of Revtion. And it only meant one thing.
A Deathsquad H
He started. But the shadowed figure spoke in a familiar voice and cut him off.
Haec?
A soft voice. One that Haec would recognize anywhere. Even though it had felt like forever since he hadst heard it, he would never forget her voice.
Is that really you?
She asked, and Haec stared at her, his eyes growing wide. He saw her familiar golden eyes. He saw her familiar silver skin. He saw the horns on her head muchrger than they had been when he hadst seen her. And he saw the unfamiliar traits like the six wings and the scales on her arms.
But he knew who she was. He remembered her name. He would never forget her.
Salvos
Chapter 586: Its Been A Long Time…
Chapter 586: It''s Been A Long Time¡
586. It''s Been A Long Time...
Salvos?
Haec stared at her. He saw her silver hair. He took in her pale skin partially blemished at the arm by dark scales that resembled burn marks. She had six feathered wings, and a pair of horns that sat atop her head like a crown.
Here she was. Salvos. His leader. Hispanion. The world seemed to fade away all around him. Nothing else existed but the two of them at this moment. The broken rocks and fallen rubble cascaded around him, and the cracked sky of Revtion mended shut.
Taburas was gone Haec didnt even see how she warily created an ashen spear. He didnt hear Betrugils shouts of panic, nor did he notice how Aem was cowering in fear.
All Haec saw was Salvos standing before him. Like no time had passed since theyst saw each other as if they were still standing there, in the white ins of the Netherworld, wandering aimlessly and timelessly together.
Salvos took a step forward, and a thousand things raced through Haecs mind. Did she even remember who he was? And if she did, did she recognize him? And was she really Salvos?
This couldve been an apparition a product of mind magic. He knew that Alia had been a master of mental assaults. If she had been the one sent after him
And Haec tensed. He backed away as Salvos drew closer. Or the illusion of Salvos. He didnt know. But he was afraid. He wanted her to be real. He wanted this to be true.
However, what were the chances that Salvos would find him through pure happenstance? The Netherworld was a vast ce. The possibility that theyd run into each other by sheer chance was infinitesimal. Or rather, the chances of it being a member of the Deathsquad Hunters was so much higher, it had to be a trick.
That was what Haec thought as he raised a wary fist.
And then Salvos hugged him.
He blinked a few times as he felt the warmth of her touch. His eyes went wide when he looked down at her, tightly holding onto him. He tried to work his jaw, and she just looked back up at him with a smile.
Hey. Its been a long time, hasnt it?
Salvos spoke as Haec as Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem froze. Haec stared for a moment, before he lowered his head. He took in a deep breath. He tried to steel himself to take in his surroundings and make sure it was all real.
But when Salvos didnt let go he couldnt help himself. He hugged his leader back. And he refused to let go as he whispered softly.
It has it really has
Here he was.
I had seen him standing there before me. I recognized him immediately. It only took me a second to take in his brand new appearance, and I already knew it was him.
He was tall taller than I remembered. He stood towering over me like a Cyclops would. Maybe even taller. And while he didnt have four arms and a single eye like they did, he was just as well-built as they were.
I recognized him, but he was also different. His long ck hair had been cut short, but it still had a single yellow streak running through it like a bang. His red skin was marked with strange markings. Like runes and symbols had been inked onto his chest. And his forearms seemed to bulge out from the elbow as if he was wearing a crimson-colored gauntlet. But it was simply part of his physiology.
He was different. And yet, he was also still the same.
I didnt often dream I never really had to sleep. But when I did close my eyes and doze off into the darkness of my mind, I would see him there. It was a figment of my imagination. One that felt so real.
I would imagine the various ways he could have changed. The various evolutions he could have undergone.
I would think about what our first conversation back together would have been. I would tell him all about my adventures in the Mortal Realm. I would tell him all about the weird Human customs I learned, while regaling him of the dangers I went through just so I could see him again.
I would touch him. I would hold him. And I would never let go again.
But when I woke up, he would be gone. He would disappear. He wouldnt be standing there next to me. The life we both believed wed share was gone. Things would never be the same again.
That was why I hate sleeping. That was why I hated having dreams.
And now, my dreams have finally be a reality. Now, I could touch Haec, and he was really here. I could cling onto him, and he wouldnt disappear. The promise we made to each other the life we imagined aspanions it finally could be real.
I continued to hug Haec, remaining silent. He didnt say a word either. We both simply chose to luxuriate in this moment. The relief we felt was shared. I didnt even need [Truth Divination] to know that he felt the same way as me.
He was Haec. He was my firstpanion. And he was here
Hey!
A voice shouted, interrupting our moment. I blinked and took a step back. I broke away from Haec as he shifted, pivoting to face a group of Archdemons. I stared at them too. I had noticed them when I was arriving at this crevice, but then I got distracted when I spotted Haec.
I took them in. There were three of them. A [Fiend], an [Abraxas], and a [Subus]. It was the [Subus] who was shouting. She pointed an using finger at me as she took a step forward.
What are you doing? Who are you? And what are you doing to Haec?
Haec scratched the back of his head as I looked down at myself.
What am I doing to Haec?
I frowned I wondered if it was a trick question. But when I studied her gaze, I could tell that that was a serious question. So I answered honestly.
Im hugging him! I am hugging Haec!
She blinked, trying to work her jaw. For whatever reason, she was taken aback by what I said. Her eyes were bulging from their sockets, and her hands trembled. She vibrated where she stood like she was trying to figure out what to say.
But Haec took a step forward and drew her attention. He shook his head, gesturing to me as he gave me a small nod.
Taburas, this is
Hi! Im Salvos!
I cut him off, beaming at the three staring Archdemons. Taburas just continued gaping at me, and the other two Archdemons exchanged a nce. I strode forward as I pped my hands together.
Are you Haecs friends? Hispanions? Its nice to meet you!
I came to a halt right before Taburas as I proffered a hand. She recoiled, backing up warily for a moment. She raised an ashen spear as she eyed me with narrowed eyes. And I blinked, looking down at the hand I offered.
Huh right, shaking hands is a Human thing. Sorry! I wont hurt you! I was just saying hi!
I forgot that in the Netherworld, there was no such thing as social etiquette. There was only kill or be killed. Whatever social skills any Demon learned here was a result of necessity or molded out of their individual personality.
But shaking hands? Bowing? Kneeling? Even simple greetings like waving? There was no such thing here.
I had to remind myself of that. I took a step back as Taburas lowered her ashen spear. She stared at me for a moment, before finally looking towards Haec.
Who is this, Haec? How do you know her? Shes a Primeval Demon
Im not just a Primeval Demon I told you, Im Salvos!
I answered on Haecs behalf. He just chuckled at my response. But Taburas wasnt as amused as he was. And it wasnt just her. One of the other two Archdemons stepped forward the [Abraxas].
He furrowed his brows as he looked up at me. He was rather short. Like an Elf.
Six white wings, rainbow-colored mes, golden eyes, and silver skin I have heard that description before! Youre the Primeval Demon that Regnorex wants to kill!
His words made me pause. I saw the glinting from his neck. He wore a metal cor. And it wasnt just him. Both Taburas and the [Fiend] also wore the cor of the Demon King. I shifted back apprehensively as I muttered under my breath.
Uh-oh.
But they didnt attack me. They just turned to Haec. And this time around, it was the [Fiend] the lowest-leveled of them all who addressed him.
Haec, you need to exin to us whats going on.
He scratched his cheek as he nced between me and the three Archdemons.
Theres a lot I have to exin, huh?
Haec sighed, taking a step forward. He steeled himself as he smiled fondly to himself, and I did too.
Where do I even begin?
Chapter 587: Conversation With A Criminal
Chapter 587: Conversation With A Criminal
587. Conversation With A Criminal
Taburas closed her eyes. The world was spinning around her, and she could barely stand on steady feet. Even as she tried to steel herself, she couldnt calm her nerves. There was no way she could rx. After all
The [Subus] raised her head and eyed the silver-haired girl sitting right next to Haec.
Who is that bitch? Taburas knew who she was her name was Salvos. And as Betrugil had said, she was wanted by the Demon King Regnorex himself because of reasons or whatever.
None of that mattered to Taburas. She just wanted to scream. She wanted to tear her hair out. But she held herself back, watching as both Salvos and Haec clung onto each other. Neither of them let go of each other, even as they gathered around to exin the situation.
Salvos is mypanion.
Haec spoke simply, and Salvos nodded. They had an arm locked together, even as she raised a hand with a smile on her face.
Haec is mypanion too! Hes my firstpanion!
Taburas bit back her tongue she stopped herself from snapping at that very moment. She kept her thoughts to herself as Betrugil frowned.
Companion? What does that even mean?
Haec shook his head as a small smile spread across his face.
It means we were born from the same pool of Lifeblood. At different times, perhaps. But we knew each other since we were both Infant Demons.
Taburas blinked, seeing the expression on his face. It was a wistful look. He was clearly reminiscing about the times he spent with Salvos. And that only exacerbated the sense of jealousy the [Subus] felt.
But she had to hold herself back as Haec continued.
After the others died it was just the two of us. Everyone else was either dead, or they ran away. And we fought together we survived thanks to each other.
He turned to Salvos as she grinned back at him.
Yep! We even evolved into Lesser Demons together! We were a team we were
And she trailed off. The expression on her face grew soft. She lowered her head, before closing her eyes. Taburas frowned as Haec peered at her curiously.
What were we, Salvos?
Haec asked with a raised brow. Salvos looked back at him, before bringing a hand up to pat him on the head.
We were family.
Family?
He blinked in response. Taburas unclenched her fist for a moment, processing the words of Salvos. Bertrugil and Aem exchanged a nce.
And Salvos tried to exin.
Its a Human thing or a mortal thing, I guess? Like when Humans are born from the same parents, theyre all family
She seemed uncertain even as she spoke. Haec chuckled, leaning back away from her.
I know what a family is, Salvos. I learned about it from my studies with Oracli. But what makes you say that?
He asked as he stared at her. She ced a hand on her chin, contemting his question.
Well its like we are brother and sister, you know? Thats why were family!
I see.
Haec nodded in agreement, even as Taburas nced between the two of them with wide eyes. He closed his eyes.
Family, huh? I like that.
Yep! I like it too!
Salvos beamed in response. She looked him up and down for a moment, before going in to hug him once again.
Im just so d were finally back together
Yeah me too
Haec returned her hug as he whispered. And that was when Taburas finally had enough. The [Subus] clicked her tongue before pointing usingly at Salvos.
What are you talking about?
Taburas sputtered as Salvos and Haec quickly separated. They blinked at the [Subus].
Family? Brother and sister? That is ridiculous! We are Demons! There is no such thing as family for us!
Her words made Betrugil and Haec flinched. Aem pursed her lips, agreeing with Taburas.
Taburas is right we arent mortals. Were all born from Genesis together, even if not at the same time. If anything, were all family.
But I dont know you.
Salvos just cocked her head back in response. Aem shook her head.
I am Aem.
And Im Salvos! Its nice to meet you!
The [Fiend] shifted back ufortably as Salvos drew closer excitedly. Taburas gritted her teeth, before crossing her arms.
Who you are doesnt matter. What matters is why I have never heard about you before now? Why hasnt Haec ever mentioned you?
Taburas asked as she turned to herpanion. He scratched his cheek hesitantly.
Thats
Because Salvos is wanted by the Demon King. Thats it, isnt it?
Betrugil spoke up for the first time in a while. He leant forward, sighing as Taburas and Haec nced his way.
Even before Regnorex put a target on her back, he would have wanted her in his kingdom. Because look at her
He gestured at the confused Salvos as Taburas, Aem, and Haec stared.
Have you even used [Identification] on her?
Taburas and Aem exchanged a confused nce. Haec blinked a few times before, smiling.
Huh. That is impressive, Salvos.
Salvos just raised her chim triumphantly. Aem gasped a moment after, and Taburas narrowed her eyes. The [Subus] was thest one to turn her gaze to Salvos and use [Identification]. At that moment, her eyes went round.
[Lesser God - Lvl. 165]
A Lesser God?
Taburas just stared for a long moment as Betrugil sighed.
But not just a Lesser God a Lesser God as a Primeval Demon.
The [Abraxas] spoke softly, before raising his head to hold Salvos gaze.
I have never heard of such a thing before. I was always told that youd need to reach your Level 200 evolution to undergo apotheosis.
Oracli said the same thing too. And yet here she is.
Haec nodded at Salvos. She just smirked back, flexing an arm.
Well, I am pretty amazing, after all!
Taburas couldntprehend it. Her mind was reeling her head was aching. She rubbed her temples as she tried to process everything Salvos had said so far.
So her name was Salvos which she had felt the need to repeat multiple times for whatever reason. And she was both a Lesser God and a Primeval Demon. Abination that Taburas had never heard of before. But even more than that Salvos was also the one who the Demon King Regnorex himself had ordered to be killed on sight.
And on top of all of that, she was also somehow Haecs sister?
None of it made any sense. It was iprehensible. And yet, Taburas looked up at the iridescent aura wisping off the silver-haired girl. She saw the way that Salvos and Haecughed and smiled at each other.
And the [Subus] knew that this was a reality. It was a fact. Her lips quivered as she struggled to ept it.
But Salvos next words broke her out of her stupor.
Anyway, now were back together again, that means we can finally leave this ce together!
Taburas blinked, hearing that.
What?
Salvos excitedly grabbed Haecs hands as he blinked back at her.
Leave this ce?
Thats right!
She gestured towards their surroundings towards the destruction all around them. Up above, the broken sky remained still. No ck lightning crackled overhead, although Taburas didnt seem to notice it.
The [Subus] was too focused on Salvos words.
We can leave the Netherworld behind we can live a better life in the Mortal Realm together!
Go to the Mortal Realm?!
Betrugil sputtered in shock. Aem covered her mouth in surprise, whispering softly.
Why would you want to do that?
Because the Netherworld kind of sucks!
Salvos replied simply. She waved a hand dismissively as Haec looked on.
When its not boring, its dangerous! And while thats good for leveling up, its not really a good ce to live in. Also I want you to meet my friends!
She grinned as she pulled him forward. Taburas wanted to protest, but she knew she could do nothing against a Lesser God. So the [Subus] had no other choice but to watch, epting what was going to happen.
That was until Haec caught himself. He stopped Salvos from pulling him forward as he shook his head with a dour look on his face.
Im sorry, Salvos. But I cant do that.
And Salvos just blinked.
What?
She looked like she was about to protest, but he lowered his head. He closed his eyes.
I cant leave the Netherworld. Not just yet.
Salvos pursed her lips. And she slowly asked the simple question as Taburas blinked in the background.
But why?
Chapter 588: Next Stage
Chapter 588: Next Stage
588. Next Stage
But why?
I asked the question as I stared at Haec. It had been so long. A long time had passed. But now, here he was my firstpanion. He was like my brother. He was the person I had been searching for for so long. He was the reason why I had returned to the Netherworld in the first ce.
I had left the Mortal Realm to get back to him. I left behind all my friends andpanions I had made to save him. But now, when I had given him a chance to escape this hell, he rebuked me.
He refused to leave the Netherworld. He didnt want toe with me to the Mortal Realm.
Haec shifted back ufortably as I just stared at him. I looked at him with wide eyes for a moment, trying toprehend his words. And then my eyes flickered. I nced to the side, looking at Taburas, Betrugil, and Aem.
They were Haecs friends. Maybe even hispanions I didnt know who they were. I just met them. However, if they were important to him, then perhaps that was why he didnt want to leave. Because he didnt want to leave them behind.
So I shook my head as I turned back to him.
If you want, we can bring your friends with us too!
Thats not it, Salvos.
Haec replied simply, lowering his head. A dark shadow was cast over his face as he sighed. I stared at him, blinking as I nced between him and his friends.
If thats not it, then what?
And I paused. My eyes narrowed as I caught sight of a silver glint a metal cor clung tightly onto the necks of the three Archdemons. I knew what those metal cors were. They were summoning cors, given to Regnorexs minions to cross the nes.
I frowned as I remembered what my dad the Devil himself had told me about Haec. That the Demon King had taken Haec under his wing.
The realization settled in, and I turned to Haec with round eyes.
Wait, are you saying you dont want to go to the Mortal Realm because youre with Regnorex now?
I took a step back, but Haec quickly shook his head.
Thats not it, either. I am free from the Demon King. For now.
He raised a hand, flexing his fist. I eyed him quizzically I didnt know why he was staring so intently at his right hand. But he just sighed and took a step back.
Theres another reason as to why I cant leave, Salvos.
Is it because they cant leave?
I asked as I turned to his friends. I gestured at the three Archdemons. Each of them were wearing the summoning cors on their neck, while he was not.
Because if those summoning cors are preventing them from leaving, I think I can get help from someone who can remove them.
I raised my head, thinking about my dad. While he didnt want to get too involved in my affairs, I was sure I could convince him to do something as simple as removing the summoning cors from Haecs friends.
And while Haec nodded gratefully at me, he didnt seem cated just yet.
I would appreciate it a lot, Salvos. However thats not why I want to stay in the Netherworld.
If its not because of Regnorex, and if its not because of your friends, then why cant you leave?
I tilted my head. Now I was getting a little bit frustrated. Because it seemed ridiculous to me I came all the way here for Haec. Sure, I knew he was safe. But I wasnt going to be leaving the Netherworld without him.
My dad had already told me that Haec was fine a while back. However, I still sought him out. After all, he was my firstpanion. I made a promise to him. I wasnt going to break it. Not back then, and not now.
Haec took in a deep breath as he lowered his head. I watched him carefully, and he slowly cast his gaze towards a corpse lying amongst the rubble behind me. His lips moved as he mustered the words up.
Its because of her.
He whispered softly. I blinked a few times, staring at the same body he was looking at. It looked like a [Hellhound]. Except farrger. And like it had a skeletal frame around it, worn like armor.
I ced a hand on my chin as I wondered aloud.
Whats wrong with that wild Demon?
Shes not a wild Demon.
Haec replied simply. He raised his head to face me, shaking his head.
Her name is Vianna, and she was no different from you and me.
Huh.
I didnt know that [Hellhounds]... or [Hellhound] evolutions could be intelligent. Well, I guess I had met a [Savage Agarat] that wasnt wild before. And they were kind of adjacent to [Hellhounds], at least in terms of appearance.
and also I was given the [Hellhound] evolution in the past.
But I never really pieced it together. I nodded along as Haec continued, exining what happened.
Her kin were ughtered and captured by Regnorex. I made a promise to her I am going to help save them. And I am not going to break this promise.
I paused as I heard his words. I held Haecs gaze, and I saw the resolution on his face. I thought about how stubbornly I had insisted on keeping my promise to see Haec again.
And I opened my mouth, before closing it. I just listened as he continued his exnation.
But its not just her. Its not just about her kin. Its also about all those I had met in the Demon Kings Domain. Many of them will be sacrificed whether it be willingly or unwillingly and I cant just let them die.
Taburas blinked as Aem and Bertrugil exchanged a nce. Haec raised his hand to the cracked sky of the Netherworld, before balling it into a fist.
Its actually Taburas who made me realize this.
He nced back at the [Subus] with a nod. She took a step back, trying to work her jaw.
W-wait, what did I do?
I have been using others like a tool.
Haec spoke simply as he strode forward towards her.
I have never once thought about how they felt. I never thought about those who were left behind to die in the Expanse. I never thought about those I knew who were callously sacrificed to further Regnorexs ns. They were there, then they were just gone. And I never thought about how they could have felt.
Taburas shrank back, but Haec firmly ced his hands on her shoulders. She straightened as he touched her, before slowly rxing as he held her gaze.
I understood that it was wrong. I disagreed with it on principle. But I never thought about all those Id be leaving behind once I left the Demon Kings Domain.
The [Subus] was blushing. It was quite obvious on her blue face that she was blushing. I raised a brow at that, but before I could point it out, Haec turned back towards me. He wore a contemtive look on his face.
I only ever thought about how you felt, Salvos. How you must have felt having been separated from me for so long. And while I do care for you, I really do I cant just selfishly ignore all those around me, can I? Id be no different from Regnorex if that were the case.
Youd just be wild.
I spoke simply, agreeing with Haec. He blinked as he stared at me. I shook my head as I ced a hand on my chest.
I understand how you feel, Haec. I get what youre saying.
I gestured vaguely around me, closing my eyes as I remembered the time I spent in the Mortal Realm.
I have a lot of friends in the Mortal Realm, Haec. And I promised I was going to return to see them again one day. I want you to meet them too. I want to go back soon. But
I raised my head, before holding Haecs gaze. He stared at me with round eyes as I smiled.
Youre my firstpanion Haec. And I said we would be together no matter what. So if you dont want to go to the Mortal Realm just yet, then Ill wait for you. Ill help you.
His eyes widened slowly as I brought a hand out, holding his hand tightly. He looked down at our held hands as I continued.
Then when its all over, we can finally leave the Netherworld. Together.
Youre going to help me?
Haec whispered as he looked back up to me. I drew back, giving him a thumbs-up.
Yep! Because I am your leader, after all!
For a moment, the both of us shared a memory. A time long ago when it was just the two of us. When we were wandering the Netherworld alone. When we spoke to each other for the very first time.
You are our leader, after all.
Haecs words echoed in my mind. And my own words never left my head. It was forever burned in my memory.
Well be fine no matter what. Im the leader, after all. I will protect you
And I nodded to myself. I beamed at Haec as I drew away from him, cing my hands behind my back.
I told you I will protect you, Haec. So if this is what you want to do, I will help you do this.
Haec gaped at me. His lips twisted, hearing my words. And I watched as the expression on his face subtly changed. A small smile spread across his face as heughed.
You havent changed at all, have you, Salvos?
Of course! I am Salvos, after all!
I grinned back at him. And he smiled. He closed his eyes, before taking a step back.
You are. Thank you, Salvos.
With that, we made our decision. First, we were going to return to the Demon Kings Domain to save those oppressed by Regnorex. And after that I was going to bring Haec to the Mortal Realm.
Haecs friends were going to follow us too, of course. Taburas seemed to ecstatically want to follow after him which was good. And while Bertrugil and Aem were less enthused, they trailed after us anyway.
We began to crest up and out of the crevice as Haec turned to me curiously.
How did you find me anyway?
Well
I started to exin, but then I paused. My eyes flickered as I looked up towards the cracked sky of Revtion.
Whats going on?
I asked as Haec furrowed his brows.
What are you
He started. But before he could continue, he was interrupted by a loud crack. I watched as the hole in the sky began to ripple, before the ground shook. The earth began to tremble all around us as Taburas, Aem, and Bertrugil stumbled back.
I spread my wings wide as my Divine Essence continued to wisp off me. I was about to fly to the sky, but Haec caught me. He whispered with a ghastly gaze.
This is the second stage of Revtion
He gritted his teeth as the ground continued to shake beneath him. I looked down, then back up towards the shing sky. The crimson dome overhead began to shine with a scintiting iridescent light as he continued.
The Unveiling hase to an end, and Reconstruction has begun.
And I watched as the copsed rubble around us began to bounce around, before the ground cracked open as anotheryer of earth shot up into the sky. My eyes went wide as Haec finished.
That means that the second stage of Regnorexs n will start.
I just looked on as the destruction of Revtion began to repair. And a single word left my mouth.
...huh.
Chapter 589: Faulty Connection
Chapter 589: Faulty Connection
589. Faulty Connection
The night was young and cold. A powerful gale blew across the deste whitendscape, sweeping up scattered bits of rocks and debris into the sky. They rained back down into the ground when the air stilled. Fortunately, there werent very many travelers crossing through this barren ce. So most would be spared from this rocky rain.
It was the Netherworld. But it wasnt the Netherworld either. In appearances alone, it bore quite the resemnce to that hellishndscape. A pure white surface nketed in rubble and corpses. A familiar scene.
But in reality, it was a scene that was set in the lush and vibrant Mortal Realm. The reason why such a scene existed here was because this ne had been infected. And that wasnt in a figurative sense.
It was in a literal sense.
The Netherworld had partially leaked here into what was once a grassy nd. The nearby forests were reced with undting mountaintops that stretched across the horizon, and the closest towns had been reduced to rubble.
The remains and wreckages of the former great Inoria Empire would have been left in this wastnd to rot away, forever untouched. Or at least, that was how it was supposed to be.
But then the world changed.
The sky was ovee with a dim crimson glow. The ground shifted, before cracking open. Ravines and crevices scarred the earth, unfurling across theseherfiednds like a spiderweb.
Lava poured out of the earth as dark lightning crashed from the sky. It was like a mana storm in the sense that the ambient magic in the air increased. But its effects were very different. Never before seen in the Mortal Realm.
This terrifying phenomenon sent the Humannds into disarray. They did not know what caused this sudden magical disaster. And what was worse was what came alongside the shattering earth and the tearing sky.
Demons poured out from the sky en masse. A countless number of them. They fell through these white cracks that seemed to permanently mark the crimson sky, appearing whenever a dark lightning bolt fell below.
The Humannds immediately rallied whatever forces they could. Adventuringpanies were recruited to deal with this problem. Those who werent busy fighting off the Elven invasion to the east were sent here to the Netherfied Lands to stop these waves of Demon attacks.
And that was why she was sent here too.
Her name was Salvos. But she wasnt actually Salvos. Even if she looked just like her.
She was a clone. One made out of gold and silver me. She had long ming hair, and three pairs of wings made from fire protruding out of her back.
An identical twin. Except for the fact that she was made out of fire. Even the Skills she used were the same that could be conjured by the original.
Only the Grand Skills were out of reach. Every other Skill including [Salvo of Vanity] was usable. Which was especially odd.
Because ordinarily, she would only be limited to summoning as many clones as the original could summon. However, right now, the Salvos clone observed that was able to summing five clones onmand.
Five more clones. Regardless of when the spell was cast.
She wasnt able to summon the full ten. Or rather, the full nine, since she was one of said clones.
But she wasnt limited in her [Salvo of Divinity] either. Not in the usual sense that if the original had six clones summoned, then she could only summon another four. It was like summoning five clones was a limit the Salvos clone had gained for herself.
Perhaps there were other exnations for it. Maybe the original had never used the Skill once ever since teleporting back to the Netherworld.
The Salvos clone wouldnt know since their shared senses had been cut off since then. It was just like when the original had entered the fold between the nes to speak with their father for the very first time.
However, even back then, they were still connected. There was still a thread of mana that seemed to cross through the Nexeus so that the clone would still be aligned with the originals essence.
Even if the clone couldnt draw from the originals power, and even if there was a discrepancy in the levels between them. It was still evident that they were connected.
But now, the Salvos clone wasnt so sure about that. Her connection with the original had grown remarkably thin. Which was rming in itself
Unfortunately, that was not all. There was something else. The clone started to notice how she replenished her mana on her own. Previously, past clones would slowly fade away over time without drawing from the originals power.
However, this Salvos clone was certain that she wasnt going to fade away any time soon. Her connection with the original was only growing thinner.
And she wondered what those implications truly meant.
Shaking her head, the Salvos clone turned around and flew back to camp.
A shooting star fell from the sky. One that was wreathed in gold and silver mes. Well, it looked like a shooting star, but it was anything but that.
A tired redhead watched as the Salvos clone descended from the sky,nding towards the very center of the encampment. The nearby adventurers groused and looked up. Many of them had been stationed to keep watch, just like her. But they had fallen asleep while standing after many sleepless nights.
However, Edithe Dawnrise stayed awake. Because she was a Diamond Ranked adventurer one of the few who were present in this encampment. That meant she was amongst the highest-leveled of those around.
That didnt necessarily mean she was in charge. Not when the rest of herpany were stationed here with her, and she was not even the leader of her ownpany. She shook her head as she strode forward, calling out to the ming figure.
Salvos!
The Salvos clonended at clearing between the tents before turning to the redhead. She tilted her head curiously as Edithe cleared her throat.
Or, uh Salvos clone? Clone? What do I call you again?
Edithe scratched her cheek uncertainly. And a figure strode up to her from behind.
Its been months, Edithe. And you still havent decided what to call her yet.
A rtively young man chuckled as he ced a hand on the redheads shoulder. He had slick blond hair and pale blue eyes. He was the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company. Herpany.
He nodded at her with a grin on his face as she sighed.
Well, calling her the Salvos clone sounds weird. And just calling her a clone sounds disrespectful.
It was a little bit odd to see him act so casually around the Salvos clone. When he first found out that Salvos had been a Demon, he had been quite unsettled. He was shocked to find out that someone he held in such high-regard was actually his sworn enemy.
After all, he was a Vampire even if he wasnt raised as one, he still remembered his lineage as a Demon yer.
Because of that, he had actively avoided the Salvos clone at first. He was distrustful of everything that Salvos had ever done he had even gotten mad at Edithe for keeping this a secret from him. However, over time, it seemed that logic prevailed.
He realized that there was no reason for Salvos to have helped Humankind as much as she did if she intended to harm them. She had saved his life many times, and she had been the reason why the Demon Kings n hadnt evene into fruition in the first ce. He had alsoe to ept the simple reason why Edithe couldnt divulge the truth to him too.
And now, he held no hostility towards the Salvos clone. Edithe was d to see it. To ept Salvos for being a Demon it was something many struggled with.
However, Hadrian overcame it. He just nodded casually at the clone without shying away.
Why not call her by her name Salvos?
I dont think she likes that either
Edithe murmured. She turned to face the Salvos clone, and sure enough she harrumphed.
Hmph!
As a clone made out of magical fire, it was a surprise that the Salvos clone could even make any sound with her mouth. Her speech was limited, sure. But even now, Edithe found it rather impressive.
Anyway, while she is a clone of Salvos, shes not really Salvos either. So
Edithe waved a hand dismissively. But the Salvos clone crossed her arms and spoke simply.
Am!
What about a nickname? Like Sally?
Hadrian suggested. Edithe sighed, massaging her temples.
That wont work
Maybe
The Salvos clone murmured, and the redhead blinked. She looked at the ming figure, taken aback.
Seriously?
Edithe stared for a moment as the Salvos clone just shrugged. Hadrian shook his head as he nced towards the nearby onlookers, before looking back at the Salvos clone.
Lets figure this outter. For now, did you find anything out there?
He peered at her curiously. Edithe narrowed her eyes, before the Salvos clone answered.
Nothing.
No Demons tonight? That is odd.
Hadrian ced a hand on his chin. For thest few weeks, the influx of Demons that descended from the sky had been worse than ever. This encampment was stationed towards the northwestern edge of the Netherfied Lands.
Normally, this section had far fewer skirmishes with the Demons pouring out into the Mortal Realm. A few dozen at a time at most. And once every few days.
Meanwhile, the northern tip of the Netherfied Lands was swamped with constant Demon attacks. They fell into the earth every single day. All across the sky. It was hard to stop them from spreading into the nearby kingdoms.
But that was mainly a problem for those neighboring nations to deal with. Especially the Vaun Qieur Empire itself which bordered the southeastern side of the Netherfied Lands. Adventurers like the Valiant Dreamers and the various other volunteeringpanies were stationed towards the northwest because the two nations that had once been located here were gone.
Nixa and Elutra. The former had been destroyed by a rampaging Primeval Demon, and thetter had been fully assimted by the Inoria Empire.
Now, only the remains of the former Elutra Empire remained in thesends they were led by the Fallen Queen Faith El. However, their numbers and forces were meager. So that was why they were supported by these adventuringpanies.
Or at least, the few that volunteered themselves to aid with the containment of the Netherfied Lands. Most of the main adventuringpanies had gone to the eastern border to fend off the Elven invasion of the Humannds. Compared to such a wide-scale assault, dealing with a handful of Demons wasnt very high on the priority list.
Not that there should be any Demons left Edithes brows furrowed together.
Even without a grand ritual with no source for this magic a seemingly constant deluge of Demons poured forth into the Mortal Realm. There was no exnation for this phenomenon. Even the highest-leveled [Space Mages] from Mavos Academy couldnt figure out how or why this was happening.
No one knew whether it would stop tomorrow, or continue for the foreseeable future. All that happened was one day, the ground of the Netherfied Lands cracked open and the sky darkened before shing bright. And now, Demons rained down from above.
A seemingly ceaseless number of them. And the problem only seemed to grow worse. But hopefully the worst hade and gone, and things would soon calm again.
No skirmishes today. Lets just take it as a good sign and get some well-deserved rest.
Edithe nodded at Hadrian as she drew back. It was gettingte they had stayed up well-past midnight anticipating another incursion. But for whatever reason, today there was none.
The Salvos clone tilted her head, and the leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company smiled.
Right. Lets
He started, but then the Salvos clone raised her head in rm. Edithe blinked as a dark sh overcame the world. In the distance, she spotted ck lightning bolts falling from the sky as the crack in the crimson dome flickered.
We spoke too soon, didnt we? Fuck
Edithe whispered as she watched the dark figures descending moments after. Her lips pursed together, before she turned to Hadrian. She nodded at him, and he closed his eyes. He drew his de and strode forward as he called out, waking up the encampment.
All heads turned to him as his voice boomed out, and the outpouring of Demons continued to fall upon the Mortal Realm.
Another incursion has breached the sky! Hundreds of Demons descend upon us! Ready your arms, adventurers!
There were more Demons than ever a greater incursion than any Edithe had seen since she came here. Their numbers only continued to growrger as she raised her staff warily.
And the Salvos clone took a step forward, her body wisping with her gold and silver mes.
Lets do this.
She spoke a full sentence a rarity for the clone. Edithe blinked for a moment, before steeling herself. Her staff wisped with ice and me as she spoke in affirmation.
Right. Lets go.
And with that, another skirmish began here in the Netherfied Lands.
Chapter 590: Aftershocks
Chapter 590: Aftershocks
590. Aftershocks
Demons.
Zack hated Demons. Well he didnt hate all Demons. But he had his reasons for that. Veryplex reasons alongside a lot ofplicated feelings.
However, he hated fighting Demons.
He had plenty of experience fighting against Demons at this point. He was a Diamond Ranked adventurer a brand new one, so he was barely above Level 100. In fact, the reason he had even reached the advancement was due to joining the United Coalition of the Human Lands during the Demon Kings invasion of the Mortal Realm.
Zack wasnt a part of an adventuringpany he was an independent adventurer. But he still had a team. They were a team of three: Jaakko, Helen, and himself. Jaakko, their leader, was a Cyclops who had a strong sense of justice. Because of that, when Demons started appearing throughout the Humannds, the trio of adventurers immediately got involved.
And while they had grown a lot because of that, it was still a massive pain in the ass, fighting against Demons. After all, Demons were deadly and strong. Humans, Cyclopes, and even Kobolds were no match for a Demon at the exact same level.
It was said that an average Spirit at Level 10 was equal in strength to an average Human at Level 20. Of course, it was entirely dependent on the Spirits Subspecies and the Humans ss. However, as a general rule of thumb, it worked.
The same applied to a Human and a swarm monster. A single Centinel at Level 20 was supposedly practically harmless to a Human at Level 10. But swarm monsters often made up for their weakness through their sheer numbers.
The same couldnt be said for Humankind. While they were numerous, arge majority of them were nonbatants. Zack didnt know how many Demons there were in the Netherworld, but he was more than certain it was at least equal to the number of Humans in the Mortal Realm withbat sses. In fact, considering that wild Demons were a thing, it was most certainly more than equal by a substantial amount.
Nevertheless, it didnt matter as long as the Demons stayed in the Netherworld. Only a few could ever pass through to the Mortal Realm at a time. As long as the Demon Kings evil n to merge the ns never came to fruition, Humankind would always triumph through numbers alone. And considering that the United Coalition of the Human Lands had sessfully put a halt to the grand ritual to aplish just that a year ago, everything should have been fine from then on.
Or at least, that was what Zack had hoped. Unfortunately, the aftershocks of the Demon Kings attempted merger remained in the Mortal Realm. Arge chunk ofnd in the former Inoria Empire had been Thendscape was reced by a white rocky surface, and the sky was ovee with a red aura at night.
For a long time, that appeared to be the worst of the effects ofherfication. However, as Zack soon came to learn, that was not true. The ground ripped open as the sky tore. Lava spouted from the earth below as Demons poured from the hole above.
And once again, Zack and his team had no other choice but to fight against Demons. He hated it. Not because he hated helping others even if he was the least valiant of his team, he was still inclined to help out when the entirety of Humankind was in danger. Still, he hated fighting Demons because of how risky it was to go up against one that was lower-leveled than him. Especially since he was a squishy [Mage] who didnt have the defensive capabilities of either of his teammates.
Well, Helen was squishy too she was an [Archer], so that meant she wasnt a closebatant either. However, she was still capable of fighting with a dagger, and that was why she was a lot more durable than Zack in battle.
But neither of thempared to Jaakko. He was a [Warrior] who fought with a kusarigama. An unusual weapon for his ss, considering that was normally what [Rogues] used. At least, in the Humannds. Apparently these unconventional arms weremonly used throughout the Cyclopes cities.
Regardless, Jaakko was a [Warrior], and the highest-leveled of the three. So he was the most sturdy of the three. That was why he typically stood at the very front of the team during a battle. Just like right now.
Zack winced as he heard the shriek echo throughout the battlefield. It hurt his ears it was the effects of sound magic albeit weak. Still, he raised his head, looking at the source of the sound.
All around him, a battle unfolded. Adventurers faced off against winged Demons of all kinds. They attacked relentlessly without discrimination. Because they were wild Demons. That meant they were distinct from the cored minions of the Demon King.
Apparently, there was a difference. Zack didnt really know the full details, and all he knew right now was that he needed to stop that ring sound magic. It was slowing his movements, weakening his magic, and wearing him down. A kind of an area of effect spell that wasnt meant to kill them, but only weaken them.
Zack focused his gaze on the source of the magic. Hovering high in the sky, a bat-like creature screeched. It was significantlyrger than any bat the [Mage] had seen in his life. It looked rather bestial too it was built like a bear without fur, but its wingspan was thrice the length of its body.
[Vampyr Chiroptera - Lvl. 108]
It was an Archdemon. And it was fast. It zipped through the sky, diving between [Agarats] and [Vampyr Bats] as it continued screeching. Zack raised a tome as he focused on the ground beneath his feet.
Take this!
He screamed, and spears made of the white stone of the Netherworld shot into the sky. The volley of projectiles ripped through the lower-leveled Demons many of them were above Level 50, but they fell like flies against his spells.
However, the [Vampyr Chiroptera] was fast. It easily flew out of the way of his spell as its eyes flickered his way. It shrieked, homing straight for him. Even though there were a hundred other adventurers present, it ignored them. It bared its fangs his way as the air around its body blurred, before vibrating.
His eyes went wide as it drew closer. Zack quickly tried to conjure up another spell. He created a wall made of stone, and the Archdemon just shredded straight through it. He stumbled back as its maw closed around him
[Hail Burst]!
A voice shouted from the side. Zack blinked, watching as a single icy arrow struck the [Vampyr Chiroptera] from the side. The moment the projectile came into contact with the Archdemons skin, it exploded into a dozen ice shards.
The ice shards immediately circled around the Archdemon, assailing it again and again as it backed away. But before it could get away, a pair of chains shot through the air. A kusarigama caught the [Vampyr Chiroptera] before it could flee and yanked it straight to the ground.
The Archdemon crashed against the ground as a towering figure strode forward. Four arms, a single eye. Jaakko pulled his kusarigama back as he watched the dust settle. Helen rushed to Zacks side, helping steady the [Mage].
Are you alright, Zack?
Y-yeah
He rose to his feet, nodding at his teammate. But Jaakkos sharp voice drew both their attention.
Eyes up. The Archdemon isnt done just yet.
They looked towards the small crater where the [Vampyr Chiroptera] had fallen. Zacks eyes widened as he caught sight of the Archdemons shadow. Its eyes burned, before a crimson aura wisped off its body. He took a step back, gritting his teeth. He readied a spell.
And the Archdemon shrieked. It charged at them as he unleashed the spell he had readied.
[Mountainfall]!
Boulders rained from the sky, crashing around the [Vampyr Chiroptera] as Helen unleashed her volley of arrows. Jaakko intercepted the Archdemon whenever it got close as the battle raged on.
They were a team of Diamond Ranked adventurers. And yet, they were struggling to take down a single Archdemon around their level. This was why Zack hated fighting Demons.
Jaakko!
The [Mage] cried out, watching as his leader was struck across the chest by the [Vampyr Chiroptera]. He stumbled back, and the Archdemon tried to deal a finishing blow. However, Zack quickly flicked his wrist as the ground opened up beneath the Cyclops.
Jaakko vanished beneath the earth as the Archdemon missed its attack. It snarled, turning to Zack as the Cyclops appeared next to him. But before it couldsh out their way, Helen fired a glinting arrow.
The projectile struck the ground right below the [Vampyr Chiroptera] and exploded. But with a single p of its wings, the Archdemon dismissed the st. It red down at the three Diamond Ranked adventurers as it hissed. The st hadnt even slowed it in the slightest.
I dont know if we can take it
Zack took a hesitant step back, and Jaakko forced himself back up. There was a tense moment where the team of adventurers faced down the Archdemon. Then the moment ended, and the [Vampyr Chiroptera] shrieked once more, charging straight at them.
Shit
Zack cursed, only for a sh of blue and red to shoot past him. He blinked as a powerful spell sted the [Vampyr Chiroptera] before it could reach them.
[Frostme Vortex]!
Thats?
His eyes went wide as he watched the Archdemon fall from the sky, its body charred and frozen. It crashed into the ground, shattering into thousands of burnt pieces as Zack could only look on. And a secondter, a golden figure shot through the air, sending a sweeping st of mes into the sky.
The flying wild Demons fell in an instant,pletely wiped from the face of the world in moments. Zack saw the fiery figure, before turning around slowly. He stared at a red-haired woman as she walked up to the trio of adventurers.
Helen eximed as she saw who it was.
Edithe Dawnrise!
Hey, need a little help?
Edithe smiled as she raised her gray staff. And Zack nced back towards the burning encampment. He pursed his lips, nodding slowly.
We do we really do
Edithe had watched the Demons pouring out of the crack in the sky. Hundreds of them at a time. So thousands had crossed through, more than she had ever seen before in a single day. And they split off into various groups.
Of course, one of said groups had attacked her encampment. But with the help of the Salvos clone, the Demons were quickly dealt with. After that came the real problem of guarding the Netherfied Lands hunting down the remaining Demons.
Her encampment was not the only one present in the area for this exact reason. She hadmunicated with the others via artifacts to determine where the main bulk of the Demons had gone. And she had given chase to it.
She had feared the worst when she realized it was passing over another, smaller encampmentposed mainly of independent adventurers. However, her fears were mostly assuaged when only a small group broke off from the main bulk to attack the encampment.
Edithe still rushed ahead with the Salvos clone and a handful of others higher-leveled adventurers to help out. Now, she watched as the small breakaway group of wild Demons were cleared with ease.
Dont let them escape!
She called out, unleashing a st of frost into the air. Thest of the Demons fell from the air as she looked on.
Not a single one of them should leave this camp alive!
The Salvos clone gave chase to a handful of [Agarats] trying to flee from the scene. She incinerated them with ease, and Edithe wiped the sweat off her brow.
It was finally finished. Thest of the Demons were wiped out. Or at least, the small group that had been assailing this camp. The redhead shook her head as she swept her gaze over the small encampment.
Whos in charge here?
She called out, and a tall Cyclops strode up to her.
I am. My name is Jaakko, it is a pleasure to meet you once again, Edithe Dawnrise.
He proffered her one of his four hands as she eyed him. Edithe recognized him, although they had only met briefly in the past. She shook her head, opting to skip the idle chatter.
Indeed, Jaakko. Did you see where the rest of the Demon swarm went?
She asked as she nced towards the horizon. He nodded grimly towards her.
I did. They were heading further to the north. We were lucky they ignored us I didnt get a good look at them, but I was certain they had multiple Archdemons amongst their numbers
Thats troublesome.
Edithe pursed her lips, before ncing in the direction where the Demon swarm had gone. She was less rmed than before knowing that, since that was where the various armies of the neighboring kingdoms to the Netherfied Lands were stationed. So there was less risk of the Demons escaping.
Still, the question remained.
But where are they going? What could possibly be drawing them to the north?
I do not know.
Jaakko shook his head apologetically. She ced a hand on her chin in thought as she wondered frowned.
The north
I know!
A voice eximed to the side. Edithe blinked, looking up as the Salvos clone descended from the sky.
I know!
The Salvos clone repeated herself as she smiled. The redhead blinked, exchanging a nce with Jaakko.
What is it?
Edithe finally asked. And the Salvos clone beamed.
Lunaris!
What?
The redhead paused as the Salvos clone just continued.
Where I killed Ira!
Chapter 591: Gathering
Chapter 591: Gathering
591. Gathering
Living next door to the Netherfied Lands was said to be a terrible idea. And why wouldnt it be? First of all, the view was horrible. At night, the sky shone blood-red, casting a menacing shadow over the world. Not only that, but all that was visible for miles on end were the undting white ridges of the Netherworld.
However, if being surrounded by bad scenery was the worst problem of living in close proximity to the Netherfied Lands, Faith would have dly dealt with it. Unfortunately, that was the least of her worries because
Keep them off the walls!
She screamed as she raised a ring, unleashing a fireball down into a group of [Hellhounds]. There was a flicker of magic as the enchantment on her ring wore off. Faith cursed, backing away from the battlements, and she took in the scene.
This was the real problem that she had to deal with the waves of Demons that persistently poured out of the Netherfied Lands.
[Hellhounds], [Hellbeasts], [Vampyr Bats], [Gadarenes], and [Arachnes] swarmed the city by the hundreds. And it wasnt just those Lesser Demons. Dozens of Greater Demons were mixed amongst their numbers. There were even a handful of Archdemons which could have spelled the end of the small city if they werent stopped.
That was why Faith stood out here, even if she was hardly abatant. Because she had to protect her city. She had to fend off the Demons.
After all, she was the Fallen Queen of Elutra. A disgraced princess who was doing her best to redeem herself and rebuild her kingdom. It wasnt an easy task. Not when most of hernds had beenherfied or destroyed.
But she was doing her best.
[Do Not Falter]! This is our home ournds! We shall not lose against some Demons!
Her voice echoed throughout the battlefield as her men cheered. She watched as the soldiers standing atop the battlements were emboldened through her magic. They were given a second wind, fighting with a greater intensity than before.
It was a Title Skill. One that was given to her with her Title as the Fallen Queen of Elutra. In fact, she had many Title Skills to draw from, although not a single one of them was extraordinary. However, this was the most she could contribute with her own Skills, unlike others
You heard the Queen!
A single booming voice pierced through the cacophonous roaring. Faiths eyes darted towards the burly man leading the defenders of the city. A Diamond Ranked soldier one of her most trusted aids.
He was Gavyn. The former leader of Elutras Resistance, and the current Captain of the Army.
Faith looked on as he leapt through the sky, cutting down Demon after Demon with ease. He bellowed a wary cry, rallying his soldiers as he brought down a broadsword into the skull of a [Winged Hellwolf].
We stand our ground like we always do! Dont let a single one of these pests through the walls!
Gavynnded back down in the battlements as Faith looked on. She was d to see the morale of her troops refuse to waver. Still, she pursed her lips as she nced back.
The city was small, and it didnt have arge standing army. There were over ten thousand civilians hiding in their broken homes, unable to fend for themselves. The Demons were relentless soon enough, they would seep through the walls and the fighting would spill into the streets. The casualties from that
That couldnt happen, no matter what.
Faith reached for a wand at her side. It was thest artifact she had that could be used. Looking up, she eyed the mass of flying Demons. It was only a small breakaway group from the main swarm that had passed by the city.
And yet, they rivaled the citys standing army in number. Her grip around her wand tightened. She only had a single spell a powerful spell. It was a High Grade single-use wand. She had to make use of it well.
She looked on as a winged creature shot across the sky. It looked like a crocodile, but with bat-like wings. It was a [Savage Agarat]. The highest-leveled of the attacking Demons. If Faith could take it down, then repelling the rest of the Demons would be much easier.
So she aimed carefully. She made sure she had a good view of the [Savage Agarat]. When she was certain, she unleashed the st of crimson lightning. It streaked out in an instant, striking the Archdemon as the soldiers around her cheered.
For a moment, she breathed a sigh of relief. But then her eyes went wide as she realized that there was no voice resounding in her head. Nothing notified her of the Archdemons demise.
And the smoke cleared as the [Savage Agarat] emerged, its wings shielding its body. Her eyes went wide. She watched as the Archdemons wings unfurled, and it escaped from the attackpletely unscathed.
But how?
She took a step back. The Archdemon screeched, diving straight down for her. Faith stumbled back with round eyes, only for Gavyn to call out.
I will protect you, my Queen!
The Captain of the Army intercepted the [Savage Agarat] before it could reach her. He struck it to the side with his shield, and it snarled at him. But he backed away as the surrounding [Archers] loosed a volley of enchanted arrows at the Archdemon.
It shrieked as it flew back, returning to the rest of the swarm. Gavyn turned back to the Fallen Queen of Elutra and gave her a reassuring nod. She sighed in relief, smiling at him.
Thank you, Gavyn.
It is my duty, my Queen.
He spoke simply, before turning his attention back to the attacking Demons. Faith looked on as the battlefield raged on. Now, without her artifacts, there was not much Faith could do. While she did have abat ss, it was neither suited for a warzone nor was it a high enough level to participate in this battle.
Not without needlessly risking her life, at the very least.
She took a step back as she contemted leaving the battlefield. While her presence alone inspired her soldiers to fight on, there was not much she could do anymore. In fact, since she was vulnerable at her current state, her presence was actually deleterious to the defenders of the city.
After all, not only did they have to fend off the attacking Demons, they would have to keep an eye out on her as well.
If only Gand were here
The Fallen Queen of Elutra pressed her lips into a thin line, before a voice drew her attention from the side. She blinked, watching as a small figure emerged from the nearby tower.
Perhaps I can aid you, Queen Faith.
She stared at the figure for a moment, recognizing him in an instant. He wore regal purple robes, and the expression on his face bore the contour of a wizened individual. But that was betrayed by his short stature.
Emperor Rowyn?
Her eyes narrowed as he walked up to her, his hands hidden behind his back. He stood at parade rest, surveying the battlefield. Behind him, a young woman hurriedly followed. She had a short sword sheathed at her side, and a bow slung around her shoulder.
Faith nced between the two before looking back at Rowyn.
What are you doing here? Youre supposed to be in the bunker
Here he was the former emperor of the Inoria Empire. Her enemy. But they had be allies after the war between their two nations was revealed to be a ploy by the Demon King. And together, they sought to rebuild their nations together.
They had faced bacsh, of course. But why did that matter? Faith was already a disgraced princess, and Rowyn was a little boy. A little boy that reminded her of her own brother. Which inspired no confidence from their people, even though they had been working to restore that trust.
However, that wasnt what was important right now. Faith simply wondered what Rowyn was doing here.
Willow, I told you to keep him safe.
She snapped her gaze to the woman standing next to him. Willow winced, before shaking her head.
Emperor Rowyn insisted I let him out. He has a Ring of Greater Protection with him, so he is more protected than you, my Queen.
That doesnt matter if hes out here, hes just a target for the Demons!
Faith shook her head, but Rowyn nodded sagely.
Indeed I am, but so are you, Queen Faith. Yet, you still insist on standing out here and fighting for your people.
Her brows furrowed as she turned back to him. He slowly raised a hand to his chest, looking back towards the small city. It was in a state of disrepair. However, it was safe. For now.
And I wish to fight for my people as well. I may be young, and I may not be as capable as you, Queen Faith. But can I not try my best to offer my aid?
As he said, he was young, and Faith viewed him the same way she viewed her brother. Perhaps that assessment would have been true over a year ago, when they first met. However, since then, Rowyn had matured greatly.
Now, he was older. He had learned much during the time he spent in Mavos Academy, and he carried himself with the gravitas expected of a ruler albeit not an experienced one.
But how can you help?
Faith gestured towards the [Savage Agarat] as it shot through the sky. Its gaze was focus purely on Gavyn. He had drawn its attention earlier, and now it wanted to tear him apart. He managed to fight it off each time it got close, but he was gradually being worn down.
If the Archdemon caught him off-guard just once, it was possible that he might not make it out of this battle alive. Faith really hoped that wouldnt happen. But the worst could alwayse at any time she was acutely aware of that.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she thought of Destiny as she thought of her family.
The fall of her kingdom.
Rowyn strode forward, nodding understandingly. He knew what it was she experienced. Even if his circumstances were different, he had seen many terrible things despite his ostensible youth. So he could empathize with her.
He produced a scroll which shone with a gold light.
Faith blinked, looking towards it with wide eyes. He smiled at her as she whispered.
Wait, isnt that?
She recognized it immediately it was one of the famed treasures of the Inoria Empire. Her father had been wary it would be used to tear down the defenses of the Capital City of the Elutra Kingdom during the siege of Ertos. That never happened, and Faith had wondered what happened to it for the longest while.
Rowyn just gave her a mischievous grin.
Summoning Scroll: Principalities of the Spirit Lord.
A Mythical Grade artifact
Faith gasped, and Rowyn unfurled it. He took in a deep breath as he stared at the symbols inscribed within.
For the duration of a single battle, a Sacred Spirit will join the fray, obeying the summoners everymand. I can end this siege in a single instant, Queen Faith.
But it can only be used once
She tried to argue, but he cut her off simply.
And our lives can only be lost once.
The Inorian Emperor held her gaze as she pursed her lips. He held the scroll up, shaking his head at her.
I do not wish to let another one of our people senselessly die.
Thats
She hesitated. And he lowered his head.
It is my fathers treasure, Queen Faith. I shall use it despite your protestations.
He strode forward as the fighting raged on around him. Gavyn stumbled back, gulping down a healing potion. Willow helped how she could, loosing arrow after arrow into the sky. Meanwhile, the [Savage Agarat] circled the sky above, its eyes narrowed at the Captain of the Army.
It let out a shriek as Rowyn opened his mouth. He began chanting softly, and the Archdemon swooped down towards Gavyn.
Oh, Lord of the Spirits, Keeper of Peace
And a st of golden mes shot down from the sky, interrupting his chanting. Faith gaped as the attack struck down the [Savage Agarat] from the air. It fell before the crions, charred to a crisp in an instant.
Rowyn paused as he stared at what just happened. Slowly, he lowered the scroll as he tried to work his jaw. The battle seemed to slow at the realization of a third partys interruption. And it was Faith who mustered up the strength to speak.
What was that?
And a golden ming figure descended from the sky, unleashing a cone of mes in all directions. Faith tried to make out who it was, but the light was blinding. She staggered back from the intense heat, shielding her eyes.
But just as quickly as the mes appeared, they vanished. And Faith blinked as a golden figure stood before her. A familiar face, apanied by six fiery wings. However, everything else was different. After all, this figure was made out of fire.
Hi!
[Clone of Salvos - Lvl. 150]
Faith just stared at the clone with round eyes. A hundred Demons, many of them above tinum Ranked in threat all killed, just like that. The rest fled the scene. They screeched, pping their wings in a panic as they scattered.
As they seemingly flew in a random direction. The Salvos clone grinned, and Rowyn muttered under his breath.
Amazing
It was a theory one that wasnt backed by any evidence whatsoever. But the Salvos clone was certain that the Demons who appeared from the most recent incursion were traveling to Lunaris.
She only had two simple reasons for her thought process. Firstly, the only ce to the north that was of any importance was Lunaris. And secondly, for some odd reason, she was also drawn to that location.
It was a sudden, indescribable feeling. The Salvos clone had only felt it when thetest rupture had ripped through the sky, pouring out wild Demons all throughout the Netherfied Lands. And to confirm her theory, she had flown ahead of Edithe to check out Lunaris.
But as she flew across the Netherfied Lands, her suspicions were only confirmed. After all, Demons hadnt only been spilling near their encampment. They were appearing across hundreds of miles. And yet, they all seemed to be heading to the same destination.
Speaking to Faith, the Salvos clone confirmed it.
Sure?
I am certain. I saw them flying to the north thousands of them. I do not know what destination they have in mind, but it cannot be good.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra gritted her teeth together.
I see.
The Salvos clone nodded along, before raising her head. This small city had been under attack just moments ago, but she had defeated the main bulk of the Demons. The rest fled from the scene. And judging by the direction they were flying, it seemed they were also going north.
She needed to investigate further. She needed to confirm her suspicions. With a smile, she turned back to Faith and spoke a single word.
Thanks!
I
Faith started, but the Salvos clone took off. The Fallen Queen of Elutra could only blink as the Salvos clone took off into the sky.
Obviously, the Salvos clone was fast. She could have caught the escaping Demons in an instant. The small city quickly grew smaller behind her, but then she slowed. Instead of killing the escaping Demons, she tailed them.
The Salvos clone continued following them, passing just underneath one of the many ruptures in the sky. She had once tried to fly through it she had thought she could cross into the Netherworld with it, just as the wild Demons crossed into the Mortal Realm.
Sadly, that was not how it worked, much to her chagrin. The Salvos clone continued on without much worry, asionally dodging an attack from the fleeing Demons, before she finally caught sight of a familiar location just up ahead.
The ruins of Lunaris appeared just as she had expected. The city had been destroyed by the grand ritual, before it was liberated by the United Coalition of the Human Lands. They dispelled the ritual spell, only for Ira to show up and reactivate it.
And now, the Salvos clone knew her theory was correct. Because the ruins of the city were surrounded by Demons.
A lot of them. Not just a few hundred or even a few thousand. There had to have been at least ten thousand of them swarming over the wreck. And at the very center of it all, resting where the deactivated ritual circley, was a towering beast.
A creature that bore many heads. The faces of many different beasts, from oxen to wild dogs. It was massive. About the size of a castle. And the Salvos clone slowed when she saw it. Because it was
[Greater Amaymon - Lvl. 175]
A Primeval Demon.
Chapter 592: Rupture
Chapter 592: Rupture
592. Rupture
The Salvos clone stared at the swarm of Demons.
There were so many of them each so distinct in shape, size, and levels. Many of them were Lesser Demons, however there seemed to be more Greater Demons. Which was odd to see.
When the Demon Kings grand ritual was being cast, bringing over hundreds of thousands of Demons into the Mortal Realm, the main bulk of their numbers tended to be Lesser Demons. But for whatever reason, that wasnt true here.
There were at least ten thousand wild Demons gathered here, with a proportionallyrge number of them having reached the higher evolutions. There was even a single Primeval Demon amongst their numbers.
A Level 175 [Greater Amaymon].
It looked like an amalgamation of a dozen different beasts, except each one had been erged to the size of a small building. It wore the heads of a goat, a lion, a camel, and a dozen other creatures. But at the same time, it bore the feet of a chicken, the ws of a wolf, and the hooves of a horse.
The Salvos clone often felt like she had rather muted emotionspared to the original. Because of that, she was much more carefree. Maybe even apathetic. However, for once, she was taken aback,pletely befuddled at what she saw.
The [Greater Amaymon] was such a strange wild Demon. It justy there, unmoving as all kinds of Demons circled around it. At first, the Salvos clone thought they were all attracted to it.
But then she watched as the drew closer towards it, like they were trying to attack. And it easily swatted them away. It cut the other wild Demons down before they could even get close. The goat head swung down, crushing a [Savage Agarat] against the ground. The lions head opened its maw and munched on a dozen approaching [Hellhounds].
Because of that, the wild Demons warily gave the Primeval Demon a wide berth. Those that drew too close were instantly squished like an insignificant insect. The Salvos clone blinked.
But why were the wild Demons attacking the [Greater Amaymon]? Maybe it was because they werent attacking it.
The Salvos clone narrowed her eyes as she drew closer. There was no mistaking it. The wild Demons didnt even care about the Primeval Demon. They just wanted to get past it they just wanted to gather around the faded ritual circle.
It was the very same ritual circle used to aid the grand ritual to merge the nes. It had even been deactivated, before being reactivated by Ira to continue the merger. The Salvos clone had been here before.
or at least, the original Salvos had been here. And she had been the one to defeat Ira. That was how she evolved into a Primeval Demon. That was how she became an [Angelic Devil Princess].
The Salvos clone could only vaguely remember those events. It was like with each passing day, she was able to remember past events or at least, events that urred through the original less and less.
But she shook her head as she hovered just before Lunaris. That didnt matter right now. She had to figure out why the Demons were gathering here. So she flew closer and closer
And the [Greater Amaymon] finally took notice of her. All of its dozens of heads snapped up, facing her way in an instant. Before the Salvos clone could even react, the closest head opened its mouth.
What
The Salvos clone started, and the wild Primeval Demons heads shot out. They didnt detach from the body, but their necks extended outwards. Like they were tendrils of sorts. They shot straight up for their target, moving at extremely high speeds.
Fortunately, the Salvos clone was able to react with the help of [Angelic Premonition]. She dove out of the way just in time for a wolf-like head to m shut where she had been hovering. However, before she could even get far, a second head intercepted her.
She narrowed her eyes as she came face to face with a lions head. Once again, it tried to rip her out of the sky, and she activated [Divine Haste]. A smile cut across her face as she deftly flew out of the way of the second attack.
The Salvos clone continued evading the onught of various animal heads. But right as she thought she could escape, three of the heads opened their mouths all at once. She readied herself for whatever projectile they would unleash her way.
And the [Greater Amaymon] screeched. The Salvos clone recoiled as her entire ming body flickered. An intense wave of pain washed over her as she screamed silently.
Her wings twisted, almost dissipating from the attack, and she tumbled out of the air. It was sound magic. She couldnt have prepared herself for that. She tried to catch herself, even as the screaming continued.
But before she could regain any sense of what was going on, the goat head rammed straight into her. Her eyes widened as she was sent flying into the distance. Her wings were shredded into nothing, and her ming body dimmed.
She crashed into the ground as she gritted her teeth together. The Salvos clone raised her head, and her vision blurred. The [Greater Amaymon] loomed over her, its many heads quickly descending to crush her where shey.
Strong
The Salvos clone whispered as she rose to her feet. She steadied herself as she looked up at the oing heads. Five heads opened their mouths this time around, and she knew what was going toe next. So she acted before that could happen.
She rarely had to do this, but she focused her mind on thest location she remembered outside of the ruins of Lunaris. She thought of the battlements where she stood and conversed with Faith.
And the Salvos clone raised her hand as the world around her distorted. Everything seemed to shift around her. The various heads of the [Greater Amaymon] began to fade. They unleashed their sound magic as they drew closer.
But it was toote.
[Greater Teleportation]!
The Salvos clone was gone. And the wild Primeval Demons heads crushed the empty ground beneath.
--
After escaping from the [Greater Amaymon], the Salvos clone immediately started flying back to where she hadst left Edithe. The same small encampment where they had saved Jaakko and his team.
That was where most of the adventurers gathering around the east of the Netherfied Lands were gathering. They were preparing to build up arge force to tackle this Demon problem together. Unfortunately, the Salvos clone had bad news for them.
Over ten thousand of them and a Primeval Demon too.
Edithe whispered in a grim voice. She raised her head, watching as everyone gathered in the meeting tent lowered their heads. The Salvos clone had recounted her story of what happened, and the situation seemed significantly more dire than they had thought.
Thest time a single Primeval Demon appeared and we ignored it, Nixa was destroyed.
Hadrian spoke up as he swept his gaze over the room. A few heads nodded in agreement, while others turned away in shame. Edithe shook her head as she turned back to the Salvos clone.
But why are they gathering there?
It was the question that was weighing in everyones mind. Unfortunately, the Salvos clone just shrugged in response.
Dont know.
It was not an answer anyone wanted to hear. Edithe herself had been hoping that the Salvos clone could have provided a reasonable exnation. But knowing Salvos, and considering the fact that this was supposed to just be a copy, the redhead the answer before she had even answered the question.
So what do we do?
Edithe asked as she looked at the various adventurers in the room. Most of those who were currently present were independent adventurers. The Valiant Dreamers Company was one of the bigger Thats true
But whos going to be willing to help us?
Perhaps we can get yton Skyshredder!
Edithe pursed her lips as she overheard the various small conversations breaking out across the room. She highly doubted that the Headmaster of Mavos Academy was going to participate in this incursion, even after the controversy that hade from histe participation in joining the United Coalition of the Human Lands.
She had spoken to him only a handful of times. But each time they spoke, she could get a good read of his character. And the redhead was under the strong impression that he was a hard-headed, stubborn man who was a sticker for the rules.
But if not yton Skyshredder, who else could they possibly recruit? Edithe thought of one possible candidate.
She didnt know if he was equivalent to an Elite just yet, but thest time she spoke with him, he had vowed to grow much stronger by the time they next met. And even if he hadnt leveled at all since shest saw him, his abilities and artifacts made him quite the formidable ally.
Edithe nodded slowly to herself as she strode forward.
If we can get the Thief of the Golden Scales
Perhaps the Council of Cremont should get involved
I believe Laux Lionfist would
Edithe heard the various suggestions before offered, and she wanted to scoff. She raised her head, about to tell them about a certain [Hero] who would listen to her
and the ground shook.
At first, it was a slow, gradual tremor that the redhead barely noticed. But it rapidly increased in intensity as she blinked. Edithe staggered back, steadying herself against the table as a violent earthquake shook the world around her.
Whats going on?
The gathered adventurers eximed, stumbling around the room as the shaking continued. A rack of weapons copsed to the ground with metallic ngs, and the only two stools in the room toppled over. Even the tent itself threatened toe crashing down, but it managed to hold steady for a moment longer.
And the shaking stopped. Edithe sighed in relief, leaning against the unsteady table. She pushed herself off as she turned to Hadrian. He scanned the room with round eyes, before meeting her gaze.
Everyone present was in a daze. Even the Salvos clone was confused, looking around in surprise. Hadrian shook his head at Edithe.
I havent felt tremors like that since the start of this mess
He whispered softly. Edithe blinked, before slowly nodding.
Since the ground cracked open, and the sky ruptured.
She knew what he was talking about. When the Netherfied Lands first began to fall apart, before the incursions began. Her eyes narrowed at the implication, and she snapped her gaze up.
Wait, does that mean
And she sprinted past Hadrian. He paused, before giving chase as he called out to her. But the redhead ignored him. She ran straight for the p leading out of the tent as she gritted her teeth.
It cant be right?
But as she burst out of the tent, she came to a sudden halt. Hadrian was a step behind her. It took him a moment to even realized what was going on. His footfall gradually slowed as his eyes went wide.
He stopped right next to her. Edithe didnt even nce his way. Because she was gaping. Her gaze was focused solely on the sky.
She had feared that even more crevices had formed in the Mortal Realm that was why she rushed out of the tent. But what actually happened was something beyond herprehension. Because she didnt even understand what was going on.
The ground didn''t rip open. The sky didnt rupture. Most of the Netherfied Lands remained the same. Except that the entirendscape had been shadowed over by a dark cloud. One that was growingrger by the passing moments as reverse raindrops seemed to fall into the sky.
It flitted up slowly, being collected in the air from ck water. No not water. It was Demons blood.
It gathered above, rising from the ground. And not just that, it seemed to pour through the rupture in the sky as well. And Edithe took in this scene, uprehending. She could only wonder to herself as the Salvos clone and the rest of the encampment took notice of this odd view.
What in the world is going on?
And no one had an answer for her. Because the answer waited in the Netherworld.
Chapter 593: Reconstruction
Chapter 593: Reconstruction
593. Reconstruction
Reconstruction had begun. The Unveiling hade to an end. It was time for the second stage of Regnorexs n to move forward.
I didnt know what any of that meant, but that was what Haec had said, and apparently it was a big deal.
I flew into the sky and watched as the Netherworld shifted all around me. The crevices that had spread as far as I could see began to twist and turn into each other. The earth rumbled, and spouts ofva erupted into the air.
It was like when Revtion had first begun but different. It was a small difference, however it was evidently clear. The magma that spilled out into the earth came from the ground underneath rising to fill the broken earth.
The ravines seemed to unfurl like a blooming flower, giving way to the new ground that ascended from below. It was happening gradually. The tremors continued for what felt like forever as the sky shed above.
I raised my head, watching as white holes ripping through the sky fade and flicker. They cracked with ck lightning. But the lightning bolts never crashed into the ground. I swept my gaze over the changingndscape as thousands of distant figures scattered into the sky and thend in utter disarray.
They were tiny little specks, tens of miles away. I could make out the vague shapes of their bodies because of my enhanced senses. However, to see further, I needed a Skill like [Manifestation of the Old Gods].
But I didnt need it to tell that the distant figures were thrown into a panic.
They were wild Demons or at least, most of them had to be wild Demons. And yet, for the first time ever, I had seen them disy fear. Well, I had sometimes seen wild Demons flee and run when they knew that it was pointless to continue fighting. But I had never seen them in such a state of confusion.
All they did was follow their strongest instinct at the moment. So there was nothing to ever be confused about. And yet, for whatever reason, they didnt know what to do right now.
Some of them took to the skies, while others descended to the shifting ground. A few remained hidden in the crevices, but they were crushed by the moving earth. And as their blood spilled into the earth, a strange sensation washed over me.
I lowered my head with a frown.
What is that feeling?
I ced a hand on my chest as I narrowed my eyes.
I felt uneasy.
Like something was wrong.
It reminded me of when I used to have [A Hunters Sense]. Whenever the Skill warned me that something was amiss whether it was a trap nearby or whether I was being watched. But it wasnt like I was in immediate danger.
Or at least, I didnt think so.
But the sensation refused to fade away. Even as I descended back to Haec, Bertrugil, Taburas, and Aem. The four Archdemons were standing atop a ridge, overlooking the effects of Reconstruction on the world.
So, um, what happens now?
My voice drew their attention back to me. They hadnt even noticed mending right next to them. They were too distracted they looked unsettled. I pursed my lips.
Do you guys feel that too?
We do.
Aem nodded slowly. She ced one of her six hands on her chest.
I was told it would be ufortable, but I never imagined it would be like this
Huh.
I stared at her, then I looked at Taburas who just nodded. Bertrugil seemed less agitated by this strange sensation. He shook his head, before waving a hand dismissively.
You learn to ignore it over time. Its not that big of a deal.
But what is it?
I asked, tilting my head. And it was Haec who answered. He was staring into the horizon his gaze unfocused at something far, far away.
It is the instinct that allows Salvation to ur. The very same instinct that protects newborn Demons from being massacred in an instant by more powerful evolutions.
Slowly, my first everpanion turned to face me. He held my gaze as he exined simply.
It is the desire to return to the ce of your birth.
I blinked a few times, before opening my mouth. I looked past him, wanting to protest I wanted to tell him that I didnt care about any of that. But that was when a memory shed in my mind. I thought of my very first moments of existence.
I remembered when I saw my name for the very first time. When I thought my very first thought. When I first became me.
And my heart ached. I stumbled forward as I bit my lower lip. I looked back up to Haec, and he continued.
Wild Demons those who cannot control their instincts are the most susceptible to this. They scramble for thends they were born in before it is fully reced by a new Netherworld. They seek safety there. They feel protected and at ease as Reconstruction ys out all around them.
Haec brought a hand up, and I blinked as the ck stains covering his body began to peel away. My eyes went wide as the dried smears of blood covering him evaporated into a thin mist that floated into the air.
And it was not just from him either. I looked back as all around me, these little globules of Demons blood floated into the sky. It happened even slower than the shifting of the earth. The movements of the dark liquid were strange and almost unnatural. It was like something in the air was sucking them up, but I couldnt see what.
The world is preparing itself for Advent for Genesis. For those who had perished to be reced. For new life to begin.
Haec spoke slowly as he finished. I stared at him, before looking at the unfurling Netherworld all around us. I managed to work my jaw.
But how does that work? Why does it protect the newborn Demons if we go back to our birthce?
Because Genesis never urs in the same ce.
Taburas exined from behind me. She snorted, crossing her arms together.
Did no one ever teach you this?
Nope!
I replied in an instant. The [Subus] massaged her temples.
Figures.
I looked back up towards the sky as the first vestiges of a dark cloud formed overhead. It was still so small, hovering in the air beneath the flickering white rifts. It was an extraordinary sight it reminded me of a natural magical phenomenon like when the stars would fall from the sky in the Mortal Realm.
But I could not bring myself to look at this scene in awe. Because it reviled me. For whatever reason, I felt repulsed just staring at the ck dot forming in the sky. It was like I was peering into a darkness that wasnt supposed to be there, and I involuntarily took a step back.
I clenched a fist to steel myself, before looking down at myself. I thought of my birthce the time I spent staring at a rock seemed so distant, but the fondness I held for those memories remained. Just the thought alone put me at ease.
It was nice. It was a different time. A simpler time. But was it better than the time I spent with Haec?
Was it better than the time I spent exploring the Mortal Realm?
No, I told myself simply as I raised my head. It is not better than the time I spent with mypanions. Not in the slightest.
I broke myself out of my stupor, before turning back to Haec. He was still distracted. And so were both Aem and Taburas. Bertrugil just stood off to the side, looking slightly unsettled by mostly annoyed by how we were just standing around.
I hate dealing with newbies
He muttered, and I took a step forward. I brought my hands together, pping loudly for all to hear.
Hey! Thats enough daydreaming!
I eximed as Haec, Taburas, and Aem reeled. They blinked and turned towards me as I gestured vaguely around us.
So Reconstruction has begun great. Now what do we do?
Taburas and Aem blinked a few times, looking like they were still struggling to shrug off the unsettling feeling. But Haec calmed himself by looking at me. He nodded slowly as he refused to break away from my gaze.
I do not know. I have never experienced it in my life, but I was told by Oracli that Reconstruction is just as dangerous as the Unveiling.
Thats ridiculous Reconstruction isnt just as dangerous as the Unveiling.
Bertrugil snorted from the side. He gestured at the world around us, before shaking his head.
Reconstruction is clearly far more dangerous than the Unveiling.
I blinked.
Wait, seriously?
I had thought that the start of Revtion was already very dangerous. Well, sure, I thought it wasnt that bad after I had visited the secondyer of the Netherworld and the End of the World. And while I highly doubted that the second half of Revtion was nearly as bad as what I experienced down there, I was still surprised to hear that Reconstruction was more dangerous than the Unveiling.
But why?
I asked Bertrugil, and he wagged a finger at me lecturingly.
Because there is no ce left to hide, and all the Demons in the Netherworld that remain are forced out of the earth to fight against each other. Sure, there are far fewer of them wandering around than during the Unveiling. However, what remains is
My eyes flickered as I realized where he was going with this.
Those that remain are the most dangerous. The strongest survive, and the weak die. Now, we have no other choice but to fight the survivors.
I raised my head, meeting Bertrugils gaze.
We have to fight the strongest.
Exactly.
He nodded simply, and I pursed my lips. That was rming. While the Unveiling wasnt that bad since I mostly fought weak Demons with the asional strong ones here and there, Reconstruction was going to be far more dangerous since there were only strong Demons around now.
Fortunately for us
Bertrugil continued as he took a step forward. He looked up at a group of wild Demons flying overhead, ignoring us entirely.
most of the wild Demons are too focused on returning to their birthces to go out of their way to attack us. They will only do so if we are in their way.
I paused. I opened my mouth as I stared at the [Abraxas].
Thats not that bad
All wild Demons except for a single one.
He spoke simply as the ground shook. It was a subtle shaking, mixed together with the rumbling of Reconstruction, so I didnt even notice it at first. None of the four Archdemons with me noticed it either, too focused on the discussion at hand.
Only a single wild Demon continues to roam the Netherworld, destroying everything it sees. Nevering to settle in its birthce, even during Salvation.
Bertrugil continued, and once again, the ground shook. Or, rather, it seemed to jolt. And that was how I noticed it. I raised my head, looking past Bertrugil as I saw a shadow in the distance. The sense of unease I felt only heightened, and this time it came from [Angelic Premonition].
I stepped past Bertrugil as he finished.
And this wild Demon is the most feared throughout the Netherworld. The most dangerous. The wildest of them all. It is
I pointed past him, interrupting him as I caught sight of the tall dark shadow. I saw it, without needing [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. I didnt even want to use the Skill anyway. I didnt want to risk it.
I just saw its long serpent-like heads. I saw its massive figure. One that I had only seen from another space before.
And I whispered its name.
The Beast.
Yes, thats right.
Bertrugil nodded as Haec, Taburas, and Aem looked at where I pointed. They paled, backing away in fear as the [Abraxas] slowly turned after them.
But how did you oh.
He froze when he saw it. The Demon that Demons feared the most. The highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus. A Demon that predated even my father. There, standing in the horizon with its glowing eyes and many heads was
The Beast.
Chapter 594: The Beast
Chapter 594: The Beast
594. The Beast
I had not lived a long life, but the life I lived had been bountiful of precious memories. From the amber-tinted past when Iid my eyes on the beauty of the Mortal Realm so long ago, to the catharsis of the present when I finally reunited with my firstpanion. While I had lost and I had grieved, with anguished determination, I soared on to a future that was jewel-bright.
Now, a darkness had been appended to my turbulent tale. A blotched sunset that cast its ring shadows over my limpid sight. A terrible scene unfurled before my very eyes one I had only ever seen through the masking cracks in the walls of reality, or experienced through the fiery phantasms of anothers memory.
I wanted to run. I wanted to scream. But I was assailed by the pinprick of petrifying ants. Small, terrible presences that trawled my skin. I felt like I was staring at flowers made of flesh swimming in an ocean that spanned to eternity.
And a swelling silhouette stalked me deep beneath from where I couldnt see. Like a lurking eye that refused to leave, even after ncing over the shoulder. It nibbled at my feet. At first, just a touch. Then all at once, yanking me to the bottom of the sea where it waited for me.
There I saw it. A colossal creature, so bestial andrge, it rose out of the sea. Having ten horns and seven heads. An amalgamation of all the most ferocious beasts of the earth. It was like a leopard and a lion and a bear and
It was the Beast.
Its zing gaze evaporated the ocean around me, and I was brought back to reality. I stood atop a rocky mound, dumbly staring at the behemoth towering over the horizon. The highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus.
Even older than the Devil; even more dangerous than the Demon King and his armies. Each of its seven heads was like that of the dragon, but its body was that of a wolf without fur. It had a single, thin tail that coiled out of its back, three spikes poking off the edge like it was a trident.
It stood as tall as a mountain, dwarfing over the undting hills that were receding back into the earth from Reconstruction. And while it looked like it was lumbering over sluggishly, I could tell that my eyes deceived me. The Beasts size made its speed deceiving.
And I knew we needed to get out of here right now. Even if I couldnt use [Identification] on it not from this distance; not without using [Manifestation of the Old Gods] I knew it was going to kill us if we stood around here like idiots.
I turned to Haec. He was stricken with fear, standing stupidly in ce just like Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem. I quickly poked each and every one of them one after another to break them out of the stupor.
Haec blinked as he turned to me. However, he didnt say a word. All around us, little ck globules slowly rose to the sky. The Netherworld itself was shifting. We had all seen Reconstruction begin, but for whatever reason, the four Archdemons looked like they didnt know what was going on whatever primal fear they felt for the Beast was too overwhelming,
We need to get out of here or were going to die.
I spoke simply, holding Haecs gaze. He stared at me for a moment. His eyes flickered asprehension seized him. He opened his mouth, then caught himself. He nodded slowly.
Right. We need to get moving. Make our way to safety. Hopefully the Beast ignores us. After all, we are not the only ones out here.
He nced up towards the crimson sky. Sure enough, dark specks buzzed about in the distance. Winged Demons. They came in all shapes and sizes Many of them gave the Beast a wide berth, staying as far away from the Primordial Demon like some sort of primal fear was keeping them back.
But others were foolish enough to draw closer. And those that did paid the price for it. I watched as a [Hebomination] flew up to the Beast. The wild Demon screeched, unleashing a brilliant streak of blue mes into the side of one of the serpent-like heads.
A powerful st shot out. A pir that stretched across the sky. I felt the impact of the attack even from here the intensity of the shaking ground, caused by a Primeval Demon.
And yet, it barely fazed the Beast. I watched as a cloud of smoke cleared, revealing an unscathed looming head right before the [Hebomination]. From a distance, I couldnt quite gauge the size of the Beast, but now I couldpare the Primordial Demons size with the Primeval Demons size. What I saw was
A single head of the Beast alone was as long as the [Hebomination] was tall.
Even an [Ancient Centinel]s length couldnt match the length of the Beast. It was almost iprehensible, I took a step back, looking on as the Beast simply snapped its jaw up at the [Hebomination]. And in an instant, there was nothing there.
The [Hebomination] was gone crushed within the maw of the Beast.
I gulped before turning to Haec.
Yep, we definitely dont want to end up like that. Come on, lets get going.
I gestured at Haec to follow. He shook his head at me, before gesturing the other direction.
The Demon Kings Domain is this way. We need to go there. To save those we can.
He exined, and I blinked.
Huh. Alright.
I didnt fly. I wasnt going to spread my wings wide not when there was the slim chance it made me more of a target for the Beast. I wasnt even going to cast [The World of My Mind] to create a reality space.
While my space magic was advanced enough to hide from the corruption, I didnt know whether the Beast had a way to detect it. Like when [The Great Agarus] had suddenly spotted me through [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. Maybe when I was far enough away, I would use [The World of My Mind]. But for now, I walked with Haec and the other three Archdemons.
It took a moment to Taburas and Bertrugil out of their stupor, and it took even longer to get Aem moving. In fact, I decided to just carry Aem at first, but when the Beast was out of sight, she returned to reality, walking once again.
We made our way through the shifting mountains. It provided a perfect cover for us since the ground itself was twisting and turning in ways that I had never seen before. I saw mountains toppling over, and ridges rising from the ground. A constant trembling shook the world, but it was nothing like any tremor I experienced.
I could still see the Beasts heads asionally popping up in the distant horizon, oftentimes fully obscured by the rising and sinking hills around me. It wasnt heading directly towards us, but it wasnt heading directly away from us either.
It was like we were moving perpendicrly away from it. So the Beast just remained in the background blending into the scenery. I wanted to sigh in relief. I was d that the Beast hadnt just ravaged thendscape, killing us all.
But I remembered my brief encounter with [The Great Agarus]. Anything could happen in an instant when it came to Primordial Demons. I wasnt going to rest easy until I was certain I was at least a thousand miles away from the Beast.
The same could be said for Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem, although to varying degrees.
I cant believe we actually encountered the Beast and lived
Taburas shuddered as she tightly hugged herself. Bertrugil shook his head, before ncing at the silhouette of the Beast in the distance.
That wasnt an encounter. And we havent survived just yet.
The [Subus] didnt bother to retort, although she did re back at him. Aem remained silent, not even daring to look in the direction of the Beast. I shook my head, looking back to the front.
And that was when I saw a pair of [Hellwolves] standing before us. Haec came to a halt, noticing them too. I raised my wed hands as they growled at us.
Wild Demons
I started as I readied for battle, but I paused. I watched as the [Hellwolves] raced past us without even slowing to look our way. I blinked a few times as the wild Demons ran.
Huh.
Haec strode past me, shaking his head.
We dont need to be so wary of those we encounter now. Not during Reconstruction.
Right, because of that returning to your birthce thing, right?
I scratched my chin, remembering the conversation we had just before the Beast showed up. Haec nodded simply.
Thats right. So as long as we stay out of their way, any wild Demon we encounter should leave us alone.
Not all of them.
Bertrugil added grimly. Behind him, the Beasts head peeked over a mountain. For a brief moment, I thought it looked our way. My heart jumped in my chest. But the Primordial Demon turned away, continuing on.
Why isnt the Beast affected by Reconstruction?
I wondered aloud. Bertrugil shrugged.
Thats just how it always has been.
But why?
I pestered him. He gestured at Haec, shaking his head.
Dont ask me try asking yourpanion the Heir of the Netherworld himself. Im sure he has some secrets passed onto him by his King.
Regnorex is not my king.
Haec scowled, and I blinked. I stared at my firstpanion for a moment, before he took notice of what I was doing.
Is something wrong, Salvos?
Haec
I took a step towards him as he shifted back, perplexed. Taburas snapped her gaze up, narrowing her eyes at me. But she said nothing. Haec scratched the back of his head.
Yes?
Youre the Heir of the Netherworld? Is that really your Title?!
I gaped at Haec. He scratched his cheek as he murmured softly.
Well I was? But not anymore
And why is that?
A voice cut him off before he could finish. My brows snapped together as [Angelic Premonition] immediately red in my head, and I raised my head. I looked up at the sky as I saw a figure hovering overhead.
A winged Demon with a grin stered on his face. Haec took a step back with round eyes as he whispered.
Oh no
Who is that?
I frowned. And the winged Demonughed as he spread his arms wide as I used [Identification] on him.
[Archfiend- Lvl. 188]
I am Venas. A Deathsquad Hunter. And now, you die.
With that, he pointed at us, unleashing a st of purple mes.
Chapter THE SALVOS PAPERBACK + HARDCOVER KICKSTARTER IS OFFICIALLY OUT! Get a print copy of Salvos!
Chapter THE SALVOS PAPERBACK + HARDCOVER KICKSTARTER IS OFFICIALLY OUT! Get a print copy of Salvos!
A few years ago, in October of 2020, I came up with the idea of a novel about a Demon girl called Salvos. Now, on its third-year anniversary, I am finally releasing a print edition of the novel for the very first time!
Despite its massive sess, I never thought of doing a paperback edition of the novel because I refused to use Amazon''s low quality print on demand books for my novels. But a few months ago, an opportunity came up with Merrick Books, and after a lot of deliberation and work to make ite through, I am very proud to announce the Kickstarter of the Salvos paperback and hardcover is finally /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
If the project is fully funded and all its goals are hit, you will receive a signed high-quality book with custom artworks and even a map of (part of) the world! Seriously, it is a much higher quality book than Amazon''s print on demand, so the rewards are definitely worth it if you''ve been looking to finally have a physical copy of Salvos!
This is one of the most exciting things I''ve done this year. And I''ve done... a lot.
Anyway, here''s a sample of the artwork you''ll find in the book edition!
Pledge now and get the very first physical copies of Salvos! /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
Chapter 595: Deathsquad Hunters
Chapter 595: Deathsquad Hunters
595. Deathsquad Hunters
Here he was.
Venas.
A Primeval Demon.
A Level 188 [Archfiend].
One of the Deathsquad Hunters.
I stared at him as he hovered in the air, under the cracked, crimson sky. Tiny dark droplets floated past him and swirled into the nebulous blotched shape of clouds. The world trembled, and I opened my mouth.
Wait, who are you? Whats a Deathsquad
And Venas unleashed a st of purple mes my way. I blinked, before raising a hand. I conjured up a wall of [The Holy mes]. Our magic shed, before sting out into the sky. I narrowed my eyes as I took a step back, ncing towards the horizon.
The Beast wasnt in view. Which was both relieving and worrying. After all, it meant that we were obscured from its sight, so we were kinda safer? But also, if it somehow noticed us, we wouldnt be able to tell until it was toote.
Haec stepped forward as the explosion began to dissipate.
Hes Venas one of the leaders of the Deathsquad Hunters. If hes here, that means hes not alone. We need to be careful of others. They should all be Primeval Demons too.
Aem gasped, and Taburas gritted her teeth. Bertrugil slumped his shoulders.
Were all going to die here, arent we?
But I just smirked, taking a step forward.
Multiple Primeval Demons, huh? So Im finally going to get some real experience.
I began to conjure a Divine Nebr Scythe as I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide. The smoke cleared, revealing the [Archfiend] floating at the same spot, unscathed. My [Angelic Premonition] continued to re in my head, even when he wasnt attacking me, which was rather odd. But I brushed it off for now as I turned back to Haec.
Keep a look out for the others.
I snapped my fingers, conjuring half a dozen clones in an instant. They appeared all around me as they chuckled, their gold and silver mes flickering with eachugh. Four of them stayed behind, protectively hovering over Haec and hispanions as the remaining two flew up with me.
Ill deal with this guy.
These are clones?
Haec stared at the fiery figures as they surrounded him. It took him a moment to realize what they were he had seen Skills capable of creating apparitions or projections. But to create clones was a rarity. Even amongst the Domain of the Demon King.
He had certainly heard of such Skills before. But the ones he had seen always seemed to create lesser copies of the original. For example, Oracle was capable of creating a thousand clones of himself. But each one of them only amounted to the strength of a Greater Demon.
Meanwhile, the clones that Salvos created were nothing of the like. He heard their softughter. He watched as they danced around him protectively, whispering amongst each other. They were made of gold and silver me they wisped with the recognizable aura of divinity that was so familiar to Haec.
He couldnt see their levels. But if he had to guess, they were only barely weaker than Salvos was. Perhaps 5 to 10 levels lower at most. Haec wasnt sure for certain. But he wasnt the only one who noticed their rtive strength.
Taburas backed away as she gaped at them.
What? So many and so strong how?
Her gaze darted between the four that were standing guard. They just nodded reassuringly as they raised their hands. Haecs eyes flickered as he saw the world around them rippling. Bertrugil frowned.
Space magic youre creating a pocket space?
The [Abraxas] looked towards one of the clones. She just nodded as she whispered back.
Yep!
Haec watched as the world seemed to darken around them. Fractal panels formed in the air, creating the vague shape of a cuboid. The vestiges of a pocket space.
And it was nothing like Haec had ever seen before. Every other pocket space he had seen thus far had been their own little world. But whatever the Salvos clones were creating seemed to meld with the Netherworld, while slowly separating them from their current nar position.
It was odd. Haec felt a strange sensationpel him to run out of the forming pocket space to get back to the Netherworld before it was toote. However, he stopped himself. He raised his head as he stared at Salvos in the distance.
Should we help her?
Aem piped up, pursing her lips. She nced back towards Haec.
Venas is higher-leveled than Salvos. I feel like shell need our help.
Well just slow her down.
Bertrugil scoffed, crossing his arms. He gestured at the closing pocket space.
We should just sit tight, and well be fine and dandy.
Aem ignored him as she focused on Haec.
Salvos is your friend, isnt she? We need to help her.
The former Heir of the Netherworld raised his head. He stared at the fighting in the distance. He saw the shing of iridescent mes with purple mes. Salvos and her two clones seemed to be fighting evenly with Venas.
She barely missed him with her scythe, and she avoided his onught of projectiles. Haec watched this for a moment longer, before turning to Aem.
I want to help her too. But
Haec shook his head.
Something is off Venas shouldnt be alone.
Is that really all youve got?
Venas watched as the silver-haired Demon flew at him with a pair of her ming apparitions. He recognized her immediately he had known who she was from the very moment he started tracking them.
She was Salvos, and she was the Enemy of the Demon King. It was surprising, seeing her getting together with the Heir of the Netherworld.
But that was expected, considering that Haec had abandoned his role. He had betrayed the Kingdom of the Demon King. He had forsaken his Title, abandoning this path to paradise. So it was expected that a traitor like him would ally with the enemy.
Venas had wanted to attack as soon as he saw them. He had been tracking them since Reconstruction began, following his Tablet of Tracking to where a metal cory, not far from where Haec and Salvos had been standing.
And ever since then, he had been tracking them. He had been biding his time. Of course he had. Because
Take this [The Holy mes]!
Salvos screamed as she created her own volley of projectiles. Venas narrowed his eyes. He saw the variety of ming weapons soar through the air, and he conjured up his own.
It was almost like she was copying his Skills. But that wasnt right. Because he was the one who was copying her Skills.
He was a [Trickster Archfiend]. And his Skills allowed him to emte and even copy the abilities of his enemies. So with his [Skill Appraisal], he had been able to choose which one of her Skills he had wanted to copy. He couldnt see her General Skills, her Grand Skills, or her ss Skills. But he saw all of her Subspecies Skills, and he borrowed three of them.
And with his levels over her, Venas was going to defeat her with ease. Or at least, that was what he thought.
He gritted his teeth, watching as their projectiles shed in the air, exploding into a brilliant pulse of energy. Somehow, Salvos was able to match his strength. He didnt know. He didnt understand why he wasnt winning this fight with ease.
Damn you! [Copy Skill: Sacred Hellfire]!
Venas pointed at her, and she narrowed her eyes. She deftly dove out of the way, but her clones were slower. He grinned, watching as one of the ming clones was lit aze with a ck and purple me.
She screamed as she tumbled back, before exploding in the distance. Venas shook his head as he turned to the real Salvos. But she was already flying his way. He cursed as he conjured his own ming scythe, parrying her attack.
The two shed in the air for a moment, before flying back. Salvos bared her teeth at him, and he shook his head, floating in ce.
As expected, from the Enemy of the Demon King.
He nodded approvingly at her. But she just shook her head.
I dont know who that is. Im Salvos.
That you are. You know, normally I would have you killed on the spot. But I am busy with another mission. If you flee now, I will ignore you. I will let you go for now.
Venas warned her as he looked back down at where Haec was standing. A fractal barrier seemed to be forming around the four traitors, but the Deathsquad Hunter didnt care. He could break through it with ease if needed.
He turned back to Salvos.
What do you say?
She shook her head, before a st of gold and silver mes shot at Venas from the side. He saw iting. He dove out of the way in time. The one remaining clone joined Salvos as they nodded at each other.
Sorry, but Im not leaving Haec behind.
Venas closed his eyes.
I see.
And he raised his head.
Good.
After all, this was just the opening act of their confrontation. He wasn''t a fool. He would not have announced his presence before attacking without a n. He had known from the moment he had seen her at the start of Reconstruction that this battle would not be easy. That was why he approached them alone without the rest of his team.
They were making preparations for the real battle to begin for the trap to be sprung, and for all of their targets to be caught stuck in their web, unable to escape when the real hunter arrived.
Venas raised his head, seeing the towering figure in the distance. It hadnt noticed them just yet. But he knew that it would soon take notice. And when the Beast came, it was all going to be over in an instant.
He just had to ensure that his exit strategy was ready for when that happened.
Chapter 596: Demon Dance
Chapter 596: Demon Dance
596. Demon Dance
Colorful ming petals bloomed across the sky. Iridescent sts mixed with violet explosions as a pair of figures shed with each other. A third figure joined them, but it could barely keep up with the first two.
The streaks of projectiles and smears of fire served as the perfect backdrop for dance that was taking ce overhead. Like the choir of an orchestra, each pulse of magic boomed and shook thend.
Venas sure likes showing off, doesnt he?
Torin shook his head as he saw the unfurling scene. He turned to his three otherrades, and they shrugged back at him. Only one of them replied.
Let Venas do his job, and well do ours.
Chorus said as she ced her hands on the ground. The earth began to shift, and symbols began to form on the ground. Next to her, Eros and Keran wove their hands together, and space seemed to warm.
They were the Deathsquad Hunters. They were all some variant of a [Fiend]. Venas himself had been able to pick out his own team for this mission, and he was known for being partial towards those who had undergone [Fiend]-adjacent evolutions.
It was a well-known fact that he was a [Fiend]-supremacist. And he especially never partnered with any Demon who had undergone a monstrous-evolution. Torin himself didnt really understand the pointless discrimination, but he didnt question it either.
To him, it didnt matter who was chosen on this mission. They were all Primeval Demons, and each and every single one of them had a role to y. Even Torin.
He might have looked like he was just carelessly standing off to the side, but he was on lookout. His gaze turned towards a towering figure in the distance. He saw the serpent-like heads. He saw the obsidian body. And he knew what it was.
It was the Beast.
Torin shuddered at the sight alone. He had seen the Beast only once before, and he had seen the destruction it could wreak. The fact that it was even visible in the distance meant that he was not safe. He was still in the danger zone. At any moment, he could die.
He tried to steel himself think about anything else, like how the Beast had fewer heads than thest time he had seen it. After all, his job here was simple.
As a [Grand Puppeteer Fiend], Torin was a master of swaying wild Demons to his will. And while he could not control something like the Beast, he had a vague understanding of how it felt from a single look its way. He could tell where its attentiony. So he knew it wasnt even ncing their way.
However, he could sense its nervousness. Its unease which seemed to turn into anger at anything that even approached it. And that feeling alone made him second guess the n they had in mind.
Are we sure this is a good idea? The Beast cannot be controlled, were going to get ourselves killed.
He turned to hisrades. Eros didnt even raise his head to respond focused purely on casting his spell.
Venas has done this before. While we cannot control the Beast, we can draw its attention. It can be angered, and when that happens, everything around us will be destroyed. Nothing will remain of the Traitor or the Enemy.
Torin narrowed his eyes. He watched as the Warp Point took hold not a single-use teleportation spell that could transport a group, but a true portal. Just like the kind that would lead to the Mortal Realm. Once the Beasts ire was drawn here, they would escape unscathed.
It seemed like a reckless n, but for whatever reason, hisrades were convinced it would work.
Why dont we just deal with them ourselves? Were Primevals, theyre mostly Archdemons. We can take them.
Torin suggested, and Keran snorted in response
Youre only Level 152, you fool. Youre hardly a Primeval Demon. And I am Level 161 the highest amongst us. But not even I could match the Enemy in battle. Well only get in Venas way.
We could deal with the Archdemons.
The Heir of the Netherworld is said to be as strong as a Primeval Demon above your level. You can try and do that get yourself killed.
That made Torin glower, but Keran didnt care. He looked between his threerades before huffing.
Fine. But if the Beast kills us all, then its not my fault.
He crossed his arms as he looked back to the horizon, ignoring the battle that was ying out overhead.
And the duel continued. Venas once again shed with Salvos, copying her magic as they flew through the air. They were dead-even in strength. It amazed him that she was this strong. But
I guess they dont call you the Enemy of the Demon King for nothing!
Heughed as he sent a st of purple mes her way.
Who even calls me that?
She dove to the side, before unleashing her own magic at him. He created a scythe and sheared through the attack.
I told you I am Salvos. I do not care about your stupid king or whatever. I only care about mypanions and my friends.
And it just so happens that your allies are opposed to my King.
Venas shook his head, before his eyes flickered. He saw a ming figure darting at him from the side, and he simply tilted back.
The remaining Salvos clone barely whizzed by his head. She swiped a w for his face, missing. And he grinned, poking her side.
She flew back as she yelped. But it was already toote. Venas raised a finger, pointing at her as she shone.
[Copy Skill: Demons Mark].
The Salvos clone raised her head, eyes growing wide. She wed at herself as a symbol burned brightly on her. And Salvos narrowed her eyes.
Venas watched as the Salvos clone exploded, consumed by a sphere of dark purple mes, before rippling and exploding into a gold and silver cross that extended towards the sky.
Dont you have any Skills of your own?
Salvos rolled her eyes, even as her clone died and she was left alone. Venasughed.
I do, but I will not need them to defeat you. I have already taken down two of your clones. You will be next.
He drifted forward as she waved a hand dismissively.
I have four left, and I can always create more. Honestly, Im not even trying. Im just waiting to see what kind of Grand Skill you have.
A hrious bluff, but a bluff nheless.
Venas smirked at her response. He cast his gaze back down to the ground.
Your other clones cannot aid you, lest they risk the lives of your of your
And his brows snapped together. Salvos cocked her head back at him.
Whats wrong? Did you notice something?
She was hardly masking the smile on her face. Venas frowned as he swept his gaze over thendscape, before turning back to her.
Thats not right I they should be there! Where did they go?
He angrily snapped at the Enemy of the Demon King. She just shrugged in response.
I told you, Im not even trying. I was distracting you, and I was waiting to see if youre actually this weak, or if youre hiding something.
Answer the damn question! [Bindings of Leviathan]!
Venas raised a hand as he pointed at her. Chains shot out of his finger tips, shooting at the silver-haired girl. She easily flew out of the way.
Huh, that was actually kind of dangerous. So thats one of your Skills
She blinked a few times, before shaking her head.
If you really want to know what happened, we realized this was a trap, so
Salvos nodded past a cliff in the distance.
They went to deal with your friends.
And Venas froze. His blood ran cold as he opened his mouth. Only a single word left his mouth.
What?
But before he could process what was going on, Salvos appeared next to him, swinging down with her scythe.
Torin didnt even notice the fighting stop. He didnt hear theck of explosions, nor did he see how the twobatants were talking to each other now. His gaze was focused only on the Beast.
It was still lumbering past in the distance, like a slowly shifting mountain. The sense of unease bearing down on Torins shoulder never vanished. But that was expected when staring at the most dangerous wild Demon of the Netherworld. He shook his head as he turned back to hisrades.
Are we done yet? It doesnt usually take this long to set up a Warp Point, does it?
We should be done. But I dont know what these two idiots are doing.
Chorus scowled as she faced both Eros and Keran. The two [Fiends] shook their hands. It was Eros who spoke first.
Somethings wrong with the ritual
It is like somethings messing with our spatial magic.
Keran added. Chorus made an annoyed retort, and she bickered with the other two for a moment. Torin frowned at the three of them. They didnt notice what he saw. A ripple in space. One that seemed to take hold over the Warp Point. He strode forward, cutting them off.
What are you guys talking about? The portal is already forming look.
The three bickering Primeval Demons paused. They turned to face the Warp Point, and sure enough a portal tore open there. Eros frowned, and Keran tried to work his jaw. Neither one spoke. It was Chorus who just scoffed, taking a step forward.
Finally
But before she could step foot into the portal, a red figure stepped out. Torins eyes widened and he called out.
Wait, Chorus!
However, he was too slow. A powerful fist smashed across her face, sending her flying back. She screamed as she crashed against a nearby hill one that was floating in the air from Reconstruction.
Torins eyes narrowed as he turned back to the looming red figure. The former Heir fo the Netherworld. The Traitor himself.
Haec stood there as he red at the remaining Deathsquad Hunters.
Were not letting you escape.
And with that, four ming figures shot out of the crack in space a moment after.
Chapter 597: Nothing Grand
Chapter 597: Nothing Grand
597. Nothing Grand
Torin watched as space opened up the world unfurled before his very eyes, and a pocket space revealed itself where the Warp Point would have been. Out from the rift stepped a red-skinned Demon. A towering figure that rippled with red muscles stood there, a furious gaze scarred across his face.
It was the Heir of the Netherworld. Or rather, the former Heir of the Netherworld. His name was Haec, and Torin had only ever seen him from afar.
They had never interacted before, but Torin had never liked Haec. The way Haec had so quickly risen up the ranks had always infuriated Torin especially considering how Torins own meteoric rise had been overshadowed. The fact that Torin became a Deathsquad Hunter in such a short amount of time was ignored because Haec had chosen to be the Heir of the Netherworld.
So when Torin heard that Haec had betrayed the Demon King, Torin knew what he wanted to do. He was going to be the one to bring down the former Heir of the Netherworld.
So when Venas was recruiting for other Deathsquad Hunters to track down Haec, Torin immediately volunteered himself. Because now, Torin would be able to prove himself to the Demon King Torin could bring down the Traitor and show just howpetent he truly was.
Unfortunately, Venas had nned a roundabout attack, so there had been nothing for Torin to do. It was a trap that made no sense to attract the Beast which was an incredibly risky maneuver, rather than facing Haec head-on. Certainly, there was the Enemy to look out for. She was a Primeval Demon who was significantly higher-leveled than all the other Deathsquad Hunters barring Venas.
However, Venas was a Level 188 [Archfiend]. He would be able to deal with her easily. Meanwhile, the other four Deathsquad Hunters should have been able to take out the rest of the defectors with ease. The whole trap was pointless. Or so Torin thought.
That was why he was d that it failed. He was d to see Haec emerging from the rift in space right before the Warp Point. Torin ducked low as four ming figures followed out after the former Heir of the Netherworld. They were apparitions clones made of fire. And they immediately unleashed an onught of attacks onto the Deathsquad Hunters.
Chorus was sent flying back by a st of silver and gold mes, while Keran and Eros were hounded back and away from the Warp Point. Thest clone flew straight at Torin, but he saw the attacking. He quickly sidestepped the swiping w before raising a finger.
[Scramble Senses].
There was a sh of purple light dark threads seemed to coil around the clone of the Enemy, before she crashed into the ground in utter confusion. She tried to pick herself up, only to m her head into the floor.
Torin shook his head with a smug smile on his face, before he turned around. He heard the thudding footfalls approaching. He looked up to see Haec standing there, taking abat stance.
So the Traitor has decided to stop running for once. Did you realize that being a coward is fruitless?
The [Grand Puppeteer Fiend] smirked as he slowly circled around the former Heir of the Netherworld. In response, Haec just rubbed a hand on his right wrist.
You are right. I finally decided to stop running to stop being a coward. But I am not a traitor. I did not betray my own people for my selfish goals.
What are you implying?
Torin narrowed his eyes as Haec took a step forward.
I am saying that the Demon King is the real Traitor. He has sacrificed millions of his own people of Demons just like you and I for no real reason other than to further his desires. If you wish to direct your ire towards someone, then direct it towards him.
It was a simple speech. One that made Torin pause for a moment. Then heughed as he shook his head.
I have heard this spiel a thousand times before. The only thing I have heard more often is the screams of you cowards begging for your lives when you have finally been caught for your treachery. Come on now, do you really think thats enough to convince me to aid you?
Torin took a step forward as his right hand shimmered, and the shadows beneath his feet shifted. But Haec didnt seem to take notice of it. He was too distracted by Torins words.
The Lord of Lies tried the same trick on me. He thought that I could see his reason. And I do. The Demon King does not care about us. But why does that even matter? Going against Regnorex will achieve nothing but my own demise.
The Deathsquad Hunter continued with a shrug. He watched as the coiling shadows seemed to draw closer to his target. He crossed his arms, pretending to be none-the-wiser.
Haecs eyes flickered as he finally spoke.
You knew the Lord of Lies?
I wouldnt quite say we were close friends. Acquaintances, perhaps. We encountered each other quite a few times in the wilderness of the Netherworld before I decided that it was foolish to resist joining the Demon King. That path leads only to death.
Torins eyes shed as Haec blinked. And the ground beneath Haecs feet seemed to burst open. Tendrils of shadows shot out into the air as Haec tried to leap back. But he was too slow. The tendrils caught him, holding him in ce as Torinughed.
Seriously? Did you actually fall for that? Youre so weak. I cannot believe that they actually thought someone like you would be fit to be the Heir of the Netherworld!
Torin strode forward as explosions and sts resounded behind him. He nced back once to see Chorus emerging from a pile of rubble, wreathed in a crimson aura as she stared down one of the Enemys clones. Keran and Eros moved gracefully across the battlefield their movements in sync as they sent fractal shards flying in every direction, keeping the other three clones back.
You do not understand, do you? Not all of us blindly worship the Demon King. Some of us simply havemon sense some of us realize that disobeying our orders means certain death.
Torin raised a hand, pointing at Haec. He twisted his wrist as the former Heir of the Netherworld yelped.
Y-you and you dare call me the coward
Haec snarled as his body twisted from the curse. Torin sneered, continuing to crush his enemy with his curses.
Whats wrong? Cant break out? Wheres your little Grand Skills theyve praised so much? I dont see it
Torin waited, but Haec just squirmed where he stood. It was exactly as Torin expected. Haec had no Grand Skills to show. It was all only rumors, made to exaggerate the greatness of the Heir of the Netherworld.
Goodbye, Heir of the Netherworld.
And Torin watched as the darkness overwhelmed the red figure. Heughed maniacally, taking a step back. He knew that this would have been an easy victory
But Torin paused. He blinked as he heard a voice cut through hisughter.
[Dispel Bindings].
What?
He spun around just in time to see a tiny [Abraxas] poking out of the rift in space. Bertrugil one of the other cowards who fled the Demon Kings Domain stood there with a smile on his face.
Torins eyes went wide as the shadows rapidly receded from the red figure. The Deathsquad Hunter snarled, pointing at the rift. But he was too slow. The rift mmed shut as Torin cursed. His gaze darted around his surroundings as space seemed to ripple all around him.
And he heard a distorted voice echoing around the air.
Haec, get up! You can defeat him! I am with you! [I Am Your Sword And Shield]!
That made Torin narrow his eyes. He looked back to the ground, watching as Haec rose to his feet, his body bloodied and bruised. But the former Heir of the Netherworld was still alive.
Torin clicked his tongue.
Annoying I will deal with you first, then I shall kill all your cowardly friends too.
Haec looked down at himself as his wounds began to heal. A pink aura overcame him, giving him power. He clenched his fist, before looking back up to face Torin.
Thank you, Taburas.
He whispered to himself as he strode forward. The pink aura wisping off his body began to coalesce onto his right hand, and he held Torins gaze.
The Deathsquad Hunter smirked, backing up. He was a [Grand Puppeteer Fiend]. That meant he was not quite as durable as others around his level, but he made up for it with his offensive capabilities as well as keen intuition. He, alone, could change the field of battle with the Skills he provided.
He pped his hands together as the shadows coalesced around him.
Come now, do you really think you can defeat me in your current state?
But Haec ignored him. The former Heir of the Netherworld just slowly walked forward as the pink aura wreathing him began to darken.
You wish to see my Grand Skill?
Haec shook his head as he took another step forward. His eyes burned in fury.
Very well, then. I shall show it to you.
And he raised his right fist. Torin narrowed his eyes, before weaving his hands together. The shadows began to form a barrier around the [Grand Puppeteer Fiend] as he cackled.
Let us see what youve got, oh great Heir of the Netherworld!
Haec walked forward. He was only a Level 149 [Fiend]. While his exact Subspecies was unknown to Torin, it didnt matter. There was an entire evolution between the two of them. There was nothing grand about an Archdemon''s Grand Skill. So having a Grand Skill would not change the oue of this fight.
Torin would win with ease. He spread his arms wide as Haecs right arm tensed.
[Shield of Shadows]. Come on, what are you waiting for?
The Deathsquad Hunter raised his barrier with a wild smile on his face. Haec narrowed his eyes.
Show me your Grand Skill
Torin started, and Haec whispered.
[The Right Hand of the Demon King].
And the former Heir of the Netherworld swung out with his bulging fist. Torin blinked, hearing the whispered words.
The right?
All at once, a powerful strike ripped straight through the [Shield of Shadows]. Torins eyes went wide. But it was already toote. The impact struck him a momentter, and he felt like his entire body was being ripped apart.
I
He opened his mouth, only for blood to cough out. Torin stumbled back, before realizing he couldnt even stumble back. He looked down at himself to see that he had no lower body. And the realization settled in.
Torin hadnt just felt like he was ripped in half. He had actually been ripped in half. He tried to work his jaw, but he copsed down onto the ground, his lower body gone, sttered across the floor in a streak of ck blood.
Haec strode up to the fallen Deathsquad Hunter, his shadow looming over Torins vision.
P-please dont kill me
Torin begged. And Haec just shook his head.
And out of all the Demons who said those very same words to you, how many of them have you spared?
Haec waited a moment as Torin just stared. There were no words left to say. The former Heir of the Netherworld closed his eyes, raising a leg.
I thought so.
And Torin saw nothing but darkness.
Chapter 598: Told You
Chapter 598: Told You
598. Told You
Haec took a step back as the corpse went limp. He stared at the [Grand Puppeteer Fiend] lying before him a member of the Deathsquad Hunters. A Level 152 Primeval Demon. Defeated in a single blow. Even Haec was impressed with himself.
But he couldnt have done it alone. He had Taburas to empower him, and Bertrugil to save his life. If Haec had been alone, he would have been trapped in the [Grand Puppeteer Fiend]s snare.
There was a chance Haec would have survived the attack. But with his second Grand Skill still unavable, it was unlikely. So he moved to end the battle quickly. And he did.
Now he swept his gaze around his surroundings. Just because Haec had won his individual battle, didnt mean that this fight was over. There were still the other members of the Deathsquad Hunters here. But they didnt stand a chance against their opponents.
Haec watched as all around him, gold and silver mes shot into the air. The Salvos clones zipped around the battlefield,ughing as they unleashed an onught of attacks upon the remaining Deathsquad Hunters gathered here.
It was four clones against three Deathsquad Hunters. All three of them were Primeval Demons, and they were some of the most dangerous Demons in the Demon Kings Domain. They were up against apparitions projections made of essence and mana. The Deathsquad Hunters should have been winning with ease.
And yet, Haec watched as their attacks were deflected. Their defenses were ripped apart. The Salvos clones almost seemed to toy with the Deathsquad Hunters, giggling as they sted the Primeval Demons apart.
She doesnt even need my help
Haec murmured, before lowering his head as he heard a notification resound in his head.
I will deal with thatter.
He took a step back and watched as a rift re-opened in space. He saw Taburas standing there inside the pocket space, with Bertrugil and Aem hiding in the back. Haec approached them with a reassuring nod.
Dont worry, we will be fine as long as we stay inside.
We already knew that.
Bertrugil rolled his eyes, and Haec entered the pocket space. The rift began to close once again.
Impossible.
Venas watched with wide eyes as hisrades were taken out one after another. He couldnt believe it. Each and every single one of them were Primeval Demons they were the Demon Kings Deathsquad Hunters. Powerful hunters who thrived in the Netherworld.
They werent soldiers. They didnt belong in Regnorexs army. They were given their special designation for a reason. Because they specialized not in fighting, but in killing. Utterly dismantling their targets in every way possible.
But somehow, they were the ones who were being killed off. Even though they up against four Archdemons and a single Primeval Demon, the five Deathsquad Hunters were losing this battle. And it was all because of
Venas turned to the figure wreathed in iridescent mes floating right before him. His eyes narrowed as he faced her.
Her name was Salvos. And she was the Enemy.
She wore a grin on her face as she held a zing scythe to the side.
Your friends need your help, huh? How about you copy my [Salvo of Vanity] and help them out.
Salvos tilted her head, before raising a brow mockingly at him.
Or wait, can you only copy a limited number of Skills? Because thats reallyme. You must be really weak if you cant even copy five of my Skills.
I do not need to copy any more of your Skills to defeat you.
Venas shook his head as he drifted forward. He raised his own scythe made of purple mes, and he growled.
And once you are dead, I will bring the heads of friends back to His Majesty.
Salvos grinned in response.
You can try.
And with that, she raised a wed hand, before unleashing a st of iridescent mes. In response, Venas just clicked his tongue and sent the same plume of magical fire her way. Their attacks shed and exploded in the air, shaking the earth with the sheer force of the impact.
Venas dove down low, going beneath the exploding smoke. He began to conjure up weapons of all shapes and sizes. The salvo trailed after him, burning bright as he spotted a figure moving in the gray cloud. He pointed with a savage grin, and the volley of projectilesunched forward.
Perish by your own Skill!
He cackled wildly, but the smoke cleared to reveal a sickle cutting through the air. It was connected to a chain, and it quickly wove between the shooting projectiles,ncing straight for Venas.
His eyes narrowed, and he deftly swerved out of the way just in time to see Salvos appearing beneath him. She grinned.
I caught you!
She held onto the chain connected to the sickle, before grabbing the sickle itself. Venas watched with wide eyes as she swung the de for his neck. He gritted his teeth and raised his own ming scythe.
You annoying pest!
Venas parried her strike asrge kes of me sparked out from the impact of their sh. He spun around, ducking under a series of follow-up swings from the silver-haired girl. He bided his time, waiting for the right moment to strike, before aiming for her neck with his own de.
Ive got you now!
He swung out with his scythe, but Salvos easily twisted out of the way with augh. He watched as she flew up, and he opened his mouth.
You
But before Venas could give chase, she dove right back down to him,nding a kick to his stomach. It happened so quickly, he couldnt even react. He wasnt able to dodge out of the way. Her foot was nted right in his abdomen, and he coughed out blood.
He was sent flying back, crashing into the shifting ground as dust and debris exploded into the air. Venas groaned as he got back to his feet. A drop of blood streaked down his cheek, before twisting and floating in the air, carried by Reconstruction.
Venas shook his head as he steadied himself, and he caught a glimpse of Salvos hovering high above with a wed hand raised to the fractured sky. A ball of iridescent mes coalesced there, growingrger andrger with each passing moment.
Hey, catch this.
Salvos grinned, before hurling the ming sphere down at him. Venas cursed as he raised his scythe.
Pathetic. [Copy Skill: Radiant sh]!
He sliced the attack in half before it could reach him. The sphere split into two halves that crashed into a mountain in the distance. The st shook the earth as Venas strode forward. He red up at the smirking figure still floating in the air.
Do you think that was enough to defeat me?
He came to a halt right beneath her. She tilted her head.
Honestly? Not really. I just wanted to see what other Skills youve copied from me. And Im really not impressed. I mean, youre not even using the divine versions of my Skills!
Salvos gestured dismissively at him. His brows snapped together. He was Venas a Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters. He was a Level 188 [Archfiend], and she was only Level 165. He couldnt see what her Subspecies was, but it didnt matter. Even if she was a [Hellprincess], he didnt care. Because he was stronger than her.
I grow tired of this battle. I shall not drag it out any longer.
Venas raised a hand to the air, lowering his head. His body seemed to twist and crack as his face elongated. Salvos blinked as his arms grewrger, and back bent forward. He tripled in size, walking forward with four legs. A mask of bones grew over his head, covering his burning gaze as a long mane unfurled across his back.
[Form: Hellmonstrosity].
Um, what?
Salvos stared at him as he growled back at her. He snarled at her, pawing the ground with a massive w.
Did you really think youre the only one I can steal from? No I now bear the strength of a [Hellmonstrosity]! Stronger than a [Hebomination], and faster than a [Hellreaper]! I am more powerful than you can even imagine!
Venasughed as a pair of ming wings spread wide from back. But Salvos didnt look impressed. She just ced a hand on her chin, nodding to herself.
So youre like Levithus, huh? You can transform and grow stronger. Or wait is this even a Grand Skill?
Salvos wondered curiously to herself. And Venas snarled at the name.
I am far more powerful than that Hound!
He beat his wings once, exploding into the sky. Salvos blinked, before diving back. But she couldnt react in time. She was too slow. Venas reached her in an instant, swinging down with his ws.
Ive got you now! [Copy Skill: Radiant
And Salvos just pointed at him.
Sit.
Venas blinked as his body froze. He tried to work his jaw. What? But the thought only echoed in his mind, refusing to leave his mouth. And as he hovered there in the air, Salvos balled her ws into a fist.
Down!
She grinned, punching him in the face. Venas yelped as he crashed back into the ground. Hended in the very same crater from before. He growled as he picked himself back up. He red up at the Enemy as the mask protecting his face was chipped open.
It was a chitin that was stronger than even a [Hellreaper]s armor. And yet, it was cracked from a single punch. It made no sense to Venas. She was not this strong just moments ago. He roared as he unhinged his jaw.
I will incinerate you!
He conjured up the Enemys own Skill against her. A copy of [The Holy mes], creating a fiery sphere that quickly bloated to the size of a small house. In return, Salvos created her own iridescent sphere.
They both hurled their magic at each other as Venas eyes shed. With his current form, not only was his strength and durability enhanced, so was his magical prowess. She could hardly even stand up to his magic just earlier. So now, he should have been able to easily overpower her.
Or so he thought.
Venas watched as the two ming spheres crashed into each other, before exploding into arge pir of mes. They shed with an equal intensity, neither one overpowering each other. His eyes narrowed as he whispered to himself.
...why?
He sprinted forward as Salvos flew back. They moved parallel to each other, and the transformed [Archfiend] unleashed fireball after fireball. But each one was countered by an iridescent sphere of mes.
The Deathsquad Hunter Captain roared as the flurry of explosions erupted across the sky.
This makes no sense!
He conjured a massive fireball its mes roiled and twisted, threatening to explode from its sheer size. It dwarfed the [Archfiend]s transformed body, reaching the size of a small hill. Venas screamed wildly as he unleashed the fiery attack at the Enemy.
I will show you why I was chosen by the Demon King!
The bulky fireball streaked slowly across the sky as Salvos narrowed her eyes. She shook her head, letting out a sigh.
Is that really all youve got?
And she raised a wed finger, before conjuring a gray spear out of her iridescent mes. She hurled it forward and it cut straight through the bulky fireball. The mes exploded outwards, streaking across the sky. And Venas watched as the projectilended right before him, before he snarled.
You missed
But with a sh of light, Salvos appeared next to the spear. She grabbed it with her left hand as she swung forward with her scythe with her right hand. Venas tried to back away, but he was too slow.
Salvos mmed the gray scythe into his side, shattering theyer of chitin protecting him. He roared in pain and swiped at her with his right w. She casually backed out of the way, before thrusting forward with the spear.
Venas reeled as the spear struck his shoulder. He backed away with both the scythe and the spear sticking out of his sides. He reached over to yank them out to use them as his own weapon. But Salvos was faster. She flew forward, grabbing him by the face as his eyes went wide.
How? the thought crossed his mind. Venas could barely even keep up with her movements as she smashed his face against the ground while still still flying forward. He was dragged through the earth, leaving behind a streak of rubble in his wake. She was not this fast just a minute ago!
It was almost like Salvos had somehow grown stronger throughout the battle. Because he had grown stronger himself with his transformation, and they were equal in strength. So she had to have a Skill that was helping her keep up no, exceed him.
Unless The realization began to settle in. She was ying with me this whole time!
Venas stared up at the grinning silver-haired girl as she dragged him across the breaking ground. He couldnt believe it he refused to believe it. She could have defeated him from the very moment he showed up. But she chose to toy with him, just to see what other Skills he had hidden up his sleeve.
But she is only Level 165! It doesnt matter what her Subspecies is, she cannot Venas paused when he looked at the Enemy. And for the first time, he truly saw her. Wreathed in her iridescent mes, with a pair of horns resting on her head like a crown. She was she was
[Lesser God - Lvl. 165]
Impossible, Venas thought as the words shed in his mind. She had been masking her Subspecies this whole time, and now she revealed it to him. She was a Lesser God. At Level 165, she had be a Lesser God.
It was iprehensible. Venas didnt want to believe it. But it was real. It was the truth. He couldnt defeat her because she was a Lesser God.
I He tried to muster out, but Salvos let go of him. He blinked, only to be struck by a powerful kick. She crashed straight into a mountain, leaving behind a crater at the very top. He gritted his teeth.
I will not lose!
Venas roared as he rose back to his feet. He saw the Lesser God zipping straight down at him, and he swiped forward with his ws. But she easily avoided the attack, beforending a ming w into his abdomen.
He wheezed, stumbling back. He opened his mouth.
You are
And Salvosnded three quick ming strikes across his face. The chitin masking him continue to tear off as he was beaten into the ground. She did not let up,nding punch after punch. She took a step back as he flopped over before her.
You really are durable, huh? Well, thats fine. Ill show you exactly how powerful my Skills truly are.
He did not respond. She raised a wed hand. It burned with a wisping ck me, glowing with an iridescent aura. And she struck him across the chest.
[Divine Radiant sh].
Venas whimpered as she broke through his chitin and tore through his hard skin. Salvos leapt back, conjuring up a dozen ming projectiles. A volley of explosions overcame him.
[The Holy mes].
Hey there, burnt and bloodied and broken. Most of his chitin was gone. He could hardly even move. But he was still alive.
And
Salvos walked up to him as he raised his head. Venas groaned, trying to get back to his feet. He inhaled weakly as a sharp pain cut across his chest. And yet, he refused to surrender.
I can still fight
He started, before he burst into mes. His eyes went wide as he saw the gold and gray mes eat away at his body. He tried to roll on the ground to swipe the mes off. But it didnt vanish. It continued to burn him even more.
[Sacred Hellfire].
Salvos shook her head as she knelt before the squirming figure. She smiled, cing her hands cutely on either of her cheeks.
Perfect for someone as durable as you.
Venas opened his mouth, and the [Sacred Hellfire] poured down his lips. He screamed, unable to muster out any words. No matter what he did, the mes refused to be washed away. He burned himself. He ripped apart his own skin. But nothing worked.
Nothing would save him. He justy there as his defenses slowly burned away, and Salvos shook her head.
I told you, didnt I? I wasnt even really trying. I was just waiting to see what Grand Skills you had. But you didnt have any, I guess
Venas blinked. He wanted to protest. But all he could do was watch her walk away with a smile as he burned. Until thest of his chitin was gone.
Until he was dead.
Chapter 599: Great Confrontation
Chapter 599: Great Confrontation
599. Great Confrontation
I drew back from Venas as he slowly burned to death behind me. He was a Level 188 [Archfiend] he should have been stronger than me. But I defeated him with ease.
Perhaps I had been too cocky throughout our duel. Maybe I didnt take him seriously enough, considering his level. Haec had been wary of him because he was supposedly a Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters. I didnt know what that meant, however it made Venas sound incredibly dangerous.
So I had wanted to test him. I wanted to see exactly how strong he was in battle. He was higher-leveled than the [Hebomination] I fought right after leaving the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. It had been an easy fight for me to win at least,pared to what I had to deal with in the secondyer of the Netherworld.
The end of the world was like nothing I had ever seen before. Compared to the army of corruption I had to battle down there, the Demons of Revtion were incredibly weak. Or at least, that was what I thought until I saw [The Great Agarus] and the Beast.
Still, most Primeval Demons I fought no longer posed much of a threat to me. Not with my four Grand Skills, when many of them didnt even have a single Grand Skill. The [Hebomination] I battled did have a Grand Skill of its own, unlike Venas. So even though he was ostensibly stronger than it should have been through sheer levels alone, he ended up being much weaker.
I waited. I really did wait to see what Venas had in store. I gave him plenty of chances to turn the battle around with his own Grand Skill or Grand Skills, if he had multiple. But he disappointed me.
Even though he had copied my Skills, he hardly put up a fight. Even though he had transformed into a [Hellmonstrosity], he was still weaker than me. The only advantage he had over me was his durability, but that would hardly have mattered if I activated [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].
However, I didnt need more than a single Grand Skill to win. I walked away from Venas as he burned to death from my [Sacred Hellfire]. I wasnt going to waste any more time chipping away at his broken chitin. He was going to die soon.
But he didnt perish just yet. And perhaps that was my mistake.
I walked back towards [The World Of My Mind] in the distance, watching as my clones finished off the remaining Deathsquad Hunters. They tried to put up a fight, but they were cut down quickly. I heard their death notifications resounding in my mind, except for
My eyes flickered as I heard a shuffling behind me. I spun around, turning to face Venas who was ovee by my [Sacred Hellfire]. I narrowed my eyes as I saw his zing figure rise from the ground.
Are you seriously still alive?
I spun around and raised my ws warily. But I paused as I stared at his burning face. He no longer wore the body of a [Hellmonstrosity], instead taking the form of his original self. He was an [Archfiend] once more.
But he didnt shed the mes of [Sacred Hellfire]. In fact, without the chitin protecting him, the mes ate away at his skin even faster. The flesh had already melted from his face when he held my gaze. He didnt re, nor did he glower. He looked at me with a face of apathy as he spoke simply.
You are wrong, Enemy of the Demon King.
My name is Salvos
I started, but Venas spoke over me.
I do have a Grand Skill of my own. I simply could not find the right opportunity to deploy it. Generally, I ensure I have a means to escape before it is activated.
Even though the [Archfiend] was literally burning to death, he maintained a calm and collected demeanor. His voice didnt betray a hint of pain. He raised his hand, and I blinked.
What are you talking about?
I asked, and he answered simply enough.
[Devour All of Demonkind].
His voice came out as a whisper, but it still echoed out. Like a susurration that swept across thendscape. I blinked a few times, before I felt a strongpulsion ovee me. One that was simr to the uneasy feeling I felt at the start of Reconstruction.
But instead of leading me back to the ce of my birth, thispulsion seemed to lead me towards Venas himself. I watched as a pir of light shot out from his fingertips, and it drew my attention. I managed to brush off this feeling. However, that wasnt what I was worried about.
I hurriedly nced to the side looking past my confused clones. Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem poked their heads out of [The World Of My Mind], looking around quizzically. But I ignored them, instead looking towards the horizon.
And there I saw it. I felt it. The ground shook. The sky trembled. I heard the chittering in the distance. I saw the dark specks drawing closer.
Thousands of Demons. Tens of thousands of Demons. Hundreds of thousands of Demons. Maybe even millions of Demons.
They all frantically made their way towards me towards the pir of light shooting to the sky. All kinds of Demons. Whether they were Lesser Demons or Greater Demons or Archdemons or Primeval Demons. They were drawn by this beacon summoned by Venas.
And it was not just them.
I looked towards the nearby mountaintops. In between the shifting hills and the floating valleys, a lumbering figure moved. A colossal creature that stood as tall as a mountain. A goliath that ruled the entirety of the Netherworld.
The Beast.
The highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus. It had been minding its own business just moments earlier, heading away from us. But now, i turned its seven heads towards the beacon of light. And it slowly began to move. It trampled over thendscape, each step it took causing the earth itself to quake. I sucked in a deep breath, before looking back towards Venas.
What have you done?!
I asked with a horrified look on my face. The burning [Archfiend] didnt chuckle. He didnt smile in delight. He just nodded at me as he lowered his hand.
Every wild Demon in dozens of miles shall converge on this point. They shall ughter each other, and you will be caught in that destruction.
Why would you even do that?
I took a step forward, shaking my head. But there was no response.
I wish you luck, Enemy of the Demon King
And with that, Venas copsed into a pile of ash, incinerated by my [Sacred Hellfire]. I stared at him at where he used to be. A notification resounded in my mind. Then I turned back towards the approaching hordes of wild Demons. I looked at the Beast, a towering figure even from such a great distance.
One of its seven serpent heads opened its mouth. It unleashed a streak of ck lightning that shed with the destruction of Revtion. I winced, but the attack wasnt aimed at me. I watched as the Beast obliterated thousands of wild Demons in an instant.
And I was spurred to move.
I spread my wings wide as I shouted, turning back to [The World Of My Mind]. My clones were on alert, and the four Archdemons waiting there were looking on in stunned silence. I called out to them as I raised a wed hand.
Get back inside the pocket space! We need to get out of here!
I flew as fast as I could, heading for the sanctuary I created. Haec broke out of his stupor, and he turned towards me. He waved an arm at me, calling out after me.
Salvos
But as his voice left his mouth, it turned into a muffle. At least, to my ears. Because instead, I heard an rm ring in my mind. [Angelic Premonition] warned me just in time.
I dove straight down, swerving out of the way of a sh of purple light. A beam of fiery magic shot past me and streaked into the nearby mountains. I watched as the mountains evaporated, engulfed by a powerful explosion that illuminated the horizon.
The shockwave ripped apart thendscape, and I slowed to a halt. I recognized that st. I knew the source of that attack. I spun around, looking on with wide eyes as another hulking figure emerged from the distance. A giant amongst giants.
A Primordial Demon that nearly killed me.
[The Great Agarus].
Chapter 600: Face-Off
Chapter 600: Face-Off
600. Face-Off
I recognized the colossal creature in the distance in an instant. Of course I would. It had chased me down across a hundred miles and nearly ripped me apart. It was taller than an [Ancient Centinel] was long, and its body was thick bloated and rotund, like it was a walking ind. Tendrils fell from its face by the hundreds, and it carried its weight with four stubby wed legs.
It was [The Great Agarus]. A Level 225 Primordial Demon that wanted to kill me.I should have been stricken with fear the moment I saw it. Even now, it was trying to kill me. A purple beam of light that could destroy mountains barely missed me, and I now floated staring back at its hundreds of beady ck eyes.
But I didnt panic. I remained calm, instead ncing over to [The World Of My Mind] waiting right ahead of me. I could escape into my pocket space slip away from the Netherworld entirely. So I knew I was safe.
And not just that, but [The Great Agarus] was the least of my worries. There was an army of Demons converging on my location too. But more rmingly
I nced up and towards a towering figure in the other direction of [The Great Agarus]. A creature that stood even taller than the Level 225 Primordial Demon. With seven serpent-like heads, and a wolf-like body, it was thergest creature I had ever seen. And it was also the highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus.
It was the Beast.
And it dwarfed [The Great Agarus] in size. The Beast had to have been at least twice as long as the other Primordial Demon was tall. But at their size,paring them didnt even matter. Not for me. I slowly nced between the two giant Demons.
They were bothing here, drawn on by the final act of defiance by the Deathsquad Hunters. They had all been ughtered by me, my clones, and Haec. However, their leader, Venas, had created a beacon that attracted every wild Demon within dozens of miles maybe even hundreds of miles to our location.
Now, there was only one thing left for me to do.
Run
I started as I flew forward, trying to get to the safety of my pocket space. But [The Great Agarus] roared once again and unleashed a second beam of purple light my way. I clicked my tongue as I barely swerved down in time to escape the attack.
This time, I watched with wide eyes as the st barely missed [The World Of My Mind]. Haec had been standing at the entrance of the rift to my pocket space, and he ducked down as the purple beam whizzed by, ripping apart a faraway mountain range.
I sucked in a deep breath as Haec turned to me.
Salvos! We have got to go!
He screamed, and I paused for a moment. I gritted my teeth as I nced back towards [The Great Agarus]. It ignored the swathes of wild Demons gathered around as its gaze was focused on me. It didnt even notice the Beast lumbering in the distance either.
Its gaze was focused solely on me. And I remembered thest time I tried to flee from the Level 225 Primordial Demon by escaping into [The World Of My Mind].
[The Great Agarus] hadpletely destroyed the pocket space.
I wasnt safe. Not even there. If I fled into it now, I would be endangering not just myself, but Haec and his friends too. I pursed my lips as I looked back towards [The Great Agarus].
It opened its mouth again, but this time, I flew up into the sky. Haec called after me, raising a hand.
Salvos, what are you
However, my clones stopped him. They converged around the entrance to [The World Of My Mind], keeping Haec from escaping. They gave him a reassuring nod as he paused. And I continued to fly higher with a smile.
Youre mad at me, arent you? You dont even care about Venas stupid Grand Skill. You just want me dead because I have a Corrupted Title.
I stared at [The Great Agarus] as its eyes shed. It unhinged its jaw wider, and a dark sphere began to coalesce at its mouth. I recognized the attack it was about to unleash. And I shook my head.
But Im just a Primeval Demon. Youre a Primordial Demon. Im not nearly strong enough to take you on yet.
[The Great Agarus] screeched. The dark sphere shot forward as space itself warped around me. I bared my teeth and spread my arms wide.
So why dont you pick on someone your own level, huh? Now you see me, now you dont!
I eximed as I raised a hand, before an iridescent aura covered me. But it wasnt an aura of invulnerability, nor was it divinity. It was a coalescing of fractal petals that obfuscated space itself. It was the corruption.
My [Protection of Corruption].
It gave me an armor that would protect me from most attacks. However, this was the magic of a Primordial Demon. My [Protection of Corruption] couldnt possibly repel it. Which was why that was not the purpose it served.
I recalled how I escaped from [The Great Agarus] nearly a day or so ago. I had used my [Protection of Corruption] to mask my presence. Because the Primordial Demon couldnt see me. It couldnt perceive the corruption.
And that was what I did now to escape.
I watched as the dark sphere flew straight towards me like a vortex. But it moved slow slow enough for me to move out of the way. Normally, it would pull me straight into its center. However, thanks to [Protection of Corruption], I was fine.
I dove straight down, heading back to the sliver of shredded space waiting for me below that was [The World Of My Mind]. Behind me, the dark sphere shot past me, ripping apart the nearbyndscape as it flew straight for
I nced back at the distance past the sea of charging wild Demons being swept up by the vortex straight towards a lumbering figure with seven heads.
I stared at the Beast as it continued to mindlessly walk forward. And a momentter, it stepped right into the path of the dark sphere.
I watched as a powerful explosion sted out right as I entered [The World Of My Mind]. I crashed and rolled on the hard, ss-like surface, before the rift mmed shut behind me. All at once, I watched as a blinding light engulfed the distant horizon. I ced a hand on the ground, and the light dimmed.
The world around us began to darken. Haec rushed to my side as he steadied me, trying to help me to my feet. But I brushed him off.
Give me a moment I need to concentrate.
He blinked, and I twisted my hands on the ground. The world around us brightened for a moment, before shifting. Bertrugil, Taburas, and Aem ran up to my side as well.
Whats going on?
Bertrugil asked with narrowed eyes. Taburas just gasped.
Everything is moving.
She whispered as she swept her gaze over our surroundings. Aem frowned.
This wasnt what happened earlier. Everything just went dark.
Its because Im moving us between the folds of the Netherworld. Watch
I spoke as the Netherworld seemed to spin around us, glowing and dimming at the same time. My pocket space carried us over hundreds of wild Demons, and they never once noticed us. Because we were in our own little enclosed space, even as we traversed the Netherworld.
I learned this from my dad. I wasnt as good as him at doing this, but it was much more efficient than leaving the Netherworld entirely, before returning to a different spot. That was what my clones did earlier to transport Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem to the Deathsquad Hunters.
With that method, it was easier to travel, but it was far more taxing to me since wed be entering the fold between the nes. With this method, I was simply folding the Netherworld itself and moving through it.
I shook my head as I looked up through the tinted ss-like walls of [The World Of My Mind]. I cast my gaze towards the horizon as the exploding vortex began to fade away. And from the crater, emerged ten serpent-like heads.
The heads of the Beast. They had multiplied, and now, they no longer wore the mindless expression they did before. Each face wore a different expression of anger. Its wrath was palpable, even from where I stood.
The Beast swept its gaze over thendscape, before it finally looked towards [The Great Agarus]. The two Primordial Demons faced each other, letting out horrible shrieks.
And I grinned at what I was about to see.
The strongest being in all the Nexeus show me what youve got.
Chapter 601: The Strongest
Chapter 601: The Strongest
601. The Strongest
There they were. Two behemoths of the Netherworld. Colossal creatures that towered over mountains, standing at the pinnacle of power in all the Nexeus.
The first was [The Great Agarus]. It was shaped like an ind rotund, bloated body carried by four legs. It was like a turtle without a shell, except it had a face full of eyes, and a beard of even more tendrils.
It was a wild Primordial Demon that wasnt so wild? I wasnt sure if it was actuallypletely mindless, since it was targeting me out of all the swathes of other possible Demons it could attack. It didnt like me because of my partial corruption. Or at least, that was what I thought.
I didnt actually know why it hated me. I just knew that it wanted me dead, and if not for using all my Grand Skills, I wouldnt have survived my encounters with it.
The second Primordial Demon was the Primordial Demon. It was the highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus even my dad feared it for its immense strength. And my dad was the Devil!
The Beast had the body of a wolf, and the heads of seven serpents. Except after it was struck by a vortex from [The Great Agarus], its heads had multiplied.
And both Primordial Demons were massive. It was like watching a pair of mountains facing off each other. In the valley between them, there were innumerable wild Demons gathered, swarming mindlessly for an invisible beacon. Little did they know that they were going to be ripped apart by the Beast and [The Great Agarus] soon enough.
I narrowed my eyes as [The Great Agarus] foolishly turned away from the Beast, sweeping its gaze over thendscape in search of me.
You shouldnt have done that
I murmured to myself, and Haec approached me from behind. He looked out through the ss-like panels, staring at the Beast as it let out a ferocious roar. But thanks to [The World Of My Mind], the sound was muffled.
Should we even be watching this?
Haec asked apprehensively as I shook my head.
Well be fine. Just sit back and watch.
I gave mypanion a reassuring nod before looking back towards the Beast. One of its mouths opened as colorful embers gathered there, creating an iridescent fireball. My eyes flickered.
Is that divinity?
I wondered aloud. And all at once, the Beast unleashed the zing sphere at [The Great Agarus].
The iridescent fireball was the size of a small hill. It had to have been hundreds of feet wide. But despite its size, the other Primordial Demon hadnt even been expecting the attack. Its gaze had been turned to the side as it scanned the sea of Demons at its feet for me.
[The Great Agarus] only realized something was amiss when the iridescent fireball was about to strike. Its many eyes darted to the side, and it raised its head right in time to be engulfed in a pir of blinding mes.
We had to have been over a dozen miles away from the battlefield, but the st nearly reached us. Even though I was safe in [The World Of My Mind], I reeled back from the explosion. The wild Demons gathered closest to the st evaporated in an instant, and even more that tried to flee the scene were ripped apart from the shockwave. It was so powerful, my pocket space trembled for a brief moment, before the light dissipated.
I looked back up towards where [The Great Agarus] had been standing. Thendscape had been ravaged. Hundreds of thousands of wild Demons were killed in an instant their charred remains littering the ground. Many of them were even incinerated, their ashen remains staining the ground where they had stood. A colossal curtain of smoke rose from the earth, and a shadowed figure moved within.
[The Great Agarus] emerged from a massive crater, ripping through the smoke with a terrible screech. Its tendrils were burning, and a chunk of its back was missing. But it didnt look hurt. It just looked at the Beast in anger.
So theyve both got in one free hit on each other. That even things out I think?
I crossed my arms as I looked back towards the Beast. Even after being struck by the vortex earlier, it waspletely unscathed. It drew forward as it raised its ten heads, roaring back at [The Great Agarus].
The sky crackled with dozens of ck lightning. Each lightning bolt was powerful enough to strike me down if I was in its path. They ripped apart the shiftingndscape of Reconstruction, before shooting out straight at the Level 225 Primordial Demon.
In response, [The Great Agarus] just raised its tendrils. Somehow, it redirected the ck lightning, and the bolts crashed against the rock ground, shredding open an entire canyon before my eyes.
The Beast watched as its ck lightning was easily deflected, and it raised three heads. Each one began to conjure another iridescent fireball. And [The Great Agarus] screech, sprinting forward.
Despite being such a bulky creature, the Level 225 Primordial Demon was incredibly fast. I had seen its speed firsthand when it crossed a hundred miles to reach me in such a short span of time. The ground copsed in its wake, and it reached the Beast a momentter.
But right as [The Great Agarus] was about to swing down with one of its ws, the Beast unleashed its iridescent fireballs. All three of the attacks struck [The Great Agarus] at once. An even more powerful explosion rocked the Netherworld as I stumbled back from the impact.
Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem recoiled, turning away from the st. But Haec stood steadfast, narrowing his eyes at the st. I blinked a few times, expecting to see [The Great Agarus] scorched and dead. But instead, a purple glow cut through the mes.
My eyes went wide, and I gasped.
It created a barrier?
[The Great Agarus] stepped out from the explosion protected by a purple aura. It coalesced around the Primordial Demon like a kind of shell, and it took the brunt of the attack. The Beast snarled when it saw this, striking out with one of its many heads.
But [The Great Agarus] was faster. With a screech, itshed out first, grabbing the serpent-like head of the Beast. I watched with wide eyes as the jaws of [The Great Agarus]tched onto the Beasts neck, overpowering the serpent-like head.
Huh.
I couldnt believe my eyes. And neither could Haec. He stepped forward, looking on as [The Great Agarus] wrestled the serpent-like head to the ground. A second headshed out, but the attack only bounced off the Primordial Demons purple shell.
[The Great Agarus] is winning
Haec whispered softly. We looked on as [The Great Agarus] unmped its jaw from the first head, before looking up. Its mouth glowed with a purple aura, and I knew what wasing next.
A powerful beam of light shot straight out of the Primordial Demons mouth. It struck the Beast head-on. A direct impact thatpletely engulfed the highest-leveled being in all of the Nexeus. I was at a loss for words. It wasnt a direct explosion the beam itself was so massive, it expanded as wide as a mountain and shot out over a hundred miles into the horizon.
In the distance, I saw an explosion erupt from the st. It rose up dozens and dozens of miles, wiping out hundreds of thousands more wild Demons. Maybe even millions were gone, just from the radius of the explosion.
I stared in awe of the Level 225 Primordial Demons might. But a figure approached me from behind. Bertrugil shook his head as he sighed.
[The Great Agarus] isnt winning, you idiots.
Haec and I blinked. We turned around to face the [Abraxas] as he gestured past us. We looked back to the front, watching as the purple beam of light began to fade.
The Beast hasnt even used a single real Skill just yet.
What are you talking about?
Haec frowned, and I squinted. The purple beam dissipated as [The Great Agarus] backed up. And from the smoke, there stood the Beast,pletely unscathed. Its number of heads now multiplied to twelve, and every single one of their eyes zed with anger.
I am saying that the Beast hardly even considers [The Great Agarus] a threat. The moment it does, this battle shall reach its conclusion.
Bertrugil shrugged simply as the Beast roared. It dashed forward, unleashing fireball after fireball at the other Primordial Demon. In response, [The Great Agarus] just stood its ground, tanking the sts with its magical shell.
st after st rocked the Netherworld. But [The Great Agarus] withstood the barrage of attacks, before bracing itself for the Beast. A serpent-like head reached [The Great Agarus], and it once again moved to chomp down on the neck.
But this time, the Beast was prepared. The moment the other Primordial Demon grabbed its serpent-like neck, it brought four other heads together and created abined fireball. The sphere grewrger andrger, before seemingly losing its form and sting out.
A cone of iridescent mes shot forward, sting the back of [The Great Agarus]. The sweeping attack was so overwhelming, it shredded the protective shell apart. [The Great Agarus] screeched in pain and released its grip on the serpent-like head it was chewing on.
The instant [The Great Agarus] let go of the head, the Beast stopped its onught of mes and struck the other Primordial Demon where it was vulnerable. It was a quick flurry of attacks. The Beast first struck from below with the head that had just been released. And a quick instant after, the second and third head struck [The Great Agarus] from the side.
[The Great Agarus] reeled as its shell waspletely ripped off its back. Theyer of protection gone, it was now vulnerable to direct attacks from the Beast. It backed away, but the Beasts many heads were faster. They mped onto [The Great Agarus], keeping it from escaping.
With seven of its heads, the Beast flipped [The Great Agarus] onto the ground. I looked on as the tide of battle quickly shifted, and the biting heads of the Beast ripped apart the hard skin of the Level 225 Primordial Demon.
To its credit, [The Great Agarus] didnt give up, even on the ground. Its tendrils moved as dozens of ck lightning bolts crashed from the sky. But the attempt at a counter attack waspletely pointless. The Beastpletely ignored the dark lightning striking its back, continuing to tear into its opponent.
So youre saying the ck lightning the iridescent mes those arent the Beasts real Skills?
Haec asked,pletely baffled as he watched the Beast rip into [The Great Agarus]. Bertrugil sighed.
I guess they could be considered Skills. But Id consider them Skills in the same way youd consider punching with your enhanced strength a Skill.
Thats
The former Heir of the Netherworld opened his mouth, before catching himself. He was at a loss for words. But I wasnt. I ced a hand on the wall of my pocket space.
Amazing that is why its the strongest, huh?
And [The Great Agarus] screeched as one of its limbs was torn from its body. Ity there, its body almost growing limp as its many eyes began to bleed. For a moment, I thought the battle was over. But then I sensed a surge of magic pouring out.
The Beast itself paused, sensing the same thinging from its enemy. Eight of its heads were already pinning down [The Great Agarus], but the remaining four moved to stop whatever was happening.
However, the Beast was too slow. [The Great Agarus] raised its head as its bleeding eyes focused on the Beast. And one of the thirteen serpent-like heads twisted, spilling a deluge of ck blood. Another bent broken, and another.
Haec blinked a few times, and even Bertrugil was confused.
What is going on?
The [Abraxas] asked as I bit my lower lip. I saw it, even if no one else did the fabric of reality bending before my very eyes.
Space magic. Like nothing I have ever seen before.
And that wasnt a lie. Even the strength of a Corrupted Rift was iparable to what I was witnessing. [The Great Agarus] broke another of the Beasts many heads, slowly rising from the ground. It looked like the Level 225 Primordial Demon could actually have a chance at winning.
But that was a mistake, wasnt it?
I asked, not even looking at Bertrugil. He nodded behind me.
Indeed.
The Beast stumbled back as [The Great Agarus] stood on its three remaining legs. It focused its attack on another head, and I saw space twisting where the serpent-like neck. And that was when the Beast had enough.
A thirteenth head sprouted from the Beast, and it ignored the continued attack from [The Great Agarus]. Even as another of the first twelve heads was snapped, the thirteenth head just rose to the sky.
The crimson dome overhead began to glow bright. I watched as a spell circle took shape there, spreading out a dozen miles wide. [The Great Agarus] ignored this, opening its mouth once again. Another ck hole took shape there as it broke another one of the Beasts few remaining heads.
And I saw the pentagram take shape in the sky. The Beast let out a final roar, and that was when I heard the ring of [Angelic Premonition] in my head. I spun around, cursing to myself as I reached for my pocket space.
Shit
A pir of white light shot down from the sky a secondter. And in an instant, everything in hundreds of miles the mountains, [The Great Agarus], the wild Demons and even my pocket space was engulfed in a fiery explosion.
Chapter 602: Certain Death
Chapter 602: Certain Death
602. Certain Death
It happened so fast. The Beast unleashed an attack that wiped out everything. A blinding light engulfed my vision, and hundreds of miles were incinerated in an explosion in an instant. Thendscape, the swathes of wild Demons, and [The Great Agarus] they were all consumed by the st.
Was it a Grand Skill? Or was it just a regr Skill? Did the Beast even have regr Skills? I didnt know.
All I knew was that I couldnt have reacted in time if not for my [Angelic Premonition]. I thought I had been safe. I thought that since I was hiding in my pocket space, the Beasts attacks couldnt reach me. But I was wrong.
I saw my death sh before my eyes a vision of what was toe if I didnt react right now. The explosion shredded the shiftingndscape of Reconstruction. The floating droplets of Demons blood eddying up to the sky would instantly evapore. And the fractal walls of [The World Of My Mind] would crack, before shattering open as I
I acted quickly, returning to reality. I spun around, cursing as I reached for my pocket space. Haec blinked. Bertrugil looked towards me with wide eyes. Taburas and Aem just stood off to the side,pletely confused as to what was going on.
There was a sh of light behind me, and the ss-like panels of my pocket space began to dim. I moved [The World Of My Mind] away from the Netherworld. But navigating between the folds of space wasnt easy. We didnt instantly appear in the void between the nes.
And that moment where everything was still spinning was when the explosion finally reached us. The white inferno that expanded outwards, covering dozens of miles in a few seconds. But we didnt feel the impact until a moment after, when the pocket space began to shake.
Salvos, this is?
Haec whispered, turning to me with a harrowed look. [The World Of My Mind] trembled as the ss-like walls around us shone with a blinding white light. The quickly dimming walls was instantly brightened, and the ground beneath my feet began to crack.
I knew we shouldnt have even been here!
Bertrugil eximed as he stumbled back.
I knew this would happen
Just let me focus!
I snapped, cutting off the [Abraxas]. I closed my eyes as the vision from my [Angelic Premonition] yed once again in my head. I took in a deep breath, feeling the walls of my pocket space beginning to give in.
Taburas shouted something, and I could hear Aems panicked voice echoing in the distance. But I ignored all that. Just like when I learned how to control my [Manifestation of the Old Gods]. So I could focus on what I needed to do.
I saw the world unveiling around me not as I saw it with my eyes, but as a ne in space. And what I saw was the dimensional fabric of the Netherworld itself tearing open. Not just where [The World Of My Mind] was located, but all around us, holes were ripped open from the sheer force of the Beasts attack.
And I saw my opportunity there. The chance to flee from the st. Instead of trying to force my way through the fabric of the Netherworld with my own magic, I could just navigate through the broken space around me. The same way I had used the grand ritual to summon the Demon King to leave the Mortal Realm.
So that was what I did. Even as [The World Of My Mind] trembled and shook. Even as the Beasts st engulfed everything in hundreds of miles. I calmly navigated my pocket space away from the inferno, traveling out of the holes in space as Haec stared.
Taburas stopped shouting, and Bertrugil looked on with round eyes. Aem was thest to grow silent, pausing only when she realized the blinding light was dimming. The scene of the Netherworld engulfed in the white nket was gone.
I blinked my eyes open, looking at the darkness surrounding us. There was no ck hole, nor were there floating objects hovering in stasis. Since I didnt control where we were going, I didnt escape to where my dads pocket space normally was located. Instead, I appeared in a random spot between the nes where nothing but a ckness was there.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Netherworld]
That was close
I sighed, copsing to the cracked ground. I wiped the non-existent sweat off my brow, before looking around. [The World Of My Mind] was in a terrible state. The entire cube was covered in cracks, practically falling apart.
Haec stood next to me, stunned at what he just witnessed. And both Taburas and Aem were kneeling on the ground, the look of terror on their faces slowly vanishing. Bertrugil shook his head as he looked towards me, before he opened his mouth.
I thought the [Abraxas] was going to admonish me maybe curse me out. But he just gave me a grateful look.
Good job getting us out of there.
He offered a weak smile, and I picked myself back up.
Well, I guess I did get us into that mess in the first ce!
I paused, tilting my head back.
Or maybe I didnt. Venas was after you guys, after all. So I guess I saved you guys.
I beamed to myself as the [Abraxas] rolled his eyes. He drew back, and I turned to Haec. The former Heir of the Netherworld was standing off by himself, still staring at the cracked walls of my pocket space.
Ive never seen such power before
Haec whispered as I walked up next to him.
Even the Demon King isnt nearly that powerful. I that was
He trailed off, and I grinned.
That was amazing, right?
I spoke up as he blinked. He turned to face me, breaking out of his stupor.
Huh?
Haec stared at me, and I nodded eagerly.
That was a battle between Primordial Demons! And not just any Primordial Demons, but the Beast was there! Didnt you know? Its the highest-leveled being in all of the Netherworld!
I I knew that.
He slowly nodded, but he didnt look as excited as me. He chewed his lips, ncing back towards the ss-like walls as though he could still see the figure of the Beast standing there in the darkness.
But that wasnt amazing, Salvos. That was terrifying.
I stared at mypanion as he weakly raised a hand.
Such power such ferocity how is Regnorexs Kingdom still standing? How does the Demon Kings Domain even exist when such monsters roam the Netherworld?
I dunno.
I shrugged, before cing a hand on Haecs shoulder.
But theres no need to be afraid of them! Because look at you
I gestured towards him with a smile. I quickly used [Identification] on him, before shaking my head.
Youre already Level 150! Youre about to evolve into a Primeval Demon, just like me. And after that, the only evolution we have left is to be a Primordial Demon!
Haec stared at me with round eyes as I took a step back, smirking. I gave him a reassuring look as he continued processing my words. He opened his mouth, trying to formte a reply. But it was Taburas who spoke up.
You did you not just see what we saw? How are you excited over that?
She was shaking as she stepped forward. I saw the horror in her eyes, and she ced a hand on her chest.
We nearly died because of you! You told us we were safe! How are you still so so full of yourself after what just happened?
We nearly died, but we didnt.
I corrected Taburas with a smile. She blinked a few times, trying to work her jaw. But she couldnte up with a response to my wless logic. I waved a hand off dismissively.
Look, Haec and I will both be Primordial Demons soon anyway. When that happens, well be just as strong as [The Great Agarus].
And after that, Ill be even stronger than the Beast, I quietly added in my head. But I didnt vocalize that thought. I knew better than to antagonize Taburas even further, especially in her current state.
She stared at me, and so did Haec. It wasnt just the both of them either. Aem finally rose to her feet as she muttered quietly.
She she cant be serious, right?
The [Fiend] turned to Bertrugil for answers. And he just shook his head.
Im pretty sure she isnt.
What?
I scoffed as I crossed my arms.
Do you really think I wont be reaching Level 200 anytime soon? Come on
I started. But a voice cut me off. And it wasnt any of the four Archdemons standing before me who spoke.
Unfortunately, I think youll find the road to a Primordial Demon to be quite difficult, my dear daughter.
My eyes went as I watched a rift open up in the middle of my pocket space. A ck hoof stepped out, and a red face smiled at me. I paused as I saw who it was.
Wait, what are you doing here?
Taburas gasped when she saw who it was, and Haec took a step back as he whispered.
Youre the Devil.
Chapter 603: Something More
Chapter 603: Something More
603. Something More
Haecs eyes grew wide as he saw the red-skinned figure stepping out of the rift. A portal that hadnt been there just moments ago. And the man that now stood there the Demon that wore the sickeningly wicked smile spoke in a mocking tone.
Please, even after what you witnessed, do you truly believe you have what it takes to be a Primordial Demon?
It was a simple question, but it made Haec recoil. After all, the one who asked it was the Devil.
Haec had met him once before. A long time ago. Back when he had just be the Heir of the Netherworld. Back then, he hasntpleted his studies. He had barely been an Archdemon, andhe didnt even know who the Devil was supposed to be.
But now, not only had he learned about the mysterious and danger nature of the Devil, he could sense the terrifying strength of the Devils presence alone. Haec saw the rift closing, and he found his knees growing weak.
His legs trembled. His fingers shook, before he balled his hands into fists to steel himself. Next to him, Taburas took a step back as she whispered.
What is the Devil doing here, Haec?
She asked as she hid behind the former Heir of the Netherworld. He inhaled sharply before he shook his head.
I I dont know.
He wished he knew the answer. He could only watch as the Devil drew closer. He warily raised his fists as he prepared for what was toe. Bertrugil tensed, and Aem just nced around in confusion.
She clearly didnt know who the Devil was, nor could she even begin toprehend his power.
The Devil opened his mouth as he grinned.
I
Dad!
And Salvos eximed, cutting the Devil off. He blinked as she dashed forward, before crashing into him with a hug. He stared at her for a moment, nothinging out of his mouth. Haec looked on too. Just as shocked at this turn of events.
Taburas worked her jaw.
Did she just call him her dad?
Are you deaf?
A snort came from behind. Haec and Taburas turned to face Bertrugil. He gestured past them at the Devil and Salvos.
He called her his daughter too!
I
Taburas trailed off. Haec pursed his lips, before turning back to Salvos she peeled away from the Devil with a smile on her face.
Ive been searching for you! You left me alone, and I couldnt find you because you moved your pocket space! I need to talk to you about something important!
She spoke quickly with extreme familiarity to the Primordial Demon standing there with a surprised look on his face. In response, the Devil just scratched the back of his head.
Well, Im d to see that youre still excited to speak with your old man, my dear daughter. However, I was in the middle of
He started, only to be interrupted by her once again. She grabbed him by his hands and dragged him over to where Haec stood.
Wait, first I need you to meet someone!
Salvos nodded eagerly, and Taburas flinched. The [Subus] backed away, hiding behind Haec. Bertrugil himself tensed, although he didnt shrink and hide. Aem just looked around, still confused.
Haec stared at the Devil who was scowling, standing behind Salvos. She just pped her hands together as she gestured at the former Heir of the Netherworld.
Dad, I want you to meet Haec! Hes my firstpanion! I told you about him, remember?
Both the Devil and Haec held each others gaze for a moment. Haec chewed his lips, not sure what to say. It was the Devil who spoke first, waving a hand off dismissively.
I do recall something about that. And I believe this is not the first we have met
The Devil looked Haec up and down, scrutinizingly. Haec just slowly nodded.
We have met I, uh, believe you were mostly preupied speaking to the Demon King at the time. But you showed us a scene from the Mortal Realm you showed us what Salvos was doing. So I knew that the two of you were acquainted.
Haec shifted back ufortably as he turned to Salvos.
I just didnt know you were her father?
He knew what the word father itself meant, and he vaguely understood the concept of a biological connection between two individuals. It was something Oracli had taught him that was prevalent in the Mortal Realm, but non-existent in the Netherworld.
So Haec was puzzled. How could the Devil be Salvos father when such rtionships didnt exist for Demons? He wanted to question it, but he was too intimidated by the Primordial Demons presence to speak up.
The Devil just sighed.
Indeed, I have adopted Salvos as my own wonderful daughter. But I have to say, she has disappointed me today
He paused, tilting his head back. He looked towards his surroundings at the pocket space surrounded by an infinite darkness.
Well, there arent days in the Netherworld. And there definitely arent days here either. But you get what I mean.
What? What are you talking about? How did I even disappoint you?
Salvos pouted, crossing her arms.
I survived an encounter with the Beast!
The Devil just rolled his eyes as Haec looked on.
First of all no. No you didnt survive an encounter with the Beast. You survived being a few miles away from the Beast. But you definitely didnt encounter it.
Salvos opened her mouth to protest, and he raised a finger, cutting her off.
Secondly, I am disappointed in your arrogance. There is a difference between confidence and foolishness, my daughter. And you crossed that line today.
What are you talking about?
She blinked. He just sighed, taking a step back.
Let me show you.
I watched as Sal began to walk up to the front of my pocket space. He came to a halt right before the cracked ss-like wall, before cing a hand on it. I narrowed my eyes.
What is he doing?
Haec whispered to me, and I shrugged.
I, um, dont know? He does what he wants, usually. But let me ask him.
I took a step forward, opening my mouth to question my father. But he continued his speech as [The World Of My Mind] began to tremble.
Even after witnessing absolute power the pinnacle of our world you refuse to be humbled. You choose to espouse your own greatness. While it is amusing at first, sometimes it can be infuriating. Because I am rooting for you. I wish to believe you can do as you im. But
Sal took in a deep breath as the world around us began to change. The darkness faded away, being reced by a zing white curtain. My eyes went wide, and I pointed at him.
Hey! This is my pocket space! Dont mess with it! Use your own!
Unfortunately, my words fell on deafs ears. The Devil ignored me, continuing to alter my pocket space as he pleased. Haec stumbled back, and Taburas cried out. Bertrugil frowned as Aem just whispered.
Whats going on?
I hes taking us back.
I answered softly. I watched as thest of the darkness vanished, and we emerged into a white canvas. I squinted, covering my eyes for a moment. It was incredibly bright blindingly so. At first, it almost looked like we werending on the sun!
But I heard the notification resound in my head. And I knew that we had simply returned to where we were before we fled. I blinked a few times, lowering my hand. And I saw it.
It was the very samendscape of the Netherworld we had been walking on just an hour ago. It was the very same undting mountain range that had seemed so vast and expansive just moments ago. But now it was different. It was
Burning.
Everything in a hundred miles had been reduced to a burning crater. Like ake of fire. But that wasnt all. The sky itself was cracked riddled with holes that looked just like the rifts of Revtion. All around us was destruction. And it was caused by a single Skill of the Beast.
I heard Haec gasping behind me. Taburas asked a question, and Bertrugil didnt even give a retort in response. He was stunned. So was Aem. No one but the Devil had the strength to speak, seeing the destruction that had been wrought.
Behold!
The Devilughed as he spread his arms wide. In the distance, I saw a lumbering figure moving. The Beast waded through its white mes, ignoring the scorching heat like it was nothing. And I listened to my dad as he continued.
Do you really think you can get to this level of power so soon? No not just this power!
He twisted his hand, and my pocket space shifted. We descended down into the center of the burning crater, and I winced. The heat of the white mes didnt prate the fractal walls of [The World Of My Mind], but I could sense the overwhelming power here. I would be instantly incinerated if I fell into the fire.
The Beast may be the most dangerous of all, but the power of Primordials is beyond yourprehension. Because to us, even death is but a nuisance. Observe.
The Devil gestured at something moving at the bottom of the fiery pit. A melting husky there the corpse of a once colossal creature. Its shell cracked, then shattered open as a tendril shot out into the sky.
And out of the shell, emerged a familiar Demon. Slowly, it dragged itself out of the corpse, its body wet and covered in slime, like a newborn being hatched from an egg. But it wasnt a tiny thing. It was massive. Just as big as I remembered it.
And I stared at the Primordial Demon as it crawled out into theke of fire.
Huh.
[The Great Agarus - Lvl. 225]
It let out a terrible roar as [The World Of My Mind] shook. The Devil just smirked at me, crossing his arms as he showed me this scene.
I told you, Salvos. The path to bing a Primordial Demon is going to be more tumultuous than you thought.
And behind him, [The Great Agarus] walked through theke of fire. It looked up once towards the distant figure of the Beast. But the wild Primordial Demon shook its head and slowly walked in the opposite direction, groaning as it was burned by the white mes.
Sal looked me in my eyes as he finished.
Because to ascend into the final evolution of our kind, you must first be something more.
Chapter 604: Path to Primordial
Chapter 604: Path to Primordial
604. Path to Primordial
Be something more? What does that even mean?
I eximed, but the Devil ignored me. Instead, he turned around, and ceded controls to [The World Of My Mind] back to me. He strode back like he was about to leave. But I stopped him, pointing an using finger his way.
Also what [The Great Agarus] did is not impressive at all! I know of Primeval Demons who cane back from the dead!
I waved a hand off dismissively, before pausing. I thought of a burning city. And I thought of a siege.
I even know an Archdemon who could do it! And I also knew Humans who could do that too! So Im not impressed.
I huffed, looking towards the horizon. [The Great Agarus] was disappearing over the horizon it was fleeing as far as it could from the Beast, refusing to risk dying again. Sal just sighed, shaking his head.
Certainly, there are those who have yet to hit their final evolution who can cheat death with a Grand Skill. But is cheating death once truly such a great feat?
He tilted his head at me. And I frowned.
What do you mean?
Tell me: how often can these Archdemons or Humans escape death? Once a day? Certainly not. Once a week, perhaps? Or, probably, once a month? Maybe even once a year
Sal looked back towards the direction where [The Great Agarus] fled the wild Primordial Demon was gone, no longer visible from where we stood. It had bounded away as fast as it could, and it could move incredibly fast.
The Devil smirked.
Perhaps to a mere Primeval Demon like you, my dear daughter, such feats are impressive. However, to even undergo your final evolution, these so-called Grand Skills of yours will be no different from an ordinary Skill in nature.
Are you saying that every Skill bes a Grand Skill at Level 200?
I blinked a few times. That sounded awesome to me. But Sal shook his head.
In a way, yes. But also no.
I massaged my temples, confused.
I dont get it
But a voice spoke up behind me.
I do.
Haec strode up to me from behind as I turned around. I faced mypanion, and he offered me a reassuring smile. He still hesitated when faced with the Devil, but he didnt back away warily like before.
The Demon King
The former Heir of the Netherworld started, then paused. He deliberately cut himself off and corrected himself.
I mean, Regnorex told me what the requirements were to be a Primordial Demon. It is not as simple as you think, Salvos.
I frowned as I stared at mypanion. The Devil nodded along in the background. I crossed my arms.
And what makes evolving into a Primordial Demon more difficult than any other evolution?
I huffed. Haec pursed his lips.
Because the requirements be so much steeper. It is the reason why Regnorex refused to let any of the Dukes or Duchesses into his Vanguard. Because he only allows those who have the potential to be a Primordial Demon into the ranks of those hundred Primeval Demons.
He exined as he gestured weakly at himself and Taburas.
Even we were excluded from the Vanguard. And I was the Heir of the Netherworld.
I blinked, looking Haec up and down.
But why? You havent exined what you need to do to be a Primordial Demon.
Well, its simple.
Haec sighed as I raised a brow. I didnt know why both mypanion and my dad kept skirting around the topic. But it seemed I was finally going to get an answer as Haec continued.
The reason why evolving into a Primordial Demon is difficult is the evolutionary options given to you are far more limited than even the evolution into a Primeval Demon. And to even be given the option to evolve, you will need to max out all your Grand Skills first.
He held my gaze as he spoke. My eyes went wide, and I opened my mouth.
Wait, that means?
The Devil sighed, speaking over mypanion.
To put it simply: the more Grand Skills you have, my daughter, the harder itll be for you to be a Primordial Demon. Andst I checked, you have quite a handful of Grand Skills.
Huh.
I stared at my dad as he finished. He wore a small smirk on his face. I didnt like it. Usually, it was yful, but this time it seemed condescending. I looked between him and Haec.
Is that true?
I asked softly, and mypanion.
Unfortunately, it is true, Salvos.
But my Grand Skills arent just for my Subspecies!
I tried to protest, gesticting wildly.
One of my Grand Skills is a General Skill, and the others are for my ss! So I only have one Grand Skill that I need to max out and Ive already maxed it out!
I ced a hand on my chest as I spoke. But the Devil just shook his head at me.
It does not matter if its a Grand Skill for your ss, or if its a General Grand Skill. The requirements to evolve into a Primordial Demon require you to max out all your Grand Skills, or for you to have no Grand Skills at all.
What?
I just stared at him in disbelief. I tried to work my jaw, but I couldn''t find the right words to say. This didnt make sense to me if what my dad and Haec were saying was true, that meant that it became harder to evolve because I achieved more feats before I became a Primordial Demon.
I caught myself, wiping the stupid look of my face. I shook a fist at the world.
Thats stupid! Thats so stupid! Youre messing with me, right?
Unfortunately, my daughter, I am being as serious as I will ever be right now.
The Devil took a step back, before gesturing vaguely at me.
If all your Grand Skills are maxed by the time youre Level 190, you could potentially even be given an evolution at that point. Depending on what youve aplished, of course.
He turned around and faced the rest of the Netherworld. Theke of fire expanded around me, and the cracks in the sky began to close. He spread his arms wide as he exined.
Once youve maxed out your Grand Skills, you will find that using them is a lot lessborious than they once were. They will be quite like your ordinary Skills when you were a Lesser Demon the cooldown between each use taking hours and not days, days and not weeks. And once you be a Primordial Demon, your ordinary Skills shall be elevated to be nigh Grand Skills. And with it, even a Level 199 Primeval Demon stands no chance against a Level 190 Primordial Demon.
That doesnt exin anything!
I wanted to tear out my hair, frustrated. Sal just snickered.
[The Great Agarus] once died six times in a single day, and it returned each time because of its Skills. Perhaps if in four more times, it would have eventually permanently sumbed to death. But at that point, killing it bes a mere hindrance, rather than the threat it is to one such as you.
Right, I get that I think. But how does that rte to needing to max out my Grand Skills in level before I evolve?
I asked exasperatedly. He sighed.
You dont get it, do you? Once your ordinary Skills are nearly as powerful as a Grand Skill, then what bes of a Grand Skill? Thats right it is no longer so grand. So it has to reach its max potential before it can be a Grand Skill befitting a Primordial Demon.
Thats
I opened my mouth. What my dad said made sense, but I still found it incredibly annoying. So I voiced my frustrations.
Thats just so dumb! And is that why Haec cant join the Demon Kings Vanguard? Because he has two Grand Skills?
I asked as I turned to mypanion. He nodded at me.
They have no Grand Skills, Salvos. Not a single one of them has a Grand Skill. Only Primeval Demons who have the potential to be a Primordial Demon the fastest are allowed to join the Vanguard.
I frowned for a moment.
Wait, so the hundred Primeval Demons who were going to apany Regnorex to the Mortal Realm were just the ones who could be a Primordial Demon? Are you saying he has even more Primeval Demons in his army?
He has over a thousand in his army, Salvos.
Haec exined simply. He gestured broadly in the direction of the Demon Kings Domain.
He has enough Demons in his army to crush not just all of the Humannds, but all of Secely.
Huh.
I stared at Haec, processing this. So Regnorex was even more dangerous than I thought. And he was definitely more dangerous than anyone in the Humannds could ever imagine. I wondered how I was going to be able to break that news once I returned.
I stood there, taking in all these new pieces of information the fact that it was going to take me forever to be a Primordial Demon because of all my Grand Skills, and the fact that the Demon Kings army was just that terrifying. It was almost too much for me at the same time.
But my dad just smiled at me. He didnt do it reassuringly. Instead, he did it with a mocking look.
Im d you finally understand the gravity of your situation, my dear daughter. I didnt want you running around, making a fool out of yourself, not realizing how out of your depth you are.
Sal took a step back, and a rift opened up behind him. My brows snapped together when I saw this.
Now if youll excuse me
He started, but I immediately reached out to grab him. He blinked, and Haec paused, seeing this. Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem who had been standing off to the side, eavesdropping on the conversation, recoiled at my sudden reaction. But I had stopped the Devil on instinct alone.
Because there was something that still needed to be done.
Wait.
I said simply. Sal opened his mouth and moved back to break away from me, but I spoke over him.
I still need to talk to you about something, Dad.
I held the Devils gaze. My eyes flickered, and tiny kes of corruption wisped off me. He narrowed his eyes as he saw the end of the world in my eyes. The ruins of a once vast kingdom.
His kingdom.
And he knew what I was talking about.
Ah that.
Chapter 605: Father-Daughter Talk
Chapter 605: Father-Daughter Talk
605. Father-Daughter Talk
He had dreaded it. He knew it wasing he knew it would happen when he saw his daughter emerging from the ruins of his fallen kingdom alive and changed. He saw the corruption wisping off her. He could sense the change she had undergone.
It was an unsettling feeling, even to him. He was Sal. Or Samuel. Or whatever. He had gone by many names at this point, but it didnt matter. He was the Devil. And yet, he still found his skin crawling at what he detected from his very own daughter.
She had seen the end of the world. The wall of infinite corruption that was eating away at the Netherworld. No not just the Netherworld, but all of the Nexeus.
It came from below the world. Theyers of the Netherworld that had been sealed off a ce which Sal had once imed as his own.
However, he has been fooled. And now, very little stood between the Nexeus and its destruction. Ashamed of his failures, the former Devil King swore to himself that he would never return to the ruins below.
But she did.
His daughter did.
She ventured into the ruins of his former kingdom she explored it as he could only watch helplessly from above, hoping that she returned safe. And when she emerged, she was different.
Stronger, certainly. But Sal had expected that much out of her. Something had happened down below something to do with the corruption. He didnt question it. He only continued to observe her until he saw the power she now wielded.
The power of the corruption.
And it clicked in his head.
Salvos had been corrupted. Just like
Dad, are you listening to me?
She spoke up, waving a hand in front of the Devil. He blinked a few times as he broke out of his stupor. Slowly, he nodded, letting the usual smile he wore slip back onto his face.
Ah, of course. You want to talk to me. A father-daughter conversation. But
Sal swept his gaze over the small pocket space. Pitiful in size andpositionpared to his own, but rather impressive considering that Salvos was only Level 165 in her Subspecies. The product of a Grand Skill, he surmised.
But it wasnt the ss-like walls that drew his attention. Instead, his eyes flickered as he looked towards the other individuals gathered here in this room.
Four Archdemons that stood awkwardly to the side. Well it was going to be three Archdemons and one Primeval Demon soon, but they would all still be eavesdropping in this conversation. And the Devil wasnt sure if he wasfortable sharing details about his private life to his strangers.
He already found it hard enough knowing that he had to confide with his daughter.
Could we possibly take this conversation elsewhere more private?
Sal asked, turning back to his daughter. But Salvos shook her head.
Nope. I feel like they need to hear this too.
She turned to Haec and held his gaze. He raised a brow in response, and she shook her head.
Not just them. But everyone in the world needs to hear about this.
Aw, but isnt this supposed be a talk between a father and his daughter about his past regrets? Surely you dont want to be privy these strangers about your dads love life too, right?
Sal nodded hopefully at Salvos. But she just cocked her head back at him.
Love life?
She was distracted for a moment, and the Devil smirked. Good, while she isnt paying attention He swept back, ready to make his escape.
And Salvos shook her head.
I dont care about that. What I care about is what youve done.
I
Sal opened his mouth, and she just spoke matter-of-factly.
The world is ending because of you, Dad.
She took a step forward as he paused. To the side, Haec narrowed his eyes, Taburas blinked, and Bertrugil frowned. Aem just looked around, confused.
Uh what?
She asked, and no one answered. Salvos continued to hold her fathers gaze.
I want you to tell me what happened. Tell us all what happened.
And Sal sighed, acquiescing.
fine. But only because its you, my dear daughter.
--
First, my dad and I had to exin the whole situation about the end of the world to Haec and the others. And of course, they didnt take it well at all.
You cant be serious, right?
Taburas stared at me with round eyes. Bertrugil elbowed her from the side.
Is that seriously all you can say after hearing all that? The world is ending! Why the fuck would she lie about that?
I-I I dont know! But this is just
She trailed off, before turning to Haec.
You dont believe this, do you?
Mypanion didnt give an immediate response. His head was lowered, and his gaze darkened. He pondered over my words for a long moment. Finally, he looked up at me and locked my gaze.
Are you sure about this, Salvos?
He asked simply, and I nodded with a shrug.
Yep! I even saw it with my own eyes I went down to the secondyer of the Netherworld, and I fought the end of the world!
I recounted the time I spent in the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. I didnt know how long I was down there for, but I knew it was a long time, even though it felt like only a few weeks or months to me.
Hearing that, Taburas pointed usingly at me.
That makes no sense! You fought the end of the world? I dont believe it! How can you say that with a straight face and expect us to believe you!
Bertrugil looked incredulous too. He didnt return with a quip like he normally did. And while Haec wanted to defend me, it was a bit too much for him to take in all at once. He rubbed his temples, processing everything I had just said. He needed a moment.
But funnily enough, it was Aem who was the first to ept my words at face-value. She crossed her arms as she looked between her fellow Archdemons.
Uh, I dont get it. Why are you all doubting Salvos?
She posed the question to both Taburas and Bertrugil. The [Abraxas] hesitated.
I mean we barely even know her?
He gave a nonmittal answer, and the [Subus] shook her head as she exined.
But more than just that its just ridiculous! If everything about this corruption and the end of the world is true, why should we believe that she could survive something that could kill us all? Something which the Demon King has never mentioned once before!
She gestured exasperatedly at me. I cocked my head back at her.
Um, because Im better than you?
I answered simply, and her brows snapped together. She took a step forward, opening her mouth. But she stopped when Haec caught her by her shoulder.
Thats enough, Taburas.
But Haec
She protested weakly. He shook his head at her, and turned towards me.
Salvos has no reason to lie to me. She is my leader. If she says it is so, I will believe her.
The [Subus] paused, hearing his words. She tried to work her jaw, only for Aem to speak up again.
Youve seen what Salvos did to the Demon King. He considers her his Enemy. And shes the daughter of the Devil!
She gestured towards Sal who was standing next to me, just listening into the conversation. Taburas flinched when the Devil looked back at her. And Aem sighed.
Its not that unreasonable to believe what Salvos is saying here is true.
Thats right.
Sal finally spoke up, taking a step forward. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me towards him. I quickly pushed myself off him, slipping out of his grasps.
Are you saying that my innocent, little daughter is a liar?
Taburas backed away nervously as she tried to work her jaw.
I no! I would never
She sputtered, but stumbled over her words. I rolled my eyes and poked my dads side. He yelped as he turned back to me.
Stop scaring her, Dad.
Youre so mean, my daughter. Youre not letting your dear father have his fun
He pouted cutely which was just weird. I shook my head as I turned back to Taburas.
If you dont believe me, you should at least believe him. Hes the Devil! He wouldnt lie!
I waved at my father, and the four Archdemons stared at Sal. Haec scratched his cheek.
I do believe you, Salvos. But you know, telling us to believe the Devil is not as convincing of an argument as you think it is. He has a a reputation.
He does?
I blinked back at mypanion. Bertrugil pinched the bridge of his nose.
Hes the Devil. Hes a liar, a deceiver, and a trickster.
I wouldnt say Im all of that
Sal spoke up, waving a hand off.
Im certainly a trickster, but Im not a liar or a deceiver. Come on!
Thats besides the point.
I crossed my arms as I turned to my dad.
He can back me up hes been around for longer than the Demon King. So thats why that dumb, stupid Regnorex doesnt know about it. Hes too young or something.
Taburas bit her lower lip as she nced between Sal and I. She looked back to her friends for help, but she couldnt find any there. She had no choice but to finally ept what I was saying was true.
...fine. But even if it was all true, what are we supposed to do about it?
Nothing.
I replied with a smile.
Not right now, at least. Its like you said. Were weak, and we cant stop the end of the world. But
I slowly turned around to face the Devil standing next to me. Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem faced him as well, and he tilted his head hesitantly.
Why is everyone looking at me?
He asked in a small voice. I looked at my dad I saw the way he was still trying to avoid the conversation with his little jokes and yful remarks. But I wasnt having it. I looked into the Devils dead eyes and spoke resolutely.
You can do something about the end of the world. You should do something about the end of the world. After all
I trailed off, leaving the words unsaid. But Sal could see it in my eyes. He knew what I meant to say.
That it was his fault. That it was his responsibility.
And my dad just closed his eyes as he craned his head back.
You met him while you were down there, didnt you?
The Devil took a seat, crossing his legs as he massaged his forehead.
Belphegor.
And I nodded.
I did. And he told me everything.
But Sal rebuked my response.
No
He lowered his head once more, meeting my gaze. His eyes were glinting as he spoke.
Belphegor didnt tell you enough.
Sal gestured at the ss-like ground of my pocket space. He looked at all of us Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, Aem, and I as he waited expectantly.
So gather around, sit down, and allow me to elucidate you about the end of the world.
Chapter 606: How Does the Corruption Work?
Chapter 606: How Does the Corruption Work?
606. How Does the Corruption Work?
I sat with Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem before the Devil himself. His eyes were closed. He soaked in the moment as he regaled his tale his lips moving slowly, his words like a song.
Once, I ruled the Netherworld. I didnt have a single domain my kingdom spanned across all theyers of the Netherworld! Hundreds of millions no, billions looked up to me. They heeded my every word. I was more than just a king, I was a god.
Sal relished in his words. My pocket space began to shift, even against my will, and shadows seemed to crawl across the ss-like walls. The cracks on their surface rippled, taking the vague shape of a vast city expanding throughout [The World Of My Mind].
Haecs eyes flickered, noticing the moving images. Taburas shifted up next to him, and Bertrugil frowned.
The Devil sighed exaggeratedly.
And now, it is all gone. My kingdom is gone. My subjects? Gone. Everything I have ever worked for? Gone
I already knew that!
I interrupted his morose rambling. He blinked, and I raised a wed hand aimed his way as the shadows creeping across the corner of my eye faded away.
You said you were going to tell me the truth about the end of the world! But youre just telling me about things I already knew about!
My dad waved a hand off dismissively, turning to the four Archdemons sitting to the side. He shook his head as he spoke casually.
Im simply giving context to your friends, my dear daughter. My story wont be aspelling without knowing the full extent of my tragedy
Its not a tragedy when you literally trusted a guy called the Trickster. What did you think was going to happen?
I scoffed, crossing my arms at the Devil. He ced a hand on his chest, affronted.
Ill have you know that I was very suspicious of Trico for the first hundred years I knew him!
And you still ended up trusting him!
It wasnt just me! Everyone did! He spent over a thousand years throughout countless cycles of Advent building up our trust!
Well, Belphegor didnt make it sound like he ever trusted Trico at all!
You know what they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty
What does that even mean
Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem nced between my dad and I as we bickered back and forth. It took a while, but Haec finally decided to interject, stopping our argument.
Salvos, I want to hear what the Devil has to say.
I paused, turning to mypanion with a betrayed look. Sal snickered as I scowled, muttering to myself.
Youre supposed to side with me
Even your friends think youre being rude, my daughter. Seriously, do you have no manners? I cant believe this where did I go wrong in raising you?
My dad grinned at me, and I red back at him.
You didnt raise me, and you arent even there most of the time, I mentally quipped back, but bit back the remark.
He tapped a finger on his chin, wondering aloud.
Right so where was I?
You mentioned ruling the Netherworld ruling all of itsyers.
Haec leaned forward curiously, his head cocked to the side. He continued as shook his head.
Ive never heard of theseyers before. Not once has Oracli or Regnorex mentioned such a thing.
Thats because they are as clueless about it as you.
Sal smirked as his gaze scanned the four Archdemons in his audience. He tilted his head back, adding quickly under his breath.
Also because the rest of theyers are mostly gone but thats beside the point!
The creeping shadows returned, and the cracks in my pocket space began to shift once more. The white mes burning outside dimmed as if we were escaping from the Netherworld. But I knew that we hadnt even moved at all.
The Devil sighed as he lowered his head.
I built an empire that should havested an eternity, but it was all destroyed because of the corruption.
Haec furrowed his brows, and Taburas nced at him curiously. He ced a hand on his chin as he slowly turned towards me.
And this corruption you said its causing the end of the world, right?
Yep.
I nodded in response. I ced a hand on my chin, trying to remember what the Kobolds told me a long time ago.
So, um, the corruptiones from these holes in the nes? And they are formed by traveling through them? Or something?
I wasnt actually too sure about all the specific details. And evidently enough, Haec had more questions to press me with. He drew closer, interrogating me as I scratched the back of my head.
Why cant these holes be repaired? How do they cause the corruption? Why does it mean the end of the world?
Because thats
I backed away, before throwing my hands in the air exasperatedly.
I dont know, alright? Ask my Dad!
I finally said as I turned to the Devil. He chuckled, shaking his head at me.
Come on, my dear daughter. I would have thought that at your age, you would rely on your father a little less.
Im like eight years old.
I replied with a snort. I wasnt sure if I was actually eight or not I might have been older, or maybe younger. I didnt really care to keep track of time. All that mattered to me was my levels.
Sal sighed as he faced mypanion. Haec wore a frown, suspiciously looking the Devil up and down. Even though I had already reassured him that my dad could be trusted, there was still some doubt and skepticism present there.
The corruption isnt a thing.
The Devil exined as Haec blinked.
Or rather it is more like the destruction of a thing. A decay in the fabric of our reality that spreads like a deadly virus. When you are corrupted, you dont be something else. You just be less.
His eyes flickered towards me, and he whispered to himself.
Or at least, thats what I thought.
Huh.
I cocked my head, but I didnt say a word. Bertrugil folded his arms across his chest, pondering aloud.
So youre saying that the world is slowly decaying, and its happening because of these tiny holes in space which were causing by moving between the nes?
He looked down at my pocket space with pursed lips.
And not only are we not doing anything about it, but were only exacerbating the problem?
I shrank back as he gave me a sidelong nce. Taburas also looked my way, blinking a few times as the realization settled in. But the Devil sighed, leaning back against the ss-like wall of my pocket space.
The problem already exists. It has existed for a long while. Even if both the Spirit Lord and the Demon King halt their summonings between the nes right now, it makes no difference. The corruption shall continue to spread, and the Nexeus shall copse.
So were supposed to just ept our fate?
Taburas spoke up, staring wide-eyed at the Devil.
Were just supposed to roll over and die? Is no one even trying to put a stop to the end of the world?
Well, poor ole Reggie boy doesnt even know the world is ending, and Soli thats my nickname for the Spirit Lord is trying something. Whether it works out or not? I dont really care.
Sal just shrugged as Haec narrowed his eyes.
And why not? This is your world too, is it not?
It is indeed my world. But I already used up all my care for the end of the world a long time ago.
I watched as the Devils eyes shed with a hint of regret for just a moment. One of the very few times he showed even a hint of seriousness. But it was gone in an instant. And I knew he was going to try and pivot away from this topic usually with a joke or some dumb remark. So I caught him before he could continue.
And what does that even mean? Did you try to stop it and fail?
I pressed him, and he opened his mouth to respond. But I didnt stop there.
Is that why you gave up and left Belphegor alone down there to face the end of the world himself? Because you gave up?
And Sals brows snapped together. He definitely wasnt expecting me to say that. He looked angry for a moment the very same wrath he disyed when I had affected him with [Zealous Call] when I was still studying in Mavos Academy.
The day he nearly killed me.
But he calmed himself quickly. The anger in his eyes vanished, reced with a carefree smile that seemed to hide a lingering sadness.
Did I give up? Perhaps. But it is not as simple as you make it out to be, my dear daughter. For you see, my battle against the corruption started long before the end of the world even began.
He whispered as the shadows in the room faded away. The vague images of his empire expanding behind him on the ss-like walls vanished, and all that remained was the Devil sitting before us.
His eyes fluttered as he spoke softly.
Because everything I built everything I did it was all to save the world from its demise.
But how did you know the world was going to end before it even happened?
I blinked a few times, staring quizzically at my dad. He looked up at me and held my gaze with his ck eyes. His lips twisted into a smile.
Because, my dear daughter, you see it was Trico who warned us of the impending apocalypse.
Um, what?
I paused as the Devil nodded.
It was he who betrayed his own kin he who slew his fellow Worldwalkers and offered us salvation.
Chapter 607: Devilish Diva
Chapter 607: Devilish Diva
607. Devilish Diva
Samuels eyes blinked open. He saw the rifts vanishing from the skies above. He watched as millions of tiny dark globules floated up to the sky, inking the crimson dome overhead. He looked on as the ground shifted as Reconstruction began.
The Netherworld itself trembled, and the white rocks littering the ground seemed to vibrate in ce. Samuel could feel each and every slight vibration of the earth from where hey. It was unsettling. Ufortable. Unbearable. But he didnt move.
He couldnt move. His mouth refused to listen to him, and he failed to stop his fingers from twitching. A pool of dark liquid continued to spread from his back to his feet.
Samuel was bleeding. He was dying. A hole filled his chest as he gasped out a mouthful of blood.
His eyes flickered, and he watched as tiny droplets of his own blood spilled to the sky, floating up and glimmering with a crimson re, before bing one with the clouds.
I
He whispered as his eyes fluttered shut for a moment. And when he opened his eyes once more, he saw it. The sky shook a crack ripped across the sky. There, above the forming clouds, two figures danced.
Samuel could barely make out their shapes from the distance between them. But he knew what they looked like. He had seen them up-close, and that was why he was in his current state. The sky rippled as the dancing figures shed, unleashing a shockwave that shook the dimensional fabric of all the Netherworld.
It was a silent battle. No booming explosions, and no massive craters. It was part of a ball that wove in and out of this world. Their figures seemed to vanish, then returned, only to disappear once more. Each time they reappeared, the sky rippled like it was the surface of a lifebloodke being battered by the falling rain.
When Samuel saw this, he could barely understand what was happening. All he knew was one thing
This was a battle between Worldwalkers, and he was a mere Lesser Demon. He should not have been in their presence, but for whatever reason, here he was. So with a tired sighed, he closed his eyes and resolved himself. If he survived, he was going to be like them.
Samuel was going to be a god.
And the fighting continued.
I know you think me foolish for trusting a man called the Trickster, but you must understand, my dear daughter the situation was far moreplex than that.
Sal leant back as my brows snapped together. I heard his words I listened to what he said. But I was still confused by it. I nced towards Haec, however he looked even more perplexed than I was. Neither mypanion nor his friends even knew what a Worldwalker was, let alone who Trico was supposed to be.
So I was the only one who was even partially informed on what my dad was saying.
Complex how?
I crossed my arms, peering into his dark eyes.
He betrayed you! He was a Worldwalker and theyre the ones who ruined the Nexeus! I dont see how it can be any moreplicated than that.
Well, for one, my dear daughter, what you know of the Worldwalkers from the Kobolds is wrong.
Sal smiled at me as he held my gaze. I blinked.
What?
I asked, and he nodded simply.
The Kobolds have done a better job at remembering the history of our world than any other Species in the Mortal Realm, but the history they have written is very much different from what happened.
He rose to his feet and spun around. He faced the crimson sky above as I exchanged a nce with Haec.
Reality is oftenplex, and those who record history forget that. After all, the Kobolds imed that it was the Worldwalkers who tore the fabric of our world apart that their Dragons were the ones who repelled them to save the Nexeus.
The Devil stared into the distance, letting out a soft sigh. He slowly turned back towards me as I blinked. His eyes were now normal. They no longer bore into me with the weight of an endless void. He had white scleras, and golden irises, just like mine. The only difference was that instead of having vertical slit-like pupils, they were cut horizontally across his eyes.
But the Worldwalkers were no monolith. There is no single, unified cabal of them that exists where theye together every Saturday, hand out some newspapers, brew some coffee, and n out their agenda for theing week.
Um what?
I stared at Sal,pletely thrown off by his analogy. He waved a hand dismissively.
Perhaps there are small groups here and there, but the idea of all these traveling gods banding together from all across the vast multiverseprised of endless realities beyond what you can even begin to imagine thats an incredibly ridiculous notion. Furthermore, it was not even the Dragons alone who rose up against the Worldwalkers as the Kobolds love to im.
They werent?
I narrowed my eyes as I recalled what I learned during my time in the gunds. I had spoken with Xidra an important Kobold [Herbalist] and she had told me that the Old Gods were the ones who had repelled the Worldwalkers from the Nexeus.
However, my dad was saying that this wasnt true. He chuckled as he walked up to me. Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aemlua backed up.
You im me a fool for trusting Trico, but it was not just I. The Dragons, the Fairies, and even the Spirits all trusted him. After all, it was he who gathered us together, warning of the end of days warning us of the corruption.
And as the Devil came to a halt right before me, his eyes glinted with his memories. I saw what he saw all those eons ago.
Samuel jolted awake once again when he saw the sh of light even through his closed eyes. One of the dancing figures was knocked out of the sky, before tumbling down into the ground.
The young [Fiend]s eyes grew wide when he saw the figure crashing just ahead of him, forming a massive crater that shook the earth. A momentter, a second objectnded right at the edge of the basin. It was ashen gray, and it had three prongs jutting out of one edge.
It was a weapon of sorts.
Samuel stared at it for a long moment, confused at what he was looking at, when he heard a voice cough out.
Ouch that hurt. Fucking bitch packs a punch, doesnt she?
Even though he could barely move, he slowly craned his neck to face the source of the voice. An iprehensible figure pulled himself out of the crater, before dusting himself off. He stood on two legs, and he bore two arms, no different from an average [Fiend].
But what differentiated him from any Demon Samuel had ever seen was theposition of hiss skin. It was almost as if he was made of an expansive dark canvas one that was speckled with tiny stars, little worlds, and clouds of colorful gas. But with each movement he made, it was like the image being reflected from his body shifted, showing something else.
He looked up with no face just more stars as he searched for the fallen weapon.
Now where did I put
But he couldnt finish. He was interrupted a momentter. The second figure that had been hovering high above shot straight down towards him. A winged figure grabbed him by his faceless face, mming him onto the ground again. But this time, a second crater didnt open up. Instead, the world itself cracked a fracture formed in space as Samuel looked on at this battle between Worldwalkers.
Gathered you all together?
I narrowed my eyes at my dad. He nodded slowly as he ced a hand on his chest.
All of us immortals, yes. Whether it be Dragons or Demons. It mattered not to Trico. We became his army, and we fought under his banner.
My brows furrowed as I remembered the mural I saw down at the Remnants of the First Demon Kingdom. I remembered seeing an army of Demons with their weapons raised to the sky, bowing and kneeling, led by the Devil. And above them, the Worldwalkers looked down upon them from the skies.
But I thought you worshipped the Worldwalkers? Or did you only worship Trico?
Worship them? Ha, good one.
Sal shook his head as heughed.
No, my dear daughter. We did not worship the Worldwalkers. Far from it, actually.
He grinned, spreading his arms wide.
We went to war with them.
Fuck, shit, fuck
The first Worldwalker cursed as he was held into the air by his opponent. His face was cracked, and he couldnt break out from her grasps. She raised a finger and aimed for his head.
Trico the Trickster.
Samuel heard the tinny voice as it echoed all around him. He could barely make out the figure of the second Worldwalker. All he saw was that she had a single feathered wing onyx ck, and like it was made of stone. She had many eyes, and a metal mask covering the lower half of her face. Her skin was light gray, and she had four arms.
I have had enough of your pranks. I am not letting you mess with my vacation ns ever again.
Come on, Via! You cant be serious, right? Who even goes to Peridose C89 anyway? Its a shithole universe! You shoulde with me to Elisium instead. Itll be much more fun!
Vias many eyes narrowed, and her grip on Tricos neck tightened. He squirmed as he tried to break free. But she was too strong.
And be killed by Solium? You do realize he has gone insane? We are not True Gods even the creator of a lesser universe can kill us both with the snap of a finger.
But thats the fun part urk, youre squeezing too tight!
Trico tried tough, but he could only choke as the second Worldwalker refused to let go. She stepped forward and raised him higher as she spoke.
If you wish to get yourself killed, then I can grant your wish.
A glinting appeared at the tip of Vias finger, and his eyes went wide. He thrashed in her grip, raising both of his hands in surrender.
Wait, wait, wait! You cant be serious, right? You do realize Ill die die if you kill me here, right?
That is the point, correct.
Via nodded as the iridescent glow of the powerful aura coalescing at her fingertips shone brighter. Trico cursed as he waved his hands in the air.
I yield! I yield! I
And he paused when he caught sight of a figure lying just ahead. At the very top of the cratery Samuel. This entire time, even as both Worldwalkers conversed, he had been watching listening in disbelief.
The young [Fiend] never imagined he would ever have seen a Worldwalker up close, let alone hear their conversation. But now, he had. And even more than that, he had drawn the attention of one of them.
Trico stopped squirming as he held Samuels gaze. Slowly, the Worldwalker nodded, speaking without a mouth.
Hey.
A voice echoed in Samuels mind. Via didnt seem to notice it. It wasmunicated directly to the young [Fiend]. He blinked a few times as he raised his head.
W-what? he could barely even muster up the thought.
And the stars on Tricos body sparkled as he asked Samuel a simple question.
Ever wondered what its like to kill a Worldwalker?
Chapter 608: Worldwalker
Chapter 608: Worldwalker
608. Worldwalker
Samuel could hardlyprehend Tricos words. Even though the voice echoed in his head, waiting expectantly for his response, he couldnt understand it in the slightest. He was being asked to kill a Worldwalker?
No, no, no.
Trico continued, reading the Lesser Demons thoughts. Samuel jerked back in surprise.
Thats not what I was asking I was asking if you ever wondered what its like to kill a Worldwalker.
He stared at the empty space that was Tricos face. Even as Via held the other Worldwalker up, slowly crushing his neck, there was no change in that expansive darkness. Like a deep void, it drew Samuel in.
Weakly, he nodded where hey.
Of course you do! Seeing us Worldwalkerse and go, flying across the sky and doing whatever we want must get irritating, right? So do me a favor, will you?
Trico spoke without a hint of pain in his voice, even as his skin started to crack. A tear ripped its way through his body, starting from his neck where Via was strangling him. While her mouth was covered, it was evident from the way her many eyes thinned that she was grinning, enjoying crushing the other Worldwalker.
Samuel tilted his head, waiting for his next directives. And it came with a surge of strength.
S t a n d.
It was like the dying Lesser Demon was suddenly healed. His wounds still remained, but he waspelled to move. He rose to his feet, empowered by the simple word.
Trico continued.
P i c k u p t h e w e a p o n.
Samuels gaze snapped to the weapon poking out of the ground. He marched up to it slowly, engulfed in an agonizing pain. The hole in his chest only worsened, opening up and spilling more blood. He grimaced, but he bit back the pain, doing as he was told.
He picked up the three-pronged spear, holding onto it with both his hands. It almost seemed to burn him reject him. But for whatever reason, after a moment, it epted his grasps. Trico nodded approvingly, even as the cracks continued to spread across his body.
Good good
The Worldwalker turned his head to Via as sheughed. Her grip only tightened.
Whats wrong, Trickster? Are you out of quips? Not going to make another joke? Or are you actually terrified, knowing that youre going to die here!
She snarled at him as he continued to squirm. But he didnt look at her. His gaze was focused only on Samuel.
The Lesser Demon took a step forward, then another, and another. He trudged down the crater on wobbly feet, nearly tripping on his own legs. Somehow, he managed to remain upright, even as he stumbled up to the two Worldwalkers. He approached Via from behind as she unknowingly continued to strangle her opponent.
Trico was close to death, Samuel ascertained. It was almost like the Worldwalkers entire body was going to burst open. He kicked his legs at her, each strike to her abdomen sending ripples in space. But she didnt budge. She continued tough sadistically.
And he finally responded to her question.
Well, I dont have anything left to say, except for one thing
He spoke to her his voice no longer just echoing in Samuels mind. Trico held the other Worldwalkers gaze as he nodded simply.
K I L L H E R!
And Samuel lunged forward as Vias many eyes blinked.
What?
She spun around, dropping Trico in surprise as her eyes narrowed. She should have been able to catch the Lesser Demon. Even with the element of surprise, he should not have been able to reach her before she could react.
But somehow, Samuel was ovee by an invisible force. He moved faster than he could ever imagine moving. Like time itself slowed around him, and he thrust the weapon into her chest. He put everything he could into the attack.
And Samuel paused.
He stopped moving. But it wasnt out of surprise. Well, he was certainly caught off-guard. However, the reason why he stopped his attack was because of the simple fact that his attack was stopped. Not out of any defensive barrier Via had erected. Rather, she just stood there, staring at the Lesser Demon as the weapon was pressed against her chest.
It didnt prate her skin. It didnt draw blood. Even though Samuel was empowered by the words of a Worldwalker even though he used a weapon that was more powerful than anything he had ever seen before he failed to even hurt Via.
She stared at him for a moment, her many eyes focused on him in bewilderment. Hidden beneath the metal mask on her face, her mouth moved, and she asked a question.
Why are you helping urk!
Via sank into the three prongs of the weapon, her many eyes rolling back. Samuels eyes widened at the sudden movement. At first, he thought she had impaled herself for no reason. But he realized what happened a momentter as a shadowed figure leapt off her back.
Trico had tackled the other Worldwalker from behind, pushing her into his weapon.
A pulse shot out from Vias body like a shockwave, but glowing gold. It didnt knock Samuel back, but it caused the Netherworld to tremble. Even the clouds in the sky shifted for just a moment, before the light vanished.
It happened so suddenly, it took Samuel a full moment to process. He stumbled back, barely able to hold up the three-pronged spear. He lost his grip and dropped the weapon, letting Vias lifeless body slump over at the bottom of the crater.
She was dead. Just like that, a Worldwalker was gone.
Samuel copsed to the ground before her, his breath caught in his throat. He stared at her corpse, before raising a shaking finger. He pointed as he whispered, still bleeding from his chest.
W-what did I just do?
He could barely get the words out of his mouth. And a shadow loomed over him. Trico walked past Vias corpse, shaking his head.
You, my good friend, just slew a Worldwalker.
He looked down at her body, before turning back to the Lesser Demon.
And unfortunately, you arent going to be rewarded for this massive aplishment. No level ups, no Title. All youre brought upon yourself is
Trico tilted his head back as Samuel looked on.
Well, all youve brought upon yourself is a lot of trouble.
Trouble?
I frowned as the vision came to an end. It was my dads memories. But I had experienced it lived through it like I was going through the event myself. I didnt know how he did it. As far as I knew, he wasnt one for illusion magic or the like.
What do you mean by trouble?
I continued as I leant forward. Behind me, Haec exchanged a nce with his friends. The four Archdemons seemed to be utterly confused which was expected. They had only just learned what a Worldwalker was a few minutes ago.
Sal nodded at me as he crossed his arms.
Trouble is trouble. Cmon, my daughter, do you not know what trouble means?
I know what trouble means!
I protested as I scowled.
I just dont know what it means in this context.
Well, frankly-speaking, but Worldwalkers tend to get a little bit unhappy when you kill one of their own. So they tend to retaliate.
The Devils eyes glinted as he spoke. I blinked a few times.
Wait, I thought you said there was no cabal of Worldwalkers? Why do they care?
There isnt a single, unified cabal of them, as I said. However, do you not have any loyalty to your own kind? When you hear one of your own is hurt by another, would you not be upset about it?
Um, not really?
I scratched my cheek, and my dad sighed.
Well, youre a bad example. But yourpanion over there understands, doesnt he?
Haec cocked his head as I turned to face him. He slowly nodded, looking back towards the Devil.
I do, I think.
Exactly.
Sal grinned as he snapped his fingers. He strode back away from us, facing the crimson sky.
Of course, they werent going to outright reduce our world to dust. They cant just do that other Worldwalkers would stop them. Or even the Arcaem Itself would intervene.
My eyes flickered when he mentioned that name. I had heard it before. Belphegor had mentioned it too. I wanted to question my dad about it, but he continued.
So we readied ourselves. I raised an army, and Trico traversed to the other nes. He prepared us for war. He was our leader, even though he was a Worldwalker. He told us that he would help save us from our worlds demise.
I narrowed my eyes, raising a hand.
Belphegor told me the Worldwalkers simply left the Nexeus before the corruption even arrived. He never mentioned anything about a war.
Because Belphegor didnt know anything about the war.
Sal replied simply. He lowered his gaze, and a shadow was cast over his face.
I lied to Belphegor. And it was not just him. I lied to everyone in my kingdom. I told them I sought to create a better world for their future. Perhaps, in a sense, I was telling the truth. But they knew nothing about Trico. Nothing until it was toote.
I furrowed my brows, still confused. I was trying to piece together what that meant. But I didnt get it.
What do you mean by that? That makes no sense! Werent you preparing for a war? How could Belphegor miss the fact that you fought off the Worldwalkers from the Nexeus?
I pointed at my dad, and he raised his head. Heughed wildly as I stared at him with a frown.
Because, you see, my dear daughter, we did prepare ourselves for war. But no Worldwalkers ever showed up to the Nexeus ever again.
He spread his arms wide, shaking his head.
The battle between the gods of our world the highest-leveled amongst the nes against those who could traverse the multiverse it never happened. And it was all thanks to Trico.
Chapter 609: True Purpose
Chapter 609: True Purpose
609. True Purpose
Samuel had done it. It had all gone ording to n. It took many eons, but he had finally aplished what he had set out toplete to build an army that would even make the Worldwalkers tremble.
He had be a King. And not just any King, he had be the Devil King. Because he had be a Lesser God.
And with his strength and influence, he had traversed to the deepest depths of the Netherworld. He expanded his kingdom down to the seventhyer, where only the most dangerous of Demons lurked.
It was all that he had nned. He had carried out his role perfectly. When he stood there, in the middle of that massive crater, scheming with Trico, he had thought that something would go awry from the very beginning.
He expected to fail he thought he would have died over the course of the perilous path ahead of him back then. But he didnt. He seeded, and he built a nation that was never seen before in the history of the Netherworld.
In tandem with this, Trico the Trickster scoured the rest of the Nexeus, moving between the nes to speak with the other gods of this world. He prepared an army a coalition that would have been unprecedented. Abined force that should have been powerful enough to repel the impending invasion of Worldwalkers.
Of course, it was all done in secret. News couldnt break out of this uing war, because the panic and chaos it would sow would have only been a detriment to the cause. Many of those who heard of it would have med Samuel or even Trico for this mess too. So only a few individuals were even made aware of it.
And the Devil King himself had kept his mouth shut, harboring this secret with himself, lying to his closest aids. Even those he loved. But it was all for good reason. It was all to protect the Nexeus. Or so he thought. Instead, it turned out he was wrong. It was all for naught.
Because when Trico showed up once again, he could only shake his head and sigh.
Theyre gone.
Theyre gone? Whos gone?
I asked, narrowing my eyes as the vision ended. Once again, my dad showed me a distant memory from his past. Even though it was so long ago, it was not shown through a hazy lens it was crystal-clear. Like I was looking through a ss window. It was as though the memory happened yesterday.
But it had to have been tens of thousands of years before even Regnorex was born. I pursed my lips, and the Devil sighed.
You know who, my daughter.
He spread his arms wide, and I saw it. A vision of the Nexeus long ago. My mind shed with the memories of the Netherworld before it was what it was right now.
I saw rifts open in space portals that appeared in the rippling sky like raindrops falling onto the still surface of ake. Indescribable beings emerged from the darkness; their forms iprehensible, and the shapes they took were like nothing I had ever seen.
Theyughed and danced and filled the heavens with their joy. It was like the sky itself was dancing with them, joining in this cavalcade of otherworldliness and shing in colors that had never basked the Netherworld with their presence before.
But it was not all fun, nor was it all joyous. These were neshoppers Realityskippers. They often brought their fury unto each other over petty disputes. When they battled, the world itself shook. And when they bled, their blood filled entire valleys. Entire oceans of red that poured ceaselessly into the world below.
I stared at these visions. I saw what my dad did before he became the Devil King. I trembled at the sight. Even though I wasnt there to experience it myself, I was still enchanted by what I saw.
I lowered my head, meeting my dads gaze.
It was the Worldwalkers.
He spoke simply, the smile on his face gone. He slowly looked down at the palm of hos hand as he whispered.
They vanished. They vacated the Nexeus. After all our preparations, after everything we had done, there was no war.
The Devil closed his eyes as he raised his head.
There wasnothing.
And once again, I was immersed in his memories.
What do you mean theyre gone?
Samuel demanded as he took a step forward. Trico backed up, raising his hands catingly.
Now, now! Dont get mad at me! I dont know what happened, but I havent seen another Worldwalker enter the Nexeus in about a hundred years?
He ced a hand on his chin in thought, before nodding to himself.
Yeah, its definitely been at least a hundred years. And I checked I asked a few friends, and they said theyre staying away from this universe from now on.
Samuel just stared in sheer disbelief. He tried to work his jaw, before shaking his head.
But why? We prepared for a war! What happened?
Who knows?
Trico took a step back, tapping a finger on his chin. He seemed to ponder over the question curiously.
Perhaps they caught wind of our ns to repel them, and they decided against retaliating. After all, there is no point making an enemy of an entire universe, even if they are justified in their anger.
Justified in their anger?
Samuels brows snapped together, and he pointed usingly at the Trickster.
The only reason I slew that Worldwalker was because of you! How dare you pin the me on me!
Im not ming you for anything.
Trico rolled his eyes, turning back to face the Devil King.
What I am simply saying is that those whose wrath we might have incurred might have been deterred by our preparation. They might have decided it was not worth losing their existence in some foreign world just to get revenge.
Samuel stood there, processing those words. He took a step back and cast his gaze down to the palm of his hands. His fingers trembled as he took in a deep breath.
What do I do now? My lifes work everything Ive done was it all for nothing?
Actually
Trico interjected, raising a finger.
It was not all for nothing.
Samuel blinked, slowly looking up at the Worldwalker.
What do you mean by that?
Trico smiled and gestured broadly past the Devil King.
Look at what youve built this vast nation you call the Ark. Such a grand feat has never been aplished before in the history of your Species! To say it was all for nothing simply detracts from your greatness! If not for what you have done here, we never could have scared off the other Worldwalkers!
I what?
Samuel stared at the Trickster. He looked into the cosmic gaze that bore back into him, and he slowly looked back down at himself.
Are you saying we seeded in our task?
Indeed.
Trico nodded, cing his hands on his hips.
Of course, it was not all you alone. The Dragons of the Mortal Realm have built grand constructs, preparing for the war that is toe. And while the Spirit ne is still fractured and warring amongst themselves, their leaders have heard me out,ing to a truce to fight in the war. With what we have all aplished, we won the war! We have repelled those bastards those damn worldwalking cowards those those you get the point we have repelled them from the Nexeus!
T-thats right.
Samuelughed as he raised his head. He looked up at Trico with a maniacal smile on his face.
We did it! We saved the world! But
He paused as the Worldwalker waited.
But whats next?
Samuel posed the question. Trico cocked his head, before the stars spread throughout his body twinkled with an idea.
Well, you always said you wanted all of your people to be gods. So why dont we make that a reality?
And the Devil King paused.
What?
He made you build the Ark.
I whispered as I stared at my dad.
And after that, Trico made you build a new ne. You did it all for him. Why?
You must understand, my dear daughter, I was young and foolish.
Sal leant back as he closed his eyes. I frowned.
Werent you over a thousand years old at that point?
I was young and foolish!
He repeated himself, before shaking his head.
I was without a purpose. I felt like everything I had done was all for naught. And I believed that what I was doing was for the greater good of our people of all the Nexeus.
I peered into Sal, meeting his gaze, and he sighed softly.
s, I was a fool. After all, everything Trico did everything he had built. He decided to betray us all.
I narrowed my eyes. I asked the question that was in my head from the very beginning.
But why? What did he have to gain?
Sal chuckled bitterly, cing a hand on the ss-like walls of my pocket space.
Everything. He had everything to gain, my dear daughter. After all, everything he did was but a ploy to save his own life.
Chapter 610: Perdition Part One
Chapter 610: Perdition Part One
610. Perdition Part One
A ploy to save his own life?
My brows snapped together. I nced between Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem sat to the side, just as perplexed as I was. We turned back to the Devil who sighed.
That is right. Everything he did it was all for his own benefit. His own gain. It was a trick, so to speak.
I felt my eyes twitching as I watched my dad wag his fingers with a smirk. I harrumphed and crossed my arms.
So you got tricked by the Trickster! Good job are you stupid or something?
Sal shook his head, before turning away from me. He stared at the ss-like surface of my pocket space. I caught a glimpse of his reflection, and I saw a morose expression there. Nothing like the Devil I knew.
I paused. It was the first time I had seen my dad look so pained. His eyes fluttered shut, and he ced a hand on his chest.
Perhaps to you I may look like just an old fool
He whispered as I saw shes of his memories in his eyes.
A young Lesser Demon, kneeling in a bloodied pool at the bottom of a crater, on the verge of death. But standing before him was a faceless figure a cosmic creature. It was Trico. The Trickster. The Worldwalker.
Trico raised a hand, and Samuels wounds began to close.
Sal raised his head, looking up with a somber gaze.
But you do not understand, my dear daughter. You were not there. Trico had guided me for over a thousand years. He had been by my side, saving my life numerous times again and again.
And I saw another sh of the Devils past.
The same Lesser Demon ran across a white valley. He looked different now. He had a tail, and he stood taller more muscr.
He was a Greater Demon now. Stronger, smarter. But he was still no match for a Primordial Demon.
Samuel sprinted for his life, screaming as he walked in the path of a terrible beast. No it wasnt just a beast. It was the Beast. But smaller.
It lumbered forward, its many heads sweeping over thendscape. It opened one of its mouths, and Samuel braced himself. But a hole opened beneath him. A tear in space.
Samuel fell through ,nding in the middle of a white cavern as the Beast unleashed its white mes, before the hole closed. He groaned as hey there, rubbing his back. And before him, Trico stared at him, the stars in his body twinkling brightly.
I blinked, returning to reality. But Sal wasnt finished. His eyes flickered, and he looked down at the palm of his hand.
Trico taught me everything I knew. He guided me. He made me the Devil King. He helped me build my kingdom. It was all because of him.
Samuel sat in the middle of a white cavern. He was an Archdemon now, and he had a metallic ring in the palm of his hand. It was shoddily-made clearly crafted by his inexperienced hands. He messed with it. Tinkered with it. And standing behind him, the Trickster watched, nodding approvingly.
You call me a fool, but I trust Trico as you trust me now. After all, am I not the Devil? Am I not known for my tricks? For my cruel pranks? For the way I toy with the lives of others?
Sal clenched his fist, before spinning around to face me as I froze. He held my gaze. He stared only at me, and I could only look at him. It was like Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem had just evaporated.
Would you also think yourself a fool if I ughtered all your friends right this moment?
And for a moment, I saw a murderous intent in the Devils gaze. It was not anger, but it was still overwhelming. A sense of bloodlust that made me want to drop to my knees.
He spread his wide as heughed madly.
The betrayal I experienced would be the same youd feel if I ruined everything you have ever worked for and dropped you before the Beast!
I recoiled at the Devils words. A shiver ran down my spine, and I couldnt muster up a single thought. The idea of my dad betraying me had never even crossed my mind.
I couldnt even imagine what it was like I couldnt even imagine how Id feel if it became a reality.
Sal looked at me as I stood in stunned silence. He snickered, slowly lowering his raised arms. He ced a hand on his chin, before tapping it, breaking me out of my daze.
Actually it would be quite different. After all, I have not done nearly as much for you as Trico had done for me. So the pain youd feel from my betrayal would not be nearly as inconceivable as what I experienced.
I nodded mechanically as the world around me seemed to return to normal. The Archdemons sitting next to me appeared once more in my peripheral vision as I was allowed to look away from the Devil.
He ced a hand on his chest, and he sighed wistfully.
You do not nearly understand just how much grief I felt when I learned of Tricos betrayal the agony, the confusion, the anger. You do not understand, my dear daughter. It was unlike anything I have ever felt before.
As my dad whispered, I was once again submerged in his memories. But this time, it was no longer as clear as the other visions. It was like I was staring through a fogged window pane like I had been dunked deep into the ocean that were the tears of the Devil King.
And I saw it all.
Trico! You bastard! You tricked us!
Belphegors booming voice echoed in the background. But Samuel barely even heard it. He couldnt hear it even if he wanted to. All he was capable of doing at this moment was stare at the broken space spinning before him the glowing iridescent light that seemed to blur with each passing moment.
It was supposed to be their Paradise. A world safe from the impending death of the Nexeus one where they could all be Gods. Where they could rule like the Arcaem.
But before their world could take shape, it copsed. It imploded into itself, swallowing Nahum, Baal, and tens of thousands of other Archdemons who had been aiding its creation.
The Devil King had only managed to escape alongside Belphegor because of his [Supreme Spatial Magic]. Now, the two Primordial Demons stood before the exit of the Seventh Gate as Focalor, Beelzebub, Vepar, Agnares, Valefor, and a crowd of Primeval Demons gathered. They stared in shock at the destruction that was unfurling ahead, wreaking across the Seventh Layer of the Netherworld.
They stared in confusion, processing what happened. Only Belphegor seemed to know. He directed his fury at a cosmic creature standing behind Samuel at parade rest. The Worldwalker. The nehopper. The Realityskipper. The Trickster.
Trico himself.
The stars in his body shone with a scintiting light as Belphegor bellowed.
How dare you betray us! Nahum, Baal, Buer, Furfur they are all dead because of you!
Belphegors words made the cavern shake, and Samuel slowly raised his head. He heard the susurration sweep over the watching crowd. In the distance, swarms of wild Demons were swallowed by the copsing reality. Some of them tried to run. Whether they were wild Primeval Demons or wild Archdemons. It didnt matter. Tendrils of broken space shot out, grabbing them before they could flee.
And this distortion of reality only grew bigger.
Whats going on?
What happened? Wasnt this supposed to be our Paradise?
How did this happen?
Voices asked, and Samuel wasnt sure if the questions came from the crowd, or from his own head. He looked up at Trico standing there. Silent and shining like always. Almost undeterred by the destruction that had been wrought to the Nexeus.
Finally, the Devil King freed himself from his stupor. With trembling feet, he took a step forward, and he held the gaze of his master.
Trico, is this your doing?
Whatever could you mean, my apprentice?
The Worldwalker replied, tilting his head curiously. Samuel gritted his teeth. He bit back his tears and gestured at the first vestiges of the corruption that was taking hold behind him.
Dont y dumb with me! You know what Im talking about! This this this
The Devil King failed to muster up the words. Belphegor paused, staring in shock at his lover. And so did the rest of Samuels subjects. None of them had ever seen their monarch disy such emotions before.
Even Samuel had never seen this side of himself in a long time. Thest time he had felt so vulnerable, he was a mere Lesser Demon. Tears slid down his cheeks as he faced the Trickster. He waited for a response as his breathing grewbored.
Belphegor is wrong.
Trico finally said as he ced a finger on his chin. For a moment, the Devil King paused, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. But it immediately vanished as the Worldwalker continued.
It is not just Nahum, Baal, Buer, or Furfur who will die because of me. It is every single nt, animal, and creature in all of the Nexeus that shall die because of me.
He chuckled as he shook his head. And Samuel froze. It was like the world itself shattered. Everything went quiet. Even the chittering of the spreading corruption faded away as he stumbled back. He looked down at himself as he gasped.
The memories of all the time he had spent with Trico shed in his head. All the things he had learned. All that he had been taught. It was all a lie?
But why?
Samuel mustered up the strength to ask. Trico just shrugged in response.
Because, my apprentice, you must understand, I do not actually care about the Nexeus.
He shook his head as he gestured at the world around them.
I know, its surprising! But I dont care about this ce in the slightest! I mean Im not from this world, so why should I care about it at all?
The Devil King blinked as each word seemed to strike him across the face. Trico nodded, cing his hand on his chest.
I know, its surprising! But I have seen dozens of worlds copse, brought about naturally by an apocalypse. I have witnessed the end of universes, destroyed by wandering Void Pirates. So I dont actually care if the Nexeus is destroyed or saved.
Samuel wasnt sure how to react. He just listened, left in a state of shock. But it didnt matter how much pain he seemed to be in, the Trickster didnt stop there. He strode forward, chuckling softly as he spoke simply.
And you know whats even more surprising?
Trico came to a halt right before the Devil King. He held Samuels gaze as his body became engulfed in an all-consuming darkness. The stars in his face winked out of existence, and the neb spreading across his chest faded away.
The Worldwalker whispered into Samuels ears.
Its that you are somehow so full of yourself you actually believed you were the one who slew Via that you were the one who brought about the death of a Worldwalker.
Samuels eyes went wide.
I what?
Did you really think that any Worldwalker who saw that scene would believe you are the one responsible for killing her? Even with my Divine Trident, your mortal hands couldnt even scratch the surface of her skin.
Trico leant forward, shaking his head as the Devil King remembered that moment in the crater so long ago.
You may have distracted her, my apprentice, and you may have even held the de for me, but it was I who killed her. It was I who slew another Worldwalker. And it was I who would have faced perdition for her murder, had you not imed credit for what I did.
Chapter 611: Perdition Part Two
Chapter 611: Perdition Part Two
611. Perdition Part Two
Samuels lips quivered. He stared at the darkness in his masters faceless gaze. He brought a trembling hand up to his chest as his mind filled with the memories of that moment. That was right. He had assailed Via from behind. He had attacked her with all his might.
But he couldnt even hurt her. She just stared at him in confusion, before Trico shoved her into his Divine Trident. Her blood might have spilled onto Samuels hands, but it was not he whomitted the murder.
It was Trico.
And yet, somehow, the Trickster had led Samuel to believe he was the one who slew Via. Perhaps it was because of his pride his ego led him to ept what he was told. After all, to be the first one in the history of the Nexeus to y a Worldwalker was it not such a grand thing?
But it wasnt. It came with its consequences. And because he had said it with such sheer belief, it became epted as reality. Samuel slew a Worldwalker. That was what his subjects were told. That was what Trico had spread to the other nes. That a Worldwalker was killed, and now, there was going to be an invasion.
And yet, the truth was
I killed her. That annoying bitch. I finally shut her mouth for good. And I thought I was going to have to deal with her friends hunting me across the multiverse. I probably was going to have to go into hiding. Maybe stick around in a dead universe for a few eons. But thankfully, you took the me for her death. So thank you, my apprentice.
Tricoughed as he patted the Devil King on the shoulder. He drew back, looking up towards the broken Paradise.
All I had to do after that was go to Vias friends and tell her what had happened. A mere mortal in the Nexeus had killed her! We should get our revenge! But dont worry, I have this brilliant idea Ill befriend them, trick them, and get them to destroy their own world!
He spread his arms wide, the stars returning to his cosmic body.
Even your so-called wise Dragons bought the bait so easily. They erected the walls I had given them, and just like the world I taught you to create, it copsed.
Trico shook his head, continuing callously.
Ironically enough, it was the foolish Spirits who were the hardest to convince to trust me. But it matters not. All across the Nexeus, the corruption shall spread. And every single one of you idiots shall die, while I get away with killing Via scot-free.
This is happening all across the Nexeus?
Samuel asked, finally breaking out of his stupor. Trico scoffed as he waved a hand dismissively.
Of course! And maybe in somewhere between fifty thousand years or a hundred thousand years, there will be nothing left of the Nexeus. Probably.
The Trickster spun around as the Devil King felt his breathing rx. Samuel stared at his former masters back, nodding as he finally processed what just happened. The pain was still there, the confusion overwhelming. The grief he felt was too much.
So he stopped thinking about it. He didnt steel himself. He just looked down at the palm of his hand, and a ck pitchfork appeared. He looked back up, ignoring whatever the Worldwalker was saying. It didnt matter. Everything that needed to be said had been said.
Samuel whispered to himself as he rose from the ground.
I see.
And with that, he lunged forward. He moved so fast. He was no longer the same Lesser Demon he used to be when his master first met him. He was the Devil King now. He was a Primordial Demon. He had reached the final evolution of his Species, and now, he ruled the Netherworld. He thrusted his weapon at the Worldwalkers back
But Samuel paused.
He came to a halt as his pitchfork struck Trico. It was a Legendary Grade artifact. One he had constructed himself. And yet, it barely even cut the ck surface of the Tricksters skin.
Trico craned his neck back, skipping away from Samuel.
Youve grown stronger! You werent even able to hurt Via with my Divine Trident, but look at you able to give me a small scratch with your own pathetic little weapon.
The Devil King gritted his teeth, spinning around to face his former master. Trico just shook his head.
But a scratch is just a scratch
The Trickster started, only to be interrupted as a massive fist struck him from behind, shaking the Seventh Layer.
Oof
[My Right Hand: Destruction]!
Belphegor struck Trico, sending the Worldwalker flying into a nearby wall. His face was cracked in fury his body like that of a golem. He raised his fists as an army of [Gargoyles] began to build themselves from the ground behind him.
You talk too much, Trickster.
Trico pulled himself out of the rubble, the stars in his face flickering for a brief moment. He looked up to see Samuel slowly striding forward with an army of Demons. Belphegor, Vepar, Agnares, Astaroth, Focalor, Beelzebub, Valefor, Aamon each and every one of them Primordial Demons followed by even more Primevals.
They surrounded the Worldwalker as he chuckled, staring at them all.
Im in trouble.
And Samuel spoke a simplemand.
Kill him.
All at once, the army moved. Belphegor sprinted forward, the fastest of them all. Space seemed to twist around his fist, and he swung once again at the Trickster
[I Shall Bear Your Sins]!
But this time, Trico flickered out of existence, teleporting out of the way. Belphegors fist struck the ground, but the ground didnt shatter. Instead, a pulse ran through space. A ripple that even caused the spreading corruption in the distance to pause for a brief moment.
But it continued wrecking its destruction across the Seventh Layer a momentter. Trico shed into existence high above the gathered Demons, wiping at his forehead.
That guy is dangerous. That couldve hurt a lot!
Focalors gaze snapped up, hearing the Tricksters words. He raised his hands to the air as pentagrams appeared around him.
[Basilisk], [Hydra], [Behemoth], [Leviathan], [Ziz]. Come forth, and destroy the Trickster.
All at once, terrible creatures serpents, many-legged beasts, winged Demons they all shot forward as they converged around Trico. Each and every one of them were Primordial Demons. But they all obeyed themand of Focalor.
Trico tried to back away, cutting off the [Hydras] heads. But each time he ripped one off, another two grew from its neck. One of the heads mped down at his arm, yanking him back. And the [Leviathan] reached him a momentter, swinging its tail at him, sending him back flying to the ground.
He tumbled straight down, before slowing right before he crashed into the earth. Heughed as he flipped around,nding softly with a skip in his step. But before he could even say a single word, both Agnares and Vepar were on him in a moment.
The two of them moved in unison. They unleashed an onught of attacks, punching and kicking him as he stumbled back. He raised his open palms and blocked their attack, cackling wildly.
Come on, is that all youve got? Are you really Primordial Demons?
Both Agnares and Vepar nced at each other, before nodding.
It''s your turn, Astaroth!
They shouted as they vanished into the shadows. Trico stood there stupidly for just a moment, and the ground beneath his feet exploded with a deluge of magma.
[Supervolcanic Eruption]!
Astaroth screamed as the ground trembled. It was an overwhelming st it continued to pour out into the Worldwalker. She panted, taking a step back as her Skill finally came to an end. And floating above the caldera, there was Trico.
He was covered in droplets ofva sliding down his body. But even though he took the full brunt of her st, he was still unscathed. Despite the flurry of attacks he had received, he had only suffered a single scratch. And that had been from the first attack the Devil King dealt against him.
I cant lie and say Im not disappointed, but I really am disappointed.
Trico shook his head as he cast his gaze towards his former apprentice. Samuel stood surrounded by his subjects, eyes narrowed. He watched as the Worldwalker gestured vaguely at the gathering of Demons.
I told you to build an army that could repel an invasion of Worldwalkers! And this is what youre showing me? Did you seriously think this was enough to win?
The Devil King didnt respond. He refused to acknowledge anything his former master said. Instead, he raised his pitchfork like a javelin, aiming at the floating Worldwalker. He took a step forward.
Honestly, its not even disappointing at this point. Its just sad
Trico continued his taunts, and Samuel hurled the pitchfork forward.
[Godkiller].
It shone and shot forward, reaching the Worldwalker in an instant. Trico couldnt even react. He was struck by the pitchfork in the middle of his speech. And when that happened, he was sent crashing through the ceiling, flying out of the Seventh Layer of the Netherworld.
And out of the Sixth Layer.
And out of the Fifth Layer.
And out of the Fourth Layer.
And out of the Third Layer.
And out of the Second Layer.
--
Trico exploded out of the white ground, shooting out of a mountain in the First Layer of the Netherworld. His chest was cracked where he was struck. The neb that was normally stered there was gone, dispelled by the force of the pitchfork.
He grunted and conjured his Divine Trident as he soared high into the crimson sky. With it, he swung down, knocking the pitchfork back down to the ground. He slowed as he finally felt the pressure easing off him.
Whew, that actually hurt quite a lot.
He shook his head, watching the falling pitchfork tumble back to the ground. But before it could crash into the white earth, a figure appeared there. The Devil King shed into existence, grabbing his pitchfork with the same apathetic gaze from before.
Samuel felt nothing. He waspletely hollow within. He moved mechanically, not out of desire, but out of necessity. For the sake of his subjects, he had to destroy the Trickster. He snapped his fingers. Belphegor, Vepar, Agnares, Astaroth, and Focalor appeared next to him.
The Devil King snapped his fingers again. This time, Beelzebub, Aamon, Valefor, and an army of Primeval Demons appeared behind him.
He snapped his fingers once again, and even more of his kingdom came to his side. Again. And again. And again. Samuel summoned his subjects as he strode forward, staring down his former master.
Trico swept his gaze over the tens of millions of Demons looking up towards him. And more were appearing by the instant. He scratched the back of his head as he floated back.
...you know what? I was wrong. This is actually quite impressive.
But that wasnt all. Samuel snapped his fingers, and dozens of portals opened up in the air behind the Worldwalker. He spun around and froze.
Oh, fuck.
He whispered as he caught a glimpse of the winged beast waiting there before a blue sky. They poured out by the dozens. Most of them spanned hundreds of feet in length, except for the one that led them all. An obsidian-ck beast that wore a gaze of fury, over a thousand feet in length.
They were Dragons. And they werent alone. They carried on their back High Elves. Gorgons. Giants. Centinels. Cyclopes. Many more beasts from the Mortal Realm.
The obsidian Dragon opened its mouth, unleashing a plume of ck mes at the Trickster as it spoke.
HOW DARE YOU BETRAY US, WORLDWALKER!
Trico raised his Divine Trident, blocking the attack as he conjured a fractal barrier. But the other Dragons unleashed their ming breaths too, joining their leader. His barrier began to crack, and he teleported out of the way.
To be fair, thats kind of on you for trusting someone who calls himself the Trickster, you know?
Trico appeared higher in the air, only for Samuel to snap his fingers once again. Even more portals opened up, this time showing a green sky. And out poured an eclectic of creatures. They came in all shapes and sizes. Some of them looked like floating rocks, while others looked like trees. They were Fairies and Angels and all sorts of Sacred Spirits amongst them.
They bickered amongst themselves, shouting at each other as they flew through.
I told you we should not have trusted him!
A tall Fairy spat as she floated forward. Her body glowed gold, and her wings were a translucent silver. She turned away from a huffing Pixie and an annoyed Gnome, before facing the Trickster. She raised a finger, unleashing a flurry of sparks his way.
He dove out of the way, only for the Gnome to wave a wand.
Oh, shut it, Tera! Why would I have listen to you?
The Gnome pointed at the Trickster. At once, Trico froze where he was, suddenly encased in ice, and the Pixie pped her hands together.
Just because you were right this once, does not mean you are wiser than us.
Her eyes glinted as the ice shattered, before being engulfed by a brilliant explosion. The outpouring of Spirits slowed as they watched the st clear. But Trico was no longer there. Hisughter came from higher above, drawing all their gazes.
So this is the might of the Nexeus!
The Trickster floated atop the crimson dome of the Netherworld, covered in cracks. He had his hand on his chest like he was bothughing and in pain. He looked at the three grand armies that had gathered to face him at the Spirits, at the Dragons, and at the Demons before he shook his head.
My apprentice, we managed to aplish quite a grand thing, eh?
He turned to Samuel. The Devil King narrowed his eyes, reacting for once, losing his cold demeanor.
Do not call me your apprentice. I will kill you here, Trico.
Thats harsh, but understandable. There is no way I can beat you all on my own.
Trico sighed as he lowered his head. He looked like he was ready to ept his fate, then the stars in his body twinkled like whenever he was about to y a trick. He spread his arms wide as hisughter filled the Netherworld.
However, I am not alone.
And the sky ripped open. The crimson dome was lifted as a brilliant light shone down at the three grand armies. The Spirits, the Dragons, and the Demons all paused as they raised their heads, looking at what was waiting there above.
A hundred figures floated there, waiting behind the Trickster. All kinds of beings and entities. The Devil King couldnt get a good look at most of them they were mostly silhouettes, but he recognized what they were in an instant.
...Worldwalkers.
Samuels eyes went wide as he whispered the word. He took a step back, watching as the hundred figures waited in the sky. And all of the inhabitants of the Nexeus froze in fear at the beings that they saw.
Most of the Worldwalkers were the size of an ordinary person. A few wererger perhaps the size of the Beast. But some of them dwarfed even the Nexeus.
A giant turtle carried a world in its back, floating and waiting in the emptiness of the Void. Next to it, another hulking creature waited, with an anthropoid body, and a face covered in tendrils. Behind them both, a metallic sphere hovered like a massive moon, staring down into the open hole in the Nexeus.
Trico nced up as he chuckled.
Took them long enough.
A single one of the Worldwalkers descended down to Trico. She had a single ck wing, just like Via, but it was on the opposite side. She also only had a single pair of arms, and she wore no mask covering her face. She shook her head as Trico nodded at her, ncing at the sphere floating in the sky.
You really went all out, didnt you, Ana? I cant believe you even got those Void Pirates to help out!
She wore a cool expression on her face, replying almost mechanically.
The Nexeus is a System-world, so I told Idu he can harvest its core if we are forced to invade it. However, let us hope it does note to that.
Ana drew away from the Trickster, before facing the three grand armies of the Nexeus. She spoke softly, but somehow, her voice projected for all to hear.
Inhabitants of the Nexeus, listen to me: for the crime of killing my sister, we have condemned your world to perdition. The corruption shall spread quickly, and it shall all soon copse. Perhaps you could reverse the damage, or maybe you can flee to another world. We shall not stop you if you do survive this punishment. But heed this
She took in a deep breath, before ncing at Tricos damaged state. Her eyes flickered for a moment, and she looked back down. All those who were gathered there recoiled in fear. Whether it were the Dragons, the Spirits, or the Demons. But she did not cast her gaze towards them. She only eyed a single figure Samuel himself.
If the inhabitants of your world dare y another one of our kind, we will ensure that nothing shall be left of the Nexeus when we return. That is all.
With that message delivered, she flew back, and the sky began to seal shut. Samuel couldnt react. He could only stand in stunned silence along with the rest of the Nexeus. The other Worldwalkers vanished one after another, until only Trico was left.
He flew back after Ana, before she disappeared too. The Trickster swept his gaze over the three grand armies of the Nexeus. The Dragons looked uncertainly between each other, and the Spirits hesitated. Samuel himself wanted to move, but he couldnt bring himself to raise a finger.
You heard her, you cant kill me, so goodbye!
And with that, they could only watch helplessly as Trico vanished, and the sky sealed shut. There was a sh of light as the war between the Nexeus and the Worldwalkers finally came to an end.
The inhabitants of the Nexeus were left alone to deliberate their predicament to ponder their perdition. Until the war against the end of the world began.
Chapter 612: Perdition Part Three
Chapter 612: Perdition Part Three
612. Perdition Part Three
The vision came to an end. I hadnt seen all of it clearly a lot of it was a blur, barely evenprehensible to me. But I felt the emotions my dad had felt back then. It was numbing. But my heart ached, and my mind spun in confusion.
It was almost too much for me.
And I knew I just knew that the feelings the Devil had conveyed were muted. Diluted. It was not the raw sense of betrayal he had been ovee with at the time. He had purposefully filtered it through a lens for me. Perhaps it was even for himself.
I didnt know whether that was true. I didnt even know how to react. I stood there in stunned silence as the Devils memory came to an end. He raised his hand, continuing his soliloquy, his words echoing in my pocket space as the white mes of the Beast burned around us.
I do not wish to relive these memories, my dear daughter. They are from a time long before now when I was a different person. When I bore a different sin.
I honestly wasnt sure how much time had passed since we started our conversation. But theke of fire beneath us no longer burned as brightly as before. Had it only been a day? A few hours? A few minutes? A few days?
When I was lost in my dads memories, I lost track of time. It could have happened all in an instant. Or time could have passed just as it did in reality. Or it might have been like when I was asleep even if I didnt sleep often where it was hard to gauge how much time had passed.
Either way, living through the Devils history had exhausted me. It wasnt just an emotional drain, but seeing that battle it was even more intense that the duel between the Beast and [The Great Agarus].
Even though there were only a hundred Worldwalkers there, each one was probably as strong as the Beast maybe even stronger!
With thebined effort of the Nexeus back then, perhaps they could have prevailed. Especially with all the Lesser Gods that had been around at the time. But right now? I wanted tough, knowing what I had seen.
Perhaps the Spirit ne was different. I didnt know much about the Spirit Lord, nor did I know anything about what he was doing. There was also the Fairy Queen, and supposedly, she was quite powerful. But both the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld were reallycklusterpared to the Nexeus of old.
And the fact was they were defeated by the end of the world. They couldnt stop the corruption. The world was still ending, and now they were all gone. My dads kingdom. All the Dragons. Even the Centinels were forced to flee to Secely.
The world was going to end. And it was all
It was all my fault.
Sal whispered as he raised his head. I blinked, hearing the thought finish not in my head, but from my dads words. I ced a hand on my chest, feeling this heavy weight pulling me down. It was guilt.
A sense of guilt that I never felt before. One that belonged to the Devil one that spurred me to me him for the unending wall of corruption that was making its way through the Second Layer of the Netherworld.
I bit my lower lip as he shook his head.
I caused the end of the world, my dear daughter. I understand that I am wrong for that. However, you cannot me me for believing in a man I thought was my master.
Sal raised his head, sighing mncholically.
I trusted Trico with more than just my life. I trusted him with the entire world. Because he was the only reason I was alive. So I thought he cared for me. I thought he saw me as his own child.
There was no vision here. Just the Devils wistful words. But when I heard it, I could feel the pain he felt. It rang like echoes of the emotions he shared from his memories.
Perhaps it was my fault that the world is ending. Maybe I should not have been so egotistical to believe that I was the one who killed Via how could I possibly think that I was the one who slew a Worldwalker? I was a mere Lesser Demon. It was so foolish of me to have thought I was capable of anything at that moment other than acting as a distraction.
Sal ground his teeth together. Another new emotion I had never seen him express. Frustration not anger, but just sheer frustration.
His lips quivered, and he took a step back. He turned away from me as he ced a hand on his chest.
But I cannot be med for failing to see through the lies of the Tricksters thousand-year-n. You can me the Dragons. You can me the Spirits. But you cannot me me for that.
The Devil finished as he closed his eyes. I stared at him I peered into his back, before I looked back down at myself. The weight inside of me remained. It stillpelled me to condemn my dad.
And yet, I didnt remember this feeling when I approached him earlier. It only came to me progressively with each vision I was shown. I thought it was a result from seeing his memories I thought that I was condemning him for knowing what he had done wrong.
But I realized now that was wrong. Slowly, I rose to my feet. My dad didnt react. He didnt even notice me as I walked up to him. He only realized I was there when I was standing right behind him.
He covered his face as he tried to turn away from me.
Oh, I know how you feel. I know you think Im in the wrong. But
And I poked the Devil on the side. He blinked, breaking out of his pit of self-pity for a moment to stare at me.
I dont actually think its your fault the world is ending.
I spoke simply, before crossing my arms. My dad slowly looked me up and down as I continued.
Youre the one who is ming yourself youre the one whos drowning yourself in your own guilt. I can literally feel it.
I didnt know if it was a byproduct of Sals magic that showed his memories, or if it was something else. Perhaps he might have had a Skill that was simr to [Truth Divination]. Whatever it was, it was bleeding into my emotions, and it was making me want to condemn him even though I knew I didnt want to.
The Devil opened his mouth, then closed his mouth for a moment. He shook his head and turned around like a feisty child.
You were the one who came out swinging, using me of causing the end of the world!
Thats true.
I ced a hand on my chin as Sal harrumphed. I waved a hand dismissively, exining my thought process.
I only said it because thats what I was told. Or thats what I heard. Or something. I dont exactly remember. But I asked you about it because I wanted to hear the truth from you.
I watched as the Devil pursed his lips. He looked like he wanted to avert his gaze from me, but I stared deep into his eyes not the eyes of Samuel the Devil KIng, but the ck eyes of Sal, my father.
And after hearing everything youve said, I dont think its your fault.
His eyes went wide, and I continued.
You were tricked. You were manipted since you were a Lesser Demon. So you cant possibly be the one to me for the end of the world. And neither are the Dragons or the Spirits or anyone. There is only one person at fault
I raised a finger, punctuating my point.
and its Tricos fault.
I finished as Sal stared at me. He paused for only a brief second, before pointing usingly at me.
Youre only saying that because youre my daughter.
I groaned, rolling my eyes.
Youre not going to believe me no matter what I tell you, huh?
Well, of course. My daughter would be biased.
The Devil snorted, crossing his arms. I turned around, facing the audience that had been there the entire time. Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem exchanged a nce.
Well, what about you guys, then? Do you guys agree with my dad saying how hes to me here? Or do you agree with me when I say its not his fault?
Haec hesitated. He scratched the back of his head, before answering.
I believe it is a lot more nuanced than that, Salvos.
Sal gestured emphatically at mypanion.
See! Even your brother agrees with you! Everyone thinks its my fault!
I scowled, shooting Haec a re. He gave me a helpless shrug. I turned back to the Devil with an exasperated sigh.
Look, not everyone thinks it is your fault. Im telling you, if you keep ming yourself, all youll feel is pain and guilt.
I spoke insistently as my dad raised a brow at me.
Oh yeah? And who else knows the truth of what happened back then, but still doesnt me me now?
It was a question that was meant to trap me to stump me. He was grinning, not because he was proud of what he had done. He was grinning because he thought he had caught me and won the argument. But I was prepared for it.
I gave the Devil a quick response.
Belphegor.
And immediately, Sal froze. The grin on his face vanished as I held his gaze.
Belphegor said its not your fault.
Oh.
Was all the Devil could say.
Chapter 613: Perdition Part Four
Chapter 613: Perdition Part Four
It wasnt the Devils fault.
Belphegor had said as much, and after hearing my dads version of events, I truly believed in that message. So I did as I was told. I was asked to pass that sentiment on to convey a feeling that was lost to time.
I spoke it. I said it. I even believed it. But even as the words left my mouth, I could tell that Sal was in disbelief.
Belphegor said that?
I watched as my dad shook his head. He grinned uncertainly at me like he had caught me, and he knew I was ying a prank on him.
Ah, thats a good lie. But a lie nheless.
Im not lying.
I insisted, taking a step forward,
I am telling you the truth. Why would I lie to you? Im your daughter.
And thats exactly why you would lie to me!
Sal eximed as he backed away. He pointed usingly at me.
Youre just trying to make me feel better, and youd say anything to do that!
Thats utterly ridiculous! Youre such an
I bit back my tongue, stopping myself from calling the Devil an idiot. Even if he was being one right now, insulting him would achieve nothing. But I was still getting frustrated. Nothing I was saying was getting through to him.
It was like he wanted me to be wrong. It was like he wanted to be right. It was like it helped him sleep better if he knew he was at fault.
I didnt understand it. I wanted to understand it. But as I stared at the face the Devil wore the yful,ughing expression that seemed to mock me for being wrong about him I knew I wasnt going to learn anything there.
He was wearing a mask. It was all a facade he had put up. And I had to break through.
I took a deep breath, recalling the guilt he felt in his memories. The sheer disdain he held against himself. My eyes flickered as I saw the Devil that was standing before me. He was nothing like the Devil King of old.
The man I had seen in those memories was stoic, steadfast, and courageous. He had ambition. He believed in justice in doing what was right. He cared about his people. He cared about achieving his goals.
But when I saw my dad as he was right now, I saw an apathetic man. Sad and full of self-hatred. He was certainly yful, and in a sense, he was also carefree. But all he did to pass the time was y tricks on others. For his own entertainment. For his own enjoyment. For himself.
He was just like the Trickster.
The way he acted the way he spoke it was all reminiscent of what Trico had been like. And I knew that back then, Samuel never behaved that way. So the Devil I knew today only came about after the world had already begun its end.
Why?
I asked as I stared at the Devil. He tilted his head at me.
Why what?
I gritted my teeth at his response. But he refused to be reasoned with.
Why am I such a terrible father? Why am I such a horrible lover? Why am I such a poor king?
No.
I answered his questions simply. I didnt care to indulge in his self-pity his self-hatred. My gaze darkened as I exhaled slowly.
Samuel.
Immediately, my dads brows snapped together. He red at me, speaking simply but dangerously.
Dont call me that.
Why are you trying to make yourself the viin?
I ignored him, instead walking forward, even as the Devil backed away. He frowned at me as he tried tough me off.
Make myself the viin? My dear daughter, I dont think you realize I am the Devil!
And you were a righteous king. Until you decided to me yourself for what happened.
I replied instantly. I refused to even wait for a single moment before my response. I watched as Sal narrowed his eyes, before opening his mouth. But I continued, speaking over him.
You want to me yourself for what happened. You want to be at fault. You want to be wrong so you can justify running away from the end of the world.
I
He blinked a few times, and I shook my head. I raised a wed finger, pointing at my dad.
That is why you emte the Trickster. So you can hate yourself. So you can convince yourself that you are to me. But youre not. Not to me. And not to Belphegor.
Sal gritted his teeth. The smirk on his face was gone now. He averted his gaze, mustering up a reply.
You talk about Belphegor, but you do not know him like I do.
I know him well enough.
I ced a hand on my chest, remembering the odd Primordial Demon I had met down beneath the surface of the Netherworld. Belphegor showed me his feelings. I heard his plight. And I was going to convey what he felt to the man he loved.
[Truth Divination].
Sal paused as I activated the Skill. He noticed the stillness in the air he watched as soft glow came from my eyes. He wanted to look away from me, but his gaze was drawn to my own. It was just the both of us here, trapped by this magical aura.
But the feelings of a third individual seeped through.
Belphegor does not me you, Samuel.
I repeated myself. And the Devil clenched a fist.
Dont use your Skills on
But I interrupted him once again, and he flinched at every word.
Perhaps you hoped that he would, but he never did. Not once in the entirety of his damnation down in your fallen kingdom did he ever believe you were at fault for what happened.
I shook my head, remembering the morose gaze of the Guardian of the Netherworld. His leathery face, drenched in tears, longed only for a single thing.
I know you are afraid of confronting your failures. But Belphegor is still down there. He is still fighting. And he is doing it all for you.
I saw the guilt in Sals eyes. I could feel it deep in his heart. He tried to repress his building anger but he failed. I sensed it with [Truth Divination]. Heshed out, gesturing at himself.
What do you want from me, Salvos?
He spread his arms wide as he red my way.
I cannot save the world. I have failed once. I will fail again. There is nothing I can do. Not for this world.
There was a long silence as I saw the Devil standing there, basking in his misery. He remembered his failures. He lived through his regrets again and again. I felt it all. It was almost painful.
I closed my eyes.
Belphegor told me
Sal cursed.
Why do you keep bringing him up? Stop that!
I refused to ede. I opened my eyes, remembering that brief moment I shared with the Guardian of the Netherworld at the end of the world.
He said that if he could do it all again, even knowing the oue he would not change a thing.
I what?
The Devil took a step back, almost refusing to believe what I said. I held his gaze, speaking slowly.
Look into my eyes. Feel what I feel. Tell me if you think Im still lying here.
His silence was answer enough. He knew I could not trick him not with my Skills. He was the Devil. A Primordial Demon who was tens of thousands of years old. I was a mere Primeval Demon who was a decade old at most.
There was no way I could fool him. I was telling the truth, and he knew it.
You say you cannot save the world you say that you are the one who caused its end. But you only say that because youd much rather hide away in your little pocket space, sleeping for decades, in hopes that when you wake up, it would all just be a nightmare, and things would return to normal.
My dad bit his lower lip as my gaze continued boring into him.
And you vilify yourself so you can rationalize your inaction. Because youd much rather bear the guilt of causing the end of the world, than bear the guilt of abandoning everything.
Again, no response. The Devil just stood there in silence. I raised my head, looking at [The World Of My Mind] around us. And I saw shes of my own memories reflecting on the fractal surface the moments I had shared with mypanions.
Haec. Daniel. Edithe. Saffron. Willy. Orgaf.
The moments I shared with each and every one of them. But it wasnt just them. I remembered my children. I remembered my friends.
Novis. Bellum. Oriur. Rachel. Lily. Xidra. Hadrian so many of them. So many people I cared about back in the Mortal Realm. They were all in this world. They were all still there for me.
But Sal didnt have anything left. He had nothing other than regrets except, that wasnt true, was it?
I shook my head, looking back towards the Devil.
Perhaps you are right. Perhaps you cannot save the world. Perhaps you are not capable of doing that. But you can still save the life of one person.
His eyes went wide as I whispered.
You can still save him.
I stepped forward, letting my feelings pour out. My voice echoed around my pocket space as my eyes shed. [Truth Divination] showed everything to my dad. And I finished as he could only stare at me in a somber silence.
You can still save Belphegor.
Chapter 614: Perdition Part Five
Chapter 614: Perdition Part Five
614. Perdition Part Five
You can still save Belphegor.
My voice echoed around my pocket space. The glint in my eyes faded away, and [Truth Divination] came to an end. My dad stood there before, still wrapped in a somber silence. He didnt speak. He didnt meet my gaze.
I poured out all my feelings for him to see I showed him that I was telling the truth. And I pleaded with him to do what was right. Not for the sake of justice, but for his own sake.
So I looked at the Devil, waiting for his response. I had nothing else left to say. He had heard my souls, and now it was his turn to act.
[The World Of My Mind] returned to normal. My pocket space stopped shifting, and the reflections of my memories faded away. There was an all-epassing silence that remained. A sense of solitude that made it seem like it was only the Devil standing here.
Not me. Not Haec. Not his friends. Not theke of fire.
It was just Sal. The Devil. Formerly known as Samuel. The first King of the Netherworld, disgraced and forgotten with time.
His gaze was shadowed over. His brows were arched over his head, casting a darkness that seemed to envelope his body. It was almost unsettling to see. He stood eerily still. It was like he was a statue refusing to move and refusing to act.
Or so I thought.
His head creaked back as the shadow was lifted from his body. The Devils ck eyes bore into me, and I stood my ground. Was he ring at me? Was he upset by what I said? I couldnt quite tell. The expression he wore on his face was unreadable.
I watched his lips moved. Sal whispered something, and I blinked.
What?
I asked, but my dad didnt stick around to give an answer. A rift opened behind him a portal that was pitch ck. He stepped into it, and the hole in space sealed shut.
The Devil was gone.
It took a moment to register what had happened. Haec had watched the entire conversation as a spectator he didnt even feel like he belonged here. Everything that was said and shown felt too personal.
But he was there for it. He watched it all unfurl. And when the scene came to an end, he didnt even realize it was over.
But the Devil just walked away opened a portal and left. Just like that, the conversation had ended, and now the former Heir of the Netherworld was left sitting there with his head spinning. The only reason he broke out of his stupor was because he felt a finger poking him from the side.
Haec
He nced over to Taburas who was biting her lower lip. She wore a worried look on her face.
What do we do?
I
Haec gritted his teeth. He nced at Bertrugil the normally quippy [Abraxas] was quiet now, processing what was said. Next to him, Aem was stunned, but also confused. It looked like she didnt quite understand the gravity of what was discussed.
Taking in a deep breath, Haec shook his head as he turned back to the [Subus].
I do not know, Taburas. If this is a problem that even the Devil flees
But Salvos spoke up, cutting him off in an instant.
Nope.
Haec blinked at her simple response. He turned to his firstpanion, and she stood there with her hands on her hips, still staring at the empty space where the Devil had once stood. She shook her head, continuing with a small smile on her face.
My Dad isnt running.
He isnt?
Haec furrowed his brows. And Salvos nodded, turning to face him. She looked confident as she finished.
Not anymore.
A powerful explosion ripped across the dark tunnel. Fragments of broken buildings were sent flying in every direction, knocked back by a pulse of iridescent light. This expanding ripple formed bubbles of non-existence, popping up alongside rifts that distorted space itself.
Belphegor stumbled back, staring at the remains of dozens of [Gargoyles] lying at his feet. He wiped the ck blood from his face and raised his gaze. He heard a cacophonous chittering he saw the bright light as it drowned his senses.
The end of the world approached, and it drew closer faster than it had ever moved. Despite his best efforts, there was nothing Belphegor could do to stop it. It would consume the Second Layer of the Netherworld, just as it consumed all the others before it.
The Guardian of the Netherworld could have given up. He could have fled like many of hisrades did in the past. He hesitated, looking back down at himself as the aura of divinity wisping off him vanished.
And he made his decision.
I wont run.
He was going to continue fighting he was going to perish like those who stayed and fought alongside him.
I wont give up.
Belphegor rose to his feet, clenching a fist. His gazended on stared a distortion moving through the end of the world. It hid behind an army of corruption. Whether it was Corrupted Netherstones or Corrupted Netherstructures or even Corrupted Hellspaces.
They all seemed to protect it. Like it was their leader. This was the very first time Belphegor had seen such a behavior. And the only reason this could happen was because he had left the Second Layer.
It was so brief. He had sensed something amiss in the First Layer, so he went to visit it. And he underestimated how much worse the time dtion had be between the Second Layer and the First Layer.
Enough time had passed down here to create that.
Belphegor watched as it emerged from the end of the world. Bigger than before. Even though it was already massive. It was
A giant Corrupted Hellspace.
One that wasrger than any he had ever seen before. It had so many tendrils, he couldnt even keep count. The aura of distortion that normally covered a Corrupted Hellspace wasnt there, instead it had be fully visible, even to the naked eye.
He didnt even think it was a Corrupted Hellspace any longer. It had to have be something else or maybe it was in the process of bing something else.
Belphegor didnt know. He just knew he had to stop it now before it got even stronger. He straightened, taking a tired step forward. And another. And another.
The giant Corrupted Hellspace screeched, unleashing its tendrils at him. Belphegor sprinted forward, even as the corrupted army descended upon him. Even if his body broke even if he grew tired he wasnt going to stop fighting. He wasnt going to surrender. He wasnt going to run away. Because he did it all for
[Godkiller].
A familiar voice echoed throughout the secondyer. It was a reverberation that shook the ground beneath Belphegors feet. The words alone sent the closest of the corruption recoiling back.
And an instantter, the army of corruption was obliterated.
Belphegors eyes grew wide as he saw a shining object rip through Corrupted Netherstones and Corrupted Hellspaces alike like they were all made of nothing. It was a speeding projectile that moved so fast, it reached the giant Corrupted Hellspace in a split-second.
The giant Corrupted Hellspace couldnt react in time. Its core was pierced a hole ripped through its body. The sheer force of the impact sent it flying straight back into the end of the world along with the glinting object.
And there was a sh of light as the project shed with the wall of infinite corruption. Belphegor watched as the end of the world trembled slowing for just a moment from the attack.
But as the giant Corrupted Hellspace sank into the corruption, the projectile stopped at the edge of the end of the world. The bright light slowly dimmed, and Belphegor saw what it was.
It was a pitchfork. A ck pitchfork that was all-too-familiar to the Guardian of the Netherworld.
He stared at it with round eyes, before watching as it flew back. The weapon shot towards him, but he didnt flinch. Instead, he froze as he caught a glimpse of a red hand reaching out over his shoulder.
The hand caught the pitchfork a secondter as Belphegor stood there. He recognized that hand. He knew who it was without even turning around. And because of that, he did not dare to crane his neck.
I
Belphegor trailed off. Slowly, the hand withdrew behind him. The weapon vanished behind his head, and a voice spoke up. A familiar voice. A soothing voice. Aforting voice.
I am sorry.
It was the voice of a man. A broken man. A man who Belphegor knew so well.
I didn''t mean to abandon you. I didn''t mean to leave you behind.
The man continued speaking, even as Belphegor closed his eyes. The Guardian of the Netherworld wanted to soak in those words relish in the voice that had be a memory.
I failed you. I failed all of you
But hearing what was said, Belphegor couldnt stop himself. He spun around and hugged the man standing behind him.
Samuel
He whispered the name of his friend. The name of his lover. The name of his king.
Tears streamed down Belphegors bloodied face as the Devil stood there, stunned by the sudden embrace. Samuel blinked a few times, before he finally realized what was going on, and he returned the hug.
Belphegor
The former Devil King lowered his head, looking down at his lover. In return, Belphegor tightened the hug, speaking softly.
You did not fail us, Samuel. Dont you dare me yourself for what happened.
But I did fail you.
Samuel replied, shaking his head weakly. He swept his gaze over the corruptedndscape, before looking at the end of the world.
You needed me, and I wasnt there for you. All of you.
There was a long moment where the two held their embrace, ignoring the wall of infinite corruption approaching just ahead of them. Belphegor didnt care if the world ended right now, he was finally reunited with the man he loved.
The Second Layer of the Netherworld trembled, and the corruption filled the air. Slowly, the two lovers broke from their embrace, and Belphegor shook his head.
My King, I cannot speak for those who fled, but I can speak for those who remained.
Belphegor gestured towards their broken surroundings. Samuel stared at him as he spoke softly.
We stayed and fought, because we believed that you would one day make your return. We never faltered, because we knew you woulde back. We believed in you, because you are our King.
The former Devil King heard those words, and his eyes widened. He raised his head, staring at the Guardian of the Netherworld in shock.
From the wall of infinite corruption, a tendril shot out. The giant Corrupted Hellspace crawled up from the end of the world. A gaping hole filled its core, and its movements were sluggishpared to before. But it was still alive.
Belphegor ignored this, just smiling. He nodded at his King.
And you have finally returned. So you did not fail me, my King. You do not need to apologize. For you are here now.
Samuel closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He bowed his head as the two remained silent for a moment. And he gave a simple reply.
I am.
The giant Corrupted Hellspace conjured up another army of corruption around it. Even more Corrupted Hellspaces took shape around the end of the world. They shrieked and screeched and descended upon the two Primordial Demons.
Samuel chuckled as he stepped past Belphegor.
You are right. I have returned, havent I?
The former Devil King twirled his pitchfork, continuing to walk forward. He headed straight for the end of the world without hesitation. And behind him, Belphegor faithfully followed.
Samuel set his gaze upon the wall of infinite corruption, a grin spreading across his face.
This is the first time we have met, oh grand failure of mine. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.
The giant Corrupted Hellspace let out a scream,shing out with a tendril at the Devil. He ignored it, and Belphegor rushed forward, catching the tendril.
I know our introduction should have happened long ago, and I know I am not the man who I once was. But I want to make a good impression. So let me show you
Samuel spoke, even as Belphegor yanked the tendril forward. The Guardian of the Netherworld pulled the giant Corrupted Hellspace to him, before delivering a powerful punch that shook the world.
[I Shall Bear Your Sins]!
A second hole was punctured through the giant Corrupted Hellspace. But it didnt go limp just yet. It drew back, flying to the sky. It hovered there, hiding behind its army as he tried to repair itself.
And Samuel continued striding forward. He ignored the Corrupted Netherstructures as they assailed him. He didnt even need to dodge as the tendrils of the other Corrupted Hellspaces seemed to somehow miss him.
The Devil had his arms spread wide,ughing wildly as he walked up to the end of the world.
Let me show you the might of he who was once called the Devil King. Let me show you the glory of he who once ruled all Thirteen Layers of the Netherworld
The space of the Second Layer was still wobbling from the impact of Belphegors punch. But then, everything began to twist. The bubbles of non-existence nearby burst open, and the rifts sealed shut.
Belphegor lowered his head, watching as the world around them began to change. The broken space around them was reced by that of another ne.
Samuel spread his arms wide as an ethereal castle seemed to emerge from the ground beneath his feet, carrying him high up to face the giant Corrupted Hellspace. He grinned.
[Let Me Show You: The Dreams Of He Who Slew A God].
And as he spoke the name of the Skill, the pocket space finished forming. All at once, the army of corruption was encased by a giant cube. Even the end of the world was trapped here, captured by the Devil.
Samuel smiled as he stood atop a tall castle made of white rock. All around him, a vast grassy nd spread out in all directions. The sky was a light crimson not dark and overbearing like the Netherworld.
Belphegor blinked, staring at this world he had never seen before. But it wasnt just the world around them. He looked down at himself, and saw that all his injuries were gone. He had fought alongside Samuel countless times, but this was not a power that had ever been shown.
It had to have been a new Skill.
What is this?
The Guardian of the Netherworld wondered aloud. And Samuel spoke up, his voice echoing around this expansive ne.
This is my world. My kingdom. As long as I live
The Devil King nced back at Belphegor. The Guardian of the Netherworld nodded. Samuel smiled and looked back towards the giant Corrupted Hellspace, raising his pitchfork.
I will not let it fall.
And the two Primordial Demons continued their battle against the end of the world in that pocket space. Together. Empowered by each other.
Fighting to save the world.
Chapter 615: Dread (End of Book 11/Volume 6 Part 2)
Chapter 615: Dread (End of Book 11/Volume 6 Part 2)
615. Dread (End of Book 11/Volume 6 Part 2)
The Devil was gone. I didnt know when he would return. Perhaps with the time dtion caused by the corruption, he could return in a day, or maybe he could return in a century. What happened next? I didnt know.
I couldnt even predict it. But what I knew was that now I had finally aplished what I had originally set out to do. It was so long ago I had only been a Lesser Demon back then, and I had been dragged out of the Netherworld against my will.
I found myself in the Mortal Realm, and I promised myself that Id find a way back. I swore that I would return to mypanion. That I would return to Haec.
And I finally did.
But before we could spend much time catching up, we were interrupted. First by the Beast, then by a bunch of the Demon Kings minions, and finally by the Devil. Now, however, all interruptions had been dealt with. And I could actually sit down and talk with my first everpanion.
I walked up to Haec as he shifted back, standing before his friends. He swept his gaze over Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem, before looking back at me. He scratched the back of his head as he looked towards where my dad had been.
And he asked in an uncertain voice.
...what do we do now?
It was a simple question. At least, to me, the answer was obvious. But to the four Archdemons standing there in the middle of my pocket space, they looked truly lost.
So I just shrugged back at them.
Well, we do what we were going to do before save your friends from the Demon King.
It was a simple answer. Which was the only appropriate answer to what was asked. However, Haec was taken aback by what was said. He blinked a few times, but it was Taburas who piped up.
But what about the end of the world?
She stared at me with wide eyes. I crossed my arms simply, meeting her gaze.
What about it?
I asked casually. In response, Bertrugil narrowed his eyes, frowning at me.
Shouldnt we do something about it? Considering well, I dont know if you realize this, but we live in the world, so if it ends, we die too?
He spoke emphatically. And I sighed, shaking my head. I gave the same exnation to the four Archdemons that I gave Daniel and Edithe so long ago.
Do you really think theres anything any of us here can do about the end of the world? Just think about it. Its the end of the world. What can we even do about it as we are right now?
I wagged a finger at Bertrugil. He opened his mouth, then paused. He hesitated for a moment as I turned back to Haec. And I brought a wed hand to my chest.
I went down to the Second Layer its not fun. I barely even escaped with my life. Even if you all became Primeval Demons with me, and I went down there with you, wed still all die very quickly. Trust me.
A long silence passed. Haec chewed his lower lip, clearly processing what I said. I wasnt sure if the fact that the world was ending had even fully settled for him. Taburas looked to him for guidance, but she couldnt find any help there. And Bertrugil was just rubbing his temples as he muttered about how we were all going to die.
It was Aem who was the first to finally speak up and agree with me.
I think Salvos is right.
The other three Archdemons turned to her. She shrank back which was a funny sight, considering she was as big as Haec.
I mean what can we even do about the end of the world right now? The Devil went to deal with it, and hes very strong. If he cant stop it, we cant stop it. But if he can stop it, well still have to deal with even more Deathsquad Huntersing after us. So
Aem trailed off, and I nodded at her with a smile.
Exactly!
I snapped my fingers in agreement. I faced Haec. He bit his lower lip, and I walked up to him. I took his hand as I peered into his eyes.
So lets do what we can, alright? And by that I mean we should deal with that idiot Demon King first. After all, were finally back together again.
Haec stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity. Slowly, he nodded as he raised his head.
Right.
He whispered, before taking in a deep breath.
Lets do that.
The world was changing. All across the Nexeus, gears were being turned. Salvos and Haec finally cemented themselves as enemies of the Demon King, while the Devil decided to return to his fallen kingdom. The end of the world was dyed for another day, and the Guardian of the Netherworld was reunited with his lover.
In the Mortal Realm, Daniel Song sat alone in a room with a strange [Trader], and Edithe Dawnrise raised the rm of a second possible invasion from the Demon King.
The Humans and the Elves continued to wage their war.
The Fairy Queen watched as her world was constructed.
The Beast roamed the Netherworld, enraged by its encounter with [The Great Agarus].
The Spirit Lord waited.
And in Mavos Academy, Rachel wandered out of the campus-city. She trudged through a dense forest, stepping over the fallen branches, deviating away from the gravel path. Her brows were furrowed as she muttered to herself, searching for a scent that was so familiar to her.
It has to be here somewhere
She paused for a brief moment when she encountered a strange hole in the ground. Like something had burrowed its way through the earth. But she just shrugged and continued past it.
Thats not it. It should be right aha!
Rachel eximed as she uncovered a small cavern. A voice resounded in her head as she stepped into the dusty room, beaming from ear to ear.
I found it!
Now Entering [Lair: Cave of Companions]!
She stepped foot into the small cavern, seeing the scattered books strewn around alongside the odd trinket or so decorating the walls. Rachel ced a hand on her hips as her gazended on a magic circle drawn on the ground in the center of the room.
Now I wonder if theres anything here I can use to find her
As Rachel wondered aloud, a strange goblet filled with ck water glinted in the back of the room.
End of Salvos Book 11
Author''s Notes:
Thanks for reading as always!
There will be no public chapters for about three weeks as Patreon catches up on chapters. Which means I will be continuing to post on Patreon, meaning it is the best time to sub right now! MsDelta | Writing Web Serials / Web Comics | Patreon
This book was especially hard to write because I was quite demotivated while writing most of it. I am still quite burnt out on writing, considering that I have been writing non-stop for thest 3 years without taking even a single week off posting. But... I''m slowly recovering my energy, I think.
I''m quite excited to write more about Salvos and Haec in Volume 7 Part 1, while also writing about what else goes on in the Mortal Realm. It''s a hard bnce for me to maintain. However, I have a n in mind, and if I execute it well, it''s gonna be so good.
Just a quick reminder, the Salvos Kickstarter to get the first ever print edition of Salvos is now out! You can get a signed hardback or paperback edition of the novel if you support it right now! It''s your only chance to get one, so be sure to back the kickstarter! Salvos Book 1: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel by Merrick Books Kickstarter
Lastly, check out the Salvosic here if you haven''t already! Season 1 is about to end soon! Read Salvos (A Monster Evolution LitRPG) | Tapas Web Comics
Chapter Book 11 is now up on Amazon KU! + Kickstarter Ending in Five Days!
Chapter Book 11 is now up on Amazon KU! + Kickstarter Ending in Five Days!
I forgot to make the announcement yesterday, but Salvos Book 11 is now up on Amazon Kindle Unlimited! If you didn''t get the chance to finish Salvos Book 11 before it was stubbed from RoyalRoad, you can check it out on Amazon : Beast: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 11) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
Also, just a reminder, but the Kickstarter is currently so close to getting to its $20k goal to get a map of the Human Lands! If you haven''t checked it out yet, I highly rmend you take a look at the Kickstarter and im the first ever print (paperback or hardcover) editions of Salvos Book 1! It is much higher quality than Amazon''s Print on Demand, and it going to be signed by me too, if that convinces you of anything! You have five days left!
Salvos Book 1: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel by Merrick Books Kickstarter
Chapter 616: Cold Trail (Start of Volume 7 Part 1/Book 12)
Chapter 616: Cold Trail (Start of Volume 7 Part 1/Book 12)
616. Cold Trail
School was boring!
It had been over two months since Rachel started attending Mavos Academy. She had been incredibly excited to start her studies, and she had even joined a club on Demon Research! So everything was going swimmingly right?
Wrong!
First of all, Rachel was starting to get bored of the things she learned in her sses. She had hoped that shed be able to learn how to get to the Netherworld to find Salvos. But apparently, she could only take the basic space magic lectures as of right now. She was not only in the College of Aspirations, she was barely into her first year. While most upper-level courses were limited to those who were attending theirst year, or those who were in the School of Aspiring Elites.
This hurdle wasnt enough to dissuade her, of course. So she had spoken with other students who were attending upper-level courses including those who were in the School of Aspiring Elites, and she had even spoken with professors. And while most turned her away, some were kind enough to answer her prying questions.
Rachel was acutely aware that she had to dance around the topic of what she wanted to ask. It was a taboo topic. Especially after the trickery of Salvos and the invasion of the Demon King.
However, Rachel didnt care about upholding a false image of herself. So she always asked her questions upfront she phrased it bluntly, asking if there was any way she could open up a portal to the Netherworld.
Now, she was a little more obtuse with her intentions for asking these questions, although she never did lie outright. Quite a few professors or students asked her about why she wanted to know this, and she just said that it was part of the Demon Research Club.
Which was true. The Demon Research Club was also studying how portals to the Netherworld were opened. However, they were more interested in the rituals behind said summonings, so they could find a way to prevent or interrupt anyrge scale grand ritual in the future, rather than what Rachel was interested in.
She didnt care for summoning a Demon to the Mortal Realm, or stopping a Demon summoning either. What she wanted was to see Salvos again.
And she was starting to realize that that was going to take a lot longer than she thought it would. Which was really quite annoying!
But Rachel wasnt going to sit around and wait for opportunities to fall into herp. She was going to find a way to expedite this process somehow. Unfortunately
She didnt really know where to start.
--
Here.
Rachel raised her head, hearing the ethereal voice echo just above her. She looked up from her book and saw a ball of white mes floating in the air. It carried a cup of water, and she nodded her head at it.
Thank you, Supervisor Willy.
She spoke gratefully, epting the ss from the ball of mes. If anyone saw this scene, theyd thought the girl was mad for addressing a ming sphere by a name, let alone a formal title. But that was because most wouldnt realize what Willy actually was he was a Grand Spirit.
A [Will O Wisp], in fact. Quite high-leveled, too.
He was the supervisor of the Demon Research Club, although he didnt actually do much. He simply monitored their actions, and asionally, hed remind them to hydrate properly. Like right now.
Drink. Human. Fool.
He mostly spoke in single-word sentences. So for most who spoke to him, they wouldnt be able to interpret what he was saying in the slightest. In fact, many of those who were in the Demon Research Club still barely understood what Willy said half the time.
But Rachel wasnt called the Child Wonder for nothing. She had managed to decipher what the Grand Spirit was saying every single time. So for example, right now, he was essentially telling her that she was a fool for forgetting to drink even though she was a Human.
It wasnt the nicest thing to say. However, Rachel knew that that was how Willy showed affection.
I will be sure to remain hydrated!
Rachel eximed as he scoffed, his mes flickering. He flew off and left her alone in the empty room of the Demon Research Club. As he left, a blonde girl strode into the room, carrying a heavy tome under one arm.
President Valda.
Rachel immediately rose to her feet to address the blonde girl. Valda just nodded in response, hefting the heavy tome onto a nearby table.
Rachel. Of course youd be in here even though we have no meeting today.
Valda rolled her eyes, and Rachel just scratched the back of her head. The President of the Demon Research Club stared at the book with a frown.
And what are you even reading?
It was a simple question. One that Rachel was more than happy to answer. She grinned and showed the books cover.
Im reading, The Story of Salvos! Its very well-written you should give it a read!
Valda snorted as she leant against the heavy tome she wasid on the table.
Most of these books are nonsense, you do realize that, right? Theyre written by greedy [Writers] trying to capitalize on Salvos fame. And many of them are written to destroy her reputation too
Rachel shook her head, tapping a finger on the author and publisher of the novel.
Well, actually, this book was written by the Thrilling Bard himself. The Elite Ranked adventurer who actually briefly met Salvos during the war. And its distributed by the Mons and Riley Trading Company. So, its quite urate.
The President of the Demon Research Club blinked a few times.
Wait, the Thrilling Bard wrote this? You mean the Thrilling Bard? But not just them, the Mons and Riley too uh, who are they again?
She ced a hand on her chin, stopping herself. Rachel giggled in response.
The Mons and Riley Trading Company. Co-owned by Mons Merryster you know, the sister of Saffron Merryster who was rooming with Salvos during her time in Mavos Academy?
Rachel waved a hand dismissively as she exined. She expected Valda to be amazed, hearing of Saffron. But Valda just furrowed her brows.
Oh.
An odd reaction. But Rachel ignored it, instead flipping through the book with stars in her eyes.
Anyway, theres so many things I never knew about Salvos written inside here. For example, did you know that Salvos favorite type of food is seafood?
Uh, why would I know that?
Valda bit her lower lip. Rachel continued excitedly.
And did you know that Salvos never actually gained the Title of the Savior of Silvergrove?
That is not that important
And did you know, Salvos actually has children?
Rachel was practically beaming from ear to ear as she raised the book. Valda opened her mouth to retort, before pausing.
Wait, Salvos has children?
Yep!
Rachel pointed to a passage from the book. Valda narrowed her eyes, silently reading through the page, even as she mouthed the words to herself. When she reached the end, her eyes went wide.
Baby Wyverns?
Three of them, yep!
Nodding excitedly, Rachel ced the book down. She raised her head, sighing wistfully as she stared at the crystal light hanging from the ceiling of the room.
I wonder what theyre like I would love to meet them and have a chat with them one day!
Valda just stared at Rachel. Slowly, the President of the Demon Research Club managed to work her jaw.
But theyre not children. Theyre Wyverns. At best, theyre pets.
Theyre not pets! Theyre Salvos children! Thats what it says right here!
Rachel harrumphed, emphatically gesturing at the book. Valda rubbed her temples.
Theyll rip your head off.
Nope.
Nope?
Valda could barely even react to the Child Wonder. Rachel simply folded her arms and spoke simply.
Nope. Thats not going to happen. Well be best friends. Im sure of it.
There was a certainty there which Valda clearly didnt understand. And she gave up trying to understand it. Instead, she shook her head and took Rachel by the hand.
If youre going to give me a headache, at least help me clean out the room.
W-what?
Rachel blinked as she was dragged towards a broom.
Wait, no
And remember, make sure you behave and stay within Krons range
The baby Wyvern heard the voice echo from the outside hall. He looked up, peering through the crack of his bedroom door and watching as his siblings were led down the corridor. There they were Novis and Bellum, following Centina and Kron as they began to head down from the tall down.
Oriur didnt follow them. He didnt care for hunting low-leveled monsters to grow stronger like his siblings did. Recently, because of their restlessness, they had gained some freedoms like the ability to roam around down below, within the premises of Mavos Academy.
They were still strictly monitored, especially by Centina who watched over them like a hawk. So Oriur, who longed to venture down to the world below, decided against apanying his siblings. Instead, he continued lying in his bed until he heard the clicking of the exit door locking.
He waited there in silence, hearing the ticking of his bedside clock. Now, there was noone left up here. Uncle Willy wouldnt be back until a few hours from now. So that gave Oriur time.
Time to himself.
Time to carry out his n.
Time to make his great escape from this prison.
Chapter 617: Chilling Loneliness
Chapter 617: Chilling Loneliness
617. Chilling Loneliness
It was time to act.
Oriur mbered out of bed, before poking his head out of his room. The hallway was empty. Everyone was out. Ms Centina, Ms Kron, and even his two siblings. They had all gone out during the evening to train and level up amongst the low-leveled monsters in the surrounding area of the academy.
When Centina had first introduced this idea, Oriur was ecstatic. He had even apanied his siblings in traveling to the outside world the first few times they did it. But when he realized it was to hunt and fight when he realized he couldnt actually explore Mavos Academy or interact with the other students there he opted out for the future sessions. And instead, he concocted a n to escape.
It was very simple. Oriur had noticed that there wasnt actually a key that locked or unlocked the front door of this prison. Because it wasnt actually a prison it was yton Skyshredders office. Instead, there was a magical runic code that needed to be entered to open the front door.
Apparently, it was something only Centina knew. Kron didnt care enough to learn what it was, and neither Novis nor Bellum paid enough attention to even notice this. However, Oriur was a very attentive baby Wyvern.
He made sure to spy on Centina each time she keyed in the runic code to unlock the exit. Perhaps she never noticed his spying, or maybe she assumed that casting basic magical spells were beyond his abilities. Unfortunately for her
Oriur grinned as he quietly strode up to the front door. He brought a hand up and ced it against the wizened wooden surface. Taking in a deep breath, he reached for the strands of mana that expanded around him,posing the world. And then he pulled it into theplexwork of magic that was etched into the wood.
There was a sh of light. Runes of all shapes and sizes appeared right before the baby Wyvern. He stared at the glowing symbols, before rearranging them with his ws. All he had to do was copy the structure that Centina made, and
Click.
The door swung open.
Oriur pumped a fist in the air, squeaking in excitement.
I did it!
He caught himself a momentter, not wanting to make too much of a ruckus. He didnt want to draw any attention to himself. He knew that there wasnt anyone around nearby, but it was better to be safe than sorry. So he proceeded quietly until he reached the enchanted tform they called an elevator.
Oriur knew how it worked. When he had first seen it, it had been afraid to even step foot onto it. But now, he didnt care. He got on, and its magic activated. Immediately, the tform began to descend, and when he looked up, he saw another tform take its ce at the top.
Im actually doing this
The baby Wyvern swept his gaze over his surroundings as he descended down a ss-tube. He had been residing in yton Skyshredders office located high above the clouds over Mavos Academy. So he could see everything.
The plethora of buildings all constructed in different kinds of styles of architecture. They rose up from the ground, some of them with domed roofs, others with spiraling towers, and more that were built like brick boxes. A few of them were even more unique. There was a ss-like pyramid located right by a massive botanical garden, and there was a floating stadium right at the edge of the campus city.
Well, the floating stadium wasnt floating right now because it was night. However, when it was used, it would fly hundreds of feet up from the ground through gravity magic.
Oriur had spent a lot of time studying a bunch of different topics while he was trapped up here. From learning how to cast basic spells to reading up on the history of the Humannds, he learned it all. And now, he was finally free to roam as he wished to befriend Humans as he wanted!
Oh, how he had longed for freedom for so long. He smiled to himself as he watched the tform reach the first floor of the tower. He was practically vibrating where he stood. Giddy in excitement. The tform came to a halt, and he skipped out as he hummed to himself.
Oriur immediately came to a halt as he faced down ady with sses standing there down the hallway. He froze for a moment, thinking he had just been caught by Centina. But the realization slowly sank in that thatdy was too old to be Centina.
With Krons illusions, Centina looked like she was in her early 30s at most. Thisdy with sses looked to be in her mid-tote 30s.
Oriur wanted to sigh in relief. He was d that he wasnt caught by Centina. He shook his head and smiled at thedy with sses.
Hi, my apologies, but I
Unfortunately, the baby Wyvern couldnt finish because thedy with sses screamed.
Monster!
She stumbled back as she reached for her pocket. Oriur blinked a few times, before waving a hand.
Wait, I am not a monster. My name is Oriur
How is it talking? Stay back!
Thedy with sses whipped out a crystal wand, pointing at Oriur. It shed with a bright light, and only then did the baby Wyvern think to use [Identification] on her. What he saw boded poorly for him.
[Mage - Lvl. ???]
Oh no
Oriur took a step back, realizing he would be killed in an instant. He tried to raise his hands catingly. But thedy with sses moved first.
[Lightning Bolt]!
She pointed at him as a sh of light filled the room. Oriur winced, his heart jumping in his chest. He couldnt even react. He couldnt even think. He just knew he was going to be in a world of pain. He braced for it however, the attack never came.
The baby Wyvern blinked a few times as he slowly raised his head. He lowered his hands to see a ball of light hovering just before him, sizzling with smoke. No it wasnt a ball of light. It was a ball of mes. A ball of blue mes, to be exact.
Uncle Willy?
Oriur mouthed slowly. The [Will O Wisp] danced back and forth as thedy with sses narrowed her eyes.
Instructor William why are you protecting that monster?
Willy sighed, before drifting backwards. His mes shed, and Oriur found himself floating up. The baby Wyvern thrashed in the air as the [Will O Wisp] carried him back towards the elevator.
Sorry.
That was all the Grand Spirit said. Thedy with sses frowned, watching them go. But she eventually shook her head and marched away as she harrumphed under her breath.
...I always knew we shouldnt have epted him into our faculty.
Meanwhile, Oriur struggled as he was carried away by the [Will O Wisp]. He desperately tried to break free he had finally found his freedom. He couldnt go back up there.
Let me go, Uncle!
Oriur eximed, but Willy ignored the pleading.
Please dont bring me back up there!
The baby Wyvern squirmed, watching as they approached the tform. Again, the Grand Spirit didnt seem to care. Oriur clenched his jaw, feeling a sense of terror and dread well up within him.
No he thought as he shook his fists. I was finally free I was finally He opened his mouth, trying to find the words. But he couldnt speak. His body grew cold, and his hands went numb. The fact that his n had failed finally settled in.
The creeping chill of loneliness swept over him, and an aching grew in his heart. Oriurs breathing grew heavy as Willy brought them both over the elevator. And all at once, the baby Wyvern unleashed his feelings.
I dont want to be alone anymore!
Oriur screamed as a st of ice shot out of his mouth. The frost breath almost struck Willy, but he dodged out of the way as it crashed against the wall. The [Will O Wisp]s concentration must have broken because he dropped the baby Wyvern from the air. All he could do was stare for a moment.
What?
Oriur, too, was confused. Hey on the ground, wide-eyed at what he had just done. He tried to work his jaw, but all that came out were eddying snowkes. He looked down at himself, realizing what just happened.
That was my frost breath?
He whispered softly. It was not something he had ever been able to do before. However, he had read up about how every Wyvern was born with an affinity to a certain element, giving them the natural ability to unleash a magical breath once they were old enough.
And as a baby Frost Wyvern, Oriur should not have been able to use his frost breath until he was at least three years old. But the words resounding his head confirmed that it was what he thought it was.
General Skill [Racial Skill: Frost Breath] learned!
Experience is awarded for learning a General Skill!
Subspecies [Juvenile Wyvern] Level Up!
[Juvenile Wyvern - Lvl. 15] -> [Juvenile Wyvern - Lvl. 16]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
How?
Oriur stared at his hands, before noticing a bright light draw closer to him. He looked up at Willy who was floating closer, and the baby Wyvern immediately scrambled back.
No, Uncle. Please I just want to explore and make friends
He begged desperately, and the [Will O Wisp] came to a halt. Willy stared at the cowering baby Wyvern for a long moment. Neither one moved. Oriur was too scared to even blink.
And Willy must have seen it the fear in the baby Wyverns eyes. The crushing loneliness of being locked away and trapped. Perhaps, even, the [Will O Wisp] understood it. He had no face, but his flickering mes that changed from a white to a gold indicated something had changed in his heart.
He finally sighed.
Fine.
Oriurs face lit up as he heard that word of affirmation. He immediately leapt to his feet, and Willy drifted back.
Follow.
Yay!
The baby Wyvern cheered, hopping excitedly beneath the ball of me.
Thank you, Uncle Willy!
Chapter 618: Scorned
Chapter 618: Scorned
618. Scorned
***
Oriur followed Willy as they exited the front entrance of the thin tower. It was yton Skyshredder¡¯s own personal tower. It was called the Office of the Headmaster, and it was located at the corner of the Central Square of Mavos Academy.
Even while in disguise and apanied by Centina, the baby Wyvern wasn¡¯t allowed to wander around the campus. Instead, they had to exit by a back doorway, which led down aplicatedwork of alleys that eventually brought them out of the campus.
All that just meant was that this was the first time that Oriur had the chance to explore Mavos Academy up-close. He was beaming from ear to ear¡ª which wasn¡¯t hard, considering that he had a long mouth and sharp fangs that made up most of his face. And he was ready to skip past Willy to ogle at the unfurling architecture around him.
Unfortunately¡ that wasn¡¯t allowed.
¡°No.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] said, and Oriur deted. The baby Wyvern wanted to protest, but he decided against it. Uncle had already been kind enough to bring him out, so there was no reason to push for more.
¡°Close.¡±Willy¡¯s mes flickered as he spoke¡ª it was a single word, but the meaning was clear. Oriur stuck close to the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] as they walked out into the Central Square of Mavos Academy. As soon as they stepped out, they were greeted by a radiant glow.
Tall magicalmp posts lined the foyer, glowing softly in the night. Bright enough to illuminate the area, but not too bright like a zing bonfire that it seemed like it was day. Oriur remembered seeing a sight once before¡ª when Mama had taken him to the Beastmen ins.
Since it was past sundown, Mavos Academy was mostly empty and devoid of students. It was apletely different sight from the bustling crowds during the day. Although, supposedly, the campus used to be even more crowded years back.
However, there were still a handful of students and members of the faculty wandering about. They spotted Oriur as soon as he stepped out under the moonlight. He brightened, before waving at them.
¡°Hey! I¡¯m Oriur¡ª¡±
They screamed. The baby Wyvern blinked, watching as the group of students ran away. They called for security¡ª for the faculty to do something.
Willy just sighed.
¡°See?¡±
He drifted forward, leading Oriur away from the thin tower. The baby Wyvern looked down at himself hesitantly, before looking back. He saw the fleeing students. And he thought of thedy with sses who had almost killed him.
¡°Why?¡±
It was a simple question. But it was so vague. And yet, Oriur didn¡¯t know what else to ask¡ª he turned to Uncle for guidance, however there were no answers there.
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] drifted on, leaving Oriur to silently follow.
¡ª--
As the Grand Spirit and the baby Wyvern made their way through the campus of Mavos Academy, they ran into a bunch more students and teachers. There were a few near-incidents¡ª but fortunately, Willy managed to defuse it before spells were flung or swords were drawn.
Oriur didn¡¯t know where they were going. He had memorized theyout of the campus from above, so theoretically, he should have known their exact location in Mavos Academy. However, he couldn¡¯t pay enough attention to his surroundings to figure that out, and that was because¡
They were staring at him.
It didn¡¯t matter who they were. Students. Teachers. Even ordinary people who worked in the campus-city. It didn¡¯t matter what their ss was, nor did it matter if they were Level 10, 40, 70, or 100. They all were staring at him. And it wasn¡¯t a look of curiosity. Oriur could feel their gaze bearing down on him. He could sense their terror¡ª feel their disdain.
Not a single one of the passing Humans met his gaze.
Oriur lowered his head. He looked down at his leathery wed hand, so distinct from the fleshy hand of a human.
¡°They hate me.¡±
He whispered, dragging his feet over the brick road. Willy replied simply.
¡°Yes.¡±
Oriur gritted his teeth. He felt his warring feelings, before looking up at his uncle.
¡°But what did I ever do to them? Why do they hate me?¡±
¡°Because.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] gave his usual one-word answer. But this time, it didn¡¯t exin anything. The baby Wyvern repeated after his uncle.
¡°Because?¡±
And Willy paused. He stopped right before what looked like an obelisk. There were names etched on its stone surface. Clearly, it was a memorial. But a memorial to what, Oriur didn¡¯t know.
Slowly, the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] turned to face the baby Wyvern and said¡ª
¡°Not Human.¡±
It was two words. Unlike Willy¡¯s usual one-word replies. Although it wasn¡¯t a full sentence either, but it was enough to answer Oriur¡¯s question.
¡°Oh.¡±
The baby Wyvern stood there, eyes growing wide. He didn¡¯t understand it. He knew what Uncle was saying, but it made no sense to him.
They shunned him because he wasn¡¯t a Human.
Why? That didn¡¯t make sense to Oriur. When he looked at a non-Wyvern, he didn¡¯t feel any contempt or fear. All he felt within himself was a sense of curiosity. To learn more and befriend the strange creature.
But the Humans didn¡¯t feel that way towards him. Because he wasn¡¯t a Human. Because he was a Wyvern. Because he was a monster.
Oriur closed his eyes as his mind whirled. He grew dizzy just trying to understand this logic. But he couldn¡¯tprehend it. His breathing grew heavy, and he felt like copsing right there. However, Willy¡¯s voice drew his attention.
¡°Look.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] flitted towards the obelisk, his mes limning a set of golden words written onto the side of the marble. But for whatever reason, its edges were smurdged red. Oriur blinked a few times, before reading what was said there.
¡°In memory of those who¡ sacrificed their lives during the Second Invasion of the Demon King?¡±
The baby Wyvern frowned, before turning back to Willy. The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] flew up the obelisk, lighting up the rest of the monument. And this time, Oriur saw even more words painted over the names on the obelisk.
It was quite evident that these words were scrawled and scratched over what was initially written on the marble surface. These words were painted red, and they defaced the obelisk. Oriur read what was written in a confused voice.
¡°Demon-worshipper? Cultist? Resign? I¡ what is this?¡±
Oriur¡¯s head spun. He took a step back, before realizing that there was also paint wetting the floor. He narrowed his eyes at therge letters.
¡°Their blood is in your hands.¡±
It made no sense to the baby Wyvern. Why was a memorial dedicated to those who died during the war vandalized like this? Oriur had been there. He had seen those brave Humans fighting for their home. They should not be defiled like this.
¡°...and whose hands?¡±
Oriur wondered aloud, reading the words painted on the ground.
¡°Just who are they ming for the war?¡±
He turned to his uncle, looking for answers. The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] didn¡¯t move. A cold breeze washed over the two of them, and a voice answered.
¡°They are ming me.¡±
It wasn¡¯t Willy who spoke. Oriur jolted when he heard the reply. Not out of surprise, but because he immediately recognized the deep voice. The authoritative tone¡ª themanding presence. It only belonged to one person.
yton Skyshredder.
Both the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] and the baby Wyvern turned to face the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. He stood there with his wispy beard flowing with the wind. He looked down at Oriur who winced from the gaze, before he looked back up towards Willy.
¡°You should not be down here.¡±
yton spoke as he strode forward. Willy didn¡¯t seem to care that he was caught down here with Oriur.
¡°Yes.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] replied as casually as ever. yton came to a halt before the obelisk, before raising a hand. There was a sh of light, and a magic circle appeared in his open palm. The dried paint staining the ground and the marble immediately began to ke off, slowly fading away.
Oriur stared at this for a moment, watching as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy cleaned the defaced obelisk with magic. When yton was done, he took a step back and sighed.
¡°These vandals know what they¡¯re doing. They understand that they will upset quite a few folks by defacing this memorial. But that is the point¡ª they want their message to be seen.¡±
Willy didn¡¯t respond. Oriur nced between the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] and the Headmaster of Mavos Academy, before hesitating. The baby Wyvern raised a small hand.
¡°And their message is¡ that you worship Demons? That you caused the war?¡±
Oriur wasn¡¯t sure if that was the right question to ask. He wasn¡¯t even sure if yton had been addressing him. But the baby Wyvern was too curious¡ª he wanted to know the answer.
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy shook his head as he stared at the monument.
¡°They are ming me for my failures¡ª for allowing your mother to enroll in Mavos Academy; for allowing your mother to sway Mavos Academy into joining the war; and for allowing your mother to deceive us all.¡±
yton turned to face the baby Wyvern. Oriur blinked a few times, before he opened his mouth. He tried to work his jaw, then he paused.
¡°...what?¡±
The baby Wyvern didn¡¯t understand it. Or rather, he didn¡¯t want to understand it. The implication was clear. But still, yton exined.
¡°Even though it was your mother who sacrificed herself to save us all, they believe that she was an agent of the Demon King. Not because they have any proof. But because she is a Demon.¡±
Oriur narrowed his eyes. That was ridiculous¡ª he had seen what Mama had done for the Humans. They couldn¡¯t have possibly believed she was secretly working against them¡ right?
And yet, he saw the ring faces. He heard the cries of terror. Everything he had experienced during his walk across Mavos Academy shed in his mind, and he realized that what yton was saying was true.
Because Salvos wasn¡¯t a Human, they scorned her. Just like how Oriur was scorned for being a Wyvern.
Oriur lowered his head as the realization settled in. But that can¡¯t be true of all Humans, right? They can¡¯t all possibly hate me just because¡ just because¡
He couldn¡¯t bear to finish the thought. He looked back up towards yton Skyshredder. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was staring at the monument with a mncholic gaze. He slowly looked down at the palm of his hand, before chuckling mirthlessly.
¡°And they me me¡ª for hiding the truth of your mother from them. For doing nothing. Because I am the highest-leveled [Mage] in the Humannds, they say that I should have known she was a Demon.¡±
Oriur¡¯s eyes flickered upon hearing that. He stared at the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. He waited until they locked gaze. And finally, Oriur¡¯s mouth moved.
¡°Did you?¡±
Oriur asked apprehensively.
¡°Did you know that Mama was a Demon?¡±
yton was silent for a long moment. He closed his eyes as the wrinkles left his wizened face for a moment, and he spoke softly.
¡°I knew she wasn¡¯t a Human.¡±
That made the baby Wyvern¡¯s eyes grow wide. His racing thoughts came to a halt, vanishing in an instant. He licked his lips and asked.
¡°And you still let her into Mavos Academy?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
yton said without any hesitation. Oriur stood there in silence, his thoughts finally resuming. But they were no longer that of doubt¡ª they no longer told him that he would be scorned by every Human he spoke with.
Instead, he found¡ hope. A semnce of it, at least. Enough for him to believe that he could befriend someone. He nodded to himself as he looked between Willy and yton. Finally, he opened his mouth.
¡°I understand¡ª¡±
¡°And now.¡±
yton interrupted the baby Wyvern. He crossed his arms, his demeanor suddenly changing. It was like he was towering over all of Mavos Academy.
¡°Remind me again: why were you freely wandering around my campus?¡±
Oriur froze. The baby Wyvern shrank as he tried to muster up his voice.
¡°I¡ um¡ that¡¯s¡ª¡±
He turned to Willy for help, but the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] just snickered. Oriur looked back towards yton, speaking in a small voice.
¡°...sorry?¡±
And the Headmaster of Mavos Academy sighed.
¡°I don¡¯t want you causing any more trouble down here. I heard that even my [Secretary] nearly killed you. For your own safety, and for the peace of my school, return to my office. Now.¡±
Oriur wanted to protest. He wanted to argue as he did with Willy. But yton was nothing like the [Will O¡¯ Wisp]. There was no bargaining here. The baby Wyvern¡¯s shoulder sagged, and he nodded defeatedly.
¡°Y-yes, Mr Skyshredder.¡±
***
Willy watched as Oriur disappeared back up to the top of the tower. The baby Wyvern rode on the elevator with Centina, Novis, Bellu, and Kron. Thetter three were huddled in a corner of the tform, trembling in fear as the formermost yelled at Oriur for what had happened.
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] didn¡¯t head back up with them. yton had requested to speak with Willy alone. So the two stood at the bottom of the elevator, neither speaking for a moment. When it looked like the magical tform reached the top, it was the Headmaster of Mavos Academy who broke the silence.
¡°I understand you care for the Wyverns, but you cannot do this. Even if you are a Grand Spirit, I cannot allow you to do as you please in my school.¡±
¡°Mhm.¡±
Willy barely gave a verbal response. yton frowned as he turned to face the [Will O¡¯ Wisp].
¡°What happened today cannot happen again. It was reckless and irresponsible. Especially what you did.¡±
¡°Mhm.¡±
Again, Willy didn¡¯t say much, just making a sound of affirmation. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy shook his head.
¡°Do not allow this to happen again. Do you understand?¡±
yton warned the [Will O¡¯ Wisp]. But this time, Willy spoke a single word.
¡°No.¡±
A simple response of defiance. yton narrowed his eyes at that, clearly not expecting it.
¡°No?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°And what exactly do you mean by that?¡±
Willy flitted back and forth as he thought of an answer for a moment. When he came up with one, his mes turned blue.
¡°Lonely.¡±
¡°Lonely?¡±
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy blinked, repeating after Willy. The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] looked up towards the top of the tower.
¡°Oriur. Still lonely.¡±
Willy exined, and yton slowly nodded.
¡°Oh.¡±
It wasn¡¯t something that needed to be exined by words. It was a feeling everyone understood. It was a feeling that Willy himself was incredibly familiar with.
His mes flickered as he thought of his [Summoner]. It was so long ago. And yet, it was still fresh in his mind. To be treated like a partner¡ª rather than as a tool. It was the first time Willy had ever experienced something like that in his life.
He looked back towards yton, exining simply.
¡°Need to find right Human. Need to find friend. Then won¡¯t escape.¡±
¡°For Oriur?¡±
The Headmaster of Mavos Academy raised a brow. He scoffed at the idea, folding his arms across his chest.
¡°And who in their right mind would want to befriend a Wyvern?¡±
Willy floated there, his mes changing colors. He thought about it for a long moment. And he finally sighed, stumped.
¡°Don¡¯t know. Need to find out.¡±
***
And as Willy and yton wondered about how to prevent another panic from breaking out on campus, rumors of the incident that night spread throughout Mavos Academy, until it eventually reached a curious young girl.
¡°Wait¡ what?¡±
Rachel blinked as she heard a passing student whisper something about seeing a monster on campus. And not just any monster¡ª but a Wyvern. A baby Wyvern.
She narrowed her eyes,ing to a halt in the middle of the crowded corridor. Everyone was talking about it. Even the teachers. Some were scared, while others wanted to hunt it down.
But Rachel? She just looked down at the book she was carrying. The Story of Salvos written by The Thrilling Bard himself. The young girl had already read through it three times now, and she memorized every single detail by this point.
And the book¡¯s details about a trio of baby Wyverns popped into her mind.
¡°Huh.¡±
That was all she said.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter Book 6 (1) and 2 Popularity Poll + Quick Announcement
Chapter Book 6 (1) and 2 Poprity Poll + Quick Announcement
Quick announcement, but I will be flying to Dragoncon next week in Anta because I was invited, so my schedule next week will be a little bit messy. My schedule this week was already messy because I''m in the middle of moving apartments and I just started a new book. Hopefully all will be back to normal starting next month.
I will, of course, still be posting next week. It will just be a bit inconsistent.
Anyway, I forgot to do a poprity poll at chapter 600 which I usually do, but I guess now I''ll just follow the Amelia route and do it at the end of each book.
Anyway, as per usual, the poprity poll does not include Salvos. It is focused on side characters only, and you can vote for more than one character! This poll will not include some characters that haven''t shown up since Book 9/Volume 5 ended.
For example, neither Saffron nor Orgaf are included on purpose.
Chapter 619: Searching...
Chapter 619: Searching...
619. Searching...
***
The news about the Wyvern stalking through the night streets of Mavos Academy spread across the campus like wildfire. Everyone was talking about it. Even the faculty were whispering about it¡ although they denied such a rumor when asked by any of the students.
It became such a big deal, Headmaster yton Skyshredder himself hade out to assuage the fears of the students. He vehemently rejected the idea that there was a Wyvern hiding somewhere in the campus, going around and eating students.
Rachel found it odd. Not the ims of a wandering Wyvern, but the way the Headmaster of Mavos Academy had gone about making that statement. It was almost worded with such specificity to avoid rming any truth-detection spells of a lie. After all, there were many different rumors going around, and the idea of a Wyvern going around and attacking students was one of the more ridiculous ones.
Most of the rumors were rather mundane inparison. Some said that there was an [Illusionist] going around and ying pranks on people, while others were saying that a [Beastmaster] had tried to bring a Wyvern back to Mavos Academy to tame it. However, the story which Rachel believed the most was how every night at the stroke of midnight the ghost of a baby Wyvern would appear at the fringes of the Central Square, haunting those who had been responsible for ughtering its flock.
Rachel didn¡¯t believe in ghosts. Supposedly, they were the evolved versions of a lich¡ª surpassing any corporeal form and fully taking on the body of an unkible ethereal being. It sounded too ridiculous to be true, and it was a study of necromancy that had long since been debunked as an impossibility. However, the concept of ghosts lived on in the minds of children, passed on by parents trying to scare their sons and daughters into going to sleep at night.
Considering that Rachel¡¯s parents never quite cared for her, she never heard the stories about ghosts until she was older and wiser. And she was very wise right now.
She quickly determined that the true story was not told in these ridiculous rumors, although there had to be some truth in at least a handful of them. There were enough high-leveled [Mages] in Mavos Academy that someone should have detected an illusion spell being cast, so the [Illusionist] stories were probably false. Meanwhile, all the high-leveled [Beastmasters] within the campus had denied the allegations that they were hiding a Wyvern.So that meant only one thing¡ª there had to have been a baby Wyvern roaming around Mavos Academy unattended. And Rachel had her own theory that she tried not to spread around beyond her close friends.
¡°It¡¯s Salvos¡¯ children!¡±
Rachel beamed as she sat down before Valda. The President of the Demon Research Club blinked, looking up from the table.
¡°Uh, what?¡±
¡°You know, the baby Wyvern!¡±
Rachel exined, waving a hand dismissively. Valda nced around the room¡ª once again, the club room was mostly empty. The day was ending, and most of their members had gone off to grab dinner. Not that there were very many club members in the first ce.
In total, there were a dozen members of the Demon Research Club, and half of them were Valda¡¯s closest friends. The others were interested in learning more about Demons after hearing the rumors about Salvos, and Rachel was pretty sure that thest member was secretly a [Cultist].
His name was Iwan, he had white hair, wore a ck hood, had creepy tattoos, and he always kept to himself. He was definitely a [Cultist].
Anyway, only Jonas was present, helping with cleaning the club room. He was one of the seniors¡ª the same guy who invited Rachel to join the club. He was at the back of the room, and he overheard what Rachel said, but he barely seemed to pay attention.
Valda raised a brow, still wearing a quizzical look on her face. Rachel sighed.
¡°You¡¯ve heard about the rumors, right?¡±
¡°The [Illusionist] that¡¯s been running around and pranking other students? I guess I¡¯ve heard about it¡¡±
The President of the Demon Research Club furrowed her brows as she spoke. But her response made Rachel scoff. The Child Wonder rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair.
¡°It¡¯s not an [Illusionist]! It was a baby Wyvern! And you know what that means?¡±
Valda hesitated, answering slowly.
¡°Not¡ really?¡±
¡°It means that it¡¯s Salvos¡¯ children!¡±
Rachel eximed, repeating herself from earlier. She gesticted wildly as she exined.
¡°Salvos¡¯ children are here in Mavos Academy! And Headmaster Skyshredder is hiding them!¡±
Valda just stared nkly back at the young girl.
¡°Salvos has¡ children?¡±
¡°I told you about this, remember? Salvos has children! Three baby Wyverns! And they¡¯re super cute and super tiny!¡±
Rachel groaned, palming her forehead. Valda shook her head slowly.
¡°No. You told me that you were reading a dubious secondhand ount by a [Bard] about the life of Salvos in a book published by a shady family notorious for being greedy. I took everything mentioned there as fiction, not fact.¡±
The President of the Demon Research Club rose to her feet, speaking simply. Rachel crossed her arms and harrumphed.
¡°Well, I¡¯m telling you it has to be true! How else can you exin all these sightings of baby Wyverns wandering around Central Square at night?¡±
Valda didn¡¯t even bat an eye before responding.
¡°...an [Illusionist] thinks it¡¯s funny to go around pranking other students?¡±
¡°Ugh!¡±
Rachel threw her hands in the air, exasperated. She looked at Valda in the eyes and pouted.
¡°You don¡¯t believe me, do you?¡±
¡°Very evidently, I do not.¡±
Valda replied. Rachel scowled, crossing her arms in defeat.
¡°I¡¯m telling you it¡¯s true¡¡±
The two girls remained silent for a long moment. Finally, the silence was broken as Jonas strode from the back of the room up to Valda¡¯s side. He met the club president¡¯s gaze, before they nodded at each other.
Rachel looked up at him with a frown.
¡°You don¡¯t believe me either, do you?¡±
Jonas chuckled, before scratching the back of his head.
¡°I won¡¯tment on the rumors myself as I haven¡¯t really paid much attention to them. But I believe a healthy amount of skepticism is always better than believing everything you hear.¡±
It was a simple statement. Jonas smiled as he said it, and Rachel looked between him and Valda. The Child Wonder snorted.
¡ª--
¡°They don¡¯t believe me¡¡±
Rachel strode through Central Square with a scowl on her face. It was now night, and most of the students in Mavos Academy were done with their sses for the day and heading back to bed. So the streets were mostly empty, although the young girl still spotted a handful of people passing by every other minute or so.
She should have gone to bed herself. In fact, her dorm had an instituted lights out time where students could no longer leave their room, so she had to head back soon. However, instead of preparing to sleep, she was out here, wandering the campus, searching for a baby Wyvern.
¡°I¡¯ll prove it to them.¡±
Rachel told herself as she clenched a fist. No one believed her when she said that the rumors of the baby Wyverns meant that Salvos¡¯ children were somewhere here in Mavos Academy. In fact, many of them refused to believe that Salvos had any children at all.
But the young girl knew it was true. It had to be true. So she stayed up, stalking through the streets and blending in with the shadows. She didn¡¯t want to get caught wandering aroundte at night, considering that many people would recognize her due to her size and her reputation.
Unfortunately, even as she waited for the clock to strike midnight, nothing happened. Nothing showed up. There was baby Wyvern. There was no ethereal ghost. There was no illusion. There was no [Beastmaster]. There was nothing.
¡°This can¡¯t be right¡¡±
Rachel gritted her teeth as she hid in a dark alleyway right by Central Square. It was quieter now than even before. She only spotted a few members of the faculty wandering around, and they seemed to either be drunk or about to pass out from exhaustion.
Her cheeks flushed as she swept her gaze around, seeing no baby Wyvern.
¡°I¡¯ll wait just a bit longer.¡±
She steeled herself, trying to remain steadfast. So she waited as the night went on. The stars continued to spin in the night sky, and the moon rose to the top of the dark dome overhead. It was now past midnight.
Again, nothing.
But Rachel refused to give up. She waited, even as Central Square cleared for the night. There were no longer passersby every few minutes. Perhaps there was one or two members of the faculty walking alongside the pavement every half an hour or so. Other than that, it was dead silent.
The young girl could hear her own breathing. The magicalmpposts lining the square dimmed. She felt her eyes grow heavy. She wanted to sleep.
However, she shook her head.
¡°I¡¯m sure the baby Wyverns will show up soon.¡±
Rachel knew it wasn¡¯t just a rumor. She believed in herself¡ª she knew that the book she read was not a fabrication. Because she knew Salvos.
Everything described in the book matched up perfectly with what Rachel knew about Salvos.
The young girl continued to wait. And the moon began to set. The stars slowly faded away as an orange glow showed itself on the horizon.
¡°It¡¯s already morning¡?¡±
Rachel blinked, before realizing how dry her eyes were. She rubbed her eyes as she stepped out of the shadows. She spotted a small crowd beginning to gather in the Central Square of Mavos Academy, and she bit her lower lip.
¡°And no baby Wyverns.¡±
She whispered softly. The realization hit her like a [cksmith]¡¯s hammer. The fact that she got no sleep didn¡¯t bother her in the slightest. It was the fact that she couldn¡¯t find Salvos¡¯ children that upsetted her.
Rachel just stared in a daze at the crowd that was now buzzing through the Central Square. She closed her eyes for a moment.
¡°I want to meet them, but¡¡±
She thought of Valda¡¯s words. And Rachel gritted her teeth.
¡°Are they even real?¡±
The young girl wondered aloud. She looked up towards the Central Square as the sun was now rising from the horizon. She didn¡¯t move for a moment. She just stood there, hoping to get an answer.
And that was when she spotted a blue glow moving through the amber-illuminated pavement of the square.
Rachel¡¯s eyes went wide as she saw Willy flitting out of the Office of the Headmaster. He was floating over the passing students and teachers, heading towards the Tower of Truth. The young girl paused to stare for a moment, remembering what she knew of the [Will O¡¯ Wisp].
¡°If anyone knows anything about Salvos¡ it has to be him.¡±
The Child Wonder nodded to herself as she took a step forward. She was tired¡ª she was incredibly sleepy. But it didn¡¯t matter to her.
She wanted answers, and she resolved herself. Rachel quickly made her way towards the [Will O¡¯ Wisp], deftly sidestepping the crowds. She called out to him as he paused, hearing his name.
¡°Willy!¡±
Rachel waved at him, running up to his side. He came to a halt as he turned to face her, replying as curtly as ever.
¡°Hm?¡±
His mes blew with the morning breeze, still the cool pale blue they usually were. He took a moment to take in the bag¡¯s under Rache¡¯s eyes, before floating down towards her as she caught her breath.
¡°What?¡±
¡°I have a question!¡±
Rachel piped up as she straightened to face him. He waited silently, and she took it as an opportunity to speak. Shifting ufortably, the young girl asked the question that was bearing down her shoulders.
¡°Do you, um, know if Salvos has any children?¡±
And the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] froze.
Author''s Notes:
Sorry for thete chapters. I''ve been busy with Dragoncon. I even met fans which is cool. If you wanna meet me in person, I''ll probably still be hanging around the Aethon Booth at around 12pm tomorrow (Monday).
What thonk?
Chapter 620: Be Friends
Chapter 620: Be Friends
620. Be Friends
***
Willy didn¡¯t need sleep. He was a Grand Spirit¡ª more specifically, a [Will O¡¯ Wisp]. Unlike most mortals who needed to sleep at night, he could stay up and get things done.
Of course, that was not what he did. That was too troublesome, especially after having to deal with a long day of annoying Human activities.
Instead, Willy spent the night just floated in the middle of his room, sorting through his thoughts and feelings. But more than that, it let him store his emotions, saving them forter, so he could utilize them when needed.
It was thanks to a simple Skill called [Meditate]. It was a Skill that was rather umon, but also not really special in any way. Many [Priests] had it¡ª they often got it as soon as they reached their Level 40 ss advancement.
The effects of [Meditate] were quite mundane. It allowed the user to manage their temperament, giving them a better control over their emotions. But for Willy, it was quite a useful Skill.
After all, the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] specialized in a field of magic called the Elements of Emotions.
It was a field of magic that quite a few types of Spirits specialized in, but not many mortals even knew about its existence. Those who did often thought it was an inefficient school of magic because it harnessed the emotions of the individual to project magic into the world.Certainly, at a surface level, Willy agreed that it sounded quite cumbersome to use. However, thanks to [Meditate], he couldpartmentalize his emotions and convey them through magic when necessary. It allowed him to cast spells that were far stronger than his ostensible level. If he were angry enough, he could create a raging fire that even matched the power of Elites.
The downside was that if he didn¡¯t have full control over his range of emotions, his magic could be weaker depending on his mood. Because of this, none of the [Priests] he had ever worked with ever showed an interest in learning this school of magic. Even those who had [Meditate]. Because they thought that the benefits did not outweigh the cons. Especially since that just having [Meditate] alone didn¡¯t enable them to have the same mastery Willy had over his feelings.
There was a reason why the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] spent so much time to himself, delving into his thoughts. Well, he also did have plenty of time to do so. Especially back when he had been the Hearthkeeper of Zaetya.
All he had to do back then was just float there, burn brightly, and look pretty. As Adash¡¯s Deity of Day and as the Sun Spirit of Timira, he had other duties to attend to. But as the Hearthkeeper of Zaetya, there had been nothing else for him to do. And the fact he had to keep that up for decades nearly made him lose his mind.
But thanks to [Meditate], he eventually survived just fine.
And thanks to [Meditate], he managed to survive his istion at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf without sumbing to his grief. After all, that was where his former master passed.
Willy¡¯s mes flickered as the thought crossed his mind. He remembered her. Nynen. The first Cyclopes he had ever met, and the only person who had ever treated him as a normal person. He followed her because of that¡ª because she was his first friend. And when she passed, he was devastated.
For a moment, the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] was lost in his thoughts. He froze right in the middle of Central Square. But he quickly regained control of his feelings and flew on. The past didn¡¯t matter. Nynen was gone. All he could do now was live for her.
All he could do now was remember her.
Willy flitted over a group of students as he headed towards the Tower of Truth. As a member of the faculty, there were duties he had to attend to¡ª that were mostly dull and monotonous. Not that heined. He did as he was told anyway, because the alternative was doing nothing.
And nothing was more boring than doing nothing.
He continued on, set for his destination, until he heard a voice calling out to him. Willy spun around as he spotted Rachel sprinting his way.
¡°Willy!¡±
¡°Hm? What?¡±
The young girl shifted for a moment as Willy peered at her. Around them, the crowd of students gave way, creating a small clearing around the two in the middle of Central Square.
Rachel squeaked.
¡°Do you, um, know if Salvos has any children?¡±
Willy froze. His mes stopped blowing with the wind, and the wisping blue kes faded away. He hovered there¡ª a glowing ball that was perfectly spherical. He tried to steel himself, but the young girl just continued without any hesitation.
¡°Because I¡¯ve read about that¡ª in a book, that Salvos has children. Club President Valda tells me that it¡¯s not true, but I¡¯m pretty sure it is true. If anyone would know though, it would be you, right?¡±
Rachel spoke erratically, scratching her head as she tried to wrack her brain for all the right details. She looked tired. As if she hadn¡¯t slept the whole night. But even though she was in such a state, she was in no hurry to go to sleep. Instead, she fumbled for her bag and produced a book.
¡°See? It¡¯s written by the Thrilling Bard! And it talks about¡ª wait, let me find the page¡¡±
Willy watched as the young girl sifted through the book, searching for something. He slowly regained his senses and looked around. There were a handful of passing students looking their way. It wasn¡¯t hard for either of them to draw attention, considering she was the Child Wonder, and he was a Grand Spirit.
He looked back down as Rachel raised a page of the book.
¡°Look¡ª it says here that Salvos had children! So, is it true?¡±
She eximed, and Willy hesitated. She waited expectantly, looking up at him as a handful of nearby gazes turned to him. He could feel the intense staring bearing down on him, anticipating his answer.
Finally, he sent a st of me her way. Rachel blinked, and the nearby passersby shouted in shock. They watched in horror as she was enveloped in his fire. But the young girl didn¡¯t burn. Instead, she found herself being carried into the air by the fire. She floated up as she stared down at herself for a long moment.
¡°Huh.¡±
That was all she said.
Willy swept his gaze over the staring students. Some of them sighed in relief, while others were just looking at the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] in shock. He scoffed at them for even thinking that he¡¯d attack Rachel.
¡°Idiots.¡±
And with that, he floated towards the Tower of Truth, carrying Rachel in tow.
¡ª--
Willy only put Rachel down onto the ground when they were alone in the Tower of Truth. As a member of the faculty in Mavos Academy¡ª even if part-time¡ª the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] was given a small office space with a table and chair. He shut the door before he turned to the young girl.
¡°Yes.¡±
He spoke simply. Rachel dusted herself off as she got to her feet. Looking up, she peered at the Grand Spirit.
¡°Yes?¡±
She repeated after him. And he sighed.
¡°Children. Yes.¡±
Rachel blinked a few times, before her eyes went wide. She eximed as she pointed at him.
¡°You¡¯re answering my question! You¡¯re saying that Salvos has children!¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Willy replied, slightly agitated that he had to repeat himself again. However, the feeling went away quickly, stored forter use. He looked down at the young girl with an expectant look.
¡°Happy?¡±
He asked if she was done here¡ª if she was satisfied with his answer. He knew what she was like, considering the few months he had gotten to know her. She was a curious little thing. And when she had a question, she wouldn¡¯t stop until she got an answer.
Willy thought his answer was enough to cate her. Unfortunately, as usual, it wasn¡¯t.
¡°Wait! So it¡¯s true!¡±
Rachel piped up as she fumbled for her book. She looked down at the page, reading from it excitedly.
¡°So does that also mean that there are three of them, and they are all adopted baby Wyverns? Are they here in Mavos Academy? Is that what the rumors are about?¡±
She faced Willy with stars in her eyes. The young girl was practically bouncing on her toes. The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] just shifted back as he stared at her.
He didn¡¯t know the author of the book¡ª whoever this Thrilling Bard was¡ª but Willy really wanted to have a word with him about writing and publishing this book. It was making things really troublesome.
Willy sighed as he floated up and down like he was nodding.
¡°Yes. Yes. Yes.¡±
He didn¡¯t see a point in lying or hiding the truth. All it would do is spread even more weird rumors. He just had to make sure that Rachel kept a lid on this once this conversation was over.
Rachel seemed to grow more excited with each passing moment. Her eyes went round as she took a step forward.
¡°Seriously? Can I go meet them?¡±
She looked like she was about to explode in excitement. But Willy finally paused. He considered her question for a short moment, before answering tly.
¡°No.¡±
And that made Rachel immediately dete. Her shoulders sagged as she protested weakly.
¡°Wha¡ª why not?¡±
¡°Because.¡±
Willy didn¡¯t borate. Rachel pouted as she groaned.
¡°I just want to meet them! I want to say hi and befriend them! Please, I¡¯ll behave!¡±
¡°No.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] once again rejected her pleas. She spread her arms exasperatedly.
¡°But why? I won¡¯t do anything bad! I promise!¡±
Willy wasn¡¯t going to repeat himself again. He flew back as she gave chase.
¡°I just want to be friends¡ª I mean, don¡¯t you think they¡¯d want to make some Human friends?¡±
It was a simple question. Willy wanted to give a curt response.
¡°No¡ª¡±
He started, but then quickly caught himself. He stared at Rachel as he thought of Oriur. Novis and Bellum were fine as long as they could fight. But Oriur was different.
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] remembered Oriur¡¯s outburst from a few days back. And he slowly flitted down to meet Rachel¡¯s gaze.
¡°Yes.¡±
He answered truthfully. Rachel brightened just a bit. She nodded with a determined look on her face.
¡°Exactly! If you just tell me where they¡¯re hiding, I can talk to them.¡±
¡°Not.¡±
¡°Not?¡±
Rachel frowned as she tried to interpret Willy¡¯s words. She ced a hand on her chin.
¡°They¡¯re¡ not hiding?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Then what are they doing?¡±
Willy didn¡¯t want to answer her. But he found himself replying to all her questions anyway, still thinking about Oriur.
¡°Trapped.¡±
¡°They¡¯re trapped? As in¡ª they¡¯re prisoners? Or wait¡ do you mean they¡¯re not allowed to go out?¡±
Rachel furrowed her brows in thought as she looked back towards Central Square.
¡°Is that why there have been those rumors spreading around? Because Salvos¡¯ children are trying to escape? Because they¡ don¡¯t want to be trapped anymore?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Willy spoke slowly. He stared at Rachel who was looking out the window. She turned back towards him, wearing a somber look on her face. She gritted her teeth.
¡°That¡¯s¡ so lonely.¡±
She whispered, and for a moment, Willy¡¯s mind shed with a memory. It was no longer just the image of Oriur appearing in his head. Instead, it was a little ball of mes, ving away in the middle of a temple, being revered like a God.
Rachel craned her head back as Willy returned to reality. He stared into her hollow eyes as she spoke softly.
¡°I know what it¡¯s like to be alone. Even if you¡¯re not physically alone¡ª even if you have others by your side¡ª it can still be incredibly lonely. Are you¡ are you sure I cannot meet them?¡±
Willy thought of the [Priests]. He thought of the random visitors,ing to his temple and praying to him. He heard their words, understood their feelings¡ª but they never acknowledged him.
His mes turned from red to blue to white. He stared at Rachel, and she met his gaze. She ced a hand on her chest.
¡°I wanted to meet because they are Salvos¡¯ children. But now¡ knowing this¡ I don¡¯t want them to be lonely anymore. Let me be their friend, please.¡±
Willy heard her words. And he remembered a time long ago¡ª when he met Nynen back at Zaetya. The [Priests] of the temple refused to let her meet him, but she insisted. She kept pestering them, saying she just wanted to get to know the [Will O¡¯ Wisp], only to be rejected again and again.
Back then, Willy had heard her words. But he just assumed she wanted to meet him out of curiosity. And yet, when she broke into the temple at night to speak with him, he realized that she was serious. That Nynen had seen his loneliness, and she wanted to befriend him.
Now, the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] saw Rachel¡ª a young girl that had the capability to be just as insane as his former master. She refused to budge as she stood there. And Willy didn¡¯t want to be like the [Priests] that confined him to his imprisonment.
He remembered Oriur once again. Just like the [Will O¡¯ Wisp], trapped and solitary, but wanting to be free.
Seeking something more.
¡°Please.¡±
Rachel repeated herself again. And Willy¡¯s mes flickered, burning a bright pink, before turning to a shade of red. He thought about the trouble he¡¯d be in with yton Skyshredder if he said yes. And he made his decision as he sighed.
¡°Fine.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] acquiesced, and Rachel cheered.
¡°Yay!¡±
However, before she could celebrate too much, Will cut her off, speaking warningly.
¡°But¡ª¡±
And she listened to him as heid out the rules of her visit.
***
Oriur was going to break out once again. He knew that yton Skyshredder had tightened up security after thest attempt, but the baby Wyvern didn¡¯t care. He was tired of being trapped up here and alone. Even if Centina caught him and scolded him, it didn¡¯t matter.
He was already sitting alone in his dark room, plotting his next scheme to escape.
¡°I¡¯ll just have to wait until¡ª¡±
He was whispering quietly to himself when the door to his room swung open. Oriur jolted as he saw the bright light from the outside corridor shine in. He froze as he hid his hands behind his back.
¡°I wasn¡¯t nning anything!¡±
He squeaked, thinking he had just been caught by Centina. But he didn¡¯t see a tall, stern woman standing there. Instead, he spotted a young girl standing there, donning the school uniform of a first year student in Mavos Academy. She tilted her head curiously as she scanned the room, until she caught sight of the baby Wyvern.
They stared at each other for a long moment, before they spoke at the same time.
¡°W-wait, who are¡ª¡±
¡°Hi! I¡¯m Rachel!¡±
The young girl eximed as she sprinted up to him. She was a full head shorter than him, and his developing ws were twice the size of her little hands. But she ignored that, taking his hands with a smile.
¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you! I¡¯ve heard a lot about you!¡±
¡°You¡¯ve heard a lot about me?¡±
Oriur stared at her, and she nodded eagerly.
¡°Yep! Well, I¡¯ve mostly read about you. But Willy told me about you too!¡±
¡°Uncle did?¡±
The baby Wyvern felt like the world was spinning around him. The young girl didn¡¯t speak particrly quickly, but her words washed over him like an unceasing wave. He nearly stumbled off his feet, but caught himself.
¡°You¡¯re not scared of me?¡±
He asked hesitantly as he stared at Rachel. She just tilted her head curiously.
¡°Why would I be scared? I asked to meet you!¡±
¡°You¡ what?¡±
Oriur¡¯s eyes went wide. He tried to work his jaw, but it took him a moment to muster up even a single word.
¡°Why?¡±
¡°Why do I want to meet you?¡±
She tapped a finger on her chin as his head spun, his vision a blur, and the world a daze. Rachel grinned as she spread her arms wide.
¡°I want to be your friend, that¡¯s why!¡±
And everything stopped moving. The world froze as Oriur stared at her. Here she was, a random Human he had never met before. And she wanted to be his friend.
The baby Wyvern looked down at himself for a moment, before looking back up at her. It was too good to be true. He couldn¡¯t believe it. She just smiled at him¡ª and he poked her side.
Rachel yelped as he stared at her in disbelief.
¡°Are you¡ real?¡±
She almost jolted back from the poking, but she caught herself. Beaming, Rachel nodded back at him as sheughed.
¡°Yep! I am real! I am Rachel!¡±
And Oriur sniffed for a moment, before breaking into tears. He embraced her as she hugged him back. The two held each other for a while, before they eventually let go of each other. When they did, they began to excitedly talk about all sorts of things as the sun continued to rise over the horizon.
***
Willy watched this scene from the hallway, his mes burning a warm orange. Would he get in trouble for this? Almost certainly. But he didn¡¯t care. He could speak with yton Skyshredderter. For now, he was just d to see Oriur make a friend.
Or at least, he thought he would be d. But when two little heads poked out behind him, he realized the ordeal was far from over.
Novis and Bellum stood there, staring at Rachel from the side. They exchanged a nce, before they looked up to the [Will O¡¯ Wisp]. They pointed at the young girl as they spoke in unison.
¡°I want a Human friend too!¡±
And Willy just sighed in annoyance, before storing that emotion forter use.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk? Back to Salvos next chapter.
Chapter 621: Collect
Chapter 621: Collect
621. Collect
***
In the Netherworld, things changed. Things remained the same. And things continued to move with the shifting white ins.
In the Demon King¡¯s Domain, Regnorex continued to amass his army. Whatever devious ns he had to invade the Mortal Realm remained in motion, despite the minor interruptions he had faced.
And out in the wilderness, the Beast roamed mindlessly. It destroyed everything in its path. A terrible monster that even Primordial Demons feared. The pinnacle of power of the Nexeus. Perhaps only a single being¡ª a singr entity in all of the three nes¡ª could possibly hope to match its might. But he was gone.
The Devil was gone.
He had descended to the end of the world to save his lover. He had returned to face his failures and atone for his sins. And without him, there was a void left behind.
Perhaps to the rest of the Nexeus, his absence barely made a difference. Some might sigh in relief, d to see that he was gone. Others wouldn¡¯t even notice that he had left¡ª either too insignificant to be pestered by him, or too busy with their schemes to even realize he was no longer there.
But to me, it was quite obvious he was gone. After all, he was my dad. Sure, he didn¡¯t raise me like Human parents did. And he wasn¡¯t even there arge portion of the time. However, I knew he was watching over me¡ even if it was for his own entertainment.Now, he was gone. I knew that Sal wouldn¡¯te to save me anymore. I knew that he wouldn¡¯t appear to give me a lecture when I messed up, and neither would he show up to praise me when I aplished something¡ª like surviving an encounter with the Beast.
I was acutely aware of this fact. But I didn¡¯t let it weigh me down. Instead, I focused on other, more productive things. For example, because of everything that happened since I reunited with Haec once again, I didn¡¯t really have the time to sit down and collect my thoughts. Not just on what happened with the Devil, but everything else.
The fact that I survived the Beast. Knowing that even more Deathsquad Hunters wereing after us. And wondering how we were going to save Haec¡¯s friends. I sat there and mulled it over. But as I did, my mind went over my current Status.
Salvos (S?????ece?????ly¡¯s S?????e?????nti???ne?????l???????) (The Devil¡¯s Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 166
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 145
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: Corruption Camouge] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devil¡¯s Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 265 (+50) (+10)
[Strength]: 260 (+50) (+10)
[Endurance]: 260 (+50) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 410 (+50) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 450 (+50) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Angel¡¯s Wings] - Lvl. 15
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demon¡¯s Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 10
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 15
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 15
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 1]
[w of Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 0]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.10 (Maxed)
[The World of My Mind] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
Thanks to defeating Venas and the other Deathsquad Hunters apanying him, I had leveled up once in my Subspecies and three times in my ss. I ended up maxing out thest of my ss Skills, although I still had an unused secondary Skill slot avable.
Not that it mattered. My ss was Level 145, and I knew I was going to get a ss advancement soon. I was quite excited for it, considering that it was going to be an even more significant boost in strength than my Level 100 advancement.
I wondered what kind of Skills I could get. I wondered what kind of Skill upgrades I would receive. It was very exciting, especially now that I had seen the majesty and might of a Dragon firsthand.
Well¡ not firsthand, but secondhand. Through my dad¡¯s visions, I had seen a Dragon. And their powers were enough to threaten even a Worldwalker.
My ss advancement would probably be rted to Dragons once again. I was currently a [Draconic Apprentice], so maybe I¡¯d be a [Draconic Master]? If that was even a thing¡
Anyway, I grew giddy just thinking about the plethora of options that could be presented to me. I could just sit there and think about it forever. And I had plenty of time. A lot of time to spare. After all¡ª
I looked up as I stared at the sea of white mes expanding around me. It was ake of fire created by the Beast itself. It spread out as far as I could see, going over the distant horizon and burning blindingly brightly.
If I was out there, flying around in the Netherworld, I¡¯d be reduced to ash in an instant. Fortunately for me, I was hidden away in my pocket space, safe from the white mes. With [The World Of My Mind], I navigated through this devastatedndscape. A moving sanctuary. One that came with only a single problem¡ª
And that was how we were moving really, really, really slowly.
I sighed as I watched the burningndscape slowly pass below me.
¡°This is taking a while¡¡±
But at least I had a lot of time to collect my thoughts.
Author''s Notes:
Short chap. Back to Salvos. What thonk?
Chapter 622: Former Heir
Chapter 622: Former Heir
622. Former Heir
***
¡°This is taking forever¡¡±
Taburas gritted her teeth, whispering under her breath. She looked through the translucent panels at her feet. All she saw was a world of white. But it was different from the usual rocks that littered the Netherworld. No¡ª it was something else.
Ake of fire.
The [Subus] had never seen such a thing before. Such destruction that spanned over vast distances. It was almost iprehensible. But it was the power of the Beast.
It was strange for her to think about. After all, she never imagined she¡¯d ever encounter a Primordial Demon other than Regnorex, let alone the Beast itself. But she never thought she¡¯d be fleeing from the Deathsquad Hunters either. She always imagined that she¡¯d remain in the Demon King¡¯s Domain with Haec. After all, there was no escape. All they could do was grow stronger there.
Unfortunately, reality proved to be quite different. Haec chose to abandon his role as the Heir of the Netherworld and escape to the wilderness. Of course, Taburas chose to follow him. Why shouldn¡¯t she? They had been together since the very beginning. If they had been in the Mortal Realm, they would have been together for years.
So it didn¡¯t matter where he went. She would follow him even to the jaws of the Beast. But¡ she couldn¡¯t lie and say she imagined a future like this.¡°Seriously, when are we going to be able to actually walk the Netherworld again?¡±
Taburas cursed as she swept her gaze over the pocket space surrounding her. It was carrying them across the ravagedndscape which she appreciated¡ª considering that she would probably instantly die if she touched the white mes below¡ª but they were moving at such a cial pace, it was very infuriating.
She clicked her tongue, and a voice piped up.
¡°If you¡¯d like to raise yourints to someone, don¡¯tin to me.¡±
The [Subus] nced to the side and spotted Bertrugil leaning against one of the spatial walls. He was a small [Abraxas], but he had a big mouth. He waved a hand dismissively as he tried to turn away from her like he was going back to sleep.
¡°Unlike you, I actually quite enjoy this. So stop disrupting my peace and quiet.¡±
He didn¡¯t even face her as he spoke. Taburas scowled and crossed her arms.
¡°Aren¡¯t you bored of just lying around and doing nothing all the time?¡±
¡°Why would I find this boring?¡±
Bertrugil snorted in reply. He raised his head groggily and spread his arms wide.
¡°We¡¯re safe. We¡¯re alive. And we¡¯re not being tracked down by the Deathsquad Hunters. That¡¯s all that matters to me.¡±
¡°Is that really all you care about? Being safe and alive?¡±
Taburas narrowed her eyes, and the [Abraxas] responded instantly.
¡°Yes.¡±
She stared at him for a moment as he held her gaze. He waspletely serious. It was not one of his usual quips. She sighed and sat back down on the ground.
¡°Well, first of all, I am not you. And secondly¡ª¡±
The [Subus] pursed her lips as she looked down at the metal ring around her neck. It was a summoning cor. It was an artifact that the Demon King forced upon all his subjects. With it, they could traverse the nes of the Nexeus and step foot onto the Mortal Realm. But that was not all it did.
It also functioned as a tracker¡ª a way to keep Regnorex¡¯s followers in check. So that none of them could ever dream of escaping or running away. After all, then the Deathsquad Hunters would be sent out. And some would say that it was a fate worse than death.
Taburas sighed as she shook her head.
¡°Secondly, I highly doubt we¡¯re safe from the Deathsquad Hunters even here.¡±
¡°Why not?¡±
Bertrugil raised a curious brow from where hey. He tapped one of his w-like fingers on the ground, making a clinking sound.
¡°We¡¯re not in the Netherworld anymore. We¡¯re in a pocket space¡ª a separate ne. So they can¡¯t track us here.¡±
¡°And why do you think the summoning cor stops tracking us just because we¡¯re in a separate ne?¡±
Taburas harrumphed as she faced the [Abraxas]. He shrugged.
¡°Dunno. It just makes sense to me.¡±
She shook her head.
¡°Well, it does not make sense to me. These summoning cors can transport you to the Mortal Realm. There is no reason to believe they can¡¯t follow us even here.
¡°As I said, stop bitching at me. I just want to sleep. If you really want to get something done, why don¡¯t you go bother the Lesser God about it, huh?¡±
Bertrugil gestured at the front of the pocket space. Taburas immediately nched. She didn¡¯t even turn around to face who it was standing over there.
¡°Whatever¡¡±
Scowling, the [Subus] rose to her feet and stormed off, muttering under her breath. Bertrugil just chuckled as he watched her go. She couldn¡¯t walk far since the pocket space itself wasn¡¯t massive.
There was a bit of room, of course. However, no matter where she went, she could still see Bertrugil, and he could still see her. Taburas didn¡¯t care as she just strode on, nearly bumping into a tall figure.
¡°Oops¡ª sorry, didn¡¯t see you there, Taburas!¡±
A cheerful voice eximed. The [Subus] looked up to see Aem standing there. The [Fiend] was tall¡ª nearly as big as Haec. But she was a bit of a ditz, even when fighting wild Demons.
The two of them had known each other from a long time ago. But while Aem saw Taburas as a friend, thetter couldn¡¯t really say the same about their rtionship. Certainly, there was nothing wrong about the [Fiend].
However, Taburas just had no interest in being friendly or anything more than polite in their interactions. So she spoke simply as she shook her head.
¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s my fault. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±
She continued walking on as Aem opened her mouth.
¡°How are you¡ oh, alright.¡±
The [Fiend] watched for a moment as Taburas strode up to a corner of the room. Eventually, Aem just shrugged and continued where she was going.
Taburas didn¡¯t need to look, already knowing where the [Fiend] was heading. The [Subus] closed her eyes and heard the voices echoing from the front of the pocket space.
¡°Salvos! Where are we now?¡±
¡°Hey Aem! We¡¯re still¡ um, somewhere?¡±
That was right. Taburas looked up briefly, watching as Aem engage in conversation with a silver-haired Demon¡ª the creator of this pocket space.
Salvos.
She was cheerful and friendly to everyone¡ª kind of like Aem, but a little bit different¡ª so they got along just fine. In fact, the silver-haired Demon also got along with Bertrugil just fine. Even though she was a literal Lesser God, she didn¡¯t act all high and mighty, refusing to speak to any of the Archdemons here.
But Taburas didn¡¯t go out of her way to befriend Salvos. Sure, the [Subus] didn¡¯t act abrasively either. And it certainly wasn¡¯t because she was afraid of the Lesser God. It was for another reason¡
Raising her head, Taburas looked up to see a figure sitting quietly at the back of the pocket space. The scowl on her face immediately vanished, reced by a softer expression. Haec sat there, eyes-closed in silence.
He was the [Subus]¡¯s leader. He had saved her before, and he was the reason for¡ everything she did. She flushed just at the thought of what he had done for her in the past.
But Taburas immediately glowered as she heard a voice squeak from the other side of the pocket space.
¡°I dunno how long it¡¯s been either. Maybe it¡¯s been a week? Or maybe it¡¯s been a month? It could¡¯ve been even more¡ª¡±
Salvos piped up excitedly, talking with Aem at the front. Taburas pursed her lips as she nced their way for a moment.
Haec was everything to Taburas. And because of that, he was special to her. She wanted to be special to him too. But¡
Salvos was everything to Haec. Taburas could see that. She was no fool. It was obvious in the way he acted. It was even the reason why he had fled the Demon King¡¯s Domain, giving up his Title as the Heir of the Netherworld.
And knowing that¡ hurt the [Subus]. Because she wanted to be Haec¡¯s everything, but she knew she couldn¡¯t be that. She could never amount to what Salvos was to him.
Taburas gritted her teeth as she sank to the ground, hugging her knees tightly to herself.
¡°I just want us to return to how we were¡¡±
She whispered. But she knew that could never happen. And she closed her eyes, wishing her dreams coulde true as the pocket space slowly moved on.
***
Haec sat in silence, undisturbed by the ruckus of the rest of the pocket space. Neither Salvos, nor Taburas, nor Bertrugil, nor Aem bothered him. And that was because he asked them to leave him alone.
After all, he needed to be left alone. He needed to think. He needed to focus. He needed to be in solitude to do what he was about to do.
It was not easy. And yet, it was incredibly simple. Almost paradoxical. But he needed to get it done.
Haec closed his eyes as he peered into the darkness of his mind. He saw nothing. He saw everything. And he heard a familiar voice echoing in his head.
It was one which he had put off for long enough. It was one he should have addressed as soon as it hade to him. But he had been distracted by a myriad of other things. And now¡ª
[Evolution Avable]
¡ªhe knew it was time for him to make a choice.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 623: Living in Exile
Chapter 623: Living in Exile
623. Living in Exile
***
¡°So you are the boy that Regnorex says has potential.¡±
A wispy voice croaked, echoing throughout the dark chamber. Haec came to a halt right before therge double doors at the front as they closed shut behind him. He swept his gaze over the room and frowned when he saw no one was there.
¡°Are you¡ Oracli? I was sent here under the orders of Reg¡ª our King.¡±
Haec caught himself from slipping up. He had only just been given permission to leave the Expanse and return to the Demon King¡¯s Castle for his aplishments. Unfortunately, he had to leave Taburas behind. But she promised she¡¯d see him again.
And he hoped for her sake that this was thest time they ever saw each other.
After all, Haec only had two goals. The first was to see Salvos again. And the second was to¡ª
¡°Tell me, boy.¡±The voice boomed, and Haec spun around. Standing there, right before the closed double doors was a thin figure. A frail-looking [Fiend] with a long, white beard. His skin was a pale white and covered with wrinkles, while his horns were small like an [Imp]¡¯s.
Despite his meek stature, he spoke with a voice that could even make Regnorex flinch.
¡°Why have youe to this ce?¡±
It was a simple question. The shadows in the room receded, reced by a crimson glow. A weak red me spread across the perimeters of the room as Haec took a step back.
¡°I havee here to prove my loyalty and worth to the Demon King.¡±
Haec spoke resolutely, trying to meet Oracli¡¯s gaze. But the frail Demon snapped.
¡°Liar!¡±
He fell on all fours and quickly crawled forward. Oracli¡¯s neck extended, stretching forward up to Haec¡¯s face.
¡°I can sense your intentions. I can tell truths from lies. I know what you want. I know your innermost desires.¡±
Haec backed away as Oracli¡¯s voice shook the room. What was going on? Haec didn¡¯t know. All he could do was look on with wide eyes as he found his back pressed up against the wall.
¡°I¡ I¡ what?¡±
Haec sputtered, and Oracli¡¯s eyes were inked ck. Oracli¡¯s gaze bore down on the Archdemon as the booming voice continued to echo around them.
¡°Answer me¡ª tell me what you truly seek.¡±
¡°What I seek¡?¡±
Haec repeated after Oracli as his breathing quickened. The Archdemon didn¡¯t know what to say. He felt the burning desire deep within him rise up¡ª threatening to spill out. But he couldn¡¯t reveal what he wanted.
He couldn¡¯t admit that he was just here to find Salvos. It would be a betrayal to the Demon King. Haec knew he would be executed for that.
He closed his eyes as he thought about his secondmost desire. One which he had never revealed to anyone¡ª not even Taburas. It was a simple desire. Perhaps too simple. And perhaps no one would ever suspect it from him.
Not with the way he carried himself. Not with how he acted. However, he had held it deep within him, hiding it and using it as his fuel to grow stronger. To reach where he was today.
Haec opened his eyes and he met Oracli¡¯s gaze. It was no longer so threatening, instead curious. Perhaps sensing the newly-evolved Archdemon¡¯s feelings.
Was it something Haec wanted to reveal? Was it something that Haec wanted to say? Perhaps he didn¡¯t need to admit it in full¡ª perhaps he could obfuscate it and offer a grain of truth. So that was what he did.
Oracli tilted his deformed, elongated head curiously as the Archdemon¡¯s mouth moved.
¡°I am Haec the Tormentor. [Zelus Fiendlord], and Archdemon of Lust¡ª
Haec inhaled deeply, and spoke from his chest, voicing out the hidden desire he had kept within for so long.
¡°And I am here to get revenge on those who wronged me.¡±
There was a moment¡¯s pause, before he added in his head, To kill the Demon King for what he has done.
Haec refused to vocalize thest part, but everything else he said for Oracli to hear. The strange Demon stared at the future Heir of the Netherworld. A moment passed where they locked eyes, the mes in the room flickering for an instant.
And Oracli broke out intoughter. Haec watched as the strange Demon¡¯s neck receded.
¡°Good¡ very good¡¡±
Oracli spoke as he strode forward, fixing his head back into ce. He walked up to where Haec stood, resolute. The Archdemon refused to waver. And Oracli nodded approvingly.
¡°You desire vengeance. Do not forget that hatred, boy. Now let us begin your education¡¡±
***
Haec didn¡¯t know why he recalled such a memory here and now as he heard the words of his evolution echoing in his mind. It was not too long ago, but it wasn¡¯t a recent time either. So he didn¡¯t quite understand the importance of it.
All he knew was that he was lost in his mind, and he was drowning in his memories. From the very first time he met the others to when he lost Salvos to the Mortal Realm. These moments reyed in his head again and again. Everything he did after¡ª all of it yed in his mind. And yet, one memory stood out more than the others. That brief moment he shared with Oracli when they met for the first time.
And Haec didn¡¯t know the reason why.
But he dismissed the thoughts. He knew he had to make a decision now, rather than waiting any longer. So he sat there¡ª in the world created by Salvos¡¯ mind. And yet, he was lost only in his thoughts, focused on only the task at hand.
[Evolution Avable]
As a Level 150 Archdemon, Haec had undergone an evolution a plethora of times before. So theoretically, this should not have been something he¡¯d be nervous about. But he had dyed undergoing this transformation because of exactly that reason. After all, he was now going to be a Primeval Demon.
It was going to be the most significant evolution he had ever undergone. Well, that could be argued for pretty much every evolution he went through. But this was more true than ever. The gap in levels between an Archdemon and a Primeval Demon was the greatest of any evolution thus far.
When he first learned about it, he thought it was ridiculous. Why did it take 50 levels to be a Primeval Demon from an Archdemon? But then Oracli exined that it meant the power boost from an Archdemon to a Primeval Demon was so significant, it was almost like undergoing two evolutions at a lower level.
Haec almost couldn¡¯t believe it at first. But with how long and difficult it was for him to reach Level 150pared to reaching Level 100, he now understood just how powerful he would be once he underwent his evolution.
But¡ for some reason, he waited for a long time before he made his choice. Certainly, it was partly because he knew he had time to make a decision. If he had been pressed to undergo his evolution to survive, he would have done it earlier. But there was more to it than that.
Haec didn¡¯t really understand it himself, but he realized he was nervous. He was afraid of something. Even if he didn¡¯t know what.
However, now he forced himself to confront it. To move forward with his most important evolution yet.
And the words echoed in his mind.
Subspecies Evolution:
[Archdemon of Lust] -> [Primeval Demon of Lust]
Requirements for three Subspecies evolutions have been met!
¡°Three evolutions?¡±
Haec was rather surprised by the offer he was given. After all, he was taught that Primeval Demons were often only given two options. To have three was incredibly rare. But he didn¡¯t dwell on it any further.
Instead, he prodded along.
¡°Show me what they are.¡±
And the first option revealed itself to him.
Subspecies Evolution:
[Exiled Lucifus Hellprince]
An [Exiled Lucifus Hellprince] is a [Hellprince] who has emerged to be one of the premier powers of the Netherworld. He has abandoned his former duties for the sake of his principles, and now he strives to protect his subjects from the dangers threatening him. Fearless and dedicated, he would even sacrifice his own life if it meant saving those he loved.
+50 [Vitality]
+50 [Strength]
+30 [Wisdom]
+30 [Endurance]
+30 [Agility]
Bonuses:
*You have an aura that can partially control wild Demons.
*You can create your own Domain.
¡°A [Hellprince] evolution¡?¡±
Haec paused as he heard it echoing around him in the darkness of his mind. [Hellprinces] were rare to begin with, and it seemed like he was offered an even more specialized version of its evolution.
¡°So I am now a rebel, huh? Because I abandoned my Regnorex for Salvos. How fitting¡¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld was tempted to ept the evolution right there and then. It offered him everything he needed¡ª or he thought he needed. After all, now wild Demons wouldn¡¯t even bother him as he wandered Reconstruction.
And yet, something was off about it. It made him feel uneasy. It made him a contender to the Demon King¡¯s reign. But more than that, there was a strange feeling that stopped Haec. That provided him the momentary strength in judgment he needed to move on to see the next evolutionary option rather than bing a [Hellprince] immediately.
¡°Next is¡¡±
[The Elder Fiend]
As the final and most powerful evolutionary path of a [Fiend], [The Elder Fiend] is a unique Subspecies that can only be held by a single Demon at a time. He is indomitable, proving himself steadfast in his beliefs. He has pursued power to further his goals, and now that he has achieved it, he shall pass on his knowledge to his followers. With his guidance, he shall lead them to glory with him.
+60 [Strength]
+60 [Vitality]
+40 [Wisdom
+30 [Endurance]
+30 [Agility]
Bonus:
*You can bestow powerful Titles that are no greater than your own upon your most loyal minions.
¡°A unique evolution?¡±
Haec¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He knew of them¡ª he knew that many Primordial Demons were given them. Those like [The Great Agarus] were of a unique ilk. There were none others like it.
And now, Haec was being given the chance to be [The Elder Fiend]. His head spun as he thought about what he could do with this evolution. He was going to be stronger than ever¡ª he could even give Titles out to protect those he cared about.
It was more than what he could ask for. In fact, it was more powerful than even bing a [Hellprince]. But still, he felt off. He didn¡¯t feel like it was right.
He shook his head and put it off for now.
¡°I need something else. I need to¡¡±
Haec whispered as he thought of Vianna. As he thought of all those who had been wronged by the Demon King. As he remembered the pain and torment he found himself suffering under after Salvos was gone.
¡°I need to be something more.¡±
And thest option revealed itself to him as he said that.
[Zelus Devil Reaper]
One of the first in the evolutionary line of [Devils], a [Zelus Devil Reaper] is a being devoted only to their passions. They are not fickle, but they are beholden to their true nature. They will protect those they love, and they will unleash torment upon those who they hate. Even if it means battling all the Netherworld itself, they shall never falter.
+50 [Vitality]
+50 [Strength]
+50 [Agility]
+25 [Endurance]
+25 [Wisdom]
Bonus: *You receive +20% to all Stats when in a near-death state.
Species Change: [Primeval Demon of Lust] -> [Primeval Demon of Lust and Wrath]!
¡°Primeval Demon of¡ Lust and Wrath?¡±
Haec couldn¡¯t believe it. He had never heard of such a thing before. Oracli had never spoken of it, and neither had Regnorex. The former Heir of the Netherworld had always assumed there could only be a single sin instilled within the essence of a Demon.
But now¡ª Haec was shown something more. He was given the chance to be something else while remaining himself.
The words echoed in his mind as he remained fixated on it. He didn¡¯t evenpare the benefits of the different evolutionary options. Haec knew he wanted this.
He wanted to be a [Zelus Devil Reaper]. But why?
The former Heir of the Netherworld thought he didn¡¯t know. He just assumed something felt off. But now he realized why he felt that way.
In the end, Haec was a selfish individual. He acted selfishly throughout his life. Even now, what he sought to do for Vianna¡ª what he was seeking to aplish by saving those enved by Regnorex¡ª it was all for his own sake.
He was not a ruler. Even if he became the Heir of the Netherworld, he always knew he was never meant to take over after Regnorex. It was all a facade. It was not who he was. After all, Haec himself was a follower.
Salvos was his leader. She was the reason he had done everything he did. Perhaps others had looked up to him. But he knew that to be either an [Exiled Lucifus Hellprince] or [The Elder Fiend] was not his path.
His path was something else. Not to start a new kingdom. But to protect those he cared for, and to exact revenge on those who wronged him. Just like he said to Oracli all that time ago.
So Haec raised his head, opened his eyes, and left his mask behind as he made a decision.
Evolution Complete!
[Archdemon of Lust] -> [Primeval Demon of Lust and Wrath]!
[Zelus Fiendlord] -> [Zelus Devil Reaper]!
Gained 50 Stat Points!
General Grand Skill [Racial Skill: Demonic Essence Manifestation Mastery] Obtained!
¡.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 624: Impassioned
Chapter 624: Impassioned
624. Impassioned
***
¡°I think I seend right ahead!¡±
¡°Do you?¡±
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s right there, Salvos!¡±
¡°Um, Aem, no offense, but thest time you said that, you led us deeper into theke of fire.¡±
I nced up at the [Fiend] as she pressed her face against the ss-like wall of [The World Of My Mind]. Aem blinked a few times, before turning back to face me. She scratched the back of her head.
¡°That is true¡ but look!¡±Aem eximed as she gestured emphatically at a white spot in theke of white fire.
¡°That looks likend, doesn¡¯t it?¡±
It didn¡¯t look any different than the rest of the burningndscape. But I couldn¡¯t really bring myself to disagree with the [Fiend]. Even though she was massive¡ª nearly as big as Haec was¡ª she seemed like a softie. So I didn¡¯t want to hurt her feelings.
¡°I mean, maybe?¡±
I said apprehensively, ncing between her and the spot in the distance. Unfortunately, because of [The World Of My Mind], I couldn¡¯t use [Manifestation of the Old Gods] to pierce through this white veil of fire. When I activated it the other¡ day? Or however long ago it had been¡ I had been blocked by the walls of my pocket space.
And unfortunately, when I tried to open a small hole in the walls of space to peer through to the Netherworld, I was immediately assailed by a st of intense heat. So I closed the hole immediately.
It wasn¡¯t bad enough to harm me¡ª it was only mildly diforting¡ª but Aem wasn¡¯t nearly as resilient as I was. And even Taburas and Bertrugil found it to be rather ufortable, struggling to move when under pressure from the heat.
Anyway, the Beast had transformed the Netherworld into a truly hellishndscape with only a single Skill. Or maybe that was a Grand Skill. I didn¡¯t really know. But with the molten terrain spewing pirs of fire into the air, [The World Of My Mind] itself shouldn¡¯t have been able to protect us from it all.
And yet, as a ming spout shot up right in front of us, I didn¡¯t even flinch. I wasn¡¯t even afraid. I had no reason to be scared.
After all, we werepletely safe as long as we weren¡¯t in the Netherworld. And that was the thing¡ª we weren¡¯tpletely here. Using my spatial magic, I could bend [The World Of My Mind] between the folds of space. So while I could visibly see everything around us in the Netherworld, no one without any form of space magic could see us here. And we¡¯d easily phase through any danger just fine.
Well, not any danger, I thought as I remembered when the Beast first unleashed its attack that created thiske of fire.
Even space copsed from the sheer force of the st. And while we were far away enough from the epicenter of the explosion that I no longer saw floating rifts hovering in the sky, the memory of nearly dying from that attack was still burned into my mind.
Anyway, we were mostly safe as long as we traveled in between the folds between the nes and the Netherworld. I had seen my dad do this before, but he could travel much faster than I could. I was far more inexperienced, and that was the reason for my cial pace of travel. If I was moving [The World Of My Mind] simply through the Netherworld, then I could travel much faster. But then I wouldn¡¯t be safe from the raging inferno beneath us.
And if I simply traversed the folds between the nes, I would certainly be able to move much faster. But I¡¯d also kind of get lost since I wouldn¡¯t know where I was going. I only knew of a single ¡®location¡¯ there, and that had been where the Devil¡¯s Lair was located. Unfortunately, now that didn¡¯t exist. So I¡¯d have just been lost wading through the darkness.
I didn¡¯t want to take the risk of getting myself killed traveling through the folds between the nes. And that was why I was stuck doing this¡ª moving sluggishly over thiske of fire.
¡°Well, we¡¯ll get out of here eventually. So whether or not you actually sawnd, it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡±
I finally said as I turned back to Aem. She pouted and crossed all four of her arms.
¡°You don¡¯t believe me, do you?¡±
¡°...kinda?¡±
I answered sheepishly, and the [Fiend] harrumphed. I watched as she plopped herself to the ground like a little kid. Her gaze was fixed on that little bit of so-called nd¡¯ she had pointed out. I pursed my lips, unsure of what to say to cheer her up.
I nced back to either Taburas or Bertrugil for help¡ª the two Archdemons knew Aem better than I did. But unfortunately for me, Bertrugil was sleeping, like he normally was. And Taburas just shrugged back at me when I gave her a pleading look.
I sighed as I turned back to the [Fiend].
¡°Aem¡ª¡±
I started. But before she could even face me, I heard a loud thudding sounding from the back of my pocket space. I blinked, feeling a soft reverberation run through the ss-like floor beneath me.
¡°What was wha¡ª?¡±
Bertrugil jerked up from where he was sleeping, wiping the drool off his mouth. Taburas frowned and snapped her gaze to the back of the room. Even Aem craned her neck back in confusion. I narrowed my eyes as I saw a shadowed figure shifting there.
I took a step back, raising a brow at what I saw.
¡°Haec?¡±
Taburas called out as she rushed to the shifting figure. I narrowed my eyes, watching as a pool of an inky ck liquid spilling on the floor. And rising from that dark puddle was a tall red figure with long ck hair.
I recognized Haec¡¯s hair anywhere. But it was different. He was different. I whispered as I nodded approvingly.
¡°His evolution isplete.¡±
Of course, he didn¡¯t undergo a significant change. His hair was slightly shorter and less spiky than it was before, falling straight down his back instead of spreading out like a massive mane. He still had that single stripe of yellow that ran across his bangs, but I narrowed my eyes as I caught a glimpse of his face.
Right below his right eye, beneath his yellow stripe of hair, looked like a scar. But when I peered closer, I saw a stripe of yellow there, like his skin had been tattooed with that strange mark. He straightened, standing shorter and leaner than before. But he was still significantly bigger than me. Just no longer so bulky.
And behind him, I watched as something ck moved. I blinked a few times, and Taburas paused when she caught sight of it too. It was¡ª
¡°A tail?¡±
I blinked a few times. I looked back up at Hace as he slowly turned around, still looking down at himself.
¡°Huh.¡±
Haec whispered as he stared at himself. I would have copied his remark, sharing his sentiments, if I had not used [Identification] on him. What I saw made me pause.
[Devil - Lvl. 150]
¡°Woah.¡±
That was all I could muster up. Taburas ran up to Haec and looked him up and down.
¡°Haec¡ª you¡¯ve changed! I mean, you¡¯re still kind of the same. But¡¡±
She eyed his tail, before staring at his arms. He no longer had those gauntleted-like fists. His arms looked normal, except for what looked like the small horn-like spikes that jutted out from his knuckles.
Haec chuckled as he shook his head.
¡°I have changed. But as you said, I am still the same. Just more¡plete.¡±
He ced a hand on her shoulder. She slowly nodded with a smile as she looked up at him. But he walked past her, and she blinked. Haec turned to Bertrugil first who just scoffed.
¡°Looking good. But no need to wake me up just to show off.¡±
Aem stood up excitedly as she stared at Haec.
¡°That¡¯s amazing! You¡¯re a [Devil] now! I¡¯ve never seen a [Devil] before!¡±
¡°But¡ you¡¯ve seen the Devil before.¡±
I said, scratching the back of my head. She paused, cing a hand on her chin.
¡°Wait, he¡¯s a [Devil]?¡±
¡°I mean, I assume he is? But if he isn¡¯t, you¡¯ve seen me too.¡±
¡°Wait, you¡¯re a [Devil]?¡±
Aem¡¯s eyes went wide in amazement. I just bit my lower lip, unsure what to say. And Haec called out to me, drawing my attention from her.
¡°Salvos.¡±
I faced him and tilted my head.
¡°Yep, that¡¯s me! What do you need, Haec?¡±
I gave him a curious look. He looked down at himself onest time, before looking up to face me. His eyes glinted as he spoke simply.
¡°Let¡¯s fight.¡±
And that made me pause. Taburas froze. Bertrugil furrowed his brows, and Aem nced between Haec and I with round eyes.
I hesitated.
¡°That¡¡±
And I grinned back at my firstpanion as he smiles at me.
¡°Sounds like fun!¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 625: Sparring Match
Chapter 625: Sparring Match
625. Sparring Match
***
It was going to be a duel.
Well, it was actually just going to be a sparring match. It was not going to be serious. Or at least, that was what Taburas told herself as she took in a deep breath to steel herself. She was nervous, to say the least.
She wasn¡¯t even going to be either one of thebatants. All Taburas was was a spectator standing to the side alongside Bertrugil and Aem. They were watching from a distance¡ª standing as far away as they possibly could from Salvos and Haec.
But the pocket space they were upying wasn¡¯t a massive ne. Taburas couldn¡¯t back away as far as she wanted. After all, she was about to watch two Primeval Demons duke it out in a fight.
For whatever reason, her nervousness was limited only to herself. Everyone else seemed quite rxed about what was going to take ce. Bertrugil just yawned as he leant back against the walls of the pocket space.
¡°This better not be boring¡¡±
Taburas bit her lower lip. She nced towards Aem, but the [Fiend] actually looked excited.¡°I wonder who will win?¡±
That was¡ a stupid question. At least, to Taburas. She admired Haec. She really did. But he was much lower-leveled than Salvos.
The [Subus] wasn¡¯t delusional. She knew that there was a 15 level difference between Haec and Salvos. Perhaps at the same level, Haec would win. But as it was right now, Taburas knew the answer.
She ground her teeth together as she nced between the two Primeval Demons. Her uneasiness must have been obvious because Salvos waved a hand and spoke cheerfully,
¡°Don¡¯t worry, Taburas! We¡¯re going to take it easy, right Haec?¡±
¡°We are.¡±
The [Devil] nodded. Taburas nced towards him hesitantly. It was strange to her to perceive him by his new Subspecies. For all her life, she had known him just as a [Fiend]. But now he was something else. He even looked different.
For the first time ever after an evolution, he had grown shorter rather than taller!
Taburas wasn¡¯t sure why, but she felt off seeing him like this. He didn¡¯t feel like he was him anymore. It didn¡¯t feel like he was¡ her leader anymore.
She shook her head and dismissed the thought. He is Haec. It doesn¡¯t matter what evolution he undergoes. He is my leader.
The [Subus] steeled herself as she raised her gaze. She pursed her lips, watching as the two Primeval Demons faced off. And she waited for the duel to begin.
***
I grinned at Haec as I flexed an arm, revealing my ws. I looked him up and down, bouncing on my toes. I ensured that [The World Of My Mind] was as reinforced as possible, then I posed the simple question to him as I took a step forward.
¡°Are you ready?¡±
Haec nodded with a small smile stered on his own face.
¡°I am. You can start whenever you want, Salvos.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
I stared at him¡ª I saw the confident look on his face. And that made me bare my teeth as I took on a wide stance.
¡°Are you sure about that? Because I don¡¯t want this tost too short.¡±
¡°I¡¯m positive.¡±
Haec replied, and I shook my head. From the side, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem waited in anticipation for the duel to begin. Iughed.
¡°Alright. Here we¡ª¡±
I appeared behind him with a w already raised, burning with [The Holy mes].
¡°Go!¡±
I swung down at the [Devil] before he could even react. I aimed for the back of his head, hoping to knock him out with just one strike. But before my fist couldnd, a white object sprouted from his back.
I watched with wide eyes as a spike-like protrusion shot up towards me, nearly impaling my arm. I flipped out of the way just in time as Haec pivoted to face me. He wore a devilish grin on his face as the spike poked out of his back like a massive horn.
¡°What do you think?
¡°What is that?¡±
I gaped, staring at the bone-like spike. Haec ced a hand on it as he shook his head.
¡°[Greater Reapershell]. I didn¡¯t exactly know what it did, but I knew it would protect me the moment you got close. It¡¯s pretty nifty, huh?¡±
He strode up towards me as I narrowed my eyes. I heard a whistleing from the side. It was Bertrugil. He looked impressed as he ced his hand on his chin.
¡°Interesting. That¡¯s simr to a [Hellreaper]¡¯s natural defenses.¡±
Aem nced between Bertrugil and Haec. Her eyes went wide.
¡°Wait, are you saying that Haec is a [Hellreaper] now?¡±
¡°What? No¡ª are you an idiot?¡±
Bertrugil sputtered and began to reprimand her, but I ignored them. I cast my gaze back to Haec with an amused look on my face.
¡°Huh. That is impressive. But I wonder¡ how fast can it react?¡±
I snickered as I dashed forward, sprinting straight at my firstpanion. Once again, my ws were enveloped by [The Holy mes]. I leapt forward at Haec,ughing as I swung down at him. He didn¡¯t even brace himself. Another spoke shot out from him once again, this time jutting out of his shoulder and curving around his chest.
My ws shed with the bone-like spike. I didn¡¯t hold back¡ª I tried to break through it. But his defenses were able to repel my attack. I gritted my teeth as he grinned.
And I teleported behind him.
¡°How about this?¡±
This time, I went for a fiery kick. Again, it was blocked. And I circled around him, unleashing a [Barrage of Cinders]. I was relentless. I unleashed an onught of attacks from all directions. However, he was able to repel most of it as his body slowly got covered in spikes.
And as I tried to find an opening between his defenses, his eyes glinted. I watched as Haec¡¯s gaze snapped towards me, before he uttered.
¡°[Hellish Reproach]!¡±
I blinked, watching as all the spikes receded at once. It happened so fast, I couldn¡¯t even react. Standing there in front of me was Haec in apletely defenseless position. But his fist was raised and glowing with a red aura.
¡°I¡¯ve got you¡ª¡±
I started, thinking I finally overwhelmed him. But his fist moved so fast, I couldn¡¯t even dodge out of the way in time. I barely blocked it with my forearms as I felt my scales crack under the strike. However, Haec wasn¡¯t done.
He took a step forward as his arms blurred. I backed away, watching as he moved with a speed that rivaled even my own. He unleashed a flurry of punches my way as I barely managed to avoid each strike. This time, I wasn¡¯t caught off-guard, so I was able to move a step ahead of him.
But that didn¡¯t mean avoiding his barrage of punches was easy. I didn¡¯t expect him to be able to move like he did here. Eventually though, his movements slowed, and I was able to disengage. I hopped away from him as I blinked a few times.
¡°What was that?¡±
I stared at Haec with round eyes. He took a step back, surprised by even himself. He stared at his fist as the crimson aura faded away.
¡°I¡ did not expect that Skill to do that. I knew it would let me absorb your attacks and redirect it to you. But I thought it was going to be more of a single explosive punch.¡±
¡°It was returning my attacks? That¡¯s¡ like Ira.¡±
I narrowed my eyes as I looked Haec up and down. That was strange. I hadn¡¯t seen him fight that much beforehand, but I didn¡¯t remember seeing him use Skills that could deflect or reflect attacks thrown his way. That was the kind of a Skill I expected from a Demon of Wrath.
I shook my head as I dusted myself off.
¡°Well, you just caught me by surprise. And I¡¯m going easy on you. So¡¡±
¡°You¡¯re wide open.¡±
Haec interrupted me as he mmed a foot on the ground. All at once, the ss-like floors of my pocket space shook, throwing me off bnce. It was like a powerful waved just rippled across the ground, and I was hurled into the air.
Whatever he did, he dibobted my senses. It didn¡¯t hurt, I was just left in disarray. And before I could regain my bearings, I saw Haec leaping up towards me as the image of a [Hebomination] echoed behind him.
¡°[Wrath of the Netherworld]!¡±
I couldn¡¯t move out of the way. I could only conjure up an aura of ming armor as Haec punched me with the strength of a [Hebomination]. I was sent flying back into the ground of my pocket space, and the ss-like floors cracked.
Taburas gasped, Bertrugil winced, and Aem cooed.
I nkly looked up at Haec as hended before me with a triumphant grin on his face.
¡°You shouldn¡¯t let your guard down like that, Salvos.¡±
¡°That was¡ª like Zix¡¯s?¡±
I shook my head as I picked myself up. I stared at my firstpanion. The normally gentle and soft expression on his face was gone, reced by a morepetitive and battle-hungry smile. He bared his teeth at me as he gestured for me to get up.
I wasn¡¯t hurt. My ming armor took the brunt of his attack. But I could only stare at him in shock.
¡°You¡¯re¡ a lot stronger than I thought you¡¯d be¡¡±
For a moment, I lowered my head as I looked down at myself. Then I smiled as I looked back up at Haec. The mes coating my body red up as I punched my hand with augh.
¡°Maybe I should start taking this a little bit seriously.¡±
In response, the newly-evolved Primeval Demon smirked back. And I charged him once again.
Author''s Notes:
YO I HAVE BIG NEWS! For the first time ever, Salvos is finally going to have a paperback and hardcover version of its book released!
That''s right! After nearly three years, I''m finally going to have a print copy! Unlike most other novels which just publish print books on Amazon, I''m going to be going through Kickstarter with this to ensure that it has the highest quality it can possibly have, rather than the shitty Amazon print on demand quality! I will have more details for itter when the Kickstarter is finally out, but for now, you can follow its pre-release with this link /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
The officialunch for the Kickstarter will be the 17th of October, so be on the lookout for it! And even if you''re not interested in backing it, I''d really appreciate it if you checked out the pre-release and follow it as it will support me in the Kickstarter algorithm! Seriously, you don''t even need to do anything. As long as you have a Kickstarter ount and click follow, it''ll help me a ton!
What thonk?
Chapter 626: Essence Manifestation
Chapter 626: Essence Manifestation
626. Essence Manifestation
***
Haec watched as Salvos charged at him once again. She was fast¡ª he had seen her fight against Venas. So he knew just how fast she could move. And right now, Haec knew that she was only starting to try.
Did he have to provoke her? She was letting him test out his Skills, so he should¡¯ve been grateful. Certainly, he was grateful. But he was having so much fun. It was not something he had ever felt before. He felt¡ like he was truly alive.
For the first time in forever, Haec felt like he was being the real him.
She swiped her w at his face, but he didn¡¯t move. He knew that his [Greater Reapershell] would block her attack. And it did. Another spike shot out from his shoulder, curving around his face and repelling the fiery strike.
Salvos repeated what she did before, teleporting behind him. It was predictable. Haec knew it wasing. But he didn¡¯t retaliate. He let her unleash her onught of fiery attacks as his eyes darted around, tracking her movements. When she teleported once more, he knew where she¡¯d be and swung out with a kick.
It was a simple kick. Not empowered by a Skill. And he missed, barely grazing past hispanion¡¯s back.
¡°Hah! You missed me! You can¡¯t catch me!¡±Salvosughed as she skipped away from him. He grinned, tilting his head at her.
¡°Are you sure about that, Salvos? Did I really miss?¡±
He taunted her, eyeing a ck glowing from her back. But she didn¡¯t pick up on his clue as she crossed her arms.
¡°Yep!¡±
From the side, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aemlua exchanged a nce. Haec blinked. And Salvos just nodded triumphantly at herself.
¡°You did miss! Look, I¡¯mpletely unscathed!¡±
¡°Uh, Salvos¡ª¡±
Aem piped up, raising a hand. But Bertrugil mped a hand over her mouth as he cut her off.
¡°Hush. I want to see how this ys out.¡±
Haec pursed his lips, watching as Salvos waved a hand dismissively.
¡°I¡¯m too fast for¡ª¡±
She started, only for the ck light on her back to expand into a sphere that circled her. Haec looked on as she took a step back, but her movements were far more sluggish now.
¡°Huh.¡±
Salvos stared down at herself. Haec chuckled, scratching the back of his head. He hadn¡¯t expected his kick to connect¡ª but he just needed to touch her. She ced a hand on her chin.
¡°I guess you did catch me.¡±
She observed simply, and Haec nodded.
¡°That¡¯s right. I did.¡±
He took a step forward and punched her in the face. Salvos went flying. She caught herself before she could crash into the ss-like walls of her pocket space, but Haec didn¡¯t let up. He barreled her way as he raised his right hand.
A bone-like spike jutted out of his wrist, forming a curved de. He swung at her, and she barely moved out of the way in time, her movements heavily hindered by Haec¡¯s Skill. It was called [Demonic Blight]. And it didn¡¯t just slow its target, it weighed them down.
Furthermore¡ª
Salvos swung back at Haec with a kick. But her attack never connected. Her leg bounced off the translucent ck sphere weighing her down, and she blinked.
¡°Seriously? I can¡¯t attack him, but he can attack me?¡±
¡°Yes!¡±
Haec followed up with his own flurry of kicks. This time, he connected with his strikes. The first kick lifted her off her feet, and the second one sent her flying into the air. But he leapt after her as he continued his barrage of attacks, a crimson aura wisping off him
¡°[Consecutive Fatal Blows]!¡±
With each punch hended, he felt like he was growing stronger. More powerful. And he was. His first kick couldn¡¯t even put a dent to the ming armor Salvos wore, but his fifth strike shattered her magical protection. Her eyes went wide as he was about tond a sixth strike.
But she vanished. Haec¡¯s fist crashed against the ceiling of the pocket space, and the ss-like surface cracked. He spun around to face Salvos as shended on the ground, wiping at her brow.
¡°That was close¡ª that would¡¯ve hurt a lot!¡±
She paused when she realized she was still impeded by the ck sphere.
¡°Wait, it¡¯s still following me even after I teleported¡ª¡±
¡°I¡¯ve got you!¡±
Haec yelled as he kicked off the ceiling, lunging straight at her. The crimson aura from his [Consecutive Fatal Blows] vanished. It seemed that he only grew stronger as long as hended each hit. If he missed, the effects faded away instantly.
But it didn¡¯t matter. He had Salvos now. Her gaze snapped up as he came crashing down towards her. She opened her mouth in shock¡ª then she sighed.
¡°Alright, you¡¯ve had your fun.¡±
And Haec¡¯s eyes narrowed as a flicker overcame her body. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but suddenly, her demeanor changed. She stood straighter as her movement speed returned to normal for a moment. Then faster.
He reached her and swung down with his fist, but she deftly stepped out of the way. Before he could even blink, she was already standing behind him with her ws raised.
¡°[Divine Haste]. And¡ª [Divine Strike].¡±
A white glow overcame her ws as she swung down at him. Her attack tore straight through the ck sphere impeding her movements, and Haec braced himself. His [Greater Reapershell] activated just in time. The bone-like spike shot out to protect him¡ª
And instantly shattered.
Salvos¡¯ ws raked straight through the protective spike. She bared her teeth at Haec as now he looked at her in shock.
¡°That¡¯s a cool trick! But it¡¯s getting old!¡±
She spoke casually as she took a step forward. He tried to take a step back to disengage from her, but she didn¡¯t let up. She swung out again, shattering another spike.
Haec stumbled back as his [Greater Reapershell] barely saved him each time she swung at him. Her ws didn¡¯t even need toe into contact with him. A small cut opened up on his cheek, even as her ws whizzed by his face. He didn¡¯t get it. But he couldn¡¯t even think about that.
He ground his teeth together as he absorbed her attacks and returned it back towards her once again.
¡°[Hellish Reproach]!¡±
Haec moved with the same speed Salvos did, stepping under one of her strikes. He raised his fists as he felt his body being pushed to the absolute limit, before he unleashed dozens of punches back at her all at once.
Salvos stood there as her grin widened. She didn¡¯t move to evade his attacks. Instead, the mes coating her body stretched out to form the shape of arms, jutting out of her shoulders.
¡°[Faux Limbs].¡±
She backed up as her burning limbs caught each punch he threw. They dissipated¡ª destroyed¡ª when his fists came into contact with them. But they were reced by another ming limb in an instant, and just like that, she managed to negate his counterattack entirely.
¡°See? I don¡¯t need your [Whatever Reaperthing] to do that trick!¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
Haec sputtered. But Salvos kicked him directly in the chest, tearing through thest of his protective spikes as her legs shed with a white light. He flew back, feel a sharp pain jolt through his body¡ª unlike anything he had ever felt before. She sprinted forward at him as his back hit the front wall of the pocket space. He coughed up blood as his vision blurred.
Salvosnded only a single strike on him. Perhaps it was a [Divine Strike], but he shouldn¡¯t have been in such immense pain. He wanted to curl up in a ball and scream. However, the reverberating pain echoing through his body suddenly twisted into a strange sensation.
Haec sucked in a deep breath as the world suddenly seemed to slow. He looked up and saw Salvos sprinting straight at him, moving sluggishly across her pocket space. Across the room, Taburas was leaning forward with round eyes, and both Bertrugil and Aem were blinking at the quick shift in the battle.
The former Heir of the Netherworld tried to take all this in, but he couldn¡¯t. He wasn¡¯t able to form a single rational thought. All he could focus on was the searing pain on his chest. It coursed through him. It was¡ it was¡ anger.
And he moved without thinking. He was carried only by instincts. It pushed him. It made him rise to his feet. He raised his right arm as it bulged, a white aura oveing it. Salvos slowed for a moment as she saw him getting to his feet, then her eyes flickered.
Whatever it was that informed her of what wasing next might have saved her. Because Haec swung out as she barely leapt back in time.
¡°[The Right Hand of the Demon King]!¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld bellowed as he threw his fist at where she had been. A pulse of light swept over the pocket space, and the entire ne shook. The ss-like walls all around them cracked, even though Haec didn¡¯t even strike the ground.
Bertrugil and Aem were sent flying back from the shockwave. Meanwhile, Taburas clung to the ss-like ground, stopping herself from being sent soaring away. She just looked on with wide eyes as she whispered.
¡°That¡¯s¡ Haec¡¯s Grand Skill. But why?
Haec staggered forward as Salvosnded a hundred feet away from him. She eximed.
¡°Hey! When did we decide we were going to be using Grand Skills?!¡±
But he ignored her. No¡ª he couldn¡¯t even hear her. It was like the world was a blur around him, every word Salvos spoke muffled to his ears. The whites of his eyes went ck as he inhaled sharply, bringing his shrinking right arm into the air. When his right arm returned to a normal size, a ck aura began to wisp off him, dripping from his shoulders like a dark liquid.
Like Demon¡¯s blood.
Salvos furrowed her brows as she lowered her guard for a moment. And she muttered under her breath.
¡°I know that¡ª¡±
¡°What is going on?¡±
Aem cried out, peeling herself off the wall. Bertrugil shook his head as he cursed.
¡°How should we fucking know?¡±
Haec couldn¡¯t hear them. He just continued to trudge forward as the ck liquid continued to pool at his feet, before floating up to form a dark aura around him. He raised his gaze as he was carried only by his anger. By his instincts.
He spoke softly as he eyes Salvos with zed eyes.
¡°[Demonic Essence Manif¡ª¡±
Haec started, but was promptly cut off.
¡°Enough.¡±
Salvos shouted as she flicked her wrist. Haec froze where he stood, caught in a trance. The ss-like ground beneath his feet shifted, before mming up into the ceiling. He recoiled in pain, and his head jolted back. The whites in his eyes returned as he blinked a few times. And then he came crashing back down into the ground.
The dark aura wisping off him dissipated as he just groaned in pain.
¡°Ouch¡¡±
Hey there for a moment as he clutched at his chest. His entire body ached. He didn¡¯t even want to get up. But he heard a set of footfalls approaching him, and he forced himself to look towards who it was.
¡°Haec¡¡±
Salvos bit her lower lip as she stared at him. She swept her gaze past him, before shaking her head.
¡°What was that about? Weren¡¯t we supposed to be going easy on each other? You could¡¯ve killed us all if you destroyed [The World Of My Mind].¡±
¡°I¡ what?¡±
Haec stared at her nkly for a moment, then the memories of what just happened slowly settled in. He realized what he had done¡ª what he tried to do. The former Heir of the Netherworld looked down at himself as he realized that he had tried to kill Salvos.
And he had no words to say.
Author''s Notes:
Small retcon so Haec''s new Grand Skill is called [Demonic Essence Manifestation Mastery] instead of just [Demonic Essence Mastery].
Chapter 627: Wrathful
Chapter 627: Wrathful
627. Wrathful
***
¡°What happened?¡±
That was the question on everyone¡¯s mind. Salvos asked it, Taburas asked it, Bertrugil asked it¡ª albeit with a little bit of swears and insults sprinkled in¡ª and even Aem asked it.
But Haec didn¡¯t know the answer. He was just as lost as everyone else was. He hadn¡¯t meant to draw the power of his Grand Skill. He hadn¡¯t intended for his duel with Salvos to be anything more than a light sparring match. And yet, he had tried to kill her.
She was his firstpanion. She was his leader. She was the reason why he had to live up until now. Why would he ever try to truly harm her?
And that was not all Haec did. He didn¡¯t just try to hurt her. He had endangered the lives of all his friends. He had nearly killed them all.
If his Grand Skill had struck the pocket space that was carrying them, everything would have shattered. The ne that was carrying them would have copsed. And one of two things would happen, ording to Salvos.
Either they would have all fallen into theke of fire created by the Beast¡ª which would have killed them. Or they would have all been sucked into the folds of space between the nes of the Nexeus.And that would have been a fate worse than death.
Regardless of which oue it could have been, neither happened because Haec fortunately struck nothing but the air with his Grand Skill. He was grateful for that. However, that didn¡¯t absolve him for his actions and their potential consequences.
¡°But¡ I don¡¯t remember what happened¡¡±
He whispered as he looked down at the palm of his hand. The former Heir of the Netherworld was sitting by himself in the far corner of the pocket space, mulling over what he had done. He recalled being in a haze¡ª in a state driven purely by instincts.
And all Haec knew at that moment was to fight back. His emotions drove him to destroy whatever it was that was attacking him. He couldn¡¯t think clearly. He wasn¡¯t cognizant of his actions. He had only been able to fight. That was it.
But why? That was what Haec asked himself. Why was he so¡ mad? Just because he was hurt? Just because he was in pain? Was that why he had sumbed to his anger?
Haec didn¡¯t know. He closed his eyes as he sat there alone with his thoughts. He didn¡¯t know how long he remained there, unmoving. All he knew was he only looked up when he heard a voice calling his name.
¡°Haec.¡±
He recognized it immediately. Of course he would. The voice belonged to his first everpanion¡ª to Salvos. She was standing next to him with a concerned look on her face.
¡°Are you alright?¡±
She asked as she sat next to him. Haec stared at her for a passing moment, not saying a word. She tilted her head, and he finally sighed.
¡°I¡ I don¡¯t know, Salvos.¡±
¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t know?¡±
Salvos asked curiously. That was all there was to her question. Curiosity. She didn¡¯t me him for what he did¡ª in fact, she quickly repaired the damage done to her pocket space, before continuing to steer them out of thiske of fire.
Now though, she sat with him. Aem stayed on a lookout at the front as the two Primeval Demons sat all the way at the back alone.
¡°Surely you must have a bit of an idea, right? Is it a new Skill you got?¡±
Salvos prodded Haec even further. He shook his head. His eyes fluttered shut as he recalled his Status in his head. It wasn¡¯t rted to any new Skill he had been given. Or at least, he didn¡¯t think so.
Under his tutge with Oracli, Haec had learned the General Skill [Passive - Status Insight]. That meant he was able to glean more from his Skills than just the name implied. As far as he could tell, none of his Skills were responsible for what happened to him back then.
So there was only one exnation¡
¡°I think I made a mistake, Salvos.¡±
Haec whispered softly as he averted his gaze from his firstpanion. Salvos blinked and peered into him.
¡°What mistake, Haec? Can¡¯t you tell me what happened? If you just wanted to beat me, that¡¯s fine! I didn¡¯t mind it!¡±
¡°But I almost killed us all¡¡±
He gritted his teeth, and she rolled her eyes.
¡°But you didn¡¯t. That¡¯s all that matters. Soe on, tell me what¡¯s going on.¡±
Salvos poked his side, making him yelp. It forced Haec to turn and face her. He met her gaze, and he saw the worry on her face. Seeing that, he couldn¡¯t help himself but reveal the truth.
¡°I¡ I evolved into a Primeval Demon of Lust and Wrath, Salvos.¡±
He finally admitted. It was something he was proud of before¡ª when he had just undergone his evolution¡ª but now after what he had done, he felt ashamed of it. Salvos stared at him with round eyes, caughtpletely off-guard.
¡°You¡ª what?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right. I was an Archdemon of Lust before, but now¡ I have a second sin.¡±
Haec was still in disbelief about it. He never thought such a thing was possible. Salvos gaped at him, her jaw dropping as she covered her mouth.
¡°Haec, that¡¯s¡ª¡±
She tried to work her mouth. And finally, she scratched the back of her head.
¡°What¡¯s a sin?¡±
¡°...what?¡±
Haec blinked back at her. Salvos repeated her question.
¡°What¡¯s a sin?¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ª I heard you the first time.¡±
He shook his head. He stared at his firstpanion as he pursed his lips.
¡°You¡¯ve never heard of a sin before.¡±
¡°Nope.¡±
Salvos replied simply. Haec bit his lower lip.
¡°And you¡¯re a Primeval Demon of¡?¡±
¡°Primeval Demon of Pride, of course!¡±
She eximed, pointing a thumb at herself. The former Heir of the Netherworld gestured at her.
¡°There you have it. That¡¯s your sin.¡±
¡°My sin¡ is pride?¡±
Salvos blinked down at herself. She frowned as she looked back up at him.
¡°What does that mean? How many sins are there, anyway?¡±
¡°There are seven sins. Each embodies the essence of your being. Your essence. It is who you are¡ª it is like the color of your soul.¡±
¡°My soul has color?¡±
Salvos stared at herself for a moment, and Haec shook his head.
¡°It¡¯s a metaphor. But every being in the Nexeus is born with a soul. That is how theye into existence. And mortals are born with an unchanging soul, the same from their birth to their deaths. But we Demons can grow our souls. However, it cannot just be anything. There are subtypes of souls. Even if all our souls are unique, we can have distinctly simr pieces, and that is what the sins are.¡±
Haec recounted the lesson that he was taught by Oracli. He wasn¡¯t sure if he was exining it correctly, but he ryed the gist of it to Salvos.
¡°Huh.¡±
She ced a hand on her chin.
¡°So my sin is pride, and yours was lust. But now it¡¯s lust and wrath.¡±
¡°That is correct.¡±
Haec nodded as he watched her mull it over. Her eyes went wide, and she looked up at him in shock.
¡°Wait, if your sin was lust, does that mean you¡ª¡±
Salvos gasped, and Haec scoffed.
¡°Lust can mean many things, Salvos. It is just¡ desire. That¡¯s what it is.¡±
¡°Oh, I see.¡±
She chuckled as she waved a hand dismissively.
¡°Anyway, you have two sins now, right? Is that normal?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the thing, Salvos. I¡ I have never heard about it before.¡±
Haec drew his lips into a thin line.
¡°I thought that mean it was special. That was why I picked that evolution. But¡ after what I did, I think it was a mistake.¡±
He closed his eyes as he remembered his rage consuming him¡ª his instincts to fight back mindlessly.
¡°I have never felt like that before, Salvos. I have never felt my instincts ovee me, controlling my actions. It was like I had lost all my senses. It was like I had be¡ wild.¡±
Salvos¡¯ eyes flickered as he said that. She raised a hand, and flicked a finger on his cheeks. He recoiled¡ª not in pain, but in shock at the sudden gesture.
¡°Don¡¯t say that. You are not wild. You are mypanion.¡±
¡°What¡?¡±
He stared at her as she crossed her arms.
¡°Also, it¡¯s not a mistake. You chose it for one reason and one reason only¡ª because it lets you grow. Because you be moreplete with it. No evolution is ever a mistake, Haec.¡±
¡°But Salvos¡ª¡±
Haec tried to protest, however she refused to listen to him. She shook her head as she exined.
¡°It¡¯s a good thing. If what you say is true, that means you have two essences. That means you have the capacity to grow twice as fast as even me. Or maybe not twice as fast¡ª but faster than me.¡±
¡°Are you sure that¡¯s what that means?¡±
He hesitated, and she shrugged.
¡°I feel like that¡¯s what it means. Anyway, just because there¡¯s some drawbacks right now, doesn¡¯t mean you won¡¯t be able to get over it eventually. Sometimes, when I first get a new Skill, I can¡¯t use it properly without any adverse side effects. But now, I can use them just fine.¡±
Salvos nodded reassuringly. Haec scratched his cheek apprehensively.
¡°That¡ is true.¡±
He couldn''t argue against that logic. That was very much true. Salvos grinned as she patted him on the shoulder.
¡°So don¡¯t worry too much about what¡¯s happened. Focus on what you can do! Alright?¡±
Haec saw the smile on her face¡ª theforting look of his firstpanion. The kind face of his leader. And he couldn¡¯t help but let his worries wash away. He rose to his feet as Salvos backed up away from him.
¡°I see.¡±
He whispered. Haec held her gaze, and she just smiled back.
¡°Thank you, Salvos. I truly mean it.¡±
¡°Of course! I¡¯m your leader, after all.¡±
Salvosughed, and Haec could only give her a small nod in return.
¡°You are.¡±
The two of them stood there for a moment, just smiling at each other. But the moment ended when a loud voice interrupted them from the front of the pocket space.
¡°Everyone! Look! Come here!¡±
Aem shouted, drawing the attention of the two Primeval Demons. Salvos and Haec exchanged a nce, before they approached the [Fiend]. Bertrugil and Taburas were already there, both of them frowning at the ss-like walls of the pocket space, their gaze focused on something in the far distance.
Salvos blinked as she came to a halt next to them.
¡°What is it?¡±
She asked simply, and Aem beamed as she tapped a finger on the ss-like wall.
¡°Look!¡±
The [Fiend] eximed as she pointed.
¡°Land!¡±
Haec¡¯s brows snapped together when he heard that. He leaned forward, looking in the direction she was pointing in. But Salvos just shook her head.
¡°Aem, are you imagining things again?¡±
¡°No, I¡¯m not!¡±
Aem harrumphed, folding her arms across her chest. Salvos frowned.
¡°Are you sure¡ª¡±
¡°Salvos, it¡¯s true.¡±
Haec interrupted his firstpanion. Salvos paused as she slowly turned to him.
¡°Wait, really?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
He took a step back so she could see. Her eyes went wide as theke of fire seemed to give way, showing a sight that none of the Demons here had seen in forever.
A rocky white terrain. Vast and unending. Undting mountains spreading across the distance.
¡°Huh. You really were right this time, Aem.¡±
¡°We¡¯re finally free! I told you! And you didn¡¯t believe me!¡±
¡°Sorry¡¡±
Salvos apologized to the [Fiend] who justughed triumphantly. Bertrugil and Taburas exchanged a nce, one of them clearly excited to finally be freed from this pocket space, while the other looked like he was dreading the dangers that was toe.
Haec felt closer to like how the former did¡ª d he finally made it back to the rest of the Netherworld. But he paused, noticing something else. His eyes darted towards the sky. He saw something else there. Something the others didn¡¯t notice.
Dark clouds. An overcast crimson sky. Like a ckke had formed overhead.
And the former Heir of the Netherworld could only whisper softly.
¡°Reconstruction is sooning to an end. This¡ is going to be a problem.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 628: Let Him Cook
Chapter 628: Let Him Cook
628. Let Him Cook
***
¡°Rachel.¡±
Valda called out, and the young girl looked back from the exit of the Demon Research Club.
¡°Yes, President Valda?¡±
¡°You¡¯ve been pretty busytely. Usually, you¡¯d be spending all your time in the club room. But these days, you have been leaving early. Is something the matter?¡±
¡°Nope!¡±
Rachel replied cheerfully as she took a step back.
¡°Everything has been good!¡±¡°Are you sure?¡±
Valda asked with a frown. In response, Rachel just nodded and gave a thumbs-up.
¡°Yep! Everything is good! But I¡¯ve got to go now! So¡ bye!¡±
And with that, the young girl sprinted out of the club room.
Valda watched the door swing shut with narrowed eyes. She was the President of the Demon Research Club, so she couldn¡¯t leave just yet, even though their weekly meeting had adjourned. But usually, she¡¯d be apanied by Rachel until they had to leave for the day.
The fact that Rachel was consistently leaving early seemed odd to Valda.
¡°Is something wrong, President?¡±
Jonas asked as he strode up to Valda from behind. The Club President pursed his lips, ncing at her friend, before looking towards the doorway. She shook her head and sighed.
¡°It¡¯s nothing¡¡±
And the two of them continued cleaning up for the day. Meanwhile¡
***
¡°We¡¯re almost there¡¡±
Rachel was practically bouncing on her toes as she watched Mavos Academy disappear beneath her. All she could see right now were clouds, and she was still rapidly ascending to the sky. The elevator that carried her moved fast. Apparently, it was designed by yton Skyshredder himself.
He had added it into the Office of the Headmaster himself when he took over as the new headmaster several decades ago. Before that, any visitor had to climb up several tens of thousands of flights of stairs, or be a high-leveled [Mage] who could use some kind of [Flight] spell.
But Headmaster Skyshredder decided to give ease of ess to anyone to enter.
Rachel was incredibly grateful for that. She didn¡¯t have any artifact that could let her fly, and if she had to climb all those steps, it¡¯d take her too long to even reach the top. That was not considering how exhausted she¡¯d be, since her [Endurance] wasn¡¯t her best Stat.
Anyway, she wasn¡¯t even here in the Office of the Headmaster to visit the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. She was pretty sure he wasn¡¯t even present at the moment, busy dealing with other matters of import. She had visited the top floor over a dozen times now in thest few weeks, and she had only seen him once.
And that was when he had given her his official permission to visit the top floor. Because previously, she had been kind of illegally trespassing, with the help of Willy.
But why did she even need toe up here anyway? Why was she so excited to visit the Office of the Headmaster? The reason was simple¡ª
The elevator came to a halt, and the door slid open. Waiting at the other side was an excited gray figure.
¡°Rachel!¡±
A baby Wyvern eximed, sprinting straight at her. He leapt her way as she spread her arms wide.
¡°Oriur¡ª¡±
She greeted him with the same excitement as him. And he crashed into her, knocking her down a moment after. The two came rolling to a halt as he tightly clung onto her.
¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you all day! You¡¯rete¡ª what were you doing?¡±
Oriur asked the question as he hugged her tight. Rachel wanted to respond. She really did. But all she could do was muster up a squeak as she was being squished under the baby Wyvern.
¡°O-Oriur¡ you¡¯re¡ª¡±
¡°Oh, oops.¡±
He scratched the back of his head and rose to his feet. She sighed in relief, and he helped her up. Rachel dusted herself off as she looked up at him. He was a baby Wyvern, but he was massive. He was as tall as any adult, despite being significantly younger than even the young girl.
That was because he was a Wyvern. They could grow up to over a hundred feet in length. The fact that he wasn¡¯trger for his age was already surprising to Rachel. But his siblings were significantly bigger than he was, so she was able to deduce that his size was due to his evolutionary path.
Anyway, most Humans would scream running if they saw Oriur because he was a monster, but Rachel was d to see him. Because, first of all, Rachel wasn¡¯t most Humans. And secondly, Oriur was not an ordinary baby Wyvern.
He was Salvos¡¯ child. One of three, in fact. But the other two weren¡¯t present today.
¡°Where¡¯s Novis and Bellum?¡±
Rachel asked as she followed Oriur down the hallway. He waved a hand dismissively, gesturing at the empty room.
¡°They went out with Centina and Kron¡ª to do more hunting.¡±
¡°They¡¯re always going out, huh? Why don¡¯t you go with them?¡±
The young girl cocked her head, and Oriur shrugged.
¡°If I did that, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stay here and talk with you.¡±
He grinned back at her. She rolled her eyes as she took a seat at the dining table.
¡°Even before that, you¡¯ve told me you dislike going out.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not that I dislike going outside. I dislike hunting and killing, you know? If I went out, I¡¯d rather learn more about the world¡ª I¡¯d rather connect with others. There¡¯s no point in evolving if I¡¯m alone in this world, right?¡±
Oriur exined as he reached for a cupboard, before producing arge tray carrying a chocte cake. Rachel blinked as he set it down before her.
¡°Did you make that?¡±
She stared at the cake with wide eyes. Oriur nodded as he plopped himself on the chair next to her.
¡°I told you¡ª I¡¯ve been meaning to learn how to bake, so I asked Uncle to bring me a cookbook with some recipes. What do you think?¡±
Rachel dipped a spoon into a cake and took a bite out of it. Her eyes lit up as she turned to Oriur.
¡°It¡¯s amazing! Did you seriously learn how to do this in just a few days?¡±
She spoke excitedly, and he flushed as he scratched the back of his head.
¡°Well¡ I¡¯ve been practicing in secret for a few weeks¡¡±
¡°For a few weeks? Wait, since when exactly?¡±
Rachel eyed him curious as he shrank back. The baby Wyvern shifted ufortably, before muttering under his breath,
¡°Uh¡ after the first day we met?¡±
¡°Aw. That¡¯s so sweet.¡±
The young girl smiled and patted him on the head. Which wasn¡¯t easy, since she needed to stand on the chair on her tiptoes to reach him. He smiled, almost purring like a cat in response.
The two of them had developed quite a close bond even though they had only just gotten to know each other. They¡¯d meet up practically every single day and talk about a variety of topics. It could be about anything, ranging from what Rachel learned about in school that day to what Oriur dreamt of doing one day.
But the mostmon topic they discussed was always¡ª
¡°I read that she doesn¡¯t like sweets. That she never liked to eat.¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
Oriur looked up at Rachel as she spoke softly. The young girl shook her head, eyeing the cake from the side.
¡°Your mom¡ª Salvos. She hated eating, they say.¡±
¡°Oh, yeah. Mama is like that. She¡¯s kind of like bro and sis. All she likes to do is fight.¡±
¡°And you don¡¯t?¡±
Rachel raised a brow, and Oriur shrugged.
¡°I can see the importance of learning how to fight. But as I said, I care more about meeting and knowing people. Mama was like that too. She had so many friends.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°That¡¯s how she was able to save us all¡ª if she was by herself, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to save the Humannds, right?¡±
Oriur exined simply. Rachel nodded in understanding.
¡°That¡¯s true. If Salvos hadn¡¯t convinced Headmaster Skyshredder to join the war, we might all be dead today¡¡±
It was a grim thought, but Rachel hade to terms with death long ago. The idea didn¡¯t disgust her or scare her. It was a fact about reality. Just like it was a fact that she would have died if she hadn¡¯t been saved by Salvos all those years ago.
¡°Exactly!¡±
Oriur nodded simply as he leant back in his chair.
¡°And that¡¯s what bro and sis don¡¯t understand. They keep telling me I¡¯m wasting my potential by refusing to join them, but even Mama had to join Mavos Academy and make friends to aplish all she did. She was never alone.¡±
¡°Yep. That¡¯s why I joined Mavos Academy too!¡±
Rachel agreed with a smile. She shook her head as she swept her gaze towards the window overlooking the campus below.
¡°I wanted to follow in Salvos¡¯ footsteps. I wanted to learn all that she did. So I can¡¡±
The young girl trailed off, not finishing her train of thought. Oriur harrumphed, cing his hands on his chin.
¡°You get it. But no one else seems to understand it. Not even Centina.¡±
¡°Well, everyone has a different perspective in life.¡±
Rachel shook her head, recalling one of the many lessons she learned from William and the other [Priests] at the Sanctum of Elements.
¡°What matters is that you listen to what they have to say and absorb what¡¯s important for you. That¡¯s how you can keep growing and learning. Because there is always a little bit of wisdom in everything.¡±
¡°That¡¯s true¡¡±
Oriur scowled as he lowered his head.
¡°But I just wish that they wouldn¡¯t leave me alone so often. I wish that they¡¯d listen to me for once.¡±
¡°There, there.¡±
Rachel ced a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. Oriur sighed.
¡°I mean¡ª I understand why they won¡¯t let me explore Mavos Academy. But they won¡¯t even let me go out to visit Mama¡¯s Lair!¡±
He threw his hands up in the air in frustration. That made the young girl pause.
¡°Salvos¡¯... Lair? Wait, where is it?¡±
¡°Oh, I¡¯m not actually supposed to talk about it because yton doesn¡¯t know.¡±
Oriur scratched his cheeks, before shaking his head.
¡°But apparently ording to Centina, Kron, and Uncle, Mama has a Lair located right outside of the campus. It¡¯s somewhere over there¡ª hidden away in that forest.¡±
He pointed in the distance, and Rachel looked in the same direction with a frown. She narrowed her eyes as she tilted her head.
¡°Huh.¡±
She looked between Oriur and the forest, before taking a step towards the baby Wyvern excitedly.
¡°If you tell me where the Lair is at, I¡¯ll visit it for you!¡±
That made him hesitate as he shifted back.
¡°But Uncle told me that I¡¯m not supposed to tell anyone about it¡¡±
¡°Willy doesn¡¯t have to know!¡±
Rachel shook her head. She took Oriur¡¯s wed hand as she looked him in the eyes pleadingly.
¡°Come on¡ª please?¡±
¡°I¡¡±
Oriur closed his eyes, before eventually acquiescing.
¡°Fine.¡±
¡°Yay!¡±
¡ª--
And that was how Rachel ended up here, standing in the Cave of Companions. Oriur had spilled everything he knew about the Lair, but it still took her about a week to find its exact location. It was hidden away, and it took her some time to uncover it. But now, she swept her gaze over the small cavern.
She saw the scattered books strewn around alongside the odd trinket or so decorating the walls. A magic circle was drawn on the ground in the center of the room. It wasn¡¯t very spacious, and it wasn¡¯t kept neat and tidy either. But it held a lot of secrets. Secrets which piqued Rachels interest.
Secrets that could help Rachel find Salvos.
She strode forward as she tapped a finger on her chin.
¡°Where should I start investigating?¡±
Rachel wondered aloud, before a strange glint caught her eye. Her brows furrowed as she spotted a strange gray goblet ced ceremoniously in the back of the room.
¡°What is that?¡±
She asked no one in particr as she approached it. But before she could get close, the ground beneath her began to shake. The dirt below the ritual circle began to crack open. Rachel blinked and spun around, immediately recognizing the danger.
Then she heard the clicking sound, followed by the hissing shrieks. An undting crimson figure exploded from the earth, beforending right ahead of the young girl. She raised her dagger with pursed lips as she saw another pair of creatures crawl out of the hole.
And Rachel could only stare at the three of them as their furious gazes bore down on her.
¡°Huh.¡±
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 55]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 57]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 61]
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 629: Red Pests
Chapter 629: Red Pests
629. Red Pests
***
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 55]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 57]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl 61]
Rachel saw the three [Junior Centinels] standing before her. Each one of them was significantly higher-leveled than she was. She was only a Level 45 [Phantom Mage], having barely leveled since she enrolled in Mavos Academy. And even though each one was a swarm monster, she was realistic¡ª she knew she couldn¡¯t take them all on on her own.
But she didn¡¯t scream. She calmed herself and backed up warily, scanning the room. This was Salvos¡¯ Lair. Surely there had to be some artifacts that could save her here. With her [Passive - Camouge], she was able to naturally blend into the background for a moment before they spotted her, hiding in in sight, before she activated her [Shadow Stealth], letting her fully escape from their view.
Certainly, the [Junior Centinels] would take notice of her soon, but she had her chance to evaluate her predicament as they slowly crawled through the room. She heard their skittering feet. She watched as their mandibles clicked, and their antennae swayed in search of her.
This is bad¡ the thought crossed Rachel¡¯s mind as she backed up to the rock wall. All she saw from where she stood was a bunch of books and coins lying around. There was nothing here that could save her. All she could do was hope that she could outrun the [Junior Centinels], not even with a chance to fight back.Why were these monsters even here? She wanted to question it, but she knew she just had to move. So she slowly inched her way across the perimeter of the cavern. Her gaze never once left the monsters as they spread across the room. One of them knocked over the odd goblet she spotted, spilling a puddle of ck water on the ground. Another stayed by the ritual circle, simply clicking its mandibles as it looked around curiously.
Thest of the [Junior Centinels] rummaged through a bunch of odd trinkets. Rachel watched as dozens of gold coins went flying and scattering on the ground, before she caught a glimpse of a glinting object amongst that mess. She blinked as she saw a strange-looking ring roll to a halt at the base of the monster. It emanated a magical aura that immediately drew her attention towards it.
That¡¯s¡? Her brows snapped together.
[Ring of Lesser Protection: Medium Grade Armor - A ring enchanted with a Lesser Protection spell.]
Huh. Rachel stared at the artifact for a moment, before looking back up at the third [Junior Centinel]. It was still distracted, knocking over a useless set of broken boots. The first [Junior Centinel] had its attention elsewhere too. But the second¡ª
The young girl froze when she realized it was staring directly at her. It hadn¡¯t seen her just yet, but its antennae twitched as it drew closer. Its undting body skittered forward, wanting to investigate in her direction. And Rachel was left with two choices.
She could hope that the second [Junior Centinel] didn¡¯t notice her as it crawled her way, or she could make a break for it before it had the chance to take notice of her. The moment she made a sudden movement, she knew her [Shadow Stealth] woulde to an end. All three monsters were going to pounce on her, and she would be ripped apart.
So Rachel took in a deep breath as she lowered her hand to her waist. There, she rested her palm against the hilt of her dagger as she eyed the approaching [Junior Centinel]. It clicked its mandibles together as its face drew close to her.
And when she could feel its hot breath blowing against her hair, she moved.
¡°Take this¡ª [Savage Strike]!¡±
Rachel swung up with her dagger as it shed, shing at the [Junior Centinel]¡¯s mandibles. The monster reeled back in pain and screeched as she cut the chitin on its cheeks open. But she wasn¡¯t done. She flipped her dagger around as she spun and dealt a second blurring blow.
¡°And [Phasing Backstab]!¡±
It was like Rachel hadn¡¯t even swung out at the monster. It was a follow-up attack that was so quick, she was already pulling back and running off before the [Junior Centinel] realized it had been stabbed a second time. The monster recoiled as the young girl¡¯s gaze darted towards the glinting object right ahead of her.
The remaining [Junior Centinels] turned their attention towards her, screeching in anger. But she ignored them as she took a single step forward.
¡°Now¡ [Force Step]!¡±
And she leapt forward like she was propelled by an invisible aura. She flipped through the air, aiming for the Ring of Lesser Protection lying on the ground right behind the third [Junior Centinel]. The monster looked up at her as she dove to the ground, beforeshing out at her with its mandibles.
But the [Phantom Mage] narrowly dodged the attack as shended on the ground with a roll, before grabbing the artifact. She deftly slipped the ring onto the finger with a grin on her face.
Rachel¡¯s body flickered as she felt the enchantments of the Ring of Lesser Protection activating. An aura overcame her¡ª invisible to the naked eye, but she could see its magic. It would guard her from any attack as long. To a certain extent, at the very least.
She nodded to herself as she rose to her feet, eyeing the exit¡
And her entire body shed as the [Junior Centinel]¡¯s tail struck her from behind. The attack sent her flying as she gritted her teeth.
Shouldn¡¯t have let my guard down¡ she thought as she barelynded on her feet. Fortunately for her, the Ring of Lesser Protection took the brunt of the attack. But now as she regained her bearings, she saw the three [Junior Centinels] gathering together in the center of the Lair to face her. The injured monster led the trio, snarling as its angry gaze bore down on the young girl.
¡°Um¡ bye?¡±
Rachel waved at them, then spun around and took off sprinting as fast as she could. But the [Junior Centinels] didn¡¯t just let her go, of course. She heard their screeches, and without even looking back, she knew they were hot on her tail.
She navigated her way through a thicket of trees, before ncing back for a brief moment. There, she saw the [Junior Centinels] ripped apart the foliage as they shrieked. It was the injured [Junior Centinel] that moved the fastest. Even though its mouth had been shed open, its movement was unimpeded.
Perhaps it was driven by its anger from being hurt, but it reached Rachel as she stumbled past a bush.
¡°Oh no¡ª¡±
She barely got the word out before she raised her dagger to protect herself. The injured [Junior Centinel] struck out with its sharp legs¡ª a rapid flurry of attacks she barely dodged. She sliced at its underbelly, cutting open its soft chitin and spilling its blood. But before she could follow-up with another strike, the other two monsters crashed into her, sending her flying back as her Ring of Lesser Protection shed once again.
Rachel rolled to a halt, before looking down at the artifact. She saw it flickering¡ª its magic fading from the onught of attacks from the higher-leveled monsters. The young girl shook her head and quickly got to her feet, before ducking under the two leaping [Junior Centinels]. She then looked up just in time to see the injured [Junior Centinel] rushing towards her.
She bit her lower lip, ncing between the two monsters behind her, and the charging one in front of her. She was surrounded. But in that moment, her instincts kicked in, and she knew what to do.
The [Phantom Mage] took a step forward, before a pale blue aura overcame her. She closed her eyes for a moment, remembering all the times she had been trapped in such a predicament. After all, as a little girl running around and fighting monsters, it often got more dangerous for her than the average person because of her young age.
She raised her head, and her eyes turned red as she grinned.
¡°[Title Skill: Deadly Blitz].¡±
Rachel dashed forward in a straight line as she swung her dagger. And all around her, ethereal images of her swinging de seemed to sh. It was as though she had grown half a dozen magical arms, and each one carried a replica of her de.
And she swung wildly, not even trying to sidestep the charging [Junior Centinel]. The monster struck her with its broken mandibles¡ª it reached her first, but its assault bounced off the Aura of Lesser Protection guarding her. For a moment, the magic held up, before shattering from the force of the attack.
Unfortunately for the injured [Junior Centinel], Rachel got to it next. She unleashed her flurry of strikes as it, ripping apart its chitin as it screeched. It tried to back away from her, but she was relentless, her empowered attacks shredding the monster. She tore straight through the length of its undting body, beforending as she panted.
Her red eyes faded away, and she looked back at the [Junior Centinel]¡¯s mangled corpse.
Defeated [Junior Centinel - Lvl. 55]
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!
It had been a wild attack. Reckless, especially if Rachel didn¡¯t have the Ring of Lesser Protection guarding her. But that was how she had earned her Title.
She wasn¡¯t the Child Wonder like everyone called her. Sure, that was an option she had given, but she had rejected it it. She didn¡¯t get to where she was right now by just sitting around and studying all day.. Rather, she went out and fought monsters in secret, risking her life to be stronger.
That was why she was given the Title of the Child Monster.
Rachel spun around and stared at the mangled corpse, before looking towards the remaining [Junior Centinels] as they untangled themselves. They red at her, and she whispered as she flicked the blood off her de.
¡°Two more.¡±
The [Phantom Mage] was going to have to outrun them somehow. Either that, or she had to separate them and take them out one by one. She took a step back as the [Junior Centinels] looked back towards her, ready to pounce.
But before she could run once again, she blinked, watching as a blurring figure exploded through the trees, tearing straight through the first [Junior Centinel]. Rachel stumbled back from the sudden movement. She tried to steady herself, but as the dust cloud cleared, she looked on as a tall figure ripped thest [Junior Centinel] in half.
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
Rachel watched as the tall figure rose from the crater, tossing aside the dead [Junior Centinels]. It had happened so fast, she could barely process what happened. But she didn¡¯t run away. Not when she saw thedy standing there before her.
¡°Centina?¡±
The Child Wonder gaped as she nearly dropped her dagger. But she recognized that middle-age woman anywhere¡ª with long red hair and a stern look on her face. It was all an illusion, of course. But Rachel didn¡¯t care.
Instead, she just took a step forward, staring up at the caretaker of the baby Wyverns.
¡°How did you¡?¡±
The young girl started, and Centina spun around.
¡°Come on, Human girl. We shall return to the academy. We need to inform Headmaster Skyshredder about what we saw here.¡±
Centina spoke briskly, already walking away. Rachel blinked a few times, before she ran forward, giving chase to the false Human.
¡°What? What are you talking about? What¡¯s happening here?¡±
¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±
Centina repeated after the young girl¡¯s question, fractionally ncing back. Rachel nodded, looking on in confusion.
And Centina just sighed.
¡°It seems they¡¯ve finally found me. That is what¡¯s happening.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Rachel blinked, still confused. But Centina continued on without a word.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 630: Centinel Invasion
Chapter 630: Centinel Invasion
630. Centinel Invasion
***
Rachel trailed after Centina as the two of them made their way back to Mavos Academy. They stalked through the forest, seeing the tall spires in the distance. Neither of them said a word¡ª well, Centina didn¡¯t say a word. Rachel wanted to speak, but she decided to just awkwardly hang back until she saw Kron.
Sure enough, the [Krokodis] appeared behind a thicket of trees soon enough. She wasn¡¯t covered by any illusion, even though she was casting her magic on Centina. So Rachel just watched as a terrifying monster emerged from behind some trees, waving a wed hand and smiling with hundreds of teeth.
¡°You too fast¡ª me magic barely catch up!¡±
¡°You were too slow, Kron.¡±
Centina replied simply, and the [Krokodis] shrugged.
¡°Should slow down.¡±
Kron spoke dismissively. That didn¡¯t get a response from Centina. Rachel just nced between the two of them hesitantly. She wasn¡¯t afraid of the [Krokodis], having met Kron weeks back. The young girl was privy to everything about the monsters living up at the very top floor of the Office of the Headmaster.And they were monsters. All of them. Not just Kron, and not just the baby Wyverns. But Centina too. Her name wasn¡¯t subtle at all¡ª she was, in fact, an [Evolved Centinel]. It was just that she was disguising herself as a Human with Kron¡¯s magic.
However, Rachel had never seen Centina in her true form yet. The Child Monster wasn¡¯t scared of this fact, unlike even many adults would have been if they found out. All learning this did was pique her interest even more. Unfortunately, Centina refused to shed her disguise.
And the young girl decided against pressing the issue because of Oriur¡¯s advice. He told her that even if Centina was nice, she could be very abrasive. So Rachel decided she didn¡¯t want to aggravate the [Evolved Centinel].
Anyway, right now, Rachel was more confused than ever. She looked at Kron, before turning to Centina who was walking away.
¡°How?
The young girl asked as she nced back.
¡°How did you know I was being attacked by those [Junior Centinels]? Was it Oriur who told you?¡±
¡°Oriur?¡±
Kron cocked her head, flummoxed by how Rachel came to that conclusion. The young girl pursed her lips, before rephrasing her question more simply.
¡°How did you find me?¡±
Now that question seemed to beprehensible to the [Krokodis]. She shrugged as she gestured at Centina up ahead.
¡°We no find you. She sense kin.¡±
¡°Centina¡ sensed the [Junior Centinels]?¡±
Rachel blinked, realizing what Kron was saying. The [Krokodis] nodded simply.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Oh, I see.¡±
That was all the young girl said as she eyed Centina from behind. Rachel was d she survived this encounter with the [Evolved Centinel]¡¯s help. But she couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ what was going to happen next?
After all, if the Centinels were truly after Centina¡ª then wasn¡¯t that going to be a problem for Mavos Academy as a whole?
¡ª--
When Rachel returned to the Office of the Headmaster, Oriur immediately greeted her with his usual smile.
¡°Did you find it? Did you find¡ª¡±
But he paused when he realized Centina was with the young girl. He immediately shrank back, thinking he might be in trouble for sharing something he shouldn¡¯t have shared. But Centina ignored him, instead calling out for Willy.
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] emerged from the kitchen, looking confused even without a face. However, once he took a good look at the expression Centina wore, it seemed like he understood what was going on. The two of them disappeared into one of the rooms as Rachel pursed her lips.
Kron didn¡¯t seem all too concerned, shrugging and copsing into the couch. Oriur looked around with an apprehensive look on his face, before ncing back at Rachel.
¡°What happened? Didn¡¯t you go to the Cave of Companions?¡±
¡°I did¡¡±
Rachel nodded, whispering softly. But even though she didn¡¯t say it out loud, another pair of figures in the room overheard what she said.
Novis and Bellum perked up, stopping their bickering with each other over food. They immediately scrambled over to the young girl, practically knocking Oriur over.
¡°Went Mama¡¯s Lair?¡±
¡°Find anything?¡±
The two of them asked, barely speakingprehensibly. They were less fluent than even Kron, but they could at leastmunicate now, with the help of Oriur. Rachel scratched the back of her head as Novis and Bellum loomed over her.
They were both rtively huge, towering over the young girl. And it wasn¡¯t like they were going to slow in their growth anytime soon. When she first met them, they were only a head taller than Oriur. But now, they were both nearly two heads taller than him.
Rachel shook her head as she nced towards the room Centina and Willy disappeared into. The door was closed shut, but it wasn¡¯t protected by any enchantments, so the young girl could hear their muffled voicesing from inside.
¡°I didn¡¯t find anything.¡±
Rachel exined as she inched her way towards the room. Novis, Bellum, and Oriur blinked, exchanging a confused nce.
¡°What do you mean by that, Rachel?¡±
Oriur asked as his siblings nodded along. The young girl sighed.
¡°I was¡ attacked. By a [Junior Centinel].¡±
Novis and Bellum looked confused. They tilted their heads.
¡°Ms Centina?¡±
They both spoke at the same time, and Oriur shook his head, correcting his siblings.
¡°No¡ª Rachel¡¯s talking about a type of Centinel. They¡¯re¡ kind of like Ms Centina, but they¡¯re not nice.¡±
Novis frowned, and Bellum blinked. They raised their wed hands curiously.
¡°But¡¡±
¡°Ms Centina not nice.¡±
¡°You know what I mean.¡±
Oriur sighed. Rachel shook her head as she took a step forward.
¡°Centina said that the Centinels were after her¡ do you know what that means, Oriur?¡±
She held his gaze as she asked the question. He paused, locking eyes with her. Slowly, he nodded.
¡°I¡ I think I do.¡±
¡°You think?¡±
Rachel frowned, and Oriur pursed his lips.
¡°Ms Centinaes from the Bloodied Gulf. She is a traitor to her kin¡ª saved by Mama.¡°
¡°I read something about that. Not the part about Centina, but about how Salvos killed an [Ancient Centinel] once.¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
Oriur nced towards the closed door.
¡°Mama did that to save Ms Centina. And I guess the Centinels are still angry over that¡¡±
He was clearly specting, not really sure of the entire situation himself. Rachel bit her lower lip at that. She turned away from the doorway as the muffled voice grew silent.
¡°Does that mean that there will be a Centinel invasion¡ª¡±
Rachel started, but the door swung open. The young girl blinked and watched as Centina and Willy exited the room. They swept their gazes over the four gathered children.
¡°Novis, Bellum, Oriur. To your rooms, now.¡±
Centina spoke briskly, and the three baby Wyverns tried to protest. But she red at them, which immediately made them acquiesce to hermand. Rachel watched them go as Willy flitted down towards her.
¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°I must go too?¡±
The young girl blinked as she pointed at herself. Willy bobbed up and down like he was nodding.
¡°But can¡¯t I help?¡±
¡°No.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] answered simply. Rachel hesitated, before sighing.
¡°...right.¡±
He led her towards the elevator as she nced back at Centina for a brief moment. The young girl saw the expressionless gaze of the [Evolved Centinel]. And for a moment, the illusion cracked. And what Rachel saw was a worried look¡ª a terrified face, afraid of what was toe.
And then Rachel left the Office of the Headmaster.
¡ª--
When Rachel left the building, she spotted yton Skyshredder making his return to the top of the tower. She didn¡¯t say a word to him. He didn¡¯t even nce her way, too preupied by matters of great import.
And it was truly an issue that far exceeded any importance Rachel yed. After all, she might have been a so-called genius, but as she was right now, she couldn¡¯t do anything. So as shey there, in her bed, staring at the ceiling of her room, she tried to collect her thoughts. She let the realization slowly sink in.
There was going to be a Centinel invasion of the Humannds.
Or at least, there was going to be a Centinel invasion of Mavos Academy.
Rachel closed her eyes as she mulled over this thought. There was already an invasion of the Humannds going on¡ª in fact, there were two that were ongoing. The Elves were relentless in their assault of the Eastern Kingdoms, and Demons were leaking into the Mortal Realm from the Netherworld.
Both were slow and deadly, but now there was going to be an invasion from the south of the Humannds too?
Rachel sighed as she opened her eyes.
¡°Is there nothing I can do?¡±
She asked herself the question. For a moment, it seemed like she was helpless. But she balled her hands into fists as she sat up.
¡°No¡ª there is something I can do, at the very least.¡±
It was a very simple thing. It was the only thing she could do. And that was¡ª
¡°I need to grow stronger.¡±
Rachel whispered to herself as she reached for her dagger, before she snuck out of her room for the night. And over the next few weeks, in the forests surrounding Mavos Academy, the prowling monsters slowly learned to flee from the one called the Child Monster.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 631: Salvation
Chapter 631: Salvation
631. Salvation
***
In the Mortal Realm, war was spreading across the continent of Secely. The Kobolds continued their infighting, and the Beastmen ins repelled the onught of corruption leaking in from beyond the sea. The Humans and the Elves were embroiled in a terrible war after their centuries-long peace had finallye to an end.
But that was not all. The Centinels of the Bloodied Gulf had been stirred to action, no longer just mindlessly proliferating their destruction, but targeting a traitor to their kin. And the outpouring of Demons in the Netherfied Lands remained relentless.
There was no shortage of chaos unfurling across the ne. In stark contrast, the Netherworld was no longer in such a state. Rather, for once, the home of Demons held still. Because¡ª
***
Reconstruction wasing to an end. It wasn¡¯t over just yet. But it was soon going toe to an end.
What did that mean? I didn¡¯t know. But apparently, it was important to Haec. I watched as he marched out of my pocket space as soon as wended far from theke of fire. He walked briskly, and I gave chase to him.
¡°Wait, you still haven¡¯t exined anything to me! What happens when Reconstructiones to an end? What¡¯s so bad about it? Isn¡¯t it a good thing since we won¡¯t have¡ª¡±Haec came to a halt as I stepped in front of him. I gestured vaguely at the floating rocks behind me¡ª as they slowly descended back to the ground, reforming the earth.
¡°Y¡¯know, since we won¡¯t have all this happening?¡±
¡°When Reconstruction ends, so does Revtion.¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld spoke simply as he shook his head. I frowned and crossed my arms.
¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Isn¡¯t Revtion bad because of how it makes all the big scary Demonse out and fight each other?¡±
¡°Well, yes. But I¡¯m not referring to that. I¡¯m referring to whates next.¡±
Haec exined as I blinked back at him.
¡°And whates next, Haec?¡±
¡°Salvation.¡±
He tried to step past me, and I just blocked him again. I frowned as I crossed my arms.
¡°What¡¯s wrong with Salvation? It doesn¡¯t sound that bad.¡±
I posed the question to both him and myself. But before Haec could answer the question, a voice spoke up from behind me.
¡°Because it¡¯s not bad. It¡¯s actually the best time to be around in the Netherworld.¡±
I spun around to face Bertrugil who was yawning as he exited my pocket space. Behind him, Taburas and Aem also shuffled their way into the rocky white floor of the Netherworld.
The [Abraxas] nced dismissively at the two of them, before turning back to me as he continued.
¡°None of you have ever experienced it, but I have. And it¡¯s the greatest thing in the world. Everything is so quiet and peaceful. There¡¯s no fighting. No wild Demons roaming about. None of the usual nonsense you¡¯d see in the Netherworld. Barring a few exceptions¡ª like stumbling into a group of wild Demons lying around in a hole, or running into one of the Demon King¡¯s patrols¡ª it¡¯spletely safe.¡±
¡°Seriously?¡±
Aem gaped at him, covering her mouth. He turned to face her as she asked another question.
¡°Is it even safer than the Quietus?¡±
¡°The Quietus isn¡¯t even safe. Sure, ites at the end of Advent, when Destion has ended, but that¡¯s also when all the higher-leveled wild Demons start to emerge from their little hovels. It¡¯s dangerous. I would never leave my Lair during Quietus. Maybe during Genesis, sure¡¡±
Bertrugil shook his head as I nced between the two Archdemons. I rubbed my temples with a frown.
¡°You guys are using too many random terms at once¡ I can¡¯t keep track of it all¡¡±
Taburas just scoffed at myment, and I took in a deep breath. I turned around to face Haec with narrowed eyes.
¡°Anyway, that doesn¡¯t exin anything. If Salvation is so safe, why is it a bad thing? Doesn¡¯t that mean we can just wander the Netherworld without running into the Beast?¡±
I waved a hand at theke of fire behind us. It wasn¡¯t even that far away yet¡ª I could still feel the oppressive heat even from a small distance. Wended the moment we reachednd because Haec made me do so¡ª because it was faster for us to walk than to wait for the sluggish pace of my pocket space.
Haec sighed as he closed his eyes. I peered at him curiously, but he remained silent for a long moment. He opened his mouth for a moment, and I leaned him to hear what he had to safe. However, before he could speak, I heard Taburas piping up from behind me.
¡°Haec isn¡¯t talking about the cycles of the Netherworld.¡±
¡°He isn¡¯t?¡±
I blinked and turned to face the [Subus]. She had her arms folded across her chest, an annoyed expression on her face. She harrumphed as she turned away from me.
¡°Haec is talking about what wille with Salvation.¡±
¡°Um, what?¡±
I cocked my head, still confused.
¡°That didn¡¯t exin anything.¡±
I pointed usingly at her. Taburas sighed as she shook her head.
¡°Must we spell everything out for you?¡±
My brows snapped together when she said that. I opened my mouth to argue, but Haec spoke over me.
¡°Taburas, that¡¯s enough. I¡¯ll take over the exnation.¡±
The [Subus] paused when she heard that. I turned him with a raised brow, and she tried to protest.
¡°But¡ª¡±
¡°I said: that¡¯s enough.¡±
Haec red at her. And for a moment, I sensed an aura of bloodlusting from him. Taburas must have noticed it too because she flinched. Slowly, she took a step back and lowered her head.
¡°R-right. Sorry.¡±
I blinked at that. I wanted to question it further, especially after remembering what Haec had told me. But he seemed to have already calmed down as he nodded my way.
¡°Salvos, what I am worried about is not Salvation. But rather, it is what the Demon King shall do once ites to an end.¡±
¡°Once Salvationes to an end? And you mean Regnorex?¡±
I tilted my head curiously as I asked.
¡°What is he going to do?¡±
I frowned at Haec. For a moment, he didn¡¯t reply. I just looked around in confusion, turning to Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem for help. But none of them gave me an answer. I just frowned.
Finally, Haec closed his eyes as he lowered his head.
¡°Regnorex is going to begin the final stage of his n to invade the Mortal Realm.¡±
He whispered softly. And that made me pause.
¡°Huh.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 632: Hole
Chapter 632: Hole
Haec took in a deep breath as he stood before the war room. Therge double doors were held wide open, waiting for him to enter. But the Heir of the Netherworld didn¡¯t move. He just stood there, eyeing the waiting figures from afar.
This was it. The highest council of the Demon King¡¯s Domain. Here, the greatest advisors and followers of Regnorex gathered to discuss their ns for the future. It was the first time ever Haec had been invited to one of these meetings.
And oddly enough, it wasn¡¯t Regnorex himself who called for Haec¡¯s presence. Rather, it was¡ª
¡°Come on, boy. You¡¯re too slow.¡±
A face suddenly appeared before Haec, making him jolt back in shock. He blinked a few times as the face retracted behind him, and he turned to face a frail-looking figure. It was Oracli¡ª Haec¡¯s mentor. And supposedly, the Wisest of the Domain.
He stalked past the Heir of the Netherworld, gesturing to enter the room.
¡°It is time for you to learn of our true purpose. No more mindless obedience. No more following orders without thinking. You shall learn, and you shall grow today.¡±
¡°Yes, Oracli.¡±
Haec nodded as he followed after the frail Demon. They entered the room, and the double doors swung shut behind them.¡°You have arrived, Oracli.¡±
Regnorex¡¯s voice boomed, echoing throughout the room. He craned his neck back and saw Haec standing there.
¡°I see you have brought my sessor.¡±
¡°Indeed, I believe that his presence here would serve to be rather¡ educational, for him.¡±
Oracli answered simply as he took a seat. Haec simply paused right before the long table. He pursed his lips, sweeping his gaze across the many gathered figures here. He recognized a few of them. For example, he saw Hartia the Ruler of the Border floating there above one of the seats.
Haec didn¡¯t know why the [Unseelie Lord] even needed a chair. But the Heir of the Netherworld didn¡¯t question it.
That wasn¡¯t the only person he recognized, either.
Jofis the Winged Horror sat there. He wore a cloak that obscured his face, only his ck feathered wings were visible as he strummed a gloved hand on the table.
Levithus the Lord of Chaos and the Hound of the Demon King wrapped his body around the room. His massive size made it impossible for him to fit in a chair, but his head
Safra the Lady of Glory leant back in her chair, surrounded by her clones who were tending to herself. She fractionally nced towards Haec, but otherwise paid him no mind as she inspected her long nails.
Andstly, Manos the Executioner. He was the leader of the Deathsquad Hunters. His four arms were crossed across his chest as he sat up straight, waiting patiently for the meeting to begin.
Those were all the Demons Haec had recognized. But that didn¡¯t mean they were all the Demons gathered in the room at present. There were even more, but the Heir of the Netherworld didn¡¯t know their names or their faces. He just knew they were important.
After all, each of these were Primeval Demons on the precipice of evolving into a Primordial Demon. They were the pinnacle of the Demon King¡¯s army. They all exuded a terrifying aura that almost made Haec drop to his knees. As a mere Archdemon standing before them, the Heir of the Netherworld knew that he didn¡¯t belong. Not amongst them.
¡°Come, sit here if you wish to listen and learn.¡±
Regnorex spoke simply, gesturing at an empty seat to his right. Haec broke out of stupor and nodded hurriedly. He bowed quickly, before rushing to the Demon King¡¯s side.
¡°Yes, my King.¡±
Haec sat down hesitantly, knowing he was drawing a lot of attention from the Primeval Demons gathered here. A few of them eyed him with ill-intent, but he refused to flinch. He just sat there quietly as Oracli spoke up.
¡°Will we begin?¡±
¡°No. We are still waiting for one.¡±
Regnorex answered simply, and Oracli raised a curious brow. For a moment, the Wisest of the Domain wore a quizzical look on his face. But then, the door swung open, and he mouthed a word.
¡°Ah.¡±
Haec watched as a chained figure entered the room, walking sluggishly towards the nearest seat. The figure was wrapped in metallic chains from head to toe. Not a single part of his body was visible. He shuffled his feet as his chains dragged around him as the entire room just watched his slow entrance.
Unlike the other Demons gathered in this room, Haec sensed no oppressive aura emanating from the chained figure. He didn¡¯t feel like averting his gaze, even as he used [Identification] with a raised brow.
But what Haec saw struck fear in his heart¡ª even more so than any aura or presence could have done. Because¡ª
[??? - Lvl. ???]
The Heir of the Netherworld couldn¡¯t see the chained figure¡¯s level. Even with his [Identification] at Level 8, he couldn¡¯t see it. And that only meant one thing.
¡°A Primordial Demon¡?¡±
Haec whispered. That couldn¡¯t be possible, right? But Haec¡¯s [Identification] didn¡¯t deceive him. While he didn¡¯t have a Skill that could pierce through any obfuscation spell or artifact, he felt like this wasn¡¯t the result of any kind of disguising magic.
The Heir of the Netherworld was certain that this was a Primordial Demon.
¡°Now, let us begin.¡±
Oracli spoke casually as he leant back in his chair. Regnorex nodded, rising to his feet. He ced a hand on the table as he addressed the room.
¡°Salvation.¡±
Regnorex spoke as he cast his gaze across the table.
¡°Is that not what we seek? From the moment of our birth, we are thrown into a world of chaos. A world of death and suffering. But we do not wish to perish. We wish for a reprieve. We wish for sanctuary. That is why we have all gathered here. That is why you are all my most loyal followers. Because you believe that I shall lead you all to this dream.¡±
The Demon King closed his eyes, going silent for a moment. Oracli tapped a finger on the table and conjured up an image of a blue world.
¡°I have shown all of you my dream. I have shown all of you what peace truly appears to be.¡±
Regnorex continued, and Haec blinked. The Heir of the Netherworld recognized the images that were being projected to the room. He had seen those very same images while under the tutge of Oracli. And everyone in the room seemed to recognize it as well.
It was the Mortal Realm.
It was a world without death. It was a world without suffering. There were no cycles of rebirth and destruction. It was so¡ alien, to Haec. But even he thought that it was a wonderful ce. He was d, knowing that this was where Salvos had gone.
But he didn¡¯t linger on the thought for long as he watched the scene of the image change to that of a vast circr chamber. There was arge ritual circle located at the center¡ª a familiar sight to Haec.
It was a summoning circle, and its magic was active. It probably belonged to some random Greater Demon living along the perimeter of the Demon King¡¯s Domain. In fact, Haec spotted a [Fiend] standing there right at the edge of the ritual circle.
She looked like she was evaluating whether she should enter the ritual circle to the Mortal Realm or not, when suddenly a crooked arm pierced through her back, shooting out of her chest. Haec blinked, watching as the [Fiend] dropped dead, and a bulbous figure appeared out of thin air.
¡°Who is¡?¡±
Haec stared at the strange-looking Archdemon, and Regnorex shook his head.
¡°Belzu. An annoying fly who thinks he can impede my ns. I have faced many foolish rebellions in the past, but not as bothersome as this.¡±
The Demon King almost growled, and the room trembled. Haec watched as Belzu grabbed the corpse of the [Fiend] and descended into the ritual circle to the Mortal Realm.
¡°What is he doing?¡±
Haec asked, eyeing Belzu with a frown. Oracli was the one who answered.
¡°Thwarting our ns, of course. Or trying, at the very least.¡±
That didn¡¯t exin anything to the Heir of the Netherworld. But it seemed obvious to everyone else in the room what it meant. Haec pursed his lips, not wanting to seem like a fool, so he bit his questions back. After all, he seemed to be the only one who was speaking other than Regnorex and Oracli.
Fortunately for Haec, Oracli exined the issue anyway.
¡°With Belzu¡¯s presence in the Mortal Realm, Humankind will be prepared for our invasion. Whether or not he warns them, I do not know. But they will know, and we cannot allow them to make preparations before we ourselves are ready. And we can¡¯t just drag him back because he left quite a while ago¡ª before the end of Destion.¡±
Oracli shook his head as he turned to face Levithus.
¡°And this is why we shall be left with no choice but to expedite our invasion of the Mortal Realm. Before any Human [Heroes] can be summoned, and before they unify themselves under a single banner. By the end of this cycle of Salvation, we will have toplete the portal.¡±
Now that made Haec pause. While he wasn¡¯t too knowledgeable about the grand schemes of Regnorex¡ª because only those in this room right now were made privy to the full depth of the Demon King¡¯s ns¡ª the Heir of the Netherworld had always been under the assumption of one thing: that they were going to bring the Demon King¡¯s Domain to the Mortal Realm.
It was what everyone was told. Everyone who wasn¡¯t sent off to die in the Expanse, at least. So what did Oracli mean by¡ a portal?
Haec gritted his teeth. He didn¡¯t want to speak, but he was alsopletely flummoxed. And Oracli must have noticed his confusion.
¡°You¡¯re surprised, aren¡¯t you?¡±
The frail Demon smiled mischievously. The image he conjured up changed, this time showing a scene from the Mortal Realm, before a rift was forced open in the middle of the blue sky, revealing the Netherworld on the other side.
¡°You must understand, our King¡¯s goal is not to simply save those who currently live in his kingdom. But to lead all of Demonkind to true salvation. And the only way to achieve that is to create a permanent portal between the nes. So that any future generation of Demons can find safety in the Mortal Realm. So that they can take refuge from the destruction of the Netherworld.¡±
Haec just stared at the unveiling image of the portal. He thought it was an illusion¡ª he didn¡¯t think it was showing a scene that had happened in reality. But he watched as an army gathered beneath the portal, led by a man d in an ornate, iridescent armor.
Regnorex clenched a fist at the sight of that man for some reason. The man raised his sword, and the army cheered as they all waved the same banner. They chanted his name as he took in a deep breath.
¡°Alexander! Alexander! Alex¡ª¡±
And he swung his weapon up, the de cleaving through the sky. There was a bright sh as his attack struck the rift. Haec flinched, before the rift closed.
The image vanished.
Haec blinked a few times, before looking back towards Oracli.
¡°s, as you can see, simply creating an ordinary portal has its ws. It is wasteful, and with enough magic or power, it can be dispelled from the other side. That is why we cannot simply create a portal to the Mortal Realm.¡±
The Wisest of the Domain sighed as he waved a hand dismissively.
¡°So instead, we will create a permanent portal by tearing through the walls of the Netherworld and boring a hole through the nes of the Nexeus.¡±
And that made Haec¡¯s eyes grow wide.
¡°What¡?¡±
Author''s Notes:
This was all supposed to be a single chapter, but it''s taking a lot longer to go over than I thought. I''ve already split it twice withst chapter and now this chapter, and I still have another like 2-3k words to go before it''s fully done. Let''s hope I won''t have to split it again...
What thonk?
Chapter 633: Future Generations
Chapter 633: Future Generations
633. Future Generations
***
¡°You want to bore a hole through the nes?¡±
Haec repeated after his mentor. But Oracli just wagged a finger with a small smile.
¡°No¡ª not just a hole. An ordinary hole is no different from the portals that transport us between the nes, and they can be closed with enough force. What we want is to drill a permanent hole through the nes by ripping down the walls of the Netherworld.¡±
The Wisest of the Domain leant back in his chair as Haec just stared for a long moment. Slowly, Haec managed to work his jaw.
¡°But how?¡±
Oracli scoffed as he turned to Regnorex. The Demon King¡¯s brows furrowed, before he shook his head in disappointment.
¡°Have you taught my sessor nothing, Oracli?¡±Those words immediately stirred something deep within Haec. At first, it bubbled within him¡ª boiling and threatening to spill out. But he didn¡¯tsh out at the Demon King. Instead, Haec steeled himself and let the feeling subside. Now, instead, a sense of shame overcame him as he bowed his head.
¡°I apologize, my King. I should have paid more attention during Oracli¡¯s lessons.¡±
Haec knew he should not have asked so many questions. But Oracli justughed it off, conjuring up another image. This time, of the Netherworld.
¡°Don¡¯t me the boy. It is not intuitive to anyone without any understanding of space magic or the cycles of the Netherworld. Watch, boy.¡±
Oracli gestured at the image disyed at the table. Haec blinked, watching as a scene of a vast white in in the Netherworld unfolded. It wasn¡¯t anything he had never seen before. In fact, it looked like any ordinary scene from beyond the Demon King¡¯s Domain.
But the scene continued to y out¡ª moving quickly as tiny specks rapidly traversed thendscape. Until, finally, the ground cracked open. The sky tore apart. Haec¡¯s eyes went wide when he saw that.
He recognized what was happening immediately. It was Revtion¡ª not urring right now, but happening whenever that image was captured by Oracli.
Haec had never witnessed Revtion himself, but he had learned about it. And he knew this was what it was. His eyes flickered to see the rifts hovering in the sky. He narrowed his eyes.
¡°You see it too, do you not?¡±
Oracli snickered, and Haec blinked.
¡°You have been told that the sky tears open during Revtion¡ª that space itself is ripped apart as death and destruction is unleashed into the Netherworld. But have you ever wondered: why? Why does this happen? Why would space need to tear itself apart?¡±
The Heir of the Netherworld shook his head apprehensively. Oracli smirked as he gestured around them.
¡°Because it¡¯s a natural cycle for the world to shed its gathered essence. All the fighting. All the death. All the destruction in the Netherworld¡ª all the ambience mana from this chaos is collected in the sky, but it cannot simply rain back down below. So during the time of Revtion, the world itself ruptures a hole to dispose of the excess magic. And in doing so, empties the Netherworld for new life to form.¡±
¡°What does that mean?¡±
Haec asked with quivering lips. Oracli shook his head.
¡°Our essence¡ª that which is infused with our blood¡ª grows with us from the moment of our birth. And because of that, it holds more magic than we can even output into the world. That is what Revtion paves the path for. Because the Netherworld cannot handle both our destruction and our rebirth.¡±
The Wisest of the Domain spoke as his eyes glinted. He leant forward, meeting Haec¡¯s gaze as the image continued to show an outpouring ofva and cascading of earth.
¡°Now can you imagine that? Something that surpasses even the sheer destruction of Revtion? And can you imagine what it would be like to harvest that power?¡±
¡°Harvest that¡ª¡±
And now, the Heir of the Netherworld paused. He slowly let his mentor¡¯s words sink in. He digested it, before he finally understood what was meant by that.
¡°No¡¡±
Haec whispered, and Oracli didn¡¯t visibly react. Instead, the Wisest of the Domain turned to the Demon King. Regnorex closed his eyes, before nodding.
¡°It is what must be done, my sessor. For the sake of the future of Demonkind, we will do what we must. I would have preferred it to happen during the next cycle when you are more ready. But s¡ª¡±
The Demon King rose to his feet as he turned to face the room. All the gathered Primeval Demons there looked back at him unwaveringly as he spoke softly. For the first time ever, his voice was quiet¡ª almost meek.
¡°We shall bore a hole into the Mortal Realm by sacrificing the next generation of Demons.¡±
As Regnorex said that, Haec just stared at the Demon King in silence. The Heir of the Netherworld asked no more questions, simply listening in sheer disbelief as the meeting continued. And Oracli grinned to the side.
***
Haec closed his eyes as he returned back to reality. Back then, he never quite fully processed the implications of the Demon King¡¯s n. Certainly, he knew what was going to happen. But the consequences of it never really registered to him.
Or perhaps that was because the former Heir of the Netherworld had been so hyper fixated on something else¡ª he never quite cared about it because he only cared about getting back to Salvos. Although¡ that wasn¡¯t exactly true either. He did care about getting revenge, and he definitely did care about others who were hurt by Regnorex.
But Haec couldn¡¯t let himself care for them in the same way he cared for Salvos. He couldn¡¯t think about how they were affected, because all he could let himself care about was returning to hispanion. And now, he could care.
Now, it pained him deeply know what Regnorex was nning on doing.
Haec finished recounting the memory to Salvos¡ª obviously excluding the parts that were irrelevant to her questions. She stared at him for a moment, not saying a word. And the two remained silent.
She was unusually quiet. No¡ª the entirety of the Netherworld was unusually quiet. There was no sound. Unlike the usual cacophony of sts and screeches. It was quiet. Because now came Salvation.
Well, it wasn¡¯t here just yet. But soon, it would arrive. And then¡
¡°We have until the end of Salvation to put a stop to Regnorex¡¯s ns.¡±
Salvos stated simply. Haec nodded, lowering his head.
¡°That is right. That is why we cannot waste anymore time. That is why we must act quickly.¡±
He spoke as he held hispanion¡¯s gaze. But she didn¡¯t spin around in a rush like he expected. Instead, she ced a hand on her chin as she frowned.
¡°So what happens then? There won¡¯t be another generation of future Demons or something?¡±
¡°No.¡±
Haec shook his head.
¡°Eventually, with enough time that passes¡ª enough death and destruction¡ª there will be another cycle of Advent. Another generation of Demons shall be born. But it will simply take longer than before. And with enough time, the length between cycles shall return to what it is now.¡±
¡°Right.¡±
Salvos furrowed her brows as he exined. The former Heir of the Netherworld pursed his lips, seeing the rather muted reaction of hispanion. He gestured vaguely in the direction of the air.
¡°But that doesn¡¯t matter¡ª what matters is that we only have a short period of time to act before Regnorex begins his invasion of the Mortal Realm. Salvation is the shortest cycle of the Netherworld. We do not have long, Salvos. We need to stop him.¡±
Haec spoke in a low voice. But Salvos just scratched the back of her head.
¡°Right¡¡±
It was such an odd reaction, the former Heir of the Netherworld was taken aback. He shook his head as he held her gaze.
¡°Are you not worried about your friends? Do you not care about what may happen to them once the invasion starts?¡±
¡°I definitely do care about them, yep. And I am worried about what Regnorex is doing¡ y¡¯know with the corruption and all.¡±
Salvos spoke as she waved a hand vaguely in the direction of the sky. Haec blinked, remembering what he had been told about the corruption. He hadn¡¯t even considered the consequences of that.
¡°But Haec¡¡±
Her words immediately drew the former Heir of the Netherworld¡¯s attention back into the moment. He stared back at his firstpanion as she just crossed her arms.
¡°Do you even have a n?¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
Haec opened his mouth, then paused. He stared at Salvos for a long moment, before he took in a deep breath. He sighed.
¡°I¡ I do not.¡±
¡°Exactly.¡±
She shook her head as she ced a hand on his shoulders. Haec bit his lower lip, and Salvos spoke reassuringly.
¡°So calm down and rx. Let us think of something first, before we panic. Alright?¡±
¡°...right.¡±
¡°Good!¡±
Salvos beamed as she took a step back. She pped her hands together as she swept her gaze over their surroundings.
¡°And the first order of business is¡ where exactly are we? And how do we get to the Demon King¡¯s Domain?¡±
Unfortunately for her, no one had any answers to that question.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 634: What Do We Even Do?
Chapter 634: What Do We Even Do?
634. What Do We Even Do?
***
It was worrying. From what Haec told me, the Demon King¡¯s n was going to cause a lot of problems. Not just for me or my friends, but for the entire world. After all, ripping a permanent hole between the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm was going to exacerbate the end of the world.
I had seen the corruption that was spreading down there. Even the Beast wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive the death and destruction that was proliferating down there. And that was at the current danger of the corruption.
If Regnorex saw his n through, it was entirely possible that the corruption that was afflicting the secondyer would grow even worse than before. Belphegor and my dad were down there, fighting as best they could to slow the end of the world. Their efforts would then be pointless. Not only that, but¡ their lives would be in even greater danger than ever before.
I grew uneasy at the very idea that my dad could perish down there, before I ever got to see him again. However, that wasn¡¯t even the worst-case scenario, as horrible as it would be. An even worse oue than that would be if instead of simply exacerbating the corruption, Regnorex¡¯s n brought the corruption up here into the firstyer.
That was what happened at the twelfthyer of the Netherworld¡ª when my dad¡¯s project to build a new world failed and copsed into itself, causing the end of the world.
Seriously¡ª Regnorex was going to cause a lot of problems for me. He was hunting down Haec, while threatening the lives of all mypanions in the Mortal Realm. And then he was endangering my dad at the same time as expediting the destruction of everything and everything as I knew it.
I needed to find a way to stop him. And yet, what could I have realistically done right now? I was a Primeval Demon, and he was a Primordial Demon. I would get killed in an instant in a fight against him.It wasn¡¯t even that long ago when I had witnessed two Primordial Demons duel in one of the most dangerous battles I had ever seen. Maybe Regnorex wasn¡¯t nearly as strong as the Beast, but he at least had to beparable to [The Great Agarus]. Considering that I was hunted down and nearly killed by thetter, I was pretty sure my gut feeling that I¡¯d be utterly ughtered by the Demon King was probably correct. Especially considering how much I struggled when I was fighting a far inferior imitation of him by Avaritia back in the Siege of Alyras.
Anyway, that was all a problem for future me to deal with. Right now, my biggest worry was finding a way to the Demon King¡¯s Domain. Because¡ well, the Netherworld and its expansive rocky white ins was not a conducive ce for figuring out directions.
¡°Come on, are you guys seriously lost? Isn¡¯t this your home? Didn¡¯t you guys grow up here?¡±
I threw my hands in the air as I trudged behind Haec. Bertrugil and Aem walked beside me, while Taburas trailed slowly behind. We traversed the Netherworld, not bothering to even mask our presence.
Revtion was over, so most of the danger was gone. It was currently Salvation, and ording to Haec, this was the most peaceful period of all the cycles. And from what I saw, that was truly the case.
It waspletely silent all around us. There was no wandering wild Demon looking to pounce on an unsuspecting target. asionally, I¡¯d spot a Demon or two in the distance. But they simply stared at our group from afar.
Most of the time, even though I was higher-leveled than them, I¡¯d still be attacked by a group of wild Demons. So I knew they weren¡¯t scared of me. It was just because of Salvation.
As I had been told by Haec, at the end of Revtion, all the wandering wild Demons would return to the ces of their birth. And they would huddle back there until Salvation came to an end, before leaving once Advent began.
It was genuinely such a strange sight to me, being simply watched by wild Demons, but otherwisepletely ignored by them in any other way. I even spotted a [Cthonic Agaros] in the distance, nesting atop the caldera of a mountain, just staring down at me from afar.
Aem shrank back at its gaze, but Bertrugil didn¡¯t seem to care. I turned away from the two Archdemons to face Haec, waiting for his answer.
The former Heir of the Netherworld sighed as he shook his head.
¡°Unfortunately, we have spent most of our time in the Demon King¡¯s Domain. And when we were sent out toplete missions, it was always under the supervision and guidance of Oracli.¡±
¡°Oracli? Who¡¯s that?¡±
I tilted my head back at my firstpanion. But Bertrugil was the one who answered.
¡°Some old fart who¡¯s apparently one of the most trusted advisors of the Demon King, having been there since the inception of the kingdom.¡±
¡°Huh. And how did he navigate his way around the Netherworld?¡±
I frowned, cing a hand on my chin as I swept my gaze over our surroundings. No matter where I looked, everything looked exactly the same as before. It really was nothing like the Mortal Realm with all its recognizablendmarks.
But at the very least, I assumed that the people of the Demon King¡¯s Domain would have mapped out the area somewhat. Apparently, my hopes were too high, because Haec shook his head.
¡°Oracli did not navigate the Netherworld through his own means. He used an artifact. And unfortunately for us, weck such an artifact.¡±
¡°An artifact? What kind of artifact did he use?¡±
I raised a brow, and Aem piped up excitedly.
¡°Oh! Oh! I know the answer to that question!¡±
¡°What is it?¡±
I turned to her curiously. She beamed as she pped her hands together.
¡°A Tablet of Tracking! Everyone knows about those!¡±
¡°A¡ what?¡±
I blinked. I stared at her quizzically, and she waved a hand casually.
¡°It¡¯s an artifact that lets you track the location of any summoning cor in the entirety of the Netherworld!¡±
¡°The entirety of the Netherworld?!¡±
My eyes bulged when she said that. Aem paused, before cing a hand on her chin.
¡°Well, actually, I don¡¯t know if it can track across the entirety of the Netherworld. But it can certainly go quite far. That¡¯s what the Deathsquad Hunters use to track down escapees from the Demon King¡¯s Domain.¡±
¡°You mean that¡¯s how Venas found us?¡±
I narrowed my eyes, remembering the group of Deathsquad Hunters I killed before we were attacked by the Beast. I turned to Haec who nodded.
¡°That is correct. It is likely that Venas or one of his subordinates carried a Tablet of Tracking on them.¡±
¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean we can just go back and get it then?¡±
Aem spoke, tapping a finger on her chin. I nodded along as I nced back.
¡°I think that¡¯s a good idea! Except¡ª¡±
I gestured vaguely back in the direction of theke of fire created by the Beast. Aem blinked. And I continued.
¡°I think the Tablet of Tracking was destroyed along with¡ everything else.¡±
¡°Oh.¡±
Aem just deted. I patted her on the shoulder reassuringly, before turning to Haec and Bertrugil.
¡°But we can still set up a trap.¡±
Haec frowned back at me.
¡°A trap?¡±
I nodded with a grin.
¡°Yep! You¡¯re still being hunted down by the Deathsquad Hunters, right? Even if you don¡¯t have your summoning cor on you any longer, they¡¯d at least be going after Taburas next since they know you¡¯d be together.¡±
I nced back towards the [Subus]. She raised her head at the mention of her name, but she didn¡¯t speak. She hadn¡¯t said a word ever since Haec snapped at her for a brief moment. I felt back, and I really wanted to cheer her up. But right now, we had other pressing issues to deal with.
¡°We just have to use the two of you as bait, then we can catch them off-guard.¡±
Haec furrowed his brows, considering that n. But Bertrugil protested as he took a step back and crossed his arms.
¡°Nope¡ª that¡¯s a stupid n. We¡¯re going to get ourselves killed doing that. I¡¯m not doing this.¡±
¡°Well, if you want to go your own way, you can. But you¡¯re going to be hunted down by a member of the Deathsquad Hunters anyway, aren¡¯t you? After all¡¡±
I gestured at the summoning cor on the [Abraxas]¡¯s neck, and he blinked. He looked down at himself, before scowling.
¡°I¡ fuck.¡±
I just smirked, before turning back to Haec.
¡°So what do you think? First, we find a way to the Demon King¡¯s Domain, and then we figure out what we do next.¡±
I spoke simply as my firstpanion mulled over my words for a while. He held my gaze, before nodding slowly.
¡°That¡¯s a good n. As expected of my leader.¡±
He smiled at me, and I grinned back. Behind me, Taburas shifted ufortably. And I spun around as I pointed to the sky.
¡°Alright! Then let¡¯s do this!¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 635: Trade Deal
Chapter 635: Trade Deal
635. Trade Deal
***
It was the worst trade deal in the history of trade deals. Ever. Of all time. And that was why Daniel Song didn¡¯t ept the offer.
Certainly, he really wanted to take it¡ª he was at his wit¡¯s end here. He has traversed all of the Human Lands to find someone capable of repairing his broken de. From the vast nds to the southwest to the tall mountains of the east. He scoured far and wide, speaking with the highest-leveled [Enchanters] and [cksmiths]. And yet, not a single one of them was capable of aplishing this task.
Not a single one of them could repair his Primordial Longsword.
But why did it matter? After all, he was Daniel Song, the [Hero] from Earth. He wielded the legendary Sword of Alexander, a Mythical Grade Weapon that could even tear the sky asunder. Meanwhile, the Primordial Longsword was barely a Medium Grade Weapon. There was no reason for him to go through such great efforts to repair it.
And yet, it was important to him. Because it was a parting gift given to him by Salvos.
She had created it herself¡ª back when they had just killed the Lich of the gunds. That was the very first time Daniel and Salvos had separated from each other after meeting back near Silvergrove. But they knew that they would meet with each other again.
However, this time, Daniel didn¡¯t know whether Salvos would even return. He didn¡¯t know if he would see her again. That was why he needed to repair the Primordial Longsword. So that he could remember her until she returned.But now, his hopes were dashed. Because even [Forgemaster] Nozag¡ª one of the few Dwarves living in the Human Lands, and one of the highest-leveled individuals capable of creating High Grade and even Epic Grade artifacts¡ª was unable to repair the Primordial Longsword.
If he couldn¡¯t help Daniel, then no one else could. Or so the [Hero] thought. Until he encountered her.
Her name was Ivonne Vigil, and she was a [Trader]. Quite possibly one of the highest-leveled in the world. She was mysterious and quaint. She had apparently been looking for Daniel, and she knew what he desired. So she offered him an offer he couldn¡¯t refuse. Or so she thought.
She would help him repair his Primordial Longsword, and in exchange, he would give her the Sword of Alexander.
Of course, Daniel¡ refused. Because he wasn¡¯t an idiot. It was seriously a stupid offer. Anyone who would ever think he¡¯d actually trade the Sword of Alexander for a Medium Grade Weapon needed to reevaluate their opinion of him.
Well¡ª sure, he didn¡¯t have the best track record in making good decisions. But he was actively working to improve himself. After all, he might have been a [Hero], but at the end of the day, he was just an ordinary young man from Earth before he was summoned to the Nexeus.
So it was expected for him to take a while to limate having a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Anyways, for now, he decided to indulge in Ivonne Vigil¡¯s offer. While he turned her down, he still pressed her with questions, until she agreed to prove to him that she could repair the Primordial Longsword.
After all, how was a [Trader] like her supposed to do what the best [Smiths] and [Mages] could not?
Unfortunately, she was quite an entric individual. So she answered no questions, instead opting to lead Daniel away from the city of Soros.
He simply followed her. He did try to interrogate her as she led him down the gravel path, but she always gave the same answer each time around.
¡°Ivonne, where are you taking me?¡±
Daniel asked as his gaze bore into her back. Ivonne Vigil simply tilted her head back and spoke softly.
¡°You seek to repair a de forged from the falling stars. So I am taking you to the ce where you can achieve this feat.¡±
It was a strange response. She gave a variation of that answer each time. But Daniel didn¡¯t quite understand what she meant. And when he interrogated her even further, she remained just as obtuse as before.
¡°So it¡¯s a location?¡±
¡°Not necessarily.¡±
¡°And how did you even hear about this ce?¡±
Daniel was getting quite irritated by her non-answers. But Ivonne Vigil did not show a hint of concern on her face. She simply spoke as she faced forward, leading him even further away from the mountain city behind them.
¡°I have traversed all of Secely, Daniel Song. From the Beastmen ins to the Dwarven Mountains. There is not one region in this continent I have not seen. I have heard a great many things. I have spoken to creatures that transcend anything in the Human Lands. You question me, searching for a simple answer. But I cannot give you what you want.¡±
Ivonne shook her head as she spoke, and the young man from Earth frowned. He opened his mouth to protest her non-answer. However, she came to a halt and spun around.
Blinking, Daniel stared at the [Trader] as she met his gaze. She smiled as she craned her neck curiously at him.
¡°You have interrogated me enough, Daniel Song. I have agreed to your terms, and I will let you make a final decision once I have proven myself to you, so that is enough of your questions. Now, it is my turn to interrogate you.¡±
His brows snapped together as she said that. He took a step back, eyeing Ivonne with a raised brow.
¡°And what do you want to know?¡±
He asked with a skeptical look on his face. While he didn¡¯t dislike the [Trader], he certainly didn¡¯t trust her. Not with how strange her behavior always seemed to be. And that was also not considering the fact that she essentially caused the Elven invasion to happen, since she had stolen their Fruits of Y¡¯gdrazil.
Ivonne Vigil just smiled back at the young man from Earth.
¡°I am curious about your world, Daniel Song. Tell me more about your life back there. What is it like?¡±
¡°You mean Earth?¡±
Daniel frowned as his mind shed with memories of the blue. He shifted ufortably, recalling a messy room, the light of a dimly-litputer screen, and the whirring of a fan. He thought of that grieving version of himself, alone and in the darkest ce in his life.
He closed his eyes, before shaking his head.
¡°Earth¡ sucks.¡±
He whispered, making Ivonne furrow her brows. She leant closer and listened as he lowered his head.
¡°There was nothing for me there. I lost the person I loved more than anything else in the world, and then all my friends left me. My family stopped speaking to me. Everyone is always either depressed or angry. And most of all, there is no magic¡ª no fantasy. It is all just bitter reality.¡±
Daniel raised his head slightly. He didn¡¯t know why he was talking about this fantasy world around him like it wasn¡¯t real. But when he thought of his time back on Earth, he suddenly felt¡ dissociated from his surroundings.
He felt like he didn¡¯t belong here. And perhaps that was why hepared his world with this world in that way.
¡°I see.¡±
Ivonne Vigil nodded slowly, hearing his answer. She peered at him as she ced a hand on her chin.
¡°So do you not wish to return? To your old life?¡±
¡°I¡¡±
Daniel opened his mouth, then he paused. He remembered a scene from a night long ago. When he first realized he was in love with Salvos. She had made him a simple promise back then. She reassured him that she would find him a way back to his world.
It was strange, really. But she was the only one who had ever shown even a hint of concern about his home. So he epted that offer. Even though he wasn¡¯t even sure if he wanted to go back.
He sighed as he raised his head.
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
Daniel finally said as he stared at the sun creeping its way down the sky.
¡°I know I said that Earth sucks, but¡¡±
He took in a deep breath and shrugged.
¡°But at the same time, there are fewer wars. The world is generally at peace. There is science and technology. Innovation empowered by human ingenuity. We canmunicate with any of our loved ones across countries and oceans and continents¡¡±
Ivonne Vigil just stared at Daniel silently as he spoke in a soft voice. He ced a hand on his chest, before looking down at himself.
¡°Earth is my home. So a part of me wants to return¡ª to finally take responsibility of the life I left behind. But there are still things I need to do here. So, perhaps, one day, I¡¯ll return. Just not right now.¡±
Daniel finished as he looked back up at the [Trader]. Ivonne wore a thoughtful expression on her face, not saying a word. He frowned back at her.
¡°Does that answer your question?¡±
For a moment, she continued remaining in silence. But finally, she nodded and took a step back.
¡°Not all of them. I have more questions I¡¯d like to ask. But we can speak more on our journey.¡±
Daniel rolled his eyes as he trailed after the [Trader].
¡°You¡¯re still not going to tell me where we¡¯re going, huh?¡±
¡°You shall see, Daniel Song.¡±
Ivonne answered with a wry smile. She continued forward as Daniel scoffed. But before he could take another step after her, he heard a voice calling out for him from behind.
¡°Daniel Song!¡±
He recognized the familiar voice. Spinning around, he came face to face with an armored figure, dressed like a knight who seemed to have sprinted here from the city of Soros. The knight was bent over, panting and bleeding.
Ivonne Vigil also turned around, curious to see this stranger. Daniel knew who it was without even looking through the helmet¡¯s visor.
¡°Kacey?¡±
He watched as the [Crusader] removed her helmet. Her hair was a mess, and her face was bruised. But she didn¡¯t even bother to wipe the dried blood from her face.
Daniel just narrowed his eyes at her.
¡°What are you doing here? What¡¯s going on?¡±
Kacey marched forward, holding the [Hero]¡¯s gaze.
¡°The Fort City of Taritos has fallen. A group of high-leveled Elves came and destroyed everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything. I am the only survivor.¡±
¡°...what?¡±
Daniel¡¯s eyes went wide. He had just been there a week ago. He had helped repel a force of invading Elves, before leaving the battlefield behind to speak with Nozag. Now¡ it was gone?
His gaze immediately snapped past the [Crusader]¡ª towards the mountain city of Soros in the distance.
¡°We need to go back.¡±
Daniel spoke as he turned to Ivonne. She was frowning, her normal mystifying expression gone for once. But the young man didn¡¯t pay attention to that. He just started to walk past Kacey as he reached for the Sword of Alexander.
¡°They¡¯re going to be targeting Soros next. We need to fortify the city¡ª prepare for an invasion, and evacuate the civilians.¡±
But much to the [Hero]¡¯s surprise, Kacey shook her head and spoke simply.
¡°No.¡±
¡°What? What are you talking about? Why not?¡±
Daniel blinked, looking back towards the [Crusader]. Her gaze was shadowed over as she didn¡¯t meet his eyes. Slowly, her lips trembled and she spoke in a low voice.
¡°The Elves aren¡¯t going to go after Soros because¡ they¡¯re after you.¡±
Kacey raised her head as tears streamed down her cheeks. Daniel stared at her quizzically as she continued.
¡°They want you dead, Daniel. And they forced me to lead them to you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±
Daniel¡¯s eyes went wide as she said that, before a glint caught the corner of his eye. He spun around as he drew the Sword of Alexander.
¡°Daniel Song, get back¡ª¡±
Ivonne shouted, raising her hand. But a volley of glinting arrows reached him a momentter. And a powerful explosion engulfed the three Humans, before expanding out and shredding everything in over a mile.
Author''s Notes:
Sorry for the dyed chapter. I''m currently in Frankfurt for the Frankfurt Book Fair, and I''ve also been busy dealing with my kickstarter. Which... if you haven''t heard, SALVOS IS FINALLY GOING TO GET A PAPERBACK AND HARDCOVER COPY!
The kickstarter was funded in just 2.5 hours, and we''re already almost at our first stretch goal which includes five cool illustrations into the book! Seriously, check it out if you''ve ever been interested in getting a Salvos print copy, and they''re all signed by /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
Chapter 636: Vanguard of Ygdrazil
Chapter 636: Vanguard of Y''gdrazil
636. Vanguard of Y''gdrazil
***
Her name was Kali¡¯natha, and she was the Principality of the Farl-Zun Forest. Although she wasn¡¯t always a member of royalty. When she was born, she was a mere Worker. The lowest of the Elven caste. But that was the beauty of their society. She was able to rise up the ranks and grow strong enough to challenge the previous Principality of the Farl-Zun Forest whom she challenged to battle.
When she won, she assumed the role of a Principality herself. Because it was the strongest who ruled, and the weakest who obeyed. Kali¡¯natha had wanted to rise up the ranks even further and be a High Ruler. Unfortunately for her, she was met with the then High Ruler As¡¯triel.
Kali¡¯natha was defeated with ease, and she would have perished that day. But As¡¯triel had other ns, sparing the life of the Principality on one condition. Kali¡¯natha was to serve as one of As¡¯triel¡¯s personal bodyguards¡ª the Vanguard of Y¡¯gdrazil.
Soon after, As¡¯triel went on to conquer all of the Elven Rainforests, bing the first Matriarch of Elvenkind in a millennia. As their now Dominion, As¡¯triel tasked Principality Kali¡¯natha and a few other members of the Vanguard of Y¡¯gdrazil with the important goal of eliminating Humankind¡¯s greatest assets, even before the war began.
And Kali¡¯natha served her Dominion faithfully, hunting down the stray Elites of Humankind who wandered too far away from theirnds. But that was not enough. Not for Kali¡¯natha. She wanted to prove herself to As¡¯triel¡ª so that she could be promoted to a High Ruler.
That was when she heard of the perfect target. His name was Daniel Song, and he was the [Hero] of the Human Lands. He wielded a Mythical Grade Weapon, going from battlefield to battlefield to turn the tides against the Elves.
It sounded like Kali¡¯natha had a difficult task ahead of her. But she was a Level 176 [Mystic Huntress], and she wasn¡¯t alone.¡°It appears you missed.¡±
A voice said, drawing Kali¡¯natha¡¯s attention. She turned around with a frown to face an elderly Elven man stroking his wispy white bead. He sat atop his staff as she looked up at him. As they were Elves, they weren¡¯t the tallest creatures around. In fact, they were rather short.
But Kali¡¯natha especially was tiny, even as an Elf. So the way he purposefully perched up above her to tower over her annoyed her. She scowled as she lowered her bow, a golden aura vanishing from her body.
¡°I did not miss, ¡¯di. I am certain I hit my mark. Everything in a radius of over a mile should be reduced to ash.¡±
¡°And yet, I do not see a corpse amongst the rubble. So that means they have escaped.¡±
¡¯di spoke simply as his eyes shone with a blue light. She narrowed her eyes, and another voice piped up. The two Elves faced a third figure¡ª the youngest of them all, clearly evident by his clean-shaven face.
He was rather rotund and stout, hefting a giant hammer behind his back.
¡°If you¡¯re so certain that you killed the [Hero], you should be able to confirm it yourself, no? You should have gotten experience for that, right?¡±
¡°Crim is right.¡±
¡¯di said as he nodded sagely. But the young Elf just frowned in response.
¡°My name is Crim¡¯zu¡¯son¡¯ra.¡±
¡°And I¡¯m not saying all that. Your name is Crim, to me.¡±
¡¯di snorted in response. And Crim opened his mouth. However, before he could speak, Kali¡¯natha interrupted him.
¡°Silence, Crim. I am trying to focus.¡±
¡°But my name¡¯s not Crim¡ª¡±
He protested, and the Principality of Farl-Zun ignored him. She narrowed her eyes as her gaze bore into the pir of smoke just ahead of the three Elves. She remained silent, and she waited to hear the words resound in her head, confirming the [Hero]¡¯s death.
But it never came.
¡¯di snickered when he knew she realized what had happened¡ª when her eyes widened in shock, knowing she failed.
¡°I told you.¡±
¡°That was¡ that was my Grand Skill! How could they possibly have escaped?!¡±
Kali¡¯natha eximed in anger. ¡¯di just rolled his eyes, before looking towards the distant horizon as his eyes glimmered with a faint blue.
¡°I think I have an idea about what happened¡¡±
***
Kacey didn¡¯t want to do it. But she had been left with no other choice. Everyone else at the Fort City of Taritos had been ughtered. It was a terrible sight. This hadn¡¯t been just an attack on soldiers.
There had been civilians living there. Over ten thousand of them. And there had been thousands of guards protecting the walls too. But they had all been massacred by the Elves.
Kacey did her best to stop it. She tried to save anyone she could. However, she was too weak. Even with thebined efforts of her and the other [Crusaders] that were with her, they could not save even a single soul. And she was forced to watch helplessly as everyone else was ughtered.
For whatever reason, she was spared. The Elven assants seemed to know that she was connected with Daniel, so they forced her to lead them to her. Kacey hadn¡¯t wanted to do it. But they tortured her and then threatened the people of the surrounding cities until she obeyed.
When she got to the [Hero], all she could do was apologize for what she had done. She thought they would be instantly killed¡ª wiped out by those three Elves before he could even process her words. But somehow, she was still alive.
Kacey saw the sh of light. She closed her eyes and braced herself, waiting for a world of overwhelming pain. And it never came.
She just stood there with her hands raised and her eyes shut. She heard a thudding sound, and a gasping voice. But she only looked up when a violent shockwave shook the ground beneath her, followed by a powerful gust of wind that nearly knocked her off her feet.
Kacey reeled back as she opened her eyes. She saw a brilliant sh of light in the far distance, but it was already fading away, leaving behind a trail of smoke leading to the sky. Her eyes went wide when she recognized the atack, even though it was so far off.
¡°W-what¡ what happened?¡±
She asked in a trembling voice as she stared at the st in the far distance. It had to be over dozens of miles away, and the [Crusader] did not know how they managed to get that far away from the explosion.
Kacey heard the soft trudging of footsteps behind her, and she quickly turned around. She watched as a woman stood there, overlooking a figure squirming on the ground.
¡°Daniel?¡±
The [Crusader] blinked, recognizing the [Hero] as hey there, curled up into a ball. She narrowed her eyes as the woman produced a vial from her bag.
Kacey took a step forward, calling out to the young man from Earth.
¡°Daniel, what happened¡ª¡±
And she paused. She inhaled sharply, her breath catching in her throat as she took a step back. She stared down at Daniel as he clutched onto the stubby elbow of his right arm, biting back a pained scream.
Everything from his right forearm up to his hand was gone, burned away by the explosion. The Sword of Alexanderid at his side, and Kacey covered her mouth.
¡°Daniel¡?¡±
¡°Rx.¡±
The woman said, cutting off the [Crusader]. She uncorked the vial and tilted it to the side, pouring a glowing liquid onto Daniel¡¯s arm.
His breathing slowed, and his eyes darted up to face the woman as he rxed.
¡°This is a Potion of Regeneration. You¡¯ll be fully recovered in a moment.¡±
And sure enough, the [Hero]¡¯s missing limb began to regrow. He exhaled in pain as he raised his right hand, its flesh red and tender,pletely regenerated. Slowly, he got to his feet as he stared up at the woman.
¡°Ivonne¡ what happened?¡±
Daniel asked as he tried to steel himself.
Ivonne? Kacey thought, her brows snapping together? As in the Ivonne Vigil? The famous [Trader]? But the [Crusader] couldn''t confirm it as the woman named Ivonne shook her head as she looked down at a ring on her finger.
¡°This is a one-time use per day Instant Teleportation Ring. I used it to get us out of there. But you were standing too close to the st, so you lost your arm. I was barely able to save your life.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
Daniel nodded to himself, before shaking his head.
¡°Thank you. For saving me.¡±
¡°My main concern was saving myself and the Sword of Alexander. You just so happened to wield it.¡±
Ivonne answered matter-of-factly. And Daniel rolled his eyes. But he paused when Kacey caught his gaze. The expression on his face immediately changed. He walked past the [Trader] and red at the injured [Crusader].
¡°You.¡±
Kacey flinched as he spoke. He clenched a fist, his piercing gaze boring into her.
¡°You led them to us.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t want to¡ª¡±
She tried to defend herself. But Daniel pointed usingly at her and cut her off.
¡°You should be ashamed of yourself. And you call yourself my bodyguard? You could have gotten the people of Soros killed!¡±
Kacey backed up as she lowered her head.
¡°I-I was trying to save them! Those Elves said they¡¯d kill everyone if I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±
¡°You were just trying to save your own life.¡±
Daniel snarled, before shaking his head.
¡°I am disappointed in you, Kacey. I always knew you were only pretending to guard me¡ª I know you were sent by the Council of Cremont to spy on me. But this? This is outright shameful. And you call yourself a [Crusader].¡±
¡°That¡¯s not¡¡±
Kacey opened her mouth, before trailing off. She watched as the [Hero] turned around and picked up the Sword of Alexander. She bit her lower lip, unable to find any words to say. Because she knew he was right.
He looked like he was about to mach off, but Ivonne spoke up.
¡°Daniel Song.¡±
The [Hero] blinked, turning to face her. She held his gaze, speaking in a calm voice.
¡°While I understand you are upset, we are not free from danger just yet.¡±
¡°What are you talking about?¡±
Daniel frowned, and Ivonne nced towards the explosion in the distance.
¡°Those Elves have marked you. They are scrying you now. They know where you are. We need to leave. Now.¡±
He paused as he stared back at the [Trader] for a long moment. And then he raised the Sword of Alexander as he started forward.
¡°Good. Then let theme. I shall deal with them when they get here.¡±
¡°No.¡±
Ivonne said simply, making hime to a halt. Her gaze bore into his back as he gritted his teeth.
¡°You cannot take them on. They will kill you, then they will im the Sword of Alexander. Do you wish for that to happen?¡±
¡°I¡¡±
Daniel clenched his jaw, before turning to face Ivonne. She just nodded at him and proffered a hand. Kacey nced between the two of them, watching as the [Hero] deliberated on what to do.
Finally, he acquiesced as his shoulders sagged.
¡°Fine. But what do we do? How do we survive?¡±
Ivonne smiled as he took her hand, and she drew back. Kacey could only watch, standing silently in shame as the two spoke and headed off.
¡°It is simple. We continue to our destination. That is all.¡±
¡°Our destination? You mean to repair the Primordial Longsword? But why?¡±
¡°You¡¯ll see¡¡±
Author''s Notes:
The Salvos kickstarter is 93% of its way towards its first stretch goal! Check it out and back it so that we can hit the first bonus rewards of five cool illustrations of the /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
Chapter 637: Reconciliation
Chapter 637: Reconciliation
637. Reconciliation
***
They had to keep moving. Lest they would be killed. And that frustrated Daniel Song.
He didn¡¯t know how far behind his assants were. However, he knew that they could reach him at any point in time. After all, ording to Ivonne Vigil, they were tracking his location, and they were incredibly high-leveled.
It seemed ridiculous to him that he wouldn¡¯t be able to take them down. He had already in many Elves, especially back when he had been fighting in the front lines alongside Scarlet the Red Rose and the armies of the United Coalition of the Human Lands.
He was a [Hero]¡ª a Level 150 [Hero]. Well, in actuality, he was Level 147, but with his Ne of Obfuscation, he disyed himself as Level 150 to others. The reason he did so was simple. It was because he had already unlocked his next ss advancement.
He had been given the choice to advance early at Level 145. A rare thing, especially for those who were above Level 70. It was much moremon for early advancements to happen at Level 10, 40, or 70. But for Level 100 and 150, it wasn¡¯t a frequent urrence at all.
Anyway, Daniel hadn¡¯t nned to advance just yet. He was still a [Hero Of Demon And Man]¡ª having be one at Level 100. The only reason he showed himself to be Level 150 was for purely intimidation purposes. In the first ce, no one could even tell what level he actually was because he wielded the Sword of Alexander.
That had been more than enough to resolve most of his battles. But not this one.Because even with his ss, and even at an Elite level, while simultaneously wielding a Mythical Grade Weapon, he wasn¡¯t strong enough to overwhelm his opponents. They were powerful¡ª they were capable of massacring an entire Fort City all on their own, even though there were only three of them.
Perhaps Daniel could have dealt with them if he underwent his ss advancement. Unfortunately, he did not have time to do that. It was too risky. He would pass out for hours, and right now, all he could do was keep moving until he was certain he was out of danger.
Otherwise, he could have been killed while unconscious. So the [Hero] followed along as Ivonne Vigil led him further away from the Human Lands, heading deeper into the undting mountains in the distance.
They were traveling rtively slowly, moving at walking pace because of the [Trader]¡¯s artifacts. She was able to mask their movements to a certain extent against the scrying spell, as long as they did not exceed a certain pace. If they had run straight forward, with Daniel carrying them both, they would have been caught with ease.
After all, Daniel was a [Hero]. [Agility] was not his greatest Stat. So moving slowly was the best option as of right now. Because then it would be much more difficult for the Elves to track the two Humans. Not that it reassured the young man one bit.
He nced back as he tightly gripped onto the Sword of Alexander. He saw nothing around him but tall darkwood trees that rose up to a hundred feet. He looked towards the front, eyes narrowing at the woman leading the way.
¡°Are we getting close?¡±
¡°Patience, Daniel Song. I shall let you know when we have arrived at our destination.¡±
Ivonne Vigil answered simply, being as obtuse as ever. The [Hero] bit his lip as he eyed her back.
¡°And what about the Elves? Are they close?¡±
¡°I shall let you know if that happens too.¡±
She replied as she strode forward, seemingly unbothered by the fact that their lives were in danger¡ª that they could be ambushed by the hunting Elves at any point in time.
Daniel shook his head, watching her go. He knew there was no point in pestering her any longer. Not when she was never going to give him a clear answer. He sighed as he looked back once more. And that was when he saw the rustling of a bush.
He spotted the shifting leaves of a tree. His eyes flickered, and Ivonne Vigil craned her neck back fractionally. He raised a hand as he unsheathed the Sword of Alexander.
¡°Someone¡¯s there.¡±
The [Hero] whispered, and Ivonne came to a halt. He heard the soft trudging of footsteps, before he swiveled to the side. He saw a shadow moving towards him as he swung out with his de. And he paused right before the attack struck true.
The approaching figure copsed to the ground, yelping in surprise. Daniel blinked a few times as he stared at who it was. Ivonne Vigil just raised a curious brow, a smile slowly slipping onto her face.
¡°So you actually followed us.¡±
The [Trader] spoke softly, and Daniel frowned. He looked down at the copsed woman, before uttering her name.
¡°Kacey¡ what are you doing here?¡±
Daniel asked brusquely. He took a step forward as he aimed the Sword of Alexander dangerously closed to her neck. The [Crusader] paled as she backed away from him.
¡°I-I¡¡±
She started, and he spoke over her.
¡°If you¡¯re trying to lead us to another trap, just give it up. Or do you really have no shame or honor?¡±
Kacey bit her lower lip as Daniel shook his head.
¡°Are you not a [Crusader]? Can¡¯t you at least have the dignity to die fighting, rather than giving your life for the enemy?
He towered over the [Crusader], and she gritted her teeth. Finally, she eximed, before Daniel could press her any longer.
¡°I am not doing that!¡±
He paused. He stared at her as she squeezed her eyes shut and dug her fingers through the dirt ground. She took in a deep breath, before looking down at herself.
¡°I am not going to do that again¡¡±
Daniel furrowed his brows as Ivonne Vigil stepped up behind him. Slowly, he lowered the Mythical Grade Weapon as he looked down at the [Crusader]. She wore a pained expression on her face as tears slid down her cheeks.
¡°I know you do not have the highest opinion of me after what I¡¯ve done. And I know I do not deserve your trust. I understand that I was in the wrong, no matter how I try to justify it.¡±
Kacey took in a trembling breath, before exhaling as she tried to steel herself.
¡°But I do not want to die a death of dishonor. It is as you said, I am a [Crusader]. And I understand that I have disgraced myself. So I want to redeem myself, not with my words, but with my actions. I will not slow you down, I promise. I will do whatever it takes to help you, so that you live and escape these bastard Elves.¡±
She looked up and apprehensively met Daniel¡¯s gaze. He stared back at her as she rose to her feet. He didn¡¯t want to trust her. Why should he? He had never liked her. Not from the very beginning.
Even back during the war against the Demons¡ª when she had been assigned to be his bodyguard when he assumed the role as the leader of the Council of Cremont¡ª he never trusted her. Because he knew that she never cared a single ounce about the innocent lives that were being lost. That she only swore her loyalty towards an organization that cared about its own power over all else.
But for whatever reason, when Daneil saw the look on the [Crusader]¡¯s face right now, he felt¡ bad for her. He didn¡¯t know what she went through back at the Fort City of Taritos, however he knew something must have broken within her. And perhaps he could empathize with that.
He closed his eyes, remembering when he fled Elutra, abandoning the country that had summoned him, before hiding away in some backwater town in a nearby country.
And when the [Hero] opened his eyes again, he saw the determination to improve reflect in Kacey¡¯s eyes. She ced a hand on her chest as she took a step forward.
¡°Please, let me help. If I have to die, sacrificing myself to guard you, I will do just that. I will do what I must. I was assigned to be your bodyguard, so I promise you, I will not fail again.¡±
Daniel heard her words. And perhaps it was pity. Or maybe it was sympathy. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t drive him to forgive her. However, he felt inclined to at the very least give her a second chance.
So the [Hero] nodded.
¡°Fine.¡±
He spoke as he took a step back. He turned towards Ivonne Vigil and gestured at her.
¡°As long as she doesn¡¯t have a problem with it, you cane with us.¡±
¡°I have no qualms against this arrangement.¡±
The [Trader] replied casually. And Kacey¡¯s eyes grew wide hearing that. Daniel nodded as he sheathed the Sword of Alexander.
¡°Then you maye.¡±
He looked away from the [Crusader] as she straightened. Kacey looked down at herself, before nodding and giving him a salute.
¡°Thank you, [Hero] of Earth. I promise you, I will protect you with my life.¡±
Daniel just shook his head as he marched on.
Author''s Notes:
The Salvos kickstarter is 55% of its way towards its final stretch goal! Check it out and back it so that we can hit the first bonus rewards of a map of the Human /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
Also, sorry for short chapter. We''re back to Salvos next chapter!
What thonk?
Chapter 638: Setting the Bait
Chapter 638: Setting the Bait
638. Setting the Bait
***
Venas was dead.
It was impossible. Ultis couldn¡¯t believe it. She had known Venas ever since she first joined the Deathsquad Hunters herself. He had already been a senior member¡ª not a captain just yet, but he was always paired together with some of the more elite members of the Deathsquad Hunters.
And when Venas crossed the threshold to reach Level 180, he had been promoted to a Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters. So he was powerful. Ultis didn¡¯t know his exact levels, but she thought of him as one of the mostpetent members she knew.
Now, he was dead.
Hearing the news had appalled Ultis. Not because she saw him as some kind of a mentor¡ª of course not. But because she knew of his reputation, and she had respected his power. When she had heard he had been sent out to retrieve the former Heir of the Netherworld and his escaped friends, she believed that he would have seeded with ease.
She truly believed that Venas would have returned before Reconstruction even began. And yet, he failed. But he didn¡¯t just fail. He had been killed.
It just didn¡¯t make sense. Haec was only an Archdemon. Sure, he had been on the precipice of reaching his evolution to bing a Primeval Demon, and even if he evolved, that should not have made a difference. He would have been only a single Primeval Demon against five. And he would have still been significantly lower-leveled than Venas, let alone the others that were there too.So what could have happened? Was it possible that Venas and his team ran into a group of Primeval Demons and were ughtered? They had been traversing the Wilderness during Revtion¡ª the most dangerous period of all the Netherworld¡¯s cycles. So that was a possibility.
Another possibility could have been that a Primordial Demon had targeted them. It was incredibly unlikely. The chance of running into a wild Primordial Demon was very low. However, it was not nonzero. So it very much could have happened.
But Ultis could have spected on what had happened all she wanted. That didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that she now had to figure out what actually happened to him. Because the moment they were all notified that he had perished, another ten members of the Deathsquad Hunters had been sent out to investigate his death and hunt down the former Heir of the Netherworld.
There was Asto, their leader. There was Liquis, their tracker. There was Ocbu, their camouge. And there was also Quid, Aliq, Nonnu, Unis, Incol, Vul, and¡ Ultis.
She was, of course, one of them. And while she wasn¡¯t their leader, nor was she an important member due to her rather average levels, she still had been given some details. All of which painted the scene behind the situation with quite some mystery. After all, apparently, Haec had perished right around the time Venas had died too.
Or at least, his summoning cor had been destroyed. Which, again, should not have been possible. But it happened. And it also happened to the five members of the Deathsquad Hunters that had perished too.
However, notably, this strange phenomenon did not happen to the other Archdemons who were apanying Haec in his treachery. Instead of their summoning cors being destroyed, they had¡ vanished. As though they had been pulled to the Mortal Realm, but didn¡¯te through to the other side.
It was all so strange. And Ultis couldn''t even begin toprehend what could have happened. She was certain that when she arrived at the scene of Venas¡¯ death, she would have not been able to piece together anything at all. But when she actually got there, she just paused, her eyes widening in realization.
¡°Oh.¡±
That was all she said. It wasn¡¯t just her either. The other nine members of the Deathsquad Hunters apanying her came to a halt too. Their eyes were illuminated with a pale white light. They all stared breathlessly at the scene awaiting them.
At theke of fire that stretched out as far as they could see.
Ultis shivered, despite the oppressive heat pressing down against her. She took a step back, not because she was afraid the white mes would burn her. But because she knew that only one creature in all of the Netherworld could have caused such devastation.
This was not a natural phenomenon. It was created by a being that transcended every other entity in all of the Nexeus.
It was caused by the Beast.
And just the thought of the terrible Primordial Demon alone made her breathing quicken. She swept her gaze over thendscape of her surroundings, eyes darting in every direction, searching for the Beast.
But Asto, the leader of the ten Deathsquad Hunters, stepped forward, speaking up and drawing the attention of all of them.
¡°Stay on guard. We need to be careful. If the Beast was angered to this extent, then that means it was challenged by another Primordial Demon.¡±
Asto¡¯s gaze darkened as he shook his head.
¡°Even if the Beast is no longer in the vicinity, that doesn¡¯t mean that there aren¡¯t other dangerous Primordial Demons nearby. We do not want to end up like Venas.¡±
Ultis gulped as she heard their leader¡¯s words. While she wasn¡¯t close to Venas, she couldn¡¯t help but pity him if this was how he perished. She hoped his death was painless, at the very least.
She closed her eyes for a moment, before looking up when she heard a voice speak up.
¡°Wait, Asto¡ª¡±
Liquis piped up as he raised his Tablet of Tracking. Asto frowned and turned to face their tracker.
¡°I have picked up a signal.¡±
Liquis said, and Asto narrowed his eyes.
¡°A signal?¡±
¡°Yes¡ª¡±
Liquis nodded furiously. He pointed at the Tablet of Tracking as he continued.
¡°Here. We have found the other traitors.¡±
And Asto blinked, before grinning. He turned to the rest of the Deathsquad Hunters as he nodded at them.
¡°Good. Then let¡¯s go.¡±
***
And in the distance, a ming figure watched the ten Primeval Demons as they made their ns. She listened. She carefully observed their every movement. Even though she was nearly a hundred miles away, she took in everything they said and did.
As she did, she mentallymunicated with her creator, rying this scheme of the Deathsquad Hunters.
Because she wasn¡¯t just an ordinary ming figure. She wasn¡¯t even a Demon. She was a clone. One that was created by Salvos.
***
¡°Alright.¡±
I pped my hands together as I faced Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem.
¡°So here¡¯s the n.¡±
I turned towards Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem. I pointed at them as they blinked.
¡°The three of you will be bait.¡±
¡°Uh, what?¡±
Aem tilted her head at me. Bertrugil crossed his arms and frowned.
¡°Fuck no. I¡¯m not doing that.¡±
¡°Too bad. You¡¯re bait.¡±
I cut him off as he glowered. But he didn¡¯t protest any longer. Taburas didn¡¯t even react.
But Haec scratched the back of his head in concern.
¡°Should we really be using them as bait, Salvos? I feel like that¡¯s a bad idea. If something happens to them¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll be there with them! We¡¯ll just be hidden away in [The World Of My Mind] so the Deathsquad Hunters won¡¯t know we¡¯re there until it¡¯s toote!¡±
I waved a hand dismissively. It was a simple n. But it was the only one we could act on right now. Because earlier, I had sent out all of my clones to scour our surroundings. They used [Manifestation of the Old Gods] to search far and wide. And thanks to the Skill and their incredible speed, they were quickly able to find a group of wandering Deathsquad Hunters.
Of course, it was luck that these Deathsquad Hunters happened to be so closeby. Well¡ª rtively closeby. But they could have been anywhere. And yet, they were here. So I was d we didn¡¯t have to wait too long to find a Tablet of Tracking.
We had already wasted enough time trying to navigate through that sea of fire and get back tond. There wasn¡¯t much time left for us to put a halt to the Demon King¡¯s ns. Now, it was time to act.
And I smirked as I looked through my clone¡¯s eyes and saw the Deathsquad Hunters, watching them depart theke of fire, flying towards us. They were all winged-[Fiends], and they moved fast.
My clone followed them from afar, trailing behind them to keep me updated on how far they were from us. My vision returned to what was in front of me, and I stared at Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem¡¯s confused faces. I nodded at them and turned to Haec. I grinned as I spoke simply.
¡°Now¡ª the bait has been set, it¡¯s time to catch us some Deadsquad Hunters¡ get it? I said Deadsquad, not Deathsquad! Because they¡¯ll soon be dead!¡±
There was a moment of silence. And then Aemughed in response.
¡°I get it!¡±
Author''s Notes:
The Salvos kickstarter is 65% of its way towards its final stretch goal! Check it out and back it so that we can hit the first bonus rewards of a map of the Human /projects/1943799137/salvos-book-1-an-epic-litrpg-fantasy-novel
Chapter 639: Falling In
Chapter 639: Falling In
639. Falling In
***
It was a strange sensation. Ultis was not their tracker¡ª she did not have any Skills rted to detection. Nothing that even amounted to a fraction of what a simple Skill like [Dangersense] could do. So she wasn¡¯t one who would even notice if anyone was ever scrying on her. And yet, something felt off.
She nced over her shoulder as she flew over the empty white terrain of the Netherworld. But even though there were no wild Demons wandering around the destendscape, she still felt like she was¡ being watched.
Ultis nced over her shoulder as her eyes narrowed. Just like the hundred different times before since she started to feel like something was off, she saw nothing there. And there was nothing there.
Because she had informed both Asto and Liquis of this strange feeling she felt. And using his detection Skills, Liquis scanned the surroundingndscape and found no trace of a scrying spell or of any kind of tracking magic. They then concluded that Ultis had just been entirely imagining things, before they continued on to their targets.
Ultis felt ufortable about that. She was still uneasy. But if neither Asto¡ª their leader and the highest-leveled of them all¡ª nor Liquis¡ª who was their tracker¡ª detected anything, then it must have meant that Ultis truly just imagined it.
So she epted their exnation as they went on. And she just hoped that they reached their destination soon. While the Tablet of Tracking was useful in finding their targets, it didn¡¯t offer a good gauge for distance. They just knew the general direction of where to go for now.
But unfortunately, it seemed that these three Archdemons had been located at the other side of theke of fire. And while the ten Deathsquad Hunters could fly, they didn¡¯t want to take any risks going over the burningndscape. So they went around it despite its wide length, which prolonged their journey by quite a bit.However, thankfully, ording to Liquis, it seemed that they were getting close.
¡°There.¡±
He called out as he pointed towards the base of a tall mountain in the horizon. Ultis blinked, and the other Deathsquad Hunters dove low. She followed suit as she listened to Asto¡¯s instructions.
¡°We will observe from afar. Do not rush in. We do not want to end up like Venas, is that understood?¡±
He spoke as he nodded back at the other nine Deathsquad Hunters. While most of them just responded in affirmation, a few rolled their eyes. One of them¡ª Aliq¡ª even snorted.
¡°We¡¯re not going to end up like Venas.¡±
¡°And how do you know that?¡±
Quid quipped back a reply. The two of them were twins¡ª they hade from the same pool of Lifeblood, and they had been together since the very beginning. They were the two only non-[Fiends] gathered here. They were both [Jinn], and they were slightly higher-leveled than Ultis at Level 162 each.
Ultis just craned her neck and listened to the twins bicker.
¡°You know what Venas is like! It¡¯s probably his own fault he died!¡±
Aliq crossed his arms and continued.
¡°I bet he used his stupid favorite strategy of running away and activating his Grand Skill and got himself killed because the Beast was nearby.¡±
That argument did kind of make sense to Ultis. Venas was brash and reckless, which was how he got to such a high level so quickly, but now seemingly was the reason for his own end. However, Quid didn¡¯t buy it.
¡°Or, considering it was Revtion, Venas just got unlucky because the Beast showed up. You do realize that Venas was sent to capture these escapees, right? He would have no reason to use his Grand Skill because it would have annihted them all.¡±
¡°Come on, do you really think Venas thought things true?¡±
Aliq waved a hand dismissively. But Quid just stared tly back. Sighing, Aliq folded his arms across his chest.
¡°Fine¡ª even if you¡¯re right. That doesn¡¯t matter. We still have no reason to be careful. We¡¯ve killed thousands of these escapees before, and we¡¯re only going up against three Archdemons. This will be a breeze.¡±
He spoke as the group of Deathsquad Hunters rapidly approached the mountain¡¯s base. But Quid shook his head.
¡°These Archdemons know they¡¯re being hunted down. They know they will be found soon, and they must be prepared for our arrival.¡±
¡°And now I must ask you this¡ª how do you know that?¡±
Aliq smirked, using his twin¡¯s argument against him. Before Quid could answer, Ultis piped up, raising a hand.
¡°That¡¯s because those three Archdemons disappeared off the Tablet of Tracking.¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
Aliq blinked, turning to her.
¡°What does that even mean?¡±
He looked confused. Quid shook his head at his twin¡¯s foolishness. Ultis began to exin.
¡°The Archdemons vanished. They shouldn¡¯t have been able to just disappear like that. And yet, they did.¡±
¡°I still don¡¯t get it. Can¡¯t you exin it in simpler terms?¡±
Aliq scowled, and Ultis sighed. But Quid took over.
¡°What she means, brother, is that the Archdemons were safe. They had already escaped. We could not have tracked them down, and they had no reason to return to the Netherworld. But they came back. Why?¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
Aliq opened his mouth, then caught himself. He ced a hand on his chin, before slowly turning towards Ultis.
¡°I¡ I think I¡¯m starting to see your point.¡±
¡°These Archdemons have no reason to return unless they haveid a trap.¡±
Ultis said as she nced over her shoulder once again. The uneasy feeling was still there. But she tried her best to ignore it. She looked back towards the front¡ª Liquis was pointing at a cave situated at the base of the mountain.
¡°And that¡¯s why we need to keep our guard up. Because we don¡¯t know what¡¯s waiting for us there¡¡±
¡°Right.¡±
Aliq pursed his lips as he raised his head. And soon enough, all ten members of the group of Deathsquad Hunters arrived at their destination,nding right before the cave.
¡°This is where they¡¯re hiding?¡±
Asto asked with narrowed eyes. He peered into the darkness of the cave entrance. It was arge tunnel that led further into the mountain. Liquis shrugged and gestured at the Tablet of Tracking.
¡°That¡¯s what it¡¯s telling me. And I can definitely sense that someone is down there.¡±
¡°This is starting to seem more and more like a trap¡¡±
Ultis whispered with pursed lips. Ocbu seemed to agree. Even though she was their camouge who typically remained silent, she spoke up as she looked up at the mountain.
¡°If the Archdemons are hidden within the mountain, I believe it would be a strategic move for us to copse the mountain into itself to force them out. We can capture them once they emerge.¡±
¡°That is if they emerge. We¡¯re supposed to bring them back and figure out what happened to Haec. We can¡¯t risk identally killing them all.¡±
Asto shook his head, before ncing towards Nonnu, Unis, and Vul.
¡°The three of you will form a perimeter around the mountain in case these Archdemons try to escape while we¡¯re down there. Keep an eye out at all times. Is that understood?¡±
They nodded, and Asto turned to the rest of the Deathsquad Hunters. He held their gazes as he raised a hand, conjuring a spear made from purple mes.
¡°Now, the rest of you wille with me and find these traitors and bring at least one of them back to our King. Let¡¯s move.¡±
Asto barked the order, and all ten Deathsquad Hunters moved out. Nonnu, Unis, and Vul began to prepare a barrier spell to prevent anyone from escaping the cavern, while the other seven of them started down the tunnel.
Ultis was thest to go, trailing behind Aliq and Quid, before she came to a halt right before the entrance. She nced over her shoulder onest time, unable to shake off the uneasy feeling she felt. She grew even more ufortable than before. She no longer felt like only a single pair of eyes was watching her every movement. She felt like a dozen eyes were looking her way, analyzing her every move.
And that made her shiver. But still, she was a Deathsquad Hunter. She had to be fearless. Anyway, there was nothing to be afraid about, right? She was going to go up against three mere Archdemons. Meanwhile, they were seven Primeval Demons¡ª personally selected by their King to be his kingdom¡¯s executioners. They would be fine.
That was what Ultis told herself as she descended down the tunnel, following after Asto and Liquis¡ª the two leading the way down towards their targets.
It was a long and winding tunnel that seemed to burrow down beneath the mountain. There were a few forks in the path, however Liquis could see the trail the Archdemons left behind.
¡°This way.¡±
He spoke simply as he stalked his way ahead. Once the group of Deathsquad Hunters had delved deep enough into the tunnel, the crimson light of the glowing sky of the Netherworld faded away, bathing them in darkness. The path was partially illuminated by Asto¡¯s ming spear, giving them enough vision to see what was ahead of them so they couldn¡¯t be ambushed.
But as they turned a corner, Ultis came to a halt, hearing a soft dripping echoing in the cavernous tunnel. She paused as she narrowed her eyes, sweeping her gaze over her surroundings. Only the twins came to a halt with her, turning around to face her curiously.
¡°What are you doing? What, are you scared or something?¡±
Aliq grinned, and Quid snorted.
¡°Ultis is loyal to the Demon King. She would sacrifice her life to obey his orders. She does not feel fear, neither do we. But if decides to run away, we will have no choice but to hunt her down¡ sorry.¡±
Quid nodded apologetically her way. She knew that. But she ignored the twins¡¯ remarks. She had no intention of running away. Instead, she strayed off the path towards the wall of the tunnel with a frown.
¡°It¡¯sing from¡ª¡±
And Ultis stretched a hand out, hearing the dripping echo louder. Her fingers touched the wall. It was wet and sticky. She furrowed her brows as she brought her hand back and saw a ck liquid sticking to the palm of her hand.
¡°This is¡ blood?¡±
She blinked, before seeing a droplet of blood fall onto the fall. Slowly, she looked up and froze. Her eyes went wide as she took a step back.
¡°What¡?¡±
¡°Hurry up already!¡±
Aliq called out after her. Ultis didn¡¯t respond. She just stared at the ceiling in shock. Finally, Quid came up to her with his brows snapped together.
¡°Asto is going to leave us behind if you stand here any longer. What are you looking at?¡±
Ultis pointed at the ceiling, and Quid looked up. Aliq joined him a momentter as the twins looked towards what was on the ceiling.
¡°That¡¯s¡ a [Hellterror]?¡±
Aliq tilted his head. Quid nodded.
¡°Looks like it. And it¡¯s a fresh corpse too. So it must¡¯ve just been killed.¡±
¡°Is that what you held us up? Over a dead Archdemon? That¡¯s really not a big deal. Three Archdemons killed a single Archdemon¡ª so what?¡±
Aliq scowled as he gestured at the bloodied corpse. But Ultis bit her lower lip in response.
¡°I¡¯m not worried that this [Hellterror] is dead. I¡¯m worried about how it was killed. Look¡ª¡±
Ultis pointed emphatically at the way it had been cleanly impaled into the ceiling by a strange gray spike. Both the twins finally took notice of the weapon and blinked. But before any of them could investigate the corpse even further, they heard a shouting from up ahead.
The three of them exchanged a nce. Ultis felt the uneasiness from before rise up in her stomach as she heard amotion continue to break out from where Asto and the others had gone.
She drew her twin sickles from her side as Aliq and Quid nodded at each other as both their bodies flickered with electricity. The three members of the Deathsquad Hunters pressed forward apprehensively as the dripping of blood continued to echo behind them, moving to investigate what was going on.
Author''s Notes:
I''ve said it a bunch, but pls support my Kickstarter: Salvos Book 1: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel by Merrick Books ¡ª Kickstarter
What thonk?
Chapter 640: Hells Terror
Chapter 640: Hell''s Terror
640. Hell''s Terror
***
Ultis, Aliq, and Quid rushed through the tunnel, hearing themotion that was up ahead. They left the corpse of the [Hellterror] behind, unable to investigate it further. There was shouting. Loud voices. Angry voices.
Was there fighting? Was there screaming? Ultis couldn¡¯t quite tell. But with her heightened nerves, she wanted to get back to the others quickly¡ª to warn them of what she saw.
She led the way, followed by the twins as she sprinted through the dark tunnel, until she spotted a bright light ahead. She immediately recognized it. It was the purple glow of Asto¡¯s ming spear. So the others had to be close.
The three of them exploded out into a circr cave chamber as Ultis prepared herself for a battle. But when she stepped out of the tunnel, all she heard was a loud bickering
¡°¡ªand you¡¯re our tracker so you should find them!¡±
¡°And I am telling you that I can¡¯t!¡±
Asto and Liquis were standing in the middle of the room and shouting at each other. Ocbu and Incol were standing to the side with their arms crossed.¡°I can¡¯t believe we wasted our timeing here.¡±
Incol scowled, and even Ocbu seemed slightly irritated. Ultis blinked as she nced between the other Deathsquad Hunters, before slowly walking forward.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
She asked as Asto shook the Tablet of Tracking and cursed under his breath.
¡°This damn thing must be broken¡¡±
He didn¡¯t even hear her question. He just knocked the side of the artifact as if he was trying to get it to work. Ultis turned to Liquis with a frown. The tracker shook his head.
¡°They¡¯re gone.¡±
¡°Who¡¯s gone?¡±
Quid spoke up, stepping forward. Liquis folded his arms across his chest and scoffed.
¡°Are you stupid? Who do you think? The Archdemons¡ª they disappeared from the Tablet of Tracking.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Aliq¡¯s jaw dropped. He stared with wide eyes as Ultis pursed her lips.
¡°This is a trap¡ I knew it¡¡±
She whispered quietly to herself as she nced back down the tunnel where she had seen the dead [Hellterror]. But she turned back to face Aliq as he protested.
¡°How could they just disappear? That¡¯s not possible.¡±
¡°Well, it happened. So don¡¯t look at me. I have no exnation for this.¡±
Liquis spoke in an annoyed voice as he raised his chin. Asto gritted his teeth, slowly lowering the Tablet of Tracking.
¡°We can¡¯t return back empty handed. Regnorex will have us all killed. This is your fault.¡±
Asto¡¯s eyes darted towards the tracker. Liquis shrugged, raising his empty hands.
¡°They escaped the Tablet of Tracking before. It is only a given they can do it again.¡±
¡°And what about their tracks?¡±
Quid asked with a hand on his chin. He gestured at the ground as he eyed Liquis.
¡°Can¡¯t you track where they went?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the thing¡ª this is where their tracks end.¡±
Liquis answered simply as he pointed to his feet.
¡°They were waiting here for us, then they disappeared. Don¡¯t ask me how. But they did.¡±
The twins exchanged a puzzled nce. They seemed to bepletely perplexed by what was going on. Ultis didn¡¯t understand it either. The only way the Archdemons could have escaped was through some kind of teleportation spell.
But they would have still shown up on the Tablet of Tracking. Just in a different location.
It was the same mystery as before. Except, now it had happened right before them. And Ultis didn¡¯t know what to think. But remembering the dead [Hellterror], she knew there was only one course of action for the Deathsquad Hunters to take right now.¡±
¡°We need to get out of here.¡±
Ultis spoke up, her voice echoing in the room. Asto blinked as he turned towards her, confusion on his face for a moment, before morphing to irritation.
¡°And who made you in charge? Last I checked, you were not a Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters. I am.¡±
Asto red at her, but she shook her head.
¡°This is a trap, Asto. We¡¯ve been fooled. We have been lured in here by the three Archdemons, but they were just bait. We need to leave right this instant.¡±
¡°You¡¯re saying this is a trap?¡±
Asto raised an amused brow at her. His anger was gone, reced by a condescending gaze. He crossed his arms as he took a step back.
¡°And how do you know this is a trap? What, is it because of your ¡®uneasy¡¯ feeling from earlier? Did you suddenly gain a new Skill¡ª something like [Trapsense] or [Ambush Perception]?¡±
He grinned mockingly back at her. Ultis shook her head, speaking in a low voice.
¡°There was a wild Demon¡ª a [Hellterror]. Aliq and Quid can attest to this. We found its corpse hanging from the ceiling.¡±
She turned towards the twins. They blinked back at her, before slowly nodding. Asto¡¯s brows snapped together as he peered at her.
¡°A [Hellterror]? You mean the Archdemon evolution of a [Hellbeast]?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
Ultis nodded. She opened her mouth as she gestured down the tunnel they came from.
¡°It was killed like it was nothing. And it was fresh, too. We have to¡ª¡±
¡°You can¡¯t be serious, right?¡±
Asto guffawed, cutting her off. He took a step back as he ced a hand on his chest.
¡°You expect me to be scared of a dead [Hellterror]? Maybe if it were a dead [Hebomination], I¡¯d be a little bit afraid¡¡±
He wiped a single teardrop from his cheek, and Ultis tried to protest.
¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m¡ª¡±
¡°Do you not realize who we are? I understand that you are still new here. But we are the Deathsquad Hunters. We are not afraid of anything. I am not afraid of anything. So what if this is a trap?¡±
Asto scoffed, shaking his head. He raised his head dangerously as his eyes flickered with a purple glint.
¡°I have killed tens of thousands of damned traitors before. Never once have I failed my King. And I will not give up here just because you¡¯re afraid of a dead Archdemon.¡±
¡°I¡¡±
Ultis bit her lower lip, cutting herself off. She realized that there was no point arguing with Asto. He was dead set on ignoring every point she tried to make. She nced back towards the twins, then looked towards Ocbu and Incol. It didn¡¯t look like anyone was on her side.
Ocbu wore the same apathetic expression as usual. Incol seemed bored, while the twins were still skeptical of her. Even Liquis didn¡¯t appear to be on her side, looking more annoyed than anything.
Ultis closed her eyes as the understanding that nothing she said would convince any of them settled in. The uneasy sensation she felt refused to go away, and she decided to trust her instincts over obeying orders.
¡°Fine.¡±
She spun around and started towards the exit tunnel.
¡°If you all want to die here, then go ahead. Be my guest. But I am leaving this deathtrap.¡±
¡°Oh, really?¡±
Asto raised a brow as she took a step forward. She didn¡¯t even face him as she began to reply.
¡°Yes¡ª¡±
And she froze as a purple beam shot past her, barely missing her head. Her eyes went wide when she saw the beam strike the wall, leaving behind a burning hole that shot through the mountain.
¡°What?¡±
Ultis stared for a moment as Ocbu and Incol raised their heads in confusion. Slowly, Ultis craned her neck back to face Asto standing in the center of the room, a hand raised and pointed at her back.
¡°That was a warning shot. The next one is going straight through your head if you dare take another step forward.¡±
¡°What are you doing, Asto?¡±
Ultis asked in horror. The Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters simply smirked back at her.
¡°If you dare leave this mountain, you are abandoning your duty as a Deathsquad Hunter, which makes you a defector. And if you don¡¯t do your duty, then I will do mine.¡±
¡°And you¡¯ll kill me?¡±
She stared back at him with round eyes. He didn¡¯t give an immediate response. Instead, a fiery ball blinked into existence on the palm of his hand.
¡°Do not make me repeat myself.¡±
Ultis clenched a fist at his reply. But she didn¡¯t argue back. Asto swept his gaze over the room, eyeing the twins first, then looking towards Obcu and Incol.
¡°The same goes for the rest of you. If any of you dare disobey any of mymands, I will ensure that you will not leave this cavern alive. Is that understood?¡±
The other Deathsquad Hunters all nodded, except for Liquis. Asto finally faced the tracker and red.
¡°And as for you¡ª¡±
¡°What? Do you want me to magically make these missing Archdemons reappear? Because I can¡¯t do that.¡±
Liquis scoffed, but Asto didn¡¯t care. The Captain took a dangerous step forward as he pointed at the tracker.
¡°I do not care about what you can or cannot do. All that matters is what you must do. And you must find these Archdemons, otherwise you are refusing to adhere to your duty.¡±
Asto spoke threateningly, and Liquis narrowed his eyes. Ultis pursed her lips, feeling the tension in the room. It was palpable, and she didn¡¯t know what to do. She was certain this was a trap. But Asto refused to listen to reason.
He had threatened everyone in the room, and he could follow-up on his threats. After all, he was Level 182 [Fiend], while the next highest-leveled person in the room was Liquis at Level 170. Asto could have ughtered them all by himself if he really wanted to.
¡°I don¡¯t think any of you seem to understand this¡¡±
Asto spoke dangerously as he cast his gaze over the room.
¡°But we are the Deathsquad Hunters. We do not care about our own lives. We live only to serve our King¡ª to hunt down those who have betrayed him and make them pay! If you do not understand this, then you are the same as those damn traitors we were sent here to y!¡±
His voice echoed in the room, making Ultis flinch. She listened as Asto raised his ming spear and walked forward, speaking in a softer voice.
¡°And if you are all too inadequate to do your duty as a Deathsquad Hunter, then I shall do it alone if I must¡ª¡±
But before Asto could finish, the ground beneath him exploded. Ultis recoiled as a giant creature emerged from the earth, tossing Asto into the air. The shockwave knocked the other Deathsquad Hunters off their feet as a long and undting figure continued to rise up after their Captain.
It was a terrible creature. Ultis had never seen anything like it before. It had hundreds of legs, and its body was covered in a kind of ted armor. Like some sort of chitin. And it was massive. Colossally huge.
Its body continued to pour out of the ground as it opened a pair of scythe-like mandibles over Asto¡¯s screaming body. The creature¡¯s body flickered with an iridescent aura, before its mouth shone with a darkness that snuffed out all light in the room.
Ultis heard a crunch, and the screaming stopped. The purple light of Asto¡¯s ming spear lit up the room as the weapon dropped to the ground before Ultis. She looked up, but the creature was gone. All that remained was a gaping hole in the ceiling.
¡°What¡ was that?¡±
Ocbu whispered, her stoic demeanor having shattered, reced by a look of horror. All the remaining Deathsquad Hunters just stared at the empty ceiling, before the mountain trembled. Ultis got back to her feet as she felt the ground beneath her shaking.
And then she heard a loud groaninging from the hole in the ceiling.
The realization began to sink in. She might not know what that monster was, and they might have been the Deathsquad Hunters, but right here, right now, in this dark cavern...
They were the ones being hunted.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Also, check out my Kickstarter. We''re almost at $15k! Salvos Book 1: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel by Merrick Books ¡ª Kickstarter
Chapter 641: The Hunter Becomes The Hunted
Chapter 641: The Hunter Bes The Hunted
641. The Hunter Bes The Hunted
***
Asto was dead. It happened in an instant. He was a Captain of the Deathsquad Hunters¡ª a Level 182 [Fiend]. He might not have been as high-leveled as Venas, but Asto had a powerful Grand Skill to make up for the level gap.
And yet, before he even had a chance to use his Grand Skill, he was killed. Ultis couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. She didn¡¯t even know what had happened. Something¡ª a kind of creature she had never seen before¡ª emerged from the ground beneath his feet and crushed him within its mandibles.
It disappeared into the ceiling, but it wasn¡¯t gone. The mountain shook, and bits of dust and debris rained from above. Ultis simply stared at the gaping hole above as the rest of the gathered Deathsquad Hunters stared at Asto¡¯s shredded corpse in shock.
¡°What the fuck just happened?¡±
Aliq managed to muster out as he took a step back. He turned to his twin, but Quid had nothing to say. Liquis looked towards the hole on the ground, whispering softly.
¡°I¡ I don¡¯t understand. How did I not sense it? It just appeared out of nowhere¡¡±
He stepped forward as he looked down into the hole. Ultis gritted her teeth, watching as he foolishly stood by the edge of the pit the creature emerged from, even as the cavern around them rumbled.¡°Liquis, we need to move!¡±
She called out as she backed up towards the exit. Ocbu and Incol exchanged a nce, more amenable to what Ultis was saying now.
But Liquis ignored it. His brows just snapped together as he stared into the pit below.
¡°That monster¡ it didn¡¯te from beneath the ground. The hole doesn¡¯t lead anywhere. Did it teleport in? That must be why I couldn¡¯t sense it.¡±
He spoke quietly to himself, ignoring the impending danger of the shaking cavern. Even the twins turned to Ultis, unsure of what to do. She opened her mouth once more.
¡°Liquis¡ª¡±
But it was toote. The side wall smashed open as the same monster from before emerged, its mandibles opened wide and aimed for their tracker. A powerful shockwave nearly knocked Ultis off her feet, however she had braced herself for it, so she caught herself.
She thought it was over for Liquis. But he had prepared himself for it. It was like he knew the attack was going toe. He started moving even before the monster broke through the rock, and he leapt out of the way just in time, barely dodging the attack.
The monster vanished into another side wall as he cursed, stumbling off his feet.
¡°Fuck! It is fast!¡±
Ultis rushed to his side and helped him up as she turned to Ocbu, Incol, and the twins.
¡°Everyone run! We need to get out of here!¡±
They didn¡¯t argue. They nodded so fast, before sprinting down the tunnel. Ultis and Liquis were only a step behind the others. The tunnel trembled around them, threatening to copse. But Incol raised a hand, using his earth magic to stabilize the cavern.
¡°Why are you guys so slow? We need to hurry!¡±
He called back as he ran at the front. However, instead of speeding up, Liquis slowed down. He shouted ahead as he grabbed Ultis, making here to a halt.
¡°Not there! It¡¯s going to¡ª¡±
And the monster crashed into Incol from above. He screamed for a moment, but his voice vanished down alongside the monster as it continued to tunnel down. All around them, the tunnel began to copse.
¡°That idiot.¡±
Liquis bit his lower lip as he ran forward, circling around the hole in the ground. Ultis followed after him as she used her scythe to slice apart the falling bits of debris. He turned to the twins and nodded at them.
¡°Clear the path.¡±
Aliq and Quid brought their hands together, before unleashing a red and blue st out ahead. Ultis flinched from the attack¡ª theirbination casting letting them use spells that even Asto wouldn¡¯t have been able to cast himself.
The group continued forward until they reached a fork in the tunnel. Liquis pointed at the left path as he called out.
¡°That way!¡±
¡°How do you know that?¡±
Aliq asked with a frown. Liquis shook his head.
¡°Just trust me!¡±
And right as he spoke, the monster burst out from the other tunnel, before pausing, realizing they weren¡¯t there. It looked towards the remaining Deathsquad Hunters as they continued to escape, then it screeched.
It opened its mouth, sting out a cone of gray mes their way. The heat was intense. It melted the nearby rock, but before the st could reach them, Ocbu pointed at the monster. An invisible seemed to shoot out, mping the monster¡¯s mandibles shut.
It reeled back, before disappearing into the walls of the mountain once again. Liquis led the way as he craned his neck back, speaking to the group.
¡°Listen to me, and we¡¯ll get out of here alive. I can sense when it¡¯s about to attack¡ª like right now, pause!¡±
He shouted as skidded to a halt. Ultis followed his lead, and so did Ocbu and the twins. They came to a halt right before the wall up ahead exploded as the monster exploded through. It missed them, its long body passing through the tunnel as Liquis grinned.
He started forward once again as heughed.
¡°See, I told you!¡±
He spoke confidently. But the ground exploded open right before him. The monster made a shrieking noise as it tried to ram straight into him. Fortunately, his Skills seemed to kick in, and he dodged out of the way once more.
¡°It¡¯s targeting me because it knows I can track its movements! But it¡¯s not going to get me¡ª¡±
But right as the monster crashed back into the ceiling, its eyes glinted a golden color. Ultis blinked, and Liquis recoiled back.
His shoulder burst into mes as he stumbled back. Ocbu ran up to his side.
¡°Are you alright, Liquis?¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine. This is nothing¡¡±
Liquis staggered forward, trying to pat the fire out. But all that did was ignite his arms. He narrowed his eyes as Ocbu frowned at him.
¡°It¡¯s not going out.¡±
She observed, and the twins ran up to her side.
¡°What are you doing?¡±
¡°We need to keep moving!¡±
Aliq and Quid spoke one after another. Liquis ignored them, trying to extinguish the mes desperately, even as his body continued to burn. And Ultis realized what was happening before anyone else did.
¡°The fire¡ it cannot be put out.¡±
She spoke softly, and Liquis looked up with wide eyes.
¡°What? You¡¯re joking, right?¡±
He peered into her in horror, but she just shook her head. Ocbu gave a small nod.
¡°We cannot wait here for you. You are already dead.¡±
¡°I¡ I¡¯m still alive! What are you talking about¡ª¡±
Liquis tried to raise a hand to grab Ocbu, but his elbow burned off. His forearm copsed to the ground as he looked down with round eyes. His breathing grew faster as Ocbu continued forward. The twins quickly followed behind her.
Ultis was thest to go. She pursed her lips in hesitation as she gave Liquis a look of pity. But she shook her head and followed after the others.
¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±
He tried to give chase to her, but his legs burned off. He copsed to the ground as he looked down at himself, his body slowly burning away and falling apart.
¡°No, I can¡¯t die here. I can¡¯t¡¡±
He choked as Ultis turned and gave him onest nce. The gold and gray mes engulfed his body, and he gave out onest guttural scream. It echoed in the cavern as the tunnel shook. And he went silent, consumed by the undying fire.
Ultis gritted her teeth as she caught up to the others. They reached arge intersection of many tunnels. She recognized one of the paths as the exit of the mountain. But Ocbu, Aliq, and Quid were crouched over, just looking ahead.
¡°What are we doing?¡±
Ultis asked as she joined them. Ocbu raised a hand, and a gray aura overcame the remaining Deathsquad Hunters. Ultis immediately recognized it as one of Ocbu¡¯s group camouge spells.
¡°Do you hear that?¡±
Ocbu asked as she eyed the exit tunnel. She slowly inched forward as the other three trailed after her.
¡°I don¡¯t hear anything.¡±
Ultis replied simply, before realizing what she said a momentter. Ocbu nodded as she clung to the wall, walking past a few tunnels that led further down.
¡°Exactly. The shaking stopped. That means the monster isn¡¯t chasing us anymore. Which means that either the monster lost us¡¡±
¡°Or it is lying in wait for us at the exit.¡±
Ultis said as her breath was caught in her throat. Ocbu nodded, stepping past another tunnel, her gaze focused entirely on the exit path.
¡°That is right. We do not want to walk straight into that monster¡¯s trap, because clearly, it is intelligent.¡±
Ocbu continued to edge forward, but Ultis paused. A glinting golden light caught her eye, and she looked to the right. Her eyes went wide when she saw a figure hiding in the darkness of the tunnel right next to them.
¡°Ocbu¡¡±
Ultis croaked. But Ocbu continued sneaking forward, speaking softly.
¡°We just have to find where this monster is hiding¡ª¡±
And the monster shot out, grabbing Ocbu with its mandibles. She screamed as she was dragged back down into the tunnel with the monster. Ultis flinched as she heard the pained shouts of her dying teammate.
But Aliq and Quid moved, taking their chance to make a break for the exit.
¡°Stop standing there like an idiot¡ª move!¡±
Quid screamed at her, and she broke out of her stupor. Ultis sprinted after them as the dying throes behind her faded away. They saw the red light of the Netherworld up ahead.
Aliq shook his head.
¡°We¡¯ll be safe once we¡¯re at the surface. Nonnu, Unis, and Vul are waiting up there. And that monster won¡¯t be able to pick us off one by one.¡±
They were getting close to the exit now, and the twins seemed relieved. But Ultis didn¡¯t share that confident sentiment. She nced back onest time as she felt the quaking mountain, and she wondered if they were even safe from this monster when they escaped.
She didn¡¯t know. Asto, Incol, Liquis, and Ocbu were already gone. Now, all Ultis could do was hope she survived.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 642: Mountain Destruction
Chapter 642: Mountain Destruction
642. Mountain Destruction
***
Nonnu looked up as he felt the ground beneath his feet tremble. As the lowest-leveled of the Deathsquad Hunters that had been sent on this mission, his job was simply to¡ keep watch.
Unis and Vul were tasked with setting up a barrier around the perimeter to prevent the Archdemons from somehow escaping. They tasked Nonnu to keep a lookout, because they didn¡¯t believe in his abilities toplete the ritual spell since he was a rtively new member of the Deathsquad Hunters.
Nonnu hated the way they looked down on him. Everyone always looked down on him. But he always proceeded to prove them all wrong. He had once served a [Hellprincess] of the Netherworld¡ª Lucia the Lady of Vanity. She had opposed Regnorex¡¯s rule. And perhaps she would have stood a chance against him.
But she had looked down on Nonnu, using him for menial tasks. So he betrayed her, serving her head to the Demon King. And that was how he became a member of the Deathsquad Hunters.
Nonnu had thought he had finally earned his respect. But now, here he was, being looked down once again by hisrades. He considered betraying them¡ª killing them all, before reporting back to the Demon King alone. That way, he could take credit for defeating the former Heir of the Netherworld.
Unfortunately, that thought could only remain a thought as he looked back at the mountain with wide eyes.
¡°What is going on¡?¡±He whispered as he stared at the unbelievable sight. The entire mountain was shaking. It looked like it was trembling¡ª like a powerful earthquake was rocking the region, making it shiver where it stood.
¡°Unis, Val, are you seeing this?¡±
Nonnu called out to the other two Deathsquad Hunters with him. But Unis replied snappishly back at him.
¡°What are you talking about¡ª urk!¡±
Nonnu blinked as Unis¡¯ voice was suddenly cut off. He nced back, but only Val was there. Val tilted her head, confused.
¡°Unis? What just¡ª¡±
She opened her mouth. And a burning golden tendril shot out of the ground beneath her feet, before dragging her down into the ground. She screamed as she disappeared into the earth. Nonnu¡¯s eyes grew wide, before rushing forward.
¡°Unis, Val? Where did you go?¡±
Nonnu came to a halt right before the hole in the ground. He peered into the darkness, but all he heard was Val¡¯s screaming voice beneath. He gritted his teeth as he turned back to the mountain.
¡°I need to get the others¡ wait, who are you?¡±
He came to a halt as he saw a hulking figure standing before him. He narrowed his eyes, staring at the wall of muscle for a long moment. And then the realization settled in.
¡°You¡¯re Haec¡ª¡±
But before Nonnu could finish speaking, the former Heir of the Netherworld swung out and bellowed.
¡°[The Right Hand of the Demon King]!¡±
***
Ultis felt a sense of relief wash over her as she saw the crimson skies of the Netherworld up ahead. But as she sprinted up to the exit, a sense of dread fell upon her. Because she immediately noticed that there was no barrier there.
Neither Aliq nor Quid seemed to notice it at first. However, as they stepped out of the cavern, calling out for their remainingrades, they finally realized something was off.
¡°Nonnu, Unis, Val!¡±
¡°We need you to set up a¡¡±
Quid came to a halt as he trailed off. His twin was a step behind him, not seeing the bloodied headless corpse lying on the ground just ahead of them. Ultis froze as she recognized whose body it was.
¡°That¡¯s¡ Nonnu.¡±
She whispered softly. It was too surreal. All of theirrades were dead. Just like that. There were ten of them, and now it was just three left. They didn¡¯t even know how Nonnu, Unis, and Val died.
But she knew they were gone. And that was that/
Aliq blinked a few times, staring for a moment before he realized what happened.
¡°I¡ª but how? What the fuck is going on?¡±
Aliq cursed, and Quid gritted his teeth. Ultis pursed her lips, before ncing back down the cavern as the mountain continued to rumble. She heard the screeching of the monster as the mouth of the tunnel threatened to copse, and she backed away.
¡°It¡¯sing. What do we do?¡±
Ultis asked as she turned to the twins. Quid took in a deep breath and faced Aliq.
¡°You know what? I¡¯ve had enough of this. Asto¡¯s dead. Val¡¯s dead. Ocbu¡¯s dead. Everyone¡¯s dead. So if I¡¯m going to die, I¡¯m going to die fighting.¡±
Quid shook his head as he spoke simply. Aliq bared his teeth as he joined his twin.
¡°So you¡¯re finally listening to my suggestion then?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°What are you two doing?¡±
Ultis asked, watching as the twins walked up to each other with crazed looks on their faces. They brought their hands together and ignored her question. A pair of spell circles appeared at their feet¡ª one shining blue, and the other shining red¡ª before they began to merge.
Her brows snapped together as she sensed an immense amount of mana gathering between them. The spell circle became one, glowing purple as the cave began to copse into itself. The quaking earth grew more violent as the monster began to dig its way to the surface.
But neither Aliq nor Quid paid attention, instead incanting quietly to themselves.
¡°[Begotten From Death, Destruction Is Our Life¡¡±
¡°¡ªTogether We Stand, Only One Aim In Sight¡¡±
Ultis slowly realized what was going on as she stared in shock.
¡°They¡¯re¡bination casting their Grand Skills?¡±
The twins brought their hands together in the air as a purple sphere began to coalesce in between the palms of their hands. It grewrger andrger. At first, the size of a regr ball. But then it became the size of a head, then a boulder. Until it became the size of a house.
It continued to grow as Ultis looked towards the direction of the cavern.
¡°They¡¯re going to blow up the mountain.¡±
But as the purple sphere continued to grow in size, the copsing tunnel of the mountain erupted open. Ultis backed away as the monster emerged from the darkness. Its full length and terror was in in sight.
It was massive. It had to have been at least hundreds of feet in length¡ª maybe even over a thousand, since half its body was still buried within the mountain. It was covered in silver chitin, and it had a hundred spike-like legs. Its eyes were a burning yellow, and it was wreathed in an iridescent aura.
The monster let out a terrible shriek that echoed throughout the quiet Netherworld. It swept its gaze over the vastndscape, before looking down at the three remaining Deathsquad Hunters. Ultis froze where she stood, taking in the sight of such a terrifying yet magnificent creature.
But it didn¡¯t pay attention to her. It caught a glimpse of the giant purple sphere, before looking down at the twins. It roared and dove down their way as they smiled.
And they finished theirbination casting of their Grand Skill.
¡°¡ªTo Unleash Hell]!¡±
They swung out, unleashing the giant purple sphere down into the monster. Ultis covered her eyes as a brilliant sh of light overcame her vision. A powerful shockwave sent her flying back as she mmed her eyes shut. Her ears rang as she waited for the light to vanish.
Her hearing returned, and she finally looked up. And what she saw before her was a pir of smoke. A massive crater. The twins were standing there,ughing victoriously. Because¡ª
The mountain was gone.
Ultis could only gape at the sight. And while Quid was panting, he was also beaming from ear to ear
¡°Well, how about that? We blew that fucking monster to pieces!¡±
¡°I told you we should¡¯ve started with this in the first ce! Honestly, you should listen to my ideas more, Quid.¡±
Aliq snorted, trying to catch his breath. The twins grinned at each other, but Ultis ignored them. Her gaze was focused only on the clearing smoke. Quid turned to her as he chuckled.
¡°You can thank uster. Come on, wipe that stupid smile off your face, and let¡¯s go back¡ª¡±
¡°No.¡±
Ultis cut him off as she rose to her feet. She looked past the twins, peering into the clearing smoke. And there, a shadow emerged as she bit her lower lip.
¡°It¡¯s still alive.¡±
¡°What¡?¡±
Quid blinked a few times, and a cacophonous shriek echoed from the center of the crater. The smoke dispersed, before the monster rose out from the massive crater lying where the mountain had been.
The twins looked on in terror as the monster loomed over them. Quid dropped to his knees, whispering quietly to himself.
¡°Impossible¡¡±
Meanwhile, Aliq was left at a loss for words. For the first time ever, he had nothing to say. Because the monster hadn¡¯t just survived theirbination cast Grand Skill.
No¡ª if that was enough, it had also emerged
Ultis closed her eyes, finally resigning herself to her fate.
¡°It¡¯s over. We have lost.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 643: Lost
Chapter 643: Lost
643. Lost
***
It was over. They had lost.
Ultis realized that there was no point fighting anymore. Not against such a terrifying monster. It had killed Asto, Incol, Liquis, and Ocbu. Nonnu was somehow dead too. Unis and Val were nowhere to be found¡ª but Ultis was assuming they were probably dead as well.
It had been an utter massacre. Seven of the Deathsquad Hunters were killed, just like that. And that was not considering what happened to Venas and his group. This mission had been a terrible mistake. ording to estimations Ultis had heard, there were only about a thousand Primeval Demons serving under the Demon King. To have even a single Primeval Demon die was a massive blow to Regnorex¡¯s forces.
To have over a dozen dead was certainly going to draw his attention.
But what he did didn¡¯t matter to Ultis. Because she knew she was going to die here. Even with thebination cast Grand Skills of Aliq and Quid, the monster that had ughtered theirrades emergedpletely unscathed.
Now, it loomed over the three remaining Deathsquad Hunters gathered here. Its massive figure rose from the smoking crater, its zing eyes boring into their horrified faces. Even though it had just been struck by a st that destroyed an entire mountain, there was not a scratch across the entire length of its body.
¡°What is this monster?¡±Quid whispered as he got to his feet and backed away. Aliq did not say a word¡ª frozen in fear in sheer terror. Ultis pursed her lips as the monster huffed, opening its mandibles wide apart.
It has to be a Primordial Demon¡ the thought crossed her mind as she stared on. But why is a Primordial Demon¡ª wait¡
And she froze. For the first time since the monster had attacked them, Ultis was finally able to use [Identification]. But what she saw wasn¡¯t what she expected in the slightest.
[Lesser God - Lvl. 167]
¡°A Lesser God¡?¡±
But that wasn¡¯t the only thing that stood out to Ultis. It was the monster¡¯s level that made her eyes snap wide open. It almost took her a moment to process what it said. And even then, she could only fullyprehend it when Quid vocalized her thoughts for her.
¡°Wait, it¡¯s not a Primordial Demon? That¡¯s impossible.¡±
Quid wore a crazed smile on his face, almost like he was trying not tough at a stupid joke. And this was a joke. It had to be one. How could ten members of the Deathsquad Hunters be wiped out by a single monster that wasn¡¯t even higher-leveled than they were?
Did being a Lesser God make that much of a difference?
Ultis didn¡¯t know. All she could do was look, whispering quietly to herself as she awaited her death.
¡°Just what is this monster?¡±
The words left her mouth as she stood frozen in fear. It was said in such a soft voice, Ultis was certain neither of the twins heard her. And yet, seemingly, the monster heard her. It jerked back, before tilting its head curiously.
Ultis blinked, watching as the monster lowered its head down to face her. It opened its mandibles, and she realized this was the end. She was going to be crushed by the monster just like the others.
She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. It was over. There was nothing else she could do. She was going to die¡ª
¡°Monster?¡±
And a booming voice spoke, breaking Ultis out of her thoughts. She looked up with round eyes as the monster spoke. Was she imagining it? No¡ª Quid and Aliq had noticed it too. They exchanged a confused nce as the monster continued.
¡°I am not a monster¡ª I am Salvos!¡±
¡°What¡?¡±
Ultis could only utter that single word as her head spun, trying to understand what was going on.
***
This had been a very annoying fight. Well¡ª it wasn¡¯t really a fight. It was a ughter. But it was a very slow ughter.
I had used all of my Grand Skills to get this far. First, I used [The World Of My Mind] to hide in wait, biding my time for the right moment to deal a decisive strike. I wanted to make sure that I took out the highest-leveled member of the Deathsquad Hunters instantly. That was why the next thing I did was activate my Divine Essence, giving me an extreme boost in all my Stats.
I also made sure to transform into the most terrifying monster I could think of, which was an [Ancient Centinel], to intimidate the rest of the Deathsquad Hunters against immediately retaliating. This transformation also ended up proving useful since I was able to take advantage of the biological advantages of a Centinel to dig tunnels through the earth, letting me sow even more discord and chaos before they couldprehend what was happening.
Everything worked out perfectly. Meanwhile, outside of the mountain, Haec and my clones go to work, disposing of the other three Deathsquad Hunters keeping watch. Haec killed one, while my clones dragged two of them underground, hoping to kill them quickly. But they managed to fight back with their own Grand Skills¡ª one of them created a powerful barrier that even my strongest Skills couldn¡¯t prate. So my clones were forced to use a Grand Skill of their own.
My clones were forced to finish those two Deathsquad Hunters off with [w Of Corruption].
Perhaps my clones didn¡¯t need to use that third Grand Skill. But I had wanted to take out all of the Deathsquad Hunters as fast as possible, which was why my clones resorted to that. Fortunately, since it happened underground, there were no visible signs of corruption up above.
But as I went up to finish off thest three Deathsquad Hunters, two of them decided tobination cast their Grand Skills together. So I was forced to use [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] to tank their attack.
And it was a very powerful attack. It literally blew the mountain apart! I hadn¡¯t expected that at all. Thankfully, my Grand Skill made me nigh invincible. No other Skill I had would¡¯ve saved me from that attack. At most, I could¡¯ve teleported out of the way. But I realized there was one problem that came with me being transformed as an [Ancient Centinel]¡ª teleporting took longer than when I was in my normal form.
In any case, seven of the Deathsquad Hunters were already dead. The remaining three had exhausted every option they had left. And it was clear that they had given up. That was why I decided against finishing them off.
Because they already knew they lost. So now, I lowered my head, looking between the three of them. There were two [Jinns], one was red, while the other was blue. They were both Level 162 each. And there was a [Fiend] who was short and thin, wielding a pair of sickles. She looked terribly afraid of me. Which was my intended goal.
The red [Jinn] stood where he was, and he looked like he was at a loss for words. But the blue [Jinn] could still stand. In fact, he even spoke as he narrowed his eyes at me.
¡°Salvos¡ I know that name.¡±
His eyes lit up as he pointed at me.
¡°You¡ª you are the Enemy!¡±
¡°I¡¯m your enemy? I mean, I guess I¡¯m your enemy. But you guys were the ones who were trying to kill my friends. So you¡¯re my enemy.¡±
I replied simply, casting my gaze to him. He flinched, before gritting his teeth. He created a blue sphere in the palm of his hand as he stepped back.
¡°You¡¯re the one who ruined our King¡¯s n to overtake the Mortal Realm. You¡¯re the one who betrayed your Species for the sake of those worthless Humans!¡±
I blinked a few times, before I nodded at him.
¡°Oh, yep. I did do that. But I did it to save my friends. Which is also why I killed your friends¡ª sorry about that, by the way!¡±
¡°You¡¡±
The blue [Jinn] red at me.
¡°Why don¡¯t you just kill us already? Enough wasting our time.¡±
He spat my way, and I rolled my eyes.
¡°If I wanted to kill you, I would have already done it. It would be good experience too, anyway.¡±
I shook my head before meeting his gaze. He shrank back, even if he tried to put on a brave face. I knew that [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] was still active, so any attack he threw my way wouldn¡¯t harm me. However, the invulnerability Grand Skill did have a time limit. So I wanted to settle this conversation as soon as possible.
That was why I spoke simply, drawing closer to the three Deathsquad Hunters as they stared in shock.
¡°But I have an offer to make you. So¡ª how about this? Let¡¯s make a contract. Demon to Demon. If you help me, I will let you live.¡±
Author''s Notes:
Last day to pledge to the Kickstarter and get a signed print edition of Salvos Book 1! It is the first ever print run of Salvos, and I don''t know if we''ll have any more once the run is over. So get it now if you haven''t already!
Salvos Book 1: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel by Merrick Books ¡ª Kickstarter
What thonk?
Read next chapter
Chapter 644: Demonic Contract
Chapter 644: Demonic Contract
644. Demonic Contract
***
Ultis stared in disbelief as she heard the offer that was given. No¡ª it wasn¡¯t an offer. It was a threat. And she was inclined to believe it, considering that monster had just ughtered all the other members of the Deathsquad Hunters that were with her, except for Aliq and Quid.
Perhaps if it was an ordinary monster, she would have immediately agreed to this offer.
But this wasn¡¯t just a monster. It might have taken the form of an alien creature, however, in reality, it was the Enemy of the Demon King herself.
It was Salvos.
And if Ultis agreed to any terms which wereid out, she would therefore be betraying Regnorex. She would be hunted down just like the treacherous former Heir of the Netherworld.
It was a death sentence. And the twins knew that. She exchanged a nce with Quid who gritted his teeth. Aliq was still frozen in fear¡ª it was like he barely even registered that Salvos was talking.
The Enemy of the Demon King continued speaking casually.¡°Look, all I need is your help to lead me to the Demon King¡¯s Domain. It¡¯s not that difficult, really. You guys do have that Tablet of Tracking thing, right?¡±
She swept her gaze over the three remaining Deathsquad Hunters. Ultis pursed her lips.
¡°I¡ we don¡¯t have the Tablet of Tracking. Liquis did.¡±
¡°Who?¡±
The monster blinked in response. Ultis shook her head.
¡°Liquis¡ª he¡¯s our tracker. You¡ uh, you incinerated him with your magic.¡±
¡°Oh, the annoying one who could predict my attacks? And I used my [Sacred Hellfire] on him too. Which means¡ it probably burned to ashes. Oops.¡±
Salvos shrank back like she was embarrassed, and the three Deathsquad Hunters just watched this strange reaction y out. Eventually, she shrugged and turned back to them.
¡°But surely one of you must remember the general direction to the Demon King¡¯s Domain, right? You can¡¯t all have just forgotten the way back so quickly.¡±
Now, Ultis couldn¡¯t lie and say she didn¡¯t remember the way back. As a member of the Deathsquad Hunters, she was trained to be acutely aware of her surroundings¡ª to recognizendmarks even in the in whitendscape of the Wild.
So she knew how to return to the Demon King¡¯s Domain. However, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to speak up. She just stood there silently as Salvos peered curiously at them.
¡°Oh? Interesting reactions¡ so you guys do know the way back.¡±
That made Ultis bit her lower lip. Salvos clicked her mandibles together and spread them apart like she was smiling. Aliq finally broke out of his stupor as he stumbled back. He turned towards his twin as he trembled with wide eyes.
¡°W-what do we do?¡±
Quid clenched a fist and took a step forward. He shook his head, speaking simply.
¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? We do not falter. We serve our King. We shall not aid the Enemy, even if it costs us our lives.¡±
He strode forward as both Ultis and Aliq could only watch from the side. They didn¡¯t know what he was doing. But they should have known. They just couldn¡¯tprehend it.
¡°Are you sure about this? I¡¯m giving you onest chance¡ª I will spare you if you ept my offer.¡±
Salvos spoke dangerously as she leant down to face Quid. He raised his hand as he created a blue sphere in the palm of his hand, before aiming it at her.
¡°I refuse to concede to your demands, monster!¡±
He screamed, unleashing the st at Salvos. It was a powerful explosion. But it paled inparison to thebination cast Grand Skill he had used with his twin just earlier. So as expected, Salvos emerged from the clearing smoke unscathed.
She just stared down at him¡ª like she was disappointed. He backed away, cursing as he created another pair of blue spheres.
¡°You¡ª¡±
And she mmed down into him. In an instant, she crushed the [Jinn] as Ultis and Aliq could only look on in horror.
¡°Q-Quid¡?¡±
Aliq whispered, staring at the crushed corpse of his twin as Salvos peeled back. She nodded at herself, before looking down at the remaining two Deathsquad Hunters.
¡°So¡ are either of you going to ept the contract? Or are you going to throw your life away for a Demon King that doesn¡¯t even care about you anyway.¡±
Ultis stared at the monster, before looking down at Quid¡¯s corpse. Her mind reeled as she processed the offer that was given to her. And while she didn¡¯t want to agree with the person who just ughtered all herrades¡ Salvos had a point.
The Demon King didn¡¯t care about any of the Deathsquad Hunters. That was why they were assigned to be the Deathsquad Hunters¡ª to risk their lives to do Regnorex¡¯s gruntwork.
Even when Venas perished, Regnorex showed not a hint of pity. His cold facial expression didn¡¯t change when he heard that one of the most loyal members of the Deathsquad Hunters was mysteriously in. All Regnorex did wasmand for more Deathsquad Hunters to investigate what had happened.
Ultis wasn¡¯t like Venas. She was never truly loyal to the Demon King¡ª she had admired his ideals about saving Demonkind, but ultimately she was only serving him because she had no other choice. All she wanted was to be left alone, like a plethora of other Demons she knew.
And that was why she knew what her decision was as she turned to herstrade.
¡°Aliq, listen to me.¡±
She held the red [Jinn]¡¯s gaze. He blinked a few times, before backing up with round eyes.
¡°Wait, you¡¯re not considering¡?¡±
¡°It¡¯s either we die now, or we dieter.¡±
¡°But that monster killed my brother!¡±
Aliq eximed, pointing at where Quidy. Salvos just watched them, her giant figure looming over thendscape.
¡°Hurry up and make a decision already.¡±
She pressed them. And Ultis shook her head.
¡°I understand that. But you don¡¯t want to die in vain, do you? You should want to live on for Quid.¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡¡±
Aliq stared silently at his brother¡¯s corpse. He turned back to Ultis. She looked at him pleadingly.
¡°Please.¡±
She whispered. He closed his eyes. And finally, he nodded.
¡°Fine.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Ultis nodded gratefully, before turning back to the monster.
¡°There¡¯s your answer. We ept this contract. We will help you, but in turn, you will spare us.¡±
Was it a stupid decision? Ultis didn¡¯t know¡ª but it was the only decision she could make now. The alternative was to die. Even if she was incurring the wrath of the Demon King, she could still potentially survive.
Sure, she was probably going to be hunted down and killed by Regnorex¡¯s other Deathsquad Hunters. But there was a possibility of survival¡ª even if it was slim. That was a better choice than dying right here and now. Aliq understood that too, even if he was angered over his brother¡¯s death. This was what they had to do to survive. After all, they were Demons. It was in their nature to do anything to live.
Salvos drew back as she nodded approvingly, hearing their response.
¡°Good choice.¡±
***
And that was that. While I had to kill one of the three remaining Deathsquad Hunters as a threat, they eventually conceded to my demands. I was d to see that my n worked. Even if¡ it wasn¡¯t really my n in the first ce.
I had to improvise once I realized I messed up and destroyed the Tablet of Tracking by ident. And since [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] had a time limit, I forced them to give me an answer quickly. I didn¡¯t want to wait and risk them attacking me when I no longer had an aura of invulnerability protecting me. Even if I could probably still defeat them with ease, there was a possibility thest [Fiend] had a Grand Skill that could instantly kill me.
Fortunately, everything seemed to work out just fine. Now, I had to find a way to exin this new n of mine to Haec and the others.
They were waiting for me back in [The World Of My Mind]. I wasn¡¯t sure if they were going to agree with me, but I would have to convince them this would work. Because the lives of my friends were at stake, and time was starting to run out.
I began to transform back to my normal self as I heard the notifications from this victorious encounter echo in my mind.
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 166] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 167]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 145] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 146]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 146] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 147]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 147] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 148]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 148] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 149]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
¡°...you can¡¯t be serious, right? I just need one more level to my evolution! Ugh, this sucks.¡±
Author''s Notes:
I made some edits to thest chapter. Salvos is now Level 167, and I added more details about how Salvos'' clones used the [w of Corruption]. I also fixed some inconsistencies with Aliq and Quid.
What thonk?
Chapter 645: Astros Mountain
Chapter 645: Astros Mountain
645. Astros Mountain
***
Kali¡¯natha narrowed her eyes as she knelt to the ground. She ced a hand on the rocky ground, tracing a finger over the shape of a foot. She looked up at her twopanions apanying her¡ª ¡¯di and Crim¡¯zu¡¯son¡¯ra. The three Elves were here on a simple mission. They were to hunt down the [Hero] of the Human Lands and bring his head to their Dominion.
Unfortunately, their target had escaped their grasps. And now, they were struggling to track him down again. Kali¡¯natha knew that with the level differential between them, she would have easily been able to defeat him if she could only just find him. However, that was proving to be quite difficult.
¡°They went this way.¡±
She whispered as she rose back to her feet. Looking up, she saw the mountainous terrain up ahead¡ª she saw the undting lines in the distance, leading them further up and towards the Dwarven Mountains.
Her brows snapped together as she wondered what exactly was the n here. Perhaps Daniel was nning on seeking refuge in one of the many Dwarven fortresses located by the border. As the Principality of the Farl-Zun Forest, Kali¡¯natha couldn¡¯t just attack the Dwarves without instigating a war. That would have been problematic.
She shook her head as she took a step forward.
¡°We need to move faster.¡±¡°And are you sure we¡¯re headed on the right path this time around?¡±
¡¯di replied simply as he raised a brow. He was a full head taller than her, even if he had shrunk because of his old age. But despite the wrinkles on his face, he wore a mocking grinn, exuberating a false youthfulness in his demeanor.
¡°You¡¯ve led us in the wrong direction a few times now. We¡¯re going to lose this [Hero] because of your failures.¡±
Kali¡¯natha gritted her teeth, but ignored his provocation. She shook her head as she strode forward, speaking calmly.
¡°I was misled because of that Human [Merchant]¡¯s annoying artifacts. She certainly has quite a few trinkets and toys up her sleeve, but this time, I am certain.¡±
She turned back and looked between ¡¯di and Crim¡¯zu¡¯son¡¯ra. In the distance, the sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was painted a dark crimson, with not a cloud in sight. She raised her bow as she spokemandingly, turning back around in the direction of her prey.
¡°We shall find and kill the [Hero] tonight. I guarantee that.¡±
***
It had been a few days since Daniel Song was attacked by the three Elves right outside the city of Soros. While he hadn¡¯t even gotten a glimpse of the Elves that had ambushed him, he had been told by Kacey that they were far above his level. Apparently, the highest-leveled amongst them was a Level 176 [Mystic Huntress].
Even with the Sword of Alexander, Daniel didn¡¯t stand a chance. Not against such dangerous enemies. Perhaps he might have been able to take them on if he had undergone his ss evolution sooner. He might have been more confident with whatever [Hero] Skill he would have gained. But that wasn¡¯t possible now.
He had to keep moving. He couldn¡¯t even stop to sleep. The only reason he was able to keep going was thanks to Ivonne Vigil. As one of the highest-leveled [Traders] in the world, she had an eclectic range of items she carried on her¡ª many useless artifacts, and some expensive treasures. But a lot of what she had on her ended up being quite useful.
For example, she had given Daniel a Potion of Awakening which was what allowed him to stay awake for so long without feeling exhausted. Certainly, he could have just taken stamina potions to tough out the tiredness. Or maybe he didn¡¯t even need to use any potions. But he would have certainly felt some exhaustion.
With the Potion of Awakening, he felt more awake than ever. Which was good¡ª it allowed him to be prepared for a fight at any time. After all, he was only a Human, even if he felt like a superhero from theic books he¡¯d read as a kid. His senses would be diluted if he was exhausted. So he was grateful to Ivonne for all her help.
And this was not all she had done for him. She had also used a plethora of artifacts to throw the Elves off their tracks. Whether it was with a Scroll Of Imitation, which created false clones of them that she sent off in another direction, creating a false trail. Or if it was with her Anti-Scrying Ring, which obfuscated their location. It all proved incredibly useful in keeping them alive thus far.
But it was all only dying the inevitable. Because, eventually, the Elves were going to find them. When that happened, they were going to die. Except, supposedly, Ivonne Vigil had a n. Daniel didn¡¯t know what that n entailed. He just knew that they were getting¡ close.
¡°There it is¡ª our destination.¡±
Ivonne whispered as she pointed at the tall mountain in the distance. Both Daniel and Kacey exchanged a nce, before looking up. They saw the towering peak rising above the clouds¡ª looming over the rest of the mountain range.
He had never seen such a spectacr sight before. Even back on Earth, he hadn¡¯t seen a mountain that tall. And he had been to Mount Rainier during a field trip to Washington.
¡°Where is this ce?¡±
He asked with wide eyes. And it was Kacey who replied to him.
¡°That¡¯s¡ Astros Mountain.¡±
¡°Astros Mountain?¡±
Daniel blinked, turning to face the [Crusader]. He was vaguely familiar with the name of the mountain, but he wasn¡¯t sure where he heard of it before. Ivonne trudged forward as she shook her head.
¡°It is the tallest mountain in all of Secely. There lies your only hope for our survival.¡±
She spoke simply, and Daniel bit his lower lip. He stared into her back as he spoke up.
¡°Ivonne¡ you can¡¯t keep leading us blindly forward. We need to know where we¡¯re going¡ª we need to know what we¡¯re doing.¡±
Ivonne paused when she heard his words. Slowly, she craned her neck back to face him. They locked gazes, and she finally began to exin.
¡°There, at the very peak of that mountain, awaits a city that once stood far above the world. It was a city that dared to reach for the heavens. It was a once ancient civilization that had ascended to be Gods.¡±
¡°Gods? Like Salvos?¡±
Daniel¡¯s brows snapped together, recalling how hispanion had be a Lesser God. Kacey reacted in disgust when she heard that. But he red at her, and she quickly averted her gaze.
Ivonne nodded as she smiled.
¡°Yes. Or so the legends say. But now, it is gone. And all that remains is the Fallen City of the Stars.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve been there before?¡±
Daniel peered at the [Merchant] curiously. She turned away, looking at Astros Mountain, still in the distance.
¡°Indeed, I have. And that is why I know this path leads to safety¡ª that is how I know it shall be our sanctuary.¡±
The young man listened to her speak. But he chewed his lower lip when he heard what she said. It had been bothering him for a while, however he was always brushed off when he questioned it. This time, he decided to press her for an answer.
¡°Ivonne¡ how will this ce protect us from the Elves? Didn¡¯t you say this is where I¡¯ll be able to repair my Primordial Longsword?¡±
Ivonne tilted her head back at him.
¡°Indeed it shall. But it shall also protect us from our hunters.¡±
¡°But how?¡±
Daniel asked, taking a step forward. She met his gaze as he waited for her answer. For a moment, she didn¡¯t move. But then her eyes flickered, and she sighed.
¡°Unfortunately, it appears we have wasted too much time here.¡±
She brought a hand up, and Daniel blinked. He wanted to ask what she was talking about, but he saw the volley of arrowsing from the side at the veryst moment. He drew the Sword of Alexander and stepped forward, shouting as he cut down the oing projectiles from a distance.
Each of the arrows exploded as they were struck out of the air. But thanks to the Sword of Alexander, each swing of the sword sent golden des out, and he was able to take them down from a distance.
¡°Shit¡ª we¡¯ve been found!¡±
Daniel spun around and turned to Ivonne and Kacey.
¡°We need to get out of¡ª¡±
¡°Not so fast.¡±
A figure appeared behind Ivonne. An elderly Elven man, carrying a staff that was as tall as he was. He pointed the weapon at her back as he grinned.
¡°But you¡¯re not getting away so easily this time around.¡±
Kacey cursed and reached for her sword. But a looming figure appeared behind her as well, wielding a great warhammer. She backed away in horror as he gave her a bloodthirsty look. Daniel¡¯s grip tightened around the hilt of the Sword of Alexander, when he heard a figurending behind him. An Elvendy held up a bow with a calm look on her face.
¡°We have you now, [Hero] of the Human Lands.¡±
And that was the [Hero] realized that they were surrounded.
[Druid - Lvl. 174]
[Warrior - Lvl. 169]
[Archer - Lvl. 176]
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 646: Dodge This
Chapter 646: Dodge This
646. Dodge This
***
[Druid - Lvl. 174]
[Warrior - Lvl. 169]
[Archer - Lvl. 176]
Daniel narrowed his eyes as he saw the three figures surrounding him. There they were¡ª the Elves that had been hunting him down. This was his first time seeing them. When they had attacked him beforehand, it had been from afar. He hadn¡¯t even gotten a glimpse at their faces when he had nearly been killed.
Now, they had decided toe up to him to end his life. So he could see their levels and evaluate their threat. And he knew¡ª he didn¡¯t stand a chance of winning this fight.
He backed away as he gritted his teeth. The Elves didn¡¯tunch an immediate attack this time around. So he nced back and spoke in a hushed voice.
¡°Ivonne¡ what do we do?¡±He asked the [Trader] as she stood calmly, faced down by the Elven [Druid]. She didn¡¯t visibly react to the sudden appearance of the Elves. This was in stark contrast to Kacey who was backing up from the Elven [Warrior] with wide eyes, fumbling to even unsheathe her sword.
Daniel locked gazes with the [Archer]. She was a rather short Elven woman. Which was saying something, considering that all Elves were short. But she was even shorter than the other two Elves that apanied her. But that didn¡¯t make her any less threatening as she raised her bow.
¡°I am Kali¡¯natha the Principality of the Farl-Zun Forest. I am a [Mystic Huntress]-- one of only a few in the world¡ª and a Vanguard of Y¡¯gdrazil. I serve as a bodyguard to Dominion As¡¯triel, but I have been sent out during this war to eliminate the greatest threats to our people. That is why I havee here today to end your life, [Hero] of the Human Lands.¡±
¡°That¡¯s too many Titles¡ª I much preferred it when you just attacked me without saying a word. Because I¡¯m not going to remember any of that by tomorrow.¡±
Daniel replied simply as he raised the Sword of Alexander defensively, its metallic surface reflecting an iridescent that reflected in her eyes.
¡°Oh, but you will have time to forget itl. After all, you will die here. And I shall im your Mythic Grade Weapon for myself.¡±
She stepped forward with a dangerous look in her eye. A cruel smile slipped onto her lips.
¡°Would it not be quite ironic? For Humankind¡¯s greatest weapon to be turned against them? For your death here to be the reason for their defeat? It is quite a fitting end for such a terrible Species¡¡±
¡°I think you¡¯ll find that Humans are a lot more tenacious than you think. Even if you kill me here, they¡¯re probably not going to mourn my loss too badly. I mean, I¡¯m pretty sure that a lot of people would be quite enthused to hear that I¡¯m finally out of their hair.¡±
Daniel gave the Elf an uneasy grin. He wasn¡¯t confident, even if he tried to sound confident. He knew he was outmatched, but at least he had some time to think and try to find a way out of this mess. Unfortunately, so far, he came up with nothing at all.
Kali¡¯natha smirked as she raised her bow. She casually nocked an arrow, aiming at him.
¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±
She spoke calmly, ready to kill the [Hero]. But she didn¡¯t attack just yet. Daniel felt a trickle of sweat run down his neck, before turning around.
¡°Ivonne, what¡¯s the n?¡±
He hurriedly pressed the [Trader]. Ivonne just raised a brow, craning her neck to face Kali¡¯natha.
¡°What about a pay?¡±
Ivonne suggested simply. Upon hearing that, Daniel nearly dropped his sword. His jaw hung open as even the Elves paused. Kacey broke out of her stupor and blinked.
¡°You can¡¯t be serious, right? That¡¯s your n?¡±
The [Crusader] asked, aghast. Ivonne shrugged.
¡°It is worth an ask.¡±
¡°The answer is no.¡±
Kali¡¯natha replied as she red at the [Trader].
¡°I will not negotiate with the one who stole our sacred Fruits of Y¡¯gdrazil. In fact, I will ensure that you suffer before you die for what you¡¯ve done.¡±
¡°That is unfortunate. I was hoping we could negotiate. There is much I can offer you in return of sparing our lives.¡±
Ivonne shook her head nonchntly, and the Elven [Archer] sighed.
¡°Enough talk.¡±
A green aura overcame Kali¡¯natha¡¯s arrow as herrades raised their weapons. Kacey¡¯s eyes went round, and Daniel pursed his lips. The expression on Ivonne¡¯s face didn¡¯t change.
Kali¡¯natha sneered as she released her arrow.
¡°You die now.¡±
¡°Ivonne!¡±
Daniel shouted, spinning around as the green bolt shot forward. The Elves moved, and Kacey stumbled back in fear. Ivonne closed her eyes. She didn¡¯t even nod. All she did was raise her hand silently. And a ring shone on her finger.
There was a bright sh of light. It engulfed the scene. The Elves shouted something. The arrow struck the ground, sting out. But Daniel didn¡¯t see what happened next. He didn¡¯t even hear what they said.
After all, he was gone. And it wasn¡¯t just him. Kacey and Ivonne disappeared along with him, leaving the Elves behind in the clearing dust.
¡ª--
¡°That was too close¡¡±
Daniel sighed as he took in his surroundings. Ivonne stood calmly as she usually did, and Kacey was catching her breath. They had fled from certain death once more. But that was all they had done¡ª flee the scene.
They hadn¡¯t escaped just yet. They weren¡¯t safe. Not until they got to the Fallen City of the Stars. Daniel raised his head, searching for their destination. Only to realize that he was high up in the sky, just beneath the clouds.
Kacey noticed this too. She blinked a few times as she looked down, taking in the mountainousndscape down below.
¡°Where are we?¡±
Daniel asked with narrowed eyes. Kacey backed away from the ledge as she looked up.
¡°I believe¡ we¡¯re on Astros Mountain?¡±
¡°That is correct.¡±
Ivonne nodded as she dusted herself off. She turned to face Daniel, adjusting the ring in her hand.
¡°Or to be specific, we are halfway up Astros Mountain. We still have a few miles to go before we reach the peak.¡±
¡°That Ring of Instant Teleportation you have is very useful. But¡ next time, just get us out of there. Don¡¯t risk our lives like that to try to bargain with those Elves.¡±
Daniel massaged his temples, and Kacey nodded next to him. Ivonne responded unapologetically.
¡°I was under the impression that they could be reasoned with. Unfortunately, I miscalcted.¡±
¡°And what makes you think you could negotiate with those creatures?¡±
Kacey gestured exasperatedly back in the direction they came from. Ivonne shrugged.
¡°Their previous Matriarch, Ios-friel, seemed to be quite reasonable.¡±
¡°And how do you even know that? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve actually met her?¡±
Daniel couldn¡¯t believe it. Actually¡ª maybe he could. Considering how entric Ivonne appeared to be, it was entirely possible she had once gone to the Elven Forests and actually traded with the Elves.
But she shook her head as her eyes flickered. A morose expression seemed to slip onto her face for a moment.
¡°No¡ but an old friend of mine did.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
Daniel stared at Ivonne for a moment. But she steeled herself, and the indifferent look on her face returned. She stepped forward as she looked up the mountain¡ª her gaze piercing through the white veil of the clouds leading up and above.
¡°Come on. Let us keep moving. We still have not reached our destination.¡±
She started up as Kacey and Daniel exchanged a nce. The two of them nodded at each other and followed after her, leaving the Elves far behind, miles back in the distance.
***
¡°They escaped. Again.¡±
Kali¡¯natha whispered softly as she nced between ¡¯di and Crim. Her tworades just stared at the ground¡ª at the smoking crater where the Humans had been standing.
¡°We had them surrounded, and they got away.¡±
She closed her eyes. For a moment, she remained silent. Even as Crim hefted his hammer over his shoulder, and ¡¯di¡¯s eyes glinted. Then she smiled.
¡°Good.¡±
It was all part of the n.
She turned to the [Archmagus Druid] and asked.
¡°Which way, ¡¯di?¡±
¡°There.¡±
He pointed his staff at a mountain in the distance. He took a step back, and his body began to shift and misshapen. Fur started growing from his arms as he grew in size. Kali¡¯natha walked past him, hearing his bones crack.
But she didn¡¯t pay him any mind. Instead, she strode forward as she nocked five arrows onto her bowstring. She aimed in the direction of the mountain¡ª in the general vicinity where the three Humans had escaped to.
There was a reason why she hadn¡¯t simply ambushed the Humans with her Grand Skill. She could have attacked them from afar. There had been no reason for them to engage with each other from up close. And yet, that was what she had chosen to do.
The reason was simple¡ª it was because she knew the Humans would have dodged her attack once again. But right now? After they had just teleported out of the way? There was no way for them to escape.
Even if she didn¡¯t know their exact location, she knew where they had gone. She didn¡¯t need to strike them with a direct attack. All she needed was to strike the area they were in. And then she could find them from that.
¡°Try and dodge this: [Fifty-Mile Shot], and¡ª¡±
Kali¡¯natha smiled savagely, and behind her, ¡¯di finished his transformation into a giant ape. He picked up Crim as the [Mystic Huntress] unleashed her volley of arrows.
As she unleashed her Grand Skill.
¡°[Rain Fire Upon My Enemies].¡±
And the glowing green bolts shot out, wisping brightly. It crossed over thendscape and sped in the direction of the tall mountain, leaving behind a trail of green fire.
***
¡°How long until the Elves find us this time, Ivonne?¡±
Daniel asked as the [Trader] continued to lead the way. She replied without ncing back.
¡°We should be able to reach the Fallen City of the Stars before they¡¡±
And she paused. Her brows snapped together as she nced back. She looked towards the distance as Daniel frowned. He stared in the same direction as she did, before his eyes snapped wide open.
He saw the glinting green projectiles shoot straight for the mountain. They traveled fast¡ª faster than the speed of sound. They left behind a shockwave as the trees lying beneath it were lit aze. Daniel saw this power, and he knew what was going to happen next.
He looked up towards Kacey and Ivonne as he opened his mouth.
¡°We need to get¡ª¡±
And the projectiles struck the side of the mountain. A powerful explosion sted out as the [Hero] grabbed both Ivonne and Kacey, leaping out of the way. The shockwave sent them all flying back. The st was a distance away.
But the fiery green explosion bloomed out, incinerating everything in over a mile. The fringe edges of the st reached the three of them, and Daniel gritted his teeth as a white aura shed.
¡°[Greater Aura of the Sentinel]!¡±
He watched as his white barrier protected them. But its ss-like surface cracked under the pressure of the explosion. The earth shook beneath his feet as the st continued to erupt for another minute, until it finally dissipated.
His [Greater Aura of the Sentinel] faded away, and the rumbling subsided for a moment. He let go of both Ivonne and Kacey as they all stared at the aftermath of the explosion. A giant crater had dug itself into the side of Astros Mountain. A massive column of smoke rose up towards the sky.
Kacey dropped to her knees as she took in this sight, trying to work her jaw.
¡°That¡ª how¡?¡±
¡°How did they find us, Ivonne?¡±
Daniel asked, turning to the [Trader].
¡°I thought your artifacts protected us from their tracking Skills.¡±
¡°Not when I used my Ring of Instant Teleportation. I could only mask us from their scrying spells after we escaped. That was why we had to keep moving. All they did was strike where we once were. They couldn¡¯t find us¡ until now.¡±
Ivonne exined simply. Daniel furrowed his brows.
¡°Until now?¡±
¡°Now that you used that Skill of yours¡ª they certainly know where we¡¯re at. And they¡¯re heading straight for us. Look.¡±
She pointed at a giant figure bounding its way through the trees, making its way up the mountainous terrain. It had to have been at least a hundred feet tall, and it looked like a kind of ape. Except, far more feral and monstrous.
It moved fast. Not nearly as fast as the shooting projectiles from earlier. But far faster than Daniel could run. And on its back, it carried two of the Elves with it¡ª the [Archer] and the [Warrior].
¡°Fuck.¡±
Daniel cursed as he turned around.
¡°What do we do?¡±
Ivonne looked up, and the mountain began to tremble once again.
¡°I do not know. But that is not the end of our problems¡¡±
And up above, the mountain began to shake more violently. Daniel paused as he stared up into the clouds. Then he watched as arge column of earth and snow began to cascade down towards him.
¡°Andslide...¡±
He whispered as the mountain rumbled. In front of him, arge section of earth continued to copse down. And behind him, the Elves continued their rapid approach. They were trapped.
Daniel closed his eyes as he realized the predicament he was in. It was an impossible situation to survive. He wanted to give up. But he didn¡¯t.
Instead, he raised his sword as a golden-white light enveloped his body.
¡°[A Hero¡¯s Rage].¡±
And he moved.
Author''s Notes:
Sorry for the slow chapters this week. And small retcon tost chapter. The exact sses of the Elves shouldn''t be shown to Daniel. It has been fixed.
What thonk?
Chapter 647: Fallen City of the Stars
Chapter 647: Fallen City of the Stars
647. Fallen City of the Stars
***
Daniel Song moved.
The [Hero] from Earth saw the side of the mountain cascading down to him from above, and he watched the three Elven hunters rapidly approach from behind. And he could not even stop to think. He had to act.
So he activated [A Hero¡¯s Rage], and his body was engulfed with a white light. Glowing motes and ribbons wisped together, forming an aura of armor that covered him from head to toe. He lifted the Sword of Alexander as its de was wreathed by the [Hero] Skill.
But when the white aura touched the Mythic Grade Weapon, it began to ripple. Its color shifted into an iridescent glow. Instead of just forming an external de over the Sword of Alexander, Daniel¡¯s [A Hero¡¯s Rage] melded together with the weapon. And he took a heavy step forward as he turned to the two women who were with him.
Ivonne Vigil and Kacey. Thetter had seen this Skill from him before, while the former looked at him curiously.
¡°Interesting. A Skill that substitutes as a magical armor and offers an enchantment on your weapon. Quite powerful for an ordinary Skill, but iparable to a Grand Skill. And this is¡ a [Hero] Skill?¡±
Daniel nodded and proffered a hand forward.¡°That is right¡ª nowe on. Let¡¯s get going.¡±
He swept Kacey off her feet first as she squeaked, and Ivonne just raised a brow at him.
¡°I would have thought that [Hero Skills] were stronger than this.¡±
The [Trader] spoke nonchntly, even as the mountain violently trembled all around them. The [Hero] rolled his eyes and picked her up as well. He nced back once to see the Elves getting closer and closer to the base of the mountain. They were far more dangerous than anyndslide could be.
So Daniel looked back up and raised the Sword of Alexander.
¡°We go¡ª to the Fallen City of Stars!¡±
He shouted as he swung up. There was a sh. And with a single swing of his de, he cleared a path through thendslide. He leapt through the falling boulders and the cascading mud. The Sword of Alexander was immensely powerful. It could bring down a city¡¯s walls with ease, and it cleaved through the dirt like it was nothing.
Unfortunately, it didn¡¯t leave nothing behind in its wake. Thendslide opened up for a moment, before closing in on itself once more. The walls of dirt and rock threatened to crush Daniel, Ivonne, and Kacey.
But the [Hero] didn¡¯t relent. He shed out with the Sword of Alexander once more, opening the path again as hended on the ground with a sh of light. He leapt forward as the falling rubble cleared, however that moment of reprieve onlysted a few seconds. So Daniel swung up again. And again. And again. And he continued as he quickly made his way up the tallest mountain in Secely.
Until, eventually¡ª
Now entering [Dungeon: The Fallen City of the Stars]
***
However, as Daniel Song made his way up thendslide, his efforts to save his friends were noticed by the Elves. Kali¡¯natha saw the shes of light. She watched as a hole was dug through thendslide by sheer force. Not magic or anything else. Just pure power.
The Principality of the Farl-Zun Forest clung onto ¡¯di¡¯s back as he rapidly made his way over thendscape, reaching the base of the mountain. Crim¡¯zu¡¯son¡¯ra stood beside her with a grin on his face.
¡°I see them.¡±
He whispered, eyeing the bright light that indicated where their targets were located. Kali¡¯natha snorted when she heard that.
¡°Of course you do. That was part of the n.¡±
She shook her head as ¡¯di growled and threw himself up the mountain. He cleared hundreds of feet in a single jump, then continued bounding upwards. In his current form, he was a [Prima Adonis]. And he was far stronger than ¡¯di, and far faster than even Kali¡¯natha.
The only downside was that he could no longer cast his magic, which was what he specialized in as an [Archmagus Druid]. He did have a few physical attack Skills he could use which was greatly enhanced by this transformation. However, he didn¡¯t gain any temporary Skills or the like.
Kali¡¯natha shook her head as her gaze remained fixed on the distant shes of light making its way up towards the clouds.
¡°Our hunt ends soon. That [Hero]¡¯s head will be mine¡¡±
She whispered as ¡¯di leapt up again, carrying the Elves quickly up the mountain.
***
Daniel grunted as hended atop a teau at the edge of a steep cliff. He was immediately assailed by a powerful gale, but he steadied himself easily enough. Ivonne hopped off his back as he set Kacey down to the cracked ground.
He narrowed his eyes, but the gray rocky surface seemed stable enough. He would have continued walking onwards if he didn¡¯t spot ethereal embers of ash wisping off the cracks, before dissipating in the wind.
Daniel nced back and looked down the mountainside. Directly beneath him, he saw a fog of clouds, covering the mountainousndscape below so he couldn¡¯t see how far the Elves were from them. A glint came from above, drawing his gaze.
He looked up and saw the scintiting stars hovering high in the night sky. They were bright¡ª brighter than any star he had ever seen back on Earth. And it was like they were drifting across the dark canvas above.
¡°What is this¡?¡±
The [Hero] from Earth blinked a few times. He had never seen such a sight before. The stars wererge and round. Each one seemed to be roughly spherical in shape, about the size of his head from this distance, and their light pulsed, glowing and dimming like they were breathing.
And they didn¡¯t descend down into the horizon like stars normally did. Instead, they just passed over thend, before flitting on into the distance.
¡°This, Daniel Song, is the Fallen City of the Stars.¡±
Ivonne Vigil spoke from up ahead. She hade to a halt before an ancient castle. It stood right before the peak of Astros Mountain. Daniel saw the rocky mountain cap tower behind the decrepit structure.
The [Trader] had her body craned back, waiting expectantly as she spoke in a soft voice.
¡°It is the only point in all of Secely that can touch the stars¡ª outside of a mana storm, of course.¡±
¡°Touch the stars?¡±
Daniel frowned, repeating after her. But she ignored him and walked forward. He wanted to call out to her in confusion. However, he was cut off when Kacey squeaked.
¡°W-w-what is this?!¡±
The [Hero] nced to the side and watched Kacey stumbled forward, fleeing from a glowing white ball. He blinked a few times as it just continued to drift ahead. Kacey tripped and dropped to the ground as the sphere reached her.
She winced and braced herself. But it simply dispersed around her, continuing onwards as it reformed, like it was a cloud of gas.
The [Crusader] looked up when she realized she wasn¡¯t dead. And Daniel walked past her with a frown on his face. He stared at the white sphere as it floated onward. It shone with a very dim light, but it was glowing. And it was traveling in the same direction as the specks in the sky.
¡°This is¡ a star?¡±
Daniel whispered to himself as he reached out to touch the white sphere. But he couldn¡¯ty a hand on it. He sensed power emanating from it. A hint of magic, but also another aura.
A Divine Aura.
The [Hero] narrowed his eyes and used [Identification] on the star. And his eyes went wide when he was told what it was.
[A Trace Of Kalis-tah The Sun God]
¡°The¡ Sun God?¡±
His mind reeled, and the star just drifted away. Daniel stood where he was as his head spun. Behind him, Kacey recovered and got to her feet. She looked just as confused as the [Hero] was.
¡°I¡¯ve never heard of a Kalis-tah before¡ just what was that?¡±
She whispered next to him. Daniel had no answer for her. And the two of them would have stood there, stuck in their stupor, if Ivonne Vigil hadn¡¯t called out from up ahead.
¡°It is best we make haste. Lest the Elves will reach us.¡±
The [Trader]¡¯s words immediately made the two of them straighten and hurry forward. But Daniel paused for a moment to nce back towards the distance. When he looked ahead, far from Astros Mountain, he saw no horizon.
The mountains in the distance didn¡¯t sink into the ground, disappearing like they were cut in half. No¡ª their forms stood as they should, although they appeared smaller because of how far away they were. And that was when Daniel finally realized¡ª
¡°The Nexeus really is t, huh?¡±
He muttered under his breath, before turning around and following after Ivonne and Kacey. He caught the tail-end of their conversation as he walked through the ancient gates of the castle.
¡°¡ªthis the ce? Are we safe now?¡±
¡°We are not out of danger just yet.¡±
Ivonne replied as she walked through an empty courtyard. The entire castle was made from some sort of ck and purple stone. It waspletely barren. But while it was clearly old, it was not growing with moss or vegetation.
It didn¡¯t even look like it was going to copse anytime soon, despite being incessantly assaulted by the strong winds. It remained standing, and it looked like it would continue to remain standing for eons.
Ivonne Vigil came to a halt before the end of the courtyard. There stood an ornate doorway that was glowing with a magic circle. She looked it up and down as Daniel and Kacey exchanged a nce.
¡°Behind these double doors lies our salvation.¡±
The [Trader] spoke simply. But instead of reaching to push it open, she instead pulled something out of her pocket.
¡°However, it would take time to decrypt the magical lock that has been ced. That is why¡ª¡±
She spun around and ced an object in both Daniel and Kacey¡¯s hands. The two of them blinked and looked down as Ivonne spoke simply with a small smile on her face.
¡°You two of you shall hold the Elves off while I unlock this door.¡±
Daniel blinked a few times, before looking down at the object in his hand. And his jaw dropped when he processed what the [Trader] said and he realized what he had been given.
¡°...what?¡±
[Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil - Uponplete consumption, a +30% boost is given to all Stats for the duration of a day. Cannot be stacked with other magical buffs.]
Author''s Notes:
Fun fact, the Ancient Greeks, particrly Aristotle, actually deduced that the Earth was a sphere because of how he noticed ships disappeared hull-first into the horizon. In this chapter, Daniel realized the Nexeus is t because the mountains in the distance didn''t sink into the horizon due to his vantage point.
What thonk?
Chapter 648: Past Lives
Chapter 648: Past Lives
648. Past Lives
***
It was a Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil.
Daniel had only ever heard about it before. It was spoken of in the same breath as a Mythical Grade Artifact. It was something that was so rare, supposedly only a hundred of them were produced every century.
And yet, Ivonne Vigil had not just one, but two of them in hand. She casually offered both fruits to both Daniel and Kacey. They stared wide-eyed at what they had been given for a long moment, before the [Crusader] began to sputter.
¡°H-how do you have this?¡±
She asked with wide eyes, looking up at the [Trader] and nearly dropping her Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil.
¡°I heard it was all destroyed¡ª when the Elves attacked your auction in Mavos Academy!¡±
¡°While most of my stock was indeed destroyed, I kept a handful of these wonderful fruits for myself. After all, a good [Trader] knows to keep a secret stash of her most precious goods for herself.¡±Ivonne smiled as she nodded back at the [Crusader]. She turned around and walked up to the ornate doorway. Daniel stared at her for a moment, before looking down at the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil he had been given. He decided against questioning it like Kacey. Instead, he just nodded at himself as he took his first bite from the fruit.
¡°Alright. How long must we hold off the Elves?¡±
Daniel had already used up his [A Hero¡¯s Rage]. And the passive effects of his other [Hero] Skill¡ª [The Will Of The Hero]¡ª couldn¡¯t be used alongside the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil. So it was only useful for its one-off temporary protective aura when it was activated for the first time.
All that remained was his [Hero¡¯s sh]. While it was useful, it was far weaker than his Temporary Skills like his [Heroic Champion¡¯s sh].
So even with the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil, up against three Elves who had already undergone their ss advancement, while being over 20 levels above him, he didn¡¯t think he could survive for long. Especially if the other two Elves had Grand Skills of their own.
The [Hero] shook his head, resolving himself nheless. He continued to chew through the rubbery texture of the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil as Ivonne Vigil craned her neck back to face him.
¡°Worry not, Daniel Song. It should not take long. But before I begin, I have a question for you.¡±
¡°Now is not the time, Ivonne.¡±
The young man from Earth said as he narrowed his eyes. But she ignored him. All she did was continue looking at him curiously.
¡°You told me that you wish to return back to your home, do you not?¡±
She asked in a soft voice. Daniel shook his head.
¡°I do not wish to go back. But I must. I have to.¡±
He replied simply as he took another bite from the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil. He was halfway finished with it now, and he began to feel its power coursing through him.
¡°But do you not prefer your new life?¡±
Ivonne asked, tilting her head at him.
¡°Do you not love the life you have made here in the Nexeus?¡±
And that made the [Hero] from Earth pause. He closed his eyes as her words echoed in his mind. For a moment, he remembered everything he had gone through here in this world.
He remembered being summoned for the first time. He recalled how he felt when he thought he was truly respected by the people of the Elutra Kingdom¡ª the sheer confidence of being loved and admired he had never experienced in his previous life.
And then he remembered everything that came after. Both the good and the bad. From being discovered he had been lied to, to drunkenly wasting his days away in a bar. Then he thought of his first encounter with Salvos¡ª the memories he spent with her.
Not just her. But the moments he shared with Edithe. Amanda. And even Kacey.
All these moments flooded back to him as he raised his head. And he met Ivonne¡¯s gaze.
¡°I do.¡±
He whispered, and the [Trader] quirked a brow.
¡°So why not just remain in this world? Why not just keep to your new life?¡±
And Daniel closed his eyes. This time, he didn¡¯t think about everything he had been through here in the Nexeus. Instead, he recalled his time back on Earth.
It was miserable. Far more miserable than the time he spent here. Because he had felt so worthless. Like his life had no meaning. He would simply waste away in his room as time passed like it didn¡¯t matter.
But then he recalled a girl. Her name was Emily. She had long brown hair, and she had beautiful brown eyes. Some would say that she looked rather in¡ª that she was just the average girl. However, to Daniel, she was the kindest, most sweet and beautiful girl in the world.
She was someone who believed in him. Someone who always encouraged him to be better. Someone who gave him a chance. And someone who died in an ident, risking her life to save another.
And that was not the only light he saw back from Earth. He thought of his parents. He thought of all those who loved him. Then he raised his head as he opened his eyes.
¡°I want to stay, Ivonne. I do not want to go back. But I cannot just pretend my past life didn¡¯t exist.¡±
The [Hero] from Earth took a final bite from the rubbery fruit before tossing its spindly core aside. He turned around and drew the Sword of Alexander. He was ovee by its Temporary Skills as he felt a surge of strength from the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil wash over him.
¡°If I wish to truly be a [Hero], then I cannot abandon my responsibility and duty to those I love back on Earth.¡±
He paused as he saw Emily¡¯s smiling face for a moment.
¡°...even if they¡¯re gone.¡±
Daniel said thest part quietly to himself. And for a moment, Ivonne Vigil just stared at him, the expression on her face shifting, but still unreadable to him. Finally, she nodded as she turned away and faced the doorway.
¡°I understand.¡±
And without saying another word, she brought a hand forward, cing it on the magic circle protecting the door. Daniel watched as the spell flickered, then turned. It moved clockwise¡ª like it was a lock being picked open.
Then the [Hero] looked towards the front of the Fallen City of the Stars and out towards the cliff edge in the distance. He narrowed his eyes as he saw a thin mist begin to rise up to cover the gray rock ground. He saw shadows moving there, and he heard a thunderous crack.
¡°They¡¯re here.¡±
Daniel stepped forward as he nced back towards Kacey. She had finished her own Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil too. But she was far too low-leveled to help, even with its aid.
¡°Stay back.¡±
¡°I can help. Please.¡±
The [Crusader] spoke insistently as she drew her weapons. Daniel¡¯s eyes flickered back to her for a moment, then he saw a looming shadow move through the mist, followed by two smaller figures.
¡°Fine.¡±
Daniel relented as the towering shadowed figure began to morph, shrinking in size back to the shape of an Elf right as it reached the edge of the mist.
¡°But you can only jump in when it looks like I¡¯m in trouble, alright?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Kacey nodded as she took a step back, and Daniel watched the three Elves emerge from the mist. There they were. All three of them. Tiny in stature¡ª almost unintimidating. Nothing like the elegant elves the young man saw in movies back in Earth.
But they were terrifyingly strong. Even more dangerous than most of the highest-leveled Elites in the Human Lands.
[Druid - Lvl. 174]
[Warrior - Lvl. 169]
[Archer - Lvl. 176]
Daniel sucked in a deep breath as he marched forward to meet them at the gates of the castle. Was this even a battle he could survive? He didn¡¯t know. But he knew he had to fight. He knew he had no other choice.
Because he had to survive. He had to go back to his world. So he couldn¡¯t die here.
The [Hero] didn¡¯t hesitate as he came to a halt right before the three Elves. He only nced back once to see Ivonne¡¯s progress. Whatever magic lock had been ced on that doorway must have been strong. It looked like it still had a little bit longer to open.
¡°So you have given up on running, [Hero] of the Human Lands?¡±
Kali¡¯natha spoke mockingly as he raised the Sword of Alexander.
¡°I gave up on running away years ago, Elf.¡±
¡°How brave. But that bravery shall be your undoing.¡±
Sheughed, then raised her bow. In an instant, she unleashed a volley of arrows his way. But Daniel didn¡¯t even bother to dodge. He just charged forward, tanking the shots as an iridescent aura seemed to ripple over his body, protecting him from the attack.
It was a Temporary Skill given to him by the Sword of Alexander. A [Heroic Aura of Protection]. It was more powerful than even an [Aura of Greater Protection], although less so than a [Superior Aura of Greater Protection]. But it didn¡¯t offer a passive aura of protection unlike most protective aura artifacts.
It had to be activated, and it could onlyst for half an hour at most beforeing to an end. It was not ideal to use in a battlefield, but for a duel like this, it was enough to protect the [Hero] until it was broken from the umted attacks.
So Daniel tanked the onught of long-ranged attacks from the [Mystic Huntress]. She rapidly backed away, but he was able to keep up with her speed. Before he could reach her, the [Druid] moved.
Daniel blinked as roots sprouted out of the ground, intercepting him. He tried to cut his way through at first. The Sword of Alexander able to even slice apart a city¡¯s wall. But the roots kept growing, faster and faster until it rose up like a small rainforest.
¡°[A Hundred Quick Strikes]!¡±
With a shout, Daniel tore through the forest, only to be met with the bulky Elven [Warrior] grinning before him, a giant warhammer raised in the air. The [Hero] blinked as the warhammer grew in size tenfold.
And the [Warrior] swung down as a crimson aura overcame the weapon. Daniel was sent flying back, protected only by the [Heroic Aura of Protection].
He crashed into the walls of the city. But the ck and purple stone didn¡¯t budge. It didn¡¯t even crack. He copsed to the ground as he gritted his teeth, looking back up at the trio of Elves before him. They wereughing.
Even though Daniel had been empowered by the Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil and the Sword of Alexander, they were stillughing at him. Because their teamwork was impable. Because they knew they were going to win. And Daniel knew he was going to lose.
Still, the [Hero] rose back to his feet. He charged at them as they surrounded him. As they assailed him from all sides. He didn¡¯t give up. He fought back, deflecting the oing arrows and dispelling the ensnaring magic.
Even if he knew he was outmatched, he didn¡¯t falter. He traded blows with the [Warrior]. He broke the [Druid]¡¯s staff. And he evennded a deep sh across Kali¡¯natha¡¯s chest.
She screamed as she leapt back away from him, and he moved to finish her off. But before he could get close, she was pulled away by the [Druid]¡¯s roots. Daniel gritted his teeth and the Sword of Alexander shimmered with an iridescent light. He screamed and swung up towards her, even from a distance, and a pir of light sted out straight at her.
¡°[Heroic Champion¡¯s sh]!¡±
However, the [Warrior] stepped in front of him as a white aura shed.
¡°[Like A Mountain, I Will Never Fall]!¡±
The [Warrior] bellowed, and he tanked the full force of the attack, even as his skin seemed to burn. Daniel stared at that disy of might in shock for a moment.
¡°That was a Grand¡ª¡±
And Kali¡¯natha loosed a piercing arrow straight at the [Hero]. There was a flicker of light when it struck him, before an explosion sent him flying back. The [Heroic Aura of Protection] shattered as he skidded back through the gates of the city.
He was bleeding as he tried to get back to his feet. And [Druid] pointed at him, spraying a st of acid his way. Daniel blinked, and Kacey screamed.
¡°Daniel!¡±
She ran forward and raised her shield.
¡°[The Valkyrie¡¯s Protection]!¡±
The shield shed with a protective aura. But the acid still melted through it, dripped onto the [Crusader]¡¯s skin. She screamed as she stumbled back, her left arm melting away.
¡°Kacey¡ª¡±
Daniel gritted his teeth and forced himself up as she dropped on one knee with wide eyes. The [Warrior] loomed over her, swinging down with the warhammer. But Daniel blocked the attack. He kicked the [Warrior] back as he nced down at Kacey''s injured state, then looked back up to Ivonne.
¡°How much longer?¡±
He shouted as he saw the magic circle over the doorway shifting. The aloof [Trader] nced back fractionally, and she ignored his question.
¡°I never realized how much of a fool I was until I met you, Daniel Song.¡±
¡°What¡?¡±
Daniel blinked at her response, then gritted his teeth as he looked back up at the three Elves. The [Warrior] picked himself up as the other twonded next to him, and they made their way through the gates of the castle.
Kali¡¯natha raised her bow as an arrow zing with powerful magic was aimed at the [Hero]. He took a wide stance, bracing for it. And she loosed it his way.
¡°[Blossoming Deathstrike].¡±
She whispered, and the arrow shot forward. Daniel raised the Sword of Alexander to block it, but the arrow suddenly swerved to the side. His eyes went wide as the attack paved a crooked path towards him, before shooting straight for his heart.
¡°[The Will Of The Hero].¡±
Daniel screamed just in time for a sh of white light to ovee him. It deflected the oing arrow, saving him from his death. He stumbled back as he could barely stand. And the three Elves drew closer.
He nced back once more, shouting at the [Trader].
¡°Ivonne!¡±
¡°You die here, [Hero].¡±
Kali¡¯natha snarled as she nocked another arrow on her bow. And there was a click.
The magic circle stopped spinning. The intricate design in its center began to unfurl. Ivonne took a step to the side and faced the courtyard.
¡°It is done.¡±
She said, then the double doors swung open as a powerful st of wind exploded out. Daniel, Kacey, and the three Elves were sent flying back as the strong gust knocked them all off their feet.
Daniel caught Kacey, then grabbed hold of the gates as the gust of wind continued blowing for a moment. The [Druid] conjured up some roots to catch himself and the other Elves from falling off the cliff. The wind gushed out for a moment longer. Until, finally, it dissipated.
And Daniel copsed to the ground, clutching onto Kacey as he panted.
¡°What was that?¡±
He asked as he looked up, trying to regain his bearings. His head spun, and his vision was in a daze. But he quickly pinpointed where Ivonne stood when he heard her voice.
¡°To think it would take a [Hero] from another world to help me see the error of my ways.¡±
The [Trader] spoke simply as she stood before the open double doors. Behind her, Daniel caught a glimpse of several glinting objects amongst a mountain of gold. But he barely paid attention to any of that.
Instead, his gaze focused on Ivonne as she raised a crystal vial in her hand.
¡°But you are correct¡ª that I have a duty to my past life.¡±
She spoke to no one in particr, uncorking the vial. She ced it against her lips as the Elves gathered themselves and returned to the courtyard.
¡°You¡ª¡±
Kali¡¯natha narrowed her eyes as she raised her bow. But Ivonne ignored the Elves, continuing on.
¡°To those that I love. To those that love me.¡±
And she closed her eyes. Daniel blinked, seeing her lips move as she whispered something to herself. But even though he couldn¡¯t hear her. He knew what she said.
¡°Even if they are already gone.¡±
With that, she took a sip from the vial. And her body began to change. The Elves paused, watching as Ivonne¡¯s skin rippled. Her face shifted. Her long hair began to change color, turning white, and growing shorter.
She stepped forward, walking as she grew taller. As her clothes no longer fit her body. As scars began to form on her skin.
¡°What is going on?¡±
The [Warrior] asked in confusion, and the [Druid] whispered.
¡°That was a Potion of True Transformation¡¡±
Daniel looked up with round eyes, realizing what was going on. He stared at Ivonne Vigil¡ª and realized she was Ivonne Vigil no more. Instead, she¡ no, he was now someone else.
¡°Who are you?¡±
Kali¡¯natha asked as the strange white-haired man that was once Ivonne Vigil came to a halt before the three Elves. He nced at Daniel once, then looked back towards them with the same strange smile on his face.
¡°I go by many names.¡±
He replied simply as he continued to stride forward fearlessly. The Elves backed away, hearing him speak, their eyes growing wide in fear¡ª in realization of who this was.
¡°Some have called me the Light in the Dark. Others have called me the Strongest of the Human Lands. More recently, they call me the Watcher.¡±
Kali¡¯natha¡¯s clenched a fist when she heard him say that. Daniel gaped as he nearly dropped the Sword of Alexander. Even Kacey, as injured as she was, seemed to look up from where shey in disbelief.
¡°And while perhaps it was an appropriate name for thest few decades, I have decided today that I shall watch no longer. So now, you may call me Yves Virgil the E¡ª¡±
And Kali¡¯natha moved, instantly loosing a zing arrow at the man. But he simply caught it right before it reached his chest. Its mes instantly snuffed out.
Yves sighed as he looked down at the arrow, then snapped it in half.
¡°The Elfyer.¡±
[Warrior - Lvl. 194]
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 650: Goat
Chapter 650: Goat
650. Goat
***
¡°[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].¡±
Daniel saw the wisping iridescent kes coating the Watcher¡¯s body. It was the telltale sign of a Divine Essence¡ª a power so rare that most of Humankind, and all the other Species in Nexeus.. But that wasn¡¯t what the [Hero] from Earth¡¯s attention was focused on.
It was the name of the Grand Skill that made him pause. He stared at the aura of invulnerability protecting Yves Virgil. And Daniel wasn¡¯t sure if he could even believe his eyes. After all, it was quite literally Salvos¡¯ Grand Skill.
Well, that was one way to put it. Obviously, it wasn¡¯t a Grand Skill that was unique to Salvos, so it shouldn¡¯t be all too surprising for someone else to have it. However, knowing its abilities, Daniel knew¡ª this battle was as good as over.
¡°Four¡ Grand Skills?¡±
Kali¡¯natha whispered as she backed away from the Elfyer. Her legs were trembling, and she nearly dropped her shortsword. Yves justughed as he strode forward without a care in the world.
¡°Four isn¡¯t a lot. I would have had five right now if I didn¡¯t learn that having too many would cause a little bit of a problem when you reach Level 200.¡±Even Daniel was taken aback by what Yves had said. Kali¡¯natha¡¯s eyes snapped wide open for a moment, before she ground her teeth together and took a step forward.
¡°Enough of your taunting¡ª we¡¯ll kill you!¡±
She charged at the Elfyer as Daniel watched. Her only remaining ally¡ª the transformed [Druid]¡ª looked on for a moment, before his body began to shift once more. Yves narrowed his eyes, barely paying attention to Kali¡¯natha even as she reached him.
He stood there unflinchingly, looking past her as she unleashed an onught of deadly straights at him. But his aura of invulnerability protected him. They sparked out and blocked her attacks. And he simply watched the [Druid] transform into arge goat with six horns.
Daniel narrowed his eyes at that. He wondered what the [Druid]¡¯s n was with that form. It was an [Oxgoat]. Not really a dangerous monster by any means, but high-leveled and known for its speed.
Kali¡¯natha stumbled back as her assault on the Elfyer failed. She turned around, looking for help from the [Druid].
¡°¡¯di, what are you¡ª¡±
And the [Druid] sprinted out the gates of the Fallen City of the Stars. Daniel blinked, watching as the goat-like creature blurred, moving faster than he could see.
Kali¡¯natha paused when she realized what was going on.
¡°Coward!¡±
She shouted after her fleeing teammate. Yves looked at her, then turned towards the empty gates. He sighed.
¡°It¡¯s toote to run away.¡±
Kali¡¯natha nced at him, hearing what he whispered. And he took a step forward, before he swatted her to the side. She screamed as she was sent flying into the walls of the city. Daniel recoiled, and the ck brickstone cracked from the force of her crash.
The [Hero] looked at her crumpled figure¡ª she was writhing on the ground in pain. Then he looked back up, and Yves was gone. Daniel frowneed, before hearing a yelp from outside of the Fallen City of the Stars. He watched as a figure was thrown over the walls and into the courtyard.
The [Druid]¡¯s [Oxgoat] figurended with a heavy thud, and Yves strode casually back into the courtyard, dusting his hands off.
¡°Bad. No running away. I told you, I might have spared one of you if you had tried to run immediately. But you misread your predicament. So you all have to pay for your poor judgment. It¡¯s called collective punishment¡ª and it¡¯s a good thing.¡±
Yves shook his head like a disappointed teacher, still wearing a small smirk on his face. But the [Druid] didn¡¯t care. His body began to misshapen once more, this time shrinking even more in size into that of a bat-like creature¡ª an [Esos Vurat], an evolved version of a [Vurat]. He started to fly into the air, trying to escape from the back of the Fallen City of the Stars.
And the Elfyer stared for a moment, the smile vanishing from his lips. He looked down at his feet and picked up a pebble.
¡°Just trying to escape, huh? You¡¯re really no fun.¡±
Yves muttered under his breath, aiming for the flying [Esos Vurat]. Then he flicked the pebble out. It shot forward like a railgun¡ª it kicked up a plume of dust in the courtyard. Daniel flinched as he saw the pebble st through the air.
And it struck the [Druid] in an instant, shredding his bat-like body apart. The sheer impact of the pebble striking himpletely ripped apart his wings and left a gaping hope in his chest. His body reshaped back into that of an Elf, and he dropped from the sky, dead.
Daniel stared for a moment, pure disbelief in his eyes. He tried to register the fact that all it took was a single pebble to kill an Elite Elf that the [Hero] struggled to fight even with the Sword of Alexander and a Fruit of Y¡¯gdrazil.
Yves didn¡¯t seem to care much about what he just did, instead striding casually up towards the copsed Kali¡¯natha.
¡°What about you? Are you still alive?¡±
He asked as he came to a halt before her. In response, she threw her shortsword at him. The Watcher didn¡¯t even dodge. He let the de strike his aura of invulnerability, before he knelt down next to her.
¡°So what am I going to do about you? Do I give you a quick death? Do I give you a slow death? Or do I interrogate you for information?¡±
Yves ced a hand on his chin. Hearing that, Daniel pursed his lips. He was tempted to get back up and stop the Elfyer from carrying out any unnecessary torture.
But Yves continued to wonder aloud to himself.
¡°Although¡ I don¡¯t really have any questions I¡¯m dying to you, either.¡±
¡°You may take pleasure in your victory here, Elfyer.¡±
Kali¡¯natha snarled at him, raising her head weakly. Her body was bloodied and bruised. Her bones were clearly broken from being thrown into the walls of the Fallen City of Stars. But still, she red defiantly at the Elfyer.
¡°But just so you know, you will not win the war.¡±
¡°Oh?¡±
Yves gave her an amused look. He ced his hands on his cheeks, eyeing her curiously.
¡°Do tell.¡±
He pressed her to borate. And Kali¡¯nathaughed where shey.
¡°You truly do not understand, do you? Even with your return, and even with your [Hero], it matters not. You may have a hundred Fruits of Y¡¯gdrazil¡ª you may even have the Treasures of Alexander on your side¡ª but the oue remains the same. After all¡¡±
Her body twitched. She raised an army and steadied herself against the wall. She tried to force herself to her feet.
¡°Dominion As¡¯triel is far stronger than even you.¡±
¡°Is she, now?¡±
The Elfyer quirked a brow curiously. Kali¡¯natha sneered at him as she stood on wobbly legs. She spread her arms wide,ughing maniacally.
¡°That is right. She has ascended to a level even you cannotprehend. She has reached the final ss advancement¡ª one that even you have yet to reach! The first in a thousand years to ovee that barrier of mortality! She has reached Level¡ 200.¡±
That made Yves visibly react. His eyes flickered, and Daniel¡¯s jaw dropped. The [Hero] couldn¡¯t believe his ears. And Kali¡¯natha gloated, seeing their shocked reactions.
¡°You do not stand a chance of victory. IIf she were here right now, you would be squashed under the palm of her hand like the bug you are¡ª¡±
¡°Nah.¡±
Yves cut her off, thrusting out his right hand straight into Kali¡¯natha¡¯s chest. She didn¡¯t even have time to flinch as his fingers pierced straight through her heart. He drew back, and she copsed to the ground lifelessly.
¡°I¡¯d win.¡±
The Elfyer casually spoke as he cleaned off his bloodied hand. Daniel stared wide-eyed for a moment, processing the fact that it was finally over. Their pursuers were all dead. Yves turned around to face the [Hero].
¡°You alright?¡±
Those words broke Daniel out of his stupor. He slowly rose to his feet as he nodded.
¡°I¡¯m fine. But¡¡±
The [Hero] looked down at the woman lying at his feet. The injured [Crusader] who tried to save him.
¡°Kacey is¡ª¡±
¡°Here.¡±
Yves tapped a ring on his finger, and there was a sh of light. A potion appeared in Daniel¡¯s hand as the white-haired man exined.
¡°That¡¯s a Potion of Regeneration¡ª it¡¯ll help her survive.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Daniel quickly poured it down Kacey¡¯s mouth. Her wounds began to knit shut, and he took a sip from the potion as well. He wiped his mouth as he began to recover.
¡°You guys are really making me burn through Ivonne¡¯s stock.¡±
Yvesmented as he ced his hands on his hips. He nced back towards the castle, eyeing the open double doorway. There was a mountain of gold and artifacts just lying there, filling a vast circr chamber.
¡°Luckily, I have my own treasure trove locked up here in the Fallen City of the Stars. Although¡ I won¡¯t be so generous with those.¡±
¡°...right.¡±
Daniel lowered the Potion of Regeneration as he stared at the white-haired man. It was almost difficult for the [Hero] toprehend. One moment, Ivonne Vigil had been standing there. And the next, she was now the Watcher. The Elfyer. The highest-leveled [Warrior] in all the Human Lands. The very same one who had disappeared for decades.
There were so many questions racing through Daniel¡¯s mind right now, but he only asked one of them.
¡°So what happens now?¡±
Daniel asked as he swept his gaze over the Fallen City of the Stars. Yves chuckled, waving a hand dismissively.
¡°What happens now? Isn¡¯t it quite obvious?¡±
The Watcher held out two fingers.
¡°Two main things need to be done. First of all, I need to uphold the promise I made to you as Ivonne and restore that broken sword of yours.¡±
Daniel blinked, almost forgetting about the deal he made regarding the Primordial Longsword. And Yves continued, shaking his head.
¡°Secondly, the Human Lands are in desperate need of a hero right about now. The world is undergoing drastic changes. Many powerful yers are nning and scheming, and Humankind needs someone to save them. Not just from the invading Elves, but also to help them repel the Demon King.¡±
Here he was, Yves Virgil, the Watcher, the Elfyer, the Light in the Dark, and the Strongest of the Human Lands. He went by many names, and there was much mystery shrouding his history. But when he was needed the most, he had finally made his return. To save all of Humankind.
¡°That is why I have decided¡ª¡±
Daniel watched the white-haired man in awe and admiration. And Yves continued with a grin, bringing his thumb to his chest.
¡°I¡¯m going to be taking you in as my apprentice.¡±
And that made Daniel pause.
¡°Wait, what?¡±
For a moment, the [Hero] from Earth paused to process what was just said. Then he worked his jaw.
¡°But¡ why?¡±
Yves just waved his hands dismissively as he replied.
¡°So you can save the Human Lands for me, of course.¡±
¡°...what?¡±
Daniel stared, still in utter disbelief. Yves Virgil strode back and headed for the open doors of the castle.
¡°Now,e on. Stop standing around like an idiot. We have much training to do.¡±
And Daniel repeated himself once more.
¡°...what?¡±
Defeated [Archmagus Druid - Lvl. 174]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Warmaster Champion - Lvl. 169]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Defeated [Mystic Huntress - Lvl. 176]!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
ss [Hero Of Demon And Man] Level Up!
[Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 147] -> [Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 148]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Hero Of Demon And Man] Level Up!
[Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 148] -> [Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 149]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Hero Of Demon And Man] Level Up!
[Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 149] -> [Hero Of Demon And Man - Lvl 150]!
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
[ss Advancement Avable]
[Title Avable]
Author''s Notes:
Nah, I''d win.
Chapter 651: Difficult Situation
Chapter 651: Difficult Situation
651. Difficult Situation
***
It was a deal with the Devil if Ultis had ever seen one. Quite literally, too. She had heard rumors that the Enemy of the Demon King was the Devil¡¯s Daughter. Whether that was true? She didn¡¯t know for sure. But she had no choice in the matter in any case.
The only other option was epting a quick and painless death right at that moment. And even the painless part wasn¡¯t guaranteed. So Ultis made a gambit, if it even could be called that. She decided to ept the offer that Salvos¡ª the Enemy of the Demon King¡ª had given.
Now, doing so would very likely result in the death of Ultis, especially when Regnorex found out. If she drew his ire, she would be as good as dead. But perhaps there was a way to avoid drawing his wrath¡
Ultis pursed her lips as the thought crossed her mind. Her gaze focused on Salvos. It was a strange sight to behold. When Ultis had been running from her life, Salvos had been much more terrifying in shape and form.
But right now, Salvos was merely a¡ normal-looking Demon. Like she was some sort of impish [Fiend], even. Ultis never would have thought that this silver-haired girl walking with a skip in her step was actually the one known as the Enemy of the Demon King.
It was the magic of a [Changeling] to take on the form of another. However, Ultis had never seen one transform into such a massive and different creature. It was difficult for her toprehend. And despite the carefree demeanor of Salvos, she seemed all the more terrifying because of her shapeshifting abilities.
After all, it was entirely possible this appearance she had taken on was purely a facade. A ruse to get Ultis to lower her guard. Because of that, Ultis didn¡¯t dare even think about scheming right now.¡°So¡ if you just step in through here, you¡¯ll be safe from their trackers¡ª¡±
Salvos spoke casually, creating a rift in space. She stepped to the side as Ultis stared hesitantly for a moment. Was this a trap? Ultis didn¡¯t know.
¡°And are you sure we¡¯ll be safe there?¡±
Ultis asked apprehensively. Salvos nodded, giving a thumbs-up. She was acting like she hadn¡¯t just ughtered seven other Primeval Demons just moments ago, and she certainly wasn¡¯t acting like she had just been about to kill Ultis.
¡°That¡¯s right. And we¡¯ll be able to talk more, too. So don¡¯t worry too much!¡±
¡°Right¡¡±
Utlis bit her lower lip, shuffling her feet where she stood. She nced back to the only other survivor of her group of Deathsquad Hunters¡ª Aliq¡ª and he didn¡¯t even look up to face her. His gaze was shadowed over, still reeling from the death of his twin.
¡°Aliq, what do you think?¡±
She asked him, but he didn¡¯t respond. All he did was walk past her, nearly knocking her aside as he strode up to the rift. Ultis gritted her teeth, and she watched as he vanished within.
¡°He seems a bit rude. I wonder why he¡¯s in such a bad mood?¡±
Salvos remarked casually, and Ultis had to bite her tongue from snapping back with a retort. It¡¯s because of you¡ª you¡¯re the reason why he¡¯s in a bad mood.
Fortunately, Ultis didn¡¯t vocalize that statement. Instead, she took in a deep breath and walked up to the rift. Salvos smiled and gave a half-bow.
¡°After you.¡±
Ultis steeled herself, before nodding. She didn¡¯t know what awaited her now that she had decided to help the Enemy of the Demon King. But whatever it was¡ she hoped this decision was worth it.
And with that, she stepped through the rift.
***
I led the two remaining members of the Deathsquad Hunters to [The World Of My Mind] to avoid being tracked in the Netherworld. Was it a bad decision? After all, I could be endangering Haec and his friends by doing this. And¡ I also didn¡¯t consult with them either beforehand.
I had done this entirely on a whim when I realized I identally destroyed the Tablet of Tracking while fighting the other Deathsquad Hunters. There was no way to find the Demon King¡¯s Domain without some help. So I threatened¡ª or recruited¡ª both Ultis and Aliq to my cause.
Realistically speaking, they didn¡¯t really care about me or disobeying the Demon King. They were probably loyal to him. Either that, or they only cared about surviving. Both possibilities led to the same results¡ª that they would backstab me at the first opportunity they got.
However, as long as they helped me navigate through the Netherworld, that was all that mattered to me. I just had to find a way to convince Haec that this was a good idea.
I took in a deep breath and stepped into my pocket space right after the two Primeval Demons. The instant I entered, I heard screams and shouts erupting from all around me. I blinked a few times as I saw Ultis copsed on the ground, raising her hands defensively. Aliq stood with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed without backing down.
Before the two of them, Haec was standing tall, a glowing fist raised as he was about to strike them down. Behind him, Bertrugil was backing away nervously, while Taburas and Aem were preparing for battle.
¡°W-wait, we were¡ª¡±
Ultis was stumbling over her words, wide-eyed and in fear. But Haec didn¡¯t care. He took a step forward as he was about to unleash his Skill.
¡°[Wrath¡ª¡±
¡°Alright, everyone¡ª that¡¯s enough!¡±
I called out, pping my hands together. All at once, my pocket space rippled. Ultis and Aliq nced back at me, while Haec stumbled forward as the ground beneath him shifted. The space between him and the two remaining Deathsquad Hunters expanded, separating him from them. His Skill was dispersed, but his fist still struck the ss-like ground of [The World Of My Mind].
There was a loud bang, apanied by a sh of light. However, I was prepared for his attack, and I had reinforced the walls of my pocket space in time. So there was no hint of even a crack left behind.
Haec raised his head as he frowned at me. He nced between me and the two Deathsquad Hunters. Ultis crawled back to her feet, while Aliq just uncrossed his arms.
¡°What is going on, Salvos? Why are they here? We were supposed to kill them all.¡±
Haec asked as he rubbed his fist. I raised my hands catingly.
¡°Yep. That was my n at first. But¡ I ran into a little bit of a problem. And now they¡¯re going to be helping us.¡±
I exined, gesturing vaguely at the two Deathsqsuad Hunters. They turned to me and nodded. But Haec didn¡¯t look too enthused. His brows snapped together when he heard what I said.
¡°Helping us? Why do we need their help? The only way they can help us is if we kill them¡ª at least we¡¯ll be getting some levels if we do that.¡±
Haec shook his head, and I pursed my lips. Ultis paled when she heard that. She turned to me with round eyes, so I tried to give her a reassuring nod. Unfortunately for me, mypanion wasn¡¯t the only one who was against this idea.
¡°Wait, you¡¯re recruiting the Deathsquad Hunters to help us? That¡¯s crazy¡ª they¡¯re the ones who are trying to kill us!¡±
Bertrugil protested first. And he wasn¡¯t the only one. Taburas narrowed her eyes at me as she lowered her wed hands.
¡°All it takes is a single moment where we let our guards down, and we¡¯re dead. Maybe you don¡¯t feel threatened by them. But we certainly do.¡±
Taburas faced me as she spoke begrudgingly. I waved a hand dismissively, trying to ease their concerns.
¡°It¡¯ll be fine! They¡¯re not stupid. They don¡¯t want to die. And I¡¯ll have my clones watching them the entire time too. So rx, alright?¡±
¡°But why do we even need their help?¡±
Haec asked as he strode forward towards me. Ultis backed away as he got close, but Aliq didn¡¯t budge. Mypanion continued to press me.
¡°We set up that trap to kill them and steal their Tablet of Tracking. We don¡¯t need their help for anything.¡±
¡°Well¡ that¡¯s the thing.¡±
I scratched the back of my head, and Haec furrowed his brows. I nced between him and the two Deathsquad Hunters. And then I sighed.
¡°I kind of destroyed the Tablet of Tracking by ident?¡±
I admitted in a small voice. Haec blinked a few times, and Bertrugil smacked his forehead. Taburas¡¯ eyes flickered, while Aem just looked confused. I gesticted wildly, trying to defend myself.
¡°Look, I didn¡¯t expect their tracker to be one of their highest-leveled¡ª¡±
¡°Salvos.¡±
Haec cut me off mid-sentence. I paused, and he met my gaze. He spoke in a serious voice, gesturing for me to step to the side, away from Ultis and Aliq.
¡°We need to talk in private.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 652: Requisites and Reputation
Chapter 652: Requisites and Reputation
652. Requisites and Reputation
***
I created a room in [The World Of My Mind], then forced Ultis and Aliq to wait in there. I also summoned some clones for an extrayer of security to watch over them. Then I created another room to speak with Haec in private.
As soon as we entered the room, he turned to me and faced me with a serious look.
¡°We can¡¯t do this, Salvos.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
I blinked back at mypanion. He sighed, gesturing vaguely in the direction of the room the Deathsquad Hunters were kept in for now.
¡°I know you weren¡¯t raised in the Demon King¡¯s Domain, so I understand why you think you can trust them. And, perhaps, if they were any ordinary Demon working for Regnorex, we could give them a chance. But you must understand, Salvos. These aren¡¯t ordinary Demons by any means. They are the Deathsquad Hunters.¡±
¡°I mean, I knew that.¡±I replied with a shrug. But Haec shook his head.
¡°Yes, you know that they¡¯re the Deathsquad Hunters. However, you don¡¯t know of their reputation. You don¡¯t know what the requirements are for them to even be a Deathsquad Hunter.¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld closed his eyes. He took in a deep breath as I eyed him quizzically.
¡°Um, what are they?¡±
I asked curiously, and Haec began to exin.
¡°Out of the entirety of his kingdom, Regnorex onlymands a thousand Primeval Demons. A thousand of them, out of tens of millions of Demons under his rule. That is not a lot, Salvos. That means each Primeval Demon has to be a valuable resource to him.¡±
¡°Right, you told me this before.¡±
I scratched the back of my head. But mypanion just continued.
¡°And yet, the Deathsquad Huntersprise a quarter of those Primeval Demons. There are over two hundred of them, Salvos. Don¡¯t you think that is a waste¡ª for such a simple job like hunting down defecting Demons? Shouldn¡¯t an army of Archdemons be better suited for that?¡±
Haec spoke in a low voice, his gaze growing dark. I tilted my head to the side.
¡°I guess so? But I still don¡¯t understand why working with Aliq and Ultis is a bad thing¡ª especially if they¡¯re just going to help us find our way to the Demon King¡¯s Domain.¡±
¡°Because they are the worst of the worst, Salvos. Many of them were former enemies of Regnorex, however they defected over to his side when they realized they couldn¡¯t win. They are traitors through and through. They will backstab you at any chance they can get.¡±
I listened as Haec exined. I frowned, cing a hand on my chin.
¡°Why would Regnorex make his former enemies his Deathsquad Hunters? Shouldn¡¯t he be worried that they¡¯re going to betray him too?¡±
¡°That¡¯s exactly why he makes them his Deathsquad Hunters. So he can carefully oversee everything they do. They cannot betray him if he knows their exact locations at all times¡ª if they are never allowed to interact with any other Demon, and if they are never clustered in more than groups of twenty. It would be suicide unless they all decided to challenge him at the same time¡ª which is never going to happen. And even then, the chances of their sess is very much improbable.¡±
Haec shook his head, before ncing back in the direction where Aliq and Ultis were being kept. He couldn¡¯t see them, however I could see the disdain on his face. I thought about what he said for a moment.
Certainly, he was right in that I knew nothing about how things operated in the Demon King¡¯s Domain. Haec had been the Heir of the Netherworld at one point. So he was far more knowledgeable in this matter than me.
I shook my head as I took a step forward. That drew his attention back to me.
¡°Haec, you¡¯re mypanion, and I do trust you. But if we don¡¯t ept their help, then what do we do? What can we even do?¡±
I asked him, holding his gaze. Haec paused and pursed his lips.
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
¡°Also, you said it was some of them, but it¡¯s not all of them, right?¡±
I cut him off as I posed the second question to him. He shuffled his feet where he stood, then he closed his eyes.
¡°But they are dangerous. Look at their levels, Salvos. All it takes is one short moment where you or I have our backs turned. They can kill Taburas¡ª Bertrugil. Even Aem. All three of them could be ughtered, before we can react. We can¡¯t take that risk.¡±
¡°Then what do we do?¡±
I asked as I crossed my arms across my chest. Haec bit his lower lip, unable to give him a response. I gestured vaguely past him.
¡°Regnorex is going to invade the Mortal Realm by the end of Salvation¡ª that¡¯s what you told me. If that happens, then all my friends are going to die. Not just that, but you won¡¯t be able to rescue anyone from the Demon King.¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ true.¡±
Haec nodded as I sighed.
¡°It¡¯s either we guarantee losing everything, or we take a risk here and trust these Deathsquad Hunters to lead us to the Demon King¡¯s Domain. Haec¡¡±
I looked mypanion up and down, before shaking my head.
¡°I understand that you don¡¯t trust them. But weren¡¯t you the one who tried to befriend a [Hellreaper] that was attacking you? I feel like¡ your distrust might be motivated by your new sin.¡±
I wasn¡¯t sure if I was making too much of a reach there with that assumption. However, Haec nodded with me.
¡°I am not going to im that¡¯s¡ out of the question. Perhaps my judgment is clouded by my changing essence. However¡ª¡±
Haec raised his head and met my gaze.
¡°I still feel uneasy about this, Salvos. Am I wrong to feel this way?¡±
¡°I understand that.¡±
I gave him a reassuring look. I took a step forward and ced a hand on Haec¡¯s shoulder. He looked up at me, and I smiled at him.
¡°You aren¡¯t wrong to feel that way, Haec. And even if you are different now because of your evolution, you¡¯re still mypanion. I still trust you. So if you really insist that we should just throw these Deathsquad Hunters into the Mortal Realm or whatever to get rid of them¡ then I will listen to you. But you must consider the consequences of that too.¡±
Haec closed his eyes when he heard that. He stood there in silence for a long moment, and I waited for what he had to say. If he truly didn¡¯t want to work with Aliq and Ultis, I couldn¡¯t just kill them, since I promised I would spare them.
So the only other option was to leave them somewhere they couldn¡¯t harm us. Perhaps the Spirit ne would be a better ce than the Mortal Realm. However, the point was that I couldn¡¯t kill them. So this would be quite the annoying hassle for me if Haec refused to cooperate.
But fortunately for me, mypanion opened his eyes and acquiesced.
¡°Fine.¡±
He said as I sighed in relief. Haec looked up at me and spoke through gritted teeth.
¡°I still don¡¯t trust them. But we have no other choice right now. If we had more time¡ but we don¡¯t.¡±
¡°Yep.¡±
I nodded back at mypanion. I stepped forward, before snapping my fingers. I created even more clones and sent them out of the room.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll ensure that my clones keep an eye on them at all times.¡±
And Haec nodded back at me.
¡°Right.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 653: The Same Man
Chapter 653: The Same Man
653. The Same Man
***
Taburas eyed the mirror-like room where the Deathsquad Hunters were being held captive. A Salvos clone was standing guard at the doorway with her arms crossed. But even then, the [Subus] didn¡¯t feel at ease.
She didn¡¯t like how she was in such close proximity to a pair of Primeval Demons who were quite literally after her life. So she hoped that Haec would be able to speak some sense into Salvos. Unfortunately, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.
Taburas watched as both Salvos and Haec emerged back into the main room of the pocket space. Judging by the look on the former Heir of the Netherworld¡¯s face, it was apparently evident what had transpired during their private conversation. Once again, Haec was going to be folding to Salvos.
¡°Of course¡¡±
Taburas gritted her teeth as she walked up to Haec. Bertrugil and Aem joined her side, and they all looked between Haec and Salvos.
¡°So, what¡¯s the n?¡±
Aem asked casually. Haec nodded as he gestured at Salvos.¡°I spoke it over with Salvos, and we decided that this is the best course of action for now. We need to find our way to the Demon King¡¯s Domain before it¡¯s toote.¡±
Bertrugil protested as soon as he heard that.
¡°You can¡¯t be serious? We¡¯re going to fucking die if we¡ª¡±
But Taburas just muted out their conversation. She lowered her head, feeling a strong sense of¡ disappointment. Her heart ached as she eyed Haec from the side. It almost hurt her, seeing him like this.
He was nothing like the man she used to know and follow. It was almost like he was just deferring everything to Salvos. And it really upsetted Taburas. Because this was not who she admired.
Haec was supposed to be a leader. He was supposed to be a protector. He had be the Heir of the Netherworld, even if he had been defiant to the Demon King. It was a sight to see for Taburas back then.
That was why the fealty and loyalty Haec was showing to Salvos was infuriating. Taburas closed her eyes, before turning around.
¡°If we want to stop Regnorex, we have to do this¡ª¡±
Haec started, then paused when he saw the [Subus] walking away. He blinked as she ignored him and came to a halt by the edge of the pocket space. He stared at her back for a moment, but he didn¡¯t say a word.
¡°What is she doing¡?¡±
Taburas could hear Salvos say from a distance.
¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±
Came Haec¡¯s reply. Taburas gritted her teeth, hearing the way Haec was acting still so subservient to Salvos. His footsteps approached her from behind, but she refused to turn around.
He came to a halt behind her and asked.
¡°Taburas¡ what¡¯s wrong?¡±
The [Subus] gritted her teeth in response. There were many things she wanted to say. However, she calmed herself. She slowed her breath, before she opened her eyes. She stared into the whitendscape of the Netherworld. It was peaceful and calm. A sight unlike anything she had seen before.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
She repeated Haec¡¯s question. And slowly, she turned to face him.
¡°What¡¯s wrong is¡ all of this.¡±
Taburas spoke as she gestured around the pocket space. But then her gaze fixed on him, and she gritted her teeth.
¡°What¡¯s wrong is you.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
Haec asked with narrowed eyes. She gritted her teeth. It was frustrating to her. However, she knew that nothing she said really mattered. All that mattered to Haec now was Salvos.
¡°Taburas, you¡¯ve been acting really weird for a while now. I need you to exin what is going on to me. If it¡¯s about Salvos again¡ª¡±
¡°It¡¯s not about her. It¡¯s about you.¡±
Taburas repeated herself, speaking through clenched teeth. Haec blinked a few times as she shook her head.
¡°Everything you¡¯re doing¡ª it¡¯s all for her. You just want to help her. You don¡¯t care about anyone but her anymore.¡±
And that made Haec pause. He pursed his lips for a moment as Taburas balled her hands into a fist. She didn¡¯t even look towards Salvos. All the [Subus] did was re up to the man she once admired.
¡°I am helping Salvos because she is trying to help us¡¡±
Haec whispered. Taburas ced a hand on her chest.
¡°And how is Salvos trying to help me?¡±
¡°She protected you from the Deathsquad Hunters.¡±
¡°She used me as bait. She used all of us as bait. That¡¯s it. Because she wants to save her Human friends.¡±
Taburas countered, and Haec frowned. He pointed at the cor around her neck.
¡°And yet, you¡¯re still being hunted down because of that. Even before Salvos thought to use you as bait. Or did you think she had a reason to protect you when thest few Deathsquad Hunters attacked us?¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld shook his head. Taburas recalled the brief encounter with Venas, then everything that transpired just after with the Beast. And she scowled as she turned around once again.
¡°No matter what I say, you¡¯re going to defend Salvos. Because she is all you care about.¡±
Taburas nced back once, before marching off. And Haec just watched as she went.
***
I watched as Taburas went off to another corner of my pocket space. I scratched my cheek, turning to Haec as he returned to me.
¡°That didn¡¯t go so well, huh?¡±
I said as he shook his head.
¡°It¡ didn¡¯t. But it¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t matter how she feels.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t she your friend? I feel like it matters quite a lot. I try to talk to my friends when they¡¯re upset with me, y¡¯know?¡±
I crossed my arms across my chest. Haec pressed his lips into a thin line, and I looked towards where Taburas was pouting.
¡°What is she even upset about? I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±
I tried to walk forward, but Haec stopped me. I blinked a few times as he sighed.
¡°I¡¯ll talk with her moreter. But you can¡¯t talk to her because she¡¯s upset about¡¡±
He stared at me, and I raised a brow.
¡°Hm?¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing. Come on, you need to talk to the Deathsquad Hunters¡ª so we can find our way to the Demon King¡¯s Domain.¡±
Haec said as he gestured at the room Ultis and Aliq were confined in. I nodded hesitantly, ncing between Haec and Taburas onest time, before shrugging.
¡°Alright.¡±
***
Ultis wasn¡¯t sure what was going to happen to her. She bit her lower lip apprehensively as the golden clones surrounded her. They were apparitions made of magic¡ª Ultis had seen clone magic before. And normally, they were much weaker than the original. But the fact that these clones had in a few of herrades made her nervous about their strength.
Aliq didn¡¯t seem to be bothered. Or maybe he was. His eyes were closed, and he said not a word. He was likely still reeling over his twin¡¯s death.
Ultis looked up as she saw the door swing open. Salvos stepped into the room, and her clones moved to the side. The two Deathsquad Hunters rose to their feet.
¡°Alright!¡±
Salvos pped her hands together, and Ultis backed up warily.
¡°We have made our decision.¡±
¡°And that is?¡±
Aliq asked simply, not showing a hint of fear. Ultis waited with bated breath. And Salvos smiled.
¡°Unfortunately for you guys¡ª you¡¯re still going to be helping me betray your Demon King!¡±
Salvos replied as she waved a hand dismissively. The two Deathsquad Hunters exchanged a nce, but before they could ask any questions, Salvos snapped her fingers. It was like the ground beneath them vanished.
A portal opened up back into the Netherworld, dropping them from the pocket space. They both screamed, caught by surprise. And then the Salvos clones swooped down and carried them as they blinked.
Salvos descended next to the two of them. Ultis stared with round eyes.
¡°So, this is yourst chance to make a decision. Will you help lead me to the Demon King¡¯s Domain? Or will you¡ get yourself killed?¡±
It was a simple question¡ª one that Salvos asked casually. But it was a threat too. Ultis nced over at Aliq, wondering what he would do now that he had a second chance to fight. And it almost seemed like he was going to throw away his life for no good reason.
He shrugged off the clone holding onto him, and then he hovered in the air just before Salvos herself. She tilted her head expectantly, before he nodded.
¡°I shall show you the way.¡±
He spoke simply. Salvos grinned, then turned to Ultis.
¡°And you?¡±
Ultis blinked, then sputtered.
¡°I-I¡ª of course!¡±
She nodded as she also pushed herself off from the clones. She hovered in the air with her own magic, before Salvos smiled and turned to face the rest of the Netherworld.
¡°Alright¡ª then let¡¯s get going!¡±
And with that, they were off to the Demon King¡¯s Domain.
Author''s Notes:
Sorry for the superte dys, but I have been very demotivatedtely. Will try to pick up the pace.
Chapter 654: A Familiar Figure
Chapter 654: A Familiar Figure
654. A Familiar Figure
***
We flew on to the Demon King¡¯s Domain.
I left [The World Of My Mind] behind with Haec, his friends, and my clones. There was no need for me to wait for them. If we traveled together with the pocket space, our pace would be incredibly slow. Also, I¡¯d be endangering them for no reason if Ultis and Aliq decided to lead me into a trap. Once we arrived at our destination, I could teleport my pocket space over to me, so there wasn¡¯t going to be much of an issue.
So for now, I went alone. I wasn¡¯t worried about either Ultis or Aliq betraying me. I still had my [Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] active. It gave me enough of a power boost to defeat both these Primeval Demons without breaking much of a sweat. Well, actually, I couldn¡¯t say that for certain.
I didn¡¯t know if Ultis had a Grand Skill hidden up her sleeve. So I had to be wary of anything at all times.
That was why I flew on, keeping a small distance behind the two Deathsquad Hunters. Neither of them exchanged a word. They simply navigated their way through the vast terrain of the Netherworld in silence.
We traveled for a while. We passed by very many distinctndmarks. Oddly-shaped mountains and deep valleys. I saw an array of craters that dug into the ground, forming the bed of what was going to be ake of ck once Advent began.
There were dark clouds hanging overhead, blotching the crimson sky ck. Like an inky mist that was streaking across the red canvas. They were still sparsely separated. But it looked like they were moving to gather together in the far distance.And once that happened, that was when it was toote to stop Regnorex. After all, what he wanted to do was sacrifice all of the next generation of Demons to open up a permanent portal to the Mortal Realm.
ording to Haec, that was going to cause a ripple effect that would destabilize the natural cycles of the Netherworld for generations of Demons toe. Not only that, but knowing what I knew about the corruption, I wondered whether this n of Regnorex was going to exacerbate the end of the world.
Either way, all this meant was that I had to stop Regnorex before it was toote. Unfortunately for me, I didn¡¯t really have a n of action as of right now. And I wasn¡¯t sure if I was going to ever have a n. But right now, I focused on what I could do, and went over my updated Status.
Salvos (S?????ece?????ly¡¯s S?????e?????nti???ne?????l???????) (The Devil¡¯s Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 167
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 149
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: Corruption Camouge] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devil¡¯s Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 265 (+50) (+10) (+100)
[Strength]: 260 (+50) (+10) (+100)
[Endurance]: 260 (+50) (+10) (+3) (+100)
[Wisdom]: 415 (+50) (+10) (+50) (+100)
[Agility]: 450 (+50) (+10) (+5) (+100)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Angel¡¯s Wings] - Lvl. 15
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demon¡¯s Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 13
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 15
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 15
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[w of Corruption] - Lvl. 2
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 8]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.10 (Maxed)
[The World of My Mind] - Lvl. 1
[Unused Secondary Skill Slot] x1
I had gained a Grand Skill Point I could spend for a while now, and I had put off what to use it for for quite a while. I had been torn between spending it on [The World Of My Mind] or [w Of Corruption]. But I had finally decided before setting off on my own to expend this Grand Skill Point on thetter.
As of right now, [The World Of My Mind] wasn¡¯t that useful forbat purposes. And right now, if I was going to be going against Regnorex and his entire kingdom, I needed as much firepower as possible. That was why I also spent the rest of my Skill Points on [Divine Strike].
I also spent all of my Stat Points on [Wisdom], giving me a little bit more of an edge with all my magical attacks. And while it wasn¡¯t much, that made me as ready as I could be for what was going to be an incredibly difficult battle to save both the Mortal Realm and the Netherworld¡ª even the Nexeus itself.
It was slightly unnerving, knowing that I was going to be going against the Demon King when I was only a Primeval Demon. I had seen what Belphegor and Sal could do. I had seen the destruction the Beast was capable of wrecking. Even [The Great Agarus]¡ª who was significantly lower-leveled than the other three Primordial Demons¡ª I wasn¡¯t even able to harm it.
And chances were that Regnorex was even stronger than [The Greater Agarus]. Not only that, but he had the full might of his army of tens of millions or hundreds of millions of Demons. Our only hope of victory was to convert some of his own unhappy minions to our side, turning them against him. I would leave that part to Haec, since he was the former Heir of the Netherworld.
Right now, I continued to follow the two Deathsquad Hunters leading the way. We continued flying as hours passed. Maybe even a full day came and went. My Grand Skill was going toe to an end soon. I could sense the power boost it gave me beginning to falter.
I narrowed my eyes at Ultis and Aliq as they continued flying on. Were they trying to trap me¡ª hoping to ambush me once my Grand Skill came to an end? That wasn¡¯t possible, right? They didn¡¯t even know about the effects of my Divine Essence, let alone how long it wouldst. Unless they were taking a gambit, specting that because of my levels, I was under the temporary effects of an elixir, an artifact, or a Grand Skill.
I was ready to call out the two Deathsquad Hunters for trying to pull something on me when I spotted something moving amidst the quiet whitendscape of the Netherworld. I slowed down, and they both came to a halt too.
They turned to me as I frowned, looking down at a familiar figure.
¡°I recognize you.¡±
I whispered, and both the Deathsquad Hunters exchanged a nce. It was Ultis who spoke up, before following my gaze.
¡°Uh, Salvos? What are you doing? We should keep going¡ª we¡¯re going to arrive soon.¡±
But I ignored her for a moment as I stared at the creature that was making its way between a valley. I knew that from upclose it was massive¡ª although, from this height, it looked tiny. From where I was, it looked like any ordinary wolf. Except with three heads.
However, my clones had battled it before, and I knew it was a dangerous enemy. It was a [Cerberus Of Hell]. The very same one that had tried to breach the Mortal Realm during the grand ritual to merge the nes. And I knew it was the very same wild Primeval Demon because of one reason and one reason only:
It was still on fire.
I had set it aze with my [Sacred Hellfire] back when I had first gotten the Skill. And the mes couldn¡¯t be snuffed out until its target was turned to ash. But they weren¡¯t strong enough to kill the [Cerberus of Hell]. So it must have been roaming the Netherworld while still alight even after all this time.
¡°Huh.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a rare [Cerberus]-variant.¡±
Ultis remarked simply as she eyed the wild Primeval Demon with me. She shook her head and turned to me.
¡°It¡¯s incredibly dangerous. So it¡¯s best we stay as far away from it as possible. Especially since it¡¯s likely above Level 190.¡±
I was surprised that she was able to assess the threat-level of the [Cerberus Of Hell] despite the distance. But that should have been expected from a Deathsquad Hunter.
¡°What is it doing out here? Shouldn¡¯t it be hiding in its birthce like all the other wild Demons?¡±
I asked as I turned to face Ultis. She pursed her lips.
¡°While it¡¯s true that every single Demon craves to return to their birthce during Reconstruction and Salvation, both intelligent Demons and higher-leveled Demons can resist this urge. So wild Primeval Demons and the asional wild Archdemons still roam the Netherworld, even now.¡±
I blinked a few times as I nced between Aliq and Ultis. The first vestiges of an idea began to form in my mind, and I ced a hand on my chin.
¡°So¡ you¡¯re saying that there are Primeval Demons and Primordial Demons still wandering the Netherworld at this moment?¡±
I said as they both nodded. A smirk spread across my lips.
¡°Interesting. That is very interesting.¡±
Ultis and Aliq both just looked confused. I didn¡¯t tell them anything, but instead, I sent a mentalmand to a handful of my clones. They nodded and suddenly exited my pocket space, much to the surprise of Aem and Bertrugil.
My clones took off and spread throughout the Netherworld as I turned my attention back to the two Deathsquad Hunters.
¡°Alright, so where were we?¡±
I asked as I flew back up to them. Down below, the [Cerberus Of Hell] continued making its way across the valley, not noticing us. Ultis looked to Aliq in confusion, and he harrumphed in response. He continued flying forward as Ultis shrugged and looked back towards me.
¡°We¡¯re getting close. Let¡¯s keep going.¡±
She said as she took off. I flew after the two Deathsquad Hunters, keeping a small distance behind, wary of any traps. Eventually, my Grand Skill came to an end. But I was prepared for anything they might have tried.
However, neither of them seemed to realize that I was weaker now. We simply continued flying for ever longer. I didn¡¯t know how much time passed, until finally¡ª
¡°There it is.¡±
Ultis whispered as I caught a glimpse of an undting mountain range in the distance. She pointed up ahead at a spot where no dark clouds touched the sky. My brows snapped together when I saw that. It was such a strange sight, especially since everywhere else I looked always seemed to have a trace of that eddying ck mist.
¡°This mountain range¡ it is proof of the Expanse.¡±
Ultis exined as I looked down at the various valleys and peaks rapidly approaching from up ahead. She nced back at me as she began to slow. Aliq also seemed to hesitate, and I joined them ining to a halt.
The Deathsquad Hunters both gestured at the mountains as I cocked my head.
¡°What does that mean? What is the Expanse?¡±
I asked casually. And Ultis held my gaze as she answered.
¡°It means we have arrived. It means we have reached the Demon King¡¯s Domain.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 655: The Return To The Expanse
Chapter 655: The Return To The Expanse
655. The Return To The Expanse
***
This was it. I had finally arrived. I heard the words resound in my mind. Familiar words. I had only heard them twice before. The first was when I had still been with Haec, wandering aimlessly around the Netherworld. I had no n in mind. No goals. No aspirations.
All I wanted back then was to be more. To evolve.
It was like I had just been a wild Demon. Except, I didn¡¯t kill senselessly. I fought to preserve my life, and in doing so, I became more me.
Anyway, that was the first time I entered the Demon King¡¯s Domain. The second time was right after I had left, when I had returned to pursue Haec. He had been captured by a terrifying Greater Demon by the name of Lucerna.
I went back to save Haec. Because he was mypanion. And in doing so, I trapped myself in the Mortal Realm with Lucerna. It had been a long journey since then. But now, I was back here again.
Now Entering [Demon King¡¯s Domain].
I closed my eyes as I heard the wordse and went. It was the same emotionless voice that echoed in my mind whenever I leveled up or entered a Dungeon. There was no difference in the intonation when it spoke right now, and when I did literally anything else. But for whatever reason, the words sent a shiver up my spine. Like it was said with a sense of looming dread.Shaking my head, I focused on the task at hand. I opened my eyes and looked down as the two Deathsquad Hunters leading the way began to descend. They made their way down to the very edge of the undting mountain range, and Inded with them. As soon as our feet touched the ground, I turned to Ultis and asked the question that had been lingering in my mind.
¡°So, um, how did you know this was the¡ Expanse-ce, anyway?¡±
I frowned at her, and she looked back at me as she exined.
¡°These mountains¡ª they were not created by the natural shift of the terrain in the Netherworld. They are special. That is why they are unaffected by the destruction of Revtion. That is why they aren¡¯t impacted by the shifting of Reconstruction. They are entirely artificial, made by Regnorex the Demon King himself.¡±
Ultis spoke as she gestured at the mountainscape. I frowned as I swept my gaze over my surroundings.
¡°Huh. I didn¡¯t think that Regnorex would specialize in earth magic.¡±
Certainly, this terrain looked very much different from the other mountains I had seen both here in the Netherworld and the Mortal Realm. It was like the ground had been pinched up, molded methodically to create a barrier surrounding the Demon King¡¯s Domain.
¡°The Demon King is said to be capable of all types of magic.¡±
Aliq said, drawing my attention to the side. I was caught by surprise when he spoke up. He hadn¡¯t said a word for at least a full day. He shook his head as he turned to me.
¡°How do you hope to oppose the Demon King if you don''t even have the slightest clue about his power?¡±
Aliq¡¯s piercing gaze bore into me, and I ced a hand on my chin. For a moment, I looked through the eyes of my clones as they scattered across the Netherworld. But I said nothing. There was no reason for me to clue in either of these Deathsquad Hunters on my n.
¡°I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±
I answered simply, before pping my hands together. Both Aliq and Ultis blinked as there was a sh of light. A rift seemed to tear itself open before me, and I took a step back as my pocket space poured out.
It barely squeezed through the rift¡ª like a ss house. And inside were Haec, Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem. A pair of my clones apanied them, having remained behind in [The World Of My Mind].
The rift closed behind the pocket space, and an invisible door swung open at the front of my pocket space. Haec stepped out, but the others stayed inside. Mypanion took a single step onto the rocky ground and he took in a deep breath.
¡°I¡¯m back. This time, to save them all.¡±
He whispered to himself as I walked up to him. I looked into my pocket space as Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem didn¡¯t budge.
¡°Are theying?¡±
I asked, tilting my head. But Haec shook his head in response.
¡°They aren¡¯t¡ª they¡¯ll be detected if they exit your pocket space. We don¡¯t want to draw attention to ourselves as soon as we arrive.¡±
He exined, and I nodded.
¡°I see. That¡¯s smart. Well, if they¡¯re going to stay in there¡ª¡±
I pped my hands together, and the pocket space vanished. It was no longer visible. But it was still here¡ª in a way, at the very least. It wasn¡¯t in the exact same ne as Haec and I, but they could see us.
¡°So what happens now?¡±
Ultis spoke up as she looked between Haec and I. Her lips were pressed together into a thin line, and she wore a nervous look on her face.
¡°We did as you asked, now what?¡±
¡°You stay put, of course.¡±
I wagged a finger at her.
¡°I¡¯m not letting you run off to warn Regnorex about us.¡±
She paled as she backed away.
¡°I had no such thought!¡±
Ultis tried to protest, but Aliq didn¡¯t say a word. I looked to Haec as I shrugged.
¡°But other than that¡ª I have no idea. It¡¯s up to Haec what happens now.¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld strode forward as he cast his gaze over the mountainous terrain. He narrowed his eyes as he spotted something in the far distance, and he pointed.
¡°The first thing we must do is find the Third Legion.¡±
I blinked, looking in the same direction as mypanion. I concentrated on the strands of mana that pervaded the Netherworld, and I sensed small disturbancesing from afar. There was¡ fighting up ahead? Or not fighting¡ª but magic being cast. And I wasn¡¯t sure what it was.
But Haec knew. He lowered his gaze as he spoke in a low voice.
¡°We need to kill the Ruler of the Border. We need to kill Hartia.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk? Sorry for the short chapter. I rushed to finish it because I''ll be flying out for my family holidays in the next few hours, so I tried to get it out. Also, because I''ll be traveling, Amelia and Salvos chapters will be a bit slower. I''ll also try to write Kara once in a while. I''ll probably write it in the ne since it''s the only novel I can probably write outside on my phone.
Also. just so you guys know, Tapas is currently holding a coloring and drawingpetition which includes Salvos in it too! So if you''re interested in participating, check it out here:
TapasArtChallenge2023 | Publish on Tapas
Instagram
Chapter 656: Summoning Collars
Chapter 656: Summoning Cors
656. Summoning Cors
***
His name was Hartia, and he was the Ruler of the Border. He was tasked with overseeing the Third Legion of the Expanse. It was his duty to ensure that no wild Demons leaked through into the Demon King¡¯s Domain. His job was most difficult during the destruction of Revtion, with all the chaos that was unfurling throughout the Netherworld.
But just because Revtion was over, and Salvation had begun, didn¡¯t mean that there was nothing for him to do. Even during the peace of Salvation, where there were no wandering wild Demons, save for the Primevals and Primordials who were able to ovee their instincts, Hartia was kept upied. However, he wasn¡¯t worried about fending off hordes of wild Demons at this point. Far from it.
Sure, a wild Primordial Demon could arrive at the Expanse. But if that happened, protocol dictated that he immediately fled. After all, there was no point in him trying to fight back. He would have been utterly ughtered.
Anyway, this didn¡¯t happen often¡ª perhaps once every ten cycles or so¡ª and only just recently, about six or seven cycles ago, did the border get attacked [The Great Agarus]. So there wasn¡¯t much for Hartia to worry about, in terms of defending the Expanse during Salvation. But he was still kept busy because it was his duty to produce an army of powerful Demons for Regnorex.
So while there was no threat to the Demon King¡¯s Domain, Hartia still kept the Third Legion busy. Particrly, what he liked to do was entertain himself. Heughed as he heard the crowd of Demons cheer, watching the ck blood stter on the ground.
A [Fiend] copsed to the ground, headless. And huffing next to his corpse, knelt a bloodied [Djinn]. She roared in victory as cheers erupted around her.
It was a coliseum, of sorts. An arena that Hartia had built with his own magic. Some would assume it was earth magic, and that might even have been capable of more elemental maniption, or even creation. After all, he was the one who helped expand the border of the Demon King¡¯s Domain. But while manipting the elements was certainly within his repertoire, his magic wasn¡¯t elemental maniption, let alone even creation.It was space magic. He could rethread the very fabric of space around him. And because of his levels, he was also one of the Demon King¡¯s premier advisors, especially in regards to tinkering with the summoning cors. Because of that, he was ced in charge of the Third Legion. So that the Demons under hismand would have no hope of even trying to rebel against him.
¡°I have had enough of this!¡±
Hartia raised a brow, looking down into the coliseum as the [Djinn]¡ª the victor of thest bout¡ª roared. She raised her head and created a spear made out of lightning. The crowd stopped cheering as she shouted loud enough for everyone gathered here to hear.
¡°Are none of you tired of this? First, being forced to fight those endless swarms of wild Demons throughout Revtion? And now, being forced to battle each other for the sick entertainment of our supervisor?¡±
She ced a hand on her chest as electricity crackled across her body. Her teeth ground together, and she took a heavy step forward, her hulking figure seemingly growing in size as the blood staining her skin sizzled and evaporated.
Hartia remained unphased.
¡°We have been brought here against our own volition, but we were promised safety. We were told this is a sanctuary¡ª that we would be protected as long as we worshiped the benevolent Demon King. But not once have I seen this so-called ¡®King of Demonkind¡¯ save a single one of us from death. Instead, he has forced us all into a ughter again and again and again.¡±
The crowd stirred, hearing her speech. This was a ratherrge coliseum, with tens of thousands in attendance. But not all of the Third Legion was gathered here. However, most of those who were present seemed to resonate with her words.
Hartia closed his eyes as he heard a susurration sweep through the crowd.
¡°Idiots¡ they always try this, but they never learn their lesson¡¡±
He shook his head, then looked back down to see a few other foolish Demons rising to their feet. They shouted in agreement with the [Djinn], rallying around her words. There were dozens of them at first, but their numbers were quickly growing. They began to conjure magic or raise their weapons as the Ruler of the Border flitted up from his seat.
¡°We will not stand for this any longer!¡±
The [Djinn] continued as she hurled the lighting spear at Hartia. He didn¡¯t react. Not even to block the attack as it soared his way, and hundreds began to join her.
¡°We will no longer serve under the fraudulent Demon King! We will live for ourselves, not for anyone else! And we will fight for our freedom¡ª¡±
She shouted as her words echoed like thunder. And the lightning spear reached him. But immediately dissipated as it struck an invisible barrier. The [Djinn] blinked, and the standing Demons froze. They all stared at Hartia as he gave them a disappointed look.
¡°What in the Demon King¡¯s name made you think that would work?¡±
He asked, then flicked his hand. The [Djinn] recoiled as she opened her mouth.
¡°You¡ª¡±
But she couldn¡¯t finish what she was saying as her neck was instantly snapped. She copsed to the ground, dead. And Hartia swept his gaze over the rest of the gathered Demons as they shrank back in fear.
However, one by one, all those who had stood up to oppose him began to fall, their necks all snapping in an instant. Hundreds of them fell to the ground, killed with a single wave of the Ruler of the Border¡¯s hand, while the rest of them were forced to watch in horror.
¡°And that¡¯s all of them.¡±
Hartia chuckled as he dusted his hands off, before addressing the rest of the onlookers in the coliseum.
¡°Now let that be a lesson to all of you¡ª disobey me, and you die. Is that understood?¡±
They didn¡¯t need to say anything in response to make it clear to the Ruler of the Border that this lesson had been burned into their soul. He smiled, then flitted back to his seat as he spoke dismissively.
¡°Now, bring on the next fighters.¡±
***
¡°Huh.¡±
I blinked as I eyed Hartia from atop a nearby mountain. He was incredibly tiny, but my enhanced perception allowed me to see everything happening within the coliseum. I turned to Haec who was grinding his teeth together at what he saw.
¡°Should we not have helped her?¡±
I asked, tilting my head. The former Heir of the Netherworld closed his eyes in response. He clearly looked unhappy. However, despite how he felt, he shook his head.
¡°There is nothing we could have done, Salvos. We couldn¡¯t have saved any of them. Even if you jumped in right at that moment and attacked him, Hartia would have still been able to kill them all with the flick of his wrist.¡±
¡°But how? Was that a Skill?¡±
I narrowed my eyes back at mypanion. He clenched a fist, looking down at where his summoning cor had once been.
¡°It¡¯s not a Skill. Hartia¡¯s not known for hisbat abilities. He¡¯s rtively weak,pared to other Primeval Demons at his level. Even some of the Deathsquad Hunter Captains, like Venas, are probably stronger than Hartia.¡±
Haec spoke as he nced back at the two Deathsquad Hunters apanying us. Aliq and Ultis shifted back ufortably at his gaze. He continued speaking, looking forward once again.
¡°But Hartia is a master of space magic, and because of that, not even the Deathsquad Hunters are able to oppose him.¡±
¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense. How does that work?¡±
I frowned, crossing my arms. Haec pursed his lips as he rubbed his wrist.
¡°It¡¯s because of the summoning cors, Salvos.¡±
¡°The summoning cors?¡±
I repeated after mypanion. He nodded gravely.
¡°They¡¯re capable of much more than simply teleporting you through the nes, or tracking your location. They alsoe with what Regnorex calls a ¡®kill-switch¡¯.¡±
I ced a hand on my chin, nodding understandingly.
¡°And a kill-switch kills you, right? Just like that?¡±
I gestured at the corpses that were being dragged out of the coliseum. But Aliq was the one who replied.
¡°That¡¯s a massive oversimplification of it. You can¡¯t just create an artifact that instantly kills anyone who wears it. If that¡¯s the case, you can use it against the likes of the Demon King to defeat him¡±
He snorted as he crossed his arms. I blinked a few times, looking back at the [Jinn]. He saw the way I was staring at him, then scoffed.
¡°What? I¡¯ve thought it through a few times. Do you think I¡¯m that loyal to Regnorex? I wouldn¡¯t be helping you if I was¡¡±
I didn¡¯t expect that from him, and it seemed like neither did Haec. The former Heir of the Netherworld stared for a moment, before steeling himself. He turned to me once again.
¡°To even allow you to cross through the nes, the summoning cors permanently lock into your position in space at any given location, and are capable of manipting that space at any given time. So what they did there was not physically twist the necks of those Demons to kill them. Instead, it twisted the space around their necks, forcing it to snap. And that¡¯s not a feature that was initially built into the summoning cors, it was one which Hartia himself had added for the Demon King.¡±
Haec rose to his feet as he flexed a hand. He stared at his wrist, before looking back towards where Hartia was sitting.
¡°And because of that, Salvos, we are the only ones who can fight back against Hartia. No one else can help us in this battle.¡±
¡°That is going to be quite annoying, huh?¡±
I muttered under my breath. I eyed Hartia as he watched two new Demons step out into the arena before him, smiling sadistically at what he was about to see.
¡°His space magic is quite good. But it makes sense, because he¡¯s a Fairy.¡±
I observed as I crossed my arms, trying to think of how I was going to defeat him. I looked on in silence for a minute, thinking that Haec was trying to formte a n with me. But when I nced towards him, I saw that he was staring at me quizzically.
¡°What is it?¡±
I asked him curiously, and he bit his lower lip. He nced back towards Aliq and Ultis who looked just as confused as he was. He turned to me and scratched the back of his head.
¡°Uh, Salvos, but Hartia is not a Fairy. He¡¯s a Demon.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
My brows snapped together as I looked back at mypanion.
¡°Hartia is very clearly a Fairy.¡±
¡°No¡ª he¡¯s a Primeval Demon. One of the Demon King¡¯s most trusted aides.¡±
Haec insisted, and Ultis piped up hesitantly behind him.
¡°T-that¡¯s right. I¡¯ve spoken to Hartia before, and he is a Demon.¡±
¡°What are you guys talking about?¡±
I stared back at them in confusion. I waved a hand dismissively, strumming at the fabric of space with the tip of my finger.
¡°He¡¯s a Fairy. That¡¯s why he can cast space magic so well. Like me. I mean¡ª a Fairy is the one who taught me how to do this, after all.¡±
I created a small rift, before dismissing it. Haec exchanged a nce with both the Deathsquad Hunters, then turned back to me. He opened his mouth to say something, when I felt my [Angelic Premonition] re in my head.
My gaze snapped to the side as my eyes went wide. And as I stared into the coliseum, a pair of eyes stared back at me. Hartia the Ruler of the Border was looking directly at me, having sensed the momentary distortion in space.
And I scratched my cheek.
¡°Uh-oh.¡±
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 657: Fairy Like You
Chapter 657: Fairy Like You
657. Fairy Like You
***
Tor closed his eyes as his breathing slowed. His fingers stopped shaking, but his lips continued to twitch. Looking back up through the gate, he saw the silent arena waiting before him. This was the pit he had been thrown in against his will. This was the death that awaited him.
It was kill or be killed. A tournament that Hartia had arranged to power level the Demons gathered here at the Expanse. It was said that the winners would then be set free from fighting with the Third Legion¡ª to serve directly under Regnorex.
But Tor knew that he was never going to make it to the end. He was mere fodderpared to many of the other participants here. He was an [Imp]. Perhaps he was a Level 56 [Knight Eligos]. He looked no different than an ordinary [Fiend], except that he had no mouth. There was a hole right above his chin which he could speak and breathe through, but it didn¡¯t move. And his arms were like swords, while his eyes were thin like a pair of slits, glowing red.
He was a mere Greater Demon that hadn¡¯t even unlocked his sin. There were plenty of others who were stronger than him who could have made it through this tournament.
For example, Be, who had gone just before him, was far more capable and deserving of leaving the Expanse. She was a Level 94 [Djinn]. And she had been rapidly leveling up throughout this tournament, even bringing down opponents who were tougher than her. Tor had known her ever since he was forced to join the Third Legion, and he knew that she was a strong and kind individual.
A rarity amongst Demons. Practically nonexistent in the Netherworld. So he thought that she should have been emancipated from this ce.
But now that wasn¡¯t going to happen. Tor had been forced to watch as she was killed by Hartia. After being forced to kill her opponent who begged for his life, she had enough. She tried to rebel against this senseless ughter, and many others had joined her. In response, they were all killed, just like that.There had been hundreds of them. It wasn¡¯t just Be. And Tor had wanted to join in. But he couldn¡¯t. He had been waiting behind the gate for his turn toe out into the arena and fight. So he couldn¡¯t join her side even if he tried. And he watched helplessly as her neck was snapped in an instant. As the crowd was silenced.
Now, Tor was sent out to continue with his bout as if nothing had happened. As if the only light in his life hadn¡¯t just been snuffed out. And he felt utterly numb.
Even as he walked out to the muted cheers of the watching crowd. Even as Hartiaughed and announced the respective levels of the two fighters. Nothing mattered to Tor anymore. He could die, and he wouldn¡¯t even care.
He stared down at his opponent standing across from him¡ª a [Changeling] who had taken on the form of a [Hellhorror]. But Tor didn¡¯t react. He stood there numbly, thoughts focused only on what he remembered of Be.
If I die here, does it really matter? he asked himself as he raised his head. His vision was a blur. Everything around him was out of focus. He raised his head, and he looked past his opponent. All he saw was a figure sitting at an elevated tform overlooking the arena.
Hartia the Ruler of the Border.
Tor gritted his teeth as he saw the bored face of that cruel monster. Perhaps if it was a sneer or some crooked smile, Tor would have been calmer. But seeing such an expressionless face on Hartia was even more infuriating, knowing that Be died for nothing.
I am going to die anyway¡ Tor told himself as he shook his head. But if I die, I may as well die for what Be was fighting for.
The [Knight Eligos] resolved himself. He didn¡¯t care what end awaited him, because it wasing. All that mattered now was what he did. He took a step forward as his opponent grinned. The [Changeling]-turned-[Hellterror] let out a roar, but Tor moved forward fearlessly anyway. Because his target waited for him further back.
And so, he broke out into a sprint. His opponent swung down at him, but he slid under the attack. The [Changeling]-turned-[Hellterror] spun around¡ª then paused. The crowd went quiet. They all watched as Tor continued running straight out of the arena, heading for Hartia.
It took them a moment to realize what he was doing. He didn¡¯t fully realize what he was doing himself. He just did it. Every fiber of his being made him run up to the edge of the arena, then leap into the air. He soared up to the elevated tform, crashing down straight at his target as he screamed in a tinny voice.
¡°Hartia!¡±
But right before he couldnd on the tform, the Ruler of the Border moved. Tor¡¯s eyes flickered, watching as Hartia zipped into the air, dodging the attack. His twin arm-des struck the stone throne that was sitting there, smashing it into thousands of pieces. The crowd gasped. They all looked up as Tor raised his head.
He had expected to be killed before he even reached Hartia. But now, Hartia was¡
¡°Hartia is¡ fleeing?¡±
Tor blinked, watching as the Ruler of the Border zipped through the sky and headed away from the coliseum. The crowd stared on in confusion. And they all wondered what was going on.
***
[Unseelie Lord - Lvl. 185]
¡°Get ready, he¡¯sing!¡±
I called out as I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide and flew up to the sky. Haec gritted his teeth, taking on a wide stance. But behind him, the two members of the Deathsquad Hunters were panicking.
Ultis backed away as she looked towards me for help.
¡°What about us? What do we do? We can¡¯t fight Hartia! If he sees us with you, we¡¯ll die!¡±
I nced back at the two Deathsquad Hunters, hesitating for a moment. If I ced them in my pocket space, they could threaten Haec¡¯s friends. But if I left them here, they would be killed. Or worse¡ª they¡¯d work with Hartia against us.
Looking back to the front, I saw the Ruler of the Border rapidly approach us, and I made a split-second decision. I pped my hands together, teleporting the two Deathsquad Hunters into [The World Of My Mind].
Was it a risky decision? Perhaps. But I locked them in a room separate from Bertrugil, Taburas, and Aem, ensuring that one of my clones kept an eye on them at all times.
Now, I readied myself as I faced down the Ruler of the Border. He slowed down when he approached me. His gaze was focused on me, noticing me as the greater threat than Haec. But still, he looked down at the former Heir of the Netherworld.
¡°Haec the Traitor. So you have finally returned. But I take it you¡¯re not here to re-pledge your allegiance to our King?¡±
Hartia asked, tilting his head down at mypanion. Haec grinned uneasily back in response.
¡°Would I be right to assume that Regnorex would still have me killed regardless of what I say here?¡±
¡°You¡¯d be incorrect, for our King does not need to stoop down to kill defectors like you with his own ends.¡±
The Ruler of the Border responded, baring his teeth like a Demon. I narrowed my eyes at his mannerisms. It was nothing like Lily¡¯s. But the more I looked at him, the more I was certain he was not a Demon.
Hartia continued flitting forward, speaking casually, even with the bloodlust in his voice.
¡°You¡¯ll die here to me, Traitor. And I will serve your head on a tter to our King.¡±
¡°I will not let you do that.¡±
I spoke up as I conjured up a scythe made out of gray mes. He turned towards me, looking at me almost dismissively when he saw my ss levels. And I didn¡¯t fault him for that. He was certainly higher-leveled than me.
This was also going to be a more difficult fight than against the Deathsquad Hunters because now it was an even ying field. No sneak attacks, no clones, and no Grand Skills. The only Grand Skill I had at my disposal was [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends]. Everything else was still on cooldown.
Meanwhile, I didn¡¯t know what magic Hartia had at his disposal. Whether he even had a Grand Skill or not. So I couldn¡¯t even risk using my only avable Grand Skill immediately as soon as the battle began. I had to wait and observe, before I did anything brash.
¡°And you are¡?¡±
Hartia asked, looking at me with a curious gaze. I smirked and spoke simply.
¡°I¡¯m Salvos.¡±
¡°Oh?¡±
The expression on his face became that of amusement when he heard my name. He crossed his arms as he chuckled to himself.
¡°So the Traitor has not only returned, but he returned with the Enemy. What a perfect opportunity for me to prove myself to my King.¡±
¡°Yep, whatever. But before I kill you, I do have a question for you.¡±
I waved my scythe dismissively as I spoke up. He just sneered back at me.
¡°And whatever could that question be? I¡¯ll be kind enough to answer any inquiries you have before I kill you both.¡±
¡°Sure, you can try that.¡±
I nodded, before lowering my scythe. I met the [Unseelie Lord]¡¯s gaze, looking deep into his eyes. And I asked the question that was weighing down on my mind.
¡°What is a Fairy like you doing here, serving the Demon King?¡±
And that made Hartia freeze.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk?
Chapter 658: Old Memories
Chapter 658: Old Memories
658. Old Memories
***
658
His name was Hartia, and he was known as the Ruler of the Border. But that wasn¡¯t always his Title, let alone his name. He had been called Basil once, and he had called the Knight of Ex. However, that was in the distant past.
Hartia had left it all behind long ago. No¡ª he hadn¡¯t even left it behind. It had been ripped away from him. So, now, he no longer went by either that name nor Title.
But hearing the question that was asked to him, it brought him back to that time that was so long ago. A time that was all but a flicker of a memory in his mind. But it was also a time that he held with scorn and hate.
¡°What is a Fairy like you doing here, serving the Demon King?¡±
Salvos asked as she floated just before him. Hartia gritted his teeth, before shaking his head.
¡°I am no Fairy.¡±He replied bitterly.
¡°I am Hartia the Ruler of the Border, and I am an [Unseelie Lord].¡±
It was a deration for all to hear. He flitted higher up into the air, hovering beneath the crimson skies. In the distance, pool ck clouds gathered, marking the approaching start of Advent.
He red down at both Haec and Salvos. The Traitor and the Enemy. Both of them stared back up at him in defiance. And Salvos spoke simply.
¡°Yeah, I can see that.¡±
That made Hartia pause for a moment. Tilting her head, her gaze bore into him with curiosity in her eyes.
¡°But I don¡¯t care about your Subspecies or your levels. What is your Species?¡±
And her persistent pestering made the [Unseelie Lord] snap. He pointed at her as the world around her shifted. Space bent and turned into itself, forming a vortex where she flew. She blinked a few times as he snarled.
¡°Silence!¡±
Haec¡¯s eyes went wide as he saw the forming vortex distorting her body. It threatened to rip her apart. Even as she spread her wings wide and tried to fly off.
¡°Salvos!¡±
He called out, rushing forward. And Hartia sneered.
¡°Dead Demons don¡¯t deserve to talk.¡±
It was one of Hartia¡¯s strongest offensive Skills. It took time to cast, which made it hard tond on a target. They had to be standing still, otherwise aiming for them was not possible, and it would activate way off in the distance.
But when it didnd, it was incredibly lethal. It would crush his enemies and then rip them into thousands of tiny little pieces. It was difficult to escape once caught.
He had been preparing to cast it during the entire conversation, and now it had Salvos trapped. He was certain she was dead.
At least, until he saw her figure distort then vanish. And he blinked.
¡°What¡?¡±
¡°That¡¯s an interesting way to kill someone.¡±
He heard her voice echo from behind. He spun around with wide eyes and stared at her as she wore a smirk on her face. She raised a hand, creating a small vortex in her palm, a smaller and weaker copy of his Skill.
¡°Very effective to make sure someone is dead. But I feel like it¡¯s a little bit inefficient.¡±
Salvos spoke casually, before dismissing the spell as Hartia looked on in shock. His mind tried to process what just happened, then he clicked his tongue.
¡°A teleportation spell, followed by a basic understanding of spatial magic maniption. Nothing fancy here.¡±
Hartia shook his head as he scoffed, rationalizing her response to his attack. Truth be told, that did surprise him somewhat. He hadn¡¯t expected her to know any spatial magic. All he saw was that she had a [Mage] ss at Level 149, and he knew that she was some sort of [Changeling].
But it made sense that she was capable of manipting space. After all, she was the one who ruined the Grand Ritual Regnorex had nned to cross through the nes. Not that it mattered, considering he had plenty of fallbacks in ce in the case it failed.
¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t really call my understanding of spatial magic basic.¡±
Salvos replied, feigning offense at Hartia¡¯s statement. She crossed her arms across her chest.
¡°Sure, I am not a specialist in space magic like you. But at least I know better than to rely on offensive spells that can easily be countered just because they¡¯re highly-effective otherwise. Like,e on. I have some Skills like that too. However, I don¡¯t treat them like they¡¯re a surefire way to win.¡±
¡°You really talk too much, don¡¯t you?¡±
Hartia red at her as he raised a hand. Andrge bits of rocks began to float into the air next to him as he aimed at her. She blinked, then bared her teeth back his way.
¡°Actually, I am talking just enough.¡±
She spoke casually, and that was when Hartia saw the glinting from the corner of his eyes. He spun around, but he was toote. Leaping into the air was Haec, wreathed in a crimson aura.
¡°[Consecutive Fatal Blows]!¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld yelled as his fist impacted the [Unseelie Lord]. It was a powerful strike. One that was strong enough to send Hartia flying back. And yet, he didn¡¯t even move. Somehow, he remained exactly where he was as Haec¡¯s fists continued to pummel him, dozens of punches with each passing moment. Until, finally, with thest hit, Hartia was sent crashing back into the ground.
He screamed in pain as he coughed up a mouthful of purple blood. He tumbled through the air, then caught a glimpse of Salvos waiting for him at the ground. She had her scythe raised as it was burning with crimson and gray mes.
Hartia spread his arms wide right before he reached her. She swung up at the same time as there was a sh of light.
¡°[Divine Radiant sh]!¡±
¡°[Fractal Shield]!¡±
He conjured up a sphere made of ss-like panels, and it blocked the attack right before Salvos could strike him. There was a powerful shockwave that exploded out. A fiery st that continued forward past the Ruler of the Border. The attack cleaved the ground open, leaving burn marks on the white earth.
But Hartia escaped the attackpletely unscathed. He raised his head, ring back at Salvos. She blinked.
¡°Huh, that¡¯s a very powerful defense¡ª¡±
¡°Begone.¡±
And she was sent flying back into the air by an invisible force. Haec shouted something as he leapt down at the Ruler of the Border. But Hartia expected the nk this time around.
Spinning around, Hartia flicked a hand to the side, and a giant boulder smashed into the former Heir of the Netherworld. The impact knocked Haec back towards the wall of the mountain, and Hartia rose into the air. All around him, giant bits of rock broke off from the earth, floating higher up as they shimmered with the soft magical glow of his space magic.
Salvos and Haec both looked up at the [Unseelie Lord] as his figure shifted. Space around him distorted, with light reflecting off ss-like panels that appeared out of nothing. And various images of him appeared into existence as though they were clones of himself. A hundred of them, all false projections. Illusions.
And his voice boomed like a cacophony.
¡°Now you will both die!¡±
All at once, the giant boulders came crashing down at both the Enemy and the Traitor like falling rain.
***
They saw the sts in the distance. They heard the booming ps¡ª like thunder. They saw shes of light, and they watched as a hundred images of Hartia seemed to zip through the air, vanishing and reappearing with each passing moment. A pir of gray mes ripped into the sky, and a crimson figure bounded from the mountaintop.
And even from afar, they felt the zing heat. They felt the impact of every punchnded. They sensed the overwhelming magic. The ground shook, and they trembled in fear. Every single Demon in the coliseum had gone out to witness what was going on. But it wasn¡¯t just them. They stood alongside the rest of the Third Legion, only able to watch.
¡°That is a battle between Primeval Demons¡¡±
A [Fiend] whispered. Another Demon, an [Imp], pointed at the crimson figure leaping through the air.
¡°I recognize him. Isn¡¯t that Haec?¡±
An [Incubus] frowned and ced a hand on his chin.
¡°Wasn¡¯t he one of us?¡±
¡°He¡¯s trying to save us!¡±
Another [Fiend] eximed. But a [Subus] snorted and crossed her arms.
¡°Save us? He¡¯s going to get us all killed! If we don¡¯t help Hartia, we¡¯ll all be punished. Come on, pick up your weapons¡ª¡±
But right as the word left her mouth, a ck de swung up towards her neck, and she recoiled. The weapon didn¡¯t behead her. It simply pressed against her skin as she gasped. The nearby Demons paused and looked towards the figure standing next to her.
Tor stood there with his eyes glinting, still facing the battle in the distance. He didn¡¯t even turn to face the others as he spoke simply in a tinny voice.
¡°No.¡±
The [Subus] blinked a few times, and the [Knight Eligos] continued as a [Changeling] joined his side.
¡°If any of you dare interfere, we will kill you.¡±
Then a [Fiend] joined him. Followed by an [Jinn]. And a plethora of other high-leveled Demons. All of which were diators who had been forced to fight in the arena.
Tor¡¯s eyes glinted as he spoke for all to hear.
¡°Is that understood?¡±
And the watching Demons nodded.
Author''s Notes:
Merry Christmas! A little bitte, but being sick makes writing hard.
Chapter 659: Analyzing Skills
Chapter 659: Analyzing Skills
659. Analyzing Skills
***
It seemed to be a rtively simple volley of attacks. At first, it looked like all Hartia was doing a spatial telekic maneuver with these boulders. Like he was manipting the space they were upying to send them flying my way.
But at a closer nce, it was moreplicated than that. Not only was he enhancing the durability of the rocks with his space magic, he was also artificially increasing their density. So when I was struck by a small pebble, it felt like I was being struck by a boulder instead. And when a boulder struck me¡
¡°Ouch!¡±
I yelped as the giant rock smashed against my back, knocking me out of the air. I caught myself right before I hit the ground and shook a fist at Hartia as he floated high above me.
¡°That hurts a lot!¡±
¡°It¡¯s supposed to kill you. Of course it should hurt!¡±
He shouted back, sending another volley of boulders my way. I gritted my teeth and conjured up my own salvo of fiery weapons with [The Holy mes]. With a flick of my finger, I sent my own magical attacks crashing into his, intercepting the flying boulders.A flurry of explosions sted out, filling the sky with blooming clouds of smoke. I watched as most of Hartia¡¯s attacks were blown to bits. But not all of them were shot out of the sky. My eyes went wide as a few massive boulders shot through the smoke, zipping my way as fast as I could fly.
They shimmered with his enhanced space magic. A powerful attack that wasing straight at me. It was an attack expected from a Primeval Demon around my level. Butpared to how strong he should have been, it wasn¡¯t too threatening.
I swung up with my Divine Nebr Scythe as it shone with both the iridescent glow of [Divine Strike] and [Draconic Fury]. In a single slice, I cleaved the falling boulder in half. It crashed into the ground beneath me and sent a plume of dust up into the air as I stared at Hartia.
His offense wasn¡¯t the greatest. He was many levels higher than me, but he wasn¡¯t nearly as dangerous as he should have been in battle. So this should have been an easy fight, right?
Wrong.
I looked on as Haec leapt through the air, his body wreathed in a powerful ck aura. He was being carried forward purely by his instincts. He was screaming in anger, having activated his own Grand Skills. His right hand bulged as he swung out with the full force of his might.
¡°[The Right Hand Of The Demon King]!¡±
There was a bright sh of light. I heard the pping of thunder. It was a powerful strike that nearly even smashed through the walls of my pocket space. And yet, despite the sheer force it carried, it wasn¡¯t able to break through Hartia¡¯s defenses.
I watched as a sphere of transparent fractal panels shone around the [Unseelie Lord]. It seemed to absorb Haec¡¯s attack, letting it dissipate behind the barrier. Hartia didn¡¯t even fly back. He was knocked away. Just like when I struck him with my [Divine Nebr sh], he didn¡¯t even flinch.
And that was why this battle was so difficult. While his offense wasn¡¯t great, his defense was nigh-imprable.
Haec gritted his teeth, pushing even harder with his right fist into the [Fractal Barrier]. His hands began to bleed, and his ck blood poured around him, forming a dark aura. I recognized this movement as his newest Grand Skill. His [Demonic Essence Manifestation Mastery].
I hadn¡¯t seen it in action yet. But now, I watched as the ck blood shifted into the shape of shadowed figures. Like they were the nebulous embodiment of [Fiends] and [Hellhounds]¡ª [Arachnes] and [Hellbeasts]. A plethora of different Demons. It was like they were being summoned from Haec¡¯s own blood.
But was this blood magic? Something told me this was not.
The shadowed Demons screeched and unleashed an onught of attacks against Hartia¡¯s [Fractal Barrier]. He blinked, confused at first. Then he pointed at Haec.
The former Heir of the Netherworld was sent flying back once again as the shadowed Demons were dispelled. He crashed into the ground, and I called out for him.
¡°Haec!¡±
I sent another volley of fiery projectiles up at Hartia, and he countered with his own flurry of rocks and boulders. As the explosions boomed throughout the sky, I flew to Haec,nding right next to him.
¡°Are you ok?¡±
I asked with a worried look on my face. Mypanion picked himself up from the crater, his body covered in his ck blood. But he didn¡¯t look hurt. He only looked even more enraged than before.
The blood on his body began to reshape, forming a spiked armor. He rose to his feet and carried a giant broadsword made of his own blood.
¡°Huh.¡±
I stared for a moment, and Haec shook his head.
¡°I am fine, Salvos. But I will be even better once Hartia is dead.¡±
He hefted the ck de into the air and aimed it at Hartia. The [Unseelie Lord] responded by hurling another onught of boulders our way. I rolled my eyes, then raised my scythe to block the oing attacks. Haec moved to defend himself too.
But from the corner of my eye, I saw the ck armor covering him ripple. The sword he created copsed into itself, and he dropped to a knee. His eyes went wide at that, then a boulder crashed into him. A second and third flew his way, and I moved to protect him.
I sliced down the iing attacks with my Divine Nebr Scythe as Haec picked himself up. He looked down at the palm of his hand, trying to summon his essence once more. But I spoke up to him, ncing back as I bit my lower lip.
¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s how you should be using that Grand Skill, Haec.¡±
He looked up at me as I continued to cut down Hartia¡¯s attacks. The former Heir of the Netherworld clenched a fist.
¡°...right.¡±
He lowered his head, before taking in a deep breath.
¡°But that doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is we bring down Hartia¡ª¡±
¡°No.¡±
I cut him off. I continued to protect mypanion from the falling rocks. I looked up through this deadly rain of magic, and I saw the Ruler of the Border begin to create a giant boulder, smashing chunks of rocks together.
It was already the size of a small hill, and it was continuing to growrger with each passing moment.
I steeled myself, then craned my neck back fractionally to face Haec again.
¡°We need to figure out another way to bypass Hartia¡¯s defenses. We can¡¯t just keep trying to hit him harder each time to defeat him. You¡¯ll only hurt yourself. You still have other Skills in your repertoire, don¡¯t you?¡±
¡°I¡ do.¡±
Haec nodded as he met my gaze. I looked back up, and Hartia finished creating his massive boulder. It blotted out the sky. It was the size of a mountain. And heughed like a maniac, before hurling it down our way.
¡°I don¡¯t have any Skills that can break through Hartia¡¯s defense. Well¡ª I may have some, but they¡¯re not avable right now. So what should we do?¡±
The giant boulder fell upon us as its massive shadow covered thendscape. Haec closed his eyes, before nodding slowly.
¡°I think I have something that could work. But you¡¯ll need to distract Hartia.¡±
¡°Are you sure?¡±
I blinked, and he gave me a serious look.
¡°Just trust me.¡±
I met mypanion¡¯s gaze. Just moments earlier, he had been engulfed in his own rage. But now, he was calm. And he looked like he knew what he was doing. So I grinned, before giving him a thumbs-up.
¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll buy you some time.¡±
I spread my [Angelic Wings] wide as I leapt into the air. Beneath me, Haec broke out into a run, heading for the coliseum in the distance. I flew straight for the falling mountain as I raised my Divine Nebr Scythe. Perhaps if it was a normal mountain, I could have used one of my ordinary Skills to smash it into pieces.
But it was enhanced and protected by Hartia¡¯s magic. So I did what had to be done. Gray mes began to wisp over my body, and I whispered softly.
¡°[My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends].¡±
And the aura of invulnerability began to form like a coat around me. But I focused its power to the tip of my scythe as I bared my teeth.
¡°Come on, is that all you¡¯ve got!¡±
I shouted, before smashing right into the falling mountain. All at once, the rocky surface shattered. A web of massive cracks cut through its surface, before it fell apart, copsing into millions of pieces.
But I wasn¡¯t done, even as Hartia looked at me with round eyes. I pointed at him as a smirk slipped onto my lips.
¡°I¡¯ve been studying your Skills the entire time, by the way¡ª and they¡¯re pretty easy to replicate!¡±
He blinked, then stared in horror as thousands of the chunks of falling rocks froze mid-air, shimmering with my space magic. And all at once, they began to dart through the air, shooting straight for him.
Hartia conjured up his [Fractal Barrier] once again, protecting himself as I assailed him with his very own attack. Perhaps it was less effective. But it was enough to keep him preupied as Haec made his way to the Third Legion.
Iughed, watching the Ruler of the Border grow increasingly frustrated by my unceasing attacks.
¡°Come on! Is that all you¡¯ve got! Aren¡¯t you supposed to be a master of space magic? I am not impressed at all!¡±
And I truly meant what I said. I was still keeping a few of my own abilities hidden during this battle, even though I knew they could have been incredibly useful against Hartia¡¯s space magic. But right now, I was still analyzing everything about him. Especially since I had no way to get around his defenses at the moment.
Hartia grew even more frustrated as I continued to keep up my attack against him. Until, finally, his eyes shed, before a pulse of white light shot out from his body. I watched as the wave of light washed over the rocks that were assailing him, and my control over them vanished.
¡°I have had enough!¡±
He screamed as he floated before me, and the rocks continued to rain down from the sky. He brought a hand up, pointing a finger straight at me as I blinked.
¡°Count yourself lucky, Enemy of the Demon King, for you are the first one to draw out my Grand Skill from me in over a hundred years.¡±
¡°Are you finally going to take this seriously?¡±
I asked, tilting my head curiously. Hartia red at me, before he bared his teeth.
¡°But just know this¡ª only two beings have seen my Grand Skill and lived to see another day. And I highly doubt you will be the third.¡±
I narrowed my eyes when he said that.
¡°Wait, who were the ones who¡ª¡±
But he didn¡¯t wait to hear me out. Hartia spoke softly as the sky began to ripple. The earth shifted as there was even a shift in the air around us.
¡°[Expanding Domain: The Fall of the Fairies].¡±
And all at once, the world around me began to change.
Author''s Notes:
What thonk? Happy New Years/New Years Eve!
I''m still recovering, but managed to get this chapter done.
Chapter 660: Expanding Domain
Chapter 660: Expanding Domain
660. Expanding Domain
¡°[Expanding Domain: The Fall of the Fairies].¡±
My eyes grew wide as the world shifted around me. I saw the crimson skies of the Netherworld fade away, reced by a copsing purple dome that shone with the same intensity. Luscious green grass grew around my feet and carpeted the rocky terrain.
Giant trees of green bark and red leaves sprouted from the ground, breaking the earth open. I leapt out of the way as a forest emerged from beneath my feet. Inded with narrowed eyes, watching as impossibly tall mountains shot up to the sky and reshaped the terrain.
All around me, this brand new world was created. It reminded me of Belzu¡¯s Grand Skill¡ª an illusion of the Netherworld that was made real. However, unlike Belzu¡¯s Grand Skill, this was no illusion. It was a pocket space.
Just like my own.
¡°Huh.¡±
I stared in awe at the difference in power between our respective pocket dimension Grand Skills. This was an entire world. An unfamiliar world. It sort of resembled what I had seen of the Spirit ne before, but¡ different.
Like it was a graveyard. A thin mist permeated thendscape, and the skies seemed to darken. But there were no clouds overhead. There was only a curtain of dread hanging over the terrain. My brows snapped together as I took in Hartia¡¯s pocket space. Then I recalled its name.A grin began to slip onto my cheeks, and I looked up at the Ruler of the Border hovering high in the sky. He red back down at me as he spread his arms wide.
¡°Wee to my world¡ª wee to your grave!¡±
His voice reverberated around me. A shockwave rippled out, causing the ground to tremble. I stared at the triumphant look on his face, then I pointed at him with glee.
¡°Your Grand Skill is called the Fall of the Fairies? So you are a Fairy!¡±
He blinked a few times, taken aback by my reaction to his Grand Skill. He stared at me for a moment, and I beamed, pointing a thumb at myself.
¡°I knew it! I told everyone you¡¯re a Fairy! Even you told me you weren¡¯t a Fairy! But I was right!¡±
I could tell he was a Fairy just by taking one look at him. And that was before I even knew that he was a master of space magic. He wore an annoyed look on his face when he saw the way I was practically bursting in excitement at his confirmation that he was a Fairy.
¡°Perhaps¡ at one point, long ago, I was considered to be a part of their people.¡±
He spoke softly as he looked down at himself. His eyes fluttered shut, and he remained in silence for a moment. I raised a brow at that, before I heard a rumbling echo in the distance. My gaze snapped to the side, and I watched as the nearby mountains cracked open. I frowned as Hartia continued.
¡°But I¡¯ve shed my past long ago. No¡ª I was cast out by my kin long ago.¡±
There was some disdain in his voice. A brief hint of anger shed on his face. But he steeled himself as he raised his head. His eyes snapped open, and he looked down at me like I was an insect at his feet.
¡°Now, I am a Fairy no more.¡±
I gave him a quizzical look as he said that. I wanted to question what that even meant¡ª if he was talking about it in a literal sense or a metaphorical sense. But he pointed at me, and my [Angelic Premonition] warned me of what was toe.
I heard the buzzing in the distance. It was a thunderous chittering that filled this world with terror. The nearby trees seemed to stiffen up like they were strands of hair standing on end, and the ground continued to tremble. Then I saw it. Figures emerging from the broken mountaintops.
Hundreds of them at first. And then, there were thousands.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
¡°Those are¡?¡±
My eyes went wide when I realized what they were. Hartia snickered, before flying higher into the sky.
¡°And in this world? I am beyond yourprehension.¡±
He flicked a hand, and giant boulders the size of small hills flew my way. I ignored them as I spread my wings wide and took off into the air. Instead, my gaze was focused on the approaching swarm of chittering creatures.
Tiny little beings, each of them carried by their rapidly beating glowing wings. They almost sounded like they wereughing. However, the mixture of their voices just boomed cacophonously around me. Despite approaching me like one single amorphous figure, I could make out each of their individual features.
And they were familiar. Very familiar. After all, they were the same creatures that Hartia was.
They were Fairies.
Hartia bellowed as his voice shook his world.
¡°In this world, I am a god!¡±
[Fairy - Lvl. 35]
[Fairy - Lvl. 73]
[Fairy - Lvl. 56]
[Fairy - Lvl. 21]
¡
[Fairy - Lvl. 108]
[Fairy - Lvl. 153]
[Fairy - Lvl. 139]
¡
[Fairy - Lvl. 200]
Haec looked back at the dodecahedron made of crystal that formed in the air. It had a sheening green surface, and it looked about the size of the Demon King¡¯s Castle. But it was no castle, nor was it just a floating rock.
He could sense the space magic there. While he wasn¡¯t a specialist in magic, he saw the way the Netherworld seemed to warp around it¡ª just like how it had warped around Salvos¡¯s pocket space. So he knew what this was.
Salvos was trapped in Hartia¡¯s world. It was thanks to his Grand Skill¡ª something so powerful it was capable of creating a pocket space that was practically its own mini-ne. Haec heard that Hartia had once trapped a wild Primordial Demon within the confines of his pocket space and slew it after a long and arduous battle, but he wasn¡¯t sure if those were rumors or reality.
So Haec could only grit his teeth and hope that Salvos would survive long enough for his n to work. He continued sprinting over the rocky terrain, before he reached the coliseum. He came to a halt before the Third Legion. And they saw him too.
Their heads snapped his way¡ª tens of thousands of them¡ª and those standing at the front backed away nervously as he approached. But he raised his hands catingly, speaking for all to hear.
¡°Rx. I am here to help free you all from Hartia.¡±
He drew closer as even more of their numbers backed away. Only a few refused to budge. The highest-leveled of them all. A [Knight Eligos] stepped forward, pointing at Haec.
¡°You are the Heir of the Netherworld.¡±
It was a simple statement. But it was not a factual one. Haec immediately understood their apprehension when they saw him, and he shook his head.
¡°Not anymore.¡±
Haec reassured them, and the [Knight Eligos] gave a dubious look.
¡°Not anymore?¡±
¡°That is right. I was here, was I not? Back when that [Cerberus of Hell] attacked. You saw me. Many of you did.¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld nodded as he swept his gaze over the crowd. While there was no susurration of voices¡ª as many of them were too afraid to speak¡ª he saw half of their gazes flicker with recognition of him. They exchanged nces and nodded at each other.
¡°I was here. I fought alongside you. But when Hartia just abandoned us and fled, I too made my decision to run. However, my choice was not to run from the wild Demons attacking us.¡±
Haec spoke simply as he ced a hand on his chest.
¡°My choice was to run from this oppressive kingdom ruled by an unjust king. Even I, the Heir of the Netherworld, was unfairly treated. Even I rebelled. And so should all of you. For you do not deserve this death and danger you have been put through.¡±
The [Knight Eligos] perked up when he heard what Haec was saying. All of those who had confronted Haec seemed to be touched by his words for some reason. He didn¡¯t question why they appeared to be so moved so easily.
He just proffered a hand forward as they stared at it.
¡°And I can help you. But to do that, I need you all to help me too. Please, trust me, this is your chance to be free.¡±
When he finished, they fell silent. None of them moved for what felt like a long moment. And Haec could feel the urgency of his situation as the pocket space behind him continued to shimmer.
Eventually, the [Knight Eligos] nced back at a [Changeling]. The two of them conferred without even exchanging any words. They nodded at each other, before the [Knight Eligos] turned to Haec and stepped forward.
¡°We will help you. What must we do?¡±
The [Knight Eligos] asked simply. And Haec blinked, before a smile spread across his lips. He took in a deep breath, then closed his eyes.
¡°That was all you needed to do.¡±
That was all he said as he turned around, before a wave of white aura washed over the Third Legion and crashed into the former Heir of the Netherworld, filling him with strength.
Chapter 661: Honored Fairy
Chapter 661: Honored Fairy
661. Honored Fairy
Hartia was never a fan of using his third and final Grand Skill. He had three Grand Skills, which was more than most Primeval Demons and Sacred Spirits ever got. The first was his [Fractal Barrier] which was an incredibly powerful barrier that had no cooldown. Based on its defensive capabilities alone, it barely even qualified as a Grand Skill in the first ce, but due to its permanency at protecting him, he could see why it was a Grand Skill.
He had attained it back when he first reached Level 150¡ª it was his first Grand Skill¡ª but it couldn¡¯t even level up unlike his other Grand Skills. Still, it was a useful Grand Skill in the sense that it added to his repertoire and protected him from many near-death situations without making it more difficult for him to evolve at Level 200.
However, his second Grand Skill, while having more utility than his [Fractal Barrier], wasn¡¯t as useful in a battle situation. It was called the [Unseen Cor Of Space], and it was what allowed him to improve Regnorex¡¯s control over the kingdom¡¯swork of summoning cors. Thanks to it, he was able to pretty much instantly kill any Demon with a summoning cor on.
It was incredibly powerful in that sense, which was expected since it was his ss Grand Skill. After all, his ss, [Unseelie Lord], was higher-leveled than his Subspecies of [Fallen Fairy]. Not by much. It wasn¡¯t even a 10 level difference. But still, he quite liked his second Grand Skill. And it was what he used more frequently than anything else.
But Hartia¡¯sst Grand Skill was a Grand Skill he hated using. That was why he rarely ever used it unless his life was truly at risk. It was his [Expanding Domain: The Fall Of The Fairies]. With it, he was able to create not only a massive pocket space he could spatially manipte with ease, but he was also able to summon every single Fairy he had been responsible for killing in his entire life.
And there were a lot of them. Over ten thousand Fairies emerged from the mountains, bearing the faces of his fallen kin. He recognized them. He saw the way they smiled. He heard the way theyughed. But while they bore a strong resemnce to who they once had been, there was something twisted in the way they behaved.
The way their lips curved up and creased their cheeks; the way they thundered withughter without any change in inflection; their eyes were nothing but dark pits that carried no light. It was all so unsettling.
Hartia looked away from them as his gaze focused on his enemy. No¡ª it was not just his enemy. It was the Enemy of the Demon King. She was the reason why he had been forced to cast this Grand Skill. While he hated everything about it, his desire to please Regnorex far outweighed his displeasure. After all, the Demon King was the reason why Hartia even had a purpose left.
And that¡¯s not all¡ª the thought crossed his mind as he eyes Salvos flying away from the swarm of Fairies he created with his mind. She had constantly antagonized him, insisting that he was a Fairy and reminding him of the past he had shed. So that is why I shall make you pay.
He watched as his swarm of Fairies descended upon the Enemy of the Demon King, and a sadistic smile spread across his lips.
¡°That is why I will make sure you suffer before you die.¡±
***
The swarm of Fairies converged on me as I sent a plume of my gray mes in every direction. They unleashed their own elemental magic my way, only to be incinerated by my attack. I killed them by the hundreds because they had no fear. And perhaps if the swarm wasprised of only low-leveled Fairies, I wouldn¡¯t have had any trouble dealing with them.
Unfortunately for me, a few of them proved to be far more durable than the rest, which posed a major problem.
A Fairy dressed like a knight cut through my mes and swung a sword straight for my head. I ducked under the sh, then I struck him with a [Divine Strike], followed by a [Barrage Of Cinders]. The first attack sent him flying back, but as he parried thebination of ming strikes that I threw his way.
¡°You¡¯re so annoying¡ª¡±
I gritted my teeth as he dodged a ming w, then thrust his de for my chest. I backed away and avoided the attack. He was able to keep up with me to a certain extent due to his levels. He was Level 161. So he was a Sacred Spirit¡ª a Fairy that reached the same evolution as me. That was why he was so strong unlike the rest of his kin.
But even so, I was still stronger.
I watched as he charged at me with a stab again. I predicted his movements and grabbed him by the hand before his de could reach me. I tossedhim towards a group of Fairies flying straight at me, then grinned as I saw his body burn with a burning mark.
He tried to reorient himself, but the burning magic shed. And his figure erupted into a massive explosion that took out all the nearby Fairies close to him.
No notifications came with their deaths. It was like fighting my clones and defeating¡ª there was no reward for winning that battle. But I was certain that Fairy knight perished from my [Divine Demon¡¯s Mark]. And the st cleared out the rest of the Fairies in the area. So I had a moment to catch my breath¡ only to be forced to look up in rm as my [Angelic Premonition] warned me of an attack that was toe.
[Fairy - Lvl. 200]
I cursed when I saw the Level 200 Fairy floating above the clearing smoke. She carried an ornatence that looked just as ethereal as her own body. Pointing at me, she sneered, and her body crackled with electricity.
¡°Why are you here?!¡±
I eximed, and my body began to flicker. A powerful st of lightning shot out straight at me, but I teleported out of the way just in time. When I reappeared, I saw a brilliant sh of light. I looked back with round eyes.
The attack struck a mountain in the distance, blowing a giant hole straight through its center. It didn¡¯t explode out like my [Divine Demon¡¯s Mark]. Instead, the lightning st continued on into the horizon, dissipating right before it reached the edge of this pocket space.
This novel is published on a different tform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
I cursed as I looked at the damage that was done to the surroundings. Then I looked back up at Hartia, surrounded by an army of Fairies.
¡°Why are you able to summon a Level 200 Fairy? You¡¯re not Level 200! You¡¯re not even Level 190! This makes no sense!¡±
He ignored my question, simply taking in my frustrations with glee.
¡°Oh, you are quite resilient, aren¡¯t you? But that much is to be expected from the Enemy of the Demon King.¡±
Hartia floated down next to the Level 200 Fairy with a smirk on his face. He didn¡¯t look at her, but without any verbal or visual cues, she raised hernce.
¡°Certainly, you may be a more capable fighter than me. But you are nothing in the face of the power of an Honored Fairy like Lotus.¡±
¡°Lotus? Is that her name?¡±
I asked with a raised brow. The smile disappeared from his face for a moment, before he nodded.
¡°That is indeed her name. And rest assured, you stand no chance against her. For she is no mere Sacred Spirit. She is a Supreme Spirit, and she is more than capable of crushing a pest like you.¡±
And as Hartia finished, hernce shed with electricity once again. This time, I was prepared for it. I moved to get out of the way, but then space around me began to twist.
I narrowed my eyes. Hartia grinned, pointing at me. My [Angelic Wings] beat against the wind, but I was not moving. I remained in ce.
¡°This is¡ space magic?¡±
And it was an overwhelming force of space magic that held me in ce. I pushed back against it with my own space magic. I began to move. I budged forward sluggishly. But it was like I was drowning in water. It felt like I could barely breathe.
Lotus unleashed her st of lightning, and I cursed. I couldn¡¯t even teleport out of the way. In this pocket space, his space magicpletely overwhelmed me, crushing any resistance I could offer without difficulty.
The streak of lightning shot out towards me as I winced. But I knew it wasn¡¯t going to kill me. Because¡ª
¡°Oh?¡±
Hartia frowned as sparks of embers began to ke off my body right before the attack struck me. I was sent flying back, before crashing into the ground. But even as the world spun around me and my gaze was ovee with a blinding light, I felt no pain.
Because [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] protected me. It was able to even save me from an attack by [The Great Agarus]. So even though Lotus was Level 200, her st shouldn¡¯t be able to tear through my aura of invulnerability.
The st of lightning continued to crush me against the earth as Iy there with gritted teeth, before the attack finally dissipated. I picked myself up the moment it was gone, trying to force myself through this force of space magic bearing down on me and limiting my movements. Hartia clicked his tongue at that.
¡°Your Grand Skill may protect you from Honored Lotus for now. But you must understand, you will die here. Struggle as you wish, it does not matter. For as long as you are in this world, my space magic shall be unparalleled!¡±
He twisted his hands together like he was crushing a ball, and I felt the force of space magic pressing against my aura of invulnerability. It managed to protect me, but all I could do was stand there and struggle to move. I looked up and focused on him.
I forced a hand forward, pointing at his face. And he burst into mes, lit aze by my [Sacred Hellfire].
For a moment, I felt the force of space magic easing off me. Hartia recoiled and screamed. But then, the mes burning him suddenly began to peel off him. It was literally being carried away by his space magic.
¡°I told you¡ª¡±
Hartia spoke simply as he red down at me. I tried to fly up, only to be immediately forced down by a powerful st of his space magic. I groaned under its weight, and every single Fairy floating in the sky aimed at me.
Lotus began to create a secondnce¡ª this one made of lightning.
¡°In this world, I am a god.¡±
And all at once, a salvo of magic came raining down at me. Everything from a Level 20 Fairy¡¯s basic fireball that could only blow up a tree to Lotus¡¯snce of lightning that shredded the entirendscape around me.
As the swarm of Fairies unloaded their attacks at me from a distance, Hartia kept me pinned to the ground, helpless to even fight back. I pushed back against his space magic. I tried to break free. But nothing I did could save me.
justy there as the onught of magical sts continued to rain down at me, and [My mes Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] began to flicker. I didn¡¯t know how much time had passed. I must havein there for a while. However, I knew the aura of invulnerability was going toe to an end soon.
I needed to do something. I wracked my brain, trying toe up with a way to escape as Hartia cackled wildly in the air. But there was nothing I could do. There was nothing I could fight back with¡ª
No, I steeled myself, calming my breathing. There had to be something I could do. I couldn¡¯t let myself be overwhelmed here. Especially since I knew Haec had a n to win against Hartia. And I had to y my part and hold off the Ruler of the Border until then.
So I evaluated my situation. I looked up at Hartia and saw the triumphant look on his face. He was right¡ª he was like a god in this world. My space magic was too weak. I couldn¡¯t even move. It certainly wouldn¡¯t help me break free.
There had to be something else. Something in my repertoire that had to be strong enough to tear through space itself. Something that could rip me free from this overwhelming force of space magic. Something that could tear through even this world¡ª
And my eyes flickered when I realized that I had exactly the right Skill for that.
***
Hartia wanted it to end soon. He wanted the Enemy dead already. But she proved to be incredibly resilient, which he should have already known before engaging in this battle. After all, she was able to defy Regnorex himself. She had been able to enrage him on her own.
But still, he wanted this battle to be over so he could leave this pocket space. His heart ached when he even looked in the direction of Lotus, let alone at the thousands of other apparitions of Fairies around him. He didn¡¯t want to use them like this. He didn¡¯t want to force them to fight for him, even after he caused their deaths.
However, he had no other choice. So he continued to crush Salvos under the sheer power of his space magic as his army of apparitions rained down their magic at her. This would have continued until her Grand Skill came to an end. Or at least, that was what he thought. Until¡ª
He frowned as he felt a strange presence enter his pocket space. Immediately, he began to feel sick. He almost felt like puking when he sensed it. He looked down and felt the very fabric of his world being invaded. And then he saw the kes of iridescent light.
¡°What is this¡?¡±
His eyes narrowed, and then suddenly, he felt his control over the space around Salvos vanish. Like it was ripped away from him. No¡ª that was what it felt like when he was in a battle of space magic. This felt different. As though his very limbs were severed.
It felt nothing like he had ever felt before.
And all at once, he watched as Salvos exploded into the sky, tearing straight through the volley of attacksing her way, still protected by her aura of invulnerability, while being coated in something else.
¡°That is¡ª¡±
Hartia stared at her with a look of horror in his face. The world around her contorted and bent, threatening to rip apart. A distortion covered her, followed by a cloak of iridescent colors. And behind her, she left a trail of damaged space. All the while, Hartia¡¯s space magic failed to affect her.
¡°[Protection of the Corruption].¡±
She whispered as he blinked at that. Laughing, she spread her arms wide and flew straight at the swarm of Fairies. Even as Lotus unleashed another bolt of lighting her way, she didn¡¯t care. Salvos just continued tough, and Hartia could only look on as she made an unstoppable approach towards him.
¡°You may be a god in this world, but I am always a god!¡±
And after a moment, she added.
"Specifically, a Lesser God! But you get the point!"
Chapter 662: The Fall Of The Fairies Part One
Chapter 662: The Fall Of The Fairies Part One
662. The Fall Of The Fairies Part One
¡°Congrattions.¡±
Basil nced back to see Ivory floating alone in the middle of the ornate hallway of the Celestial Pce of the Fairy Queen. There were no other Fairies present at the moment, which was a rare sight, considering how densely-packed to the nook and cranny every room and corridor normally was. But today was different. It was a special day. Not just for all of Fairykind, but for Basil too.
¡°Thank you.¡±
He bowed his head back at his longtime friend, his white glow brightening at her sight.
¡°I couldn¡¯t have done it without your help, Ivory. It was thanks to you, I decided to pursue this path.¡±
¡°All I did was push you in the right direction.¡±
Ivory giggled, flitting up to him as her green light shimmered.
¡°You have now be one of our Queen¡¯s Architects for her New World. It is only through your own efforts you have achieved this position.¡±¡°I am only one of many Architects.¡±
Basil scratched the back of his head shyly. Truth be told, he didn¡¯t believe himself to be nearly as capable as Ivory thought him to be. While he was certainly quite capable at manipting space, he was also incrediblyzy.
He would cut corners whenever he could. Even the miniature pocket space he created to attain his position as an Architect was very much unstable and brittle. It was only through sheer luck that the Fairy Queen hadn¡¯t been his invigtor that day, but instead one of her aides who had been less-than-thorough in inspecting the wed creation.
Honestly, Basil hadn¡¯t thought he¡¯d pass. But now, he was going to be an Architect. And he truly wasn¡¯t sure how he felt about that.
¡°I am certain that by my lonesome, I am not nearly that important inpleting our Queen¡¯s creation.¡±
¡°Nonsense. You¡¯re being too modest.¡±
Ivory giggled as she waved a hand off.
¡°Every single Architect ys a pivotal role in the creation of the New World. Nowe, it is time for you to officially be bestowed your new Title by our Queen.¡±
She swept past him, continuing down the hallway. He stared at her for a moment as apprehension seized him.
Was he really up for this? He didn¡¯t think so. But he saw the confidence she had in him¡ª the pride that filled her face as she made her way towards the throne room.
¡°It has finally happened¡ my good friend, Basil, an Architect of our Queen! I can¡¯t wait to visit you and see your space magic at work!¡±
Basil blinked, then hurried after her. They turned a corner as he shook his head hesitantly.
¡°But what if something goes wrong? I have heard there have been¡ idents before. It¡¯s not safe for a Nature Fairy like you.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll have to visit the New World one day anyway if I¡¯m going to fill it with trees and grass and flowers of all kinds. It won¡¯t hurt if I visit it a little bit early.¡±
Ivory scoffed, before turning to him. He tried to protest weakly.
¡°But¡ª¡±
¡°Also, isn¡¯t Honored Lotus going to be there at all times? I¡¯m certain that there will be no problems too big for her to deal with.¡±
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.
Basil blinked, then nodded slowly.
¡°Right. Honored Lotus will be there¡¡±
¡°So it will be fine!¡±
Ivoryughed as they approached the throne room. She paused for a moment just to hold Basil¡¯s gaze.
¡°Do not worry, Basil. You overthink things too much. But this is our Queen¡¯s creation we are talking about.¡±
She smiled as her voice echoed all around him. He stared at her, her figure faintly glowing, almost like he was staring at a memory. Turning around, she continued into the throne room as she finished.
¡°And I trust in your abilities. So I am certain nothing will go wrong¡ª¡±
¡ª--
And Hartia recoiled, snapping back into reality. He swept his gaze over his pocket space. An army of dead Fairies surrounded him. As far as he could see, he saw formerrades and friends gathered there, floating lifelessly as they obeyed his everymand.
His breathing quickened. For a moment, he forgot where he was. He was absorbed in his failures, thinking that he had been cast into damnation, now forced to suffer the consequences of his actions. But then his gazended on the Enemy of the Demon King.
He stared at her as she shot her way towards him, ripping straight through his world. When he caught a glimpse of her, he recalled his goal. He remembered his duties. The reason why he was here was to execute her for his savior.
But then he saw the way her body twisted and distorted. He saw the familiar fluorescent colors painting the world around her. And he sensed it.
Hartia trembled as he sensed that unsettling sensation¡ª something unlike anything he had ever seen or felt before. An uncanny existence that shouldn¡¯t exist. That which devoured all.
And he screamed as hemanded his dead army to his side.
¡°Stay away from me! Stop her!¡±
All at once, they moved. They unleashed their magic at Salvos as she shot towards him. But nothing could stop her. Not even his overwhelming control over space in this world could slow her movements.
Of course not. He had seen that power before. And he didn¡¯t understand how she had it. He couldn¡¯tprehend how she was wielding it like it was a weapon.
Just like back then, it was nigh unstoppable. Just like back then, all he could do was watch as his fellow Fairies were cut down because of it.
And as Salvos shed with the apparition of Honored Lotus, Hartia closed his eyes, remembering once again.
¡ª--
It was supposed to be his first time working as an Architect. He wasn¡¯t the only recruit who was brought about to aid the construction of the New World. There were many Constructors and Builders brought about too, alongside a dozen other Architects. It was a proud moment for so many Fairies.
Their friends gathered together here to witness their new jobs. Altogether, there had to be over a hundred thousand Fairies here in this section of the New World, looking to expand what was already there.
Honored Lotus was present, overseeing this expansion. So everything should have been fine. It should have all been safe. That was what Basil told himself as he nced back and waved at Ivory.
She giggled, smiling back at him. And he reminded himself he needed to focus. He looked back towards the fractal panels that formed the foundations of the New World. It was the framework created by Teranialiselisandranovaluxical¡¯ah-sham the Fairy Queen herself, and all Basil needed to do was follow the instructions she hadid out in the blueprints she had given out.
And as he continued enforcing the fractal panels, creating realspace, he simply stared out into the nothingness that was beyond. The void that made up the nonexistence between worlds. An infinite space where concepts were not even given the chance to be born.
It was a simple task. Or at least, he thought it was. That was until he heard the crack.
Blinking, Basil spun around and saw the realspace he had created was covered in a web of cracks. He narrowed his eyes, before seeing the cracks spread across the artificial sky. He rushed towards it to repair, but he felt his control over the space vanishing.
¡°What¡?¡±
He asked in confusion. It was a sensation he had never felt before. Like the very fabric of the world was being invaded by something else. He stared in confusion as heads turned his direction.
And Honored Lotus immediately rushed to his side.
¡°Get back!¡±
She screamed as she knocked him away. Raising hernce, she aimed at the fracturing realspace as Basil tumbled back in confusion. But before he could evenprehend what was going on, he heard a booming p. Like the st of thunder.
Except, instead of seeing a sh of light, his vision seemed to blur. He thought it was simply his disorientation at first from being tossed back. But then he heard the chittering. And from the very edges of that distortion, he saw a cascading nket of colors emerge.
His eyes went wide as he heard the screaming of Fairies echo all around him. Before he finally understood what he was staring at.
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Voidspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ].
Chapter 663: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Two
Chapter 663: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Two
663. The Fall Of The Fairies Part Two
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Voidspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ].
Basil stared at it. He couldn¡¯tprehend what he saw. It was massive. It distorted the world as far as he could see, and he couldn¡¯t break his gaze from it. At first, he thought it was because he was still caught in shock. He thought he couldn¡¯t look away from it out of fear.
But then he realized that there was a strong gravitational pull that was drawing him towards it¡ª a powerful force that even he couldn¡¯t escape. He screamed, and his voice was lost amongst the cries of his fellow Fairies. A deafening chittering echoed out. It made him recoil in pain. He felt like tearing his ears out of his head.
In fact, he would have done just as much, if not for the explosion that resounded out a momentter. Basil blinked as he was broken out of his maddening stupor. Raising his head, he saw a glowing figure float alone right before the distortion in space. A singr entity that was standing up to this mass of pure destruction. The only entity in the New World that could even stand up to this¡ thing.
There she was. Standing tall, a shiningnce in her hand.
Honored Lotus. An Honored Fairy. One of the Fairy Queen¡¯s personal guards. A Supreme Spirit capable¡ª one of only a few in existence.
She stood tall as her body crackled with a golden light. It was the only light that could escape the pull of the Voidspace. She shouted something, before unleashing a streak of golden lightning into the distortion.
The chittering ceased for a moment. But it quickly returned as an overwhelmingly numb sensation overcame Basil. He couldn¡¯t even think. He could hardly process anything at all¡ª nkly watching as Lotus continued to assail the Voidspace with her lightning.As their battle raged on, hundreds of Fairies¡ª whether they were Builders or Constructors or Architects or others¡ª were sucked into the edge of the distortion, their bodies being ripped apart until they were unrecognizable strands of tangled flesh. Lotus saw this and gritted her teeth.
Nothing she threw at the Voidspace could stop it. Not her bolts of lightning, not her thunderstorms, and not her shes. She flew back as she finally realized something else needed to be done. As she did, Basil¡¯s gaze swung to face a familiar figure.
His eyes widened when he saw her. His closest friend. A Nature Fairy who should not have been here¡ª not in the New World.
Ivory spun and turned as she was sucked up towards the distortion in space. Unlike Basil, who was somewhat slowed by his protective space magic, she wasn¡¯t able to fight back in any way, floating helplessly to her death.
Basil regained some semnce of his senses when he saw her. He wanted to move¡ª he needed to act. But he couldn¡¯t. Even if he wanted to, he was in capable of even fluttering his wings. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he stared at her figure, hurling straight to her demise.
And then he heard the echoing voice.
¡°[Be Lightning, My Being].¡±
Lotus spoke as her body flickered, then seemed to melted away. She began to shine brightly like a star as she aimed hernce at the canvas of distortion.
¡°And¡ª [Suffer in a Sr Storm].¡±
Two Grand Skills. Back to back. Instantly, a blinding light engulfed the Voidspace. An intense heat radiated from the light, before tens of thousands of bolts of electricity shed out, constantly assailing the distortion with each passing moment.
Everything that got even close to the unfurling storm of electricity was instantly obliterated. Even the nearby Fairies. Hundreds of them vanished in an instant as they floated up towards the distortion. But did it matter? They would have perished by the Voidspace, even if they hadn¡¯t been killed by the Supreme Spirit¡¯s second Grand Skill.
Lotus seemed to think it mattered. She bowed her head as her body flickered¡ª turning entirely into electricity.
¡°I am sorry.¡±
Her voice came out a whisper. She was the only one unaffected by the destructive touch of her second Grand Skill. Whether that was a result of her first Grand Skill, or because she was immune to it, Basil didn¡¯t know.
All he knew was that her body shed, and she shot forward, bing one with the sr storm. Even amidst the bright lights constantly attacking the distortion, her body shone brighter for all to see. She seemed to cut through the veil of obfuscation, leaving behind a trail of lightning as the Voidspace recoiled.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
There was a loud screech. And Basil blinked, seemingly regaining partial control over his body. He looked up with round eyes as Lotus desperately continued to tear through the Voidspace.
And then he looked back down. He saw the other Architects that were present. They had also regained partial control over themselves. Quickly, they tried to reorient themselves and created a web of space to catch the other Fairies.
Basil realized what they were doing, then he turned towards the only figure that mattered to him here. He looked towards Ivory as she was hovering right at the edge of the sr storm, looking at him wide-eyed.
¡°No!¡±
He shouted as he stretched a hand out, creating a rope of space to catch her. She didn¡¯t say a word as he clung onto her from afar. He pulled, and for a moment, he thought he could rip her free from the force of the Voidspace.
¡°Ivory! Please, hang on!¡±
He called out, pulling her an inch closer to him. But she couldn¡¯t respond. All she could do was look on in fear as she dangled right before her demise. And then¡ª
The sr storm ended. Basil froze as he felt his body seize up. The moment of reprieve ended. Once again, a strong gravitational pull seemed to suck him towards the distortion. He tried his best to resist it. And he managed to fight back against it. If for just a moment.
But then he saw the sh of light. Lotus reappeared before the Voidspace as her body of electricity was missingrge chunks. She panted, then steadied herself, before raising hernce.
She aimed at the heart of the Voidspace as she closed her eyes.
¡°Let this be enough.¡±
Her voice was the only thing that was audible over the cacophonous chittering of the Voidspace. And then she hurled hernce as it melted into lightning.
¡°[Lightspeed Lance].¡±
It was another Grand Skill. Her most powerful Grand Skill. An attack that surely would have even harmed the Fairy Queen. It shot forward like a pir of light, reaching the Voidspace in an instant.
But then something seemed to shift inside the distortion. The blurred space shifted back, and something emerged from within. It was a tendril made of colors. Something that didn¡¯t seem like it should have existed. But it caught thence before the attack could strike its core.
And Lotus paused, jaws hanging agape in horror.
¡°No¡¡±
She whispered as everything seemed to freeze around her. But maybe that was only how Basil perceived it, because he realized that his only hope to defeat this thing wasn¡¯t going to win.
And the tendril shot out, aiming for Lotus. She tried to dive out of the way. Perhaps she could have evaded it prior to her current state. But as she was, she was injured and tired. She was too slow. The tendril caught her, and her body was ripped apart before she could even scream.
Her remains were sucked into the Voidspace as it let out a deafening screech. The already-overpowering gravitational force of the distortion grew even stronger. Basil grimaced as he felt himself being pulled even faster into the obfuscated space.
And then he felt the rope of space he created strain. He blinked, looking up with round eyes at Ivory. She drifted even closer to the edge of the distortion.
More and more Fairies were pulled into the Voidspace, instantly being atomized. And Ivory looked back at Basil with tears streaming down her eyes. Somehow, she managed to muster up the strength to speak.
¡°Goodbye, Basil.¡±
She gave him a reassuring smile, before reaching the edge of the horizon of the distortion. And then she, too, waspletely vanishing before his eyes.
Just like that, the light of his life faded away. And Basil¡¯s mind broke. He felt like his heart had shattered. The world around him almost ceased to exist. He didn¡¯t even hear the other Fairies screaming for their lives before they were consumed by the Voidspace.
He simply floated there, epting his death. Was it his fault? Was he the one who was responsible for this? Ostensibly so. His space magic hadn¡¯t been powerful enough to form the realspace necessary to reinforce the walls of the New World. It was his failures as an Architect that caused this.
¡but, was that even right?
Hadn¡¯t there been plenty of such ¡®idents¡¯ before?
Basil had heard of such incidents, and he had already been warned of the dangers of being an Architect, which was why there were a plethora of safety measures in ce, including the presence of an Honored Fairy. So it couldn¡¯t have been his fault.
It must have been a fault in the blueprints of the Fairy Queen. It had to be a w in her understanding of space magic. This couldn¡¯t have been Basil¡¯s failure, but her failure!
That was right.
It was her fault, not his.
He convinced himself of this fact as he epted his demise. He didn¡¯t even fight back any longer. He let himself be taken away by the Voidspace as it grewrger and more powerful. But right before he could drift over the horizon of his death, there was a sh of light.
A voice resounded all throughout the New World, drowning out even the chittering of the Voidspace.
¡°[Bind: Neb].¡±
A veil of vibrant colors descended upon the Voidspace, holding it in ce. All at once, Basil was released from the pull of the distortion. All the other Fairies that were present were let go, dropping to the ground.
Basil crashed into the ground, before blinking a few times. He looked up in confusion as he tried toprehend what was going on. Then he saw the tall figure. A Fairy stood there,rger than life. The only Fairy that could dwarf even Regnorex the Demon King in height.
It was Teranialiselisandranovaluxical¡¯ah-sham the Fairy Queen.
Chapter 664: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Three
Chapter 664: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Three
664. The Fall Of The Fairies Part Three
Hartia watched as Salvos shed with Lotus. An aura of invulnerability protected the Enemy of the Demon King¡ª a power that the [Unseelie Lord] could understand. Perhaps if this apparition of Lotus had her Grand Skills, she would be able to tear through that protective barrier.
Unfortunately, Hartia¡¯s apparitions were only capable of utilizing only a small range of Skills of the beings they were meant to replicate. So Lotus couldn¡¯t do much more than fight at the level he had seen her fight, with the exception of her Grand Skills.
Still, Hartia knew that the aura of invulnerability had to have a cooldown period. It had to havee to an end eventually. That was why he was not afraid of that power. Even if Salvos continued to sh with Lotus, it didn¡¯t matter. Because eventually it woulde to an end.
Despite the Enemy¡¯s best efforts, she would lose. She couldn¡¯t evade Lotus. She couldn¡¯t get to Hartia despite her hardest attempts. She might¡¯ve tried flying around the Honored Fairy, but it was all to no avail. Because Lotus intercepted Salvos every single time.
And even when Salvos sent projectiles at Hartia, his [Fractal Barrier] saved him each time. She still wasn¡¯t able to tear through his defenses. So despite this show of force from the Enemy of the Demon King, it wasn¡¯t enough. Hartia¡¯s victory was still secured.
Or so he tried to convince himself. Despite his thoughts, he was still trembling in fear. It wasn¡¯t in fear of the aura of invulnerability. It wasn¡¯t in fear of how Salvos was able to keep up with Lotus right now. And it certainly wasn¡¯t in fear of the attacks she threw his way. But it was in fear of something else.
He stared at the aura of obfuscation coating Salvos. He saw the way it distorted reality and even turned space into nothingness. He didn¡¯t understand this power. He didn¡¯t know where it came from. Certainly, he had seen it before. But, even until now, he didn¡¯t understand what had happened that day¡
It was Teranialiselisandranovaluxical¡¯ah-sham the Fairy Queen.Here she was¡ª the grand architect of this New World. This was her design, and this was her failure. So it was her duty to save them all.
She cast her gaze over the fallen Fairies. Many of them were still quivering in fear, even though they had been freed from the Voidspace¡¯s grasps. They looked up at their Queen as they lie on the artificial ground.
And she turned away from them. Basil blinked a few times as she faced her back towards him and the rest of the fallen Fairies. Instead of checking in on them, she narrowed her eyes at the detainee Voidspace.
Her binding spell held the Voidspace within a vast expanse of colorful clouds. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Basil frowned as he felt a weak force begin to pull him towards the sky, then the neb begin to dissipate.
The Fairy Queen clicked her tongue then turned to the Honored Fairies apanying her.
¡°Secure the area. Ensure there are no other cracks in the realspace. I will deal with this pest.¡±
And the Honored Fairies nodded, before vanishing. Basil didn¡¯t even see them go. They moved so fast, he barelyprehended they were gone. Now, it was just the Fairy Queen floating there beneath the restrained Voidspace.
She sighed as it seemed to be tearing free from the bindings keeping it in ce. Its bright tendrils tore free, and a powerful force began to carry the fallen Fairies into the air once again. Basil barely resisted it, even with his powerful space magic.
But then the Fairy Queen brought a hand up to the sky.
¡°[Barrier: Gravity Well].¡±
Her voice boomed. And suddenly, the world around the Fairies shifted, before they were all pulled to the ground.
It was like the force of attraction from the Voidspace wasn¡¯t even there anymore. The space around the Fairies was discolored, like a barrier was protecting them. Basil blinked as he sensed the overwhelming magic surrounding him, before he looked up in awe at the Fairy Queen.
The Voidspace broke free from the binding neb as it screeched. Its chittering filled the New World, and Basil recoiled in pain. It descended upon the Fairy Queen as she stared defiantly at its approaching tendrils.
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
She raised a hand simply, pointing at the center of the mass of distortion.
¡°[Destroy: Supernova].¡±
Once again, the Fairy Queen¡¯s words thundered out. There was a sh of light. Basil closed his eyes.
And then he heard the rumbling of an overwhelming explosion st out. He braced himself to be obliterated in this attack. He thought it would¡¯ve consumed everything in the New World. But when he opened his eyes, he saw that everything that was held within the gravity well was unaffected. Only the Voidspace was struck by this attack.
Its cloak of distortion had been ripped into pieces. Massive chunks of its tendrils were detached, floating lifelessly in the air.
¡°This is the power of the Fairy Queen¡¡±
Basil whispered, having never seen her in battle before. He thought that was enough to defeat the Voidspace. But somehow, it wasn¡¯t.
The distortion began to reform as more of the artificial sky was shredded apart. The Voidspace began to regenerate, like it was stealing life from the New World. And the Fairy Queen¡¯s eyes flickered.
¡°I see now. You are going to be harder to kill than I thought.¡±
She shook her head as she brought her hands to her chest. It looked like she was molding something out of y or mud. But all that formed was a sphere of infinite darkness. One which she released onto the reforming Voidspace.
¡°[Consume: ck Hole].¡±
And the attack shot forward as it tore apart space itself. The New World was torn apart. The bits of space that was being used by the Voidspace to recover were pulled into this ck hole.
The Voidspace shrieked as its entire form was tugged towards the gravitational pull of the attack. But it managed to resist. It pulled itself away as its body continued to reform.
And the Fairy Queen didn¡¯t let up. She raised her hand and waved dismissively in the direction of the Voidspace.
¡°[Ravage: Meteor Shower]. [Annihte:ary Implosion]. [Exterminate: Gamma Ray Burst].¡±
One after another, her attacks tore through the Voidspace. It wasn¡¯t able to regenerate or grow fast enough to resist thebination of attacksing from her. It wasn¡¯t even able to fight back.
All it could do was barely cling onto its life even as it was continuously pulled into the ck hole. Finally, the Fairy Queen sighed as she brought both her hands up. Her palms began to shine as she spoke softly.
¡°[Even When The Last ck Hole Dies, And The Stars Turn To Iron, I Will Forever Remain.]¡±
And then she closed her eyes as the Voidspace tore free from the ck hole. It charged at her as she finished.
¡°[Obliterate: Hypernova].¡±
The Fairy Queen pped her hands together¡ª and the New World went white.
Hartia snapped back to reality as he heard a thunderous p. His eyes narrowed down at Salvos as she shot through another lightning st. It was like watching a battle between an unkible mosquito and a Human. No matter how many times Lotus swatted the Demon girl back, it always resulted in the same oue.
Salvos came flying back.
All the lightning sts in the world couldn¡¯t stop her. Not until her aura of invulnerability came to an end, and she was killed for good. And with each moment that passed, that oue came closer and closer toing to fruition.
Because there was nothing Salvos could do to defeat Lotus. She might have been able to incinerate the nearby apparitions of Fairies with ease. She might have been able to unleash a salvo of sts. She might have been able to even get close to the Honored Fairy. But she wasn¡¯t capable of winning. It was just a futile attempt at fighting back.
¡°It will be over soon.¡±
Hartia told himself as he saw Salvos get sted back into a mountain. He heard the echoing explosions. He saw the way the sts of lightning streaked across the sky. He paid careful attention to the sound of each thunderous attack, and he saw the way they lit up the sky.
And he frowned.
¡°That¡¯s not right¡¡±
Hartia was certain that wasn¡¯t the thunderous p he had heard just moments ago¡ª the st that broke him out of his stupor. That was something else. It hade from somewhere else.
And his eyes went wide when he heard the resounding st echo from above him again.
Lotus hadn¡¯t fired a st of lightning. She was still sweeping her gaze over thendscape, searching for Salvos. The sound came from somewhere else. Hartia raised his head with narrowed eyes, then paused.
¡°No!¡±
He screamed as he finally saw it. But it was already toote. A crack was forming through the sky of the pocket space. This domain which the [Unseelie Lord] had created. It was copsing, bits of the sky fell from above as the dimensional crack spread.
¡°What is going on? How is this happening¡?¡±
Hartia asked as his world tore open. And then he spotted a figure at the other side of the crack. A crimson-skinned Demon who was glowing with a white light stood there, pummeling through the very fabric of this artificial reality.
His voice boomed into the pocket space as he continued to tear the space open.
¡°I¡¯m here, Salvos!¡±
And at that, Salvos emerged from the rubble of a copsed mountain, her aura of invulnerability flickering, beginning to fade. She bared her teeth victoriously as she raised her iridescent scythe.
¡°Good timing, Haec! Now, we¡¯re going to win!¡±
And all Hartia could do was stare in horror as his world began to copse around him.
Chapter 665: The Fall Of the Fairies Part Four
Chapter 665: The Fall Of the Fairies Part Four
665. The Fall Of The Fairies Part Four
The world copsed. Space itself fell apart like shards of broken ss. Everything that had been created was destroyed¡ª reality itself was ripped apart like it was never even there.
This hasn¡¯t simply been an artificial replica of a world. It wasn¡¯t a pocket space or a magical dimension. It had been a world that was supposed to rece the Nexeus for all of Fairykind.
It had been the New World. And it was gone.
Or at the very least, it was disappearing.
Basil looked up at the New World as nothing of it remained but copsing pieces of realspace. His eyes were wide open, taking in this scene in both awe and horror. Centuries of work was destroyed. Just like that.
Even though he had only just be an Architect¡ª even though he hadn¡¯t been working on the New World for long¡ª he knew that it was a project that all of Fairykind had undertaken toplete under the orders of their Queen. And it was destroyed by her, without a second thought.
But why? Basil couldn¡¯t help but ask himself that question. Even though he knew the ostensible reason for it.
It was because the Fairy Queen needed to defeat the Voidspace. And she did. Basil watched as the remains of the Voidspace dissipated. Its tendrils weakly reached out for the copsing New World, before it was turned to nothingness.
But why? Basil asked the question again. There was no reason for the Fairy Queen to have destroyed the New World. This was everything Fairykind had worked for.
This was her goal. This was the reason why Basil had be an Architect. This was the reason why all of the Fairies that had died and barely survived that encounter with the Voidspace had gathered here. They were trying to fulfill their Queen¡¯s dream.
All of them. Even Lotus. Even Ivory. Every single one of the Fairies that had died had died because they had been here toplete this New World.
But the Fairy Queen destroyed it all with the p of her hands.
Now, nothingness consumed the remains of the New World. A void that was neither white nor ck began to cascade upon the Fairy Queen as she floated before the copsing realspace.
Behind her, her Honored Fairies appeared and bowed to her. They somehow escaped the st unscathed. Basil wasn¡¯t sure how.
He barelyprehended how he was alive too. Somehow, him and the rest of the remaining Architects, Constructors, and other Fairies that survived had escaped the st.
Basil swept his gaze around the bubble-like barrier protecting him, and he realized it must¡¯ve been the gravity well that the Fairy Queen put up which saved them.
He should have been grateful. But all he felt was a lingering emptiness within. Like the enveloping void that consumed thest of the realspace he had created.
Basil closed his eyes as he recalled thest moments he spent with Ivory. The weak smile she gave him, trying to put on a brave face. And he wished he had never be an Architect. He wished none of this happened.
¡°The Voidspace is gone.¡±
A booming voice spoke simply, and he slowly opened his eyes. Basil raised his head to face the speaker.
Teranialiselisandranovaluxical¡¯ah-sham the Fairy Queen herself.
She turned around as the Honored Fairies surrounding her dispersed. And even amidst the void, she stood tall and faced all the fallen Fairies caught in her gravity well.
¡°Tell me¡ª¡±
The Fairy Queen said as Basil felt a shiver run down his wings.
¡°Who is responsible for this?¡±
Hartia watched as his pocket space was destroyed from the outside. The artificial fabrics of reality he created copsed, and Salvosughed victoriously. Haec continued to pummel onto the outside of his world as mountains sank into pits of darkness and the sky itself shattered like broken ss.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
All around the [Unseelie Lord], his army of Fairies screamed and fell with the copsing pocket space. Their existence faded away as the magic which held everything together was broken apart.
¡°Lotus!¡±
Hartia screamed as he turned to the apparition of the Honored Fairy. She raised hernce obediently, understanding his intentions without any words needed to be said.
He needed to stop this. And the source of this destruction was the Traitor himself. Haec the former Heir of the Netherworld.
Lotus began to conjure up a bolt of lightning as Hartia grinned viciously. But¡ª
¡°No you don¡¯t!¡±
Salvos shouted as she crashed into the back of the Honored Fairy. The st of lightning shot to the side, vanishing into the falling sky. Hartia watched as both Salvos and Lotus tumbled across the remains of the pocket space as they struggled and fought desperately to defeat the other.
But despite whatever swings and strikes Salvos tried tond on the Honored Fairy, the flurry of attacks were unsessful. And instead, Lotus tore through cloak of distortion protecting Salvos and impaled her side.
Salvos yelped in pain as Hartia blinked. He realized the aura of invulnerability was finally gone. This was his chance to finally defeat her. But before he could react, he heard Haec¡¯s voice echoing throughout the pocket space.
¡°Salvos!¡±
The former Heir of the Netherworld leapt into the copsing pocket space as his body shone with a white light. He moved fast. Hartia didn¡¯t understand it, but Haec was somehow so much stronger and faster now.
Haec reached Lotus in an instant, and he raised his hands. Hartia was expecting Haec to strike Lotus from behind, but that was not what happened. Instead of attacking, Haec stretched a hand out to Salvos as he nodded.
¡°Take my hand!¡±
Salvos blinked for a moment, then instantly reached out and epted the proffered palm. And Haec whispered as the white aura covering his body rippled.
¡°[Title Skill: Synergy of Skills].¡±
¡°What is that?¡±
Hartia stared in confusion as the white aura began to spread to Salvos. The two of them shone together, and Lotus raised hernce. Her body crackled with electricity¡ª
¡°[Consecutive Fatal Divine Nebr sh]!¡±
Salvos and Haec shouted at once. And together, both Salvos and Haecshed out with a powerfulbination of fiery attacks. Theirbined attack overcame Lotus, sending the Honored Fairy flying back with a silent scream.
And she tumbled into the nothingness of the copsing pocket space as Hartia could only watch.
It was the first time Haec had used his brand new Title Skill. At first, when he received his new Title as the Traitor of the Demon King, he had epted it in shame. He hasn¡¯t been willing to even acknowledge the new Title Skills it had given him, because he had still harbored some sense of loyalty for the people he left behind, even to Regnorex.
But now, he fully realized and understood how foolish he had been back then. So he embraced his new Title. He epted the Skills it had bestowed him. And now, he used it to the full extent of its abilities.
It was called [Synergy of Skills], and it was likebination casting. Except far more effective as it essentiallybined two Skills together, creating a brand new Skill that was far stronger than the two of them alone. So it had a wide range of applications, especially when it came to battle.
Unfortunately, he knew intuitively that to use his [Synergy of Skills], he needed to be somewhat close in abilities to whoever he was going to be using it with. That was why he couldn¡¯t have just used it whenever he wanted. Taburas was too weak for him to work with, and Salvos was too strong.
So he had sought out a way to grow even stronger in a short moment¡ª to close the gap between him and Salvos. That was why he activated his second Grand Skill. He had drawn the power of the Third Legion using [I Shall Bear Your Burdens]. And while he wasn¡¯t exactly as powerful as Salvos right now, even with the strength he borrowed from them, it had closed the gap just enough for them to be able tobine their Skills andunch a powerful attack against that Level 200 Fairy.
Together, their attack sent her flying into the depths of the copsing pocket space, and then she vanished along with the cascading sky. Haec panted as he clung onto Salvos, looking down into the artificial world that was falling apart all around them. Thanks to his help, he was able to destroy Hartia¡¯s Grand Skill and save Salvos. But that hadn¡¯t been the n he concocted.
His n had been to use theirbined Skills to tear Hartia¡¯s [Fractal Barrier] through sheer force. But now, he could no longer use his [Synergy of Skills] for a while. And Hartia was still alive.
¡°Get ready.¡±
Salvos spoke up, snapping Haec back into attention. The two of them faced Hartia who was floating at the top of the shattered dome. The [Unseelie Lord]¡¯s gaze was shadowed over as he looked over his destroyed world. All the apparitions of Fairies he had summoned were gone. All except for one¡ª
¡°Ivory¡¡±
Hartia whispered as he reached out for thest apparition of a Fairy in the copsing pocket space. She flitted weakly towards him, having remained by his side the entire time. But then she, too, faded away.
And then the two Demons and the lone Fairy found themselves back in the Netherworld. Haec¡¯s feet touched solid ground once again. Salvos raised her scythe warily as Hartia slowly craned his neck to face them.
¡°Do you really think you¡¯ve won this battle?¡±
The [Unseelie Lord] asked as he raised his head. His eyes glinted in the darkness cast over his face by his arched brows, and his [Fractal Barrier] began to shine again. He spread his arms wide as Haec took on a defensive stance.
¡°We only pissed him off¡¡±
Haec said, and Salvos nodded.
¡°Yep, we did. But we also wasted his Grand Skills.¡±
¡°You wasted nothing.¡±
Hartia spat back as he floated to the sky. He hovered over the crimson sky, and the mountains shifted. Giant boulders and small mountains floated to the sky as his voice echoed in the Netherworld, his massive shadow towering over the two Demons.
¡°I will not stop until you are begging for mercy! I will not stop until the two of you are dead at my feet! I will not stop until I¡¯ve served your heads on a tter to the Demon King!¡±
And as he screamed, he unleashed everything he could down at the Enemy and the Traitor.
Chapter 666: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Five
Chapter 666: The Fall Of The Fairies Part Five
666. The Fall Of The Fairies Part Five
¡°This was your fault.¡±
The thundering voice of the Fairy Queen struck Basil like a st of lightning, and he recoiled at her words. Her usation stunned him into silence. This was his fault?
No¡ª it couldn¡¯t be his fault. It had to be her fault. She was the one who nned the creation of this New World. He was a mere Sacred Spirit who had been forced into being her Architect for this insane project.
He tried to open his mouth to protest. But he blinked when he heard another voiceing from the side. He spun around and stared at one of his fellow Architects with wide eyes.
¡°This happened because of you! If¡ if it weren¡¯t for you, they¡¯d all still be alive!¡±
Basil stared in shock as he heard those harsh words. He swept his gaze over the rest of the other surviving Fairies, and he saw the looks of disdain they bore towards him. He flitted back as he tried to work his jaw.
¡°N-no¡ª¡±
He started as the Fairy Queen descended upon him with her looming shadow. Behind her, her entourage of Honored Fairies followed with their weapons raised.Basil gesticted weakly and sputtered.
¡°I¡ I did not do this!¡±
He eximed. But the Fairy Queen did not listen. Nobody listened.
¡°Basil the Architect. For your failures which resulted in the destruction of the New World¡¡±
¡°Please! I am begging you¡ª¡±
Basil spoke desperately. He looked around for anyone to hear him out. But he was alone, even if he was surrounded by his own people.
And the Fairy Queen finished as she flicked a wrist.
¡°I hereby sentence you to death by the Void.¡±
Basil blinked as he processed her words. And suddenly the space around him warped. He felt an overwhelming force yank him from where he floated, before he was ejected out of the barrier the Fairy Queen had created, shot into the nothingness of the Void.
Hartia raised his head as he stared at the two Demons standing defiantly before him. An unending rage filled the Fairy to a brim as he saw them there. They were still alive.
Even after he had used his strongest Grand Skill against them, they still lived. Not only was he forced to remember his background and his failures, he was forced to relive it, but he had done it all to win.
And yet, victory wasn¡¯t assured. Worse¡ª it wasn¡¯t even likely at this point.
Hartia had exhausted most of his greatest Skills to defeat Salvos. And while she had also wasted her own Grand Skill¡ª whilst revealing a strange Skill that was reminiscent of the Voidspace he had identally created¡ª she looked ready to continue fighting for as long as was necessary.
Meanwhile, Haec was stronger than ever. And that was in the literal sense. Somehow, while he had been away, he had gotten a boost in strength that let him keep up in close contention with Salvos.
Hartia couldn¡¯t defeat them. Even as he so desperately tried. Heunched thousands upon thousands of boulders their way¡ª it fell like the ck rain of the Netherworld during the most torrential periods of Genesis, but it wasn¡¯t enough.
The two Demons ripped their way up towards him as he screamed in frustration.
¡°I will kill you!¡±
But even as Hartia dropped a giant meteor on them, they tore through it and reached him. His [Fractal Barrier] flickered as Salvos struck him first. Her attack sent him flying back as the world spun around him. Before he could even gain a sense of his bearings, Haec intercepted him and knocked him into a mountain with a powerful kick.
The [Unseelie Lord] shouted in anger as he tried to catch himself with his wings. But Salvos appeared next to him in an instant. He barely even registered she was there. Sheughed as he pointed at her, trying to crush her with his magic. However, the distortion protecting her stopped him.
And she struck him with a fiery blow that sent him crashing into the earth.
Basil tumbled out of the barrier protecting him from the Void. He barely had any time to process it. It happened so quickly. The Fairy Queen gave him his judgement, his sentence, and his execution all in one fell swoop.
He had raised a hand to try to do something. But he barely even conjured up the first vestiges of an area of space around him before he was ejected into the Void.
Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Perhaps it should have been a painless death¡ª perhaps he would have simply faded into nonexistence. Based on his understanding of the Void, he knew that was what was supposed to happen. But that didn¡¯t happen.
Because of the thinyer of space he had created to protect himself. It barely saved him. Or at first, that was what he thought as he floated there, surrounded by a world of nonexistence. However as time went by¡ª or perhaps time stayed still, he didn¡¯t know¡ª he realized that this had been a curse.
That he had condemned himself to an eternity of nothing but his own thoughts.
Hartia screamed in anger and frustration as he was thrown back once again. He was knocked around like he was a rock being sent flying around by low-leveled Fairies practicing their basic space magic. There was not a single moment of reprieve for him.
Right now, he couldn¡¯t even fight back. Even as he desperately tried to break free. He felt so¡ weak.
¡°Come on, Haec! His [Fractal Barrier] will break eventually!¡±
Salvos shouted as her scythe mmed into him once again.
And Basil floated there. Even as eternity came and went. He couldn¡¯t move. He barely could evenprehend his existence. His mind screamed for him to do something¡ª to try and break himself free from this stasis.
But there was nothing he could do.
¡until he appeared.
¡°Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.¡±
The voice echoed throughout the Void as Basil¡¯s mind froze, processing the first sign of something after so long. The Fairy tried to raise his head¡ª he tried to move his eyes. However, he remained stuck in ce.
¡°Once again, she¡¯s punishing her own people for her own failures.¡±
Basil didn¡¯t know where the voice came from. He didn¡¯t know who was speaking it. All he knew was that he could hear ite from all around him. And the words that were being said¡ they piqued his interest.
No¡ª they stoked the fire burning in his soul.
¡°I told her it was an impossible project. I told her she would never seed. But even now, after so many failures, she still refuses to listen.¡±
This was not the first time it happened¡? Basil thought as the speaker continued.
¡°s, this time around, you are the one to take the me.¡±
And suddenly a figure appeared right before Basil. A crimson face with a goatee stared right at Basil, wearing a mocking look.
¡°Poor you.¡±
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Basil was so taken aback by the sudden figure appearing right before him, he actually blinked. The figureughed before disappearing back into nothingness.
¡°Well, unfortunately for you, you¡¯re going to be stuck here for a while. I mean¡ª I could save you. But¡ I won¡¯t! So bye!¡±
And Basil was left alone once again.
Hartia¡¯s head spun as he was thrown around by both Salvos and Haec. How long had this been going on? He didn¡¯t quite know. But he knew that he was getting tired of these games.
His [Fractal Barrier] couldst for quite a long time, but it did not make him invincible. It could be whittled down with enough attacks. And while he knew he wasn¡¯t quite at its limit yet, if he allowed this to continue for long enough, it would be the end of him.
So he had to do something. Specifically, he had to do something about Haec.
While Salvos was an annoying pest, he was certain he could deal with her if it was just the two of them. The only problem was this sudden power boost that the former Heir of the Netherworld received. That was why Hartia was now caught in this predicament.
He needed to find a way to remove Haec from the equation here. But¡ how?
Basil was left alone with his thoughts again as he floated there amidst nothingness. His mind raced with regret. With his failures. He thought of everything that had happened. Again and again, he reyed what had happened. And he knew it was her fault.
It was the Fairy Queen¡¯s fault. Not his.
What happened to Ivory. What happened to Lotus. What happened to all those Fairies who died. It wasn¡¯t his fault.
So he didn¡¯t deserve to die. He didn¡¯t deserve this judgment that had been passed upon him. He needed to live. For Ivory. For Lotus. For everyone.
And he slowly made progress towards his survival. He didn¡¯t know how or why, but after that stranger visited him, he was able to move ever-so-slightly. Because of that, he was able to manipte his magic again. All he needed was to expand the smallyer of space he created to protect him.
So he focused on that. He focused on surviving. He focused on those he had lost.
He needed to live.
For Ivory.
He needed to survive.
For Lotus.
He needed to escape.
He needed to live.
He needed to survive.
For himself¡ª
Grand Skill [Expanding Domain: Fall Of The Fairies] Gained!
Abundant Experience is awarded¡ª
Hartia¡¯s eyes flickered as he saw the white aura coating Haec. He frowned, tracing the strands of mana across the canyon. And then his gazended onto the Third Legion standing silently by the coliseum. They hadn¡¯t intervened. Not once throughout the battle, had they moved to help the [Unseelie Lord].
The realization settled in as Hartia was knocked back by a powerful punch again.
¡°I understand now.¡±
Hartia grinned, even as he was hurled through the air. He began tough maniacally as he spread his arms wide. Salvos and Haec didn¡¯t slow down in their attacks. But the [Unseelie Lord] didn¡¯t care. He just eximed victoriously as he was knocked around like a toy, facing the Third Legion in the distance.
¡°So I just have to kill them all if I want to win, is that it? Then that¡¯s not difficult at all!¡±
And he brought his hands together as Salvos and Haec both blinked. They exchanged a nce, before the former Heir of the Netherworld shouted.
¡°No!¡±
But Haec was too slow. Hartia pped, and it was over.
Chapter 667: Stasis
Chapter 667: Stasis
667. Stasis
Hartia had won. He was certain of his victory. It was assured. All he needed to do was remove Haec from the battle, and he could deal with Salvos by himself. And with this simple move¡ª by sacrificing all of the Third Legion¡ª he would havee out victorious.
It would have resulted in so many Demons dead, just like that. But it was necessary. No¡ it was more than necessary. They were traitors who had joined Salvos and Haec. They refused to aid the [Unseelie Lord] in battle.
That was why he was going to kill them all. All he needed to do was reach for the power of his second Grand Skill, the [Unseen Cor Of Space], and he could kill them all in an instant. He brought his hands together as he tugged for the strands of magic connecting every single Demon in the Third Legion to the invisible spatialwork only he and a few others could see. Heughed victoriously, hearing Haec scream.
Hartia pped as he reached for the deaths of the tens of thousands of watching Demons. And he waited to hear their necks snapped. He waited to see their bodies fall. He waited to feel his magic ending their lives in an instant.
But nothing happened.
The [Unseelie Lord] narrowed his eyes as he stared at the Third Legion in the distance. They hadn¡¯t fallen to the ground lifelessly. Instead, they just stared at him quizzically. He turned to Haec who was still standing there with the white aura coating his body.
¡°How¡ª¡±
Hartia started as he frowned. He pped his hands together again and again, but nothing happened. He couldn¡¯t even feel his connection to the cors any longer. It felt like his very control over the fabric of space had been taken away.And then he saw the distortion that was covering his body. All he could do was stare wide-eyed at the twisted power that was surrounding him, closing in like the tendrils of the Voidspace.
¡°What¡ is this?¡±
But even as he asked that question, he knew the one who was responsible behind it.
I didn¡¯t know what I did. Well, actually, I knew exactly what I did. But I didn¡¯t know if it would work. I had to act fast when I realized what Hartia was going to do. As far as I understood it, Haec¡¯s second Grand Skill allowed him to absorb the power of those who were under his protection. But a downside was that he also was also vulnerable to any damage they received.
To what extent? I didn¡¯t know. But all I knew was that if the entirety of the Demon army gathered there died, Haec would probably be badly hurt at the very least, or very much dead at worst. So I acted to save him.
I focused my [Protection of the Corruption] onto Hartia because I knew that the corruption was capable of disrupting spatial magic. Instead of using it as a barrier, I used it as a shield. I covered the [Unseelie Lord] with it, and itpletely cut off his connection to the summoning cors. He didn¡¯t even realize he was wrapped in the distortion until he tried to p his hands again.
¡°You!¡±
He screamed as he turned towards me. I bared my teeth back at him and spread my arms wide.
¡°What do you think of my corruption? Pretty handy, huh?¡±
¡°This will not stop me!¡±
Hartia flew straight up to escape the coalescing corruption covering his body. He raised his hands again, ready to p again. And I gritted my teeth as I focused on moving my corruption to stop him. He clicked his tongue when I cut him off once again.
But he continued moving as he red at me.
¡°You can¡¯t dy their deaths forever!¡±
And I knew he was right. My lips drew into a thin line as I continued pointing at him, trying to continue to coat him with my [Protection of the Corruption]. It would have been a lot easier if he wasn¡¯t moving. However, neither Haec or I could have tried to pin him down. After all, it was a barrier Skill.
I might have been using it to disrupt Hartia¡¯s magic, however it still deflected attacks. So we could physically restrain him. I had to do something else. And as Hartia zipped across the sky, I had an idea.
And unfortunately, it was going to piss off a few Demons I knew. Or at the very least, be a surprise to them.
Hartia screamed as he was engulfed by the distortion. It was both in anger and fear. He hated seeing it coalesce around him, closing in like it was going to consume him. It reminded him of the Voidspace. It reminded him of his failures once again. And those memories terrified him.
But also¡ª it breathed life into his resolve. His rage against the Fairy Queen. His hatred for the person he used to be. A subservient drone who dedicated his life to an entity who cared not for him. And most importantly, his desire to kill the Enemy of the Netherworld.
He shot towards the sky as he tried to continue to evade the distortion that was following him. He could see the mosaic of colors from the very fringe of his vision, and everything around him continued to blur. He tried to ignore it. All he had to do was break free from this.
All he had to do was find a moment of reprieve and he would win. He moved faster and faster until he felt the first vestiges of spatial magic returning to him. Heughed victoriously, reaching his arms out.
¡°Now, I win¡ª¡±
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
But before he could yank the strands of mana connected to the summoning cors, he mmed into an invisible wall. Hartia yelped in pain as he drew back from the invisible wall. His brows furrowed when he saw what it was.
¡°This is space magic?¡±
He spun around in confusion, then he saw Salvos¡¯s blurry figure zipping past him, forming another invisible wall beside him. His eyes widened as she flew around him, and he realized he was being boxed in.
¡°You, bitch!¡±
He shouted as he tried to fly out. But the Enemy of the Netherworld cut him off every single time. Hartia spun around as he saw the crimson skies grow dark, and the white earth fade away. He heard Salvos¡¯s voice echoing around him.
¡°Now you¡¯re in my world.¡±
And everything around the [Unseelie Lord] changed. No longer was he in the Netherworld. Instead, he was trapped in a ss-like cube surrounded by darkness. He gritted his teeth as he continued to hear the mocking words of Salvos reverberate around him, followed by a voice in his head.
Now Leaving [Demon King¡¯s Domain]!
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Netherworld]!
¡°Do you really think you can keep me trapped here?!¡±
Hartia screamed as he aimed his hands at the dimensional walls copsing around him. He reached to undo their threads of spatial magic¡ª to free himself from this prison. But Salvos appeared before him, grabbing him by the hand.
¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t!¡±
He red at her as he broke free from her grasps.
¡°You can¡¯t kill me! Not as long as I have my [Fractal Barrier]!¡±
Hartia cackled, flying back. She nodded understandingly as she whispered.
¡°I can¡¯t.¡±
And Salvos raised her head as her eyes glinted.
¡°At least, not right now.¡±
The [Unseelie Lord] paused, before she vanished. Herughter was all he could hear as the walls of this pocket space began to close in on him.
¡°But I can trap you here until I can kill you.¡±
¡°What¡?¡±
And Salvos zipped around as her figure blurred. Hartia swept his gaze over his surroundings, thinking she was just moving that fast. But then he saw the whirlwind of colors. He watched as the distortion overcame his own body. He tried to reach for the threads of space that was theposition of this artificial world.
But he failed to get a grasp at anything. He couldn¡¯t escape the distortion. The walls of the pocket space copsed on him as he struggled to break free. He tried to reach for something. And he found nothing.
¡°N-no¡ª¡±
He opened his mouth. His mind shed with visions of that moment so long ago. When he had been trapped in the Void, unable to do anything. When he was only left with his thoughts.
Basil didn¡¯t know how much time he remained there, trapped in stasis. There was no time here, and his mind couldn¡¯tprehend it. Even though he was struggling to break free after hearing that voice speak. He still couldn¡¯t break free.
He would have gone insane. He would have died from losing his mind. But he focused only on one thing to survive.
He focused on the Fairy Queen. On what she had done. And what he had done for her.
Basil forsook it. All his past actions¡ª his past life. He shed it all away. He became someone else. Something else. Something more.
And he swore that he would never be Basil again.
The distortion filled this world, and Hartia could only watch. There was nothing he could do was his senses were numbed and his body was practically crushed. His [Fractal Barrer] still held up against the pressure of the closing world, but everything else failed him.
None of his other Skills were powerful enough to break him free. And he could only scream as he was consumed by the corruption as he was left alone once again with his thoughts and nothing to do.
And then it was over.
I had won. I trapped Hartia in a piece of my pocket space, away from the rest of [The World Of My Mind]. I still kicked out Taburas, Bertrugil, Aem, Ultis, and Aliq when I did that, because I wasn¡¯t sure if having them nearby would endanger their lives. So they were thrown out into the Netherworld without much warning. But I did what I needed to do.
Now, Hartia couldn¡¯t escape. He couldn¡¯t even fight back. He was trapped in a pool of corruption in a piece of space that was forcefully shrunk to the size of his body. He was only still alive thanks to his [Fractal Barrier]. But I knew I could finish him off soon.
Once I could cast my other Grand Skills like my [w Of Corruption], I was certain that I could kill Hartia in an instant. For now though, I had to keep him alive and trapped. And as I returned to the Netherworld alone, the Third Legion cheered at my ostensible victory. I looked down and saw Haec¡¯s relieved face alongside the outraged looks on Taburas and Bertrugil, before also hearingd a flurry of voices echoing in my mind.
Even though I hadn¡¯t killed Hartia, it seemed that my hard work hadn¡¯t gone unpaid. I grinned as I listened to everything that was listed out to me slowly.
General Skill [Corruption Maniption] Gained!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a General Skill!
ss Skill [Prison Of Istion] Learned!
Experience is awarded for the learning of a Skill!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 167] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 168]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 149] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 150]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 150] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 151]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 151] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 152]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!
[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 152] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 153]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[ss Advancement Avable]
[Titles Avable]
I nodded to myself satisfiedly as Inded on the ground.
¡°Huh. Now I wonder what you have in store for me¡ but I can deal with youter.¡±
For now, I checked up on mypanion, and figured out a n of action to do next.
Chapter 668: Mystical Assassin (End of Book 12)
Chapter 668: Mystical Assassin (End of Book 12)
668. Mystical Assassin
The [Horned Drake] looked through the trees and saw its prey standing in the clearing up ahead. It had been following the three of them for a while now, stalking them across the forest floor as they hunted down the lesser monsters in the area. But the [Horned Drake] was no lesser monster.
It was certain it was more powerful than them. Certainly, they looked intimidating to an extent, considering they resembled the [Horned Drake] in shape, although they were much pudgier, smaller, and had wings. But they were lower-leveled than it was¡ª since it was Level 67, and they were just under Level 60¡ª so it knew it could take them on. The only reason it hadn¡¯t already struck them was because it was an apex predator, and because of that, it knew that sometimes easy prey wasn¡¯t as easy as it seemed.
So it had observed them to ensure it knew what it was going up against. And now that the time seemed right, it was going to strike.
The [Horned Drake] huffed as it took a soft step forward¡ª
¡°Hey.¡±
And it paused as it heard a voicee from behind it. Blinking, the monster turned around to face a Human standing there. But it was not just any Human. It was a little girl.
She had her arms crossed as she red at the [Horned Drake].
¡°Leave my friends alone, or else.¡±The [Horned Drake] stared at her for a moment, before scoffing. It had killed many Humans before¡ª especially little ones like her. So it simply spun around and swung its tail down at her to crush her.
The ground shook as its tail struck the earth. A thunderous crash echoed throughout the forest, and the three figures in the clearing perked up. They looked towards the [Horned Drake] as it turned back to face them with a savage gaze. Even if it alerted them of its presence, it knew they couldn¡¯t outrun it.
So it took a step forward as it shed its fangs dangerously. And then a blurred figurended right in front of the [Horned Drake], causing it to pause.
¡°Did you not hear me?¡±
It was the little girl. She drew a pair of daggers as she looked up at the giant monster. And it roared and snapped its jaw down onto her as she spoke simply.
¡°I said: leave my friends alone!¡±
The [Horned Drake]shed out, but she leapt over its attack. She swung her daggers down at its neck as they shed with a blue light. The giant monster recoiled, but it was toote. It copsed to the ground, gargling in its own blood, feeling its body grow numb. As it fell, it stared at the little girl onest time, before seeing her level.
[Mage - Lvl. 71]
And the [Horned Drake] realized that it might not have been the apex predator it thought it was, before its vision went dark.
Rachelnded lightly as she sheathed her daggers onto her belt. Twirling around, she eyed the dead [Horned Drake] curiously, before looking over at the three baby Wyverns rushing towards her from the clearing. Bellum was the fastest, running at the front, followed by Bellum, and then Oriur.
¡°Rachel!¡±
Thest baby Wyvern called out as he stumbled over some shrubs. His brother and sister reached her first. They gushed over her as they looked at the dead monster.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
¡°What do you think of that?¡±
Rachelughed as the two baby Wyverns whined. Well¡ª to call them babies was a bit odd now. Even though they had already beenrger than she was when she met them, they were now about the size of a brown bear.
And yet, they were still babies. At least for Wyverns. They weren¡¯t even two years old yet. Even if it had been a few months since Rachel had met them.
She smiled, watching Novis and Bellum argue with each other. They clearly thought they could have taken on the [Horned Drake]. An evidently misced confidence, considering their levels. But it was cute to see them bicker.
¡°Are you alright, Rachel?¡±
Oriur asked as he finally reached the little girl. He was the only one who looked even a little bit concerned about her wellbeing. But she was fine. She was much higher-leveled than the [Horned Drake], so she knew she could have taken it down.
After all, she was a Level 71 [Mystical Assassin] now. While she wasn¡¯t the most durable in battle, she was fast, and her attacks were incredibly deadly. It had only been two months since she started training and leveling again. And thanks to the asional help from Centina, Willy, and the three baby Wyverns, she was leveling up faster than she ever had been before.
So Rachel beamed and gave Oriur a thumbs-up.
¡°I¡¯m fine! I should be more worried about you!¡±
Oriur blinked, then returned with a smile. He was the smallest of his siblings, but he was also the most intelligent. And he was the reason why they were out on this little hunting trip today.
¡°So did you find any Centinels?¡±
Rachel asked as she tilted her head curiously at the baby Wyvern. He shook his head in response.
¡°No, no traces of any Centinels. Which is strange. Usually, they¡¯d be swarming these forests to get to Mavos Academy.¡±
¡°So that makes it a whole week without any Centinels, huh?¡±
The Child Monster tilted her head back, beforeughing.
¡°Maybe we scared them all away!¡±
¡°I highly doubt that.¡±
Oriur scoffed as he strode back. He grabbed both Novis and Bellum too as he started heading back in the direction of Mavos Academy.
¡°Centinels are particrly known for their tenacity andck of intelligence. They wouldn¡¯t give up this easily¡ª not especially when they¡¯re targeting Ms Centina.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
Rachel nodded as she followed after Oriur. She nced back over her shoulder as she furrowed her brows.
¡°I wonder what happened to all the Centinels, then.¡±
And in the distance, far from Mavos Academy, a figure emerged from beneath the earth. It was a twisted creature. One that had seen the end of the world approach from the world¡¯s borders. One that had survived the destructive corruption that was only starting to reach this part of the Nexeus.
It was the Matriarch Centinel of the Bloodied Gulf. And behind it, thousands of Centinels poured out of the ground, swarming forward.
But that was not the only cmity that was beginning to unfurl. In the Netherfied Lands, the rifts in the skies continued to shift, even as the Netherworld awaited the start of Genesis. The gathered Demons there waited for something to happen, uncertain about this world they found themselves in.
And Edithe Dawnrise, knowing this, stood before the Council of Cremont, arguing with them over drawing forces away from the Elven Forests to prepare for what was toe.
At the same time, Helena Warshade, Orgaf, and a group of Elite Ranks encountered the corruption for the first time, before learning about the inevitable fate of the world¡¯s future.
Meanwhile, Daniel Song trained high above the world, atop the peak of Astros Mountain, under the tutge of Yves Virgil the Watcher himself.
And Salvos? Well, yes, she reached her ss advancement, but she had to save that forter. For now, she followed Haec as he led the Third Legion away from the Expanse, moving to put a halt to the Demon King¡¯s ns to destroy Humankind as a whole.
Author''s Notes
And that''s the end of Book 12. 90% of the chapters in Book 12 will be removed for publication in 5 days'' time. But I will focus on keeping the most recent chapters up for people to keep up.
Salvos will be on break for public chapters for all of April. Patreon will continue updating. Thanks for reading as always!
Chapter Salvos Book 12 launch on Amazon! + Reminder Public is on break
Chapter Salvos Book 12unch on Amazon! + Reminder Public is on break
Just a reminder, Salvos public chapters will be on break as Patreon rebuilds its backlog. And also, Salvos book 12 is now out on Amazon Kindle Unlimited! Leave it a rating or a review if you enjoyed it as it would really help me out a lot : The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle : The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report : The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle : The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
Amazon: The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
Amazon: The Child Monster: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 12) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
Chapter 669: Council of Cremont (Start of Book 13)
Chapter 669: Council of Cremont (Start of Book 13)
669. Council of Cremont
¡°It is almost time.¡±
The voice rumbled, shaking the throne room. Every single one of the gathered figures bowed deeply as Regnorex drew back from the ornate balcony. Far behind him, the backdrop of a dark storm yed, covering the scarlet dome of the Netherworld.
The Demon King continued as he strode up to his throne.
¡°Soon, the Cycle of Advent will once again begin. But this time, Genesis will note.¡±
He settled into his seat as he turned to his subjects. A pained expression crossed his face. It was the first change in emotion he had shown in many cycles. But not a single one of the Demons kneeling before him dared to raise their heads to meet his gaze and witness his moment of vulnerability.
Regnorex wouldn¡¯t allow them. For a king must show strength when faced with his people.
¡°There will be no Destion. There will be no death. There will be no new births¡ª not in the Netherworld, any longer. For they shall be the brickstone which will beid to pave our path to our eternal salvation.¡±
He wore a solemn face as he spoke. He did not find joy in killing his own people. They had suffered long enough. An eternity of damnation. An endless cycle of death and rebirth. However, Regnorex found sce in knowing that it was for the greater good.That Demonkind shall be able to leave this hell once and for all.
¡°Oracli.¡±
Regnorex spoke, turning to face the Wisest of the Domain. Oracle raised his head, but didn¡¯t meet the eyes of the Demon King.
¡°Have you confirmed the status of our future children?¡±
The Demon King asked the question simply. Oracle nodded and raised an orb, showing a scene from the Mortal Realm. Dark clouds were gathered above the Netherfied Lands¡ª far fewer clouds than in the Netherworld, but they were present nheless.
¡°I have, indeed, my King.¡±
Oracli replied as he lowered the orb.
¡°The next generation of our people shall be birthed in our new home, and they shall be unaffected by the sacrificial ritual that is toe.¡±
¡°They are few, but they will eventually be many.¡±
Regnorex shook his head as he turned towards the dark clouds in the distance¡ª in the Netherworld. His heart ached, knowing that those children would never have the chance to truly live. However, knowing what awaited them¡ª both Destion and the Revtion¡ª only further entrenched the Demon King in his beliefs.
¡°Soon, Demonkind shall know peace.¡±
Regnorex¡¯s eyes fluttered shut as he continued in a soft whisper.
¡°Soon, my dreams shall be achieved.¡±
It had been a month since the rifts closed up across the skies of the Netherfied Lands.
A whole month had passed with tens of thousands of Demons and thousands of high-leveled Demons converging at the center of the region that had once been the Inoria Empire and the Elutra Kingdom. It was a strange anomaly. Now, Demons no longer poured from the Netherworld to the Mortal Realm at random. Instead, a dark cloud hung overhead.
It cast a shadow over the entirety of the skies around the Netherfied Lands.
When Edithe Dawnrise had first seen this strange sight, she had wondered what it could have been. It didn¡¯t make any sense to her. But what else she saw was obvious to her. That the Demons were acting erratic around that ck cloud. That the Primeval Demon that had crossed through to the Mortal Realm had asionally taken to the skies and circled around the dark cloud.
There was something else to this ck cloud. And while Edithe herself didn¡¯t exactly know what it was, she knew that the adventurerpanies that were exterminating the Demons there weren¡¯t well-equipped enough to deal with it.
That was why she had sought out the help of others. That was why she had gone to the Council of Cremont to seek out the aid of the temples. The [Priests] whomunicated with the Spirit ne. The [Crusaders] who exterminated Demons.
As a child who grew up under the influence of the Sanctum of Elements¡ª one of the three denominations of temples that were out there¡ª she believed that she¡¯d be able to turn to them for help. But what she was met with was¡
¡°The Council of Cremont refuses to offer aid to the adventurerpanies in the Netherfied Lands.¡±
[Archbishop] Ulric Magnus bellowed as he mmed a heavy metal gavel down to the wooden desk. Each strike of the tiny hammer echoed throughout the vast chamber. Edithe stared at him in sheer disbelief.
But he wasn¡¯t alone in making his decision. [Archbishops] Thorsten Siegfrid and Diana Ashlin were gathered there as well. Respectively, they were the leaders of the Sanctum of Elements, the Den of Souls, and the Sanctuary of Fauna.
So their decision was final. There was no one else for Edithe to turn to now.
¡°But you don¡¯t understand¡ª¡±
Edithe started. However, they refused to hear her out.
Stolen novel; please report.
¡°Your appeal has been dismissed.¡±
Ulric Magnus said as he mmed his gavel on the table once again. Edithe pursed her lips. She stood there for a moment as a group of [Crusaders] moved to escort her out of the dark chamber, illuminated only by a stained ss window hanging directly behind the three [Archbishops], casting shadows over their figures with backlight.
Lowering her head, Edithe thought about everything she had learned under the tutge of the Sanctum of Elements. And as the [Crusaders] moved to remove her from the room, she raised her head and red at the three [Archbishops].
¡°When I was a child, a [Priest] taught me that we need to study history books to learn from our mistakes. But the fact that you people rejected the Immortal King Alexander¡¯s call for aid thousands of years ago, and ignored Belzu¡¯s path of destruction until it was toote¡¡±
The [Crusaders] seized her and began to escort her out of the room. But Edithe¡¯s gaze never left the three figures sitting atop their high tables.
¡°It seems like you guys have never read a history book, because you guys just can¡¯t stop yourselves from making the same mistakes over and over again.¡±
And with that, the door was mmed before her. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath as the [Crusaders] led her down the hallway. When she finally left the Council of Cremont, she couldn¡¯t help but pull her hair and suppress a scream.
¡°This is such fucking bullshit!¡±
Edithe was outraged. And why wouldn¡¯t she be?
It was ridiculous. She thought it was absolutely ridiculous. It made no sense why they would reject her request for aid. Especially so soon after the United Coalition of the Human Lands had nearly lost against the Demon King.
¡°Their age must be getting to them. How could they have already forgotten what happens when they refuse to act against Demons. Isn¡¯t it literally their job as the Council of Cremona to do something about it?¡±
Edithe rubbed her temples as she stood before the steps leading to the massive building. It was a temple of sorts, but judging by the architecture¡ª the marble pirs and the brick stone buttresses¡ª it was incredibly old.
Next to her, a voice spoke up catingly.
¡°To be fair to them, they are currently preupied with the Elf attacks, right?¡±
ncing to the side, Edithe saw a figure standing with a wry smile there.
It was not Hadrian. He had been left in charge of the Valiant Dreamers Company back in the Netheried Lands. And it was not like the speaker was even a man anyway.
It was a woman. Her name was Faith El, and she was the Fallen Queen of Elutra.
She hade with Edithe to plead their case as well. Unfortunately, the both of them had been thoroughly shut down.
¡°Don¡¯t try to defend those old fucks. They don¡¯t deserve defending. Not when they refuse to even support the United Coalition of the Human Lands in the front lines, choosing to hide here like the cowards they are.¡±
Edithe shook her head as she strode past the Fallen Queen of Elutra. The two of them began to make their way away from the Council of Cremont.
Certainly, Edithe could see Faith¡¯s point. After all, there was the threat of the Elves. But they weren¡¯t an existential threat to the existence of the Mortal Realm. It was a threat to only the Humannds.
Meanwhile, the Demon King was different.
His n was to conquer all of the Mortal Realm. Or at the very least, that was what Edithe was told. And everyone else seemed to understand that fact. But they didn¡¯t understand it enough to act.
How could they have all forgotten about the consequences of their inaction so soon? Because of them, Belzu had been allowed to roam freely. Because of that, the Inoria Empire had been overtaken by Demons without anyone realizing. Despite the pleas for help from the Elutra Kingdom, no one offered an ear to listen.
Edithe nced to the side, eyeing Faith. Once again, even though the remains of the Elutra Kingdom was calling for help, no one acted to save them. Perhaps this was the reason why the Fallen Queen seemed so unperturbed by their rejection. Faith was probably used to being ignored in her time of need, so she had already been resigned to this oue.
But Edithe didn¡¯t want to give up just yet.
The United Coalition of the Human Lands was formed for a reason. Because even though there was no Immortal King Alexander to unite them, Humankind still could work together to defeat their enemies.
At the very least, that was what was agreed upon during the formation of the United Coalition of the Human Lands.
But that didn¡¯t seem to be the case any longer.
¡°I just don¡¯t get it¡¡±
Edithe sighed as the two of them approached a ming figure waiting for them a mile away from the Council of Cremont.
¡°They didn¡¯t even give us a reason. Like, I would understand if they at least exined why they refused to help us.¡±
¡°Other than the obvious fact that the Netherfied Lands poses no immediate threat to them?¡±
Faith spoke up, cing her hand on her chin. She regarded the ming figure waiting for them as she continued.
¡°I think the fact that you¡¯re friends with her ys a part in their decision too.¡±
Edithe pursed her lips as she faced the ming figure that was waiting for them. In response, the figure just tilted her head back at them. What the two women stared at wasn¡¯t¡ a person, per se. Although, technically, it was a person too?
It wasplicated. Because the ming figure was technically just a copy of a real person. But she behaved like a real person too.
She was the Salvos clone¡ª the very same one that had stayed behind in the Mortal Realm when Salvos left for the Netherworld. And she had been the one to transport both Edithe and Faith from the Netherfied Lands to here in the Council of Cremont.
But the [Crusaders] that guarded the area would have attacked Salvos on sight. Even if she was a clone. So theynded far enough away for her to not be spotted. The Salvos clone waved a hand and smiled as the two women stared at her.
¡°Yes?¡±
The Salvos clone asked curiously. Edithe chewed her lower lip, before turning to Faith.
¡°While that is a possibility, I think it¡¯s even more ridiculous that they¡¯re refusing to offer us aid for such a petty reason.¡±
Edithe shook her head, and Faith nodded.
¡°I agree. But such is the way of politics.¡±
¡°It¡¯s fucking stupid.¡±
¡°It really is.¡±
The Salvos clone just stared at them quizzically as they both sighed. Edithe raised her head and looked towards the horizon in the distance. She recalled the dark clouds that were gathering in the Netherfied Lands.
¡°Our only saving grace is the fact that so far nothing else has happened since the rifts have closed.¡±
She spoke in a whisper. However, she wasn¡¯t sure if that would remain the case forever. That was why she needed to return to Hadrian and the rest of the Valiant Dreamers Company.
But before she could direct the Salvos clone to send them back, her attention was drawn back to the Council of Cremont as she heard a bell tolling. Her brows snapped together as she saw amotion break out in the front entrance of the building, with arge bell atop the structure repeatedly ringing in rm.
¡°What is going on?¡±
Faith asked with a frown. Edithe narrowed her eyes, before she heard a voice shouting.
¡°Emergency! Emergency¡ª¡±
A man ran up the steps of the Council of Cremont as he waved a piece of parchment above his head. And as Edithe processed his words, her eyes grew wide.
¡°Mavos Academy is under attack by the Matriach Centinel of the Bloodied Gulf! Headmaster Skyshredder calls for aid!¡±
Chapter 670: Dangers Around Mavos Academy
Chapter 670: Dangers Around Mavos Academy
670. Dangers Around Mavos Academy
It was another ordinary day at Mavos Academy.
Or at the very least, it had been an ordinary day for Rachel. She had woken up early in the morning to attend her sses as per usual, before running off to train with Oriur, Novis, and Bellum. This had be their routine for a while now.
Rachel had even been skipping her attendance for her club activities to spend time with the baby Wyverns. Well, they could be called juveniles at this point. But she found them to be too cute to not call babies.
Valda had asked the young girl if everything was alright. And since Rachel had to hide the fact that she was spending time with Salvos¡¯s children, she had consistently had to make up some excuse or another to avoid her club activities.
It was not like she disliked being a part of the Demon Research Club. But there hasn¡¯t been much she was able to learn while there. At least, not about how to get to the Netherworld to find Salvos.
And that was Rachel¡¯s goal¡ª to find Salvos. Unfortunately, there was no material she could find in any library or in any tome about how someone could cross the nes. There were some forbidden grimoire that had exined in great detail how to summon a Demon. However, nothing about how a Human could leave the Mortal Realm.
It was strange, really. It was like no one had ever considered doing such a thing. Not even to get to the Spirit ne. Humans seemed to be perfectly content staying in their own ne, which puzzled Rachel.
While she could understand the logic of not wanting to travel to the Netherworld, the fact that Humankind hadn¡¯t even considered visiting the Spirit ne made her suspicious that there might have been a hidden reason why they never considered leaving the Mortal Realm.But she didn¡¯t bother investigating further into it for now. After all, she could spend time with the baby Wyverns instead. And not only that, they¡¯d be together training and leveling.
That was Rachel¡¯s current utmost priority: getting stronger.
And she did.
¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve already hit your Level 70 ss advancement!¡±
Oriur said as he trudged after her. He was not alone, apanied by Novis and Bellum, his brother and sister. The group of children made their way back to Mavos Academy, having finished their hunting session. For some odd reason, the nearby forests were starting to popte with all kinds of monsters, and they were the ones who were covertly helping with exterminating them.
While Rachel wondered what caused this sudden surge in monster activity, she was also grateful for it, because she had been able to level up incredibly quickly, even by her standards. Thanks to it, she had be a Level 71 [Mystical Assassin], and she could fell most monsters up to Level 75 due to the rarity of her ss.
Others called her rapid rise in strength to be prodigious. However, she knew that Salvos was far more of a genius than she ever would be.
¡°I wonder if you¡¯ll reach Level 100 soon¡¡±
Oriur stared at her, amazed. Meanwhile, his two siblings wore jealous looks, having leveled significantly slower than the young girl.
She smiled and waved a hand off dismissively.
¡°Reaching Level 100 will be much tougher, especially once I get my second ss. And besides being Level 70 doesn¡¯t mean anything, anyway.¡±
¡°What do you mean by ¡®doesn¡¯t mean anything¡¯?!¡±
Oriur sputtered. He pointed at her and eximed.
¡°At your level, you¡¯re equivalent to a tinum Ranked adventurer! And you¡¯re not even thirteen!¡±
¡°I actually just turned thirteen. But on a lesser scale, it does mean a lot, sure. And the reason why I am doing all this is to be strong enough to deal with the Centinelsing after Centina, remember?¡±
Rachel shook her head. She came to a halt right before a cleaning, spotting the two figures who were waiting there for the children.
Looking down at her hands, she purses her lips.
¡°I won¡¯t be able to deal with an [Evolved Centinel] if they attack us¡ª let alone an [Ancient Centinel], you know?¡±
Oriur snorted as he strode past her.
¡°Do you really think an [Ancient Centinel] is going toe after us? There hasn¡¯t been a single [Ancient Centinel] spotted outside of the Bloodied Gulf in centuries!¡±
¡°And the Demon King¡¯sst attempted invasion was ten thousand years ago. Just because something is improbable, doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s impossible. Even then, I¡¯ve seen the impossible happen, so it¡¯s best to prepare for the worst.¡±
Rachel spoke as she faced Oriur seriously. Behind her, Novis and Bellum nodded eagerly. But in truth, thetter two baby Wyverns just wanted to go out more often because they enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.
¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be fine.¡±
Oriur shrugged as he approached the two figures waiting for them. The first was a Grand Spirit¡ª a [Will O¡¯ Wisp] and their guardian. His name was Willy, and he hade here for the sole purpose of picking them up. But he couldn¡¯t do it alone.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.
That was why he came with the second figure, which was not a Spirit. Rather, she was a monster. Her name was Kron, and she was a [Krokodis]. Although, that was not what she looked like right now. Instead, she appeared to be a Human with long red hair, and an androgynous body. Her face was twisted to a scowl as she crossed her arms.
¡°Finally!¡±
She eximed, making her desire to be anywhere but here evident. And she could have hidden it¡ª masked it along with the disguise she wore over her body. After all, what Rachel currently saw was an illusion.
¡°If me get caught out here, me will die. Me want go back already.¡±
Kron said as she drew back. But Willy wasn¡¯t in nearly such a rush. The [Will O¡¯ Wisp flitted forward as the children crowded around him.
¡°Fun?¡±
Willy asked. The four children nodded in response. They broke out into a babble of voices, recounting everything they had done.
¡°We split off into two groups¡ª¡±
Oriur started, and Novis and Bellum spoke up too. But what they said was barelyprehensible to Rachel.
¡°We kill! We kill!¡±
¡°Grrrr, we also hunt!¡±
The young girl just nodded as she beamed proudly.
¡°And I saved them from a [Horned Drake] too!¡±
She added, drawing the sidelong res from the three baby Wyverns. Novis and Bellum protested as they raised their wed hands. Meanwhile, Oriur scratched the back of his head.
¡°Rachel did do that. But it was risky.¡±
¡°It was fine.¡±
Smiling, the young girl turned to Willy.
¡°I knew what I was doing. If Novis and Bellum got to the [Horned Drake] first, they¡¯d have gotten themselves killed.¡±
Willy looked towards the two baby Wyverns. They definitely didn¡¯t believe that. But even as they huffed, they didn¡¯t argue about it any longer. Willy couldn¡¯t smile, however Rachel was pretty sure that if he could, he¡¯d be smiling right now.
¡°Good.¡±
With that, he drew back. He began making his way towards Mavos Academy as Kron sighed. She raised a hand, and an illusion overcame the three baby Wyverns.
As Rachel was an ordinary Human, she didn¡¯t need such a disguise. So she just walked alongside Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. They looked to be children too, but older than her¡ª more like teenage youths. Each one of them had a distinct hair color. Novis had spiky red hair, Bellum had long and straight blue hair, while Oriur had short white hair. It was Rachel who suggested their hair colors to Kron because she thought it would be fitting.
The group entered Mavos Academy through a staff-only entrance, to avoid raising any suspicion. Typically, this entrance was reserved for teachers, professors, or other faculty for the school. But they were granted special permission by Headmaster yton Skyshredder himself to use this way to exit and enter.
The guards stationed there didn¡¯t question it. Especially since it had been a while now since they started doing this, the guards were used to it. They passed through the gate as Rachel felt a strange magical sensation wash over her.
Looking up, she saw a flicker of light in the air. When she squinted and focused, she saw attice of mana strands forming a dome over Mavos Academy. That was the barrier of Mavos Academy, and it was powerful.
From what Rachel was told, Mavos Academy had up to sevenyers of barriers protecting it. But in the past, there was only a singleyer active to keep flying monsters out. However, after an incident with Salvos, they reinforced the barrier with twoyers. And when the war with the Demons broke out, it was upgraded to fouryers for a period of time.
Now, it was down to only threeyers, even though there was still the ongoing war with the Elves. Rachel had wondered why didn¡¯t Mavos Academy just keep all sevenyers active for maximum security. She had asked yton himself the reason for only maintaining a handful ofyers.
His exnation was not that Mavos Academy didn¡¯t want to upkeep the barrier. It was that they couldn¡¯t. Even now, their magical reserves were being strained with only threeyers of barrier. With all sevenyers active, they¡¯d be able to maintain the barrier for up to a year at most.
And that was not considering the consequences of a siege, which would deplete the expectancy of the barrier by substantial margins.
It was said that Mavos Academy had been able to withstand a siege by the Demon King himself for seven days, before the Immortal King Alexander arrived to repel the Demons.
So she assumed that the barrier could survive eight days, at the bare minimum.
While Rachel didn¡¯t exactly know how much quicker the barrier could be drained in the event of a siege, she knew it was entirely dependent on the force exerted against the barrier.
Otherwise, the barrier waspletely imprable.
¡°I still think you need to be more careful.¡±
Oriur pouted as he walked up next to Rachel. She nced back at him curiously, and he lowered his head.
¡°I don¡¯t want you to get hurt, you know?¡±
In response, Rachel just shrugged.
¡°Well, you can¡¯t level up if you don¡¯t get yourself into dangerous situations. Besides, I know my limits.¡±
¡°Do you really?¡±
Oriur asked as his gaze bore into her. Rachel hesitated. There was a moment where she didn¡¯t know how to respond. After all, she knew that he was kind of right. He wasn¡¯t fully correct, but there was a hint of truth in his words and in his questions.
Eventually, Rachel shook her head.
¡°I mean, probably? Anyway, it¡¯s not like there will ever really be any real threat around Mavos Academy that I can¡¯t handle. Even the newer influx of monsters thate here tend to be pretty weak.¡±
¡°Weak? Many of them are near your level!¡±
Oriur eximed as the group made their way further into the campus-city. Rachel scoffed.
¡°I am weak. But also, am I wrong?¡±
She asked as she came to a halt. Spreading her arms wide, she posed the question to the baby Wyvern.
¡°Come on, do you think that there is any monster hiding around Mavos Academy that could kill me before I could disengage and run away?¡±
And as the words left her mouth, the ground right outside of Mavos Academy exploded open. Rachel, Oriur, Willy, Kron, Novis, and Bellum spun around to see a pir of dirt being kicked into the air, before a giant undting crimson figure towered right before Mavos Academy. It was apanied by a swarm of tiny figures, just like it, many of which were the size of a person.
It let out a screech as its presence drew the attention of all the [Mages] in the campus-city.
[Ancient Centinel - Lvl. ???]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl. 45]
[Junior Centinel - Lvl. 51]
[Younger Centinel - Lvl. 25]
[Younger Centinel - Lvl. 15]
¡
¡°Huh.¡±
Rachel blinked as she stared at the [Ancient Centinel], apanied by the swarm of smaller Centinels. She scratched her cheek as Mavos Academy broke into a panic, before she turned to face Oriur.
¡°Um, I take it back. I was wrong.¡±
Chapter 671: Ancients
Chapter 671: Ancients
671. Ancients
Rachel heard the tolling of the bells. A panicked rm reverberated throughout the entirety of the campus-city. The terrified voices of the students and staff of Mavos Academy echoed in the background, only to be drowned out by a cacophonous chittering.
Looking up, the young girl saw the source of the ear-piercing noise. It was an [Ancient Centinel]¡ª a monster she had only ever heard about in books. But even though they thought to be a myth or a legend, she knew with one look at the behemoth of a Centinel what it was meant to be. After all, it rose up to over a thousand feet in height, its chitin covered in crimson spikes.
Thousands of smaller Centinels poured out after it as they charged straight at the barrier of Mavos Academy. The [Ancient Centinel] itselfshed out, striking at the dome protecting the campus-city. There was a sh of light as a small tremor shook the ground beneath Rachel¡¯s feet.
Stumbling back, she barely caught herself from falling over from the shockwave. The barrier began to crack as [Mages] of all sorts rushed around, some of them flying into the air, while others prepared to cast spells.
¡°Why is that [Ancient Centinel] here?!¡±
Oriur asked as he fell to the ground. Novis and Bellum growled as they stepped forward, and Kron backed away nervously. But Willy just floated there as he eyed the [Ancient Centinel]. He knew the reason why. As did Rachel.
And as did the rest of the monster-group. Even if they hadn¡¯t fully realized it yet.
Rachel pursed her lips as she nced back towards the tallest tower in Mavos Academy. She couldn¡¯t see the figure she was trying to make out, even with her enhanced vision, but that was because it was too far away, hidden above the clouds.But she knew the figure was waiting there. She knew the figure was seeing all this. And as the barrier continued to crack, with [Mages] flying around in rm, the figure¡ª
Centina lowered her head. She saw what was unfurling below, through a magical spyss that could see through even the most opaque of clouds. She had no lips. All she had were mandibles. After all, she was an [Evolved Centinel]. But if she did have lips, she¡¯d be pressing them tightly together in frustration. Instead, she clicked her mandibles together and turned around.
A man stood behind her. He was the Headmaster of Mavos Academy, and the highest-leveled [Mage] in all of the Human Lands. His name was yton Skyshredder. And from what Centina knew, he had an obligation to serve the people of his school over all else.
So when she turned to face him¡ª when she heard his voice¡ª she knew what needed to be done.
¡°That [Ancient Centinel] is here for you.¡±
yton spoke simply. Centina nodded as she wore a grim look on her face.
¡°Indeed, he is.¡±
While Centina didn¡¯t know every Centinel there was, she could tell the gender of one of her kin without as much of a thought. She closed her eyes, knowing what was expected of her next. So she strode forward, already-resolved.
¡°I shall turn myself over.¡±
yton¡¯s eyes flickered when he heard what she had to say. She continued past him as she ced a hand on her chest.
¡°I always knew that this day woulde¡ª that I would not be safe forever. The Matriarch does take to traitors kindly, especially those who kill her most-beloved children. And while it was Salvos who was responsible for it, I was also partly-responsible for that oue. That is why I shall hand myself over to my Matriarch. So that your people will not have to suffer for my mistakes.¡±
Centina spoke in a morose voice as she fought back her tears. She knew the fate that awaited her¡ª the certainty of death. But before she could begin to descend down the tower, yton turned to face her.
¡°Centina.¡±
Blinking, she nced back at him. He nodded at her as held her gaze.
¡°You have served me well over these past few years. So much so that I consider you just as important as my [Secretary]. For what you have done for me, I am truly grateful.¡±
He spoke kindly, but that only brought the tears out of Centina¡¯s eyes. She cried as she wiped her cheeks. She thought that was his parting words¡ª that he was bidding her farewell. And she was truly thankful for what he had to say to her. Even if she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say what she felt back towards him.
And then he shook his head.
¡°But as the Headmaster of Mavos Academy, it is my duty to protect every single one of my members. And that includes you, Centina.¡±
That made her pause. Centina blinked a few times as her vision cleared, before she regarded the man standing before her. Her eyes went wide.
¡°What do you mean, Headmaster Skyshredder?¡±
¡°You have served me long enough, Centina. I would think it is fair to consider you as one of my people. That is why I cannot let you do this.¡±
yton chuckled as he stepped past her. He made his way towards the magical elevator as he smiled her way.
¡°I cannot let you hand yourself over to your death. So do not worry. I shall deal with this.¡±
And with that, he left her standing there, gaping in shock.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.
Willy led Rachel, Oriur, Novis, Bellum, and Kron further back into Mavos Academy. They weren¡¯t just going to stand there near the edge of the barrier as the [Ancient Centinel] tried to burrow its way through the magical dome. It shrieked, and even more fractures formed on the sheening surface. A few Centinels leaked in¡ª mostly smaller ones.
But the [Mages] standing guard sted the Centinels apart before they could enter Mavos Academy.
¡°Someone activate the fourthyer!¡±
A voice shouted, and a [Mage] replied.
¡°We are trying! We need more time!¡±
Certainly, Rachel could sense the magicing from beneath her feet. She saw the faint symbols of a magical spell carved into the brickstone. And she wondered where the source of the spell that created the magical dome came from. But she didn¡¯t focus on that right now.
Instead, she kept her gaze locked onto the [Ancient Centinel]. While she knew her limits¡ª that she didn¡¯t stand a chance against such a powerful monster¡ª she also spotted the [Junior Centinels] leaking in. Those would have been a good source of experience for her to level up. And she contemted joining the fighting, leaving Willy and the others behind.
But before she could make a decision, she saw a volley of light shoot forward, sting the falling Centinels apart. The shockwave from the explosion sent the [Ancient Centinel] reeling as a bright light illuminated all of Mavos Academy.
Raising her head, Rachel watched as a figure shot forward, riding atop a cloud. Her eyes went wide as she heard a flurry of voices call out.
¡°That¡¯s Headmaster Skyshredder!¡±
¡°He¡¯s here to save us!¡±
And sure enough, yton Skyshredder flew forward, heading straight for the [Ancient Centinel]. He wore a fearless face, his white beard billowing with the wind as his de was raised.
He sent a massive fireball through the crack at the outpouring Centinels. It erupted into a st of iridescent light and incinerated thousands of the smaller monsters at once. But the [Ancient Centinel] mostly emerged unscathed from the attack.
¡°What is that power?¡±
Rachel asked as she stared at the fading rainbow-colored embers. The three baby Wyverns exchanged a nce. They didn¡¯t seem to be as confused as her.
It was Oriur who responded.
¡°That is the power of divinity, Rachel.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
She blinked. And yton flew out of Mavos Academy, through the cracks in the barrier.
The [Ancient Centinel] shrieked as he approached it. Itshed out with its head, whipping fast and quick his way. But he dove under it as he raised his de. He was the Headmaster of Mavos Academy¡ª he was the highest-leveled [Mage] in the Human Lands. There was a plethora of spells he could have drawn from to begin the battle.
But it seemed he didn¡¯t want to waste any time. Rachel¡¯s eyes widened as she sensed the overwhelming magic. She saw the strands of mana oveying the tip of the de.
And yton bellowed.
¡°[Disassemble. Deconstruct. Dismantle. Dissection. Deletion¡ª¡±
Rachel¡¯s eyes widened as a ck aura flickered off the tip of his de. There was no light there. A void that consumed all. But before he could unleash it against the [Ancient Centinel], itshed out against him, faster this time.
And it struck him. There was a shout. A few voices cried out as the monster seemingly crushed him under the weight of its mandibles. Rachel narrowed her eyes, realizing that was not what happened.
Willy almostughed.
¡°He did it.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] remarked simply as he faced yton Skyshredder. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy stood steadfast atop his cloud, the [Ancient Centinel]¡¯s mandibles bouncing off him. Sparks of an iridescent light wisped off his body, forming an imprable aura that protected him.
Rachel frowned at that.
¡°What is that?¡±
It was a simple question. But neither Oriur, Novis, nor Bellum seemed to know. None of them answered. They just stared in awe. And it was Willy who spoke up.
¡°That is the Breastte of Alexander.¡±
Oriur gaped in shock when he heard that.
¡°Isn¡¯t that supposed to be a Mythical Grade artifact?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Willy replied simply. And Rachel furrowed her brows, remembering some of the stories she had been told about what Salvos had done.
¡°Huh.¡±
yton Skyshredder aimed at the [Ancient Centinel] as it tried to draw back, unable to reach him. And he unleashed his powerful attack all at once.
¡°[Definitive Disintegration].¡±
The [Ancient Centinel] was consumed by a ck light. Like it hadn¡¯t even been struck by a beam or a ray. Rather, it was instantaneously absorbed by a darkness. And as the darkness faded away, so did the monster.
It was an Elite Ranked threat. Rachel didn¡¯t know what level it was exactly, but it couldn¡¯t have been that much weaker than the Headmaster of Mavos Academy. And yet, all it took was a single attack, before the battle was over.
Because it had been a Grand Skill. It had been an attack of epic proportions. It could have felled many creatures that were even higher-leveled than yton had been.
He flew back from the decaying corpse of the [Ancient Centinel], to the resounding cheers of the [Mages] of Mavos Academy. The battle was over so swiftly and easily. It hadn¡¯t even been a challenge.
Rachel thought that was it. She looked on as yton rained down fire and lightning at the weaker Centinels swarming below. He exterminated them by the hundreds. It should have been over. They should have fled.
But that wasn¡¯t the end of the battle somehow.
¡°No¡¡±
Willy whispered, giving the first inkling that something was amiss. And that was when the ground began to shake. Rachel watched as the nearby trees shifted, before being ripped from the ground. A pir of dirt shot to the sky. But it wasn¡¯t just one.
The earth was ripped apart from all around Mavos Academy. yton Skyshredder narrowed his eyes as he swept his gaze around the breakingndscape. All around him, Centinels of varying shapes and sizes poured out of the ground. There was everything from [Younger Centinels] to [Evolved Centinels] to even¡
¡°[Ancient Centinels]...¡±
Oriur stared with round eyes.
¡°There are¡ dozens of them¡¡±
He continued as he stood there in a daze. Rachel nodded as she stared at the giant creatures digging out of the ground, shrieking as they surrounded Mavos Academy.
¡°That¡¯s a lot of [Ancient Centinels], indeed¡±
She agreed. But her voice was lost to the panicked voices sweeping over Mavos Academy.
¡°Activate the fifthyer!¡±
Someone screamed.
¡°And the sixthyer!¡±
Another shouted.
¡°Activate all sevenyers¡ª¡±
Thest voice belonged to yton Skyshredder. He bellowed as he flew back in through the cracks, sending a st of magic out at an [Ancient Centinel] chasing after him. He kept it back as the fourthyer finish forming around the cracked first threeyers.
The first threeyers themselves were repaired as the fifth, sixth, and seventh formed. And as yton Skyshreddernded right in the middle of the streets of Mavos Academy, a final figure appeared amidst the swarm of Centinels surrounding the campus-city.
Rachel¡¯s eyes widened as she saw a feminine figure¡ª a creature that looked like a mix between a Centinel and a person. Almost simr to Centina. Except it had a mass of spikes poking out of its head like a crown.
It red at Mavos Academy, before sweeping its gaze up towards the tower where Centina waited.
And Willy caught his breath.
¡°That is¡ the Matriarch of the Bloodied Gulf¡¡±
He spoke, his fear evident in his voice. And Rachel just pursed her lips.
¡°Oh no.¡±
Chapter 672: Prison Of Isolation
Chapter 672: Prison Of Istion
672. Prison Of Istion
And I won.
Hartia was dead.
Well, actually, he wasn¡¯t dead. But I had defeated him. I locked him away in a pocket space I had created, and in doing so, I had learned a brand new Skill.
[Prison Of Istion].
That wasn¡¯t all. I had also learned [Corruption Maniption], which was interesting, to say the least. However, my [Prison of Istion] was where I kept Hartia locked away for now. And he couldn¡¯t break free.
Even if I couldn¡¯t kill him. At least, not at the moment.
Maybe once my [w Of Corruption]¡¯s cooldown ended, I could finish off the [Unseelie Lord]. For now, I was content with keeping him away as I flew back down from the crimson skies of the Netherworld.
There was a mass of figures waiting for me below. They were all Demons¡ª they were the Third Legion, and they had been serving under Hartia.Well¡ ¡®serving¡¯ is a stretch. They were forced to obey him, if anything. After all, he had been torturing them and killing them for fun, before I defeated him.
But I didn¡¯t know most of these Demons. I couldn¡¯t have cared less if they died. What I did care about was the man standing at the front of the gathered group. He was my first everpanion. He was Haec. The former Heir of the Netherworld, and the Traitor of the Demon King.
And he was smiling at me as Inded next to him. Giving him a nod, I ced my hands on my hips and beamed triumphantly.
¡°I told you we could win.¡±
¡°I never doubted you once, Salvos.¡±
Haec replied, before he gave me a serious look.
¡°But I didn¡¯t receive any experience for Hartia¡¯s death. Did he escape?¡±
¡°Nope.¡±
I scoffed and brought a hand up. There was a sh, and a cube appeared on my palm. Its surface was ck and speckled with tiny sparkling lights. Like stars. Except they glowed with an iridescent color. And the surface of the object almost looked transparent, despite being fully opaque.
I held it up to Haec and grinned.
¡°This is my [Prison Of Istion]. Hartia is in here.¡±
¡°Seriously?¡±
Haec stared at it in disbelief. I nodded.
¡°Yep. I learned my first Skill in a while. It¡¯s pretty awesome, huh?¡±
¡°It¡¯s more than awesome¡ª it¡¯s amazing, Salvos.¡±
He gushed over the cube as I raised my chin. But I wasn¡¯t able to indulge in him praising me more, because I was interrupted by a voice calling at me from the side.
¡°Hey! What¡¯s the deal?¡±
Blinking, I nced back at a trio of figures making their way towards me. Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem. They looked upset, annoyed, and confused, respectively. Moments ago, they had been lying in wait inside of my pocket space¡ª [The World Of My Mind].
But I had ejected them to defeat Hartia.
¡°Why did you just throw us out?!¡±
It was Taburas who was speaking out in outrage. But it wasn¡¯t just her. Bertrugil frowned at me as he nced back.
¡°And you left us with the Deathsquad Hunters¡ª could¡¯ve been killed!¡±
He agreed with the [Subus], before ncing back. Behind him, I spotted Ultis and Aliq standing there, just as confused as Aem about what happened. They stood there, surrounded by a pair of my clones.
I waved a hand off dismissively.
¡°I was protecting you guys. I didn¡¯t want you to be harmed by either Hartia or the¡ uh, yeah. But now, you can probably return to my pocket space just fine now. Although, I doubt you need to do that.¡±
I gave them a reassuring look. Aem sighed in relief, but Taburas and Bertrugil looked uncertain. They exchanged uneasy nces as I turned away from them. I raised a brow at Haec expectantly.
¡°I mean, we¡¯re safe now that Hartia is dealt with¡ right?¡±
Even I wasn¡¯t so sure. Mostly because I knew nothing about how the Demon King¡¯s Domain worked. It was possible that Hartia had a failsafe in ce in case he was killed. Maybe even more Deathsquad Hunters would be sent our way. In which case, I wasn¡¯t sure if having Ultis or Aliq around was a good idea anymore. Since they were former¡ or current Deathsquad Hunters.
However, Haec seemed to be reassured that nothing like that was going to happen.
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
¡°There is no need to worry. Not right now, at least. During Salvation, the Expanse is the least of Regnorex¡¯s worries. We are safe as we are right now.¡±
My firstpanion nodded at me. I sighed in relief, before I looked over his shoulder. My lips drew into a thin line.
¡°So¡ what do we do about them?¡±
I asked, eyeing the Third Legion. There were tens of thousands of Demons standing there¡ª all of them cored, but none of them subservient to the Demon King. They were here against their will, forced to fight to the death for no good reason whatsoever.
However, that didn¡¯t mean every single one of them was trustworthy.
¡°Do we just leave them here?¡±
¡°No.¡±
Haec shook his head as he saw a group of Demon standing at the front of the gathering. He drew back as he spoke resolutely.
¡°I will deal with them. They will join our side.¡±
¡°Are you sure? And how do we know we can trust them? How do we know none of them are loyal to Regnorex?¡±
It was a valid question. One which I asked with a frown. But I was the only one who seemed concerned by that. Not even Taburas or Betrugil seemed worried. Haec shook his head, before looking towards the Third Legion.
¡°Only those who prove themselves loyal to Regnorex are allowed to leave. And considering it is Salvation, they have already left. Those who remain at this point have no loyalty towards the Demon King.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
I blinked when I heard Haec¡¯s exnation. I watched as he drew back to deal with the Third Legion. I called out to him as he strode away.
¡°I¡¯ll let you deal with that. As for me¡¡±
I took a step back, opening up a rift into [The World Of My Mind]. It was not inhabited by Hartia, because I had cordoned off the space I trapped him, before breaking it away into the cube I had shown Haec.
¡°There is something I have to deal with.¡±
I turned towards Taburas, Bertrugil, and Aem. The former two looked like they were about to protest, but thetter was concerned.
¡°Is everything alright, Salvos?¡±
¡°Yep. I will be back. And you two¡ª¡±
I turned to Ultis and Aliq as my clones ushered them forward towards the rift.
¡°You¡¯reing with me and my clones. We don¡¯t want you to cause any trouble.¡±
The two Deathsquad Hunters scowled, but they didn¡¯t argue. They disappeared into [The World Of My Mind], before I joined them. However, I didn¡¯t enter the same room they did. They were also imprisoned, just in another section of the pocket space as they were guarded by my clones, and not in a separate space entirely while surrounded by corruption.
I sat down in the main expanse of [The World Of My Mind],pletely alone.
¡°Now then, I have some time. So let¡¯s deal with this.¡±
I grinned.
Salvos (S?????ece?????ly¡¯s S?????e?????nti???ne?????l???????) (The Devil¡¯s Daughter)
Species: [Primeval Demon of Pride]
Secondary Species: [Lesser God]
Subspecies: [Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 168
ss: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 153
General Skills:
[Advanced Mana Maniption] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Corruption Maniption] - Lvl. 1
[Corruption Navigation] - Lvl. 2
[Identification] - Lvl. 6
[Racial Skill: True Divinity] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2
[Rest] - Lvl. 5
[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5
[Title Skill: Corruption Camouge] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: Protection of the Corruption] - Lvl. 1
[Title Skill: The Devil¡¯s Grace] - Lvl. 1
[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)
Stats:
[Avable Stat Points: 0]
[Vitality]: 265 (+50) (+10)
[Strength]: 265 (+50) (+10)
[Endurance]: 265 (+50) (+10) (+3)
[Wisdom]: 410 (+50) (+10) (+50)
[Agility]: 450 (+50) (+10) (+5)
Skills:
[Avable Skill Points: 0]
[Angel¡¯s Wings] - Lvl. 15
[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Demon¡¯s Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Divine Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Nebr Construct] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[Divine Strike] - Lvl. 13
[Divine Radiant sh] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Sacred Hellfire] - Lvl. 18
[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)
[The Call of Armageddon] - Lvl. 15
[The Holy mes] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Angelic Premonition] - Lvl. 15
[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Avable Grand Skill Points: 0]
[w of Corruption] - Lvl. 2
[My me Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 3 (Maxed)
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
Secondary Skills:
[Avable Secondary Skill Points: 0]
[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Prison Of Istion] - Lvl. 17
[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)
[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Passive - Master of Material Maniption] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)
[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.10 (Maxed)
[The World of My Mind] - Lvl. 1
[ss Advancement Avable]
[Titles Avable]
Chapter 716: Betrayal
Chapter 716: Betrayal
716. Betrayal
I wasn¡¯t sure how to react. I wasn¡¯t even sure how to process what was going on. Manos was the Executioner¡ª the leader of the Deathsquad Hunters. ording to everyone that had spoken about him to me, he was one of Regnorex¡¯s loyalists. Or at least, he was supposed to be a loyalist.
However, right now, he didn¡¯t seem like much of a loyalist to me.
¡°Oh man, I can¡¯t wait to get rid of this damn cor. I swear I¡¯ve had it on for over a hundred cycles at this point¡¡±
Manos groaned as he rubbed at the cor at his wrist. He shrugged to himself as Sicar, Hartia, Haec, Ultis, and Aliq just stared at him.
¡°At least it¡¯s better than having it on my neck. That was terribly ufortable.¡±
Looking up, he faced the Fairy who was gaping to the side.
¡°Well? What are you waiting for, Hartia? De-cor me already.¡±
Manos stared at Hartia expectantly. The Fairy tried to work his jaw.¡°I¡ª¡±
And Sicar spoke up, stepping forward.
¡°Manos, you can¡¯t be serious, right?¡±
¡°I mean, do I look like I¡¯m joking around?¡±
Manos asked, turning to Sicar with a quizzical brow raised. Sicar shook his head as he gestured exasperatedly in the direction of the Demon King¡¯s Domain.
¡°But do you seriously think we stand a chance of defeating Regnorex?¡±
¡°If everyone in his kingdom rebels against him? Probably? Maybe? Or maybe not? But at least I¡¯ll put up a fight before I die, rather than be killed with the snap of a finger.¡±
Manos waved a hand dismissively back in response at the other Level 190 Primeval Demon. Sicar hesitated, taking a step back.
¡°But¡ but if you¡¯re defecting, that means as a member of the Deathsquad Hunters, I have to kill you! And how am I supposed to do that when I¡¯m lower-leveled than you?¡±
I blinked when I heard this, ncing between the two of them. Manos gave Sicar a t stare.
¡°You know, you can defect with me too, right?¡±
¡°But I don¡¯t want to die!¡±
Sicar eximed. Manos crossed his arms and sighed.
¡°Well, it¡¯s either you die to me right now, or you die to Regnorexter.¡±
¡°Is there a third option where I live?¡±
Sicar asked desperately, and Manos paused. The Executioner tilted his head back.
¡°Not really?¡±
¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡¡±
Sicar¡¯s shoulders sagged.
And as the two Primeval Demons conversed, I nced towards Haec hesitantly. I pointed at them and whispered.
¡°Are they messing with us? Or is Manos seriously joining us?¡±
¡°I¡ I don¡¯t know. I never spoke with Manos before. I was always too intimidated by him, watching him from afar.¡±
Mypanion answered. I opened my mouth to ask the same question to Hartia, but Manos spoke up from the side.
¡°I am serious. Come on, didn¡¯t I already prove myself by killing Jofis? If the two of us teamed up, you¡¯d all be dead right now.¡±
Manos snorted, crossing his arms. I blinked, then he continued.
¡°Also, Sicar is joining you guys with me.¡±
¡°Wait, you can¡¯t just decide that for me!¡±
Sicar protested, but Manos shrugged.
¡°You were taking too long to make a decision. So I made it for you.¡±
¡°But¡ª¡±
¡°Toote, you¡¯re already on our side now. Hartia, de-cor us.¡±
Manos stared expectantly at Hartia. The Fairy nced between them, before nodding slowly.
¡°Very well.¡±
And Hartia waved a hand over the two Primeval Demons. I grimaced, wondering if they were going to resist it¡ª if this was some kind of a ploy.
But all I heard was a pair of clinks. And then the cors copsed, detached from the two high-leveled Deathsquad Hunters.
¡°Finally.¡±
Manos whispered as he rubbed his right wrist. He started forward as Haec and I tensed. But the leader of the Deathsquad Hunters paused, taking note of the two Demons who were with us.
¡°Oh, I recognize you two. You¡¯re¡ Ultima? And Ali?¡±
¡°Ultis and Aliq, sir.¡±
Sicar corrected the Executioner. Manos nodded.
¡°Right, right. And here I thought you were dead. So you defected too, huh? See, Sicar, seems like we¡¯re already making the right choice.¡±
Manos grinned at the two of them. They shrank back, unsure of how to respond. But Manos just turned away from them.
¡°What about Venas? Did he defect too? I don¡¯t see him around here, though.¡±
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.
I pursed my lips, before finally speaking up for the first time since Manos said he was defecting.
¡°No, Venas is dead.¡±
I said as I shook my head.
¡°I killed him.¡±
I wondered how Manos would react to hearing that. But he simply nodded at me.
¡°That¡¯s a shame. His Grand Skill would¡¯ve been quite useful in foiling Regnorex¡¯s stupid ns. But I guess he was always quite dedicated to the cause. More than me, at least. I only did what I had to do to survive.¡±
Manos closed his eyes for a moment. But then he took a deep breath and took another step towards us.
¡°Anyway, where¡¯s this rebellion of yours? There¡¯s a bunch more of you guys, right?¡±
¡°They¡¯re¡ª¡±
I opened my mouth to answer the question, but Haec stepped forward, stopping me.
¡°Wait.¡±
Haec peered at Manos who tilted his head curiously back at the former Heir of the Netherworld. I nced between the two of them, before Haec continued.
¡°How do we know we can trust you?¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
Manos tilted his head curiously. Haec shook his head.
¡°What if this is all just a ploy for you to find our base? We cannot just trust you.¡±
Haec stood steadfast, even in the face of the Executioner. Sicar blinked as he looked up.
¡°Wait, is this a ploy?¡±
Sicar asked, and Manos sighed.
¡°No, it¡¯s not. And if it was one, I would not say yes in front of them.¡±
¡°Right¡¡±
Manos looked back towards Haec understandingly.
¡°Anyway, what you said is a fair concern. But honestly, I don¡¯t even know how am I supposed to earn your trust.¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±
Haec started, but I stepped forward.
¡°I¡¯ve got it.¡±
I spoke up as I took in a deep breath. Hartia, Ultis, and Aliq looked my way, realizing what I was going to do. But Haec wore a confused look on his face. Which made sense. After all, he had never seen me use this Skill before.
¡°[Truth Divination].¡±
I whispered as I met Manos¡¯s gaze. The Executioner just tilted his head for a moment, unsure of what was going on. Only for his eyes to grow wide a momentter. My gaze pierced straight into his soul. And what I saw within him was¡ª
Regret.
A heavy regret that captured his entire being. It was like the constant terrible sensation of pulling teeth. It felt like I was being crushed¡ª buried under a mountain of bones. And as I tried to w my way out of that weight of all the souls I had taken, I found myself falling into the deepest depths of an ocean where I could not discern neither light nor sound nor smell.
Where my entire being was numb from all the lives I had taken, and all I wanted now was salvation.
Blinking, I jolted back as this sensation faded away, and I returned to reality. Manos stared at me quizzically as he took a step back, and he looked down at himself.
¡°What just happened? What did you do to me?¡±
He asked, frowning as he inspected his four arms.
¡°For some reason, I suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to protect my friends and kill my enemies. And I don¡¯t even have friends to protect or enemies to kill!¡±
The Executioner eximed. I swayed where I stood for a moment, and Haec steadied me from the side. Mypanion looked at me worriedly.
¡°Are you alright, Salvos?¡±
¡°I¡¯m¡ fine.¡±
I caught myself as I took in a deep breath. Then slowly, I turned to face Haec.
¡°Manos is serious about this.¡±
Haec stared at me for a moment, looking like he wanted to protest. I gave him a reassuring look.
¡°I was right about Hartia, and I know for sure I am right about this. Haec, you have to trust me.¡±
Mypanion chewed his lower lip hesitatingly, before he closed his eyes.
¡°Very well, I trust you, Salvos.¡±
He drew back, and I smiled back at him. But then, I slowly turned to face Manos. He was standing there, staring at himself in confusion, before he blinked when I called out to him.
¡°Come on. We¡¯ll show you the way. After that, we¡¯ll deal with the rest of the legions.¡±
I gestured for him to follow as I drew back.
¡°Of course, of course.¡±
Manos chuckled as he nodded, following along. And with that, we left the battlefield where Jofis died behind. All the while, I looked through all the notifications I received from defeating Jofis.
Defeated [Disgraced Hellking - Lvl. 196]
Abundant experience is awarded for defeating an immortal enemy!
More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!
Grand Skill [Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Angelic Devil Princess] can now be leveled!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 169] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 170]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Gained 1 Grand Skill Skill Point!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 170] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 171]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 171] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 172]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 172] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 173]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
Subspecies [Angelic Devil Princess] Level Up!
[Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 173] -> [Angelic Devil Princess ¨C Lvl. 174]
Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!
ss [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-????????????????????] Level Up!
[C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 154] -> [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 155]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
Gained 1 Grand Skill Point!
ss [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-????????????????????] Level Up!
[C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 155] -> [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 156]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-????????????????????] Level Up!
[C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 156] -> [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 157]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
ss [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-????????????????????] Level Up!
[C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 157] -> [C-????????????????????rr-????????????????????pt-????????????????????d Appr-????????????????????nt-????????????????????c-???????????????????? - Lvl. 158]
Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!
[Title Avable]
Chapter 717: Insanity
Chapter 717: Insanity
717. Insanity
It was insanity.
Edithe was certain it was insanity. Who would ever wage war on the Spirit Lord? Nobody sane would do such a thing. After all, the Spirit Lord was the ruler of all the Spirit ne. There was no disobeying him.
There was no such thing as going against him.
All that woulde from such an act of rebellion would be death. So Edithe wasn¡¯t even sure about her initial n to ally with the Archangel.
It was entirely possible the Archangel would just kill her on sight if they met. After all, the Archangel didn¡¯t exactly sound like a stable individual. But there was no other option here for Edithe.
The portal that led back to the Mortal Realm had closed. The redhead was now trapped here in the Spirit ne. She had to find another way out, without drawing the ire of the Spirit Lord. So she had to take this risk.
It was a risk I knew I¡¯d have to take when I decided to do this, Edithe told herself. And when giving the option of either guaranteed death by the Spirit Lord, or a chance of death with the Archangel, the redhead was going to choose thetter.
So she, alongside Centina and Willy, followed Druma as he led them through the Spirit ne. They all knew of the risk they were all undertaking. But they still pressed on, steadfast. After all, they were doing this for the sake of all of Mavos Academy. The life of thousands¡ª perhaps even millions, if the Centinel outbreak wasn¡¯t kept under control¡ª was at stake.
Edithe reminded herself of this fact as she trudged ahead. It kept her nervousness suppressed. It prevented her from sumbing to knowing that she was currently trapped in the Spirit ne¡ª apletely alien world to her¡ª with no ostensible way back as of right now.
This must be how Salvos felt when she first found herself in the Mortal Realm, Edithe thought as she raised her head to face the green sky. An unfamiliar sky to her eyes. And when she swept her gaze over her surroundings, it was an unfamiliarndscape to her too. It¡¯s no wonder Salvos was so aggressive to everyone and everything when I first met her¡
Edithe pursed her lips, feeling more sympathy for her Demon friend now more than ever.
Unlike the Mortal Realm, where generally-speaking, the grass was green, the trees were brown and green, and the sky was blue, the Spirit ne had green skies, white trees, and blue mountains.
Looking up, Edithe saw the impossibly tall undting figures in the distance. From afar, the mountains almost looked like waves, reaching up for the sky. It was exactly like how she¡¯d imagine being lost at sea would be like. Except, she was still onnd.
But the worst part for her was not her alien surroundings. Rather, it was¡ her inability to tell how much time had passed.
The redhead squinted as she stared at the glowing green dome overhead. Not once had the light that came from above dimmed, even for a fraction of a second. It was constantly shining down at her, unchanging. A strange sight.
¡°How long have we been here, Willy?¡±
Edithe asked, turning to the [Will O¡¯ Wisp] who was floating beside her.
¡°Who knows?¡±
Came his response, almost uncaringly. Edithe pursed her lips and faced Centina who was walking up ahead.
¡°Centina?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not sure either. Probably a few days. Or maybe only one day.¡±
The [Evolved Centinel] said with a shrug. The redhead sighed as she shook her head.
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred tform. Support original creators!
¡°Aren¡¯t you guys used to living underground where you can¡¯t see the sun? I thought you¡¯d be better at keeping track of time in your head.¡±
Edithe muttered to herself, and Willy snorted.
¡°We just stopped caring about time. That¡¯s all.¡±
¡°Mhm.¡±
Centina agreed. Edithe nced between them, before looking ahead at Druma who was leading the way. The [Ancient Yaksha] and her former summon paused as he regarded her.
¡°Druma¡ª¡±
She started, but her cut her off.
¡°It has been exactly thirty-six hours since we departed from mymune.¡±
¡°Oh. Thank you.¡±
Edithe blinked a few times, taken aback by his specificity. And he nodded at her with a smile, before continuing on.
The group resumed their hike through the Spirit ne as what felt like another day passed. However, it was not like they were traversing thendscape slowly. They were moving fast, considering they were all high-leveled individuals.
If Edithe had to guess, she would have trekked through the entirety of the Human Lands already at this point at the speed they were going. But here, in the Spirit ne, where the terrain was far more extreme, with mountains rising higher than any mountain she had ever seen, and valleys sinking deeper than even the deepest canyons she knew of, it felt like she had barely made any progress.
And as they navigated this extremendscape, Edithe remarked as she nced around the mostly-empty world.
¡°I am surprised we haven¡¯t seen any¡ wild Spirits.¡±
In the distance, she spotted a smallmune of [Water Elementals] gathered at ake. They were far enough away that they didn¡¯t spot her, which was fortunate. Thanks to Druma, they had mostly avoided running into anymunes of Spirits, even if they did spot a few of them from afar from time to time.
Shaking her head, Edithe tapped a finger on her chin.
¡°Salvos told me that the Netherworld is full of these so-called ¡®wild Demons¡¯ and it¡¯s full of death and chaos. But in contrast, the Spirit ne seems quite¡ peaceful.¡±
¡°That is only thanks to the Spirit Lord maintaining the peace and order of the Spirit ne.¡±
Druma exined simply as he led the way forward. He tilted his head back as if remembering something he was told.
¡°It was said that long ago, the Spirit ne was in a constant warring state. That was, until, the Spirit Lord rose to power and united all of the Spirits under his banner. Only the Fairies were said to have been excluded, but that is because they had always remained neutral throughout all the wars.¡±
Smiling, Druma looked down at himself.
¡°And that is why we Spirits can live in peace in this paradise for as long as we wish. Only those who desire to grow are sent to explore the Mortal Realm. But it is not out of necessity¡ª it is only out of our own free will.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
Edithe nodded as she listened along. As cruel and ruthless as the Spirit Lord sounded, considering he¡¯d want her dead if he found out she was here, it seemed like the Spirit Lord was truly a force of good.
At least, until Willy spoke up.
¡°You know that¡¯s not true.¡±
The [Will O¡¯ Wisp] scoffed, and Druma nced back at the Grand Spirit curiously.
¡°This world isn¡¯t a paradise. I¡¯m sure you know this truth.¡±
¡°It is a paradise for the children of mymune, so it is a paradise to me.¡±
Druma answered simply. Edithe frowned, wanting to press the [Ancient Yaksha] with more questions. However, he drew forward, scaling to the peak of the mountain they were on as he spoke simply.
¡°Anyway, we have arrived, master.¡±
¡°We have¡?¡±
Edithe blinked, then hurried after him. Centina and Willy were a step behind her. They hurried up to the very top, before pausing as they looked beyond the mountain range they had just crossed.
There, a vast nds opened, before revealing a crystalline fortress rising up from the center. It was a massive fort that looked like it was made out of diamonds or ss. And there were dozens of figures floating up in the air, right above the fort.
Edithe squinted as she used [Identification] on them. They had feathered wings, and they wore the faces and bodies of Humans. But they were not Humans. They were¡ª
[Angel - Lvl. 180]
[Angel - Lvl. 191]
[Angel - Lvl. 170]
[Angel - Lvl. 165]
[Angel - Lvl. 198]
¡
¡°They¡¯re Sacred Spirits¡ so many of them¡¡±
Edithe whispered as she swept her gaze over the nds. She looked back down at the fort, before frowning.
¡°But what are they guarding there? And why do they look like they¡¯re on high alert?¡±
¡°There.¡±
Centina was the one to speak up, raising a hand past the redhead. She looked in the direction the [Evolved Centinel] pointed¡ª towards a figure that was flying opposed to the dozens of [Angels].
¡°We have found our target.¡±
Centina said simply, and Edithe¡¯s eyes grew wide as she saw it.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
The Archangel.
Chapter 718: The Archangel Part One
Chapter 718: The Archangel Part One
718. The Archangel Part One
Edithe saw the figure from a distance. It was hard to miss. It was practically glowing, wreathed by kes of iridescent light. Eight feathered white wings protruded from its back, attached to a golden figure that resembled the vague shape of a person.
And it looked to bepletely naked, but without any discernible body parts that would normally be hidden by clothing. This was unlike the [Angels] across from it that wore various kinds of armor. Or rather, they seemed to have different kinds of armor¡ª such as helmets or breasttes or gauntlets¡ª merged with their body.
A single golden halo floated atop the head of the golden figure. And from afar, Edithe was certain she could make out the shape of a face¡ somehow. It didn¡¯t make sense to her. Her vision was not this good. And yet, she could see the crazed joy on the golden figure¡¯s face.
Without even gleaning anything from her [Identification], Edithe knew that this was who she was searching for.
It was the Archangel.
¡°What¡¯s it doing?¡±
Edithe asked, ncing between the Archangel and the dozens of [Angels] floating before it. She turned to face the fortress of diamonds down below.
¡°And what is that?¡± The redhead narrowed her eyes, and Willy sighed.
¡°That¡ that is why the Spirit ne is not paradise.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
Edithe frowned at the [Will O¡¯ Wisp]. But Druma raised a hand, silencing her.
¡°I apologize for interrupting you, master. But we need to be silent. And we need to stay low. We do not want to be found by those [Angels].¡±
¡°Right¡¡±
Nodding, Edithe decided to save the questions forter and observe for now. And as she watched, the Archangel moved, raising a hand and creating a longsword out of the iridescent aura coating him.
¡°Hey, you ugly bastards!¡±
The Archangel eximed as its voice reverberated throughout the nds. Edithe couldn¡¯t quite discern the Archangel¡¯s gender through its voice. It sounded like it was both a male and a female at the same time.
Her mind almost couldn¡¯tprehend it.
The [Angels] tensed as they heard the Archangel speak. But they didn¡¯t attack. Instead, they waited as it continued.
¡°I¡¯m giving you one chance like I gave the others before I ughtered them all¡ª surrender, or die!¡±
Edithe looked on as the [Angels] exchanged hesitant nces. Then they raised their weapons, aiming back at the Archangel. One of the [Angels]¡ª a female-presenting [Angel] with a helmet covering her face, and the highest-leveled of the gathered [Angels] at Level 198¡ª raised a spear and spoke up.
¡°We will die before we submit to you, traitor!¡±
¡°Traitor? Haha¡hahaha¡HAHAHAHA!¡±
The Archangel burst outughing as it wiped a nonexistent tear from its eyes. But a momentter, it immediately wore a serious expression as it brought a hand to the air.
¡°Die.¡±
And the kes of iridescent light wisping off him suddenly shot out. It rained down upon the [Angels] as they braced themselves for the onught of attacks. Some of them created their own barriers, while others brought their weapons up to parry the falling shards.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Unfortunately, for the weakest of the [Angels], they weren¡¯t able to weather the initial attack. Their weapons shattered from the rain of shards, before their bodies were ripped apart. Even though they were Sacred Spirits, they were killed so easily.
But the Archangel was not finished with just that. Itughed wildly as it immediately shot down a momentter, swinging down at a Level 188 [Angel]. The [Angel] tried to parried the swing, but his weapon shattered from the strike. And in a single shed, the [Archangel] killed him.
¡°You¡¯re all so stupid! Seriously, you¡¯re sacrificing your lives for a lord who doesn¡¯t even care for you!¡±
The Archangel flew down at another [Angel] and struck it down with a simple swing. It almost looked like the Archangel wasn¡¯t even trying. It impaled a Level 180 [Angel], before decapitating a Level 177 [Angel] with the next swift motion.
None of the [Angels] looked like they even stood a chance against it. Even still, the Level 198 [Angel] didn¡¯t seem to falter at the sight of herpanions perishing one after another. Instead, she raised her spear as it glinted with the same iridescent light that coated the Archangel.
¡°[I Shall Pierce The Stars]!¡±
The Level 198 [Angel] shouted as she shot up straight for the Archangel. It was distracted with another Level 190 [Angel] that put up a fight for a moment, managing to block two strikes, before being cut down.
And the Archangel spun around just in time to block the Level 198 [Angel]¡¯s attack. When their weapons shed, the world itself seemed to ripple, before glittering. A shower of sparks rained down, tearing apart thendscape as Edithe blinked in sheer awe of the power being disyed.
But the Archangel just held up its longsword as it grinned.
¡°Nice Grand Skill. But I¡¯ll do you one better¡ª¡±
The Archangel ced a hand on the Level 198 [Angel]¡¯s head before she could flee.
¡°[Revtion].¡±
And the Level 198 [Angel] immediately convulsed, before going limp. The Archangel released the Level 198 [Angel], letting her drop from the sky.
The Archangel began to break out intoughter once again as it spread its arms wide. The remaining [Angels]¡ª numbering about a dozen¡ª surrounded it as they readied their attacks. All around them, the iridescent kes of the Archangel were fluttering to the ground like fallen leaves.
The [Angels]¡¯ weapons shone brightly, but the Archangel just snapped a finger.
¡°[Crown Of Thorns].¡±
And all at once, the iridescent kes moved. They circled around the remaining [Angels] as if they were binding them. But then the rings of light began to tighten as the [Angels] screamed. Until their bodies popped,pletely crushed by the attack.
Edithe watched as the bloodied remains of the [Angels] rained down all around the Archangel. And it just sighed as it took in this sight.
¡°I just love how zealously loyal these dumbasses are. Makes killing them all the more satisfying.¡±
What power¡ Edithe thought as she stared at the gloating Archangel. It killed all those Sacred Spirits without even taking any damage.
For a moment, the redhead couldn¡¯t help but be in awe at the Archangel¡¯s power. With its strength, even the swarm of Centinels would be helpless against it. However, her gaze was drawn back down to the crystalline fortress below.
But now that the [Angels] are dead¡ what does the Archangel want next?
And right as she asked the question in her head, she watched as the Archangel aimed down at the fortress. She blinked a few times, before she saw a sh of light.
An iridescent st engulfed the fortress as Edithe reeled. The shockwave from the explosion nearly sent her flying, but she caught herself. Next to her, Willy, Centina, and Druma barely clung onto the mountain too.
The size of the explosion had to have rivaled what Helena Warshade was capable of with her Grand Skill¡ª perhaps it was evenrger! But the Archangel conjured it up without so much as a second thought.
The Archangel flew up away from the blooming st of iridescent light as itughed louder than ever.
¡°HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!¡±
But the Archangel¡¯s moment of triumph didn¡¯tst long. Because from the explosion, something emerged. A tendril shot out and swiped up at the Archangel.
¡°Oh, fuck¡ª¡±
The Archangel shot backwards as the tendril barely missed it. Edithe blinked a few times, trying to make out the shape of the tendril. But for some reason, she could barely discern it. Almost like it was obscured by a distortion in space.
¡°Hey, I freed you! You¡¯re not supposed to attack me!¡±
The Archangel eximed as Edithe furrowed her brows. She tried to lean forward to make out what it was, watching as the tendril took more swipes at the Archangel.
The explosion slowly began to clear as the Archangel continued to fly back and swat the tendril away.
¡°Bad¡ª no! You¡¯re not supposed to attack me!¡±
All the while, Edithe looked on as a blurred amalgamation of light crawled out of the rubble.
¡°What is that¡?¡±
She asked as she stared at it in horror. She didn¡¯t think she would get an answer. But from the side, she got one.
¡°That is the corruption.¡±
Willy whispered as he stared at the thing that was emerging from the destroyed remains of the fortress.
¡°That is the cause of the end of the world.¡±
Chapter 719: The Archangel Part Two
Chapter 719: The Archangel Part Two
719. The Archangel Part Two
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Heavenspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
Edithe¡¯s eyes grew wide at what she saw. She could hardly process it. And that was not because of ack of trying on her part. No matter how she looked¡ª how she squinted or tried to perceive the corruption, her mind refused to fullyprehend it.
Instead, she saw the smudge of multi-colored lights¡ª she watched as space itself distorted around a core at the very center of this entity. Chunks of rock and rubble were drawn up to it like it was a rift, but they disappeared upon entering the area of distortion surrounding the core.
¡°This is the corruption¡¡±
Edithe whispered, watching as the entity began to crawl out of the ruins that was once the fortress. Shaking her head, she faced Willy and Centina.
¡°This is what Salvos was talking about?¡±
The both of them nodded back at her. Neither of them seemed to be surprised to be seeing the distortion in space, however they were clearly taken aback by the size of it.
¡°Yes.¡±Centina replied as she stared at the tendrils shooting up towards the Archangel.
¡°The corruption is a threat to the entire world. It is what made my kin flee to Secely in the first ce. Even the Matriarch fears this power.¡±
Her entire body shook as she spoke, and Edithe gritted her teeth. The redhead looked towards the Corrupted Heavenspace as she drew her lips into a thin line.
¡°I didn¡¯t think it was anything like¡ this.¡±
It was so iprehensible to Edithe, she didn¡¯t even feel fear. She just felt defeated.
¡°What can we even do against this? And why is the Archangel freeing it?¡±
¡°It?¡±
Willy scoffed when he heard that. He drew back as he looked towards the remains of the fortress.
¡°The Archangel was not just freeing one thing, Edithe.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
Edithe blinked, before she spotted another, smaller entity emerging from the hole in the ground. It flew out into the air as it swung its tendrils in the air, seemingly ripping apart space where it touched.
And it was joined by another. And another. And another.
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Heavenspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Heavenspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Heavenspace - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
¡
Edithe¡¯s head reeled at the sight, and Centina couldn¡¯t help but back away nervously. These Corrupted Heavenspaces were far smaller in size than the first, but their focus wasn¡¯t drawn to the Archangel. They tore apart the earth around them, targeting the sky and the dirt. And everything they touched was corrupted. Distorted. Just like them.
And they weren¡¯t alone. They were apanied by a swarm of tiny bits of rubble that floated with the same iridescent distortion apanying them.
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
[-?????-??????-?????-??????? Aetherstone - Lvl. -?????-??????-?????-??????? ]
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡
Edithe watched as thousands of tiny corrupted entities filled the skies, flying alongside the Corrupted Heavenspace. She felt bands of fear tightening around her throat as she tried toprehend this sight.
¡°Just what was being kept down there?¡±
Edithe¡¯s breath was caught in her throat as she asked the question. And next to her, it was her former summon who answered.
¡°The end of the world.¡±
Druma whispered, eyeing the hole where the corruption was pouring out from.
¡°Or one of the vents leading to the end of the world.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Edithe blinked, turning to the [Ancient Yaksha]. She didn¡¯t understand what that was supposed to mean. But before she could question him further, she heard the Archangel¡¯s voice sweep across the entire mountain range.
¡°Yes. Yes! YES!¡±
The Archangel eximed as it raised its sword, pointing into the distance. All around him, the corruption swarmed, destroying thendscape. Edithe had never witnessed such wanton destruction before.
In mere moments, the entire nds had beenpletely overrun by the corruption. The ground had been shredded open, the sky was flipped upside down, and chunks of rock and stone floated in the air wreathed by the distortion.
It was like space itself was being ripped apart all across the nds. And the swarm of corruption was rapidly closing in on the mountain range that Edithe, Druma, Willy, and Centina were hiding in.
However, even as the sea of corruption drew closer, Edithe felt no panic in her heart. All she wondered was¡ª
¡°Why?¡±
She looked up towards the Archangel. It was still being chased by the Corrupted Heavenspaces.
¡°What does the Archangel get out of doing this?¡±
¡°Does it matter?¡±
Willy answered as he stared in the direction of the golden figure as well.
¡°The Archangel is insane. Why does its intentions matter?¡±
¡°But¡ª¡±
Edithe started, but she was cut off by the shouting voice of the Archangel.
¡°Go forth! Bring the Spirit Lord¡¯s Domain to ruin¡ª hey, not me!¡±
The corrupted entities swarmed around the Archangel, and it flew back, cursing.
¡°You¡¯re being a pain in the ass! If you keep doing this, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±
The Archangel said as it raised its de made of divinity angrily back at them. But the group of Corrupted Heavenspaces chasing after it didn¡¯t let up. Thergest of them drew closer as the Archangel pointed.
¡°I¡¯m giving you yourst warning¡ª¡±
But before the Archangel could even continue, a ray of iridescent light engulfed the Corrupted Heavenspace. The Archangel blinked a few times, and Edithe¡¯s gaze snapped up.
She looked in the direction of the source of the attack. And flying high in the sky were¡ multiple gargantuan figures. Each one was twice the size of even thergest Corrupted Heavenspace. There were a dozen of them, and they descended slowly down into the swarm of corruption.
At first, when Edithe saw them, she couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. Not because of their size, and not because of the same reason she couldn¡¯tprehend the Corrupted Heavenspaces. Rather, it was because of their peculiar design. She had seen plenty of Spirits during her time as a [Summoner]¡ª especially when she had still been living at the temple with William.
But she had never seen any Spirit like this.
Because they were rings. Massive rings that were constructed within themselves. And they were on fire.
It was like staring at giant floating wheels, lit aze with an iridescent me. There were eyes interspersed across their rings, and they darted around, seeking every bit of corruption that was pouring out into the area.
And from each eye, a pir or iridescent light shot down, sting back the Corrupted Heavenspaces. The smallest of the Corrupted Heavenspaces were instantly eradicated by the st, but therger ones endured the attack.
Their attacks drew the attention of the corruption away from the Archangel and from destroying thendscape.
Even still, the Archangel cursed as it saw the approaching wheels.
¡°So Soli¡¯s vanguard has shown up! Well, I don¡¯t want to fight you! So get out of here¡ª [Divine Retribution]!¡±
Edithe watched as the Archangel pointed at the foremost wheel, before a golden light shed brightly. The redhead squinted, barely making out a giant figure of the Archangel appearing behind the wheel, before slicing down with an axe.
The attack looked like it struck true. An attack that could have cleaved an entire mountain range in half. But it barely even cut halfway through the wheel.
Edithe watched as the wheel drew back, slightly injured from the attack, but nothing more.
¡°What¡?¡±
She spun around, hearing the Archangel swearing in the background.
¡°How did it survive an attack from the Archangel? That¡¯s impossible¡ª the Archangel is a Supreme Spirit.¡±
¡°That¡¯s right, master.¡±
Druma nodded next to her. He stared at the injured wheel as one of the Corrupted Heavenspaces reached it, the tendrils coiling around it. Only for a st of iridescent light to shoot out andpletely obliterate the Corrupted Heavenspace.
¡°The Archangel is a Supreme Spirit. And yet, it wasn¡¯t able to kill that [Ophanim] in one shot. Which means¡¡±
And the realization slowly settled in
¡°That must mean¡¡±
Edithe¡¯s eyes grew wide. Druma nodded next to her.
¡°They are all Supreme Spirits.¡±
[Ophanim - Lvl. ???]
[Ophanim - Lvl. ???]
[Ophanim - Lvl. ???]
[Ophanim - Lvl. ???]
[Ophanim - Lvl. ???]
¡
And the swarm of [Ophanims] rained down their attacks across thendscape, purging the unstoppable force of the corruption before Edithe''s very eyes.
Chapter 720: Archangel Part Three
Chapter 720: Archangel Part Three
720. Archangel Part Three
It was an iprehensible sight to Edithe.
But it was not iprehensible in the same way the swarm of corruption was to her. When she saw the deluge of distortion and bright colors pour out of the crater in the earth, she couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing, because she had never seen such a sight before.
They were creatures that existed beyond herprehension. It was unlike anything she had ever imagined when she was told about the corruption by Salvos. And Edithe finally understood why the Kobolds were so fearful of the end of the world.
So it was iprehension that stemmed from witnessing something she couldn¡¯t possibly have imagined.
But right now, her iprehension for what she saw was born from having only imagined seeing such a scene from her dreams. After all, there wasn¡¯t just one Supreme Spirit engaged in battle before her. There were over a dozen of them.
Edithe stared at the small army of [Ophanims] descending from the guy, sending beams of iridescent light down into the outpouring corruption. Each st eradicated almost all the smaller corrupted entities that were swarming thendscape. And even the smaller Corrupted Heavenspaces were destroyed from the pirs of destruction.
As a child, Edithe could have only dreamt of what a Supreme Spirit looked like. In fact, she would lie in bed, imagining summoning one to battle¡ª like she was Melissa the Oracle of Light, challenging the Demon King to a duel.
And only in her wildest dreams, did she ever think of being capable of summoning perhaps two Supreme Spirits. After all, the idea of summoning more than that was too ridiculous, even for a child to imagine.The highest-leveled Humans in the world right now peaked at just above Level 150. And there were only said to be two Humans in history to have reached over Level 200. So she always thought that only the Spirit Lord and perhaps his most elite guards were of the same level.
But right now, that belief waspletely washed away as the [Ophanim] sent another st down into the swarm of corruption. Edithe expected to reel from the attack¡ª to recoil from the sheer force of the st like she did when the Archangel destroyed the crystalline fortress.
However, these beams of light fired by the [Ophanim] didn¡¯t even touch the ground. They didn¡¯t ravage thendscape, nor did they send a pulse that even rippled through the air. All they did was purge the corruption from the world¡ª eradicating the distortion that filled the sky and earth.
Edithe was left gaping at this sight.
¡°Just what are they? Where did they evene from?¡±
The redhead asked as her head spun, watching as another Corrupted Heavenspace was ripped apart. And from the side, a voice spoke up.
¡°They¡¯re the [Ophanim]...¡±
Willy whispered. Edithe turned to face him as the [Ophanims] continued to purge the corruption from the world.
¡°The Vanguard of the Spirit Lord.¡±
Willy finished, and Edithe¡¯s eyes grew wide.
¡°Vanguard¡?¡±
She looked towards the dozen or so [Ophanim] there as she tried to register this. That meant these weren¡¯t even the Spirit Lord¡¯s strongest soldiers. They were simply the ones that were sent out first.
As the Archangel cursed, watching the corruption he freed be destroyed, thergest of the Corrupted Heavenspaces flew straight up at the nearest [Ophanim]¡ª the very same one that was struck by the Archangel¡¯s attack just earlier¡ª and it coiled its tendrils around the giant wheel.
Edithe heard a low groaning noise as the wheels were slowly ripped apart, revealing a giant burning eye floating on the inside of the wheels. Thergest of the Corrupted Heavenspaces slowly reached for the inside of the [Ophanim], but the other [Ophanims] turned their gazes towards its threatenedrade.
And all at once, all of the [Ophanims] unleashed their pirs of light at the Corrupted Heavenspace and theirrade. Edithe winced, thinking that they had just killed the [Ophanim] too.
But as the sh of light faded away and thergest of the Corrupted Heavenspaces peeled off the [Ophanim] it was attacking¡ Edithe¡¯s eyes went wide. The [Ophanim] was left unscathed by its allies¡¯ sts. All the while, thergest of the Corrupted Heavenspaces disintegrated to nothing.
This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Upon seeing that, the Archangel flew up to face the [Opanims] as it shouted.
¡°I¡¯ve had enough of you annoying pests!¡±
The Archangel let go of its iridescent de, and the weapon faded away. Slowly, the [Ophanims] turned to face it. The iridescent light in their eyes shifted, turning red. But before they could attack the Archangel, it raised its hands in the air.
pping, the Archangel grinned and whispered, its voice washing over the entirendscape.
¡°[Crucifixion].¡±
Edithe blinked, and suddenly the sky turned dark. It was a sudden shift, she almost thought she was transported to another world. But thendscape didn¡¯t change. Even as the wind howled and the ground beneath the Archangel cracked open.
And emerging from the broken earth was a temple¡ªrger than any temple Edithe had ever seen. It ascended to right below the [Ophanims] as their many eyes darted down to stare at it. Even the corruption slowed to stare at this monolithic structure.
But before anyone could react to the sudden appearance of this giant temple, the entire structure copsed.
Right as it did, three of the [Ophanims]¡ª including the foremost one which was attacked by the Corrupted Heavenspace¡ª were suddenly and rapidly ripped apart. Their wheels were shattered, and the mes coating their eyeball-like bodies flickered out.
Giant crosses made out wood shot down from the sky, pinning these three [Ophanims] to the ground. And before they could even try to break free, an ethereal figure that resembled the Archangel itself appeared before them, carrying a burningnce. It stabbed all three of the [Ophanims] one after another, before fading away.
And as the three [Ophanims] were left there to die, their bodies began to rapidly wither. Clouds passed through the sky like months were passing in mere moments. Overgrowth began to ovee the remains of the temple as the corpses of the three Supreme Spirits rotted.
Before this scene ended in an instant.
Blinking, Edithe found herself back under the green sky of the Spirit ne. Any signs of the temple or the hole in the ground were gone. The only proof that anything had even happened were the three rotting eyeballs of the [Ophanim] that had been targeted by the Archangel.
¡°HAHAHAHAHAHA!¡±
The Archangelughed, spreading its arms wide as the remaining [Ophanim] turned to face it. Behind the Archangel, more and more corruption came pouring out into the world, no longer being purged by the Supreme Spirits.
Because their attention was drawn entirely only to the Archangel.
Another massive Corrupted Heavenspace crawled out of the hole in the ground as Edithe pursed her lips. If it was only a battle between the corruption and the [Ophanims], she was certain they would have prevailed, despite the seemingly unending outpouring of the corruption.
But with the Archangel¡¯s presence¡
Her eyes narrowed as she caught a glimpse of something moving at the ground below. The three dead [Ophanims] began to twitch where theyy, their bodies slowly beginning to rebuild themselves. Their mes relit. Like they were being given a second chance at life.
¡°What is happening?¡±
Edithe asked as she stared at this scene.
But the Archangel took notice of this too. It just nced back dismissively and snapped a finger.
¡°[Rapture].¡±
All at once, all three of the three reviving [Ophanims] vanished. Like they never existed in the first ce.
Edithe couldn¡¯t even react to what she just saw. She was at aplete loss for words. Three Supreme Spirits had been killed before her very eyes, just like that. And it almost looked like they wereing back to life, before they werepletely erased from existence.
How could she react? It was like she was an ant watching giants collide. This was a battle that was far beyond her capabilities ofprehension.
And it was not just her who was in a daze. Willy, Druma, and Centina had remained silent all throughout as the battle progressed.
Edithe didn¡¯t know what was going to happen next¡ª she didn¡¯t know what she hoped to happen next. All she knew was that she could just watch. So watch she did as the Archangel spread its arms wide and faced the remaining [Ophanims] floating before it.
¡°HAHAHAHA! YOU ARE ALL SO WEAK COMPARED TO ME! I WILL KILL YOU ALL¡ª¡±
But the Archangel suddenly froze. The glowing red light of the [Ophanims] slowly faded away, and they drifted back. No¡ª it looked like they were almost¡ bowing?
Edithe didn¡¯t understand what was happening. But she watched as the Archangel slowly turned around, its gaze facing towards a figure on the ground.
A man.
A¡ Human?
He looked no different than any ordinary man Edithe would meet back in the Human Lands. He had brown hair and blue eyes. He wore a set of white robes that was almost akin to what [Priests] would wear. Except, his garments were far more in and simple.
He stood there, right before the crater storming with the outpouring corruption. But he wasn¡¯t afraid¡ª not even of the Corrupted Heavenspace rising out of the hole in the ground behind him. He stood there with an expressionless face as the [Ophanims] bowed to him and the corruption ignored him.
And next to Edithe, Druma backed away with round eyes, while Willy¡¯s mes turned white in fear.
¡°Who is that?¡±
Edithe asked, staring at the man. And as the Archangel stared at him too, its lips twisted into a crazed smile.
¡°That is¡ª¡±
Druma started. But he was cut off as the Archangel eximed.
¡°So you have finally decided to face me yourself, Soli!¡±
Edithe blinked, hearing that name she had never heard before. Centina nced around in confusion too. And Willy continued, almost bowing his body in reverence.
¡°That is the Spirit Lord.¡±
[??? - ???]
Chapter 721: Archangel Part Four
Chapter 721: Archangel Part Four
721. Archangel Part Four
It was the Spirit Lord.
As a child, Edithe had always been curious about him. There were plenty of tales¡ª fables and stories about the Immortal King Alexander¡¯s journey to meet with the Spirit Lord. However, other than that, there was never any story that focused on the Spirit Lord himself.
There were the asional writings in the temples about how the Spirit Lord united the Spirit ne. But that was it. There was nothing about the Spirit Lord¡¯s description or name or abilities.
So Edithe was only left with unanswered questions.
Until now.
Her entire being trembled as her gaze was fixed on the seemingly Human-looking man standing there right before the crater. Despite the tempest of corruption swirling around him, he remained calm, with a small smile on his face.
But it wasn¡¯t a smile out of happiness or arrogance or any other emotion. It was like his lips naturally formed a hint of a smirk even with a neutral expression.
He looked young. Like he was Daniel¡¯s age. And while he wasn¡¯t handsome, he wasn¡¯t ugly either. But most importantly, he looked nothing like what Edithe thought he could¡¯ve looked like. She thought he could¡¯ve been a giant, or maybe a being made entirely out of mana¡ª more simr to the Archangel.And yet, it didn¡¯t matter what she thought.
Here he was.
The Spirit Lord.
Or Soli, as the Archangel called him.
All the gathered [Ophanims] bowed towards him, while both Willy and Druma backed away in reverence. The Archangelnded across from him as he casually strode forward, ignoring the Corrupted Heavenspace that was rising from the ground behind him.
The Archangel smiled savagely as it spread its arms wide.
¡°So we finally meet, you self-proimed lord of all Spirits! I never thought you¡¯d ever show yourself to me. I always thought you were too scared, sending your annoying [Seraphims] to dispose of me. But finally¡ª here you are!¡±
Edithe watched as the Archangel licked its lips and produced a giant hammer made out of the iridescent aura wisping off him. Soli ame to a halt right before the Archangel, before slowly opening his mouth.
¡°Iudex¡ª¡±
The Spirit Lord started. And the Corrupted Heavenspace mmed its tendril down at him, cutting him off. Edithe blinked, taken aback by this.
The Archangel¡¯s eyes flickered. Willy and Druma paused. And Centina just raised a brow.
¡°Was that supposed to happen?¡±
The [Evolved Centinel] asked. And the Corrupted Heavenspace screeched as it flew into the air, pulling its tendrils back. But before it could fly any further, a barrage of beams rained down upon it from the [Ophanims] in the air, obliterating itpletely.
Edithe looked up, watching as the [Ophanims] bore down on the corruption once more. And when she looked back at where the Spirit Lord had been standing¡ª
He was still standing there,pletely unscathed.
A translucent blue sphere protected him. A simple-looking barrier. But it was more than enough to withstand the Corrupted Heavenspace¡¯s attack.
So he ignored it. He didn¡¯t even nce back. His gaze was still fixed on the Archangel the entire time. He left the [Ophanims] to deal with the corruption.
¡°Iudex.¡±
The Spirit Lord spoke simply as he ced his hands behind his back in parade rest.
¡°I have ignored your trail of destruction for centuries, giving you a chance to give up your ways and see the light. But today, you have killed my creations. And for that, you will pay.¡±
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
¡°So killing these things was enough to draw you out? I should¡¯ve targeted them sooner, honestly.¡±
The Archangel chuckled as it strode forward, twirling the massive hammer over its head. In return, the Spirit Lord shook his head.
¡°Unfortunately, while I would have loved to personally attend to your demise, I have other far more pressing matters to attend to.¡±
And that made the Archangel pause.
¡°Wait¡ª¡±
It raised its head, its eyes growing wide as it stared at the Spirit Lord. Edithe frowned, not seeing what the Archangel was seeing.
¡°You¡¡±
The Archangel started as its gaze darkened. Its breathing quickened and its voice grew deep.
¡°You dare mock me?¡±
It bellowed, shaking thendscape. Edithe shrank back at that.
¡°You dare challenge me with this¡ this¡ this sham?¡±
The Archangel continued as it pointed at the Spirit Lord. And the smile on his face didn¡¯t waver. He just calmly met the raging Archangel¡¯s gaze.
And the Archangel screamed, its voice causing even the corruption to startle.
¡°DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOU CAN BEAT ME WITH MERELY A VESSEL?!¡±
¡°A¡ vessel?¡±
Edithe blinked when she heard that. But she didn¡¯t get an answer from any of her friends.
The Archangel panted as it pointed its hammer to the ground, and the Spirit Lord just tilted his head in response.
¡°Yes.¡±
For a moment, all was silence. Edithe almost forgot about the raging corruption in the background¡ª she almost didn¡¯t see the blinding lights of the [Ophanims]¡¯ attacks.
And the Archangel raised its head as its face contorted in anger, screaming as an outpouring of iridescent light wisped off its body.
¡°YOU MAKE A MOCKERY OF ME¡ª YOU MAKE A MOCKERY OF THE NEXEUS! YOU MAKE A MOCKERY OF THE ARCRAEM! AND FOR THAT, I WILL KILL YOU!¡±
The Archangel¡¯s body blurred as it shot forward, its voice echoing all around Edithe.
¡°[Godly Essence Of The Judge Ordained By The Arcraem].¡±
The Archangel¡¯s words came like a whisper. By the time Edithe could evenprehend what those words meant, the Archangel was already next to the Spirit Lord, swinging down with its zing hammer.
¡°FACE ME WITH YOUR REAL SELF, SO THAT I CAN GRANT YOU THE PERDITION OF A MILLION DEATHS!¡±
The Archangel screamed as its hammer struck the simple barrier protecting the Spirit Lord. It was a powerful attack. More powerful than anything Edithe had ever seening from the Archangel before.
The ground beneath the Spirit Lord¡¯s feet cracked open from the impact. But even as the earth shattered and gave way, he stood his ground.
Soli didn¡¯t even budge.
The Archangel screamed as he forced his hammer down with even more force, and the barrier protecting the Spirit Lord crackled. But it was the hammer that began to crack first, before shattering.
Edithe¡¯s eyes grew wide as the Archangel¡¯s weapon broke apart with a sh of light.
A pulse shot out, sending the Archangel flying back into a nearby mountain range. Edithe watched in horror as the Archangel crashed through a dozen or so mountains, causing each and everyone of them to copse.
Meanwhile, the Spirit Lord remained standing where he was with the same smile on his face.
And the Archangel shot into the air, emerging from the rubble of the copsing mountains. It brought its right arm in the air as it screamed.
¡°[THE RIGHT HAND].¡±
A giant golden hand appeared in the air above the Archangel where its right arm was. Itughed maniacally as it swung down, and the golden hand came crashing down into the Spirit Lord.
Raising its left hand, the Archangel pointed towards the outpouring of corruption.
¡°And¡ª [Touch Of The Apocalypse].¡±
And Edithe could only gape as the swarm of corrupted entities swirled up into a storm above the Archangel. They broke apart and shattered and became a single tempest of corruption which it redirected down into where the Spirit Lord was being crushed.
The swirling corruption came crashing down, filling thendscape with a blinding light.
¡°DO YOU TRULY THINK YOU ARE ALL-POWERFUL? DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOU CAN PLAY GOD? THEY CALL ME THE MADMAN, BUT YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS TRULY INSANE!¡±
Edithe could hardly evenprehend what was going on. All the while, the Archangel cackled as it continued its assault on the Spirit Lord.
¡°I ACT MERELY ON BEHALF OF THE ARCRAEM! WHATEVER IT WILLS ME SHALL BE DONE! AND IT DECREES THAT YOU DIE¡ª¡±
And then a pulse of light overcame thendscape, washing over the tempest of corruption. All at once, the corruption was dispelled as the golden hand was obliterated. And standing down there, still unharmed, was the Spirit Lord. His barrier was gone, but his small smile remained.
And this time, Edithe almost thought she saw a trace of arrogance in his expression.
The Archangel blinked a few times, realizing its attacks had been dispelled with ease, before it conjured ance.
¡°I WILL KILL¡ª¡±
It started, only for Soli to point at it.
¡°Fall.¡±
The Spirit Lord said simply.
It was only a single word. It was not an attack, nor was it even a Skill. But in an instant, the Archangel came crashing down to the ground as it screamed in terror and agony.
And the battle was already over.
Chapter 722: The Archangel Part Five
Chapter 722: The Archangel Part Five
722. The Archangel Part Five
It was over in an instant.
With a single word, the Spirit Lord defeated the Archangel. Edithe didn¡¯t even understand what had happened. She was certain it wasn¡¯t a Skill. She didn¡¯t see any disruption in the strands of mana rippling through the air.
But the Archangel came crashing down like it waspelled by an invisible force. And when it mmed into the ground, the earth didn¡¯t shatter like it was struck by a falling meteor. Instead, only the earth that was struck by the Archangel broke open.
Edithe¡¯s head spun, watching as the Spirit Lord casually strode up to the Archangel.
Many thoughts crossed her mind at this moment. But none of them concerned the reason why she even came here to the Spirit ne.
She didn¡¯t even think about how if the Archangel perished right now, she would be out of options, and Mavos Academy would be destroyed by the Centinel Matriarch. And neither did she consider that if she were caught by the Spirit Lord, she would be executed on the spot.
Her mind, her thoughts, and her questions were all directed towards wanting to know what happened next¡ª wanting to know why the Archangel was even opposed to the Spirit Lord.
The Archangel groaned, trying to pick itself up. However, the damage it suffered was evident. Its wings were broken, and its legs twisted. It was heaving in exhaustion, wheezing in pain as the Spirit Lord came to a halt without a hint of concern on his face.¡°I will¡¡±
The Archangel took in a deep breath, before letting out a scream as it tried to dash forward with thence it created.
¡°I WILL BRING DOWN THE JUDGMENT OF THE ARCRAEM UPON YOU!¡±
But the Spirit Lord brought a hand up, and the Archangel¡¯s movements slowed. The Archangel stumbled, before dropping to a knee as the same invisible force from earlier. It knelt there, restrained by an iprehensible power.
¡°I-I¡ will¡ª¡±
The Archangel gasped, and the Spirit Lord began to coil his fingers. Edithe blinked, seeing cracks beginning to form throughout the golden figure of the Archangel.
And Soli spoke simply, shaking his head in disappointment.
¡°You are a ve, Iudex.¡±
He began to squeeze his hand tighter, and the Archangel let out a cry of agony. Its body began to curl together, being crushed by this invisible force. All the while, the Spirit Lord continued.
¡°You merely follow the Arcraem¡¯s will. You do as you are told. You allow yourself to adhere to its limits. You merely ept the powers it has given you. And that is why you are nothing more than a ve.¡±
¡°And¡ y-you are insane¡¡±
Iudex spat back as it red up at Soli. The Spirit Lord just raised his head to the sky, eyeing the [Ophanim] as they continued cleansing the corruption from the world.
¡°But me?¡±
Soli spoke as he brought his free hand up to the sky.
¡°I shall rise above even the Arcraem itself.¡±
And the Archangel tried to force itself to its feet when it heard that, only to recoil as Soli tightened his grip even further.
¡°S-such sphemy¡ª do you truly believe you can be a True God?¡±
Shaking its head, the Archangel endured the crushing force being imposed upon it as it brought itsnce up and pointed at the Spirit Lord.
¡°Do you truly believe you can overwrite the system that governs all of the Nexeus?¡±
And the Spirit Lord lowered his head, a truly genuine smile crossing through his face.
¡°Yes.¡±
Edithe blinked as she listened in on this conversation. As she heard what they were saying. But she didn¡¯t understand what they were talking about in the slightest.
Slowly, Soli turned around as he faced the corruption pouring out of the earth.
¡°Tell me, why should we rely on the protection and power of an unfeeling God that cares not about its world?¡±
He rxed his grip slightly, but the Archangel just stared at his back.
¡°When the Worldwalkers came to the Nexeus and condemned all of the Nexeus to damnation, tell me: what did the Arcraem do?¡±
Iudex gritted his teeth, not responding to what was being said. So the Spirit Lord just continued.
¡°And even now, as the world continues to near its end, what has the Arcraem done to put a halt to the unending forces of the corruption?¡±
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Soli tilted his head back at the Archangel. Behind him, a brilliant pir of iridescent light shed as the chittering cries of the dying corruption could be heard. All that came back in reply from Iudex was silence.
¡°Exactly.¡±
The Spirit Lord said as he drew back. He faced the swarming corruption as he dered to the world.
¡°I will save the Nexeus, Iudex. And more than that, I will bring justice to us all.¡±
The entire time, the Archangel had been just staring almost angrily at the Spirit Lord. But finally, it reacted to what was being said.
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
The Archangel asked, frowning back at the Spirit Lord. And Soli chuckled as he turned his head fractionally back to face Iudex.
¡°Justice, Iudex. You are [The Judge Ordained By The Arcraem], are you not? Surely you understand what I mean when I say that I shall bring justice to the Nexeus?¡±
The Archangel didn¡¯t respond, but it almost seemed to understand what was being implied. Edithe, herself, who had no idea what they were even discussing could also infer what Soli meant.
Vengeance.
That was what the Spirit Lord was after. And Edithe couldn¡¯t help but wonder: vengeance against¡ who?
The Spirit Lord sighed as he faced the corruption once more.
¡°Do you understand now, Iudex? I will not just put a halt to the end of the world.¡±
Soli smiled as he spread his arms wide as another pir of iridescent light came crashing down into the hole leading to the end of the world.
¡°I will destroy the worlds of all those Worldwalkers who condemned us to our fate.¡±
And the Archangel¡¯s eyes went wide.
¡°You wish to start a multiversal war¡¡±
It whispered as Edithe blinked. A multiversal war? She couldn¡¯t understand what that meant. She knew that there were other worlds. After all, Daniel was a [Hero] summoned from Earth. But how could there be a war between the worlds?
The Spirit Lord just sighed as he continued to keep his back turned to the Archangel.
¡°No. Not a war. I simply wish to bring justice to the multiverse and punish these Worldwalkers for the crimes they havemitted against not just our world, but the many universes that have been treated like a yground by them and brought to destruction.¡±
¡°You truly are insane!¡±
The Archangel eximed as it tried to stand up once again. Even as it struggled against this invisible force pinning it down, it shook its head and spoke defiantly.
¡°I cannot allow you to do that¡ª¡±
The Spirit Lord nced back callously as the Archangel panted. The more it struggled, the more its body broke apart. However, Iudex didn¡¯t falter.
¡°I will not allow you to destroy the Nexeus with your insane ambitions!¡±
And with a show of incredible force, the Archangel resisted the invisible force crushing its body even more, bringing its iridescentnce over its head.
¡°I WILL STOP YOU¡ª¡±
The Archangel screamed as it hurled thence forward. And for the first time since he appeared, the Spirit Lord¡¯s smile vanished from his face. His eyes grew wide.
¡°[GODKILLER]!¡±
Iudex threw thence forward, and it shone with a golden light as it shot straight for Soli. He barely even reacted in time, bringing his hands up as if to catch the weapon. And an invisible force caught the shootingnce before it reached him.
But thence didn¡¯t stop in the air. It only slowed down as it shone even brighter, sparking through the air like it was tearing straight through this invisible force. The Spirit Lord ground his teeth together as he held both his hands up, trying to stand his ground.
But he staggered back. His body began to tear apart, even though thence didn¡¯t touch him. He let out a scream in pain as he fought back against the oing projectile.
However, he couldn¡¯t stop thence from drawing closer. It inched towards him with each passing second as he roared. His left arm blew away, and the skin on his face began to ke off.
And in that instant, thence practically leapt forward until it was merely inches in front of Soli¡¯s face. He clenched his jaw, before letting out a war cry, spreading his remaining arm wide.
Thence struck him, before exploding into a sh of light.
Edithe thought that the attack would havepletely obliterated thendscape. If she were in the Mortal Realm, she was certain that all of Secely would have been destroyed from the explosion, and she would be caught and killed in the devastation.
But the attack simply¡ imploded around the Spirit Lord.
She blinked, watching as the st of light faded away. All that resulted from the attack was a small crater surrounding the Spirit Lord. Most of thendscape remained unscathed. But Soli¡¯s body was in an unrecognizable condition.
Half the skin on his face was gone, revealing his muscle and flesh underneath. Even parts of his cheekbone could be seen through the holes in his face.
His left arm waspletely gone, while a massive chunk of his right shoulder had been blown away, leaving his right arm to hang limply from his side. His left leg was twisted and bent backwards, while a hole was left in the left side of his torso.
Edithe was certain that the attack would have torn the Spirit ne in half. And yet, it had only affected the Spirit Lord. So she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he had done everything in his power to prevent any coteral damage¡ª concentrating the attack onto himself.
¡°How did you like that? A gift to me from the Arcraem itself!¡±
The Archangel cackled as it created a scythe, walking up to the Spirit Lord.
¡°You say that the Arcraem is an unfeeling God that cares not for its world, huh?¡±
Raising the scythe, the Archangel began to swing down at the Spirit Lord.
¡°And yet, it created me to bring you to justice¡ª¡±
And Soli brought his remaining hand up, squeezing it into a tight ball.
In an instant, the Archangel was crushed and condensed into a tiny golden sphere that was the size of an eyeball. Flicking a finger, the Spirit Lord sent the sphere flying into the mountain range in the distance.
The entire mountain range copsed as Soli took a step back. Edithe blinked, trying to process what just happened. Is the Archangel¡ dead? she wondered, staring at the cascading mountains.
But the Archangel didn¡¯t return like before.
Soli looked up towards the [Ophanims] as they faced him reverently. And he addressed them simply.
¡°Purge the corruption, and rebuild the barrier. Then return to my side.¡±
Looking back down at himself, he closed his eyes.
¡°This vessel is beyond repair.¡±
He swayed where he stood as he looked back up at the Supreme Spirits.
¡°I will need to acquire a new¡ one¡¡±
And with that, he copsed to the ground, before his body began to disintegrate.
All the while, Edithe, Druma, Willy, and Centina just stared as the battle finally came to an end.
Chapter 723: Scope (End Of book 13)
Chapter 723: Scope (End Of book 13)
723. Scope
It had no name.
Oftentimes, it was referred to as ¡®child¡¯ by its creator. But it knew that this was a title¡ª a term of endearment, even¡ª however it intuitively understood that was not a name.
So the child just epted that it had no name. And it did what it was told by its creator. For if not for its creator, it would have no purpose.
It would have no existence.
Thus it purged the corruption. It used its divine rays to st the outpouring of distorted creatures back into the end of the world they came from. That was not all. It repaired the broken space¡ª through sheer destructive force, of course.
Because that was all the child knew. To destroy. For the sake of its creator.
And that was what its siblings did too. Together, they continued to inundate the corruption with their purifying light.
But as they flooded thendscape with their divine-ordained power, something crept along the side of the mountain range to the distance. The child spotted it first. Its many eyes darted in the direction of the moving figure, staring curiously.Because it had been told that the area had been evacuated, even before the arrival of [The Judge Ordained By The Arcraem]. After all, every Spirit within the vicinity of an End Vent had been told to leave, warned of the threat that was imposed to the area.
And yet, these figures moved. Were they even Spirits?
The child didn¡¯t know. It had only ever been allowed to see the [Angels] and [Seraphims]. But nothing more from its creator''s kingdom.
However, a curious part of the child wondered where exactly these figures were heading to. There were four of them, and they seemed to be moving towards where the remains of [The Judge Ordained By The Arcraem] had been sent flying towards.
The child wanted to intercept them¡ª to question them. But it reminded itself of its ce. It was only supposed to follow orders. So it ignored them.
Because it was ordered only to purge the corruption, so that was what it would do.
So as Edithe, Druma, Willy, and Centina made their way through the valley, the [Ophanims] ignored them, focusing on sting the corruption into nonexistence in the background.
¡°Are you really done?¡±
The voice came echoing through the tunnel. It was almost a mocking tone. Perhaps even uncaring. However, the young man knew that it was intentionally meant to aggravate him.
To push him further.
To force him to stand tall and strong.
So even as Daniel panted, he raised his head and red up at the shadowed figure standing at the mouth of the cavern.
¡°I am not done.¡±
The [Hero] from Earth said as he raised the Sword of Alexander. And Yves Virgil just grinned, crossing arms as he leant against the cave entrance.
¡°Are you sure about that? You know, Kacey is starting to get worried that you¡¯re going to die here.¡±
The Watcher drew back, cing his hands behind the back of his head.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
¡°And I am too. Because, like, I¡¯m going to be honest¡ª you¡¯re really weak for a [Hero]. Maybe you should give up.¡±
Daniel just gritted his teeth and turned away from the man standing there. He looked back towards the darkness of the cave, seeing a dim light making its approach.
¡°I don¡¯t care. I won¡¯t surrender.¡±
And as he spoke, he heard a chittering sound approaching. At the same time, Yves just chuckled as he strode away from the cavern, his footfalls slowly disappearing in the distance.
¡°You better focus, then. Otherwise, you¡¯ll join the souls of the fallen gods trapped in perdition.¡±
As those words echoed around Daniel, he heard the soft chittering. He saw the shadows make their approach. He inhaled deeply, preparing himself for what was toe as he stared into the seemingly endless void ahead.
And even though he saw nothing, he could feel their terrible presence. It was like staring at flowers made of human teeth. An unsettling sensation that grew into something deeper; something further; something far more iprehensible.
Until they arrived.
And they swarmed him with their disfigured bodies¡ª they reached for him with their cloying ws. But Daniel cut them down, even if they¡ always¡ came¡ back.
Rachel smiled as she set the pic basket down before the barrier protecting Mavos Academy. It was morning. The sun was rising over the horizon, and she was the only one here. Usually. Oriur and the others would only join herter in the afternoon.
But that didn¡¯t mean she was here alone. Taking in a deep breath, she spread her arms wide and greeted her audience.
¡°Hello! I¡¯m back again!¡±
Because there they were¡ª diligently waiting for her. Like they always were. A few dozen or so Centinels, quietly sitting there and listening as she spoke to them with glee. Even an [Ancient Centinel] stood there, not attacking the barrier. It just silently stared at her as she sat down and began to dig into her pic basket.
And as she spoke, they listened. They stared at her. Perhaps even menacingly. But they didn¡¯t try to attack.
¡°Sorry I¡¯m a bitte today. But I prepared some snacks. This is a tuna sandwich. It¡¯s made from¡ª¡±
After all, Rachel had grown to know each one of them at this point, and so did they grow to know her.
We arrived back at the base we had set up for our little rebellion, bringing both Manos and Sicar with us. When they arrived, the gathered Demons in the area immediately tried to flee in fear. But Haec began to reassure everyone that everything was ok. Slowly, they began to ask questions, wondering exactly what happened during the battle with Jofis.
But I didn¡¯t bother with any of those conversations. I just sat down to do what I needed to do right now.
¡°Let¡¯s see what new Title options I¡¯ve got.¡±
I grinned as I pulled up my avabilities.
[Titles Avables]
And my eyes grew wide at what I saw.
Edithe took the risk. She thought they would ignore her. And she was right. The [Ophanims] didn¡¯t even nce her way, and their attacks wouldn¡¯t even harm her if they got close to her. So she navigated through the valley, making her way to where she hadst seen the Archangel.
Because she needed to get to it. It was the reason why she came here to the Spirit ne. And if it was truly dead, then she was trapped. So it didn¡¯t matter if she died. So she gathered the courage to test her theory and moved.
Druma, Willy, and Centina had been apprehensive at first. But they eventually relented and followed her when they saw that it was safe.
It would take a while for Edithe to reach her destination. Which was why she made haste. After all, she needed to cross such a vast valley, before scaling through the ruins of a destroyed mountain range.
And as she continued crossing the valley, she truly hoped that the Archangel somehow survived what happened to it. Otherwise, all her hope would be crushed.
Otherwise, she would havee to the Spirit ne for no reason whatsoever.
But before Edithe could even make it across the valley, she came to a halt as she saw something glinting up ahead.
It was something that was still lying on the ground, left behind from the battle between the two Supreme Spirits.
Between the two gods.
And it was¡ª
[Scythe Of The Arcraem: Legendary Grade - ???]
¡maybe I didn¡¯t actuallye to the Spirit ne for nothing, after all, Edithe thought as she came to a halt before the ming object.
End Of Book 13
Author''s Notes:
Thanks for reading another book of Salvos! Public Salvos chapters will go on break for about a month or so, but patreon chapters are still being posted to refill the backlog! So if you''re interested in reading what happens next, be sure to check out the Patreon!
Chapter Gifting 25 Free Patrons Subs + Salvos Comic Update + Salvos Book 13 is now out on Amazon!
Chapter Gifting 25 Free Patrons Subs + Salvos Comic Update + Salvos Book 13 is now out on Amazon!
Hey everyone!
So there''s a few things I''d like to announce. First of all, you are now able to gift patrons to others through a gift feature that''s newly avable to Patreon. As such, I will be giving away 25 free gifted $10 tier patreons to anyone whoment "Gift" on this post. 10 of the gifted patrons will go to free members, 10 will give to current patrons who want next month free, and the remaining 5 will go tomenters on RoyalRoad. So... be sure to leave ament!
Now, I also have a very exciting update for anyone who is interested in the Salvosic. I finally have an official date for Season 2''sunch, which is the 26th of January 2025! Be prepared, because I assure you, the art is amazing!
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Nowstly, Book 13 of Salvos is now out on Amazon KU! Check it out and give it a rating if you enjoyed Book 13 of Salvos here: : Wars: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Book 13) eBook : Lewis, V.A., Delta, Ms: Kindle Store
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and
continue reading tomorrow, everyone!